-AN-

So I've started reading the Boruto manga, because I don't have the patience for filler and that's apparently the largest complaint with the anime. I'm only up to chapter 12 so far and IDK. It's, flat. But I'm mainly gonna try and get through it because I might come by some ideas for a continuation of this fic. Maybe.

-Story Start-

The Uzumaki mansion was normally a lively and upbeat space, the living room usually the center hive of activity besides the baths. Being just after lunchtime and with everyone present, they should be either relaxing or making plans to head out for either missions or help around Uzushio. Today however found Naruto fretting and double checking things with his group. The message finally came. Tsunade had let him know that the Daimyo was finally ready to meet with him to settle some things and begin making plans for the future. This meant it was time to head back to Konoha and the girls wouldn't be letting him make this trip alone. That meant everyone he cared for would be in that shitty village and that meant they would be in danger. He didn't like that. So here he was, pacing and making sure everyone was prepared for the trip. Repeatedly. The girls were humoring him but it was beginning to get old.

Naruto walked by a couch holding Ino and Hinata, one hand rubbing the back of his head, "You have my spare shadow clones right? Hidden and transformed?"

Ino nodded with a bemused expression that was matched by Hinata, "Yup. Four of them in fact, and our hiraishin tattoos are primed and ready as well." She didn't want to belittle his worrying. It was cute. But it was starting to get old. They weren't china dolls. They could defend themselves.

Walking past Tayuya and Karin, Naruto paused to look at them, "You have your masks right? How's your Uzu seal doing? Need any adjustments?"

Tayuya groaned as she and Karin both pouted, "Everyone has their masks sealed away, and you've check my seal yourself, three times. You know it's good."

Naruto nodded, not really hearing her completely as he turned to look at Kotohime, "Are you sure you don't want to stay here. You know, just in case?"

Kotohime shook her head, "Where you go, we go. You know that."

Naruto started pacing again, "I just. I don't want to take chances. We're going to be meeting with the Daimyo and I want to make sure that at a moments notice you all can flash away. I mean it too. The first sign of danger I want you all to use the stored chakra and flash back here. Don't wait for me."

There's not even an attempt for anyone to voice an agreement as Naruto starts pacing again, before all of the assembled women who were attached to Naruto finally looked to Hinata, the one most likely able to break his chain of thought. Sighing, the former Hyuuga nods before reaching out when he starts to pass her. He offers no resistance while on autopilot, not perceiving her as a threat, which means it is easy for her to drag him to his knees and thrust his face into her chest. "Beloved, you must relax. You're working yourself up over nothing."

Tayuya grins and relaxes back while Karin leans into her side, "We can give you a massage in the bath. That always mellow us out." It also fired them up for more fun activities at the end of the day.

Kotohime shakes her head, "Maybe a song and dance from yours truly?" Clothing might be optional for the dance, who knew?

Ino smirks and licks her lips, "I'll suck your co-"

Hinata smacks her, "Must you?" Leave it to her friend and fellow Leaf village expat to cut right to the chase.

"Everyone else was beating around the bush. No reason to be coy here." She knew what she wanted and knew what Naruto would enjoy. Why waste time.

On another couch and until now almost ignored, Kin and Sasame clear their throats, "Is Konoha really going to be this much of a problem?" Sasame voiced her own question while Jugo watched quietly. He'd never seen Naruto so worried before, it was an odd thing to witness.

Ino shook her head while Naruto began to squirm in Hinata's embrace, "Not really. Naruto just worries because some old men are plotting behind the scenes. He could level the village with a thought if it got that far."

Jugo nods, "Well then we will be prepared all the same." This would be their first official chance to operate as the Uzumaki clan's guards. He could not see himself failing this now.

Flailing much more frantically, Hinata finally let's Naruto go who gasps for air. Kami it would have been a great way to go, but he still had to much to do for now. "Ok ok, sorry. I get I'm worrying to much. I'll try to relax."

Tayuya points at him as he finally stands, though he squeezed Hinata's hand briefly, "You can always level the village and be done with it."

Naruto shakes his head, "That's a last resort sort of thing. There are good people in Konoha ya know."

Karin is quietly thinking away while Tayuya and Naruto banter back and forth, before she snaps her fingers and draws everyone's attention. "We should make this a flashy affair!"

Naruto is suddenly very interested in what she has to say, "Flashy?"

