Returning of the Whirling Tides

by Havoc-Teir

A clan long thought extinct has finally found its heir, rescued by his thought deceased mother whom returned to their ancestral home to assume their duties. Moving in the shadows, under masks of light, the shinobi of Uzushigakure move to combat a the threat their greatest ancestor sealed away, maybe taking several pounds of flesh along the way. NaruxKarinxHakuxKoyukixShion

11. Chapter 11 - Homeland

Chapter Eleven; Homeland

Land of Eddies; Uzumaki Clan Hall

A week after the attacks.

Red strolled into the clan hall, Crimson hot on his heels, having been busy with paperwork and general work non-stop. The council had summoned him before them for an update on his brigade, it's status and combat readiness. Entering the central partition, he stands on ceremony removing his mask held at his side "Naruto Uzumaki, you have served with distinction in the both the recovery of our artefacts from the leaf, and in the defence of the homeland." A prominent pause from Ashina as he allows the praise to settle but his grandson and current heir, even if temporary until his great granddaughter comes of age.

"As such, we are granting you a month off on standby, your unit will join you and Amber will take charge of your obligations in Spring Country for the duration." He continues through Naruto did not so much as twitch, a shame he trained him too well as he couldn't read him "Anything you wish to add?"
"My squadron… can you extend their downtime. They have worked hard enough." Naruto bowed his head formally before them all "I wish for them to have time for family, and to reform their resolve to protect what we have built." A silence dawns on the council but Naruto's gaze remained steadfast on his clan head, directly and with resolve, which caused more than a few murmurs in the chamber.

At the sides Naruto knew sat Minato Namikaze, head of the Command Force, his wife Kushina Namikaze second in command of the Home Defence Force sat beside him with longing eyes in the shadow of the cover. Beside them was the former Uchiha clan leader Itachi Uchiha, Commander of Black Company, the Anbu leader of Uzu. Opposite him sat Luna Yuki, leader, and representative of the Yuki Clan within their new home of several years. As a former experienced Chunin, she led the educational system and early shinobi training. The last place was empty, out of choice for now.

"Very well, four months is the most I can give." Ashina announces earning a curt nod from the Commander of the Red Company, the premier fighting forces of the Uzumaki clan and the sword of Uzushasho. He promptly turns, seamlessly replacing his mask in one motion, as he leads his XO who also kept up a stoic mask but the twinkle in her ruby eyes was not missed by anyone, the ladies smirking at her whilst a certain Yuki gave a longing glance that was promptly quashed, noticed by one.

"Pfft. I still can't believe that you can actually keep…" Red slammed Crimson into the wall in the hallway "Listen carefully, Crimson." He all but growled at her, those in the nearby hall glanced and began to clear out not wanting to be caught up in whatever was happening. "You are a grown ass woman, in a profession of killing is a commodity, so for once fucking act like it." stepping past her while growling as he did. Behind her mask she was way too hot and bothered at that display and decided to just follow quietly this time. Hopefully he will relieve her later with a slight perverted giggle escaping her lips as she strode behind him.

In the council chambers the clan heads began to discuss the recent events. The recovery of the Uzumaki seals and retraction of the Leafs permissions of its symbol making their usage unanimous with Whirlpool. "How goes the contract with the Water Daimyo'?" asks Luna Yuki questions out of curiosity for her former homeland, "We have been amicable. Though we suspect they are trying to soften up our suspicions upon them." Ashina comments casually without missing a beat "Do they think we are that inept?" spoke Itachi with a raised eyebrow, his arms deep within his kimono's wide sleeves "They are nobles. We are ninja, it is clear we are far more advanced in the art of deception." Minato adds, his pale green robes highlight his regal like light blue kimono.

"As for our scouts, we have found the remnants of the Fuma clan scattered around both Wind and Fire countries." Itachi reports as it was his clansmen taking charge of this matter, "We are rounding up the scattered members and guiding them here."
"What about the Hidden Star? Have we approached them yet?" spoke Luna, "Not yet." Ashina mentioned casually before sighing "Let us not beat around the bush."

All eyes fall to him, silent falling hard, "We have received word from Kumo yesterday and Iowa came this morning." Ashina stated pulling out two separate scrolls, each with a respective villages' signals. Everyone stiffened at the sight of said scrolls "We have captured several high ranking Kumo and Iwoa shinobi. Thus, as such, we are planning on two separate meetings for truces and exchanging POWs."

"If I may…" Minato spoke up this time, gaining a nod from Ashina he continued "…allow me to handle the negotiations with Kumo. My unit are best in case things go wrong." Ashina pondered that for a moment before nodding "Very well."
"Then we shall take care of Iowa." Luna announces earning a raised eyebrow from Ashina, "Well we are thankful for your kindness in accepting us during our worst time, even going so far as to give us plenty of time to get accustomed to our new home." Many nod at that, smiles all around "Yet, we believe it is time for us to become more active for our new home to show our devotion to it."

"If that is what you want." Ashina with a bright smile "But be sure to have an exit strategy. I will recommend at least talking with my grandson for your protection details as your clans' numbers are still rather low."
"Thank you for this opportunity. I will discuss the matter with him at the earliest time possible." Luna bowing her head, her attend following suit, showing the utmost respect for her new clansmen. "We shall continue our efforts with our cousin clan, regrouping them under the Uzumaki banner." Itachi reports earning nods.

Land of Eddies: Uzumaki Clan District

Red stepped into the old sector of the village, that has only received light repairs from the carnage from the previous destruction of the village as a reminder of what will happen if they let their guards down again. Moving through the old sector Crimson remains silent as the duo moved towards the new area "Red…" she almost whispered only nodding "…are you mad…?"
"No." His curt response causing her to flinch, now knowing he was beyond pissed which meant no angry sex she was aiming for. Sighing quietly at her misfortune, she didn't notice that they had arrived at the clinic with Red entering.

"Ah Naruto-dono, masks are forbidden in here." spoke the receptionist but the blank stare she received told her what was what, and she bowed her head, "Sorry; Red-dono." He nodded and proceeded forward, Karin was growing ever more tense at his continued on through the establishment.

