Alright, eight hours late it may be, but it's here- chapter XXVII.

I'm just going to say this now, but there is a scene that a lot of you are going to consider really, really weird.

Thanks goes to ncpfan for his help with the story.

Let's begin!

The guards had not been doubled, but tripled; security being bumped up to levels never before seen by her clan.

And yet they had still found their way inside.

In a situation identical to the last she was clad in little more than a sleep robe when she came down from her bedroom to find the representative sitting on the couch once more, two Wolves flanking her.

Had the representative of the Wolves been male she may have suspected that they were doing this on purpose but she couldn't rule out the possibility that the young woman was hoping to get a nice little eyeful.

She hoped, however, that such wasn't the case. Because while it may have given her more options for negotiation it could also turn things very awkward very quickly. She hated politics enough as it was; she had no desire for them to become more uncomfortable.

Taking a seat on one of her other couches, she idly noticed that her companion had settled himself into the couch between both groups and made himself comfortable. Evidently, he had decided after the first meeting that these three weren't an actual threat to his household. Of course, being the faithful companion he was, he had thoughtfully placed himself between them and his partner.

Luckily, the couch meant he didn't have to sacrifice comfort to do so.

Tsume could have sworn the two guards almost seemed amused by it.

The nameless representative, however, seemed as calm and collected as always.

They all sat in silence for a moment, Kuromaru staring at the Wolves and the representative locking eyes- or eyeholes, in this case- with the matriarch of the Inuzuka.

Silence, unfortunately, had little to do with their business at the moment. As such, it was quickly broken by a soft feminine voice.

"Tsume, Alpha of the Inuzuka pack, you have been provided with time most ample. Have you come yet upon a decision?"

That wasn't even a question, of course she had. Even if she didn't want to admit it her heart had been set on her choice from the very same day she had first heard the offer.

And yet, despite that, she couldn't help the nervousness that bubbled within her.

She had been waiting for this day, ready to bringer clan to new heights, but there was an uncertainty that gnawed at the back of her mind and planted seeds of doubt in her heart. This was a perfect opportunity, one that might be to perfect. She didn't actually know the Wolves or their goals, what would she really be dragging her clan into? And, more importantly, would her clan be able to handle itself amidst this new world thy may find themselves in?

That made this feel more akin to a leap of faith than any solid business dealing.

She had an idea as to what the rewards might be but absolutely no idea what the risks were. And yet, her heart remain locked on one option and one option alone. She couldn't even consider the other.

"I have."

The representative seemed distinctly pleased by that, almost as if she knew exactly what she had been thinking.

"Then tell me, Tsume, will the Inuzuka clan be joining our pack of Wolves?"

She hesitated. This was it, the very instant that could change everything regardless of what she chose. But, like the clan heads before her, she couldn't rely solely upon her thoughts. Thinking right now would keep her from doing what needed to be done. No, instead she needed to surrender herself to her instincts and go with what felt right.

"We will."

And those two simple words were all it took to shape the future of her clan.

It was slightly terrifying to think that it took no more than that to determine the lives of her entire clan. That did not make saying them any less exhilarating.

Her clan often referred to the best it had as Wolves, but these were not members of her clan. These three before her were Wolves and her clan were dogs. They belonged outside of Konoha running and hunting but her clan, domesticated as it was in comparison, belonged within the walls of this great village.

And that's why they had been chosen. Those within would act as the voice for those without, acting in their best interest. And, in return, some of the hunts bounty would be brought within the walls for her clan to share in.

Wolves and dog, working together for no other reason than to take care of their packs and, in time, take care of each other.

The packs would remain strong.

As they should be.

"I will inform Tsukiyomi-Sama of your decision. I am certain that he will be most pleased with you and your clan."

And there was the mention of the biggest unknown yet. Forget not knowing the goals of the group, she didn't even know the kind of person who was running it, the kind of person she would be working in conjecture with for the foreseeable future.

"If I am working with your pack, will I ever be able to meet its leader?"

"Tsukiyomi-Sama has assigned another to lead his pack, and I am certain the two of you will meet together in the future, but I would assume it is Tsukiyomi-Sama himself who you would like to meet."

"It is, but if I might pose a question; why doesn't he run his own pack?"

She could feel the smile that formed behind her mask.

"Tsukiyomi-Sama is not restricted to command of the pack."

The way it was spoken made it sound as if the Wolves were only one group that he controlled, could he have a hand in other organizations within and without the walls of Konoha? The thought that she was now one of those groups sent a shiver down her spine. She was infinitely glad she had decided to side with them, because it very easily could have been the ruin of her clan should he resent her for declining his offer.

