-Iwagakore – Secret Chamber -
Kitsuchi, Akatsuchi and Kurotsuchi met inside the secret chamber with the orange masked man and Daedara. They were finally able to locate the girl and fulfill their end of the bargain, which meant Kitsuchi was now a puppet leader of Iwagakore.
"I suppose we can now count on your support?" The masked man asked.
"Yes, Madara, you can count on our support." Kitsuchi said with his arms crossed over his chest. "I am grateful that you saved my daughter. What are your plans to deal with the Senju boy?"
"Overwhelming force. Even the strongest people in our organization may no longer be enough to take the boy in a one-on-one fight." Madara answered.
"Hmm, hmm, hmm, that crazy bastard took my arm, hmm." Daedara pouted.
Kurotsuchi smiled, she missed Daedara and never understood why he left Iwa. "We will get him back, cousin. I swear it."
Kitsuchi put a hand on Kurotsuchi's shoulder, "All in good time. Madara, if he is that strong, why don't we target his family?"
Daedara spoke out of turn here, "That is not a good idea. That brat has fortified his homes with so many seals that it is nearly impossible to get in. I tried getting a clay clone into the Senju villa in Wave and it was taken out by some invisible seal. I tried blowing up the barrier and it didn't work. Then, the whole flippin' village chased me off."
Madara sighed, "My colorful teammate is right. Our efforts have been thwarted thus far. I believe we need to capture the other biju and hit him with overwhelming force. One biju or one jinchuriki will no longer be enough."
Kitsuchi punched a wall, "That damned brat!"
-Five Days after Taki Incident-
Naruto and Kurama re-entered Chomei's seal and it was finally time for her to make a decision. Naruto had repeatedly applied stasis seals to Fū, but there was only so much time the seals could buy. Chomei's yokai was slowly leaking out of Fū and the seal was disintegrating piece by piece. Naruto had erected strong protections around Fū's room that shielded the room from the outside world, and it kept the yokai contained, but that too was a temporary measure. In short, Chomei needed to make her choice.
"Heya, Chomei. We are back." Naruto chirped merrily from across the lake.
Chomei was resting next to Fū's unconscious form near the opposite edge of the lake. She was still laid upon the wooden bed, and she hadn't stirred since the stasis seals were applied. "Welcome back, Naruto and Kurama." Chomei answered sadly.
"Sister, I am sure you can tell. It is time to make your choice. I will grieve with you for your human friend, but it is time to move forward." Kurama said softly.
A brief flitter of Chomei's wings was her response before she spoke, "Kurama, why do you trust this boy? Why have you tamed down so much? I can feel you are more powerful than ever, so I can't understand why you are aiding the humans."
"If I answer your questions honestly, will you make your choice?" Chomei nodded her massive head. "Because the kid earned my trust. You saw glimpses of his previous life and the war. I was synced with him for over three years until the bloody and terrifying end. Not only did he purify my yokai, not only did he remove and purge my negative feelings, not only did he fight against the Juubi and Kaguya Otsutsuki, but he also earned my trust. He fought for us, the biju, the creatures humans call demons, until his dying breath. Then, he gets a second chance, and he can ask Kami, the creator of this universe, for anything. Literally anything. Do you know what he asked for?"
"No." Was Chomei's subdued response.
"He asked for me to be reunited and full. He asked for me to be his partner once more with the seal opened. He asked for me to be his partner in this journey. Not his pet, not his servant or slave, not his yokai generator. He asked for me to be his partner. If that isn't what father prophesied, then I don't know what is." Kurama said proudly, while Naruto had jumped onto Kurama's head and started petting him affectionately.
Chomei took in the boy with eye bug eye she had. She was amazed by Kurama's words, and she felt herself wishing for that kind of bond. She wanted freedom, but that freedom would only come if she were left alone in the world. Now, for the first time since her creation, she wanted to experience the bond she felt between Kurama and Naruto. "Very well. I will trust this child once more. What do I need to do?"
