Chapter Summary: Naruto starts his training, Yugao is faced with some hard truths and Kushina makes her first appearance.
Hello guys!
Thank you so much for all your support, for reading the story and overall for keeping up with me, this is a new chapter I hope you like as much as I love writing it.
Please remember that English is not my mother tonge, so I'm sorry about the grammar, spelling and funny mistakes.
Chapter 7
A wave of lies good intentions and half truths
Morning came slowly.
The day before had been an extenuating one, not only physically but also mentally and Naruto found himself deathly tired welcoming the bed Yugao had at her place. He wanted to speak with Yoruichi, and he also wanted to share his time with Yugao but the blond soon discovered both women were gone. After a quick bath and a full breakfast, it was obvious they were not going to come back very soon.
Disappointed, Naruto decided to visit Sasuke at the hospital knowing that by the time Yugao and Yoruichi wanted to speak with him they would know where to locate him.
The hospital was quite empty, there was no sound beyond the hush whispers of family and staff moving around the shinobi ward. Naruto ignored the stares some of the doctors or nurses were given to him, his eyes focusing on the numbers on the rooms looking for Sasuke. Now that the second part of the Chuunin exam was over and they had over a month to prepare for the third and final part, Naruto knew he and Sasuke needed to speak with Kakashi in regard to what to do next.
Good thing we got to fight the Hyuuga brat.
'I agreed, we will teach him to not mess up with our friends.' Naruto scowled at the memory of Hinata being hurt and almost incapacitate by her own family. 'We will need real training this time, something to counteract the bastard.'
There was a silence after his statement, Naruto tried to poke Ryuujin for some kind of answer but soon he was distracted by someone calling out to him. The blond turned around to see Kakashi was coming his way, his hand lifted waving friendly at him.
"Kakashi-sensei! What are you doing here so early?"
"You sound surprised," Kakashi replied at a smiling Naruto.
"Well, it's early," said Naruto with a cheeky grin, to which Kakashi merely rolled his eyes.
"I came to pick up Sasuke so we could start the training for the Chuunin exams," Kakashi commented lightly glancing at Naruto before settling his single eye on those blue orbs of his. "This reminds me: I haven't congratulated you for making it to the last round."
"Thank you, sensei. But this is all thanks to you." Kakashi almost flinched at the chirpy and grateful tone Naruto used. "Wait… if you came for Sasuke and you called me… Does this mean you're going to train both of us?"
The prospect of Kakashi training Sasuke and him as equals was an exciting one for Naruto. He felt a little bubble of hope grow in his chest at all the things both of them could learn under Kakashi's more focused training. Kakashi studied Naruto and felt a little sorry for him; he closed his eyes and patted Naruto's shoulder.
"Actually Naruto, I came here only for Sasuke." Naruto's cheerful expression started fading. Before he could say or ask anything Kakashi continued, "however, I didn't forget about you. I have someone who can help you with the training for the next month."
"What do you mean? Who is it? Is he strong? Can he teach me wicked stuff?" asked Naruto a little uncomfortably. "I'm fighting this Neji guy after all."
"Well, he's a good teacher and is going to help you with your chakra control."
"What? Chakra control?" Naruto exclaimed, staring at Kakashi in disbelief. Kakashi smiled down at Naruto and nodded.
"Yes, you still need to learn about…"
"But the only thing I did was train my chakra control before the exams! I have a good hold of the tree walking exercise and the water walking exercise!" replied Naruto, disappointed and angry.
He was being thrown aside to useless training, and once again someone was favouring Sasuke over him. Not that he blamed Sasuke, but still it wasn't fair.
"And I'm fighting this Neji guy and he is a Hyuuga!" continued Naruto, he wasn't about to let Kakashi put him under some stupid and useless training. Kakashi for his part was getting fed up with Naruto's bratty attitude.
"Look, Naruto, I know you think you're ready to learn tons of jutsus and to start more advanced training. But the truth is you're not," said Kakashi seriously, almost coldly. He needed Naruto to understand why he was working with Sasuke instead of the blond. Kakashi knew the boy would understand eventually.
"I'm your sensei and I know what's best for you. This will help you to become a more efficient shinobi, and I won't be disappointed if you don't win the fight against Neji." His tone softened and became friendlier. "I'll know you did your best."
"But…but…" stuttered Naruto. He could feel the silent rage emanating from Ryuujin inside him, and truth be told, he was a little angry himself.
"You can wait for me here. No, I better take you to your sensei for the next month right now, so you won't waste time."
"That won't be necessary, Kakashi-senpai."
Kakashi turned to see Yugao, who didn't wear her ANBU gear but rather the standard clothes from the Jounin. A black cat appeared beside her and immediately went to Naruto's arms. Yoruichi could tell by his expression and the fluctuations in his reiatsu that Naruto was sad and angry. Yugao locked her eyes on Naruto and winked at him, and then turned to Kakashi who had a little perplexed frown.
"Yugao, what are you doing here dressed like that? And what do you mean it won't be necessary?" asked Kakashi.
"I'm going to take care of Naruto's training for the next month," she said simply. Naruto's eyes opened wide with surprise and a big grin grew on his face.
Kakashi for his part didn't look that happy at all. He managed to recover from the sudden news and smiled at Yugao.
"You can't."
"What? Why not? Yugao-chan is a better opt…"
"Shut up Naruto," said Kakashi. "This is not of your concern."
Kakashi's comment was met with a loud growl coming from the cat on Naruto's arms. Yugao nodded her head and passed the copy-nin a scroll. It was signed by the Hokage himself.
"I suspected you were going to say something like this, senpai," said Yugao sweetly while Kakashi examined the scroll. "That's why I went to the Hokage first and asked his permission. Which he granted – without question."
"How? Why?" Kakashi inquired gravely. Part of him was infuriated that there was nothing wrong with the paperwork. Another part was merely confused at the turn of events.
"Well, I don't think someone who is going to fight a member of the Hyuuga clan, even if this member comes from the branch family, should be practicing chakra control," said Yugao, still sweetly. Her eyes glinted with deadly anger. "When Ebisu-san told me and I told the Hokage, he agreed with me."
"You can't interfere, Yugao," Kakashi said calmly trying to regain the control of the situation. He rolled up the orders. "This could be considered as interfering with my student. This is a crime."
"No, it is not. Naruto is an orphan. In this month, his training can come from his direct sensei or the Hokage can put him under the supervision of another Jounin."
There was a long moment of silence. The two Jounin studied each other, wary as cats. The silver-haired male looked mildly annoyed. The young woman wore her smile, her gaze hard and unyielding. Kakashi lowered his eyes to the scroll and then looked sideways at Naruto. Finally, he sighed and nodded.
"Very well, if you already have the permission from Hokage-sama," said Kakashi. "I still don't approve of this; I know what's better for my students."
