Here we are at chapter nine. This has been great fun and all your reviews are great, thank you. Next chapter we will be looking back at the people in Konoha and the development they have been going through. Some have tried to move past the events of the main characters deaths, some are not. How will they progress? I am only coming up with the people that will play a major roll in the story line and its development. There are a lot of characters that poeple like that are not really mentioned in this story, but here is your chance. If you would like to see other characters in Konoha please let me know in your reviews. I do have development ideas for each and your suggestions will determin whether I put them in the next chapter or not. Depending on who has the most demands they may play a major role in the future. You have until monday morning to get in your choices for the next Konoha chapter

Shout Outs:

devilzxknight86: The Uzumaki library had become a thing of legends as it was never found. It had been sealed and buried in the rubble that was once Uzushiogakure. Eventually people gave up looking for it and even if they found it they couldn't get in because it needed an Uzumaki to do it.

Guest: Feel greatful, I never respond to guest reviews as i always like names, it feels more personal. I have the same feelings on some of the stories I read. There have been a lot that just stopped and they were great and kept me going. Then when it ends and there is no conclusion I just want to strangle them.

dragonball256: The Akatsuki for the most part are keeping a low profile since the death of aruto, but that does not mean that they are not plotting. There will be a confrontation with some enemies that will more than likely take a chapter or two to write alone. I will get more into the Akatsuki later on as the time draws near.

wacko12: There are already some preexisting clans and there have been some already coming to the village but I haven't brought that one up other than the family that turns invisible. As a treat there will be the introduction of a certain person from canon that I enjoyed watching but never got enough time. That person make an appearence soon.

Without further delay: I do not own Naruto, Ino get out of my head, I didn't say that, helllppppp!

Uzushiogakure

Naruto stood in the council chambers, too nervous to sit. He didn't give them an answer when they were in front of the whole village, he needed to know something first. His life and the life of the woman he loved could not be lived in a total lie. Naruto asked to speak to the council before he gave his decision, and he didn't know if he was going to be making a huge mistake he couldn't take back. The council members sat in their respective chairs, and Naruto grabbed the hand of Hinata for the strength he desperately needed right now. "Honored council of Uzushiogakure, before I make this decision I would like you to hear me out and rethink your offer". He looked down at Hinata who had a supportive smile and love in her lavender eyes she nodded at him as she knew what he was about to do. "The man that you thought I was and my wife are nothing but a façade of our creation, to protect ourselves and the one's we love". He stood there waiting for some sort of reaction from the council but none came, with only the council leader, Aguri just nodded at him to continue. "My name is Naruto Uzumaki and this is Hinata Hyuga". Then there was a slight murmur amongst the council now, and it almost broke Naruto's confidence.

They had heard tales of the two standing before them, and they had all ended with their deaths. Aguri looked at each of the council members for their decision. Slowly they stood as the talking stopped, Naruto expected them to walk out and ask for their banishment. Then they did something he never expected, the surrounding members bowed to the couple while Aguri spoke. "Naruto Uzumaki, heir to the land of Uzu no Kuni, and his wife Hinata Hyuga whom has brought us into the light of the world, we will swear our allegiance to you as the Uzukage no matter the name you choose. The deeds of a man are not judged by his name, but his actions and compassion shown to the people he cares for. For you wished to protect those people by remaining dead to the world, we will continue your wish to remain so. No one outside this council will speak of your true identities. We will take this knowledge to our graves. Until you see fit you will be known here as Minato and Suki Saisei, the Uzukage of Uzushiogakure if you would take the position."

He looked across the men and women in front of him and small tears crept to the corners of his eyes, "I will accept your offer to lead this village, to protect it and nurture it as my own family. I will become your Uzukage". As he said that Hinata draped the cloak around his shoulders and he couldn't help the tears that fell from his face. The council then stood and walked out to announce the news to the village. Instantaneously there was a cheer that could deafen the ears.

He looked down at Hinata as she grabbed his hand and placed his palm against her stomach, "We are so proud of you".