Naruto spoke up here, "I have already set up the sealing matrix. It will be a lot easier for you than it was for Kokuo. It is going to take a while, but I need you to focus on pushing your yokai through the link. I have stabilized Fū's seal as much as I can, so push your essence through that and into me. It will be slow, and I don't know if we can do it all in one day. Be patient with me and as more of your yokai flows into me, we will be able to communicate with thought. Once you take form in my mindscape, focus on pulling your yokai with you through the link. Push in here, pull once you are in me."
"Very well, Naruto Senju-Uzumaki, I am in your hands."
The next day and a half Naruto remained in a meditative state with his hands on Fū's abdomen over the seal. He glowed with a light green chakra that he was guiding into the seal on his abdomen. His Mokuton ability and his Senjutsu chakra were the only things that made this possible and the process placed a strain on his chakra network. Despite being synced with Kurama, forcing seven tails worth of foreign chakra through his coils burned and expanded them. Once the process was complete, Naruto's eyes opened, and Fū had passed on to the Pure World.
-Ten Days After Taki Incident-
Naruto awoke at the crack of dawn and went for a run around the island. He had learned Uzu's geography, and he enjoyed his morning run around the island. As he ran, he saw the plans for Uzu flashing through his mind and he couldn't suppress the smile that ebbed onto his face. It was peaceful, truly peaceful.
Naruto's positive thoughts stirred Chomei awake in the seal. The bug queen had enjoyed the modifications Naruto made to the mindscape for her. Naruto erected a replica of the Great Tree on the opposite side of the lake from the cabin. Behind her tree, an expansive forest was erected, and she had to admit that she felt more at peace than any time in her life. The Mokuton ability was truly an amazing thing and it helped Chomei accept her new vessel for quicker than she expected.
"Naruto, your homeland is truly beautiful. When will I be able to leave the seal and explore?" Chomei thought through the mental link.
"Good morning, Cho. Well, I am still integrating and adapting to your chakra. I would say in another week we could try to let you out. Unfortunately, we will not be on Uzu when that happens." Naruto thought back.
"That is unfortunate. I wanted to commune with the insects of this land. There is an abundance of them." Chomei pouted.
"Haha, I figured that was what you wanted to do. Don't worry, I promise we will return in time. First, we have to deal with the Akatsuki and get the world settled down."
"Naruto, you said that I could choose any vessel I wish. I thought that biju could only integrate with human children. At least, that was the prevailing knowledge of the past." Chomei questioned.
As Naruto ran up the dormant volcano of Uzu, he answered, "Yeah, well, that would be the case if you didn't have me. My Mokuton, Senjutsu and fuinjutsu make it possible for me to transfer you. When we return to Konoha, I will introduce you to the Aburame clan. I am sure you will find someone you like there."
Chomei blushed, or at least the insect equivalent of a blush, when she thought, "And what if I preferred to stay with you?"
"Hmm, I think we could make that work. As I promised, it will be your choice. As of right now, I don't have access to your yokai because of the seal's configuration. If that is what you decide, then I will find a way to make it possible." Naruto thought back.
Chomei had reviewed Naruto's memories and she found herself somewhat smitten with the human boy. His attitude, warmth, love and tenacity were all traits that Chomei found highly desirable in any future partner. Luckily, Kurama wasn't in the seal, or he would have made fun of her for feeling such a way.
"Thank you, Ruto." With that, Chomei closed the link and enjoyed the warm, sunny day inside the seal.
Naruto returned from his run and saw that everyone was beginning to stir. It made him happy to see the first signs of life on a previously devastated nation. He walked into the main house and saw that the Konoha group was awake. They were eating breakfast and they had prepared to depart that morning.
"Good morning, Itachi-Sensei." Naruto chirped as he entered the kitchen.
Tayuya wasn't an early riser, she wasn't a woman that appreciated overly happy men, but Kami was she a woman that could appreciate that body. Naruto was six feet tall, lean and every muscle was defined. It didn't hurt that he was handsome and had whiskers that made him look slightly feral.
"Good morning, Shithead." Tayuya cut in.
Naruto laughed, "Good morning, Tayuya. So, sensei, when are you guys leaving?"
Before Itachi could speak, another person interrupted him. "What am I, little brother, chopped liver?" Kakashi said in a pout.
Naruto laughed again, "No, Kaka-Ni, you are you. Now, can everyone please let me talk to the Hokage?"
