Chapter 43: Preparations Begin
-Konohagakure, Hokage's Tower-
Moving as fast as he possibly could allowed him to get back home almost overnight as well as not encountering any Shinsengumi foot soldiers or bandits along the road and he was thankful for that. Now here Kenji was, standing before Hiruzen and Tsunade as they were taking joint leadership of Konoha while Mako was gone thanks to their immense influence. He was also informing him of the information the sixth Hokage wanted to relay to the older ninja such as the plan to mass forces in Kumo and Shishio's declaration of war against the great villages.
''That bastard was there?! Is Mako okay?!'' Hiruzen asked in confusion.
''Lord Hiruzen please calm down, yes Mako is okay, we managed to repel the Shinsengumi foot soldiers Shishio sent to battle us. No one was injured, not the other Kage or their bodyguards."
Tsunade and Hiruzen sighed in relief, they had thought Mako would've gotten hurt but they were glad everything was okay.
''Thank Kami, alright so Mako ordered you to come back and tell us that she requests we send over a battalion sized element over to Kumo and have a good amount of reserves here in the village should the need rise am I correct?'' Said the blonde Sannin.
Kenji nodded. ''Yes, that's right Lady Tsunade, Lord Hiruzen. Since Mako will be in the Land of Lightning for the preparations she knows that both of you still hold power and while she is gone you or him could fill in for her. In addition to the battalion she also wants you to send over a company sized element of ANBU and medical ninja over to Kumo as Suna, Kiri and Iwa will do that as well. It was agreed between the Kage that we will stage out forces there.''
Tsunade and the former third nodded in acknowledgement their military was steadily mobilizing for war but still wasn't ready yet. They both knew that with Tsunade's powerful knowledge in medical jutsu and Hiruzen's wisdom and being a war veteran in two of the great wars as well as his strength as a shinobi they would both prove to be very valuable assets in the war. However with her injuries she was still recovering from them and Hiruzen being in his mid seventies now he was retired and in his elderly state he would have trouble keeping up with the younger shinobi.
''I understand, is there anything else Mako wanted you to do when you came back?''
A small unnoticeable smirk formed on Kenji's face. ''Yes, there was another thing she wanted me to do but I had to get permission for her and wants to know if you both agree with her choice.''
Tsunade raised an eyebrow curiously. ''Permission? What does she need our permission for exactly?''
''Agreement? What would she need our agreement on?'' Hiruzen asked.
''Just this one thing I think we should give to Naruto, it involves his father, you both were two more people so close to Minato-sensei aside from Master Jiraiya. Mako and I believe that he is ready to inherit everything his parents owned.'' Kenji began.
Tsuande and Hiruzen raised their eyebrows at this.
''Everything? Including the estate?'' Tsunade questioned.
Kenji nodded. ''That's right, but not only the estate, he already knows the Flying Thunder God..wouldn't you think it would be time as well he used the very weapons that made his father feared in hand to hand combat? Would it make sense he have access to all his father's gear?''
''That makes sense since he uses clones for the jutsu but using what his father used would make things a lot easier for him as he will have a seemingly endless supply of the weapons. He won't need to waste chakra on some clone jutsu to effectively use the Flying Thunder God.'' Hiruzen inquired.
''Imagine, we know he is faster than his father by a slight margin but again, imagine how fast he'd become if he did the same thing Minato-sensei did during the last war placing kunai all over the continent. I think it would be a great asset against the enemy's much larger force considering his faster speed. With him using this he could easily thin out their numbers in a relatively short time and the war would come to a close.''
Hiruzen and Tsunade looked at each other and nodded. For years they have hid his parents' identities and since he had recently learned who his father was they agreed that it was time he gained access to his father's estate and his trademark kunai. It was better to give it all to him now than later because of the chances of being killed in the coming war because if he didn't inherit his father's belongings no one would.
''We understand, but did Mako tell you when she wanted him to inherit his father's belongings?'' Tsunade asked.
''She didn't tell me but I'm sure she'd give it all to him when she sees fit. In my opinion though, I think it would be better for him to receive everything now.'' Kenji replied.
With the Mako's news properly delivered, Kenji was given a scroll with Tsunade and Hiruzen's response on it he turned to take his leave.
''Wait, where are you going?'' Tsunade asked.
''I'm heading to my house to gather some supplies, then to the Namikaze estate to collect his father's kunai and then head back to Kumo.''
''But you just got here so why don't you take the chance to rest up a bit?'' Hiruzen suggested.
Kenji shook his head in response. ''Nah, I want to get back to rejoin my team as soon as possible. I need to be there for them so we can go over how I plan on operating when the war begins. I'll see you in Kumo Lady Tsunade.''
