KG: Honey I'm home!
Wifey: Why?
KG: Huh?
Wifey: Why?
KG: Why…what?
Wifey: Why does my email have to be blown up with questions about your damn updates?! Would it kill you to write?
KG: B-But…LCS was…
Wifey: FUCK THE LCS! I can't work with these stupid people blowing my email! Write for them before I rip my headphones off my ears!
KG: Uhhh…w-what's for dinn…
Wifey: CHICKEN FUCKING SALAD WITH BREAD ROLLS! NOW WRITE! WHEN I COME BACK I BETTER SEE AT LEAST A PARAGRAPH! (slams door)
KG:…
KG:…Damn, she's so hot. Sigh, I guess I can try to entertain the masses. (Cracks fingers) man, being a shining star in the night sky is such hard work.
Music of the week: With Arms Wide Open by Creed.
Quote: "Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved by Helen Keller.
Naruto was oddly silent the week that he had left from the Land of Eddies. Kushina had forgone him using his jutsu to get them back to the village faster so he could have his thoughts together. Naruto really didn't like the added time to himself, but Kushina and Yuri had been more than accommodating to him. Days they walked, he spent lost in his thoughts, and nights he spent tossing and turning in his tent.
For those weeks, back to Konoha, Naruto hadn't spoken to neither Shizune nor Ebisu and both could feel Naruto's energy swirling around his body wildly, almost as if a raging inferno had seeped into his body. He felt like he could barely contain the hurt, anger, and sadness he felt from these moments. Perhaps the only reason he hadn't ported in and outright demanded for Tsunade to acknowledge these things was because Yuri and Kushina had stopped him from doing so. Naruto was sure that he would have to thank them both for that later, but for right now he could hardly contain this anger. He doubted he would call it hate, but there was definitely a sense of betrayal that had come to his spirit. It was a sense that everyone could feel, no more than Kushina and Yuri.
Kushina's steps were stamped into the ground as she quietly walked alongside Naruto with Yuri on his other side. Like her so…fiancé, Kushina was filled with anger as well and it constantly pained her that Naruto was battling so many thoughts and emotions, but Kushina knew her fiancé was a strong one because Naruto was of her body and she would have to start trusting that he would do the right thing, even if he was as hot-headed as she was. However, by no means was Kushina going to let this slide. Kushina was going to get clearer answers for this. Naruto was nearly expelled from Konoha…twice. Kushina would NOT going to let that go. Not by a long shot.
Through it all, Yuri glanced at both and she were honest then she felt more than a little conflicted. Granted she hadn't ever been to Konoha for long so she didn't have a LOT of attachments to the place, but it was the place where Naruto had grown up. Up until this point, the many stories he told her of Konoha and there was never a bad thing that came from his lips about it. Yuri had come to appreciate Konoha as it was the place that had raised her brother, but to learn of these transpired events had left Yuri angry, confused, and saddened that Naruto had gotten so close to be expunged from the place that he had loved so much. It honestly made Yuri wonder just what she and everyone else were fighting for. But the thing that hurt the most? Shizune and Ebisu had kept it from her. Even as they smiled at her they had known about this incident and that was something Yuri couldn't stand, no matter the reasons.
With time, the group finally saw the sight of Konoha and Naruto couldn't help giving a frown when he saw the village that had been his own home for the past sixteen years. He didn't know what to think of the place he loved now. Granted life was hard in Konoha for him growing up so why did he feel even more isolated than before? He wasn't sure he liked where some of these feelings were going.
Naruto felt a gentle hand on his shoulder and he turned to see his moth…fiancée looking at him with a mixture of sadness, yet tenderness. Naruto truly loved that about her. "Remember Naruto. She is still the Hokage and leader of the village, but nevertheless, that will not stop me, stop all of us, from being at your side. We made that vow together and I know that when the time comes, you will make it with Yuri-chan and Yura-chan as well,' Kushina said and Naruto sighed as he looked back at the village.
"I think this is partly my fault, Kushina. I held Konoha to a pedestal because it was my village. I think nearly every shinobi does that for their village, ya know? I think I now see why Ero-sennin couldn't find the answer to peace. I guess I'm the prime example of that. Humanity never wants to be wrong. I thought Konoha was the greatest village in the world for anyone to live in, from its green trees to the warm sun that rises above the village, but I see I was wrong. Konoha is just as human as every other nation. I kind of see actually how Konoha created people like Orochimaru or people like Itachi. Honestly Kaa…Kushina, for the very first time in my life…I think me becoming a shinobi was a mistake, dattebayo," Naruto said and Kushina's gaze hardened.
"No!" a voice exclaimed which caused Naruto and Kushina to turn around to see Yuri glaring at him. "Don't…don't say that, Nii-chan! If you hadn't become a shinobi…we might have never met. I have no idea what would have happened to me and Yura-neechan if you hadn't saved us. Don't throw away what that means to me so easily!" Yuri said and Naruto fully turned to face her. He could actually see her just fighting off the tears from leaving her eyes and Naruto just smiled. He then grabbed Yuri's hands and kissed them both. Yuri's cheeks flushed before Naruto stared into her eyes.
"Yeah, that's right, isn't it Yuri-chan? Sorry about that. I didn't mean it like that. Of course I love you and Yura-chan more than I could begin to describe, dattebayo. Knowing what I know now, if I had to go back in time and do this all over again then I would do it all over again. I'm just wondering where all of this is taking us, but I could never regret it," Naruto said and Yuri gave him a wide grin showing her clean, white teeth. She then followed with a quick kiss to Naruto's cheek.
"That's better. Now then, let's go! I want to go home and see how Guren-san, Fuka-san, and Yukimaru-kun are doing," Yuri said and Naruto quickly agreed while Kushina gave a light smile. She could see the smile on her son/fiancé's and she knew that Naruto would be fine. Though she didn't think for a second that this changed anything with Konoha because there were going to be answers for this.
Everyone walked towards the village which had Shizune and Ebisu holding bated breaths. The walls got higher and higher. For the first time, Shizune actually felt her guilt getting larger and larger along with her fears of Tsunade and what laid ahead, but as a kunoichi she had to lead an example for others to follow and that even met giving her life. Shizune and Ebisu were both ready for what that meant. Though this didn't help them much as both could feel their chests getting tighter and tighter.
Naruto saw this out of the corner of his eye and then frowned. He then turned to the left, surprising everyone. "Come this way. We might as well Baa-chan's other entrance," Naruto said and everyone raised an eyebrow at this. Kushina hadn't gotten word of another entrance, but she and the others followed Naruto as they circled around the massive arc of the village.
It had taken Shizune a bit of time, but she figured out where Naruto was taking them and she was surprised that Naruto had somehow discovered it as she had never heard Tsunade ever mentioning this entrance to the Hinoken team.
"Naruto, where are you taking us?" Kushina asked and Naruto quickly pushed some tree branches out of the way and everyone noticed a door at on the far side of Konoha's walls. "I remember Kakashi-sensei talking about this door one time to me during our time off. He said that the Anbu don't have the luxury of going through the front gates like standard shinobi. So they have doors like these as entry points for them. Apparently Baa-chan was planning to give us this one for a mission like this," Naruto said answered and Kushina slowly nodded before everyone walked up to the door.
Naruto grabbed the handle and opened the door. Everyone stepped through the door from the outside and without a word they stood before a trio of Anbu Black Ops members. Naruto could tell by their stance that they were ready to attack at a moment's notice. "Hinoken member, Uzumaki Naruto, returning to Konohagakure with Hinoken Captain, Uzumaki Kushina, for mission…erm…uhhh…," Kushina shook her head as she watched her son make an attempt at the numbers, but truth be told she didn't really care either way.
"Missions E-DR345GF. Just let us pass so we can see the Godaime Hokage," Kushina said, steel in her tone that the Anbu were surprised by. The trio didn't speak for a moment as they assessed Kushina's words with their own thoughts. The head Anbu finally waved his team away and the two Anbu at his side walked off to go about their own business.
"Acknowledged, Hinoken Team. You may enter," The Anbu said and he watched Kushina along with Naruto escort the others through the door. The Anbu had to admit that he did find it strange that when Ebisu and Shizune walked past him they looked like that had over a thousand years of regret on their faces. He didn't have the time to address his thoughts though as the group had already vanished from his sight.
Following a long corridor of halls and rooms, Naruto opened up one of the doors which led to the outside of the inner section of the village. The rest of his group passed through along with him and Naruto closed the door. They all stood just along the sides of a railing, the village below them. It gave them such a wide view over the places that they could see.
He turned to face his village. For once, he couldn't tell if he was happy to be back in Konoha or not. He looked at the houses and he could see some of the villagers pass, unsuspectingly of him being back in the village. They had no idea how hard he and others fought to keep them safe. Naruto was sure civilians and even most shinobi would never know what the definition of sacrifice truly meant. "Heh, I'm starting to think like Sasuke-teme," Naruto couldn't help giving into that thought. He just shook his head.
"Come on. Let's go see Baa-chan and get this over with. We have Yuri-chan's training in the morning," Naruto said. Yuri gave a quick nod and a smile though the group could tell that her smile wasn't as pleased as she might have wanted it to be. "Yeah! And Ero-oji's gonna give me my reward when I win dattebayen!' Yuri announced. Naruto and Kushina blinked before they gave Ebisu a glance and Ebisu looked a bit embarrassed as he started to recall that he might have said something like that.
Luckily for him, no one decided to comment as Naruto had merely deemed it fit for them to continue forward. It was late for Konoha with them getting back so Naruto and Kushina led the way for the team. Ebisu and Shizune were perhaps still recovering so Naruto and Kushina elected to take the journey easy on them. No rooftop-jumps were made for the duration of the walk.
In time, Naruto's eyes zoned in on the Hokage Mansion. Naruto mentally chuckled which awoke Kyuubi from his mild slumber. "You must think I'm a real idiot now, right? All that claiming to be Hokage and everything. Now I feel like every single thing I've worked for has just been thrown right back in my face," Naruto said and Kyuubi slowly grumbled to himself. He then stood up on all fours and stretched his body.
"Well, I've always thought you were an idiot. Really, you're still an idiot," Kyuubi said and Naruto resisted the urge to scowl at the fur ball for his unneeded words. "However, you are one of those few humans that I believe has given a lot the good of many people, as disgusting as it is. What you have experienced is still the thing called Life, brat. That is never going to change. Hmph, if you're asking for my opinion in the matter…the position of Hokage was always too small a goal for someone like you, Naruto,"
Naruto faltered in his step which didn't go unnoticed by everyone. Naruto gave a slow stop. "Too small a goal? What are you talking about? It's one of the most important positions in not only Konoha, but also the shinobi world. What do you mean by that?" Naruto asked and Kyuubi gave a hard sigh, slightly irritated with having to provide an explanation.
