Chapter Four; Sea's of Waves and Sand

Land of Rain; Amegakure Residential Tower

Naruto yawns as he awakens with his loving wife still snoozing atop his chest. The last few weeks have been tough on him, true, however he and Kin have barely been able to spend too much time with one another. Last night they had a date night, Juk, Rellahan, and Kushina all staying the night with Karin and her son Ashina. Stroking her silky brunette locks softly, just like how he used to when they were younger, oh god are we that old. That thought briefly halted his administrations which alerted the recipient "You were thinking something stupid just now, weren't you?" his soft chuckle was his response to her question "You know me to well, princess."
"Mmm… you should keep going." Kin continues with him restarting the stroking, her beaming smile.

Breakfast turned into mid-afternoon lunch as the husband and wife enjoy their alone time together which was far too infrequent in these times.

Land of Fire; Hokage Office

"Come in." Tsunade Senju calls out and Shikamu and Anko enter which caused the kage to lift her eyebrow up while placing writing utensils down. "Lady Hokage, we have new information on the White Dawn."
"Oh…?" the slug princess states with a growing smile "…do tell…"
"We have reason to believe that they are moving toward the Land of Rivers."
"Send a force to invite them over for a chat." The hokage giving a knowing look to her two subordinates who both wordlessly nod before vanishing in plumes of smoke. Looking down at her paperwork she thought about her newest guests.

Land of River; Shinobi Highway

Leaping through the tree's, Naruto recalls the day off he had four days ago when suddenly Karin drops back to his side "Company."
"How many?"
"Two squads. Anbu level." She confirms and he smirks "Guys…" he whispered loudly enough to be heard only by him "…I have an idea." with a mischievous grin upon his face.

Kakashi finds himself leading his old Anbu team, he swore he had left this life behind yet in these troubling times, his unique skills been needed more and more. Another captain hops beside him "Sir, we have a trail…"

"Understood…" Kakashi states, "…we'll need to intercept them. Before they slip into Water County, if we don't…" no other words needed to be spoken as they sped up.

It wasn't long before the two groups would collide, and the Hidden Leaf Anbu block off the escape route of the White Cloud forces, five shinobi and three samurai which was a surprise as many were unaware at the thought of samurai using Shinobi techniques.

"White Cloud; You are to come with us." Kakashi instructs cooley without much seeming interest, a dangerous glint in his eyes "Understand?"

"You have some nerve trying to confront us so openly." one samurai mentioned, his sword hand ready to draw "We simply wish to offer you an invitation to our village…" several snorts "An invitation via two squads of Anbu…? Sure, sounds wonderful." one of the shinobi escorts, his hand on his tanto "The neutral lands will not take this lightly." only for a blade to reach his neck "They won't hear anything about it." The Anbu states causing the others to chuckle "You will regret this." The red head declared "Just come quietly." The others enclosing on them before the White Cloud forces leap offensively and blades clash.

Kakashi barely dodged as a blade bisects his mask revealed the leaf plate partially. The swordsmen response was confusing for the sharigan user "Just as we suspected." a nod before the entire group puffed away in clouds of smoke. It took a moment. Several in fact before it hit them "Tsk; Shadow Clones."

Land of Rivers; Port Jakra

Naruto sat on the Hidden Mist vessel when the clones all dispersed and he gained their memories. He blinked once, twice "Oh… and the winner is Karin. It was Leaf Anbu." He announced and many bills filled said kunoichi's outstretched hand, a smug grin upon her face.

The ship continued to leave the port, sailing on beyond the reach of the Hidden Leaf force. Snorts from the group of White Cloud people chuckled on the wake of their escape.

After securing her winnings, Karin approaches her clans' men with a soft smile as he leans on the edge railing, the man looking out at the flowing ocean waves "You know, we haven't had time to chat like we used to, ya know."

"We've gotten so many requests these days." Naruto sighs without breaking eye contact away from the horizon "We've been all over the place…" finally his blue meets her red "…you too, have just gotten back from the hospital construction in Wave and now were going to Mist."

