Hiruzen sighed in relief as he sat down behind his desk.
Before Konoha could sort out issues with Sunagakure and other villages, it had to fix internal fractures. He wanted to ensure that nothing sabotaged their efforts to protect the village, due to internal politics. The council meeting went well. There were no punches or knives thrown. Everyone seemed to accept Naruto's presence. Trust was, of course, fragile as glass. A little thing could shatter it, and it would take miracles for it to be regained.
He stared at Shikaku, who sat in front of the desk. "You've done well, Shikaku."
The work in the shadows was essential for maintaining the clan heads' attitudes. Without their support, nothing would go smoothly. If they were openly hostile, Naruto would view them with hostility. It was troubling that they had to resort to such measures. The village couldn't control Naruto; he wasn't like a subordinate, but a partner who could turn against them at any moment if he became suspicious.
For a shinobi village, such a notion was treated with treason gloves. Yet, the Leaf wore soft gloves and tolerated it.
"It is for the best of the village." Shikaku said with a tired smile.
"I hope you continue this role even after I depart from this office."
"That would be a tall order."
Shikaku had already given everything he could. He worked so hard his wife sometimes looked at him in bewilderment. The last three years had felt like a war zone. He didn't want to continue like this. It was too troublesome and bothersome. Working too hard wasn't good for his health.
"Tired already?"
"There is that," Shikaku admitted. "But I want to give the next person the space to work. Of course, if wanted, I would continue…"
"Let us hope nothing changes drastically." Hiruzen said. "Have we embarked on the right path?"
"I think we have." Shikaku said with confidence. "As things stand now, there is harmony. The groaning of the villagers will stop. The Uchiha will not have any reason to complain, and in the long run, we will stop giving them special attention. We need to get to the point where we only consider what is best for the village, without considering if it might hurt someone's feelings."
"We may have stepped on a landmine if I actually made Naruto Anbu commander."
Hiruzen had considered these things because of his worry about being unable to control Naruto. Kakashi could do anything he wanted. Naruto would do anything, as long as he qualified it. Being an Anbu commander would have given the village complete control over the Uchiha. They'd have surveillance over his actions and be able to direct his actions.
It wasn't that Hiruzen didn't trust Naruto; he had a good working relationship with the Uchiha and thought it could continue. But there were many voices, and it was a fact that there were some reservations.
Shikaku said. "It would have created internal turmoil within Anbu." he continued. "I don't even think Naruto would have accepted it. He seems to love his job of training students."
"That he does."
"Sandaime-sama," Shikaku began in a serious tone. "I understand what you're trying to do, but being passive in these circumstances is very dangerous for us. We can't just sit idle. The Sand village has declared war on us. We have to take action before the village is dragged into a bloody war that will cost us all. Even if our enemies had no desire to attack, a weakened Leaf would be too tempting."
Shikaku couldn't have stated his objections to this attitude in the Council meeting. He was the Hokage's personal advisor. If he argued or rejected the old man's views in front of others, it could signal dysfunction and could embolden others to openly question the Third Hokage. In front of others, he'd agree where necessary and would reserve his harsh criticisms for private conversations.
"Even with our power, fighting against three Bijuu is too much. We will not survive without heavy losses," Shikaku added.
"I appreciate your concerns, Shikaku," Hiruzen said. "I really do. And I fully understand the situation." He paused, staring at Jonin commander. "But I have made a decision I think is best for the village, and ultimately Sunagakure. If we attack now, we will kill many of their shinobi. Hatred will arise and it may spark a continuous cycle.
"We don't even know where the Bijuu are. They could be in any of the towns within the Fire Country. They could launch an attack the moment we send a striking force toward the Sand. Once Jiraiya has returned with his information, we will know where they are. If we remove those three from the equation, we could end things without a needless bloodshed."
The Third hoped to avoid war. It was admirable. "This hinges on Jiraiya returning with the information and the Suna not attacking while we await it."
"It does."
"Let us hope they do not attack."
"It's risky, but the rewards will be great. We all lose something in war. Konoha has lost too much. I don't want to do anything to add to their woes," Hiruzen said and then smiled sadly. "I also want to be on the right side of history for once."
Training Ground
The Hyuga were proud to call the Byakugan an all-seeing eye. It was a boast that Naruto rejected. Hiashi may still claim it as superior simply due to his pride, but even the Sharingan wasn't the greatest. The Rinnegan's power remained unrivalled. That was the power of a god.
Naruto had no desire to see through objects. He admitted, though, that it was a useful ability. What he appreciated the most about the Byakugan was its ability to provide users with a field of vision. A normal eye could only see to a certain degree, whereas the Byakugan allowed one to see almost 360 degrees. It was incredible that someone could be able to see everything around them.
There was just so many things one could do with that field of vision. He imagined someone with the speed of the Raikage or Minato. To step in their field of view would mean certain death.
"If you were using swords, you'd be masters of the art. Nobody would come near you once you had the Byakugan activated," Naruto said to Neji with a slight shake of his head.
"Our fighting style is not meant for Kenjutsu."
Neji wasn't the only one present; he also had Hinata with him. He'd been training them for the better part of the past two years. Both were to be members of the Military Police Force. Hinata had been a massive disappointment, which made Naruto think about breaking both her legs and destroying her chakra system for being a waste.
She was obviously skilled. But she was too kind. It reminded him of the Sandaime. She lacked any intent. He has to resort to extreme measures to get her into the right shape.
Hiashi had nearly shed tears when he saw her sparring with full intent. Of course, she'd still rush to anyone she hit to care for them. He'd had her learn some basic healing jutsu to ease her worries. If she hit anyone, she could quickly ease their pain.
That was quite sinister on its own, but who'd complain.
"Wrong." Naruto said. "It is merely that a style has not been developed… But before we get to that, there is an element I want to show you."
Neji stood up straight. Although Naruto wasn't a Hyuga, he had shown an understanding of their techniques.
"You've never been able to hit me because I am faster than you. To hit with gentle fist, your strikes must be fast enough. We've already gone through this. Another matter is your field of view. Whether you see me doesn't change much if I can move before you react. I will demonstrate…"
He stepped into Neji's field of view and then disappeared in a blur. The Uchiha stepped in behind him, and Neji could see him. He twisted around to face him, only to be met by a punch to his face.
