Tip Of The Spear
Chapter 13
Previously on Tip Of The Spear
….Tsunade just looked at her grandson and his wife along with the others, "Before you give me your debrief you need to know, the council has asked that you attend a meeting as soon as you got home."
"Asked or ordered because if it's the latter they can kiss my a..."
"Idiot!" Sakura yelled as she hit the angry teen in the head, "Let Lady Tsunade explain."
"Fine, but if they think they can order me or anyone in this office around..." Naruto mumbled looking at his wife.
"Naruto, the council asked that you meet with them concerning your clan status, they want to put you in the CRA."
/
"What do you mean they want to place my husband in the CRA?" Sakura ground out through clenched teeth, "Like my husband said, if they think that they can order him around because he's yet to take the seat they're sorely mistaken."
"I just want to know how those jumped up morons think they can not only call a meeting but order me into a voluntary program," Naruto groused.
"They can't," stated Hiruzen as he entered his old office, "I made damn sure they lost that right when I seated the new council. It seems that it's time to change it again, leave civilians in a post of authority long enough and they start to think that they're above the law."
"Fine let's do that. In the meantime I'm going to take a nap in my own bed, this was a very trying mission," relied the blond as he turned towards the door.
Just as he started to walk out Tsunade called out, "Naruto, you and the team leaders need to give their reports. As much as you hate them I think we can use this meeting to our advantage."
"What to you mean baa-chan?"
"I mean we can use this breech of protocol to defang the council as well as allow all of you to give your reports," the sitting regent said.
All this time Sakura had walked to the large bookcase in the office and began reading out of one of the tomes. Smiling she returned to her husband's side with her finger pointing out a set of laws in the book she was holding. Naruto looked over and looked at the indicated paragraph.
"What's that you got hun?" he asked.
"I found your way out of the CRA, either permanently or delay it for a later date. Just listen to this, "Sakura replied before reading out loud.
"The Clan Restoration Act or CRA is to be a voluntary contingency to be entered by a clan head or eligible clan members of both sexes but primarily the males members to quickly boost a clan's numbers in a short period of time. The clan member shall make both a written request and formal statement of his intention to enter the CRA to the Hokage or his Regent as well as the sitting shinobi clan council."
Hearing that passage made not only Naruto but Sasuke as well smile. Sasuke was another potential CRA candidate and Ami had made it clear that at this point in time she was not going to share. Both teens sat and listened as Sakura continued.
"The requirements to enter the CRA are as follows,
1, The person shall be of at least fifteen years of age.
2, Be a member of a clan or clans that are declared in danger extinction.
3, Be of sound mind and body, showing no signs of entering under duress such as an order or similar intimidation," Sakura recited as she continued in the heavy book, "Hello, what do we have here? A member of any clan is considered ineligible for inclusion should he or she marry before achieving the age of 14."
"Should that occur than it will be the joint decision of both the member and his or hers spouse. The spouse shall not only must agree but has the right to cancel the CRA request at any time," Sakura finished with a huge smile.
"Ahhh, yes, that was put in after the second war because of shinobi gathering their own harems and leaving wills that excluded their first wives and offspring," Hiruzen explained, "It seemed that while the attraction in most cases was mutual, a fairly good chunk of the new wives turned out to be gold diggers that took these clans for all they had to enrich their own."
"So, do you think that's the councils plan? Force me into several marriages and then arrange for an accident to remove me from the picture?" Naruto asked his mentor.
"I'm sure of it knowing how they think, not only that, since it was the civilian side that called this meeting they are guilty of interfering in a clans internal affairs," informed Hiruzen, "They're also guilty of violating the laws governing shinobi as only the Hokage or a Regent can order a shinobi to report to a council meeting."
Naruto just grinned as he turned to his mission team, "All of you take a 30 minute break in the second floor lounge, I have something to do in my office. Sakura-chan, I need you to take your clan's seat in the council chamber just before the meeting starts, yeah?"
"Sure, but what do you need to take care of in your office?" Sakura asked as she began to follow Naruto to their shared work space.
"You'll see, it's something your aunt had talked to me about," came the reply.
Once seated behind his desk Naruto called out, "Baboon," and waited as his and Sakura's ANBU guards appeared.
"You called Naruto-san?" asked the agent wearing a mask looking like a baboon's face.
"Yes, I wish to see Neko at once. Tell her it concerns Yugao Uzuki," Naruto ordered. As soon as the order was issued both Baboon and Weasel moved out.
Less that five minutes later a female ANBU member was standing before him and Sakura. Bowing slightly the woman began to speak, "Agent Neko reporting as ordered Hokage-sama. What are your wishes?"
"I wish to speak to Yugao-nee if I may," Naruto asked as he watched the woman removed her cat like mask.
"As you wish my lord," came the reply as the mask came off, "What did you wish to speak to me about Naruto-kun?"
"As you know I was on a mission slash honeymoon in Wave the last month or so. While I was there I ran into a cousin of sorts as well as information that showed me the true status of our clan," as he spoke Naruto intently watched Yugao's face becoming amused at her shocked look, "That item surprised me as it showed that I had a member of my clan in this village all along. That clansman is you."
"Naruto are you sure? I know my family was from Uzu but I never knew any others in the village except for your mother."
"Very much so, the item listed every living person of all branches of the clan with a detailed family tree for each member. You are very much a member of my clan so here's the deal, I wish that you rejoin the clan and take my seat on the council when I'm not able to, like today. The civilians are going to try and order me into the CRA and Sakura refuses to allow me to enter the act until much later."
Seeing the angry and shocked look on her face Naruto continued, "Look, both Sakura and I are realists, we know that at some point I will have to enter the CRA, just not now. Any potential bride the council will have picked out for me will most likely be way older than me since the council will want a lot of Uzumakis and Namekazis to pop out and that's just not going to happen. So what do you say? In or out?"
Yugao had a stunned look on her face as she listened to her future leader and clan head inform her that she was not only a clansman but that she would represent the clan when he was not able too as the Hokage Regent had not yet okayed Naruto's plan to consolidate the clans he represented or in the case of the Harunos, was aligned with. Naruto and Sakura just sat and waited for her answer, this was a bombshell of the 'nth degree after all. Finally the woman smiled and walked around Naruto's desk and swept him up in a hug,
"It's not only an honor and pleasure but you have no idea how happy this makes me. Having to watch my sensie's child and fellow clansman be mistreated by the councils, both the civilians and shinobi has been painful but now I have the chance to make things better for you and Sakura-chan."
Naruto smiled as he sat back down, "You have no idea how happy I am that you accepted. Now today you will sit in the Uzumaki seat. Sakura will be in her clans seat until she's called for her report. This council is starting to break the laws regarding clan affairs just as the last one did, today they're going to find out that without Danzo and the two so called elders things will not be going their way."
Yugao nodded in understanding, "I'll make sure to do my part. Now, who is this cousin you mentioned?"
"You'll find out in the meeting, we plan to derail it and give the mission debrief to the full council as things in Wave have changed in a major way. What I need you to do now is sign the clan's registration book and this paperwork, it's already been stamped and misfiled so all it really needs you name and we...are...set. Now since this is all settled let's get going, Neko, could you find and gather my team from this last mission and have them wait outside the meeting hall? They should be waiting outside my grandmother's office in one of the briefing rooms."
