-AN-

Ya'll know what's hard? I fell in love with this story, and with all of your support for it. So even though I know it has to end sooner or later, I find it hard to envision that. Can I give it an ending worthy of all this time and effort I put into it? Well, who knows. But dragging something out longer than necessary is probably worse than that, and I certainly don't want to do that. So, a new day. A little cool down, and some info.

So uh, I might have gotten a little excited with a double update. Let's just consider me well and recovered huh?

-Story Start-

*BEEP* *BEEP* *BEEP*

Groaning and slowly coming back to wakefulness, Temari took stock of herself as her mind slow booted itself back to life. She still had all her fingers and toes, that annoying medical machine beeping in her ear let her know her heart was working just fine, and thankfully this time she wasn't submerged in what could be delightfully described as runny snot.

Never again. Uzushio was good for a lot of things, but keep her far away from their medical equipment.

Eyes blinking open and she forced herself to sit up with a groan, she appreciates the window next to her that overlooked the city very little. All that light was hurting her eyes, but at least the soundproofing was good. Things certainly looked lively down there. Looking herself over, she took in the medical gown, thin sheets, and curtain drawn around her bed and gave thanks. The privacy was nice. Maybe now…now she could properly mourn the loss of her brother. Kankuro…

The curtain opens some, derailing her thoughts as a chipper looking Karin comes in with a clipboard in hand. "Oh, you're finally awake. How ya feelin?"

"Like a Biju just shat me out."

Shaking her head and coming forward, Karin lays the clipboard down across Temari's legs and sighed, "You took a good beating. No broken bones at least, but lots of bruising and a few ligament tears. Nothing a night in my tanks couldn't fix right up."

Holding up a finger and waving it in the air, Temari gave Karin a deadpan look, "Yay~"

Swatting the other woman's finger away, Karin held a glowing green hand to her forehead, "Oh hush. Could have been a lot worse and you should see what Naruto did to that Iwa Jinchuriki." There was some silence between them as Karin ran her diagnostic, while Temari kept her gaze blankly straight ahead. She could hold it together for now. Just a little longer she supposed, like the good kunoichi she was. Karin finished soon, and took a step back, "So, want a bit of an update from the battles a couple days back?"

"Couple days? How long was I out?"

Karin shrugged, picking up her chart again and running a careful eye over it, "Hm, three days, give or take a few hours." Seeing the surprise on Temari's face, Karin gave her a soft smile. "We thought it best to let you rest as much as possible." Watching Temari's gaze fall down to her hands, each of which flexed open and close slowly, Karin continued on. "Well, easy stuff first. Naruto and Sasuke tore apart Han before capturing him. Word is Naruto needs his Biju, but Han is gonna suffer. A lot."

"Good, bastard deserves it." Temari interrupted the Uzumaki woman without thinking, but Karin's eyes held understanding all the same before continuing on.

"You weren't awake for it, but Kisame apparently made an appearance along our southern ocean. Isaribi intercepted him, put up a hell of a fight I heard, before Naruto had to get involved and put him down for good. Then we had an Akatsuki operative try and break out Hidan, with messy results for them. Ino and Honoka took out Hidan, while Naruto again took down Zetsu. After that, we regrouped, healed up everyone that we could recover from the patrol teams or the advanced Suna teams, and kept our patrols running round the clock."

"You were able to save some of my comrades? Thanks. Really." Temari gave Karin a fragile smile, before looking back out the window. Unbidden, tears began to fall, the dam breaking. "It's, odd. Knowing my brother is gone. Like, I know he was a little annoying. And he kept stealing my makeup just to piss me off. But…he was my brother. My family. And I-"

"Goddamnit Temari! It's warpaint! Not makeup!"

Blinking, Temari turned to the closed curtain while Karin sighed and shook her head, pulling the curtain back to show off the other occupant of the four bed room. Nestled in the opposite corner was the man himself, fully bandaged up, but grinning wide and pointing at her, "Long time no see sleeping beauty!"

Karin was still shaking her head as she walked over to Kankuro, hands fisted on her hips, "And you! Settle down or I am going to dump you in a healing tank and leave you there until Gaara calls for your return to Suna!"

"Aw com'on, I'm a war hero! Shouldn't I get a little leeway here? I'm injured."

Temari watched them banter, not fully believing it. Was this a genjutsu? Someone playing a cruel joke on her? She watched him get boiled alive. Saw the flesh melt off of him. That wasn't an image that left her so easily. "What? How?" The tears still fell, and Kankuro caught the tone in her voice right away, finally cowed into silence.

"Uh yeah. I got hit pretty good, but one of the other guys substituted me with another puppet and saved my bacon. I'm gonna look a little sunburnt for a few days, but I'll be as good as new before ya know it!" Here he held up an arm, flexing and flashing another grin, "I'm all good Mari. We're good."

Shaking her head and finally relaxing back, Temari released a heavy sigh and decided Uzu was a place of miracles. "Yeah. Yeah we're good. So, what've you been doing then since I was asleep?" She'd have to thank the medical staff someway. Karin especially.

This was where Karin jumped back in, righteous fury in her eyes, "He has been harassing my nurses! Been a real menace at that!" Here she rounded back on him, pointing a finger at his nose while a chakra chain rattled in the air, "I swear to the Kami, if I get one more complaint, it's the tank for you!"

"Aw I'm not that bad!"

