Chapter Twenty-Eight - The Nation So Far and First Uzushio Mission
Naruto signed off on a document asking for approval for a village to start mining deeper into their mines. The village is on the Jinso Island of Uzushio and they mine the materials needed for Funtom Corporation as well as metal for the growing military. It was nice to know that everyone respected him enough to ask before doing anything but he would like for his people to use their best judgement sometimes.
Ever since coming back, there have been festivals celebrating his permanent arrival. He was moved by how loved he was and how close everyone remained as a community. He was even more proud as the family he has brought back - Karin, Honoka, and Tayuya so far - are being treated kindly and they have melded to the nation as well. Honoka even seemed to no longer be revering
Hiruzen was surprised with how readily he was accepted, having been given the report by his son of how they were treated. It was likely exaggerated as Shunsui had admitted that the escort teams were regarded with suspicion by everyone but that was also partly because of the Kiri rebels that were outside the village. He was given a home close to Naruto but far enough for his own privacy, which he was thankful for as he won't have to pay for anything but groceries. Everything else was handled directly by Naruto.
Tsunade, Shizune and Zoya were also welcomed because of their slight familial ties - although Shizune was loved for her kind attitude. Tsunade had been given an alcohol cap by Naruto, which annoyed her, but it was a generous cap either way. She was banned from gambling, however, as Naruto didn't want her owing his people anything on top of the sharks looking for her in Fire.
Zoya, however, was quick to be loved by the younger enthusiastic civilians that were not enrolled in any program but had potential in her eyes. Most were girls and some boys, but they were all excited when she took them under her wing to be part of her syndicate which she calls 'Legion'. Naruto was unsurprised that she would gain a following so quickly but it was amusing nonetheless when Ginrei got concerned about the repercussions of a criminal organisation in the nation.
It also seemed that news spread throughout the elemental nations of Uzushio's rebuild and there have been mixed reactions. Suna was kissing up to Naruto since he had single-handedly beaten the joint invasion against Konoha. It also helped that the desert siblings were close to the blonde ever since being released back to their village. However, the Wind Daimyo was very apprehensive about contacting or even acknowledging the rebuilt nation. Mostly because he wasn't sure they would last if they were attacked again but also a bit because they hoped the nation would be destroyed again.
Kumo had suspected it ever since the Chunin Exams and had contacted Naruto for a peaceful meeting. It seems that A wanted to establish some kind of friendship ever since witnessing the fight between Yoruichi, Zaraki and Yachiru against the three old powerhouses raised by Orochimaru. The Lightning Daimyo was very welcoming of the supposed 'resurrection' of the Uzumaki clan. It seemed the aged man, who had been in power since shortly before the Third Shinobi War, was actually in love with historical recounts of the Uzumaki clan during the Warring States period.
Kiri was very much angered at the 'cockroaches' that they thought should just accept death like their ancestors. Since the Uzumaki had been countlessly rumoured to hold insurmountable power as well as multiple Kekkei Genkai, their bloody war machine had begun to turn their sights on what they think is a weak but growing problem. It also did not help that they had recently killed their Daimyo when the man was found to be harbouring Kekkei Genkai refugees. To Naruto, it seems he will be doing more than just giving the rebels a place to live.
Iwa was very quiet, which surprised Naruto as he expected them to react in some way after the border issue. The Tsuchikage also refused to meet with the new Hokage about the skirmish, instead doubling the patrol of his own border. It seems that with the failed attempt and blatant threat by Naruto that the man isn't taking any risks. The Earth Daimyo is also very quiet but that is mostly due to being just a figurehead of the nation. Ever since the creation of Iwagakure, the shinobi had killed the Daimyo of their country and planted a puppet in place.
Smaller nations showed no reaction other than Grass and their village Kusa, as well as a messenger from Amegakure saying their leader would like a meeting with the blonde. Grass seems to be recruiting former shinobi from the Hozuki castle prison for some kind of punitive legion. Kusa is also upset because of Karin and her team being declared 'dead' and are in talks to try to replace her. Amegakure is the biggest problem for Naruto as they are the headquarters for the Akatsuki.
What concerns Naruto as well is the Fire Daimyo. The man had left the village and the next day cut his funding entirely to Konoha. The village didn't feel the effects immediately but it seemed that Naruto was right in assuming the village relied too much on outside support. It took a few months of a deficit eating away at the village's wealth before Kakashi did what Naruto suggested and signed a flat tax rate per ryo purchase.
