At long last we have completely passed all my other stories. Sealkeeper has had more reviews, favorites, follows, chapters, and words for a very long time but it was only recently that it passed 'Born into Wickedness' in views. I'm still surprised that one managed 300k+ views when it barely passes 20k words.

I've missed a couple reviews in the past few days because the site is being uncooperative but with any luck I should be able to respond as usual on Monday. If I don't however, now you know why.

Thanks goes to ncpfan for his help.

Let's begin.

It was after a two hour nap that he awoke once more in a tangle of limbs and sheets, his Wolf guard pressed closely to him. His Wolves quite enjoyed being near others, he had noted, often sleeping together in tight groups. It could have been an effect of the training they went through or the emotional conditioning they had failed, but Naruto was of the opinion that it was likely the result of both.

Neither Sai nor Mai had any explanation for this, the two of them often sharing a bed like siblings- which, Naruto suspected, very well might be the case, blood or otherwise-, and even Danzou had seemed to find this fact interesting.

But the mystery of why his Wolves seemed to crave human contact so set aside, he had things he needed to take care of. Carefully extracting himself despite a displeased moan of protest she probably wouldn't remember uttering when she woke, Naruto slipped out of bed and took a moment to observe his latest sleeping companion.

Curly chestnut hair splayed out over his pillows and covered the face he had only briefly seen when he had returned earlier. Green eyes remained tightly shut despite the sunlight that poured into his room and she attempted to bury herself deeper into his white blankets to escape the day.

Considering the fact that most of the blanket was wrapped around her legs she wasn't doing too well. He reached down and gently removed the fabric from around her bare legs and pulled it up just shy of her slender shoulders. Fingers softly brushed her hair out of the young woman's face and he gave a small smile at her peaceful expression. Satisfied that she was comfortable Naruto went about preparing for the day, carefully avoiding the clothing scattered over his floor.

A quick shower and a fresh change of clothes later he opted to grab breakfast on his way to the Den and quietly left his apartment. Within twenty steps the outer guard had managed to move to a position more suited to following after his lord and kept unseen vigil throughout the length of the journey.

Those already on the streets of the red light district recognized him well enough and kept their distance- not because he was known as the leader of the Wolves but because many of them remembered him as the 'Little Thief'. Getting close was just asking to have your pocket picked and even though he no longer relied on theft to support himself there wasn't a person on these streets that would know that.

Walking straight up to the crimson building that housed the entrance to the Den caused many to turn their heads away. It was not known what group lurked within the red walls –though much speculation pointed to the Yamanaka's claims of 'Wolves' being accurate due to the masks worn by the guards- but plausible deniability was good friends with everyone in the red light district.

The last thing you wanted was to see something you shouldn't have.

That's not to say they hadn't seen a fair number of people enter the building. Some left after hours, others were seen existing days later, and then there were those who no one ever saw again. The people here didn't know who was housed within the building or what they wanted with those who entered but they were not surprised to see the 'Little Thief' making his way there.

He made the trip often for whatever reason those within called on him and he never failed to return, even if it was several days later.

One could only conclude that for whatever they wanted him, he did it well.

And had this not involved such a suspicious occurrence speculation would be running rampant. As it was, the subject was only brought up in hushed whispers by those securely hidden within the dark rooms at local bars. There was not one person on the street that was not curious.

But there was not one person who wanted to sate that curiosity first hand.

Solid oak doors opened before he could touch them, creaking apart just enough to grant him entry. His guard would be joining with those stationed in the area as he went about his business inside. They would be waiting to rejoin him upon his exit so long as he returned before his guard changed. Chances were, however, that he would not be encountering that Wolf until sometime tonight for his next watch.

Moving into the second room he waved off the Wolves in the corners that all rose to salute him and proceeded down the staircase into the complex that was the Den of Wolves. With the number of times he had come here navigation was no issue and he was soon admitted into his office by the four guards posted before his door.

The office was empty at the moment but he knew it would only be a matter of minutes before either Mai or Sai – perhaps even both- made their appearance. One of his Wolves had no doubt sent word about his arrival the second he entered as they always did. It was, however, something he couldn't quite explain. Sure, he was here to take care of some things, but that didn't mean they couldn't come later with new things to be brought to his attention. If he was looking for them he'd have sent a Wolf and if it was an emergency he would have been notified.