"And I know what's better for Naruto," said Yugao. "That's what differentiates us, Kakashi-senpai."
"So, can I train with Yugao-chan?" interrupted Naruto, who didn't understand completely what was happening between the two shinobi in front of him. Kakashi nodded without looking at the young blond.
"Yay! Heard that, Yoruichi-chan?"
Yugao inclined her head slightly at the older shinobi for his gracious acceptance of fact. "Okay, Naruto. We don't have time to lose. Let's go."
Naruto glanced back at the corridor, he really wanted to speak with Sasuke but the tension around him was quite evident. And if he was honest with himself, he was still quite furious with Kakashi; Naruto went to follow Yugao never once looking back at the retreating form of his sensei.
They walked down the streets of Konoha making small talk, the day was advising slowly but surely and the blond couldn't help but smile enjoying the company of his two favourite women in the whole world. It wasn't until they had left the busy streets of Konoha and entered into a forested area that Yugao started telling Naruto about her plans for him.
"I will make sure, Naruto-kun, that you will be ready to face anyone on that arena," Yugao gritted her teeth while strolling down a dusty road leading to a clearing. "I can't believe Kakashi had you in such a stupid training still."
The blond shifted uncomfortably, Yoruichi lifted her eyes to him bumping her head against his chest. The blond smiled sadly, the only thing he regretted about this was the fact he could not speak with Yoruichi as freely as he did when they were alone.
"I think he is just wary of…you know? The Kyuubi." Naruto mumbled; his eyes grew big when he caught sight of a fist coming his way.
With Yoruichi still in his arms, the young man evaded the punch on time though he was not so lucky with the kick to his abdomen. Naruto landed on his back with a heavy huffed, confused and rather shocked at Yugao's attack.
"Ugh…wh-what…"
"Humph, what's this? A ninja should always be alert!"
Naruto sat up, moaning, and massaging his abdomen, Yoruichi sat to his side with her eyes gleaming in silent laughter. He turned his large blue puppy-eyes at Yugao who had a frown on her face and was ready to attack again.
"Y-Yugao-chan? What …why did you do that?! It really hurts!" he exclaimed while getting up. This time, when he saw the woman approach he was ready to counter-attack and managed to stop another kick. He had blocked it with his forearm, but now his arm hurt.
"Well, we don't have time to lose Naruto. The final part of the Chuunin exams is in a month, and you need to get ready if you want to win," said Yugao seriously, all traces of levity gone. The blond boy peered from Yugao to Yoruichi who merely nodded.
"Okay, then Yugao-chan! This time I'm not letting you land a hit on me!" he said enthusiastically, though his enthusiasm died when he saw Yugao's smirk.
It was going to be a long day.
The sun had set by the time Naruto and Yugao finally stopped their training session. Yugao was an amazing teacher, always making corrections to his posture and style, pushing the blond through experience rather than exercises or repetitions of posture. And Naruto was a quick learner, soon he was engaging Yugao efficiently, and the purple haired woman realized the talent behind Naruto. Her chest swelling with pride whenever he counter attacks or blocks her own attacks.
Naruto was working on the dinner, and Yugao observed as the blond spoke to the black cat that had not left their side ever since her arrival. While it was obvious he still needed some practice, Naruto was quite the fighter. For a brief moment Yugao centred her attention on Yoruichi, was she the one teaching Naruto this?
The ANBU woman was still a little sceptical about Yoruichi's explanation of her relationship with Naruto. Because seriously? Who would believe a story about Shinigami and the likes? The only Shinigami she knew was the one the Yondaime Hokage had invoked to seal the Kyuubi inside Naruto. And Naruto didn't look anything like him, the Shinigami because he certainly looked a little like the Yondaime.
"I can't move a single muscle!" said Naruto, lying on the ground near the fire Yugao had lighted.
"Humph, that was nothing," Yugao grinned, serving the food in three different bowls. "Now that I know what needs to be improved and what we can do about your lack in the jutsu arsenal, tomorrow we'll start our real training."
Naruto paled at her words, because if what they had done that day wasn't real training… He gulped. He was afraid of the next day.
"Now, I think it is time for a conversation, and for some explanations." Yugao finally stated placing a bowl in front of Naruto and another in front of Yoruichi.
It took him a moment, but soon Naruto realized Yoruichi and Yugao were looking at him.
"What?"
"You've been keeping a lot of things from me, Naruto," Yugao spoke softly, her eyes gleaming with a hint of sadness in there, Naruto shifted uncomfortably lowering his gaze then facing the woman with hesitation.
"Wh-what do you mean?" he asked, trying to sound normal but failing miserably.
"I think, Naruto, she means me and my existence in your life," said Yoruichi. Naruto gaped and then stared at Yugao, fearful of her reaction to the talking cat.
However, the reaction never came, and silence settled between. Naruto glanced at Yugao then at Yoruichi then back at Yugao.
"Yoruichi-san here has been telling me a lot of things," said Yugao. "I knew about her for a long time now, Naruto. My question is why didn't you tell me? You know she could represent a threat to our village."
"I... I... don't know... what you are talking about," Naruto stuttered. Yugao lifted a single eyebrow and Naruto was getting more nervous by the minute. He looked from one to the other, his brain trying to come up with some reason. Eventually he gave up.
"How do you know about Yoruichi-chan?" Naruto inquired softly, the relief he was experiencing taking over his expression.
Yugao sighed, her eyes drifting to the fire, "I heard you talking to her once. You were sad, she was comforting you. After you have fallen asleep, I confronted her."
Naruto pursed his lips, Yoruichi nodding her head in comfort. Yugao broke into a sad smile, though her eyes held the same affection Naruto found whenever she was looking at him.
"Why didn't you tell me, Naruto? Why didn't you trust me with this?" Yugao finally asked, and Naruto felt horrible.
"I wanted to, Yugao-chan." Naruto looked up then back at the purple haired Jounin, "I was not sure how you would react, but Yoruichi-chan is such a huge part of my life, and who I really am. I was afraid you would do something to her, or…"
Naruto watched the flames flicker and then peeked at Yoruichi who nodded almost imperceptibly. "And it's not as if you were going to believe me anyway."
Yugao snorted softly. "You should have tried."
Naruto this time noticed a tinge of hurt in Yugao's voice and he felt guilty for having lied to her. Yet the rebellion that he cultivated as a shield came to the fore.
"Yeah, right. As if you can believe that I hear howls and screams of terror in the middle of the night and sometimes in the day. Or see souls with chains on their chest or that my cat not only can talk but also transforms into a woman."
Yoruichi rolled her eyes at Naruto's impatient words. That blond had spilled everything in his pique. The former Shinigami had omitted some nuggets of information when she had tried to explain to Yugao about the Shinigami. Especially that last bit.
Yugao tensed.