With nothing left to say to the man Tsunade and Hiruzen dismissed him knowing he was committed to leading team eleven during the war. The Jonin exited the Hokage's tower and made his way toward his house to get a few things such as clothes and food before heading over to Minato's old estate and after getting past the barrier that was put up he searched the estate until he found an old lockbox he remembered Minato using to store his kunai. Taking it he seals it into a scroll before heading over to the main gate.
The two Jonin stationed there, Kotetsu and Izumo spotted their comrade and called out to him.
''Hey you're leaving already?'' Kotetsu questioned curiously.
''Dude, you just got here. You should rest up.'' Izumo said.
Them calling out to him made him stop in his tracks and Kenji stood there for a moment before turning his head to look at his comrades. A smile formed on his face. He walks over to the guard station much to the duos' confusion.
''What's with the weird smile?'' Izumo asked nervously.
''You're kinda creeping us out Kenji.'' Kotetsu quipped.
"You guys ever killed anyone before?" Kenji asked.
Kotetsu and Izumo nervously chuckled at the question. They were assigned gate guard duty the moment they graduated and have never had the chance to do real missions for the village. Even during the last war they guarded the gate while their classmates fought.
"Heh Heh...no." Izumo answered.
Kenji took out a small, rolled up piece of paper and placed it on their counter top and up and left without saying a word to them. Now the guards were even more confused but knowing he gave them the piece of paper for a reason Izumo reached for it and unrolled it. He then read the contents inside leaving Kotetsu wondering what was written on it.
''Well? What does it say?''
Izumo smiled and handed over the paper to his friend. Now that he was able to read what the paper said when he finished excitement began coursing through Kotetsu's body.
''Izumo Kamizuki and Kotetsu Hagane, I hereby order you to be relieved of your guard specialty and will now serve under my direct command as front line shinobi. If you have any objections to this you may remain as guards at home during times of war, but fighting alongside two of my shinobi with your skills would be an honor. Whether you come to Kumo with Kenji or remain until the battalion arrives here is up to you.''
-Lady Hokage
Kotetsu then raised his hands in the air and gave a shout of victory. For years he and Izumo wanted to get lord Third and Tsunade to transfer them to front line shinobi. Not that being assigned gate guards was a bad thing, the job was easy considering they had to sit there all day and night they basically took their things from home and turned the guard station into their own house. It was the fact that being gate guards for so long they were never able to go on missions but now that Mako wants them to participate in the war against the Shinsengumi there was no way they'd turn down a chance like this.
''We're finally real shinobi!'' Izumo shouted in happiness.
The two then gathered some of their things, put it in backpacks and ran off to join Kenji to trek to Kumo to prepare for war.
''Hey man wait up! We're coming with you!" Kotetsu shouted.
Kenji grinning in amusement at the company he'll have on the way back.
''Looks like after years you two finally stop with that guard crap and become a front line fighter like the rest of us.'' Kenji thought with a grin as he made his way toward the main gate.
-Kumo Grande Hotel-
Kurotsuchi began to stir awake and when she opened her eyes she was greeted by the sight of Naruto's face nuzzling against her cheek and she was taken by surprise at the sight. That was until she remembered the events of the night before and she blushed when she thought back to last night when she and Naruto had sex for the first time.
She smiled to herself and was glad they finally consummated their love for one another because if they didn't, they would have never had the chance to do so if one of them died during the upcoming war. Knowing that he was a heavy sleeper she decided to get up and freshen herself for whatever they were going to do for the day so she went to grab some fresh clothes and went to the bathroom. After she showered she put on her undergarments and picked up the clothes that she had decided to wear. As she was about to put it on she halted for a minute and thought about what her fellow Iwa ninja would say, hell she wondered what Naruto, Genma, Mako and Kenji would think.
Even though Onoki came to realize his hate toward Konoha was unjustified and accepted Naruto she knew that deep down he would be hurt from this one decision she wanted to make but she knew in the end, it was her decision and no one else's for her to decide where her true loyalty lies.
Back on the bed Naruto was beginning to stir awake as well and eventually he began to reach around the bed with his eyes closed trying to feel for Kurotsuchi but when he saw that only he was on the bed he opened his eyes almost immediately and wondered where she had went. He sat up and darted his head in all directions trying to find his girlfriend.
''Kurotsuchi where are you?'' He called out.
''I'm in the bathroom!" She responded.
