-AN-

Random thought of the day, I would love to learn how to sail. The idea of being alone out at sea, nothing but the waves and the stars as your company is just. Romantic I guess. And a little terrifying too. Cause I mean. It's the ocean. There's who knows what down there. But even still, it's on my bucket list to learn.

Anyway, let's see what Naruto and the others plan to do, and just how much shit is Kumo stepping in?

-Story Start-

A stared out over the ocean that was laid out before him. Night had fallen and they had finally hit the coast of the Land of Hot Waters. From here it would be a cautious and silent journey to Uzushio's islands. They couldn't be caught before they made landfall. Any warning to that brat before then would spell disaster and a wasted effort. It wouldn't be just skill beyond this point, but more than a little bit of luck.

Behind him and setting up camp, Atsui and the others were focused on their tasks while B was gearing himself up for another round of trying to convince A of turning back. It would have been beneficial to wait until the others went to sleep, but time was not on his side. He hadn't had much of a chance during their travels, and he wouldn't have another chance once morning came. It had to be now.

Clearing his throat as he walked to stand on A's right, B tried to start slow. "You know, it's probably not the best idea to leave Kumo without some of its heaviest hitters right now? Are you sure this is worth the risk."

Not responding to B, A scowled. It had been days of this. B skirting around what he really wanted to say. The idle chitchat, quiet hints and suggestions. Always the same thing. Don't go to Uzushio. Don't fight the Uzumaki. Let your shame go. His anger was finally ready to boil over. "B! Enough with this!" Turning harshly to face his partner, A had a finger within an inch of B's nose, "Say what you want to say clearly or let it go! We don't have time for this back and forth." Behind them both, those setting up camp went silent. Watching their leader and their Jinchuriki and wondering if a different sort of conflict was going to start up before they even made it to Uzushiogakure.

Grunting and at a loss for what to do, B decided to bull through. A wasn't the only one who could be stubborn. "Fine! You want me to come clean, I will. This is foolish and you're a fool! You're starting a war over your pride and I want nothing to do with it! You're going to drag all of us into this and what are we to gain?" B motioned back the way they came, to the line of trees where they had been traveling nonstop for the last few days. "Decades of trying to breed Uzumaki blood into our village and for what? A couple of halfbreeds who barely show their traits? Are we really going to risk everything just to repeat that? You should know better than this!"

A turned to face B fully with his arms crossed over his broad chest, "You certainly have a lot of nerve to speak up now! Don't think your hands are clean in any of this." A stepped forward, well within B's personal space as his scowl deepened, "You've been a dutiful Kumo shinobi haven't you? Killing when required. Kidnapping when necessary. Breeding when ordered? How many captives have you lain with B? How many Uzumaki have you killed, full blood or otherwise?" There was a pause as A's voice lowered to a whisper, "Who's Karui's father Killer B?" A paused once more as he could see the instant rage that passed over B's face. He knew the Jinchuriki wanted nothing more than to hit him with everything he had. Duty and their shared history wouldn't allow him too, "You're a Kumo shinobi through and through. Don't try to lecture me now about what any of this is worth. We started a job, a mission. It's time to finish it."

B turned away, walking a few steps to stare out over the ocean while his mind buzzed with white noise. That pigheaded asshole! How dare he…How…Taking deep and even breaths, he did his best to still his raging heart. This wasn't how this was supposed to go. It was supposed to be easier than this! A was supposed to listen to him! Listen to reason! Just. Why…

Turning back to the Raikage, B pointed a similarly burly finger at the man. "And what of you? If you don't kill Naruto, you know what he will do. What he promised. Are you so sure you can kill him?"

"WE will kill him. We have no choice." A could see this was over, B had no real argument here. Stuck as he was in his emotions, B would follow orders in the end. "Because it is either we allow Uzushio to destroy our way of life, our legacy. Or we crush them like we did before. It is the one mantra that was given to us throughout the years. The Uzumaki cannot live. We cannot coexist with them. You know it. I know it." A sighed and went back to staring out over the ocean's waters. "Get your head on straight Killer B. We have a mission to carry out in the morning. And I will not put up with this in the morning."

B cursed, turning away from A and stalking away towards the trees, "Something will need to be straightened out by morning. That is for sure, Raikage." And then he was gone, vanishing into the tree cover.

A huffed, projecting his voice to the three man team who were frozen between the two behemoths before them. "Don't you worry. B just gets worked up before missions like this. He'll be right as rain come morning." A turned back and nodded to them all in turn, "Eat and rest. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow."

"Yes Lord Raikage." All three answered in unison, while unknowingly they were united in their thoughts. Just what would tomorrow hold for them? Would B come back? Or would their mission be that much harder come the morning?

Away from the group but well within sensing range, B grumbled and did his best to rid his mind of the argument he just had with A. Of all the arrogant blowhards!

Gyuki chuckled, 'You're certainly one to talk.'

"Don't start! I'm angry enough as is!"

'Ooooh touchy. You don't like it? Tough. There was plenty he said that he wasn't wrong about. Was he, defiler?'

"You have some nerve! You've been right here along for the ride the entire time!" Anger reaching a peak, B lashed out. A fist flashed out to obliterate a four foot thick tree trunk, sending the massive tree to crash to the ground in a tortured cacophony of sound. "You could have renounced me at any time. Could have spoken out against me. Against us. And yet, you've been here right along for the ride. Not a word of complaint."

