Chapter Five: Konoha's Growth
"Ugh."
He groaned as started to feel again, 'What happened? My…body…it's so…heavy.' He groaned again as he momentarily opened his eyes.
"Gaara! Are you okay?"
'Naruto? Is that Naruto?' Gaara thought as he once again tried to open his eyes, only to be blinded by the light of the sun.
"Give him some space!" Gaara heard another voice yell.
'Tayuya? Is that you?' he thought as he lifted his heavy arm, feeling someone grab his hand, he opened his eyes once more as he looked up at the person covering him in shade.
Gaara stared in shock as he saw Naruto's smiling face, "Welcome back Gaara!" he said.
"'""""""YEAH!"""""""
Naruto pulled Gaara into a sitting position, allowing the redhead to look around him, seeing people from the sand village cheering in excitement that he was alive, "You all came… for me?" he asked in shock as Naruto helped Gaara sling his arms over his shoulder, pulling him to his feet.
"Of course we did! Can't just leave one of my best friends hanging now can I?" Naruto rhetorically asked with a wide grin as he walked Gaara through the large group of people.
Gaara was stunned silent as people swarmed are him, asking more questions than he could answer, touching his face to make sure he was okay, then passing him through the crowd.
Eventually, Naruto slinked away, letting Gaara be passed between people as he arrived back next to the teary Hinata, 'She won't say anything.' Naruto thought as he knelt down next to Hinata.
Hinata looked up from the ground and turned to Naruto, "What are you doing Naruto-kun?" she asked as Naruto began to frisk Chiyo's corpse.
He glanced at Hinata before getting back to work, "I need to find the scroll with Chikamatsu's puppets in them. It's very important. You don't need to help me but this needs to be done discreetly." Naruto said seriously.
Hinata grabbed Naruto's shoulder, "Naruto-kun, you can't just take something from someone's dead body, if anyone from the sand notices you'll be in huge trouble!" she whispered to him.
Naruto frowned, "Hinata-chan, I have to have it, they won't notice me yet." He said before moving to Chiyo's chest pockets, "Damn where is it?" he whispered.
Hinata shook her head, "N-No Naruto-kun, I'm saying that you can't do it when people would notice, s-so I thought that just in case…" she trailed off as she sat back, finally releasing Naruto's shoulder.
Naruto looked back at her, wondering at her behaviour, before she embraced him in a full hug and whispering in his ear, "Some people have started looking, I have the scroll in my right jacket pocket, take it before anyone notices." She said softly before sniffing loudly, putting on the act of crying.
Naruto's eyes widened before he smiled, 'I could never have found a more perfect person for me.' He thought as he returned the hug, swiftly taking the scroll as they parted.
"Hinata-san, are you alright?" Kimimaro asked as he knelt next to the two.
Hinata nodded before sniffing once more, "Y-yes, Sorry I j-just…Chiyo-baa-sama…" she trailed off sadly.
Naruto looked at Hinata in hidden amazement, 'She's truly amazing.' He thought before holding her hands softly and pulling her too her feet, Kimimaro standing with them.
Tayuya approached the trio, "I think Gaara has become a little overwhelmed with all of this, pretty sure he wants to go home." She said with a gesture to Gaara, who was still being passed around like some sort of prize.
Naruto smirked and took a step forward, "LISTEN UP!" he shouted.
Everyone in the vicinity turned their attention to Naruto, "I am the person who the Gaara rescue mission was assigned to. And I'm sorry but I have to get him back to the Hokage ASAP, so please stand back for a moment." He said loudly as he walked through the large group of people and stopped by Gaara's side.
Naruto looked at Gaara who smirked slightly back at him, causing Naruto to smile before looking around the large group, "Unfortunately, I have some back news for those of the Hidden Sand Village." He said, bringing the crowd to a hush.
Naruto took a deep breath before slowly beginning, "As most of you know, the person who captured Gaara had an accomplice. That accomplice was Sasori of the Red Sand, the grandson of your village's Honoured Sibling, Chiyo-Baa-sama."
"She joined this mission in hopes of reigning in her grandson and bringing him back to the village as either an ally or a prisoner. But things did not go to plan, with me by her side the two of us managed to kill Sasori, though just barely with our lives intact." Naruto said, causing many people to gasp in shock and disbelief.
Naruto then looked down as tears built in his eyes, "Granny Chiyo was amazingly strong but when we finally got Gaara back…he was already dead." Naruto said sadly, causing many people to mumble in confusion.
Naruto looked up at the group, "And Granny Chiyo used her animation jutsu, and gave her own life to save Gaara." Naruto said while gesturing off to the side, making people turn in horror to see Chiyo's lifeless corpse barely hidden near a tree.
"People of the Sand, please treat her body with respect. I beg you." he whispered as his team stepped up to him and placed a hand on his body as he spoke his last line, "She called me the reincarnation of Hokages, and I will not let down her expectations of me. WILL YOU?!" he yelled.
"NO!" the sand Shinobi cheered.
"THAT'S HOW SHE WANTED IT! AND THAT'S HOW WE WILL BE!" Naruto yelled to the cheers of everyone in the clearing.
*FLASH*
######
*FLASH*
Izumo shouted in shock as he fell off his chair, causing Kotetsu to wake up and see Naruto, "Oh Naruto! Bout time you're ready! Gaara's been kidnapped!" Kotetsu said urgently.
Everyone looked at Kotetsu with a disbelieving expression, "Are you serious? I left for that mission late last night bro. It's been…like fifteen hours or something." Naruto said.
Kotetsu nodded slowly, while Izumo looked to Naruto's left and saw Gaara, "So you alright Gaara? Why were they after you?" he asked.
