AN: Sorry folks, would have had this out sooner but I didn't like what I typed up the first time. So yes, I scrapped it and started over. I apologize for the slow updates, and I hope that at some point these will increase in frequency.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, though I wish I did.

ITALICS – thinking

BOLD – demon talk/jutsu


Arc Three: Home is Where the Heart Lies

Chapter Seven


A couple weeks have passed since the conflict ended, but in those weeks much has happened. Iwa appointed Kurotsuchi as their new Kage and were now in the process of rebuilding, but funds and manpower was at an all-time low. With no allies to help them nor any form of economy, it would take forever to recover, if not at all. A week after the miracle occurred in the operation room, Naruto was released and instead of heading to Konoha with the others, he stayed behind as future plans had to be made.

For the allies, Suna, Kumo, and Konoha, all were celebrating back home; even more so when Suna sent the dirty secrets Iwa held beneath their Kage Tower. From jinchuriki breeding programs, to a plan to assassinate their enemies Daimyos, and others which are too gruesome to even mention.

Currently, Shizuka, Yuki, and Naruto were on a date at one of Ame's restaurants. Speaking of our arctic fox, the injections of Kurama's chakra was going well, and within a couple months she would be battle ready. Although Kurama had an inkling of what would happen to Yuki, the bijuu was mostly blank on the subject. He simply didn't know the full implications of what his chakra would cause.

Naruto and Shizuka just ordered their food. Both were put in a private luxurious room as the manager insisted they be treated with the utmost respect due to what they accomplished during the recent war. The room was decorated with ornate woodwork, a marble tiled floor, expensive paintings and tapestries, among other items which only the wealthiest could afford. Even their dishes were the finest china one could buy. All in all, it was going to be a great dinner date.

"So…another conflict down." Naruto said with a smile as he grasped Shizuka's hands.

Shizuka returned the smile, but her tone was slightly somber. "But how many must we face, how many must you risk your life for?"

Naruto frowned at this and told her of what he witnessed while he was dead; prophecy included. Shocked would not do justice to describe Shizuka's feelings.

"It's you I worry about the most, Shizuka. That's why I do the things I do. This new prophecy…the suffering I will have to endure. I'm afraid that somewhere down the line I will ultimately lose you."

Shizuka leaned across the small table and gave her love a deep, passionate kiss. Once she broke and sat back down, the loving smile and warm tone was back.

"Both of us will grow strong together; a bond which will last until we die in each other's embrace."

Before Naruto responded, something else did that for him. One which not only shocked the couple, but the waiter who was coming in with their food.

"Ruto, Uka, love!"

All eyes were now at the arctic fox which was on Naruto's lap. Yuki's tail was wagging and her eyes wandered between her owners.

"Wow." Kurama blinked in shock. "Didn't think my chakra would change her THAT much."

One of the waiters cautiously approached the table with the food, his eyes constantly on Yuki.

"Um, Uzumaki-san, did your fox just speak?"

Naruto and Shizuka looked at each other before the latter asked Yuki a simple question.

"What's your name?"

"YUKI!"

The waiter had the same smile as his two honored guests did and placed the food in front of them.

"Enjoy your meals, and in all my years, never have I seen a talking fox. Quite the intelligent creature." The waiter bowed. "Are you in need of anything else, Uzumaki-san, Shizuka-san?"

Naruto shook his head, "We should be fine, thank you."

After the waiter left the room with another bow, Shizuka and Naruto ate their meals relatively quietly. Yuki, having discovered her voice, would start spouting nonsense. She never spoke in complete sentences, only fragments of words which were spoke in a recent conversation.

"Fu came to me while you were getting ready to leave the hospital." Shizuka said as she wiped her lips with a napkin. "Said she was eager to chat with you about something…darn, what was it." A short pause. "Ah, now I remember, something about the number seven."

Naruto's eyes widened, "The seven tails! She's a jinchuriki like me. Speaking of which, what is Konan going to do with Roshi and Han?"

Shizuka shrugged and was about to answer, but Yuki decided to butt in. "Oshi! Han! –Uriki!"

After a couple laughs, Shizuka finally responded to Naruto's question. "She said that decision would be ultimately up to you."

Naruto nodded and chewed his food before swallowing. "Hmm, good…I believe a jinchuriki meeting is in order."