Karin nods, "Yeah. Let's act the full part. We're the reborn and rebuilding Uzumaki clan. That means fancy clothes, special guards, the works." She had her own idea of the guards beyond just Jugo and the Fuma girls. Her latest project with the Spring engineers finally bearing some real fruit.

Naruto however is letting the idea build in his mind, "That would be fun. Yeah, we should do that. Shove it in Konoha's face what they lost. Great idea Karin!" Turning and missing the girl blush with a smile, he finally lands on Tsunami who is sitting alone in a cushy chair, "Think you'll be okay with Uzu for a few days?"

Tsunami nods, "With the Chinoike clan helping out like they have been it won't be a problem. They've been acclimating to Uzushio splendidly. On your orders they're holding off on missions for now and running guard duty within our borders."

Naruto grins, "Good. Let En and Gosu know I'll have a bonus for them when we return as long as you praise them for their performance."

Tsunami bows lightly, "They'll love that."

Naruto turns to the others, "Well everyone let's get dressed then, I'll make some clones and we can flash just outside of Konoha." Watching everyone stand and head to their rooms, or his in a lot of cases, the blonde turns back to Tsunami, "Want anything from Konoha?"

Tsunami shakes her head, "Just for you all to return safely."

Naruto's grin widens even further, "That's an easy promise. We'll all return when this is over." He'd make sure of it, no matter what. He missed Ino and Tayuya coming back to drag him towards his room, "Hey-hey!"

Ino shakes her head, "You're changing as well." She's pulling him along by the hand while Tayuya pushes his back.

"Plus, we weren't kidding, you need to relax a bit before we go."

Naruto sighed, "I don't have a say in this do I?"

From somewhere Hinata's voice rang out, "Our word is law!"

Naruto finally submits and nods, "Hai hai, your word is law." He wasn't really going to complain after all. Might take them a little longer to get to Konoha but that was fine. The Daimyo could wait.

-b-

True to Naruto's thoughts, the group now minus Tsunami did end up taking a bit longer to get ready before they could leave. He wasn't complaining, well, unless one counted his grumbling about being in the Land of Fire in the first place. Having flashed to an empty section of road just outside of Konoha, the group was dressed and ready for the occasion. Karin however was kneeling down on the ground with a large scroll unrolling from the small of her back. There was a large plume of smoke and the group found themselves surrounded by her hand made golem she had constructed with the Komainu mask. These however had been modified, wearing Samurai Armor that had been infused with technology from Spring's ninja armor. Fully covered, one wouldn't be able to tell these weren't normal people unless they really paid attention to them. Or tried to speak to them.

Karin watches as Naruto takes her work in and fidgets with her hair, "This was the latest project made jointly with the Spring engineers. With some work I hope to use these guys as an interim police force, and eventually a supplementary addition to the flesh and blood force. The Chinoike are doing a great job, but they could use the help."

Naruto however nods, giving her a thumbs up, "They're amazing and it really shows that you've worked hard. Thanks Karin."

Blushing, Karin nods and tucks her hair behind an ear, "O-of course."

Naruto takes them all in. The girls were dressed in matching blue kimono, there each girl has a personalized color pattern along the edges. Each bares the Uzumaki crest in bright red on their back. Jugo, Kin, and Sasame have changed into black and orange themed outfits to denote themselves as Riptide members, along with donning their own Uzumaki masks. Sasame and Kin both bear the more basic yellow Oni masks denoting their minor lightning chakra affiliation, while Jugo bears the fool Okame mask. Naruto himself turns to face Konoha in the distance, his own deep blue almost black jinbei included his usual orange. That followed to his own Uzumaki crest on his back, orange and bright, at its center is a fox head, mouth bared and full of teeth.

"I think we should turn it up once we arrive. Act the part, pretend Konoha isn't worth our time, and get out of here with nothing to crazy happening." Naruto had finally relaxed, so now he was ready to have some fun with it.

Karin directed the disguised golem to form up around them as guards as they began to walk, "Only way this would be more of a statement would be if we arrived on a palanquin."

Jugo Kin and Sasame took the lead, forming the head of their little procession, "Maybe next time?" Jugo would never pass up a chance to show off his Lord and his greatness. He'd have to talk with Tsunami and Tazuna about a palanquin's construction.

Naruto takes the lead of the rest just behind Jugo, summoning Gamakichi with a few hand seals. "Hey Kichi."

"Hey bro, what's up?"

"Can ya let granny Tsunade know that we're coming?"

