-AN-

Well, my house hasn't floated away yet and the storms seem to have passed for the most part. Little one got sick though so that sucked. Welp, we're on with another chapter. Bit of a cooldown and something chill.

-Story Start-

The sun smiled down on Uzushio. They had made it another day and for Naruto that meant he was a very happy Kage. Not that one would know it, watching him grumble from behind his desk while the city moved on outside his window. Off to the side Sakura and Sasuke relaxed and stayed out of the way of three Naruto clones going about their own stacks of paperwork and report filing, while outside of the large windows they could just make out an airship floating on by peacefully. All in all, it was looking to be a good day.

"I really need to get out of here." Naruto mumbled as he read over a materials request form from Tazuna. It had only been a few days since Tayuya had signed that approval for the arena, or maybe coliseum was a better word, and Tazuna had full work crews and the sight already cordoned off. Really Naruto shouldn't be surprised, but he was. "I'll have to remember to send some clones along from time to time." Tazuna would appreciate it.

Sasuke chuckles from where he was balancing a kunai on his fingertip, relaxed on one couch with his head in Sakura's lap, "You could always bugger off to deal with Kokuo or Gyuki." It was still up in the air on who Naruto should deal with first. Kokuo would probably be the easier one emotionally. There would be a lot of bad blood between Naruto and Killer B.

"I say you should relax, like the others said." Sakura barely looked up from the book she was currently reading. A gift textbook from Tsunade, "We're short on enemies for the moment, which means we can focus on more normal situations. Like running a city."

"Normal is subjective, and Uzumaki don't do normal." Naruto easily signed the packet before sliding it into his outbox. Like he was going to say no to a motivated Tazuna. Now next, hmm, the Zosensho needed more supplies? Interesting. A chime from his desk breaks his train of thought, "What's up Yugito?"

"You have, visitors." There was a bit of a pause like she was confused on how to describe who was here. And that had Naruto interested.

"Okay, send em in." Signing the paperwork he had been reading, he barely had enough time to put it into his outbox before his door slams open. Looking up, he gets blindsided by a full figured woman bearing auburn hair. Tackle sending him to the floor, Naruto mumbles from somewhere in a tangle of limbs. "Oh, good morning Mei."

Sasuke looks back to see not Mei's usual escorts. A nervous looking Suigetsu and a tired looking Utakata walking in behind their leader. "I'm guessing Mei rushed here after that call?"

Utakata nodded, "Yes, she was very, insistent." He did his best to ignore the noises coming from behind the Kage's desk.

Mei sprung up to her feet, smiling and face flushed, "Oh Naruto darling, I just had to come and make sure you were alright. I hope you don't mind."

Huffing as the older woman made her way back around his desk, Naruto stood and righted his chair with a grin, "It would take a lot more than Kumo to put me down. I told you not to worry." Sighing as his chair was back upright, Naruto sat and easily accepted Mei sitting down on the side of his desk instead of a chair. His eyes landed on her shadows, "Oh, Utakata, Suigetsu. Welcome, been a while."

Utakata bowed deeply, "It is good to see you again, Lord Uzumaki."

Suigetsu nodded, a hand coming up to rub his head, "Uh, yeah, how's it going." Suigetsu was still wary of the other man. This was the dude the Mizukage was in love with and someone who was completely capable of ending him. He really hoped Naruto never learned about him hitting on Mei.

Mei however was drawing circles on his desk as she eyed him up and down, "I was still concerned, and thought bringing two of my strongest along just in case would be a good idea." Ao and Chojuro were left behind. Ao to keep the ninja forces in line and Chojuro to help run the administration for a few days. They would be fine. Hopefully. If they knew what was good for them.

Patting the woman's hand softly Naruto gave her an easy grin, "I appreciate it. But, ya can see I'm all good. Nothing here but paperwork and boredom."

"You must have intercepted them early, there's no sign of damage to the city when we arrived." Mei had been surprised, having thought that at the least there would be some level of reconstruction going on.

"Yeah uh, A and B were detected as they entered our waters. Had to take them on at the beach." Naruto weighed on how much to tell her, before reminding himself that she was a Kage, even if she didn't act like it very often around him. More than a right, she needed to know what was going on. "Since you're here, guess I'll tell ya now. I had to destroy Kumo."

That froze up Mei, missing both Suigetsu and Utakata twitch. "You, what?" She hadn't heard anything about a village being destroyed. Kumo of all places? She knew Naruto was capable of it, but the thought that he would do it after he had gone through the effort of sparing Iwa. They must have finally pushed him over the edge.

Mistaking her silence for judgement, Naruto sighed, "Yeah. I sent one of mine on a mission to subdue them. I had hoped to do something similar as I had with Iwa, but something went wrong apparently. There's a crater where Kumo used to be. Not much choice in the matter." Well, that wasn't completely true. Naruto could have decided not to send Shochiro, and go against the pact he had made with the elder Uzumaki. Yeah.

