Chapter Seven; Third Reel Surprise; Part Three

Land of Fire; Golden Leaf Hotel; Penthouse Suite

"Oww!" Kartel growls from the floor, having been thrown down "I told you, didn't I?" Naruto growled standing before him, mask on his hip "Stop yapping off your mouth. Loose lips, sink ships."
"…but!"
"BUT NOTHING!" Naruto's bellow drew the attention of his charge Koyuki who came to investigate "You are a shinobi of Whirlpool. The mission given to you is your duty. Protecting our family, absolute. You know this and yet you just put a massive target on both you and your families back." The pre-teen looked bashful at that causing the older redhead to let out a sigh "Kid, son – we don't have the luxury of being careless. I wish things could have been different, I wish you could have had a normal childhood. Grown up with friends and family, not out here in the thick of a massive operation to save a nation."
"I… I'm sorry… I just got so…"
"It's fine." Naruto offered a small smile after Kartel looks up at him, in response to the hand resting on his shoulder "You're passionate, just like your mother and I. Keep that close but remember to not speak it aloud. Protect our family, for we are Uzumaki." The boy gains a determination and a fire in his eyes "Yes dad!" with a smile donning Naruto's face "Now get moving. Your cousins are waiting." Kartel shunshining back to his teammates.

"Now I know I made the right decision." Koyuki appearing from the stairs, "Oh?" Naruto turning to her to which she offers a bright smile "I will marry you. Tying Spring and Whirlpool with Yukigakure and the Uzumaki."
"Ambitious much?"
"Not at all." She offers as they embraced "You know my story, I know yours. I will always stay by your side." Naruto sighs at that, her soft touch and light smell of the arctic roses only found within her home nation invaded his nostrils offering a soft lulling of comfort that he was growing steadily fond of.


Land of Fire; Kohonoha; Kage office

"Now that the second round is over, let us talk about the issues we are currently facing." The fire shadow announces as Koyuki, Red, the Yukgakure Jonin, and Uzu-Genin "Where do you want to start?" Red asked from his protective post at Koyuki's side "After reviewing the textbooks and the likes, we have found that our civilian council has removed all traces and references of the Uzumaki Clan from the teaching material and libraries." Sarutobe states causing the Uzumaki in the room to glare at the old man "What?" Kartel growls out rather loudly but a slight shift from Red caused him to step back, with his head lowered "Please explain, Lord Hokage." Koyuki asks also somewhat angry at that fact, but it was Red who spoke up "Because of me, right?" to which the man simply nods "Seems their long-term plans, as you may remember, were to push you to the brink and mould you to their will."
"Root." Red growled causing the guests all to stiffen with hardened glares, the old man sighed heavily "We suspect them too. No evidence however has been uncovered."
"Naturally." Red sighing heavily "…but your supposed death in that fire, caused problems and discord among them." A prominent silence stretched to the uncomfortable range, but it was then Koyuki who broke it "In that case, it is too late to change it however my land is a close ally to the Uzumaki and will remain so in place of our original plans with Konoha. We have already received a treaty with the Land of Fire through them and a connection to the Daimyo with his blessings." This caused the oldest shinobi present to raise an eyebrow at that "As such, my shinobi may start operating in limited capacity within your territory and would like you to pass such information down to your forces."
"Is that right?" the man questioned while looking at the six Yuki Jonin, then to Red who nods "Currently I personally, am overseeing their retraining as many of their capabilities are unfavourable to the large portion of the nations." Red announcing their plans "…with that, they are here to gain experience outside their homeland. I have personally overlooked the training of these six specifically for the upcoming invasion."
"How certain of it are you?"
"Surely you have recovered the report from your interrogators, no?" Red questions and everyone swears they could see his raised eyebrow through the mask. The old man sighs while glancing down at the report resting in his top drawer "It is as you say, Suna and Odo are conspiring against us."
"Anything definitive?" Red urges wanting any new information he could get but a shake of his head was the only response causing Red to actually snirl at the Kage "Very well. We shall undertake our own, separate investigation." Turning to Koyuki "With your permission, ma'am?"
"Get to the bottom of this at once." The daimyo orders to which Red nods before turning to his shinobi "Just as we have discussed. I expect great things." His nine shinobi nod along "We won't fail ya." Kori states receiving a nod from Red who offers a hand to Koyuki and supports her to her feet "Well, Hokage-san…" the woman states "…we will be taking our leave. Good day." A short bow as the man offers one back "Good day." Suddenly two senior shinobi enter, the air of arrogance could be felt across the room "Hiruzen. Why were we not called for greeting our guests?" Humura questions rather heatedly causing raised eyebrows among the visiting shinobi "Lady Daimyo request an audience with me alone. It does not concern you." The aged Kage responded softly, his anger only faintly vailed "Regardless, the council is awaiting our guest's arrival and we have come to escort you…"
"That will not be necessary." Red states firmly causing the retired shinobi to look to him "Lady Kazeahana has expressed her weariness and we are escorting her back to the penthouse Lord Hokage has prepared for her." A small smirk played on the village leaders face at the predicament Red had placed his old advisor's in. If they insisted, it meant they cared not for her opinion which meant the whole meeting was for naught but if they left, their plans were ruined 'Well played my boy.' Hiruzen chuckled internally as he watched his advisor's try and wiggle out of this. The two busybodies nod "Very well however we must also discuss this lady…" gesturing to Fenra "…revealed bloodline. It is of great…"
"These are my ninjas…" Koyuki speaking up with the full weight of her country and the position she held within it. Through their held hands, she could feel Reds growing anger and frustration so chose to step in before he did "…you have no right to discuss my people as if they were objects."
"We meant no…"
"Yes, you did. As an actor, I can very clearly tell of your intent." She then turns to the hokage "I suggest you keep your council on a closer leash, or my fire counterpart will be most displeased."
"I will be sure to do that." stated the Hokage with an icy glare at his two former teammates "Now then…" Koyuki turning back to her escorts "…let us be off." Stomping toward the door "Yes ma'am!' the nine shinobi respond following after her, the senior citizens silently fuming while the Kage smirks beneath his hat, the smoke from his pipe flowing around it.


