Shikamaru Hiden: In the Depths of Silence

Prologue: It had been a few months since the Tobishachimaru incident and things had been relatively peaceful throughout the Five Great Nations, now formally Six, their allies and the Land of Iron. The 'Shinobi Union', a brainchild of Naruto, Shikamaru and Gaara was now fully established and new members were requesting to join it at an increasing rate. However, Orochimaru had started efforts to undermine the new political union by creating his own and had sent representatives to a far away land called the Land of Silence, across the sea.

What was even more worrying is that shinobi who had disappeared during not only the Fourth Shinobi World War, but even the Third and as far behind as the Second were now popping up as missing ninja within that village. Also, more worrying is that its leader, the enigmatic and charismatic former leader of Silence's shinobi village named Gengo had overthrown the civilian government within Silence to install himself as the dictator of the entire country. Which in turn stoke fears from the civilian governments scattered throughout the Five Great Nations that the Kage running their countries would never give control back to the heirs of each Daimyo who fell during the dark final day of the Four Shinobi World War. That they would in turn become oppressive dictators much like Gengo had become.

As such Naruto had started to send infiltration teams to the Land of Silence in an effort to figure out how Gengo did his coup and, if worse came to worse, assassinate him. All the while preparing to cede control of the Land of Fire to the late Fire Daimyo's nephew, a man named Ikkyū Madoka…

Chapter 1: Troublesome Assignments

Land of Frost, Shinobi Union Headquarters

Shikamaru gave a stifled yawn as he filtered through the paperwork at his desk. He had been listening to Rain's representative explain how the technologies that Amegakure had pioneered would be distributed throughout the now Six Great Nations and other minor villages. He glanced at Temari who looked equally as bored but was taking notes regardless. The Nara Leader took a brief glance out the window to see the still in-construction complex.

The Land of Frost had been chosen as the headquarters of the Shinobi Union since it was a full on hallowed and neutral ground on the continent. The scar of the Ten-Tails Bijudama still was there, scorched and glassed earth from hundreds of kilometers around. There wasn't even new plant growth, not even hardy weeds due to the very soil being vaporized. There was a monument erected to the fallen for everyone within the Fourth Shinobi World War with the kanji 又無い or 'Never Again' being at the top of the stone monument.

He gave a heavy sigh and leaned back. Guess Nagato's plan for Akatsuki actually came to pass in a way. People are so traumatized by the last War and its devastation there's such a serious effort to prevent it from every happening again…

The late leader of Akatsuki and Amegakure's plan for collecting the nine Biju was now well known within the shinobi world and beyond now. That he wished to create a weapon so powerful and so terrible…that when it was used people would be cowed, begging for peace. Then using it again…and again…every time that fear was forgotten. In universities debates were now being raged whether Nagato was right or wrong due to how the Fourth Shinobi World War turned out.

It also inspired many smaller groups to start trying to become like the original Akatsuki…or to become the next. These usually had little steam or backing, due to not having skilled S-class ninja as their backbone but it was still a troublesome trend that Shikamaru had noted. He gave another heavy sigh after he checked his phone and saw an alert of protests against the Hokage in several parts of the northern Land of Fire.

"NARUTO IS THE ILLEGITIMATE RULER!"

"NO MILITARY DICATORSHIP, DOWN WITH THE HOKAGE!"

"RESTORE THE DAIMYO!"

He saw those various signs and scowled deeply. …ingrates. Naruto's the reason why Akatsuki was stopped. The reason why they aren't bowing down to Tobimaru's boot!

Temari looked up and then reached over and nudged him. "Look I know you're bored too but this is important," she said in a whisper.

"Yeah, I know…but this is troublesome," Shikamaru whispered back as he slipped his phone back into his pocket.

The Ame representative, a woman known as Tsuki, finished and used paper ninjutsu to fold the charts and figures away in a flash. Chōjuro, Kirigakure's representative stood up and started to do his pitch for revolutionizing the shipping lanes that connected the Land of Water to the rest of the continent. He put that due to where Kirigakure was built it should ideally become a shipping hub on top of a shinobi village.

"As you all know my village has a horrible past, known as the Blood Mist," Chōjuro said as he pushed his glasses up. "Mei-sama has done a lot to repair that image as well as fundamentally change our village's structure. One of her first acts was even abolishing the founding Caste system that had ended up making conditions perfect for interlopers to take advantage of."

"What of the Fourth Mizukage?" Mifune, the Land of Iron's representative asked. "He was revived alongside the other Jinchūriki during the last war, has he resettled within Kirigakure?"

"He's resettled in the Land of Water, but no, he's keeping his distance from the village," Chōjuro replied as he sighed. "While the truth is out that he had been controlled for decades, he still blames himself for the atrocities he perpetrated during the time of the Bloody Mist. As such he's imposed a self-imposed exile with only his wife and son visiting him. Now as I was saying…"

Chōjuro went on to explain the various currents that went through the Sea of Sharks, Shikamaru again found himself daydreaming. He had his own presentation of Konoha's aspirations of becoming the 'hub' of the entire ninja world but the protests against Naruto and the other Hokage kept his mind distracted.

When Chōjuro was done Temari was up. "Alright…the Land of Wind has always been poor when it comes to traditional resources such as farmland due to our geography. However, we have recently found several veins of not only gold, but high-quality iron within the mountains in the west. In the past we'd have tried to hoard this new wealth to ourselves, but it would be much more beneficial to work alongside our comrade within the Shinobi Union to distribute it. And surveyors working for the Tazuna Bridge Company have also found a new resource in great abundance within the Land of Wind," she pulled out a vial of black…sludge. "It doesn't look like much, but this stuff has a lot of energy potential for industrialization within the ninja world."

Kitsuchi, the former general of the Second Division and the current Iwa representative looked at the vial. "That stuff? Whenever it's dug up in the Land of Earth its always a hazard that the late Ōnoki would just vaporize."

"It is dangerous and can be toxic," Temari conceded. "Hell in the past several puppeteers used it as a component in their poisons. But its energy potential is tremendous, and we can put it into good use not only for shinobi but the civilians."

