-AN-
-Somewhat gorey personal update. To answer a heavily asked question. My hand was smashed under an engine block during a vehicle powerplant removal with a coworker. They didn't set the lift chain properly and my hand met roughly 800 lbs of steel and plastic. It sounds bad, but it could have been a lot worse and I'm on the mend. I'm on some killer meds, but like I said I'm getting better and typing is getting easily.
I hope you've all been having fun up to this point. Got a favorite character? Think someone isn't getting enough fic time? Let me know. I'd hate for someone not to get their time to shine afterall.
-Story Start-
"War is coming Tsunade, we can't ignore that fact anymore." Jiraiya sat on the windowsill not far from Tsunade who herself was sitting in her chair deep in thought. Paperwork for the moment done and set aside, she did her resolute best to in fact, ignore him.
"It doesn't have to though. That's the depressing thought." Tsunade held firm that there had to be a better option here. Onoki and A were both known variables. One was a stubborn old goat who was happy to play isolationist while griping about the gold old days. While the other while pig headed and quick to anger could be made to see the sensible side of things when pushed. One way or another she could probably either talk them down or exude some Konoha force in order to get them to back down. But united as they were, she doubted the usual tactics would work. They didn't just want the Uzumaki clan dead and Uzushio reduced to rubble, it was almost a visceral need for the two of them. And Naruto…
He would raze both villages to the ground if even one Uzushio citizen fell.
Jiraiya wasn't privy to her thoughts but had a feeling he didn't need to be. "Word on the wind is that Iwa and Kumo are both making moves. It's small right now, Iwa has sent a scouting party to Wave and Uzushio but I have to assume Kumo has done the same." He shrugged when Tsunade turned a hard face towards him, "Scouting is normal, yeah, I know. But not in these numbers. Either they're vastly underestimating Naruto or they just don't care." Or worse, they're attempting to provoke a response out of the gaki. Waking that particular dragon would have the world redrawing some maps.
Sighing heavily and leaning back to stare up into the ceiling, Tsunade finally nods as a hand comes up to rub at her temple, "Look into it more thoroughly. I want numbers, plans if possible, their objectives. Something and anything to pass along to Naruto. If you have opportunities to sabotage, do so." As bad as her headache was getting, even drinking didn't sound fun at the moment. Shame that.
"Okay, I'll get right on it." Turning a tired eye out onto the Konoha skyline, the Toad Sage shook his head slowly, "Keep up your guard, just in case. Konoha is still strong but you never know. Kumo and Iwa might start getting ideas." He wouldn't put it past the pair to attempt to rush on Konoha if they felt like Tsunade's attention was being drawn elsewhere.
"They wouldn't try anything with us, not so soon after the summit." Tsunade was sure about that. Those two were happy to return things to the old way and Uzushio was their target for now. They wanted to squash this new player quickly. "If anything we could probably stand to put a few roadblocks in their way." Maybe a hunter squad or two to root out scouts. Some anbu to coincidentally make it to Wave at the same time perhaps? No, that might be too obvious.
Turning back to his longest friend and teammate, Jiraiya waved a lazy hand towards her, "Remember Hime, both Kumo and Iwa have surprised us in the past. They could pull a fast one on us." He doubted they would attempt a full assault on Konoha, at least not right now with potentially Uzu, Suna, and Kiri all allying to Konoha's side. Odder occurrences have happened in the past however, and he had to remind even himself that smaller villages had and still could be used as distractions. Uzushio fell to such measures and Konoha had been unable to help.
Turning to argue the point, Tsunade is interrupted as Shizune opens the door and walks into the office, "Well well, I had assumed Kakashi had knocked you out for a few days yet." She hadn't said anything to Shizune calling off the day prior, nor her late start this morning. Good for the young woman, finally doing something for herself.
Blushing and shaking her head as she carried a stack of papers and scrolls to Tsunade's desk, Shizune placed everything down and smiled, "He is a, dutiful, boyfriend." Shaking herself, she motions down to the several inch tall stack of papers, "Duty and action reports, there have been a noticeable uptick in border incursions by Iwa shinobi recently. I wanted to bring it to your attention."
