A/N: Here we go, the next arc of the story. Hope ya'll are ready for action, drama, and suspense!

Chapter 49: Orders and Parameters

Kurama savored the warm breeze rustling through the woods, breathing deeply and allowing the moment of peace to consume him. This was it. This single, fleeting moment of tranquility would be all he and Naruto would have. God only knew how long it would be until they had this kind of inner peace again, if ever. The breeze fell away, and when he opened his eyes so did the peace as he met Menma's glare a few paces away.

"You look well," Kurama said.

Menma's glare twisted further and his crimson eyes pulsed, but he said nothing.

"I admit I like the silent you better," Kurama unfurled his tails and took a readying stance. "You could be really annoying. I suppose you finally realized who your betters were and learned to keep your mouth shut, how very mature of you."

Menma twitched, his hands dripping blood as he clenched and unclenched his fists, and began moving in a wide arc. Immediately Kurama mimicked him.

The wind died away, the birds fell silent, and the only noise between the two came from the grass crushed beneath them. Kurama tensed and prepared to open the mind link to Naruto when another presence surged forward. Multiple cries shrieked cried from the underbrush as the dark shapes swooped between the two, and in seconds the murder of crows began to condense into a humanoid shape.

"You," Menma snarled.

"Uchiha…" Kurama's own eyes narrowed and lips pulled back.

"Hello Menma, Kyuubi." The shape solidified and crimson kaleidoscopes turned to greet them. "How have you been?"

The world had begun moving again—Naruto collapsed to the side of Hinata covered in sweat and feeling every bit of satisfied as the woman beside him, judging from the look on her face. For a few seconds he did nothing but breath then shifted his view and watched Hinata in all of her glory as she did the same. It took a few moments for her to realize it as she basked in the afterglow, but when she felt Naruto's stare she began to blush and cover herself.

Naruto smirked and opened up an arm to which Hinata quickly tucked under and nestled against him. Her leg intertwined with his and draped over him, allowing her sex to press against his leg where both their juices flowed from her. A shiver passed through Naruto, and he felt himself twitch, already eager to add more to the collection.

"That was everything I'd ever dreamed it would be," Hinata murmured pressing her lips to his chest. Her fingers traced lines across his skin and her heavy lids closed as she rested on his shoulder. "You're amazing."

"I could say the same to you, Hime," Naruto said, his own fingers had begun to paint simple seals across her hip and up her side. "I don't think I've ever seen a more beautiful or perfect sight."

Hinata's head dipped lower, but he knew she was blushing at his words. Minutes slipped by as they held each other, their temperatures and heart beats lowering to a natural level while their fingers never ceased trailing over one another's skin. But the silence could only last for so long, and eventually Hinata began to squirm until she looked at Naruto unable to ignore the anxiety trapped within.

"Something on your mind," Naruto asked.

"U-Um…I don't know how to say this," Hinata's eyes dipped for a moment before coming back with intensity. "You were amazing Naruto."

"You've already said that, Hime."

"I know but…y-you were too amazing." Naruto's eyebrow rose and Hinata's cheeks flushed. "Y-You seemed to know what you w-were doing."

"You want to know if I've been with someone else," Naruto said. The answer to his question was painted on her face, an overwhelming fear of having to share him in someone else's memories. "I haven't."

She blinked, relief rippling through her before her eyes narrowed. "You aren't lying are you?"

He tried not to show it, but the words cut through him sharper than anything ever had. Perhaps it was because of what they'd just finished doing, but his defenses were lowered and the shot went untouched straight to his core. He knew she hadn't meant it like that, and he also knew she regretted it the second the words left her, but it still hurt. They both still hurt.

Hinata went to speak but he stopped her with a finger to her lips, "I know you didn't mean it like that. But you don't see me asking if I was your first because you were missing your maidenhead."

Hinata colored but her eyebrows drew, "It different with me."

"How so?"

"Because I'm me, and you're you."

"I don't follow."