Shizuka's looked at her love in wonder, "And how is that possible with the others back in their home village?"

"Even though we may be separated, the bijuu and their hosts can still communicate long distances. You can thank the Sage of Six Paths for that."

"And of Orochimaru and Hanzo?"

Naruto shrugged, "Dunno, but it wouldn't hurt to talk to them. Perhaps find out their true intentions."

Shizuka nodded and was about to eat her last sushi roll when Yuki decided to intervene. The fox grabbed it in her jowls and began to run around the room with Shizuka following close behind. All the while, Naruto was holding his sides as his laughter became uncontrollable.


On Route to Ame's Detention Facility – Hour Later

Fu happily caught up to Naruto, Shizuka, and Yuki as they were walking to Ame's Detention Facility. Ame was a nice place, but the fact it rained all the time was a real let down. To Naruto, he actually preferred the blizzards and extreme cold in Iron Country than this depressing weather. It reminded him too much of the tears he spilt whilst mourning his master's death.

A lit cigarette hung from Naruto's lips, much to Shizuka's dismay, as he talked to Fu.

"Your village did not care for you much did they?" Fu looked shocked which made Naruto smile. "You may hide behind a cheerful mask, but your inner emotions say otherwise." Naruto paused to exhale the smoke in his lungs. "I wore that mask once, one which I eventually stripped after my master set me straight. So, what do you wish to chat about?"

Fu took a deep breath and exhaled before she spoke. "Not to pry, but what happened in Iron Country? One of the rebels I met said that they followed a leader who acted like a puppet master."

"-uppet!" Yuki interrupted which made the seven tails jinchuriki look at the arctic fox with a raised eyebrow.

Shizuka held back a giggle, "You'll get used to it…you do wish to join us on our journey do you not?"

"H-how…you known what, never mind how. Samurai are weird."

Naruto looked at the cancer stick in his hand and frowned. The damn rain snuffed it out. With a shrug, he flicked it away and looked Fu in the eyes.

"Look Fu, I know your pain, and so does Shizuka." Naruto said in a warm tone. "All of our childhoods weren't that great, but that past is behind us; only the future lay ahead. One which will be filled with great hardships, one which us jinchuriki have to coalesce to survive."

Fu looked puzzled, but filed that information for later as they arrived at the detention facility. Once the guards let them enter, Shizuka and Yuki headed to see Orochimaru and Hanzo while Fu and Naruto went to meet their fellow jinchuriki. Two such persons who loathed humanity with a passion. An emotion which Naruto knew was going to be hard to crack.

Han and Roshi halted their conversation as Fu and Naruto arrived in front of their cell. All four of their eyes flashed the respective color of their bijuu for a brief moment before they returned back to normal.

Han grunted as he crossed his arms over his chest. "Hmph, what brings the Kyuubi and Nanabi jinchuriki's to our lovely home…going to find another host for our bijuu?"

Fu was angry at this and was ready to go off, but a comforting hand by Naruto made her stop.

"Far from it, Han, Roshi." Naruto said with a sincere smile. "I simply offer you freedom, and the chance to fight for our survival."

Roshi chuckled before he responded. "Freedom…hah! You may be a fellow jinchuriki, but you are still human. One's which enslaved us to do their bidding."

Naruto sighed and rubbed his temples, "This is going to be much more difficult than I thought."

Kurama smirked at his container's predicament, but the fox had a plan. "Kit, let me take control for a moment, I think my brothers need a little…attitude adjustment."

"Just don't go overboard."

As Naruto's eyes turned into the Kurama's, Chomei shivered and backed herself in a corner.

"Oh, oh, brother's angry…hide Fu, for Kami's sake, HIDE!"

Han and Roshi stiffened as they saw the now Kyuubi controlled Naruto give a fanged smirk then walk towards them in a slow gait. Once up to the bars, Kurama used his host's body to rip the door off its hinges. Smirk still present, he grabbed Han and Roshi by the scruff of the neck and slammed them into the back wall.

"NOW LISTEN HERE, YOU LITTLE SHITS!"


Orochimaru, Hanzo, Jiraiya, and Shizuka halted their conversation as they felt Kyuubi's chakra followed by a demonic yell. All blinked in shock, but only Shizuka was the one who laughed. Once calm, she spoke with a smile.

