It had only been three years since he was this close, and Naruto couldn't believe how he looked the same but so different. Looking through the windows didn't do him justice. He was so tall, his hair in its ever present ponytail. He was a little out of sorts and Naruto assumed it was because of the older guy who was a injured. The skeleton guy and the masked one next to the building seemed to be a team of the Akatsuki if the cloaks were any indication so Naruto held him in place too. Shikamaru smiled at him eyes bright and despite his fear Naruto could see the man was happy.

"I could just kill him" Naruto offered but his friend shook his head and stood up looking a little unbalanced. He stepped out of the trees and the skeleton guy copying and leaving his circle while the masked guy moved down some steps. Shikamaru's sensei -he assumed- fell to his hands and knees.

"He seems to be immortal" he said coming over to him and put his arms around Naruto's shoulders holding him tightly "I'm so glad you're okay" he whispered Naruto smiled and hugged him back. He pulled back and felt his chakra in the stud in his right ear

"You should have used it. He seems important to you" Naruto said and Shikamaru shook his head.

"You gave it to me for me" he shrugged and lightly flicked Naruto's right ear lightly "you haven't used it either"

"The shadows saved my life more times than I can count. Didn't need it yet"

"Who is this guy?" A girl asked and Naruto finally took note of the others. They were all Leaf Ninja and the girl with short pink hair had her hands on her hips as she frowned at him, Sakura if he remembered her right from last year. Then he felt his heart pick up. Well, he knew it was only a matter of time until they crossed paths knowing each other

"Hi... Kakashi"

"You know him?" The dark haired guy asked and Naruto felt his heart break seeing him again, Sasuke Uchiha.

Kakashi shook his head ignoring the Uchiha

"How do you know me?" He asked. Naruto sighed and shook his head gesturing to the Two Akatsuki members.

"Maybe we should talk about this later?" He said Kakashi's eye hardened and the mask tightened over his jaw

"You can hold them?" He asked

"Yeah" Naruto shrugged

"Then we talk now!" Kakashi said with a final tone and stepped forward "do you have any idea what you put me through? The people who cared about you?"

Naruto had to stop himself laughing because barely anyone did. But he was hyper aware of Sasuke right now

"What? You and Shikamaru?" He asked glancing at Sasuke believing mentioning his Brother and Mother wouldn't be a good idea.

Kakashi glared at Shikamaru

"Apparently just me" he said his voice laced with betrayal and accusation. Naruto subconsciously stepped in front of him.

"I'm on mission and so are you, let's deal with this after"

"And who are you taking orders from? The Raikage or Kazekage?" Kakashi asked. Naruto tensed and rolled his right shoulder. Cursing the fact he had taken his jacket off so soon. But there was no way he could have predicted this

"That's not your concern" He said defensively

"Naruto" Shikamaru said softly causing him to look back. He sighed looking back to Kakashi

"Let's deal with the enemies first, then deal with us" he said and turned to Shikamaru "got a plan?" He asked

"Yeah. Taking his head off and separating it should be enough to keep Asuma safe for now. He is out of the circle but the marking are still there, so I don't think the jutsu is broken"

Naruto nodded and if this guy was immortal he assumed the masked guy was Kakuzu

"If I have the correct information, this one is Kakuzu"

The big guy with brown spikey hair nodded, Naruto vaguely remembered a boy who came to the Nara house to see Shikamaru, was this him?

"That's what he" he pointed to the skeleton guy "Hidan had called him"

"He has multiple hearts. So he will take some time" Naruto stated

Kakuzu was killed by Kakashi and Sasuke, made simpler by Naruto's hold, Sakura had moved over to help the blonde girl -Ino- heal the older guy-Asuma, the Old Mans son Naruto learnt. Old memories he had buried were coming forward and he really wished he didn't have to deal with them. Shikamaru put a gag in Hidan's mouth after Naruto had stepped forward pulling out a sword from a storage seal and cutting his head off. It unfortunately hadn't stopped the guy from talking and yelling. Now he was sat in the tree line with Shikamaru and Kakashi.

"You lied" he said to Shikamaru who nodded and looked down at his crossed ankles "Why?"

"He saw how bad it was" Naruto said "He just wanted to help his friend do not blame him for this"

"We will have to report that he deliberately waited to give you time, faked an injury to make his story plausible"

"What?" Naruto asked looking to him sharply, Shikamaru gave a half smile and touched his hairline

"I may have gotten a little carried away" he said removing his hand to reveal a small scar "and had Choji wack me with a tree branch"

"You involved Choji?"