The Fire Daimyo has also signed a law that prohibited any trade with Uzushio. It will fine any company or village that does so, no matter what the reasoning may be. He wasn't accepting ignorance as an excuse either and that has tanked his support even further. It sure did push the movie industry out of his country, with the Princess Gale producer company moving to Lightning instead.
Thankfully, Ciel created various subsidiary company aliases to be able to continue their distribution into Fire. It seemed that the young Phantomhive had made the choice of buying out Gato's corporation after his death and liquidating most of the assets. He also established a land trade company out of Wave with the villagers agreeing to put up a front in case the Daimyo's people decided to look into other nation's companies.
From what Zoya has said, her Legion in Fire has been gaining new recruits thanks to the Daimyo's vendetta against Naruto. It bolstered her confidence that if anything happened between Uzushio and Fire that there would be no issue with him claiming control of the country if he wished. There was already support for him from his service as a Konoha shinobi, this seemed to have just tipped the scales.
It concerned Naruto that it may be an outcome if the Daimyo continues on his track. He wasn't entirely sure how the world may react to him and may see it as an omen of what he may do to them. Frankly, he didn't really care about that because he had resolved himself to only act in retaliation in regards to this matter. If he calls a summit, he can at least alleviate some doubts with the truth seals in the same way he did with the Uchiha intervention between Itachi and Sasuke.
Speaking of the woman, she is pregnant with Naruto's secondborn. It was funny as well as they had just decided that she will keep her clan name more out of respect for her mother than her father. Naruto also considered the other possibility of what would become the Uchiha clan with Uzumaki blood. The Rinnegan will form with the combined heritage from Kaguya and if that became the new norm for Uchiha children then that would make a really dangerous clan.
Imagine that; a clan with the Rinnegan and a zanpakuto at their disposal. I am almost horrified to think what it will do to the world.
No one will ever be able to touch Uzushio in a century. The power of this new generation is more than at any other point in time for the Uzumaki.
Naruto nodded his head in agreement to himself, approving a plan for the Fourth Division to take more action against a Sky organisation that has been preventing their operations. It seems that Sky is accepting Uzushio rule, according to Aizen.
Naruto is still unsure of what is going on with the man. He knows the man as his biggest supporter, nearly fanatical in his endurance to make Naruto's rule undisputed. But then there are the words of Tayuya and her old squad mates that claim he is the reason Orochimaru was able to prepare not only Ashina's revival in Tobirama's technique but the invasion as a whole. He just didn't understand what was going on and he didn't want to accuse the man of anything in case it was all a misunderstanding and Tayuya had it wrong.
Just calm down, Naruto. There is no need to worry right now. If he did do it, then he may try something again. If he didn't, then there is nothing to worry about because we stopped anything from happening.
Naruto took a few calming breaths and nodded his head. I understand. Thank you, Kurama.
Of course, kit.
Naruto finished with the documents, approving a new district to be built in Uzushiogakure. He stretched his arms and turned around in his chair to look out the window of his office. Being on the fourth floor of the building, which was dedicated entirely to being an office and a bedroom in case he wasn't able to make it home. The bedroom was mostly used whenever one of his lovers decided to visit and wanted to have sex. The view from the window was beautiful, however, and the rising sun illuminated Uzushiogakure like a heavenly realm.
*knock knock knock*
"Come in," Naruto called as he continued to enjoy the beauty a bit longer.
"You have visitors, Prince-sama."
Naruto turned his chair around to see Ginrei at the door. "Did you get names or a reason for why the visitors want to see me?"
"They didn't give them to me, but I do recognize them as the director of the Princess Gale movies and the actress's agent," Ginrei answered the blonde. "Do you want me to tell them you're not seeing anyone right now?"
"No," Naruto sighed and straightened out his desk. "Bring them in."
"Right away."
It was a few moments before the two men were brought into the room. Ginrei closed the door and the visitors accepted the seats in front of Naruto's desk.
"I was told you wanted to see me personally," Naruto started the conversation, looking at the oldest man. "First, introductions, please. My name is Prince Naruto Uzumaki."
The eldest man shook the blonde's hand with a bright smile. "My name is Makino, I'm the director of the Princess Gale movies."
The other man is much more reserved and accepts the hand to shake. "Sandayu Asama, I'm Yukie Fujikaze's agent."