Itachi couldn't suppress the smile that inched its way onto his face, "Good morning, Ruto. Yes, we will be leaving in an hour or so. Asuma is stable enough and I have arranged transport from Tanuku port."
"Good to know, Lord Kinji, are you returning with them?"
"Yes, my boy, I will be returning to the capitol. I want to get ahead of this mess with Taki." Kinji answered while Madame Shijimi pushed some more eggs and bacon onto his plate.
"Where are you going next, Ruto?" Shikamaru asked.
"We will be heading to Kumo. We wanted to help Lightning Country and give them a taste of our seals. I also want to visit turtle island and the Sage's temple." Naruto answered.
"Is it really safe for you to go to Kumo?" Kakashi asked cautiously.
"Did you see what I did to the Iwa army? Ai isn't stupid and he wants to be our friend. It is easier for someone to return trust than it is to ask them to take a leap of faith." Naruto's sarcastic tone cowed Kakashi a bit. "Anyway, Kakashi, I heard that team 7 will be participating in the Crossfit workouts. Have fun with that."
Kakashi's head sagged and Kiba spoke up, "Yeah, I am actually looking forward to it. After fight that Kakuzu guy I realized that I need to step my game up."
"Yip! Bark!" Akamaru agreed with Kiba. Akamaru was now about half the size Naruto remembered, so Naruto tossed a piece of bacon toward the dog, who nipped it out of the air with gusto.
"I would advise caution against taking the workouts lightly, Kiba. Every workout leaves me panting." Shino chilled Kiba's enthusiasm.
"Yeah, that is what they are designed to do. Just give it your all and enjoy working out with your friends. That is what it is all about. Akamaru, do you want some weight and resistance seals, boy?" Naruto said as he got down on a knee to scratch Akamaru's ears.
"Will they be safe for him?" Kiba asked.
"Yeah, you already know he can use chakra. I will set it so you are the only one who can adjust the levels. All he has to do to disengage them is channel some chakra into the harness I made. You can show it to your clan and see if they want some more." Naruto answered while scratching Akamaru's belly.
"Cool. I will do that."
Before the conversation with Kiba could continue, Naruto turned back to Itachi and asked, "Any word on the snake or your little brother?"
The mood in the room instantly sobered and Naruto knew the answer before Itachi spoke, "No… We have raided multiple bases. Each of the bases Tayuya gave us were either deserted or just minor outposts. We haven't gotten any leads, but we think Orochimaru has moved out of Rice country."
Naruto thought for a bit and pulled on memories of his past, but he was coming up blank. "Shit, I was hoping you would have something. So, the snake has gone completely silent?"
Itachi nodded, "Yes, our intelligence says that he hasn't made any overt moves recently. I believe that it is a matter of time until he strikes, but until he does, we won't know."
"I will keep an eye out, sensei. We know he can't be in Wind or Water country due to the alliances. It is unlikely he is in Lightning country. My guess it that he has infiltrated some minor nation again and taken it over. Just look for occurrences of repeat disappearances and you will find him sooner or later." Naruto tried to be positive while speaking about the touchy subject.
"So, how does it feel to be a dad, Naruto?" Sakura cut in and distracted everyone from their negative thoughts.
Naruto smiled a Gigawatt smile, "It is amazing. I mean, I don't get to do much. I am kinda missing the proper parts, but Hashi is awesome. He gives me a new reason to fight everyday."
"Aww." Sakura pined.
"Sounds troublesome." Shikamaru lambasted.
"He is cute brat." Tayuya added.
"It makes me want to grow my own hive." Shino chimed in.
Naruto laughed, "Haha, thanks guys. Just hold off on it for a while. It wasn't in my plans, but that little man is a blessing from Kami. Now, I don't need to tell you that you are not to speak about Hashi, Tsuya or Kushina while in Konoha, right?"
Everyone nodded their understanding. The Senju family had been very forthright when expressing their concerns of people knowing about the little ones. The incident in Wave provided more than enough evidence of that fact. After a group breakfast, the Senju family and the training group walked down to the docks with the Konohans and the Fire Daimyo's entourage. Naruto disabled the whirlpools, and the groups were able to leave without incident. Ino and Temari put comforting hands on Naruto's shoulder.