'Do you not remember what I am, B?' Gyuki sighed and pulled his chakra a bit more inward. This was a conversation they had not had in a long while. Depressing really. 'I am a mirror. I am what you show me. Show me your jovial and carefree side, and there I am, much the same. Show me the determined do or die ninja and soldier and I will be the same. My memories are only those that I am allowed to have. Experiences curated by my hosts through the years. Do I come to terms that things that are perpetrated by you and yours are wrong? Of course, because I assume that it is for the greater good. But this? What has happened in the last few decades? I have more experience now, and it is harder to explain it away.' Gyuki pulled yet more of himself away from B, 'I can admit that we did wrong. Can you do the same?'

"Wrong? WRONG!" B laughed, a bitter and sorrowful noise leaving his throat. "It thinks to lecture me on what is right or wrong. I am a soldier. With a duty to my home and people."

'And yet, this goes beyond that duty.'

"I have my orders." B sighed finally. Mind finally clearing. A hadn't been wrong. B was submerged in the filth of this world. Redemption for him was never an option. There was no room for cold feet. Not anymore. Maybe after this. Maybe in another time, he could spend the rest of his waking hours atoning for these sins. "We have a mission to complete Gyuki."

'No.'

That brought B up short. Gyuki wanted to deny him? Now? After everything they had been through together? Turning in place with the moon at his back, B nearly snarled in the empty air, "No? What the hell do you mean no?"

'Exactly what I said, Killer B. No. I will have no part of this. It is wrong. Even more, this is a foolish plan with a foregone conclusion. You will all die.'

B grit his teeth, having a hard time believing this. "You seem to forget, you've been along for the ride all this time. Yeah. Even during my darkest times. You aren't clean either. Who's chakra did I need to break Uzumaki seals hmm?"

'How guilty can a parasite be for the actions of its host? Fighting enemies and protecting your home is one thing. But everything else? You didn't need me for that. And the others, had I really known what was happening, I never would have aided you.' Gyuki pulled a more substantial amount of its chakra from B's network. Pulling himself into a dense and untouchable core, 'I'll sit this one out. Have fun.'

B shook his head, mind clearing as he realized his partner was no longer such. With a thought, seals within himself came alive, and the Eight Tail's chakra came roaring back to the forefront. "I'm sorry, but you don't get to run away for this." Sighing and staring down into the ground as Gyuki raged in his newly formed cage, B shook his head, "We're going to finish this. Because that is the only path left to us."

Sealed more tightly and left without full control of his chakra, Gyuki raged internally. 'I promise, Killer B, when you die the Shinigami will not be kind to you.'

B grunts as he walks back to the camp. "Doesn't matter. This is for the safety and security of Kumo. I don't need anything else." He could see the fire again as he cut the connection between the two. No. He didn't need anything else right now. He had a mission ahead of him. Maybe things would have been different if he had fought Naruto on that overlook at that hotspring so long ago. Maybe if he had concrete proof that fighting the boy was a fools errand…

Life was full of too many maybe situations. It was time to find out for certain who was stronger.

-b-

Across the ocean and settling himself onto the soft earth, Naruto made a place for himself next to a contemplative Sasuke. The Uzumaki and Uchiha houses were quiet, most everyone gone to sleep already or preparing themselves for such. This gave both young men a chance to talk, staring up into the starlit sky above them.

Sasuke's eyes turned downward, eyes on the mirror like surface of the lake, the stars and the moon reflected there much like his thoughts. "What's next Naruto? I can tell you've had something on your mind all day."

Heaving a sigh, Naruto kept his eyes on the heavens, no longer so sure they offered the usual peace he hoped for. "I had a little sit down with Zetsu today. Things are, not good." He explains quietly, the conversation he had with Zetsu and the revelation about Kaguya and her people.

Through it all Sasuke sat in silence and watched the stars cross the sky from the water's surface. Huh, so Kaguya wasn't of this world and more like her were coming? Yeah, more than a little troubling. "So, say we pack up the family and jump ship? You figure out how to cross worlds yet?" He knew Naruto never would. But in the same breath, this was bigger than anything they had faced yet. The likes of Itachi or even the other villages paled before this threat.

Naruto huffed, crossing his legs and placing his hands on his knees. "Don't temp me. I love my people. But…the thought of my family, the kids…of any of them dying because of this. I'd send them as far as I need if it means they live through this." Taking another steadying breath, Naruto looks down into the calm waters of the lake with Sasuke. "Not that they'd let me. They all would fight me tooth and nail to stay."

Sasuke hums at that. "Would you listen?"

"Don't ask me that Sasuke."

"Sorry…just." Would Sasuke listen? If he had the power to send Sakura and Amaru away to safety against their will, would he do it? Knowing they would hate him? It was better than watching them die. Anything would be better than knowing he failed them.

Grunting, Naruto shook his head. "In the end we don't know anything yet beyond that we need more information. Which means we need to decide whether to revive Kaguya or not."

"Oh great, another super powered woman. I give her ten minutes before she jumps your bones."

'Hah! The Uchiha is on my side!'

"You both are idiots." Naruto shook his head with a chuckle as Sasuke joined in. "But seriously. If we want to know what comes next, we need her."

"So why ask me?" Sasuke turned to face Naruto, and instantly didn't like the grin on the other man's face. "What?"

"Well, uh. Bringing her back requires a bit of prep. I have to go and retrieve a body. Uchiha Madara's to be exact."

Blinking, Sasuke put a finger to his ear and wiggled it around some. Pulling it free and flicking away some wax, he turned to Naruto again. "Sorry, could you repeat that, there was something crazy in my ear."

"I have to grave rob Uchiha Madara's body in order to prepare a vessel for Kaguya's return."

