Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Negima.

Chapter 7
Kazekage trouble

Fate stared at Sasuke as he got a bunch of questions from Negi.

"Why did you call Fate a deadlast, Sasuke-san? I understand that you two were once close friends but he has changed from the Naruto you once knew."

Sasuke grunted. "Even if he changed a million times, he is still the loser I know."

Asuna grinned and patted him on the back. "Not anyone can just give Fate insults. You're alright in my book."

Sasuke raised a brow at her before he grunted again.

Fate shook his head. Fate may not care about any insults about him. However, his Ministra won't take it too lightly.

He heard a small sound and he turned to face Yukizora and Izumi. Raising a brow, he asked, "I suppose you are the two clone survivors that are my sisters?"

Both nodded. Izumi acted first and bowed. "It's nice to meet you!"

Fate gave a curt bow and said, "The pleasure's all mine. I am Fate Averruncus, formerly known as Uzumaki Naruto."

"I am Izumi."

Yukizora gave a small nod. "I am Yukizora." She scrutinized Fate and said, "You are not what I expected."

Izumi went wide-eyed and scolded her sister. Fate said, "Expectations do not always meet reality, Yukizora-san. Either you accept reality or continue to wander in your fantasies. I have accepted reality."

Izumi seemed quite nervous. "So do you accept us?"

Fate raised a brow. "I see no reason not to. It was not your choice to be taken by Danzo and forced into his organization."

Izumi and Yukizora smiled widely before the former immediately hugged Fate, to everyone's surprise. "Yay, I finally have an Onii-chan!"

Fate's brows furrowed. He had forgotten how it felt being called brother. The last time he was called that was when he said farewell to the Konohamaru Corps. He finally asked, "Why do you call me with such an affectionate title…even though we have yet to be fully acquainted?"

Izumi looked to the side nervously. "Um…well…you're older than us…and…I always wanted a big brother…"

Fate raised a brow but shrugged. "Do as you will. Call me whatever you wish. I care not."

Izumi beamed and hugged him tighter.

Fate's eyes went to the side and saw a teary-eyed Ichiraku family. "Ah, Ayame, Teuchi-san, it's been a long time."

Ayame also hugged him tightly. "Naruto…you've changed a lot…"

Fate frowned. What is it with females and their incessant desire to embrace companions? "Ayame, there is no need for tears."

"Of course there is. Three years and I see you like this. It hurts. I can't see that grinning boy anymore."

"…"

An Inn in Konoha

A woman of 19 sat on her bed performing occasional maintenance on her battle fan. She had sandy blonde hair and green eyes. Her clothing consists of a black battle kimono tied by a red, wide obi. She is Sabaku no Temari, sister of Sabaku no Gaara and ambassador to Konoha. As she checked her fan for any possible problems, she remembered two days ago, when she came across someone who she has never seen before.

Flashback

Temari has just finished her meal at a Dango shop and is currently bored out of her mind. Shikamaru remained in his clan home since his father returned home from a council meeting. And now, she has nothing to do, save for checking up on her fan again or brushing up on her Futon skills.

However, she was busy thinking on what to do that she accidentally bumped into someone. Of course, being a strong woman, she didn't fall to the ground. Nor did she take kindly into being bumped. She waited for an apology from the offender. But when she didn't, she said, "There's a little something called apology, you know?"

"Apology is a mutual effort. And I can feel that you prefer for it to be one-sided. I will apologize for bumping into you when you are willing to apologize as well."

"And what did I do?" And Temari got a good look at him. He was quite slim and shorter than her. He has weird, white hair and is wearing a blue shirt with matching pants with his right hand in his pocket and holding a random book in his other. Then, she saw his eyes, pale blue orbs that are void of any emotion or feeling, the sight of which slightly creeps her out. It almost reminds her of her brother's eyes, if her brother's eyes are just as empty as the boy's in front of her.

"Indeed, my fault is not minding my path in favor of my book. Your fault, on the other hand, is not minding the road in favor of whatever is plaguing your mind." Damn, even his voice is similar to Gaara's.

Temari narrowed his eyes at the boy in front of her. Despite being of equal rank, some of the jonin in Konoha and all fellow jonin in Suna are fearful of the Sabaku-fu no Joo (Desert Wind Queen) for her strength and her strong disposition. For a simple civilian (in her eyes, since she spies no headband) to not even have a slightest bit of fear, she begins to respect the boy before her. She smirked. "And how would you know that something is plaguing my mind, civilian?"

