An: Well here is chapter 50 and I would like to thank the people who have reviewed and given me their support and feedback. Since I'm releasing this so early this week the next chapter won't come out till about Thursday or Friday of the following week. Again thanks for reviewing S. o. t. A.
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto and I'm doing this for fun not profit.
Chapter 50: Clouds gather on a starry night
Hinata and Sakura looked over the pictures that they had received over the past year and five months since the Chunin Exam, since they had just received a new one. As they laid out the pictures Hinata thought about all that had happened in that span of time.
Both girls had been promoted to chunin as had, Ami, Chouji, Tayuya, Kin, Shino, and all of Team Gai. Kiba had grouched about having been passed over, but had managed to get promoted in the Suna Exams that had been held six months later as had the rest of their friends. Shikamaru had actually been promoted to jounin no doubt due to as he said, "The constant nagging of that troublesome woman." Neji had also been promoted to jounin. Hinata could have possibly been made a jounin by now as well, but feared it would interfere with her chances to be put on Naruto's team.
Thinking of some of the things that had happened in her friends' personal lives Hinata wondered what she should get Tenten and Lee for a house warming gift as they had recently bought an apartment together. Ami had also recently told her parents about her preference for women and although she had been worried how they would take it. Both had been supportive. Kiba was still unlucky in love having set his sights on Ino, but was gently let down as she claimed she already had feelings for someone. Who that was only Sakura knew and she wasn't telling.
While happy for her friends, she couldn't help but feel a little jealous as she wondered if Naruto would return her feelings when he returned. As tales of some of the adventures he had while training with Jiraiya had begun filtering into the village. To Sakura and her, it had seemed that for a while it had almost sounded like Naruto was always saving a princess or noble. All of whom the rumors said would fall madly in love with him. Hoping that he remained as dense to the ways of a woman's heart in his travels as he had been while in the village, Hinata prayed their wasn't some line of women that would flock to Konoha if the CRA was ever put into effect.
Sighing, Hinata ran a hand through her longer hair, which she had grown to differentiate herself from her friend and rival as Sakura finished laying out the last picture before placing the new one next to it. The story had changed right after the chunin exams by focusing on the woman that had been in the first picture with the baby that had grown to be the demon child. The first one they had received had the woman waking.
The next one had shown her looking rather weak and gaunt making Hinata guess that she had spent years asleep. Perhaps the entire time the first half of the story had been taking place. The next picture showed her having regained some of her vitality as she fought against what appeared to be miniature demons. The demons appeared to be smaller versions of the demon boy from the first half of the story.
The next picture focused on the return of the Demon boy having gained more toad-like traits. The two girls from the previous pictures stood at the end of the road obviously looking older indicating some time had passed. But the happy homecoming didn't appear to happen as the picture that followed that showed the woman attacking the demon boy.
The picture they had just received showed the woman and demon standing just beyond one another. Their backs were pointed towards each other. They each held a kunai in hand which was held up at chest level their poses could be read as either defending one another, or they had just past each other trying to inflict a fatal blow. There was a drop of blood that dripped from each kunai making it impossible to say who had won.
The only thing that had stopped the girls from bringing the pictures to the Hokage to ask where Sai was had been his letter. It had been vague as always, but he promised the final picture would make the story clear. If not he'd give them a gift. Both girls had been confused, however they decided to wait and see hoping the last picture somehow contained a happy ending.
Danzou had not been pleased for the past year as none of his sponsored-nin had made it to the finals in the last two Chunin Exams. However, despite that minor setback all his strategies were beginning to bore fruit. The minor pieces he was putting into place in a nearby country would give him a second base of operations far away from the prying eyes of Ibiki.
Apparently the supposed death of his brother had prompted him to investigate Jirocho and he had almost learned of Root's connection to the money the gangster generated. With no other choice he had been forced to cut his hidden ties with the man and kill quite a few assets.
But, on the plus side the Kyuubi Jinchuriki was due to return soon and therefore would be dealt with. The only thing that remained was to test the weapon they had spent the past three years forging. As any solider or shinobi knew only fools entered the field without first testing the weapons upon which their fates relied.
Standing, he left his study quickly being flanked by two of his Root agents as he made his way to the training grounds where Kushina was. Entering he saw that today Sai was sparring with the woman personally. Sai was using several large Fu dogs to help keep the woman off balance. Charging in, he attempted to slash her with his tanto but was swiped off his feet by the woman. Before she could press her advantage as he flipped away to recover one of the ink beasts attacked, yet was destroyed as Kushina leapt over it procuring a kunai from her pouch and throwing it at the ink beast's head.