"So you're saying he has others under his control then?"

"Yes, that is correct. You may meet him in the future if this arrangement proves beneficial enough but that is unlikely to happen for a while yet."

"Can you tell me what else he has his hands in so I can avoid disrupting his plans?"

The representative paused in thought. As a general rule the less she know was better, even Tsume knew that, but it was still a valid point. They couldn't have the groups tripping over themselves. Hinata was easy enough to direct as her clan was rather private and her group was hidden so no one needed to worry about her taking an action that could unknowingly- as Hinata wasn't going to purposely cross Naruto- interfere with the movements of another.

However, the more that came under Naruto's control the more they would have to reveal to keep operations going smoothly.

"I suppose I must." She eventually decided. "The Yamanaka are fair game at the moment, as Uzumaki Kushina has derailed his plans concerning them, which means the only group you would need to look out for in Konoha is a certain cult Tsukiyomi-Sama has been overlooking."

"A cult? He's got a cult?"

"Well, no, not him, but he does have the object of said cult and they are being most cooperative."

Tsume could honestly say she didn't really want to meet the man anymore. Whoever it was that was pulling these strings, they were not to be trifled with.

"I see, and where is this cult?"

Tsume knew, without a doubt, that the representative was smirking. And that, she knew, was not a good sign.

"The cult currently has its roots within Clan Hyuuga."

She choked on the air.

"T-the Hyuuga?!"

"That is correct. The cult is rather stagnate at the moment but that leaves Tsukiyomi-Sama time to finish up with the current project of the Wolves before he begins fostering greater growth."

She was almost afraid to ask.

"And what was his current project?"

"Don't you remember? He's taking over a country. It wasn't supposed to be done so quickly but recent developments have rapidly furthered his plans. I expect he'll have full control before the month is out."

That's right, she did mention that last time, but he was supposed to be setting up for a takeover, it could have easily taken years. For it to have moved up so fast meant that something was happening. The death of a leader, a revolution, civil war, perhaps. Regardless, he was about to have control of an entire country and all of its resources.

While a small country wouldn't be able to go against Konoha, he didn't have to. All those resources could be funneled through clans within the walls to use against other clans. If things went sour that same clan could flee Konoha and be granted safe haven in a foreign country. If they were lucky, Konoha wouldn't even suspect that same country as having a hand in it.

That was absolutely terrifying, but it was made worse by the knowledge that here was a cult of Hyuuga and the very same person had control of it. The representative had claimed that her leader, this 'Tsukiyomi-Sama', had control over a large number of Hyuuga, but if there really was a cult then she could believe it.

The Inuzuka were loyal by nature, the Nara lazy, but the Hyuuga were practically fanatical. A cult in their midst would be almost the same as new clan leadership should it spread largely enough.

To have the Hyuuga, Konoha's strongest remaining clan, backed by a country and executing the will of one man in the village was something she'd have never considered possible. But it was happening and, now, she was a part of it.

'By the gods, what have I gotten myself into?'

A grunt of pain was heard throughout the clearing as another page was turned.

"The point is to stick to the tree, Sasuke. You're not going to get anywhere if you keep falling off."

He didn't need to look to know the last loyal Uchiha was glaring at him from his position on the ground. Probably upside down, too. It filled his heart with joy. He really didn't know why he didn't take a team sooner, it was incredibly entertaining to make them hate him and as proved by the battle with Zabuza they made excellent handicaps.

Perhaps that wasn't too responsible of him, but perhaps you didn't get the memo that Hatake Kakashi doesn't care.

Besides, it was the brats who wanted to continue in the first place, he'd have happily turned around and locked himself in his home to read more. But no, the Uzumaki needed to help the poor people of wave and Sasuke was dying to prove himself. Admittedly, he was partly to blame for that, having continuously compared his Genin to Naruto- who, many higher-rank Shinobi knew, was both a natural and trained part time with one Uzuki Yugao throughout his time in the academy- and they didn't seem to take that very well for their own reasons.

Was it fair?

No.

Did the need to prove themselves help them on this mission?

No.

Was he going to stop?

Oh hell no!

"Hey, Sasuke?"

"Yes, Kakashi-Sensei?"

"You know that dance move, 'The Worm'?"

"Yes…."

"I bet Naruto could do the Worm up that tree while sleeping. You really are a disappointment."

The Uchiha's frustrated growl was totally worth it.

Now, where was he? Ah, yes, continuing the mission.

