Here you go everyone. The tenth chapter is here. As I said before I think I will make this a habit, every fifth chapter will be a look at some of the other Naruto characters. With your reviews in any previous chapter I will take suggestions on whose story you would like to see on the fifth chapters. I had only one request this time around being Konohamaru so he is in this one now. Only those you want to see will make these.

Shout Outs:

KnightOfZaku: Here is the Konohamaru you wanted and there is a little bit of a development there for Hanabi as well. Thank you for the review.

HallenHeir: I wanted to have Hinata play a major role in this story. Often she gets left behind or stays in the background in other stories which she will do here for a few chapters, but she will come back in a major way. This will be after childbirth. Also Naruto is not an idiot, he knows he has no experience in politics and he would need a lot of help. More than likely it would seem that Naruto is a figure head while Hinata runs things for the time being.

Kingswriter: Naruto goes by a different name as the Uzukage. The only ones that know who he is would be Hinata and the council. Other than that he uses the name Minato. It may seem leading but I would think it would have been common.

Harmless Romantic: It is Naruto's nindo that allows him to lend his loyalty to the Leaf and to Tsunade. This does not mean he would through his own village under the bus, but he would do everything in his power to protect everyone he has sworn to. The way he would see it is that his area of protection is growing. He even stated that to Jiraiya at one point in the anime about attempting to protect everyone.

wacko12: Clan ideas are always welcome, just submit them in reviews or PM and I will look at them and see if they could or would play a roll in the story. Thank you for the help.

Konoha

Kakashi

Earlier That Morning

Sitting on the wall near the main entrance of the village, a lone shinobi was lost in thought. There were a lot of things that continuously ran through his mind as of late. In his shinobi duties his work was doubled as he was expecting to take on a new genin team. In this matter he would not fail as badly as he did with his last. He blames himself for many mistakes he made, most notably by singling out a member of the team to help him develop further than the other two. He blames himself for not developing teamwork further and incorporating that into the genin's second nature. His long ago childhood friend, Obito, would have kicked his rear around the entire village for doing what he had done to team seven. His second duty was that of a scout to help protect the village. The village was still in a state of weakness and there was always a threat from other hostile nations trying to take advantage of the situation.

Kakashi had decided to take up the mantel of the famed and beloved sannin in regards to his writings. For the life of him he couldn't figure out how the old pervert stayed alive with all the research he claimed to do. His first two weeks he spent just trying to come up with descriptions and drawings on his own, but it never seemed like the quality work that Icha Icha always deserved. He decided that it was worth a shot to attempt to employ the research methods that Jiraiya had used in the past. The bath house was continuously popular in the beginning of the rebuild as a lot of people still had no running water. His first attempt was met with hostility as he was caught peeping even when trying to employ the Sharingan. The women actually caught up to him with the help of a blonde sannin and he was bed ridden for five days while he healed. It would have been shorter but his attending nurse had been in the bath house at the time of the incident, thus resulting in a slow and painful recovery. His second attempt was met with far less desirable effects as the time he chose to go was on a seniors only night. Unlike the young women he was looking for, the elderly were more than willing to show him more than he ever wanted to see. Results for research attempt two ended in flaccidity for a week, followed by nightmares that were sure to have an effect on his libido.

He did strike gold at one point but it was in a place he never expected. This led him to his second dilemma. Kurenai had invited Kakashi over to help her grocery shop. It of course was a ploy to get him to carry all the bags back to her apartment, but he didn't mind as she was always attending to the newborn baby. She had invited him in while she put the groceries away and offered him a drink for helping her. He gladly accepted the offer and eventually she saw something was troubling him. After much prodding he stated that he wanted to continue Jiraiya's work in the novel but was getting nowhere as he currently lacked the knowledge or inspiration to start even page one. Expecting her to hit him over the adult rated material he was surprised when she reached into a small table drawer and pulled out a copy of Icha Icha Paradise. She swore she would never admit it out of her own apartment, but she did like the novels for the romance and drama, mixed with occasional comedy. Then she said she would help him for all he did for her during the rebuild. They started spending a lot of time together and by the time Kakashi's first book was completed all he could think about was Kurenai. Even his drawings for the female character in the second book had her shape and proportions. With all that was happening he felt somewhere inside of himself that to be thinking of her that way betrayed his respect for Asuma, one of his dearest friends.

As he was contemplating his life and still trying to find a way to work on the next novel, Kakashi saw the images of three shinobi entering the gates. It was the infamous team of Ino-Shika-Cho. Not really paying attention to them he failed to see when the three stopped.