He staggered back slightly and covered his face. He hadn't been hit that badly, but it still hurt.
"You saw me, but did nothing. It's a matter of speed. But if I appeared in front of you, you'd react much quicker." Naruto said and then held out his right hand. The Sword of Kusanagi which was stuck in the trunk of a tree flew into his hand. He threw the sword to Neji. "It's a different thing when you're using a sword."
He created a clone and had Neji ready himself. The clone repeated the same movement, but this time, Neji twisted around while stabbing the sword toward a chakra point on the clone's right shoulder. The clone maneuvered in mid-air, dodging the blow, but didn't attack the Hyuga.
"That is a little better," Naruto said as the clone dispersed. "Your hands need to move a fast as lightning. You already dance well, but not quite fast enough," he added, pointing at the weights under a tree. "Both of you put those on. On your wrists and ankles. You'll wear both until I say remove them. For now, since they'll be heavy, you'll remove them when you sleep."
Hinata put the weight on her right wrist and her shoulders slumped. It was heavy. The Hyuga style was called a gentle fist, not a forceful one. It didn't rely on power.
"It will be hard moving around." She said to Neji.
Neji nodded in agreement.
Ever since Hinata started training with Naruto, her father's attitude had changed. But she had nearly made a grave mistake by not wanting to strike Hanabi. What kind of an older sister was she? She wanted to protect her little sister, but her failure to win their sparring sessions had resulted in her father stating in clear terms that Hanabi would become his heir.
It only meant she wouldn't live a normal life. She would undergo the rigorous training, be kept from playing with others in favor of training. She would condemn her sister to that life if she didn't succeed.
Naruto had made her realize this much in his own harsh terms.
He'd first looked at her with disgust. And had told her father he'd rather have Hanabi instead. These days, the look of disgust had been replaced by a neutral expression.
"What do you think about using a sword?" Neji asked
Hinata shook her head. "I get what sensei is saying. It is not just a matter of attack, if we're fast enough, our attacks with the sword means we could attack anyone within our field of vision."
"The sword is unlike our normal attacks that could be blocked by some means. You either have to parry or dodge the sword. It would be an effective fighting style." Neji said, tilted his head slightly. "But?"
"Too lethal."
Neji could see that. Unlike the gentle fist, striking with a sword wouldn't require multiple strikes. Just one was enough to cut a head from the shoulders. A fighting style developed simply for the Byakugan would be deadly and he liked its prospects.
"You're meant to take down your enemies." Neji said coldly.
Naruto clapped his hands to get their attention. "The weights on your legs will build up leg muscle, and help increase your overall speed. The ones on your wrist increase your hand speed. Your feet and hands will become lighter." He said and pointed at the dummies on the other side of the training ground. "Practice punches and kicks to get used to the weights. Once you get used to them, you'll begin a sparring session."
They nodded and went about their own business.
Naruto walked over to a tree and sat down, and resting his back against the trunk while raising his knees slightly.
"Brutal, but you really make sure your students get the best training. It's impressive that you can teach them styles suitable to their abilities. Normally, someone from outside the Hyuga clan wouldn't be able to teach them much in terms of jutsu."
Naruto glanced up at Pakura and met her eyes. She was standing over him, hands on her hips.
Over the years, he'd learned she was truly a master of her art. Perhaps there was no other kunoichi in the village who could best her. Why Sunagakure thought to kill her was beyond him—unless Rasa felt she was becoming a threat to his power. He, however, didn't look like the greedy type. Maybe it was some condition for aligning with the Mist and he felt the alliance was more valuable.
Apart from that, she was a good person; someone whose company he didn't find intolerable.
It made him think of what Naori had said, and he smiled.
"You're staring at me and then smiling."
Naruto blinked. "I didn't realize I was staring," he said with a slight shrug. "The Sharingan has great perception abilities. As long as it is physically possible for me, I can imitate anything I see. That makes teaching much easier. Kakashi is most famous for having copied over a thousand jutsu."
"Well, they do call him the copy ninja."
It was Pakura's turn to stare. Naruto was just sitting there, like a normal person. He was anything but normal. He had great insight into many issues, but was a merciless person to anyone who didn't share the same blood as him.
If he had to commit genocide to save his clan, he would do so. He could be that indifferent. Enemies were not to be spared but crushed. He was arrogant and looked down on others. She thought he didn't have many friends because of his disgust for weakness.
He was still the one person she could truly call a friend. There were other shinobi she was familiar with, integration had been an important part in making her feel welcome and a part of Konoha. The one constant person had always been Naruto.
She let out a short breath and then settled on his right side, leaning against the same tree.
Pakura thought Naruto was amoral; he knew what was right and wrong, but he just didn't seem to care. Despite this, he had a great understanding of human behavior.
"Sunagakure," Pakura said. "I know I'm not responsible. But sometimes I feel I am. Regardless, the war will be difficult for me. The shinobi have done nothing against me. I've always fought to protect them, and if we go to war, I'll have to kill them."
War wasn't even necessary. Naruto really needed to speak with the Sandaime about this 'caution.' On one hand, he could understand Pakura. She'd treated those weaker than her as her own children. She'd have given her life to protect those people in Suna, but now she had to kill them because of the actions of their leaders.
But if she did nothing, they would kill her and threaten the village she had now sworn her allegiance to.
"There will be no war." Naruto said resolutely.
"Rasa will go to war."
"No doubt he will. He's been planning for it." Naruto said. "But to stop him from waging war, the power he has assembled must be dismantled. The Sandaime is unwilling to do so. But if he does nothing once Jiraiya's information has returned, I'll conspire with the Feudal Lord. Or just go myself."
"It would be considered insubordination."
Pakura wouldn't be surprised if Naruto went against the Sandaime. He didn't think highly of the old man's methods, and if he thought he needed to, Naruto would march without the Sandaime's approval.
"Konoha would treat me as a hero. The whole village knows how tense things are and that they are on the verge of war. But of course, if I do it without his approval, he'd make a fuss before bowing out. I'd rather not complicate things."
"But there'll still be no war."
