Chapter 5-Returns and Contracts
One full year had passed since the official death of the organization known as Akatsuki with word spreading of who had caused its untimely demise. Everyone now respected or feared The Five Shinigami Shadows led by their leader known only as "The Shinigami King". It was to such a point that they only took on the most dangerous A to S-Class missions. Each of the highly dangerous missions ranged from high level assassinations, retrieving highly sensitive documents that could possibly prevent future wars, and save beautiful princesses (who fell in love with their saviors) from Missing Ninja hoping for ransom money.
At the moment, the five members of the group of in question were sitting in the forest of a friendly Elemental Country resting from a recent mission well done. The group had just saved a wealthy business man's only daughter from a group of high A-Class Missing Nin from Iwa, who were holding her ransom until her Father had paid the hefty sum they had demanded of him.
After the girl was rescued her Father gave them the amount he was willing to give to the kidnapper's saying money was no object compared to his little girl's welfare. The group only took half the money, as that was the amount they were hired for, and did not want to be greedy in terms of what they got in terms of payment.
"You all did a good job today, you should all be very proud with yourselves," said Naruto smoking his pipe given to him by master craftsman after they had saved the man from his rival, who hired several high level Sound Jounin to take him out.
"I've heard talk of Konoha trying to find us to recruit for an upcoming war that is going to happen between them and the new Iwa/Sound alliance that was formed," said Zabuza biting into an apple finding it was much better then the stuff he and Haku used to eat back when they were always on the run.
"Iwa and Sound are trying to recruit us as well. The same goes with Suna since they are still allied with Konoha though Gaara prefers our presence strictly in his village. I don't think he'll want us do any work unless it were absolutely necessary since he's only doing it so Konoha doesn't get to us first," said Kimimaro drinking some tea he had made for the group.
"Aside from King-sama's friends I say we let Konoha burn. They are just like the people in Kumo that hated me," said Yugito as that was Naruto's nickname since the long tile of "Shinigami King" seemed a bit long in every sentence.
It was also helpful in telling everyone they weren't alone and needed to be on guard in terms of protecting their identities from potential threats.
Now was one of those times.
"Such a waste of good tea," said Haku sadly, as they all slowly moved to readjust their facial coverings to hide their form, but made it seem as they were still talking only using more hand motion as they did.
(Not Far from the Shadows)
"Can you make out what's going on Shikamaru?" said Kiba after having searched for 3 long months now at the orders of their Hokage and they finally found the infamously elusive Shinigami Shadows.
"Simple conversations from the looks of it, but don't let your guard down for a second since these guys are good if they can take on high level missions. The last little group of Shinobi that tried to meet and greet these guys came from Iwa. They were soon returned in pieces with one survivor wishing he was dead," said Shikamaru having seen the report given him by Tsunade, who got it from Jiraiya's spy network, and were able to get some pictures of the only team's survivor of that group.
Shikamaru had to be excused so he could go to the bathroom to puke.
"Still...Hokage-sama was most persistent and demanded that we try with every bit of our power to bring them back to Konoha to keep the Iwa/Sound alliance at bay," said Neji, as he used his Byakugan to keep an eye on them.
"How do we approach this? Or approach them for that matter?" said Ino wondering if her clan's abilities would even have any effect on them.
"Yosh! We must try to be as youthful as possible so they can see that we mean them no harm," said Lee only to have his head hit from behind by both Tenten and Neji.
"Baka! You are not going to do that new so called 'Friendship Dance' Gai-sensei came up with just so you can tell him you did it when we come back," said Tenten shivering slightly at the memory with Neji turning pale in terms of his reaction to it.
Seriously, those two needed to do more then act "youthful" around everyone.
"I'll go in first with you and Choji backing me up. Neji and Hinata will be father back to watch with their eyes to help tell the rest of the team what is happening," said Shikamaru, before the teams split off.
(With the Shinigami Shadows)
"They broke off from the main group. Don't attack unless it's necessary," said Naruto, who got a small nod from each of them.
"What about the main group not far from here?" said Haku wondering if there were any hostiles in the distance.
"Leave them for now. I sense no ill will from either group as I'm sure the rest of you can tell," said Naruto before standing up and looked into the trees where Shikamaru was.
After gesturing for the Nara and his team to come down. they did moments later, as they realized that they had been made by the most feared Shinobi in the Elemental Countries.
"Black Angel would you please see to their other teammates in the distance and tell them to come here as well they can hear what I have to say," said Naruto turning to Haku, who nodded before heading off to meet them.
"We just came here to talk to you," said Shikamaru hoping the man didn't just send his loyal subordinate to kill his team.
"I know that Nara-san, but I don't think it will kill you to have them here," said Naruto smirking behind his mask knowing that Shikamaru was probably trying to figure out, who he was really talking to.
'Say's you pal,' thought Shikamaru feeling nervous around the man not wanting to have to return to the Hokage and tell her his entire team had become maggot food.
Not long after Shikamaru said that the rest of the Shinobi force from Konoha appeared in the clearing looking slightly nervous being around the five Shinobi's of legendary status. Neji was standing a good bodyguard style distance in front of Hinata, who was looking discreetly at Naruto every once in a while trying to keep her blush down. Lee and Tenten were carefully measuring the Shinigami Shadows that were standing across from them almost as if they were statues with their leader that was the Shinigami King in the center with Shikamaru.
"So your Hokage sent a nearly all Jounin team this time and friends of Uzumaki Naruto at that. Does she assume that you being friends with him will tip my decision closer to her favor?" said Naruto sounding slightly insulted his eyes blazing red as he stared at Shikamaru, who was starting to sweat under his Chuunin vest.
"N-No! Its just t-that you have eliminated a major source of Naruto's problems outside of the village and she believed you to be a friend of his like we are," said Shikamaru feeling more and more afraid of the man each second.