"Seems Kurama's giving his brothers quite the tongue lashing."

"-Ruto?" Yuki questioned with her head cocked to one side.

"Yes Yuki, Naruto." After a pause, she continued with a stern glare towards the Toad Sage. "Cough it up, grandpa…why are you working with this snake and his lap dog!"

Orochimaru cackled at what his teammate was called, but shut up when another spike of Kurama's chakra occurred followed by the sounds of something breaking. Jiraiya couldn't help but flinch at Shizuka's glare…it reminded him too much of Kushina. Not wanting to suffer such a punishment, the sage decided to answer.

He first went into how he and Orochimaru met again after he left Konoha, then he followed it up with his childhood, with the Snake Sennin's permission of course. Shizuka couldn't help but look at the Orochimaru with a sad visage; her view on this shady man now changed. The discussion of how they made amends was next among other things, but by the end of the 15 minute discussion Shizuka started to piece everything together.

"Orochimaru was your double agent wasn't he…a spy inside the Akatsuki, and to monitor threats to Konoha." Jiraiya nodded with a smile as Shizuka focused on the Snake "Hmm, but that still doesn't answer the question of why you wiped your own village off the map, yet kept the Sound Five."

Orochimaru sighed, "I wanted to fully erase my past, but the Sound Five have been like the children I never had. Yes I treated them poorly and I admit that I was a bad father of sorts."

The Sennin paused to look at the cell in front of his where Tayuya and the others were at. All listened intently which made Orochimaru smile. After a few hand signs, the four in the cell and Kimimaro, who was in a hospital bed recovering from surgery, held their necks and grunted in pain. After about a minute, the pain vanished and the Sound Five wondered what was done to them.

"Be free, my children. Your curse is gone." Orochimaru said warmly then retreated back into a dark corner of his cell.

If one focused hard enough, you could hear the sobs of a broken man.

"Shizuka." Hanzo said in his usual tone. "I know my time in this world will soon pass as I feel Orochimaru's control on me fading…my death will come once again. Before I do, however, I have but one task for you."

Shizuka and Jiraiya raised an eyebrow as they wondered what this was. Hanzo smirked beneath his mask at the silence, but it soon vanished as his body started to crumble.

"My old hideout, Konan knows where it is…behind the false stone wall and down the stairs, the salamanders will soon have a new heir."

Before Shiuzka could question on this, Hanzo turned to dust. Jiraiya, who understood the riddle, simply smiled and patted Naruto's future wife on the shoulder.

"Go now, find Konan and fulfill Hanzo's final wish…the results may surprise you."


Back with Naruto, Fu, like Chomei, was huddled in a corner as they tried to avoid the wrath of their brother; Kurama. Currently, said bijuu looked down upon the beaten forms of Han and Roshi with a frown.

"For the last time, brothers, my container will do anything and just about sacrifice EVERYTHING FOR YOUR POMPOUS ASSES! You were abused by Onoki…cry me a river, I was controlled by that damnable Sharingan for over fifty years." Kurama took a deep breath and knew his time was up. "My container will take over now, and I expect you to at least act civil."

Naruto shook his head as he gained back control, then looked at the damage around him. Naruto palmed his face and sighed.

"Dammit Kurama, do you have any restraint?"

"Tch, restraint…please, I'm a beast which can bring about untold devastation."

"Who's the pompous one?" Naruto smirked as he consoled Fu.

Kurama was about to sleep when he caught what his container said. One angry roar and plenty of obscenities was thrown about which made Naruto chuckle to himself before he cut the connection.

Han and Roshi groaned as they came to. Once they set eyes on Naruto, they sighed, looked at each other, and nodded.

"Naruto." Roshi said with a frown. "After Kyuubi's…disciplining, we have decided to follow you to understand what a true human is like."

Naruto and Fu came over to their fellow jinchuriki and sat down in front of them. With a smile, both held out their right fists. With a smile, Naruto invited them.

"Come, let us all connect and commence the first ever meeting of the jinchuriki. We have much to discuss."

With hesitance, Han and Roshi made a fist and connected with Naruto and Fu's own.


With Shizuka and Konan

"So, explain this to me again as I'm having a hard time wrapping my head around it." Konan said in a confused tone as she and Shizuka walked to Hanzo's hideout. "Hanzo entrusted you the one thing which made him feared and infamous throughout the land?"

