Here's the next chapter. It's been a little over a year since I've uploaded and updated this story and I am sorry for it. I have been struggling with a lot of the year and haven't had the heart to write anything other than the Harry Potter fic I was writing and even stopped writing that too.

I have been in the mood to write recently and hope that I will pick up all of my stories.

This chapter was mostly done, was just having a hard time finishing it.

Anyways enjoy.

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Naruto sighed as he started the long trek to Uzu; dealing with both Itachi and Pain in a single day proved to be an exhausting event.

Flashback

"Shisui Uchiha? You tire my patience Naruto, I suggest you take this seriously or your friends will suffer the consequence of our fight's crossfire," Itachi said, a small bit of irritation forming on his face.

"Then I suggest you find Jiraiya. I've only met Shisui a handful of times. The pervert saved his life. He goes under the alias of Crow now. And if you don't like that story, then you can find me in Uzu to recover my inheritance." Naruto said firmly. Itachi closed his eyes for a moment, and when he opened his eyes, they glowed red from his Sharingan.

"Know this, the next time we meet, it'll be in a battle to the death, or as friends. Make peace, in case we meet at the end of our blades." Itachi said, walking towards the door.

Flashback ends.

With him was Moegi, ready to start her training, Ino and Fuu, who Roshi was insistent were to come, as the crowning of the new king, his future wives were to be present and Roshi himself, as the Royale Guard.

According to Roshi, it would take a week to reach Kiri, as long as they kept up the high-paced travel. Moegi didn't like it because she couldn't keep up, meaning someone was carrying her, but Naruto said they would train in Uzu, which settled the matter for the most part.

Of course, Mei was informed of their arrival, and Tsunade said they would be given an escort to Uzu. Speaking of which, they were supposed to meet the new international squad at the borders of Hi no Kuni and Mizu no Kuni.

'So they can pick up the Kiri chunin that is supposed to join them and Mei-sama has a mission for them' Naruto thought to himself. They had only traveled for a day, and they were close to the border. 'Meet them at the border and make it to Wave before we rest again, from Wave to Mizu no Kuni, and then to Kiri'

He was on the first watch, and so was studying some light research on possible Space-Time applications. He felt one of his alert wards trigger near the outer edge of the perimeter and stiffened. He waited for a moment before he quietly got up and put on his mask and grabbed the Okami no Kaminari and the Royal waterfall.

He silently lept into a tree and started to scout what had triggered his seal. It didn't take long to see a small shadow rush into the surrounding forest. From what he could sense, whoever it was didn't feel like a threat.

He ran after them, pondering the strange chakra he was feeling; it felt familiar, almost like he knew what or who it was, but something wasn't right with it.

He jumped onto the forest floor as his target suddenly stopped. He wasn't too worried about the chase; he was close enough to the camp that help would be on its way if he flared his chakra. His eyes narrowed as he saw a familiar face with pink hair in somewhat shiny anbu-like armor.

"Yuno Mishiki, or is it Kanako?" Naruto asked, raising his swords. 'She lured me away; if it were Yuno, I have a feeling she would have used a more destructive method to get my attention. Why is she hiding her chakra, though?'

"It's me, Senpai. Forgive the intrusion so late at night. Please put your swords down. I'm not here to fight." She said in a soft voice,

"Well, you have something to say, even went out of your way to not wake anyone else up. You disappeared after the Kumo exams. What's up" Naruto said, dropping his stance but not putting his swords away.

"You are headed to Uzu, yes? To accept the crown?" Kanako asked. "I would like to join you."

Naruto blinked owlishly. "Excuse me?"

Kanko kept a stoic face. "I would like to join you. I didn't think much of it at the time, but now I know for certain"

"Certain of what?"

Naruto felt two people drop beside him. It was Roshi and Ino.

"So, the Hogo-Sha lives on. I take it you are the current head of the branch." The pink-haired girl asked.

