Chapter 45
DISCLAIMER I DO NOT OWN NARUTO
Father and daughter left Konoha in their sacred deer towards Nara camp. It had been just a few days, but it felt months for Shindo due to his unbearable suffering from the poisoning. For Yuko it all happened in a blur. One moment she was lost, thinking she would lose her father, and then some strangers helped her and more strangers healed him completely. And now they were going back home to prepare to move to another new and hopefully permanent one.
In the camp people was waiting for them, Shitoshi Nara stood at the entrance with the three shinobi from the leaf village. His expression was of utterly surprise when he saw his leader and old friend safe and sound walking towards him.
"You are the face of health" the man said to Shindo clashing hands in a brotherly hand shaking.
"Thank you, my friend," the leader answered "These Konoha shinobi sure do wonders" he bowed towards Izuna, Toka and Hikari "I think I must thank you all first, I've heard you've done an excellent teamwork and you've saved my life"
"Oh, we didn't" Izuna shook his hand in embarrassment "Nara sama, we just bought you more time so you could go to Sakura. She was the one that saved you" some of the Nara men were shocked of hearing a fellow shinobi putting a woman's talent over his.
"She said that you would say that" Shindo said knowingly "and also said that if it wasn't for you, I would have died in my tent probably within the hour of your appearance." That surprised everybody, but the Uchiha was the most surprised.
"A-any way…" he tried to change the subject. He was becoming anxious with that much of attention and he didn't quite know why.
"Thank you so much for your appreciation, Master Nara" Hikari interrupted, she and Toka had noticed Izuna's behavior "And Thank you all for the hospitality" she looked at everybody and bowed, her friends mimicking her. She looked at Shindo and Yuko again and continued "How did you find Konoha?" she asked intrigued.
"It is a wonderful place indeed!" the leader exclaimed pleased "You have developed an idea, a structure and a system that are so modern they feel from the future" Yuko eyed her father with curiosity 'is he still on those pain killers Sakura told me about?' she thought 'why would he say a joke like that? it's not like him'. She didn't dwell on that so much because he continued "I am pleased to tell to our Clan people that I am mostly sure we will move to Konoha." He announced "we just need to gather with the council to ultimate the details. But I think it would be wise to advice everyone to start packing. We don't know if the Hagoromo Clan might attack again, even though the attack was far from the camp's location they could be nearby. Also, we will have some days of journey."
"Right" Shitoshi said backing him up "I will arrange a council meeting right now" and he left to prepare everything, not before biding his goodbyes to their guests.
"I think you three need to continue your mission" Shindo said to Konoha's ninja "weren't you going to go to the Sparkling Merchant Village that is near this area?"
"They sure told you everything at Konoha" Hikari joked.
"I'm positive they didn't tell me everything, but it's interesting to think that what they did tell me might give our people a proper home and other facilities" the man said wisely "As a nomad Clan, I think I speak for most that we don't have safety completely secured. Also, it's getting harder to gather some resources sometimes because we end up getting caught in unnecessary battles with bandits or other clans, or they take everything first. As a Clan leader I should balance advantages over disadvantages"
"Did you find disadvantages?" the girl asked concerned.
"Not yet" the man calmed her down "But it can't be possible for something to be so perfect, so I am assuming there are issues that we might not be told. Hopefully with not much of importance, but then again, it's an issue of balance. And as I said, unnecessary battles for resources weight very heavy in my scale"
"That was a problem for our clans too" Toka added, not completely sure if the man trusted them fully "but it all ended once Konoha was founded. We look for our backs now" she said smiling to Izuna. The man raised an eyebrow.
"I see…" he said smiling subtly. "I suggest you to go to that Village and then come back here so we can confirm our decision and maybe travel all together." He encouraged them "It's a day's trip on foot there, so I think we will be expecting you in three or four days from now?" The Uchiha blinked.
"You have a lot of faith in us" he kidded, "but yes, it's not supposed to take long. They had already contacted our people so it's a matter of time to settle everything up"
"Great" the Nara said "That gives me time to gather my comrades from the Yamakana and Akimichi Clan. I know they are going to be mad that I've already seen the village without them, but well, what can't we do anything about that now, can we?"
"You could just say that you didn't have a chance to tell them, you were dying" Yuko intervened serious. The trio looked at each other.
"Witty answer my daughter" Shindo praised her "I always say dark humor denotes intelligence" the both laughed completely relaxing the atmosphere.
After preparing themselves Izuna, Hikari and Toka left the Nara camp towards the Sparkling Village. It was a day travel on foot, and they didn't jump or run to save energies if they had some unexpected encounter with bandits or something similar. Fortunately, that wasn't the case.
