-Calm Before the Storm – Two Months after Suna Attack-

Naruto was walking down main street in Konoha with the Rookies after an extended morning training session. They were all upbeat and chatting animatedly. Evidently, Kiba got himself a girlfriend by bragging about being part of Task Force Anaconda. With his swollen pride, he was walking with his chest out and nose held up high in the air.

"I'm tellin' ya, Naruto, she is a beauty. Finally, things are turning around for this alpha." Kiba boasted.

Naruto restrained the many snappy retorts that wanted to spill out of his mouth and settled with, "Yeah, I heard. Congrats, Kiba. So, what's her name?"

"Anna. She is a civilian girl that just graduated from her apprenticeship."

"That's cool. What is she apprenticing in?" Samui asked while latching onto one of Naruto's arms.

Kiba struggled to keep his eyes up when talking to the busty beauty. "I … uh … she … uh." Kiba snapped his mouth closed and looked at head level. "She is a tailor now. She is going to apply to Senju Comfort Wears."

Naruto beamed a smile, "Tell her to drop my name. I will get her in there."

"Thanks, Ruto!" Kiba beamed and Akamaru backed him up with a bark.

Ino ran ahead of the three while flying Arashir around, which made Samui smile and lean into Naruto. Then Temari flew Hashi by them in a chase for Arashir while making plane noises. The cute scene drew the attention of the villagers and brought smiles to everyone. Naruto noticed a wistful smile cross Hinata's face and further back Sakura was also watching the adorable scene. The group was passing one of the cafes that was a local hang out spot and many red books were seen in the hands of men and women.

"I am a lucky man." Naruto sighed out contentedly.

Samui chuckled and got up on her toes to place a kiss on his cheek. "Yes, yes, you are my love. I can't believe your second book got published this widely all ready."

Naruto scratched the back of his neck sheepishly, "Eh, well, yeah. Jiraiya's publisher was so excited that he rushed the publication and paid for the teleporters. They are all sold out."

Sakura ran up and made Naruto stop with a fierce look on her face. "You are the author of Second Chance!?" Naruto nodded, which was a mistake due to every woman in the café now paying attention to him. Sakura squealed before taking his hands in hers. "Could you please, please get me a copy of 'Purifying Light'?"

Naruto noticed the attention now and he looked sheepish. What is the point of using a pseudonym if he just announces he is the author. He pulled Sakura in close, which made her blush furiously. "Sakura, I really need you to be quiet. I use a pseudonym for a reason, and I can sense 97 women now paying rapt attention to our conversation. Please, be quiet and I will get you a signed copy when we are in private."

Sakura nodded into his shoulder and slowly backed away before speaking loudly. "Aww man, I thought you would be the author. Oh well."

Naruto cocked an eyebrow and Samui giggled at the terrible acting. The group continued their jaunt to Ichiraku's Restaurant and the conversation continued to flow. "So, Sakura, have you and Kiba been in to see Sasuke yet?"

Sakura and Kiba looked down at the ground. "They aren't letting us in yet. They say he is still going through extensive counseling, and he is on bedrest."

"I mean, we have tried, but yeah. He is locked down tight." Kiba added.

"Whimper, bark." Akamaru added, which earned a scratch behind the ears from Naruto. "Happy moan, bark, bark, bark."

Naruto laughed, "Yeah, bud, I will come over later and see if Ranga or some of the other wolves want to play."

Kiba smiled at this, "Yeah, my mom is super happy with the training harnesses. Hana is now the training supervisor for the pups, and she can set and adjust the weights. Did she … did she talk to you about the mating proposal?"

Samui looked with icy interest at Naruto, "Care to explain, dear? You are not pimping yourself out again, are you?"

Naruto waved his hands in front of him as the commotion brought Ino and Temari back to the group with his boys. "No, no, no. They want to try breeding one of their ninken with a tempest wolf. Kiba, I will talk to your mom later. I have been talking to Rimuru about naming a tempest wolf of my own, but you know how pack mentality is."

Kiba nodded in understanding, "Yeah, man, I do. They would have a family here though."

As the group sat down in a booth at Ichiraku's, Naruto unsealed a copy of his second book, signed it and handed it to Sakura, which earned him a squeal of excitement. Sakura also launched at him and embraced him in a big hug, which earned smirks from Ino, Temari and Samui. They weren't threatened by Sakura because they knew how Naruto felt and, come one, she was totally flat compared to each of them.

After food was ordered and the babies were placed in their highchairs, Ino started the gossip session. "So, Ruto, spill it. Have Momma and Kyu started trying yet?"

Naruto avoided the question and sipped on some water. "How am I supposed to know?"

Temari cocked an eyebrow at him, "So, you wouldn't know anything about the fox mating mark on her left breast?"

Naruto shrugged, "Dunno."

Samui chuckled, "Such a poor liar. How are you a shinobi again?"

"I just kick ass and take names." Naruto shrugged nonchalantly.

Shino chimed in, "Well, Ruto, I think they make a good mating pair."

Naruto was grateful for the opportunity to divert attention. "Oh, speaking of mating pairs, why has Chomei gone silent about your relationship?"

Shino pushed his glasses up and shrunk into his collar. "I do not wish to continue this discussion in a public setting."

Ten-Ten looked around, "Where is Cho anyways? She normally trains with us."

"She is with Momma today." Samui informed the group.

Ino, never one to be taken off the trial of hot gossip, turned to Shino. "So, it has gotten serious, huh?"

Shino blushed and turtled down into his jacket even further. "It is going well."

Ino squealed like a fan girl and Temari stepped in. "Don't let her status hold you back. I know you Aburame suppress your emotions but listen to that buzzing in your heart and you can't go wrong."

"Status?" Neji asked.

"Don't worry about it. So, Neji, what has Hiashi decided in reference to our new project?" Naruto asked.

Neji smiled gracefully, "He is going to approve. He said that when you go, then I will be free to go with you."

"That's awesome!" Naruto cheered. "I really could use your help getting things set up."

Chouji downed a plate of sushi and asked, "Getting what set up, Ruto?"

"Well, you know how I will become the Daimyo of the Land of Whirlpools and Wave when I turn 21?" Chouji and the group nodded. "Well, I am recruiting clans that want to spread branch families to my lands. It sounds like Neji will lead the new branch in Uzu and that will be a massive help."

Ten-Ten grabbed Neji's hand and shot him a concerned look. "And when were you going to tell me about this?"

Neji sighed, "Well, if we get married then I would inform you. Plus, Lord Hiashi recently approved of the new branch. It is hard since Hinata is also forming a branch in Suna." Every head in the booth turned to Hinata.

The Hyuga girl blushed and sank into the booth, "Gaara and I will be getting married after the Akatsuki and Iwa are dealt with. Father approved me heading a branch family there."