"This is what we signed up for thought…" Karin states as she lowers her head into her folded arms "…we even managed to find our lost clansmen."

"That we did." Naruto nods with a soft smile "Saved the world from mad Uchiha Ghosts."

"That we did."

"Ended the civil war in the Land of Water."

"That we did."

"We've done so much." She continued before glancing at him "Any one of them could be considered a life time achievement award." Naruto chucked to which she joined in with. A sigh from him "We should retire." A snort from her snapped his attention "…and do what? Rebuild the clan?" this time it was his time to snort "Yeah, that'll get old real quick." Earning a raised eyebrow from his fellows' clansmen "What's that supposed to mean?"

"We already have five new clansmen and all the paperwork already…" he shuddered. She snorted at that as they fall into companionable silence.

That night Naruto sat on the edge of his hammock within his quarters pondering how things have turned out. How after his banishment he travelled home, Uzushasho and met with the ghosts of his clan elders. Received the training he should have had years earlier, and then his promise to them to restore the clans honour and bring back the name of the clan into the history books. They bestowed upon him the name of Uzukage but upon his insistence, they allowed him to pass it off to the next generation as he himself didn't exactly feel worthy of such a title. They disagreed however they held their tongues of protest. His musing were cut short with the knock on the door "Yeah." Glancing up to see Karin step in, closing the door behind silently "Can we talk?"

"Sure." Gesturing to the lone seat in the small cabin "I wanted to ask you why you refused to be called clan head?"

"I already told you…"

"You know you can't lie to me, right?" Karin looking him dead in the eyes, unflinchingly and with a stern visage. He sighs hard, head in hand as he ponders his past "I know…" he finally produces "…but after I was kicked out of Konoha… I'm not the leader type." She snorts at that gaining his attention as she sat back, arms and leg folded "That's bullshit, and you know it…" his protest died upon her glare "…you may claim that Nagato is the leader, Konan too, but it is clear as day to everyone that none of this would have been possible without you." Her legs swap over "You are our leader… both the clan and Dawn. We've long since accepted that." Her glare softens "Why can't you?"

"I'm a wanted man who is desperate to protect my family, clan, and friends." Naruto snapped at her, it shocked her but she did not let that show "So many what if scenarios' constantly plague me. The fact that I, as a half blood and carrier of the fox means that…"

"Like that matters…" Karin scoffs at his flimsy response "…you are Uzumaki. That half-blood crap is your attempt at disqualifying yourself and quite frankly getting on everyone's nerves. We don't exactly have the numbers where those things matter, and even still…" Naruto just listened as she somehow read him like an open book, then again, she always had "We are family. A clan; regardless of what you say or want, as clan head you need to…"

"I get it." He sighs out finally meeting her eyes "I'll talk to Kin when we get back." Karin nodded, accepting his decision that wasn't really needed but whatever "Okay. Now on to why I actually came here…" Naruto's hanging head snapped up at her, incredulous look upon his face "You mean…"
"I wanted to…"

Land of Water; Hidden Village of Mist

The White Dawn group arrive at the Village hidden in the mist, met at the gate by the Mizukage, Mei Terumi "Welcome to the Hidden Mist village, Commander Uzumaki."
"Thank you, Lady Mizukage." Naruto responded with a salute, "Come, we have much to discuss." the party move through the village with many looking at them in awe upon spotting their white decaled armour plating.

The members of the White Dawn held their heads high, Ino who was walking close to the centre of the group, her new uniform was reminiscent of Naruto's but her narrow katana was on her back. This was a sign to the others that she had only finished the basic level within the White Dawn training she had undergone. The more proficient weapon users of the group knew this, kept an eye on her as Naruto had informed them all of her status.

