at Mcm555: Ah, here's the thing, you're not the first person to ask this and I was contemplating it, but for this story I'm afraid I won't add one. But maybe in the next... Thanks for reading the story anyway.

at Darklordcomp: Here you go :) Thanks for reviewing.

at Chewie Cookies: Thanks for the continued support and I hope you enjoy it.

at devilzxknight86: Not sure I know what you mean, and I hope you're not disappointed.

at Ayrmed: Thank you very much. And you've made a good guess.

All my thanks to Writer's Convexity for betaing, and if you like the fight scene you shoud be grateful to my beta because it wasn't originally included, but in the end I was convinced. Thanks again.

-21-

"Where is he heading to?" Kiba wondered confused.

Shino didn't answer causing his companion to roll his eyes at him.

Kiba was right though; something had happened that changed Orochimaru's course. He had been heading straight west only stopping to meet with his contacts that were spread all over the area. They kept track of who he was talking to and where his hideouts were.

During his last stop at a small town near the border they observed him talking to an old man, which in itself was a small sensation considering his usual preference for young, talented, children. But something must have been exchanged that made Orochimaru turn right back around; he also increased his speed quite a lot.

"I sent a bug to Shiho. If there is something going on east from us, we'll know soon." The Aburame heir finally opened his mouth.

Shino's bugs had been essential to their mission. Since Orochimaru was very likely to find them out if they got to close, they could do nothing but keep their distance and let the bugs do most of the works. Hanta and Kiba identified his acquaintances and made sure they stayed out of sight, smell and hearing distance.

…

"It feels like forever since we did this!" Ino settled more comfortably in her plush chair.

"Well, I can't speak for you but Shiho and I haven't been in Konoha." Sakura said and chided Ino for not using a coaster.

"We're still missing Karui and Temari though." Tenten remarked as she pointedly used her coaster and got an approving look from the pink haired hostess.

"How do you like your teaching position, Hinata?" Ino asked. "Chouji says you're a natural."

The bluenette smiled softly, "I really enjoy it."

"I believe it suits you very well." Shiho pointed out. "How's your sister by the way? I expected her to be here."

"Hanabi doesn't do Hen parties. She's not much of a people person." Hinata shrugged. "She's better, ecstatic considering the circumstances. She and I really think it's going to work out. Thank you for asking."

Sakura had rolled her eyes at Hinata's comment about Hanabi's people skills. She was great if she wanted to. They had met up a few days ago and Sakura agreed with Hinata, Hanabi was looking a lot better than before. And if Hanabi thought things would work out, Sakura dared to be carefully optimistic as well, the younger one was the expert after all.

She wondered if Kankuro was keeping to his promise and chided herself right after thinking it. She trusted him, plain and simple and she really should stop doubting him. Somewhere deep inside her, she knew it wasn't him she didn't trust, it was her ability to keep him interested in her long enough.

"Everything alright, Sakura? You seem a bit out of it." Tenten's gentle voice snapped her out of her daze.

She gave the brunette with the gentle chocolate eyes, a bright smile, "Sorry I was just looking forward to…" She shifted a bit uncomfortable.

"Seeing Kankuro again?" Ino asked teasing lightly at Sakura's discomfort to admit to it.

The medic Nin glared at her fellow colleague but with the blush staining her cheeks the effect wasn't quite the same.

After the laughter died down, Shiho asked Tenten about her upcoming wedding and soon suggestions about how, when and where flew around the room.

Their chatter was interrupted by Sakura's surprised exclamation at seeing an insect make his way over her precious cones (she had been taking lessons from Hanabi – at lot of them, and she had to promise the youngest Hyuga not to try and make them more healthy).

"Don't hurt it! It's one of Shino's." Shiho exclaimed and allowed the small bug to crawl over her hand and up her arm.

Ino shuddered in disgust, despite it all she still couldn't find it in her to like insects.

"Oh, dear!" The bespectacled blonde said and her eyes widen behind her glasses.

