Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. All rights go to Kishimoto.

ITALICS – thinking

BOLD – jutsu/demon talk

Arc One: A Warrior's Path

Chapter Six


"Honey, I'm home!" Fukui said as he opened the front door of his home, but there was no response. "Izumi…honey? Where are you?"

Silence greeted him, a troubling response which made Fukui reach towards his katana so that he could draw it at any moment.

After almost two minutes of searching, he found Izumi in the backyard with one person he hoped not to see. With haste, yet caution, Fukui quickly ran outside and confronted the situation.

"Takeshi, my brother, what is the meaning of this!" He yelled as he looked at Izumi's chest which was bleeding out from a shallow cut.

"The civil war may be over, but I have one lose end I must take care of." Takeshi let out a small chuckle then advanced towards Izumi. "Tell me, do you know of the actions your wife took in the war?"

"I know of her deeds, of her controversial tactics." Fukui's eyes narrowed as anger started to overcome him. "But it was necessary to end the war. She saved me from that prison, a prison that you put me in no less!"

"Oh, does my brother need a hug?" Takeshi sarcastically quipped as he held a hand over his heart in fake pain. "HA! The only reason you got caught is because you failed to kill me. I may be blind in one eye, and have the scar to show your weakness." The brother traced the left side of his face where the scar was. "But, I have something that is dear to your heart."

"Don't you dare touch her! If this is for revenge, then you have sadly fallen off the path of the warrior…you know the price of such an act, my brother."

"Bushido, prophecies…you think I care! The old samurai way is just that, and Mifune is a fool to keep it going." Izumi whined as Takeshi started to stroke her hair, an act which made Fukui grip his katana handle tighter. "Instead, I will rise to show Iron Country the new era, one where they will reign supreme!"

Fukui, knowing his brother was too far gone, sighed and looked into his wife's green eyes, "Forgive me Izumi as blood must be shed one last time."

Just as Fukui launched himself towards his brother, Izumi felt a tug at her body followed by a quick jolt of pain. Blood shot out of her mouth as she looked into her husband's eyes, ones filled with understanding and warmth.

"I forgive you…but don't…fall off the path. Stay strong…my…love."

With her last breath, she kissed her husband on the lips and fell backward off the katana with a smile.

Her body slumped to the snow covered ground which started to stain red.

With shaky hands, he dropped his katana then touched his bloody lips, eyes wide in shock at what just transpired. As Fukui fell to his knees in order to caress his dead wife, Takeshi simply laughed, but quickly recovered to say his decree.

"The Shinobi tactics may be underhand, but the possibilities us samurai can use them in is amazing. A simple replacement is all, one switcheroo and your life comes crashing down around you. You may have given me this scar, but I have given you a bigger one…enjoy hell, my brother."

Fukui never saw Takeshi poof into smoke which signaled it was a clone, no, instead he continued to caress his wife as the blood continued to stain the bright, white snow.


Harumasa woke with a gasp and a cold sweat and, as he palmed his face, a canteen was handed to him which he quickly took and downed what was inside.

"Thank you my student." The retired samurai sighed, "That same dream…that one moment in my past which I simply cannot seem to get over."

. "Your Ki was very sad master, like you just lost someone important." Naruto took the canteen back, but looked at his master worriedly "I'm here if you need help, we are in this journey together after all."

"Thank you, but it will be a story for another time." Fukui took the canteen again and took a gulp of the cold water inside before handing it back to Naruto. "Come, we will start you on the second set of techniques as well as the sword stances."

Naruto nodded and reluctantly left his master's tent. Once gone, Harumasa couldn't help but smile at what has happened in the four days they had travelled.

The first day was learning the basics of hunting, gathering, skinning, and how to make clothing from the skins of an animal. Of course, the art of the bow and arrow was taught here with one that was brought with them. The second day was of one that bloomed a potential friendship with an unlikely character and his companion.


Flashback – Two Days Ago: Somewhere in Fire Country

As Naruto and Fukui searched for a spot to make camp, knowing that darkness soon approached, they both felt two signatures; one was of a gentle nature while the other was filled with bloodlust. Both samurai nodded to each other and calmly kept on walking even though they knew they would eventually run into the signatures they felt. When they did, however, each of them stopped and stared at each other not knowing what would happen. The two figures that Fukui and Naruto were staring at was a man with the lower half of his face bandaged and a massive sword on his back. The other was a male that had a feminine looking face and was dressed in a semi-formal kimono. For Naruto, the one with the massive sword and bandages was easy to discern. After all, reading all those Bingo Books, even the most up to date one, made Naruto understand just how many missing nin were out there in the Elemental Nations. Naruto

"Zabuza Momochi, Demon of the Hidden Mist." Naruto calmly stated as he looked into the Demon's eyes without fear.