Landing, she ran at Sai her long hair flowing behind her. Sai prepared to meet her attack blocking the kunai several times before getting caught with a kick that hit him hard enough to send him crashing against a wall. The two remaining beasts attacked but Kushina created two shadow clones that dealt with them. Once the beasts were destroyed she dispelled them as she walked up to the still prone Sai and helped him to his feet.
"Well done Kushina," Danzou said walking to the pair.
Sai detected a slight rolling of the woman's eyes before she turned towards the Root leader. "What," she said hostilely. Sai was pleased that in all the time spent in the Root compound that the woman never once lost her hostile attitude to Danzou or his ilk.
Ignoring the woman's tone the Root leader said, "It's time for you to prove yourself."
"I told you, I'm not becoming one of your puppets Danzou," Kushina said angrily. "I'll kill the Kyuubi but after that you're returning me to my family."
"I know our arrangement," Danzou replied calmly. "However, I need to be sure you are up to the task. While Sai has done an admirable job he is still young and can't provide me with the feedback that a mission can."
Kushina kept her eyes on Danzou but cautiously asked, "What would you have me do?"
"Simple, there has been a threat to Konoha brewing for some time and I want you to deal with it," Danzou said.
"Stop playing games, tell me what the threat is," Kushina demanded.
'The Third Hoshikage died sometime ago," Danzou said smiling as a look of distaste appeared on Kushina's face. "I see your opinion of that village taking the title Kage matches mine."
"It's pure arrogance," Kushina conceded, "But they aren't a threat."
"Don't be so sure," Danzou said, "Any village that would so ambitiously proclaim themselves to be worthy of a Kage have eyes on one day taking what they feel they deserve."
"Still they are allied with Konoha," Kushina said.
"Perhaps," Danzou replied, "But my sources say that recently the star they rely on for power has been stolen. Regardless of that, the man that would claim to be the third Hoshikage died under mysterious circumstances."
"What's your point?"
"The point is things are stirring up in the village. The only reason one would have to kill the third would be to get the star training he banned restated. That is most likely also why someone made off with the star, as that was exactly what his replacement did. Therefore, the mission I would assign to you is twofold. Remind these Hoshi shinobi of their place and recover the star."
"No doubt for your use," Kushina said distrustfully.
"What do you care?" Danzou countered, "Soon the Kyuubi will be dead and you'll be free to return to your illusion."
Sai again felt a small measure of pleasure when instead of snapping like all the other times Danzou called the dream world she was trying to get too exactly that, she remained silent. She remained so for several minutes before saying, "When do I leave?"
"You and Sai will leave tomorrow night," Danzou said, "We'll smuggle you out using the east tunnel. Until then prepare. Sai will take care of arranging for you both to reach the Land of Bears."
Several holographic figures began to appear in a cave in Rain Country. Although the shapes remained hazy the figures knew each other. "My how nostalgic. What's it been three years?" said the voice of Kisame Hoshigaki.
"I see your sense of humor remains the same, hmm."
"What's taking Leader so long? I hate waiting."
"Probably giving it to his fucking angel. Fuck this is boring."
"Shut up, I was forced to pass up on a bounty to attend this meeting the last thing I want to hear is you complaining."
Watching the exchanges with a pair of Sharingan Itachi truly wondered if Pain could bring harmony to the world if he couldn't even keep his men in line. Not to mention the man that was truly running things. Although he didn't doubt that if anyone could stop Madara it was pain
"That's enough," cut in the smooth and calm voice of the man who stepped out of the shadows. Immediately all the side conversations ceased as the Akatsuki leader stepped out of the shadows in person. "The time has come to begin focusing on our true agenda. To that end you know your assignments. Itachi, Kisame you remain behind for a moment."
The other forms began fading out leaving only the two requested. After a few seconds of silence Pain said, "Kisame, I'm changing your target from the four tails to the nine."
Itachi's eyes widened, but otherwise he remained silent trusting in his inquisitive partner to ask. He wasn't disappointed as Kisame said, "Why the change? I thought Itachi's eyes were supposed to be the trump card against that jinchuriki."
"For the past three years Jiraiya has acted as the boy's protector. Therefore we cannot assume that when the time comes to collect him that he'll be easily captured. We need to make him reckless and what better way to do that then to kill someone he cares for."
"I get it," Kisame said giving a shark-tooth grin, "you want me to kill Zabuza."
"Exactly," Pain replied stoically, "I'm sure you don't mind resolving your unfinished business with Zabuza do you?"
"Not at all," Kisame said, "But I'll need your assistance to make the invitation."
"Tell me what you have in mind," was Pain's reply.