In a blur she had attacked with snake speed as taught by the ANBU. What she didn't count on, however, was that Yoruichi could move faster than her. Yugao found herself pinned to the ground by a dark-skinned woman with golden eyes and purple hair grinning down at her.
Naruto had stood up watching the sudden fight with wide eyes, Yoruichi winked at him holding the young woman to the ground.
"Now, the part about me being a woman was never mentioned, Naruto-kun, but thank you for getting it out of the way." She said dryly, Naruto pointed a finger at her.
"You should have told me she knew about you!" Naruto then approached them, he winced when he realized Yugao was glancing at him with disappointment and hurt with the blond. "Yoruichi-chan, please…"
Yoruichi nodded glancing down at Yugao, "Now, we are going to talk, the three of us like a nice, comfy family, yay?"
Yugao clenched her jaw glaring at the woman holding her back, then she returned her attention to Naruto who had tears in his eyes glancing at her pleadingly.
"Please, Yugao-chan, I swear to you there is nothing bad about this," he mumbled, his voice breaking at the very end of his statement.
Something inside the Jounin stirred painfully at the sight of Naruto's expression, with a sigh and a cut nod Yugao accepted the proposal.
"Very well, how about I get dressed while Naruto starts explaining everything to you." Yoruichi laughed when both Naruto and Yugao finally looked back at her. Their cheeks burned up as they realized how naked Yoruichi was.
Nii Yugito stretched out, her eyes drifting to her reflection where she could see the tight lines around her eyes. The demon inside of her purred in satisfaction for what was about to happen, though the young woman felt anything but excitement.
The process was always painful and uncomfortable, the control Nibi would have over her was stronger than when she was in her body. It was an excellent technique for missions like this one though, so without thinking too much Yugito closed her eyes and ceded her chakra and allowed the two tailed beast to do the rest.
Yugito was aware of her soul, she clenched her teeth feeling her soul being ripped by nail clippers. Her heartbeat seemed to slow down, along with her breathing, and her consciousness slowly slipped away. She wondered if people who died in battle felt the same, or if maybe the souls she occasionally consumed to keep Nibi happy felt the same. She hated Nibi's ability to separate her soul from her body. She didn't do it too often because she knew every time she tried it a part of her soul died in the process and she felt less… human.
Finally, she gasped in deep and loud breaths. The pain had been agonizing. Yugito stood up and saw her reflection on the window. There it was: the piece of bone covering her left eye up to her forehead, her eyes were yellow with silver slits, her hair was even blonder than before. She wasn't dressed as a shinobi but in white – a white hakama with a white sleeveless shihakusho. The only thing in colour was the black obi holding up all together. At her right hip was a sword. Yugito frowned, pulled the sword out of the obi and put it on the bed.
What are you doing?
The voice was even deeper and softer than before. Yugito noticed it was her pronouncing them.
'We won't need it. We're going to infiltrate the records room in the Hokage tower. It's not as if some shinobi are going to see us,' she replied with her own voice. She heard Nibi snort but the cat didn't say anything else.
The moment she approached the window her hand hung right above the windowsill. Yugito recalled the other spiritual energies she sensed the moment she grew comfortable in the village, fainter than hers, and even that of Naruto and Gaara. She didn't know who these people were but she did know it wasn't the first time she felt them. Back in Kumogakure Kirabi had made sure she learned how to conceal her presence from them. When she asked about it the only explanation her sensei gave her was that if they knew about her they probably would kill her. Yugito had laughed: who could kill her, a Jinchuuriki with powers yet to be documented? However, the seriousness in Kirabi's face told her he wasn't joking.
Okay, then… let's go. Yugito nodded her head knowing that this ability would last only for two hours and she needed to go back to her body before the time was over, or else…
With a last glance at her physical body resting on the bed, Nii Yugito exited the hotel room through the window. If someone was to see her, they would only see a white blur flying over Konoha's buildings.
There was a silent rage coming from Yugao, her eyes were practically spitting fire to the other woman and Naruto who could not hide his hurt and guiltiness from the whole situation. Whatever this Yoruichi had done had effectively given her the upper hand. Somehow she managed to tie Yugao up and gagged her, effectively silencing calls for help and screams of fury at the two before her.
Yoruichi regarded the woman with a hint of amusement. It didn't matter how many times Naruto tried to talk reason with the women, or how many times he tried to stop their fighting; he would always be pushed aside. That was how they ended up in their current situation. Yugao tied up, Yoruichi finally fully dressed and Naruto a little expectant and afraid of what could happen from now on.
"You didn't need to be so wild, Yoruichi-chan," Naruto mumbled. Yugao narrowed her eyes at him and Naruto had to lower his face a little ashamed for his part in the whole mess.
"Well, I have to show her that if I have wanted to hurt her or someone in this village I could have done so a long time ago." Yoruichi looked at Yugao for a moment before kneeling in front of her. "Naruto is very fond of you. He considers you family. I have no interest in fighting you. I understand your reaction, but I want to say that next time you're not going to be so lucky."
Yugao curled her upper lip and a few grunts escaped the gag. Yoruichi raised a brow.
"Now, I'm going to take this from your mouth. But you have to promise me not to scream or say anything stupid until I finish explaining."
Yugao glowered defiantly at Yoruichi before her gaze drifted to Naruto. It took a whole minute before Yugao finally nodded her head and the gag was removed. Yoruichi sat in front of Yugao. Naruto hunkered down between the two women. The distant roar of the nearby waterfall did nothing to mask the tension, and Naruto gazed morosely into the fire, wishing for more illumination other than the flames and the moon.
"I guess the first thing I should tell you is that I and, in a way, Naruto aren't humans." This declaration caught Yugao by surprise. She looked at Yoruichi as if the dark-skinned female was crazy. So, she was going to stick to the crazy story she told me earlier.
Yoruichi only smirked and continued with her explanation. "You see, he and I, and many others you can't see, belong to the world of the dead. We're Shinigami. Like I explained to you before."
"So, you want me to believe you without any proof about this… this Shinigami nonsense?" exclaimed Yugao, almost insulted by Yoruichi's story. "If this is true and I can't see Shinigami or souls or these… hollows, how can I see you? You said you were a Shinigami, didn't you?" asked Yugao. "How about Naruto?"
"You are right. You can't see other souls; mine however is inside something we call a gigai made especially for me and help me with my usual transformations and to hide my reiatsu," said Yoruichi simply.
"How convenient!" snorted Yugao. "But you don't have an explanation like that for Naruto! I've been by his side since he was a little baby. How do you explain him?"
"Naruto is half human. He was born a human, but could easily become a Shinigami," said Yoruichi, omitting to mention the fact that for that to happen, Naruto needed to either die or find a way to separate his soul from his physical body.
Naruto, however, was paying attention to the conversation. He wondered if maybe he should interfere and ask about his origins. He was about to do so when Ryuujin's voice reached him.
Not yet, Naruto. You should wait until your two women work things out. You have to be patient. Grudgingly Naruto nodded and returned his attention to the conversation.
