A five-year-old sat naked in the damp dark cave. He'd been taken from his apartment by a pair of masked Chunin and swept away to a foreign land before being sold to a group of slavers. He was then stripped and tossed in a cell to await a potential buyer. The only upside was that the slavers fed him well. Stating that slaves that at least looked healthy would be sell for a much higher price.
"Get up blondie. You've got a potential buyer." One of the guards said as he slapped his baton on the cage.
Naruto stood up, looking at them with cold lifeless eyes. The woman in front of him was tall with long silver hair. Her body was adorned in an elegant and expensive dress that was cut low showing off her bountiful cleavage, with slits that ran up the length of both thighs, exposing her wide hips and toned thighs that were accentuated by a pair of three inch high-heeled sandals that only added to her already imposing figure. "Oh, he'll do nicely. I'll take him." She spoke in refined tone.
The slaver nodded and tossed Naruto a pair of shorts and a ratty t-shirt, instructing him to get dressed. Naruto dressed himself and stepped to the door, before following the woman out to he carriage. As he followed, she spoke up. "I can see you have a lot of potential. I'm going to make you a fighting slave for the arena I participate in. If you do well, you'll be rewarded. If you perform poorly, you'll be severely punished. Am I understood?"
"Yes ma'am." He said in a shy tone as he followed a few feet behind her. He didn't dare run, he knew being as close as he was to the slave den he would be caught almost immediately.
"Good, you'll also earn an allowance based on how well you do, along with chores you'll do on your rest days. You're free to use this money however you like. If you can pay back 120% of what I paid for you then I will give you your freedom." The woman knew that the young boy would bring in much more than a mere 120% of her initial investment. So, dangling that carrot in front of the boy wasn't that bad.
It took a few hours by carriage ride to arrive at the woman's compound. It was a large and made of stone. The main house had a large archway, and behind it was an enclosed area with a circle made of dirt in the center. "You will sleep in the dungeon for now. Once you begin winning a few matches you'll be allowed in the main house."
"Yes ma'am."
"Now what's your name boy?"
"Naruto Uzumaki, ma'am."
"Well Naruto-kun, let me introduce you to your instructor." She said as she lead him to the dirt circle where a man with green hair was standing in the center. "Naruto-kun this is Aoi. He's a former Chunin from Konoha in my employ. He will be your instructor in combat."
Aoi looked at the young blonde. Something about him seemed familiar but he couldn't place it. "Hello Naruto-kun, we'll be beginning first thing in the morning. I'll come and wake you when it's time."
Naruto bowed slightly. "Yes Aoi-sensei."
Over the next two months Naruto was placed on a strict diet to contribute to his body's growth, and he was physically trained into the ground. Aoi had even tested if the boy could unlock his chakra and was astonished at the results. In Konoha it would have been much too soon to begin teaching a child Ninjutsu, but Aoi couldn't let the opportunity to impress his employer with his results pass him up. So, he took it upon himself to begin instructing Naruto in the Kawawami and the Shunshin jutsu. The boy seemed to take to ninjutsu like a sponge to water. He wished he'd had more time with the boy before his first bout, but he only had time to instruct him in the basics of tanto fighting and the water bullet jutsu before their mistress had stated it would be time for Naruto's first fight.
Naruto was given a set of shinobi pants, and a blank tank top so that he would be presentable, before he was taken to a underground arena. "Remember Naruto-kun, if you win you will be rewarded."
Naruto kneeled down and kissed her toes as they poked out of her high heeled sandals. It was a sign of fealty that she'd told him he would perform before each battle to remind him that no matter how strong he became, he would always bow to her. "I will do you proud ma'am." He said as he stood and walked into the arena. He watched as porcelain masks looked down upon him from the bleachers.
The gate on the opposite side of the arena opened and a scrawny man holding a sword stepped out. He grinned as he looked at Naruto. "So, they've given me a child as my first fight. Good, that means I can kill you and finally get some decent food."
Naruto ignored the man's taunt as he took his stance. His tanto held in a reverse grip and his chakra coursing through his legs. When the bell rang for the fight to begin, the man attempted to charge, only for Naruto to disappear in a burst of speed. He looked around, only for Naruto's blade to be plunged into his throat.
The man looked down, only to see the cold gaze of a killer before, he choked on his own blood and fell to the ground. The crowd sat in stunned silence; the only noise was the slow amused claps of his mistress.
When he returned from the arena, both Aoi and his mistress were waiting for him. Aoi smiled proudly as he looked down at the young blonde. "Congratulations Naruto-kun. I'm proud that you were able to win without showing your skills this early on in your carrier."
"Yes, Naruto-kun. You did me proud and earned your reward." His mistress smiled as she planted a kiss on his forehead. "We'll be moving your things into the main house once we return. I'll also be placing some money into your piggy bank for you to use whenever you'd like."
