Tip Of The Spear
Chapter 21
What was scheduled for a month soon stretched into two as the desert survival and warfare syllabus had been canceled by the Namikaze clan due to the fact that trade routes into the Land Of Rice Paddies from Fire Country had been closed off. Not needing to travel in the arid wastes near that border the clan had notified Jiraiya who in turn informed his grandson.
Not one to waste valuable training time the the water survival and remedial swimming module, BUDS, and water insertion classes were done at a more relaxed pace. The extension of the training time also gave Naruto a full month for the genin to understand the workings of ships and boats, in the case of sailing vessels they literally learned the ropes. In this case all the lines connected to the vessel's sails.
By the time the two month period ended, with another 'post cruise' party, also known as a DRUNKEX, the entire group made it's way home. Hungover and happy everyone now sported on their collars a pair of metal insignia looking much like Naruto and Sakura's First Class Petty Officer's crows. The difference was that the Uzumaki couple sported three chevrons the genin had only one. Team Nine's crows were also different as like Naruto and Sakura's crows the chevron was gold in color signifying that they were not only senior genin but qualified for advancement to chunin.
Naruto looked at the structure of the ninja ranking system and decided to use rank insignia from his old world to designate who stood where in Konoha's military machine. The system was such, those that graduated from the military training center and remedial washouts wore rank insignia of one diagonal
stripe as a new shinobi, two once they completed their training under jonin instruction and three when they were deemed experienced enough to assist in leading the squad. Upon becoming a squad leader they received their crow as a genin. Up to that time they were to be referred as Shinobi 3, the lowest with one stripe, to Shinobi 1 with three stripes.
After that they would have the opportunity to test for the rank of genin. Chunin would have a crow with two chevrons and Jonin three. As for the naval ranks Naruto intended to give the elite grads, that was for the times they were at sea or assigned to a ship or boat in Fire Country's new navy. The ranks during that time began with ensign for a new genin, for senior genin, Lieutenant for chunin and Lt Commander for a jonin. Anything higher would be given on a case by case basis.
But now it was time to report in after a two day march from Wave. By now Naruto wanted to missing genin to be seen. According to his grandfather's spy network there was much speculation in the other countries that Konoha wasn't able to graduate any elite genin this time around. The reason they were proposing was that any clan and high ranked civilian offspring eligable had been killed in the Fox's rampage. Naruto had laughed at that report but it made him worry, although he was Hokage in name only, Konoha was still his village and he needed it to show it's strength. Hence the large formation of cammo wearing ninja marching as if on parade through the roads of Fire country.
Upon return the class was paraded through the main street leading up to the Hokage tower and the attached ninja academy. Passing through the school's gates the newly badged genin continued to the school's sparring arena only to halt before the grandstand. Standing in front of it stood Naruto's grandparents and children who had been escorted back a day earlier by Zabuza and Haku. Also standing in front the stands was Iruka who had begun teaching the next class of shinobi alongside their jonin-senseis. It was this group that would be trained in desert warfare. In the stands were those same students who looked upon their sempai in awe. While they wore the issued OD fatigues the class before them were wearing the woodland cammo uniform along with their combat gear, their weapons hidden away in seals with only their pistols visible. As a surprise to the genin, their families and friends were also in the stands, invited, for what was to be their final graduation.
Naruto and Sakura placed their group at attention before striding up to his grandmother and saluted, "Advance Training class zero-one reporting their return and successful completion of their mission. Konoha now has it's own waterborne special forces unit."
Tsunade returned the salute with a smile, she and Jiraiya had missed their grand and great grand children a lot so she was very joyful at their return. Breaking protocol she stepped forward and hugged her grandchildren tightly, "It's so good to see you home. We missed you."
Stepping back she cleared her throat and spoke in an official tone, "I take it everything went well?
"Yes my lady," Naruto replied.
"Good, your genin have a week off before we have to send a detachment to Kiri. The situation is changing rapidly and the rebels are facing hard times."
"Understood, what of the treaty with Iron?"
"Your grandfather and Sensei returned last week, it seems Orochimaru and Danzo are causing problems with Iron and have accepted our offer of assistance. Mifune, it seems, has been having trouble from our villages traitors and is eager for our help since they're more or less our problem to begin with."
"How long do we have before the Kiri DET has to leave?"
"No more than a month, it'll take time to cover the distance to the nearest seaport with ships going that way."
Naruto smirk which caused Tsunade to raise her eye brow, "It won't take that long, I have a building crew from Wave following a couple days behind us. They're to make a boat basin along the river south of the village. In two weeks we can expect the first four of our combat craft to arrive along with the Konoha Military Ship the KMS Maelstrom."
"What do you mean "Konoha Military Ship?" Tsunade asked with narrowed eyes, "I never authorized you to have ships built."
"No, you didn't. But the Whirlpool Lord did, that's me by the way..."
SMACK! "I know it's you baka! So Whirlpool is bankrolling the construction of these ships?"
"More like conversion, remember those freighters we seized during Wave's liberation? Well that's them, they are now frigates that can act as mother ships to the combat craft we've built. The details can be discussed in my office."
"I see, well, I take it you've planned out this boat basin? And are funding that as well?"
"Yes and yes. Now I need to dismiss my troops and go home for a shower. How were the monsters? Any trouble?"
"No, they were perfect angels. Having said that go ahead and dismiss you people."
Naruto saluted again and turn to face his troops, "AT Class Zero-one! Stand at ease!" as this was happening Naruto and Sakura faced to stands.
"Lady Tsunade, Lord Jiraiya, honored guests and students of Class Zero-Two, I welcome you to witness the following event."
"For the last year and two months this class has been kept close to home and under wraps. They were not allowed the traditional right of passage doing D rank missions for the village, those are now being done by the senior academy class. I know that this is not easily accepted by the more traditional minded members of the village but there was good reason to change things. This class is the last of the old and the first of the new. The training they've endured over the last year has paid off in the end and they have met and exceeded all our expectations.
"Out of the original 21 student 18 remain and of those 18, six have become fully qualified combat medics that have a greater ability to save lives in the field. The families and clans of those medics should be proud as they're as valuable as ten combat ninja. To save a life requires steady nerves, great focus and unwavering skill. To be asked to do all that when the world is in chaos calls for an extraordinary type of person, that is what our new medics are. To show that they are recognized for their achievement they're authorized to wear the universal sign of a medicine practitioner, the caduceus.
