Chapter 34: Grief and Comfort
-Uzushiogakure no Sato-
The Village Hidden by Whirling Tides was once a very powerful village. Home of the Uzumaki clan their skill and expertise in fuinjutsu that many others feared what the else the Uzumaki clan was capable of. Other villages deemed the Uzumaki clan too dangerous to keep alive simply because of their fuinjutsu so the village was utterly decimated and wiped completely of the map. It was during the Second Shinobi World War that Uzushio was obliterated and even now it remained a desolate wasteland of ruined buildings. We see what remained of the Hidden Eddie Village but among the ruins where the river that bisected the village flowed smoothly through the destroyed village. However, as we move up the river we see a clear water slowly begin to turn red, a blood red.
Soon enough we see the source of the blood that was spilling into the river and we see a decapitated corpse with several charred looking slashes, the corpse was also smoking a bit. Upon further inspection we see that the dead body was that of the legendary Toad Sage, Jiraiya. One of Konoha's Legendary Sannin. Standing before his decapitated body stood two figures standing tall over him. One of them had a serrated katana that was dripping with blood and we can assume it was the weapon used to decapitate the Toad Sage.
''For a Legendary Sannin, he stood no chance against someone like me. Well, now that he's dead I guess this means that Jiraiya was weak and when I rule this world he will be nourishment for someone strong like me.'' Shishio Makoto, the leader of the Shinsengumi said before he was seen licking the blood off of his serrated katana and after tasting the precious life essence he let out a sigh of content and pleasure.
The figure beside him was a young man that appeared to be in his mid-twenties. He had glasses and wore purple colored clothing and had an Oto headband with the symbol crossed out. This man was Kabuto Yakushi, a medic-nin who had defected from Orochimaru's village of Otogakure no Sato several years ago.
''You must admit Lord Shishio that your trademark Homura-Dama technique catches even the most season ninja off guard. He put up a very strong showing and I respectfully bet that if you fought him with just your fists you would've been beaten.'' said the medic.
Shishio let out a laugh at his subordinate's comment, ''He just proved to me that he does not belong in my world and will only serve as my nourishment.'' He looks at the corpse and smiled evilly at the sight before him, ''One sannin down, two more to go. The bomber I sent into Konoha did manage to neutralize Tsunade though it would be preferable if she was killed in the blast. Kabuto please remind me of how your reanimation jutus is coming along. Who have you gotten so far?''
Kabuto smirked and adjusted his glasses and took out a piece of paper from his pocket.
''So far I have managed to acquire the DNA of Lord Mu the second Tsuchikage, Gengetsu Hozuki and the third Raikage. There are a few more people I have acquired the DNA for like Kyo and Katsumi Kasugano from Konohagakure and the Akatsuki. I also plan on bringing back the seven swordsmen of the mist and I will get to that very soon.''
''Those shinobi make great additions to my forces and the Akatsuki should be grateful I've decided to give them a second chance at life. Hopefully they don't disappoint me again and show me how strong they really are.'' Shishio acknowledged.
The two men were interrupted when a third figure appeared before them wearing the standard high collared shirt typical of Uchiha men and wore a white ANBU mask. In his left eye he sported a mangekyo sharingan and the other eye he had a rinnegan.
''Ah, you're here. I presume Kabuto managed to retrieve the rinnegan from Nagato's corpse for you?'' Shishio questioned.
The masked figure's only response was a nod.
''Very well, Kabuto keep working on your reanimation jutsus. You, come with me because we have a Kage summit to attend.''
The three figures then leap away leaving the decapitated and charred corpse of Jiraiya in the river.
-Naruto & Kurotsuchi's Apartment-
Following their final skill assessment against Kenji and passing, our young couple of Naruto and Kurotsuchi were now home patching each other up after receiving a royal beating from Kenji. Kurotsuchi was currently applying some ointment to a cut Naruto had on his cheek on their living room couch.
''Ow Kuro-chan that hurt!" Naruto yelped as Kurotsuchi gently rubbed the cut with her ointment covered finger.