Naruto gave a small smile. "Thank you, ma'am."
Over the next several years, Naruto continued to train under Aoi in Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, and Kenjutsu. He'd become undefeated in the arena and had even been given several tips from the crowd, which his mistress had allowed him to keep. He'd actually earned enough money for his freedom within the first year. However, his mistress Serena and his Sensei Aoi were the closest thing to family he'd ever known. They definitely treated him much better than the village had. The people who had stolen him away in the night, before selling him to slavers.
Naruto was currently in the bed of his mistress, his arms wrapped around her waist as his head laid in her chest. This was one of the few rewards Naruto ever asked of his mistress. He'd explained to her that he was born an orphan, and had never known the love and warmth of a mother so, he simply asked to have her hold him on occasion so that he could at least pretend.
Their cuddling was interrupted when a guard ran into the room. "Serena-samma, Shinobi are attacking the compound!"
Serena sat up and threw the covers to the floor. "Sound the alarm and summon Aoi!"
The man saluted, before running off to summon the former Chunin. Naruto leapt from the bed and grabbed his equipment as he moved to protect his mistress.
Outside the window the battle raged, as explosive tags could be heard detonating in the distance. Naruto picked up the sound of steel clashing outside the bedroom door, which he'd barricaded with every piece of furniture he could find. "Stay behind me mistress, I'll protect you."
Serena smiled at the young boy. She'd never expected him to stay this long. She'd expected him to save his money and then run off back to where he came from. However, in the years they'd been together he'd practically bolted himself to her hip whenever he wasn't studying, fighting, or training.
The glass of the window broke, and Aoi's body came flying through. His body was covered in cuts and burns as he began coughing up blood. "N-naruto-kun, you need to run. Take our mistress and run!" He said, tossing the sword of the flying thunder god to him.
Serena understood that this was the end of her compound and opened her secret passageway to escape. Just then several men in Konoha flak jackets enter the room. Naruto growled igniting the blade, before pushing the woman into the passageway. "Don't worry about me mistress! Just run! I promise I'll find you when this is all over!" He yelled as the door closed.
A man with white hair stepped forward. His visible eye widening as he looked at the boy in front of him. "N-Naruto?"
Naruto readied his sword as he looked at the man in front of him. "I don't know who you are, or how you know me. But you attacked my mistress and killed my Sensei, so you die here."
The Jonin all looked at him with sadness and pity. At only twelve years old the boy had the eyes of someone who had slain countless foes, and was prepared to die in service of their master. It was a look the dogs of Konoha knew well. For even though they were renowned Shinobi of the greatest of the hidden villages they were still only dogs of war. Waiting to tear apart whatever displeased their master.
"Lay down your weapon Naruto-kun." The white-haired man spoke as he walked towards him.
Naruto raised his sword, only for the man to flash behind him and strike him in the back of the neck. Naruto smiled as he felt his consciousness fading. He knew he couldn't beat the men in front of him. He'd only been stalling to give his mistress time to escape.
Naruto awoke inside of an office. He looked up to see an older man that he had a vague memory of. It took a moment before he remembered the face of the aged Hokage. "I see you're still in the land of the living old man."
Hiruzen smiled sadly. "It's good to see you Naruto-kun. I'd almost given up hope we'd ever find you. It wasn't until our spies saw you in that arena that we were able to send our Shinobi to save you."
"Save me? Your men killed my sensei and forced my mistress to flee her home! I was happy there! I had a life and a family! You people didn't want me in your village, but you couldn't stand the thought of me being happy so you ripped my family away from me!" He screamed as he struggled against the binds.
"You were a slave Naruto-kun." He understood what Naruto was saying, but the village couldn't allow its jinjuriki to be the guard dog of some crime boss. Minato and Kushina would also likely strangle him when he made it to the other side if he allowed that to continue.
"I could have left whenever I wanted! My contract said I only needed to pay back 120% of what I was purchased for. I had that money in the first six months. I stayed because I loved her. She was the closest thing to a mother I've ever known. When your men invaded our home, we were in bed. She was holding me, comforting me. She's my world and you took me away from her." He growled.
"I am sorry. However, I am going to have to insist that you join the Shinobi academy." Hiruzen said in a serious tone.
"Because of the fox." Naruto replied lowering his head.
"How long have you known?"
"Not long after I started training. When I started water walking, Aoi-sensei saw my seal when I activated my chakra. He told me about the fox, and explained that's why I was hated within the village."
Hiruzen sighed, it took a missing ninja to show the boy the love that his village couldn't. "Yes unfortunately because of your status, you will have to become a shinobi."
"I have a condition."
