Hello everyone I'm back once again to bring you another chapter of my story; if you are enjoying it please keep on supporting me and my other work. If you haven't seen yet I have started up another story called "Money and Malice" so check it out if you are interested. Now then with nothing else to say let's begin.
Mist and Maelstroms: Chapter 18
Hokage tower With Mei
Mei, Chojuro, and Ao were all currently walking to the Hokage's office in order to meet with Hiruzen; Mei has finally come back to Konoha with a new alliance treaty and a new proposal for Konoha.
Mei looked down at the scroll in her hand with a smile on her face 'Naruto; you are going to flip your shit when I drop the news' Mei thought with a smile. As she walked up to the office door she knocked "Lord Hokage it's Mei Terumi" she said to no response "Lord Hokage" she repeated as she opened the door.
Upon opening it she saw Naruto, Jiraya, Hiruzen, Kisame and Raiga all on the ground bruised and bloody, a black-haired woman crying with a pig in her arms and a very angry looking blonde woman.
"Oh my god Naruto" Mei shouted as she ran over to grab the bloody and bruised blonde boy "what happened" she said to her barely conscious boyfriend.
"You're Mei right" the blonde woman said and Mei nodded.
"Yeah, I'm Mei" Mei responded.
"I'm Tsunade Senju" Tsunade said making Mei go wide eyed "your boyfriend, my teammate and these 2 jackasses interrupted my vacation, kidnapped my pig, made me run across half the damn country and made me do a forced operation on a near dead man" Tsunade said.
"HE DID WHAT" Mei shouted and Tsunade nodded.
"Oh Tonton *sniff* I'm so glad we have you back" Shizune cried as she cuddled the pig.
"It was for the greater good" Jiraya said lifting his head off the ground "we needed her back to save Itachi and to be hokage; we didn't have a lot of choice she was being difficult" he said. Tsunade then punched him once more in the head.
"Shut it pervert" Tsunade shouted "if you wanted me to be hokage well you just fucking lost it; just be grateful I just beat you and not kill your asses" she said.
"I don't care" Naruto said through a swollen face "as long as Itachi will live, I think the beating was totally worth it" he said as he collapsed once more into Mei's arms.
"Mei" Hiruzen groaned out "I think it'll be best if we postpone our meeting until tomorrow" he said before falling unconscious.
The Next day
Hiruzen with his arm in a sling was sitting behind his desk looking at Naruto who had his face bandaged, Jiraya who had both legs in casts and Mei who looked very uncomfortable being the only non-injured person present.
"Pleasure to see you when I'm not dying Mei" Hiruzen said taking a puff of his pipe "so what can I do you for" he said and Mei walked forward and presented a scroll.
"Lord Hokage as you know I have been looking for a way for me and Naruto to be able to see each other more frequently" Mei said looking at Naruto who had a look of hope in his eyes "well I think I have a solution" she said handing Hiruzen the scroll.
Hiruzen took the scroll and opened it and began to read it upon finishing he looked at her "a shinobi exchange program" he said making both Naruto and Jiraya go wide eyed.
"Yes a exchange program" Mei said with a victorious "I take Naruto back to Kiri to learn our Jutsu and our combat styles and Chojuro one of our top up and coming chunin will remain here to learn from you" she said and Naruto began to smile.
"Wait so you're saying I can go back to Kiri with you" Naruto asked excitedly and Mei nodded "awesome; for how long" he asked.
"3 Year minimum" Mei said before looking at Jiraya "and I can also arrange for lord Jiraya, Kisame and Raiga to join us as well" she said and Jiraya nodded.
"I think that sounds like a good idea" Jiraya said "after all Naruto here still has a lot to learn" Jiraya said looking over to Naruto. "Taking into account Orochimaru, Hidan and Kakuzu being dead and Itachi and Kisame's defection the Akatsuki still has at least 6 members" Jiraya said "that is still 6 S-class ninja we have to deal with" he said and Naruto nodded.