"Don't make me repeat myself, you idiot! It means what I said! You have too much potential to be confined to be confined to this village and I'm sure everyone around knows it and if there is one thing history, or the people of history, have always done for those with too much potential, Naruto, is two things,' Kyuubi said and Naruto frowned as he brought his mind to remember all of this information as best he could. "People have either tried to wipe the person out because they fear that potential, or they embrace it, and it looks like your village has decided to choose the former. All humans are like that, and that will never change, Brat. Because humanity will ALWAYS fear change," Kyuubi said before going silent as the Nine-Tailed Fox had enough of this talk for the day.
Naruto just stood in the middle of the streets. He had no idea that when he stopped everyone else did as well and watched him. Ebisu and Shizune were indeed curious to Naruto's halt of their progress, but neither was going to look a gift horse in the mouth as it would give them the time to help settle their minds.
On the opposite end, Yuri and Kushina could see the way Naruto focused on the ground, or more specifically his thoughts. He seemed to tune them all out as his mind wandered. Yuri couldn't begin to express her worries upon the sight of the way her brother acted. "Nii-chan?" Yuri tested by calling out to Naruto and everyone watched Naruto glance at them. He gave them a wide smile, "Ah sorry about that. I was just thinking a bit too much. Let's get moving!" Naruto said as he walked past the group, but a gentle hand from Kushina stopped her son.
"Is there something you would like to talk about?" She asked and Naruto sighed before he turned back to her, "At the house, Kushina. I'll tell you and Yuri-chan there. Come on, let's go see Baa-chan," Naruto remarked and Kushina decided to drop it with those words. She knew better than to push her son when he didn't want to be pushed. He had told her that he would explain when they got home and she would just have to hold him to those words.
So, the group continued in their walk, with Naruto mildly distracted for the walk in its duration. Yuri couldn't help stealing glances at Naruto from time to time in worry. She really didn't like when Naruto kept his thoughts from them. She especially didn't like it now as with these new…revelations coming to her notice. The only thing she had left to hold onto was that Naruto said he would explain it to them once they got home. Yuri couldn't help, but feeling that these were going to be some trying minutes. 'No matter what happens, I will always stand at your side Nii-chan!' Yuri said as the entire group kept walking. Yuri gave one last look at the Hokage Mansion as it got bigger and bigger. Yuri couldn't tell where this sudden sense of dread was coming from.
-x-
Tsunade sighed as she pinched the bridge of her nose. She was still getting around to completing the last remains of her paperwork and it was not going as smoothly as she had wished. Over the past couple of weeks, she hadn't been able to focus entirely as losing Shizune had put Tsunade in a rather slump of sorts. Tsunade, for once, had been grateful for the work as it had taken her mind off things. She hadn't touched her sake collection as she was sure that was just going to free her mind to remember things that she didn't want to.
What followed that was also, the reports of Naruto's team being caught. Tsunade supposed it was a saving grace that Guren and the rest of her team had come back with at least some fortunate news, but apparently only Naruto and Kushina would be the returning members from Hinoken as the others were bed-ridden back on Uzushio. Tsunade didn't know who was caring for the team, but she was sure that Kushina was having it handled in the most appropriate manner. Hot-headed and temperamental the redhead was, but she still had that sense of duty that she always fulfilled. That was just one of the many reasons Tsunade liked Kushina.
Yet, at this moment, Tsunade honestly now felt how she assumed some of her patients felt. She felt rather powerless. She couldn't even be there to save Shizune, only hoping that the gods would grant her some unknown favor and would bestow whatever mercy on her to return Shizune to her and if by chance they…they didn't…then Tsunade was sure that when her time came she would never be able to look Shizune and Dan in their eyes for her utter failure.
Tsunade wasn't sure she could handle it as she couldn't help recalling all of those times that she and Shizune had spent together. Tsunade, at the time, had given a humorless chuckle as she found out now just how much Shizune truly meant to her. It even surprised her in that regard, how much she had taken Shizune for granted at times. Because of her, Shizune never had a stable relationship. Shizune couldn't start the family that Tsunade knew the woman wanted.
Tsunade sighed as she stopped writing and massaged her temples. It was getting late and she would have to get up early to continue with the next assignments. Tsunade took a deep breath and stretched her back. Then a knock on the door came. "What now? Haven't I got enough to worry about?" The Godaime asked herself, but she knew she couldn't turn down any true responsibilities. So, much to her chagrin, she spoke. "Entrance granted,"
The door opened and Tsunade widened her eyes as large mop of blonde hair sailed past her eyes followed by a sea of red hair. Each person flooded the room which got Tsunade's eyes bigger and bigger before the prime candidate came through which, Tsunade would admit, nearly brought her to tears.
The group stood forward before the Hokage. "Hinoken returning from mission, Hokage-sama. Mission, on both accounts, completed," Tsunade heard Kushina said as everyone stood before her. Tsunade couldn't keep her eyes on one person for long as she looked at Ebisu, then Yuri, followed by Kushina, Naruto, and then…Shizune. Tsunade glanced at Shizune, but she didn't know why she couldn't smile. The look in Shizune's eyes and the utter shame that Tsunade could see did not fill the Godaime with reassuring confidence. It also didn't help that Shizune kept staring at the floor.
Tsunade stood up from her seat and she walked from behind her desk. This had the eyes of Kushina, Naruto, Yuri and Ebisu on them both. Tsunade stood before Shizune and the Hokage's aide gave a trembling sigh before she looked up and stared into her master's eyes. "H-Hello Tsunade-sama. I have returned," Shizune commented. There was a shake in her voice that Tsunade couldn't place, but she wondered if that was just Shizune being…Shizune.
Shizune stared into Tsunade's eyes for a moment and this was perhaps another one of many instances when she couldn't tell what her master was thinking and that unnerved her a massive deal. Shizune waited with bated breath as Tsunade hadn't yet replied to her comment. Shizune could feel her chest tightening from her guilt and she was sure that she was close to hyperventilating pretty soon.
However, Shizune's breath stilled when her whole body was covered in warmth. She widened her eyes as Tsunade pulled Shizune closer to her body in a tight hug. Shizune released a breath as Tsunade gently massaged her hair. "Welcome back," Tsunade said and Shizune closed her eyes tightly refusing to allow the tears in her eyes to spill forward. Shizune lifted her arms and wrapped them around Tsunade's torso in a small, but firm hug as well.
For Naruto, despite how angry he was, he couldn't help the smile that he gave at the sight. He always knew that Shizune was important to Tsunade. Perhaps he had just underestimated how much. Beside him, Yuri and Kushina found Naruto's smile infectious as well as they watched the interaction.
It was quiet for a moment before everyone watched Shizune grab Tsunade's shoulders and she gently pushed the Hokage back. Tsunade seemed surprised by the action as Shizune brushed her eyes with her hand before she stood up straight and saluted Tsunade. "Jonin Shizune Kato returning! Awaiting punishment and trial by review of Council! Expulsion from Shinobi Forces to be authorized with extreme prejudice Hokage-sama!" Shizune said firmly which took the air out of Tsunade's lungs.
Naruto, Yuri and Kushina felt the words sting on their cheeks as they tried to process what they just heard. "Shizune-neechan, I didn't tell you to-!" Naruto began but Shizune's voice easily overpowered his own. "Reason for exclusion from shinobi forces: Granting unknown enemy forces knowledge of Konoha interior and exterior details! Ready to be transferred to a prison cell along with Jonin Ebisu-san! At worst if council wishes it then it is plausible for shinobi in question to be execut…,"
"NEE-CHAN SHUT UP NOW!" Naruto growled out. His voice dripped with divine spiritual authority and Shizune's mouth quickly and effectively stopped. Her mouth hung in the air for a moment before she closed it and remained silent. Naruto panted as he gave Shizune a very harsh glare which the older women wilted under.
Tsunade took a small step back before she glanced at Ebisu, who couldn't look his Hokage in the eye either. Tsunade then turned to see Naruto who was taking his calming breaths. Tsunade, rather thankful for the time to think, processed all of the words that she had heard. An powerful silence fell over the room. Only the clattering of Tsunade's heels were heard as she slowly moved back to her desk. She took a seat down in her chair and placed her hands on her forehead. She made sure to cover her eyes so no one could see the frustration in them. She just got her…best friend back and already she had to play Hokage once again.
"Kushina, Brat…what is Shizune talking about? Explain the mission to me. Right. now," Tsunade said icily which had Naruto and Kushina face her firmly. Naruto put aside his anger and sighed. He rubbed his head. The plan that he had in his head had been ruined by Shizune's little outburst. He had planned to let Tsunade know gradually, and not with a blurt out like Shizune had done. Granted if he were his former self then Naruto was sure he probably would have done the same thing, but that wasn't the point.
"I can tell you," Everyone turned and faced Yuri, who came forward. Shizune and Ebisu looked off to the side while Tsunade's gaze tightened. "Shizune-neechan and Ero-oji-chan…were tortured. I know because…I saw them die right in front of my eyes," Yuri said and Tsunade's breath still. The Anbu that had been around the room felt a bead of sweat fall from their faces which stained the inside of their masks.
Tsunade pinched the bridge of her nose while Shizune wanted to say anything at the moment, but by Naruto's authority her mouth remained closed. Ebisu held his head down in shame. Kushina gave Naruto a glance, but he remained as firm as he could. Yet, Kushina could feel the weight of the inner turmoil in her son/fiancé. Tsunade rubbed her eyes and said, "How do you know that?"
Yuri swallowed the lump in her throat before she gave Naruto a glance. Both looked at each other and Yuri released a breath. "Because the same thing happened to me. They captured us and I nearly drowned over twenty times when they interrogated me. It's only because of Isobu-chan that I'm even alive right now. I…fought one of their lead officers. Their group somehow were aware of Nii-chan and Kushina-san's status. They…kidnapped all of us. They forced some people to work in the mud and grim turning two wheels to a large underground door, others they forced to dig, all while the walls sapped our chakra for weeks on end,"
Tsunade could feel her heart rate increasing with each word that came from Yuri's lips and it definitely seemed like Yuri was far from done. Tsunade couldn't even deny that just hearing that Shizune had died had nearly brought her to tears. "When I fought one of their lead officers, I was angry. She taunted me. She tried to make me doubt my love for Nii-chan…," Tsunade paused at that and gave Yuri a look. She then sent a glance to Naruto.
