Kaibunkage

Arc II

Chapter IX

"There are two people who have a 100% chance in surviving a war… Immortals and legends. But even immortals can be forgotten by the world…"

- Former leader of Ishigakure no Sato, Kagami Dōsame

Kotetsu and Izumo stood in front of the gates wide awake and alert. The news that the real Kaibunkage was coming had the entire village on high alert. After the recent invasion by Sound and Mist, they knew who the real Ash Shadow was and were a little unnerved at the fact.

Soon the pair saw a group walking towards them, on e of them clearly wearing the hat that signified a kage.

"Halt!" Izumo stated as if asserting authority.

Naruto yawned while waving a dismissive hand, Sakura looking at the pair with amused green eyes.

"Seriously guys, if I wanted to sneak passed you, I could do it in my sleep." said Naruto as he, Sakura, Shiori, and Ranmaru neared the gates.

"This isn't the same…" Kotetsu's words were cut off when a hand touched his shoulder. He turned around slowly to see the Kaibunkage standing behind him and his teammate.

"Like I said, in my sleep." Kotetsu and Izumo were a bit stunned as the "Naruto" in front of them dispatched in a puff of small smoke, revealing it to be a Shadow Clone. "Come on Shiori-chan. Let's see the village."

"Yay!" the little girl said running by the guards to grab her father's hand. "Let's go Ran-nii and Sakura-chan!"

Izumo and Kotetsu looked at the pink-haired woman as she walked towards the gate.

"Diplomatic immunity." Sakura said tapping her Kemuri hitai-ate on her forehead with a smile.

The two could only stare as she moved behind the others.

"Oh boy…" Izumo muttered as he pictured the worst happening.

Kageno sat at his desk, his eyes closed lightly, hands cupped in his lap, thinking heavily on what his next move should be. Being a part of the "Shinobi Alliance" as they were called did little to help him out. He knew that once this war was over, there would be no alliance and if his forces lost more damage than the others, Konoha and/or Kemuri could finish him off.

Sighing quietly, he turned his thoughts to Kemuri. They held two biju, the Sanbi and the Kyuubi. Terumi Mei and Chojuro were amongst their ranks as well as the Tsuchigumo Clan. That alone spelled trouble for anyone who did not play their cards right.

"Lord Mizukage," Ao spoke as he entered the room. Kageno gave him a nod to speak. "Hirameki Gyaku was seen in a village south of here in search of the Rokubi. She would take any special precautions?"

Kageno sat quietly before placing his hands on the desk.

"Bring the Demon Brothers here." answered the Mizukage.

"Hai." Ao said before quickly leaving to do his task.

Kageno resumed his thoughts for a moment. This upcoming war would force enemies to become temporary allies. It would force Kiri to actually participate in a Shinobi World War. His mind then turned its attention to a key aspect in the war that the group overlooked.

Otogakure no Sato.

"What are you up to, Orochimaru?" Kageno asked himself as he planned on a counter for the Hidden Sound Village.

The room was in quiet murmurs as they awaited the Kaibunkage and company. No one spoke too loud, though the Hokage and her former teammate could hear most of everything with seasoned ears. The door to the remodeled conference room opened, Shizune coming in followed by the awaited guests. The group stopped and stared at him.

Looking around, Naruto frowned.

"Who let Shikamaru on the council?" The statement caused the Nara to sigh heavily as Naruto took a seat.

"Um…" Tsunade began, her eyes shooting at Shiori who climbed into Naruto's lap.

"Hmm? Oh!" Naruto said before looking at his daughter. "Shiori-chan, how about you and Sakura go see the village?"

"Without you?" the girl asked with a pout. "I don't wanna go without you."

"You can go to the park and meet some new friends. It won't take me long." Shiori let out a sigh before nodding her head. Naruto kissed her forehead. "Don't worry Shiori-chan. I'm just going to yell at a few old people and head home."

"Promise?" Shiori asked.

"Believe it." Naruto said with a grin.

Shiori hopped off of Naruto's lap and reached for Sakura's hand. The woman took Shiori's hand and led her out of the room.

"Sakura has joined your village?" Koharu questioned.

"Not that it's any of your business, but yes. She's a jonin as well as one of my chief medics." Naruto spotted Tsunade's lip tug into a brief smile. "So what's this meeting for? I doubt it's just to catch up."

"As you know, the Five Great Nations are joining together to battle against Akatsuki." Tsunade explained. "With that being said, we have to keep all…"

"Jinchuriki." Homura stated.

