talking: Ya' know
thinking: Ya' know
jutsu: Flying Raijin Jutsu
Tailed Beast talking: Damn you 4th Hokage
Tailed Beast thinking: Damn you 4th Hokage
I don't own Naruto or any other manga/anime in any way shape or form. (sorry for not disclaiming in the last chapter.)
story has some slight x-overs.
Chapter 3: Negotiations (End)
Naruto had reappeared behind Natsu and Yusaku with an orange flash, while in his 'Hiro' transformation. "Welcome back, Lord Uzumaki. Needed an emergency make-out session?" Natsu asked, teasing Naruto.
With a slight blush, Naruto answered. "No. The Akatsuki have started moving. I just helped with rescuing the Kazekage. I killed one, and captured another."
"I see. Hope you had more fun than we did." Said Natsu.
"So, nothing happened?" Naruto/Hiro asked.
"Just some members of the Foundation again. Seems Danzo doesn't know when to quit." Yusaku informed, holding up a scroll.
"Bodies?" Hiro asked.
"Yep. Before the seals could activate, and leave nothing behind." Natsu reported.
"Good. Gives us more leverage against the Leaf Council, should they try anything. Anyone else?" Hiro asked.
"Just a couple Hidden Stone assassins. They struck just before Danzo's men did." Natsu replied.
"Relentless, aren't they?" Hiro asked.
"What do you expect? It's war." Said Yusaku.
"Yea, but after a year you'd think they'd stop. They've been getting their ass whooped, and they've barely put a dent in our forces." Hiro explained.
"Well, they're just like what their village is named after. They're stubborn like stones. Heheh." Said Yusaku, making a small joke.
Naruto and Natsu just laughed in response, think it was a little funny.
They went on for a while in silence, until Natsu decided to ask something. "So, what went on with the Kazekage? Did he make it?"
"At first, no. Elder Chiyo of the Hidden Sand used a forbidden reanimation type jutsu to bring him back, but at the cost of her own life." Hiro answered, a bit of regret in his voice.
"There is no need to feel regret in what happened. Elder Chiyo made her choice, for whatever reason she had. She died the way she wanted. The way she thought was best for the Hidden Sand." Said Natsu, in an attempt to help his leader.
"Pfft. 'Best for the Hidden Sand'? Last time, that meant making an unborn child into a Jinchuriki. Effectively ruining his life." Hiro countered.
"That may be but, this time it was the right thing to do. If the change in leadership changes too often, then that could upset the balance between the Hidden Villages. Hell, it could even bring a warlord into power. And that's possibly the worst case senario." Yusaku explained.
*Sigh* "You guys might be right. But still, I kind of feel like I forced her to do that." Hiro replied.
"Unless you held a kunai to her throat, I doubt you forced her to do anything. Besides, you should be more worried about the negotiations coming up. The Hokage and Shinobi council are most likely all for this allience, but the Civilian council is a different story." Said Natsu.
"Yea, you're right. Let's go show them, that those civilians are in way over their heads." Hiro replied, after a moment of silence.
"So, how's Hinata doing?" Yusaku asked, changing the topic.
"She's doing great. Her abilities were tested a few days ago, and she took out all of her teammates, and sensei, in a battle royal." Hiro replied, with a large smile on his face.
"Heh. Couldn't have been easy for her, but she should be proud of herself for her accomplishment." Said Natsu, with a smile on his his face as well.
"Yea, she should. She deserves it." Said Hiro.
-Hidden Leaf Gates (Next Day)-
"Halt! Please state your business here." Said Kotetsu, as he saw the three Whirlpool ninja entering the village gates.
Coming up to the gate, it was Natsu who spoke. "We are here for the negotiations between out two villages." Said Natsu, who handed them their passports.
Kotetsu didn't respond as he went through they're passports. He was matching the photos with their respective faces, as well as checking their authenticity. Finding no problems, Kotetsu returned their passports. "Welcome to the Hidden Leaf Village. I hope your stay here will be to your liking, Lord Uzumaki, Lord Chikara and Lord Kudo." Said Kotetsu, as he bowed to show his respect.
"Thank you. I'm sure it will. It will be even better should our negotiations with the Leaf comes out favorably." Hiro replied, before he and his companions followed after him.
Hiro and co. were silently walking through the village. As they walked, they noticed the stares from the villagers. Some of them smiled, others held curiosity or suspicion. But none of them held malice, which was a plus. The children waved to them, which made it even more so. Despite this however, Yusaku help up his sensory jutsu in order to detect any threats. He felt multiple ANBU around them, but none of them gave off any threatening signs.
Eventually, they made it to the Hokage's tower. They could see some civilians and ninja walking inside the tower. They recognized the clan heads as the shinobi that entered, and knew that they were the Shinobi Council. Which meant the civilians walking in were the Civilian Council.
"Looks like we got to see them, before they saw us. Good. I like it better that way." Said Natsu.
"Same here. I recognize some of them, made my life difficult at times." Said Naruto, hardly even moving his lips. Even so, Natsu and Yusaku heard him clearly. Naruto had managed to teach himself how to speak with being able to keep his lips still. And although there was some movements that couldn't be completely stopped, it still made it impossible to read his lips.
"Well, let's make them sweat a bit. Shall we?" Yusaku asked, with a sly smile on his face.
The same smile spread on Hiro and Natsu's faces, as Hiro replied with his motionless mouth. "Yea, let's do that. Let's go" Hiro said, as the last of the Civilian Council entered the tower. But before the went to the Council Chamber, they would have to inform the Hokage in her office.
Or they would've, if and ANBU hadn't landed in front of them. "Welcome, Lord Uzumaki. Lady Hokage has already been informed of your arrival, please make your way to the Council Chamber." Said the ANBU.
"Very well. Thank you." Hiro replied.
-Council Chamber-
It had only been a minute since Tsunade entered the room, and already she was getting a headache. "Silence!" She yelled, and almost immediately those who were talking stopped. "The Hidden Whirlpool's leader and his escorts have arrived." Said Tsunade, as she nodded toward the ANBU guarding the door. The ANBU then followed the silent order and opened the door to allow the Whirlpool ninja inside the room.
