Legion of Naruto

by DarkWolfy

He knew his clones were solid but someone finally clues him in that he can learn with them. Armed and ready, a simple idea would lead to a child's understanding of what a badass really could be. Cause if you can spam suicide clones, why not make it fun?

24. Chapter 24

-AN-

I think, it might be time for a multi country tour.

-Story Start-

A week to relax and train nonstop was something Naruto would always look forward to. Training with the remaining Uzumaki masks, being lazy with the women of his life, and learning everything he could from the Uzumaki scrolls. He could say that after a week, he could probably do a lot of damage all on his own to any nation on the continent if he tried. Which, considering his next two missions, he was somewhat going to do just that. Leaving his group in Spring with instructions to train and look after Koyuki, a few very hardened clones left just in case, he set off himself first to the Northern Sound base. He warned Koyuki and Tsunami via clones that refugees would be coming in, but now here he sat, removing the hiraishin tag from it's hiding place and staring out over the base hidden in the rock wall. While not a sensor like Karin he could tell that there were significant life forces present here and after beginning his usual method, creating 100 hardened clones at a time and sending them off, he sat and waiting for the results to come in. In his mind, Kurama piped up.

'So you're challenging yourself for once? Noble.'

"Something like that, I wanna make sure I can actually be just as much of a badass as I think I am.'

'Do not misunderstand, I approve. You are my container, you must continue to be strong.'

Naruto thought over some of the research he had been doing this week. Finally making sense of not only nature chakra, but ying and yan balance. He had a hunch now why using Kurama's chakra would make him no nuts. 'We should look into how to get your other half of chakra from my dad.'

'Do you truly think it will help?'

'Well, half of you was ripped away, that can't have been pleasant. You should be allowed to be whole. Balance is important for anything living.'

'Hmmm, perhaps. You do not worry I might try to take control?'

'Nah. Even if you did, that'd do more to show who you are, not me. It's my choice to trust you, it's your choice to break it.'

'Wisdom from you feels odd. Go back to being an explosion murder boy.'

'Ass.'

'That's more like it.' Feeling the mental link simmer into the background, Naruto began to feel memories flow into him mind. It seemed Orochi had attempted to fortify this base slightly but with Naruto that didn't mean anything. Sound ninja were just barely above fodder for the most part, and the prisoners were being released with no problems. A good portion were Earth country natives who wished to return home, which Naruto utilized a tag on the main road in order to drop them off with a wave and a smile. Just as many however wished to side with him, floating between Spring and Uzu. However, a group of clones was lost in spectacular fashion and led to Naruto standing from his seated position and stretching. "Guess it's time to see for myself." Making the ram handseal and performing a shunshin he appeared inside the base, walking along through dark halls while he listened in on shouting and his own clones conversations with prisoners. His memories told of an orange haired teen with the abilities to shift his body how he liked. Normally this might not be a problem but his clones were being cautious. Ordered to offer leave to anyone not of the sound, this guy apparently wasn't sound but wasn't willing to talk unless it was the original. Naruto could put up with that, Kotohime had needed almost the same treatment.

Coming upon a cell with it's wall missing and rubble everywhere, Naruto was faced with said large orange haired teen sitting on the ground with a large prison weight tied to his ankle. Sighing and spreading his hands out, Naruto voiced his opinion, "You know we really don't have to fight. I'd personally rather not."

Jugo had been stuck in this cell for along time. While initially hoping Orochimaru could help him with this curse, he was only waiting because Kimimaro had promised someone would come to continue where he himself left off. With no one to help hold back his urges like the bone clan member Kimimaro, Jugo wouldn't leave this prison under his own power. "I cannot leave without someone being able to put me in check. Believe me, I'd rather not fight at all."

"Okay, we're getting somewhere. So let's not fight and talk it out."

"No."

"Just when I thought this would be easy. Wanna explain why at least?"

"My body. Orochimaru was experimenting in the hopes that one day I might be cured. That has failed, now I'm only being used to spread this curse to others, my lower copies."

"Okay, I'm with you so far."

"My own curse stays uncured. If you want me to talk with you further-" Here the teen began to vibrate and growl under his breath, "You'll have to subdue me."

Now this was something Naruto could understand. Making a brace of clones with instructions, Naruto nodded, "Okay then, hope you're prepared."

Lunging forward with a yell, Jugo was nearly foaming at the mouth as both arms transformed into wide oversized bearlike claws. "I hope you're prepared to die maggot!" He ignored the group of clones that rushed forward to tap him on various parts of his body. There was no damage, therefore no threat. At least, until he was smashed into the floor with what felt like the weight of the entire mountain resting on him. "Ugh…." Groaning, his transformation shifted to something with a lot more muscle mass. There was however still no movement from him and the crater he was in only grew slightly.

Naruto however walked forward calmly with his, eyes shining in the dark space, "Yeah you aren't going anywhere. Which gives us plenty of time to talk."