While the girls squealed and gossiped, the guys ate their meals. Everything went well and the group divided up and returned to their individual duties for the evening. Life in Konoha was good and things had stabilized. It also helped that he was able to flash around and play delivery boy for the Kage and Daimyo. They all had tablets and they were each able to communicate instantly with one another, which made things in the four-nation alliance flourish quickly.

-Will You Please Be an Actor in Your Own Play?-

As life continued at its frantic pace, Naruto and the Senju clan were feeling the weight of their many duties. Naruto's clone armies were summoned each day and set about managing the orphanage, supervising his clothing business, managing the sealing business and answering calls from a variety of his influential customers. That was why he was surprised when Itachi popped up on his tablet and asked him to report to the Hokage's office.

As Naruto entered the office, he saw two familiar faces and he couldn't stop a smile from gracing his face. He bowed respectfully to Itachi and reported in.

"Thanks for coming, Naruto. This is Yuki Fujikaze and her producer Sandayu. They have come to make a request of you and may wish to recruit you for a long-term mission." Itachi spoke in his monotone.

Naruto turned to the two and bowed formally, "It is a pleasure to meet you. I am Naruto Senju-Uzumaki. How may I be of service?"

Yuki spoke up in an animated fashion that contrasted pretty sharply with what Naruto remembered last time around. "Are you NU Kitsune?"

Naruto looked to Itachi and sighed, "Yes, I would ask you to keep my pseudonym a secret, please. I have enough attention already."

Sandayu waved off his concerns, "Of course, my boy. I contacted your publishing house, and they provided me your name. Shall we get down to business then?" Naruto and Itachi nodded. "Well, my boy, we would like permission to turn your book into a movie. The Princess Yuki storyline is now complete, and we have been looking for a new movie."

"And it was this or that degrading smut called Icha Icha." Koyuki snarled at the thought of making a movie out of the perverted novels.

Naruto rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly, "Well, I am honored. I understand why you wouldn't want to act out my grandfather's books. So, you just want permission to use my novels? Couldn't we have worked that contract out through the publishing house?" He wanted them to say what they really wanted already.

Sandayu chuckled nervously, "Well, my boy, we would also like to hire protection during the shoot. Plus, if our protection were one of our actors, then it would kill two birds with one stone."

Naruto cocked an eyebrow, "One of your actors? I don't act."

Yuki stepped forward and offered a mix of a pouty face and the puppy dog eyes no jutsu. "Please, Naruto. I really want to act alongside you."

"Why me?" He replied neutrally.

Yuki began playing with her hair and swirling it around her finger. "Because … because you are beautiful. You are like literally the most desired man in the Elemental Nations. Not to mention, you wrote the novel, so it is only fitting that you star in the production."

Naruto pondered the idea. He wanted to take this mission and save Snow Country. He had honestly been waiting for it, but it was still a high-risk mission. It nearly went FUBAR last time around. "Well, Princess, there are some pretty steamy scenes in my writing. What are your plan for those?"

Sandayu answered for the furiously blushing actress. "We planned on including them. The way you wrote them were so emotional and gripping. We only hope to have some of that essence in the scenes."

Naruto sighed, "And where will we do the shoot?"

"Snow Country mountains." Sandayu answered.

Itachi got involved here, "Why Snow country? They aren't exactly allied to us. Rumors say that Dodo, the reigning sovereign, is working alongside Akatsuki." Neither Itachi no Naruto missed the flinch and chakra fluctuation of the two in front of them.

"The scenery matches the start of the novel." Sandayu answered in an unconvincing fashion. Even Yuki looked like she didn't want to go back there.

"Very well, I accept. I will try to act, but I don't promise much. Plus, you will need to come to my compound and request permission from my wives." Naruto said with a look to Itachi that he will talk to him once they are in private.

"Wives?" Yuki asked. "As in plural?"

Naruto nodded, "Yes, I have three wives. Went through hell to get them and I plan to keep 'em."

"Very well, we accept your generous invitation. What time should we arrive for dinner?" Sandayu cut in.

"5pm. Just push the seal on the right side of the gate and someone will come out to greet you." Naruto answered.

After the film producer and actress left, Naruto turned to Itachi and opened himself to questions. "What do you know, Naruto?" Itachi asked seriously.

Naruto offered a sincere smile, "I want to do this. Dodo is bad news and if he gives Snow Country's technology to Akatsuki, then it could complicate things. Plus, Yuki Fujikaze is the missing Snow princess, Koyuki Kazahana."

Itachi smirked, "So, you just agreed to do sex scenes with an actual princess?"

Naruto shrugged, "I did no such thing. I said she had to ask my wives."

Itachi let out a small chuckle, "Very well. What about the mission? What are you planning?"

"Infiltrate, incapacitate and kill Dodo. Shouldn't be too hard."

Itachi sighed, "Only you could say chakra armor is no big deal."

Naruto waved him off, "Nah, everyone in my study group would be just fine. The chakra armor is no big deal. It is a crutch that they rely on."

"Who do you want to take with you?" Itachi asked.

"Speed and power. Can I take team Guy along with my girls? I know that they will want to come along since the movie is going to be filmed."

Itachi chuckled dryly. "You want to topple a dictator with eight people?"

"Yeah, you're right. That is kinda overkill. I guess I only need my girls." Naruto shot back with some added snark.

Itachi waved him out of the office, "Take team Guy and your girls. Add Shizuka, I want you to evaluate her combat potential."

Naruto bowed, "Yes, Sensei."

-Senju Compound – Dinner with a Princess-

Sandayu and Koyuki pushed the seal on the right-hand side of the Senju gate. Moments later, a brunette version of Naruto opened the gate and greeted them. Yuki blushed at the guard uniform and dual blades that the man carried.

"Good evening, Yuki Fujikaze and Sandayu Asama. Welcome to the Senju compound. I am Naruto's brother, Yami Senju." Yami bowed formally and welcomed them into the compound.

As they were walking, Yuki asked, "Are you Naruto's twin?"

Yami chuckled, "No, there were extenuating circumstances with my brother and I."

Yuki decided to drop it and changed the topic, "So, how did your brother get three wives?"

Yami shrugged, "He has a problem saying no to hot, blonde bombshells."

Yuki blushed and looked down while playing with her hair. Sandayu chuckled and whistled in appreciation at the beautiful compound. "Do you know how long Naruto has been writing the Second Chance series?"

Yami chuckled, "Since he was young. He had the first book finished when he was still a kid, but he was too shy to have it published."

Yuki pouted a bit, "I still haven't been able to read the second book. The publishing house said they would ship it to me."

Yami offered her his copy of the book, "Here you go. Forgive me, I am an underliner."

Yuki snatched the book like a precious object and clutched it to her chest. "Thank you, thank you, thank you."