"They are alive because of you, Ruto." Ino whispered as she laid her head on his shoulder.
"You did good, hubby." Temari said as she laid her head on his other shoulder.
Kokuo, Kurama and Tsunade watched the trio from a way away and it was Kokuo that spoke first, "Your kid is something special. He recovered from the loss of a friend and still had the fortitude to do what was needed."
"Yeah, that's Ruto for you." Tsunade said with a sad smile. She hated how much weight the brat always shouldered. At least she was there, so he didn't have to shoulder it alone.
"I told you, brother. He is the one." Kurama just left it at that as he smiled fondly at the threesome on the docks.
-To Kumo-
'Heya Sammie, long time no talk!'
'Ruto!? Oh my Kami, it has been so long. How are you?'
'Really good sweetheart, we have a lot of catching up to do.'
'Oh, I can't wait. So, where do you want to start?'
'Well, I was thinking we could talk over some sushi and sake. You still like Sushi, right?'
'No way! You are coming here? Yay!'
'Yup, be at Thunderbolt Port in five days. Mind letting Ai know?'
'Sure thing, Ruto. Oh my gosh, I am so excited! Can't wait to see you, travel safe.'
With heavy hearts, the Senju family left Shizune and Himawari with the babies in Wave before they departed for Kumo. Everyone was concerned about the safety of the babies, so many extra measures were taken. The long-range Hiraishin beacons in the Senju villa and the police headquarters made it possible for Naruto to respond to any threat that encroached upon the island. The detection seals, barriers and other safety measures gave Naruto a peace of mind and the Gen One of Wave's SDF promised to keep an eye on the Senju family with a promise to summon Naruto at the first sign of enemy contact.
With security resolved, Naruto and company set out toward Lightning Country by sea, which would take just over three days. Tsunade insisted on taking a cruise ship so that the family could enjoy the journey and she could get some gambling in along the way. Luckily, the Senju fortunes were … massive, expansive, nearly infinite? Okay, the last one might be taking it too far, but money was not really a concern for the Senju family. Even after paying for the rebuilding of Uzu, they still had more than they knew what to do with. Therefore, everyone was okay with Tsunade losing a couple thousand dollars every now and then.
Thus, Naruto, Temari and Ino were cuddled up on the deck of the cruise ship and soaking in a warm summer sun and reading Naruto's new book 'A Second Chance at Life and Love' as they glided over the ocean. After Ino's pregnancy, Tsunade issued a dire warning to the trio not to do it again until Akatsuki and Iwa were dealt with. Naruto had to spend a week completing an anti-pregnancy seal that was permanent and he applied it on the small of the girl's backs just above the valley of there butt cheeks. The seal took the shape of a fox head, and the girls liked it because they said it marked them kind of like a mating mark.
"Whoo, it is nice to get a break after all that training. Ruto, your book is amazing by the way." Temari said in an attempt to distract Ino.
"Yeah, Mari, you have gotten much stronger. That steam wind you developed with Kokuo is terrifying. How is your bond with Kokuo? And, thanks for the compliment, I think I only have a little editing left." Naruto asked, understanding what Temari was doing.
"It is awesome, it is like having a friend that has centuries of knowledge and a wealth of power that is overwhelming. Plus, I like Kokuo's personality a lot. He is like a wild stallion; all he wants is to run free and live wild. If you go along with it and enjoy the ride, it is a lot of fun."
"I am jealous, Mari. I understand why Naruto chose you, but now I can't even keep up with you anymore." Ino whined. She had fallen behind on her shinobi training and thrown herself into the healing arts. She worked at the hospital until she was seven months pregnant, and she has been all about the baby since then. Then, she had to take care of the child and focus on recovery since the pregnancy took a severe toll on her body.
"It's okay, sweetie. You can throw yourself into training and join the true training trip now. We will get you up to speed in no time." Temari comforted Ino, still avoiding any topic that would remind her of Hashi.
"Yeah, babe, I am going to run you ragged. Training by day and marathons by night!" Naruto chirped as he placed a kiss on her forehead.
"Hmm, I will hold you to that, Ruto. With those top offs from Kurama, I should be able to handle it." Ino moaned as Naruto continued his ministrations.
