-AN-

I wish it was closer to April 1st. I wouldn't mind uploading a joke chapter just for the hell of it. Also, I'm gonna start watching all of the Fate/Stay series that's available on crunchyroll. Anyone wanna warn me of feels now or later?

Also, you're getting a few longer chapters these next few updates. Hope you enjoy.

-Story Start-

Naruto wasn't just a self proclaimed stamina freak. His sensei had said it, his teammates had said it, even Jiraiya had said it. Today however he was being pushed harder than he'd ever been in his life. Why? Because Kakashi was a dick.

"You're slowing down Naruto!" Yelping and blocking a kunai with Kubikiribocho, the boy had to complete the spin and unleash a blast of wind from it's broadside in order to blast Sakura away from him. This however left him open to Sasuke who was amping up a phoenix fire not far from him. Hastily created clone hurling him away, said clone was happy to activate several seals and explode to give him more cover even as it was engulfed in fire. Kakashi was there however and forcing the boy to block and parry his sensei's twin kunai use with his sword. Sure he had the weight and reach advantage, but Kakashi had literal decades of experience on him. Being pushed and sweating copiously the boy groaned internally that he couldn't just clone spam his way out of this. Damn Kakashi and his rules.

"Com'on dobe! You're supposed to be the strong one right!" Sasuke and Sakura were arching forward, flanking him from both sides while Kakashi backed away. Hurling his sword with all his might at his sensei he freed up his hands for quick seals before pressing his hand to the ground.

"Kuchiyose no jutsu!" Finding himself atop a 7 foot tall toad with black markings, Naruto grinned, "Need some wind buddy!"

"On it Naruto!" Voice weezy and high, the toad's stomach expanded before he slapped it to release the wind blast. Both Sasuke and Sakura were caught in it, sent tumbling and rolling while Naruto re-summoned his blade to his hand. Toad and boy jumping away from their position as hard as they could, they just missed Kakashi erupting from the ground.

"Nice try sensei!" Seeing his sensei wave and then poof from existence, Naruto sighed as he felt someone grab the back of his jacket.

"You got overconfident Naruto. Allow me to correct that." Kakashi was able to get three jabs into the boy's lower back before his toad assistant was able to kick him away, Naruto still ended up rolling on the ground from the force of it. Groaning but welling up his chakra, he had to fight not to pull from the Kyuubi's chakra. Again cursing Kakashi's rules, Naruto spun with Kubikiribocho like a bat. Wind being picked up, he released his technique.

"Futon: Daitoppa!" The gale force winds sent all of his opposing members of team seven flying, the training ground itself also taking substantial damage. Looking to follow it up he hurled his sword edge first at where his team would land. Making two clones and holding onto them he vanished when the sword collided with Kakashi's hastily put up guard. All of his teammates being surprised by three Naruto's appearing before them, Sasuke and Sakura were caught to far off guard in order stop themselves from being captured. Exploding seals glowing but not taking the next step.

The Naruto holding Kakashi had spun around to his back and was holding a rasengan to his spine, a grin on his face, "Got ya, Kakashi."

"You sure about that?" Why was that voice behind him?

"One thousand years of death!"

"You pervert!" Screaming and being launched into the air, Naruto once more wished death on his teacher. Landing in a heap he almost missed Kakashi clapping and calling an end to their training.

"You've all done so well to improve today. Sasuke, Sakura, you're teamwork is phenomenal and you're beginning to cover each other's holes very well. Sasuke, your phoenix fire earlier still doesn't spread enough, work on that. Sakura there's a possibility we should add genjutsu to your abilities. You had many instances that even a minor one would have helped you so much."

"Hai sensei."

"Yeah, I hear ya."

Turning to Naruto who had retrieved his sword and rejoined them, Kakashi was still grinning, "You're making great strides yourself. If you didn't have the restriction from clones or Kyuubi chakra, I doubt alone we could stop you. However, that's just raw power. This is meant to improve your technique and efficiency after all. You accel at thinking on the fly and making quick plans, but perhaps try to remember you can't always overpower your opponents."

"Got ya sensei." The point was to get better at what he had now, so that clone spamming would equal out to better more efficient clones. He understood it, but didn't like it.

Kakashi waved them all off, "It's a little after noon so we can call it here for today. Go get some rest, reflect, and we'll be back at it again tomorrow." Waving the jonin was gone in a swirl of leaves.

Sealing his sword away with a sigh he turned to his summon, "Thanks a lot Kazaha."

"No sweat Naruto." The giant toad waving and returning to toad mountain, that left team seven alone on the field. Though Naruto was already turning to trudge back to the village. He was tired, sore, and ready for a nap.

Sakura was of the same mind, turning to walk back to the village and maybe grab a bite to eat somewhere. "Hey uh, Sakura." Pausing and turning back to Sasuke who had called her name, the pinkette tilted her head.

"What's up Sasuke?" She missed Naruto turning back to grin at Sasuke from behind her.

Sasuke himself wanted to glare at the blonde but he couldn't distract himself right now. "You uh, wanna go get lunch? My treat?"

Sakura's world froze. Did Sasuke just ask her out? Sasuke Uchiha, just asked her out on a date? Was this real? Did it finally happen? Did he recognize her womanly charms at last? Inner Sakura cheered loudly, "LET'S GET TO IT SISTER!"

"Yeah! Uh, I mean, yeah sure, that's fine." Trying not to dance and celebrate, she waited for Sasuke to pull up beside her before they walked back to the village together.