''Relax Naruto, if you don't treat it it might get infected now hold still.'' Kurotsuchi said in a very bossy voice.
''I don't even need bandages or ointment, the Kyuubi gives me accelerated healing.'' Countered the blonde.
Kurotsuchi grabbed Naruto's nose and gave it her infamous nose pinch of death making the blonde give out cries of pain. ''I don't care if the Kyuubi gives you accelerated healing you're getting treated like any other person would you understand me?''
She then increased the force of her pinch making Naruto cry out even louder.
''Alright fine!'' He said holding his hands up in surrender.
''That's a good Naruto.'' Kurotsuchi then applied the ointment on his small cut and placed a band-aid on it and just then there was a loud, desperate, and fast knock on the door.
''What in the world? Who would knock like that at this time?'' Naruto asked as he gets up to open the door. ''Yugao-senpai?''
Yugao removed her mask and the look on her face was all they needed to know that the reason she was here, it wasn't good.
''Naruto, come with me. Mako has summoned you and she needs you now.'' Yugao said.
The young couple only nodded and put on the rest of their shinobi outfit and left with Yugao and headed for the Hokage's tower.
-Hokage's Tower-
With Yugao in the lead, Naruto and Kurotsuchi followed the ANBU Captain through the partially empty streets of the Hidden Leaf Village and eventually they made their way to the base of the Hokage's tower and when Naruto looked up he saw a familiar face he had befriended during his five year training trip with Jiraiya.
''Woah, that's a big toad.'' Kurotsuchi commented.
''Gamabunta? What are you doing here?'' Naruto asked.
Hearing his name being called, the massive toad looked downward and saw Naruto standing by his webbed feet. ''Oh..hello Naruto..''
The tone in Gamabunta's voice told Naruto that something was wrong and the blonde's curiosity took over. ''Okay, what's wrong Gamabunta? Something bothering you?''
The toad frowned and looked away. ''I, you'll have to let your Hokage answer that question for you Naruto.''
Yugao turned and motioned for Naruto and Kurotsuchi to follow her. ''C'mon Naruto, we have to get to Mako now so hurry.''
''What the hell is going on?'' Kurotsuchi thought as the three shinobi entered the tower and proceeded to make their way up to Mako's office.
Walking in front of the office door, Yugao slowly raised her hand to knock on it three times.
''Come in.'' A voice Naruto and Kurotsuchi immediately recognized as Mako's
Opening the door, Yugao made way so that Naruto could enter the room first followed by Kurotsuchi, and then Yugao came last.
''Hm?'' Naruto raised his eyebrows when he saw the Mako's office was full of familiar faces of various older Jonin he knew with the addition of Tsunade and who was still confined to crutches. Among the Jonin in the room were Kakashi Hatake, Rin Nohara, Kenji, and Genma. The latter two standing on either side of Mako behind the desk.
Naruto looked down and saw Fukasaku sitting on a chair and the sage was eyeing Naruto with interest. ''Is this the student of Jiraiya boy?'' The toad asked.
Mako nodded. ''Yes, this is Naruto Uzumaki. The son of Minato Namikaze and Master Jiraiya's most recent student.''
Naruto tilted his head in confusion. ''Uh, who is this old geezer toad?''
The Hokage gave Naruto a look of annoyance. ''Pipe down Naruto and watch your mouth. Lord Fukasaku is one of the great sages of Mount Myōboku and he came all the way here just so that he can speak with you.''
''Yes, answer me this child are really Jiraiya boy's student or not?'' The toad asked.
Naruto's eyes twitched in anger and he pointed a finger at Fukasaku. ''A boy? Don't you call the pervy sage a boy who the hell do you think you are you old geezer toad?!''
''Naruto watch your mouth!'' Mako shouted.
''Relax Naruto, Lord Fukasaku taught the Sage Jutsu to Jiraiya, he's Jiraiya's master.'' Kenji said sternly.
