The Unification of Leaf and Mist
Arthur Note: I decided to remake my story Politics Between The Mist And The Leaf Village. Since I couldn't find my USB stick with the Chapters, I also felt that I could do better. Check out my other remake Broken Bonds: A Journey to Redemption and my new story The Jashinist's Quest for Peace. Let me know what you think about the three stories in my reviews.
Summary: Naruto must unite the Leaf and Mist villages through his marriage to the new Mizukage, Mei Terumi. As he navigates the world of politics, he strives to achieve peace and prosperity for both communities.
Chapter One: Naruto's Surprise Engagement
The council members, who were seated around a large circular table, shifted uncomfortably in their seats. They knew that Tsunade was not one to be trifled with, and her anger was well-founded. They had underestimated Naruto's potential and had made a grave mistake by agreeing to the political marriage with the Mist Village.
The council was composed of the most prominent and influential members of the Hidden Leaf Village. Among them were Danzo Shimura, the leader of the Root, Homura Mitokado, an elderly advisor to the Hokage, and Koharu Utatane, a veteran ninja who had served in the Third Great Ninja War.
The Hokage's Mansion, where the council was meeting, was a grand building that stood at the center of the Hidden Leaf Village. It was a symbol of the village's power and prestige, and the council chamber was located at the heart of the mansion.
The village itself was a bustling and vibrant place, with colorful buildings and bustling streets. It was surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, and the people who lived there were proud of their heritage and their ninja traditions.
Naruto Uzumaki, the young ninja at the center of the council's dilemma, was a beloved figure in the village. He was known for his determination, his loyalty to his friends, and his unbreakable spirit. His departure to the Mist Village had caused a great deal of concern among the villagers, who worried about what might happen to him in a foreign land.
As the council deliberated, a sense of unease settled over the Hidden Leaf Village. The fate of their beloved ninja was in the hands of the council, and the decision they made would have far-reaching consequences for the village and its people.
Tsunade's eyes blazed with anger as she glared at the council members seated before her. "How could you do this?" she demanded, her voice rising with each word. "Sending away the one person who convinced me to come back to the Leaf? And for what? A political marriage with the Mist? You have no idea what you've done!"
Chieko, one of the council members, flinched under Tsunade's fierce gaze. "We're deeply sorry, Lady Tsunade," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "We had no idea what we were doing. If we had known what Naruto was capable of, we never would have sent him away."
Tsunade's anger only seemed to grow at Chieko's words. "That's not good enough," she spat. "You should have known better. Naruto is more than just a pawn in some political game. He's a shinobi of the Hidden Leaf Village, and he deserves our respect and protection."
Danzo, the war hawk of the council, spoke up, his voice cold and detached. "There's nothing we can do about it now. Naruto is going to marry the woman whether we like it or not. What's done is done. We should take comfort in the fact that they will be pleased with whom we chose, and make sure they both at least enjoy being married."
Danzo clenched his jaw tightly, his thoughts racing as he listened to the council discuss Naruto's fate. Rage boiled within him as he thought about the missed opportunity. "If it was my way, I would have the boy," he seethed inwardly. "But they had voted against me having him and gave away our weapon."
Tsunade noticed the change in Danzo's demeanor and narrowed her eyes at him. "Is something the matter, Danzo?" she asked, her voice laced with suspicion.
Danzo forced a smile onto his lips, masking his true feelings. "No, nothing at all, Lady Tsunade," he replied smoothly. "I was just thinking that we need to focus on making sure Naruto is happy in the Mist Village. After all, it's in our best interest to maintain a positive relationship with them, both politically and personally."
Tsunade's expression softened slightly at Danzo's words. "On that much, you're right," she conceded. "We need to ensure that Naruto is content and respected in the Mist. And we can't send them a genin, that would be an insult. He deserves to be recognized as the talented Shinobi he is."
Radien, a council member with green hair, stepped forward. "Of course, Lady Tsunade," he said. "Naruto performed exceptionally well in the Chunin exams and even managed to stop the Kazekage's son from destroying the village. He will be promoted to the rank of Chunin, as he rightfully deserves."
Tsunade nodded in agreement, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "Good," she said. "That's something, at least. We owe it to Naruto to make sure he's treated with the respect he's earned."
Tsunade's words were met with a sense of relief from the council. They had been worried about whether Naruto would be happy with his future bride, but Tsunade's assurance that Mei Terumi was not only beautiful but also kind and powerful had quelled their fears. They could picture Naruto standing by her side, the envy of every man in the village.
"Let's move on to other matters," Danzo said, his voice cutting through the silence in the council room. "Firstly, we need to discuss Naruto's heritage. As you all know, he will be moving to the Mist Village as part of his marriage to the Mizukage. We cannot let his family techniques fall into the wrong hands. I propose that we keep this information from the boy."
Tsunade's brow furrowed in concern. "But by the Fire Daimyo's law, since he is getting married, he will receive his heritage. We can't deny him that."
Kagura, a blue-haired man seated at the council table, nodded in agreement. "Tsunade-sama is right. We can't go against the law."
