Kaibunkage

Arc II

Chapter XII

"People like Lady Mei and Lord Kaibunkage exude confidence. People like me soak in it, hoping that one day we can be just as confident and strong."

- Chojuro

No one said anything about it, but it was pretty obvious that something was going on between the Shodai Kaibunkage and his pink-haired escort. They avoided eye contact and kept a respectable distance from each other. And worse, there was a constant glow about them.

"Are you sure this is a good idea?" Tsunade asked Naruto as he prepared is departure for Kemurigakure no Sato.

"Ranmaru is one of my students. I have full faith in his abilities." responded Naruto. "Besides, someone has to look after Ero-sennin."

Jiraiya snorted. "I could probably take you out if I tried."

"Keep telling yourself that Ero-sennin." Naruto said before looking at Sakura. "Are you ready?" Sakura nodded. "Alright then. Let's go Shiori-chan. It's time to go home so you can do make-up work from the academy."

Tsunade smiled at the disapproval showed on the priestess's face. She obviously had a dislike for paperwork, much like her father and grandfather. Tsunade figured that Naruto was right when he said that Shiori had the best and the worst of her parents in her. That meant that when they returned, Shiori would probably complain for hours about the work.

"Naruto!" Naruto's eyes narrowed as Ino, as well as the remainder of the Konoha 11 came to the gates. Despite not being the person to always hold rank over someone, he did want them to realize that he was a kage now and now the dead-last of the class.

"So, you're already leaving huh?" Kiba said. "Guess that means we'll have our rematch later on."

"Yosh! I also want a rematch. And this time, I will win to show the lovely Sakura-chan and the energetic Shiori-chan that I am much cooler than you are!" Lee added.

Naruto swore he felt an icy wind blowing and soon realized that this cold feeling came from, not only Shiori, but Sakura too. He had another thought of Shiori becoming like Sakura again and like before prayed that Shiori did not pick up on Sakura's anger or either of Sakura's phrases. Though, he admits, having a daughter that could summon salamanders and toads would be pretty awesome.

"How about I take you both on at the same time next time?" The statement caused the others to frown, though Naruto looked completely serious.

"You must've grown a lot if you think you can manage Lee and Kiba at the same time." Tenten remarked.

Ino nodded. "Yeah Naruto, you hardly defeated Kiba at the Chunin Exams. How do you expect to beat him and Lee?"

"I have my ways." Naruto said with a smile before he looked at Hinata. "Hinata-chan… I'm sorry for dragging you into this. If you never truly forgive me, I would understand."

"It's okay… Naruto-kun," Hinata said quietly, a blush adjorning her cheeks. "Kuroma-kun is… Nice."

Naruto nodded, not knowing exactly what Hinata meant. In fact, no one knew what she meant other than her cousin who stood with a neutral face. He refused to show how disgusted he was about the noises he heard the previous night. He would make sure to give Kiba one Hyuga-styled ass-kicking though. If Kuroma had no scratches on him, Hinata would not have offered to rub her healing ointment on those that he could not reach. And if Hinata would not have done that… Well, there'd be no noise to complain about.

"Hey Nar… I mean, Lord Kaibunkage," Choji said. "Just how is it to be a kage? Is it like you dreamt it to be? Do people really respect you more now?"

"Next to the paperwork, it's pretty much great. I still have to deal with a bunch of nagging people, both in the village and elsewhere. And then there are formal dinners where I have to dress to impress or Mei-chan will attempt to melt my…" Naruto stopped momentarily in order to think of a way of saying what he wanted in front of Shiori. "Let's just say that it would be a castration via lava."

As the male population around them noticeably flinched, Ino smirked.

"Guess that means to wear your best, eh Naruto?" Naruto nodded. "I'd like to see you dressed in your best."

"Pig…" Sakura muttered.

Ino frowned. "Did you say something Forehead?"

"And here we go again," Shikamaru said with a sigh before addressing Naruto. "I guess you being the Kaibunkage isn't so bad. You could have been that troublesome Mizukage, or worse, the Raikage."

Shino nodded. "Indeed. I look forward to our next meeting, Lord Kaibunkage."

"Hey! Boss!" Naruto grinned as Team Ebisu soon neared him. "Hey, how about a quick spar before you leave? I can show you my new and improved Sexy Jutsu."