Mei shook her head and offered Naruto a soft smile, "Knowing you, you gave them every opportunity in order to save themselves. They had a long list of crimes they had yet to answer to, and I for one will not miss them." Looking out over the city that had one of the strongest men in the world to protect it, Mei also gave thanks that she had set her own village on course to make amends for their own mistakes. "Considering both the Raikage and his Jinchuriki came here themselves to Uzushio, they were obviously set on their course. If you had faltered, they would have continued to seek to destroy you. Not something you could have allowed."

"You aren't wrong." Naruto still didn't like it, but had made peace with it. Which also meant he wasn't going to waste time by dwelling on the what ifs. "So, you're here, nothing to do. Going to stick around or head back to Kiri?"

Taking the chance to give Naruto a sultry look, suddenly there was a bit more cleavage on display, "A day out on the town would be lovely. Care to show me around Uzu?"

Rocketing to his feet, Naruto was already making another clone to take over for him, "That's all the excuse I needed. Out of this office we go!" Clone high-fiving him, Naruto turned to point at Sasuke and Sakura, "Would ya show Suigetsu and Utakata to the visitor condo before setting em loose on the city? Oh, and Utakata, I need to have a chat with you later."

Allowing the pair who had been lounging around to lead them away, Utakata nodded to the Uzukage, "Uh, yes, of course." Curious.

Sakura was already rolling her eyes as she could already see the hearts in Mei's eyes, "Oh for the love of-"

Sasuke pulled her along, leading the way, "You really want to get between her and Naruto? Mei, the woman who can melt faces?" Seeing Sakura blink silently before sighing and shaking her head, Sasuke led the way out of the office, "Didn't think so."

Mei was already in her happy place, latching onto Naruto's left arm, "So where would you like to go first for our cute date?" She was now bound and determined to make this a wonderful and relaxing day.

Naruto had a smile on his face as they walked by a curious Yugito, "Well, I do have somewhere to check out. Com'on, I'll show ya something new." With a thought, one moment they are walking through the reception office, the next they were touching down just outside of the tower. The sudden rush of noise and fresh air was disorienting, but Mei cuddled into Naruto's side just a bit more, now no longer in view of her subordinates. "How are things in Kiri?"

"Oh the usual. No major conflicts, missions along the eastern continent are steady and our village's clans are coming around to the new way we are doing things." Mei sighed as she thought about the information Naruto had given her. "I'm somewhat concerned about the ramifications of one of the major villages being destroyed. Certainly the Lightning Daimyo will be raising a fuss about this."

Naruto couldn't have cared less about what the Lightning Daimyo had to say. He certainly hadn't cared when Uzushio was originally destroyed. "He can get bent. With no military left, what is he going to do? Whine?" Letting his irritation pass after a moment, Naruto pulled Mei into his side with an arm around her waist, "Though I guess I should keep an eye out. Never know who was outside of the village when it was destroyed. I'd hate for the Daimyo to try and send assassins after me." Not that they'd get far. Naruto no longer had patience for anyone who thought they could just march into Uzushio and cause trouble. They'd be getting a hole stomped in their ass. Or tossed into the stratosphere.

'Could always toss em into a pocket dimension.'

'It'd turn into a prison arena eventually.'

'That so bad?'

'Huh…no, not really.' That was an idea he could consider. Their worst enemies tossed in a parallel world all of their own for the rest of their lives? Sounded, interesting.

Mei hummed as Naruto seemed to ponder over the problem of the Lightning Daimyo, "Well, you're strong and intelligent, I'm sure you can handle anything else that comes your way." She pressed herself into his side more firmly, "I do mean anything."

Rolling his eyes, Naruto navigated them both through the crowds, offering a few waves to faces he recognized as they walked along. Moving through the entertainment district, they were bound for the coast and the construction sight of Tasuna's future arena. "I think I can take care of you just as you'd like. You've been patient."

Hearts in her eyes, Mei nodded quickly, "You sure know how to make a woman wait Naruto."

"Sometimes the best things in life are worth a little wait."

"Hmm, the others have been rather vocal about your, abilities."

Resolving to curb the others' gossiping later, Naruto grinned, "You'll just have to find out for yourself."

"I can't wait." Mei finally looked up, taking in the flashy and vibrant district that they were walking through. It was busy here, sidewalks full of people while the street rumbled with trolley cars moving back and forth. "It's lively."

"Entertainment district, can find a little bit of anything and everything here. But, where we're going is outside of the city. We gave the okay for an arena to be built."

"Oh, an arena? Like Konoha?" She had heard that Konoha's area was an impressive bit of construction.