This was the first she had heard of…incestuous thoughts especially from the Uzumaki household. The very thought made Tsunade's stomach churn as a medical practitioner and a leader in nearly all medical fields, but as the Hokage…she held her thoughts on that particular matter. "…then I fought Shizune-chan and Ero-oji-chan. They had been brainwashed. I didn't fare that well and…she…killed them right in front of me. I watched as she pierced Shizune-chan's chest with her sword. I was mad at her for taking them away from me. I was mad at Shizune and Ero-oji for putting me in that situation. I was mad…at myself for not saving them. I was mad at everything and then…as the Shinigami explained it, I, in my anger, bound their souls to mine and I got all of their memories. I…I experienced what they endured. I…I can't tell you. Please don't make me tell you," Yuri said as Tsunade watched Yuri shiver.
Naruto gently wrapped his arms around Yuri. He could feel her close to hyperventilating and he pulled her head to his chest. "Easy Yuri-chan. Easy. Just breathe with me, okay?" Naruto asked and Yuri slowly nodded as they synchronized their breathing. Yuri took a small breath and calmed herself. "Thank you, Nii-chan," Yuri said and Naruto responded with a kiss to her cheek which confirmed Tsunade's suspicions, but again she figured that this was a talk for another time.
"Skip that detail then. It sounds like I'll have to have Inoichi look them over then. Continue…please," Tsunade said shakingly. Yuri nodded. "I beat her using Shizune-chan and Ero-oji's power along with my own. I…don't remember anything after that as I passed out. But…I do know that what they went through…was not possible for any human being," Yuri said before taking a step back.
Tsunade kept her eyes on the table. Her fingers tightened against themselves. Tsunade snarled as she felt her teeth grind between each other. She tightly closed her eyes and she couldn't stop the images in her heard of what this group had done to Shizune. She couldn't stop imaging Shizune calling out for help to her to save her. She could stop her imagination from picturing Shizune crying, screaming as she was bound to a chair, forced to endure…too many things that Tsunade dared not wish to confront.
Shizune just watched in despair as Tsunade remained silent. How she wished her master would say something, anything cheerful. Shizune did not regret speaking out the way she did. She and Ebisu had to be examples. They had to teach future generations what happened when one failed their home village. This was something that everyone had to endure. Shizune was fine with that.
A couple of moments passed and Tsunade looked up. No one was surprised by the sudden redness of her eyes. Tsunade shook her head before she turned a sharp glare at Shizune, who stiffened. "Is it true Shizune? Did both you and Jonin Ebisu risk Konoha's security, safety, and citizens? Were you both truly…compromised?" Tsunade asked and while everyone could hear the steel in Tsunade's voice they could also hear her throat cracking almost like she was trying to keep from choking on her own words.
Shizune's words died in her throat and she turned to Naruto for any sort of help. She was pleading with Naruto to allow her to answer, to give her permission to speak, but Naruto remained steadfast and he did not rescind his order that had come from his lips. Shizune trembled as she grabbed at the hem of her clothing. Her eyes filled with water.
Tsunade turned to Naruto and, if she were honest, she was glad Naruto had shouted at Shizune to keep her mouth shut. Tsunade wasn't sure she would be able to take it if those words had come from Shizune's mouth. Tsunade took a deep breath at the silence and she stood up once again. She walked over to where Shizune trembled. Tsunade watched Shizune whimper like a child afraid of their parent. For the third time in her life, Tsunade truly felt the burden of the Hokage position and what it entailed. Tsunade took a heavy breath and exhaled.
Tsunade then walked over to Ebisu. "The brat hasn't restricted your ability to speak, right? Then you answer me! Ebisu, were you and Shizune compromised?" Tsunade asked. Ebisu clenched his hands enough to force blood from them. It felt like sand filled his mouth from those days in Sunagakure. Ebisu held his breath and he stared into the eyes of his Hokage. He knew what laid ahead…and he would boldly go. For his village. "H-HAI Hokage-sama!" he exclaimed and Tsunade's frown deepened.
Without hesitation, Tsunade snapped her fingers and four Anbu quickly dropped to the ground and restrained Ebisu and Shizune. Neither made the attempt to resist and Tsunade, with a very weary and heavy heart, tore Ebisu's headband from his head. "You both will be locked away and questioned by Ibiki Morino. You will have psychic evaluations by Jonin Yamanaka. For sixty days, you will be held in prison. A-Any attempt to flee or resist will have you killed atop the Hokage Stone Faces. Given that you didn't flee…arrangements will be made, but make no further mistakes. Y-Y…You're careers as shinobi are effectively terminated," Tsunade said, dealing the blow to Ebisu and Shizune. Both held their heads down and Yuri could feel pain in her chest when Shizune's tears stained the floor.
"Shikyō-sama, I beg of you! Do not let Tsunade do this! Shizune doesn't deserve this! Please!" Naruto could hear Dan beg for Shizune's life through his blade. Naruto watched for a moment and he had indeed heart Dan. Naruto gave a light glare. Naruto noticed the look of anguish on Yuri's face and Naruto knew he couldn't let that continue. He just didn't have it in him to see that look upon Yuri's face. Naruto released a held breath.
"I can't let you do that Baa-chan. They are no longer your shinobi. You don't get to decide what happens to them," Naruto said. This got nearly everyone to pause as they looked at Naruto in surprise. Ebisu and Shizune gave Naruto a look of pure shock and confusion. Yuri couldn't stop the smile on her face. Kushina just gave her son a surprised look, but she didn't say anything. She wanted to see what he had in mind with this.
Tsunade gave Naruto the harshest glare he had ever known she could give. "I have put up with your disrespect before Brat. But as my shinobi, you do not get the authority to speak to me about this situation. I am still your Hokage. Now keep your mouth shut Brat," Tsunade said. Tsunade had indeed been surprised by Naruto's outburst, but Tsunade figured that now was a good time for Naruto to truly learn what else a Hokage was. Tsunade knew Naruto held aspirations of the Hokage position. Naruto was a young man who cared about friends and family. It was time Naruto learned that in a village some family members were more important than others.
Tsunade turned back to face Shizune and Ebisu, but everyone felt a calm, yet foreboding presence fill the room. The air was cold, but it was a thick cold. It was a type of cold that made one shiver in an attempt to find warmth. "Fine, Baa-chan. Then I'm not talking to you as your subordinate. I'm talking to you as a summoner. All matters relating to a summoner and their summons fall under their jurisdiction, right? Shizune-neechan and Ebisu-san aren't your shinobi anymore. They are now under my authority and I'm the one who is going to decide what happens to them," Naruto said.
Shizune and Ebisu were floored. They glanced back to Tsunade and they noticed the look of confusion, anger, and disbelief. Tsunade was a summoner and she knew about the laws that were regarding summoners and those in their authority. Given how the mission had gone, Tsunade was no aware that the Shizune who was in front of her was no longer a shinobi and one of her best friends. The Shizune in front of her was a resurrected soul and she was a fallen warrior of Konoha.
Tsunade knew she couldn't challenge Naruto on this. She also knew that the council was going to attempt to challenge on this, but this wouldn't have been a moment for contention. Tsunade turned to Naruto and she walked until she was right in front of him. The obvious height difference between them was obvious from her heels. She looked down at him. "You're playing a dangerous game, Brat. Do you know the consequences of this?" Tsunade asked. Naruto gave Shizune and Ebisu a glance
"I think I'm making sure you don't make the biggest mistake of your life, Baa-chan." Naruto answered. Tsunade gave Naruto a frown, but she turned away. She then gave Shizune and Ebisu a glance. "Take them and leave my office. Recent events are not doing me any good," Tsunade said. Naruto's frown deepened, but he was tired as well. He and everyone else saw Tsunade slam her body into her chair and look out the window.
Naruto released a breath. "We're going back home. Shizune-neechan and Ebisu-san will be given their own rooms, but I want the both of you in front of me and Kushina first thing in the morning. Got me?" Naruto asked. Neither Ebisu nor Shizune uttered a word. They just bowed while Yuri ushered them away. Naruto turned around to walk out of the door. He then patted Kushina's shoulder. Kushina turned to her son/future husband. The two shared a look and Naruto asked for his fiancée to leave the matter for another day.
Kushina released a growl, but she did as Naruto asked and nodded. Kushina then turned back to Hokage. "You got away for now, Tsunade, but I will get my answers. I will get every ounce of the truth out of your mouth," Kushina thought before she turned around and walked out of the door.
This action had left Tsunade alone as she looked out the window. She hoped that she wasn't as sick as she felt. Tsunade would probably never say it out loud, but she couldn't tell Naruto that she was immensely grateful for what he had just done for not just Shizune, but also for herself. Tsunade honestly almost thought she would vomit on the words that continued to come out of her mouth. However, no matter how close someone was, the Hokage…couldn't show favoritism. Tsunade couldn't treat Shizune any different. Tsunade placed her head in her hands. For once, Tsunade was thankful for the silence.
-x-
Naruto, Kushina, Yuri, Shizune and Ebisu silently walked. Naruto turned around. "Nee-chan. You and Ebisu-san can go home. I don't know how many more rooms we have back at home. But I want you both at the compound. Understand?" Naruto asked firmly. Ebisu bowed before he walked away. However, Naruto noticed Ebisu never raise his head from the ground. Naruto then turned to Shizune and her watched her shiver.
"You can speak now, Nee-chan. But I don't want to hear about what you did back there," Naruto said and Shizune felt her mouth ease before she gave Naruto a sorrowful look, but Naruto tried not to let it get to him. "I understand Naruto-kun. I'll be there first thing in the morning," Shizune said. Naruto nodded and everyone watched sadly as Shizune walked off with the life seemingly wiped from her body.
Naruto released the tension from his shoulders. He turned to see Yuri watch Shizune walk off. Naruto gently brought her from her musings with a gentle kiss to her cheek. Yuri turned over to him and she watched him smile. "Let's go home Yuri-chan. You're chunin exams are coming up," Naruto said and Yuri gave him a smile with a short nod. She turned to Kushina and she watched the older redhead give her a bigger smile.
Confident, Yuri walked with Naruto and Kushina back to their compound. She was honestly happy that it wasn't a very long walk and everyone found their home settled nicely in a mixture of forestry. Yuri gave a wide smile while Naruto tiredly grinned. Kushina patted both their shoulders as they noticed the lights still on in the house.
Naruto pushed open the door and all three stepped inside. "Man, it feels like forever since we've been in this house," Naruto said. Yuri stretched with a satisfied smirk while Kushina rubbed her shoulders. The three Uzumaki gave blissful sighs from the entrance of their home which quickly got the attention of some residents.
