KG:...when was the last time I went outside?
Music of the Week: Immortality by Position Music
Quote: "Above all, don't lie to yourself. The man who lies to himself and listens to his own lie comes to a point that he cannot distinguish the truth within himself, or around him, and so loses all respect for himself and for others. And having no respect he ceases to love." - Fyodor Dostoevsky
Kakashi and Mikoto stood stunned. They quickly turned off their flashlights, their hands on the handles of their blades. "Are you sure?" Kakashi asked, years of shinobi experience heightening his senses to every piece of the darkness that seemed out of place.
"I'm good at what I do, Kakashi. You can take my word for it. Though, you can both calm down. None of them are here. I told you it's been abandoned recently. I don't smell anyone here. If they were here, then most likely they left either five or six days ago. Their smell is all over the place. Let me tell you, whoever Konoha was using to sniff out these guys, they didn't do a very good job," Pakkun replied.
Slowly, Kakashi and Mikoto relaxed. That said, they remained aware of their surroundings. "Maybe, but we should take into consideration the fact that the data showed the time between the last investigation of this base and ours was over ten years. Could the smells have withered?" the mother of the Uchiha heir asked.
Pakkun sniffed the ground, a grunt of disgust on his face. "It's definitely possible. I'm smelling a whole damn community here right now. However, something's wrong with their scents. I know they're in Konoha, but somehow I can't pinpoint them out. It's like they've developed ways to hide from the villager's trackers," he spoke, sniffing the air with his nose.
Mikoto sheathed her blade. "So we at least know we have Jashinists in the village. From your description, they've got forces in both the civilian ranks and the shinobi corps. This isn't good. We don't know where they are or how close they are to the Hokage," she said before she touched her headset.
"Yugao…"
"Sasuke and I heard. Let's not panic just yet. If they've been in the village all this time, then they're clearly aiming for something. It's clearly not the life of the Hokage, but now a few unsolved murder cases in the village are now starting to make a lot of sense. We have to tell Lady Tsunade before she leaves on her trip to Kiri. I also don't think we'll have time to check those bases. But we have to be careful. They could have been living in the village for years. If we show anything suspicious, then they'll know about it. First things first, Kakashi, Mikoto continue clearing out the base. However be careful, leave no trace that you were there. They might have trackers of their own. Sasuke and I will head back to the village. First, we'll inform Kushina. Then we'll go together to Tsunade-sama."
Kakashi and Mikoto glanced at each other. They slowly nodded. "Very well. We'll make our way back when we've scouted out around here a little more. We'll rejoin you soon enough," Mikoto said as she closed the channel on her headset.
"This'll be a lot of work though. I also don't like the feeling we've got here," he said.
Mikoto agreed. "A shinobi's paranoia is his water in the sands of death," she answered back as she walked down one of the hallways, her footsteps echoing through the caves.
"And who's that from?" Kakashi asked while Mikoto opened her eye and revealed her single sharingan. Kakashi did the same.
"I read it in a shinobi gear magazine," Mikoto replied as they moved away into the darkness.
-x-
Sasuke and Yugao slowed to a stop until they stood on top of a tree branch. "Sasuke, you go to Kushina and inform her about the situation. I'll head to Tsunade-sama's office. Hopefully, she hasn't closed up for the night. Remember, try not to look any different than before. We have no idea who's in the village, but we know they aren't a small number. If we're not careful, this could turn into a civil war," she said.
Sasuke folded his arms. "The one time the Dobe would be of use, he gets banished," he said before he stiffened. He then looked at Yugao. He saw the dread on her face. When she looked at him, he knew she had the same thought as him. Could Naruto's banishment have been a verdict from them as well?
Yugao held up a finger. "Alright, let's not go crazy, but think about it slowly. As it stands, Tsunade-sama was the one who issued the punishment for Naruto. As far as I'm aware, banishment isn't necessarily done by trial. It's based on the Hokage's sole judgment. Unless Lady Tsunade's become a part of the cult, I don't think that counts to this growing conspiracy," she said.
Sasuke hummed. "Maybe. She did have a longstanding history with hemophobia. It doesn't suit her," he answered. Yugao released a small chuckle, but she sighed.
"We can't rely on Naruto for everything. Looking at the village, I can see why people are concerned with him. However, I agree. It'd be easy to just have spirits point out those here, but bringing Naruto back in, without Tsunade-sama's order, would be difficult. Plus, we don't really know where he is right now aside from him investigating Danzo," she replied.
Sasuke shrugged. "Either his mother or Yuri would be able to find him maybe. Either way, Tsunade will have to consider it since this will be a matter of national security. If Naruto can help us pinpoint them, then I don't see why she wouldn't allow it," the Uchiha heir replied.
Yugao hummed and mulled the thought over, but turned back to him. "Let's not make any more guesswork. Head back to the village, double time!" she said.
Sasuke nodded. The two Hinoken members dashed back to Konoha as fast as they could, their forms mere shadows in the night air. The journey, even for them, was a little lengthy. Over an hour and a half passed before they landed on a branch overlooking the village. "So, they're in there somewhere," Sasuke said with narrowed eyes. Yugao leaned against the wall, staring down at the same scene as her partner.
"Yeah. Potentially a thousand of them in a village populace of, at most, 80,000. It won't be easy to track them down, especially if they've been here since the last of the investigations. I understand how you feel though, you can't feel secure even in your own home village," she said.
Sasuke snorted. "Then we'll make them pay for this. In fact, I might actually have an idea, but it relies on a bit of luck," he said.
Yugao leaned up. "I look forward to hearing it when we've got some extra time. For now, remember the goal for now. Go inform Kushina. I'll go to Tsunade," she said.
Sasuke vanished into the night without another word. Yugao grabbed her scarf and sighed in the cold wind. Why did the world have to be this way?
Yugao entered the village and jumped across the familiar rooftops. Her body glided through the night air as she spotted the Hokage Mansion in the distance. As the city lights propagated the village, she stared down at the men and women laughing or walking through the roads. She narrowed her eyes, but continued moving.
She landed below the windows, taking note that the light was still on. It seemed to be another late night for the Hokage. Thankfully, she seemed to be alone. "Yugao, you can enter," Tsunade said. The Hinoken member silently chuckled. Despite being behind a desk, the Hokage was still a perceptive one.
The purple-haired woman grabbed the window and slowly opened it. As soon as she stepped inside, she stood in a corner. Tsunade observed Yugao's odd behavior for a moment before the Hinoken woman walked over to the desk. She slipped a piece of paper towards the Godaime then silently stood in the corner.
Tsunade, suspicious, grabbed the note and opened it. When she read it, she managed to keep her face neutral despite the severity of the situation presented to her. She then crunched the note in her hand. "Come with me," she said.
Yugao nodded and the two left the office. They walked through the very halls of the mansion. Neither spoke a word until they walked into what appeared to be a regular mission room office. The two passed by numerous files of mission records until they came to the third cabinet. Tsunade reached behind the cabinet and felt a seal on the wall. When she pushed chakra into it, Yugao quickly found herself and the Hokage in a place of almost total darkness save for two chairs and a light hovering between them.
This was a secure place, not known to anyone aside from the Hokage and a very select few privileged individuals. Not even the council of Konoha knew that this place existed. In times of great crisis, when no one could be trusted, when everyone was suspected, when… the danger could be everywhere this was the one secure place where great secrets could be discussed. It wasn't a place to be used often.
Tsunade sat in one of the chairs. "Alright, Yugao. I've had a long day and I'm really tired. What is this?" she asked, brushing a hand over her head. Yugao sat in the chair and nodded.