Tsunade does her best to ignore the knowing look Jiraiya was sending her. Her long history with the man let her know instantly that he was probably mouthing 'I told you so' over and over. The ass. "Thank you Shizune. I'll have revised patrol routes and missions for you to take down to processing before the day is over." Seeing her apprentice nod, Tsunade lets a grin stretch her face, "So, am I going to lose you as well to Uzushio? Should I pack a bag?" If Shizune did leave, Tsunade might just follow along after all. The real question was who would she hand off the hat to? Shikaku? Too lazy that one. Hmm, she'd really have to think on it.
Jiraiya was at attention while Shizune babbled for a moment, "N-n-no of course not lady Tsunade. I. We just."
Tsunade waved her off, "You should live your life. You don't have to take care of me anymore. Go start a family or something with that hot man of yours. You deserve it." Watching Shizune gather herself for a moment before she bowed deeply to her, she smiled as her longest apprentice left her office quietly. "Well, there goes the best apprentice and secretary I ever had."
"Oh, what about that Haruno girl?"
"Sakura? She was never a secretary. Though she was a stellar pupil." She was a damned good physician. Give her a few more years and she very likely would be coming for Tsunade's title. "Guess I really am going to have to up patrols. Better to be safe than sorry." Which meant a long afternoon for her. Yay.
Jiraiya nods, "Good to hear. I guess I'll get started as well and go get you what information that I can." Standing and stretching, Jiraiya had the window open and was already turning to leave.
Tsunade coughed once, turning back to her paperwork though she knew Jiraiya's eyes were on her, "Don't do anything stupid alright? Stay safe and uh, make sure to come home." Why was it suddenly so hot? Was she blushing? She better not be.
Blinking quietly for a moment, Jiraiya opened his mouth to tease the Hokage but decided against it. This was something new. Different. "I'll return, don't you worry, Tsunade-hime." And then he was gone, flying over rooftops and making for the main gate. Top of the list of things on his mind, he worried about the upcoming conflict. Depending on the actions of Iwa and Kumo, this would devolve into another great world war and he honestly didn't see how any of the villages could survive another one. If they attacked Uzu outright, Naruto would retaliate, dragging the remaining villages into it. Never mind all of the minor villages between them all. Was this the time? Was the prophecy coming to a head soon? He wasn't sure, but perhaps is was time to look deeper into things beyond just the villages scouting each other.
Behind him and left alone Tsunade sighed, eyes on a border report but mind somewhere else. Rather on someone else. "What are you doing Tsunade?" Yet another question she could never seem to fully answer even after all this time.
-b-
Naruko would never deny that she was not one to sit still in one place for very long. Add on that Fuu was the same way with both girls happily flying high above the Uzushio oceans or exploring among the few forested areas that they had back home whenever they had the chance. Sitting inside of a slow moving carriage as they traveled from the Land of Demons to the Land of Vegetables was becoming a real test in patience for the pair of women. They would bear it of course, though with some grumbles. Naruto owed them both a major favor for this.
Shion and Koyuki were right at home in the plush coach, going over notes as they considered their plans once they arrived in the neighboring nation. Outside they could just make out the out of tune singing of Susuki while Taruho drove the horse drawn coach on. Koyuki was focused as she pointed down among their notes, "Should we perhaps take the economic angle? Bring up the increased trade within the Uzushio alliance's borders?"
Shion shrugs, "It's not a bad angle, of course, we might have other problems to attend to first before we can cement negotiations." She gently toyed with her braided hair, Hinata convincing her to join her in the hairstyle. It was much more manageable this way.
That perks up Fuu and Naruko's interests, the mint haired girl sitting up straight from where she had started to doze against the taller Naruko, "Is there something wrong within the Land of Vegetables?" Conflict meant she'd have something to do that didn't equate to just watching ink dry. Maybe she could practice with her Biju techniques finally.
Shion nods, "Well, as their name implies the Land of Vegetables is a farming nation with a large economy and heavy exports. Troubling us at the moment is that my people received word that the Vegetable Daimyo was assassinated. There is a manhunt going on right now for his daughter. I believe her name is Haruna." Shion vaugely remembers meeting the other woman once or twice when she was younger but no more than in passing. A gathering of the local lords and ladies to mingle and network. Not much for a child priestess at that sort of event.
Naruko leans back into her seat with a frown on her face, "How bad must things have been for anyone to want to assassinate a Daimyo?"
Koyuki is shaking her head as she considers her notes, "Remember, there are plenty of people who would want to remove a Daimyo from power and for multiple reasons. Some might want the Daimyo's power for themselves. A nation doesn't have to be in decline for someone to consider doing such." Spring and Uzushio ninja had thwarted a few minor attempts on her life by now even. Such was a worry for a Daimyo after all.