The three entered the room, to a surprisingly silent Council Chamber. Once the door closed, the noise seemed to come back to life. The Civilian Council were murmuring to themselves about them. It was difficult to make out, but it seemed their was dislike and suspicion in their voices. It was Shikaku Nara who was the first to stand and speak out loud. "Welcome to the Hidden Leaf Village. I hope your trip went smoothly, considering your village's situation."
"Thank you, Lord Nara. Aside from yesterday, the trip went well." Hiro replied.
"Hidden Stone assassins?! Here, in the Land of Fire?!" Asked/yelled one of the Civilian Councilman. The man was a ways overweight, and balding. He had a goatee and was dressed in some fancy clothes, that looked like he couldn't afford on a merchant's salary.
"Not just Hidden Stone, but Hidden Leaf as well." Said Yusaku, causing an uproar in the room.
"How dare you accuse us of sending assassins?!" Yelled the merchantman.
"What proof do you have of this?!" Yelled Danzo, putting up a facade. Since he knew they couldn't prove their claim.
"You want an alliance with us, yet you accuse us of such a thing?!" Yelled Koharu.
"SILENCE!" Yelled Tsunade, bringing everyone to quiet down. "Now. Lord..." Tsunade began, before she realized that the Hidden Whirlpool's Leader hadn't introduced his escorts.
"Yusaku Kudo, ma'am." Said Yusaku.
"And I'm Natsu Chikara." Said Natsu. Both of their names brought up a new set of murmering among the Civilian Council. Even the Shinobi Council were surprised to hear their names.
"Lord Kudo. That is a serious claim. Can you prove this?" Asked Tsunade.
"Yes, they can." Hiro answered, with such confidence in his voice that it even made Danzo nervous. "We're aware that ANBU have a seal on them that allows their body to disintegrate after they've been killed. We have a counter seal to that seal."
"That's impossible. No one could possibly come up with a counter seal for it. And even if one could, it would be ineffective once it's been activated." Said Danzo, regaining his confidence in the ANBU seals.
"You're only half right. The other Uzumaki's and I have managed to create a counter seal, but it does have to be applied before the ANBU dies. Each village's seal is different, but we've managed to make the counter seal universal." Hiro explained, as he pulled out a scroll that Yusaku had handed him the day before.
Unraveling the scroll, Hiro unsealing one of the ANBU bodies sealed inside. Hiro lifted up the body into a sitting position, and took off his mask. "Anyone recognize him?" Hiro asked, looking for any signs of recognition on anyone's faces.
"He looks fimiliar. I've probably seen him around the village or something." Said Inoichi, wondering where he's seen the young man
"Well, Danzo Shimura certainly recognizes him. Seen him on a daily basis, Danzo?" Yusaku asked, already knowing the answer.
"Are you accusing me, Lord Kudo?" Danzo asked, as all eyes shifted toward him.
"I have a keen eye for detail. And as well as you think you can hide your emotions, well, not from me. Your eye widened ever so slightly once the body was reveled, and again once the mask was removed. Your breathing has quickened as well. These may seem insignificant, but I'm sure the seal on their tongues is only something you place on your ROOT ANBU from your Foundation." Yusaku explained.
Hiro then opened the dead man's mouth and pulled out his tongue, revealing the seal on his tongue. "Looky here. A seal that prevents him from speaking, when questioned." Said Hiro, just as he turned toward Danzo. "You're the only one who does this kind of thing, Danzo."
Standing up and slamming her hand on the table Tsunade yelled. "Danzo! What is the meaning of this?! How dare you attempt to sabotage alliance negotiations, by assassinating the Hidden Whirlpool's Leader?! ANBU!" Danzo was then surrounded by four ANBU guards that were inside the room.
"I only did what was necessary to keep our village safe." Was all Danzo said.
"And so you decided to kill me?" Hiro asked, resealing the dead man in the scroll.
"Considering you have taken in rogue ninja, not just from our village, but other villages as well. And that you're not willing to reveal who they are. Yes." Danzo answered, with out any emotion.
"Not unless the alliance is formed. You should've already been informed, that if the alliance is formed, you will receive a list of all the rogue ninja we've taken in. Weren't you informed of this?" Hiro asked.
"Yes, we were." Said Tsunade, before Danzo could give an answer. But that didn't stop him from asking a question of his own.
"Is Naruto Uzumaki on your list?"
"Naruto Uzumaki is not a rogue ninja. As I understand it, this very council took him out of the ninja ranks. So, no. He is not on the list." Hiro answered, honestly while throwing their poor decision in their faces. And he could see that they regreted that decision. He wondered how many regretted it because they thought of Naruto more as a human rather than a wielder of the 4th Hokage's jutsu.
"But you don't deny that he's in your village?" Danzo asked, with a slight smirk.
"No, I didn't. But he's not in the Hidden Whirlpool. I can guarantee you that." Hiro answered, with a similar smirk appearing on his face after the one on Danzo's vanished.
Tsunade didn't agree with Danzo, but his question had somehow brought her some hope that she'd get to see Naruto again. But that went away as soon as Hiro said that he wasn't. "ANBU! Take him away." Tsunade ordered.
Danzo didn't resist, but he figured he could get out of this somehow. "I assume you'll want some sort a compensation then?" Danzo asked, getting the Civilian Council riled up.
"Silence!" Tsunade yelled, once again causing everyone to quiet down.
"But Lady Tsunade, he's already asking for a lot of compensation. For a no good brat. And also for turning in the head of a traitor. He's already asking for too much." Said the merchantman, earning a glare from the Hokage. And almost a glare from Natsu and Yusaku, but not from Hiro.
"So, you're calling a member of my clan a ' no good brat'?" Hiro asked, sending a glare to the merchantman.
"That's right, I am. And from what I understand about the Uzumaki clan, their members had red hair. Not blonde." Replied the man.
"Blood tests were positive. Naruto is of Uzumaki descent. The fact that his father is Minato Namikaze further proves this, considering the man was married to one Kushina Uzumaki. Kushina Uzumaki was born in the Hidden Whirlpool before she moved here. We found records that prove this." Natsu explained.