"Not in public you two!" Temari hissed.
"You're just jelly, Mari. Why not join in?" Ino teased.
"Because I have a sense of decency!" Temari insisted.
"Hohoho, you three are something else." A feminine voice echoed across the deck of the ship.
"Heya, Chomei, why don't you come and join us? I still need to get to know you!" Ino screeched in an excited and girly voice as she put Naruto's book down.
Chomei could now be released from Naruto's seal, and she was truly grateful for the opportunity to walk around free. In order to honor and never forget Fū, she took Fū's form when she was outside of the seal. The only difference was instead of Fū's wide orange eyes, Chomei's eyes were a vertical orange bar. Fū was a sore subject for her, and everyone knew to avoid it, but that didn't stop them from learning about Chomei's past.
Chomei was one of the biju that took on a positive aspect of humanity. Chomei was positive and resilient and could almost always find the silver lining in a shitty situation. She had a distrust of human's due to the past century's treatment, but she trusted the Senju family. The biju struggled to move naturally in her human form, but she wouldn't trade it for anything. This was the freest she had felt since she was created.
Chomei took a seat next to the trio and relaxed back on the pool chair and sat back to soak in the sun. "What do you wish to know, Ino?"
Ino took a pensive pose, "Hmm, where is your favorite place to stay? Was it in Takigakore?"
Chomei saddened at the thought of the city and Temari poked Ino in the forehead. "Yes, that tree grew from my chakra. I was in the tree long before the formation of Taki and those filthy humans took over my home. I originally worked with them, and I was originally happy to live alongside them. I wanted to honor my father's wishes and it was all good until it was not."
Naruto offered her a cheery smile, "It is alright Chomei, no need to go into sad memories of the past. Tell me, have you ever been to Kumo or the Sage's temple?"
"Hmm, we were all born in the temple, but we decided to split up many centuries ago and we tried to spread our father's teachings. I never returned to Kumo after I left, mountains were never my thing. Not enough bugs or forests. Anyway, when the Warring Clan Era was taking place, we biju tried to abstain from it. That was until Shukaku's territory was invaded and he killed a bunch of humans. Then, it didn't take long for the humans to subdue and capture him."
Temari decided to ask a question, "Is it true that Sunagakore was built from Shukaku's old home? Was the Land of Wind always a vast desert?"
"Yes, you humans built your hidden village in brother's old home. Wind country has always been a desert as long as I lived. According to a story father told us, it was where he fought the Juubi. The fight dragged on so long that our father took too much of the natural energy and the life of the area started dying out. Even after the centuries, the land is still devoid of life."
"Not anymore, ChoCho. I dragged up the water that was buried and I was able to grow multiple oasis. And you should talk to Shukaku about the renovations I made to Suna." Naruto chimed in and ignored the cocked eyebrows and confused looks at the newest attempt as a nickname.
Temari giggled at her fiancées antics, "Yeah, Ruto spruced the place up quite a bit. It is quite nice, and we have multiple farms in the desert now. Plus, the city is temperature controlled thanks to a barrier that Naruto constructed. I am sure that he could even build you a habitat if you wish to settle down there as well."
Chomei shook her head in the negative, "I am not against visiting, but my brother is territorial. I think I will settle down in some woods. Maybe find another great tree."
"Umm, Cho … no, I really want a good nickname for you. Anyway, Chomei, why don't you ask Naruto to grow you a great tree?" Ino asked.
Chomei's head snapped toward Naruto and then she facepalmed herself when Naruto laughed sheepishly and said, "Well, when I find a place to settle down and the hectic business is over, I could either grow you a tree here or I could take you to the Great Jura Forest."
Chomei clapped her hands together excitedly, she did it a lot and everyone assumed that it was because it was the nearest thing to her pincers clicking together. "That would be most appreciated. Tell me, Naruto, if I go into another container, would I be able to be released from that container?"
Naruto thought for a bit, "I am sure I can construct a seal like that given enough time. I am not going to promise anything, but what I will promise you is that I will do everything I can to take care of you guys. Anyone you choose would have to agree to those terms as well. My goal is for all of the biju to be free by the end of my lifetime."
