-AN-

Tayuya as a temp Uzukage? Naruko gets to play and Naruto drops some lore nuggets? And what's going on with Kumo and Iwa?

-Story Start-

Tayuya was coming to the conclusion that she had a new respect for Naruto and his work ethic. Now that a week had passed since he had left to go train, she was doing her best to settle into her temporary role. Here and now she was sitting behind his desk working through paperwork while behind her a tired looking En and a grinning Gosu stood guard. In front of them stood team Neji, waiting to be assigned their next mission. Neji was doing his best to remain firm, while Kana bounced on her toes and Gin looked seconds away from falling asleep. Adjusting the bundled rifle at his shoulder, Neji reminded himself that they were one of Uzushio's currently higher ranking teams without being Riptide. Maybe they would earn that promotion soon. Hopefully. With a miracle.

Tayuya can see the twitch forming above the squad leader's eye and internally giggled, "Here." Pulling free and handing over a mission scroll, she waited for Neji to take it from her before continuing, "There's a pretty large bandit camp that's set up shop within the eastern edge of the Land of Noodles. Take em out, completely."

Nodding, Neji's expression doesn't change at all, "Any special orders?"

"None, come back in one piece." Seeing Neji nod again, she waved them away and watched as they quickly strode from the office.

Kana couldn't help but lean towards their team leader, "Say say, we're gonna be out there for a long time, how about we share a tent this time around huh? Huh?"

Gin sighed, "It's too early for you. Can't you keep it in your pants at least until noon?"

"But I have to keep the pressure on. I'm making headway."

"I think a stone has a better chance to learn how to swim."

"You dare mock my womanly charms?"

"You're a woman?" The sound of flesh smacking flesh followed them out the door.

Rolling her eyes as the team leaves, Tayuya sets to start on a new batch of paperwork, something involving the ninja port. From the intercom Hinata's voice called out, "Fuu, Naruko and Ino are on the way in."

Pressing the button to respond Tayuya nodded on reflex, "I'm free, send em."

Door bouncing open not a second later, the trio walks in with Ino leading the way. Fuu is dressed in her normal white and red attire, short skirt and tank top over chain-mail. Naruko was much as she was before, black pants with a black half length jacket and an orange tube top. Idly, she spotted a fresh pair of white ninja sandals on Fuu's feet and smiled. It was a little change but a good one.

Ino stopped before the desk and saluted with a grin, "How's it Ta-yu-ya? Getting used to it yet?"

"I will bury you somewhere in the coastal sands."

"Ooooh, touchy." Ino was still grinning, teeth flashing in the morning light. With a sigh, Tayuya pulled free a mission scroll that had been set aside just for them. They had gotten a request, from Konoha of all places. Something that if he was here, Naruto would have probably rushed out to complete it himself.

"There's been an, incident, in Konoha. One of their prisoners led a breakout and several inmates are now on the run. All ninja." That got everyone's attention and Tayuya continued, "They're still in the Land of Fire for now, but apparently they're headed for Rice."

Naruko is the first to speak up as Ino takes the scroll, "Who's the ringleader in all this?"

Having looked over the file before hand, Tayuya didn't need to read through it like Ino was doing currently, "Heh, some asshole named Mizuki."

Blinking, Naruko tries to wonder at her, or maybe Naruto's luck. Mizuki? On the run? And she got to go after him? The grin that blossomed on her face was feral enough to have Ino unconsciously edge away from her even if she couldn't see her, "We supposed to bring him back alive?"

"Nope. Capture if you want, kill if you have to. Just bring back their prisoner id's if you do. Or some proof, you understand?" Tayuya didn't let the mouth with too many teeth creep her out. That was Ino's headache. "Remember, bring back their prisoner tags at the minimum."

Naruko was nodding while mentally making plans and plots, "Oh don't worry. Mizuki is in for a treat and a half. Kukukuku."

Fuu sighs, trying and failing to distract her girlfriend, "You're going to eat him in the end, aren't you?" The dark chuckle that answered her told her more than enough. "Do I want to know what he did to you in the past?"

Ino could answer that one at least. "Mizuki plotted and used Naruto to steal the forbidden scroll from Konoha before attempting to frame him and then kill him. Naruto learned the shadow clone jutsu from the scroll, beat the shit out of Mizuki, and brought him in." Ino shrugged, "Apparently Mizuki hated Naruto for a long time and always planned on sabotaging his progress."