"Hokage-sama and the Council have already come to an agreement with your contract in hiring you and your Shinobi team. They wish to hire you so you could assist us against both Iwa and Sound, who are gearing up for war against Konoha as we speak," said Neji, as he found the Shinigami King's attention turned to him.
"Indeed. Though knowing your Council from my understanding, they like to doubletalk, lie, change the rules, and make up their own as time goes on. I could possibly trust your Hokage given the fact she has tried to do her job despite the Council being an unwanted thorn in her side. However, before any contract is signed and made official I would like to read it for the safety of my team and I so we know exactly what were signing up for. Tell your Hokage that unless she and the Council agree to insert any and all stipulations of our own into the contract they made we will sign no papers or fight for the Leaf," said Naruto, as he had his own stipulations for his team along for himself to be put in should this go bad on them.
"You could come with us and approve the documentation yourself," said Ino hoping the mysterious warrior would consider that possibility.
"The moment my team and I set foot into Konoha's boundaries every ANBU and Shinobi loyal to the Council will rain down upon us to kill or capture. If we are captured they will use us for experiments, breeding, and other horrible things one can do to another human being," said Naruto knowing that all Danzo and the Council needed were excuses to mess with his team to get their secrets.
"The Hokage would never allow it," said Tenten though given their actions in wanting Naruto dead in the first place so she couldn't really back it up.
"Perhaps. However, before we become hired by your Hokage under official contract I need to take care of something before we can. When our affairs are in order we will speak to your Hokage...personally," said Naruto looking at them all before stopping at the sight of Hinata, who was now officially a Jounin, though he knew she was one after taking the necessary exam 4 months prior.
Naruto smiled at her behind his clothed mask while Hinata had the decently to at least look somewhat shy under his fiery yet gentle like gaze. However, her teammates just assumed he was somehow intimidating her and Neji didn't like it one bit as he moved himself in front of Naruto's line of sight.
'Asshole!' thought Naruto before looking at the rest of his team before nodding and they returned it in understanding knowing that they would have to make a detour through the Capital of Fire Country.
"When will we be expected see you again Shinigami King?" said Shikamaru hoping that Neji would reign in his protectiveness for Hinata long enough for them to get back home.
"You won't unless I allow it. Just like today," said Naruto before he and the other four members disappeared as if they were ghost.
"Well that went better then expected. None of us died," said Tenten having seen the size of the man's sword behind his back and did not want to be on the receiving end of it.
"Yes, but let us not jinx it and get out of here. Come on Hinata-sama we must go back to report to Hokage-sama immediately," said Neji, who was not going to fault his cousin for being so nervous under the eyes of the leader of the Shinigami Shadows since he had felt unnerved by the man.
Hinata could only nod afraid to speak knowing that if she did she might somehow give away Naruto's secret identity as the Shinigami King. She knew she could trust her friends with his secret, but the impact of such mind blowing information could cause fear, and quite possibly doubt to linger in their minds in terms trusting her love or not. Deciding that revealing of Naruto's secret was not hers to do, Hinata followed the rest of the team back to Konoha to report their somewhat success to the mission.
(Konoha-1 Week Later)
"So the Shinigami King will come here when he takes care of certain matters. That was what he told the team you sent?" said Danzo looking at the report himself given to him and the Council by the Hokage.
"Yes. However, I want to make something clear to all of you in this room since it is clear from what he told my search team that he doesn't trust anyone in this room. We are to treat them as guests in Konoha and we will not cause any confrontations with them that might give them a reason to retaliate against us. If such a thing were to indeed happen then they would take down more of us then before we could kill or imprison any of them. With such a loss to our ranks we would be defeated outright by the combined might of both Iwa and Sound," said Tsunade hoping that the knowledge of impending doom for their own personal gain would be enough to keep their egos in check.
"Tsunade-sama! Four of the Five Shinigami Shadows are here in Konoha," said Shizune looking pale having seen them at the gate.
"What? Only four? Is the leader with them?" said Danzo his voice sounding somewhat eager making Tsunade's eyes narrow slightly at the man.
"No. They told the Chuunin at the East Gate that he will be along shortly, but they are to stay here in Konoha to secure his presence before Tsunade-sama and the Council," said Shizune having rushed to the office as soon as she was told this information.
"Thank you Shizune please inform our Shinobi to not engage them or even try to talk to them," said Tsunade knowing that some of the more ego driven Shinobi would like to test their skills against them.
"Yes Tsunade-sama," said Shizune before heading out to tell everyone to stay clear of the Shinigami Shadows.
"You seemed slightly eager about the leader of the group Danzo. Any reason why?" said Tsunade looking at the man, who looked back slightly surprised at her words.
"I'm just eager to be in the presence of the infamous Shinigami King," said Danzo lying as always through his teeth, but Tsunade had no way to prove it at the moment.
"How are conditions of both Hoshigaki Kisame and Uchiha Itachi?" said Homura since it had nearly been a year since they were at their doorstep a hairs breath away from dying.
"They are healed for the most part. Kisame still walks with a limp as does Itachi though the Uchiha needs a cane to walk considering he is now blind. Though despite his current condition I would say that he's still a level of Chuunin since its clear he didn't rely on his Sharingan too much when it Akatsuki. I tried offering them full reinstatement as Konoha Shinobi when they were fully healed in exchange for information they might have gotten concerning Orochimaru or the Shinigami King before they fought him, but they refused," said Tsunade remembering the look of fear in Kisame's eyes and the stiffness of Itachi body when they were given the offer.
"It's as if they are waiting for the man to come finish them off," said Koharu scowling at the report concerning the two former members Akatsuki.
Even the threat of interrogation from both Ibiki and Anko didn't seem to sweat those two since whatever the Shinigami King did to them was by far worse.
"That could be a possibility, but we well see what happens when the leader makes his presence known to the village and those around him," said Tsunade getting a reluctant nod from the Council members.
