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.

49. Chapter 49

KG: IF. YOU. PEOPLE. DON'T. STOP. THREATENING. MY. CREAM. SODA. I. WILL. CASTRATE. YOU. ALL!

KG: I'm going to the best of my ability here, cut me some damn slack! Sheesh, what did the cream soda ever do to you? How dare you all disrespect the International Soda of the World. Humph you're all lucky I'm merciful. I amaze even myself.

KG: Here take your chapter and choke on it! (Grumbles and slams doors to room)

Music of the Week: A Thousand Years by Christina Perri.

Quote: "Power is not an institution, and not a structure; neither is it a certain strength we are endowed with; it is the name that one attributes to a complex strategical situation in a particular society," by Michel Foucault.

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Within the region of Hi no Kuni, in the dead of night, four figures slowly came up to a door. The obvious lead of the group swiftly knocked on the door ten times in a sequential pattern. The door didn't open, however it was obvious that the group was expecting it not to. "Word to the wise, all those who pass Death's door…," came a voice from the other side of the door. The leader cleared her throat and finished the phrase. "…shall receive divine judgement from his summoner," she finished. It was silent for just a moment before a series of clicks and locks were heard. The door quickly opened.

"Yo, glad you guys made it," said Kakashi Hatake as he held the door for Kushina, Mikoto, Naruto and Sasuke. The four joining members of Hinoken smiled before they walked into the room while Kakashi closed the door. "I still don't see why we had to make the password about me," Naruto charged with a small pout across his face as he rested his blade against a table. The others couldn't resist the chuckles or smirks that came from their faces.

"Because you are more or less a central focus in this group loser. Now stop complaining," Sasuke instigated. Naruto was more than ready to retort to his blonde teammate before his mother/lover slapped a hand over his mouth. Naruto grumbled out obscenities against Sasuke while Kushina rolled her eyes. "Sochi, let it go. We have more important things to deal with dattebane," Kushina said to him. Slowly Naruto stopped fighting and merely settled for glaring at the still grinning Uchiha. Kakashi gave a bright eyesmile. Mikoto merely laughed good-naturedly. However that didn't last long before she looked out through the remainder of the house.

"Kakashi, where is Yugao? Is she sleeping?" Mikoto asked. The other three members seemed to be wondering the same thing before they frowned as Kakashi's smile disappeared and was replaced by a hardened glare. "Yugao is currently resting upstairs. She…has been unconscious for the past three days," Kakashi remarked without any tone of amusement. This situation couldn't afford any. Sasuke straightened up while Naruto folded his arms. Mikoto lowered her gaze while Kushina took a step forward, obviously very calm for now.

"What happened?" Kushina asked looking at Kakashi's eye as hard as she could. Kakashi, himself, had been dreading this conversation and figuring out the best way to say it to everyone without sounding too out of place, but he hadn't been able to come up with anything. So…there was nothing left except just plaining telling it straight. Kakashi only hoped that his team would take this as seriously as he was. "Yugao and I were ambushed. Well it's probably better for me to say that Yugao was. Our plan was as we all went over, Yugao and I left a week early to scout out the Daimyo Palace. When we stopped to take a small break we took point. After five minutes I called for Yugao. I didn't get a response. Five minutes turned to twenty minutes and before long I summoned Pakkun. He told me that…he sensed Yugao and someone else with her. Arriving at the location I noticed Yugao was…confined in a glass prison, yet the glass must have been very strong because I saw Yugao attacking it furiously, but it wouldn't even crack, never mind break. However I saw person who captured her down there. He…was wearing a staging play mask. Pakkun called his chakra…strange. We actually mistook it for Akatsuki for a moment. However he…kept urging Yugao in her fruitless struggle. I decided to engage. He and I talked about…peace and the world. This man, he's with a group targeting the Daimyo. In the glass prison, Yugao was losing oxygen just like someone would in the Water Prison Technique. She…fainted from asphyxiation. Then…the man mentioned Naruto. He said to take care of Naruto because he was blessed by the God of Death. He then disappeared. I collected Yugao and retreated. I applied medical techniques were I could, but…she won't wake up," Kakashi finally finished.

It was then that everyone turned their gaze towards Naruto. The blonde blinked at the eyes of each individual. "What?" Naruto asked. Seeing the silence, Mikoto was the one who spoke. "Naruto-kun, have you…told anyone else about your contract? I thought you wanted to keep it hidden cause you feared what the world would do if it found out you had the God of Death as a summon," Mikoto said making Naruto quickly nod.

"I haven't told anyone recently. I don't know these people!" Naruto quickly asserted. Kushina slowly nodded. "It's alright sochi. I know you would have explained it to me if you did. Still that doesn't eliminate the threat. So based on Hokage-sama's report from the Anbu we can surmise that this is a terrorist group looking to overthrow the Daimyo and this man Kakashi encountered is perhaps one of the more pivotal members. Kakashi, what can you tell us about his chakra?" Kushina asked. At this question, Kakashi looked down.

"I…couldn't sense chakra. I felt…nothing from him. It was like he wasn't emitting any sort of life essence at all. I did question my thought processes, but I knew without a doubt that what I was looking at what the hollow shell of a person," Kakashi remarked. At these words Mikoto and Sasuke glanced at Naruto. Now it was rather obvious that it truly wasn't Naruto as they had expected. Even Naruto had a presence about him. Though it took a little more than the average person was probably capable of doing, he was still able to be…felt or sensed. The fact that Kakashi couldn't have sensed the assailant at all was also rather worrying. Not only did that mean that they would have a hard time distinguishing the person they were looking for, but they would also have to be even more alert.

"Will the plan still work? The Daimyo is hosting his party in just under a week. We can hope that Yugao wakes up in that time, but we'll have to plan a contingency if she doesn't. Worst case scenario is that if she doesn't wake up in another two days then we should have a medic look her over," Kakashi said as he slowly leaned himself off the wall. Kushina placed a small finger to her chin. More or less, the fact of finding a medic wasn't Kushina's worry. She then slowly looked up at the stairwell. As she took out her sword, Kushina swiftly stabbed it into the floor of the building. "Kuchiyose no Jutsu," Kushina called. As she had done so everyone watched as the spectral forms of Tōka and Sasori appeared from her sword. The two summons stood before their summoner.

"Sasori-san, Tōka-san. For the next three days I want you to watch the Daimyo and his family. Never let them out of your sight if you can help it. Anyone comes up to him from his advisor to potential guests I want to know about them," Kushina said making the two swiftly nod. The redhead leader of the group then turned around to face the rest of her peers. "We're going to have to operate under the assumption that these people can come as close to the Daimyo as they want. They could even potential be in this town without anyone knowing," Kushina said before her son spoke.

"So wait, what's to keep them from killing him right now? I mean it would be simple if no one could sense them right? That's what any shinobi would do," Naruto remarked. Kushina didn't answer as she was still thinking it over, but fortunately Kakashi had done so. "The man called his plan a…revolution or a revolt. One thing in common with all terrorist organizations is that…they want to be as flashy as possible. They feel it's their prerogative to make sure everyone sees what they do. Otherwise it would hold no purpose. They will make an attempt on the Daimyo's life, but only when the other Daimyo and their escorts are there. It would serve no purpose if they did otherwise," Kakashi explained. Naruto slowly nodded. Meanwhile, Kushina sent off Sasori and Tōka to the Daimyo Compound for more security reasons.

"So what do we do now?" Sasuke asked folding his arms. Kushina just sighed as turned around. "Well we're not going to be doing anything till tomorrow. We'll meet with the Daimyo in secret. For now, let's better if these people don't know we're here. We're not a regular squad so we're not in compliance with doing things the standard way. For now we'll sleep," Kushina said making the others nod. As Kushina watched, Kakashi, Mikoto and Sasuke disappear she smiled when she felt a soft, warm kiss at her shoulders.

"Don't you ever think about anything else?" Kushina asked making Naruto grin. "You know me Kaa-chan. I always aim to please dattebayo," Naruto remarked. Naruto watched his mother smile before he felt her lips press against his own. It was a soothing feeling.

"Down boy," Kushina said with a wink before collecting herself. Naruto grinned before he walked off as well. As Naruto placed his finger on the lights he paused. Slowly Naruto glanced at the door. There was that feeling again. That same feeling he got just before he left Konoha with his team. There…was someone at the door and…they were still there. Naruto narrowed his eyes and reached for his sword, but whomever was behind the door surprised Naruto as they quickly vanished…if there was even someone to begin with. Perhaps Naruto was going insane. "Kyuubi, did you feel that one?" Naruto asked. At this time, Kyuubi frowned as he looked at the door.

"Yeah, this is more likely akin to what you told me back in the village. I had wondered why you asked if I felt anything. When you were running through the forest I got a better feel for it being awake. There was…something there, but I wasn't sure what. Perhaps that's why we couldn't accurately sense them. Don't get soft brat. Whatever is happening it's going to take a combined effort to stop these people," Kyuubi warned. Naruto heeded the warning by nodding his head and turning out the lights. He quickly walked to join his mother in their bedroom.

-x-

Haku felt a small bead of sweat go down her neck as she sat on a pillow waiting for the Daimyo to arrive. She had initially done this yesterday, but word was that the Water Daimyo was running a little late. Haku necessarily didn't mind. However even in her mind, she wished he didn't show. Haku's body was covered in garments from some of the things the clothing stores had been more than kind enough to make for her. In light of not having a mansion, Haku decided that the best place to do this was none other than the head of the Uzushiogakure compound. It wasn't the most amazing of places, it offered its services where they were needed. Every second the Water Daimyo wasn't here was another second Haku was thinking against this idea. To her sides, laid Karin, her aide, and Zabuza, her guard. For the time being Shion was off to the shrine reading some scrolls. Juugo and Suigetsu were actually on the rooftops looking for potential danger. Komachi was just outside the door. Itachi was actually with Konan in another part of the compound. Haku doubted the Water Daimyo would have been thrilled to have an Akatsuki member there. Haku also managed to have a few civilians from the Uzushiogakure village to actually help around the compound. Strangely enough, it was odd that the people were actually enthusiastic to do it. Perhaps everyone really wanted a Daimyo. Also perhaps the fact that some people knew Haku was another plus.

"Haku-san, stop fidgeting with your dress. You're going to mess it up," Karin said straightening the seams of said elegant dress. Haku released a sigh from her lips. "It's hard to sit still like this for hours on end. I apologize," Haku said making Karin release a separate sigh. Zabuza just watched the interactions happen before a knock on the door came.

"Alright Haku-san, show time," Karin said and Haku nodded releasing the last of her breaths. "Enter," Haku replied and the door opened showing one of the civilian attendants. Her smile brightened the room as she held up a piece of paper. "Haku-sama, the Water Daimyo is here to see you," the woman said with her smile still brightened. Haku swallowed the lump in her throat and merely nodded.

"Arigatou Tsunami-san. Please, show him inside," Haku said expertly. Tsunami slowly bowed before she closed the door. Haku took a calming breath. At her side, Karin snickered which made Haku send her a light glare. Karin waved it off, but everyone stood fast as the door opened. Once the door opened fully Haku got a swift look at the Water Daimyo. He was definitely old. Much older than Zabuza, if the wrinkles on his face were something to see. He wore a medium-sized light-yellow kimono as well as the traditional daimyo headgear which Haku sported as well. Along with him came his male aide and two bodyguards. The Water Daimyo seemed to be taking in her appearance. Haku could tell he was surprised. He didn't exactly try to hide it. No doubt he would be surprised. Someone who could pass as his granddaughter was in a position of such political power. He then shifted his gaze to Zabuza and stiffened. Of course, Zabuza was a notorious person from Water Country. However he staved it off.

"It is a pleasure to finally meet with the Daimyo of the Land of Eddies. I had not expected such a young woman to take office," the Water Daimyo said. Haku raised an eyebrow before smiling. "You flatter me, Water Daimyo-dono. It is a pleasure to welcome you into the Land of Eddies," Haku said with a small bow. The Daimyo slowly nodded before he seated himself. His aide sat behind him while his guards leaned against the wall.

"Karin, please fix us some tea," Haku said. In a swift motion, Karin stood to her feet and bowed. "At once Haku-sama. I shall return momentarily," Karin said before walking out the door. The Water Daimyo slowly smiled gently upon her greeting.

"It was a surprise to learn that the Land of Eddies was rich with culture once again. I must ask Whirlpool Daimyo. How did you and your people come into contact with the Land of Eddies? For years, Water Country has attempted to claim the land as part of our charter, but have been unsuccessful due to the tremendous waves and whirlpools that abound the surrounding islands. It's just a surprise to me," The Water Daimyo said while Haku placed her robed hand over her mouth and gently chuckled.