"Lady Tsunade, the Jashin clan that infiltrated Konoha to attack the Uzumaki clan, they haven't left Konoha. They are in the village. If you remember, just today I asked you for permission to investigate the other bases," she said.
Tsunade leaned back. "Yes, you did. I also gave you permission. Now, what do you mean they haven't left?" she asked, her voice increasingly agitated.
Yugao quickly explained. "Lady Tsunade, I had Kakashi and Mikoto investigate one of the abandoned Jashin hideouts. Turns out it wasn't abandoned until recently. If you remember Pakkun, one of Kakashi's ninken, he said that he smelled over a thousand Jashinists ranging from civilian to shinobi. All of them are of varying strength. He also pinpointed the scents into Konoha. Unfortunately, that's all we can garner right now. We don't know where they are or how much they know, but… they are in the village and they've most likely been in here for a long time."
The grave look on Yugao's face made Tsunade uneasy. She didn't want to admit it, but maybe banishing Naruto at this point was a mistake. Still it wouldn't do well to just… unbanish him now. Not even a week had passed since he'd been gone. If she did reverse it, many would see it as favoritism. No doubt they'd believe Tsunade couldn't separate her emotions from her duties for the betterment of the village. Besides, with the rumors about Naruto's contract being known to the village, then it was most likely the Jashin cult knew of it as well. It also wouldn't look good from a political sense.
"And they could be anyone," Tsunade said, not really asking.
Yugao nodded. Tsunade bit her thumb and scowled, but the former wasn't finished just yet. "We also believe they have some people stationed in the mission department. Our reasoning is because the squads of genin, chunin, and even jonin who investigated them weren't too good in their fields. Despite having the Inuzuka, the Aburame, and even the Hyuuga that have been a part of the teams, they were teams that had struggling record numbers. It was theorized that they were chosen, not to help boost their record, but…"
"But to not reveal the base of operations which could've been happening under our given their track record," Tsunade finished and Yugao nodded. Naturally, this theory did have a few holes in it. It was also possible that it was just a simple coincidence, but it sure didn't seem like it. Yugao didn't trust it.
Tsunade remained silent for a long while. This was… concerning. To be honest, she really didn't want to deal with this issue right now when she was about to leave. In fact, maybe she'd have to call off her trip to Kiri. However, she did then that wouldn't go unnoticed. The worst possible thing to do was to let the Jashinists know that Konoha was aware of them. It certainly explained how they'd disappeared so readily from the Uzumaki clan grounds. If that was the case, then…
"Lady Tsunade," Yugao said, turning Tsunade from her thoughts.
"I'll be frank, ma'am. We need Naruto. If you don't want him near the village, then… that's fine. We can maybe set him up somewhere for a little while, but these guys have been hidden for over ten, maybe even 20 years. They won't expose themselves easily or maybe ever. If the spirits of deceased targets can pinpoint at least one then we'd have some place to start. As it stands, we've got nothing," Yugao said.
Tsunade narrowed her eyes, but she could see the resolve in Yugao's eyes. There was a deep fire that the young woman hadn't had ever since her lover, Hayate, died. While that wound most likely hadn't healed, she'd grown to accept others as part of her life. "Yugao, you used to be one of my best Anbu agents. I understand that you're the leader of this mission. If you're willing to bear the consequences of Naruto's actions, then I will agree to your suggestion," she answered.
Yugao did not hesitate. "I am. I believe in him."
Tsunade chuckled and sighed. "Brat got to you too, huh? Fine, I can allow him temporarily inside the village. If you can find him, then tell him that this mission takes precedence. He'll be your responsibility. In the meantime, I will be creating a cabinet of who I believe to be the most trustworthy people. During this time, we must protect the populace during this time. Do you have any plans for finding Naruto?" Tsunade asked.
Yugao sighed. "Well, there is something we can try, but he's busy doing summoner duties. Kushina said she would go with him before you assigned her to the journey to Kiri," she replied back.
Tsunade grumbled. Ah, right. Kushina had spoken about something like that. "I see. Alright, good work, Yugao. As you know, keep the discussion of this meeting to a bare minimum. I want to keep this contained as much as possible. I'll send a message to Jiraiya. He already went out to look for Naruto anyway. In fact, who would you suggest as part of this group that I'll need to assemble?" Tsunade asked.
Yugao blinked. "Y-You're asking me?" she asked.
Tsunade nodded. "That's right. I want to look for advice from all sources. I'll trust your judgment," she said.
Yugao thought about this for a moment or two. She looked up at the lone light hovering above the two of them. "We'll need the heads of the major tracking clans. At this point, we need those whom we can trust. Shikaku-san, Inoichi-san, Hiashi-san, Tsume-san, and Shibi-san. We'll have to find a place to contain them as well. I think Ibiki would be appropriate. That is what I can think of right now. If you'd allow me, I can draft a better plan tomorrow," she said.
Tsunade hummed. "No, that won't be needed. I just wanted your thoughts. Let's go back," she said as she stood to her feet. Yugao nodded.
The two quickly returned back to the mission department next to the cabinet. Yugao left first and after ten minutes, Tsunade left as well. As the latter left the room, she frowned and thought she felt a presence in the hallway. She looked down the dark corridors, wondering when they'd been so dark actually. She didn't remember the lights going out.
Well, she was ready to go home. Maybe someone saw her office empty and assumed she went home. Oh well, it was a long day and an even longer headache. The Hokage walked off. It was late enough. Hopefully she could get some sleep before having to deal with everything tomorrow. Unknown to her, the shadow of a person rounded the corner, eyeing her as she left with a wicked smile on their face.
-x-
Sasuke landed in front of the Uzumaki compound. He quickly noticed just how much improvement had been brought to since the last time he'd been here. When he looked at the steady increase of the Uzumaki clan, he figured it'd be time to start on his own clan. In fact, perhaps it'd be best to do that now rather than later. There were many Uchiha grounds that needed to be renovated.
Well, maybe that could happen after they were dealing with this incident. After a moment, Sasuke knocked on the door. It wasn't long before it was opened. "Sasuke? A little late for a visit isn't it?" Risa asked with a smile before she made room for him to come inside.
When Sasuke came inside, he noticed Yukimaru playing shogi with Shi. He also noticed Tayuya scratching her head with thousands of seals on the floor. Everyone took notice of him. "Well if it is the Emo. What are you doing here?" Tayuya asked before Sasuke offered her a glare. He still remembered her as the one who helped him escape the village two years ago.
"Hello, Sasuke-san!" Yukimaru waved while Shi offered a bow.
Sasuke returned the greeting before he turned back to Risa. "I'm here looking for Kushina. Is she here?" he asked.
Risa walked past him. "Yes, she's in the back helping Yuri with her training along with Komachi. Come with me," she said as she led him through the living room and out into the training area.
Through the sliding doors, Sasuke quickly heard the sounds of combat. It didn't take long for him to see a flurry of punches as kicks. He watched Yuri valiantly fend off attacks from both Komachi and Kushina. A lone kunai in her hand, a dozen bruises and wounds, she fought on while Kushina landed on the ground.
"Focus, Yuri. There's no enemy that's gonna let you move the way you want. You have to…" Kushina paused when she saw Risa and Sasuke together, walking towards them.
Komachi and Yuri noticed the two as well, the latter inhaling and falling to the ground. "H-Hey, Sasuke! F-Fancy seeing you here!" Yuri half-chuckled half-panted while she laid on the ground next to Komachi. The blonde poked her young cousin with a twig, smiling while Yuri snapped at the branch with her mouth.
