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?

31. Chapter 31

-AN-

New day, new chapter. Sometimes ya gotta just hit the gas and hope for the best.

-Story Start-

Naruto found himself suddenly very hot and fairly uncomfortable tonight. He had tangled with a murderous sannin, rouge ninja, bandits, and nearly died a couple times. Tonight? Seated between two girls he was immensely in love with? He was a nervous wreck.

Because Ino's father would not. Stop. Staring at him.

He had been doing his best to keep eye contact with the older blonde, even as Inoichi's face worked through several forms of stern. The girls happily ignored them, chatting away and catching up as if nothing was going on. Lucky them Naruto decided. Not like he was seconds away from probably being mind walked and having his brain scrambled.

'Just think, he could scramble your brain hard enough to make you think you're a 10 year old girl named Naruko.'

'Not helping Kurama.'

'Like sitting here petrified is doing any better? Say something you oaf.'

'Right. Right.' Naruto cleared his throat. "I uh, it's good to see you again Mr. Yama-"

"Who said you could speak first you baby snatcher?" Inoichi was having fun. Making Naruto sweat was quickly becoming a fun pastime. It wasn't like he didn't already have an idea of just what was going on between the three thanks to Ino's letters. That didn't mean he couldn't make the guy sweat, even if he approved of Ino's choice. "First of all, tell me your plan. How are you going to protect my precious baby-girl?"

"Well, we're rebuilding my clan's original village and filling it with a small nation worth of people. We'll eventually start training ninja I guess and -"

"Right right, making other's do your duty. I asked how you are going to protect her." Inoichi pressed in a bit with a little chakra. Nothing overt, he didn't want the women of his life mad at him after all.

Naruto paused as he thought about that, he had slightly dodged the question. "Well, I train nonstop, and I've already gotten good enough to smack the Legendary Sannin around a bit. I'm going to keep training, build up my skills, eventually learn nature manipulation as well." Naruto focused, eyes becoming hard, "I would lay down my life for Ino."

Inoichi immediately waved that thought away, "Not your life, as my wife would say. Being a badass is all well and good, but always make sure to come home, broken or otherwise, but alive." Inoichi's eyes widened as a murderous aura seemed to appear around him, "You wouldn't want to make my dear Ino sad would you?"

"No! Not at all no."

"Good. So." Here Inoichi leaned in, face once more very serious, "You will be dedicating your life to her, correct?"

"She's my princess, so of course."

"Splendid." Inoichi leaned back, satisfied, "One more thing."

Naruto nodded wide eyed, "Yes sir?"

"How many grand-kids should we expect?"

Error error, the consciousness known as Naruto was suddenly in pieces. Had he heard that right? Surely not. Pulling himself back together and trying to control his eye twitches Naruto wiggled a finger in his ear, "Uh. I'm sorry, something crazy was in my ear just now."

Inoichi shook his head and folded his arms over his chest, "No I don't think so. I asked how many grand-kids we should expect. The Uzumaki clan is rebuilding yes? That's a big responsibility. And I'm getting close to retirement, I'd like grandchildren to spoil."

Naruto finally turned jerkily to Ino who was still smiling and chatting with her mother through all this, ignoring him profusely, "Ino…"

"Nope, daddy's talking to you, not me."

Turning back to the older man who was smiling happily, Naruto gave up. Something was really broken in Konoha. "I uh. Haven't given that much thought yet, I figured we have a few years yet before worrying over that."

Inoichi agreed thankfully, "Well of course. There's plenty of work to do and I'm sure you'll want to continue your careers as ninja for a few years yet. Never mind all the threats you'll have. But it never hurts to plan ahead." The stern look returned, and were his eyes shining? Naruto wouldn't put it past this demon in human skin at this point, "You do plan on having some children with our daughter of course? And a formal wedding?"

Naruto nodded rapidly, "Of course sir!"

Ino's mother, Sayuri, finally smacked Inoichi on the arm, "Oh quit the tough father act. You're just as excited as I am and it isn't like you don't approve of the young man."

"Well of course, but it's my duty as a father to harass him at least a little bit."

"Go harass the garden once in a while." Here the brown eyed brown haired woman turned glinting eyes on the man, "Or maybe put some of that energy into coming home at a reasonable hour from time to time?" Sayuri wasn't going to admit that the empty house was somewhat making her wish she could have another child, but well, it was. Her baby had left the nest and it was looking like for good. Though, it did mean potentially a lot of alone time with her husband, if he would stop drinking late with his friends.