Chieko, another council member, spoke up. "But we also can't risk Naruto's safety. What if his family techniques are used against us?"
Chieko's concern was echoed by the other council members, who all knew the importance of Naruto's heritage. The law was clear, but the risks involved in revealing this information were equally apparent.
"We could petition the Fire Daimyo to make an exception to the law," Kagura suggested. "But we'll need to have a solid argument for why it's necessary."
Danzo leaned back in his seat, his eyes glinting with a calculating glint. "I have a better idea. We can set up a meeting with the Fire Daimyo and explain why we can't let the boy's heritage go with him when he leaves. He will agree with us, he will agree with us about it not being safe."
Danzo's thoughts turned to his ambitions. 'Soon I will have the boy and his heritage, then I'll take over as Hokage,' he thought with a smirk that nobody had noticed. He was determined to seize any advantage he could, even if it meant putting Naruto's safety at risk.
The council room was filled with tension as Tsunade spoke up, her voice firm and resolute. "That's enough. Naruto will get his heritage. If you try to convince the Fire Daimyo to change the law, then I will go to his wife. You guys know how he will listen to his wife. I think the Fire Daimyo would also be mad if he had found out how horribly Naruto was treated, how he was given a Jounin test instead of a Genin test. That way, you guys can make sure that he has failed and gets kicked out of classes for stupid reasons. We all know that he and his wife were friends with the Fourth Hokage and his wife."
The council members shifted uneasily in their seats, knowing that Tsunade had a point. The Fire Daimyo's wife held a great deal of influence over him, and if she were to find out about Naruto's mistreatment, it could have serious consequences.
"What about the boy's heritage falling into the wrong hands? How can we ensure it won't happen?" inquired Koharu, a former teammate of the third Hokage.
Koharu's question hung in the air, a reminder of the risks involved in revealing Naruto's heritage. Tsunade rubbed her forehead, feeling the weight of the decision heavy on her shoulders.
"You guys should've thought about that before you agreed to a political marriage," she said, her tone sharp. "You would have gotten away with this kind of crap with my sensei, but you won't with me. I will not tolerate any of this, and I will not stand for any plans of keeping things from people. I have faith that Mei will keep Naruto's heritage safe. She became Mizukage at the age of 17 for a reason."
The council members shifted uneasily in their seats, knowing that Tsunade was right. They had been so focused on the political implications of the marriage that they had overlooked the risks involved in revealing Naruto's heritage. But Tsunade's words were a reminder that they couldn't sacrifice Naruto's safety for their ambitions.
'After this meeting, I am going to need a drink,' Tsunade thought, feeling the weight of the responsibility on her shoulders. 'I also need to start doing some investigating. If they are willing to keep the brat's heritage from him, what else could they have taken from him and others?'
"As for the final subject, let's talk about rebuilding everything that was destroyed during the invasion," suggested Homura, a former teammate of the third Hokage.
Tsunade nodded in agreement. "Indeed. We've received help from the Sand Village, who want to make up for the damage they caused. I've already agreed to their terms, as well as some additional ones of our own. Let me emphasize that we won't be attacking or waging war against them—they were manipulated by Orochimaru. However, we'll be keeping a close eye on them until we can fully trust them again."
"I think that's a wise decision," chimed in Koharu, another former teammate of the third Hokage. "But what about the cost of the rebuilding efforts? Do we have enough resources to cover it all?"
Tsunade sighed. "It's going to be a challenge, but we have some options. For one, we can allocate some of the village's funds towards reconstruction. Additionally, we can ask for aid from other villages or even negotiate trade agreements with them to acquire the necessary resources. Of course, we'll need to be careful not to overextend ourselves."
The others nodded in agreement, and Tsunade continued. "Is there anything else we need to discuss before we conclude this meeting?"
Homura spoke up. "Actually, there is one more thing. We have to consider the possibility of other enemies rising against us. We should start thinking about strengthening our defenses and increasing our intelligence-gathering efforts."
"I agree," said Koharu. "We can't afford to get complacent just because one enemy has been defeated."
"Very well," Tsunade said, nodding. "Let's make that a priority going forward. Anything else?"
When no one else spoke up, Tsunade dismissed the meeting and the group began to file out of the room, their minds already turning to the tasks ahead.
As Danzo departed, a sinister thought crossed his mind: 'I will acquire the boy and his heritage, by any means necessary.'
Meanwhile, elsewhere, Mei Terumi was aboard a boat bound for the Hidden Leaf, where she was to be married as part of a political alliance. As she gazed up at the stars on the deck of the boat, the cool ocean breeze brushing against her skin, she couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. Though the sky was clear, and the stars shone brightly overhead, Mei couldn't shake the feeling that her life was no longer her own.
Her bodyguard, Chojuro, stood by her side, his eyes scanning the horizon for any signs of danger. They were surrounded by the calm, dark waters of the sea, with nothing but the occasional seabird or fish breaking the surface. But Chojuro knew better than to let his guard down – the journey ahead was long and treacherous, and there were those who would do anything to disrupt the fragile peace between their villages.