Gaara smiled softly, "It was the Akatsuki." He said.
Naruto frowned as he took in the sad reactions of the two Chunnin, 'So, Akatsuki is common knowledge now…this will make things a little easier.' Naruto thought while nodding to himself as Gaara signed the group back in to the village.
Naruto placed a hand on Gaara's shoulder, "Well, time to go see baa-chan," he turned to the rest of the group, "You guys coming with?" he asked while holding out his arm.
Kimimaro nodded, as did Hinata and Tayuya who grabbed his arm, "Naruto-taicho, I think you'll have to come with me and a few others later on today." Kimimaro said.
Naruto raised a brow,
*FLASH*
"What for Kimimaro?" he asked as the five of them arrived in the Hokage office.
Kimimaro shook his head before stepping away as Tsunade slammed her hands on her desk, "Naruto! What happened out there? I just sent team Gai out as back-up for you! I only just got their arrival letter by messenger bird?!" she yelled as she waved the supposed letter through the air.
Naruto raised a brow, "Umm, will this be an official report or just a basic me talking about stuff?" he asked.
Tsunade fell back into her chair and pinched the bridge of her nose, "Damn it to hell…just tell me the short version ya damn brat." She said with a sigh.
Naruto smiled as he walked forward and fell into one of the chairs, "Short version: We went to sand and I healed Temari, we tracked down Gaara and fought of an Itachi imposter. Chiyo-Baa-sama and I killed Sasori of the Red Sand. Kimi, Hinata-chan and Tayu-chan fought Deidara and forced him to retreat while saving Gaara's corpse. Chiyo brought him back. Mission complete." He said.
Tsunade looked at Naruto sceptically, "Do you honestly expect me to believe you four and an old lady fought off two S-rank criminals?" she asked.
The room was suddenly heavy with killing intent as Naruto's eyes flashed red and he ground his teeth together, "Her. Name. Was. Chiyo." He growled out as his raw anger slowly was pulled back.
Tsunade nodded, 'Okay…it seems Naruto's changed a little over these past years. At least he's learned a little respect.' She thought with a soft smile, "Right, can you do a written report for me Naruto? At least once all this is over."
Naruto nodded, "It'll be done by morning tomorrow." He answered sharply.
Tsunade sighed, seeing that she had made a mistake by insulting someone he thought of as precious. After a moment of looking around the room she sat back again, "Thank you all, and congratulations on a successful mission. Now I need for Naruto, Kimimaro and Gaara to stay, we will be meeting with the others outside before we head to the council room."
Naruto groaned before looking over his shoulder at Kimimaro, "So this is what you meant?" Naruto asked, Kimimaro just nodded calmly.
Tsunade stood as she waved her hand, "The rest of you are dismissed, except for Hinata actually. Your father wanted you to attend with him. Something about some clan business…" Tsunade trailed off as she picked up the Hokage cloak and put it on. She grabbed the hat as she walked around the desk, "Let's get going then." She ordered.
######
"So what do you think this is for?" Sakura asked the group near her.
Standing outside the door of the council chambers was Squad Seven, Pikkon, Kimimaro, Gaara, Suigetsu, Fuu and Jiraiya.
Jiraiya spoke up, "I'm pretty sure we're here to report on the major incidents of our training mission. The others I'm not too sure about though." He explained.
Suddenly, the door opened slightly as Tsunade's voice rang out, "Come in now."
Jiraiya stepped forward and pushed the door open, allowing his juniors to enter first. Naruto raised a brow at the group of seats set in the middle of the open floor as they all walked in and sat down. Naruto smiled up at Iruka and Mayoshi, who were still temporary seats in his place for the Uzumaki and Namikaze clans respectively.
The entire group sat down and Tsunade spoke up, "First piece of business, the temporary transfers. Gaara, Pikkon, could you two please step forward." Tsunade requested.
The two ninjas stood and walked up to the long table facing Tsunade and her advisors, the Shinobi council along the right side of the room and the civilian council on the left.
"I want you two to know, right now in your original villages the other transfers are having the same conversations with their councils and Kages. Since the Sand suggested this agreement, why don't we begin with Gaara?" Tsunade asked and received a nod in return from both Gaara and Pikkon.
"Alright then Gaara, just a few basic questions." Hiruzen said as he pulled out a piece of paper.
"Name?"
"Gaara of the Sand."
"Rank?"
"Tokubetsu Jonin: Defence."
"How do you find Konoha in reference to the alliance's agreement?"
"The Leaf village has completely fulfilled their ends of the bargain and even gone further than requested with no extra reward. I find the contract fulfilled." Gaara finished.
Clapping echoed throughout the council hall, mostly from the ninja side while the civilians seemed to do so more out of courtesy. Gaara bowed politely as the last few questions were asked.
"Would you prefer to stay in the Leaf? Or return to the Sand?" Hiruzen asked.
Gaara looked up to the right side of the room, straight into a pair of silver-white eyes, "I wish to stay here." He said, conveying deep emotion through his voice.
Hiruzen smiled, "In that case the village can't put up a property for you anymore. Do you have preparations for where you will live now?" he asked.
Gaara smiled softly as he turned back to face the old kage, "I have a place where I am welcomed." He answered.
He nodded knowingly while Naruto secretly raised an eyebrow, 'I feel like I've missed something important.' He thought as Tsunade turned to Pikkon.
"Now, the Stone representative. Pikkon?" Tsunade asked.
Pikkon bowed slightly, "I am ready Hokage-sama." He said with a smile.
This time Hani spoke and took a written record, "Name?"