Struggling and trying to look up at the blonde, Jugo would not cower easily, "This will not hold me."

Naruto shrugged and took a squat within striking range of Jugo, "Okay. Prove it." Naruto sat there and stared Jugo in the eyes, "You are fighting gravity. I put seals on you that I regularly use to train my body. The more you fight, they stronger they get." Watching Jugo fight to move with something akin to clinical detachment, Naruto nodded, "Wanna talk yet?"

"Never…" Jugo however was finding that it was beginning to get harder to breath and altering his forms was not helping. Trying to push up only wasted energy.

Naruto shook his head, "Look, I'm not going to waste time. I'm trying to save people. Build a new home for my clan and for the downtrodden people who continue to get stuck in these senseless wars. But I don't need you. I was mainly curious that you might be another long lost Uzumaki but I doubt that at this point." Making a hand sign and increasing the weight on his opponent, Naruto began to glare, "Don't test my patience anymore. What's your deal or I'll blow you to pieces with the rest of this shitty place."

The added weight finally seemed to knock Jugo out of his rage. The young man suddenly knew, without a shadow of a doubt, that this blonde before him would absolutely kill him and leave without a worry about him in the future. He was that far below him. It was exactly what he needed, someone who could control his urges. Form reverting back to normal and somehow the weight pressing down on him decreasing, Jugo explained. "My clan had the ability to pull in nature chakra that we could use in battle. This however meant during period where we did not battle regularly we would be hit occasionally with a rage we could not control. The trait was strongest in me. They call me Jugo of the scales. Most of the time I'm very peaceful but without warning I can be hit with an uncontrollable rage."

Naruto hummed and thought about that, 'Sound familiar huh Kurama?'

'Little monkey is probably being hit with negative emotions from natural sources and doesn't even realize it.'

'Which means we might be able to design a filter for it.'

'Why? Just blow him up and be done with it.'

'Yeah well, He seems to want to be peaceful. This anger thing is outside of his control. I can help.'

'Well said, let me know if you need my chakra or assistance.' Fading away mentally and allowing Naruto to focus completely again, the boy began unsealing sealing ink and a brush.

"So here's the deal, I've pretty sure I can help you. After that you can decide what you want to do."

Jugo raised his eyebrows as the weight lifting off of his body. Refusing to move however, he voice his question, "Why would you go so far for me?"

Naruto shrugged, "Like you admitted to me, you wanted to be peaceful, but I had to subdue you first. I have, now I'm going to help you with your problem. It's not like you want to kill me after all." Ripping the larger teen's shirt off, Naruto began to work a seal on his upper left shoulder.

"This won't be like Orochimaru's curse seal will it?"

Naruto scoffed, "Hell no. Think of this as more of a filter. It'll let your body continue to bring in nature chakra, but it'll filter out the negative emotions you randomly get. You'll still have all of your original abilities but now more control."

"I….I never thought that would be possible."

"That's what dealing with Orochimaru will get you. I really need to track that asshole down soon. Of course that is if you want this."

Jugo nodded slowly, "If I can have control of my rage, then yes, I will accept this gift."

"Good enough for me." Working slowly but with focus, Naruto wrote all along Jugo's back. The minutes ticked by, mental reports from his clones letting him know after a while that the base was soon completely emptied out. After half an hour he was done and placing a hand over Jugo's back, "Might want to grit your teeth buddy."

"Wha?" Jugo didn't get a chance to reply completely, pain arcing up and down his spine for half a minute before subsiding. Taking deep and labored breath, he watched Naruto seal away most of his supplies except for a cream, which the other boy rubbed into his back. "What's this?"

"Healing cream, it'll ease the pain." Naruto worked the cream into Jugo's shoulder before sealing it away and standing. "You're all done."

Jugo himself gave it a minute, waiting for his body to do it's natural thing. He found though that unless he reached for it, the rage he sometimes felt was just not there. This boy, no, leader had done exactly what he had promised. That was more than Orochimaru had ever done. "What did you say your goal was again?"

"In simple terms? I'm rebuilding my clan and building a new home for civilians and ninja that are tired of the current ninja system. I want peace, for everyone. Think you'd be interested in that?"

Jugo nodded without hesitation. Willing to follow this man who had given him the peace he had craved, "Absolutely."

Naruto grinned and held out a hand, pulling the other boy to his feet, "Good. Now I can take you to either the north to a sleepy country that's big on advancing civilian technology. Or I can take you south to an island nation that's rebuilding it's home nation. Both are peaceful, but the south will have more work."

Jugo shook his head and took a moment to kneel, bowing his head to Naruto. "Rather, I wish to stay by your side as your shield. I will fight for you and aid you in your quest."

"Uh. That wasn't an option."

"Consider it a request from someone you saved."

Naruto thought about that one. He had been surrounded by nothing but women for the last month or so. Having a guy around to make friends with could be good. "You know what, sure. Just realize, I'm going to be fighting and waging all kinds of havoc all over the elemental nations."