"Konohamaru, I have a daughter, meaning I've already seen a real naked woman." stated the Kaibunkage before smirking. "Just wonder if you have."

"Wh-what? Of course I have! Plenty of them!" Naruto spotted a tick on Moegi's forehead.

"Oh really?" the orange-haired teen stated.

"Ahem, Lord Kaibunkage, we really must get going. You have to relay the message about the Land of Demons as well as the upcoming war." Sakura said in a profession tone.

Naruto sighed. "Yeah, you're right." Naruto bent and lifted Shiori onto his shoulders, a bright smile coming onto her face once she went airborn. "Alright, let's get going. Ranmaru, make sure that the old man doesn't kill himself out there. Or pulls his back trying…"

Tsunade saw her former teammate glare at Naruto and smirked.

"Sucks being on the other end of those old jokes, doesn't it?" she told him.

Naruto began walking off, Sakura at his side every step of the way. Shiori was fixing the Kaibunkage's hat onto her head while talking about her time in the village.

"…" Tsunade watched the Kaibunkage leave before looking at the jonin standing around. "You guys have work to do, don't you?"

"Hai Lady Hokage!" the remainder of the Konoha 11 said before dispersing.

Jiraiya chuckled. "Now that was mean hime. You could've at least given them a chance to take in the fact that Naruto has surpassed them all."

"Don't you two have somewhere to be?" Tsunade questioned, looking at Naruto's former sensei and his former student.

"Yeah, yeah, just thought I'd say one thing," Jiraiya said. "Shizune turned out great and Sakura is one of the best shinobi in her time." Jiraiya then held up two fingers. "But I've trained two fully qualified kage! Something you and Orochimaru could never do! Who's the baka now?"

Even without his dojutsu activated, Ranmaru still had the foresight to move in time for Tsunade's fist to connect with Jiraiya, sending the toad sage flying through the sky.

"Baka…" the Rokudaime Hokage muttered walking away.

Ranmaru only watched to see where Jiraiya landed before putting his hands in his pockets and walking towards his temporary superior.

Maybe Konoha and Kemuri weren't so different after all?

Sasuke sat on a medical bed in a dark room, Kabuto and Danzo standing inside the room as well.

"Transplanting his eyes so soon?" Danzo asked.

"Hn. With this upcoming war, I must be fully prepared." answered the Otokage. "However, I want to remind you two of something. Killing me now will only make things worse for both of you."

Kabuto's eyes narrowed slightly, hardly enough for anyone to catch on. He knew that attacking Sasuke during the time of recovery would be his best opportunity to eliminate the Uchiha. He figured that Danzo would have his Root to seize the chance as well. Yet, Sasuke seemed to be ten steps ahead of them somehow.

Danzo did not react to the statement at all. He was curious to what Sasuke meant by that last statement.

"If you, Danzo, succeeds in killing me," Sasuke continued. "The majority of Otogakure will come for you, most likely led by Kabuto. You are strong, but the numbers will soon triump, especially with a good number of them having Curse Seals."

Danzo grunted. Sasuke had a point there. Kabuto clearly had the larger support group and could force the others via his control over the Curse Seals.

"And Kabuto," Kabuto raised a brow, curious as to what Sasuke was going to tell him. "I am the only reason Danzo hasn't snuck in and killed you in your sleep. No matter how good you are, a master of the Sharingan could easily take you. Besides, do you really want him to lead something Orochimaru built?"

Kabuto mentally applauded Sasuke. The Shodai Otokage had used the medic's loyalty towards Orochimaru against him. And truthfully, Kabuto would recommend Sasuke over Danzo to take over for Orochimaru despite Danzo's résumé.

"Besides," said Sasuke. "If we are pitted against Akatsuki, you will need me."

"Arrogant, yet correct." Danzo said. "I will make sure that no one disturbs you during your recovery, Lord Otokage."

The door opened to reveal Karin and Jugo.

"I've already thought of that." Both Kabuto and Danzo grimaced lightly. They knew that neither Karin nor Jugo would abandon their leader. "They will watch over the operation as well as keep watch over everything else."

"I'm hurt. You don't trust me?" Kabuto asked.