Relieved that Kurotsuchi was only in the restroom Naruto decided to get some new clothes and wait for his turn to use the bathroom. After getting clothes and a towel he makes his way over to the dining table to sit down and wait for his girlfriend to finish using the restroom. He soon became lost in thought as he remembered the events of the night before and a huge blush and smile formed on his face. It was perfect, the emotions they felt and how they felt during their moment was something that he would remember for the rest of his life. He was glad it happened now because if it didn't, it never would've happened.
The door to the bathroom opened and Kurotsuchi walked out drying her hair off with a towel and was greeted to the sight of her beloved Naruto sitting at the dining table staring into space with the aforementioned smile and blush on his face. She instantly knew what he was thinking about and it caused her to blush herself but again, being the self-proclaimed tough girl that she is she regained her composure and snapped her fingers.
''Earth to Naruto, are you there?''
''Huh? What?''
Now back to reality, Naruto looked at his girlfriend and the first thing he noticed besides her beautiful pink eyes was her outfit. It was the same as the standard Iwa Jonin uniform she always wore, but this time it was the same color as the standard Jonin uniform of Konoha. Her top was blue, her skirt was blue and her headband was blue. He liked the colors of the Iwa clothing but her wearing the same clothes in Konoha's signature colors made her look even better than she already was.
The couple stared at each other lovingly without saying a word, both knowing their significant other remembering the events from last night.
''I like the new outfit.'' Naruto said breaking the silence. ''It really suits you.''
''Thanks Naruto-kun.'' Kurotsuchi replied.
Naruto then got up from his chair and proceeded to walk toward his girlfriend and gives her a loving kiss on the cheek.
''Could you get breakfast ready? I want to take a nice relaxing shower and come out to something good to eat.''
''Of course, don't take too long or I'll have to join you.'' She said seductively.
The two parted their ways and Kurotsuchi immediately began to cook up some breakfast. She didn't want to get all complicated and make some buffet type food so she settled for some basic scrambled eggs, toast with butter with a side of hashbrowns and milk. Time flew by to the point she forgot Naruto was in the shower, being busy putting the food on plates and bringing it to the table she saw Naruto opening the bathroom door clad in his usual outfit.
Without saying a word, the blonde made his way over to the table to join Kurotsuchi and joined her for breakfast. Just as they were about to eat Naruto began to speak.
''How are you feeling?''
His voice caught her attention and she looked up to see his smiling face.
''I feel a lot better than I usually do waking up. I guess it because of...well.''
She couldn't finish her sentence as images from last night were beginning to appear in her head and Naruto knew this. They were a couple deeply in love so they shouldn't be shy at even the mention of their love making.
''Don't be shy about it, Jiraiya once told me that it's a healthy and regular occurrence between lovers. It's the reason why we both feel so refreshed and great this morning. You're practically glowing Kurotsuchi.'' Naruto said lovingly, placing a hand on hers.
He was right, there was no reason to be shy about it and the compliment he had just given her was enough to ease her shyness.
''Thank you, you look even better yourself.''
The two then took a few bites of their breakfast before resuming their conversation.
''I like your new outfit.'' Naruto said.
''You do?''
''Of course, I like it better with Konoha's colors.''
Kurotsuchi scoffed at his compliment and brushed it off. ''Oh quiet you, I just wonder how my gramps will react to this. Hopefully it doesn't trigger his PTSD.'' '
Naruto took another bite of his scrambled eggs.
''Doubt it, he had already gotten over the hatred for Konoha so he shouldn't really be bothered by it. I do have a question however.''
Looking up from her plate she eyed Naruto curiously.
''What kind of question?''
Naruto took in a deep breath and let it all out before asking.
''You wearing that, is this where your true loyalty lies? With Konoha, with the Hokage? No Iwa or the Tsuchikage?''
She did not even need to think about her answer because this was something she learned during his five year training adventures with Jiraiya. She had a multitude of reasons too why her loyalty lay within Konoha and the Hokage and she was glad she thought that way.
''When I was growing up, academy instructors would drill absolute loyalty into the heads of the students, basically brain wash them into becoming soldiers for Iwa and the Tsuchikage. At first I thought it was cool but when I went to Konoha, I saw the difference in our academy teaching methods. Konoha doesn't brain wash it's new ninja to become subservient to the Hokage or Will of Fire. Konoha teaches teamwork and real loyalty and when I saw the differences it made me think about where my loyalty truly was. During your training trip I found that my true home, true friends and above all else, my loyalty was with Konoha, Lady Tsunade and Mako-senpai. My grandpa only cared about raising soldiers he can use to defeat Konoha with. Me wearing the colors of the uniform finalizes my decision.'' Kurotsuchi explained.