"So, what is the reason you two want to see me?"
"Well," Makino started speaking while Sandayu sat back. "After moving the production company out of Fire, we had lost a bit due to bandits and some greedy enforcements. The next Princess Gale movie is in the last stages of filming but we will be heading to Snow for the rest of the movie. We seek some protection from any unforeseen possible problems."
Naruto nodded his head. "Why did you not put a mission through Kumo, the local ninja village of the country you now operate from?"
"We want to pay for you specifically to guard us," Sandayu answered shortly.
Naruto looked at the man as his sixth sense told him the man was not entirely truthful. There is more he is not letting on.
"Why me?"
"We heard what you did in Wave, and how you stopped an invasion on Konohagakure," Makino answered enthusiastically. "I believe you to be a fine person for the job. The bill, whatever we decide, is no issue."
"Hmm," Naruto hummed and tapped his fingers a few times as he glanced at Sandayu. "What do you expect to face when you get there?"
"Rogue ninja at most," Makino answered but Naruto did not stop looking at Sandayu.
"Is that all you expect to face as well, Asama-san?"
The man nodded his head. "Yes, Uzumaki-sama."
"Lies."
Naruto agreed with the hissed words of his zanpakuto and leaned backwards. "Rogue ninja. And how long is the mission?"
"A month at most," Makino answered with a firm nod. "Fujikaze-san is an excellent actress and I am the best in cinema history. We will travel to Snow by boat, taking occasional stops to shoot a scene or two if the area is right, but when we get there it will be easier from there on. Asama-san has promised Snow to be the perfect place."
"Is that so," Naruto now looked at Sandayu. "I will accept the mission, which I will participate in personally since you took the time to come and ask so kindly."
Making was grinning ear to ear as he watched Naruto write on a new paper. "Thank you so much, Uzumaki-sama!"
"Take this to Kuchiki-san, who led you here, and he will set about charging you for the team that will be sent to protect you." Naruto handed the paper that he wrote on. "I will talk to Asama-san for a few more moments about Fujikaze-san so that I may better protect her."
Makino nodded while accepting the paper, thanking the blonde man again before leaving the room. Once he did, Naruto activated the privacy seal that was similar to the one in the Hokage office.
"Asama-san, I want the truth this time." Naruto folded his hands and looked at the surprised man with a serious stare. "I've accepted the mission and nothing you reveal will change that, but I want the entirety of the situation. Why is it really that you want to go to Snow so badly?"
The man was quiet as he fidgeted with his hands for a few moments before sighing. "I am not really an agent, and my client is not Yukie Fujikaze. Her real name is Koyuki Kazahana and she is the rightful heir to the Imperial Snow Court. I am a former retainer of her father Sosetsu Kazahana, and I believe that now is the best time to reclaim what is rightfully hers."
"So the movies are a front?"
"Not entirely," the man admitted truthfully. "I believed it was a good cover in case Koyuki-sama's uncle was still searching for her."
"Is it just you who plans to fight a Daimyo and his guards?" Naruto asked sceptically. "That will not be enough, even with an advantage."
"I have gathered fifty more samurai who are loyal to Sosetsu-dono and wish to see Koyuki in power."
"Hm," Naruto sat back and rubbed his chin. "Does Snow have a ninja village?"
"Yukigakure, Doto gained their support to overthrow his brother."
Tedious.
Naruto silently grumbled in agreement with Kurama and sighed. "Alright. That's all I need to know. I appreciate you answering honestly this time." He stopped before raising a finger. "Hold on, does Fujikaze-san even want the position?"
Sandayu's face said it all.
Shit.
"What are we doing here," Karin asked Haku and Tayuya as the three of them all met at the docks.
"Fish-bitch wanted to meet here," Tayuya grumbled as she fiddled with her flute.
"I heard that we will be going with Naruto-kun on a mission," Haku told the two girls. "Apparently, he was asked to protect a group on their travels and he wanted us too."
"Nice to find that shit out now instead of before," Tayuya cracked her neck in annoyance.
"I'm sorry, I thought you liked surprises," Naruto chuckled as he appeared at the top of the dock, looking over the three girls with a grin. "Next time I just won't include you if that's how you're gonna be."
"That's not what I fucking meant, dipshit," Tayuya whispered to herself and crossed her arms with a frown before speaking louder for him to hear. "That's up to you, dumbass, you're the Prince of our little clan."