"Pikkon Nakatomi."
"Rank?"
"Tokubetsu Jonin: Weapons."
"How do you find Konoha in reference to the alliance's agreement?"
Pikkon smiled, "They have lived up to each and every promise. They did more for me than many have ever tried to do. Contract fulfilled." He said.
The council room was once again filled with clapping before Hani spoke again.
"Will you be staying in the Leaf? Or returning to Stone?"
Pikkon openly laughed, "Off course I'm staying! As if I'd ever want to leave!" he said happily, bringing smiles to many of those in the room.
Hani nodded, "Do you have a place to stay?"
Pikkon's smile turned into a grin and his eyes trailed over to Iruka, who nodded happily, "Yeah, I think I do." He said with a nod.
Hani and Hiruzen both stamped their respective sheets before handing them behind them to the Hokage, who placed them in an envelope and stamped it with the Hokage seal, "Alliance officially verified. Congratulations everyone!" she said as she held the envelope in the air.
Gaara and Pikkon clapped lightly as many people in the room clapped loudly, with more than a few cheers being let out as well.
After a few moments, the clapping died down and Tsunade placed the envelope to her side before lifting up another pair of sheets, "Pikkon, please take your seat. Would Kimimaro and Suigetsu please join Gaara?"
Pikkon stepped back with a bow as the other two stood and joined Gaara at the long table, "The three of you have Kekkei Genkai, as such I am legally offered to inform you that Konoha would benefit if you create independent clans. How do you feel about such possibilities?" Tsunade asked.
The three glanced at each other, after a moment, Gaara and Suigetsu seemed to be waiting for Kimimaro, so he bowed first, "Tsunade-sama, I would like to restart my clan here in Konoha." he said.
Tsunade nodded, "In most circumstances, you would now be offered the chance to initiate the Clan Restoration Act. How do you feel about that?" she asked.
Kimimaro stood completely blank faced in silence for nearly a minute before he spoke softly, "I think… I would not like to initiate the CRA for the Kaguya clan." He said, to the shock of many males in the room.
Suigetsu nudged him, "Dude! You're turning down the chance to have multiple chicks?! What gives?" he whispered.
Kimimaro spoke loudly to explain, "As the first of my clan here in Konoha, I would like to spend my time focussed on teaching my children the correct ways to live in a village. I do not want to risk them becoming sucked into the bloodlust that comes as a part of my bloodline. I will need to focus on my children until there are a sufficient amount of Kaguyas that have complete control. I will not have time to look after multiple wives and multiple off spring." He said before bowing and stepping back.
The people in the council room nodded in complete agreement with his decision, 'We don't want another clan to start killing their each other…' many of the clan heads thought in unison.
Tsunade looked to Gaara, who stepped forward, "Though I have the blood of a user of the magnet release bloodline, I have yet to activate said bloodline myself. Therefore I will be turning down the offer in favour of marrying into a Konoha clan." Gaara explained.
Tsunade's brow rose, as did many of those in the council chambers, "You have plans to marry into a clan?" she asked.
Gaara nodded, but his reply was cut off from a low cough on the Shinobi side of the council.
Hiashi stood, "I have already given my consent for Gaara and my daughter. He will be marrying into the clan on new year's night." Hiashi explained.
Naruto stared in shock at one of the people standing behind Hiashi, his eyes locked with Hinata's, 'No, she wouldn't…she can't…' his brain was completely jammed as he tried to think through what Hiashi said.
Hinata shook her head and then tilted hers to the right, causing Naruto to look to her right as Hiashi began talking again, "Hanabi has been in a hidden relationship with Gaara for eight months now, I officially welcome him into our home now that he is a Konoha citizen." Hiashi said with a bow to Gaara.
Gaara bowed in return, and as he stood tall, he smiled and opened his arms to catch Hanabi, who had seriously broken conduct and leapt off of the podium and into his arms.
She kissed him lightly before pulling away, "When you said you wanted to stay with me forever, I didn't know you meant this! I love you Gaa-kun!" she said loudly.
Gaara smiled in return, before the lovely moment was interrupted.
"Ahem."
Gaara and Hanabi glanced at Tsunade who was frowning at them, "That's great, congratulations and everything…but we are still in the middle of a council meeting." She said with a gesture to around the room.
Gaara disappeared in a sand shunshin, landing him and Hanabi behind Hiashi who had just sat down. Gaara gestured for Hanabi to take her chair again while he would stand, but she pushed him into it before sitting on his lap happily.
Tsunade sighed before speaking, "And finally, Suigetsu. What would you prefer?" Tsunade asked to the water ninja who was chewing on his lip nervously.
'Of course I want multiple chicks, I mean what normal teenage man wouldn't?' he thought before sighing and folding his arms, 'But like Kimimaro, I have things I need to do…I can't spend time trying to handle a group of chicks and multiple kids, especially if I want to become the world's best swordsman…ah dammit!' Suigetsu thought angrily at himself as he unfolded his arms.
"I have to decline, I can't look after a group of chicks and kids if I want to fulfil my dreams. I'll leave it to my kids to revive the Hozuki clan." He said with a smirk, kinda liking the idea now that he was getting used to it.
Tsunade nodded, "Well that is extremely lucky, because I am actually not allowed to offer the CRA to people who have joined the village from another one. The next generation of your clan can but you two from the sound cannot." She said with a smirk.
Suigetsu frowned, "Then why the hell did you bother asking?!" he yelled, shocking many that he was yelling at the Hokage.
Tsunade laughed, "Hahahaha! I just wanted to know which head you three thought with! The head of a ninja or the head of a…player." She said with a grin that made Suigetsu blush.