Naruto however had already shunshined away, happy to have seen more than enough for today. So the asshole decided to move forward, good. He'd get all the details later. Hopefully before they all teamed up on him again. Chuckling from the random rooftop he found himself on he started to jump his way back home. None of his house clones had dispelled to report anything so at least he was sure the girls were okay and the house was in one piece. Thoughts wandering as his mental fatigue began to catch up with him, he alighted upon his balcony and used a key to open his sliding door. "Hello." Actually having to greet anyone at home was still taking some getting used to.

In the kitchen Karin was fussing around with the stove, "Ah, Naruto, welcome back!" She was attempting to make lunch which was having mixed results. It'd be edible, mostly, maybe.

Tayuya was working out on the floor, trying to keep in shape as they were stuck in the house for the next few days. Still somewhat nervous about walking around the village unless they had a clear goal in mind. "Yo whiskers. You look like shit."

Naruto nodded as he collapsed on the couch, "I feel like shit. Kakashi is trying to kill us." Body worn out, he figured a nap first might be better.

Leaning out of the kitchen to see the boy, Karin waved a large spoon at him, "You should go shower at least! I'm making lunch as well." She was attempting to make ramen from scratch though she was beginning to think that was a bad idea.

Groaning Naruto waved a hand above him, "I know I should. I'll get up in a moment."

Tayuya rolled over to lay on her front, beginning a set of push ups, "Didn't know you could be such a mother hen Karin."

"I just, I'm adjusting is all." Focusing on her self appointed work Karin thought about their time limit and her own plans. "Naruto, do you need help?"

Naruto eventually rolled to his feet from the couch, "Naw, I'm just being lazy. I'll take a shower and get cleaned up."

Tayuya just smirked, "Well feel free to forget a shirt again, the view is nice."

"Tayuya!" Karin still wished her friend wouldn't be so vulgar.

"I'm not a housewife, get over it."

Shaking his head Naruto unsealed a change of clothes and headed for the shower in hopes that getting cleaned up would also refresh him a bit.

Outside of the bathroom and back in the living room, Karin was glaring at Tayuya, "We're supposed to be nice, nice!" Voice just barely above a harsh whisper, she didn't want to alert Naruto to their conversation."

Tayuya popped up to her feet, shrugging at the younger Uzumaki, "This is my nice. Would you like to see mean?"

"No!"

"Then don't complain." Both of them descending into silence. It was Tayuya who sighed and walked over to lean on the kitchen counter, "I'm trying, alright? Nice is hard."

Karin nodded, "I…get it. I do. Oto wasn't the nicest and I was only there for barely two months. I can't…whatever you went through-"

"Whatever I went through we don't have to talk about…ever." Voice dangerously low, Tayuya was looking back out of the window. She did not want to think about some of the things she experienced. "You know, that's starting to smell burnt."

Karin groaned and turned off the burner, leaning back against the fridge, "It is. I was really trying this time."

"Maybe you're like me, lackluster housewife material."

"Or maybe you could put a little more effort into this."

Making a show of looking herself up and down, Tayuya shrugged, "Short of walking around naked, don't know how much more I could be doing."

Blushing the younger red head pointed at the more outgoing girl, "That's not what I meant. We're trying to get to know Naruto and maybe convince him to let us stay forever. Not…that."

Tayuya shrugged, "He's a man, men like boobs, shouldn't be that hard."

"Men also have feelings, and his have been trampled on more than once. We should be working on understanding him."

Tayuya was now leaning her cheek on a hand with a bored look, "I say a good roll in the sack would fix him right up. And it'll make him wanna keep us here."Grinning the girl leered at Karin, "Com'on, what guy on the planet doesn't wanna shack up with two girls at once?"

Blush now full strength, Karin turned away to clean up her mess. "You're a pervert." At least her creation didn't smell horrible as she chucked it all into the trash. She'd have to go buy food soon however.

"I just know what guys want, that's all." Getting distracted from her thoughts, she focused on a red and green blur that was hurtling towards the balcony. "Uh.." Was that a person?

Looking up from where she was cleaning dishes, she followed Tayuya's gaze to the balcony window. Why was a person flying towards Naruto's apartment?

Catching himself and making an artful landing, Jiraiya was all grins as he laughed loudly to the stunned looks of Karin and Tayuya. It might have been more impressive if there wasn't an imprint of a fist on his face. "Good afternoon ladies! Have you seen my godson?"

Blinking and trying to rationalize that this was in fact a legendary ninja, Karin pointed down the hall when Tayuya failed to speak up, "In the shower."

Walking in and settling on the couch, Jiraiya looked the girls over, "Good, I need to have a word with all of you anyway." Looking the girls over, he considered for a moment if this was the right thing to do. Sure the village needed the Uzumaki probably just as much as they needed the Uchiha, but they were kids. Mentally giving up as it wasn't his decision, he held up a hand as he heard footsteps returning, "Heya Naruto."

Naruto himself was clean and dressed completely this time as he walked back out into the living room. Only slightly surprised to see his godfather, he rolled over the back of the smaller couch and scrubbed his towel through his hair, "What's up pervy sage?"

"You know, a little respect would be nice, since we're working so hard to fix what the council broke."

Naruto sighed, "Hai hai, you're the wonderful Jiraiya the Toad sage known the world over as a super pervert."

"Damn straight." Moving his hands to his knees, the elder waved the girls to come around so he could see them all at once. Tayuya and Karin both walked around to lean over the back of the couch Naruto was sitting on, and Jiraiya got to explaining things. "So here's the deal. There's a lot of political fuckery going on behind the scenes here. Tsunade is still a new and fresh kage and is solidifying her power base, so she can't publicly help you, at all."