Two Weeks Later

A young shinobi of Konoha was getting ready to leave the boat after such a long journey. Although he had travelled with Ino and Choji, they stayed by at the port town in the Land of Fire. The mission was simple and an escort would only be necessary up to a certain point. Tsunade had sent him to introduce himself to the new leader of the Uzushiogakure, as a representative of Konoha. When he argued about taking the job, thinking that maybe a Hyuga clan member or someone more proficient in politics would be better suited for diplomatic reasons. The reason he was chosen was because he could assess the strengths and weaknesses of any threats. The Hokage wanted to know what was happening to this once destroyed island. Ino and Choji could not come along as they wanted the threat seen by Konoha to be as little as possible. This was going to be a troublesome mission.

Shikamaru walked off the loading plank and stood on the dock. As he looked up he was surprised to see that there was a sprawling village taking shape right in front of him. Several docks lined the small harbor and some were designated for fishing alone, and this seemed to be a staple of their traded goods with nearby villages and towns. Others were used for goods and merchandise brought into and out of the small country. The harbor was busy as ships unloaded cargo and a fish market was selling to local customers. All the docks came to a post station where it was guarded by what looked like shinobi.

Sure enough the guards were dressed as shinobi and even wore forehead protectors, most not on the forehead at all though, unlike his though they had a whirlpool symbol in the center rather than the leaf. As he approached the post he gave a woman behind the counter a slight bow and introduced himself, "Hello, I am Shikamaru Nara from Konohagakure within the Land of Fire. I am a representative on behalf of the Hokage and wish to speak to the leader of your village".

"You mean the Uzukage, Lord Minato Saisei". The woman then looked up to see the pineapple headed young man standing in front of her. She almost wanted to chuckle and try to get the hair on the back of his head to lie down. She then looked down at a little girl behind the counter with her, she was a cute little girl who resembled the woman in front of him. "Ai, can you go to the tower and tell the Uzukage that a representative from Konoha is here to see him".

"Yes mommy," the little girl said before she took off in a burst of speed. Shikamaru just watched the little girl as she ran into the village, he then noticed that the girl, who was no more than eight or nine, was wearing a forehead protector around her right thigh. A genin maybe. This village has already developed a shinobi training program, he thought to himself. A village this young was progressing faster than it should be. If reports were correct, the recent restructuring and development of this village had only been ongoing for the last four to five months. The amount of people in the market area past the gate would suggest the population was well over a thousand, and the received intel only placed them near three hundred.

"Daichi," the woman said to the young man next to her, bringing Shikamaru's attention back to the people in the port post. "Can you please escort Shikamaru-san to the Uzukage office?" She now addressed the representative with a slight bow, "Please if you will follow Diachi-san. He will take you to see him".

Shikamaru bowed in return and thanked her for the hospitality before proceeding to follow his guide through the village. Along the main road there were shops and stalls. Most of the buildings looked like they were just built or completely refurbished. For the most part everything near the center of the village appeared new. As Shikamaru looked toward the outer edges of the village he could see the ruins of where the once great Uzushiogakure from the past had stood. In some of those areas there were ongoing construction projects as if a surgeon was carefully repairing the damage to the body of the once great village.

In The Uzukage Office

Naruto was sitting behind his desk going through paperwork on some of the rebuilding projects that were taking place. The village was coming along quickly but since it was still in its infancy resources had to be used to optimize their efforts. The office looked very much like the Hokage office back in Konoha with the exception of another desk that sat to the side of his. At that side desk sat Hinata, who was also going through some paperwork. Most of her work had to deal with trade and diplomatic relations with some of their supply partners. With the representation of the villagers from the council, many of the needs and wants of the village were met with her knowledge of how politics worked.

The door burst open as a very excited Ai skidded to halt and nearly fell over, due to her momentum, into the Uzukage desk. "Minato-sama, Minato-sama," she said breathing heavily. Hinata looked up at the bundle of energy addressing her husband, and she just smiled.

"Slow down Ai-chan. What is so important that's got you worked up?" Naruto said as a smile spread across his face at the sight of his favorite student.

Still panting a little she looked up at him, "There is a representative from Konoha here to see you".

Immediately Naruto and Hinata's eyes met and there was apprehension about the news. "How many Ai-chan?" he spoke.

"Just one Uzukage-sama, I think his name was Shikamaru-san," she said doing her best to regulate her breathing so she could address Naruto properly.

Naruto looked at the small girl now, "Relax Ai-chan, you don't have to be so formal with me. Go and stand your post with your mother. Remember the duties in the village are just as important as the missions outside of it. I'm counting on you to keep us safe".

