Naruto delivered a double jab, punching Aoi twice in the face. He then delivered an uppercut as the man staggered back from the brutal blows. He glanced toward his right, his Sharingan working overtime as he sensed a blur of movement. His body inched closer to Aoi, kneed him and then twisted around, lifting his right foot while his left remained stuck on the ground. He delivered a side kick straight on Hikaku's chest.
The man exploded into a puff of smoke on contact.
Izumi flashed behind him, and tried to deliver a spinning kick. Much to her widening eyes, her foot flashed above Naruto as he'd ducked in blinding speed.
She glanced below, he was bent over, looking up at her with cold eyes. His face was fully visible to her and she quickly tried to flee, but his spun around, sweeping her off the ground. She watched him, almost in slow motion, standing up straight, inches from her before delivering a brutal body jab. She yelped, feeling the full weight of the blow.
She was saved from further punishment as Isamu attacked. He tried to land an axe kick from behind. It stopped Naruto from attacking her but his movements were another blur. Before she could even regain her composure and Isamu's kick hit the ground, he'd already danced through the ground, appearing on the man's left side. He delivered a roundhouse kick that slammed into Isamu's head. The sickening sound echoed after the kick landed and Isamu was sent crashing into Izumi.
Hikaku and Daiki were upon Naruto while his foot was still in the air. The latter came in low, his right foot sweeping dust on the ground before hitting Naruto's left leg, sweeping him off the ground. The former came in above him, and then attempted a drop kick.
If Daiki's feet crashed into his chest from above, he was going to feel it. For a second, Naruto considered allowing himself to be buried into the ground with the man stomping on him, but he decided against it. The attack seemingly hit him, and crashed into the ground. He, however, exploded into a log, which was crushed under Daiki's weight.
While Naruto slowly walked back to the training ground, from trees, Naori appeared in front of him, doing hand signs. Perhaps because it was her, but Naruto acted swiftly and with vengeance. He lunged, drop kicking while she went through hand signs. The second his feet touched her chest, she blew a kiss at him before exploding into a huge ball of crimson flames.
He cursed her for a moment as the flames engulfed him.
Naruto burst out of the flames, some licking his boots, some on his clothes. He glanced behind, and Hikaku was upon him, delivering the drop kick he'd attempted on Naori. He felt the full weight of the man as he was hit from behind. He blasted off like a bullet, crashing into the ground with his face.
As soon as he hit the ground, it exploded in a fiery of intense flames. The flames were so hot that his clothes started burning even without contact. Naruto used Shunshin to get away, but not without some damage. He had some slight burns on his hands.
While Naruto was in mid-air, he sensed four kunai moving toward him. One was speeding toward his head, two aimed at his upper body and another moving behind. His reflex move was to try to summon his sword, but he wasn't carrying his sealing scroll. There wasn't even enough time to summon a weapon and then try to deflect all the projectiles. And so, he did a move that has saved him many times.
He disappeared in a blur of flames and then appeared on the ground.
The second he touched down, Hikaku was on the attack. His feet danced through the ground, as he twisted around before launching a spinning hook kick. Naruto quickly raised his hands to block the kick. The second he lifted his hands, Isamu appeared on his right side. Naruto only managed to block Hikaku's kick, but Isamu's attack hit him on the shoulder. He went nowhere due to the pressing momentum of the attacks.
Daiki lunged toward him as soon as the two blurred away. He tried to deliver a frontal kick straight to his chest. But Naruto's reaction was swift; he ducked, dropping down the ground on his hands, faced down.
The three around him quickly fled from the scene and the ground beneath him burst into a blinding explosion. The explosion was so powerful it created a slight shockwave, creating a huge dome of blue chakra.
"Are you trying to kill me?" Naruto asked, with a few bruises, leaning against the trunk of a tree.
"You heal well," Naori shrugged.
Naruto sighed. "At least the teamwork was good in the last part," he said. His eyes fell on Izumi. "What have you been doing with your Sharingan?" He asked with disgust.
"I've trained."
"Not enough. And you want me to send you to Itachi?" Naruto glared. "Your future husband will become Hokage but you're still Uchiha. You're not going to quit service to support him unless I permit it."
Izumi was a little embarrassed about him saying Itachi was her future husband. Everyone in the clan knew about their relationship but for it to said in front of everyone like that was a little too much.
"You love terrorizing the poor girl." Naori said.
Naruto sighed. He really wanted to beat Izumi to a pulp and send her to the hospital himself. He'd send her back again with broken legs after she recovered—just to express his disappointment in her. And there was nothing anybody could do about it. He was going to end up burning her with black flames if he continued to see her in his presence.
She was much like Hinata, not with the difficulty in killing. She was just a gentle soul that had no desire to be truly powerful. She lacked ambition and only desired to live a happy life. Even Sasuke had more ambition than her. Hell, even the kids he trained showed more ambition. He just couldn't comprehend how she had no desire aside from simply being happy.
If it wasn't irrational, he'd blame it on the fact that she was born outside of the Uchiha.
His eyes fell on Naori. "You like defending the indefensible, don't you?"
"I just feel you pick on her a little too much." Her voice wasn't as loud. "Something personal?"
"Don't be ridiculous. You and I sleep in the same bed and I'll still slap you around like everyone else."
"Wow." Naori mouthed, staring at Naruto for actually managing to say those words with a straight face. She understood he was trying to get the message across, but couldn't he be a little nicer?
"You can train with your beloved Itachi. At this rate, I might even do something I'll regret," he said to Izumi, and then motioned for the others to come closer.
Naruto realized that his fighting style was built around his Doujutsu that he couldn't fight well without it. Without Susanoo, he would receive many hits in battle. He avoided getting hit because of the defensive capabilities of the Mangekyo. Without it, be relied on pure speed. But take away his weapons, and he was exposed. He didn't necessarily hate the idea of being exposed. It would at least make him bleed and enjoy battles.
He could try to improve, but he decided against it.
"I knew you were fast, but not this fast." Isamu said, once everyone had gathered around the tree.
"I thank Guy and Shisui for this. But, I have not been training my body as much as I did when I was younger…" he lamented. "Military Police Force is going to grow into a powerful force in the future. We're expanding. But I want for the Uchiha to remain an elite force among the elite. Your duty will remain in Konoha and special assignments outside of the Leaf.
"It would be unreasonable for me to simply place you in leadership positions because you're Uchiha. Incompetent fools would bring shame to us all. The idea that someone would give orders to Uchiha in our institution bothers me. But if you're Incompetent, it can't be helped. It is however, not for others to state so. I'd originally to simply make you captains but there is a better idea. One that works better than works well with what Tobirama had in mind when created Military Police."
"Our forces will take a hit when the women get pregnant." Naori said. Her words seemed to bring doom and gloom around the few females within the group.
"It can't be helped. We must all play our part. You'll also have to carry your role. For now, I will carry the burden while the women ensure our clan survives." Naruto said. "I understand some of you might feel grieved, but this is duty. The clan's survival is much more important than anything."
"We understand, Naruto-sama."
"Good." Naruto said. "The next is going to be challenging. New groups will come in. As superiors, you'll help me in training them. When we can, we'll be training together as well. Never allow anyone to be better than you.
"We have the Sharingan. We can copy Ninjutsu and Taijutsu. We cannot allow others to be better than us. You'll prove to those that come in why they must respect us."
Hokage Office
"Have you calmed?"
