The sun's glare wasn't as sharp as it had been in the early morning when Naruto crossed the borders. He felt a little tired, as he hadn't rested much along the journey. All kinds of thoughts came when he was alone. Sometimes he even indulged in the idea of going 'missing' for a little while. Of course, Tsunade would raise hell, and he wouldn't really achieve anything.
He was more than happy when he saw the gates of Iwagakure. The guards welcomed him with open arms. They informed him that Naruto impostors were at large, so his travel documents were properly inspected.
Just past the gates, Kurotsuchi was waiting for him with a couple of shinobi. He beamed as he saw her sharp eyes focused on his figure. She had been a little rude when they first met, but he rather enjoyed teasing her these days.
"Kurotsuchi-chan!" Naruto waved happily at the black-haired woman across the divide of village loyalties.
Tsunade had suddenly dragged him and told him to deliver a letter to the Tsuchikage. He was more than happy to flee Konoha and sail the winds afar. Meeting new people and seeing the dangers of the shinobi world was always a thrilling experience, as long as it didn't involve the bloody missions that stained the earth with blood and guts.
Besides, he could do without having to see Sasuke's brooding face every now and then. Perhaps his friend needed to travel a bit more. Maybe the doom and gloom that followed him would dissipate. Maybe he just needed to get laid. Then he would know that life was truly a joy.
Being lonely was suffocating. It was sad to see a friend struggle so helplessly to change. There were issues of guilt over his crimes, but Naruto thought Sasuke was allowing the regrets to dominate him. Then again, the Uchiha had always allowed one or two emotions to dominate his entire existence.
He stopped in front of Kurotsuchi and greeted the men with her. They replied in kind. His gaze fell on the stone-faced woman.
"Kurotsuchi," Naruto said.
Kurotsuchi glared at Naruto. "Please call me Tsuchikage-sama," she said in a flat tone. She hated how loud and casual he was with her. He almost didn't seem to know there were personal boundaries.
Their first encounter was a source of embarrassment for her. After all, she had considered him to be nothing more than a messenger. That messenger turned out to be a war hero. Ignorance had never brought anyone glory, and in that moment, it had smeared flour across his face. Fortunately, there was no one around to mock her for her fatal blunder.
"Come on," she said, turning in the direction of the Tsuchikage tower. Naruto followed, and she would have preferred silence, but he didn't give her that opportunity.
Naruto stopped walking and stared. "Wait!" He exclaimed. The fact that she had referred to herself as Tsuchikage just clicked in his head. "When did you become Tsuchikage?" he asked her, wide-eyed and surprised.
"Are you living under a rock?" Kurotsuchi didn't even realize the pun. She didn't understand why Naruto looked amused for some reason.
Naruto fell silent, hoping Kurotsuchi would understand why he found her question amusing. But she either didn't get it or simply ignored it. "Isn't this the Hidden Rock?" he asked, smiling. "That's a good one, Kuro-chan."
The black-haired Jonin blinked, then realized what she had said. She wanted to burst into laughter, but she hated Naruto too much to laugh in his presence. So, she stifled any amusement, even as it threatened to break out. She controlled it by getting angry.
"Perhaps you're the one living under a rock, Kuro-chan."
"Don't get familiar with me like that!"
"Why not?"
The fact that he genuinely looked puzzled and curious about why infuriated Kurotsuchi. He was honestly infectious. If he wasn't so far away, she might have even caught some of his stupidity. Did he really think he could get along with anyone? This was the Hidden Stone, a major competitor and rival to the Leaf, and he waltzed in here grinning like a madman.
Maybe he was a madman.
"I'm not your friend," Kurotsuchi said in a flat tone.
Naruto took a step back, feigning a shocked expression on his face. He placed his hands across his chest and opened his mouth wide before closing it. He pointed an accusatory finger at Kurotsuchi. "I'm hurt. You're stomping on my feelings," he said in a sad tone. "I thought we were friends. It has been a long journey. You first treated me like a mere messenger... not knowing I was Jinchuriki," he said, wiping out an imaginary tear.
Kurotsuchi resisted falling into his tricks. Nothing truly seemed to deflate the blond's mood as far as she had seen. Her rejection was not the dagger he feigned it to be. He was playacting to score some sympathy points from her. Unlucky for him, she had no sympathies for outsiders.
Still, the memory remained fresh. How could she not have known the Jinchuriki of the Kyubi? Looking at him, he didn't look the part. He was more of an imposter than the real hero people spoke about. It was a shame; so many children would be disappointed to realize the famed war hero was nothing but an idiotic man.
"It's not my fault you didn't introduce yourself!" she shouted to hide her embarrassment.
"How could I? I was on a secret mission to hide from the shinobi world," Naruto said. "Worse, I even heard you would have tried to kill me if you had known who I was."
"It would have been the safer option. We wouldn't have had the need to go to war in the first place if you had been dead."
Naruto had often heard that. In some cold rational sense, it was the logical thing to do. But Kurotsuchi was just a cold person who would do anything to protect or raise the interests of her beloved village, even if it meant betraying her friends. For the black-haired girl, Iwagakure's interests outweighed the interests of the shinobi world. It was such a sad thing. With her attitude, the shinobi world would never find peace. He would never find the answer and achieve Nagato's dream. Konan would be disappointed with him, for she had watched her beloved childhood friend die, hoping his dreams would be fulfilled by him.
He had been trying to run away from it, but he had to face it head-on. For the sake of the shinobi world and his own sanity.
Naruto inched closer to Kurotsuchi and twisted around her, standing side by side with her before wrapping an arm around her shoulders. His eyes danced around the shinobi with her. None of them did anything or even seemed to be on edge. They were more amused than alert.