Fukasaku let out a jolly laugh when he heard what Naruto had called Jiraiya. ''You call him the pervy sage? What a fitting name for Jiraiya boy!"
''Um, yeah I guess. Now what is it that you want with me? Why'd you come all the way here just to talk with me?'' Naruto questioned.
Despite knowing the name Naruto had given his student Fukasaku's laugh died down and his smile turned into a frown. ''I'm not exactly sure where to begin this but...let me see...I suppose the most important thing is...Jiraiya boy has died in battle fighting the leader of the extremist organization the Shinsengumi.''
The color drained from Naruto's face and his eyes went wide at the news he just heard. Did he just hear that correctly?
''Huh? W-what did you say?''
Kurotsuchi and Genma's eyes went wide as well.
Fukasaku saw the look on Naruto's face and expected that very reaction. ''I know this news is so sudden...but for some time now word has gotten around Jiraiya boy's spy network that the leader of the Shinsengumi was recently reported to be operating in Uzushiogakure.''
''Uzushio? Isn't that place in ruins now following the end of the Second Great Ninja War?'' Genma asked out of disbelief.
''Yeah, it's also hard to infiltrate since our village closed it off to the rest of the world.'' Kenji said.
''Jiraiya was an expert in espionage and infiltration so it's no surprised he got into it despite being closed off.'' Kakashi spoke up.
Fukasaku nodded.
''That's right..when he got in he encountered Shishio Makoto, the leader of the Shinsengumi. He was one of Jiraiya boy's students and he has grown so much stronger since the Third Shinobi World War. He was on the same team as Minato boy and Kushina girl.''
''Shishio Makoto? The same one who was friends with Minato-sensei and Kushina-sensei? The samurai who fled his home and went to live life as a shinobi?'' Asked Kenji in disbelief.
Mako narrowed her eyes and nodded. ''Yeah, that guy.''
''I vaguely remember him from Jiraiya boy's Jonin days. He was a war orphan from the beginning of the Second Shinobi World War and he sought refuge in Konoha after his home, Tetsu No Kuni was destroyed by Kumo. He was from a powerful samurai clan in Iron country but after an incident I believed happen between the Kumo shinobi and the samurai in Iron country he fled his home to become a shinobi instead if I remember correctly. That's all I know about him. During their battle Jiraiya was about to tell me his weakness, but not before Shishio crushed Jiraiya boy's throat. I am sorry, it was too late as he couldn't leave a final message before Shishio finished him off.'' Fukasaku explained.
Naruto didn't want to hear anymore. The simple fact that Jiraiya is gone now was all he needed to know, not the graphic details Fukasaku was telling them. So the blonde lowered his head and looked at he ground trying to contain his anger.
Kurotsuchi, Genma, Kenji, Tsunade, Kakashi, and Rin all noticed Naruto's reaction and began to worry for their blonde as he stood there with his hands balled into fists.
Kurotsuchi grabbed her boyfriend by the arm but Naruto jerked it away.
''Naruto?''
Mako didn't need to say anything to Naruto and she knew that his anger that was building up inside him was going to be directed at her.
''You, you let him go didn't you Mako-senpai?'' Naruto coldly said as he glared at her.
The Uchiha woman closed her eyes. ''That's right, I gave him approval to go there.''
That's when Naruto snapped.
''How could you let him go on a mission this dangerous alone?!''
''Naruto stop.'' Kenji ordered.
The blonde Jonin didn't want to be there anymore because he had heard enough so he turned around and headed straight for the door.
''Naruto wait, where are you going?'' Kurotsuchi asked.
''If the pervy sage was the sixth Hokage he would never EVER let anyone he cared for take a risk like that.''
Naruto then opened the door and slammed it shut with as much force it shook the walls.
''Naruto come back!" Kurotsuchi was about to go after her boyfriend but Mako stopped her.
''No Kurotsuchi, just leave him be for now.''
Fukasaku frowned. ''I just met him, but I can tell he truly loved and admired Jiraiya boy.''