Fuu gained an understanding look before nodding with a smile, "Oh, so he deserves to be eaten then. Okay." So long as it was deserved, Fuu didn't care.

Tayuya can agree with that, "Then get going. Don't take any risks, and Naruko, flash out if there's an emergency."

Turning with the rest of the girls, Naruko nods, "Sure sure. Remind me when we return, I've gotta teach the rest of you how to use the Hiraishin while Naruto is gone!" Getting a nod from Tayuya, the three are soon gone and out of the door.

Sighing and resting for a moment, Tayuya gave the door a bored look, "Sure wish I could go hunt down rogue ninja and have some fun."

Clearing his through, En gains her attention, "I'm sure running the village will keep you busy enough. There are plenty of things Lord Naruto wouldn't approve, trivial things, that you could get around to."

Tayuya thinks about that for a minute before the light bulb goes off in her head, "That's right!" Naruto had been putting off that statue the citizens wanted to build of him. She could finally give an okay for it! Where would they put it though? Maybe outside of the train station? Chuckling, Tayuya begins to hunt for that form, knowing Naruto stashed it away somewhere instead of tossing it.

Behind her, Gosu fist bumps En with a grin.

-b-

Keeping to herself while Karui and Omoi talk together quietly, Samui thought back on their relatively easy journey from Kumo to Iwa as they now entered through the main gate of the reclusive village. Frost had been quiet, even more so than usual. The word on the road was they were a new member of the Uzushio alliance, and were recovering with aid from Spring. The elusive Uzukage was rumored to have been the one to deal with the previous cowardly and greedy Frost Daimyo. Samui tried hard not to imagine that scenario, but failed. It was the same story through the Land of Hot water, were they talked about the one who saw the truth in whispers. Like he was a ghost who would find you if you lied or did wrong. Rice, down into Fire, and through grass, the only place so far that didn't talk about him, Samui was constantly being reminded about the strong and nearly legendary ninja who was building a reputation as both powerful, but kind.

"What do ya think Samui? What does the Raikage want with Iwa?" Karui's voice broke her from her thoughts, the dark skinned girl grinning as she stretched her arms above her head. She made sure to keep her hands far away from the sword hilt peeking over her right shoulder. They were in a ninja village after all. Didn't want to make anyone nervous.

"Most likely the situation with the new Uzushio nation. Whether to open talks I'd assume." Samui was a thinker, always had been. And with her ground level knowledge, that was the most realistic conclusion she could come up with.

"Boooring." Karui pauses for a moment as she watches her team leader walk along, one hand coming up to rub her shoulder, "Say, how's the dating life going? Find anyone worth your time yet?"

"Someone strong enough to catch my attention? Hmm. I wonder." Samui was currently thinking about one ninja in particular, but unless Kumo and Uzushio came to some agreement, that most likely wasn't going to happen.

Karui has a different thought about it, "Maybe if the Raikage gets his way and captures the kyuubi container, you can have a go or two with him?" Karui didn't particularly care about it one way or another. She didn't get a say in who she got to have fun with. In the future, she knew she would most likely be having a run with the Uzumaki scion if Kumo captured him.

Of course that was who Samui had been thinking of, but as more and more stories piled up, Samui had less confidence that the Raikage would be having his way. Like Yugito and Killer B had come to their own conclusions that a confrontation was not the best of ideas, Samui was having the same thoughts. In her own mind of course, because that would amount to treason in their village. Instead she went along with her subordinate, "Certainly can't get much stronger than the biju container of the strongest biju in the land." She would prefer something built on more common ground. But she did have her own goals. "He is pretty cool."

Omoi came up on her other side with his hands deep in his pockets, "Think the Raikage will fight the kyuubi himself or make B do it?"

Samui shrugs, the motion reminding her to loosen her chainmail again later, "It's doubtful the Raikage alone will be able to take down the Kyuubi. Killer B would have to get involved." Unintentionally voicing her inner thoughts, she misses the contemplative look on Omoi's face.

"You know. Betting against the Raikage is almost treasonous." Omoi was joking of course but it meant something that Samui had faith that the kyuubi would put up that much of a fight. He had heard the stories as well and while some of them seemed so outrageous it bordered on fantasy. Well. They did happen by the easily named glass lake.