Shion picks up on that, "There's also the chance someone wanted to destabilize the country for their own ends. Like for instance, watching the country implode and then picking up whatever is left. Land itself is very valuable." Some other nation could be behind this, but Shion doubted such. This reeked of something poorly planned out. Maybe individual actors then? Or a botched job funded by an adversary maybe?
Shrugging and eyeing the countryside as they rode on, Naruko wondered if they would get lucky and some bandits would make a play for them. Help her pass the time. "All this thinking is your area of expertise, not mine. I'm just here to kick ass and spread terror into the hearts of evil men." Grinning and mentally imagining blowing up bandit camps, she wondered if Naruto would get mad at her for causing some light chaos around here.
"Women can be evil too you know." Fuu chimes in while Shion and Koyuki both roll their eyes as Naruko sighs but nods.
"You know what I meant."
"I don't know, have to make sure with you."
"I'm not Naruto."
"Oh I know you aren't Na-chan." The accompanying leer from the mint haired girl set Naruko chuckling and looking back out of the window. Fuu could be such a brat when she wanted.
Koyuki sighed and pointed at the pair, "Keep your flirting to yourselves, we have a long journey ahead of us after all and I'd like to finish it without entering major battles. So no jinxing us." Koyuki was pointing severely at Naruko who began to whistle innocently. Just like Naruto, once the woman got going, she wouldn't be able to be stopped.
"Just saying we could use some excitement is all." But Naruko relented and relaxed, watching the scenery as Fuu settled into her side to nap as she had been about to do previously. Idly wrapping an arm around the dusky skinned girl, Naruko's grin softened into a softer smile as her fingers trailed along Fuu's arm. Touch. Real textile sensations. Such a novelty. "Honestly though, think we'll have any trouble with bandits?"
Shion shook her head, "Not within my nation at least. Once we enter Vegetable it's anyone's guess. We don't know what the situation is over there just yet." That was the real worry for her at the moment. They were going into this blind, especially if there wasn't a ruling body to get into contact with just yet. They might have to continue on and wait for this situation to resolve itself first.
Their journey continued with little fanfair and lots of naps from the Fuu and Naruko pair. Morning turned to afternoon and a little past that as the sun began to dip but still remained high in the sky. Eventually the scenery changed, much more lush growth and large farms and plantations began to fill their view, and soon enough a border town in which they could stop and rest. Finally within Vegetable's borders, the group decided some downtime out of the coach would be well received. As they stopped, Taruho was quick to see about the horses while Susuki made to find food for the afternoon. This left Naruko and the others to explore the rustic town for a bit, promising to return to continue their journey within the hour.
Hands in the pockets of her short black jacket while Fuu wrapped an arm around her own, Naruko grunts at the noise and smells of what she was assuming was a trading town. Close to the border that it was, it made the most sense. "It smells." She was grateful today for combat boots and black cargo pants. While not exactly cold, it was chilly enough to bother her.
Shion nods, "It's lively." She had to remember that Naruko only recently acquired a real body, the young woman was still getting used to everything that that entailed. Smells and temperature were apparently two areas she was having problems with. "I wonder what sort of shops we can find here." Personally she was excited. She had never had the chance to explore outside of her shrine. It made her a little giddy.
Koyuki nods, taking in the hard packed dirt roads, though wide and accommodating equal measure of foot traffic and work carts. "It's a far cry from Uzushio or Spring." She didn't mean to gloat, but it was hard not to when she was so used to more industrialized areas. That could be a potential selling point as well. Industrializing the area and bringing them up to par with the rest of the alliance.
Fuu giggles as they walk, "I like it, it's so alive!" Much as Shion was thinking, Fuu didn't have many opportunities to explore other towns or nations. This was all new for her and just as culture shocking as it was to mingle about within Uzushio.
Naruko nods, "Yeah, guess so." Leading the way with Fuu as Shion and Koyuki follow along behind them, Naruko turns a violet eye back towards the pair, "Should we grab a bite to eat, or rely on your servants for that?" She honestly didn't care either way but she was willing to help out more if Taruho was going to cook for them.
Shion shakes her head, "Perhaps a break for food would be good. We can see what the locals have to offer." Taruho and Susuki deserved a break from time to time.