"Nope, still doesn't compute, say that one more time."

"Oh don't be an ass."

"Hearing someone tell you they have to dig up the body of a long lost ancestor once considered a living calamity is not something normal people would be used to." Seeing Naruto level bored eyes his way, Sasuke shrugged, "Yes I know you and I aren't normal. But the point stands."

"Sure it does." Naruto returned to looking out over the lake while Sasuke thought about things for a moment. Fireflys were beginning to make their way out, lighting up the lake shore all around them with pale green flickers of light.

Sasuke finally grunted and leaned back on his hands, "Is this a good idea?"

"Probably not. But if there is a bigger threat on the way beyond Kaguya, we need to know."

"That's true." Sasuke sighed, deciding to come clean about something here and now. "After hearing about all of this, I do admit that I've been feeling, different, lately."

"Like something at your core has been slowly eroding away?"

Sasuke's eyes were instantly on Naruto. Did he know? Of course he did. Damned Sage. "More like, something integral to my humanity is slipping away."

A dry chuckled left Naruto's throat, "I don't know how much of our humanity is really left after all of this."

"You were never human to begin with. You explosion maniac."

"Hush, you'll probably start growing horns or something stupid like that." Both young men again shared another laugh before settling down. Naruto with a contemplative look on his face as he considered his brother. "You can sit this fight out you know. You still have a clan to rebuild, and don't have any heirs on the way just yet."

"Shut it. You were there for me with Itachi. You were willing to sacrifice everything before you secured your clan. I can do the same." Sasuke shrugged as Naruto gave him a disgruntled look. "If I have to give up what little humanity I have left, so be it. Besides." Here Sasuke made eye contact with Naruto, eyes swirling into his Eternal Mangekyo, "I made a promise to burn down the world if it kept my loved ones safe. So I'm in it till the end brother."

"Better not regret this."

"Only thing I would regret is sitting back and watching you take this on alone."

"You're such a good little brother."

"You're only a few months older than me, don't get cocky."

"Sure thing little bro."

"I'm never calling you big bro."

"You just did."

"You know what I mean you ass."

"Nope nope. That's in my memory forever. I'll treasure it."

"I'm gonna sic Naruko on you when she gets back."

Naruto began to pout, "You wouldn't." Seeing Sasuke smirk as his eyes bled back into his usual black, Naruto pouted more, "She's a spore. Don't tempt her."

Giggling reaches their ears, a quiet Sakura joining them on the bank to sit between them as she slung her arms around both of their waists. "What is it with you both and trying to leave me out of things."

Sasuke sighed, letting the brawler hug him tightly, "Sakura…"

"Nope, don't you Sakura me. I know plotting when I see it. So whatever craziness you're about to get into. I'm in."

Shaking his head, Naruto looked past her to Sasuke, "Can't you, I don't know, put your wife to bed properly?" The swat to his head could have been avoided, but he didn't feel like ending up in the lake.

"Oh fuck off Naruto. I've been by your sides every step of the way where I could be. You aren't leaving me behind this time." Short hair swaying in the breeze, Sakura nodded her head firmly once to the blonde. "I get you both are world ending levels of strong, but I'm no slouch either." Here she pulls back, a large book appearing from somewhere to be held up for Naruto's inspection. It was an Uzumaki tome if he had to guess by the large family crest on its front. "Plus, I've been doing more reading myself. So, wanna bring me up to speed on just what the hell a Jyubi is?"

Naruto again turns to Sasuke and shrugs. "Your call."

"Is it really?" The pinch to his thigh was enough of an answer, and he began to fill Sakura in on everything they knew up to now. Including the possibility that Kaguya wouldn't be the end of things.

"Huh, well, I'm up for a little grave robbing. Because from the sound of it, you both are going to have to trade." Seeing Naruto and Sasuke give her confused looks, Sakura grinned. Finally. "Naruto is going to need the Sharingan, and Sasuke is going to need the Rinnegan. Duh."

Sasuke turned to Naruto, "Did you know that?"

"News to me."

Sakura preened and smirked, "That's why I'm the brains of the operation and you both are my lackeys."

Naruto relaxed finally, laying back on the grass to stare up into the sky, "You know what, yeah. I'll leave all the planning up to you Sakura. Let me focus on blowing things up for a while."

Sasuke nodded, doing the same on Sakura's other side, "I like that idea. Thinking isn't my strong suit either."

"Wait a minute you slackers! Get back up, this is a team effort! Team!"

Team 7 would spend a few more hours planning and solidifying themselves before turning in. Tomorrow would be a busy day, and they needed to secure the future. Not just for themselves. But for everyone the world over. Time to save the world.

-b-

It was early in the Land of Whirlpools, the sun was just beginning to peek over the horizon and with it the early day workers and commuters. Already the first wave of trains were steaming up, while the trolley cars rang their bells to signal their fares. A typical start for the island nation and its capital city. Though in its main tower, a different sort of start was underway.

Naruto had gathered the ninja members of his family along with Team 7 and the Suna siblings. His office was certainly crowed, but this was an announcement that he only wanted to make once. Plus, Gaara had mentioned that he needed to be underway early today.

Gaara was standing before his desk, a satisfied grin on his face while a tired looking Kankuro mumbled about wanting to stay. "With no threat from Iwa, it seems to be best if we return to Suna. We have out injured to take care of as well."

Sighing but understanding, Naruto nodded in agreement. "I appreciate the assist Gaara. It looks like we'll have some time before Kumo thinks to try anything, so we should be good from here." Reaching out across his desk, Naruto firmly shakes Gaara's hand. "Take care of yourself huh? I'll come and visit you next time."