"Oh we're going to put Konoha's arena to shame when we're done here. That's a promise."

Mei nods, taking in the peaceful atmosphere with the same wonder that she always did when in Uzushio. The civilians here seemed so happy, and didn't even balk at the occasional Samui guard patrol or the large golem escorts that carried around children. Military city it may be, but the people never seemed to even acknowledge it. "I could live somewhere like this eventually."

"Like I tell Tsunade every time I see her, give up the chair, I'll have a space for you right away."

"Oh, am I not coming to your home? Going to whisk me away to somewhere more private, more, secluded?"

"Hah, you're not catching me there. Tsunade may be getting her own beach house, but none of the girls would put up with you being anywhere else but at the estate. You're stuck, whether you know it or not."

"Sounds lovely."

"Just you wait." Naruto chuckled as they settled in and relaxed for their walk. It was nice to spend some time outside with no real burdens on his mind. His clones were taking care of the desk, most of the girls were back home with the rest of the clan while a few went about the city with their own self imposed duties. Hinata working between all the clans while most likely being escorted by Jugo and his girls. Karin was probably with the barrier team while Honoka recovered.

'She had been very determined.'

'Had been. She should be awake by now.' Naruto pat himself on the back for a job well done, before his attention was attracted to someone else he was thinking about. Was that Tayuya and Tsunami walking along ahead of them? Sure looked like it. "Yo, Ta-chan!"

Whipping around and nearly smacking Tsunami with her longer hair, Tayuya was all smiles as she locked eyes with her husband. "Naruto!" Pausing in their own walk, Tayuya and Tsunami let Naruto and Mei catch up to them. Tayuya immediately latched onto Naruto's other arm, "I see Mei's back. For good maybe?" Tayuya liked the older woman, she was feisty.

Shaking his head with a chuckle, Naruto focused on Tsunami as they all continued their walk, "What's got you both all the way out here?"

Holding up a carry box, Tsunami sighed, "Father and Inari got to work right away once approval was announced. I'm coming to make sure that they actually eat something." Plus it got her out of the house. Sure her duties kept her busy, but not that busy now that she'd trained more assistants.

Naruto was already grinning, "They're just passionate is all."

Tayuya smacked him, "More like hyper focused. A trait someone else seems to share." Sometimes it was rather endearing. Most others it was a bit of a nightmare.

Hugging Mei and Tayuya tighter for a moment, Naruto focused ahead as the group continued on together. It would be good to see Tazuna and Inari again. And after that, well. The beach wasn't far away, he'd bet it wouldn't be hard to convince Mei into a swimsuit.

-b-

Panting, body aching, and more than a little sweat dripping onto the ground, Kiba and Shino both were bent over as they finally had a chance to rest as they stood under the monument to Team Seven on the Great Naruto Bridge. When Gai said that he wanted to be to Wave as fast as possible, he sure meant it. A trip that should have taken four days, done in a day in a half. Even Akamaru, larger and should have been well adapted to such a run, was laid out and having trouble catching his breath. Kibo promises to give his partner all of the treats he could find later.

Fresh as a daisy, Gai stood tall and laughed, "You boys need to up your training! A little run like that wore you out already? Shame! Look at Lee! He's just fine."

Lee was already smiling and saluting his sensei, "Of course Gai sensei! Such a run would only be a warmup on a good day."

Kiba groaned and shared a look with Shino. "A-a warmup…he says."

"They certainly…are something."

Kiba nodded as Akamaru whined, "That's one way to describe them."

Gai started along, forcing the others to drag themselves after him, "Don't be dramatic. Come! We have a mission to complete." This would be a good chance to visit Konoha's newest ally. "And when we return to Konoha, we'll get to stoking your youthful fires! Your physical conditioning is lacking!"

Lee cheered and pumped a first into the air, "And I shall assist! It is our duty to make sure all of our friends and comrades reach their full potential Guy-sensei!"

Kiba raised a finger into the air and waved it about, "Yay~" Akamaru shambled along next to him, begging to be picked up. Not today buddy, Kiba might just collapse first.

Gai barely even flinched as a woman in her early twenties almost seemed to melt out of the crowd next to him, holding a clipboard, "Good afternoon and welcome to Wave! Name, village of origin, and reason for visit?"

Ah, Gai had been warned about Uzushio's gate policy, "Team Gai from Konoha. Here to deliver a scroll to the Uzukage."

Pen scribbling about on her clipboard, the bubbly woman smiled and gave Gai a slight nod, "Done and done. Welcome to Wave, please keep to the streets and off of the rooftops, and do not cause any trouble during your visit. Someone will be along to escort you shortly." Just as she had come she was gone, melting back into the crowd silently enough that even Shino shivered.