"I'm nothing special. I'm the weak, failure heir of the Hyuugas, and you're Naruto—handsome, powerful, savior of the Hidden Leaf…"

"Do you really think you're weak," Naruto asked grabbing her chin and forcing her to stare into his eyes. She held them for as long as she could, but the intensity behind them had her averting hers in shame. "You had a habit of underestimating yourself Hinata, but I haven't seen that in a long time. Not since Pain…"

"I-I just feel like I'll n-never be good enough for you…"

"And I'll never feel like I deserve you," Naruto said running a hand through her hair. "So let's work together to be the people we think the other deserves, okay?"

Hinata stared at him for a long moment until her eyes shimmered and she lunged into him for a kiss. "It's a promise," she said when they finally parted, "but you have to tell me where you learned all that from."

"All what," Naruto grinned.

"All…A-All…" Hinata waved her hand around the bed as her face burned. "Naruto-kun, please don't make me say it."

Naruto's head fell back and he laughed, but his eye caught a devious glint and he smirked making Hinata's heart shudder. "No," he said giving her ass a light swat and eliciting a yelp from her. He kissed her before she could argue and added, "I'm not asking where you learned your tricks from, so why should I tell you?"

Hinata's cheeks puffed, but the scowl she gave him was only half hearted. "Th-Then what about the festival," her face dipped down to his chest. "I…I think we should talk about it."

Naruto stiffened, an uncomfortable feeling rising up from deep within. She was right. They needed to talk things over and he could see the plan coming together in her mind, but despite how he never had a problem speaking his mind this topic was something he'd rather not touch on.

"Can we just forget it happened," Naruto asked. Hinata's head jerked back to him, but from the look in her eyes she didn't seem too pleased at the idea.

"I'd rather we talk about it Naruto-kun," Hinata's finger began to trace lines on his chest again, a ploy Naruto knew was to calm him and despite knowing this, it was working. "We almost lost everything because we couldn't communicate—I don't think I could go through that again."

"I understand, but talking about it won't do anything at this point except make us uncomfortable." Naruto place his hand on the groove of Hinata's hip and relished in the way his palm fit perfectly there. "We both know the reasons for why we did what we did. We both could've handled things better, and we know we're sorry. So there's not much more to say."

Hinata thought about what he said for a moment, but eventually nodded.

"Since we want to be honest and communicate I will say this though," Naruto said bracing him. "You hurt me Hinata-chan. You hurt me a lot with how you treated me." The anguish on her face at his words reflected on his heart, and her nails bit into his skin as her hand instinctively clutched his chest. He hated seeing her like this, but he needed to tell her. "I'd hoped that you'd trust me to do the right thing, and when you didn't it shook me. I'm not saying anything's changed, or that I don't love you. I always will Hyuuga Hinata. But please understand if it takes me some time to fully open up to you again."

"I…I understand," Hinata said burying her face in his chest to hide the tears welling up. She didn't want to back track, but she knew it was necessary for them in the long run. "P-Please know I am sorry, Naruto-kun."

"I know you are," Naruto kissed the top of her head. "And I'm sure it won't take me long. So please don't be upset."

Hinata pressed her lips together and nodded, forcing her tears back down with a few breaths. When she looked back to Naruto she saw nothing but love and concern, and she couldn't stop a smile from forming.

"I suppose we should at least talk about the meeting," Hinata suggested, but stopped when Naruto began laughing. "What's so funny?"

Naruto gave her a quick peck on the nose and untangled himself from her. "No politics will ever be discussed in this bedroom."

"And why's that?" Hinata propped herself up, aware she was exposing herself. But the view of Naruto standing in all his naked glory was worth it.

Naruto clicked his tongue and wagged a finger, "'A man is most vulnerable after he's lain with a woman.' Ero-sennin once told me that, and it's probably some the most useful advice he's ever given me. Don't think you'll be able to seduce me into taking your side."

Hinata gave him a glare, "I would never…"

"Then what was that little number just now about the festival," Naruto asked with a smirk.

Hinata blushed, guilty of the subtle manipulation ingrained into since the academy days via the art of seduction and manipulation. Harmless, but true. "We have to be prepared for the meetings so we can meet opposition with a unified front."

"Ah Hime," Naruto said stretching and well aware of the way Hinata's eyes traveled over his stretching muscles. "I'm not skilled in politics. I know how to shake things up, but I'll never be like you or your father. Besides," he padded into the bathroom and a moment later the shower turned on. "I don't want to have some sort of agreement with you when I walk into the council room."