Kushina walked over to Sasuke. She saw the look in his eyes and quickly understood. "Komachi, take Yuri inside. Can Risa stay?" she asked. Sasuke glanced back to the older redhead and shrugged.
Komachi and Yuri quickly took notice of the rather odd atmosphere and quickly vacated themselves. Kushina and Risa brought Sasuke off to the side and the young Uchiha finally sighed grimly. "About the Jashin cult…" he began.
Kushina and Risa hardened their gazes. Both waited for the Uchiha to find his words, but that didn't take long. "So, we've discovered that there were Jashin bases near Konoha that were once thought abandoned. After a bunch of inconsistencies and unsettling theories, Yugao told Kakashi and my mother to investigate one of them. Kakashi was using his dog, Pakkun, and… we learned the bases weren't abandoned until recently. There were over a thousand signatures in there and many of them are in Konoha right now," Sasuke said.
Despite their surprise, Kushina and Risa remained calm. "Are you sure?" Risa asked.
Sasuke shrugged. "It depends on how much you value the tracking skills of Kakashi's ninken," he answered.
Kushina hummed. "There's a reason their tracking skills are said to be even better than the Inuzuka. If that's the case, then it's most likely the truth. If over a thousand Jashinists are in the village, then we could be looking at a potential coup or potential war. That's not something we can afford right now," she answered.
Risa chuckled bitterly. "Right now? I don't think we can afford that at all. Iwa would be looking for just one reason to invade along with the rest of our enemies. The treaties we've got with Suna, Kumo, and Kiri won't last in the face of the minor nations that Iwa aligns itself with. However, that's beside the point as we've got over a thousand murder happy socio and psychopaths hiding in the village," Risa hissed.
However, Sasuke wasn't finished. "There's also reason to believe that they've been here for years already since the last investigation into the bases," he answered, which didn't make the two ladies any happier.
Risa asked for Sasuke's attention. "Do we have any idea where they are?" she asked.
Sasuke shook his head. "No, which is why I had Sakura looking into a dead Jashinist that was in one of the folders. She hasn't gotten back to me just yet, but I'm going to see her tomorrow to find out what she's learned," he said.
Kushina narrowed her eyes before she grabbed her sword. "Kuchiyose no Jutsu," she said and swung her sword. Immediately, Deidara and Sasori presented themselves to her.
"Both of you go monitor Haruno Sakura. I want eyes on her while she continues her investigation," she said.
Both bowed, though not without a suck of the teeth from Deidara. "Hai, Kushina-sama!" they both said before they floated off. She watched them go along with Sasuke and Risa.
"What was that for?" the cousin of Kushina asked, which got the Matriarch of the Uzumaki clan to look at them both.
"I don't know, but I have a very bad feeling. If they were bold enough to invade our compound, then they know we're going to investigate them. I've got no illusions that they know we're aware of them in some capacity. If we're investigating them now, then we're gonna have to cover our bases," she said.
Sasuke frowned. "You think someone's gonna go after Sakura?" he asked.
Kushina shrugged. "It's possible. I wouldn't put it past them. At the very least, I'm not gonna let them do whatever they want after challenging us dattebane! Sasuke, has the Hokage been notified?" she asked.
Sasuke nodded. "Yeah, Yugao's doing it right now. We toyed with the idea that it might've been because of them that Naruto's punishment was banishment. I think she might persuade Tsunade to allow Naruto back in the village at least to deal with this situation. I think we'll need his help," he said.
Suddenly, Risa remembered something and turned to Kushina. "Wait, can't you command spirits as well? You summoned those two from before right?" she asked.
Kushina sighed. "I wish dattebane. Unfortunately, my son's the summoner, not me. I'm just a bit of a beneficiary from him. I can't just call spirits out at random like he can. The only reason I could commune with them is, usually, when he's near me. The summons I've got is because he gave them to me so naturally they listen to my call. Just because I have his power source, it doesn't mean I can do everything he can unfortunately," she said.
Risa sighed and Sasuke mentally deflated. That wasn't what they wanted to hear. "So then what do we do? Should we tell the others about this?" Risa asked.
"For now, let's not. We don't need this information spreading out anymore than needed. It's not that I don't trust our clan, but the best poker face is the one you don't even know you're wearing. Besides, Yukimaru-kun and Yuri-chan are still young. Yuri's also very emotional, so much like my son. I don't think she'll be able to hold off attacking someone. That said, she'll have to learn to control those emotions eventually. We'll make it known eventually. Tomorrow, we'll make a better plan. However, this does give a bit of a positive. Tsunade might not go to Kiri and I can focus on the efforts here with you," she responded back.
Sasuke and Risa nodded. "What about Guren and Fuka? If you remember, Fuka was gonna investigate the Jashin incident with a handful of chunin and jonin," The latter replied, a little worried about what this would mean for her cousin and her mission.
Thankfully, Kushina already thought of that. "We'll tell them too, but no more than that. For now, we'll see where this leads. Good work, Sasuke," Kushina praised.
Sasuke quickly nodded and turned to leave. "Also, relay instructions to Kakashi and MIkoto when they return. This is going to be a difficult time. It's unfortunate Sochi will have to let go of his mission for Danzo," Kushina said.
Sasuke smirked. "I don't think the dobe will complain," he said before vanishing into the night. Kushina and Risa watched him go. The latter looked at the former.
"You don't look happy. What aren't you telling me?" she asked.
Kushina felt like her mind was racing for a moment or two before she turned to her cousin. "Something about this doesn't seem right. It's also like we're being pulled. First Sochi loses control, then Tsunade banishes him. We decide to investigate the Jashin members, we find information about the Jashinists and, once again, we need my son for it. I don't like this," the redhead said with a scowl.
Risa quickly mimicked the expression. "You think someone's manipulating these events?" she asked.
Kushina sighed. "It's not impossible. I hope it's not true because if it is then that means there's someone who knows how we're doing things. Aside from the Jashinists, we might have a bigger traitor here," she said before she summoned Asuma from her blade.
The former lover of Kurenai knelt before her. "Go to my son, Asuma. Tell him to be on the ready to meet us back at the compound if Tsunade allows him back in the village. We need him," she said.
Asuma bowed. "Yes, Kushina-sama!" he said before he flew off with great speed. Kushina watched him go before she turned around and walked inside.
-x-
"Enjoying your food, Kagura-sama? I apologize if it is most unsatisfactory to a ruler such as yourself. However, the bodies have degraded over the many years you've been gone" The Regent said with a bow as the Otsutsuki woman threw a lifeless and soulless husk to the ground amongst a pile of at least twenty bodies.
"Indeed they have. Though these are hardly enough to bring me back to the power I'd lost. I also sense something different about this world. The sources of power here are vastly different from my own. Such will not suffice for many years until I've regained the strength to pull myself from this wretched form. However, you have done well at informing me of the pathetic state of this world. It has declined exponentially since my time," she said, sitting herself on a makeshift throne crafted by the Regent. It had pleased her greatly. It had been a long time since she got to sit upon a throne. It was only unfortunate that she didn't have enough power to retain this form. At any moment, she'd return into the hilt of the blade worn by him. Still, she didn't mind. He'd proved himself the only mortal fit to wield her at this time.
"Yes, Kagura-sama. Please forgive me for not bringing you anything proper. However, your glorious return should stun the world with great power. I believe it best to consolidate your power. I dare not presume to know the limits of that power, nor your thoughts. However, would it not be better for all to see your mighty return and your ruthless power rather than dare assume the possibility of challenging you as you are?" he asked.