Inoichi chuckled, "Yes dear."

Sayuri turned back to the three teens, "As far as a future wedding goes, don't you worry about anything. If anything needs to be paid for we will take care of that."

Ino shrugged, "I'm sure with an entire nation at our disposal that's like, the least of our worries."

Her mother nodded, "Of course, however, this is an honor for the bride's parents, please, let us do this."

Naruto nodded, "Sure thing, though…" Naruto paused and motioned around them, "It probably won't be happening in Konoha."

"That's okay dear, destination weddings are becoming all the rage." Sayuri was also thinking further into the future. Would their children be just as blonde as them? Would they have Ino's eyes or Naruto's? What about those cute whisker marks? So many questions and hopes.

Hinata nudges Naruto, "We have the meeting coming up."

Naruto nodded, "Yeah. Jeez. Almost forgot, we have to meet with the Daimyo tonight."

Inoichi frowned, "So late?"

Naruto nodded as the three stood, "It's supposed to be a secret from everyone else. I'm not supposed to be here after all."

Inoichi snorted, "Right, somehow I forgot all about that. Well." Inoichi stood and pulled a surprised Naruto into a hug, "Take care of yourself son. I'm sure my daughter will keep you in line well enough." Inoichi let the boy go with a grin, "I'm letting her leave with some family scrolls as well, some have interesting techniques for unruly husbands."

Ino is grinning as she hugs her mother, "Oh don't worry daddy." Ino latches onto Naruto's arm, "I've got it all under control."

"I don't want to know, do I?"

"You'll love it." She made sure to bat her eyes at him extra hard.

Sayuri sighed, "We are right here sweety."

"Sorry mama."

Saying their goodbyes and donning deep blue cloaks they all unsealed from their persons, the three teens were soon off and bounding across the rooftops.

Left alone, Inoichi sighed as his wife leaned into him with a soft smile. "It's a, lonely feeling, isn't it?"

Sayuri nodded, "Of course, but we knew it was coming one day."

"Mistakes of the past…"

Sayuri turned in his arms, laying a hand on his chest, "You know, it is still early and we're both wide awake."

"No sleep for me then?"

"You'll love it dear." Giggling followed her statement, followed soon by happy moans.

Already several rooftops away, Ino shivered and rubbed her arms, "Anyone feel like cold fingers just trailed up their spine?"

Naruto snorted, "We're in Konoha, it could be literal."

Hinata sighed, "Not funny Naruto."

"I know, but I'm just waiting for an excuse at this point to blow this place to hell."

"Did you send out your letters with clones?" Hinata was occasionally using her byakugan to check if they were being followed at all. Currently they were fine.

"Yeah. I sent letters to all of our old teams, the Ichiraku, Iruka sensei, and Konohamaru."

Ino sighed, "It's so much to think about. Hopefully it stays as a just in case."

Naruto grinned as the singular open balcony at the hotel housing the Daimyo was well lit for them. "Plan for the worst, hope for the best. C'mon, time to see what another old geezer wants."

"You, he wants you." Ino however let it go as they dropped onto the balcony without a sound, all three walking inside the large and well furnished hotel suite slowly but confidently. Waiting for them alone was the Fire Daimyo himself.

Naruto speaks up first, "I'm surprised you're actually alone."

The Daimyo bowed his head lightly while Naruto and the girls bowed deeply, "I gave you my word through Tsunade that I would be. I am a man of honor. I'm sure you can appreciate that."

"We do. So, I don't want to keep you and I do need to get these two home. How about we skip past the political speak."

Chuckling the Daimyo motioned to a low table where he sat himself at the head. Naruto sat at the other end while Ino and Hinata sat on either side of him. "Well, to begin, I wish to let you know that we will be bringing the council members responsible for the theft of your clan's knowledge and wealth to justice. Trail and execution will be swift, their assets will be liquidated and given over to the Uzumaki clan."

Naruto shrugs at that, rather ambivalent at this point about the civilian council, "It won't be enough. They took years of experience from me, never mind the money and knowledge. Ryo can't cover it all." Sure it was appreciated that corrupt members of the council would get theirs, but that didn't include the likes of Danzo or Hiashi. One was completely corrupt while the other was an opportunist. It was probably bad that the more he thought about it, the harder it was to figure out which was which.

