Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto nor any of the characters, beside the main OC. All credit for creating this amazing series goes to Mr. Kishimoto

Author's note: Thanks to everyone for reading! Answer to the reviews are at the bottom.

I apologize for the small delay. I've been quite busy between exams and the start of a new semester. This chapter actually became longer than I intended, covering less than I wanted. I hope it isn't too much inconsistent. I can't believe I am writing such fillers. XD

Some of you complimented the title I give to last chapter and I thank you. Of course, this time around I had zero idea and the title was ? until two minutes ago when I filled it with some random (more or less) words. Well, without further ado, here is the chapter.

I hope you enjoy.

PS: I haven't edited this yet. So be prepared for preposterous mistakes.

AFTERMATH: REBUILDING AND PROMOTIONS

May 20th 214 – Katora Residence, Konoha

Since discovering someone had likely killed his mother to actually cause Kyūbi's attack, Naruto was very upset, so Akimi decided to do everything in her power to distract him. They had lot of work to do, after all.

"The fox didn't spill anything about this mysterious enemy's abilities, except that he has some kind of powerful dōjutsu, so we can't create a specific strategy to stop him." she said. "Although you could likely say this person is extremely good in controlling minds... if he could subdue Kyūbi."

"Mind control... it could be the direct effect of this kekkai genkai or an indirect one, through genjutsu."

"Either way is close enough to what we are trying to do to counter Kuroken's effect on me." Akimi replied. "The Loyalty Seal is actually our best bet."

"You were able to break Kyūbi's hold on me through it... and we still haven't started to modify it." Naruto nodded. "Yes, if we can make it powerful enough it's likely that nobody would be ever to control us via genjutsu or whatever without the other being able to counter it."

Akimi nodded. "So we would just need to careful not to fall into this man's control at the same time, which shouldn't be too hard."

"What else could we do?" Naruto paced. "Kyūbi had me seriously worried. How powerful this person could be? Much more powerful than the Oro-teme..."

"Naruto, while I am extremely glad you are showing such maturity, please, don't lose your spirit." Akimi smiled. "We'll get there... it will be a while, but we must focus on the next little step, not on the seemingly unreachable goal."

"We need to learn some powerful jutsu. I need to annoy Ero-sennin later..."

Akimi giggled. "Still loving flashy."

"Says the one who had the brilliant idea..."

"... oh goodness, I am going to regret saying 'some oil' to Gamabunta-sama for the rest of my life, am I?"

Naruto gave her a thumb up. "Yep."

She shook her head. "Well, right now we are still technically recovering, so doing sealing work is the best option."

"It's intellectual work..." Naruto whined. "Let me do something else!"

"You either send Kage Bunshin around the village and train in Fūinjutsu, or you train in everything and don't send clones around. If you try to do both, I will ask Jiraiya-sensei to summon Gamabunta-sama to require some more oil from him."

"No need to get extreme, dattebayo. Fūinjutsu it is!" Naruto smiled. "Let's go to the vault."

The three Elders were indignant and annoyed. While Sarutobi had dismissed them, they hadn't left yet and they shouldn't have been interrupted like that. What was a genin thinking bursting into the Hokage's office like that, uninvited and calling him "old man"?

"See. Incontrollable." Danzō murmured, turning on his heels and leaving the office with a scornful scowl on the visible half of his face

The other two elders weren't willing to let it go so easily.

"What are you doing?" Koharu asked, quite acidly.

"I need to talk with jiji." Naruto replied, entering the office with a goofy smile. Behind him Jiraiya tried to restrain a booming laughter. "Isn't that obvious, Baa-chan? Man, you must be senile as well."

Sarutobi placed a hand over his face.

"Aren't they teaching kids respect, nowadays?" Homura wondered. "I really hope you are going to do something about this, Sarutobi. First he should have been waited to be invited and what..."

"Chill, will ya?" Naruto said. "I tried to go through the front door, but I was told I would have to wait three days before seeing "Hokage-sama"; and considering I just have a quick question for him I decided to use the windows like Kaka-sensei always does."

"Where you could spy or eavesdrop important and classified conversations!" Koharu exclaimed.

"Oh, come on! Anything over B-rank classification is discussed with the privacy seal on. That includes a genjutsu on the window, which now I believe may be something like that darkness illusion Akimi-chan saw one of the revived Kage use yesterday... Oh, and that is without counting the defensive seal merged with it that would cause terrible pain to anyone even just touching the windows or doors of the office."

Koharu and Homura looked at each other. One had to admit that it was strange to see the kid going from idiotic and loud-mouthed to speaking about such high level Fūinjutsu with such certainty.

Koharu didn't give up. "And what would a genin like you want to tell the Hokage?" she pressed, narrowing her eyes.

Naruto smirked. "I would tell you, but I don't see any hat on your head."

"Do you know who I am, boy?"

"A..."

"I believe I asked you to leave, Koharu, Homura." Sarutobi said. "I am sure you can find plenty to do to fill you time."

There was a warning note in his voice and his two former teammate clearly heard it.

"Very well." Homura said, composed as always.

"And who were those old coats?" Naruto asked once they exited.

Jiraiya snickered.

"Naruto!" Hiruzen said, warningly. "They are the Elders!"

"Then they are elder coats, clearly." Naruto raised an eyebrow. "I see."

Jiraiya burst into his booming laughter. "Priceless, gaki."

"What am I going to do with you two?" Hiruzen mused, filling his pipe with a new substantial dose of tobacco. "Oh, well, too bad seeing those three flustered is always fun for me. Naruto, if anyone asked I gave you a long and harsh reprimand."

"Sure thing, jiji." Naruto gave a thumb up. "I wanted to ask you where I can help, dattebayo."

"What do you mean?"

"Didn't you know? When we were in Nami old man Tazuna taught us how to build things! I worked on his bridge with Kage Bunshin, so we finished way before he had expected to!"

"Aren't you supposed to be resting?" Hiruzen asked.

"The doctor did say to take things easy, yes. But if I don't do anything I'll get bored... the alternative is to make clone and train, which would be way more stressful."

"Well then." Sarutobi eyes gleamed a little. "My first priority is the wall. Listen up, Naruto-kun, why don't you go see the ANBU Captain there, his name is Tenzō. He is presiding the breach, so he can tell you how you may help there. He has a cat-like mask, with red and green markings. Tell him I sent you. The fact you know his name will be proof enough."

"Of course, dattebayo." Naruto exclaimed. "I'll go then."

"Gaki!" Jiraiya stopped him. "Tell your girlfriend I am heading over to examine the red-haired kid's seal later. I am sure she will want to tag along."

"That's obvious. I want to be there as well... and it may be best because I don't know how Gaara will react to you. He is more paranoid than 'mi-chan." Naruto smiled. "Is there somewhere you want to meet?"

"In two hours, on top of the Hokage Mountain. Be on time. "

"Ero-sennin, you are confusing us with our other sensei. We are always on time!" Naruto exclaimed, smiling.. "See you later." the kid crossed his hands in the ram seal, disappearing with a puff of smoke.

"A shadow clone." Hiruzen chuckled. "I thought it was strange he had the patience to wait so long to talk with me."

Jiraiya leered, his perverted mind wandering. "I wonder what the original is doing..."

Naruto and Akimi were animatedly discussing a way for actually create a steady telepathic link between them, when the boy frowned.

"What is it?"

"Jiji said yes. Sent me on the walls."

"I had no doubts. Sarutobi-sama is no fool."

"And Ero-sennin wants to meet in two hours to go see Gaara."

"Good." Akimi nodded.

"I interrupted a finished meeting with the elders. What are the names again?"

"Mitokado Homura-san and Utatane Koharu-san." Akimi answered.

"What? You just use –san? They are Elders..."

"Says the one who probably insulted them!" Akimi rolled her eyes. "I don't agree with most of their political ideas. So –san it is. But just because I hate impoliteness."

Naruto widened his eyes. That was basically an insult for her standards. "There was a third one. Creepy old man, half of his body was damaged and he had a cane but he was..." he stopped, suppressing a shiver. "Powerful... and dangerous. I could see it in his good eye."

"Never heard of him..." Akimi replied. "We should talk to Shino about it, I am sure his father knows who he is, since he sits in the Great Council."

"Shall I send a Kage Bunshin?"

Akimi nodded. "Yes. Ask him if he wants to come to the wall, just like old times in Wave."

"You are coming with?"

"Yep." Akimi nodded. "I've five clones here, they will be enough to cover our research, plus the other thing I had in mind..." she smirked. "I so want to find a way to use Chakra Absorbing Seals in combat."

"Scary thought." Naruto murmured, widening his eyes.