Land of Fire; Golden Leaf Hotel; Penthouse Suite

The Uzu party arrive back at the Penthouse and immediately the seals they placed light up and three shadows are forced into the light. Without delay both Red and Artic despatch of them, slicing through them with their finally sharpened blades and sealed them in seconds to avoid making a mess. "Root?" Kori questioned to which both nod at "As expected though." Red says glancing over his shinobi "Okay, listen up." They all straighten as they stand in the living space with the princess plopping down on the coach "From now on expect a hostile environment. We can't openly react unless directly engaged to which defensive options are our only recourse. Understood?"
"We can't fight back?"
"We can." Arctic snaps back "Just like Red explained, fight back but no further. Do not pursue, do not endanger the locals." This causes a mixed reactions from the group. The three Genin were irritated whilst the Jonin were all clearly on edge at the prospect of these rules of engagement. "Before I forget…" Red looking to Fenra "…Fenra, you are not to go anywhere without either me, Arctic…" pointing at his white masked counterpart at his side "…or two of the Jonin with you. Understood?" she sighs at that, head hung "Yes sir."

The next morning, steaming coffee smell oozes throughout the suite as the group laughs and chuckles with light chatter "So, what's everyone's plan?" asks Koyuki with her cup of coffee upon her lips "Seeing as we aren't really in need of training…" Kartel explained "…I wanted to check the library."
"The Library? Why? I'm sure the library at home is better than the one here." Spoke Kal as he swallows another helping of rice "True but I want to be sure." Kartel says looking to Red "I can, right?"
"Ty and Rana, go with him. Try and stay out of trouble squirt." Red says and the two Jonin named both nod as the redhead scowls at that "I'm not a squirt."
"I'll stay in." Fenra announces drawing the tables attention "Besides, someone needs to keep our new guest company." Just as said guest arrives into the room "I ain't no invalid ya know!" Tayuya growls, her bedhead still on full display as she drops down into a spare seat "We never said you were." Arctic states from his place leaning against the wall behind the princess "Are you sure you should be walking?" asks Koyuki with a clear sense of concern upon her face "Save it!" the girl snapped angrily only to recoil as Red's killing intent floods her senses "I… I'm sorry." The intent falls off "I am not used to all this…" gesturing to the room at large, and those within it "Understandable but keep that anger in check or you won't last long." Red comments causally, placing his now empty mug of coffee in the sink while everyone present wondered how he drank that without removing his mask "I wanted to check out the weapon shops." Kal says placing down his own cup of tea "See if they have anything of worth."
"You too will be escorted." Arctic announces but before he could argue the man continued "I too would like to see their collection. I shall escort you." The kid then smiles at that, it had been a while since he had spent time with his uncle "In that case, I want to check out the shopping district…" Koyuki begins only for a knock at the door to break off that train of thought.