Tsunade gave a small glance at the man before continuing.

"Yes… We need to keep you all safe. Amongst the five villages, Suna has one, Iwa has one remaining, Kumo has two, Kiri has one, and due to our alliance with Taki, Konoha has one. The only two left are the two that are in your care." Naruto nodded at the statement. "We need to join together, Lord Kaibunkage, to keep the biju out of the Akatsuki's grasp."

"Hmm… And you expect me to follow that rule because…?" questioned Naruto.

"Lord Kaibunkage, your childishness might-"

"Might what?" Naruto interrupted Koharu with an amused tone. "You must've forgotten that while I did save Konoha, I don't necessarily like it." Naruto then paused. "Well, I don't necessarily like the people who run it, I should say."

"Naruto," Tsunade spoke, causing the younger blond kage to frown at the informality. "This is serious. I wouldn't ask you to be here if I didn't need this. You are the strongest of the jinchuriki and could probably wipe the floor against everyone in this room at the same time, safe for Jiraiya and myself." Tsunade stopped and sighed. "Please, Naruto. I'm not asking you as the Hokage, I'm asking you as Tsunade. Please, join us."

"There is a huge problem with that." replied the Kaibunkage. "Joining you will place me, a 'pseudo-kage' as you guys say, beneath you in rank."

"She's a recognized kage. Of course she would out-rank you." Tsume stated.

Naruto stared at the woman before waving a dismissive hand.

"You forget that I am a kage of my own village, despite what the world sees me or the village as." Naruto continued. "The moment any of the Gokage attempts to overrule one of my rulings is the moment where I will show you and everyone else one pissed off Uzumaki Naruto, believe it."

"I told you…" Jiraiya muttered.

"But we have to work together to defeat Akatsuki." Tsunade said.

"Do I?" Tsunade sighed at Naruto's response. "Tell me, Lady Hokage, just what can Konoha do for me?"

"For starters, we can tell you things about Akatsuki." Homura responded before Tsunade had a chance.

Again, Naruto waved a hand. "I already know about them, if not more. I did just run into Kisame and Itachi." Naruto saw the flash of worry that came and vanished off of Tsunade's face. "I'm fine, Lady Hokage. Itachi was strong, but he… Let's just say he had something else on his mind."

"And Kisame?" asked Jiraiya.

"The Hoshikage, Sumaru, battled him." The statement caused the Konoha group to all gasp, knowing of the power of Hoshigaki Kisame. "What? You think he got the title 'kage' for his friendly smile? I doubt that. Hoshigakure no Sato is a village that could assassinate anyone better than any other village besides my own. And that's because, as a Smoke Ninja, that's what we do best."

"And you're proud of that?" Koharu asked.

Naruto shrugged. "It sounds a lot better than mistreating the son of a kage just because he was a jinchuriki." Despite his placid tone, Tsunade could easily see the small hint of anger he showed. "Or are you more proud about sending in Itachi to wipe his clan out?"

"You know nothing-"

"Seriously old man, if I didn't, how could I even bring it up?" Homura sat quietly now as Naruto sat up in his seat. "Now that I have you and the hag beside you quiet, time to actually talk seriously. I'm actually in need of some help that you can help me with, Baa-chan."

Tsunade was a little baffled that he would claim to "talk seriously" and then revert to calling her Baa-chan again. But she went along with it, glad to know that her village could be in service of his.

"Seriously, oh mighty Kaibunkage? What does the gaki need?" Jiraiya asked with a smirk.

"Well Ero-sennin," Jiraiya huffed at the nickname. "Currently, my daughter is still legally the High Priestess of the Land of Demons. In order to replace her, I need a suitable pair for the new priestess. I have a candidate for the father, Tatsushiro Kuroma of the-"

"How did you even contact them?" Jiraiya quickly interrupted. Naruto only grinned at his godfather. "Naruto, these people have lived in secrecy for years guarding the Genryū and the Dragon Blade."

"They do exist…? I thought the old man was just crazy…" Tsunade mumbled.

"Either way," continued the Shodai Kaibunkage. "He has agreed to marry someone and go through the weird ritual to ensure a daughter. However, a part of my deal with Demon Country is to make a child with a 'valuable asset'. In other words, a bloodline."

There was a silence at the table after Naruto finished this. Truthfully, Naruto hated forced marriage unless the two within the marriage was alright with it. But he was near desperate now and the alternative was going Kyubi-crazy on the Demon Country Council.

Not a bad idea if war wouldn't follow.