Yugao turned to Naruto and then to Yoruichi. Shaking her head, she tried to laugh off the situation. "All of these are convenient stories. You don't have any proof!"
"You can choose whatever you want to believe. It won't change the fact that I told you the truth."
Naruto then decided right there. He stood up and went to cut the ropes around Yugao, which surprised both women. Then he stood up between Yoruichi and Yugao and looked directly into Yugao's eyes.
"I trust you Yugao-chan just as much as I trust Yoruichi. I love both of you," he said with a slight blush in his face. "I would really hate it if you two engaged in another fight like the one a few moments ago."
Both women remained silent, though Yoruichi was eying Naruto and Yugao curiously before the blond continued. "I know it's difficult to believe, but I know Yoruichi-chan is trustworthy and I have a way to prove to you that I'm a Shinigami."
"You do?" said Yugao, a little sceptically. The both of them were so convinced of their story that Yugao couldn't help but feel curious.
"Yes, just please can we do… I don't know… like a truce?" said Naruto.
Yoruichi and Yugao studied each other for a long time. Yugao accepted a long time ago her affection for Naruto ran deeper than that of an older sister, or a caregiver, she loved him like a son. He was everything to her.
At that moment, Yugao realized she would need to make a hard decision: her duty or her son. Surprisingly, it didn't take that long for her to decide Naruto came first. Her heart swelled up painful at the thought of losing him, and Yoruichi was obviously someone Naruto would protect with his life.
"You are putting me in a hard place, Naruto." Yugao couldn't look away from Naruto, her face softened slightly taking a deep breath. "I am choosing you, because I love you. And for some reason, I want to believe you."
It happened in a second, Naruto was hiding Yugao with all his might. He buried his face on her shoulder holding back the tears, his heart swelling with heavy emotions he dared not to name as of yet. Yugao smiled hugging him back, her own eyes watering a little at the obvious gesture coming from the blond; Yoruichi nodded briefly and while she knew the other woman would not trust her right away, at least Yoruichi knew Yugao would try.
"Thank you, Yugao-chan." Naruto whispered before stepping aside, his cheeks coloured red.
"Don't thank me yet, I don't want her out of my sight." Yugao warned glancing at Yoruichi who merely shrugged.
"If you can keep up with me," the dark-skinned woman stated grinning mockingly at Yugao.
"Oh, you just caught me off guard, you were lucky…"
Naruto sat back observing them, their argument had not malice at all and it was merely a show for themselves rather than anything else. The blond sighed in relief, his family was finally coming together, little by little.
"So, anyway," Yugao dusted herself, tilting her head with questioning eyes, "how are you going to prove to me you are a Shinigami?"
Naruto opened his eyes wide, his eyebrows were around the line of his hair while his lips curled up into a content smile.
"Easy, I'm going to show you my zanpakutou."
Yugao opened her mouth to say something when all of a sudden Yoruichi stepped forward, her left hand on her hip, the other one hanging to her side. Naruto stood up grabbing the katana.
"So, you really awoke your zanpakutou?" Yoruichi smirked, Naruto nodded eagerly grabbing the hilt while separating his feet.
"Zanpakutou?" Yugao cocked her head, brows burrowing in confusion and just a hint of disbelief.
"It is an extension of the Shinigami soul, it has a power and personality of its own and yet it is very much the reflection of a Shinigami's power." Yoruichi could not keep the pride from her voice.
There was a moment of complete quietness in the forest, the night was already quite advanced, the flames of the fire danced creating shadows around the campfire. Yugao stood on her feet, her brows together with her eyes attached to the blond; suddenly something around her changed. Breathing became harder, the hairs of her neck stood up as a shiver of something went down her back.
"What the…?" Her eyes went big as she noticed Naruto's own eyes gleaming with a strange blue light, the air around him twirling around lifting his clothes and hair.
It was different to anything Yugao had experienced so far, there was power behind this action without any doubt. She could see as Naruto changed before her eyes, no longer was he the boy running around Konoha declaring himself the next Hokage. Yugao observed as before her eyes he unsheathed the sword, and for the very first time she started believing the crazy story told by a cat and kid.
"Make our enemies bleed, Ryuujin Raikaze!"
Things did change.
There was a truce between Yugao and Yoruichi, though Yugao made sure to never let out of her sight the other purple-haired woman. Yoruichi found it quite amusing, but never tried to test the patience of the Jounin who had earned her respect, and even affection. For that, Naruto was grateful though he also knew he was in deep trouble, mainly because now both women had teamed up to train him to the best of their abilities.
After the disclosure of his zanpakutou, Yoruichi had made it clear it was time for him to keep on learning not only zanjutsu but also Kidou which would be really useful to the blond in the near future. All of this was said while Yugao paid close attention to the conversation, her own curiosity about Yoruichi and even Naruto making her ask as many things as she could with Naruto and Yoruichi answering most of them.
All in all, Naruto was a happy, if a tired, teen.
"I feel so worn out," complained Naruto, massaging some spot on his back. "You didn't show me any mercy today."
Yugao snorted at the pout on the blond's face. "Naruto, this is serious training! I don't know what Kakashi-Senpai has been teaching you, but today was a walk in the park compared to how training sessions usually go for me."
Naruto frowned slightly, thinking over his training with Kakashi. Truth be told, his training with the copy-cat Jounin was way too relaxing, and quite useless.
Yugao served the ramen she was making on a bowl and handed it over to Naruto, "anyway, I think it is time for you two to engage in your own training session."
"You are curious, eh?" Yoruichi chuckled while taking the other bowl, "I agree, it is time for you and me to continue with your education."
Naruto nodded, swallowing a huge spoonful of ramen, "are you going to teach me how to use Ryuujin?"
"No, that's something you and your zanpakutou need to learn on their own." Yoruichi pursed her lips glancing at Naruto for a moment before continuing. "We're going to work on your Hohou and your kidou."
"Why does Naruto have to work with his zanpakutou? How does he do that?" Yugao interrupted all of a sudden, her eyes falling on the katana resting right beside the blonde.
"Zanpakutou is a spirit that lives within each Shinigami, as Naruto told you, it is part of the individual, a representation of who they are while at the same time being a soul of its own."
Yugao pressed her lips together, her mind was already trying to wrap itself around the fact Naruto was a Shinigami. A dead God, while also containing a sword inside him. And yet, Yugao remembered the power coming off of him the night before, the changes in the sword, the roar coming from it. When Yugao turned her attention to the blond, Naruto was looking at her intently, his blue eyes begging silently for her to believe him. For her to not stop loving him.
"How can I help in that training?" The question caught Naruto by surprise and Yugao glanced at the other woman with resolution.
"You can watch, Yugao-san." Yoruichi returned her attention to the food, "unfortunately for you, what we're going to do is not something you can do yourself. For that, you need spiritual energy, something that you don't possess in the right quantity."