Kushina hated doing anything to her hair, especially dyeing it. Despising the dark black that it now was she followed Sai to Wave. It felt nostalgic to be heading back to her homeland as they entered the morning mist. She never truly understood why they had changed the name from Whirlpool to Wave. She assumed the Daimyo of the time simply wished to forget the devastating defeat that Kiri had handed the country during the Second Great Shinobi War.
Guessing it didn't matter as the Uzumaki had scattered to the wind after it she decided on trying to figure out Sai's angle in taking her this way. Arriving at a bridge she didn't remember existing during her time or being built in the genjutsu world she had spent thirteen years apart of, she asked, "When did they build this?"
Turning Sai said, "A little over three years ago. It became necessary when a gangster took over all the shipping companies of the country and almost bleed the country dry."
Hearing that, Kushina felt rage, but calmed realizing the bridge meant he had been stopped. Not able to read the large sign over it yet due to the mist she asked, "What's it called?"
"It has two names," Sai said, "The first is the Three Demon Bridge. That's the more common since that was the name it was given first."
Why would it have two?"
"Well at the time one of the participants of the battle was travelling under a false name and it would bring unwanted attention to him had they given the bridge his name."
"Oh, so what did the builder want to call it?"
"The Great Naruto Bridge," Sai said smiling back at her noticing that Kushina stopped and was looking at the smaller sign painted underneath the main one. Noticing she looked conflicted no doubt due to the hypnotic suggestion that made her hate and want to kill her son, clashing with her desire to know why her homeland would want to name a bridge after said boy. He decided to tell her. "At the time your son was learning under Zabuza. They ended up working for the gangster trying to destroy the country's economy. Although loyal to Zabuza he hated working for a man like Gato and eventually managed to convince his sensei to adopt a wait and see attitude in regards to killing the bridge builder."
He smiled when Kushina didn't correct him for using the term your son. Eventually she said, "But he would have killed the bridge builder if Gato had come through."
"Probably," Sai answered truthfully. "Naruto gave his word to help Zabuza topple the Mizukage. Helping Zabuza secure the capital to do that was part of honoring that word."
"It doesn't change the fact he would work for a criminal," Kushina said.
"You seem to be looking at things rather conveniently," Sai said as they began crossing the bridge.
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Well, despite his status as an elder of Konoha. If it was learned that Root still existed. I can't help but feel he would be considered a criminal. Yet you serve him in hopes of gaining a chance to kill Naruto," Sai said giving his false smile to the woman.
"That's different. It…it isn't Naruto. My…my baby died at birth…taken over by that monster…" Kushina said her face scrunching up in pain whether from the recollection or the suggestion repeating itself Sai couldn't say.
Not wanting to push the woman he said, "Well anyway. Zabuza ended up killing Gato and a good portion of his men and the bridge builder lived so they decided to name the bridge after him. Would you indulge me a question?"
"Sure," Kushina said hoping it wasn't about Naruto.
"Well during a dinner at the Hyuuga's in Naruto's honor…" Sai stopped a moment seeing Kushina look at him in surprise. She obviously wanted to ask why the stuck up Hyuuga's would hold a dinner for Naruto but this time she quickly schooled her features into a mask. Taking that to mean she didn't wish to hear the details Sai continued, "…a Hyuuga said that the Uzumaki were considered a clan in Konoha. The reason that he gave was for sacrifices made during the Third Great Shinobi War. But how is that possible as the Whirling Tides Village was destroyed during the Second."
"It was," Kushina said, "But the sacrifice that the Hyuuga was talking about was made by a band of wandering Uzumaki that held up a contingent of the Iwa forces long enough to evacuate a base in Grass that was going to be overrun. They didn't need to as they weren't aligned with Konoha but remembering the old ties between the villages decided to stay and fight to the last man. They were all killed." She paused remembering the deaths of her kinsmen before saying, "After that a motion was entered to give the Uzumaki Clan status in the council. It took years. But it eventually passed, yet before it could be implemented the Kyuubi escaped."
Sai's eyes widened and he was glad he had moved a few feet in front of Kushina as she explained as he was unable to the surprise from his face. "Escaped…" he said hoping she would elaborate.
However she ignored it in favor of saying, "That's why I never took Minato's last name. As the only Uzumaki in the village I was going to be the clan head. Couldn't exactly do that as a Namikaze could I?"
"Is that why Naruto wasn't given it as well, since there isn't a Namikaze Clan?"
"That was the intention," Kushina said, "Minato was a civilian that graduated from the Academy. I think that was another reason people loved him as the Hokage so much. He showed them you didn't need to be from a clan to achieve greatness."
The two lapsed into silence until half-way across the bridge Kushina asked, "Is that why you brought me here to show me what Naruto did for my homeland?"