Walking along the busy road as they were and ignoring many of the calls from farmer stands and vendors espousing their wares, it is Fuu who is distracted first. By of all things, something shiny.
"You there! You look like you'd love something festive and unique! Why, my dear wife makes these necklaces that even young ladies from the capital stop and admire!" A peddler was waving them over and Fuu is the first to stop and drag a reluctant Naruko along. Koyuki and Shion giggle but follow along quietly.
"Oh c'mon! We just said we don't have anything to do right?" Tugging and giggling as Naruko came to stand next to the peddlers on the side of the road, Fuu was all smiles as she leaned down to look at the assortment of random jewelry and baubles laid out on a rather worn cloth. Some of the jewelry was really pretty.
Naruko sighed, "We actually were talking about food, not pretty rocks." What use did she have for random jewelry anyway? It'd most likely be destroyed in the first battle they entered anyway. Explosions and fire were not forgiving to fragil things.
Fuu rolled her eyes as Shion and Koyuki stood off to her left to idle peruse the selection for themselves, "Oh come now, sometimes you just have to have something cute and shiny for absolutely no reason."
The leader of the little group, an older man with wide eyes and thick brown hair was all smiles, "Listen to the mint girl, she has good sense." Hand flashing out from within worn brown robes, Naruko notes hard and calloused hands. This man was a worker, maybe a farmer down on his luck?
As the vendor tried to entice Fuu and by extension Naruko into buying well made but unnecessarily expensive trinkets, it is Shion who locks eyes with a quiet and severe looking man at the back. Leaning against a cart with what looked like more of their supplies or wares to be sold, they stared at each other for a moment before something much like recognition enters his eyes. Blinking and wondering if somehow she had been recognized as the Land of Demon's priestess, she's a little confused as instead the young man turns away, busying himself with unloading the cart. "Huh."
Next to her Koyuki nudges her, "Something wrong?"
Shaking her head and turning back as Fuu purchases a knotted necklace of what looks like pearls and jade beads, Shion sighed, "No, just. I thought I recognized that boy was all."
Naruko's ears perked up. Was that danger she was smelling? Taking two steps to cross behind Koyuki and Shion, her voice is nearly a whisper, "Someone dangerous?" Her eyes were already scanning the crowds around them while her senses stretched out cautiously. Having her own chakra to mold and use was still such a novelty to get used too.
Shion shakes her head again, "I…I don't think so. More like, a passing face. Someone I've maybe met once, but then never saw again."
Humming, Naruko shrugs as Fuu bounces back to her feet, "If you say so."
Happy with the money changing hands, the vendor turns back to his group, "Shun! Need another jade necklace."
Watching the boy come back around the cart, Shion's feeling of familiarity returns. How would she have met some random peddler in the Land of Vegetables? She hadn't been around the normal populace ever before. But still, this Shun looked familiar.
Naruko shrugs and motions for them to continue, "C'mon, I'm starving, let's find some food and get back to the carriage, we still have a long way to go." Naruko didn't miss that this Shun guy was doing everything he could to avoid Shion's gaze. Suspicious.
Fuu nodded and bounced back to her side, "I'm thinking something sweet! Let's go find some melon! Or peaches. Think anyone here has baked any pies?" She easily let Naruko lead her away, the group making their way back onto the path they were once on.
Getting lost back into the crowd before eventually turning down another road and following their noses, Naruko has a moment to quietly make a clone and quickly transform it into a smaller bug form. "Follow him." Watching the bug flit off, Naruko turned back to see the others all watching her with mixed looks. "Just in case."
Koyuki shook her head, "You're too paranoid. Just like Naruto." At the least, she wasn't blowing anything up randomly so there were no complaints. Yet.
Naruko shrugged, pulling Fuu tighter into her side, "Paranoia keeps us alive." Naruko was a firm believer in gut feelings. If Shion felt like she recognized that guy, then best to keep an eye on him. Never hurt to be safe just in case.
-b-
"You know, I can't really put my finger on it, but there's always just something about traveling through a Land of Fire forest that's just exhilarating." Ino was all grins as she, Hinata and Honoka traveled by tree towards their destination. They were currently on the hunt for a bounty from Kumo, a run away who apparently murdered his team before running. The smartass was even making their job easy, leaving a trail of sightings and bodies in his wake. She certainly wasn't going to complain.
