AN at the bottom, enjoy the chapter!


"Are you rested enough to cover our tracks for a few hours?" Masa asked once it was the two of them.

"Yes." Cassidy replied.

Inside, her stomach was doing turns and flips. She was alone with Masa. Again. Which was always the most pleasurable torment.

"We should move freely for a while." Masa said. "I want you as rested as possible for the ocean journey."

Which was how Cassidy ended up riding piggyback on Masa. She knew that in this weird, strange version of the Naruto universe, things weren't the same. The average kunoichi had almost two hundred percent larger chakra reserves than the average shinobi, according to the nin in the rebellion. If things played out as they were supposed to according to that logic, Cassidy should've been the one carrying Masa on her back.

I love this. Sooooooo much.

"You awake back there?" Masa asked after the first hour of running had passed.

"Yes." Cassidy replied.

"Last time we were alone and not running from possible enemy action, you were telling me a story." Masa said. "Do you want to pick that back up?"

Cassidy blinked.

Right. My workaround.

"Um, yeah." Cassidy said, closing her eyes. "I have a different one, this time. But. Same world. Same mind who thought up the first story."

Alright, now I just need to lead this the right way.

She started speaking. Of a woman named Mei, who'd let a heroic resistance against a mind-controlled tyrant who ruled a city shrouded in mist amongst the mountains. Of her years long war, to free her people. To stop the persecution of the former oppressors, and the helpless onlookers. To bring about an era where her city could once again breathe easy, under her prosperous rule. Of how she would become known as a fairhanded, wise leader who ruled with the proper balance of strength and wisdom.

Now, how do I transition this into the events of Shippuden? Kiri wasn't involved all that much, if at all. The biggest connection, before the meeting of the Kage, was Kisame. And who the hell knows what's different about that. He certainly never mentioned a relative who was a freaking salamander summoner, of all things.

The splashing of water interrupted Cassidy as she pondered.

"Cassidy." Masa said quietly. "May I ask a question?"

"Uh, yeah?" Cassidy blinked.

They were surrounded by water. Glancing back, she saw the fading shoreline as Masa hopped along the waves.

"All your previous stories were set in a different part of the world you spoke of." Masa said. "Was this Mei a prominent character, in your stories?"

"Not for much of them, no." Cassidy said. "She could have been, but she was focused on protecting her people, and dethroning the tyrant. I have no idea what might have happened if she decided to do things differently. Like I said, it's not my story. I can only tell you what the characters in it did, what they decided for themselves."

"I see." Masa said.

Cassidy waited for him to say more, but he stayed silent. Cassidy kept quiet as well; she didn't want to distract Masa while he was thinking, and it was useful time for her own thoughts as well. The sun shifted along, moving from close to the horizon to nearly directly overhead.

"How long have you known those stories, Cassidy?" Masa asked.

"A…long time." Cassidy said. "Since well before I was here. Years. I loved them, growing up, even if they got me ostracized."

"If you loved them so much, why haven't you told anyone else?" Masa asked. "They're excellent tales. Tales worthy of being published alongside The Gutsy Kunoichi. Yet you only tell me, and recently at that. I would think they would've featured prominently in the stories told at the bases."

Cassidy frowned. "I…thought they were forbidden to me. The same way most of my past life is. When I discovered I could tell them by accident, you were the one I wanted to tell."

Once again, Masa fell silent. Though not for long.

"We're headed to a meeting." Masa said.

"We are?" Cassidy blinked.

"Yes." Masa replied. "And we're close enough now that I'd like you to cloak us. Appearing out of nowhere will lend us the appearance of strength. Strength is always necessary in negotiations."

Two hours later, Cassidy found herself standing on the deck of an ocean freighter. She'd seen a number of them before, on reconnaissance missions near the major ports in the Land of Water. This one had foreign markings, which meant it was new to her. Kirigakure forbid foreign vessels from making call on the main island. The large, eastern islands were used as exchanges, a state of affairs that stretched back to the Second Nin War. Coming within a certain distance of the main island would get any foreign vessel destroyed.

If caught.

How fast can Masa run? We have to be close to the western islands. Every time I think I'm done being impressed by the new things this stupidly hunky man pulls…gah.

There were no sailors or crew in sight. Just a singular table, with a woman in a green flak vest seated on it. Cassidy's eyes widened as she took in the symbol on the woman's hitai-ate. Her eyes darted involuntarily to Masa. He clearly felt the glance, and a slight smile appeared on his face.

"Now that is impressive." The Konohagakure jonin said, looking at them. "We'd heard rumors that the rebels in Kiri were driving the sensor nin crazy, but that really is something. You could be dust in the wind, for all I could sense. Can still sense."

"Given the competency of Konoha sensors, that's less of a compliment than you might think." Masa said.

The woman's smile was still genial. "You know, your looks remind me of my friend's nephew. If he was about forty years older with stringy red hair, but with the subtle wit of a twelve year old."

"I don't often get sent on negotiations." The woman shrugged. "But hey, when your Kage tells you to go, you go. Even when she tells you to be nice, effusive, and make an honest effort at this whole deal. Which just sticks the wrong way for me. Mostly because I prefer blunt insults to subtle or snide ones, but that's just me."

"Am I wrong?" The Konohagakure jonin cocked her head. "Or can I tell you to fuck off and I can go back to report that you wanted nothing to do with negotiations?"

Masa laughed. "Oh. Good. They sent the one who fingerpaints instead of an actual artist. Yes. Let's negotiate."

What is happening here?

Cassidy followed behind Masa, standing at his shoulder when he sat down opposite the woman. The Konohagakure jonin didn't appear to be paying her any attention, but the woman's casual words indicated she was a sensor. She was likely used to operating while knowing exactly where every nin in a certain radius was at.

Even without that, she didn't look concerned.

"Damn." The Konohagakure jonin clicked her tongue. "Well, in that case, introductions are in order. Tatami Isari, at your service."

Cassidy's mind raced. She didn't have a perfect memory, far from it. Still, she'd devoted what her parents had called an unhealthy amount of memory to one of her favorite shows and manga.

Nowhere in all those memories was there anyone with a last name of Tatami.

Dammit. I was hoping to meet someone…cool.