"Nah, I just called him the F word. Got him all worked up with the branch in hand" he shrugged "it was no big deal"

But it was, nobody had ever hurt themselves for him. Not at that time in his life a anyway. He was glad he trusted him, let himself care for him because he was clearly worthy of it.

"Either way you interfered and allowed a child to run away" Kakashi glared and Naruto knew there would be punishments for that, especially now as a ninja, and the search for him was still ongoing.

"It isn't like he could have helped you. He had no information to give" Naruto said Kakashi looked like he was about to argue "You report him I will leave now and you will never find me" he threatened "Don't think tattoos and uniforms give you any clues to who I am or where I will go"

"Naruto" Shikamaru said in a tone of reasoning but he shook his head and Kakashi sighed he was hiding his scent so he could get away if need be.

"Perhaps threaten him with me?" Kurama said

"They won't know I know about you"

"You're no fun" he huffed

"Fine" Kakashi snapped "but I want answers Naruto!"

Naruto smiled brightly as if there wasn't about to be a chase and nodded

"Sure"

"Where did you go?"

"Everywhere" he shrugged "took about two years to stick some place for more than a week"

Eight years ago 7 years old

Luckily the weather was nice, and Naruto had learnt since leaving the village most people were kind to a child on their own, if you stayed away from bars or fancy places. He'd been free from the village for two years now, camping mostly, doing small jobs for money when he desperately wanted a place to stay. Even occasionally bartering with the Inn keepers. But he had a bag, with a fold up tent and a sleeping bag that he had managed to save for a few months after leaving. The shadows protected him in the night and Naruto eventually just tried to make friends with it. They felt as though they were alive and in the shadows of the woods he would hold them in his hand. Kurama was fascinated and had no clue how they worked. They trained everyday, with jutsu, the shadows, chakra even some taijutsu but it was difficult without a partner. It had been two years and Naruto wondered how Shikamaru, Kakashi and Itachi were. Shikamaru would be in the academy now so his real training would no doubt be happening. Naruto found after learning to control the small amount of shadows he could use his own by connecting them just a bit. Now he could posses any shadow. Which he used as his advantage to hide when needed. Like now, watching bandits skulking next to a house that was outside of the small town he passed. Naruto had been hovering around hoping to find some spare clothes to pinch off the line. The ones he had now were too small. Throughout his watch he had only seen a woman and three small children and a girl around his age. So he didn't like the looks of the situation

"It is best to not interfere" Kurama which had Naruto frowning

"And if they hurt them?" He asked

"It is not our problem. Do you forget you have people after you?"

"That doesn't mean we leave others to suffer when we are right here and can stop it" This is what always got him in trouble, even back home. He always had to help someone in trouble and he'd end up with the beating from both sides. But this wasn't the same. They had nothing against him and there were small kids there. So he snuck out the shadows placing a sleeping seal on the two bandits closest and let the shadows cover him once more as the bodies hit the floor. Kurama had taught him a lot about seals and sensory jutsu, apparently it was his clans specialty and it did help him, because he wasn't too keen on fighting to the death. But this looked like it might have to get violent if he wasn't fast enough. And he wasn't sure he was ready to hold his ground with a adult coming at him with the intent to kill.

The four men still awake turned to look at the body and Naruto used the distraction to run ahead and pull out the barrier seals he had on some spare paper. He vaulted over the fence and heard yelling. He dropped to the floor and activated the seal as a huge man hit the barrier just passed the fence. He looked furious and bared his black teeth at Naruto banging his sword against the barrier. He smiled at the man as the three others had arrived

"Not today!" He yelled

"I will kill you, you little brat" he roared and they began trying to break through. Naruto just sighed trying to keep his shakey legs under him and he walked to the house and leant against it folding his arms and crossing his legs. It still terrified him. Being yelled at or threatened, forcing him to relive the beatings and abuse. After a while of the noise but nobody getting in the woman came out clearly terrified and holding a pipe. She found Naruto sat against the house just watching the bandits.

"Sorry if I woke anyone up" he smiled at her "but I don't think I would win a fight with all of them"

"What did you do?" She asked still holding the pipe in a stance that said she was ready to swing if he tried anything.

"A barrier seal. Can't be broken or taken down unless I do it" he said and she looked wary

"Why would you do that?"