"Partly," Sai said, "However due to the Land of Bears being on the other side of Earth Country. The fastest way there without cutting through the Land of Earth is by boat. So I figured we could kill two birds with one stone."
"I'm still going to kill him," Kushina said flatly, "to me this world is simply a long dream."
"I suppose I can understand that," Sai said a little disappointed, "but this is the only world that I have to work with, so I have to keep trying."
Mei was in her office when one of her chunin burst in shouting, "Milady…at the front gate, it's Kisame."
"What," she replied standing quickly and knocking her chair back. The chunin blinked and she was gone already taking off through the village. Approaching the closed front gate she saw close to a hundred of her shinobi of all ranks had gathered. They all appeared nervous and considering the tales that surrounded the man she couldn't blame them. Quickly running up the gate she leapt over the top landing smoothly in front of the grinning rogue-nin.
"Well if it isn't little Mei," Kisame said his blade held on his shoulder. "So they made you the Kage after Yagura. Well wish I could say I saw that coming."
"Bastard," she snarled, "You'll pay for your crimes with your life."
"Do you accept rain checks," Kisame said.
Mei was about to attack when the shout of, "Hold it," interrupted her. The gate of Kiri began to open and walking towards them with his blade held on his shoulder was Zabuza.
Kisame's grin grew larger as his fellow swordsmen came into view, "Zabuza Momochi, it's been ages. Heard you killed Raiga. How'd it feel, maybe we can compare notes?"
He walked past his wife who said, "Darling together…"
"Relax Mei," Zabuza said, "He's an overconfident and arrogant bastard. But even he wouldn't show up here announcing himself like he owned the place."
"I'm afraid Zabuza is right milady," Ao said dropping down beside her. "His chakra although large isn't at the same level as the Kisame I remember. Also I can detect a second source within him."
"That would be the poor schmuck this body belongs to," Kisame said.
"So what do you want?" Zabuza asked sorely tempted to carve the shark looking man up.
"You and I have some unfinished business. So I'm calling you out and offering an official challenge," Kisame said.
"Forget it," Mei said cutting in, "The Seven Swordsmen have been disbanded. He isn't obligated to accept anything from you."
"What was it that old buzzard used to say?" Kisame said, "Give me a moment it'll come to me…"
"Once a swordsman always a swordsman," Zabuza said calmly.
"That's it. Sorry remembering shredding him to pieces kind of distracted me," Kisame said laughingly. "But that's why you haven't reformed them have you. I'm still out here, and regardless of the matter of me being a rogue-nin you won't be able to fill my spot till I'm dead."
Mei expected some sort of response from Zabuza. A moment later the wraps from around his face fell and although he didn't give voice to what he said Kisame said, "Got it. I'll see you there then, at the appointed time."
Before anyone could question what he meant Zabuza moved cutting the head off of Kisame but before it hit the ground it had already returned to the minor Akatsuki member whose body the jutsu used. Turning Zabuza wasn't surprised when Mei said, "You are not going."
'Of course I am with a squad of Anbu," Zabuza said, "Now I'm going to the training grounds."
Although outwardly pleased, she knew her husband so after he left said, "Ao, follow him."
"Yes milady," was the hunter's response before disappearing.
Arriving at a small port village in the Land of Bears they made it halfway to the village when they were stopped by an Anbu in a dog mask. "Welcome Sai, Lady Kushina," Inu said.
Kushina tilted her head slightly finding something about the voice familiar. Not to mention the purple strips on the dog mask. It showed as the Anbu said, "Is something the matter?"
"Sorry, it's just you remind me of the kunoichi on my…who was on Minato's team."
Removing the mask Rin said, "That is because I was her, Lady Kushina."
Cheerfully Kushina said, "Rin," and tried to hug the girl but she stepped back.
As cold as ice Rin said, "Please remain on point Lady Kushina. I said I was her. That weak girl doesn't exist anymore. Please call me by my codename Inu."
"Rin…" Kushina said weakly not understanding how the sweet girl she remembered could align herself with someone like Danzou.
"Perhaps you should heed your own advice," Sai said. "It was unnecessary to reveal yourself to her."
"Are you sure?" Rin said.
Sai understood what the Root agent was implying; it was another of the many tests that Kushina needed to endure. But this one didn't so much have to do with Naruto, but in determining Kushina's fate after she killed him. It was to determine whether or not she could be molded like the Root Agent before him. While she may be willing to temporarily align with the elder. It was only with the intention of being returned to her genjutsu. But Sai believed that Danzou lacked the ability to do so. Therefore, he was hoping to see if she could be converted, if she would be willing to forgo emotion.