While Yami was waving her off, they entered the dining hall that the family rarely used when they were hosting important guests. Yami guided the guests to their seats, and they sat down in the rowdy mixture of the Senju family. Kurama and Tsunade, Hikari and Shikamaru, Yami and Tayuya, Chomei and Shino and then Naruto and his girls. Yuki looked around the table, completely overwhelmed by the couples and their casual attitudes.

Naruto stood up and clinked a glass, "Everyone, please extend a warm welcome to our guests, Yuki Fujikaze and Sandayu Asama." A bunch of waves and hellos echoed across the moderately sized dining hall.

Yuki bowed, "Thank you for hosting us."

Temari, Ino and Samui exchanged looks before Ino stepped up. "Oh, please, thank you for coming. We are all fans of your Princess Yuki movies. I was sad to hear that they were discontinued."

Sandayu groaned, "Yes, the author died unexpectedly. It was unfortunate, but that is why we are so excited for Naruto's books. They are absolutely gripping and heart wrenching."

Temari took the hint, "So, you wish to turn Naruto's book into a film? You okay with that, princess?"

Yuki blushed, "Yes, well, I have never done a steamy scene, but every woman in the world wants to be loved like what was written in those pages."

Ino wiped away a small nosebleed. "You ready to do that on camera?"

Yuki blushed cherry red and waved her hands in front of her. "No, no, no. Actresses have ways of doing it that make it look real, but there is no actual … sex."

Samui chuckled and her icy blue eyes danced in delight. "Oh, we know that sweetie. But you still need to get naked on camera, right?"

Sandayu coughed uncomfortably as Yuki nearly fainted from her atomic blush. "Yes, well, that is why we are requesting Naruto as the actor. Yuki is taken with his writing, and I sense he would do very well on screen."

All heads turned to Naruto, who held his hands up defensively. "Look, I told them that they needed to get your approval first. I don't know why they want me, but they do. So, what do you say, girls?"

The sister-wives all huddled up and left room for Tsunade to join in.

"You think she just wants a piece of Ruto?" Ino asked.

Temari looked over Ino's shoulder and nodded, "No doubt, but I know we can trust Ruto."

"So, is it cool to let our man kiss another woman?" Samui asked.

Ino shrugged, "Doesn't bother me that much. We could go with and watch the whole movie get shot."

"If we do that, then we can put our foot down if things get too steamy." Temari added with a pensive look.

Tsunade chuckled, "It is Ruto and a love scene. It is going to get steamy, even if he tones it down."

Ino sighed, "No helping that. Just think, girls. If we let him do this, we can give his shit for the rest of his life."

"And we can make him dedicate a clone to finish the third book." Samui added.

After a collective nod, they rose out of the blonde huddle and Temari addressed Yuki. "Very well, we approve. We will be able to press the stop button and have a say on any of the … intimate… scenes."

Yuki blushed cherry red and Sandayu nodded. "Very well. We will pay for your protection and allow you to supervise production."

Naruto beamed a smile that lit up the room, "Awesome, well, sounds like we got a deal. I will let you discuss payment for film rights with the publishing house. I will also let them negotiate my actor's pay. For the mission, we will charge you a 'B' rank protection mission for the duration of the filming."

Tsunade remembered the Snow mission from Naruto's stories, so she decided to feel it out. "So, where will you go to first for the filming?"

Sandayu coughed and cleared his throat. "Snow country. The environment would be artistically fitting for the opening of the film and book."

Tsunade exchanged a knowing look and nod with Naruto, "Well, safe travels. I look forward to seeing the finished product."

-Ride to Snow Country-

Naruto, Samui, Temari, Ino and Team Guy showed up at the gate to see Sandayu and the film crew. Naruto looked around, as did the girls, and they didn't see Yuki anywhere. They closed the distance with Sandayu and saw that the producer was wearing an exasperated look on his face.

"Where is Yuki at?" Naruto asked as mission leader.

Sandayu sighed, "She made me find a hairdresser that would change her hair. She said she wanted to get into her new role as Akari."

Ino cocked an eyebrow and got into her sassy pose, "Who did she go to? What does she need to do to get in that role?"

Sandayu shrugged, "I don't know."

"We are about to find out." Naruto said as he turned around and looked down the main street after feeling her chakra signature. At least he didn't have to go and hunt her down this time around. "Aw … shit." Naruto said under his breath.

Temari giggled and it seemed to be contagious because Ino and Samui joined moments later. It all connected at once for them and the thought was just too funny. Temari leaned into Naruto, "Looks like she wanted to be your type, Ruto."

As Naruto groaned, Samui leaned over Ino's shoulder and whispered, "Where is the off button? Can we shut him down?"

Tema 10 looked on confused and Shizuka was standing there with a questioning look on her face and her hand on her hips. Ino joined in the ribbing, "Well, ladies, what do we think about adding a famous actress to the bunch?"

As the girls giggled, Naruto groaned louder. "She is just getting into the role. I wrote Akari as a blonde because I loved all of you."

Temari patted Naruto's shoulder in a patronizing way. "Sure, sure, we believe you Ruto."

Yuki walked up to the group and cocked her head to the side not understanding the current situation. When Naruto looked up and offered a weak smile, she blushed and played with strands of her newly platinum blonde hair. "So, Naruto, what do you think?"

Naruto's smile grew and he replied, "Well, it suits you pretty well, Akari."

Yuki's blushed deepened and she looked like a sheepish schoolgirl and her eye dropped to the ground and she fidgeted shyly. "T-thank you."

"Alright, let's move out. We need to get to port by tonight and the ship leaves port tomorrow morning at 9am." Sandayu announced to the group.

The ship ride to Snow Country was eventful and Naruto spent much more time working with Yuki than last time around. She gave him pointers on his acting, rehearsed lines and Naruto worked to adapt the book to the screen in the best way he knew how. While he was doing this, he was trying to remember the mission and he wanted to base some of the scenes around the battles he knew were coming. That prompted him to pulled Sandayu and Yuki into a room with him and Guy.

"Sandayu, is there anything you feel like sharing with us and the princess here?" Naruto said in a much firmer tone than he had used with them before. Even Guy straightened his spine when he realized Naruto was in serious mode.

Sandayu fidgeted, "W-what are y-you talking ab-bout, Lord Senju?"

Naruto sighed, "Well, let's start with Princess Koyuki Kazahana. Then, you can tell me what you have planned while we are in Snow country. Finally, I will shatter your plans and lay out a new plan once we have up to date intel."

Yuki, or Koyuki now, looked scandalized at Sandayu. "You promised this trip wouldn't be about that!"

Naruto put a comforting hand on her shoulder and took all of the anger out of her. "Koyuki, I know why you are scared. I don't expect you to embrace this right away. Just know that I will be deposing Doto. If you feel like leading your people to a better future, I will help you with that."