"Not fully." Sasuke answered. "Danzo, there should be a report about Ishi and Ame. I want to know what they're planning." Danzo nodded. "Kabuto, make sure that those that are cleared stay cleared. I won't make the mistakes Orochimaru made. None of my men will fight as sick as Kimimaro did."

While Kabuto nodded, he mentally detested the way Sasuke pointed out Orochimaru's "mistakes". He knew that Orochimaru did not send Kimimaro out to retrieve Sasuke. Kimimaro did that out of devotion and his own will. Yet, Sasuke seemed to, once again, care about the men and women of his village.

Odd.

"We should begin." Kabuto stated.

"Hn," Sasuke replied. "Danzo."

The old warhawk simply left without a word. Sasuke was not as easily duped as he thought.

"Otokage-sama," Jugo said. "Should I guard the door?"

"No." Sasuke replied. "Danzo isn't the enemy." Jugo, Karin, and Kabuto watched Sasuke activate his Mangekyo Sharingan. "Naruto is."

Sumaru walked to his personal training grounds where another man waited. The man, a few years older that the Hoshikage, was an Ame-spy, come to find out secrets of Hoshigakure.

"Dismissed." In an instance, the guards surrounding the area quickly vanished from the area using a Shushin. Sumaru then looked at the spy. "What do they call you?"

"Ken." the shaggy-haired man said.

"Well, Ken, I am the Yondaime Hoshikage, Sumaru. Do you know why you're here?" Ken shook his head. "It seems that we are headed to war Ken. Hoshigakure will somehow, someway, play a part in the Shinobi Alliance. And that means that I, the Hoshikage, must be in tip-top shape."

Ken's blue eyes went wide as Sumaru took off his hat and robe, tossing them aside and displaying the frustrations of the day on his face.

"You picked the wrong day to get caught." Sumaru said as a colorful aura of chakra surrounded him. "Prepare yourself Ken of Ame."

Even though Ken was excellent with his small tantō, he doubted that he would have the chance to use it.

And he was right.

Tsunade sat quietly at her desk, attempting to sort out the jonin and chunin that will be taking a part of this upcoming war. She had to make sure that everyone was grouped with those best suited for them, whether they are with the long-range fighters, short-range fighters, mid-range fighters, medical, or etcetera.

She soon came to a halt in her work as she felt quite uneasy about Naruto's temporary alliance. There was not much she knew about Naruto's adulthood and she knew less about the village he led. They seemed so secretive about their lives or at least they kept it hidden from Konoha. One thing in particular that made several red flags wave in Tsunade's mind was Naruto's refusal to talk about what happened between him and Itachi.

Her mind then traveled to Naruto's words about his and Shion's relationship. He had stated that he indeed loved her, though he never said to what extent. Naruto cared for a lot of people, some as mother-figures, such as Tsunade, and then there was his friendly student/master relationship he had with Ranmaru. Yet he never went into detail about his and Shion's connection. Shiori, on the other hand, could talk about the times when her "mommy and daddy had grown-up talk alone" and she was forced to leave the room, despite her being at a young age. And what was really weird about it in Tsunade's mind was the Kakashi-like look Naruto would have after speaking about Shion, as if he had some heavy regret about something. Tsunade did not know whether or not he regretted Shion dying or if it was something else, but something caused Naruto's emotions to sadden at the mere mention of her name earlier.

The final red flag came from Sakura's presence. Tsunade did not know what to make of Naruto's relationship with his former teammate. He obviously still cared for her, but how much was the question in the Slug Princess's mind. When there were others around, he would refer to her as "Haruno-san" and when it was just he, Sakura, Tsunade or Shizune, he called her by her first name. That, in Tsunade's mind, was to be expected. He had some anger from the past. But whenever Shiori wanted to go anywhere with Sakura, Naruto always said yes. Always. The Hokage knew that Naruto had a small grudge with Sakura, but he trusted her with his daughter. That meant something, right?

Sighing, Tsunade reached for some sake in her drawer. She did not want to question Naruto, but her more professional side was winning this debate. He was still dealing with Shion's death and thus not thinking clearly. Danzo placing him in Tsukuyomi might have something to do with it, but Tsunade did not know for sure.