Even though she was never in Naruto's life, Rin felt the strong emotion coming from the son of her sensei and wanted to comfort him just as much as Kurotsuchi did.
''Poor Naruto.'' She said earning a nod from Yugao.
Kakashi on the other hand, was just looking at the door to the office with a straight face.
''Mako, I'll keep an eye on him.'' Yugao said before Kenji stepped up.
''No Yugao, I'll do it. He's the son of Minato-sensei so I feel it's my time to do my part.'' Said the black-haired Jonin.
''You're actually gonna step up this time Kenji? You're probably using this as an excuse to run away from the village again like when you got Shisui killed.'' Kakashi snorted.
Mako twitched in anger hearing that but before she could say anything Kenji turned to face his teammate.
''Watch your mouth Kakashi. Don't talk about anything you don't know because Shisui volunteered to take your place so be fucking grateful he did that. I should've said no to Shisui because if you were on that mission with me you'd be dead.'' Kenji spat before turning around with a smirk. ''For the kid of the White Fang you're nothing like your father. You're a joke Kakashi. Seriously, why the fuck are you even here you never cared about Naruto at all.''
Kakashi narrowed his eyes at his teammate with killer intent that was felt throughout the room. ''I'm here because I feel like it, and I'm a joke? If I remember correctly, when we were in the academy you were the worst student. Mister Dead Last. That's why we were put on a team, so me and Rin can protect your weak ass.''
''Alright, knock it off you two now is not the time.'' Mako said in an authoritative tone.
Rin was about to pull Kakashi away from Kenji but the two men glared at each other. ''Kakashi please stop it.''
Genma and Kurotsuchi were about to intervene but Kenji began speaking again.
''I'd rather be a dead last than a coward like you.'' Kenji said stepping up to his teammate showing him he wasn't scared. ''You're nothing like your father, a brave man, compared to you, a coward who thinks he's above everyone else. You're a selfish prick and you never took your job as a shinobi seriously. Like when you let the villagers break into Naruto's apartment and they savagely beat him. Shame on you you sad excuse for a shinobi.'' The black-haired man inched closer to Kakashi. ''I don't see the son of the White Fang nor do I see Kakashi, I see a piece of shit who hides behind a mask.''
Kurotsuchi's eyes widened when she heard Kenji say that. ''So that's how he got beat up that day.''
Kakashi stepped closer to his teammate. ''Say that again.''
''No one is impressed Kakashi, just walk away.'' Kenji whispered.
The masked Jonin placed a hand on Kenji's chest and gave a light shove. ''Come on dead last fight me. You're a tough guy right?''
Seeing that it was pointless to continue the heated situation Kenji simply turned around to walk away but Kakashi decided to go in for a punch. He swings his fist but his teammate quickly ducked under it and turned around and threw a punch hitting the silver-haired Jonin dead in his face with an audible crack breaking his nose. Grunting in pain Kakashi is sent falling on his back from the force of Kenji's insanely strong punch and clutches his nose in pain as blood begins to pour out of it.
''Can it you two! Rin take Kakashi out of here.'' Mako instructed.
Following her orders, the brown-haired medic scooped up the dazed Kakashi and before she left the room with Kakashi she turned around to look at Kenji.
''Thanks Kenji-kun.'' Said the medic.
''For what Rin?'' Asked the confused Kenji.
''For knocking him on his ass.''
With that Rin then opened the door and left with Kakashi to tend to his injury.
Cracking his knuckles Kenji looked at Mako and Fukasaku apologetically. ''Sorry for such a scene Mako, Lord Fukasaku.''
''It's quite alright Kenji boy. Now, I must be going. Farewell.'' Fukasaku said before disappearing in a puff of smoke.
''I'll go find Naruto, Genma, let's go.'' Kurotsuchi said only for Kenji to step in front of her.
''I'll do it Kurotsuchi, you and Genma just head on home.'' Said the man before he exits the office.
Kurotsuchi looked at her Hokage and teammate wondering what they were gonna do.