"Yes, yes you are! Jesus, at least keep it to the single girls would ya! Shizune is gonna have Kakashi pay you a visit if you keep it up."

"Wait." Here Kankuro paused, real worry finally working into his chest, "Shizune and Sharingan Kakashi are a thing?"

Karin's smirk was cruel as she leaned in, glasses glinting in the light, "Yup. Real serious, marriage talks apparently. Bet he would have loads to say to you."

"Nope nope! I'll be good. Scouts honor!"

Temari stared up into the ceiling as she laid back on her assigned bed. Ignoring the bickering of the Uzumaki medic and her brother, she decided she needed more rest. This was too much all at once. Life gave her brother another chance it seemed, something not everyone had. She'd have to say a prayer later for their good fortune.

And apologize to the nursing staff.

Sighing audibly as she pulled away, Karin swept her gaze between the sweating Kankuro and the relaxed Temari. Good. "I'll send Gaara and Naruto your way soon now that you're awake. I'm sure they both will wanna see you. Have a talk."

Kankuro nods, throwing his hands up and behind his head as he relaxed back, "Ya know, staying in Uzushio doesn't sound so bad anymore."

Temari snorted, a smile finally working on her face and she cleaned her tears, "I'm going to smash your face in once we're out of here, for scaring me."

"It wasn't my fault!"

"Tough. Still deserve it." All was right with the world.

One floor above the Suna siblings, Sakura was reading off of a chart while Gosu sat in the corner quietly and patiently. Nestled comfortably in the bed, Isaribi nodded her head appropriately as Sakura was winding down on everything that they found and what Isaribi's new routine would be.

"No heavy meals for a few days. Keep it light or you will regret it. You're going to make a full recovery, since we got you back right away, but even with my talent and Karin's tech there will be some scaring. Samehada is a terrifying weapon for a reason." Honestly Isaribi was lucky to not be missing any organs. Sakura had to literally hold the girl together for most of the return trip, the damage had been so extensive. She'd be dreaming about that for a while she just knew it.

Isaribi shook her head, just happy to be alive in the first place. "That's fine, you patching me up like you did was amazing enough." Hands running over the bed sheets at her sides, her body was still sore but at least she was in one piece again. "Guess bikinis are out of the picture for me now huh?"

Gosu grunted, arms crossed as both women turned to him, "Even us men dig scars. Yours are proof that you fought and bled for our country. For our people. If anyone wants to give you grief for that, I've got a special move for em." He would happily use his clan's signature technique to force any assholes to bow and grovel before his woman.

Giggling, Isaribi shook her head as Sakura backed away, "You idiot, you're just saying that cause we're dating."

"I'm saying that because I believe you're beauty incarnate."

Fighting down a blush and failing, Isaribi rolled her eyes and turned to Sakura, "Maybe you can examine him, I think he's bumped his head at some point."

Shaking her head, Sakura turned to leave, "Or maybe he's telling the truth." Here she smirked and leveled bored eyes towards the Chinoike co-head. "And you mister. She needs rest. Real rest. No funny business." Leaving through the door and closing it behind her, Sakura decided things were good and continued on with her rounds. She'd update Naruto later.

Behind her, Isaribi smiled as Gosu finally moved his chair over to her, taking one of her hands gently into his own. "You scared the shit out of me." He had read the report on her condition when they returned. She really would have died had Lady Uchiha not been there.

Isaribi bowed her head, "Sorry, I just. Well."

"It was Hoshigaki Kisame. That you survived at all is monumental. You've proven your skill and talent." Gosu wasn't supposed to say anything, but felt like his girlfriend needed some cheering up. "Plus, I hear Lord Uzumaki wants to honor you for it."

That got the woman's attention, "Say what now?"

Gosu ran a thumb over her knuckles and smirked, "Yeah. Apparently the Uzukage was impressed. Has a gift for you even after he saw that your trident was destroyed."

Isaribi smiled, folding her hand into his neatly, "Oh ho? Tell me more." She could enjoy this. A little vacation while she recovered. And more, her thoughts resurfaced, her regrets. "Say. What do you think about kids?"

"Wuh?"

-b-

High above the Hospital and in his office, Naruto is leaning back in his chair as Tayuya gave a report on the conflicts from a few days ago. Next to her Gaara sat and listened in, while off to the side Sasuke was penning a letter that he was meaning to send to Konoha. To who was unclear, but Sasuke was taking it serious.

"In short, Uzushio ninja suffered injuries but no loss of life, though unfortunately two Suna ninja were lost in action to Iwa's ambush. All of Iwa's ninja are dead, and no further scouts have been found." Finishing up, she closed up her folder and sighed, "Nothing from Kumo. Though our resident defectors are sure that A is returning."

Naruto nods along, a finger dragging along his desk, "I agree with them, A will return. Just a question of when and with how many troops." Turning his eyes to Gaara, Naruto nodded his head to the other Kage, "Sorry about your people Gaara, how're Kankuro and Temari doing?"

Gaara waved him off easily. "My ninja did their duty and will be honored for it. But I appreciate the sentiment." Gaara turned his thoughts to his brother and snorted, "Kankuro is apparently living his best life down in medical. He has high praise for your staff."

Rolling his eyes, Naruto watched Tayuya come and sit down on the edge of his desk, "He better be careful before he finds himself married off."