Hinata can't help but nod, braided hair trailing behind her while her black jacket flared out behind her, "The megafauna might be part of that." No where else was there a chance you might run into giant tigers or bears. Land of Fire it might be, but Land of Giant Animals would be a close second for a name.
Just behind Ino and Hinata, Honoka is deep in thought as she wonders over the information they have been able to gather. "It's, odd though. Why would a missing nin from Kumo run to of all places Iwa?" Though the others hadn't turned back to her, she could tell she had their attention, "Of course officially the two villages aren't under an alliance, but it's pretty close. If Iwa catches wind of this guy, they're just going to capture him and send him back to Kumo." Lady Tsunade had let slip that something was going on behind the scenes with the two villages. Was this connected? Or was the rumored alliance between them more fragile than Uzushio suspected?
Shrugging and bouncing from one tree branch to another, Ino didn't give the worry much thought. "Most missing nin aren't the smartest of the bunch. I mean, who really thinks they're getting away from their village after killing their squad-mates?" Never mind all the rest of the trouble he was causing. He was going to make himself a problem for multiple villages at this rate.
"The timing is a bit, concerning." Hinata chimed in, her own mind beginning to tackle the problem. Any Kumo ninja should know how things stand between themselves and Iwa. Why risk it with so many smaller nations between them? "This is a newer bounty. He's listen as an A rank and the information available is substantial. Which in itself is slightly odd." Now that she was really applying her mind to it, she could see the caution Honoka was having.
Ino angled herself to end up next to Hinata, face thoughtful, "Think this is a trap?"
Hinata nods slowly, "Possible, but the question is for who and why?" It wouldn't make much sense if it was meant for them. This was a bounty from one of the public books, anyone could have taken this one, not just them.
Honoka nods, "Think of the timeline." Pausing in her speech as they all have to divert around a larger than normal tree, skirting its large trunk, before they met up again on the other side so she could continue, "The summit was announced, Uzushio goes public, and this bounty drops. Considering our luck, I don't believe in coincidences." Seeing both younger women turn to her, she finally shrugs, "That kind of planning wouldn't be just to capture some random ninja, there's a goal behind it."
Ino snaps her finger, "Think about the location. Somewhere between Grass and Waterfall. Any chance this trap might be targeting their ninja?" Taki were known for their isolationist ways and also their vaulted Hero Water. Some might be willing to go to such lengths for a chance to have that.
Hinata nods at the idea, "Completely possible, which would mean we could be walking into a trap not meant for us." Something that Naruto would never let them live down, ever. Never mind that he would never let them out of his sight for the rest of his life if something happened. "Thinking on it, of the major villages Suna wouldn't have taken this bounty, having enough issues keeping up with internal missions of their own now that trade and supplies have increased. Konoha as well wouldn't have, wanting to keep the peace as much as possible. Iwa obviously doesn't care if this ninja is running rampant near their borders and Kumo wouldn't send a full team this far away from their home, especially though the Land of Fire. Especially so soon after the summit."
Catching on to what Hinata was thinking, Ino completes her thought, "That leaves us. Uzushio that is. Unless some random ninja decides to try and get lucky." Or a smaller village looking to make a name for themselves. Not likely but not impossible either.
Honoka finally shakes herself free of depressing thoughts and levels firm looks on Ino and Hinata, "If this is likely a trap, why continue on with it?" It would be easy enough to turn around and return home. Take a different bounty even if they really wanted to. It wasn't like this one was important.
Hinata pointed to the headband on her forehead, "Most likely if it is a trap for Uzushio, they might have assumed Naruto would come after it with such a high rank. They wouldn't be expecting a full team that knows they're springing a trap."
Ino has a grin back on her face, "Best way to avoid a trap is to know that it's there."
"It's reckless." Honoka sighs as Ino and Hinata grin at her, waiting for what they know she's going to say. She both loves and hates that she won't disappoint them. "Obviously we're going to continue on, if for nothing else so we can make a fool out of whoever thinks they're going to get one over on us." Honoka taps her pouch on her lower back were a few special scrolls sat in waiting, "Unless of course we're being paranoid and there is no trap."
Ino shook her head, pounding a fist into a flat palm as her blood sang at the chance for a fight, "No no, this has to be a trap, don't jinx it."
"After this is over I'm holing up with Naruto for a week." Honoka had her priorities after all. She still wanted to catch up to the lucky three back home.
