Contract of the Shinigami

by KyuubiGoku

Naruto nearly died at Final Valley, but Fate still wants him alive. The Shinigami finds interest in Naruto and makes Naruto it's first summoner. Watch Naruto as he shows the world what it's like to have the Death God for a summon. Incest warning NaruKushi. Uzumaki Eccentric.

47. Chapter 47

KG: (Opens Laptop) Damn, this hasn't been updated in awhile. Well those people are gonna kill me. But what can I do? I'm a very busy person. No one understands how I feel. No one cares about my feelings in this matter.

Naruto: Sorry I couldn't hear you over the moping.

KG: Ignoring!

KG: Well I suppose I'm back. Let's see what we can do with all of this mess.

Music of the Week: Wake Me Up Inside by Evanescene.

Quote: "The fear of death follows from the fear of life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time." by Mark Twain.

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-Nighttime-

Six figures silently rushed through the trees. Their footsteps were a blur across the trees as they jumped on one branch and then on the other. One after the other they landed. The obvious leader of the group pointed two fingers to the sky and then moved them forward. The other five nodded before they vanished out of the trees leaving nothing of their presence. "Make sure you do not kill her. She holds a purpose," he said. Whether they heard him or not was anyone's actually guess. The leader watched his subordinates slip into Konoha's walls. His eyes narrowed.

"Now is the time. The time for the revolution has begun," He muttered to himself before he vanished out of sight as well. "The elemental nations will learn of the new uprising!" his voice lasted through the stillness of the trees.

-Two Days Later-

Shion slowly opened her eyes. The warm sun peered through the screens of her window lighting her elegant face. With a tired yawn, the Uzumaki priestess slowly slipped up from her bed and to the floor. Sleepily she made her way over to the curtains. Swiftly opening them, Shion took notice of the land over the horizon. Strange, her compound hadn't been near this many trees. Slowly Shion widened her eyes before a small smile crossed her face. That's right, this was her ancestral home, Uzushiogakure, home and land of the Uzumaki Clan. She was the last of the Uzumaki priestesses. Naruto had saved her from her fate of death against Mōryō. Shion had been given her best reason to live and she had been given her ambition. To revive the Uzumaki clan priestesses. Well she wasn't going to be able to do that here, in the safety of her room.

Shion perked up when she felt her stomach lightly grumble. Giggling to herself, the young priestess exited her room. Her feet tapped against the wooden floors of the main compound building where most of her family stayed. Last Shion had heard, Uchiha Sasuke, Uchiha Yuna, Uchiha Mikoto, and Uchiha Itachi had moved just a building across from the main family house. Something about a building for themselves and whatnot. At the point, SHion didn't know where Kakashi or Rin stayed nor the others like Suigetsu, Juugo, Zabuza, or Haku, all of whom she had met two days ago. Well Shion felt like she didn't have to be concerned.

Coming into the main room, Shion let out a small yawn. However that yawn didn't last long as Shion thought she saw something fly past her. She was sure that she was just sleepy and that a table hadn't just been inches from her face before it crashed into the wall. Rubbing her eyes, Shion opened them and gawked. "Wanna say that to my face, you damn bitch?!" Tayuya snarled. Shion almost thought she saw her cousin's hair start to levitate into the air in multiple directions. Glancing to her other side she noticed Fuka, who had dodged the coming table, with a small smirk on her face. "And that Tayuya-chan is why you can't get a man. No man would want to kiss such a filthy mouth like yours," Fuka said with a somewhat innocent grin. Tayuya growled.

"That's it! I'm burning your damn hair to the ground. You'd better hope shithead brings you back soon. Cause I'll do it again after that also!" Tayuya snarled before she lunged for Fuka. The older redhead danced out of the way. However Shion then watched as Tayuya somehow picked up the destroyed table and hurled it further across the room issuing a larger crash and louder noise.

"Oi, what the fuck is all this fuckin' noise about?!" Risa shouted out coming from the hall. It was obvious to Shion that Tayuya's mother had still been sleeping if her bed hair had been any indication. "Go back to sleep! This doesn't fuckin' concern you!" Tayuya hollered from across the main family room. She then turned back to Fuka who held her tongue out childishly. Tayuya's face reddened in anger. Although that didn't last long as Shion felt immense pressure. She turned and noticed Risa chuckling darkly. Her fists clenched as a tick mark appeared at the top of her head.

In a flash of speed that Shion could only be surprised by Risa grabbed Tayuya by the younger female's hair. "You must be on your period Tayuya, because that's the only reason your ass is gonna talk back to your mother!" Risa growled. Tayuya turned back to her mother in relative surprise. Fuka chuckled from her side of the wall she was leaning on. She pushed herself off it and walked over to the counter. "I guess tempers run in the mother and daughter duo," Fuka commented. No sooner had the redhead said that did she find both sides of her shoulders grabbed. Shion gasped as she watched Tayuya and Risa speak.

"Fuck you!" Both hollered in perfect unison before they, in one swift motion, flung Fuka out of the house and into the small training fields outside. A small crash sounded causing Shion to sweatdrop. Another set of yawns appeared behind her. Shion turned and noticed Yura, Yuri, Guren, and Yukimaru make their appearance.

"Ohayo," Yukimaru called. Everyone exchanged their greetings and pleasantries leaving Shion rather stunned. "They're just going to ignore this?" Shion thought to herself. She watched Guren turn on the stop to start making breakfast while others sat at the table. Shion was left stunned, but fortunately for her it wasn't for very long. "Shion-oneechan come have breakfast with us!" Shion heard Yuri call. Shion blinked her eyes slightly before turning back to see Tayuya and Risa still ranting over on the other side of the room.

"Well what do we do about…that?" Shion pointed. Everyone followed her eyes and noticed the normal sight of mother-daughter bonding between Tayuya and Risa. Yura quickly waved her off. "We have learned to expect this so early in the morning. You'll get accustomed to it," Yura replied. Shion just stuttered to herself before taking a deep breath. She then resigned herself to her new circumstances and her new family. Shion took her seat next to Yukimaru. The young boy smiled happily at her which Shion returned to the best of her ability. Looking left and right, she noticed a couple of people missing.

"Komachi-san isn't joining us?" Shion asked. It was then that she, and everyone else, heard walking and they noticed Fuka appeared in the house while she brushed off some dirt from her clothes like nothing was wrong. In fact, she looked mighty happy decide the apparent arguing that had been going on. "I saw Komachi-chan. She said that she was going into the town to buy some supplies. Karin went with her to do the same. Though I'm sure it was more to keep an eye on her," Fuka replied. The woman then settled herself down in a chair as well. The smell of warm food assaulted everyone's noses as Guren made the final preparations.

"Is something wrong with Komachi-san?" Shion suddenly and worriedly asked. Some seemed startled by the priestess's concern before they snickered lightly to themselves. "Komachi has something of a memory problem. We're just helping her one day at a time is all," Yura replied. Those surrounded at the table noticed Shion visibly relax in her seat earning a few chuckles from the observers.

"Ohayo. Something smells good in here, dattebane!" Everyone turned around and noticed Kushina appeared from the hallway. No one could mistake the sight of her messed up red hair from the enjoyable sleep that she had no doubt had last night. "Yo Kushina. So where is lover-boy?" Risa asked with a small smirk. Shion blinked to herself. Did the leader of Hinoken have a lover? Shion would have liked to meet him.

"Someone mention me?" All eyes turned and locked onto the form of Uzumaki Naruto. The blonde wore the same foxy grin across his face that he always had. The only thing he was in was a T-shirt and long pajama bottoms. Shion widened her eyes. These two were lovers? But if Shion had learned it yesterday that the woman in front of her was Uzumaki Kushina, mother of Uzumaki Naruto. If they were lovers then this was…incest. Shion blinked to herself before tilting her head to the side. Shion, forgive her, couldn't help but feel a little put off. After all such things weren't supposed to be normal. Now Shion, being from a prestigious clan herself, knew about those things of 'keeping the line pure' by having members of families become married to other family members, but it wasn't like this close of relations was looked upon so easily. However Shion didn't voice her opinion. Perhaps she was sad, jealous, and put off? Was that it? Quite possibly. Shion wasn't sure.

"Nii-chan! Ohayo!" Yuri exclaimed jumping to her feet. She swiftly moved over into Naruto's space and devoured his lips in front of everyone. Shion gawked, but refused to respond to the situation that was currently in front of her. She just shook her head, but couldn't help smiling.

Likewise, Naruto was shaken out of his sleep as the sweet feelings of Yuri's lips crashed into his own. The young Uzumaki must have missed him more than he had figured because now she was, for all intents and purposes, trying to devour his tongue with her own like a dying man in a desert trying to obtain water, or a snake trying to capture a mouse. Across the table, everyone just tried to ignore the scene occurring behind or in front, depending in peripheral of seats, of them. However no one could mistake the deadly coming off the head female Uzumaki. Kushina merely snickered darkly to herself as she tapped her fingers on the table. "Yuri, that's enough. Don't do that near the table!" Yura scolded. Quickly Yuri broke the kiss between herself and Naruto with a heavy pant from both before Yuri pouted.

"Mou Onee-chan, you always have to ruin my fun dattebayen!" Yuri responded before giving a wink to Naruto as she sat at her seat. Naruto followed by taking his seat next to Kushina. The blond could easily tell that his mother was not that much pleased by the spectacle if the glare on her face was any concern. Naruto merely rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. Kushina huffed before smiling. She planted a kiss to her son's cheek. Shion could honestly say that she was confused if only because such affection had never truly been known to her like that. Not that she never got affection, but that specific kind of it she doubted that she had before. Taruho used to always tell her that she had many marriage proposals from various nobles, and even one from various Daimyo seeking an alliance with Demon Country, but Shion had effortlessly turned them all down and with good reason. She had always known what purpose there was in arranging marriages to her. People wanted her for her ability hoping that just maybe she would be able to predict the deaths of their enemies. Why else would anyone want her? Perhaps it was because of her Uzumaki blood, but Shion doubted that so many people knew that since she didn't know about it herself at those times.

Shaking herself out of her thoughts, Shion noticed her food in front of her. Guren had already been seated next to Naruto eating quietly. Everyone else started to do the same. Shion said a small grace herself before she slowly started to eat as well. The food was extraordinary. Guren-obasan really knew how to cook. Shion wouldn't mind trying to do this as well if she ever had the opportunity.