"Well Water Daimyo-dono, one of the main reasons that we were able to come here was because the waves and whirlpools were actually made by the Uzumaki clan in order to protect the island. We naturally stumbled on the last remains of the clan itself which helped us to proceed to bring back life to the island," Haku explained. Zabuza actually had to hand it to his student. All those overnight lessons thanks to some of the scrolls Kushina had stocked in the library were proving fruitful. She seemed to fit the role perfectly.

News from Haku seemed to shake not only the Water Daimyo, but also his guards and aide. News of the long dead clan of master fūinjutsu legends coming back was an interesting thing. Actually he had heard of the Uzumaki clan attempting to reform itself back in Konoha. A terrifying thought actually. "I see. How fortunate for you," The Water Daimyo said as the door slowly slid open revealing Karin with a tray and cups of tea. She swiftly brought the cups down before bowing and taking her place back behind Haku. The Water Daimyo took a small sip of the hot tea while Haku did the same.

"Your aide makes great tea," The Water Daimyo complimented. Karin snorted. What was so great about it? It was merely hot leaf water. However she merely bowed to the compliment. Haku did the same. "Hai, Karin-san is one of our best tea makers," Haku said with a wide smile. The Water Daimyo nodded. He could definitely see why. As the two settled their cups down, the Water Daimyo leaned forward.

"Now then Whirlpool Daimyo-dono, I would like to ask. Will you be going to the Fire Daimyo's party this week?" The Water Daimyo asked. Haku blinked as she turned to Karin for a confirmation. Karin twitched an eyebrow, but nodded. "Erm, the Fire Daimyo was hosting a party for any and all daimyo to attend if they wished Haku-sama. You weren't informed because…you were still getting yourself together for the meeting," Karin replied. Haku gave a small sigh. She really wished she could know these things beforehand.

"Karin-san, we're going to have a small talk later," Haku said with a small smile marring her face. Karin shivered. That smile was very much unwelcoming. However Haku had seen that she had gotten her point across and turned back to the Water Daimyo. "I suppose it would be good for a new daimyo to meet the others. I wouldn't mind going," Haku answered with a small smile. Zabuza raised an eyebrow, but by the looks of the Water Daimyo the man was pleased by such a deal.

"That seems great Haku-dono. Perhaps on the way we can discuss Water Country's future with Whirlpool Country. Being one of the newest countries, Whirlpool would need substantial contacts and trade agreements," the Whirlpool Daimyo said. Haku nodded. He wasn't in the wrong about that. While a portion of the trade between Uzushiogakure and Wave was a standard thing, there wasn't much other trade. Haku imagined that the Mizukage had offered a minimal amount of trade if only from them being family members, but that seemed to be about it. Still with reconstruction of the village happening, then more money was going to need to be generated. Perhaps that was one of the reasons why the island was…,more in theory, a lesser country at the moment. It was certainly understandable. That was also probably one of the reasons why so many people were adamant about…a place to submit missions or even a, Haku resisted the urge to exhale a breath, academy. Turns out many people's children were hoping to become, and Haku quoted, 'as cool and awesome as the shinobi of the island.' However that was a decision Haku wasn't even close to being sure was good enough to be made…yet.

"I would like that Water Daimyo-dono. It was a pleasure to meet with you. Please have a stay in one of our luxurious hotels. We may depart tomorrow," Haku said prompting the Water Daimyo to nod. "Agreed. I will see you tomorrow Haku-dono," the Water Daimyo said before slowly getting to his feet. He then turned around and left while his guards bowed to Haku and left as well as his aide. The room was quiet. Slowly, Haku held her head down while Karin patted her on the shoulder.

"That was good Haku. You did very good," Karin complimented while Haku slowly nodded. "Zabuza-sama, I don't think I can keep this up," Haku remarked, but in her heart of hearts she knew this was a role that she was more than likely going to play until she died or something like that. There definitely wasn't any way of getting out of this now that the Water Daimyo had seen her face. Zabuza just patted her shoulder opposing shoulder.

"You're going to have to toughen through it Haku. We all need you," Zabuza said while Haku nodded. "That's great and all, but now we need to find Haku some escorts. All of us can't leave. We'll have to reconvene back at the compound. In any case, the first trial has been taken care of," Karin said making Zabuza nod. Haku merely frowned. If that was the first trial, then Kami have mercy on her always drained soul. Haku wasn't going to last. If she did, then…obviously these people needed more training in observation.

-x-

Screaming reverberated through the halls of several corridors. Those in their jail cells, chained to the walls, whimpered and prayed to whatever god was watching over them as the shrill screams continued. How could these people be so cold? Actually even more than that, how could this young girl withstand so much? They had kept her in there for about four hours currently. Not even most jonin from the various villages had seen anything better. Yes, in the cells so far deep underground that no shred of light could have been visible except by candle or lamp, sat people from every region of the elemental nations. Men, women, and even some young children cowered in their respective cells as the screams continued. It was strange, no one knew how they got to where they were. They didn't even know where they were. However it was all merely simple. Their captors fed them only twice a day. Their words were law. Their strange abilities were their weapons of keeping everyone in line. No one dared question them, well except one person and she was who they were torturing right now…more than likely…trying to break her just like they had done with so many others.

In time, everyone heard the screams die down. Feet shuffled through the halls. People waited anxiously as their feeble eyes tried to pierce the unrelenting darkness. It was no surprise that people saw their captors carrying one, Yuri Uzumaki, over one of their shoulders. But her grunts, it shocked people that the Sanbi jinchuuriki was still alive and breathing. "Really? Four hours and you still couldn't break a child? I think you're getting soft," came a woman voice behind her strangely-colored opera mask. Her associate snorted. "No one ever said suppressing evil would be easy. Besides you seemed to be enjoying yourself more than I was," the associate said. Upon closer inspection by everyone in their cells, they could see drips of water from Yuri's body. Her clothes and face drenched. What had they done to her? People could only imagine and that made it all the more worse.

After some more time, Yuri grunted as she was thrown back into her cell. She faintly heard the sounds of her jail cell closing before her captors had walked away. She laid on the ground for a moment. "Oi how long are you going to pretend to sleep? Wake up!" Sanbi shouted. Yuri groaned before she heaved and released a glob of water from her mouth. She coughed as she squinted her eyes open. Never before, never had Yuri before been so happy to have a lightning affinity. Groaning as she crawled to a place to lean up on, Yuri grumbled. "Arigatou Sanbi-san. If it wasn't for you purifying the water while I neutralized the lightning I would have been dead," Yuri said. Sanbi remained silent for a moment before he snorted. Praises didn't make him happy. Not at all.

They say that when you are about to fully drown, you are first consumed by a state of panic. Of course, no matter what human it was, people could only go a few seconds without oxygen. Yuri actually remembered her lesson on that from Zabuza. Holding one's breath didn't necessarily count as going with oxygen. A person could keep oxygen in their body by limiting the amount of energy that the expelled from their body helping to increase their time while under the fluid. However eventually the brain would start to become affected. In short, it would have something of a systematic shutdown. Oxygen to the brain stopped and the brain would slowly collapse on itself from the additional water. From this pressure, if one opened their eyes then they would begin to see subtle hallucinations. The lights would be brighter from the reflection of the water and the pupils. Moreover, the lungs would constrict grasping and grasping for air. Humans naturally exhaled carbon dioxide, but in trying to conserve as much oxygen as possible the built up carbon dioxide would accumulate in the body forcing the person to want to breath more. That was…stage one.

Stage two, the person breathed in the water grasping for oxygen. However with no oxygen the body's response was to lock the throat to keep it from getting more. From this lock came also a lock of the muscles or becoming rigidity. As the remaining water left the throat to the stomach it slowly began to flood everything else. Then…there was stage three. Stage three, known as Death's Embrace, was when the person slipped into unconsciousness. This unconscious would fester and persist as you sunk into a watery grave, never to open your eyes again. Yuri…had been at the Stage Three of drowning just before she was released. Granted the only reason she was able to last as long as she did was due to her and the Sanbi. Being a water-ish bijuu, Sanbi was able to convert Yuri's lungs to handle a sharp intake of water over long periods, however that never meant that she could fully breath underwater. It just meant she could hold her breath longer for the gaps of oxygen that appeared in tiny molecules was just enough for the Sanbi to separate from the water to allow her to breath. In the meantime, Yuri tried to keep her focus by constantly sending lightning chakra through her body. It was then that she felt she created a new technique, one she really hoped she would never use again. Her technique was Dōdenshō (Conductive Shock). Upon reaching a certain stage in near-death, Yuri's body would jumpstart her heart with short bursts of lightning chakra through her body. It actually kind of help that while she was being forcefully drowned she was also being forcefully electrocuted as well which she was able to neutralize with her own electric field. Yuri's last thoughts as her life flashed before her eyes? She was going to die a virgin. Well that was one, but oddly enough she had been happy. Yuri's last thought had been "I've come a long way. Nii-chan…I hope I'll see you again. Yeah I'll…see you again Nii-chan." These were Yuri's last thoughts before she gave way to her unconscious as her body jumpstarted her heart just in time before she fully gave way. Face it bastards, Uzumaki Yuri was far too stubborn to die.

They had chained her up. They had bound her feet and her arms before they through her into a deep river of water that rested in the prison that she now resided in. Every once in a while someone would go down there just to unleash some kind of jutsu or whatever that either made the water too hot, too cold, or too…in any case, Yuri realized that she was subjected to quite a bit. Last thing she remembered before passing out was the feeling of her body being bashed around violently like she was being tossed in an endless amount of rapids like back on Uzushio. She could still hear them somehow and they knew it, because they kept asking her questions that she refused to answer. Where was Naruto? How did he become the favor of the God of Death? What was the rotation for Konoha's wall patrol? They asked Yuri it all, and yet she never spoke. Never mind that she was underwater, but…the fact still remained.

"Still, while I'm glad I'm alive I still wonder where I am. They snagged my pouch and almost anything else I could want except the clothes on my back. I also have to locate Ero-ojichan and Shizune-neechan," Yuri said as she attempted to stand to her feet. "Are you stupid right now girlie? You need to sit down and rest. Get this through your head. You're only alive because of three things, your Uzumaki bloodline, my chakra, and our combination. We kept that going for FOUR hours! The fact that you're even awake right now is a testament to us," Sanbi said while Yuri chuckled to herself.

"I thought you told me stop pretend sleeping?" Yuri asked while Sanbi snarled. "You know damn well what I meant!" Sanbi replied before going silent. Yuri offered a weak smile. Okay fine. Rest now, escape later. Still she knew nothing about this place. How was she going to get away? Suffice to say Yuri was getting a little annoyed. She really had to start upping her training. Granted yes, she was a genin, the lowest rank for the shinobi world, but getting captured by an enemy for a second time was getting a little too repetitive for her tastes. Well yeah at least she put up a lot more of a fight that second time, but the point still stood. Yuri had no clue where Ebisu or Shizune were, or even if they were still…

Yuri shook her head. "No don't think like that!" Yuri told herself before releasing a sigh. She wondered where everything was going. As Yuri leaned against a wall that held her bed. Her eyes couldn't even see so much in the dark. She was still reeling from those effects of near-drowning. It was actually by this time, Yuri wished she had her own spirit summons. She could send them out from…wherever she was and contact Naruto to come get her along with the team. She knew that he would have brought this prison crumbling down if she was here.

Yuri was brought out of her thoughts as she heard three hard taps to the wall next to her. Yuri raised an eyebrow to the taps, but thought nothing of them. After about a minute, the taps came again prompting Yuri to look at the wall. "It's morse code girl. Answer back! In this case you need all the information you can get!" Sanbi said while Yuri blinked. She then chuckled sheepishly. "Erm…I don't know morse code. I wasn't taught it yet," Yuri said while the Sanbi's eyebrow twitched. He took a deep breath before sighing. Sanbi then quickly instructed Yuri to move close to the wall. Yuri did so. As she leaned against the wall.

"I'll translate so keep up. Hey. You. Alright?" Sanbi translated. Yuri frowned at the odd question. Someone was trying to contact her? Well, not much else she could do right now, but answer back…which she didn't know how to do. So after a rather annoyed Sanbi taught her the code, Yuri replied back. "I'll. Live. Thank. You," Yuri coded through the taps on the wall. Granted she didn't know who the hell she was talking to, but that could have waited. Right now, it would just good to have someone to speak with. The taps came in reply.

