-AN-

Things are starting to come together. And can Jiraiya catch a break finally?

-Story Start-

Tsunade was leaning back in her chair comfortably, a small smile on her face as she read a letter from Naruto. The kid was making progress it seemed and was having a good time with those girls of his if she was reading between the lines properly. She'd have to find a way to rub it into Hiashi's face later, because that little Hyuuga girl had some spunk. In front of her Gamakichi was munching away on a bag of candy she kept hidden just for him.

"So what do you think? Bro's offer is pretty good right?" Gamakichi had no problem being used by Naruto to transport letters back and forth between Tsunade and Naruto. It was also a little fun having to dodge and keep it a secret from Jiraiya. Like the world's longest game of tag.

"I…" Tsunade considered that as she folded up the letter and slipped it into her shirt. She had already been on the fence about being the Hokage in the first place. She had resolved to do her best because of the brat, but if he was offering a place to move? "I promised I would do my best to change things here. If the Daimyo forces my hand however…"

Gamakichi crossed his little arms, "I get it and I think bro does too. Well, you know what to do if the worst comes to pass. Oh, bro wanted to know if he could sneak in and meet with the Daimyo. Give his side of things."

Tsunade nodded, "The Daimyo will be here any day now and will be here for a week. I would say have Naruto send you again in 3 or 4 days and I'll be able to set up a meeting."

"Got it!" Gamakichi saluted the Hokage and then was gone, most likely back to let Naruto know the news.

Tsunade herself turned her chair to look out over the village she ruled over, for now at least. Of all the problems she expected to have, dealing with potentially losing the seat was not one of them so soon. She should be retiring by now, settling down and having some kids maybe. Not that she'd give that other meddling goat the satisfaction. Speaking of, someone was opening her window, "Jiraiya I know it's you."

Said Sage dropped his concealment technique with a sigh, "I was sure you were distracted enough. You looked good enough there to sketch for a bit."

"If I'm ever in one of your dirty books I'll rip your little friend off and feed it to you."

"Oooh so you wanna feel me up do you? That's exciting."

"You're hopeless."

"You love me this way."

Tsunade paused and thought about that. Things had changed a lot and while she knew the old hermit meant well, he was going about it the wrong way. She understood why Naruto was avoiding him. It really put into perspective her own feelings with her teammate. "Yeah, probably, but you could turn it down a bit. Might help you out." Turning to face him with amused eyes as she took in his flabbergasted look, Tsunade raised a hand and snapped her fingers, "Hey, you're here to give me a report right?"

"I uh…yeah." He never would have expected Tsunade to admit any feelings for him, ever. Was the sky falling? Had hell frozen over? Was Orochimaru in the town square in a tutu professing his love to the kami? No, no none of that seemed to be happening. Best power through that and figure it out later. "So no luck in Spring." Walking forward and sitting on the edge of the desk, Jiraiya pulled free a book full of notes. "There is lots of movement up north however, lots of refugees and migrants. A construction boom is underway and the country is honestly technologically advancing faster than any other in the elemental nations. In fact, if they had a way to get some of their tech off that island to trade with the rest of the world they'd become rich pretty quickly."

Tsunade nodded at that, knowing some of their current plan. "Ninja wise they're pretty small still right?"

"Yeah, though it was odd. I never ran into their ninja. Almost like they didn't exist anymore. I wasn't able to meet with their Daimyo either, they always seemed to be busy somewhere else. But I did meet with a functionary. Sandayu I think his name was. Good man. He remembered Naruto from their mission to protect Yukie Fujikaze, but they hadn't seen or heard from him since then. I didn't get the feeling he was lying but something seemed, off, about it all."

Tsunade leaned forward a bit, hands laced in front of her, "No chance for genjutsu, or mind control?"

"I'll assume you mean it as Sandayu under the influence and no. I checked. Him, the Daimyo mansion grounds, hell everywhere I visited. It was clean." Jiraiya groaned in some frustration as he put his notes away. "For the last two months the kid might as well have been a ghost, no leads, no clues, no explosions in far flung countries. Even the toads seem stumped."

"Hmmm." Part of Tsunade wanted to bring Jiraiya into things, let him know what was going on. But it was Naruto's decision and she wanted to respect that. Besides with the way Jiraiya was harping about this prophecy and wanting to train Naruto 'properly' or whatever, she was on the kid's side. "For now we're going to have to shelve this. With our own Daimyo coming I need all hands on deck, especially those I can trust. So you're staying put for a while."

Jiraiya nodded and stood, "Alright. It'll probably be good for my mind to relax for a bit." Suddenly a leer grew on his face, "I could start on my next book for now."

Tsunade cleared her throat, hands on her desk as she leaned forward some more. Chest squishing against the wood, she looked up to the suddenly blushing pervert, "Didn't I just say tone down the theatrics? You'll live longer."

Something absolutely must be in the water. Jiraiya was searing the image before him into his mind because Tsunade, the Tsunade, was flirting with him? He could die. "Yeah uh…you're right. I need to uh, go find a hotel I guess."