With the passing of breakfast, Kushina gathered everyone together in the family room. Everyone took their places. The leader of Hinoken cleared her throat. "Now then onto the first order of business. Sochi, Guren, Risa, and I have decided to postpone the Fūinjutsu Ascension Exams," Kushina announced. Naruto looked for the various reactions and wasn't entirely surprised to see the look of shock, disappointment, and sadness over the faces of Yuri, Yura, and Yukimaru. Fuka and Tayuya seemed to be surprisingly calm about the news. They were probably waiting for a better explanation as to Kushina's news.

"I would have to assume that there was a reason for this?" Fuka asked. The redhead Uzumaki pinched some locks of her hair between her fingertips while she waited for the response. Everyone could clearly see the mark of irritation and annoyance in her features. Naruto couldn't stop the small smirk that came to his features. His cousin, while she didn't always look it, was actually a very hard working young woman. Like Naruto, Komachi, Kushina and…perhaps Guren, she was very ninjutsu-oriented whereas those like Risa, Tayuya, and Yura were taijutsu-oriented. Those like Karin, Yuri and Yukimaru were still a little unknown if only because Yukimaru hadn't chosen a primary field of study, but most likely Naruto knew the young adopted Uzumaki had a talent for genjutsu, much more than Naruto did himself. Karin was obviously the best at conventional jutsu like sensoring. Yuri, well maybe one could consider her more like Naruto that most gave her credit for. Naruto could only think that Yuri would have been what he was if he was a girl. The girl was wild, a female brawler, just like Naruto was as a child. Naruto had capitalized on that by helping to teach her the Kage Bunshin Technique. Though Yuri's style was a lot more refined that Naruto's was if only because she had a lot more private and personal instruction than he ever did. Add to the fact that she was no a jinchuuriki like himself then that made it all the more reasonable.

Shaking his head, Naruto brought himself from his thoughts. Nonetheless, Fuka was actually the only Uzumaki out of the group that had the most elemental affinities. Plus the woman was no slouch in the Fūinjutsu department. Naruto could understand her frustration. After all, Fūinjutsu was in the blood for the Uzumaki. "I'll answer that one Fuka-chan," Naruto said pushing himself up off the wall. Fuka rose an eyebrow while the others gave him their attention.

"For one thing, Baa-chan told me that the council is…unsettled with our entire clan being out of the village. That, especially with Teme, Mikoto-san, and Yuna-san, makes them wary. Especially given Teme's family's history with the village. It's stupid, but they're cautious of our activity for some reason. So Kaa-chan, Guren-chan, and I decided to bring the Fūinjutsu Ascension Exam in Suna for the next Chunin exam which will be in another three months. We figured that this was better than feeling like we were hiding something dattebayo," Naruto claimed as he rubbed the back of his head. Tayuya looked less than pleased by that news.

"So you're basically saying that the fuckers don't trust us," Tayuya restated. Naruto's eyebrow twitched at her meaning, but Tayuya's wasn't necessarily in the wrong there. With a sigh, Naruto nodded his head. The fiery redhead cursed at the bottom of her lip and snorted angrily. "Well its not like we're going to betray them. Konoha's our home isn't it?" Yuri asked uncertainly. Slowly everyone nodded.

"So let me guess, you're planning to remove my chunin record so that I can take the Chunin Exams for the FAE and then I'll be reestablished?" Fuka asked. Kushina quickly nodded and Fuka resisted the urge to exhale a sigh. She then pushed her silky hands through her equally silky hair before letting them rest on her lap. "Wait, what about Konan-san? We're not going to leave her by herself are we? I asked her if she could become a proctor for our exams! I want her to watch me," Yuri exclaimed quickly. Everyone was rather surprised at her outburst, more to the point being Naruto, but he couldn't stop the smile on his face. An Akatsuki member and a jinchuuriki were more than casual acquaintances? The irony almost made him laugh.

"Did you fuckin' forget that she wants to kill you?!" Tayuya asked. Yuri shrugged her shoulder nonchalantly before placing one hands on her hip. "She's just confused Tayuya-neesan. I told you she's not a bad person," Yuri protested eagerly. Tayuya huffed before she sat herself back into her seat. If nothing else, Yuri was a stubborn brat.

"Well as far as proctors go, I don't think anyone's gonna be happy with that, but…no one is saying she can't watch," Naruto replied. Everyone glanced to him in shock. The wide smile on his face was quickly matched by Yuri. Kushina felt a small shiver go down her spine. Her son/lover was going to give her a headache. She just knew it, but then again Kushina was sure that she caused many a great headaches when she was that age. She couldn't help, but laugh.

"Well we'll iron out the details later, but at hand there is one more issue," Kushina called to attention. Everyone blinked before they noticed her eyes veer to the left. Everyone followed and soon all were looking at Shion, the last of the claimed Uzumaki priestess line. To her credit, Shion tried not to look sheepish or embarrassed from the attention, though she was feeling…confronted at the moment. "That's true. What are we to do with our little priestess? She's obviously not a part of Konoha, but under our law she is a Uzumaki. However priestesses aren't known for being heavy in the combat area," Risa replied. Shion's face quickly contorted into a crestfallen expression. Risa quickly noticed this before quickly speaking.

"That's not to say that she probably doesn't have incredibly amazing abilities, but her talents aren't best suited to the type of work that we do," Risa pointed out. Shion's expression only lightly changed if the small smile on her face were any indication. The priest gave the older Uzumaki a look that she greatly appreciated her words. Risa just nodded with a small smile. "That being said though, there are generally many a priestesses and priests that harbor a great portion of displeasure with shinobi given the lifestyle they choose to led. They tend to believe that all shinobi do is cause destruction. We have no redemptive qualities," Risa replied.

"Well that's not true," Yura replied. Granted yes, she wasn't pleased with the lifestyle of ending a human life, and she wasn't so self-righteous as to think that she had the right to judge a person's death or not, but Yura was one to protect her family from anything and everything if it was in her power to do so. "That's their perception of us anyway, but considering that our clan had its own priestess line as well as its own…god that it prayed to then. Question is, how are we going to construct the compound? Do we have the expenses for that?" Guren, this time, asked. Everyone was silent for awhile.

"That is true, though between Hinoken's personal account from missions, the island's small tax from most of the civilians using the opportunity to fish, create homes, and build businesses then it shouldn't be out of the realm of possibility," Kushina replied. The others slowly nodded. It was then that Shion chose the time to speak gathering everyone's attention. "Well the compound has money stored away as well. It was always in the case of severe emergencies like the destruction of the compound and such. It was supposed to be for repairs, not for the construction of the entire compound, but I believe that we can cover most of the expenses ourselves I believe," Shion replied.

"Well that settles it then doesn't it? I would suggest that we return to Konoha as soon as possible," Risa replied. Everyone agreed with her words before Kushina ended the meeting while everyone went off in their separate directions to go and pack. "Kushina, could you come with me for a second? There is something I need to discuss with you. It concerns Uzushiogakure," Risa said. Kushina looked at her cousin strangely, but slowly nodded. Soon the two disappeared down the hall and around the corner.

Meanwhile, Naruto himself exited the house. His felt the green blades of grass on his feet and heels. He looked left and right for a second. Closing his eyes, Naruto allowed his chakra to expand over the area of the forest. The blond seemed to be locating something of vital importance. He could sense Kakashi, Rin, and Yugao in their individual apartment rooms of the apartment complex that some of the workers were nice enough to build. Some of them seemed to be packing as well. He could even sense where Sasuke and his family was. Even now he could sense Itachi and Mikoto in one room in their house talking about some things. He could sense Sasuke and Yuna in a separate room…together…and…alone…near a bed. Oh god, moving on! Moving on! Naruto shivered before he shook his head. Never, ever do that again! in any case, Naruto found his interest and raced off into the trees.

Far off, over top of a cliff, Konan watched the waves crash at the shorelines of Uzushiogakure. Judging from everything that had happened she had probably spent a total of two, maybe three, weeks on the island as a captive to the Uzumaki clan for her failure to capture the Sanbi jinchuuriki. She was sure that by now Nagato was planning on retrieving her by some means. If one was wondering why she she was able to walk around, yet not escape well she merely did not have the chakra to do so. Granted yes, dispersing herself into thousands of tiny pieces of paper wouldn't have required much chakra anyway, there was something else stopping her. "Yahiko. What am I supposed to do?" Konan asked herself. Both of her best friends were on completely opposite sides at the moment. Nagato needed Konan, if she was no longer with him, then how much darker would he become? But Yahiko. Yahiko was the group's everything. Akatsuki was his creation and it was for them to bring about peace, but ever since the Sanbi had showed that vision to her, Konan had been unable to get any significant kinds of sleep. That beast rampaged through the lands destroying everything in its path. Nagato was right about one thing. It was definitely a weapon of destruction, well maybe no, it was a force of nature and that could not be controlled. Konan sighed. Why couldn't this all be simple? And how did Uzumaki Naruto tie into all of this?

Speaking of the blonde, Konan sensed him drop to the ground behind her before making his way over to where she was. The blue-haired Amegakure angel didn't feel any type of malicious intent from him so she felt she was safe, yet cautious, to relax somewhat. Yes, it didn't make sense, don't argue. "So this is where you were," Naruto replied as he stood side by side with Konan. The smell of salt water from the sea as well the the cry of seagulls filled his nostrils and his ears. Konan closed her eyes for a moment before opening them once again. "I did not expect you to be looking for me," Konan replied solemnly. Naruto scratched his cheek, but couldn't stop the smile on his face.

"Fair point dattebayo. Well Yuri told me how you were supposed to be a proctor for the Fūinjutsu Ascension Exams. You two seem to be spending some time together," Naruto responded sending a small knowing look in Konan's direction. Konan spotted Naruto out of the corner of her eyes. Everything always came back to the red hothead Uzumaki who seemed to never know the words 'Be Quiet' in her life. She was just always talking, but then again Konan never turned her away so maybe that was her problem as well. "She is very energetic, though I notice this to be about a common thing with a lot of your family," Konan replied offhandedly. Naruto decided to take her words positively. The blond Uzumaki heir and the female Akatsuki member continued to stand together.