"Next, the entire class has been trained to a degree that some of the ANBU qualified jonin-sensei's have called an insane intensity. We've taken what were a basically trained mob of school children, explained the goals of their post graduate training and shaped and forged them into some of the finest warriors and leaders Konohagakure has produced. These eighteen genin are the first of a new breed, may their future remain bright."
Turning back to his troops Naruto gave them his trademark grin,
"Today is the last day that you will view my wife and I as your tormentors, I mean trainers. Each and everyone of you have on your collars the badge of your position in the villages forces. Some of you, the medics have a second device on your collars, the caduceus, the traditional symbol of medics everywhere. All of you also wear the specialist badge of combat diver, even Kiba and Akamaru. Congratulations to you both on doing something no other Inuzuka has done in generations. I'd like to thank Sakura for remembering that while in exile equipment for diving had been developed for our canine friends as well as helping Kiba train his body to adapt and endure swimming underwater with out a full face mask.
"Genin Inuzuka is a prime example of strong determination. There was a prize to be won by those with the guts to reach out for it and Kiba Inuzuka was one that wanted that prize the most. All because he was told that he couldn't do it because his body wouldn't let him. I guess he showed his body who the Alpha is, too bad he can't do that to Hinata."
At this the assembled genin gave out a few laughs and insults while Kiba was shouting back. After a few minutes Naruto was able to regain control, "Now, I wish to welcome you into the brotherhood of the warrior caste, may you be victorious in your battles, feared by your enemies and out live all that stand against you!"
Waiting for the cheers of the genin to die down Sakura now stepped up to address her now former students, this would be the only class that she and Naruto would be so intimately involved with. The following classes would see her and her husband when they started, at the mid point when the extended D rank missions were assigned and once more after their specialty training, this next rotation would be desert warfare, something Naruto wanted for the first group. The third rotation was a mountain warfare course, overall, there were three courses to be taught, mountain, desert and waterborne.
Out of those classes one dozen of the most promising would be inducted into DRACO. These would be the ones sent out on black missions as ANBU was now beginning to handle internal security and police work, reinforcing the KMPD until the remains of the Uchiha clan could get a handle on things. As much as a few of the older clansmen hated it, they agreed that it was a given that other clans and civilians needed to be incorporated into the police force. Ever since the massacre the KMPD had been spread thin, now with the manpower boost from the ANBU things were running smoother than ever.
The catch to that redistribution of manpower was that it left a vacuum of manpower in other areas, hence DRACO. Naruto knew that a force of less than one hundred would barely make a dent in open warfare but in the shadows, just as he had worked while in exile, they could cripple the enemy. Raids on enemy bases, the taking of high ranking persons and sabotage of infrastructure were part and parcel of what DRACO was expected to carry out. All this was on Sakura's mind as she began to speak,
"I would like to tell you that the past year was one of the most rewarding times of my life. Since our return it's been difficult at times to feel accepted, but through the last two years I feel as close to you than I did with the friends we made in exile. We won't see much of each other from now on because of pending operational commitments but that doesn't mean you can't visit when you can. Our door in the office as well as our home is always open to you all. I look forward to serving with you in the future as Naruto and I still have our own mission load to fulfill. Thank you so very much for the time we've spent together and the times still to come."
As she to a step backwards to her husbands side Naruto barked one last order, "CLASS ZERO-ONE! ATTENNNNSHUNNNN! DISSSSMISSSED!"
As the formation broke up the new genin raced towards their loved ones, clan children were surrounded by their fellows and civilian children were hugged by their parents and siblings. Even the orphans of the bunch were surrounded by their fellow orphans from the class zero-two. Naruto looked on as Sakura remembered their graduation from boot camp and later his own passing of BUDS. Still smiling he gathered his wife and their children and quietly walked them home.
The next morning Naruto was found in a conference room flanked by Sakura and Umeko, their office manager. The pair had found that since she had taken the job their jobs went smoother than they had before she was taken in. Also in the room were the members of DRACO, Sasuke, Ami, Shino, Sai, Ino and Choji on one side with Shikamaru, Hinata, Kiba, Tenten, Lee and Neji on the other. In the center of the room were Hiruzen, Tsunade, Jiraiya and Hiruzen's new wife the Lady Chiyo from Suna.
Akamaru had found a nice comfy spot in a sunbeam from a nearby window, joining him was a large tabby cat that had become attached to Sakura, Kade was in fact a summon that was tasked with aiding the young couple any way she could as well as a bodyguard of sorts. While she had a kittenish attitude and appearance she was in fact a very old and wise feline who had command of every cat in the village. She also was an ambassador to the dog realm hence the reason she was sunning and grooming Akamaru. At first the pup was freaked out but soon began to enjoy the attention much to Kiba's dismay.
The topic of the meeting was assignments for the two planned detachments. Naruto was laying out his choices at the moment,
"Okay, I've been going over this plan every night after training basing and updating it after observing everyone's performance. Two cells from DRACO are going to be sent out one on each DET. Of those cells, they will be assigned one each to an existing shinobi squad for training. Remember," he began as he focused his eyes on Kiba, Sasuke and Neji, "You are the ones to be trained not the other way around. The teams you'll be assigned to are very all experienced and have been chosen for their ability to work well with each other."
"They have no time for posturing or egos so check them at the door understand? Good. You will listen and learn, if you see something that may work better based on your training speak up, they have been told to listen as well. Now, I've taken a lot of thought to put this list together so here it is," at that Sakura pulled the curtain from the white board on the wall behind her as Umeko went around the room handing out mission packets. As she did Sakura took up the brief,
"The first group is Operational Group Jay. They will be going to Kiri and will be led by Zabuza Momochi Uzumaki. DRACO Detachment Alpha will consist of Hyuga Neji, Tenten, and Lee. Neji, you're the DET medic and your word is law concerning the health of your comrades. You will also provide medical aid to the rebels and any civilians you encounter. Remember, 'hearts and minds', a simple act of mercy can pay off many fold down the line."
The mention of Zabuza's full name surprised Chiyo. She had heard of the Demon of the Mist but the stories of him and Haku had been distorted with constant retelling. The man himself wasn't present as he was attending to clan affairs as Naruto's proxy. While still a very dangerous opponent he looked over his young cousin with affection although Naruto questioned that affection during his and Sakura's sword training.