"Our offer with you still stands," said Hiashi. "My daughter for your allegiance."

"H-Hinata?" Naruto stammered, never really thinking about the possibilities that she would be involved in the marriage. "Well… I guess. If she agrees, that is."

"This is an agreement between her superiors. Not a discussion." Hiashi responded. "Hinata has understood her role in the clan for years now. Hanabi will take over while she…" Hiashi paused and cleared his throat. "Will not be."

Naruto frowned. "I won't accept this. Not without her consent."

"Would you rather see her branded?" Naruto sat quiet at Hiashi's statement. "This will solve all of our problems, Lord Kaibunkage, as I do not want my daughter to wear that cursed mark nor do I want to force her into a marriage that she has already ruled against with the Inuzuka."

"I will get Kuroma then." Naruto said rising.

"Now?" Tsunade asked with shock.

"Our alliance is based on him, don't you think? Don't worry Baa-chan, it'll only take a second." Naruto said before vanishing via Hirashin.

Jiraiya's eyes moved to Ranmaru, who stood gazing at the others in the room.

"So you're the gaki's star student, huh?" Jiraiya said. "Did he teach you his signature technique?" Ranmaru nodded, Jiraiya smirking pervertedly. "Really? He showed you his Sexy-"

Ranmaru blinked in shock at how fast the Hokage's fist was embedded in Jiraiya's gut, the man folding over it like a wet shirt.

"Don't show him." Tsunade said in a low tone.

Ranmaru nodded, though he did not know the perverted jutsu the two Sannin were talking about. Though Sayuri did. She knew all of Naruto's pranking techniques.

Naruto reappeared in the room, another person with him now. He was Tatsushiro Kuroma, leader of the Tatsushiro Clan. The grey haired man looked around with calculating red eyes. He wore a dark purple robe and pants. The bottom of his robes had several paper tags on them, a sheathed sword on his back and a small jade scroll attached to his waist.

"Now, let's continue." Naruto said.

Sakura was unsurprised at how quickly Shiori made friends while playing at a park. She admits that there was something about the blonde that drew people to her.

"S-Sakura…?" Sakura's attention was turned to the woman who called her name, spotting her former best friend Yamanaka Ino. "You… You're alive!"

Sakura frowned. "Why wouldn't I be?"

"Kiba said that Naruto finished you off after you attempted to sell his daughter to Kabuto." Sakura rolled her eyes. She should have seen that one coming. "What are you doing here? And how did you get here?"

"Baby-sitting…" Sakura's voice hinted on how annoyed she was by being Naruto's unpaid baby-sitter near twenty-four seven. Shiori visited anytime she pleased, whether Sakura was at the academy, hospital, training, or trying to sleep at home.

"Sakura-chan!" whined the little blonde as she neared her. "I fell!"

Sakura almost panicked. Shiori had not a scratch on her for a reason; Naruto. While he allowed Shiori to do nearly everything that she wanted, he always caught her before a mark could be put on her. And that was because he was so used in being chastised by Shion that it became a habit. Now with a scratch on her, Sakura feared that Naruto would probably overreact and retaliate due to her not watching Shiori carefully.

Thank Kami she was a medic.

"Come here, I'll heal it." Sakura said kneeling down. Shiori ran to her, her bloody elbow being revealed to Sakura. Sakura raised her hand over it, the green glow coming to her bare hand. "There. All better?"

Shiori nodded as she watched in awe at the quickly healing scratch. When Sakura put her hand down, Shiori stared at the hardly seen mark before giving Sakura a wide grin.

"Thanks Sakura-chan!" she chirped.

Sakura smiled. Her job was saved.

"Is that…?" Sakura gave Ino a nod, not needing Ino to finish her sentence. "She's so adorable!" Ino knelt down, Shiori giving the older blonde a thorough look over. "What's your name?"

"Uzumaki Shiori!" the child answered proudly.

"You bitch!" Sakura did not have any time to react before Shiori's bell surrounded her and Shiori, Ino and the would-be attacker, Kiba, shoved away forcefully.

Sakura saw Kiba and Ino slowly stand, Shiori's shield receeding momentarily as Sakura took on a defensive stance in front of Shiori.

"Kiba…" The pink-haired medic growled. "What are you doing? You could've hit her!"

"What are you doing back here, traitor? You tried to sell Naruto's daughter to Orochimaru!" Kiba shot back.

"You baka! She is Naruto's daughter!" Kiba blinked before looking at Shiori and then back at Sakura.