Jugo stood and nodded, "By your will, it shall be done."

"Somehow I get the feeling I'm going to regret this. I need a friend, not a blind follower."

"I will do my best to become your friend. In the end however I am your shield, what's to regret."

Naruto sighed as he made a clone and tossed it a v1. "Yup, can already feel the regret seeping in. C'mon, let's move it before I blow this place to hell."

"How will you manage that?"

Naruto grinned widely over his shoulder, "By the greatest technique ever. Explosion based seals." Dashing away while Jugo followed him, their first order of business was finding Jugo some clothes.

-b-

Not even a full day later Naruto joined by Jugo, having flashed and made it to Rice country, were dashing along the trees. Upon arriving Naruto had made hundreds of hardened clones to scout and make more clones to scout further if they found hardened hideouts or targets. But his first stop was the Fuma clan. While he hadn't given them a seal, he had left Kotohime with a clone to mark their location.

He could have done without the clone hiding in her cleavage but the past was the past.

Jugo was confused but followed after Naruto regardless. Dressed in orange and blue, the taller teen had adopted the Uzumaki swirl on the back of his large orange shirt given to him by Naruto. The shorter man seemed to know where he was going at least, so that was a plus.

As they continued on Naruto unsealed one of the Uzumaki masks, the Onnamen. Depicting a laughing woman, face pale, he slipped it on and attached it with chakra before the mask took over and sealed itself to him. Jugo however was curious about this, why would Naruto need a disguise? "What use is the mask?"

Naruo turned to look at Jugo as they hopped between trees, "For now just consider this a tool I can use to determine the truth, that's all."

"Yes sir." Jugo made a note that Naruto apparently had many powerful tools at his disposal.

Naruto lead them through the trees and over several roads until they came upon an open space that may have once been a rice farm long ago. Dropping to the ground to show he wasn't a threat, he was met with several ninja with headbands and heavily armed. Naruto himself held up his hands as a show of peace, "I'm here for Hanzaki. My name is Naruto. Sasame, Kotohime, or Kagero will know me."

One of the men grumbled but motioned for one of the younger members to head off to the clan home. It took a few minutes for them to return, no one saying anything while they waited, though Jugo did eventually lean forward,

"Say the word sir, I can flatten all of them for impeding you."

"Yeah not necessary, but thanks for offering." Naruto sighed, this was not what he was looking for. Thankfully however the clan member returns with a smiling Kotohime in tow.

"You've returned Naruto. I'm so glad to see you. Oh, who's this?" The mask was new but she'd recognize that build and frame anywhere. Plus that special shade of blonde hair.

Naruto motioned to Jugo, "Consider him a retainer. How've you been Kotohime?" This was the one his clones kept flirting with right? He could see why. Damn teenage hormones.

Kotohime however smiled brightly and bounced, in several ways, in place. "You remembered me. Wonderful. You both will be welcome here. Sasame and Hanzaki are waiting just ahead. Please follow me." Turning and leading the way at a sedate pace, Naruto and Jugo fell in step with her. Turning back to the young men, Kotohime smiled, "What do you think Lord Naruto? Am I still just as appealing as before or more so? I promised after all." Kotohime was dressed in black shorts and a black tube top. An orange vest covered her top while her hime cut hair had not changed as it went with her preferred combat style.

Naruto coughed into a hand, wishing his clones weren't so on the nose. But after his conversation with the girls, he was willing to be more open with himself at least, "You're just a beautiful as before Kotohime. Big statement you're making there with my colors." The mask was telling him she was in fact being upfront and honest with him, so that was a plus.

Kotohime nodded with a giggle, "I wished to state my claim fast and early. I will be your woman my Lord. Only you have bested me in battle so decisively." Looking him in the eye, she grinned, "Little Sasame has her own crush to work through, please be prepared."

Naruto mumbled, "I'm here to work, not play." The point of this trip was to root out bandits and gangs. Not flirt.

Jugo was mumbling as well, "Note, Lord Naruto has women he has claimed all over the nations, be wary."

"That is a good retainer." Kotohime could appreciate a friend or comrade who knew the pecking order.

Naruto sighed, "Why do I even bother with any of it." Reaching a home with a sign proclaiming Fuma Lane above it. Naruto was met with Sasame and a taller gruff looking back in muted colors and a red cloth bandanna. This must be Hanzaki.

"So you must be Naruto, Sasame and the others told me much about you." Voice just as gruff as his face suggested, Naruto walked forward to shake his hand. Jugo stayed behind while Kotohime moved off to the side to watch the proceedings. "What brings you to our neck of the woods?"