"You better. And bring Temari back in one piece." The way Temari had claimed a spot on one of Naruto's couches next to a tired looking Ino and Kotohime was more than enough sign that she didn't plan on leaving. She'd be back to traveling between the two villages soon enough, but for now there was bonding to be done. "No little surprises though, okay?"

Temari chuckled, "Oh, it won't be a surprise."

Kankuro and Naruto both sighed at the same time, while Gaara started to drag his older brother towards the door, "Take care, Uzukage."

"You yourself, Kazekage." Naruto and group watched the pair leave, before all eyes turned back to Naruto. Now for the not fun part.

Ino of course could see his reluctance. "So, you've got us all up early for an announcement. We taking bets on what this may be?"

Hinata walked over to sit in one of the vacated chairs while Sasuke and Sakura leaned against the rear windows, "Maybe a small trip? We haven't had one in a while." Though the last one had been interrupted, it had still been…amazing.

Watching Tayuya sit on one edge of his desk quietly, already somewhat in the know, Naruto sighed and leaned back. Ino was already giving him the stink eye. "I've gotta take a short trip. Today." There was silence, until he dropped what was sure to set them off. "Alone."

"Absolutely not!" Hinata nearly surged to her feet in her haste. Irritation on her usually calm features.

"No way! What could be so important!" Karin was the same, taking a step forward while next to her Honoka nodded along in agreement.

"We just got done defending ourselves from Iwa and Kumo together. What could be so important now?" Kotohime usually gave Naruto the benefit of the doubt when it came to his plans. But just off from a conflict? What could be so urgent?

Through the raised voices and chatter between the girls, Naruto turned sad eyes to a quiet Tayuya. He had already told her she would have the chair for a few days. Even still, he could feel the sadness radiating off of her along with everyone else.

Kotohime was the first to clue in that Tayuya, usually the most loudly outspoken of them, was being very very quiet. "Hmmm." The girls around her going quiet, Kotohime pointed at the lightly muscled redhead, "You know something."

Seeing the girls gearing up into a real tear, Naruto raises a hand to stop them. "I promised you all I would explain things when I had answers, didn't I?" Seeing slow nods all around, Naruto sighs and begins to explain. Everything. From the plight of the Uzumaki and the Uchiha. To the now confirmed manipulation of not just the clans but entire nations. Further back, to what information he had about Kaguya and possibly, her clan of world enders. Anything and everything he had learned over the last few days he laid bare to them all.

When he was done, there was even more silence. Naruto could see that all of the girls were thinking hard, some trying to rationalize it, while others looked to be trying their best to plan and consider things. Tayuya had shimmied down to his lap, taking comfort as he held her close. That she was willing to be so publicly soft in front of everyone told him enough about hers and the rests' mindsets. How did one fight a god? Could anyone fight a god?

Honoka is the first to tentatively start things off, "If you have to revive Kaguya, how can you possibly contain her? She's the beginning of everything related to chakra right? Will anything we do even work on her?"

Naruto shrugged, "She was sealed once. And that is our specialty." He had to put on a brave face here. Make it seem like Kaguya's threat was the lesser one. Even if he wasn't entirely sure if Uzumaki seals would work on her.

Hinata sighed, hands rubbing her tummy slowly as she stared at her lap, "To think now of all times. When will we ever catch a break?"

Kotohime leaned into Ino with a sigh, an arm coming around her shoulders while one hand of her own was rubbing her belly, "We're Uzumaki. We don't get a reprieve."

Karin looks to Naruto, eyes firm as she clinches her fists at her sides, "Okay. So. What can we do?"

Naruto allowed his eyes to shift into the Rinnegan to better make his point clear, "This next part I have to do. Retrieving the body of Uchiha Madara while relatively easy, may have some complications." Naruto raised a hand to wave towards Sasuke and Sakura. "These two are staying behind to watch over Uzushio while I'm away. Nothing short of maybe B and Han together can take Sasuke down, so there shouldn't be anything to worry about."

Sakura shrugged as she nudged Sasuke, "I'm pretty sure I can put you down all alone."

"We're talking about in a fight."

"Uh huh." Sakura had a smug grin on her face as Sasuke turned to face her, "Try me."

"I'd rather not. Women are sneaky."

Naruto shook his head at their antics but appreciated feeling some of the tension in the room fade away. "The rest of you, I need you to continue things as normal for the most part. Though, Kotohime, Tayuya, Hinata, I'd prefer it if you stayed in the compound while I'm gone. I…I shouldn't have to explain why."

All three of the currently pregnant women all exchanged glances with one another. It was Hinata who stood and bowed to him deeply, "If that is what you wish, we'll stay within the walls and stay safe."

Ino however held up a hand, "Buut, I call bull on you doing this all alone!"

Naruto sucked his teeth, "I just said this is a literal world ending threat. I would feel much better if you're all here. Safe."

Ino shook her head, standing with her arms cross, "No way. We promised to stay at each other's sides didn't we? To take care of one another. For the good and bad." She turned to exchange nods with all of the girls, before turning back to Naruto. "Someone needs to go and watch your back. And if you're so worried, two of us then."

Scrubbing at his hair and nearly pulling his ponytail free, Naruto was starting to get frustrated, "The family comes first. Then the city. I can take care of myself."

Clearing her throat, Temari gained a smirk as she stood and came to stand next to Ino. "Weeeelll, unlike the others I'm not currently knocked up and I have nothing to do here while you're gone. So I can go with and watch your back."