Mentally scoring a point and hoping the village kunoichi appreciated her efforts at peeping prevention, Tsunade sat up straight and pointed towards the door, "Nah. You owe me a drink anyway. Go talk to Shizune and get a spare key from her, you can stay with us at the compound till you need to leave again."

Caught flat footed again, Jiraiya paused, "Stay?"

Tsunade raised an eyebrow, "You gonna complain?"

"Nope! Shutting up. Getting key, bye bye." And he was gone, through the door and chatting away with Shizune while Tsunade shook her head.

"Not even here and the kid is still helping to change things. I'll have to smack him around once or twice when I see him again." Smiling and shaking her head, she went back to her actual job, working through paperwork and assigning missions. Maybe she'd give the kid some advice on being a leader, either that or a month's supply of soldier pills. Those girls were going to wear him out sooner or later. Chuckling, she focused completely on her work.

Not far away at ground level after having sent off his students for the day after some training, Kakashi was joining with Asuma and Kurenai for an afternoon drink. Quiet and introspective, the silver haired jonin sat next to the two who were trying and failing to not make kissy eyes at each other.

"You know, I could leave you two alone, you don't have to take pity on me." Kakashi takes a drink, the fruity sake burning down his throat.

Unable to answer as she flushed and turned away from Asuma, said man grinned and nudged Kakashi in the shoulder, "Oh don't be so glum. If you're lonely we can always pair you up with the likes of Anko."

Kurenai smacked Asuma in the back of the head, possibly harder than intended, "I told you, she's dating Iruka now. It's apparently very serious."

"Really? Huh. What kinda freaky shit must he be into to lock down the snake mistress herself?" Asuma didn't know Anko like Kurenai did, but she was alright enough.

Kakashi shook his head, "Yeah no, I'm happy to be single thanks." His family seemed cursed anyway and he'd rather not pass that on to anyone, ever. He could treat his students like his kids instead, he spent enough time with them, even if one was missing. "And you remember why the Daimyo is coming don't you."

Here Asuma's mood sank just a bit, "Yeah of course. Well, we can't change the past and worrying about it won't change anything, so I think all we can do is keep our heads up and stay positive."

"Sounds like a wellness card."

Kurenai giggled, "He's had to be the positive one for the team since Ino left. You should see him when he thinks no one is looking."

"Hey! You promised you wouldn't tell anyone."

"I haven't yet, dear." The small grin on her face was telling a certain story however that Asuma was blushing over.

Next to him Kakashi watched Anko herself drop heavily onto a seat at the table. Waving for a waiter, she was all smiles, "Heya everyone, we ready for this party to start?"

Kakashi sighed, "You look like you've been having one already."

"What can I say? A certain dolphin is well equipped to handle me." Added to her wardrobe today instead of a trench coat was a flak jacket. They could all tell it wasn't hers. No one was going to question whose it was. Nor were they going to ask why. That way led to madness.

Kurenai actually giggled for once, "Guess the rumors were true then?"

Smiling brightly as she ordered her drink and watched the waiter leave, Anko nodded to her friend, "Oh like you wouldn't believe. He's really, authoritative, once you get him motivated."

Asuma sighed, "This isn't something we need to know."

Kakashi shrugged, "I kinda knew it already anyway." Everyone turned to look at him in surprise, "He put up with Naruto. You think anyone who could do that is normal?"

Anko leered at him, "So what does that make you?"

"Broken, probably." Kakashi had to think about that, the kid was a real powerhouse. Did it take a certain malfunction in them to allow for that? Probably. Just look at Gai.

Kurenai shook her head, "Well, I think tonight we can celebrate another day, no moping around." Here she held up a glass with a pinkish-white fluid that smelled lightly of cherries while Anko received her own drink.

Anko herself nodded, "Maybe we can find Kakashi a nice woman to drag him around."

Kakashi shook his head while Asuma raised a beer, "I'm happy just as I am thanks."

Anko and the others clinked glasses together before the snake charmer turned to him, "Nope, you're not gonna end up some weird shut-in woman hater on our watch. Hey, maybe we should start with Shizune. She's pretty hot and she's got the skills." Conversation devolving into Kakashi's love life, said man himself leaned back with a small smile as his friends considered new and more outrageous ideas of who he should date. These were his friends? What a bunch of idiots.

-b-

All together once again back in the Land of Spring, Naruto relaxed happily in the hot spring this evening as all around him barely controlled chaos unfolded. Next to him Jugo himself was also relaxing, both boys laying back with towels over their faces while the girls in equal measure pouted and made plans to mess with them.

Koyuki had pulled rank so to speak, laying into Naruto's side while enjoying a new drink her country had come up with. Based on using the potato instead of rice, it was a much stronger spirit. Considering the people of Spring had much heartier constitutions than most, it suit them perfectly. "This is wonderful." Face flushed, she enjoyed Naruto's arm around her shoulders. "So all things aside, we have a plan for the next week for your visit?"

Naruto nodded and did his best to ignore the soft female form trying its hardest to mold into his side. "Yeah. Me, Ino, and Hinata are going back to Konoha to speak with the Daimyo. I have a meeting set up through Tsunade. We'll probably detour, see a few people, ask some questions. But we won't be there more than a couple of days."