"Naruto! Kushina! Yuri!" The three glanced up and Naruto gave a grin when he saw Fuka walked over to them in her bed robe. "Yo Fuka-chan!" Naruto saluted before Fuka gave them all a light hug. The three returned her given affection for a moment. Fuka grinned upon seeing their faces. She then took a step back to admire them all.
"I heard what happened. I'm glad you're all okay," Fuka said. Naruto sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. Yuri scratched her cheek with a nod. Kushina glanced around some of the house and turned to Fuka. She had noticed a slight absence of people even though the lights had been on when they had arrived. Kushina turned left and then right for a moment.
"Where is everyone else?" Kushina asked. Fuka couldn't resist the laugh that probably came out as a snort before she walked over to Kushina. "It's nearly three in the morning. Almost everyone else has gone to bed. They're getting ready for tomorrow. I know Guren came back a couple of days ago along with Shi-san. She gave him his own room. She also told us about where everyone else was. Yukimaru tried to stay up, but sadly all the training I put him through has left him tired. Funny enough, you missed quite the sight a couple of hours ago," Fuka said with a light giggle that got everyone's attention.
"Yukimaru brought home Hanabi-san and I got Tayuya to watch over them for an hour. I had to take some pictures," Fuka said. Kushina couldn't stop the smile on her face. Naruto just shook his head. Yuri, however, laughed and she held her stomach. "When I wake up tomorrow, I want to see those pictures dattebayen!" Yuri remarked and Fuka had the face that Naruto knew Yukimaru was going to be begging him for help.
Unfortunately, the laughter died down and Fuka saw the beginnings of yawns come to Naruto, Kushina, and Yuri's faces. They all looked absolutely weary from the day and Fuka took some mercy on them. "Alright, you three. Go to bed. I still have a mission report to write so I'm going to be up for a little bit. Then I'll comb my beautiful hair before going myself. Have a good night you three," Fuka said before she walked up the stairs and disappeared.
This left Naruto, Kushina, and Yuri alone for a moment. "You know Yuri. You and Naruto just shared a very special moment together. I'll let you take the master bedroom…just this once," Kushina said. Naruto and Yuri widened their eyes as Kushina walked up the stairs. Neither saw the smile on her face before she disappeared into the darkness of the hallways.
Naruto and Yuri glanced at each other for a moment before Naruto smiled and guided Yuri upstairs. It didn't take either long to reach the master bedroom. "That's right. I guess we technically haven't slept in the same bed yet," Naruto remarked. Yuri grinned before she lightly kissed Naruto's cheek.
"I'll be right back, Nii-chan!" Yuri said and Naruto watched her run out of the front door. Naruto then released a sigh before he took off his Hinoken uniform. He quickly hung that up in his closet and he moved to his side of his bed. Naruto unstrapped his sword and leaned it against his nightstand. He then proceeded to walk in the shower.
Naruto felt the hot water ease his body and he sighed. He had learned so much and he had made so many decisions which no doubt impacted the lives of those around him. Perhaps now Naruto was beginning to understand just how much he had changed. Naruto had seen how Tsunade had acted. He honestly wondered if he could…would have had to do the same if it were him in that chair and Sasuke were the one standing ready to be executed? He highly doubted it.
Perhaps now Naruto had begun to understand what Itachi was saying. How one had to sacrifice everything for their village. But…if that was sacrifice…then what was a village if the people you loved weren't in it? For so many years, Naruto had assumed that a village was a place where your loved ones gathered and you fought to protect those things. Perhaps that is what drove Naruto to always fighting for people's admiration. He wanted to be one of their loved ones, yet for all his current efforts…he had been nearly banished…twice. He thought about it. If those bans hadn't gone through then…Naruto would have nothing. He would have no family. He would have none of this life. In fact, he would have none of his current friends. He would have been alone…for a second time with no dream.
Naruto shook his head. No, there was no point in going over 'what-ifs.' Naruto took a deep breath. Naruto inhaled and exhaled. The steam from his shower filled his nose before he gave that exhale. Naruto had his family. He had three women who were the true light of his life. Naruto truly loved Konoha and he truly loved Tsunade, but he would not allow the village to separate his family. No one would take his family away from him again. Naruto swore it.
Naruto stepped out of his shower and he gawked when he saw Yuri laying on the bed with a lust-filled look on her face. Her body was clad in beautiful undergarments that left very little to Naruto's imagination. He could already feel his little buddy responding to the sight. Yuri then gave him a smile. "I got this from one of the stores before we left Uzushio. Do you like it? I thought red was a good color because…well you know," Yuri said and Naruto gave a smirk before he headed for the bed to join with Yuri. Yup, he was going to make sure no one was going to harm his family. Not even you, Konoha.
-x-
The Shinigami could feel it. Every second that his summoner spent on the earth was making him more and more powerful. Shin was sure that Naruto was close. Naruto was close to being able to acquire all of the secrets that Shin was willing to teach him. Naruto was getting there. Every day he was slowing coming to the answer to the ultimate truth which was why Shin had all of these limits and restrictions on his summoner's power. Yet, Naruto was not ready yet to acquire this wealth of knowledge. He was close, very close, but he was not yet ready. He was still a mortal and he still held mortal-thinking. Shin was sure that once Naruto discovered what there was to be known, not even Shin would be able to contain his summoner any longer. In fact, if that were indeed the case then perhaps it would have been time for Shin to give Naruto the very last gift that the Shinigami could give to his summoner.
Shin quickly inhaled the essence of another foul spirit who begged for her foul life. Not like he wasn't expecting that after doing such a thing spanning the history of his life, but the point still stood that it was rather tedious listening to the people whimper, moan and groan about what they wanted to live for. None of them were interesting in the slightest.
As Shin continued his duties, his eyes narrowed. He had felt a presence similar to his own behind him. A presence filled with godly essence was within his boundary. Shin's eyes hardened. "What do you want?" The Shinigami asked with a hard frown. Though perhaps for some it would be hard to tell with his sharp, monster-like teeth, but rest assured that he was not in the greatest mood now.
The figure behind him gently touched the ground. Shin could quickly see the grass around him glow in a bright light. It was for but a moment. "Ten millennia and that is the first thing you say to me, little brother?" The voice asked in a soft, feminine tone and the Shinigami turned his dark-purple head to the figure. He didn't let the look of displeasure show on his face upon seeing Amaterasu, Goddess of the Sun.
"Don't waste my time with your trivialities. If this is about Jashin then next time you had better tell him to not deal in my affairs ever again. I am the only one who decides which humans live and die. He usurped my authority. I took it back," The God of Death said and the Goddess of the Sun frowned for a moment. She folded her arms.
"Ah yes, you felt your pride was so troubled that you decided to break the taboo on your duties. Now we're aware of the mortal version of yourself running around," she said. To her surprise, she wasn't expecting the Shinigami to give a light smile. She raised an eyebrow of curiosity. She then raised her hand and a wisp of fire formed. It then gave her an image of the object of their conversation. She watched as the mortal slept with his, what she assumed to be, mate of familial origin. She watched his mate placed her head on his chest as they soundly slept. His blonde hair brushed in the wind and she closed the wisp.
"I'll make the point frank then. You need to stop what you're doing and perform your original duty. His life essence for his mortal body has long since run out. End his life, and fix this mess you have created," She demanded. Amaterasu frowned when she watched the Shinigami merely give her a hard stare. She stared right back at him. The two gods gazed at each other for who knew how long before the Shinigami turned around.
"You must have really gotten used to your position if you think you can order me around, Amaterasu. As far as I am concerned, there is no mess that needs to be cleaned up. Come to think of it, I don't recall neither you, Tsukuyomi, nor Kami try to deal with Jashin like this. He always did make my job harder with his fanatics," Shin said and Amaterasu's frown deepened. The grass at her feet slowly began to burn as small embers danced on their tips.
"This isn't about Jashin. This is about you. It's always been about you. You have always been like this. Every meeting we've held in 100 millennia, you have never attended. You treat the rest of us like outcasts. Every decision we have made, you have never contributed. You act like you can't even bother to be in the same space as the rest of us," Amaterasu said and the Shinigami quickly turned to face her.
"Well, there is an easy answer to that, Amaterasu. It's because I hate you. I hate all of you. All of you disinterest me. You, Tsukuyomi, and Jashin disinterest me the most. What meeting could be so important that it would require my presence?" The Shinigami asked and Amaterasu made all attempt to keep herself calm while under the gaze of her younger sibling. That wasn't to say it wasn't a trying exercise though.
"That, I will leave to your own curiosity. It might pique your interest if you attend, but I suppose I should advise that if you even give your mortal an ounce of consideration that you do for the rest of us then I suggest you attend," she said and in a bright flash of light she was gone from his view. This action left the God of Death in the plains that surrounded him. The wind howled across the plains though its feeling and its coldness were lost on his ethereal form. He almost wondered if it was nature's way of mocking him, but then again, he doubted Kami was going to do this just for him.
Though his mind was distracted, this did not stop Shin from sending his blade through the soul of a tormented spirit before he swallowed their life essence sending them to the depths of the netherworld where all souls were sent to. He supposed he had something to do in the coming day. Perhaps now he just wondered what could have been so crucial towards this little meeting that it would directly involve his summoner. No matter what mess his siblings attempted, Shin would not get rid of his source of entertainment. The likelihood of that happening was about as certain as Tsukuyomi and Amaterasu praising each other's solar star. It would never happen.
-x-
Morning rose in the Uzumaki compound, Yukimaru's eyes opened and he gave a hard yawn. He turned his head to the mirror and the adopted Uzumaki noticed just how nappy his hair looked. A small flush of embarrassment came forward and Yukimaru slowly removed himself from his bed. He quickly took his shower, brushed his teeth, and combed his hair. He honestly wondered if he should have cut it since he worried if it was going to get too long, but then again most of his family members had long hair so…he figured it would fit with the theme.
Yukimaru sighed as he brushed his hair. He had been there to greet Guren upon her return and though she looked a bit banged up for his liking, but she was alive so that was all Yukimaru was thankful for. He was told that Naruto and the others would be coming home later. Yukimaru, at the time, could hardly contain his excitement. It had been a couple of weeks since Yukimaru had last seen Naruto. He had tried to stay up that night, running drills with Hanabi, though he could have done without Fuka's teasing. However, the combination of his excitement and his adrenaline was enough to knock him out once he had exhausted all his resources for staying awake. Yukimaru had hoped that Naruto and the others were alright, but Guren just before he had fallen asleep had assured him that Naruto was returning home.