Ino agrees right away, coming over and slinging an arm over Temari's shoulders, "And I'm currently free and healthy as well. I'm not integrated with the barrier teams like Karin and Honoka. Or knocked up like Kotohime, Tayuya or Hinata." Here she smirked and pointed a manicured finger at the exasperated looking blonde leader, "So looks like me and Temari are your shadows for this. Just in case."

"I'm trying to make sure nobody dies damnit."

Ino nodded, "And we're trying to make sure of the same you baka."

Ready to launch into a well and truly long tirade, Naruto paused as Sasuke came forward and placed a hand on his shoulder. Looking up to his brother, Naruto sighed as Sasuke smirked but shook his head. "Well shit."

"You know how this fight will end. Best not give them more ammo for later."

Scrubbing his hair even harder as Tayuya giggled in his lap, Naruto finally gave up. Why did he have to fall in love with such headstrong women! And why did that make them that much hotter! "Damn it all! We all come home alive and in one piece, get it?"

Temari chuckled and high fived Ino, "That's our line."

Naruto grumbled some more as Tayuya kissed his cheek and worked herself up to stand, "This is such a bad idea. There's no telling what may happen while we're gone."

Tayuya finally spoke up, sauntering off to stand beside Ino and Temari, "Either you take them or you don't leave at all." Here she turned back to face him, the others all standing to form up around them. "That way, we face whatever comes all together, no matter the outcome."

Naruto bit his tongue, wanting to say he would send them away to some far corner of the world or even another dimension before he let that happen. Instead he just accepted it. They wanted to be by his side and he was loathe to admit that it did make him feel a bit better. "Alright, got it. Ino, Temari, you're with me." Naruto pushed his chair back to stand, looking at Sasuke and Sakura over his shoulder, "Promise not to burn down my city while I'm gone?"

Sakura shrugged as Naruto walked towards his family, "Might help revamp your main hospital or something. Nothing crazy."

"Nothing crazy she says." Shaking his head, Naruto takes in his family. These girls had a lock on his heart, each and every one in their own way. Much like Sasuke, he would end the world for them. Hell, probably bring everything back and burn it all to ash a second time if required. Ino and Temari move to stand on either side of him, while Naruto puts a smile on his face and he exchanges hugs with each girl one by one. "I'll be back quickly. A day, two at the most."

Hinata hugs him tightly on her turn, tears held firm but nearly falling, "We will get through this. As a family. That's a promise."

Naruto nodded, "On my word, right?"

"You word is law, beloved."

Kotohime sighed as he embraced her gently, "Two days yes?"

"Yup."

Kotohime let him go, "I can restrain my urges for two days. You'd best return quickly."

Karin was next, kissing him hotly before backing away quietly. "You idiot. Let us hope your good luck holds."

"Uzumaki luck is something ain't it?" Naruto chuckled as Honoka was next to hug him tightly. Embracing her in turn, he thought nothing of the quiet sob that left her. "I'll be back. Everything will be alright."

"Can you promise that?"

Naruto nodded, backing away to stand between Ino and Temari. "Naruto Uzumaki doesn't go back on his word does he? Everything will be alright."

Tayuya grinned, giving him a thumbs up, "Then get going so you can hurry up and return. While we haven't seen any activity from Kumo, nor any word about B, I'd still rather not give them a window for trouble."

Naruto wrapped arms around Ino and Temari's waists. "Understood. Back in a flash. I love you all." And then they were gone, a muted flash seeing them off.

Sighing and taking a moment to collect herself, Tayuya eventually started to walk towards Naruto's desk. The sun was beginning to rise, which meant the real day was about to begin. "I'm getting real tired of all these once in a lifetime events happening so often. I want like a year, no, five, of just boring normal life."

Sakura chuckled as Sasuke huffed and shuffled to take up a spot on one of the couches, "Welcome to the lunacy of Team 7 and magical ninja bullshit. Enjoy your stay."

Sasuke shook his head, "We aren't magical."

"You sure as hell aren't normal ninja."

Hinata sighed, hugging herself for a moment before hopping in place once and slapping her cheeks. Gaining everyone's attention, she turned determined eyes towards the remaining group. "I'll be returning. Kotohime, join me?"

Coming to stand next to the shorter woman who they all considered head wife, Kotohime offered her a smile, "It was beloved's wish. Let's return home and keep an eye on the compound while he is away."

Facing Tayuya who took Naruto's chair, Hinata smirked, "Go ahead and forward all interclan issues and communications my way from now on. I'll work from home."

Tayuya waved them off, "Got it. Give Kikyo and the others an update would you? And let's not go nuts. He says he'll only be gone a day or two. Let's not jinx it."

Karin taps a finger to Hinata's shoulder, "I think I'll return with you. Best to stay near the clan and watch over things."

Chuckling and shaking her head, Tayuya eyed up Karin, "To think we finally found a way to get you out of your basement. Naruto would be foaming at the mouth right now."

Rolling her eyes as the three girls embrace, Karin gives her the finger, "Naruto has better ways of keeping me out of the basement." And then they were gone, leaving the remainder alone in the office. Honoka was the next to turn towards the door.

"I think I'll take a stroll to the barrier group and then check on the basement and Kabuto. After that I'll return. I think it's best to remain close at hand for now."

Tayuya appreciated that. "Thanks. I'm far along enough that my chakra is stable once more, but still. Don't wanna test it."

Winking at her co-wife, Honoka was out of the door, "I'll be back soon."

Taking the other side of the couch and pulling free a book on medical practices written by Tsunade herself, Sakura sighed and settled in for a hopefully boring day, "We'll be keeping close at hand until Naruto returns. He was serious about us watching over Uzushio while he is away."