"That was…interesting."

Gai crossed his arms and led the way down the main road, "They do this everyday, probably dozens of times. I'm sure they have had plenty of time to practice their own techniques." It also put on display just how talented their ninja could be right away. Able to spot other ninja right away and single them out. That showed that Uzushio could openly sort you out and approach you with no fear. Not a group you'd want to get on the wrong side of. "No, where is this train station."

Lee hummed and consulted a map that Tsunade had provided, "Towards the end of the main road sir."

"Right, onward then!"

Kiba takes a sniff of the air, before wrinkling his nose at the scents that assaulted him. Sure the sea air was nice enough, if it didn't come along with a tinge of rotting vegetation and industry from the port. No longer in the fresh air of Land of Fire forests he supposed. "Smells."

"My bugs aren't a fan either."

Lee took in the sights, marveling at all of the different people that moved around them. "This is an industrious place. So busy."

"Wave is a port city which are almost always bound to be busy thoroughfares. Couple that with this being the only water port that one can use to reach Uzushio, and that gives another layer to it all." Gai hummed as he thought about it. Sure it limited traffic that could arrive to Uzushio proper, but it did cut down on infiltration and invasion attempts. Considering what happened to Uzushio of the past, it was a fitting change.

"If Uzushio gets any bigger, won't they need to open up their own water port?" Kiba's question got a shrug from Gai.

"Possibly. If they ever heal past the trauma of how their village was destroyed previously. That may never come to pass, and they'll adapt a different method of major goods transportation I'm sure." Gai could see a large steel and glass structure ahead belching steam and smoke. The train station then. Good. "We're almost there."

Another group was there to meet them, a smiling Hinata with her braided hair over her shoulders and jacket flowing in the wind. Behind her the tall and imposing Jugo was flanked by the smirking forms of Sasame and Kin. Hinata was quick to bow lightly to the team from Konoha, "Welcome everyone, how was your journey?"

Kiba didn't whine, he didn't. "Can you come back? Please? Free us from this maniac."

Exchanging a hug with the taller and rough looking boy, Hinata giggled as she scratched Akamaru between the ears, "No can do. Unless you want to fight Naruto and the rest of the girls."

Shino leaned in, half hugging Hinata as well, "I don't think Kiba wants another major loss on his record."

"I didn't lose that badly."

Ignoring the pouting Kiba, Gai was still all grins as he stepped forward, an eye on Hinata's escorts as he moved slowly and unsealed the scroll provided by Tsunade. "You're aware of why we're here then?"

Attempting to take the scroll from Gai, only to have Jugo step in and perform that task, Hinata rolled her eyes as the Riptide Squad leader did his duty, "Yes. I'm sure Naruto will have a letter for you to return to Tsunade. Please, this way." Accepting the checked over scroll from Jugo who concluded it was safe, she set about turning away and leading them all to the sectioned off private train for Uzushio VIPs, team Gai took in the contingent of Samurai guards formed up and keeping normal traffic far away from that section of the station.

Kiba took it in and whistled loud, "Guess being Naruto's girl has its perks huh?"

Giggling and waving off an irritated looking Jugo, Hinata nodded, "Something like that. He's just overprotective is all." More like everyone in Uzushio was. Having come clean about her pregnancy, she shouldn't have been surprised. Stepping up onto the train with a hand from Sasame, Hinata led them all onto the plush train car. "So, how has Konoha been? Anything new or exciting?" Kiba and Shino sat across from her while Gai and Lee took seats across the aisle from them. Jugo went on to the front while Sasame and Kin sat in the seat behind her.

Shino was the one to update her while Kiba was fussing over Akamaru at the window, "Well, things have been calm lately after the, excitement, of your younger sister leaving Konoha."

"That's a nice way to put her running away."

"Yes yes it is." Giving Kiba a cross look, Shino continued, "On the whole the Hyuuga seem to even be, dare I say, more down to earth lately."

Humming as she thought about it, Hinata would have to see for herself, "Life has probably kicked them into gear. Left without the branch family, the main branch will have had to start doing all of the mundane tasks all on their own. It would be hard to lord over everyone else as holier than thou, when you were back to doing your own laundry and cleaning." Tayuya and Ino would probably get a kick out of the news.

Kiba crosses his arms and huffs, finally letting Akamaru stick his head out of the window to pant in the wind, "They're still a bunch of stuffed shirts."

Gai had his arms crossed as he relaxed and enjoyed the ride underground, speaking up on some of the rumors he had heard lately. "It appears your younger sister is coming into her own springtime. She's quiet smitten with Konohamaru lately. Why, he's had the most positive effect on her I believe."