"Yeah, I understand" Naruto said "But can I leave" Naruto asked gaining all their attentions. "I mean I'm the 'container' of the 9 tails; won't that lead to Konoha being open to attack" he said and Hiruzen shook his head.
"No, we will be fine; after all, there has been something I've been keeping from everyone" Hiruzen said making them all look at him "do you know about Kusa" he said and Mei nodded.
"Yes, from what I heard an underground volcano erupted and destroyed the village" Mei said and Hiruzen shook his head.
"Yes, well that's not the truth; it's what the Anbu made it look like" Hiruzen said making them all go wide eyed "while you were all gone Kusa tried to take Karin back to the village; Kurama in response killed the ninja they sent and 3 days later destroyed the village with a single jutsu" Hiruzen said making everyone go wide eyed. "I covered it up due to a simple fact; if the civilians or any other hostile country found out that the 9 tails was free and walking among man it'll be an international incident" he said.
Hiruzen looked over to Naruto and saw the angry look on his face "where is he" Naruto growled out.
Karin's apartment
"What the fuck Kurama; destroying a village, what the fuck were you thinking" Naruto shouted pointing to Kurama who was currently sitting on the couch watching Tv with a nervous looking Karin next to him.
"Naruto, how's it been; I hope your mission went well" Kurama said with a smile before picking up a glass "want some watermelon juice; I made it fresh" he said and Naruto slapped it out of his hand.
"Explain; now" Naruto growled.
"Naruto calm down" Karin said getting up "Kurama was just defending me from Kusa because they would've never stopped; Kurama only did what was necessary" she said and Naruto looked at her.
"Karin" Naruto said "he blew up an entire village; not just ninja, but women and children too" he said. Kurama then got up and walked in front of Naruto.
"Listen boy; because I will only say this once" Kurama said seriously "I did that to protect Karin; those savages would've started an international incident and probably make Konoha bend to their demands" he said. "I would rather die than have something happen to Karin" Kurama said "What would you do if someone threatened Mei, or Kisame or Jiraya" he said and Naruto looked down.
"I would protect them with every fiber of my being" Naruto said defeated.
"Exactly" Kurama said "did I go a little too far, maybe, did I end any further threat to me and Karin from them yes" he said. "I ended the problem once and for all, like how we did when we killed Gaara" Kurama said "now get off your high horse and face reality; the only way to end a threat is to kill it once and for all, now if you have nothing else to say leave" he said and Naruto glared at him.
"Fuck you Kurama" Naruto said before he began to walk out "bye Karin" Naruto said as he slammed the door behind him.
Kurama groaned as he sat down next to Karin "that kid is pain in the ass" he said before looking over to Karin "sorry you had to see that honey" he said and Karin nodded.
"He did have a point" Karin said "I get it that Kusa was a problem but you did go to far; there were a lot of people in Kusa who were innocent" she said and Kurama groaned.
"Not you too" Kurama said.
"All I'm saying is that you do not need to go overboard" Karin said "if we don't, we will only be putting a target on our backs" she said and Kurama groaned again.
"Ok fine damn it" Kurama said "I'll show a little more restraint next time ok" he said and Karin nodded with a smile.
"That's all I ask" Karin said before leaning in and kissing him on the cheek "now what do you feel like eating for dinner" she asked and Kurama looked thoughtful.
"How about some Dango and red bean soup' Kurama said and Karin nodded.
"Sure, we can go later" Karin said as she sat down back on the couch with Kurama.
The next day: With Itachi
Itachi woke up with his head pounding and his chest hurting; he looked around the room and saw he was in the hospital.
"About time you woke up" came a familiar voice; Itachi truned and saw Kisame sitting in a chair against the wall "you look like hammered shit Itachi" he said and Itachi nodded.
"I feel like it" Itachi said weakly "how long have I been out" he asked.