"You're in no position to make demands." Hiruzen said sternly.
"On the contrary old man. I'm in the position to make every demand. I'm more than willing to slash my own throat or hang myself. I'll die and the fox will reform in a few years. Only this time there's no Yondaime to seal it and no Uzumaki to bind it. I die, this village will follow me to the pits of hell." He said as if it was as simple as telling him the weather.
"What is your condition?" Hiruzen said with a hint of resentment towards the people who had made the boy so cold and nihilistic.
"Make it two conditions. The first is I want my Sensei's sword back, and the second is that, should my mistress resurface or be found, she receive a full pardon under the protection of the Uzumaki clan. Both of which are reasonable. That sword originally belonged to your Sensei Tobirama. A relative of mine through his brother's marriage to the princess of the Uzumaki and the aunt to my mother, and I doubt your wayward student wants anything to do with it."
Hiruzen narrowed his eyes slightly. "How do you know about your mother?"
"It wasn't that hard. Only two Uzumaki have lived in this village. Aoi-sensei told me about them. The first being Mito-obaachan who died long before I was born. The second being my mother Kushina Uzumaki, the niece of Mito-obaachan."
Hiruzen sighed and nodded his head. "Once you graduate you will become the acting head of the Uzumaki clan so that you can offer her this protection when the time comes. Since you've already been trained I will allow you to join the graduating class for their last semester before the exams. I trust you were taught the basic three ninjutsu."
"I have far too much chakra for the typical clone, so my Aoi-sensei taught me the shadow clone."
Hiruzen nodded. "That will do fine. Kakashi will show you to the Uzumaki compound and you will begin classes Monday morning." Naruto nodded as the white haired man released him from his seals and ushered him out of the office.
"I hope you can forgive me for what happened to your Sensei."
"From the time I was brought into the compound, I was taught that death was a part of life. Aoi-sensei knew that his days on this earth were numbered as a missing ninja. I don't hold you personally responsible for his life being lost. I do however hold this village responsible for sending you to 'rescue' someone who didn't want to be rescued."
Kakashi looked at the young boy with sorrow. "So, what will you do now?"
Naruto stopped at the gates of the Uzumaki compound. "I'll climb the ranks of the village, I'll find my mistress and I'll bring her here so that she can have the life she truly deserves." He said as he opened the blood seal and walked inside closing the door.
Monday came and Naruto found himself walking into the academy. He'd found a good supply of weapons in the Uzumaki compound. He'd opted to lock the sword of the thunder god in the Uzumaki vault until he became a Genin. There was no use in wielding that blade against children. He'd taken some of the money from the vault and gone shopping for new clothes as his had unfortunately not been recovered from the compound. Now he was dressed in pair of black shinobi pants, a short sleeved black t shirt with white vertical stripes down the ribs to remind him of the elegant dress his mistress wore to his bouts.
"Class I'd like to introduce you to a new student who will be joining you for your final semester. His name is Naruto Uzumaki." Iruka said as he gestured to Naruto who stood beside him. His spiky blonde hair having a small ponytail in the back. Serena had always liked his hair long. She had told him that combing it with her fingers was like running her hand through a field of wheat close to harvest, so he'd forgone cutting it until she returned to him.
"Iruka-sensei this isn't fair! Why did he get to skip through the academy while the rest of us had to work our way up!" Kiba yelled.
"Yeah! If anything, Sasuke-kun should be the one who was allowed to skip grades! Not some clanless loser!" Sakura added.
"Naruto has been outside of the village training under an apprenticeship for the last several years. He has already been tested by Lord Hokage, so if you have any issues with his judgement feel free to take it up with him after class." Iruka said, which caused the two to quiet down. "Naruto, you can take a seat next to Ino."
Naruto stood motionless for a moment before Iruka looked at him in confusion. "I don't know which one Ino is. I just got here after all."
Iruka smacked forehead before asking Ino to raise her hand. When she did, Naruto walked towards her. His face was stoic but inside his heart was thumping. The girl shared the same elegant features as that of his mistress. He sat next to her and tried to keep his head forward as to not get caught staring. Though he couldn't help but steal glances at her.
He sat through the boring lecture trying to feign interest as he continued to steal peaks at the girl beside him. If he decided to stay in this village and not desert it at the first opportunity he would like to be placed on her team. Preferably with anyone other than the two loud children who'd protested his enrollment earlier.
The day went on and Iruka soon called for the students to go outside for their sparing time. Naruto was called to spar against Kiba Inuzuka. Turning to Ino, he removed a necklace from within his shirt and handed it to her. "Would you mind holding on to this for me." She gave him a slightly confused look as to why a boy their age would have such an ornate locket, but non the less took possession of it.