The others nodded their heads and made notes in the packets they had been given as Sakura continued, "The second Detachment is Operational Group..." turning to her husband Sakura just looked at him before hitting him over the head, "Seriously? Are you fucking kidding Naruto?"
"Just read it, it's not like I can come up with these names on the fly," the young Hokage replied as he rubbed his head.
"Change it."
"No"
"I said change it!"
"No, it's a good name. Face it, I gave you a chance to come up with the names, you went shopping instead. The name stays."
Sakura slumped in defeat as Naruto was right, he had asked her for help but she, Ino and Ami went out shopping instead,
"Fine, Operational Group," she paused to give one more look to her smirking husband before continuing, "Op Group Silent Bob will be conducting waterborne raids into the Land of Rice Paddies via the river that runs through Iron. Mifune has given permission to transit his lands and operate out of one of the trading towns between Sound village and the mother ship."
"DRACO Detachment Bravo will consist of Hyuga Hinata, Uchiha Sasuke and Inuzuka Kiba. Overall command is to be under Sarutobi Asuma. Sai, you will be attached as intelligence officer as we understand that Ero-jijii has trained both you and Shino is that correct?"
"It is, we have developed a strong network in that region. Will I be going along on raids or gathering intelligence?" came the reply. The young man had over the years since his liberation from the dungeons of ROOT had not only gained color in his skin, he was no longer pasty white, but a quiet personality as well. Under that veneer was a sharp mind and quick wit as well, Naruto loved verbally sparring with him and not every match had the blonde winning.
"It will be on a case by case basis. We'll want you to be safe for the most part since we'll need your...talents ROOT taught you when a prisoner is taken," replied Sakura.
"Very well, thank you," was all the reply Sai gave.
"Hinata," Sakura continued as she addressed the quiet girl, "You'll be team medic, same orders as your cousins. Be careful though, the traitors have had over a decade to convince the citizens of Rice Paddies that Konohagakure is their mortal enemy. Treat only those that are in a life and death situation, hearts and minds will be only wasted otherwise,
"A word of caution Hinata, in exile the enemy used children to kill medical teams. They would plant explosives on them and command detonate them once the kid was taken in for treatment. Scan everyone not on your team for tags before you get near them, the traitors aren't above such tactics so be careful."
"Don't worry Sakura, Akamaru and I will keep her safe," Kiba's voice rang out, "In fact we have a litter mate of Akamaru's that we'll take along to protect her when we're not around."
Sakura looked at her husband who smiled and nodded his head, "Very well, requisition the extra supplies for the animal and charge it to the mission. The extra nose and eyes will help. By the way, how do you have an extra dog? I thought your clan had gifted the litters to their new children?"
"Ah, well, this dog is special, she's bonded with Hinata-hime and is an engagement present," Kiba stated with a blush.
"Congratulations then, now, mother ships. Jay will be supported by Revenge, Silent Bob," once again a glare at Naruto, " will be supported by Avenger. Those are the ships that were dry docked in Wave. Each vessel will embark not only your detachments but four of the fast boats we worked with at the end of the training mission there, Naruto-kun?"
Naruto stood up and took Sakura's place, "Okay, the engineering corps are working on the river south of the village. They'll be done in two weeks and in that time they'll be widening and deepening the channel to accommodate the two frigates. Now, these were designed to handle up to one hundred-fifty Kiri nins so there's lots of room for you and your equipment. The crews are from Wave and the ships captains are members of whats left of my grandfather Uzumaki's Navy so their loyalty is unquestioned.
"The mission is outlined in your packets, those not going are to continue training as well as take missions for the village. Expect to be rotated into one of those DETs in four months. During that time you'll be working with your shinobi counterparts. Remember, it's you that'll be learning not the other way around. These ninja have been doing the villages dirty work since they graduated and they learned on the job the hard way. They didn't have the luxury of controlled training that you all had. Any questions?"
"Yes, Neji's team is going as one but I'm the only one from mine," stated Sasuke.
"Team nine has been working as a unit for over two years and is to take the chunin exams when the time comes. You and the others are part of a manpower pool. You and Sai have experience from Wave so in that regard you'll be the leader of the DRACO cell. I expect you two to be a stable influence on the others."
"Ami is also off rotation as of today," added Sakura to the shock of the others in the room, "Her...personal...situation has changed over the last few weeks. She has become more valuable behind the lines than fighting at the moment. Would you like to inform your fiance the reason or should I?"
A red faced Ami stood up and turned to Sasuke, "No, I'll do it. Sasuke, remember when I was sick in the last part of the training cycle?"
"Yeah, you said it was something you ate or it was because you get seasick."
"Well, it wasn't any of those. Sasuke, I know it's a bit early but...well, you're going to be a fathe..." THUD!
It was quite funny to see the stoic Uchiha heir's eyes pop out like a certain overall wearing cartoon rabbit upon hearing the news, Naruto would swear later that he heard an AWWOOOGAA horn sound when that happened. Sasuke would counter that the Hokage was an overgrown juvenile delinquent that watched too many cartoons. However the fact of the matter was that on hearing the news Sasuke Uchiha had passed out at hearing of his impending fatherhood.
Once Ami had revived her lover the room was shocked to see something that they never thought they'd ever see, Sasuke Uchiha was grinning wider than Naruto ever could. Seeing that the meeting was essentially over the room was dismissed.
At the same time the meeting was being held the three Uzumaki children were sitting in Iruka's office having been sent to the head master by a very panicked teacher. As they sat in front of him the three displayed angelic faces of innocence although the papers he was currently reading were far from it.
In fact they were very detailed, for a trio of nine and ten year olds, plans of attack against the Land of Waves' maritime academy, their main shipyard and the main refinery. Each child had written a report, Moegi had visited with Naruto when he inspected the refinery while Udon had tagged along with Inari to the ship yards to watch the fathers and uncles of his friends work on the new boats destined for Konoha and Wave. Konohamaru on the other hand had the most time to do his assignment as he was tasked to plan against the academy.
He treated it as a deep cover infiltration mission and for the first time ever behaved in class and diligently did his homework and assignments without whining. He was the perfect student and blended in with the others, his only difference being the son of the Uzushiro's last prince. That wasn't that big of a deal to the friends he made but to the adults it opened doors that should have been kept closed. Kono had submitted at least three detailed plans of increased damage and casualties with the first to destroy the facility at night to prevent the death of the students and staff to the last option, a total razing and complete elimination of every living thing in the vicinity.
