Hello everyone I'm back once again to bring you another chapter of my story; if you are enjoying the story, please keep on supporting me and my other stories. Now with nothing else to say let's begin.

Mist and Maelstroms: Chapter 16

Konoha hospital

Naruto woke up with a groan as he opened his right eye as his left one was bandaged 'oh god what happened' Naruto thought; as he sat up, he looked to his side and say a blue blur run towards him.

"Brat! You're awake" Kisame shouted as he hugged Naruto; upon pulling away Naruto saw Kisame had a large beard and longer hair.

"Kisame; what the hell, you have a beard" Naruto said in confusion "how is that possible" he asked and Kisame frowned.

"Naruto; you've been in a coma for 20 years" Kisame said seriously; Naruto went wide eyed and jaw dropped "you've been out for so long; Lord Hokage died, Ranmaru became a 7 swordsman and Mei got married" he said.

"WHAT" Naruto shouted; the door to the room was thrown open. Mei, Hiruzen, Jiraya and Kakashi all ran in.

"Naruto; oh my god you're awake" Mei shouted as she ran up and hugged Naruto; Naruto pushed her off and looked at her "Naruto are you ok" she said. Naruto began to pull her face and check her all over.

"Wait if it's been 20 years how are you still hot" Naruto said; Naruto was bonked on the head by Mei who had a tick mark.

"What the hell are you talking about" Mei shouted; Mei went wide eyed as she turned to Kisame with an angry look "Kisame; I said don't do that damn prank" she shouted.

"Hahahahahaha" Kisame laughed; Kisame pulled off his beard and his hair and looked to Naruto "totally worth the money I spent on the fake beard" he said and Naruto grew angry.

"You asshole" Naruto shouted "I thought Mei left me for a second" he said; Naruto didn't see how red Mei turned as Naruto admitted that's what scared him the most. "Ok how long have I really been out" Naruto asked.

"A day" Jiraya said walking up "you broke half the bones in your body, lost a lot of blood and went psycho again" he said. "Your lucky the second Hokage came back to life and sealed your chakra" he said; Naruto looked at him wide eyed.

"Wait" Naruto said holding his hands up "the Second Hokage; who's been dead for over 50 years, sealed my chakra" he said. Mei then chuckled.

"If you think that's strange, I met your deceased mother Kushina" Mei said and Naruto's jaw dropped "she was very cute and she had this really long pretty red hair; also, she gave me her blessing to date you just FYI" she said.

"I'm sorry" Naruto said "are you guys fucking with me; is this another prank" he said and they all shook their heads.

"Nope; it really happened" Kisame said "pretty wild shit if I say so myself" he said.

"Oh god what next; Sasuke's the new Hokage" he said; Kakashi then chuckled nervously.

"Umm Sasuke is kind of M.I.A at the moment" Kakashi said making Naruto freeze "he went missing during the invasion; we think he was kidnapped by Oto or Suna in their retreat" he said.

"Oh, fuck me" Naruto said lying down and rubbing his temples "Itachi is going to fucking flip" he said.

"Itachi is here in Konoha" Kakashi said alarmed looking over to Hiruzen.

"I'll explain later" Hiruzen said calming down Kakashi "Itachi is currently in critical condition Naruto; as of right now it's not looking to good" he said with a sad look.

Meanwhile outside Itachi's room

Hana Inuzuka was walking to Itachi's room; she was still torn on how to feel about him being back but she did want to see him even for a moment. As she undid the genjutsu on the room she was instructed by the Hokage to go to she opened the door and saw something that surprised her.

A girl with mint green hair was sleeping with her head on Itachi's bed; she was holding Itachi's hand while he slept. Itachi was unconscious with numerous tubes and machines hooked up to him. Hana felt her heart pang at this; she went to the academy with Itachi and it broke her heart.

Itachi was one of the youngest to ever graduate the academy, to become a jounin and became anbu commander at 13; now he looked so weak and fragile. Hana then looked over to the sleeping green haired girl and felt another pang in her heart; Hana then quietly closed the door and put up the genjutsu once again.

She then began to walk away back to the Inuzuka compound 'who was that girl' Hana thought as she felt a little jealous.

