Naruto: Shoton of Konoha

by Arch-Daishou00

: For Stormy Rebel, miss you, Joachim, and thank you: "By the actions of the traitor Mizuki. Naruto awakens a rare Kekkei Genkai. And his path has now changed. And in the darkness awakens an ancient threat more terrifying than the Akatsuki, which only stirs thought of myths from a lost and forgotten age." : huge world expansion story, OC. Co-Author: Etheral-23

67. So what's next?

Disclaimer: We do not own Naruto

Co-Author and Beta: Etheral-23

Chapter 67: So what's next?

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

While the meeting was more hurried, the clan leaders, Jounin, and several Chunin entered one of the larger meeting halls within the Hokage tower. More than a handful of ANBU, Commander Fox included, also stood around in various places while their Gondaime stood behind a podium. Behind her were Shizune and the elders, who looked slightly disheveled, while the retired Sandaime looked more rejuvenated. Beside them was Jiraiya with his arms crossed and unreadable in his expression. Dainin Kushina and Kosuke were beside him, said the larger man, grumpily adjusting his armor before being smacked lightly by his smaller cousin.

"Oh, stop it. You'll get used to it," the former ANBU whispered.

Kosuke grunted, "Do I have to be here?"

"Yes, you're a Dainin now. We represent Maiyuri-hime as her liaison in the village. So we have to do things like this." Kushina chimed with a wink.

The towering man grumbled, "Couldn't I have brought Kuma in?" Kushina now groans, rubbing her eyes. More than a few odd looks came from the others in his direction from those beside him, "What?"

"I'm getting too old for this," Elder Homura took off his glasses, massaging his temples.

Ignoring banter, Tsunade kept observing people entering the room till she knew everyone summoned was at last there, "Thank you for all coming so quickly for this." The room went quiet as everyone turned their attention to their kage. "I know you all have questions about what is happening, and all of that will be addressed here."

Hiashi glanced at Inoichi and Chōza. Tsume tapped her foot with impatience crossing her arms under her bust.

There were rumors aplenty. The ninja who returned from the Land of Trees shared stories about the horrors there, but most importantly, the impassioned speech and determination to root out the status quo from its foundations and create something different.

The Shinobi there could not hide their amazement at the princess's words and were definitely on board with following after her goals. The rest of the shinobi force... well, to say they were unsure was an understatement.

Tsunade nodded to a man beside her, one who had not gone unnoticed but whose presence did not warrant particular attention. The robes of the official capital courier were the only thing that stood out about this seemingly unassuming man. He pulled a long scroll from his white and red sleeves and adjusted square-rimmed glasses, clearing his throat as he unfurled it.

He spoke up firmly without missing a beat. "By decree of his lordship, Daimyo Akiha Sasaki, the pledge of the neighboring countries that have long since acted as vassals, and the expansion of the Land of Fire's territory via the annexation of the Land of Trees, calls for our homeland to be referred to as the Asahi Empire officially."

The Rising Sun Empire, the name alone, implied so much. The Land of Fire had been called an empire in the early days of Emperor Amotsu after he unified the clans and assimilated the countries of Heat, Summer, Sun, and Flame. Once the Land of Fire was considered a single nation, the title of Emperor was seen as unneeded, and the role of Daimyo took its place.

It meant, once more, their borders would encompass far more than their country.

"As such, Daimyo Akiha Sasaki has embraced the title of Emperor. Long may he reign."

"Long may he reign!" The reaction was instinctive; they were still sworn to the seat of power in the Land of Fire, regardless of the title used.

The speaker continued, "To further advance the interests of this nation and its agenda, Emperor Akiha has reinstated the shogunate and appointed his daughter, Princess Maiyuri Sasaki, as Shogun. She has been granted authority over the various Land of Fire's military branches. Including the royal army, the Twelve Guardian Ninja, and the shinobi forces comprised of Konohagakure no Sato, and all stationed Shinobi in the country."

Murmurs rang out throughout the crowd of gathered heads and shinobi officials. Only the Daimyo before had held so much authority over the nation. And now they were to take orders directly from the princess, who was still in her 20s... Many would call into question her experience. Others would be wary of her motives.

The envoy unfurled more of the scroll, going over the next part. "By order of the shogun, the Asahi Empire has begun a mobilization of its armed forces into the Land of Lions."

Gasps and words of exclamation rang out. Kushina pursed her lips. The heavy part started now...

"A letter of intent towards its daimyo has been sent and rejected, officially declaring war upon the Land of Lions."

"The hell...?!" Someone muttered, yet loud enough to be heard, the discontent in many was evident. A tyrant ruled the Land of Lions, yes, but if the princess... the Shogun wanted to take over the country, sure, she'd utilize the shinobi forces for a quick dismantling of their power structure.

"By her command, a portion of the shinobi forces will be drafted to serve in the imperial army as part of the shinobi corps. To meet the quota, Konohagakure must free up to 40% of its fighting force."

"F-F-FOURTY PERCENT?!" Multiple of the gathered Shinobi exclaimed at once.

"B-b-b-but... Hokage-Sama!" A Jounin stammered in utter bewilderment, "That's nearly half of our forces! And some of them are in crucial missions as we speak!"

Tsunade nods, "I am well aware. But from here on out, things will change as the Asahi Empire gets its foundation set up."

"And dismantling Konoha's forces is a part of this reasoning?" Hiashi inquired.

"Our semi-autonomy is suspended."

Kushina winced as more than a few were vocally outraged by that new order. By Jiraiya's expression, he was expecting this kind of blowback. Hiruzen sighed while his fellow elders only looked ten years older by all the stress of these matters.

"So now we're just going to be soldiers while Maiyuri-hime plays war games!?"

"Silence!" Tsunade's tone immediately affected the room, "Shogun Maiyuri is playing no games. She seeks to unify the Elemental Nations into one solidified country. And she has shown herself to be fully competent and more skilled than individuals twice her age. She proved herself twice over in the Land of Trees."

"Maiyuri-hime wants to break the cycle we all have been caught in for decades!" A Jounin who fought in the Land of Trees battle spoke up for their new Shogun's defense. "Things need to change!"

A chunin reproached, "Why!? We've been doing fine!"

"Three damn shinobi wars say otherwise!" A chunin retorted back.

Asuma leaned against the wall beside Kurenai, Guy, and Anko, "Well, this is going as I expected," The Sarutobi blew out some smoke from his cigarette.

"...Where the hell is Hatake?" Anko grumbled, glancing around.

"Dainin business for Maiyuri-hime," Guy answered. "Besides this meeting, other jobs need his attention."

Kurenai rubbed her arms, "So much is happening so fast."

"Doubt it will slow down anytime soon," She glanced at her lover, who kept his eyes on the Hokage.

Amidst the choir of doubt and discomfort, the head of the Hyuuga clan made his voice heard, silencing the rest. "Hokage-sama, should these changes have not been discussed with the village beforehand?" The clan's influence and presence in the village could not be questioned, so when Hiashi spoke, the others listened.

"Our emperor did not ask, he commanded," Tsunade said, "and we follow."

And that was as far as they could go about protesting these changes. They were sworn to the Fire Court. They could not defy their lord's orders. "How will this affect the running of the village?"

"Maiyuri-sama does not expect us to drop everything suddenly. She knows the village conducts vital operations for the nation's safety. But she is redirecting most of the shinobi forces to be part of the war effort."

"...And the individual cultures of the clans, our traditions?"

Tsunade saw the real meaning behind his question. 'What will she order us to do next?' and 'What will she forbid us from doing?'. He was talking about a certain matter regarding his clan.

"That would depend on her, and if the clan's activities go against her goals," She left it at that. If Maiyuri wanted to stop using the Caged Bird Seal, it'd just need to be brought to her attention. Slavery was illegal in the Land of Fire after all, which by definition, the Hyuuga clan practiced. The court had been content to ignore the issue due to the usefulness of the clan, but she doubted Maiyuri would be as lenient.

And no doubt that's what Hiashi wanted.

"My lady" A man stepped forward with light brown hair and small black eyes. He looked to be in his late 50s. He was recognized as Unkai of the Kurama clan. Dwindled as their numbers were, the clan was still one of the village's most talented shinobi lineages with their powerful genjutsu abilities. "This village has worked tirelessly to prevent war for the Land of Fire. These orders go against the purpose by which Konoha funded in the first place."

Tsunade quickly put an end to the agreements that went to man. "The village was funded to prevent inter-clan warfare. The purpose of preventing war between the great nations was the reason the Land of Fire allowed us to build the village in the first place. We served our purpose dutifully, but Maiyuri-hime is wary of the villages' highly predictable wars. The war economy is doing more harm than good to the country and has deemed the shinobi system to have run its course."