After a short walk, they reach a certain room to find Kartel sitting on the edge of the bed whilst being checked over by a doctor. Karin stood beside him, her eyes barely see anything as she was utilising her powerful sensory capabilities to scan her child. No irregularities, scars, nor issues with his chakra could be detected "He's perfectly healthy and well." She reports softly and quietly to which he nodded "I don't doubt." his response as the doctor smiles and nods, before allowing the boy to up stand up and gathered his gear.

Kartel having been cleared for release, picked up a duffle bag with his gear, his sword poking out the top, as he lifted the strap over his shoulder. Turning back, he found his parents, standing in the window, and a small smile formed upon his face. His mother waved but his father was standing with his arms folded, his mask still on.

Approaching the door, sliding open "Kido…" Red spoke with a nod "Tou-san." The boy lowering his head, somewhat meekly but his mother was quick to wrap him up in a hug and as much as she wanted to glare at her partner, she dared not in his current mood. "Ka-san!' the boy squeaks into his mother's chest with relief falling over him though much to his surprise, his father joined with them as Karin slipped off his mask. Much to his dismay.

Kartel exits out of the clinic within the embrace of his mother, her arm across his shoulders as he stood just above her chin. "…at least two weeks so naturally, we will have time together and perhaps even grab your sister from her grandparents too." His mother's voice broke him into the current "Really?" this was a genuine question, surprised at the prospect of having his entire family together for the first time in an over a year. He was elated when his father nodded, his mask was on Karin's him beside her own, but before anything could happen Artic showed up via bodyflicker "Yo."

"Artic." the two adults responded professionally in unison, "What brings you into the part of town? Last I checked…"
"Relax kid." Artic cutting off Naruto's on-going tirade "Just passing a message from my clan head."
"Oh?!" a raised eyebrow from the adult red haired "She needs a word at your earliest convenience." his voice was even and half-heartedly formally. "I'll deal with it later." Naruto waving him off casually, surprising everyone in ear shot to the point of stopping them dead in their steps. The not-so-distant ocean could be heard of the absolute silence that dawned at the workaholic's words causing said teen to sweat drop.

"Yes. I just said that." Naruto spoke slowly, "No, I am not an impostor. I am taking some time off with my family." a light blush dusted his pale cheeks, hand scratching the back of his head with a slight glance at Karin, remembering her words on the way back, "I gave my word. So…" he trailed off as motion began again in understanding, "…right…" spoke Artic slowly before nodding and regaining his posture, "I will pass the message on. Later Commander." as he vanished in a swirl of frozen mist.

"Let's go get your sister, then head home, huh Sochi?" Karin cheers walking on down the street, her two boys sweat dropping behind her whilst glancing at one another before Naruto shrugged and following next with Kartel shortly thereafter.

The clan heads house was only slightly larger than the others, two story with overhang second floor which was the bigger than the others. A traditional Japanese style house, red wood engraved with the Uzu-swirl, with pale cream rice paper and cement.

Karin was the one to knock the massive wooden gate displaying the traditional swirl proudly, with said gate parting revealing two people, "Ka-chan! Tou-chan!" the little girl squealed whilst wiggling out of her grandmothers' arms. This was Yukia, the twin bun red headed princess of the Whirlpool, and her happy disposition lit up the whole damn island with her liberal use of kitten eyes jutsu made all swoon. She had the whole clan wrapped around her fingers, and none were ashamed about it.

"Yukia-chan!" Karin calls out dropping down to her knee and swooping up the giggling two-year-old, reddish-purple eyes like her mother despite having pupils like her papa. Kartel chuckled at his younger sister's innocence and only now realised, somewhat, why his father fought so hard and was barely home these days. Sure, his mother was absent a lot but, ever since he left the chamber, to which only his mother was present for it, his father was absent a lot meeting him eight months later a full three months after he got his hand band.

"Tou-chan!" Yukia squealed whilst reaching for the man who promptly picked her up and pacing his daughter on his shoulder. Her hands grip his long scarlet hair to secure her place so high up. "Thank you for taking such good care of her, Oba-san." Naruto bowing his head whilst his partner and son bowing fully. "Do worry about it, my dear Naruto-chan." the ever-elegant Semera Uzumaki, considered to be the grandmother of the clan, was a woman over ninety though didn't look a day over forty but still lines of age were visible. Barely though.

"You should come over more, it has been far too long since we had tea…" her smile grew sinisterly innocent "…or my food. I am sure you did not mean to insult me now, did you?" Kartel did not think anything could make his father quake and sweat yet that smile was scaring him worse than the time he met the nine-tails for the first time. Naruto bows again "Yes, Oba-sama. We well visit tomorrow for dinner as a family." The sinister element vanished, Kartel swore the Shimigami that had appeared vanished "I'm looking forward to it. Take care." waving them off as they left. A tired sigh slips through her lips while looking around at her garden that was in full bloom, a truly beautiful sight.

Arrival at the home was swift, the seals were deactivated, and the family had finally got inside. The lights flickering on, and the family's warmth enveloped the house turning it to the home it was previously. Kartel smiles as he immediately made his way to his room ahead of his father who was tickling his sister but the sight of his mother playful smirk, giggling of his sister and the baby talking commander filled the young shinobi with warmth. He ran to his room, wanting to re-join the ongoing fun back in the family room. It wasn't long belonging the smell of ramen filled the air and Kartel rushed back to the family room.

The whole day was spent reaffirming the family bounds, laughter, and a lot of giggling from a certain princess. Kartel swore this was his most favourite memory he had ever had.

The next day…

Naruto bolted upright, reaching for his kunai on reflex only to find himself in his back room. His room that he barely ever used, a bed that was familiar yet unused but what had finally calmed him was the form of his partner and her growl "…you better be dying for waking me up this fucking early." He breathed out slowly, steading his breathing before he playfully slapped her ass beneath the thin covers "Language young lady." he whispered lowly.