Ino looked over from where she was currently trying to twist Tayuya into a knot, "You better make nice with my daddy!"

Hinata was floating next to Karin, "Feel free to explode mine." The glasses wearing girl next to her snorted and shook her head.

Naruto however continued on, "You said we have some letters to deliver to the Rice Daimyo right?" Feeling Koyuki nod Naruto tilted his head lightly towards Jugo, "Then Jugo, Kotohime, and Kin will play delivery and make that happen. That shouldn't take long."

Kotohime was all smiles as she was hugging her sister in her lap, "It'll be good to visit everyone. I'm sure they'll be excited to see Kin again."

"Yeah, I'm sure they'll be thrilled to see me."

"You worry too much little sister."

"You don't worry enough."

Tayuya groaned before finally turning the tables, taking a page from Kotohime's book and using chakra and her hair to string Ino up, "And I guess I'm playing bodyguard for Koyuki right?" Part of her actually wanted to head back to Wave. Tsunami had been right. Helping the younger kids in the aid station had been, fulfilling. Distracted, she lost control of the technique and Ino was back on her with a vengeance.

Koyuki waved her off, "I do have ninja here you know. You can go back to Wave and assist there however you need." Even Koyuki had picked up on the more peaceful aura Tayuya had put off since they had returned. Something had been good for her there. No one wanted to interfere with that. "Also, my engineers inform me that with the tunnel's completion all that's left is to lay the train rails."

Karin picks up on this one now, that had been her topic after Naruto had done his part. "Yeah, we wanted to help or expedite the process with clones. But it involves more specialized knowledge and they can only place so much rail at a time. Naruto clones would have been more in the way than a help. It's still a major milestone. We should have one complete rail system in a month or two. And the full set by early next year. The tunnel is wide enough to run either 4 trains together or two double wide units at a time." Karin had wondered at the super massive double wide train locomotives, but she figured they were for super heavy equipment. For normal operations and people moving, normal trains would be enough.

Hinata was smiling for another reason, "Plus we'll be moving into the Uzu admin building soon. Tazuna promising it will be complete before the month is out."

If anything Koyuki pressed herself further into Naruto, "Aww, but I like having you all here." One hand on his chest, Koyuki trailed a finger up and down his abs, "You don't wanna leave me all alone here do you Naruto?"

"I can visit like, every day. The Hiraishin is a thing."

"It's not the same though."

Naruto rolled his eyes, even if she couldn't see it, "Don't worry, we'll bring you along for our first move in. I'm sure you'll love it too. We won't leave you all alone all the time."

Koyuki was placated for now. Maybe she could consider moving? It wasn't like she had to stay in Spring to run it after all. "You better."

Kotohime was standing now, picking up her sister who was protesting with wide eyes. The older girl had a plan in mind however, "No getting ahead of me. If I have to part with Lord Naruto for a time I want cuddles as well!" Smirking something devious, Kotohime tossed her sister at the clueless Jugo, "Hold this for me Jugo."

"Waaah!" Kin wasn't prepared for her journey through the air, towel loosening and going flying, nor the broad chest she landed in. Both of the abused teens disappeared under the water.

Kotohime was focused on pressing her own assets into Naruto's other side, "Surely I can receive my own share of cuddles before we all part ways?"

Naruto nods, "Back rubs for everyone?"

Ino and Tayuya were instantly apart and attentive, "I heard the magic word! Let's go!" Ino was loud and bright as usual.

Hinata was pulling Karin along as well, "Just wait Karin, he'll have you melting within minutes."

"W-w-w-wait, my heart!" Karin was ignored as a somehow very strong Hinata pulled her from the water.

Naruto mentally just sighed as he made several clones and relaxed back under Koyuki's and Kotohime's attentions. Yeah, life here was pretty good. Now he just needed to smack the Konoha council around a bit and get whatever he could from them back and that'd be it. He'd bring Uzu back on the world stage and get back to blowing up Sound bases. He wondered what that shitty snake was up to. He missed the blushing pair of Jugo and Kin apologizing to each other, the smaller girl trying and failing to forget what she felt while Jugo did the same.

At the bath's edge the foursome of Tayuya, Ino, Hinata, and Karin were all laid down next to each other, while their own personal Naruto began to work them over from head to toe. Hinata was already relaxed and blissful, ready to doze off to the sensations of her love's hands on her. Tayuya was grinning and turning to look at an equally happy Ino.

"Say, is this giving anyone ideas?"

Ino nodded as she groaned when the clone above her hit a particularly sore spot, "Mmmm, shadow clone pampering is the best."

Tayuya shook her head, "I was thinking something a lot more…exciting."

Karin was blushing up a storm while even she was enjoying the massage, "Tayuya!"

"Oh don't pretend you didn't think about it."

"I-well…I"

The Naruto above her leaned close, "Don't worry, you'll each get your own personal time."

Karin finally began to overheat, just laying there and relaxing into his ministrations. Next to her Hinata just mumbled, "We better. We all deserve it."

The clone above her smirked, "Of course you do." For now Naruto would do his best to multitask, but soon after this business with Konoha was somewhat behind them he would be focusing on the girls themselves. A few months to relax and not fight or work or anything? He'd come up with date ideas.