Omoi looked at her presentation. "Considering many civvies are fleeing the Land of Lightning, something that could keep them from emigrating away from their homeland would be nice."

Shikamaru's eyebrow raised. "So, what's that sludge going to do then, Temari?"

"It needs to be refined into a form that will allow for maximum energy output as well as minimal if any toxic byproduct," Temari explained. "My brother Kankuro has began experimenting on ways of doing this due to his expertise in this field. To learn how to create poisons after all, advanced chemistry is a must."

Tsuki looked intrigued and pushed her glasses up. "… perhaps our research teams in Amegakure could create a vehicle to take advantage of this potential fuel…"

Soon the meeting was winding down, an aid package for Kumogakure was the last thing on the docket to keep its ninja program above water. Even a year and a half after the War it was struggling to recover financially and militarily. Even the Land of Lightning itself was suffering due to the massive damage to airable farmland and other infrastructure that had been damaged during the Fourth Shinobi World war. Son Goku's jinchūriki, Rōshi was still at work fixing that problem by creating a new volcanic landscape that, when cooled would provide much more fertile land. But that work would take years to bear fruit.

After the meeting Shikamaru gave a yawn as he grabbed his portfolio and began to walk out to catch the train back to Konoha. Just as he was about to leave Temari put her hand on his shoulder, and he blinked.

"Uh, can I help you or something?"

"Well, you can explain why you were drifting off there. I thought the Shinobi Union was something you were excited about, all the calls you made telling me about these plans were far more enthusiastic than what you displayed now," Temari said firmly, and the Nara leader stretched.

"Honestly I have a lot on my plate now, Temari," Shikamaru said as he sighed. "Between the Shinobi Union, the growing protests against Naruto in the Land of Fire and running my own clan…takes a LOT out of you."

"Then why are you doing it on your own?" Temari asked him and Shikamaru blinked. "I mean…I could help."

"Help…how?" Shikamaru asked, a little clueless as a blush started to appear on the Suna Sage's cheeks.

"Seriously you're so smart, I have to spell it out for you?" Temari asked with a bit of exasperation.

Shikamaru was still a bit confused, probably due to his mind being on other things but he wasn't making the connection. "I'm sorry, spell what out…?"

Temari's cheeks brightened more, and she squeezed her hands into tight fists, resisting the urge just to bonk him on the head…and into a wall. "Grr…maybe THIS…"

Before Shikamaru could say or do anything Temari then pushed her lips against his…before she rushed out to catch the train. The Nara Leader blinked rapidly as his mind started to process what happened. It took ten seconds, but the connections were finally made, and his face turned a bright shade of red.

"How…troublesome…"

His mind now clouded with his own thoughts and attraction to the Suna Sage, he rushed back to catch his train before it could depart.

Konohagakure

Back in Konoha, Naruto was finishing a bunch of paperwork with Hinata's help. She was showing signs of her pregnancy now and was off the active roster until the birth of their son. In a recent checkup with Shizune it had been confirmed that the young Hokage and his fiancée were going to have a son, and both were ecstatic. He glanced over at her as she double checked his work and nodded.

"Well, that's the last one Naruto-kun," Hinata said with a smile and her now fiancée reached and stretched.

"Ahh…gonna need to do some serious training to keep my skills up. Sitting behind the desk all the time really makes my muscles get stiff," he said as he rotated his shoulder.

Hinata smiled at that but picked up a paper. "That will have to wait till later, Naruto-kun."

"Huh?"

"The late Daimyo's nephew is visiting us today," Hinata said, and Naruto blinked once, then twice before nearly falling out of his chair.

"Damn it how did I forget that?!"

"Heh, there's still time to get back to the house," Hinata comforted him by rubbing his shoulder. He scrambled back to his feet before he grasped another note on the desk.

"…hey…when was the last time Sai and Tenko checked in on their mission to the Land of Silence?" Naruto asked, going back into work mode once more.

"…Sunday, that was three days ago," Hinata checked the date of their last check in. "They should be updating us every day."

Naruto frowned at that. "Tenko's really strong, and Sai's super skilled. Both should have been fine…something about that country doesn't really feel right."

"They could be just late in their check in. You know Kakashi-sensei and Kurenai-sensei go dark for long periods of time during S-Class missions," Hinata pointed out-also referencing they were watching Mirai while Kurenai was on a long-term mission. It was good practice for what they'd be dealing in the next six months.

Naruto sighed. "Maybe your right. They are in deep undercover there…"

After they finished cleaning off the desk, Naruto and Hinata picked Mirai up from the Hokage Tower's daycare and went back to their house to make it ready for the Daimyo's nephew to arrive. Thankfully, unlike most of the government officials that the young Hokage had to deal with up till now, Ikkyū was a rather reasonable person when they talked over the phone or video calls, so Naruto hoped the face-to-face meeting went smoothly. Hinata bought Mirai a ice cream on the way home and the cute toddler happily munched it down as Naruto opened the gate and Akamaru hopped over, knocked him onto his back and licked his face.

"Heh, hey Akamaru. Yeah, I missed you too buddy!" Naruto said as he pat the ninken's flank.

"Akamawu!" Mirai cheered and rushed over and hugged the big dog happily. "Luv luv luv yu!"

Hinata grinned. "Aww," she said as Naruto got back up and checked his pants. He created a Kage Bunshin which went to do the watering and any weeding that was needed before they all walked into the house.

Mirai gave a yawn as the former heiress picked her up. "Time for your afternoon nap, Mirai-chan."

"Not tiwed…wanna play…"

'I'll be sure to have your lunch ready by the time you wake up," Hinata said and little Mirai gave a cute yawn.

"Okay Auntie…"

Naruto cleaned up the parlor and living room as Hinata took Mirai to the guest room for her nap. Said room would eventually be converted to the nursery for their first born and the former heiress was extremely happy about that. When she was finished, she walked back into the living room and sat next to her fiancée, and they waited.