"Terumi Masa." Masa said.

"The vaunted Jigokudani himself." Isari whistled. "I did get to meet someone impressive. At least I know that whatever deal we might make here will be valid, in the eyes of your rebels."

"Says one of the Yondaime Hokage's favored kunoichi, and rumored heiress to Hiraishin." Masa said.

Cassidy let out a small choking sound. Neither nin so much as twitched, though Cassidy had a feeling Masa was annoyed by her. She couldn't bring herself to care, because she was a bit too busy freaking out.

Wait what?! This chick, or dude I guess, totally didn't exist anywhere?! Right?! I can't be crazy.

I remember Genma, and the other gu- oh! He, well she, is the third one from that group. The ones who teleported Mei!

"If only." Isari shrugged, an easy grin on her face. "None of us were so talented to be the next coming of the Yellow Flash. It requires a specific kind of genius, one I, at least, have never quite possessed. My talents never quite lay along the same axis as our Yondaime."

"But, speaking of my talents, let's get into one of my greatest weaknesses: diplomacy." Isari said. "I'm here to negotiate. You sent a mission request to Konoha, one that you knew would catch the attention of the Hokage. Having read the mission request myself, it was both frustratingly vague and far too tantalizing."

Masa smiled. "Considering how difficult it was to get that mission request out of the Land of Water in the first place, there was only so much specificity I could provide. Before we get there, however, I am going to need proof of your identity."

"Yeah, yeah." Isari said. "Here. Even I don't know what's on this stupid thing."

Isari pulled a scroll case out of her vest. She flipped it towards Masa, who caught it and unscrewed it in a single motion. Cassidy glanced down at the writing, but couldn't make much out. She'd struggled enough learning the verbal component of the language, and even Masa had a hard time justifying reducing her training so she could learn to read better. The rebellion didn't need her to read. It needed her to conceal their most potent nin until they could get close and wreck the plans of the Fourth Mizukage. Exercises focused on growing her chakra reserves were far more important than exercises in learning to read.

"This will do nicely." Masa said.

The scroll was consumed by fire, ashes falling through Masa's fingers a moment later. "Do you need proof of my identity?"

"No." Isari shrugged. "If you're actually with the Mizukage's forces, just imitating Terumi Masa, then you're putting far too much effort into a pointless ruse. You're locked in a civil war you'd rather the rest of the Elemental Nations stay out of, which will not happen if you start accusing Konoha of fostering rebels against your rule. Who knows which side the other hidden villages would fall on as a proxy war started on your soil."

"You're certain?" Masa asked.

Isari snorted. "I'm valuable, but not that valuable. They knew better than to send someone we'd have no choice but to ransom, if captured. You're the real deal, Jigokudani, or you're not, but now you're aware that yes, Konoha would likely sponsor rebels instead of regime responsible for the horrid rumors spilling out of this land. Which has gained you nothing, except possibly a singular dead jonin from Konohagakure that they will deny ever sending. And as much as I value my own skin, the Hokage would consider confirmation of Kiri's stance in the civil war, should I not return, a fair exchange."

"Fair enough." Masa said. "My wants are simple: supplies, continuous supplies, and a few deniable assets I can use to relieve the pressure on my nin."

Isari nodded. "I see. And your payment, for such things?"

"Would depend on which deniable assets were offered." Masa replied. "I won't turn down any sent my way, of course, but sending ranks of genin you wish to harshly cull would earn you considerably less than a few jonin worth the title."

"Right, sliding scale payment." Isari said.

Her eyes turned to Cassidy. "Hey, gawky. What would you ask for, from us?"

Cassidy blinked, then glanced at Masa.

"Why are you asking her?" Masa asked in a terse tone.

"You really want that answer?" Isari asked. "Because I can give it to you, but it involves logic and deduction and you trying to lie your way out of a conclusion I've come to. One that, no offense, gawky there is going to almost certainly contradict you on, by her previous behavior alone. Let alone her reaction."

"I thought you preferred bluntness." Masa said.

"And we thought the rebellion didn't have any Bound, but clearly we were wrong." Isari replied.

Cassidy didn't realize she was doing anything strange until Masa turned to look at her.

Which was when her breath gushed out noisily.

"Like I said." Isari shrugged. "I could go through the logic, but it was pretty unreasonable for you to bring someone as green as her along without a very good reason. Such as showing you had a Bound as well, one that looks to be freely cooperating with you. Which is more than most of the Elemental Nations can say. If that's the case, then you sent your message perfectly, and I can still ask gawky my question."

Masa continued looking at Cassidy. His green eyes held Cassidy's own, and she couldn't look away. She was too nervous to get caught up in them, but they did help relax her slightly.

"Answer her, Cassidy." Masa said. "Honestly."

"Um…" Cassidy looked at Isari, who was still grinning. "What would I request? Can I ask why me, potentially being a Bound, means that I'll give a good answer?"

"Because we've discovered that the Bound have some…odd knowledge of our portion of the world." Isari said, leaning back in her chair. "Can't give anything else away of course, but it's far more knowledge than they should have, given they're all strangers very much out of their own lands."

Cassidy glanced at Masa again. She was chewing on her lip, which was a bad habit, and one she desperately wanted not to display at the moment. She knew it made her look indecisive and weak. It was part of her continual critiques she had received, back before this whole business had started, when she was merely a high school junior nervous and worried about her debut performance at the regional Model UN tournament.

"I…" Cassidy faltered for a moment.

Who would I ask for? Assuming that everyone still in canon exists…well, it can't be any of the Rookie Nine. Or the others. Too early on, they would just get murdered, if they're sent at all. Definitely don't want their jonin sensei, because that might end up denying the MCs the kind of training they'll need to literally save the world. And Masa wants deniable assets, which means they can't be too easily recognized.

Huh. I'd almost ask for Kabuto, if I wasn't worried about his equivalent doing something to acquire more kekkei genkai for Orochimaru.

Other than that, I'm not-

Oh. The answer's right in front of me. That's the obvious answer.

But, that's the obvious answer to someone who only knows the characters presented in the show and manga. And apparently not even all of them, despite my self-declared super fan status. Does Konoha know who the people I might know would be? Another Bound figured out a way around the restrictions, maybe?