"You two go on and head home, I'll report to Tsunade-sama and give our reports," Shikamaru said and waited until they left before acknowledging Kakashi. "Kakashi-sensei, can I ask you for a favor?"

Kakashi leapt to the ground to stand next to Shikamaru, curious about this favor, "Sure, what is it?"

Shikamaru reached in to his waist pouch and pulled out a small bag. From that bag he withdrew a small book the title read 'Icha Icha Romance", by Kakashi Hatake. He handed the book to Kakashi, "Could you sign this please?"

Kakashi didn't see Shikamaru as being a type of person into the Icha Icha series but he signed it anyways. In all reality he thought reading such material would be too bothersome for him or Temari would probably end his existence. He handed the book back and watched Shikamaru walk away.

"Don't worry, it is not for me. There is a friend I thought would like to have one," he waved back to Kakashi as he made his way to the Hokage's office.

Konohamaru

Three figures bounced through the village from roof top to roof top. They darted through allies and dodged shoppers in the busy streets, trying to evade capture from their pursuers. Two larger figures were closing in on them but were obviously having a hard time keeping up with every change in direction. "Get back here! You're going to pay for what you did," one of the jonins shouted at the three.

"Hurry up guys. The boss was able to lose eight ANBU agents when they hunted him down. These are just two wannabe's," the obvious leader of the three said back at his accomplices. They came to the front of the Hokage building and leapt to the roof jumping down the other side in an attempt to lose the two that were quickly running out of steam. The three then passed by the Hokage monument where the faces of the legendary leaders were carved into the wall. Just after the fifth's image was a painting of the "would- be hero" of the village and their long time mentor. To Konohamaru, his boss's face belonged there and that's where it would be as long as he could help it.

Not wanting to allow the pursuers any advantage they continued on at top speed. Before too long they came to a clan compound knowing the two jonins would falter before they tried to go in after them. The three landed in an outside training area where there was a girl near his age sparring with someone who appeared to be her older brother. In that split second Konohamaru locked eyes on the pale eyed girl and she blushed at his gaze, her mind left the match. He couldn't help but smile at her thinking about how pretty she was before he leapt again over the next house and eventually over the opposite compound wall.

The trick seemed to have worked as Moegi looked back and didn't see the jonin that were chasing them before. "Kono-kun, I don't see them anymore".

"Excellent, then we return to base. Don't forget, we still have to paint the Hyuga compound wall before tonight is over," Konohamaru said with excitement.

In a few moments they arrived at an open lot just outside of an apartment building that used to be the home of their former boss. Konohamaru landed softly and started for the passage that would lead them into the apartment. Udon was soon to follow and then Moegi who happened to trip in her landing and started to fall. Quickly Udon turned and caught Moegi who buried her face into Udon's shirt grabbing him tightly to brace herself. Standing there for a few moments not moving they looked at each other in a deep blush, just then Konohamaru stuck his head back out and called to them, "Come on you two. We have things to do".

As they entered the apartment to start on the plans for the night they looked over their supplies and paint. In an unexpected turn of events there was a swirling of leaves and a puff of smoke that blocked their exits. There stood the two jonin that had been chasing after them along with two members of the ANBU, "You're busted! You three are going to clean up that mess you made".

"Yes! See now it is two ANBU and only two jonins. We will be at the boss' level in no time," Konohamaru yelled while pumping his arm into the air at their new accomplishment.

Hiashi

Hiashi was enjoying a cup of tea and a few rice balls with pickled plums while watching the training session between his daughter and nephew. Her progress was coming along at a rapid pace and she would be considered a genius in the gentle fist by the time the next chunin exams came around. Although Neji was holding back some she was still doing a great job of defending herself and even attempting to make a few strikes on the prodigy. There was even talk about her graduating the academy early due to her shinobi aptitude. He was truly proud of the heir to the Hyuga clan, even though he felt like more of a failure to his family due to not so recent events. He vowed to himself at the grave of his daughter he would make things right with his youngest. He knew it would not take back what he did, but he hoped that his late wife would have some mercy on his soul when he met her again in the afterlife.

He started being more of a father and less harsh with Hanabi, even though it was only when the two were alone. Despite his changes, he still had a clan to run and they would look down on him for doting on his daughter. It was often late at night when the two would sit for tea and a late snack, he would tell Hanabi stories about her mother and what life was like when they were younger. Shame of his actions would keep Hiashi from speaking about his oldest daughter. The wounds were still fresh in his heart over the damage he had caused and it would still take years for him to finally speak of his true emotions about Hinata to anyone, even to Hanabi.