Yugao, having donned her mask once again bowed and left in a flurry of leaves. Naruto took Sakura's hand and began to climb the stairs to his grandmother's office. As he entered the outer office Naruto handed the papers to Shizune, "Could you please make sure these are filed in the proper location before the meeting big sis? The seemed to have been misfiled in my office for some reason."
Seeing his fox grin Shizune took the papers and with a smirk of her own left to file them in the correct location. She knew what Naruto had planned for Yugao for months now as he had a suspicion that she was of Uzu decent. Now he had confirmed it while in Wave so there was now a second confirmed member of his mother's clan.
Five minutes after Naruto had returned to Tsunade's office Neko appeared and informed him that the mission team was waiting for him before leaving to take her seat as the Uzumaki representative to the council. As she sat down her fellow shinobi reps smiled in understanding as the civilian council gave her a few dirty and withering looks.
Shortly afterwards Jiraiya joined her in the Namekazi seat as Ren settled in next to Sakura in the Haruno seat. As her butt settled in the doors opened as Tsunade entered with Shizune at her side carrying Ton-ton. Entering a few seconds later was Naruto, Sasuke and Neji followed by the rest of the Wave mission team. All of the team needed a good washing but Naruto decided to really teach the civilians a lesson, while they weren't malicious as their predecessors they were starting to get full of themselves, so he decided they could smell nine dirty and sweaty ninja in a closed room. The shinobi side was used to such smells and worse so they had no complaints, the civilians however...
As the team passed by many were trying to hold their breath and not gag, Naruto walked to Tsunade's seat, "Team nine, provisional team one, Tokubetsu Genin Haruno-Uzumaki and Tokubetsu Uzumaki reporting successful and completed A to S rank missions to Nami no Kuni ma'am."
Tsunade looked at her grandson as he reported in and smiled, "Very well but the mission given was classed a C rank not any higher than that. Please explain."
Naruto continued to stand at attention as he responded, "Yes, ma'am, that is correct however the client lied and rather return home I decided that it was prudent to continue as we had numbers and experience on our side. I also, with Sakura and Kakashi's input, decided that this would be an excellent training opportunity for Uchiha Sasuke, Sai and Rokobungi Ami."
"Very well, please continue," was Tsunade's reply.
For the next hour Naruto and the others gave their account of the liberation of the oppressed nation as well as the tentative treaty's between Wave, Fire Country and the hidden Leaf Village.
At this point one of the council stood up to speak, "Excuse me, but on whose authority were these treaties made and why was a genin allowed authority to not only change a mission ranking but also allowed to give orders to one of our elite jonin?"
Tsunade looked at the man and remembered that he was newly appointed and had just moved to the village although he had been trading with Konoha for years. He was given the position when the man before him had had an unfortunate and fatal 'accident' while out of the country, it was the same man that had been confirmed to be passing info between the traitor Mizuki and Danzo along with Orochimaru. Out of the whole of the council his ignorance was excusable, and Tsunade decided to fill him and the others in, since they had forgotten, just who was who in this village.
"Those are good questions councilor, so I will answer them," Tsunade responded, "Uzumaki Naruto is the Fourth Hokage's named and chosen successor so while he may not have been seated he is the Fifth Hokage, I'm just his Regent as well as mentor along with the Third Hokage. He and his wife Sakura hold the rank of Special Genin since they not yet eligible for Chunin as of yet."
The man looked confused for a moment, "Forgive me if I'm wrong but I was under the impression that the Hokage no matter the age were all considered to be Jonin."
"Normally that's the case but Naruto asked for the position of Genin for him and his wife as he wishes to work for his position. However, due to their training while in exile due to the abuse of power by the previous council," at that the civilians had the good sense to look guilty, "they are technically high Chunin at the least, so Genin was not an applicable position. I would like to remind everyone that Naruto is also our Genin Commander and has operational authority on any mission he's assigned to unless otherwise stated."
The man nodded in understanding, "I see, forgive my interruption and ignorance."
Tsunade smiled at the man, "None taken I'm sure and there is nothing to forgive. Now, Naruto, Neji, please continue."
Neji gave all the details of his part of the mission as well as his teams support of Naruto and Sakura. Naruto detailed the treaties signed, making sure that his signature was on the Nami no Kuni lines as the Whirlpool Lord as was his right as heir of the royal Uzumaki blood line. He also had Sasuke give a detailed accounting of every ryo seized on the raid of Gato's mansion.
Sakura was called next and went over the condition of the orphans that had been on the street after their living quarters had been sold off. She made sure that the council knew how desperate those kids were and by what means the girls were forced to resort to so they all could have food in their bellies. She also made them know that several of the kids were asking for asylum in Konoha in addition to the pair that arrived with the teams as well as the construction of a health center for not only everyday needs but initial treatment for more serious cases.
She also put in a request for not only medical personnel to staff the place but have medic-nins intern there for six months after initial training instead of one of Konoha's hospitals. Her reasoning being that since it was not only the only medical facility in the town but on the island meaning that the medics would see a wider range of illness and injury. It also played into Naruto's 'Hearts and Minds' philosophy.
The last surprise was from Naruto as he happily informed the chamber that the Uzumaki clan was strong and members were expected to return to the Land of Waves since the place had always been a holding and protectorate of Uzushiro, but a large portion were planning on migrating to the Hidden Leaf. He also mentioned the Kiri genin team that had been sold out by Gato and their plea to join Konoha's forces. The biggest bomb he dropped was that he had a cousin asking for asylum for himself, his ward and his traveling companions. Hearing the news Tsume Inuzuka asked who the parties were.
"That would be the last of the Yuki clan a young lady named Haku. She's also a self trained medic that both she and the village can benefit from in both training and additional staffing," Naruto answered, "The rest are Mizu and Gozu, the Daemon Twins of the Mist and Momochi Zabuza..."
At that the room exploded in shouts of alarm and anger from the mention of the three ex-Kiri nin. Naruto and the others waited calmly as the commotion died down. During all this the genin in the room gave the shinobi council members except Ren, Yugao and Jiraiya looks of disappointment in their actions. When all was quiet Naruto took his own shot at the 'esteemed' council,
"Well, now that the children are done trying to hide at the mention of the bogeyman I'd like to continue, if that's okay with all of you. Unless you'd like some more time to find a safe hidey-hole," seeing the council looking ashamed for their actions Naruto continued, "As I was saying, the Daemon Twins and Zabuza are asking asylum from us and I see no reason not to grant it."
Shikamaru's father stood up and began asking questions, "I'm sure you have very good reasons Naruto would you please let the council know what they are before we have to air out the room?"
"As you wish Nara-san," Naruto replied. While he and Sakura weren't big on titles and ceremony unless to was to their advantage, he did have respect for the parents of his friends, "None of the three are missing nin for the normal reasons. These three abandoned not their village but their leader."
Seeing the confusion the teen proceeded to make his point clear, "All three of these men, along with Haku, are part of the Kiri rebellion because of the bloodline purges the Mizukage is pursuing. Had it not been for Zabuza Haku would not be living and the Leaf would not have the Yuki clan wishing to relocate in our village and sphere of influence."