Sandayu sighed, "Lord Senju, we have organized a rebellion. I have 200 samurai that were loyal to Koyuki's father. We … we were going to plan a counter ambush while travelling through the country…"

Naruto held up a hand, "Stop, that was an idiotic plan. Why would you use your most valuable piece as bait? Second, do you know your enemy? Do you even know your own forces? I know you were once a samurai general, but this plan was just sloppy."

Sandayu's head fell to his chest, "I have no choice, the people of Snow are slowly dying. Doto has raised taxes on people that live in a barren land to raise an army. He has trains, a blimp, kunai launchers and about 50 shinobi and 400 samurai. He lives in a fortress that is unassailable. We need to draw him out."

Naruto actually laughed at that, "Do you know who I am? Do you have any idea what I can do?"

Guy put a hand on Naruto's shoulder to back him up. "I am not a fan of overly destructive jutsu, but there is nothing Naruto can't do."

Sandayu looked skeptically at Naruto and Koyuki was still lost in her own thoughts. "We are talking about a fortress here. Not …"

"I one-punched a friggin mountain, man. Just relax. The only thing I need to know is if you want to keep the fort or not." Naruto shot a deadpan look at Sandayu and cut him off with a look of agitation on his face. "Honestly, I hope you say no because we could get some amazing footage for a final battle scene if I destroy the base."

A red, slitted eye cracked open within the mindscape and a wood clone of Kurama formed out of Naruto's back, which shocked Koyuki and Sandayu. "Ruto, we need to destroy it! I totally want to see that, and it can be a good close to your first book. We would just have to shoot the rescue scene separately and then the princess there will stand by your side as you drop the base into the gorge."

Sandayu was overwhelmed, "Umm, who are you and how did you know that the base was on the side of a gorge?"

Naruto chuckled sheepishly, "Well, this here is Kurama, you met him last night. He is actually the Kyuubi no Kitsune in a wood clone of mine. As for your second question, let's just say we have a good intelligence network."

Sandayu nodded dumbly, but Koyuki didn't know what the Kyuubi was. "Wait, aren't you Lady Senju's boyfriend?"

Kurama nodded proudly and smirked at Koyuki, "And weren't you a brunette last time I saw you?" This comment made Koyuki glance at Naruto, blush and avert her eyes when they met the startling azure blues that were dancing with amusement.

Naruto laughed, "Alright, alright. Look, Yuki, this is my Momma's boyfriend, and he is the most powerful chakra entity ever that is sealed in me. It is confusing, but just know that with him and I around you will be fine. And Kyu, she is getting into her role as Akari."

Kurama's smirk turned devilish, "Oh, silly me, I thought she was trying to seduce you."

Koyuki's blush turned atomic, and Naruto chuckled and slugged Kyu in the shoulder. Sandayu coughed and brought everyone back to the serious topic while Guy was just watching the scene with an amused smile.

"Umm, Naruto, are you saying you knew what was going to happen when I requested this mission and you only need your team to take Doto and his forces head on?"

Naruto shrugged, "Guy, do you want a good fight? I will put you and your team into the movie if you put on a good show."

Guy punched a fist into the air, "It would be the fieriest and most youthful endeavor of my life to join you in your first movie, young Senju."

"Oi, Ruto, I know you are going to let me in on the action … right?" Kurama pleaded.

Naruto cocked an eyebrow and looked at Koyuki, "Who do you want in the movie? You can pick from my squad. I will film all of the fights, so you get to pick who you think would look best on camera. I claim Doto though."

Sandayu coughed once more, "Why are you talking like this is a game? Like this will be some fun jaunt through Snow country?"

Naruto sighed before firming his gaze and flashing into GKSM, Golden Kurama Sage Mode. "Look, Sandayu, I could do this on my own. I don't believe that is best for the Princess, my team or the world. If anything gets out of hand, I will step in. So, until you see me in this mode again, just relax, please. I simply thought we could get some good, authentic fights and somehow find a way to incorporate them into the movie."

Sandayu nodded at the overwhelming display of power. His jaw then fell when Naruto placed his hand on Kurama and transferred a good portion of the power into Kurama. Kurama flexed his arms and hands and grinned devilishly once more. "Thank you, Kami, I love this guy!"

Koyuki just looked on in amazement and she couldn't stop the fluttering in her heart or the soaking of her panties. "That was amazing…"

Up in Kami's realm, Kami was scowling at the television and Minato flashed in front of the big screen television and caught the volley of golden kunai that Kami had flung at the new television. Kushina was laughing so hard that she let her head slam unceremoniously onto the desk. Minato sighed and addressed his goddess and boss.

"Lady Kami, we just got this TV. Please don't destroy it yet."

Kami scoffed and clicked her fingers, which blew the TV up which abruptly tossed Minato onto the floor. She snapped her fingers again and a new TV was in its place. She cocked a defiant eyebrow at Minato. "Minato, how did you devote yourself to one woman when your son literally makes every woman that I allow to interact with him fall in love?"

Kushina raised her head from the desk, still laughing. "Hehe, Kami, it is your own fault. Plus, he isn't going to give in to the princess. He didn't last time around either."

Kami scowled, "No, but he is going through a loophole. I can't punish him when he is just acting."

Minato couldn't stop the mischievous smile that found its way onto his face, "Is somebody jealous?"

Kami flicked her hand and Minato flew through six walls and out of Kami's castle. Kushina raised an eyebrow at Kami, "My lady, if you feel that strongly about it, then why don't you just tell him?"

Kami, yes, the goddess of this universe, blushed and refused to meet Kushina's eyes. "I … I can't. I am a goddess and Naruto is a mortal child; I am bound by the rules I created."

Kushina sighed, "Well, that's just your own stubbornness getting in the way of what you want. As Naruto would say, rules are meant to be broken." Kami's blush intensified and she remained silent with a pensive look on her face.

Back on the ship, two days had passed in a somewhat pleasant journey. Ruto literally rocked the boat each night with his girls. Turns out privacy seals couldn't stop the over-enthusiastic attention that he gave to his wives. The guests initially thought they were going through stormy seas, but after each of them couldn't sleep, they went to the deck to catch some fresh air. Then, each morning the three glowing blondes made it harder and harder for Koyuki to deal with the burgeoning crush that was developing for Naruto. The girls watched on amused as Koyuki's flirting turned from shy and tentative to obvious and clutsy in less than two days.

Of course, the girls knew Naruto would never abuse their trust and they were honestly used to the women of the world falling for their man. They made a game of it and engaged in their own side commentary. They liked Koyuki well enough, and she was a good woman, so there were no hard feelings. Plus, it was really funny watching Naruto get into his role as Naru, yes, he named the main character of his books after himself. He figured it fit since he crafted his books as a romanticized version of his previous life.

