A/n I apologize for the long wait, I've been busy. I've just moved! Renovating my new house is a bitch. On another note, this chapter is completely necessary for the sake of the plot, but is generally another filler chapter. Because I decided to turn this into a multi-chap, it's been rather difficult to think of ways to put my ideas into a pleasant read. I apologize for the OC's and general OOCness; I just don't like using characters that are already there as they wouldn't normally do the things I would force them to do.

Chapter 5

Anko finally made her appearance in front of the Kazekage, after intel had arrived with newer information. When she arrived however, she was shocked to see Naruto in the Kazekage's chair, his legs resting against the desk, an omnipotent look upon his face. Gaara stood nearby, showing the Rokudaime something in a scroll. Anko opened her mouth in shock, but quickly closed it.

"What news do you bring me, Mitatashi-san?" Gaara said quietly, as Naruto smirked.

Before Anko could relay the message, Naruto cut in. "What must be said has already been said. If there is any new information, then speak." A light smirk danced onto his face, expecting no reply.

Anko only kept her solemn demeanor and spoke. "A war is brewing between Kumogakure and Tetsu no Kuni, and it seems Kumo and its allies have targeted both Konoha and Suna." Anko relayed to the two Kages. An aura of seriousness enveloped the entire room as she spoke.

Naruto sighed. "I had wished I would not see another devastation as such in my life, especially not so soon after the Allied Forces." He looked over to Gaara.

"As did I. However, we must meet the requirements to keep out villages safe. What do you suggest, Naruto?" Gaara spoke.

"Well, the way I see it, we should play it as Mifune of the samurai. Neutral, until necessary. Of course, we must be ready at all times, without causing a stir amongst our people." Naruto spoke calmly.

"My thoughts exactly. You've grown from the brash boy you were before. Thinking before jumping headfirst, I see." The corners of Gaara's mouth curved upward, stopping before he fully smiled. "Nevertheless, your true and righteous heart will lead your people through. I as well, will be a true leader in times of need. For now, we prepare. I will alert the highest in ranking of my ninja, as to not cause a disturbance. We will see to it that this war will not catch us off guard." The red-headed man finished.

"As will I. I will send a message to Killer Bee, to see the situation. If there is a war, he is bound to know." Naruto said.

At this moment, Anko cut in. "Are you sure it is wise to contact them? After all, to remain neutral we have to rely that we will not have to put our hands into this war raging between the two."

"She is right, Naruto. It is your decision to make, but keep that in mind." Gaara agreed.

"I will have to see. Mitarashi-san, send the message to all the jonin and chunin to prepare for any upcoming battle as they see fit. Make sure they do not alarm any others, as this should be kept secret until absolutely necessary." Naruto concluded.

Anko winced at her given name and nodded. "Hai, hokage-sama." She affirmed. "Is there anything else?" She said stiffly.

"That is all." And with that Naruto's final words, she left in a swirl of leaves.

"When will you tell her you still love her?" Gaara inquired, nonchalantly.

"When it is right to. I received word Mifune wishes to see me, and that will be that."

"You're in deep shit." Gaara smirked.

Surprised at the word choice, Naruto could barely come up with something witty to say. "I've been through worse; after all, I fell in love with the crazy snake lady."

Kazuhiro woke up to the sound of rushing water. Groggily, he took heed of his surroundings. The brown haired male saw his arms tied to a tree that reached over the water. His feet skimmed the ripples of dark water.

"So you've awakened. I think it's time you've met your your destiny. I must thank you though, for making my job easier. You've after all just singlehandedly helped me start a war. I'll dispose of you for Mifune. Haruhi will have no choice but to her return home, to danger, if the alliance idea has been implemented irretrievably in Mifune's head. This will be the best way to begin a war of ages, more than the likes of the Great Shinobi Wars!"

Kazuhiro recognized the man as one of his previous captors, he had a specific marking on the left side of his armor, that looked like the insignia of an Oto-nin. Before he could piece two and two, a sharp stinging pain had enveloped his stomach. The samurai pulled back, splatters of blood visible in the grass. As soon as he cut the rope and let the dead man fall free into the depths of the water, a loud cry was heard from behind the clearing. The samurai turned around to face Haruhi charging towards him, her face purely of hatred.

"My father will know of this!" Haruhi cried indignantly.

"Know of what?" The samurai said before jabbing the back of his sword into her neck. He spat on the ground beside her. "If I could make it look like Raikage Ay had sent his men to kill you, you would be dead." He looked into the clearing, into nowhere. "Otogakure will get its revenge of the centuries. Because the war is long over, there is no need for testy friendships built upon lies and battle. Kumo will be ours, perhaps even Tetsu no Kuni." He laughed menacingly and hoisted the taisho's daughter over his shoulder and left for to journey back to Iwa. His infiltration was complete.

Gaara was filling out paperwork at his desk while Naruto continued to pace around his office. Anko reappeared minutes later, a grim look on her face.

"What's the news Mitarashi-san?" Naruto asked, sensing her stoic demeanor.

"The shinobi of our village has been alerted, Kakashi has made sure of that. But, word has spread that Mifune-sama's daughter has been kidnapped. It is said that it is the doing of Raikage Ay, but contradicting this, it has been said it was the doing of the Tsuchikage.

"A, the old man Tsuchikage would never order something like that. He is much more straightforward, a seasoned war general. It sounds like a conspiracy to me. B, Raikage Ay, although he may stoop low to win, he would not attack a neutral land unless he would gain something of it." Naruto replied, firmly.

"As it is, he could gain the upper hand in battle; a hostage daughter would certainly be a type of blackmail one could use." Anko cut in.

"No, I don't see it that way. It will only hurt him more than it would help him." Naruto reprimanded. At this point, Anko saw where he was standing from.

"So what will we do?" Anko asked.

Gaara looked at the two of them. "Having this conversation in the office of a rival village is highly inappropriate." He continued to work.

"We will do what must be done. As of yet, it is none of our concern. Until any of us are in danger, there is no danger. And Gaara, don't be a bastard, we are allies."

"We are allies indeed." Gaara concluded. His face scrunched up as he read the scroll, but his face reverted to its normal expressionless façade.

A/N And that ends that. Any suggestions, feel free to PM me.