"Hey don't go flirting with Ino-chan loser! Once I show everyone how weak you are they'll probably kick you out of the academy anyway. Hell they might even demote whoever trained you for being such a failure of a sensei."
The nearby students felt their knees buckle as killer intent flooded the area. Even Mizuki, and Iruka were sweating slightly as Naruto marched into the ring. "Start the match."
"Just remember. This is Taijutsu only and no lethal blows." Iruka said as he started the match. He was sure that this boy was likely just bravado and would likely lose to Kiba. Especially considering his clan's specialization in Taijutsu. He'd hoped it would curtail him from having too large of an ego over being an apprentice instead of going through the academy.
What he wasn't expecting was what happened next. The moment the match started Naruto rocketed forward at speeds an academy student shouldn't have been able to reach and slammed his fist into Kiba's face. The action resulted in a sickening crunch as Kiba fell to the ground just outside the arena clutching his face. "He's out of the circle, I take it that means I win."
Iruka shook away his surprise and nodded before calling the match while Mizuki took Kiba to the nurse to wait for his mother. Naruto returned to his spot next to Ino and retrieved his necklace. Thanking her for keeping it safe.
After class was released, the young Yamanaka stopped him to inquire about his necklace. "I was wondering, why would a boy have such a beautiful necklace?"
He looked at her, before opening it. Inside was a picture of his mistress and on the other side the words. "I will keep you close to my heart, so I hope you will keep me close to yours" Were inscribed. "This necklace was a gift from a person who is extremely important to me. I only take it off to shower, and to train. I won't be able to see her for a while, so it is extremely important to me."
Ino nodded as she looked at the picture of the silver haired woman. "She's beautiful."
Naruto nodded closing it before returning it to its spot inside his shirt. "Which one of you is Naruto Uzumaki?!" An irate voice called from behind them.
He turned looking at the source of the voice. The woman looked to be in her early thirties, with short wild chestnut colored hair that reached down to her shoulders. "I'm Naruto Uzumaki."
The brown-haired woman growled as she stalked towards the young blonde. "Is there a reason you decided to haul off and break my son's nose?" She asked leaning in close to his face, allowing him a close up view of her elongated canines.
"It's simple really. He insulted my sensei and ran his mouth to me. He called himself an alpha and charged into the fight dick first, so I slammed my fist into his face and broke his nose."
Tsume leaned in, getting nose to nose with him. Which actually forced her to lean her head upwards slightly, as Naruto was taller than most of the other students in his class. "And what would you do if I said your actions really upset him."
Naruto smirked as he pushed back against her, causing their foreheads to press against each other. "I'd tell you it's a shame you raised such a pussy."
Ino washed nervously as the cute new transfer student squared off against the head of the Inuzuka clan. A woman who was known for her brutality and ruthlessness. She was shocked to say the least when the woman threw her head back and let out an almost maniacal laughter. "That's the best answer you could have given pup. I like you."
"I'm glad you do." Naruto replied with a smirk. "Perhaps I'll get you to like me even more once we get a chance to meet privately."
Tsume chuckled. "You got balls I'll give you that pup. I'll come by your compound after dinner to give you the crash course in being a clan head."
"It's a date." He smirked as he and Ino wandered off.
"I hope you know that was insane. That woman could have killed you."
Naruto merely chuckled in response. "I suppose she could have. Would have been fun though. Oh well. Maybe another time. Perhaps after graduation."
"You're insane, that's the only logical explanation, is that you're legally insane in every sense of the word."
"Perhaps. Never actually talked to a mental health expert so who's to say."
Ino could only shake her head, wondering what exactly she had gotten herself into by supposedly befriending this psychotic blonde. She looked up only to notice that they had reached her home. Smiling she turned to the Uzumaki head. "Well, this is my stop."
"So it is." He smiled, kissing the back of her hand. "It was a pleasure walking you home. I will see you in the morning."
Ino blushed and thanked him for walking her home before retreating back into the Yamanaka home.
Smiling, the young blonde took to the rooftops as he headed for his own home. True he could have used this method to escort the Yamanaka heiress home quicker. However, he had enjoyed their time together and so had decided to take the long way around as he would say.
Upon returning to the Uzumaki compound, he took a shower and made himself a light dinner of grilled chicken and rice before popping a light dessert in the oven for his meeting with Tsume that evening.
He'd just finished preparing their dessert when a knock at the door caught his attention. He was surprised when he opened the door and found Tsume standing there in a unusual state of dress. She'd forgone her long sleeved shirt, shinobi pants and sandals in favor of a slightly baggy tank top, short sleep shorts and flip flops.
"Sorry if it doesn't meet your standards Pup. I figured we'd be at this for a bit and it saves me time changing into my sleep clothes when I get home." She laughed slightly. Though she had partially worn it to get a rise out of him.