"But they're all linked to some form of criminal activity," one of the civilians yelled out.
"True," Naruto agreed, "but all they've really done are jobs that a hidden village would refuse, at least publicly, to take but ones that needed to be done. It was just because of what Gato was offering that they took the job to kill the bridge builder Tazuna. Gato, as it turned out had no plans to pay them off and had hired the team from Kiri to kill them off after they had completed their mission."
While everyone was happy with that answer the Nara head was still standing, "A good beginning argument Naruto, I'll give you that but you've yet to convince me of how they would be of use to the village."
"As I said earlier, they've taken jobs that no one else takes, black market or otherwise. Should they agree to work for the leaf, the village in return would provide material and any other support we can give to the rebellion via the Namekazi clan's companies. I propose we set up a 'front' company through my grandfather's clan. In that way can the village provide the monetary and logistical support the Kiri revolutionaries need. Zabuza can provide the information as to how the goods should routed. He and his team are just a start. If we were to welcome a few other 'missing nin' from Kiri into the fold we could have their support funneled into Mist in a way that will be not only untraceable but unstoppable. Doing so will place the new government in our debt when they succeed in overthrowing the Mizukage. And I do mean when, Zabuza and his team have the same look that I remember while in exile when my wife and I were helping fighters take their country back. They will win and they will win very quickly."
"That would be to our advantage," Dragon, the head of ANBU, remarked, "Complete deniability should a very black mission go wrong. We actually should give the same deal to the other missing Kiri teams that Zabuza vets."
"Other than using these men for our own gain what's so good a deal about this?" one of the lesser shinobi clan heads asked.
"Because, when they win," Naruto began, " like I've said, the new Kiri government will owe Konoha big time and should be eager to ally with us just as Suna is. Besides, I have my own reason for Zabuza getting what's he's asked for, it turns out he's not only an Uzumaki on his mother's side, he's a cousin from the branch that were the protectors to the royal line. He's already sworn his allegiance to me as clan head but is acting on orders from the last Uzumaki leader."
Shibi Abrume stood at this point, "And who issued these orders and what exactly are they Naruto-san?"
"His instructions are to not only protect me while in the village but to instruct me and my spouse in swordsmanship. The order was from the clan head at the time but he only received them shortly after we met," Naruto said with a sad smile, "They were issued on the date of her death and the day of my birth...by Uzumaki Kushina, my mother."
After that revelation the council discussed the request for asylum and granted it as well as give tacit approval for the treaties between Nami no Kuni and Hi no Kuni. With that Tsunade announced the meeting closed and was just getting up when one of the civilians shouted out,
"Excuse me but I think we've for gotten why we called this meeting."
At this Tsunade pounced, "By you saying 'we called this meeting' you mean the council am I correct?"
"Well, yes ma'am," the member began before he was cut off while his fellow civilians glared at him, they were planning on putting Naruto into the CRA at a later date because of the days events.
Now they had lost their advantage of surprise on the teen. Everyone that knew him, even before his exile, knew that the kid had a sharp and inventive mind. Piss him off enough and he'd prank you to death.
"You understand that only the Hokage or his Regent can call a meeting like this and only the Hokage or Regent can order a shinobi to stand before the council of advisers?" Tsunade asked.
At that the council blanched as one, they had been caught and Tsunade was not as forgiving as the Third was, "Yes ma'am," a more senior on replied, "But under the circumstances it has nothing to do with Lord Uzumaki's position as a shinobi and more to do with his..."
"Marital life?" Tsunade asked, "That doesn't matter to this council at all. We looked into the law regarding the CRA and have found that it's an entirely voluntary convention. The council, let alone anyone else, my position and the Hokage included, cannot legally order anyone, especially a clan head or member, into the CRA. It also appears that as it stands, the decision now is not entirely Naruto's to make."
"What do you mean my Lady?" Sasuke asked, playing his part in this farce of a meeting.
"Ahh, Uchiha-san, since at some point this will concern yourself as well I'll answer your question. For your information as well as those under other ideas, should a person deemed eligible in all else marry before reaching the age of fourteen then his spouse has final say in his joining the CRA."
"This was put into effect after the second war to protect a man's first wife as many male shinobi's enacted the CRA on themselves and created more than a few harems," Tsunade explained for the council to make her point, "That itself was not the problem, the problem was that in most cases the younger, more favorite wife inherited the man's estate and his first wife and their children as well as any other wives and kids he had were left with nothing."
Hearing this the female council members blanched at that bit of information. More than a few had family friends, relatives and a themselves a that were victims of the acts of greedy and horny ninjas. Some of the males remembered losing their fathers and then finding themselves, siblings and mother on the streets with the clothes on their backs because the old man's second wife was left everything. As the shameful actions of certain men came to light all of the council realized what a foolish idea forcing Naruto into the CRA was. Of course the instigator was a holdover from the old council that had escaped notice. As they chewed on those facts the council's attention was brought back to Tsunade.
"Any attempts to force or order a clan head or member into the CRA is against the law and is tried according to the laws governing clan matters. Interfering in a clan's affairs is punishable as treason and the penalty is the same as for treason since they also circumvent the office of the Hokage. Now, would any of you like to continue?"
Looking at the council and seeing their dejected looks Tsunade smiled, "This is your first strike with me, most leaders don't even grant their advisers the privilege of screwing up once, you've broke the law once today and almost did it twice. The next time I won't be as forgiving, but to make sure you understand, Naruto nor Sasuke as well as any other shinobi, regardless of age or clan standing, not will be forced into the CRA by this or any other council, understand?"
Before they all left Naruto decided to throw the council a bone, "I'd like you to understand, Sakura and I are just learning to be a married couple," he had lied but the real story could not ever come out to these people, "could you imagine how things would be with another woman and one we would not know too well at that had joined our household? Sakura would like you to hear her out since we realize the facts of my, well our situation."
"I'm not saying no to the act, Naruto-kun and I truly understand that he does have to enter the CRA at some point but not now. When he does enter it it will be because the two of us have found a person that would not only love him for the person he is, but she would need to be someone I could trust with his heart," Sakura tried to explain.
"My husband has been hurt so badly in his early life that he still has issues trusting people, making him marry a girl he barely knew and expect babies within a year would be very bad for his psyche. Any perceived rejection or saying the wrong things in an argument would be devastating to him and I will do all I can to keep my husband happy and loved. And I see those looks, you can't use that statement of mine to find fault in my husbands suitability as Hokage so you can find a more...shall we say compliant candidate for Hokage? Needless to say it doesn't work that way so keep dreaming," Sakura told the council with a self satisfied smirk, "You would need to have the approval of the Shinobi council, the heads of the major shinobi clans as well as the blessing of any living past Hokages and the Fire Lord himself. Naruto has been named his father's successor and has the backing of the Fire Lord and has been training all his life. So, better luck next time."
At those last words the council meeting broke up, Tsunade seeing no reason to announce something the others were doing already other than to remind them all that what was discussed was an X class secret since the village was planning to give covert support to a force that was staging a revolution against their leader. Naruto walked over to their teammates and after a few quiet words sent them on their way. Waving to his grandparents he took Sakura's hand and led her home stopping on the way to get a few bowls of ramen.