Taking a heavy breath the Daimyo motions forward with a hand, "I had the thought that it wouldn't be enough to convince you. My genuine hope however was that this at least would allow peaceful negotiations to open up once more between the Land of Fire and the Uzumaki clan. We were once such close allies, it would be a shame to lose that completely because of a few misguided cretins." This was it, play on history and honor. The boy had mentioned to several others that he wished to rebuild his clan, that should also include old allies.

Naruto leaned over to Ino who whispered quietly into his ear, "It doesn't hurt to at least agree to open talks. Plus that gives us a legitimate reason to be in the leaf village." Ino was trying to take this serious, even if she, much like Naruto, was ready to be done with the village. Now if only she could convince her clan to leave with her. Her mother would love the Wave beachfront.

Naruto leaned into Hinata next, who honestly had nothing to say about the matter at all. She trusted Naruto's judgement in the matter completely. She had meant it before as well, the only people holding her here were her team and maybe her little sister, but her little sister would be well taken care of and her team would understand. "When we get back I'd like to finish what we started in Uzu. You know, when you were being so, assertive?"

Naruto had to use everything in him to fight down the blush threatening to come up. Of course Hinata had nothing to add here, she wanted to be back home. Heh. Funny how Spring and Uzu were more home to them than Konoha was now. However he put on a face for the Daimyo, nodding sagely before turning his attention back to the older man. "We can at least begin talks between Konoha and the Uzumaki clan again. We still will not be returning anytime soon. We can visit and attempt rebuilding relationships." Naruto paused to actually think about it for a moment, "Where would you like to meet for another meeting between you and I?"

The Daimyo waved a hand, "I am only here to help facilitate talks. I do however consider this very important, so you give me a time and I will make my way back here for the first initial beginning of talks."

Naruto considers that for all of a moment before snapping his fingers, "I say 3 months then from today. We can meet again and start talks. That should also give enough time to handle the council and our reparations."

"Three months should be more than enough time." Inwardly the Daimyo smirked and began to pat himself on the back. This was perfect. If the boy was willing to talk that meant there was a better chance they could sway him back into the village and the Land of Fire. He could save some face through all of this. "Well young man, like you said, it is getting late and I am much older than I used to be." Here the Daimyo began to stand, Naruto and the others doing the same.

Naruto and the girls bowed again, "It has been an honor sir."

The Daimyo bowed lightly and waved a hand, "The honor is mine. I hope we can have a long and lasting partnership despite everything that has happened."

Naruto grabs the girls and with a grin flashes away to leave the Daimyo alone. Said man finally sighed and moved to get ready to rest. It had been a long day and he had interviews to begin tomorrow. This village had really stepped into it this time and it would be up to him to turn things around.

Naruto and his girls reappeared in his room, thumping on the ground and sighing with some relief. Naruto tears his cloak off and seals it away, stretching his back and sighing in relief, "That was a bitch and a half."

Ino nodded, "You could say that again."

Hinata had removed her cloak and was sitting on the edge of Naruto's bed, "You're stressed."

Naruto had to pause and think about that for a moment, "Yeah, guess I am. It's been, a busy day." He still had one clone back in Konoha. Wonder when that one would report back.

Hinata however was grinning, "How would you like a back rub?"

Naruto thought that one over, "That would be nice, though I need to clean up first."

Ino was all smiles as she grabbed Hinata, "Well why don't us girls go get cleaned up and then we'll meet you back here huh?" Seeing the boy nod, Ino ushered Hinata out into the hallway. Hinata however was blushing as Ino smirked at the shorter girl, "So, do you want to be alone with Naruto?"

"I…No. You can come back with me."

Ino wiggled her eyebrows, "Not worried about if things get spicy?"

Hinata giggled as she shook her head and hip checked Ino, "That's assuming Naruto will be in the mood. It has been a long day."

"Well let's make a battle plan before we get back." Ino tugged the shorter girl along as her own mind raced. It was late after all, no one else seemed to be awake besides ninja guards. That gave them a little freedom for something to do tonight before they finally retired for bed.

Back in Konoha Danzo was home, walking into his study with a scroll in one hand and a cup of tea in the other. Between planning out a strategy with Hiashi and another meeting with the other elders, his day had been kept busy. Now however he was hoping to relax a bit, sooth his nerves with a special blend of tea, and sleep. Unfortunately for him something tickled his chakra senses and had him looking towards the one of the study's bookshelves. Not one of his root ninja, but who could have possibly gotten inside his home? "No assassin has been so bold to confront me directly in a long time.

