Konoha

Tsunade frowned as she stared at the message from Suna again.

She had received it about an hour ago and had acted immediately but she was still looking at it because it represented a major shift in how things would move on from this day onward. It was a major problem that would not just need Konoha to handle but also other villages, but who was going to help her in this quest?

The Akatsuki had attacked Sunagakure and managed to take Gaara away from the village. This only meant that they were now moving towards their agenda.

They were surely going to act again, this was just the start. To think that just two of them could get into the Hidden Village and take away the leader, a Kage for that matter. Gaara might be young, be was still a Kage and a Jinchuriki of the One-tailed beast.

The Slug Princess looked up as Shikaku walked into the office. "Is there something, wrong, Hokage-sama?" The Nara asked before he even sat down.

He could assume that something was indeed wrong. It wasn't often that Tsunade summoned his presence with as much firmness as she had on this occasion. It was safe to say something major had happened for her to call him in such a manner. Well, he was here to serve, so he had no complains whatsoever.

Tsunade folded the message from Suna and leaned back against her chair–her eyes didn't stray away from the Nara clan head as he settled down in front of her desk. "The Akatsuki have started moving. They attacked Suna and managed to get Gaara."

"That is unsettling." Shikaku said. "But now we can say it without any doubt that the organization is after the Bijuu. All Jinchuriki will be targeted and we can use Suna's case as means to prove that the threat we are talking about is real…"

It was hard convincing other villages of the threat the Akatsuki posed when you had no tangible proof that the organization was as dangerous as you said it was. Other villages had not been so keen to join in the party thinking that they could handle a bunch of criminals and no one really wanted to believe that the organization was really after the Jinchuriki.

Of course, this didn't mean that the other villages would heed the warning, but at least they could move with a clear conscious knowing that they had warned the villages about the threat.

They would take steps to correct the problem.

Shikaku was sure that Tsunade would not just wait for the organization to make another attack before going after them. They would take the attack to them. They had to if they were going to stop them from achieving whatever they were planning to achieve through gathering the Bijuus.

"I have sent a team led by Kakashi to handle the situation. The success depends on them, but I picked the strongest team I could. Suna is our ally and Gaara has been honest in his dealings with us. If possible, I want to save him, but also stop the Akatsuki from doing whatever they want to do." the Godaime said in a firm tone.

Shikaku nodded in understanding. "If things have happened in this way, it means we didn't know about it." The Nara said.

If they had known beforehand, they would have warned Gaara and even sent of their men to help guard the village. But they didn't know neither did Suna know about it, because if it had, it would have told them about it since they have been cooperating with regards to the Akatsuki.

"There was no warning." Tsunade said. "I'm surprised that Naruto didn't do anything against the threat though. It would certainly be naïve of me to think that Naruto had nothing to do with Gaara's ascension. Considering that he speaks highly of him, I thought that Naruto would take steps against it."

Shikaku took a thoughtful look for a couple of seconds before responding, "Perhaps." the Nara said. "It is also unfortunate that neither he nor Sasuke are present in the village. Whilst we don't know the extent of their abilities, we know that they are the best in their generation. Granted Naruto said he and Sasuke would have no problem fighting the members of the Akatsuki even though they are S-ranked shinobis, it is safe to say that they would have been useful in such a mission."

Tsunade nodded. "I won't disagree with that, but we must avoid trying to depend on them…We must also allow the others to grow and give them opportunities to prove themselves. My relationship with Naruto is improving, but there is no telling what he will do next if things turn upside down."

Shikaku wanted to tell the Godaime that it was predictable as it would be something that she would not like. He didn't tell her that, he kept his thoughts to himself.

She was the Godaime Hokage, it was better to allow her to work on her own devices and advice when asked; it was less troublesome that way.

"Let us hope that we are able to handle the Akatsuki issue quickly before they make more movements." Shikaku said.

He doubted it would be as simple as saying it though. A group of S-rank shinobi that was something fearsome and worrisome compromised the organization

"I called you here because we need to devise a strategy on how we are going to handle them. I have been trying to get hold of Jiraiya but for now, there has been no success. Since he left the village, I haven't heard anything from him. I think with what has happened to Suna, he will think of coming back once he learns of it." The Godaime said.

"I will send another message to both Kumo and Iwa… Kusagakure will also get one since they too possess a Jinchuriki."

Senju Compound

Main House

Kushina sighed as she settled down on the table within the kitchen. There was a lot of work to be done in this compound. They were planning to move in soon, but they had to make it a little warmer just like their house. She was trying to make it look like their house, but nothing could be the same.

Everything was different here–it could never be the same as their house.

The redhead Uzumaki opened her eyes as Mikoto walked into the kitchen. She raised an eyebrow at seeing the woman. She wasn't surprised that the woman was here–they were friends after all. What was surprising was that she had made it here all alone.

As far as she was concerned, the woman wasn't familiar with the compound, especially with the changes Naruto was making in preparation for their relocation.

"I thought everything was done." Mikoto said as she settled down across the table.

"I want everything to be perfect." Kushina said. "But it is really done. We just need to set up barriers around the compound and this house once Naruto has time. We won't move until Naruto is satisfied with the security."

Mikoto smiled. The blond was adamant when it came to security and he did not compromise. He could compromise about many things but not when it came to security. Protection was everything - it was life. Without being secure, the blond would certainly lose his mind. But when he was secure, he could rest easily, but wasn't it the same for everyone?

Maybe Naruto was a bit excessive in his feelings for security.

Well, he was Naruto.

She would question the motives if things didn't go the Naruto way.

"Perhaps I will hire you to do some barriers for my compound as well. It's a bit problematic when someone can come in and go when they feel like it." Mikoto said with a smile.

However, if she had Kushina do that, wouldn't it be a problem for her and Naruto?