This did not bode well with Yugao, she pursed her lips glaring at the other woman.
"You're helping, Yugao-chan." Naruto lowered his blue eyes, "I've learnt more with you in these two days that I ever did with Kakashi-sensei."
The mention of the copy-nin enraged Yugao, on that account Naruto was right. What Yugao had seen so far was an embarrassment to those who pride themselves on being the teachers for the future generations. Yugao was about to speak but she realized Naruto and Yoruichi had engaged in a light conversation about Naruto's training and what he had learnt from his zanpakutou so far.
It was at that moment Yugao realized just how far the blond had come. He was still a child in many aspects, mainly in the baby fat adorning his face, the sparkle of childish emotions whenever he was excited or they were around him. And yet, she could see how protective he was of the both of them, how he had faced Kakashi and his lack of training and even how he dealt with death.
Naruto was growing up so fast, and this new development, whether she believed it or not, made her sad. Was Naruto hiding something else from her? Didn't she show him she was trustworthy? A pang of jealousy squeezed her heart, and Yugao had to control her emotions. Naruto trusted her if that wasn't the case she wouldn't even be there.
"Don't you think, Yugao-chan?" Naruto locked his eyes with those of the woman who missed the conversation altogether, she blinked a couple of times offering a half smile, hesitating as to what exactly she was agreeing to.
"Yes, Naruto, I do." Yugao glared at Yoruichi who merely chuckled sending her a knowing glare, Naruto though nodded contently putting his food down and standing up.
"Okay, then let's keep going, I still need a lot to learn from the both of you and I'm not about to waste the time I get to spend with you two." His smile was bright and full of life and, at that moment, Yugao realized whether she believed him or not it didn't matter.
This was Naruto after all, and she would die for him.
With a shake of her head, Yugao also stood up following Yoruichi and Naruto to a place far away from their campsite.
"Very well, but before we go into your kidou training, let us see your zanpakutou again." Yoruichi observed as Naruto summoned Ryuujin, Yugao stood right beside the woman with her eyes moving rapidly through the now transformed sword.
The boy was engaged in a small discussion with Yoruichi about techniques while Yugao couldn't stop studying the transformed sword. She remembered all the times she had discovered Naruto talking alone, or looking at nothing, or his shining blue eyes. The same shining blue they were right now. Then there was this zanpakutou thing, this supposed spirit with a name of its own… and Yugao could feel her scepticism disappearing little by little. She was starting to believe Naruto's story.
"So that's… a zanpakutou?"
"Yes, his name is Ryuujin Raikaze." The wind around him blew wildly around and Yugao was shocked at hearing a loud growl. "He says it's finally good to meet you."
"You… you can talk with... it?"
"Talk with him… and yes. I…" Naruto put a hand to his chin and closed his eyes for a moment, thinking of a good way to explain his inner world. "He lives inside my head, you could say, in a forest. That's where I meet him and he told me his name."
"A … forest?"
"Yes."
"You see, every zanpakutou has an inner world inside their master's. That's where they reside and communicate with their Shinigami," Yoruichi cut in smoothly. "While it is true that zanpakutou and Shinigami are one, they are independent beings as well. That means the zanpakutou can have a personality on his own as well as a name, a name he or she was born with and that he would reveal to the Shinigami he or her deem worthy of them."
"So… this is a Shinigami weapon?" Yugao wrapped her quick mind around the concept. She was still trying to grasp the idea but it was no longer as difficult to understand.
Both Naruto and Yoruichi nodded their heads.
"And…" Yugao trailed off. She looked over at Naruto. "And you don't know how to use it?"
Naruto smiled sheepishly. "Well, I know how to fight with a sword. But I haven't had the time to talk and train with Ryuujin. This made him angry."
To prove it the wind was once again blowing strongly and lightning crackled along the sword's body.
"I guess we can give you some alone time with Ryuujin every afternoon after your main training, right?" said Yoruichi, watching with detached amusement the still dumbstruck Yugao who could only nod her head.
"I think that would be quite interesting to observe, yes." Yugao finally replied sitting down, her attention went to Yoruichi who was stretching her arms. "Now, let me see this Kidou you're talking about, is it dangerous? Can I learn it as well?"
Yoruichi pressed her lips together surrounding Naruto, the woman shot Yugao a quick glance before lifting one of Naruto's arms fixing the position of the technique.
"No, for this it will be necessary for you to have reiatsu, this does not use a single ounce of chakra." Once she was satisfied with her work she stepped back.
"Reiatsu?" Yugao was taking mental notes, observing what the other two were doing.
"Yes, the spiritual energy that feeds a Shinigami's power." Yoruichi nodded curtly standing back. "Now, let us demonstrate how it works. Naruto, I want you to do some Hadou spells, and target that tree over there."
"Yes, Yoruichi-chan." Naruto opened his mouth but soon closed it as the hand of Yoruichi placed itself on his head.
"And please, control your reiatsu, we don't want a repeat performance of the last time, do we?"
Naruto winced shaking his head, then he closed his eyes and Yugao could finally see first-hand a way of fighting she could not recognize but that was taking Naruto down a path she was not so sure she could follow.
As time passed, Naruto wasn't the only one who was dedicated to his training. Of all final contestants only Yugito from Kumogakure and Gaara of the Sand entertained themselves with things outside of training.
The people in charge of the final part of the exams were not slacking either. Some were dedicated to organizing seating (keeping in mind the various notable lords and leaders who were often at odds with each other), others to safety and security, and yet more were involved with finding accommodation for the people who were to come for the main event.
Danzo followed with his eyes the new additions to Root while Fu directed them to the training grounds. The man let out a deep sigh and directed his eyes to the calendar resting on one of the walls beside a huge map of the shinobi nations. Only two weeks left for what was rightfully his was returned to him.
At first he had been reluctant to make any deal with Orochimaru, until the man mentioned something that may work in Danzo's favour. For some sick reason, Orochimaru was interested in the Uchiha. Danzo was all right with that. With the oncoming invasion he would kill two birds with one stone. Not only could he wrest control of Konoha and its army, but also free himself from the threat Uchiha Itachi represented.
Danzo was about to sit in his favourite chair when a sudden, and unwanted, presence called his attention. Almost immediately his personal guard appeared from his windows and the main door while a man with long black hair and golden eyes chuckled humourlessly.
"It seems to me that you have a better guard than the old man, Danzo."
Danzo narrowed his only eye and with a gesture of his hand dismissed his guards.
"To what do I owe this unwanted pleasure, Orochimaru?" said Danzo, eyeing carefully the man in front of him. "I thought I told you clearly to contact me through your puppet."
"Yes, but Kabuto-kun got careless and Kakashi caught him, alerting all Konoha of his status as a traitor," Orochimaru sighed sauntering around the room. "So, you know the old proverb. If you want something done, 'tis best to do it yourself… or something like that."