Shizuka nodded, "Hai, and to be honest, I'm not sure why he did so. Was it my strength, my will; my character?"

Konan shrugged and all went silent as they neared the hideout. For Shizuka, she figured out what Hanzo had meant by time she contacted The Angel of Ame. Elated would not be the only emotion Shizuka had felt, no, there was also confusion as to why she was getting this rare gift.

"Well, here we are." Konan said as she motioned toward the abandoned home in front of them. "Although it looks like a simple home, do just as Hanzo instructed…oh, and don't get lost."

Shizuka rose an eyebrow at the last part, but it soon vanished as her excitement grew. The rubble on the ground shifted as she walked into the home which made a grating sound. Hanzo's former residence did not look like something fit for a former Kage; it was Spartan at best. After a quick tour of the home, Shizuka found the staircase the Salamander was talking about and descended into the darkness; light seals being placed along the way.

It seemed like hours passed since Shizuka reached the bottom and started to traverse the maze-like corridors underneath Ame. However, she eventually came to one area where it lead to nothing. Eyes narrowed, Shizuka placed her hand on the stone wall and pulsed Earth chakra to see what was on the other side.

It was hollow.

With a grin, and her fist cocked back, she flawlessly executed a Tsunade enhanced punch which brought down the wall. After a small wind jutsu to blow the dust away, Shizuka continued her trek. It wasn't long until she reached an area which could be described as a massive library or study.

Multiple bookshelves filled with scrolls lined the concrete walls, wooden desks were starting to show signs of dry rot, and empty animal cages were scattered about the room. Amidst all this, there, in the center of the room, was an ornate stone pedestal on which lay a simple looking scroll. However, when Shizuka opened it, it was anything but. One signature in blood and a few hand signs was all it took for her to disappear in a puff of smoke.

The salamanders had a new heir.


One Week Later – Konoha

Naruto, Han, Roshi, Fu, Shizuka, Yuki, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru all entered Konoha with smiles on their faces. One such person, however, was hesitant as today would be the day where he would confront the one man he betrayed many years ago.

With a nod from Jiraiya, Orochimaru was led by a squad of ANBU to Hiruzen Sarutobi's home. While the jinchuriki were led to the Namikaze Estates where they would live and train for now on.

"Finally back home!" Jiraiya yelled with a megawatt smile on his face. "Well, I don't know about you, but I missed out on a ton of research…catch you later!"

Naruto and Shizuka shook their heads in mirth as the Toad Sage shunshined to the Hot Springs, but that soon turned into uproarious laughter thanks to Yuki.

"Pervert!"

Once their laughter ceased, Shizuka and Naruto kissed before they went to Harumasa's emporium to get ready for its grand reopening. That, and Naruto's addition was completed. It was a massive dojo meant for training students, the thought of which brought a smile to his face. As Naruto brought out his ocarina and started to play the sorrowful Uzumaki tune, he closed his eyes and let his emotions take control.

Yuki whimpered and snuggled up to Shizuka's chest thanks to what was being played. She, like many other civilians or ninja's who came to see who was playing such a tune, had tears starting to form as memories of the past started to rush in. Once completed, Naruto opened his eyes and blinked in shock at the people surrounding him, but soon a smile came to his face. He bowed, and noticed that he was at his master's emporium…it was time to get to work.

Work which the crowd of civilians and off duty shinobi didn't hesitate to help with. The stories of Naruto's accomplishments already spread around the Elemental Nations, and for the shinobi population, his Bingo Book entry was only proof of that.


Sarutobi Estate

Orochimaru looked at the ANBU surrounding him and nodded with a frown on his face. Each disappeared, but placed themselves in areas where the Sennin could be watched at all times. With a sigh, and some hesitance, Orochimaru knocked on the door.

"Who is it?" A voice said on the other side, one which was unmistakable to the Snake Sennin.

"Open up Sensei…it's me, your failure of a student."

The door opened quickly to show one Hiruzen Sarutobi standing there in disbelief. For what seemed like forever, only silence existed between them. It was broke, however, when Orochimaru cleared his throat to speak.

"Sensei, please, there's a lot I need to get off my chest."