The bug flew off only about a minute later and Shiho rose up hectically, "I need to leave and sent a message to the Hokage."

Hinata shot up, "What's wrong?" Her voice betrayed the panic she felt.

"Orochimaru's heading for the meeting."

Even after Shiho had left them, the silence hung heavy in the air.

"I don't think we need to worry," Sakura said with a tremor in her speech. Kankuro would be there too, he was Kazekage.

"Sakura's right," Tenten agreed. "Just think about it. A and Bee are going to be there, Naruto and Shikamaru, Kankuro and more than likely Gaara. And let's not forget the other Kages and the security plus the samurai. I think Orochimaru is getting desperate."

"He is," Ino said quietly. "The little girl Naruto brought in, she told me. Since his resurrection something is different with him. Remember when he wanted Sasuke's body? It was basically his way of living for a very long time. I don't think he can do that anymore, something changed. His time's running out and he knows it. He won't have time for another well-planned attack on the Leaf. He's taking a risk and he's going to lose."

"People who are desperate and have nothing to lose are the most dangerous," Hinata locked eyes with her and Ino dropped her gaze.

…

Naruto and Shikamaru exchanged glances before simultaneously drawing a deep breath and forcing the door open. Everyone else was already seated inside and for only a second Naruto searched for Gaara's glance who was seated next to Kankuro, the latter looking highly uncomfortable in his white robe. The red head raised an eyebrow at Naruto's sympathetic glance but betrayed no emotion otherwise.

They gave a quick greeting before settling down.

"Thank you very much for biding my call," the Raikage's prosperous voice boomed through the room. Next to him Bee sent a wink towards the Hokage who smirked at the fellow Jinchurriki.

"It is a very interesting proposal, Raikage-sama," Mei spoke up. "I was a little surprised by it though."

"Yes, I can imagine. I would however like to use this meeting to discuss whether or not this contract would be acceptable to all of us and if necessary what changes are to be made."

"Ah yes, about that." She continued unperturbed. "There is one thing I'd like to discuss."

Kankuro sat up straighter while his younger brother tensed up next to him.

"I don't believe it is necessary for the children to start their ninja training directly in this new established academy on neutral ground. I suggest leaving the training of basics to the villages until they reach the Genin level. After that they'll get the opportunity to apply to the United Shinobi Nation Academy and should they get accepted continue their career there."

"But wouldn't that mean that they are more prone to the village they come from?" Kankuro frowned.

Mei shrugged, "I don't know about that; they do apply out of their conscious will and they are old enough to decide for themselves."

"I might have an idea about that," the Tsuchikage made his presence known. "I agree with the Mizukage on all accounts. Before their Genin level is reached, I don't believe they should be admitted to a different country. However, I suggest after being accepted in the United Shinobi Nations Academy they will get to know each of the countries by spending three months of their training there. I think it would be favourable for everyone if each country would teach them their area of expertise. For example; the Leaf would take over the medical part of the training. The general skills are going to be taught in and from the United Shinobi Nations Academy during the remaining nine months, adding up the training period to two years before they enter the Alliance Force."

"I think that's a great idea!" Naruto exclaimed exited.

"So, just to get this straight," Mei said, "the kids will remain within the village until they acquire the Genin rank and then apply to the Academy, unless the child stems from a cross-border relationship, then the admittance to the Academy is mandatory, given the child decides on the way of the ninja."

"Precisely and they will rotate through the countries during their training," A was satisfied with the idea. "Either way, we still need to discuss a few things. How many students should the new academy admit every year?"

"Considering the amount of shinobi in all the countries, and the fact that the force shouldn't become an army but rather mission oriented teams, I'd suggest fifty students, 10 for each country. And should the generation include offspring of cross border relationships, they will subtract the amount from the country it referred to," the Tsuchikage suggested.

"I think fifty are a bit much, actually," Kankuro remarked. "I mean that is almost 25% of all the shinobi. Personally I was thinking about half that much, but I wouldn't subtract those children I'd simply add them."

Naruto agreed silently and next to him Mei also nodded.