Naruto stepped out of the shadows, hands in his pockets as he shrugged, "Yeah trust me. If I plan on killing you it won't be quiet."

Danzo's eyebrows rose a bit, "Mr. Uzumaki, to what do I own the visit?"

"I could have visited anytime really. Just felt today was a special occasion." Naruto was walking along the wall of books and scrolls. A finger traced along book spines as he read their labels. After a minute of silence however the boy turned to give the older ninja lazy eyes, "I don't appreciate your little plans."

Danzo sighed, walking to a very cushy chair and table arrangement, placing down his tea and scroll to keep his hands free. "You'll have to forgive me my boy, I don't know what you mean by this."

"You remember Kin? The girl you brainwashed in an attempt to bring me in?" Danzo's face didn't change, not even a twitch, but Naruto powered on all the same, "Do something like that again and I'll have to follow through with my threat."

Danzo realizes that Naruto really had found his operative. Unfortunate. "Have you considered that I was actually sending her to you as a peace offering? You are a young man after all."

"Yeah I'd like my partners to be willing ya know."

"Fair enough." Danzo pondered over things for a moment before turning his one visible eye to the boy, "We both know however, you won't kill innocents. And Konoha is full of them." Danzo turns to fully face the younger ninja, "Can you really blame an old man for doing what he thought was best for his village? For the Land of Fire? Surely you understand that loyalty still?"

Naruto thinks that one over for a while. Sure. Maybe Danzo was just a loyal old man who wanted the best for his people. He more likely was a power hungry asshole who just wanted to see his own vision realized and cloaked himself in duty and honor to throw everyone else off. "Honestly, if it were me, no I wouldn't be able to fault you. Taking care of your people, protecting what you hold dear. I would never spit on that."

"See my boy, you understand me just fine-"

"But." Naruto interrupted him on purpose, earning a frown as Danzo silenced himself, "Torturing and enslaving others just to get your way is beyond heinous and cruel. That's more in line with the likes of Orochimaru." Naruto's eyes took on a colder look, "You know how much I hate that bastard, so being anything like him is just the worst idea."

"I think it's all perspective. You will see, one day, you will make sacrifices. You will make decisions that will make your heart ache. But you will do so." Danzo pointed lazily at the boy, "You who is loyal to his people above all else. One day you won't have a choice, and unlike Sarutobi's teachings, you'll make the hard choices. You'll harden your heart. Just like in Wave. Just like during the Invasion. You'll make the correct choices when it matters." It was why Danzo was willing to take a much more hands off approach as opposed to just taking the boy and giving him the root treatment. This boy was himself, decades ago. Danzo's only needed to keep him loyal or at least on good terms with the village, and the Leaf would always have its greatest weapon. He'd snuff out council members, let a small number of inconsequential ninja leave, even let the boy come and go as he pleased. All if it meant in times of turmoil the boy would come running, disposing of their enemies and leading the charge to avenge them. Danzo knew it well, if a single Konoha life was lost, Naruto would raze the world to the ground to exact vengeance on their attackers.

Naruto however wasn't privy to any of his thoughts, or the net he was unaware was trying to close in around him. "Maybe. Maybe not. Not everything has to end in violence and death." Running through Rice had reminded him of that. The Fuma clan members he had saved now had a second chance to rebuild. He might not be the bleeding heart type, but he could be merciful. "For now, just remember old man. With my clones I could remove every civilian from Konoha in seconds, and after that? Well. You've got a good imagination." With a puff of smoke the Naruto clone was gone.

Left alone Danzo just smiled, "You and I both know you won't boy. You're still to soft, nothing has hardened your heart completely. Not yet." Danzo felt memories rise in his mind. War, death, destruction. Allies lost, friends, family, lovers. He mentally shook it all away. "As long as you're willing to talk, we can keep you around for as long as we need." He didn't want to use his implanted eyes on Naruto, for fear that the beast inside would find a way to break an illusion he put on the boy. Plus, that other eye still worried him. No. His current plan was best. He would bring Naruto around to his way of thinking one way or another.

Far away, returned to the inside of Naruto's room in Spring, said young man was having a conversation with Kurama while laying flat on his bed. Showered and redressed in shorts and a t-shirt, the boy was relaxed with his hands over his middle while he thought. The question of the night? Should he go to the Toads for further training or should he continue as he was? He had a month before they moved to Uzushio for good, and once there he wanted to be ready to defend his home at his best.