"Lady Tsunade," Tsunade groaned, unable to take a gulp of the much needed drink as Shizune entered the room. "I am ready to be sent to Hoshigakure no Sato."

"Shizune," Tsunade said. "What do you think of Naruto?" Shizune frowned. "Has he… Changed?"

"I think he's become a great man and father. He seems to know how to lead his village effortlessly and his student seems to be strong as well, meaning he can't be a bad sensei." Shizune replied.

"You sound like a fan-girl." Tsunade muttered, Shizune blushing slightly. "I just want to know if you think if he's changed." Tsunade paused. "And spare me the physical change. I can see that."

"Oh… Okay…" Shizune responded. "I think he's become… More conscience of those around him."

"Hmm," hummed the buxom blonde. "Maybe that's it." Shizune gave a small nod. "Is there any word about the Hyuga and Tatsuhiro?" Shizune shook her head no. "I wonder what is taking them so long."

"Should I find out before I leave?" asked Shizune.

"No, that's alright. Just relax until I send you to Hoshi." Shizune gave a small bow, turning to head to the door. "Now I have to figure out how both of my apprentices fell for such an annoying blond."

Shizune only laughed as she left the office, a smile on Tsunade's face. The playful Naruto was somewhere inside of him. She had seen it when he chased Shiori around until the little girl needed to rest. Now her only problem was getting Naruto to show that side more often.

And she knew just how she would do it too…

Sakura could not believe how resourceful the Reverse Summoning Jutsu was. While Naruto had noted that Hirashin had its limits, he could still summon himself practically anywhere in the world with his other two transporting techniques; Reverse Summoning and his Ninja Art: Worldly Summoning. The other two were limitless in boundaries and made a trip from Konoha to Kemuri fast and flawless.

"Aw man." Sakura watched Shiori pout as Mei had instructed her on the work she had missed at the academy.

"Come on Shiori-chan. The sooner you're done, the sooner you can go back to playing." Mei said as she led the little girl out of Naruto's office.

Sakura then turned to the blond Kaibunkage as his eyes scanned over a few papers on his desk. It was strange to her how one hug made things so awkward for them, but she knew not to press the matter. She had broken one layer of the man's emoetional defenses. That was a victory in her book.

"Is there something I can do for you, Sakura?" his voice seemed to snap her out of a daze she did not know she was in and she flinched when blue eyes met her green ones.

"Oh, no," Sakura replied. "I must be going. I need to schedule another field test as well as check in at the hospital."

"Right…" said the Shodai. "With Rin being sent to Hoshi, you will have to sit in her spot for the war committee. While we're not notoriously known for our medicine, I want to make sure that my shinobi are in good hands." Sakura nodded. "And, if it happens, I will need your poison expertise. Sooner than later, I will have a number of chunin and jonin who have a knack for poisons. Don't teach them everything… Just enough to help."

"I will." Sakura said. "Is that all?"

"Yes. You're dismissed." After giving a bow, Sakura moved out of the office, leaving the First Ash Shadow to work in silence. "Awkward…"

Tobi watched as Sasori went to work on building a body for Kakuzu. He was down one member of his elite team already, Deidara, and did not like this at all. Of course, in return, they now had the Rokubi in their possession as well as the Gobi. The Nanabi would be next, seeing as her guards are tired and will need to rest before heading into Konoha, followed by the Nibi and/or Yonbi. Tobi doubted that the Ichibi, Sanbi, Hachibi, and Kyubi would be easy to gain due to their connection with their respective kage. In fact, two were kage.

And then there was Shiori. Uzumaki Shiori proved to be a thorn in Tobi's side and the girl was not even old enough to know why. Her unique ability to restrain biju was remarkable. He doubted that once she mastered her unique ability that even the Rikudō Sennin would be inferior to her in restraining his creations. Yet, no one took the child seriously. Not Pain. Not Itachi. Definitely no Deidara or Hidan. No one. And that bothered Tobi greatly.

Looking at the large tree that housed DNA of the Shodaime Hokage, Tobi took in a deep, yet quiet, breath. His "son" was the only thing strong enough to combat Shiori. And it was getting close to the perfect time to unleash said creation. But not just yet. One more requirement had to be met.