Roshi nodded politely, "Indeed. Though I need to ask how you know that, not many people know of us."

"Naruto-Kun, are you alright?" Ino asked

Naruto nodded, "Answer the question, Kanako if you wouldn't mind."

"The Uzumaki clan was divided by four rivers. The main channel was the royal family, whose roots go back so far, that the clan elders believed they were connected to the Sage of Six paths family. Its sister branch, the Hogo clan, which was later named Hogo-Sha, acted as the Guardians," she stated.

"Rivers? Why not branches?" Ino asked.

"Because our clan believed life flowed like a river, so kept its family history as such," Roshi stated

"Yes, but there were two other rivers, the Machi, who were the merchant clans, and the Youhei, who kept an account of the history of our clan. After the third war, when the Uzumaki clan was being destroyed, the elders and some civilians were put on escape boats. Most were destroyed, but some escaped." She said

"Wait, do you mean…?" Naruto started.

"Mishiki is not my original name. It's my mother's maiden name. My original name was Yuno Mochi-Uzumaki. After we escaped to Iwa of all places, we changed our names." She stated, I also happen to know two other Uzumaki made it, one was also a Mochi, and the other was Youhei. But after we made landfall, we went separate paths." Kanako said.

"So this means we're family," Naruto said/asked.

"You believe her?" Ino asked

"I see no reason not to, everything she said was true, and information like that doesn't exist in texts anymore," Roshi said

"So does this mean you'll stop being a nukenin? You can come to join us in Konoha." Naruto offered. Kanako shook her head as she narrowed her eyes and started to grin within a split second. "Yuno," Naruto said bluntly.

"You're a quick learner, Naruto-san. And no, I will always be a nukenin, and in case you forgot, I have a kill on sight order in Konoha." Yuno stated

"Then why do you want to join us?" Naruto pushed.

"Because, my father knew a Pureblood was out there, so I promised him I would see the next ascension to the throne. I'm not one for familial attachments, but I loved my father and I want to keep my promise to him."

"Pureblood?" Ino asked

"A pure blood is someone who is directly descended from the Royal line. Would you be willing to swear an Oath?" Roshi asked.

"Hmm, I'm not one for oaths; after all, I did break my oath as an Iwa nin Roshi-san. But until this is over, I think I can live with it. Oh, it looks like it's time for me to go." Yuno said as Naruto saw her eyes soften before she blinked a couple of times.

"Um, hello, Naruto-san," She said softly.

"You aren't Kanako, are you?" Naruto asked.

"No, my name is Mari. I am the nicest of us, and the most suited for group travel," she said. "I tend to have a nicer disposition. I am also the only one who uses medical ninjutsu. It is nice to meet your acquaintances." She said with a small bow.

Ino looked warily for a moment before Naruto nodded. "Alright then, come on. The campsite is over here."

"You believe her, Naruto-Kun?" Ino asked

"One of the abilities I got from Kurama is the ability to sense emotions. Right now, there is no malice coming from her, even when Yuno was talking. She's not going to do anything until I've accepted the crown. Isn't that right, Mari?"

"Hai, defeating a king is a much better tale to tell." the pink-haired girl said.

"I have an extra tent if you need one," Roshi commented as they began to walk back.

'These people are crazy' Ino thought to herself

With Jiraiya

The toad sage was quietly humming to himself as he was writing down notes. He had been totally serious when he told Tsunade about his not-so-famous letdown and his plan to rewrite it. He tapped his chin as he thought for a moment.

"You know, writing a story is harder than most people think. Especially when you decide on how to write the ending. Do you go with the Hero defeating the big, bad, evil guy in the end cliche, or do you want to twist it? A shock the audience would never expect. What do you think...Itachi?"

He looked up from his book, a pair of cold black eyes staring back at him. He was wearing his standard attire. Except he wasn't wearing his cloak. He didn't respond as he sat down, staring the toad sannin down.

