Sealed Legacy

by Psycho G

(New Chapter Posted) After discovering a long lost ancient forbidden master sealing technique created by a deceased clan leader and seal grandmaster of the Uzumaki clan, Jiraiya studies and tampers with it only for it to lead to unexpected results. NaruHina

47. Chapter Forty-Seven: A New Age

Chapter Forty-Seven: A New Age

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A/N: Writer's block was a huge problem for me during my long time from this story. Shout out to Ryo Otsutsuki and Masamune X23 for their input and support.

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(Character Age List By Ascending Order)

Konohanasakya: 9 years old

Hanabi, Konohamaru, Moegi, and Udon: 10 years old

Naruto, Hinata and Sasuke: 14 years old

Kiba, Shino and Sakura: 14 years old

Shikamaru, Chouji and Ino; 14 years old

Gaara: 14 years old

Shion, Shizuka and Ami: 14 years old

Neji, Tenten, Lee and Tayuya: 15 years old

Kankurō, Kansui and Arashi; 16 years old

Deidara, Guren and Temari: 17 years old

Itachi: 19 years old

Kabuto and Hidan: 20 years old

Uzuki Yugao: 23 years old

Hayate: 24 years old

Honoka: 25 years old

Akio, Akemi, and Akira; 26 years old

Iruka, Anko and Ibiki: 27 years old

Kakashi, Gai, Asuma, Kurenai: 28 years old

Kō, Shizune: 29 years old

Kisame: 30 years old

Baki: 31 years old

Konan, Nagato (Pain), Sasori: 33 years old

Inoichi, Shikaku, and Chouza: 39 years old

Hiashi: 42 years old

Seijiro: 47 years old

Jiraiya, Tsunade, Orochimaru: 51 years old

Hiruzen, Homura, Koharu, and Danzō: 70 years old

Kakuzu: 89 years old

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(Four Months Later)

A lot of activities and changes have been taking place during the past four months. During the first two weeks of the four months that went by, Tsunade and Shizune were working around the clock with all of the teams of workers and technicians whom Koyuki-hime sent from her country with all of the equipment and latest technology that Naruto and Seijiro purchased from her country. They worked long and hard in setting up and programming all of the equipment and units throughout the newly established Uzumaki Medical Training Corps. While doing that, Tsunade, the executive director and headmistress of the facility, was using her clones to interview and thoroughly background check every medic-nin and doctor coming to be hired. There was already a long list of people, ninjas and Genins looking to be trained in healing and medic jutsu and in the state-of-the-art medical technology the facility was being installed with.

That was because of a recent decree that Jiraiya put in place as he was implementing major changes in the function of Konoha's ninja academy and the set of all the Genin teams. During the ninth day of the four-months period, Jiraiya made it a Hokage decree that every ninja team must have at least one medic ninja, no exceptions. This was done with the intentions of reducing future casualties among their ninja forces. This was something that Tsunade had suggested to Hiruzen and the hierarchy years ago during the Second Shinobi World War after the death of her brother Nawaki. But at the time Konoha had neither the resources, manpower or time to put her suggestions and recommendations in place especially since Kumo and Amegakure were fiercely attacking them.

But now her dreams and visions could now be realized and even better than she originally envisioned thanks to Jiraiya, and thanks to Naruto and Seijiro for their connections with Koyuki-hime.

The training facility went into full operation after two months during the four months that went by. The instructors and teachers were all expert medical ninja doctors and surgeons. Everyone in class were given the heads up that their time studying and training would be intense and that they would have to make sure not to fall behind. Everyone in Naruto's clan were taking up medical studies and healing jutsu training. Naruto made it a clan leader decree that all Uzumakis must learn healing and medic jutsu along with advanced training in seals.

For the Uzumaki, using kage bunshins to do their studying and practicing in classes and labs made learning and training easier and faster for them, and it allowed for them to multitask outside of their classes and labs. Therefore, they themselves didn't have to been in class or in the medical training labs unless it was truly necessary. The only drawback to that method however was the experience exhaustion both their minds and bodies would sometimes undergo after their kage bunshins dispel themselves allowing the Uzumakis to absorbed everything their clones learned and experienced from long hours of medical studying and training. That often resulted in them losing consciousness for hours up to a whole day depending on how much the clones learned and trained and how long they were existing.

Hinata, Karin and Konohanasakuya were receiving personal training from Tsunade herself for the past four months as Tsunade's clones handled all others matters around the facility. Shizuka and Ami were around to take care of other affairs in Konohanasakuya's place as the governing council lsaw to matters back in their home village in Nadeshiko. Speaking of Nadeshiko, the governing council were surprised that Konohanasakuya accepted to become Tsunade's apprentice in spite of how much the young girl despised Tsunade. But they learned that this was at Jiraiya's coaching after Tsunade freely offering to train her personally along with the Hinata and Karin.

Konohanasakuya knew she couldn't neglect her responsibilities to her people and village and she explained to the council that her mother died from her fatal battle wounds in her father's arms that and she doesn't want to repeat history should such an event happen to her also. Plus, she explained that despite her negative views and personal feelings against Tsunade, it still didn't change the fact that Tsunade is a Sannin and renown Slug Princess and unrivaled medic-nin. Her time training personally with the medic Sannin would be advantageous to Nadeshiko having a leader advanced skilled in medicine and healing. The council accepted Konohanasakuya's pursuit of medical training as Tsunade's act of redemption and atonement since the worth of her reputation in Nadeshiko was less than trash.

As for things between Tsunade and Konohanasakuya themselves, it wasn't exactly how Tsunade had wanted it. Konohanasakuya was a studious and hardworking apprentice and was truly making an effort to learn and excel in everything she was learning from Tsunade. But in terms of verbal communication between them though, Konohanasakuya wasn't as talkative, at least not with Tsunade. Though she was a very well behave student who took everything she was doing and practicing serious, Konohanasakura made no effort to start any form of conversations with Tsunade, let alone get to know her as a person. Konohanasakuya though deeply respected Tsunade's unrivaled caliber in medical science and healing and respected Tsunade as her teacher and trainer. While she wasn't rude to Tsunade however, Konohanasakuya was more neutral towards her than anyone else and would only speak to her when necessary. Despite this, Tsunade pressed on not choosing to give up.

Another thing that Tsunade had worked on for a few weeks was healing all of the bitemark scars that Karin's body was battered with as a result of the physical medical abuse and forced labor Karin was forced into while in Kusagakure. That was the same abuse that led to her mother's untimely death from extreme chakra exhaustion as that villagers used both Karin and her mother like cattle. Naruto and Seijiro however covertly made that village pay severely for their crimes against their female brethren. Although Kusa was able to establish a new leader however, they were still suffering the loss of their ninja forces from both the actions of the Uzumaki clan and the samurais from the Land of Iron.

That healing project for Karin was something that both Hinata and Konohanasakuya took part of as it dealt with a most difficult medical practice that required master-level medical healers. Over the weeks, they had to work and research alongside Tsunade as she was looking to restore Karin's body with their added assistance. This form of hands-on training and studying truly tested their minds, developing skills and intelligence as Karin's situation with her bite scars was a complex situation, even for Tsunade herself.

With Tenten, she frequently challenged Naruto to battles, whether it was with swords or other weapons. Two months ago, she started taking lessons in ninjutsu, taijutsu and elemental combat. She learned that she had the affinity for lightning like Naruto much to her surprise. Since she was a beginner, she knew she had a long way to go but she was determined to always improve and get stronger like how her eternal rival Naruto was always doing.

With Sunagakure, it's been nearly five months since the failed Suno-Oto invasion. Hundreds of Suna ninjas had lost their lives at the hands of Naruto who used the resurrected Yondaime Hokage, his father, to wipe out their entire invading army. What added more to their troubles was that the remaining Suna ninjas discovered that their Yondaime Kazekage and his advisers were murdered with their bodies found days after the failed invasion. They realized that either Orochimaru or Kabuto had been posing as their Kazekage for weeks before duping them into joining forces with Otogakure.

With regards to Hinata, Suna couldn't believe how the Hyuuga heiress brutally wounded and defeated Gaara without receiving so much as a scratch from him after giving him the chance to surrender. Gaara, with Temari and Kankurō present, explained to the council how nothing he did, even his most fatal of attacks, worked against Hinata. She countered him in every way and always proved to be two steps ahead of him. He explained that Naruto, whom he continued to refer as his "brother-in-burden" even now, was the reason behind her powers and strengths, being the one who taught and trained her.

The council found that explanation to make sense seeing how Naruto was responsible for the slaughter of hundreds of their Jounins and Chuunins during this invasion. The council had also gotten reports concerning how in one fight Naruto singlehandedly battled and twice nearly killed Orochimaru, forcing the Snake Sannin to retreat. Though they were Chuunins, both Naruto and Hinata were recorded in Suna's bingo books as S-class ninjas.

As for Baki, he still hadn't been returned to Suna after being ambushed and captured by Naruto and interrogated by Ibiki and Inoichi. He was charged for nearly murdering Gekko Hayate and conspiracy with Kabuto and Orochimaru to invade Konoha. Baki was serving time in Konoha's maximum security prison with the possibility of receiving the death penalty. Suna's council, especially Temari, pleaded with Jiraiya for Baki's full pardon and release, promising to make reparations for their part in the invasion and for Baki's actions. Jiraiya hadn't yet decided what Baki's fate would be.

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(Present Time; At The Uzumaki Medical Training Corps)

Akemi and her other triplet sisters were in class together alongside the rest of their Uzumaki brethren. They were being instructed by a Tsunade clone with Shizune providing assistance when needed. While class was in session, Kansui's clone was in his place in class as Naruto had wanted to discuss something very important with him. Naruto's and Seijiro's clones were also in class while they and Kansui were elsewhere in the meantime.

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(At The Uzumaki District)

Naruto and Seijiro were at the house that Kansui and Arashi were residing in. Kansui was having herbal tea with Naruto and Seijiro after Naruto informed him of important official Uzumaki business he needed to discuss with him.

"I hope the tea is to your liking," Kansui said, "I tried making it in the same way my father used to."

"I don't know how your father made herbal tea but this taste very good," Seijiro complimented.

"I concur," Naruto agreed, "That is really delicious!" Naruto poured himself some more warm tea into his cup.

"I'm happy you both enjoy me tea," Kansui said, "But in any case, you wanted to see and discuss with me something very important to the Uzumaki clan."

"That's right," Naruto confirmed, "It involved the Uzumaki clan and Oni no Kuni."

"Oni no Kuni?" Kansui repeated, "I don't believe I've heard of that country before."

"You have now," Naruto remarked and continued, "Our clan has important connections with that country now because of one of my clones' actions in protecting and saving the priestess Shion from being killed during the failed invasion attack Orochimaru led a few months ago. That same clone brought both her and Koyuki-hime to the Uzumaki Mask Temple since that location is well secluded at a good distance outside the village's wall. Upon entering the temple however, the priestess was met with overwhelming power from each of the mask and the deities they represent. After Shion regained her composure, she greatly felt that our ancestral mask temple needs a priestess to properly protect and oversee the temple."

"That's great and all," Kansui replied, "But why are you only telling me this instead of everyone in our clan? I would have assumed that something this important would have been discussed with the rest of the clan here."

"There's a reason why only very few know about what I'm discussing with you and I trust you won't tell anyone else about it without my clearance to do so if it's a need-to-know basis," Naruto answered patiently.

"I understand," Kansui said, "I'll keep quiet about this matter."

"Good," Naruto stated and continued, "You see, Shion is gifted with great powers and has the ability to foresee future events and the futures of others and her own. All of her predictions have always been accurate. However, her powers and abilities as priestess can only be passed on to a female offspring she would need to conceive. Shiom desires to permanently give her powers and legacy to our clan."

"Alright," Kansui replied, "So what's the issue seeing how she wants our clan to have a priestess from her bloodline?"

"Shion wants to conceive two daughters with me," Naruto revealed, "One to stay in Konoha as the new priestess of the Uzumaki Mask Temple and the other to become the new priestess of Oni no Kuni."

Kansui was silent for a minutes after listening to what Naruto was explaining to him.

"Are you serious?" Kansui asked in disbelief, "She wants to conceive two daughters with you?"

"I thought about her offer very seriously as it was not something to take lightly," Naruto added, "And I even discussed it with Hinata-chan."

"How does she feel about what Shion wants to do with you?" Kansui asked, "I can't imagine Hinata being happy with such a proposal from a foreign dignitary of very high stations."

Naruto sighed and explained, "Hinata-chan told me that regardless of how she feels she can't interfere with diplomatic business that's strictly between me and Oni no Kuni. Hinata-chan explained that because both her and myself aren't married, she's not looked at or acknowledged as an official member of my clan. And she warned me that if she carries out any form of protest against me as the Uzumaki clan leader or act against Shion herself that it would lead to an international incident and dire consequences against her and possibly the Hyuuga clan."

"Are you afraid Hinata will want to end her relationship with you if you choose to go through with impregnating and conceiving daughters with Shion?" Kansui asked.

"When I explained everything to her, she kept her emotions completely in check," Naruto said, "From the way she replied to my explanation, it was evident that she has a better understanding of clan business like this than I do. She was surprisingly supportive of me and gave no hint of whether or not she would break up with me if I were to go through with having two daughters with Shion. Weeks earlier, I tried asking Sandaime-jiisan for advice about what I should do regarding Shion's offer. But he also said that he has no say in this diplomatic matter either as that would be going beyond his limits even as Hokage, especially since Shion's proposal to me poses no threat in any in form to Konoha."

"When does the priestess wants to conceive daughters with you?" Kansui asked.

"She didn't give an exact date," Naruto said, "She said there's no real hurry to start. Shion said that she won't force me to decide and that I can take as much time as I need to think things over before reaching a decision. But I know she wants her lineage and powers to be completely part of the Uzumaki clan and she's desiring to have it passed through any two daughters I have with her. Shion assured me that I'm not obligated to have a deep relationship with her since I'm already in one with Hianta-chan.

"But still, if I were to have sex with Shion and conceive a son with her instead, I would have to have sex with her again in hopes of conceiving a daughter and more times in hopes of having another daughter if I were to have another son by her. I don't how Hinata would bear seeing me conceiving multiple children with another female other than her. I'm sure jealousy, anger and hurt would result from it."

"We're ninjas Naruto," Kansui reminded, "A ninja endures, even the harshest of trials and tribulations, even at personal cost to ourselves. Sometimes great sacrifices are made for the benefit of the majority."

"The question is," Naruto replied, "Would I be making the right sacrifices, even if it benefits or advances our clan as a whole?"

"A clan your girlfriend isn't officially part of, no disrespect," Kansui reminded while receiving a frown from Naruto, "I can't say I understand your dilemma since I'm not the clan leader here, and I never will be. But since Hinata herself is supportive of you despite whatever way she may feel after discussing this serious matter with her despite her not being an Uzumaki by blood like the rest of us, what others concerns do you have?"

"Possible divisions and major conflicts about who'd be the next heir to the position of clan leader," Naruto answered, "If I were to have a son first with Shion and not with Hinata, I fear that there would be familial conflicts between the sons of Shion and Hinata about which one of them would become the next clan leader by birthright. There's also the matter that there could be anger and resentment towards me from my children with Shion as they would see that their mother not only isn't married to me but also lives in another country with one of their sisters as her heiress as priestess to that country while I live here married to Hinata with the children I have with her. That could in effect trigger feelings of envy and jealousy from Shion's children towards Hinata's children."

"I see," Kansui acknowledged, "It would be quite problematic if we Uzumakis were divided against each other over diplomatic and familial issues that stretches across other foreign countries."

"While Shion may say that she's not looking for a permanent relationship with me however," Naruto added, "Her mind and emotions could change in the future. This is especially the case if the daughter she were to take with her as her future successor is unhappy that her sister gets to stay and live with me instead of all of us being together as a family and the same goes with me having a daughter with her staying here with me rather than marrying and living together with them and their mother."

"You really have been thinking this through very deeply," Kansui said respectfully, "I can see more clearly your concerns over these matters. If I may ask, how does she look like?"

Naruto reached into his Chuunin vest pocket on his right and removed a small light brown envelope from his pocket. He opened the enveloped and retrieved seven pictures from inside it.

"These are Shion's photos," Naruto said as he handed Kansui the pictures, "You'll get a better idea of how she looks like in her priestess garbs and regular clothes."

Kansui first looked at the photo showing Shion in her normal clothes. He was glued to the picture as he couldn't believe how beautiful she was and how innocent looking her face and features were. He also couldn't help but notice the striking resemblance Shion had with Hinata, almost as thought they were lost identical twins with different hair colors. He slowly went through each of the pictures as through he was trying to memorize how each of picture looked like.

"She looks heavenly," Kansui remarked before a noticeable blush appeared on his cheeks as he realized he inadvertently thought out loud under his breath, loud enough for Naruto and Seijiro to hear.

"We don't need to guess that you clearly find the young priestess attractive," Sejiro commented with a small smile.

As an Uzumaki, Kansui had always considered himself to be a levelheaded person and the more mature one between himself and his younger twin when dealing with the opposite gender. While he had seen many attractive females before, to Kansui, Shion just looked breathtaking and gorgeous.