His first book actually started with his mission to Wave country and ends in Snow country, which may have been why Koyuki was so enamored by it. Of course, he adjusted the names and abilities and altered some key events and some timelines to make it more compelling. He used his initial meeting with Haku as inspiration for Naru to fall in love with Akari, Koyuki's character. After a memorable first meeting, the two separate and meet up later in life when Naru and he crew gets dragged into a mission to protect her. The first book ends with Doto's death and the salvation of Akari's country.

On the boat, they shot the scenes where the hero was preparing to go with his trusty sidekicks to take down the dark tyrant. These scenes included a bunch of angst and ended with the parting, good luck kiss of Akari and the hero. Thus, Ino, Temari and Samui watched on in amusement with a tinge of jealousy as Koyuki's knees went weak after the first passionate kiss. The director actually called for a redo because Koyuki was in no shape for the end of that scene. The girls giggled and placed bets on how many takes it would take to get this scene done.

Finally, after six retakes of the kissing scene, Naruto called it a day and prepared for the fight that he was expecting. He remembered that four people ended up fighting team 7 midway through the journey last time around. That night, he called his team in to discuss expectations for the mission with a bit of a dramatic twist.

"Alright guys, I know that it is criminal to underestimate your enemies, so I am going to fill you in with what I know. First, there will be a couple shinobi in chakra armor. This armor absorbs ninjutsu, a high A rank would be needed to get through it. That being said, my network told me that each of the chakra armors has a power core that would be considered its weak spot. Plus, the power core can be overwhelmed if it absorbs too much chakra. That being said, they can use that chakra to strengthen their own jutsus, so be careful."

Lee was raising his hand animatedly, so Naruto nodded to him. "Does it counter taijutsu?"

"Haha, no, Lee, not completely. It gives them an enhanced defense, but nothing you can't break through with a couple good shots. Anyone else?"

Shizuka nodded, "How many of these chakra armors should we expect to face?"

Naruto shrugged, "They are expensive and rare according to intel. Five to ten would be my guess."

Neji followed this up, "Any other known weaknesses?"

"The joints and head. The armor is not supposed to cover the head, but we will have to put that to the test. Okay, moving on, they have some technology that you haven't seen. First, they have a train which is basically a big, clunky transport carriage made of metal that moves along tracks. Second, they have a weaponized blimp which can fly through the sky, so keep eyes up. Finally, and probably most deadly, are the kunai launchers. The launches can launch volleys of hundreds of kunai in seconds. They have these around their bases and on the train."

"Best way to deal with them?" Ino asked.

"Earth walls, water walls or a powerful wind jutsu. I am sure everyone here can handle it, but I was honestly more concerned about the samurai." Naruto answered.

"Why are the samurai even getting involved?" Neji asked, not understanding why lesser combatants would muddle the battlefield.

Naruto nodded in understanding before he turned serious. "Okay, this is where I start to get silly. I have so much faith in each of you that I plan to use our fights to get footage for the film. Before you freak out, it also is because we can't just fight Snow country's fight for them. The samurai are an honorable bunch, and it would be offensive to them if we simply did this for them."

Guy and Lee nodded in understanding, but Neji and Shizuka scoffed. Temari spoke up, "I have faith in Ruto, and we all know that if he takes it seriously, he can keep everyone safe."

Naruto chuckled nervously before the next part, "Okay, so this is where it may get weird. In my book, instead of chakra the characters use magic. Not that much of a difference, but if you can refrain from saying your jutsu's names out loud, that would be appreciated. Also, in any fight you take, I will have a wood clone filming you and you will have some lines and prompts I would like in the film. So, don't end it too quickly and don't be scared to get a bit flashy with it. We want to put on a good show."

Shizuka looked incredulous, "Do you believe we are that much stronger than the enemy shinobi? You are asking us to risk our lives for entertainment."

Samui chuckled, "Shizuka, you have joined in our workouts for the last couple months. You should know the capabilities of this team. Intel reports that the have two, possibly three, low to mid 'A' rank shinobi leading them. That means that everyone here can easily win a one on one. If you are not confident, just tag team with Lee. That was what Naruto had planned anyways."

Lee punch the air and then clapped excitedly, "Oh, how youthful! I get to fight alongside Shizuka!"

Naruto put a calming hand on Lee's shoulder, "Lee, you play one of Naru's companions and Shizuka is the slave that you rescued from the Dark General's forces. I did not have any lines about the flames of youth. You character is excitable, but I would ask that you temper your enthusiasm during the fight scenes, at least verbally."

Neji nodded, but he saw a flaw. "Okay, Naruto, how will you divide the fights up?"

Naruto smirked, "My Sage mode will give me plenty of warning and I will divide you up. My clones will each have cameras and tag along. I will be with Koyuki, and my girls are on crew protection."

Ino pouted, "When do we get our screen time?"

Naruto chuckled, "You three will play Koyuki's loyal maids. Before and after the rescue scene as well as the later part of the movie. You will each have a couple lines, my love."

Guy stepped forward and puffed out his chest, "Naruto, my most youthful rival, when does the green beast get to fight?"

"You will be leading first contact and you will fight against their leader. Guy, I will need you to get into a costume, of sorts, when I sense the enemies. You will play the hero's sensei. Unfortunately, the sensei dies in the conclusion of the first battle." Naruto held up a hand, "Don't worry about throwing a fight. I will use transformed shadow clones to help shoot any scene like that."

Guy held out a big thumbs up, "Thank you for giving me such a youthful role!"

"Any other questions?" Naruto asked, ready to wrap this meeting up and get back to writing.

Ten-Ten spoke this time, "Are they all ice jutsu users?"

"To the best of our knowledge, that is their main affinity. However, unlike the Yuki clan, they can only manipulate the ice and snow around them. Unfortunately, in Snow country, that is pretty much everywhere."

"When will the samurai get involved?" Temari asked.

"They will travel with us in the caravan. If nothing happens before we reach the fort, then I will let them form the front line before I bring down the fort."

"Are you going to kill everyone in the fort?" Ino asked with trepidation and everyone else shifted uncomfortably.

"I will give them a chance to surrender, and I will make sure to give them some time. Unfortunately, that means there will probably be a fight in front of the fort. I will try to destroy it slowly, but I would expect a high number of casualties." Naruto said, torn between feeling guilty for the lives he will take and wanting to avoid casualties on his side.

-Battle on the Iceberg-

The meeting closed shortly after that, and the next day Naruto was meditating in Sage mode and felt first contact coming. It was frustrating timing because he was beginning to feel something different in the ocean's energy. Once again, he felt the shinobi stationed on an iceberg that was about five miles off the coast of Snow country. Naruto rallied the shinobi, got them into their costumes for the movie and secured the camera harnesses to his clones. He couldn't wait to see their incredulous faces when a camera crew was literally spectating their fight.