"I didn't want to see you or the children get hurt" he admitted "I get the feeling they won't want clothes like I do" he shrugged "you will all be safe tonight. Don't worry"

She had invited him in and had in fact not gone back to bed.

She had asked he stay and help protect them while her husband was away and in return she would give him shelter and food. He had agreed. Her name was Hosokawa, and the girl who was in fact a year younger was called Kiki. The smaller ones were two boys and a girl named Azai, Takeda and Nohime. He had stayed with them for two years and Kiki had learnt taijutsu with him which was just the training he needed. They didn't have much chakra but this was something they could use to at least defend themselves a little. He left when he had overheard some Ninja talking about Itachi and what he had done. Now he had to watch out for him too.

Five years ago - 10 years old

The old man was getting close and it made Naruto nervous. Over the years he had made good friends and they sent him messages when leaf ninja passed through. This Jiyraiya wasn't giving up and the fact he was in the same Inn had Naruto more than nervous. He had soaked his long hair in coffee for hours last week and now had this chocolate brown hair that he had grown out and plaited thanking Kiki and Hosokawa for teaching him and that he'd grown out his hair. Sure the transformation jutsu would be best but he didn't want to risk them picking up his chakra signature. He watched the old man in the shadows and waited for some sign that said if he needed to run or not. He seemed kind and Kurama had told him who he was and a part of him wanted to reassure the man that he was okay. He was surprised to learn he had a Godfather at all. And Kurama had even defended the man which surprised him.

"In his defence, his role to the leaf made it impossible to be able to watch over you without retiring. He was likely under the impression you were being cared for as promised" is what Kurama had said when they first saw him. He had said the man was very excited about me coming along and that his father and this man had a relationship like father and son. It made Naruto wonder what would happen if he approached. Would he drag him back to the leaf, or help him in his mission to free himself and Kurama. Which was harder than they originally thought. Kurama had thought if Naruto had used his chakra enough to put cracks in the seal it may work but his chakra was very recognisable. So off they were trying to find somewhere deserted. The old man summoned a toad and had a conversation. Naruto had never seen a summoning jutsu before and his excitement almost had him tumbling out the shadows. Kurama had told him and explained the contracts but had deemed it too dangerous to go searching for one. Lots of them were wild and those that weren't were particular about making one. Usually summoning animals were passed down from sensei to sensei. His Father also summoned toads. His mother summoned an Octopus but it rarely helped in the leaf.

Jiraiya had gone off to find some women and Naruto figured it was best to leave. Being a legendary ninja was not a joke Naruto didn't want to risk making a mistake and the man realising.

It was when he was a day away from that town that a small orange toad appeared in front of him. Tiny he corrected. But it put him on guard, was Jiraiya close?

"Relax kid!" The toad yelled "I ain't here for Jiyraiya"

Naruto pouted taking a moment to use his sensory powers to check and he was right. Nobody else was even in the area. He crouched down squinting at the toad, he really was bright orange and it reminded him of his old jumpsuit. He held out his hand and it didn't hesitate to jump on.

"So what are you here for?" He asked

"My Pa sent me. He had a contract with your Pa and he knows about you running off. Wants to train you some"

Naruto grinned as his stomach tensed in excitement. That's so cool! Though he wondered if he would tell him just who his father was.

"He knew my dad?" Naruto asked

"Yeah, so how about it! Come to Myoboku, he can tell you more"

Could be a trap he thought at the same time as Kurama said it. They took the risk.

Three years ago 13 years old

Chief was pissed.

"I did not tell you so you could go there!" He huffed as grumpy as ever.

"If people from other villages are going I can sneak in. You said kids my age got through and shadow user that has to be Shikamaru. I want to go see" Naruto said packing his bag and ignoring to two animals trying to talk him out of it. He had cut his hair, and it was back to his usual blonde. He knew he couldn't uses a transformation he would have to do it old school and find a wig. Maybe stop in with Kiki to get some of that make up for his scars... or he could get those sticker things he saw some ninja use.

"It is your decision but its a risk I wouldn't take" Chief said. Naruto nodded. He loved Chief, and all the toads. They had taken him in trained him with summoning, transforming himself, other things and living things, they taught him his Dads Rasengan and even started him on something called Sage jutsu but apparently he didn't have the attention span for it yet so they will revisit it another time. Chief had also given some information that surprised both Naruto and Kurama. About the Key to the seal. The difficulty was it was likely entrusted to Jiyraiya.