Hinata has a small smile on her face as she considers her own desires, "That doesn't sound like such a bad idea."
"As if you don't sneak around whenever you can on a regular basis." Ino smirked as Hinata flicked a leaf her way.
"You're one to talk, is there a surface Naruto hasn't bent you over back home?"
"Hmmm…the kitchen table maybe?" Ino looked up and really thought about it. No, wait, there was that time with Tayuya after everyone else went to bed.
"You degenerate."
Honoka rolled her eyes, "Can we, not do this today? We can measure who gets more Naruto time later." Mentally she was sure that she and Karin had them both beat. Karin's basement lab truly gave them a world of options. And Naruto was rather good at trap making, so handy with rope.
Ino just shakes her head as creepy giggles leave Honoka's mouth, "Her own perversions aside, it would be nice to relax for a long while. Take up some work at home and stay put." She had been rather negligent about her personal garden and now the Uzumaki estate needed her own personal touch. Plus she had been meaning to survey some of their citizens recently to get a feel for how they felt about things lately. The longer she thought about it, the more she knew she'd never be bored staying home.
"You are rather driven, think you might want to settle down a bit and run a division or two?" Hinata could see her fellow wife taking on more leadership rolls back home much as Tayuya had. The blonde was the leader type and was very good with people. Most likely the Yamanaka blood in her at work.
"I wouldn't mind it. Something to keep me busy between helping with the kids and eventually having my own. Things are changing and maybe one day we won't have to take missions like this anymore." Ino was one to plan out, think about the future. She wanted just as much as the others for their lives to remain peaceful. Happy.
"You're certainly thinking far ahead." Hinata's voice isn't mocking, but sincere as they hop along. "Maybe I should consider the same." While the Hyuuga princess could fight, that didn't mean she necessarily wanted to. She would be just as happy at home with Naruto all day, every day. Surrounded by kids, in her love's arms. Safe. Warm. It sounded like bliss.
Honoka coughs into a hand to regain their focus, "I think we all have been thinking about our futures and children more recently. Probably in no small part because of the others. We really should make some personal concrete plans now that the city is stable and secure." Plus they could establish an order to things. Best not to have kids all at once after all.
As the forest thins out a bit and giving them the hint that they were approaching the border of the Land of Fire, Ino takes the lead as Hinata settles just to her right while Honoka comes just to her left, "After this mission then, we will sit Naruto down and we'll all really get to planning things out. No sense in us all having kids at the same time after all."
"Could be fun though." Hinata giggled at Ino's disgruntled look sent her way.
"Fun and sensible are two different things."
"We're Uzumaki, do we really do anything sensible?"
Honoka and Ino looked at each other before looking back to the serene Hinata, Ino sighing and rubbing her temples, "Do we count Naruto not having cracked the world in half as our most sensible thing?"
"No, because he could probably do so at anytime." Hinata's cheeky reply had Ino nearly tripping and falling to the forest floor below them.
"That's not a comforting thought."
"It's Naruto. We should always be a little worried about what he is getting up to." She still couldn't forget that little time bubble seal he had made. So terrifying he could be, the man they loved.
-b-
It was another clear and beautiful day in Uzushio and Naruto was taking his time to enjoy it while he could. Having dropped off a tired Sasuke with Sakura to watch over him back home, Naruto now walked along Uzushio streets as he meandered his way back towards the tower. This at least would give him time to immerse himself with the people, feel the general vibe and wonder if maybe there were concerns he might be overlooking. Emotional sensing was probably much more useful than any destructive skill he had in the long run.
'Don't forget to actually talk to people.'
'I would never.' Naruto grunted as he considered what he would get up to next. Itachi was down, Kumo was still a worry but he most likely had some time to deal with them. That left Iwa. Should he pay Onoki a visit like he did A? Knowing that old man, Naruto wouldn't be leaving without some serious collateral damage. Well, Iwa would be taking a lot of damage and that certainly would be damaging to his own quest for peace.
'Doesn't sound like such a bad deal does it?' Kurama had little love for the people of Stone. Neither did Naruto in the end, but useless violence was still useless.
'Nah it doesn't, but for now we can let them be. We have other concerns to get too.'
Kurama's chuckles filled his mind, 'Thinking too hard is going to give you ulcers.'