''So what do we do now? How should we tell the other Jonin?'' Genma asked.
''Just go home you two. The Kage summit is less than forty-eight hours from now...just...just get ready for it.'' Mako said in a sad tone.
Kurotsuchi and Genma did what they were told and the two of them left the office.
''Hey, I'll keep you company until Naruto comes around...whenever that is.'' Genma said placing a hand on his friend's shoulder.
''Thanks Genma..I just hope Kenji-senpai can help him..'' Kurotsuchi said softly.
Tsunade was just standing there with her head down and she did not speak throughout the meeting because she wanted to focus her energy on letting her tears flow.
''You stupid fool.''
-Streets of Konoha-
After hearing about the death of one of the people he looked up to, Naruto was seen aimlessly walking through the streets of the village with hands in pocket and looking down on the ground in sorrow.
''How? How could someone beat a Sannin like the pervy sage?'' The blonde thought before his thoughts were interrupted and he looked up and saw Fuu, the Jinchuuriki of Shichibi walking towards him.
''Naruto! We still have to finish what we started during the Chunin exam finals! Let's get it on blonde!" Fuu shouted and began to poke his arm furiously but when he didn't react to her poking she stopped knowing that something was wrong.
''Maybe next time Fuu.'' Was all Naruto said before walking around her and headed towards the crowd and disappeared into the night.
''What happened to him?'' Fuu thought.
-Konoha Central Park-
1:30 AM
He walked around the whole village for several hours, unsure of what to do now that one of his precious people was dead. He walked, and walked, and walked, and despite feeling exhausted from his long walk across the village, Naruto wasn't feeling any tired at all. He wasn't even sure which part of the village he was in now but he saw a small store and noticed that it was opened. He stops in front of it and looks at the sign before walking in.
The next shot shows him sitting on a bench in Kohoha's Central Park and thanks to it now being midnight, he was glad he can sit on the bench with a street light shining over it so no one could see him cry in silence over Jiraiya's death. In his hand was a popsicle he bought from the store and instead of eating it he left it to slowly melt away. We see his face once again, a steady stream of tears slowly flowing out of his eyes and it's revealed the drops of liquid at his feet came from his tears, not the melting popsicle.
Naruto heard footsteps coming from his left and looked to see the source of the sound. Kenji was walking up to the blonde and his attire was missing it's usual black trench coat leaving him in only his white t-shirt and cargo pants.
''Hey Naruto.''
Naurto quickly wiped away his tears so Kenji couldn't see them as the older Jonin approaches the bench and takes a seat next to the blonde. The two Jonin sat there in silence for a few seconds before Kenji broke it.
''I'm sorry, for what happened to Master Jiraiya.'' The black-haired man said sympathetically.
Naruto tried to fight back more tears as he began to speak.
''There was only one thing I ever wanted him to see. I really wanted him to see me become Hokage some day but I always showed him the most uncool shitty side of me. I'm such an idiot.''
He began to break down.
Hearing this, Kenji looks over to Naruto and saw that he was shaking from the strong emotions he was feeling losing Jiraiya. The older man wraps an arm around Naruto and rests his chin on top of his head.
''Listen to me Naruto, before I came back here at Mako's request you should know that I ran into Jiraiya in Tanzaku Town and we had a couple drinks and chatted. You know who we talked about? You, all Jiraiya ever had was praise for you. He bragged about you nonstop and kept saying you were like his grandson.''
Hearing his words Naruto separated the embrace and looked at Kenji and saw that he was smiling tenderly at him and the look in his eyes told the blonde that he meant what he was saying.
''It's true Naruto. He had true faith that you would inherit his will and guess what? He truly believed that you would become a great Hokage. He's still watching over you and he always will be.''
Kenji then stood up and looked up at the night sky
''Even though he's gone I know that he wouldn't be happy to see you this upset and sad.'' He then walked over so that he was in front of Naruto. ''Naruto, just go back to being the you he praised so highly.'' He gets on one knee so that he can look Naruto in his eyes. ''Cheer up because you are a distinguished student of one of the legendary Sannin.'' He reaches for Naruto's popsicle and gently takes it from him before pulling it apart into two perfect pieces. ''Acknowledged by the great Jiraiya himself.'' Kenji concluded handing Naruto a piece while smiling tenderly at him.