Naruto stood in the center of the village trying to shake off the fear. Nobody gave him a second glance. Gamakichi had gotten him some ninja tools and some face paint he put over his cheeks and under his eyes. The wig he had on was sandy brown and on his head was a hidden sand headband. He waltzed right in with the other visitors. Asking for directions from market stand had him tripping over his words as he remembered this man being particularly aggressive. Walking into the arena had his nerves shot, Shikaku was there and he couldn't shake the irrational thought the man was going to see and recognise him. Of course he didn't and Naruto scurried forward to take a seat at the front. He looked for Shikamaru but didn't see him anywhere.

"Perhaps he isn't in this after all" Kurama said and Naruto nodded looking around. The place was huge, and the Hokage and other Kage sat in a private balcony. To Naruto's surprise the old man wasn't there it was some lady. He didn't hear anything about him dying. Then he saw the board

No, no look! Shikamaru Nara vs Temari! Whoa Sasuke is here too!

Naruto felt his heart fall at the thought of the Uchiha. His heart still couldn't take the news of what Itachi had done. He was so kind and loving when he looked after Naruto, and he seemed to care about his brother but Naruto had only seen them together once. So it wasn't like he could say much.

Shikamaru was amazing and his shadows were much sharper than Naruto's. The fact he had given up the way he had made Naruto giggle. He hadn't changed, it was too much effort. He looked okay, Naruto was glad. He wanted to go talk to him. Maybe he could get a minute to just be close and say hi. But the thought left him when Gaara, Sasuke's apponent came out. Naruto gripped the bar so tightly his knuckled turned white. Kurama was growling so loud it felt like Naruto was vibrating.

What is this feeling?

"Shukaku" Kurama growled "annoying little pup. That boy has one of my siblings sealed inside him. They're both pretty unstable"

Naruto watched close as the fight went on and a bad feeling was settling deep in his gut

Kurama if he is here to hurt the village will you help me? He asked and the fox huffed causing Naruto to smirk

"Why help them?" He demanded and Naruto looked around using his shadows to seek out the one who gifted him them.

You promised Naruto smiled finding Shikamaru at the very back of his section with the other leaf genin. Something was wrong. Naruto didn't understand it and he didnt know how he knew but he wasn't going to ignore it. Did Kakashi sense it too? He wondered trying to find him hoping Kurama would let him know when his eyes fell on him. Or if he would see his mask and know himself.

Gaara screamed and all hell broke loose. Ninja attacked, people went to sleep and those who didn't ended up fighting. Sand and Sound seemed to be working together. Pulling out a Kunai Naruto leaped up the stands to find Shikamaru. A hidden sound Ninja was coming at him and Naruto flung the kunai hitting him in the neck and pushed Shikamaru down into the doors to separate them from the stadium slamming the door shut he whirled to Shikamaru who had taken a defensive stance with his own Kunai. Naruto smiled and held up his hands. His shadows softly wrapping around the wrist.

"Naruto?" He gasped dropping the blade looking a mix of relief and horror "Why are you attacking us?" He asked

"Oh, no I'm not. I stole this to get in I am not with any villages" he said laughing awkwardly "I promise. Look that Gaara, he is like me and I have a really bad feeling. I'm going to follow and make sure he doesn't attack I just wanted to make sure you were safe"

"I'll pretend to fall under the Gen Jutsu" he said "I have barely any chakra to fight" he shrugged and Naruto nodded

"I'll try to see you before I go" he said

"Wait!" Shikamaru yelled grabbing his wrist "there are spare leaf headbands in the infirmary. Take one you can't run around with that on"

Naruto nodded pulling it off and left, reluctantly lettingthe shadows release Shikamaru. He hadn't seen Kakashi but he could only hope he was okay and fending for himself.

The fight was exhausting and Gaara was just like him. Kurama had concealed his chakra as he fed Naruto more but he wasn't really needed as Naruto and Chief did all the work.

That transformation of me was impressive. Well done Kurama praised but you need to get up. Now

He was right. Ninja were closing in

"Come to the sand" Gaara said his voice raw "I'll... help... you" he passed out. Naruto groaned and pushed himself up. He hadn't perfected it yet. But he could move short distances. Pulling out a marked kunai he threw it into the trees and teleported. Bit by bit avoiding the oncoming Ninja. Kurama was healing him and as Naruto got closer to the arena he tried to search for Shikamaru but Naruto had never sensed so many people at once, he couldn't pick him out. So he stood up and headed toward the compound. Shedding the sand ninja clothes. Now he wore only a mesh top with a leaf headband and his black pants. Look just like a leaf ninja who just fought for his village. He thought bitterly.