Letting the day warm him, he was at peace with the moment just watching the events unfold in front of him. That was until three blurs caught his attention as they landed mere feet from the two people that were sparing. With his trained eyes Hiashi quickly picked out noticeable details about the three newcomers to assess the threat. The leader of the pint size group was a spikey haired boy with a long scarf wearing a forehead protector. The two behind him were a young girl with high-top pig-tails and another young boy with glasses and snot running from his nose. Hiashi had heard of these three as they had taken the place of village prankster since Naruto died. They often drew the hero's face on the Hokage Monument and on the Hyuga compound wall. The branch families were still trying to figure out how they did the latter as they could never be seen doing it even with the Byakugan.

Just as the three intruders leapt off, Hiashi noted that Hanabi was facing him and the exact spot where the three had landed. Her face was flushed pink when it was not before and the antics of the intruders had caused her to draw her attention away from the sparring match she was in. Not noticing the distraction Neji made a juken strike to Hanabi's inner thigh causing her leg to give out. She hit the ground with a hard thud and a small whimper when she realized what had happened. The only thing that Hiashi could think about was the irony of the past repeating it's self in his youngest daughter. This life must be a test, either that or I did something unforgivable in my past life, he thought to himself.

Neji now realizing what happened helped Hanabi back up and allowed her to reopen her tenketsu point that he had closed. Seeing this as a good point to take a break to get some water he instructed Hanabi to rest and they would resume in five minutes. As she limped from the pain of opening the sensitive chakra point over to Hiashi, he instructed her that she needed to be aware of all distractions and avoid letting them affect her matches. Neji on the other hand dusted himself off and started to walk over to get some water when he was intercepted by an ANBU agent in a boar mask.

"Neji-san, Lady Hokage wishes to see you in ten minutes. It is suggested you do not wait that long though," the ANBU stated dryly.

Taking a deep breath he let it out to steady himself, wondering what he was being summoned for. "I will be going over immediately as soon as I inform the clan leader". With that the ANBU disappeared in a swirl of leaves and left the Hyuga compound. Neji walked over to Hiashi and bowed to the clan head, "I am sorry I have to leave Hiashi-sama. The Hokage has asked to see me". Hiashi bowed in return acknowledging the urgency to go. "You too Hanabi-sama, I am afraid I will have to postpone our session until I return, thank you for your patience."

Hanabi just giggled a little and bowed to her cousin, "Ok, but I will get you next time".

Neji gave his little cousin who he thought of as a sister a small grin, "I'm sure you will Hanabi-sama". With that Neji took his leave and started for the Hokage building.

Tenten

The famed weapon shop was busy as usual with customers browsing through weapon assortments and asking question on handling and technique. Even though there had been a slight slowdown in business due to the foreseeable peace time arrangements there was still a demand by the village for a restock on available weapons. With the academy now going strong with more students enlisting than normal, most wanting to become the next "Hero of the Village", there was a demand on both training and basic weapons. A lot of the recent missions were still within the territory of the village for the time being which didn't command higher ranking shinobi for anything other than organizing reconstructing efforts.

This left a certain bun wearing kunoichi with a lot of free time on her hands to tend to the store. When she wasn't at the store or on assignment for the rebuild she would volunteer her time at the academy to teach weapon handling to the students. Most of the time she just taught throwing techniques and styles; and on a rare occasion some students would ask her to teach them proper weapon sealing jutsus like she used in her signature style.

At the moment she had nothing to do but watch the store while her father and mother were in the back, hopefully making and sharpening equipment. Tenten shuddered at the memory of what her parents were doing when she went back to inquire on a customer's weapon that was supposed to be under repair the other day. The grinding wheel was in use but not for its original intended purpose. They are worse than a couple of teenagers, she thought to herself. Her thoughts then drifted to her long time forbidden crush and she started to think about how they had to sneak out to have even a little alone time together. It was never too heavy, just a lot of making out. He didn't want to take it further until he felt that the clan would approve of them being together. It was nice and noble of him, although she thought the day would never come that they would go further, knowing of the Hyuga clan's strict traditions. Sighing she noted that maybe some time away, maybe on a mission, would help her assess her life and where she wanted to go with it. Would she still try pursuing Neji even though it was unlikely to end well for her? Would she be willing to go the lengths that Naruto and Hinata did for their affections? More than likely she would have to face the inevitable and give up on being with the one she chose to love. She would likely have to marry for political or social reasons and that thought always brought her near to tears.