Naruto decides getting right to the issue would be best. "So like, I'm here on a mission request from the new Rice Daimyo. Since I'm going to be operating in your neck of the woods I figured I should let you know what's up. I'm going to be, exterminating, bandits and gangs with extreme prejudice. I'd suggest pulling back any and all of your ninja for the next few days." Naruto watches the assembled members before him and several trying to watch from windows and the doorways are all muttering with surprised looks. Good. "After I'm done the Spring Daimyo will be contacting the Rice Daimyo for economic trade unions. There will also be some talks with you the Fuma clan for peace as well. I'd like you to be open to them as well as making peace with any ninja clan remaining in Rice once I'm finished."

Hanzaki shrugged, "Why not just eliminate all of the other ninja clans?"

Naruto frowned, "That'd be genocide. A lot of these clans have done nothing wrong, yours hasn't really right? You've all just been caught in shitty situations. I'd like allies who are willing to work towards a peace based on understanding each other."

"But you're willing to kill bandits and gangs? Seems hypocritical."

Naruto however shakes his head, "Most of the bandits and gangs on the road have done a lot worse. Murder, rape, pillaging innocent villages. Nah, I want nothing to do with them and everyone else is better off without those types left alive. They gave up their chance for redemption and now they're just part of the problem." Naruto however did pause to look directly at Hanzaki, "Unless you're saying you and your clan do the same." The mask was whispering that wasn't the case but it was still good to hear it straight from the source. Huh, this mask really did come in handy.

It wasn't killing intent that Hanzaki felt but the pressure of that gaze made him wish he could be anywhere else in that moment. "No, we are a ninja clan and have taken contracts for hire, but we've never acted needlessly." Hanzaki thought about everything Naruto had said so far. This kid seemed willing to back up his talk with action if the stories the returned clan members were anything to go off of. "I think you have both guts and honor but I need more. If you're going to clean up this country I want our clan along for the ride to witness it. Take Sasame and Kotohime with you. They'll see for themselves your actions and report back honestly." Even though Kotohime had been a little off since her return, he at least trusted Sasame to be impartial.

Naruto nodded at that, "That's fine, I can watch after them and get things done at the same time." Turning to the pair who were now standing together, "Do you need to get ready or can we leave now?"

Kotohime raised a hand while smiling brightly, "I'm ready to go now Lord Naruto." What she was ready to do however was left unsaid. That was for later, under the cover of night.

Sasame sighed and nodded as well, "I have all of our supplies sealed away, we're good to go." She could already tell she would need to keep Kotohime in check. It was looking to be a long few weeks.

Naruto nodded and saluted to Hanzaki as he turned away, "Welp, we're gonna get to it then. See you in a week."

"Protect my clan members. Any harm comes to them and as a man, you better take responsibility." Hanzaki's gaze flicked to Kotohime then back to Naruto, "ANY harm, got it?"

"Yes yes, I got it old man." Chuckling the newly formed group began to race away back towards the trees and up into the tree cover. "He's a bit of a worry wort isn't he?"

Sasame smiled softly as they moved from tree to tree, "He's been like that since we returned. I think he's both happy the clan is coming together and worried things could go wrong again." Orange hair floating behind her, the smaller girl was happy to have some freedom to do something after the last few days of being stuck at home.

Naruto nodded, "Welp, things should be pretty easy, I'm already mapping out targets and have our first one picked out. Should be there shortly actually."

Kotohime pulled up next to him, "Who's that?"

"Some bandits who have holed up in a cave under the mountain nearby. Pretty standard really."

Sasame nodded and gained his attention while Jugo trailed behind them, "What's our plan?"

Naruto shrugged, "I spam copious amounts of clones and lay waste to anyone standing in my way and you get to relax and watch. Maybe point me in different directions if your local information seems better than mine."

Sasame did her best not to pout. This was about making their home better, not pride, even if it was boring. "Boo." She tried.

Kotohime however was on cloud nine, back together and already showing just how manly he was? Oh yes, she chose her beau well, "I'm okay with this plan, gives us more time together." Curiosity was finally getting the best of her, "What's with the mask?" She hadn't pegged Naruto as someone into drama.

Naruto's grin was hidden but the playful tone carried over, "Oh just wait, it's a fun little tool is all." Depending on how things went he might explain it to the pair. This was meant to be a Uzumaki secret after all.

Jugo just sighed as his leader was apparently both very skilled and completely capable of capturing women while on mission. He would take notes and hopefully learn from these experiences. Following along, they came upon what looked like an entrance to a mine tucked away at the base of a moderate hill. Naruto had jumped down to face the entrance about a dozen meters away while his three followers landed behind him.

"Alright, let's see what we got." Willing another 100 clones in existence Naruto watched as they all began to run inside with little noise. Looking back, Naruto eyed Jugo, "Watch over the girls, I've gotta focus for a bit."

"Yes sir." Scanning the treeline and feeling out Jugo began to walk around the area just following nature's flow.

Naruto himself closed his eyes and clasped his arms behind his back, it was always easier to direct his clones with his eyes closed and shutting things out. He was beginning to notice lately that if he focused hard it was almost like he could see through the clone's eyes. Don't know what part of the shadow clone technique would allow for that but he would figure it out.