Chomei could no longer contain herself and she lunged over Ino and glommed onto Naruto. She kept rubbing her face on Naruto's and squealing like a fangirl. Finally, she recomposed herself, "I thank you, Naruto Senju. I don't know if I could find a vessel that I would prefer over you."
Naruto looked pensive at that, "Well, I am honored you feel that way. That being said, I don't wish to hoard the biju and I don't want to deny you the bond of a true partner. I am sure you have talked to Kurama, what he and I have is beyond friendship or partnership."
Ino and Temari puffed their cheeks in jealousy and pouted a bit, which earned a girly giggle from Chomei. "I will take your words to heart, Ruto."
The rest of the vacation journey was a glamorous retreat from the strain of daily life. It was cathartic and appreciated by every member of the training trip. Naruto and Kyu picked up an interesting scent from Gaara and Hinata before Shukaku walked over with a face cracking smirk on his face. The formerly crazed Tanuki confirmed Naruto's suspicions and he simply offered a bro-clap to Naruto's shoulder. Hinata saw this and blushed a cherry red, which made the guys laugh heartily until sand spears appeared out of nowhere and attempted to impale the three male members of the training group.
That was the scene that greeted team Yugito as they were waiting for the training group to dismount from the boat. Karui was jealous of the cruise the group took, Yugito and Samui were smiling wistfully and Omoi ran up to get his greeting hug from Tsunade. As Omoi passed out once again, everyone else made their way down the walkway. The greetings were exchanged that team Yugito was integrated seamlessly into the training group. Yugito was close to Anko and Rias, Samui joined Naruto, Ino and Temari, Omoi was chatting up Gaara and Hinata and Karui was chatting up Shukaku and Chomei.
The trip to Kumo only took two days and the group enjoyed the leisurely pace. Naruto noticed something odd and spread his senses out as he was laying in bed. Gaara and Hinata were sharing a tent, which really didn't surprise Naruto. The surprise was Yugito joining Anko and Rias in their tent. Upon reflection, Naruto realized that he shouldn't be surprised at all. Then, he sensed Samui relaxing in a tree as she was on her shift of the night's watch. Naruto created a clone and substituted with it so as not to disturb his girls.
Naruto appeared next to Samui and created a wider platform on the tree branch that allowed him to sit down and swing an arm over her shoulders. Samui shamelessly accepted the offer and cuddled into Naruto. She really missed his warmth and despite trying to move on, she often found herself thinking about her time in Konoha.
"How ya been, Sammie?" Naruto asked softly.
"Hmm," Samui moaned as she snuggled into Naruto's shoulder. "I have been good. Really focused on my shinobi career. This was actually the first time that team Yugito has worked together in a while."
"Oh yeah? Why is that?" Naruto asked softly, truly appreciating the opportunity to reconnect with his friend.
"Well, after your messages to the Raikage, he decided that Yugito and Bee would be a permanent tag team until the Akatsuki are dealt with. So, they have been running 'S' rank missions together since the chunin exams. Speaking of which, how are you holding up?"
Naruto sighed, "That's crazy. I am glad that the Raikage took my warning seriously. A month ago I actually fought against the Akatsuki. My friends were in Taki, and they were after the seven tails. My friends got hurt pretty bad and Fū, the jinchuriki, ended up dying." Samui gasped before Naruto rubbed her shoulder and continued. "It is alright. I went in and fought off Kakuzu. He fled with his tails between his legs when he was down three hearts. Then, I killed Hidan the Jashinist before he could finish off team 10."
Samui sat up and looked into Naruto's eyes and saw he was deadly serious. "Ruto, that's nuts."
Naruto shrugged and pulled her back into his arms. "Yeah, maybe a little bit. Honestly, Kakuzu isn't the scariest guy in the Akatsuki. Hidan was a chump that relied on his immortality. I don't want to talk about them though, tell me more about you."
Samui moaned in comfort as she fell back into Naruto's warmth. "Hmm, well, not too much to tell. I will be taking the jonin exams in a couple months and I have taken my training seriously. I think Kumo will become a full ally of Konoha soon." Samui stopped and giggled here. "That is if the civilians don't piss you off. The Raikage ranted for days about your stupid civilians, and I would expect multiple invitations to join Kumo if I were you."