"You… You kidnapped her?" Sakura sighed heavily at the completely wrong accusation. It seemed that years did very little for Kiba's mindset. "I have to get her away from you!"

Sakura was prepared to beat some sense into Kiba and then some. She realized that his animalistic outlook on life took more control over him whenever he was angered and trying to rationalize with him was harder. So she calmly slipped on her black gloves, though she doubted she would need it. Shiori's shield would protect her so long as she stood near the Kaibunkage's daughter.

"Here I go!" Kiba said charging for Sakura, his eyes glued on his target.

"Kiba! Stop!" Ino ordered, though it was too late.

In a flash, Kiba was pinned against a tree, the Kaibunkage growling at the Leaf Nin.

"N… Naruto?" Kiba struggled around the hand gripping his throat.

"Stand down." was the kage's orders. Kiba stopped his struggles. "This is my only warning Kiba. Do not attack my shinobi. Especially in the presence of my daughter."

Kiba's eyes drifted over to Sakura who complacently pointing to her forehead protector. Seeing the hook-like symbol that belonged to the Hidden Smoke Village, Kiba nodded. Naruto released him, taking a step backwards.

"Daddy!" Shiori said happily as she moved for him. "Is the meeting over?"

"…" Naruto mentally prepared himself for the downcast expression Shiori was going to give him, but he knew that when she was older she would understand just how close they were. Whenever she was in trouble, he would be there. "Not just yet. Give me five minutes."

"Five?" Naruto mentally cringed, as well as Sakura. Shiori looked so much like Shion with her brows furrowed like that.

"Five minutes." Naruto said before looking at Sakura. "The next attacker, dispose of them yourself." Sakura nodded. "No killing, Sakura."

"Hai, Lord Kaibunkage." With that, the blond left for the area where Ranmaru was, Ranmaru carrying one of Naruto's special kunai. Sakura looked at Shiori. "Are you done playing?"

Shiori shook her head for no and ran back off to the playground without another word. Sakura secretly noted that Shiori would probably be a lot faster than the kunoichi in her class, and maybe Sakura one day. Well, Sakura not using the Yang Seal Release that is.

"Oi Forehead!" shouted an annoyed Ino. "What the hell was that shield for? He was attacking you, not me!"

Sakura smiled. She figured she could allow Ino and Kiba believe that she caused the shield to appear to keep Shiori's abilities secret to them. The less people knew the better.

Uchiha Sasuke, the last Uchiha.

He had no idea that he would ever be saying those words, but now it was true. Even if the masked man Tobi has the Sharingan, Sasuke did not see him as an Uchiha. In fact, it only angered Sasuke more that he, along with Danzo and Kakashi, had his family's bloodline.

"Lord Otokage," Sasuke looked to his right, Karin standing at his door. "They have all been healed."

"Good." Sasuke spoke. "I want to hear back from Ishi."

"Hai." Karin said bowing and leaving the office.

Sasuke closed his eyes. He was a kage. He was the voice of his village. After years of being second-best to the Senju, here he was, the first Uchiha ever, a kage of a village. The only problem was how little Otogakure seemed to villages like Konohagakure or Kumogakure. He was just like Naruto…

Sasuke grunted quietly at the thought of being like his former blond teammate. Both left on their own accord for their own personal reasons. Both were stronger than their sensei. Both had defeated Itachi in their own way. And now both of them were leaders of underestimated villages. Danzo being Sasuke's advisor as Sasuke learned that Mei, a would-be Mizukage, was Naruto's.

Yet there was a difference. Sasuke would force people to recognize his power as well as Oto's. Naruto was okay working in the shadows.

A knock caught the Uchiha's attention. The door opened to reveal Kabuto. The man had been a great benefit in Sasuke's eyes, managing the still underground laboratories while overseeing the construction of the village. Sasuke knew better than to put his full trust in either Danzo or Kabuto, so he split it amongst the two. And it was working.

"We have a small problem." said Kabuto. "A member of the Hanya Clan was seen in the vicinity." Sasuke frowned. "He esecaped as well."

"Don't worry about him. He would think twice about attacking us." Kabuto gave a small nod, not really trusting Sasuke's decision on the matter. "Orochimaru's prisoners have been freed and healed. You say that you know how to properly apply the Curse Seal?"

"Not those like yours or Kimimaro's, but certainly the weaker ones." Kabuto answered. Sasuke nodded. "However, there is a more important thing I want to talk to you about. You, Danzo, and I are treacherous by nature. We have all abandoned our village, and eventually the Leaf Village. Yet, we can all agree that the Akatsuki cannot be trusted. We shouldn't go along with their entire plan."