There were grimaces among those present but also a deep sense of relief. Many Shinobi here lived through the Second and Third Great Ninja Wars. They were not looking forward to the prospect of another so soon in their lifetimes. Granted, this did not mean they were eager to jump to Maiyuri's war, but if it prevented more of the same conflict from arising constantly, it was their chance to end it.

Tsunade turned to the envoy. "Related to that, I believe there is one more thing?"

He nodded, adjusting his glasses again and reading the decree's last part. "Finally: The Konoha Academy's graduation age shall be sixteen. All active underage Shinobi already graduated beneath may keep their status, but the Academy shall close its doors until a new curriculum to fit the new age requirement is presented to and approved by the Shogun herself."

"WHAT!?" More than a few voices shouted in protest.

"Tsunade-sama," A woman in her mid-twenties with short black hair and fair skin spoke in a near-panicked voice. A black futatsudomoe sowed onto one of the long sleeves of her Jounin uniform, "That would cut our forces immensely!" Momiji Kohaku, the heiress of the Kohaku Clan, was stressed with panic.

"We are no longer in a state that requires children to take up arms and face struggles only adults should confront." Hiruzen spoke up with a steely look, "There have been enough children's hands stained with blood because of the mistakes of their seniors. The Third Shinobi War should have woken us from that. Instead, we made more victims, thrusting them into a conflict that broke many lives! The cycle ends here."

Jiraiya, along with Kushina, could not help but smirk, seeing the outraged faces of many back off from the declaration of the retired Sandaime. 'You wanted to get that off your chest forever, old man.' Tsunade glanced back, not hiding her smirk from her sensei, before looking back with a steely frown. "We make do with what we have. This is the world we live in now."

Still, many standing in the meeting hall had various degrees of emotion glowing on their faces.

"We've fought the village's prosperity for so long while in the service of our country. Now our lord has decreed there is no longer any distinction between country and hidden village; our actions are the empire's actions, and the empire also represents this village. We are called to serve, and so we answer. As loyal Shinobi of the Land of Fire and the Asashi Empire."

The gathered Shinobi looked among themselves, unsure how to navigate these new circumstances. Things had been like this before many of them had even been born. The way they operated was all they knew. Some thought after all they had given for the country, the court had no right to take away their way of life. Others were far more concerned with the long-term consequences. They were about to enter active conflict, which many hoped to avoid. And yet the rest managed to remain logical. This was no request; their Emperor and Shogun commanded, and they were honor-bound to obey.

It was Tsume who spoke up at last. "What does the empire need of us, Hokage-sama?"

Now the real work could begin.

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Leaning back on a long couch in the Shogun's office, Naruto looked at the young woman in question as she talked through her desk's telephone. "Yes, I wasn't expecting them to be happy about it... I am, however, glad to hear they are smart enough to follow a royal command, of course..." She paused in intervals as the person on the other end replied. "The Guardian Ninja Incident all those years ago paints a worrisome picture. We can't afford Shinobi believing they need to pick sides. I need them all to understand the nation's interests go for all of its inhabitants, Shinobi or not..." Maiyuri sighed, pinching her nose. "Yes, I'm aware there will still be discontent one way or another. Please handle that on your end regarding Shinobi... Leave that to me. I'll let my actions and, importantly, the results speak for themselves." She paused for a longer moment. "Yes, I'll need him here, for the time being, he's closest to the people from Lanka... Not to worry, I have all the information I need... Alright then, keep me posted... Will do. Goodbye," She hung up the phone and looked at her Dainin. "Your mother and grandmother say hi."

He mirthfully raises a hand and waves energetically. "Hi!" Which got a chuckle out of the young Shogun. He observed Maiyuri unfurling a letter dryly deadpan, "Who is that from?"

"Daimyo Kanako of the Land of Lions." She glanced over to see some recognition from the blond, " Kanako has been that land's ruler for well over thirty years. Her sense of values coincides with that of Tokuhara." Naruto's brow furrowed, "However, she takes an aggressive approach, forcing her citizens into her army regardless of whether they want to. She killed every political rival who questioned her actions and judgment. She has kept her lands and people prisoner for far too long."

Naruto leaned back against the couch, "Why was nothing ever done till now?"

"The truth is we were simply focused on other matters and enemies than pay attention to the tyranny within our borders." Maiyuri shook her head, "That will be one of many corrections to be fixed within our lands."

Naruto looked at her, "So there will be fighting."

Looking at the young boy, the young Shogun got up and walked around her desk. Making her way to the couch and sitting beside him, "Regrettably, yes. However, I will not make the aggressive first move. I will only attack if someone attacks us first. Moreover, I would rather try diplomacy over warfare. Avoid unnecessary bloodshed on both sides. But not everyone will be so agreeable, as Kanako made it evident." She hands the Daimyo's letter to the blond.

His cerulean orbs go over the words written, making him sharply growl.

"Ignore the ranting about me. Pay particular notice to how she said her subjects would proudly defend her nation to the death. Of course, many of them will be forced at the edge of a blade." Maiyuri droned as she looked through more letters.

That made Naruto worried. "What's gonna happen to those people?"

"Morale is an important aspect of warfare. We hope our army's size will make most enemy soldiers falter," The princess said. "Believe me, Naruto, killing civilians is far from what I want to do. And I will try to minimize casualties at every opportunity" She trailed off.

Naruto picked up, "But it's not so easy, huh?"

"No, sometimes when you offer a hand, you must keep the other on your blade. Nobody will take me seriously if I don't fight" She shook her head, "There will be conflict, battles, and people will die. I... can't change that. But I am not backing down; I won't retreat after taking the plunge. That'd insult all the people I promised a better future to."

"Ero-sennin always wanted to avoid war," Naruto said softly. "Said that he hoped people would come to understand each other."

"That is my hope as well," The princess said solemnly. "But a lifetime of conflict has turned him away from war. I didn't choose this out of a desire for conquering. It was the only choice I could pick because of this system we're locked in," She remarked, "If I invade a nation, it will be to tear down that system. A land's prosperity must not depend on blood."

"So, bloodshed to end the bloodshed?" It seemed cynical.

"Sometimes," Maiyuri smiled and gave him one of the other papers in her hand. "Other times, I can pursue this prosperity the way I'm happy with."

Naruto eyed the paper and took it, reading the contents. He frowned as he went over the lines. "The Land of Peaches?" This wasn't the military movements and strategy he had seen Maiyuri prepare; these were trade deals and mutual defense accords.

"They are caught between rather aggressive countries. They possess fertile farmland and enjoy good trade. But are often troubled by their neighbors," Maiyuri explained. "This is where I stay the sword and offer the hand. The empire will protect the Land of Peaches' borders in exchange for opening up new trade routes on the north-west and regulate new economic deals with the nations under the empire's banner for a fairer exchange of resources."

The rowdy 'neighbors' would have to fight each other somewhere else, or the empire would knock on their doors. And the Land of Peaches gets protection and a new trade partner. "Will the other two countries do anything against us?"

"The Land of Bears and Land of Bulls have never gotten along. Both are too small to attempt to open a conflict with us. Daimyo Fukigen'na and Daimyo Ranbōna are... complicated to deal with." Suppose the exasperation from her tone was evidence enough.

Naruto thought momentarily, "Will we be getting them into the empire, though?"

"Seeing as how I want to unite all the nations into one, yes." The pinkette huffed a long sigh, "My hope is they see as the empire grows that attacking us would not be in their best interests. Finding common ground between them won't be easy, though."

The Land of Bears and the Land of Bulls have clashed for nearly eighty years. Be it lands, resources, or differences of opinion. But that will be a headache to be dealt with later. Maiyuri handed another paper to her young Dainin, who looked back at her, "Takigakure no Sato?"

A rare occurrence where a hidden village was the governing body of a nation. As the country of Taki was so small, it held no ruling daimyo. Yet somehow, that minor nation has endured since the warring clan era. Granted, housing a Jinchurriki has also been a deterrent against rival villages not to fight them. Maiyuri spoke to get his attention, "A man named Shibuki and their council currently govern them. They also have a Jinchurriki."

That got Naruto's attention as the Shogun pulled out a picture of a young girl around his age with dark caramel skin, short green hair, and orange eyes with a bright smile on her lips. "Her name is Fū."

"How do they treat her?"

Not surprisingly, that was the first question he'd ask about another Jinchurriki, "As far as I know, she is treated well but with wariness. She holds the Seven tails..."

Naruto heard a low groan from Kurama, "...Chōmei..."