"She's the same age as Hinata-chan," Naruto informed, "But because of her physical condition, she requires to be carried long distances wherever goes most of time though she can walk. She has one of bodyguards carrying her around. I can try to persuade her in having you as her personal attendant and bodyguard."

"What?!" Kansui asked in surprise, "Seriously!? But…But what about my time here training with Seijiro-jisan? And my younger twin whom I constantly have to watch and keep out of trouble?"

"I know you and your twin have always been together for years," Naruto said, "And I'm not tearing you both away from each other. But as you clearly know, in time we all will need to grow and live independent lives and Arashi will need to grow and learn to look out for himself and keep himself out of trouble. Plus, he now has Karin and they're now an official couple, so she'll keep him occupied and help him stay out of trouble. That therefore frees up your time and energy to do different things now."

"And don't worry about your training with me," Seijiro spoke up after a long period of silence, "If you decide to accept to become Shion's new bodyguard, I'll arrange for your training with me to be carried out after Naruto arranges for you become Shion's new personal bodyguard."

"You don't need to give me a reply right away," Naruto offered, "I'll give some time think about-"

"I'll do it!" Kansui accepted without hesitation, catching Naruto's and Seijiro's attention, "There's no need for me to think about it. When do you believe you can negotiate in having me sent to her?"

"She and her entourage will be arriving at the Hokage Tower tomorrow," Naruto revealed, "Four months after ero-jisan's inauguration as Hokage, I asked ero-jisan to request her to travel back here to Konoha so I could discuss something important with her. But she wasn't able to return back to Konoha back then due to some political unrest that was taking place in her country and had to stay to help keep and maintain order among her people. However, everything in her country are back in order and she'll be traveling back here in response to my first request for her presence. And now that you agreed to become her personal bodyguard and attendant, I can now present you to her personally."

Kansui looked at Naruto as his mind was processing everything the younger Uzumaki was explaining to him. He then looked at Shion's seven pictures again with eyes that admired her beauty.

"I didn't want to force this responsibility on you Kansui," Naruto said, "Which was why I chose to explain my situation in careful details before showing you her pictures. Shion is looking to continue her bloodline of priestesses through our clan as a "thank you" to me for saving her life as you already know. But she'll become a target by our enemies both within and outside of Konoha. I want you to be there for her, to protect her and to take care of her."

"How should I present myself to the priestess when I see her?" Kansui confessed, "I've never done something like this before as it's always just been me and my brother."

"You can start by just being yourself," Naruto plainly said, "Don't change who you are or pretend to be somebody else. Get to know her and let her get to know you. All friendships and close bonds take time to develop and grow. They never happen overnight."

"I wonder," Kansui brought out, "Is there any chance she might decline your offer in having me as her new personal bodyguard and your future replacement?"

"If there's anything life has taught me is that there's never a zero percent possibly when it comes to taking chances while hoping for success," Naruto replied, "We'll have to see how things play out tomorrow at the Hokage Tower with ero-jisan after Shion arrives."

"I understand," Kansiu said.

---

(The Next Day; At The Hokage Tower)

Hiruzen, Jiraiya, Naruto and Kansui were in the Hokage office awaiting Shion's arrival with her entourage. Since Hizuzen was originally the Hokage whom Shion was most familiar with she was presented her offer to Naruto, they saw it would lighten any form of tension and remove all concerns if he was also there with them in that second meeting with Shion considering that Jiraiya was now the Godaime and Shion wasn't familiar with him. Soon they got a message stating that Shion and her entourage had arrived at the tower and being escorted to the office.

"When you see her," Naruto remarked to Kansui, "Try not to freeze up."

"I don't freeze Naruto," Kansui replied with a frown, "I'm capable of handling myself just fine."

"Alright then," Naruto said.

"This will be my first meeting with this foreign priestess also," Jiraiya stated, "Do you honestly think she'll accept Kansui as her new personal bodyguard and attendant?"

"There's also a chance she might not to be honest," Naruto admitted, "She may downright refuse since she doesn't knew Kansui at all."

"Did you at the very least inform her of the purpose of this meeting?" Hiruzen inquired.

"No," Naruto revealed, "Only that I wanted to meet with her again for a private matter. I thought it would be best if I explain everything to her in person rather than by a letter."

"Hopefully things will go smoothly between you three without any rocks to tread over," Hiruzen remarked.

Naruto was about to reply when a knock came to the door. The four of them readied themselves and then Jiraiya answered, "You may come in."

The door opened revealing a Jounin ninja opening the door allowing Shion, dressed in her priestess garbs and ornaments, and her entourage. She meeting with the Hokage and Naruto again, she thought it would be proper to dress in her ceremonial clothes rather than in her normal clothes. Kansui futilely failed to surprass the blush that appeared on his face while seeing how Shion had an uncanny resemblance to Hinata, only with longer hear.

"Oni no Shion," Jiraiya greeted, "Welcome back to Konoha. It's an honor to have you in our presence again."

Shion looked at Jiraiya and saw that he was wearing the official Hokage hat and his own Hokage sleeved cloak. She saw Hiruzen in his down Hokage clothes standing to the left side of the desk Jiraiya was sitting at. She then caught sight of Naruto and smiled upon seeing him while wondering who the older and slightly taller red-haired male stand next to Naruto on his left was.

"You probably may not know of me," Jiraiya said, "So I'll introduce myself. I'm Jiraiya, the Godaime Hokage and Naruto's godfather," Jiraiya gestured to his left, "You already met and know Sarutobi-sensei, who's also this village's Sandaime Hokage standing to my left."

"Ah, yes!" Shion now realized, "You're one of the Sannins. the Toad Sage. Yes, my people and I have heard much about you and your accomplishments. It's an honor to be before your presence Jiraiya-sama."

Shion gave a respectful bow to Jiraiya and then one to Hiruzen.

"Yes," Hiruzen spoke up, "Jiraiya was my student during the time I was a Jounin-sensei before I become Sandaime. He's now our new reigning Godaime through I serve as his adviser. A sensei's work is never done."

"Funny," Jiraiya slight snorted before he gestured to Naruto to speak.

"Shion," Naruto greeted, "It's nice to have you here in Konoha again. Much has changed since your last visit here."

"I see," Shion said, "But I'm happy to be able to meet with you again. My people have heard much about you Naruto and are appreciative of you saving my life.".

"I'm honored and thankful that your people hold me in such high regards," Naruto thanked.

"It's only proper," Shion replied.

"By the way," Naruto said, "Permit me please to introduce to you my brethren," Naruto gestured to his left, "This is Uzumaki Kansui, a stout and vigilant ninja and member of my clan."

"It's an honor and pleasure to meet you Lady Shion," Kansui said as he moved and stood in front of Shion and bowed respectfully to her. He futilely tried to fight back the blush that appeared on his cheeks upon seeing her in person.

"Naruto has told me much about you," Kansui mentioned as he stood back up.

"He has?" Shion questioned, "I'm pleased to hear that his people are aware of me."

"You are someone of very high importance and influence," Kansui replied, "It only makes sense that Naruto made us well informed about you and your country."

Shion saw that Kansui was clearly older and a half foot taller than Naruto and he had fiery red hair. He was also wearing his custom-made poncho that carried official crest of the Uzumaki clan on the back of it. She saw that Kansui was rather attractive as he demeanor carried a level of maturity and calmness.

"Shion," Naruto spoke up, "There's a special purpose as to why I requested your presence here in Konoha."

"Yes," Shion stated as she turned her attention back to Naruto, "I apologize that I wasn't able to return three months as there were major problems in my country I had to help rectify. But you request for my return here didn't specify what it was you wanted to discuss with me about."

"That's what I'm going to reveal now," Naruto replied, "If I may, I wish to have Uzumaki Kansui become your new personal bodyguard and attendant."

"You desire to have one of your brethren become my personal bodyguard and serve as my attendant," Shion asked, "For what purpose?"

"Kansui is a very strong and mighty ninja," Naruto explained, "He's both battle and war experienced like myself and has more than enough strength and chakra to take on and battle a summoned best singlehandedly. And like me, he can summon a large army of kage bunshins to defend you and your entourage if needed. Currently he's studying healing and medic jutsu under Tsunade-obaachan tutelage, therefore that'll make him all the more of an asset to you. His skills and prowess are high A-class and many enemies who have underestimated him have met their untimely demise at his hands."

"And just so you know," Kansui added, "I have a younger identical twin brother named Arashi who's in a relationship with Uzumaki Karin. So if you see those two together during your stay here, please don't mistaken him for me or as one of my clones."

"We'll make a note of that," Shion acknowledged, "But tell me please Naruto-kun, why are you offering one of your brethren to me in this way?"

"For very important reasons Shion," Naruto explained, "Because you want to become part of my clan. And in doing so, that will establish diplomatic and permanent blood ties between the Uzumaki clan and Oni no Kuni. Having Uzumaki females from your bloodline serving as priestesses to your native country and to the Uzumaki Mask Temple will place added responsibilities to my clan on behalf of both your people and my brethren. That's something that I as clan leader can take serious and because of that, I desire to ensure that you're well taken care of and protected with mighty male member of my clan who will also serve as my representative and Uzumaki clan ambassador while living and serving in Oni no Kuni at your side."

'Naruto didn't tell me that I'll be serving as his representative and Uzumaki clan ambassador,' Kansui privately thought, 'It must have been an oversight on his part I assume.'

"I understand your words Naruto-kun," Shion said, "I deeply appreciate that you gave my offer a great deal of serious consideration and meditating on, especially since this will have a great impact on both my people and your clan entirely."

"If I may speak Shion," Kansui beseeched, "My brother and I have traveled to many places. Over the years before we were found by Naruto and our other brethren, Arashi and I have gained a lot in experience and wisdom from our travels and adventures through the elemental nations. These experiences and all that I've learned are assets that I personally want to share with you if you're willing to accept me as your personal attendant and protector," Kansui walked over and knelt in front of Shion, "Understand Shion, I want to become more than just your personal attendant and protector. I also want to become your dearest and closest friend. As Uzumakis, we value our bonds with those we see as precious to us. For such bonds, we're willing to risk and lay down our very lives for."

"You're willing to lay down your life for me if it called for it?" Shion asked.

"Not out of duty," Kansui said, "But out of my own free will and choosing if it means you'll live to see another sunrise. That's how strong I want my bond to be with you, because I want you to become precious to me."

Shion blushed heavily at Kansui's sincere words to her. She couldn't recall the last time, if any, of anyone telling her that he wants her to become precious to him. Sure, she had male soldiers and bodyguards willing to protect her with their lives, but Kansui was the first person to ever say to her that he wants her to become precious to him. She started feeling a certain way she hadn't felt before as her attention shifted between Naruto and Kansui.

'Naruto-kun is taking special care to ensure my survival so I can become a permanent part of the Uzumaki clan,' Shion thought, 'But Kansui, in front of the Hokages and Naruto-kun himself, verbally declared that he wants me to become precious to him to the point of protecting me with his life while wanting to become my closest and dearest friend.'

Naruto and the others in the room saw that Shion was in deep thought about this as the redness never left her face.

'I told Kansui that all he had to do was be himself,' Naruto thought while seeing the look on Shion's face.

"Naruto-kun," Shion said, "If I may, I would like to have some time to carefully consider your offer to me along with everything Kansui-san has said to me. If it's alright with you, I wish to give you my answer by tomorrow."

"I understand," Naruto replied, "I'm willing to wait until then. If you wish, you and your entourage are free to stay at my clan's district. We have rooms and lodging available to all of you during your stay here."

"We wouldn't want to impose on you Naruto-kun," Shion said.

"As clan leader," Naruto said, "I insist on providing hospitality to you and everyone with you at no cost. It would honor me greatly as it would allow me to properly introduce you to other members of my clan."

Shion liked the idea of being catered to, plus she did want to meet the other members of Naruto's clan also.

"I accept your invitation," Shion accepted, "We'll stay at your clan's estate."

"Great!" Naruto said, "During your stay here, I'm sure you'll want to visit the Uzumaki Mask Temple again to re-familiarize yourself with it, yes?"

"I would greatly appreciate that very much," Shion agreed, "I would be honored if I can go back and visit that temple again."

Naruto turned to Jiraiya and said, "Kansui and I will depart and escort Shion and her entourage to our clan's district."

"You're free to take your guests with you Naruto," Jiraiya said, "Summon me if you need anything."

Naruto nodded before making his way to the door with Kansui, Shion and the rest of her entourage following from behind. After the door to the Hokage office closed behind them…

"That kid is making some powerful allies from foreign nations," Jiraiya remarked, "And interestingly enough, it's females of influential hierarchy making these alliances with Naruto and his clan," Jiraiya snorted, "Why didn't I have such luck back then Sarotobi-sensei? You were my teacher."

"My guess is that you were too busy trying to make alliances through peeping at women's bathhouses," Hiruzen remarked, "But in any case, Shion would be an invaluable asset should become a member of the Uzumaki. Originally, she was just intending to have Naruto conceive two daughters with her."

"I know," Jiraiya said, "He told me everything about him and Shion in full details. But from what Naruto was saying a while ago, it's evident that he's looking to have her married into his clan instead, solidifying her role as a member of his clan through marriage. I'm sure you notice how Naruto was trying to maneuver things to have Kansui be Shion's suitor instead."

"I saw it as clear as day," Hiruzen confirmed, "But it wasn't my place to speak."

"Or mine for that matter," Jiraiya remarked, "We'll have to see how things play as time progresses."

"By the way," Hiruzen recalled, "Weren't there certain changes you were planning to implement?"

"Yes," Jiraiya answered and continued, "I'm making it a Hokage decree that academic history studies will be done at home and more physical and mental and jutsu training will be done at the ninja academy. What that entails is a rotation of how class is to be done daily, which is one day theory and the next day physical hands-on training, the following day theory, the day after that would be physical hands-on training. On the third week of each month, the academy instructors will focus on history and other academic studies. This is the pattern that I'm making as law for the ninja academy for now on."

"That's a huge demand to make!" Hiruzen stated, "For Iruka and the rest of the ninja staff and academy headmaster, it means completely over hauling and revamping their entire curriculum from scratch! Why this drastic change to the ninja academy?"

Jiraiya replied, "This was done after the recent Academy Field Day that took place a month ago…"

---

(Flashback; A Month Ago)

All of the students of the ninja academy were assembled outside on the training field. Konohamaru, Hanabi, Moegi and Udon were standing together with the rest of their peers. Iruka and the other senseis and the headmaster were together with them alongside a couple of female Chuunins. Soon, Jiraiya, Naruto, and Konohanasakuya-hime and her entourage arrived on the ninja academy training ground. A moment later, Seijiro appeared and stood next to Naruto.

"Godaime-sama!" the headmaster greeted, "Welcome!"

"Thank you," Jiraiya said, "It's been years since the last Academy Field Day. From what I learned from Sarutobi-sensei, years ago during the last Academy Field Day, one student revealed that he had the most promises and demonstrated exceptional talents."

"At the same time, it wasn't our finest hour," Iruka admitted, "Naruto demonstrated his ingenuity and capacity to kill and wipe out all of us and kill Sandaime-sama himself singlehandedly in one attack if he truly wanted to. Yet throughout his entire time at the ninja academy, he kept misleading everyone that he was his class' most incompetent dead last. It was truly ingenious and absolutely cunning. None of Konoha's enemies ever suspected Naruto and that made him all the more dangerous as he used Uchiha Sasuke as his cover and puppet to become his class' Rookie of the Year with Sasuke himself not knowing he was being used."

"While I appreciate the praises Iruka-sensei," Naruto replied, "My ingenuity that day ironically made keeping my cover as the dead last harder. Sandaime-jiisan and many ninjas tried keeping tabs on me since that day. Sandaime-jiisan made more efforts to find out more about my abilities and how much I truly know after showing him and many others how I could have killed him in front of everyone in broad daylight. Even now, I don't reveal too much about myself for good reasons, and wise ninjas would do the same also."

"Agreed," Seijiro remarked as he stepped forward, "Only a foolish ninja reveals everything about himself, especially to those who could pose as possible threats to him. It would make turning him into a target to be killed easier. A shrewd ninja takes time to learn as much as he can about his enemies and carefully calculate whether or not he can handle those enemies. It's acts like these that have kept Naruto, myself and the rest of my surviving brethren alive."

"You could have fooled me," Hanabi remarked with her arms crossed over her developing breasts, "Nothing about you Uzumakis make any of you easy targets for any enemy from what I've heard and seen for myself."

"I second that," Konohamaru remarked as he walked and stood alongside Hanabi, "Like Hanabi and the rest of us here, we've seen firsthand what Naruto-niichan and his brethren are capable of and learned not to underestimate him or his brethren. And those who did have all fallen to their graves."

"You both correct," Seijiro replied as he went over to Konohamaru and Hanabi and the rest of the class before he stood in front of everyone. The children all looked straight at Seijiro before the expression in his eyes turned dark and morbid.

"My eyes," Seijiro remarked with an arctic tone, "They speak of losses, wars and death. I've brought oceans of deep sorrows and lamentations to thousands who crossed me and hunted my people and family."