"And our lover," Karin teased with a heavy blush on her face.
"You are the only one who still blushes at that," Haku giggled at the redhead girl.
Naruto laughed as well but not in a mocking kind of way. "I'm glad that I'm bringing all of you with me. This will be a fun trip, but first let me share the mission parameters. We are protecting the crew, but specifically you will be protecting the director and the main actress. I will be working with Sandayu-san. Expect ninja and samurai. Mission parameters will change once we land in Snow so please be cautious."
"Don't worry about us we're not fucking brats," Tayuya grumbled but she huffed when she saw Naruto smiling at her warmly.
"I care about all of you," Naruto told them truthfully, causing the two redheads to blush at varying hues. "And I always will, so I'm sorry if it seems I treat you like a child."
"Calm down, I wasn't serious," Tayuya grumbled half-heartedly. It turned into a growl when the blonde rubbed her head affectionately. "Stop that."
"Are we ready, Uzumaki-dono?"
Naruto pulled his hand away and turned to give his attention to Makino as the man approached. "Yes we are, Makino-san."
"Good because I have-"
"Sir!" A man came running forward, breathing a bit heavily. "Fujikaze-san has disappeared again!"
"Not again," Makino sighed before turning to Naruto and bowing. "I'm sorry, but ever since we had told everyone we were able to pay for you to guard us to Snow, Fujikaze-san has been trying to escape multiple times now."
Evident trauma. She clearly remembers what happened.
She must have been there to see the coup happen and bring down her father. Naruto sighed softly before smiling. "I will find her, Makino-san. Please lead my team to their cabins while I go retrieve Fujikaze-san."
The man looked grateful and bowed his head a few times. "Of course, thank you! Right this way, ladies!"
Naruto watched them as they left for the boat before turning his head into the village. Without making a hand seal, he created three dozen clones that immediately jumped off to look for their client. Being on a water locked island made it impossible for her to leave too far but it would also be bad if she did something that would get her arrested.
Might as well check with the Onmitsukido and Division Three.
Just before he was about to head his way, he heard a few shouts a few districts away. He tapped into the seal that was around that area and when he arrived he found himself facing a large horse and the "Princess Gale" riding through. While he does not usually mind something like that, she was ruining public and private property, which he will reimburse from his own treasury but he had to stop her before she caused any more damage.
Don't kill the horse. Don't kill the horse.
Naruto sighed as he ran after the woman, taking a few turns with her before he jumped and landed in the saddle behind her. "Alright, that is enough excitement for one day, Fujikaze-san."
Naruto grabbed the reins to the horse and pulled it so the great beast knew to stop. It took a bit, and the woman struggled in his arms, but the horse and they stopped soon enough.
"Who the hell are-!"
"Uzumaki-sama!"
The woman took in a sharp breath as Sandayu and a few of the extras. "Ah, Asama-san, I caught your wayward actress."
"Much appreciated," Sandayu smiled and nodded. "I will take her from here."
Naruto felt the young woman tense in his arms and interrupted the man. "Actually, if it's not too much, I will take care of Fujikaze-san myself until the ship is set to sail. I will be back with her in an hour when she has calmed down."
Asama seemed hesitant but he nodded his head when he saw that it wasn't optional in Naruto's eyes. "Okay. I trust her in your hands then."
Naruto smiled and waved goodbye as the men left. When they were gone, he snapped the reins and directed the horse forward. "Do you drink, Fujikaze-san?"
The woman did not answer but the blonde did notice that she relaxed a bit at his disarming question and calm smile. She gave a small, quick nod, and Naruto chuckled as he guided the horse to his favourite bar and grill. Citizens gave smiles and nods, some even chuckling at seeing their Prince riding a horse with a beautiful young woman that seemed to radiate beauty like a princess. A few wolf calls could be heard but Naruto paid them no mind out of respect for his client and because it would be unbecoming if her impression of him turned into a lecherous fool.
"Ignore them, Uzushio is known for being playful," Naruto excused his people to the young woman. "How about you? Your home must have their own quirks and unique culture?"
"I don't remember my home," the young actress said softly but there was a forlorn tone in her voice. "I haven't been there in a long time."
"That's sad." Naruto knew the reason from his talk with Sandayu but he was not going to force the woman to share. "I guess you can always find or make a new home. The future is always brighter if you have something to look forward to, y'know?"