Samui shrugs again, "This is the Maelstrom we're talking about. The man who's been running around destroying Sound bases with impunity. Who if rumor serves, killed Orochimaru of the densetsu no sannin. Who even B said he wouldn't want to get into a fight with." So cool, Samui said to herself mentally. "A man who claims to be able to wipe out villages on a whim, and there is physical evidence to prove it. Trust me. If bedding him was a better choice to ensure peace between our villages as opposed to fighting, I sure wouldn't mind that mission, for the good of Kumo of course." Yes. For the good of Kumo, her village. Not at all because she was gaining some personal interest in him. No. Not at all.

Karui scoffs at that, "I'm sure the Raikage and B could take down the Maelstrom all on their own easy. It's why he stays in hiding so much." She picks at the worn sleeve of her grey tunic, "Punk is probably weak."

Samui raises an eyebrow at that as the administration building comes into view, "You know. You're technically betting against a member of your blood relation."

Irritated to have her heritage brought up, Karui waves a hand in front of her as if to ward off evil, "I'm a ninja of Kumo, built and raised to love and defend my home. I have no connection to the Uzumaki or their home village. I know my place, and that's in Kumo."

Samui nods while mentally sighing. As a child of the Uzumaki breeding program, one of the few that has survived so far, Karui's upbringing had been a bit better than most. Of course, that was until she reached maturity and found out that she hadn't inherited any of the Uzumaki's well known traits besides the hair color. Once that had happened she had been dumped off as just an ordinary Kumo ninja like the rest of them. Samui didn't want to surmise that Karui may be bitter about that, but Karui certainly didn't want to be compared to or lumped in with the Uzumaki. Especially those in Kumo. Everyone knew they were treated as barely above cattle.

Reaching the building, Samui leads the way inside while being directed by internal staff, "Let's get this over with so we can return quickly. Maybe if we're fast, we can stop off in the Land of Hot Water like last time." Her back had never been better since that tracking mission. To bad she couldn't take another like it.

Karui pumped an excited fist in the air, "Hell yeah, time off!"

Omoi rolled his eyes, "You just wanna be lazy." It was easy to dodge the fist that sailed his way, a grin on his face as he taunted Karui. Had to keep himself entertained somehow.

Of course, making their way to the Tsuchikage's office and standing at attention after handing over the letter from the Raikage, Team Samui was bored out of their minds. Onoki takes his time reading the letter over, grumbling about impatient young men while before finally scoffing and tossing the letter away. "Well fine, I see A is his usual headstrong self. Better send you lot back with a real response then." Pen and paper out, Onoki gets to writing. "Iwa and Kumo have a joint interest for once, so I'll be agreeing to this tentative partnership for now." Even more now that they were unable to contact Roshi or Han. With both of their Jinchuriki missing, they needed some insurance.

That gets a start from Omoi and Karui, while Samui mentally wonders at what the old man means. What was in that letter she wondered.

Mumbling to himself, Onoki kept right along with his writing. "Let your Kage know what we'll be opening up regular communications from here on." Finishing his letter after a few minutes, he rolls it up and closes it with his personal seal before handing it back to Samui who bows low to him. "A warning as well." Onoki waits for Samui and the others to face him completely again. "With this agreement, Kumo may be approached by a certain group bearing red clouds. Remind A not to be his usual self and to give them an audience. It's for the good of all of the elemental nations."

Samui nods, "Of course Lord Tsuchikage, it will be as you say."

"See that it is. You're dismissed."

Team Samui all bow before turning and leaving the office the way they had come. Samui was mentally going through what this could all be about while slipping the scroll into her clothes. Iwa and Kumo were going to partner for something? A group bearing red clouds? Were Iwa and Kumo going to team up for some campaign? It must be Uzu then as they were the only new variable to present themselves. That was unfortunate. Could the new nation stand up against two of the oldest nations combined?

Karui speaks up as they reach outside, "What was that last part about? A group with red clouds?"

Samui is still deep in thought and responds without meaning to, "Akatsuki, a mercenary group currently on hire to anyone who can pay. They include members who are all legendary nukenin from just about all of the largest villages short of Kumo." Missing as Karui and Omoi begin to talk back and forth about the group, Samui herself worries. Kumo would normally never work with such a group, so why now? What sort of path was her village taking and was it worth it? Because this was turning into more than just collecting a Jinchuriki. Maybe Yugito would be back by the time they returned, Samui needed someone else level headed to talk with.

-b-

Groaning as he drops himself to the dirt, Naruto scrubs his head as Fukasaku calls for a break during their training. Currently situated on the bank of the training pools, Fukasaku walks away while rubbing his back and a curious Jiraiya sits nearby to watch on.

"You're going to run me ragged tadpole. I need a break."