"I much like the cliche ending. Much more predictable." Itachi said. "Unlike how Sasuke died at Naruto's hands. Or how he gave up his Sharingan so he could avenge the Uchiha clan."

Jiraiya sighed at that thought. "It may not help at all, but Naruto was devastated. It took me two weeks before he could finally accept it. Now he wears that eye as a reminder."

"A reminder?" Itachi asked.

"A reminder that he failed. He failed the only person who had an actual connection with him. Out of his entire life. That scar is a daily reminder of how he failed the only person he considered a brother." Jiraiya said, knowing what was next.

"Shisui Uchiha," Itachi said blankly.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a scroll. Unfurling, it showed many different objects were sealed into this scroll. He stopped at one labeled "Crow."

"Shisui Uchiha was supposed to die. After falling off the cliff, he floated downriver about five miles. I don't know how he lived, but I was resting near the bank when I saw him wash up. Now I'm not a good medical ninja by any stretch of the imagination, but I knew enough to stabilize him." Jiraiya said, unsealing another scroll, pure black with a fan on it.

"I searched the river for days! Up and down the coast, from start to finish. I never saw you or him," Itachi said, a minor strain in his voice.

"You know, the cliff he fell from was only a halfway point. Following the river to any three of its end is almost nine miles. You started at the wrong one. It only took me thirty minutes to stabilize the young Uchiha. You probably didn't even clear half of one end by the time I rushed him to the hospital in your search." Jiraiya said blankly

Itachi didn't say anything to that, he just stared. 'Shisui has been alive…'

"He was in a coma for months, when I learned of his identity, the third Hokage told me to keep it quiet. He thought someone from the Uchiha silenced him, and so to protect him, he moved into my spy network. He wasn't happy about it at first but I kept him informed of your status as well as Sasuke's, and that was enough" Jiraiya took the scroll and handed it over, "His alias was Crow. He was working the spy line that got the information about Sasuke while Naruto was in Kiri. This scroll contains his current location, you can go if you want."

"Why would you give this to me? I'm the enemy, a sworn criminal against Konoha." Itachi asked.

"We both know that's not true even Shisui knows. He knew you so well, that he immediately saw through the Uchiha Massacre and the reason you left Sasuke alive. You love Konoha, and would never do anything to hurt it. Just as I know you would never do anything against Shisui, now it's time for me to go." Jiraiya said as he stood up. "He's waiting Itachi, has been for a while. He might even be a little mad."

Itachi watched Jiraiya walk away leaving the black scroll in front of him. 'Shisui…'

A few days later Wave

The international squad was in awe. That had reached Wave a few hours ago, and Naruto was being treated as a hero. Even the Wave Daimyo, an old man named Tazuna, held Naruto in high regard.

"Naruto-nii never told me about this" Konohamaru said, looking at the bridge named, The Great Naruto Bridge.

Chiba hissed at him. "It's Naruto-sama right now. He's a titled prince."

The young Sarutobi grinned sheepishly. "Oh yeah. But still, this is something else."

Kayama looked around, "From what I've gathered his team saved this country. Naruto was able to inspire the people here to raise arms against Gato. The bridge is supposed to be a reminder."

The Kumo nin chuckled, "His team also supposedly fought Zabuza Momochi of the Hidden Mist. as genin that is an extraordinary feat."

"Zabuza?" Konohamru asked.

"You mean you don't know? Well, as a swordsman it makes sense. Zabuza was a legendary ninja from Kiri, one of the Seven Bloody Swordsman. His strength was only rivaled by Kisame." Ban said, holding his sword. "Kubukiribocho is also buried with him, as he wasn't able to pass the sword onto an apprentice."

"Wow, he sounds strong. I wonder how Naruto-sama fought him."

With Naruto

Naruto smiled as he sat with Tazuna and Tsunami. "It's been a while hasn't it old man?"

"Indeed brat. I've heard you've been making heads turn. The last Prince of Uzu and the son of the Fourth Hokage. Never would have guessed it back then." Tazuna said.