"You." Cassidy said. "You, and the others that Terumi-sama referred to as the Yondaime Hokage's favored kunoichi."

Isari blinked. "Really?"

Masa tilted his head. "Cassidy, explain."

"Anyone who's a favored kunoichi of the Yondaime Hokage would've needed to keep up with her on missions." Cassidy said. "Which means Tatami-san, and any others like her, will be very fast. The kind of fast that will let them go after targets we can't, because we wouldn't be able to outrun the pursuit."

Jet could, certainly, but only for a time. Worse, her kekkei genkai churned through her chakra. Kunoichi focused on speed without an easily trackable kekkei genkai would have much better endurance and recovery times. Cassidy had been part of at least a dozen mission meetings where they'd discarded targets because the risk of being tailed was too high. She'd also been on six missions where the team leader had called it off, rather than risk pursuit they likely wouldn't be able to outrun or kill. Cassidy's own abilities could help with that, but even she recognized that her most effective role was concealing Masa for devastating attacks where the enemy was caught off guard.

Masa nodded, turning to look back at Isari. "Tatami?"

"Been a while." Isari mused, her grin faded somewhat. "If you're asking for that, you'd get three jonin, kunoichi who all served as part of the Yondaime Hokage's personal guard. The Hokage will want significant payment."

"An initial number would be helpful, for the negotiations." Masa said dryly.

Isari shook her head. "I don't think it'd be in terms of money. You wouldn't be asking for the kind of supplies we could give, if you had the funds to pay for an indefinite mission for three elite jonin. You'd just buy them yourselves."

Cassidy waited while both Masa and the Konohagakure jonin sat silently. It wasn't what she'd expected from a negotiation. She certainly hadn't expected to be asked for her own opinion.

As much as the tension bothered her, she stayed silent. Cassidy had faith in Masa. She'd seen him hold together the rebellion for over a year, including times where almost every nin involved wanted to throw in the towel. He certainly had a strategy planned out, one that would get the rebellion what they needed without sacrificing anything important.

It just irked her that Isari seemed equally content to stay silent. The smug grin on the woman's face was annoying.

"Well…" Isari said after what felt like an hour. "You want deniable assets, because you want to claim this victory as wholly yours, correct? After all, it's not much of a rebellion by the people if another village helps."

"If you'd like to send anyone along who can take on Yaguya directly, please, feel free." Masa said dryly.

Isari snorted. "You couldn't afford the rates for the Hokage."

"And the Sannin aren't exactly the most reliable, are they?" Masa said. "The one that still has any loyalty at all, anyways."

Isari's smile disappeared for a moment. Then it reappeared, with a bit of an edge.

"The three kunoichi you're wanting, we would all be eminently capable of fulfilling the deniable portion." Isari said. "And none of us use any jutsu or technique that would mark us out as Konoha nin."

"This, however, would certainly classify as a long term, S Rank mission." Isari said. "One where there is a very high probability that one or more of us will not come back functional, or alive at all."

"We will want something of equal, long term value, proportionate to the three of us dying or becoming invalids." Isari said.

Cassidy caught the way Masa's lips tightened ever so slightly.

"Allow me to indulge in a little speculation." Isari continued, her smile a bit cruel as she held up a finger. "You, and your fellow rebels, are fighting against the official fourth Mizukage of Kirigakure. A rebellion that is suspected to have begun a little over four years ago, which very neatly coincides with the sudden absence of any of Kiri's famous kekkei genkai wielders outside of the Land of Water itself. At the same time, Kirigakure declared the borders of the main island closed."

"Yet despite the Yondaime Mizukage's vaunted strength, the enforced isolation, and the deserved reputation of the hunter nin of Kiri, this rebellion has survived and caused problems for years." Isari put up a second finger. "Implying it is comprised of nin who are both powerful and competent, with drive to see such a long term effort through."

"Which nin, might one ask, are powerful, competent, and yet haven't been seen outside of the Land of Water for years?" Isari held up a third finger. "Implying they do not have the Mizukage's trust, or perhaps have greater motivation to remain in their homeland?"

"Oh." Isari said, closing her fist and putting it on the table. "It's all you famous Kiri kekkei genkai wielders. Terumi, Hozuki, Yuki, and Subayai. Even those Funato bastards have been far less active on our coastlines, and Kaminari no Kuni if our sources are correct."

Cassidy did her best to keep her face neutral. She wasn't necessarily surprised that Konoha had come to such a conclusion. It hadn't really been touched on much in the anime or manga, but she imagined they were far more aware of the rebellion in Kiri than had been shown. They had to be; information was one of the two most important currencies in the Elemental Nations.

Still, do they know that the Seven Swordsmen have almost all abandoned the Mizukage as well? Or the jinchuriki?

"Now, for the speculation." Isari said. "Given your reputation, Terumi Masa, I don't believe you'd be particularly inclined to lead a rebellion simply to reclaim your family's former glory. Seduction specialists are rarely interested in holding power for power's sake."

Cassidy blinked.

Masa's a seduction specialist? I mean, not that he'd need to really work all that hard, given those soulful eyes and yummy muscles, but…wha? I haven't seen anything like that.

"Which leads to the conclusion that you are not doing this to restore the status the kekkei genkai clans had before the Sandaime Mizukage's policy changes after the Kaguya Clan's actions." Isari said. "And therefore, the speculation that you are instead doing this to protect your family. That, perhaps, the Bloody Mist has started butchering the kekkei genkai with the same impunity as the rest."

Cassidy could feel Masa doing his best to restrain himself. His chakra was flowing turbulently, putting more stress than usual on the cloak Cassidy still maintained.

"And you asked me to indulge in this speculation for what reason?" Masa asked, his voice low.

"Because, perhaps, perhaps, you and your rebels have younger members of your clans." Isari said. "Members you worry will be butchered, members you cannot take the time to fully train to protect themselves, simply because you have to devote all your efforts to keeping this rebellion going."

"I will not give you hostages to hold a knife to." Masa said emphatically. "That bargaining position will get you nowhere."

"We don't want hostages." Isari shook her head, her smile still cold. "A hostage implies that they would still be considered part of Kiri once this is all settled."