Both Hanabi and Konohamaru were intimidated by Seijiro and he didn't even leak a drop of bloodlust from his being.

"Ninjas like me you all will meet in battles and on missions should all of you make it to become Genins or higher," Seijiro stated, "I don't know what the ninja academy is teaching all of you, but the reality of being ninjas is one filled not only with many adventures and great times, but also with great pains, sorrows and sacrifices, sometimes self-sacrifices. It only takes a moment to forever change the rest of your life.

"In being ninjas, you will face many hardships, dangers and see many horrors. Without fail, you will also make enemies, worse is if you end up with comrades, friends or family members who'll betray you. The life of a ninja isn't for the faint of hearts or those who are selfishly only seeking fame and prestige. When you become full-fledged ninjas, you must never lose your humanity or your sanity. Because when you lose both, that's when you're truly a psychopath, a true monster with no conscience."

"That's some heavy stuff you're teaching these future ninjas Seijiro-san," the academy headmaster commented, "But everything you said is accurate and true."

"Seijiro-jisan isn't one to sugarcoat anything," Honoka remarked after arriving on the scene, "Please excuse my late arrival. I was taking care of some late minute business."

"That's quite alright," the headmaster assured, "The Academy Field Day hasn't yet commenced and the Hokage and his entourage has only arrived a couple of minutes ago."

Honoka nodded her head in acknowledgement of that revelation.

"Well then now would be a good time to start this event," Jiraiya said, "But we're going to do something different this time around."

"What do you mean?" the headmaster asked.

"My daughter," Jiraiya stated, "Konohanasakuya-hime will be participating in this event as this was her personal request to me."

Everyone started whispering to each other about this unexpected news, including everyone in Konohamaru's class.

"The ruler of Nadeshiko wants to participate in our Academy Field Day?" Iruka replied.

"It would be an honor," the headmaster complied, "It's the first time we have someone of foreign ruling status wanting to participate and be part of in our events rather than being an observer. Such humility and modesty are to be respected."

Iruka nodded his head in agreement.

"My father already explained to me the rules of the events," Konohanasakuya said, "Therefore I'll fall in line with your directions as though I were part of this class. But if I may," Konohanasakuya then looked directly at Konohamaru, "I want to challenge both Sarutobi Konohamaru and Hyuuga Hanabi."

"Say what!?" Konohamaru and Hanabi exclaimed simultaneously.

"You want to challenge both of them?" Udon asked in disbelief.

"Such a line-up was never requested or permitted before," the headmaster said.

"We'll allow it," Jiraiya stated, "As this is a first for everyone. I'm certain that valuable lessons will be learned from this."

"My godbrother, Naruto-niichan is fond of you both," Konohanasakuya remarked, "I want to see for myself what it is about the both of you that make you two worth my godbrother's time."

"Two matches in a row?" Hanabi asked and then stated, "You'll be exhausted."

"Actually, I'm asking to take on both of you at the same time," Konohanasakuya clarified.

"You can't be serious," Konohamaru remarked.

"Are you sure you know what you're asking?" Hanabi replied

"She's asking to bite off more than she can chew," Moegi remarked to Udon, "I'm sure she never went up against a Hyuuga before."

"We don't know anything about Konohanasakuya-hime's abilities either," Konohamaru pointed out, "It would be best not to underestimate her either. I'm sure she's not doing this out of arrogance."

"You want to challenge both Konohamaru and myself at the same time?" Hanabi asked before looking at Iruka and the headmaster, "That's against the rules of the Academy Field Day, is it not?"

"The rules do say that spars are one-on-one," Iruka confirmed

"Would it be too much to make an exception?" Konohanasakuya asked undeterred and then stated, "Besides, in real combat, it's hardly one-on-one when against a deadly enemy, and many would either forfeit or flee for their lives depending on who the enemy is. Naruto's father proved that as he had a flee-on-sight warning about him."

"She's really asking for it," Moegi remarked.

"I admire your confidence Konohanasakuya-hime," Konohamaru complimented, "But-"

"Are you both backing down from a challenge?" Konohanasakuya asked and the remarked, "Disappointing! Konohamaru, my niichan's self-proclaimed rival and Hanabi my niichan's admirer looking to excuse themselves from a challenge."

"What!?" Konohamaru and Hanabi retorted.

"We don't run away!" Konohamaru added.

"We'll accept your challenge if it's permitted!" Hanabi declared, internally angry that Konohanasakuya revealed something she didn't want to be made public.

"We can make an exception," Jiraiya said, "I'm also interested in seeing how my daughter compares to my sensei's grandson and a Hyuuga Main House member."

"If that's what you wish," the headmaster said, "Then we'll grant your daughter's request."

"That's ought to be interesting," Naruto said, "I wonder how this will turn out."

"She might surprise us," Seijiro remarked.

Hanabi went to one said to arena floor while Konohamaru went to another side with Konohanasakuya in the center between the two combatants.

"Alright," Iruka said, "This is to be an exhibition of skills and talents, but deadly force with weapons are expressly prohibited. Any violation of this rule will result in your immediate disqualification and punishment. Now, all three of you give each other the sign of sportsmanship."

The three of them did as instructed. Then…

"Byakugan!" Hanabi exclaimed as she activated her bloodline limit and assumed her fighting stance. Konohamaru also assumed his fighting stance as he along with Konohanasakuya and Hanabi prepared to spar, two-on-one.

"Ready!" Iruka declared, "FIGHT!"

Konohanasakuya made a hand sign and exclaimed, "Kage Bunshin no Jutsu!"

Konohanasakuya exclaimed as she made a clone of herself and sent it after Hanabi while Konohanasakuya herself went after Konohamaru.

"What the!?" Hanabi said in surprise

"She knows that jutsu also!" Konohamaru finished just before Konohanasakuya engaged him in combat as her clone did likewise with Hanabi.

"That was an unexpected twist," Naruto admitted, "That helps to explain why she was insisting on challenging those two at the same time."

"You mean you didn't teach her that jutsu?" Seijiro asked.

"I did actually," Jiraiya said, "Two months ago in fact."

"That's quite a feat for someone at her age," Iruka said, "I wonder what else she can do."

"You'll see," Jiraiya said confidently as any father would as he and the others watch the duo match play out. To their the onlookers' surprise, Konohanasakuya was a truly skilled fighter. She was giving both Konohamaru and Hanabi a difficult time, despite the fact that Hanabi was facing off against her clone. Hanabi kept looking for opportunities to dispel Konohanasakuya's clone, but the clone was proving to be faster and stronger than she originally estimated the clone would be.

Hanabi went in for an open opportunity at one of the chakra points on the clone's body. Just as she was about to land the blow, the clone immediately blocked the attack and took a few steps back from the young Hyuuga before going on the offensive on. Hanabi was being pushed back as the clone put out more strength and speed forcing Hanabi to fight with more effort.

'Damn it!' Hanabi growled within herself, 'She's harder to fight than I thought she would be!'

Meanwhile, Konohamaru was having his fair share of difficulty in battling Konohanasakuya herself. Though his skill improved over the last few months thanks to Naruto however, Konohamaru still had a lot more to learn and train in.

"Not bad Konohamaru," Konohanasakuya complimented, "But don't tell me this is the best you can put out."

"Weren't you paying attention to what Naruto-niichan said earlier?" Konohamaru questioned and then reminded, "He said that he doesn't reveal too much about himself for good reasons, and wise ninjas would do the same also. That's why I'm holding back from showing you more of my talents."

"In that case," Konohanasakuya challenged, "I'll step it up a notch against both you and the Hyuuga."

"Say what?!" Konohamaru replied before Konohanasakuya movements became faster and fiercer, forcing Konohamaru to pushed back and fighter harder. The clone did likewise against Hanabi was already was being forced to become more serious. Shizaku and Ami watched the match with a measure of pride in seeing how their young monarch was showing her father and everyone else what she could do. The headmaster, Iruka, and the other academy instructors and all of the students where both impressed and amazed at the prowess Konohamaru, Hanabi and Konohanasakuya were putting in their match. But soon both Hanabi and Konohamaru retorted against Konohanasakuya by revealing some of their advanced training with Naruto, and in Konohamaru's case, what he also learned from his grandfather.

Konohamaru summoned a long staff and swung it around a couple of times as though he was dancing with it. When Konohanasakuya saw this, she actually smiled with excitement and stated, "So you're skilled with the staff, huh?"

Konohanasakuya summoned her weapon of choice, with was a nagita, a bladed staff that had a patch of fur attached and wrapped around the head of her nagita.

"Let's dance!" Konohanasakuya challenged as she rushed at Konohamaru who replied and met her in combat, beginning their heightened battle against each other.

"Since when did Konohamaru-chan knew how to fight with a staff?" Moegi asked.

"Since when did Konohamaru knew how to fight like this at all?" Udon asked as he and the others watched with disbelief.

"He's more than just the honorable grandson of Sandaime Hokage, that's for sure!" one of the girls said in admiration of the youth. The boys were looking at the battle with Hanabi and the clone and saw how fierce it got between them despite the lack of bloodlust. Blow for blow their girls threw at each other. Hanabi was looking to establish dominance, she even resorted to a small amount of earth manipulation to get the upper hand against the clone.

"Look at them go!" one of the boys said.

"Not your everyday catfight, that's for sure!" another boy commented.

The clone saw that Hanabi was becoming problematic for her. She then decided to resorted to a hidden skill of her own also. Hanabi went in for another attack, aiming to strike viral chakra points in order to take the clone out for good and claim victory. The clone however, countered by resorting to a technique to increase her speed and agility.

'What a minute!' Naruto realized, 'Konohanasakuya is actually adept in-'

The clone rushed and delivered a few pressure point strikes against Hanabi's left arm, rendering her left arm immobile and disabled.

"My arm!" Hanabi shouted with alarm and panic as her left arm painfully dangled at her side. The clone capitalized on Hanabi's distraction and delivered several hard jabs to her gut, knocking the breath out of Hanabi as pain was all Hanabi was feeling. She quickly went and struck more pressure points, this time on Hanabi's right leg, disabling it and causing Hanabi to lose balance and collapsed to the ground. Hanabi laid there on the ground in pain and slightly bruised up as the clone stood over her.

"Do. You. Yield?" the clone asked. Hanabi wanted to continue but knew having a disabled arm and leg would render her an easy target to pummel.

"I yield," Hanabi admitted with defeat.

Meanwhile, Konohmaru was still engaged in a staff and nagita battle against Konohanasakuya. But that battle was clearly one-sided as Konohanasakuya was truly skilled with the nagita. Using the fur around the blade and head of the nagita as a close up distraction against Konohamaru's eyes and face, she eventually managed to disarm arm by knocking the staff from out of his hands and swing her nagita against the back of his right leg, resulting in him falling to the ground on his back. She quickly moved and positioned the blade of her weapon at his throat, causing the boy to looked back at her nervously.

"Do. You. Yield?" Konohanasakuya asked. Defeated, Konohamaru dropped his head to the ground and admitted, "I yield."

A moment later, there was a loud applause from everyone who was watching. Jiraiya applauded as the proud father and Hokage that he was and Konohanasakuya's entourage applauded proudly at their monarch's victory. Though Konohamaru and Hanabi lost to Konohanasakuya and her clone, everyone was still impressed by their skills and caliber, seeing Konohamaru as the future Rookie of the Year and Hanabi as the top kunoichi of their class. As sign of good sportsmanship, the clone helped Hanabi up off the ground and aided her to the academy staff to give her medical assistance.

"Those three were amazing!" Iruka praised, "Their battle was more than we expected!"

"They have good teachers and trainers," Naruto stated and remarked, "Outside the ninja academy that is."

Iruka frowned at Naruto's verbal jab at him and his fellow instructors. Konohamaru was standing back on his feet as he looked back at Konohanasakuya.

"I lost to you today," Konohamaru said, "But I'll learn from this and use it to make me stronger and smarter so I can challenge and beat your next time."

"You're a worthy opponent Konohamaru," Konohanasakuya complimented, "My match with you gave me an excitement I never felt before. I enjoyed my match with you."

"Enjoy your temporary victory princess," Konohamaru stated, catching Konohanasakuya's full attention as he declared, "You challenged me and won today. But know this, I will come back stronger and challenge you in the future! I give you my sworn word, when I'm ready and strong enough, I'll seek you out and challenge you to a battle! And I'll win!"

Moegi and Udon saw the determined look on their friend's face and knew to take Konohamaru serious about what he declared. They only wondered if he'll be able to pull it off. Naruto knew and was confident that Konohamaru would do everything in his power to live up to his declaration to improve and become stronger and smarter in the future. But Naruto saw the seriousness behind what Konohamaru swore to, as the boy made that sworn declaration to a monarch in front of many onlookers and important officials, one of them being the Hokage who happened to be father to that monarch.

'Reminds me of myself in a few ways after I gave Naru-chan my sworn word that I wouldn't lose to onee-sama in all aspects,' Hanabi privately recalled after watching and listening to everything that Konohamaru said.

Shizuka and Ami saw that look on Konohanasakuya's face, one filled with high expectations and anticipation.

"I accept your challenge, Kono-chan!" Konohanasakuya agreed with an excited smile.

"Kono-chan?" Konohamaru repeated as a clear bright blush appeared on his face.

'Uh Oh!' Jiraiya deduced, Shizaku and Ami, 'I think I know where this is going!'

"I accept your solemn promise to me," Konohanasakuya declared, "I'll train harder and make sure that I'm at my best in all aspects of myself when we meet to challenge each other in the future. I want to see if you're a worthy alpha."

"You'll see more than that, princess," Konohamaru said confidently.

"Princess? Please Kono-chan," Konohanasakuya replied, "Call me Sakuya-bime."

"Sakuya-bime?" Konohamaru repeated and accepted, "Alright. If that's what you want."

Jiraiya knew how personal a matter it was for his daughter to be addressed by her other name which her late mother gave to her. Very few, like himself, Naruto, the Triple-A Sisters, Shizuka and Ami, were allowed to address her as Sakuya-bime as they the closest people in her life. In allowing Konohamaru to address her by that name, Jiraiya saw how his daughter was taking a keen interest in former sensei's grandson.

Hanabi was finished being treated for her injuries and went off to stand to the side as the Konohanasakuya's cloned approached her.

"You're a skilled combatant," the cloned complimented, "I was really being pushed hard by you, and I saw that I had to step up and outsmart you without revealing too much. Naruto is certainly a good teacher to have gotten you this far. I'm very impressed by your performance against me."

"Naru-chan taught me a lot," Hanabi said, "I didn't expect you to be such a proficient fighter despite using kage bunshin. Even as a clone, you gave me a very hard time and I still lost in the end."

"I'm sure if you had allowed yourself to show more, then you'd have given me a harder challenge," the clone remarked, "I know that there's more to you and your abilities than you let on because both you and Konohamaru are copying Naruto-niichan's example."

Hanabi was about to give a reply until…

"I accept that," the cloned continued, "It'll keep me vigilante and not to underestimate you in the future. Perhaps in the future you and I can have a rematch and you can show me more of what you can really do."

"I'm looking forward to that," Hanabi agreed.

"You're a secret fan of my father's book series," the clone said, catching Hanabi's attention, "You'd steal niichan's Ichaicha Paradise books from him and secretly read the books yourself."

"How did you find out?" Hanabi asked.

"Niichan told me himself," the cloned replied, "That very fact that you're able to steal his favorite books from right under his nose is nothing short of amazing! You love my father's work so much that you improved in your skills in order to take them from niichan without his notice. I'm impressed. I also happen to love all of my father's stories. Which one was your favorite one?"

Smiling, Hanabi answered, "The one about the two rich sisters who always share everything with each other and how they're in love with the same guy."

"And they settled and agreed to shared him together instead of fighting each other over him," the cloned finished, "I had just recently finished reading that story. The plot had me hooked as I kept wondering how they would resolve the love triangle issue between the three of them. They both loved the man for a number of reasons, and surprisingly, many of their reasons were almost the same as each other's."

"Sometimes I wonder if such a story like that could happen in real life," Hanabi said, "I was surprised at how the young sister convinced her older sister to let the guy have both of them. I have thought that older sister would flip out for even hearing such a suggestion."

"My father has a way of surprising his readers," the clone said, "Even my mother when she was alive was a huge fan of my father's book series and that was before they were dating and married."

"Wow! She was?" Hanabi asked.

"I even have my own book club that involves my father's Ichaicha Paradise book series," the clone said, "Niichan, Sandaime-sama, Kakashi-san, and Karin-san are already members of my extended book club which I establish here in Konoha. How would you like to be part of it?"

As the two girls were conversing together, Naruto and Jiraiya watched the scene from a distance.

"Looks like my daughter found kindred spirit with Hiashi's younger daughter," Jiraiya said, "I can see them becoming close friends."

"Like your daughter," Naruto said, "Hanabi is a huge fan of your series. It'll be interesting to see how things play out between Hanabi-chan and Sakuya-bime."

"While that's happening," Jiraiya remarked, "I'll be implementing some major changes to how things are done at our village's ninja academy. I'll review my planned changes with the shinobi council and hierarchy and see if there's anything else I missed that can be implemented."