A few minutes later there was a knock at the door and Naruto went to get it. He opened it and there was a young man, at least four years older than he was standing there. He wore a business suit and had a brown trilby hat. He also had a well-kept white beard and short white hair. He took off his hat and gave a respectful bow of greeting which Naruto returned.

"Ikkyū-sama, thank you for coming," Naruto said as he offered his hand for a shake and he man took it with a smile.

"Thank you for inviting me, Naruto," Ikkyū said as two shook their hands before they made their way into the house.

"Heh, just glad that there is some way for me to start just running Konoha instead of the entire country," Naruto leaned forward. "Between you and me, the paperwork has been insane."

"Heh, no doubt about that," Ikkyū said with a nod as he walked in and kicked off his shoes at the entrance. "And plenty of people are becoming…unnerved with this arrangement."

Naruto nodded as he breathed out. "Gaara's having an easier time in the Land of Wind, the Wind Daimyo wasn't very popular from what I understand. Same with Kurotsuchi in the Land of Earth."

"Wind and Earth have very…archaic thoughts on what a Daimyo actually is," Ikkyū said as he took a seat within the living room and Hinata walked in with some tea for everyone, and he gave a nod of thanks. "Oh, and congratulations are in order."

Hinata smiled. "Thank you, Ikkyū-sama…we've gotten it confirmed we're expecting a boy."

"Drop the '-sama' please, I'm not the Daimyo yet," Ikkyū said in a friendly tone and Naruto grinned. "Now, as I was saying. 'Daimyo' used to mean a lot of things, back in the past the Daimyo was as much of a warrior leader as you and your fellow Kage, being personally in charge of the Samurai forces of every nation. My late Uncle often fought alongside the Sandaime Hokage for example when they were both in their youth."

Hinata nodded. "Technically the Land of Iron still does that, considering Mifune-sama is both their Commanding General and their Daimyo."

"Indeed, and Wind and Earth have kept that model of Daimyo despite…well…they were far out of their prime to do any actual fighting," Ikkyū said as he leaned back. "While the Land of Fire, Land of Lightning and Land of Water all evolved the Daimyo position into more of a title dedicated to protecting and insuring the civilian interests. My Uncle even went back to university after the Second Shinobi World War to learn Advanced Economics, even minored in Architecture. He designed the current palace for the Daimyo after all."

"Huh I didn't know that," Naruto said as he remembered heading there shortly after being named the candidate Rokudaime Hokage, but before the Summit. "What else changed then?"

"My Uncle began to make the Daimyo position into a less of a inherited position and began to transition it to be an elected title, much like a country's Prime Minister or President," Ikkyū said as he folded his hands. "If he had survived the War, he would have announced his retirement now, and began to set up the format for an election to name the new Daimyo."

Naruto got where he was going. "Then we should start making that framework then."

"Exactly," Ikkyū agreed, and he sipped his ea. "Any plans on innovating the Hokage seat?"

Naruto put his tea down and he frowned. "Honestly I've began thinking about it," he said as he rubbed the back of his head. "I'm proud and glad I achieved my dream of becoming Hokage, but I don't think I should emulate Old Man, err, the Sandaime Hokage in that regard."

"Oh? But isn't he the one who inspired you to become Hokage in the first place?" Ikkyū asked.

"Well, the Sandaime was Hokage from the First Shinobi World War up until the end of the Third, and then became Hokage again after my dad died the first time," Naruto said as he frowned. "Anyone in charge for that long isn't a good thing, even though the Sandaime was benevolent."

"So…what would you do to change that?" Ikkyū asked as Naruto paused again for several moments.

"The Hokage cannot and should not be in charge for however long they are alive," Naruto surmised. "Oba-chan had the perfect tenure, nearly four years until I became Hokage. At most…three four-year 'terms' should be implemented and at the end the current Hokage has to retire from the position to let someone new into the seat."

"Hm, interesting idea there. Would that mean you'd allow hopefuls to the Hokage position to start getting ready to take over? And how would you have a new Hokage be decided at the end of the day?"

"The people need to decide," Naruto said very simply. "The only requirement is strength since the Hokage is required to protect the village during times of crisis. Those candidates would basically have to campaign throughout the village to get support and eventually it'd be decided by a vote of the people, both ninja and the civilians."

"So, in essence, you're going for a democratic process. Interesting," Ikkyū commented as he finished his tea.

"Heh, yep. That's originally how the Shodaime Hokage, Senju Hashirama was chosen when the village was first founded after all," Naruto said as he folded his hands behind his head. "That tradition should have been kept."

"This has been a very productive talk then, Naruto," Ikkyū said as he checked his time. "There'll be a meeting in the old Capital about the future of the Land of Fire in two weeks. I'd like to extend a invitation to you and your fiancée to join in and have a say of how the country will go from here."

Naruto gave a grin. "I'd be honored to go, Ikkyū-san," he said as he offered his hand and Ikkyū took it, the two shaking their hands firmly.

Hinata smiled. "Oh, before you go Ikkyū-san," she said as she went back into the kitchen and then walked back out with a basket that wafted a delightful, sweet smell. "I made you a batch of my signature pastry, Hyūga Cinnamon Buns!"

"Oh, I've heard stories of this treat, thank you Hinata-dono," Ikkyū said with a grateful smile, and he took the basket. "My wife will enjoy these."

Naruto grinned. "Heh, next visit I'll treat you to ramen at Ichiraku too."

"Now that I wouldn't miss for the world," Ikkyū said with a grin.

With that he went back to the coat rack and put his hat back on, before putting his shoes on once more. He bowed respectfully to Naruto before he took his leave out the front door. Hinata sat next to her fiancée and rested her head on his shoulder.

"Well, we should start planning our trip," Hinata said with a smile and Naruto grinned.

"Yeah, I'll ask dad to sub in for me while I'm at the old Capital," Naruto said as he wrapped his arm around her and the two cuddled happily.

