Hello all Storm here with a new chapter! Here we'll be seeing how Naruko's gotten settled into Uzushiogakure, along with her plans going forward. So, without further ado.

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Naruko let out a content sigh as she stretched out in her bed, before sitting up with a pleased smile on her face as she got out of bed.

'I can't remember the last time I slept this peacefully.' Naruko thought, given how for the past couple years, ever since she first activated her Bakuton, she'd become a rather light sleeper.

Either from her growing paranoia that someone would attack her in her sleep, not an unjustified fear since it happened a few times after leaving Konoha. Or due to the flashes of Bambietta's memories she kept getting, that'd usually wake her up.

But now, after she'd gotten settled into Uzushio, she didn't have to worry about being attacked with no one but her on the island. And, after merging with Bambietta, she didn't have any more dreams. Much to the whiskered blonde's delight that she can finally sleep peacefully without any worries or fears.

'Now…what to do next? All my stuff is put away, my clones got rid of the invaders bodies and buried all the Uzumaki… I suppose I could get some light training done, work on some new seals.' Thought Naruko, having been working on some new ideas for seals.

Some of which she intended to use on the other Bambies, her sadistic side being eager to hear their screams, especially Giselle's reincarnation, once she shows them what she has planned.

Before she shook her head and headed into the bathroom, stripping out of her pajama and lingerie, stepping into the surprisingly large shower and turned the water on. Unable to stop herself from moaning in bliss the moment the hot water hit her.

'Oh sweet Kami, a hot shower after years of bathing in a river…It feels so good~.' Thought Naruko, moaning as she rubbed her body, wanting to get every inch of herself nice and wet.

Though through her bliss, Naruko couldn't help but wonder just how there's even any hot water here at all, after decades of being abandoned. Or how anything even worked here, given she didn't need to do anything to fix the lights or the water, as everything still worked perfectly.

'Then again, since it's the Uzumaki Clan, the entire place is probably lined with seals, that's probably helped keep everything working and ensuring it still had hot water. And I'm certainly not complaining.' Naruko thought, moaning as she gave her breasts a firm squeeze.

Looking down at them, Naruko smiled happily at how big her breasts have grown, already being a High-C-Cup, with her light pink nipples hardening from the water. The Uzumaki loving that she's an early bloomer, remembering how big Bambietta's own breasts had been. Making her eager to grow and develop as much as her past-life.

'Not to mention perfectly toned as well.' Thought Naruko trailing a hand behind her leg to her ass, giving herself a spank, shivering in delight at the sensation, her body having the right amount of softness and firmness from her training.

'Mmmm, being here alone means I could actually have some time to myself, see what I like.' Naruko thought, biting her lip as she dragged her fingers along her slit and up her body, only to moan when she reached her breasts and pinched her nipples.

With how she focused solely on her training and killing anyone that tried hunting her down, Naruko never had any time to relieve herself. Instead, relieving herself by killing people. But now, after getting all of Bambietta's memories and not needing to worry about being attacked, she's free to do what she likes.

But before she could go any further, Naruko forced herself to stop and focused on cleaning herself up. Knowing she'll have plenty of time to have fun with herself, later.

'Maybe I'll even make some clones. It'd help me find where I like being touched, and being with my clones…it certainly sounds like a fun idea.' Thought Naruko, imagining playing with her clones, having them play with her, touching her, kissing her, pleasuring her.

The whiskered blonde rubbed her thighs together at the images her mind conjured up, knowing when the time comes she's definitely going to have plenty of fun.

'Fun later, though…training now and getting some work done.' Naruko thought, pushing the images to the back of her mind for later use as she finished her shower.

Once she was done, Naruko stepped out and dried herself off before slipping on her dark orange lingerie with black lace trimming. With her then exiting the bathroom, grabbing a Fūinjutsu Scroll and some breakfast.

Since it's just her in Uzushio, Naruko didn't see any problem walking around in just her underwear, or even nothing at all. Being free to do what she wants and wear as much or as little as she desired, and she found it more comfortable being in just her lingerie.