Danzo couldn't help but feel a little uneasy at the familiarity and calmness in the other man's voice. It was never a good thing when Orochimaru seemed in such a good mood.
"Well, since you're here and I do not fancy playing mind games with you, tell me what are you doing here?"
Once again Orochimaru laughed low in his throat. This time he looked directly into the only visible eye of Danzo. "There's been a slight change of plans… or more precisely of my demands."
Orochimaru was surprised when there were no changes in the man's expression, as if he didn't care or wasn't worried about Orochimaru's words. Orochimaru was sure, however, that Danzo and his minions were ready to do something stupid if the situation demanded it. The snake-like man smirked.
"What are you talking about? Our deal was simple. You get to kill Sarutobi and whoever you want and take Uchiha Sasuke with you, and I get control of Konoha," said Danzo.
"Yes, yes. I'm very aware of the conditions of our deal. However, you will need my help for having total control over this village. And for that I have one more request," said Orochimaru, "or, more precisely, a request for one more person."
"What do you mean?"
"How fond are you of Naruto-kun?"
Danzo opened his eye wide in surprise at the question. He hadn't expected the man to ask such a thing or to insinuate what Danzo thought he was insinuating.
"Why do you ask?" The one-eyed man was wary.
"You see, I have decided not to kill him, but to take him with me."
Naruto wondered how to solve his current problem.
He had been training for three weeks. Three weeks in which Yugao and Yoruichi drove him mercilessly in their own ways, like the slavedrivers they were. They had dedicated all their time to training Naruto. The blond boy was currently doing one of the things he liked the most: shunpo.
Naruto cast a look over at the two women and allowed himself a small smile. He was happy that the awkwardness between them had begun to fade away. He watched as Yugao kept asking questions about shunpo after she saw the demonstration from Yoruichi. She wanted to know how it worked. Yoruichi explained the basics to the other woman while Naruto attempted to complete his part of the exercise.
"I can't do it! It's too damn difficult!" exclaimed Naruto sitting on the grass, sweat dripping from his forehead which stung his eyes. He had discarded his shirt a long time ago and Yugao watched the muscles building on the young chest.
"Of course, you can! You're just distracted," Yoruichi retorted who hadn't even broken a sweat. "Come on, I thought you say you want to learn shunpo."
"I want to," said Naruto and the fire of determination were burning once again in his eyes. "It's just that I can't seem to grasp the right amount of reiatsu to do it!"
Yoruichi put a hand on her hip and she observed the surroundings for a moment before turning her eyes to Naruto.
"You see the tree over there?" Naruto followed Yoruichi's finger pointing at a tree at least a hundred feet away from where he sat. The blond nodded standing up.
"That's your target. Remember what I taught you. This is about speed, not power or 'the right amount of reiatsu'," said Yoruichi. "You only have to focus on getting from one point to another."
"Right!" Naruto breathed in and crouched into his starting pose.
Mildly annoyed, Yoruichi slapped Naruto on the head to stop him before he could leave. "Wait until I finished my instructions."
"Sorry."
"Remember the first time I taught to release your reiatsu in a controlled manner?"
Naruto nodded again, remembering when he was five years old, Yoruichi had passed him a sphere for him to learn to control his reiatsu.
"I want you to remember what you did with it to make a perfect circle to cover you," said Yoruichi. "Don't release too much or you would end up crashing against the tree or, best case scenario, land too far away, but not so little that you won't move a step."
Naruto concentrated on all the things Yoruichi was telling him, just as much as Yugao, who was listening from afar. "Now, do you see the tree over there? Well, I want you to go there in two steps."
"But, if I think about the tree and the distance I won't be able to release the correct amount of reiatsu to get there-"
Yoruichi slapped him slightly on the head again.
"No, your body would know what to do once you have the distance and your target. You just need to know how many steps you want to take to go there," Yoruichi then gave him an encouraging smile. "You already know how to control your reiatsu when you concentrate, for example when you are in a really tough situation. Now you just need to do it in a more natural way. Go!"
Yoruichi went to sit beside Yugao and watched as Naruto did as he was told. It took him some time to grasp the theory Yoruichi had just shared with him, and when he first started the exercise he either didn't move a centimetre from his place or ended up behind the tree he was supposed to reach.
Yugao tilted her head and studied the other woman with grudging admiration. "That's amazing! You moved really fast, even more so than Naruto."
"Naruto is only learning the art of shunpo," Yoruichi glanced at the other woman. "He's having a lot of trouble, though."
Yugao nodded and winced when she saw Naruto crash against the tree. "That I can see, but why?"
Yoruichi tilted her head to the side and lay down on the grass, "it is based on the same principle that surrounds his chakra usage. He has more reserves than normal, hasn't he?"
"Yes," Yugao mumbled, starting to comprehend the situation.
"The same happened with his reiatsu. For a boy his age he had too much to control properly," Yoruichi shrugged. "I think the fact that his own chakra interferes sometimes with the way he tries to control his reiatsu and vice versa is one of the main difficulties."
"I see. It makes sense though. Naruto's main problem back in the academy was to free the right amount of chakra to do a bunshin," Yugao winced again as Naruto fell on his back. "He never got it and yet he could master a Jounin technique without problem. Using Kagebunshin is one of the higher level jutsus; it's infamous for the amount of chakra you have to use to form a solid clone and Naruto can do more than ten without any difficulty."
Yoruichi nodded her head, "Yeah. Shunpo is a little more complicated because it requires concentration, something Naruto lacks most of the time."
"So, this is actually good for his concentration, to be focus on something specific?"
"Something like that." Yoruichi sat up again and yawned as Naruto got back to his starting point to try again.
Both women watched as his determination only grew with each failure, as he would wipe away the sweat from his face and try once again.
"Is there any possibility you could teach me this shunpo?"
Yoruichi examined Yugao's serious expression but shook her head.
"Sorry, it's not something you could grasp, not even in the same way Naruto can," Yoruichi could see the disappointment in the other woman's face, Yugao lowered her eyes then returned her attention to the dark-skinned woman.
"Sometimes I just feel he is…" Yugao trailed off cocking her head to the side. "That he is just growing too fast, and that at some point he would be too far from me to follow. I know it sounds stupid…"
"It doesn't." Yoruichi interrupted with her attention on Naruto, "he is growing fast and, as he does it is obvious for him to just make his own path. It doesn't mean he won't need us, though."
The day was dying rather fast, and Yugao could see as Naruto kept on growing right before her eyes. When she decided to face Yoruichi she could see the other woman was just as apprehensive as herself. And yet, there was also a trace of pride in her amber eyes, the soft curl of her lips showing off just how content she was whenever Naruto stood up and tried again. In this last couple of weeks, Yugao had discovered just how much the purpled haired woman loved Naruto, much like she did. How much of a family they were, Yugao smiled softly returning her attention to the blond.