A pause before the bed headed red haired beauty turned her head, glancing at him with half lit eyes, her glasses remaining on the bedside table "Oh? Are you going to…" she couldn't finish as he tackled her, giggling as he did. The two wouldn't leave their room for the next hour, the following water Olympics took another half hour and Karin would be smug about it when reporting to her friends later.

Kartel came down to find his parents dancing and laughing in the kitchen, making breakfast with the smell beginning to waft across the room. Upon seeing their son, Karin smiled "Hey Kar-kun, go get your sister. Breakfast will be ready soon."
"Hai!" His response before doing a complete one eighty before returning back up the stairs to wake the sleeping princess.

After breakfast with the family, Naruto took Kartel out back to their personal training ground "Well, Chunin 2nd class now huh? Getting pretty important now, aren't you?" Naruto with a smirk and a rise eyebrow "C'mon tou-san…"
"Well in any case; as an Elite Jonin 1st class, I feel I could teach one such as yourself further in the art of tijutsu or Kenjutsu. Which do you wish to focus on?" Naruto questioned, practice sword resting against his shoulder, his focus gaze forcing the younger of the two to keep his own focus on him.

"I want to improve my swordsmanship, sir!" Kartel reported swiftly, standing at attention, earning a nod from the Jonin "Very well." throwing the second practice sword at the Chunin "Defend yourself." with a sinister smile upon his face, a shudder up the boys' spine at that.

Out in the district Karin was walking with Yukia, smiling, and waving at everyone with the child clearly beaming at the attention she was getting. Her mother sat at a café, her two best friends Mikasa and Nayio "…oh really?"
"Yah. Semera-sama asks Naru-koi to come over for dinner." Karin commented on response to Nayio, "Asked?" a snort from Mikasa "She smiled, didn't she?"
"She did." Karin confirms easily whilst giving her daughter another cupcake "Damn." Mikasa lifting her coffee to her lips "So, what's Naruto-sama doing now then?"

"Training with Kar-kun." Karin chuckles meaningfully in doing so, the others catching the underside meaning and joined her in the chuckling.

"We gotta get going…" Karin announces an hour after their idle chatter, "Why?"
"I need to get to the park. We have to get to a playdate with Nakamura's daughter at the park." The young mother reports to her two friends who nod "Well…" Mikasa rubbing her bloated stomach, "…my little guy is coming along pretty well soon."
"Oh, you'll love having the little ones running around." Karin chuckles at that again as she pulls up her daughter to her hip, "Meet you girls later…!"

"Oi shit h…" a kunai embedded ring deep in the tree trunk at her side, "I suggest you watch that mouth in this house." Naruto's voice was so cold, his son heard the Yuki clan complain from where he was standing. "Understood?" his eyes narrow at her, cold sweat running down the back of her neck. She gulps hard, nodding "Yes sir."
"Good." Naruto responded, before glancing back at his son "Go grab some food." and Kartel moved off silently.

"So… what brings you here, Tayuya?" Naruto questioned, glancing back at her "I… it's…" she growled at her pathetic self "I wanted to spend time with my Aniki. Problem?" glaring at the older man before realisation hit, and she blushed up a storm "I… I…"
"Save it auntie." Spoke Kartel at the double doors leading back into the house. A tick mark appeared on the newly returned Uzumaki teen, "I aint no ol' lady!" with a raised fist at the boy "Sure you're not." said boy chuckled whilst sipping his juice. Tayuya growled outright before Naruto cleared his throat, gaining the duos attention, "Alright, kiddos… rest time is over." an evil gleam in his eyes that sent shivers down their spines.

In the park, named Gemnesis park, Karin arrived with Yukia in tow which promptly darted off to the playpen with the other Uzumaki clan kids, the first generation of the non-mandatory shinobi. The children of hope for the clan. If nothing else, the clan would protect them from all threats including but not limited to the Shimigami herself. The very thought caused the hidden Anbu around the park to harden their eyes.

Karin chuckles at her overexcited daughter running around with the other kids, innocently ignorant of the world beyond the whirlpools that seeked their destruction at all costs. As she watched on with fondness none would believe of the legendary Crimson Wrath, her Monika within the bingo book.

"Didn't expect Red Company to still be here." A woman with dark scarlet hair, a white streak down her right-side bang, standing at six foot one as one of the tallest women among the clan "Nakamura-san." Karin greeting the woman who stood beside her, glancing to at her "Your late."
"Well, I got had a lot of people to meet ya know?" Karin smirks causing the woman to huff folding her arms "Right." before both women fall to silence.

Under the watch of their parents, Yukia and her newest friend a boy, with a similar white strip in his hair, named Helio as their mother's continuing to converse "…looks like the kids are getting along swimmingly." beamed Nakamura as Karin sighs hoping this didn't mean she had to spend to more time with this nutcase. Not that she was an exception but would never admit it.

The darkness recedes from Kartel with a ringing in his ear, his vision swimming, pushing himself up he glances around to find two red topped blobs exchange blows. His blank stare alerts the two blobs of his awakening and muffled feminine voices reach him but as soon as his memories come back like a train wreck.

"…yelp!" Tayuya slides beside her brother's little gaki, she had long known that her brother was strong, fuck he went toe to toe with Orochimaru, but that was nothing to compared to what she was facing now. His red hair was flowing upward from the chakra emission being released, eyes seemingly glowing a vivid gleaming amethysts eyes causing the teen to swallow spit.

"I have never seen him this pissed." Kartel noted as the air grows moist whilst collecting around in several marble sized bubbles around the Elite Jonin "Is that right?" Naruto whispered into the wind that they all heard. His off hand raised up, parallel with the ground, forefinger pointing at them as Kartel paled, shaking his hands ahead in a hope of placating his father "I'm sorry! Sorry tou-san!"
"Yeah stop being a little bi…" Tayuya frozen upon his cold glare shifting to her, the rest dying in her throat "…uhh… I… I mean…" the water bubbles elongated, needle like "…I'm sorry…" she bowed her head "…aniki." the water glimmered with menacing intent, "We're home!" the ominous atmosphere, oppressive air both vanished in the next moment, the swirling water droplets were nowhere in sight either as he smiled "How's my girls doing?" Naruto calls out as he strides towards the house, the two victims left bewildered at the instant one-eighty.