Naruto grins and flexes an arm, "I have a family to get back to old man, so I'm in a hurry."

Jiraiya can't help but chime in, "All young men are in a hurry. Never fails."

Fukasaku chuckles and points at Jiraiya, "You weren't much different back then either boyo."

"Aw c'mon Pa, don't bring that up." Grumbling as the old toad starts to cackle as he continues on his way, Jiraiya turns to Naruto as the boy summons the Uzumaki scroll, "Goal or not Naruto, this training can take years of effort. Even I'm still not perfect with it."

Shrugging, Naruto settles in for his reading, "Maybe I'm just built different. Just watch, I won't fail in this." Focusing on his reading, he misses Jiraiya coming over to look over his shoulder.

"What's this all about?" Jiraiya was trying to figure out the seal and squiggles that passed for writing, but Naruto seemed to have no problem reading along. Must be due to his eye.

"Currently I'm reading about the Uzumaki clan and how they feared some great evil would return to the planet and that they were making plans to face it. It mentions techniques they developed to combat it, but I haven't gotten much further than that yet." Naruto was curious more than anything. A god tree? Energy conversion? Fruit of life? A Juubi? It was all so fanciful it just couldn't be real. But here it was, in writing. Staring him in the face.

'It's real kid. All of it.'

'Well shit.' Naruto grumbled mentally as Kurama confirmed it. Just what he needed, more headaches. 'Sounds like something I can blow up at least.'

'For once, I agree.'

Jiraiya leans back to rub his chin, "Do they say what the techniques are?"

"Not really, it's fuzzy, hard to read. But I'm getting better with it daily." Which was true, even now he could read more than he could yesterday.

Jiraiya notes Naruto's changing right eye and mentally chalks it up to that. It had to revolve around his rinnegan. "Maybe after your training is complete here with the toads, we can take that world tour."

"Could be fun, after I check in with the girls and spend some time with them. Checking around the nations and building more allies wouldn't hurt after all." Sobering up as he looks at a smiling Jiraiya who is mentally making plans on which brothel to visit first, Naruto frowns, "Hey. What do you know, about the seal my dad put on me?"

Pausing in his thoughts, Jiraiya considers what he should or shouldn't say to the teen. Still riddled with guilt, it was quick and easy to decide to fess up about the truth. Naruto deserved that much. "Just like the rasengan, your seal was incomplete as well, designed so that one day you would finish it. When you finish your sage training you should be at a level to do just that." Jiraiya crossed his legs and sat across from Naruto, "There are a lot of stories about your dad you deserve to know about, and I'll get around to telling you about each and every one. That's a promise."

Naruto nods, "Yeah, you should have done that already, but kicking your ass over it won't solve anything." Seeing the hopeful look on Jiraiya's face, Naruto crushes his hopes right away, "I'll just have Granny Tsunade do it for me."

"Brat, I thought we were having a moment!"

"We are, just need to remind you that I can kick your ass."

"Hey Jiraiya boyo! Come here for a moment!"

Standing with a grunt, Jiraiya nods, "Sure thing Pa, what's up?" Walking away, Naruto is left alone with his thoughts. He considers that his theory was correct in that the seal was meant to be finished. Kurama was intentionally split in half for a reason, which, with his knowledge of seals now, was most likely because having all of the biju in a baby would have killed him. Not fun. But now older, and having trained hard, he could support the full weight of Kurama's chakra.

'You probably could have done that a while ago. You've strengthened and improved much faster than I ever would have dreamed of.'

Diving into his mindscape now that he had a minute, Naruto stood before Kurama. 'Well, I did promise I would become the strongest man alive one day. The strongest biju deserves the strongest container.'

'Brat, I've told you before, that's not necessary anymore.'

'I know…how about. I'm going to keep getting stronger, to protect those that I love.'

'Hmm…I like that goal better.'

'You with me then?'

'Sure thing kid, right here by your side.' Kurama pauses as he seems to think something over, 'I'm glad I decided to trust you, back then.'

'I'm glad as well. You're a good friend Kurama.'

Kurama stares at the grinning Naruto quietly for a time, gauging him before holding up a fist between the bars of the seal, 'It's good to be able to call you a friend as well, Naruto.'

Coming forward, Naruto bumps fists with Kurama, 'Just you wait, we've got a lot of crazy shit to get into.'