Reading it Iruka suppressed a shiver, Naruto's new lesson plan had taught them well. The next few years will see each class that graduates deadlier than the last, Konohamaru and his 'siblings' along with their classmates would be the enemies of Konohagakure worst nightmare. The children, those in the academy, especially orphans, had learned to compartmentalize their emotions. They had learned to set their duty into one box and their friends, family and happiness into another. It was a crime, a mortal sin, to do that to them but Iruka knew that it was the only way for his village and country to survive.
Smiling he looked at the kids as he returned their papers, "Congratulations, you three have passed with high marks on your mission. I'm very proud of you all for the amount of effort you put into your reports, especially you Konohamaru. The papers will be filed in your father's office so you're to hand them over to Umeko-san and have her file them in Naruto's office. You all did good, I'm proud to have students like you in the academy."
Two and a half weeks later the entire village turned out to see the arrival of Fire Country's newest warships, the Konoha Naval Ship's Revenge and Avenger slowly glided up the newly widened and deepened river and turned into the turning basin. The morning air was still and neither ship had their sails unfurled and set on the single mast remaining after their refit. The only hint to their method of propulsion was a muted high pitched whine as the two Garret power packs drove their water jets at one eighth power.
Once docked Naruto and Sakura led their grandparents, Hiruzen, Iruka and the heads of the five major clans onboard the Revenge. The assembled group looked on in awe as they toured the main deck and observed the offensive and defensive capabilities it offered. One the forecastle stood an American civil war era breach loading naval gun mounted on a turret and protected by a splinter shield. Similar mounts were positioned port, starboard and aft. On top of the main deck house Hiashi noticed two large boxes on pivots.
"What are those Lord Fifth?"
"A variation of a early rocket system from one of the lands in the west. It's called a Hwacha and in it's original form fired from an open frame with unguided unstabilized rockets. This uses improved rockets that track straighter and is able to selectively fire it's war load." Naruto answered as he swept his hand to point out an odd contraption with a crank on one side that looked as if it turned the bundle of pipes protruding out one side.
"Those are Gatling gun for close in defense and these pipes amidships are the mortar battery. We'll use those for shore bombardment. Kiri is the intended target since the population centers are with in range of the sea. Over there," he pointed to the four SOCC boats locked into their mounts, "are the four raiding craft we plan to use to place troops into an area, enforce a blockade or harass enemy positions. Avenger will carry eight boats to support the rebels a little better. If you'll follow me I'll take you to the bridge."
Jiraiya stood in shock at what his grandson has introduced into the continent. He understood that change was needed but this would start an arms race that nobody would win,
"Naruto," he began, "was it necessary to introduce this much firepower into the continent?"
"Sadly grandfather it is, Snow is becoming militarized as we speak and have introduced things that were only found where we were exiled. Iron is beginning to produce cruder versions of firearms and while not exporting them yet it's only a matter of time."
"But to target civilian's towns and villages..."
"You don't think Kiri won't do the same to us? Look around you, this vessel is their work, not ours. They had it made and had they been successful the last of my lands would've been under their heel." Naruto lashed angrily out at Jiraiya.
"I just think it's overkill is all son, Konohagakure is known as peacemakers and too avoid conflict where possible, isn't there any other way?"
"No grandfather, I know it looks like I'm a warmonger but I'm not. Not after what Sakura and I have seen I'm far from it. However, I meant what I said about preparing for peace by preparing for war. In the history of where we were only a strong military deters aggression and even then it's no guarantee that that nation won't be attacked.
"Ten years before we arrived in the west terrorists attacked from out of nowhere and killed thousands of innocent civilians and destroyed two of the tallest buildings in the land . The west's military and intelligence assets were looking outwards, they were attacked from within. What I'm doing is keeping our enemies as far from us as possible."
"Lord Uzumaki," Shikaku spoke up, "if I may. It's my understanding that your plan is to engage in combat on our enemies ground to protect ours, is that right?"
"It is," answered Naruto, "but before you continue, let me answer your question. Yes, I intend to aid the Kiri rebels as their enemy is our enemy. I'm sure you don't wish to see a bloodline purge begun here in Konoha. Now Sound is the home to two of our most deadly traitors, the other nations and villages know this. As leader of this village, however small my role is at the moment, I will track down and eliminate our enemies or at least give them a reason not to attack."
"I see, and that's the problem," Shikaku replied, "Your power at the moment is limited and to carry out any aggressive action requires the blessing of the regent."
"That's where your wrong, as Lord of The Lands Hidden in Whirlpools I can order aggressive action against Kiri using Konoha forces under our mutual defense treaty, one your grandfather negotiated. As for Sound, it's been confirmed to be sheltering two missing and very dangerous traitors. Under Konoha law all shinobi, no matter their rank, have the duty to use any and all means at hand to eliminate the threat. Now, tell me where I've over stepped my bounds?"
At that the leader of the shinobi council looked down, it was a last gambit to prevent a wider conflict to break out however Naruto had thought of everything. He most likely has back door permission from Iwa and Kumo since Sound has been causing trouble for their countries recently. Most likely Danzo trying to make a power play, there were minor nations along the frontier of Konohagakure, Iwa and Kumo that could be used as staging grounds for covert attacks. Danzo had nearly ten years to regroup and grow his forces using the what remained of ROOT after Hiruzen's purge.
"I can't see where you have my Lord," conceded Shikaku, "I trust that when the first casualties are reported you'll be able to look their families in the face."
"I will Nara-san, I and my wife are not as cold blooded as you perceive us to be."
As they continued the tour Tsunade noticed the Kiri detachment boarding the other vessel. They were to sortie out that same day since the rebels have had several setbacks recently. The Demon Brothers had been sent back months ago while Kisame had been acting as a courier and recruiter. Zabuza was getting antsy to leave so Naruto promised his cousin that he'd go as soon as the boats were ready.
Two hours later as the tour ended the Avenger had just slipped it's mooring lines and entered the main channel. As it passed the captain ordered a show of his vessels power as the turbine engine's sound grew from a soft whine to an ear splitting screech as it passed. Everyone watching was shocked to see how fast the ship picked up speed as it hit twenty knots going downstream. In three hours it would hit the sea and arrive at the rebel base in Kiri some forty-eight hours after that.