Red stares at the animal mask of the hidden leaf Anbu that stood at the door to the penthouse "Yes."
"You have been summoned to the council chamber."
"No." Red's response was candid and final "This isn't a negotiation."
"You're right. So, leave." Red says that leaves a growing tension between the two with neither standing down and just as it appeared that a skirmish was about to break out Koyuki stepped in "Why do you want my shinobi guard in the council chamber?"
"The council demands his presence…"
"Your council cannot command me." Red growled, unseen by the Anbu but his grip deformed the door handle that was groaning under the pressure "He's right. If the hokage needs us, then I want written confirmation and his stamp of approval." Koyuki reports causing the Anbu to nod "Very well, Lady Daymio. I shall relay this." Before vanishing in a swirl of leaves. "Bastards." Red growled as he closes the door "Keep your anger in check." A certain redhead speaks pointedly whilst looking at Red who growled at her "Cheap shot." Causing the girl to grin wickedly at that "Still counts."

An hour later and another knock at the door is answered by Red who is confronted by two Anbu operatives and a familiar elite Jonin with silver, gravity defying hair "Ah, Red. Good to…"
"What do you want?" Red snaps causing the two Anbu to tense which did not go unnoticed "Mah mah… no need to be so aggressive." Kakashi says as his eye seemed to move into an upside down U, an eye smile "Aggressive? No. Annoyed. Now speak or leave." Red almost cleared it without a growl, almost. "The hokage would like to speak with you and your charges in the council chamber."
"My charges? For what?" Red quipped back to which said man just shrugged "We weren't told."
"I'll ask my superior." Red says closing the door, but Kakashi stops the door, his hand and foot preventing its closing "We'll have to insist."
"You will back off." Red growls with his killing intent rising slowly but surely "I am under orders."
"So, am I." a pulse of chakra and a kage level of intent causes all three to fall back and allow Red to shut the door calmly. Stepping back inside he is greeted by Koyuki glaring at him "Was that really necessary?" with a shrug "They're annoying." She sighs as she walks off "You'll have to make it up to me later."
"I can live with that." Red chuckles.

Another hour later comes by and another knock on the door and a very, very, slow casual walk to the door which parts equally as slowly as the Hokage himself, flanked by a squad of Anbu "Lord Hokage. To what do we owe this meeting?"
"I have come to ask for your presence in a meeting I have just been made aware of. According to the Anbu, you didn't believe they were acting in good faith."
"So, they actually told the truth. I was sure they'd fabricate something or other." Red states dryly before glancing back "My lady, the hokage is here." A brief moment of silence before soft footsteps approach and surely enough Koyuki comes into view "Ah, Lord Hokage. How can I help you?"
"We requested the presence of your guards at our meeting however there seems to be a miscommunication between my Anbu and your guardians."
"Ah…" she glances at Red who just stands like a statue, unmovingly unapologetically "…well they take their job with the highest of sincerity and devotion so I doubt they'll leave my side for anything besides death."
"Death would not stop us, ma'am." Red counters causing her to smile at that "Right so…" she turns back to the robed kage "…if you wanted them, then you should speak to me first."
"Very well. Then can I implore you to attend our meeting?" Saratobe asks of her to which she looks thoughtful before glancing at Red then back to the Hokage "Very well but if something I find distasteful occurs then it will be our last." This caused the old man to swallow the lump forming in his that as he offered his greatest asset, his grandfatherly smile "I thank you. We will escort you."
"Ah, give me a few minutes to get ready." Koyuki says moving off "Ah, can I come in? These old bones aren't very good at standing for so long."
"Umm…" Koyuki looks to Red who looks up to see Artic nod, looking right into the kitchen to see four of his Jonin all nodding with Fenra and Kal moving toward the stairs before his eyes return to Koyuki and nods "…okay. You can sit in the living space." Red pulls the door apart slightly and the Hokage steps in, feeling a barrier pass over him and just as the Anbu move after him, they hit said barrier that prevented their entry "The hokage has permission, you do not." Red informs them causing them to all stiffen "Worry not. I'll be fine. Just stand guard there." The hokage speaking up before they nod and stand sentry in the hall.