(Hyuuga Compound)
Hinata was training with Neji though her mind was only half focused at the moment on the spar at hand since the other half was busy thinking of a certain person that was finally returning to the village after all this time. Naruto was returning to Konoha soon, returning to her, and only to her as she had seen how Sakura was among the "demon hating" group that always despised Naruto. The pink haired woman, who was now a Chuunin just only a month ago, after she had finally met the requirements, held no remorse in her heart for her actions against the young warrior Hinata loved, and quite frankly it had bothered the Hyuuga girl very much.
So much in fact, that Hinata had more then once sent the weak girl to the Hospital when the large forehead woman spoke hateful words about Naruto when the Hyuuga Heiress was in ear shot. While it had been satisfying the first...five times, it was now a nuisance that Hinata wished she could end right now with a simple Gentle Fist shot to the back of Sakura's skull.
Realigning her thoughts, Hinata refocused fully on the spar with her cousin Neji with her Father and little sister Hanabi watching seeing the two go at it. Hanabi was not arrogant when it came to her big sister and had always suspected that Hinata had always held back when it came to their sparring sessions out of her love for her. Hanabi knew that due to Hyuuga Clan laws that in time an Heiress would officially become the rightful leader of the clan with he sibling being marked with the Cage Bird Seal.
Hanabi feared that seal above all things growing up having been raised as a Main Family member being served by the Branch members of the Clan. She had never used the seal on a Branch member like her sister and for that she knew that the Branch Family was forever grateful to them in that matter, but more to Hinata herself knowing how she despised the seal as the divided family like shattering a mirror.
Hiashi was in full agreement with his children as he had very rarely used the seal himself other then the one time he used it on his own brother. Something he felt compelled to do during that one time he spared with his oldest daughter when she was still a little girl. The man had also removed his fears of Kumo from his mind having read reports of their not so honorable Council being executed by their Raikage.
Having read information given that was to him one night by an anonymous source Hiashi now understood why things had played out as they did with the Kumo Ambassador and had showed it to Neji as well. The justice that had long been denied the Hyuuga Prodigy for his Father's death had happened thanks to the Five Shinigami Shadows. The news had strengthen the family bonds between both the main and Branch sides of the Hyuuga Clan, but there were still cracks to mend due to the Hyuuga Clan Elder's still wishing to keep to traditions of the Hyuuga Clan. They still refused his words in wanting to remove the seal from the Branch Families regardless of the new information that came to them about that incident.
'Those fools can't understand that to survive we need to change with the times when it is necessary and now is the time to change,' thought Hiashi seeing Hinata dodge and attack with amazing grace equaled only to her late Mother before maneuvering around Neji and delivering the strike needed to end the spar.
Hinata had surprised her Father with her skills and showed him that she was more like her Mother then Hiashi even knew. With her own Gentle Fist training, Hinata focused on Medical Jutsu's knowing that Gentle Fist mixed with the Chakra Scalpels Jutsu would be a powerful combination. Regardless of a hit or miss concerning a chakra point and the enemy would still be crippled by the attacks delivered thus made it a formidable skill to have. Her medical creams had gotten Tsunade's attention as well seeing the young girl as a good apprentice in terms of training to be her successor as a Sannin and Medical Ninja.
"You both did very well and I am proud of each of you. Hinata is just like her Mother and Neji is his Father's son in terms of prodigal greatness. You two are a perfect reflection of the Hyuuga Clan's strength and as such will be the proxy in which those like yourselves and others within the clan for generations to come can learn from," said Hiashi with pride clear in his voice as he spoke to them.
"Hiashi-sama! I have word from the Council and the Hokage," said a Branch Family member, who approached them, bowed, and then walked up the Clan Head.
"Oh? About what?" said Hiashi frowning at what news would be brought to his attention.
"We have just received word that the Shinigami Shadows have arrived in Konoha a few hours ago and now it seems the leader is on his way here riding on a horse. He will be here in Konoha any minute and you are requested to be at the Council meeting with the Hokage to assist in potential negotiations," said the Branch Family member keeping his eyes squarely on Hiashi, who nodded in understanding.
Hiashi knew what the Council wanted. They wanted him to use his Byakugan to look past the masks the Shinigami Shadows wore to determine their identities in hopes of possibly blackmailing the group into service rather then paying them. It wasn't the first time this had happened either as groups of ANBU from other villages when in such meetings had been secretly subjugated to the same thing during the days of the Sandaime to coax more information out of the foreign Shinobi.
Unlike the other times though, Hiashi doubted it would work here with this group, and their leader.
"I will be at the meeting at once," said Hiashi, who saw the man bow before leaving.
"Father I need to go too. As the Hokage's apprentice and possibly future Clan Head I will need to learn first hand experience in these matters," said Hinata, who was happy as a kid in a candy store at being able to see Naruto again.
"I will go as well as both the bodyguard for the current Clan Head and future Clan Head," said Neji not wanting to endanger his cousin anymore then was necessary.
"That will not be necessary Neji. At the moment, I need you to help train Hanabi since it is her time for training right now," said Hiashi seeing his nephew trying to fulfill his duty to the Hyuuga Clan willingly rather then forced with the usual potential threat of the Cage Bird Seal being used if he didn't like the Elder's always did when they ever if rarely went outside of the Hyuuga Compound.
(Konoha Gates)
"Man why do we get guard duty today? This sucks!" said a Chuunin watching lazily for any possible threats to the Leaf.
"Shut up man! If the Hokage hears you she'll put you in the Hospital and then make your life miserable when she comes in to heal you," said another Chuunin with a on the side of his cheek with a cig in his mouth.
"Yeah you're probably right about that. Well another thing I don't get is how come were all on high alert because of this Shinigami King? I mean what's so special about this guy anyway that's got everyone so scared out of their minds?" said the lazy Chuunin leaning back against the wall.
"Are you serious!? This guy and his group took out Akatsuki! All nine S-Class Missing Nin with skills that rival if not surpass a Kage were all killed or broken because of the Shinigami King. You saw Uchiha Itachi and Hoshigaki Kisame a year ago right? He did that!" said the Chuunin with the cig in his looking at his friend in disbelief.