"Oh, a gaki who knows my name, and a samurai no less." Zabuza smirked under his bandages and reached back for his sword. "I always wanted to fight a samurai, how about it gaki?"

"I will not draw my blade on a potential ally, but I thank you for the offer." Naruto replied, keeping his calm façade.

"Ally!" Zabuza chuckled at that then looked Naruto in the eyes, "Gaki, I killed my whole graduating class when I was nine years old."

"And I killed almost 8 ANBU not too long ago." Naruto interrupted nonchalantly. "Your point Momochi-san?"

"This kid!" Zabuza and Haku thought with shock.

Fukui smirked, he was overall proud at how his student handled the situation. "Perhaps we can all chat over some tea? A stream is close by, a perfect spot for camp."

Haku chuckled while the Seven Swordsman's eyebrow twitched in annoyance.

"TEA! Really?! You run into me, one of the Seven Swordsman, who can kill you without a sweat, and you simply ask us to join us for tea?!"

"C'mon Zabuza-sama, don't be such a meanie." Haku said as he crossed his arms over his chest and looked his father figure in the eye.

Naruto nodded and motioned towards the nearby river. "Please, join us as you must be tired from your journey."

"Some kid you are." He mumbled, then looked Naruto in the eyes, surprised at how he didn't even flinch. "Fine, but if you try anything."

Although the swordsman left the threat hang, Naruto and Fukui was not worried. They simply walked side by side and led Haku and Zabuza to where they would camp. Once the samurai stopped, a simple nod was all it took for Naruto to start setting up camp and, within minutes, the tents were up and the sleeping bags laid out. For Haku and Zabuza, seeing the two samurai work without one word being said confused them, but they soon broke from their stupor to setup a camp of their own. As they returned about five minutes later, they found the two samurai to be meditating near the fire as the tea brewed. Their swords were on their laps, one hand being on the grip just in case.

"Zabuza-sama?" Haku questioned, wondering how the two sat so still.

"The samurai life is much different than our own Haku, and in all honesty, I would likely lose to the gaki's master." Zabuza let out a small chuckle before he pointed at Naruto. "Hell, I wouldn't be surprised if the kid could kill me."

Naruto and Harumasa, who heard everything, smirked internally, but they soon were broken from their meditation by the slight whistling of the tea kettle. With a smile, Fukui poured the tea into cups and handed them around. Although it was silent at first, an awkward one at that, eventually conversation bloomed.

"What brings you out here Momochi-san?" Naruto said, but took a pause to sip his tea. "Other than the failed Yagura assassination that is."

This one question alone began what would become a night that was filled with back and forth banter about each other's past which, surprisingly enough, was very similar. Although Naruto and Fukui kept much of their past to themselves, no doubt Haku and Zabuza doing the same, the four found a connection with each other and an alliance formed. When the time came to depart the next morning, Zabuza and Naruto met once again and shook hands.

"Gaki, if we ever meet again, Kiri could use your help in the civil war." Zabuza smiled under his bandages, still in slight disbelief at how this kid managed to open up his dark heart.

"Perhaps I will take up that offer the next we meet." Naruto said, a smile gracing his lips. "It was a pleasure to get to know you, farewell Zabuza-san, Haku-san."

"As was you, Naruto-san, Fukui-san."


Flashback End

Fukui smiled at the memory, even more so at how the memories of the occasional bandit run-ins they had. All bandits were taken out in an effective manner without a draw of the sword. Naruto simply used aikido to dance around the opponent then use their own weapon against them. Like Fukui, Naruto did not dare sully his blade with the blood of the weak. For those deemed a worthy challenge, only then would the blade come out.

"Jeez, your old age must be getting to you." Fukui looked at the tent's entrance to see a smiling Naruto.

The old samurai shook his head in mirth and pointed a sage like finger in the air. "Ah, but with age comes wisdom."

Naruto snorted in amusement then left the tent and went to a nearby clearing so that he could begin his training. It wasn't long until the retired samurai showed up and instructed Naruto on the second set of attacks for the Musō_Jikiden_Eishin-ryū; all ten of them.

The first was Yokogumo which dealt with an opponent sitting in front of you. The meaning is the same as Mae; you strike them between the arm and face.