Naruto returned to the bedside and grinned at her, "I told you before—you're my rival in the council. I want you to speak your mind, make your opinion known. I don't want us just agreeing with each other for the sake of being a couple. That won't benefit the village or our personal morals."

"Naruto-kun, we're going to have to speak about the council other than in the council room," Hinata said.

"I know we'll have to discuss council matters, but just not in the bedroom."

"I suppose we could discuss it at dinner," Hinata said and blushed at her blatant intention.

"Nope," Naruto smirked. He reached into the bed and swept Hinata up in his arms eliciting a happy gasp in the process. "Dinner is a time for a family to talk about what's happening with them. Politics has no place at my table."

Hinata's arms came around his neck and she let out a sigh. He really was perfect. Dinner at her household had always been nothing but politics, agendas, and proper etiquette. She hated it, though she hadn't used to. When her mother was still around it was a bright and wonderful thing, they would laugh and tell stories. But that had changed when Hitomi passed, and with it the warmth of a family meal. Yet here Naruto was, promising her something she'd lost long ago and she couldn't stop the joy that ran through her.

"Then where, Naruto-kun? The library?"

"The library is for reading and studying," He winked as he spun around and walked towards the bathroom.

Hinata giggled, "Then how about the living room?"

"Personally I'd rather cuddle and watch a movie."

"The backyard?"

"That's for relaxing and training."

"The pond?"

"Meditation and reflection."

"Naruto-kun," Hinata said doing her best to be serious but unable to hide her happiness. "Are you telling me there isn't a single place in this house that village matters can't be discussed?"

"There's only one place in this house and even then it will rarely be used," Naruto answered.

Hinata raised an eyebrow, "And where would that be?"

Naruto smirked and shifted his hand to squeeze Hinata's ass, and gained a flustered gasp in return. "I'll show you when we're done here."

For the first time Hinata realized Naruto had brought her into the bathroom. "W-What are you doing?"

"Isn't it obvious," Naruto asked setting her down in the walk in shower and closing the door. "We're going to take a shower."

"T-T-Together," Hinata asked trying to get her feet under her, they felt like jelly at the moment.

"Of course," Naruto said grabbing a bar of soap and lathering it on a fine bristled brush. Pulling her into the water spray, he stood behind her and circled his arms around her beginning to wash her. "We're dirty, so I thought we could wash off together. To conserve water of course." His lips brushed her ear, "Though it'll be a miracle if I ever get you clean. You're so dirty, Hime."

Hinata felt Naruto hardening and press against her cheeks. An exhilarated shudder ran through her, and her core started growing hotter and wetter again. She leaned into him, tilting her head back against his shoulder.

"Naruto-kun," she drawled into his ear. "You have no idea…"

"Cliché," Sai stood in front of the hotel door listening to the roar or thunder and rain outside. "This is so cliché."

Truth be told, he was just irritated at the weather for forcing him inside. After Naruto had kicked him out of the house with orders not to come back until he'd talked to Samui, he'd wandered the village doing five laps around the block of her hotel. He'd entertained the thought of lying about it, but a quick reminder of his sister's special little trick led him right back to the door he stood before now. Shoving down the uncomfortable feelings churning inside him he raised his fist.

God he almost wished he was emotionless again.

His knock was answered within seconds, and the look on Omoi's face told him everything he needed to know about being there.

"I'll buy you some time," Omoi's dark skin paled. "Maybe a few seconds but that's it."

Sai's mouth went dry, and as he tried to speak Karui called from inside, "Who is it, Omoi?"

"J-Just room service," he answered shutting the door. "They got the wrong room number."

The door had almost clicked shut when Killer B called out, "Omoi's lying is weak as hell. You got a tick that's a nervous tell."

"Who was at the door," Karui yelled and a crash followed short after.

Sai was in the process of turning away when the door was ripped open and Karui's eyes shot wide.

"Yo, it's Samui's pasty Uzumaki," Killer B yelled with a wave. "Here to steal her virginity?"

The Shinigami had descended, Sai was sure of it. Cold, still, and silent as a crypt, everyone refused to move an inch—willing their own hearts to cease beating in hopes of not drawing attention. And then it entered from the other room, flowing through the door clad in skin fair as bone and haloed in golden silk.