'A story there?'

"More like dealing with your green spandex friend times a hundred. That damn beetle is so happy-go-lucky it makes my teeth rattle."

"This is what it's all about," Maiyuri continues, unaware of the Bijuu's comments. "Alliances and reshaping the way the nations work, particularly the shinobi system. The Jinchuuriki deterrents will be a thing of the past. I will endeavor to prove it by ensuring our empire maintains our strength and stability without the need to continue that terrible tradition."

Naruto looked at her, mouth slightly agape. "No more Jinchuurki?"

"You'll be the last one this country makes," She promised.

He really would like that...

"Right now, I cannot approach Taki yet, but it is part of the plan," The Shogun explained. "We get a shinobi-lead nation to join our banner and abandon the need for a Jinchuuriki."

"I know getting small nations to join you is hard on its own..." He muttered, "But for a hidden village to let their Bijuu go? That's..."

"Extremely difficult," The pinkette said with humor in her voice. "That is why I said I can't approach them yet. First, the empire needs to expand, let the other nations witness the economic growth of the territories under our banner, and witness our military might at work. Once I have achieved enough, Taki shall be the next country I'll extend my offers to,"

Naruto was smart enough to figure out what would come next, "Then we'll keep growing, keep increasing our economy, and then you'll go for the rest of the Great Nations."

"Yes," Maiyuri nodded. "Despite the Chunnin Exams incident, Sand and the Land of Wind are still economically tied to the empire. And thanks to Hiruzen-dono, the ties to Mist and the Land of Water are open. Eventually, I will ask them to swear allegiance to the empire."

"You think that'll work?"

"With Wind and Water, there is a chance." Her gaze shifted as her lips pursed. "The last remaining two will be a problem eventually."

"Earth and Lightning..."

Maiyuri nodded, rising from the couch to pace, "Our relations between those two have always been volatile. Earth Daimyo Kenji and Lightning Daimyo Yōsuke have had sparse meetings with Father."

"How did they go?" The annoyed deadpan of Maiyuri glaring in no general direction was the answer, "That bad?"

"Then there are the incidences that have been going on for nearly a hundred years between us. Including the loss of the Uzumaki clan."

Naruto's expression grew distant, "Mom, Aunt Lyn, Uncle Samenosuke, and Uncle Saito hate both lands for that."

"...What about you?" Maiyuri turned to look at the boy, "How do you feel about them for what they did to Uzushio?"

"I hate the people who attacked Uzu. And those who gave the order. But only them; I can't hate Yugito and her team for something they never did."

Oh, that's right, Kumo had sent a Genin team to Konoha for the Chunin Exam. And they even saved the Leaf from Sand and Sound's brazen attack. They were an interesting bunch, as she recalled. And she to admit, Naruto was showing remarkable maturity in this subject. "What do you think?"

"Hmm?"

"Think we can do the impossible with the Land of Earth and Land of Lightning joining us?"

At that, the blond crossed his arms in thought, "Jiji told me stories about him and the Tsuchikage have usually argued into fights since they were young. And whenever the Chunin Exams have been in Konoha, Jiji gets hate letters from the old bastard."

Ōnoki of Both Scales was many things and someone who held a grudge like a hell demon against Konoha and Land of Fire. "And the Raikage?"

"Mom said he and Dad fought a lot in the Third Shinobi War... He also tried to have Hinata kidnapped when we were younger..."

"And Konoha chose appeasement," Maiyuri scoffed. "With the kidnapper dead, it was our word against theirs. And with the Kyuubi incident a few years before, nobody was eager for more conflict." She shook her head, "And a loyal shinobi of the Leaf chose to be their scapegoat to ensure Kumo would get nothing."

Neji's father, Hizashi...

"That accursed sealing system in the Hyuuga clan's branch family," The princess said with disgust. "It is tantamount to slavery, which is illegal in the Land of Fire, but they were an exception due to the benefit they provided to the newly born hidden village. If I had my way, I'd order them to stop."

Naruto's lips pursed. "Why don't you?" Maiyuri stared at him, "You're Shogun now. Are they going to say no?"

"They might..."

"Then remind them you're in charge."

The princess was thoughtful for a moment, "Well, I just might," she finally said, the corners of her lips curling slightly.

Naruto grinned widely, hoping things would get better for their clan.

"Oh, but it was all such a tragedy," The princess sighed, leaning warily back on the couch. "This greed, this desire to be in control, the necessity for more power. The Hyuuga practice it as much as any of the other nations. Kumo's attempt was not the first time anyone has done that."

"It never seemed easy to me to steal bloodline," Naruto commented.

"People can just do away with corpses, which is why it's even standard protocol for shinobi villages to get rid of their dead on the battlefield if they fail to retrieve them. A steady supply of blood and even the eyes of dojutsu users is even more useful in extracting the secrets of those bloodlines. It's all matter of expertise and the right equipment for experimentation" She shook her head, "Most of that equipment comes from the Land of Snow, the most technologically advanced country in all the lands. Their imports have made them quite wealthy and ensured the larger countries would not advance on their territory," Maiyuri commented as an aside, like she was mostly talking to herself about the subject. Things she had to consider for the future.

Naruto didn't know if Konoha had ever done things like that. He wasn't sure he wanted to know. How much had they been willing to preserve the village's peace and prosperity at everyone else's expense?

"At any rate," the blond looked back to Maiyuri, "We will make time to speak with Queen Kuroramei." At that, Naruto grew excited, but the pinkette raised a calming finger, "Remember, while I am willing to help them. I must look after the needs of our nation first and what they can give us."

"Have to be pragmatic and all, right?"

"Yup."

XxX ~ several hours later ~ XxX

Wearing a doctor's coat over her usual attire, Tsunade goes over several papers on a clipboard in a medical room in the hospital. In the room sat Karin, with Kushina standing behind her. "All the tests show the same thing. I am literally, physically thirty again." Her almond eyes went to the bifocal redhead, "Which was done by testing your unique chakra healing."

"How?" Kushina questioned, rubbing her daughter's shoulders.

"I can't fully factor anything yet. But her chakra influenced my body down to the cellular level. Awakening dormant or recessive genes from my Uzumaki lineage."

Karin's face only showed great shock, "I-I know my Heal Bite could save people, even from life-threatening wounds. But altering a person's physiology? That should be impossible!"

"..." Tsunade eyed the pre-teen, "My old teammate never found out about that?"

"His experiments on me were more a passing curiosity." The young redhead rubbed her arms, "I switched sides before he was going to do more tests."

A grunt came from the buxom Senju, "Good thing you changed when you did. His experiments started to cause a hormonal imbalance that would have been irreversible otherwise."

Kushina's face contorted with concern, "She's okay now, right?"

"She'll be fine. The medicine and chakra therapy is doing its job. Had she remained with Orochimaru, it would have been another story."

At that, Karin could only sigh in relief. She had no idea what would have happened to her had Orochimaru decided to continue his experiments on her. She might have ended up as a screeching neurotic hormone-driven wreck...

"Now," Tsunade continued. "Kushina told me about another development involving you in the Land of Trees."

Karin felt Kushina's grasp on her shoulders tightens slightly reassuringly. "I manifested the Adamantine Chains."

"That is a rare trait of our clan," Her adopted mother muttered. "I only remember two other people back in Uzushio who had it. One was a priestess at Susano's shrine. The other was a man in the council of elders. Both from the main branch where it's more likely to happen."

"And then there was my grandmother, Mito," Tsunade softly added. "A monster of chakra if there ever was one..."

Karin had heard about her, of course, Hashirama Senju's wife. A woman whose unreal levels of chakra, adamantine chains, and potent lifeforce had allowed her to seal the entirety of Kurama inside herself. As an adult. Her Uzumaki lifespan had taken a bit of a hit, but if not for her unique traits, she could have died soon after the sealing.

It was... humbling and a little scary to find she had inherited such a treasured ability from her clan. It was like she was carrying a piece of history with her. And that made it all the heavier, feeling she had to live up to it. 'No pressure,' She thought to herself dronely.

As if sensing her distress, Kushina patted her shoulder and gave her a motherly smile. "Chin up, kiddo, I'm gonna teach you all I know" She then gave her that trademark toothy smile, "You'll be a chain mistress in no time."

"I'm a little jealous," Tsunade admitted with a wry grin. "My bloodline is too diluted to allow the manifestation of adamantine chains. I always wanted to get that from her, and so did my mom. Instead, all she got was whiskers."

"Wait, whiskers?" Karin muttered.

"Yeah, you know, Mito was the jinchuuriki. Childbirth weakens the seal as bijuu chakra feeds the embryo during development."