"Unless they make a move before I can. Then no." Naruto said causally. "You'll have to live with the reality. Konoha is now your home. You owe Suna nothing. If they want to destroy your new home, you must protect it." He said. "It is unlikely you'll go through that." Naruto continued speaking. "But it is reality you have to accept."
Pakura remained silent for about a minute. "You sure you want to tell me you'd go against the Sandaime?"
Naruto smiled. "What? You spying on me for the Anbu commander?"
"No." She shook her head. "You trust me then."
"As much as I can." Naruto replied. "Not the Anbu Commander though. He may as well be one of Danzo's trainees. That man looks at me and sees a threat to the Leaf. It was amusing at first… but now he is just being annoying."
Naruto was certain he was waiting for a single mistake before pouncing on the Sandaime to expose his treachery. If it weren't such a bothersome job, Naruto would have killed him already. He didn't mind the man being suspicious; it kept him from making novice mistakes.
Pakura smiled, shaking her head. "Only you could call the Anbu commander annoying," she said. She pressed her head against the tree and glanced up at the green leaves. "My stay here has been wonderful. The people of Konoha are really friendly here. I know you went above and beyond to save me, and I thank you for it every day. It's given me the opportunity to enjoy my life again."
"Are you?"
"What is that supposed to mean?"
"If you're satisfied, that is fine."
Village Hidden in Mist
Shisui was welcomed by a warm hug from Mei. She always smelled nice; her body was warm, and her bust pressed against his chest, causing him to feel slightly nervous. He didn't show it, but instead returned the warmth she was giving with an earnest smile.
While in her embrace, Shisui could sense a murderous glare coming from outside the office; he thought Kisame was up to his old tricks.
After what felt like eternity, they separated. Shisui smiled nervously. His heart felt pressed; his lungs struggled for a breath. Mei seemed to sense the unease and giggled. Her soft melody of a giggle snapped him out of his nervousness, and he finally found his voice.
"A pleasure to see you again, Mei-sama."
"How many times do I have to tell you to stop calling me that when it's just the two of us?"
"It just shows how much I respect you."
"While showing the distance." Mei sighed as she returned to her chair behind the desk.
Shisui was really a nice person. She enjoyed being in his presence. He was fun to fool around with. His earnestness made him a perfect victim. If more of Konoha's people were like him, she would strike gold with her alliance. But she knew there were dark horses, and one of them was close to him. He had never said anything bad about his clan head, but he admitted he didn't share the same beliefs.
"I'd say I'm close," Shisui said as he sat down. "I understand you want things to work out well, and you believe that if the two of us are able to understand each other, things will move forward smoothly. But you don't need to worry; I hold strong views on you as a person."
He admitted it; he kept some distance. Mei was still Mizukage and he was a shinobi of the Leaf. He didn't want to get too close, in case something happened to him, and they would have to start over. Relations between the two villages had come a long way, and they didn't want to fumble things up by making amateurish mistakes.
"I was hoping I'd draw you closer that it he easy to manipulate you and get what I want."
They stared at each other and then laughed.
"That would've worked well in your favor." But Shisui was the master of the art. He didn't need words to manipulate others—he just needed his eyes and nobody would know.
"Indeed." Mei said. "But it appears unnecessary."
"Well, I did tell when we first met."
"I wanted to believe you," she said. "You sounded honest." Mei smiled. "We'd even made plans just in case. I was truly happy to know that there were still people out there who could be trusted."
This world turned fathers against sons. Betrayal was deeply rooted. Sworn brothers lied to each other. Alliances and peace treaties were ripped apart whenever it was convenient. Such a dreadful world could kill anyone's hope. The gullible were only to be chewed and tossed to the side. The weak would suffer at the mercy of the strong, and the trusting would be stabbed by a poisonous knife.
Shisui didn't blame Mei for her admission. He was simply happy to reaffirm her faith in humanity.
"Our world forces us to behave like that." Shisui shook his head. "Perhaps it will change in decades to come."
"You think?"
"Yes."
"What will cause it to change?"
Shisui replied, "I honestly don't know. Life hasn't been easy in Konoha to even indulge such matters. We are too busy solving problems in Konoha to even think about solving the system of shinobi."
Perhaps it came with being the most powerful nation. Tragedy seemed to love them. Kiri had seen too much. And it seemed nature always wanted to cut down some leaves off the Leaf to even the playing field.
"Your clan head has been busy."
"He is always busy."
"A little more than usual."
"Circumstances."
"Sorted now?"
"Yes. Everything is sorted out. The Sunagakure issue remains the troubling one," Shisui said with a sigh. "We believe that they are the ones who have both Bijuu that once belonged to this village. Orochimaru has been working with them, and we know for certain he's captured both."
The possibility of a bloody battle with Suna and the fear of a gigantic collision with the Cloud had forced the Leaf into Kiri's doorstep. Mei didn't see what was being accomplished as the enemy continued to add to its arsenal of weaponry by robbing others.
They had benefitted the most. She wasn't complaining. Kirigakure wasn't ready for a war. It hadn't been discussed, even though the Sand had clearly been readying for war.
"If I accuse them, they'll just deny it."
"Of course. We've not seen them there." Shisui said.
"But for Suna to be capturing our Jinchuriki sets a dangerous precedent. This is enough to declare war."
"I imagine either Cloud or Stone would have done so."
"Can you speak with confidence that they have them?"
Yagura and Suna had conspired. It was something Mei wanted to forget. The dead were to be left to rest. She dared not reactivate those skeletons. But, even if she didn't want war, Suna couldn't be allowed to keep possession of her Jinchuriki. It was irrelevant that Utakata went rogue—the fact remained that Kiri paid for the Six-Tails.
"Yes. But we have no evidence. It should come soon."
"When it does, immediately send a letter to me. I will send a message to the Kazekage. If he plans to go to war with Konoha using our Bijuu, we have no choice but to partake."
Shisui thought the moment the Kazekage reads the letter from Mei, he'd immediately order his men to prepare the Leaf. The Sunagakure was already a too powerful nation for the Sand to tackle. If the Mist joined, it would be mission impossible. Rasa would need to strike before the Mist shinobi gathered enough ships to journey across the sea.
"That might just stop a war from happening. Only if Iwagakure doesn't plan to join."