"Nor will I sell my people." Masa replied.

"We're not Kumo." Isari snapped. "We would not purchase, nor extort nor kidnap bloodlines from other villages."

"You claim that after your previous words?" Masa asked, his voice cold.

"Yes." Isari said. "I would. If you would allow my proposal, perhaps you will see that. Or should I just ask you to depart, no deal made?"

"I will hear you out." Masa said.

Cassidy heard the unspoken in those words. The Konohagakure jonin would need an extremely convincing proposal to gain any favor with Masa. This wasn't the first time such a deal had been proposed. Masa had beaten an 'ambassador' from Kumo who had made a bold declaration about eternal support in exchange for a child of each clan. The kunoichi had left in a stretcher, carried by two of her subordinates.

"There are two kekkei genkai in Konoha." Isari said.

The temptation was real to point out that the Uchiha massacre had reduced that to one. Cassidy restrained herself; she had gotten the details on Uchiha Itsuki's act from Masa and she didn't want to poke what was surely a raw wound for any Konohagakure nin. She genuinely wanted these negotiations to lead to a deal. Kiri and Konoha having a working relationship might change everything for the better.

"In all our time, we have never, not once, tried to acquire others." Isari continued. "But we did have allies. Perhaps you remember the tales of the Whirlpool Demons? The Monsters in Red?"

"All of Kiri is familiar with the fall of Uzushiogakure." Masa said shortly. "My grandmother was one of the lucky ones to survive that slaughterhouse."

"Mmm." Isari tugged on her own hair. "I'll avoid further speculation."

Cassidy felt Masa's chakra surge for a moment, before settling.

Yeah, I figured as much.

"Suffice to say, the Uzumaki were nearly completely wiped out." Isari continued. "Their kekkei genkai and their genius at fuinjutsu, gone. We could only seek vengeance."

"Yet, now, we find ourselves beseeched for aid." Isari said. "By a red headed shinobi, one with chakra reserves that would make most kunoichi jonin green with envy. One whose body can support the strain of two kekkei genkai, used simultaneously in some cases. One who took direct attacks from the Four Tails Jinchuriki and withstood the hallucinations that can break even the strongest nin."

"Our proposal doesn't you selling, or giving away any of your people, Terumi-san." Isari said. "It's this: we would like your help, to restart the Uzumaki Clan within our village."

"I'll assume you have a mechanism for that which doesn't involve me abandoning my people." Masa said.

Cassidy noted the amusement in his voice. She knew he wouldn't abandon the rebellion unless he died, but his amusement was startling.

Did he…he couldn't have planned for this. Could he? Unless maybe that was what he requested as part of the identify verification?

"We do." Isari said. "One I think you might even find profitable. Send the young survivors of your clan elsewhere. We would ask that at least two come to Konoha, mostly to protect your line should you fall. I doubt Kiri will welcome any Terumi should your rebellion fail, but we would not demand anything of them. They do not even have to train as kunoichi or shinobi, unless they desire to, and we will ensure their identities are hidden regardless."

"This sounds much like hostages, still." Masa said.

"The opposite." Isari shook her head. "In fact, the Hokage was certain you would be perfectly willing to send some of your family to Konoha, at least temporarily. And she didn't give me a reason why."

Masa sat there for a moment. Cassidy could feel the tension between the two nin. She knew there was a lot she didn't understand, but she couldn't see Masa ever being willing to put his family in harm's way. The Hokage's confidence baffled her.

Masa smiled.


Cassidy couldn't parse Masa's smile.

I'm confused. So confused. What's going on here?

"And after we rid ourselves of Yaguya?" Masa asked.

"Gah." Isari frowned. "Damn. The Hokage told me I'd be baited, but I still don't see how. You're accepting, just like she said."

"You weren't meant to." Masa said, an indulgent aspect appearing in his smile. "But, let's conclude this second round of negotiations. What would happen after Yaguya has been removed?"

"We send volunteers to gain your assistance in restarting the Uzumaki line." Isari said, still frowning. "You won't tell me what I'm not seeing?"

"I believe the phrase that Konoha uses is 'underneath the underneath,' yes?" Masa asked. "Try applying it on your way back. I accept, by the way. Keep this ship on its current trade route. I assume there are supplies in the hold?"

Isari whistled and Cassidy blinked in surprise when two ANBU appeared.

Wait, I didn't sense them at all! What the hell?!

The ANBU ignored her startled reaction, depositing a number of scroll cases on the table.

"These should do for now, and we'll have more when we depart at the conclusion of this ship's trading run." Isari said. "As well as scheduled deposits at warehouses we'll have the locations of when we return."

"Cassidy." Masa said.

Cassidy began grabbing the scrolls. Her vest lacked the sheer number of ninja tools that it was designed to hold, mostly because Cassidy herself lacked the training to use them properly. Anything beyond basic use of a kunai was a bad idea for her. Which left her plenty of room to stuff the numerous scroll cases. The extras she deposited in the small satchel Masa had given her as a birthday present four months ago. It had been completely empty for the raid, but bulkiness was no longer a concern.

"Looking forward to serving with you, Jigokudani, Bound." Isari winked, tilting her chair back.

Cassidy followed Masa over the side of the ship. Only well after they were out of sight of the ship did she hop on Masa's back.

"For your first negotiations, you could've done much worse." Masa said.

Cassidy puckered her lips at the amusement in her voice. "Not funny. Why bring me? Besides the intimidation factor of them not being able to sense you. Also, I wasn't able to sense either of those ANBU, and they had to be on the ship."

"They were." Masa said. "They just moved too fast for you to perceive, and they used an old trick to physically block their chakra from leaking out beforehand."

"There are physical materials that can block chakra?" Cassidy asked.

"We can discuss chakra material science later, Cassidy." Masa said. "I have a more important question at the moment: do you understand?"

"Which part?" Cassidy asked.

"Any of it." Masa replied with a huff of laughter.

"The only thing I understood that maybe that jonin didn't was that you had to have used Hotokaido's fuinjutsu on the mission scroll you sent to Konohagakure." Cassidy said. "But I'm not really sure of anything else. Like why you were so adamant about not sending hostages, then suddenly flipped around and agreed to send some of your family."