As Saratobe Hiruzen sits upon the armchair he looks round to see Red by the door, arms crossed watching him like a hawk. On the second level, leaning on the railing, the one known as Artic was doing very much the same while in the open plan kitchen several Jonin from the Hidden Ice Village were standing on guard not budging an inch. Taking their job so seriously, even against the kage of their hosting village is commendable the old man muses but he also noticed that the Genin were nowhere to be seen. A quick pulse of chakra allows him to briefly pick up the additional signatures in the rooms on the second floor "I suggest you cut that out, old man." Red growled out "You are very protective of your own, I see."
"No shit."
"LANGUAGE!" Koyuki yells from her room on the second floor causing a smirk to form upon the old mans face as he pulls out his infamous pipe "Not in here, Lord Hokage." Red comments causing said smirk to fall, and pipe returned to his pocket with a grumble. Koyuki returned to the living space in a formal kimono, a dazzling white with green upon the bottom like rolling hills with a similar green obi holding it together. Red leads the bow at her as she smiles and offers a softer one in return "Then, let us go."
"Yes ma'am." Her shinobi all chorus as Red looks to Artic and they nod to one another before he turns to the Jonin to which Kori and Ren step forward. The five-man party depart with the Anbu squad falling into step around them as they head toward the hokage tower.


Land of Fire; Hidden Leaf; Council Chamber

The hokage leads the group into the chamber, the various clan heads already at their places with the Inizuka noticing Kori immediately and was set on edge as this Alpha just strode past not paying her any mind. The village leader makes his way to his seat, the daimyo sitting at the offered desk as Red and Kori stand either side of her and Ren at the rear "Thank you for coming here, Lady Kazahana, however we believe we wanted your whole party to attend." The elder known as Koharu Utatane mentioned "I was asked to bring my shinobi here. Not which shinobi to bring nor how many." Koyuki responded causally "Besides, why do you want my entire force to come to a friendly discussion? Those that remained are only genin, soon possibly Chunin. They have no need to be here."
"That may be true however we wish to discuss the presence of the bloodline that originates from our village and wish to know why she is not here where she belongs."
"She belongs? What is she a shinobi or stock?" Koyuki almost hissed at that comment knowing full well how protective Red was of his kin, Fenra being one of them. "You miss understand, Lady Kazahana…"
"Oh really? Do you wish to tell me I misheard your intent? I recall telling you that my job as an actor has granted me a useful skill of reading beneath those fake smiles of yours."
"Now, no need for such hostility." Homura Mitokado speaking up "We simply ask how she came to be within your care and if it was at all possible to return her…?"
"Return her?" Red growls very loudly, his voice dripping with disdain for the people before him causing several raised eyebrows "My subordinates are not objects to be 'Returned' nor have they been spirited away into our custody. She is one of us and we do not hold her against her will. How dare you insinuate to the contrary."
"You are but a mere bodyguard. Do not speak out of turn." Koharu sneers only for the hokage to raise his hand before her causing silence to dawn once more, his teammate returning to her seat "Can you enlighten us as to how the Sharingan came into your possession?"
"No." Red states flatly much to anger of the elder council "If this is all you wish to speak of, we shall take our leave."
"No, you will not." Homura declares clicking his fingers and Anbu dropped in and immediately Red drew his katana, his subordinates taking up fighting positions around the princess covering all avenues of approach "ENOUGH!" roared Hirzen causing everyone to freeze "We did not call them here to ambush them. We simply wish to talk."
"You mean threaten!" Red growled again "Despite our assurances from the Fire Daimyo." Koyuki sighed as she stood up "You're joking right?" Shikaku Nara inquired standing up to which she shook her head "He will hear of this. Threatening a Daimyo and her guards. How low you have fallen?"
"Call your Anbu off, or they'll die." Red instructs as he eyes them all up and down, no fear on his blade as a Cat masked Anbu draws her own katana but upon noticing her stance, hair colour, and the hesitation in her blade Red nods at her to which she nods back which did not go unnoticed by the Kage "Stand down." said man declared and the Anbu all vanish with the cat being the last before vanishing into the shadows once more. The Land of Spring contingent left as Hiruzen turned to his former teammates "Do not order my shinobi around or next time I will have your heads." He then notices how quite Danzo Shimura, his rival for the seat of Hokage, had been so quite during the whole meeting and narrowed his eyes at him 'He must be up to something.'