'There's no saying you can't go to the Toads at any point. You are my container, and I know originally I only cooperated with you because I wanted you to be the strongest out of my pride. But now. Well.' The chakra spirit seemed to become introspective as it rifled through its own memories. 'You've done well for yourself I suppose. You've surrounded yourself with love and family. Friends who believe in you. A people who rely on you. All without using or abusing me. I can respect that.'

Naruto grinned, 'Aw buddy, you got me all choked up here.'

'Don't be an ass, I'm being serious with you for once.' Huffing and looking away, Kurama finished what he wanted to say, 'I respect you. Naruto Uzumaki. You have a strength that goes beyond just fighting. It is an honor to fight beside you. In a few years, if we finally combine my chakra and make me whole again, perhaps we can ensure your people remain prosperous for many years to come.'

'Heh, I like that idea Kurama. Maybe, if there's a way, we can find a way to release you from the seal.'

'That would kill us both.'

'I'm an idiot who doesn't know how to die. Never know, I might figure it out.'

'Suppose you might.' Kurama laid down to rest for the day, 'I look forward to the day.'

'So do I.'

'Also, you're about to be ambushed.' Kurama decided to doze off, human mating had no interest to him.

'Wuh?' Naruto blinked out from his mindscape, realizing with a start a sleepwear clad Ino was hovering over him while Hinata was at the door, closing and locking it. "Uh, hey girls. I miss something?"

Ino was leaning closer now, "Hey Whiskers. Did you forget, you deserve some pampering too."

"Oh, yeah I forgot Hinata asked me if I wanted a back rub." Ino was even closer now, he could feel her breath on his face.

"Good, we figured however beyond the back rub you deserved a bit more." Ino finally leaned in completely, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear as she gently kissed the boy she was in love with. It was quick, soft but warm, and Ino was blushing as she pulled away. "So roll over, and we'll work you over into a puddle like you usually do us."

The blushing mess that was Naruto did just that, rolling onto his stomach after removing his shirt. "I uh, don't know what I did to deserve this."

Behind him Ino was giving Hinata a thumbs up, who walked forward with her special healing cream in one hand. "Just being yourself is more than enough Naruto." Hinata's voice sounded a lot calmer than she actually felt. Her heart was racing tonight, heat suffused through her body. She firmed herself however. She wanted to express her feelings in a more real way, and if Naruto, Tayuya, and Karin were all examples. Well. The Uzumaki seemed to be a very physical family. She could emulate that. Climbing onto the bed and eventually straddling his hips, she began to apply the cream onto her hands before working it into his well defined back. "Consider this us telling you perhaps you could slow down once in a while Naruto. You're going to work yourself to death at this rate."

Naruto felt like Hinata's hands were on fire as they worked upon his body. "I…I guess I've been pretty excited lately. We're so close."

Ino had dropped to her knees, resting her head on the edge of the bed so she could comfortably keep eye contract with Naruto. "You're going to be the Uzukage. There's always work to be done. You have to remember to not only pace yourself, but relax." Ino reached forward and poked him in the cheek. "And if you can't do that, we'll make sure to drag you away from work from time to time."

Smiling and nodding, Naruto relaxed a bit more, "I'll hold you to that then. You keep me on the right path okay? I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have you all here with me."

Ino smirked, "Probably become a murder hobo traveling the country and blowing things up all the time."

"Doesn't sound to bad." Naruto quipped.

Hinata pressed into a particularly sore spot, "No funny ideas." Hinata went back to her normal ministrations, "At least until Uzushio is well and on it's feet. Then you can run around threatening other nations."

Naruto chuckled and relaxed completely into the bed, "Sure thing darling. Your words are law."

Blushing Hinata leaned into his ear, "Better believe it, beloved." She spent another few minutes working on his back while applying chakra to her hands to help speed along healing. Ino and Naruto chatted idly about potential free time plans, while Naruto seemed to relax more and more into the bed. After some time however, as the moonlight crept into the room, eventually Hinata considered herself finished and moved on to her own plan. Shuffling and spinning Naruto to his back. Hinata again straddle his hips with a blush. Hands on his chest, she began to work whatever remaining healing cream into his muscles.

Naruto watched the girl above him slowly become a blushing mess, "I'm not going to sleep anytime soon, am I?"

Ino leaned over him again, kissing him softly, "We really only want cuddles and maybe some heavy petting. That alright with you?"

Naruto didn't have to think twice about that. Hands already moving up and down Hinata's thighs, "More than alright."