Naruto worked with Sandayu and the direct, Klaude, who was some foreign film director, to coordinate with the ships captain. The mid-size ship pulled up at the edge of the iceberg and the shinobi went to put on their performance. Naruto felt four distinct chakra signatures and he knew that these would be the ones in chakra armor. He put Guy in charge of Lee, Shizuka, Neji and Ten-Ten before he engaged a chameleon jutsu over his four wood clones that were carrying cameras.

Guy led his squad over the tip of the iceberg in the direction that Naruto had directed. The iceberg was massive and was easily 2kilometers wide and one kilometer long. It also centered around an icy peak and Guy was directed to climb to the top of the peak. Naruto clone one swung around the back of the enemy shinobi with his camera and got into a good position for a upward film angle.

Guy beat the enemy shinobi to the peak, and he took up an imposing position at the crest of the peak with his team framing over the crest of the ridge. Naruto clone one wanted to make a chef's kiss sound, but refrained itself in order to capture the scene that was playing out. Four shinobi in chakra armor and weird looking helmets stood below the Konoha group and took up poses.

The clone hoped Guy, who was wearing a loose-fitting black kimono with a bear skin cloak and black fingerless gloves. To his chagrin, he wore a bandana that was eerily reminiscent of Kakashi's face mask. Guy also borrowed one of Naruto's extra-long 78-inch katanas as a prop. Guy preferred using his fists, but he was passable as a kenjutsu practitioner, especially after training with Naruto.

One of Naruto's clones had grabbed Shizuka and cloaked her in a chameleon genjutsu and he tied her hands quickly and gagged her, much to her confusion and dismay. Naruto may be getting a little too into the acting, but he wanted some high quality, genuine, footage. The clone spawned a quick shadow clone that used shunshin to transport Shizuka, who appeared behind the Snow shinobi.

Guy's eyes widened slightly, but now his lines Naruto gave him made more sense. He felt Naruto clone three shift behind his shoulder to get a better shot of the team below. Guy scowled deeply and fixed a look of rage on his face.

"You cretins! Unhand the maiden and step aside! Your unjust rule of Snow Mountain will no longer be tolerated!" Guy roared out, which confused the hell out of the Snow group.

Lee saw Shizuka tied up behind the shinobi and only remained calm because he felt a calming hand from Naruto clone two. The clone fed him his line and said that everything would be okay. Lee didn't have to fake the look of concern and fury on his face as he looked down at Shizuka.

"My Lady! Fear not! I will dispatch these scoundrels and come to thy rescue!" Lee shouted while Neji and Ten-Ten struggled to remain professional at the absurdity of the situation.

Nadaire Rouga, the leader of the Snow group, was beyond confused. These strangely dressed people were shouting at him and he honestly had no clue what was going on. That was when he heard a muffled groan and turned around to see Shizuka tied up. He grabbed her roughly by the arm and pulled her to him, which was a… Big. Fucking. Mistake.

Lee wouldn't tolerate Shizuka being in danger any further and he disappeared in a crackle of lightning, which was Lee's chakra nature and the side effect of using lightning reinforcement. This made him as fast as Sage mode one Naruto, which meant that he was faster than anyone the Snow shinobi had ever seen. Before Nadaire even turned around, he was sent flying down the hill of the iceberg and into the ocean. Lee grabbed Shizuka and freed her from her bindings and placed a passionate kiss on her lips to stop the shouts of anger and promised vengeance. It was film gold and Naruto was happy with the opening scene of the first battle in Snow country.

Lee's actions caused all hell to break loose. Team Guy darted forward and engaged their targets; Neji took Mizore, the big, goofy looking guy that somehow propelled himself on a snowboard. Ten-Ten engaged the pink-haired kunoichi that had somehow sprouted wings out the back of her armor. Guy bounded down the mountain to engage Nadaire and Lee partnered with Shizuka to engage a bulky male shinobi that was also wearing chakra armor.

-Neji's fight against Mizore … and … action! Neji chased the shinobi that was riding down the icy peak on his snowboard. The terrain and shinobi item gave his adversary an advantage in mobility, at least for the moment. As he gave chase, he remembered Naruto's instructions. Never put yourself at risk, don't underestimate your enemy, but feel them out and do your best to put on a show.

As Neji closed the distance at the base of the peak, he saw that he had about 50 square meters to work with. He unsealed the bow out of his right wrist and the first arrow auto loaded in his bow before he let loose. The arrow sailed through the air and missed as Mizore was able to swerve his snowboard to dodge the projectile. However, he wasn't ready for the chakra explosion that erupted at the point of impact. Mizore was forced to regain his balance and he came to an abrupt stop.

Mizore scowled as he unlatched himself from the chakra board and he pulled it onto his arm to use it as a long shield. He unsealed a tanto and turned to engage Neji. "You cannot defeat me, Leaf shinobi! I am blessed with the chakra armor. None of your attacks will break through my defenses."

Neji, assigned the role as the archer of the hero's entourage, recited his lines with a Hyuga-style indifference. "I care not, scum. You will perish today for my Lord and Lady!"

Mizore cocked his head in confusion. "What the hell are you idiots talking about? We are here to kill you and capture the princess. Now come and meet your death!" Mizore began running at Neji, who was severely unimpressed.

Neji pushed chakra into the loading seal for explosive arrows and he notched two of them simultaneously. Neji let loose the arrows at Mizore's feet once again, knowing that the arrows weren't likely to penetrate the chakra armor. The arrows impacted on either side of Mizore's feet and moments later an explosion sent him careening toward Neji. Neji sealed his bow and powered up his right fist and arm in chakra. He focused the chakra into a sharp point that covered his closed right fist. Neji's front foot slid forward, and he slammed a debilitating punch at the airborne Mizore.

Mizore had never faced an enemy that he couldn't handle. He was the third strongest shinobi in Snow country and his armor was always able to give him a decisive advantage in battle. He usually reveled in his enemies' confusion and frustration when his armor absorbed their jutsu. However, this shinobi wasn't targeting his armor. He was targeting his feet and working around his strengths to exploit his weaknesses.

Mizore's breath left his lungs, and he felt a piercing pain in his gut when Neji's right fist connected right below his diaphragm. The abrupt change in momentum sent him skidding toward the ocean in a crumpled heap and he could feel blood leaking out of his abdomen. He pulled back his hands and saw that they were covered in blood, and he could feel a hole in the chakra armor. Mizore rose to a knee with one hand still covering his gut and he scowled at Neji who once more had his bow in hand.

Naruto clone four took up a position in between Neji and Mizore and he focused the camera on Neji who was about to deliver his kill line and kill shot. Neji fixed his face into a stoney and indifferent visage before he spoke in a low and menacing tone. "With this arrow, I send the to thy maker." Neji let loose an arrow that had condensed and sharpened chakra in its tip that sailed through the air in a low and menacing hiss.