"Sure thing, she's got some great candy recently." The little toad saluted and then was gone.

Hinata and Ino formed up on his left and right, smirking and leaning into him, "This'll be fun." Ino had her own ideas of how to spend the next few days.

Behind them Kotohime nodded, "Dare say this little play will be worth the effort." She looked back to Karin and Tayuya bringing up the rear, "I'm sure someone's efforts will be rewarded properly." She smirked internally at the blush that blossomed on Karin's face, while Tayuya poked her in the sides repeatedly. Poor dear really needed to realize Naruto didn't require her to have great deeds to love her so. He just did. She'd learn soon enough.

A few miles away towards the center of Konoha in the Hokage tower, Tsunade is sitting behind her desk while conducting a meeting with Jiraiya and Shikaku. Today was about coordinating guard details and wall defense while the Daimyo was here on his visit to meet with the Uzumaki clan. They could not have any hiccups or altercations within their borders. Nevermind the Daimyo, Tsunade was not going to put up with anything happening to that family on her watch if she could help it. She would absolutely pack up and leave with Shizune if Naruto decided Konoha wasn't worth it.

Shikaku is pointing at a map on her desk, "We have anbu squads posted here, here, and here." Each pause was punctuated with a stab of his finger. The elder Nara was already over having the Daimyo in their village so often. Hopefully things would be resolved soon.

Jiraiya shrugged, "The seals all along the wall are as strong and reinforced as they can be. No one is getting in or out of the village without getting some type of alert straight on your desk." He had personally gone over every inch of the wall this last month. He still couldn't figure out how Orochimaru got in so easily, but he'd have that answer soon enough if he dug far enough.

Tsunade nodded, "I've sectioned off one of the more ritzy hotels for Naruto's use while he is here officially. It's a bonus that it's close to the Daimyo as well so they should be able to meet as often as they need." The Hokage pauses as Gamakichi appears on her desk with a cheeky salute.

"Heya! Naruto is on his way and should be at the gates soon."

Tsunade nods, a small bag of candy already appearing before the toad, "Ok. We'll go greet him."

"Thanks!" Gamakichi grabbed his loot and left, bro wanted him as far away from danger as possible, and he wasn't suicidal enough to stick around.

Jiraiya sighed, "Moment of truth is here huh?"

Shikaku nods, "One way or another, things are going to get resolved."

Tsunade is already standing, throwing her jacket on and even grabbing the Hokage hat for good measure. "Let's make it official, time to get to work."

Shikaku nods, heading for the door, "I'll inform the Daimyo." Waving away, the scarred Nara elder was out the door and gone within moments.

Jiraiya sighs, following along behind Tsunade as Shizune forms up with them. "Is there a real chance of anything going wrong here? Any problems you can think of?"

Tsunade groans, "Oh, besides the fact that the Daimyo picked probably to two worst members of the council to talk with Naruto? Nah, everything should go just peachy." The older woman shook her head as they descended the stairs, "Short of those Akatsuki fucks showing up things should be fine."

Jiraiya chuckles, "My my Hime, such naughty language."

Tsunade holds a fist up and cracks her knuckles, "Remind me again who is part of my daily stress?" Seeing the man begin to sweat, Tsunade grins, "That's what I thought. Now let's get a move on. I doubt the Daimyo will come out to meet Naruto at the gate, he'll want to meet Naruto directly at his room leaving this for us." Pompous old wishy washy bastard. If he wasn't her Daimyo Tsunade would happily toss him over the horizon for making her daily life harder with all of this.

Outside Konoha the citizens were not aware yet of just who was making their way towards the village gates. That said, the eternal gate guard pair of Izumo and Kotetsu, a chunin pair who long are used to getting in trouble and being stuck in this position, are the first to spot the Uzumaki and their entourage. Being amazed at the collection of young and beautiful women, they nearly miss the burly looking Samurai halting around the group while a taller orange haired man with a pale Okame mask steps forward to present identification paperwork for everyone.

Izumo is the one to catch up first, taking the paperwork and asking the usual questions, "Reason for visit?"

Jugo nods his head as he accepts the paperwork back, "Just a meeting with the Land of Fire Daimyo. The Uzumaki clan does not plan on being within the village for longer than a week."

Izumo nods, Eyes raking over the aloof looking Naruto who has a real beauty of a woman whispering into his ear from behind, "Yeah, just the usual then. Keep away from ninja related areas and no violence towards citizens without just cause. You are guests here."