Toraissoku is when an opponent in front of you has tried to cut your right leg, but you parry said cut and as they are falling backwards, you cut them down from Jodan.

Inazuma is when an opponent is about to attack you from Jodan. You anticipate this, however, and before they can strike, you cut into both of their forearms. Afterwards, you cut them down.

Ukigumo is when your opponent is the second person sitting to your right. As he comes to grab your tsuka (sword handle), you move it out of their reach. Once done, you cut their chest, push them down to the right with your sword, and, lastly, cut down into their body.

Oroshi is like Ukigumo, but instead you strike the tip of the sword handle against their face. After this, you follow through like in Ukigumo.

Iwanami is when an opponent tried to gain control of your tsuka, but before they can do so, you thrust your sword into their chest.

Urokogaeshi is when you defeat an opponent to your left by anticipating their attack and cutting before they can. The strike is like Migi.

Namigaeshi is about dealing with an opponent that is behind you. Due to this, the strike is like Ushiro.

Takiotoshi is when an opponent from behind grabs your kojiri (tip of the scabbard) from above. You wrest this from their grip, thrust your sword into their chest, and as they are falling backwards, you cut them down.

Lastly is Makko which is similar to Nukiuchi. Once you sense the harmful intentions of your opponent, strike them down.

"Now, before you get into these, I must show you the proper sword stances. Fukui smiled at how intently Naruto was paying attention. "Some of which, you have done naturally."

With that, Naruto was shown the five stances. (1) After this was done, Naruto immediately began practicing. With every wrong move, he would get hit with Fukui's own bokken on various parts of his body. The placement of which depended on where the stance was wrong. If the hands were off, Naruto would get hit in the hands. If the legs were off, the legs got hit. After a couple hours of training, these hits became less and less which made Fukui pleased at how Naruto was coming along. He knew that by time they arrived at Iron Country, Mifune would be pleased by Naruto's progress.

"Speaking of which." Harumasa mumbled to himself. "I sent out a letter days ago, I wonder if Master Mifune got it yet."


Iron Country – Mifune's Office

Mifune, whom was meditating in the center of his office on a mat, was interrupted by a knock on the door. As he cracked open his eyes and stood to stretch out his aging body, he began to wonder why his student hadn't sent a report yet about Naruto's training. After cracking his back, the pops making Mifune sigh in relief, he went to his desk and sat down in the hopes that today such a report would come.

"Enter."

The messenger opened the door, walked to the samurai leader and bowed low.

"I apologize Mifune-sama, but this message came two days ago."

"Two days?" Mifune's eyes narrowed. "You are rather prompt on getting me any important messages, pray tell why this one is an exception?"

The messenger didn't miss the angry tone, and gulped knowing his job was on the line. "I have no excuse sir."

"Hmm, no excuse you say? One would think you may be up to something with such a response." Mifune said as he leaned forwards and gave the messenger a look which sent shivers down his spine. "Is there something you aren't telling me boy?"

"N-no Mifune-sama!" The messenger boy stuttered at the amount of Killing Intent that was being directed towards him.

The leader frowned as he grabbed a pink slip from his desk and started to scribble something on it. "You have been good to me boy, but I sadly must ask you to turn in your resignation papers as promptness is key." He handed the messenger the slip who took it with his shaky, sweaty palms. "Perhaps your time in the military will help that cause."

The messenger bowed again, "If you so wish, so shall it be Mifune-sama."

"Dismissed!"

After the messenger walked out, Mifune shook his head and opened the letter and began to read.

Master Mifune

I have left recently with my student, and I should be in Iron Country within a weeks' time. The child of the swirling tides is anxious to meet you, in fact, you may be surprised on how much he has learned after only a short 2 years. Sadly, his innocence has been lost due to certain Roots upheaving. His dark side is quelled…for now, but I fear it might come out if tensions increase at home.

Until then,

Fukui Harumasa

Mifune smiled, "Ah, to be young again, but it saddens me that a child such as he had to experience what it means to kill."

After a pause, the old man began to think about the rest of Naruto's training. He smiled again when he came up with a plan.

"Yes…that would do nicely, especially with tensions so high right now."


Somewhere in Iron Country

The messenger boy scowled as he knocked on the door in front of him. A small viewing window opened which allowed the man on the other side to look at the boy.

"Password?"

"The white snow runs red."

The viewing window slid closed followed by the sound of locks being undone. Soon, the door opened with a small squeak to allow the messenger inside, but as he did so, he came face to face with Harumasa's brother.