Eyebrows raising, Hinata would have to grill her sister on that, she hadn't brought the boy up in their conversations at all lately. "Please look after her, I'm sure father can't be happy about that." Maybe she really would need to go and visit Konoha soon. Make sure her father wasn't up to his usual nonsense. She and Naruto could have fun with it.

Shaking his head as Shino promised to do just as she asked, Kiba was grinning, "It's become a bit of a betting pool to see what's going to happen first. Is Hiashi going to catch Konohamaru one of these days or is Asuma going to finally lose it. My money's on Asuma."

Feeling the train begin to slow, Hinata smiles as she begins to stand, "I have a feeling Konohamaru can take care of himself just fine." He took after Naruto, perhaps a bit too much. She'd have to ask Naruto if he had trained the boy at all. "Anything else I miss? How are your own love lives?"

Before Kiba could launch into a bravado tirade, Shino slapped a hand over his mouth, "Kiba is still very much single, though not for lack of trying."

Pushing the hand away, Kiba grumbled, "Not cool man."

"I'm saving time." Shino wasn't concerned himself, when he was ready, he would pursue such a goal.

Letting Kin take the lead, the black haired girl's head held high as she moved past the Konoha team, Hinata followed along behind her as the visiting team kept pace with her. "Well, I would say come and visit Uzushio more often, might help your chances." Stepping down into the busy Uzushio station, Hinata led the way outside while Lee and the others looked around with some wonder. In the distance they could make out three airships floating through the air. One bound for the fortress, while another was docked with the tower and another seemed to be on its way out of the area. By Hinata's estimation, probably to Suna.

Gai whistled, "Guess that explains how goods are making it to Uzushio beyond just this rail line." Airships, a product of Spring and a hot topic these days.

Stepping to a waiting trolley car, Hinata nodded as everyone joined her, Jugo again taking the lead to speak with the conductor, "It does make shipping here easier. Plus, they're certainly a tourist attraction." Several Land of Fire nobility had been pestering them for sky tours and such. With peace returning to Uzushio, they might just get their wish. She idly waved to a group of women from the Hotaru clan who all bowed to deeply to her.

Lee had a look of confusion on his face as he saw the group. "Weren't those?"

Hinata nodded "The Hotaru, a new clan who have settled here in Uzushio."

Gai laughed and gave Lee a few hard pats on the back, "The Hotaru you say? If they are an Uzushio clan they must be formidable."

"You would be correct." Still smiling, Hinata felt Sasame tap her on the shoulder, "Yes Sasame?"

"Have you eaten yet today Lady Uzumaki?"

Rolling her eyes, Hinata just knew that was Karin's influence on everyone, "Yes Sasame, I've eaten, and it isn't even noon yet." Though she did have a craving for spicy ramen. Maybe she could make a stop at Ayame's later.

"Just making sure, Lady Karin was very adamant that you eat and drink regularly."

Kin leaned in as well, swaying with the motion of the car under them, "Plus, we have to keep you away from Ayame's."

"Her food is healthy enough."

Kin smirked, "Not according to Karin."

"I'll make sure to let Ayame and Naruto know that."

Watching the women banter back and forth, Kiba raised an eyebrow, "Are they your guards or babysitters?" He missed Akamaru looking Hinata's way before huffing and laying down on the floor. It wasn't his business if his partner couldn't smell the difference.

Shino as well didn't feel like passing along the message, his bugs reporting the change in his friend easily. "Staying healthy and well nourished is no laughing matter."

"Mou, not you too Shino. I'm fine. Fiiine." Hinata puffed out her cheeks before turning back to the front, "Even if I think everyone's being over protective."

Jugo kept his silence on the matter as Kin continued on, "Secretly you like it."

She most certainly did not. Huffing, Hinata turned back to her friends. "Naruto should be in his office, so we're headed to the city center."

They were already passing through the suburban areas, coming into the more industrial city area and all the noise and sounds that accompanied that. Gai took in all in with a critical eye, "Uzushio certainly is a lively and youthful place. It has grown much in a short time."

"I admit, if we weren't an island nation we might not have had such a good time of it. Isolation has done wonders for us. Plus, our citizens are motivated." Their car joining the traffic flow and beginning to circle the main tower, Hinata lightly hopped out and waited for the others to join her, "Let's get inside." Jugo and the others led the way this time, pausing for a moment with Hinata to pay their respects at the monument before continuing on. Jugo gives Team Gai an appreciative eye as they read the inscription before giving silent prayers as well. At the least they were polite Konoha ninja. Inside they went, though Hinata weaved through the traffic and turned back to face them. "Just a warning, Naruto might have an important visitor." After Mei had joined them yesterday, Hinata was sure it would take an act of force to remove the woman before she was ready. Not that the girls wanted to see their fellow wife leave just yet.

Everyone stuffing into an elevator, Gai hummed at the information, "A visitor, anyone we know?"