Sasuke needed to prove himself to, well, he didn't actually know who the Uchiha needed to prove himself to, but he needed to prove himself and where Broody McBroodster- seriously, was that how Obito had seen him? He really hoped not.- went his favorite pink sextoy went. On that note, Sakura followed him, too.

If it weren't because he didn't feel like dealing with an irate Kushina- one he would have to refrain himself from winding up more and getting into a fight with- or the councilmembers who kissed the Uchiha's ass they wouldn't even be here.

Of course, that also meant that if anything happened to his Genin he was free to get the fuck out and cast the blame on them rather than his irresponsible leadership. Then again, whoever thought giving a group of Genin to the man who had spent quite some time running suicide missions to deal with his loss wasn't too bright. If nothing else, he might rub off on the group and that was a rather interesting thought.

Not in the Orochimaru kind of way –in which case, he would admit that Sakura might grow up well enough, at least in the ass department. Naruko would undoubtedly be gorgeous but she would, unfortunately, be tied to her mother, which meant she would be off limits- but more to the idea that the village's precious Uchiha and the Uzumaki princess and Jinchuriki daughter of Uzumaki Kushina and his late Sensei would be running suicide missions for the hell of it with council member Mebuki's daughter.

Oh, to see the looks on the councilmembers' damn faces if that were to happen. He'd have to keep his Sharingan ready, just in case, because that would be something he'd never want to forget. Of course, his team still had a ways to go before that could happen, but he had time.

Lots and lots of time.

Though he'd probably use most of it for reading, instead.

Oh well, it seemed a fair enough trade to him.

Another thud was followed with a grunt of pain as Sasuke fell from his tree once more. Sakura was in a nearby tree cheering him on in a vain attempt to give him the confidence he needed to succeed and gain his affection. He really didn't need any confidence- he had arrogance enough for the entire team and it likely attributed to his inability to learn treewalking- and if Kakashi's suspicions were correct the only hope of getting Sasuke's affection were for Sakura to somehow become a younger sister to him.

And that certainly wasn't happening anytime soon.

Of course, another reason he didn't have it down was likely because he didn't really have anything to push him to be better. Naruko had been taught by her mother and as such had been assigned to guard Tazuna and on occasion his beautiful daughter Tsunami- he'd have to see about tapping that before his team left- which left on Sakura who's pitiful reserves made it child's play for her to reach the top.

He really should be having her walk up and down the tree to increase her reserves or have her attempt water walking considering where they were.

Meh.

She'd be fine.

Maybe.

Then again, with her tiny reserves even if she got a hold of water walking she'd quickly be drained and fall back into the water. The look on her face- and the glare she'd give him later- would be priceless.

He'd have to save that one for later, then he could have Sasuke join her. After all, two glares were better than one. Hmm, Naruko hadn't mentioned knowing it yet, maybe he'd be lucky and get all three of them glaring at him.

Of course, speaking of luck, he'd much rather use it towards Tsunami.

Her ass was amazing.

Hatake Fucking Kakashi!

That goddamned bridge builder had managed to obtain the service of Hatake Fucking Kakashi himself.

If that wasn't a sign of some god's favor he didn't know what was.

Hatake Kakashi grew up during the last war, taught by Namikaze Minato, and even with the drawbacks it had because it was a transplant the Sharingan in his possession was still fearsome. And then there were all the techniques he had managed to steal using them.

There was a damn good reason he was an A-ranked Shinobi and if he put his mind to it he could very easily find himself at S-rank.

By the grace of the gods, however, it would seem that the man wasn't interested in more power and was content where he was.

Zabuza couldn't blame him.

Hell, if not for the presence of the three Genin he had no doubt that Hatake would have been pulling massive Jutsu out of his ass and pulverized the entire clearing they had fought in. He wouldn't have even needed his Sharingan. The sheer number of techniques in his possession and the multitude of ways he could combine them matched with the fact that he was an incredible Shinobi in his own right meant that, much to his embarrassment, he actually owed those kids his life.

If Kakashi hadn't had to protect them he would be quite dead.

But, even alive, he still had a major problem.

He was going to have to fight him again.

Quitting this mission sounded wonderful right now but his luck wasn't that good. Not only would he lose a lot of face in the eyes of future employers if- no, when- word got out but he knew the resistance was still desperate for funding.

He might not care about their cause, but he did care a great deal about Mei.

If her group needed money then he'd get it for them, missing ninja or not.

That was, unfortunately, harder than it sounded.

Jobs had been scarce and many didn't pay too well because they could get a Shinobi from a village for the amount he would prefer. Unlike them, however, Zabuza needed the work and didn't have any other offers to fall back on, which severely cut his pay no matter where he went.