"Oh, so that explains Naruto."

The two adults shared a hearty laugh.

"Would that also explain your immense strength?" Karin questioned

Tsunade nodded, "Hey, Uzumaki isn't my only strong bloodline. I'm a Senju as well. I traded whiskers for smashing buildings with a finger flick. Though now, I have an Uzumaki's lifespan and slow aging. Thank you, Karin. While completely unintended, I am grateful." The pre-teen redhead bashfully rubbed the back of her neck as her new mother and brother do. Then a thought came to the buxom Senju, who was thankful for reminding herself, "Kushina, I want to see you in the Hokage tower."

"Something wrong?"

"No, just a matter I feel that can be fixed with you and your unique talents."

Kushina glanced suspiciously at her mother, "I know that buttery tone."

"Oh, it will be fine," the Senju waved it off, "You might love it."

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Tsunade's cryptic smile kept Kushina a little on edge while they returned to the Hokage Tower, and Karin went back home to study seals. Finally getting to her office, they saw Shizune reviewing several papers on a table by the Hokage desk. At her feet, Tonton gave the two a friendly oink garnering the raven-haired Kunoichi's attention, "Hokage-sama, Kushina-"

"I swear if you use 'sama' at the end of my name, I'll scream," The Uzumaki matriarch droned.

"Hehe, sorry."

Huffing, crossing her arms under her generous bust. Kushina lightly glared at her smirking mother, who sat back at her desk. "Okay, so what exactly do you want?"

"Commander Fox sent me some papers about an aspiring ANBU recruit being washed out and to be put back in the regular Shinobi corps. However, no one else can make a three-person team for her. Thus I need someone to be a solo teacher for the girl. And her talents of swordplay rival your own and your former apprentice Yugao Uzuki."

That caught the redhead off guard, "You want me to be a sensei again?"

"Why not?" Tsunade shrugged. "Your new duties haven't taken you anywhere yet. You are capable, and most importantly, you have nothing better to do."

"Harsh, but not inaccurate" Things had settled down now after the maelstrom of events that started in Han'ei and ended in Tree. Now Kushina found herself bereft of any immediate responsibilities. Kakashi handled things among some Jonin and other areas like the Academy per Maiyuri's orders. Naruto was at the capital now. But... there was yet nothing for her to do, honestly.

Tsunade grabbed a folder on her desk and handed it to Kushina, who opened it and was greeted with the picture of a young woman. She has dark brown eyes, long wavy blue hair, beauty mark under her left eye. Pretty thing, honestly. Her eyes studied the info, "Homura Kōgetsu, 15 years old. Huh, Homura..."

"Yes, the same name as the elder," Shizune commented, "Small world."

Tsunade then chuckled, "You think that's interesting? Look at her parentage."

Kushina did, and she frowned. "Mother: Kumiha Kōgetsu... Kumiho..." Why did that name sound so familiar?

Oh.

OH.

The redhead sputtered, "The Red District Madam?!"

"The prostitute, yes," The Hokage replied with a large smile, obviously taking great amusement from Kushina's reaction. At least Shizune joined her in the awkwardness of the situation.

Kushina's mouth opened and closed repeatedly, letting out silly sounds. "Um, that's eh. Ahem," She cleared her throat, "Nothing wrong with it. She is part of the... village's economy," She muttered lamely and kept reading. "Father: Unknown. Oh boy"

"Yup," Tsunade said, popping the 'p' at the end. "We don't have any blood records from her father's side. So whoever he was, was just in the village temporarily. Doing 'business'"

"Okay, I get the picture!" Kushina said louder than she intended and kept on reading the file. "Hmm, really good grades at the academy... very good grades."

Just like Yugao, a prodigy that was quickly drafted into the ANBU instead of being assigned to a genin team. No wonder her mother wanted her to mentor the girl.

Kushina leaned in, frowning, "Rejected from ANBU for being a blabbermouth? That can't be right, can it?" Since when did Fox get so critical of that? Sure, the redhead could admit she was a blabbermouth too, but she could control that... Mostly.

Better than she was as a kid...

"She excelled expertly in physical training, kenjutsu, and stealth. But she could never keep her thoughts within her head." Tsunade deadpanned. "So, outside of avoiding telling her highly classified government secrets, she is an astute kunoichi."

Wow... Okay, well, there was still much Kushina could work with. And the thought of being a sensei again felt exciting to try. "I'll take the position."

"Good, at least you reacted better than Anko for her sensei position."

"You made Anko a sensei?"

"Out of necessity. During the invasion, a team was wiped out save one survivor. Her aptitude aligned more with Mitarashi than anyone else."

Huh, "So how did she take the news?"

Tsunade deadpans, "By freaking out with a near panic attack." Shizune winced, recalling the scene vividly.

...Oh, damn...

Shaking her head and clearing her throat, Kushina spoke, "Well, first-time sensei can have the jitters of taking on a student. I have faith in her. So where can I meet my new student?" Kushina felt the hairs on her neck stand, seeing her mother smile sweetly.

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Kushina's cheeks matched her hair as she entered the Red District Quarter. Of course, Homura lives here; her mother is the freaking Madam of the whole damn place. 'Okay, get it together, Kushina! Doesn't matter that her mother is a hooker. Just don't bring it up, don't bring it up, don't bring it up.' Which was the mantra the redhead kept telling herself as she neared the 'Silky Leaf' Brothel.

Oh jeez... Why was her heart pounding so loud? She froze upon hearing a loud pleasure-filled female and male moans from an open window of the second floor. Despite her wild romps with Minato and Mikoto, she never got near this place, not out of disrespect against the... hard-working employees of this area. She just never considered even going here.

When Kushina entered the building, she took notice of the various wall scrolls and other bright decorations that made this a place of revelry. The Silky Leaf was not just a place where they traded in sex; various other parties were also going on. Many games were going about, most likely all of the gambling variety, and various tables where men and women of good looks entertained patrons. They were all drinking, eating, and playing merrily. Having a good time. A brothel, this may be, but it had all the fancy looks of a luxurious restaurant or hotel. She was greeted by a woman wearing a flower-accented kimono, her lipstick bright and the blush on her cheeks pink, with long hair arranged in a bun. "I seek Homura Kōgetsu,"

"You will want to speak with the Madam first, shinobi-san" The woman bowed dutifully, "Right this way."

Uneducated individuals would consider these sorts of women geishas. But they were not far from it. If there was one misconception people had was that geishas were sex workers. That could not be further from the truth. Geishas were women who organized and attended special ceremonies. Yet one story about one geisha in the role got around, spreading like wildfire. It said something that the red light district workers cared more for the geisha's reputation than most people did.

Kushina ignored the festivity in the rooms they passed by, from the drinking and singing men or women sitting next to people spending their money on their company. And she meant just company. Sometimes, the patrons would pay for a pretty face to serve them a drink without getting 'too' physical with them. Laughing at their tales and jokes with such practiced skill, Kushina had to give them props. Their acting abilities could put Shinobi to shame.

Then there were the 'other' types of transactions, the ones happening behind closed, sound-proofed rooms.

They stopped before a slider door, which the attendant opened and instantly bowed. "A visitor for the young lady, Madam"

Kushina entered an office that was honestly even more decorated and well-furnished than the Hokage's. Red was everywhere, from wall scrolls to drapes, to very comfortable-looking large couches surrounding a coffee table. Behind an ornate desk was the woman who controlled almost every part of the red-light district.

She puffed a long trail of smoke from her pipe, "Oh? Do send her in," Came a husky voice.

Kushina stepped around the bowing attendant and looked at the Madam herself. Kumiha was a stunning, voluptuous woman of average height, with dark blue hair in a courtesan hairstyle, but with her forelocks parted over her right eye. She wore a rather sultry red kimono with a splotch pattern, a brown belt with gold arrows pointing in opposite directions, and a butterfly-styled choker. To the right of her head, she wore two flowers, one red and one white, with gold ornaments; on her left, there were three gold beads.

The almond eyes of the Madam rose with recognition, "Kushina Uzumaki," Kumiha rose and gave a formal bow, "Your return caused quite the stir in the village. Welcome to the Silky Leaf."

"H-honored to be here, Madam Kumiha," The redhead responded in a flushed tone trying not to stare too much at the other woman's slightly revealing top showing off her endowed bosom as she bowed. "I am to be your daughter's new sensei."

The bluenette beamed as she stood straight again, "Oh, that is wonderful news. My sweet Homura-chan has been depressed since being rejected from the ANBU corps. But, for you to personally become her teacher will bring fill her with joy."