"Indeed. In any case, I myself am coming with you."

Naruto chuckled. "Relax. I won't do anything stupid, don't worry."

"I do worry, you are still upset. I am not leaving you out of my sight for a while." Akimi took his hand. "You are stuck with me."

"What a terrible fate." Naruto murmured, kissing their jointed fingers. Akimi smiled at his obviously sarcastic remark. "I will happily live with it. Let's go, 'mi-chan."

The breach in the wall was colossal. No wonder Sandaime-sama wanted it repaired as soon as possible, Akimi thought. Jinsoro had told her how big the snakes Orochimaru summoned were, but seeing the damage they did with her own eyes was different. They were lucky that, when they returned to Konoha two days before, the walls in that direction were unscratched. It would have been too much to deal with.

"Bastard..." Naruto murmured, clenching his fists. "One day I'll give him what he deserves."

"We have too many people to take down that are way above our level." Akimi mused. "But in a couple of years..."

"... they won't know what hit them." Naruto smirked. "So any luck spotting this Tenzō?"

"There is an ANBU squad over there..." Akimi indicated a section of still standing wall, where several cloaked figures were watching over the rebuilding process.

The two genin assumed the reconstruction had likely started as early as dawn, because the skeleton of a massive scaffolding was almost complete. Several workers looked busy removing debris and cleaning the ground for making new foundations.

"It's a good place to start." Naruto smiled, leaping towards the ANBU. Akimi followed suit.

The special squad, who also had the support of several jōnin patrolling the breach, looked annoyed at first, then they relaxed. Jiraiya had mentioned that ANBU liked them a lot now.

"What can we do for you?" the only masked man without a cloak asked with a serene voice.

He wore a cat mask with red and white markings, a grey armour that left his shoulders bare and had a sword on his back. Since he had no hood on, they could see his hair was short and maroon.

"It's more what we can do for you, dattebayo." Naruto shouted. "Are you Tenzō?"

"As a matter of a fact, I am. Sandaime-sama sent you?"

"Sort of." Akimi nodded. "We want to help rebuilding. We have some experiences since our time in Nami no Kuni."

Several ANBU nodded between themselves. Looked like that story had spread among the highest-rank ninja of the village as well as their exploits during the invasion.

"That is nice." Tenzō said. "So what can you do exactly?"

"Lots!" Naruto shouted. "I usually provided old man Tazuna with timber or stones created with Fūton and I have some basic carpentering skills... Akimi can carry building material from one place to another with Fūinjutsu, and you can use Doton to level the ground, can you, 'mi-chan?"

"I suppose. Although I am not a powerhouse like you, 'to-kun." Akimi shrugged. "And I am good at mixing mortar too."

"Yes, you used Doton to create better sand by crushing rocks together!" Naruto exclaimed. "That was genial, otherwise we would have had to wait five to seven days for the new supplies to arrive."

ANBU were looking at each other.

"This is..." Tenzō murmured. "... extraordinary. Why didn't we think of this before? Using simple nature manipulation for improving constructions... I mean, of course I use Mok..."

"Uh, I knew there was something strange about you, captain-san." Akimi replied. "Your chakra does feel similar to Hashirama-sama's. Sort of. It's also different, so you aren't related to him. But then how...? Oh, well, I suppose it's none of my business."

Tenzō didn't replay. The Hokage seemed to trust the two kids and they certainly looked capable to keep secrets. "I think I will ask Sandaime-sama for more adept nature-chakra users to help with the construction. It's also an excellent training method. So, why don't you start from collecting timber? Just be careful not to get too far from the village."

"And see that you don't actually level an entire section of the forest this time." One of the ANBU sarcastically remarked.

"We actually don't discriminately destroy thing around." Akimi shrugged. "Our teammate is joining us to mark the tree Naruto should cut. Old or ill ones."

"The Aburame kid?" Tenzō asked. "His silk binding was impressive."

"We'll make sure to tell him." Naruto smiled. "Say, do you need help here as well? You know I can use Kage Bunshin."

"It's what makes you any master builder dream's worker." Akimi observed.

The two kids saw the man's eyes gleam manically from behind his mask. Naruto stepped back in fear. "How many can you make?" Tenzō looked ecstatic. "How many?"

Naruto turned to Akimi with a silent question. She shrugged. "Let's say two. That would leave you enough for cutting trees and shouldn't cause you chakra burns."

"Two?" Tenzō replied, a little defeated. "I expected..."

"Tajū Kage Bunshin no Jutsu."

"Hundreds?" Akimi asked. "Here you are."

The ANBU captain looking around, watching with awe the spectacle that surrounded him. Countless smirking blonde heads had filled the grounds around the reconstruction. The workers stopped and stared too, flabbergasted.

"Yep, two hundred clones at your command, captain!" Naruto exclaimed, as he and the others shot their fist towards the sky.

"I definitely like you, kid!" Tenzō exclaimed. "A lot."

"So how is it going?" Akimi asked, seeing Shino jumping down from a tree as soon as she and Naruto entered the forest. "Any reason you didn't reach us on the wall?"

The Aburame shrugged. "Too many people. I wanted to enjoy the silence for a while."

"I see... Ehi, if you need to I can totally make you a seal tag that stops sound from reaching you!" Akimi exclaimed. "I should have thought of this sooner..."

Shino's shoulder lifted a little in excitement. "A reusable one?"

"Bank on it."

"Hey! We are here to cut trees." Naruto had created three clones and they had all unsheathed their tantō. "Let's start."

Shino nodded. "Yes, I marked the right trees like this..." he used a kunai to create a square and then an X on a nearby trunk. "I've already signed a dozen or so..."

Naruto nodded. "Let's split in two, you know what to do." he shouted and his clones disappeared into the woods.

"Have you recovered, Akimi?" Shino asked. He didn't ask about Naruto, since the blonde looked well enough judging from the way he was jumping. Shino thought he might have been even too enthusiastic, which usually happened when Naruto was upset about something. But he was also sure Akimi would keep a keen eye on him.

"Physically, yes. My chakra reserves are fine too, but emotionally... it's still all a rollercoaster." Akimi shrugged and sat down. She took out a scroll and started to draw the storage seals they would need. "You remember the night before the preliminaries started?"

"The one where you and Naruto became even more cuddling than usual?" Shino asked, a hint of sarcasm in his voice to deflect the seriousness of the topic. "It happened again?"

"It was different. I just saw... there wasn't a direct conversation."

Shino touched her shoulder in a small gesture of comfort. "Have you told anyone besides us?"

"I figured Kaka-sensei is busy, or he would have already passed by. We are meeting Jiraiya-sensei later, so I'll let him know." Akimi shrugged. "I've a clearer idea of what kind of seal may help, but actually creating it will be a long story."

"Where are you?" Naruto appeared in front of them, several timber boards over his shoulder. "I'm almost done." Then he saw Shino's expansive gesture. "Oh, you are talking about that..."

Akimi nodded and got up, stretching. "Yes, but I was about to change topic."

Naruto placed down the timber to let her seal it up, looking at Shino. "So, I went to jiji to ask where I should go to help rebuilding..."

Akimi launched him a sealing tag. "Oh, right, sorry. Not everyone is as paranoid as you!"

This time, the girl launched a shuriken, forcing the blonde to duck. "That would have hurt."

"My utter confidence in your abilities made me sure you would avoid it."

"But..."

"And your point is?" Shino asked, fixing his glasses. "I assume you saw something in Hokage-sama's office?"

Naruto activated the privacy seal. "More like I saw someone..." he scratched his head. "The elder coats were there..."

"He means the Honourable Elders?" Shino frowned, looking at Akimi. The girl gravely nodded.

"... and a third creepy man between them. He had this bandaged arm and walked with a cane, but..." Naruto stopped. "He wasn't a pushover, that much was clear. Moreover the air in that office was electric."

"Well, I'll mention it to Tou-san." Shino said, frowning in worry. "But it sounds like you interrupted an unfinished political struggle."

"A political struggle?" Naruto repeated. "Why, I thought jiji was our supreme leader or something."

"He is a dictator, sure." Akimi replied. "But the Hokage has full and complete power over the village only in time of war. In peace, there are a lot of other powerful political figures playing in the government of Konoha. I am sure I gave you a book about it..."

"... yes and I ignored it because I was so close at figuring out how to cut the waterfall and then I was so excited I actually cut the book itself... It was a mistake, I swear!"

"You cut..." Akimi swatted him. Hard. "Baka!"

"Naruto, politics are quite fundamental if you want to become Hokage." Shino observed. "And, Akimi, you can scold him later for destroying a book. The point was..."