Sasame watched interested as Jugo walked a bit away from them, random birds coming to rest on his outstretched arms and hands. That was a first. Jugo seemed very much at easy however and at least if the forest animals were here that had to mean the area was safe.

Kotohime was watching Naruto and so had a decent view as clones started dragging men out of the mine's entrance. Raising her eyebrows she noted that many were dirty and their clothes were in tatters. Usually most of the local bandits were displaced farmers or villagers down on their luck. She wasn't getting that vibe from the men Naruto's clones were dragging out hog tied. Once there were ten men dropped before them, Naruto sighed and seemed to shake himself.

"Oh you lot are fuuucked." Naruto's voice was guttural as he moved to stand before the fearful men. One of his clones had dispelled, letting him know there were cages full of people inside. Mostly women and children but there were some men as well, not enough though. "Originally I was going to give each of you orders to run and tell everyone you know that the Maelstrom is here to clean house. Seeing some of what you lot do though." Slavers. There weren't just bandits, there were a network of slavers here. There was no need to hold back. "I think only one of you gets to go free now."

One of them was brave, making it to his knees to plead his case, "Please my lord, let me carry your message. I know were the various clans are." That he would be running as fast and as far as his legs could carry him away from all this died in his throat. It didn't matter however. He never saw the kunai that lodged in his forehead.

Naruto frowned, chakra flaring and pressing down on the assembled men before him, "Anyone else want to speak out of turn?" Idly he realized that he still had a lot of rage to work through. Things had been good recently in his personal life but maybe he should make a personal visit to Konoha soon. Turning his gaze across all of the men, he eventually settled on one man who legitimately was pressed into this business against his will. He was still shit, but less shit. "You. I'm going to mark you." A clone pressed a seal onto his back and then untied him, "Redeem yourself. Carry my message to everyone you can find. Do so and you'll go free to repent your ways. Try to run for it and I'll blow you to bits, got it?" The seal faded away through his clothes, attaching directly to his skin and adhering tightly. Nothing short of another seal master would be removing it.

"Yes my lord."

"Good, scram." The man made a hasty retreat while all the others yelled and began pleading their own cases. Naruto however mentally noted that the cave was now empty of prisoners, Many had no ties to Rice and had wished to go to Uzu. A few still had family here and clones had taken them as far as they could. Naruto turned back to the Fuma girls, "Do either of you know if this cave is still used for anything?"

Sasame thought it over, "No don't think so."

Kotohime shook her head, "Haven't heard anything about it."

Naruto nodded and turned to his clones, "Take em back in to an empty chamber, lock em in."

"Yes sir!" Over the gathered men's protests, the clones all dragged or carried them back inside. Naruto however was already turning away pausing only slightly at the sight of Jugo covered in forest animals.

"That's new."

Jugo looked up and noticed the attention he was getting, "Time to go my lord?"

"Yup, there's a port town that's apparently been subjugated by some thugs. Wanna make it there by tomorrow." Making a motion with a hand for everyone to follow him they took to the trees once more. Behind them an explosion rang out and dust spewed from the mine entrance. Kotohime came up besides Naruto then.

"You are so in control my Lord. Perhaps you could, give me a private demonstration later?"

"Heh, you do remember other people are with us correct?" His clones had gotten him in trouble, again.

"They could learn a thing or two." Kotohime would not be denied.

Coming to the end of available tree cover the group of four dropped to the ground and adopted a more lax pace for the road. For Naruto he figured it would be better from here to not scare the locals. Plus, roadside bandits were a thing that needed to be cleaned up. This clones would only cover so much road way. They had already disposed of a few themselves though.

Sasame walked along next to Jugo, while Kotohime tried her best to flirt and draw Naruto's attention. Sasame giggled and turned her attention to the taller man next to her, "How long have you been with Naruto? You weren't with him the last time he was in Rice."

Jugo shook his head as he looked down on the orange haired girl, "Not long. Lord Naruto actually saved me just recently. I've decided to follow him and see out his vision." He had a second chance at life because of Naruto. He would die for the man if needed. Jugo believed Naruto had the power to change the world.

Sasame smiled, "He seems to really put his all into everything he does. He gave us a second chance as well, our clan had splintered and some had been working with Orochimaru. But he saved us and now he's going to help clean up our country. We'll be hard pressed to repay that debt."

Both shared a smile as their feelings seemed to mirror one another. They both respected Naruto greatly and were willing to follow him in his quest. Turning from one another to watch Naruto himself, they paused as a group of men came out onto the road from a rundown storage shack. All of them either chuckling or holding up weapons, they gave the group an ultimatum.

"Leave the girls and scram brats. Or we'll bleed you out here."

Naruto sighed. Sure he wanted to find bandits but did they really need to be so cliche? "Look guys, it's a nice day out. Why don't you go find some honest work and leave us alone."