"They. seem. to. be. harder. on. you. than. everyone. else," Sanbi said. Yuri snorted. She imagined that some of that had to do with her jinchuuriki status. It wasn't like she was discreet about it in that fight two days ago. "Might. be. my. charming. personality," Yuri replied back. It was silent on the other side for a moment, but the taps continued after long.

"Very. funny. but. seriously. I. have. been. here. for months. they. haven't. been. that. hard. on. us. like. you" Sanbi translated. Yuri leaned forward. She figured she knew the reason, but her status was still sensitive. "Got. me. but. you've. really. been. here. for. months. and. haven't. tried. to. escape?" Yuri asked. It was actually a solid question. The taps came back faster than she had expected honestly.

"Many. tried. all. dead. only. hope. that. no. one. breaks. and. becomes. a. slave. to. them," Sanbi said while Yuri frowned. Just perfect. Whatever system these guys had, it was a lot more elaborate than Yuri would have imagined. She didn't expect the taps to come so fast again. "Well. don't. worry. about. that. now. it's. nice. to have. someone. to. talk. to," Sanbi replied. Yuri perked up and looked at the wall. She then slowly sighed and looked up at the ceiling. Seemed like that was going to be happening a lot. She laid her head against the wall.

"Nice. to. know. you. then. I'm. Uzumaki. Yuri," Yuri tapped against the wall. Silence was the only thing to grace Yuri's ears and it unnerved her for awhile before she heard Sanbi speak. "Uzumaki? Are. you. related. to. Uzumaki. Naruto?!" Sanbi asked trying his best to mimic the excited undertone of the message. Yuri blinked as she looked at the wall. So it seemed that whoever was on the other side of the wall at least knew Naruto in some way, shape, or form. Yuri didn't see a need to deny it. "Yes," No straighter answer had ever been given by Yuri in perhaps her life. It was short, sweet, and to the point. She didn't see it, but the person behind the door slowly smiled and tapped the wall.

"Fuma. Sasame. nice. to. meet. you. Uzumaki. Yuri-san," Sanbi replied making Yuri chuckle to herself. So the person she was talking to had been called Sasame. A rather nice name, Yuri figured. The sounds of a tray hitting the floor assaulted Yuri and Sasame's ears. Looks like dinner had arrived. Yuri sighed. She was going to get out of this. Believe it!

-x-

In the highest tower of Amegakure, Nagato opened his eyes and stood to his feet. At the side of the room, Zetsu and Obito watched him head for the door. Neither moved to stop him. "Do you even know where to start looking?" Obito asked with a small glare in Nagato's direction. The leader of Akatsuki slowly turned around and stared into the eyes of his associate. "It has been a month that Konan has been until to turn up. She was sent to retrieve the Sanbi jinchuuriki in that time. There has also been regular activity from the country now known as Uzushio. That is where I will begin my search," Nagato said while Obito snorted.

"And if the possibility of her being captured by Konoha were a possibility then would you be able to take on an entire village?" Obito asked. At this Nagato made his way for the door. "No one can challenge god. I will retrieve Konan…no matter the cost," Nagato said as he closed the door. Watching him go, Obito closed his eyes.

"Are we really just going to let him go? Who knows if Konan-san hasn't already defected to Konoha's side and divulged any secrets. We can't trust her," Black Zetsu said making Obito smirk. "I never trusted any of them in the first place, but I do know that we still need her. After all, she is…Nagato's weak link. Whoever is able to control Konan is capable of controlling Nagato. He puts up a tough front, but he truly has the softest spot for her. We'll wait for her to come back. If her story is even slightly sketchy…you know what to do," Obito said turning to Zetsu. The plant-man member of Akatsuki slowly nodded before he slowly drew himself into the ground.

As Obito watched Zetsu leave he held out his hand, the one that had the vastly different skin tone from his others. The one, he had been forced to cut off in surgery. He clenched his palm into a fist. Black lightning coursed through the outer reaches of skin. Soon. He was so close to mastering it. Just a little bit more time was all he needed. If when you survived things as Obito did, then you had…nothing, but time.

-x-

Yura huffed as she hopped across the rooftops. Her pace was unsteady as was her breathing. Her eyes eagled in on the destination that she wanted to go to. Even now the burning in her legs from her previous training session wasn't enough to stop her. Man she could not get to the Hokage Mansion fast enough. As Yura rushed through the doors, she didn't even acknowledge the secretary who shouted at her to wait before she rushed up the stairs and barged into the main room. Punctuality and politeness could wait! "No. Please no," were Yura's thoughts as she opened the door.

Yura bore the sight of Guren, Izumo, Kotetsu, and a few other Anbu. Yura could instantly place the look of sadness over Guren's face. She could even see Tsunade making the strong effort of not trying to meet her gaze directly. "Yura, I need you to calm down," Guren said carefully. Yura widened her eyes before she snarled. "Yuri, my sister, our family, was just…kidnapped and you want me to calm down?!" Yura asked making Guren wince. Izumo and Kotetsu glanced to each other while Tsunade leaned forward.

"Yura, listen to me. Yuri isn't the only one missing. Ebisu is missing also. Konohamaru and his team said the man failed to check in for their meeting two days ago. Also…Shizune is missing. I know how you're feeling, but as your Hokage I need you to calm down," Tsunade said and Yura could see the blonde woman's hands tightening upon each other to emphasize her point. Obviously Yura surmised that Tsunade was dealing with a lot as well. The loss of her assistant/long time friend was clearly waning on her.

"Yes, Hokage-sama," Yura said clearly forcing the words down her throat like a bitter pill. For Tsunade, she knew that was the best she was going to get out of it right now. She dealt with it. "Now then, Yura, we were discussing this predicament just before you came in. As this concerns you then I'll have you stay. Now then…Guren, your report," Tsunade said making Guren nod she held up a piece of paper she had been holding.

"Hai, the people who came through our village security barrier are anomalies at best. The area we recently investigated was saturated with chakra. I could detect chakra from Yuri, Shizune-san, and Ebisu-san over the course of the fields. Judging by the craters and the amount of destruction it isn't without possibility that they fought for their very lives. Unfortunately I can' tell who they fought as I couldn't sense a single ounce of chakra from a fourth individual," Guren said making Tsunade narrow her eyes. Yura blinked.

"No chakra? But everything that breathes has chakra. How couldn't you sense someone else there?" Yura asked a bit more hastily than she had intended. Guren sighed as she held the paper down. "That's why I said they were anomalies. Our security barrier was recently updated to pick up on chakra 3% faster than before. However we detected five presences had made it through the barrier. This would have slipped our notice entirely if we weren't calibrating the equipment. Because the barrier reads a chakra output when an anomaly passes it…we were surprised and, even more so, worried when the output of chakra from all five presences was…zero," Guren said. Tsunade tightened the grip of her hands while Yura widened her eyes. People…without chakra? Was that even possible?

"What is the possibility that they are masking it?" Tsunade asked, but by the look on Guren's face, she could tell that it wasn't a good possibility. "Generally masking chakra is easily. It merely about restricting it's initial output and focusing its input to more circulate the body rather than expelling itself. However it's almost impossible to completely keep chakra from coming out of the body even in small amounts. I would say it is 100% impossible that chakra output can be zero, but obviously I would wrong here because these computers don't lie," Guren said before pulling out a map.

"However, it's not like we don't have a lead. While masking chakra is the anomaly, it's much harder for a person to mask their scent…no matter who they are. We had one of the members of the Inuzuka clarify. The people flew away in a northwest area. I would dare say that the best places would be…Kusa, Taki, Oto, Yu, and…Iwa," Guren remarked. Tsunade leaned forward. Five villages and five regions. That was almost to vast. Tsunade closed her eyes for a brief moment. Just perfect. Just fuckin' perfect. Tsunade really wished Shizune was alright. She wished they were all alright. However, Tsunade had to stay calm. She needed to do so. Even now she just wished she could see her assistant come through the door with a huge stack of papers. Tsunade would have been more than happy to do a marathon of paperwork that ran from Konoha to Iwa if it meant Shizune was the one who was going to bring it in.

"Guren, you will assemble a small team, you may pick from four members whoever you wish. Search these five countries…discreetly. You can be gone for three weeks, but no more no less. Find…any information you can gather and bring our comrades home," Tsunade said. Guren quickly saluted. "Hai. Well then, I'll need to find three more members. Yura, you're with me," Guren said making Yura widen her eyes. She looked towards her cousin making the older Uzumaki smile.

"Let's go get our family," Guren said patting Yura on the shoulder. Yura swiftly nodded. "Hai Guren-san," Yura said as they marched out the door. Izumo and Kotetsu then bowed to Tsunade and left as well leaving Tsunade alone. Tsunade looked down at the piping hot cup of tea she made for herself. She sighed before taking a sip. She still didn't know how Shizune made such good peach tea. Tsunade heaved a small sigh. The weight of this job and its consequences were bearing down on her now.

Meanwhile, Guren and Yura took to the streets. As Guren looked down she noticed Yura's steely gaze. Perhaps the young Uzumaki was just lost in her thoughts over the feeling of having her sister kidnapped. Guren figured she might have been the same way if it had been Yukimaru. As Guren looked back up, she knew she didn't have to think very hard about who she wanted. Perhaps she should leave a note at home for Yukimaru and Fuka. The latter had late chunin duties while the former was out on his very first C-rank mission with his teammates. It made Guren happy if not for the situation. Knocking herself out of her thoughts, Guren patted Yura's shoulder. "We're going to rescue her Yura, but I need the Yura that has a clear head here. I didn't pick you on my team merely because you had an attachment to this mission, but because I value your sealing as well as your limited combat experience. It's good work for you as a chunin. Understand?" Guren asked. Yura slowly nodded. Guren released a breath.

"I need to hear you say it Yura. You will keep a clear head this mission," Guren asserted. Yura looked at the ground. Well that was great. Now she had one of her family members questioning the ways that she got things done. Yura and Guren slowly stopped in the middle of the street as Yura looked at the ground for a split moment. "I will keep a clear head this mission Guren-san. You have my word," Yura answered. Guren nodded gently before handing Yura a piece of paper. She then proceeded to point at two names.

"Get this guy and get this other guy. Tell them we move out in one hour. Meanwhile I'll go and get our fifth person. Kami knows their stubborn as all shit," Guren said as she made her way in a separate direction from Yura. Yura watched her cousin leave before looking down at the paper. She raised her eyes in relative surprise. She hadn't initially had the honor of working with these people before. Still, they say that an experience is everything. Yura clutched the piece of paper. Just you wait Yuri. Uzumaki Yura was going to rest you as the older sister did.

That said, Yura sweatdropped as she looked at the first person on her list. She blinked as he looked at her with a rather bored look. Yura watched him lean against the door. "Please don't tell me I'm requested for a mission," he said making Yura swiftly nod. He then offered a sigh as a response and rolled his eyes. "Troublesome. Where are we meeting?" he asked. Yura had to wonder just why Guren had wanted this guy on the team, but then again she didn't grow up in Konoha so perhaps he had some set of skills that she didn't know about. Well whatever the reason, Guren had asked for him to join and Yura had to get him.

"We're meeting at the gate in one hour. Guren-san says to pack for at least a month trip, Shikamaru-san," Yura said to the Nara standing in front of the compound. She watched him yawn a he scratched the top of his pineapple-shaped hair. "Fine. I'll be there," Shikamaru said. Truth be told, the Nara really didn't feel like doing a whole lot since the whole ordeal with Asuma. Granted a few words from his father and from Kurenai helped him see the bigger picture. He couldn't spend all his time wallowing in self-pity over his mission. Yet their words didn't make things any easier. Still Shikamaru had a job to do so he moved to close the door.

As Yura watched him close the door, she sighed before holding up the piece of paper once again. Next on her list was…another person that she didn't have the honor of working with. It seemed like this would be a first of many for Yura, but she didn't necessary mind that at all. So Yura began her next walk towards her next destination. Good thing Guren also wrote down instructions to where these people were or Yura feared that this would have taken longer than she would have liked.

After some time, Yura looked up. Their third person was here? At…the Academy? Sighing at her cousin's logic, Yura opened up the academy doors and walked inside. As she traversed the halls the school was empty. More than likely school had ended and all the kids had gone home for the day. Slowly opening a door, Yura slowly peeked into a room and noticed her third teammate in a chair sighing as he graded some papers. "Iruka Umino-san?" Yura called making the chunin turn around from the prompt to his name. Seeing his guest, he smiled.