While customers weren't making any purchases or asking questions she would work on the back counter, sealing her weapons into scrolls so she could train some more. The previous day she had gone all out and emptied every scroll she had in agitation, resulting in her spending two hours picking up every weapon that was buried into targets and the ground. The front door opened with a chime of the bells that hung above the door, "Welcome, please come in and feel free to look around. I will be here if you have any questions". She said this before looking up, when she did she saw an ANBU agent in a cloak and boar's mask. Yes! I hope I have a mission, it is just what I need to get my mind off things right now.

The ANBU approached the counter and addressed the young weapons mistress, "The Hokage wishes to speak with you. You are to report in ten minutes but I would make it sooner if possible".

"I will let my parents know I am leaving and will report to her immediately," she said as she walked toward the back room where her parents were.

Opening the door slowly and trying to avert her eyes from any further possible trauma, "Mother, father, I have to report to the Hokage immediately".

Her mother's voice came from across the room in almost a pant, like she was exhausted, "Ok, Ten-chan we will be right out".

Shivers crept up Tenten's spine as she tried to block the images of why her mother was out of breath. She closed the door again and grabbed the scrolls she had already finished, making her way to the Hokage Tower.

Tsunade

Looking out the window The Hokage saw some figures bouncing around the village. It had become a common sight as of late and she was sure if she strained her neck enough a painted image of Naruto was on the Hokage Monument. It was always one of the highlights of her week as she watched the Konohamaru Corps. painting the image of the village hero in remembrance so no one would forget him. Waiting for the two young shinobi to arrive, she inquired more about the new Village Hidden in the Whirlpools from Shikamaru. There wasn't a lot of information available and he couldn't get a good assessment of their strengths and weaknesses. It wasn't like she was thinking of taking the village over, but there was always a lot of concern over that land. Technically the whole island belonged to the Uzumaki clan seeing as they had led the people of the island before the founding of the five hidden villages. They even helped to set up and develop the Hidden Leaf Village. Unfortunately they had also become one of the most feared clans and nations to have ever existed. They had always excelled at fuinjutsu and taken it to levels that no one dared dream of. They could seal demons within the human body, control summons even if it wasn't their own, and even modified it by making seals that were used in combat.

That was her largest fear at this moment, as she hadn't seen those techniques used since her youth. Those that knew them were more than likely dead by now because Kumo made an effort to hunt them down for fear that those techniques would be used against them. Inside she was hoping that by sending Shikamaru, he would have been able to gain some knowledge on the fabled Uzumaki library that was rumored to have been destroyed as well. If his accounts were correct, as they typically were, the new country only sought a peaceful co-existence. This was at least good news and they didn't even want to get into international politics at this point for nothing more than trade purposes. The current leader, taking on the title of Uzukage, seemed like he was a bit young but knowledgeable in running a village and had the support of his people. At least with the mission she was handing out now it would allow the Leaf to boost its economic standings with the trade, but it would also allow them to keep tabs on the new village by providing valuable information on the inner workings of Uzushiogakure.

There was a knock on the door and Tsunade turned to face Shikamaru again, "Come in". Neji and Tenten walked into the office noticing Shikamaru standing there and proceeded to take a place next to him. Once the door was closed she addressed the newcomers. "It has come to our attention that someone has decided to rebuild Uzushiogakure in Uzu no Kuni. Shikamaru here was sent on a political assignment to introduce Konoha to the new village and assess them as a village. There was very little information available but at this time the village is claiming peaceful ambitions and only seeks to support its growing population."

Tenten and Neji looked at each other in bewilderment not knowing what this place was or how it affected their homes. Tsunade handed them both a small file of what she was willing to divulge on the history of the island along with Shikamaru's report. "It has been Shikamaru's recommendation, and I have to agree with him, that you two be chosen as political emissaries to assist with the villages' reconstruction". Now the two chosen looked on in extreme wonder, not knowing why they would be the ones to go, and how long they would be gone for. "This is a long term assignment, and you would likely be there for months possibly more than a year. The island may be touting peace but it is still too soon to tell, therefor we are sending shinobi in place of the typical civilians. Neji, being a Hyuga you have intimate knowledge with political affairs through your clan training. You will be concentrating on developing and maintaining a foothold on political matters and interactions between our lands. This will include handling trade agreements, settling disputes, and gathering intel on possible threats to the Land of Fire. This is an espionage mission at the same time so when time permits you will be using your Byakugan to look for hidden structures and information for any signs of deceit". Neji acknowledged his orders and wondered how he was going to let Hiashi know about his prolonged absence from the village to assist in a diplomatic mission.