Her face reddened as she contemplated the other portion. "Oh, the whole getting a bunch of women pregnant! I understood that part well enough!"

Masa started laughing. "I see. Does that bother you?"

It did. For many reasons.

Cassidy chose one of the less embarrassing ones. "I don't like the idea of women being used as breeding machines, more or less."

"Fair." Masa replied. "But, unlike what you are thinking, there is a great deal of honor and prestige in being part of a nin Clan. The jonin back there wasn't using a euphemism. The women they send my way, should we win, will certainly be volunteers. Any civilians that they send may even maneuver to stick around as a concubine for me afterwards."

Cassidy frowned. "Ugh. That seems so…demeaning."

"For them, it is an easy way to ensure their children, and themselves, will have a good life." Masa said. "You've not seen much of it, since the Clans are currently caught up in the rebellion, but I think you may misunderstand what a concubine is."

"How so?" Cassidy asked.

"They will likely carry at least one child of a direct union between us." Masa said. "But the rest would almost certainly be transplanted embryos, so that the resulting children have a higher chance of being nin."

Cassidy blinked. "Wait…so…they have one actual kid with you, then the rest would be like, your wife's and yours, or something like that?"

"More or less, though the contracts can become very complex." Masa replied. "Shinobi with chakra reserves like mine are a rather rare breed. Anyone planning for the future of their Clan would do their best to minimize the dilution of that. Thus, children with kunoichi, likely the ones who will be my wives. Playing the odds."

Cassidy dug her fingers into Masa's shoulders. "You could sound less smug about having multiple wives, Mr. Seduction Specialist."

Masa laughed again. "This is part of why I like you, Cassidy. You can make me laugh about even the dreariest of things."

Red burned on Cassidy's face and she was extremely glad Masa wasn't able to look at her.

"We won't get into the politics and toxicity of having multiple, political spouses." Masa said. "But thank you for reminding me that there will always people like you in my life, who will help me see the humor in even the worst situations."

Gah, okay, I can see why he's a seduction specialist. I want to melt right now…

"Back to my question." Masa said. "Though I'll be more specific: do you understand why I agreed?"

"No." Cassidy said. "Because it still feels like you gave away hostages."

"It does feel like that." Masa said. "And feelings are important. Feeling that they are hostages is why the ones I do send will be safe."

"Yeah, Konoha has some nasty characters in it." Cassidy replied, her mind immediately going to the mastermind behind Root. "But…you agreed because the perception presented made it safer for the people you're sending?"

"That's part of it." Masa said. "Another part is that the motives of Konoha are very clear. I can work with that. Even if they are hiding that they're hoping my descendants might also have either of my kekkei genkai, in addition to the Uzumaki kekkei genkai, that's fairly straightforward."

"And you don't feel bad about never knowing those children?" Cassidy asked.

"I do." Masa said. "But in the way this world works, such a price is light indeed. Those children will be well cared for by Konoha."

"What if they try to coerce your family into staying?" Cassidy asked.

"They won't." Masa replied. "I'm certain of that. Hotokaido does excellent work when it comes to binding seals."

"Oh!" Cassidy exclaimed. "That's how you knew what that jonin didn't!"

"Partially." Masa nodded his head. "But yes, I'm very certain they won't try anything foolish. The Hokage and her advisors are well known for their patience, regardless."

"So…who are you sending then?" Cassidy asked. "Are you going to send anyone from other Clans?"

"No, though I may advise they send some of their youngest out into the world, to places where their protectors don't have to worry about Kiri nin hunting them down as easily." Masa said. "As for whom to send…I am still thinking on it. They will need protectors to go with them, and those will have to be people I can trust."

Cassidy clamped down on volunteering herself. She knew she wasn't strong enough to protect most of Masa's family. His twelve year old cousin had kicked her around in a taijutsu spar just the previous week.

Is it so wrong to just really want to see Konoha?

"Do you have any recommendations?" Masa asked.

"Me?" Cassidy blinked. "Why?"

"Most of my family will be biased and the fellow rebels I would trust an opinion from have all been fully fledged nin for at least a decade." Masa said. "Tatami's wording implied they'd prefer us to send kunoichi or shinobi still in training. And I would agree, especially because quite a few that would otherwise be fully trained have not been, due to the revolution. You are their age, or close to it. You have spent time with them, outside of training and missions. You've seen how they interact with a new nin, one they're uncertain of the loyalties and motives of."

"Putting it bluntly, I am asking which of them you think would be the most mature about it." Masa said. "And the most capable of handling the situation they'll be thrust into."

"Oh." Cassidy said.

It wasn't a difficult conclusion. Masa had three siblings and seven cousins younger than himself that Cassidy had interacted with. Taking into consideration that Konoha would certainly want ones with red hair, and combining it with Masa's request for those who were near her age or younger, only six were even eligible.

Of those, Cassidy immediately discarded Hidashi, Masa's youngest cousin. He might be able to kick Cassidy around, but he was only twelve and worshipped the ground his older sister Reika walked on. She was only a couple years older than Cassidy herself, but she doted on her younger brother.

And given my discreet questions, I know that people become nin here much older. Like Kiri's on the young end, at sixteen.

Which means that Konoha, at age eighteen…well, the Crash hasn't happened yet, so the Rookie Nine are still in the Academy. Probably. Masa said there are a lot of tensions going on, but that the last one to host a chunin exam with multiple big villages was Kiri, right before the rebellion. And given how the invitation structure works, we'd know before the next one was hosted in Konoha.

If I send people their age, maybe they'll become friends. Or at least acquaintances. Maybe they'll even attend the Academy?

Question: send boys or girls?

Or both?

Cassidy knew approximately where she was in the timeline. After all, every village had heard about the Kyuubi attacking Konohagakure. It put Team Seven at roughly seventeen years old. That gave her a window to operate in.

The real problem she had was that it was almost certain Konoha had Bound of their own. Bound who might have been able to get around their restrictions, in a way that Cassidy hadn't thought of. Bound that might have had that knowledge forced out of them, in a manner that the rebellion hadn't taken with Cassidy.