He absorbed her scent with his eyes closed, ignoring the coldness she was emanating. Kurotsuchi was a beautiful woman, tough but beautiful. She didn't have Hinata's ample bosom, but she was pleasing to look at. Naruto would be more than happy to suggest a political marriage, even though he was certain she would castrate him if he tried to deflower her on their wedding night.
He smiled, opening his cerulean eyes. Maybe he was becoming like Jiraiya. Ino may have been right about the rumors. But life was a beautiful thing. He understood why Jiraiya did what he did. Research was important. Naruto wouldn't stoop as low as to become a peeping pervert. Then again, nobody could be quite as shameless as Jiraiya.
"My dear Kuro-chan, I was kind to you when you came to the Leaf. You didn't get just anyone to escort you around the Leaf and offer you company. You got the biggest name in the Elemental Nations. And yet, you treat me so coldly?"
Kurotsuchi jabbed him in the side of his chest with her elbow. Naruto yelped, let go of her, and hunched over.
She stared at him. She wanted to be angry, but he was just going to laugh. He was annoying to deal with. Why did she even have to welcome him? It would give her peace of mind if she could do without dealing with him.
She sighed tiredly.
"Tsuchikage-sama, don't forget," she reminded him.
"Since when?"
"Very soon. The old man just has to break his back, and the position will be mine," she said without any shame and in a very serious tone.
Naruto laughed. "I'll give you some flying lessons when you become Tsuchikage."
"Wait." Kurotsuchi stared at him. "You can teach me that skill? I'm not saying I want to learn it, but…" She was saying that, but she looked giddy. Had it been food, she might have been drooling while her stomach grumbled, all the while saying she wasn't hungry and didn't like the food presented to her.
"Of course, I can't."
"You're annoying." She huffed and puffed, clearly disappointed.
Naruto just smiled, then folded his hands on his back, facing the direction of the Tsuchikage tower. This was his second visit to the nation. Iwa was receptive. But of course, they didn't go around waving hands at him. They knew, but didn't go around rolling out the red carpet for him. It would have been amusing if they did.
Being famous has its perks and downfalls. His mother would be proud. Truly proud that her son became something despite people once praying to their gods and ancestors that he would just disappear from this world of the living.
"If you become Tsuchikage, I'll be a little worried for future generations."
"What is that supposed to mean?" Kurotsuchi asked with narrowed eyes.
"Well, you're not the most powerful." Naruto said with nonchalance, even waving his right hand as if to dismiss her prowess. "Really, the next generation of Kage will be something to laugh at. Even Mei-sama has made Choujuro her successor. He might be the weakest. If the shinobi world encounters a threat of the Madara magnitude, we will crumble."
It was the cold hard truth. Even Darui wasn't the most impressive. If he had died in the War and Sasuke was set on his path, nobody would have stopped him. Shinobi grew weaker. But the future generations were supposed to surpass the old. Nobody has even surpassed the power of the Sage. Madara did come close, but nobody in the Great Five was reaching those levels. At this rate, Konoha could bully the other nations into submission if it so wanted.
He just hoped that the emotions of the old were not stirred and people did not become envious. It took a second for this to turn into fear. Fear would give birth to irrational behavior, and they would go back to another war. The bonds fostered in the war would be shattered, and they would reverse course.
If that happened, he would have failed Nagato and his sensei. He couldn't allow things to be like that. But there was little he could do. He would even be treated as a bigger fool than the Shodai Hokage if he went around trying to improve the strength of other villages in the shinobi world.
Kurotsuchi hated every bit of Naruto's words. She felt like he was mocking her and the others. But he wasn't speaking with arrogance; it was just genuine concern for the future. And while she would never admit it to him, none of the future Kage had actually done anything outstanding in the Fourth War. But how could they? The powers displayed in the war were godly.
"My grandfather is waiting for you," she said, her mood chopped in half and just wanting to get Naruto out of her presence and train to change things.
"You're not angry, are you?"
"Why would I be angry?"
"I don't know," Naruto shrugged. "But the mood suddenly shifted. Did you take offense to what I just said?" He cocked his head, watching her with curiosity.
"Don't be full of yourself!" Was he mocking her or genuinely worried she might have taken offense? Was dismissing her strength so offhandedly something he didn't think would affect her? She was going to be Tsuchikage, and the future Hokage was treating her like she was a fly he could swat at any moment he wished.
"Good. I was worried you might have taken offense. I couldn't bear the thought of not receiving your warm welcome next time I come to this village," Naruto said with a sad tone.
"You will no longer be welcome in this village. When I become Tsuchikage, I'm banning you from entering Iwa."
"Why?"
"You annoy me, and looking at you makes me angry."
"If you like me, you can just tell me," Naruto said with a sly smile across his lips.
Kurotsuchi snorted. "In your dreams, Uzumaki. If you dropped dead, I'd like you."
"Ouch," Naruto said. "That kind of hurts."
"It's nothing personal."
"Sure~" Naruto rolled his eyes and faced the road ahead. "Are you really going to become Tsuchikage?"
"I'm starting to get angry now."
"Weren't you angry before?"
"Do you want to return to Konoha in full health?"
Naruto smiled. "I just want to confirm. It's not disbelief or anything," he said smoothly, to ease the tension that was beginning to rise.
"Yeah... even if I have to kill the old man to do it!"
Naruto laughed. "Well, all the more reason we should get along. I am going to be Hokage. We'll be fellow Kage. If our nations are going to get along, we should get along."
After all, it was much easier to resolve differences with a friend than with a complete stranger. If the Raikage had not known him, he probably wouldn't have been as receptive when Naruto went to beg the man to forgive Sasuke for his crimes. Naruto had also come to understand that conflict was a part of life – he couldn't escape this reality.