Warning Lemon scene Lemon Scene

At the same time, at the Senju Mansion, Tsunade was on top of Mei Terumi, the two were kissing fiercely while they were on their bed. The Mizukage lifted her legs up as their messy hairy pussies crushed against each other. Tsunade broke the kiss, panting down at her wife as Mei cupped her cheek.

"Mmm…yes…like…that my Tsuna…" Mei moaned as she pulled her new wife into a kiss.

"Glad…you like…THIS…" Tsunade moaned as she undulated her hips while they bucked their pussy lips together. "Since…we're not stopping…till the seals on our stomachs…turn pink…"

"No…complaints…OH Kami…here…!" Mei gasped, the two bucked and ground together even harder as they began to kiss hungrily.

The bed rocked and creaked underneath them as the two women Kages picked up the pace, grinding and bucking their messy hairy pussies together harder. Streams of their love juices puddled on the bed as Tsunade and Mei kissed passionately. The seal on their stomachs-a black circle that surrounded a whirlpool design which was starting to glow pink was covered with a sheen of their sweat.

"Oh…YES…" Tsunade gasped as she undulated her hips faster and she smirked down at her wife. "My hot…sex kitten here…"

"Mmm…and my gorgeous…cougar…" Mei returned as their nipples jabbed together.

The Mizukage grabbed her wife's ass with both hands, pulling her against her as the headboard of their bed thumped against the wall. The two gorgeous, busty women began to kiss even harder as they slid their tongues together. Tsunade moaned as they bucked and ground together even faster and their wet bushes entangled together.

"Mei…oh…OH MY…" she gasped and the Mizukage kissed her again.

"Me too…I feel it Tsuna…OH KAMI…!" Mei gasped as she and Tsunade kept kissing heatedly while sliding their tongues together.

Tsunade and Mei slammed and ground their hairy pussies together harder while the seals on their stomachs filled with a pink color the closer, they were to climaxing. The two women panted and grunted as they ground together at an even more frantic pace and the bed rocked underneath them. Mei then threw her head back as she gasped.

"Tsuna…I'm cumming…I'm CUMMING!"

"Me…TOO…YES…!" Tsunade cried out as the two held onto each other.

As their seals reached their full color, their messy hairy pussies squirted onto and even into each other while they ground and bucked against each other! Tsunade collapsed on her wife, the two kissing slowly and passionately while they idly ground against each other. After a few moments Tsunade rolled off her wife as they checked the seals after the orgasm.

"Do…do you think it worked?" Mei asked as she rubbed her stomach.

"Only one way to be sure," Tsunade replied as her hand glowed green, and she used a diagnosis jutsu to check herself and her eyes widened. "Yep…it did…" She then checked Mei as well and then kissed her heatedly. "We're going to be parents!"

Mei's eyes sparkled again, and they kissed happily before they wrapped their arms around each other. The seal on their stomachs was the 'wedding gift' that the main branch of the Ōtsutsuki Clan had given them. Due to the need to keep a healthy population on the moon the Ōtsutsuki had developed seals to allow for this type of reproduction to increase and maintain genetic diversity. There was a different set for men in a romantic relationship, but the baby would be carried 'externally' due to lacking the necessary…equipment to do it biologically.

And now both Tsunade and Mei were expecting, it'd get the elders off of Mei's back in Kirigakure as well as start the process of rebuilding the Senju Clan in Konoha. The former Hokage cupped the Mizukage's cheek and the two then kissed yet again and wrapped their arms around each other.

"Shall we go for a round…mm…I think this is 10?" Mei teased as Tsunade rolled back.

"Oh…DEFINIELY…come and take me Mei-chan," Tsunade said as Mei lifted her wife's legs and crushed their messy hairy pussies together again. "YES…"

"We're…gonna keep…going at this…ALL night long," Mei purred as she began to buck and grind against her wife once more, kissing Tsunade heatedly as their breasts crushed and pillowed together.

SCENE OVER SCENE OVER SCENE OVER

As they began their next round, their ANBU guards had just been rotated. Considering that one was the former leader of Konoha, and the other was the current leader of Kiri, a combined ANBU security team had been created specifically for Tsunade and Mei. Veterans from both their administrations were part of it…and were all female considering what they usually have to witness. Though now, new members of the ANBU from Konoha were being rotated into the detail for a bit.

"Oh, the newbie is here," the purple haired ANBU, Yugao said as she looked at the file of the new

It was a shorter young woman, wearing a cat mask. "My name is Hiroko, codenamed Soku, I just completed ANBU boot camp a few months ago."

"I've read your file," Yugao said with a smile behind her mask. "Quite the impressive record for a newbie. Graduated at the top of your class at the Academy, promoted to Chūnin as a rookie-not since Shikamaru have I seen someone rise through the ranks that quickly, and after that our superiors saw your talent and inducted you into the organization. How are you liking?"

"Eh, after my fifth assassination mission I kind of got numb," Hiroko admitted. "My sensei within the ANBU decided I needed time off the front-lines to wash the…darkness off me."

Yugao nodded. "Being an ANBU is rewarding but we'll be taking the hardest, nastiest missions available that not even Jōnin are assigned."

"…is that why we're practically voyeurs here?" Hiroko commented as she heard the moan from Tsunade's room. "This wasn't what I was expecting for this assignment."

"Honestly its one of the easier jobs," Yugao said as she glanced at the Kiri ANBU who were also assigned to the team. "We've all probably gotten numb to…well…"

"Tsunade-sama and Mei-sama fucking," the Kiri ANBU-who had a shark mask and a codename of 'Kira' said rather bluntly. "Come on Yugao, we've been on this job for months. No need to sugarcoat it."

"…I was hoping to be a bit more tactful there," Yugao said with a sigh. "Though you're right."

"How long is the newbie assigned to us?" another ANBU, a Konoha one with the codename 'Taka' asked as she sharpened her tanto.

"Short assignment here, she'll probably get her next mission soon," Yugao replied as Hiroko took out some earbuds.

"These permitted Yugao-taicho?" Hiroko asked as she started to fumble with her phone to find the exact music to listen to.