Land of Water; Hidden Mist Council

Mei leads the group into the council chamber with them all standing "Lady Mizukage." and she waved them off as she took her seat at the head of the table "Well, let's get this dealt with."
"Let's." Naruto taking a seat before them all "So, I hear that you want to induct a portion of your forces within our own, with the ability to poach our own. Am I correct?" to which they all nod "Well seeing as that's the opening offer, I can only adjust it as our training methods aren't to be understated." Naruto with his firm visage and Karin, who was at his side dubbed it his 'Commander mode.' affectionately.

Steeping his fingers, eyes narrowed, "So, what are you offering my forces?" this demeanour change did not go unnoticed by the other rooms occupants, and the whole mood shifted accordingly. Karin and Ino stone faced at his sides, the former presenting the paperwork this far "Well…"

Hidden Leaf; Hokage Office

"What the hell do you mean, they got away?" Tsunade with a growing tick mark, eyebrow twitching "Well…" Kakashi mutters , "…we managed to track them through River Country. Though…" a shrug from the Anbu Captain, his team motionless statues. "They managed to give us slip."
"…how…?" the Hokage questioned with a raised eyebrow "We don't really know."
"You don't know?"
"We don't. We found a group of shadow clones." Kakashi reported somewhat sheepishly. The Hokage sighs heavily, rubbing her temples exasperatedly, "Fine. Did you at least get an identification on the group?" negative head shakes.

Land of Water; Hidden Mist Council

"You drive a hard bargain…" Mei Terumi states through her interlocking fingers "…can we not pay you at thirty percent in place of forty, and have a reduction of the samurai conscripts with Anbu level training for three teams." Naruto ponders this, taking a paper from Karin absent mindedly looking over the current training roster who shook his head "No. We can't do that. Though, we can train two Anbu teams alone in four weeks." he states "…but at forty…" pausing as Karin whispered in his ear to which he nods at "…perhaps at thirty percent."

This caused Mei to tighten her lips, it was a good counter offer and it would allow them to increase their strength faster but with only two teams "…how about one team and two squadrons of samurai?" she had to include the samurai as their Daimyo' was rather persistent in the upgraded to his personal guard. A slight sigh escaped her delicate lips.

Naruto on the other hand pondered this returned offer, glancing back at the training schedule, he swirls the idea around before looking back at the book "Let me check with…" yet again, Karin came through with another book "Swiped it from Larne." she whispered and he smiled "I owe you for one." a moment of him looking through what appeared to be a dairy, a nod later "Yeah, we can do that?"

A collective sigh of relief from the mist council, "Very well." Mei states as the document was drawn up while the White Dawn contingent packed up their documentations, sealing scrolls in heavy usage. Ino re-read the documentation ensuring it matched the discussions, Karin triple checking afterwards and the two department commanders signed it alongside the Mizukage and Anbu commander.

As handshakes were shared and smiles exchanged, Ino watched as Naruto easily wooed the diplomats and shinobi. She watched as he deflect the affections of the Mizukage with freighting efficiency, the many suck ups were redirected, and finally his smile seemed to dazzle the remaining kunoichi. She felt somewhat out of place, her friend seemed to have overcome his social skill issues but before she could think harder on it "…and this is my newest diplomatic envoy, Ino Yamanaka and my childhood friend." Naruto's voice dragged her back to the room, that was now looking at her "Uh…?"

Karin had to smother her chuckle at the swift redirection her cousin just pulled off. As he stepped beside her both grin "…should keep her busy with paperwork, huh?"
"It should." The red head chuckled at that, "So, are you sure of that decision? Giving her a position beside you?" jovial tone had vanished growing serious. Naruto matched it and a fierce glare "You don't want her, Tay didn't, I wouldn't want her near Larne and I doubt uncle would either."
"So what…? You are taking her on then?" Karin snipped to which he nodded "It was my idea to bring her in, turn her on her own, and so I'll take responsibility." Naruto informs as the crowd begins to thin out, Ino clearly flushed at the sudden attention. The two Uzumaki notice their fellows were all smirking, catching on to the grand scheme their commander had cooked up.