"Hmm… You're right." responded Sasuke. "But we'll meet up later. I need those Curse Seals ready and put under your and my control."

"Hai." Kabuto said turning for the door.

"Kabuto," Sasuke said in a firm tone. "Your and my control. Or I will control them with other means."

With his back turned to Sasuke, Kabuto smirked.

"As you wish, Lord Otokage."

Hinata was confused as to why she was called into the Hokage's office, but once she saw Naruto she did not care.

"L-Lady Hokage, L-Lord Kaibunkage," HInata said with a bow, completely ignoring the third person in the room.

Tsunade cleared her throat. "Hinata, we have called you here for something important. Something I hope you will listen to before you react."

Naruto sighed. "I've come for a marriage proposal…" Hinata's eyes lit up, her lips moving to say yes before Naruto continued. "To Tatsushiro Kuroma." Hinata's eyes darted to the other man in the room. "And mother the future High Priestess of Demon Country."

"Wh-what…?" Naruto felt a little sick about continuing with this, but again, he was desperate now.

"The Land of Demons had a High Priestess, Shion. She is also the mother of my daughter, Shiori." The words slapped Hinata with a dose of reality, though she hardly moved. "However… Shion was killed by Akatsuki and I have forbidden Shiori to live in Demon Country since I am in Ash Country. They have agreed… In exchange for a new priestess."

"And you want me to have a kid with… Him…?" Stuttering gone for the moment, she looked at the calm red-eyed man. He neither leered at her lustfully nor stared at her in a disgusted way.

"You aren't being forced to do so. But this will help most of us, if not all." Hinata frowned at Tsunade's words. The buxom kage gave a heavy sigh. "Hinata, this was the only request Kemuri had to solidify an alliance. And while we can choose any other suitor that is willing to be with Kuroma, you were first on our list due to your… Predicament."

Hinata was completely stunned. While she knew why her father wanted her wed soon, lest she be branded, she honestly wanted to go out and find the guy herself. And in actuality, that guy that she was looking for was Naruto. But now here Naruto was, trying to get her married to some other guy. For the sake of their villages. Worst, she would be moving out of the village to the Land of Demons.

"If I may," Kuroma spoke. "I think it is custom for us to at least talk before such promises are made. If that's alright with you, Lady Hyuga."

Polite, Hinata thought before nodding.

"Hai." Naruto and Tsunade looked at one another before glancing at Hinata.

"Hinata, I'm really sorry about all of this." Naruto stated. "The death of Shion has taken a toll on all of us and we all have to find a way to live without her, which is hard. And again, if you don't want to, we can find someone else. We just thought that… With the clan on your back and all…"

Hinata nodded. "I understand, Lord Kaibunkage. I will attempt this for the sake of our villages."

"Don't force yourself to do it on my account. I don't want what happen at the Chunin Exams to happen again." Naruto's voice held a certain amount of authority and firmness that caused Hinata to freeze.

He knew why she pushed herself so hard at the Chunin Exams against Neji?

"Is this something you want to at least try, Hinata?" Tsunade asked.

Hinata looked at Naruto and then at Kuroma. She had been a diehard critic when Inuzuka Tsume drew up a marriage proposal for Hinata and Kiba. While Kiba was a good friend of Hinata's, she had long ruled him out for potential lovers. Plus, she had always wanted to leave the village on a vacation without the constant watch of the Hyuga guards or her former teammates.

"I will give it a try." Hinata said.

Naruto released a sigh. "You're a life saver Hinata-chan." The compliment caused her to blush momentarily. "Now, I have to deal with something far harder… Getting my daughter to leave a playground…"

Tsunade released a small chuckle behind a hand as Naruto groaned and left with Hirashin.

"Lady Hyuga," Kuroma said. "Shall we get going?"

"Yes… And please, Hinata will do." Hinata said.

If it made Naruto happy, who was she to deny giving the guy a chance?

Sumaru gave Nori a nod, the masked man standing in front of his desk.

"With these new developments, I'm sure Otogakure will try to attack Kemuri and Konoha." Nori finished his explanation.

"With Danzo's men there, Danzo cannot be far behind himself." Nori nodded at Sumaru's words. "I don't want your men sneaking around there. Pull them out." Sumaru paused. "We will warn the Hidden Smoke to prepare for anything. But if one of the Hanya Clan were caught seen with a Hoshi emblem, they will put two-and-two together. I want your clan to continue to work in secrecy. Plus, I want all of my shinobi safe."