The arrow glowed brilliantly as the chakra tip fought against the defenses of the chakra armor, but after milliseconds of resistance, that arrow's momentum penetrated through the armor's front and stuck through Mizore with its tip poking out of his back and the feathers of the arrow stuck in a black and blue array over his heart. The Snow shinobi fell forward unceremoniously with blood dribbling from his mouth.

-Ten-Ten versus Fubuki… and … action! Ten-Ten jumped down the hill slower than her teammates, but she was unleashing volleys of wind-covered kunai at the pink-haired kunoichi as she went. This, of course, drew Fubuki's attention and she leaped into the air before her wings expanded and she began soaring over the battlefield. Now, Ten-Ten knew why she was assigned this target. She kept the pink-haired girl's attention on her and bounded away from the evolving fights. She rounded the side of the peak that was closer to the boat, but she knew that Naruto would protect the crew and vessel if worst came to worst.

Ten-Ten launched volleys of sealed kunai and shuriken into the air at her winged opponent. The kunoichi proved elusive as the air filled with steel and the armor as able to absorb the few kunai that clinked off the front. Ten-Ten, seeing that her current tactics weren't working, began to recalibrate her plan of attack. She paused momentarily, which prompted Fubuki to start the shit talking.

"Little Leaf girl, you can't touch me when I am in my armor. Your puny little weapons could never penetrate the peak of Snow's technology!" Fubuki shouted in midflight.

Ten-Ten was enraged by the taunting of her precious weapons. She took a deep breath and remembered that she was not solely a weapon's expert anymore. She also remembered that if she wanted to get into the movie that she would need to say her lines. "You, who work for an unjust ruler, dare talk down to me? I will shoot you down and free the people of Snow Mountain from your oppression!"

Fubuki was confused, very, very, confused. She cocked her head midair, and she knew that she only had a minute or two more of flight before she would need to recharge the chakra armor. "What the hell are you talking about, girl?"

Ten-Ten sighed before schooling her features. "Our Lady is the rightful ruler of Snow Mountain. Your dictator killed her father and unjustly claimed her throne! You will perish to the divine beauty of my steel!"

Ten-Ten palmed a brace of shuriken and focused her chakra into placing a fuinjutsu seal on the shuriken. Ten-Ten always loved explosions and she felt like blasting this pinkie out of the air would give her some satisfaction. She finished molding the chakra, took aim and let loose the ten shuriken. They arced through the air in a shotgun pattern and chased Fubuki, who swerved hard to the left, but it wasn't enough. Ten mid-sized explosions blew up over her right shoulder and the concussive blast sent her flailing into the ground in a mix of arms, legs and wings.

Ten-Ten didn't waste any time and she unsealed her favorite wakizashi, affectionately dubbed Needle. She dashed forward as Fubuki was trying to recover from the impromptu crash landing. Ten-Ten was able to close the distance as Fubuki shakily rose to her feet with two kunai in hand. As Ten-Ten was running, she heard the Naruto clone tell her to draw this out, so she held back in the opening strike of the battle.

A five minute, one-sided, kenjutsu battle began as the Snow kunoichi was forced to go through two sets of kunai due to Ten-Ten's sword shattering them. Ten-Ten was highly skilled, and all of her moves were graceful and efficient. The kenjutsu dance was able to sever both mangled wings and it was able to shred some of the chakra armor. Fubuki now had blood trickling out of no less than eight gashes and her armor's core was cracked. She grunted as yet another shallow slash forced her to bleed more of her own blood.

Ten-Ten then got the go ahead to finish the fight, but the Naruto clone asked her to capture this opponent. Ten-Ten offered a slight nod before she dashed forward and Fubuki screamed as two new gashes appeared at the back of her kneecaps. She fell to the ground, no longer able to support her own weight and her hands held her up as she hunched over. Ten-Ten smashed the hilt of her wakizashi into the base of Fubuki's neck and sent her to the realm of the unconscious.

"You know, Ruto, those lines were funny. They were so confused that it was honestly hilarious." Ten-Ten chirped as she applied a chakra locking seal to the base of Fubuki's neck.

The clone let the chameleon jutsu drop and answered Ten-Ten, "Yeah, I knew it would. I had to change the novels a bit, but you can't fake this quality of fight. The producer is going to need a change of pants when I show him this footage."

Ten-Ten waved him off, "Yeah, yeah, so can I change out of this silly costume now?"

Naruto clone chuckled, "Sure thing, Ten-Ten, thanks for playing along."

-Might Guy versus Nadaire… ready … action! After Lee sent Guy's target flying, he suppressed the inner call of his flames of youth. He wanted to support his student and offer his praise. That being said, Guy was in business mode, and he would do anything for Naruto. Thus, he kept the grizzled and hardened face of the hero's sensei on, and he dashed at high speeds to locate Nadaire.

Guy had to suppress a chuckle at the sight of the Snow squad leader. The man was soaking wet, and his cloak clung to his chakra armor. He was scowling as the icy sea water fell from his cloak and hair. Nadaire spit on the ground and growled at Guy. "What are you doing in my country, Konoha nin?"

Guy tried to remember his lines and forgot, so he turned toward the invisible Naruto and asked for a line check. Nadaire watched the man nod before Guy turned back to him with a scowl on his face. "Your country? You, who support the insurrectionist, claim that this is your country? My Lady is the rightful princess and queen of this country!"

Nadaire scowled, "That bitch knows nothing of this country. She fled when she was a child. She should surrender to my Lord and die in disgrace."

Guy didn't have to fake the anger that flared to the surface upon his face. "You insolent whelp! My Lady is a good woman that was forced out of the country as a child! I will fight and die for my Lady!"

Naruto clone one kept the camera focused on the intimidating figure that was Might Guy. In his outfit, he carried a menacing presence, especially when his hardened eyes lit aflame with a just anger. Guy didn't exchange anymore words. He slowly unsheathed his katana from his back and took up an opening stance. Nadaire didn't seem to like this, and he started weaving through hand signs before calling out, 'ice style – winter blizzard'.

Guy coated his body in an earthen chakra, and he darted around the icy blizzard that erupted between him and his opponent. He was forced to reroute once more as an ice wall with spikes on it appeared in front of him. This didn't deter Guy, who was dedicated to using the katana as his character, Kashi, used in the book. Guy used four rapid slashed to disintegrate the ice kunai that Nadaire had sent his way. He made a show of swinging his katana sharply down to his right hip, as if he were clearing the blood off it, after blocking the projectiles.

"You jutsu a cold and lack the fiery passion of the flames of you …ahem … I mean your icy jutsu just shows how cold and heartless your Lord's reign is." Guy's challenge faltered due to the near relapse into the flames of youth.