'Holy crap, that would've been embarrassing if she knew I was gonna pick the chicks…' Suigetsu thought.
Tsunade waved her hand, "You two may sit down now. Now, would Fuu please step forward." Tsunade asked.
Fuu, who was holding Naruto's hand tightly in fear, was shaking from everyone suddenly staring at her expectantly. 'What do they want from me? I thought I got to stay here, what if they kick me out?' she thought as she began hyperventilating.
Naruto squeezed her hand and stood, pulling her with him, "Fuu-chan, relax." He said as he let some of his demonic chakra go to his hand.
Feeling the warmth and familiarity of the demonic chakra calmed her down, as her demon was one of the only constants in her life that she trusted. She walked forward to the long table, pulling Naruto along with her.
She looked up at the Hokage, "H-Hai Hokage-sama?" she asked.
Tsunade smiled softly, "Your status as a Jinchuuriki has become common knowledge here, and as such there are more than a few opinions on what should happen. Would you like to hear them?" she asked.
Fuu bit her lip and looked at Naruto, 'Naruto will know what to do, I'll trust his decision.' She looked back at the Hokage and nodded as an answer.
Tsunade turned to the Shinobi council, "You may speak now." She said.
Inoichi stood, "Hello Fuu, my name is Inoichi Yamanaka. My clan studies the mind and as such, a shared mindscape is something I am very interested in studying. I want you to choose whatever makes you happy, but if you do not mind, would you let me enter your mindscape a few times and analyse my discoveries? I swear I will not venture anywhere private or do anything invasive." He said with a bow, "Please consider my request and contact me in the future." He said before sitting down.
Tsunade nodded to Shikaku, who merely looked up lazily, "I am Shikaku Naara, and it's obvious you care deeply for Naruto. In my opinion, you should live life however you want. Make friends, have a family. It's not our place to decide." He said before yawning.
Fuu was smiling, 'They want me to be free? This is nothing like the waterfall village council.' She thought with a nod before turning to Tsunade.
The Hokage was frowning as she pointed to the person with the last request on the civilian side of the council.
"I believe the Jinchuuriki should be brought in and trained as a weapon for the village. With her at the head of our army we will be able to spread Konoha's influence and make the village stronger." Danzo said with a dead look in his eye.
Everyone stared at the man in shock while Fuu began shaking, 'H-He's like them, he wants me as nothing more than a weapon.' She thought, feeling scared at the possibility.
"That's not gonna happen."
People stared at Naruto in shock as he glared at Danzo, "I will not let anyone treat Fuu like you would ya old geezer. I know how you 'trained' people during your time running ROOT. And all I can say is fuck that." Naruto said with a snicker.
Naruto watched as Danzo clenched his fist, 'This Danzo guy really doesn't give a shit…he'll do anything to make this village prosper. I guess he and I have something in common.' Naruto thought with a smirk.
The councilmen and women stared in complete shock at Naruto, causing the chambers to be filled with silence until Fuu spoke up, "U-umm, Hokage-sama?"
Tsunade nodded, signalling for Fuu to continue, "Well I like Mister Shikaku's suggestion, but I guess I will try to help Mister Inoichi's studies if I get the chance." She said before smiling softly.
Tsunade nodded, "Very good. You may take your seat again Fuu. For the next piece of business, I need to request the civilian council vacate the premises as well as the guests who have already said their piece." Tsunade said.
With little trouble, the well trained civilian council got up and left with little conversation between them. The people who had already spoken from the ninjas stood to exit.
"Will Chunnin Squad Seven step forward along with the leader of their three year mission?" Tsunade said, causing the four to stay behind as everyone but the clan heads and Hinata left.
The four moved up to the table once the door closed. Naruto stood tall in the center, Sakura and Sasuke stood on either of his sides while Jiraiya stepped up to the group's right, next to Sakura.
Tsunade lifted up three pieces of paper, "Each of you had a certain…something that needed to be retrieved while on your training trip. I'm sure Jiraiya told each of you what they were?" Tsunade asked.
The three Chunnin nodded, "Please present them." Tsunade said.
Sakura pulled out a basic containment seal from her shirt and placed it on the table in front of her, "The Chakra Meteorite." She said as she unsealed the 'Star' she took from the hidden star village.
Sasuke smirked, "Karin Uzumaki has joined the village's medical corps."
Naruto smiled, "The Seven Tails is now in Konoha."
Hinata raised a hand to her mouth in shock, 'Did Naruto and Sasuke manipulate those girls into coming here simply because Tsunade asked them to?' she thought.
Tsunade folded her hands and rested her chin on them, "Sakura, you did very well. Not a single trace was left for them to track you and you even made look as though it was the Akatsuki who did it to gain information on the Hidden Waterfall village." Tsunade said in congratulations.
Sakura nodded, "Hai Hokage-sama!"
Tsunade turned to Sasuke, "You managed to not only recruit the grass village's Uzumaki woman, but also brought one of the seven swords of the mist to our village along with its wielder. You did very, very well."
Sasuke smirked before nodded, "Thankyou Baa-sama."
She tilted her head slightly, "But how are you planning on keeping her happy here?" Tsunade asked.
Sasuke's smirk turned into a smile, "I have asked her to marry me Hokage-sama. I have come to care about her a lot, and she loves me."
Tsunade's brow rose in shock, "Really? That's convenient," she said before facing Naruto, "And you Naruto?" she asked.
Naruto smirked, "Fuu-chan sees me as her hero, she's comfortable being with me. She won't be leaving." Naruto said.
Tsunade frowned slightly, "But do you care about her at all Naruto? You're not lying to fulfil your mission?"