If he was even the slightest bit irritated by the title, he didn't show it. "Your eyes were unfocused, showing inward discussions. And you are unresponsive to the events around you. I believe that the jonin that passed by you earlier gave you a small greeting but you gave no response. Finally, your walk is slow and weak, in contrast to your strong physique."

She held widened eyes as he continued to stare at her. No civilian could discern such a thing so easily, especially from a jonin. But, she shook her head. She would deal with such thoughts later. She said, "Fine, you've made your point. Sorry for bumping into you."

The boy nodded. "Likewise, I apologize for doing the same. If you'll excuse me, I must leave."

Temari watched the boy walk away before she also walked away.

Flashback End

She finished her maintenance and laid the fan on the wall. That boy…he's too observant. He's no ordinary civilian…is he even one? I spent half of every year in Konoha for ambassador reasons and not once did I see someone like him.

The door opened and in entered Shikamaru, who was looking strangely haggard. "What's wrong with you? You've been standing too close to too many explosive tags?"

Shikamaru sighed as he dropped to a nearby chair. "No…it's not public announcement yet but I know I can trust you. Naruto is back."

Temari's mood darkened. She knows the squirt as a loudmouth fool who wears orange. However, that same fool saved Gaara from complete insanity and utter ruin. Because of that, she, along with the rest of Suna, feels indebted to the young Uzumaki. And when word reached their ears of his banishment, Gaara, who was Kazekage-in-training at the time, was angry for the first time, though his face didn't show it. He was sorely tempted to go to the Fire Daimyo and unleash all sorts of hell. But he controlled himself. He would not descend to their level. He would not.

She said, "Really? How has these three years been treating him?"

"It's bad. He's different…it's like your brother…only colder."

She froze. There was only one person in Konoha that she knew could have that kind of effect. "C-Could he, by any chance, be a kid of twelve or thirteen, with white hair, pale blue eyes, and all-blue clothes?"

He raised a brow. "So you met him?"

"Once…two days ago…I crossed paths with him while you were at your clan home. I never would have guessed that it was him. Are you sure?"

"Yes. Neji checked the seal on his stomach. And Hinata asked him a question that only both of them would know. He was…powerful. And that is an understatement. He was tested at the Konoha stadium and…wow…we couldn't even land a hit on him, even with us going all-out. He took down half of the Rookie 12 within 10 minutes, 15 tops. He could hold a tree in one hand, uproot it completely, use it as a battering ram and even throw it, without any difficulty. All of us even saw him grab the ground and completely unearth a big chunk to throw! And he wasn't even going all-out! His dominant is his right hand, which he keeps in his pocket. He uses his left hand and two feet to fight and he rarely uses any jutsus, preferring direct contact. He even managed to beat Sasuke, who's the strongest of the Rookie 12."

Temari was shocked. She never expected that that young boy she met would have this much power behind him! "What's he been doing these past three years, overdosing on steroids?"

"No. There's more to it than that. No one can become that powerful within three years, even with help from the powerful ninjas. Something has caused him to change both inside and out but not even Tou-san would tell me."

She sighed. "Damn it. This is getting crazy. Alright…I'll finish up here and go back to Suna to tell Gaara about it, first thing tomorrow. I just don't know if I should tell the whole thing or not."

"Tell the whole thing. The Kazekage might not like it that his sister is lying to him."

"Alright, I just hope that he won't take it too hard that the first person who acknowledged him has changed this much."

Following day

In the middle of a desert, two people were walking towards a village on the horizon. Both had black cloaks adorned with red clouds and paper hats. One was shorter, like a hunchback, while the other was the taller, normal.

The taller said, "This desert heat is too much, hmm."

The shorter had a gruff voice that said, "Get used to it, Deidara. Or you'll faint before we get the Ichibi. You do remember what happened last time we failed to recover a jinchuuriki?"

Deidara shivered, "Yeah…Leader was quite sadistic in punishments. And we were even demoted to collecting the Ichibi jinchuuriki. Argh," Deidara fumed, "when I see that bastard again, I will kill him! He stopped us from getting the Nanabi jinchuuriki, hmm!"

"Itachi and Kakuzu were also stopped by the same person, even if it was at different times. If this person could handle two of the most dangerous duo of Akatsuki, what makes you think that you can have a chance against him?"

"He was lucky he caught us off-guard, Sasori-danna!"