Nadaire cocked his head to the side as he continued weaving through hand seals. He saw that Mizore was defeated, and he saw Fubuki get blown out of the sky. He now knew that he needed to retreat, which was why he was weaving through 52 hand seals, grateful that this oaf was letting him. As he held the last seal, he issued his challenge and warning to his opponent.

"Do not think that you will be successful in your mission. We will kill you and capture the princess, one way or another. I leave you with this gift today, so that I may kill you in our future battles!" Nadaire shouted as he slammed his hands into the ice.

"Oh shit! Guy, get back to the boat!" Naruto's wood clone broke the chameleon jutsu and shouted.

Guy felt the ground quaking and he saw the ice cracking beneath his feet. He wasn't going to let this foe go and he gripped the katana by the hilt over his right shoulder and hurled it at Nadaire who stilled had his hands on the icy ground. Guy let the katana go with a mighty roar and it hurled through the air and chunks of ice as it ripped Nadaire's left arm off below the elbow.

As the sword ripped through the arm, a massive whale made of ice rose from the base of the iceberg and cracked everything around it. It leaped into the air with a roar under Guy's position before it crashed into the iceberg. Chunks of ice and water flew everywhere from the point of impact and a mighty crack wrang out through the icy ocean air as the iceberg began shattering. Before the whale surfaced, Guy the disappeared in a black blur as he moved to gather his students and make it back to the boat.

A Naruto clone formed out of the wood clone and dove into the ocean water to get his boss' katana back. It was an absolutely epic shot, and it would go well in the movie, but that was an extra-long, chakra steel katana that Naruto didn't want to part with, damnit! The wood clone followed Guy back to the boat and noticed that Lee and Shizuka were already clearing the icy peak on their way back to the vessel. Before the boat came in sight, the shadow clone appeared in a shunshin and handed off the katana to the wood clone before popping itself.

Back on the boat, Naruto had remained in a standing meditative position, and he felt all of the fights. As he thought, his allies had everything well in hand. Then, he felt the massive chakra surge and the ice jutsu coming from the base of the iceberg. He gathered the few crew members that were on the iceberg and got them ready for a rapid departure. He greeted Ten-Ten and sealed the Snow kunoichi into a stasis scroll. He saw Neji, Lee and Shizuka darting down the icy peak towards the boat as the ice cracked. He saw the director ordering the film crew to capture everything as the cameramen leaned over the boat. Finally, he saw Guy and his wood clone close the distance to the boat before leaping high into the air and landing on the vessel as the ice gave out underneath them.

"Welcome back, Guy. Where is my katana?" Naruto asked, immediately noticing the absence of Heaven's Edge, a extra-long chakra steel katana that he had custom made and spent hours engraving seals into.

Guy chuckled nervously and fell into his sheepish pose, "I, um, well, I, uh…"

"Boss, he threw it like a spear at their leader. Took the guy's arm off, but I had to send a clone into the ocean to retrieve it." The wood clone informed him with the camera harness still on its shoulder.

Naruto breathed a sigh of relief. "Oh, thank Kami. Good call on that. I will give you some extra chakra so you can stick around longer. Maybe you can … assist… me tonight with my husbandly duties."

The wood clone beamed a Gigawatt smile at its creator. "Thanks boss!"

Guy wiped off his sweat drop and looked around at his team. It seemed like everything went well. "Okay, Naruto, that was a good fight. What's next?" Guy asked with a proud thumb up.

The squad closed around their leaders as Naruto answered. "Well, we make landfall and rendezvous with the samurai. From there, we will shoot some scenes and make our way to Doto's castle. I am sure he will try to ambush us on our way, but it is tough to ambush someone who can passively sense every life signature within ten miles."

Sandayu nodded, "Yes, I am a believer now. So, we will dock at Coldpoint Port and rendezvous with my friends there. From there, it will be a two-day journey through many mountain passes on our way to the fortress."

Guy nodded along, "How much longer to Coldpoint port?"

Sandayu answered promptly, "We will get there by nightfall."

Naruto clapped his hands and drew everyone's attention. "Team 9, thank you for playing along." At this point, Naruto took a wind-powered punch to the back of his head, which he didn't even budge to. He turned and cast an apologetic look at Shizuka, "Yeah, I am sorry about that Shizuka. My clone we off on its own and did that. You have read the book, so I hope you can understand. Thank being said, I truly apologize for putting you in danger." Naruto bowed, along with his remaining clones, toward Shizuka.

Shizuka blushed and suddenly turned abashed. "I … uh … sigh … it's okay, Ruto. I forgive you."

Lee swung an arm over Shizuka's shoulders, "My rival, if you ever do something so unyouthful to my Shizuka again, I will not hesitate to open the gates on you."

Naruto adopted his sheepish pose, but it was Kurama that answered, "That sounds like a good fight, Lee. Maybe I will take you up on that. Naruto did give me eight tails and a bunch of Sage chakra yesterday."

Lee held his hands up in surrender and chuckled nervously, "No, Lord Kurama, my flames of youth cannot stand up to your eternal flames."

Kurama chuckled heartily, "What about you, Guy? Care for a youthful spar once we make landfall?"

Guy held out two thumbs up with his trademark smile, complete with the glint of sunlight. "Yes, Lord Kurama. It would be a most youthful endeavor!"

Kurama waved him off, "Enough with the Lord business. I appreciate the respect, but you are close friends to my eternal partner. It is not needed."

Guy bowed to Kurama, "Thank you for such an honor, Kurama."

Koyuki approached the group with her three blonde guards, "Did everything go well?"

Neji answered with an unusually sarcastic tone, "Yes, it was quite enjoyable. Something about seeing the clueless and confused faces when we were going through our lines was quite … satisfying."

Ten-Ten giggled, "It sure was. It felt awkward at first, but it was fun. Naruto, how did the shots turn out?"

Naruto shrugged, "Still need to review the footage. Plus, I haven't absorbed my clones yet. So, I dunno."

Shizuka growled, "It better have been worth it!"

At Koyuki, Temari, Samui and Ino's expectant looks, Naruto explained how one of his clones tied her up, gagged her and placed her near the enemy shinobi for the footage. Of course, this earned incredulous looks that devolved into a fit of girly giggles as the stories continued. The nervousness about treating live combat as a movie slowly faded and everyone got into the project of making the most kickass movie of all time.

For the director's part, he couldn't believe that shinobi weren't used in all movies. They were invaluable assets in production with the cloning, transformations and many other talents. He would need to talk with his production company to hire shinobi for all future ventures. He was so impressed that he pulled Naruto aside and asked for his input. Naruto supported the idea and said that there would be many shinobi and ninja villages that would be interested participating. This was yet another way that Naruto found for ninjutsu to be used to make the world a better and happier place.