Instead the two of them insisted on being informed of his presence in the Den so they could assist him.

He appreciated it- really, he did- but it was certainly unnecessary.

He sat down at his desk, taking a moment to appreciate his chair, before pulling out some paper and his favorite pen. He wasn't sure if Hinata knew about the meeting this morning or if she eventually would – both of which he highly doubted- so she'd need to be informed to cancel any and all support she had started giving to the Yamanaka clan.

Hiashi favored the Uzumaki in this situation- if not because the Yamanaka had gone against one of his clan members, his daughter, specifically, then because the Uzumaki had such influence even when reduced to a pair of members.- which meant her withdrawn support couldn't look like she was against the Uzumaki to the branch members of the Flock that followed her lest the risk of discovery rise dramatically.

He'd have to emphasize that point, his Wolves would soon be able to flee to Wave if they were discovered- or, rather, officially recognized, as he was fairly certain Hiruzen was just as aware of them as he was of the existence of Root itself- but the Flock was a much more delicate matter, especially with the seals.

He'd probably need to start removing them soon, though he'd need a more secure position to do so.

Then again, while making a large number of seals defunct would be suspicious it couldn't be pinned on him and there really wouldn't be anything the Hyuuga could do about it. Their paranoia about a Hyuuga Sealmaster managing to wrest control of the clan from them really left them in a rather bad spot when they were up against someone who could change seals as easily as breathing.

Their loss, his gain, he supposed.

The letter was written quickly enough but he hadn't even had a chance to send it before Mai entered, followed closely by a folder-holding Sai. Mai looked well rested and ready to start the day, which she probably was, and Naruto figured it was likely she had been eating a morning meal when she was informed.

Sai, on the other hand, did not look like he had been granted the chance to sleep in several days and his pale skin only served to make the dark rings under his eyes more pronounced. Honestly, it was rather odd seeing him like this and Naruto briefly thought of a panda.

"Both of you, please, have a seat." His attention focused on Sai. "Are you well?"

"My apologies, Naruto-Sama, but you either have the best timing or the worst. I have yet to decide which."

One of Naruto's brows raised.

"Oh? How so?"

"I personally visited Wave to offer the services of the Wolves to Gato, I only just returned to the village. Either you have the best timing because I can bring this to your attention and leave for my bed or you have the worst because I could have grabbed a few hours of sleep before this."

"I see." A faint, amused smile graced his lips. "You know you didn't have to seek me out immediately, I've told you-" He looked between the pair. "Both of you- that if I'm in need of you you'll be summoned. I appreciate that you do this yourselves but it really isn't necessary."

"Be that as it may, Naruto-Sama." Mai spoke for the first time. "I am rather interested in hearing this news as soon as possible. If things are favorable we may be closer to freeing the Flock. I quite look forward to being able to use them to their fullest but as it is now I'm restricted by the elders and the main branch. The sheep do little good grazing in these dying pastures."

"Well spoken." Nodded Naruto. "Sai, please give us a quick summary and leave the report on my desk. You're free- and encouraged- to leave for your personal quarters as soon as you're finished."

"Thank you Naruto-Sama, in that case I'll keep it short and simple. Gato has reacted well to our offer and seems remarkably pleased that- and I quote- 'a proper mercenary group' is willing to reach out to him for employment. I suppose he sees it as a sign of success if others can recognize the potential rewards of working with him."

"A 'proper mercenary group'?" Asked Mai. "I was under the impression that we still weren't well known. I'm surprised he's heard of us already, he doesn't strike me as the type to care much for information regarding the various mercenary companies throughout the elemental nations."

"I'd have to say you're right. The thugs working for him were probably already in the area and- even more likely- very cheap. If he just judged us by the fact that we're dressed similarly and all have the same mask I wouldn't be surprised. Despite his insane financial success, I don't believe he's in the habit of hiring actual mercs."