"Lady Mei, the Mizukage."

All three of the younger team members stood a bit straighter, Shino voicing their concerns, "The Mizukage is here? Are we interrupting something important?"

Hinata shook her head, "No no, it's an informal visit. Nothing serious. Just didn't want to surprise you." The elevator door opened and the group piled out. Hinata raised an eyebrow at the calm Samui sitting at the secretary desk. "Good morning Samui. What happened to Yugito?"

Sighing and eyeing up the Uzumaki woman, Samui waved a hand back and forth, "Naruto decided she needed a mandatory day off. She's apparently hanging out with Isaribi. And I asked for something to do. I can only laze around Yugito's apartment for so long."

Well that was interesting. Hinata waved as Jugo held the door open, "Don't push yourself too hard okay? And don't mention that around Karin or Tayuya, they'll find something for you to do for sure."

"Of course not Lady Uzumaki. Congrats, by the way."

"Un." Smiling brightly and flowing into Naruto's office, Hinata has no warning as she's whisked into the arms of another well endowed woman. Mei twirled her around in the middle of the space with a joyous laugh before setting her down again and hugging her tightly. "Oh, hello Mei. You're in a good mood."

"Of course! Why didn't you tell me you were pregnant! Now I have to stay! I'll give the hat to Ao, Kiri will be fine." Mei had so many plans and ideas! She couldn't wait!

Naruto coughed as he could see Kiba visibly vibrating in place, "Uh, Mei, beautiful, you can't just toss the hat off like that. What will your people think?"

"Uzushio is an ally anyway, it'll be fine. Fine." Mei was already swinging the shorter woman to the couch to gush and make plans. The Uzumaki would be a big clan, mark her words.

Kiba was already marching towards Naruto's desk, hands slamming down on its heavy wood surface, "You dog you. You just couldn't wait."

"Wasn't me who was impatient."

"Says you, I bet you couldn't wait to get your hands on Hinata. And here we were worried about you guys!"

Trying and failing to take the dog boy seriously, Naruto turned to the happy looking Akamaru who was being attended to by the happy pair of Sasame and Kin, now able to relax in his office. "Can you control your mutt Akamaru?"

"Woof!"

"Hey, I'm right here asshole!"

"Kiba. I will smack you around in full view of my city and my people. That's a promise, not a threat."

"I'd like to see you try! We're older now and you've been stuck behind a desk."

"That's it! You need a reminder!" Naruto was over his desk in an instant, falling into a brawl with the beast boy.

Lee and Shino leaned over to Jugo, who could only watch on with a sigh as Sasuke and Sakura seemed to be taking bets behind Naruto's desk. Lee was more than a little concerned, "Is this. Is this normal?"

Jugo nodded, "For Uzushio? Completely."

Suigetsu winced as with a crunch, Naruto was standing proudly on top of a hog tied Kiba. No one asked where he got the rope from, or why it was purple. "I really, really am glad I didn't pick a fight with him. He's crazy."

Utakata had to agree, "This is a leader of a major village?"

Naruto could overhear them, and gave them both a thumbs up, "You bet your ass I am!"

Gai had a fist clenched as Naruto hopped down from Kiba's back and made it back to his desk, "So. Cool."

All grins and appreciating some easy chaos, Naruto dropped back into his chair with a grin. "So, what brings Team Gai here to Uzushio?"

Hinata raised a hand from the couch, "They made their last payment to us."

"Ah, guess the old lady wants a letter from me then? Okay, hold on a minute." Set on his task, Naruto started to pen a letter to the Hokage. Sure he could deliver it himself, but that would ruin the fun.

Shino looked down on his teammate, flatly ignoring Akamaru offering his belly which was soon vigorously rubbed, "Are we going to leave him like this?"

Naruto didn't even look up, "You wanna join him?"

"Ah, never mind." Shino knew better than that. Even if he didn't, his bugs sure wouldn't be helping him in that fight.

"Good man."

"Mmmhp. Mmph!" Kiba thrashed and raged, but was summarily ignored.

Mei was holding Hinata's hands into her own, a bright smile still firmly in place. "Have you thought about names yet? Do you know how many? Any word on if any of the others might be coming along?" If they weren't, Mei sure wouldn't mind putting herself in the running.

"Not yet, well, I have one, if we have a girl, but no boy names yet. Not sure, I'm pretty sure I'm only having the one. And besides myself there's just Tayuya, Kotohime, and Koyuki. So that's four of us now."

"Hmmm, Naruto sure is a dedicated husband." Here Mei turned to give Naruto a lidded gaze, "When's my turn?"

"Ask and you shall receive." Finishing up his letter and sealing it properly, Naruto tossed it to the waiting Gai. "There ya go. You're free to hang out in the city for the day, I'm sure Jugo can show ya to the visitor apartments."