While Masa had given no indication of whether or not he understood her stories as anything more than the possibly broken ramblings of a girl under far too much stress after being thrown from a peaceful life into a much more violent one, it was possible that someone in Konoha had picked up on some strangeness. Certain, if Isari's words were to be believed, though Cassidy had little idea of exactly how much they might know. If Konoha had Bound that could provide meta knowledge, then there was no telling what the actual situation was like in the village.

If they didn't, she would send Hitomi and Kurodai in a heartbeat. Hitomi was Masa's cousin and a cheerful, vibrant girl, while Kurodai, Masa's youngest brother, was a straightforward, speak from the heart kind of guy. Either, possibly both, would make fast friends with someone like Naruto, regardless of gender. Especially when they discovered they very well could be related.

Cassidy didn't know, though. As such, she couldn't really contemplate sending either of them. Hitomi and Kurodai were both a bit too on the nose, and while they might be told to watch for foul play, they weren't naturally suspicious enough to maintain that kind of guard. Danzo or Kabuto or their equivalents were already a problem, regardless of how much meta knowledge they might have. Sending the two nin who were likely closest to having the Will of Fire would, ironically, be the most likely way to cause irreconcilable differences between Kiri and Konoha.

I think. Who knows what Danzo's version is like in this world. Hebiasu is likely far more obsessed with the uniqueness of the Bound rather than 'mundane' kekkei genkai, even potential Uzumaki or Terumi, but that's not certain. And I've already met nin who definitely didn't exist in the anime or manga, so who knows what other villains might be sitting around in Konoha, waiting to manipulate or leverage anyone too trusting. Regardless, I wouldn't want to risk sending them. The nin going need to have some suspicion, or they're little better than prey.

And I can't really advise sending Hiro. Either he'll kill the 'Last Uchiha,' or Sasuke's equivalent will kill him.

Only two real options then.

"Kanami and Morinoshin." Cassidy said after running through her reasoning.

Masa made a humming noise. "Not who I thought you would have picked. You aren't worried about Kanami's temper or Morinoshin's perversions? They could be equal problems, or easy levers to press."

"Konoha has gotten by with the Legendary Pervert among the Sannin." Cassidy said. "And Morinoshin getting beaten repeatedly by kunoichi he's peeping on will make him look less threatening. As for Kanami, even if she does let her temper get the better of her, her anger doesn't make her stupid. It just makes her meaner. They'll be known for those traits by people their age pretty quickly, instead of just as 'last second Uzumaki.'"

"The others have worse problems, anyways." Cassidy said. "Hidashi's too young, Hitome and Kurodai too easily trusting, and Hiro's too likely to go after the Uchiha."

"Though I will preemptively say I have no idea who to send with them as protectors." Cassidy continued. "Because I know it won't be any of the kekkei genkai wielders, and they're the only ones I really know, outside of you and your family."

"I suppose I have kept you isolated." Masa mused. "I can see your reasoning. I'm not certain who my final choices will be, but you make good points."

"I just wonder how the Hokage thinks she'll be able to introduce two Uzumaki nin in training without creating an uproar." Cassidy said as land came into view.

"That, I have covered." Masa said. "Do you remember my aunt Fu and my uncle Hidashi?"

Oh.

Ohhhhh.

Konoha's Green Beast may about to meet their soulmate and antithesis, at the same time.


"Eh?" Chori, Narisa, and Shikahana all wore faces of confusion.

Ry held up the sets of wrist and ankle weights. They weren't the same as his own, which used seals that Kazune or Akena adjusted whenever they thought he needed more restriction. Ry wasn't actually sure how much 'weight' he was lugging around. Kazune and Akena had been adjusting them every week or so since he got them.

The kunoichi in training also weren't getting the undershirt that Kazune had added since he'd gotten off of Hirana's recovery program. The undershirt made him miserable, and Kazune adjusted the weight every other day.

Catch up my ass. She just likes seeing me miserable.

The three sets in his hands were purely ceramic. There was still some fuinjutsu trickery going on, as the listed weights were too heavy for something so small.

"Weight training." Ry said, waving the weights around. "Like Riri-san does. They'll help you get stronger. I wear some already."

Ry slid his left sleeve up, tapping one of the weights in his hand against the bracer. "Mine are a little different, but they do work."

Pretty sure that's why I was able to keep up a bit better than I expected against that chunin. She was still wicked fast, but it should've been insurmountable. Wonder how Kazune made it so the weights know when to deactivate.

"Eh, skewer-kun, why?" Narisa asked.

Ry pointed at Narisa. "Because you want to be Hokage, and the Hokage needs to be strong."

His finger shifted to Chori. "Because your Clan jutsu amplify the effects of your existing musculature, which means the stronger you are now, the stronger you are when it's multiplied."

"And you…" Ry's finger moved to Shikahana. "Because it's a great way to tell your dad that you're constantly training without it being a lie."

Shikahana blinked a few times. "That's…huh. That might actually get him to put away the frying pan."

Ry winced. Shikahana hadn't shared much in the few times they'd hung out, but the one time her father had come to collect her, there was a frying pan hanging off his belt. Ry hadn't asked what it was for, but he'd had guesses.

"There's no actual training to do, just these weights to wear." Ry said.

"That's a lot of work, skewer-kun." Narisa said, pouting.

"Do you want to learn the jutsu that sensei taught me?" Ry asked.

Narisa puffed out her cheeks. "Mean."

"Yep." Ry grinned. "Don't have the same leverage for you two, but it is a good idea."

"Mmm, if Shika says it's a good idea." Chori said.

"It's a drag-"

Literally. Heh.

"-but a good idea." Shikahana said, rubbing her neck. "Though I reserve the right to extra naps because of this."

"Since when have I stopped you from ever taking a nap?" Ry raised an eyebrow.

"He's got a point." Narisa said. "Since when has anyone stopped you from napping?"

"My point stands." Shikahana said.

Once the weights went on, they went on to their scheduled activity.

Chori entered the kitchen along with Ry. The two of them were prepping food, while Shikahana sat at the table across from Narisa.