"Aw look boys" A taller lanky man strode forward with his hands on his hips, "The girly boy think he's tough. Listen boy, we'll be taking the women. For speaking up, we're gonna beat ya and make ya watch us have a taste of them. Got it?"

Naruto however just sighed and created clones, "You're just, so gross." The man in front of him being left alone the other clones raced ahead, each grabbing a man before attaching an explosive note and then hurling them over the rice fields with all their strength. Like grotesque human fireworks the men were sent screaming before they exploded and rained down pink mist. Turning back to the leader himself, the man had dropped to his ass and was crab walking away from Naruto.

"Ni-n-n-ninja!" Oh of course they had tried to jump some ninja. Of all the rotten luck.

Naruto added some chakra to his eyes for added effect, making them shine as he looked down on the coward, "Run away. Run and tell everyone the Maelstrom is coming." Seeing the man nod quickly and run off, the boy removed his mask and sealed it away in his jacket. Huh, the sleeves were started to get a little short. Or was he getting taller?

Kotohime was grinning wide, "Quick and efficient. Though you let one go again. Why?" They all started walking again.

"It gets the message out. Hopefully some of these groups will leave and make a run for it, or some will try to band together to fight me. That's good for me as it means I won't have to go all over the country to find them." If it saved him any time at all he was going to appreciate it. He wanted to get back to Spring and the girls.

Walking along Kotohime indulged her curiosity some more, "Where are you from Lord Naruto?"

Chuckling Naruto pointed lazily at the trees, "I'm originally from the Leaf Village. But I've since left them behind. The village council screwed me over pretty good and someone apparently tried to kill me. So me and some of my friends left to do our own thing for a while."

"You, were from the Leaf?" Kotohime thought about that for a while in silence. Her sister had been lost in the Leaf during the invasion. At first she had hated the Leaf because she thought they were responsible. It took a while to learn the truth and realize Orochimaru had used her as a sacrifice. Yet she still had followed the gifted tongued man, believing his words and promises. Maybe if they had really seen the snake bastard for who he really was Kin would still be alive today.

Naruto however wasn't privy to those thoughts, just answering her question instead, "Yeah. Grew up there. Had to leave behind some really good friends. I'm hoping I can convince them to come with me later thought." He would love to get the Ichiraku's to defect for sure. Iruka would be a hard sell and Sasuke, Sakura, and Kakashi would probably be all but impossible. He would try though. He'd show them Uzu and Spring. Let them see just what he was doing. Hopefully Sasuke could forgive him for leaving.

Kotohime speaks up for a bit, "You know, I used to hate the Leaf." Seeing Naruto turn to face her, she nodded to him, "My sister, Kin, died during the invasion. I had though it had been the work of your ninja. But Orochimaru admitted that she had sacrificed herself for him and one of his techniques. It still took me a while to get over my hatred of them. But you at least, I hold no grudge towards. We all have a second chance because of you and I am grateful for it."

Naruto appreciates the slightly older girl being honest with him, "For what it's worth, I think it's perfectly okay to hate the Leaf, but I think I get what you mean." He hadn't grown up with a sibling so he couldn't really relate. Losing someone precious however, that thought had him in knots.

Sasame chimed in, "I wonder, maybe if we had met without Orochimaru or the Leaf being so shitty…do you think we'd still be able to be close like this?"

Naruto shrugs, "I think, if we had met, we probably would have been." He probably wouldn't have met them if he hadn't left the Leaf however. Doubtful any mission they took would have planted them in the middle of a sound base. Looking up Naruto notes the sun making it's way lower into the sky. "C'mon, I wanna hit that wooded area up ahead soon and turn in for the night. We should reach the port town by tomorrow midday."

Kotohime saluted with a smile, "Lead the way Lord Naruto. I'll be happy to help you relax later!"

Sasame just sighed as their pace picked up just a bit, "This is going to be a long mission."

Jugo agreed with her though for different reasons, "Most likely." It was nice, to be able to be around normal people and not have to worry about flying into a rage. He would cherish each and ever moment from here on. All thanks to his Lord.

-b-

The next day found the group walking into what looked like a busy port town by the sea. None of them could ignore the smells however. Like something rotten was hovering over the place. Naruto decided to head off behind a building and unnoticed by the civilians began making clones and transforming them into random looking people. Their orders for the day were to hunt down the gang running this town. Task complete he rejoined the group and they made their way through town towards the port itself. Mask firmly on Naruto figured there was always something going on around a port.

Sasame and Kotohime had frowns on their faces as they walked along. The people they could see looked beaten, ragged. Someone was putting the squeeze to the townsfolk and it was obviously taking it's toll. What few children they saw all looked underweight, more than a few barely had the energy to just sit and watch the group pass them by.