Tsunade asked about the noise and was told that the sound on deck was at a safe level as the exhaust vented upwards and the subsequent noise spread outward, it was the seagulls that had to worry about losing their hearing or getting cooked by the radar antennae on the mast.
It was a week later that Jiraiya and Tsunade found Naruto in his office in his combat gear a large bag next to his desk. Ignoring Umeko's protests of her bosses being in conference the grandparents deactivated the locking and privacy seals. As they entered the office Umeko's eyes grew wide before she shrieked and spun around.
Tsunade was wide eyed and blushing furiously seeing the sight in front of her as Jiraiya's nose began to spew an arc of blood. There in full view stood his grandson and his wife in flagrante delicto.
While Naruto was standing with his back to the door Sakura was against the wall being supported by her lovers arms. Her face was buried in Naruto's neck as she hungrily kissed him in between whispers of love and encouragement as her lithe legs wrapped around his waist. Hearing the seals deactivate and the door open she began to panic,
"Naruto-kun! We have to stop someone's coming!"
"Damn right," he growled, "I am!" as he emptied himself into his wife pressing her tight against the wall as his body stiffened while the euphoric high of orgasm flooded his mind.
"Ahem!"
Hearing the noise behind him brought him back into the now. Naruto's member noisily slipped out of Sakura as he slowly turned around in shock, "Ba...ba...baachan! What're you doing here?"
By now Sakura had pushed Naruto away and had lowered her skirt, "We... we can explain and Ero-jijii, you put that note book away or I'll beat the Inuzuka record for a neutering!"
Tsunade just stood with her arms crossed with a smirk, "Never mind us young one, there's a reason sex in the office is risky. Now, what's going on and for Kami's sake Naruto pull up your pants. No one wants to see that!"
Sneaking a look over her shoulder Umeko stole one more glance at her boss before returning to her desk, 'Speak for yourself Lady Tsunade, I'd like to have a turn riding that and he's not even hard anymore! RRRaoww!'
"Now, what the hell is that bag for? Going somewhere?" Tsunade asked.
"I'm leaving this afternoon with the Revenge, I'll be gone until the Vengeance relieves us in four months," Naruto answered.
"No, you're not," Tsunade ordered, "You've duties here to attend to."
"If you're talking about the treaty with Suna Sakura's been briefed and is taking my place. "
"No, as not only the Fifth Hokage but the Whirlpool lord and last of the Uzumaki royal line you...are...staying here!"
"No I'm not, my place is with my troops, I'm going!"
"Naruto," Jiraiya said as he put his note book away while avoiding Sakura's glare, "How old were you when you came back here?"
"Thirteen, why?"
"How old are you now?"
"Fifteen, almost sixteen. What's with the questions?"
"Simple, your chakra coils are strong enough now. Tell me, of all that Kurama has taught you jutsu wise, do you know any of your father's techniques?"
"What do you mean?" Naruto asked as he looked at his grandfather, "What techniques?"
"Well, this for one," Jiraiya said as he held a glowing blue ball of chakra in his hand.
"Kit, that's your father's signature jutsu, one of the one's I couldn't teach you. If the pervert is going to be doing what I think he's planning then the trip is canceled," Kurama told his host.
"What do you mean the trip is canceled and what's that jutsu?"
"Just that, the trip is canc'd as you used to say in the Navy. The old man has your father's most deadly jutsus and he intends to teach them to you. That one, the rasengan, on the night I lost it he used several on me. I can't describe the pain it caused me but it's downright deadly when used right. Let the pervert teach you your father's jutsu's. Naruto, I see you as my son and Sakura as my daughter, I've taught you all I can without you damaging your bodies. I've watched you both grow, learn and thrive. You two have accomplished much but you both still have much to learn. The perv has his son's, your father's jutsus and it looks like he's ready to teach you."
"Then why now? Is it because of my impending trip?"
"Because, it's like he asked, your chakra coils, even counting that failed attempt on your life, are now strong enough to take the training. Naruto, they both love the two of you, let them keep you home a little longer. Before you know it this war is going to start no matter what you do to delay it. Let them enjoy your company a little while longer."
Closing the link Naruto looked at the blue ball, "It's the rasengan isn't it? My father's jutsu...does this mean..."
"Yeah gaki, it's time you learn this and the Flying Thunder God. Your father used the two jutsus to personally end the last war," Jiraiya replied, "Naruto, this isn't an attempt to keep you here but I'm glad it worked. No, your grandmother and I have been planning this training for you since you returned."
At that Tsunade spoke up, "Not only you Naruto, I think Sakura is ready to learn from me as well. Now, I don't know any of Kushina's techniques but I know someone that does. I want to teach you the jutsus that made me famous in order for you to have a greater chance at living through the coming war."
The two teens looked at the two sanin with wide eyes. They're being offered a chance to learn some very advanced techniques that belong to the family, "Grandmother, I'm not an Uzumaki, Mother Kushina's techniques belong to the Uzumaki not me."
"Nonsense Sakura-chan, the moment you said yes and I placed that mate mark on you you became an Uzumaki," Naruto assured his wife, "You need to learn all you can to teach Moegi and any future daughters we have while I need to learn my father's techniques to pass on to our sons."
"Exactly my boy!" Jiraiya exclaimed, "Now, normally I would have taken you on the road for about three years for training but, with the two missions being executed that's out of the question. That said you have the means of speeding up the learning process."
'What do you mean I have the means to speed things up?"
At this Jiraiya's smile grew wider, "Shadow clones, they transfer their memories to the original or did you forget?" They'll be useful with the rasengan, look, it took your dad a little over three years to get it down and he's the one that invented it. It took me eighteen months and it took your adopted father Kakashi a year. That's time we don't have so since you and the little lady can use that jutsu Tsunade-hime and I are going to abuse your clones like there's no tomorrow."
"And when is this going to start?"
"Meet me at training ground three and Sakura will meet Tsunade-hime at training ground forty," came the answer. Before Sakura could ask why she was going to train so far away Jiraiya continued, "Sakura, you'll need all the room possible. Tsunade's techniques are not subtle nor are they weak, the distance from the village isn't for your safety but the village's."
"Get lot's of rest you two," came Tsunade's voice, "Sakura, I'll meet you at Naruto's training ground and we'll go to our's together. Oh and Sakura, don't forget the jutsu unless you're trying to be like Ami."