"She's a fan of mine?"

"She holds great admiration for any who take up the sword. But also holds Kunoichi, who takes their work seriously like you with much respect." Rounding her desk, Kumiha approached Kushina's side, "Walk with me, and I will take you to her."

The redhead blinked as the blue-haired woman wrapped an arm around hers as they left the office.

Escorted by the Madam, they walked down the halls into what looked like a private brothel area. Well, 'private' as in 'someone lives here' rather than 'private' in the sense of 'people are rutting here.' As evidenced by the two bodyguards who stood at the threshold of the sliding doors to keep anyone from entering, they nodded their heads in respect to the Madam and opened the doors for them.

"Fancy," Was what Kushina said as they entered the well-furnished residence. The common area was traditional, decorated with paintings, pedestals with expensive-looking vases, and colorful and comfortable-looking cushions surrounding a finely decorated short table. There was a small garden built on the back. "You live where you work, I see."

"Why of course, the first thing I did once I made this place my own" Kumiha smiled charmingly. "Consider yourself honor. I don't often invite others here."

"Really"

"I reserve a special room when I have 'company'" She leaned closer into Kushina's arm, running a delicate hand over her bicep. The cleared her throat, looking away yet unable to hide her blush. "And now Kushina Uzumaki visits me. I don't suppose I could convince you to join for a drink once your business with my daughter is concluded~?"

Kushina did not have to be a seasoned shinobi to identify the obvious signs.

"I um, thank you but," She awkwardly scratched her neck with her free hand. "I'm not sure, I..." Her lips pursed before she finally said what made her uncomfortable about the proposition. "I'm still mourning."

The expression on the Madam's face changed from sultry to surprise. "Oh... after so long? It must have been someone special you shared with Minato-sama to mourn for him even a decade later."

Right... Most people still believed she had been alive and out of the village in secret to keep the truth of the Divine Sleep scroll. As time passed, Kushina found fewer reasons to keep it a secret. The scroll was destroyed, and her homeland was in ruins. How exactly would that thing matter anymore?

But above that, she didn't like to pretend Minato's death was 12 years ago. It was to everyone else but not to her.

This is why she chose to reply as such, "It's been almost a year," She said, her voice a touch heavy. "Not twelve"

Kumiha's eyes widened, eyes shifting from side to side as she contemplated what was revealed. She finally looked at the woman again, this time with more sympathy. "To you... right?" She said, her tone hinting she understood Kushina was literal about her words and that she didn't mean it in any other way. "I see" The Madam may not understand what truly happened, but she clearly understood how long it had been to Kushina and would not say a word. "Well, if you ever need to unburden yourself, my door is open."

She wished she could deal with the stress like that sometimes, after everything that happened. But it still felt... off, maybe even wrong. To her, Minato had been dead for only almost a year.

Gods, almost a year...

She shook her head, now wasn't the time for moping. She had a prospective student to meet.

Detaching herself from the redhead as they neared a closed door with several chibi drawings of samurai and other figures. Kushina giggled at the sight as Kumiha knocked on the door, "Homura-chan, Kushina Uzumaki has come to be your new sensei." Both women hear several objects break with a loud gasp, and soon quick steps stumbling steps rushing to the door.

Said door swung open, revealing the teenage girl the redhead saw in the photo. Wearing a yellow kimono with red lining over a black leotard with detached sleeves and knee-length black stockings. Puberty struck the young girl early, with a curvy figure that would likely rival her mother's beginning to fill out her attire.

Her almond eyes stared wide and fixed upon the Uzumaki matriarch, "K-K-K-Kushina Uzumaki-sama!"

"Hello," Kushina offered a friendly wave and smile.

"Looks like the Godaime didn't forget you, honey," Homura's mother chuckled. However, she blinked, soon sighing as ink pooled off her daughter's table. "Homura."

"Hmm?" Said girl glancing at her mother, who dryly pointed inside her room. Looking back, the young bluenette squeaked before rushing back inside. "Can I get some towels, please!"

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

After a quick clean-up, the Madam and her daughter sat with Kushina in said daughter's room. Kushina surveyed the room, seeing it was quite refined and a bit traditional, with touches of modernism here and there with a stereo and television. Portraits and posters hung on the walls of well-known celebrities, renowned Shinobi, and samurai. On shelves and her dressers were several small ornate statues of the Shodai and Nidaime, even one of her late husband.

Looking back at her newly made pupil, the young girl seemed nervous and excited at the same time.

"So, Homura," Kushina started, "I read your impressive file. Scores so high and martial prowess befitting already seasoned Chunin. No wonder you were drafted into the ANBU straight from the Academy."

"I always strived to do my best, Kushina-dono!" She said a little too loudly. "To train in the corps was a magnificent opportunity!"

"Relax, kiddo," The redhead lifted a hand, "You don't have to impress me. Initially, I wasn't sure about it, but if so many people are vouching for you, I can see taking you under my wing as the best decision."

"You honor me!" She bowed at the waist.

Kushina sighed, "Really, you don't have to be so formal."

"I'm sorry!" She said bashfully. "I thought my learning opportunities ended when the ANBU drafted me to frontline roles. And I'm very eager to learn from a veteran like yourself" Her smile quivered, then she muttered under her breath. "The fact you're one of my idols plays a big part, but I can't say that lest you think I'm a fangirl."

"...You just said that out loud."

Homura squeezed her eyes shut, letting out a pitiful whine.

Kushina scratched her cheek, "I guess this is where that 'blabbermouth' thing comes in."

"Oh, she never could keep things to herself," Her mother said, taking great amusement for it. "Never could hide whenever she ate candy before dinner."

"It's a weird circumstance, no offense," Kushina said. Keeping quiet was vital for an ANBU, but the corps could have done something about it. "It's hard to believe the ANBU would decide you're better off elsewhere. I thought they would have tried everything for that quirk of yours."

"They did. None of it worked."

"None? Never genjutsu-induced psycho-indoctrination?"

"My willpower was too strong. The genjutsu wouldn't take hold long enough even with me allowing it."

Kushina was silent for several seconds. "Well, that is... wowzers..." Tapping her chin, Kushina continued, "I also read you a unique ability of chakra manipulation."

Without speaking, Homura raised her right hand and appeared a blade of pure energy in the design of a katana with a rose pink color. "I call it Soul Blade." The teen girl blinked as Kushina leaned in to look at the sword.

"Ooooh..." While the blade was made of pure chakra, it was very finely detailed, like her son's Shoton crystals, but this was still energy in a solid state! "Oh, there is no way this is just chakra manipulation."

That drew Kumiha's attention, "A bloodline limit?"

"She can create a solid matter from her very chakra. This is close to what my clan can do with our Adamantine Chains!" Kushina's brow furrowed, "I'm surprised Fox didn't tell the difference."

"Rakūn mentored me."

A low groan came from the redhead rubbing a hand down her face, "Oh, that idiot couldn't tell apples from damn oranges."

"That is peculiar because none in my family ever had a Bloodline limit," Homura's mother addressed evenly.

"Then it came from her father's side then."

"Huh."

"The father whose identity you don't know?"

"Not even the slightest clue."

"Hmm..." The girl made a face whose emotion Kushina couldn't quite pinpoint. Impressive considering her issue with keeping things to herself. Perhaps because this matter was very personal to her, regardless, it was curiosity or small remorse at lacking the identity of her father. That was found to affect a kid growing up.

Regardless, she looked in far better control of herself regarding her emotions. 'Too powerful a will' was the issue the ANBU faced when trying to eliminate that blabbermouth of hers. Perhaps her 'quirk' was merely one reason she was deemed unfit for the ANBU. They wanted her as a frontline warrior. Well, Kushina would mold her into one. Not only that, she'd use all she learned, the mistakes of her past, to turn the girl not just into a ninja but into someone who would listen to her heart.

There was more than just obeying the village will after all.

"So," Kushina smiled at her. "Meet me tomorrow morning at Training Field 7. I want to get a feel for your skills. My pupil"

There was a clear fire in her eyes, one that was very familiar to her. Kushina was honestly looking forward to being a teacher again.

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

After wrapping up the last of his business, Kakashi walked into the restaurant where he was meant to meet with his friends. The Academy had officially closed its doors. Its board was tasked with designing a new curriculum incorporating Maiyuri's decree with the new age limit for graduation. Oh, some had protested, but they couldn't do much against the Shogun's orders. Others like Iruka looked relieved they wouldn't longer send children into service.

Then he went to Jonin HQ to deliver the new drafting notice to Shikaku. The Jonin Commander had looked at them and then proceeded to organize the pulling of resources and active Shinobi that could be sent to the royal army faster. That man's mind was a steel trap; it would take days to draft at least 5% of their forces within a few days.