Entering their home in the Haruno area of town they were tackled by three eager children. Konohamaru, Moegi and Udon just stood around the couple and held on for dear life. Sakura looked up to her aunt and major domo for the household with a quizzical look on her face.
"For one, they missed you. This was the longest mission you've yet to be on," Ren explained.
"And the other reason?" Sakura asked.
"They're scared, somehow they overheard some of the ongoing mission details just before you guys took down Gato. They were worried that one of you would get hurt or worse."
"I see, well Naruto and I will handle it. Just get me the name of the idiot that let them near anywhere they could have gotten that info."
"Already did, he's sitting in T&I wondering when Anko is going to play with him," the woman replied.
"Oh? And when is that going to be?"
"Hmmmm, never, Tsunade thought just making him sit in one of those tanks would be punishment enough."
At that Naruto laughed, the teen just held who he viewed as his own children just as tightly as they were clinging to him. Konohamaru, for all his bravado and brashness was the most fragile of the three, being actually old enough to remember his parents prior to their deaths in the service of the village. Sakura had said that the kid suffers from time to time from survivors guilt although it's rare in clan children it can and does happen so Kono is watched over by not only Naruto and Sakura but Ren and the other household staff as well for signs of breakdown.
This past month had been hard on all the kids and while Konohamaru's mental state was quite well known in the Uzumaki-Namekazi household, Moegi was just as worried, especially for her 'father' as she had begun to refer Naruto as. She couldn't for the life of her remember her own father and barely remembered her mother, so Naruto was what she had dreamed a father to be while she and Udon lived in the orphanage. When Naruto and Sakura walked into the house Moegi literally flew into the older teens arms and held on for dear life.
Udon was the most adjusted of the three, his parents had died while he was still a baby, again in the service of the Leaf. Although he didn't look it, he possessed a keen mind and was the 'brains' of the "Konohamaru Corps" to Kono's brawn. That didn't mean he wasn't insecure at times, he could be, given certain circumstances. This last month had seen a huge crack in his stoic facade. As the other two got more and more anxious their emotions began to transfer to him so by the time they had overheard an update on Naruto's mission he was just as flighty as the others.
As his, for all intents and purposes, parents walked in Moegi had moved first targeting Naruto, Udon aimed for Sakura. She, although was still too young to have kids of her own, was the mother Udon had grown up praying for. As he and the others clung to them both Naruto and Sakura were telling them to let go, they were dirty from the mission and the trip back, they needed to clean up first. Udon didn't care, like he knew his now siblings didn't care, he just took in the scent that made Sakura unique. He had no way of explaining the scent to anyone else, it just for him what a mother should smell like. Sakura had a scent that most of his friends mothers at both the primary school and academy had. Especially if the woman was also a kunoichi, that smell of sweat, faded shampoo or perfume mixed with the smell of earth.
While Udon and Kono were affected by how Sakura and Naruto smelled, it was, to them, what a parent should smell like. Had Sakura a chance to hear what they thought she would be mortified at first and then follow Naruto into a laughing fit. Only her 'kids' could think of such things and explain any such thought with the logic of a child. Soon the group hug was broken when Naruto decided that instead of he and Sakura disappearing into their private bath to clean up they all take a soak in the hot spring in the back of the house.
It was on the short walk there that Naruto noticed something about the kids. He already had it in his mind that they would be placed on a team of their own when the time came, but it was just now that he noticed how they walked and placed themselves. Konohamaru, who was the natural leader as well as the soon to be heavy hitter, always walked first in single file or slightly ahead if walking in a group. Moegi was always, always, in the middle of the two boys and Udon, who was the budding tactician, was to the rear so as to watch a situation build so he could devise a plan to win.
Even on a short walk in their own backyard the kids kept their formation. Naruto nudged Sakura and pointed to the trio and how they had placed themselves. The pink haired matriarch just shook her head and smiled. She just enjoyed the quiet of the afternoon with her precious people. And now, it was time to relax, unwind and strengthen family bonds.
Early the next day the three children were woke up and sent to breakfast. As they entered the kitchen where the meal was always served they noticed not only Uzuki Yugao at the table but a rather large man who had an even bigger sword leaning next to his chair sitting next to a very pretty girl that was older than Naruto.
Introductions were made and now the three looked in wonder that one of the Seven Swordsmen were not only sitting with them but was a member of the clan. His companion seemed very kind but had an edge that let you know she was a trained kunoichi. Moegi looked at Haku and Sakura as well as Yugao and realized that that was how she wanted to be when she got older and became a kunoichi, feminine but at the same time develop a hardness that only girls can achieve.
Looking over to his cousin Zabuza finished what he was chewing on, "So, starting next week you two," he said pointing at Naruto and Sakura, "will be training under me. Kenjutsu is a family and clan tradition just as much as sealing is. Actually, creating and manipulating seals is easier since it's believed to be a pseudo-bloodline limit. Anyway, we have a lot to do if you want to have a good grasp before you turn seventeen."
"Why seventeen? What's so important about getting trained up before we turn seventeen?" Naruto asked as he grabbed another serving of rice and fish.
"Because, seventeen is the traditional age of passage for our clan. You may be 'adults' with that headband but according to what my mother and others that remember of our life in Uzushiro, the younger clansmen continued taking classes until they reached that age,"
"Almost like what you're doing here with your genin pool but they were sent on missions during the breaks," Zabuza told the couple as he explained their clans old way of life.
Naruto nodded at that, "What about the kids," he asked pointing to his three wards, "they're as much clansmen than the rest of us, and that includes Haku-chan."
Looking at the three children Zabuza smiled, "When do their classes start?"
"Seven-thirty in the morning," Sakura answered, "classes last until one in the afternoon."
"I see," Zabuza said thinking, "Haku? What is your daily schedule with Lady Tsunade?"
"It still needs to be worked out but I'm sure I could get released before three in the afternoon," the girl answered.
"That works out fine, Udon, Moegi and Konohamaru, next week you will be getting trained in the basics with Haku. So, everyday at four in the afternoon you will receive your lessons in the family dojo," Zabuza told the children with another smile on his face.
Naruto smiled as he watched the discussion unfold, he was getting closer to becoming the leader of Konohagakure and head of his clan. While he's become accepted by the villagers it was not the same. In a way he felt that acceptance was due to who his father was, not because of who he was as a person. It galled him to think that there were people that thought he just had everything handed to him just because of who his parents were.
As it stood now, Naruto was in danger of losing his title of clan head if he failed in learning in two years what his older clansmen learned in ten. Kenjutsu was not an easy skill to acquire but it was required the he do all he can to learn those skills. The only thing in his favor was that Zabuza was his teacher, and he was the only one the scattered clan cells recognized as an elder.
Meanwhile Haku also noticed Zabuza's smile or rather, frequency of his smiles. Her guardian had rarely smiled in all her days with him while on the road. He only began to smile more and more after he met Naruto. Perhaps, she thought, it was that the promise of a permanent home in Konoha with his family and clan. Either that or it was the the chance to abuse two more students the girl pondered with her own smile.