Naruto raised a brow, "Realistically, should that even matter? I should do whatever it takes for my mission to be completed." He said with a frown.
Tsunade nodded, "That may be true, but if she was to discover we were using her she might unleash her demon on us in anger." Tsunade said.
Naruto scoffed, "I could take her down if that happened, BUT" he yelled to make people quiet so he could finish talking, "I do in fact care for her. She's literally the only person I've met who knows exactly what I've experienced in life. So don't worry about me misleading her or anything." He said with a frown.
Tsunade blew out a breath of relief while Hinata frowned, 'Father taught me the very best method of reading people…he's not lying, but there's something else.' She noticed before Tsunade talked again.
"The results are back for your evaluations, we believe you are ready for the Jonin exams in the Lightning Village this year." She said, causing the three to smile in victory as they looked between each other.
"But there will be some rules for each of you."
The three looked at Jiraiya as he spoke up, "The main rules Tsunade and I have agreed upon is that Naruto is not allowed to use wood style or the Hirashin. Sasuke is not allowed to show his curse powers or his personal seals. And Sakura isn't allowed to show her full speed. Of coarse, these rules are void in a life or death situation, but make sure to get rid of all evidence. If people realise that you three are the new trio in the bingo books it can't end well." He said with a nod of finalisation.
The three frowned but nonetheless answered, "Hai Ero-sensei."
Tsunade nodded, "Alright then. You four are dismissed, Sakura could you please deliver the meteorite to the research team? They will be analysing it's chakra for something special." She ordered.
Sakura nodded as she resealed the star and the four left towards the exit.
Hinata leaned forward and tapped her father's shoulder, he just nodded, "Go ahead Hinata." He said softly.
Hinata ran out and met Naruto at the door, he took her hand then closed the door behind them, leaving Tsunade, her advisors and the clan heads as the last people in the chambers.
Tsunade turned to them, "Now, is there any news or requests before we get down to reviewing this month's intelligence reports?" she asked, causing many of the clan heads to groan in annoyance.
Iruka raised his arm, "Yes Iruka?" she asked.
Everyone turned to Iruka, who stood nervously, "Umm, I'd like to make a request that may need me to step down for Naruto's clan." He said.
Hiruzen's brow rose, "What is it Iruka?" he asked.
Iruka laughed nervously, "Well some of you may not know this, but Pikkon didn't receive offers to revive his clan because he's gay. He took care of it at his old village but he wants to spend his time here with the person who he loves and that loves him back…" Iruka trailed off, unsure of how to continue exactly.
"So are you gonna ask him to become your partner? That would mean you're joining into his clan and as such you can't be the stand in for a different clan, correct?" Shikaku said before yawning.
Some people looked at Iruka in shock, not knowing that he was gay, while most people didn't seem at all fazed.
Iruka nodded, "Umm, yeah pretty much…thanks Shikaku." Iruka said with a nervous chuckle.
Tsunade nodded, "Well you'll have to actually propose to him first. If he says yes then you'll have to tell Naruto that you're resigning, and then Naruto will have to pick a new stand in until he either reaches Jonin status or comes of adult age." She said before nodding and sitting taller, signifying she was about to make the official reply.
"Request Granted. Anything else?" she asked.
People shook their heads in reply, "Alright then, Everyone take out their reports. Let's get started." She said making the ninjas groan in annoyance.
######
"I haven't slept in two days." Naruto complained from his place on the large couch in his house.
Tayuya frowned, "But you said we'd go out for lunch Naru-kun!" she said.
Naruto sighed, "Come on Tayu-chan, Fuu-chan and Hinata-chan don't mind. Can we please go tomorrow? Or let me nap now and I'll take you out for dinner?" Naruto pleaded with a yawn.
Tayuya crossed her arms and huffed, "Fine, you can take us out to dinner. I guess I'll go with Hina and Fuu. Get to know the greenie a little." She said stubbornly.
Naruto rolled around on the couch and had his head sitting on the back on it, so he was looking at Tayuya, who was turning away, "Tayu-chaaaaaaaaan." He whined.
Tayuya turned back to him, "Yeah Naru-kun?"
Naruto smiled and puckered his lips, "I didn't get a goodbye kiss." He said childishly with his eyes closed.
Tayuya laughed at his actions and took the few steps needed, she leaned down and kissed his forehead, making him groan, "No lips until you buy me something!" Tayuya said with a laugh as she left.
Once the door closed, Naruto's eyes opened up and he rolled onto his feet. He stretched with a wide yawn as he walked over to the basement door tiredly.
He pushed it open and walked down into the basement, he went over to his old table and unsealed the extra contents of his seal.
He sat in his chair and turned on his desk lamp while blowing the dust away, "Guess no one has been down here in a while." Naruto said to himself.
He glanced over to the wall and where the chests used to be, seeing it completely boarded up he nodded. He turned back to his table and rested his hands on the two objects.
"Hmm, I'll put up the puppets first." He muttered to himself as he stood.
Naruto picked up the small white scroll and unrolled it across the ground, "RELEASE!" Naruto said as he channelled chakra into the scroll.
*POOF*
As the smoke dissipated, Naruto smirked in victory at the ten puppets spread out across the floor in front of him, Naruto dusted his hands against themselves, "Time to get started."
######
Forty Minutes later…
######
Naruto lifted the last puppet onto its hook, Naruto stepped back and appreciated his work.
Naruto had taken all of the puppets and made a line of hooks along his wall with his wood style jutsu to hang them up on. He had made labels above them for the names of each puppet. Then he had taken some of Sasuke's seals and blocked off the possibility of chakra being sensed from outside the room.