"That may be part of the reason he's been so financially successful; mercenaries aren't cheap." Mused Naruto. "It's a risk though; I can't imagine they're much use against a Shinobi of any caliber. Most Genin could defeat the average bandit in open combat and a squad of them employing stealth should be able to eliminate his forces without too much trouble."

"And that's why he was happy to hire us. He's got a lot of money and some big connections but right now most of his company is relying on Wave. He knows that if he loses it he's just about done for." Sai paused for a second. "Well, that and we're working for cheap at the moment. Our regular price would have turned him away from our services."

"He's paying more than he knows." Assured Naruto. "I take it you left a team in Wave?"

"That's right. Only two of them returned with me. I'll be sending out more later today but a big portion of our forces are just arriving from previous long-term missions. I hope to have them sent out within the week."

"Good work. Who have you chosen as captain?" Naruto inquired.

"Keigo. He found this so I'm going to let him lead it. I have Ren replacing him as a scout in Mizu no Kuni."

"He's currently in wave, then?"

"He is."

Naruto nodded.

"In that case I'll send instructions with the group you send later today. You've done well Sai, get some rest."

The pale- currently panda resembling- young man snapped off a quick salute and hurried out of Naruto's office. As soon as he was gone Mai spoke.

"Was there anything that I can aid you with, Naruto-Sama?"

"I've picked a clan." It was simple but Mai understood well enough. Had the Yamanaka been able to rebuild without the interference of the Uzumaki it was likely that they would later serve as the Wolves' public voice in the village. Now that they were a vassal clan, however, that option was out.

Fortunately, Konoha had plenty of clans.

"I take it you want me to make contact immediately now that we have a path into wave?"

"I do. Even if the job goes to shit and we have to take over in a more crude manner Wave is ours now, it's just a matter of time. The sooner we have an established clan to silently support us within Konoha the sooner we can fully benefit from our future position in wave."

"We're going the trading route, right? Will they even go for that?"

"Not the trading, but I'm sure they won't be adverse to funding once we control the shipping industry. Then again, the chance to branch out may appeal to them. It never hurts to have a bit more security, especially after the tragedy that struck the Yamanaka. Just imagine, if they had partners doing business at a global scale our little raid would have hurt them but they'd have managed far better."

"True." She agreed. "So, what do I call you?"

"Pardon?"

"Your position doesn't have a name and I'm not about to call you 'my lord' the entire time or have them call you 'your lord' throughout the meeting."

"I'll leave it up to you, just avoid something stupid like 'Lord of Wolves'."

She gave a playful pout.

"Aw, and that was my first choice, too."

Naruto scowled.

"I would hope not. Now, you should probably get going. We wouldn't want to keep them waiting."

"They aren't expecting us."

"They are, they just don't know it."

An amused smile pulled at her lips as she shook her head.

"Whatever you say, Naruto-Sama, but you still haven't told me who we're going for."

"Isn't it obvious? There's only one other pack within Konoha."

"This is impossible!" The cry-distinctly feminine- came from somewhere in the nearby woods as he lazily turned the page of his favorite book.

Humming, as if in agreement to the voice who would not hear him, he stayed seated on one of the three logs planted deep into the ground of training ground seven. Not a minute later a rather frustrated blonde emerged from the woods followed closely by a dark haired avenger and a pink haired walking textbook. Trailing leisurely behind them an exact copy had pulled out their own copy of Icha-Icha and was enjoying it while they could.

"For you, maybe." His relaxed reply was almost jovial, as if he enjoyed her frustration.

"No Genin, not even me, could manage to hide from you in that deathtrap and I was trained for four years by Uzumaki Kushina!" Just beyond the tree line he had set up a host of traps to impede their progress as they struggled in vain to hide from his clone. It was stealth training mixed with an introduction to basic traps and hostile terrain navigation. Because his clone would throw handfuls of kunai and shiruken every time he spotted them it also served quite nicely as evasion training.

Mitarashi would have gotten a kick out of it

Behind the young Uzumaki her teammates gave grim nods, evidently feeling the same.

"Isn't your brother a Genin? I bet he could do it." The Uzumaki scowled as her teammates groaned. Their sensei seemed to have made it his mission to mention the former Uzumaki prince whenever he could, usually in comparison to their own skills.