"Yes Mini-kun," Ai said with a blushing smile before she took off again leaving the office.

As the door closed again Naruto looked back at Hinata, "I guess it can't be helped. It is sooner than I wanted but given the development of the village it is later than I expected".

Hinata felt a little bit of nervousness in her stomach, or was it morning sickness, "At least it is Shikamaru, and he knows we are still alive so it won't come as such a shock". Hinata reached into her desk and took out a veil placing it on her head to cover her face while still allowing her to see through it. Naruto brought up his face wrap to cover him from the neck up to his eyes and put on the Uzukage hat that had the kanji for whirlpool on the front of it.

"Well, let's hope this goes well. We really need more time before the world is ready to know that we are still alive. There are a lot of loose ends out there that need to be taken care of first," Naruto said as he looked at the folder sitting to his right that he got back just a week prior.

It was few minutes before there was knock on the door and Naruto asked the guests to come in. In stepped Daichi and a young jounin from their past. Tears started to well up in Hinata's eyes and she did her best to keep them from showing. Naruto on the other hand had a large smile on his face and would have been a dead giveaway if most of his face wasn't covered. "Thank you Daichi, can you please close the door as you leave," Naruto said trying not to laugh.

As the door clicked into place Shikamaru stepped forward to the center of the desk and bowed deeply, "Thank you Uzukage for seeing me. My name is Shikamaru Nara from Konohagakure and I have come here on behalf of the Hokage".

"Please, take a seat," Naruto gestured to a chair and waited for Shikamaru to get seated. "Now what would the Hokage want to know from me?"

"The Hokage would like to congratulate you on the rapid development of your village and wishes to extend a hand of peace to benefit everyone," Shikamaru said with a smirk before he continued, "Naruto."

"Oh come on Shikamaru wasn't it at least a little convincing?" Naruto said as he removed his Uzukage hat and pulled down his mask. "Besides, there are few in this village who know who we are and we need to keep it that way for the time being. If anyone was to find out that we are still alive it would ruin everything, and it would send the ninja world into war".

Shikamaru looked over at Hinata and saw that she already removed her veil and there were tears in her eyes. She got up and ran over to him giving him a big hug even though he was still in the chair. Shikamaru returned it gently, "I hope he is treating you well Hinata-chan," he then addressed Naruto again as he waited for Hinata to compose herself so she would let him go. "I understand, and I have kept the secret all this time. What is this war that would take place and why?"

Naruto then got out of his chair and picked up the file he had on his desk. Leaning against the desk he handed the file to Shikamaru when Hinata had stood again. She then went to Naruto and leaned her back into his chest as he spoke, "It is all in here. We know who leads the Akatsuki. We know what he is doing to some extent but we do not know why, as it doesn't follow his past movements. Go ahead and look at this file then tell me what you think".

Shikamaru quickly scanned through the papers then looked up at his friend, clearly a slight hint of shock on his face that most wouldn't notice. "None of this is in our history teachings. How did you get this?"

"I started to get some information from Jiraiya-sensei's spy network. That and when we got here, my clan had a large library of the history of the shinobi world up until the destruction of Uzu no Kuni. This is the culmination of what I have gathered over the last five months," Naruto said.

"If this is the leader, then he shouldn't be alive. How is he alive and leading any organization?" Shikamaru said in disbelief.

"We don't know. We don't even know if it is conclusive. We only know the pattern and the insistent use of the nine-tail fox. At least a name will give us an idea of what he is capable of. With us remaining in hiding he will have to wait before he can even try to destroy the village again. One of the things that has concerned me though is why the other tailed beasts?" Naruto said rhetorically as he knew more information would be needed to find out the whole truth.

Letting out a sigh of how troublesome the new information was, he responded, "Only time will tell. What should I tell Tsunade-sama about all this?"

"Nothing at the moment," he said knowing he would have to convince his friend to trust him.

Shikamaru then raised an eyebrow at the strange request, "You know she is my Hokage, my loyalty is to her Naruto. This is vital information that could help protect Konoha".