He then took a seal that Sasuke had made for him and placed it on either side of the door, channelling the chakra 'key' needed for recognition. Thus making it so that only someone channelling wood chakra and demonic chakra into the one key at the same time could open the door.
Naruto nodded to himself before walking over to his desk once more and picking up Sasori's containment jar. He sat in his chair before holding the jar in between his hands.
Naruto smirked, "NINJA ART: SOUL DRAIN!" he declared, sucking out everything from inside the jar into his mind.
Naruto let out a deep breath as he let himself be pulled into his subconsciousness…
######
Mindscape
"Welcome back brat, what's the next step of this plan of yours?" the nine tailed fox asked from behind its bars.
Naruto smirked as he looked up, catching the container that fell from the roof of his mind, he held it up in victory, "This soul has literally the best level of chakra control currently possible. By using chakra strings directly from his chakra network he was able to control one hundred puppets at once while maintaining a strong enough focus to fight himself." Naruto explained.
Kyuubi nodded, "But I thought you just used my chakra when you wanted things done perfectly?" it asked.
Naruto's smirk faltered, "Well, I have in the past, but I can't rely on your chakra forever. Especially since I plan on letting you out of here the moment I can find a way to do so." He said with a shrug as he tossed Sasori into the air again and formed hand seals before the container glowed and disappeared.
Kyuubi blinked, trying to hide it's shock, 'He wants to set me free?'
Naruto's eyes closed as he rubbed his temples as Sasori's life experience assimilated into his mind, Naruto sorted through everything to do with the Akatsuki, trying to find a visual image of who the 'leader' was… "Damn, I was sure Sasori would've seen his face at some point." Naruto mumbled before thinking through everything else.
Naruto's eyes snapped open as he gasped, causing the Kyuubi to look at him, "What is it? This is so infuriating not hearing your thoughts!"
Naruto looked up at the fox, "Sasori was going to meet his spy from amongst Orochimaru's group! At Tenchi bridge, it's Kabuto!" Naruto explained in realisation and shock.
Kyuubi lifted one of its massive brows, "The grey haired combat medic?"
Naruto nodded, "He's really pissing me off, is he loyal to anyone? Or just a spy for hire?" Naruto wondered with a sigh before glancing over to the screen on the wall, which he just heard something from.
"You better get going, don't want someone to start getting suspicious."
Naruto nodded and closed his eyes.
#######
"Naruto are you down there?"
Naruto opened his eyes and quickly slammed his hand on the ground, "SUMMONING JUTSU!" he said quietly.
As the smoke was clearing, Naruto made a wood clone from his chakra which knelt down to the snake while the original Naruto ran up the small stairs and opened the door, shocking Tenten who was on the other side of the door.
He quickly embraced her in a hug, which caused her to laugh, "Ten-chan! What brings you here?" he asked before trying to cover up a yawn.
Tenten smiled as he placed her back on her feet, "I heard that you were going to take us out tonight, I know we have four hours but I just got off work and thought I'd come here to see you…but you look really tired." She said worriedly as she ran her fingers over the sleep deprivation lines under his eyes.
Naruto smiled, "Yeah, I was about to take a small nap but I had some stuff to check on first." Naruto explained before reaching back and locking the basement door with a basic key infused with the two opposing chakras, then put the key in his ninja pouch.
Tenten smiled softly and took Naruto's hand, she led him over to the couch and sat down, dragging him with her. She slid in front of Naruto and turned to face him as she lay down, so that the two ended up facing each other comfortably.
Naruto smiled as Tenten rested his head against her upper chest, "Sleep Naruto-kun. Hinata-chan said that Tayuya-chan will come to get us, so we won't miss it." Tenten said before rubbing Naruto's hair between her fingers.
Naruto smiled as he closed his eyes, "Goodnight Ten-chan…thank..you." he managed to get out before he succumbed to sleep.
######
Hiruzen stretched as he finished reading through mission reports, 'Now to find the most urgent missions and prepare them for tomorrow.' He thought as his back cracked.
He glanced over to his two helpers, his old teammates. He couldn't help but smile as he watched Himura glance at a yawning Koharu, both of whom were doing their roles in mission organisation.
'Since the three of us have been doing these missions independently from the Hokage, there has been a forty percent drop in mission casualties. And Himura's secret reports state that Danzo has only failed one of the hundred or so mission Koharu has given to his ninjas…this is working well.' He thought with a nod before getting back to his work.
"Sssss."
On the other side of the room, Himura looked away from his paperwork and looked around in confusion at the noise.
"Sssss."
He looked down to see a small purple snake with a piece of paper tied around it, he smiled as he leaned down and held out his arm, allowing the snake to slither up his arm and then onto his desk. Himura untied the string around the piece of paper as he spoke, "Hiruzen, we have a request from either Naruto or Anko." He said as he held up the paper.
Hiruzen held his hand out as Himura blew a tiny wind jutsu that carried the paper across the room to him. Hiruzen caught it and began reading.
'Hey Jiji,
I have received Intel from a Puppeteer. He was Red with envy as he was forced to give up the information before he was lost in the Sand of the desert.
Anyways, one of his spies that he had keeping an eye on Orochimaru was supposed to be meeting him in three days on Tenchi Bridge at midday. I would like to request a capture mission for the spy, the people I want sent are Kakashi-sensei, Sasuke, Sakura and I along with a fifth person. Someone who knows about the Roots of capture and information gathering techniques. I'll expect the Papers to be ready by the time we get the mission tomorrow.
Hope you get what I mean Jiji, this'll help me fulfil my promise to you much easier.