This job, however, promised to pay damn well and he'd finally be able to send some to Mei and her little rebellion. Everything else he had made thus far had been little more than what was required to support himself and his student-Haku- as they searched for their next job.

This had finally made it seem as though his luck was turning around and then-

Hatake Fucking Kakashi.

Had he not been bedridden he'd probably be rampaging at the moment, taking his anger out on anything he crossed paths with. This, then, was probably for the best. He'd learned early into his Shinobi career that slaughtering your client's forces was heavily frowned upon and was one of the fastest ways to get your contract terminated.

And Zabuza really couldn't afford that at the moment.

Of course, he was also only hired to get rid of the bridge builder, maybe he could send Haku to take care of it. He frowned at that thought. The kid was too soft, he doubted they would really be able to kill the old man. They could, however, abduct them.

Maybe Gato would up the pay if he delivered a living Tazuna to him. Not only would he get the pleasure of killing the man himself but he could make an example of him. Of course, it was entirely possible that a rescue might be staged, but so long as Zabuza was paid he could flee the country and be off in search of his next job before that happened.

Though, admittedly, he hadn't seen Haku much lately. His student kept claiming they were gathering herbs but they had managed to get enough to last a good month on the first outing. Zabuza had a feeling that his luck was still running out.

Hell, at this point he wouldn't be too surprised if Haku had ended up making friends with one of the Genin.

Fuck, with his luck lately the kid had probably fallen in love, too.

What next, one of those Wolf fuckers ruins everybody's plans?

At this rate Zabuza half expected it. They were a creepy bunch to begin with and he couldn't figure out their goal. They were being paid far less than he was and he hadn't heard of them before. Something was up, and he had no idea what it might be.

And, honestly, he really didn't even want to know.

No, what he wanted was a couple bottles of Sake, a few hookers, and to spend the rest of his days relaxing on some tropical beach.

Unfortunately, Zabuza was not that lucky.

Because as luck would have it, Momochi Zabuza had no luck.

Delicate fingers trailed over pale flesh unhindered. Candles, what few of them were set up around the room, cast a flickering glow of orange in the corners, providing just enough light to see within the darkness of this private chamber.

Shivers wracked the flesh, soft, shallow breaths leaving from between parted lips and still the fingers danced their path on ivory canvas. It was a ritual of sorts, one completely unnecessary but one that was performed nonetheless every time without fail.

How could it not?

Inch after inch was covered in feathery touches that dared not linger, fleeting from place to place with no real direction. It was to a song that they danced and moved, the excited beating of a new heart. The ritual was the same, the music was the same, but the surface upon which the dancers glide was new, perfectly new, and it was now that they grew acquainted.

It was familiar, yes, as all flesh is, and yet it remained strange, almost alien to the senses. It had all been felt a million times, but not like this. No, this was new, as it always was, and the flesh reveled in the familiar sensation brought new life.

It had been a long time since their body had felt like this, not just in the sense of renewed sensations but in the various changes that didn't need to be seen or felt to be known. They had changed, as they always had, but they remained the same.

Days upon days would be spent like this, trailing fingers over smooth skin and over unfamiliar curves until they were satisfied that they knew every inch of their flesh better than anyone to ever exist.

And so it was.

The flickering of candles caught the attention of two golden orbs to the picture they surrounded. Of their own will fingers continued to move down taunt skin and supple flesh.

They were watched by unblinking amethyst eyes.

Further they went as every detail of the silent watcher was taken in. Pale skin and crimson hair, eyes like gems and the slightest of smirks. He watched as fingers dipped between toned legs and others trailed up to grasp at mounds of flesh that had not been there the previous week.

Soft gasps became breathless pants and the delicate ritual was lost.

A want, a need, grew deep within them at the sight of their watcher, one they had only heard whispers of before.

They were whispers no longer.

Sweet song filled the heart within a heaving bosom gasping for precious air and the flesh surrendered to its desires. A voice joined with the silent song, reverberating throughout their private chambers, as a pleasured scream tore its way from the throat and over ruby lips.

Orochimaru had found release.

But she still wasn't satisfied.

Three days had passed since his dinner with the Yamanaka and the proper arrangements had been made. Securing a month of leave was simple when one was a reserve of his rank simply because you weren't expected to be needed anyway.

A company of Wolves were to escort him to Wave to oversee the execution of the takeover and afterwards it wouldn't take too much longer for him to be satisfied that Sai had control over the port country. Of course, that meant he'd have two weeks left of leave and for good reason.