Sasuke would surely want to know everything and with how the barriers operated so that he could know what was happening in the clan grounds. If so, Naruto wouldn't be able to sneak in and out at night. Her son would also know that she has a tendency of leaving in the middle of night for somewhere he doesn't know.

If he became aware of that, he would certainly ask many questions and perhaps even follow her to know where she went at night. That would be a serious problem. It was fine doing the barrier, she just had to find a way around it and who said Sasuke has to know about it, now? She could keep it from him and inform him when the time is right, like when he is about to become clan head.

For now, he was still growing up; he didn't need to know everything.

Mikoto frowned at that thought. With what she was feeling, Sasuke would have to know soon. So did, Kushina. It wasn't the plan, it couldn't be helped.

"You should." Kushina said. "How have you been though? We haven't had time together in the past weeks. I'm always there and there and you have your clan to worry about…"

Kushina didn't believe that was the reason they had not been getting together much more regularly though. There was something else; she just couldn't place a finger on it.

"A lot has been happening in the past weeks." Mikoto said.

She wasn't going to tell the woman that it was a little difficult facing her when she knew she sleeping with her son. It wasn't just that only, but Kushina's reaction to the knowledge of it. She just didn't want to let slip of anything. She was still thinking of how she was going to go about it if the woman found out. At the moment, she could not give Kushina a satisfying reason that would calm her down.

The woman was very protective of Naruto against some things.

"But I have been well. You seem fine yourself." Mikoto added after a few moments. "Yugao not with you today? With Naruto away, I thought she'd be behind you like your shadow…"

Kushina smiled, a little amused. "That is something of the past. It reminds me of Naruto." She said. "These days he can go around without thinking of returning back to his mother in blinding speed. I'm happy that he is growing."

"Growth is important." Mikoto said with a nod. "I think he is able to leave now because he knows you're safe in the village. Back then, there was always someone who wanted to try something so these days, it is a lot better since they no longer hate you."

Kushina nodded. "Things have changed, huh? Well, I have always believed that they would change. I guess I must also thank the Sandaime Hokage. It was his scheming that led to Naruto's actions during the invasion," the Uzumaki said. "I'm happy with the change on my son…"

She paused and gave Mikoto a strange look. "Does it make me a bad person that I know about how my son behaves and yet I don't go to him and condemn it? I don't let what he does bother me, I have accepted it as what my son is. It doesn't worry me anymore as it used it when I used to try all my best to just ignore that part of him."

Mikoto smiled. "It makes you a loving, mother, Kushina," the Uchiha said. "You know Naruto; you know that your son will always do some things but there are some barriers he will not cross because he is your son and you're still alive. As it stands, you're his mental check…" She tilted her head to the side. "I don't suppose you know why he went to Kiri, do you? He isn't really forthcoming in this kind of things…"

"I didn't think you were interested." Kushina said with a raised brow. "But I guess since it involves your son, you have to. And on this occasion, he left with him…" Kushina stated in a calm tone. "I don't bother myself with the details and he doesn't bother me with them. Nevertheless, he said the main objective was to make the Mizukage a friend of his and if possible a friend of Konoha."

So, that was what he meant by making things personal with the Mizukage. Mikoto grew curious. She was a lot more interested in what type of a person the woman was. Her character would determine the kind of relationship Naruto would have with her. If she was likeable and someone he could consider a human. If that was the case, it would scare her.

"I see." Mikoto said in thought. "He is making friends, huh?"

Kushina smiled. "Not the kind of friends you'd want for your child, but friends nonetheless." the Uzumaki said. "Speaking of friends…Naruto is going to make Yugao a special friend…"

She knew it was going to end up like that. Naruto didn't just jump into bed and then say no, he had made a mistake. No, he would think about marrying Yugao. Perhaps not out of love, but because he wants to keep her in the family and he would do his best to keep her happy because he does need her.

It didn't please her having those thoughts, but it was the reality that she had to face and live with.

"A special friend?" Mikoto asked, surprised. "How sure are you?"

"Not a doubt." Kushina said with a smile. "Yugao is mature and can keep up with Naruto. I have known her and I think things will work well. We are already a family, and I will be happy to start thinking about having grandchildren. I still think Naruto is a little too young for that…" She paused and nodded to herself. "He is still young…"

'You're going to have a grandchild soon' Mikoto thought, but she didn't allow her thoughts to show.

"You seem happy about this." Mikoto said with a smile, a rather thin smile. "Naruto never mentioned this to me when we last spoke…How long have you known about this?"

"I caught them in the act… I think something has been happening for a while now." Kushina said in a thoughtful tone. "How is your son doing?"

"Everything that is Sasuke." Mikoto said standing up.

She was a little disappointed that Kushina had decided to cut it short about Yugao but she could not push things. She didn't want to raise any questions that would put her in a difficult position.

If Naruto was hiding this thing with Yugao, then it was something not done to keep their relationship hidden and with the way that woman looked at her, it was safe to say that she knew about them.

For a moment, Mikoto thought of putting the issue aside as Naruto doing it just to keep the woman quiet about their relationship but the glaring fact that he kept it a secret made it difficult for her to accept the reasoning.

"You leaving already?"

Mikoto smiled. "I was just here to check on you… I will make some time for us to be together and talk a bit more. For now, I must head back to the compound."

Kirigakure

Mei was sitting inside her office with lunch prepared atop of her desk. She could not go out because there was a lot of work that needed to be done. It was tough being Mizukage but this was something that she had to take on for the sake of her village. If she didn't work the extra hours and pushed herself to her limits, Kiri would not continue on the path it has been on since the civil war ended a couple of years ago.

Naruto was sitting across her, eating quietly.

The blond wasn't saying much to her, and he wasn't giving her any glances. He may be young, but he was still a male and that came with the urges. Well, she could appreciate a well-mannered young man.