As Mei was lost in thought, her advisor Ao approached her. "Mizukage-sama, I hope you don't hold it against us for arranging this marriage," he said. "From what I've heard, the groom is a fine young man."
Mei forced a smile. "It's not that I'm angry, Ao. It's just...this marriage is a political move. It's not about love or happiness. But as the Mizukage, I must put the needs of my village first."
Chojuro nodded in agreement. "And if this union can bring peace between our villages, then it's worth it."
Mei smiled weakly. "I suppose you're right. But I can't help wondering...will I ever find love in my position?"
Ao placed a reassuring hand on Mei's shoulder. "Don't worry, Mizukage-sama. Love has a way of finding us, even in the most unexpected of places."
Mei smiled at his words, feeling a glimmer of hope. Perhaps there was more to her future than just duty and politics.
As they stood on the deck of the boat, Chojuro turned to Mei with a concerned expression. "You're nervous that he's a Jinchuriki, are you? We've had a bad past with them after all."
Mei laughed, her eyes brightening. "One bad Jinchuriki doesn't mean they all are. Utakata is an example, besides, it looks like Yagura may have been under someone else's influence. The message said he had had a bit of a rough childhood. Maybe we can relate to one another."
Ao nodded, his gaze fixed on Mei. She was like a daughter to him, and he prayed that she would end up happy.
Mei's mind drifted as she made her way to her room on the boat. She couldn't help but wonder what her fiancé was like. "I wonder what he's into," she thought to herself. "What are his hobbies? Is he a pervert, or what's his favorite food?"
As she entered her room, she took in the cozy space. The walls were lined with light wood paneling, and the bed was piled high with soft blankets and cushions. A small desk sat in the corner, cluttered with papers and books, and a porthole window offered a view of the sea outside.
Mei sank onto her bed, her mind still on her fiancé. The thought of spending her life with someone who understood the weight of her responsibilities filled her with both hope and trepidation. She wondered if he was feeling the same way, if he was nervous about their future together.
With a sigh, Mei pushed aside her thoughts and picked up a book from the nightstand. As she lost herself in the pages, the gentle rocking of the boat beneath her lulled her into a peaceful sleep.
The next morning in the Leaf village, Naruto sat across from Tsunade with a dumbfounded expression on his face. "Ma….married?" he repeated, struggling to wrap his head around the news. Tsunade had just explained the whole situation to him, the marriage, his transfer to the Mist, everything.
Tsunade gave him a soft smile, trying to ease his worries. "Naruto, I know you weren't expecting this, but we've done our best to make sure this is a good thing for you. Mei is beautiful, kind, and a damn good Shinobi."
Naruto's frown deepened, his mind racing with all the implications of the news. "But I have to leave the village," he protested. "I'll never be Hokage, I'll barely ever see my friends…"
Tsunade reached across the table to put a comforting hand on his arm. "You'll be the ambassador to the Leaf, so you'll be in the village and see your friends plenty. As for being Hokage, I've got something that may be a small consolation for that."
Curiosity flickered in Naruto's eyes. "What is it?" he asked, leaning forward.
Tsunade pulled out a small scroll and handed it to him. "Your father and your mother want us to give this to you when you become Chunin."
Naruto's heart was pounding with anticipation as he unrolled the scroll. He had always wondered about his parents, but he never thought he would get the chance to learn the truth. His hands trembled as he read the first sentence, and his eyes went wide with shock and disbelief.
Naruto,
If you're reading this, then we are dead. We had instructed Jiraiya and the old man not to tell you until you made Chunin, and even then, you can't tell anyone. Son, I'm Minato Namikaze, the Yellow Flash and the Fourth Hokage of the Hidden Leaf. Your mom is Kushina Uzumaki, the Red Tomato, The Red Death, and the second Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tailed Kyuubi. We had countless enemies, particularly in Iwa and Kumo, who would stop at nothing to kill you if they found out. We would have liked to have had Jiraiya adopt you, but with his spy network, We doubt that could happen.
Naruto's world came crashing down as he read the words on the scroll. His parents were dead. He had never known them, but now he knew who they were, what they had done, and what they had sacrificed. Tears welled up in his eyes as he read the rest of the letter, his emotions too raw to put into words.
Most likely, We had no choice, but to seal the fox inside you. We are sorry to have put that burden on you, but We have faith you can protect the village even better than we did and could. Before We died, Jiraiya told me that he believed I would be the one who would bring peace to the world, but if we are dead, then I couldn't do that, so we are counting on you too.
As Hokage your father's duty was to protect this village, and if peace was brought to the world then the village would truly be safe. We want you to bring peace to the world, Naruto, something even a Hokage and the Red Death couldn't do. We love you and have complete faith in you.
Your father and mother,
Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki
As Naruto finished reading the letter, his mind was thrown into chaos. He felt a mix of emotions – grief, anger, and a fierce determination to honor his parents' legacy. He couldn't believe that he had been carrying the Nine-Tailed Fox inside him all along, a burden that his parents had placed on him to protect the village. But he knew that he couldn't let their sacrifice go to waste.