"I believe that's more appropriate, considering the task the United Shinobi Nation Force will take on," A announced after the Tsuchikage relented.

"What about the teachers and the first generation?" Naruto asked.

"Ah, well considering the planning and building the Academy including the Curriculum and the changes made in each country, I suspect we can start admitting the first students in about a year and then start from there, it will obviously take some time to build a larger force," the Mizukage said slowly.

"So the Genin in one year's time will be the first ones to apply to the academy," the Raikage summarized. "If they are no more other discussion points you'd like to address there is only one last thing to resolve."

A was quite pleased with how things were progression, nonetheless it was unsurprising. Hinata Hyuga had worked the proposal to the very last detail and in absolute perfection. The countries were given enough time beforehand to discuss all necessities with their respective councils. Almost a shame she had to forfeit her position.

"The Academy of course will need a headmaster, who will lead the pupils including the later established United Shinobi Nation Strike Force. With everyone's consent I'd like to propose the former Kazekage for this position."

If Gaara was surprised by A's words he didn't betray it. Kankuro and the rest of the members around the table weren't so lucky.

Gaara didn't interrupt the stunned silence; he wasn't about to make a move until the discussion about his person, that would undoubtedly follow, was ceased.

"Actually I believe that's a great idea," the Tsuchikage replied thoughtfully. "I suppose he'd have to give up his citizenship from Wind country."

"Of course, the Academy will be built on neutral ground, every member of the academy and the staff will be citizens of the United Shinobi Nations," A explained.

"Well, I'm all in. Gaara's perfect for the job," Naruto shrugged.

"So am I of course, if Gaara wants to," Kankuro glanced at his brother but was unable to read the man's face.

"I suppose, he is a good choice, despite his little escapade," Mei's tone was teasing rather than taunting and she winked at the red head.

"Great, great. Now Gaara-san, what do you say?" A turned to the Kazekage's advisor.

"Miss Hyuga seemed quite sure you'd jump at the possibility," The large man smiled gave an uncharacteristic smirk in Gaara's direction.

It took Gaara a moment to understand that it was Hinata rather than Hanabi A was referring to. At the sight of Gaara's frown the Raikage felt compelled to continue.

"As appears from the proposal besides the position of the headmaster and commander of the United Shinobi Nations Strike Force, we'll also need to fill the position in the Diplomatic and Administration Office. All communication and administrator questions will be handled there. Miss Hyuga assured me that her sister would be willing to take over said office. And despite recent 'escapades', to use the Mizukage's words, I can't actually think of anyone anymore qualified. Except maybe the woman herself, but Miss Hyuga refused quite resolutely."

The Mizukage actually laughed out loud, "Who would have thought! Raikage-sama you're a romantic at heart, putting our lovely couple so conveniently together. I agree whole heartily, their children are most certainly going to be powerful and since they will be working for all of us I see no reason to object the union."

Naruto was overwhelmed with pride for his perfect girlfriend, she really did think of everything.

"Naruto really, it's almost sickening how love-struck you look," Kankuro shot over the table and the blonde stuck out his tongue causing the table to laugh and Gaara to roll his eyes.

"I'd be honored to take the offer," he stated calmly after everyone had calmed down a bit.

"So can the ambassadors return to their positions then?" Naruto asked with a glance at Shikamaru.

"Yes, please. That woman and her damn dog are driving my mad," A huffed.

Shikamaru relaxed instantly and Kankuro did the same after Naruto assured him with a quick nod that Sakura would be the new ambassador and take Hanabi's place.

"What about the Skill exchange program?" Shikamaru reminded him.

Naruto was about to inquire when he was interrupted by an army of bugs invading on the table.

"What's that?" The Tsuchikage asked.

"It's a way of communicating," Mei explained. Shino and Shiho had resided in Kiri after all.

"Something the matter?" Kankuro questioned.

"You could say that." Naruto looked up. "Orochimaru's on his way here."

…

"They're gonna be fine, you know." Sakura assured Hinata as well as herself. "I mean it's the five Kages and he's alone; they'll crush Orochimaru."