Not only that, but since getting settled here, Naruko couldn't deny she's felt…calmer, more relaxed than she ever was in Konoha or the forest. With Konoha she always dealt with the whispers, the looks and just being completely isolated by everyone, never feeling welcomed or wanted. While in the forest she didn't have to deal with any of that, she still had to be on guard for those hunting her. Never being able to relax even a moment, knowing if she faltered a little it could be her last mistake.

But now, being here in her clan's homeland, where there was no risk of anyone finding her, Naruko for once felt she could truly relax and let her guard down.

'Ironic, a Hidden Village known for their camaraderie, treating everyone as family, that their precious Will of Fire means to love and cherish everyone in the village and protect them, yet I feel safer on the deserted island of my dead clan than I ever did in Konoha.' Naruko thought, shaking her head as she finished her breakfast and got to work on her new seals.

*Unknown Location*

Meanwhile, within one of their bases, the Akatsuki had gathered together for the first time in years rather than using the Magic Lantern Body Jutsu. Only for them to currently be missing four members, Itachi, Kakuzu, Hidan and Deidara.

"Leader-sama, has there been any word from Kakuzu, Hidan or Deidara?" Sasori asked while looking at Pein, wondering if they've managed to find Itachi yet.

After Konoha's dirty secrets had been exposed, it also exposed Itachi's status as a spy in the organization, forcing the Uchiha to flee after he managed to escape his partner, Kisame Hoshigaki. With Pein ordering the Zombie Duo to find and deal with Itachi and collect his bounty. Allowing Deidara to accompany them as well, after he expressed his desire to find and kill Itachi.

Normally Pein wouldn't allow this, but given who they were sent after, he figured it wouldn't hurt to send Deidara along with them. Especially with how the Mad Bomber had been training himself since joining the Akatsuki to defeat Itachi.

"They haven't sent any word on their status or if they've tracked down the traitor, yet. So for the time being, the Akatsuki will not be at its full strength. But we have new members to begin filling the empty spots." Pein said as two figures entered the building, both wearing the black cloaks with red clouds of the organization.

"These are Tobi and Kabuto Yakushi, our newest recruits." Said Pein, with Tobi eagerly waving to everyone.

"Hi, everyone! My name's Tobi and I'm super excited to be here with you all! When Leader-sama told me I could finally join the Akatsuki, I was the happiest I had ever been! I hope we'll all get along great and you'll see that Tobi is a good boy!" Tobi said excitedly, only to get blank looks from everyone, aside from Kisame and Zetsu.

"My…he's certainly an excitable one isn't he." Kisame stated, always finding it amusing whenever he used his Tobi persona.

"Try annoying. At least we'll have one competent new recruit." Grunted Sasori, not amused at having what seemed to be a child joining the Akatsuki, while Kabuto smirked and bowed to the Puppet Master.

"You honor me, Sasori. I only hope I can live up to such an organization and prove my worth." Kabuto said, having rejoined Sasori after Orochimaru's death since he had no reason to remain in Otogakure, any longer.

With him choosing to return to Sasori under the guise of still being one of his sleeper agents, where he was permitted to join the Akatsuki as Orochimaru's own replacement, much to his amusement. Managing to join as a member due to the knowledge he shared and having grown much stronger than he was, when Sasori first turned him into a sleeper agent.

"Do not underestimate Tobi, he may not appear dangerous, but he has already proven his worth and strength to join the Akatsuki." Pein said while looking around at them all, before turning towards Zetsu.

"Zetsu, with Orochimaru's death causing chaos amongst his followers, and the information Kabuto has provided, you will travel to Otogakure to retrieve his ring." Ordered Pein, wanting to finally recover Orochimaru's ring.

"Understood Leader-sama I'll set out for the Land of Sound immediately." Zetsu replied with a bow, only for Kabuto to step forward before he sunk into the ground.

"If I may, before you go, Zetsu, there are some other things I'd like you to recover from Otogakure as well. I've taken the liberty of complying a list of what and where they can be found." Said Kabuto, pulling out a scroll and held it out for the scout.