Chuckling, Gaara has to agree, "You're probably correct. And as for my sister, you should know how one of your wives is doing should you not?" A raised eyebrow met Naruto and his cringe, "You haven't abandoned my big sister already have you? I might have something, interesting, to say about that."

Shaking his head, Naruto got the message loud and clear, "I'll make sure to go down and see her as soon as we hear she's woken up. Promise." Gaara could be really scary when he wanted.

Clearing her throat, Tayuya turned back to Naruto, "So. Foes beaten back for now. Crisis averted. What comes next?"

Turning to look out of the window behind him, Naruto thought about that. He needed time to talk to Kokuo and potentially extract him, and then see about interrogating Zetsu. But he was sure those issues weren't what she was worried about. "Kumo at large won't be much of a problem for long. But Killer B and A are a different story. If they leave for Uzushio before Shochiro makes it, then we'll have another fight on our hands."

Gaara hummed, crossing his arms in thought, "You're certainly confident that they will return. Why?"

"One, Yugito and Samui both relate that A has a certain sore point with me. If they're sure he won't let this go, then I'm sure he won't as well. Two, I've met the ass in person after the summit. Until A himself is beaten soundly or dead, he won't listen to a word I have to say."

Tayuya nodded, "I have to agree. The profile on A sets him as a very stubborn man. He set his sights on humbling us, and he won't stop until either it's deemed to foolish to do so, or impossible." The redhead adjusted herself, leaning a bit more on one hand while looking at her husband. "You know, Ino's aware of what's going on. She's probably going to corner you about Shochiro, and soon."

He should have expected that. Whoops. "I'll weather it, I should have let everyone know."

'Lot more you should let them in on.' Kurama's voice wasn't unkind, but certainly to the point.

'I will, when I have more information.'

'Really? Sounds like an excuse.'

'What am I supposed to say? Hey guys, we may or may not have to deal with a being capable of ending all life on our planet and I have no idea how to fight against it? I should at least have, something, to tell them.'

'You will, you won't allow yourself to fail them.'

'Life has a way of kicking us at the worst times though.'

'Point.'

Seeing Naruto was distracted, Gaara sighed and stood, dusting himself off, "I should get down there and visit Kankuro. Make sure he isn't making a mess of things. I'll send a message if Temari is awake, I'm sure her recovery would benefit from a visit." Eyeing the Uzukage again, Gaara waved over his shoulder and was soon out the door.

Left in silence, Naruto looks out over the city while Sasuke continues to write on the couch while Tayuya flips through a folder on his desk. Eventually it is Sasuke who breaks the silence, "What are you going to do with Han?"

"Han?" Naruto thought about it for all of a second before shrugging, "Melt him down to ash and scatter him in a cesspit somewhere I suppose. I just need some time with Kokuo, that's it."

"Just time? You're not going to reseal it?" Tayuya straighten up a bit as Naruto shook his head. "Are you going to release it like you did the Sanbi?"

"Maybe. If that's what it wants. I just need a favor from it."

Humming at that, Tayuya started to frown, "You really think it'll help you after you tore apart its current container?"

Naruto flashed her a grin, "Something tells me there's no love lost between the two. Getting what I need from Kokuo is the least of my worries."

From his intercom, Yugito's chipper voice called out, "Ladies Ino and Honoka are here for you Lord Uzumaki." Well at least she was in a good mood. Hah. Better be.

"I'm free up here." Naruto had all of a second to wait before his door banged open, two more of his wives entering with complete confidence. "Ino, Honoka, you're taking it easy aren't you? Staying out of trouble?"

Honoka hooked a thumb at the slightly shorter blonde, "Have you ever known this one to relax?"

"I can relax, once I'm thoroughly satisfied." Ino wasn't above reminding Naruto that she was currently on time out so to speak. No nookie for her meant she was going to make it everyone else's problem. Believe it. "Yugito's on the secretary roster now?"

"Eh, it was a favor." Why was it suddenly so hot in here?

Ino was smirking, coming up to stand next to Tayuya who she hugged tightly, "Oh really. I'm sure we're going to hear all about this favor, aren't we?" Ah, there was the sweat. "Did I mention I finally perfected that Flay technique Daddy taught me?"

"You know, I'd like to remind ya'll that Yugito was your fault." Naruto leveled a look at all three suddenly bashful women. "What happened to our deal?"

Ino could switch tactics, this was her arena, not his. "Oh I'm not worried about Yugito. She's fun." Now the pounce, "Not so much about that Samui woman."

Ah, whoops. "Somehow, I still blame you all for her. Since she's Yugito's."

Honoka was smirking as she came up to lean against the other side of his desk from Tayuya and Ino, "I feel like there's a story there."

"Not one I wanna repeat. Ever."

Rolling her eyes and giving it up, Ino steadied herself and took a deep breath. She was a woman on a mission after all. Love of her life he may be, but her husband was hiding something. "So, care to explain some things?" Seeing confusion work across his face, Ino pointed at him directly, "You're hiding something."

Ignoring a cackling know it all Biju in his gut, Naruto sighed and straightened up. Best calm her down before she worked herself up into a frenzy. "If this is about Shochiro, just know he and I made a deal when-"

"No." Cringing a bit as she didn't mean to cut him off, Ino sighed and shook her head. "No, I get the situation with Shochiro. No, I'm talking about the rest."

"I'm not hiding anything. Nothing that I didn't already plan on talking to you all about once I had more information at the least." Naruto knew Ino was perceptive, but damn had he underestimated her this time.