"Takeshi." The messenger bowed.

"Daisuke" The brother responded, confusion evident on his face."Is there something you need today?"

Daisuke looked at his boss with nervousness, "I-I…" The man took a breath to calm his nerves, "I screwed up Takeshi. Mifune fired me from the messenger job as I failed to deliver your brother's message to him which arrived two days ago."

Those in the safe house, which looked like one massive bar, that heard this turned to see what would happen. The music that once played went silent as did the patrons.

"Can you repeat that?" Takeshi said, a sick smile which screamed death forming on his face. I'm not sure I heard you correctly…did you say that one would which I utterly loathe?"

"H-Hai…I failed, sir."

The boss chuckled and looked at the patrons with his arms extended. "Look here my comrades, a failure is in the midst, and do you know what we do to such people!"

A simultaneous universal sign of beheading was what the patrons did which made Daisuke shake in fear.

Takeshi put his arms down and looked at Daisuke with sadness, the sad tone which he spoke which was obviously fake.

"Poor, poor, Daisuke…all you had to do was deliver simple messages so that the layout of Mifune's tower and guard rotations could be obtained."

"I…I can write everything down for you, I know everything by heart!" The messenger pleaded, but Takeshi was having none of it.

"No, No…you see, after your stunt, the guard rotation will change. Truly a setback, but no matter, there are plenty of others who I could turn to."

Daisuke took a calm breath as he saw Takeshi turn to walk away, but it was the last breath he ever took as darkness overcame him. Not having a head helped in that regard. As Takeshi continued to his office, like he never even drew his katana to begin with, the patrons started the task of cleaning up the place and ensuring the body would never be found.


Ame – Nagato's Tower

Konan walked into the room with a message in hand, and although she wondered who it was from, she couldn't help but feel sad every time she looked at Nagato knowing he would never walk again. She also hoped he didn't take the masked man's offer.

"Konan, an unexpected visit." Nagato said as he eyed the message in her hands. "Am I to assume that message is for me?"

"Hai, Nagato, but as to whom I'm not sure."

Bewildered, Nagato grasped the message and opened it after searching for traps. The contents of which made the God of Ame let out a rare smile.

Nagato Uzumaki

Yes I know who you actually are as my student was the one who taught you almost everything he knows. Besides that fact, the reason I am messaging you is that my other student, Tsunade Senju, has a possible cure for your paralysis. Along with this offer of enjoying the freedom to walk again, is two others which I hope you will find beneficial. Both of which, will be sealed at the bottom of the letter. I do hope you consider and take these offers, as I look forward to meeting you.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Sandaime Hokage

Nagato looked at the Uzumaki spiral at the bottom of the letter and saw a faint chakra signature from it. After pushing chakra through it, two documents were unsealed, one was a scroll from the Fire Daimyo while the other was the instructions on Tsunade's genjutsu to cover up his weak looking form. As he unraveled the scroll from the Fire Daimyo, his eyes widened as he read two words which was in the first paragraph.

"Nagato, is something the matter?" Konan said with concern as the Uzumaki rarely smiled.

For the first time in many years, Nagato chuckled and showed Konan the two words which made her gasp in shock. The two words?

Godaime Hokage.

Before more could be discussed, however, all of this had to be quickly sealed as a signature was incoming; one Nagato knew all too well.

"Zetsu, I have been expecting you." The Rinnegan user calmly stated as the plant man appeared.

"My master wants a response on his offer."

"Answer or I get the hot piece of meat standing besides yah!"

"Ignore my other half." White Zetsu stated. "An answer if you would?"

"I think you already know the answer to that, good day Zetsu."

The plant man scowled and sunk back into the ground and, after the signature left, Nagato summoned his Animal Path so that it could inform Konoha of his decision.

"And who will run Ame after your absence?" Konan asked which made Nagato smile.

"My little flower, you should already know the answer to that."

Konan's eyes widened in shock before they returned to normal, a smile coming to her face. "I will run this village to the best of my ability Nagato."

"Of that, I have no doubt." Nagato said with a nod then looked towards Fire Country. "Kami is coming to Konoha, a feared village it will be once again."

Konan let out an exasperated sigh, "You and that God complex…seriously, is that a trait that comes with those eyes?!"

Nagato smirked, "Oh if you only knew that I do that simply to annoy…then again, these eyes do make me all powerful." The Uzumaki paused his thoughts then groaned internally. "Dammit, I think Konan might be right after all."