This left Naruto wondering what changes Jiraiya was planning for the ninja academy. Aside this, Naruto knew that Hanabi held back from showing everything she could do. But her doing that resulted in her being caught off guard by Konohanasakuya who turned out to be more skilled than she anticipated. Regardless the match gave Hanabi something to learn and gain experience from.

Konohanasakuya went over to Naruto and Jiraiya and asked, "How was I out there?"

"You were amazing!" Naruto complimented, "I had no idea you were adept in wind element with wind as your affinity. I have the affinity for wind also."

"That's great!" Konohanasakuya said, "That gives us something else we have in common."

'Yeah,' Naruto thought, 'Only both Hinata-chan and Hanabi-chan wish they had wind affinity also.'

"You truly have you mother's fiery spirit and determination," Jiraiya remarked, "She'd be proud to see how far you've come."

"She would," Konohanasakuya agreed and then added, "But my aim is to surpass my late mother and reach my highest potential."

"She would want that for you also, as do I," Jiraiya replied.

---

(End Flashback; Present Day)

"After seeing how my daughter was able to beat both your grandson Konohamaru and Hyuuga Hanabi at the same time in one match," Jiraiya explained, "I feel that the instructors need to focus more on developing skilled and capable ninjas and spend lesser time on history classes and test grades. Added to this is that all students will learn tree walking and water walking while at the academy, and the instructors will start teaching their students the vital importance of teamwork and being comrades by assigning them team missions as their Genin exams that they must complete as a team if they want to graduate from the academy."

"You'll have to organize and call a meeting with the headmaster and all of the instructors at the academy to explain these new changes that you're going to put into effect," Hiruzen advised, "Not to mention it'll result in mass paperwork you'll have to deal with in order to implement your changes to the ninja academy."

"I'll see that later," Jiraiya said, "But in the meantime, I'll send a letter to the headmaster and summon him and entire teaching staff to a meeting at the ninja academy today after their day teaching their classes are over."

Hiruzen nodded his head in approval.

---

(At The Uzumaki District)

Naruto and Kansui arrived at district with the other Uzumaki members awaiting their arrival. Seijiro and Tsunade were standing at the forefront with Honoka, Arashi, Karin, Akio, Akemi and Akira. Hinata was also present as she wanted to meeting the priestess, especially in light to the offer the priestess made to Naruto. Upon arriving, Shion saw how lovely the Uzumaki estate looked with all of its houses and gardens.

"Oni no Shion," Seijiro greeted, "We're happy you and your people arrived here safely. Naruto arranged for your stay here in our estate. We're honored to have you and your entourage as our special guests during your stay here in Konoha."

Each of the Uzumaki's took turns in introducing themselves.

"I'm Uzumaki Seijiro," Seijiro continued, "Naruto's adviser and clan deputy at your service."

"You're the one that Koyuki-hime of Haru no Kuni talked about," Shion recalled, "The Uzumaki who saved her country from her corrupt uncle who attempted a coup de tät. You're known as The Bloodhound. I've heard of you from her. It's an honor to meet you."

Shion gave Seijiro a respectful bow and turned to Tsunade.

"I'm Uzumaki Tsunade," Tsunade greeted, "Executive director and headmistress of the Uzumaki Medical Training Corps."

"You're also the Slug Princess and Slug Sannin," Shion added, "Yes, we heard of you and Jiraiya-sama. I had no idea you were part of Naruto's clan. It's a pleasure to meet you Tsunade-sama."

The triplets stepped up and went over to Shion.

"I'm Uzumaki Akio."

"I'm Uzumaki Akemi."

"I'm Uzumaki Akira."

"Together," the triplets said in unison, "We're the Triple-A Sisters."

"We're also diplomatic ambassadors of the village of Nadeshiko," Akio said, "Welcome to our humble abode."

"I'm Uzumaki Honoka," Honoka greeted, "I'm a history instructor at the Ninja Academy. I'm also known as "The Beast Enchantress." I hope you enjoy your stay here."

"I'm Uzumaki Karin," Karin said, "A medic and healing specialist in training and Tsunade-sama's apprentice."

I'm Uzumaki Arashi," Arashi introduced, "I'm Karin's boyfriend and Seijiro-jisan's apprentice. You already met my older twin Kansui."

"You both have strong identical resemblances to each other," Shion remarked, "I'd have taken you for Kansui's clone had he not informed me about you ahead of time. I'm pleased to meet you both."

Shion then looked and saw Hinata. She walked over to the Hyuuga heiress and stood in front of her.

"You're Hyuuga Hinata," Shion politely greeted, "You're Naruto-kun's girlfriend and Hyuuga clan heiress. It's nice to finally meet you. As a ninja, you possess amazing skills and strength. I watched your match with Sabaku no Gaara months ago during the Chuunin Exam Finals. Your victory against him was unbelievably flawless."

"Thank you," Hinata replied appreciatively, "Naruto-kun taught and trained me over the years. I got this far because of him. Like Karin, I'm also a medic and healing specialist in training and Tsunade-sama's apprentice."

Shion moved closer to Hinata and looked directly at the heiress, as though she was looking to scan her very being to her core. Everyone was wondering what Shion was doing as she took a step closer to Hinata, almost invading her personal space. Hinata herself was confused by Shion's wordless actions before the priestess took a few steps away from her.

"You're destined for great power Hinata," Shion stated, catching Hinata off guard, "I saw it in a recent vision before my arrival to Konoha. In the future, you'll be endowed with a new power, chosen to become the Byakugan Princess."

Shion's words caught everyone's attention, especially Hinata's. Hinata expected many things from Shion, but not what she was just told. Naruto informed her about Shion's ability to foresee future events but Hinata never imagined that her first meeting with the priestess would result in not only her future being seen but that she would be told that she was the chosen Byakugan Princess who would inherit great power.

"Chosen to become the Byakugan Princess?" Hinata repeated, "I never was addressed by such a title despite being the clan heiress with the Byakugan."

"It's not just a title," Shion clarified, "That's who you are by birthright Hinata. You will receive great powers unlike any that your fellow Hyuugas have ever seen. Trust my words. My visions and predictions were never wrong."

The Hyuuga heiress now wanted more information about Shion's prediction.

"What kind of great power will I receive?" Hinata inquired, "By whom or through what means will I receive it? When will I receive it?"

"My vision didn't specify an exact date when this prediction will be fulfilled I'm afraid," Shion confessed.

"I see," Hinata humbly accepted.

"However," Shion continued, regaining Hinata's attention, "My vision did see you endowed with chakra that was a royal purple color."

"Royal purple chakra?" Hinata asked, and then commented, "I've never seen such a chakra as that before."

""Good things come to those who wait" is an old saying," Shion remarked, "You'll just have to wait and see how events will play out that will lead you to attaining that great power, Byakugan Princess."

Naruto and Kansui went over to Shion and Hinata.

"That's so cool!" Naruto remarked, "Even Shion predicts and sees visions of greatness in your future Hinata-chan! Even I'm excited to see how you'll attain that purple chakra and become the Byakugan Princess. I can only imagine what abilities you'll be gifted with!"

"I'm overwhelmed to say the least," Hinata admitted, "I can only wonder when and how all that will happen."

"Don't worry too much about it," Shion suggested, "When the time comes, everything will be made clearer. Until then, continue living your life as you already have been doing."

"I understand," Hinata replied, "And thank you."

Turning to Naruto, Shion complimented, "You have a lovely estate, befitting for a Hokage to live in even."

"Funny you should say that," Tsunade remarked, "Because both the Shodai and Nidaime Hokage used to live here on this property years ago. The Shodai was my grandfather and the Nidaime was my grandfather's younger brother."

"Clearly the Uzumaki clan has a rich history," Shion commented, "One I love to be part of one day."

""Good things come to those who wait" was what you said a moment ago," Naruto said, "Come, let's find suitable houses for you and your entourage to stay in."

Shion and her escort followed behind Naruto as they, Hinata and the rest of the Uzumakis followed alongside them.

---

(Meanwhile; Many Miles Away From Hi No Kuni)

Itachi and Kisame were standing in front of an older man who looked to be between his early to mid-forties though his actual age wasn't known by many. He was a green-eyed tall man with a somewhat angular face and a very developed physique. He wore black ninja pants and shirt and leg bandages and black sandals and a dark gray shinobi vest that resembled Konoha's Jounin vest. He wore metal silver gauntlets with gold linings around them on his arms and hands and a katana strapped to the left side of his waist. ankle-length, black hooded cloak with blue lining. He was presently wearing his hood over his head that covered over his hair. The cloak itself was an heirloom of his father and was comprised of several heavy materials that weighed down the wearer, as well as counter-springs in the shoulders that constantly apply a pressure of roughly 200lbs. The garment acted as a training device, helping him to maintain his strength and speed.

"Roka The Rogue Slayer I presume," Itachi greeted.

"So, you heard of me," Roka replied.

"Your reputation precedes you," Itachi said, "You slaughtered many B to High A-class missing-nins and criminals in the wake of your rise as the Rogue Slayer. Among the many slaughtered were rapists and pedophiles."

"So you do your homework," Roka remarked, "I have no tolerance or mercy for trash like them. They all deserve to die."

"I'm interested in the fact that the brutal methods which you implemented to slaughter your targets is unnervingly in the same style as the Uchiha clan," Itachi replied.

"So what of it?" Roka retorted despite confirming Itachi's suspicions, "Why do you care?"

"How did you come to know and learn of the Uchiha clan fighting style and jutsu?" Itachi interrogated, "There's no record of you ever being in Konoha or being trained by an Uchiha. Who in my clan trained you?"

Roka retorted, "You dare question me about which Uchiha taught me? You, who committed mass genocide against your own brethren while deliberately choosing to spare Sasuke for reasons I can't make sense out of?"

"I have reasons to suspect that you, Roka, are of Uchiha descent through I've never seen you before in Konoha," Itachi stated while waiting to see Roka's reactions to his words.

"Why would you suspect that?" Roka asked.

"Reports from towns and small villages you've traveled through all point out that you have an uncanny caliber for genjutsu," Itachi said, "And one female eyewitness you helped said that she saw how your eyes changed from green to red and black designs before taking on and wiping out ten missing-nins."

"So what now?" Roka replied, "You tracked me to kill me like the rest of your kin or spare me like how you did with Sasuke?"

"This family reunion is so touching," Kisame mocked while breaking his long silence, "I wonder if this Uchiha reunion will end in bloodshed."

Turning to Itachi's partner, Roka remarked, "You must be Kirigakure's trash. Hoshigaki Kisame, former member of the seven swordsmen and also known as the Hidden Monster of the Mist."

"So you heard of me," Kisame replied, "I'm flattered."

"You became a wanted missing-nin when Mizu no Kuni (Land of Water) hunted you for plotting to overthrow its government and being involved in numerous assassinations that included another country's daimyō," Roka stated.

"And what of it?" Kisame replied as he grinned sinisterly as he took out his Raijin sword and powered it up and aimed it at Roka.

"That's an interesting sword you have there," Roka commented, "I don't believe I've seen such a sword as that before."

"I'm not surprised you don't know of this sword," Kisame remarked, "But you don't need to worry about that."

"And your purpose for showing me that sword then?" Roka asked.

"Itachi has been seeking you out after hearing of a possible Uchiha living and roaming about the world," Kisame said with a toothy grin, "My thoughts was that he was certain that all of the Uchiha except him and his brother were wiped out. You're an unknown factor and loose end, and that just won't do."

Roka's eyes started changing from green to black and red designs. Itachi, upon seeing the type of eyes Roka possessed, became quickly alarmed and alerted to the type of deadly enemy in front of them.

"Kisame," Itachi advised, "This is not a common Uchiha. I don't advise engaging him in combat."

"What?" Roka mocked as he gathered chakra in huge truck loads, "You weren't thinking of leaving so soon, were you Itachi? Because we're about to have a party!"

Itachi didn't doubt his own skills, but he knew when to stay his grounds and fight, and when it was wise to cut his losses and flee when facing against a deadlier enemy. The situation at hand was that the enemy in front of them wasn't giving them an option to leave, especially since Kisame armed himself first.

"If it's a fight you want, I'll be more than happy to oblige!" Kisame remarked as he readied the Raijin in his hands. Roka charged at both Kisame and Itachi.

---

(Meanwhile In Nami no Kuni)

The people were busy with their many activities. Tazuna, his daughter Tsunami, and her son Inari were walking together through the bustling town. Ever since the downfall and death of Gatō and his entire army, Nami no Kuni have been thriving successfully with lots of visitors, foreign business and trade coming into their country. The Great Naruto Bridge have allowed for easy travel into and from Nami no Kuni. And speaking of visitors, a woman who looked to be in her prime and in her twenties but was actually 45 years old and her young male child, who was clearly 10 years ago, were approaching the bridge which had people and merchants traveling to and from the country.

The woman had long crimson red hair, with a slight blueish tint, that reached down to just above her knees. Her hair was parted down the middle with bangs hanging over her forehead and two, long strands of hair that passed in front of her hair reached down to her breasts. Both her eyes and eyelids were turquoise, framed by nicely groomed eyelashes and eyebrows. Her lips ware colored a light purple. She also had slightly pale, delicate skin, which contrasted greatly with her ruby hair. She wore an intricate kimono with traditional white socks and sandals, befitting a woman of her beauty. The colors of her multiple layers were from innermost to outermost: khaki, dark red, off-white, and orange. The only layers exposed at her feet besides her red outer-kimono were the topmost, off-white inner-kimono.

The child with her had sapphire eyes and long-crimson hair in a braided ponytail that reached down to his waist. His outfit consisted of an ocean blue kimono along with dark-blue pants with bandages arounds his ankles. He also wore black shinobi sandals.

"This is Nami no Kuni, right?" the child asked, "This was where we were told to stay until his arrival right?"

"Yes dear," the mother confirmed, "We were told to come here to Nami no Kuni specifically and stay for a couple of days before he meets up with us."

As the got closer to the bridge, the boy noticed that there was a large metallic placard secured to a marble column placed at the side of the entrance of the bridge leading into Nami no Kuni. The surname on the placard immediately caught to boy's attention.

"Mommy! Mommy!" the boy called out, "Look at that! It has the name "Uzumaki" on it!"

That immediately caught the mother's attention as she and her son went over to the marble column placard and read the inscription on it:

'This bridge, The Great Naruto Bridge, is named in honor of Uzumaki Naruto, the hero who rescued and saved our country and people from oppression and tyranny. Through his courageous spirit and selflessness, our morale and prosperity was restored as this bridge which is dedicated to him connects us with the rest of the world.'

What also captured their attention was that the placard also had the official insignia belonging to the Uzumaki clan engraved at the top of it.

"That symbol!" the boy exclaimed in surprise, "That's-"

"The insignia of our country and people!" the mother stated in disbelief, "Our kin have been here!"

"Do you suppose they're still here in Nami no Kuni?" the boy asked, "Do you suppose that's why we were told to come here?"

"I don't know for sure," the mother said and then suggested, "Let's ask the local townspeople on the other side and discreetly find out more about Naruto and our kinsmen."

Both mother and son hurried and made their way across the bridge and over to Nami no Kuni.

---

(Later; On The Far Outskirts Of Kumo)

The surrounding landscape was severely ravaged and in ruins with dust, smoke and wet and burning debris. It was clear that a fierce battle had taken place. Kisame, who had sustained multiple wounds and injuries, was immobilized after being placed under a deep genjutsu by Roka, leaving Itachi alone with Roka. Itachi, looked winded and tired having used up a large amount of chakra against Roka in what was a battle of the Mangekyō Sharingans.

In that battle, Itachi was forced to resort to using Susanoo, but not surprisingly to Itachi, Roka had a Susanoo of his own, it was majestic white with glowing yellowish chains wrapped around its breastplate with a particular glowing red spiral design embedded in the center of the breastplate. In fact, Roka's Susanoo was still activated unlike Itachi who deactivated both his Susanoo and Sharingan after the exhausting amount of chakra that was drained from him.

Looking over to his immobilized partner, Itachi saw the helpless and vulnerable state Kisame was placed in.

"Tsukiyomi," Itachi said as he knew that type of mental attack Roka used against Kisame, "Roka is definitely an Uchiha, one I've never faced before since Uchiha Shisui."

"Now Itachi," Roka said as he slowly approached the Uchiha while inside his Susanoo, "What reason is there that I should spare your life?"

"You possess the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan," Itachi deduced, 'I have the Mangekyō Sharingan, but it's not on the same level of strength as the Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan and Roka's chakra is shockingly massive, even for an Uchiha.'

"I'm not surprised you're skilled in this level of the Sharingan," Roka said, "Not that it matters now. This land will become your unmarked grave."

Itachi felt Roka's chakra level spike higher than before as bloodlust started pouring from out of him in loads. The younger Uchiha had to come up with something to deter Roka from seeking to finish him off. Itachi told himself that he had to continue living for Sasuke's sake; he had to make sure his younger brother was protected, especially from Danzō.

"Wait!" Itachi requested, "If you permit me, I'll explain why the Uchiha clan was massacred on orders from Konoha's hierarchy."