Jugo nods again, "There shouldn't be an issue unless we are provoked then. Thank you." Nodding towards one of the Samurai golem, Jugo leads the group into the village proper, the golem group keeping a healthy perimeter around everyone else. As they walk down the main road towards the Hokage tower, the group keeps their heads high, either conversing with themselves or flatly ignoring the Konoha populous. Said citizens are beginning to take not of the group, quiet whispers leading to excited recognition as many finally clue in that Naruto himself was here and back. Some don't recognize him right away, especially without his large sword or headband on.

Coming up to the group, Tsunade, Jiraiya and Shizune are standing in the middle of the road, a small detail of Anbu with them as well. The golem part to allow the groups to merge a bit, Jugo and his cell standing aside while Naruto, Ino and Hinata greet the older trio.

"Heya brat, good to see you back." Tsunade is smirking at the boy while she tilts the Hokage hat to block the sun.

Naruto is grinning as well, "Must have taken a lot to get you to wear the hat. I'm honored."

"You better be. This is all bullshit really." Tsunade rolls her eyes as Naruto chuckles, "You ready?"

"Much as I can be. We've still got a beach house ready for you if things go tits up."

"Mmmm, sea side home with lots of booze? Do I really have to wait for things to go bad? I can retire and give the hat to Kakashi. I'm sure he'd like it."

Shizune sighs, "Tsunade-sama."

Naruto turns his eyes to Jiraiya who is doing his best not to rake his eyes over the assembled women present. "Man granny, you really did a number on Pervy Sage huh? Haven't seen him show such self control like, ever."

Tsunade nods, "It's a work in progress. Slow going, but we're getting there."

Jiraiya sighs, "I'm right here you know."

Naruto flips him a one finger salute, "Tell me you don't deserve the teasing?"

Tsunade points a finger at the older man to keep him from opening his mouth, "You do and you know it." She turns honey colored eyes his way, "So just nut up and bare it. You'll get a treat later."

Shizune and Naruto both pout identically, "Gross."

Tsunade grins, "Prudes." Hands on her hips as they're beginning to draw a crowd, Tsunade produces and hands over a scroll, "You're all set up in the Hokage's Retreat, a hotel not far from the tower. You have the top floor all to yourselves. Once you're settled in the Daimyo will be coming to greet you."

Naruto nods, taking the scroll with a smile, "Gotcha. We'll head out then. Come visit us afterwards okay?"

Tsunade nods, "Will do, now get going. You're throwing off the village standing around here." Happy on all fronts, the groups part ways. The Uzumaki camp making for their hotel while Tsunade and her group watch them go. "Kid is taking to it well. Leadership seems to suit him."

Jiriaya shrugs, "Oh something seems to suit him just fine."

Tsunade giggles, "Is that jealousy I hear?"

"Nope. Not at all." Jiraiya was absolutely vibrating in place as he watched one of the girls nearly drape herself across Naruto as they walked. He just knew that kid was up to more than he let on. So much research potential just waiting to be tapped. Tsunade finally takes pity on him and taps him on the shoulder.

"Come on you old goat, let's get moving back towards the tower." She still hadn't decided if the old pervert deserved a chance. But he was making improvements. She could at least acknowledge that.

-b-

Reaching the appropriate floor, the fire Daimyo flanked by Danzo and Hiashi started down the hallway leading to the Uzumaki suite. They had been informed that Naruto and his group had arrived within Konoha and they had gotten together right away. The Daimyo wanted to get things off on the best foot possible.

Turning back to both men the Daimyo smiles, "Remember, it is imperative that things go smoothly here. This is a prominent clan that has the potential to do a lot of good for our nation."

Danzo agrees with him, nodding along with his words while Hiashi is silent. He personally believed the Uzumaki were a non-factor much like the Uchiha. The Hyuuga had done more within the village recently than either of the other clans but today wasn't the day to bring that up.

All three come to find the double doors to the mentioned hotel suite. On either side of the door are tall fully armored and armed Samurai. Hmm, had the Uzumaki employed the services of the Land of Iron? That would be concerning if they had. The Daimyo holds up a hand, smile still firmly in place, "We are here to meet with Lord Uzumaki, if you would let them know we've arrived." All of the men wait as the samurai give them their customary silent treatment. Before one leans over to knock on the door with an armored hand.