Nori agreed to the statement before Hokuto moved into the room. Nori glanced at the woman and gave a small bow.

"Lady Sutayouji." Nori greeted before rising and looking at Sumaru. "I will send a message to those scouting the area and bring them home, Lord Hoshikage."

"Thank you. Dismissed." Nori gave another bow, this one at Sumaru, before leaving the room. The Hoshikage looked at his wife. "You must've received Naruto's latest message?" Hokuto nodded. "We're going to war with Akatsuki, that I know. But are we joining with Konoha?"

"If he can find a wife for Tatsushiro Kuroma, then we will." Sumaru gave a sigh. "Something wrong?"

"Some things." Sumaru answered. "For starters, if Naruto aligns himself with Konoha, it will bring us to them. That's paperwork that I don't want to do." Hokuto smiled at that. "But more importantly, we are going to war… I'm going to need help from the best general I know besides Hanya Nori."

"Who is…?" questioned the Hoshikage's wife.

"Akahoshi."

Shiori's eyes bounced along the streets, taking in everything her mind would allow. Konoha was a little different from Kemuri, the village being surrounded by thick forests which differs from the two borders that surrounds Kemuri; the forest to the southeast and the mountains to the north. The districts in Konoha were similar to the "rings" in Kemuri, yet the size differentiated.

Naruto looked down at his awe-stricken daughter. Since he was born and raised in Konoha, he saw nothing spectacular like Shiori did. It looked almost the exact same from when he was there, safe for a few new shops and craters that came from the recent invasion. The reconstructed Hokage's Tower was new as well as a new addition onto the academy. But nothing that really stood out.

"Yosh!" Shiori shrieked in surprise, her shield quickly activating to remove the "threat" that had appeared in a green flash. "Ow…"

Naruto would have said something to Lee sooner, but Shiori's shield also put a strain on him due to his status as a jinchuriki. The pain was bearable at most times of the day, however, it still hurt.

"Lee…" Naruto released a small sigh of relief when the shield, and hold on the Nine-tails, ended. "Don't sneak up on us like that."

Lee hopped onto his feet.

"Good day, shinobi of the Hidden Smoke Village! My name is Rock Lee, Uzumaki Naruto's eternal arch rival!" Naruto dropped his head as Ranmaru lifted an eyebrow. "I have come here to…" Lee's words died as he took notice of the pink behind Naruto. "Sakura-chan?"

Smiling politely, Sakura spoke. "Hello Lee-san."

"Gah! You have joined the Hidden Smoke too?" Sakura nodded.

"What did you want Lee?" Naruto questioned.

"Right! I have come here to challenge you to a light spar so that I may add to your losses!" Naruto's eyes narrowed, remembering the record he held with Lee. Lee held five victories to Naruto's two. "As you are now Kaibunkage, I am sure your skills have grown like my own."

"Sure Lee." Naruto said, hiding his true anger about such a bad record.

"Then what are we waiting for? It is time for me to unleash my new flames of youth!" Lee said giving Naruto a blinding smile.

Naruto felt a tug on his sleeve and looked down at his daughter.

"Was that genjutsu?" she asked sincerely, having been taught what genjutsu was by Sakura.

Her question gained a quiet giggle from Sakura while Naruto merely smiled.

"No honey. That's just a special ability all creepy people have." Naruto said, Lee gawking where he stood before pointing at the blond.

"I am not creepy! I am just as hip and cool as you are!" Lee protested.

"No you're not!" Shiori argued.

"Yes I am!"

As the man argued with the girl, Naruto released a heavy sigh. Someone from the great beyond was probably getting a kick out of this.

"Damn you Shion…" Naruto muttered under his breath as his daughter continued to bicker with Lee about who was cooler.

The woman slowed to a halt, panting. She held onto her right arm, the gash there leaking more and more precious blood out. She growled, mentally kicking herself for even trusting her "protectors" in the first place. They were all the same. They all wanted her to die.

"You can run, Nanabi, but you can't hide." Kakuzu said. "To think that you're worth so little… You're a waste of time and money."

Growling, Fu glared at the man.

"You've made a big mistake." she said as red chakra began to outline her body.

"You're right. I should've taken a higher paying job." Kakuzu responded before the two began their battle.

Author's Note: This was meant to be longer, but I cut the rest off and put it with the next chapter. I hope that's okay. Till next time.