Back with Naruto.

"Well shit then" Naruto said as he got out of bed on wobbly legs "we got to help him" he said and Jiraya nodded.

"Yeah, I know" Jiraya said "which is why, you, me, Kisame and Raiga are all going out to look for someone" he said gaining the boys attention. "We are looking for my old teammate Tsunade" Jiraya said "we need her here for 2 reasons; to heal Itachi and become the fifth Hokage" he said.

"Wait are you serious" Naruto said surprised and turning to look at Hiruzen "you're going to retire old man" he said and Hiruzen nodded.

"I'm past my prime Naruto" Hiruzen said "it's time for me to pass on the hat and for me to retire; so, I can do the things I like and spend time with the people I love" Hiruzen said with a small smile. Unknown to the others Hiruzen was mostly referring to Tsume when he said that.

"Ok sounds like a plan" Naruto said "when do we leave" Naruto asked.

"2 days from now" Jiraya said "for you to heal a little more time to heal up and also to be there for the award ceremony" he said as Naruto looked to him in confusion.

"Award ceremony" Naruto said "what award ceremony" he asked.

"An award ceremony for all those who fought with distinction during the invasion" Hiruzen said "and your one of them" he said.

"Oh, hell yeah" Naruto cheered.

The Next day: on top of the Hokage tower

Hiruzen was on a podium speaking out to a large crowd of ninja and other important people "for the first award will be to Naruto Uzumaki" Hiruzen said; Naruto smiled and walked up. He looked out to the crowd and saw a smiling Mei, a grinning Kisame, a proud Kakashi, a happy Karin and an approving Jiraya. "For defeating the Shukaku demon I hereby promote you to chunin effective immediately" Hiruzen said as he gave Naruto his flak jacket and a certificate "good job Naruto" he whispered.

"Thanks, old man" Naruto whispered back; Naruto was applauded to which he waved back. Naruto then walked over to Mei and the others.

"I'm so proud of you Naruto" Mei said hugging him.

"Thanks Mei" Naruto said "but I didn't do it for the fame or the glory; I did it because- "Naruto began but Hiruzen stated again.

"And let's not forget another great hero who was born during the invasion" Hiruzen said gaining all their attentions "a young man who's not even a ninja; our very own Ranmaru Kurosuki" he said. Ranmaru then jogged up the stairs and waved and smiled; this time the crowd erupted in cheers and applause.

"What the hell" Jiraya said "they love that little shrimp more than Naruto" he said.

"I don't understand" Kakashi said "Naruto saved the damn village; how are they cheering harder for him" he said in confusion. Hiruzen began to speak again.

"For defeating a dozen Oto and sand ninjas, rescuing the Hyuga clan Heiress, saving 20 disabled orphans from a burning building, helping a pregnant woman give birth under enemy attack and successfully delivering the baby, foiling a bank robbery… holy shit this kid did a lot" Hiruzen said as he looked at the long list of things Ranmaru did. "Defeat a giant snake, perform an emergency tracheotomy, stop a stampede of cattle" Hiruzen shouted in surprise "where the hell did a herd of cattle come from" he shouted and Ranmaru shrugged.

"I don't know; but I used them to attack that giant snake" he said making Hiruzen sweat drop.

"Ok there is a lot of stuff to list here so I'm just going to cut it short" Hiruzen said as he reached into his pocket "Ranmaru Kurosuki; I hereby give you the rank of Genin, congratulations" he said handing the boy a headband.

"Yay" Ranmaru cheered as he tied it on his forehead; the crowd erupted in thunderous applause as Ranmaru waved back "Raiga, Raiga look I'm a real ninja now; isn't this cool" Ranmaru shouted to his master.

"I'm very proud of you buddy" Raiga shouted waving back; Raiga looked to a ninja to his side "that's my apprentice up there; I teach him all kinds of cool shit" he said with pride making Mei sweat drop.

Mei was still surprised and was about to speak until she heard another cheer from her right.

"Hurray for Ranmaru" came the voice of Hanabi Hyuga "that's my boyfriend up there; we hold hands and eat together" Hanabi said with pride to Mei who sweat dropped again.