As soon as breakfast was over the small family went about their business for the day. The kids were taken to school by Haku this time as she wanted to visit the market for some long over due shopping. Zabuza headed out to the shinobi administration offices to meet with the Jonin Commander Nara Shikaku for an evaluation and placement into Konoha's forces. As for Naruto and Sakura, they were on their way to the tower and their offices. Naruto was sure that his grandmother made sure there was a stack of self-sustaining paperwork on his desk.
On arriving they were greeted by one of this years academy's students. The young kunoichi was nervous upon seeing her sempai's arrival. She had only heard about Naruto and Sakura since the couple usually kept to themselves and their own small circle of friends. It also made her nervous that for all her life her parents would tell her about the daemon in human form and how evil he and his 'brainwashed' follower was. Now, they were singing his praises and told to 'make friends' with the couple if she had a chance. It didn't make sense and it didn't get better when she let slip that it was her turn to work as the Uzumaki's secretary. It was fine last week as they were both on a mission, today however was the first day that they would be in and she was nervous.
"Good morning Sempais, I'm Umeko, I was assigned to work in your office by the academy. I promise to do my best," the girl said as she bowed to the couple.
"Good morning Umeko," Naruto said as he smiled returning the bow," please just call me Naruto. This is my wife Sakura, her office is the one on the right. Now I take it you were briefed on your duties and mission?"
"Yes sir, Iruka-sensei had a long talk with me as he does with all the students picked to work here."
"Good, well one thing you should know," Naruto began as he held his smile, "when we are by ourselves call me Naruto and my wife by her first name. We're not that big on ceremony when it's not called for."
"I see, thank you sem...Naruto," the girl replied as she corrected herself.
Sakura smiled at the exchange, her husband had a way with people that put them at ease, "Umeko, is there anything we should know before the two of us get started? I'm sure that Lady Tsunade made sure we had lots of work on our desks pile up over the last month."
"No ma'am, however Jonin Miterashi is waiting for the both of you in Naruto-san's office."
"Anko? Hmmm, wonder what she wants," Naruto said out loud, more to himself than anybody else, "Fine, let's go and see what the crazy snake lady wants."
"Fine," Sakura replied as she looked at her new assistant and rolled her eyes drawing a small laugh from the girl, "and Umeko? Try not to let my husband's bad manners rub off on you."
"I'll be on my guard my lady, should I bring your coffee in now or wait?"
"Later will be fine, I'm sure that Anko is here on business and it would not be wise to enter when we're talking," Sakura advised the girl before closing the door to Naruto's inner-sanctum.
Turning around as she heard her husband speak up she had to bite her lip to keep from laughing as Anko was sitting in Naruto's chair with her feet on the desk drinking one of his 'imported' sodas. Imported meaning it was a bottle of Pepsi that was sent with the bi-weekly coffee and ammo shipment from Earth.
"Sure Anko, you can sit in my chair and drink my drinks. Hows about I rub your back while you relax?" Naruto said as sarcastically as he could.
"Nah, I'm good," Anko replied as she stood to move to her customary chair, "I'm not here to visit anyway."
Sitting down as Sakura stood behind and to his left Naruto raised a brow, "Oh? Then what brings you here then?"
"I was going through your written report and it mentioned that you had taken Gato into custody, but he's yet to be placed in a holding cell. So, Ibiki wants to know where he is."
Looking at Sakura for a minute his face scrunched up in concentration before he remembered what he had done to the fallen shipping magnate, "Of fuck, where'd I put that scroll?"
"Scroll Naruto? What scroll?" Sakura asked as the inter-office phone rang.
Sakura watched as Naruto took the call and then hung up, his face ashen and then red with embarrassment as he turned to speak to Anko, "That was the mortuary. It seems that when I turned in my mission equipment yesterday I handed in an activated morgue scroll, with a small surprise."
"Oh no!" gasped Sakura.
"Yeah, they sent it to the morgue who opened it up a little while ago and found a very stiff midget," Naruto explained, "Anko, you'll find the little bastard down there. He's not dead, just under a suspension seal. The release is the same for getting out of a genjutsu. Hopefully he's not insane at this point. Damn, remember how I felt like I was forgetting something Sakura-chan?"
"You mean you forgot about putting him into suspension and then into a body bag?" Sakura asked trying to keep from laughing out loud, "My god Naruto, that...that's..."
"Funny as fuck!" Anko said interrupting her unofficial little sister, "I'll have one of the Yamanaka mind walk the little bastard before I thaw him out. Damn, forgot a high value intel asset in a body bag, Naruto, for an accident that's funnier than one of your pranks," the woman said as she walked out of the office laughing like mad.
Just then Umeko entered the room with two cups of hot coffee. As she handed them to the married teens she spoke up, "While you were in your meeting this was dropped off for you both to read."
Picking up one of the folders that was placed on the desk Naruto began to skim over it's contents. Frowning he looked over to Sakura who shared his expression. Reading through once more Naruto's frown grew deeper.
"Who dropped this off?" he asked Umeko.
"My cousin, she's an analyst in the intelligence section. She said that this report was commissioned by the Regent and was done by Shikaku Nara himself although the rumor is that his eldest son had helped," Umeko answered.
"I see, thank you very much. Could you schedule an appointment for me with my grandmother, grandfather and Lord Third for this afternoon?"
"At once sempai," came the answer as Naruto gave one last order.
"And send ANBU to bring Shikamaru Nara, Hinata Hyuga and Sasuke Uchiha to this office at once. Have them tell the Nara that I'll make sure he spends a month cleaning the Inuzuka kennels if he complains."
"Yes sir, at once," the girl replied before she turned on heel and left the office.
Creating a shadow clone Naruto handed the folder to it before it too left the room to sit in Sakura's office. Frowning Sakura made a clone as well and sent it to sit with it's opposite. She was not happy with what she read and was all the more interested in reading the report in depth.
"Koi? What's wrong?" she asked Naruto.
"It's their Daimeyo's decision regarding his sending missions intended for his own village but sending them to Konoha instead, what is that man thinking? A nation's hidden village is a very valuable asset, like the United States' whole SPECWAR community. More so here as the shinobi forces are part of a triad, shinobi, samurai and militia. Weaken one and you've weakened your whole damned country."
"It's that bad?"
"I...I don't know yet, wait until Shika arrives but it's not good. Not good at all."
After a short wait the three genin that were called on arrived in the office. Hinata looked down to hide her blush that appeared whenever she was Near Naruto, Shikamaru was bitching about troublesome Hokages and Sasuke, well it was Sasuke that broke the silence,
"What'd you fuck up this time Dope?"
"Nothing you Bastard, here look this over," Naruto snarked back as he passed out identical folders, "Shika, to save time give us an over view of this folder's contents."
"Troublesome, well, Suna is looking for a way to reopen our treaty. It seems that while Konoha is getting more prosperous and growing Suna is getting poorer and beginning to go into decline," the lazy genius began to explain which caused Hinata to gasp and Sasuke's face to darken.
"What's the cause of this decline?" the former emo asked.
"While it would be easy to say it was a combination of events the true factor of this decline can be laid at one man's feet. Their Daimyo, it seems that he's been sending the lion's share of missions to us, the Leaf."