"Yeah, I got the gist of that already."

Jiraiya snapped a finger, "However, now that there are three of you here, that give's you a good option. Since Naruto is a leaf nin you can claim clan head. From there you present these two as members of your clan, along with evidence that your clan has been wronged by the council. We don't bring up the promotion. That's not the big one. Instead we bring up the Uzumaki records and scrolls, that information is quite literally invaluable. As a clan head, you can make the case that the council being able to unilaterally take a clans possessions means any clan could have the same conditions put on them. No one would normally support that."

Naruto had to pause Jiraiya here, "But they did already. What'll change just because I have a few new members now?"

"I'm getting to that brat. See, now that you have more members that are especially young women, you can make the case that you'll be restoring your clan. The clan restoration act is a big deal. You might even get a few of the older clans trying to attach some of their own members to yours for future political pull, you have been talking to both the Hyuuga and Yamanaka after all." Wiggling his eyebrows for a moment and getting groans from the boy, the man got serious. "There is the matter as well, clan specific sites around the village that only the Uzumaki can open."

That perked the Uzumaki's interest. "What do you mean? I thought everything of the Uzumaki was destroyed." Naruto sure hadn't been told about any places like that.

"Almost, but there are two that'll be of interest. One to just you, the other to everyone. The first is your parents home, protected by seals and untouched since their death. Only you can open that one. Then there is the Uzumaki Temple. The blood seal on it's grounds has weakened, and I'm sure it'll weaken enough for people to get in without your assistance within a few years, but for now only one of Uzumaki blood can enter. It's contents would literally be immeasurable in worth to the village."

Naruto however leaned back with a sighed, earning a worried look from Karin, "Once again, it comes down to the village wanting to use us."

Jiraiya nodded solemnly, not wanting to bring up this next part but feeling like he should, "Yes, but, you'll be getting yours in the end here. The council will have to bow to any demand you make from here on. As a clan head, not only can you demand reparations and protections under the restoration act. But you also have the ability to pack up and leave legally, or even involve the Daimyo." That last wouldn't be allowed to happen, even Jiraiya knew that. Legal it was sure, but Naruto was a jinchuriki. Konoha would never let him go, and potential pure blood Uzumaki children? Yeah, Naruto's life would be pretty much set in stone once he presented himself before the council. Jiraiya knew that, but also considered it might be for the best to protect the boy. Never mind that the Daimyo had already been in the know about the distribution of Uzumaki assets, which stunk of a cover up of the highest order. Jiraiya was almost ready to start burning clan compounds to the ground over this.

Naruto however was figuring that out for himself and was coming up to a dark conclusion. Yeah, he could get some petty revenge on the council if he claimed clan head, but that'd be it. It'd be petty. The village would still gain access to more Uzumaki secrets, he'd still lose out on everything they had stolen in the past, and he'd still be worried about what the future could hold for his children if he had any. Add in potentially the Hyuuga or Danzo getting a hand in his business? Maybe…maybe Koyuki's offer wouldn't be so bad after all. "I'll think on it."

Jiraiya stood and nodded, "Take your time, we've got plenty of it now. Tsunade needs to build up her base and you need to get, acquainted, with your clan mates. I'll keep in touch." It would help the village and future decisions if the kid did decide to relieve his stress with the girls and get one pregnant. The elder ninja just hoped he wasn't making another mistake concerning his godson here. He really did want the best for him, and Konoha was the safest place for him. Waving them all off, the Sage was out the door and hopping back the way he came.

Naruto however had a different thought entirely once he was sure Jiraiya was gone, "I'm….gonna need to go for a walk." Standing, he was headed for his front door and leaving Karin and Tayuya behind.

Tayuya however was the first to pounce on the chance, "Maybe we could go with you. You look like ya need to vent."

Naruto shook his head, "I….not right now. I need to be alone for a bit." Forgoing his jacket, he felt a tingle against his chakra. Frowning, he opened the door to see Hinata standing their with a hand raised to knock on the door. "Hey Hinata." What timing.

Hinata smiled softly however, "Hi Naruto. Did I, come at a bad time?" She wanted to talk to him about what she had seen last night. But something seemed to be bothering him.

"Yeah uh. I need some time on my own. You're welcome to hang out with the girls though." Looking back towards Karin and Tayuya, Tayuya waved off.

"I'm gonna take a nap, it's nice and warm in that room."

Karin actually stepped forward, "If you don't mind, I actually need to go back to the market and pick something up for dinner."

Hinata looked to Naruto, "I could accompany her, if you're busy."

Appreciating the help, Naruto fished out his wallet and pulled some rather large ryo notes and handed them to Karin, "I'll be home around dark, I just need to think." Nodding to everyone, Naruto trudged out the door and down the stairs.

Hinata watched him go before turning to Karin, "Is….everything okay?"

Karin watched Naruto go as well before shaking his head, "I, don't think so. We can talk while we shop I guess."

Tayuya waved them all away, "Yeah sure, leave me all alone here why don't you." A teasing grin on her face, Karin noticed she didn't mean it. "Bring me back something sweet. Like dango!"

Karin and Hinata started down the stairs as well after agreeing to do so. Closing the door and making their way the girls were quiet for a short while. Making it to the street and greeting the lowering sun, it was still a bright afternoon. Hinata however figured if she had the other girl alone, this would be a good time to get some answers. Before she jumped to conclusions. Directing them instead on a more roundabout route, she wondered at how she would word her questions.