Mei frowned. If the Tsuchikage was also planning to attack Konoha, it would be a full-blown war. Countless needless deaths. And what for? Mei didn't want that. But the shinobi world seemed to specialize in dragging everyone into territories they hated.
"You really have enemies."
"Perks of being the most powerful."
Mei's smile returned. "Maybe," she said. "Once there is evidence. I'll call a Kage Summit to discuss Suna's actions. If this becomes international news, it might just motivate other nations to target the Jinchuriki of others. That would just be another war in the making." Her smile dropped and her voice became cold.
Greed was a powerful mistress. It seemed capable of seducing just about anyone. The idea of a shinobi village itself craved power. It always wanted to adorn itself with skilled shinobi and powerful jutsu. If it had none of that, it would have no qualms about stealing them.
"Konoha would support it. And with the Cloud working on its alliance with Konoha, those two wouldn't be able to ignore it." Shisui said. "The issue of the Cloud is something I also wanted to discuss with you."
"Tomorrow."
"That is fine. But can we do it in the morning?"
Mei had no complaints this time. She understood the situation in the Leaf wasn't favorable. He needed to be home just in case something happened.
Konohagakure no Sato
The daunting large gates were manned by guards, and a certain Hyuga. Entrance required following some strict protocols. Men such as Hashirama once walked through these very gates. The imposing walls were rumored to have been constructed by the legendary First Hokage.
Mabui had never set foot in this village before. She didn't do much traveling outside of her own village. Her first appearance in the Leaf was forced by the circumstances. Konoha wouldn't take just anyone seriously; the Cloud had pulled out of talks before and for no apparent reason.
"Was it like this when you first arrived?" Mabui asked Yugito as someone led them to the Hokage Tower.
Yugito shook her head.
It felt like ages ago. A lot had transpired since she last came here. The gates were not so closely guarded. Shinobi were not visible on the walls, and there were no shinobi roaming the outskirts.
When she came here, the Leaf looked to have taken a dive off a cliff. Its military might had been diminished. You wouldn't think it was once the village that boasted legendary shinobi. But now, it felt different. Konoha wasn't inferior to the Cloud.
"You came in and out easily. There wasn't so many guards."
"On the outside." Mabui said. "The villagers are going about their lives as if nothing is wrong."
True. It all looked casual. The kids were playing in the streets. The mood seemed "normal." You wouldn't think there was another great nation threatening to invade this very nation.
But such was the life of civilians. Yugito envied it at times. They continued to live in ignorance to the suffering of shinobi. They would complain and utter horrible things when things went wrong. But they didn't understand the sacrifices shinobi made for them to continue smiling like this.
Yugito couldn't possibly understand why Konoha still remained within its walls. The moment A had heard that the Sand was plotting something, he'd have gathered his shinobi and launched an invasion. Attack first before the enemy makes a move. Even Iwagakure would act in such a manner. It was consistent with how shinobi acted.
Konoha was being an oddity. And it was inconsistent with its past behavior.
"They know Suna is planning to attack, why are they not doing anything?"
"Kindness of the Third, perhaps." Mabui offered without much conviction.
"It's weakness."
"It may not be that easy," Mabui said without saying anything else to avoid being overheard.
The Sandaime was indeed a kind man. She appreciated his kindness. If not for him, her hot-headed Raikage would have led them to a needless war. But the Leaf was not the home of the saints. Its history was dark and corrupt. It had always had a hand in the many wars fought. One could argue that one or two wars were started because of the Leaf.
Perhaps the Sandaime acknowledged this dark history and wanted to lead his village into a new path. Maybe he was simply tired of it all and wanted to end the cycle. Whatever the reason, if Suna launched an attack, the Leaf would respond with its full force.
The tower was crawling with shinobi. It was nothing that spoke of panic like the Sand was camped on their borders. It was just a smooth flow of events that appeared normal.
The Sandaime Hokage was old, but still a man known as the Professor. A legendary shinobi by his own right. Even without a bloodline, he mastered all five basic elements and rose to become known as the God of Shinobi. It was not just a title bestowed upon just anyone.
And yet, he looked small, nothing like history painted him. Ageing was a merciless process on the body of a Shinobi. Even A would lose his muscle mass. It would decay to the point of even tearing after five push-ups. The cycle of life was truly cruel.
"Sandaime-sama," Mabui greeted the old man.
"Welcome. I trust your journey was safe."
"It was." Mabui said.
Hiruzen smiled warmly. "Please sit," he said, pointing at the chairs in front of his desk.
"Thank you." Mabui sat down and Yugito remained standing.
"You must be Mabui-san." Hiruzen glanced at Yugito and gave her a smile. "Yugito-san. It is good to see you again."
"Likewise, Sandaime-sama."
Hiruzen's eyes fell back to Mabui. He leaned back in his chair and placed his hands on the desk. "I suppose this is serious. No more games."
"Circumstances."
"Is that so?" Hiruzen said with a raised eye brow.
"We've also realized that nothing is gained when we do not share a good relationship. There is something to be gained by forging ahead with the future together. Quarrel, and we only weaken ourselves."
Hiruzen laughed. "If force doesn't succeed, try diplomatic means. The Cloud wanted to take such benefits by force and now it wants diplomatic ties."
"Tactics that would have led us to war. We avoided it thanks to your wisdom, Sandaime-sama."
If she hadn't been so dead serious, Hiruzen might have thought she was patronizing him. He still didn't like her response, no matter how earnest she tried to seem.
"We will talk tomorrow or the day after. Be prepared around 9am. I have prepared a hotel for you for the time being."
Uchiha Compound
Naruto grabbed Sasuke's outstretched arm, yanked him over, and then delivered a brutal knee to his gut. The young Uchiha cried out in pain. A roundhouse kick sent him tumbling to the ground.
Sasuke nursed his throbbing head and then slowly got up.
"Ka-san!" the boy exclaimed, his voice trembling as he pointed an accusing finger at the clan head. "He is always trying to kill me."
Mikoto sat on the porch behind the house, wearing an amused expression. She always found it amusing how Sasuke would have to be dragged to train with Naruto; he always expressed his loud protests, even to Itachi.
"You're a Genin, Sasuke." Naruto said with a blank expression.