The important thing was realizing a better way to deal with conflicts. Unfortunately for shinobi, violence was always the answer.
"Not a fat chance of that happening." Kurotsuchi shrugged off Naruto, taking a step away from him. "Why not?"
"I just don't like you."
"But I like you. No, in fact, I love you!" The shinobi walking behind them snickered in response to Naruto's declaration. He turned around to glare at them. "Something funny?"
Although he wasn't expecting it, Naruto received a response. "Yeah," one of the male shinobi said with a straight face, "you."
Naruto deflated for a moment, like a balloon, and then turned around to continue walking with Kurotsuchi. "Is everyone in this village so cold?"
"Just to people like you."
"What did I do wrong?"
"You make us feel uncomfortable."
"But I'm a harmless idiot?" Naruto said with a face.
Kurotsuchi laughed. "Maybe because you're an idiot," she said sarcastically. "You're harmless?" she asked him, watching him with sharp eyes.
Had he no shame to even say that, looking all pathetic? Harmless? He was probably the most powerful shinobi alive. He had no business saying he was harmless. If he became an enemy of Iwa, he wouldn't be harmless. The destruction he could cause to them would be untold. And he dared say he was a harmless idiot. Idiots were even the most dangerous people out there because they couldn't think properly. Did stupid people even have the capacity to compute anything? Naruto released a toothy grin, held his hands wide open.
"Of course. You better believe that!"
Kurotsuchi shook her head. "You hold the powers of all Nine Bijuu. You can't be harmless. That power can be used against us if things come to it."
Naruto smiled, a smile that made Kurotsuchi uncomfortable. Noticing her discomfort, Naruto burst out laughing. "You're always thinking about what is best for your people. Why can't you see me as a friend rather than a potential enemy?"
"Brothers betray each other. I'm not trusting someone I don't know."
Naruto refused to allow Kurotsuchi to deflate his mood. She was just like Sasuke. Maybe he could fix her up with the damn brooding bastard. They could find common ground in slandering him. He wouldn't complain, as long as they slept happily ever after. But Kurotsuchi wasn't necessarily wrong. The shinobi world was full of traitors. Nonetheless, just because treacherous people were always lurking didn't mean they couldn't trust. Naruto thought if a person failed to trust him, they could never trust anyone.
A part of him did think Kurotsuchi was just playing hard to get. She didn't want to be friendly with him. Maybe it was out of fear for the future unknown. It didn't matter to him. He would continue to poke her until she opened up, even if he got burnt in the process.
Naruto cocked his head and then sighed in defeat. "Perhaps I should stay in this village a little longer, with you of course. I'll learn to understand you a bit more. Who knows, you might end up loving me!"
"I'd kill myself if I fell in love with someone from another village."
"Scandalous!" Naruto then grinned. He jumped in front of Kurotsuchi. "But that just makes me want to win you over..."
He had not spoken in an annoying tone. He had spoken in a strangely warm tone, filled with untold mysteries. The light in his eyes had picked up. Kurotsuchi knew he was dead serious. He was dead serious about wanting to make her love him.
She snorted to hide her emotions, emotions she didn't even want to think of. "Good luck. I'll..." she bit her tongue. "It's not happening!"
"You'll what?"
"Nothing."
"And here I thought you were saying you'll marry me if that actually happens!"
Kurotsuchi stopped, and the men walking with them halted and looked at her with shock. The fact that she stopped meant she had thought those words.
"It would be good for both villages," one of them said in a thoughtful tone.
"See?"
"Shut it!"
The Tsuchikage tower came into view. The mission was simple enough, but Naruto sensed there might be some damage. It was unnecessary for Tsunade to send him, of all people. There was a message Tsunade was trying to send. Perhaps this was the "reading the underneath" that Kakashi was always speaking about in the younger days.
There was truly no rest in this world. Joy appeared to be momentary. He laughed, realizing he'd lied to Tsunade when she asked him why he hesitated taking missions. The truth was, the more he saw the shinobi world, the more he realized Nagato had been turned hopeless by its treachery, and Jiraiya had lived a long life, yet without finding a reason.
Violence was deeply engraved in the hearts of shinobi. Systematic changes were needed.
Onoki was still the same old man he'd seen in war. Courageous, stern, and yet powerful. He'd stood face to face with Madara and protected hundreds from being crushed by the Uchiha's meteorites. Thinking about it, the Fourth War had some crazy powers. The Jubi was the mother of it all. Yet, somehow, the collective pulled it all together.
Perhaps it was the understanding Nagato spoke about. His sensei would have been happy to know that for the first time in the shinobi world, Great Nations created a unified alliance to protect their nations, putting aside their differences. Perhaps that was the path to peace.
"Old man Tsuchikage," Naruto greeted the old man with a bow of his head.
"Hear that?" Kurotsuchi said to her grandfather. "He is saying you're too old for this. Just retire and let me take over!" She was whining in the end.
"I'm not moving until you grow up."
"We'll have to peel you off that chair at this rate! Just leave and enjoy your retirement!"
"At least I'll be dead to witness your reign," Onoki said with cold brutality. "Even the infamous idiot seems to have grown a bit," he said, glancing at Naruto.
Naruto smiled. He always seemed to catch strays whenever people spoke. "There was really no need for that."
"Haven't you grown a bit?"
"Nah," Naruto said with a smile.
Onoki shook his head. "Leave us, Kurotsuchi," he said sternly. She recognized the tone and left the office without complaint. Onoki pointed at the chair in front of the desk.
He held much hope for the future. Naruto was a kind person who was honest. Others were treacherous people who'd stab him in the back the moment he looked away. But Naruto was the kind of person who'd let his village suffer a little bit if it meant he would keep his word. Onoki may have thought it impossible some years ago, but Naruto could do just that, for the sake of friendship.