Jiraiya and Fukasaku have paused, vision drawn to Naruto who looked for all purposes to be meditating at the moment, sitting crossed legged while pouring over his scroll. Eyes closed and breathing deep, his body was glowing just slightly orange. Jiraiya leaned closer to the elder, "Is he supposed to be doing that?"

Fukasaku shakes his head before a thin smile graces his face, "No. But it's a good step in the right direction."

Glow vanishing, Naruto turns back to Jiraiya, "Hey old man. Know anything about why my dad might seal a portion of my mom inside of me?"

Blinking with surprise, Jiraiya shakes his head, "No. But that's something Minato definitely would do. He had a weird talent for seals like a natural born Uzumaki."

Naruto nods before turning back to the scroll, "I hope I get a chance to talk to her. I wonder what she thinks of me, of what I've done."

Jiraiya walks forward to cuff him on the shoulder, "She'd love you and totally support everything you've done up till now. Don't you fret one bit about that." Jiraiya grins some more at the boy who is looking up to him, "You're just as crazy and air-headed as she was. You'd get along great."

Rolling his eyes and deciding to get back to reading, Naruto tunes out the old pervert. Behind him, Fukasaku feels like he's given him enough time to rest and starts to make his way back over, "Hope you're ready kid! Time to get back to it!" Luck was no longer needed. This boy was going to complete this training, one way or another.

-b-

Sprinting through the forests of the Land of Fire, Fuu, Naruko and Ino are hot on the trail of the escapees from Konoha. Fuu had pulled her weight, tracking them from the air and finding that their trail ended within a cave along the fire nation border with rice. Nestled within a small ravine, the only way in or out was using chakra to climb the walls. Dropping from the trees and making their way to the edge of the cliff, Ino frowns as she considers what to do.

"I know we're calling this a mission, but this is also so Naruko can get her…chakra…boosted back to full." Ino tries not to think about what might be happening in a minute, but shrugs and decides these convicts deserved what they were about to get. Especially Mizuki.

Fuu makes a face and slightly sticks out her tongue while Naruko steps forward while cracking her knuckles, "Might be best to let me go it alone from here. Rather you not see what I'm about to do."

Fuu places a hand at Naruko's elbow, forcing her to pause, "Are you sure you won't need any help?"

Naruko shakes her head, senses pushing out to track her targets, "They're in a cave where it's going to be super dark. The perfect place for someone like me." Naruko thumps her chest with her other hand, "I'm not Naruto. I have my own way of messing with people."

Ino nods while standing and putting her hands on her hips, "Alright. We'll stand guard and wait here. Make this quick so we can get back to Uzushio."

Naruko gives Fuu a quick hug before descending the ravine wall, "Gotcha. I'll be back before you know it." Focusing some as she walks calmly towards the cave entrance, she considers her options. She needed to conserve chakra, so heavy fighting was out of the question. But she had to subdue several people all at once. How could she accomplish that? Touching down after feeling no one was near the mouth of the cave, Naruko walks her way inside and into the dark. Within a few meters she's shrouded in darkness and the idea hits her. Using her wind nature affinity that Naruto had trained to its highest potential, she begins to pull the very air from the cave itself. This was probably the safest way to do this. Small enclosed space with no exit? Well, humans needed to breath but she sure didn't. As the minutes ticked by and the chakra signatures she could feel ahead of her dropped off, with a grin she let up and made her way deeper into the cave. Beyond the first bend she finds there are two men posted as guards, passed out on the ground and weakened. Dressed in grey jumpsuits and missing shoes, they look like the descriptions given for the escapees. Leaning down and confirming that they were indeed the escaped prisoners by snagging their prison tags, she grabs both of them and begins to drag them along behind her in one hand by their ankles. "Feels like one of them is still up, if barely. Wonder if that's Mizuki?" Mumbling to herself as she stumbles upon two more men, she gives them the same treatment and drags them along with their friends. Hands now full, she wonders more if Mizuki will be able to put up a fight.

Before her opens up a larger chamber, darkened due to all of the torches having been snuffed out from the lack of oxygen. Dropping the group of four behind her and having no problems seeing in the dark, her glowing red eyes settle upon the panting and kneeling form of Mizuki. He sure did bulk up in prison didn't he? He was surrounded by another three individuals, two women and another smaller man, but all three were down and out. "Huh, so cockroaches really can survive anywhere, can't they?"

Light headed and delirious, Mizuki tries and fails to pierce the darkness of the cave with his eyes, "Wh-who's there?" Panting hard and trying to catch his breath, he fights to remain conscious. Whoever this woman was, he was going to make her pay.