"2 and a half week or so" Kisame said "you were knocking on deaths door for a moment there; but when we brought back Lady Tsunade to Konoha she healed your lungs and removed those tumors" he said. "But the damage has already been done; you have maybe 20 to 25 years max" he said and Itachi frowned.
"Nothing in this life is certain Kisame" Itachi said sitting up "what happened to Sasuke; is he alright" he asked and Kisame groaned making Itachi worry.
"Your kid brother is gone Itachi" Kisame said "we're not sure who took him, maybe Suna or Oto; or he could've left in the confusion. We are not sure" he said and Itachi nodded.
"Well looks like I have a new mission now" he said and Kisame nodded.
"Speaking of which; the old man wants to see you for something" Kisame said "also you might have a visitor later" Kisame said as he walked to the door. As he reached out to grab it the door was opened and Kisame chuckled "never mind looks like she's here" he said as he walked out.
Itachi looked on as Fu walked in and her face lit up seeing Itachi awake "Itachi your awake" Fu cheered as she ran forward and hugged him.
"Fu what are you doing here" Itachi said and Fu detached from him.
"I stayed behind silly" Fu said as she stepped back "I was so worried about you that I couldn't leave; so I sent a letter back home to Shibuki in order to stay here until you get better" she said making Itachi go wide eyed. "I've been helping around the village ever since; rebuilding and volunteering at the hospital" she said with a smile.
'She was worried about me' Itachi thought as he looked at the mint haired girl; Itachi saw Fu begin to fidget and blush.
"Umm and also umm…" Fu began nervously "I also stayed behind because… I thought you were kind cute and cool and stuff and" Fu began as Itachi's heart began to race. "I was wondering if you wanted to maybe go out on a date sometime" she said looking at him with hopeful eyes.
Itachi was now conflicted; she looked like a nice girl, but he was a wanted criminal by most of the world, but he is in Konoha and under the hokage's protection now. Itachi gulped and spoke "I think that sounds nice Fu" Itachi said and the mint haired girl perked up.
"Great" Fu said with a cheer "we can go out when you feel better ok; I got to go see you later Itachi" she said with a wave as she walked off. Itachi smiled and waved back as he saw the girl leave.
Itachi got out of bed and tried to stand up on shaky legs 'going to take me a while to get back into walking shape Itachi thought as he began to pace around the room to get his motor functions back in order.
4 Hours later: Hokage office
Itachi now able to walk again was standing inside the hokage office with Jiraya, Kakashi, Karin and Kurama; after being briefed by Jiraya on Kurama Itachi was still on edge but he thought he could take him on.
"Itachi; glad you could join us" Hiruzen said and Itachi nodded "I called you in here to make a announcement; I'm sure Jiraya briefed you on Naruto leaving of to Kiri on the exchange program" he said and Jiraya nodded.
"Yes, I did sensei" Jiraya said.
"Well while he's gone there is no need for us to stay idle" Hiruzen said "Itachi I know you are in recovery but we need you now more than ever" he said as he got up. "So that is why I'm reinstating you in the Anbu" he said and Itachi looked at him.
"And what will my purpose be lord Hokage" Itachi said not skipping a beat.
"You and a team will be tasked with disrupting the Akatsuki, Oto, and anyone else who may be a threat to Konoha" Hiruzen said "you will be working with Jiraya and his spy network and be ready to engage when necessary" he said and Itachi nodded.
"And you invited Kakashi, Karin and Kurama here to be a part of that team" Itachi said and Hiruzen nodded.
"Yes, if they so choose, they will be allowed to join the group and after a year of training will be fully operational" Hiruzen said.
"I already agreed to join Itachi" Kakashi said looking at his former anbu commander "with Naruto going off to Kiri, Sasuke missing and Sakura being reassigned I will be most useful back in my old environment" he said. "Besides" Kakashi said with a sigh "I demoted back down to chunin so I will need to work my way back up" he said gaining a chuckle from Hiruzen.