Yukimaru noticed the smile on his face and shook his head. He quickly got dressed in his shinobi attire. He had a meeting with Hanabi Hyuga, Juhi Inuzuka, and his sensei, Aoba Yamashiro. They would be starting their missions soon and Yukimaru didn't want to miss that.
So, Yukimaru strapped on his shoes and made his way for his door. Once he opened it, his nose was filled with the aroma of warm food. He could hardly resist its call before he walked down the stairs. Yukimaru turned around a corner and he couldn't help his surprise of seeing his cousin, Shi, cooking breakfast. "Good morning, Yukimaru-san. I take it you are about to go out on your mission?" Shi asked, a pleasant smile on his face. Yukimaru returned his foster cousin's good cheer and quickly nodded. He took a seat at the table.
"Hai, Shi-san. I have to meet with the others very soon. Sensei said something about a mission to the Land of Waves. It'll be my first C-rank mission. Is Nii-chan back yet?" Yukimaru asked. Shi couldn't stop his grin from getting any bigger. He just turned from the stove he had been working on.
"That's right. He came back last night. He should still be in the back of the compound," Shi said and the blond former Kumo nin heard the rattle of the chair from the table and he then heard the sounds of the slide doors open. Shi shook his head, but he continued cooking. Yukimaru might not be a Uzumaki, but he sure behaved like one.
Meanwhile, Yukimaru raced to the back of the house. It was times like this that he wished the house wasn't as big as it was, but luckily for him he had finally made it to the back when he heard shouting. "Come on Nee-chan, Closet Pervert! You're burning daylight!" Yukimaru heard Naruto shouting in the back. Yukimaru quickly opened the door to the back porch and a confused look crept onto his face as he looked onward.
Shizune and Ebisu groaned as they were sunk up to their waistlines in water. Shizune screeched as Yukimaru noticed…a tiny octopus attached to her face. At the same time, at least five others were attached to Ebisu.
Yukimaru also noticed Naruto out there by himself as he watched them struggle. "Come on, you two! Yuri-chan could do this with both her hands behind her back blindfolded!" Naruto claimed and the blonde rolled his eyes then sighed when he saw Ebisu give a sharp gasp before slipping in the water. Naruto just shook his head at the sight.
"Naruto-nii!" Naruto felt the air get knocked out of his body when Yukimaru glomped him. Naruto turned and his stern expression softened into one of joy upon seeing Yukimaru. "Yo Yukimaru. I see you're awake. I checked on you earlier this morning, but you were still asleep. I heard you stayed up all night to see me. Sorry about that," Naruto said. Yukimaru didn't pay the apology any mind, merely happy to see Naruto's face again.
"What are you doing?" Yukimaru asked. Naruto gave a pointed look back to see how Shizune and Ebisu were faring. If he were younger he would have been laughing his ass off at the way they worked. However, with these circumstances, Naruto knew that this wasn't a funny matter. Not that he would tell Yukimaru, at least not yet.
"Nee-chan and the Closet Perv are helping me catch some octopus, squid, and cuttlefish. Our family does need to have another source of income I guess. Or that's what Kushina told me anyway," Naruto remarked. Yukimaru tilted his head to the side. A confused look marred his face.
"We have a business, Naruto-nii?" Yukimaru asked. Naruto quickly nodded. "You bet'cha, Yukimaru. We're Uzumaki. We're all about sealing. Long story short, we're sealing ink. Guren's the one who started this little project. We have loads of these things in the pond. Though getting them out without being covered in ink is the hard part. I'd have to say we're pretty good for money if we can keep this up," Naruto remarked.
Yukimaru seemed fascinated as he hadn't known of this beforehand. He just assumed that the family bought its ink from any other store, but apparently, it made its own. "Now then, come on Nee-chan! You two still have to concentrate the ink as well. Hurry up and put them in the buckets," Naruto called to them. Shizune and Ebisu sighed, but they continued without question as ink was blasted in their faces.
"So Yukimaru, I see you're all ready to go out. Got a mission?" Naruto asked. Yukimaru quickly nodded with a wide smile. "Hai, we've been working pretty hard so this could be my first C-rank mission," Yukimaru said and Naruto found his eyes had moved to the side. He remembered his own C-rank mission…and what a time that was. Hopefully, Yukimaru didn't have that type of luck. Naruto really wished he didn't.
"Heh, well go get 'em Yukimaru. I know you can do it! Here, you can have this. I just made this ink so it should be really good. Take it with you," Naruto said. He threw an ink bottle and Yukimaru quickly caught it. Yukimaru could see its black liquid contained by the glass. He then turned back to Naruto and smiled.
"Thank you Naruto-nii. I'll make sure I use it right. Bye!" Yukimaru said as he ran off. Naruto waved Yukimaru off as the genin's footsteps got smaller and smaller in Naruto's ears. Naruto chuckled to himself. He then looked up at the sky. Konoha might not be on his good side for the moment, but so long as Yukimaru loved it and had friends in Konoha, then Naruto would fight for those friends. Because that was what family did for each other. They strived to make their loved ones happy.
"F-Finished Naruto-kun," Shizune said. Naruto turned from his thoughts and noticed both former jonin held two buckets filled with water and full of aquatic life. Naruto could see the massive ink stains that appeared on their clothes. It would have been humorous to Naruto if not for the current situation. Naruto looked over them for a moment before he stood to his feet.
Alright, let's…," Naruto's voice staggered for a moment when he felt the sudden shift in spiritual pressure. He glanced around for a moment, but he could tell the familiar presence very well. He then turned around. "Alright, you two go find Guren-san and tell her to teach you how to extract the ink and concentrate on our ink-floor. I will come and meet you later. Oh, and if you see Kaa…Kushina then tell her to come look for me," Naruto said and both watched him walk off through the trees. Shizune and Ebisu didn't say a word and continued inside.
Naruto walked through the trees for a moment, feeling the fresh air and radiant warmth of Konoha's weather. However, that feeling didn't stay for very long as he looked up. "Yo, Shin. What's up?" Naruto asked. Sure enough, the Shinigami appeared behind Naruto and Naruto turned to face him. The two beings of separate planes looked at each other for just a moment and Shin couldn't believe he was saying this, but he actually felt…some sort of parental affection for Naruto. The Uzumaki felt like the youngling that the Shinigami never had to real opportunity to see. How odd, that he a timeless being symbolized with death and destruction would feel pride in his body whenever he gazed down at his summoner.
Naruto tilted his head in surprise of the Shinigami's lack of a response, but that didn't last for very long. "You have come a long way since you were that boy whose soul I almost took," The Shinigami said and Naruto couldn't stop the surprise from appearing on his face at the melancholy tone that escaped from the Shinigami's tongue. Granted it still had that ghastly, rough, sort of spirit-ish dialect, but…Naruto could hear the subdued emotion in the Shinigami.
Naruto's smile fell and he took a deep breath. "Well, you did call me interesting, dattebayo." Naruto remarked. The Shinigami nodded. That was indeed true that he had. "You have grown strong, Naruto. While your strength is not out of bounds in the expectations that I knew you would make…in some areas, your strength is perhaps growing fast…too fast for others," Shin said and Naruto blinked. It was obvious that he was confused.
"Did you truly believe that with my existence I would be the only god?" Shin asked and Naruto's eyes widened. "Wait, those guys are real?!Naruto asked. The Shinigami didn't smile, but he was kind of amused at Naruto's question.
"Do you recall Jashin? I remember I told you I wanted Hidan's soul. His life has been prolonged for too long and I also understand that you have not completed this whole list as of yet, but I have no doubt that you will which is why I have found that somehow trouble tends to find you. Case in point, I will require you to attend our meeting. A meeting of gods," Shin said and if Naruto was confused before, then he was absolutely lost now.
"You want me to attend a meeting…between you and other gods?" Naruto asked. He was sure his legs were feeling weak. He actually felt like he would pass out, but then a soothing presence fell over his spirit. It calmed his mind and his worries. Naruto gave the Shinigami a glance and he could honestly say, he had never felt more connected to the God of Death than right at the moment. He closed his eyes and slowly took a nod. "It is a deal to take in. There is a reason why mortals cannot interact with gods and why such things have been passed down as either folklore or myth. Growing up within your shinobi academy, you were not truly taught about the gods. Most likely they were a secondary subject that could have been passed off. Perhaps most of your classmates had not cared. You were the first mortal in perhaps a hundred generations that had has a connection to a god," Shin said and Naruto slowly just nodded.
"Wait, wait, so does that mean there are others like me?" Naruto asked. The Shinigami was quick to answer that question. "No. Well, not anymore there are not. Back during the very early beginnings of mortal history, the gods had a more influential role, but mortals and even the gods have a history of hubris. It has continued to trickle down where the gods constantly wonder whether humanity must be destroyed or can still be salvaged. I have no opinion in the matter for the deaths of gods and men has been known to me. So, no, there are not others like you, though Jashin is perhaps a bit different," Shin said.
"Okay, what do I need to do?" Naruto asked. Shin glanced at him. "You would be surprised how…cautious gods can be around each other. If you truly believed that being with the gods was a peace that spanned all eternity then you would be wrong. Most of us despise each other and it is only by Kami that we do not send the world crashing down into oblivion. Do you remember when I appeared before you in your battle against the Rinnegan wielder?" Shin asked. Naruto quickly nodded and the Shinigami closed his eyes for but a moment.
"You are not aware of it, but Yura Uzumaki prayed to me to give you the strength to overcome your trial. Prayer to a god is perhaps their highest form of recognition. Most gods are prideful like this. It is why Jashin has so many followers or why there are some other monks, priests, and teachers of spirit though wrong most of them are. What I want you to do is observe. Understand how some of us act and how we conduct ourselves," The Shinigami said. Naruto blinked. That seemed easy enough, but the Shinigami could see that Naruto also wasn't getting the entire picture.
"Uzumaki Naruto, how much do you trust me?" The Shinigami asked. Naruto stiffened. He stared up at the God of Death. The way the godly being floated in the sky almost made him even more divine than Naruto remembered. His summon, the God of Death, was asking if Naruto could even trust him. Truthfully, Naruto would have said no, if he was just starting out, but Naruto, in an odd way, found himself a better guidance in the God of Death than he probably pictured. This being guided him, helped him, strengthened him, and disciplined him time and again even when Naruto didn't have all the answers. Naruto wished those eyes were so cold-looking, but Naruto could feel beneath that gaze. He needn't ask why.