-b-

A new day, a new feeling of excitement. Konoha was alive and thriving at the moment as their long awaited visit from their Daimyo was here. All along the streets and the markets a festive aura was surging through the civilian populous. Merchants from far and wide had come in order to try and cut deals and maybe luck out and gain some influence with the coil flip Daimyo himself. Why did the merchants call him that? Because even they knew the Daimyo could never seem to decide on anything himself, instead trusting his advisors and usually listening to the last one he spoke to. Granted, with a wife like Madam Shijimi most men would probably check out mentally as well. That said if a lucky merchant could meet with and persuade even one of the advisors it could mean a set life or just increased profits for many years to come.

While the civilians celebrated however, the Daimyo and his advisors were meeting with the Konoha council and the Hokage in a grand meeting room. Face stern, the Daimyo sits at the head of the table while waiting for everyone to get settled and for pleasantries to get out of the way. The Daimyo eventually clears his throat, a stack of papers before him.

"While this visit is meant to get an idea of just what has happened, a week is perhaps not enough time to uncover all of the misdeeds of the Leaf village's council." Tiredly the aging man rubbed the bridge of his nose, "A historic clan leaving the village, its vaults and assets stolen and wiped clean. Clan records suppressed and an assassination attempt on a clan head? My my. If I had known all of this would have happened under your watch Tsunade I would have been more adamant about Jiraiya taking the role." Seeing Tsunade beginning to speak he raises his hand and silences her. "I'm not finished. Most severe, my office finds in your village records notes of approval from my own office!" Here the Daimyo slams his hand down onto the table. "Records that show without a doubt my signature had been forged in order to make legal this attempt to usurp a clan allied to the Land of Fire! And for what? Ryo? Bragging right? Because you can? And now I am a laughingstock among the other Daimyo, and everyone and their mother are looking high and low for the Uzumaki clan in order to bargain with them to bring them within their borders. So tell me." Here the Daimyo leveled bored eyes on the assembled group, "How do we fix this? Because the last I checked, the Uzumaki are a very powerful clan, and apparently the new clan head is able to level villages and create literal dead zones of activity. To lose them as an ally is unacceptable." Finally leaning back tiredly, his eyes however land on Tsunade who bows her head.

"First, we're looking to open neutral communications with the Uzumaki clan in order to begin arbitration…"

The Daimyo barked out a laugh harshly, "Arbitration! Arbitration she says. Tell me, do you have any of the stolen Uzumaki assets?"

Tsunade sighs, "No my Lord, we do not. My office has determined all Uzumaki assets have already been sold off and lost years ago. Of any that were left, the Uzumaki-Namikaze home has been destroyed, and the Uzumaki shrine on the outskirts of the village has been locked down. No one not of Uzumaki blood can enter that space."

A mirthless chuckle leaves the Daimyo's lips, "So. To settle this first part of the farce, we have nothing to return to the Uzumaki, not even a ryo amount to even try to levee because most of those artifacts or records would quite literally be priceless. And any property they would have had is either destroyed or already sealed off? My we are off to a great start. Okay, well, proceed then. Let's say we open talks, begin some type of negotiations, what's the play then."

Here it is Hiashi that speaks up, "Two loyal Konoha took flight with the Uzumaki in a show of support. My own daughter and heir Hinata, and the Yamanaka heir Ino. We had hopes that at a possible peaceful merger of clans would go towards soothing tempers and rebuilding some trust.."

Tsunade frowns but nods, "As well, the Uzumaki clan head has a long history of extreme loyalty to the village itself. If we can show that we are changing the way the council operates, there was hope that we could, quell, his ire in terms of the council."

The Daimyo does not look impressed and everyone can see that. "So throw some half rate girls at him and put on a show of humility?" He didn't miss the twitches from the Hyuuga or the Yamanaka. "You expect someone who was willing to leave your village to leave to parts unknown would come back after some lip service? I do not know him, but if it were I, well…I would want to see something done. What about trying and sentencing the perpetrators of this conspiracy? I'm sure it would go much further to improve relations if the Uzumaki saw their opponents drawn and quartered."

Tsunade sighed, "Well, that gets…complicated." Seeing she could not defend her teacher or his family through this, she gave up the ghost of it. "While the civilian members of the council who were responsible for the thefts are being dealt with in our system. The previous Hokage who authorized the power transfers is no longer with us. As such, guilt and responsibility would fall to his clan."

"Ah yes, the Sarutobi's. It's a shame, but for a clan like the Uzumaki would their sacrifice not be worth the effort?"

Tsunade shook her head, "The Uzumaki clan head knows the Sarutobi clan personally. He would not approve of using the clan as scapegoats."

The Daimyo frowned at that but after a minute nodded anyway, "So I go back to my original suggestion. In order to start talks on a good footing, we take the civilians who stole from the Uzumaki, transfer all their assets to the affected clan, and treat them as traitors to the will of the village."

Several of the clan heads raised eyebrows at that and Tsume couldn't hold her tongue anymore, "You're asking us to execute the former council members."