"Normally I'd say no, but considering the…uh circumstances, if you want to tone it out, I won't stop you."

Hiroko nodded and put the buds into her ears. In moments the moans from the women Kages were drowned out with the heavy beats of the latest song from her favorite heavy metal band. She then leaned back and kept a mental note of everything around her.

Land of Silence

In the Land of Silence, Tenko and Sai had tried to blend in with the populace to gain more intelligence on the country's new dictator. Sai had requested Tenko specifically for this reason due to the hopeful use of his late father's contacts through the vast intelligence network Jiraiya had built during his life. Not only that, but the newly promoted ANBU Chūbu thought it'd be prudent to bring some extra 'muscle' on the mission if he ever got overwhelmed.

However, the Land of Silence was far more dangerous than Sai had imagined. There were deserters from at least as far back as the Third Shinobi World War that made their home here now, including thousands of members of the Allied Shinobi Forces that had been declared MIA during the Fourth Shinobi World War. Despite the Land of Silence being a rather poor country, all things considered, with such a large, diverse presence of experienced Shinobi the capital was flourishing in newfound wealth.

What was even more worrying…and disheartening is that the deserters seemed to have no love for their old homes. Tenko overheard conversations of a few now missing ninja insult their old villages and families while having a full…cult like devotion to their new leader, Gengo. There were pictures of him everywhere, posters extolling how powerful the Land of Silence had become under him, as well as expansion plans. Even Sai was unnerved despite being in ROOT and having dealt with its own cult-like devotion to Danzo.

"We need to report in soon," Tenko whispered, the two now sitting at café in the downtown area of the capital, near some strange, but beautiful flowers.

Sai nodded and sipped his drink. "Agreed…I don't know why we keep putting it off."

A breeze blew the scent of the flowers to their noses, and they felt a bit calmer for some reason. Several of the rogue shinobi were monitoring them and they gave a nod and vanished before either Sai or Tenko noticed. There was then a commotion from the gate, and both looked over. Their hearts sank when they saw who was arriving…

"Orochimaru?!" Tenko asked in a surprised, dreaded whisper.

"Looks like he's finally came out into the light," Sai commented as he tried to keep his composure.

Orochimaru himself was there, dressed in his usual clothing as his white Byakugan eyes scanned the crowd. Next to him was a squad of Oto ninja who were greeted like old friends by the Land of Silence's rogue ninja. Chants of the 'Hokage Killer' were started as well as 'Orochimaru-sama' among other things. Like a predator eying up his prey, he gave a respectful bow to the crowd of rogue ninja.

"Thank you for honoring my arrival, my friends," Orochimaru said as his eyes darted around and despite not having the Byakugan active he could see the rather…distinctive white hair. Jiraiya is dead…that must be his boy then…oh this will be fun.

Sai and Tenko tried to make their way out of the now crowded downtown that was getting more and more rogue shinobi tried to get close to the evil Sannin. Due to the increase of activity the gusts of wind blew more of the strange fragrance from the unknown flowers to them and both Konoha ninja felt weary.

"We need to…get to the extraction point," Sai said, panting as he wiped his head.

"Right," Tenko said as he tried to keep focused. What the hell, its like I'm drunk or something…

Just as he thought that two of the rogue shinobi then blocked their path. "Where are you two heading off?"

"Oh…uh…" Sai started.

"Oh, my buddy and I drank a bit too much after our latest mission," Tenko said with a laugh. "Just have to head back before our wives get a problem with it!"

"Hm…" one of the rogue shinobi started, he was from Suna from what the young Sage could recognize-complete with a puppet on his back.

"You're sure, Orochimaru-sama himself is here and he wants to formalize the alliance with Gengo-sama," the other rogue shinobi stated, he was from Kumo and had a lightning-shaped scar on his cheek

"Hah…we'll catch it next time," Tenko started before things turned quiet.

"Really now?" Orochimaru's voice echoed through both Konoha Shinobi's ears. "I was truly hoping to see why you two of all people would be here…"

The fallen Sannin licked his lips, sizing up his prey as the crowd of rogue ninja wisely, if not expectedly made path for him. Sai realized their options had run out and went to grab his tanto from his back, but Tenko tried to keep calm. But Orochimaru came closer and closer he reached into his pack and grabbed one of his kunai.

"Too slow, boy," Orochimaru uttered as he was soon right in front of them in an instant.

"Reflexes aren't my strong point, old man! Pure physical strength is!" Tenko countered, and he pulled his kunai out and slashed at the fallen Sannin who dodged with ease. "Sai, we're gonna have to fight our way out of here!"

"Easier said than done I'm afraid," Sai said as they were surrounded by the rogue ninja who all began to charge ninjutsu or grab their own weapons. "We're severely outnumbered."

"Then I'll even the odds," Tenko said as he bit his thumb, but just as he was about to summon several brown colored snakes, each with a relatively large head with horns over their eyes slammed into him from Orochimaru.

"Sen'ei Jashu (Hidden Shadow Snake)!" Orochimaru called out as the snakes bound the young toad sage. "Tsk, tsk, tsk, I was hoping for so much more."

Tenko gritted his teeth. "More huh?" he asked as he let his natural strength overpower the vipers that were binding him and he created a Rasengan with one hand and rushed forward. "How about this you snake bastard?!"

Orochimaru gave a taunting smirk, and he dodged while he activated his Byakugan. He immediately slammed two fingers at the base of Tenko's elbow before he kicked the young toad sage away with contemptuous ease. The Rasengan dispelled itself as Tenko couldn't send chakra to his hand after that strike and he crashed through a wall.

"Who would have thought the son of Jiraiya and Tsunade would be so weak," Orochimaru taunted as he advanced towards Tenko who groaned in pain. "Hell, Jiraiya'd probably consider you a disappointment."

Sai was fighting the rogue shinobi back, but he was being overwhelmed. He yanked out his scroll and then drew the Two Gods and then threw his fingertips up.