Naruto merely smiled and ushered her inside. "It's a bit unusual for a meeting, though I can't say I mind the view." He chuckled watching her swaying hips as she walked into the entryway.
"Wow, you're a bold flirt." Tsume laughed as she plopped down on one of the couches. Her arms splayed across the back rest and her legs spread open wide in a relaxed pose.
Naruto merely chuckled as he walked to the kitchen and brought out two large slices of cake and a pair of drinks. "So down to business." He smiled taking a seat across from her to enjoy the view. "So I take it you know who my parents are?"
"Yeah, if the house wasn't obvious I attended the academy with your folks." Tsume replied picking up the plate.
"Well I've been reading through my mother's old Diary. Apparently, I'm the prince of our home country, seeing as I'm the last living Uzumaki of the royal family. So I'm technically the Daimiyo of Uzushio."
Tsume whistled. "So what's that mean going forward?"
"Not much at the moment. It does give me a bit more leverage, along with the ability to take my clan head seat without having to become a Jonin first. The name only really has power in terms of the Uzumaki clan techniques and funds at the moment. I can't necessarily just run off and rebuild Uzushio at the moment seeing as I don't have any clansmen to defend it."
"And I'm guessing Hokage-samma has made his intention to drag you back if you leave again abundantly clear."
Naruto nodded. "Though my clones have been studying the library in the compound extensively. Apparently any family with at least three active shinobi in it and one Jonin to act as clan head can become a clan. They have certain privileges but don't have voting power until they hit fifty members."
Tsume nodded. "Sounds about right. Why bring it up though?"
"Well because of the Uzumaki special circumstances I have voting rights right now. However I am also allowed to annex willing clans. It was actually a common practice in Uzushio. The royal family acted as the main branch and would annex smaller clans seeking asylum or assistance into side branches as a way of keeping the bloodline from stagnating. Due to the strength of our genes, the amount of Uzumaki DNA in a person never goes bellow 50% so my people could interbreed with a variety of clans and keep the Uzumaki gene strong while also introducing new abilities and kekkei genkai into the bloodline."
Tsume nodded and raised an eyebrow. "So, I take it your plan is to annex a few of the smaller clans to increase your clan's influence and possibly take them to Uzushio with you if the opportunity ever arises?"
"Precisely, a clan's voting power is tied to its size, strength, and contributions to the village. Right now I only have two of those things in the form of the barrier that strengthens the wall and the other seals in this compound."
"Do you have a plan in mind?"
He nodes taking out a scroll regarding the clan laws of Konoha. "Tomorrow at the council meeting I'll volunteer for the CRA. By doing so I can set my own stipulations. I have my eyes on a few minor clans at the moment. Like the Kurama clan, their genjutsu would be the perfect counter balance for the Uzumaki's naturally high chakra reserves and consequently our lack of Genjutsu ability. The Totsubiaki clan also comes to mind. They have naturally denser chakra which helps their chakra control and their chakra flow techniques."
Tsume nodded taking a sip of her drink. "Both also have daughters around your age, and are on the brink of collapse if I remember right. They would make great candidates for marriage contracts. Annexing both of them would also swell your numbers by at least twenty or so."
Naruto nodded. "From what I can tell neither clan has produced anyone higher than a Chunin since the second great shinobi war. Which is why the clan heads they have, have been forced to hold on to their positions for so long."
Tsume nodded. "It's also why they're on the brink of collapse. If they don't produce a new Jonin to lead the clan before the current clan heads die then they'll be forced to dissolve the clan."
"It'd be nice if I could get a meeting with the two of them to discuss the matter."
"I can arrange that for you. I happen to know the two clan heads. I'll talk to them after the announcement tomorrow. They'll probably be eager to jump at the idea. Just be prepared. Have a clear set of expectations to lay out for them, and try not to go off track when you're negotiating with them. Also don't be surprised if they have they're daughters dress up a bit so they can distract you a bit and get a better deal."
Naruto chuckled taking another drink. "If I can focus while talking to you in that manner of dress, I'm pretty sure there's nothing on this planet that can distract me."
Tsume chuckled finishing off her cake. "Keep up that flattery and you may eventually get somewhere."
"I'll ask you out when I make Genin so they can't lock you up for being a cradle robbing milf." He chuckled.
"Cheeky brat." She snorted standing up, kissing his forehead. "Make Genin and I might even say yes." She said as she walked away with a teasing sway in her hips.
Naruto smiled walking her out. "Deal."
The following morning after dropping Ino off at the academy, Naruto made his way to the council chambers for the morning meeting. He saw the scowls on the faces of several members of the civilian half of the council. It seemed that Hiruzen had actually managed to reign them in, and let them know that their normal outbursts wouldn't be tolerated.