"The team and I are returning to Konoha soon. I doubt we're going to be on Uzushio for awhile," Naruto replied. Konan sent a small look towards him, but she didn't respond to his statement. Her eyes seemed to be measuring his form for a few seconds. "I see. So does that mean that I should be prepared for my actual interrogation?" Konan asked. Naruto seemed to actually contemplate that himself as he looked up at the sky with an unreadable expression on his face.

"Yuri-chan continues to say you aren't a bad person. To be honest, I believe her even if everyone else isn't completely ready to do the same. There is just something about her words that scream honesty at me, plus believe it or not, Yuri-chan is a good judge of character…sometimes," Naruto said with a smile. Konan couldn't help offering the tiniest smile of her own in amusement of Naruto's words, but she hoped that it didn't show. "I see," Konan said in response to Naruto's statement. The two soon fell into more silence over the passing minutes.

"You said that I was 'supposed' to be a proctor. Did you change opinions on the matter?" Konan asked curiously. It was now Naruto's turn to send a small knowing look to the woman in question. A silence conversation seemed to be apparent between the two genders before Naruto shook his head slowly. "It's not that we suddenly changed opinions on the matter, but rather we were forced to. We're pushing the exams back a little so they're going to be held in Suna. I'm all for believing that you're not a bad person, but I doubt a lot of others are going to see it that way," Naruto answered honestly to which Konan could understand. After the entire scene with Akatsuki and Suna when the former kidnapped the latter's Kazekage then she was sure that her being welcomed into the Hidden Sand Village was a highly unlikely possibility. She could understand that perfectly.

"However Yuri-chan really wants you to see her perform for some reason. I don't know what you're doing, but thank you," Naruto continued. Konan tried not to let it show, but she had been surprised by Naruto's congratulations. Oh don't get her wrong. She wasn't about to break down, cry, and spill her entire life story to him just over that like some emotional sob story, but the feeling had been greatly appreciated. "I don't see a reason to be congratulated about these things. Even now you and I are still enemies," Konan quickly, almost instantly, replied. The smile on Naruto's face didn't less, but his eyes took a more refined stare.

"I really wish we didn't have to be. To me it really serves no purpose dattebayo," Naruto commented. "Learning and sorting out the things that I do know now, I happen to agree with you. I don't see the best result coming from us capturing you. Do you know what it feels like? To be the person between two friends who are on opposite sides of everything you stand for?" Konan asked rather rhetorically, but Naruto decided to answer anyway.

"I can't say that I have, but I know that if you're asking me to choose a side then I can't do that. I'm gonna bring you both to where I am, right in the middle, not left or right. That is how I would do things," Naruto commented. Nothing in Konan's posture seemed to be different, but her eyes held a significant glow to them that wasn't there before. Yes, that was true. She didn't have to pick a side. She just had to find some way to get them to meet. Granted she wasn't sure what their reactions would be, especially Yahiko's when he saw what Nagato did with his body, but circumstances were merely a part of the situation and Konan couldn't afford to let that actually stop her. "That is true I suppose," Konan replied more to herself than to Naruto.

"And to add something else, I doubt we're going to take you back to Konoha. Granted I'll have to tell Baa-chan that you're here, but I don't think she'll do anything too drastic if you're in our care," Naruto replied. Konan just nodded. The wind gently blew against both their faces letting a feeling of cool pass by their features. "Then I am in your care," Konan answered. Naruto soon grinned widely before he patted Konan's shoulder. Konan gave him a unknown look, but if one looked closely then they could see the tiny corners of her mouth flying upwards. It was strange. Even in Amegakure, where she had Nagato, was revered as an angel of god, and where her organization resided, Konan never had this peace of mind at this moment. Never had she been in such a warm environment like the one the Uzumaki clan provided. There was only ever a similar warmth as when she was a child, still with her friends and Jiraiya. That was the last that she could recall this warmth.

"Ah, am I interrupting?" Naruto and Konan turned around noticing the form of Komachi staring at them rather innocently. Naruto proceeded to take his hand of Konan's shoulder. "No, Komachi-chan. Just a little talk," Naruto responded. Komachi looked from Naruto to Konan for a brief instant, but decided to let any further questions be asked for another time. Komachi merely nodded.

"Ah…In that case then Aniki, Kushina-san and the others are ready to leave. She asked me to stay here with Karin-san, Haku and Zabuza-san to keep watch over Konan-san and help Shion-san get settled in," Komachi stated. Naruto nodded for a final time before he moved over and raised his hand. Komachi looked at the action curiously before she felt firmness land overtop of her head. "Take care of everyone Komachi-chan. I'm counting on you," Naruto replied. Komachi's eyes slowly blinked before she cleared her throat.

"Ah…Aniki this is embarrassing," Komachi admitted. Naruto didn't seem to mind her words before he made removed his hand from her blonde hair. Following the action was his feet moving into step as he passed through the trees of the forests and disappeared without another word. Komachi and Konan watched the male blonde leave their sight as they stood next to each other. The two soon glanced to each other. "I'll be in your care then," Konan commented. Komachi nodded with a slight bow of her head before the two vanished into the forests as well.

In the meantime, after some walking, Naruto came out of the trees and back into the Uzumaki clan compound. He noticed his team gathered at the entrance along with a good most of their respective clans. "Now Kakashi, I want you to take care of yourself. No more of this grave visiting alright?" Rin scolded. Kakashi sweatdropped, but nodded with a small eyesmile. Rin gave a gentle smile of her own much to Naruto's confusion. When had that become a thing? It was strange, but Naruto definitely didn't complain. He couldn't even remember the last time Kakashi had beamed so brightly in his life. "Maa maa Rin, I'll be fine," Kakashi commented. Rin merely sent him a look before placing her hands on her hips. Kakashi sighed.

"But I promise I'll be fine," he replied. Rin then sent a small smile his way along with a nod. Itachi seemed to be bidding Sasuke, Mikoto, and Yuna their goodbyes. Naruto couldn't hear much, but it sounded like Itachi was telling Sasuke about some noise and keeping it quiet. Whatever it was, it made Sasuke glare at his brother in anger while Yuna looked downright flushed, which only added to Karin's ire when Naruto saw the redhead glaring daggers at the Uchiha female. Naruto just didn't understand it at all. However oddly enough, Yugao seemed to be talking with a rather irate Shizuku. Oh boy how could Naruto forget her? The girl's mouth could give Tayuya's a run for her money. Ever since Yugao had…liberated Shizuku from the mission, the orange-haired girl would see it fit to curse almost every opportunity to just about anyone which only resorted in Yugao hitting the girl with the butt of her sword knocking her out. It seemed that after a few times, Shizuku got the deal of not cursing so as to not get knocked out which she greatly enjoyed. However that didn't mean that she wasn't happy about it all. Naruto could see that much, but Naruto held a faith in Yugao. The former Anbu captain most likely knew what she was doing.

"Are you ready to go Sochi?" Kushina asked. Naruto came forward with a nod noticing that most of his things had been packed already. Seeing that everyone was ready, Kushina cleared her throat. "Alright, I expect that most of us will be busy once we get to Konoha. Yukimaru-kun will be busy with his team, Yuri and Yura will be handling some outside business and the rest of us will continue as normal. Let's go," Kushina claimed. The travelers agreed while the others watched them begin to leave. Naruto raised his hand into the air.

"Jikūyugami no Jutsu," Naruto muttered before the familiar purple portal appeared in front of everyone's view. "Be safe Onii-sama," Naruto heard Shion say. The blond quickly nodded as his team passed through the portal. Everyone watched it get smaller and smaller before it vanished from the place they were looking. After some time, Itachi turned around.

"Well we have work to do here. Now isn't the time to relax. Zabuza-san, Rin-san, Shion-san, please come with me. Juugo-san, Haku-san take Suigetsu-san and Shizuku-san to the shoreline and begin training. Zabuza-san and I will will join you shortly. Karin-san will continue her preparations for her Fūinjutsu Exams. Komachi-san will stay with Konan-san for a duration," Itachi said before he started to walk away. As he began to walk away, everyone snorted.

"Who the hell made the Uchiha the appointed leader?" Suigetsu asked with a mutter of his voice. Rin snickered before she proceeded to walk as well. "Well when you are able to stand up to him then you can be the leader Suigetsu-san," Rin commented. Zabuza just sighed grumpily before he walked off. Shion followed obediently leaving Suigetsu glaring at Itachi's backside.

"Hora, come on you two. We have to follow orders," Juugo said much to Shizuku and Suigetsu's chagrin, but they did leave with him. Haku right behind them diligently. Suddenly Haku felt a shiver go down her spine. Looking back she wasn't sure, but she thought she saw something black move around the corner of one of the compound houses. Haku narrowed her eyes. "Haku-san, are you coming?" Juugo called. Haku turned around before scratching her cheek.

"H-Hai," Haku called moving to catch up with everyone else. No one took notice of the beady, red eyes that glared over their forms. The shadow opened its maw and licked its lips pleasurably and lustfully. However it didn't do anything and simply dissolved into the ground never being seen by anyone.

-Konoha, House-

At the entrance of Naruto's house, the Jikūyugami swiftly appeared in its pressure-inducing glory. It's swirling sounds filled the forested area with noise attracting all manner of animals before it began to expand into its original length. Out of the portal came the majority of the Uzumaki clan, Hinoken,and the Uchiha clan. All let their feet touch the ground. "It feels like forever since we were last in Konoha. The weather here really is different than in Uzushio," Yuna mentioned. Everyone could agree as they could feel the heat of the sun on their faces as compared to the cloudy skies back in Uzushio at the time.

"Well Konoha isn't surrounded by a large body of water so that's how it is. In any case, the Hinoken team will report to the Hokage. Yukimaru-kun will start organizing his things with his team tomorrow. Everyone else will do things accordingly," Kushina called. No one say fit to disagree with her orders. "Yuna-chan, go back to the Uchiha Compound, there is something that Fugaku and I showed Itachi that I wish to show you and Sasuke," Mikoto announced. Yuna rose an eyebrow while Sasuke stared at his mother in confusion, but figured he would learn about it sooner or later when he went back to the Uchiha Compound.

"Hai, Mikoto-sama," Yuna replied. Soon everyone began going in their separate directions leaving only the team of Hinoken in the outer fields of the house. The six members stood together before Kakashi folded his arms.