Naruto loooked at the man and was in awe at what Kenji was telling him. Jiraiya always acted like he was a complete imbecile during their five year training trip but to know what the pervy sage really thought of him made him smile warmly. It made his sadness go away thanks to both knowing what Jiraiya truly thought of him and Kenji's comforting words and that he will always be there for him in his time of grief, almost like an older brother much like Mako would an older sister.
''Thanks, Kenji-senpai.'' He said reaching for the popsicle.
-Naruto & Kurotsuchi's apartment-
''I wonder if he's okay...it's almost one-thirty..'' Kurotsuchi said.
After the meeting at the Hokage's office about the news of Jiraiya's death she and Genma had been waiting at their apartment for several hours and yet Naruto has not returned yet and she was getting very worried about her boyfriend.
''Kurotsuchi, wait here I'll go look for him so don't stress about it alright?'' Said the brown-haired man but before getting up from the kitchen table the door to the apartment opened and in walked Naruto.
''Naruto.'' Kurotsuchi and Genma said in sync.
They watched as their teammate walked over to them and they didn't expect the next move as he gave both of them a hug with each arm.
''Naruto..I'm sorry for what happened to Jiraiya..just know that if there's anything we can..'' Kurotsuchi couldn't finish her sentence when Naruto gave her a kiss on the forehead.
''I'm sorry, for the way I acted at the office..it's just...I had to be alone you guys.'' Naruto said trying to fight back tears.
''You don't have to be alone Naruto, you know aside from Kurotsuchi I'm always here for you man. We know how much you're hurting.'' Genma said putting an arm around Naruto to bring the three of them closer.
''I just, I wanted him to watch me put on the Hokage hat ya know?''
''Even with him gone, there's plenty of people who can't wait to see that day come. Me, Genma, Mako, and Kenji-senpai will be there when you become Hokage Naruto. Just know that Jiraiya will be watching you from above.'' Kurotsuchi said warmly.
The three teammates continued to group hug when they felt two more pairs of arms wrap around them. Somehow, without making a any noise whatsoever Mako and Kenji had joined the group hug to give Naruto more support and comfort.
''Naruto, you have me and I'll always be there for you.'' Mako said.
''So am I, I know I was gone your early adolescent years, but now that I'm back Naruto I'll always stick around for. I'm not going anywhere.'' Kenji said.
Naruto smiled warmly at the amount of comfort he was getting and tightened the group hug.
''Thank you everyone.''
-Sunagakure no Sato-
''Gaara, Temari, Kankuro, are you three ready to embark on our journey to Kumo?'' Rasa Sabaku, the fourth Kazekage said putting on his Kazekage hat as he stood with his children by his side.
Now Jonin themselves, Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro formed a triangular formation around their father as they walked off to Kumo.
''Yes father, let's go.'' Gaara stoically said and the family walked off into the desert as the sandstorm kicked up.
-Kumogakure no Sato-
The fourth Raikage A was an imposing man who stood about six foot four inches and he stood before three of his best Jonin as they prepared to head to the area of their summit with the other Kage. Unlike the Tsuchikage Onoki, A had always done his best to make sure Konoha and Kumo were on positive terms and getting to meet the sixth Hokage Mako Uchiha was an honor to him.
''Are you three ladies ready? If so, we'll be off.'' He said to his bodyguards and they were familiar faces we've seen before, Samui, Yugito Nii, and Mabui from Team Eleven's Chunin exams.
''Yes, we're ready to depart Lord Raikage.'' Samui said and they step off and they walked in silence for about a minute before..
''Yo yo big bro! Why you leavin' without me and taking these three h...'' Killer B, the Jinchuuriki of Hachibi couldn't finish his rap when Mabui delivered a powerful right hook sending the man flying into the nearby mountains.