Kagura frowned for a moment. That was indeed true. Ever since she'd been defeated by Kaguya due to the latter's sickening affection for this lower world, she'd contemplated her rise to power. She'd contemplated bringing forth the rest of the Otsutsuki clan to continue what should have been done in the first place. Besides, the only thing a world like this was good for was the honor of being a part in the evolution of the Otsutsuki. That said, since she'd met this man, her opinion had changed somewhat. Perhaps there were lower lifeforms that could benefit from the evolution if it meant being in service to the Otsutsuki. She could use this man at her side. Besides, she already promised to bear his child. It wouldn't exactly do well for even her to do so without the proper traditions.
"You have a very smooth tongue. Do not inflate my ego unnecessarily. However, you are quite right. I am in no rush to prepare this world for the return of its true masters. In that time, I shall remember your deeds and your service. However, do keep the buzzing of those flies you hang around to a minimum. I have been complaisant with them, but their disbelief is rather aggravating," she instructed.
The Regent bowed. "As you will, Kagura-sama! I apologize for their actions. I shall make it remedied," he answered, a sly smile curving up his face behind his mask.
"See that you do. Now, explain to me why I continue to sense the aura of death and decay. Though it is not much, if left to grow it has the potential to surpass even my own power. I must know why," The former heiress to the Otsutsuki clan said as she lifted one of her long legs over the other.
Regent lowly smiled behind his mask. "Ah yes. You see, Kagura-sama, there is a King in the making upon this world. He has gained the favor of the God of Death. Though his ascension is… slow due to his own weakness, it will be inevitable that you two shall meet," he answered.
Kagura narrowed her eyes. A king to oppose her and the Otsutsuki, she almost thought it laughable. However, there was a constant feeling that made her think otherwise. That was the Otsutsuki goal, to constantly evolve in order to obtain godhood. If this avatar of Death could contend with her, then that would make her plans a little more troublesome.
The Regent, almost knowing her thoughts, bowed. "It is no concern, Kagura-sama. As I've said, this avatar has many clear weaknesses which he must overcome to even consider obtaining his royal status as a king. In fact, I imagine he will not be ready before you've obtained your true power," he answered before he felt her murderous gaze on him.
"Are you saying that it would be impossible for me to defeat him, a lower lifeform, if he somehow obtains this pseudo-godhood?" she asked.
Unperturbed by her great aura, the Regent shook his head. "Perish the thought, Kagura-sama. However, this is a man who gained the favor of a god, the realm which you and your great clan have attempted to get into since its very creation. It would not bode well for you to underestimate the Divine Realm. There is a reason many beings fear the God of Death," he said.
Hmmm, that was true even if it irritated the Otsutsuki princess somewhat. Aside from that, she'd also need to gather the rest of her clan. They would destroy this world that Kaguya seemed to care for so much. Naturally, a few select individuals would be privileged to service the main family. This one before her obviously one.
"Hmmm, very well. You make a valid point. It is true that compared to the realm of true gods, the Otsutsuki fall short. I am not unaware of our weaknesses. I fear even they have degraded since my time as I've been gone. However, I will not be caught unaware of him. What is his name?" she asked.
The Regent smile widened to its fullest. Oh poor naive princess of an otherworldly clan. "Yes, My Lady. His name is…"
The Regent slowly walked out of Kagura's chambers and through the rest of the facility the group had been using for their activities. When he came into the main room, he noticed Obito and Nagato waiting for him. "You have yet to tell us why we have to deal with this woman. I will admit she's very powerful, but she's also from a long gone clan. We waste time with this nonsense!" Obito said while the Regent patted his shoulder.
"Worry not, my friend. Kagura-sama is more powerful than you can imagine. It would not do well to have her against us. Besides, it's better to have her willing than unwilling. We dance on the edge of madness because one wrong move and she will destroy us. Make no question that Kagura-sama is capable of that. The only reason she doesn't is because we constantly prove we're lesser than her. Is it not easy to give the person the lie they desire rather than the truth they hate?" he asked.
"And what happens when she does return to her power? What chance will we have?" Nagato asked.
The Regent chuckled. "Then we'd best get used to having a new master. Should she complete her power before we've laid the proper groundwork, there will be no hope for not just this world or any world should that happen. However, while we can't make use of the bijuu anymore, we still have a use for them in another capacity," he said.
Obito narrowed his eyes. "What do you mean we can't make use of the bijuu?" he asked. The bijuu were greatly needed to continue the Tsuki no Me plan. That was the reason all of this had even happened. However, it all seemed to be going downhill lately. Everything that should've been happening wasn't. And, all of this seemed to revolve around Uzumaki Naruto.
The Regent stared at the two Akatsuki members. He took off his mask for only a moment, allowing the two to see the smile on his face. "The weapon you're planning will only ever be imperfect from now on. The Kyuubi most likely is not composed of chakra anymore. Instead, it's become an even greater and stronger being than before. With it already augmenting his already impressive heritage, Uzumaki Naruto's one of the most powerful people in this world. Would you really think that the chakra of mortals could repel the power of a true god? Naturally, my King staying in the presence of a true god for many years," he said.
Obito and Nagato glanced at each other. "So the Kyuubi has been feeding off this god's power. And what god is that?" the former asked, trying to contain his own anger. The plan was already a mess. The jinchuuriki they'd killed, and the bijuu still in the Gedo Mazo were not enough at all. They still needed the Sanbi, Hachibi, and Rokubi. Obito had planned to already have the last two before moving onto the Kyuubi. However, Konan's betrayal had left a rather large hole in the Akatsuki operations. Kisame was currently hunting the Hachibi while Zetsu was working on finding the Rokubi. So far, there wasn't much success in either regard. Now they were being told that the Kyuubi might no longer be comprised of chakra. If it wasn't, then the full power of the Gedo Mazo would never be realized.
The Regent chuckled. "The man who invented it, doesn't want it himself. The man who bought it, doesn't need it for himself. The man who needs it, doesn't know it when he needs it. For that is the realm of the great deity and the one who time considers her greatest friend and her greatest enemy," he said before he pulled his mask down and walked away.
Nagato and Obito watched the man leave. Both frowned. "I do not trust him," The Deva Path stated and Obito quickly nodded.
"There's no need to, however the growth of Uzumaki Naruto has been very concerning. I'd hoped to have Uchiha Sasuke at my side at least to take care of the Hachibi. I still don't believe Uzumaki Naruto can contest with you. We will have to move things forward while Iwa handles the Chunin Exams. I'll take care of the Sanbi. The Chunin Exams will be a perfect time where I can take her," he replied.
Nagato frowned. "You seem quite confident. The Jinchuuriki of the Sanbi is also protected by the Uzumaki Clan. If you meet with Uzumaki Naruto again…"
"You let me worry about that! I don't care what god he has backing him. He will not stand in the way of our plan. I will contact you soon. There are things I must get ready for," he said, vanishing away while Nagato watched him leave. The Deva Path narrowed its eyes, looking at the hallway the Regent had just walked from. Even now, he narrowed his eyes. Whether Uzumaki Naruto, the Otsutsuki clan, Uchiha Madara himself, Nagato was not deterred. All would fall before the true god, the one to rule over all others.
Especially you, Konan.
-x-
"And you're sure you're okay? You nearly blew up the whole damn room you two were in. I know you Uzumaki are fucking freaky, you're related to this bitch over here, but leave the rest of us out of it," Suigetsu said before he was slapped into a puddle by Karin.