Shikaku had already pulled 10 out of the 40% needed and began sending the drafting notice.

There's a reason no one ever questioned why that man was the Commander.

Kakashi looked across the various booths in the restaurant, noting the many Shinobi wearing jackets present. The place was popular among Shinobi. Run by Akimichi meant not only the food was plentiful, but also gave discounts to Shinobi. He spotted Gai, Kurenai, Yugao (off duty), Anko, Asuma, and even Tenzo (or his public identity as Yamato) sitting at one of the booths, waiting for him. Asuma spotted him first, waving at him to join them.

As he walked, he caught some conversations among the various Shinobi.

"You won't believe this. I got my drafting orders."

"No way, already?"

"Yeah, I'm being assigned to the 6th Regiment. A Kuchiki of all people leads it."

"Ugh, Kuchiki? They're ever stuffier than the Hyuuga..."

'It's only been a few hours, and things are moving fast,' Hatake mentally quipped before taking a seat by Anko, "So what did I miss this morning?"

"Beside Elder Homura and Koharu, along with half a dozen others having a freak out over all the new rules." Asuma jovially summed it up before pointing to a dour Mitarashi, "And her having a panic attack becoming a sensei now."

The Tokubetsu Jōnin lightly growled, "Can it Sarutobi..."

"Really?" Kakashi eyed his (not) girlfriend, "Godaime-sama made you a teacher?"

"I'm the only one available since everyone else is doing something. Even Kushina got herself a new student too."

Huh, well, this day got more interesting. "So, who's your student?" The silver-haired scarecrow was handed a picture of a fifteen-year-old girl with pale skin, green hair in a ponytail, and violet eyes.

"Kuki Shinobu, Genin. Her team was meant to be in this year's Chunin exams but got held up on a mission. They arrived just in time as Sound and Sand attacked. Her teammates and sensei were killed." Anko muttered quietly, biting down on some meat.

Damn... "Who was her sensei?"

"It was Hiei," Asuma answered, blowing smoke from his cigarette.

"Darn," Kurenai shook her head. "He was a good man."

"Plenty of good people died that day," Gai said mournfully, giving the subject at had the seriousness it deserved. He looked at Anko, who seemed way too focused on her meal. "Hmm, you don't feel adequate to teach. Am I wrong?"

"Fuck no, I'm not," She muttered with her mouth partially full before swallowing. "What is the Godaime thinking? I'm not cut out to be a teacher, much less to a girl who lost her entire team!"

Nobody needed to ask why she felt that way. They all knew her history.

"It's a time of transition for the village," Yamato said. "Our roles are changing too. We do what the village needs-"

"Is that why you're no longer in the ANBU, Tenzo?" Asuma interrupted.

"It's Yamato now," He stressed. If they kept calling him that, he'd have to change his name again... "And yes, the Commander and the Hokage agreed my abilities are better served in another role now. Just like they decided Kushina-sama is suited to mentor another talented student."

At that, Yugao smiled fondly. "I am looking forward to meeting my fellow student. I always wanted to have a little kouhai" She turned to Anko, "The Hokage knows what she's doing. You should trust in the people who trust you with such responsibilities."

Anko sighs, "Maybe. The girl's a pretty good infiltrator and saboteur. I made Special Jonin because of those things. So... guess I do have the stuff to teach her."

She was patted on the shoulder by Hatake, "Need some tips for being a sensei?"

"You are the last person I want sensei advice from."

"Ouch."

A snorted chuckle and giggles came from the others at their bench while their sharp hearing overheard other Chunin and Jounin speaking about their new positions for the coming army to be built. As well as some idle gossip from the capital. "Things are already getting livelier here," Gai stated, sipping his drink.

"The whole village is lively, Gai," Yugao snorted, "Everyone is buzzing, be it good or bad."

Kurenai frowned, "While people are accepting their orders. Not everyone is very happy about it."

"Majority of the clans will be complaining for a long while," Yamato quipped, "Until Maiyuri-hime shuts them up, I'd imagine."

'That will likely have to be the case,' Hatake mentally mused before glancing at Anko, who leaned her head on his shoulder, "Showing open affection, you really must be worn out."

"Oh, shut up." Anko let out a low huff. "..." She looked at the silver-haired man, "How do you think this will go for us? As a nation, I mean?"

"Hmm," Kakashi thought for a long moment, "I am more wondering how the rest of the Nations will be handling this news."

Oh, most nations would be reeling right now. To say nothing of Lightning and Earth. The smaller countries were most likely panicking, for such an event had not happened in centuries.

Their world was shaken, and there was no going back now.

Kurenai looked into her drink, her gaze thoughtful. "Do you think she can do this?" She asked them. "Unifying Gogyou-Koku, just like that?"

"You were there when she made those speeches," Asuma grinned. "And you were just as impressed as the rest of us."

"I'm not doubting our lady's will, inspiring as it may be" The Shogun had a knack for making people believe in those things. Unity, prosperity, order. An end to the pointless shinobi cycle. Yes, Kurenai would have liked for her students not to know about war... But they have failed them in that regard. This expansion of the Land of Fire's borders to bring the other countries under their banner was not born out of a desire for conquest. It was just the princess tearing away this veil of fake 'civilization' and showing it for what it was. Greed fueled by blood money. A carefully designed machine that would keep on going forever.

They deserved better than that. They all did.

"It's a big future she promises us," Gai said, "We have to do our best in turn."

At that, his friends and peers couldn't help but agree. They were in this together now and would see through to the end.

Yugao raised her cup, "For the empire."

It was joined by the others' "For the empire."

XxX ~ several days later ~ XxX

Baki stared with understandable shock at the scroll from Amotsu that had just arrived this morning. So rattled by its contents, he had summoned an emergency meeting with the Suna council. Included in this meeting sat Gaara, with Temari and Kankuro standing behind him. The Ichibi Jinchurriki's expression was blank compared to his siblings and council members, who held varying degrees of shock in their eyes.

A woman in her mid-thirties rubbed her brow, "By the Gods," her hand came to her mouth, staring at everyone around her, "What does this mean for us?"

"Uniting Gogyou-Koku... Is such a thing possible?" An elderly councilman muttered.

Not wearing his usual battle attire or makeup, Kankuro runs a hand through his brunette hair, "This is crazy. Isn't this crazy?" He turned his gaze to his sister and little brother. "What the hell got into those folks over there?"

"Breaking the Shinobi cycle of warfare and blood money..." All eyes turned to Gaara, who stared at the scroll before setting it down. "Which would also mean an end of the Jinchurriki system." A few people gasped at that, alongside Temari. "If we become one nation, it would no longer be necessary to have a Jinchurriki."

"You would be the last one for Suna," the blond Kunoichi leaned to her young brother's side.

A few of the council grimaced but said nothing. By all rights, they shouldn't have been allowed in the chamber. But... the situation after the Sound-Sand Invasion had left their village in a precarious situation. They could not agree on a new Kazekage, and indeed they felt there was hardly anyone suitable for the role. Yet.

Rasa's children were groomed to take on greater responsibilities in the coming years. The hope was that one of them would be fit to inherit the Kazekage's hat eventually.

Yes, even Gaara was a possibility. It helped that the boy's endless bloodlust had vanished without a trace, and he seemed focused on working for his village's benefit. The previous cold-hearted nature had given way to a cold logic that honestly made him suitable for many tasks. Along with a sharp mind that just kept learning everything they threw at him.

But the day he, or his siblings, became Kage was still yet to come. Right now, the village is under direct supervision from the capital. Lord Tsukaru had not let them off their leash after their attempted betrayal. He called the shots directly, and the news had come from him first.

"Do we know Maiyuri Sasaki's intentions regarding the Land of Wind? Or the other larger countries, for that matter?" One of the council heads asked.

"Her declaration of expansion is directed towards the smaller nations nearer the Land of Fire," Another replied. "We have reports of their army marching towards the Land of Lions,"

"Madness!" One muttered in disbelief.

"At least we can be sure she'll leave the Great Nations alone... for the time being," Baki said, muttering out the last part.

"Once her empire grows large and strong enough, she'll attempt to coerce the others into adopting her banner. That is the most likely outcome."

"And where does the Land of Wind stand in all this?"

"It stands... wherever our daimyo wants it to"

That open statement said a lot. Their land was mostly desert. The Land of Fire provided many of the country's food imports. The treaty with Konoha assured cooperation between their villages so both countries could benefit. Wind received food, and the Land of Fire received more missions directly from the Land of Wind. The only people who suffered under the treaty were Suna, fearing their hidden village would eventually become... irrelevant and be assimilated into the country's military, disbanding its power structure entirely and the legacy of the first Kazekage.