''I know what you were gonna call us B!" Mabui shouted in anger.
Yugito looked into the sky where B was sent flying. ''Should we wait for him Lord Raikage?''
''He'll know where to go.'' A said putting on his hat before they continue their walk.
-Iwagakure no Sato-
''Lord Tsuchikage! Give the other Kage a piece of your mind!'' An Iwa Jonin shouted as he watched the Tsuchikage Onoki leave with his bodyguards. A large man with a round nose and another young man around the same age as Naruto.
''Erm...Whatever, Konohamaru, Akatsuchi, let's go.'' Onoki said trying to put on his backpack but then...
SNAP
Onoki froze as he tried to endure the pain of his breaking back but it became too much and he fell to the ground a broken heap. ''Agh! My back.''
Konohamaru, who was sent to be in Iwa much like Kurotsuchi was sent to Konoha shook his head. ''Honestly, my gramps is the same age as you and yet, he's still very physically fit and you break easily Lord Tsuchikage.''
Akatsuchi, the big guy went to help Onoki up but the Tsuchikage swatted his hands away.
''Get away Akatsuchi! I'm the best ninja in our village I can handle it!"
Onoki slowly tried to get up but then again, his back snapped rather loudly. ''Ahoo!"
Konohamaru let out a sigh. ''Oh my Kami..''
Akatsuchi picked up Onoki and placed him on the top of his wooden pack. ''Lord Tsuchikage, I'll happily carry you to Kumo so just relax until we get there.'' He said handing him his Tsuchikage hat.
Onoki placed it on his head and pouted. ''Fine! I don't care.''
And with that, the three men were off.
''I can't wait to see my beloved Kurotsuchi again.''
-Kirigakure no Sato-
Now in the Hidden Mist, we see the fifth Mizukage Haku Yuki standing with her four bodyguards preparing for their departure to Kumo for the Kage summit. All of Haku's bodyguards were faces we've seen before. Zabuza Momochi, one of the Swordsman of Kiri and the other three were Chojuro, Utakata, and Mei Terumi who were now all Jonin as well and they stood protectively in front of their Mizukage with Zabuza covering the rear.
''Let's go everyone, we don't want to be late.'' Haku said putting on her Mizukage hat.
''I'm excited to meet the other Kage, what about you guys?'' Chojuro asked his teammates.
''I guess, though the Tsuchikage still hates Kiri so I won't be happy to see him or meet some Iwa ninja.'' Utakata said blowing into his pipe.
''Mm, I'm just looking forward to meeting that Naruto boy, I'm sure he's turned into a fine man by now.'' Mei said with a finger on her chin.
Zabuza was feeling both excitement but also a hint of resentment. He knew a certain shinobi from Konoha that he wanted to see again who defeated him many times before during the various Konoha-Kiri border clashes before they became true allies.
''Kenji Kasugano you'd better be there because we have a score to settle.''
-Konohagakure no Sato-
Today was the day of the Kage summit in a secluded building in Kumo and now we see Mako standing at the entrance to the village and in front of her was Naruto, Kurotsuchi, Genma, and Kenji in a protective formation in front of her while to her rear we see Yugao Uzuki, Rin Nohara, and Kakashi Hatake who was now wearing a mask made of bandages and despite his behavior from a few nights before he was still allowed to come be one of Mako's bodyguards.
''Are you ready to go senpai?'' Naruto asked.
Mako smiles and puts on her Hokage hat and we see a look of confidence in her eyes.
She was ready.
''Let's get this show on the road.'' The Hokage said and they all begin walking to Kumo for their summit.
''I'm gonna have to have a couple words with you gramps.'' Kurotsuchi thought to herself while shaking her head.
''Oh man! This is so exciting!'' Naruto thought with a wide grin.
''I wonder what the other Kage are like?'' Genma thought with a straight face.
The group of Konoha ninja continued to make their way through the forests of their country heading towards the meeting between the five Kage.