"The fact is, Deidara, whoever this person is, he is powerful enough to challenge the Akatsuki and is rogue. Leader wanted him either dead or with Akatsuki. But he disappeared almost a year ago. That allowed us to secure at least the Gobi and Nanabi jinchuuriki."

"Well, if he shows his face again, he'll know why Akatsuki are supposed to be trifled with…hmm…"

Sunagakure no Sato

A young redhead had narrowed eyes as he stared at the entrance of his village. None have heard of this but Gaara can sense everything that goes within his village. After all, a Kage must have some sort of surveillance device to monitor his village. He calls it Sabaku Eda (Desert Branch). It encompasses all around the village, all the way to the gates. He doesn't peek on families and their love lives unless necessary and within reason. Otherwise, he uses it to search the alleys, streets, and gates for possible threats.

And right now, he senses two powerful ninjas and a third ninja that defeated his northern guards. Upon further inspection, the third ninja was a member of his own ranks and the two powerhouses have Kage-level chakra.

With narrowed eyes, he stood and left for the rooftops.

Akatsuki has arrived.

That night – Konoha

Fate was standing at the roof of the Namikaze house.

A few hours ago, the Rookie 12 and their respective teachers gave a reunion party at Yakiniku Q. While Fate partook in the meal, he absolutely refused to drink any alcoholic beverage, despite their insistences. He has no interest in the bitter taste, the aftereffects, and the hangover effects.

A pair of footsteps came behind him. Fate said, "Hello, Father. Isn't it a peaceful night?"

Minato stopped beside him and smiled. "Yes. It sure is."

"Even with me as I am now, they still accept me," Fate started. "I don't understand their mindset. The only other person who could be comparable to my personality is the Uchiha rogue, Uchiha Itachi, yet they embrace me tightly."

"That is because they try to see behind your eyes. And when they do, they see the remnants of the old Uzumaki Naruto."

Fate was silent. Then, he said, "Is Danzo executed?"

"Yes. Somehow he wasn't resisting. In fact, he was silent all the way and his eyes are glazed." Turning to Fate, he said, "I know you have something to do with that. And Kushina told me that Negi-san told her that you had Uchiha Shisui's right Sharingan, so please don't deceive me."

"Quid pro quo, father," Fate said, "Tell me your secret and I'll tell you mine."

Minato looked innocently confused. "What secret?"

"Don't hide it from me. I saw your narrowed eyes at Negi-kun and his companions and I bore witness to your widened eyes that grew due to my statement of puppets and puppet masters. Also, I sense a sliver of magical energy emanate from your chakra core. You may have had the others fooled but never make fun of my capabilities."

Minato sighed. "I thought I hid that well. Damn, how did you sense it? Fine, you win. Alright, after my team destroyed the Kannabi Bridge and before I was married to Kushina, I was assigned to a solo S-Rank mission to investigate the ruins of Uzushio and salvage it for possible scrolls for Kushina. Once I was there, I saw a lone man in a beige cloak and a staff in his hand. He looked at me and I thought I saw another Uzumaki. He had red hair and brown eyes. We had a little discussion before he suddenly saw fit to test my strength. Thankfully, I first set up a barrier that prevents anyone from perceiving anything within it. Otherwise, anyone nearby would have been drawn to the explosions. When it ended, we are at a tie and we promised to keep in touch. He suggested a Pactio. I agreed to it and sealed the contract with a handshake, which I am grateful for, instead of that damned kiss." He shivered. "Anyway, since his disappearance, I kept my card in my study under seal that I personally made. Not even Kushina can open it. Since then, we have talked here and there about our adventures and battles until we became too busy to talk to each other, regrettably."

"I see. So you know of my status as the Averruncus of Earth, then?" Minato nodded. "I have one of the Grand Master Keys." Minato's eyes widened. "And I used it to drain Danzo of every piece of knowledge he has. With that, I learned of his dealings with Orochimaru and his right eye transplant. I used the Kyuubi's chakra to transfer the essence of Uchiha Shisui's Sharingan and Mangekyo into my respective eye. Danzo doesn't deserve that eye. They say 'to the victor goes the spoils.' But Danzo didn't rightfully get it from Shisui because he had his Ne help him. I have no intention of misusing this eye unless necessary."

"And that is why the others accept you. You prefer to fight your battles under your own strength, not borrowed."

Fate's eyes went to him before he went to stare at the moon above them.