"Hai. You haven't steered me wrong before. I don't think you're going to do it now, dattebayo!" Naruto replied, a firm nod to confirm his thoughts. Shin's eyes hardened and he closed his eyes. "I see. You have truly grown a lot, Naruto. I will come for you before the seventh day's sunset. Come along with your valve and your handle," Shin said and Naruto watched him fade away into nothingness. Naruto released a breath and he heard the birds chirp in the sky. Naruto guessed his mother wasn't in the house since she hadn't come in time for the conversation. He supposed he could go looking for her now. At least until he paid someone else a visit.
-x-
Kushina tried to not roll her eyes at filling out so many forms. Now that her son was her fiancée then she figured that it was time to fill him into the Clan Head status. Kushina had been hoping to give this to Naruto when he turned about twenty, but…well the world worked in very ways. Then there had to be Naruto's coronation and ceremony. Kushina did wonder if Naruto would be able to deal with politics, because it was something that even Kushina disliked, yet it kind of fit for shinobi in a way. Alliances, trickery, backstabbing, seeking to further one's own goals, were just some of those things.
Kushina supposed that the paperwork wasn't all bad. It at least gave her something to take her mind off things. Mostly how she felt about Konoha nearly expelling her son, twice. Kushina couldn't understand it. Naruto always had nothing, but good things to say about Konoha…as hard as she knew his life was because of his jinchuuriki status. So, it was for this reason she wondered what he could have done to nearly get expelled. Granted he did tell her about some of the pranks he pulled when he was younger, but she was sure those weren't the reason especially since it was an expulsion that Tsunade had fought against. Kushina could tell something was going on under the surface. She just didn't know what yet.
"Ah good morning, Uzumaki-san," Kushina glanced up from her paperwork and tried not to let her frown show on her face upon seeing Koharu Utatane in front of her. Kushina gave a smile. Damn, she hated fake niceness. "Good morning Councilwoman Utatane-san," Kushina said, wondering if she could burn this woman to the ground, but figured that wouldn't look good in the coming future.
"I see you are filling out clan papers. Has there been a change?" Koharu asked, intrigued at the prospect. Kushina cleared her throat to get all the nasty things she wanted to say out of her mouth.
"That's correct. I am stepping down as clan head," Kushina said and Koharu couldn't contain her surprise. She had been speaking with Homura about how best to deal with Naruto and his current rise in status from essentially an orphan to a virtual prince of his clan. Never mind that the family was making a larger fortune with their ink from their sealing. It was hard finding such ink and the Uzumaki family had it in bundles. Even Koharu used it.
"Oh? I didn't know you had someone you fancied. Who is the man that will be leading the Uzumaki clan now? It had been my understanding Naruto-san would take the mantle in a couple of years," Koharu said. Kushina just smiled to herself. She supposed this was her first challenge as her son's fiancée. Well, let the almighty know-it-all people come forward.
"That would be my son and fiancé, Uzumaki Naruto," Kushina said with a prideful smile in her face. The fact that she hadn't heard a response only told her that she had stunned her audience into silence. Kushina glanced up for a second and she noticed Koharu stare at her. "Excuse me?" Koharu asked, not sure she had accurately heard what was just spoken to her.
"Naruto Uzumaki, my son and current-to-be husband, is going to take over as clan head of the Uzumaki," Kushina said, very clearly this time. Koharu could feel her mind jumbling over the information. A mother and son…were getting married? Koharu could feel her disgust rising. She looked at Kushina.
"If this is a joke then it's one of poor taste, Uzumaki Kushina-san. You have always been one to be a troublemaker even in your youth, but even you could not be so immoral. The boy is your own child! How could you even conceive such a notion?" Koharu asked. Kushina, surprised even herself, with how calm she felt in the face of this…attack or whatever it was. One thing that worked in her favor was that she had already crossed the line with her son so long ago. Plus, she had already worked these out in her mind. She would face all of the ridicule for as long as her son desired her. If that was to be forever, then Kushina would give her son her heart forever.
"Oh? I didn't know you would have a problem with it Koharu-san. I figured it would be in Konoha's best interests to have more pure-blooded Uzumaki. That's all you care about, right? Konoha's interests?" Kushina asked. Koharu felt the air leave her lungs. She could believe the words of the former Yondaime Hokage's wife. Koharu took a step back.
"That is disgusting, Kushina-san. For the two of you to even think of such a thing is sick, vile, and twisted! This is utter nonsense! I will tell Tsunade about this! She would never condone this!" Koharu sat, but Kushina just sat in her seat calmly before she collected her papers. She stood up and walked over to where she had the papers stamped before sending a copy to one of the Konoha records.
"It's funny, Koharu-san. Like my son, I was also a jinchuuriki. Actually, all Uzumaki line have been the Kyuubi's jinchuuriki. I was selected to be Mito-baachan's successor. You know that. Mito-baachan once told me I had to 'fill my heart with love' to overcome the hardships of being a jinchuuriki. It's funny, even when I married Minato I was struggling with what that meant. It was only after I screamed for so, so long when Naruto was born that I learned what the love of my life was. When I am with my son, I get butterflies in my stomach, I can't stop a smile from coming to my face, my body desires to have all of him, and I can only imagine that perhaps my life would be a hollow of its former self before I had known this type of love and affection for my own son. I wonder if a lot of people in this village could say they experience the same thing," Kushina said, a light smile on her face.
This smile baffled Koharu, and it frightened her greatly. She couldn't believe what she was hearing. "You…You're sick! I will not let this happen! I will not let you debase the values of this village and the values of true marriage. I hope you and your son burn in the flames of hell," Koharu said as she turned around.
"No worries, I'm sure you'll be down there first, Koharu-san," Kushina said as Koharu walked out of the building. Kushina merely watched the woman go before she released a breath from her body. Well that was challenge number one down, now she was sure she, Naruto, and the rest of their family would be dealing with the repercussions. Not that she wasn't sure they couldn't handle it. Her family was a band of survivors after all. Everyone had endured far worse than simple ridicule. With her business done, Kushina walked out of the building to go back home. She had a mission report to write.
-x-
"Alright, I think you've done enough," Sasuke said as he quickly put on his robe. Itachi sighed as he closed his medical box. "Someone has to treat you if you won't let the island's nurses do it. Or perhaps you would prefer Yuna-san to treat you?" Itachi asked and he was rewarded with his brother's embarrassed growl. Itachi could still see the slight blush on his little brother's face. Itachi never would have thought Sasuke would find a significant other in Shisui's older sister. Though perhaps from the time of her death, then it was understandable that she was around his age. "Shut it, Itachi. Where did the loser and the others go?" Sasuke asked. At the mention of Naruto, Itachi straightened his posture a little more. "Naruto-kun has gone back to Konoha along with his mother, Yuri, Shizune-san, and Ebisu-san. When you have been cleared to leave then you can along with the others," Itachi said. Sasuke just grunted a response before he walked out of his room with Itachi right behind him.
"How is Kaa-san doing?" Sasuke asked. Itachi couldn't recall Sasuke being so forceful, but he answered him regardless. "Kaa-san woke up about two days ago. No one was allowed to see her while Dr. Shinnō-san operated on her. She still can't see out of her eye as a result of the Sharingan, but she claims that she's been holding up very well," Itachi said. Sasuke slowly nodded, sort of happy for the good news.
"Oi, I thought I told you to leave that shit for later when you got better," Sasuke and Itachi heard the gruff voice speak through an open door. Sasuke and Itachi came to the door and glanced through it just in time to see Zabuza sitting in a chair while Haku looked over some paperwork. "The work's been piling up, Zabuza-sama. I can't let it go anymore. Also, the Water Daimyo will be coming in a couple of weeks. I want to make sure everything is ready for his return," Haku answered.
"I see you're doing well, Haku-san, Zabuza-san," Haku and Zabuza noticed Itachi speak with Sasuke next to him. "Good evening Itachi-san. Hai, I am feeling much better. I appreciate your concern. How are you feeling, Sasuke-san?" Haku asked. Sasuke rolled his eyes.
"I'm fine," Sasuke said, which probably came out as more of a grunt, but an answer nonetheless. "Haku, forgive me asking, but why are you doing paperwork? You do not have to keep up the charade anymore," Itachi said. Haku chuckled a bit tiredly which everyone noticed. She placed the work down for a moment.
"It turns out that rather than a charade. It seems I will truly be the Land of Eddies Daimyo from now one. The Water Daimyo remembered me and he's coming for a visit to the Land of Eddies. He said he didn't remember us having a Daimyo so I had to make some records for myself. It actually isn't so difficult to forge records. Zabuza-sama…coincidentally had a contact in the imperial courts that solidified my identity so starting today I will be the Daimyo of the Land of Eddies. I believe it to be the best for the country. So, I'm looking at some of the paperwork. The fishing season is over, but a lot of people found out that the land is very fertile here so they have decided to stay here permanently and then there are the people who were back at the caves. Most of them decided to stay here and start over. So I have to find space and land for them," Haku said. Itachi slowly nodded while Sasuke turned around.
"Do what you have to then. I'll be back later," Sasuke said as he turned to leave. Haku gave a light bow before she went back to work while Zabuza rolled his eyes as he leaned against the wall. Itachi left with Sasuke.
The Uchiha brothers moved through the hospital and Sasuke saw another open door. He rolled his eyes upon hearing giggling. "Kakashi, what are you doing?" Sasuke asked, watching his sensei read one of those dumb orange books. Kakashi turned to face Sasuke and smiled. "Yo, I'm letting myself heal. You should be doing the same Sasuke. We'll have to get back to work once we're through with the chakra exhaustion. I say take it slow when you can," Kakashi said. Sasuke rolled his eyes as the brothers continued on. Sasuke rolled his eyes when he heard Kakashi giggle again.
"Really Kodaka-kun? Two girls at the same time? You're gonna make Sena and Yozora two happy ladies. Don't forget about Rika-chan and Yukimaru-chan. We gotta make more friends. Fu fu fu," Kakashi said, but he was too out of range for Sasuke to hear more and Sasuke was grateful for that.
They then stopped by Yugao's room and they watched her lightly performing some push-ups. "Good evening Sasuke. How are you feeling?" Yugao asked. Sasuke nodded. "Perhaps not as well as you, but I have managed. You seem to be doing well yourself," Sasuke said and Yugao slowly nodded.
"I don't like staying in bed. Leaves the body too stiff for regular work. But I suppose I can appreciate the time off like anyone else. When we're all better, I'll move us out," Yugao said and Sasuke gave a nod before both went on their way which left Yugao in her room. She watched Sasuke and Itachi leave before she cleared out her throat and grabbed her book from under her sheets. She then breathed a sigh of relief and felt the quiet.