Land of Fire; Golden Leaf Hotel; Penthouse Suite

Red's group returns to find three blank masked shinobi frozen solid in the living space, Arctic sitting on the chair in front of them with Fenra at his back "So, they did try then?"
"They waited ten minutes after you left." Artic turning to Red "The barrier disabled them, the ice was because I was bored waiting for you."
"Seal 'em and send them back home. I'm sure Lord Itachi would be more than happy to relieve them of their self-awareness." Red stated as Artic nodded pulling out several sealing scrolls. Koyuki sighed "I am really, really glad now that we have you all in place of the hidden leaf. If this is how they act."
"They may act more benevolent, but you must remember that they are still a Hidden Village, just as we are." Red states blankly, moving off toward the bedroom.

The next afternoon Red was at the bathhouse, waiting for Koyuki to finish up washing as he rests against the outer wall, arms folded. A slight shift draws his attention to a tree not too far away, a brief bout of focus and he picks up a heavily suppressed chakra signature in the tree. Moving as silently as air itself, he reaches the tree and hears a not-so-subtle giggle coming from it. A swift draw of his katana, a swift slash and the tree is cut through and a man, long white hair wearing kobuki clothing smashes down along with it. Before said man could react, he finds a red katana aimed at his throat "Identify yourself before I slit your throat." Red growled venomously "Whoa there! Calm down!" the man raising his hands in surrender "Give me one good reason to 'calm down' or by the sage I shall cut you down for peeping on my charge!"
"I am Jairya of the Sanin, from north to east to…" he pauses as the sword seems to glimmer with the intent to kill "So, the leaf has fallen to such length that allow the peeping of my charge. In that case, killing you will send a message." The katana is thrusted forward as the man puffs into smoke and Red turns back to the side where that same man is seen running away "Tsk." as his sword returned to its holder.


Land of Fire; Hidden Leaf; Hokage office

"Hey sensei." Jairya jumping through the office window much to the ever annoyance of the old man behind the desk "Jaiyra. Thank you for coming. I assume you got my message."
"Yeah I did." The man's jovial attitude fades "You didn't tell me that the infamous Red was in town."
"Ah, you've met him already?" Saratobe comments puffing on his pipe, mischievous gleam in his eye "Yeah, almost killed me down at the hot springs."
"Ah, he is rather protective of his family and honour bound to his duty. You must have encroached on his charge."
"His charge?"
"Lady Koyuki Kazahana. She is his charge right now."
"Noted." The large man nodded "So, Orochimaru is here?" the old man nodded "We believe so, keeping a very low profile after being discovered by our allies."
"Allies? More than just Red?"
"His is referred to as Artic. Much like Red, he is always masked but as his name suggests, uses Ice techniques to great effect I might add."
"A Yuki?"
"More than likely however among their Genin team there's another, Kal I believe he is called but announced himself as an Uzumaki."
"Uzumaki? They've been extinct since…"
"Yes, well until recently I too thought that." Hiruzen adds causing a raised eyebrow from the Sanin and his former student "That's changed?" a nod followed "One of the other Genin in that team announced himself as Kartel Uzumaki, red hair and purplish eyes."
"A full blood?" Jayria gasps and receives another nod "That isn't all." Hiruzen chuckling as the privacy seals went up, a quick scan of the room confirms they were alone. These measures from the Hokage caused the hair on the sanins neck to stand on edge "We know of Red's true name and identity."
"Oh?!"
"It is to be considered a secret of the highest degree. SS-class at minimum. He told us in good faith however should we break it, even the Daimyo will get involved."
"That's some secrecy. So, you are you going to tell me?"
"Naruto Uzumaki." Those words left the old man's lips and caused the frog sage to freeze in place, eyes widen and skin going pale "N-N-N-Naruto…? He's alive?" Hiruzen nodded at that "…and he is not happy with any of us."
"…but… he's my god son. Surely…"
"I doubt that." Hiruzen speaking up causing the Sanin to frown "…and why's that?"
"He's seven-teen and well trained. He flushed out Orochimaru during the exams and forced him to reveal himself, brought us time to assemble a strike group and pushed him back." The kage responds causing the man to whistle "Damn."
"He's a powerhouse. Moves like a veteran, anticipates the enemies' movements and strikes without hesitation. A perfect shinobi."
"Damn. Maybe I should just give him the toad contract and take him as…" but Jairya pauses when the old man shakes his head "…he's not a leaf shinobi – but an Uzu shinobi."
"Uzu? But…"
"Apparently not. They've been operating in the shadows this entire time."
"Oh? Really? My network didn't catch wind of them." Jairya questioned "I bet. They have the support of several daimyo's, including our own, so they are untouchable." The hokage states "Sounds like a headache." The white-haired shinobi chuckles eyeing up the pile of papers upon his sensei's desk "You have no idea."