Mountain Graveyard

Zetsu appeared just as the man was putting back on his orange spiraled mask.

"Nagato's answer is a negative if I may hazard a guess?" The man gruffly asked.

"You are correct Tobi, a possible ulterior motive perhaps."

"It matters not, I will get my prize sooner or later." Tobi waved off the threat as he focused on another one. "And the boy?"

"Traveling to Iron Country with his master and yet he is gaining immense strength. Shouldn't you be worried Tobi?"

"Can I eat the gaki when you're done with him?" Black Zetsu, like always, decided to butt in.

Tobi looked at the black half of Zetsu, his only eye twitched in annoyance. "You and food…seriously?! Ugh, anyway. I fear not for the boy as the samurai's code of honor will limit him from certain things; the shinobi arts being one of them. If he and I fight, the boy will be at a great disadvantage."

"My orders Tobi?" Zetsu questioned, seemingly pleased with his master's actions.

"Continue surveillance on all the jinchuriki, dismissed."

Zetsu nodded and sunk into the ground. Once done, Tobi looked at the corpse that was on the nearby throne. It was the once great Madara Uchiha, the one who gave him another chance at life.

"Thanks to Nagato defecting I must alter your plans Madara, but in the end the Eye of the Moon will be completed. But first, some insurance methods must be done."

With that said, Tobi disappeared in a vortex of air. His destination unknown.


Two Days Later

The last two days of Naruto and Fukui's journey was relatively peaceful. There was no bandits to take down, but they did see the occasional missing nin who decided to stay away due to fear of angering Iron Country. They knew of what a samurai could do, the stories of what they could do to shinobi was well ingrained in Elemental Nation lore. Even though they were not proficient in the Shinobi arts, one slip up would mean certain death. And if one was bad enough, a whole army was worse. Rumors of Mifune being able to take down a small battalion of shinobi during the First Shinobi War solo helped propagate this fear.

As they neared the entrance to Iron Country, where the main village was located, Naruto was proud of how much he learned over the two days. He had a grasp of the second set of attacks as well as sword stances, polished up his Aikido and Ki sensing, as well as everything he has learned thus far. His greatest accomplishment by far was finally being able to play the old Uzumaki composition on the ocarina. It was a haunting melody, one which brought Fukui to tears when he first heard it. As they arrived at the gates the guards bowed to Fukui and Naruto.

"Harumasa-sama, an honor to meet you." Said one of the guards, his eyes wandering towards Naruto. " And I take it this is your student?"

The retired samurai nodded, "Hai, may we see Mifune-dono please. He is expecting us."

Both guards nodded, but only one left to get Mifune. As they waited, Naruto decided to sit down and play the Uzumaki tune. (2) Although a slightly lengthy piece, nobody complained. they simply shut their eyes and thought of the past. It was over five minutes later that Naruto stopped playing and opened his eyes to see Mifune and a small army of samurai behind him, all were on one knee with their heads down; a form of respect for what was played. Mifune's clapping brought Naruto out of his shock.

Naruto quickly stood and bowed as the samurai leader came up to him, "Mifune-sama, an honor to meet you."

"A sorrowful tune Uzumaki-san, one I have not heard for many years." Mifune said with a smile then waved a wrinkled hand towards his still kneeling samurai. As you can tell, my men have their heads bowed low as a sign of respect to those who have fallen."

Naruto nodded and put the ocarina back in his bag at the same time Mifune told his men to rise then motioned for Harumasa and Naruto to follow. For Naruto though, the intense cold was something he was not used to yet. How these samurai wore armor and no winter cloak overtop of it was baffling.

"You will build endurance to the constant cold here over time." Fukui clarified as he saw Naruto start to shiver and hold himself to get warm. However, his voice soon became stern. "I will warn you now my student, the next leg of your training will be the most intense. So intense in fact that most samurai in training never return."

Naruto decided to push the question as to why, the answer of which made him regret asking in the first place.

"They commit seppuku as they feel that failing the training is failing Bushido. In a way it is right, but in a way it is wrong." He tapped Naruto's head. "All of it is in here, my student, the elements make one forget the path they tried so hard to forge."

Naruto let out a sad frown, "I've been off that path once master, and to be honest I was thinking of killing myself that day if I hadn't found another way to protect Konoha and the Elemental Nations." However, that frown turned into a smile as he gave his master a brief hug. "For everything you've done, I thank you Harumasa-sama."