Naruto chuckled under his breath, "I can handle Ai. Truth be told, I want to deepen my bond with Kumo. If I can get four of the Great Five together, then I think it will be that much easier to make the world a better place."
Samui sighed wistfully and offered a prayer to Kami, "You know, Ruto, if it weren't you, I would say that changing the world isn't possible for one man to do."
"That's the thing, Sammie, I am not doing it alone. You know my training group, you know my friends in Konoha, and there are also my allies in Wave, Suna and Kiri. I am far from alone. What about you? Any boys in Kumo step up to the plate?"
"Nope." Samui answered cooly.
"That's a crying shame, they don't know what a cool girl they are missing out on." Naruto tightened his hug. "Why don't you join the girls in our tent? I will take over the watch."
"Hmm, okay Ruto. Thank you." Samui responded sleepily.
The next day, the group made it into Kumo, and they walked with Ai up the mountain to the Raikage's tower. Rather than have the whole family join in the madness, Tsunade brought Naruto and Ai brought in Mabui, Darui, Yugito, Bee and Shi. The rest of the group was taken to a temporary home for dignitaries that was next to the Raikage's mansion.
Ai stood up and opened his arms with a big smile on his face, "Finally, the Senjus grace Kumo with their presence. Welcome to Kumo, so what can we do for you during your stay?"
Tsunade let Naruto speak up, "First, Lord Raikage, thank you for welcoming us into your beautiful village. Second, I think we should talk about the Akatsuki. I fought two of their members in Takigakore and there are some developments you need to be made aware of."
Ai nodded, "I heard Taki was attacked, but I didn't know that you were involved."
Naruto proceeded to recount the Taki incident and left out the parts about Chomei now residing within his seal and the parts about New Uzu. Ai listened intently to the story of Naruto's fight and got a bloodthirsty smirk on his face. Then, his mood turned somber when he heard about Fū dying and the damage to shinobi such as Kakashi Hatake and Asuma Sarutobi. After Naruto completed his tale, the room remained silent for a minute or two before Bee spoke up.
"Ay, yo, ain't no need to be down, those fools can't handle the brown!" Bee pointed toward his skin when he said this before continuing in his usual, arrhythmic fashion. "If the fools step toward the Kitty, then they will have to deal with the killer bee, wee!"
Ai subjected his brother to the iron claw and ended the impromptu rap, "Bee! What have I told you about speaking in that incessant rap when we are in serious meetings!"
Naruto and Tsunade were chuckling while Kurama and Chomei were laughing heartily at their brother's container. Naruto spoke up for Bee, "It is actually appreciated, Lord Raikage. He broke everyone out of their negative mood, I guess you could say we appreciate his attitude. Ain't no need to make a racket, the Senju family knows Killer Bee can back it."
Bee cried tears of joy despite the pain of his brother's technique and the Kumo group looked at Naruto with dropped jaws. It was clear to them that Naruto actually rapped well, which would only encourage Bee's rapping. Before Bee could respond, Yugito clamped her hand over his mouth.
"Lord Senju, we would all appreciate it if you didn't encourage his behavior." Yugito said in a pleading voice.
Tsunade laughed, "Oh come on, it isn't that bad. Back to business though, Ai, we heard that you have Yugito and Bee tag teaming. That is a good solution. I don't think anyone except the leaders of the Akatsuki could pose a serious threat to those two together. What have you heard from Iwa?"
Ai turned serious, his smirk turned into a scowl, and he growled lowly. "Well, we believe that they allied with the Akatsuki. There are also reports of Ame shinobi walking around in Iwa."
Naruto nodded, "Yeah, so I know I can trust you guys, but I am going to need your utmost discretion. Does everyone agree to keep everything said here an absolute secret? If this spreads, it would put my family at risk."
Everyone was nodding but Tsunade looked panicked, "Ruto, you don't have to tell them about that."
Naruto put a calming hand on Tsunade's shoulder, "Momma, if I want them to trust me, then I need to show I trust them. So, can I count on your silence?"