Finger jabbing the air, Ino's eyes sharpened, "That's it. So you are hiding something. Why?"

"Would you rather me talk about something I have no answers for? Or come to you with all the information at once?"

Ino shook her head, pulling away from Tayuya slightly to give her room, "Uh huh. Don't shift blame. You promised we would all be open and honest about things. If you didn't have all the info you still could have told us something, anything. Not. Whatever the hell is going on with you recently."

Hearing a snort from Sasuke, Naruto turned to the Uchiha and shared a knowing look with him as well. That of course set off all three of his wives at once. Tayuya the first to pick up on it, "Wait a minute! He knows but we don't? What macho crap is that?"

Groaning and ignoring yet more cackling in his mind, Naruto shook his head and sighed. No getting around this then. "Okay okay. Fine. I'll have to tell this story twice then." Seeing he had their attention, Naruto tented his hands in front of his face, eyes serious for the moment. "I have, memories now. Not my own, Obito's actually." Here he turned to Ino, "You remember how I told you the Human path works?"

Ino nodded, trying to keep up for now, "Yeah, like my clan's techniques but on major steroids. Sakura is right, you boys have hack powers."

"Bingo." Naruto nodded once and spread his hands out wide, "With those came problems and information. Some of it I'm not even sure Obito himself was fully aware that he knew about, his memory had been tampered with more than once. But well, the soul. It remembers. It remembers a lot."

Tayuya pointed a finger at the lounging Uchiha, brows drawn in thought, "And what does Sasuke bring to that conversation?"

"Hmm." Naruto again exchanged looks with the Uchiha, before he shrugged and Naruto was left on his own. Bastard. "Sasuke and I have been tossing a theory back and forth. Uchiha historical texts and Uzumaki scrolls both show different information for certain ages. Things that contradict each other and sometimes just don't make sense. We figure that someone or something has been manipulating our clans for a long time." Naruto leans back and can feel the energy leaving him. Such a shitty conversation to be having. "Someone has been making sure that our clans were either constantly fighting against each other, or getting killed off whenever possible."

Ino was starting to see a picture, horror building in her chest, "Was that. Did Obito do all of that?"

"Obito wasn't nearly old enough for that. Unless he figured out time travel. No. Our culprit I'm pretty sure if Zetsu. The black half." That thing was about as far from human as the Biju or the Zero tails, something else he had been thinking about lately.

'Such a disappointment. I expected a better fight out of it.'

'I could always summon it back.'

'Boo, I'd rather spin on a tree.'

Honoka steps in, her own mind racing to try and make sense of it all, "Did you know Zetsu would show up when he did?" Naruto had been rather calm at the time. Like he wasn't surprised.

"No. That was an honest surprise to me too. But it was better than me having to hunt him down myself." Naruto swept his gaze to all three women, nodding to each one in turn. "I swear to you, Zetsu showing up here was a complete coincidence. I didn't plan for it, nor expect it."

Ino could accept that, but she still wanted to make her point clear and stood up to her full height. "I have to admit, I still don't like this. There's more, isn't there?"

Lie, or tell the full truth? Destroy the trust they had in him over a pretty lie that may or may not bring them comfort? Easy choice. "There is, but I need you to trust me. I'll come to you when I have something concrete."

Scoffing, Ino took the three steps she needed to loom over her man, "Trust isn't the issue Whiskers. It…it feels like you're taking on something all on your own that you shouldn't. If you're worried about trust, maybe you should work on trusting us to help you. Support you. That's part of what our family does, right?" Eyes shining, Ino smirked at him, "Don't leave us behind in some quest to keep us safe from the world. Even you can't keep that up for every hour of the day."

Right, something Naruto had almost forgotten. No matter how strong he ended up being, his heart was still painfully human. Always would be. He needed them, just as much as they needed him. Smiling and pulling her into his lap with a yelp, he hugged her tightly, "Sorry. I promise, I'll update all of you tonight when we get together back home."

Relaxing into his grip while Honoka and Tayuya watched on, Ino nodded and looked at him over her shoulder, "We're going to hold you to that." Taking a moment and just enjoying the closeness, Ino latched onto his hands that were around her middle, now having him right where she wanted him. "So, we're never getting rid of that Fangirl are we? She's here for good?"

Rolling his eyes as Sasuke began to laugh, Naruto resisted the urge to toss Ino at Honoka. "Blame the Suna council."

Ino shook her head, "I blame your world class dic-"

Yeah, this was going to take a while, Naruto decided. Maybe Tsunade had the right of it, this chair sucked.

-b-

Keeping up a leisurely pace, Jiraiya had to hand it to Rain. It was true to its namesake. A waterlogged and soaked place, miserable to travel through. But, when the rain paused and you got a burst of sunlight once in a while, it did have some breathtaking views. The last time he had spent any real time here was probably during the last war and this was a marked improvement.

Stretching his arms above his head Jiraiya wondered if this was even worth it at this point. "That brat should be able to handle himself. Just in case though." Might as well see this through, he was already here and things had calmed down back in the Land of Fire. Iwa's movements had been halted, Kumo should leave things well enough alone. Plenty of time to snoop around. Akatsuki was the last real threat after all, so he needed to know. Would they leave well enough alone? Would they try to sneak in and cause trouble? Those were questions that needed to be answered, and Jiraiya was just the man to figure things out.