With a newfound sense of purpose, Naruto stood up and looked out at the world around him. He knew that the road ahead would be long and difficult, but he was determined to make his parents proud. He would become the best ninja he could be, honing his skills and mastering new techniques. Furthermore, he would fight against evil and injustice wherever he found it, always with his parents' legacy in his heart.
Tsunade leaned in closer to Naruto, her voice lowering to a whisper. "Don't tell anyone about this, alright? Iwa and Kumo would send their whole army after you if they found out," she warned. "But with this information, you'll be getting complete access to the Namikaze and Uzumaki's fortune, which is enormous. You'll also have access to all of your parents' scrolls on jutsu, giving you a wealth of knowledge and power at your fingertips."
Naruto's eyes widened in surprise. He had never imagined that his parents had left behind such a vast fortune, or that he would have access to their powerful jutsu. But as he thought about it, he realized that this was undoubtedly the kind of support he needed to achieve his goals and make his mark on the world.
Tsunade continued, a small smile playing at her lips. "Finally, I've got a picture of the two of them on the day they found out about you," she said, reaching into her pocket and producing a small, worn photograph. "As you can see, they were thrilled to be having you."
Naruto took the picture, his eyes filling with tears as he gazed at the image of his parents. They looked so happy, so full of love and joy. It was a reminder of the family he had lost, but also of the family he had gained in the form of his friends and allies.
As he slipped the photograph into his pocket, Naruto felt a sense of purpose and determination swelling within him. He had a new dream, a new goal, and the support he needed to make it a reality. He would honor his parents' legacy, and he would do it in a way that would make them proud.
As Naruto put his hands together and said the word "Kai," Tsunade watched in shock as a seal on his coat disappeared, and a wave of energy pulsed through his body. Instantly, his hair grew a couple of inches, his body stretched a foot taller, and his muscles bulged with newfound strength. The baby fat that had once clung to his cheeks melted away, leaving behind a chiseled, powerful physique.
Tsunade gasped, her eyes widening in disbelief. She had known that Naruto was a powerful ninja, but she had never imagined that he had been hiding such incredible strength.
"Why were you hiding your true self?" she asked, her voice filled with awe and wonder.
Naruto shrugged, a small smile playing at his lips. "I didn't want people to be afraid of me," he said. "I knew that if they saw me like this, they might think I was a monster."
Tsunade shook her head, her eyes softening with sympathy. "You're not a monster, Naruto," she said. "You're a hero, and you have always been. You've been through so much, and yet you still manage to stay true to yourself and your beliefs. That's what makes you special."
Naruto smiled, feeling a sense of warmth spreading through his chest. He had never considered himself to be special, but hearing Tsunade say it made him feel like he could accomplish anything.
Naruto sat in the chair, his expression grim. "There's something else you need to know. Before the old man took me under his wing, I was trained and experimented on by Orochimaru."
Tsunade's eyes widened in shock. "What? Orochimaru? That's unbelievable!"
Naruto nodded slowly. "It's true. He wanted to create the perfect weapon, so he injected me with all sorts of things, trying to enhance my abilities. I don't even know what half of it was. It was like he was trying to turn me into some kind of monster."
Tsunade's face twisted in horror. "Oh my god, Naruto. That's terrible. How did you survive it?"
Naruto took a deep breath. "The old man saved me. He found me when I was on the brink of death and took me away from Orochimaru. He spent years training me and helping me recover from the experiments. He's the reason I'm still alive today."
Tsunade's eyes filled with tears. "I had no idea. Why didn't anyone tell me about this?"
Naruto's expression softened. "The old man wanted to keep it a secret. He said there were people who would want me dead if they found out. That's why he lied to the council about sending me with Jiraiya."
Jiraiya entered through the window, his hair disheveled and a sheepish expression on his face. Before he could even speak, Tsunade hurled a book at him.
"Explain yourself!" she demanded, her voice raised.
Jiraiya ducked the book and quickly tried to defuse the situation. "Sensei told Naruto to keep everything a secret. He made it an S-Rank secret, so Kakashi, the kid, and I couldn't say anything. And as for the paperwork, he sealed it behind the paint on the wall."
Tsunade narrowed her eyes. "Why would he do that? And why did he tell Naruto to act stupid?"
Jiraiya shrugged. "He wanted to protect Naruto. He knew there were people who would want him dead if they found out the truth. As for the acting stupid thing, it was all part of his plan to keep Naruto safe. He's actually incredibly smart, like his father, and he's got a wealth of knowledge that would put the Nara clan to shame. But he plays dumb to throw people off."
Naruto nodded in agreement. "It's true. Sensei wanted me to act weak and stupid, so I wouldn't draw too much attention to myself."
Tsunade looked thoughtful. "I had no idea. And you failed the Jounin test because you were acting?"
Naruto grinned. "Yup. Sensei told me to fail purposely, so I wouldn't be promoted too quickly. He wanted me to continue flying under the radar."
Jiraiya chuckled. "The old man was always a bit of a schemer. But everything he did was to protect Naruto. And it worked, didn't it?"