Such notions meant nothing in this world, but this generation viewed it as much more important than anything.
"Hokage sent you?" he said with a narrowed eye.
"Yeah," Naruto said, and then took out a scroll and handed it over to the Tsuchikage. He wouldn't ask about it. He was simply told to deliver it. It was the way things worked. The Kage would sort out their problems.
But really, he was dying to know.
Onoki took the scroll, opened it, and then read it in silence. He snorted, scoffed, and even rolled his eyes at some point while reading the letter. After a couple of minutes, he sighed and tossed the scroll to the side and then stared back at Naruto.
"Did she discuss it with you?"
"No."
He may have demanded that she tell him something. But Tsunade told him he had to behave like any other shinobi—simply do as told. Orders were not to be questioned. Mission secrets remained as such. Scrolls were not meant to be opened along the way. They even set up the Chunin exams to teach this lesson. Of course, that was all lost on Naruto in his stupidity.
The bottom line was that it was at the discretion of the Hokage to discuss things. Otherwise, Shinobi were merely tools. He loathed the concept. But in practical terms, even if he may see himself as something much more, shinobi were tools to be wielded for the sake of their villages.
"No special treatment then," Onoki said. "She is doing her job rather well. I underestimated her." Tsunade could allow her emotions to get the best of her at times. And her affection for Naruto seemed deep-rooted. They may as well be related by blood. "What do you think about the current state of affairs? I'm actually thinking about retiring. I've informed even the Feudal Lord. Kurotsuchi will be my successor."
So, he was going to skip a generation. Naruto thought Kurotsuchi's father was a capable man. But maybe the village needed his strength on the front lines. "It's peaceful. We fought side by side, saving each other. We experienced dread together, loss together, and in the end, celebrated like brothers. I feel the shinobi world is at that stage."
"But that is all fragile. In a snap," Onoki snapped his fingers, "it can all go away. Another war could rise. You're naïve, and so, I think that could possibly happen when interests collide. People are not as earnest as you are. We always want to protect our villages. The same goes for me. My priority will always be to protect Iwagakure and advance it, even if sometimes, it is to the detriment of another village.
"Nevertheless, I do believe the shinobi world has reached a good state. Despite history, I don't want to return the shinobi world to its past. I want the feelings we shared together to influence the future. If the next generation is born with this feeling, our world will be much better."
Naruto smiled. Age brought wisdom. Despite history, Naruto indeed liked the old man. But there was always something hovering above him. Maybe he didn't want to stray from his principles. But, he did seem to genuinely want what was best for the shinobi world. He, however, had clear lines. He would not sacrifice his village's prospects for anything.
If he had to fight to advance his village, he would do so. He had always done so, and it had always worked like a charm. Never before had it caused other Great Nations to turn on him, but maybe now it would. However, as long as there was a way to benefit his village, Onoki would take it, even if it meant trampling on others.
"Fine words, old man. I realize naivety is a cause for concern, but I'd like to think I've learned and grown. I know the true nature of the shinobi world. I'm not going to step back from my principles, but I know how things can spiral out of control," Naruto said in a calm tone, lacking the seriousness that the Tsuchikage had. "It's lamentable, but it is how things are, unless they are changed."
"Indeed, but men are difficult to change."
"I would say I beg to differ. Many people have changed in my eyes, but I've learned that those are just misguided people. Not everyone can change. Tsunade-sama is always shouting at me every day about it, but I understand."
"Good," Onoki nodded happily. "When you get back home, ask Tsunade to tell you about what she wrote to me. You'll understand more of what I am saying."
"What if she doesn't?"
"It's her decision."
"That's not very nice. Why don't you just tell me?"
Onoki shook his head. "Tell her I received the message. Was there anything else?" When Naruto replied in the negative, he pointed at the door. "You may leave."
Naruto crossed his arms across his chest. "You're kicking me out?"
"Yes, I have work to do. And you have to go back home."
Naruto sighed. "And here I was hoping I'd stay for the night or maybe a few days." He was saying that, but he had no such intentions. He wanted to make a stop elsewhere before he went back to the Leaf. He then stood up. "Stay safe, Tsuchikage-sama."
"You can speak with respect."
Naruto laughed. "Don't you mean formal?"
Onoki shook his head. "Go."
"Hai, hai." Naruto waved a hand and turned away from the Tsuchikage. Kurotsuchi was standing outside, her hands folded across her chest with impatience. "I wasn't even there for more than ten minutes."
"I was excluded, and I'm his successor."
"Tell me about it."
Kurotsuchi walked him out of the tower in silence. Once they reached the streets, she was openly staring at him. Naruto had been deep in thought, digesting the words of the Tsuchikage. They were by no means parables.
"What?"
"I'm uncomfortable with you being deep in thought and silent. Talk. That is what you do."
Naruto laughed. He was never quiet in any situation. He didn't think there was a person in the shinobi world who had met him and could say they saw him all quiet and gloomy. He had left such expressions at home. People always saw what he needed them to see. It was a lie, but he had been forced to do so by circumstances. He no longer needed to live a lie but be true to himself.
"But you dislike what I say… unless you're just shy to admit…"
"Never mind. Just be quiet." Kurotsuchi cut him off.
Naruto shook his head. He took a giant step forward and stood in front of Kurotsuchi. He waved his right hand. "I'll leave you. Stay safe, Kuro-chan…" he said, and then began to float.
Kurotsuchi took a step forward and nearly jumped. But she held herself back. He noticed the slight movement and then laughed. "You can tag along; I'll drop you at the gates."
Kurotsuchi folded her hands across her chest. "It's a simple technique," she said confidently. "For us Doton users, at least."
"Show me then."