"But that would weaken his own forces, why would he do that?" Hinata asked with worry on her face.
"We have our theory," Shikamaru answered, "The Desert Lord is a relative newcomer, his predecessor was disposed of because of his leanings towards hostile actions to his neighbors. Even though Wind was out numbered and encircled the man was bent on expanding his nation and taking over the minor countries and then forcing Hi No Kuni into negotiations from a position of power."
"After the Second war Wind was severely weakened and was forced to make concessions to us in return for at first a mutual defense pact. Trade and political treaties came later with Konoha always dictating the terms. After the last Wind Lord's first attempts at the land and power grab Konoha decided to get rid of the man. It was to be a black operation but rumors still circulate in that country."
"What rumors?" Sasuke asked.
"The main one is that Konoha was involved in the coup that got rid of the troublesome leader."
"We were?" Hinata asked hoping that it wasn't true.
"Unfortunately we were, specifically one man and one group that specialized in very black operations. That man is one Danzo Shimura and his private army, ROOT. My father and his team believe that Danzo is pulling the strings to weaken Sand before he or the Snake either do one of two things," Shikamaru said.
"And what are those things you mentioned?" Naruto asked his blue eyes piercing into Shikamaru's.
"Well, Danzo's planning on taking over that country since he's already pulling the strings there or..."
"Or?" Sasuke interrupted.
"Or he or Orochimaru are planning to dupe Suna itself into attacking us at some point when our guard is down. From the looks of the timing and situation over there it's going to be in the next nine to twelve months," Shikamaru replied.
"Okay, this is what I want you three to do, get with Shino and begin making plans for not only the defense of the village but at least two diplomatic solutions as well. Sasuke, as well as an overt military solution I need at least one black operation to deal with the Wind Lord himself. Use not only our active forces assets but the assets and skills the pool and DRACO have at their disposal, understand?" Naruto asked as he gave out his orders.
"Yes, my Lord Hokage," Sasuke replied as Naruto looked at his friend with a softer continence.
"Not yet Sasuke, I'm not the Hokage yet," the teen softly said to his friend.
"Not true Naruto, you became Hokage the minute you were designated by your father," Shikamaru told their leader.
"So you say, Shika, so you say. Okay, you all know what to do. I expect a primary draft in two days with a finished one the beginning of next week, understand? Good, you have your orders, dismissed," Naruto said as he picked up a copy of the report and started to read it. His clone having done so and already dispersed, sending it's memories to him.
"Last thing," he called out, "This is an S class secret, expect to get paid for five C ranks so I don't have to explain why a group of genin are getting an internal S rank mission for solo work."
Shikamaru waved in acknowledgment as the trio walk out the door. Sakura sighed in frustration, every time they turned around something with Danzo's fingerprints turns up to remind them both how much the war hawk had fucked over their lives. Now he was pulling the strings in an allied country. No matter how many times in the past that old man would proclaim that everything he did was for the good of the country and village it all boiled down to the fact that he wanted the power a Kage is granted. Sakura had read the papers the man had left and it shook her up.
As a student of history Sakura had read all she could while on Earth. Her passion was political history and science, Naruto's was political science and warfare. Those weren't their only interests but these were the ones that would serve them the best on this world. Both had read Danzo's papers and at the time Naruto remarked that they sounded familiar, he'd read something like them on Earth. Sakura was a little confused, she hadn't read anything like these until a memory struck her.
They had both read a book by a failed artist and at the time, a failed revolutionary in the 1920's. While in prison for his part of a failed coup attempt the man had decided to write a book, his manifesto. The communists had one to guide their party, why not have a book to guide his, the man reasoned. What resulted was a literary flop, it was dry and hard to read, the early ravings of a madman. Sakura swallowed when she realized what they were comparing the traitors papers too, Mein Kampf. Hitler's blueprint for world conquest. Sakura also saw bit's of Mao's 'Little Red Book', post war communism's own plan for revolution. Danzo didn't care about the common good for his home, he wanted nothing short of ruling the continent.
While Hitler scapegoated the Jews, Mao the intellectuals and Lennon the ruling class, Danzo had his own group and ideals to hate. According to his writings the man thought of the Uzumaki as this planet's 'inferior race'. According to the man's diary he hated the Uzumaki because they had turned down his request to be taught advanced fuinjutsu. The Uzumaki elders had thought the man greedy, power hungry and a borderline megalomaniac. The man in his own papers swore revenge, he wrote that the treaty specified the sharing of all knowledge between villages. While that was true the treaties also stipulated that clan secrets were exempt.
In Danzo's mind the Uzumaki sealing techniques were to be shared without restriction. The techniques however were listed as clan secrets which was explained when the one eyed mummy demanded, demanded mind you, that he be taught all the fuinjutsu that Uzushiro possessed. Naruto's grandfather himself turned the man down and when Danzo persisted banned the man from not only learning any more intermediary and advanced seals but banned the man from setting foot in any of Uzu's territory.
When Naruto read that he now knew why the bastard hated him and Sakura so and why he would do all he could to make their life as miserable as possible. The ideal that Danzo hated was what made Konoha and Hi No Kuni so powerful, 'The Will Of Fire'. Danzo hated it because the ideal placed the safety of the village in the hands of everyone that resided in it. It taught that everyone in the village was family and that family members placed the family over themselves. It was something that Naruto's great-grandfather started even before the founding of the village.
It was something Danzo loathed as it also taught that through acts of friendship that foes over time could become friends. Danzo scoffed at that notion, pointing out to the fall of Uzu. He told people that that nations fall was because they trusted in the word and treaties of their supposed friends. That they were betrayed by countries that had pledged to honor Uzushiro's neutral stance and belief that they could be friends with everyone. That was a lie however, Uzu was betrayed, but by Konoha, by Danzo's actions.
Naruto had found Danzo's smoking gun in the man's own words. Danzo had engineered the whole thing, sending Mist false documents that were portrayed as Uzu war plans for a first strike against Mist. He then promised Mist that Konoha would not respond to requests for aid until it was too late to help. He suggested to the Mizukage that he send in convicted criminals to aid the attack with the promise of freedom once the operation is over, a reward for helping the war effort. Send them in last with instructions to hold the territory until the occupying forces could arrive. These convicts were the sacrificial lambs to be slaughtered by Konoha's avenging angels. It would soothe Hiruzens's conscious and remove any suspicion of the Leaf's collusion.
As Naruto read the intel report a third time his blood ran cold, one passage had caught his attention
…therefore, it Is the opinion of this agency that an attack could be and should be expected during a time of relaxed vigilance and also a period of time in which Konoha or Hi No Kuni as a whole is the center of the continent's attention. Attention should be paid to Suna as it's financial crisis worsens due to the it's mismanagement and mistreatment by it's own ruler...
As he read that passage again his eyes went wide as he realized the hidden meaning, the one time all attention is on the village and it's security seems to relax is the time of the Chunin Exams. Over the years Hiruzen had ordered the relaxation of the the villages security practices to put visitors and dignitaries at ease. This would not be the case this time around. While his grandmother was running the village in his stead he still had a say in matters, in fact this would be a perfect opportunity to set up the biggest and best prank ever and who should be the victim? Danzo and whatever army he leads of course.