Gai was already shaking his head, "Nonsense. We must return post haste. Why, this may even be the perfect time for training. Lee!"

Lee was before him in an instant, "Yes Gai sensei!"

"It is your duty to carry Kiba back to Konoha. If you should fail, you will carry me on your back for 4 days straight around Konoha's walls as punishment. Do you accept this task?"

"Of course Gai sensei! And if I should fail, I will further increase my training by increasing the weight to include yourself AND our teammates!"

"Truly you are an inspiration young Lee! I'm so proud!"

"Gai-sensei!"

"Lee!"

"Gai-sensei!"

"Lee!" Both men came together in a manly hug, such was the energy that the sunset upon crashing waves that sprung into being behind them was powerful indeed. All activity stopped in Naruto's office. Short of Naruto himself chortling while Sakura punched him in the shoulder repeatedly.

"Make them stop! Please!"

Suigetsu was vibrating in place, "What…what is this?"

Utakata continued to try and fail to release the obvious genjutsu they were under, "This is…an ultimate genjutsu. It's unbreakable!"

Stepping away and watching Lee pick up Kiba, Gai saluted Naruto who returned the gesture, "Then, by your leave Uzukage, we shall depart!" Akamaru whined loudly even though he disengaged from the two women who had been paying attention to him, now rubbing their eyes furiously.

"No worries Gai, I'll come pay Tsunade a visit soon."

Mei blinked slowly before turning to Hinata for some type of confirmation, "Is that…normal?"

Hinata nodded with a bright smile, "For them, yes."

"Konoha ninja are an odd bunch." Mei watched the smaller one in all green pick up the rough looking boy and toss him in a fireman's carry before the team left back through the door. "Very odd."

Naruto was still laughing, "I think it's great!" They were Uzushio, this sort of thing made the days go by quickly. "Now I'm in the mood for a party!" Where was Naruko, he needed a fight!

-b-

The day did in fact pass quickly, and with evening coming on Naruto had a spare moment to take care of some business. Back home and wandering around the forest, with a thought a massive scroll wrapped in a pure white chain burst into life in his arms. It was also another thought that he flashed away, yet another pocket dimension separate from Zetsu's. This one was special, featuring a wide and open field, an expanse that looked to have no end. It did of course. All things did. But today it was just a precaution. Tossing the scroll and removing his chain, he watched the bleeding body of Han drop to the ground. There was a moan, some struggle, but Naruto was already there, shoving a heel into the older man's gut.

"Yo, Kokuo, you in there?" There was a sense of vertigo, and Naruto was there, standing before a restored Han while behind him and caged in Stone was Kokyo, the five tails. Behind Naruto, Kurama grinned down at the elder Iwa shinobi with eyes full of malice.

"Ooooh, can I eat him?"

Naruto ignored the panic that reached Han's eyes. "Eh, go for it." Naruto didn't even bat an eye as a paw scooped up Han, his focus was on the trapped Biju. "Welp, first things first."

Kokuo sighed, knowing this was coming but still wishing it wasn't. "So, I'm to be made into another weapon?"

"Nope." With some effort, Naruto broke down the seal holding Kokuo in place, watching the stone pillars all crumble and fall to the ground in a crash. Walking forward to stand before one of Kurama's siblings, Naruto offered it a wide smile. "You're free if ya want. I just need a favor."

Standing and stretching, Kokuo marveled at the boy before him. He released him, just like that. He hadn't even extracted a promise from Kokuo first. Sure perhaps Kurama may protect the boy, but that was no guarantee either. "A favor?" He ignored the crunch from behind them, as well as the splash of liquid hitting the ground.

Naruto only barely twitched, "Yeah. I just need a small amount of chakra. I'm putting the old lady back together."

Kokuo tilted his head this way and that, ah. Now that Han was gone, he could get a real feel for Naruto's soul. Interesting. "So that's your game."

"Yeah, sorta. It's-"

"Say no more young one. I will assist." Kokuo leaned down, giant form nudging Naruto in the chest with his snout in order to exchange chakra. "It will be, interesting to see where this goes."

"Well uh, that was easy."

"Gyuki may not be as such. Plus, I do not wish to fight anymore."

Naruto nodded, arms linked behind his head, "Well, then on to the next issue. Where do you want to go? I can drop you just about anywhere in the world at this rate."

"Hmmm, that is a question." Kokuo made a show of thinking about it as Naruto and Kurama watched him, the other biju laying down next to Naruto. "You have multiple islands in your nation yes?"

"Uh, yeah."

"Good, I would like to claim one for myself. Say, those Yuki? They wouldn't mind if I napped near their home would they? I might make a cave for myself."

Kurama huffed, "You're all so lazy."