"... there are many different factions inside the village, 'to-kun. Shinobi clans first of all."

"Because they give a lot of manpower to the villages, right? Not to mention kekkai genkai or hidden jutsu." Naruto exclaimed. "But who else?"

"Merchants and craftsman, they are Konoha's economic backbone. Then there are the feudal lords and the Daimyō." Shino curtly explained. "And all these parts are in contrast with each other more often that they are in agreement."

"Which makes indispensable to the Hokage to be shrewd... politically shrewd." Akimi concluded. "Got it?"

"What a drag." Naruto sighed. "I just thought I would need to be strong, and protect the village... and occasionally have to deal with annoying diplomatic issues."

"Well, there can't be only good things about the job, right?" Akimi smiled. "Think of all the paperwork..."

"This won't put me down!" Naruto shouted. "That hat will be mine!"

Akimi giggled and Shino looked amused as well.

"Now, shall we continue cutting trees, dattebayo?"

Sometime later, Shino and Akimi were still softly discussing, this time about butterflies, seals and how to improve their fighting style, while Naruto was jumping around excitedly throwing wind chakra flow around.

"Ever thought of checking if you had an elemental affinity?" Akimi asked, leaning on a tree and watching as one Naruto clone cut a tree with a sweep of his tantō, while another eased the trunk down using wind manipulation as well. Then they proceeded to create a solid beam out of the timber.

"I understand elemental jutsu are costly. Wouldn't it be a waste of time and effort?"

"The more you understand and master your affinity, the less chakra you need for an effective technique. But it's true elemental jutsu require a fair amount of chakra. That's it, if you stay within the range of classical elemental manipulation."

"Done." Naruto shouted in that moment.

Akimi approached and sealed this beam too. "I think we may have enough for today. And we need to meet Jiraiya-sensei in twenty minutes."

"All right!" Naruto replied. "Let me just finish the other two trees Shino marked. You keep discussing. I totally agree with you, 'mi-chan. Internal elemental manipulation would be deadly for Shino's enemies."

"Internal elemental manipulation?" Shino inquired with curiosity as he watched Naruto leap away and call wind again to sever another trunk.

"Yep." Akimi nodded. "It's the same thing I do when I use Katon Purification to eliminate poison from my bloodstream, or when I use Fire Style in taijutsu."

Shino looked even more intrigued and she continued: "Every element has some kind of intrinsic qualities, quite banally, fire burns. It also boasts the spiritual power of an attack. Water and Earth, instead, increase the physical aspect of chakra and make the body either more mobile or more resilient. Lighting is..."

"... speed. I assume." Shino had caught on. "And of course I would say this one relies on spirituality as well."

"Yes, lighting and fire are quite similar." Akimi smiled. "This leaves wind out of the equation, but as Naruto-kun and I usually say, it is the unpredictable one. It can actually boost both aspects."

"Ah, so he uses a lot of internal manipulation already, eh?" Shino smirked.

"That just comes naturally to him." Akimi giggled. "So, you are interested, I gathered?"

"Do you happen to have one of those special chakra papers with you?"

Akimi shrugged. "Always. I'd never want to miss a chance to introduce someone to the world of elements." she smirked, producing a small piece of paper. "I've a pretty good idea of what you could be, but to be sure..."

"Wait for me." Naruto jumped near them. "I've sent a clone with the scrolls for that Tenzō guy and I don't want to miss this!"

Shino smiled and closed his fist over the paper, focusing chakra there. Akimi and Naruto clearly saw the anticipation ooze from their teammate, which was quite the momentous occasion. The blonde also looked impatient, shifting from leg to leg.

"Ah, we were right, dattebayo!" Naruto shouted. "You have Earth! It suits you so much, it's very good for hiding and for defence!"

Shino was looking quite pleased, staring at the crumbled paper in his hand. His insects were flying around him in a frenetic way too, responding to his obvious excitement.

"This is good." Akimi clapped her hands. "I really hoped you didn't get Lighting, since it's the only element we haven't studied extensively. I've been looking into Earth since we returned from Wave..."

Shino nodded, thrilled. "You have notes?"

Akimi signalled him to wait and opened a long roll of paper at her feet. Shino recognised a storage scroll, but it was complexly covered in seals, as opposed to the small array he was used to. The girl bit her thumb and passed over some of the signs, making a book appear with a small puff of smoke.

"Selective storage scroll, united to a blood protection. So you can summon just one of the things stocked inside." she explained, handing him the brown notebook with the kanji for Earth on it. "You keep this, I've copies in the vault."

"You wrote copies?" Shino asked, surprised. "That must have required a long time."

"I remember better by writing down things... and I can use Kage Bunshin." Akimi shrugged. "There is space there, so you can make your own observation. Just share them later."

Shino nodded. "Of course, I will." he said, vigorously. "So where should I start?"

Naruto returned in that moment, a small box full of leaves in hand. "Here you go, Shino!"

"You need to make the leaf react the same way the paper did." Akimi explained. "It will be a long process."

"Which is why it's a pity you can't do Kage Bunshin." Naruto murmured. "Unless you want me to teach you... 'mi-chan, what do you say?"

"We should cross check with Kakashi-sensei." the girl mused. "You shouldn't have problems with handling the feedback because you are used to your Kikai, so it's just a matter of having enough chakra..."

"I know how to clone only my Kikai." Shino murmured. "So I can easily only clone myself. But I will wait for sensei's ok to try it. In the meantime, it will only me and this leaf."

Naruto and Akimi thought that, if they could see his eyes, they would have probably seen a murderous gaze directed to the poor leaf.

"And read the book." Naruto exclaimed. "Understanding an element is the key to master it, dattebayo!"

Akimi nodded. "And just imagine, Shino, you sending your Kikai around embedded with Earth solid chakra. They would become as hard as small rocks."

"That actually scares me..." Naruto murmured. "They already hurt a lot as they are."

"Think of Mushi Kame no Jutsu (Wall of Insect Technique) enhanced by Doton..." Akimi's eyes shined. "There are so many option..."

"And we will have time to explore them." Shino replied, seriously – although you could see the hyper note in his voice. "But now you have an important engagement to attend."

"Want to come with?" Naruto asked.

"No, I'm heading home to try this." Shino sealed away the box of leaves – yes, there were some advantages to be in the same of team with a Fūinjutsu junkie, such as learning how do to basic seals easily. "I will also try to talk with Tou-san about what we discussed. Shall we meet for lunch?"

"Ichiraku?" Naruto asked, excited.

Shino shrugged. "Why not? And, please, say hello to Kankurō-san for me."

Naruto burst into laughter. "Oh, believe us, we will."

Sometime later, Hokage Mountain

Akimi and Naruto, sitting on Yondaime's head, observed Konoha. The Third had really made sure reconstruction procedures started as soon as possible and one could see people working all over the village, looking like small ants from that high point of view. The hundreds of blacks dots moving frantically over the breach on the wall made Akimi smile – Naruto's antics were unmistakable even from that far away.

"Looks like we are gonna be alright, after all." the girl mused.

Naruto's gaze was a little unfocused and he looked tense.

Akimi touched his shoulder. "Still thinking about that?"

"What is stopping them from attacking again? They could do it now, for that matter why they have done nothing for all this time?"

"I think the village was in much worse conditions after the Nine Tile attacked, but at the same time the person behind it could have been hindered. They must have fought against Yondaime-sama, right?"

"So they may still be recovering..."

"Either way, you are starting to brood. And I don't like to see you brood. It's quite useless and unnatural." Akimi smiled. "You need to think positive. And relax. Relax..."

Naruto turned towards her and took her hand. "How could I do that...?" he asked, smirking.

She smirked right back. "I am sure we could think of something..."

They stopped one second before kissing, a little annoyed. Jiraiya had puffed into existence behind them, his notes on hand. He probably had them out before Sunshining, actually.

"Please, don't mind me." Jiraiya giggled, giving a thumb up.

"How many times are we going through this?" Akimi asked, rolling her eyes. "Sensei, you are incorrigible."

"You should try my books, sometime. I am quite good, you know."

"I am not into porn." Akimi hissed back. "Baka-sensei."

Jiraiya stepped back, waving his hands. "I am just trying to lighten up the atmosphere, I swear. You look quite serious, gaki, something wrong?"

"This is wrong..." Naruto indicated the half destroyed village at their feet. Akimi sent quick pulses of chakra through their Loyalty Seal. 'Coats.' "And we were talking about what I saw in jiji's office, between you and those elder coats. What was all that about?"

Jiraiya sighed. "It's a long story. Come on, follow me." the Sannin started to walk towards the centre of the mountain.