Yes, Naruto was growing up fast, but he would always need them. Even if he grew stronger than them, Naruto would be their child and whenever he might need it, they would be there for him.
By the end of the day Naruto had advanced more than he had expected. While he couldn't go to the tree in two steps like Yoruichi wanted (he had used four) he was grasping not only the theory but the technique. Just like those times when he had to move really fast and didn't have the time to think about what he was doing, shunpo was coming to him in a natural way.
Now that his training for the day was over he was proceeding to meditate with Ryuujin. Yugao and Yoruichi sat far away from him, watching him with amusement while the boy tried to find a comfortable sitting stance to 'meditate' with his zanpakutou.
"This is so weird," mumbled Yugao after a while. Yoruichi turned her head to the woman who decided to elaborate. "I mean, Naruto being this thing called a Shinigami, and the stories you two told me…"
"You still don't believe us?" asked Yoruichi.
"It's not that. It's… accepting that Naruto is a Shinigami means accepting he isn't human, at least not completely." Yugao lowered her face and Yoruichi observed with interest the frustration.
"I've been fighting against that thought the moment I was assigned to his care."
"I get it," Yoruichi mumbled, realizing why Yugao had struggled against Naruto's and her own words. "You are afraid to believe he isn't a human. To believe that he may be what those villagers believe him to be. A demon."
Yugao chuckled and shook her head, "I'm horrible. I know Naruto isn't a demon. He is … He's just the nuisance and the rascal Naruto."
Yoruichi smiled softly and turned her golden eyes to the boy who was by now screaming in frustration.
"You are a good person, Yugao. I can see that you really care for and love Naruto. Believing that he is not a human doesn't make him a demon." Yugao turned to Yoruichi and was a little puzzled by the wicked gleam in her eyes and the matching smirk in her face. "Instead of being a demon, it kind of makes him a god."
Yugao blinked several times before she started laughing really hard. "You've got a point there."
Finally, after three weeks of awkward tension between the two women, it seems that some sense of trust was growing between them. They had to admit it was due to Naruto. Yugao knew they were far from being friends and from trusting completely in one another, but the small agreement was enough, for now.
"I have a question, though."
"What is it?"
"You said Shinigami didn't interfere with the affairs of the living," Yugao measured her words as she spoke, Yoruichi merely smirked at the still doubtful tone the woman used to refer to Shinigami. "Then, why would some of them be interested in Naruto? For example, you or that man Naruto keeps calling Kyouraku-jii."
"Oh, that," said Yoruichi and her grin widened which made Yugao look at her even more curiously than before. "That's because, to them, Naruto is nobility."
There was a long moment of silence. "What?! Nobility?! Why?"
Yoruichi didn't answer, instead, she concentrated on Naruto who was now very still with his eyes close. The woman knew she couldn't delay her talk with the blond about his origins, and maybe it would be better to do so before the other Shinigami interfered in Naruto's 'peaceful' life in this village. Yugao seeing Yoruichi's hesitation continued pressing her with questions.
"If I accept Naruto is a Shinigami and all, and now this nobility thing you mention, then wouldn't his parents be Shinigami as well?" The question caught Yoruichi off guard. Yugao was startled by the effect of her question: Yoruichi was tense and her gaze deadened. "What is it?"
"The answer to that question is… more complicated than you think," Yoruichi seemed hesitant. Yugao frowned at her words.
"You mean… you know who Naruto's parents are?" asked the woman with a hint of disbelief in her voice.
Yoruichi tilted her head to the side. "Yes, I'm surprise you or anyone else in the village hadn't made the connection. Or maybe they just don't want to see the truth because of its implications."
"What do you mean? Who are Naruto's parents? How can I make the connection? Ho… " At that moment Yugao trailed off, she turned her eyes very slowly to the blond boy who was smiling broadly at them. His golden hair, silky and wild in his head, his blue orbs full of life and the roundness of his face, a boy becoming a young man…
"No," Yugao whispered when the thought struck her like lightning. It had been something she had thought of a long time ago but Kakashi had assured her it wasn't the case.
Yoruichi nodded her head, thought she wasn't sure the woman had made the right connection. "I think it's about time I tell Naruto what your village has denied him for so long. The truth about his origins."
Naruto finished his ramen in record time. He was really tired. All morning he had been attacked by two women while training his abilities with both katana and body. He had fought Yugao with the katana and Yoruichi with his taijutsu, and while he had done a good job, it was evident they were far ahead of him. Then he had spent all afternoon with Ryuujin, learning the arts of his zanpakutou and the different techniques he had to teach him.
The blond lifted his eyes from his bowl and saw the serious expressions on his companions' faces. He gulped; it was never a good thing for them to be that serious. Every time they wore that look, they either fought each other or launched themselves at him.
Now that I think about it… they've been like this all evening. Didn't you notice?
'Yeah, kind of… what could be the reason?'
Only one way to find out.
"So, what should we do tomorrow?" asked Naruto suddenly, "Oh! I know, maybe, Yugao-chan can teach me some wicked jutsu! Like a fire one! You know? Like the ones Sasuke knows! Or maybe… "
"Naruto, before we talk about your training for tomorrow, there is another thing we needed to talk about," Yoruichi couldn't keep the seriousness in her words, Naruto blinked slowly nodding while sitting back. "I think you're finally ready to know who your father was."
Naruto tensed up and his eyes opened wide at Yoruichi's words. It would be a lie to say he hadn't thought about asking Yoruichi about the topic. He had been dying to know the answer to that question ever since he was a little boy, but Ryuujin had advised him to be patient. And now, he was finally going to know.
"Okay, so…, um," said Naruto moving on his spot a little nervous and anxious about the whole deal. "Who was he?"
The tension after Naruto's question could be cut with a knife; the only sounds were those of the wind and nocturnal animals along with the sounds of the flames from the campfire.
A sad smile formed on Yoruichi's face. She stood up and walked towards Naruto. Kneeling in front of him she ruffled his hair affectionately before saying, "Your father, Naruto, was known in his time as the Yondaime Hokage, Namikaze Minato."
Yugao gasped when the name of the former Yondaime Hokage was pronounced.
'So, it is true. Naruto is Yondaime-sama's son. But…' the woman turned her attention to Naruto who was, for lack of a better word, petrified. He didn't move or react in any other way. His face was expressionless, as were his eyes – since he was always showing some kind of emotion, this was extremely unnerving.
Yoruichi looked intently into his blue eyes and little by little she could see the news sinking in.
"The Yondaime? But…" Naruto's vision blurred and the boy frowned when he felt something wet slid down his cheek. "But then, Ojii-san, he knew… and the Kyuubi?"
It was too much. Faster than Yoruichi had ever seen him move, Naruto left the place. Yoruichi sat there watching the spot where Naruto was a moment ago. Yugao stood up ready to follow the blond but Yoruichi stopped her.