Giggling and realizing the man can't see her, Naruko considers her options. This wouldn't be fun at all if he couldn't see just who was going to end him. "Oh dear, wittle Mizuki can't see in the dark. Let's fix that." Removing a suppression seal and slapping it on the large man's chest, she releases her hold on the air around them. Life giving oxygen comes rushing back into the room and with agonizing slowness, she moves to relight the torches. "Hey there Mizuki, remember me?"

Frowning as his body was locked in place, he blinks rapidly as the first torch is re-lit. Taking a moment to adjust, Mizuki frowns as he sets his sight on the demon itself walking around the room. "You. You little shit. How did you find me?"

"Oh you know, really talented friends who are good at tracking." Another torch is lit while Naruko offers a glowing red eye to Mizuki. "You should feel honored, I could have killed you without letting you know who did it."

Confused on why the brat was running around as a woman, Mizuki grunts as he tries and fails to force his body to move. "I see you're finally showing your true nature now. Going to be the monster you really are? I always knew you were nothing but garbage."

Shrugging and walking around the circular chamber to light another torch, Naruko doesn't offer a refute, "You're not entirely wrong. I am something different now." Walking around back to the entrance and facing him, she grins as she strips off her jacket, shirt, and chainmail. Wouldn't do to get her clothes dirty. "I changed a lot since the last time you've seen me."

Smirking, Mizuki's mind goes in a complete different, and wrong, direction as the expanse of young perky flesh is offered before him. "Is that what this is all about? You really went through all of this to make a pass at me?" Scoffing, Mizuki smirks, "I'm flattered. Really. I wouldn't mind a taste of you before I kill you. Unless you're good, I might keep you around."

Naruko begins to make her shift, luxuriating in watching the naked lust on Mizuki's face melt away into abject horror. Smiling wider than any human could ever hope to, hair lengthening and thickening into tendrils, her eyes glow brighter than the dim torchlight around them. "Oh no Mizuki-sensei. No. No. NO." Voice deep and guttural at the end, she enjoys the quiver Mizuki's body makes. Stalking forward slowly, she watches as Mizuki soils himself even frozen as he is.

"Wh-wh-wh-what the fuck! What are you! Monster! Stay away! STAY AWAY!"

Chuckling darkly, Naruko hauls him closer to her with her hair, mouth and chest beginning to open, "What's wrong Mizuki? I thought you wanted a TASTE." A tongue, long and wet trails along his cheek, "Are you afraid?" Mizuki has tears trailing down his cheeks as his mind is locked on those demonic glowing red eyes, quickly losing himself to madness.

"I asked you a question, are you...afraid?"

A scream echoes out from the cave, where outside Fuu and Ino can just barely make it out. Ino has settled into a squat, finger trailing in the grass as they wait, "She better make this quick. It's boring just sitting and waiting." Looking over at Fuu sitting at the ravine's edge and kicking her feet in the air over the chasm, Ino voices her own concern, "Are you worried? About Naruko that is?"

Fuu shakes her head quickly, green hair flying this way and that, "No. Naruko only does this to bad people. And I know she isn't a monster. If anything it's like. Nature. Like a wolf eating a deer."

Ino chuckles, "Naruko might like that description." The idea of Naruko being more in tune with nature was an odd one. Maybe they could ask Jugo about it, he did naturally use nature chakra after all.

Fuu nods, "My Na-chan is the best. I just. I wish I could keep up with her. Her, you, everyone is so strong. If I didn't have my biju, where would I really be?"

Ino shuffles her way over to the other girl, sitting next to her and nudging her shoulder with her own, "None of that now. I'm sure if you ask, all of us would be willing to train with you. And if you're worried, I'm sure Naruto would have a blast training with you too. He's a freak like that."

"I don't know how much it would help, but I should give it a shot. He is carrying the strongest biju after all." Plus, Naruto was Naruko's big brother. It'd be best if Fuu got along with him as well. She should spend time with him, get to know him.

Ino nods, "Don't worry, yeah he's big into explosions, but he does know how to fight normally. He can help ya out. Or be a good punching bag." He had done much of the same for all of them once of twice when they had an idea they wanted to try. Being able to spam clones was certainly always a plus.

Giggling, Fuu shakes her head, "If he's as strong as everyone says, he'll probably turn me into a punching bag." Both girls banter back and forth for a bit before they hear sandals scraping against rock. Turning back, they see a happy Naruko waving at them with a bag in one hand along with several id tags.