"So was that a 'I am not answering you' or a 'I can't answer you here', sensei?" Akimi asked.

"Damn, you kids are too smart for your own good."

"You are talking to the queen of paranoia herself, Ero-sennin!" Naruto shouted, earning a friendly punch from the girl. A friendly punch enhanced with stinging Katon chakra.

Naruto massaged his offended shoulder and pouted.

Jiraiya chuckled. "Well, there is also the fact we have other things to worry about now." he observed. "I am about to take you to ANBU HQ, more specifically in the Torture and Interrogation Division."

"They aren't torturing Gaara and his siblings, are they?" Naruto asked, worried.

"No, besides the fact that those threes are collaborating with us, they are just kids. Sarutobi-sensei has a soft heart. And we wouldn't want to unleash Shukaku again, right? The red haired kid became quite protective..."

"Did he, now?" Naruto and Akimi smiled at each other.

"It's just where all high-level prisoners are kept. Now, ANBU would probably be protesting if I took two normal genin into their lair, but they just like you." Jiraiya sighed. "Some are probably going to complain your shady Aburame teammate hasn't come with..."

"We did ask him." Naruto shrugged. "But he is busy with a leaf right now!"

Jiraiya finally stopped. They were in the middle of a clean, levelled ground, right behind the Konoha Library and the nearby structures.

"You started him to elemental manipulation?" the Sannin chuckled. "That's going to make him even more dangerous. What has he got then? Water?"

"Earth." Naruto replied. "Why did you think of water?"

"Water is highly adaptable." Jiraiya replied, starting to go thorough handseals. "Just a gist. Earth was very close call too. Besides I don't know the kid well."

Akimi, in the meantime, knelt on the ground, examining the dirt below the low grass here and there. "This is amazing!"

Jiraiya shook his head. 'Figures she would notice the array...' After a while, he finished his sequence in the dragon seal. The ground shook as a wide, spiralling pillar rose from it. The Sannin flashed some other handseals, then slammed his right hand on the surface of the dirt column.

Akimi was literally gaping at the seal work there. 'This is advanced Doton manipulation commanded through a seal. And this thing is quite old as well. Who is the genius who made this...? It's not Yondaime-sama's style.'

The two young genin were gaping because of the display unfolding in front of them: the solid ground started to melt, to reveal a narrow staircase dug into the stone.

"Observations?" Jiraiya asked, with a smirk, crossing his arms.

"Sugoi!" Naruto shouted. "It's a double layer of protection, the first requiring an exact sequence of handseals to reveal the next! The second time, there are less seals, but there is also some kind of blood check required, otherwise, for what I could understand, some kind of trap would sprung..."

"Instead of the stair appearing, the ground would have transformed in a sort of... inescapable... swamp, could it be?" Akimi asked, so thrilled she was actually jumping a little. The girl just loved good sealing work.

"Just long enough for some fierce squads of ANBU to come and nail them." Jiraiya nodded, pleased. "And...?"

"The seal pattern is quite old and completely different from what Yondaime-sama used. So I assume this is the work of Tobirama-sama, isn't it? Although the high level manipulation comes either from Hashirama-sama or Sarutobi-sama's, with Nidaime-sama being a Suiton master and all that."

"Excellent!" Jiraiya applauded. "This will earn you some special treat in the future regarding your training. And now let's go." he started to descend the stairs.

"Wait, can't you reactivate it so I can get a better look?" Akimi asked.

Jiraiya looked stern. "No. Ibiki-san is waiting for us. It would be impolite to..."

"Yes, let's go." Akimi got a grip on herself. "I'll just have to make sure I need to come here again. So, the ANBU HQs are dug into the mountain? I should have known there was more to it that a simple monument for the past Hokages."

Naruto nodded besides her. "I thought it was all for strategic defensive reasons. But this makes it so cool." the boy ran to catch up with Jiraiya.

Once the concealed trapdoor closed up again above their heads, the narrow passage became quite dark. Only few torches hung from the wall, here and there, barely enough to see where one was going.

Akimi was using Katon to examine closely the slippery rocks of the walls beside her. "Look, everything is reinforced with seals and chakra... check it out, 'to-kun!"

"SUGOI!" Naruto shouted. His normally loud voice boomed into the corridor, rebounding from wall to wall. It was quite the deafening effect.

"Damn it, kid!" Jiraiya exclaimed.

"Ups, sorry, dattebayo!" Naruto whispered. "I didn't mean to..."

"Welcome to ANBU HQs, kids!" a female voice shouted, as two kunai sliced the air towards them. Jiraiya ducked the projectiles, while Akimi caught one. Naruto used wind manipulation to deflect the one coming to him.

"You have dropped this, Mitarashi-san." Akimi observed, launching it back. She also took care of enhancing it with fire chakra flow. "... again."

Meantime, elder Mitokado's house...

"I've sent word to Fire Capitol City." Danzō announced emotionlessly.

"You didn't lose time." Koharu replied, with a small smirk. "It's good."

"By tomorrow, my contacts in the city will start to work against Sarutobi and Jiraiya." Danzō continued. "We need to focus on the village, now."

"It won't be as easy as we thought. Sarutobi is smart. Did you see how he is exploiting that Uzumaki kid?" Homura arrived into the sitting room, carrying a tray of tea. "I heard a lot impressed talks over it."

Danzō took a cup of black tea. "It's a smart move, Hiruzen hasn't lost his touch, I must say." he observed. "But exposing the Nine Tails like that is stupid, especially now."

"Is there something we should need to know?" Koharu replied, arching an eyebrow.

Danzō didn't answer immediately. "He is a target, this is all. Kyūbi's power is alluring... for many." It was one of the main reason he had implanted Hashirama's chakra in his arm, after all. "That brat should keep his head down, not show off in such a way."

"Shouldn't the fact that he is the Jinchūriki of Kyūbi a secret?" Homura fixed his glasses. "The information leaked?"

"Yes, it did." Danzō nodded. "And I am pretty sure Hiruzen knows it as well."

"Well, Jiraiya is always near the kid now. I think Saru took precautions then." Homura replied. "If they know about him already, then showing off or not isn't going to make that big of a difference."

"Perhaps you are right." Danzō looked pensive. "In any case, we should take measure to protect and hide that boy. And contain him. He is too..."

"Yes, we saw." Koharu nodded severely. "We will try to convince as much jōnin as possible that Sarutobi is starting to lose his mind. Some of them do not like what he has allowed the brat to do in any case."

Homura sipped his tea and spoke. "I am more concerned about the clans. For instance, I believe the Uzumaki kid and the Katora girl are extremely close to the Aburame clan. And they are very influential in the village."

Danzō closed his good eye. "Something needs to be done about it. The girl is dangerous, I have a hunch she knows how to play the political game quite well for her age. However, let me work the clan angle. Koharu, can you take care of the Trade and Crafting Guilds?"

The old woman smiled ever so slightly. "Shouldn't be a problem. We can promise them more profit." she observed. "And I am pretty sure their loyalty can be brought with some incentives."

"Yes. I've some gold to spare, actually." Danzō smirked. "Everything should go according to plan. We are preparing for almost any scenario. We need to see what Hiruzen's move will be now."

As if his words had evoked it, the three Elders were interrupted by a knock.

Homura sighed and went to open the front door. He returned few minutes later. "It was ANBU." he announced. "Saru wants to see us again."

Danzō slowly raised as well. "Best not let him wait then."

Back in ANBU HQs...

Anko burst into a quite crazed laughter as she ducked the flaming shuriken. "You are so entertaining, brats."

"You are crazy." Naruto deadpanned. "But I think I like you."

"That's because you are crazy too." Akimi observed, with a sweet smile. Naruto looked about to protest, but then noticed the girl was looking intently at the purple haired tokubetsu jōnin. And with narrowed eyes.

Naruto wondered what his girlfriend was thinking.

"Anko-chan," Jiraiya asked, "is there something in particular you wanted from us?"

"Besides welcoming you, you mean? Ibiki asked me to get you. I am closely working with him in the aftermath of the invasion." the kunoichi cheerfully answered, turning and starting to walk "And I was very curious to see you again... where is your teammate?"

"Training." Akimi replied, her piercing gaze still fixated on Anko.

"What a pity!" Anko exclaimed. "I wanted to know what he did to the puppeteer. That guy is traumatized... a job well done, I daresay almost on my level."

"Are you part of the Interrogation and Torture Division, then?" Akimi asked, finally relaxing. Naruto thought she had decided Anko was okay or something.

"Yes, specialised in infiltration and recon, to be more specific." Anko nodded, as they reached the end of the staircase. "That Aburame kid shows promise."