The two of them were the lasts one left. Everyone else had gone home leaving the two women to their worries. The party had ended earlier than usual, after Shiho's revelation no one had felt like continuing their party much.

"Orochimaru is smart, highly intelligent even. No matter how desperate he is, he won't take them head on," Hinata stared down at her tea. "He'll have a plan, some kind of scheme and… What if he blows them up? Or what if he poisons them?"

"He won't get close enough," Sakura told her, her confidence rising by the minute.

"I really wish I would be so sure no one will get hurt."

"I never said no one will get hurt. I'm pretty sure Orochimaru will be the one to look worse for wear."

Hinata managed a little laugh at that. She tugged on her long orange shirt nervously, the colour chosen subconsciously to remind her of Naruto.

"I get it, Hinata," Sakura reached out to her and put her hand on top of the smaller women's hand. "You've just survived a confrontation with Orochimaru, of course you'd be scared."

Her friend rolled her eyes, "Seriously, that was a year ago. I'm not still shaken by that."

"Yes, you are. And you have every right to be," Sakura shuddered at the memory of Orochimaru. "He's terrifying. But Hinata, he won't win, because the only way he could win was if he'd rely on the moment of surprise. He doesn't have that anymore, they'll know he's coming."

"Your right." Hinata smiled a little brighter. She knew Orochimaru didn't stand a chance against Naruto. It was proof enough that he ran after Naruto came back early when he tried taking over Konoha.

…

The fight should have been over sooner, considering it was five against one, only it wasn't just one. Orochimaru hadn't come alone and clearly he had brought out the big guns. Once again several former Kages had been revived and Naruto was glad, that none of the former Hokages could be revived any more after the fourth war.

It was the usual problem of not being able to actually kill them and so the fight dragged on unnecessarily long. Naruto gritted his teeth, they had to take down Orochimaru and the dead would finally be able to rest in peace. Only the man himself had yet to appear.

"Gaara can you buy me a few minutes?" He turned to the red head next to him, who simply nodded and Naruto trusted Gaara's sand to protect him long enough for him to slip in Sage mode and find the Snake.

"Found him! And he's alone," Naruto revealed his orange eyes.

"Naruto, you and Gaara go ahead," Shikamaru advised them, "we'll stay here and take care of the undead."

Naruto cringed at the name, but the two of them climbed on a sand cloud and together they flew towards Orochimaru.

Gaara's green eyes met Naruto's still orange ones and in perfect harmony they jumped from the cloud and landed in front of Orochimaru, who didn't seem happy to see them but not too concerned either. Immediately the two were on alert.

A giant snake hurling from the ground made Gaara and Naruto jump in opposing directions.

In the end the fight was over rather quickly. Naruto's Giant Rasenshuriken cut straight through the snake, that one Orochimaru was able to evade easily. But not the one sent just after the first one, Naruto having resorted to use a technique from a long time ago.

Recalling the memories of the first time he and Sasuke used proper teamwork brought a bitter-sweet smile to his face. The Rasenshuriken hidden in the shadow of the first one, was barely avoided by Orochimaru. He wasn't so lucky when it came to Gaara's sand.

Gaara wasted no time to envelope the snake Sanin completely. He tried to switch his body to his snake form but the grasp was to strong and his first bones were broke before he even realized the sand had gotten to him.

Naruto winched at the sound of broken bones but found it oddly satisfying to see the man crushed who dared to touch a hair on Hinata's head. He shock himself from such thoughts in discomfort.

…

Hinata turned on the other side frustrated. A look on the clock told her that it was already after midnight. The rest of the day had gone with no more news about the situation in Iron and Hinata's nerves had started to act up again. Sleep eluded her and she twisted and turned in the grey silken sheets.

She yelped in surprise when a sudden presence in the room alarmed her.

"Sorry, I didn't mean to scare you," Naruto chuckled and switched on the light.