He'd graduated from an academy student into a real Shinobi, a Genin, but he was still a precious little Sasu-chan.
"Ka-san." Sasuke once more, called his mother to intervene.
Mikoto didn't respond immediately; her expression remained unchanged. She was so deeply immersed in her thoughts that her voice barely left her lips.
"I'll speak to him."
Naruto shook his head and then walked over to Mikoto. He settled on her right side and stared at Sasuke.
The boy was indeed Fugaku's son. He was skilled and could become a great shinobi in the future. But, Naruto loathed his innocence. Itachi and Mikoto preferred him this way. They believed he would gradually learn the tragedies of life on his own during missions. As long as he was pleased with his development, Naruto wouldn't take anything away from him.
Mikoto smiled warmly and spoke again. "I'll talk to him," she said. "But you're already a Genin, Sasuke."
Sasuke sat down, folded his hands across his chest. "It means nothing," he said.
"What then?"
"I want to become better."
"Not when you cry every time I beat you," replied Naruto.
"You just tried to kill me!" Sasuke shouted. His face fell. "But I want to become better. Even when I was top of my class in everything at the academy, I always got told Itachi did it better. Even now, I get told Itachi was already in Anbu."
Sasuke lived in the shadow of his older brother, Itachi. Sasuke loved Itachi and vice versa, but he hated constantly being reminded that Itachi was better than him. He didn't want to become his brother; he simply wanted to be recognized for his own achievements.
"Well, that's why I try to kill you. You do need to improve. But being in Itachi's shadow shouldn't depress you. You have to work harder to surpass him."
"Seems unlikely." Sasuke said in a deflated tone.
"Don't be an embarrassment to your father," Naruto said sharply, and then sighed. He could feel Mikoto's eyes trained on him. "I wasn't even known as a genius, and yet, I am here. You're hailed for being brilliant. Do things differently, and it might not be today or tomorrow, but people will start seeing Sasuke Uchiha.
"And don't go overboard with your team during missions. Don't become a glory hunter. You'll put your teammates in danger and bring shame to the clan."
Naruto wasn't a genius, but he was indeed powerful.
"Go change, Sasuke. You don't want to keep your team waiting."
"My sensei also keeps us waiting."
"Sasuke." Mikoto warned.
"Fine," Sasuke muttered under his breath and then got up. He walked past his mother and Naruto and into the house without saying anything else.
"You're always too hard on him."
"He is a little spoiled."
"Jealous?"
Naruto chuckled. "No, I have no regrets about my life so far. My childhood may not have had many happy memories, but I was content."
"So content you chose to work in the middle of the night to avoid being alone during the day; knowing you'd be constantly reminded just how lonely you were."
Naruto shrugged. "It's difficult to fully satisfy a man's heart," he said. "Are you okay?"
Mikoto sighed deeply and tucked her knees together. She stared at the ground for a long moment before replying.
"It's not easy." She said with emotion.
"It never is."
"I miss my husband. Things have just never been the same. There are days when I feel like I should have died with him, but every time I see Sasuke's face, I remind myself that I've made the right decision. My children need me. Yet, something still feels missing."
Everyone had needs and desires. For some people, there was always the desire to be with someone. Naruto recognized that Mikoto had something ripped from her—her beloved husband. There was no one who could replace that. Who'd even dare to think they could replace Fugaku?
Perhaps, she wanted someone. There was a role her children couldn't fill. A void in her heart that couldn't be filled by the encouragement she gained from seeing her children grow.
In such circumstances, Naruto realized he was no good. He often had something to say, but to Mikoto, there was usually little to say.
She seemed to recognize this much as she spoke again.
"When will your girlfriend be introduced to me?"
"Izumi keeping you company that much, huh?" Naruto said. Mikoto could only say that because she had come to know Izumi as the other person who made her eldest son smile with warmth.
Some people in the village would look baffled as they saw Itachi blushing. He was known for being stoic. But with Izumi, miracles tended to happen. The matters of the heart brought out the best and worst of people. It seemed, no matter how cold-hearted people could be, there was always a part of their hearts that always loved.
Mikoto smiled. "She is a good girl."
"But weak."
Mikoto hit Naruto on the head. "She is a kind girl who is good for Itachi. I thought you just didn't like her. But you completely dismissed her because she is weak."
She gave him a look—a look of condemnation. It always bothered him. "I don't dismiss her."
Mikoto rolled her eyes. "Naori?"
Naruto sighed and then lay on his back, staring at the ceiling. "I don't know. I haven't really opened up my heart to those things."
"You're missing a lot. There love between a man and a woman is something that you need to experience. It will change you."
There was longing and a hint of sadness in her voice.
"You miss it more."
"I've had it taken away from me. You've just never experienced it."
"Which makes it easy to dismiss it." Naruto said. "Will the hole ever be filled? It saddens me to see you sad."
"I don't know. Maybe when I raise my own grandchildren?" Mikoto hovered above Naruto, staring deeply into his eyes with a blank expression on her face.
"Ka-san," Sasuke called out from the door. He stared at his mother and Naruto for a second and then shrugged. "I'm going."
"Let me walk you."
"I'm not a child anymore."
"Don't deprive me of the joys of being your mother."
Naruto rose up, amused by the whole thing. As Mikoto got up, he spoke. "I'll be gone by the time you return. My trip to Iwagakure awaits me. I won't be gone for long."
Mikoto kissed him on top of his head. "Safe journey," she said.
Sensory abilities were truly undervalued. The Second Hokage had them in spades; a man like him in today's world would be considered a monster. Then again, everyone who founded Konoha seemed to have been a monster. They made men like Minato look like schoolchildren.
Naruto had developed his abilities over the years. They were nothing special. Anbu skills were useful—as they were now.
He was on the outskirts of Konoha, having just departed for Iwagakure. But he knew he was surrounded. The moment he felt it, he dropped to the ground, walked over to a tree, and leaned against it with his hands folded across his chest. He closed his eyes.
"Why do you always do things in a roundabout way?" he asked without opening his eyes.
"We just got hold of the information now and it couldn't wait." The Anbu commander said, after landing on the tree next to Naruto.
Naruto snorted. "You must take me for a fool," he said with contempt.