Yukie glanced over her shoulder at the small smile on the young man's face and she turned back with a distant look on her face.
"Ah, we're here," Naruto said aloud as he noticed the sad look on the young woman's face. "Come, drinks are on me."
Naruto helped her off the horse and smiled as he let her lead the way into the bar. He waved at the barkeep, ordering a bottle of sake and two glasses, and brought Yukie to a booth in the corner. "We can sit here so we have some privacy. Saru-san is very nice, if you need anything just wave him over."
"Why are you doing this," Yukie questioned without acknowledging anything else he said. "You are only hired to make sure I don't run away and get hurt. What do you want from me?"
Naruto just stared at the girl and thanked the bartender when he brought the alcohol and glasses. He proceeded to fill the glasses and placed one in front of her. He swallowed the entire glass and sighed. "I guess I do not need to act stupid here. I wanted to talk to Koyuki Kazahana instead of the actress Yukie Fujikaze."
The girl coughed as she was taking a testing sip of the sake and she looked up in alarm. "What-?"
"Sandayu told me," Naruto interrupted her as he refilled his glass. "I have a sense for when people are lying or telling the truth. I would not have accepted the mission if he continued to lie but clearly he was honest. Why are you so against going back to Snow?"
Koyuki's eyes narrowed and she sat back. "What do you know about how I feel? Why should I go back to that country?"
"It was your father's home, and if you did not care you would not fight back so hard," Naruto shrugged as he listed a few reasons. "You still hold some attachment to Snow, even if you don't want it to be so. Therefore my question is, why are you against it?"
She didn't say anything.
"Are you afraid?"
She flinched slightly and scowled as she looked up to glare at him. "Shut up."
"No, not that," Naruto hummed without heeding her threatening tone. "You're not afraid of your uncle or his subordinates. Are you guilty?"
He noticed the slight movement of her clenching her glass and her hair was now covering her eyes. "We're getting close. So guilt, possibly at running away when your father died-?"
*Slap!*
Naruto looked to the side with a calm expression, his whiskered cheek burning red from being slapped by the woman. He looked at her while turning his head only slightly and saw a look of fury in her eyes as she breathed heavily.
"I said shut. Up!"
Naruto rubbed his healed cheek as the woman hissed her warning and he cocked his head to the side. They didn't say anything for a few moments, one looking furious while the other was just formulating his next words. "How old were you when it happened? It couldn't have been that old, five years old maybe? Sit down."
Naruto's calm voice turned cold when the woman moved to get up out of her seat, halting her when she heard the steely voice. She looked at him to see his eyes very slightly narrowed as he watched her closely but she could tell that he would not accept her just running away from his questions.
"Sit down and answer my questions."
Koyuki took a shaky breath before plopping herself in her seat but she refused to look up at him.
"Answer the question, Koyuki-san."
"I was seven."
Naruto nodded his head at the restrained answer. "Not old enough to do anything, especially not trained yet to handle any type of situation like this by your father. I can hazard a guess that you were there when the coup happened. Only you were saved, whether it is by Asama-san or not I do not know, and now you live with the fear of being found by your traitorous uncle."
He watched her down her glass before pouring her next glass to the brim as he spoke. It is a stressful and sensitive topic so he does not care if she chooses to drink so long as she answers his questions. "But that's not everything. You are guilty for surviving, but that is not what keeps you away." His eyes travelled to the crystal necklace that is around her neck. "You never part with that necklace."
She tensed immediately and he knew that he found the true issue.
"An important item to you, I see. Or maybe your father entrusted it to you? Either way, it is something your uncle will want I am assuming. It's not my place to question its importance or why your uncle desires it, but trust that while we are there and Sandayu confronts your uncle in your stead I will protect you. There will be nothing to fear while I'm near."
Naruto smiled brightly by the end, surprising Koyuki with how much conviction he held for the mission and to protect her.
For a second, the slightest moment that almost felt unreal, she felt like she was finally safe.
She was beginning to like this boy, even if she wouldn't admit it out loud.
The start of the Snow Country arc and this one is at least three or four chapters long. I might combine them and save time. After this, there are at least one or two chapters that will be interim to what might be considered shippuden canon events start. Not that it would be exactly the same but that's for you to find out :D
PraetorXyn: Much appreciated :) this wont be the last those two butt heads.