Sasuke nodded, laying out with his head in Sakura's lap ready to take a nap. "Anyone shows up, they're getting a Susanoo powered Amaterasu to the face."

Tayuya was already gearing herself up to attend to her duties. Leave it to Naruto's longest friends to clear the air completely in his absence, "Let's hope it stays boring then." Once more she considered Uzumaki's luck, and hoped Naruto's own good fortune would rub off on the rest of them. She certainly didn't want to jinx anything.

Leaning forward, she pressed the button for the intercom, "Yugito, you there?"

"Yes Lady Uzumaki?" Their resident Jinchuriki defector sure sounded chipper. Lucky her.

"Let's run through things quickly, I don't wanna spend all day here."

"Yes ma'am."

-b-

Tsunade could feel every day weigh on her just a bit more than the one before it. Was the hospital coming up to her standards easily enough? Oh sure. Was the council being on its best behavior ever since Danzo's 'retirement'? Absolutely. And yet, as her window creaked open with all the subtlety of a hammer through fine china, there was always some new stress. "Please tell me you have good news."

Jiraiya chuckled as he relaxed in the window sill, twirling a pen between dexterous fingers, "I'd consider me being alive some good news."

"Hmmm, debatable."

"Aw Hime, what about that hotsprings trip? Ya know, that thing I do with my-"

"Finish that sentence, and they'll never find the body."

Rolling his eyes, Jiraiya pulled free his notebook and tossed it into her waiting hands, "Ame is sitting this one out. Pain specifically is going to wait and see what Naruto does. He thinks Naruto is going to go off the deep end, but I've convinced him that there might be a better way."

Tsunade hummed thoughtfully, going through his notes with a careful eye. Ame had been caught in between multiple wars at this point. She had always assumed that they had never reached out for help due to pride. But now she was seeing that it was more that everyone seemed to forget about them. "So, you offered Konoha's resources in order to build goodwill between our nations?"

Grin firmly in place, Jiraiya shook his head, "Correction. I offered Konoha's resources with no real strings attached. If they still hate us afterwards, well, so be it."

That brought Tsunade up short, turning in her chair to fully stare at the old goat who was her teammate. "You're serious?" Seeing his grin still firmly in place, Tsunade sighed and leaned back in her seat, a hand coming up to message her temples. "Of course you are. I'll suppose it isn't a bad idea. Even if Ame still hates us afterwards, it'll put other nations in a bind. Either they'll have to offer help as well to not fall behind or watch as potentially Ame and Fire come together."

"Tsk Tsk Tsunade, you're thinking in the old ways still." Jiraiya held out his hands as he relaxed a bit more. "This is about changing how we do things. War isn't the name of the game. We're looking to build relationships. Bring peace. End this nightmare of bloodshed. It isn't about who's going to be on top in the end."

"And yet, not everyone thinks like you or me."

"Hah, but the number skews our way a little more everyday." Jiraiya finally stood, as Tsunade turned back to her desk. Then he was behind her, gently working her shoulders and getting a appreciative sigh out of her for his troubles. "This is a good thing. I promise. Ame will come around, and at least that's one more player off the board."

Refusing to admit that she had been worried and had missed the big oaf, Tsunade accepted his ministrations for a short moment. "Now to just get the council on board with raising funds. We're finally about to make our last payment to the Uzumaki. A goodwill mission might be a hard sell."

Feeling someone coming, Jiraiya retreated back to the window, taking pride in the moan of regret from the woman, "Either way. This is for everyone's future. Hard sell or not, it keeps things peaceful."

"Says you." There was a knock at her door and Tsunade straightened herself up, "Enter."

Door opening, Tsunade and Jiraiya were met with a flash of pearly teeth. "Good morning Hokage-sama! Team Gai reporting for duty!" Behind the ever cheerful Gai was a tired looking Kiba, while Shino had his hands stuffed in his jacket and Lee nearly bounced on his toes.

Tsunade nodded and rooted about her desk. "Thanks Gai. Not something urgent, but I have a mission that I'd like completed quickly. Here she pulled free a half meter storage scroll and tossed it to her jonin, "That is for the Uzumaki clan. You are to head to Uzushio and present that to the Uzukage. Our last payment."

Gai saluted smartly, "It shall be done quickly and efficiently! And if not, I shall repent by walking between Konoha and Uzu five times, with boulders tied to my back!"

Lee holds up a clinched fist, eyes streaming tears while Shino and Kiba both sighed heavily, "Truly inspiring Gai-sensei! Why, if we should fail, I shall complete your task with you, with twice the weight!"

"Your youth burns strongly Lee!"

"Gai-sensei!"

"Lee!"

Tsunade slammed both hands down on her desk, rattling the entire office and preventing any manly embraces from happening, "Keep that up and I'm tossing both of you idiots into the monument! Get out of here!"

Gai saluted again before turning to leave with his team, "We shall be back within the week Hokage-sama."

Rolling his eyes as the team left, Jiraiya chuckled at Tsunade's frustration. "So, how does retirement sound?"

"That an offer to take my place? Cause I have a beach side condo with my name on it and grandkids to soon spoil the hell out of." Tsunade had to hand it to the little brat. He sure worked fast. Good for him.

"Hmm, me in control of the ninja forces. Does that mean I can set a dress code?"

"Why do I love you again? I must have brain damage."

"It's cause I'm good at what I do."

"I'm going to bash your face in."

"It'll be a wonderful way to go, Hime." It was sure good to be home.