"As for compensation, just one thing. Not more money, so you'll be able to afford this." Said Hiro, after moments of silence. Natsu had managed to shut the merchantman up.
"And what would that be, Lord Uzumaki?" Asked Hiashi.
Hiro looked toward him and answered. "Simple. Danzo will no longer have any political power, from this point forward. He will also disband the Foundation, and let his ROOT ANBU return to a normal life. If they wish to be ninja, they must be under the Hokage's command. No one else'."
"You can't make such a demand! You're not part of this village, and there is no alliance that has been made!" Homura yelled, arguing Hiro's wishes.
"It's that or death. Such is the penalty for a diplomatic incident, isn't it? Even if it was just an attempt, it still requires a severe punishment. Your choice. Danzo's loss in politics and command of ninja, or his death. The latter of which could possibly result is a loss of force, considering he was a decent shinobi during his prime. And I'm sure he could lend some aid in the ninja arts. Be glad I'm giving you a choice. Any other village would want his head on a silver platter." Hiro countered, emphasizing the last two words to remind them of what he gave them a certain someone's head.
The room was silent as everyone contemplated about the choice they had to make.
"Oh." Said Hiro, causing all eyes in the room to look at him. "Because Danzo is still considered a shinobi of this village, the decision is the Hokage's alone. And possibly the Shinobi Council's as well. The Civilian Council have NO say in this." Hiro explained, reminding the Civilian Council of their current political position.
This earn Hiro glares from the Civilian Council, and smiles from the Shinobi Council. The smiles came because they were spared the upcoming argument about the Civilian Council's involvment, and they'd rather not waste their breath on that unnecessary headache.
"Lord Uzumaki." Said Shibi Aburame, gaining everyone's attention.
"Yes, Lord Aburame?" Hiro replied.
"You seem to know a lot about politics, despite that you seem to be in your early twenties. Yet, to be the leader of your village you must also be the strongest in your village. I also assume you are the one who brought the Hidden Whirlpool back in just two years, despite having been destroyed for decades. How did you accomplish all that at such a young age?" Shibi finally asked.
"Let's just say I had some prior experience when it comes to underhanded politics. And I didn't rebuild the Hidden Whirlpool by myself. It started with just me and one other, until the former clans came back to help. The Clan Heads and Elders helped me understand politics, as well as helped me train to become stronger. Anyway, shouldn't a decision be made about Danzo?" Hiro asked, after a vague explaination.
"Lord Uzumaki is right. I've thought it over, and have come to a decision." Stated Tsunade. "I thank you, Lord Uzumaki, for giving us a choice. Personally, I'd rather just have Danzo executed. But, it may be best to have him suffer your punishment. Does the Shinobi Council agree?" Tsunade asked.
"I agree." Said Shikaku.
"I do as well." Said Choza.
"As do I." Stated Inoichi.
Hiashi and Shibi simply nodded their agreement.
"Lady Tsunade, you can't be serious. That child shouldn't have any say in Danzo's punishiment." Said Koharu, trying to spare Danzo's position.
"I believe you're forgetting Danzo's crime! Even the attempt on a ninja village leader's life is severely punishable!" Tsunade half yelled.
"It's alright, Lady Tsunade." Said Hiro, earning shocked looks from everyone. "If the Elders want Danzo dead, that's up to them. I only gave an alternative Danzo's situation. But, it seems the your village's Elder's prefer to follow the law and have Danzo executed. And as the almost victim, I'd be more than happy to preform the deed myself." Hiro finished, with a sadistic smile.
The Elders looked shocked. It had slipped their mind that the law's punishment for the crime Danzo had commited, was death. And they just sent Danzo to death, despite the alternative they were given.
*Sigh* "Well, the decision must be unanimous. We'll have to make this decision another time, until..." Tsunade was interrupted, before she could finish speaking.
"Actually, Lady Hokage. I'd like the decision, now. Either you and your Shinobi Council make it, or I will. And I'm within my right to do so. My blade tasted blood yesterday, and I doubt it'll have a problem tasting blood again so soon." Said Hiro, his smile turning to a grin.
"When I said make them sweat a bit, I didn't think he'd take it this far." Yusaku thought, as he and Natsu sweat-dropped.
To show that he meant what he was saying, Hiro slowly withdrew his blade from it's sheath. Everyone could clearly see the orange blade, as it was brought in front of Hiro. Hiro held the tip of his sword toward the ground in a firm grip. His arm didn't move in the slightest, showing that he has great control of the blade.
"Is he seriously going to kill Danzo himself, right here?" Was the collective thought of the Shinobi Coucil. Although no one cared too much for Danzo, they would rather avoid a killing in a place of talk. The situation was indeed bringing everyone to sweat. None more than Danzo and the other Elders.
Hiro took a step forward.
"WAIT! I agree with the alternative!" Homura yelled, in a quickened pace.
"I do as well!" Koharu yelled, hoping that Hiro wouldn't do anything rash.
The room was in complete silence. It seemed so quiet that not even a cricket in the dead of night would dare to make a sound. It was only a couple of moments, but it felt like eternity to most of the people in the room.
"Damn. I was almost tempted to just cut Danzo. But, I accept Danzo's resignation." Said Hiro, all malice removed from his smile. This caused a collective sweat-drop from everyone in the room, except Hiro.
"Damn. I was almost hoping he'd go through with it." Tsunade thought.
Hiro's face then turned serious. "Danzo. I would like to speak to you in private after this meeting. And I would hate to look for you afterwards." Said Hiro, in a voice that nearly sounded threatening.
Danzo just gave a curt nod, as he was escorted out of the room.
"Alright. Let's get back to the main reason why we're here." Tsunade ordered, once the doors were closed.
"I agree." Said Hiro. "Anyway, the reward for Orochimaru is a definite Fifty Million Ryo no matter what. The compensation for a fellow clan member of mine if your choice. One Hundred Million Ryo for no alliance, and your forfeiture of the Uzumaki Clan Crest from you uniforms and headbands. Or Fifty Million Ryo for an alliance, and you can keep our Clan's Crest on your uniforms and headbands." Hiro explained.