The others watched the scene before Konan turned to Naruto. "Are you alright?" she asked, taking notice of Naruto's rather different personality. He'd been like this ever since he woke up. Everyone, even Yura, was unsettled by the bright color of his scleras. It was a rather interesting contrast to his blue eyes.
Even Kotohime and Juugo were surprised at the different mood surrounding the blond. However, Naruto chuckled. "You guys don't have to look at me like I gained a second head dattebayo. I'm fine. I'm a little… disoriented," he said. For him, it was no surprise why. He had recently merged his soul with Suiren, hoping to bolster her defenses as well per the Kyuubi's instructions.
"How are you doing?" he asked while Suiren sat on the ground, meditating.
"I think I'm fine, Shikyō-sama! We resonate fairly well right now. Your Honshou is very… energizing," she replied as she continued to focus, seeing the world through her master's eyes. She'd done this before, but now felt a little more… personal. It was a nice feeling. The feeling of a heartbeat and the breathing of air through the nose seemed like something so new, yet refreshing. She felt her transparent body being strengthened with this bond.
"Good. We'll continue like this through the day," he said before he focused on the others.
"Should we move on now?" Yura asked and Naruto slowly nodded.
"Yeah, we continue heading to the east. I hope we can get there in the next two days, but we're not in any rush. We also have to be careful because we don't know how many Root agents Danzo will have covering wherever he's situated. We'll set up a camp before we enter the area between the Earth and Wind countries. Konan and I will survey the area. Then we'll move forward with the rest of the plan," he said, continuing to feel Suiren's energy flowing through him. In some areas, it felt hard to breathe, but he kept up with it regardless.
Kyuubi was right. He had to stop complaining.
"Cool. I'm in the mood to cut something!" Suigetsu said while Kotohime folded her arms.
"Well, how should we identify these Root agents if we see them? If they've been around this area for so long, then we don't know if we can tell the locals from the spies. They'll take notice of us right away," she said.
Naruto smirked and Suiren hummed, already knowing the idea her devious Master had in his head. "You leave that to me," he said mysteriously.
The others looked at each other curiously, but they had no further time to elaborate. They could only guess while they left the town and traveled through the dense overgrowth of trees. From one branch to the other, the group of seven dashed through the trees. Unfortunately, Naruto was lagging behind the others a little bit.
"Nii-sama, are you okay?" she asked.
Naruto slowly nodded. "Yeah, just… getting used to things," he chuckled as they continued on their way. Suiren groaned to herself, attempting to continue the bond just like Pakura instructed. It was harder than it looked.
The other spirits watched. Kyuubi observed the action and growled. "Hmmm, the brat's coordination with the woman is off. This won't be enough to make her rank up like you did," he said, his white tails swirling around while the others observed.
"I did training with Naruto-sama and Kushina-sama. That might have something to do with it. There was always a saying that there is no greater trust than those who fight together. Besides, while I've merged with him I've gotten a… look into some of Naruto-sama's past and his feelings. It's funny. Despite his personality… he doesn't trust easily. In fact, he has some of the most guarded senses I've ever felt," she replied.
The Kyuubi frowned when he heard this. It was true. While Naruto was the type of person to draw all kinds of people to him, his history of first impressions was pretty bad. Also, the Kyuubi had been with Naruto nearly all his life. He'd seen the struggles his warden went through.
"Naruto, if you do not make it to your destination before the sunsets, then stop and make camp. You'll be training with Suiren until late night. It's probably not enough for you to just merge together. Knowing your stubbornness and simple mind, you'll probably merge better when you learn to battle," The Kyuubi said, his deep voice reverberating through the corners of Nartuo's mind.
"Alright, that also sounds like a… who the fuck are you calling simple?!" Naruto exclaimed, unknowingly causing everyone to laugh. Suiren chuckled and unknowingly eased the merger between herself and her summoner.
Wolf floated around Lamb and chuckled. "Well, he is a bit of an idiot, isn't he Lamb?" the ferocious predator asked as the archer of the duo hummed to herself.
"He is rather simple, Dear Wolf. However, that is not always a bad thing. In fact, it might be one of his more endearing qualities," Lamb replied. Naruto narrowed his eyes for a moment or two. Nevertheless, he continued onward burying this odd sense of anger deep into his chest. Unfortunately, no matter how hard he buried it. There was one who could sense how he felt.
Suiren could sense the slight increase in Naruto's anger. As the one merged to him the most, she felt everything that he felt whether he was aware of it or not. "Naruto-sama is no idiot!" she said firmly.
The others quickly stopped their chuckle when they looked at her gaze. She frowned at them all and returned back to her own activities. Naruto heard her fierce statement and he lightly smiled, his heart and his steps notably softer. He and Suiren felt their union strengthen. The blond sped across from everyone on his team, leading the charge.
The others watched him move in shock while the former Kirigakure kunoichi felt a sense of peace flourish through her spirit.
The group of seven moved quickly through the Elemental Nations from sun up to sun down. Everyone took notice of Naruto's more brightful disposition. Though they hadn't made it to their destination, that didn't matter. The rest of the day was spent with rigorous training. However, it was training that neither Naruto nor Suiren complained about. Six against one, everyone helped Naruto train. At least two hours dedicated to the merger between him and Suiren were brought into the day.
"You okay, Suiren?" Naruto asked while Suiren smirked, continuing to feel the merger between herself and Naruto. Both of them panted, clearly out of breath.
"Perfect!" she said as Naruto grabbed his blade, Suiren's form right on top of his own. The blond withdrew his blade and clashed with Suigetsu before he noticed a load of paper bombs and kunai around them courtesy of Konan and Kotohime. Suigetsu quickly dropped into a pool of water while Konan and Kotohime activated the bombs and the kunai tags.
An overpowering explosion rocked the plain around them under the hue of orange from the night sky. Suigetsu quickly reformed while Yura spoke. "Karin, ascertain Nii-sama's position! Make sure we can find him! Juugo, protect Karin! Nii-sama will try to target her!" she exclaimed before everyone noticed the smoke begin to settle.
"Right," Karin said as the others noticed Naruto was gone. The redhead quickly held up a handsign and closed her eyes. Juugo stood in front of her as she scanned for her cousin. However, she was stunned into silence.
"Juugo, look out!" she shouted as she pushed him out of the way. Everyone turned to their position in time to see a flash of light rip through the ground. Juugo turned around and gawked as a wall of water shot into the air from the slash had been made.
The others watched Naruto come out into the field, an armor of water circulating around him and his blade. "What the…" Kotohime said, echoing everyone's thoughts as Naruto stepped on the puddles of wet ground. His hair had effortlessly turned from blond to silver.
Yura quickly slammed her hands together and touched the ground. "Raiton: Jibashi," Yura shouted as a spray of lightning ran out of her hands. The powerful lightning jutsu crushed through the ground, tearing up whatever it could as it made its way towards Naruto.
Yura's jutsu struck true. She grinned when the lightning struck the water and electrocuted all it touched. However, the grin slowly fell off her face as the lightning seemed to move in tandem with the water armor. The streaks that fell through the water made the others take a step back.
"What the fuck? Since when could he do that?" Suigetsu asked as his hands gripped the handle of his sword. He felt a bead of sweat fall down the side of his face as lightning crackled through the air. Some of it ripped off from the water armor and moved through the ground while Naruto and Suiren continued to hone their connection.
"RAH!" Juugo roared as Naruto and Suiren turned around to see the orange-haired young man descending upon them, his skin turned dark and his hands enlarged like those of a brawler. He crashed into the lightning-powered water armor. The ground beneath Naruto's feet ruptured into a thousand pieces.