"However this is strange. Have we given Konoha a reason to doubt us?" Kakashi asked. Judging from all the past experiences that had happened he didn't see anyplace where they had done anything unnecessary. "Perhaps it would be best if we spoke with Hokage-sama about this, but perhaps most of it stems from Naruto-kun's perceived 'Fake Edo Tensei' that we keep hearing about. I mean though it was invented by the Nidaime Hokage, Orochimaru was the only one who ever truly used it," Yugao responded. Naruto's expression fell as he looked at the ground.

"Well it's understandable. If we look at the similarities then that seems to be the case. Both Naruto's method and the Edo Tensei require a sacrifice of some kind to fill a contract, both require the use of a seal, and a controller. Add to that fact most important people who should have been dead are now coming back then obviously the Godaime can't keep most of this under wraps as we would like her to," Sasuke mentioned. Naruto widened his eyes as he looked at the ground. Now that he thought about it, Sasuke was right. Naruto's method was definitely similar to the Edo Tensei, but Naruto didn't think he was actually hurting anyone by it. Kushina frowned as she watched her son. She could already see him struggling with those words.

Smiling, Kushina cupped Naruto's cheek and brought him to eye level with her. Without warning, Kushina claimed her son's lips for her own. Kakashi quickly blushed while Sasuke and Yugao raised their eyebrows in confusion. Mikoto merely watched the scene with a rather awkward smile. Naruto himself slowly registered the kiss and the sweet taste of his mother's exquisite lips. He could feel her tongue dance around with his own inside his mouth. He had the familiar feeling of her breasts pressed against his chest. Her silly hands circled around the back of his head, his cheeks, and anywhere else they could get. Soon Kushina slowly parted as she opened her eyes slowly and smiled. "What you do is nothing like the Edo Tensei. Yes you are similar in method, but not in purpose. Hiashi, Hyuuga Neji, Hinata, Hanabi, Kakashi, Sasuke, Sunagakure, yourself, and me, you can't call what you have done the same thing as what Orochimaru would do Sochi. Do you…regret what we have?" Kushina asked softly. Naruto could feel her hot breath tickle the hairs above his mouth. Her violet eyes stared into his blue ones before she smiled.

"N-No, of course not Kaa-chan," Naruto replied just as softly. "That's my son, dattebane," Kushina said as Naruto offered a wide smile as well. Slowly the two Uzumaki backed away before noticing the looks that everyone had on their faces. Kakashi quickly patted Naruto's shoulder.

"Thank you for bringing Rin back to me Naruto. That's something that the Edo Tensei could never accomplish," Kakashi offered with a small smile appearing just under his mask and his Hinoken scarf. Naruto just offered a cheeky grin as he scratched his cheek. "Ahem, yes well we all think the same thing. Anyway I think we've wasted enough time here as it is. We should get going," Yugao insisted. Everyone else agreed with her words as they quickly shunshined out of sight.

-Amegakure-

Nagato stood to his feet from where he was standing. "I have had enough waiting," he said as he made his way for the door. Watching him make his way for the door had been Tobi and Zetsu. "Pain-sama, you can't act rash. Obviously something is wrong here. For all we know she has been captured. If there is such a person capable of standing on equal ground with her then it wouldn't do good if you were…," the white half paused for a moment when Pain turned a cold, stern look at him.

"Do you believe that I will lose? None can defeat god," Pain spoke harshly and adamantly. Zetsu recoiled back in surprise of the irritation in his tone. However it was understandable. With Konan gone then they were far behind schedule than they should have been. Add to the fact that there was still indecision about what to do with the Hachibi jinchuuriki, Kyuubi jinchuuriki, and the other half of the Sanbi. According to recent reports as well as stolen mission reports from Konohagakure and Kirigakure, it was obvious that the Sanbi had been given a new jinchuuriki. Pain remembered Tobi telling him that it was most likely a Uzumaki who had the Sanbi. Pain had Zetsu go into Kiri's birth records and there had been no new children born around the time the Sanbi had surfaced and then disappeared. Tobi had constantly told him that only those with exceptional chakra were able to contain a bijuu after childbirth. Such a case had been Uzumaki Mito when she sealed the Kyuubi into herself. Plus the sudden rise of Uzumaki clansmen within Konoha's walls couldn't have just been a simple coincidence either. The Uzumaki clan was literally made out of exceptional individuals with chakra. That had led Pain to believe that the only Uzumaki who could take the Sanbi, and possibly not die had to be the youngest and the youngest Uzumaki, well the youngest true Uzumaki was none other than Uzumaki Yuri. Which was why Nagato had sent Konan after the young girl. Of course the only issue was that this was conjecture.

"That's not what we was insinuating Pain-sama, but I do believe that you are acting without the proper judgement. We find it highly unlikely that she would betray us so it's not that. We have a feeling that a third party is involved here," The black half instigated. Nagato and Tobi turned to give their fellow Akatsuki member a small glare. "And just who do you believe to be on par with Konan?" came the question from Tobi leaning against the wall.

"Well there are a number of people actually. The Hidden Villages' individual Kage, Uzumaki Kushina, Uchiha Mikoto, Konoha's Gama Sennin Jiraiya, and Shimura Danzo," White Zetsu said lastly. Obito watched Nagato's main path's face contort in small anger. It would have been missed by anyone had they not been specifically looking for it. "And for what purpose would Shimura Danzo have in capturing Konan?" Nagato asked with a clearly decisive glare.

"Well, you explained your…unfortunate circumstances to Kisame, Itachi, myself, and Tobi-san. Danzo-san worked with Hanzo-san before so perhaps he is looking to get after Konan-san once again, but I doubt that Konan-san is so weak that she would fall to him, but Danzo is a crafty individual. He is still a S-ranked missing nin from Konoha. We can't exactly rule him out," White Zetsu said. Pain narrowed his eyes before he took a deep breath and then calmed himself.

"Well this wouldn't be such an issue if you had not lost him Zetsu. It's been far too quiet since Danzo left Konoha. Even now hunter-nin are after him and yet none have been able to pick up a clue to him," Pain responded. Tobi merely stayed silent, but behind his mask was just the slightest hints of a familiar smile. "You seem unusually concerned. Are you that worried that Ame's Angel is dead?" Tobi asked. Pain quickly sent Tobi a glare that told him the comment was not appreciated. Tobi merely nodded before deciding not to provoke the leader of Ame.

"I believe in Konan's abilities Tobi. I know she is alive. If she is well, I am unsure, but who ever harms her has earned the wrath of god. Nothing more, nothing less," Tobi and Zetsu watched as Pain faded away into the darkness of the halls of the Ame tower building where he resided. Tobi and Zetsu watched him go before Tobi stood to his feet.

"You did not tell him that you believe the Uzumaki clan has her," Zetsu replied. Tobi proceeded to fold his arms and narrow his visible eye behind his mask. He looked out the large opening of the tower and down at the civilians below. "It's quiet simple. Well it's the only thing that truly makes any sense. Given the recent activity that has been going on that island I had a theory about it. After all that is the origin of the Uzumaki clan and the world has definitely been shaken up by the appearance of the clan that rivaled the Uchiha and the Senju. Besides I don't think I need to remind that you I captured the Sanbi jinchuuriki from that place before," Tobi answered.

"Hai, you don't need to remind us. The evidence will always be in the skin tone of your arm. To think that you had been bested by Uzumaki Naruto. The Kyuubi jinchuuriki takes after his father in terms of speed. You stated that he burred out of your sight with unknowingly fast movement. Could he have learned the Hiraishin?" Black Zetsu asked. Tobi slowly shook his head. He was actually deep in thought over that question himself. When Obito had faced Naruto, he hadn't assumed for the blond to be as fast as he was. In fact he didn't think anyone could have correctly matched that speed sans his father, but for some reason Obito doubted that there was a Hiraishin for it. When Obito had his sharingan active he knew he had seen Naruto's lips move. Also given the fact that Naruto didn't even have a Hiraishin kunai, or even the marker for it, then Obito took that out as well. Nonetheless he had read Naruto's lips. The blonde had clearly said 'Kukanyugami.' Obito didn't know the nature of this technique, but just from its capabilities as Naruto completely and effortlessly slipped through his defenses enough jam that rasengan into his back with enough force to label his arm immobile. Then there was the arm itself. Obito had his arm examined and there had been some mysterious power floating around inside that arm. It was literally tearing his arm apart at the seams. Obito knew, he was having it done to him. The only thing worse than that pain was the pain of having half his body destroyed by a boulder. Obito still remembered the purplish dark veins that pulsated through his former arm before he had Zetsu break it off. He then managed to transplant the arm of a Kumogakure shinobi who had formerly harnessed the power of Black Lightning. Obito knew it all too well.

"No, I highly doubt that the Hiraishin would have been under the radar for so long if he suddenly decided to go about using it. There would have been an equal shake within the shinobi world if Uzumaki Naruto had been able to utilize the Yondaime Hokage's jutsu. Both a jinchuuriki and son of a Hokage, no one would be able to resist the temptation. Plus Konoha would be even more guarded about him than they currently are which is why he's allowed this much freedom," Tobi theorized. Zetsu slowly nodded.

"Wasn't the Yondaime Hokage a mystery? No one knew where he came from or who his parents were. As far as anyone was concerned the man was just a clan-less orphan. If I remember correctly wasn't he…," White Zetsu stopped when he noticed Tobi send him a sharp glare. Zetsu quickly stopped talking while Tobi shifted his gaze to the window. "Nonetheless if Konan has been taken by the Uzumaki clan then there is nothing we can do about it right now. Well, actually I'm sure there are things I can do, but I'm not going to. Perhaps she can gain some intel over there," Tobi said. Zetsu merely looked at him in silence. Tobi smirked as he looked out of the village. Just imaging a world where it wouldn't have to rain like this constantly easily began to put him in a good mood.

-Konoha, Hokage Mansion-

"And that is the last of the mission report that Sasuke, Kakashi-sensei, Yugao-chan, Yuna-chan, and I gathered," Naruto said handing Tsunade a folder. The Godaime swiftly nodded before pocketing the folder. "Good job on your mission. You all performed outstandingly. The pay will be put into the Hinoken account. I must also express my apologies to all of you, especially to Kushina and Naruto. I understand that everyone was busy preparing for the Uzumaki Clan's Fūinjutsu Ascension Exams. However I want everyone here to understand. The council isn't trying to be…hard on you. They are just…," Tsunade was quickly stopped by someone else.