Karin watched as her childhood friend come in with his infamous foxy grin, kissing her with a chased kiss before grabbing his daughter and throwing her airborne. Giggles before she was caught "Papa!" the squeal of Yukia before she was again launched airborne once again. This was the scene Tayuya and Kartel walked in on, an airborne toddler be supported by wind chakra as she descends into her father's arms.

With the baby present, Tayuya seemed to have switched her safety switch subconsciously "Hey there…!" Karin turned from the sight of her best friend, and father of her children towards the new comer "Oh, I take it you're the imoto." with a raised eyebrow, towel drying her hands and upon her nod she continued "I'm Karin, mother of Kartel there…" pointing at said teen, noticing the widen eyes of Tayuya who was clearly unaware of clan secrets "…and daddy's little princess over there."
"How the actual…" Tayuya paused automatically dumbfounded as the two older teens to chuckle, Karin pulling up the roast from the oven and sighs "It's a clan matter. Hard to explain but I guess we should clue you in at some point." Tayuya nodded.

At late lunch…

At the table, Naruto began to explain the situation to Tayuya "…okay, so as you are now aware, these are our biological children; Kartel and Yukia. They were born naturally, but they actually were born a year apart." This only served to confuse Tayuya further, but her questions died on her lips when the seriousness of the narrowed gaze from Naruto "What we are about to talk about is an S-class secret. In all honesty, we probably get in trouble for sharing it but…" he shrugs "…keep your trap shut, stay in my shadow, and you won't have to worry about it."

"Now then, the clan has in its possession a set of chambers that have altered time within them." He continued with the new girls' mouth fell open gaining a chuckle from the oldest male "Yeah, don't worry about it." Kartel comments as he sips his water, "Anyway – we…" Naruto gesturing to himself and Karin "…are around eighteen or nineteen…" swirling his tea "…we don't really know exactly. Though to be honest, we stopped caring, but if you wanted to know anything, I was born during the Kyubi attack on the leaf twelve years ago."

"Twelve years ago?" Tayuya whisper was heard by all as Karin chuckled "I am a year younger than him…" drawing the tables attention "…despite born the month before him."
"We stayed within the chambers for several years, though we have been in service for four years, and our first mission…" Naruto looking to Kartel with a smirk, Karin blushing wildly at the memory "I see." Tayuya was trying to wrap her mind around the whole situation "…I took command of the Red team, only had four members back then, and took part in missions with the other Generation Zero members."
"Generation Zero?"

"The name given to us rapidly grown shinobi." Karin clarified for the newcomer, "There were a few of us in the beginning, twenty in the start. It paired with the recovery of several clansmen and our numbers swelled." looking to her son, who offered a pensive smile, she began again, "Though, we have recently moved on from the first to second generations." Tayuya looked between the kids, who apparently were only born a year apart, but one was around thirteen, the other was three. Man, what has she walked in to with this family "The other clans who came over with us, only the Yuki and the Uchiha have utilised these chambers to bolster their numbers, though the later only used it minimally, and the later desperately needed it as much as we did." Naruto continued.

"How many clans are here?" the former sound kunoichi questioned, raised "We have…" the company commander began lifting his hand "The current clan council consists of; The Uzumaki, naturally as the leaders. The Uchiha; as the second largest clan and great fighters. The Yuki; Distantly, very distantly, related to the Uzumaki…" Naruto glances to the sky, the roof even, "We, the Uzumaki, are cousins to both the Uchiha and Senju. Near the founding, before we built the original Uzushasho, clan records showed several clansmen did not wish to move here thus headed south." Karin reports before pausing, pushing up forward wiping her daughter mouths with a cloth.

"When the Yuki arrived, scrolls in hand, we were able to make accurate deductions of their fates. They did in fact join another clan, sorta at least, but yeah, the current Yuki clan have Uzumaki blood within them." She continued, "Chakra too." Naruto added "Though very clearly diluted."

"There are a few minor clans, who lack numbers, but we can't justify their use of the chambers or the chakra cost that would incur from their use." Karin comments with Naruto confirming with a nod. "What about the clan? What are our numbers?" Tayuya questioned as she finishes the final rice ball upon her plate "Right now, we have about a hundred…" Karin began but was promptly corrected by Naruto "Sixty-three full blooded members with full access to clan bloodlines, dense chakra, and such." gesturing to the family around as part of that group "Fifty-six half-bloods, capable of using partial clan abilities in various degrees of effectiveness." releasing his dry throat with a swig of the tea. "Twenty-five quarter bloods or 'by name only'…" it was clear how irritated the two adults, were at that statement.

"Old fossil fools." Karin murmured with a tick mark, grabbing her own tea, clearly telling the others of their stance on that particular subject "So a hundred fifty?"
"A hundred-forty-four clan members, which includes you too Tayuya." Naruto nodding to said teen who blushes in embarrassment. "In any case, we have three hours before we have to head out to Oba-sama's for dinner." The gleam in his eye did not go unnoticed by anyone, not even Yukia who looked at the two opposites with a look of pity, a soft wave that was salt on the dagger that was digging into their guts.

Karin watched this all with mirthful smile as her son and self-proclaimed sister to her partner going pale. "In that case, I'll clean up whilst the three of you train outside for two hours. I want you all cleaned up and ready to go by the third."

"Ah, Naru-chan! Good to see you and your gupi!" Semera hugging Naruto stands in the gateway, "Thanks for the invitation." He replied whilst hugging her back "Nonsense! Come, come! Dinner is all but finished." Semera leading them all over to the house. Tayuya gawked at the sight of well-maintained garden, which was like a field of beautiful wildflowers with plenty of exotic breeds among them.

Yet she found herself instinctively relaxing at the harmonising scents they all produced "Relaxing right?" Karin making her presence known, Tayuya flinched internally as to not give away any weakness out of habit. The knowing smirk upon the older woman's face told she knew anyway "Yeah I guess."

"Don't worry. It's purposely made like that. Semera-sama is the grandmother of the clan." Karin turns to catch up, "This is her domain. Peace is the only option here."