"Lord Uzumaki. Wouldn't it make more sense to discuss what you could provide for us in trade and in military presence, before we come to a decision?" Asked Shikaku.
Hiro gave the question a moment of thought, before saying. "Fair enough, I guess. Let's start with military presence. All, but one, of the clans from before have rejoined the village and have become even stronger. They've mastered their own jutsu to new levels. Because of this they rival Jounin from even the Five Great Nations. That's as far as I'm willing to reveal as far as that's concered." Said Hiro. Seeing that their was an argument coming, so he continued to put a stop of it. "We're currently not allied, so I don't have to reveal anymore than I already have. But, we are willing to perform joint missions, if it's for the betterment of each village's security. Like the whole Kazekage incident." Hiro explained.
"How do you know about that?" Koharu asked, suspicious about how the young man knew about the situation.
"You don't honestly think that you're the only village we're attempting an alliance with, do you?" Hiro asked, with a deadpanned expression. "I've sent two more ninja to the Hidden Sand as well. They've assisted in the Kazekage's rescue." Hiro explained, seeing some confused faces among them.
"Two? You sent only two to the Hidden Sand? Which is three days farther from your village than we are, to which you sent four?" Homura asked.
"The two I sent their are stronger than the four I sent here, with the exception of Pakura." Hiro answered, waving his hand dismissively.
"Pakura? Of the 'Scorch Style'?" Shibi asked.
"Yes. And before you say anything, she is NOT a rogue ninja. She was declared KIA, after the Hidden Sand betrayed her by sending her to her death. So, I doubt the Hidden Sand will mind too much." Hiro answered, briefly explaining her situation.
"And I suppose the Hidden Sand will have more cooperation from you, as well?" Asked a large merchant woman, who smelled a bit after fish.
"The negotiations with them have already begun. And they're experiencing the same amount of cooperation that you're getting." Hiro answered, with a smirk.
"You're trusting your messengers to accomplish the negotiations in your stead. Right?" Tsunade asked.
"That's right. I'll be heading to the Hidden Sand after a few days of relaxing her, after our business has finished here and if the negotiations succeed." Hiro explained.
"I see. Then, what about trade agreements?" Tsunade asked, after taking a deep breath.
"Well, for the past few years while we've been rebuilding our village, you've fallen short of one particular agricultural product. I'm willing to trade that for the abundant about of apples your country grows. That good for starters?" Hiro proposed, having little doubt.
"And what product is this?" Koharu asked, genuinely curious about this product.
"A banana. A banana is an edible fruit, botanically a berry, produced by several kinds of large herbaceous flowering plants in the genus musa family. The fruit is variable in size, color and firmness, but is usually elongated and curved, with soft flesh rich in starch covered with a rind which may be green, yellow, red, purple, or brown when ripe. The fruits grow in clusters hanging from the top of the plant. It also contains potassium. Am I right, Lord Uzumaki?" Tsunade asked, after giving a brief explanation about the fruit.
"It's also my younger daughter's favorite food. I'm sure she'd be happy to finally have a taste of that fruit after so long, since the Land of Eddies was the only place we could obtain that fruit." Said Hiashi. Truth be told, Hanabi seemed to be in constant bad mood after the halt in the village's intake of said fruit.
"There's other fruits as well. Avacado, Bread fruit, Bilimbi, etc." Said Hiro, giving them more info on their tropical fruits. "Not to mention our country is twice its fomrer size, thanks to our Earth Style users." Hiro thought.
"That's great news, to have those products coming into the village. We'll put up a list foods we could trade as well." Said Tsunade.
"What about weapons? And your village's security? Personally, I wouldn't want to help a village who's security isn't well maintained." Said Homura.
"We have the standard kunai and shuriken. But we also have specialized versions of them in case someone wants to change things up a bit. For example." Said Hiro, as he pulled out a strange shuriken. Unlike normal star-shaped shuriken, this was round. "These shuriken are made of metal that absorb the user's chakra. They also contain a seal so that if the user is unable to retrieve them, they'll explode. The user can also bring them to explode, just like a paper bomb. The explosion is less intense, but the shrapnel can cause serious damage if the timing is right. And for safety reasons, I won't test that out. Not here at least." Hiro explained, placing the shuriken back into his pouch.
The room was speachless, at the explaination. "I assume it requires a special sealing jutsu, for it to work?" Choza asked, getting a nod from Hiro.
"And your village's security?" Koharu asked, reiterating Homura's point.
"Heh. You'll be lucky to get into the country. The whirlpools have returns, bigger and stronger than before. Even if you somehow get past the whirlpools, our security details are always on high alert. And our village is under the highest level of security any village could possibly hope for." Natsu explained.
"Your country's whirlpools have failed once before. You do realize that, don't you?" Said Homura.
"Yes, but we have other security measures. We don't rely solely on the whirlpools for defense. That was our procedures' mistake. I've done my research, and we've found more efficient means of keeping our village secure. Even more secure than the Five Great Shinobi Villages." Said Hiro, with a lot of confidence.
"That's quiet the bold statement there, Lord Uzumaki. Can you prove this?" Shikaku asked, his curiosity peeked.
"Yes. But I won't go into details. I am willing to show the Hokage, Kazekage and two of their most trusted ninja. But only with an official alliance, and under the condition that it stays with those shinobi." Said Hiro, explaining his conditions in a deadly serious voice.
"Fair enough." Said Shikaku, his curiosity rising slightly.
"And what about the prices of the merchandise?" Asked the merchantman.
"Is there a point in negotiating that? I mean, we don't have an official alliance yet. The prices and such can be discussed after we have an alliance. But a fair warning. Because of the whirlpools, our merchants and such are practically risking their lives every time they come and go." Hiro informed.
"So you're going to overcharge your products?" Asked the female fish seller.