"So where is Inari?" Naruto asked, having not seen the kid.

"He's a Kiri Ninja now. He was good enough that the Mizukage accepted him when She visited Tou-san after he was made the Wave Daimyo." Tsunami said.

"Wow. that's great news. Has he made chunnin yet?" Naruto asked.

"You could just ask me yourself, Naruto-nii," a voice said.

Naruto looked over and grinned. Inari was now standing rather tall for his age, at 5'6. He wore standard Kiri gear except his shorts had an orange tint to them. On his back was a sword and on his thigh was a tanto;

"Inari, you didn't tell us that you were coming," Tazuna said in surprise

Inari nodded as he took out a scroll. "That's because I'm here for Naruto." He said as he took a deep breath. "Inari Shoto, Kiri Chunin, Shinobi ID 145787, reporting for the Tōitsu Ryokō-Sha representing Kirigakure."

Inari saluted as Naruto read the scroll. It held the official seal of the Mizukage office.

Naruto,

This is Inari Shoto, he tells me you know him. I have decided to send him forward to meet you in Wave. He is the Kiri Chunnin for the international squad that I have selected. He also brings with him the first official mission for the squad.

A-rank escort mission: Escort the Prince of Uzu to Kiri and from Kiri, he will be charted to the Islands of Uzu. Once he has left for the Isle's, report immediately to the borders of Tsuchi no Kuni. Passage will be arranged and paid for.

Mei Terumi, Godaime Mizukage

Kirigakure, MIzu no Kuni

Naruto nodded as he put the scroll away. "Tazuna, can you have a boat ready to take us to Kiri? We will need to leave in the next hour or two. Our business is important."

"Of course kid, go by the docs soon, and I'll have it waiting.

"Thank you, come on Inari, time to meet your team," Naruto said. Inari nodded as he hugged his family.

Naruto walked over to a small Inn where they had been given temporary rooms. "Squad, Upfront!" Naruto commanded.

The crew looked in confusion as the international squad went to straight attention, Naruto pushed Inari to the front. "Squad, this is Inari Shoto, he is the Kiri rep. Mei-dono sent him to meet us."

"Glad to meet you. My name is Inari Shoto. I am skilled in kenjutsu, poisons, and suiton. I have a weakness for genjustu and faster opponents. I look forward to working with you." Inari said

Konohamaru stepped up, "Konohamaru Sarutobi, Primary Squad Captain, Konoha Chunnin. I am good at ninjutsu and taijutsu as well as my clan summoning jutsu. My weakness is genjutsu"

"My name is Chiba Junzo, Iwa Chunin. My strengths are my clan jutsu and taijutsu. I also have a weakness for genjutsu." Chiba said.

"Ban Miki, Kumo Chunin. I am good at Kenjutsu and ninjutsu. I am proficient in genjutsu but not enough to be specialized. Weaknesses? I'm not sure." Ban said with a cheeky grin.

"Kayama Toyozo, Suna Chunin. I am good with Fuuton and genjutsu. My weakness is a prolonged taijutsu fight." Kayama said.

"We'll be moving to Kiri in a few hours, which means Inari-san will be a squad leader. I think we should start getting to know him" Konohamaru said.

Naruto smiled, "Good plan."

A few days later, Kiri Island

Naruto had to admit when Jiraiya told him about the idea of an international squad, he didn't think Tsunade or the other Kage would take the idea seriously. A group of Ninja who had sanin traveling rights, reporting only to the Kage or someone appointed by the Kage, limited access to the Jutsu vaults of each of the hidden villages…

Not that he was against it. It brought small comfort to Naruto, who was trying to find a way to bring lasting peace to the Five Nations. But you would think they would have put more discussion into something like this.

'Eh, they seem to be working well enough together. Inari fell right into the group dynamic easily.' Naruto thought, looking at the group in front of him

"So Inari, we didn't see you at the Kumo exams, does this mean you were already a chunin?" Kayama asked.