"Leader-sama," Tobi turned to look at Sasori. "Uchiha Sasuke has begun his treatment."

Tobi smirked beneath his mask.

That was the last obligation.

Ē was livid. Akatsuki had broken into his village again! This would be something the other kage would probably mock, especially Kageno. But he had to keep his anger to a limit. He was running out of desks…

"Raikage-dono," his assistant, Mabui, stated. "The intruder has not been found yet, though we think he is still within the village."

"Find him and bring him to me!" Ē growled. "I want to know why and how he was here."

Mabui bowed. "Hai, Raikage-dono…" She then looked at Ē. "You also have a visitor…" The Yondaime Raikage frowned. "Lord Mizukage…"

Mabui knew that her leader had a deep hatred for the man. Yet, somehow, Ē did not react. He merely just motioned his hand to allow Kageno to enter. And once the Godaime Hokage was in the room, Mabui made sure to leave almost immediately after. She was not going to get caught up in this.

"Your village is… Different…" Kageno began. "But, that's not what I came for. I came to relay some news to you."

"And a messenger wouldn't work because…?" Ē asked.

"Akatsuki has captured my remaining biju." Ē's expression went from confusion to irritation. This was not good news at all. "I'm uncertain if they have extracted the beast from its host, but Utakata has been captured and I fear that one of yours is next."

"Why would you think that?" The Raikage asked.

"Your village is under alert for an Akatsuki intruder, right?" Ē snarled beneath his breath at Kageno's blatant statement. "They will find your jinchuriki if you choose to ignore me."

"You say that with such certainty." Ē stated.

The Mizukage merely smirked. "Call it great intuition."

Ranmaru paused and looked at Jiraiya.

"Is something wrong?" Ranmaru asked.

Jiraiya nodded. "Yeah… I have a bad feeling." Ranmaru frowned. This was Jiraiya the Toad Sage having a bad feeling? That meant that something up ahead was probably more trouble than it is worth. "Ranmaru, before we continue, I want you to promise me something."

"Anything, Jiraiya-san." Ranmaru answered.

"If things get too much for us," Jiraiya began. "I need you to get back to Konoha and wait for Naruto there." Despite being confused, Ranmaru nodded. He knew to never question orders from a superior as that doubt could cost the mission. "Kemuri is relatively hidden from Akatsuki. If they followed you back home, they will surely destroy the village for two jinchuriki and Shiori."

"Hai." That made sense, Ranmaru thought. "But… This bad feeling. What is it?"

"I don't know." Jiraiya said before dashing off, Ranmaru right behind him. "But I don't like it at all."

Ranmaru only stared ahead as he followed the teacher of his sensei. During his lifetime, he had learned that the truly strong had sixth senses like this. Naruto, Mei, Sumaru, and even Sakura could feel when something bad was about to happen.

"Stay sharp boy," Jiraiya stated. "Out here, we're a moving target."

"Hai." Ranmaru said activating his dojutsu.

This was going to be a long mission.

Sumaru walked into his meeting room, the three guards there and the prisoner stared at him quietly. Sumaru was not known for his violence, though it was safe to say that no one crossed him when he was pissed. He wasn't the Hoshikage for nothing.

"Akahoshi," Sumaru said to the prisoner in the room. "I'm sure you've been told about my decision."

"Yes I have. I'm impressed that you would…" Akahoshi's words slowly died as he felt a wave of killer intent that came from the Star Shadow. "Ahem… Anyway, I am thankful that you have made your decision."

"Let me emphasize on one important detail." Sumaru said. "If you step out of line by so much as a hair, you will be executed on the spot."

The room grew noticeably quieter. Something had irritated the Hoshikage and they all doubted it was the one spy found from Ame.

"Akane!" Sumaru called. Akane entered the room seconds later. "I need you to send a message to Naruto."

"What is it Lord Hoshikage?" Akane asked.

"Akatsuki has already obtained the Rokubi and they're moving for two new targets." Sumaru spoke.

"Who are they?" Akane knew from Sumaru's stare that her answer would probably be something she did not want to hear.

"The pseudo-biju, the Reibi, and, Tatsuhiro Kuroma." While those in the room knew of the man-made chakra monstrosity, the Zero-tailed Leech, Tatsuhiro Kuroma was a fairly new name to them. Seeing this, Sumaru explained. "The man in control of the Genryu."