"Only because you, Shukaku and Matatabi are so active."

Naruto shrugged, "Yeah uh, I'm sure we can make that happen."

"Then that is where I would like to go."

Standing and watching the world fade around them, Naruto blinks and they are back in his pocket dimension. Han's body bursts with chakra, before Kokuo is standing high and mighty before him, though a bit shorter than Kurama. "I'll come back in just a bit for you. Think you can deal with being here for a short while?"

Kokuo nodded as he took in the long and flat plains, "It would be nice to stretch my legs for a short while. Though, Naruto. Some caution."

"Oh, what's up?" Naruto turned back to Kokuo, Kurama huffing in his mind that they should start a fight with Gyuki.

"Your plan, be careful. Father did warn us of this course."

Offering another grin as Naruto gave the biju a thumbs up, he made the biju a promise. "Don't you sweat! I've got this covered, promise ya."

Accepting the young man's confidence for what it was, Kokuo turned to run around the space, "Then, I will leave some of my power to you." And then he was gone, enjoying his freedom while he could.

Naruto watched him go, before with a thought he was back in the real world. The forest around him was quiet, fireflies buzzing around him softly and giving him little light to work with. But it was enough as he turned to head back home. Tonight had gone well, he would give it a few days to maybe a week, and then he'd do this again.

Gyuki needed to be released, and maybe a short conversation with Killer B.

-AN-

Here we are once more, one more cooldown chapter I think, and then we'll be back on story progression.

-OMAKE-

Temari was a lot of things, loud, confident, a bit brash to be sure. But, depending on the day, a bit of a softy at heart though that was only behind closed doors. That said, as she wandered the halls of the Uzumaki estate, she wondered at the chill in the air. It was no Suna, that much was sure. There the nights could get downright freezing but here, with the constant sea breeze, it never seemed to get all that cold. It was cool, yes, but never freezing. Even in the black and orange robe she had borrowed, she was pretty comfortable.

But why was she up when no one else was? Well, she couldn't sleep. She wouldn't admit so easily to missing her brothers, but she did. She was just a bit homesick, and thought that maybe a soak in the hotspring might finally knock her out. So that was where she was headed, hair down for once as she moved through the changing area and opened the door finally to the bathing area. She shouldn't have been surprised by the head of blonde hair there. She wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth tonight.

Naruto leaned back, taking in Temari all at once before waving her way, "Uh…hey Mari. Sorry, did I wake you?" Having not been tired enough to sleep himself, Naruto thought a night out under the stars would help him out. No luck yet, but that was okay.

Shaking her head as she took off and folded her robe onto a nearby bench, she easily slid her way into the bath next to him. "No I uh. Just couldn't sleep."

"Wanna talk about it?" He raised an arm as the quiet woman made herself comfortable into his side.

"I…" Well, he might be able to understand her feelings on the matter. One of her problems at least. "I just. I still have, nightmares, sometimes." Grateful that he allowed her time to gather her thoughts and didn't immediately interject, Temari sighed and leaned more into him. "I know Kankuro is fine. That's he's healthy and in one piece, but I still. Can see it. See that steam, feel the heat, that terror…"

"You miss your brothers then?"

Quietly, Temari nodded, but was quick to face him, turning fully towards him, "But! I love it here. It's great to finally be with the girls, to be with you. Here. I just…" Feeling Naruto gently hold her hands, Temari took a deep breath, "Sometimes I just want to see them. Just for my peace of mind. That's all."

"Aw Mari. All you had to do was ask. You know I could have flashed you to Suna and back anytime you wished. I'm never that busy."

"I didn't…want to seem selfish. You see me for me. Treat me like just another person, another woman. Not the Kazekage's sister or village royalty. You aren't scared of me. Or my brothers. You're. Amazing."

Chuckling, Naruto kept his eyes firmly on her own, "Which is why you know I wouldn't judge you like that Mari. Heck. Hinata regularly calls up her sister every few days. Ino has me flash her to see her parents almost weekly. Kotohime is the same with her clan, though not as often. You should know that I'm not going to be offended by you wanting to see your family. And I'm certainly not going to abandon you."

"You mean it?"

"On my honor."

Giggling, Temari finally sighed with some relief, her heart feeling a bit lighter as she sat down in his lap. "Well, that's one load off that I don't have to worry about. Maybe. Tomorrow?"

Wrapping his arms around her waist, Naruto nodded, "Sure thing Mari. Tomorrow."

Here Temari leaned over him, scooting further in his lap, "But, for tonight. I have you all to myself…"

Smile becoming a smirk, Naruto pulled her closer to him easily, "Guess you still need to be tired out?"

"Like you wouldn't believe."

Well, Naruto wasn't going to ignore a wife in need. Nope. Never.