"Sort of. I was field-promoted during a mission. A group of Ame Ninja ambushed our squad when we went to retrieve a captured criminal near the border. My jonin commander held the ambushers back as best he could. I think we were on an Island near Hot Spring Country. He made me the squad leader. He...never made it back. Mei-sama accepted the field promotion when our Hunter nin found his body." Inari said, a lost look in his eye.

"Ah, that explains it. But what would Ame be doing in one of the Hot Spring Islands? They have no claim to any of that territory" Chiba said, confused. "Hell that's on the other side of Hi no Kuni"

Inari shrugged his shoulders, "Unknown. When Mei-sama reached out to the Current Amekage, he said it was a rogue faction of Shinobi, acting on their own"

Konohamaru nodded as he looked around him, "Inari…"

"I known. Naruto-san, there is no need for your group to interfere." Inari said as they came to a halt. "You can come out, we can sense you."

Naruto smiled in amusement, having felt a group of people waiting, more than likely Mercenaries looking for an easy score. After all, only the international squad was wearing headbands.

Ten people came out of the woods. They were all different, varying in size and weapon. One of them, a bald man wearing a crossed-out Kiri band smirked.

"A group of kids protecting and escorting some nice people. Three of them even look yummy. How about you kiddies scram before we kill you. My name is Gin Morie-"

"An ex Kiri Chunnin, exiled from the village for selling secrets to the enemy. Specialties include Kenjuts and Suiton," Inari said, taking out his sword.

"It seems you know who I am, and yet you still want to put up a resistance. Brats like you are the best to beat, watching the hope and determination leave your eyes as you crumble." Gin said he snapped his fingers as the other nine people pulled out their weapons.

Chiba scoffed, "Please tell me this is a joke. Your barley chunin level and you have the highest chakra signature out of your pitiful group."

Gin growled at that, "What did you say!"

"There is no need to interfere. This will be a good time to showcase my abilities." Inari said as he made a hand sign. "Hidden Mist Jutsu."

Thick fog blanketed the area, making it almost impossible to see anything. Naruto was impressed.

'It's as thick as Zabuza's was. I can see why Mei added him.' Naruto thought to himself.

'Would make a decent swordsman that they seem to like'

'He is here to prove himself.'

Gin scoffed, "You think this fog scares me. Please, I am an ex-Kiri ninja." With a flare of his chakra, the mist started to disappear. And by the time it did the group of ten was five as bodies hit the ground, Inari's sword held at the ready as a single drop of blood fell from the blade.

"Too slow Gin-san. The rest of your group should flee but you will be coming with us" Inari said.

Three of the bandits took the offer as they dropped their weapons and ran. In quite literally a flash they all dropped as Naruto cleaned a kunai.

"Inari, rule 7 of the Shinobi" Naruto said.

"Never leave a loose end in a mission if it can be helped," he replied. Gin growled as he raised his sword.

"Cheap trick must have been a genjutsu. Well, you won't catch me off guard again. Come on then, let me see you dance Kiri boy" Gin said rushing at Inari.

He never got close as two fists slammed into him courtesy of Konohamaru and Chiba. The two chakra-powered fists sent the missing ninja flying back into a tree. "Please tell me you didn't think you would be fighting one-on-one," Chiba said with a scoff.

"Please, we're a team," Konohamru said as Kayama and Ban both took a fighting stance beside them. Inari gave a small smile as he readied his swords.

Gin growled slightly before he grinned. "This won't be the end of this," He said as he threw down some smoke and flash bombs.

Once the smoke and light died down the criminal was gone, leaving the remains of nine dead bodies. "Naruto-sensei, can't you track him?" Moegi asked.

"Of course, but that would be too much effort, especially because we are close to the village. He won't attack again without another group and I highly doubt he would still with our proximity to the village." Naruto said causing Moegi to nod.