"Cautious," Sasuke answered with a small glare. To her credit, Tsunade didn't waver under his gaze while the other members of the team frowned. Everyone looked at Tsunade expectantly. Tsunade had to actually steel herself for some odd reason. Just by being under the gaze of this many people made her uncomfortable and yet what was this strange feeling of deep-pitted anxiety? Shaking it off, Tsunade released a breath. "That would be correct Sasuke. They fear of a repeat of, and I apologize, the Uchiha incident," Tsunade replied. As she expected, Sasuke's glare had only intensified while Mikoto gave a look of strong disapproval.

"It seems your elders are still as cowardly as I remember," Much to everyone's surprise, Mikoto had been the one to speak her mind. Tsunade couldn't help, but nod in agreement. "Trust me I don't like those two either, but they are indeed worried. Yukimaru hasn't been with his team for about a week or two I believe, Guren isn't there to monitor the barrier division, and a lot of other factors. Let's try to not forget that the rumors circulating around Naruto are still here. Granted they have died down slightly since he has left, but they haven't vanished entirely. Now remember that this team reports to me, and to no one else, I gave it that much authority, but I don't want the council to start thinking that you're abusing it at all," Tsunade replied.

No one spoke for a little while. Naruto attempted to gauge everyone's reaction. Yugao and Kakashi seemed to be contemplating some things, Kushina held a finger to her lovely chin, Sasuke was off into his own thoughts, and Mikoto just looked displeased by it all. Naruto? Well Naruto didn't know what to think about it all himself. He could definitely understand Tsunade's point about abusing their authority, but Naruto never saw it that way and he didn't think that his team did either. The room was strangely silent. "I have a feeling that this wasn't the only reason you called us back. If it were the simple matter of dealing with the council then Hinoken's presence and the Uzumaki's presence then it would have been easy for Naruto to just send back the required people if that's what it took. Mind telling us the other details Hokage-sama?" came the voice of Yugao Uzuki. Everyone else nodded.

"Yugao is right Tsunade. What is the other reason that you called us here?" Kushina asked. Tsunade glanced to each of them individually before a smirk appeared on her face. "As I expected, most of you figured out, but Naruto and Sasuke have grown in understanding the hidden nature of a situation. You're right I do need all of you. I had thought my Anbu would suffice, but that has not proven to be the case this time. About a week ago, I sent out a team of three Anbu, they were sent to uncover some suspicious cargo coming to and from Hi no Kuni. They failed to check in. The mission was to only last the week. It's been three weeks since that time," Tsunade said summing it all up.

"So you believe that they were killed?" Sasuke asked. He didn't really like the sudden change of subject, but he decided not to voice his opinion on the matter, yet. "In light of things that the second lightest thing I believe has happened to them. Also recently a letter from the Daimyō appeared on a messenger hawk. It seems that he has been receiving threatening letters for the past month. Naturally the officials are looking into things, but he's now concerned for his wife and his son. As you all know, the Daimyō is a crucial figure for not only Konoha, or Hi no Kuni, but also for the Elemental Nations are large. I can't begin to warn all of you of the repercussions of his death if it happens. That being said, the Daimyō can't just exclude himself from his duties or from other things. There is…a formal party that I have been asked to attend. I plan to have it under the guise of an assassination for all of you. The Wind Daimyō will be there as well as will the Water Daimyō. I can't disclose so many details. Nevertheless, I'm going to request that you pair off. However four will be going inside with me while two others survey the area outside. Normally I would get my jonin rather than this group, but I have a bad feeling about this. Which is why I'm assigning this to the S-rank," Tsunade replied with a foreboding glare.

"It's not a coincidence that the Anbu disappeared and these threatening letters came, dattebane. It's a shame, but we'll have to go over the Exams a little later. For now we'll regroup back at Kakashi's place and come up with a plan later tonight," Kushina ordered. Everyone nodded accepting her orders. "When are we leaving?" Yugao inquired.

"At the end of the week. I expect you all to take care of whatever business you have before that time comes," Tsunade answered. It seemed like Tsunade was ready to call the meeting over before Naruto stopped her.

"Baa-chan, I was thinking about…telling Sakura about my contract," Naruto quickly spoke. Everyone quickly perked up. Kushina's face contorted into an expression of concern. The same could have been said for Kakashi. Yugao's body had just visibly stiffened while Sasuke and Mikoto seemed rather interested. Tsunade merely intertwined her hands and sent a small look in Naruto's direction.

"Did something happen?" Tsunade asked. Naruto, in response, rubbed the back of his head. "I don't think anything has happened, but I think something is going to, dattebayo. Sakura is cautious of me, more so than I'd like if we are friends. I think she's starting to believe these rumors to. That, and she keeps referring me back to the Edo Tensei Plot. I was thinking I should clear up all of this confusion before something bad happens," Naruto responded.

"I see," Tsunade replied. Everyone could see that just that news had made the Godaime even more tired than she probably was when she gave them her news. Why was it that all the news that centered around Uzumaki Naruto was capable of making her so exhausted? "Give me some time to think about it. Sakura, while my apprentice, still has certain issues which need to be addressed. I'll give you an answer during the mission," Tsunade said. Naruto nodded before he and the rest of Hinoken left the room via shunshin. Not a single trace of them being there was seen. Tsunade slouched in her chair. Someone please remind her why she took this job.

-Kakashi's House-

Kakashi flicked on the lights to his house. Everyone stepped inside. "Man, it's feels like forever since we were last in here," Naruto said with a stretch. That statement easily got a couple of smiles out of the group. Setting their blades to the sides of the walls, everyone surrounded the familiar lone table in the middle of the room. "The Daimyō being threatened is definitely dangerous. Whoever this is either is very strong physically or has very strong influence and connections where they don't have to worry about the wrath of Hi no Kuni coming down on them. Especially given that the Daimyō is the iconic symbol of this country," Yugao stated leaning her head against the wall.

"The Anbu who went missing earlier no doubt had a run in with whomever did this. It's too much of a coincidence if they didn't. We only have till the end of the week. So who's is going into the party and who is staying out to observe the interactions from outside?" Sasuke asked. The young Uchiha actually didn't care who did what for his mind was already racing at the possibilities.

"Well I vote for staying out. Gomen, but parties aren't my scene," Kakashi said embarrassingly as he scratched the ends of his hair with an eye smile. The others shot a small glare at him before Mikoto smirked. "I'm sure Rin wouldn't mind if you tried on a suit for a change," The elder female Uchiha retorted. Kakashi did his best not to grimace at those words. He thought he had succeeded in that endeavor. However he knew that Mikoto was right, if Rin had the change she would no doubt strip Kakashi down and force him into a suit if she could, or if he even gave her the pleasure. Something which scared Kakashi greatly.

"Afraid the guards will try to take off your mask Kakashi-sensei?" Naruto snickered. Sasuke's mouth gently flew upwards into a smirk. Kakashi sweat dropped before ushering in an exhale of breath. "Well Naruto, since the guards will be suspicious then why don't you go? You already have the most perfect date don't you?" now it was Kakashi's turn as everyone watched Naruto's face brighten up. He looked out of the corner of his eye to see Kushina staring at him with a bright smile. The gentle blushes at the sides of her cheeks were easily evident.

"Ah screw you sensei," Naruto pouted as he folded his arms. The laughter of the group aside, Yugao continued on. "Okay so that's Naruto-kun and Kushina-taichō, which is indeed understandable. Since both are above average sensors then they might be able to pick up on all the things going on inside…if they be serious about it," Yugao implied sending a playful look.

"What the hell does that mean dattebane?!" Kushina asked. Yugao cleared her throat before tapping her silly arm with her finger. "You know exactly what I mean Kushina-taichō. I was actually surprised that bed didn't break from the three of you that last time. Honestly, imagine if someone like Kakashi stumbled in on that," Yugao answered back. Kushina had the decency to look embarrassed as she scratched her cheek. Naruto's eyes seemed to like the color of Kakashi's wall at that moment.

"Well the loser's disgusting fetishes aside," Sasuke instigated receiving a sharp glare from Naruto that he managed to pick up on and swiftly discarded it all in a second. "We still need one more," Sasuke said before he felt Kakashi touch his shoulder.

"And that is why this group's Uchiha mother-son duo will be going in as well. You'll get to dance with Kaa-chan again Sasuke," Kakashi said. Sasuke growled in response while Yugao placed a finger to her chin. "That actually works. Since both have the sharingan then they can get a bigger layout of everyone's chakra just like Naruto-kun and Kushina-taichō can. It would be better if they went inside. Meanwhile we have our own sharingan in Kakashi to watch the outside. Then you have me, to be honest out of all of us I'm the sneakiest, odd term I know, but it's the best I can describe right now. Anyway that will have to be the group. I can stay with Kakashi-senpai while Naruto-kun, Kushina-taichō, Mikoto-san, and Sasuke-san go inside," Yugao stated.

"It's been such a long time since I last went to a formal party," Mikoto replied. Sasuke merely grumbled to himself, but he didn't say anything. "Well that's our routine then. I'll ask Tsunade for a map of the place and we can plan out from there. Everyone get rest is all I can say dattebane," Kushina said. The other members of her team nodded. No one seemed to be against the plan.

-Night-

The night of that same day, Naruto was in his and Kushina's room. He sat on the bed with a couple of supplies. With a sigh, Naruto placed a tiny white rag in his mouth before picking up a cotton swab. With a gentle touch Naruto moved over his blade, cleaning and maintaining it. Wiping down the length of the blade with his clothe, Naruto held it up into the light. In here was the essence of the Shinigami, the blade of Death. This was his tool that he used to bend and write the laws of Death and Life. Naruto chuckled. Honestly, this much power and yet he was rather scared. Even now Naruto wondered if his abilities would stop where they were. He would often wonder if he just woke up one day and found everything or everyone gone. Naruto always kept it to himself. A shiver ran through his spine. Also in this blade were his bound summons all because of him. Naruto didn't understand it. What could he have possibly been lacking in that he continued, subconsciously, rejecting the union. The only perfect union he had was with Pakura and even that hadn't lasted for very long. Naruto sighed. He wasn't sure what he was supposed to think. "Oi brat," Naruto came out of his thoughts to hear the voice of his tenant. "What do you want furball?" Naruto asked. He could have sworn that he heard a growl for the remark, but Naruto didn't commented on it.