"Thought I was lying eh Kakashi" Hiruzen said rubbing salt into the wound "how about you 2; are you willing to join" he said looking towards Kurama and Karin.
"Sure why not" Kurama said "I wouldn't mind killing some folks; who knows I may become famous" he said with a dark chuckle.
"I will join as well" Karin said "it'll be better for me to stay off the radar and to make money" she said and Hiruzen nodded.
"Great; now I just need to introduce the last member" Hiruzen said making everyone confused; Hiruzen pressed a button on a speaker "bring her up" he said. A few seconds pass by and they all began to hear cursing and yelling come up from the hall. The doors opened up and 2 anbu threw a tied and bound girl onto the ground.
"Hey you fucking assholes that hurt" Tayuya shouted as she rolled over and looked ahead.
"Hello Tayuya" Hiruzen said cheerfully.
"Old fucker how's it going; how's the misses" Tayuya said and everyone looked over at Hiruzen in surprise.
"Oh she's fine; how're you" Hiruzen asked and Tayuya huffed.
"Your anbu are a bunch of dicks" Tayuya said 'why do I need to be tied up; I already agreed to help you for giving me sanctuary" she said and Hiruzen nodded.
"Oh yes my bad; they could be a little overzealous" Hiruzen said "Karin dear could you please untie Tayuya please" he said and Karin nodded as she went over and used a kunai to cut the roped.
"Shit that hurt my wrist" Tayuya said "so these assholes are my new teammates" she said and Itachi spoke up.
"Yes, we are; I'm Itachi Uchiha, your commander" Itachi said making Tayuya freeze.
'Itachi Uchiha; the clan slayer' Tayuya thought in fear "n-nice to m-meet y-you sir" Tayuya said respectfully and nervously which made Itachi confused.
'Looks like we have our team' Jiraya thought 'oh boy the Akatsuki are never going to know what hit them' he thought. "Ok everyone let's go; we need to go over some details" he said as he began to lead everyone out leaving Hiruzen alone.
'Ok another thing out of the way' Hiruzen thought as he began to do his paper work again; however, he was interrupted when Tsume, Tsunade and Shizune walked in. "Tsume, Tsunade, Shizune; how can I help you" he said until he says the smirk on Tsunade's face, the smile on Shizune and the nervous look on Tsume "What's going on" he asked.
"Umm Hiruzen" Tsume said rubbing the back of her head "I was feeling a little sick and uh… went to the doctor" she said and Hiruzen looked over to Tsunade.
"She was complaining of nausea, fatigue and frequent urination Sensei" Tsunade said barely keeping in her laughter.
"Along with that she also missed her period" Shizune said dropping another hint; making Hiruzen go wide eyed.
"No damn way" Hiruzen said looking at Tsume with concern and Tsume nodded.
"Yes Hiruzen… I'm pregnant; we're going to have a child together" Tsume said expecting Hiruzen to be mad; however, she looked at Hiruzen and saw a small smile grace his face.
"Well I guess I have a way to enjoy my retirement" He said making Tsume smile in happiness "Tsunade; now that I'm having a kid and I'm getting up there in age- "he said and Tsunade groaned.
"Sensei" Tsunade whined.
"I need to spend as much time with my new child as much as possible" Hiruzen said feigning sadness "otherwise I might miss out on all the important, unforgettable and memorable- "he began until Tsuande shouted.
"Fine I'll be the damn Hokage" Tsunade shouted "if you weren't having a kid I would say hell no but… well… damn it" she said as she was at a loss for words.
"Now then Tsume" Hiruzen said getting up "lets go and discuss this; shall we" he said grabbing her hand and leading her somewhere private.
A few days later: Naruto's apartment
Naruto finished sealing up his last few possessions into a scroll as he did one final look around his home 'man I'm going to miss this place a little; even if it was a shit hole' Naruto thought as he pocketed the scroll and picked up his sword positioning it on his back.
Naruto exited his apartment and locked the door one final time before sliding the key underneath the door and beginning his walk to the main gate.