Kotohime frowned, "So distracted by bringing our clan back to power that we ignored this in our own home…"

Sasame nodded, "Even if we wanted to we just didn't have enough people. It's been a pain just bringing the clan back together." Even to her however it felt like an excuse. Simple gangs and bandits weren't problems for ninja. Any of them could have started helping.

Naruto however has his hands in his pockets as he walked, "Doesn't matter now. I'm here to do just that. We're going to clean up every village and town we find and wipe the slate clean, let the people start over." Mask covering his face and preventing the others from seeing his own disgusted face, they were all stopped by a pair of goons who looked like they hadn't bathed in a month.

"Aw lookie at the tourists Gin, don't they look just sooooo out of place?" This one was balding with wispy hair clinging to a scab filled scalp. Most notably he had all of his teeth though they were rotten.

"Sure do Rin, but the women are mighty fine lookin. Thinkin' we can have some fun ya?" Gin however had long shaggy hair down to his back, though his burly frame produced an odor that had Naruto wincing. This one would have to go.

Kotohime has a bored look on her face, "Do all of the men around here only think with their peckers?"

Naruto however has decided he needs to make an example out of one of them, and apparently the overweight Gin was the one to go. A rasengan appeared in his hand, "Listen, I only need one of you. Run back to your leaders and let them know I'm coming for them."

"Aw, the little kiddie thinks he scares us with the light show. We ain't afraid of ya boy." Rin pulled a rusty knife from a pocket and brandished it with a grin.

Naruto shrugged and let the rasengan fly, a thin chakra thread holding it together as it connected with Gin and sent him flying away down the street. Body crashing into the dirt eventually, Gin's internal organs couldn't hold up against the grinding might of the attack. He was dead even before his body came to rest.

Rin looked back towards his brother slowly, not believing what he just saw. It was a trick, it had to be a trick. How could this kid do this to his brother? Turning back with fear in his eyes, he nearly wet himself at the shining eyes behind the mask, "Wanna dance mister?" Rin turned and fled back towards the docks at full speed. The boss would want to hear about this.

Kotohime giggled, "Was that really necessary?"

Naruto shook his head, "No, but I consider rapist pretty much at the bottom of life. It's like stepping on an ant." The group walking forward, Naruto began to circulate chakra through his body, "Gotta remember to clean up after myself." Reaching down to pick up the dead man, Naruto spun once before throwing Gin towards the ocean. Holding a hand to cover his eyes from the sun, he pumped his fist at the splash in the distance. "Didn't hit anyone innocent. I call that a good job." Memories pouring in, Naruto nodded, "Yup, major gang in a warehouse at the dock."

Jugo stepped forward, "Would you like me to take care of this my Lord?"

Naruto almost said no he would, but then paused. One of the things he would need to learn was to let others do the work as well. Yes he could do everything, but he didn't need to do everything. And these were just basic thugs. "The warehouse they're holed up in is full of supplies, think you can take them out without destroying anything?"

"Since the seal you've placed on me, yes I believe I can do that." He felt like he had much better control of his emotions. He should have no problems in battle.

"Okay, when we get there You can have at them. I want no one spared."

"It will be done." Jugo fell into step behind Naruto as the group continued on toward the docks. As they walk Naruto is hit with memories from several clones. Some knocking around thugs and kids who think they're tough. A few tearing apart some murderers mid act. A few more helping children and making themselves useful. Almost all of them when asked tell the people to thank Uzushio or the Blonde Maelstrom himself. As they came upon the docks and walked past several ships in poor repair and even less functional fishing boats, they all stopped before a warehouse that was closed up with several guards out front.

Naruto pointed ahead, "Remember, no damage to the dock or the supplies. And bring me the leader himself." Jugo nods and rushes off, body changing as his blood ability kicked in. Arms forming into scythes, he was the incarnate of death as he dispatched first the guards and then the doors leading to the warehouse. Behind them and unnoticed by Naruto, a crowd was beginning to form.

Jugo himself found it easy to control his usual battle rage and lust for destruction. More so that these were just normal people, not ninja. This was no battle.

It was slaughter.

It was moments before he was able to pick out and isolate the gaudiest dressed thug in the room, injuring his knee and preventing him from running away. From there the two dozen men who all were gathered arguing over what to do were set upon by Jugo. Arm scythes flying, it was less than a minute before the warehouse was empty. As his Lord requested, no damage to any of the supplies was made. The rows and rows of containers and wood boxes unscathed. Though he wasn't sure if the doors would count as dock damage. He would accept punishment if they were. Grabbing the blubbering leader in his hand, he dragged the rat along with him.

Naruto and the others watched as Jugo returned dragging a brown haired man in what looked like a cheap business suit and multiple rings on his fingers. Frowning as the man was dropped at his feet, Naruto only had one question. "What was the point of all of this?"

"Waaah what? The hell do you mean brat?" Jugo's foot crashed down onto his injured knee, forcing a scream from him.

"Do well to address my Lord with respect."