"I demand that you get your ass in here right now!" Kyuubi snarled. Naruto rose an eyebrow at the tone and the annoyance behind it, but he decided to go and pay his partner a visit. Laying his sword gently on the bed along with the other sword-cleaning supplies, Naruto closed his eyes. Delving deep into the recesses of his mind, it didn't take long for Naruto to appear in front of the very familiar gates baring the Kyuubi from his release. Naruto folded his arms. "Alright Kyuubi. I'm here, what's the problem?" Naruto asked. All he got for his question was silence. Naruto stayed silent for a couple of seconds. There was still no sound. Naruto's eyebrow twitched.

"Oi! Where are you, ya stupid excuse for a fox?!" Naruto hollered. He still got nothing for a response. With a groan, Naruto walked up to the gates. Just as he was within reach, Naruto gasped as he noticed claws bathed in white fur bash into the gates just a hair away from his head. Naruto was more than ready to shout before something came to mind. "Wait…white?" Naruto pondered. Naruto focused his gaze inside the cage as the claws retracted.

Naruto, against a lot of his better judgement, went closer and passed through the cage bars. Stepping across the water, Naruto growled. "Oi Kyuubi, what's the…big…idea?" Naruto asked before he caught sight of the thing in front of him. Naruto was sure that if his mouth was any wider then a fly would have flown inside it and the fish preying on that fly would have been right there with it. Naruto noticed Kyuubi, glistening in white, radiant fur. Everything about the fox was white. The ears, the mouth, and every single tail was white. Kyuubi growled. "You'd better be lucky that if I kill you then I die too brat. How do you explain this?! I knew my tails were going to go white, but I didn't think that all of my body was going to do this also!" Kyuubi bellowed. Naruto tilted his head to the side.

"When did this happen?" Naruto asked. Kyuubi snorted. "Had to be around the time your little priestess pushed all that power into you. Whatever it did, it sped up this process of whatever this is. Perhaps it happened while you were unconscious. I'm not sure," Kyuubi replied. Naruto blinked. Shin had told him that this might have been a possibility, but Naruto didn't think that the once bright orange Kyuubi would turn snow white and look the way that he did.

"So, you're not composed of chakra anymore?" Naruto asked. Kyuubi took a deep, calming breath before leaning his body down to the floor. "I would doubt it at this point. It seems that I have been siphoning off your Honshou for the longest time and this is the end result. What this means for our union I am not sure. In any case, this power is incredible. I feel even stronger than I did originally. I'm not happy at all with this look brat, but this feeling more than makes up for it I suppose," Kyuubi replied. The smirk that appeared on Naruto's face annoyed the Kyuubi for some reason, but the fox decided it would let it go for now.

"That being said," Kyuubi suddenly gave a sharp grin that made Naruto tense for some reason. "It would appear that your father's seal no longer applies to me which means that I could escape this cage if I so desired, take over your body and then do exactly what I wanted to this little village of yours," Kyuubi remarked. He turned to see Naruto's expression and was relatively surprised to see his features were unusually calm and relaxed. In fact it was almost like he never head what Kyuubi had just told him.

"You said 'if you desired.' What does that mean?" Naruto asked. Kyuubi narrowed his red-slitted eyes towards his young blond jailor. The snarky grin that had appeared on his face had slowly lessened into a seemingly content one. Whether that was really the case or not, Naruto wasn't sure, but he knew that he had visibly relaxed from the sign. "Exactly what it sounds like brat. Though I am the single greatest bijuu known to exist on this wretched planet I still do not wish to be hunted down like some dumb animal and sealed away again. I will not live through that again. Though you are only my third container, I am willing to admit that you are better than either Mito or Kushina. Which is all the reason I said 'if.' Don't get confident in it brat. It's obvious that this Honshou is coursing through my body making me say and think stupid thoughts," Kyuubi retorted strongly. He watched the small gleam in Naruto's eyes before he noticed the blond turn around. He watched Naruto appear in front of the gates. Kyuubi rose an eyebrow.

"Tou-san's seal. It was made as a prison, but also as a chakra filter. With this it your chakra was taken at precise measurements and injected into mine. It's why I always seemed to have an abundance of it. You were a secondary source. Kaa-chan and I studied the seal in our downtime. Kaa-chan told me that Tou-san would appear when I reached eight-tails worth of power and rework the seal. However I don't think this triggers from other power sources, such as Honshou. The seal might not recognize it. It wouldn't trigger any alarms, but it would still serve its function of siphoning energy from you to pass onto me," Naruto explained. Kyuubi snorted as his white tails bashed across the ground. "I don't need the explanation brat. I was there. I still hate him for it too," Kyuubi remarked. Naruto slowly nodded before taking a deep breath. He suddenly materialized his sword into his hands. Kyuubi perked up.

"However that was only with chakra. Now if it's something like Honshou," Naruto replied as he brought his sword behind his back. Placing his palm over the handle, he grinned. "Oi brat!" Kyuubi bellowed with quick surprise. For Kyuubi, Naruto's movements were a sudden blur, but he could make out the large and small arch slashes of light from Naruto's sword before the blond appeared past the gates. Naruto sheathed his sword.

"Life isn't so simple that one gets to unfairly lord over it from another person," Naruto stated. Kyuubi's ears picked up on creaking. Slowly the bars that had been his prison for the last sixteen years crashed to the ground. The clear cut incision marks were easily recognizable. Naruto turned around. "I said that I would let you out at some point. Sorry it took so long dattebayo," Naruto remarked with a slight scratch of his cheeks. Kyuubi stood up on all fours. He walked closer to the gates. His claws extended past the barrier and into the much more spacious room. Naruto actually had to be surprised. The Demon Fox was a lot bigger than Naruto had ever imagined. Just being behind the cage, Naruto thought he was a little smaller, but this size was massive. How you could see away something so large was Naruto's question and yet, Naruto figured it could only have been a combination of natural fūinjutsu taken as well as the work of Uzumaki fūinjutsu itself. Kyuubi stood towering over him.

"I could kill you. I could kill you right now and do whatever the hell I wanted with your corpse. I could kill the rest of your family and even this village!" Kyuubi growled. Naruto quickly offered a deadpan expression. "I swear someone does something nice for you and you blow up in their face. We're really going to have work on your attitude dattebayo," Naruto pouted with a fold of his arms. Kyuubi stared at him blankly. The fox muttered a curse underneath his breath. He started at Naruto. Kyuubi grinned. Naruto did the same. It was then that Naruto noticed Kyuubi ball his claws into a white furry fist. He held it in front of the blond. Naruto looked up and held his fist out. Both bumped each other.

"Be prepared for lots of pain brat," Kyuubi replied before Naruto could even ask what he meant, Naruto was suddenly expunged from the mindscape leaving Kyuubi alone. The giant fox looked around the more open space. He smirked. "Would have liked a change of fuckin' scenery, but this works just as fine too," Kyuubi thought to himself before relishing in the wide space that Naruto had just provided for him.

Meanwhile, Naruto opened his eyes and was easily surprised to see his mother, and everyone else surrounding him. "He's waking up. Nii-sama, are you alright?" Yura asked hurriedly. Naruto blinked quickly. Guren slowly helped him lean up. As Naruto got up, he suddenly groaned. He felt the large burning of Honshou in his coils. His body was literally on fire. Okay that was probably not one of the best plans he ever had. "Ugh, what hit me?" Naruto asked holding one of his hands to his head.

"We aren't sure. We all just felt a wave of immense power radiate through the house. No one could find you so we search the main bedroom and found you passed out on the floor. It was a heavy force like we never felt. In fact we're sure almost all of Konoha felt it," Fuka replied. Naruto sighed. Guren helped him shakingly to his feet. Naruto leaned against the wall and chuckled dryly. "Sochi, what was that all about?" Kushina asked. Pretty soon, the color drained away from Naruto's face at the concerned look on everyone's faces. Shin, prepare his soul for the afterlife.

"YOU DID WHAT?!" Kushina's voice rang through the halls of the house in reverberating anger, shock, and worry. Inside the room, Yuri grimaced as she wiped the bulging lump on Naruto's head with a wet towel. "Of all the stupid things that you could have done, dattebane! That was the worst of them all, dattebane!" Kushina huffed while Naruto chuckled.

"Well the seal wasn't going to work anyway. It works on chakra, not on Honshou. Given the time, Kyuubi would have broken it anyway, plus it seemed like a good idea at the time. Now he's out of that cramped cage. Since Kyuubi's now made entirely out of Honshou then the seal keeping him back seemed unnecessary," Naruto commented in his defense.

"Is that the same as the seal Sanbi-chan and I have?" Yuri asked curiously. Inside his own cage, Sanbi perked up as best the turtle could. "I'm not sure. You would have to manually open it I guess. It's not like Honshou where you can break it without tripping anything," Naruto remarked. Yuri nodded. Sanbi seemed to stay in his own thoughts before shaking his head.

"Well at least Naruto-niisan is alright," Yukimaru remarked. Naruto nodded rather hesitantly. "Alright everyone, we can calm down now I suppose. Let's give Sochi his space. We'll talk in the morning," Kushina claimed. Everyone seemed to accept this before vacating the room. Yuri and Yura each gave Naruto a kiss to the cheek before they left. Soon only Naruto and Kushina were in the room.

"Lift up your shirt," Kushina quickly ordered. Naruto gave his mother a look before chuckling. "Wow Kaa-chan, no foreplay this time? You've become a pervert, dattebayo," Naruto remarked. To her credit, Kushina stammered and couldn't resist the blush that came across her face. The cheeky grin on her son's face told her all of his intentions making her grumble.

"Not like that and you know what I mean!" Kushina growled. Naruto couldn't help the laughter that escaped his mouth and echoed through the room. Kushina allowed her son to have his moment before he finally calmed down. She watched his face turn somewhat serious. Naruto held up his shirt. Kushina bent down to her knees. She looked at her son's tight body. His toned, hard, sexy, so fucking sexy bo….ugh! "Channel some Honshou," Kushina pleaded. Naruto acquiesced to her want. He channeled a significant amount. Kushina watched his abdomen.