It went without saying that Kakashi claimed that they fell short every time.

Sasuke was rather tired of hearing about his teammate's brother. The young man had rarely shown up for class and yet had still managed to graduate with a fairly average score. The last Uchiha in Konoha was willing to bet his clan compound that Naruto had taken advantage of that extra time to train.

It annoyed him to no end that the other boy had been able to accomplish the exact same thing he had but wasn't made to waste his time doing it.

Sakura, while knowing full well that Naruto was stronger than her and likely even Sasuke hated to think of someone her age being stronger than her crush. Failing to do something and then being told that Naruto would have been able to do it was beyond frustrating for her and seemed to always put her Sasuke in a foul mood.

Naruko knew for a fact that her brother was better than her, especially in the stealth field, but she didn't like hearing about it all the time. Not only did it bring back guilt from losing control during their spar but it reminded her that she still hadn't managed to get her brother back. It also seemed that with every step they attempted to take towards him both she and her mother took steps away from each other.

She knew her mother was probably a bit upset about her use of the Kyuubi's chakra during their spar but she was likewise displeased by the way her mother refused to stop and listen before charging headlong into her plans to bring her son back into the family. As history had shown Kushina was not great when it came to plans and her attempts only seemed to push away her estranged brother. She had to wonder if the Uzumaki clan was destined to fall apart completely, the three final members falling away and never having contact again.

For someone grown up in such a family-oriented clan it would be a nightmare.

Of course, there was also the matter of Mito's chakra flaring painfully every time her brother was mentioned by her masked sensei, as if she could hear him and wished to show her agreement.

That certainly wasn't helping.

"He's not even on a team." Scowled Sasuke. "How would you know anything about skill he may or may not have?" The question had been on all their minds ever since Kakashi had first brought it up but it wasn't until now that someone had questioned their sensei about it.

The brow of Kakashi's one visible eye rose inquisitively.

"Oh? And what makes you say that?" he questioned. "I'll have you know that I've seen him work."

"Really?" Asked Sakura. "What could he have been doing in the village?"

"It was probably training." Commented Naruko. Kakashi waved his had in dismissal of that idea.

"There was that time he was picking pockets and snatching purses in the market district. He was doing pretty well but didn't pay enough attention to the rooflines around him." He paused for a second in faux thought, idly stroking his covered chin. "Then there was that time he helped an unofficial enemy of Konoha after Shinobi had been sent to kill them and their associates."

That was one way to describe the Uchiha massacre, he supposed.

"They dropped some evidence and Naruto was a pit preoccupied to notice so I picked that up for him. Now, what else was there? Ah, yes-"

By now the three were looking at him in a mix of shock and horror. He was just sitting there casually mentioning crimes committed by a fellow Shinobi of the leaf. Helping the enemy of Konoha alone was very nearly treason and only the fact that it was unofficial would have kept him from being executed.

Their sensei, however, didn't seemed bothered by this in the least, even when he had helped with it and could easily be demoted or otherwise disciplined. Then again, he couldn't be a Chuunin instructor so either he felt secure in this position teaching them or, more likely, he would happily accept the demotion if it meant he didn't have to teach them.

He really didn't seem to like them very much.

"I was the one who disposed of that body he left in the alley four years ago. I was so proud to see him killing so young. It was an accident, of sorts, I think, but what matters in the end is he succeeded. It was a bit careless of him to leave the body," He gave an uncaring shrug. "But I suppose we should cut him some slack considering he was eight."

Team seven would never be questioning Kakashi or protesting comparisons to Naruto ever again.

Hidden behind his mask, Kakashi's lips stretched into a smile.

The Inuzuka loved to hunt, it was as common knowledge as the Nara raising deer of the Akimichi's passion for food, and they did it as often as possible. Therefore it came as no surprise to Mai and her masked compatriots that the Inuzuka compound seemed nearly abandoned. They could hear people in nearby buildings training puppies and treating sick Ninken but they crossed paths with no one as they slipped over the gate and cut swiftly across the grassy fields that took up much of the estate.