"Oh, I'm sorry. It seems to me that none of you had a problem with that when a member of my clan was overcharged." Hiro began, with annoyance in his voice and on his face. "And let's not forget that the Land of Fire is surrounded by even larger and deadlier whirlpools. Maybe I should just increase the amount Ryo for compensation of my fellow clan member instead. How's One Hundred Fifty Milion Ryo for no alliance sound? Or better for us yet, Two Hundred Million Ryo." Hiro asked, causing the Civilian Council to pale.
"YOU WOULDN'T DARE!" The Civilian Council yelled, simultaneously.
Hiro stared at them with a firm and harsh glare. "Keep in mind this meeting isn't just a political, it's personal. And not just to me, but my clansmen and fellow villagers as well. Don't! Test! Me!" Said Hiro, still glaring at them and causing them to *gulp*.
"Lord Uzumaki, please calm yourself. We don't need an international incident." Said Tsunade, trying to diffuse the situation.
"You mean like the one your apprentice nearly caused about a week ago?" Yusaku asked, causing Tsunade to flinch.
"I apologize on my student's behalf. I've already come up with a punishment for her. But please understand that..." Tsunade began, before she was interrupted.
"She was just trying to get information on Naruto. Yes, I understand. But that not reason enough to attack on of my ninja without provocation." Said Hiro, his voice now calm.
"I understand. She can be a hothead at times, so please show some leniency with her." Said Tsunade, sweating as she tried to save her apprentice's ass.
"It's fine. Besides, she didn't attack with the intent to kill. No harm, no foul." Hiro replied.
*Sigh* "Thank you, Lord Uzumaki." Said Tsunade, grateful that he's so understanding.
"Now, time for you all to make a decision. I don't want my time to be wasted, and I doubt any of you want be here for much longer. Now, please hurry." Said Hiro, as he finally started to grow impatient.
-One Hour Later-
"Good to hear it. I'm glad you've finally come to a decision." Said Hiro, as he shook hands with Tsunade. "I'm looking forward to working with you."
"The same here. I'll have the official document of our alliance by tomorrow morning." Said Tsunade.
"Good. I'll be at your office by 9 o'clock then." Hiro replied, as he and his escorts left the room.
-Outside the Council Chambers-
"I see you've finally showed up." Said Danzo, with bit of irritation in his voice.
"You can thank the Civilian Council for that. Don't worry, we don't expect the Leaf or Sand Villages to help out with our war." Hiro replied, with a smile. "I thought I'd just give you a warning."
"A warning?" Danzo asked, narrowing his eye.
"Yes. I'm already aware of the other eye of yours. If I so much as suspect that you're using it for your own personal gain, or that your organization is still up and running, I'll end you right then and there!" Hiro said, in the most serious and threatening tone he could muster. It had the desired effect as Danzo's face went from slight shock to a mixture of shock and fear.
Hiro then walked off to stroll around the Leaf Village. Danzo had managed to bring him out of his shock, and glared toward Hiro's back. Once Hiro was out of sight, Danzo decided to head back to his office to come up with a plan. After he took his first step, he noticed something different. Looking at his right arm, he noticed a scroll. It was the same scroll that had his men sealed inside. He picked up the scrol and quickly examined it. Deciding to inspect it thoroughly later, he stored the scroll in his pocket and continued on his way. Not noticing the seal that transferred from the scroll to his hand, and then vanished from sight.
-Outside with Hiro and Co.-
"Hm. Seems like my new seal works, and I doubt Danzo is even noticed it." Said Hiro, with a sly smirk.
"That's good. Means we can keep an eye on him. So to speak." Said Natsu, sharing his leader's smirk.
"Placing a seal that places a different seal on the person that touches it on the scroll, while making it look like a typical storage seal is ingenious. Although it's ridiculously complex, I'm surprised it worked. But, it gives us a way to keep tabs on this man. He's more trouble than he's worth. And personally, I think it was luck that your seal worked. considering we didn't get a chance to field test it." Yusaku replied.
"Hmpf. Spoil sport." Said Hiro, showing a slight pout. Despite this, it caused all three of them to chuckle.
"Enjoying yourselves, are we?" Karin asked, appearing in front of them. Tayuya, Pakura an Guren by her side.
"Lady Uzumaki. Actually yes, we kinda are. The official alliance will be signed tomorrow, we got a certain someone out of power and your clan's new seal works like a charm." Said Natsu, as he bowed to show his respect to the two female Uzumaki.
"The 'Seal transfer Seal'? It really works?" Karin asked.
"Yup. Tested it out on a certain pain in the ass." Hiro answered, giving a wink.
Karin and Tayuya thought about it for a sec, before realizing who they were talking about. "Are you nuts?! You couldn't test it out on the battle field first?!" Karin and Tayuya yelled, simultaneously.
*Sigh* I just finished telling them that they were lucky it worked. But it does work, which is the point. No use in worrying about it now, it's over and done with." Yusaku explained, trying to calm the two hotheads down.
*Sigh* "Alright, Yusaku. As long as we got tabs on that asshole, it doesn't matter. *Sigh*" Said Karin.
"Anyway, Karin." Said Hiro, in a serious tone.
Upon hearing that tone, everyone braced themselves for the orders they knew were about to come.
"I need you, Yusaku and Natsu to head back to the village" Hiro ordered.
"Yes sir." Replied the three.
"Pakura, head to the Hidden Sand. And don't cause any trouble, please." Hiro ordered, sounding even more serious.
"Yes sir, Lord Uzumaki." Pakura replied. She didn't want to go, but she knew he had his reasons.
"Are you sure about this?" Karin asked, concered for her leader/cousin.
"I have my reasons, Karin. Besides, I'll be fine with Tayuya and Guren." Hiro explained.
*Sigh* "Very well. We'll leave at dawn." Said Karin, in a defeated tone.
-The next day, after the signing-
The signing was finished, without any trouble. Which was mostly thanks to Danzo not being there. Although the Civilian Council, were somewhat reluctant they didn't argue as they believed they could profit from this. Some questions were asked about why Hiro appeared with two of his earlier messengers, instead of his escorts from yesterday. Hiro explained that they needed to head back to the village, in order to keep their village safe as well as upkeep their military movements. Upon hearing his explanation, they understood the change in witnesses. Tsunade took the signed document, and noticed something that surprised her.