"ZA WARUDO!" Yugao shouted as she read from her favorite book. She slapped a hand on her mouth for a moment before she peered into the hallway. No one was around. Better close the door just to be safe. Yugao then quickly went back to her book.
Meanwhile, Sasuke and Itachi walked through the hospital. Itachi had told Sasuke that Mikoto had to be moved into a separate wing of the hospital for the operation. It hadn't taken them long to reach the door and Sasuke slowly opened it. He noticed his mother was awake and the window blew in her hair as she looked at the scenery outside.
"Kaa-san, good evening," Sasuke said with Itachi giving her the same greeting. When she turned to them, both noticed the white bandage covering where her eye used to be. She gave both a gentle smile. "Good evening Sasuke, Itachi. I hope the both of you slept well. Though, you shouldn't be out of bed, Sasuke," Mikoto said. Sasuke gave a grunt and disregarded her concern.
"How are you feeling?" Sasuke asked. Mikoto sighed as she placed a hand over her eye. "This thing itches, but I guess it's not the worst thing that could happen. At the very least if everyone else is alright then an eye is worth it," Mikoto said. Sasuke took a seat on her bed while Itachi looked out of the window. There was a brief silence between the Uchiha members and Itachi's eyes narrowed.
"You said that you didn't see or find his body, correct?" Itachi asked. Sasuke and Mikoto turned to him and Sasuke frowned. Mikoto quickly confirmed that they hadn't found any body of the leader and Itachi got lost in his thoughts for a moment. Sasuke turned to Itachi.
"You think he's still alive," Sasuke said rather than questioned. Itachi nodded from his place near the window. Itachi watched as children played in the streets and masses of people conducted their own business. He watched as people chattered away happily and Itachi couldn't help reminding himself of Konoha's feeling at least for that time being. Itachi closed his eyes and he turned around.
"Itachi? What are you thinking?" Mikoto asked her son and Itachi released another sigh. "I am beginning to believe that he had an accomplice. Even for their structure, one can't kidnap a near village's worth of people without someone noticing. I understand that some of them have been down there for years, but there cannot be these many disappearances and no one know about it. Then there was the way that they fed and managed the prisoners. Please give it some thought, weapons, food, medical supplies, training areas, clothing, work spaces, these things would take additional funds. Funds that no one can easily account for," Itachi said. Sasuke and Mikoto looked at each other, their stern expressions telling the story of their thoughts. They were a bit on edge.
"You have suspects?" Mikoto asked. Itachi pushed a piece of his hair from his face and turned back to his mother and little brother. "Not at the moment, I do not. I could if I was given some time," Itachi said. Mikoto and Sasuke gave each other another glance and Sasuke stood from the bed and walked to face his brother.
"You want to go out and find out if your theory is correct," Sasuke said. Mikoto seemed greatly surprised when Itachi nodded. "It would require great concentration and I don't believe anyone else that comes can take it up. For all intents and purposes, I am still dead. I can act without having to truly be concerned with my identity," Itachi betted on. Mikoto rubbed her covered eye with one of her hands before she leaned forward.
"I don't know, Itachi. You were still a recognized criminal. Your face is perhaps one of the most memorable faces in the bingo book for those willing to pay attention. Additionally, you can't make this call. Tsunade allowed us to keep you around since you were, as you know, presumed dead. That is Kushina's call as the leader of Hinoken," Mikoto said. Itachi quickly nodded.
"Which is why I was hoping that when you went back to Konoha then you could discuss it in length with Kushina-san and Naruto-kun. Even with her orders that I can, I could not do so if Naruto would not like me to as my Lord. Then I would like to take a small team with me. I believe it is too much a task just for myself," Itachi said.
Now Sasuke was interestingly confused. What kind of task was Itachi burdening himself with so much that he couldn't handle it on his own? That said, Sasuke quickly brought some of his thoughts together. For all his life, Itachi had perhaps been one of the most powerful shinobi in Konoha and the world to Sasuke. Itachi was always an ideal that Sasuke strived for. Recent knowledge of Itachi's situation curbed some of this ideal, yet…Itachi, in Sasuke's mind, was still an excellent shinobi. Sasuke had used his Hinoken privileges to gain a look into Itachi's file. Itachi had some of the highest mission successes as an Anbu. Which continued to prompt the question in Sasuke's mind of why Itachi, of all people, would need help.
"I believe a team would be better not only because we'll be able to cover a wider area over a short period of time, but I will also be at least have some backup in case anything else happens that I will need to inform. We can also track regular update between us and have a correspondent in dealing with the current issue," Itachi said. Sasuke and Mikoto were silent for a moment. Sasuke was the one to speak up.
"And just who would you have on the team?" Sasuke asked. Itachi gave Sasuke an informed looked before he gave his mother and brother a focused look. "I will prefer to have Zabuza-san with me, but I know he will not leave Haku-san's side. Most likely he will become her aide as she begins her transition into Daimyo status. Which I do agree with since the Land of Eddies has slowly returned to its days a vibrant country," Itachi said before he collected his thought once more.
"If possible I would like to take Suigetsu. Despite his exuberant attitude, I have noticed he is a candidate for gathering information if he can be used correctly. I would like Fujikaze-san to come along as well. His knowledge of the other countries could come in handy as well as his skill with a blade if Naruto-kun Is willing to release him to the team," Itachi said and before long he told them the last person he wanted to take with them. Mikoto attempted to wrap her mind around this team while Sasuke raised an eyebrow.
"That's…very bold of you to think about this team, Itachi. Are you sure you want to do this?" Mikoto asked. Itachi's black eyes were covered by his eyelids when he closed them for a moment. They resurfaced once again. "These people specifically targeted Naruto-kun and Kushina-san. They somehow knew exactly who they were going for. They knew about Naruto-kun's relationship to the Shinigami. They also knew about Kushina-san's relationship to Naruto-kun. She was a seal that allows his body to adjust towards his growing power. If I were honest, I have a feeling that if Naruto-kun is unlocked then currently he should have enough power to be able to overpower Hokage-sama, the Tsuchikage, and the Raikage," Itachi said which made Mikoto and Sasuke pause.
"Wait a minute. Itachi, you weren't there but it was only a couple of months ago that Naruto was only to fight against a more experienced jinchuuriki, that rapping idiot back in Kumogakure. How could his power have increased that much in such a short amount of time?" Sasuke asked. For once, Sasuke couldn't even be jealous of Naruto. Mind you, he WANTED to be, but he was far too curious to have his jealous overrule his thinking.
"If I am honest then I do believe it happened that week ago when Naruto-kun fought the Regent. I didn't have to be there to fill the immense pressure of his power. I honestly believe that every person over the entire planet felt that energy no matter how brief it was. Believe it or not, but Naruto-kun is becoming so much more than even we could have imagined," Itachi said and Sasuke quickly turned defensive.
"Are you calling him a threat?" Sasuke asked. Itachi didn't know whether to chuckle at Sasuke or be surprised by the act of his defense for Naruto. Itachi quickly shook his head. "Threat? No. Destined? Definitely. I don't know where the Shinigami is leading him, but all I know is that when Naruto-kun gets there, no one except for maybe your team will be able to keep up with him. I believe it is my job to protect Naruto-kun until he reaches that destiny," Itachi said resolutely.
Sasuke and Mikoto didn't respond for a couple of minutes. "Dammit Dobe, just what are you becoming?" Sasuke wondered, but Sasuke was curious as well. He had to know. He had to know where this was all leading them. "I'll talk to the loser when I can. I have no doubt we'll be leaving in a week or two. When were you planning on leaving?" Sasuke questioned. Itachi was a bit taken off by the question since he hadn't given much thought to the timeframe.
"I would have to give it some thought, but I would have it be after the Chunin Exams that are taking place in Sunagakure. I'm sure we all wish to see Yuri-san perform. If I had to give it around that time then I would appreciate that," Itachi said. Sasuke looked into his brother's eyes for a moment. Sasuke couldn't detect anything that was hidden, but Sasuke couldn't find anything. Sasuke had noticed that Itachi had become a lot more subdued since he had returned. He did train, but Sasuke noticed that Itachi seemed a lot more…tired of all the combat he had been in. Yet, Sasuke didn't utter these thoughts.
"I'll see what I can do," Sasuke said. Itachi offered Sasuke a smile. "Thank you, Sasuke." Itachi said. Mikoto looked at her sons. She sighed as she sat in her bed. Honestly, for once, she was tired of being a shinobi and she hated it. She hated that her boys couldn't just be boys for their lives. Yet, at the same time, she couldn't begin to express all her joy in seeing them act like fully matured men. It made her smile. Well, they would see what would happen in the near future.
"I have just one question, Itachi. If you can answer it for me then I will be all for it," Mikoto suddenly said. Sasuke and Itachi were a tad surprised by Mikoto and her sudden response. Itachi, nonetheless, nodded and awaited his mother's question. His hand rested on the windowsill while his mother looked at his form.
"Are you doing this because you want to protect Naruto-kun? Or are you doing it because you feel this is the only way you can redeem yourself for what you've done to Konoha? To the Uchiha clan? To…Izumi?" Mikoto asked. Sasuke widened his eyes before he slowly turned to his brother. Sasuke had met Izumi a handful of times and while Sasuke had never truly had any special connection to Izumi…Sasuke could believe the frozen expression on Itachi's face. He seemed entirely devoid of emotion.
"That…was a long time ago, Kaa-san," Itachi said. Mikoto shook her head. "Yes, it was and you're hoping that you'll be able to right that wrong that you committed. You have told yourself constantly that it was for the good of the village, but it was never good for you, was it? You knew it was wrong because you still killed innocents. Just as I have done, just as Sasuke has done, just as we all have done," Mikoto said.
"Kaa-san, I…," Itachi didn't get a moment to speak before Mikoto raised her hand for his silence. Itachi bit back any responses as Mikoto sighed. "You have fought for so long Itachi. Now you want Naruto-kun to right your wrong because you've seen what he could do for the rest of us. I believe that is why you're doing this. If I am wrong, at this very moment, then tell me and I will let you go right now with your team and I will explain it to Naruto-kun and Kushina," Mikoto said.
Sasuke stood before his mother and brother. He could feel the pressure of the silence. His eyes moved between them both. Itachi's hair hung over his face like a curtain over a window. "If you cannot explain to me. Then leave right now and don't even think about leaving until you can explain it to me," Mikoto said. Sasuke turned to his brother and he watched in shock as Itachi bowed, and walked out of the room. He closed the door behind him.