Hiruzen took a shaky breath before he stepped inside and motioned for his former student to enter. To be honest, the elderly Sandaime wondered if this was all a genjutsu. A brief pulse of chakra confirmed that this was not the case.

"Ku ku ku, Sensei…is it so hard to believe that I've returned?"

At first the Sandaime narrowed his eyes in anger at Orochimaru, but it quickly softened to one of sadness.

"After my failures, yes, very much so. But, I suppose now's the time to finally put the past where it rightfully belongs. Care for some tea?"

Orochimaru shook his head and followed his Sensei to the living room. Once they sat down another tense silence ensued, and like before, the Snake Sennin broke it.

"Ku ku ku, where to start." The Sennin sighed. The sad visage taking Hiruzen aback. "My fall into darkness maybe? How about Jiraiya and I finally making amends and working together where my life started anew?"

The Sandaime was now puffing on his pipe whilst absentmindedly chewing the wooden tip in his mouth. After exhaling, he looked his student in the eyes and responded in a calm, but frail tone.

"All of it, Orochimaru...I want it all."


Konoha 12 – Private Training Ground

A massive fireball was blown towards Neji who used his Kaiten to protect himself. Sasuke, the one who cast the jutsu, had to duck to avoid Tenten's katana then jumped into a nearby tree only to get hit by Kiba's Fang Over Fang. Lee came to the rescue, however, as he caught the Uchiha and flung him towards Hinata who attempted to creep up behind Choji and take him out. Seeing this, Shikamaru quickly captured Hinata in his Shadow Imitation Technique.

As Choji rolled away to avoid Sasuke's incoming kick, Hinata could only smirk and say the following in a playful manner.

"Oh boys, do remember that I'm not like the other Hyuga."

With that, Hinata turned into water which quickly turned into a massive Water Dragon. Sasuke's eyes widened and he quickly substituted with a log to avoid getting hit; the log turned into splinters as the jutsu hit, but Hinata wasn't done. In her hiding spot, she concentrated and managed to turn the jutsu towards Sai, Ino, and Sakura who were tag-teaming Shino. Before the jutsu could hit, Sasuke countered with a Great Fireball which connected and made steam cover the area. The sounds of fighting stopped, and a quick wind jutsu courtesy of Shino cleared the training ground. Everyone looked at each other with a smile, even more so when the sound of clapping reached their ears.

"Well done, all of you. It seems your training is coming along well." Nagato said in his usual tone, though it was a lot brighter. "I hate to interrupt your sparring session, but Tsunade needs Ino, Sakura, and Hinata at the hospital…a certain Kaguya needs help with physical therapy."

The three nodded and left in a shunshin. Once gone, the Godaime gave an evil smirk to the rest of them.

"We're boned." Kiba said with a nervous chuckle at the end.

"Troublesome, that's what Hokage-sama's training methods are." Shikamaru said in a lazy drawl.

Nagato nodded, "Ah, but today I have a helping hand. Kurenai, Itachi, Asuma, Guy, you may come out now."

Neji let out a defeated sigh, "It seems fate plays her hand once again."

Tenten glared at Neji and smacked him upside the head.

"What I do?" The Hyuga said while he rubbed the back of his head.

"The one thing your cousin abhors. Why? Simply put, it's annoying." Shino said in his usual monotone while he fixed his shades.

Neji grumbled to himself, then soon got tired of everyone laughing at him. "Alright! Can we just get to training?"

"Yosh! Neji's Flames of Youth burn brightly!" Lee exuberantly shouted with a fist pump.

"Shall we fan these flames, Lee my boy?" Guy returned with the same tone.

Of course, this turned into the two hugging. Before the dreaded sunset genjutsu could be delivered, however, Nagato let out a blast of killing intent towards the two. Then, just for fun, blasted them into a nearby tree with a low level Shinra Tensei. Tick mark still present, the Godaime spoke with a slightly agitated tone.

"I hoped my cousin would have solved that by now…no matter, your training will just have to be doubled today!"

The Konoha 12 that remained had but one thought.

"Troublesome."


With Naruto, Shizuka, and Yuki

"Yuki, can you bring that scroll to me please?" Naruto said while he was repairing some leftover samurai armor.