"Ah Yura-san. How can I assist you today?" Iruka asked. Yura cleared her throat. "Guren-san is forming a team. E-Ebisu-san, Shizune-san, and…my sister, Yuri, have been kidnapped by an unknown enemy. We're going to go to five countries to scout out for them and, if possible, rescue them all. Guren wants you to come," Yura said making Iruka blink in surprise. It was rather rare he got a mission out from the village much less from Guren. However hearing the news of Ebisu, Shizune, and Yuri's capture made the man a little more serious. After all, Iruka knew the torment that one went through when they were captured as spoils of war. He pushed his chair back and stood up from the pile of papers he was working on.

"When are we leaving?" He asked and Yura slowly brightened. "In one hour at the front gates. Guren-san says to pack for at least one month," Yura quickly added making Iruka nod swiftly. He walked out of the room and proceeded down one of the hallways. Yura watched him descend into the darkness, but it was only for about four minutes before he returned with an associate.

"Then I thank you for taking over Suzume-san. I'll be gone for awhile so it might be good to set up a D-rank mission for a temporary assistant teacher job," Iruka said to a woman with long, curly, black hair and oval glasses. The woman named Suzume slowly pushed up her glasses. "Very well. You don't need to worry. I'll take care of it. Have a safe trip Umino-san," Suzume said making Iruka nod before he patted Yura on the shoulder.

"I don't know how much good I'm gonna be, but I'll try my best. I'll head home and pack then I'll meet up with you guys. I'll see you soon," Iruka said before he walked out of the doors as well. With that being said, Yura walked out of the academy as well. She quickly jetted home. There wasn't a lot of things she needed to seal into her scrolls. Merely some clothes, a toothbrush, her weapons and basically any other essentials. As Yura did so, she frowned. Inside her mind images flooded her of the state of her sister. Yura bit her lower lips. She would do it. She would rescue her sister as best she could. Her sister was not going to die this early in her life. Yura still had to see her sister do so many other things. Yuri was honestly all Yura had left after her family.

Yura quickly picked up her pack and blinked as she looked back at her room. She wouldn't be here for a little while, but that was fine. She didn't want to return to this house without her sister in tow. Yura quickly made her way out of the door. "Just hold on Yuri. I'm coming for you," Yura said with a solid expression. As she locked the doors to the compound house, Yura hastily made her way back to the streets and hopped across the rooftops.

It didn't take long at all for Yura to make it to the front gates. The hour had gone by relatively quickly. It actually surprised her that she was the last one to arrive as she saw four people waiting for her. Yura dropped down to the ground and noticed Shikamaru, Iruka, Guren, and…Ibiki waiting for her. Was this the person Guren had wanted to take along with them. The last of the team had his arms folded and his eyes closed. "Sorry I'm late," Yura pardoned, but Guren waved her off. "No it's fine. Now then, our mission is to search the regions of Kusa, Taki, Yu, Oto, and…Iwa. More than likely we will be gone for about three weeks to a month. Be prepared. We're obviously dealing with something that we've never experiences before. This is a search-and-rescue operation. I specifically chose this team because of what I feel all of us bring to the table. In some way of fashion we are all familiar with strategic planning or the human mindset. We're going to be on our guard. We'll head for Kusa first. Let's move!" Guren said walking out of the gates. Ibiki quickly followed suit behind her as did Shikamaru, Iruka and Yura. As the five headed out of the village and into the threes, Guren frowned.

"I just hope we find something," Guren said to herself before she dashed off with the others hot on her heels.

-x-

By now three days had passed. It was morning in Hi no Kuni at the sun was high in the sky bringing its heat. Naturally everyone was relieved that morning when Yugao came down the stairs claiming to be hungry. After a brief checkup of her body and her ability to do…well anything strenuous, Kushina allowed Yugao to return to her active duties. That being said, Kushina advised Yugao to not overexert herself given that she had just woken up to which Yugao took the warning well. Once the concern over Yugao had lessened, Kushina brought the team together and began to talk about what they were going to do about their so-called…adversaries.

In the meantime, Naruto and Sasuke were hanging off the walls of the Daimyo's mansion writing seals over said walls. Quickly drawing on seal and then another, Sasuke and Naruto moved over the tower before. It was a rather delicate process, but both shinobi finally managed to finish. As Naruto landed to the ground, he frowned. He had been thinking over Shin's words to him. Once he understood a certain process and his…desires then Shin would grant him his summons back. What process could he have been talking about? Even more so…what desires was he talking about? Naruto…wasn't sure what he wanted. He didn't want anything. He was…happy. He had wonderful relationships with his teammates, he got Sasuke back and he had wonderful relationships with three beautiful women. What other desire could Naruto have wanted?

As Naruto watched Sasuke come back from talking with the Daimyo guards, the young blonde frowned. "Sasuke…are you…happy?" Naruto asked out of the blue. Sasuke stopped for a moment and turned a slightly confused glare in his direction. "What the hell is that supposed to mean loser?" Sasuke asked before he took note of the contemplating look on Naruto's face. Sasuke's eyebrow twitched before he took a deep breath…and released it. He then turned his gaze into the vast forests over the horizon. It was a good day.

"You know that I can never be completely happy Naruto. However I am the happiest I have ever been in a long time. I have my mother, Yuna, Itachi, and this team. In Konoha, there was pity for me, sympathy for me, and expectations of me. I didn't answer them. Naruto…I hate Konoha," Sasuke said with a small glare. Naruto widened his eyes at the calm look Sasuke gave him. How could his teammate have said something so…out there?

"You…hate Konoha?" Naruto asked and Sasuke nodded. "Hn, I guess I don't hate everyone in Konoha, but I do hate Konoha. Naruto, do you even want to be Hokage anymore?" Sasuke asked. Naruto was more than ready to speak in an affirmative stance, but he…didn't. Naruto closed his mouth and looked at the ground. The Five Great Nations. The Five Villages. Naruto said nothing. He didn't know. What that what Shin was talking about? His desires? Did Naruto…not desire anything? "I…don't know," Naruto said before looking up.

"If that's the case then why are you still a shinobi here? Why are you still on this team if you hate Konoha?" Naruto asked before Sasuke patted him on the shoulder. Naruto widened his eyes as Sasuke looked past him. "Stop making it sound so complicated Naruto. There are only three things I came back to Konoha for. One is Yuna and my mother. Second is the truth to everything that happened with my clan, and third…," Sasuke spoke which made Naruto slowly open his mouth in surprise as Sasuke walked away, his hands stuffed into his pockets.

"Fine, I can accept that. But now with Itachi gone…what do you desire Sasuke?!" Naruto asked with his fist tightened as he questioned his teammate. Naruto flinched as Sasuke stopped walking. Naruto watched the the sight before him would forever be ingrained in his memory as the most peaceful expression Sasuke had ever shown.

"A place. A place where I can spend the rest of my life not worrying about anything else," Sasuke said as he walked off leaving Naruto at the foot of the Daimyo stairs. Naruto closed his eyes. Sasuke had what he desired. Naruto…didn't know what he desired anymore. Hokage? He wished he knew.

Meanwhile, as Naruto and Sasuke had just finished putting seals on the Daimyo mansion, Kushina and Mikoto were busy speaking with the Daimyo, himself, about the security detail. "And so in the case of there actually being an enemy attack we will transport you as well as the local Daimyo to an spot that is unknown to all except our team. Naruto will be able to get that job done while keeping you out of harm's way," Mikoto said while the Fire Daimyo fanned himself as he sat in his chair. He looked at the two kunoichi in front of him before sighing.

"I see. It sounds like an excellent plan. I'll have you commence it immediately," the Daimyo said rather energetically. Mikoto and Kushina blinked. They were sure that was going to take a lot longer time convincing him than they had initially anticipated. Just before that Kushina had spoken about the enemies and what the Daimyo would have liked to have done, but it seemed that he was a lot more adamant to just agree with their decisions rather than make his own. Mikoto sighed. Was this really the man in such an important position that many people were the envy of him? How fickle. "Understood Daimyo-sama. We will then take our leave," Mikoto said as she and Kushina walked out the door.

As they exited the mansion and descended the stairs Mikoto gave Kushina small look. "Are you still uncomfortable around the Daimyo?" Mikoto asked making Kushina finch. "You know how I feel around him Mikoto. I'd rather not talk about dattebane," Kushina said with a rather firm glare. Mikoto merely nodded as they made their way back into the compound district. As their feet trudged through the compound, Kushina stopped. Mikoto abruptly stopped with her before she noticed Kushina stare to the west.

"Kushina?" Mikoto asked before she noticed her captain narrow her eyes. "We're being watched," Kushina as her eyes zoned in on…a person at the top of a building holding binoculars. Mikoto looked her way as they noticed a woman looking down at them. At that time, Kushina and Mikoto frowned. That was one of the terrorists. How did they know? Because they felt…nothing and everything at the same time. By now it was obvious to all three of them, the woman wanted to be seen. She didn't deliberately hide. She just…stared at them smirking, waving and they could do nothing about it. The backlash of fighting right now wouldn't have been up their alley and even then they didn't know this woman's abilities. Obviously the fact that she wasn't scared they spotted her could commend her abilities. They didn't know what she could do. However, perhaps on the contrary, she didn't know what they could do either and yet…Kushina was feeling anxious. Mikoto could see the sweat drip from Kushina's face.

"Mikoto, she's saying something," Kushina said as she squinted her eyes. Mikoto looked up to where the woman was and activated her sharingan. One of the best things about the sharingan was that, including heightening a field of vision, it also was a great lip translator. "We are close to the Daimyo. You cannot stop the revolution taking place. Tell me murderers…if the parents commit heinous acts in the name of evil….will the child grow up to be the same if the parents are gone?" Mikoto said finally swallowing the bitter pill in her mouth. Kushina lowly growled before both noticed the woman begin to fade away. Don't get mistaken, she didn't jump away or vanish via shunshin. She just…slowly vanished away before there was once again nothing there. As she left, so to did the feeling that Kushina and Mikoto had over them.

"Kushina…what now?" Mikoto asked while Kushina gripped her sword. "We wait dattebane. We wait and then we strike when they're with range. We can't go pursuing needlessly. For now there is one thing we know. They have the arrogance and perhaps all the cards except for the element of surprise," Kushina said before walking away. Mikoto narrowed her eyes before she gave one more look to the place where they woman just was before walking away to catch up to Kushina.

-x-

Haku breathed easily as the waves of water rocked the boat she was in. It had been quite a while that she felt she could relax like this. Still it did unsettle her slightly to be sharing the same close-quarters room as the Water Daimyo. Oh she was more than capable of handling herself of the man's…'handling' if he tried, but it was the principle of the matter. Upon leaving Uzushio, Haku had decided to take Karin, Zabuza, Komachi, and…Konan while Itachi, Suigetsu, Juugo, and Rin kept watch over Shizuku who was still constrained to the basement of the Uzushio Underground. Now one might be thinking, who the hell would take an S-rank criminal terrorist into a room full of potentially easy targets to kill that could throw the entire shinobi world into chaos? But if one had to think about it, then having Konan might have been a rather good plus, Haku figured. She didn't exactly understand it herself, but it felt better than having her where Haku couldn't see her. Plus with a change of clothes, Konan didn't exactly look like an S-rank criminal, merely an escort of sorts. Yes, Haku didn't know if she was even following her own logic. It was worth it! "At least I hope so," Haku mumbled to herself which attracted the attention of her other guest.

"Are you perhaps worried about the festivities Haku-dono?" the Water Daimyo asked with a disarming smile. Haku glanced in his direction before offering her own smile. "Ah it's nothing. I'm just thinking aloud. Pardon me," Haku said with a small smile. The Water Daimyo just nodded before returning to the book he was reading. As he did so, Haku released a sigh. She couldn't be too careless could she?

Slowly a knock on the door came as both Daimyo looked up. "Enter," Haku replied as she noticed Komachi entire the room with a small bowed. "Haku-sama, the captain has told us that E.T.A to Yu no Kuni is another eight hours. We will be reaching the land at nightfall. A hotel has already been prepared for yourself and Tenzai Shigeru-sama. I also have word from Karin-san that…you would like something to do during this time. These forms need your seal of approval," Komachi said setting down the stack of paper next to Haku who sweatdropped. Was it too late to back out of this.

"A-Arigatou Komachi-san. Please tell Karin-san that I appreciate this," Haku said rather steely which went over Komachi's head thankfully. She merely bowed and then began to walk away while closing the door. The Water Daimyo turned slightly as he noticed Haku reading over some documents. "It would seem you are very busy Haku-dono," Tenzai said with a small smile while Haku chuckled mirthlessly.