The others shielded their eyes while Konan flew high in the air. Not even a second passed before they heard Juugo scream. The water armor buried a fist into Juugo's stomach, propelling him past the others before they could even turn around. "Juugo!" Karin exclaimed before she suddenly fell back as Naruto appeared in front of her, his sword hovering over his head.
Suigetsu quickly dashed in front of him and blocked the sword strike, but the lightning continued to course through his body. However, the white-haired man couldn't meet the gaze of the summoner of the Shinigami. His very being told him not to. If he did, then he'd fall to pieces before the gaze of death that was no doubt waiting for him. However, that feeling slowly faded as Naruto closed his eyes.
"A-Alright, that earns a break," he said before he fell to one knee. Yura quickly ran over to him while Konan and Kotohime relaxed themselves. Karin sighed before she walked over to Juugo. Hopefully, the bastard was just as tired as the rest of them. No one needed him to be going into a violent rampage.
"S-So how do you feel now?" Yura asked while Naruto felt Suiren break away her spirit from his. He just laughed as the power slowly faded from his body, the water armor splashing over his head while he dispelled the lightning around it.
"I'm sure I'll have a headache tomorrow," he chuckled to her while Suigetsu grumbled.
"You and everyone else on this damn team," he grumbled as Naruto snickered.
"Don't relax yet, brat. We're gonna be training some more between you two! Then we'll repeat with the next person until you've gone through the others. It's the only way to give you some defense from being taken over," The Kyuubi said and the young Uzumaki patriarch sighed. No rest for the weary.
True to form though, Naruto continued his training dutifully. As everyone else set up camp, he continued to train as per the Kyuubi's instructions. When asked about the practices and how the fox knew them, the Kyuubi snorted. "I've had nothing to do but watch you make stupid decision after stupid decision. It only stands to reason that I'd know of all the things you do and more. I've had plenty of time to watch," he responded and Naruto accepted that.
However, there was another constant that made him fall in love even more. Yura stayed with him. While everyone else showered or ate dinner, she stayed with him and helped him train. No matter how late it got, she still blessed him with a bright smile and her willingness to remain beside him. Clearly, Yura hadn't quit Konoha half-heartedly. She was fully prepared to be banished with him. Truth be told, Naruto wondered how many people would go that far for him. Of course, out of concern for her he didn't really approve of her choice to leave Konoha, but… it was the greatest thing anyone had done for him.
Naruto surprised Yura with a kiss. "Mmmn!" she groaned in surprise before she pushed him away.
"I'm covered in dirt, Nii-sama. You don't need to kiss me right now," she said while he smiled.
"You'll never be dirty to me, Yura. I'll always kiss you," he said which made her blush. The older sister of Yuri pushed a piece of her red hair to the side. Dammit, that was a little cheesy, but Yura couldn't help falling for it. It could only be the truth when it came from Naruto.
Unfortunately, their time together couldn't progress further as Naruto quickly noticed Asuma appear in front of them. "Naruto-sama," he said as he knelt in front of them both. Due to her continued proximity to her lover, Yura saw the former Konoha jonin and heard him speak.
"Asuma, what are you doing here?" the blond summoner asked.
The bearded jonin fervently nodded. "I've been informed by Kushina-sama that Konoha greatly requires your assistance. They need you back at the village as soon as possible. Tsunade-sama has agreed to allow you to temporarily enter the village for the duration of this dangerous assignment," he said.
Yura gasped, a smile on her face as she turned to her lover. However, the smile slowly fell when she saw the deep, angry frown on his face. "Is it absolutely important?" he asked, gritting his teeth as Asuma bowed his head a little lower.
"I wasn't informed of the whole situation, but her voice was frantic," he said, with a lot of urgency in his voice.
Naruto bit his lip and clenched his dirty fists. Finally, he sighed and released his anger. "Alright. I'll head back as soon as possible. Thank you, Asuma," the blond said as dismissed the spirit of the deceased Konoha jonin. Asuma nodded and flew away back to Kushina's blade.
"Nii-sama?" Yura asked slowly, seeing the troubled expression on her lover's face. His hair shadowed his eyes before he grabbed his Hinoken scarf and unfurled it from his neck.
"Yura-chan, go get the others. I'll break the news to them in a moment," he said. Yura touched his shoulder and then his cheek. She stiffened when she felt how cold he was. He grabbed her hand and ran his thumb over the top of it.
Yura couldn't help herself any longer and sighed. "Nii-sama, what's the matter? Aren't you happy to go back home?" she asked.
Naruto chuckled and lowered his head even more. "Home. I wonder if I even know the meaning of the word, Yura-chan," he said before he dropped her hands and walked away. Yura watched him go before she went to get the others per his orders.
Meanwhile, as Naruto continued to walk, a dark spirit, its body long and slithering like that of a vile serpent. It leaned into his ear. "Just look at what they take you for, Shikyō-sama! The village can't even run itself for one day without you there to help clean up their mess! They take you for a fucking dof! They take you, the King of all us Spirits, for a mangy mutt that'll wag its tail when a treat dangles in front of it. What'll happen to you when it's over? You'll be cast aside as you always have! First, they take away your dream. What will they take next from you? Your family, your life? We should teach them a lesson, use me Shikyō-sama. Use me and make the world knee…"
"Begone from our master, wretch!" Suiren screamed, releasing a wave of tempered Honshou at the vengeful thing. The vile spirit hissed before it dispelled back into the realm of the dead. However, the former Kiri kunoichi felt her master's angst. She could feel the nerves in his chest. Unfortunately, she couldn't say anything. She didn't know what to say. Neither could anyone else that stood deep in the realm of Naruto's mindscape. No one wanted to say it, but they all agreed with the corrupted ghost, even the Kyuubi.
The news from Asuma made the Nine-Tailed Fox snarl with rage, reigniting that old fire of hatred that had been steadily dwindling for the village. Yes, it might have been slight, but the Kyuubi had started on a somewhat… neutral opinion of the village that had been the cause for its capture. That opinion had been effectively soured before the past few days. However, no one knew the feeling more than Pakura.
The former Suna kunoichi could see the strain on Suiren's face as she tried to maintain the connection between Naruto and herself. After a moment, she walked over to Suiren and patted her shoulder. "Let me merge with Naruto-sama for a moment. I hope I won't need to stay long. I'm not starting to understand why he might have taken to me faster than anyone else," she said.
Suiren glanced at her friend and slowly nodded. She separated her Honshou from Naruto's, floating away through the darkness while Pakura took her place. As soon as the summoner and summoned were connected, Naruto felt his breathing ease up. He felt the power of Pakura's presence within him. As a summon, and even more as a kindred friend, she calmed him like no other friend. He couldn't understand why Suna would throw away a fine woman like this.
Neither Naruto nor Pakura spoke to each other. They didn't need to. Completely merged with each other, they fed off the thoughts of the other. Naruto rubbed the back of his head and smiled. He was still very much upset, but then again that was the life of shinobi. In fact, that seemed to be the history of all nations. The sacrifice of the individual for the many.
After a moment to himself, Naruto returned to see everyone around a large campfire. "What's the matter now?" Suigetsu asked as the others turned to face their blond leader.
Naruto scratched the back of his head. "I've been informed that I'm needed back in Konoha. Something very serious is going on and I'm to go right now," he said.
The others looked at each other, the light of the fire reflecting the uncertainty in their eyes. Karin stood up. "If you tell me you took us from Uzushio on this personal mission of yours, only for you to leave us in the middle of these woods! Cousin or not, I'm gonna…" whatever Karin was gonna say was rendered null when everyone stared into the sight of Naruto's unforgivingly cold gaze.