The members on both sides of the council, as well as the Elders noticed her surprise as she looked toward the Hidden Whirlpool's leader. "Is something wrong, Lady Tsunade?" Shikaku asked, sounding a little worried.
"L..lord Uzumaki. Is this a mistake?" Tsunade asked, worried that this might be a trick of some kind.
"No, Lady Hokage. It isn't." Hiro answered, with a familiar foxy grin.
"So, you're really..." Tsunade began, unable to continue to asked her question.
"Yup! *Poof* It's really me, grandma!" Said Naruto, dropping his transformation. Everyone in the room was stunned. So stunned that they couldn't even move a muscle. Naruto just grinned even wider, and bowed as if he had just finished putting on a performance. His right hand flourished and ended by his navel, as his left arm stopped behind his back.
The Shinobi of the council started to show an amused smirk, while the civilian side had mixed feelings. Part of them wanted him taken into custody, but knew there was nothing they could do now. The other part couldn't believe they were fooled by a teenager. Although, the others had that same disbelief. The Elders had the same feelings as the Civilian Council.
"Naruto! How dare you fool us! Are you really that stupid?!" Tsunade yelled, her shock turning to anger.
"Really that stupid, or really that smart? By having this alliance, you don't have to send anyone after me. Because, I now have diplomatic immunity for as long as our villages are allied. Besides, how else am I supposed to keep Hinata safe when we're still dating. Hee hee." Naruto replied, ignoring the glare from Hiashi.
A moment of silence went by, before Tsunade finally gave up and gave a slight smile. *Sigh* "Alright, you got us. It seems you haven't changed that much, you brat." Said Tsunade, genially happy to see Naruto.
"Maybe not in personality, but he's a lot stronger than he was when he left." Said Tayuya.
"Lord Uzumaki." Said Hiashi, gaining everyone's attention. Everyone suspected what he was going to say, and they were proven right when Hiashi spoke again. "Are you and Hinata still seeing one another?" Hiashi asked, looking like he was about to strike.
"I don't know why you're so angry, Lord Hyuga. I mean if you have something against our relationship, then you might want to look at this list of ninja that are going to be getting a pardon from the Hidden Leaf." Naruto replied, as he kept a smile on his face. Naruto then handed a scroll over to Hiashi, and retook his place in the center of the room.
Opening the scroll, Hiashi looked down the list. His eyes suddenly shot wide open when he saw a certain name. This didn't go unnoticed by Naruto or the others. "Th...this can't be." Said Hiashi.
"That's right. She's been in hiding, ever since her 'death'. Hinata already knows this. And for the record, she approves of our relationship. She's now a Hidden Whirlpool ninja, safe from any danger. She's been with us for years now. I'm sure she's got a bone to pick with you too. Heheh." Said Naruto, finding Hiashi's shocked expression amusing.
Shikaku, who is sitting right next to Hiashi, looked over his shoulder. It took him a moment to find the name that was familiar to him as well. *Gasp* "Hikari Akatatsu, aka Hikari Hyuga." Said Shikaku, earning a surprised *gasp* from the rest of the Council, including Tsunade and the Elders.
Naruto decided to explain Hikari's situation, in order to prevent any questions. By the time he was finished, everyone had looks of shock or anger. Tsunade outright smashed the table in front of her.
"No wonder you wanted him out of power! But, you could've just had him killed. Why didn't you?" Tsunade asked.
"Does it matter? Either way, I've already got close tabs on him. If he pulls anything, you'll have his head on another platter. Though, I doubt it'll be on a silver one this time." Naruto joked, causing Tsunade to get a tick mark on her forehead. "I'm gonna stick around a couple more days, before I head to the Hidden Sand. I'd like to see Hinata before I go."
"Hm. Very well, I'll have everyone in the village informed ASAP." Said Tsunade, giving a silent signal to the ANBU to discreetly release the information.
"There is one more thing, Lady Tsunade. But, it's a sensitive matter." Said Naruto, looking around the room.
"Alright. The meeting is over. Lord Uzumaki and I have something serious to discuss." Tsunade replied, as everyone followed the silent order and left the room.
Once everyone had left, Naruto pulled out a scroll. "Hinata used my kunai to inform me of the Kazekage situation. Once I appeared, I was behind one of the Akatsuki members. I took that chance to eliminate him. I used a sealing jutsu on the other. He can't move or use chakra. Taking him back to my village would be too obvious." Naruto began.
Tsunade decided to continue in Naruto's stead. "So you want us to perform the interrogation. Is that right?" Tsunade asked.
"Right. But, I only trust a you to know about this. I know you're not an interrogator, but this village has some of the best. It's best if you only have you top, and most trusted, to handle the interrogation. And I"d like a detailed report of the sessions." Naruto replied.
"Heh. It's almost scary with how you're handling being the leader of a Hidden Village, with so little experience." Said Tsunade, with a small smile.
"Look who's talking. Your experience leading a village isn't that much more than mine." Naruto replied, with a smile of his own.
"But I have more experience leading others. So, my total experience trumps yours any day." Tsunade countered.
"Touche. Anyway, will you take care of this?" Naruto asked, taking on a serious tone now.
"Of course. I'll have Ibiki and Inoichi take care of it. Who's the prisoner?" Tsunade asked, as she took the scroll.
"Sasori of the Red Sand."
*Gasp* "You're kidding?!" Tsunade asked, shocked at the revelation.
"Nope. And he's not really human anymore. He's a Human Puppet." Said Naruto, adding shock to Tsunade's face.
"I'll talk to you later. Right now, I need to get this to Ibiki." Said Tsunade, as she began walking out the door. She stopped and turned her head to look at Naruto, before she opened the door. "It's good to see you again, brat." With that, Tsunade left the Council Chambers.
"Ditto, grandma. Ditto." Naruto replied, as he left the chamber as well.