And in a twist of fate, it was Konoha whose semi-autonomy was over if the reports were accurate.

"...What do we do?" One of the council heads asked, "Do we draft plans for an eventuality?"

'Eventuality' means 'do we prepare in case the Land of Wind choose to join this Asahi Empire'?

Talks like that had led to the Sound-Sand Invasion in the first place.

"You should all stop thinking of this as something that will harm us," Temari said firmly, stepping closer to the large table. Though she was here to learn, she would not leave without speaking her piece. "That line of thinking led to us betraying our lord, risking a vital treaty with the Land of Fire, AND got both the daimyo and our Kage killed."

Nobody replied. They knew she was right.

"Whatever happens now, it's out of our hands. Maiyuri Sasaki decided the shinobi system was over, and the damndest thing is... we are responsible for that; OUR invasion, the one she took part in to defend her people, led her to start all this."

Temari sharply turned her gaze to Gaara once he put his hand on hers. The blond Kunoichi calmed herself before leaning back behind Gaara, who soon spoke, "Whatever happens now. It is for Daimyo Tsukaru to decide. Let us focus on our people and what we can do for them. The future is not here just yet for us."

Baki and the rest of the council could only accept those words with a nod.

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

Haku, Kouhei, and Chōjūro were all out of breath as they ran to the Mizukage tower after a messenger scroll came from the Land of Fire's capital. The information within the scroll sent a wave of pure shock through those three, alongside Ao and Mei Terumi, as they gawked at the declaration. "They are creating an empire!?" Kouhei nearly yelled, sitting on a couch in the kage office with his team. "What are those hippies smoking?!"

Ao only looked with a paled expression to his Mizukage, who kept an unreadable expression going over the scroll again. "How would this affect our alliance with Konoha?"

"At present," Mei spoke slowly, "Not at all. Shogun Maiyuri focuses on the Land of Lions and smaller nations. Which is a sound plan." Build up this Asahi Empire by bringing in the smaller nations first. But she no doubt figures not everyone will be open to the idea if the stories of the Lion's Daimyo are led to be believed.

Haku rose from the couch, coming to the Mizukage's desk, "Zabuza-Sama told me stories of Daimyo Kanako. She will start a fight just out of spite against the Shogun. Will our friends be drawn into that battle?"

"Our friends? Or a whisker-cheeked Uzumaki you're fond of," The Hyoton user glared slightly at a teasing Kouhei.

Shaking her head, the young brunette looks to their leader, "What do we do?"

The Mizukage remained pensive, locking her fingers before her face as she leaned on her desk.

"Kiri is recovering financially and in terms of manpower after the Bloody Mist period. The Land of Water's trade routes remain secure. But we will have to reject any mission from any country the Land of Fire enters a conflict with... until said conflicts are resolved," She added the last part with a shrug. "For the moment, our approach shall be 'wait and see.'"

"Is that wise?" Ao brought up. "We might be hit monetarily in the long run."

"Maiyuri-sama strikes me as a smart young woman. I'm sure she knows the benefits of seeking 'intermediaries' in some of her operations," The auburn-haired woman replied. "It's best we clear things up before long. I want cooperation between our nations without Water being dragged into her wars."

It was an uncomfortable position to stay on the sidelines and watch where the tide might turn. But Kiri's waters had been stained with blood for far too long. They were not ready, and least of all willing, to get into a fight.

One thing was certain, the currents were changing, and they would have to adapt to the times. So far, their treaty with Konoha and the Land of Fire benefited their country, and they would need to maintain ties with them for the village's prosperity. It was a thin line, but she would act to the best of her ability to ensure Kirigakure would be safe.

Just like the real Yagura would have wanted.

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

"Impudent, self-righteous children..."

The grumblings of the Tsuchikage were minor compared to the cacophony of sounds coming from his office. With multiple Shinobi going into overdrive to get a clear image of what was happening. At one side of the room, radio operators were fiddling with the equipment, constantly requesting updates from their agents on the field to relay info on the Land of Fire's army's movements.

Kitsuchi stood by his father's side. Arms crossed over his chest as he looked at the diminutive yet powerful man going through report after report. Grumbling all the way. "'Rising Sun Empire,'" He scoffed, "The gall of that brat."

"Take it easy, old man," Kitsuchi rumbled. "You're gonna give yourself a heart attack."

"Hah! If Hiruzen Sarutobi himself could not kill me, then my own heart won't," The large-nosed Kage derided. "Hmph, the shame that man must be feeling. His apprentice didn't last a year before she relinquished her village's autonomy."

"Indeed," his son muttered, observing the Shinobi working at their stations. "I excepted better from a Senju."

"Tsunade is a far cry from Hashirama or Tobirama. How they must weep with such disgrace," Ōnoki shook his head before growling, "Then there is that damn news of Kushina's miraculous return and discovering her son is that wretched Minato Namikaze's child as well."

Kitsuchi rubbed his chin, "That was far too suspicious. Especially after the Kyuubi incident, one would assume she would have been there to deal with that."

His father scoffed, "No matter. We will get to them sooner or later. Finish the work we started decades ago. With the added pleasure of wiping out that Namikaze bloodline." Ōnoki glared at the radio workers, "Has anything more come from our agents?"

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

A Kumo Nin was kneeling before a desk, bowing his head, "Our agents have only just received this news, Lord Raikage."

Sitting at the desk was the towering, muscular frame of the dark-skinned, blond-haired kage in his Raikage robes. His chiseled face gave no emotion save for a pronounced scowl on his lips. Standing at his side was a beautiful dark-skinned young woman with short white hair with green eyes. Clothed in a long-sleeved, high-collared dress shirt and skirt, with high heel sandals. She glanced at her village's leader, "This is quite disconcerting, my lord."

Raikage A had to agree as he both grunted and growled, "I want daily reports from our agents within the Land of Fire."

"Hai, for Ei-sama's glory." the Kumo shinobi bowed again before quickly standing and leaving the office.

A nodded, "For Ei-sama's glory." The man sighed before glancing at his aide, "Any other reports, Mebui?"

"Nothing with the shock of what is transpiring in the Land of Fire."

"And what's the word from the daimyo?"

"Observe but do not engage."

"Hmm..." The Raikage grunted, shifting his focus to the reports about the estimated numbers of Asahi soldiers that had mobilized. A regiment of three thousand soldiers had been sent to conquer the Land of Lions, with three regiments on standby and yet five more mobilizing in every direction from the Land of Fire's borders.

The situation was developing fast. Kumo could not allow itself to fall behind.

"Sir!" One of the ninjas on the radio called out, "The Land of Lions are mobilizing their troops. They seem intent on engaging the Land of Fire's army!"

"What are they hoping to accomplish?" A muttered, "The Land of Lions will not win in a fight against the Land of Fire."

"I don't think that matters to them, sir," Mebui replied.

"Ohhh, the plot thickens~."

The sudden sultry voice made several of the seasoned ninja snap in its direction, wary of how someone could have snuck up on them. The answer was clear once they saw the supposed 'intruder.' Sitting by the open window in the office was a woman of outstandingly good looks, long limbs nimble with sleek muscles, flawless dark skin, flowing black purple hair done in a ponytail, and golden irises shone with interest as a wide grin adorned her lips. She was dressed in a sleek black sleeveless bodysuit that left her shoulders and arms bare and even daringly showing the sides of her sizeable cleavage. She wore an orange scarf around her neck and a purple sash on her waist, while her forearms were wrapped in yellow wraps over metal guards, the same with her leg guards and steel-tipped shoes.

This woman was many things to the Shinobi of Kumo. A legendary kunoichi, a peerless fighter, a scoundrel, a source of pointless drama, a headache.

To A, she was all those things neatly packed under the title of 'cousin.'

"Yoruichi," He growled at the woman. "You were supposed to be with the ANBU in case we need to deploy them!"

"Eh, Soifon's got it handled." The woman waved it off, vaulting over the window and into the office. No one else in the entirety of Kumo would ever disregard the Raikage's orders like that. Much less get away with it as Yoruichi of the Shihōin clan could. "Wanted to be here, hear the news live myself" She casually sat on his desk, crossing her arms as she smirked. "No word about the Red Death? Been itching for our rematch," She chuckled mirthfully at the memories of her battles with the fiery redhead, 'Thirteen years since you were 'gone.' Tsk tsk tsk, letting a girl hanging like that is poor manners, Kushi~.'