"Poetic in the face of death," Sai thought. "That in itself is poetic."

Killer B turned in time to catch the flat of Samui's tanto across the cheek and send his sunglasses skittering to the floor. Before anything could be said she brought her heel down on the protective lenses with crack.

"Heaven save me from the light that blinds," Killer B wailed falling to his shattered remains. "That pair was one of only so many kinds."

"If you value your rapping keep your mouth shut," Samui said leveling her blade at him, "or I'll cut your tongue out."

"A slap I can understand. But breakin' my shades was a little grand."

Before Killer B could say anything else Omoi slapped a hand over his mouth and Karui helped haul their reckless sensei into the other room. Samui watched them leave for a moment before turning her eyes to Sai, and when she did he felt pain slide through his chest at the way her beautiful blue eyes glared.

"Are you here to relay a message," she asked.

Sai shook his head.

"Are we needed somewhere?" Again Sai shook his head and Samui scowled in response, "Why are you here?"

"To…" Sai instinctively touched his throat at the feeling of someone strangling him, and when he felt nothing his brow furrowed. "To talk to you."

Samui scowled and turned away picking up a rucksack in the process and setting it on the bed, "There's nothing to talk about."

Every instinct in Sai was screaming at him to leave. The sensation he felt at the Hyuuga mansion was settling in his stomach, and just like then he ignored his instincts and pushed forward entering the room.

"Is that true," Sai asked.

Samui said nothing, refusing to even glance at him as she went about the room collecting clothes and items and depositing them in the pack.

"I didn't mean to scare you," Sai said.

Samui jammed a shirt into the pack, "Who said I was scared?"

"Naruto-nii says I made you worry the night of the festival."

"Well your brother's an idiot, because I wasn't worried or scared."

Sai's eyes fell to the floor. It hurt. She was lashing out on purpose, trying to instigate a fight. But why? His fists clenched while processing what was happening, but the words were on his lips before he realized he was speaking, "You never visited. While I was in the hospital or once I got home."

"You were in a restricted section of the hospital."

"Naruto could've gotten you in like he did Temari-san."

"It would've been pointless; you were out the next day."

"Then you could've come to the house." Sai took a breath, pushing the overwhelming feelings rising up the back of his throat. "Samui, are you avoiding me?"

Samui froze, hand stuffed inside the pack. "What does it matter?"

"Huh?"

"What does it matter?" Samui's head dipped, and with her back to Sai it felt like the distance between them increased even more. "You were my escort—nothing more. There's nothing between us. We're from different villages, ones that don't get along very well at that." Samui's back straightened, and she glanced over her shoulder at him, "Our relationship was strictly professional."

Silence filled the space between them, and Sai stared at her for a long moment before his eyes shifted to the floor. "I don't want that."

Samui shifted half way to stare at him and thankful he didn't see the heat she felt blooming across her face, "What?"

"I don't want it to end like this," Sai's eyes lifted to hers and he took a step forward. "You're different. You make me feel different, and I know you feel the same way."

"Y-Your wrong," Samui tried to take a step back, but the bed blocked her. "And what's more is I'm nearly twice your age. I misjudged you, thought you were older, I couldn't be with someone so young."

"So we're slaves to our age now?" Sai's voice decreased along with the distance between them. "I was a slave once, Samui-chan. I refuse to be one again."

He could see her struggling inside, flailing for a grasp on her emotions while trying to keep an aloof front. Sai reached out, wanting nothing more than to comfort and reassure her.

"We're leaving." Sai's hand stopped as if it met a glass wall. Samui watched it wide-eyed, "We just got the order from Raikage-sama. My team is leaving tomorrow morning."

"Just like that?"

"We're ninja, Sai. We receive new missions all the time."

"That's not what I meant," Sai snapped and his hand fell to his side in a fist. "You're going to leave and act like nothing ever happened? Ignore your emotions and put as much distance between you and this village?"

"A ninja must control their emotions," Samui's eyes turned cold. "It was a passing thought, nothing more."

Samui thought she'd prepared herself for this moment. She'd spent hours preparing the scenario in her head like she did for any other situation that required hard words. It helped keep her composure, remain cool and in control. But all of her planning was destroyed in one look by Sai.