"Hiruzen why have you called us here today." Koharu asked.
Hiruzen turned to her and sent her an icy glare. "That is Hokage-samma to you elder." He said shutting her up. "As for why we're here, I have found it appropriate due to recent events to reveal the heritage of Naruto Uzumaki, or his legal name. Naruto Uzumaki-Namikaze." The room save for Tsume Inuzuka gasped in shock.
"Who gave that demon the family name of the Yo.." The council member didn't get a chance to finish his sentence as a kunai embedded itself in his skull.
Naruto relaxed his extended hand. "My apologies. Though to my knowledge it is punishable by death to speak of that."
Hiruzen nodded. "It is Naruto-dono."
Homura raised an eyebrow. "Why did you refer to Naruto-kun like that." Homura had never held anything against the boy and had even sent his own personal guard to watch over the boy when Itachi or Kakashi were on missions. Unfortunately he'd been kidnapped the night of the Uchiha massacre in the confusion.
"Because, Naruto Uzumaki-Namikaze is the last of Uzushio's royal family and therefore is technically the Daimyo of Uzushiogakure living in Konoha."
Naruto nodded. "Thank you Hokage-dono. As I am the last of the Uzumaki and the Namikaze I am volunteering for the CRA so that I may set my own stipulations. I am also considering sanctions on this village for their treatment of my clan."
Hiruzen nodded. "I hope that we can move past this Uzumaki-Dono."
"What could this brat actually do to this village?" Mebuki asked with a scoff.
"I could remove the barrier seals that reinforce the walls and alert to intruders. The seals on the walls are the property of the Uzumaki clan. That also goes for the security seals on the bunkers in the Hokage mountain as well as foreclosing on several longstanding debts that Konoha owns my clan from when the Shodaime founded the village and took out a good faith loan from my people." The council was gob smacked as they looked at the blonde. "Currently there are certain people within this village that I wouldn't wish to be placed in harms way, so I am hesitant to remove those seals from the village at this point. Though I will if you insist on provoking me."
"Do you have any candidates in mind for the CRA?" Homura asked.
"Yes, though the negotiations aren't due to begin until I become a Genin." He smiled.
"I would like to make myself available should you ever require my advice."
"Thank you honored elder." He smiled as he clasped his hands on the table.
Several months later
Naruto had spent a fare amount of time with Tsume, Homura, Hiruzen and even Danzo after Homura had surprisingly brought him to one of their meetings. Danzo had been a wealth of knowledge on battlefield tactics and even wind release training, while Homura had taken the time to educate the young clan head on how to manage his clan's finances. Tsume and Hiruzen were there to school him in the more political aspects of being a clan head. He was grateful for the help, though he didn't let it distract him from his mission to find his mistress.
Tonight though was an enjoyable night for Naruto. Earlier that day, he had graduated from the academy, and had gone out for ramen to celebrate. While eating he noticed the academy teacher Mizuki skulking around the Hokage tower, and so he decided to tail him.
He watched the silver haired Chunin sneak into the tower and abscond with the forbidden scroll. He grinned as he followed him into the forest surrounding Konoha. "Wish I could have blamed this on the fox brat but oh well. At least I got the scroll."
"Oh dear sweet Mizuki, Seven years after you sold me to slavers and you still put so much thought into me. I'm touched."
Mizuki turned around and grinned. "So, you remember it was me?"
"Oh yes, believe me I remember. Every time I slit an opponent's throat in the pit I imagined it was you. It made every victory all the sweeter. Now I get to live out that fantasy." Naruto grinned viciously.
Mizuki grit his teeth, removing the giant shuriken from his back. "Looks like I get to kill you after all brat." He shouted throwing the shuriken at him.
To Naruto it looked as though it was moving in slow motion. He was used to his real sensei coming at him at actual Jonin speeds during their training sessions. Compared to that, this display was pathetic. Moving to the side, Naruto shoved one of his special Uzumaki kunai into the man's ribs. Normal kunai were solid pieces of steel, these though had a pathway drilled into them in a Y pattern. The pattern allowed air to flow in increasing the amount of blood that flowed through the system and out the bottom. This made it so that whether you pulled the kunai out or not, you were going to bleed out.
Mizuki let out a shallow grunt. "You fucking demon fox!" He shouted.
"Now you've committed treason and broken the Third's law." He grinned. "Now I definitely get to kill you." He smiled as he appeared in front of him slamming his kunai into Mizuki's throat. "Goodnight Mizuki."
Naruto set about having his clones copy down the forbidden scroll, before rolling it back up and picking up both the scroll and Mizuki. He was thankful that he hadn't been forced to use his chakra during the fight, meaning the Anbu hadn't known their location.