Before any further words could be spoke the two Shinobi heard the sound of hooves in the distance coming from a horse galloping towards them in the distance. Turning their attention towards the sound of the horse's feet they saw a figure riding the great steed wearing nothing, but black from top to bottom. As the rider got closer they noticed the horse itself was not normal either, but rather demonic looking with a skull like covering over its face, armor covering its front area from chest to legs, and red demon like eyes that held no sense of soul that one would find in a normal horse.
"Holy shit!" said one of the two Chuunin as both went diving to get out of the way of the rider that went past them at blazing speed.
(Konoha Streets)
People got the hell out of the mysterious rider's way as his steed kept going full speed and didn't once stop for anyone that was too stupid to be in his path. Fortunately, those that did were spared if just barely with the horse leaping over or moving around them. On the rooftops above four shadows moved with two on either side of the rider heading to the Hokage's Tower.
"When he gets in range you take him out and bring his body to me Sai," said Danzo on the Shinobi radio frequency originally used for Root ANBU.
"Yes Danzo-sama," said Sai readying his crossbow on his wrist waiting for the man of legend to get in his line of sight from his position.
When Sai did get the man in his crosshairs, he let out a single shot knowing that was he needed, and waited for the arrow to hit its target. At the time of the firing of the arrow, the rider was just a short moment away from the steps of the tower with the Hokage and the Council waiting for the Shinigami King to arrive. Just as the arrow was about to hit the figure grabbed the arrow with his left hand and the horse reeled back giving off a loud horse like screech. The figure's black cape swirled around him and his form on top of the horse seemed to stun everyone that had seen that single act in grabbing the arrow with an almost unnatural grace.
The figure stared at the Hokage, the Council, Hiashi, and Hinata, with no emotion as he squeezed the arrow with his fist, and made it snap in his grip. His eyes stared at them all, his gaze piercing their very souls seeing both guilty and innocent staring at him as if he were a god himself and in a single motion his eyes turned to the direction the arrow was shot from as if that were the place of importance.
"Shinigami King of the Five Shinigami Shadows I am...," said Tsunade trying to start this open meeting in a professional manner only for her said guest to hold turn his fist into a palm to silence her as he stared at the direction of the arrow shot at him.
The faint sound of metal meeting flesh was heard faintly in the distance before he turned back to them with that same, slow, and graceful motion he was known for. His dark horse seemed calm enough though the eyes of the great animal seemed to hold no love in it for anything except its current rider.
"Is shooting at someone you wish to hire some kind tradition in Konoha?" said Naruto, as he fully well knew the answer, but wondered how they would respond.
"No, Shinigami King I am truly sorry for what happened. Clearly someone doesn't want you to meet with us," said Tsunade wishing she could strangle Danzo right now knowing it was him that sent the assassin to kill this warrior before her.
"Yes. Clearly," said Naruto snapping his fingers making three of the other four members appear kneeling behind him.
"I understood there were Five Shinigami Shadows," said Tsunade curiously wondering where the fifth member was.
Seconds later a large Zanbato sword was now piercing the ground in-between Naruto and Tsunade with a dead Root ANBU mask wearing Shinobi in the middle of the blade. The dead Shinobi had a crossbow launcher on his right arm at the wrist fully loaded and ready to fire at any given time.
"It would appear Ghost found my would-be assassin," said Naruto looking at the corpse with no emotion in his voice before prying the mask off the dead man revealing his face.
"You just killed a Konoha ANBU!" said Danzo knowing this was his chance to have the man and his team arrested for potential dissection even at the cost of his own son's life.
"You will be arrested for this insult assassination or not," said Homura despite the fact that Konoha was at fault though he and the Council would rather die then admit that.
"Actually from the looks of this mask it would appear that this one is part of something called...Root?" said Naruto showing the mask with the kanji for Root on it to Tsunade, who glared at Danzo knowing the man should not have even a shred of Root ANBU at his disposal.
"Root was disbanded by the order of the Sandaime Hokage many years ago Shinigami King and I assure you that there will be no punishment for this Shinobi's death," said Tsunade seeing the look of outrage from the Council and gestured they all go inside to discuss things further.
"Call me 'N' if you would. Shinigami King is too long a title for me when it comes to long talks with various people of high status," said Naruto smiling to himself wondering what would happen when they all figured out his identity with the exception of Hinata.
"Of course N-sama," said Tsunade finding it was easier for her as well since what he said was correct when it came to his name.
As the two groups walked to the Hokage Tower Meeting room many around them backed away or bowed their heads towards the Shinigami Shadows and the group couldn't help, but let out a laugh as if someone told a joke. It made Tsunade, the Council, Hiashi, and Hinata turning their heads in their direction wondering why they were laughing and what they were laughing at.
"I'm sorry N-sama I'm afraid I missed the joke," said Tsunade as they entered the room in question before they all took a seat in their given chairs.
"It's an inside joke Hokage-sama so I don't expect anyone other then us to understand the meaning behind our laughter," said Naruto as he and his team let out yet another chuckle much to the Council's displeasure.
"We are here to sign an agreement between you and Konoha to serve under us officially as Shinobi, but without Leaf Headbands since you choose not to ally yourselves with any Shinobi Village," said Homura, as an ANBU came in and handed them all contracts that when signed would make them warriors of the Leaf Village.
"I hope you don't mind if we read the fine print," said Zabuza gruffly not wanting to be tricked into anything after what happened with Gato back in Wave Country.
"Not at all please do," said Tsunade seeing some of the Council members tense as they had hoped the group would simply sign it and leave it at that.
"After looking over this contract extensively we, the Shinigami Five, find this contract to be...as solid as water, and therefore will not sign it," said Naruto after nearly 10 minutes before throwing the pile of papers across the table at Tsunade stopping within arms reach of her, as she picked it up.