Naruto could see the fire in her eyes as well as the honesty radiating from them. He remembered when they were kids she would brag about how Iwa ninja were much stronger than his fellow Konoha shinobi and of course, he didn't mind it. He knew that with her bond with him, Genma and Mako made her see that Konoha wasn't the village of merciless Iwa murderers her village made them out to be. Unlike people back home, they were real friends and would never stab her in the back.
''Imagine what my dad would say if you said that to his face.''
The random joke caused Kurotsuchi to twitch in annoyance and she picked up a piece of her egg and chucked it at the blonde who opened his mouth and managed to catch the food.
''That was the most random thing I've ever heard you say.''
''I've got plenty of more crazy random things to say.''
The two continued to eat their breakfast together, Naruto and Kurotsuchi occasionally feeding their significant other food like babies, Naruto was enjoying when she fed him but Kurotsuchi on the other hand did not like being pampered like some baby but as long as it's Naruto doing she didn't really care. If Genma attempted to do that to her she would fire a vat of quicklime at him then castrate him so hard. As they continued eating until they finished and when they went to wash the dishes there was a knock on the door.
''I wonder who that it?'' Naruto asked. ''Would you mind finishing the dishes?''
''Of course.'' Kurotsuchi said with a warm smile.
Naruto gave her a quick peck on the cheeks before making his way over to the door and looking into the peephole he saw that it was Mako on the other end dressed in her usual attire plus her Hokage's hat in her hand. Opening the door Naruto puts on a smile for his sensei and Hokage.
''Good morning senpai.''
Mako returned his kind gestures.
''Morning Naruto, is Kurotsuchi awake?''
Naruto motions for her to come in.
''Yeah, she's just finishing up cleaning our dishes since we just had breakfast, come on in.''
The blonde moved out of the way so his Hokage could enter the room and she waved at Kurotsuchi who had just finished the dishes.
''Morning Kurotsuchi, wow I'm liking the new outfit it suits you well.'' Mako said as she admired her choice of attire. ''So this is wear your true allegiance lies if you're wearing that?''
Kurotsuchi waved at Mako and nodded in response to her question.
''Yeah, it's something I've been thinking about for a while but I wasn't sure about wearing it until my gramps at least stopped hating Konoha. Honestly I think it looks much better than it did in red and brown.''
There was something weird she noticed about the two and it was something she noticed when she was with Shisui after..
''You both are practically glowing and looked really refreshed.'' Mako teased.
The couple immediately picked up on where she was getting at and both began blushing immensely from the Hokage's teasing.
''We have no idea what you're talking about!" The couple shouted in unison.
How they were glowing and the refreshed look in them, plus the look in their eyes Mako knew what was going on as that's how she and Shisui looked when they made love for the first time, god those were the days.
''Relax you two I'm only teasing, it's a very normal part of being an adult.'' Mako reassured.
Mako being non judgmental made the two feel at ease and they both sighed in relief.
''Thank Kami, so what brings you here this morning senpai?'' Kurotsuchi asked.
''Yeah, we'd though you'd be with the other Kage right now going over things.'' Naruto added.
Mako shook her head. ''No, not yet at least. I wanted to come to tell you guys and Genma that I wanted to get in some time with you guys, Kenji was right because I don't want to feel like I've neglected you due to my duties as Hokage then lose you all later. I couldn't live with that, not in a million years...speaking of which do you know where Genma is? I went to check his room but no one answered.''
Naruto and Kurotsuchi didn't even need to second guess where Genma might've been, they remembered that he went to talk with that civilian girl the night before. So if he wasn't in his room...does that mean..?
''We'll find him, is there any place you'd want to meet us later senpai?'' Kurotsuchi said.
''Just meet me in the village's main training field when you're ready, I'll be waiting there.'' Mako said with a warm smile before taking her leave.
The Hokage closed the door behind her leaving the couple alone, they turned to each other with knowing grins on their faces.
''He got laid.'' The couple said in unison.
''Wow, just when I thought I would never live to see that guy get some.'' Naruto chuckled.
''I know, poor guy really liked Shizune but at least a villager showed interest in him.'' Kurotsuchi added.
The couple then decided to relax together by sitting on the couch for a bit before looking for Genma and heading down to the lounge to have breakfast with Mako.
They both just sat there in silence as they enjoyed each other's company, the two taking in each other's scent and enjoying the warm embrace in pure serenity.
After a moment of being alone, the two had went to look for Genma and when they asked the receptionist the woman had given them the location of Himiko's room and when they described Genma the receptionist confirmed that she had seen a Konoha Jonin of that description and she herself couldn't help but grin. Bidding farewell to the woman they went to find Genma's room.