He had used the seal placed near the door. Initially he wanted to Hiraishin inside the bed but Hinata was a trained shinobi and he liked his bones the way they were, thank your very much.

Hinata fought the blankets off of her body, almost stumbling over in her attempt to reach him as fast as possible. Her boyfriend had trouble keeping the grin off his face at her attempt to wrestle the sheet. She finally made it and threw her arms around him almost knocking him over in her enthusiasm.

"I'm happy to see you too, Nata," he smiled in her hair while tightening his hold on her and took a second to inhale her scent.

"Are you hurt? How did it go?" Hinata took a step back and assessed the state of his health.

"I'm fine, 'Nata. I promise," he picked her up and slumped down on the bed with the petite woman in his lap. "I only had a few scratches to start with and Kurama took care of that."

"Thank you, Kurama-sama," Hinata whispered in his ear and a shiver went down Naruto's spine.

Her fingers ran through his hair and down his neck and Naruto felt himself relax.

"What about Orochimaru?" Her breath hit his nose softly.

"He's dead – forever this time. At least we hope so. But Anko's cursed seal is closed with one of mine, anything coming from it will be suppressed and as long as no one gets the idea to bring him back again…" his fingers tangled in her hair and he kissed her temple. "I used Sage-Mode to ensure that there was not another body with his chakra that he split, like you said he did."

"What about his body? Where will he be buried?" Hinata wondered.

"Gaara killed him. He crushed him with his sand - there's no body left to bury. I guess he was more pissed about Orochimaru attacking Hanabi then he let on," Naruto conveniently left out the part where he had almost split Orochimaru apart with his Rasengan which had created the opening for Gaara to strike. He had just been as furious to face the man who had hurt his Hinata.

Hinata's face contorted as she remembered Gaara's sand burial. After all these years the recollection of the cracking sounds of bones under the pressure of sand still made her hair stand up.

"I'm glad everything is fine now," she mumbled tiredly.

"Hey, hey!" Naruto protested, his exhaustion long forgotten. "No sleeping, I still have a promise to fulfil."

She looked at him confused before making the connection. "And what might that be?" she murmured slyly.

"I believe we have something we need to finish and I do recall to have promised you to continue where we left off."

He pulled her on top of him and smirked.

Hinata giggled and kissed him, "As far as I remember this is not where we left off."

His smile widen and he raised an eyebrow at her, "Oh, really? Quite demanding tonight, aren't we?" He flipped them over and delighted in her deep red blush. "Since you seem to know exactly where we left off, why don't you show me?" He bit her earlobe softly and she giggled in delight.

…

"I'm a dead man! DEAD, you hear me," Shikamaru groaned and frantically threw clothes from one place to another.

Ino was not at all impressed with Shikamaru's theatrical show, "You do know that this is on you, right?"

"Ino, I really don't have time for your entirely unhelpful remarks. Temari will be here in only a few hours – HOURS. And if she sees the state this house is in, she will kill me!"

The blonde rolled her eyes and smiled brightly at him, "And whose fault is it that the house looks like someone dumped a year's worth of trash in it?"

He scowled at her, "If you don't want to help why are you here?"

"It's my free day and Chouji is still at school," she shrugged, "besides it's my duty and honour to annoy you."

He shot her a death glare but regarding the time, he refrained from discussing the topic further.

"Change of plans," he muttered after another fifteen minutes of moving stuff from one part of the room to another.

Ino enjoyed her crème-tart with great pleasure and watched with glee how Shikamaru was slowly freaking out.

Her brows rose as she watched him scoop up piles of dirty clothes and disregarded paraphernalia and stuffed them in an abandoned closet which he and Temari usually used to store old and broken furniture parts. She watched with a growing sense of dread as he shuffled more and more of the trash and dumped them in the closet.

"This will not end well," Ino decided for herself.

Shikamaru swept the floor and dusted everything roughly before he regarded the result of his effort satisfied.

"Well," his former teammate hopped down from her spot on the kitchen counter, "I'll be leaving then. I'd rather be far far away when this blows up in your face… And people call you a genius."