"What's wrong with the contract?" said Tsunade looking down at the stack of papers that she herself had approved of.
"Check page 5 if you will halfway down Hokage-sama," said Haku not liking the terms set for them if they had signed it.
"Let's see page 5...about halfway...WHAT? 'All members of the Shinigami Five will be forced to sire at least one child for Konoha to train and call their own while if leaving the village the parent, who is the member of the Shinigami Shadows will leave various scrolls of all their skills, knowledge of their abilities, and half of their individual wealth to the child or children. All finances that are acquired will be placed under the oversight of the Council to do with as they see fit based on the best interest of the said child or children accordingly to what the Council believes will be in the best interest of each said child or children.' Who put this crap in the contract?" said Tsunade, as she glared directly at both Homura, Koharu and Danzo knowing it was all of them since they first tried to sneak that into the contract early only to be spotted by Shizune when reading from the large stack of papers that were the original documents.
Only the last time the stipulation was on page 8.
"If we are going to let them work for Konoha then they should give into some of our own demands as well as obey our laws," said Danzo scowling at Tsunade and then at "N" as he called himself.
"Just as the people of the village should have obeyed the S-Class Law that the Sandaime made concerning Uzumaki Naruto? Or that the boy himself should be seen as a hero for holding the most power of all the Nine Tailed Demon Lords? Tell me Homura, Koharu, and Danzo...how does it feel knowing that when you die you will go straight to hell? To know that when you enter hell there will be demons of all shapes and sizes ready to give you a most proper greeting?" said Naruto smiling as he saw the old men and one woman sputter in rage at his words.
"You have some nerve talking to us like that 'N"! At least we do not hide behind masks like the cowards your group no doubt are," said Homura glaring at Naruto hatefully.
"Do you want to see what I look like without this simple cloth blocking my face? All you had to do was ask...politely," said Naruto chuckling while his group seemed to be shifting around slightly as if they were unsure of this being a good idea.
"Then we demand they do as well," said Koharu, who received a heavy amount of killer intent from the other four, but Naruto put up his hand to make them stop.
"First, you cannot demand anything from them. Second, they answer only to me and if they wish they can keep their identities a secret that is fine since it's their choice. Third, I suggest you weak Council members watch your mouth or my group here will remove you from this world. Fourth, if you ever and I mean ever try to demand anything of my team in such a disrespectful way again...we will hunt you all down after we have killed every single member of your family. Do we understand each other?" said Naruto rising from his seat, put his hands on the large meeting table, and with his eyes blazing with fury he unleashed an incredible amount of killing intent telling them he would not back down to the likes of them.
Ever.
"Y-Yes. Yes!" said Koharu breathing heavily as the Council nearly felt as if their hearts had stopped for a full minute.
"Good. Now as for my real identity...well remember the inside joke I mentioned before that none of you got? This is the joke," said Naruto pulling down the black cloth grinning at the shocked Council and Tsunade, who could not believe it was the one person they never thought would be in Konoha again.
"YOU! Filthy demon scum like you don't deserve to be here much less in this world," said Danzo glaring hatefully at the young man before him hating the fox like grin that Naruto was sporting.
"If you have the courage to insult me Danzo-teme then surely you have the courage to attack me as well. Or do you need to send your little Root ANBU to do it for you since you are too much of a coward to do it yourself?" said Naruto leering at the man with his demonic eyes making the Council sweat under his gaze.
"Get out of Konoha now and maybe we won't send every Shinobi and willing villager after you," said Homura glaring angrily at Naruto knowing that when word got out just who was the leader of the Shinigami Five to the people it would cause the support they needed to remove Tsunade from office with someone under their control.
"I know this might sound slightly childish and mostly cliché, but...why don't you make me?" said Naruto gesturing for the Council member to step forward and take the shot that so many had wanted for so long.
"Enough! You idiots can't do anything to Naruto on account of the protection order that was given by the Fire Daimyo himself. Other then the fact that Naruto has the backing of our allies, the Wind Daimyo, and the Lightning Daimyo; doing anything to him would be suicide right before we go to war with Iwa and Sound," said Tsunade glaring at all the members of the Council, who mentally swore at being unable to harm the demon.
"Then we demand that the members of his group be put under arrest and executed since no such protection order exists for them," said Danzo smirking in the belief that he could get to the demon through his comrades.
"Actually that was the 'affair' I mention to Tsunade's search team during the end of our conversation with them. I spoke to the Fire Daimyo about such a possibility happening and he agreed that such a protection order was given to my team as well forbidding any and all harm to befall them at the hands of Shinobi or civilian of any kind," said Naruto holding out a copy of the order with the Fire Daimyo's seal on bottom right making it an official document.
"Seeing as how the contract was tainted and it's getting late, I will speak to the Shinigami Five privately with Shizune along with Jiraiya tomorrow at a later time. This meeting is now over," said Tsunade officially ending the meeting much to the Council's protest.
With that said the group left with Tsunade, Hiashi, and Hinata following right after them knowing that there was much to talk about without the prying eyes of the Council.
(Elsewhere in Konoha)
Kakashi hated his life ever since Tsunade demoted him to Chuunin finding that the rank consisted of doing mostly guard duty or possibly teaching at the Academy. Granted there were a few missions that were more then qualified in terms of the Cyclops Jounin, but the problem was that Tsunade refused to let take any of them. Instead she stuck him mostly with guard duty or as a substitute for Academy teachers that got sick with the flu.
Sakura had been given the same treatment, but was directed more heavily in teaching at the Academy then guard duty because she was still so weak by current Shinobi rank. It would be so easy for enemy Shinobi to tear through her and sneak in like so many had already tempted too.
Just like Sakura, whenever Kakashi did teach at the Ninja Academy, the students were merciless with their pranks on him and would constantly ask him questions about Naruto. Was he really a demon? Would he come back to kill them all? Why did the village treat him badly in the first place when all it would do is cause the boy to hate them? Why was it that the 'demon' was always loyal yet the prodigal Uchiha Sasuke that everyone loved was not? Kakashi hated those questions because it reminded him of how he let down his sensei and comrades with the rules he claimed to live by.