Akimi shrugged. "He used a combination of genjutsu and intimidation technique. It's very smart, actually."

"You are not giving me details." Anko pouted, taking a turn to the left. "You are good, lassie. Mah, we need to hurry otherwise Ibiki is going to complain because we are late. By the way, we have a very important rule here..."

"Which is?" Naruto asked, running ahead to reach her. He was quite fascinated by the older kunoichi's antics.

Akimi had settled for a slower pace, her eyes studying carefully the surface of the walls they were passing. Jiraiya walked just ahead of her, right behind Anko and Naruto, grinning a little.

"What happens in the HQs, stays in the HQs... unless you carry a conical hat, that is."

"Nice rule." Akimi said from behind. "Isn't it quite obvious?"

"It is, but you are newbie. I need to make sure."

"Not necessary." Naruto chuckled. "You don't know how paranoid Akimi is. She is probably worse than all you ANBU put together."

At that point Jiraiya laughed as well, covering his mouth with a hand. Akimi tilted her head, then charged forward and kicked the Sannin square in the back. Her attack was successful and the older man stumbled down and fell on the ground.

"What, why did you hit me and not him?" he whined.

"Because Naruto-kun isn't staring at Mitarashi-san's backside and perverting." Akimi replied. "And I can't be angry because he speaks the truth. I am paranoid."

Anko narrowed her eyes at Jiraiya. "You were what...?"

"Wait, wait!" Jiraiya waved his hands frantically. "It was completely innocent..."

Anko growled a little. "You are lucky you are one of the Sannin, otherwise I would..."

"I asked you to fetch Jiraiya-sama and his brats, not to delay them." a stern voice said from the end of the corridor. "Hurry!"

Naruto took him literally and rushed ahead. The other followed suit a couple of minutes later. They arrived into a rectangular room through an arched entryway, where several masked shinobi were stationed. Most were busy discussing over encrypted documents.

"Ibiki." Jiraiya nodded.

"Morino-san." greeted Akimi.

"You two did well." the black clad jōnin said. "I knew you were smart and had guts from the First Exam, yes, but you outdid yourself during the invasion." He turned his attention to the Sannin. "By the way, Jiraiya-sama, there is also another matter I would like you to have a look at..."

"My time is limited, but fortunately time with my blonde apprentice taught me one thing..." Jiraiya smirked. "Kage Bunshin no jutsu."

Ibiki frowned. "Yes, I've heard about a swarm of black and orange dressed kids assaulting the wall." he said, looking at a beaming Naruto. "You really are something else, kid."

"Thank you, scar-face!"

Akimi put an hand on her face. "Will you stop disrespecting the Head of Konoha's Torture and Interrogation Division, please?"

"You are the boss here, really? Cool!"

Ibiki crossed his arms. "What gave me away?"

Akimi smirked and shrugged. "In the Forest of Death, when I exposed Kabuto..." she made a disgusted face at that name. "... Hokage-sama looked immediately at you. Not to mention the fact you were there in the first place. Mitarashi-san was too, so I thought it was because you were proctors in the Exams, but it makes more sense she was there because of her connection with the Snake-teme." and she pointed to the older kunoichi's shoulder. "And you because of your true position within ANBU. I am still trying to figure out why Kaka-sensei was there..."

"Kakashi-sempai is still well respected in ANBU and is one of the leading jōnin in the village." Anko replied, a little puzzled. "Is that why you were staring at me so much?"

"I was trying to figure you out." Akimi nodded to herself. She rubbed her hands together. "Don't we have work to do?"

"Right, Anko, you take the clone to look into the other matter. You brats come with me. I am sure our guests will be happy to see you."

"We do too." Naruto chuckled evilly. "One of them, in particular."

Ibiki led them down another brief corridor, stopping into a smaller, circular chamber. The light was even dimmer here, but the air was drier, making the space altogether more liveable.

There was a simple iron desk in the middle, where a chūnin in grey uniform was reading a scroll, looking bored. Akimi and Naruto recognised him as one of the examiner in the First Exam.

"Sir." he said, seeing Ibiki enter. He nodded at his boss and left.

Ibiki moved forward, his black trench coat waving with his long strides. On the other side of the room was a grid door. "You have visitors." he announced, opening it.

"Hello, dattebayo!" Naruto shouted, running forward.

A scared scream of horror followed his rushed entrance into the holding cell. Naruto laughed hard and Akimi covered her mouth to hide her giggle. Ibiki just raised an eyebrow, then smirked.

"Shino sends his best." Naruto said, between cackles, just as two butterflies – who were actually henged clones - popped out of existence. "You look well, makeup-chan."

Kankurō trembled. "Damn you, I..." he hissed in anger.

"Butterflies?" Ibiki asked. "Now, that is interesting. They are summons, I assume?"

The puppeteer gulped again, in fear. Temari looked a little baffled, but discretely tried to reassure and comfort her brother. Gaara smirked, but didn't say anything. It seemed that the close proximity the three siblings had been forced to live in, had greatly helped improve their relationship. Poor Kankurō, though, he finally had no reason to fear his brother anymore, but had now a phobia of butterflies.

"Yes they are, Morino-san." Akimi replied in that moment. "I hope you don't mind we decided to pull a prank on your prisoner."

Ibiki shrugged. "A curious use of plural there."

"She is the mastermind. 'mi-chan can be devious." Naruto shouted. He approached Gaara. "How is it going? Has it...?"

"I've been enjoying an almost complete quiet for the first time in my life." the red haired kid monotonously answered. "It has been a curios and yet pleasant experience."

"We hope to be able to help you more consistently now." Akimi smiled. "But we need to see your seal for that."

Gaara didn't even blink. "It's on the back of my neck." he replied.

"You should sit down." Jiraiya said in that moment. "We'll need some time."

Gaara walked forward and sat down at the desk, lowering his head to better show them. Akimi summoned a large blank scroll to take notes. Jiraiya and his apprentices stayed silent for a few minutes, closely examining the seal. Then they started talking.

"... two three ponged seal merged together. Sort of like a star, dattebayo..." Naruto said, very quickly. "It makes sense because we used Five Elements Seal and it stopped the influence of the main seal."

"It's not very unstable, because the main structure is a even seal formed by two odd seals, instead of two even ones making an even seal. Which is why Five Elements Seal was much more effective than when Orochimaru used it." Akimi nodded.

And that is when the Suna siblings stopped following the dialogue, understanding why Shino had immediately stopped his teammate from talking in their "obscure sealing language". It was quite maddening.

"... their chakra is not continuously merging, I think." Jiraiya concluded. His two apprentice nodded. "Would you please mould some chakra, gaki? Make a Henge or something and try to use only your own power."

Gaara raised an eyebrow, thinking how scarily similar Naruto and this long haired man were. Then he transformed... into a butterfly. Kankurō froze in terror and let out a small whine, while the blonde genin roared in laughter again. Temari looked a little scared as well: she wasn't used to her younger brother being sarcastic.

"I was right. A suppression seal would be easier to make then." Jiraiya said. "It will be an uneven seal, maybe a three ponged one..."

"... interrupting the ratio between the two seals that make up his main seal!" Akimi exclaimed. "But we'll need to work about the reinforcement part, otherwise Ichibi's chakra will destroy it quickly."

"Well, Shukaku's isn't as corrosive as mine." Naruto whispered.

"It's still strong. The Five Elements Seals we placed the other day are already weakened." Akimi answered. "Just a little, mind you, but I wonder what would happened if Gaara-san lost consciousness again."

"I don't want to find out." Naruto replied. "You'll have to wait for a while before taking any nap, Gaara!"

"I'm used to it."

"Yes, the bigger problem will be duration. Making a momentary suppression seal shouldn't be hard." Jiraiya said. "Now, I think we should also use a chakra viewing seal to be sure and..."

"Here." Akimi said, taking out a sealing tag. "I've had a lot of things on my mind lately and a lot of free time, so I've made this." Of course, it was a copy of the one she and Naruto used to explore his Mental Protection Seal.

Jiraiya shrugged. He was used to the girl over-thinking and trying to prepare for almost any future happenings. "Good. Let's see then."

Akimi smiled at Gaara and gave him the piece of paper. "Just place this over your main seal."

Once the red haired kid did so, the girl beckoned Naruto and he went through a small series of handseals. The main array holding Shukaku prisoner exploded into existence, revealing a complex path, developing in six pronged points, just like the three sealing specialist had assumed from observing it.

"Impressive." Ibiki said, crossing his arms. "The Sealing Arts aren't common among shinobi, but combination Fūinjutsu is even rarer."