Tsunade was taken aback by the Sandaime's tone. As soon as she'd stepped into the office, he'd greeted her in a no-nonsense tone. For a moment, she blamed the Hokage haori he wore. By the time she was sitting in front of his desk, she was beginning to think it had everything to do with the incident involving Naruto.
When was the last time the old man used such a formal tone with her? He'd always been filled with warmth. It had grown even greater as he got older. Perhaps he wanted to be everyone's grandfather.
"You going somewhere?" Tsunade asked in an even time, hands folded above her huge bust.
"The Wave... for a meeting with the Mizukage."
"Things are finally moving, then."
Hiruzen lifted his eyes to fully stare at Tsunade. He suppressed the urge to sigh. He blamed himself and his sensei. They hadn't done Tsunade any favors. She tended to act more like her nickname—Princess Tsunade, as Jiraiya would affectionately say.
"Have you calmed?" He repeated the question.
"He threatened to kill me!" Tsunade threw the calmness out of the window as she exclaimed, throwing her hands into the air.
"I believe you."
Tsunade stared, a little shocked. Her face didn't just say she believed him, there was an unspoken question: So what if he had threatened to kill her? Now that she thought about it, he hadn't even defended her that night. In fact, he'd looked at her with disappointment before going after the Uchiha.
"This is unlike you."
"You're not five, are you?"
The question left her red. She glared at the old man. Her anger nearly exploded once more, sensing his indifference. "I would have been sitting on that chair if I hadn't refused."
Hiruzen smiled. "Respect?" He chuckled in a light tone. "I made a mistake in choosing to elect you as my successor. I have corrected that mistake, of course. But the fact that you refused and still behave in such a manner makes me feel glad that you didn't take my offer."
Once more, Tsunade was left shocked by the cold response. Had her sensei snapped? No, he was too old to be snapping. If she'd come here with all smiles and giggles, she'd have dropped it all to glare at him. She'd already glared, and so, she only intensified it.
"You'll forgive Naruto's choice of words. Violence is his only solution to anything he cannot reason with."
Tsunade scoffed. "Isn't the same sword going to be pointed at you?"
"Naruto follows orders, unlike you. Besides," Hiruzen stared for a couple of seconds, "I'm not an entirely unreasonable person."
"Why did you summon me?"
Hiruzen leaned back to his chair and released a long breath. "I have made a lot of mistakes during my reign. I allowed Danzo's reign of terror and that of Orochimaru. I could have killed him. But he was beloved student, and so, I let him leave to terrorize others and kept a blind eye to it. He then helped Suna amass strength. If not for the Uchiha, we'd be fighting a war that could potentially threaten the very existence of this village.
"I have been biased with those close to me. Perhaps I care too much. You're my student, I have given you too much freedom. You've stopped seeing me as your Hokage, that is you dared refuse when I told you to return to Konoha." Hiruzen's voice became cold once more.
Any other shinobi would have been charged with insubordination. But not his beloved student. Hiruzen had allowed her to defy him. Perhaps out of understanding of her pain. But he'd come to realize, it was not simply because of her pain. It was his bias. Kakashi had suffered as well, but Hiruzen continued to give him orders.
"I have not forgotten."
"No, you have. You're a Sannin. That comes with certain liberties. You've taken advantage of it. You're not the only who has fought for Konoha to behave with petulance. I expect better from you. But you've always failed to see the bigger picture…" He smiled. "Well, I'm glad you came back before my successor took over."
"Or what?"
"You being an insubordinate shinobi… you refused orders of the Hokage… technically, you'd gone rogue."
"Are you saying he'd have treated me like that?"
"Indeed. A shame it would have been." Itachi could have also ordered Shisui to make Tsunade return to Konoha. "You've lost a great deal, Tsunade. But so has every other shinobi. Worse, others have made sacrifices. Minato sacrificed his life and everything. Naruto had to stand bystander while members of his clan died with Danzo. He made a choice for the greater good. He loves his clan with everything. But made the choice. Others have suffered more.
"You're the Shodai's granddaughter. But while its nothing the Uchiha will ever admit, Naruto is related to Madara. I'm certain of it. Yet, they give everything for Konoha."
Out of all that, Tsunade only took in the revelation about Naruto's power and his attitude toward Konoha. She laughed, remembering that he'd clearly told her he could order the Uchiha to leave Konoha. He was saying he could succeed where his ancestor failed.
"That explains his power."
"As I have told you, I'm going to the Wave country for a diplomatic mission. When I return, I want to see your plans on how you're going to train your students."
"Is that an order?"
"Indeed, Tsunade."
She folded her hands across her chest. "I'm inclined to refuse just because you say it like that."
Hiruzen smiled. "I will not banish you from Konoha. You'd be killed before you even go far. But you'll no longer enjoy any privileges. Your chakra will be sealed and you'll spend the rest of your life in a Military Police prison. Shizune will continue your work. She has enough knowledge to produce someone greater than her."
"Can you?"
"Naruto said he'd kill you. Do you think he was joking? Do you even think you're favored by the village Council? It was the Council which decided you were not suitable to be my successor. Do you think they'll advocate for anything harsh against him knowing what you're refusing to do? There isn't even anything I can do against him. Then, I think he probably won't kill you now but when Itachi becomes Hokage. It could be tomorrow…" Hiruzen smiled. "You may leave. I have to make final preparations and pray that your petulance doesn't stand in the way of Konoha's success." Hiruzen chuckled. "What do you think Tobirama-sensei would have done if he was in my position?"
Nothing good. Tsunade knew that. Tobirama was strict and wouldn't tolerate anything of what she'd done. He'd not even allow her to leave Konoha, determining it a risk to Konoha.
But the startling revelation was that the village council didn't hold a high opinion of her. She didn't do anything to earn favors. She had no desire for it. But to learn the leaders of Konoha were against her becoming Hokage was a little unsettling. It simply meant she had no allies in this village.
"Are you afraid of him?"
"What he proposes is good for Konoha's future. It has nothing to do with fear. Naruto isn't an unreasonable person. The fact that you even fail to see the value of it all is what disappoints me the most." Hiruzen said, and then went back to focus on his papers, dismissing Tsunade.
Village Gates
The sun glared at them from above. The guards at the large gates wore straw hats to shield themselves from then sun's intensity. There were days like this in the Fire Nation. A totally different atmosphere compared to the Hidden Mist. Shisui was now used to having his vision blurred by the Mist and having to focus to make sense of the directions.
He glanced toward Kakashi, who leaned against the gates, his visible eyes focused on his little orange book. These were famous among men and women, but those mostly perverted. From afar, people would think a legendary shinobi as Jiraiya should write something of profound wisdom, but he wrote stories of love and sex. Then again, those who knew the man knew he was a self-proclaimed super-pervert.
"I thought you'd have outgrown those books by now." Shisui said, his voice slow but loud enough for Kakashi to register.
Kakashi didn't even look up at Shisui, but simply flipped to another page. He blushed as he read the first lines in the page. Feeling Shisui's amused look, the Jonin shut the book and hid his book.
"Jiraiya-sama makes new releases." The Jonin replied with an air of indifference.
"So, as long as he releases... you'll continue to read."
"Don't you read?"
"I don't have the time... nor do I find that interesting." Shisui replied with a slight shrug of his shoulders. "How is your vision?"
"Fine... I hardly use it..." Kakashi stared at Shisui. "Yours?"
"I got an implant."