"You expect me to believe you went rogue and slaughtered the entire Uchiha clan on orders from your village's government?" Roka asked skeptically as the chains that were wrapped around his Susanoo unfastened from the armor and seemingly moved on its own and extended off the breastplate. At the ends of the chains protruded what looked to be large kunais, ready to strike Itachi at a moment's notice.

"If you give me a chance," Itachi beseeched, "I'll explain everything as it goes all the way back to the time of Uchiha Madara and Senju Hashirama."

Roka thought about it briefly before he warned, "If you lie once or try anything against me, I will kill you on the spot."

Itachi nodded his head in compliance and promised, "Once you hear my explanation, you'll be able to understand what led to everything that happened and why I'm part of the Akatsuki."

"Very well," Roka agreed, "I'll listen, but lay your words carefully."

Itachi agreed before going into detailed explaining everything that happened. Roka listened carefully to Itachi's explanation, while looking for any signs of deceit or inconsistency with his story. It was a long but well descriptive explanation and Roka didn't detect any form of inconsistency or deceit.

Roka for his part was in deep thought having listened to everything Itachi told him regarding the Uchiha clan massacre and everything that led up to it and why Itachi joined the Akatsuki.

"It all make sense now," Roka remarked, "Now I have a better understanding as to why my parents always kept their distance from Konoha and the Uchiha clan."

"Your parents kept your conception and existence a secret from the Uchiha clan and Konoha entirely," Itachi inferred.

"Since the time Uchiha Madara was clan leader," Roka revealed. Itachi processed that revelation while hiding his surprise about it. That meant that Roka was much older than he looked.

"I may not look it," Roka said, "But I lived a long time, boy. I thank my late father's genes for my longevity."

"Your father?" Itachi asked.

"He died many years ago," Roka said, "I'll leave it at that."

"Why was your existence kept secret?" Itachi asked.

"My mother, Uchiha Kaoru, originally was supposed to be betrothed to Madara," Roka said, which caught Itachi's attention.

"Uchiha Kaoru?" Itachi questioned, and stated, "I came across that name before in Konoha's record archives. She was said to have been killed while on an S-rank mission many years ago when she stayed behind to hold back Kumo forces while the rest of her team continued on ahead to complete their mission. They never found her body, only the remains of what was evidently a fierce battle."

"My mother was exceptionally beautiful and a fierce kunoichi of the Uchiha clan back in her prime during the Shinobi Clan Wars," Roka elaborated, "Madara had set his sight set on making her his wife. But my mother had nothing but hate and disdain for Madara. She wanted nothing to do with either him or the Uchiha clan entirely. She deserted the clan and Konoha many years ago. During that same mission you mentioned, after she was left behind by her team, my mother faked her death after killing her assailants and disowned the surname "Uchiha." She later married my father and took on his surname and before long, I was born.

"I personally never once stepped foot in Konoha, but my mother taught and well informed me about my Uchiha heritage and why she deserted her clan and never went back. She also trained me in the use of my Sharingan and other things too. Though she died years ago, part of her lives on in me."

"You have her eyes implanted in your eye sockets," Itachi deduced, "That's the reason behind your Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan."

"It was her parting gift to me when she had reached the end of her life," Roka said, "She wanted to ensure that I was well armed to face off against stronger enemies who'd hunt me and seek my demise."

"So where does that leaves us?" Itachi asked.

"I'll allow you to live and not blow your cover as a double agent for Konoha," Roka said before his eyes, still with his Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan activated, flash bright red, effectively knocking Kisame unconscious and in a comatose state as he fell to the ground while dropping the Raijin out of his hand in the process. After deactivating his Susanoo, Roka walked over to Kisame's body.

"I should kill him," Roka stated, "And bring his body back to Kirigakure to collect the bounty on his head before taking his sword as my prize."

"I can keep an eye on him Roka," Itachi suggested, "I've been doing that since the time he was partnered with me."

"Didn't you say he threatened to kill you if you betray the Akatsuki?" Roka recalled, "So why don't I just waste him for you and be done with him?"

"I need him alive since despite his threat he's more prone to listen to me and obey my advice when the situation calls for it," Itachi explained, "Also, the one posing as Uchiha Madara in the Akatsuki has been using Kisame to keep an eye on me and he'll be suspicious if Kisame was killed off while I was spared and allowed to live by you."

There was a short silence before a decision was made.

"Very well," Roka consented, "I'll spare him only once since it's for your cover not to be compromised. You can always tell the Akatsuki that I'm responsible for Kisame's condition. Since there's nothings else, I must be one my way now as I have more important matters elsewhere that I must to see to."

Roka teleported via smoke shunshin, leaving Itachi alone in the war-torn landscape.

Itachi said nothing before the physical and mental strain and stress of his battle with Roka started affecting him, "I'll need a place to rest before reporting what happened here."

Itachi, with his remaining strength, retrieved the Raijin Blade and picked up Kisame from the ground and slung his left arm over his shoulders to hold him up off the ground. Itachi then started on his journey to the nearest town he could get to with the unconscious Kisame being dragged along with him. In his weakened state, he was vulnerable and not up to full strength or health to take on more ninjas on the same level of caliber like himself or Roka's.

---

(Two Days Later; Back In Konoha)

It's been a couple of weeks of intense studying and research, especially in their in-depth study of Karin's potent healing chakra was done as Tsunade saw real potential in utilizing Karin amazing healing chakra which heavily rivaled her own healing expertise as a Sannin. With Hinata, the amount her work and mental focus she put into her intense training with Tsunade and her duties as a Chuunin had left her physically and mentally drained and completely stressed out.

Added to this was the new administrative training Hiashi placed on Hinata's shoulders as he was preparing her as the next Hyuuga clan leader. Over the past weeks, Hinata had hid all of her stress and anxieties from Naruto, especially when Shion arrived at Naruto's clan's estate. But two nights later after Shion's arrival however, it came to the point when Hinata sought out Naruto, in need of his time and attention.

---

(Later That Night; In The Red Light District)

At one of the classy and love motels, a nice comfortable but expensive room was rented out for the night. On the knob of the door, a "Do Not Disturb" sign was posted on it. Behind the door, sounds of ecstatic moaning and sweat covered flesh bouncing against each other were being made. Inside the room, the lights were dimmed low and the discarded clothes and gear of two Chuunins were placed on two a nearly chairs.

On the shaking bed was a naked sweaty Hinata, who was gripping the sheets on the bed while submissively on her hands and knees with her lover Naruto, also naked and sweaty, on his knees behind her. Sounds of Naruto's sweaty pelvis smacking her rear cheeks were heard in the room as he held onto her hips while thrusting in and out of her in rhythmic motions before he started going faster and harder. Pleasured filled moans after moans came from the Hyuuga heiress as her body was desiring and lusting for more on her lover's touch and sexual attention. Naruto himself was completely aroused and happily enjoying his lovemaking with his girlfriend, wanting to satisfy Hinata's thirst for him while savoring every moment of raw carnal passion for as long as his body could hold out.

Another moment later, the Hinata found herself unable to hold back any further.

"…It feels so wonderful Naruto-kun!" Hinata exhaled loudly in gratification as she climaxed, feeling her canal squeeze down on Naruto's hardened rod. The young Uzumaki clan leader, unable to hold himself back any longer, threw his head back and let out a groan of exhilaration as he pushed as far into her as he could before he ruptured and flowed into his girlfriend, feeling her wet canal pressing down and milking him for all he was worth. She felt his love juices all around her canal as a very small bit leaked out of her entrance down her legs. Since she used her birth control medic jutsu she secretly learned before from one of the female Cadet Branch members of her clan, she wasn't worried about getting pregnant.

As he was taking a moment to catch his breath, Naruto looked down at the exhausted but satisfied female Hyuuga while he was still deep inside her and holding on to her waist in the same positions they were in. Hinata soon lowered her head to the pillow in front of her as she was now completely drained, but relaxed.

"That…was delightful," Hinata said softly, "…I loved it."

Naruto pulled out of her and laid her down on the bed as he moved and laid next to her. Both of them were drenched in sweat. He reached out and pulled her close to him as he wrapped his arms around her affectionately. Hinata adjusted herself to his body position and held his arms with hers. She relished in the feeling of his naked sweaty body and touch wrapped around hers.

"Every time with you is like our first time together," Naruto remarked, causing Hianta to blushed deeply and giggle.

"Thank you for always loving me Naruto-kun," Hinata said, "I'm happy that you're the most important thing in my life."

"You know I'll give my life for you Hinata-chan," Naruto said, "I once told Sandaime-jiisan that I would fight him and the entire village to my death if it meant protecting you when you were paired to battle Gaara during the Chuunin Exam Finals when he was seeking to kill you when your match with him took place."

"I would give my life for yours also without question," Hinata replied, "I'll loyally stay at your side till the end, come what may."

"I love and appreciate you Hinata-chan," Naruto said while enjoying the feeling of holding Hinata in his arms. After a brief moment of silence…

"You were very stressed and burnt out earlier," Naruto said, "I was surprised that you came to me saying that you wanted and needed me tonight. But won't Hiashi find out you're missing from the manor?"

"You don't need to worry," Hinata assured, "T told everyone that I was very much in need of rest and recuperation and that I was turning in for the rest of the evening. I left a clone sleeping in my room before I left the manor to go find you."

"You're really becoming more like me with each passing day," Naruto laughed after hearing how Hinata sneaked out of the house without being noticed, "I used to do that whenever I wanted or needed to be out from Iruka-sensei's class back when we were in the ninja academy."

"I remember," Hinata said, "That's why I used my one of my clones this evening, which is why I'm here with you now."

"You must have been very stressed out and bothered if you needed me to make love with you this late in the evening," Naruto commented, "What's been bothering you lately?"

"Taking on my responsibilities of being a Chuunin, Tsunade-sama's new full-time apprentice and taking on the new administrative training my father has been giving me had left me heavily drained and stressed," Hinata explained, "Along with this, I started having built up frustrations to satisfy my desires and need for comfort and release."

"For that last part Hinata-chan," Naruto remarked, "You were thirsty for sex and it distracted you. But that's OK. I wanted it also."

"Ever since our first night together by the lake and the second time in Tenmangu City," Hinata confessed, "A few of the women and even Kurenai-sensei started suspecting a difference with me though no one came right out and accuse me of anything."

"Karin knows we're intimate," Naruto revealed, "She knew since our first night together. Though I didn't tell her she figured it out just by the way she looked at you when I carried your back to the hotel room you were sharing with Karin."

"Karin knew since then?" Hinata asked in surprise.

"She said nothing to no one else," Naruto assured, "Even ero- jisan figured it out on his down without me telling him anything."

"I can only wonder what Kurenai-sensei would think if she found out I'm intimate with you," Hinata said.

"Hinata-chan," Naruto replied, "You're not Kurenai's responsibility and from what you shown to everyone and your clansmen, you're very capable of defending and taking care of yourself. Even if they did find out, would them looking down at you really be all that new of an experience to you? And even if they were to again, you can just kick their asses like you did to both Neji and your father!"

"Naruto-kun!" Hinata giggled as Naruto laughed and held her a little tighter to him which she welcomed.

"And after they personally saw what you did to Gaara in the Chuunin Exam Finals," Naruto pointed out, "I highly doubt they'll scorn you, especially since they still want me to train more of their Main House members besides you and Hanabi-chan."

"Speaking of Hanabi," Hinata asked, "There's something I've been meaning to ask you for a long time now. But I just didn't know how to ask this of you."

I'm "And what would that be?" Naruto asked.

"Are you aware that Hanabi has strong affections for you Naruto-kun?" Hinata asked and then stated, "She doesn't see you as her older brother figure."

"I know she acts playful and affectionate around me," Naruto said, "I did see that she has quite a crush on me."

"She looks at you the same way I did at her age," Hinata replied, "A few months ago, she confided in me, and confessed to me her feelings for you. But she made it clear that she never tried anything behind my back with regard to you. She said that she tried to move on and get over her feelings for you. She told me that she even talked to father about her feelings for you months earlier and asked for ways to help her to deal with them."

"I can only imagine how your father handled that situation since Hanabi-chan later went and talked to you about the matter," Naruto remarked, "But Hanabi-chan never confessed her feelings to me though I was aware of them. Was there anything else she said to you?"

"We-Well…" Hinata stuttered, "There was one deep secret she confided in me and Kurenai-sensei about with regards t-to…to-"

Hinata was too embarrassed to reveal and since Hanabi never told that secret to Naruto, but only to both her and their father, was at a loss on whether or not to reveal it to Naruto. Naruto saw that Hinata paused for quite a moment after her short stuttering session.

"If you're not comfortable telling me about it that you don't need to force yourself to," Naruto assured, "Whatever it was Hanabi told you, your father and Kurenai must have been something sensitive and private. You don't need to break or betray her trust by telling me about it if it's that personal."

Hinata felt bad for withholding that piece of information from Naruto. The fact that her younger sister in their past private conversation admitted that part of her wanted Naruto to be shared between them had been one of the major issues that's been bothering Hinata.

But Hinata soon realized something and apologized, "I'm sorry Naruto-kun."

"Sorry?" Naruto repeated with a confused tone, "Sorry for what exactly?"

"For not being fair to you as you have confided and trusted me with a lot of heavy matters and you even confided in me about the foreign priestess Shion and what she's hoping to do and have with you," Hinata elaborated, "You chose not to keep such a sensitive important clan business to yourself but revealed it to me in confidence and trust. It's only fair I tell you something Hanabi told me that's been on my mind for the past few months that's been bothering me sometimes."

"And what is it that you want to reveal to me concerning Hanabi-chan?" Naruto inquired, "That is, if it's not too much to say to me?"

"It was hard for Hanabi to confessed this deep secret to me," Hinata said, "Understandably she was scared of my possible reaction towards her or if I'd retaliate against her even though she didn't literally do anything. She confessed to me that had thoughts and fantasies of her and myself in a threesome relationship with you."

"Did I hear you right, Hinata-chan?" Naruto asked in disbelief, "Hanabi-chan had thoughts and fantasies about all three of us together like that?"

"I know you didn't put that idea into Hanabi's head Naruto-kun," Hinata stated, "Hanabi personally confirmed that she got the idea from one of your Ichaicha Paradise books she took and read without your knowing of it. Hanabi even showed me the specific book and story as evidence as to where she got the idea from and how she managed to take the book from you with your notice."

"I know that story and book!" Naruto realized, "I thought I lost that rare golden limited one-time edition! I had just finished that book before it oddly went missing a few months ago. I thought I misplaced and lost the book out of carelessness but it never occurred to me that Hanabi-chan stole it from right under my nose this entire time!"

"Looks like you taught her well if she was able to get one over you months ago," Hinata giggled much to Naruto's embarrassment.

"Well," Naruto said, "Successfully taking an adult-oriented book I already read from under my nose is a small success. But I will admit that I myself am not sure how to handle Hanabi's affections for me. It's certainly not like Konohanasakuya who clearly acknowledges me as her older brother since ero-jisan is my godfather. Plus, I already gave Hanabi-chan my word that I would train and help her reach and unlock her potentials like I did for you Hinata-chan, I'm not sure if or when she'll find someone other than me to fall for."

"I know it'll be difficult for her," Hinata admitted, "She spends a lot of time with you, as do I but you and I are a couple. Still, I trust Hanabi and know she won't try anything behind my back. I know she's doing her best to keep her affections under control."

"We can't control who Hanabi-chan falls for," Naruto said, "But at the very least, we can be there to help her through her challenges. I'm sure she'll eventually grow out of her feelings for me and look back at them as a past childhood crush. After all, I used to have a huge crush on Sakura back when we were students at the ninja academy. But I got over her and moved on and found you, didn't I?"

"That's true," Hinata agreed.

"Hanabi-chan is still young and growing," Naruto said, "She'll go through many experiences in her life and go through different trials and obstacles. But all that will only serve to develop and shape her into her own woman as she grows and matures, just like you my Moon's Eye Spring Rabbit."

Naruto reached out and pulled the blanket over them to cover themselves.

"Let's not worry too much about the matter," Naruto suggested, "For now, let's enjoy our special moment together. That what we came here to do in the first place."

"Alright then," Hinata agreed, "But can we spend the night here together? We can return back to our respective homes early tomorrow morning if that's alright with you."

"If that makes you happy then I'm happy to oblige," Naruto replied.

"Thank you," Hinata said in return as she made herself more comfortable in Naruto's arms, "I wish I can spend every night like this with you."

"We will one day," Naruto assured, "After we get marry in the future that is. But that's a discussion for a future day and-" Naruto saw that Hinata had already fallen fast asleep peacefully on him, "She's fell asleep so quickly before I could finish my statement. I suppose it can't be helped."

Naruto laid back and relaxed himself as he pulled Hinata closer to him before going to sleep himself.

Meanwhile outside the class love motel Naruto and Hinata were spending the night at, a masked ninja was standing on the roof of another building surveying the area. He was tracking Naruto and Hinata and he learned that they were somewhere in the area. Sometime earlier he had lost track of them and have been looking for them since as he tried to retrace when he last caught on to their possible whereabouts.

"Where the hell did that Uzumaki Jinchuuriki and that Hyuuga heiress disappear to?" the ninja asked himself, "I'm certain that they came through this area."