Naruto Uzumaki.'
Sarutobi chuckled at Naruto's not so subtle secret message, 'So, Naruto managed to absorb Sasori of the Red Sands. Everyone else seems to think that Chiyo was the one to land the killing blow, but I guess the only witness is Naruto.' He thought as he took a spare piece of paper and began writing basic mission details.
As Hiruzen re-read Naruto's second paragraph, he frowned, 'Roots…Papers… does he mean the ROOT ninja that infiltrated Sasuke's house all those years ago?' Hiruzen thought.
Hiruzen nodded, 'That must be it, why else would he be so vague about whom he wants to go with him?' he thought before finishing writing the mission details.
Hiruzen subtly opened the draw next to him and lifted out a folder, he opened it to show lots of pictures of seemingly average villagers of Konoha. The only thing they had in common was their slightly pale complexions.
Hiruzen pointed to three boys at the top of the page, 'This one is dead…so I guess I finally have no choice but to be straightforward in figuring out who it is…the ink user must be one of these two people.' Hiruzen thought as he tapped his fingers on the pictures.
One was an older man with pale blue hair.
The other, was Danzo's ninja: Sai.
######
"Time to wake up Naruto." Tenten whispered as she shook the sleeping ninja lightly.
Naruto just groaned and rubbed his face against his 'pillow' causing Tenten to blush at the contact, "Five more minutes Ten-chan." He mumbled before starting to breath heavily again.
Tenten sat up, making Naruto roll off her and off the couch, landing on his back loudly on his sword. "OW! I'm up!" Naruto shouted as he shot to his feet.
Naruto turned to Tenten, "Sorry, I didn't keep you too long did I?" he asked.
Tenten smiled, "It's fine Naruto-kun, I actually fell asleep as well. But you should go get ready, I'm pretty sure you haven't had a shower since you returned to the village." Tenten said with a small giggle.
Naruto grinned, "Haha, yeah I think you're right. Would you like me to do anything for you before I go?" he asked as he picked up his sword and placed it on the coffee table.
Tenten shook her head, "No I'm fine Naruto-kun. Go get ready, I'll let the girls in when they get here." She said with a smile.
Naruto nodded before hovering off, "You're the boss Ten-chan!" he said before disappearing up stairs.
Tenten smiled and sat back down on the couch, she relaxed into the cushion and smiled to herself.
"Sssss."
Tenten's eyes opened at the noise and see blinked as she saw the small snake slither onto Samehada's bandages, she sat forward and tilted her head to the side, "Hey little guy, how did you get all the way here?" she asked.
The snake danced, showing a piece of paper tied around its body. Tenten blinked in confusion and held her arm out, letting the snake slither up around her forearm and stay there while she pulled the paper loose.
Tenten frowned in confusion as she placed the seal on the table next Samehada, the sword's chakra reached out and activated the storage seal, releasing the Naruto's edited sword sheathe.
Tenten's eyebrows shot up, she lifted her arm, "How did you get this little guy?" she asked the snake as she scratched under its jaw.
The snake shook its head from side to side happily before nudging its head against her jaw, Tenten smiled happily in reply. The snake pulled back and seemed to look over Tenten's shoulder before it slithered up and looped around her neck like a necklace, letting its head rest on her shoulder.
Tenten was curious about the snake's movements, so she looked over her shoulder, just as someone knocked on the door.
*Knock Knock*
She blinked in shock that the snake managed to sense people were coming, as she stood, the snake looked around while she moved, a living scaly scarf.
Tenten opened the door with a smile, "Hi guys! Naruto's getting himself cleaned up…and I suddenly feel under dressed." She said as she saw Hinata, Tayuya and Fuu's dresses.
Tayuya smiled, "No prob Buns, we got one for you as well." She said while Fuu held up a bag for Tenten.
Tenten smiled, "Thanks guys," she said as she took the bag from Fuu and then hugged the green haired girl.
Fuu gasped at the hug and was too shocked to return it by the time it was over, Tenten smiled to her, "It's great to meet you Fuu! I feel like I've missed so much!" Tenten said with a smile before stepping aside, letting the girls in, "I'll be back in a sec, I'll go get changed in the spare bathroom." She said before walking off with the bag.
Since Tayuya was the one that spent the most time in the boys' house, she stepped in and walked over to the couch before slumping into it.
Hinata and Fuu followed along, but stood at the end of the couch. Hinata frowned, "Tayuya-chan, you should stay standing, you don't want to put creases in your dress do you?" Hinata asked.
Tayuya raised a brow, "Hina-chan, why do you think I chose one that wasn't as fancy as yours?" she rhetorically asked, causing Hinata to sigh in defeat.
Fuu smiled at their interaction before noticing Samehada sitting on the table, "Oh! Samehada! Why are you here by yourself?" Fuu asked as she knelt next to the sword.
Hinata and Tayuya blinked as they watched the green haired girl talk to the sword, they glanced at each other hoping for an answer only to receive it from another source.
"Gigi gi." Samehada said while vibrating lightly.
Fuu smiled, "Awe, poor thing. He didn't even help you into your new sheathe." She said while stroking the handle lightly.
Tayuya leaned forward and reached out, "Woah, Naru-kun's blade is sentient?" she asked as her hand was about to touch the handle.
Fuu pushed her hand away just in time, "No!"
*SHLICK*
Tayuya and Hinata gasped as Fuu pulled her hand from the spikes that would have tore up Tayuya's hand. Fuu closed her hand and winced in pain as her blood dripped into Samehada's bandages.