"Well, you're still Shisui." Kakashi smiled. "The two of us should be able to handle any dangers."
"There shouldn't be any."
"You never know."
"Indeed." Shisui agreed.
They were waiting for the Sandaime Hokage to arrive, to begin their journey toward the Land of Waves. The Summit between Kiri and Konoha was to finally take place.
Shisui felt relief more than anything. Years of ground work and constant travels between the two nations had culminated into this. He could do nothing now but just watch as the Kage hashed out the finer details and seal the deals, for what he hoped would be an unbreakable alliance.
The Sandaime arrived with two Anbu flanking him. Another squad had already gone ahead to scout the way, in case there were plans for bloodshed, against them.
"It has been a while since I left the village." Hiruzen said with a warm smile. "Let us take our time. I don't know when I will get another opportunity. Perhaps after I retire..."
But, nobody truly knew tomorrow. He might not even make it back. dangers lurked through each corner, the hidden caves built around the shinobi world. Even Iwagakure could try something, to stop an alliance from happening knowing that it didn't benefit them.
"It should be a safer world for travels in the near future." Shisui said.
Hiruzen nodded in agreement. "Once the alliance treaty has been signed and Military Police starts patrols, we will have a lot of people travelling."
Kakashi had nearly jumped with joy when he thought there would be less work. But he'd been told, while he wasn't joining Military Police and would have to spend his time doing a lot of missions and training the next generation. It felt like a curse. He'd even indulged the idea of fleeing to Military Police outside of Konoha, being the captain of a region. He'd be his own boss, making his subordinates do all the work while he sat in the comfort of his bed or office.
"I wish it would mean we would be less busy," the Jonin sighed.
"I imagine you'd be dead by now if you worked as hard as Shisui."
Shisui was never still. When he was still leading Military Police, it was journey to Kiri and then a return to catch up and oversee Military Police operations. That was too much work, and yet, the Uchiha never complained.
"I'm just happy you've been merciful."
"You'll be having your fair share of troubles soon."
Area 44
Grunts, sweat and blood, it was the theme around the training ground at the academy. There were a handful of groups, each led by Uchiha all over the Forest of Death. It was no longer Anbu stomping ground, but Military Police's playground.
Jonin who've even done hundreds of missions were being taken through the gears. To ask a shinobi to discard Ninjutsu was treacherous. But they were Jonin, they were supposed to be equipped to fight all battles. The Uchiha played a sinister trick in getting everyone in order. If you had complaints and thought better, you were welcome to challenge. And the Uchiha didn't even use their abilities. They just copied what their opponents were doing, just to show them who was superior.
Yet it showed, those experienced Uchiha truly showed the difference in strength. Normal people spent years learning and perfecting jutsu. The Uchiha just looked at it once and could immediately understand and then recreate it. With one eye that he didn't even use all the time, Kakashi was famous all over for having copied over a thousand jutsu. Hell, his nickname was 'Copy Ninja.' The Uchiha didn't even seem to prize this ability. None of the famous Uchiha were famous for having the ability to copy any jutsu.
White thought it was rather sinister of Naruto to have experienced Jonin taken through training like this. Before the Uchiha clan head, the Jonin may as well be mere Genin. Still, these experienced shinobi were being watched like children, and taught the basics because they were all lacking.
"Real, shinobi, huh?"
White scoffed. "Real shinobi my ass. The man who preaches real shinobi is not even a real shinobi himself."
Three chuckled. "Flashy. But it isn't like he isn't capable."
Kenjutsu and Taijutsu were the main focus. The only thing lacking was Fuinjutsu. It was one element even Naruto lacked. He'd lamented the demise of the Uzumaki clan and that of the Yondaime Hokage. But has never shown any interest in actually learning the art.
"Must still be embarrassing though. To be a Jonin and have your flaws brutally pointed out and slapped around like a Genin." White was saying, but he had a smile on his face.
"Yeah." Three grunted. "But they'll only become better shinobi. Naruto isn't obsessed with knowing a thousand Jutsu, he is pressed on efficiency."
"That efficiency seems to stem from just being domineering."
"Well, we know better than anyone else. It doesn't matter what you represent, if the representative can't enforce the word of those they represent, the authority means nothing."
Skill refinement, and a lesson on how to break down a man. Naruto wasn't teaching the Jonin to fight their opponents, he was teaching them to dismantle them.
"He is just training people who can assassinate."
"Well, that's our job." Three said. "They'll make a mockery of Anbu if we do have those training sessions with them."
"Which will be a shame as it means we can't really enforce order against Military Police."
"We've never been able to do that."
"Maybe we should join Military Police." White suggested with a smile. "I mean, we're his former teammates. We'd get good positions."
Three laughed. "That man learned to say Anbu were weak by being around us."
"Don't remind me." White frowned deeply. "But I'd want to join. Should be an interesting job."
It wasn't long before Naruto joined them on the rooftop of the academy. It was apparent he wasn't overly pleased. Perhaps that may have been even an understatement. He looked like a man who'd been swindled out of a great fortune he'd spent years amassing.
"You look like you've swallowed something bitter," White said, smiling behind his mask.
"I have." Naruto responded in a flat tone before sitting beside the two Anbu. "The Jonin the Sandaime gave me are laughable. I should have known he'd not give me any of his best. But to give me trash?"
"They'll hear you."
"I told them they were trash and I wanted to bin them." While Naruto's voice was cold, his face revealed disgust. "But they are needed."
"We could join to help you with the training."
"We didn't agree on this." Three said to White.
Naruto glanced at the two with an expressionless mask. They were not aces, but they were real shinobi. He fought alongside them to know. As Anbu, they had better experience in dismantling shinobi than him. They could prove useful.
"Military Police is supposed to be an elite force of shinobi who monitor fellow shinobi. It is going to be difficult to achieve this. Every day I wish my clan was bigger," Naruto said with a shake of his head. "But if you were to join, it would lessen the burden on me. I'm hardly getting sleep."
"What would you have us do aside from training?"
"What do you want to do?"
"What's the structure like?"
"The head sits above all else. Followed by a Council of Commanders. Then Commanders. Captains. then you have normal members."
"Where are Uchiha in that?"
"Uchiha will form an Internal Force. They'll be reporting directly to me. This group of shinobi will be the one in charge of enforcing discipline among members and investigating complaints. And doing the elite things."
He'd considered making them captains but that didn't give him an excuse to keep them in Konoha. He didn't want men moaning about favoritism—it would destabilize the force. The fact that he had to even give such considerations irked him. It was nonetheless part of life. It wasn't easy being considerate, especially when he could simply push through. Perhaps he took it out all on fighting, hence his refusal to fight tactical battles.
Either way, the Uchiha being the main enforcers would give them prestige and even if the Military Police would be polluted by other clans and shinobi, the Uchiha would still stand tall above everyone else and remain an absolute force within Military Police.
"How about we lead a team of covert operatives reporting directly under you?"
"Clashes with Anbu and the Hokage?"
"Are you worried about that?" Three asked, facing Naruto with a stare.
Naruto smiled. "No."
"So?" White looked at Naruto with utter indifference.
"I'm starting an intelligence unit. With our expanded operations we can't simply rely on Anbu. You two will lead the unit. I'll talk to the Sandaime and Makoto about your new assignments."