Several minutes later they would finally find it as it was on a different floor and it would be Naruto to knock on the door.
''Wake up Genma, Mako-senpai wants to see us!'' Shouted the blonde.
The two waited for a few minutes before they heard movement from the other end of the door and just as they hoped it opened and they were greeted to the sight of a naked Genma but with a towel wrapped around his crotch. Kurotsuchi and Naruto almost gagged at seeing their friend in such a state but they knew they had to tell him what Mako said.
''Urgh, who the fuck is it and what the fuck do you want?'' He groggily said, obviously still half asleep.
Shaking his head Naruto put on a smile and greeted his friend.
''Hey bro.''
The familiar voice snapped Genma out of his daze and opening his eyes as wide as he could he saw his two teammates staring at him and he swore they were about to laugh.
''Oh crap! Hey Naruto what's up? How ya doing Kurotsuchi?!''
''Genma-kun who is it at the door..?'' A tired female voice said.
The blonde and Iwa woman were greeted to the sight of Himiko wearing Genma's flak jacket which did much in covering her assets. When she finished rubbing her eyes she looked up to see the visitors were her new lover's friends she recognized from the lounge.
''Oh! You're Genma's friends.'' Said the woman. ''What brings you here?"
''Ahem, our Hokage said she wants us three to be in Kumo's main training field with her, so if you don't mind we'll be taking Genma with us.'' Naruto said, trying not to laugh.
''What does senpai want?'' Genma questioned.
''Just put on your clothes and come with us.'' Kurotsuchi ordered.
Not wanting to annoy the Iwa woman Genma did what he was told. Putting on his clothes and taking his flak jacket from Himiko in exchange for her shirt he kissed her on the cheek and headed out with his teammates.
''Don't forget to write and call me Genma-kun!'' Himiko shouted.
Genma felt a wave of embarrassment coursing through his body and he turned a bloody red.
''Genma-kun? That's new.'' Naruto said punching his friend playfully in the arm.
''Shut up!''
-Kumo Training Field-
Mako Uchiha was seen performing hand seals at blinding speeds and when she stopped she unleashed a very powerful majestic destroyer flame jutsu that illuminated the area in blinding light. She even felt some sweat coming off of her forehead from the intense heat. Concluding the jutsu she then performed a chidori stream before leaping into the air and slamming a chidori into the earth leaving a good sized crater in the ground.
She had spoken with A to make sure that she had the field to her and her students so they could have a moment together before she continued the Kage summit in the Raikage's own office.
Getting up and dusting herself off she sensed a presence from behind her and smiled.
''There you guys are.'' She said as she turned around to see her students.
''Morning senpai.'' The three Jonin greeted with a bow.
Mako smiled at her students and did something she hadn't done before which was admire their appearance. The three of them had grown so much from their younger days and she can sensed the incredible power emanating from them, particularly Naruto since he was the strongest of the three. Kurotsuchi was on her way to becoming a splendid kunoichi that could go down in history as one of the most powerful of the current generation, the same can be said for Genma.
''So why did you have us meet here senpai?'' Genma questioned.
Without uttering a word, Mako took out a scroll, unrolled it and placed her palm on it. In a puff of smoke a picnic blanket appeared with some food she had saved for herself but wanted to share with her students.
''Do you guys remember what Kenji said when he volunteered to head back to Konoha?''
The three Jonin nodded.
''What he said, it's true and since the Kage summit will continue shortly and how he will take over as your team leader I wanted to make sure we had one more student-teacher moment together. Remember how busy I'll be once this war is over and all the Hokage stuff I will need to do and get done.'' Mako elaborated.
The Hokage sat down on the blanket and patted the ground in an inviting manner. Kenji was right, this was the last chance for them to have a nice time together with their sensei and Hokage before things went to hell so this was the perfect opportunity. Taking up seats with Mako the four began to dig into the food and began to share laughs. They talked about when they all formed as a team from Naruto returning home, his date with Kurotsuchi and Genma's love life prior to meeting Himiko.
''So senpai, what other things will you discuss with the other Kage? If it's okay to ask that is?'' Naruto asked.
She saw no reason to hide it from her students, they were fellow shinobi so she might as well share the basics.
''We've decided that we will mobilize our militaries here before declaring war upon Shishio and the Shinsengumi. Other matters we haven't discussed it yet but I'm hoping we can complete all this within the week. Hopefully we hear from Hoshi, Oto, Ame, Kusa and Taki.'' Mako explained.