While many clans had their members living within the compound and businesses surrounding it, the Inuzuka clan reserved the compound for the head family and important facilities and let members of the pack live outside of the walls as near or far as they pleased.

And this served the Wolves well enough.

Entering the home of the head family, Mai took a seat in the main room as her guards moved to stand behind her. The room was comfortable enough, in her opinion. All manner of furs covered the ground and the three couches that encircled the empty fireplace were a deep red. There were no windows in this room and for it the faintly yellow lights seemed to glow all the more warmly.

It was truly fitting for a clan of dogs and even she and her Wolves found themselves rather relaxed by it.

Time stretched on as they sat waiting for the clan head to make an appearance and Mai was rather tempted to remove her mask several times. It wasn't often she needed to keep her identity hidden, but it also wasn't often she was doing anything remotely resembling a mission.

Her mask was just like the others with only one notable difference- an upturned crimson crescent that rested above her brow. She normally didn't need any sort of marker to identify her because everyone could see her face and she doubted the wolves would have any trouble should she give them orders, but the small mark she had added just before leaving for the Inuzuka compound would make it obvious for her unknowing host to identify her as being above the guards she had brought.

Well, that and it fit perfectly with the name she had chosen for her Naruto-Sama.

Minutes continued to pass until a drowsy Inuzuka Tsume walked down and entered her kitchen. After her they could hear the padding of her canine companion who didn't make it to the kitchen before letting loose a deep growl. Startled by this, Tsume was instantly awake and alert, sniffing around for anything unfamiliar.

Her nose found it.

"Alright, enough hiding, I can smell the lot of you. Come out and face me."

A light giggle was received in response.

"My, whoever said we were hiding, Tsume-san?" The soft feminine voice giggled once more in an almost mocking manner. "We've been waiting for you to join us in your sitting room."

Cautiously, Tsume left her kitchen, her companion by her side. Deftly grabbing a Kunai she had hidden on the way she slipped it into the loose robes she had thrown on that morning and entered the main room. A young thing, likely no more than sixteen, greeted her vision, a snarling white wolf blocking her face. There was a marking on her mask, unlike the two who stood on either side of her behind the couch, and her clothing was a mix of reds and blacks.

"Come, have a seat." Her voice was slightly cold but held a melodic quality that made Tsume feel the girl was looking down on her as if she were the child here. She also didn't seem to care that she was inviting the Inuzuka matriarch to take a seat in her own home like it was hers.

Taking a seat anyway, she sat directly across from the Wolf woman and was aware of her Ninken sitting on his haunches by her feet, alert and ready to attack should she be threatened. Oddly, she got the impression that her uninvited guest was amused by this, despite not being able to see what expression was hidden by the snarling mask.

"Who are you?" Tsume was blunt and to the point. Mai had a suspicion that it was another reason her master had chosen this clan. It would be refreshing to be able to skip the games and get down to what needed to be done.

"Surely the Yamanaka have mentioned us, I don't imagine they'd keep quiet about those who tore them down." Mai's brow rose behind her mask.

"So you are real."

Mai gave a rather undignified snort. "Did you really thing young Naruto brought one of Konoha's greater clans to its knees? He's not to be underestimated, certainly, but that's simply beyond his ability." A giggle left her lips. "Without help, of course. Luckily he wasn't without it."

"I see. That just brings us to the mater of why you're in my home."

"To speak with you, of course." She giggled again. "What other reason would we have to approach you?"

"You seem to have done a good number on the Yamanaka." Spoke Tsume suspiciously. "I wouldn't be surprised if we were next on your list. Of course, killing me and letting Hana rule won't help you, she's as stubborn as I am and far more competent than that flower princess."

"Oh, such harsh words. She's come quite a ways, you know. Master was quite pleased with how she was maturing. Who knows? If the Uzumaki hadn't stepped in she may have been able to bring her clan back."

"And you would allow that?" Tsume could practically feel the smirk from behind the mask.

"Oh, of course. In fact, Mater had arranged for aid to be delivered in secret so they could get back to their feet."

"Then what was the point in crushing them?"

"Young Naruto helped Master once, Master was happy to be able to return the favor by making an example out of the young man's enemy."