At the Main gate
Naruto arrived at the gate and saw Mei, Ao, Chojuro, Hiruzen, Kisame, Raiga, Ranmaru, a disguised Itachi, Kakashi, Jiraya, Karin and Tsunade.
"Sorry I'm late; I was packing the last bit of my crap" Naruto said and Mei chuckled.
"It's no problem, Naruto" Mei said as she hugged Naruto when he got close "are you ready to go" she said.
"Almost; I just got to say goodbye really quick" Naruto said and Mei nodded; Naruto went over to Hiruzen.
"Well old man I guess I'll see you later" he said as he hugged Hiruzen "and good luck with the kid" he said.
"Thank you, Naruto," Hiruzen said "take care son" he said as he let go.
Naruto moved over to Itachi "thanks for everything; if I see Sasuke out there, I'll drag his ass back here for you" he said.
"Thanks Naruto; have fun and learn a lot, I wish to spar with you when you come back" Itachi said and Naruto nodded.
Naruto walked over to Karin who enveloped him in a hug "Bye Naruto; be safe, I don't want to lose my cousin so soon" she said and Naruto chuckled.
"I will Karin and tell Kurama he's a dick" Naruto said and Karin slapped him on the arm with a small smile on her face.
Naruto walked over to Kakashi and stood in front of him "so Kakashi sensei" Naruto said awkwardly "listen… uhh… water under the bridge, I think I proved my point" he said and Kakashi nodded.
"Yes Naruto" Kakashi said "and once again I'm sorry; I should've been a better sensei to you, I swear I won't make that mistake again" he said and Naruto nodded.
Naruto went over to Ranmaru "later bud; be good for the Hyuga and treat Hanabi right ok" Naruto said and Ranmaru nodded.
"Of course, Naruto sir" Ranmaru said "and when you come back with Raiga I want a sword battle; with Ms. Cat (Yugao) teaching me I'll be ready" he said and Naruto nodded.
"Of course, buddy" Naruto said ruffling his hair; Naruto walked over to Tsunade and scratched the back of his head.
"Umm Grandma Tsunade; sorry again about kidnapping Tonton" Naruto said and received a flich to the fore head "oww what the hell" he shouted and Tsunade chuckled.
"All's forgiven brat" Tsunade said "good luck out there" she said and Naruto gave her a thumbs up.
Naruto went to Chojuro last "take care of Ayame ok" he said and Chojuro nodded.
"Of course; I would never do anything to hurt her" Chojuro said as him and Naruto shook hands.
"Alright time to hit the road" Naruto cheered as he grabbed Mei's hand and began to walk out of the gate with Jiraya, Ao, Kisame and Raiga in tow.
"It's been nearly 10 years since I left Kiri" Kisame said as he walked down the road with the group "I know I'm a long way from being forgiven for my betrayal" he said.
"I agree" Raiga said "I'm sure our welcoming will be less than cheerful" he said.
"Do not think that way" Ao said "the lines of betrayal and loyalty is blurred in these times; especially in the reconstruction a country after a long and bloody civil war" he said and Mei chimed in.
"Kiri will no longer be a land of blood and war" Mei said "I wish to push us towards a path of peace and cooperation; and Naruto here will help us by strengthening ties with Konoha" Mei said looking at Naruto with her genuine sweet smile.
"I'm mostly doing this for you Mei" Naruto said "but if me going there helps Kiri then I'm all for it" he said and Mei smiled even wider. Mei then leaned down and kissed Naruto on the cheek making the blonde blush.
"We have a long way to go; lets pick up the pace" Mei said as she, Naruto and the others began to run down the road to Kiri.
Ok another chapter done; I hope you all like it. So yeah, Naruto going to Kiri on a training/diplomacy mission; Itachi and Fu are an item now and Hiruzen is having another kid. Man, this story is a lot of fun to write; ok if you are enjoying this story please like, comment and share with your friends. And until next time bye.