Within moments the door is opened, a orange haired girl opens the door slowly, coming out to take in the three men waiting there. "Good afternoon Lord Daimyo. Right this way please." Opening one half of the doors, Kin opening the other, the three elders are led inside the room. The initial entrance room is empty, but beyond that they can see a wide sitting room where they can see Naruto sitting on the center of a couch. He is surrounded by his group, mostly beautiful women of varying ages. Only one isn't sitting on the couch, leaned over the back of it and draping herself over Naruto's shoulders. The long black haired woman was whispering into his ear, which produced a laugh from him.

Kin and Sasame draw everyone's attention, turning aside and motioning to the intruders of the day. "Lord Uzumaki, the Fire Daimyo is here." Kin's voice is carefully modulated in an attempt to sound much more like her older sister.

Naruto looks up, smirking internally at the curious looking Daimyo while Danzo and Hiashi especially seems frustrated. They wouldn't show it, but he could definitely tell. Standing, the Uzumaki clan head bows to the men, "Good afternoon gentlemen. Guess it's finally time for us all to get on the same page?"

The pair of Kin and Sasame lead the men around to sit together on the smaller couch facing the Uzumaki group. From there both girls stand to await orders while Naruto sits back down between Ino and Hinata. "I'm here for a few days at least so we can hash things out. That alright with you?"

The Daimyo nods, first removing a scroll from his robes to hold out towards Naruto, "Of course of course. We want to get things back on track after all. To that end, I have a gift for you and your clan." He allowed Kin to take the scroll from him, the shorter girl taking it to a waiting Jugo off to the side who looked it over and checked for seals and traps. The Daimyo however was used to such and powered on, "We tried and executed the council members who stole from you. Calculated, we found roughly 100 million ryo stolen from your clan. Though I regret that through the executions we were only able to recover just about 30 million as a result. There are other options on the table however." The Daimyo knew he was not a ninja, but he had ninja specifically for estimating the value of ninja skills and knowledge. They had told him, repeatedly, that the Uzumaki's knowledge was nearly invaluable, but they had given him figures all the same. Such an amount would probably fund a small country for a year or two, but not much further. For a clan? That could equate to a decade worth of time.

Naruto idly watched as Jugo checked the scroll over and nodded, handing the scroll back to Kin who then took it to Karin who accepted it and slipped it into the folds of her Kimono with a smile. "Well it's a start I guess. That doesn't account for the years worth of abuse and misdeeds against me from members of this village. Both civilian and ninja. What's to be done about that?"

It's here that Danzo picks up the conversation. They had agreed that anything dealing with the past would go through him. "We believe that, in the interest of fairness, we could find a way to bury any accumulated animosity up till now. As I'm sure you can understand, there is no way for Konoha to fix everything that has happened to you. It just isn't possible. We can't bring back the dead after all." Hopefully he could convince Naruto that they really were trying their best here. They weren't, not by a long shot, but this child shouldn't require it in the long term.

Naruto thinks about what Danzo says, while Ino leans to speak into his ear. Naruto makes a show of listening as she holds up a hand to cover her lips. "How about we end this right away. That offer from earlier to suck you off is still very, very, valid." Naruto keeps his poker face, nodding and humming along before Ino leans away to relax into the couch like she didn't just fill his head with perverted thoughts. Lewd woman.

"Being honest and fair here since we've actually met up like you said you would. The Uzumaki doesn't really have much of a reason to come back to Konoha anyway. Think about it. More than being slighted, my clan has been betrayed, by our oldest and closest allies. We might be able to continue some sort of partnership in the future, but right now we just can't trust Konoha anymore. Our goal right now is to rebuild our clan."

As Danzo's face sours Hiashi steps in, mind already latching on to a possibility. "As I'm sure you're aware then, the Hyuuga clan is more than willing to assist the Uzumaki with any and all endeavors they wish to embark on. As my precious daughter has no doubt brought to your attention, we only wish to make right the sins of the past." Hiashi mentally berated both the Daimyo and Danzo. Had they done no research on the boy? Surely they had better things to try to latch onto than honor and history. The boy didn't care about those things. "The Hyuuga is an old clan much as the Uzumaki. We can offer political and financial assistance at the drop of a hat when required."

Naruto sighs, "That would be nice. Buuuut I'm sure we won't be needing any of that from the Hyuuga clan. Personally dealing with a clan that happily enslaves a portion of their own people just does not sit well with us. Slavery is wrong, even if you tie a nice little bow on it and call them your branch family." Naruto gave a real pointed look towards Hiashi who scowled in return. So he didn't like being called out directly? Tough titties.