Kotohime even wondered if this was the same boy that Sasami spoke about. In him was a gaze of oddly cold wisdom, something almost otherworldly even. Definitely not evil, but rather unsettling. An existence beyond her own. No, maybe an existence slowly delving beyond that of the caliber of the Elemental Nations. "An existence beyond mortals," she thought to herself while Naruto sat down.
"Calm down. I'm not canceling the mission dattebayo. I'll just create a clone and it'll take over the mission while I head into Konoha. Once my business there is finished, I'll rejoin the rest of you. The clone's pretty damn sturdy, so it can take a hit or two. The plan'll stay the same and so will all of you with your payment. You have my word," Naruto said as he quickly created a clone.
He then stood up and held out his hand. "Jikūyugami," he called out, materializing the portal in front of the group. As always, its body was impressive to look at. The ground beneath it broke into a thousand pieces. The winds from its mighty form blew through the faces of everyone, blowing away the campfire.
"I'm never gonna get used to seeing that," Suigetsu said, more to himself than to anyone else. Juugo wordlessly nodded, a bead of sweat falling down his face.
Naruto turned back to Yura and smiled. "Wanna say something to Yuri for a moment?" he asked.
Yura laughed and shook her head. "Yuri's a young woman. She doesn't need me coddling her anymore. Besides, I'm not a kunoichi of Konoha anymore. It probably wouldn't look good if I go back, at least not like this. Besides, even if I did, I could only stay in the house. If I can do something that'll help you out with your mission, then that's enough for me. Go help out Konoha. I don't think they deserve it, but it's still the village that helped raise you and by extension you raised our clan. Perhaps it's worth that much," she answered as she caressed his cheek.
Naruto grabbed her hand and kissed hand before he stepped into the portal. He glanced at the clone and the clone gave an accepted nod. The blond swordsman fully stepped through the portal. Yura waved him off as the portal closed. Meanwhile, the clone clapped his fingers.
"Alright, just because the boss is gone doesn't mean you guys are gonna slack with me! Remember, depending on how far we make it, we'll be enacting the plan!" he said. The others gave a rather weak yell of applause while Yura laughed.
-x-
The portal opened and Naruto stepped out. As his feet landed on the ground, he found himself in the training fields for the Uzumaki Clan. He watched the portal closed behind him and exhaled slowly. "Thank you, Pakura-chan. I'll be fine now," he said. Pakura smiled and disconnected herself from her summoner. That left Naruto with only himself and his own thoughts.
The Kyuubi Jinchuuriki smelled the air of the Village Hidden in the Leaves. He noticed the lights still on in the compound. He walked to the door and slid it open. A smile came onto his face when he saw Yukimaru studiously drawing seals on the ground while Fuka watched him. He also saw Tayuya grumbling to herself as she struggled writing a mission report. Komachi was also there, showing Yuri the right stances for not only holding a kunai, but for also disarming them.
However, all those lessons stopped when they heard the door close. "Holy shit! You son of a bitch, what are you doing here?" Tayuya asked while Yuri sped across the living room.
"Nii-chan! You came back!" she said as she crashed into him. Naruto doubled over and even Kyuubi felt the wind get knocked out of him before the blond hit the wall. He and Yuri slumped down to the floor.
"H-Hey, Yuri-chan," he chuckled painfully, rubbing his hands through her hair before he groaned when Yukimaru crashed into him as well. Y-Yup, they were both getting stronger than he realized.
More pain came when he was punched in his shoulder by Tayuya. "I'd punch your ass harder than that if you didn't come back!" she exclaimed while Fuka and Komachi walked over to him.
"N-Noted, jerk," he said, more like groaned, before he got his hair ruffled by Komachi. Fuka quickly helped him up before he rubbed his arms.
Yukimaru, a wide smile on his face, spoke. "Naruto-nii, I thought you were banished from the village! Why are you back?" he asked.
Naruto frowned for only a moment. That single question pushed a lot of questions through his mind. Just based on that question, whatever happened his mother hadn't bothered to tell the others about it. If she didn't, then clearly it was something more serious than he thought. Granted, he should have assumed that given that Kushina would send out Asuma to inform him. Hell, the fact that he was even back in the village should be an indication.
"Well, Yukimaru, that's what I'm about to find out. Anyone know where Kaa-chan is?" the Patriarch of the Uzumaki Clan asked. The others looked at each other but before they could answer, everyone noticed Kushina coming down the stairs. She smiled as she noticed her son.
"Impeccable timing, Sochi. Especially since Asuma hasn't even gotten back yet," she said while Naruto laughed.
"Don't I always run when you come calling for me, Kaa-chan?" he asked while she smiled.
"It's one of your more endearing qualities. Alright, let's not crowd our clan head. It's getting late and you'll be able to spend time with him after all the important stuff is finished. Besides, Yuri and Yukimaru need to go to bed. They have missions to get to in the morning," she instructed.
Yukimaru sighed before Fuka patted his shoulder. "She has a point. Come, Yukimaru. Finish up your studies and prepare for bed," she said, making the adopted Uzumaki nod his head. He hugged Naruto one more time before he moved back to the couch to finish his studies.
Yuri quickly kissed him, proceeding to walk away with Komachi to finish her own lesson. Meanwhile, Naruto joined his mother. She grabbed his hand and led him up the stairs towards their bedroom.
As soon as they closed the door, Naruto embraced his mother and kissed her. Kushina sighed, her hands roaming the back of his neck and hair. Her son, her lover, smelled of the forest. It was a very odd, intoxicating manly smell that drove her wild. His rough, calloused hands caressed her cheek as she nibbled on his tongue. Her lips pushed against his and how she wished this was a much different circumstance. As immoral as it might sound, she wished they were married already. She could just imagine herself in the arms of her powerful son, his vigorous thrusts pushing his girth inside her in the ways she loved. Her as his mother, and his wife.
Unwilling to help himself, Naruto shamelessly grabbed his mother's ass and lifted her up. Her legs wrapped around his waist as they continued to kiss themselves into their own fantasy. He pushed her against the wall. Kushina, very much thrilled by the power of her son, sighed blissfully. This dominance was as stimulating as ever.
When the two stopped kissing, Kushina huffed. "What are you thinking about right now, holding me up like this?" she asked.
Naruto chuckled. "Fucking you, loving you, marrying you, all of the above in any particular order," he replied as Kushina shifted her thighs and felt the erection in her son's pants.
"Then we'll have to make plans soon. We haven't had a good time to discuss our wedding. Besides, Yuri's constantly telling me to hurry up. She misses you just as much," Kushina said before she signaled to be let down. Naruto did so and Kushina flapped the neck of her shirt. She'd need a fucking cold shower after that kiss.
Meanwhile, Naruto grabbed a chair and sat in it. "Alright, what's the problem? What's so bad that Tsunade-baachan had to overturn my banishment, at least temporarily?" he asked.
Kushina sat on the bed and shook her head. "I won't mince words, Sochi. The Jashin Cult is in Konoha. Yugao had Kakashi and Mikoto investigate one of the bases. By a revelation from Kakashi's summon, Pakkun, there were over a thousand chakra signatures of them in the village. Many of them range between civilian and jonin. We have no idea where they are, who they are, or how they're operating. As far as we're concerned, they could be anywhere and we're none the wiser. Sochi, we need you to pull out the spirits of the victims, or even the Jashin members themselves and have them locate the agents in the village. However, we have to make sure to do it discreetly. If they realize they're getting picked off now, then who knows what they'll be forced to do in the village," she replied.