Later in the night
The streets were eerily silent. A few lights from bedrooms still colored the curtains. Street lights were a waste, showing nobody the right footing, merely proving light to those who dared cast an eye of surveillance on the grounds of the Uchiha clan. The night shades from the moonless night no longer hid the burning darkness of the Uchiha. There was simply nothing in there.
In a midnight stroll, alone in the night, and Sharingan beaming with pride and power, Naruto halted, facing the house on his right. He could hear voices. Often in the streets of Konoha it was either giggles or swearing. In family houses, even murderers whimpered in the gazes of their spouses, sometimes drowned out by the cries of the children. It was life. The natural occurrence that followed growing up.
After a moment, he continued toward his house.
"If members of the clan knew their head spies in their bedrooms, it would cause havoc!" Naori spoke as soon as she gracefully landed from the rooftops, walking by his right side. Her eyes danced over his form and then on the road ahead.
"I'm invested in their happiness… so, I'd say." Naruto shrugged. Not bothered by the idea of invasion of privacy. Such a concept was just pure nonsense, especially in the shinobi world.
"Soon, you'll be invested in making them babies if they can't."
Naruto glanced at Naori and then chuckled. "Kings marry hordes of wives and then scion kids they won't even be able to recognize."
"Are you a king?" Naori grabbed him by his right arm, locking arms. "I'm not sharing you with anyone. I'll burn any bitch who tries to come in between us."
"And take away my happiness?"
"Aren't I enough for you?"
"It's not about that. Maybe fulfilling some fantasy. It would be nice to have a harem."
Naori giggled. "The harem of Naruto." She grinned. "I simply can't see it."
"Your imagination is weak." Naruto said. "I keep changing things whenever something comes up… It's becoming a bad habit. Acting on whims is fun, but not productive for the long run."
"It's not like you're going to do something stupid."
"You never know."
"We could take over the village and subject anyone who refuses to Genjutsu."
A thought out of nowhere. Had Naruto not been used to Naori, he might have pushed her away and stared at her with unblinking eyes. "It's much easier to take over Konoha now. The goody Shisui isn't even in the village. It would have been a bonus if Itachi wasn't here as well."
"Yeah." Naori grunted. "He'd be the first to try to stop our hegemony." She then stared at Naruto. "You've always been against the idea. But not for reasons we had. But simply for the preservation of the clan. I'm sure you told the Council this much. What about now?"
"What of now?"
"You don't think about it? Even a little?"
Naruto didn't think Naori was specifically asking him if he indulged in such thoughts. It was more of a question about his views and character. Maybe the changing aspect of it all.
"You think I've become too nice?"
"Well, you don't glare. You were always glaring. Now you pick your moments."
"Would you sleep with me if I was glaring? Would you be aroused if I was glaring at you"
"I liked you when you were glaring."
"I was a child."
"Doesn't matter."
"You have some twisted interests."
"Don't we all?"
"Not me."
Naori snorted. "Yeah, right," she said sarcastically.
The house was warm, as if there'd been a crowd there. The lights were on. They immediately went to the bedroom. Naori wanted to take a bath first. He didn't complain, but simply undressed and fell on the bed. Minutes later, Naori returned with her night gowns and snuggled into the bed.
"I'm not as nice, you know." He said in a low tone. "Just a little civil. But I still don't really care for the villagers of this village. I don't think I'll ever love them. They are part of the reason our clan suffered in the past. They enabled Danzo. It is the same as I'll never forgive the Council for its part."
"Oh, you hateful poor thing. The Second would have locked you up already."
Naruto burst into laughter. "Yeah," he said. "You happy now that you don't have to work at night?"
"Sure~" Naori said. "But you're always working."
"For the greater good." Naruto shrugged. "If Military Police's structure is this way, our clan will not have lost anything. No member of any other clan will be part of the group."
The world was developing. Things had to change. But Naruto would not change his views on his clan. They were first class citizens. Humans have always lived. But not shinobi. The Uchiha are descendants of a man who spread chakra across the shinobi world. They couldn't be compared to other people.
Naori rolled over to him, rested her head on his chest. She listened to the slow heartbeats. Had she ever heard his heart pounding with vigor? his blood flow seemed to remain constant. His thrill was always blood and battle.
"We're strong. Nobody will complain." Naori smiled. "Are we not going to celebrate our union?"
"Is there a need?"
"Tradition."
"I care not for Tradition."
Naori sighed audibly. "I'll arrange it." She then quickly changed the subject to ensure she had the last word. "Let's go for dinner tomorrow. I'll invite Itachi and Izumi. Outside the clan grounds. It be nice."
"You really do enjoy the normal."
"I enjoy having fun. I'll admit, you tend to suck out the joy out of everything."
Naruto glanced at her head and then cackled. "I suppose I do." He said. "Another day when things aren't so hectic."
"You promise?"
"No."
"See, what I'm talking about?"
"Hey… I said that intentionally."
Naori giggled. "I'm messing with you."
"Will you like it if I do?"
"Please don't."
"Where is the fun in that?" Naruto asked, with a raised eye brow, his eyes staring deep into Naori's, with a small smile spread across his lips.
"It's only fun when I'm doing it."
"That's just being selfish."
"You're figuring it now?" Naori asked with a wide grin.
"I'm going to send you back to night shifts."
"You cruel bastard."
Xxx
They'd been travelling in a leisurely pace. Nobody was going to be stupid enough to attack them. The mood was calm. Kakashi had spent his tine drifting in and out of his book, while the Sandaime Hokage appreciated the environment around them. Shisui on the other hand, focused on the road ahead and meeting the Kirigakure company, with hope that nothing would go wrong.
If any of the other villages attacked them, there would no longer be Four Great Nations, but three. Kumogakure and Iwagakure were being watched with an arm on the trigger. If either of them dared, they would be destroyed by their own Jinchuriki with Naruto watching on, amusing himself in their misery.
Even among the dense forest, animals and birds roaming within it, Shisui sensed chakra signatures. He knew they were not hostile but still immediately stopped. The Sandaime stopped walking as well. He didn't know when Kakashi stopped, either before or after him. But the man was leaning against a tree, eyes focused on his book. He looked unaware and engrossed in his book, but he was keenly aware of his surroundings.
"You think there is something?" The Jonin was the first to speak, his voice a whisper, almost lazy as if he didn't want to speak.
"They are not supposed to come up unless there is something."
"I hope there is nothing." Kakashi closed his book, and then suddenly, he looked serious. "But if there is, we better be ready."
The idea of sending out a team to scout the area was so they could avoid dangerous paths and not fall into ambushes. In the event there was something that could threaten them, the team was supposed to deal with it. They were Anbu. Alas, not the most powerful as someone ruthlessly pointed out. They were nonetheless effective shinobi.
Shisui glanced at the Sandaime; the smile on his face didn't disappear. He couldn't recall the last time he saw the old man this happy. Then again, the last few years, he'd been living under the lurking dangers of a Suna invasion. A threat that was effortlessly dealt with. But who was he to know Konoha wouldn't have been in danger as he'd feared?
"It's a lot more peaceful, here, isn't it?" the Sandaime spoke in a warm tone. He truly had the look of a man who'd been freed from centuries old shackles. Then again, he was free from his Hokage duties.
"Nature tends to be more welcoming when there aren't any humans around."
Hiruzen chuckled. "We corrupt and destroy things, don't we?"
"But nature always does find a way to reform itself."
"Some damages are ever lasting unless a disaster occurs."