There was a brief pause as Naruto thought about all of his friends back in his old home. "That is the way it seems Shikamaru, but this guy is dangerous. My loyalties still rest on Baa-chan, and always will. For the sake of the village and my friends I need more time to figure out what to do and how to defeat him. He was the one that controlled Pain. You saw what a difficult time I had with him. Then there is the matter of a few loose ends. Those loose ends go by the names of Kabuto, who is running around out there with snake freaks face, and," Naruto gulped at the thought of bringing it up, "Sasuke".

Sitting there Shikamaru thought about everything he had just heard, Pain killed nearly everyone in the village, would have even killed Naruto if the fox hadn't surfaced and then be resealed. The report Naruto has suggests this guy can even control the fox somehow. This guy wasn't after just the destruction of Konoha but more than likely after a larger portion of the elemental nations. Also, the fact that the world has now accepted Naruto and Hinata's death gives them an element of surprise when the attack does happen. That would be ruined if more people knew the truth about the couple. There would also be the ability to eliminate some of the other problems that have their sights set on Konoha's destruction. "You know, I hate to admit it but you are right," Shikamaru smacked his lips at the taste of those words, "it just leaves a bad taste in my mouth though. I knew this would be a troublesome mission."

Naruto reached out and pulled Shikamaru out of the chair. "How about I take you out and show you around? By the way we are known as Minato and Suki Saisei outside of this room".

"Yeah, yeah," Shikamaru then looked at Hinata, "And I just wanted to say congratulations".

Hinata looked down at her ring and twisted it in place on her finger, "Thank you Shikamaru-san, we are happy together".

He then noticed the ring on Hinata's hand he walked over to her and started to study it, "I wasn't talking about the marriage, I was talking about the baby."

Hinata jumped when he said it, how does he know, she thought. "W-w-what makes yo-o-u t-think I'mm pr-pregnant?"

Still looking at the ring with great interest, "The emotional mood swings from crying to calm, the accelerated heart beat when you hugged me, which was too fast for excitement. Also, occasionally you grazed your hand against your stomach as if you were caressing something. Hey Naruto," he turned his head and saw he wore a ring just like Hinata's but wider, "where did you ever get these rings?"

"He caught you Hinata-chan," Naruto saw Hinata turn so red in the face; he didn't think there was going to be enough blood in her body to support the baby. "I made them myself. I wanted to buy some real rings but Hinata-chan says she will never wear another one on that finger besides the one I made. That reminds me; you got to stay at least another two days for the wedding."

"You haven't gotten married yet?" Shikamaru looked at the both of them.

Hinata spoke up to defend their relationship, "We consider ourselves married and it has always been good enough for us. But when the village made Naruto-kun their Uzukage he told the elders who we were. They insisted that they were going to throw a wedding for us in honor of what we did for the villagers. If I remember right, one said "This will be for the birth of the village and the birth of your shared love." Hinata said the last part with a blush. "But I think he was drunk".

"Well we are now, and it will be great to have you there," Naruto said with a cheeky smile.

"Can I ask you a favor though," Shikamaru said before Naruto cut him off.

"You want a set for you and Temari? You are planning on asking her to marry you and are too bothered to look at all the rings. Also, you haven't found one that is unique enough to give to her," Naruto said knowing he hit the nail on the head.

Hinata held back until there was confirmation, she just listened to Shikamaru, "How did you know?" He then hung his head in half shame, "It is just so troublesome getting engaged". He said that last part just as Hinata squealed in excitement for her friend and tackled him to the floor in a hug. She had missed her friends so much that she was happy to hear that the others were getting a chance to be just as happy as she was.

Naruto walked over to the door and waited for the other two to compose themselves. "When you guys are ready we can go. Let's go Hinata; there is a lot to show Shikamaru". She ran over and wrapped her arms around one of his resting her head on his shoulder while they all walked around the budding village. The three talked about all that happened over the time since Naruto and Hinata left the Hidden Leaf Village. Hinata was delighted by how all of her friends were doing, and Naruto was happy that the village was completed for the most part and life there was returning to normal.

Two Days Later

The early morning sun was coming over the horizon and in the west the night was slipping away. Orange and yellow graced the surface of the ocean view off in the distance as everyone gathered in the open clearing for the event that would be just as memorable as theand rested her head on his shoulder while they all walked around the budding village.

hve."e made Naruto-kun thier esides the o day the village was founded. Just below the eastern cliff the village was in a state of sleep as the inhabitants left their houses and shops to bear witness. The only people that remained below were those that volunteered to watch the posts, keeping the home they worked so hard to grow safe from those that would push them back into their darker days. On a cliff side clearing they had gathered and the sight was one that spoke of the loyalty and devotion everyone held for their young leader, the love he shared for the village, and more importantly to the woman who captured his heart.