Kushina's reaction indicated that wasn't appearing to be a possibility as she lashed out slapping the girl. Rin raised a hand to her cheek, and her eyes gave a small reaction when Kushina said, "Minato would be ashamed."
"What would he be thinking of you I wonder?" Rin replied calmly.
"He would understand," Kushina said but it sounded weak. Her face went blank for a moment indicating the suggestion was reimplanting itself before she said stronger this time, "He would understand that the seal failed. Our child is already dead."
"Are you really doing it to put pour Naruto out of his semi-existence or for yourself, to get back to your genjutsu?" Rin asked unemotionally. "Either way…"
"It doesn't matter," Sai said firmly, "We have a mission to do. You can have your reunion later. Now is there a reason you are here?"
"Yes," Rin said putting her mask back into place. Handing him some papers she said, "These are your identities while in the Land of Bears. You are traveling merchants hoping to off load some shinobi tools. The cart is behind those trees."
Sai nodded to the woman as Inu sent one last look Kushina's way before Shunshining away. Looking through the papers he saw that Kushina was the merchant and he was a simple assistant. As they grabbed the cart and began heading to the bridge that led to Hoshigakure, Sai couldn't escape the feeling that once Kushina killed Naruto she'd have outlived her usefulness.
Kushina was walking about the small village after another day of selling weapons. Simply walking through the village annoyed her due to its arrogance. As it bothered her a great deal the village's attempt to claim the title Kage. Even Uzushiogakure, which had strong ties to the Konoha had never attempted to claim the title. So what right did this small village have to attempt to call its leader it?
Pushing past her annoyance, she tried to focus on the task of finding the star but still couldn't especially after her run in with Rin. Was Rin right, would Minato be disappointed in her for joining Danzou even to destroy the Kyuubi? There were times when she thought about destroying Root and seeing Rin, one of Minato's precious students, acting like one of his drones almost made her do it. But the desire to see her family again, to hold her son in her arms proved too overpowering.
The thing she couldn't shake though was memory of them bringing Naruto to her after waking up in the hospital surprised to be alive. It was so clear. She had been standing at the window looking over the village. She didn't remember how she got there, but she heard the door open. Turning she saw Jiraiya holding her baby followed by Sarutobi. They had both looked sad and she couldn't blame them feeling the emptiness of losing Minato. But seeing her son alive gave her something to carry on for. She was about to take a step towards them when Naruto's blue eyes turned red and a twisted smile that never belonged on Naruto's face appeared.
In the Kyuubi's voice he said, "It would seem your precious husband failed Kushina. I think I'll get used to this new body for a while before I destroy your village. What was that old goal of yours? To be Hokage wasn't it? Yes I think I'll be Hokage and then crush all these bugs after they pin their hopes on me. HAhahahahaha."
She had looked up surprised that Jiraiya or the Third hadn't reacted. But knowing what needed to be done she snatched a kunai, which had been conveniently on a table between her and the door, and attempted to strike down the beast before it could grow powerful enough to do what it said.
Jiraiya had handed the creature to Sarutobi before intercepting her. She had tried to reason with them. Tried to tell them what was in store but in her frantic state they refused to believe her. After Jiraiya had rendered her unconscious she dreamed horrible dreams of Konoha in flames until she awoke in bed to find Minato dotting on her having just given birth. A part of her knew that it wasn't real, but she did her best to forget and had until waking up in the Root base.
But what truly bothered her was that Sai was so convinced Naruto wasn't a demon. The Kyuubi was many things, but it wasn't overly subtle something the plan it had told her about would require. But every time she stopped to question her decision the memory of the hospital always came back to her to strengthen her resolve.
She had stopped walking as she remembered that day and was vaguely aware that the young shinobi of the village were coming down from the crater, training being over for the day. The star may be missing but it had forced the shinobi to adapt, and they still practiced the methods to pull the strange energy from the star should it ever be recovered.
Watching as some of the children met up with their parents Kushina felt tears enter her eyes as she tried to remember doing that with her Naruto. She could, but it felt more and more like a dream each day. That was the greatest torture of being in this world and that was there were no reminders or pictures of the years she spent within the genjutsu. She sometimes wondered what would happen when she got back. Would she find that time had stopped and that her son was still the cool and collected boy that graduated from the Academy at the top of his class? Or, would time have moved on like she had been in a coma? She sometimes wondered if Naruto had made jounin by now since he had easily made chunin in his first exam.
However her standing there watching the children with tears slowly leaking from her eyes apparently attracted the wrong kind of attention as two adults approached her saying, "Oi, what's your interest in those kids?"