''I see, are we sure that the older shinobi back in Iwa would agree to this coalition? I mean...we all know the story.'' Kurotsuchi said apprehensively.
''I know Kurotsuchi, I'll make sure to bring that to your grandfather's attention because if they don't let go of that grudge this alliance will not work at all and could lead to our defeat.'' Mako said. ''I'll make sure the other Kage and I put down any dissent any hateful person tries because this isn't the time to unleash bottled of feelings of hatred.''
''I sure hope so.'' Genma said taking a bite out of a dumpling. ''Sometimes in war you lose people you love the most, look at my dad. He's crippled for life from fighting Kiri in the last war but he does not hold any grudge against them and is good friends with the Kiri ninja that messed him up, well that's because he gauged one of the guy's eyes out and cut an arm off in return for losing use of his legs they laughed about it.''
''And my dad never hated Iwa, he only fights those who threatens the safety of his village.'' Naruto added.
''I was stupid and blind from my rage of Minato, glad I got over it and learned the truth.'' Kurotsuchi said.
Even Kenji didn't harbor any hatred toward Iwa and he fought against them directly and lost his parents during the beginning stages of the war. Same goes for her when she fought on the Kumo front against the Land of Lightning and had no reason to hate them for losing her team when she was a Genin.
''Don't worry, we'll make sure that anyone who objects to this alliance, especially in Iwa will be dealt with properly, I know it'll happen but we'll make it work out.'' Mako reassured.
The group took a few more bites in silence before Naruto had remembered this strange dream he had the night before, he didn't remember most of the words spoken but he knew he had met them...
''Everybody.''
His voice caught all their attention.
''What's up?'' Genma asked.
Naruto took in a deep breath and let it all out ready to tell his comrades what he had dreamed of last night and he hoped his teammates, more importantly Mako would react with happiness hearing the news.
''I swear, this dream I had yesterday, I met my mom and dad and spoke with them.'' The blonde said. ''I couldn't tell if it was a dream or I was speaking to them in the spirit world, but I know it was definitely them because it felt so real.''
Genma and Kurotsuchi were about to put food into their mouths but when Naruto said those words they slowly lowered their chopsticks. Was that true?
''Are you serious Naruto?'' Mako questioned.
The blonde nodded in response.
''Yeah, though I don't think it's best to speak about it in public, when we have the chance I'll tell you all in privacy. Though my dad did mention that he infused my seal with their chakra so they could speak to me when there was a world catastrophe'' Explained Naruto.
Though she couldn't confirm herself if Naruto really did get to meet his parents in his mind, Kurotsuchi knew that he wouldn't just make this stuff up and inwardly she was happy for him and so was Genma.
''Aw man, I wish I could meet your dad.'' He quipped.
The thought of meeting Naruto's dad was something that Kurotsuchi gave thought about when she learned the truth of her mother's death from Mako was something she did not mind. At first if she met the fourth Hokage there's no doubt she'd attack him but with her new found knowledge on how Minato Namikaze really was, a friendly and war despising man instead of the warmongering, Iwa murdering scoundrel he was made out to be by her grandfather she think meeting a war hero of his caliber would be pretty cool.
''I wouldn't mind either now that I know everything.'' The woman said.
Her words took Naruto, Genma and Mako by surprise considering the things she said about him when they were younger.
''You mean that Kurotsuchi?'' Naruto questioned incredulously.
Kurotsuchi nodded her head. ''Yeah, if I had the chance to talk to him I can get the final confirmation about how my mother would not back down when she helped ambush him. I believe Mako-senpai but he can give me closure on this matter.''
Mako couldn't help but smile at Kurotsuchi changed views on the fourth Hokage and knew that if Kurotsuchi could come around on the way she saw Minato then she was sure those in the other villages who despised the Yellow Flash could do the same.
''I hope that it's as easy to convince the older shinobi in Iwa of the truth about my dad. It's basically all we need to do to make sure that generation accept this alliance.'' Naruto added.
Genma took a bite of his meal before nodding his head in agreement.
''I agree with you on that one bro.''
''They'd better because when I become Tsuchikage they're going to prison for insubordination for life.'' Kurotsuchi growled.
With the main topic out of the way, the team continued to enjoy their little picnic, the last one they'd have with their sensei for a while before war begins. Mako had warned her students that with Kenji taking over as their team leader they better prepare for the hell he could put them through because he was the type of guy that when he started a mission he will absolutely not stop until the mission was completed, but they were also told that he would never leave a comrade behind because the well being of his fellow ninja came first before the mission objective.
-Kumo Main Gate-
''Oh man! This is going to be so bad ass because we're finally gonna get to kick some ass!'' Izumo exclaimed.