Shisui nodded in agreement. For powers like Madara, no battle was fun unless it altered the landscape. The same could be said with Naruto. After all, Susanoo was destruction incarnate. The only saving grace was that it was a power Naruto didn't bring out just for anyone.
It took a couple of minutes, but two Anbu landed in front of the Third. The three faced the masked men with expectation while they seemed to be waiting for the Sandaime to give permission.
"Speak." Hiruzen finally said.
"We'd split up and gone to different directions to secure the way for when you return. We came across the Tsuchikage and his guards. They were heading toward Konoha. We didn't greet them, just noticed them."
"Oh?" Hiruzen was surprised. He knew nothing about the visit. It was unlike Onoki to simply visit without warning. And to visit Konoha of all places?
"He must be concerned about the alliance. In his mind, it could be used to destroy his village."
"No doubt Naruto said some unpleasant things. The power Itachi showed to destroy Suna must also have him worried." Hiruzen said with a slight shake of his head. "One of you will accompany us to meet them. One of you will head to the Wave. We might end up being late foe our meeting. Inform the Mizukage of this development."
"Hai."
Xxx
Survival was an instinct every shinobi had. Whenever the air stood, the instinct kicked in and nothing was truly safe. Friends. Even family. Men have butchered their friends in order to stay life. Life was a gift that came once and once you were dead, the story ended. Whatever occurred in the world of the living, was for the living. For Onoki, the instinct kicked in whenever he saw clouds gathering from the far side, threatening hail and storm over his village. It was enough that he'd left the comfort of Iwagakure to march toward the Sandaime Hokage for a surprise visit.
The Hidden Sand was now a memory. Konoha wielded tools to make a Great Nation a memory. His village could be next. As long as the Uchiha lived, Onoki would never feel safe. He'd never feel comfortable. He would always be looking over his shoulders. For in this world, dark clouds gathered in a blink.
The chirping of birds brought his movements to a halt. A signal that there was company. He signaled for Kitsuchi to check while Akatsuchi stood by him. The Jonin leaped onto a tree, climbing high above its branches to get a good look. He could see nothing. He closed his eyes and expanded his senses. There were three powerful chakra signatures heading their way. he frowned deeply and then descended from the tree.
"A company of three, very powerful chakra signatures."
"Should we run?" Akatsuchi asked, concerned that it could be an enemy.
"Run?" Onoki glared at the man with disgust. "Why should we run?"
Was the future of his village filled with a bunch of cowards? Why would they run in this situation? They didn't know who was coming. If Kitsuchi said they were powerful, then they were powerful. But aside from the Jinchuriki, this was the best that his village could offer. If the best could be on the run because of a mere presence of powerful chakra signatures, then Iwagakure was finished.
"I was just joking…" Akatsuchi said lamely.
"Just be prepared. It could be Konoha's people."
"It can only be Konoha." Onoki said staring at the direction of the chakra signatures. "They must have known once we crossed the borders and are here to welcome us."
"Or the Akatsuki." Kitsuchi suggested.
The Sandaime Tsuchikage was right, but not entirely. None of them actually expected to see the Professor in his Hokage gowns, surrounded by two Sharingan wielders. Onoki thought the old man had been going somewhere rather than having left Konoha just to greet them.
Sharingan bodyguards, huh? He thought of it with disdain, so much he thought of spitting on the name of the Uchiha. Currently, Sharingan wielders were the best protection anyone could have. Onoki had massive experience with those damned Uchiha. He'd even fought Madara.
"Tsuchikage-dono," Hiruzen greeted as soon as he was thinking speaking distance, with both his guards flanking him.
"Hokage-dono." Onoki couldn't help but glare. The air was thick in the silence, but it didn't seem pregnant with a battle cry.
"It has been a while. Decades, I believe." Hiruzen said in a light tone, to break the tension. He took a step forward, with both Shisui and Kakashi remaining behind.
Onoki had a fast attack. Shisui was renowned for his speed, but Onoki was certain he could vaporize both the Uchiha and the Sandaime in flash. Yet, that would hardly do any dent to Konoha's strength. Two of the Sannin still remained. Itachi and Naruto were at Konoha. On their side, if something happened to them, Iwa was finished. It was a hopeless situation that frustrated Onoki. He really had to pull out all stops in order to even the playing ground.
But he knew, once he did, it would be war. If he didn't align with Konoha, the Leaf would not allow them to build up strength. He could only do that within the alliance.
"You're looking more lively." Onoki spat out the words and then took steps closer to the Sandaime. He floated a little, to stand even with the Hokage and then stretched out his hand. Without hesitation, Hiruzen took his hand and shook it. The cursed his counterpart for showing this much indifference to any type of threat.
"I don't have any reason to be in a foul mood." Hiruzen said with a small smile. It only seemed to frustrate Onoki, and further his amusement. "We were informed you were on the way while heading out to the Wave. I'm afraid we do not have time. And I can't tell you to wait for me in Konoha."
He'd say that because there were monsters that would await him in the village. No other Kage would suggest another Kage go and wait in their village, especially when they were not even allies. Onoki suppressed his killing intent to the best of his abilities, but is still leaked. He could tell from the reaction of Hokage's guards, but the old man himself didn't react. Even his smile didn't slip away.
To be in a position of power made one like that. If he was an idiot, he would turn the old man into dust. Just for having the audacity to smile in this situation.
Onoki folded his hands across his chest, while still floating. He didn't move away from his counterpart. "I will get straight to the point then. I left Iwagakure because I am worried that you are planning to destroy my village."
"You know me better than that."
"I thought I did." Onoki said in a bitter tone. "I didn't think you'd actually turn Suna into a graveyard. I expected a war, but it was a massacre. I didn't think you had it in you."
"You'd have no doubt taken advantage of the war to insert yourself."
It wasn't like the thought didn't cross his mind. But with the warning from the Raikage, he couldn't have done that. Naruto's warning was not enough. At least before he realized just how deadly the Uchiha was. "I wasn't going to do that. Either way, this is not the situation for that."
"Indeed." Hiruzen's smile finally slipped away. "Even if I tell you we have no such plans; you'd not believe me. So, what do you want? Why did you come here yourself instead of sending someone or a letter?"
"It is that important. If wrong moves are made, Iwagakure could suffer the same fate as Suna!" Onoki spoke through gritted teeth, his frustration showing. "I'll admit; you hold some powerful cards in your arsenal. In the last war, you made the gesture for peace, and now, it is my turn."
"You could have sent a letter and I would have told you I was open to that."
"I wanted to face you."
"Oh?" Hiruzen's smile returned in full force. "And?"
"I demand normalization of relations between Iwagakure and Suna."
"Demand?"
"You refuse?"
"I'm asking if such can be demanded, Tsuchikage-dono. I am a man of peace, have been called naïve at times, but even I know you cannot demand such a thing, unless you're using force. If you want normalization, we can speak fairly about it. I understand your concerns. We've formed a brotherhood with Kirigakure and now look to form a happy alliance with Kumogakure, despite the past. You're the only one left out. If the alliance deems you a threat, you could end up in the same situation as Sunagakure. That is a reality.
"But you need not worry. Our alliance with the Cloud isn't about Military at least for now. And if your intentions are good, and nothing sinister about them, we can get you inside the alliance. Perhaps now would be a good time to think about holding a Kage Summit. We can talk about the future, then. What do you think?"
Onoki liked the idea of a summit. It was then that he could look at all of them and see their intentions. They could form a Kage alliance, and one not formed at Konoha's behest, but at the intention of all Kage.