Plus, returning to Tsunade empty handed would have him in the doghouse for a long, long time.

So he took a lazy route today having made it to Rain's capital city. He wandered around, asked questions of civilians who looked open to talking, and generally made himself a forgettable tourist. Sure the rain refused to let up throughout the day and he was well and properly soaked, but it would all be worth it eventually. First on the list was Naruto's information, this Pain fellow. People barely spoke of him in quiet whispers and even then, not much. He was to be feared, yet respected. The obvious leader of this place and Akatsuki. Hmm. But no one saw him, apparently he never left his tower. Good to know.

The other name he had been given stirred a memory in him. Naruto had mentioned a woman named Konan who had a talent for origami. Could she be that little girl he had trained way back when? Wasn't she with two other boys back then? Well, it had been wartime. There was no guarantee they survived along with her. Mentioning her instead got praises. The Angel of Rain, their goddess of protection. Huh. So she's made quite the name for herself then? He'd really have to check into her, but how to get ahold of her?

Slipping into an alley between tall but rickety buildings, Jiraiya considered his currently gained information. No one spoke of Akatsuki the organization if they could help it, only barely whispering of its members when pressed, or outright ignoring him. Pain was the leader, but he already knew that. But that he never left his tower was interesting. The other known member, Konan, was a more public figure. Someone the people knew and respected. Someone that if his thoughts were right, he trained long ago. Great.

Jiraiya had a feeling he wasn't going to like how this was going to continue.

He had to hand it to the citizens of Rain however. Even now as he took refuge under creaky overhand, he could spy the bones of old and bombed out foundations. The new built again upon the old. How many times had they done this? They were a hardy bunch, persevering even when others might have called it quits. Heh. No wonder Naruto wanted to give them a chance. They were his kind of people.

"You know, usually visitors announce themselves properly to those in charge." A woman's voice, a bit deeper in tone, but playful at least.

Jiraiya turned, taking in the blue haired beauty next to him. Was that a paper flower in her hair? Well, there was no mistaking that cloak. Akatsuki she was. "Sorry miss, just wandering around is all. What has such a beauty as yourself out in this dreary rain?"

Shaking her head with a smile, Konan turned amber eyes towards the sensei that left them behind. "Jiraiya of the Densetsu no Sannin. It's been a long time."

Eyes going wide, Jiraiya chuckled and relaxed back into the wall behind him, "So, you really are that girl I trained. Konan right? Kami. How are you? Those boys that were with you, what uh. What happened to them?"

Pausing to think about if she even wanted to talk about them. Konan eventually decided to fill him in. He was her last hope after all, "I am, well. Things have been rough here in Rain, but improving after the fall of Hanzo. Nagato goes by Pain now, and Yahiko. Died. A plot by Hanzo forced Yahiko to sacrifice himself for my life." Sighing and leaning against the wall with the older Sage, Konan turned her eyes up into the overcast sky. "Until recently, things had been so clear, so simple. Force the world to acknowledge its wrongs, force them to endure the pain they've unleashed on all of us here. Usher in a new world."

Jiraiya took her pause and added his own thoughts, "On the bones of countless dead, forced along by unimaginable shared suffering."

Konan nodded, "Yes. I see you've obtained some idea of what we were doing."

"Naruto helped me along, but I didn't have specifics."

"Naga-Pain. Was going to build a super weapon. Something so destructive and powerful that no village would want to see it used ever again. If it took sacrificing some lives to save the rest, we thought it was worth it."

They stood there in silence for a time, Jiriaya crossing his arms as he thought it over. He knew things had been bad here in Amegakure. But for these kids to turn out like this? The world had failed them in so many ways. "And now? You said he was going to, does that mean that's no longer the plan?"

Konan turned to him again, eyeing him quietly before sighing and turning away and motioning for him to follow her. "Perhaps, you should hear it from the source." Walking and feeling him join her, Konan wondered if this was the best choice. Would Pain be furious with her? Would he not care?

"Nagato, he knows the rest of the Uzumaki clan has come back together right? Has Naruto tried to convince him to join them yet?"

"First, he goes by Pain now, best to use it less you anger him. But no, Naruto didn't even attempt to convince him to go to Uzushio. Their ideals, didn't mesh."

Snorting, Jiraiya had a feeling he knew why. "No surprise there if Pain's idea of peace was to give everyone shared suffering." Jiraiya turned his eyes up to the sky, the world seeming to lack the answers he needed. "I'm guessing Pain has just been sitting back, waiting to see what Naruto can achieve. Since Pain himself can't envision a world at peace, I bet he figures eventually Naruto will come to the same conclusion as him."

"Astute observation Lord Jiraiya, your years do well for you."

Chuckling Jiraiya took in the young woman next to him, "You know Konan, you really did blossom into a fine young woman. Should you really be keeping yourself here, it has to be-"

"My duty is to Pain. That will not change."

Jiraiya let it go. It was that word again. Duty. When he was her age he understood it well. Now? Well, "Uzumaki men really are a handful, aren't they?"

A giggle finally, and Jiraiya smiled as Konan nodded, "Yes, I suppose you are correct." Leading him along as passerby offered her deep bows and greetings, Konan let her mind slip as they neared the tower, "I've been…worried for Pain. Until Naruto came along, I was sure he was going to throw his life away on this cause. Now that he and Naruto have this wager, he's being patient. He wants to see Naruto fail. To join hands with the Uzukage in destroying this wretched world."