"Protecting Naruto was always his top priority," Tsunade said, a hint of sadness in her voice. "He knew what it was like to be alone and vulnerable, and he didn't want Naruto to experience the same thing. He did everything in his power to keep him safe, even if it meant keeping secrets from those he trusted."
Naruto nodded in agreement. "He was like a father to me, Baa-chan. He always had my back, no matter what."
Tsunade smiled fondly. "I know he did, Naruto. And I'm sure he would be proud of the person you've become."
Jiraiya nodded. "Absolutely. He always knew you had the potential to be something great. And you've proven him right time and time again."
Naruto's face lit up with pride as he turned to Jiraiya. "I really appreciate your kind words, Pervy Sage. So, Granny, when will I get to go to the Mist village?"
"In a couple of months, you'll be heading to the Mist village, but your fiancée will be here in an hour or two," Tsunade informed Naruto. "She'll be staying for a few months to get to know you and take care of some other things. And when she leaves, you'll be leaving too. But before I forget, you'll have your parents' old house. So when you come to visit or do missions for the leaf, you and your wife will have a place to stay." Tsunade handed Naruto a key.
"Thank you, Granny," Naruto said as he pocketed the key.
Jiraiya chimed in, "I've been keeping the house and yard clean. The fridge and storage room are stocked with food, and I'll refill them before you come to visit."
"Thank you, Granny and Pervy Sage," Naruto said before leaving.
Sure, here's a possible rephrasing that improves the flow and adds more detail:
Naruto walked nervously towards the hospital, his new Chunin vest clinging to his chest. He had just received some life-changing news and was eager to share it with his teammates. But he was also nervous about their reaction. He stopped at the door, trying to gather his thoughts and think of a way to tell them.
After a few deep breaths, Naruto decided to wing it. It had always worked for him before. He pushed the door open and walked in.
"Hey everyone, how's it going?" he said, trying to sound casual.
Sakura approached her teammate, Naruto, with an angry expression on her face. "Naruto, you baka! You almost woke up, Sasuke!" she yelled. However, her tone softened when she noticed the Chunin vest adorning Naruto's attire. "Wait a minute, you made Chunin? Congratulations! And why do you look different?" she asked, genuinely curious about the changes she noticed in his appearance.
"Yeah, but that's just scratching the surface," Naruto began, but he was abruptly cut off by Sasuke, who had just woken up.
"The dobe made Chunin? How is that even possible?" Sasuke shouted from his bed, clearly surprised by the news.
"Sasuke, we should be happy for him. There's no need to yell," Kakashi interjected, his tone calm and measured. "Obviously, the council felt he did well enough to be promoted. Well done, Naruto. I also heard that Jiraiya-san is training you. That's very impressive," he added, a hint of pride in his voice as he flashed one of his classic eye smiles.
"Hm, congratulations," Sasuke said as he got out of his hospital bed. "I'm going for a walk. I need to clear my head," he added, making his way towards the door.
"Naruto, why did you have to come in here flaunting your vest like that? You upset Sasuke," Sakura complained as she watched Sasuke heading to the door. "Well, I guess it's not really your fault. Congratulations," she added half-heartedly.
But Kakashi stepped in front of Sasuke, blocking his path. "Sasuke, hold on a minute. You can't just leave like that. Naruto just achieved something significant, and we should all be happy for him," he said in a firm but gentle tone.
Sasuke hesitated for a moment before relenting. "Fine," he muttered, returning to his bed and sitting down with a thud.
"Thanks, Kakashi-sensei," Naruto said, grateful for his teacher's intervention. "Guys, please sit down. We have a lot to talk about," he added, motioning to the chairs beside Sasuke's bed.
Sakura and Kakashi sat down, and Naruto spent about ten minutes telling them everything, except for his true heritage, and waited nervously for their response.
Kakashi was the first to speak. "Well, that's great news, Naruto. Although I don't know what the Leaf will do without its favorite knucklehead ninja," he said, trying to hide the fact that he would really miss the boy. Naruto had brought some light back into his life, and he was sad he was going to lose that. He gave Naruto a small smile, his eyes showing a hint of sadness.
Sasuke then got off the hospital bed and left without saying a word. Naruto felt a pang of disappointment in his chest, wishing Sasuke would at least say something or show some kind of emotion.
"Naruto, I'm so sorry. You come in here with great news, and all I do is yell at you. I'm going to miss you a lot, and I'm sure Sasuke will too. We were finally starting to become a real team," Sakura said with a sad smile. She walked up and gave Naruto a warm hug, which he returned with gratitude. Naruto could feel a lump forming in his throat as he realized how much he was going to miss his friends.
"Thanks, Sakura-chan. That means a lot to me," Naruto said, his voice cracking slightly. "We're going to meet my future wife in about an hour. Can you round up everybody else, so I can see them?" he asked, trying to sound cheerful despite the emotions swirling inside him.
"Of course. I'll make sure Sasuke is there too. How long do you have before you go to the Mist?" Sakura inquired, sensing the sadness in Naruto's voice.
"For a couple of months," Naruto responded, feeling a mix of excitement and sadness at the thought of leaving.