"Whatever views you have of me, they are misguided. I think you're a very capable person." The Anbu commander said firmly.
The man was suspicious of everything Naruto did. If Naruto didn't really care, he'd have taken action. The Commander's suspicions didn't change anything for him. The Sandaime still reigned and Itachi would become Hokage. The man's thoughts were irrelevant.
Well, at least to a certain degree.
"You could have spoken to me while I was in the village. But you came here with a squad; you thought I would kill you?"
"That is a possibility."
"You're not worth the trouble. Perhaps you even came here because you thought I would do something and you decided to test me." Naruto laughed as he thought about it. "Don't be so tense. You have nothing that makes me want to kill you. If there is something, I will walk right into Anbu headquarters and kill you there."
Makoto was unnerved by the way the Uchiha spoke. He obviously had no regard for him or his influence. If he really wanted, Makoto could make life very difficult for the Uchiha. He was suspicious, but not petty; he would always do things by the book.
"Did you have something to do with what happened to Homura?"
"No."
"Did you visit Koharu?"
"Be specific."
"In the last year?"
"Umm…yes."
"You didn't arrange for Koharu and Homura to be killed?"
"No."
"Are you willing to submit to Anbu for questioning?"
"No."
"Why?"
"I don't want to."
"We have reason to believe that someone who knew about their travel plans and hired Bandits. The Anbu with them were killed. That person had to have been there."
"So?"
"Indulge me. This is what I think happened. You knew they were leaving. You're a former Anbu. You left a clone in the village and ran ahead, making a deal with bandits. You got rid of the Anbu, and made it easy for the bandits to target the two.
"You have no love for fellow shinobi. You called the Uchiha incident a tragedy. I know you hold grudges. You've made it known to the Cloud. Those two wanted the Uchiha to be wiped out. They drove your clan toward its downfall. You couldn't possibly let them live their lives as if nothing happened."
"Curious. But I'll pretend I didn't hear this. You're not accusing the Uchiha clan head of treason." Naruto said, opening his eyes. "Besides, if I really wanted to do it, it would have gone much easier. I'd leave an imprint on the barrier if I left the village. The easy way would have been to manipulate the Anbu to go to a bandit camp. And then kill them once they were done. But of course, Koharu doesn't have the mind to speak... she's too busy trying to make me look like a villain." He shook his head and took a step away from the tree before walking away to continue with his journey. "I have a mission. Any more questions and I'll regard it as obstruction."
Meeting room, Hokage Tower
Mabui would have preferred not to deal with Hiashi, after what had happened, but the man was present in the meeting with the Sandaime. She was informed he needed to be present as he was Konoha's top diplomat.
The meeting room was closed off from the outside; she couldn't hear anything from the outside—it didn't even have windows. Yugito stood outside, along with the Anbu guards.
"We all know what happened during the Hyuga incident. It is a matter that, although resolved, was resolved to the benefit of Kumogakure." Hiruzen said to Mabui in a serious tone.
"I was hoping we could start things afresh and forget about the past. There's nothing to be gained from it. We would only stand in the way of an alliance that could benefit both Great Nations."
Spoken like a true politician. But Hiashi was not a child and neither was the Sandaime Hokage. Mabui wasn't speaking nonsense. Her words made sense and were true. But Konoha's grievances were also true.
What Kumogakure had done to them was something they couldn't simply let slide. It wasn't the first time the Cloud had tried to rob them. The first time, the Leaf had simply chosen to bury it in order to avoid a confrontation that could have possibly ignited a Third War.
"I hear what you're saying. But if the situation was reversed, would you say the same thing?"
"That is a hypothetical situation. I've no intention to offend you using those situations. We all react differently to different circumstances. I may react as you are. It depends on the circumstances at that time."
Mabui would have said the Cloud would never permit a situation like this. If A had been In the Third's position and threatened with war when he'd done nothing wrong, he'd have gladly gone to war.
She couldn't say that. It would piss off Konoha and she'd have to admit to the truth. Mabui wasn't going to do that when A had told her explicitly that she wasn't allowed to do so.
"We do not want anything from the Cloud," the Sandaime Hokage said. "We understand the matter has passed. We want nothing. But, you are here for an alliance. If you cannot be truthful about a matter we both know, and an admission bears no consequence, how can we trust anything you say to us?"
Mabui smiled inwardly. The Sandaime had shown his age. She could not sidestep or avoid answering. He had truly backed her against a corner. Trying to outsmart these people was not going to work well for her.
Nor would a diplomatic answer suffice.
"Are you not willing to begin talks without that admission?"
"Yes. We have to know we can trust you."
"I see," Mabui sighed. "I'd hoped I could at least leave this village with something. But if it ends there, there will be nothing for me to take home."
"What did you have in mind?"
"At least if we could have some parameters of the alliance."
"Our condition of anything has been stated. If we cannot move past this, there is nothing to discuss." Hiashi said.
"But, we have an alliance with the Mist. And we were hoping to bring it into a tripartite alliance. Of course, that would only be possible once both villages have sorted out their issues and the Kage meet."
That was something Mabui hadn't thought would welcome her. She didn't think there was anything to gain from that alliance. But maybe there was. Friends who demanded nothing could prove to be of benefit.
"I'll head back and discuss your stance with A-sama. If there is an admission to make, he'll provide a feedback. If not, a letter will arrive."
Hiruzen nodded. "To make things move quickly, I'll send Hiashi and Shikaku with you. They'll have those discussions, if our demand is met."
"Acceptable."
Iwagakure no Sato
"Halt!"
The guards spoke forcefully at the village gates. They even blocked his path. Was this much hostility between Konoha and Iwa? If so, he could understand why the village would want to wage war against them. It was just a pity, they couldn't gain anything from it. Attacking Konoha was simply begging for destruction.
"Why the fuss?" Naruto asked the guards with a blank expression.
"You don't just waltz into the village, Uchiha."
"And I was?"
"Protocol."
Naruto brought out his papers and handed them to the guards. "You clearly don't like me. No, it is the village I represent that you don't like. I'd have thought Iwagakure got over the embarrassment of being forced to retreat and accept a peace treaty by just one person." They were getting angrier as he spoke, but Naruto didn't care. "The man is dead. There is nothing to fear. Nobody in Konoha can use that Jutsu."