As Naruto thought back on the parallels between Danzo and three of the most evil men in Earth's history another cropped up. While he didn't personally know the man, Orochimaru's experiments on human subject's reminded Naruto of another villain in Earth's history, Joseph Mengele. The notorious Nazi doctor, he too conducted experiments on his prisoners. His last know location was in Rice country, in a new village called Sound. Very little was known about the man and he had not contacted Kabuto in some time now. Sighing Naruto made a note to have the Snake Sanin's files sent to him, there must be something he can use in case he was in on the threat with Danzo.
Shortly after lunch Naruto met with his grandparents and Hiruzen in the Hokages office. Bowing to his elders the young man stood at attention before being offered a seat. Taking it he looked at his grandmother and began to speak,
"Thank you for seeing me, I presume you have read Intelligence Section's threat assessment?"
Tsunade nodded, "We have, did you deduce anything from it, it sounded...vague."
"I did, I think I know what's going on in Wind and it's leaders sending missions our way to the detriment of his own hidden village. It was a matter of connecting the dots," Naruto answered.
"What have you come up with then?" Jiraiya asked. As head of the spy network it was his duty to direct the focus of every intelligence operation and right now he had no idea where to look.
"The land of Wind, years ago their leader was ousted in a coup. He was replaced by a man that was friendly to Konohagakure and worked the treaty so it left Suna the weaker of the two partner villages. Digging deeper I found out that the man who led the overthrow from the shadows was none other than Danzo Shimura," Naruto explained.
Jiraiya's face darkened, "That would explain why the Lord of Wind placed his country and hidden village in a weak position. Even back then Danzo was positioning for his 'New Shinobi Order'. How did we miss this? It's been under our noses for decades."
"I believe that the reason it was missed was that Danzo was very careful back then to cover his tracks," Hiruzen explained, "It wasn't until after Minato died and ordered me out of retirement that he became more...overt in his actions."
"What should we do about this report?" Tsunade asked, "I mean we can't ignore it and hope for the best, not when it reeks of Danzo's interference."
"Well, before I stepped down I was considering reopening the treaty with Suna. Their financial troubles were not unknown to me and my 'advisors'," Hiruzen said with distaste.
"So, Jijii, what happened, why didn't you reopen the treaty?" Naruto asked afraid he already knew the answer.
"Danzo happened, my former teammates happened."
"They wouldn't hear of us renegotiating the treaty since it put us at an advantage. While it was a good idea when it was drawn up since they had sided against us in the second war, it's time has long past. Naruto, it was not only my dream but your fathers too, the dream of Konoha and Suna as partners, equals in all we do,"
"I and Subako Rasa, the Kazekage, have discussed many times allowing for the free trade and travel between the villages. We hoped that our ninja would find partners, significant others as it were, in their sister village. That way the lines and clans of both villages wouldn't grow stagnant and have new blood flowing in them," Hiruzen said with a sad look in his eye, "There was also hope that our ties would be stronger through intermarriage of their people and ours".
That was too good to pass up for Sakura as she'd been bored lately, never say that Naruto's pranks only rubbed off an Konohamaru, "So, what's the look for grandfather? A lost love that resides in the Sand village?"
His answer shocked everyone in the room, especially Tsunade, "Actually yes, there is. When I was still a Jonin Tobirama would send me as his envoy to Sand while the treaty was being hammered out. I became friends with a kunoichi over there and well, one thing led to another. Sadly it couldn't last, on my return from the signing ceremony I was informed of my father's passing and I was to become head of the clan."
Sensing there was more everyone stayed quiet, for some it was out of respect, for others it was because they already knew the story and it's end, "The clan elders also informed me that I was to marry Biwako, to 'seal' the bonds of our two clans. Personally, I believe that they had found out about my lady friend and they would have no Suna kunoichi in the clan."
"I...I'm sorry grandfather," Sakura said in a hushed voice.
"Don't be, she's still alive and we still write to each other, but our situations are such that travel for either of us is nearly out of the question."
"So, Jijii, mind letting us know who the lucky lady is," Naruto asked as he waggled his eyebrows ala Groucho Marx earning a punch in the head from Sakura.
"Well, she's one of Suna's finest puppeteers and their top poison expert, Lady Chiyo," Hiruzen replied as Tsunade spat out her sake.
"Chiyo? That sand flea?" she yelled out.
"Oh? Do I detect some jealousy there Baa-chan?" Naruto asked with a gleam in his eye.
"Not that kind brat, but professionally? Yeah, and I'm more than entitled."
"And why's that grandmother?" Sakura asked now very interested.
Tsunade just glared at the two teens and crossed her arms under her breasts before looking at Jiraiya in disbelief as he answered for her, "It was like this Sakura, Chiyo kept my princess on her toes during the war. Every time Tsunade would find a counter to one of Suna's poisons Chiyo would develop another one. This went on until the end of the war. Neither woman will admit that the other is a poison master and a true rival. Just imagine what could be developed if they would work together."
Tsunade just snorted before speaking again all the while glaring at her better half, "Be that as it may, we were talking about this report and the treaty? So what should we do about this threat Suna now poses?"
"You know, this is something I teach in the Genin's political science class, Sakura, what have I said about politics to them?" Naruto asked.
"That politics is a polite form of warfare, conducted without the blood and explosions," the pink haired girl answered.
"Exactly, it's a polite war. And if we're to conduct our politics as if we're at war then I suggest a diplomatic mission be sent to Suna to reopen the treaty before there is actually blood spilled."
"You know, for all your pranks and cheekiness I forget just how smart you actually are. Naruto, if I were to send a diplomatic mission to Suna who should be sent?" Tsunade asked.
Naruto thought about it for a moment and then spoke up, "Jijii and Ero-jijii for starters, Hiruzen because of his being the Sandaime Hokage and grandfather because he's one of the Sanin."
"Sounds good so for, who else?"
"Sakura for medical support, Shikamaru and Hinata as diplomatic support, Shika because the only person smarter than him is his old man and because he needs to actually see what a real mission is like," Naruto explained.
"And your reasons for Hinata?" Sakura asked, not that she was jealous but the Hyuga heiress was so shy and unremarkable except for her beauty and kindness.
"The Hyuga are some of the best diplomats that Konoha produces for one. Then there's the fact that since she is a future clan head she's going to need to hone her diplomatic skills. What's better than to negotiate with a friendly village to start out with?"
Tsunade nodded understanding her grandson's reasons, "Okay, so the diplomats and medical members are set, so who's on security?"
"Myself for one, oh no, don't give me that look, I need to be on this mission as well since I'm the one that has to lead the village while this is in place and you all know it," Naruto argued making Tsunade and Hiruzen see his point, "For the rest of the team, Kurenai as Jonin sensie, I want to see what she can do and Hinata seems more confident when she's around, and let's see, Kiba and Ino."
"Okay, Kiba I can see, but Ino?" Tsunade asked.
"Another Genin that I want to see out in the field," Naruto replied, "She's still a little fan girlish and she needs to take her job as a kunoichi seriously. She and Shikamaru grew up together so I want to see how they work as members of the same team. What? You didn't think I was just going to put her, Shika and Choji together for some silly tradition did you?" Naruto asked in disbelief.