Naruto held up a hand, continuing to look down on the thug, "I don't like repeating myself to trash. What was the point of all of this?"

"Th-th-the point? What's the point of anything! We had power, so we took what we wanted. That's it kid. This world is kill or be kill. Be the shepherd or be the lamb. I refused to be a lamb."

Naruto sighed, "A shepherd is meant to guide his flock. To help it grow. You seem to have missed that step." Turning away, Naruto prepared to leave and dropped a exploding note that sealed itself to the mans back, his mask telling him just what kind of human garbage this man was. "Jugo, take out the trash."

Bowing Jugo's muscles began to expand, "As you wish."

"W-w-wait! I can get you things! Money, women! Anything!" Jugo tossed him over the bay much as Naruto had done with the other corpse. The explosion that followed seeded the water with meat and blood.

Naruto however was turning to the assembled people, "Listen to me! I do not expect any of you to know who I am. Some call me the Blonde Maelstrom. I hail from a nation hidden in whirlpools! My one goal is to save and unite all of the people much like myself, much like all of you! The downtrodden! The beaten! The used! I want there to be true peace, where we all can wake up to a new day without worry that some new war or some new power comes to take what we have away. That is my dream and here today, I hope you can see that and throw your support towards that! Rebuild your home, take control, and together with your friends and allies help seize a real future for yourselves!"

There were mutters and slowly building support as several people began to build up a chant. Support for the blonde was strong with the people who had seen those claiming to be from Uzu helping out around town. And soon, there was a unified chant that rose above the noise of the dock works.

"Maelstrom! Maelstrom! Maelstrom!"

Naruto turned back to his companions, eyes shining. While they couldn't see his face, they all felt like he was smiling, "Time to move on. We have more work to do." Turning back to the crowd he raised a fist and they all slowly quieted, "I can not stay, but look to the Fuma clan for help and guidance! They will be my eyes and ears while I'm gone!" Another cheer and then Naruto was up and away over the rooftops, the group following behind not a moment later.

Sasame pulled up beside him while Kotohime had hearts in her eyes, "That's a lot to promise on behalf of another clan."

Naruto shrugged, "You say you want to help your country and your people, so would you not help them if they asked?"

"Thats.." Sasame admitted that yes they would, but Hanzaki might take offense over not being asked about it first.

Kotohime had another thought entirely, "Men of strength do not ask for permission. They do. Lord Naruto is setting an example that people can emulate and follow. That is the mark of a leader." In her mind it validated what she had felt about him. This was a man of character and action. He was not just 'nice'. He knew what he wanted and knew what it took to get it.

Naruto grinned and pulled ahead, "One more stop and then we're done. My clones either took care of other smaller guys or didn't find anything else."

Jugo nodded, "We shall rid the Earth of your enemies my Lord."

Naruto chucked, "Trust me, if we tried that it'd be a very empty world. Sometimes just mutual understanding enough." Here he paused as he removed his mask and sealed it away. "Even if that understanding is that I will erase them from existence."

-AN-

Ya'll, this chapter was actually meant to be waaay longer, but I decided to break it up. I'm doing the math, and this story is probably going to end up longer than I originally estimated. Which, well whoops. But hopefully you all are here for the ride and enjoy it.

-OMAKE-

Koyuki admitted that as an actress she was a bit of a basket case. She could be hard to work with and harder still to please. But she was also a star who put on amazing performances the world over. Becoming her country's Daimyo didn't stop that and currently she was on set for a short run film that could be filmed completely in Spring, which was a plus. However, the director and most of the crew had certain, complaints, about her personal staff.

"The wine you requested Hime." Holding out a glass, a well muscled blonde clad in only tight biker shorts filled it for her. Hmmm, chilled, just as she liked.

"Hime, I have a selection of fish from Wave that are today fresh." Another blonde kneel before her, holding up a tray loaded with expertly cut fresh fish. Another scantily clad blonde picked up a piece she pointed out, feeding it to her with a smile while she moaned in delight. Behind her, another worked and massaged her shoulders while a fifth fanned her with what looked like a war fan from Suna. He wouldn't explain how he got it but she was enjoying it all the same.

Approaching her one of the director's staff wanted to update her on the schedule, he was however blocked by a blonde holding a sword over his shoulder, "Who are you bub?"

Koyuki giggled at the over protective Naruto clone, "Oh it's alright, he's a member of the staff, he's okay."

"Of course Hime." Letting the guy through the clone still gave him the stink eye.

Away from them all the director had Sandayu off to the side, "She isn't…usually like this is she?"

Sandaya sighed and shook his head, "She has certain, perks, that come with being the Daimyo. Having a powerful ninja on call nearly 24/7 is one of them."

"I'm assuming picking a fight with the blonde is a bad idea."

"Monumentally bad."

Koyuki just smiled and leaned back in her seat as the functionary left, "Mmmmm, a little harder Naruto. Yeeeesss." A girl could get used to being pampered like this.