They'd played precisely three matches of Shogi in their time hanging out and Ry was fairly certain Shikahana had found herself a challenge. That challenge was predicting and containing the chaotic playing style of Narisa, who clearly got enjoyment out of baffling the Nara.

Leaving them to it, Ry followed Chori's instructions as they prepped the food.

His first life had consisted of years of bachelorhood, at least when it came to living arrangements, so Ry wasn't helpless in the kitchen. He was, however, completely new to quite a few of the dishes that were staples in Konoha.

Chori had been delighted when Ry asked if she would help him learn to cook. He'd asked mostly because he'd heard her talking with Shikahana about different meal preps; she seemed like an aficionado.

It was only after he'd asked that Ry learned the Akimichi Clan owned a number of restaurants. Restaurants that Chori had been helping at since she was five. She'd spent nearly twelve years learning the ins and outs of Akimichi cooking.

She was insanely good and Ry was happy to have her as a teacher. Especially with any of the-

Ry jerked his hand away from the tomato, barely avoiding the knife thudding into the cutting board.

"Thinner slices, Shiranui-kun." Chori said without looking in his direction.

Screw kunai, give this lady a bracer of cleavers.

By the time they'd finished, Narisa was practically vibrating in her seat. She barely looked at the Shogi board as she played, which was no doubt driving Shikahana nuts.

Wonder if Narisa's making legal moves, or if Shikahana just enjoys the extra challenge.

Thirty minutes later, Narisa and Chori were slumped on their seats, patting their bellies contentedly. Bowls were piled in front of the two of them. Ry wasn't sure who'd suggested the eating contest, but he could see both kunoichi were on the verge of a food coma.

Definitely making Narisa do the dishes.

"Shiranui." Ry glanced over to see Shikahana giving him an odd look.

When Ry quirked an eyebrow, she got up and walked towards the balcony. Ry followed.

Once Ry shut the door, he found Shikahana giving him a contemplative look. She had her fingers steepled as she considered him.

Ry shrugged. "Did you need something, Nara-san?"

"Why are you doing this?" Shikahana asked.

"You'll have to be more specific." Ry said.

"This." Shikahana pointed inside, where Narisa and Chori were both still slumped over. "Cooking, inviting us all over. You've been asking Chori to hang out with the two of us frequently. After months of no interaction at all."

"Ah." Ry nodded.

He held up two fingers. "Two reasons. First, and foremost, Narisa needs friends. Besides just me. I know how most of our classmates would treat her, but when you and Akimichi-san invited us to hang out the first time, I saw an opportunity."

"Mm." Shikahana blinked a few times.

Ry waited for more. Shikahana didn't say anything.

"As for the second reason, let me ask a question in return." Ry said, nodding towards the insensate duo inside. "Why'd you invite Narisa and I to hang out in the first place? You could have done that at any point in the past few months as well."

"Because kaa-san asked me to keep an eye on her." Shikahana said. "And inviting you made it more likely she would come."

"Thought it might be something like that." Ry nodded, appreciating the blunt answer.

Shuffling over, he leaned against the balcony's railing. "Nara-san, why do you think your mom asked you to keep an eye on her?"

"Because she was involved in the yokai incident." Shikahana said. "Kaa-san said she wanted someone to watch to make sure she hadn't been influenced by any of the yokai."

Didn't know that was a thing. Joy.

"Fair." Ry nodded. "Does your mom ever do anything for just one reason?"

Ry couldn't remember much about Shikamaru's family. The reputation the Nara Clan had, that he'd been able to glean, was that of unrivaled intelligence and laziness. They'd happily sit around and do nothing all day. When they did act, they did so as efficiently as possible.

Ry also knew Shikahana's mother was one of the three nin commanders of Konohagakure's military. Ry wasn't entirely sure how it worked, but he knew the Nara Clan head had significant resources at her fingertips. She didn't need her daughter keeping an eye on Narisa. There were myriad ways to gain the intelligence Shikahana would provide. Most notable amongst them, the squad of ANBU Ry knew were lurking in the area.

A Nara had deliberately chosen inefficiency.

All of those facts were available to Shikahana had available as well, excepting the knowledge about the ANBU squad. Facts her mind was no doubt recalling and considering.

"No." Shikahana said slowly. "She doesn't."

"Think on that, Nara-san." Ry said. "What other objectives will this fulfill for your mom? Why is she after these objectives now? I'm pretty sure they're not malicious. You're way smarter than I am, I'm sure you'll figure it out quickly."

Shikahana stared at Ry for a minute without speaking. Ry waited for a response. When it didn't come, Ry closed his eyes, enjoying the sounds of the breeze intermixed with the bustle of the nearby street.

The lack of smell of pollution and garbage was great. Ry had taken to reading with his balcony doors open, just to enjoy the environment. It was a lesser version of nature bathing, and he reveled in it when given the chance.

"Shiranui." Ry opened his eyes to find Shikahana looking at him.

Exasperated, is my guess.

"Mmm?" Ry cocked his head.

"You're smarter than you give yourself credit for." Shikahana said.

Ry blinked. "Thank you?"

"Irritated that you've given me more work." Shikahana sighed. "But I'll figure it out. That's probably one of my mom's objectives in the first place."

"Okay?" Ry said, straightening up. "Should I expect us hanging out more regularly? Without me needing to ask?"

"Yeah." Shikahana sighed, rubbing her temples. "But as long as you're willing to help Chori cook, it shouldn't be a big deal. No one's ever asked her to teach them how to cook."

"She's unbelievable." Ry said. "Considering I live by myself, learning how to make really good food for myself seems like a good idea. Can't turn into a ramen addict like Narisa."

"That's smart." Shikahana said. "Though I'm surprised you're living by yourself."

"Why?" Ry asked.

"Most shinobi in training who aren't part of a Clan live with their families." Shikahana said. "Or, if they're like you, and your aunt being out on missions regularly, they usually have a live in girlfriend or two."

"They what?" Ry couldn't help the incredulity in his voice.

"You didn't know." Shikahana nodded. "I thought not, given how few nin have permanent living quarters outside of Konoha proper."

"I have…so many questions." Ry said.