"Yo Nii-san!" a short haired, teen standing at near five foot coming down the stairs as Naruto entered the clan Matriarch's house "Larko! Your still here?!" Naruto with a cocky smirk, amusement dancing within his amethyst's eyes gleaming "You're still a…" the teen pauses upon the smiling visage of his grandmother, gulping visibly "…punk asshole!" Lark states with a playful glare.

"Where's Nina?"
"I'm here, Oni-sama." an absolutely stunning teen beauty with flawless unblemished skin, round face with soft features. Light makes up on her perfectly plump lips that complements the barely noticeable mascara that makes her glimmering purple jewels she calls eyes seem more defined. Her body is the stuff men dare not dream nor even whisper of for it was supposed to be impossible to so delicately well rounded in all aspects. A full yet firm bust, with just the right amount of jiggle, and an ass that defies the laws of perfection by the standards of man and god alike yet there she stands before the eyes of mortals in all her superiority. Her flared semi-fit kimono was the pretty bow on top of the ensemble for the eyes of any man who dared to witness it.

Both Karin and Tayuya feel envious as the bombshell travelled down the stairs with absolute grace, Kartel is lost in a daze whilst Naruto just sighs "Ah, Nina… as graceful as ever, I see." Naruto comments with a soft smile. She blushes daintily and courtesies, "Thank you for the compliment, Oni-sama." Her crimson hair was like a curtain down her back, hime cut in the front and her face offered the prettiest smile that had even the ladies blushing.

"Naru-chan, can you help me bring the food to the table." Semera orders heading towards the kitchen, "Yes grandma… Larko and I are coming." Naruto replies whilst said boy glares daggers back at him "Good idea as always!" the senior Uzumaki calls back already in the next room. The older boy grins at the younger, lacking everything but the sheer amusement of the boy's torment before moving off to help out. After some grumbling about favourite grandchild and their sadistic streaks, Lark moves off to assist leaving the three women and young preteen boy in the hall unsupervised.

"What the hell is your problem, you damn hussy?!" Karin glaring hatefully at the clan beauty before her, killing intent oozing off her in waves jolting Kartel from his stupor "Problem? Ara ara… I have no problem my dear Karin. I had heard that my Onii-sama was coming for dinner tonight, thus I presented myself appropriately to him." Nina replied with her famous, or infamous depending on which side you played for, smile which only further infuriated the glasses wearing woman. "So, dressing like a whore for a taken man is meant to be presentable? Ha! What a joke!" Karin snapped whilst gripping her daughter on her hips tighter.

A delicate chuckle dance from Nina's lips "My, my… such vulgar language from such an uncouth excuse of a lady. Another reason why you are unfit for my dear Onii-sama. No surprise coming from one such as yourself from a mere side branch." A snort from the red eyed lady "That's rich coming from a zero point five. I bet you haven't even left the district you're that sheltered. Even my son has seen more combat than you."
"Says the girl who only gets turned on by being dominated and tied up by the man who is constantly saving you from your own rashness." She shakes a delicately manicured fingers admonishingly at the tomato red kunoichi who's sex life was just laid bare before her own children. Tayuya gawked at the audacity of the argument going on before her, she was so stunned that she dumbly accepted the young princess Yukia without protest.

"He is keeping the promise we made to each other when we kids, look!" Karin shouts as she pulls out a picture of her and Naruto aged five, their pinkies intertwined and both smiling like idiots. What caught the eyes of everyone about this picture however was that the Naruto within the picture was a blue eyed, blonde with three whisker marks donning his cheeks. In the background Kushina and another red head could be seen cheering from the bench. It was obvious where it was taken, all Uzumaki kids were familiar with the Gemnesis park, "This is us when we were five!" Karin continued oblivious to the shock the others astonishment "He promised to always protect me and…" she trailed off upon finally noticing the stunned reactions "What?"

"Is that… tou-san?" Kartel questioned bewildered, confusing his mother "Of course it is… who else would I keep a picture of in my…" she trails off again upon flipping it back to her and realising her blunder "Oh… I shouldn't have done that." Slowly replacing the picture to once it came "No, you shouldn't have." Spoke a clearly angered Naruto, a tick mark upon his head, and the others turn back to face him "Dinner table. Now." He all but growled and they all scurry to the table "Karin. Stay." and said women knew she was in for it now.

Once the two were alone, Karin's shoulders slump and head hangs as Naruto approaches her in silence. As they come face to face, not one word spoken as he extended his hand to which she actually got teary eyed and sniffled. It took a solid minute before she placed the offending photo on the outstretched hand, and he nodded towards the door, and she moved to it before "I'm sorry."
"So am I." His response not missing a beat. Once she leaves, he lets out a tired sigh before turning the photo around, a portal to a time wished forgotten and he could only offer a sad smile "So am I."

Dinner was an awkward affair after that, Karin was visibly depressed and Naruto notably irritated with the rest either confused, curious, or concerned. A silent table was what Ashina walked into, tension thick with unresolved issues but he could not ascertain what it could be as he sat at the tables head.

Halfway through his meal he had enough "Okay, tell me. What happened?" speaking softly but not as the clan head but rather a concerned grandfather. His wife looked down the table at the guests noticing their eyes looking between Karin and Naruto. "Naruto… Karin?" he presses a little forcefully, glancing between the two for several silent seconds before his patients ran out "Come clean now and we can…"
"Hi-jiji…" spoke Kartel gaining the tables attention, the man himself nodding "Ka-chan showed us a picture of tou-san but he had blond hair, blue eyes, and marks on his cheek. I'm confused about how though."

Ashina's eyes widen before looking to Karin who sighs and nods "It was my error, Ashina-sama." And the old man breaths out hard and heavy at that "I see." Hands landing softly, flat against the birchwood table before speaking softly again "…and where is this photo…"
"I confiscated it under my jurisdiction as Commander of Red company to which Karin is a member of." Naruto reported stoically and blank face whilst staring at said woman, who couldn't meet his gaze. Ashina nods at that "Very well. See to it is destroyed."
"Yes sir." Naruto replies though both his grandparents heard the slight hesitance in his voice to do so.