The sun had set when he saw Shikamaru coming toward the compound with his father. Shikamaru had seen him and nodded. Naruto was wiped out and honestly didn't think he could jump any walls.

"Dad, I'm gonna go for a walk" Shikamaru said stopping at the gate

"I understand. Don't be too late"

Once the man was out of sight Shikamaru walked over taking his hand and pulled him straight into the Nara forest. Naruto had never felt more at home. He loved this forest, it was the one place he missed about home. They stopped in a clearing and Shikamaru had put him against a tree

"I saw the fox, thought you had lost control" he said eyes wide. He looked exhausted and Naruto nodded

"I imagine I gave a lot of people a scare. But it was just chief transformed. Kurama barely helped" Naruto shrugged "which is probably for the best I can only imagine the devastation two tailed beasts fighting it out could cause"

"Are you okay? You look like you need a medic"

"I'll be fine. Kurama is healing up the serious ones. I'll be as good as new in a few days"

Naruto had learnt the hard way how he healed quickly when living with Hosokawa. A fight with a bandit had him severely burnt and within a week he was good as new"

"Kurama? Is that the fox?" He asked and Naruto nodded "you saved us. You know that?"

Naruto frowned and shook his head

"I saved you, your family. And Kakashi. That's it" he said sure he was glad the village wasn't destroyed he didn't want it to be but he didn't fight for them.

"Lord Third died" Shikamaru said "fighting Orochimaru, and so did the fourth Kazekage"

Gaara's Dad? Naruto felt a little bad the old man died, he may have been a bad guardian but he never treated Naruto horribly.

"Don't even think about it" Kurama warned

He was right, staying here until after the funeral was just asking to be caught.

"Set some flowers for me?" He asked Shikamaru who nodded

"Why did you come here? Its dangerous" Shikamaru asked

"Wanted to watch you compete" he grinned "competing for Chunin of your first year is impressive well done"

Shikamaru looked down and Naruto thought he saw him blush but it was dark and he couldn't tell.

"That's not a good enough reason to risk it unless you plan to come home"

Naruto shook his head

"Definetely not. I'll be leaving in a hour or so should be healed enough to leave then"

"And just how do you plan to get out?" He asked

Naruto smirked and pulled out the hidden rain headband he found on a body in the forest.

"It was only the Sand and Sound right. I can walk right out with this"

Despite his best efforts Naruto actually stayed in the land of fire for almost a month because he wasn't sure how to make it to Suna. He'd heard that Gaara was the Kazekage's son so maybe he could help Naruto after all. Kurama was against it, but where else would they find somewhere so deserted to use his chakra than an actual desert, unless he wanted to stay a Myoboku. He stood at the gates his bag over his shoulders as his legs shook. The travel through the desert was hard and he desperately wanted to sleep.

"What business do you have here?" The guard demanded

"Came to see a friend"

"Name"

"Gaara" he said surprised by the fear and the way the other guards tensed up and looked at each other "what, is he not here?" Naruto asked

"They're torn" Came a girls voice approaching and Naruto smirked at her. It was Temari.

"Why?"

"Because Gaara doesn't have friends. If you are it's strange. So they have to decide if you are a fraud and stop you entering but if you aren't then Gaara might kill them. But if you're a fraud and they let you in, Gaara might kill them"

"I see" Naruto groaned and dropped to the floor "Guess I wait for confirmation then, could I at least get some water?" He asked and the guards just looked to Temari unsure.

"Yeah, fine. I'll go find Gaara" she said waving dismissively and walking away.

Guess he really lost himself to Shukakau, huh?

"Looks like" Kurama answered. He was still angry. The guard handed Naruto water and they waited in silence.

"You came" a familiar voice said

"You offered to help" Naruto smirked standing up "or was that just you being delirious?"

"No I meant it. I just didn't expect you to accept" he waved him in and looked at the guards "he can enter whenever he wants" he ordered and they nodded quickly. And Naruto had another temporary home. Gaara had been the closes thing Naruto could call a brother. Naruto told Gaara more about himself than anyone he had ever met. He even agreed to help him with his overall mission to free Kurama even of he wasn't happy about it. And he jumped between Suna and Myoboku after that.

Two years ago - 14 years old.

Gaara had become Kazekage and with the truce with the leaf that he had been working toward he decided the first thing to do would be to brand Naruto as Sand ANBU.