'All of my wives are going to give me ulcers.' Lost in thought as he had been, he pauses as he finds himself before the Uzumaki monument. Staring down into the golden inscription there, he smiles and offers a prayer to the fallen. Life had been good since leaving Konoha and by this point he honestly could not ask for more. The city was thriving, his family was whole, and the future while troublesome looked bright.
'You could probably do with some extra sleep.'
'That would take an act of the Kami by this point. Sleep is a luxury I seem to be in short supply of lately.' Shaking himself and offering a few quiet greetings to other citizens who themselves were offering silent prayers to the monument, he continued his way into the tower proper. The hustle and bustle of the reception level never failed to put a smile on his face, more proof that they were doing something correct here. 'Tayuya is probably more than a little pissed off, and I need to check on Tsunami and make sure she's okay.'
'You do that. Call me when something fun happens.' Feeling the great Biju go back to napping, Naruto idly completed a hiraishin and found himself deposited in his office. Blinking and taking in the fuming redhead behind his desk while Karin giggled and Kabuto stood off to the side silently, he's blindsided by the mass of well formed woman that spears him around the middle. "Wuh?" Why were his arms full of mature woman?
"Oh my dear hero!" Tsunami was laying is on thick, hugging Naruto tightly around the middle while she could hear Tayuya's teeth grinding behind her. Teasing was always worth the effort.
Tayuya could feel a vein pulsing in her forehead, "Welcome back, I'm guessing you and the others took care of Itachi?"
Somehow Naruto just knew he was going to get in trouble for this. Great. "Yeah, Sasuke took care of his brother." Letting Tsunami up, his view was suddenly pulled down to see her smiling face, "You aren't hurt are you?"
"Not at all! Say, can I borrow you for a day or two?" Here Tsunami was all grins as she leaned in and needled a finger into his chest, "I was so frightened when Itachi tried to do whatever it was to me. I just need some help relaxing and calming down." Big doe eyes locked onto his, "You don't mind helping me do you?"
Warning klaxons blaring in his mind, he did his best to ignore the ranting Tayuya yelling about old hussies who need to find their own men. Thankfully Karin was holding her co-wife down via chakra chains. "I uh-well." Here Naruto took a steadying breath before nodding resolutely, "Anything for you Tsunami." Bringing his arms around to hug the older woman tightly, he sighed as he could feel her giggle into his chest, "You're going to get me killed." He knew without a doubt she was just teasing but it was still going to set him in the dog house one way or another.
Pulling away with a smile, Tsunami shakes her head as a clone pops into existence next to her, "Oh no, we wouldn't want that." Leaning into the clone easily, the older woman and overseer of Wave smirked, "Don't worry. I'm not stealing you away, I really do just want you to visit. Inari misses you."
Naruto nods, "I promise, I'll come swing by."
"You better." And then she was gone, whisked away by a smirking clone. Naruto really, really, hoped that clone didn't get him in any trouble.
Turning to a calmer Tayuya and a smirking Karin, Naruto starts for his chair as Tayuya begins to stand, "What'd I miss while I was gone?" Easily dropping into the warm chair, he just as quickly pulls a surprised Tayuya back into his lap. "Anything major?" She molded easily into his chest, arms folding over his own as he held her around her middle.
Tayuya shakes her head and warmth fills her. Was he always this warm, "Nothing much. A few teams came in to drop off reports and Karin came up cause she was worried."
Karin rolled her eyes as Naruto's gaze swept to her, "Wow, is everyone going to out me today?"
Squeezing Tayuya lightly, Naruto finally let her up, "Good to hear, go get some rest and take it easy."
Standing and stretching her back, Tayuya turned hostile eyes towards him, "That'd be a lot easier if you weren't taking every chance you could get to run off and play hero."
"But Ta-chan, it's part of why you love me." Seeing the fiery red head blush and refuse to answer him, Naruto scored himself another mental point. "Don't worry, how about tonight we-" Pausing mid sentence, something vaguely familiar brushed against his senses. "Huh."
Instantly on edge, Tayuya and Karin both focused on the young Kage. Karin is already making to stand, "Trouble?" They certainly hadn't felt anything, and the alarms weren't going off nor were any messages from the border team coming in.
"No, just, ahhh." Homing in on the feeling, Naruto let a grin build on his face as he got a feel for the chakra that he could recognize that was not native to Uzushio. "Not a threat I think, but something interesting." Sending out his chakra and senses in full, Kurama hummed awake.
'Smells like a fight brewing. I'm up.'