"You won't live long enough to learn of their whereabouts," a voice calmly said from behind. The ninja turned quickly only to be caught and wrapped in adamantine chakra chains belonging to Seijiro. The righthand man of the Uzumaki clan leader saw that the ninja in question was an Oto ninja.

"More of Orochimaru's trash," Seijiro remarked as the captured Oto ninja tried desperately to break free but it was to no avail. Seijiro knew Naruto was with Hinata at the love motel just across the street, but as Naruto's personal bodyguard, he remained hidden and close by on surveillance in the event an ambush from enemies would be attempted.

"During the week," Seijiro stated, "My intuitions have been on point. This is the fourth time I had to track down and deal with garbage spies from Oto like yourself."

"I'll tell you nothing!" the Oto ninja said in defiance.

"That's too bad for you," Seijiro replied, "Because the Uzumaki clan has no tolerance or mercy for enemies looking to spy on us and our clan leader," Seijiro then darkly stated, "You sealed your fate!"

Seijiro shunshin'd with him to the Forest Death where three other spies of Orochimaru he recently captured were killed with their bodies being completely disposed of by being devoured by the vicious wild animals residing in that sector of the forest Honoka controlled. Seijiro would have Honoka use her pheromonic chakra to command the animals there to consume the bodies without leaving a trace of blood behind. Body disposal of enemies was something Honoka was always efficient at, either by having them completely devoured by her animals or having them sealed away in unmarked graves.

---

(Three Days Later; In Otogakure)

Orochimaru was in his throne room receiving a report from Guren about his fourth spy going missing within a week after he, like the other three, hadn't reported back to her about any of his findings on Naruto.

"Our four spies going missing can only mean that they were found and killed," Kabuto stated, "One of our spies going missing would have been bad enough. But four in less than a week is alarming."

"I've been trying to keep tabs on the reviving Uzumaki clan for the past few months now," Orochimaru said, "Getting any useful intel on them have proven difficult. And the fact that my spies have been taken out so thoroughly without their bodies or even a trace of blood being found means that the Uzumaki clan are on to me. It's vexing to say the least. By the way, how's things with Sasuke-kun and Tayuya?"

"Things are progress well," Guren reported, "Tayuya has been having success in re-influencing Sasuke again. From what our spies reported, he falling more and more into the Cursed Seal's power and influence. It won't be long before he seeks you out for more power and training."

"Tayuya's work has truly surpassed my expectations," Orochimaru complimented, "Sasuke-kun's promotion to Chuunin did delay her progress considerably and almost forced her to start over from scratch. However, she managed to overcome that setback and get things back into my favor. Losing my four spies is only a small price to pay if Sasuke-kun is successfully brought here to me."

"How do you intend to have Sasuke-kun brought here to you Orochimaru-sama?" Kabuto asked.

"Originally I was going to have the Sound Four, assisted by Kimimaro, bring Sasuke-kun to me," Orochimaru explained. "But all of them are dead now no thanks to that damn Naruto. I'll have to devise another means of bringing Sasuke-kun here to me and you Guren will lead the charge in bringing Sasuke-kun to me."

"As you command Orochimaru-sama," Guren replied in compliance.

---

(Meanwhile In Amegakure)

The Akatsuki were meeting together in telepathic spectral forms as their they were actually miles away from each other. All of the members were giving their report about their progress and mission successes in gather money to support their organization. Itachi reported in on our he and his partner Kisame were attacked by Roka The Rogue Slayer with Kisame being defeated by Roka.

"I heard of Roka The Rogue Slayer," Sasori said, "But I had no idea he was of Uchiha descent."

"His Sharingan is far superior to mine and his chakra reserve is impressively huge," Itachi said, "Even after my battle with him he still had a large amount of chakra left to battle with."

"I'm amazed you both managed to escaped from him," Deidara asked, "You and Kisame clearly lost that fight with him and both of you would be dead now if it wasn't for your dumb luck in getting away."

"Itachi's and Kisame's demise would have led to some majors delays with our work had Roka succeeded in killing them," Pain said, "Thankfully Itachi's quick thinking and maneuvering prevented that from happening. However, we'll have to work extra on each of our ends until Itachi and Kisame make a full recovery."

"Well that sucks ass," Hidan commented.

"Hmph," Kakuzu grunted, "So Itachi, how do you feel knowing that there's another Uchiha out there stronger than you that even you can't beat or kill?"

"Roka would have prevented and killed Itachi before he could have massacred the Uchiha clan had he lived in Konoha I'm sure," Deidara remarked.

"I'd love to add Roka to my collection of puppets," Sasori commented, "It would be nice to have a strong Uchiha of his caliber as a rare edition to my beautiful artwork."

"Oh please!" Deidara argued, "You know nothing about the true meaning of beauty and art!"

"That's enough!" Pain said, "There's still much about Roka that we don't know despite Itachi's explanation. Therefore, if you see him, don't attempt to engage him or draw his attention to yourselves if he's in your area. Continue your missions as mercenaries and bring in the needed funding for our organization. Dismissed."

After Pain had dismissed them, he and Konan turned to a figure standing in the shadows.

"How are things progressing?" the man in the shadows inquired.

"Itachi and Kisame ran into trouble that nearly cost them their lives," Pain answered, "Have you ever heard of Roka The Rogue Slayer, Madara?"

"No," "Madara" said, "Why do you ask?"

Pain went on to explained everything Itachi told him about Roka and the battle he (Itachi) and Kisame had with him. "Madara" listened carefully to what he was being told. Soon Pain was done explaining everything to him.

"I thought Kaoru was killed on a mission years ago as her body was never recovered," "Madara" said, "To think she was alive all that time as a deserter in secret. The way Itachi described Roka's skills and power is, disturbing. I was left to believe that Itachi, Sasuke and myself were the only Uchihas left alive. Knowing now that there's a fourth one roving the shinobi world whom Itachi and Kisame together can't defeat and was almost killed by both intrigues and alarms me.

"It's a pity Itachi was forced to retreat and not find out where Roka was heading."

"What do you intend to do about Roka?" Pain asked.

"I'll investigate and locate Roka personally and find out how he was able to avoid detection from Konoha and myself," "Madara" said.

"No disrespect," Konan spoke up, "But how do you expect to find him if he was able to avoid your detection all these years? Even now Konoha doesn't know Roka exists and that he chooses not to travel there for personal reasons as Itachi explained."

"Let me worry about that Konan," "Madara" said, "Besides that, our plans continue unchanged and will move forward. Do your part, and I'll do mine."

"Madara" teleported and left Konan and Pain behind.

"Konan," Pain said, "Between you and me, my parents knew Roka from long ago. He was their friend."

This news surprised and shocked Konan.

"What if Madara finds him?" Konan asked.

"From what my parents told me about Roka," Pain said, "If you're an enemy searching for him, Roka will allow himself to be found if he intends to kill you. That's why Itachi and Kisame managed to find Roka because he had purposefully intended to kill them."

Konan quietly nodded her head in acknowledgment of his words.

---

(A Week Later; Back In Konoha)

Kurenai had to firmly address Sakura's violent temper, again. A month ago she had to sternly reprimand Sakura for her violent outburst towards Kiba during one of their missions. Kurenai made it very clear to Sakura that her violent behavior and temper won't be tolerated and she warned Sakura that another violent outburst like hers again would lead to immediate disciplinary actions against her.

Shino had warned Sakura four months earlier about Kurenai not tolerating her violent temper against her teammates and evidently Sakura in time chose to disregard it, which led to her recent verbal reprimand from Kurenai. After being given a final warning from Kurenai, Sakura saw that she had to keep her temper and violent outburst in check, or face whatever punishment Kurenai would carry out against her.

---

(Meanwhile At The Uzumaki Medical Training Corps)

After much effort and hard work from Tsunade with Hinata and Konohanasakuya assisting where they could, Karin's body was completely healed and freed from all of her scars, something Karin deeply appreciated, and Arashi also by extension. Tsunade, with the aid of Hinata's Byakugan, was able to find a way to utilize Karin's own healing chakra to restore her body and remove all of the bite scars she incurred during her terrible years in Kusagakure.

Tsunade was doing a thorough examination on her fellow Uzumaki with Hinata and Konohanasakuya present during the medical examination.

"There's not a scratch on your body Karin," Tsunade said, "What does your Byakugan sees Hinata?

"Her vitals and chakra coils are performing and flowing normally," Hinata said with her activated bloodline limit, "In fact, her chakra reserves and the strength of her chakra have gotten stronger too as a result of her body being healed and restored."

"That's excellent news!" Karin remarked happily and excitedly, "Now I don't have to look in the mirror and be reminded of horrors my body suffered at the hands of those worthless Kusa-nins ever again!"

"Your healing chakra is very potent Karin," Tsunade stated, "It could even rival if not surpass my own healing abilities in time since you have more Uzumaki blood in your veins than I do."

"I'll let you three in on a little secret, but it doesn't go beyond this room as only Naruto-kun and Honoka know of this outside this circle," Karin said as Hinata, Tsuande and Konohanasakuya nodded their heads in agreement to swear to secrecy.

"I was the one responsible for completely healing Rock Lee after he was hospitalized for severe injuries from his brutal match with Gaara during the preliminaries," Karin revealed, "It was a favor Naruto-kun asked of me as he didn't want Lee's future as a Konoha ninja to be permanently ended because of the critical damages Gaara did to Lee's body with the deadly use of his sand. The only person who could have completely healed and restore Lee back to 100% like me is you Tsunade-sensei."

"You were the one who helped and healed Lee?" Hinata asked in total surprise.

"Not even the Sandaime knows of this as Naruto-kun didn't want him or anyone else to know how Lee was completely healed and restored," Karin said, "In fact, me healing Lee made him stronger and faster too as a result."

"It was the biggest mystery throughout Konoha," Hinata said, "Lee's team couldn't believe and many others and Sandaime-sama couldn't understand why someone would go through such extreme lengths to anonymously completely heal one of his severely wounded ninjas and not want to be credited and made known to everyone."

"Naruto-kun was worried about the possible repercussions if word got out about my potent healing chakra that could be accessed by biting me," Karin explained, "He didn't want me to suffer a repeat of what happened to both my mother and I in Kusagakure."

"Sarutobi-sensei would never have resorted to using you like sacrificial cattle like how you and your mother were used in Kusa," Tsunade assured.

"It wasn't Sandaime that Naruto-kun was worried about," Karin clarified, "It was Danzō."

"Why would Naruto-niichan be wary of Danzō?" Konohanasakuya asked since she hardly knew the man.

"Danzō would want me for my special healing chakra," Karin said, "He would look to make use of it for his Root ANBU like Kusa did for their ninjas. But that's not all. Danzō had been trying to have an Uzumaki as one of his Root ANBU ninjas for years. Particularly, an Uzumaki who's a Jinchuuriki. He once tried to convince Uzumaki Ashina-sama, our previously clan leader, to allow him to have Naruto-kun's mother, Kushina, when she was much younger to be given into his custody so he could develop and train her to become Konoha's ultimate weapon since she was going to become the next Jinchuuriki of Kyuubi. You see, Kushina was Ashina-sama's granddaughter and his response to Danzō made his point very clear."

"What did he say?" Hinata inquired as both her and Konohanasakuya wanted to hear what happened. Though Tsunade already knew the story she allowed Karin to retell it to the two girls.

"The question should be 'what did he do'," Karin explained, "He humiliated and brutally beat Danzō in front of Sandaime and the other members of the hierarchy before warning him to stay away from his granddaughter. Ashina-sama further warned Danzō with a sworn promise that if he hears that he, Danzō, approached Kushina in any way that made her uncomfortable that he, Ashina-sama, would personally return back to Konoha and kill him and destroy his entire Root organization before taking Kushina back to Uzu no Kuni."

"He boldly made that threat in front of the Hokage while beating the hell out of one of this village's hierarchy?" Konohanasakuya asked in surprise and disbelief, "That's practically a declaration of war Ashina-sama made in front of them! But considering that Danzō had crossed the line with him as the ruler of Uzu no Kuni, it's understandable."

"How did you find this out?" Tsunade asked and stated, "I'm sure an incident like that would have been made classified to anyone outside hierarchy as Danzō would never want that incident to be made public knowledge."

"It was Naruto-kun who found out about it," Karin revealed, "I don't know when or how he did, but he related that story to both me and Seijiro-jisan. When I asked him how he found this out, he all he told me was that he has his sources and methods of finding deep dirt on people. It was his way of saying that I don't need to know how he found out about it, just that he did."

"Interesting," Konohanasakuya replied, "I can see Naruto-kun saying that."

"Our clan is very protective of our own," Tsunade added, "Especially of our bonds with those truly close to us. We don't take kindly to those who threaten and attack us or our allies."

"Also Konohanasakuya," Hinata spoke up, "Danzō and the Uzumaki clan have bad blood with each other for years. Naruto-kun described Danzō as a dangerous manipulative man full of deceit and treachery who tried to ruin his life while he was still a child. He told me how Danzō once tried to convince Sandaime-sama to allow him to develop Naruto-kun into Konoha's living weapon, which Sandaime-sama vehemently refused to allow."

"He failed to get Naruto-niichan's mother so he tried to get Naruto-niichan himself," Konohanasakuya remarked, "I'll seriously take your words and that of Karin's and Tsunade-sensei's into deep consideration and be very careful with Danzō. I'll be sure not to ever trust that man or anyone from his organization. But in any case," Konohanasakuya turned to Tsunade, "You mentioned how Karin's chakra is potent enough to rival your own healing skills because of her pure blood Uzumaki heritage."

"Our longevity is connected to our healing factors," Karin explained, "We Uzumaki are known for our longevity and known for outliving many people by more than one hundred and fifty years."

"Your clansmen can live for that long?" Konohanasakuya asked

"We can and my ancestors have," Karin said, "It's one of our heritage and one of the things we're envied for."

"With some time and specialized training," Tsunade suggested, "We can find a way for you to utilize your special healing chakra to help and heal any injury no matter how severe or life-threatening without the need for you to be bitten to access your chakra. If we can succeed in accomplishing that, your level and caliber of healing will surpass those of my own as an Uzumaki. You'll be in a special class of your own."

"Sweet!" Karin cheered, "Being able to surpass one of the legendary Sannins? I'm all up for that!"

"And what of myself and Hinata?" Konohanasakuya asked, "If Karin's own special chakra alone can surpass your healing abilities then what hope is there for either of us to surpass you also, if at all?"

"Hinata has the Byakugan and can see things far behind what normal sight can see," Tsunade said, "Combining her Byakugan and her in-depth knowledge of chakra, chakra coils, water manipulation and the human anatomy with my medical training and tutelage, she'll have the abilities to surpass any known healing doctor or surgeon. My recommendation for Hinata is also take up hematology. Combining her unique expertise in blood manipulation with hematology and her Byakugan will allow her to develop vaccines for varies complex medical problems involving blood, blood pathogens, bacterial parasites and viruses."

Hinata was heavily surprised by what she was hearing from Tsunade. She knew the Slug Princess wasn't seeing all those things to inflate her head. Tsunade's words were clear in-depth assessments of her possible accomplishments if given the chance and time to study, practice and train hard enough to reach those amazing goals. But Hinata knew that even with the use to Kage Bunshin it would still require a great deal of time and energy to reach and achieve those goals she now decided to fulfill.

"I'll do my best to reach and fulfill all of your expectations and assessments of my abilities Tsunade-sama," Hinata declared with a confident tone.

"And what of me?" Konohanasakuya question, "I have no special healing chakra like Karin or the Byakugan or water affinity or blood manipulation like Hinata. What great feats could I possibly accomplish as a medic Tsunade since I don't possess those special abilities to enhance my developing medical abilities?"

Tsunade was trying to come up with something to say that would be actually legit and honest. So far, she was coming up short. Konohanasakuya stood there patiently waiting to her Tsunade's words to her.

"I'm sure my time training under your tutelage gave you in-depth insight to assess my potentials as a medic," Konohasakuya remarked, "Whatever they are."

"Well," Tsunade started off, "You're highly skilled in pressure points, meaning you're very educated in the functions of the human nervous system and blood circulation system."

"Shouldn't every medic be educated in such things?" Konohanasakuya asked.

"Not every medic is a skilled expert in pressure points or acupuncture," Tsunade answered, "Just like how only those with the Byakugan can see and shut off chakra points in a body."

"Alright," Konohanasakuya replied, "So how far could I take this?"

"With your head knowledge on the nervous system and blood circulation system," Tsunade suggested, "As a medic, you can also train in neurology and like Hinata, hematology."

"Neurology and hematology?" Konohanasakuya repeated, "Sounds like fields that Hinata would surpass me at considering her bloodline limit."

"My actual intention is for all three of you to learn to work together as a team," Tsunade explained, "Not competing over who's better than the other as medics just because of whatever abilities you or someone else possess or doesn't possess. Ideally, rivalry shouldn't have any place in the medical field but sadly not everyone believes in that principle.

"The whole purpose of being medics and doctors is to heal and save as many lives as possible and that means working together as a crew, not against each other as rivals or competitors. Such divisions among medics and doctors only lead to disasters and death. Regardless of whatever respective gifts or natural abilities you have that can be implemented in your goals into be my future medics, they should be used to help and save the lives of friends, comrades, family and loved ones. Do well to take my words to heart."