"Thank you, scar-face." Naruto exclaimed.

Akimi rolled her eyes, although she was already busy copying down Gaara's seal in detail. She looked deep in thought too. Jiraiya let her do, looking over her shoulder at the scroll to check her work.

"With this information, we can start to draft a seal to reinforce yours." the Sannin said. "You'll have to be patient though."

"I never thought I would escape its influence." Gaara said without showing emotion. Yet something in his words made it clear how important everything was for him. "I will wait as long as it takes..." Jiraiya nodded gravely, then sighed. "Well, brats. We are done here."

"Are you in a hurry or something, Ero-sennin?"

Ibiki eyes widened in surprising, hearing the blonde genin calling one of the legendary Sannin with such a nickname.

Jiraiya narrowed his eyes in anger. "You shouldn't call me that in public, gaki!" he screamed.

"That's a lost cause." Akimi shrugged. "You didn't answer by the way, sensei."

"As a matter of a fact, I've somewhere I need to be. So let's go. Say hello to your friends." he turned and left.

Akimi and Naruto looked at each other. "I wonder what has gotten into him." the girl mused.

"Well, something is keeping him from his peeping time." Naruto smirked. "That's why he is so huffed!"

Akimi giggled, then bowed to salute everyone and went after her sensei. Naruto waved as well and followed suit, leaving behind three stunned Sand genin and a smirking Ibiki.

Sometime later, Konoha's main street...

Shino stood nearby Ichiraku's ramen stand, after nodding politely to the owners. With a teammate like Naruto you couldn't help but become very well acquainted with Ayame and Teuchi. He knew Akimi and Naruto would be there soon, Kaera had come to warn him they were done.

He didn't even finish that thought, that Naruto landed in front of him, a blur of movement and enthusiasm like always. Akimi jumped down from the roofs few seconds later, with her usual grace.

"I hope you didn't have to wait too much, Shino." the girl softly said.

"Not at all." the Aburame replied. "I've news for you."

"So do we." Naruto replied. "Let's sit down and eat."

"As usual 'to-kun thinks with his stomach." Akimi rolled her eyes. "I suppose Teuchi-san will let us set up a privacy seal, so we can discuss in safety."

Teuchi looked happy enough to see Naruto, who was without doubt his best client, so he didn't mind them using a seal tag at all. He looked more amused than anything else, really.

Naruto sat down and waved his arms enthusiastically. "A miso for me, and let them keep coming. I am quite hungry today."

"You are always quite hungry." Akimi shook her head, sitting at his right. "A beef one for me, then a vegetable."

"Two vegetables for me." Shino concluded, occupying the seat on the left of Naruto.

Ayame nodded and watched with curiosity as Akimi placed several sealing tag around. "Privacy Seal, False Conversation Seal, back up Privacy Seal and..."

"... I would say that is enough, 'mi-chan. Jeez, you are so paranoid." Naruto smirked, activating the seals. "So what you have got for us, Shino?"

"Tou-san thinks thing are going to be... lively, at least. The man you saw is without doubt Danzō Shimura. He is one of the Elders as well and used to command his own division of ANBU: Root." Shino gravely replied. "They were ruthless, not afraid to dirty their hands, if I make myself clear."

"I think you do." Akimi replied. "What happened to them?"

"Sandaime-sama disbanded them, I am not sure why. Not many in the village knows of this, but Shimura-san used to recruit a lot of shinobi from my clan. Tou-san doesn't really like him."

"Wonder why." Naruto scoffed. "I saw him once and I don't like him."

Shino and Akimi looked surprised at this. Naruto was easygoing and laid back and usually showed such distaste for someone only if they did something to him, namely threatening his precious people or Konoha.

"There was something about him... it just rubbed wrong off me." Naruto explained, shrugging. "So if this Danzō dude showed up in jiji office after the Invasion, together with the other elder coats, with an electric atmosphere in the air..."

"... it means they were arguing with Sarutobi-sama." Akimi concluded for him. "And what about? And why now?"

"The Invasion set out the perfect climate for a change in leadership." Shino said. "Why do you ask? Orochimaru was Sandaime-sama's former student. It's logical some may blame him from what happened. The Elders are going to exploit this to their favour. "

"Your thoughts or you father's?" Akimi asked.

"Both. He thinks Danzō is going to try and become Hokage himself."

"Wait, why would they want to depose jiji? He is an excellent leader."

"I told you, the Elders have different political views." Akimi replied. "Extreme, radical political views. They are militaristic."

"What do you mean, 'mi-chan?"

"Think of what Zabuza-san thought about being a shinobi." Akimi answer. "Something like that. And Sarutobi-sama, bless his soul, does not."

"How do you know this?" Shino asked. "Tou-san tells me about the Councils he attends, so I am privy to this information, but..."

Akimi shrugged. "I know people."

"You do?" Shino asked.

"Her mysterious contacts." Naruto explained. "The only ones besides us and jiji who knows about her true identity."

"We had to sell seals through some channel." Akimi explained. "Gramps knew Sarutobi-sama and so knew where Konoha was. He set up contacts. Trusty contacts."

Shino raised an eyebrow. "Who happen to have a seat in the Great Council?"

"So it would seem." Akimi smirked at Shino.

The Aburame felt a little annoyed, but knew she wouldn't spill. "You know who they are Naruto?"

"Nope!" Naruto swallowed down his third bowl of ramen. "Not that I care particularly. And 'mi-chan enjoys having her secrets. Explain to me about this Great Council you keep mentioning."

"Really, why didn't you read all the books on politics I gave you?" Akimi complained. "I thought we went through it."

"It was already a bother reading the history ones."

"And once you are Hokage how do you think you'll rule the village if you don't know how it works?"

"Being realistic, I knew I had time to catch up. Or ask you. So?"

Akimi face palmed herself. "It's the political organ who represents the differences factions in Konoha. They usually have to approve any important law the Hokage wants to make, unless it's merely a military matter. Usually they also give their approval to a Hokage candidate."

Naruto nodded. "Who are the members then?"

"We have the clans head, first of all. You know already why they are important. The oldest and most important ones are Uchiha, Hyūga, Akimichi and Aburame. The four noble clans."

"You are noble really?" Naruto asked to Shino.

The boy shrugged. "It's a stupid etiquette. There are many other predominant clans now... The Nara and Yamanaka, for instance, or the Inuzuka. Then there are the representative of the Trading and Crafting Guilds."

Akimi nodded. "Standard shinobi ranks too have representatives in the Great Council. Kamizuki Izumo should be the chūnin spokesperson this year. I've no idea who the jōnin elected..."

Naruto frowned. "What about Shika's dad?"

"The Jōnin Commander is a military figure, besides Nara-dono has already a Clan Head's seat." Akimi replied. "The ANBU Commander is a key figure in the Council too, Morino-san as well, being the Head of I&T department."

"And your sensei." Shino added. "Even though it's has been years since he participated at a meeting, his role as Sannin and Spy Master grants him a seat automatically."

"The Elders too, I assume?" Naruto asked, finishing the current bowl of ramen he was feasting on.

Akimi nodded. "Of course! They are part of the Restricted Council, which is also in the direct contact with the Fire Daimyō. That makes them very influential."

Shino was about to say something too, but then frowned. He silently beckoned with his head. Naruto and Akimi turned to see what had caught his attention.

"Well, isn't this a surprise, dattebayo!"

"So what do you want, Hiruzen?" Danzō asked. "I am sure whatever it is could have been discussed this morning."

"I needed time to clear my head." Sarutobi replied, letting out a puff of smoke. "We'll start as soon as Jiraiya gets here."

"It better be important." Danzō murmured.

"Don't worry, I wouldn't keep you from your plotting if it weren't." Hiruzen smirked. "I'll make this as short as I can."

Danzō narrowed his eye. 'What game are you playing at, old monkey?'

"Here I am, sorry if I am late." Jiraiya entered from the window.

"I wonder if there is something wrong with the door of my office. Less and less people seem to actually use it." Hiruzen observed.

"It's more funny this way." Jiraiya smiled goofily. Like master, like apprentice. He closed the window. "So, what is all this about?"

The Sandaime activated the fabled protection seals around the office. "There is an important matter to discuss, regarding the latest piece of news you brought me, Jiraiya."

The Sannin nodded. "I've been following the movements of a mercenary organisation for the last couple of years, Akatsuki. They came to my attention because Orochimaru had joined them for a while."

Koharu and Homura looked at each other. They weren't expecting something like this. Danzō stayed as emotionless as usually.

"It is comprised by several S rank missing nin." Jiraiya continued, darkly. "And their goal appears to capture every Tailed Beast. I am sure you can figure out what this means."