In front of the pagoda the villagers spread out far and wide to see the couple they had sworn allegiance to. Not everyone could see, but those that couldn't were happy enough to just be part of the occasion. Towering above the event stood a large toad that was adorned with tattoos and a scar over one eye. Two smaller but still very large toads stood beside the larger one, one of orange and red while the other was yellow. At the steps of the memorial monument stood a young woman with long dark hair, which had a blue hue to it, flowing untied down the length of her back. Her pale lavender eyes were moist and she did her best to control the tears that threatened to mar the little bit of make-up she decided to wear. Her ceremonial kimono was designed with an adornment of violet silk threading that complimented her fair complexion. Irises decorated the bottom of the kimono with stamens that shined bright orange as a perfect color to draw the eyes to appreciate the decoration.

Across from her stood the young Uzukage dressed in his official robe with the flowing symbols of the whirlpool at the bottom of the material. They were as blue as the young man's eyes, which showed joy, admiration, love, and just a little bit of lust for the woman that stood in front of him. Behind the groom stood the young Konoha genius, as a witness to the event. He was not only there to represent his village in this union, but as a dear friend to both of them. This was one of the rare moments in his young life where nothing about the event was troublesome. Between the couple stood two more toads who presided over the marriage, both were small in comparison to the larger ones. Each was green in color, one having white hair and the other being purple. Both dressed in black robes and were obviously old and wise despite their bantering.

The vows had already been completed and as a gift to the couple the toads had decided to honor them with accepting the bride as a member of the toad clan. A large scroll was laid at their feet and Hinata bent down to accept such a gift that was the rarest of honors. Cutting her finger she wrote her name on the scroll and placed her finger prints at the bottom. After standing up Naruto took her hand and kissed the wound gently causing the blood to stop. The scroll disappeared in a puff of smoke, marking the end of the ceremony. He took her into his arms and lifted her blushing face by her cheek, kissing her passionately as the crowd of witnesses erupted into cheers.

Returning To Konoha

It took two weeks to make the trip back to Konoha and Shikamaru had to devise a plan on what he would tell the Hokage about his meeting with Naruto. There were a lot of things that Tsunade wanted answered but some of it would have to be put off or diverted because of the agreement he made with the young couple. A lot of the information he could answer and it would be entirely truthful, but some would have to be skirted. As he opened the door and walked into the paper filled office he prepared himself for the interrogation of a lifetime. "Lady Hokage, I have returned to give my report," he said as he placed a file with the written details on the desk.

Tsunade picked up the file and started to look through it, "Have a seat Shikamaru while I read over this quickly". After five minutes she dropped the folder on the desk and addressed her youngest advisor. "So, what is the newly rediscovered Uzushiogakure like?"

"It is a lot like our village but with a port. There are some similarities between the two as they have a shinobi training program and a busy commerce district. I was a little surprised at the difference in the intel we did have on it from what was actually there," he said while adjusting himself, trying to not sound any different.

"What are those differences and how far have they progressed since the new construction took place," Tsunade responded looking for all the information she could.

Thinking hard as to not draw too much attention to the island from the legendary Sannin he responded. "Their population is larger than expected, estimated at over one thousand at this time. This could be the result of clan relocation or several for that matter. Also with the increase in trade with the Land of Waves and our own port town it is likely some merchants have decided to take up residence also. They have schooling to teach shinobi, which the Uzukage does take part in to help bolster their strength. Their manpower is low but their talent provides a strong capable force. The villagers have become enthusiastic over the rebuilding of the city ruins in the area and if I was to give a rough estimate about what I saw, I would say that nearly forty percent of the original city has been rebuilt".

With the increase in population it would seem likely that the city would have progressed rapidly, Tsunade thought. "What about hostilities? Do you feel that there is any way the village is a threat to any of its neighbors or us?"

"It is just the opposite actually. A continuous peace is what they have displayed from what I have seen. There doesn't seem to be any deceit from the people I interacted with or even from the Uzukage," Shikamaru said thinking things were going along well.