Konohanasakuya saw the truth and moral behind Tsunade's words and decided to comply and go along with it, as did Hinata and Karin. Turning to Jiraiya's daughter, Tsunade said, "Konohanasakuya-hime, while you may not have special healing chakra like Karin or the Byakugan like Hinata, that doesn't mean you can't be a great medic ninja. Take Rock Lee for example, the green clad Genin whom Naruto introduced you to after inviting you to have a spar session with him."

"I remember him clearly," Konohanasakuya replied, "No offense, but both him and his sensei should receive a fashion citation."

"You're not the first who commented on their unusual choice in fashion," Tsunade remarked, "And you won't be the last either. But that's beside the point. While at the academy, Lee wasn't able to perform any ninjutsu type, not even the basics of ninjutsu. Even now, he still can't perform any ninjutsu. He was his class' dead last and looked down on at as someone who would never become a good ninja. For a time, even his own teammates, didn't believe in him since he was a claimed prodigy and genius like his teammate Hyuuga Neji.

"Yet despite all of the negativity and lack of confidence others had in him, Lee never gave up on himself and neither did his sensei. Him not being able to use ninjutsu didn't make him any less of a ninja than anyone else as through years of hard and intense training and practicing, he became one of Konoha's most valuable Genins and taijutsu experts. He's also very formidable and incredibly fast as a natural drunken master with he actually drank a small amount of alcohol. I heard that both Gai and Neji working together struggled a lot just to restrained him when it was first discovered that he's a natural drunken master after he sipped a very small amount of sake completely by accident."

"Lee had hidden talents that he himself didn't even know he had during his team at the academy because his academy teachers at the time didn't invest time into finding his real strengths and potentials, which has always been a handicap of Konoha's ninja academy. Even Naruto proved my point in that regard."

"What do you mean?" Konohanasakuya inquired.

"I'm sure he told you the story about how he purposely played the role of his class' dead last and prankster to mask his true intelligence and abilities from the Hokage and the entire village," Tsunade replied.

"It was a very ingenious idea," Konohanasakuya said, "I was amazed at how that façade deceived everyone and his enemies so effectively."

"That's right," Tsunade said, "Naruto was looked at as a lost cause while his academy teachers looked at others with potentials and high hopes. This was the mistake their teachers made and regretted shamefully. That's the same mistake I won't make with you. You're not only the Sage's Daughter, you're not only the ruling princess of your village, you're a young lady with hidden potentials for great accomplishments and break throughs in the medical field and in medic jutsu. I'll be teaching you, Karin and Hinata not only medical skills but also combat skills. All this will make you three great medics."

Konohanasakuya replied, "My mother accomplished many things in her life before her death. My goal is to surpass my late mother and fulfill all of my father's hopes and expectations of me. Since you're dating my father, I'm trusting that you won't disappoint him or my people as I'm entrusting myself into your care and training."

"I promise you," Tsunade assured, "When I'm finished, your people will be amazed by your new skills and abilities."

"My only request is that you keep your temper and bad habits of alcohol drinking and gambling to a minimum," Konohanasakuya replied, "I'd hate for your vices to have influential effects on us as your protégés."

"Young lady you don't know the joys of sake, fine wine and whisky yet," Tsunade remarked with a confident smile, "In the future, to celebrate the completion of this training, we all will have an all-girls night out with wine and sake and good food!"

"I'm in!" Karin cheered, "It'll be our graduation party treat!"

"That's sounds good to me too," Hinata agreed.

"Well," Konohanasakuya said, "I'm sure Shizuka and Ami will want to tag along also in the future."

"They can come along also in the future," Tsuande said, "They want to celebrate your accomplishments to no doubt."

"It's only been four months," Konohanasakuya said, "But I'll see how far you can get me to my goals."

"Trust me," Tsunade promised, "You won't be disappointed!"

---

(Three Days Later; At The Hyuuga Compound)

Hinata was making her way to the meeting chamber where both the Main House and the Cadet Branch House were. From what Hinata was told, Hiashi had a very important announcement to make that would affect the entire clan. Before long Hinata arrived and found that everyone was waiting for her to arrive. Hanabi and Neji were already at their stations with the rest of the clan members.

"Hinata," Hiashi greeted as he gestured for Hinata to come forward, "Come, and take your seat with us."

"Yes father," Hinata obeyed as she entered and went to take her seat on one of the mats on the floor inside the chamber. Seeing that everyone was assembled, Hiashi began the meeting.

"This meeting will now commence," Hiashi said, "As everyone is now well aware, Uzumaki Naruto is officially the Uzumaki clan leader and a Konoha shinobi council member. What's also become public knowledge is how Naruto is not only the godson of our new Hokage but also the godbrother of Konohanasakuya-hime, the ruler of Nadeshiko, who so happens to be the daughter of Jiraiya-sama. On top of this, Konohanasakuya-hime personally requested Naruto and as his female Uzumaki brethren to serve as ambassadors and emissaries for Konoha, thus Naruto and his three other brethren will be granted diplomatic status and higher levels of responsibilities in Konoha."

"If I may politely asked Hiashi," one of the Main House members asked, "What does this have to do with our clan?"

"I was getting to that," Hiashi replied, "If you patiently wait, I'll explain. As everyone here is aware of, Naruto happens to be involved with my daughter Hinata while having my second daughter Hanabi as his student alongside Hinata. Naruto's training of my eldest daughter has led her to achieve amazing feats and abilities that has never been seen since the founding of the Hyuuga clan and I'm sure that he'll be teaching both Hinata and Hanabi more as time continues. And because of Naruto's teaching and training, Hinata not only defeated, Gaara, who was later revealed to be a mostly deadly and dangerous Jinchuuriki that Suna was planning to use as a trump card against Konoha during the invasion, but she was promoted to Chuunin and reassigned to be part of Team 7 alongside both Naruto and Sasuke who also were promoted together with Hinata."

"Jiraiya-sama re-established the teaming of the Byakugan and the Sharingan," Kō asked in surprised, "That team formation hasn't been done since…my and Shisui's disgrace in that failed mission to protect that foreign ambassador years ago."

"It was Sandaime-sama who re-established the teaming of the Byakugan and the Sharingan," Hiashi clarified, "Joined with the powers of the Uzumaki. It turned out that this team pairing was originally supposed to happened again before Naruto's interference which led to the team temporarily not having Hinata but another female. After Sandaime-sama learned the truth behind what happened and why, he corrected the team formations back to how they were supposed to be. Evidently Kō, your past mistake along with that of Shisui didn't dissuade Sandaime-sama from pairing the Byakugan with the Sharingan once again. From what I was informed about, Uchiha Sasuke has no interest in trying to prove anything about the Sharingan against the Byakugan."

"I understand," Kō accepted, feeling a form of relief that his past mistake was evidently forgiven.

"Another very important matter to bring to the clan's attention," Hiashi revealed, "Is my decision to step down as clan leader and shinobi council member and allow Hinata to assume my roles as clan leader and council member."

That was a bombshell that no one, not even the clan elders or Hinata herself expected.

"Hiashi!?" one of the Main House members asked, "Don't you believe this is too soon for Hinata?"

"Let me make my points very clearly for everyone to understand," Hiashi said patiently as he briefly raised his right hand to silence the commotion and calm everyone down, "Naruto is the same age as Hinata. He's also a Chuunin, a clan leader, a shinobi council member and an ambassador. If Hinata is to keep in pace with Uzumaki Naruto, she must prove to be able to carry the same weight of responsibilities as a clan leader and a shinobi council member. And like Naruto, Hinata is being personally trained by a Sannin, being none other than Tsunade-sama herself. Ironically, that means she's being trained by another Uzumaki besides Naruto.

"Hinata has more than proven her prowess and surpassed all of my expectations of her and I know she threw the match we had together more than a month ago and lost to me on purpose to hide her real strength and abilities from us until after the Chuunin Exam Finals. If I were to challenge her in combat again in the same manner she battled Sakabu no Gaara, without a doubt I'll lose, brutally. Her Jyuuken style is far superior and completely surpasses my own and combined with her new training under Tsunade-sama, she'll reach new levels of talents and skills that neither I nor anyone else in this clan ever reached."

Everyone took a moment to think about everything Hiashi was explaining. The more they did, they saw and understood his reasons. They found no valid ground on which to dispute Hiashi's words especially since they witnessed Hinata's advancements, actions and upgraded abilities themselves. Neji looked at Hinata and found her to be deep in thought. Neji tuned to Hiashi and inquired, "If I may ask, will I continue as Hinata-sama's bodyguard? It's more than obvious that I'm no match for her or anywhere near the caliber of her strengths and abilities."

"While this is true niisan," Hinata said, "That doesn't make me invincible. Even Naruto-kun acknowledges that about himself also. As strong as he is, Uzumaki Seijiro-san is Naruto-kun's righthand man and bodyguard. I would like for you to carry out that same role for me."

"Accepted, Hinata-sama," Neji replied. Hiashi turned to Hinata and asked, "Do you believe that this is too soon for you Hinata?"

"I will admit that it's surprising and overwhelming since I had always thought that I would be giving the position as clan leader when I was much older," Hinata admitted.

"That's understandable," Hiashi accepted, "But I will be taking the role as your personal adviser and instructor if you choose to accept the role of clan leader as it is your birthright as clan heiress. Your role as Chuunin already puts you in the position of leadership and making important decisions that could affect the lives and futures of those put under your command."

Hinata saw that her father made a valid point with his last comment. And she saw that having her father as her personal adviser would be better than having the elders and other members of their clan's hierarchy as her advisers.

"I accept, father," Hinata stated, "I will take on the role and mantle of clan leader in your place."

---

(Two Days Later; At Training Ground 16)

Team 9 and Gai were assembled at the training ground. Neji looked to be in deep thought as he was contemplating on an objective that he was going to relate to Gai and his team.

"What's on your mind Neji?" Gai inquired.

"I signed up and joined the class to become a medic nin," Neji said, causing Tenten, Lee and Gai to look at him as if he grew an extra head on his shoulders.

"You signed up and joined the class to do what?" Tenten asked, "Since when were you interested in medic jutsu?"

"This is at Hinata-sama's direction," Neji revealed, "She wishes for me to learn and practice medic and healing jutsu."

"Hinata-san asked you to train as a medic nin?" Lee inquired.

"Hinata-sama didn't ask me to train to become a medic ninja," Neji revealed, "She directly ordered me to."

Lee and Tenten found that surprising, even for Hinata.

"Hinata-sama directly ordered you to train to become a medic ninja?" Gai said, "When did she get this authority?"

"Let me explained…," Neji requested before expounding on what happened the two days ago at the last clan meeting that he was at. It took Neji seven minutes to explain everything in details without leaving anything out.

"Wow!" Tenten marveled, "Your cousin Hinata was made clan leader and shinobi council member sooner than even you expected!"

"She's truly brimming with the flames of her youth!" Lee remarked, "I never thought Hiashi-san would have chose to step down so soon and hand over his authority as clan leader to Hinata so readily. But after listening to your explanation behind his reasons, I can see why Hiashi-san would appoint Hinata and honor her birthright in making her clan leader."

"It's amazing how so much about Hinata-sama has changed in such a relatively short time," Neji said, "No one in the Main House challenged Hinata's right to become clan leader and shinobi council member or questioned her capacity to shoulder the responsibilities as Hiashi-sama placed his confidence in her ability to live up to her new roles in our clan now."

"How does it make you feel knowing that Hinata-san as your clan's heiress is the true prodigy and genius?" Lee asked.

"Truly humbled," Neji admitted, "I looked down on Hinata-sama back then and thought of her as inferior and beneath me. I blamed her, the Main House and fate for all of my problems and hardships. I was a coward and my cowardice led to my humiliation and shameful defeat by her hands during the preliminaries.

"During the Chuunin Exams Finals when she was battling Gaara, when Hinata-sama openly declared that she went easy on me while giving Gaara a chance to surrender, I felt even more embarrassed since her declaration was publicly made in front of foreign nobles and dignitaries. But after eyewitnessing her brutal and flawless victory over Gaara, who turned out to be a deadly Jinchuuriki, it only served to emphasized the point that I'm nowhere near Hinata-sama's caliber. She reached a level of talent and skills that no Hyuuga before her have reached before."

"So what will you do now knowing all this?" Gai inquired.

"I will do everything I can to continue improving and growing stronger," Neji said, "And I will carry out Hinata-sama's request to become a medic-nin. But the other reason for my choosing to train as a medic-nin is because it's the official decree of Jiraiya-sama that every ninja team must have a medic ninja. With my Byakugan and in-depth insight on chakra and chakra coils, it would only make sense that I become our team's medic ninja since my bloodline limit will allow me to see and understand more than regular doctors and medic-nins do."

"That's a very youthful new goal Neji," Gai said, "You will be a most effective youthful medic ninja after your medical training is complete. When do you plan to enroll?"

"I already did," Neji revealed, "Hinata, Karin and Konohanasakuya-hime will be Tsunade-sama's personal apprentices as they were personally offered by Tsunade-sama to become her apprentices."

"Those three are getting personal training from Tsunade-sama herself!?" Tenten asked and remarked, "They're so lucky! But Konohanasakuya lives in another country as its monarch despite being Jiraiya-sama's daughter."

"I'm sure something has been worked out Konohanasakuya's favor," Gai said, "We need not worry so much about that."

---

(The Following Day; At The Uchiha District)

Tayuya was up and fully dressed in dark shorts and red t-shirt that had the Uchiha clan insignia on the back of the shirt. She was wearing bandages around her ankles and bottom half of her legs. A few weeks ago, she started wearing clothes possessing the Uchiha clan insignia rather than her common clothes for Otogakure after Sasuke provided and asked her to wear them for now on. Sasuke told her that though they're not married yet, he sees her as member of his clan now and that he wishes to see her wear his clan's insignia. Tayuya accepted and wore all of Uchiha clothes not only for Sasuke's good pleasure, but for her own as well.

After preparing breakfast and Sasuke's bento for the day, she walked out of the kitchen and over to the front door to place her sandals on. When she was done placing her sandals on, she walked out of the house through the front door. While standing outside the house, she started playing her flute while watching the sunrise. Moments later, she saw a crystal materialized and glitter in front of her.

"Guren," Tayuya called out.

"In the flesh," Guren greeted as she appeared in from of Tayuya via smoke shunshin, "It's been months."

"Too bad it's not years," Tayuya figured, "Here for my report no doubt."

"Straight to the point," Guren replied, "At least we can get down to business faster. I've seen how things with the Uchiha has been gradually changing as his previous popularity isn't what it used to be."

"Many of his colleagues have started questioning both his stability and self-control," Tayuya explained, "They reported that in their missions with him that he's became increasingly more aggressive and executed needless brutality against outmatched criminals and ninjas even after they surrendered. There's even been friction between Sasuke and his Uzumaki teammate. Many have lost their trust and confidence in Sasuke since he started falling back into the influence of the Cursed Seal in these passed weeks."

"So, the rumors are true," Guren stated, "I was hearing about this from the other Chuunins and Jounins who would talk to each other about Sasuke's increasing tendency to being prone to excessive violence against low class criminals and thugs through he never acted out openly against any of his fellow Konoha ninjas."

"And like I said," Tayuya reminded, "I had to start over after Sasuke's promotion to Chuunin and that it would take me some time to get the desired results in completely persuading Sasuke into deserting Konoha for Oto. It's nearly within my reach. It won't be long until I succeed in bringing him to Orochimaru-sama as ordered."

Guren took out and handed Tayuya a scroll.

"What that hell is this for?" Tayuya asked while looking at the scroll.

"A messenger scroll," Guren explained, "It's to be used on the night you finally convince Sasuke to leave Konoha with you. With the Sound Four gone with you as your team's only surviving member, Orochimaru-sama had to recruit new ninjas while rebuilding his army. This scroll will send a message to Orochimaru-sama troops stationed on standby at the far outer border of Konoha that you're ready to bring Sasuke to Orochimaru-sama. But you and Sasuke must be ready to leave Konoha and travel the following night after this scroll is used."

Tayuya quietly took the scroll and asked, "Is that all?"

"Well, seeing how you're now wearing attire of the Uchiha chan," Guren replied and then remarked, "I have to wonder what's up with that. Are you developing an attachment of sorts to the Uchiha?"

"He asked me to wear his clan insignia you dumb bitch!" Tayuya retorted, "That's no small thing considering that his late father was the previous the clan leader! Had I refused to wear it for him, I would have insulted both him and his slain people!"

"You're not an Uchiha by blood or marriage!" Guren stated and then asked, "So why does wearing that symbol matters to you?"

"It would have compromised my efforts in getting him to join me for Otogakure had I refused goddamn it!" Tayuya explained, "I may not to be an Uchiha by blood but he sees me as a surrogate member of his clan after everything I've done that got his ass to become far stronger now than he ever was before we met. This is massive proof that I'm very close to completing my damn mission as instructed, thus the scroll you gave me you dumbass!"