Shikahana wasn't wrong. Prior to ending up in Konoha, Ry could very confidently state he'd had zero experience with nin and their living situations. Not in the way Shikahana had concluded, but he doubted anyone – even someone of the Nara's formidable intelligence – would naturally come to the conclusion that he was from another world. Especially when he had some sort of jutsu or crazy thing in his head that prevented him from slipping up about anything that might indicate his extra knowledge.

"I bet you do." Shikahana snorted. "I'm not answering them."

"Joy." Ry muttered.

He'd have to ask Kazune. Ginna was out on a mission. Long term, and she had no idea when it would end. He knew better than to ask for the details, but the goodbye had been surprising emotional the previous day.

He hadn't planned for it, but it was obvious that she'd gone from 'aunt' to aunt at some point without him consciously realizing it.

Ry had been trying not to think about it. They'd visited a notary, with Ry signing to be the recipient of her death benefits. It had been…sobering, especially after Ry's recent brush with death.

"I'm guessing being friends with Narisa is probably part of that." Ry ventured a guess, pushing his mind away from the worry he felt for his aunt.

"Mm." Shikahana shrugged. "You'll figure it out."

"Is that an implication that I should get one?" Ry asked.

"It wouldn't hurt." Shikahana said. "Most kunoichi expect it, really. Some even are willing to let the civilians stay on. Though that's only for the shinobi who will likely end up with concubines. The ones who typically marry into a Clan and are responsible for having a bunch of children."

Ry stared at Shikahana. The Nara stared back impassively. Ry thought he could see a corner of her mouth twitching ever so slightly, but she had an impressive poker face.

"I have no words." Ry said eventually.

"Mm." Shikahana shrugged again. "You'll figure it out."

Ry wasn't sure that he would. Not at all. He wasn't sure he wanted to figure it out.

So he changed the subject. Unsubtly, with not a care for how Shikahana would take it.

"Let's go inside and make Narisa do dishes." Ry said. "You can use your shadow to help her out."

Shikahana blinked a few times. "But I didn't cook."

"You did eat though." Ry said. "And after what you just dropped on me, I need revenge. Thus, your lazy butt is helping her with dishes."


And that's two out of two for this upload!

Apologies for the late uploads. All I'll say is that the holiday celebrations, moving houses, and working a full time job on the third shift make for a brutal combination.

Onto story related stuff.

First and foremost, thanks for the reviews, follows, and favorites. I'll be honest, I had to step away from this story, and FF in general, for almost the entirety of December due to IRL necessities. I know I had reviews, follows, and favorites before this - thanks for the very first review, which pointed out I should probably double check uploads before publishing them (that got a face palm of the loud variety) - but seeing those numbers go up put the absolute biggest smile on my face. I like writing this, for all sorts of reasons, but knowing people like reading it? Yeah, that'll make any author, wannabe like me or the pros out there, grin like idiots. Knowing you're creating something that people like to consume is awesome. As for the review about cross-posting, that's something I plan on digging into. Not quite yet, those pesky real life concerns are continuing to curtail my writing time along with associated activities, but I do like the idea of more people seeing it.

Seriously, though, thanks for letting me know you all like what I'm putting out.

Two, Cassidy is fun to write. Partially because we get to see another part of the Elemental Nations, partially because it's fun to write someone more typical to fanfiction - i.e. with a much larger knowledge base than Ry - and partially because she introduces us to Terumi Masa and the Kiri rebellion, which was something I've had percolating in my brain for a while. A rebellion, that to my limited knowledge, doesn't really get talked about much. Which, as a fanfiction writer, means lots of wiggle room. Fertile grounds for creative license. I'm sure other authors have taken that challenge on as well, but I'm doing my best to put my own spin on it.

It's also fun to get her reactions to Masa. The idea of a male seduction specialist was something that made me laugh initially, but then I took a second look at it and thought it could make for some really interesting material. Cassidy, as a self-proclaimed Naruto nerd, just makes me grin every time I picture her interacting with Masa. And the Chojuro equivalent, but they haven't made their debut yet. We'll be seeing more of Cassidy, more of Masa, and several others in the rebellion in the future. It's one of those inflection points that would make a massive difference in canon, if it resolves differently, and plans so far have it resolving very differently.

Three, I'm having fun with the abilities the Bound possess. Whether that's multiple kekkei genkai, unique kekkei genkai, or just the strange - I cannot wait for you to meet a particular character whose ability is simultaneously the most ineffective and yet crucial ability I've figured out yet - they're quite fun. I'm doing my best to limit their 'brokenness,' but the Naruto universe already has enough OP shenanigans that it's been easier than I figured it would be.

Cassidy's, for example, is terrifying in a way that won't really become clear until we get past genin level combat. Remember, these are perspective characters, and they're interacting with trained liars and killers. What she knows about her ability is not necessarily all there is to know, or all everyone who's dealt with it knows. The characters in this story, particularly the experienced and veteran nin, lie and deceive by trade and by habit. They're maneuvering against each other all the time.

That's a lesson to apply to a lot of things, actually. As a hint, there's a couple of fairly significant lies in previous chapters that characters have already been told or told themselves yet to be outed, both about abilities or just other 'established' facts. I will, as an author, do my best to make sure the revelations of those lies are foreshadowed ahead of time - I'm not a big fan of Deus Ex Machina in general, and am going to be working like crazy to avoid it in this particular work - but they're out there already. I will make the promise that characters aren't going to lie in their thoughts, or non-spoken exposition, because I'm not that mean, but as you're reading, consider how much or how little trust there may be between characters. I'll repeat, for emphasis, especially the veteran nin. *Cough cough nudge nudge wink wink take the hint already!*

But, back to Bound abilities! The fun ideas abound, and will be used. Do know that not all Bound are going to get major 'screen time,' just due to how the narrative flows. Suggestions are welcome, though the Bound likely to be featured most prominently have already been plotted out. Sorta important to know the abilities of various protagonists and antagonists. Unless someone has an awesome idea that inspires me. In which, case I will steal shamelessly and may message the source to ask if they have a name in mind.

Finally, a thought provoking exercise: anyone got any ideas about Ry's abilities? He has two, one of which I've already been hinting at, and the other I've done the opposite of hint at.

Sorry for the long ramble, but thanks for reading, if you read ANs. See you in February!