-Ten minutes later-
Naruto, along with Tayuya and Guren, were walking through the village. As they walked they heard whispering from the villagers. Some of the villagers looked at Naruto with hatred, apparently still not past the fact about the Nine-tails. Those glares weren't as heated as they were in the past however, that was probably with the revelation of Naruto's heritage. Others had a look of either having been betrayed, or had an apologetic look on their face.
Naruto and Guren managed to ignore the glares, Tayuya on the other hand didn't. She glared back toward those that glared at Naruto. Tayuya, Karin and Naruto had gotten to know each other very well over the past couple years. So well, that they considered each other like siblings rather than cousins. Eventually, the glares and harsh whispers became too much and she decided to lash out.
"If you fuckers got something to say, then say it to our fucking faces! Otherwise, shut the fuck up and fucking deal with it you fucking cocksuckers!" Tayuya yelled, shocking the people with her choice of words.
"Calm down Tayuya. Trust me, it was worse a few years ago. Back before I left. Honestly, I prefer this rather than being ignored." Said Naruto, trying to calm Tayuya down.
"Those idiots need to learn respect! You're the Head of our Clan, and the Leader of the Hidden Whirlpool! You practically brought the village back all on your own!" Tayuya yelled, shocking those that haven't already heard the news.
"That's not even close to the truth, and you know it. There's no way I could've brought our village back to this point, this fast, on my own. The Hidden Stone would've put a stop to it long ago. I couldn't have done this without your, Karin and everyone else in the village. But if you want to call them idiots, then keep in mind that could include the ninja of this village. Ninja that you'll probably have to trust to have your back." Naruto replied, earning looks of surprise from the villager.
Tayuya thought about what Naruto said, and didn't like it. *Sigh* "Fine, you win. I just hope someone is stupid enough to try something with me. I'd love to blow some steam." Said Tayuya, with a sadistic smile.
*Sigh* "Whatever. Let's just get to where we're going." Naruto replied, knowing he can't fully neutralize Tayuya's foul mood.
"So, where are we going? Not the hotel, are we." Guren asked.
Naruto then got a huge smile on his face, which confused Guren and Tayuya. "To get some of the greatest food on Earth." Naruto replied, causing their faces to show even more confusion. Naruto suddenly threw his fist in the air, and yelled out the answer to the unasked question. "ICHIRAKU RAMEN!"
Guren and Tayuya literally face-faulted at the answer, while the villagers just sweat-dropped.
-Later as Ichiraku's-
"WILL YOU STOP STUFFING YOUR FUCKING FACE WITH FUCKING RAMEN!?" Tayuya yelled, as Naruto ordered another bowl of ramen.
"Calm down, Tayuya. You're causing a scene." Said Guren.
Tayuya's head snapped toward Guren. "I'm causing a scene!? What about brownie over there jumping over the counter and glomping our leader!?" Tayuya yelled, a little quieter, as she pointed at a slightly blushing Ayame. "Our how about that our leader has already stuFFED HIS FUCKING FACE WITH HIS FUCKING SIXTEENTH FUCKING BOWL OF FUCKING RAMEN!" Tayuya yelled, with full force toward Naruto as he finished and ordered another bowl.
"I'm just trying to get my fill, since we'll be leaving in a few days. Besides, I haven't had any decent ramen in years." Naruto replied, smiling brightly.
"Tch. Whatever. Justu don't complain when Hinata decides to order our bakery's entire daily stock of cinnamon buns." Tayuya replied, smirking when he saw Naruto shiver.
"I thought I smelled you. Should've figured you'd be hear." Said a new voice, from the other side of the curtains.
Turning around with a mouth full of noodles, Naruto saw that it was Kiba who spoke. Behind him he saw Kurenai and Shino. Swallowing his food, Naruto greeted them. "Hey guys. How are ya?"
"Doing good, man." Kiba replied.
"I'm doing well." Said Shino.
"Good. How are your, Naruto? Or should I say 'Lord Uzumaki'?" Kurenai asked, smirking at the annoyed face Naruto was made.
"Please, I don't like being formal unless I have to Kurenai sensei." Naruto replied.
"Alright. But you don't have to refer to me as sensei, considering your the Leader of the Hidden Whirlpool." Said Kurenai, with a smile.
"Fair enough, Kurenai. Anyway, I heard Hinata kicked your guy's asses in a battle royal." Naruto said, with a huge grin.
"Ugh. Don't remind me. I had no idea Hinata would be so strong, when she came back." Kiba replied, his head and arms hanging from slouched shoulders.
"Agreed." Said Shino, his shoulder sagging ever so slightly.
"I for one am proud of Hinata. It seems Lord Jiraiya did an excellent job of training her." Said Kurenai, with a genuine smile.
"Heheh. You think so, huh?" Tayuya chuckled, earning confused looks from Team Kurenai.
"What's that supposed to mean!?" Kiba growled.
"Why don't you think about it, mutt." Tayuya responded, with a smirk.
"Why you.."
"Calm down, Kiba." Said Shino, placing a hand on Kiba's shoulder. Turning to Tayuya, Shino asked. "Either you are presuming that Lord Jiraiya is an insufficient teacher, or Hinata had more than one trainer. Isn't that right?"
"Heh. At least someone on that team has some brains." Tayuya replied, not losing her smirk.
"Be nice, Tayuya. They're our allies now. Besides, Hinata would've told them eventually." Said Naruto, after finishing his twentieth bowl.
"Who else trained Hinata, other than Lord Jiraiya?" Kurenai asked, curious about Hinata's training over the past couple years.
"What about you, Naruto? Hinata must be able to kick your ass too, right?" Kiba asked, inwardly laughing at the thought of Hinata standing over a beaten Naruto.
"With out the 'Flying Raijin Jutsu', she can hold her own with me. With it, Hinata doesn't stand a chance." Naruto replied, enjoying the shocked look on everyone's faces.
"No way! If that's true, then let's have a match!" Kiba demanded, a look of confidence on his face. He doubted Naruto could be as strong as he claimed.
"You know, it's rude to demand something of a Hidden Village's leader. But if it'll shut you up and make you a believer, then I'll accept." Naruto replied, with his own confident look on his face.