Karin hadn't been in the leaf village long, but even she knew Hinata was not taking her near the market district. Ignoring her gut instinct that this was not okay, she was trying to trust someone that was close to Naruto. It was difficult however. "Hinata, where are we going?" At least her senses told her no one was nearby.

Hinata sighed, stopping at the entrance of an alleyway and turning to the girl fully with her byakugan active. Checking and confirming no one was near them she released it and asked her most important question to her. "If you had the option to leave the village with Naruto, you would, correct?" Karin froze for a moment. Did the Hyuuga know they were spies? Should she run for it? Were there other ninja just out of her range waiting to grab her? "I'm not turning you in to the Hokage. This is a personal question from me."

"I….we…..we want to stay with Naruto. If we have to leave the village to do so, we will." She'd make the decision for Tayuya as well. The older girl may have more experience but still trusted the more bookish girl with decisions like this.

Hinata nodded, seeing no lie in the other girl's eyes, "I…know you were sent here." Seeing panic on Karin's face, Hinata raised a hand to try and calm her, "Like I said, this is just me. No one else knows. I just…I've been thinking about leaving myself."

"Why? You're the heir to probably the most prestigious clan in Konoha. Why would you leave them behind?"

"Was a part. I'm just useless baggage now. My father has already made it clear the only use I still have for the clan is to wed Naruto and join the clans through marriage. Hyuuga eyes with Uzumaki vitality. It would set the Hyuuga clan for generations as the top clan, possibly in the nations. Never mind that with the Uzumaki rebuilding with their support, they'd have said clan under their thumb." Her father hadn't told her everything to her face, but between her research of the Uzumaki and what few tidbits she'd gotten about the council and Naruto's telling of what had happened, she knew where things would lead.

Karin however was frowning, "Did you…were you using Naruto as well? Was there anyone in this village who actually cared for him?"

Hinata turned cold eyes to the other girl. "Don't mistake, I have believed in and supported Naruto for years. I love him. I would burn this village to the ground for him. Don't think you know us so well Karin."

Shivering and wishing she never received that look again Karin nodded, "Sorry. Just. Everyone seems to be using the Uzumaki or Naruto with a smile on their face. It's all so bleak."

Hinata leaned back against the building wall, "I don't know if Naruto told you about one of his last missions. He has a possible place to hide out, maybe two if pushed. I'm thinking of suggesting he does so. But, I don't know if he'll leave."

"Maybe he just needs a push? Like two girls that love him suggesting it?" Karin had not been around long, but even she could tell Hinata and Ino actually liked the boy, loved him really, much more than they let on. Ino she might not know well, but Hinata she could tell would in fact drop everything for the boy.

"It's possible. I…I haven't dared bring this up with Ino…but, something big is coming. Even my father seems more urgent lately." Looking at the other girl, Hinata nodded, "I don't judge you that you're from Oto. I can understand you just want to live a better life. If you're really just looking to have a life away from being used, I'll support you. Maybe together we can change our fate."

Karin smiled lightly, "I don't have to convince Tayuya much. All she cares about is getting far away from Oto at all cost if that is what we're going to do."

Turning and beginning to walk back towards the market Hinata nodded, "We'll have to work on Ino. I'm not to sure she'd leave without something drastic happening."

Karin pulled up to walk beside the other quiet girl, "Who else do you believe Naruto might be worried about leaving behind?"

"His team, the ramen stand owners. Maybe our teacher from the academy."

"Then maybe we can plan? I want you to understand, I can't say I love Naruto, we haven't known him that long. But we do value more than anything to opportunity to build a family, a clan again. We just want our own peace."

"I can understand. I just want to control my own life. Maybe we can get that." Both girls watching each other and eventually smiling, they began planning as they set about the market and planning dinner.

Half a village away however was Naruto walking towards the training grounds. Unsealing his sword, he imagined this was probably his most useful therapy at the moment. However before he could even start on his training he encountered team 10. Ino saw him and bounded over, grinning and slugging him in the shoulder, "Heya whiskers, getting some evening work in?"

Nodding the boy couldn't help but smile, "Yeah. Need some time to think really."

Seeing the uncertain look on his face Ino turned back to her team, "Hey, I'm gonna stay behind, I'll catch ya tomorrow for our training yeah?"

Asuma shrugged as the boys were already mentally miles away at the bbq restaurant. "Sure thing, see ya tomorrow. No funny business yeah?" Older man grinning as Ino chucked a senbon at him that missed, the group walked away while Ino joined her crush in returning to the training grounds.

"So…what's up, really. You don't look good."

Naruto had wanted to be on his own for a while. But this was probably one of the few people who could understand. He decided to voice some of his worries, "Short version? The council is gearing up to screw me over again and I'm tired of it. Jiraiya is trying to convince me to remain peaceful, and I haven't had a chance to talk to Tsunade, but she can't help me anyway. I'm not sure what my next move should be." From there he explained the full situation to her as they walked. He didn't want to include her really, but he had learned that at least some of his peers could be trusted. The adults, well, that was a different matter.

Ino had to eventually sit down next to a tree as the boy began a warm up for training. "That's…holy shit."

"Yeah tell me about it." Setting about demolishing the training ground, the Uzumaki was at a loss. None of this involved explosions, which meant he was at an disadvantage.