"Great, we'll make sure it's the best month you've ever had," Sakura said cheerfully, before running out of the room with a smile on her face.
Naruto stood in the doorway, feeling confused. "I don't get it. Usually, she's all mad and tries to hit me, but she got all nice and even gave me a hug. What's up with that?" he asked, looking at Kakashi for an explanation.
Kakashi chuckled. "Women are confusing creatures, Naruto. Perplexing creatures. Kind of funny that the most wonderful thing in the world belongs to the most confusing things in the world," he said cryptically.
"What's the most wonderful thing in the world?" Naruto asked, feeling curious.
Kakashi smiled mischievously as he handed Naruto a scroll full of Icha Icha books. "You'll find out on your wedding night. Take this scroll with you. It has every copy of the Icha Icha books. A lot of people think it's only about sex, but it's had more things than that," he said, his tone light and teasing.
Naruto blushed at the mention of his wedding night but took the scroll with a grateful smile as he put the scroll into his pocket. "Thanks, Kakashi-sensei. I'll make sure to read them all," he said, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness about his upcoming nuptials.
Later that day, the three ninja from the Hidden Mist Village - Chojuro, Ao, and Mei - arrived at a large clearing in a dense forest somewhere in the Land of Fire. They had been traveling for hours, making their way towards their destination, and the journey had been arduous. However, they were relieved to finally reach their meeting point.
As they waited, Chojuro informed Mei and Ao of their impending meeting with Jiraiya of the Sannin.
"Jiraiya of the Sannin is supposed to meet us here with a Jounin. Mei, I believe you've met him before," Chojuro said.
Mei's expression soured at the mention of the name. "Yes, unfortunately. And when I see him, he'll regret ever laying eyes on me."
Ao and Chojuro exchanged a worried glance, knowing all too well the consequences of crossing Mei. She had a reputation for being ruthless, especially towards those who dared to disrespect her.
"Can you at least hold off until we reach the village?" Ao pleaded.
Mei considered his request, her eyes narrowed. "We'll see."
Suddenly, the sound of rustling leaves caught their attention, and they turned to see two figures approaching them - Jiraiya of the Sannin and a grey-haired Leaf Village Shinobi. Mei immediately took a combative stance, ready to unleash her fiery wrath on Jiraiya.
But before she could do anything, Jiraiya had begun to say, "Look, I know you probably dislike me, but you can beat the crap out of me after I've told you everything you need to know about your future husband."
Mei was taken aback by Jiraiya's sudden change of tone, but she couldn't deny her curiosity. She hesitated for a moment before nodding, intrigued by the prospect of learning more about her future husband.
Jiraiya handed her a thick, leather-bound book, its pages filled with intricate drawings and text. "In this book, you'll find the history of both Naruto clans, and the history of Naruto's parents. It also contains all of my current knowledge on the Akatsuki."
Mei furrowed her brow, trying to take in everything she was being told. "Wait, parents and clans? I thought he was an orphan. And what's the Akatsuki?"
Jiraiya let out a deep sigh. "The Akatsuki is an organization that's been trying to obtain the tailed beasts. We believe they may have had something to do with the situation with the last Mizukage. And as for Naruto's parents, that's something that should be explained to you by Naruto himself, not me."
Mei nodded, her mind racing as she tried to process everything she had just learned. "So, what's he like?"
Jiraiya's expression softened as he thought for a moment. "Naruto is strong-willed, kind-hearted, and fiercely loyal to his friends. He's also a bit of a goofball at times, but don't let that fool you. When it comes down to it, he'll do whatever it takes to protect the people he cares about."
Mei couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and respect for Jiraiya, despite his reputation as a pervert. She could see the genuine affection he had for Naruto, and it made her feel even more excited to meet him.
"I'll keep that in mind," she said, tucking the book Jiraiya had given her safely into her pouch. "Thank you for sharing all of this with me."
Jiraiya nodded, his expression turning serious once again. "Just remember, Mei. The fate of our villages rests on our ability to work together. We need to put aside our differences and focus on the task at hand."
Mei nodded in agreement, feeling a newfound determination to make this alliance work. She knew that working with Naruto and the Leaf Village would be no easy feat, but she was more than ready to rise to the challenge.
Jiraiya got a slight frown on his face, "If anyone asks we never had this conversation, I've got an image to uphold. Tell them I asked you to tell me how your first time with Naruto goes…actually, that might be good for me. Maybe you can teach him a new thing, or you guys can learn a new thing."
Jiraiya's perverted comment made Mei feel uneasy, and she couldn't believe he had even suggested such a thing.
"Jiraiya, that's enough," Kakashi said sharply. "This is a diplomatic mission, and your behavior is unacceptable. We need to show Mei the respect she deserves."
Jiraiya's expression turned slightly sour. "Fine, fine. I was just joking around," he said, trying to play it off.
Mei shook her head, still feeling uncomfortable. "I'm here to meet my fiancé, Jiraiya. I don't appreciate being objectified like this."
Kakashi nodded in agreement. "We're sorry about that, Mei. Please don't let Jiraiya's behavior reflect poorly on our village. We value your presence here and will ensure that you're treated with the respect you deserve."