Turning to the men she saw they were Hoshi shinobi. One of them was bald with a round face while the other had a thinner build and his dark hair was parted down the middle. Recognizing them as the two lackeys that traveled around with the man that claimed to be the Fourth Hoshikage she said, "I was simply lost in thought. Mind your own business."
"Really," the thinner man said and for a moment his gaze drifted to one of the older students who looked to be about the same age as Naruto would be, "well I suggest you move along. The star crater is off limits to outsiders."
"Didn't want to see it anyway," Kushina said walking past them. "Why did they seem to care if I was interested in that boy," Kushina thought as she walked back to the hotel she was staying at.
Upon entering the village they had begun looking into who could have made off with the star. According to Danzou's contacts it hadn't showed up on any of the black markets and none of the five Great Shinobi villages had sudden sported abilities that would suggest they had stolen it. Therefore, he believed it was located nearby. Most likely stolen as a result of the star training having been started up again after the third Hoshikage's death.
It was a theory that seemed to be right as the current Hoshikage seemed to be hiring bounty hunters to search the surrounding area. Thus far quite a few had ended up dead. Was the thief somehow related to the boy that those men had thought she was interested in and if so were they watching him in order to see if the thief came to visit? With a lead, she ducked into an alley creating a shadow clone that henged itself into a shinobi of the village to follow the two shinobi who had confronted her.
Returning to the hotel room she found Sai reading a book. Looking up from it he asked, "I'm afraid I haven't been able to find anything of value from the village records. However, I did hear an interesting tale about how the star was almost taken thirteen years ago."
"Yes, I've heard that one too," Kushina said sighing as she looked into the mirror missing her red hair. "But why do you find it interesting?" Kushina asked.
"Because apparently it was after that incident that the star training ended," Sai replied. "Not to mention, the two guardians that were killed left behind a son. Who appears to be one of the villages best up and coming shinobi."
"Really," Kushina said. "When the star was taken where was it recovered?"
"Is that relevant?"
"It may be," Kushina said wondering if the boy the two men had been observing was the one whose parents were killed.
"Why?"
"Well the story always has the parents being killed by a foreign ninja, but it never says what village the ninja was from," Kushina said. "If they recovered it they must have had some idea. But instead all they say is a vague foreign ninja took it. Also, why did they end the training after recovering it?"
Sai sat back in the chair he was in before saying, "A cover up does make more sense. I suppose it's possible that the culprits were the guardians of the star. Perhaps they took it to end the training, but the Hoshikage couldn't let their betrayal go completely unpunished."
Thinking of a mother who was taken from her son she said, "They weren't they were banished."
Sai stared at the woman who seemed so certain of her theory, "A painful punishment indeed especially if they had a child to leave behind. No doubt they would like to keep a close eye on the village and if the training started back up…"
"Would take steps to prevent it," Kushina said moving to look out the window.
"So what should we do?"
"The current leader of the village seems to be thinking along the same lines," Kushina said staring at the building with the giant symbol for star on it. "So we'll keep an eye on this…"
"Sumaru," Sai said supplying the name of the boy in question.
"Sumaru, it's a good name," Kushina said her voice tinged with sadness. Shaking it off she continued, "I have no doubt that if his parents are alive that they took the star because of the rumored side effects of the training.
The shadow clone of Kushina followed the two men easily. Entering the large building that housed the leader as well as the medical ward, the clone began sneaking through the building until it arrived at the office of the village leader. Moving to an adjacent room the clone slipped outside and began eavesdropping on the three men inside.
"So let me get this straight," Akahoshi said glaring at the two men, "You approach some women who seemed interested in the boy and then you let her go because she said she wasn't."
The bald man said, "She wasn't under a henge and I recognize her as the merchant that arrived a few days ago. I've bought a few of the things she's sold, she's legit."
"Still, she may be associated with either of them and might be here to observe their child," the self proclaimed fourth Hoshikage said.
"Do you want me to put some Anbu on her?" the bald man asked.
"Forget it Yotaka," Akahoshi said calming. "I simply lost my temper, as another of the Bounty Hunters turned up dead today near Hell's Canyon."
"If the thief is Natsuhi or Hotarubi then why not simply use their boy as bait?" the brown haired man said crossing his arms and leaning against the window near the clone.
"We tried that already Shiso, remember," Akahoshi said frustrated. "But not only did the thief not show, but the Leaf Genin we hired might have noticed that the death of Mizura was due to the star training he had been conducting. The Hokage has refused to send us anymore genin and the thief is too clever to fall for any of our tactics."
"How about we hire Iwa?" Yotaka suggested.
"Because Iwa has been looking to annex the Land of Bears for years and the moment they find out the star is gone there will be nothing to stop them," Akahoshi said annoyed.