Naruto arrived at the Hokage tower and deposited both the scroll, and Mizuki's corpse in front of both the Hokage and the waiting Jonin who had assembled because of the theft. "I believe you were about to send these fine shinobi out to find these two items."
"Thank you, but how did you know?"
"I noticed Mizuki leaving the Hokage mansion with the scroll and decided to follow him. When I confronted him, he admitted to stealing it, being the one who sold me into slavery and broke your law by speaking of my better half. The slavery alone gave me the right to execute him. After all, he did admit to kidnapping the Daimyo of Uzushio."
Hiruzen smiled nodding. "Thank you Uzumaki-dono. I'll consider this an A-rank bounty to be paid tomorrow after team assignments. "
"If that is all, as you've just stated I have team assignments in the morning and need my rest."
Hiruzen chuckled. "Of course, goodnight Naruto-kun."
Naruto began walking away, before turning his head. "Oh and old man."
"Yes?"
"If you put me with the Uchiha brat or the Haruno bitch, I will break them." He said with a sickly sweet smile that sent shivers down the spines of everyone present.
"Noted."
The following morning Naruto sat in the back of his class awaiting the team assignments as he read through one of his mother's books on fuinjutsu. For him it was just something to pass the time. He actually had about forty shadow clones back at his compound studying more of his clan's library. He had to admit that he was quite interested in the subject. He guessed it might have something to do with his Uzumaki bloodline, but he could also see how it could be useful if he had to defend his compound from the village.
"Alright now we'll begin with the team assignments." Iruka said.
"Um Iruka-sensei, where is Mizuki-sensei?"
Iruka sighed. "This is a good opportunity to give you guys my final lesson before you graduate. Mizuki betrayed the village last night and attempted to steal the forbidden scroll. He was tracked down and executed by your fellow Genin Naruto Uzumaki."
The class gasped in shock. Ino had a slightly proud look on her face. With her father being the head of T&I she had grown up with an extreme disgust for traitors. Sasuke looked at him with a jealous scowl that this run who had just entered the academy with them a few months ago had some how managed to overpowered a Chunin. Sakura looked mortified. "Y-you killed Mizuki-sensei?"
"I executed a traitor who committed treason." He said plainly.
"Yeah, if one of the Jonin had found him he would have been executed anyway. Naruto just caught him first." Kiba piped up. Due to the close relationship that Naruto had developed with his mother, Kiba had seen a lot of the young blonde and the two had developed a decent friendship.
"Exactly." Iruka nodded. "Now let's get to the team assignments." He said lifting the paper to his face to read off the names. "Team Seven, Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, Saskura Haruno under Kakashi Hatake. Team eight, Hinata Hyuuga, Shino Aburame, Kiba Izuzuka under Kurenai Yuhi, Team nine is still in rotation, Team ten Ino Yamanaka, Shikimaru Nara, Choji Akamichi under Asuma Sarutobi. Your sensei's will meet you after lunch."
Naruto took the opportunity to slip out and make his way to the Hokage office. "You care to explain why you didn't take my warning seriously last night?"
Hiruzen sighed as he lit his pipe. "I did take it seriously. However, I decided that this would actually be the best option for everyone. Sakura has the academic grades and due to the fact that she's been grandfathered in to the graduation before the testing overhaul next year I had to put her on a team with the top academic male shinobi which is you?"
"That makes half a bit of sense. However, that doesn't explain why you added Sasuke Uchiha."
"That's because Kakashi is the only one who can teach him about the sharingan once it awakens. I placed you on their team because I want you to break them. I want you to beat the fangirl out of Sakura Haruno and I want you to pound Sasuke Uchiha's ego down flat. Both of them are currently liabilities and I need your assistance in dealing with it."
Naruto grunted and nodded. "Fine, however if they become liabilities to me in specific I will break them."
Hiruzen nodded taking a puff. "I've already informed Kakashi that you have Cart Blanche to do what you feel is necessary to deal with them."
Naruto nodded turning to the door. "Inform Kakashi that if he's late I will burn every issue of Icha icha in a fifty mile radius of this village."
Hiruzen smiled. "I think that sounds like a fine idea."
"That includes the one in your desk old man." He smirked closing the door, causing Hiruzen to subconsciously place his hand over the drawer where he hid said copy.
After a quick lunch at Ichiraku, and leaving a generous tip to the ramen waitress, Naruto returned to wait for his sensei. He decided to come back at the last moment so that he would have to spend as little time as possible with his new teammates before their sensei arrived.
He was surprised when he actually saw the one eyed Jonin show up with the other senseis. "Meet me on the roof in five minutes."