Hinata sat up straight, reaching down to the hem of her shirt before removing it over her head. Watching her love drink in her topless form, she leaned down to press her chest into his. "I want to go to sleep in your arms."

Naruto leaned up to kiss her, heat building up between them in seconds and leaving them breathless. Feeling cheeky, he pulled away and smiled at her, "Your words are law." from the side Ino took one of his hands into her own. Naruto wasn't sure when she had undressed, but the pale moonlight illuminating her gave her an ethereal glow that had Naruto's eyes widening.

"Better never forget that Whiskers." Naruto succumbed to his desires as Hinata pressed into him again while he pulled Ino closer to them, hand trailing somewhere warm and wet. He was in for a long night, and he'd be proving he was more than enough to take care of them all.

-b-

Morning over Spring was a visually stunning display. There were always low and light mists that the sun was quick to burn away in the purple and orange light of the sunrise. Many especially would enjoy quiet walks to enjoy the fresh chill air. Sure the snow had been melted, but they were still far north and they couldn't completely escape the chill.

This morning however was framing up to being different for Naruto in one or two major ways. Normally he awoke to immediately head out for either training or to return to whatever mission they were on. Most recently that had been daily construction efforts in Uzu. This morning however? He found his right side occupied by the shorter and softer form of Hinata. Breath even and quiet, Naruto luxuriated in the soft feeling of her naked and cuddled into him. On his left, just as clamped onto him and naked, Ino slept away. Hair down and a little everywhere, her head on his shoulder while one leg was wrapped around his own. Taking a deep and steadying breath, Naruto again thanked whatever Kami was looking out for him and seemed to be trying to make up for the shitty start to his life. A velvet soft thigh rubbed against his own, and his normal morning issue was somehow made worse. While they hadn't had sex, yet, he was sure he should have been to worn out from what they had done. Apparently not.

Ino was the first to wake up after him, stretching against him before calm eyes opened to look up into his own. Smiling, the girl hugged him again before shuffling up to kiss him. Feelings exchanged, the girl sat up, bed sheet falling off her form and pooling around her waist. Exposed in the early morning light, she felt no shame as she let her hair cover one eye, "Morning whiskers."

"Mornin' Ino." Naruto trailed a hand along her thigh and up her side, making a circuit along her skin that sent a shiver up her spine.

"Mmmm, maybe we could stay in bed all day?" Ino leaned back on her hands a bit, budding breasts and the long expanse of her toned torso on display, "Maybe we could finish what we started last night?"

Naruto smirked, "Tempting, but I should check in with Koyuki. Plus, we have all month. I wanna relax with all of you. Spend time with everyone. So we'll have plenty of time.

Ino's smile softened, "That sounds great."

Hinata finally started to wake, clamping onto Naruto with her arms and legs in some vain attempt to hold onto her sleep. After a moment and the brightness of the early morning sun creeping in through partially open blinds, Hinata opened pale eyes. "Mmmm. Good morning everyone."

"Mornin'"

"Morning sleepy head. That's some impressive bed head." Ino was moving to stand, walking over to the window and peeking out of the blinds. She couldn't see anyone walking about yet, but the view was amazing.

Hinata took a minute to blink away the rest of the fog of sleep, before she looked up into Naruto's face. Seeing him smile softly at her, she donned a truly radiant smile of her own. Shifting to be on top of him again, she started her morning with another heavy make out session. Pulling away with some effort, Hinata sat up with a gasp as she was much the same thought line as Ino was earlier. "We should stay in bed. All day." Hips grinding away against him, Hinata placed her hands on his chest, "All day."

Naruto shook his head, "We'll check in first to see how Koyuki, Karin, and Tayuya are doing, and then maybe we can go on a date." Idly his hands teased her sides, "We should be responsible at least for one day."

Hinata grabbed his hands and moved them to her chest, "We're moving into your room."

"No argument from me." The hard peaks under his palms were great motivators.

Ino smirked as she walked over to the bathroom, "We'll have maybe a day or two before Tayuya and Karin do the same." She needed to freshen up, and left the two alone for the moment.

Naruto sat up in order to hold the girl tightly to stop her grinding, "Quit that. Or we really won't get anything done."

Hinata bucked her hips once more, "Maybe I don't wanna be responsible." She pressed his head into her chest, "You know you don't want to either."

Naruto eventually surfaced for air, "Brat." His will was crumbling, with her heat pressed against him and reminding him of just what he really wanted.

"Just for you beloved."