"Well, it has crossed our mind," Hiruzen answered softly knowing that he and the teen's grandparents were meddling in an area that had been given to Naruto.
"I can't believe you three, I said from the start that I would put people on teams with those that make the best mix, the only person that is more or less a given is Sasuke being trained by Kakashi because of the sharingan. If the Bastard had normal eyes he'd be going to whoever I said he was going to. Now, all that is decided, what is going to be in the treaty?"
"Well, we'll need some time to go over things but I think that I have my notes from when I had planned to meet with Rasa. That should cut a lot of time from the process," Hiruzen replied before adding one more thing, "Naruto, I think it would be in your interest that you have some say in this thing as well. Like you said, you're going to be the one that has to live with this thing so you might as well add your thoughts to it."
"Then it's settled then, Baa-chan, I'd like you to send a message to the Kazekage telling him that we are sending a delegation to his village to renegotiate the treaty. Tell him that in going over it while training me you noticed that there are things that are long out of date and that we'd like to fix things to give them more favor or at least give Suna equal footing. What was a good idea after a war is one thing but maintaining the punitive clauses for this long is just unfair. Allies do not treat each other in such a manner."
Hiruzen and Jiraiya looked at the blond, it was at times like this that they felt Minato's presence in the room. Naruto was shaping up to be a fine leader, when the time comes Konoha is sure to prosper under his rule.
"Very well worded Naruto, I'm sure Rasa will have no problem with renewing the treaty. Especially since it was us that are viewing it as unfair," Tsunade said, proud of her grandson and his way of saying things to the other side.
"Good, then we should have our answer in no more than three days. Once we get a reply we'll send the mission out first thing the next day. Now I don't know about you but I'm going to get some lunch and then meet up with Zabuza. Sakura and I are starting to get the hang of those katas with that damn bokken. Let's go my lovely wife," Naruto declared as he offered his arm to his wife. Sakura latched on and snuggled into her husband with a contented sigh.
"At your side my handsome fox," Sakura answered as she led him out the door.
Looking at them before turning to her own husband Tsunade gave him a glare, "Now why can't you treat me that way you old pervert?"
"Because the last time I tried to you hit me because you were sure I was at the hot spring peeping, that's why. Now, before you lose your temper we need to see what sensei had proposed and what we need to change to bring it up to date," Jiraiya answered in a tone that said he was serious. In four days or less he and his sensie would be leading a diplomatic mission to Suna in the hopes that they could avoid a war neither side could afford to fight.
A/N:
Okay, I am so, so, sorry that this is so late. This was not an easy chapter to do and except for the beginning up to family time in their hot springs everything after that was trashed. For one it was to sappy and saccharine as well as very cliche`. The other reason was what I had mentioned earlier, one of the scenes was a flashback of Kurama arguing with Inoichi over Naruto's upbringing and that along with another flashback with Naruto witnessing his first helicopter crash during a combat op triggered my PTSD. While very mild mine still come out to bite me on the ass every now and then. Mine stems from seeing a fatal crash of an A-6 on the USS Saratoga's flight deck during night ops. Later that evening I was sent to hot fuel the helo that had been looking for the aircrew, when the SAR swimmer opened the door all that was brought out were the crews flight helmets that looked like cracked eggshells. So, that's the reason I was in such a slump, so things happen occasionally.
Now, I want to single out midnightscar17 and ZonZus for special mention. Midnight was really one of the strongest driving forces that PM'ed me at least twice a week and asked for progress reports. Sometimes I was able to give him some news and others I had nothing. During the whole time he never gave up on getting me to get my act together and start writing. Those PM's meant a lot to me as it told me that, yes, there are folks that like to read what I write. So, thank you for all the pokes and prods.
Second is ZonZus, after reading his review, #70 actually, I took a look at what I have posted and what I was working on. I don't usually bow to sharp criticism but this time I actually agreed with a lot of what he had said. Enough to scrap 2/3 of the chapter that was going to be chapter 13. He was right i the regard that it seems that Naruto went from a unloved street rat to the golden boy of the village that was handed more than a few powerful offices and positions. At some point I forgot that our favorite blond idiot was raised understanding that anything of value should be earned so as to enjoy and appreciate it. Now, one thing that I admit has been done before and that's making Zabuza one of Naruto's family, ie; uncle or cousin on the Uzumaki side. Since I have already established the duo's family connection I'm not willing to go back and change it. Yugao is another matter as I had planned to add her to Naruto's family line but since that was just in the works I was able to just make her a clansman as the Uzumaki clan is made up of many sub-clans that may or may not have a family name that's a derivative of Uzumaki. Yugao is just a clansman that Naruto has looked up to as a sister of sorts since he was a child.
Yugao however knew the truth about Naruto's family and clans but was forbidden by Danzo and the elders from not only telling the boy but barred her like they did Kakashi from adopting him. As Kushina's student just as Kakashi was Minato's Yugao Uzki entered ANBU in order to safe guard who she viewed as a little brother. Anko also views Naruto and Sakura as her brother and sister since in this universe Minato and Kushina went out of their way to make her welcome in their home and never blamed her for her sensei's crimes unlike the majority of the civilians. This is going to raise questions later in the story as secrets begin to come out of the closet. One is going to shake Sasuke to the core should he ever find out and it's going to put a strain on Naruto and Sakura's marriage. You didn't think that their happy ever after wa going to come without a cost did you?
So, now that I've given you all a little peek at what I have planned out it's time to say until next time. To those that I didn't mention thank you very much for your support and comments. As an aside I'm sure most of you are familiar with my first major story 'A Boy And His Fox' and it's uncompleted status. Well, sometime in the late fall I picked up Fallout 4 as well as all the DLC for it. I've been playing it off and on since then and trying to find inspiration for the revamp of said story. If you've played it you're no doubt aware of a German Shepard companion called Dogmeat. Well, last night I game across a replacer that changes Dogmeat to either a wolf or fox. The fox can be either red or grey, I think that there's one other shade of fur but I now have Naruto running around the Commonwealth with his fox companion Kurama. The crossover will semi-follow the main story line of FO4 but will incorporate a few add on companions, locations, mode of transport and weapons. The survivor of Vault 111 is not the only one that was frozen in time as Naruto was placed in a suspension jutsu along with one of his friends after Hinata is killed while having an affair by her lovers wife while Naruto is away fighting the Chinese in Alaska.
Long story short, Naruto is placed in suspension because of his mental stated. He was supposed to be mind walked but the bombs fell trapping him and one other in a secure area of their vault. Once he's awakened he goes outside and one of the first people he runs into is a young woman in her late teens that looks like his childhood crush. This is another add on companion from the Nexus that will stand in for a certain medic-nin. Once they meet Naruto and her set out to meet his best friend that requsted to be suspended alongside Naruto so the blond wouldn't be alone with no one when he wakes up. I will most likely start shortly after the Suna crisis is worked out. One last and final thing, teams from the genin pool are going to be sent to Mist to lend manpower to Mei and her rebels. There should be a few chapters centering in the DRACO teams as they learn how to conduct asymmetrical warfare.
See you in the next update or the Omake Easter egg, whichever I finish first.