He had a way about things, didn't he?

Just from his clothing, to how he walked–he almost treated himself as if he was someone from an old noble family, if those still existed.

Perhaps that only said he was of class.

"I thought you'd be with Sasuke when you came here." Mei said, eyeing the blond curiously.

Naruto looked up from his plate and stared at the Mizukage for a few moments.

This kind of game he played when he was enjoying a game of shogi. How he missed that mental game. It was always interesting with the Sandaime because they played a high stakes game. With Shikamaru it was always about the Nara trying to find out more about him because most of the time he played the game, it paralleled how he made decisions in real life.

"Do you play, Shogi, Mizukage-sama?" The blond asked instead of answering the questions. "Or perhaps even cards. Cards are especially a good exercise learning how to keep a poker face and reading facial expression from people."

Mei was slightly surprised by the question but she didn't show it in her expression. She just responded in a calm tone, "No…I have never played. I have never even gotten the chance to play any because of my work. Before I became Mizukage, I was leading the rebels against a bloodthirsty Yagura who threatened to destroy this village."

Naruto nodded. "Kiri was once famous for its bloodlines and not to mention the Seven Swordsman." The blond said. "I came across one of them whilst I was a genin by the way…Zabuza was his name and he had a young bloodline holder with him. I believe from the Yukimaru clan. Unfortunately, they all died…" The blond paused to allow the Mizukage time to absorb the words.

"I did manage to get the sword from Zabuza though. Humans have this thing of trying to reclaim past glories… it isn't necessarily a bad thing, it just shows you how much we cling onto our past…"

Mei stared at the blond for a long minute before responding. He was an interesting person, that was for sure and he wasn't talking just nonsense. "And I suppose you brought it with you as a sign of what...?"

Naruto shook his head. "I brought it here because I thought it was a waste to leave in beside the bones of a dead man…" The blond said with mild indifference before going back to her earlier question.

"Sasuke is busy observing the village. I sometimes treat him like a child and exclude him from certain conversation which isn't fair…but I just can't help myself."

"Does he know you treat him like that?"

"Of course, he isn't stupid." Naruto said. "He was hailed as genius in our academy class."

"And you?"

Naruto shook his head. "I'm not a genius…In the academy; I was never interested in becoming the best. I saw the academy as a waste of time because it taught me nothing I didn't already know." The blond said. "What I am is a dedicated and passionate person…To my course…"

Mei nodded, she wasn't going to be the judge and wasn't going to pass any thoughts; she didn't know the blond, but she hoped to know him. He was an interesting person and the letter she had received from Tsunade had made her even more curious about him.

"What did you want to talk about?"

Naruto straightened up slightly and looked straight at the Godaime Mizukage. "I'm curious about what the Godaime said to you in the letter. You only spent a couple of seconds on it, so I assume there were only a handful of words within it."

Mei tilted her head to the side. "What if I only read the first words that said 'Don't read in Naruto's presence' and then closed it?"

Naruto smiled. "That is a compelling argument." The blond said. "And it would certainly make you curious, wouldn't it?"

Mei nodded. "Yes… I'm already curious. Your conduct since you appeared before me has been curious. Of course, it could be a play. You can never trust anything you see in this world. We are taught to be deceitful when we are still young, and of course, when you trust someone you lose that a bit. Naturally, when people betray you, it becomes literal."

"A rather practical world we live in, huh?" Naruto said. "But it is a different story when it comes to civilian life. They don't live in the same world as we do. Our rules are different to theirs…" He paused. "I guess you're not going to answer my question…Is it okay if I simply call you, Mei-san?"

"Mei is just fine."

"Mei, it is then." Naruto said. "I don't make a lot of friends in my life, but when I do, the people have to possess certain qualities that make them human. Most people are just living but their actions don't make them human. I dislike such people. I have heard that you're a woman of strong morals and want nothing but peace for your people. I guess what you have seen in this land so far makes that desire real and strong. I cannot say I have seen as much as you have but I have seen a couple of things.

What I have seen makes me wish for the world to have a bit of order and justice, if I can use the word. Kages are disconnected from each other; everyone is minding their own business, leaving gaps in the middle. These gaps give chances for the 'corrupt' seeds to have breathing spaces. When you afford that space, the seeds will grow and destabilize things, pulling those around it. My view is that for such 'seeds' to be removed, there must be a connection in the Elemental Nations. The type of connection that promotes stability based on cooperation rather than 'forces' of power because the moment those are removed, we lose that stability. A network of communication needs to be established for the Nations to connect."

Mei was silent for about a minute.

"Why do you desire something like that?"

"Can you keep a secret?" Naruto asked with a smile. Mei nodded, "It is because if this world goes into war, a darker side of me will break out with just one purpose…"

Mei narrowed her eyes; she could tell that the blond didn't want the balance for very noble reasons. There was no kindness and love for the world that made him desire to have balance–it was all for himself. There was no power hunger in his eyes that made her fear that he just wanted to manipulate the world to form an image of his liking.

He was a different person from her, from everyone she has met. Even so, she could say that the desire to bring stability that would ensure that there are no wars was real. It was so real that it burnt even her desires. AT the same time, the desire revealed something she didn't like–the darkness in him.

If anything, Mei could say the blond didn't want to turn evil. he wanted to remain pure, but if the world forced him, he would turn to the other side. What did this mean to his personality, his character? It was all a bit complex and curious.

The Mizukage wanted to know more, she wanted to know what made him like that.

How he was able to control that darkness in him?

"What purpose?" Mei asked, but she knew the answer to the question.

"With what I have said, you should have an answer." Naruto said calmly.

Mei nodded and breathed in before leaning against her chair. "Do you resent war that much?"