"Sasuke," Mikoto said which brought him to look at his mother. Mikoto looked at Sasuke with hardened eyes. "No one is above having selfish desires. Not even Itachi," Mikoto said. Sasuke didn't reply. He just looked at the door that Sasuke had just left.
-x-
Tsunade wasn't one to admit cowardice. She was a Hokage and the Hokage was the last person who could be afraid of facing unknown dangers. She was the one to really the people, make the hard choices, and bear the consequences of her actions for the sake of the village. That was her, yet she was holed up in her office doing her paperwork. Tsunade hadn't left last night. Well, perhaps that wasn't entirely right. She had left and tried to get some sleep, but her mind decided to screw her over by giving her every nightmare that Shizune might have endured. Honestly, Tsunade was still amazed by what the human mind could come up with in any attempts to destroy itself. Tsunade imagined how Shizune was forced to endure thing after thing. The humiliation she must have endured. The pain of her calling for Tsunade to save her.
This happened for about two hours until Tsunade decided to go to work. Tsunade was never more thankful for paperwork. She didn't have to look or think about anything else. And, this what led to Tsunade being up so early in the morning with bags under her eyes. She quickly signed off on a piece of paper before sending it to the side. Tsunade rubbed her eyes for a moment. She then picked up her teacup. She took a sip and it felt refreshing. Though she supposed that after the 26th cup then it was starting to lose its rejuvenating feeling.
Tsunade had wished to be left alone as most of her subordinates were giving her a wide berth that she was thankful for. She really didn't want to deal with anyone's bullshit so early in the morning. "Tsunade!" a voice called and the Hokage took a calming breath. Today was going to another one of those days, wasn't it? Tsunade glanced up from her work and she noticed Koharu come in through the door. Tsunade nearly had it with the councilwoman's disrespect. She didn't even have the respect to knock.
"What is it, Koharu? I'm busy," Tsunade said, a lot more bitterly as she intended. She wanted to get the point across as quickly as possible that she didn't wish to be disturbed. "I demand that shinobi, Uzumaki Naruto and Uzumaki Kushina be detained and given full psyche evaluations to deem competence for shinobi status effective immediately," Koharu said. Tsunade took a deep breath and exhaled. She had a feeling that she knew what this was about.
"Why?" Tsunade asked, just to humor herself. "Uzumaki Kushina is releasing her status as clan head of the Uzumaki clan. As you know, Uzumaki Naruto would be next in line unless Kushina took a suitor. She has taken a suitor…IN HER OWN SON!" Koharu exclaimed. She gave a hard huff while Tsunade looked at her.
Tsunade was surprised by how calm she felt. She had a feeling that something…unorthodox was going on with Naruto and his mother. She wished it was something like…that, but Tsunade took a moment to recollect all the information. "You heard her say this?" Tsunade asked. Koharu nodded without a second's thought. "I came over here immediately. Kushina intends to wed her own son just as she said," Koharu said. Tsunade sighed again. Damn brat, always making trouble.
"I see. I'll talk to them later. You're dismissed," Tsunade said. Koharu nearly felt the words in her mouth die out. How could Tsunade be so calm? Hadn't she even had an inkling of what Koharu had just spoken to her? "Tsunade you have to put a stop to this right this instant. To violate the sanctity of marriage, life, and morality will surely being Konoha crumbling down," Koharu said. Tsunade lowly growled.
"I heard you the first time. I said I will speak to them later. I am busy, Koharu. Get. Out!" Tsunade growled and her fists tightened so hard that she dented her desk. Koharu was surprised at the outburst, but she sighed. "We're not done here Tsunade. I will not allow such things to happen within Konoha's walls," Koharu said and she was lucky that Tsunade didn't take that as a threat.
Tsunade just watched Koharu leave the room and Tsunade placed her head in her hands. Incest of all things. Tsunade never thought this was something she would have to deal with. Oh sure, the clans were sort of practicing that type of thing, but…at most it was distant cousins or whatever. So Tsunade didn't pay it much mind, but she didn't know what to think of Naruto and Kushina. As a medic nin, the very thought was revolting, but…as a Hokage, Tsunade couldn't outright ban it. It wasn't…exactly hurting the integrity of Konoha as Koharu claimed it was, but…
"No. No. I will deal with them later," Tsunade said and she went back to her own work. There came another knock on her door. Tsunade snapped her pen in half. "Come. In!" She hissed and Tsunade watched Sakura come through the door.
"Tsunade-sama…is that true?" Sakura asked. Tsunade rolled her eyes. She was about to crack the damn mansion in half. Tsunade just wanted a semi-peaceful morning! Was that really so damn hard to get from these damn people?! Tsunade just pinched the bridge of her nose. She was really tempted to behead Sakura right then and there.
-x-
"Where are you taking us?" Obito asked. He and the Human Path of Pain stood before the Regent. The masked figure was silent for a type and if there was one thing, Obito never appreciated it was the silence of others. Obito's sharingan began to spin. If this was some form of a trap then he would not hesitate to rip the man's head from his shoulders and leave it floating in endless space.
Pain followed closely behind the group in his latest path. He had someone tending to his Deva Path since his battle against Uzumaki Naruto. Pain was never going to admit it to anyone else, but the Kyuubi Jinchuuriki had proved to be a more formidable opponent that Pain had been anticipating. He could still feel some inner burning that he couldn't describe. It was as if his soul had been ignited in fire and it caused him internal discomfort on a day by day basis.
The trio had been walking through this mysterious cavern ever since the early morning. As they descended further and further it was getting hotter and hotter. If there was one person not pleased with the current developments then it was Obito. They had lost a lot of time in this endeavor and for the Regent's sake he hoped that whatever was down there was worth it.
It hadn't taken them long before they saw a green, luminous light. Obito and Pain were surprised at the radiance of the gems that covered the stone walls around the entrance that they came through. Obito look over the entire room along with Nagato, but it didn't last before they noticed the massive hole at the center of the room.
The group stared down into a hollow abyss of darkness when they came through one of the cavern's many tunnels. The massive hole in the earth belayed the beauty that Obito and Pain saw in the cavern. It was quite the sight. "A majestic representation to the will of mortality. Just like humans. They attempt to be beautiful, but there is a hole in their bodies and their souls thus making them disgusting, filthy creatures," The Regent said. Obito and Pain gave him a glance, but Obito was the only one losing his patience.
"You had better have a good reason for this, Regent. What are we down here for? You claimed you had something to retrieve down here. Why have you taken us down here? Keep in mind we have not fully made you a member of the Akatsuki. You are still disposable," Obito said and the Regent merely chuckled behind his mask.
"All humans are disposable, Akatsuki-san. All that matters is how least disposable are you than the next person? Worth is all that matters to the world. If you are nothing then you will be nothing. If you are something then you will be something. Simple as that," The Regent said and Obito's dark, chocolate transfused arm slowly began to course with black lightning.
"I find your riddles and your teachings a waste of my time. If you do not produce results of this walk in the next two minutes I will make sure that the only thing that hears your rambling are the stones that will fall upon you as I trap you down here for the rest of your natural life," Obito threatened. Nagato took note that the Regent didn't seem even the slightest perturbed by his threats.
"Have you ever wondered if there were more sentient blades aside from the Samehada? There are many and all they need are just a little motivation in coming forward. Do you ever wonder about the time before the shinobi clans? The times before all the feuding and violence? Because there was a time. There was a glorious time. A time before that of the Rikudo Sennin. It was a time lost to man and lost to nearly all other beings, but there is one who remembers and all she needs…is a purpose," The Regent said. Before Obito and Pain could even get him to elaborate they heard the Regent speak in an archaic tongue. They were words unfamiliar to their ears. The Regent dropped to his knees and clasped his hands together.
The ground around them shook violently. Obito and Pain watched as the beautiful gemstones turned black, almost as if all light and warmth had dropped from their bodies. They cracked into pieces and fell into the massive hole in the earth. Obito and Pain began to sense a rise in chakra and in pressure. The chakra was so dense, so powerful that it became visible to their eyes. The chakra swirled around the room violently and without restraint. Like a massive storm of fury, it refused to be settled.
From where Obito and Pain stood, even the ground at their feet was beginning to crack. Obito looked up at the ceiling and he gasped as he watched the ceiling begin to cave in on all three of them. Obito charged his arm with lightning. He was ready to strike at the rubble and tear the Regent's head off where he stood.
Then suddenly it was quiet and still. Nothing moved around them. Obito and the Human Path looked up and they noticed even the rocks that were in the middle of falling gently floated to the ground almost serenely. The Regent chuckled behind his mask and he stood. He turned to Obito and Pain. "This was no mere hole within the earth, but a tomb. A tomb is meant to seal things that wish to remain forgotten. Unless…one does a bit of raiding," The Regent said.
A massive fūin seal appeared over the hole in the earth. It quickly began to unravel itself and then it vanished in a spray of light. Obito's visible eye, through his bright orange mask, squinted from the harsh light, but Pain showed no visible signs of a reaction at all. "Out of the ashes of the new world, the old world shall rend asunder. Maiden trapped by her bladed body. Give thy name," The Regent said. The light faded which had both Obito and Pain glaring up at the sight of a woman clad white kimono battle style robes. There was a design or crest on her robe that neither Obito nor Pain could identify. They could easily see the long, sharp hones which protruded from the sides of her scalp. Her pale eyes glared down at them. Behind his mask, the Regent couldn't help but smile.
"Where is Kaguya?" The woman hissed out angrily.
KG: Okay, I guess I can stop there for now. It's all part of the plan. Trust and believe it's all a part of the grand master plan.
Wifey: You and 'plan' shouldn't be in the same sentence.
KG: Hun, why?
Wifey: Someone has to keep you honest.
KG: Just like someone has to put up with that Tsundere attitude you have?
Wifey: Shut up.
KG: Why did I marry you?
Wifey: Because I made you.
KG: More like because you knew no one else could tolerate you.
Wifey: Don't make me make you sleep on the couch.
KG: Oh hell no! I work hard just like you do! I AM NOT SLEEPING ON THE COUCH!
Wifey: Touchy.
KG: Anyway, as I said guys, I apologize for the late updates. One way or the other we will make sure this story is completed.
Wifey: Not if I stab you in your sleep.
KG: What was that?
Wifey: Huh? I didn't say anything.
KG: ….right. Anyway, that's all for now folks. Stay Breezy, protect what's important to you, review, and SEND ME SOME DAMN CREAM SODA!
Wifey: Blah blah blahc cream blah blah blah respect. No one cares.
KG: ….
Wifey: Buh bye everyone.