"Chōshin Giga (Super God Imitation Drawing)!" Sai called out and created two gods, Fujin and Raijin to fight for him and they smashed their giant fists into the rogue ninja to make some space. "Tenko, I really could use some help about now!"

Tenko had his own problems, and he barely created a Hari Jizo in time-growing his hair around him and sharpening it like porcupine needles to block Orochimaru's newly summoned vipers. However, the fallen Sannin expected such a move. He opened his mouth and the Kusanagi sword shot out and extended and pierced right through the young toad sage's defense like it wasn't even there and stabbed through his right shoulder. He called out in pain and agony from the strike as his jutsu receded.

"You learned Jiraiya's techniques, not many people have so I'll give you that much," Orochimaru taunted after he pulled the Kusanagi out of his mouth and held it firmly to pin the young man to the wall. "But lack the true mastery of them to counter me."

"Shut…shut up you shriveled old man…" Tenko snapped back and put his hand to his shoulder as blood dribbled out. "I'm not…done fighting yet!"

Orochimaru gave a dark, mocking chuckle. "You aren't huh? At least that's one thing you have common with your father…" he then vanished and slammed his heel against Tenko's cheek and sent him flying back. He then caught Tenko with a flurry of horned vipers and slammed him down into the ground as the rogue ninja cheered. "…he never knew when to quit!"

Tenko cried out in sheer pain as the pit vipers that Orochimaru used bit him all at once and he was sent crashing into Sai who was panting. The young toad Sage struggled to get back to his feet before he spat out blood, and his eyes widened.

"I've been testing out a new snake summon, boy, be glad you're the first to experience them. These are pit vipers, they lack the neurotoxin of my usual mambas and cobras, but their venom is much more devastating from just the initial bite. Your own body will start to break down from the venom starts to break down the protein chains in your body's cells and initiates necrosis. Quite a painful way to go, wouldn't you agree?" Orochimaru said tauntingly. "And unlike your mother, you can't cure it yourself from what I can see. Like I said…you're an utter disappointment."

"Oh…am I…?" Tenko panted as blood dripped from his lip and where he was bitten from the pit vipers began to already turn brown and black from rapid cell death. Was hoping to save this to get both of us out…the summoning is still ready….

He then stumbled again but slammed his hand down and the Kuchiyoise circle appeared under him, and he summoned Gama with nearly all of his remaining chakra. The Toad was about to fight and Tenko gritted his teeth.

"Gama! Get Sai out of here!" Tenko ordered. "Fall back to Konoha with him now!"

Gama nodded and shot his tongue out and grabbed Sai before he could protest. Before Orochimaru and the rogue shinobi could follow up both puffed away as Tenko let his injured arm drop lifelessly to his side. His breathing quickened while his body struggled to fight the effects of the venom that Orochimaru had injected him with.

"I believe that is enough of that,": a new voice said as immediately the rogue ninja stopped what they were doing and dropped to their knees all at once. "Orochimaru, when I asked you here to my capital, I didn't expect you to turn it into a warzone."

"Oh, I just sniffed out two rats that were trying to undermine you and tried to eliminate them before they could cause you trouble," Orochimaru said as he looked at the man arriving. He had brown hair worn in a topknot and had a well-kept, short beard around his mouth. He also had a large broadsword on his back. "After all, we are going to be allies Gengo."

"True, but if you had just waited…this young man and his friend would have joined us regardless," Gengo said as his voice began to work its magic. "Isn't that right…Tenko?"

"S-Shut…up…join you…?" Tenko mocked before he spat out blood.

"Orochimaru, give him the antivenom," Gengo ordered and Orochimaru smirked. "Since you are a guest in my country you should follow this order."

"Oh, but of course," Orochimaru produced a small vial with yellow fluid connected to a needle. He then stabbed it into Tenko's neck, and the young man cried out in pain. "I assume you'll take this…soon to be convert to your hospital?"

"Of course, you did a number on him," Gengo said as the young toad sage began to lose consciousness.

"Screw…you…" Tenko muttered as he fell face first to the ground and the Land of Silence's dictator clapped his hands.

"Bring him to the hospital quickly, treat his wounds and make sure he's back in fighting condition," Gengo ordered as his men nodded and grabbed Tenko gently. A few applied first aid to stop the bleeding before they began to move him. Gengo then glanced at Orochimaru. "You seemed to rather enjoy breaking him down."

"When I heard that my former teammates somehow produced a son, I was intrigued. Call it a tie to my old life that I never let go of," Orochimaru said but he looked at Tenko in disgust. "But he was woefully below my expectations. This is the same boy who defeated Kinkaku and Ginkaku in the War? Preposterous, he doesn't even have any techniques or identity to call his own, just inferior techniques to Jiraiya's and strength that is below Tsunade's."

"He still has power and ability above most of my converts," Gengo said as he crossed his arms. "When he turns, he'll be a great asset to our cause."

"Oh no doubt about that. But he still is too weak for my tastes," Orochimaru said as he glanced at the central tower. "Well, shall we get the signing done?"

"Yes, lets get it started. After the treaty is signed will you be staying in Silence for long?"

"Hmm, considering Konoha will probably try to send people to rescue the toad runt," Orochimaru said with derision. "It might be best if I stay for a while. I don't want to lose my investment here."

"Oh, of course," Gengo said with a nod.

With that the two headed towards the capital's central tower while the rogue ninja and ordinary citizens-who were terrified of either of them but were basically forced to watch, greet and see them off. More of Gengo's propaganda was scattered throughout the city, the closer and closer they were to the main capital building. There were pictures of him, recorded broadcasts of his speeches and even television broadcasts all over. Any civilian who didn't show any appreciation would either be silently killed by Gengo's secret police-even in broad daylight, or they would be taken away to be reprogrammed. To anyone but these rogue shinobi…the Land of Silence was hell, and the capital was a microcosm of the horror of a man with absolute power.

Konohagakure, Tsunade's residence

Tsunade and Mei had gotten dressed after their…marathon of love making from the night before. Both were now enjoying a breakfast while talking of names for the babies they were going to have in nine short months. The two laughed at a few suggestions as they drank coffee. Then there was a knock at the front door.