"We both know you're just as good as any of my other ANBU and I'd feel better if you were one of my personal guards" Gaara said

"You don't need any" Naruto deadpanned he didn't want to be committed to a village. Sure he had taken a few missions under the Sand uniforms but they were simply favours for Gaara. He had given him a place where he didn't need to hide, and when Leaf shinobi came he kept him out of the way. He and Kurama had even made a decent gap in the seal.

"Naruto please? They will be sending Leaf ninja here and I would rather them not question who you are. It's hard enough with others in the village asking. It's just a bit of defence for you. You won't be bound to the village. Just me" he pleaded.

Naruto couldn't lie that, that sounded better to him.

"You are the village Gaara" he said scratching his dyed red hair

"The Akatsuki are coming Naruto. They may not know who to look for but they will find you eventually. You can't keep bouncing about"

Naruto hadn't admitted he was okay with that. Because if they could free Kurama then they had the same goal. But Naruto learnt a while ago he really couldn't say no to Gaara and ultimately agreed. He actually found himself wanting to be there when Leaf shinobi came not entirely trusting they weren't still bitter about the attack. Even if Temari had been going with no issues the last year. The hardest part of it was seeing Shikamaru as he was made the Leaf's ambassador but Naruto had luckily been out of sight for that. If he was honest he wasn't entirely sure how he would proceed if Shikamaru was the one to attack. He wouldn't kill him he knew that much.

"Naruto?" Gaara called causing him to disapate all his clones "what are you doing?"

"Trying to get this jutsu down. Kurama is trying his best"

"What is it?"

"One my Dad made. My mum watched him train a lot so Kurama got a front seat, I am at the same point as my dad but apparently it isn't finished. Thats what we are trying to figure out" he shrugged

"He wasn't blocked from seeing like he was with you?"

"No, different seal back then" Naruto shrugged "everything okay?" He asked

"I need a favour"

"What is it?"

"I know you don't like these missions but I can't risk leaving it be"

An assassination Naruto thought

"Matsuri was attacked on the return from her mission, they really tried to kill her and left a threat on her body when they dropped her onto the Kazekage tower roof"

Naruto could feel his fury, the way Shukaku was worked up in the hope Gaara would lose himself again. There were few people who Gaara would absolutely not stand being used to get to him, she was one.

"Is she going to be okay?" Naruto asked

"The medics are with her now, I will know more when I go back"

"Where do I go?" He asked

Eight months ago -almost 16

Gaara had almost died, and thanks to Kakashi and his team Gaara was returned alive but without Shukaku, at the cost of Granny Chiyo. Naruto was furious he had been left behind but Gaara wanted him protecting Kankoro and being there for Temari when she returned. He had forgiven the leaf a little more that day. But now Naruto was stood in front of Gaara gaping like a idiot at the request just given to him.

"You have got to be joking!" He yelled "even I know that is stupid"

"Hattori, it is necessary" Temari said through her teeth. It bugged him Temari and Kankoro still didn't know his name but he knew it was best.

"To infiltrate the Raikage's inner circle of ninja quick enough would require disposing of a current member"

"We need to know the defences are up to standard for Bee. He is the only Jinchurichi who has control of his tailed beast. And the last one with an identity since the Leaf have hidden there's so well" Gaara said

"Then it's their job to be prepared"

"I have a bad feeling about this" Gaara said clasping his hands on the desk "they put Shukaku in a statue... sealing him up inside that, like they are planning to collect them. It can't be for anything good"

Naruto nodded remembering when he realised the Akatsuki wouldn't be helpful either. He wanted to free Kurama, not trap him somewhere else.

"Who would be best to replace?" He asked groaning. He didn't understand why he tried to argue anymore

"C" Temari said holding out a picture "he works under the Raikage so infiltrate and observe before you take his place. While there see if they will take your advice on precautions to take."

"I'll seal him somewhere. I am not killing him" Naruto said Gaara nodded while Temari scoffed.

"You are the softest assassin I have ever met"

Naruto shrugged not caring.

"How long?"

"Return back in six months if possible" Gaara said.

This made him glad he marked up pathways throught the years he had been here. He would save two day alone thanks to the markers at the end of the Land of Wind.

He'd been to the Land of Lightning a few times. It was nice, he thought as he left Gaara's office.

"I'll need to stop somewhere first. It will be a hours delay" he said and shinshunned out to summon Gamakichi and ket him know that he would be AWOL for a while.