"I spent seventeen years of my life controlling my emotions, I'm not about to go back to that." Sai turned and strode to the door, clasping the handle tightly in his hand he said without turning around, "Good bye Samui-san. I wish you the best on your next mission."

The door clicked behind Sai, and Samui stared at the door before crossing the distance. Her hand rested on the knob, her heart screaming at her to open it again and tell Sai to wait, but her mind stopped her. Cold logic distanced everything, rationalized and callously put in its proper place until her hand stopped shaking and fell away from the handle.

"Samui?" Karui reentered the room alone. "Are you okay?"

"I'm fine," Samui said blinking. She turned to her teammate, "I'm fine but…why am I crying?"

Karui closed the distance and wrapped Samui in a hug, giving her leader the rare chance to lose control.

Naruto collapsed next to her and sank into the blankets and mattress, exhausted from their love making. Hinata wasn't sure how he kept going, but she certainly wasn't complaining about it. Their shower ended up much more physical, and once they'd finished washing off he'd jumped her again when she'd been the process of putting on one of his jackets since she had no spare clothes. Now that their most recent session was over, Hinata was more than certain they both needed a break.

"Naruto-kun, I'm hungry."

Naruto groaned but lifted his head to the clock by the bed. "Baa-chan should have dinner ready by now."

"G-Go eat with your family?"

Naruto cocked an eyebrow, "Would you rather eat in here?"

"No…I-It's just. I'm a little embarrassed."

"Why?"

Hinata's afterglow began to turning self-conscious. "Because I'm probably not on best terms with them, and we've been…b-been…" Her hands gestured to the bed around them.

Naruto rolled over laughing and hopped out of bed, muscles glistening in low the light from the exertion he'd just been through. It seemed Naruto had a habit of ditching the clothes as soon as he was revved up, and Hinata was fine with that. Though this time she'd managed to keep the jacket on—even if it was open for Naruto to see.

"Best get it over with, Hime." Naruto said scooping his shirt off the floor. "Act like it doesn't bother you and they'll lose interest."

"Easier said than done, Naruto-kun."

"I'll tell to back off if you get overwhelmed," Naruto said handing her underwear and pants to her.

Once they were dressed they went to the door, but as Naruto reached to unseal it he stopped. A frown creased his face, and he unlocked the door and threw it open. Karin jumped on the other side, blushing furiously and trying not to make eye contact.

"You better have a good reason," Naruto said.

"I-I do," Karin said pointing down the stairs. "It's Sai. His talk with Samui went really bad. He showed up drenched and crying. Crying, nii-san!"

Karin's own eyes were welling up, and Naruto's face softened as he stepped out and put a hand on her shoulder. "Let's go see what we can do for our otouto then."

Naruto took the lead, and as Hinata followed Karin shifted and gave a small smile, "I'm glad you and nii-san made up."

Hinata felt her ears prick with heat, but she quickly realized Karin was being genuine and returned the smile, "I'm sorry for being so difficult."

"It's okay." They followed Naruto in silence for a moment before Karin threw her arms around her. "Do you know hard that was for me?!"

"K-Karin?"

"You were the first person to open up and be nice to me other than Naruto-nii when I came to the village," Karin said squeezing tighter. "After I went off on you I thought I'd be all alone again!"

"Karin, please calm down," Hinata said hugging back. "I may have been unreasonable but I would never abandon a friend."

"You mean that?"

"Of course," Hinata said pulling away. "I can't have Naruto-kun's sister hating me. That wouldn't be very good for the family."

"No," Karin wiped her eyes giggling. "It wouldn't."

They were halfway down the stairs when a siren wailed throughout the house and red lights began to pulse. Karin and Hinata both froze, looking at each other for answers before jerking to Naruto and his shouting.

"Command Room now," He bellowed over the handrail and pivoted up the steps, taking three at a time, and as he passed the girls he ordered, "Follow me."

Hinata's heart demanded oxygen and adrenaline as she followed Naruto. He rounded the third set of stairs, the ones that led to the open tower and confusion gnawed at her mind. In the stairwell she watched Naruto press a hand to the wall just outside the door and the siren quieted though the red lights continued to flare. He then disappeared through the door, and when Hinata and Karin entered they both stopped short.