Danzo stepped back in again, realizing this was spirally out of control quickly. A tactical retreat might be in order. "I would hope, with our long history the Uzumaki would at least remain allies of Konoha. We should at least have a chance to make amends for the wrongs that have been done. Surely you can see we are making an effort here." Danzo didn't want to resort to force. While the Daimyo couldn't see it and Hiashi was to short sighted, Danzo knew a revitalized Uzumaki would only be beneficial to the Leaf. "We could ensure the safety of your clan until your numbers have improved."

Naruto didn't even have to really think about that argument. Knowing Danzo's most likely game. Sure the old man wanted to allege that he only had Konoha's best interests at heart. But really it was his version of Konoha that he was interested in. Naruto had no interests in that. He had no reason to admit that they had already rebuilt Uzushio and were expanding, he'd let them figure that out on their own like everyone else. With the rate of their current industry expansion, they'd be on the world stage soon enough. "We're going to rebuild our clan on our terms for now, and after these next few days worth of talks we'll be returning there. Who knows, we might have more common ground before we leave." Here Naruto relaxed back fully into the couch, girls on either side of him, "Or not."

Danzo gets the message loud and clear. They had pushed Naruto to far even before all of this. He had already made up his mind when he left the first time. Now however with him here they could pull back and brainstorm their negotiations more thoroughly. There had to be a way to bring this boy back around to their way of thinking. Next to him, Hiashi is thinking of his own clan and goals, and isn't thinking on the same wavelength as Danzo. "Lord Uzumaki…" And did it rankle Hiashi to address Naruto as such. "I see that my eldest daughter is wearing your crest now. If she is now a full member of your clan, that brings up that she'll need to decide on her responsibilities to the Hyuuga. She is my heir, that's not a title to just throw away." Pride, a truly deadly sin.

Naruto is frowning as he leans forward a bit, and both Danzo and the Daimyo realize Hiashi pushed to far. "My love has informed me of just what the Hyuuga really thinks of myself and my clan. Honestly, I don't appreciate it. Thankfully though Hinata had deemed to give up the Hyuuga name and her titles. She is Hinata Uzumaki. She will stay Hinata Uzumaki, and the Uzumaki don't abandon their own. She's learned this lesson through and through. Your true heir Hanabi might learn a thing or two from her older sister."

Hiashi twitches, realizing too late much as the others that he had underestimated the boy. "As you say, Lord Uzumaki." He would not take this slight unchallenged. No no. This boy would learn his place. Just as that failure of a daughter would.

Finally having enough of the two men he was realizing he should not have brought along with him, the Daimyo clapped his hands together. "Well, it is my hope, truly, that the Uzumaki clan will give the Land of Fire a change to make amends and forge a new relationship with time and hard earned effort. Your clan seems to value hard work highly yes?"

Naruto nods, "That's true. Hard work should be rewarded."

Hinata leans over slowly, much as Ino a hand is covering her mouth as she whispers her words into his opposite ear. "Maybe later you and I can sneak into the Hyuuga clan home? I want you to take me on top of Hiashi's desk. Repeatedly." Oh yes, that was very productive to the conversation wasn't it?

Sighing heavily and not having to fake it this time, Naruto shakes his head, "The Uzumaki will visit Konoha from time to time. We do wish to keep relationships here as open as possible. It'll be slow going, but I'm sure we can forge a path to a better future." Naruto however reaches into his shirt, pulling free three different Leaf headbands, "I'll have to return these however. We can no longer remain ninja of the Leaf. We can't focus on the clan and Konoha at the same time. Who knows, maybe our children might think differently."

Danzo completely realizes just how botched these discussions have gone. He had assumed Naruto was much as any other young boy his age. Wooed by women and possibly money. No. Here he was seated across from a new but fast learning leader. Dedicated to his people. Dangerous. The mental switch was easy to make from here. He had heard the rumors, of some new village somewhere coming to life. He now had a hunch it was the Uzumaki. He'd need to both find it and infiltrate it quickly. The balance of power must be maintained. If that meant sacrificing one of the other major villages to do so, he would. If it meant sacrificing the Uzumaki, well…he'd done it once before.