Mei smiled gratefully at Kakashi. "Thank you for your understanding, Kakashi. I appreciate it."
"You're welcome, Mei," Kakashi replied with a small smile. "I just want to make sure that everyone's privacy is respected."
Kakashi then turned to Jiraiya with a serious expression. "Jiraiya, I heard that you're planning to include Naruto and Mei's first time in your next Icha Icha book. That's inappropriate and disrespectful to them."
Jiraiya chuckled and replied, "Sorry, Kakashi. You know I can't make any promises."
Kakashi's expression hardened. "This is not a joke, Jiraiya. I'm asking you to respect their privacy and not include them in your book."
Jiraiya sighed and looked at Kakashi with a hint of annoyance. "Alright, I won't include them. But you're taking all the fun out of it."
Mei couldn't help but feel uneasy as they continued their journey towards the Leaf Village. Dealing with Jiraiya's perverted behavior had already put her on edge, and the thought of her intimate moments being used as fodder for an erotic novel was too much to bear.
She sighed and tried to push the thought from her mind. Their mission was too important to be sidetracked by Jiraiya's antics. She was determined to make the alliance between the Hidden Mist and the Leaf Village work, no matter the challenges they faced.
As they walked, Mei found herself lost in thought, reflecting on the task ahead. She knew that gaining the trust of the Leaf Village would be a challenge, but she was ready to do whatever it took to make it happen. She was grateful for Kakashi's support and guidance, even if Jiraiya's eccentricities tested her patience.
In the courtyard of the Leaf Village, Sakura had gathered Naruto's friends. As they arrived, Ino couldn't help but ask, "What's going on, Forehead? Why did you bring us all together like this?"
Shino, as Stoic as ever, also spoke up. "I, too, would appreciate an explanation for your urgency."
Shikamaru, meanwhile, complained, "This is troublesome. I was enjoying watching the clouds. Being a Chunin means I won't have as much spare time."
"Actually, that's part of the reason I called you all here," Sakura explained. "Naruto was promoted to Chunin too, but that's not even the half of it. You all might want to sit down for this." She gestured towards some nearby benches, where they could gather and talk in relative privacy, shielded from the bustling sounds of the village.
Sakura had gathered all the Konoha Twelve and their senseis, except for Naruto and Kakashi. Iruka and Team Konohamaru were also present. As Sakura explained the situation, eyebrows were raised and a few smiles appeared upon hearing that Naruto had made Chunin. Lee, of course, praised Naruto's power of youth. However, the mood quickly turned somber when Sakura mentioned the marriage and the possibility of Naruto leaving the village. The group was hit with a wave of sadness, and Hinata was on the verge of tears. None of them really wanted to see Naruto go, and the thought of losing him was overwhelming. Sakura could feel the weight of their emotions and decided to break the silence.
The courtyard of the Leaf Village was silent after Sakura's revelation. Hinata was still wiping tears from her eyes when Sakura spoke up, determined to break the heavy silence. "Guys, I need your help. I want to make Naruto's last few months here as good as they can be."
Ino raised an eyebrow, looking skeptically at Sakura. "No offense, Forehead, but since when did you care about Naruto? I always thought you hated him."
Sakura frowned and looked down at the ground. "I never hated Naruto. To be honest, his constant asking me out made me feel pretty, and all his encouragement actually made me believe I could become a real ninja. This might sound selfish, but I want Naruto to remember me doing something besides hitting him."
Ino looked at her old friend and rival and smiled. "Alright, if it's that important to you, we'll help you. First off, who's in charge of bringing this Mei girl over here?"
Sakura turned to Ino and replied, "Jiraiya and Kakashi are the ones in charge of bringing Mei here. They're both experienced and skilled shinobi who I know can handle this delicate mission. As you know, Mei's arrival here is crucial for maintaining the peace and stability of the region. Jiraiya and Kakashi understand the importance of this task, and I trust them to get it done with the utmost care and precision.'"
Kurenai's heart raced as she heard Sakura's words. She couldn't believe that Jiraiya, a notorious pervert, had been sent to escort Naruto's fiancée. Kurenai had always been protective of her students, and Naruto was no exception. She knew that Jiraiya was a skilled ninja, but she also knew that he had a weakness for women.
"Sakura, are you certain?" Kurenai asked, her voice tinged with concern.
Sakura hesitated for a moment before answering. "When I asked Lady Tsunade, she said Jiraiya and Kakashi-sensei were going to get her."
Just as she finished speaking, Kurenai cut her off. "Jiraiya?! No way. Hinata, come with me. We're going to make sure Mei is safe from that pervert," she declared, her tone firm and determined.
Hinata nodded silently, her heart heavy with conflicting emotions. She had always harbored feelings for Naruto, but now he was engaged to someone else. Meeting Mei would be a test of her emotions, and she wasn't sure if she could handle it. But she knew that she had to be strong for Naruto's sake.
As Mei and Hinata left, Sakura and Ino immediately sprang into action, brainstorming what they needed to prepare for Mei's arrival. They discussed everything from decor to clothing, determined to make sure Naruto's fiancée felt welcomed and loved.