Ai looked around at the people in his room. He activated the privacy seal that was on his desk. He had already told his Bolt to leave the room and now the room was secure. "Naruto, I trust each of these people with my life. You have my word as the Fourth Raikage that anything you say here will be held in the utmost confidence."
Naruto took a deep breath, closed his eyes and spoke, "When my son was born in Wave, Iwa sent a team of 12 jonin-level shinobi to kidnap my son. Luckily, we had allies in the area at the time. After that attack was foiled, I encountered Daedara the mad bomber flying over the city. I shot him down and took off one of his arms, but he got away. I believe the Akatsuki, Iwa and Ame are allied together."
The Kumo group was frozen, completely unable to respond to the information. This kid just told high-level foreign shinobi that he had a male heir. Not only that, but Iwa wasn't as isolated and crippled as everyone thought. Once again, it was Bee that snapped the group out of it by embracing Naruto in a bone crushing hug.
"Congratulations little bro, we should celebrate fo' sho!"
In between gasps of breath, Naruto was slapping Killer Bee on the back in a pleading motion for air. Bee got the message and set Naruto down and Tsunade sighed deeply before she set a fiery gaze on Ai.
"Look, Ai, I am choosing to trust you. Don't make me regret it."
"I would listen to her, Lord Raikage. If she goes all out, then this mountain would only take a single punch. It really hurts when she connects." Naruto added playfully.
Tsunade groaned and facepalmed herself, "Brat, that isn't the kind of thing you say when you are visiting a foreign village."
Naruto shrugged, "It isn't that big of a deal. I can do it, you can do it, Gaara can do it, Bee can do it and I am fairly sure Temari could do it. Look, Lord Raikage, we are not threatening you or your people. I would never do such a thing. What we are promising is death to anyone that attempts to attack my family."
Ai sighed, "I have let monsters into my home."
Naruto belted out a laugh, "Nah, you let powerful allies that are willing to help your nation into your home." Ai looked up with a smirk at this. "So, boss, what work do you have for us?"
Ai smiled a full, toothy smile. "Don't worry about that today. I will get a honey-do-list together for you. Now, I heard that you wanted to visit Turtle Island and the Sage's temple."
Naruto nodded enthusiastically, "Yes, I have talked to Kurama, Chomei, Shukaku and Kokuo and they all told me that I need to visit the Sage's home."
Once again, the group was stunned by the casual name dropping of four biju. It was Yugito that spoke up, "Matatabi wishes to know how you communicate with two biju who's hosts died. They should have died and been in the process of reforming."
Naruto shrugged and told a half-truth, "I am probably the second … no third … yeah, third best Sage of all time. I could commune with their natural energy while they were reforming."
Yugito narrowed her eyes, catching the fact that she wasn't getting the whole truth. A quick look at Bee let her know that he sensed the same thing. Before they could say anything, Ai spoke up once more. "This all sounds fun, Naruto, but I heard about your battles with Tsunade. I request an official spar at some point during your trip. Your father was my previous rival and I have had nobody contest my speed since he died. Plus, I still owe you for that workout you gave me." Ai finished with a smirk.
Naruto shrugged, "Hmm, okay. Let's do that as a sendoff. It will be my final test for the training trip. I know you are fast, and I guess Kage aren't really in the Bingo book. Tell me, Lord Raikage, what would you say your threat ranking is?"
Ai put a thinking hand to his chin and nodded to himself, "Well, I would say very high 'S' rank. I can't grow a forest or wipe out thousands in a minute, but in one-on-one combat I would say I am king." Ai's smirk grew truly feral as he finished his statement, which got Naruto going.
Naruto matched Ai's smirk, "Very well, Ai, I will fight you as an equal at the conclusion of my time in Kumo. I will go all out, and I request that you do the same. In the meantime, would you like a workout buddy?"
Ai belted out a laugh, "Tsunade, I love your brat. How long should I keep my morning and evening schedules clear for?"
Naruto looked to Tsunade, who shrugged. "Well, I have about 11months until I need to be back in Konoha. I will need to stop by Wave and Suna on our way home. Let' say seven months. During that time, the Senju family will take sealing and noncombat missions for Kumo. We have been authorized by Itachi to conduct preliminary negotiations for a treaty between Kumo and Konoha. On another front, Wave is looking for trade partners."