Naruto flipped them over, drawing Hinata into a soul searing kiss that eventually left her breathless and limp underneath him. "Better be. C'mon, let's get dressed and get some breakfast." Naruto was soon up and bouncing in more ways than one to the bathroom himself. Hinata heard a giggle from Ino.

Hinata groaned, "That was mean." She too however rolled herself out of bed eventually and made it to the larger bathroom once she saw Ino leaving. Both winked at each other, high fiving as they passed the other. Step one was complete.

Down the hall Koyuki sat at the common room table, working through a small stack of paperwork while munching on a bagel. Naruto and the others had assured her that everything would be fine. However she was still nervous. They were going back to the village that was happy to use and abuse each of them in their own way. And in Naruto's case, they would most likely stop at nothing in order to get him to stay. It didn't sit well with her. Not at all. Hearing footsteps, purposefully made for her benefit most likely, the young Daimyo looked up to see the very people she was worried about walking in. Naruto was quick to collect food and sit across from her, chowing down on an omelette while Ino and Hinata found their own food and sat on either side of him. Koyuki was relieved at least, pointing at the boy with chopsticks, "Welcome home."

"Good to be home." Naruto was quick to finish his food as he watched Koyuki go back to her work. He idly looked over the stack of papers before he voiced his own idea, "Say. Koyuki."

"Hmmm?"

"Would you mind if I had a clone or two shadow you for a while? Maybe help out with your paperwork and the like?" Naruto rubbed his head as his embarrassment caught up to him, "I'm gonna be a leader soon. I should understand some of what goes into the job."

Koyuki smiled brightly, "Of course you can Naruto. Though I'm sure we'll have different workflows to worry about, I can show you what I typically deal with and hopefully that'll give you some idea of what you're looking forward to."

Naruto sighed, "I can already tell I'm going to hate paperwork."

Hinata hummed, "It's part of being a leader."

Ino nudged him, "You have clones anyway, I'm sure that'll speed up the process."

"Oh yeah." Naruto smirked and leaned on the table. "Any word on the others?"

Koyuki nodded, "The clone you left took Tayuya and Karin back to Wave. Tayuya mentioned helping out at the aid station while Karin was still working on some project back in Uzu. We only just sent out Jugo and the Fuma sisters, so I doubt we'll hear anything from them until the week is out." Koyuki shrugged, "Otherwise things are peaceful. Our port city is growing quickly and with the warmed climate we're expanding farmland at a breakneck pace. Once we finish laying the rail, we'll begin industry building and resource transfers to and from Uzu."

Naruto nodded, "Once the civilian side of Uzu is finished we'll take a bit of a break all around. Let things stabilize and and get a good idea of how things are going to work. Maybe after 6 months or so we'll design and start work on rebuilding the ninja fortress on the island just north of the big island."

"So you don't plan on keeping everything together?"

"Nah." Naruto had looked through what few records Karin had been able to find and his own meager collection. The Uzumaki had started with a good idea, if only they hadn't been betrayed. They would learn from their sacrifice however. "Just like we're doing now, we'll have another tunnel system that branches between all of the islands. Smaller though, since it'll be just for ninja business. From there we'll rebuild the main fortress and then build up outposts on the rest of the islands as lookouts."

Koyuki leaned back in her chair, "It's sound military thinking. Having a timeline?"

"Not yet, kinda hope to have everything done within 2 to 3 years. Give or take a bit. But if our population continues to grow then who knows when construction will stop."

Koyuki shrugged, "It's a good problem to have." Looking down at her paperwork, she saw a letter and was reminded of something. "Oh, you have a letter from the Hotspring Daimyo. It wasn't marked urgent, so take your time, relax, and then read it over to see if you need to go see him." She picked up said letter and offered it to Naruto who took is slowly.

Stashing away the letter into a seal on his left wrist, he leaned back and stretched. "Well, today is gonna be a lazy day I think." Looking at the two girls next to him, he hooked a thumb over his shoulder, "Wanna hit the beach today? It's sure to be warm."

Ino's eye immediately started to shine, "Yes! Let's do it!"

Hinata had the same sentiment, "It'd be good to relax like you said."

Koyuki feigned annoyance, "Oh yes, make plans to be all lovey dovey without me. I'll be juuuust fiiiine."

Naruto rolled his eyes, making clones and standing with the girls. Ino and Hinata were already making their way to the door way while Naruto himself leaned over the table. Reaching out and tilting her head up by her chin, the boy laid a gentle kiss on the girl's lips. "You'll get your date day too, don't worry."