Sunagakure – Same time

Deidara grinned widely as he looked back at the tail of his clay bird. Sabaku no Gaara is curled tight within its tail. As the bird landed in front of his partner, Sasori, he grinned. "Jinchuuriki captured, Sasori-danna," he said proudly. "Let's get this back to Leader and maybe he'll let us capture the stronger jinchuuriki."

"I find it unlikely, Deidaira," Sasori's gruff voice replied. "The Zombie Duo is taking care of the Nibi. The Sanbi's current location under the seas is still unknown. Itachi and Kisame are hunting the Yonbi. The Rokubi is shady and avoids even our greatest spies. The Hachibi jinchuuriki will have to wait as he is still within Kumogakure. And the Kyuubi jinchuuriki, as far as we know, is still missing."

Deidara cursed.

"Come on, Deidara. The more we wait, the faster these ninjas will gain on us."

Next day – Konoha

Fate walked along the woods behind the Hokage Mountain. He reaches a house and informs the ANBU guard of his identification. Once verified, he enters the house and into a room, where he found himself face-to-face with a smiling Yakumo.

She said, "Welcome back, Naruto-kun."

Fate said, "You recognize me immediately."

She nodded and said, "Yup. Ido told me so."

"Ah, yes, Ido…how is he these days?"

"Recently, he's been acting like he's on a sugar high. He said that their lord has returned."

"I see…and how about you? Are the years gracious to you or have fools come to insult you?"

Yakumo blinked. "Nothing's happened, if that's what you're asking. I've been painting here and there, just to relieve my boredom. No one's been here, save for Kurenai and the doctors"

Fate was silent before he said, "So my father has never approached the mansion."

"I don't think he even knows."

He frowned. "I see." Then, he turned to the door and said, "I'm afraid I should be going now. A messenger bird entered the barrier of Konoha." As he left through the door, he finished, "I am going to ask my father to release you from this prison."

Hokage Tower

Fate appeared in front of his father and mother. As he gazed upon the messenger bird carrying the insignia of Sunagakure, he asked, "What does Suna wish?"

Minato sighed and said, "Their Kazekage has been captured by Akatsuki. And his brother has been poisoned by an unknown toxin."

It didn't take five seconds for the facts to connect. "I see. And who will be in the retrieval group?"

Minato said, "Team Kakashi, Kushina, Izumi and Yukizora are group."

"I request to join. Sabaku no Gaara is a fellow jinchuuriki and we jinchuuriki do not abandon each other."

Minato nodded. "I will agree to that. Kushina, go tell them." She nodded and Shunshined away. Then, he said, "Normally, I would not ask this but I want Negi's group to join you. I want them to be accustomed to the continent."

Fate frowned but nodded. He then said, "Before I inform them, I would like to tell you something."

Namikaze Residence - Later

"Are you serious, Fate?" One Inugami Kotarou asked, shock written all over his face.

Fate nodded. "Otou-san wanted you to get accustomed to this land and, by extension, its ninjas. However, as you do so, be reminded to keep your powers sealed and in control. I cannot have everyone asking me about your abilities."

Negi said, "Okay, Fate. I understand." He summoned his staff and said, "Sigillo Matris (Seal Dam)." A small seal array appeared on his chest before it vanished.

Kotarou shrugged. "We can handle that."

"We'll be travelling light. Only pack necessities. If you don't have any bags, there are a few unused ones in the cupboard behind you." As Fate went off to who-knows-where, Negi and his friends went to the aforementioned cupboard and took out five bags.

Asuna whistled. "Whoa, these things look brand new."

Kaede commented, "And there are lots more inside the cupboard, de gozaru."

Kotarou grinned. "Well, let's not keep our tour guide waiting!"

Konoha Gates

Everyone in the mission appeared at the gate and was greeted by the sight of Fate by the gate booth.

Kakashi gave an eye-smile and waved at Fate; Sakura smiled; Sasuke grunted and lazily waved.

And the pale guy…he said, "I heard that you were the reason why Danzo-sama was unresponsive to his execution."

Fate coldly replied, "What is it to you, Root-nin? Do you wish to avenge your master?"

The pale man smiled and said, "Not at all."

Fate looked from the pale man to Kakashi. "Who is this?"

"Ah, this is Sai."

"And you trust him with this mission?"

"We are powerful enough to keep him in line."

He turned to his mother and said, "I assume you're in charge?" She nodded.

Kushina started, "Okay. Let's go!"

That ends the new chapter.

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Guess who is the guy who interfered with Akatsuki in their hunt for jinchuuriki.