"We must hold the Kage Summit as soon as possible then."
"I agree." Hiruzen said. "The Cloud and Konoha will soon be hosting shinobi games to commemorate our alliance. You're welcome to join us. Kirigakure will be there as well."
"When?"
"I'll send you the details."
"Where?"
"Konoha, of course. The Cloud has agreed to it on account to its past."
Onoki glared at Hiruzen. "You can even force the Raikage to admit his greedy behavior. Konoha has reached new heights. It wasn't long ago when he threatened war because he failed to kidnap a Hyuga and now, you're all becoming friends."
"We simply want peace, Tsuchikage-dono. That is why we're also open to forming some form of alliance with you as well."
Onoki turned away from Hiruzen and then spoke. "I will hear from you then."
"Of course."
Hiruzen watched as the Tsuchikage and his people leave the area with haste. Once they disappeared within the dense forest, he released a long breath. "How I wish things could be simple. But I'm still surprised he came," he said, turning around to face Shisui and Kakashi.
"I doubt it is anything about the good of the alliance or their intentions being pure. Iwagakure has always moved based on the interests of its village. He might view Iwa's interests being served if the alliance doesn't happen than being part of it." Kakashi reasoned, to which the Sandaime Hokage nodded with approval and Shisui frowned with disappointment, both for different reasons.
"We're far away from a truly peaceful world." Shisui said.
Uchiha Compound
The Uchiha clan grounds were just a different world altogether. Sora honestly felt at home, even as he passed by. The atmosphere was different. The people were different. They were under the same clouds of Konoha, but the air in here felt different. This was basically a small village within a village, just a less populated.
Naruto literally looked down on all other humans not Uchiha, but he did have a few people he liked, because they impressed him. Sora did entertain the idea of being adopted into the clan. It was a fantasy he knew would never occur no matter how much his sensei liked him. Uchiha was blood and not merely just strength. Yet, he still dreamt and would not allow anyone to crush his dreams.
The weapons shop was a spectacle of different kinds of weapons. Sora had never seen his sensei use any of his spears in battle, but he knew he used them, and replicas were on sale. These ones were pitch black though. He stood in the shop, staring at the weapon with unblinking eyes.
"And you say I'm the one who is trying too hard to be like sensei," Yuto scoffed at Sora.
"Is that how you speak to your captain?" Sora twirled around, and asked, with a raised eye brow.
"For now," Yuto shrugged and then walked up to him. He grabbed the long spear and then examined it for a moment. "Well, you have speed, but not enough. Sensei has only taught you Wind and Fire. You still struggle with the former. If you were any good with the former, you could make it. Sensei uses lightning to make the spear go lightning, you could use Wind."
An arrogant little prick, but Yuto was a good guy. He always helped. He was much more helpful than the damned Hyuga. Sora threw an arm around Yuto's shoulder, but it was quickly shrugged off.
"You're going to help me? You don't have any struggles because you cheat with the Sharingan."
Yuto smiled. "Curse being born without a bloodline," He said. "Do you even understand how sensei does it?"
"Never seen him use it. But I've heard he has one of the fastest attacks." Sora glanced toward the counter were Naruto was casually talking to the owner, with Neji by him, listening with interest. "Sensei has to literally turn all his chakra into lightning, like a lightning armor. You won't see it. But it is necessary to give him the speed and strength. The attack is released like a lightning bolt. It is basically that. A cloud releasing thunder."
Sora's brows furrowed as he thought hard. "That would be difficult for me with Wind. Wind based attacks are not even the fastest."
Yuto's lips twirled into a nasty smile. "I thought you were the smartest of Sensei's students."
"You're enjoying that, aren't you?"
"Naturally."
Sora thought of smacking the boy but held himself. To be born without a bloodline wasn't a necessary a bad thing. He could still be better than Neji. But it was different from the Uchiha. They could copy anything he spent hard time training on. The damn Sharingan could even copy Taijutsu skills. Yuto could have an understanding of how Naruto's jutsu worked because if he saw it, he could study it with his eyes.
He had to go the extra mile to learn. The good thing was that Naruto had taught him a trick with Kage Bunshin. It made training go well. And helped with growing his chakra reserves. He was aware though, there was a limit he couldn't reach.
"Have you learned this?" Sora asked.
"Yes." The proud look that Sora was expecting didn't come. There was just an indifference, as if it was only expected of him. Then again, Yuto was the best of the children in the Uchiha of his age. Sasuke excluded. "You should look to create something unique for yourself. If you're struggling with imagination, you can always ask. Though, with your limits, you might not make it."
"You're back to being annoying." Sora said, with a roll of his eyes.
Yuto shrugged and placed the spear back on the shelf as Naruto walked toward them. It was going to be a good day today. They were the clan head's students. They had to be better than everyone. Glancing at Neji, Yuto couldn't help but frown. If the Hyuga really managed to perfect the sword skill Naruto was teaching him, he would become a very deadly person with the sword. He was a little envious.
A Hyuga with a sword, huh? It was going to be breaking news.
They were led to a training ground within the clan grounds, closer to the Naka river. This was the place the Uchiha held training sessions with their clan head. Yuto had to accept that even the clan head's other students could be brought here.
"You're all different. You will not learn the same things." Those words rang through Yuto's mind as Naruto unwrapped a sheathed sword. He released it from its sheath. It was pure silver, shining with newness. A double edged sword, a little long, but not too long.
He motioned for Neji to come closer. The Hyuga hurriedly went there and was given the sword. "I have chosen this sword for you. You must take care of it and have it maintained. It is durable and designed to conduct chakra."
Neji took the sword with both hands, and had something of a smile as he took it.
"Wow, you're actually smiling!" Sora exclaimed and the rubbed his eyes. "This is real. Yuto p…" he trailed off. If he asked the boy to pinch him, a kick to the face was going to greet him, and so he held back. "Are you really that happy?"
Neji just grunted. He was indeed happy. It wasn't often you received a gift from your teacher. As he looked at the sword, it wasn't just any normal sword. It was a special sword made from special material. It was probably something he couldn't buy if he wanted.
"That isn't a property of your clan. But yours. If your clan wants to have a sword like that, but of inferior quality, they'll have to pay for it."
"Sensei, you doing business." Sora said, pointing an accusatory finger.
"Business is business and clans survive off it. We don't get handouts from the village just because we're Uchiha." Naruto shrugged and then dipped into his pockets. He took out two scrolls and threw one at Sora and another at Yuto.
Both excitedly unfolded them and then did summoning hand seals. Sora had the sword of the Thunder God, a weapon once wielded by the Nidaime Hokage. And Yuto had the sword of Kusanagi. Sora knew it was Naruto's most used sword recently and he was simply giving it that arrogant prick. Yuto was more suited to the Thunder Sword because he was good with lightning element.
"I have not taught you much Ninjutsu," Naruto said to Sora. "Your natural element is wind. The Sword of Kusanagi would make things easier for you in incorporating wind into it. But lightning will do just fine. You'll have to learn. You're smart, being able to use three elements shouldn't be impossible for you. If you do fail…"
"I will not fail." Sora was quick to say before Naruto could even finish talking. "With this sword, it will even be much easier."
"Good." Naruto nodded in approval. "Yuto, teach him the basics in lightning."
"Hai."