"Yo!"

Ino grumbles, "Yup, more like Naruto than she wants to admit."

Fuu is up, bouncing her way to Naruko's side, "All done?"

Naruko nods, holding up the bag, "They were hiding away some ryo too. So with both money and chakra, I'm all set for a good while." Mizuki alone had filled her up decently. The others had been like a good desert. She should last for a few months if she didn't have to fight or anything.

Ino is up next, already making her way back to the trees, "Good to hear. Let's get back then. We'll probably keep you within Uzushio then so you don't tax yourself."

Fuu giggles and latches onto Naruko's free arm, "You're such a good little chakra vampire."

Naruko leans into the woman she loved, "Oh don't worry." Here she whispered into Fuu's ear, "I'll show you how good of a vampire I am later on."

Ino shakes her head as she jumps away, "Kami, get a room!"

Naruko and Fuu jump after her, "We plan on it!" Naruko latches onto Ino and they flash away. Back to Uzu for some deserved rest.

-b-

Standing before the Mizukage, Ao is reading off of a clipboard a report from a scout squad that had returned from one of the surrounding islands. "In short, there have been strange rumblings and chakra flares from the last battle sight of Yagura Karatachi. Nothing has been found yet, but all scout squads have reported that same feeling of unease when they enter the area."

Mei nods, leaning back in her chair and thinking quickly, could the Sanbi already be reforming? So quickly? "No sightings of the tailed beast?"

"None as of yet. But it is most likely that the biju has returned." Seeing Mei's frown deepen, Ao poses his own question, "Will we attempt to retrieve it and reseal it into one of our ninja?"

Shaking her head firmly, Mei rebukes that right away, "No. I won't continue that vulgar practice. Never mind that we don't have the resources to do so or a Jinchuriki candidate. No." Mei thinks more. What could they do about this? If word got out, that would mean another country, like Kumo, coming in and trying to capture the Sanbi for themselves. Well, they were building an alliance with a nation that was gifted with sealing. "I'll give Uzushiogakure a call. In order to build trust and repay some of the sins of our past, we'll let them handle this."

Ao was a bit shocked with Mei's decision, even if her points about their ability to seal the monster were valid, "Is that, wise my lady?"

Nodding, Mei smirks, "Thanks to the revival of the Uzumaki and the rebuilding of Uzushio, the age of relying on the Jinchuriki to be the balance of power might be at an end. No. I'd rather make moves to secure our allies and friendship than try to play for power right now."

Ao bows deeply, "As you say my lady. Will you require anything else?"

"Not for now, you're dismissed Ao." Seeing the stern man turn and leave, Mei relaxes a bit as she considers her options. Send a messenger? No. This was urgent. Turning and standing, she walks to a dark monitor along her wall and keys a few buttons on a keyboard below it. Typing away, the monitor comes to life, giving off dull blue light before with a few more key presses a surprised Tayuya is there displayed before her. "Hello there. I'm looking for Uzumaki-sama, the Uzukage."

Tayuya nods, "This is his office but he's away for some business, I'm standing in for now. I'm Tayuya Uzumaki, remember me?"

"Ah yes, hello sister, are you well?" Never hurt to drop a few hints along the way.

"As well as we can be here. Always busy and never enough time." Tayuya chuckled and waved a hand to dispel Mei's worry. "I'm good and so is everyone else. What's with the call? Something urgent?"

Mei takes a minute to consider how she should word things before nodding, "Yes well. We here in Kiri need your particular skill set. The Sanbi has reformed." Mei winks at her, "I'd consider it a big favor if the Uzumaki could lend a hand in this. You could even consider the biju yours if you capture it."

Tayuya's eyes widen and she blinks rapidly, "You don't say. Hmm. Okay big sis, tell me more."

Internally smiling and doing a dance, Mei externally crosses her arms, "I'll send the detailed location, but within one of our islands our scouts have reported massive disturbances. Chakra flares that no human could hope to be responsible for."

Tayuya nods, "Hmm, a biju on the loose could spell some serious trouble." Tayuya closes her eyes as she seems to think on it before resolutely staring at Mei, "I'll send two teams over. You can give them details and the location once they arrive."

"Thank you, the help is appreciated." Mei smirks just a tad, "It would be nice if Uzumaki-sama could stop by for a visit some time. I'm sure he would love to visit the Land of Water at least once."

Sighing and getting the unspoken message, Tayuya nods, "When he returns I'll pass along the message. I'm sure he'd love to visit Kiri for a meeting between Kage."