Naruto shook his head lightly. "This might be contradictory, but I have nothing against a war itself. The reasons behind the war are what I dislike. Mostly it is some petty reasons that don't even matter and could have been handled quickly without needless bloodshed. Over the use of weapons to solve matters, I prefer opening my mouth and using my head. But of course, there are those situations you're forced to lift your hands."

Not all the reasons, but he was by no means lying to the Mizukage.

A war would certainly give him an excuse to reduce the population of this world to make it a lot more manageable.

Yes, he would allow the Kyubi to get loose and would use every means necessary to reduce the other Great Nations to former Great nations. He could do that, but he understood what something like that would paint over his shoulders. He would become a demon and people would spit at the mention of his name.

He would have enemies left and right and people would not stop at anything to make him suffer. Naturally, that led back to his mother. she would be in constant danger from people, she would be forced to remain within the Hidden Leaf or any place they have chosen to live with things with Konoha turn to the left.

That was something he didn't want for his mother.

No, Naruto wanted her to be free and happy Just as she wished for him.

"For a young man, you surely are interesting." The Mizukage said. "I find myself drawn to learning more about you, but I can't take myself that far. I'm still a Kage of this village and comes with responsibilities. I wish not to do something reckless that will endanger this village. Nevertheless, what you want here isn't anything reckless, but cooperation, a joining of the dots." The redhead smiled. "You prefer to talk, huh? I won't be manipulated into doing anything I don't want."

"What gives you that impression that I am after that?" Naruto asked quietly. "If my purpose had been that, I would have come to you in a different way. I've to be like this because I know that some 'relationships' are kept strong by the truth and a bond."

"That may be true, but people who prefer smooth talking into things are often manipulative snakes who wear masks to fool their prey," Mei said in a hardened tone. She then sighed. "This thing could work for me, but I will discuss it with your Godaime Hokage. You started it, but I will end it with your leader. She can come here any time she pleases…Of course, if you like you can come with her."

Naruto was silent for about a minute. "That is fine with me." The blond Uzumaki said. "I do hope that when we do come back here, we will have some fruitful conversation. I'm still going to be here for two days at least. I have found this environment to be a bit refreshing."

Mei smiled. "Please enjoy your stay, but I do hope to have one more conversation before you leave…"

Konoha

Yugao found herself pressed against a wall with a very stern faced Mikoto lording over her. She had been walking peacefully within the streets of the Hidden Leaf – she had been looking for some furniture for the Senju Compound for Kushina.

Mikoto had come out of nowhere and requested to speak to her, without even waiting for her response; the Uchiha had dragged her away into an alley.

The former Anbu had no doubt that it had something to do with Naruto. Kushina must have told her about it. This wasn't anything less than what she had anticipated. The woman was possessive of Naruto and she had been waiting for him to grow up so that she could make him a man, her man, her own personal man that she apparently didn't want to share with anyone.

Yugao smiled at the woman.

"Mikoto-san." She started calmly. "This is a lovely surprise."

Mikoto narrowed her eyes thinly, "What are you playing at Yugao? I know you are aware about Naruto and me. You have known for quite some time now, but I have always thought that Naruto had it covered. Is this something to do with him getting a girl to hide my relationship with him?"

That was something that they had discussed but she had made it clear that she would have to approve the person first, Naruto didn't have to go behind her with it. It didn't even have to include his mother because if it did, it was something that was going to be serious.

She didn't even want Yugao of all people.

Naruto could not simply discard her when she was of no value anymore. This woman was an important piece to the Uzumaki and given her relationship with Kushina, Naruto would not do anything to endanger that relationship and that gave her some fears.

"I'm not playing at anything." Yugao responded with a slight shake of her head. "Do you really think that Naruto would do that to me?"

She was his trusted mother's protector, if he did anything bad to her, he would have to be worried about his mother all over again and think of a new way to protect her. He would not even afford himself the time to leave the village for longer periods as he would be afraid for his mother's safety. He was okay now because if something happens, she would do something or call him back if she was failing.

Mikoto stepped away from Yugao and calmed herself. "It appears this thing between you and him is true…But I wonder why Naruto is keeping it a secret from me. He didn't mention anything when we last spoke." The Uchiha said to herself more than to Yugao. "How serious are you?"

Yugao tilted her head to the side as she adopted a thoughtful look on her face. "Well, his mother said that unless he thinks of marrying me, he can't start a relationship."

Mikoto frowned, if that happened, she was going to be the side woman, she would be fornicating with the blond when she was the one who made him a man before this woman came along. it really left a bitter taste in Mikoto's mouth.

She could not think of getting married to Naruto–Kushina would not allow it and it would not be good for her clan.

But if Naruto married Yugao, there was a chance that he would discard her, just like that.

Well given recent developments in her body, she really didn't to worry. She just frowned at the thought of using it to keep Naruto by her side.

She focused on Yugao once more. "So you're saying that you are not in relationship with him and that there is a chance he might not even start it. Well, that is at least good news…" She managed to smile at that.

Maybe if she told him, he would only focus on her.

"I wouldn't put my hope in something like that." Yugao said. "You should know better. Naruto doesn't make moves on impulses. If he is going to do something, he will do it and I'm not just going to allow him to walk away after everything."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"I'm interested." Yugao said but she didn't add Naruto's name. "Unlike you, I don't have to hide my relationship with him. I can give him a family that his mother desires for him."

Yugao knew she was stepping out of line, but she felt she had to say it because she didn't see a future in Mikoto's relationship with Naruto. They were not going to go anywhere and it would not be good for Naruto. He needed someone who could support him and turn him into a path that would bring him happiness. Wasn't it just going to end between the sheets if he continued with Mikoto?

Besides that, it was best they ended it before Kushina found out about it. She was okay with her, but if she realized that Mikoto was also involved, there would be trouble and it would not just be with Mikoto but with Naruto as well. Yugao wasn't going to tell the woman to end things with Naruto, no, that was something she had to think for herself.