Yuto was happy he received the better weapon. Naruto might not even be saying it, but he thought the only reason he was getting the sword of Kusanagi was simply because he was Uchiha, and nothing to do with his abilities. He enjoyed this privilege.
As they went to the side, Sora glared at him. "Must be nice being Uchiha."
"It is." Yuto said proudly. "But on the bright side of things, you'll get to be more like sensei. Once you master the lightning element, you'll be able to learn how to use the spear."
Naruto watched the two go to the side and then turned to Neji. A part of him didn't want to do this, because the Hyuga would become a much better clan. It would add a new dimension to their attacking prowess while better utilizing their Byakugan. Hiashi will be the happiest man. But at least, the Hyuga will always be indebted to the Uchiha and they can count of their support in the near future.
"Activate your Byakugan."
Neji nodded and activated his Doujutsu. Regardless of where he looked, the Byakugan gave him a near perfect vision of everything that was around him. Defensively, it meant he could react swiftly to attacks. But he'd never thought of using his field of view as an attack platform. For a Kenjutsu battle, it would reward him greatly.
"Anyone can swing sword. Even a blind man can swing it. But you're far from blind. The important thing is developing a Kenjutsu style. I can wave a sword around, but in a Kenjutsu battle with a true master, I would be humiliated. I have never learned any sword styles. It is just about swinging it. I do not want you to simply swing your sword. Your sword must always be sheathed and only unsheathe it when you want to kill your opponent."
"I have been looking at different styles. But nothing seems to suit me."
"There are two Kenjutsu users I know use the sword better than anyone in this village. We will eventually talk to them." Naruto said, holding out his right hand, a kunai harmlessly dangling from his fingers. Without warning, he flung the kunai toward Neji. The Hyuga saw the projectile coming and then tilted his head to the right to dodge it. He'd done so on reflex.
Naruto was upon him breathlessly. Neji's heart pounded, and a backhanded slap across his cheek sent him falling over with the sword at hand. A mere slap that resounded in the training ground, but Neji felt like he'd been hit by a fist. He massaged his cheek, and then stood up.
"You must retrain your reflexes. You did not deflect that by the sword you held because you could dodge another way. You did so because you're not used to using the sword. Kenjutsu masters will tell you that the sword must become a part of you." Naruto motioned for the Hyuga to come back to him once more. "Close your eyes." He instructed. "Can you feel me?"
"Yes."
"How would you attack?"
"Swing the sword."
"That lacks imagination," Naruto said with a shake of his head. "Kenjutsu specialists have deadly attacks because these attacks to come straight at you. there is always some trick behind it." He held out his right hand, motioning for Neji to give him is sword. The Hyuga handed it over and Naruto put a hand behind him, holding pointed the sword downward, and then flipped it over, doing a clockwise swing while pointing it at Neji.
All Neji saw were multiple swords surrounding the Uchiha. And he immediately took a step back. However, there was no attack that came.
"Genjutsu?"
Naruto smiled. "Cool, huh?"
Even with the Byakugan activated, he could still get caught in an illusion. Then again, Naruto has stated that nobody was immune to illusions. Even he could get caught in a Genjutsu.
"Deception, speed and power." Neji concluded it was what he needed to master a good Kenjutsu style. "Last time you told me my hands needed to be quicker…" he pointed his index finger toward Naruto, and then jabbed twice. "If I attack like that, and opponent sees two swords and won't know which one to defend."
Naruto nodded with approval. And then took a step back "I told you this sword can channel chakra. You're good at releasing your chakra, as you do with Kaiten. But I want you to try something. Release that chakra through your sword, like a wave. When you release Kaiten, it's like a dome of chakra. This one will cover the same length, but it will be a wave of chakra. The first point is simply the release. The next stage will be turning that wave into a sharp slash that can cut anything."
The sword burst into flames, he swung the sword around, creating a wave of flames.
"This is pure Ninjutsu, used by a sword. This is simply a style that takes advantage of your perfect chakra control. But also a less potent sword play. It is also easier to learn. But I feel once you learn this step, you can go deeper." He said and then flung the sword back to Neji.
The Hyuga took it with a smile. His imagination was already running wild. It was not just a spin he could do. There were different types of attacks he could use. If an opponent was behind him, he could jump into the air slightly, position his body horizontally in mid-air and then to a circular motion, releasing chakra from one point through the sword. He could even jump, do a downward swing. The important fact was that his sword didn't need to reach his opponent in order to hit.
"It seems you have something thinking. I'll leave you to it."
Two days later
Hiashi was basically bouncing off the ground as he entered the council chambers. Shikaku thought it funny. The man had been in a bad mood recently because of the Uchiha's growth, and now, he had something to be happy about.
"Do I need to know?" Shikaku asked in a light tone.
"I saw my nephew training this morning. I am happy with what Naruto is making him do." The Hyuga clan head said as he sat across the desk and placed his hands atop.
He'd been pleased when he saw what Neji was trying to do. Nothing had been developed yet, but the foundation was there and once Neji learned to refine things, he could have a good fighting style, designed to advantage of the Hyuga's ability to release chakra expertly and hit precisely on chakra targets. Once Neji perfected his stances, everyone in the clan would begin to learn, and in addition to the Taijutsu, they would add Kenjutsu. The Uchiha clan would not be the only growing clan, but the Hyuga as well.
"Well, he doesn't lack imagination when it comes to training." Shikaku said. The Jonin were only ones seeing Naruto almost every day. The other ones were with the Uchiha. And as far as Shikaku had seen, the training was brutal. But of course, the training required skills. There were already five Jonin who've been told to go back to village ranks. The Uchiha didn't do miracles, he just worked on people with skills and sharpened them.
Some people still had certain heights they couldn't reach. Naruto didn't want limited shinobi. It was understandable. But at this rate, only special shinobi will be part of Military Police.
"It is good for the village that he isn't greedy and likes to pass on knowledge."
Indeed, no other clan head would willingly try to develop the skills of another clan like that. Naruto offered training to anyone who wanted. He genuinely enjoyed teaching and that made the difference. "Konoha can only move to a position of strength from here." Shikaku said. "If the shinobi academy does not improve, Naruto's men will end up being the most powerful in the village. If we're being honest, the academy isn't producing finer shinobi like it used to."
"Other clans are the ones failing." Hyuga held up his hands. His clan had a prodigy in Neji. His daughters were both skilled. Hinata had been roughed up by Naruto a bit to work on her tenderness. She was able to use her skills well enough.
"I can't argue with you on that." Shikaku sighed. "Sandaime-sama wants you to head to the Fire Country to talk about Naruto's proposal. We want to have a stamp on things before we commit more men to the Fire Nation."
The idea of taking over negotiations was just so that Naruto doesn't get things all the way to himself. Hiruzen didn't want the future of Konoha to be shaped by Naruto's whims. Itachi had to be the one to do all that. After all, Naruto was only interested in the position of his clan.
"Protection?"
"Military police will provide protection."
Hiashi nodded. Back again into handling diplomatic talks for the Leaf. He needed this for regain his rightful place in Konoha's politics. "What are we willing to concede?"
"I asked you to come so we can discuss that much."
The Wave Country
The waves were calm. The journey from the Mist finally at an end, and the fear of being sunk into the depths of an ocean finally behind them. Mei could only sigh deeply, in relief, as they touched down into the Wave country.
The port had a meeting of ships; a concerning development that gave the Water Lord some sleepless nights. He pushed that into her hands. Mei saw no harm. No foul. This country had been starved for far too long. Besides, she didn't think Konoha would be all too happy if the Water country tried to stifle this country's development.