"The responsibilities of our duties never rest," Haku said as she began to write her signature over certain claims, customs, and trade agreements. As Haku signed some of the papers she paused a a certain document. "Uzushio…Shinobi Academy request," Haku said to herself. With a frown, Haku looked over the documents. Costs of books, shinobi equipment, teachers, and…other things. Haku turned a glance to the Water Daimyo, Tenzai Shigeru. He looked none the wiser. Haku sighed. There wasn't even enough of them to try and teach people how to be shinobi. Hell there weren't even enough jonin shinobi to do so. They had no shinobi system or even a graduation exam. Perhaps that's why they were hoping for it. Haku bit her lower lip. With a heavy sigh Haku folded the paper and placed it away in her clothes. She'd deal with that one later. The repercussions were just too great for her to make that type of change on her own.

-x-

Five figures walked into a small dark room. Their masks reflected the light of the torches at the edges of the hallways. "Come on, how long are we going to have meet like this? Let's just slice through the Daimyo mansion in one go. Who cares if the Konoha shinobi see us? We'll just have to revolutionize them as well. Besides it's not like Naruto-sama will argue with what we're doing here. After all, it's all for him isn't it?" asked the voice of a rather young child. His voice was much higher than the others possibly placing him around the shinobi academy age bracket. The other four members sighed as the leader spoke.

"Because Naruto-sama is still a part of the ignorant world. We have to break him from that world to revolutionize him. Once we do, we know he will bless our cause with his blessings from the Shinigami," he said with a small grin behind his opera stage mask. His eyes glared forward while the female of the group chuckled. "Still it was a surprise that his captain and teammate were able to spot me. Considering we have no chakra for them to sense," she said with a flirtatious smirk.

"Remember, it's possible that the blessings of the Shinigami upon Naruto-sama could very well have trickled down to his teammates or even his village. Just imagine, a village dedicated to our cause? Nothing would be able to stop us," the leader said as he and his team came up to a rather large door. The leader was more than ready to knock at the gates of the large door before a large, sensual moan escaped from said room. The five members blinked at the noise that came from the doors. "Ara ara, she seemed to be having fun with her new toys," said the female of the group while the youngest of the group smirked.

"She's always been a kinky freak when she's broken people," the young one said before one of his teammates moved to cover his ears. "Oi, let go of me! I revolutionize people on a daily basis, why can't I just hear the more pleasant sides of adult life?!" He asked while his partner chuckled. The teammate shook their heads.

"Because I don' trust yer dumb maturity brat," the youngest one's teammate said before he chuckled. "Course if yer not happy with Mu's guardianship, then ya can run for yer life to yer little room in yer little dungeon," the man named Mu said with a wide smile. The child grimaced before he pouted and turned his head away.

"Mu, put Ranmaru down. He can enter if he wishes. Just like Ranmaru it's time for the world to know everything about itself, both good and evil," the leader said while Mu snorted and placed Ranmaru on the ground. Ranmaru slowly stuck out his tongue at his companion making Mu's eyebrow twitch in annoyance. It was then that Ranmaru let out a small chuckle while the leader opened the door. "Akki, what was that…moan?" the leader of the group asked as the entire group began to shuffle in only to blink and slightly shudder. Everyone watched as Akki sat in a chair moaning as one of her 'toys' licked the soles of her feet while the other stood feeding her a certain type of fruit that only grew in their region. Ranmaru's eyebrow's raised while Mu twitched. The two females of the group grimaced while the leader took in a deep breath and exhaled.

"Akki!" He said rather sternly before the woman in question opened her eyes and glanced in the direction that the voice came from. Upon seeing the voice's origin, she paled before stumbled to her feet kicking away her toys. "M-M-Mizuki-san, what can I do for you?" the woman named Akki asked as she rubbed the back of her head. Now known to be Mizuki, the leader of the group rose an eyebrow.

"What are you doing?" Mizuki asked with narrowed eyes while Akki chuckled sheepishly. "Just…testing out the kinks in my new toys that's all," Akki said as she touched one's cheek and gently brought her toy to stand on its own two feet. She did the same with the next one until both stood side by side…rigid and static. It was like the fluid motion that both exuded suddenly vanished as they became statues in the dim light corridor's room.

Mu smirked as he pointed. "More like they were working out yer kinks ya slutty…," Mu didn't get to speak anymore before a small glare from Mizuki silenced him. With a sharp sigh, Mu closed his mouth and looked off into the corner while the others remained silent. Mizuki shifted his gaze back to Akki who merely looked guilty. "Just tell me the good news," Mizuki said while Akki smiled with a nod.

"Heh, breaking them wasn't hard at all. After all, I had all the time in the world. You know I could go for a week before feeling tired if I had to. Three days, three days of nonstop ecstatic, orgasmic pleasure in my eyes of their pain. 72 hours later and watch this. Ne, Ni-chan. What are you?" Akki asked as the group watched as the second human being opened their mouth.

"I am a dog. I am only fit to be at my master's heel. I am only fit to eat the crumbs off the floor of her table. I…am nothing before my master. I am neither human, demon, nor anything in-between. I am a mere…slave," they said in an emotionless tone. Akki clapped her hands exuberantly while her head nodded back and forth.

"Hai Hai! Excellent! That's exactly what you are!" Akki said before turning back to Mizuki. "Can you imagine it Mizuki-san? The wonderful pain of revolution that happened to them? I…used that technique," Akki said with a wicked grin while Mizuki narrowed his eyes. Had these two before her put up such a resolve that she had resorted to using one of the few techniques that no one in their organization truly tried to do.

"Reiton: Kurohitsugi (Spirit Release: Black Coffin)," Mizuki thought to himself. It now made sense. For those two, even though it was only 72 hours, the torture was probably felt like 72 day, no month, no, if at all possible, years. Mizuki snorted. "Get them ready. We're going to put your toys to use against the Daimyo and his wretched castle," Mizuki said while Akki nodded with a bright smile.

"I still think this would go better if you just gave me the same amount of time with the Sanbi jinchuuriki. I could break her just as fast, if not faster…..ugh!" Akki grunted as she could feel the sickening crunch of her skull against the stone walls that surrounded her base. She looked out to see Mizuki with his hand extended. The fiery glare of hatred in his eyes terrified her as he snarled. "Are you, with your damn mouth, daring to insinuate that we break Naruto-sama's family? What we do to her is to test her resolve! Nothing more and for no other reason. If you ever, sully Naruto-sama's family again or even suggest such a think you'll never use reiton again!" Mizuki snarled as his hands grasped over Akki's tender throat. Akki swiftly nodded while Mizuki allowed her frame to fall to the floor. He then headed for the door.

"Get them ready and prepare to have them move out. We're leaving," Mizuki said as he and his group turned to leave. Akki coughed as she heard the door close. Rubbing her throat, Akki stood to her feet. "Just you wait Mizuki-teme. My toys are mine and they will stay mine!" Akki said with a snarl before a small smirk came to her face.

-x-

Yuri sighed as she leaned against a small pillar. Surrounding her were the dark halls and corridors which led from main room to other rooms. It was so disorienting that her captors had to blindfold her every time she was taken to a different room. Well, she supposed that was fair. Making sure no one could figure out which way they were coming or going from had it's merits in terms of a base's development. Still, Yuri figured she could have been a little happier as she wasn't the only one in this room. Actually it seemed like she had never seen so many people crowded around such a place before. Some people looked elderly, others looked middle-aged, some even looked younger than her. Yuri could see a small boy wandering around aimlessly with a scared look on his face. Yuri took a deep breath and sighed. "I don't like this place," Yuri said with a small glare. Her eyes darted to the left as she sensed a presence heading for her.

"You'll just have to put up with it like the rest of us. The only reason we're allowed to walk around is because to them its counterproductive to their mission. They want to show that their revolution will change the world. They call the world a cage or a child that needs to break away from it's mother's womb. If they kept us locked up then that would be the same function," the person said in a bold feminine tone. As Yuri eyed the initiator of the conversation, she took note that the person had unusual orange hair and chocolate-brown eyes. Yuri blinked for a moment before turning her head back forward. "Hmph their just underestimating how the world works dattebayen! When I get out of here I'm gonna bet that masked woman's ass all over this base!" Yuri stomped and boasted much to her partner's curious gaze. It was then that the woman next to Yuri snickered to herself.

"You're more than welcome to try I guess, but you won't get far without chakra," she said making Yuri turn to her. "What do you mean?" Yuri asked. The young woman placed a finger to her chin before touching the walls behind them. Yuri watched her for a moment as the woman spoke.

"I don't know how, but these walls absorb chakra from all the people in them. There is only just a little bit in our bodies just to keep us alive," she said. Yuri sucked her teeth before leaning over a railing. She looked down to the center of the chamber everyone was in to see just about a majority of the people huddled into corners. Enemies patrolled the many hallways and corridors that Yuri could see or rather…instinctually sense. She couldn't sense by conventional means so she had to rely on her hearing as well as the vibrations of the ears among the footsteps. It wasn't easy, especially with so many people walking around it wasn't. "By the way, who are you anyway?" Yuri asked making the girl opposite her blink in surprise.

"Ah sorry, I guess you wouldn't know," she said before she pointed her fist towards the stone wall and successfully tapped it three times alternating in a different pitch. Yuri gasped as the realization slowly began to settle in. "S-S-Sasame…Fuma-san?" Yuri asked while Sasame quickly nodded.

"I recognized your chakra from the other few days we communicated. Nice to meet you Uzumaki Yuri-san," Sasame said with small smile. Yuri slowly got over her realization before nodding with the same smile on her face. So…this was Sasame Fuma. "Nice to meet you dattebayen!" Yuri said with a large smirk on her face. Sasame shook her head affirmatively.

After some time, Yuri sat on the cold, hard floor along with Sasame. The chakra-restricting chains around her wrists and ankles itched like hell, but Yuri knew there was nothing she could do about them. Just the way they jangled and the sound they made irritated her. "Really? Your entire clan is here?!" Yuri asked making Sasame nod though Yuri could see that even with this revelation, the orange-haired girl didn't look the least bit happy.

"I don't even now how many of us are left though. Its been months since I've seen them," Sasame said making Yuri raise an eyebrow. "How long have you been here?" Yuri asked. Sasame looked up at the supposed ceiling of the base. Yuri could see the tiredness in Sasame's eyes. The orange-haired girl seemed to be struggling to answer such a question herself.

"I guess about six months? It…happened so fast. They came from the east and…they appeared out of nowhere. It was just about five of them, but every move or…jutsu, I guess, they used sapped our own chakra before we were taken by them in one night. Since then I haven't seen a single member of my clan. I have had repeated session here with them to try and…revolutionize me, but I resisted most of them till now. I just know they are bidding their team just waiting for my mind to lax before they take me over," Sasame said with a small shudder before Yuri patted her shoulder.

"Don't worry, I don't know how, but I'll get us out of this, somehow. Believe it dattebayen!" Yuri said making Sasame blink. She slowly chuckled. "You really are just like Naruto-san," Sasame said making Yuri blush. She rubbed the back of her head and nodded.

"I'll take that as a compliment," Yuri said with a wide grin. Sasame raised an eyebrow, but couldn't resist the urge to grin as well. It wasn't much, but the peace and quiet was at least a welcome change to the moans and groans of the general population.

That was until Yuri and Sasame heard a heavy grunt. Both looked downwards and noticed another girl around their age huffing. The scared look in her eyes was a dead giveaway for the two kunoichi as they noticed a rather large man slowly beginning to advance on said girl. "I told you to leave me the fuck alone girlie! I don't know where the fuck your master is and I don't give a fuck! And why the hell should I care? He's probably already a part of whatever cult this is! He might be fuckin' dead already!" the man snarled while the girl slowly backed away from his impending form. Yuri narrowed her eyes at the sight before looking around. Everyone just looked away…ashamed. Yuri snorted. Slowly standing to her feet, Yuri looked to her left to see Sasame holding her arm…strained. "Don't make a scene. That's the last thing we need," Sasame said with a shaking arm. Yuri gritted her teeth before she looked back.

The young girl was now in the proverbial belly of the beast as the man wrapped his firm hand over her neck. "G-G-Gomen…asai! I just wanted to find my master. He promised to meet me here," she said squirming in the man's grasp gasping for any available air. The man's rousing laugh went through the entire chamber shaking everyone before he brought the girl close. "Oh is that right? And why do you want to see your master so badly girlie? You gonna suck him off or something? Heh, why wait? If your master ain't gonna show, then how about you suck me off!" he exclaimed. The girl widened her eyes before she shook frantically. The delight on the man's face was sickening.