He couldn't just occupy Wave with his forces and expect people to accept it. Gato may have been able to do it for the past few years but Naruto wasn't looking to hold on to it temporarily, it was going to belong to the wolves until the world ended or someone managed to wipe them all out.

No, he'd need backing- heh, there was a thought. He'd been backing all sorts of small groups but now needed some himself.- from someone who could keep other countries at bay. Gato had been happy to deal with everyone but Naruto simply didn't have those contacts or the knowhow for running a business.

The larger villages avoided occupying Wave to avoid conflict with each other but with knowledge of Gato's demise they'd all rush to occupy the vacuum and secure it for themselves- thorough a third party, of course- but Naruto wouldn't be having any of that.

And so, while they'd have control and that would make the villages hesitate they wouldn't stay back for long. Hopefully, that hesitation would be long enough.

Because while the villages were trying to avoid conflict with each other, the Daimyo of the various countries had no such issues between themselves. Once one of the countries had Wave the others would be able to reign in their own villages. Would they like it? No, but they weren't about to try anything when it meant they were risking their ability to trade through Wave.

There was really nothing but gain from this situation. A Daimyo would be able to use Wave to benefit their country's economy and in return Naruto and the Wolves would have the backing of said Daimyo if anyone tried to dispute their rule.

Of course, it was a bit more complicated than that. One would actually have to declare themselves Daimyo of Wave and then proceed to be officially recognized by the courts. But he wasn't going to just any court. No, he needed someone who truly could back him, and that meant going to the imperial courts of one of the six big countries. With the recognition of just one of the greater Daimyo few would try to dispute it and those that did would find themselves with financial trouble after Wave became closed to them.

Once they were recognized they would- as expected- enter into a formal alliance with the country to recognize them. The borders between the two would be declared open and international taxes would be removed from any trade that took place across it.

It was likely that a regiment of the Daimyo's forces would be posted in the country to both help protect it and ensure that they were complying but Naruto had nothing to worry about there- he fully intended to work with the Daimyo. He lost nothing from such and gained a powerful ally.

He knew Gato had a mansion and he'd probably have it given to the Daimyo to serve as both a place to keep his visiting forces and a place for him to stay should he ever visit. That wasn't likely to happen, not until Wave had recovered, at least, but the future was always open and having a foreign Daimyo stay in your country simply because they wanted to- ally or not- could only cast one in favorable light.

The fact that he was aiming at getting a greater Daimyo would only serve to make things better for his new country.

Or perhaps Sai's new country.

He really hadn't decided yet.

Sai was leading the Wolves there in Wave and would continue to do so after it was fully taken over, but he didn't know if Sai could handle- or even wanted- the position.

On the other hand, he really didn't want to be a Daimyo right now, either.

Sure, it would only really be in name, but names are powerful things.

Then again, there was little reason for him not to. Yes, he'd rather become at least a Chuunin before retiring, but even if he was the Daimyo he could continue being a Shinobi, especially if no one was made aware of his true identity- save the allied Daimyo, of course. That was not something you wanted to keep from them.

Not if you wanted their support anyway.

He could probably have Mai take the position, but then she'd spend most of her time in Wave and there was a part of him that didn't really like that thought. Keigo, he supposed, was also an option, though not a good one. He'd been proving himself competent but not only did he not have the necessary experience of leadership or the proper social skills but he was also of more use to Naruto and his Wolves as he was.

He was pretty sure Sai called the new position 'High Captain' or something in one of his reports but he'd honestly only skimmed it. If it was really important it would have been brought immediately to his attention.

Besides, it wasn't his idea to make up a handful of new ranks for his Wolves, he was fine with them as they were. But if Sai wanted to organize his Wolves differently, so be it. He had given him free reign, after all.

"Naruto-Sama." The call of his name broke him from his thoughts but he did not turn to face the speaker.

His purple eyes drifted downwards to the stone marker he stood before and he frowned.

'I was supposed to be paying you a visit, and yet here I am thinking business.'

Gently he ran his hand over the top of the grey stone and with a sigh he turned from it. He'd have to visit again when business was concluded and his mind free. At the very least, she deserved his full attention when he came to see her.

"Is everything ready Sai?" His appointed leader of the Wolves gave a nod.

"Very well, we have a long ways to go. Let's be off."

Sai fell silently into step behind him as he made his way from the grassy field of the Konoha cemetery and towards the village proper. Everything had come together smoothly, almost too smoothly, but now it was time to finish it.

Within a fortnight one of the final steps would be taken.

And with just a little luck, Nami no Kuni would be his.

And that concludes thiS week's performance. I look forward to seeing you alL next week for the showing of act XXVIII.