"Good point," Guren admitted as she found no fault in Tayuya's explanation, "Hopefully that next time I come by Sasuke will be ready to bring to Orochimaru-sama," Guren turned to leave and took a couple of steps before she stopped and added, "From what Kabuto explained to me, Orochimaru-sama is very pleased with your adaptability in influencing and manipulating Sasuke despite his promotion. Personally, I'm sure your work will not go unrewarded after you complete your mission. Until then, I'll take my leave."

Guren left the Uchiha District via smoke shuushin. Tayuya looked back at the scroll in her left hand and knew that her time in living Konoha with Sasuke was shortened. Even though she and Sasuke were working as Naruto's double agents with the Jiraiya's and Seijiro's supervision, she couldn't help but feel this overwhelming feeling of sadness as she placed her right hand over her face as some tears and low sobs came from her. Tayuya had to soon leave her new life behind, a life that reminded her of the happy one she had before her parents' betrayal and brutal murder. She had to "return" to the previous life she had as Orochimaru's subordinate.

"Guren came by again," Sasuke asked as he appeared behind Tayuya. Tayuya wiped her eyes and took a few deep breaths to compose herself. After a few minutes…

"We don't have much time left here in Konoha," Tayuya said, "At most, maybe a few days or two weeks."

"So, it's come down to this," Sasuke acknowledged.

"Well," Tayuya stated, "We both knew that it was a matter of time before Orochimaru decided to move things quicker."

"We'll have to inform Naruto, Seijiro and Jiraiya about this and plan for our departure soon," Sasuke noted.

"The boss was already made aware," a Naruto clone stated as he revealed himself from hiding from the roofs of one of the houses. The clone shunshin'd over to them and said, "My partner dispelled himself and sent everything we saw and heard to the boss who's now processing everything said between Guren and Tayuya."

"Does Naruto keep spies in my clan's district?" the annoyed Sasuke asked.

"We've been tracking and keeping an eye on Guren for months," the Naruto clone said, "We've been monitoring her every move. Seeing me here now is because her activities and movements led us here. Plus, if the boss didn't trust you or had doubts about you, he wouldn't stake his efforts and reputation as the Uzumaki clan leader and shinobi council member in trying to make you into the next Snake Sannin in the future after your time spying and training with Orochimaru is over."

"Point taken," Sasuke accepted and understood, "So what now?"

"Give the boss some time to plan out our next move," the clone advised, "He'll discussed this with Seijiro-jisan and ero-jisan. And Sasuke, have more trust and faith in the boss."

The clone then burst into a cloud of smoke, sending everything back to Naruto.

---

(Meanwhile)

Sai stood before Danzō. The young ninja still dropped his fake smile whenever he was around Konoha's infamous war hawk.

"So far Naruto and his team has been experiencing aggressive friction and difficulty with each other as Sasuke's demeanor has grown more hostile towards them and his fellow Konoha ninjas," Sai reported, "Many began questioning Sasuke's stability as some had witnessed the effects this Cursed Seal has had on his mentality."

"The Uchiha clan has always been a bane evening before my time and before the founding of Konoha," Danzō remarked.

"Other than that," Sai added, "There isn't anything further I found on Naruto, Danzō-sama. From what I heard, even Sandaime-sama has had a difficult time trying to keep tabs on Naruto's activities. Even going as far as having Sakura's mind read by Yamanaka Inoichi has provided Sandaime-sama nothing useful about Naruto."

"I'm already aware of that Sai," Danzō said, "I don't need to be reminded of that."

"I understand," Sai answered, "Is there anything else you require from me?"

"No," Danzō said, "For now, return to your duties and keep up your training. I have big plans for you in the future."

"Yes, Danzō-sama," Sai replied before leaving Danzō's presence. The age war hawk stood there in frustration. A little more than four months had gone by and still he wasn't unable to unearth anything useful to use against the Uzumaki clan. Moments later, Fu and Torune appeared before Danzō and knelt on their right knee in front of the man.

"Danzō-sama," Torune greeted emotionlessly.

"We have a report," Fu. Danzō looked to them and ordered, "Speak."

"Our network has reported on two wandering travelers, a mother and male child, both with red hair, that were residing in Nami no Kuni for the past number of days," Torune reported, "Our sources indicate that they've been inquiring of Uzumaki Naruto and Uzumaki Honoka and their whereabouts after coming in contact with Naruto's team's former client, Tazuna the architect and his family, after learning of his accomplishments and exploits in Nami no Kuni."

"The woman and her son are Uzumakis no doubt," Danzō stated, "Learning of their clan's survival and revitalization here in Konoha will no doubt lead them here to rejoin their clan. Were you or anyone else able to find and locate other surviving traveling Uzumaki members?"

"No," Fu answered, "Our forces are still searching and so far that mother and her son have been the only members we've found. We as speak the mother and child are traveling again and quickly making their way to Konoha. At the rate they're traveling, they should reach Konoha in about three days. What are your orders concerning them?"

"Intersect and bring them to me," Danzō instructed, "Alive! And make sure no harm comes to either of them. Get to them first before they arrive in Konoha and reach Naruto."

"Understood, Danzō-sama," Torune replied before he and Fu disappeared via shunshin from Danzō's sight. Danzō turned and left to return to his private chamber.

---

(Later That Afternoon)

Sasuke was walking through the village behind after performing some errands. He was dressed in blue ninja pants shirt, black sandals with white ankle bandages and his Chuunin vest. His peaceful stroll would only last for so long when…

"Sasuke-kun!" a female voice called out to him. Sasuke stopped and turned to see Sakura running over towards him. He sighed inwardly knowing what was to come.

"Yes Sakura?" Sasuke ask plainly.

"Sasuke-kun!" Sakura greeted, "It's been a while since we last got to talk!"

"We hardly talk at all," Sasuke remarked.

"And that's the problem," Sakura replied, "We've been so busy with work and other things in life that we really got the chance to talk and hang out. Since I'm free today and don't have any missions to perform today, how about we go for a nice walk together and enjoy lunch together."

"Can't," Sasuke declined, "I have things to do."

"But Sasuke-kun," Sakura pleaded, "I was really looking forward to actually getting the chance for us to talk and spend time together and-"

"Sasuke-kun!" a familiar voice called out. Sasuke inwardly groan to see Ino coming his way much to Sakura's displeasure.

"Hey Sasuke-kun!' Ino greeted with a sweet smile, "It's been a while! I miss you. Did you miss me?"

"Funny," Sakura retorted, "While planning things for today with Sasuke-kun, he mentioned nothing concern you Ino-pig."

"I bet there was nothing with you to plan at all," Ino replied, "Sasuke-kun has better things to do with his time than spend it on you, Forehead-girl."

"And what would you know?" Sakura argued, "I've never seen Sasuke-kun give you so much as a look!"

"Says you!" Ino shot back, "I was his first kiss!"

"That doesn't count!" Sakura argued, "Naruto caused that to happen when he almost-"

"Please!" Sasuke interjected, "Do not remind me of that close call!" Sasuke shuddered, "I still have nightmares!"

"Now look what you went and did Forehead!" Ino indicted, "You made Sasuke-kun upset!"

"I did no such thing!" Sakura shot back.

"That's enough!" Sasuke said firmly, causing both girls to be silent, "I'm tired of you both always bickering and arguing over the stupidest things! It's one of the things that always irritated me!"

Sasuke looked over at Ino and said, "Ino, since the time you became a Genin, I haven't seen any improvements from you at all! From what I've seen and heard, as a ninja you're entirely useless. You spent more time dieting and trying to become every boy's wet dream instead of focusing on becoming stronger and a true ninja. It's foolish fangirls like you and Sakura that give competent kunoichis a bad name. If either of you don't shape up and actually become real ninjas, both of you will just become liabilities that will cause your teams to be killed by enemy ninjas or worse, you and Sakura will just be captured and sold as sex slaves by enemies before being prostituted and raped to death!"

Sasuke then turned to Sakura and gave the pink-haired Genin an analytical stare and said, "Sakura, you were once best friends with Ino, who befriended you first when you had no friends and when you were always being bullied. She defended you and helped you through your struggles. Am I correct?"

"Y-Yes," Sakura answered as thought she was embarrassed to be reminded of her past.

"But after both you and Ino enrolled into the ninja academy," Sasuke continued, "You betrayed her and threw away your close friendship with Ino and made her your rival, all because you found out that, like you, she likes me also. Despite Ino's imperfections and mistakes," Sasuke then gave Sakura a hardened gaze which caused her to cringe and shrink back in intimidation, "I look at you far worse as a terrible person. By Kakashi's own principle, you're less than trash Sakura for turning on your own best friend for a guy who does not want you! You sicken and disgust me Sakura!"

Sasuke's words cut deep into Sakura as she felt tears running down her race profusely.

"You're a living, walking reminder of how I myself once was when I pathetically obsessed over Hinata at one time instead training to become real shinobi," Sasuke remarked coldly, "It was and will always be my most shameful and disgraceful few wasted years of my life and I'm ashamed of that. I don't need or want someone like you in my life Sakura. It's time you grow up and accept reality, and stop living an unrealistic fantasy that'll never come true!"

Sasuke turned and walked off not giving either Sakura or Ino a second glance. Ino, like Sakura, now had tears of her own coming down her face after hearing Sasuke harsh but truthful words about them.

"That was quite a speech," Sai remarked with a fake smile as he seemingly popped out of nowhere from behind them, "But from the look of things Sakura, Sasuke clearly doesn't you dick-riding him."

"SCREW YOU!" Sakura tearfully shouted as she rushed at Sai and attempted to punch him in the face. Sai however moved swiftly to Sakura's right side evading her fist.

"Such a nasty temper," Sai remarked, "After nearly four and a half months, you haven't changed at all."

Sakura looked back at Sai with anger and contempt as she charged at Sai again, only for him to dodge her attack effortlessly again. Ino looked at the young Chuunin whom she only seen and spoke to a few times before.

"Sai!" a tearful Ino warned, "This is not the time!"

Sakura threw another punch at Sai when he grabbed fist and hand it tightly as he applied pressure to it. Sakura screamed as she tried to free her hand from Sai's surprisingly strong grip.

Looking at back Ino, replied Sai, "Not the time for what exactly?"

"Let me go!" Sakura cried before she fell to her knees as Sai only continued holding her right fist tighter. She desperately tried to free her hand but the more she struggled the tighter his grip became.

"This is to remind you that you don't get a free pass to attack me just to vent your rage without consequences," Sai remarked with an emotionless tone, which startled both Sakura and Ino, "I'm the Chuunin here, not you. And even if you were a Chuunin now, the rule doesn't change. Remember that."

"I'm sorry!" Sakura apologized feeling the squeezing pressure her fingers and thumb were suffering.

"Apology accepted," Sai said with his fake smile returning to his face before releasing his hold on Sakura's fist. Ino went over to the pink-haired Genin who was still on her knees now massaging and soothing her right hand that was now in much pain.

"You both are wasting your time and energy pursuing Sasuke," Sai remarked, "A Chuunin who clearly don't want to have a relationship with either of you. I watched and observed you both and others for months. Sakura, Ino, you're constantly trying to win favors from Sasuke for all the wrong reasons."

Sakura glared at him as Ino stood and helped Sakura to her feet. Sai's fake smile never left his face as he feigned innocence and replied, "Honestly, you both need to reevaluate your motives and reasons for becoming ninjas in the first place. Accept that nothing you do will get Sasuke to notice either of you and move on. Find a true purpose and meaning for being ninjas like Hinata did. From what I've seen and observed from her, she's truly a strong kunoichi who made advancements farther than either of your two combined."

"Hinata is a Chuunin like you," Sakura replied, "We already know that Sai."

"Were you aware that Hinata became the new clan leader and shinobi council member two days ago?" Sai questioned.

"She what?" Sakura in disbelief, "Are you making that up!?"

"It's true Sakura," Ino confirmed as Sakura turned to look at her, "I found out about it from my father yesterday after he came home from an important council meeting with Godaime-sama regarding Hiashi-san's decision to step down from his positions and hand them over to Hinata. Word about this started circulating around Konoha early today."

"Even the one called Tenten have been making improvements and advancements," Sai commented, "Her rivalry with Naruto has really pushed her to become stronger and more adept as a ninja. I watched some of her recent battles with Naruto. She's actually making advances and changes to herself. You both can truly learn from their examples as they chose not to waste their potential but to make the best use of them."

Sai turned and started walking off, leaving the two girls with much to think about.

---

(Later That Afternoon; Many Miles From Konoha)

The Uzumaki mother and her son were making haste traveling through the glass land and trees hurrying to reach Konoha as fast as they could. They knew it would be a few days before they reached that village, so they would continue their traveling until it was late with them needing to rest. They man they were supposed to meet up with informed them to started journey to Konoha and that he would meet up with them along the way.

They had been on the road for two days now and had been making good travel time. Soon though, they stopped to rest briefly before continuing on their way.

All the while, a lone figure was traveling through the woods along the route that led to Nami no Kuni. The traveler wasted no time in hurrying over to Nami no Kuni receiving intel on Uzumakis being found and making their way to Konoha. Stopping, the traveler looked to see the Uzumaki mother and child eating together while talking together. From what he could make out, they seemed to be waiting for someone's arrival, whoever it was. Hearing enough, the traveler pulled out a scroll with written seals on them and opened it. Setting it down on the ground, the traveler formed a hand seal, resulting in the scroll to burst into a cloud of smoke. When the smoke cleared, it revealed Seijiro standing where the scroll previously was.

"Sir!" the traveler greeted.

"What's your report?" Seijiro asked.

"Look!" the agent advised as he pointed to the red-shaired woman and child. Seijiro took a good looked at the woman and was shocked by who he was seeing.

"It can't be!" Seijiro said in disbelief, "She's alive!?"

"You know that woman?" the traveler asked.

"From long ago." Seijiro confirmed and then said to his agent, "You have done me a great service! This will not go unrewarded."

Seijiro took out a pouch and handed it over to his agent. After accepting and opening the pouch, the agent saw that it was filled with valuable gold coins.

"Thank you!" the agent said, "I'll continue my services to the best of my abilities. Summon me anytime Seijiro-sama."

The agent shunshin'd via wind and dust, leaving Seijiro alone. Cautiously, Seijiro approached the woman and child as they were still each and talking. After a another moment, the child looked to see Seijiro approaching them.

"Mommy!" the child called out in alert, "Someone's approaching us!"

The woman stood up to see who her son was talking about. When she looked to see Seijiro standing in front of them, her eyes filled with disbelief and immense joy.

"Seijiro-kun!" the mother said, "Is that really you?"

"Hotaru-chan!" Seijiro greeted as he smiled happily, "I can't believe it! You survived the attack and escaped like the others!"

"Seijiro-kun!" the mother now identified as Hotaru tearfully shouted as she ran and embraced Seijiro affectionately, leaving her son confused as to who Seijiro was. She hugged him tightly as he hugged her just as affectionately in return. Soon they released each other from their embraced and looked at each other with smiles on their faces.

"I never thought I'd see you again!" Hotaru complimented, "I didn't know if you were killed or captured when our homeland was under attack!"

"It was chaotic and we lost many of our people and loved ones during that tragic night," Seijiro said, "I didn't know if you had made it out either. So much has happened since we last saw each other."

"Mommy!" the boy called out, grabbing both Seijiro's and Hotaru's attention, "Who's this man you're hugging?"

Hotaru gestured to her son to come over to them. Obeying, he went over to his mother as she reached out and gently pulled him over to her side.

"You have a son?" Seijiro asked in surprise.

"His name is Uzumaki Hotsuma," Hotaru said, "He's my only son."

"So you're married now," Seijiro figured, "Congratulations, and-"

"I'm widowed," Hotaru corrected, "My husband died a long time ago."

"What happened if I may ask?" Seijiro inquired.

"Uzumaki Hayashiro was my late husband's name," Hotaru said sadly, "He was killed before our son born. He kept me hidden after a group of ninjas from Iwa discovered us. I was nearly nine months pregnant and was unable to help him fight. He killed all of the Iwa ninjas but he himself was fatally wounded and lost too much blood before I could heal him. It's just been me raising and training my son Hotsuma ever since; until a few months ago when we ran into another Uzumaki who's been helping us."

"Another Uzumaki?" Seijiro asked with his interest sparked, "Who?"

"That would be me," a voice from a short distance said, causing Seijiro, Hotaru and Hotsuma to turn to where the voice came from. The newcomer looked to Seijiro with a smile and said, "Seijiro, it's been a very long time. You've grown a lot over the years since my time teaching and training you during our time in Uzu no Kuni."

Seijiro's eyes widened upon seeing who was in front of him as he called out, "Roka-sensei!?"

---

A lot has taken place and is going on. Three new Uzumaki's have been found and Seijiro clearly knows Roka and Hotaru from Uzu no Kuni. What Roka's history in Uzu no Kuni and with Seijiro and Hotaru? Will Naruto's plan for Kansui and Shion have success?

When will Hinata fulfill the prophecy in becoming the Byakugan Princess and what new challenges will Hinata as the new clan leader and shinobi council member face? Will Ino and Sakura move on from Sasuke and become true ninjas? When will Sasuke and Tayuya leave for Otogakure to start their secret mission there?

We'll have to see how things progress next time.