"Bear with it Yuri-san. Just bear with…YURI!" Sasame shouted as the latter yanked her arm from the former and dashed off the railing. As she glided through the air Yuri held out her hand forming a small blue sphere. Sasame and the residents widened their eyes as Yuri shouted. "Rasengan!" Yuri yelled sending sphere into the man's torso. The man screamed as Yuri pushed the sphere further and further. He soon dropped the girl to the floor while Yuri snarled. The blast of force from her hand to the man sent him flying he crashed into the opposing wall with a might shockwave. People widened their eyes in surprise as did Sasame. How could she use chakra? Sasame had been in the base for six months and she couldn't even do the leaf exercise, never mind actually creating a jutsu. Sighing, Sasame jumped over the railing and landed on the ground.

"Oi! Oi! Are you alright?" Yuri asked as she patted the girl on the back as the girl coughed. "H-Hai! Arigatou," she coughed out while Yuri nodded. She was ready to speak again before slow, steady clapping resounded through the walls of the chamber. Yuri continued to pat the girl's shoulder while Sasame joined them. The three girls stood as the clapping got louder. People shivered. Some hunched up into corners as the clapping gave way to speaking.

"Excellent! Excellent Uzumaki Yuri-san! Truly you and your family are those blessed by Naruto-sama! Even in this base, so devoid of the life essence known as chakra, you are still able to perform these acts of murder through shinobi tactics. Tell me, how much chakra do you have?" the voice asked while Yuri slowly panted. "Eh? What are you talking about? I don't have any chakra. You jerks took it all!" Yuri explained heatedly. Sasame and the other captives widened their eyes to her words. Either Yuri was a good liar…or a really bad one.

"Hoho, no chakra eh?" the voice asked before said voice appeared in person. Yuri snarled as she watched the man's mask contort from his facial features. Behind him was perhaps this organization's members as each member began to withdraw their swords from their sheaths. Yuri, the mysterious girl, and Sasame tensed as the members made their way down the spiraling stairs. As they descended, they slowly came up to Yuri. The man in the white play-stage mask. He stood before her tall and sleek. His men moved around them and quickly went over to the downed man in the wall. Yuri figured they were merely going to move the man away, but the next thing that happened made the three young girls pale as one member held up his sword before swiftly decapitating the man who had just been downed by Yuri. Sasame looked away while Yuri shivered. It had been a long time, her confrontation with death. She…still bits and pieces of it. She always wondered why she never had a mom or a dad, at least until her sister had explained it to her. Death had taken them. Yuri was sure they were at peace. Or who knew, they were probably watching her right now go through this ordeal.

What soon followed the decapitation had been a series of words and handsigns, if Yuri had to think about it correctly, and before long the carcass was burning. The smell of burning flesh singed her nose forcing her to resist the urge to wretch over the floor. Men, women and children cowered at the sight of their captors. To the man in the white mask, this was simple. "Fear, man's most basic primal instinct. The world only fears two things, change and those who are superior to others. It's common no matter were you go. The world fears itself and that's why it seeks to destroy itself," the man said slowly. It was then that he knelt down to notice the defiant look in Yuri's eyes. Even the girl's companions were terrified of the man and his associates. Good, the training was already showing results. The man turned back to his followers.

"Bring these three to my quarters immediately," he said as he began to walk off. "Understood Regent-sama," one of the men, Yuri was assuming this was a male by his voice from his mask, said as he quickly grabbed the arms of the three women.

"On your feet. Get moving!" He ordered as he shoved them forward. Yuri would have gladly tried to fight him, but she stood to lose more than her life if she lost. Plus they were entirely surrounded. Yuri couldn't even handle one of them let alone this many. All she could do was grit her teeth and trudge forward. Slowly the three were taken away from the room they were just in and taken through more dark corridors. It was odd that the men didn't bother to blindfold them like the previous times. The three girls merely followed the man as he led them away. All the while, Sasame nudged Yuri in her arm. Yuri glance in Sasame's direction and slowly gulped at the scolding look on Sasame's face clearly chastising her for their predicament. Yuri shrugged with a challenging look that questioned what Sasame would have done. Sasame blinked before sighing and she nodded to the silent conversation they had.

To Yuri's left, she took note of the girl she saved trembling. Yuri patted her on the shoulder arching the girl up in surprise and slight fear. It looked like the ordeal had scared her more than Yuri realized. "Hey, you okay?" Yuri asked. The girl looked at her for a second before taking a breath to calm herself or at least she made the attempt to do so. "H-Hai. Thank you for saving me…," she paused hoping to bring out Yuri's name which the latter nodded.

"Yuri. Yuri Uzumaki, dattebayen. This right here to my right is Sasame Fuma-san," Yuri said. Sasame leaned over and waved with a rather hesitant smile. The girl offered an awkward smile as well, but waved nonetheless. "Erm, nice to meet you both. I'm Amaru. Thank you for helping me," the girl named Amaru said while Yuri slowly nodded. Sasame just shrugged while their 'guard' turned around.

"Cut the chitchat you three. Remember your place!" the masked man said to them. Sasame nodded while Yuri stuck out her tongue. Amaru decided to keep quiet. Thankful for the quiet, the man just nodded and kept walking.

With time, the four came up to a rather small wooden door. It was illuminated by the light of lamps as the captor slowly opened the door. It was dark, but that was probably to be expected. "Get inside," he ordered and the girls slowly entered. Unfortunately Amaru might have entered too slowly before the man shoved her through the door. Yuri caught her and snarled. However before she could protest the treatment the man closed the door. Retreating footsteps told Yuri, Sasame, and Amaru that the man was walking away. "Does anyone know where the light is?" Yuri asked. Sasame grumbled before she shook her head, but she was sure her companions didn't see it. Yuri snarled before she pushed forward. Her hand fell to the door, or what she perceived to be the door.

"We've got to get out of here!" Yuri protested trying to search for a doorknob. Sasame scoffed. "And go where? Even if we leave they will search this entire facility for us! Think for a second about how many people have tried to escape. Do you know how many made it? NO ONE!" Sasame said while Yuri turned around.

"So you're going to stop trying just because other people failed? No way am I going to stay here! I'm going back to my family and to my life. I'm not going to die here dattebayen!" Yuri argued. Sasame wanted to ball her fists and shout some more to get Yuri to see the drastic circumstances of this situation, but…she just stayed silent. It wasn't like them falling around in the dark was going to help. Sighing, Sasame began to search as well. Amaru quickly followed after the two and searched around the dark room.

The girls must have been searching for ten minutes before the lights suddenly turned on. Yuri squinted from the candles on the desk that just started flickering. Sasame's eyes slowly got used to the light while Amaru blinked. "Finally, now what?" Sasame asked. The girls looked over the room, but much to their disappointment there wasn't a window or anything like that. Actually the entire room was just surrounded by stone. There was a lone bed in the left corner and a couple of books scattered across the ground. Sasame moved to pick one up and looked at the title. "Times Before The Elemental Nations?" Sasame asked aloud. She opened the book and…raised an eyebrow. She turned a page. Blank. She turned another page and that was blank too. All of them, all of the pages were totally blank and wordless. Sasame threw the book away and picked up another. It was blank just like the other book. She picked up another.

Blank. They were all blank. "What kind of people are these?" Sasame asked before she, Yuri and Amaru gasped when the door opened. The three quickly backed to a wall, but with no weapons they weren't sure how they were going to manage as the man in the white mask came through the door and into his room. He took note of their expressions. He shook his head and made his way towards his very far off desk at the opposite side of the room. "Calm down, it's not like I'm going to violate you or something. Sorry, but I'm not a low-lolicon," He said with a small smile. Yuri felt shiver go down her spine while Sasame and Amaru frowned. The man in the white mask, or Regent, as his followers called him, sat in his chair and closed his eyes.

"Oi you, white-masked bastard! Let us out of here!" Yuri ordered making Sasame and Amaru gasp. Sasame quickly slapped her hand over Yuri's mouth. Yuri's muffled indignities didn't go unnoticed by the Regent as he watched the three with an amused expression. "You know I can't do that Uzumaki Yuri. You are needed in a plan more grand than yourself. You are going to help us rid the world of its ignorance once and for all. Or at least you will lead Uzumaki Naruto into doing this for us," the Regent said before Yuri finally managed to escape Sasame's grasp.

"You talk about Nii-chan like he'll voluntarily do whatever you want. He won't dattebayen! Naruto-nii would never go with you stupid people!" Yuri protested. To her surprise the Regent nodded. "Hai, you would be right. We don't expect him to. As prevalent as he is to us, he's still trapped by this world's ignorance as well as the blissfulness of its lies. Once we break him of this veil then he will come to see our cause. I hear you almost died a few days ago," the Regent said in a rather well-spoken tone. Yuri growled while Sasame and Amaru glanced to each other.

"Oh you mean when your damn friends drowned me and coursed electricity through my veins at the same time? If you had any idea how much lighting-natured chakra I had to course through my body to keep me living then you would be in surprise. You said you needed me, but it sure sounds like you don't!" Yuri remarked. The Regent chuckled to himself.

"Oh you're mistaken Yuri-san. You're needed. In fact we value you amongst all of our…recruits. In order to do this mission everyone must undergo what you have undergone. It's all about a show of resilience. Those who can't show this resilience are still of use to us. After all even the tiniest speck of dirt has worth to the world. One just has to attempt to see its value is all. Tell me Uzumaki Yuri, what were your grades in the Academy?" the Regent asked. Yuri raised an eyebrow for a brief moment before growled out.

"I didn't go to Konoha's Academy," she said which came out as a surprise to Sasame, Amaru and the Regent, however none would have been able to know about the latter from his mask. "I see. Then let me rephrase it another way. Yuri-san, how is the Hokage determined?" the Regent asked. Yuri nearly dropped her guard being caught off guard by the question. The man could have asked this for a possible two reasons. One, he didn't know how and if Yuri knew then he would gain a better insight, or he already knew and looking to see if she knew then he would pop his weird philosophy on her. Add this all to the fact that Yuri…didn't know the question was a little better.

"I…don't know," Yuri said with a bit more hesitation than she might have intended. The Regent smiled. "The Hokage is selected by the previous Hokage. If that let's say the previous Hokage dies and cannot do so, then the Fire Daimyo will select candidates based on decisions by the Konoha council and the Fire Daimyo council. After they are selected, it is up to be approved by the jonin of the village that the newest Hokage will be approved," the Regent said, the smile never leaving his face, something which greatly irritated Yuri.

"Good to know. What does that have to do with…," Yuri stopped as the man held up a finger. "Yuri-san a teacher would be disappointed in your answer. The grade you would have received for such a thing would have been an F. While the grade I would have received would have been an A," the Regent said. Yuri slowly nodded wondering where the man was going with this.

"Yuri-san, why is the F designated as the failure? Why is the A designated as success? Imagine how the F feels being glared at, being told by all to be avoided at all costs while the A is fought to get to with determination. Yuri-san, why is Z last and A first? Why can't Z be first and A be last? Why is there superiority in meaningless things such as this. The saying 'nice guys finish last.' Who coined such a phrase? Why is this a reality in this world? It's because the world hates itself. Everyone, anywhere and everywhere, hate not only themselves, but everyone else. Even family members…hate each other," the man said while Yuri narrowed her eyes. The Regent took notice. Well perhaps he would steer clear of the topic of families.

"The point is Yuri-san. There are only three ways to achieve peace. One…divine intervention and let's be honest. The gods do not care what humanity does with itself so long as some continue praying to them. The second option…erase everyone's individuality and rule under absolute tyranny. Of course there will be resistances against such a method so that's impossible. Lastly is the third option…," The regent smirked. Yuri waited for him to speak, but he didn't. However she was surprised as a light flashed over her, Sasame and Amaru. Yuri tried to move, but she found her body to be trapped as if frozen in ice. Sasame grunted but she was unmoving as well. Amaru's eyes told her story, she was scared definitely.

"Don't worry, you can speak. I left you that ability," he said while Yuri felt the power to move her mouth come forth. She growled before she opened her mouth. "What did you do to us?" Yuri asked making the man smirk to himself.