The open areas were shimmering into tinted glass, and a soft under glow ran around the perimeter of the room. But the most surprising piece was the map of the village being projected from the table at the center of the room.

"Naruto," Hinata asked, "what is this place."

"The only place we'll ever discuss village matters," Naruto answered fingers moving over the base of the table pressing different seals.

"What's going on," Jihibiki asked as the rest of the family entered the room. They did a double take when they saw Hinata, but their focus immediately shifted back to Naruto.

"They're waiting for orders," Hinata realized as her own gaze swept back to Naruto. His face was set hard, his commander persona in place as he watched the map. If she wasn't so worried, she'd probably be turned on.

"Village perimeter breach," Naruto answered. He pointed at a tiny deep blue object zipping over the village. "It's headed for the Hokage Tower."

"Hokage-sama must be warned," Hinata said.

Naruto slammed his finger on the table, "Tsunade, are you there?!"

There was a moment of silence and then Tsunade's voice crackled into the room, "I'm here, what's happening? The seals you installed in my home sounded and I came straight—"

"A high chakra signature is headed your way—"

The sound a glass shattering and swears filled the room, and a collective breath held as they listened. A bird chirped followed by paper fluttering, and then steps shuffled in the background.

"Baa-chan" Naruto asked. "Baa-chan are you okay? What's happening?"

Silence and rain filled the open airway for a moment before Tsunade answered, "Uzumaki, I require your presence immediately."

Naruto's Hirashin flared and a second later the radio linked to the Control Room cut out.

Naruto stared at the letter on Tsunade's desk. He'd placed a temporary seal for the broken window, and now his mind reeled at the message signed by the leader of Ame.

"This is…" Naruto set the letter back on the desk. "I have to do something."

Tsunade stared but said nothing.

"I'll leave immediately. The Night Angels should be able to come up with a plan by the time we reach Ame—"

Tsunade raised her hand, and Naruto watched her she set another scroll on the desk. "You aren't going to Ame. The Night Angels aren't going Ame. Nobody is going to Ame."

Naruto mouth dropped, his mind attempting and failing to process her words.

"What do you think happened," Renge asked.

"What can the map tell us," Sai asked looking to Jihibiki.

Hinata watched the exchange, but her concern now lay in the state Sai was in. His clothes and hair were drenched, and as Karin had mention, his eyes looked blood shot and puffy. Yet his voice and face gave nothing away, and not for the first time she was reminded of the obstacles Sai had been forced to overcome.

"It's small, whatever it is," Jihibiki said freezing the replay and squinting. "No bigger than falcon."

"I thought you said the village barrier could physically repel things," Hinata said.

"It's more complicated than that," Karin said. "Seals are tricky; to have them function at optimum performance they must be specific and vague."

Hinata's brow came together, only partially understanding what Karin said.

"It's like sending a ninja on a mission," Jihibiki said. "You give them the orders and the parameters, but leave it up to them to achieve the results."

"Which means the village seal's parameters are too vague," Hinata suggested.

"In this case, no." Jihibiki said examining the map. "The parameters are to physically repel anything with a chakra level of genin or higher. But the orders…"

"The orders were to identify any object of human quality," Karin said. She lifted her glasses and rubbed the bridge of her nose with a sigh. "Which means most likely what went to the Hokage's office was something small and powerful."

"A messenger summons," Hinata guessed.

"Most likely," Sai said, "And an important one at that judging from what we heard."

"Tsunade," Naruto's words were slow and measured, "do you realize what you are saying?"

"The better question is do you realize what I'm saying."

"I don't know what crawled up your ass Baa-chan—"

"You did, Naruto!" Tsunade slammed her hands on her desk and glared at him. "I understand that I've asked a lot from you—that the village has asked a lot from you—but the way you're carrying yourself now is unacceptable! You've gotten a taste of power, both physical and political and you're wielding it like you don't owe the world a damn thing."

"Do I?"

"What?"

"Do I really owe this world anything?" Naruto's face twisted. "My life has been shit up until this point. But I haven't complained, I haven't whined or cried about it to anyone. I sacrificed everything, put myself through utter hell and when things finally start going my way you expect me to be submissive?!