Mikoto smiled a bitter smile that made Yugao regret what she had said. "I only wanted to confirm. Have a good day, Yugao."

Maybe she shouldn't have said all that.

If anything, Mikoto looked saddened by what she had said. It was almost as if she wanted something much more than just sex with Naruto. Yugao couldn't bring herself to accept it, but as the woman walked away from her, it became something of a glaring realization that troubled her greatly.

What was she going to about this?

And how was she even going to interact with the woman the next time they meet?

Mikoto." Yugao called. When the Uchiha stopped, she spoke again. "I'm sorry. I should not have said that."

Mikoto shook her head. "You are correct, I wont get married to Naruto because his mother will not allow. But my relationship with him wont remain a secret for too long. And I can give him a family."

Yugao narrowed her eyes. "What us that supposed to mean?"

Mikoto smiled. "I'm just stating the reality."

Later that Day

"I thought you were going to take your sweet time to get back." Tsunade said the moment Jiraiya appeared in her voice in his usual fashion.

There were matters that needed to be dealt with and the Sannin was needed.

She did depend on his Intel and his counsel in other matters regarding the village's security. With the Akatsuki out in the loose, it was important that they deal with it because if they were not handled, eventually they were going to come knocking at the Leaf's doors looking for Naruto so they can take the Kyubi away from him.

Tsunade was not going to suggest that they throw away Naruto just to avoid that danger – a choice like that would be wrong and a colossal blunder that she would live to regret.

The Akatsuki would surely do something dangerous once they have captured all Jinchurikis and it would threaten the balance of the Elemental Nations and drive them towards the brink of another war or something bloody.

It would not be just that only, but Naruto would be looking at them with a vengeful eye. Granted what she knew about him, making an enemy out of him would not be the wise decision. It wasn't to say she would not be able to handle him, but it would come at a cost. Tsunade would rather avoid such a situation at all costs.

"And miss your sweet face?" Jiraiya responded with a grin. "You know I can't away from you for too long, hime."

Tsunade shook her head. Jiraiya's love for her was something that she always ignored. She has known for a long time, but nothing was going to come out of it. The Toad Sage was old enough to know that, yet he has continued to love her.

Did it really have to come to that point or did she just not want to be involved with anyone?

The Slug Princess shook her head; this was something she didn't need to think about.

"Be serious, pervert." the Godaime snapped sternly. "You should know already that the Akatsuki has begun to move and managed to get the One-tails."

Jiraiya lost his grin and adopted a more serious mask on his face. "I'm aware of that. We should step up in our efforts to contact other Kages. I will head to Iwagakure. I don't think it will be safe for someone like Naruto to go to that village. There are bound to be frictions and you don't want him opening his mouth there. Since he knows that they are likely to hold some resentment towards him, he won't hold back.

It will be better to send him to Kumogakure. The Raikage can be dismissive but I let us hope that Naruto can get to him and make him listen. If not, I hope he has better security to protect his Jinchuriki. At the same time, we cannot allow Naruto to move freely because if they see a chance, they will take it."

Tsunade nodded. "Naruto isn't in the village at the moment. He went to Kiri but he is with Sasuke… I'm sure the two of them can manage. I will summon Sai and get him to send a message to Naruto about his new mission…" She paused. "When will you depart?"

"Early morning." Jiraiya said. "I need to rest a bit in a hot spring before going in another journey."

"You mean you have to peep on the women of Konoha first." Tsunade corrected the Sannin with mild anger in her tone.

Two Days Later

Naruto and Sasuke were hopping on trees as they travelled towards Konoha when the former suddenly came to a halt. The Uzumaki held out his right hand and a bird landed on it. Naruto took out the small scroll on it and opened it. his eyes flashed through its contents for about a minute before nodding his head.

Seeing that there was no message for replay, the bird burst into black ink.

"What was that all about?" Sasuke demanded from Naruto.

"A change of plans: the Akatsuki attacked Sunagakure and have managed to get their hands on the first Bijuu. I have to go to Kumogakure and warn the Raikage about it. It is likely that they will go after Kumo's Jinchuriki next." Naruto responded calmly. "You can return to Konoha; I will deal with this alone."

The message had said that Tsunade wanted him to go with Sasuke for safe measures, but Naruto wasn't going to follow that 'suggestion'. He didn't need Sasuke to have his back to know that he was safe.

Sure, the Uchiha was strong, but he could do without him. Besides, this week alone with the raven-haired was enough, he did not need to spend more days with him, lest he end up smacking him straight in the face with the back of his left hand.

"You don't sound surprised that they attacked and managed to take Gaara." Sasuke said calmly.

Why would he be surprised?

He had known that they were going to attack the Jinchuriki. He needed to know what they wanted to do with the Bijuus and he could not know without Gaara's sacrifice. As long as the Kazekage was still alive, nothing else was going to be a problem.

The Bijuu he had housed wasn't powerful enough to cause him worry.

"Gaara is still alive, there shouldn't be a problem." Naruto said a bit dismissively. "I will see you back at Konoha."

"I'm coming with." Sasuke said, jumping onto the same tree branch as Naruto.

"No, you're not." Naruto responded in a firm tone.

"I'm going with you whether you like it or not."

Naruto faced Sasuke with an expressionless mask on his face, and then spoke in a dead cold tone.

"Sasuke, it has become quite clear that your power is starting to get to your head. I have praised you for your growth, but you're still an arrogant child. Do not think that because you have the Mangekyo I cannot smack you into the ground. Don't misunderstand my tolerance as a sign of fear. I told your brother that I would kill him if he crossed a line, do you think I will fear you, a mere Uchiha brat that I trained?"