Naruto stretching out and yawning, much to the hidden amusement of his cousin with him, "Guess we should get to the Inn. Rest up."
"Someone seems eager." Karin grins causing Naruto to glare, "What?" she blinks innocently, not fooling anyone as be growled "Do not start with me, Karin…" he slips into the old Uzumaki tongue, confusing everyone as none where aware that the Uzumaki had their own language "Don't be so hesitant, Naru-koi. Remember our talk on the bridge…? The talk on ship?"

"Naruto…?" spoke Ino approaching the duo, gaining them both Uzumaki clan members attention "What is it?" Naruto snipped clearly annoyed "What was that language you were speaking? I didn't understand a word of it."
"Are you going to tell?" Karin questioned gaining the blondes attention "Don't worry about it." Naruto waving her off, the red head blowing him a raspberry earning a glare from the blond "Let's get to the Inn. I wana nap, and food – hope they have ramen." earning chuckles from the group as he moves off. The others follow suit but Ino looks on with narrowed eyes, as the thought of a clan language wasn't unheard of it was surprising as the leaf has no knowledge of such information in regards to the clan. Filing it away for later, she followed after the leaving group.

Land of Water; Hidden Mist Village

The following day Naruto yawns as he reaches the gate, his team already there "G'morning all…" stretching as he stumbled before them "Morning sleepyhead." Mei chuckles as Karin attacks his bedhead, trying to clean it up to no avail "Well, thankfully these negotiations have wrapped up rather quickly."
"Indeed." Mei shaking his hand "This was most expedient for an agreement."

"We Ame to please…" Karin jokes causing the White Dawn members looked blank faced at her, she was not ashamed, "Anyway…" pulling his glare from his proud cousin "…we'll bring the shinobi passports the week before their training." Naruto informs causing the woman in charge of the Hidden Mist village to nod "I'll be sure to make sure the samurai conscripts are here on time."

"No refunds after the ink has dried." Karin states with a smug grin earning chuckles from her own, Mei sweat drops whilst thinking about how expensive this was going to be.

The team left with smiles and waves over their shoulders, disappearing into the mist.; Ino watched Karin and Naruto talking quietly in a language she didn't recognise. The same one they used earlier. As the naturally curious as she was intrigued by it, but not only to discover what they were speaking but also to able communicate with them without unintended ears listening in.

That was a problem for later as she fell into companionable chatter among the group, seamlessly melding into the group as she unknowingly began to subconsciously and morally align with them. She was completely unaware of the two smirking Uzumaki, smirking knowingly at one another.

Land of Water; South Sea

"The open sea again, huh…?" Ino appearing beside Naruto who himself was leaning back against the rail that seemed to be his spot, regardless of which ship they were on, his golden locks flowing in the wind. "Yeah… we travel a lot…" Naruto shrugged with a large smile "…though, the sea is always a common favourite." Ino didn't realise how much she was blushing at the sight of the long haired blond, well built man who was a leading head of the group mercenaries.

Naruto noticed her distant gaze and chuckled to himself, over her shoulder he noticed the hand signal performed by the others, laughing at the lack of awareness of the former leaf nin and how predictive she was being. Karin especially had a wicked smile on her face, it was going exactly as she planned. Man, she was so good at this seduction game it was ridiculous.

A dark chuckle slipped through her lips, it was reminiscent of her former bosses, and many people stepped away from her. She was incredibly prideful of this plan she came up with. Chuckle turning to a deep cackle beneath her breath.

That night the ship was jolted, that awoke the snoozing Uzumaki aboard as a sunken feeling fills their guts, and the crew rushed to action. By the time Ino had made it up topside, White Dawn members helping reeling in the sails in gale force winds. The hurricane came in suddenly and swiftly, the ship was fighting against the storm, yet none feared the rising tide.