Now he was on his way to see the Hokage for a potential mission that was not a D-ranked mission like all the ones Tsunade made him do to work off the laziness in his system. He stopped when he saw a demonized horse standing outside of the tower and remembered that Tsunade was expecting the Shinigami King today with his group. Maybe if Kakashi were to challenge the leader to a friendly spar he could gain favor with the Hokage? Then she would finally agree to promote him back to Jounin again?
(Hokage's Office)
"Well played Naruto-sama," said Hiashi smirking at the man for his genius and saw just how much of his human Father was in Naruto.
"Thank you very much Hiashi-sama. I've spent a lot of time trying to honor my old man of a Demon Lord by using the cunning intellect of a fox that he gave me," said Naruto bowing his head slightly not seeing Tsunade cringe at that.
'I know Naruto has Sarutobi-sensei's journal and it holds, who his birth parents are, and the fact he calls Kyuubi his Father means he had no love for them,' thought Tsunade, as she wished she had stayed to help the boy in his time of need when he was still a child growing up.
"Naruto-kun!" said Hinata rushing to him and giving him a big hug and kiss as she was unable to hide her emotions anymore.
"I'm sorry Hinata-hime. I made you wait during that whole meeting just to be with me," said Naruto ignoring the shocked and angry looks from the Council members and the calm one on Hiashi's face at this unexpected outburst of affection towards young man.
"It's all right Naruto-kun. You told me in advance when I was on that mission in Wave Country a year ago. I heard the stories of other S-Class Missing Ninja trying to resurrect Akatsuki to take over the world, but you, and the other Shinigami Shadows stopped them all," said Hinata smiling and enjoying the feel of the embrace they were now feeling from one another.
"You and I have much to talk about Naruto," said Tsunade glaring at the boy as she now fought back to urge to slug him for not being in contact with him for 3 years.
"Why? So you can try to boss me around afterwards and tell me to never leave the very village that hates me? No thanks old hag I rather prefer to keep my freedom then be held down by your need to smother me with your protection when you couldn't do it from the very beginning from the Council. All that has ever done is cripple me and I don't like to be crippled by anything that of that magnitude," said Naruto looking at the woman, who felt partially guilty knowing that she would have prevented him from reaching his true potential out of fear of losing him and that her lack of it when it matter most didn't come in his hour of need.
"Hey Naruto!" said Jiraiya appearing in the window grinning his casual grin that at first glance made you want to punch the man into next week.
"If isn't the most perverted man on the planet, who gets beat up more times by women then he does getting any action. How are you Ero-Sennin?" said Naruto making the man face plant at the nickname and insult.
"Damn it! Stop calling me that. You're lucky I still have to teach you everything about sealing and your Father's Jutsu's or else I would leave you with nothing," said Jiraiya in a smug like manner not seeing Naruto slowly let go of a now worried Hinata, did not see the other Four Shadows block off Tsunade, Hiashi, or Shizune, and he certainly did not see Naruto grab his throat before slamming him into the nearby wall.
"First, I know all about sealing from the very best that is my demon Father since demons were the very first to do it before passing it down to humans, who later became arrogant and power hungry people. Second, I know my Father's Jutsu's due to them being in the Namikaze Compound since I've secretly been their learning from the library from time to time sending several of my Shadow Clones in the house to do it. Third, I could care less about that asshole Father of a human that was my biological parent since he was stupid enough to trust the village in carrying out his dying wish. As for my Mother, I know she would have continued to love me had she not died right after bringing me into this world so I won't hate her for something that was not her fault," said Naruto before letting go of the Super Pervert before turning to face the others, but with a calmer look in his eyes.
"Oh Naruto-kun you were in so much pain at the hands of your Father using you as a sacrifice I cannot begin to imagine," said Hinata holding him once again with her ever gentle touch.
"I have you to thank for making it go away my sexy hime," said Naruto making Hinata blush a deep shade of red at his words.
"Now why can't you be like that Jiraiya?" said Tsunade looking at Jiraiya knowing that if the man put more romance then pervert into his ways with women, he might get more then just the usual fist to his face, or the hordes of angry women beating the crap out of him.
"Well when I meet a woman, who doesn't hit me for every single remark that I make perverted or not then I will. Until then, I just have you old flat chest," said Jiraiya, who grinning only to feel the immense killer intent from Tsunade.
"I TOLD YOU NEVER TO CALLE ME THAT!" yelled Tsunade, as she proceed to beat the crap out of Jiraiya making the spectators watch with somewhat amusement.
"I must head back to the Hyuuga Compound to attend to my youngest daughter's training in Gentle Fist, but just so you know Uzu-I mean Kyuubi Naruto, I approve of you dating my daughter. All of Hinata's strength comes from you as her inspiration and I would be proud, Kami willing, to call you my son-in-law in the near future," said Hiashi extending his hand, which Naruto took, which basically meant that Hinata was free to marry the Fox Prince if she wished.
"And I would be proud to call you my Father-in-law Hiashi-sama," said Naruto before he let go and looked at a shocked Hinata, who bombarded him with kisses all over his face, while her Father made a slightly hasty exit not wanting to see his daughter making out, and kept the thought of having grandchildren soon suppressed in the back of his head.
"Now if only Tsunade's fists would turn into her lips I would be in business," said Jiraiya trying to get up only be kicked in the ass out of her office through her window.
We'll draw up the new contract tomorrow since I'm sure your friends would all like to see you again along with their Jounin sensei's," said Tsunade having dealt with Jiraiya and his perverseness and insulting her once small bust.
"Set it up with them Granny I have to visit some other people that need my attention," said Naruto walking with Hinata and his group out of her office.
"Who do you think he's going to see Tsunade-sama?" said Shizune ignoring the red tick mark on the Hokage's head for being called "Granny" by Naruto.