Naruto narrowed his eyes, processing all the information he'd been given. "I assume since you need me, that means that the clans best suited to tracking…"
"They aren't as suited for this situation as we might want them to be. Again, these people have been in the village for a long time. I'm sure they've got techniques to mask themselves from our clans. Psychotic though they are, they aren't stupid," she said.
Naruto nodded in affirmation and leaned back in the chair. "Alright, so should I get started right now?" he asked.
Kushina shook her head. "Hold off for now. Tsunade doesn't know you're back in the village and we need to tread carefully here. You've also never been inside her house so you can't teleport there. Tell me, could you get to her in the five minute window of your time stop jutsu?" she asked.
Naruto nodded. "Yeah, I'm confident in my speed, or I would be if I hadn't been training before you called me here," he said.
"Training?"
Naruto huffed, rubbing the back of his head. "While we try to find out this… darkness thing inside me, and get rid of it, Kyuubi said that every day I'll be training with my other summons. For some reason, Pakura's grown much more powerful and they think that if I make the others more powerful then that can protect me from getting possessed by these powerful spirits," he said.
Kushina placed a finger to her chin. "Ah, right. That's another problem we'll have to deal with. Well, forget it. If they were going to move, then they would have been bolder. For now, we just have to focus on not giving ourselves away. Since Yugao told Tsunade, she'll no doubt have a plan for us. Besides, your use of the portal will be reset in the morning and we can just head to Hokage Mansion without raising any suspicion. We'll actually need you more than I thought, but for now… you need a bath and…"
Kushina suddenly paused when the door slammed open. "Alright, I'll honor this celibate… thing you two are doing until you're married, but I think I'm at least owed a bedtime partner! I haven't gotten Nii-chan for like… a month! If you think you're gonna hog him, you've got another thing coming!" Yuri exclaimed as she marched into Kushina's face and snarled, her red hair waving in the air.
Kushina laughed. "Little girls don't deserve bedtime partners," she said as she pushed her face against Yuri's.
"Old ladies, don't either dattebayen!"
The two Uzumaki ladies growled at each other while Naruto rolled his shoulders and shook his head. Nope, a wise man chose his battles. That definitely wasn't one of them. By the time the clan head of the clan finished his shower and his bath, the two were still arguing. So into arguing were they that they didn't even take the chance to admire his form as he stripped and got into his bedtime clothes. It was only when he pushed both of them on the bed that they acknowledged him.
"Where do you get these attitudes?" he asked before he turned out the light and fell to bed. Kushina and Yuri sighed, putting their battle on hold. They each grabbed one of Naruto's arms and fell asleep. Yuri moaned peacefully as Kushina snuggled against Naruto's shoulder.
The next morning, Naruto woke up and Yuri was already gone. Most of the compound was quiet before he slipped out of bed. As always Chiriku was right in front of him, staring down at the sleeping couple with a smile on his face. He floated over his master and smiled. "Wake up, Naruto-sama. We have another lesson. Something tells me we won't have much time for a proper one, so we must make the best of what we're given," he said with a smile.
Naruto grumbled, but found himself getting out of bed. For the next hour or so, he meditated with Chiriku about the nature of life and his own desires. In the end, the lesson was concluded with the monk warning the blond. "The biggest lies are the ones we tell ourselves, Naruto-sama. What is the biggest lie you refuse to acknowledge?"
Truth be told, Naruto had told himself too many lies to count while growing up. He didn't even know which one to start with. Unfortunately, he couldn't even think about it too much. His mother woke up and they were already getting dressed. Once they were dressed, they nodded. Naruto quickly opened a portal and they stepped inside.
Immediately, they stepped out of the portal and stood in front of Tsunade in the Hokage Mansion. Both noted that the blinds were closed this time. As for Naruto himself, he also took note of his mother's mood. She wasn't happy to look at Tsunade. To be honest, he couldn't say he was any different.
Tsunade watched the two of them appear. She really had been dreading this moment. Given their history, it was probably needlessly harsh that she not at least see him off. However, no matter how much Naruto meant to her, she couldn't afford to show favoritism. Compared to what the council had tried to sentence him with, banishment was the best she could offer. She just never assumed they'd need him back so quickly.
"It's good to see you, Brat," Tsunade said, a rather pitiful attempt at some small talk if she had to say herself.
"It'd be better if it wasn't only because you needed me," he replied with a sigh. Was he angry? Yes, but there wasn't a point in expressing it. It wouldn't change anything and Tsunade was still the Hokage. It was a position Naruto respected, even if it was a dream that'd been taken away from him.
The blonde Hokage slowly nodded. Clearly, Naruto wasn't happy. She knew he wouldn't be. He was owed that. "Yeah, I wish the circumstances were different too. Truth be told, you wouldn't have been in the village if not for Yugao. She's vouching for you, Brat. For her sake, if no one else's, make sure you're on your best behavior. This is a very critical crisis," she said.
"Don't patronize me, Baa-chan. I get it. Can we just get started already? I was on my own personal mission before Kaa-chan called for me," he said. It seemed a little anger couldn't help seeping through. All three in the room took notice of it and Tsunade sighed.
"Right. Come with me," she said, standing up and walking out the door. Naruto and Kushina followed her out. The three walked into a room on the third floor of the mansion. Tsunade opened the door and the three stepped inside.
"Yes, Naruto. We need you to help us locate the Jashin members. Now what we do with them will be up in the air. We can't let it be known that we're onto them. We especially can't let them leak any more information. For now, I've set up a cabinet of trustworthy individuals that'll help us with this problem. I can't promise that you'll be let into the village after this assignment, but it'll go a long way into showing your good will," she said.
Hmmm, goodwill. Was that what they were calling it now?
Tsunade touched the side of the wall and the three were immediately teleported from the Hokage Mansion and deep into the ground below. So far down were they that it became almost unbearably hot. Naruto noticed the facility was entirely covered in rock like that of a cave. Even touching the rocks nearly burned his hand if he didn't jerk it away fast enough.
"Be careful. This facility was created and managed by your father. The seal on the wall back in the Hokage Mansion can only be activated by one bearing the title of 'Hokage.' It's a place that's only used in the most dire situations like this one. For the sake of its security only the Hokage and one other person knows where it's located and this information changes nearly every day. We're all gonna be very busy," she said before the three stood in front of a massive set of doors made entirely of bronze metal, covered in the insignia of Konoha.
The Hokage grabbed the doors and opened them. Naruto and Kushina saw Kakashi, Mikoto, Yugao, Sasuke, Shikaku, Inoichi, Ibiki, the Head Anbu, Koharu, and Homura all seated around a massive meeting table carved from the rock around the cavern. "Both of you, take your seats," she ordered.
Kushina took a seat and Naruto spotted the rest of his teammates. Well, perhaps he should say his… former teammates. He closed his eyes and sighed. He pulled open a chair and sat next to Sasuke.
Tsunade stood in front of everyone. "Thank you all for coming here. As you might know, Konoha's facing a dire situation. Within our home is the Jashin Cult. We have no idea where they are or what they're hoping to accomplish. What we do know is that the cult of slaughter is here. As it stands, I want everyone to be fully aware that this is a cabinet of my most trusted officials. As of right now, we might as well consider the possibility that everyone in this room are the last remnants of a loyal Konoha."
KG: I bet if Naruto was animated by Madhouse, the Jashinists would have had more of a role in the series.
KG: CREAM SODA!