Another heavy sigh as he retakes his cutlery, he forgot how much the discipline they put into the Zeros, especially the first two batches, that both Naruto and Karin belong to. It was a necessity at the time, they lacked numbers and couldn't afford for any to go off half cocked. Most have mellowed out, somewhat, but not Naruto, his fault obviously as he knew he was strict as he was in charge of the whole clan. Clearly this has rubbed off on his former personal guard and former apprentice "Just be sure it doesn't see the light of day again, alright?"
"Yes sir." This time no hesitation and a small smile came to the old man's face, a soft chuckle suppressed behind it.

"Ashina-sama." Called out Tayuya with the utmost respect, which startled those that knew her foul mouth tendencies, drawing the man's attention "Ah, the newly returned daughter of ours. Adopted little sister of my former apprentice." Ashina mentions with a warm smile "Please relax when in this house. In here we are but two middle aged people spending time with the grand and great grandchildren. Please speak your mind." Tayuya nods at that but the look Naruto was giving her was one of warning, and she knew it "Grandfather, was that really Naruto in that picture? I mean…"
"It was him, no doubt." Ashina remarks leaning back in his chair, hands interlacing across his chest, offering a serious look at those before him "…however the situation at the time was rather dire and we had to delve into long forgotten forbidden arts to keep the clan alive." He then looks to the boy of subject "I will not go into details, even if I wanted to, however know this is all Grade one clan secrets and will not leave this room. Naruto is a full blood Uzumaki now and with all the benefits that provides…" he tilts his head slightly to the left "…and then some."

The serious and grave tone used was abruptly slapped away by Semera who clapped with a smile "Enough with all that serious talk…!" looking to Karin this time "…instead, I am looking forward to having a new great grandchild to spoil, right Karin?!" silence. For a full thirty seconds as everyone with sensory abilities scanned said kunoichi and low and behold, the clan Matriarch was right.

Karin sighs "Sometimes I forget that your sensory perception is greater than mine, grandma."
"…damn right. Now stop forgetting."
"It's only a week old. Unless someone was specifically looking for it, and knew what to look for, none would have noticed." Naruto comments to which Karin nods with a lopsided smile "Guess round three came quicker than either of us expected huh?" to which he simply nodded at. "…and with that, you are now off external duties." Ashina informs causing Karin to sigh "Figured."
"Grandfather, I wish to put my name forward as replacement." Nina without missing a beat. This earned several reactions at once. Naruto exhaled hard, heavy, and slowly. Semera spit out her tea, gaining a fair distance. Kartel ducked beneath aforementioned tea, saving himself from the humiliation, which for stalled his shock. Tayuya gawked at the audacity of the new contender. Yukia kept eating unconcerned for the ongoing events. Karin growled deep, hard, and loud.

Ashina became pensive about the idea. It was no secret how inexperienced Nina was in field work, however it also known that she is by far the greatest swordsmen among the kunoichi with only himself and his apprentice being able to win against her. Naruto personally trained her in her unique and perhaps iconic swords, the twin sabre Razor Wind Dance. Although sabres among the Uzumaki weren't entirely unheard of, it has been such a long time since anyone had used them that all but him and his apprentice struggle against their swift movements, and the effectiveness of Nina wielding two and her nano thin chakra chains only complement her wind based Kenjutsu.

Next, Naruto would be able to protect her whilst she gains active field experience as he was an active Elite Jonin 1st class. She would be safe. Even more so with the new missions that came in today. Finally nodding he agrees "Yes. That will work." The reactions were like heaven and hell, Nina beaming brightly clapping whilst Karin glared and growled in fury at the calling "With Naruto watching over you, gaining field experience will increase your growth." Looking to the mentioned Jonin "Naruto, she maybe an Elite Chunin in rank but she has about the same combat experience as some 1st class Genin. Keep that in mind when engaging in combat."

"How is she an Elite Chunin? You have to take part in at least 1 S-rank mission, and…"
"Enough Karin." Semera sighs rubbing her head from the incoming headache. "Even if I agree with you, I must ask you to be patient for a little longer."
"Yes, I may have jumped the gun a bit." Ashina states "Upon completing the requirements for Elite Chunin, she will gain said rank to which won't takes long seeing as Naruto works fast, no?" with a raised eyebrow at Karin who took a second before blushing up a storm, shaking her head.

Nina however was lost in her thoughts about showing how graceful she can be cutting through horses of filthy bandits, battling fierce opposing shinobi hell bent on her ungrateful fall but her Onii-sama swinging in to save her. Them back-to-back as they dance a tune of graceful destruction. She would have squealed, if it wasn't so ungraceful of a kunoichi of her calibre to do so. Nodding to herself she swore she would be the greatest swordswoman ever produced in the clan.

Naruto sighs internally 'This is going to be a drag.'

In the Hidden Leaf Village, a whole clan of lazy genius's sneeze all in unison whilst having the same thought 'Troublesome'.

"Question!" Tayuya raising her hand, gaining a nod from the grandfather allowing her to continue "I am unfamiliar with the 'Elite Chunin' rank. Can you explain?"
"I never did explain that did I?" Naruto murmurs before nodding to himself, confirming to himself "Just like every other Hidden Village, we use the Genin, Chunin, and Jonin ranks however we have broken it down a little more to better understand someone's ability within said rank." He continues earning a nod from Tayuya "Genin rank is split into three…" holding up three fingers "…Genin 2nd class, which is basically a fresh from academy level genin. After five successful C-ranks, or a year of continuous growth they are promoted to Genin 1st class. This showed that they are firmly within the expectations of the rank of Genin and is combat capable within that role. It also allows for access to the Chunin exams."

"Makes sense." Tayuya adds unhelpfully but Naruto continues regardless "The 3rd subsection however is operational, but many consider it the end of the road should you earn it."
"The only way to earn it, is to lose in the Chunin exams three times or remain first class for more than two years without moving to chunin." Kartel explains "Its for the failures basically." Tayuya summaries earning a nod from the kid "Elite Genin, or Genin Captain. They rarely if at all leave the village and largely run the interior security force alongside civilian police officers. Should an emergency arrive however, they take charge of other Genin squads in place of Jonin and Chunin to ensure evacuation of non-combat personnel." Naruto explains.