"I don't know Shizune and I don't care as long as he doesn't cause problems that I can't fix," said Tsunade sitting down in her desk only to see a note on it.
If you want to get paperwork done faster why not use the Shadow Clone Jutsu. Seriously how you and the old man never realized that is beyond me. Must be an old person thing.
-Naruto
P.S. I'm not going to stop making fun of you for being old. Same thing goes for Jiraiya being perverted so just be glad I don't shout it out to the world because let's face it...I could and can. HA!
"Damn that boy and his genius mind!" said Tsunade, as she had steam coming out of her ears at the note Naruto left, but all the same this would give her a chance to do paperwork faster, and have more time to drink sake' when she wanted it.
Tsunade could finally have her sake' and drink it too.
(Uchiha Estate)
"You know what's strange Itachi?" said Kisame grinning slightly though it was a shadow of his old shark like grin that made his enemies run away in fear.
"What Kisame?" said Itachi looking over at his former partner in crime when they were in Akatsuki.
"We've been here for a little over a year and were still alive. To be honest I half expected that the damn kid would come after us and finish us off or someone from Konoha doing it for them. I mean were not exactly liked and here most of all since you're still considered a badass for wiping out your entire clan," said Kisame placing a meal of scrambled eggs and some fresh tea for the Uchiha to eat having to be the cook between the two due to Itachi being blind.
"Almost the entire clan Kisame since my little brother Sasuke is still alive, and if you are wondering if I have any regrets, my answer is that I don't. The clan was weak, spoiled by the wonders of the Sharingan not bothering to fully understand the arrogance that came with the power of our bloodline. The only one I do regret killing was Mother as she was a kind soul, but in my madness I had killed her, and when Sasuke came in I wondered if he was even worth killing. When I saw him trembling in fear of me I knew Sasuke was not fit to be an Uchiha much less a Shinobi of potential promise among the clan. Whatever genetics were in Sasuke they were second rate at best and too weak to be noticed at the very worst," said Itachi finding his utensils and started eating his meal finding each day was getting easier as time went on with his blindness.
"Yeah speaking of that runt you call a brother why hasn't he come to kill you like he's always wanted. Always saying 'I have to kill Itachi' this and 'Itachi must die' that. I mean if I were him I'd say screw, find a nice girl, and have kids yet your brother just wants so...one tracked," said Kisame sitting down with his own meal of cooked fish.
"He never could see things from a wide perspective and only focused on a single narrow road. I think Sasuke now wants to kill the person, who successfully crippled me so easily if I understand my brother's mind the way it is," said Itachi sighing as he ate his food.
"Another thing I wanted to ask you and its about your eyes when...you know...when he took them from you? Does this change your perspective on things? I mean its been a year and you seem to be more...at peace then when we were with Akatsuki all the time. Before you had this calm hate in you like you could hate the world so easily and now you are all well...calm like a monk!" said Kisame wondering what was going on inside that Uchiha's head.
"I have had a year to reflect upon myself Kisame and I feel at peace because of lack of pressure I was under from the start. When Uchiha Madara first approach and trained me in the Sharingan I felt so much hate within me for my clan for making me the 'Prodigy' that everyone though I was. Everyone was always watching me and every move I made as a Shinobi when I was going out on missions or in public knowing that it could make or break me in their judging eyes. They felt they had the right to judge me when they didn't even have the right at all. I wanted to show them I was strong and yet at he same time I wanted it to show that I didn't care what people thought of me. When Naruto took my eyes from me and all I saw was darkness, I knew I had not only been freed of my hate, but I was freed from those judging eyes now that I could no longer see them. I'm calm Kisame because I am free of the things that made feel hatred in the beginning of my life," said Itachi smiling a little at the thought of being freed from all expectations from those around him.
"That's good to hear Itachi. Had you not found some measure of peace I would have been forced to slay had you fallen into madness because of what I did," said Naruto appearing behind the blind Uchiha.
"Holy shit! The Shinigami King is here!" said Kisame getting up from his chair, ignoring the pain in his leg from doing so, and got on his knees bowing to the man with his head touching the floor.
"It is good to see you again Naruto-sama," said Itachi not moving from his spot since he was of course blind and couldn't exactly address the man as he should have.
"Likewise Itachi. I see you are much better at being blind after a solid year of practice at it," said Naruto standing near the table while still close to Itachi.
"Thank you Naruto-sama. I can only assume this is not a personal call?" said Itachi, who continued to eat his meal since he could do nothing else.
"No. I was wondering if you were considering reviving the Uchiha Clan?" said Naruto making Kisame stiffen and even Itachi gasp slightly at this news.
"I'm surprised you would suggest that considering how evil the clan is and that allowing us to survive would mean should another Uchiha Madara arise," said Itachi knowing that if there was the world would suffer for it.
"You are correct. However, I would think one such as you would make sure that all past mistakes from your clan concerning Madara would not be repeated. Such as the complete destruction of the information concerning how the final strange of the Sharingan can be obtained and everything else concerning the Sharingan Eyes," said Naruto before turning to Kisame and commanding him to get off the ground.
"I think it would be much safer if the clan were to simply be removed from all existence," said Itachi in all honesty since he believed that nothing good would ever come from the revival much less the continuation of his clan.
"If that is what you truly believe Itachi then I will see to it that the clan dies with you," said Naruto turning and walking out of the room with Kisame looking at Itachi with disbelief.
"You turned down the chance to revive your clan with the man's blessing! Why?" said Kisame looking at his old partner in crime with a look that said "WTF just happened" on his face.
"Some things are better left dead and forgotten in the sands of time Kisame. My clan will be one of them," said Itachi going back to his meal in peace while Kisame stared at him for a moment before going back to his.
(Outside the Uchiha Estate)
"So what was his response?" said Zabuza wondering how the former Akatsuki member responded to the offer.