"Ugh what, what could it be at this hour?" Tsunade muttered as she walked over to the main entrance. "Yeah, what is…"

"Tsunade-sama," it was Ino who gave a serious look.

"Ino? What does the Head Jōnin want with me at this time of day?" Tsunade asked as she stretched. "Man, it's still too…"

"…your son engaged Orochimaru when he unexpectedly showed up in the Land of Silence," Ino said as she met her medical ninjutsu teacher's gaze. "Tenko…he was overwhelmed but he managed to send Sai back to us."

Tsunade felt her heart stop…memories of Jiraiya's death flooded her mind. No…no…no…no it can't happen again! The former Hokage thought to herself. "He…he made it out, right?!"

Ino looked down. "…he…didn't Tsunade-sama. I'm not even sure if he's alive now since Sai reported he had been envenomated by snakes."

Her heart sank and the former Hokage dropped to her knees. Mei walked in with her look of mirth slowly fading when she saw her wife now sobbing, and she rushed over to her and wrapped her arms around her.

"Tsuna, Tsuna what's happened?"

"Tenko…Tenko he may be dead…just like his father…" Tsunade heaved. "Damn it…!"

Ino breathed in. "If Tenko is still alive, Tsunade-sama, we'll rescue him. Don't worry…"

"Just…just go for now Ino…damn it…" Tsunade sobbed as she buried her face in her hands. Another person…my own flesh and blood…dying again…and I can't do a damn thing…!

Ino gave a bow and then walked off, her own face clouded. And I need to inform Karin now…

Across Konoha, Karin had just woken up. She couldn't explain it but the day was feeling…off. Maybe its because Tenko was still on his mission, but she just couldn't place it. She saw in her apartment's kitchen after brewing some morning tea to enjoy with biscuits. She had also talked with Naruto the day before about officially having 'Uzumaki' added to her name so she could be part of the greater clan that he was rebuilding. She heard a knock at the door and walked over to it. She had also started to experience bouts of sickness within the morning and she had a feeling she was now expecting.

"Ino?" Karin asked as she recognized the chakra signature. "What brings you here at this hour? We were going to head to the shopping district later today, right?"

Ino and Karin had gotten close ever since the War ended, with the latter joining Ino's group of friends which included Sakura, Hinata, Tenten and Temari. So they often hung out a lot, going on shopping sprees on payday, enjoying spa days together and just hanging out. When Karin opened the door she saw her friend's solemn face.

"Ino? What's up…?"

"/Karin, its about Tenko," Ino said as she looked at her grimly. "You might want to sit down."

Karin saw her mood about this topic, and they went into the living room. "…what, are you going to say Tenko was caught cheating on me or something?"

"No," Ino replied as she put her hand on Karin's. "…his mission went south. He barely got Sai out…honestly, we don't even know if he's alive or dead."

Karin's eyes widened and she felt the strength in her legs weaken. "Wait…that can't be true. He's a Sage! He should be able to hold his own…"

"Against anyone but Orochimaru though," Ino said softly and the Uzumaki's eyes widened.

"H-He's in the Land of Silence?"

"Yes," Ino replied as she helped her friend to the couch.

Karin closed her eyes and then gritted her teeth. "As soon as there is a recovery mission announced, I'm going to be on it! If Tenko's alive I'll find him using my sensing!"

"I'm…actually not sure of how things will work out, but I'll keep you informed Karin-chan," Ino said as she put her hand on her friend's shoulder gently.

"I can't lose him…I refuse to lose him," Karin said as she pulled her knees up. "Next to Sakura, he was the first person to accept my defection and trust me as a friend…we became more as the War went on…"

"I know, I know," Ino whispered and hugged her. "You'll be the first to know what the next move on this will be."

Meanwhile, at the Konoha Train Station, Shikamaru just stepped off his car and stretched. He couldn't place it, but a somber mood seemed to be in the air. His mind was still processing the surprised kiss from Temari as well. He was going over scenarios in his head on why she did it since it was the thing, he least expected.

Troublesome…why can't women be predictable? I mean I was expecting her to punch the hell out of me for ignoring her, but doing that…I mean what am I supposed to do to respond to that? Shikamaru thought to himself as he took out Asuma's lighter and a cigarette and ignited it. "At least works done for a bit…"

"I'm afraid the vacation you had planned is going to have to be delayed Shikamaru," a new voice said, and the Nara Clan leader turned to see a masked ANBU standing there, though he recognized his voice.

"Yamato-taicho?" Shikamaru asked in surprised as the ANBU nodded.

"Yeah, emergency meeting at the Hokage Tower," Yamato replied and Shikamaru groaned.

"What happened?"

"You'll be informed when we get there, Shikamaru."

"Fine, lets just make this quick."

Several minutes later at the Hokage Tower, Naruto had called nearly all of his closest friends, members of the Konoha 12 minus Sakura and Sasuke who hadn't arrived back from the Land of Iron yet. The young Hokage looked extremely worried and also looked like he was barely composed, his hands were behind his back, and he flexed his hands into tight fists to calm himself. He glanced up as Shikamaru arrived and his friend noticed how he was acting.

"Naruto, what happened?" Shikamaru asked his friend and Naruto breathed in and closed his eyes.

"Our operation in the Land of Silence has been compromised," Naruto started, and he took a seat. "Sai barely made it out-only thanks to Tenko…he's still in that cursed country."

"Yosh! That means we're all here to organize a rescue mission, correct?" Rock Lee asked as he punched his fist upward.

Chōji nodded. "We can't leave a comrade behind! Tenko's relatively new to our group but that doesn't make him any less a member of Konoha's ninja!"

"It will be very difficult, especially since Orochimaru himself is there," Shino commented as he pushed up his glasses.

Neji nodded. "Orochimaru is still a legendary ninja and from what Sai reported, his powers have increased since he was somehow revived…"

"Do we have confirmation that Tenko's even still alive?" Shino asked. "Orochimaru nor Gengo has much incentive to spare him after the stunt he pulled in Gengo's capital."