"What is your business?" one of the guards asked in a cold tone.
"You know why I am here."
"If you don't tell us, you're going to wait for a little while we confirm with the Tsuchikage."
"Must be nice having this job," Naruto said, removing his gunbai from his back. This action caused other shinobi to quickly surround him. He acted as if he didn't see them and placed it down, leaning against it. "Go ahead and confirm with the Tsuchikage. I'll wait."
"Why are you intentionally trying to provoke our shinobi? Do you want to cause an international incident."
Naruto lifted his eyes and stared at a man he recognized as Iwagakure's most powerful jonin, Kitsuchi. Of course, if you counted the Jinchuriki, he wasn't the most powerful. The powers of Iwa's Jinchuriki were unquestionable. They'd made their names known by making enemies triple during war. In such times, they spent their days in peace. Iwa only unleashed them for bloody battles and slaughter.
"This is hardly provocation," Naruto said with indifference. "Is there any lie I have spoken?" he asked. "Then again, the truth can be offensive to some people. It is especially bothersome to the weak, yet proud, to be reminded that they are nothing but flies."
Kitsuchi stared coldly and then motioned for Naruto to follow him.
"This is not how you begin diplomatic talks. You must show respect to your hosts. We will protect you in here. But if you disrespect us, we will let you be and might not have the interest to listen to anything you say." The man lectured in a stern tone.
Iwagakure was huge. Its architecture was fitting for its landscape. Fundamentally, shinobi were all the same everywhere. They were the same backstabbing people who would give anything to protect their village. Some, were just a little more extreme than others. But the idea was the same.
The animosity he felt from the guards had ended there. The villagers were mostly indifferent, with a few glances of curiosity. After all, Konoha had never truly been close friends with the Stone.
"I've no interest in diplomatic etiquette."
"It's not going to work well for you. You think power is the answer to everything?" Kitsuchi asked. "You're as arrogant as they say."
Naruto chuckled. "If power was everything, the shinobi world wouldn't be like this," he said. "Having immense power doesn't even guarantee success. I think I've been misunderstood."
"Highly doubt it."
"Are you going to ignore the fact that your guards were being unreasonable to me?" Naruto asked Kitsuchi. "You spoke about respect... but that's funny since your guards didn't give any to me. You should have started with them. I'd respect you a little more if you did."
"Are you saying you don't?"
"No."
"Regardless, careful what you say. If you speak like that before the Tsuchikage, you will make things worse."
Without question, his father was going to take offense if Naruto didn't choose his words carefully. The Stone had never tolerated anyone who threatened its security. Hell, for the sake of its glory and security, neighboring nations had been invaded. And they would do it again if it was necessary. There was no other village that would say anything – unless they were directly affected by it.
"Makes things worse?" Naruto raised his eyebrows in curiosity.
Kitsuchi didn't give him a response, and Naruto didn't press him. They enjoyed a comfortable silence all the way through the streets. Naruto noticed the man was well-loved. People greeted him with respect as he passed by. Shinobi hiding on the rooftops kept watch until they arrived at the Tsuchikage tower.
"Wait here." Kitsuchi said to him while outside of the Tsuchikage's office.
Naruto just leaned against a wall and folded his hands, waiting patiently. It didn't take long for the door to open and Kitsuchi telling him to leave his weapons outside. He was indifferent to it and simply left them there without complaint.
The Tsuchikage was much smaller than Naruto had expected. Still, in that small package, he had survived all three Great Wars. Not to mention, he possessed a rare bloodline. Naruto wondered why the jutsu wasn't feared as much as others. It was just as terrifying as Minato's Hiraishin.
"Tsuchikage-sama." Naruto greeted the old Kage.
Onoki nodded his head and motioned for him to sit down. Kitsuchi was standing at the door, ready for anything. There was no thought that Konoha would actually try to assassinate him, but anything could happen. Being safe was much better than being a village without a Kage.
As Onoki looked at Naruto with displeasure, he couldn't help but notice the same look Madara gave him when he turned on them and said there would be negotiations, but instead, they had to submit to Konoha. The memory still burned fresh in his mind. He had a feeling even this Uchiha might say the same thing. As he stared at him longer, the more he was tempted to signal his Anbu to assassinate the Uchiha.
He leaned against his chair and stared coldly at the Uchiha.
"I received the letter from the Sandaime."
"I'm not too interested in what was written in the letter," Naruto replied with indifference. "I came because what I have to say is more relevant."
The Sandaime had probably sent a warning about his presence and some talking points. But he hadn't come here to explain whatever the Third wrote. The man was incapable of dealing with people like Onoki.
"What do you want then?"
"Are you planning to wage war against Konoha?"
Straight to the jugular without preamble. This was not how diplomatic missions were handled. On another day, Onoki would have turned the theatrics and become offended by the wild accusations. Such things had often led to some nasty battles and even become the prelude to making outrageous demands.
But, Naruto asked him the question with a straight face. He had a feeling if he did theatrics, the Uchiha would laugh.
"If I am?"
"I've gone at it without beating around the bush, Tsuchikage-sama. I have little interest in going in circles. We know Sunagakure has been preparing for war. It has significantly armed itself for the purpose. It has both Kiri's Jinchuriki in its possession. But I'm not really worried about them. They are a small nation that can be taken down quite easily. Konoha's worry is you, Tsuchikage. We can go to war with you, but not Suna. That village we beat into submission."
Onoki thought he was hearing tall tales, but Naruto was dead serious. The Tsuchikage let out a laugh. He couldn't help himself. Not in many years had he seen anyone with this much arrogance. Not even the Shodaime Hokage spoke like this. Not even Minato, despite having killed over a thousand shinobi in a flash!
Who was this Uchiha in front of him to even claim that Suna was merely a bug that didn't know its place and could be crushed whenever it was convenient?
"Why don't you?"
"I'm not the Hokage. You should have seen it with the Third War. The Sandaime Hokage is a man of peace. He won't fight unless the war is dragged into his gates. Perhaps he's just become tired of everything." Naruto said with a slight shake of his head. "Or maybe, he's profiting from it. In times like this, mission fairs rise significantly."