"Okay squad, Kiri is less than two klicks east, Naruto-sama are you ready to resume traveling?" Inari asked.

"Of course," the blonde prince said as they started to travel, the International Squad now on high alert, that was until the gates of Kiri were in sight, and waiting for them was the busty redhead herself and a few council members from the look of it.

"Welcome to Kirigakure no Sato, Naruto-Ouji" Mei said with a wide smile. Naruto gave a small bow but saw some of the Councilors scowl.

"Mei-sama, I must protest, what proof does this boy have to prove heir to the Uzu Empire." he spat out.

Roshi stepped forward and gave a polite bow. "I am Roshi Uzumaki, current head of the Shogo branch, the clan's stalwart guardians. I have traveled to the fallen ruins of the lost empire and have found the Uzumaki Family Tree Seal. I found evidence and that will be enough" he intoned.

Mei scowled as she glared at her counselor. "We also have the will of the last Princess which was sealed by blood. You are here as a formality Kensei. Keep in mind, should he wish, he could call your family debt in"

Naruto rose an eyebrow at that. "I could do what?" Mei sighed and gestured to the ginger-haired old man.

"Naruto-dono, this is Kensei Nakumu. The grandson of Lady Yagamoto Mochi. He is a blood descendant of the Uzumaki, whose family fled the very instance Uzu was in danger. He has been trying to access the fortune and right of Uzu for years, but as he was not of royal descent, he couldn't." Mei said, making Roshi, and surprisingly Mari mad.

"Mei-sama is that really necessary," Kensei said, clearly annoyed.

"I disagree, lets here what else the coward thinks." Mari spat out,

"I beg your pardon?" the older man said, an edge in his voice.

"Uzu was attacked and burned. But wat our warriors stayed to protect our home. You can't say the same. You disgrace the Mochi river with your cowardice and betrayal" the pink-haired girl said, a small patch of pink diamond forming in her hands. "Merchants they may have been, but they were also proud to serve and defend Uzu. I may not be a part of the family anymore, but I think a stain like that deserves to be wiped"

"Is that a threat? Do you know who I am, or where you stand?" Kensei shouted, a kunai in his hand. A slender hand stopped him before any more stupid thoughts could form in his head.

"Kensei, that is enough. You are embarrassing yourself and Mizu no Kuni, and if not for the Daimyo insisting on having you on the council, I would get rid of you. Now II suggest you leave before I find a plausible reason to terminate you" Mei warned. "Forgive me Naruto, I was going to have him guide you around Kiri, as he is technically family, but it seems his jealousy is stronger than I thought"

"All is well Mei-dono, I and my party would simply like to rest for some time if you don't mind. The road and boat trip has been long." Naruto said with a wave of his hand.

"Of course, Give me a moment and I will take you to a hotel. Inari, report" Mei barked as Inari appeared before her, already kneeling. "Take your team and show them around, Kiri. in two hours' time report to the tower for your next mission"

"Of course Mei-sama. Okay, team, let's go" Inari said as the five ran into the village. Mei smiled at the remaining group and made a motion to follow her. Ino took this moment to catch up to her and they started to talk about some of the plant life that grew in Kiri.

Meanwhile, Naruto and Fuu were talking with Mari, "Mari, mind if I ask you a question? You seemed pretty heated when you learned Kensei's heritage."

Mari scowled at the reminder. "My family was given the proper right and privilege to escape from the destruction of Uzu. Lady Yamagato and her family did not. They fled, and abandoned their duties. If not for the war then a kill on sight order would have been placed on her head, and all blood ties with them would have been cut."

"Not to call the pot or kettle black, but didn't you break your oath as an Iwa ninja?" Fuu pointed out

"I was never loyal to Iwa or Tsuchi no Kuni. I was only listening to my father, and after he died I started to lose any excuse for staying there. The difference is, that I would still kill anyone that would dare to strike at Iwa because it is where my home is. His family left, and while the sins of the father should never be passed down, he has done nothing to restore the honor his family once had." Mari said. "You heard the Mizukage, he has only ever tried to steal the treasures of the kingdom for his own selfish goal, not once trying to help Uzu or her people."