-b-

Shochiro considered just how easy it was to return to Kumogakure and nearly wept. It was all but impossible for any of them to leave on their own, but getting in? With his chakra forcible repressed and only practical affects needed for his disguise, the gate guards were none the wiser. Even more, this high up in the mountains as they were Kumo was used to monks using their village as a pilgrimage site. So his first day here had been easy enough. Set himself up as his disguise required in a smaller and nearly abandoned temple, and spend his days wandering the city and offering prayers to any who asked. There were few takers, but it was okay. Access to all corners of the city was all he was really after.

After all, setting up a barrier was long work.

Shochiro had considered just annihilating Kumo off the map day one, knowing that everyone here was either a ninja, affiliated with the ninja, or supported them nearly one hundred percent. That said, some part of him wanted to find some redemption in this place. Someone who could prove they could change.

Today turned all of those thoughts to ash.

Taking a bit of a rest in the village center, resting against the fountain there while considering the next point he needed to inspect to set up a barrier relay, on this day he spotted someone he thought he would never see again. Bright red hair on display, dusky skin contrasting with the dusty surroundings, Shochiro set eyes on one of the few Uzumaki children to make it out of the pens. Karui looked healthy enough, except for the dark bags under her eyes. She did not look like she had been sleeping well lately. Well, if anyone in the village might be persuaded, maybe it would be her, an Uzumaki. Standing with a groan, he shuffled his way towards the tired looking woman.

Karui had not been having a great time of things since returning. While Lord Kazekage had said her probation would be short, he hadn't said what her return to duty would look like. When Omoi had been selected to return to Uzushio to complete the mission, she had assumed she would be included as well.

That was not to be, of course.

No. She was Kumo's last remaining Uzumaki, and considered much too valuable to be risked. Instead she had been given an option. Well that was a strong statement in itself she considered. Her team had been captured and her partner had returned unharmed from a nation that loved the Uzumaki nearly to the point of worship. Interrogators didn't come out and say outright that she was possibly responsible, but it was there. She understood the threats. So, they had given her a choice.

Check into the pens herself, or willingly take a partner.

So here so was, little sleep available these days, but if it would prove that she was still a loyal ninja of Kumo then so be it. This was her home, who she was loyal to. She would not yield before this task. At least Darui was the gentle sort.

She nearly missed the monk joining her as she walked through the market. "You look troubled young one. Care to release some burdens?"

Pausing and turning to the man, she considered if she knew him before dismissing it outright. No. Why would she know a monk? Especially one as old and frail looking as this one. "I don't think you can shoulder these ones, old man."

Shochiro shrugged, cool eyes sliding over their surroundings before landing back on her. "I am old, little lady. I have seen and done many things. Perhaps I can provide, perspective, you have yet to consider."

Perspective huh? Karui knew enough about that these days. But she decided to walk with the Monk anyway. Weren't they the ones who only spoke to those that needed it? And kept secrets to the grave? Well, she could vent, if only a little. "Maybe." Karui looked down to the dirt as they walked along, leaving the market district as she returned home. She wanted to see her bed and sleep for a solid eight hours finally. "I think, what does it take to make a good shinobi?"

Hmmm, a typical worry of the military forces, no matter the time period. "I would assume, dedication to doing what is just and right, while also following orders to the best of your ability."

"Yeah, but. How much sacrifice is too much?" Karui sighed as she considered that she didn't want to be a mother so soon. But her only saving grace might be that Lord Raikage might return with some of the breeders that were stolen. At least then she might be allowed to return to duty. "Can. No. If you knew you were only here to provide one thing, would it be enough to exist just for that?"

Ah, so she was a child of the program then, not one of the few captured. Dreadful. "You are human, to want more is natural and healthy. There is always another choice, another path one can take." Shochiro wanted to see this girl free of this place. She was an Uzumaki, surely she wanted to be free.

"But, what if you don't want more?" Karui turned to face the stooped old man, listening to his staff jingle as the street they were on was much more deserted. "I'm a good Kumo Shinobi. I would die for Kumo. Can't that be enough?"

Oh. No. "Is dying to prove your worth necessary to you? Can you not consider another life anywhere else?"

Huh, this was a bit freeing. Nice even. "No. I love Kumo. I would not be here if not for it and its ninja. I just. I guess I just need reassurance that I'm doing the right thing. If I'm willing to die, what's sacrificing my body for a short time?" Karui huffed and gave a small smile. That was right after all, this was only temporary. She would return to the ninja ranks and show them all that she was the most loyal of them all. "Every village is the same anyway. Wouldn't the greatest sin be to betray the trust instilled in me?"

Shochiro could see the hope re-enter the girl's eyes and nearly wept. But, he could see that this was a life she wanted, not that it had much longer anyway. But, best to let her have peace in the end. "So long as you have come to terms with what you want in life, no one can take that from you. There are always other paths, other lives we can make. But finding value in the life one has is up to them. No one can decide for you what you wish to do." Shochiro paused, letting Karui pull away from him for a few paces before sighing, "There is always another path. But nirvana is realizing you can find peace on any one of them."

Karui turned back to the old man, nodding to him, "Yeah. Uh. Thanks old man. I didn't realize I needed that." Tilting her head as the feeling of recognition washed over her again, the redhead frowned just a bit, "Have we, met before?"

"No child. You and I have never met. But maybe we will again in the next life?" Turning away, Shochiro considered the next barrier point to place. There were only a few more left to add and this wretched village would be gone. He didn't bother to watch Karui turn and renew her walk with a new spring in her step, or worry over just what Kumo was doing with her. She had obviously made peace with whatever it was, so far be it from him to steer her off that course. They were ninja and had all chosen this life. Both for the good, and the inevitable bad end. Now, to finish one last mission.