Behind her were Chojuro and Kisame. The latter had insisted on coming. She'd not wanted him. But he insisted and got an idea for an important mission.
People were moving about their business. Merchants unloaded their merchandise. Some argued about broken things. Some looked around with hawkish eyes. Thieves or would be customers. Mei didn't have too much of an interest to find out.
Three men welcomed them. The Konoha company had yet to arrive. Mei didn't complain. It would give her time to look about the village.
As they walked through the streets, heading toward the hotel, Kisame finally found his voice.
"I have long been worried that Konoha would try turn us into their vassal," the man said.
Mei glanced at the man. He was walking on her right side, Samehada strapped on his back. "Weren't you just worried I would agree to it?"
Kisame grinned. "You're a little too nice."
"You've been through the worst." He'd had a job nobody would envy. Only sadists and psychopaths who enjoyed spilling blood would enjoy the kind of work Kisame used to do. "I only have thoughts about what is good for Kirigakure."
"I get that." Kisame said. "But the Uchiha, especially its head is someone who worries me. He has his own reasons for doing things."
Mei would know that—Shisui often warned her about his clan head. But overall, he was a man you could negotiate with it. Mei would rather she did not. It was easy, but a mistake could be fatal. And with Naruto's unforgiving attitude, it would be disastrous.
She glanced at Chojuro and then sighed. She'd have liked it if he was the one to succeed her. But at this rate, it would be Kisame. Chojuro was not strong enough. A little more hardened because of the training Kisame put him through, but still not the most powerful and assertive. To be a leader, especially in such times, one needed to be assertive. Otherwise, he'd just be nodding his head to everything.
"Now that we're here. I can leave you."
"I actually had a mission for you." Mei said. Different kind of people walked the streets. It was apparent there was some migration occurring here. Then again, civilians were always wandering the Earth. Some end up in bandit camps, and some end up in underground hospitals being cut apart. The World was truly dangerous.
Going back to Kisame, Mei spoke again. "Don't tell me we had the same thought," she said.
"What mission did you have in mind?"
"You're more capable. Ao just disappeared and we still don't know anything. It honestly gives me a headache thinking about it. Something happened. Ao was strong. He simply couldn't have just vanished from the face of this world. We know he completed his mission and was on his way back when he disappeared. We must find out who and why."
"I had the same thought." Kisame said.
He'd originally thought Konoha did it to cut off an advisor to Mei. And then make her depend on Shisui. But the Uchiha was an earnest type of person. It annoyed him to even admit it. But he'd trust Shisui more than he did with some members of the Swordsmen. For now, Kisame just wanted to get to the bottom of the matter
But he still wouldn't be surprised if Konoha was involved.
"You want to leave now?"
"Chojuro can take care of you." The man said, and then stared at his Junior. "Right?"
"Of course." Chojuro replied with confidence, and a nod of his head.
"We will see you when you come back then. I hope, you bring us some good news."
"He's dead, if he didn't run away from Kiri." Kisame said in a flat tone, not to give Mei any hope. "Well, then, take care, Mei-sama."
Konoha
Clan grounds were truly a ghost town during the day. The kids were in the village streets, doing their duties as members of Military Police Force. And the others were hard training future officers. Depression swept through Naruto as he walked the streets. What had become of his clan? Even if this horror resulted in greatness, the numbers were depressing. Naruto thought he could swap being all powerful to having hundreds of Uchiha.
It took one little thing for the clan to be extinct. The grandparents were at the end of their days. He wouldn't be surprised if they started dropping off one by one. Then, the clan grounds would be really empty. A disaster. For now, at least.
The back of Mikoto's house has always felt like a second home. He'd spent so many days training with Fugaku. He'd basically been the man's shadow. Good days. Ended swiftly before they could mature because he'd been stupid. Because he failed to steer his fellow Uchiha into the right path.
"Rare for you to be out and about during the day." Mikoto said in a warm tone, sitting on the edge of the porch, a watermelon at hand.
Naruto turned to face her. She didn't seem to age. A mother of two. A husband dead and gone. Her youngest now a shinobi who came home to eat and rest. Itachi was hardly home. Loneliness. The demon was surely toying with her heart, as it did with his when he was alone. It was too late for her to even return to service. She'd been a mother for far too long Naruto thought probably forgot how to even fight.
He walked over and plopped down beside her. She glanced at him with eye raised eye brow.
"It's been tough," he said, and then fell on his back.
"You do most of the work yourself." Mikoto pointed out and then placed the watermelon to the side, fell on her back and stared at the ceiling.
There was always a sense of comfort and peace in her presence.
"I don't have a choice." Naruto said, eyes on the roof. "We don't exactly have people waiting in line to help. Our numbers are low and we have a lot to do, for the future."
"Perhaps I should put on my gear and help out," she said with a giggle.
For a moment, Naruto entertained the idea. With Sasuke always busy with shinobi duties, she did not something to keep her mind off things. Loneliness was a corruptive demon. It whispered all kinds of thoughts. He imagined, even Mikoto was not immune to the temptations of the lonely demon.
"Why are you not busy today?" Mikoto asked, glancing at him through the corner of her onyx eyes.
Naruto felt her glance and met it. He couldn't tell what she was thinking. For him, she was always a loving woman. She was just the person he could relax with. After a moment, he faced the roof once more.
"Clan matters to be sorted out." Naruto said. "But it was really quiet. I thought to check on you. We don't get to talk that often these days."
"Well, you don't come for dinner as you used to."
"Naori."
Mikoto smiled warmly. "She's a good girl." She said. "Are you handling it well?"
"Yeah. I'm adapting. I can see myself being truly happy with my life in the future. I don't have uncertainties and actually enjoy being around her." He said in warm tone, a small smile on his lips.
He'd never gotten around making friends as Shisui wanted. But maybe this was another form of friendship. He didn't consider Three and White as friends. They were nothing more than his colleagues, even if they were overly friendly with him.
"That's good. I'm truly happy to hear that."
"What of you?" Naruto would not tell her to marry again. But if she wanted, he'd not stand in the way. Fugaku had long been dead.
"I'm just sitting here alone, waiting for Sasuke to come back." Mikoto said with a bitter chuckle. "I have nothing to do all day these days. It is just me and chores. I feel my life has lost a purpose and meaning."
"That's rather unpleasant."
"Which is why I have been thinking." Her voice became low, with seriousness Naruto had not heard from her. "I can still carry another child. I also do need to contribute to the clan. A child will keep me busy. Maybe by the time it has grown, I will be taking care of Itachi's child."
Naruto was silent for a long minute.
"Have you thought hard about this? I want going to force you into it, out of respect for Fugaku-sama." She already had Itachi and Sasuke. That was more than enough for a contribution. The two sons would do the heavy duties for her.
Mikoto giggled. "That's a little too late for that, isn't it?"
Sunday night update. Must be a first for me. But I sat today and worked on this. Thought, why not post it. If I stay with it for a couple more days, this site might go mad again and stop me from updating.
A lot of training issues. Next chapter will be politics… and finally a meeting between Hiruzen and Mei. And a little bit of surprises. I'd been struggling with direction, but I have found a gap, and I'm going through it. Hopefully, the story marches toward a good ending.
With alerts back on, it will be much easier to go through your reviews.
The Omnipresent Sage