Naruto nodded in understanding, not quite agreeing with her reasoning, but he understood it. "Do you think he would try to intervene?" he questioned.

Roshi took this moment to voice his opinion. "If he does, he would only wait until after you have opened the sacred vault, that is the only way he will get anything."

"But didn't you open the vault Roshi? To find the Family Tree Seal? You didn't need me there when you did it," the blonde pointed out.

"I was only able to access the vault as the head of the Hoga-sha. You will use your blood to open the vault. I used a one-time seal, given to the head in case of emergencies. It was destroyed upon use, and no other one exists in this world." he replied.

That's when the youngest among them opened her mouth. "But isn't that dangerous? To have a skeleton key?" Moegi asked in confusion.

"It probably is, but only my family knew of it. It was never recorded on any text as far as I am aware." the redhead responded.

Naruto smiled at his apprentice. "Don't worry Moegi, if that jerk shows his face while we are there, I'm sure you'll be able to handle yourself. We're gonna train you so well, that even Master Jiraiya would sweat against you. Speaking of, here" he said as he pulled out a scroll. "Those are the advanced katas for the two sword styles. Study while we walk and when we make it to the island, we'll do some training."

They were interrupted as they stopped in front of a large building. "And welcome. This is the Crystal Leviathan. We used it as a bunker during the civil war." Mei said and made a motion to follow her.

"Regardless I have things under control guys. I sent a clone to keep an eye on the bastard so he shouldn't be too much of a problem. For now, let's rest and relax. It was a long journey. I am going to travel for a bit. Mari, please try not to hurt anyone. Roshi, would you mind finding the Mizukage and learning about our transportation? This is the first time I have been back since I defeated Yagura, I want to look around"

Mari nodded as she wandered off in a random direction and Roshi bowed. Ino sighed at her hyperactive boyfriend as quickly started to follow him. "Well I guess it's just us Kid, let's go find a nice spot to relax in," Fuu said.

Naruto walked at a fast pace and made many twisting and confusing turns. So much so, that Ino lost sight of him. Or so she thought until someone poked at her side. "AHH"

"Is there something wrong?" a blonde figure asked.

"NARUTO! Don't scare me like that. You took off in a hurry." she huffed causing Naruto to grin. Ino concentrated for a moment before she frowned. "You're a clone."

Naruto's smile dropped a little as a sweat drop formed. "You're getting good at detecting that"

"Where is the real Naruto?" she demanded. The clone raised his hands in a defensive posture.

"He's meeting with one of his spies that's all I can say. It's better for both of us if you know as little about my spy network as possible. When he noticed that you were following him, I was made to distract you and keep you company." he said.

Ino huffed again but nodded in understanding. "Well then regale me the tale of your heroics here. About how you defeated the Fourth Mizukage"

X_X

Meanwhile, Naruto sped into an alley. After quickly making sure he wasn't being followed he placed a glowing seal on the wall. Inspecting his work he nodded to himself before disappearing in a red flash.

He reappeared in the middle of Wave no Kuni and checked his surroundings again. He quickly pulled up a hood and made his way through the town, trying his best to not bring attention to himself.

Swiftly and quietly he walked up a hill with two grave markers on it, a large sword behind one of the graves. Or would be if it wasn't being attended to by a young woman.

She had shoulder-length brown hair and warm brown eyes and wore a pink floral kimono. "What brings you to these graves stranger?" she asked.

"Paying respects to a hero and his apprentice. Hello…Haku"

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Well here's the next chapter. Again I am sorry it took so long for me to write, but I am struggling between work and a few personal problems. I will try my best to make sure this doesn't happen again.

Anyways, What do you think? Shisui and Haku are alive!

Many more twists and turns await.