Koyuki was blushing but eventually pushed him away with a smirk, two clones coming to either side of her to watch her work, "I better. Now get going. I do have work. And don't think I can't figure out what's going on around here."

Naruto turned back to wink at her, "Maybe you'll get a turn later huh?" And then he was gone, leaving a flustered Koyuki alone with his clones.

"Tease." She mumbled out.

One of the clones leaned over to her, "We can always make up for it now."

Koyuki rolled her eyes, "Maybe later. Here, sit, this paperwork is dealing with current population influx-" She'd get her's later. If Naruto knew what was good for him.

-b-

It was later in the day, just past noon, and Naruto was doing something he wouldn't have even considered within the last few months. Laid out on the beach under a wide umbrella, Naruto relaxed in bright orange shorts while Ino and Hinata played in the surf. Hinata had found some way to use her ninja training to skate along on the water, while Ino was picking up and learning the technique as well. Hinata was wearing a very daring blue two piece number, while Ino did much the same with a white bikini. It was a feast for the eyes that Naruto was enjoying completely. But his mind had been wandering and the added weight to his chest wasn't as happy about being near the sea water.

Gamakichi took another piece of candy and popped it into his mouth, "You know bro, the elder thinks it's getting close to time for you to begin your sage training. He thinks you have what it takes."

"Well, that would put me another step towards my goal of re-uniting Kurama with the other half of his chakra."

'Have you even given real thought to what you'll do with the Shinigami mask?'

'Of course not. Once I have better chakra control and a real reason to work with it, then I will.' Seeing Gamakichi looking at him strangely, Naruto nods, "Kurama asked what I'll do with the Shinigami mask."

"Oh. Can I ask something about that?" Gamakichi waited while Naruto eventually nods for him to continue. "Why haven't you released your parents yet?"

Naruto thinks on that one for a while. Mind going back to his quick conversation with Mito Uzumaki's shade and then all of the clone's collective memories about the masks, the Shinigami mask especially. There was just as much philosophy behind that mask as there was technical knowledge. "Historically the Uzumaki were big on the sanctity of life and the world's natural order. Yeah we had longer lives than most, but that made it all the more clear to my ancestors. Bringing anyone back from the dead was not to be done lightly and was seen as an affront against both the clan and the world." Naruto sighed, "The Shinigami mask was meant to release souls from the god's belly to allow them to finally rest. Of course, there was an Uzumaki mask made purely to bring the dead back to life, but it was sealed deep within the temple." Naruto closed his eyes as he relaxed further into the sand, "I have no plans on unsealing that mask, ever."

Kurama grumbles, 'Why not destroy it?'

Naruto voices what he says for Gamakichi's benefit, "Destroy it huh? I think, the part of me that wants to be realistic about things, can't. One day someone, a descended hopefully, or even me, might need that mask. It would be a major sacrifice in order to do so, to bring one person back who deserves a second chance. But I can't say it'll never happen."

Gamakichi had stopped eating by now, listening quietly to Naruto. As the boy paused however, Gamakichi nodded, "Sounds like something my dad said once. That the living had the duty to live a full life once and to leave the rest to the next generation. Breaking one's self from the natural order puts them above mortals and intrudes into the realm of the gods. That never ends well."

Naruto agrees with that, "I'm not looking to do the job of any of the Kami. No." His eyes landed on Ino and Hinata again, both water skating back towards him with wide open smiles, "I want to live a happy and fulfilling life, and then be done and ready to pass when my time comes. Hopefully a long time from now."

'With me in your gut you probably have a few centuries to go.'

'Sounds annoying.'

'You get used to it.'

Gamakichi finally sat up and saluted, "I gotta head back, but maybe we can hang out again soon."

"Sure thing kichi." And then his summon was gone. Though he was quickly replaced by a playful Ino, flopping down next to him while Hinata sat down more sedately. "Yo."

"You're being a stick in the mud, c'mon Naruto! Come fool around!"

Shaking his head with a smile, Naruto nodded, "Sure thing. Let's go have some fun." Every day was meant to be lived after all.

-AN-

I think we've slowed things down pretty far, so, let's find the gas pedal. There's a new mission on the horizon, Naruto and the girls are making some relationship progress, and Jugo and the Fuma twins are gonna be in Rice unsupervised. Konoha seems to think it's getting off easy, while several people have decisions to make. And Kurotsuchi makes a friend?