Shaking his head, Jiraiya pulled free his book and took a few notes, "Betting against Naruto of all people is just asking for trouble."

Konan considered that. A rebuilt Uzushio. Deidara even defecting. Several of their members dead at Uzushio's hands, or Naruto's personally. "He certainly has the devil's luck." Together they reach the entrance to Pain's tower, Konan letting them in and ushering Jiraiya forward and into an elevator. As they began to ascend, she turned to him quietly, "What is it you hope to accomplish here, Lord Jiraiya?"

"Simply? I want to help Naruto achieve his dream. I want peace. A real one that can last longer than a single generation. I want an end to this endless wars, all this suffering and death." Jiraiya shrugged as he put away his notebook, "Call me a fool, but I still believe in the hearts of people."

Watching the door open, Konan stepped out and led Jiraiya forward, taking her place next to Pain's desk where he sat waiting in Yahiko's body. "Lord Jiraiya, Pain."

Jiraiya took in the orange haired man sitting there. Memory clear now, he knew that this wasn't Nagato. But, Konan herself said Nagato was the only one alive. Ah, Rinnegan. Dreadful. "I'm only here to talk, that's it."

Pain nodded slowly, hands folding together on top of his desk, "So you say Lord Jiraiya. We'll see if your mood holds."

Sighing Jiraiya came to stand in front of his long lost students. This was going to be the difficult part. Naruto better appreciate this later on. Hopefully this wouldn't devolve into a deadly situation like his gut told him it might.

-b-

Rotating a stiff shoulder, B waved off one of the gate guards as he trudged through the gates of Kumo. Home. Finally. It had been a short journey, but full of stress. Most of all what his bro was going to decide to do next. Getting caught by Jiraiya of all people, and then having the One tails Jinchuriki join in? What were the odds? Well, at least he didn't have to sacrifice anything to make it back home.

'Oh, just that team you were escorting. And your dignity.' Gyuki's voice was rather loud this morning and mentally B cringed.

'Just. Not now. Bro is going to be a terror to deal with already.'

'No. You're going to suffer me as well. You've been ignoring me all this time. Right now you're going to listen!'

Shuffling off the main road and into a dark alley, Killer B slumped against a building wall and sighed. It certainly felt like the weight of the world was on his shoulders right now. 'Fine, say your peace.'

'Say my-You arrogant shit! Just how far gone are you? It's been a slow decent from the very beginning. Ignoring what the Raikage was doing with the Uzumaki. You shouldn't have taken that mission to hunt down that Gaki. You should have left it alone when A started planning this invasion nonsense, and you should have just returned to your cave and left that pigheaded idiot to burn his own village to the ground. But now look. You're stuck, A will brand you a traitor if you speak up now, and Naruto, he'll kill you next time you clash. And what's your plan? What're you going to do!'

'I don't know!' Physically panting as a fist crashed into the wall next to him, he ignored the spiderweb of cracks that formed there. 'I…I don't know. I can't change the past, but what can I do? A won't listen to me. But if we go back, you aren't wrong, little bro nine is going to put us down for good.'

'Then talk A out of this. Make him see reason. Because at this rate there won't be much left of Kumo's forces.'

Pushing himself away from the wall, B had to agree with that. Uzushio pushed off the Land of Sky attack with ease and reached out to reduce their greatest weapon to rubble. They've sent Iwa packing, and stopped Kumo from sneaking in. Next. Well, what did you do when someone seemed to refuse to learn?

Taking to the rooftops, B made for the Raikage's office. 'I'll, think of something.'

'You better. I refuse to die for a completely preventable reason.'

B made good time, bounding through the front door of the tower and slowing to a more normal walk. Deep in thought, he still waved to the few operatives who reached out to him in greeting. His thoughts were stuck, how to convince the Raikage to quit this campaign? To reach out and find some common ground with the Uzukage? Was there any possibility of convincing A at this point?

Mabui barred his way, a frown on her face, "You've returned."

B took in the tense woman and sighed. She most of all probably knew this was all folly, but also knew not to say anything outright. "How is he?"

"In a word? Angry. In a way I don't think even you can calm him down." Mabui turned to look at the closed doors of the Raikage's office. Looking for all the world like she had more to say. Instead she turned and started to walk away, "He's waiting for you, I'm off to summon Darui. Good luck."

Watching her leave, B shook himself and opened the doors with a bang. Best get this over with. "Killer B is here where he needs to be!"

Rolling his eyes, A was already standing, "About time. Don't get comfortable, we're leaving."

That shouldn't have surprised him, and yet it still did. "Leaving, already? I just got back. Any word on Samui's team?"

A walked around his desk, knowing B would have no choice but to follow him, "Captured. Karui and Omoi were returned, Samui was not. I don't want to imagine what they're doing to her, but we have to assume the worst. We're going to get her back." An excuse, but one necessary to get B moving. A doubted that gaki would do anything to the blonde woman. Well anything painful at the least, horny little shit. But B didn't know that. "I've put a small but fast moving team together to go along with us."

This was moving too fast, B had no time to talk things out. "Wait wait. A team, already? Who?"

"Omoi, he has information about Uzushio. Atsui, he demanded to go once it came out that his sister was captured. And Motoi, you remember him right?"

How could he forget a former friend? "Yeah."

"Good. They'll meet us at the gate."