"No, let him be. He needs to calm down and think things over."
"But, but this… are you sure? Are you sure he was Naruto's father?" asked Yugao. Yoruichi merely affirmed her statement. "But… how? How could he be this… Shinigami thing... How are you so sure?"
"I'm more than sure because no one in this village knows anything about Minato before his first appearance when he was twelve years old," said Yoruichi. "Among other things. Like Naruto's necklace."
"Care to elaborate?" Yugao asked slightly annoyed, Yoruichi sighed and thought of how complicated the woman in front of her was. Yet, for some reason, partly because of her link to Naruto or maybe because Yoruichi had come to appreciate the woman, she decided to tell her part of the truth.
It had been a long time ago when the last Uzukage had reigned in the Land of Whirlpool.
So, it came as a surprise to both Kirigakure no Sato and Kumogakure no Sato, when they found that the destroyed land had been inhabited by new people. When both villages tried to contact the place, they found themselves facing a small yet complete army of shinobi and villagers protecting the frontiers and a new Uzukage under the name of Uzumaki Kensei ruling the place.
The mere mention of the name Uzumaki in the Land of Whirlpool was enough to make Kumogakure and Kirigakure try for a truce with the still-growing land. This was for two purposes: the first one because the Uzumaki family was an ancient and powerful one. If this man was a real Uzumaki, then having him as an ally would be really beneficial. And second, because just like Kirigakure, this place had an army of adept and really skilful sword masters. They called themselves the Masked Army; and the rumours about their abilities were growing just as much as the group of Missing-Nins that called themselves Akatsuki.
The Raikage had taken advantage of the fact that Kirigakure was still recovering from a long civil war to deepen his diplomatic relationships with Whirlpool country. The Raikage didn't know what kind of deal Whirlpool Country had made with Kirigakure. However, the one he made with them was fair, if the clauses were a little strange.
The day he had met the Uzukage for a second time he noticed how young the man was. Young, but not stupid, and his advisor, a redhead by the name of Kushina, wasn't stupid either. When they had started signing the treaty the woman mentioned another condition: to bring the Jinchuuriki of Konoha to Kumogakure.
When the Raikage had asked for a reason it was the Uzukage the one who explained it. Apparently the rumours about Akatsuki wanting to collect the Jinchuuriki were true. And what could a group of missing-nin do against three well-trained Jinchuuriki?
The Raikage had thought it over, and after a brief glance at his younger brother, he had accepted. After all, this part of the deal could benefit him, somehow.
The second demand was odd and surprising. The red-headed advisor, Kushina, had told the story of the long-lost son of the Uzukage, taken by force a few days after he was born. Somehow, and for reasons unknown, the boy had ended up in Konoha. Since the Uzukage didn't want that village to know about him or spark an actual confrontation, they asked the Raikage for a possible solution.
With a cocky smile in place, and a plan already formed in his head, the Raikage accepted the terms with the stipulation that he was to train both the Jinchuuriki and the son of the Uzukage as part of the deal. He also promised to provide military forces if Konoha decided to go after them.
Kensei had looked over at Kushina briefly before returning the smirk to a surprised Raikage. Kensei raised an eyebrow and stuck out one hand. "Deal."
And now, three months after that meeting, the new Uzukage was preparing everything to formally visit Kumogakure.
Inside the Uzukage's residence screams of annoyance and some laughter could be heard. Soon after, something akin to glass being broken and then a small explosion was heard as well.
There was never a minute of complete peace in that place, especially when Kensei and Mashiru were in the same room.
"Kensei looks so stupid in that blue dress!" exclaimed the green-haired girl, bawling with laughter and rolling about on the floor holding her middle.
At the other side of the room a man with a twitching eyebrow and grey hair had just grabbed a sword and was making his way to the girl until the hand of a gigantic figure stopped him. Kensei looked up at Hacchi who shook his head and tried to calm Kensei down.
"Please Kensei, we needed to finish your robes and then prepare everything before we leave."
"Hacchi is right. You know Mashiru, the more you pay attention to her the more she would bother you," replied a girl sitting on a table with an orange book in her hand. She flipped the page, never once looking up.
Kensei was about to reply when a woman with brown hair and two purple tattoos on either side of her cheeks came from behind him with a look of annoyance on her face.
"Please, Kensei-san, we needed to go over your words and rehearse matters of etiquette before you leave," said the woman. "This has to go perfectly if we are not to offend our host."
"Ugh! Fine! What I still don't get is why I have to go dressed like this!" said the man looking with disgust at his clothes.
"Because, whether we like it or not," said the woman with a hint of coldness in her voice, "the Raikage already met you and we made him believe you were the real Uzukage. That's why."
The discussion inside the room grew intense while from the other side of the yard a red-haired woman was watching the scene with growing amusement.
Since she had met Minato, this group of people had been an important part of their lives. She hadn't understood why Minato insisted so much on keeping their existence as a secret from Hiruzen, Tsunade and even Jiraiya. She trusted Minato and never said anything that could bring attention to this strange group of people.
She looked over at Kensei and tilted her head to the side, remembering the day she made Minato the promise to keep helping this people in whatever they needed. She just never imagined she had to help them in a search for the Jinchuuriki and something called the Demon Pillars.
She knew that dark times lay ahead of them. Ever since Minato had died she had tried to keep going with her life and the unfinished mission Minato had been working on before the Kyuubi's appearance. She had to admit that taking care of this particular group had been a nuisance at first, but bit by bit each one of them started having a special place in Uzumaki Kuchina's heart.
Well, all except one. Hiyori still looked at Kushina with pure hatred in her eyes.
"They are at it again?" Kushina didn't have to turn to know that Hirako Shinji was standing beside her with a bored look in his eyes.
"Yes, they seem to like it. Arguing, I mean."
"Humph, you would be surprised," said Shinji. The woman looked sideways at him before handing him the letter she had received earlier that morning.
Shinji took it and started reading, his face a mask of indifference even after he finished the letter and the news had sunk in.
"An old enemy is attacking Minato's and my son's village," she said, this time turning to Shinji who was slightly surprised at the mention of her son. She hardly mentioned him in the last twelve years.
"Uzukage-sama, everything is ready," said a man appearing out of nowhere and kneeling in front of Kushina. "The preparations had been completed according to your instructions."
"Very well, thank you. You may leave."
The man nodded and left in a puff of smoke. Shinji yawned and looked out of the corner of his eye as Hiyori made her way towards them before returning his attention to Kushina.
"So, we're going to Konoha?" asked Shinji, a little curious to know if Kushina's attitude towards her son had changed with time. If maybe this time she would run to him rather than run away from him.
"No, we're going to Tanzaku Town to meet an old friend and master of mine," replied Kushina with a slight frown on her face. "I think Konoha is going to need her and it is time for her to repay her debt."