Konohagakure, Hokage Office
Sasuke was surprised to see Kakashi in the office. If they had been called together, he expected the Jonin to come after him. He was a man famous for being tardy.
"Kakashi, I'm surprised you came first," Sasuke said as he closed the door behind him. Kakashi smiled. Both eyes glanced at the Uchiha. There were no more one-eyed smiles. He had lost his Sharingan and was just a normal shinobi these days. His status was never dependent on the Sharingan, but on his own set of skills. He was used to Sasuke calling him Kakashi in any way—sometimes with a cold tone, sometimes with indifference. He didn't take it personally. But he would admit that if there was someone he trained more than his other students, it was the Uchiha. "Well, if Naruto can change, I suppose you can change too." The Uchiha stopped in front of the Hokage's desk and greeted her.
"None of my students have any respect for me," Kakashi sighed.
"If you had bothered to train them, they would show you some respect," Tsunade replied in a flat tone. "I did teach them a few things."
"He did," Sasuke said, defending the Jonin. "You also trained Sakura. Actually, out of the Sannin, you're the one who truly trained their students. Naruto praises Jiraiya and calls him master, but he spent almost three years learning variants of the Rasengan." The Uchiha added the last bit with contempt.
Tsunade would admit that Sasuke wasn't completely wrong. Jiraiya had focused too much on the power of the Kyubi, only ever teaching Naruto Taijutsu skills. The things that set him apart were learned after the man died. He couldn't even teach Naruto any other jutsu despite the brat holding massive reserves. Senjutsu and the Rasenshuriken were learned after the man.
One might ask, what the hell did he teach Naruto?
"Why are you angry about it?" Tsunade asked. "Besides, Naruto returned much more mature. The training trip with Jiraiya did him a lot of good mentally."
Sasuke rolled his eyes while snorting. "Nothing changed," he said harshly. "In battle, Naruto was much more creative than me. He was able to come up with good strategies when we were pressed. He even saved the team once. Matured?" The Uchiha laughed coldly. "From what I heard, he rushed to confront Deidara despite orders to step back. When Orochimaru mentioned me, he became angry and hurt a teammate in the process."
Tsunade honestly didn't like Sasuke. She hated his attitude and generally disliked him. If she could, she'd change Sakura's feelings to make her like someone better, not this cold and indifferent bastard. But he wasn't completely wrong.
"Are you worried about him?" Kakashi asked Sasuke.
"If Naruto loses the Kyubi, he could be in danger. Much of what he does now depends on the powers of the Bijuu. He told me he still retains the powers of all the Bijuu, but he said it isn't permanent."
"That is a discussion for another day. Besides, Naruto still has Sage Mode," Tsunade said. No matter how you looked at it, Sage Mode was incredibly powerful. "I called both of you here for something much more serious."
"What is it?"
"A month ago, we received an intelligence report stating that Iwagakure was planning to attack Amegakure. It came from an order of its Feudal Lord. The Tsuchikage has been holding out, but the pressure is becoming too much. He has changed and is starting to say he wants to destroy remnants of the Akatsuki."
"We'll never be at peace."
"That shouldn't affect us, but it is Naruto you're worried about," Sasuke said to Tsunade.
At his core, Naruto was the same person who would not break his promise. He would take being expelled from the Leaf if he had to rush to protect Amegakure from the Stone. Even if it meant giving up on his cherished dream to become Hokage, Naruto would do it to fight for what he believed in. For the village, it was a different matter. Only cold rationality applied. Konoha had no alliance with Ame. If it were Suna, there wouldn't be an issue. Tsunade would be too happy to defend the nation. But there was nothing to gain from fighting Iwagakure.
"Naruto has already told me what he promised Ame, and you all know him. If Iwa launches an invasion, he'll rush there. It would be directly taking Konoha into the war. Just to be clear, even if I think it is wrong, I have no intentions of sending men to defend Ame."
It was understandable. But perhaps that was what was wrong with the shinobi world. Sasuke wasn't going to say anything else. He could speak with Naruto about such matters.
"If Iwa does launch an invasion, Naruto will fight. Even if it would be detrimental to the Leaf. Abandoning a friend in need is not Naruto's way of living," Kakashi said, sighing. They had serious problems.
"He needs to grow and understand that he can't protect everyone and can't be involved in everything. He shouldn't even be making promises he can't keep. He is not the Hokage and must follow my orders," Tsunade sighed.
"But if it happens, he'll ignore me."
"What do you have in mind?"
"I've sent him to Iwagakure. I'll talk to him about it when he returns," Tsunade said, leaning against her chair. "I'm trying to get the Tsuchikage to abandon the idea, and hopefully, I will succeed. But if we fail, Naruto must be restrained. He won't be reasoned with. In this village, only you can stop him."
Sasuke heard what the Hokage was saying. He'd agree to stop Naruto, but this attitude was the problem. It was why there were wars in the first place. He wouldn't stop Naruto. Tsunade didn't care about what was right. She was only interested in protecting Konoha. But what about Amegakure? Not long ago, Sasuke wouldn't have cared either. But things were different now. He had a purpose. He wasn't just walking around, full of hatred and intent on killing his brother. He desired something bigger—even bigger than Itachi's dreams. After all, his brother's love only extended as far as Konoha.
"You misunderstand him."
"Is he not going to do as he pleases?" Tsunade asked, raising an eyebrow. Never did she think she'd see the Uchiha defending Naruto's attitude. Then again, the two got along. They understood each other. And she'd probably made a blunder by calling him here.
The thought made her frown deeply, and she shot Kakashi a glare. For some reason, she was blaming the Jonin for it all. "Not the reasons you think," Tsunade folded her hands across her chest. "Tell me about it," she said sarcastically.
Sasuke wisely chose not to respond to it. "Is there a need to go this far?" he asked.