"Pardon the interruption, but I'd like to speak with Na... Lord Uzumaki." Said Hiashi, as he walked through the curtain.
Hiashi's presence shocked everyone there. It wasn't often that one would see the head of the Hyuga clan in a small food stand like this. Upon seeing this man, everyone in the stand bowed out of respect. Although, Tayuya did so a bit reluctantly. Having heard of the cruel things he's said to Hinata. During the time Hinata spent in the Hidden Whirlpool, she had gotten quite close to the remaining Uzumakis. Naruto was a given considering her relationship with him. And Karin didn't seem to mind Hinata so much.
But Tayuya thought she was just a pampered princess, from a noble family. Every time she saw Hinata, she'd get pissed off. She couldn't stand the sight of her, and always insulted her. Even though Naruto asked her not too, she didn't listen. It took Hinata standing up to her, and telling her that she was truly jealous of her. That just served to piss Tayuya off, and they ended up fighting one another.
The fight ended in a draw, where they both had difficulty moving. They spent the night in the hospital, that was one of the first buildings to be built. Tayuya had spent most of that night thinking about what Hinata said. She came to the conclusion that Hinata was right. It was a blow to her pride, but she admitted it to Hinata the next morning. Hinata explained what her life was like as a 'princess, explaining that it wasn't easy for her having to meet such high standards. Since then, they became close friends.
"About Hikari, right?" Naruto asked, sure that that's why Hiashi was here.
"Yes. Could we please talk? In private." Hiashi requested.
"Why not. I'll meet you guys at Squad 8's old training ground in about half an hour." Said Naruto, as he walked off with Hiashi Hyuga.
Once Naruto and Hiashi were out of sight, Shino decided to voice a couple questions. "Who is this Hikari? And what relation does she have with Lord Hiashi?"
"Tch." Was all Tayuya replied with.
"Considering that person's life is now out of any immediate danger, I suppose it's alright to tell you." Guren began. She then took a look at Kurenai and her team. "Hinata's mother never died."
It was a simple statement, but it shocked them none the less. "What do you mean 'Hinata's mother never died'?" Kurenai asked, barely holding back her anger. She knew the story behind Hikari Hyuga's death, and knew it hurt Hinata alot. But to hear that she was never dead to begin with, made her quite angry.
"One of your Elders, Danzo Shimura, wanted to take Hinata under his wing and make her his emotionless tool. Hikari offered herself in place of Hinata instead. After a number of months, Hikari took her chance and faked her own death. She's been in hiding ever since. Once she heard that our village was being rebuilt, she decided to join us. Believing she safety was better guaranteed with us, than on her own. Hinata has already forgiven her, because she understood her reasons for doing what she did. She, along with Natsu of the Chikara Clan, have trained Hinata. Which is why she was able to beat you three." Guren explained, leaving her listeners wide eyed.
-With Naruto and Hiashi-
"Is she doing well?" Hiashi asked, once they were alone in the middle of one of the side streets.
"Yea. She and Natsu are the ones that trained her, whenever she was in the Hidden Whirlpool." Naruto replied. Upon seeing a small smile on his face, he decided to give him a heads up. "But she does have a bone to pick with you."
Looking at him with a confused look, Hiashi asked. "What do you mean by that?"
Naruto replied, as he gave Hiashi a cold glare. "'Do what you will. She is of less worth than her sister, five years her junior. The Hyuga Clan had no use for such an heir.' That ring a bell!?" Naruto asked, with an ice cold tone in his voice. Seeing Hiashi was surprised from the quote, he decided to explain."It wasn't Kurenai who told me, it was Hinata."
"You mean, Hinata heard that?" Hiashi asked, as he looked down toward the young village leader.
"Yea, she heard. And you have no idea how much that hurt her. But, she still chose to forgive you. But Hikari will have something to say about you trash-mouthing your daughter like that." Naruto answered, his cold glare and tone still there. Naruto was angry about this, but he was sure he had his reasons. But there was no excuses, as far as he was concerned. Although, he was enjoying the sweat that was showing on Hiashi's forehead. He had a feeling it had to do with the thought of dealing with Hikari, rather than his glare and tone of voice.
"I'm in trouble. But, I'd like to see her again. Even if I do get scolded by her. It'll be worth seeing her again." Hiashi thought, as he regained his composure. "None the less. I have a request to make of you. If that's alright." Said Hiashi.
*Sigh* Naruto dropped his glare, knowing that this was coming. "You want to see her again. I understand. I figured you'd ask that of me." Naruto replied, with a calm voice. "I have a couple conditions though." Said Naruto, as they came to a halt. Hiashi was surprised that Naruto was already considering to accept his request.
"And those would be?" Hiashi asked, hoping that they weren't outrageous.
"1. Give Hikari a decent place to stay. And 2. Give her armed escorts, when she leaves her place of comfort. Those are my conditions. And I'm sure you can figure out why the second condition is in place." Said Naruto, seeing the look of understanding on Hiashi's face.
Hiashi easily found the conditions acceptable, and easy to fulfill. Yet, he was curious as to why Naruto was agreeing to this so easily. "Naruto. Why give me such easy conditions? You should know that they are of little consequence to me, or the rest of the Hyuga Clan." Hiashi asked.
"It's because I knew you'd be willing to protect her from Danzo, at any cost. Now if he were to try anything, he'd likely be excecuted with out a doubt. Besides, I know it'll make Hinata happy and Hanabi a chance to get to know her mother, as long as she's the Ambassador between our villages." Naruto answered, with a large grin upon seeing Hiashi's shocked expression. "Heh. I'll take your expression as a yes to my conditions. Hikari will be here in a week or so. Now if you'll excuse me, I gotta go kick a dog boy's ass." Said Naruto, disappearing in an orange flash.
And there's chapter 3. I hope you enjoyed it. My next update won't be on this story, but on another I've been considering on making. It's a Naruto story, but will focus more on an OC of mine. I'm not sure when I'll update, please be patient. I'll update as soon as I can. Thank you and please review.
P.s. It will be a sample chapter from somewhere in the middle of the story. If most of you like it, I'll start it from the beginning. If not, I'll delete it.