"I believe I am yes." The Daimyo leaned forward on folded hands, tenting them in front of his mouth, "Make no mistake. I have little trust or favor towards most of you at this moment. Not even 6 months of your rule Tsunade and already a clan has left, a major scandal has come to light, and confidence in your abilities is at an all time low. Shows what a woman in a man's position can do."

It took everything within Tsunade in that moment not to react negatively to the comment. She knew such words were coming, it still stung. A lot. "Trying the council members as traitors would be acceptable if the Uzumaki call for it. Though like you touched on, even all of their assets combined would not come close to equaling what they stole over the years."

The Daimyo waved that off, "This is just to open talks. Once we're talking then we can find some common ground I'm sure. Though." Here his eyes sharpened a tad, "One, I will be conducting the negotiations and two…the only advisors I would accept from Konoha would be Hiashi and Danzo."

"My Lord that is highly unusual." Tsunade couldn't help replying instantly.

The Daimyo shrugged, "I need men who know the political situation. Not some whelp who spent decades on the run drinking, gambling, and making ends meet in who knows what manner." The unspoken manner was loud enough to everyone in the room with the way the Daimyo leered at Tsunade. "No, Danzo has already assured me he can help work the Leaf Village back into the Uzumaki's good graces and Hiashi has a long history of political acumen that I will appreciate."

Hiashi bowed lightly, "I will be at your service my Lord."

Danzo as well was holding in a large grin as he bowed as well, "I will do my utmost to advance your will Lord Daimyo."

Tsunade knew it was coming but was still frustrated all the same. It was like having a noose around your neck you couldn't remove even though you had your hands unbound. Maddening. "If that is your will Lord Daimyo, we will see it done."

"So you will. I will meet with all of you individually throughout the week to make plans and hear opinions. Until then I don't want to see you unless I call for you. We're done here." And like that the meeting was over, the Daimyo and his advisors standing and departing with a flourish, leaving behind the Konoha council.

Tsunade herself stood slowly after a moment, body beginning to visibly shake as she realized with a clear mind that Danzo had made his move while she wasn't looking. This was surely leading towards him making a play for the hat and the chair. Which, as she took a deep breath and released it in order to relax, meant she may not have to put up with this much longer. "We have the Daimyo's orders, let's see it done." She left without a word since as far as she was concerned her word wasn't worth much anymore. The kid better keep a house open for her and ready, she and Shizune deserved a really good vacation after this.

Away from the Hokage tower and towards the Memorial Stone, Kakashi stood alone. Not reminiscing for once, instead reading a scroll that held answers he wasn't sure he wanted. Tsunami, or rather Naruto, at least was being honest with him.

Kakashi-sensei

I know it was you who blew my house apart. It took me a while to figure it out really. I saw silver hair and figured right away it had to be Jiraiya or Kabuto. But Jiraiya just didn't have the right motivation for it, and Kabuto acted like I wasn't worth the time the last time I saw him. Plus with Karin she confirmed that the chakra didn't feel like the snake bastard's play toy. So I had to really think about who knew me, knew Konoha, and had a reason to want me gone.

Be honest with me…you didn't want to see me used and exploited by the village, did you? I don't know your reasons and I'm sure you have them. But without that push I never would have left. I would have kept trying, kept giving my all for the village. Day in and day out I would have given everything for the village. Did you see me on some horrible path? Well. I'm happy to say that my life has really never been better as it is out here with my family. Short of maybe my time with Team 7. So. Until I hear your reasons, I won't judge you. Maybe we can share a drink, and you can tell me all about it? And kick my adoptive brother Sasuke for me will ya? Tell him he's an honorary Uzumaki from here on and there's nothing he can do about it. I'm gonna end up restoring my clan long before he does at this rate.

N

Sighing the older Leaf jonin used his chakra to burn the note to a crisp. What he had done was treason. For his student however, he would do it again in a heartbeat.

"Those who abandon their friends are worse than trash. Heh." Kakashi sighed as he stared at the names of his former teacher and his wife. "I'm trying sensei. To look after your son. I hope. I hope you can forgive us, for everything that has happened."

Hearing footsteps, Kakashi looks back to see Sasuke and Sakura walking towards him, mixed emotions on their faces. Sakura is holding a bouquet of lilies that she places on the memorial while Sasuke stands next to his sensei. It took a moment for Sakura to stand and come to Kakashi's other side, the three letting the silence surround them for a time. Kakashi however gives Sasuke the side eye, "Naruto says stop being so lazy. You're an adopted Uzumaki, act like it."

"That ass, we still have stuff to do, we can't start pumping out kids right away."

Sakura shrugged, "I don't know, sounds like fun to me."

"Of course you would say that."

"I'm just saying, a straight man wouldn't pass up a good time with their girlfriend. I'm still sure you've got a bromance thing going on with Naruto."

Sasuke made a show of thinking that over, "His sexy jutsu is pretty hot."

"Pig." Sakura crossed her arms under her own budding chest.

"You love me."

"For the moment."

Kakashi rolled his eyes, "Children." They all three smiled at each other before settling into silence again. Though Kakashi was curious, "Why are you here?"

Sasuke stuffed his hands into his pockets, "Naruto asked us to check up on you from time to time. Make sure you didn't get lost so often."