"These are decisions you have to make as Hokage. My duty is to the Leaf. Why should I send other people's children to die in a war they do not benefit from?" Tsunade asked, staring intently at Sasuke.
"I'm not sure I can stop him. But I'll try," Sasuke said. "Naruto is strong. It hurts me to admit this, but in such a matter where I'm stopping him from fulfilling his nature, I may not be able to stop him."
"Are you saying Naruto is stronger?"
"I'm saying the circumstances might give him an edge," Sasuke said. "You should also think about something. If you stop Naruto from protecting Amegakure because it is the Hokage's duty, know that he might just decide he doesn't want to be Hokage anymore. He is defined by his morals and he won't want to be shackled by something that makes him abandon his friends." Sasuke didn't wait to be dismissed. He turned around to leave, but Tsunade stopped him.
"I haven't dismissed you yet," she said coldly. She really didn't like the Uchiha. "When are you thinking about restoring the Uchiha clan?"
"I haven't given it a thought."
"Consider it. It is important to Konoha. We don't want the Sharingan to be extinct." Sasuke wanted to say they wouldn't be in this problem if Konoha hadn't ordered Itachi to murder everyone. But he held himself—Tsunade hadn't even been in the village when it happened.
"I will," Sasuke replied.
"Good... now you're dismissed," Tsunade said, waving her right hand. Sasuke nodded and then turned away. He shut the door behind him. Once it closed, Tsunade glared at Kakashi. "He is just like him!" she shouted. "I expected him to be more reasonable!"
"Why does it sound like you're blaming me?" Kakashi asked with a nervous smile.
"Wasn't he your student?"
"He doesn't even call me sensei."
"That's the problem!" Tsunade banged her fist on the desk. She continued to glare for a couple of seconds and then sighed. "Do you think we're making the right choice?"
'We?' Kakashi wasn't even told about this. He was hearing it for the first time. He wanted to remind Tsunade but didn't want her to shout. "For the Leaf, it is the best decision."
"But?"
"The world doesn't stop with just Konoha. If Iwa is allowed to do this, the trust we had will be broken. Relations will hit rock bottom, and we could go to another war. Sasuke may perhaps be saying for Naruto, it is a matter of what is just."
Tsunade shook her head. "Jiraiya was a bad influence."
"I'll take the blame. I also taught him that abandoning friends was the action of scum."
"Thank you!" Tsunade replied sarcastically. "It's not that I don't understand this view. I think it is wrong for Iwa to do something like that. And if they are allowed to do it without consequence, they'll do it again and our world will return to what it once was. But will Konoha survive a confrontation?"
"We're not alone, Tsunade-sama," Kakashi said in a serious tone.
Amegakure no Sato
The Hidden Rain, was a nation torn apart by Iwagakure and Konoha in their fights. The giants never wrestled in their own countries but always chose their stages on the grounds of others. It was a sad reality, but just how things worked when nations fought against each other. At least, the village had managed to withstand it all and remained standing. Hanzo should be applauded.
Naruto chuckled at how many history lessons he had skipped at the academy. But what could he do? He was much more focused on winning attention and affection than anything else. He had never faulted anyone, not even the old man, not even Kakashi. Hell, not even his sensei Jiraiya for much of his misery. He took on life and simply enjoyed his happiness. He fought for this.
It was ironic; he had to thank Kurama for much. Without the Bijuu, he probably wouldn't have come this far or even become a war hero. After all, most of his ninja skills were simply a repetition of Kage Bunshin, Taijutsu, and the Rasengan. And to think he trained under Kakashi, a man famous for knowing more than a thousand jutsu and a legendary Sannin.
The potential was there; he just needed to nurture it. The problem was that everyone was simply focused on using the power inside of him.
The children went on happily about their lives. The streets were filled with happiness. In these streets, Jiraiya had fought and died, fighting with Nagato. It was the first time he had truly experienced loss. Naruto could never forget the pain he experienced. But the same could be said about Konan. The loss of Nagato must have been hurtful.
After all, he was the only other person she was close to. Everyone else had died.
Naruto found her sitting on the tongue of a large statue that topped the tallest building in the Rain. Her legs dangled slowly, her eyes focused on the joyous streets below. Konan was alone in this world because of him, because Nagato chose to sacrifice himself. She was alone because Danzo conspired with Hanzo to get rid of the peace-loving Akatsuki.
"Konan," the first time he had come to check on her, he had greeted her with "Konan-chan." It didn't work out. The mood around her was a little suffocating. It was always serious. He didn't hate it, nonetheless. It always compelled him to do the best he could, for the sake of peace.
She had nearly been killed by Obito for the Rinnegan. Luckily, she managed to survive. When he found her, Naruto had sworn he would protect her and Amegakure, even if it meant giving up his life. He had said it without thinking, as was his nature with some of his silly promises.
"You're here," Konan glanced at him, her expression unreadable. "Have you come because of the issues with Iwagakure?"
What issues? Naruto didn't know anything. Was that the reason Tsunade had sent him to Iwagakure? No, if that was the reason, she would have told him. She knew the special relationship he had with this village. If there was a threat, she would have told him. His thought process halted at the realization that he was lying to himself. Tsunade wouldn't necessarily tell him since she still considered him a child.
"I came to see my dear Angel-chan," Naruto replied with a wide grin, sitting beside Konan.
The view was delightful. For a small nation, Amegakure was huge. Naruto thought its population was much larger than that of Sunagakure. The difference was that Suna was a shinobi village. Amegakure's population was made up of civilians. And the majority of them were weak.
However, despite how huge it was, the village was poor. Nagato's reign hadn't been exactly stimulating to revive its ailing economy. He had focused too much on protecting Ame that he neglected to ensure his people were fed. Konan was taking corrective measures. Naruto hoped things would improve in due time.