'Oh my; Naruto must feel so bad right now' Mei thought 'his accomplishments being swept aside by Ranmaru's; he must feel so- 'she began until she turned to Naruto.

"Way to go Ranmaru" Naruto cheered making Mei's worries go away; Naruto turned to a random ninja next to him "He's my side kick; I taught him my sexy jutsu and how to water walk" he said with pride pointing to Ranmaru making Mei sweat drop for the third time.

'Wow he's a really good sport' Mei thought as she looked back up at the stage.

Later that day: With Karin

Karin just returned Naruto's sword to him after he met up with her after the awards ceremony; Karin caught up with him for a little while but thought it would be good to go. Karin was walking back to her hotel after a long day; Karin was a little saddened however. Kurama didn't speak to her at all the entire time she had Naruto's sword; she felt the chakra presence withing the sword so she was confused as to why Kurama was not talking.

'Maybe he's angry at us for something' Karin thought; as she walked along, she felt a powerful presence from behind her. Karin took out a kunai and faced the person she sensed; it was a boy around her age, he had Orange red hair, red eyes and a very handsome face. He was wearing dark blue jeans, a deep red shirt, a black leather jacket and had maroon sandals on "who are you and why are you following me" Karin said.

The boy chuckled "oh little Karin" he said making her jolt "how could you be so cold" he said.

"How do you know my name creep" Karin shouted and the boy laughed.

"After all the long talks we had you forget me; I'm wounded by your hurtful words" he said making her confused "you told me about your mother's death at the hand of Kusa, your dream of finding a man to settle down with, your happiness of finding kinship with that kit Naruto, ringing any bells Karin" he said with a smirk. Karin dropped her kunai as it dawned on her.

"Kurama" Karin said not believing what she was hearing.

"Ding, ding, ding; right on the money" Kurama said as he ran up and stood in front of Karin who was still in shock "I decided to make myself physical" he said flexing. "So, I took over a human body that could handle my demonic chakra; I'm currently in me 'teens' as they say" he said as Karin nodded ", this physical body will last for about 150 years or so; but I think that will be more then enough time" he said.

"Time for what" Karin asked.

"For me to be with you" Kurama said as he wrapped a arm around Karin "I don't really like humans but you're… different; so I made myself physical to be with you" he said with a small smile. Karin blinked in bewilderment.

"Ok" Karin said pushing him away "first, we should go tell Naruto, the Hokage, and Jiraya" Karin said and Kurama nodded "second, we'll get you an identity so you're not some 'grey man' and lastly we'll find a place for you live" she said.

"Ok but can we do things together" Kurama said making Karin confused.

"Like" Karin inquired.

"I want to do that thing that Naruto and that Mei does" Kurama said making her more confused "you know where you put tongue in my mouth and I touch your breasts; I think Naruto called it 'making out'" he said. Karin sweat dropped at this as she couldn't believe he was so blunt.

'Did he really just ask that' Karin thought; Karin took another look at him "maybe" Karin said as she grabbed him by his hand and began to march him to the Hokage tower. "If you're a good boy then maybe" Karin said with a small blush while readjusting her glasses.

"That's good enough for me" Kurama said.

Hokage tower 30 minutes later.

Naruto and Mei were walking to the tower in a bad mood.

"This better be good" Mei said in anger "I leave for Kiri tomorrow and this is cutting into my 'Naruto make out' time" she said. Naruto then grabbed her hand.

"Don't worry babe; I'll make it up with ice cream ok" Naruto said "will that cheer you up" he said; Mei nodded.

"It'll help a little" Mei said with a pout "but I want extra cuddle time to make up for the rest" she said; Naruto chuckled at her childishness.

"Of course, my love" Naruto said as they approached the Hokage office "let's get this over with" he said as he opened the door. "Ok what happened now" Naruto said "Orochimaru came back to life, aliens invaded earth, I have an evil twin" he said.

Hiruzen and Jiraya seeing both Naruto and Mei enter the room both stood up from their seats "good you're here" Hiruzen said "I'd like to introduce you to- "Hiruzen began as he and the others turned to the couch.

Karin was currently sitting on Kurama's lap while he twirled her hair with his finger "such beautiful red hair" Kurama said making Karin blush "I swear your hair is so- "he began.