With that the older couple departed the office laughing like school children. Naruto and Sakura however were mortified, they'd been caught in the act of making love by not only their grandparents but Umeko as well.
"Umeko, oh shit Naruto, she saw us Naruto, she saw us! Oh shit how do we face her?" Sakura was almost crying in a panic.
"The same way we faced the guys in the barracks that time your bb stackers kicked the door in, just smile and wave."
"Yeah, but this time it's not the guys that saw me. While you were turning to face your grandmother I saw Umeko looking at you. And from the look on her face, she likes what she saw," Sakura explained to her husband who paled almost as white as Sai.
"We could always..."
"NO! We're not going to fire her, who's going to put up with us? Besides, she's nearly family, the kids love her, so what're you going to do?"
"Well, I wasn't thinking of firing her, what I was going to suggest was an Israfael Special." *
"Oh fuck no! Look I agree that that was a good Evangelion fan fiction and that euphemism Asuka came up with was clever, but...no! No more threesomes! The last one with Maria was just plain weird knowing that she loved you as much as I did. It didn't help that you were in love with her as well. So, back to the question at hand, what do we do about Umeko? And no Israfael Specials!"
"Nothing, even if she likes what she saw nothings going to happen. Let her have her fantasy," looking at his watch Naruto swore, "Damn, the Revenge has already left and we missed seeing our friends off."
"We didn't see the Avenger off either so it balances out dear, let's go home," Sakura said as she took her husband by the hand.
Passing their office manager's desk Sakura spoke to the girl, "Umeko, you have the day off, and I'm sorry that we embarrassed you."
"No my Lady, I'm sorry I couldn't keep your grandparents out."
"Nonsense, I doubt we could have stopped them. Umeko, you did your best, that's all we've ever asked of you. Now, why don't you spend the rest of the day with a nice boy?"
"That's the problem Sakura, it's hard to find a nice boy when I have to work as much as I do. Don't get me wrong, I love the job but I've never been able to meet anyone special."
"Really? I thought that you had someone..."
"No, all I'm able to do is go to work and go home to make sure my little brother gets his homework done and asleep at bed time, we have no parents. My social life is about as crowded as the Suna desert."
"Oh my, Umeko, I didn't know. If you want, Naruto has a few single cousins that you'd love, I can set you up on a few dates. I even have a couple cousins that are in the market for a smart girlfriend, how about it?"
"Let me think it over okay? I've never had a date let alone boyfriend."
"That's fine, just let me know if you're interested. Look, you can come in after lunch, Naruto and I are to begin some training with Tsunade and Jiraiya in the morning."
"That's fine but we have a new fish to break in starting in the morning so I'm afraid I have to be here anyway but thanks for the offer. Have a good night and I'll see you when you come in after lunch."
With that exchange over the couple left the room with Naruto sporting a knowing smirk as he waved to their office manager/secretary. Following out the door Sakura looked back at a blushing Umeko before she turned and 'Gibbs slapped' Naruto across the back of his head.
Stopping at Iruka's office in the academy they received his report on the three children and their mission reports and plans. The young couple were very proud of what their kids had done, especially Konohamaru. He was not one to apply himself as his previous private sensei had filled his head with promises of shortcuts to greatness. Once he began to live with Naruto and Sakura reality had come crashing down on him. It wasn't until he and the other two were let in on their adopted parents secret that he understood what Naruto had been trying to tell him one day after a session of frustration.
Flashback No Jutsu
Sighing, Naruto squatted down next to the boy that he saw as both a little brother and son, "Kono, there's no shortcut to learning, even with the shadow clones I have to expend the effort to make them and then I have to spend time understanding what the information was that they're sending back to me. In all honesty, you could fill a book with what I've forgotten over the years."
"Does that mean I'll still be learning even after I'm out of the academy?"
"Yes, everyday should be a leaning experience. When you graduate you'll go into advanced training, then you'll learn what you need to know to make chunin and then jonin but that's the easy part. In a few years you and Hanabi will have to learn to be husband and wife just like Sakura-chan and I did and once you think you have that figured out, you have to learn to be a father,
"It doesn't get harder, but it still isn't easy learning things, not for us. Sakura-chan and Moegi can kick our asses all day but they still have to get dirty sparring to make theory a reality. Don't give up and don't take the easy route, that's the path with the most danger.
End Flashback
After that talk Konohamaru had buckled down and got serious in class. It wouldn't do for the son of the Hokage to be the dead last of the class. As a side benefit Udon and Moegi began to improve as well. All three were in the top ten of their class and it showed.
As the couple now left the village's administrative complex they decided to go home and call it a day. In the morning they would begin a new phase of training. Naruto was actually excited to know he'd be learning his father's two signature jutsus but he was curious as to why Minato himself couldn't teach him. As they entered their house Naruto created a shadow clone and had his father's chakra construct inhabit it.
"Son, what's going on? It's not everyday that you have me in one of your clones, something wrong?" the clone asked.
"Ero-jijii and granny want to start training Sakura-chan and myself. The perv wants to teach me your techniques but I was curious, why can't you teach me?"
"Simple, although Kurama is powering the seal that allows me to live on so to speak, I'm still a chakra construct, should I try to create a rasengan or do the flying thunder god, I'd be depleted to the point of nonexistence. I'm here son to advise and guide you, it's your grandfather's job now to train you now."
"I see," Naruto replied softly, "do you have to be anywhere or can you visit for a while?"
Naruto spent the rest of the evening telling his father about what was going on and how much the three kids were progressing. By the time he was ready for bed he was out as soon as his head hit the pillow. Sakura giggled at him and gave her father in law a kiss and a hug before he dispelled.
Naruto was waiting with bated breath the next morning. Jiraiya showed up shortly after Naruto and Sakura and greeted his grandchildren cheerfully. Naruto had just leaned over to Sakura to voice his opinion when Tsunade arrived,
"I bet granny gave him some last night, I mean he's not hungover or crank...aaakk!"
"What was that brat?" Tsunade asked as she held him by the throat.
"Noth...nothing grandmother, I was just commenting on grandfather's cheerfulness this morning."
"It's because he's exited to be able to teach you your father's jutsus is all."
"That's right gaki, now, there's three steps to the rasengan. Actually there's four but your father never was able to figure the last one out," Jiraiya told his grandson.