Sasuke glared, he didn't fear the cold tone Naruto was using. He didn't like it, though.

They were of the same age and he was certain that the blond could not do as he used to do when they were still young. He had become strong, he was confident and there was no way to prove anything if Naruto didn't fight him seriously with the intent to break him.

"Maybe not, but I'd like to see you attempt that." the Uchiha said challengingly.

In a single step, Naruto's right foot was moving into the air, rushing towards Sasuke's face with his left foot rooted to the tree branch for balance. The Uchiha saw the attack and crouched down in the blink of an eye.

Sasuke leapt away from the tree branch, trying to create some distance between him and Naruto.

When his feet were just inches away from landing on a tree branch, it was suddenly cut off, forcing Sasuke to crash down, but he quickly regained his composure to land on both his feet.

"Go back home, Sasuke."

Sunagakure

Gaara was sitting behind his desk, carrying the heavy weight of the Hidden Sand on his shoulders. He had only returned from being captured by the Akatsuki. No that was inaccurate; he was rescued rather.

Although he had met with Death and some intolerable pain when they were releasing Shukaku from him, he was still here, back to his beloved village as its Kage.

It had come with a sacrifice though, but he wasn't going to allow the sacrifice to go to waste.

"Are you not thinking too hard, Gaara?" Temari asked in a calm tone, staring straight at her brother.

He has been keeping things to his mind since he came back and it was worrying her that he was perhaps thinking too deep. There was a lot that happened in his capture and that included meeting death. Still, she was there for him, his family was here for him and Baki was here. They could help if there was something troubling him. Then again, her brother tended to keep things to himself.

Gaara's eyes went towards his sister for a few moments before he stared into the empty space between them as he responded.

"How is Kankuro doing?" the former Jinchuriki asked, opting against responding to Temari's question.

"He is fine. Sakura's antidote has worked, but he isn't hundred percent fine. He should be up and running in a couple of days." Temari responded. "I must also leave for Konoha tomorrow. There are still things we must finalise in our diplomatic talks."

Gaara nodded. He had to thank Konoha's efforts in their rescue. Although it was Chiyo who ended up saving his life, he could not take anything for granted. The Leaf had sent its best to try to rescue him and his brother. He had been told that if not for Sakura, his brother might have died. He was happy with that and would express his gratitude to Tsunade when he does go to the Leaf.

"You will express my gratitude to Konoha." Gaara said.

Temari nodded. "Anything to Naruto? Why he wasn't even on the rescue team?"

She was really questioning the motives of the blond. It was true that he has been nothing but fair to them since they met and he did help her in many ways than one, but since the invasion, he has been a bit indifferent towards them.

He no longer tried and looked as if he was plotting something.

He didn't even want to deal with her, but left Shikamaru to talk to her.

Maybe she would question him about it when she does reach Konoha.

She was always a guest in the Uzumaki house when she goes there anyway. Kushina would always welcome her because despite everything, the woman still treated her as her daughter, and Temari liked that.

It was one of the reasons she loved going to the Hidden Leaf.

"He was not in Konoha when they received the message. From what Kakashi said, he went to Kiri along with Sasuke." the Godaime Kazekage responded in a blank tone. "But if you do find him, tell him that I want to speak with him. I think there is a lot that we must discuss."

"I will wait if he's not there; I also want to have a word with him." Temari said. "We have been cautious in dealing with him, but I'm tired of it."

"Be careful with what you say, Temari." Gaara cautioned.

The blonde shrugged. "There is nothing to worry about. It isn't like Naruto is going to attack me right in front of his mother and I think she will agree with some of the things I'd like to say to him."

Gaara shook his head. "Just don't take it too far."

Temari waved her right hand dismissively before standing up. As she walked out of the office, Baki walked in. it was as if the man had been waiting for her to leave before he could come in. The Jonin didn't sit before he started talking,

"How are you doing without the One-tail inside of you? Your control over sand, I mean. We have always assumed that it was an ability that was granted to you by the Bijuu."

It would be a massive loss if Gaara has lost the ability.

That was his only power and without it, he would become just a normal person. Many would question his rule. Certainly, if he could no longer command the Sand, he would not be powerful enough to be considered a Kage. Power wasn't what has made Gaara lead this village smoothly up to so far nevertheless.

So perhaps something could be worked out.

"I have not lost my ability." Gaara said calmly. "It is strange but that isn't something we can focus on at the moment. The Akatsuki didn't do any damage to the village, so we cannot worry about any of that."

"That was thanks to you for protecting the village." Baki said in a firm tone. "I'm sure the villagers are aware of it by now."

Gaara merely nodded.

He hadn't done it for praise or for the villagers to love him more. He had done what he did because he was the leader of the Sand village and when he took the mantle of Kazekage, he had sworn to protect this village and its people even at the cost of his own life.

"Is there anything that I must know? We must resume normal business. For now the Akatsuki won't be coming to us, but will be going after other villages with Jinchurikis. We don't know what will happen afterwards, but it would be helpful we tried to find out more about their motives. Did you receive anything from Naruto?"

The man shook his head. "It would be best if we leave him out of our business. He is a Leaf shinobi and we cannot depend on him on anything. We will be killing ourselves if we do so. I'm not saying you must not ask for his help when it is needed, but I am saying that we must not become dependent on him or else we run the risk of seeing him controlling things in this village."

"We have not depended on Naruto, Baki." Gaara said. "We have been doing things on our own. True, it was by Naruto's hand that I ascended to the office, but I'm still loyal to this village and its people. We have resources and we will use them for this village. Naruto will be helpful in situations only he can help. Besides, he hasn't been saying with regards to the village anyway."

"But that doesn't mean he won't." Baki said.