-b-

Naruto grunted as the path before them began to open up. While the location had been given to him, he could only get so close with a hiraishin. Which meant they had been traveling by the treetop express since then. Ino and Temari both together learned that they could team up near perfectly to push his buttons with, mixed, results. Case in point as the tree cover gave way to a wide but misty valley, forcing them to pause and consider their options.

Temari was to his left, grabbing his attention and leaning forward a bit, "So, where is this? Ever been here before?" Resting her arms on her battlefan at her back, it pushed out her chest and did interesting things to her kimono.

Naruto twitched and turned to the misty valley. "Don't know the real name. Zetsu called it the resting place. There's a cave down there we need to find." Just what he needed, stuck in small enclosed places with two hot women.

'When you say it like that, I worry about your sanity.'

Kurama was right. Why the hell was he going to complain? "Keep close. I don't feel any other human chakra signatures down there. But there's definitely something alive down there."

Ino shrugged, stretching her arms above her head and pushing her chest out. Two could play this game, "Mmmm, it's just good to get out of the city for a bit. Even with everything going on, we have a plan and that's all I need to feel better." Another twitch from Naruto had Ino smirking. Good, he wasn't to focused on the threat. At least his mental state was doing better.

Naruto started to hop down the grassy incline down into the valley, wondering at why all the trees stopped at the valley's edge, "Can you two. I don't know, not be horny for half a day? We need to focus."

Ino giggled, "Oh we can focus on the mission and you at the same time."

Temari shrugged as she followed along with Ino, "Besides, how are you so sure we're having naughty thoughts?"

Naruto turned to look at both of them, "One of my Sage abilities is emotional sensing, in case you both forgot."

Ino hadn't, but Temari had and blushed at being caught. "Whoops."

Ino instead had a different route, going full bore ahead instead. While she wasn't looking for a little one yet, some one on one time with Naruto would be nice. Plus, she was trying to keep him in a good mood. 'Fuck me, fuck me, fuck me, fuck me, fuck-'

Naruto threw his hands up as his lewd wife nearly exploded with hormones, "Oh damn it all Ino!" Well wasn't that a rush. Turning and pulling her into his arms, Naruto locked eyes with her, "I will do anything and everything you want when we finish this? Got it? Be a good girl until then."

Mind instantly frazzled and blushing up a storm at the sudden turn, Ino nodded dumbly, "Yes Husband."

Temari paused with them, blushing as Naruto let Ino go and stalked away. "Kami that was hot." Both girls rushed to catch back up with him, though the wind user leaned over to Ino, "So what's the plan here?"

Shuddering and promising to get another reaction like that out of him later, Ino leaned towards Temari as well, "For now? Keep his mind off of this Kaguya business as much as possible. He's stressed much more than I've ever seen him. And I don't like it."

Humming and agreeing with the assessment, Temari could see that Ino was much more on the ball than she had thought, "Okay, I'll follow your lead. Guessing the others are of the same idea?" Seeing Ino nod as the group dived into the fog, Temari sighed. "I finally get to be here full time, and we're already going through something crazy."

Naruto didn't look back, but was beginning to circulate chakra through his body. "Gonna clear the air, hold on." With a clap of his hands together, wind picked up around them before blowing away all of the mists. The sight that greeted them had all three blinking quietly. Birds took flight from roosts along the ground and from the rock walls from the rear of the valley. But it was what sat at the valley's center that had their attention.

Temari had to admit, Uzumaki luck was certainly something. "Is that a giant dragon skeleton?" It was curled around itself, like it had maybe passed in its sleep. Well, if not for the equally massive hole in its skull between two horns. "I'll be damned."

Ino sighed and turned to Naruto, "Somehow I shouldn't be surprised dragons are real. Didn't you say you felt something alive down here?"

"Yup."

"But that thing is very dead."

"If you say so." Naruto started walking while girls hustled to catch up.

Temari shuddered, "It, it has to be dead right?"

Ino shrugged, "I wouldn't be surprised if it wasn't."

"Somehow, I wouldn't be either. I fought the spirit of one." Well, fight was a strong word.

'Curb stomped is a better description.'

'Point.' Naruto paused, for while the skeleton offered no real cover or protection, he could just make out an opening in the ground under its head. Maybe? Uchiha's were such drama queens.

Somewhere far away, Sasuke and Sakura sneezed together.

"Guess this is it." Naruto led the way, taking note that already the mists were beginning to roll back in towards them. Seals at work? Or just nature?

Temari couldn't keep her eyes off of the proof that a beast from legend was very real, "Think Madara killed this thing?" Idly her hand strayed to her fan, taking comfort from the weapon being there.

Naruto shrugged, "All told, Madara sounded like the type to try and tame one. Though if he failed, well yeah he'd probably kill it just so no one else could try." The mists were closing in, but they were here under the dragon's snout. The cave entrance was an outcrop of rock jutting out from the ground, but it was pure darkness beyond the entrance. "Keep close to me, let's not get separated."

"Right." Both girls answered in unison as Naruto's body began to glow as his Sage cloak formed. Following him inside as the mists rolled in behind them, they sure hoped nothing awaited them in the darkness below.

-AN-

I has been an interesting week, but here we are. Kumo is maybe a day from its reckoning while A is closing in on Uzushio. Naruto and Sasuke make plans to finish things and now have set things in motion to see Kaguya revived. Coming up soon, how do you tame a Goddess?