"But, bro, don't you think we should talk this out? Maybe negotiate? Get on the phone with Naru-"

"I will not acknowledge that little shit. Either he'll show me he's got real power, or he'll prove that he's no different than the rest of us." A knew it in his heart, that boy would torture, exploit and kill just like A himself had. He just needed to push the boy. "We're short on time." It had gone too far now. Either Kumo would crush Uzushio, or Uzu would earn its place among them.

"I-yeah. Okay." B had time. It was a long trip between Kumo and Uzushio. He could work on it, give A time to cool down. They could work this out. It didn't have to devolve into an open war.

A could see Mabui coming back down the hallway, Darui walking along next to them while the pair seemed to be joking about something. "Darui, you're in charge while I'm away. I will return in a week at most."

"Yes Lord Raikage."

A grinned as they descended the stairs to the front door. That brat snuck up on him last time. No. This time would be a fair fight, and A was going to smash him into the dirt and watch B destroy his city.

B sighed as they were already back and under the sun. He had to turn this around, get A to see reason here. Lives were counting on it.

A motioned around them, taking in the village square and its market. "This is what we're fighting to protect B. These people. Our people. We can't let them down. From the most prosperous shop keep, to the most humble of monks. Our job is to keep them safe. I can count on you? Can't I?"

B nodded, taking in the people around them that A pointed out. He could see where A was coming from, but still, the methods. Right, he had time. He could use this. "As you say, A."

"Good, then lets get a move on. Time is short."

-b-

Naruto knew he had put off more than a few things lately. Talking to the girls was coming up next, but right now, something just as important was necessary. Behind him, Hinata and Karin followed along, both curious about this task. He'd be pulling two duties at once here with some luck. Waving to a member of the Hotaru clan, Naruto turned to Hinata with a grin, "I just missed the call, how is your sister doing?"

Hinata giggled and leaned into him, "Hanabi is well. Confused and feeling overwhelmed, but well. Apparently little Konohamaru is in a bit of trouble."

That had Naruto raising his eyebrows, "What, Hiashi giving him trouble? Do I need to make a sudden appearance?"

Hinata giggled again and shook her head, "Oh no. He should worry much more about Hanabi herself."

Ah, Naruto got it now. He'd say a prayer for Konohamaru later. "Good luck to him. Hyuuga women are scary." The juken he took in the side was well earned.

Rolling her eyes, Karin walking along with her hands in her jacket pockets, "So what did we need to do at the Uzumaki shrine?"

Naruto spied the shrine coming into view. Paved road giving way to hard packed dirt. One of the few places in Uzushio where modernization refused to touch. "I need to relieve Mito-sama of her duty."

"That…" Karin didn't know much about the elder Uzumaki, but to give a portion of yourself to watch over the shrine for decades?

They ascended the steps in silence, Naruto leading the way with Hinata hanging off one arm while Karin followed along to his free left. They weren't met with anyone as they entered the first hallway. But it was noticeably cleaner and in better repair than before.

Naruto could see the girls' looks and decided to explain. "Anytime my clones got a free moment, they would always come here and clean up a bit. Then between the Hotaru, Chinoike, and some dedicated citizens, the grounds have been well cared for." Crossing from the inner courtyard and into the main chamber which could lead to the basement, the trio were finally met with Mito, standing calmly before the black flame altar were the Uzumaki masks used to rest. "Hey there Lady Mito. I'm back."

"And this is the last you will see of me. You've put this off much too long."

Naruto agreed, extracting himself from Hinata and bowing deeply to the woman's shade. "I apologize. I know you're right, but it's been, chaotic."

Smiling, Mito began to walk, behind the altar and to a set of stairs that dove down below the floor. "Uzumaki men, all the same really. Chaos is in your blood."

Naruto and the others followed along, quiet as they stepped down into the darkness. It was cool down here, seal laden stones brightened with internal light as they walked along, giving them safe and heat-less light. "How long did it take for the Uzumaki to build this place?"

"Centuries. With each new generation adding in their own portions and knowledge. A duty you will have as well." Mito didn't look back as she continued down the spiraling staircase. "Down here, more than just the Uzumaki masks used to be stored. Here you will find a complete history of not just the Uzumaki, but of the world itself. Safely stored away so long as the seals hold. Seals I have maintained."

Naruto understood her position now, "And now seals my shade will be responsible for."

"Yes. It is an important duty. Being a keeper of history and knowledge." Here they came into to a door that opened all on its own. Mito stepped through and the room beyond illuminated with even more bright white light. Naruto and the girls took in the rows upon rows of book shelves and scrolls. It was a massive library. "In here, you can find everything the Uzumaki have come across in all their time across the nations."

Karin was rifling through the scrolls as they walked along, "Honoka would love it down here. Sakura too."

Naruto grinned, "We'll have to bring them down here then." As they continued on, Mito leading them for another one hundred meters at least Naruto started to frown. "Wait a minute! I call shenanigans!"

Chuckling, Mito nodded her head, "I wondered how long it would take you to notice."

"Space and Temporal manipulation seals. This whole space. It's…"

"The moment we descended below the altar, we left your world." Mito's grin as the three gasped brightened just a bit. "You still have a long way to go, young man."

Hinata immediately turned to Naruto, "Don't you dare."

"What? I haven't even said anything yet."

Karin was on his opposite side, "No."

"But, but. Look!" He motioned wildly to the massive space around them.