"You have free time then."
"I'm usually free. I hardly do much," Naruto replied with a shrug.
"Aren't you in demand as a war hero?"
Naruto laughed. "Sometimes. But if you're going to demand my services, I come at a very high price. Only those with deep pockets can afford me."
Konan glanced at him for a couple of seconds before returning her gaze to the streets. "You've changed."
"You haven't," Naruto said sadly.
"You expect me to change?"
"Yes," Naruto nodded vigorously. "But I suppose those who are older find it difficult to change their behavior. I'm still young." He laughed. "It would be strange if I still behaved the same way I did when I was just fifteen."
"I wonder if I can…" Konan said sadly, shaking her head.
Her early days had been filled with love and emotion despite the harsh realities they faced. Nagato had been the most emotional. But after Yahiko died, her heart had never opened. The childhood happiness became memories. She couldn't even remember the last time she smiled – there had always been coldness and misery. She had become accustomed to this kind of life. After all, the things she did with Nagato were unspeakable. In this village, there was nothing but misery. Honestly, Konan had wished she had died. She wouldn't have to be so lonely.
There was no Nagato, no Yahiko. It was just cold misery. She had never become too close to the people she ruled in the village. It was unlike the old Akatsuki comrades. They had shared real bonds. But they were all dead, and she alone remained to protect this village and the vision they all shared.
As if reading her mind, Naruto asked in a strangely serious tone, "I can imagine how hard it must be to feel alone in this village." He shook his head. "Do you wish you had died when Obito attacked you?"
"Sometimes," Konan admitted bitterly. "But one of us must still be able to live to see our dream become a reality. So many have died. We have done so many horrible things. We lost our way, but we have seen the light and hope to be unwavering pillars."
"Perhaps I should visit more. I know a thing or two about loneliness. Besides, we must talk about the future and how we can maintain the unity that was formed during the Fourth War. It only takes a simple thing to create cracks in this peace."
Konan smiled, a tiny smile that Naruto didn't even notice. Naruto was no longer the same naive child he had been. "Cracks will soon appear," she said. "But you shouldn't shift your focus to this village. I will take care of Amegakure."
"But I also want to see you smile. Nagato died with a smile. He was content with the decision he made. Don't you want to end your life with a smile?"
Could she? There was nothing that could fill the void created by Yahiko's death. Nothing could fill the gap in her heart because of Nagato's absence. "I wonder about that…" she shook her head. "You didn't come here because of the issue with Iwagakure?"
Naruto shook his head. "I'm coming from there, but to deliver a message. I didn't know there was a problem. And if there was, Ba-chan would have told me."
"Not unless you would be conflicted about the issue," Konan said in a serious tone.
Naruto frowned deeply. "Conflicted?"
"The Hokage's duty is to protect Konohagakure. If Iwa threatens Ame, Konoha won't get involved in case a war breaks out. There is no relationship between Ame and Konoha, and the Leaf would not benefit from it."
Naruto frowned deeply. The conflict arose because if Ame was being threatened, he would want to protect it. Without a doubt, if he decided to fight for Ame, the Tsuchikage would declare war on Konoha. The Leaf would be dragged into war. Shinobi would die. Tsunade was probably trying to avoid it.
"I've already declared that I would protect Amegakure!" He shook his head. "I didn't think such a practical scenario would occur. But, is there truly a threat that it could happen?"
Naruto ignored the mocking giggle from Kurama. The beast was telling him he was truly stupid to have said something like that. Naruto knew. Konan might not think he would jump to defend her even against the orders of Konoha, but because Tsunade knew about his declaration, she took it seriously. She knew she would have to shackle him to stop him from facing off against Iwagakure.
"Yes," Konan nodded. "The threat is not immediate. So, there is still time."
"If I had known, I would have spoken to the Tsuchikage," Naruto said in a serious tone. "I can still go back and talk to him."
"Don't be reckless."
"I'm just going to talk to him."
"You don't even know what is going on."
"You'll tell me." Konan shook her head. "We'll talk about it once Konoha has told you about it. I do not wish to be the reason there is a strain between you and Konoha's leaders. They are keeping you out of it for a reason."
"I'm still treated like a child in the grand scheme of things," Naruto said bitterly.
Was he so irresponsible that Tsunade thought of him as a ticking time bomb? It was tiring. He didn't need to be doing anything to show his maturity. He had spent his life trying to prove that he was good, and now he had to prove that he was mature enough to be trusted with responsibility. Naruto felt he didn't have the stomach for such a battle.
"Well, whatever happens, you can always count on me!" His mood uplifted and spoke with confidence.
"I hope it doesn't come to that."
"We'll see if it can be solved," Naruto said with a smile. "I came to see if I can talk you into an alliance with Sunagakure. Gaara is my friend, and I'm sure he'd be happy to have you as an ally." Naruto stood up, held up both his hands, and then spoke with a wide smile. "Naïve and stupid, but I've made genuine friends over the years. There are people who can help me if I need help. People who can never turn me back because I didn't turn back in their troubles."
He chuckled. "It's funny. From a twisted kind of view, you'd think this was all part of the plan. But those who know me will say no. I've been thinking about how to unite nations. What must we do to see our dream through? While I was in the Land of Springs, they had this mode of transportation. Trains, they called it. I was thinking if we could have trains connecting Suna and Ame, it would be a start to great things. It makes it easier to travel to Suna and transport goods."
Amegakure didn't have an ally and it was doing just fine. But Konan understood that trade with others was needed. And being without allies was one of the reasons Iwagakure felt comfortable starting trouble with them.
"We've always been closed off to others. Changing will be difficult."