The Elders nodded. "They are likely to attack us now, when we are weakened." Homura murmured. "Are you sure they know about the Uzumaki boy?"

The Sannin raised an eyebrow. "Orochimaru told them, probably. If not, then Uchiha Itachi has."

"Uchiha Itachi?" Koharu paled. "Are you sure?"

"Sadly yes." the Sannin crossed his arms. "I am taking Naruto out of the village. Hopefully I can lose them, if not I am sure I can fend them off."

"Jiraiya will stay out of the village until we have prioritized our condition and reinforced our defences." Hiruzen explained. "I am sure this will meet your approval."

"It does." Homura replied, looking at the other two Elders. They also nodded, although Danzō didn't look very enthusiastic.

"Once Jiraiya is back, I will summon the Great Konoha Council." Sarutobi concluded, inhaling another intake of smoke. "This should be within the time limit we already decided upon."

"What will you say to the kid?" Homura asked.

"The truth, I think..." Jiraiya replied. "He deserves to know, but not right now. I will take him to an official training trip, also using the chance to introduce him and his lovely teammate to some of my contacts in Hi no Kuni."

"Really now?" Koharu raised an eyebrow. "It seems sudden."

"You haven't met Akimi. She does have the makings of a fine Spy Mistress. She is... paranoid." Jiraiya smirked. "And it's good to be prepared, should something keep me from doing the job."

"I see." Danzō frowned. "Is there something else?"

"Be on guard. Akatsuki may still attack us." Hiruzen said, deactivating the privacy seal. "I will warn our top jōnin this afternoon, after the promotion ceremony. If any of you wants to attend, you are most welcome."

Danzō shook his head. "I think I'll pass." and he abruptly left.

Koharu and Homura shrugged. "We would like to be there, actually."

"Very well, then I guess we'll see each other later."

"Hello, Shika!" Akimi exclaimed, deactivating her privacy seal. She was quite happy for the unexpected surprise: talking too much about politics and plotting was counterproductive in the long run. "Fancy seeing you around."

"Are you all right, Shika?" Naruto asked instead. "We haven't seen you since the funeral service."

"Troublesome, but I am good. I was looking for you."

"Really?" Naruto asked. "Why is that?"

Akimi cleared her throat. "This is not the best scenario for what you are going to say."

"I haven't this much to say, actually." Shikamaru replied. "Thank you for what you have done for me and my team, by the way."

"You are welcome, even though you don't need to thank us." Naruto shrugged, as Shino and Akimi nodded their approval.

"Well then: first thing, Naruto, I actually wanted to ask you why you didn't tell me, but I think I understand. Second thing, I don't care at all. You are all right. So it doesn't change anything." Shikamaru said. "And it's not because your teammates are glaring at me threateningly."

The girl smiled. "Sorry, we can't help it. We are protective of each other." No kidding there.

Shino nodded, his face serious.

Naruto was uncharacteristically silent. "Thanks, Shika." he murmured. "It means a lot, you know."

"It wouldn't be logical to think of you differently. I've seen enough about Fūinjutsu power from you two. I can't imagine what Yondaime was like..."

"That man was a freaking genius." Akimi murmured, her eyes gleaming. "He..."

"I am sure Shika will do without you stunning him about Yondaime-sama's exploits, 'mi-chan." Naruto smiled. "You want some ramen?"

"I..."

"You won't have time." an amused voice said. "Hello, team."

"Kakashi-sensei!" Akimi greeted. "I was starting to be worried about you."

"We still need to discuss about the fact that I am the one supposed to worry, Akimi-chan." Kakashi jumped down from the roof of Ichiraku's. "Everything all right?"

"Some trouble sleeping, but I think I may have found a solution."

Kakashi frowned, but nodded. "So, Hokage-sama wants to speak with you. Shikamaru-san, Asuma was looking for you at the Akimichi's restaurant. Possibly for the same reason. You follow me, team!"

The jōnin leaped away. "See you around, Shika!" Akimi said. Shino nodded in greeting and Naruto waved enthusiastically. Then Team 7 disappeared to go after their sensei.

Shikamaru shook his head. 'They are something else. How troublesome. I wish I could just lay down and stare at the clouds...' he sighed, put his hands in his pockets and left to look for Asuma.

"Why aren't we going at the Tower?" Akimi asked, landing on the random roof where Kakashi had stopped.

"We still have some time." Kakashi crossed his arms. "You three did excellently during the Invasion, but now you have to be careful. You have draw a lot of attention on yourself."

The trio nodded.

"You understand the position of the village is critical now, yes?" Kakashi asked.

"Of course, sensei." Shino answered. "I've felt a lot of chūnin leave today, are we trying to keep our mission income high, correct?"

"Yes. Many jōnin shall leave as well." Kakashi rubbed his chin. "In any case, I will be unable to follow you as extensively as I used to. Which makes sense, seeing what is about to happen..."

"Promotions then?" Naruto brightened up. "We did it?"

"I am not supposed to say." Kakashi smirked. "But well done, again."

"That was as good as a yes, sensei." Akimi observed. "Does this mean we will be deployed out of the village as well?"

"I am not sure, but I think Jiraiya-sama will be able to tell you more." Kakashi shrugged. "Now, let's go. I don't want to be late."

"NANI?" Naruto shouted.

Shino's jaw dropped.

Akimi stepped back in surprised horror. "Who are you? Where is our sensei?" she hissed, summoning her Fūma Shuriken.

"You are too melodramatic, you know?" Kakashi replied, annoyed. "Sometimes I like to be on time. On special occasion such as this. So stuff it."

The tree genin didn't move. "Maybe it's a dream..." Akimi observed, pinching herself.

Kakashi sulked. "Stop it already!"

"No need to flare up like that, sensei." Naruto chuckled. "You just surprised us, this is all. Let's go!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi sat on a blue armchair, a banner with Konoha's symbol behind his back. On the table in front of him, besides his crystal ball, were a handful of scrolls.

"Thank you for coming, mina-san." he said.

The two elders, Homura and Koharu were there, looking serious and with their usual little scowl on their faces. Jiraiya was there too, but among the jōnin only Akimi and Naruto noticed him, because he was hidden with his Tōton Jutsu (Transparent Escape Technique).

The small room was otherwise occupied by Team 7, 8, 9 and 10, together with their jōnin sensei.

"This is a very important moment. You are some of our youngest and newest genin, yet you showed a potential that is rarely seen in the shinobi world. You all made it to the third part of the Chūnin exam and seven of you to very finals. Your performance during the exam and afterward during the invasion, true war, was remarkable. I've called you here to remember you of this." Hiruzen said with a strong and yet gentle voice. "You are Konoha's bright future."

It was good old Danzō wasn't there, or he probably wouldn't be able to keep his composure.

"Aburame Shino, Katora Akimi, Nara Shikamaru, Uzumaki Naruto." the Sandaime announced. "Step forward."

It was quite obvious what was about to happen. The unexpected bit, was Sasuke's frown. The Uchiha was barely able to keep his cool... and looked on the verge of losing control again. Of course there were four jōnin and two Kage level shinobi in the room, so it wasn't that alarming.

"During your exams, each one of you showed the traits of a true chūnin. You were able to collect and transmit intel, to complete a mission without losing your teammates, and showed great combat abilities and tactical skills. For this reasons, I am proud and happy to nominate you chūnin of Konohakagure no Sato."

"What the hell!" Sasuke shouted then. His crazed expression showed he was about to activate his Cursed Seal.

"Sasuke, calm down!" Kurenai exclaimed.

"No! Why aren't you promoting me too?"

"You can't question Hokage-sama in such a way..." Kurenai scolded him. "We discussed this, Sasuke."

'He is completely under the influence of the Curse Seal. I really hope Jiraiya can figure out something, with the info we gathered from Orochimaru's four bodyguards. Otherwise..." Hiruzen sighed. "Sasuke-kun, you are at chūnin level, so be proud of yourself. However, you didn't follow a direct order from several of your superiors, me included."

"You aren't promoting me for this?" Sasuke asked. "I am the last Uchiha."

"And I can't promote someone who blatantly disobeyed my orders. The chain of command must be respected." Sarutobi calmly replied.

"I can't believe you are promoting him and not me!" Sasuke shouted, indicating Naruto.

"Well, someone is feeling a bit snooty today." Akimi whispered, narrowing her eyes. "How dares he!"

Naruto chucked instead. "Poor teme can't stand to be surpassed by me."