"It won't come to that." Gaara said. "Even if it does, do you think I will just roll over? I have a lot to thank Naruto and his mother, but this is still my village. I will not betray it. That is something that even Naruto can understand, his mother especially."

Konoha

Uchiha Compound

Mikoto wasn't expecting Sasuke to be back home so soon after Tsunade gave her the message that he was supposed to go with Naruto to Kumogakure on a mission. What even surprised her was that he didn't look particularly happy. the expression on his face gave it all away. Maybe she could spot it quickly because she was his mother–she had carried him for nine months and had fed him when he was little.

But the fact that he was back could mean that Naruto was also back. she needed to speak to the blond about his thing with Yugao and their relationship.

She simply could not allow things to slip through her fingers so easily.

Life was something else, wasn't it?

A few days ago she didn't have this fear–everything was well. She was only worried about keeping the relationship secret, but now she had to worry about it ending. Naruto wouldn't do something like that to her, would he? After everything he has done, it would be rather heartless of him, but he was capable of doing it, wasn't he?

Mikoto shook her head and focused on Sasuke, she had to focus on her son at the moment.

Naruto wasn't going to disappear tomorrow, if he had returned to the village along with her son.

"You don't look well." Mikoto said.

Sasuke sat down on a couch, just away from his mother before responding.

"I nearly had a fight with Naruto."

If things had moved any different, they may have had a full blown out battle that would have torn the ground apart and someone would have gotten hurt. Sasuke didn't think even if something like that had happened, it would have changed their relationship. Naruto more or less bullied him when they were younger and he still stayed close.

These days, the blond Uzumaki could not bully him as he used to and that was the only difference between now and then.

"What did you do?" Mikoto asked curiously.

Sasuke glared at his mother heatedly. "Why do you automatically assume that I'm the one at fault?" The Uchiha demanded.

Mikoto wanted to say that Naruto was less likely to say the wrong things that would piss either off to the point where they have to fight to resolve the differences, but she didn't want to wound her son's pride and so she waved her hands in a defensive manner.

"Let me rephrase that." She said with a smile. "What did Naruto say to you to get you so mad you felt you needed to fight him?"

Sasuke's glare intensified for a second before he shook his head. He wasn't going to say that he had caused the problem, it was Naruto's fault. "Naruto didn't want to go to Kumogakure with me, so I told him that I was going to go whether he liked it or not and that there was nothing he could do about that."

Mikoto blinked. Sasuke had to know that Naruto didn't like being forced to do things, he did things when they were convenient for him at least. "I doubt something like that could have caused things to get dangerous."

Sasuke was silent for a few moments before responding. "Recently, I have made a few demands and Naruto has been permitting it. That day, he called it tolerance." the Uchiha said with a frown. "I felt a bit pissed off by it…Still am. I want him to treat me like a partner not a tool."

Mikoto tilted her head to the side, giving Sasuke a strange look. "You're going to have to start owing up to that. Have you considered why Naruto never lets you in on his plans?"

Sasuke shrugged. "Because he thinks I'm a child?"

Mikoto shook her head, "Even without asking I can tell. I'm your mother, I should know you and I can tell you that you don't think like him. You're not like him. And you always allow your emotions to get the best of you. I don't think that is something that can be solved quickly but you can stand up, Sasuke."

Sasuke frowned.

"How did things go in Kiri anyway?"

"My end was fine; I can have no complaints." Sasuke said. "I assume everything went well with Naruto and the Mizukage…They did have lunch and dinner at her house before we left. He didn't seem to have any complaints, though." the Uchiha said before tilting his head to the side. "Is something wrong, mother?"

Mikoto blinked before shaking her head. "No; all is well, Sasuke."

Kumogakure

Naruto looked around the office of the Raikage; it was neat and around the walls, there was weight lifting equipment.

Well, this was the Yondaime Raikage, a muscled man. He surely did train his body a lot. But that was given since the man was a taijutsu specialist. People like him needed to keep their bodies in in top condition in order to be at their best when they fight a battle.

The Uzumaki looked at the Raikage.

The man was of a huge stature; it was certain that he knew how to pack a punch. Raikage's have so been known for their speed and reliance on Taijutsu. The stories of the Sandaime Raikage were the ones Naruto found to be truly remarkable. He was the man who is said to have faced off against the eight tails to a draw as neither could harm each other?

Not only that, but he faced off against 10 000 enemy shinobi in a bid to allow his people to survive.

That was something amazing, but of course, Naruto had no desire for such heroics.

Well, unless it was for his mother. At the same time, he would have to make sure that he survives for his mother's sake. She would certainly be lost without her precious son.

A looked at the blond Uzumaki before speaking. "If I'm not mistaken, you're Minato's son…"

Naruto nodded. "In the flesh."

He wasn't surprised about it.

Konoha already knew about it since the Sandaime made a spectacle about it. If Konoha as a whole knew, then the other villages were likely to know. This was the reason he didn't even want to go to Iwagakure. The village did hold resentment towards his father – it wasn't being presumptuous to think that, that hatred would be thrown at him as the man's son.

It was how humans operated.

"I see." The man said in a thoughtful tone. "Then, what does a Konoha shinobi want in my village?"

"I came to deliver a warning about the Akatsuki…I'm sure you have heard of them. But I will say it anyway; they are a group of S-ranked missing-nins who are hunting down Jinchuriki for their Bijuu. Konoha does not know for what purpose but we don't think it is any good." The blond stated. "They have already attacked Sunagakure and have taken its Bijuu. We think that they will likely target your Jinchuriki next."

The Yondaime Raikage scoffed. "Then what do you want?"

"Cooperation in dealing with them." Naruto said.