"But if we're successful, then we will know it is possible to unite others in such a way. It is easy for nations to be at war with others because they have no bond. It is difficult to fight with a friend. Take Konoha's relationship with Sunagakure. If there is conflict, their first step will always be to resolve it diplomatically. We share a bond, despite our troubled history."
"If this can help with peace, then Amegakure will be open," Naruto said, shaking his head and smiling. "If it is an idea you can agree with, let me know. If you're not comfortable with it, let me know. We're friends. If what I'm doing is wrong, a friend should be able to tell me. You were with Nagato, and when he was doing what you viewed as wrong, you could tell him. Do that with me. I'm still young. There is still much I don't know."
"Nagato hardly listened. Even if he sometimes listened, he always did what he wanted to do in the end."
Naruto laughed, scratching his head slightly. "Maybe it comes with being Uzumaki. All of us don't appear to have the ability to listen to anyone," he said. He turned around and faced Konan, holding out his right hand. "You'll talk sense into me?"
Konan shook her head and then took Naruto's hand. "I will try."
"I don't sense any enthusiasm, Konan-san."
Naruto sidestepped a drive toward his face and then ducked under a wild swing of a sword from behind. He disappeared in a blur of speed, flashing behind the huge bulky man who attempted to decapitate him. He didn't do much but just waved his right hand, slamming a fist onto the side of his head. The speedy punch sent the man crashing into a tree, hitting it with his head before losing consciousness.
He glanced at another man, and then took a single step before lunging forward. The man didn't even have time to move as Naruto drove a fist straight into his chest. Bones cracked. The man cried as he spat blood mixed with saliva.
Sensing movement from behind, Naruto twisted around. He did a roundhouse kick, slamming his foot high into the head of a man who had lunged from behind.
There were twelve more lying on the ground, unmoving. They were just a bunch of bandits. A little while ago, they would have made life difficult for him. Today, he felt they were too weak. Why were they even bothering to try and capture him? They would all just die in the process. They had no power, no abilities to even wound him.
He shook his head, released a long sigh, and then placed his hands at the back of his head as he strolled away.
"Greed is truly amazing," he said to himself.
He didn't even understand why the underworld placed such a huge bounty on his head. What would they do with him if they captured him? Would he be put on display as some trophy? Some unsavory people truly crawled within this world.
"Say, Kurama..."
"What?"
"Why are you being pissy? It's too early for that."
"I was trying to sleep."
"All you do is sleep."
"Are you trying to make me angry?"
"Maybe." Naruto grinned. "It's a little annoying these days since you're civil and all."
"Are you a masochist?"
"What is that?"
"An idiot will always be an idiot." Kurama rolled his eyes. "Your weakness will be the end of you. You didn't kill any of them."
Naruto shrugged. "I don't particularly like killing."
"Nobody does it because they enjoy it."
"I've met people who reveled at the idea of spilling blood."
"You're just naive."
Naruto shook his head. "Maybe. But they are civilians. If they were shinobi, I'd capture them and take them to exchange houses for their bounties. No doubt rogue shinobi."
"Why are you disturbing my sleep?" Kurama asked instead of arguing with his host.
"I just wanted to check on you. We haven't spoken in a while. Thought you might be bored."
Kurama snorted. "I know everything that happens around you!"
"Then you know what bothers me." Naruto said in a quiet tone. "The Tsuchikage said something about pressure from the Feudal Lord. He refused to say anything. So did Konan. But if Iwagakure is planning to attack Amegakure, I'll have to defend it."
"Konoha won't allow you," Kurama said.
"I know," Naruto smiled sadly.
What was right had to matter. If shinobi simply focused on interests rather than what was right or wrong, wars would continue to ravage the lands. Hatred would never end.
"But whether Konoha benefits or not doesn't matter," he added, shaking his head. "But that's just me. I actually wanted to talk to you about your brothers. We returned all of Iwa's Bijuu. If they decide to go to war, we'll have to fight."
"You'll just do the same thing you did with that monkey."
Naruto burst out laughing at Kurama's indifference and calling Son a monkey. But then again, he was like a monkey. "Good to know things can be solved. It would have been good if Bijuu were not dragged into this."
"You shouldn't have returned them."
"It wasn't my choice."
"You had an option after fighting that Uchiha."
"When I become Hokage, I can make decisions."
"If Iwagakure tries to attack Amegakure, you won't become Hokage," Kurama laughed. "All your life you've been speaking about being Hokage, and that dream can be ripped from you because of your nature. If you don't change, you'll become a bad Hokage who'll condemn his village to ruin."
Power was not everything. Power protected, but it didn't make decisions and perform miracles. Mistakes could be made. Shinobi villages were fragile and could be broken easily. A single mistake, and an enemy could invade. He smiled bitterly. When did he start thinking like this? He'd always hoped for the best in people. Hell, if Kabuto showed up, he'd welcome him to the Leaf. But not Orochimaru. That man had done too many cruel things, and he didn't even regret any of his actions. He was just continuing as if nothing had happened. Naruto thought it was wrong. There was no justice for those who suffered because of him.
"Shikamaru probably has the same idea. But is there something really wrong with the way I think?"
"Yes," Naruto replied. "At least butter me up a little," Naruto said with a deep frown. "What kind of partner are you?" "I don't want to die because of your stupidity."
"When have I ever put our lives in danger?" "I'll pretend I didn't hear that because I don't have the energy to remind you of the many times I've had to save your miserable life."
"I was not miserable."
"And I loved humans."
Naruto laughed. "Your sarcasm is pretty good. If only Sasuke was like you."
"If you hadn't kissed some girls, I'd say you truly love that Uchiha."
"That's just filthy."
"Exactly what I thought when you kissed him."
"Do you have to keep saying it?"
Chapter 2, finally!