Ino herself however thought it over. She knew Hinata was trying to convince her that following after Naruto would be better than staying here. Except Ino herself had never put up with half of the things her other two closest friends had ever put up with. She was pretty much a princess, pampered and never having to really deal with loss or abuse or any of this. Thinking about it all however she was beginning to get the clue that Naruto was edging closer to leaving by the day. Even if the council reversed everything and somehow got everything back for his clan, it still wouldn't be enough. Would she follow him? Was her love for him that powerful? The scary thing for her was that she could almost say yes, and what did that mean? "You know, now that you know about the temple, why not hunt it down and raid it alone before the village get's the chance to?"

Naruto paused in his training, why hadn't he thought of that? Jiraiya had told him about the temple, he was sure a little searching would allow him to find it. It would be better to empty it out now as opposed to giving the village the opportunity to take everything. Resealing his sword, Naruto turned to the other blonde, "You know Ino, you're a genius."

"Oh I know, but you can praise me more all the same. I'll still love it."

Chuckling the boy nodded, "Thank you, Ino, for supporting me."

"You got it whiskers. So, we doing this now or what?"

Naruto shook his head, a set plan in mind, "I'll go tonight after dark. For now, let's train a little bit together and then head back to my place. I'm sure Hinata and Karin will pick up food for all of us."

Standing and loosening herself up, Ino nodded, "Alright you're on." She'd need to at least start training that much harder if she did plan on staying by his side.

-b-

A new day, another worn out Naruto. Team training having taken longer today Naruto was laying on the ground as Kakashi had already left. Sakura and Sasuke were still trying to motivate themselves to get up and move and currently failing. Needing some cheering up, Naruto raised a hand, "You know Sasuke. I hear the second date is when they usually start putting out." He never saw the foot that sent him flying.

"Pervert!" Blushing and full of rage Sakura was up and stomping towards the boy. "You just can't keep your mouth shut can you!"

Sasuke just sighed, "If you're gonna kill him at least wait until I'm gone, no witnesses and all."

Naruto however was laughing up a storm as he dodged her next flurry of fists, "Oh com'on, it's not like you've been trying to get a date out of him for like, forever. Let me have this teasing."

"I'll tease your face baka!" A punch finally connecting, the clone popped and left her in a cloud of smoke, "Come face your punishment like a man!"

"Maybe next time you lovebirds!" Laughing as he jumped away and left his two friends alone, the boy made good time back towards the village. They really had trained much longer today, the sun was beginning to set. Thinking that dinner out might be a good idea, he got ready to summon some clones in order to go find Karin and Tayuya before he caught a shock of blonde hair much brighter than his own. Ino was out and was that Hinata and the Uzumaki's? Curious. Jumping towards them Naruto raised a hand, "Yo!"

Ino raised a hand in greeting as well, "Hey there whiskers! Done with training?" The boy falling in line with them the girls paused as he looked them all over. Nothing out of the ordinary with them, he seemed to shrug and provide an answer after a moment.

"Yeah uh, it was a long one today. What's got all of you out today?"

Hinata actually came to his side, smiling all the way, "We were actually coming to find you. Would you like to get dinner? The bbq place should be able to accommodate all of us."

Nodding Naruto put all thoughts of councils and evil elders out of his mind. Diner with his favorite people and his clan? Hell yeah. "Sounds like a perfect night to me." Turning and leading the way, the boy settled in to think on things. He still hadn't come to a decision on what to do. He couldn't accept the council continuing to use them. Nor get away with what they had already done. This last week had been a roller-coaster and he was ready to get off.

Grumbling, the Kyuubi decided to speak up, 'Just leave already, shack up with that snow girl.'

Twitching only slightly, Naruto answered the ancient demon, 'But what about Uzushio, couldn't I spend the time and rebuild it?'

'Why not both. You are supposed to be the greatest container in the nations or have you forgotten? Rebuild your clan and your village, sire as many children as statistically possible you little spaz. You have no limits to what you can accomplish.'

'I didn't forget our deal, things have just been. Shitty.'

'Then make them un-shitty you deranged monkey. But stop wasting time. You could blow this entire village to ash and start over. Lay waste to the nations if you felt like it. Why haven't you, truly?'

Naruto thought about that one while even on autopilot he walked along with the others who were chatting with each other. Why hadn't he gone off the rails already? 'Shouldn't there be a peaceful option?'

'Peace is for those who cannot obtain what they want with their own hands. That is not a failing you have. If you truly want a peaceful life, peace for your clan and future spawn, you know what you must do.'

'Has anyone ever told you your bedside manner needs some work?'

'Your mother, often. Now go, your mates are looking at you funny.' The Kyuubi cutting the link, Naruto grumbled about the girls not being his mates. Ino however poked him in his side, "Sorry, what'd I miss?"

"Nothing much, we ordered but you were spacing out." They had chosen another booth towards the back again, nice and private for what the girls wanted to talk about. Hinata had clued her in about the Oto girls and their motivations. Wanting to get away from the snake seemed to be on everyone's list really. Now the question was would they stay here.

"Sorry, just, thinking." And he was, about a lot of things.

Karin however had seated herself across from him with Tayuya while Hinata and Ino sat on either side of him. Tonight she was going to come clean to him, they didn't have much time after all, and she didn't want him to feel used. "Naruto, I have something important to tell you."

"Oh, what's that?" Eyes going wide, the boy couldn't imagine what could be so important the two girls would begin to look so nervous. Karin however first retrieved a scroll. Unsealing it to reveal a sack, she pushed it over the table for him to take, "Huh?"

"Those are all of the scrolls, books, and research materials I could swipe from Orochimaru and Kabuto before I left the hidden Sound village." Next to her Tayuya looked frantic.

"Wait wait, you stole stuff? Why didn't you tell me?"