"I simply focus my powers over your own. It's not permanent," he said making Yuri snarl. Before long he snapped his fingers and three members dropped to the ground. "Take them back to their cells and…prepare Yuri-san for her evening ritual," the Regent said making his men nod. Yuri could do nothing and neither could her companions as the people picked them up. "Wait a second! You didn't tell me the third option dattebayen!" Yuri shouted as they were just at the door. The Regent stopped and turned around. His left hand cupped Yuri's chin. He leaned over and whispered into her ear. Yuri widened her eyes as she felt the very pits of despair and anger seep into her soul. This person was insane. Yuri could only look in angst, disgust and shock as she was dragged away while the Regent smirked, bowed and then closed the door to his room. His effects had been achieved.

-x-

Three more days passed by. Night settled over the sky and the moon was its crown. Near the Daimyo's compound, people slowly began to roll through the gates by the bundles. It was pretty obvious what they were all there for. If one had been a guard then they could see a wide array of people in noble clothing walking into the grounds. Men and women each wore splendid, well-woven clothing that covered their frames. Others appeared in business suits for possible negotiation purposes. However in contrast to the people laughing and talking with each other, it was still a time of dread that so very few people realized. Actually it was only because the Fire Daimyo didn't want it to go out that it wasn't public. How could the Fire Daimyo host a party to the public that would most likely be attacked by terrorists? He couldn't do it. He could only hope and pray that the Twelve Guardian Shinobi as well as the team from Konoha would be able to do their duties. That said…

"Kushina, stop moving! You're going to mess up your kimono. I just got it neatly folded for you," Mikoto sternly said making Kushina pout. "I don't see why I'm going. I demand we switch teams!" Kushina said vehemently. Mikoto chuckled to herself, but shook her head. Honestly, only Kushina could be so childish during times like this.

"You can't abuse your authority as squad leader like this Kushina. Just think of it as another trial. When we made this arrangement you agreed to it as well. Besides, you and I are going to be with our sons. If they can bear it then we can too," Mikoto said while Kushina snorted and folded her arms which got a rather…tightened glare from Mikoto. Kushina winced and dropped her arms placing Mikoto's mood into a happier one once again. Kushina sighed.

In the meantime, Naruto groaned as he fidgeted with his kimono. "It's hot in this damn thing," Naruto said making Sasuke sigh. Though the latter couldn't help, but agree. After all the two were wearing their Hinoken outfits under their kimonos. It was rather irritating. "If you keep saying that it's going to get hotter idiot. Just put up with it," Sasuke said making Naruto nod though it was a very much reluctant one. Still Naruto really wished the Daimyo wasn't going to have this party. After Kushina and Mikoto had talked about their experience three days ago, the entire team had thought about what to do. Kushina opted for a more outward team to keep the enemy from getting inside, but Kakashi questioned if they would already be inside if anyone couldn't sense them in that time. Yugao tried to suggest that they all go in, but the Twelve Guardian Shinobi couldn't allow that without substantial proof, which was something that secretly irritated the group, but none would have voiced that opinion. So in essence, the original plan hadn't changed at all.

Naruto, finally done fidgeting with his clothes, leaned against the wall while Kakashi came from one of the rooms along with Yugao. Both had their Hinoken scarfs wrapped around their necks while their torso's mouthpiece covered their mouths. "We'll be scouting the perimeter. I already have Pakkun and a few other ninken scouting the area. Nothing's out of the ordinary…yet," Kakashi spoke with a narrowed eye. Naruto and Sasuke glanced to each for a brief moment before looking back. Yugao nodded to confirm Kakashi's words.

"We'll have you bugged with mini radio transmitters. You can contact us on when to move in if we need to," Yugao said attaching a mic to Naruto's kimono in a hidden section and then proceeded to do the same to Sasuke. Once that was taken care of Yugao and Kakashi opened the door. "We'll see you soon," Yugao said as they walked out and closed the door leaving Naruto and Sasuke alone.

Some time passed and both young men heard the patter of footsteps on the staircase. Looking up Sasuke watched his mother come down in an exquisite kimono. She gently smiled at him as he took her arm. "You…look great," Sasuke said unable to look his mother in the eye from his words. Mikoto merely smiled before thanking her son for the compliment. It was always nice to be appreciated and complimented.

However, Naruto stopped. That vision of unrivaled loveliness was…breathtaking. His mother's luscious, curvaceous form was spectacular. The way that long hair flowed down the kimono was…something else. Naruto truly wished this wasn't a mission. He would have loved to spend today with just this woman in his arms for the night. "You stare anymore and your eyes will pop out of your sockets sochi," Kushina said smiling. Naruto swallowed the lump in his throat. His hands shivered. This beautiful woman…was his. Kushina blinked as Naruto grabbed her cheek and gently captured her lips. Kushina widened her eyes while Mikoto and Sasuke blinked.

Kushina just felt her son powerfully claim her lips as his tongue brushed up against the edges of her teeth. Kushina couldn't resist the slight moan that escaped her mouth as her son trailed a finger down her cheek marveling at the shape and length of her hair. Kushina sighed. What a pushy man she had in her life, but she supposed that was another of his redeeming qualities. That said, Kushina was a little miffed when the kiss ended and Naruto backed away. The sped up pant of his breath tickled the hairs just above her lips. "If it wasn't for this mission, I'd…," Kushina grumbled to herself, but she was unprepared as Naruto widely smiled. "You look absolutely stunning Kaa-chan," Naruto remarked. Kushina's face slowly began to match her hair before she coughed into her hand.

"S-Shut up. Of course I do dattebane!" Kushina said rather shaken up from the exchange. Naruto just grinned while Kushina glared at him, but that glare couldn't stay long before a calming look came to her face. Naruto held out his which Kushina quickly took. Sasuke took a deep sigh before doing the same with his mother. Mikoto smiled at her son before the four walked out the door.

It didn't take long at all for the group of four to enter the streets. There were actually so many people, Naruto tried to keep Kushina close to him just so that he wouldn't lose her in the crowd. The same could have been said for Sasuke and Mikoto. "Alright, when we get inside we all know our roles. We'll mingle if at all possible with people while the festivities happen, but we will never split up! We'll always be in two-man teams. The Twelve Guardians will try to stay near the Daimyo. Just hidden from his sight. His wife will stay with him. We'll make sure to succeed here," Kushina reminded them. Naruto, Mikoto and Sasuke agreed as they began to slowly blend into the environment. Naruto and Kushina climbed the large stairs into the Daimyo estate along with Sasuke and Mikoto. Handing in their tokens for getting into the party. "Have a good time sir…ma'am," the lead guard said with a small smile. Kushina chuckled with a nod as Naruto guided her away. Sasuke and Mikoto weren't far behind and entered the hallways as well.

"Mission commence. Inu, Neko proceed carefully," Kushina said into her mic under her kimono. On a far off building, Yugao and Kakashi sat on the rooftops of said building. Yugao sighed as she looked through some binoculars. So many guests and neighboring daimyo. It was going to be hard to keep track of them all. Plus the fact that they didn't even know exactly who they were looking for was an unwanted disadvantage.

"East side clear so far," Neko said while Inu quickly nodded. "West side clear as well. If I had to say…this is going to be a race against time. Who knows, this could all be pointless and they're already inside," Kakashi responded. Yugao nodded. She could definitely see that point as well. People who could pass under even the most advanced chakra sensors and detectors would naturally be a national threat if proven hostile. These people were hostile and therefore if Konoha didn't take care of them then who knows what they would be doing.

"We'll just have to hope that Kushina-taichō and the others will be able to intervene in enough time for us to join up with them. We are a ways away," Yugao said moving her sights to some other people. Granted the Daimyo palace could only hold so many people, it was still a rather…interesting gathering. Yugao hadn't really been to a lot of political parties…for the enjoyment, but she imagined that most of these people here were doing that. Hell, the Land of Wind's Daimyo. He looked just as big and pudgy as Yugao had remembered reading in some reports. "Ne Kakashi, so…how's life with Rin-san going?" Yugao asked. Kakashi lurched forward on the edge of the rooftop they were on before he chuckled somewhere between the fine line of nervousness and amusement.

"Where did that come from?" Kakashi asked making Yugao smirk. "You know what I mean. Whenever you're not around, Rin-san talks about you almost all the time. I hear…you both went someplace nice recently?" Yugao asked. Kakashi's eye showcased his amusement as he looked down. Yeah, he had been spending a lot of his free time with Rin lately. It wasn't like it was an obligation. It was just there.

"Well, it's not like I had much else to do. Besides, it's been…a lot time since I've last seen Rin smile so much. I guess I just like it," Kakashi said making Yugao smile. Kakashi sighed as he looked over the crowd. "Is that why I've seen you speaking a lot with a certain swordsman lately? Anything you would like to share?" Kakashi asked and if he had turned around he would no doubt have seen Yugao motionless as if she were trapped inside a ice prison. That shouldn't have been out yet!

"We speak of this conversation to no one," Yugao answered back instantly making Kakashi smirk beneath his mask. "Hai, hai," Kakashi said as they continued to look over their potential targets. As they did, Yugao raised an eyebrow as she focused her binoculars. If her eyes could pop through the lens of the seeing object then they would have.

"Kakashi, please inform Kushina-taichō that we…may or may not have an issue," Yugao said with a heavy sweatdrop. Kakashi raised an eyebrow before moving over to Yugao's position. Yugao shakingly handed him the binoculars. Kakashi looked through them and widened his visible eye. Thank kami his other eye was covered or that would have bursted open as well from the surprise. That was…Haku…in formal Daimyo attire! "Uzumai, we have a problem!" Kakashi quickly said touching the speak button for his mic.

"Uzumai? Uzumai! Kushina! Sasuke! Naruto! Mikoto! Come in! Do you read me?!" Kakashi asked. Yugao turned to see him narrow his eye before he looked over to the palace. Static. That was all that was one the line. How? What could have caused interference. It was a hyper secure line. "Kakashi, what do we do now?" Yugao asked while Kakashi knelt down and placed finger to his chin. He honestly didn't know what they were supposed to do now.

Meanwhile inside the palace, Naruto, Kushina, Sasuke and Mikoto had to marvel at the spectacular setting. It was so different from the time they had all seen it yesterday. "So…what do we do?" Sasuke asked. The four thought for a moment before shrugging their shoulders. "I guess we do nothing except we find a small corner and just wait," Naruto said trying his best to answer the question.

"Very well, Kaa-san and I will take a corner. We'll also keep our eyes peeled," Sasuke said as he took a hold of his mother's arm and slowly led her away. The smile that Mikoto sported never left her face as she was taken away to a corner of the room. It was a surprise, but Naruto could already see people speaking with Sasuke and Mikoto as they acted the part. In the meantime, Naruto and Kushina stood at the entrance. Both…lost. "Would…you like something to eat?" Naruto asked. Kushina turned her attention to him before smiling.

"Sure, let's go Sochi!" Kushina said as Naruto guided her away. Quickly picking out some things, Naruto handed her a plate. Kushina took a sample. "Tasty," she said before she stuck held a piece of food before her son and smiled. Naruto looked down confused.

"Here, say 'ah' Sochi," Kushina said with a rather charming smile while Naruto's eyebrow twitched. "Kaa-chan, there are other people here dattebayo!" Naruto said before he grimaced as he noticed his mother's hair start to rise ominously. Her grip on her chopsticks tightened and Naruto could even see the small tears beginning to form on the wooden utensils.

"Say ah so-chi," Kushina said with a much wider smile. Naruto swallowed the lump in his throat. "A…Ah," Naruto said opening his mouth as his mother happily placed the food inside. Her smile lessened to a more beautiful one while Naruto swallowed the last bits of his food. Swiftly nodding, Kushina turned around just in time to see a couple come up to them.

"Ara, it's great to see a wife so happy with her husband. Isn't it dear?" the lone woman asked while the rather…robust man nodded with a large grin before he patted Naruto on the shoulder. Nice work young man. Be sure to keep her happy! Behind every good great man is an even better woman!" he said with a grin. Kushina's face slowly flew upwards while Naruto blinked. He and Kushina exchanged a small look.

"U…Um we…we're not…," Kushina was attempting to say, but the words slowly died in her throat as Naruto gently pulled her into a small hug. "What are you saying Kushina-chan? I am lucky to have you as my wife dattebayo. You make every day worth living," Naruto said with a large smile. Kushina shivered as she glared forward.

"I-I-I'll…get you back for this dattebane!" Kushina said still shivering while Naruto smiled with a nod of his head. As the other couple went on their way Kushina huffed. That was…exhausting. She'd better ask for a status update before she lost the rest of her nerve. "I-I-Inu, Neko, status report," Kushina said attempting to bring her mic to her mouth without drawing attention to herself. Her son covered her while she did so. However Kushina was surprised to her nothing on the other line. Kushina tapped the mic once more.