'Might disappoint you buddy.' Naruto could tell whoever this was, wasn't far from here. Hmmm. Ah, he knew who this was. Turning back to the girls while standing, he makes a clone to man the desk. "Go and relax, this is something minor."
Tayuya huffed and crossed her arms, "You promise?"
"Absolutely. Looks like Onoki's granddaughter decided to come and visit." Seeing both of the girls' wide eyed blinks, Naruto waves them off, "It'll be fine. I just wanna make sure she isn't here to cause any trouble." If she was, it might just be perfect for him. Easy leverage to make sure Onoki didn't get any funny ideas.
'Don't underestimate the craftiness of old men.'
'You would know wouldn't you?'
'Damn straight.'
Naruto paused as Karin came up to lightly hold his hand, turning to look down on her, "I promise, it's no threat."
Karin nods along, "I believe you. Just. When you're done, come find me. I wanna have a talk, okay?" Watching Naruto consider her for a moment with some nervousness in her heart, she smiles as he nods with a large grin.
"Will do Karin. I'll be back in a flash." And then he was gone, leaving Karin with Tayuya and Kabuto.
Tayuya easily brushed past Kabuto, "Should I change my bet and place it on you instead?"
Karin scoffed and turned to follow the muscled woman out of the office to leave the Naruto clones to their work, "Nope. I think it'll be Hinata." Damn woman did it everywhere!
-AN-
I know the story recently has switched mainly to a softer more romance/love setting as opposed to adventure or heavy fights. It's all for a reason though, never fear. I just wanted to make sure you're reasonably attached to your favorite characters was all. Hum hum. Hand is doing better, updates should speed up again.
-OMAKE-
Kakashi used to think of himself as a bit of a loner, fairly anti-social and a penchant for getting lost nearly on command. That said and recent life changes aside, things had really turned around for him ever since he had taken his team. He had reconnected with some friends, made a couple new ones, and even found love. But today as apparently news about he and Shizune seriously considering moving away made the rounds among the ninja population, he regretfully was reminded of one long term friend that he had neglected as of late.
Of course, he could have used a different reminder. As opposed to a full grown man crying into his flak jacket in the middle of the street. Kakashi could say that he respected Gai tremendously, maybe even loved him in a brotherly way. But getting tears and snot all over his clothes was not how he expected to spend his afternoon.
"Kakashi! How could you leave!? After all this time, so unyouthful of you!" Gai had no eyes for the crowd that was beginning to form around them, instead fully distraught that one of his longest friends was apparently leaving the village, and without him at that! The heartbreak!
"Gai, look, it's not you. Honest. I just. I have another path I have to take is all." Trying and failing to break Gai's grip on his jacket, Kakashi sighed and leveled a bored look to the groveling man at his feet. "You'll still see me and we aren't leaving just yet."
"But-but, you're still leaving aren't you? You aren't denying it! You're leaving me behind!" Bawling as if his favorite pet just died, Gai wondered if he could transfer to Uzushio much like Kakashi had. No one understood him like Kakashi did! They shared a bond of youth like no others in this village.
"Gai, really, honest, it's not that serious. I just. It's not you it's…" Why did this feel like a breakup? Kakashi sighed as he could already hear some mutterings from the crowd around them. That wasn't good. "Look, I'll come back and visit often. We're still tied on challenges aren't we?"
Gai was up in an instant, face clean and teeth gleaming in the sun. "That's perfect! Why, since this may very well be our last challenge, let's make it a memorable one!" Gai put a hand to his chin, eyes closed as he thought about it long and hard. "What could we do?"
Interrupting them and the crowd around them, the street is parted by a screaming and running group of Konohamaru, Udon, Moegi, and a laughing and cheering Hanabi in Konohamaru's arms. Caught flat footed and blinking owlishly, Kakashi and Gai watched the kids race away before they are pushed back by an angry Hiashi who was dragging a tired looking Asuma along.
"Come back here you ingrate and unhand my daughter!"
"Kiss my ass old man!"
"Run Konohamaru! Don't stop!" Asuma was only struggling because Hiashi decided to remind him that he was as well a proficient practitioner of juken. He sure hoped he regained use of his legs soon.
Watching the group race away and turn a corner, Kakashi and Gai turned back to each other slowly. Kakashi was already beginning to grin. "Bet I can save Konohamaru and Hanabi before you subdue Hiashi."
"You're on!"