"And what exactly would you need from Otogakure?" Questioned Konan as she looked at him suspiciously, not willing to trust someone that worked for Orochimaru, even more so his right-hand man.

"Nothing dangerous to the Akatsuki, I assure you. Quite the contrary in fact, if I'm to be Orochimaru's replacement, then what I need from Otogakure will be of great use in helping me to grow strong enough to rival him." 'And surpass him.' Kabuto said, while mentally adding the last part, not wanting to give the wrong impression that he's planning something.

Turning towards Pein to see if he approved, with him soon nodding before Zetsu grabbed the scroll.

"I'll see to it that you have everything that you need, Kabuto." Zetsu said before sinking into the ground to make his way to Otogakure.

"Now then, with Kakuzu, Hidan and Deidara away, as well as our new members, Kisame and Sasori the two of you shall be partners until further notice. While Kabuto and Tobi, you two shall be partners as well. That is all, dismissed." Said Pein before he and Konan left the hideout.

"Well, looks like we're partners now, Sasori. I hope you don't mind things getting a little…messy during battle." Kisame said with a shark-like grin, while Sasori grunted in annoyance.

"As long as you don't keep me waiting and don't end up killing any targets we need alive." Said Sasori before they left as well, leaving only Kabuto and Tobi.

The Medic-Nin smirked as he pushed up his glasses, before turning to his new partner, seeing Tobi holding out his hand.

"It's nice meeting you, Kabuto! I hope the two of us will be great friends and work really well together!" Said Tobi, which only made Kabuto's smirk grow.

"I'm sure we'll get along famously, Tobi…or do you prefer Madara?" Kabuto said, causing Tobi to pause before his entire demeanor shifted as he narrowed his eyes behind his mask.

"It seems Orochimaru told you more than we expected." "Madara" stated, his voice now being deeper and more menacing compared to his childish, high-pitched "Tobi" voice.

"Not everything I'm afraid, just that Pein was merely a figurehead, the rest I figured out myself. You who possess the Sharingan, hiding your face behind a mask and twelve years ago the Kyūbi attacked Konoha despite being sealed away. While the Sharingan is able to control the Kyūbi, only one Uchiha in history has ever succeeded in doing so. Which leaves only one guess for who's behind the mask. And from someone who's spent nearly his entire life as a spy and hiding his true self, your persona is remarkably…average. I also know why you're my partner, you're meant to keep an eye on me." Said Kabuto, with "Madara" not reacting to his revelation of who he is and seeing through his act.

"You know all this, know who I am, yet you still reveal it. Why?" Questioned "Madara", confused as to why Kabuto would expose himself like that, since he also likely knew how easily he could kill him.

"Oh you misunderstand, I'm not angry. I actually agree with the decision to keep an eye on me. Honestly, I wouldn't trust myself either." Kabuto replied as he exited the base, "Madara" watching him leave with narrowed eyes.

'Kabuto Yakushi…yes, only a fool would trust you.' Thought "Madara", knowing Kabuto is someone he needed to watch.

*Later-With Naruko*

After getting her training done for the day, Naruko used Hirenkyaku to return to the mainland, traveling through the Land of Fire until she arrived in Tanzaku Quarters. A lively town that attracted plenty of visitors due to the many gambling opportunities and women. But Naruko wasn't here to have fun, having traveled here to get some missions contracts.

'It's time I finally started getting some real combat experience, fighting Ninja and anyone else that could give me a challenge. Now that I'm officially on my own I need to grow stronger, not only to fight anyone that comes after me, but I have no idea who the others have reincarnated as.' Naruko thought, having no idea who the reincarnations for the other Bambies are, how strong they could be, how long they've been awakened.

Not to mention the chance of other reincarnations being here, then she needed to get stronger before she encountered anyone that'd know who she was before, or at least know about Quincies. Which means she needed to start doing missions that'll give her the chance to gain experience.