"For now keep Sumaru under surveillance and for Kami sake the next time somebody appears to be observing him follow discretely to see if they meet up with our star thief," Akahoshi said dismissing his men. Getting far enough away from the building the clone dispelled to send its memories back to its creator.
Kushina's already low opinion of the village dropped a few degrees when the surveillance on the boy let the woman at the small restaurant leave without anyone following her. Kushina had been watching Sumaru for almost three weeks without any luck. But she was confident she had just hit pay dirt. It had only been a moment, a slight longing and sadness that appeared as Sumaru appeared from the crater talking to some girl that Kushina had pegged as his girlfriend. For a brief moment she had lost focus wondering if Naruto had a girlfriend but was surprised when the Naruto she pictured was the one with the lower half of his face wrapped having seen Sai's team photo. When she shook the image from her mind she noticed the woman was gone.
Cursing her stupidity, she moved from the stall she had set up at the corner to observe Sumaru and dashed into a nearby alley to create a clone and ditch the merchant gear for Root armor and a mask. Moving through the city silently like a ghost and losing more and more respect for the Village that dared to try and field a Kage, she caught up to her target at the edge of town.
The woman was a professional she was sure as she careful slipped through the village's defenses. Following her lead she tailed the woman, but knew something was wrong when the woman dropped her guard. Not taking the bait she wasn't surprised when the woman dropped her henge to reveal she was wearing a gas mask like many shinobi of the country favored when traveling outside the village. The woman called out, "You're not as foolish as the last hunter Akahoshi sent after me."
Dropping down behind the woman Kushina was about to talk when the woman's chakra flared. Kushina had been briefed on what to expect from the Mysterious Peacock Method of the Star Village but was surprised that the chakra was blue instead of the purple that the reports said. However it acted the same as it took the form of a beast forcing Kushina to dodge.
Natsuhi was surprised as the woman avoided her Pure Peacock Jutsu: Beast that she had spent the last thirteen years perfecting. While not nearly as powerful as the one that relied on the star it had been more than a match for the few bounty hunters and Rogue-nin she had faced thus far. The woman in a mask that was painted to resemble some kabuki actor was proving to be quite nimble.
"Enough of this," Kushina thought forming the cross hand sign of the shadow clone jutsu. Forming twenty she could tell the woman was surprised. Charging the suspected thief half her clones were destroyed before she made it half way with another five being destroyed as they attacked. Kushina herself went in for a hit but the chakra feathers behind the woman wrapped around her blocking her punch. Flipping away as the woman's chakra attempted to stab her, Kushina tried to think up an attack that would get past the woman's defenses. Smiling as one dawned on her. She created another thirty clones that all began to pull kunai once the smoke cleared. Letting them fly the clones weren't surprised as the woman's chakra again surrounded her blocking all the kunai. It then took the form of the beast again launching itself at the clones and tearing into their ranks.
The thief staggered back in surprise though when one of the kunai at her feet turned into Kushina who delivered an uppercut to the woman's chin that knocked her mask off. Walking up to the woman while clapping her hands of dirt she said, "That's what you shinobi that rely on a single set of jutsu get."
"Do your worse bounty hunter, for the future of the Star village. I'll never hand over the star to Akahoshi," the woman said glaring up at her.
"Then hand it over to me," Kushina said, "I don't work for Akahoshi."
"Never, the stars power is too great," Natsuhi said. "I can't let it fall into anyone's hands." Before Kushina could reply both women sensed a group of shinobi approaching, Natsuhi gave a small smile saying, "It looks like Akahoshi has sensed our battle."
"Can you move?" Kushina asked.
"I will not be able to escape without the power of the star. The Pure Peacock renders me rather weak for a few moments after battle," Natsuhi said and was surprised when the woman in a mask picked her up. "What are you doing?"
"Saving your ass," Kushina said beginning to run through the woods. "I told you, I don't work for Akahoshi. I'm here for two reasons the first is the star."
"And the second…"
"To destroy the Star Village."
Natsuhi began to struggle saying, "I'll never allow that."
Smiling under her mask Kushina said, "Actually, if you'll give me some time to explain. I think you'll help me."
Tayuya and Kin were on Gate duty and bored out of their minds. Naturally, Tayuya had no problems voicing that opinion. "This fucking sucks," Tayuya said with her feet on the desk. "We bust our asses to become chunin and for what, desk duty."
"Relax," Kin said, "Anko-sensei said it was only for the one day so she could give Sasame some one-on-one training. Besides do you really want to be in Sasame's place right now?"