Said fox trotted to a nearby area in the store and picked the scroll up in her jowls. Once back at Naruto's feet, Yuki looked up and let out a short yip. Naruto bent down to receive the scroll then scratched his companion behind the ears which made Yuki start to purr.

"How's the flyers coming along for your samurai classes?" Shizuka interrupted as she appeared from the back room; two massive sealing scrolls were in her hands.

"Uka!" Yuki happily trotted over expecting more ear scratching and belly rubs; Shizuka didn't disappoint.

Naruto smiled as he looked over the armor, then nodded in satisfaction then placed it on the wall behind him. After a pause, Naruto walked over to his fair maiden and pecked her on the cheek.

"Good, I just had a couple of your clones and some of the people who helped us place them around the village. It will be a mix of self-taught, the teachings of my Master, and what I set up in Iron Country."

Shizuka noticed Naruto's tone start to waver at the end; she knew something was up. "Intuitions again, dear?"

A nod confirmed her suspicions which made her sigh and walk over to the counter to unseal the contents in the scrolls. Each was filled with hundreds, if not thousands of seals. All of varying type. Light seals, explosive tags, weight seals, and the list went on.

"Please don't tell me it's another war…haven't we been through enough sorrow already?"

Naruto frowned and walked behind Shizuka and placed his arms around her midsection. "This war will be unlike anything this world has seen; even the Warring Clans era will look like a puppy dog in comparison. I hope my feelings are wrong as we both deserve peace for all that we've been through."

As Shizuka and Naruto kissed once more, Yuki had but one thing to say.

"Yuck!"

Of course this happened to make two people start to laugh, both of which were recognizable. Naruto's eyes widened, "Ji-Ji, long time no see!"

Hiruzen smiled and waved, "Glad to see you in good health, my boy." He then looked around the shop. "Impressive Naruto, very impressive. Fukui would be proud, rest his soul."

"Ku ku ku, I agree…though I wonder how you will cope with teaching, training, and running the shop at the same time." Orochimaru said with his usual smirk.

Naruto narrowed his eyes at the Sennin, but it quickly vanished to a calm demeanor. He knew of Orochimaru's past thanks to Shizuka, but that still didn't mean he trusted the Snake.

"You'd be wise to not question what I can, and cannot accomplish…Orochimaru. I've faced armies twice my size, watched my master take his last breath, and have basically killed myself twice now all in the name of honor and on those who I deem precious."

Naruto paused to walk up to the Sennin, and looked him straight in the eyes. For Orochimaru, what made his heart skip was not the fact the Uzumaki had an all-around calm and professional demeanor; no, it was what was underneath. For the Snake Sennin, he knew he was looking at a true samurai…one who would sacrifice it all and never surrender in the face of battle.

"I sense your hesitation…that's good, as you never know when a samurai might strike. Hmmm…almost like a snake. Not knowing where it will strike next."

Orochimaru frowned, "Come now, Naruto-san, I am a changed man. Is my actions in the war not enough for your approval?"

Naruto shook his head as he turned around; his arms behind his back. For Hiruzen, even though he buried the hatchet with Orochimaru recently, like Naruto, he had his doubts.

"I've read your history, the atrocities you committed since Danzo twisted your mind…though, your childhood was not the best either. You have a lot to atone for, Orochimaru, I suggest you start putting yourself in a good light. Remember, you and I are alike…no one knows when we will strike next."

As Naruto retreated to the dojo with Yuki to train, Shizuka gave both the Sandaime and the Snake Sennin an apologetic glance.

"Look, I'm sorry for Naruto's behavior. I tried my best to have him see you as a good person Orochimaru, but it seems his samurai instinct is absolute. As to you Sandaime-san, I apologize that your reunion did not go as planned."

Hiruzen waved his hand which signaled it was alright. "I expected as such when I came here…I think its best we retreat before the evening is upon us. Come Orochimaru, I have a spare bedroom in my estate." After a bow to Shizuka, the Sandaime smiled. "Good day, Shizuka-san."


Six Months Later

"Again." Naruto said as he walked in-between his students as they practiced their aikido katas. If any flaws were found, he would help the student fix them.

Speaking of students, a week after the flyers were posted, over 100 civilians wanted to join; each ranged from 10 to 27 years of age. These 100 students were dwindled down to only 30 students thanks to a preliminary week Naruto held for all of them.