Naruto groaned as he walked home from the team meeting. They'd been allowed to skip the exam as they were considered a 'special case' meaning he'd have to deal with the two whiney brats. He was just happy to be rid of them for the day. Though now he was set to meet with the two minor clans in order to cement his marriage contracts.
Naruto sat across from the two clan heads. "So, what concessions would you like in order to get this annexation cemented."
The clan head of the Kurama clan spoke up. She was an elderly woman in her late fifties. She was also the grandmother of the clan heir Yakumo Kurama. She hoped that the fact that they'd dressed their heirs in some more flattering dresses that hugged their developing figures would distract him and allow them to slip a few things by him. "We would appreciate it if you would treat out clans fairly and take our advice under consideration when it came to clan matters."
Naruto steeled himself as he leaned forward interlocking his fingers. "These two will be my wives. I will take their opinions into consideration. However I will be making the final decision and I will not tolerate them being coerced or intimidated into pushing anyone else's agenda. " Yakumo and Tsubaki smiled at each other and nodded.
"So then, what is your proposal."
"I will marry your heirs. I will love and support them and I will ensure that the vassal clans are properly supported as well as given the access to more advanced training. From what I've been told your families haven't had any Jonin in the past several decades. From what I know most of your Chunin promotions were only out of gratitude from years of service."
The Kurama matriarch nodded in agreement. "I must admit. We do not have much in terms of military strength. All we can truly offer you at the moment is sheer numbers to bolster your influence."
"For now that will be sufficient. I might look into hiring a few Jonin to aid in some additional training for your forces."
"That does sound nice. I know in these times of piece Jonin are eager to take whatever missions they can get their hands on. However, our clans can't afford maybe more than a week's worth of training at a time."
"Choose your top three Chunin from each clan. I'll pay for some extra training for them for at least two months. That will be long enough for them to at least learn some new skills and to get corrections on any mistakes they might be making that are keeping them from being promoted. We'll give them the supplementary training and then have the instructors come back in six months to assess their progress after they've had time to work on their skills. Once they're promoted to Jonin we can have them help with instructing other clansmen and so on down the line."
"That sounds like an excellent idea. So, when shall the marriage take place?"
"We will have a provisional engagement for the next two years. At which point we will decide whether to continue with the marriage and the vassalhood. However the agreement can only be terminated if both parties agree to it."
"That sounds like a fair deal."
After some other minor negotiations Naruto returned with his home alongside his two new fiancés. "You two can take the rooms to either side of the master bedroom."
"You don't want us to join you in your room?"
He shook his head. "No, we aren't close enough for me to trust you within stabbing distance while I sleep."
The two girls looked at each other before bursting out into a fit of giggles. "That's a unique way of preserving your modesty." Yakumo giggled.
"That being said. Are you two Genin?"
The two nodded. "We're a year ahead of you, however we're on the reserve list because there weren't enough Genin in our class to make full teams. We're allowed to take D-ranks inside the village, and assist other Genin teams on the occasional C-rank whenever they request backup."
Naruto nodded thinking. "I'll be hiring a tutor for the two of you to improve your skills while I'm working with my team. When I make Chunin, if you have yet to be assigned a team. I should be able to request that you two be placed on a team with me for C-rank missions until the next Chunin exam."
The two girls smiled nodding as Tsubaki verbalized their response. "Don't worry Naruto-kun, we'll work hard and make the Uzumaki clan proud."
"I'm sure you both will. For now get some sleep. I'll be making breakfast in the morning before I go to my team meeting, and I'll put in the request for a tutor once my meeting is over."
"Since we have the day off we'd be happy to be the one's to make breakfast." Yakumo smiled as they both gave him a kiss on the cheek before retiring to their rooms without giving him the chance to argue the matter.
Naruto merely chuckled as he moved into his bedroom and removed his shirt. The intricate tattoo on his back depicting a elegant woman wearing a circlet standing in front of a demonic looking golden fox. "I wonder how they'll react when they see this, or worse how they'll react when they learn of the things I've done." He said turning his head to look at the full moon in the sky. "Mistress, wherever you are. Don't worry. I'm coming to find you. We'll be together again soon."
Meanwhile somewhere in northern fire country. Naruto's mistress had returned to her compound only to find most of it in ruins. Most of her possessions except for the emergency fun that Aoi had insist she'd hide in the escape tunnels had been taken by the invading shinobi. Looking down she noticed the picture of her Naruto and Aoi lying on the ground. Naruto had the biggest smile on his face as he held his new stuffed fox wallet in his arms, Aoi's hand was ruffling his blonde locks, while she stood slightly behind his other side, her hands clasped in front of her, like a mother and her rowdy children.
Her tears fell on the picture frame as she clutched it to herself. "My Naruto. I will find you again. Wherever you are tonight my sunshine. Just know that I love you."