"I wasn't sure how loyal you were or not, I was scared."

"Still, you stole from Orochimaru." Fighting hard not to scream the older girl knew going back was probably completely impossible now. Oh well, that pedophile snake could choke on his own dick and rot. "Now we have to run."

Naruto however was looking into the multitudes of scrolls and books and loose papers that were sitting before him. The girls being from Oto? He could deal with that eventually. Reaching into the bag however and pulling free one book that had caught his attention, for it also had a leaf insignia on it as well, he flipped through it casually but quickly. Not saying a word and feeling bad as the girls across from him began to panic, he confirmed his suspicions and closed the book. Putting it back in the sack and sealing it away back into the scroll Karin had handed him. He twirled it around once before handing it back to her. "Here."

"What…Aren't you upset? Mad? Don't you want those?"

"I'm….upset but not at you. We're way past mad however. I do, but they're safe with you." Naruto suddenly had a false calm wash over him. He'd deal with his own emotions later, the girls needed assurance now. "Look, you didn't have any obligation to tell me about your past, but you did. That took trust and courage. So I'm not mad at you."

Tayuya leaned forward then, all or nothing at this point. "Then we have to go. You….you know we can't stay, the snake will come looking for us."

Naruto nodded, "Why's that? What were you supposed to do here?"

Karin sighed, "We uh. We were supposed to convince you to come back. Or failing that…come back with a piece of you, each."Looking down into her lap, she couldn't say it out loud.

Tayuya frowned, "She means we were supposed to fuck ya and take your kids back with us. We're nothing but baby factories to everyone at this point."

"Language Tayuya!"

"Ah suck my tits."

Naruto leaned back into the bench, letting it all wash over him. He knew Orochi would send someone for him eventually. It would have been easier if it had been someone he could blow apart. Using his clan as a shield had been smart, if they were a bit more loyal to him. "When are you supposed to go back?"

"It was supposed to be an unlimited time, but they came back and warned us that we only had a few days now. Specifically we have 1 day left." Tayuya was absently rubbing her left shoulder.

"So to summarize, you and Karin were here originally to take me to Orochi or become pregnant hopefully and go back. But since you know he's a piece of shit, you've been trying to convince me to keep you here or run away with you?" Seeing the girls nod, he focused and ordered one of his house clones to dispel. He'd told them to only dispel on their own if there was violence. Since there hadn't been, they hadn't dispelled. Getting the rush of memories, he nodded that the story matched up with the quiet conversations they had been having together. "Okay."

Hinata leaned forward now to get his attention, "Okay what Naruto?"

Taking a deep and steadying breath, Naruto decided it was time to bite the kunai. "We're out. I'm gonna get Karin and Tayuya somewhere safe first. Then I'm going to threaten the council, leave them a few surprises, and clean out anything the Uzumaki has left in this village. After that." Looking at Hinata and then Ino, the boy sighed, "After that, I'm leaving too. I won't be used anymore by a gov't that can't at least respect us."

"Then I'm coming." Hinata voiced her opinion right away with no hesitation. She had already made clear she didn't have much holding her here. Sure her team was great and they would miss her, but she had dreamed of being at Naruto's side. She was seizing the chance to make that dream a reality.

Ino on the other hand still hadn't been able to come to a conclusion for herself just yet. She wanted to, some part of her truly did. But everything she had ever known was here. Her clan, her friends, her team. Konoha was her home. Could she really give it all up for a boy she had only started to show real interest in within the last half year? "I…."

Naruto placed a hand on her shoulder, eyes kinda and understanding, "You don't have to force yourself Ino. You know I wouldn't want you to and I wouldn't ask it of you. Everything you have is here."

"But if you leave then the one thing I want most won't be." She'd made a promise, she would not lose on the field of love. She loved Naruto. That was enough.

Karin however was beside herself, "So we're doing this? We're sticking together?"

Naruto nodded as he turned emotional eyes back to his clan, "Yup. I have a clan now, and I won't abandon you." He wasn't sure how he would explain this to his team. They had each other now however, and Kakashi sensei would probably never forgive him. He had to take control of his life though and now he was taking responsibility for others. Just as he should have been allowed to do as a chunin. "Gotta do something first though." Making a clone, it appeared to the side of their table and saluted him, "Back in a flash boss." Disappearing in a flash, everyone but him at the table was looking at him oddly, even getting a few looks from other patrons before they went back to their meals.

"What was that?" Ino was looking at the space where the clone used to be. That wasn't a shunshin and the clone didn't dispel either.

"That was me getting a hold of a friend and making plans." Sending a clone via hiraishin was risky, he wasn't even sure if a clone could complete the journey on it's own. This would be a good test either way. "Let's eat, then we can plan some more at home." Leaning back as food was delivered, the server reminding the ninja that jutsus were frowned upon inside the space, they all nodded and dug in.

Tayuya wanted to eat but still needed a question answered, "What about Oto?"

Naruto grinned, "Oh I've got something for them. You know where they are right?"

Karin nodded, "There's actually several bases, some with loyalist, most with prisoners and slaves, experiments."

Naruto nodded, "Could we, free those?"

"With some work, sure."

Hmmm, that opened up a possibility about their lack of manpower. Yes he wanted to rebuild Uzu, but an empty village wasn't much use. He still needed people. People who might join his cause. "Okay, we'll add that to the list of things to do."

"What, rebuilding a clan and a destroyed village isn't enough?" Tayuya was vibrating in place. This boy really meant it. He was going to go against his village for them. He was that passionate about this. It was insane.