After some time, Ino brought up the topic of Naruto's clothing. "Is Naruto still wearing those orange clothes?" she asked, crinkling her nose in distaste.
Sakura sighed. "Unfortunately, yes. But I already wrote down his clothes size for you. Lady Tsunade gave him his Mist Forehead head protector, which is black, and his Chunin vest is dark blue. Maybe that can give you some ideas for colors."
Ino grinned. "Forehead girl, later on, we should take Mei clothes shopping. That way she'll have clothes here when she comes to visit with Naruto or has something to do with the Leaf Village."
Sakura nodded in agreement. "That's a great idea, Ino-pig."
Shikamaru, who had been lounging nearby, let out a yawn. "Troublesome girls," he muttered under his breath.
Ino and Sakura turned to him, ready to hit him for his comment. But before they could, Shikamaru quickly added, "I mean, you're both doing a fantastic job. I'm sure Naruto and Mei will appreciate everything you're doing for them."
Ino and Sakura exchanged a glance, then turned to Shikamaru with hopeful expressions. "Thanks, lazybones," Ino said, ruffling his hair. "We appreciate your support. Can you do me a favor and go to my family's flower shop? Let my mom or dad know that we want to surprise Naruto with some flowers. We need six Middlemist's Reds and six Juliet roses. Just tell them I sent you."
Shikamaru nodded, still getting used to the feeling of his hair being ruffled. "Sure thing, Ino. And what about dinner?"
Sakura chimed in. "Chouji, would you mind setting up a dinner for two at The Golden Dragon? It would be a great way to complete the surprise for Naruto."
Chouji grinned and reached for another handful of chips. "No problem at all, Sakura! I'll take care of it."
Ino had left the courtyard of the Leaf Village and made her way to Naruto's old apartment, only to find that he wasn't there. Unbeknownst to her, Naruto had recently moved into a new house. She hurried towards the village gates, hoping to catch him before he left.
As Naruto was making his way towards the gates, Ino's voice suddenly rang out. "Naruto, wait there!" she yelled, causing him to stop and turn around.
"Hey Ino," Naruto greeted her with a smile.
"We're going clothes shopping," Ino announced, grabbing his arm. "I can't let you wear all that orange when you meet your fiancée. First, we need to get you some new Shinobi gear, and then we'll find you some clothes for both here and the Mist Village."
Naruto's smile faltered. "What's wrong with orange? It's my favorite color."
Ino rolled her eyes, dragging him along as they garnered curious stares from passersby. "Trust me, Naruto. You'll thank me later."
Deep within a mysterious cave, a small group of individuals huddled together in a secret room. They were the thirteenth members of the infamous Akatsuki, and they had gathered to discuss the status of their captured tailed-beasts.
"What the fuck? That little bastard is marrying a hot piece of ass. Some people just have all the fucking luck," complained Hidan, the immortal member of the group.
Deidara, the art-crazed explosives expert, chuckled at Hidan's outburst. "Wow, four curse words in one sentence. That might be a new record for you."
A man wearing an orange mask chimed in, "Actually, Hidan's record is eight swear words in one sentence."
Deidara scowled at the masked man. "Tobi, get out of here. You're not even an official member."
"But Tobi hasn't gotten a cookie," whined Tobi.
Konan, the blue-haired second-in-command of the Akatsuki, reached into her cloak and handed Tobi a cookie. "Here you go, Tobi. Now be a good boy and run along."
"Awesome, thanks Konan-chan!" exclaimed Tobi, running out of the room.
Deidara muttered, "Man, I feel bad for whoever gets him as a partner."
Suddenly, a mysterious man spoke up. "Speaking of partners, it's you," he said.
Deidara groaned. "Can I trade for someone else?"
"No, that's not an option," the man replied sternly. "After this meeting, I want you to retrieve your new partner and begin your new mission."
Akuma, the leader of the Akatsuki, interjected, "Now, let's get back to the matter at hand. With the Nine-Tails' new relationship with the Mizukage, it would be best to wait before pursuing it. I trust you all know your new assignments."
All the members of the Akatsuki nodded in agreement.
"Alright then, head out," Akuma said before leaving. "You know what to do."
As they approached the Leaf Village, Kerunai apologized to the Mizukage. "Sorry about Jiraiya," she said. "I know he's a bit of a pervert."
Mei smiled. "It's alright. He wasn't too bad, for the most part, anyway." She had even slapped him once, but she didn't mind.
Hinata, who had been quiet until now, finally spoke up. "You're going to make Naruto happy, aren't you?" she asked nervously.
Mei was taken aback by the question. "Of course, why do you ask?"
Hinata's cheeks turned pink as she struggled to speak. "He's very important to me," she admitted, her stutter getting worse.
Mei understood how she felt about Naruto and smiled. "That's wonderful. Why don't you tell me more about him on the rest of the way there?"
Hinata's face lit up, and she eagerly shared stories about Naruto with Mei, who listened with interest. They arrived at the Leaf Village, and Mei couldn't wait to meet her soon-to-be husband.