Shikamaru ignored her. The plan was simple, keep Temari away from the closet and get rid of everything inside it as soon as possible - seemed simple enough.

…

"Hanta!" Kiba whistled loudly and the huge dog sprinted towards him and came to an abrupt halt in front of him. "Let's go pick up Karui and the little one."

Together the pair made their way towards the gates. Kiba kept his nose on the most sensitive alarm to catch a whiff of his girlfriend or the puppy, he was pretty sure his dog was doing the same.

Impatiently the two of them waited just inside the gate.

"What are you doing?"

Kiba almost twisted his nape from snapping to see who had approached them. He had ignored every scent or noise aside from Karui's so he was shocked by Karin's statue staring at him in wonder.

"Are you trying out which posture makes you look most casual?" she asked him with a raised brow.

"Pfft…no?"

Her lips quirked up, "Good, because your failing terribly."

He glowered at her but didn't dignify her comment with a remark.

Karin laughed but patted him sympathetically on the shoulders before she left.

Hanta bellowed loudly and Kiba nodded in agreement, "I know, Hanta. She's wrong, we always look casually cool."

…

"Gaara, could we please take a break?" Temari panted, Gaara had always been in exceptional shape but today he seemed determined to make it to Konoha in record time.

Her younger brother stopped without complaint.

"Thank you," Temari pulled out her water bottle and took a great gulp from it.

"We're about to have company." Gaara announced after a few minutes.

Temari looked at him questioning but he remained silent.

"Well, would you look at that."

"Karui!" Temari yelled in surprise and joy, she got over to embrace her friend who had appeared between the trees with her two former teammates and Igi in tow.

The two of them broke apart with huge smiles on their faces.

"How are you?"

"After the last year? Better than ever. How about you?"

"Same."

"If you're done, I would like to make it to Konoha before nightfall," Gaara pointed out.

"Yes, what are you doing here?" Karui turned to him with a smile.

Gaara ignored the question and shot a warning glare in Igi's direction instead, who had it taken upon herself to growl at him.

"He's escorting me to Konoha, then he'll spent a few days with the in-laws," Temari shot him an amused smirk, "and then they'll start with building the International Academy."

"A few days with the in-laws, doesn't that sound like fun?" Karui picked up the most important detail.

"Since your safe journey is ensured, I don't think our continued company is no longer needed," Samui spoke up, "we'd better go back."

"Already? Why don't you stay in Konoha for a day or two?" Karui asked.

"I don't think so. I think we'll better go back," Omoi agreed.

Karui went over to them and hugged both of them fiercely before they departed.

"We've already meet Sakura halfway earlier," Temari picked up their conversation as the trio continued on towards Konoha.

"Ah, so she's on her way back too?"

"Yes, Kakashi was with her. Naruto appointed her to be the new ambassador," Temari laughed a little. "Apparently Hanabi and Hinata gave her a crash course in diplomacy and she'll continue her training in Suna."

…

Kankuro paced the room nervously and very impatient. He was looking forward to seeing Sakura again immensely. He was only hoping Sakura was feeling the same way but the fact that she agreed to take the ambassador position seemed like a good indication. They hadn't had much time together before they were ripped apart but he didn't need much time to know that it was serious for him.

On some level he suspected he should be scared, Kankuro wasn't usually one for commitment and he should be running for the hills away from Sakura, but he wasn't. Sakura was scared enough for the both of them and Kankuro had always known what he wanted. And he wanted Sakura.

And really she had run from him long enough and then when they finally managed, she had to leave Suna.

"Kazekage-sama," a young girl he barely recalled, but whose name he had forgotten, called from the door.

Still not being used to his new title it took Kankuro a few seconds to realize that it was him who she talked to.

"Yes, right. What's going on?"

"The council is asking for your presence."

Kankuro suppressed a groan, they had impeccable timing.

Well, considering we've almost reached the end... let me know if I forgot to include something or what you'd like to see.

Or just tell me what you though about the chapter.

Thanks for reading.