"What can you tell me about this Uzukage?" she said with peaked interest for a new village that didn't have any ill will toward anyone else. Usually villages started because they were forced from their old homes due to oppression and eventually want revenge.

Shikamaru thought quickly for a way to describe Naruto without revealing who he really was. "His name is Minato Saisei and then there is his wife Suki. They are a young couple and appear to be happy. From what I have seen of his training regimen and his control of jutsu he is a strong person in skill. I would put him in the class range of Kage as far as raw power goes. His wife seems highly adept with political awareness and is respected by elders and their council in her decision making".

Tsunade only wished she had the respect that this other woman had from her own council. "Were you able to find any information of the hidden library there?"

"They did have a library but it was far from hidden. As far as the one you questioned about I saw no such area or building," he said plainly.

Knowing that something like that wouldn't be made public she had to ask anyways. "Was there any progress in the development of a peace treaty or alliance with the Land of Fire or Konoha? Do you think they would be willing to have such an agreement?"

Thinking back to Naruto he would have done one in a heartbeat with his own blood, but the knucklehead knew if things progressed to rapidly in the political arena there would be a greater interest in his true identity. "I spoke with the Uzukage and his wife on the matter and they would be willing to work out such an agreement in the future, but it is a matter that they take very seriously. His concerns are that if there is an outbreak of violence he wouldn't be able to send adequate forces or supplies to help in the effort. For the time being the Uzukage did say he would like to extend a non-aggression pact with Konoha. This agreement he has put forth does come with some stipulations".

It figures, a person attains a little bit of power and they think they have the right to ask for anything when they come to the table, Tsunade thought. "What are these stipulations he wants?"

"He wants two long term representatives from Konoha to stay there at Uzushiogakure to assist in the development of their country. They would be there to handle trade relations between the two lands and give voice to the merchants whose business resides here in our port town," he said.

This wasn't much of a concession for a non-aggression pact as that would more than likely happen on its own. It would be a sign of relief if she could expedite the process and help put the Fire Daimyo at ease over the development of the new village. "When should I expect the Uzukage to arrive for the agreement?"

"He said he wouldn't be able to leave his country for some time but assured me that he would sign all agreements and send them back to you, once the representatives reach the village with the pact you have written. I believe that he does not want to leave the island because of it being in its infancy. Some other nations may see an opening like that as a sign of weakness and try to take advantage." Shikamaru hoped that would settle the Hokage's uneasiness about the lack of face-time with a new Kage.

Not pleased but understanding the political games that nations play, and their more than willingness to jump at the chance to take advantage of a weak village. Even she couldn't leave the village due to the recent destruction and the view that other nations would have about Konoha. Especially with the death of Naruto who held the nine-tailed fox the village would be a prime target without a strong person to stand at its head. "I suppose you already thought of the two who would fit the requirements of the Uzukage," Tsunade said holding up a memo that Shikamaru had written down on his choices for possible representatives. One was a good choice, the other she was unsure of.

"Yes, those two I believe would be the best to represent Konoha and meet the needs of not only the Uzukage but also would amplify our relations with that country. There is a lot of business happening even in that small country and the land they have mapped out will more than likely double the available useable land there. This will be a great advantage to us in trade and would bring a lot of supplies and merchandise, not to mention the monetary value of the extra trade to be had with a city under construction". He said hoping to drive the point home of the release of those two shinobi as a benefit to the nation. Naruto would promote extra trade anyways, but Tsunade didn't need to know that right now.

"Boar," Tsunade called, an ANBU agent appeared out of almost nowhere. "Take this list and retrieve these two shinobi for me. They are to be here in ten minutes, no excuses."

"Yes, Lady Hokage-sama," and with that he disappeared in a puff of smoke.

A/N: Again, next chapter we will be looking back at the people in Konoha and the development they have been going through. Some have tried to move past the events of the main characters deaths, some are not. How will they progress? I am only coming up with the people that will play a major roll in the story line and its development. There are a lot of characters that poeple like that are not really mentioned in this story, but here is your chance. If you would like to see other characters in Konoha please let me know in your reviews. I do have development ideas for each and your suggestions will determin whether I put them in the next chapter or not. Depending on who has the most demands they may play a major role in the future. You have until monday morning to get in your reviews so I can write in your suggestions.