''For real! Screw being eternal gate guards this front line thing is gonna be so cool!" Kotetsu quipped.
During their walk back to Kumo the two former gate guards had continuously talked about their new job specialty. They knew they had something special about them if the sixth Hokage, being one of their classmates from their academy days gave them a note saying that she wanted to fight alongside them made them feel really good inside. Very few shinobi get the chance to be personally requested by their Kage to accompany them in battle.
Kenji on the other hand was rather annoyed at how the duo would absolutely not shut up on their walk back, on the other hand he was glad they didn't shut up because them talking drowned out his thoughts and it felt like they arrived in Kumo a lot sooner than expected. However, he wanted to say something to them but it wasn't because he wanted them to shut up, because he wanted to get a laugh out of their reactions.
''I got it! You ever thought about that maybe Mako changed you to front line is because you let in a suicide bomber that nearly killed Tsunade-sama and Shizune and she doesn't trust you after that? You ever gave that some thought huh?'' Kenji berated.
Now that caused Izumo and Kotetsu to stop in their tracks and his words actually hurt them inside.
''Seriously dude? That's just hurtful.'' Kotetsu said.
''Yeah! We are legally required to let anyone that has an appointment with the Hokage go through without incident.'' Izumo added.
''Okay relax you two I'm just messing with you.'' Kenji admitted with a chuckle. ''Just wanted to see your reactions is all so calm your nipples.''
Kotetsu and Izumo groaned in annoyance.
''Now that's pretty cruel.'' They said in unison.
This only caused Kenji to laugh at their reactions, this was too funny and he always enjoyed poking fun at them.
''Relax guys I won't push it alright?''
Shrugging they followed Kenji as they made their way toward the Raikage's tower where he knew the Kage were right now.
-Kage Meeting Room, Raikage's Tower-
''So our first plan of action would be to scout Yu, Shimo and the unpopulated areas of Kumo first to see if they have any bases here that made it under our radar.'' Raikage A suggested.
After A had called for the other Kage to resume their meeting this time they were discussing their first plans once they began war with the Shinsengumi and that was to make sure his country was Shinsengumi free. Since Kenji was gone Mako had all her students act as her bodyguards while the other Kage had their usual.
''That sounds like a good plan, though that could be dangerous considering how these soldiers Shishio had are fearless as seen when they interrupted out first meeting. Not only that, it shows that it is easy for him to infiltrate any security we put up.'' Rasa said.
''There was never any suspicious activity back in Kiri but I think it would make sense to have some of your forces there for added security and manpower. Over the years I have been rebuilding my military but we're still recovering financially from the last war so your sparing some shinobi would be greatly appreciated.'' Haku said.
''I can spare some of my ANBU and some of the Uchiha police.'' Mako suggested. ''Though there is the possibility of Yugakure lending their police force to provide security and if they do that saves us the burden of sparing shinobi for guard details. I think that would be the best solution because Yu police can keep our supply lines open, provide security to the borders of each village as well as maintain and process enemy POWs. I also think we can have the Land of Waves be our supply outpost considering the bridge they built between Kiri and Konoha. Kiri would greatly benefit from this with easy access to our military stockpiles.''
''That sounds like a splendid idea, what about Yumi and their shipping industry? With what you said Lady Hokage we can also use that to move supplies and help in transporting our force worldwide so we can have more coverage. Have some front line outposts, we can do that to see if they have more bases we probably wouldn't find during the course of the war.'' Onoki suggested.
''The massive uncharted deserts of Suna could very well provide a hiding place for those scoundrel. I will have some of my ANBU scout the desert for any sign of them.''
A then called for the Kage to take a half hour break as they were discussing all morning so it was a welcomed abode, sitting all day was something he did not enjoy as a Kage because he'd rather be active.
Onoki was the most relieved upon hearing his fellow Kage call break and he rubbed his aching back.
''Oh bother, this back really is killing me..''
Kurotsuchi couldn't help but snicker at her grandfather's agony and she just couldn't wait to be the next Tsuchikage. Every Kage and their respective bodyguard exited the room and when the Konoha shinobi finally made their way out of the room they were greeted to the sight of Kenji who had Izumo and Kotetsu accompanying him.
''What's up Lady Hokage? Team eleven?''
''Oh hey Kenji-senpai!'' Naruto, Kurotsuchi and Genma greeted.
''Yo! Thanks for giving us this opportunity Mako! We really appreciate it!" Kotetsu exclaimed
"Can you teach us how to kill people?" Izumo asked.