A groaned, rubbing his eyes, "Kushina Uzumaki is a Dainin now. A personal guard of the new Shogun. I don't need you picking a fight and causing a damn war."

"Well... I could still pay a visit and celebrate with her~." Mebui blinked, hearing the sensual purr from the other woman.

"I do not have you anywhere near the Land of Fire just to cause some anarchy!"

Yoruichi wiggled a finger in her ear from her cousin's bellowing roar at her face. "Well, I'm not deaf. But that ringing will take a while to go away."

A snarl came from her cousin's throat, "Go pester Bee or something."

"But it's more fun pissing you off, so no! Besides, hearing the news of the Land of Fire becoming an empire sounds interesting. 'Rising Sun Empire' rolls off the tongue, right?" Yoruichi smirked while A scowled back.

"Won't be interesting when said empire turns our way." Especially after it assimilates enough of the smaller nations around it to prove a dangerous fighting force even against them, the Land of Lightning was renowned for being the strongest military force in Gogyou-Koku. However, that could shift once Maiyuri Sasaki amasses new forces from the lands she gains in her campaign.

Already they had mobilized a large portion of Konoha's Shinobi stationed at the capital, which most likely meant they would draft several Konoha's forces away from their hidden village and incorporate them into the army.

With lesser numbers engaged in their usual activities and the village empty of their full numbers, launching an invasion of Konoha could have been a fruitful endeavor on their part. Could is the right word. Attacking Konoha right now would most likely draw the ire of the Shogun. Villages fighting each other to avoid confrontation with their countries' military was the standard practice. But what happened now that the Konoha shinobi was part of the royal army?

It would mean war with the Land of Fire. And jumping into a conflict without measuring their enemies' capabilities would be a great misstep on their part. They must first observe Asahi's actions and assess their military capabilities. It would risk allowing their empire to expand and become stronger, but at the same time, they'd be tipping their hand. They had not mobilized their Shinobi for a war. A didn't like playing it safe when there could be such consequences in the long run. But so long as the Daimyo remained undecisive, his hands were tied.

He had the strongest military in the continent and didn't want to aggravate the expanding power. If A had it his way, he would have already been planning assassination attempts on the princess. As it stood, those plans would remain drafts until they could take advantage of the situation.

"The daimyo doesn't know what to do," Yoruichi pointed out as though she could tell what he was thinking. "His predecessors hadn't dealt with this for almost a century. The court became too used to the way we ninja run things."

"It works for us so far," A countered.

"Sure, but at the same time, nobody has a real advantage over anyone. Three major wars, minor conflicts, and skirmishes; where did that get us?" The Raikage grumbled as Yoruichi answered her question, "We've been stuck in this weird deadlock with no real growth or advantage to be made. Maiyuri Sasaki is the first person to shake things up finally."

A glared, "So how does that benefit us, exactly?"

"No idea," his cousin shrugged, "We keep tabs on our enemies and plan how to face them once we know what we are dealing with." She smirked, "Besides, I know you are bored out of your mind being cooped up here for so long. Maybe this girl might be a fun fight like Minato was, or wait a few years and see how good a fight his brat can give you?"

The Raikage had to tip his hat for the Leaf hiding the fact Minato Namikaze had a son. And with the Red Death, Kushina Uzumaki is the mother, no less. None of their spies even found a trace of that hidden truth till finally revealed upon Kushina's return. Guess sending a team to the Chunin exams this year paid off, in retrospect. "What do we know about Naruto Uzumaki?"

Mebui conveyed information, "He was thought to have been a dead last with no real skill. We assume Konoha hid that since his performance in the Chunin Exams showed he is far more talented than he lets on. His Shoton Bloodline Limit also caught us by surprise, along with his Jinchurriki status. He displayed remarkable fighting prowess and could pacify Suna's Ichibi Jinchurriki. Much like his mother, he became a Dainin but also stated he and Shogun Maiyuri seem to have struck a budding friendship."

"Hah!" Yoruichi chuckled, "Well, he's a chip off the old block like his parents."

"You may get your wish one of these days, Yoruichi," The Raikage said to the woman, "One way or another, I believe a fight between our nations will be inevitable."

The woman grinned in a very cat-like manner, "Just point me where Kushina is, cuz. The game is back on~."

A let out a deep humming sound, rumbling from his chest. He knew that Kumo would need to adapt if they wanted their nation to ensure the superiority they had enjoyed for decades remained.

They wouldn't let some upstart brat rock the boat because of her ambitions.

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

It was raining today in the Rain Village like it often did. Their only hope of seeing the skies clear was their God, who would make sunny days for the often-wounded village. But today, their lord had not addressed the downpour. He let it fall freely as his mind centered on the recent events.

Once more, the Land of Fire had started a war. This time a war of a magnitude that hadn't been seen in centuries. Their ambitions, their greed, never ceased. Pain would cry for the suffering the smaller countries would endure, had he any more tears left to shed.

"I could stop it before it reaches us," He muses from his spot on the tower, watching the rain continue to fall.

"You could," His newest advisor said with a patient tone. "But then, how will they understand your philosophy? How will they be enlightened?"

Pain could feel Tobi shift in the background, watching Bai Shen's every move. The masked man was always wary of the demon, expecting him to betray them at every turn. But the demon was not a threat. He was one of the faithful and had shared with him invaluable things. He was his God, after all, his 'Jashin.'

Bai Shen leaned to Pain's side, "Allow Sasaki to play her war of unification. The conflict will rouse the pain within the masses and empower you. The true horrors of war shall be laid bare to the young Shogun. Bloodening her hands like all who came before her in their goals of conquest."

"Then, at the right moment, show her the errors of her transgression." Pain finished, staring ahead to the skies above.

"Exactly," The hooded demon bore a wicked smile.

Close by stood Konan, who observed the conversation while keeping her eyes on Tobi and Bai Shen. While she held suspicions against both, she wouldn't question her leader. If these two proved to go against their goals, Pain could wipe them out with ease. But... She was still human and felt a pang of worry in her heart.

'I shouldn't worry. Nagato can handle whatever is thrown at him. We will get through this. And bring real peace to the world.'

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX

"It is amazing how easy it is to play him like a fiddle, isn't it?"

Tobi spoke beside Bai Shen as they roamed through a building hallway. The fanatical demonic man chuckled, "Delusory beings like him have always proven to be feeble minds when stroking their ego." He placed his hands behind his back, "Everything is moving accordingly. Zu Zhong's endeavor with the snake will show results soon. Which should put a wrench in the Asahi Empire's campaign."

"Are you sure you're keeping a leash on him?" Tobi questioned as he narrowed his visible eye. "Orochimaru's incredibly opportunistic nature allows him to spot the smallest opening."

"All our aid to him comes personally and solely from Zhu Zhang's craft. He will get no knowledge or tools to use himself. He is dependent on Zu Zhang if he wants to further his own goals."

The masked man grunted, "It is my experience that Orochimaru is more trouble than he's worth. Keep him around so long as he's useful, don't let him in the plans, and cut him off when his usefulness ceases, or he becomes a liability."

"Peace, brother Tobi!" The demon's mangled half of his face twisted into a horrible grin. "We've been at this for a long, long time. Through ups and downs, we have learned to refine how we 'grease the gears of history."

"Yet Dhunarak, an Ascendant, botched his mission spectacularly," Tobi derided, "In his ego, he underestimated the enemy, and now an idealistic princess has gone a warpath to unify the lands."

Bai Shen unhooked a hand from his back, waving a circle. "It is not on the timetable we would have preferred... but we can still use this situation" He stopped, and so did Tobi. The two men turned to face each other. "The time for Her return is nigh, but not yet, not yet" He shook his head. "This war will need to continue. The unrest in the nations and the chaos brewing from our agent's action in Gogyou-Koku and the rest of the world must go on for as long as possible."

Tobi looked at him in silence for a second, "How long?"

"We need at least five years."

"Five years?" The masked man replied, "We'll need to pull every resource and trick at our disposal to ensure that" Prolonging a conflict was already tricky business, but the looming war of this magnitude... it was doable.

"Five is the bare minimum; then it will most likely take us a year or two to finalize Her revival" The hooded demon leaned in. "Keep Pain on the path. We will make sure the Nations, and the world, fall to chaos." He grasped Tobi's shoulder with one hand. "We are close, so close. Five years is nothing in the large scheme of things. All we need to do is ensure the gears keep turning and keep the mongrels divided."

Tobi slowly nodded. "For the new world, born from the ashes of the old."

A twisted, warped grin overtook the demon's features once more. "Let chaos take us all."

XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX ~ xx ~ XxX