"I wonder what electricity looks like" the Senju wondered as they approached the village
"You'll see in no time!" Hikari answered "It's getting dark, so I guess we will arrive at night and well, that's the best time for electricity in public areas" she smiled. It felt good for her to be able to see something familiar in this era 'it's outstanding how 80 years of difference makes in progress' she thought.
"I am sure it will be an excellent improvement to our village" the Uchiha added "can you imagine? Our streets very well lightened and not lanterns that barely make you see who are you talking to?"
"Oh but it's so romantic!" the Takishima joked and he sweat-dropped. "Anyway" she continued once her laughter ceased "You don't need to imagine anymore… there she is… Sparkling Village"
They had turned left on the path they were following and stumbled upon a big wall made of wooden boards. It wasn't lightened per se, but you could see the glowing coming from up above behind them. Once they were at the gates, the knocked at the doors waiting for someone to answer.
They were greeted by two guards from behind a small window on the left door, it seemed they were very cautious. The trio gave them the note Ryutaro-san had given to them and they let them pass and led them towards Mae-San's home. Toka and Izuna walked the whole way with their mouths slightly opened dumbfounded by the beauty of the lights on the streets and the buildings.
"Welcome people of Konoha" the woman received them at her door "My name is Ueshiba Mae, I am the leader of this town" she was a lady in her fifties, black hair with gray ones all over her head, blue parted eyes and a calm expression.
As Shindo said, he got in contact with Inochi Yamakana and Choku Akimichi and they were not fond that he visited the city without them, but understood that it was for the best. After a small meeting they agreed on travelling with the Nara Clan so they can watch Konoha with their own eyes. Even though they worked together and were friends, the first Ino-Shika-Cho was still far from appearance, still Inochi and Choku sent messages to their clans and urged their counsils to gather everything up due a quite possible moving to Konoha.
The staying at the Sparkling Village went as expected. Mae-San had already talked most of the stuff with Ryuutaro-san and the shinobi just finished the details of the moving and the logistics that were needed for the electricity to run on Konoha. One thing was to write about it, and another thing was to watch it in person.
Izuna wrote some lines to his brother and drew some sketches for Ryuutaro to look, but this time it was sent through a toad.
"I am not your errand toad" Bunta grunted to Hikari
"I'm Sorry Bunta-chan!" the kunoichi answered "But we need this to be sent ASAP and The Falcon is still in Konoha" she explained. They could not call for Ozora Sama because they didn't have a contract, and the bird, even though it was a sennin, was working very hard for Madara, so they wanted to give him a break.
"HN..." the toad started "For these errands just call Gamato" the small toad appeared in a puff of smoke that also made Gamabunta disappear.
"Hikari hime, how can I be of service?" it kindly asked 'such a different attitude' the girl sweat dropped.
"Hello Gamato-chan" she said endearingly and the toad beamed "I need you to send these papers to Ryuutaro-san in Konoha, our village"
"Hai!" Gamato answered, took the scroll where Izuna put the sketches with her tongue and disappeared.
"Mae-Sama" Izuna said politely "It has been a pleasure to be in your village, we're really looking forward for you to move and improve Konoha"
"Thank you, Izuna-San. But don't be so formal!" the woman smiled "We've started packing already, and I think in a week we will be completely done, how are you going to organize the journey?"
"Since we're going to be mostly shinobi, that if Nara, and the other Clans confirm their moving, we're going to do a perimeter around the civilians and their carts. It's probably going to take another week until we arrive there, but I don't think anyone would try to mess with us. We will outnumber them" the shinobi explained calmly. Both girls were impressed on how different he seemed since that fated battle.
"We need to go back to the Nara's" Hikari added "we expect to be ready to leave on a week then, but we will send you a message confirming it." The elder nodded.
In the Nara Camp good news were awaiting them. The Clan was almost ready to leave and Inochi Yamakana and Choku Akimichi would be travelling with them. They were supposedly going to move their Clans near the Village surroundings since they were also nomads anyway, and they would asses if the village was worth it. Shindo Nara's word was enough for them to believe Konoha's worth, but they had to go and see first, that's why having the clan near would be handy. The trio send note to Mae-san and they helped everybody to get ready so they could leave as soon as possible.
Like they had anticipated, Nara's and Sparkling Villagers were ready – and eager – to leave. The Leaders were at the front guided by the three-person team, and the best shinobi formed the said perimeter to protect everybody. The journey took a little more than a weak and fortunately was without any big incident. Izuna had to heal some villagers because they became a tad sick while riding the caravans, but nothing troublesome.