Though this would be a problem, since she had no intentions of joining a village to get mission requests, so instead she would get them through the Black Market and Mercenary Hubs. Knowing that while most mission requests usually go to Hidden Villages. There are those that'd hire mercenaries and Missing-Nin for jobs that are…messier than those given to Hidden Villages.

Leading to Naruko heading to Tanzaku Quarters to find those connected to the Black Market, knowing there'd be a high chance she finds someone here. Giving her a good place to start and begin working her way up to find other locations to use.

Looking around town while spreading her senses out, Naruko soon arrived at shady looking bar and went inside, drawing a few glances only to be dismissed when the patrons saw it was just a kid. The whiskered blonde glanced over all the patrons, before spotting two sitting in a booth, smirking at finding who she was looking for.

"Oi." Naruko said as she went over to them, making the two men look up not expecting to see a kid approaching them.

The first man had fair skin, spiky dull-black hair, thick sideburns and dark, squinted eyes. He wore a yellow collared shirt with a blue tie underneath a high-collared white jacket suit.

And the second man had thick and burly features, he also has a bald head and dark eyes. He wore a black suit with a white dress shirt underneath it, along with a black tie around his neck on his dress shirt which he kept tucked into his suit.

"Beat it kid, this isn't the playground." Said the second man dismissively, only for Naruko to not move.

"I have a different idea of playing, one that involves fighting, killing and getting paid for it. Something I'm sure you two are familiar with." Naruko said, making the men scoff.

"What're you supposed to be then, a Ninja? Go tell your jokes somewhere else brat, before you get hurt." The first man sneered, with Naruko only smiling coldly.

"How about you two stop wasting my time. I can sense how much Chakra you have, I'd say you were Chūnin from whatever village you left, now you're both here for more luxurious lives. But I doubt Missing-Nin like you could walk around freely without worry of being found, unless you made some new connections. Connections that involve handing out jobs to people like me." Said Naruko, causing the men to pause before the first one got up and glared down at her, grabbing her collar as he did so.

"You think you're so smart girly. Well here's something you don't know, the name's Gantetsu from Iwagakure. I'm known as the Legendary Dark Shinobi and unless you wanna find out how I got that title, I suggest you turn around, leave and pretend this never happened. Got it." Gantetsu threatened, while Naruko looked at him boredly before glancing at his jacket.

"Nice jacket. Shame about the blood." Naruko stated as she grabbed his arm, while Gantetsu glared at her for what he assumed was a threat.

"I gave you a cha-AAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHH!" Said Gantetsu pulling his fist back, only to immediately scream agony while everyone jumped in shock when they heard a sudden explosion.

Their shock only growing when they looked and saw Gantetsu rolling around on the ground, clutching his stump where his left arm used to be. With Naruko looking down at him covered in his blood only for it to vanish, thanks to a seal she put on herself and her clothes to help with a quick cleanup.

"So…you gonna be like your friend or can I assume you're the smart one." Said Naruko, turning to the second man who looked at her with wide, fearful eyes.

"R-ri-ri-right! Y-you're here for some jobs, th-then I got them, any you want! I-I'm Chōseki, j-ju-just…just follow me." Said Chōseki before quickly standing up, seeing this wasn't some ordinary kid or even some green-as-grass Genin either.

Snapping his fingers, he motioned two of the patrons to grab Gantetsu to get him medical attention before he bled out, with him then having Naruko follow him to his office in the back of the bar.

Once inside Naruko looked around the office, seeing it's rather spacious and extravagantly decorated, before looking at Chōseki as he sat down.

"So, should I assume the "Legendary Dark Shinobi" is the boss here, or is that you." Said Naruko, wanting to know who's in charge.

"I-I am. I-I'm boss of the Yakuza branch in the Land of Fire, Gantetsu is, was…my bodyguard. We both deserted Iwa for better lives in Tanzaku Quarters, a-and we got picked up by the Yakuza in the Land of Earth, working our way up until being put in charge of the branch here. B-but to everyone else Gantetsu is the boss, since he's got a better reputation, so it's easier to assume he's in charge." Chōseki explained nervously, while Naruko nodded at this.