Taking a brief pause to look over some more notes she addressed Tenten, "Tenten, you and your family run one of the most successful businesses in Konoha. This makes you a vital asset to this mission. You will be assisting Neji in business affairs between the two lands. Some of the businesses here in the Land of Fire are setting up permanent shops and outlets in the new village. There may be tension between the two lands as far as dominance in markets is concerned. We need our economic engine in this land as stable as possible along with representation for our people in these matters to the Uzukage. Considering your family deals in a great amount of weapons production and handling, you will be able to assess the threats of armament that points to war through the accumulation of weapons. As we, the Leaf, would prepare for war in building weapon stocks and supplies, the same could be said if Uzushiogakure took the same actions. The Uzukage has also requested a weapons expert siting that they do not have anyone proficient in those arts. Normally I wouldn't agree to help train another lands shinobi with Konoha talent, but in this matter it will give us an advantage in being able to assess the proficiency of their shinobi first hand".

Now came the part of the assignment that she knew she was going to hate doing, "Since this is a political assignment you two, you will be paid on a basis amount as liaisons with a monthly amounts at a day rate consistent with a "B" rank mission. You will also be given enough funds up front to secure quarters for both of you individually". Since the reconstruction efforts in Konoha started it had left the village coffers low on funds. Missions of diplomatic nature were shelved because a lot of the cost it would require and this one would require a lot given the timeframe of the mission. "For this I would like a weekly report on everything that you two find or do during this assignment. All information will be classified as "secret" until I have reviewed it personally".

With a yawn and a look that said sleep was in the near future Shikamaru finally spoke up, "Actually Hokage-sama, the Uzukage has stated that he would be more than happy to offer the liaisons a place to stay. He even went as far as offering three quarters of their mission pay to compensate Konoha for the use of their expertise in the development of their village. Hoping for a good result to the request he even went as far as ordering the construction of their residence immediately. He said the cost to his village would be outweighed by the amount of trade and development the village would undergo because of the political assistance".

Letting out a breath for the good news Tsunade relaxed a little, "Good, we will take that offer for now. At least I can explain the expense for the mission a little better to the council if it isn't costing us more than a "D" rank mission. Plus with Tenten's business relations we may come out on top as well. Selling goods made here in Konoha to Uzu will help bolster our economic standing as well. Neji, Tenten, you have two days to pack and get ready for your mission. Let your families know the basics of your mission but not the exact location. I don't want them pounding on my door asking more questions than I am willing to answer. Before you leave for your assignment report back here for your final orders and mission details as far as what we are looking for inside the village. You three are now dismissed".

With that the three young shinobi bowed and took their leave of the office. Walking down the hall Shikamaru stopped the other two, "When you meet with the Uzukage could you hand him this please?" Reaching in his pouch he pulled out a small paper bag.

Neji took the item and looked inside, a blush crept up the young man's face, "I can't give him this!"

Curious, Tenten looked inside, and her face had a deeper reaction than her teammates. "We can't give a Kage smut like this!" she exclaimed.

In an almost smirk, even though slight for Shikamaru, "Trust me, he will like this. If you don't feel comfortable saying it was from you, just say it was from me".

"Is there anything else you can tell us about this place, or about the Kage?" Tenten asked hoping to know what their life would be like away from home.

Reaching into his pocket Shikamaru took out two rings and examined them again. They were made of raw emerald and the green was deep and rich. There was an intricate design carved into it with Naruto's wind chakra. The focal point of the rings bore a double stag image, the faces touching and the antlers intertwined. As much as he knew, as much as he could deduce through patterns and strategy, the heart was always an inconstant that would never yield to defeat. "It is a beautiful place, it has its problems but they understand each other. You will be happy there, I have no doubt. I suppose I will see you in a few years". With that Shikamaru walked away, to plan for likely the most difficult mission of his life.

Neji and Tenten stood there for a minute with both of their jaws slack as they wondered what got into the young jonin to be speaking on an emotionally philosophical level. They excused themselves and took their leave to prepare for their long journey.

Pier of Uzushiogakure

A young woman stepped off the boat with a boy that always seemed to cling to her arm. They looked over the view of the new village. It was clean and the people seemed to be happy. This would be a great change of pace from what they had seen during their travels together. They had gone from village to village, looking for a place to settle down. It was a lot more difficult than either thought. Seeing as the woman really didn't have any skills other than killing people, making a living had been difficult. They were hoping to come to the new village and make a peaceful life for themselves where they could gain some skills in a trade hopefully. Being rich or successful was not a necessity; as long as they remained together they would be happy.