Hinata pinched him, "No building separate worlds."

Naruto began to chuckles, a hand coming up to scratch at his neck. "Well uh, ya see."

Mito saved him, pausing before a pedestal in the middle of the large space with a smile as she motioned to it with a hand. The pedestal looked to be carved from obsidian, a square column about a meter in height that was topped with a golden sphere carved with more seals and runes than Naruto had ever seen. "This is our destination. Place your hand upon the seal, and a portion of you will be added to the matrix."

Naruto walked forward, eyes locked on the sphere, "Added. You mean. It's not just you in there?"

Mito nodded, "Every protector of this shrine dwells here. Each of us fading over time as the latest master takes over."

Karin leaned around Naruto, a question on her mind, "Can multiple people join at the same time?"

Again, Mito nodded, "Of course, it was only tradition that held only one Uzumaki would add themselves at a time. But multiple can exist at once."

Karin turned wide eyes to Naruto, almost begging. "We can come back and add Honoka too, com'on! This is a once in a lifetime thing."

Rolling his eyes as he should have expected this, Naruto placed his hands upon the sphere, "Yeah, I'm for it. You can bring Honoka back later." There was nothing at first, just the cool sensation of metal under his hand, before he felt a gentle pull on his chakra. Giving in, he began to circulate chakra before a feeling of vertigo took over him.

It was like dropping into his mindscape Naruto decided. Only instead of being greeted Kurama, Mito was there. "So, anything special I need to worry about?"

Mito shook her head, already feeling herself begin to fade. "No. This is a simple process. The matrix will analyze your soul, make a small copy, and release you. I have but one last task."

Naruto nodded, hands on his hips, "Ok, lay it on me."

Mito strode forward, standing before him before gently enveloping him in a soft embrace. "Thank you, young Naruto. For abiding by mine and Kushina's wishes."

"Ah. I…" She was, warm. How.

"Don't question it. Like your mother explained, the Uzumaki hold life sacred above all things. Not bringing her back, not bringing me back even though you have the power to do so. It has taken massive restraint. I believe we can trust you with the future."

Naruto let her pull away, unable to meet her eyes as he had to admit to something. "Even with what I plan to do to Kumo?"

"Yes. There is a balance to things. The scales tipped one way, and you are simply tipping them back. You have hope in your heart, but also, you understand reality. A quality needed in a good leader." Mito stepped back, and bowed before him. "I entrust the will of the Uzumaki and the fallen to you, Naruto Uzumaki."

Naruto returned her bow, a smile on his face, "I will do my best to serve the clan proudly."Mito allowed herself to fade completely, leaving Naruto alone in the all white space. "So, what now?"

"Now? Whatever you want." Naruto turned, to find his face looking back at him. Black cargo pants and boots on. Chest covered in his usual orange tank top and chain-mail, but instead of Naruto's current black long jacket, instead his shade wore a red battle cloak with black flames along the bottom. While on this one's back was a massive scroll. "Yo, you there?"

Naruto nodded, "Yeah. Just, it's weird."

"Just think of me like I'm one of your clones."

Shrugging Naruto guessed that was a close approximation, "Just, infinitely more important."

The shade shrugged, "Am I though? Your clones helped rebuild our home. Saved countless lives. One of them became their own person, extending your will. I'd consider them and you much more important than me. A keeper of history."

Naruto could see that, "Guess so. So this is it?"

"Yes, only, one thing. Now that I'm fully powered again." The shade turned, the space around them changing into a wide and open beach. The sound of the waves was authentic enough and reminded Naruto of home. "There. All better."

Naruto chuckled, preparing to leave, "Guess I'll leave it to you then."

"Oh, also, give Kaguya a stern talking to, would ya?"

"What?" And then he was gone, forcibly shoved away and back into his body. Naruto stared down at the sphere, irritated to be stonewalled like that. Why could he feel a sense of mirth from the hunk of glowing metal? Stepping away and looking around, Karin and Hinata watched him while he noticed that Mito really was gone. "Bastard."

Karin walked forward, placing her own hand on the now glowing sphere, "Odd way to talk about Mito-sama like that."

Naruto shrugged as he looked around for his shade, and came up empty. Of course not. "How long was I out?"

Hinata was back in his arms, hugging him tightly, "Only a moment. Mito faded and you regained consciousness a moment later." Proving her right, Karin was already stepping away from the sphere, an odd smile on her face.

"Oh Honoka's going to love this." Karin turned to join the pair, "So, all done here."

Naruto nodded, mind awash with ideas, "Yup, time to go."

Behind them as they all started to walk back the way they came, the shades of Naruto and Karin stood side by side, grinning at the flesh and blood counterparts. Karin was leaning against the pedestal, "Should we warn them?"

"Nope, much more fun this way. Plus he's got this. He'll live."

"You're such a bastard."

"I'm a collection of the intellects of dozens of Uzumaki leaders and scholars throughout history. Did we expect anything else. Also, technically, this is me talking to myself."

"One of many, many of one."

Ascending the stairs, Naruto led the way as he considered things. How the hell was he going to admit that he'd already played around with dimensional spaces to the girls? Maybe a vacation? Yeah, probably not. But, next was a harder.

Time to take apart Zetsu.

-AN-

And cut. We are back on schedule and feeling great y'all. B gets a talking to from his conscience. Naruto follows through on an old promise and hints at what's coming?