Mifune listened to this with closed eyes and a huge smile, "For one so young, he is like an adult. For one who lost his innocence, he uses death as it is supposed to be used. Perhaps you are the one I have been looking for all along."

Fukui was speechless, but he returned the hug nonetheless. It wasn't long after that they arrived in Mifune's office and, once the door was closed, everyone sat in the chairs provided.


Mifune cleared his throat before he looked at Naruto with a smile. "I welcome you again to my home Uzumaki-san, but like your master said this leg of the journey will be your toughest yet." He turned to his student. "As for you my student, I welcome you back but sadly, your brother has yet to be found and tried for his crimes."

"Thank you master. Although not happy about it, Fukui understood. "As to my brother, after what he did, I wouldn't consider him as such anymore."

Naruto looked at the two with a raised eyebrow, something which they caught which made both elder samurai sigh. Without any words, Mifune got up and went to the nearby bookshelf and, after searching for a bit, he grabbed a massive scroll and handed it to Naruto.

"Mifune-sama?" The Uzumkai questioned.

"That." The samurai leader pointed at the scroll. "Is all of Iron Country's history which details the previous civil wars we have had. One which helped me become leader, the other, although brief, led to many, like your master, losing someone precious to them."

Naruto bowed his head in respect, "Thank you Mifune-sama, I will make sure to read this before my training begins."

"Ah, that reminds me." Mifune suddenly shouted as he searched his messy desk for a piece of paper. But once it was found, it was given to Naruto.

The samurai in training looked it over, not once, but thrice over to make sure the information was correct. With sight hesitation, he looked at Mifune, then his master, then back at the leader of Iron Country.

"You want me, an 8 year old kid, to live in the mountains of Iron Country for three to four years." Naruto looked outside the window to see that the snow fall had picked up. "Not to be rude, but are you senile?"

This got Fukui and Mifune to laugh, but after they recovered they gave Naruto a harsh glare which made Naruto gulp as he knew they weren't lying.

"I have taught you all I know to a certain extent, my student." Fukui began warmly as he put a comforting hand on Naruto's shoulder. "But now is the time to take that training, and use it in the real world. You will have to survive on your own using the resources available to you, the ones in the various caves in the mountains. Whatever one you choose is up to you."

"How long do I have until I do this?" Naruto looked at the paper he was given and couldn't help but close his eyes in thought.

"One week is all that I will give. It should be enough time for you to get acclimated to the cold and so that the history of this place can be read." Mifune responded. "I expect great things out of you Uzumaki-san."

Naruto nodded with a hesitant smile, "Hai, and thank you Mifune-sama."

"Good, now if you would go with one of my guards to your quarters that would be most appreciated. My student and I have things to discuss."

Naruto grabbed the massive scroll and paper, bowed, and left the office. As the door clicked close, Fukui looked at his master with a smile.

"So master, did my message do justice?"

"Hai. You have taught him well my student." Mifune looked to the ceiling as he remembered the past. " Almost reminds me of you when you first started this path. Where were you again when I met you?"

Fukui eyes found the floor very interesting as it was a memory he hoped to keep buried. "I almost froze to death outside the orphanage as they locked me out."

"Hai, and now look at you! An old man like me with many burdens on their shoulders."

Both elders got a good chuckle out of this, but the conversation soon turned serious.

"So you think Naruto is the one to take over in the future?"

Mifune nodded, "Hai, he has a lot of good qualities. What I fear is what this potential civil war will do to his mind. Many commit seppuku as they cannot take the mental stress anymore."

Harumasa winced at the thought, "And I would have done so after my wife passed if not for allowing me to wander the nations. How long ago was that? Five years ago, maybe eight?"

"Five if my memory suits me." Mifune started with a sad tone, but then clapped his hands to change subjects. "Now, although he carries the Uzumaki Namikaze lineage, do you think he will take yours on someday?"

"I sure hope so." Fukui stated as he nervously played with his topknot. "I feel the cold talons of death gripping me master. This potential war, I fear I may not make it through. If it comes to that, make sure Naruto is allowed to choose like you let me."

Mifune smiled, "You have nothing to worry about my student as I will take over when you cannot."

Fukui nodded and thanked his master. Soon after, a couple receptionists came in with herbal tea and cigars that were imported from Tea Country. Both elders smiled and graciously took the items while thanking the ones who brought it in. After the cigars were lit, and the tea poured, the master and student laid back and contemplated on what the future would hold as well as the training Naruto was about to endure.


1. See bio page for information, a link will be provided.

Edited: 5/16/15