"I've already talked with Mount Myoboku, Tenko's name hasn't been erased from the Contract scroll they have," Naruto said as he sighed. "He's still alive but missing."

Tenten pursed her lips. "Naruto, I guess you're out of this mission since you're Hokage right? And Hinata is off duty due to her pregnancy…"

"Yes, I'm afraid so," Naruto said as he took a seat behind his desk. "As Hokage I can't take part of a mission of this magnitude…"

"Then why not call Sasuke here? I'm sure the Land of Iron will understand taking out such a threat like this while rescuing one of our own," Shino suggested and Shikamaru sighed.

"Even if he did, Sasuke is still one man," Shikamaru pointed out. "And from what Naruto and Hinata told us Sakura is also expecting so he would be reluctant to leave her side…" he put his hand to his chin. "If its just a rescue mission…I think I can organize a squad. Naruto, can I have a list of active ANBU that I can call upon?"

"Done," Naruto said as he sighed. "Sorry to put this on you, Shikamaru."

"Not a problem," Naruto said as he put his hand to his chin. "Though I have to ask, why isn't your father the first choice to head out?

"Mom and dad are off duty now," Naruto said as he leaned back. "Both have gone to the Land of Hotsprings for a long awaited second honeymoon. So…they'll be unavailable until next month."

"…got it," Shikamaru said as he sighed. "Troublesome, but I'll get it ready. And Naruto, I'll lead the mission too to make sure it's a success…"

Naruto nodded. "This will be a S-Class mission Shikamaru."

"Hey, why not take any of us Shikamaru?" Tenten asked. "We've fought together so much during the War so shouldn't it be a no-brainer for a rescue squad to be made of people in our group?"

"That's true, and I'm already planning on bringing one of my friends, but ANBU have greater means that I need to make sure this is a success," Shikamaru said as Naruto handed his friend the ANBU roster who nodded. "One more thing Naruto."

"Yes?" Naruto asked.

"If there's the chance given…" a shadow appeared over Shikamaru's face. "Should we eliminate Gengo? Even aside from his coup that eliminated the rightful rulers of the Land of Silence, he has made himself a threat to Konoha and possibly the entire Shinobi Union."

Naruto blinked. "Huh…wait how did you know of Gengo?"

"There's lots of free time to check the news Naruto between meetings at Shinobi Union headquarters," Shikamaru replied as he looked at his blonde friend. "Well?"

"…honestly, I'd leave it up to your discretion Shikamaru," Naruto said as he sighed. "Eliminating Gengo might be good for the long run but I'm hoping deep down he might be reasonable enough to come to the table to work our differences."

Shikamaru nodded. "You wouldn't be Naruto otherwise, but alright. Depending on the situation I'll use my best judgement."

Naruto nodded. "Your first priority will be to rescue Tenko, and if you can any other prisoner that Gengo has."

"Understood," Shikamaru said with a nod. "I'll give you my requests for teammates first thing in the morning. If we want to be successful I can't half-ass this."

Naruto nodded. "Alright then. You're all dismissed. I'll keep everyone abridged with any further developments."

With that the Konoha 12 were dismissed from Naruto's office. Shikamaru's mind was already in overdrive as he began to think about the perfect team to make such a mission. The first member which came to mind would obviously be Yamato due to his experience and mastery of Mokuton, which would be invaluable. But for other members he was still working it out.

So troublesome…but at least I'll be helping out a friend…

To be continued…

Author's Notes:

Whew, first chapter done. At first, I was debating on how to pull off this Hiden novel but got several ideas from other fanfics and even current events. First of all, I wanted to address the Shinobi Union that was established within the canonical Shikamaru Hiden. They are a combination of a full-on military alliance much like NATO, with some EU sprinkled in their politically. And I wanted to establish something that came up in the canon novel: civilians in Naruto wouldn't even know him unless they live in Konoha, much less know about the ninja's sacrifices for them which can lead to some conflict down the line. So, I began to realize another thing, Naruto was prophesied in canon to revolutionize the Ninja World…but aside from the Shinobi Union he didn't really do much differently from his predecessors. And I'd also think that many civilians in the Land of Fire who either rarely seen a ninja aside from missions would resent having a Hokage they never heard about now being their de facto ruler, especially after Gengo's coup against his own Daimyo came into the light.

So, I wanted to bring in the next Daimyo to establish he's different from his forefathers and has his own plan to revolutionize the Land of Fire's government (by the way he's a canon character, Ikkyū was featured in Boruto and Shikamaru Shinden as one of Naruto's big allies and a friend) which inspires Naruto to do the same. Changes comes from the top so making the Hokage position something that can't be indefinitely held is a huge improvement for the position and allows for shinobi who've earned it to bring new ideas and make solutions for old problems. Figuring the cap would be 12, maybe 15 years before the Hokage would have to turn over the title to a successor which would be chosen by Konoha's people. Doesn't mean the former Hokage can't serve his village afterwards, but it'd make the power that would be handed off freely. And such a system would eventually become the norm in the rest of the Six Great Nations. Thus, Naruto would do the 'revolutionizing' part of his prophecy.

And now…like the last fic. Lemons will be within this one, especially to establish the reason for Tsunade and Mei becoming pregnant. Though the lemons will be used sparingly but they will happen in future chapters. Just giving you all fair warning.

Finally, the meat of Shikamaru's mission is to rescue Tenko from the Land of Silence. Sai was the one initially captured by Gengo's men, but I didn't want to repeat that, and also reintroduce Tenko fully to the War of the Biju universe. Wanted to show that despite his heritage, he didn't get all that made his parents so powerful and just has incomplete or inferior versions of what they have. Still strong but…Orochimaru? …he might as well be Fodder. And this defeat is going to gnaw at him and Gengo is…well that's too many spoilers. But I will say for one we might be dealing with a Jason Todd situation here if you get the reference.

Anyway, please read and review! I hope you all enjoyed!