"We can't allow that to happen." Akahoshi stated.

"You have a plan?" Sumaru asked.

Akahoshi shook his head. "I don't know of our strengths. You've changed most of our shinobi." Sumaru's eyes narrowed. "For the better, of course… Either way, if we don't devise a plan soon we're doom to fail."

"Akane, relay the message." Akane nodded and left the room. Sumaru then looked at Akahoshi. "Give me a list of your most trustworthy shinobi and we'll start from there."

Akahoshi only nodded. While he despised Sumaru for surpassing him, he would rather die than to let his village rot. Besides, this war would be the best way to showcase Hoshigakure's strength. And they would.

Sakura made it into the room where only five other people were seated. They were Fuuma Sasame, Tsuchigumo Jin, Kamizuru Genko, Mei, and Naruto. Sakura took a seat to the left of Nori, sitting across from Genko. Naruto sat at the end of the table, his eyes on Sakura as she sat down.

"Rin is leaving with Kazudan in a few moments to Hoshi." Naruto stated. "That's why we need you here." Sakura nodded. "You four are my four appointed generals if Kemuri must fight alone."

"Alone?" Sakura questioned without thinking about how to address him.

Genko stared at her. "You didn't think that a temporary truce with the Hidden Leaf would speak for the rest of the villages, did you?"

"If Kumo, Iwa, Kiri, or a combination of the three has a problem with Kemuri," Naruto elaborated. "Then it might be best if we only rely on Suna and Hoshi for battling support, with Wave being our momentary medic hideout."

"Depending on where the battle takes place, getting to Wave might be more taxing for the injured." Mei said. "We'll need to learn where we'll be at before we plan all of that."

Naruto shook his head. "That won't be necessary. I'll have a sealing chamber set up. That way, we can send the injured and medics to and from the battle with the Worldy Summoning." Mei gave a small nod. "Depending on the number of jonin I can teach that to in the next few weeks, we will be able to set up more than one base."

"We should also keep an eye on Mikadzuki Kageno. There's no telling what he may or may not do." Jin added.

"I agree." Genko responded while nodding. "He's too unstrusworthy for us to turn a blind eye to him."

Sakura nodded as well, knowing that the Mizukage would probably love to finish their previous battle. And despite her confidence in herself, she knew that she would be no match for him if he was around a large source of water.

"Now," Naruto said producing a map and spreading it in front of him and the other four. "Let's began. I don't have a lot of time before Shiori will get bored with Jakken."

The others seemed to just turn towards the map, pointing and plotting for their different strategies. Sakura, on the other hand, momentarily wondered if every kage with a child did that. Naruto was going to rush an important meeting due to his daughter's boredom. Not that she was saying that this was a bad thing, but was there a line that separated a kage's personal and professional lives?

"Sakura," Green eyes met blue for a moment. "You have a safety house in Wave, right?" Sakura nodded. "Good. We might need it."

Sakura only gave a nod again and then turned to watch Genko drag his finger from one point to another on the map, stating that Sasame and her assassination tactics would be better suited for that terrain. The others soon joined in with the strategy with Sakura only listening.

The thought of Naruto somehow losing Shiori flashed in her mind briefly. Akatsuki wanted both the Kyubi and Shiori and would use one to get the other. But she would not let that happen. Sakura vowed to herself that she would protect Shiori and Naruto at any cost. Because that was her will that rose from the ashes.

The cool wind tossed a few grains of sand into the night air outside of Sunagakure no Sato. The area appeared peaceful without a disturbance in the proximity. That is, until a small swirling pattern appeared, two figures seemingly being pushed out of said swirl.

"How does it feel to be home, Sasori?" the first replied.

"…" Sasori kept his lips shut before looking at the moon. "Is it wise to attack the Shukaku at night? It is when he's at his worst."

"Yes. We'll attack tomorrow night. I want to give Kisame a chance to grab the Nibi before we return with the Ichibi." Sasori looked at the man to his right.

"Hai, Leader-sama."

Tobi stared at the village before smirking beneath his mask.

By tomorrow night, two jinchuriki would be his.