"I made a deal. I'm going to be the strongest in the elemental nations. That means dreaming big." He'd have to clue them in on the Kyuubi soon. One info dump at a time he figured.

Hinata however was smiling as she swayed from side to side. She was getting out of this village and away from her father hopefully for good. That was all the good news she needed. As they progressed through dinner and made small talk, her mood did not change. Even after finishing and paying, she was still somewhat glowing as they began making their way out on the street.

Karin nudged her, "Hinata? You seem, very happy."

"I am. I've lived through years of abuse from my father. Getting away from him is possibly the highlight of my year right now." Only thing that would top this would be Naruto coming out and saying he had true feelings for her.

Naruto however was walking with his hands linked behind his head, twitching again as his clone's memories hit him. So Koyuki was okay it and set up a seal in a spare room in her mansion? Good. And apparently there were moves she was going to make as a Daimyo as well. Very good. As they rounded a corner and Naruto looked up to his apartment, he mentally ordered his clones to begin sealing up all of their possessions. Feeling the clones agree and start moving, a blur detached from a rooftop facing his apartment and attempted to get in. Why would someone do that?

And then there was fire.

Apartment going up in a wave of fire and ash, windows all along the street were blown out and even the group below were nearly knocked off their feet from the shockwave. Naruto however was moving, four clones bursting into existence. Three grabbed on to Karin, Tayuya, and Hinata. While the forth looked at Ino quietly, "I'll either knock you out and take you home or you're coming. Which is it?"

Seeing the other three disappear, Ino couldn't believe their shitty luck. Grabbing the real Naruto who was unsealing his sword, he whipped back to her to say something only to have his mouth closed off.

Heat, warmth, passion. Something deeply emotional passed between the two, and then it was gone. Ino nodded with tears in her eyes, "I can only regret the things I want to do but don't. I'm coming." Jumping into the other clones arms, they were gone in a fourth flash.

Eyes still wide and unblinking, he had to shake himself to get moving. Ino kissed him. Apparently she liked him like he liked her. Flashy. Jumping away and focusing, he was gone in a long range shunshin. He could already hear sirens, the fire brigade would be on the way but also anbu as well. Most if not all of them knew by now he used explosives exclusively. Which meant his own house exploding wouldn't be to much of a surprise. Which also didn't surprise him someone would blow his house to bits. It was a great cover. Showed him putting people at risk by experimenting within the village walls outside of a training ground. Someone either wanted him dead, or wanted support for him to fall off. Over the wall and making for the trees, he knew politics weren't his thing, but even he was getting the idea that someone really didn't want him gaining any support or allies. Too bad he had already done that outside of the village. Making good time to where his clones from last night had scouted, he found the ruins of the Uzumaki temple within minutes. Dropping to the ground he didn't bother waiting and sealed his sword away again now that he wasn't worried about threats. Making his way inside he paused as a seal activated on the floor, though after a moment of nothing happening, he continued on his way. It didn't take long to find the center of the temple where he was met with an alter that held a wall of masks. All ornately done and none looking like they had been touched by the ravages of time. Unrolling a long scroll, he began stripping the masks from the alter and sealing them away one my one. The process took a few minutes which once complete found Naruto eyeing the black flamed alter. Concentrating and making clones, he gave them simple instructions.

"Renew any and all seals you find, I don't want anyone from Konoha getting in here."

"On it boss!" The dozen clones raced away through the temple, and Naruto was left to turn back to leave. Frowning however as he somehow missed someone following him. Met with the sad eyes of an older woman he did not recognize, though obviously she was an Uzumaki from her red hair that was tied up in two buns, the boy bowed to her.

"I didn't know the temple had a keeper."

The woman bowed to him in return, shaking her head as she stood, "I never thought I would see the day this temple would be emptied. To what do we owe the occasion?"

Naruto sighed, resting on his back leg for the moment. "In short? Someone in Konoha is willing to go through a lot to see the Uzumaki wiped out and all of our secrets taken. I've just reconnected with two clan members and I plan on protecting them with everything I have."

"So, you've found others to love and protect then?" Smiling the woman walked towards him to shorten the distance between them, seals attached to her hair buns swaying.

"Yeah, I have people very precious to me I wish to protect." His team would have to understand. Hopefully, "What's your name ma'am?"

The woman came within arm's reach of him, stopping finally and only having to look down on him only a little. He had been growing recently, "I am Mito Uzumaki. Though that's not entirely true. I am a shade of Mito Uzumaki. A portion of myself sealed away to protect this place until the next Uzumaki came along. That seems to be you."

He knew that name, she was the first hokage's wife. That was a trip. "I…yeah. But I can't stay."

"I understand. Times change along the ever flow in the river of life after all. You have made shadow clones correct?" Seeing him nod, she waved a hand to her left. "Please, make more. I will instruct them on the masks that you have taken. When they have learned what I have to tell, I will go dormant again. Only appearing once more when you return to seal a portion of yourself and bind it to the temple in order to continue our eternal guard."

Naruto did as he was asked, making the clones and turning away to leave, "Do you…do you think I'm doing the right thing?" She had believed in the leaf possibly even more than he had, than any Uzumaki had. Once.

Mito's shade only bid him farewell, "My place is not to judge, only to guide. As long as you fight with love in your heart, I believe you will find your way." Walking away from him, he noticed finally that she made no sound as she walked. Getting the last hint that she really wasn't here, he did the same. Making one more clone and handing it the scroll, it left in another flash. He himself left the temple and had one last destination in mind.