"This is amazing father" Yuko said to Shindo while walking "We're going to stop being nomads and settle, we're going to have friends and comrades and also lots other facilities, and improvements…" she was rambling now, she was indeed happy and enthusiast.
"Hai my daughter" the man answered "But remember Yamakana and Akimichi clans are our trusted friends and allies" he giggled when he saw his daughter's expression, she remembered him when she was younger and got excited at new possibilities.
"I'm glad you liked Konoha, Yuko-san" the Takishima said "and I am glad you had a pleasant stay while there, after your father's life was no longer at risk"
"Yes! Thank you" the Nara heiress answered "I will be forever in your debt" she added "You saved my father" she looked at the trio "and you're giving us hope of a better life. That is a gift" she added as an afterthought "I was so scared when we arrived, the Hokage was very friendly and understandable, but the other guy seemed very suspicious"
"What other guy?" Izuna asked, thinking it might be about one of his brothers.
"The one with white hair and red eyes" Yuko answered "he seemed a very lonesome guy, very distrustful. He took my dad and wasn't answering me, so I grabbed him and suddenly appeared at the hospital. I didn't know what was going on and he kept shouting at me until your friend appeared"
"Oh, that's so Tobi!" Toka sighed "He is indeed distrustful and serious, but he is a good man. It's just the first impression… well may be the 2nd, or perhaps the 3rd." she mocked.
"Yeah, he ended up being quite a gentleman and a big help. But still…" she resumed "Weird" she laughed.
"That's the perfect way to describe Tobirama" Izuna said.
It was finally the day of welcoming The Nara Clan and the Sparkling Villagers in Konoha, and everybody was ready. The three districts had some decorations, being the civilian/merchant the most decorated one.
Hashirama was wearing his Hokage Cloak and was beaming as always. He was waiting at the gates, flanked by his brother, Madara, Ryuutaro-san, Sakura and Takato when the image of a large group of people appeared in the horizon. When they were near he could see Izuna, Toka and Hikari separate the group jumping towards them until they reached the gates first
"Hokage-sama" the three-person team greeted him and bowed. The Senju was almost left to tears and he hurriedly hugged them three together in a very awkward way leaving his company sweat dropping.
"Congratulations on your fist mission!" He exclaimed to the three startled ninja "Welcome home!"
"Hashi Stop!" Toka said pushing him away and freeing everybody from his grasp "Thanks for the love, but you must behave now!" she snorted. He didn't seem down though, he understood the assignment. He let the trio pass and stand next to the welcome committee. They waved everybody from afar, Hikari spending few seconds more gazing at Takato who answered smiling brightly, they would have time to talk soon.
Once the group was finally at the gates, the four leaders, Shindo Nara, Inochi Yamakana Choku Akimichi and Mae-san stepped at the front greeting Hashirama with a bow.
"Welcome to Konoha my friends!" he said rising his arms to his sides. "I am Hashirama Senju, Hokage of this Village, the elected leader." He introduced himself "These people beside me are Tobirama Senju, my brother; Madara Uchiha, Leader of the Uchiha Clan and his Brother Takato-san, this is Ryuutaro San leader and representative of the Civilian district, and Sakura Haruno our head medic –nin Chief in charge of our Hospital." He pointed at everybody while naming "And of course I believe you are familiar with this trio" He motioned to Izuna, Hikari and Toka.
The Four leaders nodded and introduced themselves
"I am Shindo Nara, leader of the Nara Clan" the man started "You already know me, you saved my life and showed me the beauty of your Village, a fierce and innovative idea. One I could never have thought of seeing it work. Thank you for having Us."
"I am Inochi Yamakana, leader of the Yamakana Clan and friend of Shindo" the blond guy said "I came in representation of my Clan which has camped nearby, to observe these ideas my friend here says they are great to share"
"I am Choku Akimichi, leader of the Akimichi Clan, also friend of Shindo" a bigger sized brunette man said "and I am here to test your Village so we can see possible of moving our Clan to your locations. They are also located nearby."
"I am Mae Ueshiba leader of the Sparkling Village" The woman introduced herself "I am here with all my fellow villagers to Join Konoha and contribute to its progress" the woman nodded to Ryuutaro San who was excited to see his friend there.
"Welcome Again, Nara-san, Yamakana-san, Akimichi-san and Sato-San" Hashirama bowed at them this time. "Let's get going, shall we?" he smiled brightly and invited everybody to go through the gates to their new home.
AUTHOR'S NOTES
Okay, this chapter took a year to write? I'm so sorry, I don't even think my followers keep following me. But I will finish this story. Thanks again for all the support!
Hope to upload soon.
Bye! Bella