"I saw Tsunade's letter." The Man said. "Sunagakure has and will always be the weakest village out of the Great Nations and I have heard that its Kage is just a boy. You cannot tell me to be concerned if they managed to get to him. It doesn't prove to me that they are powerful. Besides, my Jinchurikis are powerful enough to defend themselves against a bunch of criminals. Thanks for the warning, but Kumo will handle them if they come to us. We don't need to cooperate with any other village to handle a handful of criminals on the loose."

"Is that what you believe, Raikage?"

"If I didn't believe it, I wouldn't be saying it." A said in a dismissive tone.

"Be sure you're not thinking with your oversized muscles rather than your head, Raikage, because if not, you will lose this battle." Naruto said in a strong tone.

For a second, the blond thought of insulting the man, but he opted against it.

A narrowed his eyes dangerously. "If you apologize now and walk away, I will forget you ever said that."

Naruto turned away from the man as he spoke. "What a waste of time. I should have just gone back home than attempt this." The blond Uzumaki said before disappearing via gusts of winds.

Konoha

Naruto's House

It was night by the time Naruto returned home; he was surprised when he got back to find his mother sitting with Temari and Yugao sitting room. He was not expecting the Sand blonde to be present at his house. Nevertheless, given what occurred to her brother, it was safe to say she had come to Konoha for some business.

Still, he wasn't looking forward to speaking to her.

"Oh, you're back." Kushina said to Naruto as he came up to them and settled down on the single couch.

"For about a few minutes now." Yugao said. "He first checked the barriers around the house to see if something was amiss." The former Anbu added.

She had sensed him a couple of minutes well. She wasn't surprised really, it was something like Naruto.

"I didn't take much time in Kumo." Naruto said to his mother, opting to ignore Yugao's comment. "How was your stay mother?"

"It was Fine: just very busy." Kushina said. "You have a guest, aren't you going to greet her?"

Naruto turned to face Temari.

He hasn't really observed her since she has grown from being the girl who used to worry more about her role as the Kazekage only daughter and caring for her brothers. Perhaps those days he really considered things with her. Yes, her father had still been alive and he did think about the possibility to marrying her, as it was something that his mother had agreed to.

Since the invasion by Sunagakure and the Sound, everything did change.

To be honest, he had stopped caring for the Sand siblings. They were not at fault with what happened.

Kankuro had known, but that was something else.

His mother still cared for the Sand siblings as her children, that hasn't changed. It was not that she was naïve; she just saw past what happened and did not fault them.

He had his issues.

Naruto shook his head slightly and smiled at the blonde sister of the Kazekage. "Temari." He said.

"Naruto." Temari acknowledged. "Can I speak to you?"

"Can it wait?" Naruto was quick to respond. "I only just returned from a week long journey across the Elemental Nations. I'd like to relax a bit…" and he wanted to sit with his mother a bit because a part of him had missed her. Most times when he went away, he felt the need to make up for that time he was away from her presence.

"I have to leave early morning tomorrow. I was supposed to have left today, but I wanted to wait for you so that we could speak." Temari said.

"Speak to her, Naruto." Kushina said in a firm tone. She stood up and yawned. "I will talk to you tomorrow. I had a busy day moving most things to the Senju compound…" she walked up to her son and planted a soft kiss on his head. "I'm happy you came back safely…"

Naruto looked at Yugao for a moment: he wanted to speak with her, but that would have to wait, as he had to deal with Temari.

He stood up.

"Follow me." He said to the sister of the Kazekage.

Temari slowly followed Naruto towards his study. The blond waited for her to enter before showing her where to sit and then closed the door before he walked over to settle behind the desk. He looked at her calmly with a mask she could not define what it represented.

"I can tell that you're coming to me with a different attitude before you even say anything. Well, I have always believed that you're a strong willed person with a strong personality. I would certainly not have wasted my time with you back then if I believed that you were a weak minded person." Naruto said before asking.

"What do you want to talk to me about, Temari?"

"Our marriage isn't going to happen, I'm certain of that now. I will speak to Tsunade to cancel the agreement, on your approval…" Temari stated. "But that isn't what I wanted to talk to you about. We need to talk about your role in Sunagakure. I'm sure you know already about what happened to my brother, and now there are more challenges that he is facing."

Naruto didn't admit to knowing anything. "What do you mean by my role in Suna? I'm a Konoha shinobi…"

"I didn't dispute that." Temari said firmly. "My brother says you had something to do with the former village's council slaughter and recommended to Baku that he be made Kazekage. I can guess for what reason. What I'm trying to say that if you're going to help my brother, help him, if not, don't pretend to be anything."

Naruto tilted his head to the side with a raised eyebrow. "What are you talking about, Temari? I have not pretended to be anything and I never promised Gaara to offer my assistance in anything. He is the Kazekage not me, I'm just a shinobi of the Hidden Leaf."

Temari shook her head. "I'm not saying you promised anything, but your mother considers us as family, Gaara sees you as a friend. At one stage, the thought of being your wife had settled in my mind. Gaara says he wants to speak with you, please be honest with him. It would be helpful to us if we knew who we can turn to when things are difficult."

"Who do you think I am, Temari?"

"I don't know, I know you're someone even the village's leaders seem to fear. I'm very much involved in politics, so I know these things. Besides, I talk to Shikamaru; he seems to know you pretty well." Temari said.

Naruto smiled. "That is some way to ask for help, Temari." He said. "But it is fine. Since I can't get rid of you because my mother likes you, I will be your shoulder when you have no one to turn to…" He paused as a thought came to mind.

"Why don't you send a message to your brother and tell him that you will extend your stay here by a couple of hours. When you depart to Suna, I will go back with you so that I can talk to your brother."

End of chapter

That is how I concluded chapter 27… I should have chapter 28 ready in the next seven days. Latest, I will upload it next Sunday.

To those who didn't get responses to their reviews, you have my thanks. I do believe I responded to everyone with questions though.

Thanks again to Freestyle 763 for editing this for me.

The Sage