Giving a little shiver that meant she didn't Tayuya said, "No, but still she could have simply given us the day off. I bet she lost a bet with those two jokers that normal do this."
"It's possible," Kin said before addressing a group of travelers. "Hello welcome to Konoha. Would you please sign in?"
The travelers all made for the small desk. Although must could simply enter and leave if they were citizens. Visitors almost always needed to sign the travel books. One of the travelers was wearing a large brimmed straw hat. His lower face was covered by a blue mempo that had slits in it. His shirt was a dark blue and he wore black combat pants and shinobi slippers.
"Are you a visiting shinobi?" she asked unable to see his eyes.
Chuckling, the man said, "Actually I'm returning home."
As soon as he pulled the hat off, Kin instantly recognized Haku. Leaping the desk she was behind she hugged herself to him before removing the mempo and kissing him. As they kissed one of the travelers said, "It's been a while since I've been here. Where's my kiss?"
"I don't know," Tayuya replied since the man was looking at her, "But if you're looking for a foot up your ass you've come to the right place."
"Take over," Kin said leading Haku into the village and leaving a complaining Tayuya behind. As they walked she asked, "Why didn't you say you were coming home in your letter."
"I wanted it to be a surprise," Haku said smiling at her, "Although I did inform your sensei hoping she'd give you the day off."
Kin smiled saying, "I guess she did in a way."
"Is your teammate going to be angry?"
"No more than normal I imagine," Kin said.
Before they could talk more a shout of, "Eternal Rival," interrupted them. Running up to them was Lee with Tenten following behind. "It is you Haku. You appear to be much stronger. Let us test your flames of youth."
"But Lee you promised we'd go out to buy some stuff for our apartment," Tenten said.
"I know Tenten, but surely you can understand that this is an opportunity I cannot simply allow to slip away."
Haku was about to point out that he was going anywhere anytime soon, and they could have a spar later but Tenten knew how to handle her boyfriend. Sliding up to him she whispered into his ear, "Are you sure you would rather spar then go with me? Because afterwards, I was going to take a nice hot bath before slipping into it."
A shiver ran down his spine as he turned his head to her saying, "It…even the leg warmers."
Getting even closer she gave his ear a nibble saying, "Especially the leg warmers."
Turning to his rival Lee said, "I am sorry Haku, we must put our youthful match on hold. I did promise Tenten after all."
"I understand," Haku said, "Perhaps some other time."
"Indeed," Lee said bowing slightly before following Tenten.
"So…" Kin said, "Do you need to see the Hokage?"
"Well I figured I would see to you first," Haku said.
"I was hoping you'd say that," Kin said. "Now how about we continue this conversation in bed?" Haku smiled and blushed slightly before allowing himself to be pulled along as it sounded like a fantastic idea.
Sai was working on a picture having heard the alarm that had been raised. He figured that much like her son, the woman had a knack for causing trouble. He wasn't worried however, as he doubted the village had anyone on par with Kushina. Furthermore, he knew that since the shinobi were leaving the village the best place to be was in it. His instincts proved to be correct when a shadow clone of the woman came to report all that had happened. It informed him to remain put, and she'd call him if she needed him before dispelling.
Therefore, with nothing to do he continued working on the current picture. However, it wasn't a part of his picture book. This picture was for Kushina. On the boat ride to the Land of Bears she had admitted that the worst part of the three year wait was the lack of tangle pictures or other memorabilia. She had lived thirteen years with a family that seemed to be fading each day like a dream. The picture he created showed that family, except the Naruto was the Naruto of this world.
It had Kushina sitting in a chair smiling gently with Naruto giving one of his trademark ones. Behind the pair was a ghostly Minato with his hands on the shoulder of both his loved ones. He was slightly afraid that Kushina would get angry, but he wanted to show her that she could have something along those lines here in the real world.
However he has come to accept that the fight between mother and son would happen. He did his best but all he could hope was that when Naruto saw the message in his pictures it prepared him for that confrontation. He had been tempted to send the final picture but mail outside of Konoha was spotty at best and he couldn't be positive it would reach the village before Naruto arrived. Not to mention he was positive that Rin was around watching them and reporting to Danzou. An unauthorized letter would undoubtedly attract the wrong kind of attention, so he decided to wait until he returned to the village.
Putting the picture he had been working on away, since he planned to give it to her after the mission Sai decided to turn in for the night. Now that it was approaching the end, Sai wondered if there was more he could have done. He was sure there was, but it would have almost certainly exposed him to Danzou. As it was, he was surprised the Root leader still seemed to be none the wiser. Before going to sleep he thought one last time of the picture he had just finished and said, "I hope that is a prediction of the future," before closing his eyes and wondering what the older Uzumaki was planning.