Kenji sweatdropped at Izumo's question.
Mako let out a nervous laugh before turning her attention to Kenji. The sight of him made her blush but remembering their talk she knew that now was not a good time to dwell on romance. Kenji was feeling the same thing with that minor blush on his face but he cleared his throat to remain composed and serious.
''Kenji, Kotetsu, Izumo. So did you tell Lord Hiruzen and Lady Tsunade about our plan?'' Mako asked.
''Yeah, since I am going to take charge of the team would it be okay if I started now? Izumo and Kotetsu will be your bodyguards since I'll be leading team eleven if that's okay.'' Kenji said. ''I also..got the thing you wanted to get from their place.''
She had no quarrel with the idea, Kotetsu and Izumo were slackers but she knew that they are capable shinobi and she wouldn't mind having someone like them guard her during the war.
''Of course, the break will be short though so Kotetsu, Izumo let's go.''
Mako then motioned for the two to follow her to get some fresh air much to their excitement and when she walked past Kenji..
''Give it to him.'' She whispered.
Kenji only nodded.
''Oh yeah! First day out of guard duty here we come!'' Exclaimed Izumo,
Kenji and the younger Jonin watched the three walk away, the happiness Izumo and Kotetsu were projecting from being eternal guards no more made them feel happy for them.
''About time, those guys have been guarding for as long as I can remember.'' Naruto said.
''They were assigned gate guards the moment they graduated from the academy, so that's like about twenty years of sitting in the same spot.'' Kenji chuckled. ''Come on you guys, we have some things to go over.''
Kenji then took the three with him and they headed off to the training field Mako had reserved for their own personal use with A. The members of team eleven wondering what Kenji was going to do with them and Kami help them if he fought a spar with them again.
-Kumo Training Field-
''So why did you bring us here senpai?'' Kurotsuchi questioned.
''Training field, just the four of us, does this mean you're gonna kick our asses again?'' Genma questioned.
''We're not on the same level senpai come on.'' Naruto whined. ''Besides, wouldn't we rather save energy for when we go to battle?''
Kenji pointed at Naruto's ninjato and sai strapped to his coat. ''Give them to me.''
Naruto didn't even question the older Jonin and knew the authoritative tone meant that he was serious. So doing what he was told he handed his weapons over to Kenji.
Kenji reached into his coat and pulled out a small scroll and gathered chakra into his hands. Placing it on the scroll he makes a small lockbox appear in a puff of smoke, he then seals the ninjato and sai into the scroll. Taking the box he faces the lock toward Naruto and put a hand on top of it ready to open it.
''Naruto, before I went to give word to Lady Tsunade and the old man, me and Mako talked about what made your father famous. I had to get approval first from the fifth and third Hokage and they agree with Mako's decision.'' Kenji said before opening the box and when Naruto looked into it he saw three-pronged kunai that had a different seal for the Flying Thunder God, the very same his father used and a note that had Naruto's name written on it.
''Woah...'' Naruto thought in awe.
-Konoha Main Gate-
''Yosh! I cannot believe Kotetsu and Izumo have been relieved as eternal guards! How youthful it is to leave a post they've been guarding since their youth!'' Might Guy exclaimed.
Under orders of Hiruzen and Tsunade, the green clad, bowl haircut man was the village's new gate guard alongside fellow Jonin Anko Mitarashi who did not want to be one of the new guards.
''Out of all the Jonin they could pick for me to guard with it had to be you? Good Kami help me.'' Anko groaned.
The two continued their walk toward their new post until a question that Guy had always wanted answered popped into his head.
''I do wonder however, considering that those two have spent years sitting here I do wonder if they ever got to leave to use the restroom considering they were to never leave more than twenty feet of the station.'' Guy wondered.
This only served to annoy Anko more. ''Why are you even wondering something like that?! Sheesh!"
Just as the two approached the station however..
''What is that unyouthful scent!?'' Guy questioned.
Making his way toward the backside of the small hut Guy saw a small fenced in area that was crudely built and walking into it he saw a hole dug into the ground...
''YOOOOOOOSH!"
That's when Anko joined him.
''What's the yelling about eyebrows?''
She then looked at what Guy was looking at and she felt the urge to vomit. She covered her mouth and ran off as she began to gag from the scent of the previous gate guards' makeshift restroom.
A/N: I figured that the seriousness of the Kage summit and war arc needed a hint of comedy in it, so I decided to have the gate guards be the comic relief for this arc and integrate them more with the main characters. Even though the ending part was gross it's still funny due to Guy's reaction and throwing Anko in there makes it more humorous in my opinion considering their personalities.