Tenten stepped out of the bathroom, fully dressed and her hair done in her stereotypical buns as the snake was slithering back into position on her neck, "What's wrong? Why did you scream?" she asked worriedly.
At the same time, Tayuya shot to her feet, "What the fuck was that?!" she asked in shock.
Fuu forced a smile, "I-It's nothing, don't blame Samehada, I should've told you. She doesn't let anyone touch her." Fuu said as she opened her hand up and winced at the cuts.
Tenten noticed the blood as she stepped over to them, "Fuu-chan! You're bleeding!"
Hinata held Fuu's damaged hand in hers as they glowed green in a basic healing jutsu, "It's okay, I've got it…Fuu-chan, you were touching the sword before, how come it didn't try to cut you?" Hinata asked.
"Grrrrrr." Samehada growled as it vibrated.
Fuu smiled, "Please don't call her an 'it'. Samehada is attracted to strong chakra, so she doesn't mind me patting her or even carrying her thanks to the Nanabi. But she'll only let Naruto use her in battle." Fuu explained as Hinata pulled her hands away, showing little more than a scar on Fuu's hands.
"Thanks Hinata-chan," Fuu said before stepping back to the coffee table, "Samehada, do you want to try and see if you fit in your sheathe?" Fuu asked.
The sword vibrated, somehow sounding happy, "Giiii." It said.
Fuu smiled and hefted the heavy sword up onto her shoulder, "Could someone please help me with this?" she asked before accidently losing balance and falling back.
She landed in a strong grasp and felt the person grasp Samehada's handle around her hand, she looked over her shoulder to see Naruto smiling at her, "I'll handle this. Thankyou Fuu-chan." Naruto said, taking Samehada from her with seemingly no effort at all with a single hand while the other stroked her palm, healing the scars away.
The girls watched as Samehada vibrated happily again and Naruto slid the massive blade into the partial seal sheathe. Naruto then turned to the girls, finally noticing their outfits as he faced them fully.
Tayuya stood from the couch, wearing a red dress, a shade darker than her hair. It was very tight around her torso, pushing up her breasts while the lower half was short but loose, waving around as she came to a stop next to Tenten. The look was finished with red heels.
Tenten was wearing a light brown long dress, it was much more modest than Tayuya's, only showing a normal amount of cleavage. The dress went all the way to her ankles, but had a split on the left leg that went about halfway up her left thigh. She wore dark brown high heels that had sparkling pieces of leather across her ankles. Naruto's curiosity was piqued as he noticed his messenger snake sitting on Tenten like a necklace.
Fuu spun out of Naruto's grasp with a smile, letting Naruto see her loose dress wave around her. Her dress was a lime green much like her hair, and reminded Naruto of a ballerina in the way that the top half was strapless, showing off her caramel skin. The bottom half of her dress was layered in a way that looked like flower petals side by side, stopping about mid calf. On her feet were simple dark brown flats, making the already short girl seem much shorter.
Naruto looked over to Hinata, who was smiling at him from the other side of the coffee table, she was wearing a light violet satin dress, with scale like properties that caused the light to bounce off her like a lavender disco ball. Her shoes were normal black heels with nothing special about them, but on Hinata, Naruto thought they had suddenly taken on magical properties.
Naruto grinned and took the towel off of his head, "Maybe I should go get changed into something a little fancier than this?" he asked as he gestured to his combat clothes.
The girls giggled at Naruto's question while Hinata grabbed Naruto's hand and lifted up a bag in the other, "We got you some clothes, they're nothing too fancy but I think you'll handsome in them." she said as she pushed him into the downstairs bathroom that Tenten had used earlier.
Naruto smiled as the door closed behind him.
The girls turned to each other and Tayuya said, "He looked at me the longest." She said with a grin of victory.
Tenten sighed, "It's not a competition Tayu-chan, and besides. He looked at Fuu-chan the longest." Tenten said while pointing to Fuu.
The green haired girl flushed red, "U-Umm…" she muttered, unsure of how to reply.
Hinata smiled softly before noticing the snake, "Ten-chan, isn't that Shuushuku-suru-kun?" she asked.
Tenten glanced to her right shoulder, making eye contact with the snake, "Shuushuku-suru?" she asked.
Fuu raised a brow, "The little snakes name is Constricter?" she asked.
The snake nodded then rubbed it's head against Tenten's jaw again, "Can I call you Shushu-kun?" Tenten asked the little snake.
It's tongue darted out and it nodded before looking over to the bathroom door, letting Tenten know that someone was coming.
The girls turned and watched as Naruto stepped out, "I still feel a little underdressed." Naruto said as he straightened out his tie.
Hinata smiled and nodded to herself as she looked over Naruto in the clothes she picked out. He wore average blue jeans with a black belt, a long sleeve white dress shirt which he wore a suit jacket over. He had taken off his headband and brushed his hair out, taming it a little. The look was finished with a blue neck tie that matched his jeans and black formal shoes.
Fuu smiled, "Hinata-chan was right, you look handsome Naruto-kun." She said before skipping lightly over to him and taking his hand in her own.
Naruto smiled and looked to the other girls, "Since I'll be at the head of the booth, can you girls please come here?" Naruto asked while holding his arms out.
A minute later, Naruto stood with his arms in a wide C shape, Fuu holding his left hand and Tayuya holding her hand next. Naruto's right hand held Hinata's hand, who held Tenten's, Hinata asked, "Where are we going Naruto-kun?"
Naruto smiled, "To the Sage of Six Courses Restaurant!" he yelled happily.
*FLASH*
########
Chapter End.
Thanks for readin! Please can everyone vote on the Poll on my profile? Really want good feedback J thanks again! R&R