Meanwhile Minato was seething in his son's mindscape which amused Kurama very much, "Tell that old pervert that I can hear him!" he yelled at his son.
"Ahh, Ero-jijii, dad said and I quote, 'Tell the old perv that he can hear him,' end quote."
"What is it with you brats? I'm the great toad sage and sensei to not one but two Hokages. I'm the great and glorious author..."
"Jiraiya the Super Pervert, yeah, yeah, we know. Just teach our grandson the jutsu or I'm going to knock you into next week," Tsunade told her husband with a straight face.
"No respect from anyone," the old perv began to mumble, "Now, fill this with water and then using only chakra swirl the water until it bursts," he instructed Naruto as he placed a foil packet in the teen's palm.
"Ahh, yeah. You want me to fill this with water and then burst it with chakra, are you fucking serious? You're kidding right? Because there's no way I'm going to fill that with water," came an angry shout.
"What do you mean you're not going to do it? All you have to do is pop a water baloo..." Jiraiya stopped in mid sentence when Naruto held up a foil packet containing one bright green foil packet containing one 'Sheer and Ribbed For Her Protection and Enjoyment', 'Springtime Of Youth' condom (Recommended By Maito Gai, patent pending)
"Oh, sorry I pulled it from the wrong pocket. Here try this," the old man apologized as he pulled a scroll from his other pocket giving Naruto a package of real balloons to work with.
Using a minor water jutsu Naruto filled several balloons and began to concentrate on moving the water around the inside of the rubber envelope. The first try took an hour before he was able to visualize the exact motions and patterns the water inside he needed to make before the balloon was popped. After that Naruto made fifty clones and gave them a scroll each of balloons to work with. As he settled down Tsunade and Sakura left for their own training ground.
It took three weeks before Jiraiya was satisfied with Naruto's training before they moved onto the next step, popping a rubber ball with just chakra. So, while he was hunkering down learning the next step Neji was in Kiri just about losing his shit.
Kiri Rebel Base
"What do you mean that your Mizukage is also an jinchuriki? No wonder we've had no progress!" the young Hyuga yelled as his fist smashed onto the map table.
Tenten took a look at the most recent photo gained of the detested leader, "He's a kid for Kami's sake Zabuza! He's just a kid, I'm not going to kill a boy younger than me even if he's my enemy!"
Looking at Zabuza with accusing eyes Neji continued, "You knew didn't you? You and that Mei that's always around you, you both knew! How much of a fool do you take your cousin for? Had he known..."
"He would've still sent out this mission, I told him all I knew of the rebellion and the Mizukage's true status. I'm sorry that information had to be withheld but in this war information is power," Zabuza said as he led Neji and the others to one of the Maelstrom class combat craft, better known in theater as a fast boat.
Once the Typhoon was loaded it headed to their mother ship. As they boarded the mother ship all of Konoha's contribution made their way to one of the ward rooms for a meeting. Zabuza allowed them all to grab sandwiches and drinks before they all sat down. Once finished Zabuza stood up and went to the front of the compartment,
"First of all I wish to say that I'm sorry for withholding information from you all. Naruto was told everything and advised me to inform you from the start. It was my call not too so please don't blame my cousin. Having said that, I wish to let all of you know that the rebel command is very impressed with your contribution to the war effort. So to answer your questions or better yet, accusations, Yagura, the Mizukage is the jinchuriki of the three tails. He's also an adult, not in the shinobi definition but, he's in his early twenties at the oldest. He just looks young but he's hardly a kid, trust me on that, I and Kisame served him for years before his crimes became too much,
"Now, Kisame, Mei and myself believe him to be under some form of manipulation. If that's true then we need to cut the puppet master's strings and take Yagura into protective custody should he surrender peacefully."
"And if he doesn't?" asked Neji.
"Then I expect your team to terminate the target."
"Terminate," Lee repeated in a quiet voice.
"Terminate with extreme prejudice, he's out the out of control and ordering those loyal to him to commit the worst of crimes against his own people."
"And how do we fit into this mission?" asked Neji.
"Ltjg Hyuga and his team, Ltjg's Lee and Higurashi have shown very high qualities of not only leadership but of diligent followers. Mister Aoba, your impressions of our young officers?"
"They've been trained well and have been excellent additions to our force but their roles now change," the senior most shinobi, one Shigeru Aoba stated.
"Correct," Zabuza said as he smiled wide, "until now you've still been learning and doing as ordered, that changes today. You three genin will
assisting in planning the next mission as it will necessary to use your...unique skills and...equipment."
"I see, and who else is going on this mission?" Neji asked in a skeptical tone.
"Just you three and myself, the others aren't BUDS trained. The Mizukage has retreated to this island here," Zabuza explained as he pointed to a map, "Our job is to ascertain if he's being manipulated or not. If he's not then we remove him from power by any means necessary."
"And if he is being used?"
"Cut the strings, arrest him and present him for trial by the other Kages. Let them determine his fate but one thing is certain, he won't be returning to rule Kirigakure. Not in this life at least."
"Go ahead and knock off for the rest of the day, we'll begin planning in the morning. By then I should have fresh intelligence on his movements," as he was speaking the wardroom stewards began setting the room up for dinner.
Looking at the rather small lobster or extremely huge shrimp on Neji's plate Zabuza grinned, "Mister Hyuga, if you eat that thing no one will ever doubt your manliness or bravery ever again."
* The Israfael Special is a euphemism for a sexual threesome coined by Asuka Langley Soryu in the fan fiction story Advice and Trust by Panther2G found on this website. It's one of my favorite Neon Genesis Evangelion stories posted. It's been ongoing for over a year now and is still not close to being finished. While not Naruto related it's worth a read.
A/N;
I got my mojo back, yeah baby! Well, this is the quickest turn around for updates in a long time, hopefully the next comes out as fast.
A few things to get out of the way since there's going to be howls of discontent in the things I armed the ships.
I could not for the life of me find a good ancient weapon that had a reasonable rate of fire and trust me I tried. Lately the series Ancient Discoveries has been airing episodes covering weaponry from the ancient Chinese dynasties and their spread and evolution to the west but nothing I saw would've worked for this story, hence what was eventually fitted.
The automatic kunai throwers used in Snow Country just didn't do it for me either but their use of steam power such as the train and airpower by way of the airship will be made use of by Naruto. While he won't actually steal the technologies from Snow he will use them as and excuse to get technologies from Earth and introduce them to Hi No Kuni, but back to the weapons fit.