"As I thought," Kushina thought to herself. Naruto stopped while Kushina stood to her feet. "The seal isn't appearing anymore which means that you really did destroy it. Sochi I really wish you wouldn't be so reckless. Who knows what that might have done to you," Kushina said. Naruto sighed. Reaching out his hand he brushed his mother's vibrant red hair. Kushina smiled.

"Sorry. I was caught up in the moment that's all. Besides Kyuubi hasn't tried to take over my body so I think we're good, not that I ever doubted him," Naruto replied. Kushina just nodded before exhaling a tired breath. "Then you have more strength than I do Sochi," Kushina replied underneath her breath. The redhead Habanero made her way over to her side of the bed and turned out the lights. Naruto, having put away his sword-cleaning supplies, crawled into the bed and fell asleep. Kushina did the same. She felt the warm embrace of her son's arms around her body. Kushina smiled.

-Morning, Hyuuga Compound-

The Uzumaki clan had been seated across the Hyuuga floorboard. All had attended excluding one Uzumaki, Yukimaru. It had been very early in the morning when the house was awakened by a Hyuuga branch member giving Fuka a scroll with the seal of the Hyuuga clan on it. She had delivered it to Kushina. As one expected, Kushina opened it finding a surprise that the Uzumaki clan had been requested of an audience with a few members of the Hyuuga clan. The only stipulation was that Uzumaki Yukimaru not attend. Seeing as how the young Uzumaki had a team meeting that morning then that wasn't a problem, but the thought had unnerved a few of them as to why their youngest was not allowed to attend. Kushina and Naruto didn't see a reason to deny them so everyone made themselves ready to go and here they were. As the clan could see the more influential figures of the Hyuuga clan had made their presence known. Hinata had been seated on the one side with Neji to her left. Right next to Neji was his father, Hizashi. Right next to Hizashi had been Hinako, looking as vibrant as usual. It was impossible to not see the smile on her face especially with the fact that her stomach had looked just a tad bigger than usual, just a tad. Next to Hinako had been Hiashi, as the clan head. Right behind all of them had been the elderly Hyuuga council which still irritated some of them for some reason. Naruto and Hiashi managed to give each other a glance. Naruto sent a pleasant grin and a wave. Hiashi knew he couldn't send such a grin Naruto's way so complied with a more moderate one and a bow of his head. The only Hyuuga who had been absent had been Hanabi.

With a cough, Hiashi turned to face Kushina and Naruto. "I thank you for meeting with me on such short notice. However I felt it immediate that we begin this," Hiashi spoke. Kushina merely nodded in agreement with a bow of her own. "Well recently the Uzumaki clan and the Hyuuga clan have been in fantastic relations with each other. We both seem to share a mutual benefactor and blessing for the reason our clans are the way they are now," Kushina returned. Hiashi couldn't have agreed more. He sent a lasting look towards the young Uzumaki heir.

"Hai, there is no room to question the blessings that have befallen our clans. I also pray that we all receive many other blessings in the future, but surely you don't expect us to just talk about these types of things do you?" Hiashi asked. Kushina smiled before shaking her head. "No I suppose not. Those types of things were always boring for me dattebane. So let's get right down to business then. What does the Hyuuga clan want with the Uzumaki clan?" Kushina asked in a rather upbeat fashion which only served to get a few chuckles from people.

"Hai, we will get right down to business Kushina-san. There are actually two things that I wish to discuss with you. First is that, among recent discoveries and some alone time with myself, I have…found a very large error within the Hyuuga clan," Hiashi replied with a sense of longing. Naruto raised his eyebrow to Hiashi's words. It sounded like it literally drained him to say those words. Naruto watched Hinako give a small smile, but she didn't say anything. Hiashi took a moment to collect himself.

"It is with this error that I also find myself responsible. It was my weakness. Ever since I became the clan head, I had found myself constantly thinking of any way that could benefit the Hyuuga clan. Any way that could make it stronger, make it better, turn it into a great clan. This was my only thought process. I would do anything for the clan, even sacrificing my own brother and even judging my oldest daughter for mistakes that I didn't even help her with. I will not hide it. I was not the best father, yet I believe I had the best intentions. In any case, I will take these experiences and make better judgment with the next Hyuuga to grace our family," Hiashi announced. Guren and Fuka widened their eyes while Naruto blinked. Yuri gawked before Yura righted her sister. Kushina just seemed surprised at the radiant smile on Hinako's face. Tayuya and Risa merely remained silent which was definitely odd for the mother-daughter duo.

"That being said along with my new judgement I have come to the decision that I do not want the newest Hyuuga to come into this clan the way that it is now," Hiashi remarked. Neji and Hinata widened eyes. Hizashi seemed to be just as surprised, but he seemed to hide it better. "Otou-sama, you don't mean…," Hinata didn't get to finish as Neji placed a shaking hand over her soft one. Hinata turned to Neji and saw him staring earnestly at Hiashi.

"Which is why I beseech the Uzumaki clan, on behalf of our friendship as a clan, please utilize your talents at fūinjutsu to erase the Cage Bird Seal from the branch members," Hiashi pleaded with a sharp bow of his head. If Naruto had been surprised before then he was absolutely floored now. Hiashi was willing to let go of a near century-old tradition, a painful tradition, but a tradition nonetheless. Naruto couldn't help but smile widely. He looked over and noticed Hinata smiling brightly. Neji, he seemed to be quite shaken. His entire body was trembling. Hizashi? Naruto just couldn't read him. "I see. Well as a Uzumaki, I believe you can understand why I have harbored a hatred for that specific seal Hiashi. Fūinjutsu is never meant to be a harm towards family, only a benefit. The abuse I have seen a good number of the Main Branch inflict upon the Branch family has been one of the more detestable things I have witnessed. However,I have learned that not everything can be seen from one perspective and we must always remain…open-minded," Kushina responded. Her hand graced over her son's. Naruto smirked feeling the soft flesh of his mother. Hiashi did not miss the action and neither did Hinako or Hizashi.

"What you say is true," Hiashi replied with a sincere smile. Kushina nodded before offering another wide smile. "Good. Well then you have no need to worry as the Uzumaki clan will accept your request wholeheartedly dattebane!" Kushina exclaimed. Hiashi firmly nodded with a pleasant expression.

"You have our clan's gratitude Kushina. Now as to the other matter. I believe this is more serious than the previous matter. Kushina, the Hyuuga clan talked about it among other things, and a majority of us have decided to bring back the ancient tradition of the Blood Pact with the Uzumaki clan," Hiashi said. It was then that Naruto noticed the stern look on not only Kushina's face, but also Risa's face as well. "The fuck is a Blood Pact?" came the voice of the fiercest, or maybe third fiercest, Uzumaki redhead. Tayuya waited for anyone in her clan to explain. Risa had indeed registered the question, but something stopped her from punishing Tayuya for her cursing.

"The Blood Pact, the complete and utter loyalty agreement between two clans. This was a design that had appeared long before the Great Clan Wars however the Uchiha and the Senju, being the dominate clans, decimated the others and it died out. This pact swears both clans to brotherhood. They are literally family-in-arms. I would like you to keep in mind that this is vastly different from a mere clan alliance. Both clans accept the other and acknowledge the other. Until the death of one, or both clans, the Blood Pact remains until the end of time itself. It offers a wide range of benefits actually. One is that, as a sign of trust, both clans exchange their most precious scroll with each other helping the other clan grow in coordination with the pact as well as this family-in-arms. Second benefit is that since we are seen as a family-in-arms then we can temporarily take up the rank of Honorary member of the represented clans. It's a privilege that is not to be taken lightly. The third benefit, is that one member of each clan will wear the Blood Pact seal on their hands. It is an unusual method I admit, but somehow both members of the two clans are able to share chakra and energy with each other. That is the gist of it, but one usual stipulation is the arrangement of a marriage between both clans. While yes this pact was lost due to the Uchiha and Senju clans, it was also lost around the time that Hidden Villages began to appear. It was disbanded out of fear as only that much loyalty was supposed to be towards the Hokage and the village. Nothing else was supposed to garner that much loyalty. To think that we would see it here," Risa explained taking a much needed breather. Naruto raised an eyebrow. An arranged marriage, this was? Who was supposed to be getting married? Naruto thought it over for a second. Suddenly Naruto's eyes widened in realization. Naruto looked over to the Hyuuga side. It seemed like Hinata and Neji came to the same conclusion. Now Naruto understood.

"You do realize what you are asking Hiashi? The Blood Pact is one of the things that the Uzumaki Clan does not joke about. The Uzumaki clan has never entered into a blood pact with any clan, not even the Senju. The Hyuuga would be the first actually, but you understand the graveness of the situation. I would like to know your reasoning behind this," Kushina said with her arms folded. Hiashi didn't seem the least bit surprised. "Hai, that is to be expected Kushina. For one thing, the relationship that I have with Uzumaki Naruto was one decision. I consider the young man one of my greatest friends. A lot of the things happening to this clan would not have happened without him. I have realized many a great things from looking at him and his accomplishments. I can't begin to thank him enough for what he has done for this clan," Hiashi spoke. Hinata slowly blushed while Neji smirked.

"Only because you helped me Hiashi. Why wouldn't I help the friend who helped me also" Naruto said with a mere shrug of his shoulders.. Hiashi chuckled with a small nod. "Hai that is true. However another reason came to me in the form that the Uzumaki and the Hyuuga, back during the Clan Wars were previously enemies as well. If the Senju had the Uchiha then the Uzumaki had the Hyuuga. When I look at what Uchiha Madara and Senju Hashirama created from their two clans then it makes me…shall I say, intrigued in what two former enemies can accomplish together as well," Hiashi remarked. The elders behind him seemed so surprised that they couldn't even speak.

"And you wish to have our Uzumaki Yukimaru marry your Hyuuga Hanabi to fulfill the marriage proposal aspect," Kushina said as it really wasn't a question. Fuka sent a glance to Guren. She was amazed to see Guren taking it all rather lightly. Her face was calm and her posture was non-threatening. She seemed fine. Fuka placed a hand over Guren's. Guren sent a glance to her before noting the redhead's grin. Guren took a deep breath and returned the grin before looking forward.