"Splendid, we'll be in touch." Mei waves as Tayuya ends the call and finally she relaxes and does a little dance while no one is watching. She ensured her people would be safe, she strengthened ties between the two nations, and she'd be getting a visit by the young and hunky Uzukage as well. All wins in her book. Now. Should she plan a wardrobe change for his visit? Maybe she should have options? A good kunoichi fought with all of her available assets after all. And love was a battlefield all its own.

-AN-

Woo boy. Kumo and Iwa are getting the old village stomping crew back together. Kiri doesn't wanna deal with the Sanbi, and Naruko gets to be her little lovecraftian nightmare self. I have a lot of fun with the set up and lore chapters, but we need some action I think. So. Well. Let's not forget, a certain zombie pair are still on the move.

-OMAKE-

Having gotten used to life within Uzushio Deidara considered himself adjusting rather well. Deidara was a lot of things and knew that not all of them were good. So during his probation it was a bit of work to have to be, personable, in order to gain some trust. However, between his offering to the Uzumaki monument and his praise of Lord Naruto, the populace was warming to him quickly. That said, he was ever so surprised to find himself in a school setting, standing before ninja hopefuls, as their sensei mentioned that he was an explosive expert and part of his community service was to come and answer questions. Tayuya had had a rather vindictive smirk on her face when she had assigned him this mission, stating plainly that if anything happened to any of these children, she would personally stomp his shit up his ass and out of his mouth. He didn't want to consider how that could be physically possible, nor was he going to question if she could do it. Any woman attached to Lord Naruto had to be amazingly strong. That was a deterrent enough.

"So class, you are to be on your best behavior, ask your questions promptly and speak clearly. And do not, under any circumstances, pull you usual antics." Face firm, the rather tired looking mid 30s man turns to Deidara, "They're yours."

Deidara steps to the center of the teaching stage, standing before the raised rows of thirty students. Deidara notes Gosu in the corner, who apparently was oddly suited to dealing with Deidara he had been told, but shrugs as the former Akatsuki member planned to do everything he could to stay here in Uzushio. "Indeed you Sensei is correct. I am an explosive expert. Though I like to think of myself as more of a artist than just an expert."

Hands fly in the air, and Deidara picks first a hyper looking brown haired girl wearing a green jumpsuit, "We heard a rumor that Uzumaki-sama started out by modifying explosive notes and then making his own. Would you say that's a good way to start as opposed to using chemical means?"

Blinking at the very astute question, Deidara nods firmly, "Learning how to make your own explosives in any form is the groundwork for becoming an explosives expert. I myself have the explosion release, but I still took the time to learn how to make chemical explosives in the beginning. So, to answer you. Depends on what you want to do. Do you want your art to be based on seals? Or volatile chemicals? Both are valid and worth your time."

More hands fly in the air, and Deidara picks out a boy near the center of the room wearing dark blue goggles, "Neh neh, they say you can use seals to pack away tons of explosives to be used all at once, can you do that?"

"Yes, though my explosives are a little different, you can seal away all manner of explosive types in order to use them on a whim."

More hands and another pick, a cocky looking girl with short blonde hair cut in a pixie bob leveled bright purple eyes towards him, "Have you ever exploded a man into pink mist?" The uproar from the rest of the students was deafening and the tired teacher tried and failed to restore some order.

Deidara on the other hand had shining and bright eyes watching the chaos unfolding in front of him. Perhaps this was what Lord Naruto was trying to show him. This was a room full of the next generation of explosion users. A class full of malleable little minds that would all use explosions to express themselves. Suddenly much more into it and ready to impart his own flare on the lesson Deidara begins to show off. A flitting explosive bird leaves his hand, exploding high above everyone and leaving the room quiet. Deidara can't help but grin at the happy looking children before him who are directing awed gazes towards him.

"I promise. With my help, you all may just become flashy explosion experts just like Uzumaki-sama!"

Collectively deciding that this was their new favorite guest teacher, the class all roar in approval, "Hai Deidara-sensei!"

Puffing his chest out with pride, Deidara grins and nods, "Deidara-sensei. I like that. Yeah."

Above him, Gosu sighs and begins to wonder if this might have been a bad idea. One Naruto was enough. Naruto and Deidara together was cause for world ending concern. Giving one of them the ability to make more of themselves? Oh no. He'd be petitioning for Deidara to do something, anything else than this before the day was over.