Naruto has had the foxes procure turbine power packs for his fleet once he discovered Nami, or Wave, produced a very light oil from nearby tar pits. The lamp oil would be the same viscosity as kerosene derived jet fuel so there would be no trouble with it being too thick for the engine's fuel system. All that would have to be done would be multiple filtering to remove as much particulate contamination as possible.
Now, how do I know about jet fuel? Simple, before I became an Ordnancemen I spent my first time at sea as an Aviation Boatswain's Mate, Fuels, or ABF. I got to sport some cool purple outer wear, helmet, life vest and jersey, and hump hose and pump fuel to what ever aircraft needed it. It was dirty, back breaking and thankless but it was a rewarding experience since it was a job that, like weapons, few wanted to do.
So, Naruto is powering the fleet with jet engines, the same as the ones the power the M1 Abrams MBT. The smaller craft are using Auxiliary Power Unit turbines such as those that power the AC and electrical systems on airliners. These APUs are very small but have a large power output.
Now, once he had figured out how to get his fleet to move Naruto looked around and decided that he'd use an ancient Korean weapon system, the Hwacha (spelling?) and improved on it. The rockets are not simple gunpowder tubes but are actually two and three quarter inch diameter Folding Fin Aerial Rockets, the same ones that are launched from helicopters. Both box launchers can loose forty FFARs in one of three modes, single shots, paired shots of two at a time or salvo, all of them at once. The box itself is a flat rectangle with ten tubes across and four tubes down. The deck crew can reload each box in less than fifteen minutes, so the ships can fire two salvos, speed out beyond the range of the enemy reloading as they did so and speed back in for another go.
The ships also mount four turrets of one twenty pound breech loading naval rifles. The cannon or rifles are set to cover the ship from nearly all angles. Remember, the foxes can negotiate space and time so Naruto would have sent them back to a time that would allow purchase of such weapons with no questions asked. The ammunition could be manufactured with the Elemental Nations present techniques. The Land of Iron could be contracted to produce more guns as needed.
Mifune is a smart man and even he would've seen the signs of war clouds growing on the horizon. Konohagakure would use that as leverage in getting him to agree to provide material support to Naruto and his growing alliance. I'm sure the man would have worked a deal to acquire some of those guns and small craft for himself at some point.
The last weapons fitted would be .58 caliber Navalized brass plated Gatling guns for close in defense. These would have been chosen not so much exasperate a weapons race but more to appease Jiraiya. Had the man seen miniguns arming his grandson's ships he would've had a stroke. He remembers what they can do after seeing the video clips of Sakura in action as an Aircrew door gunner. So Naruto had Makoto purchase eight of the multi-barreled guns as possible as well as the parts Tenten's father's weapon foundry would need for producing future items.
For all his fears that Jiraiya has concerning his grandson, Naruto is not power hungry nor is he a borderline tyrant and dictator. He's a young leader that's seen the nightmare of war in a way that's more barbaric than how they're fought in this world. Naruto and Sakura want to achieve a lasting peace and to do that they have to fight a war.
Kiri is an obligation to his clan more than to defeat a confirmed enemy. Why? Because Kiri destroyed his family's homeland and scattered the survivors to the winds. Kiri killed his grandparents and other family members and in the past year had tried to take over the last of the Uzumaki lands. There is no political motivation in aiding the rebels only a desire to avenge his clan and family. The bloodline purges are the public reason but a smokescreen, the one presented to the Kages of Suna, Iwa and Kumo as justification for Konoha's actions. And while the other Kages gave their approval Naruto is doing this purely for revenge.
That said, he knows that Yagura may be under the influence of outside forces. It is known that Itachi had passed through there at one time after his betrayal of Konohagakure.
The mere suggestion of a puppet master is enough for Naruto to order his cousin to take the Mizukage alive if possible. If not then his team of DRACO members have the means to eliminate a threat. Over the years Kurama had been very clear on how a jinchuriki can die without his beast being extracted, catastrophic destruction of the heart is one. Removal of a large portion of the brain is another however Kurama has said that Naruto's actions and behavior sometimes calls that theory into question. The last is rapid loss of blood.
DRACO has the weapons and ammunition to cause any and all the injuries that Kurama had mentioned. There's a reason that Naruto placed his cousin in charge of the mission, Zabuza wants to finish the job he started. While he's one of the powers behind the revolution he knew that with his reputation getting the people behind him wasn't going to happen. Mei Terumi was a better choice, it also didn't hurt that they have feelings for each other, that will be touched on in a later chapter so be patient. Zabuza is more comfortable operating from the shadows, hence the real reason Naruto sent him.
He's to train Team Nine in all things covert. This mission that they're to be planning is step one. Step two is going to open some eyes as is step three. Naruto is going to have some very pissed off genin returning to him but at the same time some very skilled ones that will dominate the chunin exams.
Now, as to the ranks given to the genin while onboard ship. Most are Ensigns, the lowest form of life in the Navy. The only ones that actually listen to a new Ensign are those just out of boot camp. Ensigns are just starting out in their Navy lives as officers but they aren't widely respected personally. That's because they've got the academic background for the job, but, they don't have the practical experience for it.
Do you know what the job of the senior enlisted personnel in the military is? Aside from leading their men and following the planned assignments for the day the biggest job of ours is to raise the kids with the single gold bar on their person. A smart and wise jr officer will listen to the advice an enlisted person with more than fifteen years in service offers. I can truthfully say that I've helped raise four Ensigns in my time in service and that brings us to the genin.
The shinobi teams they're assigned to have two big jobs, keep the genin alive and teach them the way the ninja world really works. Neji and his team are well regarded by their fellow ninja. Next update we'll see how Sasuke and the others are faring. Last thing, Neji and the leading shinobi on the team are referred to as Mister.
This is not a mistake and is not used in the same connotation as addressing him as Neji-san or Neji-sama. Mister in this case if the form of address given to junior officers up to Lt Commander. The leading or senior shinobi are also called Mister since they hold the secondary rank of Warrant Officer. They can also be addressed as 'Chief' as well since the full title is "Chief Warrant Officer".
So, I think that covers most of the chapter and yes, Sasuke done screwed up and got Ami pregnant. The story can use a little WAFF from time to time that's not focused on Naruto and Sakura.