"Damn it this is serious" Jiraya shouted gaining both of their attentions "this is a political, military, international and global matter" he shouted. Kurama just brushed him off making Jiraya grow a tick mark.

"Hey this is the first time in centuries I have been out and about" Kurama said "I just want to enjoy myself; your little human problems don't concern me" he said.

Jiraya grew angry "why you little- "he began until Naruto spoke up.

"Umm who's that guy" Naruto asked confused; Hiruzen then spoke up.

"Naruto, Mei, meet Kurama; Aka the Kyuubi, aka the 9 tailed fox" he said as both Naruto and Mei looked over to the Kurama.

"Greeting kit; kit's mate" Kurama said with a smile.

"WHAT" Naruto and Mei shouted.

"How are you outside the sword, how are you a teenager and why is Karin on your lap" Naruto shouted as he bombarded Kurama with questions.

"Silence boy" Kurama said as faster than anyone could see Kurama took Karin off his lap got off the couch punched Naruto in the nose picked Karin back up and sat back down like he didn't even move.

"Oww that hurt you dick" Naruto said holding his nose and Kurama scoffed.

"If you'd shut up, I'll explain" Kurama said annoyed "first as to how I got out of the sword" he began. "During your fight with Shukaku's host I transferred myself into his body; while he was dead, I used the remainder of my chakra and Shukaku's chakra to rebuild the dead body for myself" Kurama said.

"So, you took over that Gaara boy's body" Mei said and Kurama nodded "where is Shukaku then; is it dead or not" she asked and Kurama chuckled.

"Naruto in his battle frenzy absorbed about 95 percent of Shukaku's chakra" Kurama said looking at Naruto "are you not curious as to why your healed enough after a single day without my help" Kurama said and Naruto's eyes widened. "You used a single tail of my chakra to rebuild yourself; now you have it back with a different source" he said "I used the other 5 percent to latch on to and begin the rebuilding process" he said. Naruto went up to him and began to poke him feeling that he was in fact alive.

"So, you took a dead body, brought it back to life and moved in" Naruto said and Kurama nodded "freaky" he said.

"And as to why I am out here among you humans" Kurama said; Kurama leaned up and kissed Karin on her cheek making her blush "I am out because I want to make Karin my mate and have my offspring" he said making everyone in the room look at him in surprise.

"Kurama, you jerk" Karin said flustered "don't put it like that; it's embarrassing" she whined and Kurama chuckled.

"Sorry my red-haired vixen" Kurama said with a purr "I have always despised humans; I have been used and abused by them for centuries" he said before looking at Karin with sadness in his eyes. "And when Karin told me of her plight I was saddened as I realized she was no different than me" Kurama said; Karin then began to rub her arms over her bite mark scars as she remembered what she had to do back in Kusa "I am here to also make sure that that will never happen to her again" Kurama said.

Naruto rubbed his temples "wow this is a lot to take in" he said. Hiruzen then spoke up.

"But Kurama you have to realize that Karin is a Kusa ninja" Hiruzen said "she cannot stay here as the political back lash will stop it" he said. "Not matter how much you want it; you cannot make them give up Karin. She is a ninja of their village and- "Hiruzen was cut off as a powerful force of chakra and malice spread throughout the village; people began to panic as this feeling was the same as when the 9 tails attacked 13 years ago.

"DO NOT LET MY FORM DECEIVE YOU HUMAN" Kurama said demonically "I AM THE KYUUBI NO KITSUNE; I AM STILL AS POWERFUL AS EVER AND THERE IS NOTHING YOU CAN DO TO STOP ME" he said. "YOU HAVE 1 UZUMAKI HERE IN THE VILLAGE, YOU HAVE NO HASHIRAMA, NO MINATO NAMIKAZE, I CAN LEVEL THIS VILLAGE OR ANY OTHER VILLAGE IN A HEART BEAT" Kurama said; Kurama then stopped his chakra and everything went back to normal "do not test me; I will deal with Kusa if it comes to it, but as of right now Karin is under my protection" he said before looking at Karin who was in awe. "I will not let anything happen to you" Kurama said smiling at her; Kurama looked at the others and sighed "you can put away your sword Naruto" he said.