Hiashi was fully frowning now, mentally preparing a conversation with his own clan council. They would need to take steps to brand Hinata with the cage seal, and soon. Unless she could be brought back to heel and obedience. "It would be, nice, if Hinata would come visit. There are clan related secrets she needs to learn in regards to her dojutsu, and I'm sure her sister would appreciate a visit." Simple and effective.

Naruto nods slowly, "If Hinata wishes to visit, then she will. I won't force her, and neither will you." Yeah, over his dead body really.

The Daimyo sighs, realizing again that this first meeting was just about as much of a disaster as it could be. "I do hope, for the next few days we can straighten things out and come to a more agreeable position between ourselves."

Naruto slowly stands, prompting the other men to do the same. "We'll be here for a few days. The girls want to wander around, meet people, say goodbyes. You know how it is." He didn't have to mention that there would be guards with them just about around the clock.

The Daimyo bows first, prompting the other men to do the same, "Then Lord Uzumaki, I wish you well and hope we can work towards a bright and new future ahead of us."

Naruto returns the bow, "Likewise. To new beginnings." Honestly they should be happy he didn't just blow the place to hell. The men exchanged pleasantries with Naruto before Kin and Sasame escorted them out. Left alone as the hotel doors close finally, the group collectively breaths a sigh of relief.

Tayuya has an arm around Ino's shoulders, "So what was that I heard you whispering? You slut you."

Ino waves her off, "For Naruto? Absolutely."

Hinata was blushing as Karin poked and prodded at her, "It was nice to see my father so frustrated."

Ino smirked, "I'm sure that plan of yours will really make him frustrated."

Tayuya is still grinning, "Want to share with the class on that one?"

Ino shook her head as Hinata waved her hands back and forth, "Oh no. That one is a total surprise if it happens."

Karin relaxes back into the couch, thoughts whirling, "The Hyuuga are going to be a problem."

Hinata nods, "Of course they are. They're Hyuuga, they're always a problem."

Clenching a fist, Naruto grins, "If Hiashi tries anything then I'll just have to show him just how I tossed around three different Sannin."

Standing and stretching, Ino groans, "So by now we're good to explore and see our friends and family?" She wanted to check in with her parents at least.

"Yeah." Naruto nods and looked to everyone, "No one goes out alone. Stay in pairs and keep my clones with you."

Ino nods, grabbing Karin and a surprised Tayuya, "They need to meet the parents too, so we're heading off!" Dragging the Uzumaki girls through the door, they were off in a flash.

Hinata leans into him, kissing him softly before standing and smiling, "I should go track down Kurenai-sensei and my old team."

Jugo, Kin and Sasame are standing and ready, "We will escort you then, just in case."

Hinata smiles, "That'd be appreciated, plus I'm sure Kurenai will get a kick out of it." Turning and winking at Naruto the other group makes their leave as well.

Left alone, Naruto crosses his arms and thinks over his options. Should he stay? Or should be indulge and go visit the one place he knew he could get some quality ramen for once. It'd been a long time since he had been able to have any after all. Plan forming in his mind, he's already standing as Kotohime comes around to latch onto his side. "I hope you didn't forget about me my Lord."

Naruto grins, a hand snaking around her waist, "Of course not. Time to introduce you to my other love. Ramen."

The doors to the suite are opening however and Tsunade's voice calls out, "Belay that! We have drinking and catching up to do!" Holding up a very large bottle of saki, she's flanked by Kakashi and Team Seven. Sakura is leaning around and smiling with a sealing scroll waving in her fingers.

"I brought enough ramen to feel an army, don't worry."

Nearly tearing up, Naruto grins brightly, "You're the best Sakura."

"Gotta make sure my brother-in-law gets his fix."

Kotohime raises her own eyebrows, along with Sasuke, "In-law?"

Naruto grins as he hooks a thumb at Sasuke, "Oh yeah, I adopted Sasuke. He's an Uchiha, but Sakura and him are going steady now."

Kotohime looks them both over, "I see."

Tsunade however is already thrusting a full cup in his face, "Less talking, more drinking! We got shit to talk about. Unless you feel like you can't keep up."

Naruto takes the cup, smirking and downing his drink easily, "You're on baa-san. We have a lot to tell ya anyway." This was how it was supposed to be. Easy laughs and good company. Those old geezers could learn from Tsunade.

-AN-

So the group get's to hand in Konoha for a few days. The girls wanna cause trouble and Danzo seems to have gotten the hint, but what does that mean long term? Well, time will tell.