"Inu! Neko! Status report!" Kushina said making Naruto frown. In the far off corner, Naruto could see Sasuke and Mikoto staring at them. Discreetly Naruto shot him a handsign, Sasuke raised an eyebrow, but nodded. Sasuke then leaned over and whispered something into his mother's ear. Naruto could see Mikoto nod the same way before she grabbed Sasuke's arm and led him somewhere. "Something's wrong. I'm getting nothing but static in trying to contact Kakashi and Yugao," Kushina said rather urgently. Naruto blinked before he did a brief search of the area.

"I'm not getting anything wei…wait, what's that thing?" Naruto asked as he looked up at the ceiling. Kushina looked up with him, but all she could see was hanging tapestry and lights. However based on her son's vision then there was obviously something she wasn't seeing. "They're in here. They made sure to close off all communication with the outside. There is like a large…white barrier around the barrier that Sasuke and I made with the seals. I actually wouldn't have seen it at all if we weren't looking for anything. How did I not sense that?" Naruto asked while Kushina looked back to where the Fire Daimyo was. He was still talking pleasantly with people so that was a plus…perhaps.

"Perhaps we should move the Daimyo and his wife?" Kushina said aloud to herself. "What do you think sochi?" Kushina asked. She waited a moment, but she didn't get anything for a response. She didn't get one. Kushina turned around and the sight that she saw made her pause. Her son was frozen. He was motionless. Actually it was more like he was dead, in every sense of the word. Kushina tapped Naruto's arm.

"Sochi?" Kushina asked before Naruto finally found himself and raised his finger then he pointed it forward. Kushina looked at the outward gesture and followed it before resting forward. She squinted her eyes before they grew larger and larger and…larger. "H-H-H-Ha-Ha-Ha…," Kushina said while both she and Naruto noticed the new Daimyo of Whirlpool smiling and talking with other local Daimyo with the Water Daimyo right next to her.

"Why? How? When? Why is Haku here? Why is she in Daimyo clothing? Tch, I didn't expect to counter this!" Kushina thought to herself. "You think Kakashi-sensei and Yugao-san saw her come in?" Naruto asked. Kushina shrugged her shoulders. She didn't know how to answer that question.

"I don't know, but let's not blow…whatever she's doing. There are a lot of political figures here. It'd be best if we settled this matter in private. That said…," Kushina said as she grabbed Naruto's arm and dragged him forward.

"Ah yes you have a very beautiful wife sir," Haku said with a smile before she felt a large chill run down her spine. Looking around, her eyes stopped as she noticed the wide, menacing, disturbing form of Kushina marching over to her with Naruto in tow. The large tick mark on her face was easily visible. Haku sighed. This…was going to be a long night. As Kushina and Naruto stood before Haku, the latter held out her hand. "Nice to meet you. I don't think we've meet. I'm the new Daimyo of the Land of Eddies," Haku said with a small, hopefully disarming smile. Kushina's eyebrow twitched while Naruto smiled.

"Umm nice to meet you Whirlpool Daimyo-dono," Naruto said with a small smile. Haku just nodded rather thankful that Naruto was going with it for now, but the most important person had to go with it as well. After all the Water Daimyo was right next to her still. "Strange, I didn't know the Land of Eddies had a Daimyo," Kushina said with a raised eyebrow. Haku swallowed her doubt.

"Well I did say I was new. I wasn't exactly given a lot of choices in the matter. It was for the good of the people. A country greeting a Daimyo without another Daimyo would be just a regular insult," Haku said shifting her eyes over to the Water Daimyo which, thankfully, Kushina got. "I see and I take it that your entourage is present somewhere?" Kushina asked while Haku took a step back. This…was the difficult part.

"Hai I have very capable people with me. You needn't worry," Haku said with another chuckle that made Kushina give a heavier glare. "You heard her Kaa-chan. We'd better not disturb her dattebayo. Let's go. Nice to meet you," Naruto said with a solid wave as he dragged his mother away. Haku waved goodbye before turning around and heaving out a sigh. That was a load of kunai she just avoided.

Meanwhile, Kushina grumbled as she picked up a plate while eating it glaring at the wall. Naruto chuckled sheepishly before looking back to the Fire Daimyo. The lights went out for a brief second. One lone light shined on the middle of the room. The Fire Daimyo spoke. "I am truly glad that all of you could come and not just celebrate this event, but also come to attempt more negotiations in the name of peace. Now we will have the annual dances of anyone who wishes to participate," he said with a wide smile while his wife stood next to him. Everyone looked at the blank white space before couples slowly started to pour in. Naruto watched them pour in before he looked at his mother for a moment. He grabbed her arm. Kushina perked up.

"Oh no sochi. I am not about to dance! You can't make me! I'm clumsy! I'll only embarrass us dattebane!" Kushina said as Naruto pulled her to the center. "You want the mission to be a success right? Well we can sense better if we're in the center of the room," Naruto said with a reassuring nod. Kushina didn't particularly like that logic, but she supposed it worked.

As she and her son stood at the center. Naruto grabbed her hand and slowly began to dance though she was sure her son could see her reluctance in doing so. However in the upper stands, Sasuke and Mikoto watched as Naruto and Kushina made complete spectacles of themselves. "That loser has no tact at all," Sasuke said with a small smirk on his face. Mikoto chuckled as she brushed a piece of hair from her face. "Yeah, same can be said for Kushina. They really are made for each other," Mikoto said before sending a glance to her son. Sasuke noticed her glance and sighed.

"I'm not the best dancer in the world," Sasuke said looking off to the side. Mikoto giggled. "I think I knew that much Sasuke," Mikoto said tenderly while Sasuke closed his eyes. He bit his lower lip for an instant before he grabbed his mother's arm and dragged her away. Mikoto smiled as she was taken away once again. As she looked down she…paused. She had no idea her son's hands were so…firm.

All the while, Kushina sighed as she felt her son's hands on her waist. How did she get roped into all of this? It would have been easy to say no, but…looking into those eyes of her son was easy enough to disarm her of any argument. "People are watching," Kushina said with a small smile. She had never been much of a dancer even when she and Minato had their wedding. Minato had to literally drag her just like Naruto had done to get her to dance. Still, the slow movement was hypnotizing and…comfortable. She was actually happy even despite the mission. She couldn't sense anything and truth be told some of them were half-assed attempts at best. Still her son was happy to be her dance partner. "Yeah they are. It was funny when that one couple commented on us. Ya know, husband and wife," Naruto said grinning wide as he spun his mother around. Kushina smiled with a short nod of her head.

"Yeah that was pretty funny, if a little ridiculous," Kushina said smiling widely as Naruto led her around slowly so that she could keep pace. Naruto didn't respond so fast before he looked down. He couldn't help his next words. "Maybe…it isn't ridiculous. Maybe you should…marry me Kaa-chan," Naruto said slowly intending for his mother to hear every…single…word. Kushina widened her eyes as Naruto spun her again. She felt like her mind had shut down allowing the consciousness of her body to take over. Naruto didn't say anything else. It was only then that he noticed Sasuke and Mikoto dancing as well. His gaze softened.

Finally the music stopped as people began to clap for those who had been brave enough to dance. The Fire Daimyo and his wife clapped as well. Naruto and Kushina huffed as did Sasuke and Mikoto. Once everyone was out of the center of the room. "Marvelous. That is truly the way that most beauty can be expressed. As we dance together I hope we continue to realize that we can dance to the ideals of peace as well," the Fire Daimyo said and many people clapped for him, however that didn't last long as another voice came over him.

"That is entirely correct Daimyo-dono," came a loud, firm voice. Kushina and Naruto widened their eyes while Sasuke and Mikoto stiffened. "Truly the beauty in the movement of the body is one that has been created since time immemorial! How can the world know it's love of itself if it is not even subjecting itself to time? Like a bird, the World seeks to capture peace and hold it in the palm of its hand. However humans are the gods' worst creation. Strangling the very life out of the ideals of peace and prosperity. How can we all work to peace when there are so many of us? It's simple we must….revolutionize. We must revolt, we must purify, we must…ascend!" the voice boomed over everyone. Haku gasped as she stayed in the far back. Kushina cursed putting Naruto's words at the back of her head for now. Naruto slowly began to disrobe along with Sasuke and Mikoto.

"Naruto?" Kushina asked while Naruto shook his head. "I…can't feel anything. I don't sense anything. It's like a ghost in the wind is talking. I don't have anything to lock on to," Naruto said urgently. Kushina couldn't believe this. How could it be this possible? Even now as the voice was talking she was trying to move her presence through the entire room to find any fluctuating chakra of any kind, but there wasn't any. Sasuke and Mikoto had their sharingan moving as fast as they could, but they couldn't see anything out of the ordinary in the room. Even far distances away bore no fruit. There was…nothing and yet…there was everything at the same time.

"We are the parents of the World! We are the Guardians of the World! No longer can the world continue in its own blissful ignorance. No longer can the world not hold itself responsible for its actions. No longer can the world be a child. The World must be remade. The world must be renewed. The world must be reborn. The World. Must. Grow. UP!" the voice shouted before everyone widened their eyes as a figure dropped to the ground. The Fire Daimyo stared in shock and horror as his wife, Madam Shijimi, fell dead to the ground. Her life essence splattered over the carpet floors slowly dripping down to the center of the room. People were in too much shock to even scream. Naruto blinked. What…did he just see? Kushina widened her eyes while Sasuke cursed. He just barely caught that as did Mikoto. The Fire Daimyo appeared ready to collapse.

And with that…chaos exploded. People shouted and screamed as they pushed against each other. Some tried to moved through the closed windows, but found them unyielding in letting anyone go. Even the doors all around the room were locked. Everyone was trapped. "Yes for like a phoenix, out of the ashes of chaos are born the beautiful feathers of peace. How many of you have loved ones? How many have ever felt loss? How many of you have felt despair? How many have felt hope? love? anger? hatred? madness? safety? certainty? anxiety? happiness? All these things are but the illusion of the world that waits to be broken. Before was the time of the Warring Clans, now is the time of the Elemental Nations. Now then our various Daimyo, our various political figures, our various citizens. It is time to experience…true loss, true fear, and true hope. Now is the time of our revolution. With this power…," Suddenly everyone gasped as they slammed against the floor from untold amounts of pressure. Naruto dropped to his knees in surprise while Kushina panted. Sasuke and Mikoto struggled to their own feet. Haku panted as she found herself pinned to the wall.

"…we will change the world. No longer is there man or woman. No longer is there innocent nor guilty. No longer is there free or bound. No longer is there high-class or low-class. No longer is there power! There is only….the unbroken and the repaired!" the man shouted and with a poof of smoke near the fallen Fire Daimyo. Naruto, Sasuke, Kushina, and Mikoto gasped as they saw seven figures appear in the room from nowhere. Each of them held an opera stage mask over their face hiding their features. Naruto almost had to compare them to the Anbu masks he had seen. "Kyuubi, what…is this pressure?" Naruto asked while Kyuubi snarled.

"I don't know brat, but we're going to have to find some way to overcome it," Kyuubi said and Naruto couldn't agree more before the possible leader of the group took his stand. "We are one! We are many! We are he! We are she! We are Rakuyō Chūmon (The Fallen Order) and we will guide the world to its true peace. And the first step…," he paused as he held his hands together into the air. Naruto, Kushina, Sasuke and Mikoto watched seals of an unspecified nature wrap around the man's frame before they finally expanded and contracted. He spoke.

"…is dealing with those who lord over another's life. Life isn't so simple," he said before he began to speak again. "Come into the world. You who hold the heart of the dead. Find plight and suffering. Find love and hatred. Find joy and sadness. Understand the world as it is to be seen. Grow and grow forever. Curse yourself and resent the order of the unruly. Reiton: Futō Urami( Spirit Release: Unequal Resentment)," He shouted. Naruto and the others gasped as a white light slowly began to appear over the large audience of captive Daimyo and politicians. What followed had been a thunderous explosion that rocked the grounds of the Daimyo compound. Kakashi and Yugao cursed as the ground shook.

This was not good. Not good at all.

---

KG: I guess that's okay to stop. Oh come on I had to do it, where else was I going to get the material to entirely make this possible? It had to come out this way. Don't argue with me!

KG: Also on that note. Go on, ask me when the next update is going to be. Go on, ask me. I dare you. I double dare you. I triple dare you. I quadruple dare you. Ask me and see what I will or won't do!

KG: In any case, that's it for now. See you Later, protect what's important to you, review, and SEND ME CREAM SODA! Also, you all had better RESPECT THE GODDAMN CREAM!