Naruto was breathing heavily as he held his sword in front of him getting ready to defend himself and everyone else; Naruto lowered his sword and had a realization 'what the hell could I do' Naruto thought as he looked at Kurama. 'He's a living manifestation of death and destruction; I may have his chakra in me but I'd lose hands down' he thought "how powerful are you" Naruto asked bluntly.

Kurama looked thoughtful for a moment and spoke "as of right now with only 1 tail of my biju chakra… I'd say I'm as powerful as Kisame or Itachi; but you have to realize it will take me months to be back at full strength" he said making Naruto, Mei, Hiruzen and Jiraya uneasy.

"Ok fine" Jiraya said "not like we have a choice; but can you just promise to not destroy the village" he said and Kurama chuckled.

"Of course; I'm a demon but I'm not evil" Kurama said with a smile "all I want is to be with Karin; nothing more nothing less" he said.

Hiruzen looked at Kurama with a stern look "I will find a place for both you and Karin to live" Hiruzen said "but when Kusa comes calling for her- "he began.

"I will handle it" Kurama said and Hiruzen nodded.

"So, we cool" Naruto said to Kurama who nodded.

"We're cool" Kurama said "after all Naruto you are my second favorite human" he said and Naruto smirked. "Now then I am hungry; and for my first meal ever I wish to eat that ramen you are always consuming" he said as he got up with Karin.

"Ramen it is then" Naruto said with a smile; Naruto then grabbed Mei's hand "c'mon babe, looks like we have a surprise double date" Naruto said as Mei smiled.

"Ok but I still want ice cream" Mei said and Naruto nodded.

"Mint chip is my favorite" Karin said as she grabbed Kurama's hand "lets go Kurama" Karin said as she began to drag him out.

Naruto, Mei, Kurama and Karin all exited the room leaving only Hiruzen and Jiraya "is this wise sensei" Jiraya asked "can we really trust this guy" he said.

"What choice do we have Jiraya" Hiruzen said as he began to smoke his pipe "it's either let him be with the woman he loves or face the apocalypse; I'm not sure about you but I'd rather not see the world end" he said.

Jiraya ran his hands down his face "this shit is getting complicated" he said.

The next day: on the main road outside the village

Naruto, Mei, Jiraya, Kisame and Raiga were all walking down the road until they came to a fork in the road, one going east and the other west. Naruto and Mei stopped and looked at each other.

"Later Mei" Naruto said as he hugged her "I hope to see you again soon; I'll miss you" he said and Mei began to chuckle. "What's so funny" Naruto asked and Mei smirked.

"You will be seeing be soon Naruto" Mei said slyly "I've got a plan" she said with a mischievous. look on her face.

"Really what is it" Naruto asked excitedly.

"Sorry Naruto; it's a secret" Mei said making Naruto pout; Mei gave Naruto a kiss and looked him in the eyes "I'll see you soon Naruto; I love you" Mei said with a small smile.

"I love you too Mei" Naruto said; Naruto hugged her one last time and Mei then began her long trip back to Kiri.

Naruto turned around and saw Jiraya, Kisame and Raiga with smirks on their faces "shut up, don't say anything; lets just go" Naruto said as he began to walk down the road with the others "so pervy sage; where is this Tsunade lady again" he asked and Jiraya spoke up.

"Tsunade is a gambling addict; so, we are going to check out all of the gambling hot spots" Jiraya said looking at the others "it doesn't matter how long she has fallen off the grid; we will find her eventually" he said.

"She better heal Itachi" Kisame said "if we don't have him then… I don't even want to know how the hell we are going to be able to beat Pein" Kisame said in a slightly worried tone making the others look at him on concern.

"Don't worry we will find her" Naruto said "lets get a move on; we're burning daylight" he said as the 4 men continued down the road.

Ok aother chapter done; I hope you all enjoyed it. First I'd like to say I'm saving the whole parent reveal for after the Tsunade arc; and for Kurama if you are wondering as to if I'm going to use him and show his power… yes 100 percent yes. Ok then if you enjoyed the chapter please like, comment and share with your friends and until next time bye.