"Do you know who the first person to thank me for saving them from Pain was?" Tsunade's face only answered in confusion. "It was a merchant. A fucking merchant! He didn't even live here, he was just unlucky enough to be here with his pregnant wife! And you know when I received that thanks? The night of the festival, Tsunade. A month after the invasion, a month after helping rebuild this place and spend it planning for the next shit storm coming its way. In that time not a single god damn person thanked me," Naruto's fist slammed onto the desk and he glared back. "So don't tell me I owe the world something. Don't tell me I'm acting unacceptable with the position I'm in now, because at this point I don't."

Tsunade stared at him for a moment, the seconds filling the air between them from the clock on the wall before she took a deep breath. "I'm sorry. You're right, I haven't even thanked you for everything you've done up until this point so I'll say it now. Thank you, Naruto."

Naruto's face softened and he stood up straight shoulders sagging with the breath he let out.

"However, it doesn't excuse the way you've been acting." When Naruto's eyes jerked back to her she bore into him with a glare. "You are a shinobi under the command of me, the Godaime Hokage! I've let my own biases of you get in the way of how you act and talk to me. Remember your place Jonin Uzumaki—I am your leader, your commander, your god."

"So that's it," Naruto asked. "Just like that, you're going to reduce our relationship to that of a commander and soldier?"

"Of course not," Tsunade snorted. "You're still the stubborn brat that I ran into four years ago claiming he was going to be Hokage."

"I am going to be Hokage," Naruto muttered.

Tsunade smirked, "My point is you're in a position you're not familiar with. You hold political power now—our conversations are no longer reserved to my office only. You need to respect the position you're in and acknowledge mine."

Naruto was quiet for a moment but eventually nodded. In truth she was just as right as he was. He could accept that and learn, and it seemed she had done the same. But there was still one problem they needed to address.

"That doesn't change the situation," he pointed to the message. "She's carrying an Uzumaki."

"We don't know that for certain."

"Nagato was the closest person she had," Naruto frowned. "And even if it wasn't his, she's our ally and requesting aid."

"It's not that simple," Tsunade said and motioned to the second scroll. "Those are orders from the Raikage. Of those orders one pertains to you remaining in the village until we find a way to transport you to a discreet location. Another order calls for all ninja activity to desist and be recalled to the villages. Do you understand? This isn't my decision Naruto, we're mobilizing for war."

Naruto felt the weight lifted from him for a few sweet hours return to his shoulders, and he collapsed into the couch along the wall with a sigh. "There must be a way to convince him."

"You've met him before right? He's brash, quick tempered, and demanding. There'll be no convincing him to send a rescue party for the pregnant former co-leader of the organization we're about to go to war with."

"What about a strategic vantage point," Naruto asked.

"Ame sits between three of the five Elemental Nations. It's hardly strategic for the enemy to hold."

"Yet it's remained autonomous through three wars," Naruto said. "It could be a resupply and resting point for troops between the three nations."

"He won't see it that way," Tsunade shook her head. "And even if a miracle occurred and he said yes, by the time I sent the message and he okayed it odds are it'd be too late."

"So you expect me to sit by while more of my family is murdered?"

"I expect you to listen to your Hokage," Tsunade snapped, but then rubbed her eyes. "I wanted to tell you about these orders sooner, but since you decided to skip out after the council meeting you're only finding out now."

"In my defense you didn't make it seem like you wanted to discuss new orders."

"We would've eventually." Tsunade smirked. "Call a meeting with the Night Angels, look over everything, and if you find a loop hole I pray find a way to save Konan."

She tossed the scroll from the Raikage to Naruto who caught it. "Those are the orders and parameters. I hope it's enough."

Naruto stood, picked the letter off the desk, and nodded to Tsunade. "You know me—I always find a way."

"One more thing." Naruto watched her, sensing even more pressure about to be thrown his way. "This operation—if you can manage one—will be on you. I can't help you. My hands are tied so please, please, make sure to cover your ass."

Naruto was silent for a second. Then lightning filled the room, and in the wake of thunder outside he disappeared.

"Shikamaru?" He stopped at Temari's voice, glancing over his shoulder to find her propped up in his bed rubbing her eyes. "Where're you going?"