Land of Fire; Hidden Leaf; Kohnoha streets

A week after Red catching the peeper found him escorting Fenra and Kartel with the trio eating at the local Ramen shop. As the Uzumaki continue to finish off the shops inventory, Red noticed a new presence slipping into the kitchen as the two cooks tended to the shop and just vanishing shortly afterward. He rolled his eyes at that pitiful display of subterfuge. His group watch as the next batch of Ramen bowls came out and as they all reached for it their gauntlets all blink purple repeatedly and they all sigh. "Check please."

On the way back to their hotel they found themselves confronted by numerous hidden leaf Jonin, all stone faced and clearly unwilling to talk "Can I help you?" Red asks knowing full well that his words fell on deaf ears "Your presence is requested in the council chambers." The monotone voice of the leader of the group of twelve Jonin vested group, they had no expressions on their faces which told the Uzu group exactly who they worked for. "For what purpose?" Red asks as his two charges stand at his back, looking out as they too noticed the group of hidden operatives moving to enclose them "Your presence is requested, and you will comply or face consequences." They repeat unaware of the growing viciousness behind the mask, the malice was becoming palpable "Oh? And these consequences are…?" Red questioned as he rests for his hand's rests upon blades hilt "That's enough." Called a new voice as Jonin Kakashi Hatake, Jonin Asuma Saratobe, and Jonin Commander Shikaku Nara arrive on the scene, the extra presences vanishing immediately "I was not told of this meeting, Jonin. Who gave the order to request their presence?" the Nara with narrowed eyes at the two confrontational shinobi "The council had requested…"
"Who?!" Ordered the Nara, his shadow already coiling to strike like a snake. The two look to one another before attempting to flee but were promptly caught and held "They're root operatives, no?" asks Red to which the commander of Jonin's forces their mouths open which promptly reveals a seal in place. "Yes. They have a…" before he can finish Red and his shadow clones had placed a pair of seals on the back of their necks which knocked them out "What the…?"
"Relax." Red responds having caught the limp forms "I just removed every seal on their persons. They'll be out for an hour or two, possibly up to six. Take them to your interrogation unit and they'll probably sing like love struck doves."


Authors note:

Now, I know this is late - two weeks since the last update, but life's a B%)^& and then you die. Barely have time to write these days so I've been uploading what I can when I can. Now on to what I actually wanted to say. I originally saw the exams as a three parter thus the name of the chapter. However as I wrote it out, i realised just how truly huge it was, I even cut the prelims fight scenes out and the adventures of the Uzu-Genin within the forest of death, also cut down the Classroom scene by half. Grrr. Might turn them into Omakes or something, .5 chapters maybe. Anyway this chapter was just placing down foundations for the approaching battles, a three-way slug fest followed by a two on two cut throat chaos with the past finally catching up to the present actors in an explosive conflict. Can't wait. hehe.

P.S.

This is a wall of text, I get it. I am trying to space stuff out but... ¯\_(ツ)_/¯