The first day, Naruto took his group of students around the village and helped civilians and shinobi alike with any problem they had. If money was offered, Naruto told them to donate it to a charity of their choosing. Five students were dropped as they demanded the cash and even went so far as to threaten them with death. Once taken away by ANBU, Naruto handed the remaining students a copy of Bushido and told them to study it.

The following day was to recite the Bushido code if possible, and also a list of the training they would do for the remainder of the week. Both the code and the grueling training regime scared a lot of the students; 25 more had left. The rest of this day was to see if the student's Ki could be accessed. For those who had already activated their chakra, this task was much more difficult.

Shizuka, who was watching some of the students struggle, quickly formed an idea. One application of chakra draining seals later, and the students with chakra soon found that their Ki could be found more easily. Activating it, however, was a different story.

By preliminary weeks end, the class was now at only 30 students. All had accessed their Ki, and had started on having their senses taken away. D-ranks were done after an intense workout, and the students went home disheveled and tired. Some parents had their concerns about this and promptly invited Naruto over to chat. After a lengthy discussion about what it meant to be a samurai, some of his own experiences included, and a brief rundown on what their son/daughter was learning the parents felt content.

Even the Sandaime, his students, the Konoha 12, and Nagato watched Naruto teach from time to time. Each were impressed and started to see the advantages a samurai had over the shinobi. While a shinobi simply practiced a jutsu until they felt like they mastered it, the samurai kept at a skill until it became muscle memory.

No flaws, just perfection.

Just one of the many advantages they saw.

Currently, this same group of people was watching the training session for the day. It was afternoon, and a break would be given soon. They watched as Naruto stopped in front of a student who paused their kata to see what her master wanted.

"Master Uzumaki, something the matter?"

Naruto smiled, "Your stance is too rigid for attacking; move your left foot back a little more and widen your stance." The student did as told and smiled. "See, does that not feel much better? The feeling that you are but a flowing river, and your opponent the obstacle you must flow around to continue your journey?"

The student bowed, "Thank you Master!"

"Anytime, Natsumi"

After another look around the dojo, Naruto nodded in satisfaction then picked one student at random.

"Break time everyone! Daisuke, would you mind sparring with me for a moment?"

Said student bowed and walked in front of his master while everyone went off to the sidelines. As Naruto and Daisuke were ready to spar, an ANBU interrupted Nagato and whispered that two people were here to see him. With a nod, the Godaime shunshined out of the room. Naruto had a feeling that said meeting would involve him, but for now he focused on the future generation.

"I am but a mountain, Daisuke…become the river which erodes through it."

The student nodded, and rushed Naruto in order to hit an uppercut, but this was a feint as Daisuke flowed around the backside of his master. Once in position, a kick to the back of the knees was executed, but to the surprise of all, Naruto blocked the kick with his own; all without looking. Not deterred, the student flowed back to the front and attempted a punch; it was swatted away with ease. Like a river, Daisuke continued to flow around his opponent and tried everything in order to land a hit.

Sadly, Naruto did not allow that to happen.

As Naruto blocked a punch, he quickly jerked the arm forward and kneed the student in the stomach then kicked Daisuke's legs out from under him. Still holding onto the arm, Naruto attempted an arm bar only to find himself spun around and slammed onto the ground. Daisuke, thinking he has won, stood up, but quickly found a bokken at his throat which made him gulp in fear. After a pause, Naruto sheathed the bokken and patted Daisuke on the shoulder with a smile.

"Very good, my student, but you must remember that an enemy will always find a way to strike back. This is yet another lesson all of you will learn as you continue your path on becoming a samurai." Daisuke nodded and joined his classmates' right as an ANBU appeared beside Naruto. "No need to speak, ANBU-san, you may take me to the Hokage."

Once gone, the students were in awe, some of which started to wonder if they could predict the future as well. Knowing that class was over for now, Shizuka and Yuki went back to monitor the store while the Konoha 12 went to their training ground. For them, they would be joined by Han, Roshi, and Fu; an interesting training session would be at hand. For the Sannin, they looked at each other and smirked.

Tsunade, like Hiruzen, buried the hatchet with Orochimaru but still didn't trust him. All three shunshined to the Sandaime's personal training ground to settle old scores.