-Omake-

Beneath the Uzumaki tower in Uzushio was a well lit workshop on the basement level. It was here that Karin had built her own hide away workshop. In this space she experimented with her golem and seals much as Naruto did somewhere outside of the village. Tonight however Karin is considering either packing it up or taking a soldier pill to keep herself going. On the wall before her is a drawing board with animal drawings and seal diagrams for new ideas she wanted to try out. It wasn't like most of them would actually work out, but some would. Could. Maybe. She wasn't sure right now. Maybe sleep was for the best. So out of it, she didn't hear Naruto walking up behind her. She did squeak however when strong arms wrapped around her from behind. She wasn't worried however, the proximity seals wouldn't have let anyone not of Uzumaki blood in this place. Not without some loud and messy results. She sighs, leaning into him with some relief.

"You're working yourself so hard. Wanna tell me why?"

"Me? I'm not working that hard. Nah, you're imagining things. I just want to make sure that Uzushio sticks around this time is all." She wasn't looking to see the ruined landscape and rubble that had become the previous Uzushio when they had first arrived.

Naruto can agree with that as well. "I get it. But you have to admit. You've done so much. We now have your modified Samurai golem being used as a portion of the police force with the Chinoike clan. You have golem disguised as animals within the surrounding forests used an early warning systems linked to our seal barriers. Then you have your real nasty work in the ocean out Uzu as well. You've been real busy Karin. More than anyone else."

Karin pulls forward, coming out of his arms to turn and face him with teary eyes. Was he here to belittle her work? What was this? "I…I just want to match up to you that's all. I don't want to be left behind or considered weaker than the others. You all. Everyone has done such amazing things. You're all super powerful or amazingly skilled, but me? I'm just the book-smart girl who always needs to be protected or saved." Shoulders trembling, she hadn't meant to dump on him like that. But her insecurities just boiled free for once.

Naruto could see that as well. Gently taking on of her hands into his own, he motioned around the room with his other, "Look hear. Look at all you've done. No one else could have done all of this. Not even half of it. Your work is protecting our citizens Karin. Your work is helping advance Uzushio into the next age. But it's not a competition. You could stop right now. Pack all this up. I would still love you, the others would still accept you. We'll never leave you behind."

Hearing him say it to her face, the shorter girl pulls him into a hug, burying her face into his chest. "I wuve yoou." While he couldn't hear her perfectly, he could just make out that she was telling him she loved him over and over. Shaking his head with a smile, Naruto wraps his arms around the petite girl. She pulls away slightly, not leaving his arms, but looking up to him clearly. "I was. I was scared. Scared of being abandoned, of being used up like my mom."

"You know I'd never do that. And if you keep this up you're going to work yourself to death. Just like all of your convince me to take a break, I think it's time you do the same."

"You'll never leave me?"

"It's a lifetime promise."

"Mean it?"

"Absolutely."

"Even if-"

Naruto brought a hand up to her chin, tilting her up to look at him clearly. "Until the stars burn out and the universe folds in on itself. I'll never leave you."

Chuckling and shaking her head, Karin gave him a teary smile, "I'm pretty sure you won't live that long."

"Doesn't matter, I made a promise. I'll keep it." Naruto is only a little caught off guard as Karin leans up to press her lips against his own. The kiss is sweet, tentative and fleeting. But the blush adorning Karin's face has him grinning and pulling her into a second deeper kiss that leaves them both panting a bit.

Looking away and trying to control her blush, Karin keeps one hand on his chest, "You know. I'm…not ready for, that, just yet."

Naruto shrugged, "That's okay. Take all the time you need."

Karin nods, before she thinks of what her heart has secretly wanted to bring up for awhile, "Can I ask for something else instead?"

"Of course."

Smiling, the girl pulls away before kneeling before him, down her her knees with a shy smile. "When it's between us, can you be more, authoritative with me? Like a master?"

Naruto takes a minute to really think through what she's asking of him before the proverbial light goes off in his head. "Ah. If that's what you want."

Karin nods, blush increasing, "It's exactly what I want. I want to serve you, be of service to you. In all ways I can for now."

Naruto grins, leaning down to again cup her chin, "Well, be a good girl and I'll make sure every day is happy and blissful for you."

Something deep within her lighting on fire, Karin nods slowly, "Lord Uzukage…" Thankfully like she said, no one but the Uzumaki could come in this space. Someone might have gotten an impressive show after all.