"Harsh." Tayuya feeling bad for the dropouts. "Our resources are far more limited than the big five." Ashina adds with a sigh "We can't keep Jonin sensei tied up on troubled Genin." He smiles though "However I believe Tomaki earned his Chunin vest a few days ago."
"About time." Naruto mentioned with Karin chuckling softly at that "Tomaki?" Tayuya asked "He's the longest serving Elite Genin in Uzu." Naruto explained pointing at Kartel "Three years older than my gaki who also just made Chunin 2nd class." Earning a nod from pointed at preteen.

"Which moves nicely onto the next segment, Chunin 2nd class. Just like it's Genin equivalent, a freshly made Chunin who most likely lacks either leadership or shinobi prowess. In Kartel's case, he lacks leadership experience. In Tomaki's however he lacks prowess. Should they both improve sufficiently within the next five years, they can be promoted to Chunin 1st class."
"Or do what you did…" Karin interrupted "…and lead twenty successful C-ranks, five B-ranks, and two A-Ranks."

"Lastly, Elite Chunin. Unlike it's Genin counterpart however this is given to the truly gifted in leadership but still lack the chakra levels, or skill sets required of a Jonin." Naruto continued without missing a beat "Sometimes they are also referred to as captains as they often lead defence forces when the Jonin's and Anbu have already engaged." Naruto sips his triple distilled sake of the eighty-two stock. Truly a great year he idly mused "Now Jonin…" holding up four fingers, Tayuya gawking at that "…like others we have Tokubestu, or special Jonin for those with partial Jonin skill sets and chakra levels. You can refuse and try again later for full Jonin but once awarded, you are locked in for a year before you can be retested."

"Why a year?"
"It was agreed to be a reasonable amount of time to improve and not cause clashes with other shinobi also wanting to advance." Ashina clarified before Naruto continued "Then theirs Jonin 2nd class, the first full Jonin rank. Means you meet the basic requirements for the Rank, plus your own specialty and allows you to command a Chunin squad in missions. Then there's Jonin 1st class. A mid rank Jonin that allows you to command a Jonin squad and below."

"That's also the minimum rank required to become a Jonin-Sensei. Proficiency in all shinobi fields must be met." Karin adds which Tayuya nods "Next are the Elite Jonin Commanders, typically found either in Abu, or in command of out attack battalions."

"So let me see then…" Tayuya looking to Kartel "Chunin 2nd class." Said boy nods though it was easy enough, turning to Karin "Jonin 1st class…?"
"Jonin 2nd class Karin Uzumaki." Karin offers a wry smile, confusing the newcomer "…but I thought…"
"I'm not the leader of Red company. Just it's right hand." Karin reminds causing Tayuya to turn to Naruto with amusement dancing in his eyes "So, you are the Elite Jonin Commander of Red company." Naruto nodded at her deduction "Yes. Karin is actually third in command." surprising both Tayuya and Kartel "Wait, if Ka-chan isn't second then…" he pauses when his mother fully growls, glaring at her partner as Naruto cackles like the true pyromaniac he is "My oldest confident in everything explosive and fiery, a true artist in the careful dance of destruction on a truly beautiful scale… Kazer Uzumaki!" he bellowed as if a announcing a wrestler and the man himself appeared in a tower of flames, bowing profoundly and waving as if his adoring fans were around "Thank you, thank you…"

"What are you doing here, Kazer?" Karin growled almost going full feral on his ass. Kazer in many ways was the mirror opposite of Naruto but at the same time they were similar in one annoying aspect. That was blowing shit up with great effect. Naruto was near enough Six foot one, swordsmen builds wide shoulders. Kazer was narrower but his muscle tone matched but was barely reached Five ten. His face was narrower and was slightly more tanned. His eyes were closer to green than Naruto's amethysts. He wasn't bad on the eyes just that his answer to most issues was a KaNar special explosive note with added spice as they called it.

"Oh, come on. Can't I come see my…"
"Who told you?" she was still growling "Larko did." Kazer spoke casually as he dropped down beside Nina, "Snitch!" Lark squeaked as Karin glared at the boy as Kazer was grabbing his fill "…and how are you today my fair lady?" looking over Nina who simply smiles back at him but for some reason Kazer swore he heard boss music then a shudder up then down his spine and wisely chose to not push his luck. "So, what were you all talking about?"
"Ranks." Kartel announces as he drops his bowl down, ramen broth upon his bowl as he burps making his sister giggle, but his mother slapped up the back of his head "Manners." She declared.

"is that a brand new Chunin vest I see?" Kazer teases eyeing up the dull red chest accessory, fresh from the tailor causing the boy to grin sheepishly whilst rubbing the impact site "Yeah."
"First try too." Naruto boasted extended hand, two single hundred ryo bills filling the empty space promptly "In the middle of a warzone I may add."
"Luck of the draw." Kazer roared back "Whatever helps you sleep at night." Naruto chuckles purposefully dragging out the counting of the bills before exaggerating putting it in his wallet with a foxy grin. "You guys bet on the gopi?" Serena questioned with a raised eyebrow, her hand also extended with a noticeable thicker bundle of bills being placed by a grumbling old man. "Naturally." The two Jonin respond in unison, professionally not seeing the same exchange further up the table.

Tayuya could help but burst out laughing at the spectacle playing out, her sides aching at it all, and just like that the laughing spread like a contagion and the table joined her. For the former Sound non, this was the best family ever and she knew she'd fit right in without a shred of doubt over these next few weeks off.

It wouldn't last though.

Land of Eddies; Yuki District

The next day...

Naruto, flanked by both Tayuya and Nina, enter the Yuki district with an escort from the front gate. Unlike the Uzumaki district, all the buildings were new and freshly painted in blues, greys, and whites. The windows glimmer in the early morning sunrise, clear use of permafrost and the Uzumaki general seals working in tandem.