Kage Tower – Office

Nagato and his two guests paused their conversation when the ANBU came with Naruto in tow. When Zabuza and Haku looked towards Naruto' their eyes widened at how much he's changed since they last met.

"Damn gaki, you've changed." Zabuza said with a grin under his bandages.

Naruto gave a small smirk then bowed, "A pleasure to see you once again, Zabuza-san, Haku-san. How may I be of service?"

Nagato sighed and sat back in his chair while Naruto took out a cigarette which the nearby ANBU helped light with a small katon jutsu. Naruto gave thanks at the same time his cousin started with his usual monotone.

"My two esteemed guests have recently told me of the peril that the rebellion in Kiri faces. In short, they will lose the war within the month." Naruto tried to speak, but the Godaime raised his hand which made him stop. "I know what you are thinking, my cousin, and the reason is that an outside force is using something that turns people into nothing but their skeletal structure."

Naruto blinked in shock, and actually stuttered for the first time since his childhood. "W-What! T-That's barbaric, it…it has to be false, right?"

Haku shook his head with a frown, "I'm afraid not Naruto-san. Our rebel forces now only stand at about 200…we had over 4,000 six months ago. Mei, our leader, was almost killed by this type of gas until…"

Zabuza decided to finish as the images were still fresh in Haku's mind. "…Chojuro, one of the seven swordsman, and a great comrade of ours, used a substitution to take her place."

Naruto grimaced at the image placed in his head, then exhaled his smoke. After a brief moment of silence, Naruto's demeanor turned emotionless and his once bright blue eyes grew cold. The hidden ANBU and Nagato smiled knowing their Commander was back. Zabuza and Haku couldn't help but to stiffen their posture as Naruto's aura screamed leader and one which demanded full respect.

"Zabuza, Haku, come, we have much to discuss and many allies to meet."

The two could only nod and before leaving, they bowed to the Hokage. Speaking of Nagato, he pulled a bingo book from one of the desk drawers and opened it up to a bookmarked page; he couldn't help but smile.

It was Naruto's.

"S-rank at only 14…for you to be as strong as your father at such a young age, I can only feel pity for those that make an enemy out of you. Perhaps I am not Kami after all. I look forward to see how strong you become in the future, my cousin."


Namikaze Estates – 10 minutes later

After going back to his master's emporium to dismiss the class and notify them that they will be self-teaching themselves for a while. After handing out materials for them to do this, he motioned for Shizuka and Yuki to follow along. No words were said until they got back home and ushered Han, Roshi, Fu, and the rebels into the living room for a meeting. After Naruto looked around the room to make sure everyone was paying attention, he began.

"The rebellion in Kiri will fall to Yagura's troops within the month, maybe less. Zabuza and Haku being here only aids Yagura in finishing his bloodline purge so we must make haste with our planning. Zabuza, Haku, you have the floor."

After bowing, both took turns discussing the layout of Kiri, what they have been up against, and how many troops are remaining. Zabuza even went so far as to how much he and Haku trained the rebellion troops and how great a leader Mei was. After this 15 minute long discussion, one of the rebels from Iron Country spoke up.

"Naruto-sama, perhaps our training with Takeshi could come in handy here. Although we didn't show it in the war, most of us have been trained in subterfuge, assassination, among other Black-Ops tactics."

Shizuka had a smile on her face as an idea came to mind. "I have been working on some new seals as of late, and was wondering if you can test them for me."

Naruto quirked an eyebrow, then motioned to continue. Shizuka had a bored look on her face as she spoke; like what she accomplished wasn't much.

"Oh, just some High Explosive tags, a transformation seal, an invisibility seal, oh and did I mention my improvements to the durability seal? It can now withstand a bijuudama."

Zabuza gawked, "And pray tell how you managed to test that out!"

Han, Roshi, and Fu slowly rose their hands with a nervous laugh. Naruto could only shake his head in mirth.

"HA! Now that's a party…hmm, this is quite nice having my brothers and sister around." Kurama said with a shit-eating grin on his face.

"Boom!" Yuki yelled out which made Haku's eyes widen.

"KAWAII!"

Everyone couldn't hold back their laughter as Yuki tried to get away from Haku's clutches. This laughter, however, didn't last as a knock was heard at the door. Han, being the closest to the door, went over and opened to let whomever inside. There, standing in the doorway, was Orochimaru himself.