-b-

Tsunade could say without fail that she was not a happy woman at the moment. Someone had blown Naruto's apartment to bits and now no one could find him. Jiraiya was out and looking along with Anbu, but still no luck and as she and Shizune made it to the tower, she made for her office to begin making orders. Giving Shizune orders to find Kakashi, Tsunade was in her office and walking around to her desk within a breath. Danzo was already there, cane tapping on the floor.

"This is an outrageous occurance. Do you have some idea of what has happened?" The elder council watched her walk around her desk, tapping several seals to summon anbu to her office. She missed her door locking behind her with a soft blue glow.

"If I knew I'd be out there, not in here." Looking up she did not however miss a black clad blonde leaning against her bookshelf.

"Naruto? Hey brat you've got everyone worried to high hell! What's that explosion about?" Danzo as well turned with some surprise to see the boy. Why hadn't he sensed him at all?

Putting a book he had been fiddling around with away, Naruto groaned as he pushed away from the shelf and walked towards the woman he had convinced to come back and take the reigns as Hokage, "Wasn't me. Someone else actually torched my place before I got there."

"And why would someone want to torch your place Naruto?"

"I don't know. Probably should ask the council. Or Danzo." Eyes meeting the older man's, Danzo knew right away something has changed drastically within the last few days. He hadn't gotten any updates from the book he had given the boy, nor considered attaching a root agent to watch him. Folly now that he considered the decisions.

Frowning, she didn't like the look on Naruto's face, "What do you mean?" Maybe she should have listened to the boy, explosions solved all their problems.

Naruto shrugged again, "I've been wondering about a lot of things lately. What happened to the Uzumaki. Why everyone seems so hell bent on using us or our skills and sweeping their misdeeds under the rug. It made no sense that the council would be so against my promotion. I get it now however. And now I don't care anymore." Unsealing one of his works, he held the meter long scroll end up on the floor. Six black bands surrounded the deep crimson scroll, which, once he knew they saw it and were watching, he allowed it to be summoned away to it's hiding location. "You know how every time I make a new one of those it's get's bigger and stronger? Yeah. It's now somewhere in this village. Just a thought from me, and that's it."

Tsunade slammed a hand on her desk, shattering it, "What would posses you to threaten the leaf Naruto! That's treason! There's no coming back from this, no matter how angry you are about the council or your blocked promotion."

Naruto however was watching Danzo, someone who was also not moving, "We all know it's not about the promotion, don't we?"

Danzo sighed before turning fully to the boy, "Everything I've done has been for the leaf village. For my home. I've been around a long time boy. I've wiped nations off the map for my village. Your threats mean nothing."

Naruto however began to grin, "I'm gonna take a guess. Uzushio was your work then?" Getting no answer beyond a slight tense of the man's jaw, the silence was more than enough. "Yeah, it would have either been you or ji-I mean the third. You found out Uzu had something so important it was worth letting them all die to get it."

Looking at the elder, Tsunade herself was beginning to shake. What had she missed while trying to balance all this bullshit recently? She had just started this, this boy was what got her here. "Naruto. Look, there's got to be some mistake. Let's calm down and talk about-"

Naruto however put a finger in his ear and wiggled it, inspecting it for wax after a moment and coming up empty, "Yeah I'd love to, but I'm on a time limit. So here's the deal, I'm gone. You're gonna hear from the daimyo, most likely soon. And then the Uzumaki clan is gonna be making some demands." Grinning, the now obvious to the two elder ninja clone held up a middle finger, "I'd say it's been fun, but honestly it's been pretty shit." Dispelling, several explosions ripped through the village. Looking out the window, Tsunade didn't know many of the locations, but one she did know was the old home of Kushina and Minato. Turning back to Danzo, the woman balled a fist as the door to her office burst open, several Anbu piling inside.

"What have you done?"

Danzo shook his head, for once truly innocent. "Believe me or not, I did nothing. I did not want to alienate the boy any more than he already was. But someone else, most likely very short sighted, does not agree with me. We must get to the bottom of this quickly."

"Oh yeah? And why shouldn't I punt you out the door and have you arrested?"

"Because if we don't get to the bottom of this and hopefully show him the results, we may just find out if he was bluffing or not. I will not bare witness to the fall of the leaf."

Tsunade turned to everyone standing around, "Go put out the fires! I want investigations and reports on my desk asap! Move!" Watching all of the gathered ninja leave, she was left with Danzo and Shizune, "This isn't over at all. But for the village's sake, we have work to do."

Inside Danzo was furious. Who ever had thrown this wrench in his plans was destined for something much worse than death when he was done with them. "Yes. We do." Turning and leaving, the elder had his own ninja to give orders to. Someone's head would roll tonight.

Several nations away, Naruto was grinning as he was greeted by a tired but happy Koyuki along with his friends. "So, I've got an idea for you about your trains."

"Already?"

"Yup." Naruto's eyes began to glow, "How do you feel about digging underground?"

-AN-

And we're ending here. Not gonna lie ya'll, I wasn't sure if I was going to do it. I even wrote and scraped this chapter once. I realized however that I've been playing it safe this whole time, sticking adjacent to canon while putting a little flair on it. Welp, screw that. If I wanna improve I gotta explore my own stuff. So, we're off canon from here. I don't think I'll be doing a major time skip at all, maybe max like a month or two at a time, so you'll be front seat to progress from the Uzumaki's and Snow/Spring. Politics will come and go through the story, but won't be such a focus like it has been the last few chapters. At least that's not the plan. Direction is set. Let's do this.