"And who is this 'Master' of yours?"

"Master Tsukiyomi."

"Tsukiyomi? As in the moon god?"

"Indeed."

Tsume snorted.

"What a presumptuous name to take."

"He didn't take it, I gave it to him. Though I'm surprised you know such a big word, Inuzuka are not often noted for their intelligence."

"I'm not an Inuzuka, I'm the head of the Inuzuka. Our packmates might not concern themselves with knowledge that doesn't interest them but the main family has a duty to uphold."

"The wisest lead the pack, huh? Seems sound enough."

"More sound than you naming your master."

"We know who he is, he's never hid from us, but we can't exactly be letting everyone in on his identity. He needed something to be called by those not sworn to him and I found 'Tsukiyomi' to be quite fitting. We Wolves are rather fond of the moon, you know."

"You say that almost as if he isn't a wolf himself."

"Oh, you're a sharp one. I'll have to warn Master Tsukiyomi about that. He is of the pack and he is our alpha, but he's not a Wolf; not anymore."

"Not anymore?"

"He was a Wolf when I first met him but he's continued to become more. I can't call him a wolf any longer."

"And so you named him after a god?"

Mai gave a light laugh. "It's fitting, but very few know why."

"Interesting, but you have yet to get to the point of this meeting."

"Ah, yes, let's cut to the chase then, shall we? Master Tsukiyomi wants you and your clan to serve as his voice within Konoha."

"His voice?"

"The Wolves aren't currently recognized and we intend to keep it that way for a bit longer. He wants a silent supporter who can act in favor of his pack and inform him of the going abouts of the village."

"Is he not in the village?"

"For now, but that might change soon. It's part of the reason we decided to reach out to you now."

"And what might that be?"

"He's set things up to allow us to take over a small country."

Tsume blinked a bit in disbelief. A small country? The first they hear of this group is when they strike against the Yamanaka and suddenly they're about to rule a country? The Wolves weren't messing around, it would seem.

"And how does that affect us?"

"It's a very profitable country. Your clan has always been strong in a physical sense but financially and politically you've always been lacking. You act as his voice here in Konoha and his pack will aid yours."

"Any attempt to increase a clan's standing is going to be seen as a threat by the Hyuuga."

"He's already working on it."

"How so?"

Mai wagged her fingers.

"Uh-uh-uh, I can't be telling you that. Hiashi learning could make a mess of everything and we wouldn't want that, would we?"

Crossing her arms, Tsume scowled.

"You want me to risk the wrath of the Hyuuga but won't tell me how you plan to ensure my safety from them? Only a fool would accept that. I'm better off approaching Hiashi and gaining his favor."

"Go for it. It will force our hand early but the Wolves will make it through stronger than ever." A vicious smile spread over Mai's hidden lips. "I can't say the same for you or the Hyuuga, though."

"You speak as if the Hyuuga are already in your hands."

"They will be soon enough. Master Tsukiyomi has control over a large part of the clan already and is simply biding his time to make a move. You can be with him and reap the rewards, on the sidelines to witness it, or against him to suffer the consequences. It's your choice, but chose wisely." Mai stood. "There are plenty of clans left in Konoha we can approach, the Hyuuga included. We lose nothing if you deny us, but you will. Have a good day, Tsume-San."

With that Mai and her Wolves left, seeing themselves out and leaving the Inuzuka clan head to ponder her options.

Changes were coming, regardless of what she did. It was just a matter of how she'd prepare for them. Unfortunately, the best preparation seemed to be joining the force that was bringing such change. Standing on the sidelines her clan gained nothing, but they also lost nothing. Going against them wasn't an option, the Yamanaka had proven that nicely and despite her bravado Tsume knew her clan wouldn't stand a chance on the political playing field.

But were she to side with them, the clan could be elevated to heights they had never dared to dream.

She would be the single greatest head since the founder.

And that, she had to admit, was tempting.

Damn tempting.

And there we have it. Next week is the scheduled double-length chapter I'm sure you are all eagerly anticipating and I intend to at least put an official start to the Wave mission.

Then again, I have little control over which direction my writing goes, so we'll see.