Yet as Ino struggled to stay a foot, she knew something was wrong when she noticed Karin yelling at Naruto in that strange language again. He yelled at another Uzumaki, if their red hair was to go by, who nodded and yelled back while jumping up and down whilst tying down the white sail.

But just as she feared, a massive beast erupted from the massive swells that surrounded the vessel. Naruto yelled again before being replaced by another sailor, and rushing towards the edge going through hand signs along with Karin and another "Lightning style; Thunder rain." Karin called, "Wind style; Gale shot." Naruto called "Uzumaki style; Maelstrom!" another Uzumaki yelled and the combined jutsu blasted the beast but unfortunately, it only forced it back.

A mighty roar shook the wooden vessel, panic settling in among the crew but as Naruto was, Naruto does and managed to calm everyone down by borrowing his old sensei's words "Do not worry! I will never allow my friends to die." with his goofy smile. Karin notices his tensing muscles and knew he was about to do something characteristically stupid. Before she could voice her objection, he blasted off the deck, spiralling sphere of water and lightning in hand, meeting the leviathan's high speed blast jet of water directly. "Uzumaki style; Uzu-rasengan!"

The two attacks collide, but to everyone's surprise, the water jet was blasted apart in six streams narrowly missing the ship, with some aboard ducking out of instinct. The ball of chakra continued on forward, pushing the parting streams further away from the ship, while its owner followed it in with a battle cry full of confidence in his strength to protect.

Boom.

Yanked back by a chakra chain, Naruto was pulled through the smoke that stuck to him, a smirk upon his face as the beast fall backwards. Smoking bellowed from its mouth as it fell back to the ocean. Landing on the edge of the ship, victory fingers up and that stupid smile upon his face. Karin rolled her eyes at that but with a smile, she and the others turn away just as a tentacle wrapped around his ankle, "…yelp…" was heard and before they knew anything, Naruto was gone. Splash.

Everyone ran to the edge but there was nothing. Karin could only watch as Naruto's signature continued to get further and further away "NARUTO!"

Unknown location

"Hey…! Down there…!"

"A man…? We should…"

"Come! Sāra-sama will know…"

"Are you sure…?"

"…"

Naruto awakes in a tent, yep definitely a tent, light tan leather roof and a soft bed beneath him. A glance around showed that the floor was cloth flooring but noticed sand here and there. Sitting up, he looks around more intensely and noticed the low wooden draws on the right, a tall cabinet on his left, that allowed the man to notice the glint of steel within.

Looking down at himself, his clothes had been removed, his shirt was absent but his boxers remained. Glancing around he noticed signs of used medical stuffs which reminds him of the last moments of consciousness he had, fighting off that leviathan with a odama resengan; tends to fix most his problems he muses.

A few minutes after retrieving the clothes he found in the low draws, suspiciously his size, he insects these new threads in the full length mirror beside the bed. A white t-shirt bearing a somewhat familiar sigel, though he can't recall where it why it felt so, beneath a sandy white loose overcoat that matched the cream weapons pouch, cargo trousers, and sandals. The kunai were ceramic white, along with his fingerless plated gloves that took held the sigel on the back of the hands. Medical tape secured any loose clothing. All in all he felt ready for what he presumed was a desert climate.

"You look well." A voice startling him, spinning round with kunai in hand to see a woman before him that had long red hair with spiky bangs on her forehead, wisen red eyes, and skin that was surprisingly fair though a few stress marks could be seen. What through Naruto through a loop, however, was that her smile seemed to stir something within him, unaware that a certain chakra construct had noticed this and smirked. A brief pulse of it's hyper dense chakra through the boys system, concentrating in his brain broke something and a torrential of memories swiftly assaulted his mind as if one of his clones just popped.

"It's been so long…" her smile widened upon seeing the recollection play across his eyes "…hasn't it Naruto." Those last words were lost on the man as he pulled her into a firm hug, one she had dearly missed and the chest that helped forge her into the leader she was today "…Sāra!"

A/N: I haven't forgotten about this. Already halfway through the next chapter.