Sakura nodded, "Plus, now that we know who his parents are, we come by from time to time and pay our respects for him." Eyes shining she turned to her boys, "We're team 7, we gotta stick together ya know."

Kakashi nodded, "I've taught you well it seems."

Sasuke smirked, "Plus we've been tasked with figuring out your preferences and finding you a girlfriend."

Kakashi had to catch himself from face faulting, "What?"

Sakura nodded, "Yeah so, Naruto sent us a letter saying how no Uzumaki should be so pathetic to be so hot but not have a girlfriend. So he said you need to go and get laid." Sakura was grinning, "Oh, and Naruto has apparently adopted you too. If you didn't know."

Kakashi sighed, "What is with everyone suddenly being so interested in my love life?"

Sasuke smiled in a way that would have been impossible just a year ago. "You're friends and family want you happy. That's all. Besides, Sakura's been rifling through Kunoichi weekly and has been building a list."

"A list?"

Sakura became much more animated, grabbing Kakashi and dragging him along. "Absolutely! Why, for most men the top 5 would be unattainable but for you I think you could make it work. Why the new Mizukage is a real looker. And there's this new jonin from Lightning, some blonde named Samui is pretty hot. Oh, and of course here. Sure there's Shizune, if you're into bookish women. There's also Hana from the Inuzuka clan who seems like the quiet but wild type. Unless you're into bigger girls, cause then there's Kyoko Akimichi one of Choji's older cousins. Oh oh."

Sasuke tuned his girlfriend out as they began walking. "She has a wall full of notes and pictures. It looks like she's trying to solve a murder."

Kakashi sighed and just let it all play out. "Maybe I just like being alone?"

Sakura turned back to him with an ominous look, "Absolutely not. You have to have kids that we can be the weird older uncles and aunt to so we can spoil them and tell them embarrassing stories about you."

Sasuke shrugged again, "Ever since Naruto's letter she's been dead set and making it happen."

"Remind me to kick the explosion boy around when we see him again."

"I owe him a kick or two as well."

Sakura waved them both off, "You're being dramatic."

In front of the trio a toad appeared in a poof of smoke. Waving, they all recognized Gamakichi. "Yoo! I've got a message for Team 7. Come to your training crowd and don't be late yo." Without another word he was gone, and all three were left blinking as they looked at the spot he was previously.

"Had to be Jiraiya right?" Sakura looked at the other two.

Kakashi shook his head, "Gamakichi only responds to Naruto."

Sasuke had his hands linked behind his head, "Well, best go see what this is about then yeah?" With that the group took to the trees, hope within their hearts. Kakashi let Sasuke and Sakura take the lead as he watched his students.

Because their training ground wasn't far from the Memorial, they ended up making good time. Though by the time they reached it the sun was beginning to set, the sky dipping into a cheery orange. Alighting upon the ground with a tingle crossing their skin, the three Leaf nin were faced with another familiar group of three. Naruto was here, sitting cross legged on top of the center training post he had once upon a time been tied to. He was a little tanner and a lot more muscular, but he was wearing his usual black boots and pants and multiple weapon pouches. He was still rocking an orange muscle shirt with chain mail t-shirt though there was now a green pendant necklace around his neck. His jacket seemed to have a new owner who he was looking at and chatting away with happily.

Hinata had a new look, thicker blue cargo pants with multiple pockets and a matching to Naruto orange tank top that exposed her navel. Over that she was his jacket, the black article of clothing looking comically big on her. Her hair was slightly longer but not by much, though they hadn't been gone that long.

On the other side was Ino wearing a black skirt and crop top combo that had an orange line running up the middle. They could see chain mail shorts and a shorter shirt as well, but otherwise besides filling out and gaining some muscle herself she seemed to keep her usual look if not the colors. Said girl had turned when they arrived, smacking Naruto on the leg to gain his attention. Said blond turned their way, mismatched blue and purple eyes trailing over all of them before he grinned and dropped down from the log. The group of three walked up to Team 7, smiling all together.

Naruto had his hands on his hips, "It hasn't been that long, and yet, it feels like forever, doesn't it?"

Sakura wiped a small tear from her eye, "Idiot. That's all you have to say?"

Sasuke was next to her, smirking and relaxed, "How're you doing Naruto? Better be keeping up with your training."

"Oh you know. Life is good, girls try to wear me out, the usual. I think your pale ass needs some sun."

Sakura rolled her eyes, striding forward with Sasuke and pulling them both into a hug. "Idiot. It's good to see you again."

Naruto nods, gripping the two in front of him tightly, "Yeah." Emotions getting to him, he didn't hold back the tear that fell down his cheek, "It's good to see you too."

For once for Sasuke, the whispers in his mind were gone, "You owe us big time, by the way." His family was complete again. Life was good.

They all three stepped away from each other, Sakura going to greet Ino and Hinata while the boys caught up. Naruto raised an eyebrow, "I don't know what you mean."

"We've had to deal with a weird monotone replacement teammate because of you. He made up weird nicknames for us."

"Huh. Let me guess. Pale, isn't very social, kind of a loner?"