"He turned it down. It was not unexpected. The Itachi I spoke to in there is different then the one we all saw a year ago. I told him I would let the Uchiha Clan die with him so the only thing left to do now is to kill Uchiha Sasuke and Orochimaru," said Naruto before he turned to Hinata, who seemed slightly depressed at hearing Shinobi work since she wanted to spend time with Naruto.
"When are we going to do that King-sama?" said Yugito seeing her leader walk up to Hinata and stroke her face lovingly.
"Not for awhile or at least not until after the contract is signed and even then it won't be for at least a few weeks before the order is given. For now, consider your time in Konoha a little...break that has been long overdue for all of your loyal service and dedication to helping me rid the world of an evil that had to be removed," said Naruto now smiling at Hinata, who enjoyed every minute of the man's affection directed entire towards her.
"I suggest you remove your hand from the Hyuuga woman Shinigami King unless you want me to remove it from you," said Kakashi on the roof of one of the buildings in the Uchiha District.
"Your voice sounds very familiar Shinobi of the Leaf. Why do you sound so familiar? No it couldn't be him! The man is a late, lazy, and favoritism showing man, who thinks it is better to teach 'geniuses' rather then hard working people," said Naruto knowing exactly who it was on the roof and was glad the man couldn't see his face since the Shinobi was looking at his cape covered back.
'Hatake Kakashi. Well it seems the fates above have conspired for me and Haku to meet you again yet preventing you from even knowing it. Oh this will be fun indeed,' thought Zabuza now grinning beneath his metal mask with his eyes beyond his hood looking at the Cyclops Jounin with a look of a predator finding prey worthy of his claw and teeth.
'Hatake Kakashi. You were never worthy of having Naruto-sama being your student and before our time in Konoha is done you will come to that revelation as well. Though I do wonder...will you kill yourself like your Father did? Or will you succumb to madness and live within your own hell until you die of old age?' thought Haku flexing his hand and felt the phantom pain from the Chidori he took for Zabuza.
Of course Haku would do it again without question, but the pain still sucked.
"I won't tell you again. Remove Hinata-sama from your being or I will remove you from this world," said Kakashi having followed the group ever since they had left the Hokage Tower.
"We are here at the request of your Hokage for helping Konoha Hatake-san. If you wish to engage us in battle we will be forced to defend ourselves. Hinata-sama is our guide and can choose to leave anytime she wishes," said Naruto giving Hinata a quick wink making the girl cling to him more to hide her blush from the scarecrow.
"I highly doubt that," said Kakashi gearing up to use his Rakiri on Naruto.
He was stopped when two ice pick sized knives made of bone were pressed against either side of his neck by Kimimaro, who felt the need to defuse the situation as fast as possible.
"Believe what you want Hatake-san, but King-sama does not lie. If you still don't believe him then go ask Hiashi-sama or Tsunade-sama herself, as they will tell you what we have just now," said Kimimaro eyeing the man carefully.
"While we do appreciate you looking out for one of Konoha's own Hatake-san, I believe Hinata-sama is in far better hands with us then she is with you," said Naruto now turning to face Kakashi with his black cloth covering the lower half of his face once more.
"I suppose I have no choice now do I?" said Kakashi removing his hands from the stance needed to make the Rakiri before Kimimaro removed the two points from the Chuunin's neck.
"If you are so intent on trying to hurt me Hatake-san then I suppose we could do this in another manner," said Naruto his eyes flashing a dangerous red that reminded Kakashi of the Kyuubi.
"A one on one match?" said Kakashi suspiciously gauging the man carefully.
"Yes. Tomorrow, noon, and at Konoha Stadium where the Chuunin Exams are held will be the appropriate setting for this. That way everyone in Konoha will be able to see and enjoy the fight. Agreed?" said Naruto while Kakashi pondered it for a moment to give it some serious thought.
"You have yourself a match. I will need to speak to the Hokage to make this official for tomorrow, but I assure you I will defeat regardless of my current rank," said Kakashi, as he left in a "poof" of smoke.
"Fool," said Yugito knowing that the man was going to get his preverbal ass handed to him.
"Be nice Hell-san were guests here remember," said Naruto smiling at her before picking up Hinata bridal style make her squeak at the sudden move.
"N-Naruto-kun!?" said Hinata blushing further red wondering what he had planned for her now that he was back.
In the back of her mind Hinata's inner-self was calling for a "pre-marriage" honeymoon.
"Do you want a tour of the Namikaze Estate's my hime?" said Naruto emphasizing tour for a reason that made Hinata nod her head fast with her mind spinning not trusting her mouth to speak.
"I think we better stay away from the place for a few hours," said Yugito seeing Naruto dash off at high speed hearing the brief squeal of joy and surprise from Hinata.
"I can't tell who is luckier from the two," said Zabuza knowing that Hyuuga girl looked incredible and that those two were lucky to have each other considering the uniqueness of the circumstances that brought them together in the first place.
"Let's call it a tie," said Haku deciding to break the thought process as he thought of a certain girl at the ramen stand and decided to pay her a visit in civilian clothing leaving the others to their own devices.
"Shall we go out and paint the village red Hell-chan?" said Zabuza bowing towards the woman, who was blushing behind her mask.
"I would love that Ghost-kun thank you," said Yugito leaving with the former swordsman having formed a relationship with the man not long after being in Naruto's service.
"I too will look amongst the populace of the people of Konoha and hopefully I can find a female companion for myself to enjoy being with. I don't why, but I felt my heart race near that Inuzuka woman and that purple haired one with the revealing skirt with fishnet shirt," said Kimimaro before he too left in search of those women.
(YAY! I updated. Hope it was good for you guys. I didn't know what else to do, but get them to Konoha as quickly as possible. I hope you all checked my profile to find out that the first ever Naruto Fanfiction People's Choice Awards is being held by the author by the name of Jessie Briceno so lookout for that. Voting will begin for that soon. Check the authors profile for more information on that. Until next time...PEACE!!!)