Sasuke must have heard them, or read their lips with his Sharingan, because the black marks of the cursed seal appeared on his body suddenly, together with the malign purple chakra that was unmistakable Orochimaru's. Two second later, Sasuke was within Jiraiya's grasp. The Sannin locked one arm around the genin's neck, then place a seal tag on his forehead. The Uchiha became limp in his arms.

"Keep going. I've got this covered." Jiraiya cheerfully said, disappearing with a Sunshin.

Naruto chuckled and Akimi's eyes gleamed. She took out a scroll and started writing, probably observations about the seal Jiraiya used.

Hiruzen looked worried. "As I was saying, you are now proud chūnin of Konoha. Take one of this scroll with the customary flat jacket of a chūnin and your new identification card. There is also a report of your scores in the Exam. For the rest of you, your performance was outstanding even if you didn't make it and something tells me you will become chūnin yourself in a very short time." he raised on his feet. "Now other matters require my attention. Enjoy this time of respite, soon you will be called to your duty, since we all have some very busy days ahead."

Somewhere in Hi no Kuni

Hoshigaki Kisame wasn't a particular patient person.

His trusted sword, Samehada, twitched as well, restless and hungry for another meal. Kisame wanted to fight and feed on chakra. He yearned it.

"What are we doing?" he asked, tapping his foot, as he watched his partner.

Itachi Uchiha was standing nearby, still as a statue, stoic as ever, staring ahead. "They changed the detection barrier array. Konoha hasn't gone completely soft yet."

"It didn't stop Orochimaru and Suna from attacking it."

"Orochimaru broke it down, but it has been already reset. I will break it as well. I just need time." Itachi blankly answered. "Be patient."

"I have been patient." Kisame replied. "Itachi-san, we should have already reached Konoha."

"Going any quicker, would have exposed us. They are probably expecting our arrival. Control yourself." Itachi suddenly stepped forward, his hands so quick one couldn't even glimpse they had moved. "Kai." (Release) he said.

Kisame smirked in delight.

"Now we can proceed." Itachi said. "And please, try not to cause any carnage this time around."

Sunset, Hokage's office.

"Here we are, jiji!" Naruto shouted, entering the office. "So, what's up?"

Sarutobi sat at his desk, looking tired and just... old. Jiraiya was standing behind him.

"So what's with all the secrecy?" Akimi asked, entering and closing the window behind her. "You sent a camouflage toad, asked us to use Transparent Escape Technique and enter from the window. I thought you wanted people to actually use the door, Sarutobi-sama."

Hiruzen smiled a little, although the expression actually resembled a grimace. "We wanted to test your stealth skill. The fact that your coming here may haven't be noticed is just a very welcomed bonus." he answered, activating the privacy seal for the umpteenth time that day. "We have much to discuss. Sit."

"That long?" Naruto asked, worried. Akimi just obeyed.

"How do you like being chūnin?" the Hokage asked with a smile.

"It's just been few hours. It hasn't been that much different than being genin." Akimi shrugged. "What happened with Uchiha-san, by the way?"

Jiraiya sighed. "I am worried about the kid. The Cursed Seal has rooted deeply into him. Not being promoted made him outraged and angrier, yet strengthening the hold Orochimaru has on him."

"I've placed as many ANBU as I could afford to shadow him. I am still worried it won't be enough." Sarutobi murmured. "The only solution is for Jiraiya to find a way to counter the seal itself."

"I've tried already, to help Anko, some year ago... without much success. But we have new info as if of now."

"The four shinobi who summoned the barrier." Akimi said. "They have a seal also? Is that where you went this morning, sensei?"

"Correct." Jiraiya nodded. "In any case, this is not what we wanted to discuss. Akimi, you mentioned something about a dream?"

The girl sighed. "Yes, I believe this time I entered Kuroken's mindscape without him knowing, so we deduced that his kekkai genkai or technique allows him to set up connection through emotion. It sorts of resembles what happens with Naruto and Kyūbi, to an extent." she explained.

Jiraiya scratched his head. "It sounds like a powerful ability. Where did this man come from, I wonder? Maybe you should tell me about your clan already."

Akimi bit her lips. "Enkounkin."

Jiraiya's eyes widened. "I am an idiot. How did I not see it? Old man Katora..."

"You knew him!?" Akimi exclaimed. "How?"

"Well, after he showed such aptitude for sealing, I sent him to Katora, my old friend." Sarutobi explained. "It was after the Second Shinobi World War, before he took his own genin squad to train."

Akimi nodded, her lips pressed together in sadness. She didn't like thinking about her grandfather. Naruto passed an arm around her shoulders, trying to comfort her.

"Well, we'll have time to discuss about this." Jiraiya said. "Now there is something more important we need to talk about."

"We are waiting, dattebayo."

"I am going to take you two out of the village." Jiraiya smirked, anxious to see their reaction. "On a training trip..."

REVIEW ANSWERS

Guest: thank you so much for reviewing! I would like very much to further discuss beating with you, but I think you forgot you weren't logged in, or something. I am looking forward to hear from you again.

Guest: thank you for reviewing. A fire Rasengan is very likely to appear, but much later into the story. Akimi hasn't nearly enough chakra right now. But I've other ideas about her using Rasengan... and combination Rasengan with Naruto as well.

Emo Steve: thank you so much for reviewing. I hope this chapter wasn't too boring... let me know when the favourite parts comes out (I hope I won't change it too much, since the Au-ness has started)

pedobear412: thank you so much for reviewing! I hope the more plotting in this chapter didn't give you another headache... and please tell me if it is too confusing or unclear. I completely agree about the Uzumaki clan... so don't worry, I already planned a confrontation. =) Should be here soon too. I hope you liked this chapter as well.

Chaosprimer: thank you for reviewing. I hope this chapter answered your question. Shino will use his bo staff again, but right now he isn't that good with it so he keeps it like a last resort. I think Naruto and Akimi used their weapon plenty of times and they will again.

Unmei Ryu: thank you so much for your reviews! Yes, I guessed you guessed the part about the Loyalty Seal from your review of the time. XD I am glad you think Kurama was IC and that you like the emotive parts. =) It's always good to hear (read?) it. I hope you liked this chapter as well.

NATSUxERZA 123456: thank you so much for your review! The fox is quite difficult to write, but I also have this theory that since Naruto had much more stability and love in this story than in canon, he has already started to "change" the fox, without none of them noticing! Thanks for the head up, I've edited the chapter.

PS: my moment of glory in giving appropriate titles didn't last long. XD

Skeleus: thank you so much for reviewing. I hope you liked this chapter as well. I am glad you think Kurama was okay. We'll see how plotting goes on XD

SonomiTakashia: thank you for reviewing, dattebayo! I hope this chapter was good for you as well.

Heftig Einzelganger: thank you for reviewing. I'm glad you think everyone is more or less IC =) Hope you liked the update.

DarkNamikaze: thank you so much for reviewing. I am glad you enjoyed last chapter. I hope this one didn't disappoint.

Molly Grace: thank you so much for reviewing. I hope this chapter didn't bore you, since fighting didn't occur yet. I hope to include it in next chapter, but I still have to figure out the fights. I've got most of the plotting covered, but the fighting still eludes me XD

Anarchy in Dark Places: thank you so much for your review. I am glad you liked the encounter with the Fox. I am still working out the problem Akimi/time skip, but I've got some ideas. I can tell you I am seriously thinking of making a shorter time skip though, like two years instead of three.

Strife666: thank you so much for your review. I am happy you liked last chapter. Danzō is quite annoying yes, especially because it is difficult to write him without bashing. And I usually hate bashing. =).

ExecutionerKain: thank you so much for reviewing! I am glad you enjoyed last chapter and hope this one isn't too bad.

CHAPTER NOTES:

Here it is. The end of this boring filler chapter. In my defence, I am setting things up for interesting things to happen. Next chapter, they should finally leave Konoha. I hope. There are a couple of new mini-plot in my head that want to be explored, so I am not promising anything.

About this chapter, what did you think about the Tenzō/Yamato part? I have ideas to include him in the story much sooner than in canon, but I am unsure.

Also, I hope the hidden ANBU HQ made sense. I always thought that mountain had to have other functions besides carving giant stone heads. On the topic, here Ibiki is a full jōnin instead of a tokubetsu one, it just makes more sense... I mean he is the Head of I&T department and everything.

Lastly, was Sasuke too OOC? I totally bashed, but I couldn't find another way to make it. Since he didn't see Naruto directly defeat Gaara, having him not promoted was the only way to start him into the dark side.

POLL RESULT

IMPORTANT NOTE: I am a little at loss on how to progress the high levelled battle between Akatsuki and Sarutobi and Danzō. If any of you has ideas or wants to discuss these battle to help me, is very welcome!