"Wouldn't be the first time the Leaf has done so. Sometimes I wonder with your history how the Sandaime can act all peace loving." Onoki said with disgust.
"Unlike you who proudly invades. You have no shame in your nature, nor do you try to hide your history. You are what you are." Naruto stared, tilting his head slightly. "So, why are you not giving me a straight answer, Tsuchikage-sama?"
"What changes if I say I want war?"
"Well, I may as well kill you right now."
The moment those words left his lips, Naruto found himself surrounded by sword-wielding shinobi, and the Tsuchikage floating in mid-air, with Kitsuchi standing on top of the desk, right hand facing him. The old man's hands were clasped together.
Naruto wouldn't say they were being overly dramatic. After all, he'd spoken with a clear intent, and a bit of killing intent. He was dead serious, and they felt it. Measures had to be taken to protect their Kage.
Naruto folded his legs, and then rested his head on his left palm, using the armrest for support. He looked amused, more than anything.
"Impressive. Everything was fast." He said. "However, you made a single mistake; I didn't need to move to attack your Tsuchikage. With my eyes, I could have reached him." He raised his index finger, wagged it twice, and spoke again. "And, no, Tsuchikage-sama, I wouldn't have allowed you to hit me with your Jutsu. My eyes would predict what you were about to do, and it would be a matter of my body reacting faster to stop you. If your reactions could be faster than mine in that old body, death would be more than what I deserve."
"You're not going to get away with threatening to kill me."
"You're being too sensitive," Naruto said, his smile disappearing. "Especially for someone who is busy conspiring with a village that wants to destroy Konoha. Your actions threaten Konoha. And you get offended when I do the same? People like you disgust me. At least I had the guts to ask you nicely…and in your face."
"You wouldn't have been sent if they didn't know you were like this. Have you come here to threaten my village?"
"You haven't answered my question, Tsuchikage-sama."
Onoki was silent for a moment. He dismissed the other shinobi, but had Kitsuchi stand right next to Naruto. He settled into his chair with a sigh. If the Uchiha had made a single movement, this place would have been destroyed. But he had just stood there, and not because he was shocked or frozen, but rather, because he was watching them. It had been like a show to him.
He could say it; he didn't like the Uchiha and probably never would. Then again, he was certain the Uchiha would say the same thing about him.
"I considered it when Sunagakure approached me. But, there is no reason for me to go to war with Konoha. The Sand has its own issues. And Iwa partaking in the war would simply be for the pure satisfaction of seeing the Leaf destroyed. Unfortunately, I do not fight such wars. When real issues surface, I will fight." Onoki replied. "Besides, in such war, we wouldn't survive without suffering. Kiri would get involved, and if you offered the Raikage the Byakugan, he'd decide to back you. Iwa's army would face three fronts. It would be too stretched to survive."
"Practical scenarios. You gave it some thought despite saying there is no reason." Naruto said.
"They've grown for them to be simply ignored."
"Indeed. But still a small nation. They'll always be the smallest nation." Naruto said sternly. "There is no need for me to say anything else then. Or do anything."
"If the answer was different, what would be Konoha's response?"
"You can imagine."
"Why don't you show me?"
"I'm not an exhibitionist. You'd have to admit to wanting war with Konoha, and I would have had to do something, not just show you what power you were up against. It would do nothing for me to simply take you somewhere else and show you." Naruto said, pointing his finger towards Onoki.
"You will k—"
"I apologize for interrupting you." Naruto said, cutting off Onoki. "But I don't care if you put me in your bingo book. You threaten Konoha, and I will threaten you. I was sent to confirm if you were planning to wage war with Konoha. You've denied it, but," his mood darkened, his eyes gained a powerful glow and Onoki involuntarily looked away. "Well, no need to say it." He said.
"Are you going to go to war with Suna?"
Naruto shook his head as he stood up. "It's too embarrassing for first Great Shinobi village to seriously head into war with Suna. We will rip apart all of Suna's toys and then discipline it."
Onoki laughed. "You underestimate that village. You will fall."
"Simply the way of life. The unexpected occur. Though, I cannot possibly see it." Naruto smiled. "You're conspiring, and you wouldn't take part in the get go if there was a conventional war. You'd only take part if the Leaf was weakened. That way, you get easy pickings."
"Nothing wrong with taking advantage of a favorable situation."
"Indeed." Naruto bowed slightly. "It was a pleasure, Tsuchikage-sama."
Without saying anything else, Naruto left the office.
"Should we allow him to leave like that?" Kitsuchi asked in a firm tone.
The fact that Naruto didn't blink when facing them worried him; he was overconfident, but he still had the power.
Onoki said sharply. "Don't be hasty." He continued, "Let him be, for now. We'll take appropriate measures."
"And Suna's offer?"
Onoki had no appetite for another war. Especially since his village wasn't being threatened. Of course, Naruto's presence changed things. But, he was just one shinobi who couldn't threaten Iwa despite his bold words.
Attacking Konoha with Suna would be a matter of pure greed. It was enticing. Breaking the Leaf apart and sharing its bloodline would surely make the Stone a very powerful village.
"We never told them we would join them." Onoki shrugged. "The Raikage has always been greedy for bloodlines. He'd rather strike a deal with Konoha to defend it in exchange of a Hyuga and Uchiha, to begin his own clans in the Cloud."
The very thought made Onoki mad because he couldn't do the same. If the Cloud entered Konoha's corner, Suna would be at a crippling disadvantage.
"Can't we tempt them?"
Onoki laughed. "The Great Nations fighting together for greed?" He smiled and fully relaxed behind his desk. "We wouldn't trust each other. We would all fight with one eye on the back. Once we notice the other has suffered great losses, they will be betrayed and get nothing."
"Such is the way of the shinobi world." Kitsuchi shook his head.
It was no wonder alliances never lasted. It was due to greed. Once they reached the breaking point, sharp knives would be brought out.
"Well, we really had no reason to invade Konoha." Kitsuchi added. "But, the Uchiha is clear that Konoha has no fear for Suna. They probably came here because they want us to back off before dealing with it."
"Indeed." Onoki said. "But we'll have to make a plan for the Uchiha. Dangerous people who can threaten a Kage shouldn't be allowed to live."
"What do you have in mind?"
End of Chapter