With Karin side lined due to her pregnancy, despite its early stages, Nina was officially put in as Naruto's direct right hand as the Uzumaki numbers, at least by the elder's decree, were still far too low for comfort. Seeing as they have no civilians at all at the moment this taking no chances with any pregnancy.

As Red company were put into standby, Naruto and his crew were in their civilian clothing with Naruto sheeting faded scarlet cargo trousers, a cream t-shirt with the Uzumaki spiral in each sleeve in red. Tayuya was in a crop top and regular trousers whilst matching colours with Naruto. Nina was in a dark red fitted kimono with black trimmings. Naruto's katana was on his waist, Tayuya had her tanto on the small of her back, her flute strapped to her right leg instead of a shuriken pouch. Nina had her sabres in secured on her waist via her obi.

Reaching the towering statue of the Yuki clan symbol, that lay directly ahead of the clan heads house, they are greeted by Luna standing tall and gracefully in her loose-fitting kimono that exposed her shoulders and ample bust "Lady Yuki…" Naruto led his teams bow, "…Jax said you needed a word." She nodded "Yes. Please come with me." leading them inside. Tayuya swore she heard a low growl from the other lady redhead, must have been the wind.

Sitting in the lady's office, sitting formally she continues "As you are aware, we have several prisoners in the hold." Upon his nod she continues "The Namikaze clan intend to negotiate with Kumo for their prisoners and perhaps a little compensation for the trouble. As such, I, as leader of the new Yuki-Uzumaki clan wish to handle the Iwagakure negotiations."
"I am happy to see your clan taking a more active role overseas." Naruto smiles and Nina spotted the red hue dusting the Lady's paler cheeks, it was hard to miss with those dark locks framing her rounded face "I thank you for the praise, but it is unwarranted. Your clan went out of your way to save us from that attack on our compound, saving many lives at the cost of your own blood and lives. We can never repay that debt."

"We are shinobi. It's kinda part of the job." He chuckles though it was hollow. He had lost two good childhood friends from the first batch of gen zero in that rescue. Not that he'd let that slip "Indeed, however I wish to ask for your help in this endeavour. Your grandfather suggested I ask for your help in security matters as our own numbers still lag behind yours. Our next batch will be ready in another six months, and still there are only ten shinobi and two kunoichi."

"So you need Red company for additional bodies." Naruto surmises for the ease of everyone. She bows her head down to the floor, prostrating before him "I know I have no right to ask this of…"
"Get up Lady Yuki." Naruto says trying to lift her, which she doesn't resist "A clan head mustn't beg before a fellow clansman. I can't mobilise many, as we are on standby for the next few months so it'll be on a voluntary basis however…" yet before he could finish, a gold masked Anbu appeared in the door, the rooms attention turning to him "We are in a…"
"Sir, the Ashina-sama is requesting your presence immediately." A heavy sigh as Naruto turned back to the clan head "I will be sure to let you know who will be assigned for your guard." She nods dumbly as the trio stand and head out.

Land of Eddies; Uzumaki Clan Hall

Naruto's group climb up through the stairs of the hall to the clan office when Nina speaks up "Are things usually this hectic?"
"Unfortunately." Naruto mutters "Happens when you're that good of fighting force." Tayuya adds to which the others nod as he knocks "Enter." and they proceed in.

Behind the desk, loaded up with paperwork, sat Ashina glaring hatefully at the white demon spawn "Ah, Naruto my boy. Sorry for interrupting your meeting with the Lady Luna but I have three missions I need you, and Squad 22R, to handle." Naruto raises an eyebrow at that, 'Squad 22R, huh? Guess that's the official team designation.' "Oh? I thought…"
"Save it. I know already. Black Company are already deployed, White too are split between homeland defence and… forget it. The ones available are ill suited for all three tasks."

"Fine…" Naruto sighed out, head falling hands on hips "Lay it on me."
"The mission is three-fold. First is to locate Tsunade Senju and give her this scroll on behalf of the Hidden Leaf." Presenting said scrolls, whilst three red eyebrows raised "The leaf? Don't they have…?"

"They do, however they lack the powerful sensors we do and this have asked for our aid. They have despatched their toad sage as back up." Ashina adds causing a loud groan as he looks to both ladies with an apologetic look, raising their concerns about this toad sage "Second mission is to escort her back to the leaf, unharmed." Naruto nodded at that, seemed easy enough. "Third, is attend a diner with the Hyūga clan head for negotiations on a new bloodline seal and our assistance to remove their cage bird seal."

Naruto and Nina both blinked once; then twice, and then trice before tilting their heads to the right "You mean that seal we took apart when we were kids?" Nina questioned to which the clan head nodded "The very same." He let out a ruthful chuckle "Those poor bastards still think it's uncrackable. How shameful."

"Is that all?" Naruto asks to which the old man looks to Tayuya "Tayuya-chan… catch." Throwing a Chunin vest at her, "The clan council decided to give you Chunin 2nd class, until further notice. Depending on your missions with Naruto go, that first class will be waiting for you upon your return."

"Fucking Chunin? Whoopty fucking do." She grumbles beneath her breath earning a stern glare from Naruto. "Anything else?"
"Speak to my wife before you leave. She can point you toward Tsunade-chan. Leave immediately." They bow and depart.

Outside Tayuya unwraps the ribbon holding her jacket together to discover it was her red fabric headband "Oh, sweet."
"Welcome to the clan. Officially that is." Naruto chimes in as they walk towards the Uzumaki district "…thank you…" she mumbles while pulling the vest on, noticing it was way too big for her frame. Frowning and not thinking before blurting out "Shit's way too…"
"Channel your chakra into it." Naruto sighs and as she does, it resizes to fit her frame "Cool."
"You seem to forget our clan specialty is." Nina comments calmly at Naruto's side walking ahead of the stopped Tayuya "Hey bitch! I'm still new to this whole…" Nina glances at her with that sickly sweet smile "Ara, Ara… such language…"
"My apologies." Tayuya bowing at her, terrified of that smile "Hurry up you two, or I'll leave you both behind." Naruto calls over his shoulder, hands in his pockets.

A/N: As promised, a new chapter.