"Smart, wouldn't do if the local boss was taken out. I'm sure it also helps he's the one with the big mouth, making it easy for you to be ignored." Naruko said, something Chōseki couldn't deny.

"Y-yeah. A-anyway…" Said Chōseki, taking a few moments to calm down and cleared his throat, gaining a more calm and serious look.

"If you're looking for work, then I need to know who it is I'm giving it to." Chōseki said, falling back into his role.

"Naruko Basterbine, the Quincy of the Uzumaki Clan. I'm also a freelance, so don't expect me to be joining any gang or anything." Replied Naruko, which really got the Yakuza Boss's attention, not expecting to have an Uzumaki working for him, even if she's a freelance.

Even more so with how it looks like she had the Bakuton Kekkei Genkai, something he didn't expect to see outside of Iwa.

"I see…well if you're looking for work then we've got all kinds of jobs to do. Assassinations, thefts, bodyguards, hunting, anything you could want." Said Chōseki, taking out multiple scrolls and setting them down in front of Naruko to look over.

Checking the different jobs she could take, Naruko couldn't help but raise a brow when she saw what some of them were.

'Assassinate a racer in the Land of Tea, protect a racer in the Land of Tea, assassinate a prince and his son, fighting a…ghost samurai in the Land of Birds, fighting some Ninja in the Land of Vegetables, help guard some rock in Hoshigakure, protect an actress filming in the Land of Snow…steal a necklace from an actress…' Naruko thought, seeing some of the missions likely came from rival clients, but was confused about some of them.

"Wouldn't most of these usually go to Hidden Villages? Two these come from rival families in the Land of Tea, and one of them isn't something I'd expect to find here." Said Naruko as she held up the two scrolls, while Chōseki leaned back in chair.

"You're right, most of these requests would normally go to Hidden Villages, the ones that come to us usually end in whoever takes them fighting the Ninja the other side hires. But now…you chose to start your mercenary career at a very opportune yet risky time." Chōseki replied, only for Naruko to look at him dryly.

"I was under the impression being a mercenary was always risky." Naruko stated, given how they normally worked alone and had no village backing them.

"It is, but it's even more so now. With Konohagakure destroyed and Sunagakure crippled, not to mention disgraced with how they allied with one of the most infamous Missing-Nin in history to attack their own allies. It's shifted the balance of power in ways that haven't happened since the Hidden Villages were first founded. All of us, even those not old enough to have fought in the previous wars, we can feel it. The Fourth Great Ninja War is coming and if we know it, you can sure as hell bet the Hidden Villages know it too." Explained Chōseki, with Naruko not reacting to the information.

She already guessed that's where things were heading with Konoha destroyed, the only new information being the state Suna's in. But she knew with just one of the Five Great Hidden Villages being destroyed, the others would all be jumping at the chance to expand their territory, increasing their political and military power. To ensure they're the ones standing at the top when the dust settles.

"It's because of this, that these clients are now sending their mission requests out to mercenaries and bounty hunters. Letting them deal with these assignments instead, while the villages are all fighting each other. And not just these, but they'll also be hiring Mercenaries and Bounty Hunters to conserve their own forces, letting them do the fighting and killing. To do everything they can to weaken their enemies, then sending their forces to finish things. For the Hidden Villages, war is something that weakens them, but for mercenaries and bounty hunters, it's what they live for. Wartime is when they make the most money, get the most experience and get the best jobs. But for new blood like you, it's the time that'll truly make or break you, as only the strongest and smartest survive to end of a war. Will you?" Chōseki said, with the Uzumaki smirking wickedly.

"I always survive." Stated Naruko, looking back at the missions before picking out two of them.

"I'll take these ones, the Cursed Warrior in the Land of Birds and assassinating the Janin Brothers in the Land of Vegetables." Naruko said, making Chōseki frown at the choices.

"You sure you want both of those contracts? The Land of Birds and Land of Vegetables are in opposite directions, you'd need to travel across the entire Land of Fire just to reach them." Said Chōseki, wondering how she intended to take two missions in opposite directions.