Hinata placed a hand over her mouth in shock while Neji rose an eyebrow. Hizashi sent Hinako and Hiashi a look, but he just noticed Hinako's smile. It didn't leave. In fact it was even wider. Hizashi never understood his sister. To Kushina's surprise, Hiashi didn't seem the least bit fazed by her words as they were indeed truth. "Hai, however I wish to make it clear right now. I only based this marriage proposal of the youngest because both are exceptional children. Keep in mind that while I look out for the interest of the clan I will also be looking out for the interests of my daughter. This marriage wasn't born out of the want for powerful children, but rather from the bond of trust I wish for the clans to have. However I will also emphasis that if either Hanabi or Yukimaru-san wish against it then I am will to try and find something to replace the marriage proposal if you are willing. I want us on good terms and to stay on those terms," Hiashi replied. Kushina slowly nodded. It was then that everyone heard chuckling. Everyone turned to see Yuri snickering. Yura sighed and nudged her sister.

"G-Gomen, I just find it funny, dattebayen. While we were in Uzushio, Yukimaru couldn't stop talking about wondering how Hanabi-san was doing. Sorry I said something weird, didn't I?" Yuri asked. Naruto and Kushina glanced at each other. "Really? I was not made aware of this," Guren said while Yuri rubbed the back of her head.

"Well I kind of stumbled upon him talking to himself in his studies that's all. But I don't believe he'll have a problem with it," Yuri replied. Hiashi's expression lightened up. "U-Ummm, Hanabi and I have been talking more. She talks mostly about Yukimaru-kun's absence from the team. She has indeed wondered where he's been lately," Hinata added rather shyly.

"Funny how these things work themselves out," Risa replied. Hinako smiled. "Hanabi's always been shy about expressing her real emotions from what I have seen. I do believe Yukimaru-kun brings out some things inside her. Perhaps this is not a bad arrangement after all," Hinako answered. Most nodded in agreement with her answer.

"Very well we'll run it by a family discussion. If Yukimaru agrees then we agree. If Hanabi agrees then that's great," Kushina had spoken. Hiashi dipped his head agreeing with her. "That only lives the issue of which guys are gonna get the Blood Pact seal right?" Tayuya asked. Hiashi sighed.

"Well for our side, Hinata has already volunteered to share the seal. We're willing to wait for anyone if you wish for…," Hiashi suddenly stopped as Naruto stood to his feet. "Me, dattebayo!" Naruto remarked almost instantly. The entire room was stunned into silence. Kushina raised an eyebrow as did the other members of the Uzumaki clan.

"Why you shithead?" Tayuya asked. Everyone just excused her crude language which only served to make Risa sigh. If Risa had a verbal tick then it just had to be a curse word. How lovely that her daughter took this much after her. "Well Hinata-chan and I have known each other the most out of everyone here, plus I trust Hinata-chan. She's strong after all so why not?" Naruto asked much to Hinata's embarrassment.

"I guess that's our volunteer then," Kushina remarked. Hiashi nodded thus ending the meeting. Hiashi and Kushina stood to their feet. Both proceeded to bite into their thumbs drawing blood. The blood from their individual thumbs dripped into their hands. Kushina held her hand out. Hiashi did the same. "As by the Blood Pact, the Uzumaki and Hyuuga clans engage in the forever act of unwavering loyalty. Family-in-arms even until the world unravels. The Blood Pact is in effect," Kushina and Hiashi replied in unison. Both separated their hands. The meeting was adjourned. Hiashi moved to help Hinako to her feet while others stood up and stretched.

"We'll iron out the details of the pact later. We'll also see how soon we can get started on your Cage Bird Seal. This will be sorted out later," Kushina replied. Hiashi, in all honesty, was quite fine with that. It was much better to wait and see than to rush and regret. "Understood. May you be safe," Hiashi told her. Kushina nodded as her clan filed out of the room leaving the Hyuuga clan alone.

"Well this is all exciting. I can't wait to see where this will lead," Hinako stated for herself. No one saw fit to argue with her statement at all.

-Uzushiogakure-

"Rin-san, Itachi-san, Zabuza-san I do believe that we have encountered a problem that needs to be addressed urgently," Karin spoke. Rin, Itachi and Zabuza gathered around Karin. "What is it? We shouldn't have any issues considering the land's economic stability. Uzushio has really never seen much more money ever since people started living here. It's become a rather permanent residence," Rin explained. Karin nodded rather slowly.

"Umm yes that is true, but because this land is own by the Uzumaki clan people are…more or less asking us to take missions. Some require escort and others require package delivery. It's become a complex thing. I've managed to stay off most of the subjects but people are adamantly for us taking missions. Plus, please take a look at this," Karin said handing them a scroll. Zabuza took it and unfurled it. With Itachi on his left, and Rin on his right he opened the scroll and peered at the contents. In all his years, this was the only time Zabuza had to give a double-take from sheer surprise. Itachi narrowed his eyes while Rin blinked in wonderment.

"How is this possible? How is Uzushio on the map?!" Zabuza asked slamming the map on the table. As seen the island of the Uzumaki clan and the three islands surrounding it. Karin flinched back as she nervous pushed up her glasses. "It's not unlikely Zabuza-san. In order to create even a small country all that needs to be there is a providing ruler, a place, and a certain number of people, income, and police force then that's what makes a country. Uzushio has all those things. The only thing it doesn't have is a Daimyo," Itachi replied.

"Umm yes and that is why we have another problem. The…Mizu no Kuni Daimyo is here and wants to meet with us. Something about this island being one of the Mizu no Kuni lands. He…wishes to negotiate a treaty of sorts between our Daimyo and…theirs," Karin answered nervously. Itachi, Rin and Zabuza stared at her incredulously.

"We don't have a Daimyo!" Rin exclaimed. Karin nodded gravely. Zabuza pinched the bridge of his nose. Itachi merely took a deep breath and exhaled tiredly. What a predicament this was.

-Kumogakure-

A frowned as he looked down at the paper in front of him. His assistant, Mabui, held a look of pure shock on her face. She nearly dropped the notepad she had been holding. Darui just rubbed the back of his head. However if one looked at his visible eye then they would have seen the serious expression etched onto his face. "Is this really what you want? There is no going back for you if you do this," A responded with a clenched fist on his desk. It was obvious that he was unhappy. In fact it was obvious that everyone was unhappy expect for the person.

"Hai, I do this fully knowing the consequences of my actions. Raikage-sama it has been an honor," He replied. A slowly nodded before holding out his hand. Everyone watched as the young man took off his Kumogakure headband and placed it in his former village leader's large hands. As he did, he suddenly found his hand grabbed by A. "No matter where you are, or what you do. You will be the left arm of the Raikage always," A sternly said to him. The man nodded with a small, appreciate smirk.

"Understood Raikage-sama. I shall take my leave now," he said as he headed for the door. "Shi!" Darui's voice echoed through the room. The young blond former Kumo Uzumaki stopped with his hand at the handle of the door. Darui didn't turn around.

"Take care of yourself. We talked a lot. I know how much you wanted a family. No one is going to blame you for your decision," Darui voiced out. Since he didn't turn around, he didn't see Shi's hand shaking on the door handle. The young Uzumaki male bit his lower lip. "So go. We're not going to stop you," Darui implored. He heard the door open and then close. Darui released a breath as did Mabui and A. No one said a word and they weren't going to for a long while.

Meanwhile, Shi exited the Raikage Mansion. He made his way towards the Kumogakure Gates. Shi chuckled dryly. Funny how this was so painful. He didn't think leaving would be this. Nothing could compare to this feeling, but this had to be done. Kumo had always been his main priority, but now he had another priority and that was to his family. Yes, Uzumaki never abandoned their family.

As Shi raised his head he took notice of Fujikaze standing there waiting for him. "I figured that I would pick you up Shi-dono," Fujikaze spoke. Shi nodded. "Hai, arigatou Fujikaze-san. I have sealed all of my personal belongings and my house has been cleaned out. I am ready to leave when you are," Shi remarked. Fujikaze nodded before placing his sword on top of his shoulder. His long black hair flowed in the breeze of the Kumogakure mountains. Slowly the two disappeared into clouds below and down the large mountain. As they descended, Shi took one last look at his former village. No turning back now.

-With Tera and Taji-

Taji fell to her knees in surprise. She didn't even forget that she couldn't feel the ground since she was a spirit, but the look of surprise on her face was evident. Right at her side, if Tera were alive then no double he would have released a bead of sweat from his brow. The sounds surging electricity assaulted their ears. For the past few weeks they had trailed Danzo. Nothing the man did was out of their sight. It was odd. He always met with some people that both didn't recognize or just went about his business, but never had they imagined that he would…do something like this. This plan was…insane. "You need to go and inform Shikyō-sama of this at once. I will stay and learn what I can. If this plan works then there will no longer be an Elemental Nations," Tera spoke. Taji turned to her partner.

"You sure? I won't be reaching Naruto-sama any time soon. Unlike his personal summons it would take me longer to zone in on him as well as move around like we have been. If you're willing to wait," Taji suggested. "There is no time for waiting Taji-san. Get to Naruto-sama as soon as you are able and inform him about this," Tera instructed. Taji shakingly stood to her feet.

"Very well Tera-san. I'll be back as soon as I can," Taji said before she quickly shot off through the ceiling. Tera watched her leave before turning back. He stared at the tube ferociously. "Kami have mercy on the Elemental Nations." Tera whispered to himself. In front of him, water bubbled in a large test tube, ten large test tubes to be exact. Tera swallowed the lump in his throat. This was bad. This was very bad. No, bad was putting it lightly. This was…a disaster.

---

KG: Umm this sort of wrote itself. While I had done the notes on it all beforehand there still seemed to be more…desired stipulations than what were intentionally required of me. Someone asked me how I'm able to manage so many plots inside of a single story like I do. I find it to not always be so difficult if you are used to it. I had used a lot of Manga and Anime for reference in how to do that. It seemed to work out for me.

KG: Someone asked if Honshou was basically the same as Reiatsu and Reiryoku like in bleach. There is definitely a few similarities, but I would say that Honshou was more concentrated than Reiryoku and just a tad heavier than Reiatsu if you would like my take on it.

KG: The Yukimaru and Hanabi thing was actually something I planned ever since the start of the story. If I take Naruto into account then Yukimaru and Hanabi should be the same age…maybe. He didn't seem all that much younger than Naruto except by maybe two or three years.

KG: Well whatever. Maybe this will all work out. Stay Breezy, protect what's important to you, review, and SEND ME CREAM SODA! also YOU WILL ALL RESPECT THE CREAM! Yes, I totally nailed it that time!