Sakura looked over with confusion while Sasuke blinked at the almost spot on description, "Yeah. How'd you guess?"

"Oh I just figured they got a Sasuke 2.0" He deserved the fist to his shoulder.

"You ass."

"Yeah yeah. Actually sounds like one of Danzo's. We caught one trying to find me in Spring. He's probably under some nasty seals."

Kakashi finally stepped forward, "I guess that's something to look into then." Things slowly went quiet, a look passing between teacher and student. Sasuke and Sakura noticed that something was off and backed up for a moment. "For what it's worth, you look good Naruto."

"It's thanks to you, isn't it? I should be thanking you."

Sakura and Sasuke looked between the two before Sakura caught on right away with a gasp. "Sensei!"

Naruto broke in first, "Meet my house bomber. Though I'm sure he'll just love to explain it all later. I can't keep this barrier up forever and we have other stops to make."

Kakashi nodded, happy to know what that skin tingling sensation was. "I…I didn't want to see you end up like my father, or my teammates. So many have been used and chewed up by the village. It was the only way I could see you getting a fresh start." Here Kakashi eye smiled, "I'm guessing Koyuki has been a good host?"

Ino grumbled now while Naruto chuckled, "Pampered princess keeps trying to get ahead of things."

Hinata shrugged, "Oh hush, you get to take Naruto's name, enjoy it."

Sakura's eyes began to sparkle, "You…you."

Hinata came forward and entwined a hand with Naruto's, "Hinata Uzumaki, nice to meet you."

Ino rolled her eyes, walking forward and leaning on Naruto's other shoulder, "Ino Uzumaki. Charmed I'm sure."

Sasuke just groaned as he could already feel the change in Sakura, "You have no idea what you've just unleashed on me brother."

Naruto wrapped his arms around the girls' waists, "Yes I do. We gotta get moving though, we'll catch up again later kay?" Waving and exchanging some quick goodbyes, the trio was soon gone, flashing away to parts unknown.

Left behind, the Team 7 remnants felt the tingle of the barrier, most likely a silencing one, disappear. Contrary to what Sasuke thought she would do, Sakura pulled herself into his chest and began softly crying. "Sakura?"

"It's…..I know. I know we got letters…but..seeing them in person, alive. It's different. It's…"

Kakashi sighed and joined the pair, "It's more real, seeing them in person."

"Uh huh." Sakura had missed her best friend in Ino. Sure she did her best to make other friends and catch up with the other rookies, but Ino was probably her longest running friend. It had been hard wondering just what the other girl had been up to all this time.

Sasuke wrapped his arms around the girl, running one hand through her hair, "Like he said, we'll find a way to visit them soon. Maybe we can trick Tsunade into giving us a mission to Spring."

Kakashi shook his head, "Something tells me they won't be there much longer. Things are changing, fast." Kakashi was privy to some things. Civilian movements, political influence had shifted, and there was a growing sentiment that Tsunade was not the correct choice anymore. It smelled something foul. "C'mon, let's hit my house, I'll cook and we can talk."

Sakura pulled away from Sasuke, nodding and drying her tears, "That's a good idea. I can evaluate your house and see how welcoming it is or not."

"I'm a bachelor."

"Not for long if I can help it."

The Team, hearts a little lighter and wishing they could have had more time, still enjoyed what they did have. They knew their missing member was alive and well. That was enough for them for now.

Across town again and hours later, Tsunade was walking about in her office while Jiraiya and Shizune sat in the chairs in front of her desk. Shizune had locked the door as requested while Tsunade was walking along and closing all of the window blinds. She hadn't said much yet, though there was already a large bottle of sake on the desk along with 4 cups.

"Things were that bad today huh?" Jiraiya piped up, though he had heard the gist of it from Shizune. They had a slim chance to turn things in Tsunade's favor, but the chance might as well be mist. "I'm always willing to share a drink I guess."

Tsunade shook her head, final window shuttered before she walked up to her bookshelf. Browsing for a moment before she pulled free a black book that was a bit newer than the others. "You know, for a seal master, you miss a lot of things."

Jiraiya raised an eyebrow, "What do you mean?"

Tsunade applied some chakra to the book and waited, "Oh just, you know, I figured you'd recognize one of your student's work is all." In a muted flash, Naruto was there with a smile. "You've put me through a lot boy."

Naruto looked over his shoulder at the older woman, "Sorry baa-san, you can come vacation with me if you're finally over it."

"Don't tempt me, I'll drop the hat now and leave with you in a heartbeat with the day I've had." Tsunade was already back around her desk, sitting in her chair with a tired groan. "Get over here and share a drink, leader to leader."

Naruto was ignoring the panicked Jiraiya and came forward to hug Shizune. "Missed ya big sis."

Shizune smiled, "It hasn't been that long, but missed you as well."

Naruto released her and sat on the edge of the desk, "You know I'm not officially the Uzukage yet."

Tsunade shrugged, "Does it look like I give a damn? Get over here and drink with me before I launch you through a window."

Naruto shook his head and unsealed a different bottle for her. Clear with a clear liquid inside, he handed it over, "Try something new. A specialty from Spring."