"And that's why it shouldn't be an issue. The Land of Vegetables is right next to the Land of Fire, while the Land of Birds is just past the Land of Storms." Said Naruko, while also knowing with Hirenkyaku it shouldn't be a problem going from one country to the other.

Besides her goal is to gain combat experience, and fighting a trio of brothers that took over the Land of Vegetables and some ghost samurai will be the perfect missions she's looking for.

"…Okay, if you're sure, then they're yours. Everything you need to know are in the scrolls, the clients and where to find them for more information." Chōseki said, conceding to her decision, giving her the missions if she's so determined.

Nodding, Naruko pocketed the scrolls before exiting the office and the bar, pleased and eager at the missions she got.

'But which one should I complete first. The Land of Vegetables one would be good, fighting these Janin Brothers that were able to conquer the country means they must be strong. While the Land of Birds one, if this Cursed Warrior really is a ghost could they be like a Shinigami?' Naruko thought, curious at the idea of finding spirits like Shinigami, if they'd have their own special abilities or their own versions of Zanpakutō.

Thinking over which mission she should do, Naruko didn't notice as she walked by three Ninja, one of which had six arms and the other a head coming out the back of their neck. Only for the whiskered blonde to slow down for a moment as she passed by the third Ninja, who did the same.

'Was that…' Naruko thought while looking around for a moment, having sensed something or someone familiar for a moment, only to shake her head and continue on her way.

Focusing back on her missions and which she'll do, first.

'I just…felt something…Reishi?' Thought Kagerō, looking around in confusion, swearing she just sensed someone with Reishi just now.

Having learned that Reishi felt different from Chakra after awakening her own, causing her signature to change unlike any one else's.

"Kagerō, let's go! We don't have time for you to try eating an entire restaurant!" Sakon said in annoyance that she stopped, snapping the Fūma out of her thoughts.

"Maybe I'll just eat you then, that is if I wasn't sure you'd taste disgusting." Said Kagerō while catching up to them, much to Sakon's anger while Kidōmaru snickered in amusement.

"Let's just keep going, we should be getting close to finding Tsunade." Kidōmaru said before a fight could start, knowing they didn't have time to waste, as well as the fact he didn't doubt that Kagerō would follow through and eat Sakon.

Scoffing in annoyance, Sakon walked ahead with Kidōmaru and Kagerō following after him, the latter dismissing what she sensed, figuring it's just her mind playing tricks on her.

So, what did you think, good. Yep we see Naruko's begun settling in nicely to Uzushio, being able to sleep peacefully and enjoy some luxuries she hasn't been able to for years from living in the forest. Along with her feeling more relaxed and calmer than she ever was in Konoha or its forest, now that she ne longer has to worry about being hunted down or attacked, giving her some real freedom.

Then we see the Akatsuki, where it's revealed Itachi had been exposed as a spy after Konoha's secrets were revealed, with him "slipping by" Kisame. With Kakuzu, Hidan and Deidara all being sent to eliminate him for betraying and abandoning the Akatsuki. While also seeing Tobi and Kabuto have joined, the latter after he returned to Sasori after Orochimaru's death, and already making plans to surpass the Snake Sannin.

We then go to Naruko in Tanzaku Quarters, intending to get some missions from the black market and mercenary hubs to begin gaining combat experience. Leading her to encounter Gantetsu and Chōseki, who initially dismiss her only for Naruko to blow off Gantetsu's arm with The Explode. With this being enough to convince Chōseki to give her some mission, with Naruko also learning of the approaching Fourth Great Ninja War, which can make or break new mercenaries.

Finally, we Naruko taking two missions to the Land of Birds and Land of Vegetables, before she leaves and wonders which one she'll do first. Unaware as she passes by the Oto Team Guren sent to find Tsunade, only for her and Kagerō to sense something familiar about each other. But don't focus much on it due to their respective objectives. So, for those that like the story, thanks for your support. For those that don't or at least don't like the direction taken, you're more than welcomed to drop the story. But thanks for giving the story a chance anyway.

Storm out