He said nothing—knowing the reaction he'd get if he told her. He'd hoped to slip away while she slept, he couldn't afford an argument over why he had to leave in the middle of the night—or more accurately, why he was leaving. It was an urgent summons and he was already burning precious seconds. So he said nothing—but his mind betrayed him as he subconsciously touched his shoulder where Naruto's seal rested. It was all Temari needed to piece it together.

"You've been summoned," she said and her face paled. She leapt out of bed holding the sheet around her to provide a thin form of modesty. "You have another mission."

Shikamaru shook his head quickly, "No…Maybe…I'm not sure yet. As you said I've only been summoned."

Temari's eyes began to water, no doubt remember the last time he'd gone on a mission for the Night Angels. It cut him to see her like that. Because she was strong, she wasn't normally like this, and he knew she hated feeling this way. That he made her feel weak.

"Temari…"

"I'm fine," Temari said taking a breath. "Just…be careful, okay? And if you do have a mission, come back and tell me first before leaving."

Shikamaru let out a breath and gave a lazy smile, "What are we, married?"

Temari smacked him, then grabbed his chin and pulled him close, "Would that be such a bad thing?"

Shikamaru rolled his eyes but slipped his arms around her pulling her close, "Troublesome woman."

"Lazy slacker," she rested her head on his chest.

"Wonder how much of that is true now?"

"Enough banter," she kissed him and pulled away. "You have a job to do."

Her skin pebbled as a chilled breeze swept through the door leading outside, and Shikamaru disappeared into the violent night.

Konan grunted and stumbled backwards landing on the sofa behind her, concentration over her jutsu broken.

"Angle-sama!"

Konan wiped the sweat from her eyes and smiled at the commander of her ninja forces. "I'm fine Hanshou-san. Though I've told you to stop calling me that."

"Force of habit," Hanshou frowned as his eyes fell to her belly. "You mustn't push yourself in your state. It'll do more harm than good to you and Pai—pardon me—Nagato-sama's child."

Konan's hand rested on her stomach and a pang of guilt slid through her. "I must keep a vigil while we wait for Konohagakure's response."

"My lady," Hanshou came down to one knee and met Konan's eyes. Something not to long ago no ninja in her forces would dream of doing. "You have a thousand shinobi at your call. Please, trust us to do our jobs and protect this village."

Konan's vision wavered but she pressed her eyes shut fighting the tears down, the damn pregnancy was wreaking havoc on her emotions. She nodded and met Hanshou's eyes, "I want an update every fifteen minutes."

She could see Hanshou believed the order excessive, but he bowed his head anyway. "It shall be done."

He disappeared a moment later, and Konan took three breaths to ensure he'd truly left before molding her chakra again. Her reach and sensitivity wasn't as strong as Nagato's, but she would keep watch over the village just as he had.

A stab of pain lanced through her stomach as the child she carried kicked in protest at its mother's exertion.

"Please be patient little one," Konan thought closing her eyes and fighting the lump in her throat. "Just like your father—please be patient a little longer."

"Do you have any idea what you're asking us?"

Shikamaru's question didn't require an answer, he could tell by the look on Naruto's face he knew damn well what he was asking. So Shikamaru sighed at the migraine blooming in his temple and squashed the longing he felt for his pipe.

They stood in the Control Room—though this time Hinata and Karin joined them. Not that he cared; he expected them to find out sooner or later. Naruto had pretty much admitted to the room's existence at the council meeting. What he did mind was the pleading looks all the Uzumakis plus Hinata were giving him. Minus Naruto. He only stared with a set face. He wasn't asking, ordering, or begging for Shikamaru's help. This time Naruto was leaving the decision entirely up to him.

"I think its obvious Naruto knows what he's asking," Shino said in the silence. "The real question is are you up to the challenge?"

Shikamaru directed a glare at the Aburame.

"If you don't feel like getting your hands dirty in this one I'll understand," Naruto said. "Truth be told, this is a clan affair."

"But you'd feel a lot better with my overview of the plans," Shikamaru thought.

He let out a sigh and glanced at the letter on the table, then the orders next to it from the Raikage. "I'll help," he said. "But you need to understand this time around it's my call."

"Thank you," Naruto visibly relaxed.

"Don't thank me yet," Shikamaru turned to Sai ignoring his disheveled look. "Whip up a kettle. We're in for a long night."