Tsunade's eyes brightened instantly, she was always willing to try out new booze, "Aw you do love me."

"You have no idea baa-san."

"Naruto you-"

Naruto leveled a finger at Jiraiya without looking his way. "I'm still pissed off at you. Avoiding you for a few months really doesn't make up for being abandoned for all my life." Finally the boy looked at the sage, "I just. I need some more time, alright?"

"I uh." Jiraiya sighed, realizing that in his pursuit of making sure things were perfect, he really was losing sight of the bigger picture. "Yeah, Naruto. I…I can respect that. Do you think…could you forgive a sorry old man? Someday?"

Naruto shrugged, accepting a cup from Tsunade as she poured from the new liquor bottle, "One day. Yeah. You were a laugh and a half to travel with. Maybe someday we can do a world tour together. Just a couple of perverts on the road."

Jiraiya accepted his own cup with a hesitant smile, "I'll make it a memorable journey. Believe it."

Naruto groaned, "That's my line."

Tsunade raised her cup, "Shut up. Let there be peace, right here and now, in this moment." Everyone tapped their cups together before drinking deeply together. Naruto downed his okay, used to it now thanks to Koyuki. Shizune and Jiraiya were left coughing, while Tsunade released a heavy sigh, "Wooo that's good."

"Glad you like it Tsunade."

Jiraiya vowed never to drink that swill again, "So, you're here, alone?"

Naruto shook his head, "Nah. Dropped Ino and Hinata off with the Yamanakas. Hinata really doesn't feel like seeing her father but I have Gamakichi at least letting Hinata's sensei know she's here. I've gotta swing back and pick them up before our little late night meeting with the Daimyo."

Tsunade relaxed fully back into her chair, "You know, that old bastard is determined to get you back here in Konoha. He have a chance?"

Naruto shook his head, "Nope. Got to much going on now to come back. Also, if the Uzumaki shrine disappears suddenly, don't freak out too badly. Seals." Tsunade saluted him with her cup and a sigh. Naruto turns back to Jiraiya, "I'll tell the toads they can tell you about me again instead of keeping secrets."

"I knew those little bastards were hiding something. I'm gonna ring Pa's neck." Jiraiya couldn't believe it. He was the toad summoner the longest, and yet they listened to the squirt? Oh the betrayal.

Naruto shrugged, "Be good and I'll help ya get the greatest research of your life."

"My greatest student ever!"

Shizune and Tsunade both rolled their eyes at once. Shizune however cradled her cup gently, "You. What's your plan?"

Naruto accepted a refill from Tsunade and thought it over. "For now not much. Leave letters with people I consider important, make some room where I'm staying, and stay out of Konoha's way for as long as I can. In a year or two? Who knows. I don't think I'll be able to visit like this often."

Tsunade leaned against the desk, "Screw work and screw thinking about the village. Tell me all about those girls and what you've been up to. I want stories and all the details! We can worry about the real world later."

Chuckling Naruto nodded, "Sure thing baa-san. So first, did you know Orochimaru has bases sort of all over?" He'd get to talking for the next few hours before he had to leave, but he'd consider today a successful day. He hadn't blown anything up and no one was dead. Yet. He still have a few stops to make, including one he hadn't told Ino and Hinata. They'd probably knock him out and figure out how to hiraishin home just using his body.

Because Danzo needed a personal visit from him. Now.

-AN-

So, full disclosure here, I was originally going to stretch this plot point out a lot further. But I felt, I had so many other things to get to that stretching this out just for fun wasn't going to do it or the story justice. Besides, this isn't a one or two chapter thing anyway.

Also, how many of you watch Demon Slayer? The latest episode was just, amazing. I've been meaning to catch up with the manga and just haven't had the time. I'll probably do it now after this.

-OMAKE-

Kurotsuchi considered herself a very talented kunoichi. Able to use multiple chakra natures as well as combine them into lava release. She was considered good enough to not only guard her grandfather personally but she had heard the rumors that she was even considered to take the mantle from him soon. And she would if she had her way.

That said, as she stared out over the vast canyon ahead of her. The chasm below seemed to have no bottom while to her left and right she could not see a bridge that was supposed to be here, she internally raged. But no, she would keep her temper in check. She could fix this, she could. No worries. Turning back, she returned back to the bamboo forest in order to find that road she had passed not long ago.

Of course, the road itself was easy to find, in fact she could feel the presence of people this time. Internally smiling with some relief, Kurotsuchi dropped down to the road and startled the merchant caravan to a halt.

"Ah, sorry, didn't mean to frighten you. I'm actually a little lost. What part of the Land of Grass is this?"

The driver, an older man in his 60s looked at the ninja with an odd look. "Grass? No son this is Fang. You get knocked on the head boy?" Shaking his head and remembering he needed to make good time on his delivery, he urged his oxen onward. Mind already forgetting the weird ninja.

"B-b-boy?" Kurotsuchi wasn't vain like that…no no she wasn't. But to be mistaken for a boy? AND to be in a completely different country? How did that happen?

"WHERE THE FUCK AM I NOW!" Poor Kurotsuchi. Maybe it was time to throw in the towel and head back to Earth. Something was obviously messing with her sense of direction.