Wonders occurred. The impossible always snuck its way into reality. It didn't always happen, but when it did, it was like a sweet aroma, flowing from the heavens. The Sandaime Raikage had fought over ten thousand shinobi alone. That was a miraculous feat never repeated by anyone—Ai couldn't even imagine taking on half of that.
Since its founding and participation in all three Wars, the Leaf has remained powerful, producing shinobi that none could compete with. It was an unnatural seeding that had always made A envious, to the point where the Leaf was at a weak point, he thought to take advantage of it and rob the village of one of its treasures. Civilians called it an unnatural blessing. A scoffed it off, however. There was nothing miraculous about the Leaf's power. It was just a natural consequence flowing from some of the most powerful clans joining hands.
Kirigakure had been a well of bloodlines, and some of them craved even just one. Kumo's only comfort was that it had a large military force, and its two Jinchuriki controlled their powers perfectly. He would boast about being the fastest man alive. But, that was it. It was all normal. Something even a child could comprehend.
"How is this even possible?" C's jaw nearly dropped to the ground in disbelief.
The Leaf was supposed to be an indestructible force of nature. It had Uchiha who folded Bijuu all shinobi viewed as pinnacles of power. How many of the Leaf's Kage have been hailed as God's of Shinobi? Old as he was, the Sandaime Hokage still held the title. The Uchiha's power reigned so supreme C often had sleepless nights just thinking of an unfortunate event all that destructive power was turned toward his beloved Cloud village.
The tales of Itachi destroying Sunagakure with a single swing of his Susanoo's blade reached the Cloud with much exaggeration. Some made it as if a God had materialized and with a lazy wave of his hand, a powerful gust of wind had uprooted the foundations of Suna. While they deciphered what was true or fiction, Naruto bent Iwagakure to its knees.
Those two, just the two of them. Two damn shinobi had made the Leaf invincible.
Yet, despite all that power, despite that godly power, Konoha was in ruins. The once proud Great Nation looked like a battle zone, with large boulders pressed down on buildings. Even the Hokage tower was not spared. It seemed like it had rained rocks. Perhaps as a punishment from the heavens.
"Raikage-sama." The Sandaime Hokage greeted the two with a warm smile. As he walked over the village wall, hands folded on his back, two ANBU followed him from behind.
"Sandaime." A's voice was flat, still shocked at what he was seeing.
Hiruzen stopped a foot away from the Raikage and let out a heavy sigh. He stared at the village with a sorrowful expression. "We lost a few good men, and civilians."
'A few good men?' That was nothing disastrous. The devil apparently always found a way to survive. "What the hell happened?" He demanded, staring at the Third Hokage. "Did the Uchiha turn on you?" The Raikage didn't hide his glee at the idea.
Hiruzen's grim expression softened and he chuckled. He lifted his right hand, stroking his beard in silence. Once he was certain that impatience was starting to creep into the Raikage, he replied.
"Konoha might have been in a far worse condition. No, there might not have been Konoha at all. It was in fact an Uchiha who saved us."
"Who did this?"
"You're technically correct, an Uchiha turned on us." Hiruzen said in a serious tone.
"Naruto?" A blurted out. "Is he working with the Uchiha who attacked our village?!" He'd fully turned to face the Sandaime with a full glare.
"Calm down." Hiruzen said in a soothing tone.
"Don't tell me to calm down!" The Raikage shouted angrily. "An Uchiha attacked my village and took one of my Jinchuriki. I don't care what state your village is in, but I want answers!"
It was no wonder that the Leaf and Cloud never got along. The Raikage was like a raging bulldog; a marauding wild animal that would destroy anything, to achieve its objective.
"There are powerful chakra signatures in the village, Raikage-sama," C said to his Kage in a measured tone. "There is a similar chakra to the one in the battlefield. It could have been another Uchiha."
"A sensory type, huh?" The Sandaime said under his breath. "We don't know how, but Uchiha Madara returned from the dead and attacked this village. This happened because of him," Hiruzen said, pointing at the destruction. "I suppose that was before he came to your village. Naruto must have battled him after then."
Madara? The legendary shinobi who could fight Hashirama? I wasn't naive enough to believe there has ever been a Raikage who could match the powers of the Shodai Hokage. The man's power was absolute, he was a true monster. Madara fell along the lines. History was often exaggerated, but Madara was true. And the Sandaime was saying Naruto fought that man. If he was here, it meant he won. Naruto won against a myth?
A burst into a hollow laugh. The joy he felt seeing Konoha destroyed disappeared. Nothing was gone. Buildings would be rebuilt. The monsters were still alive, and now, more frightening than ever before.
A had never been religious. He didn't believe in God. He believed in his raw power and that of his shinobi. Yet, in that moment, he became a believer. He made a silent prayer, for lightning to strike the Leaf and smite all the Uchiha. Silence greeted his prayers. Had his wishes come true, A would have turned into a monk.
There was an emotion in his heart that was stirred. Was it fear or discomfort? Whatever it was, he hated it. He hated Konoha. Kirigakure was in the Leaf's pocket and Iwagakure had recently knelt before the might of the Leaf. He had no one in his corner. If the Leaf decided, the Cloud could cease to exist.
A balled his fist, and stared down at the Leaf. He cursed the day his plot to obtain the Byakugan failed. He cursed the day he dismissed Naruto as a threat. He should have slaughtered the Uchiha when they came to the Cloud for a diplomatic mission.
"I want my Jinchuriki and assurances that Konoha will not attack us!" The Raikage suddenly demanded. While he was at it, he decided to be greedy. "Control over Iwagakure should even be given to us. The Cloud is alone!"
Hiruzen sympathized with the Raikage. Even he would have similar reservations. Konoha's power was absolute at the moment. History had shown that no village was loyal to its agreements but rather, to its whims.
"I have stepped down as Hokage. Itachi became my successor. You'll speak with him." Hiruzen announced. "Come, let me show the way."
This was bad. There was no balance of power. The scales heavily favored the Leaf. In the circumstances, the Cloud was no different from a small village in the eyes of Konoha. It was a hard-hitting fact that made him resentful. And fearful.
Ai didn't know what to make of the announcement. It wasn't a disaster in the making. Intel would suggest Itachi was easy to deal with. He was, however, not the aged Hiruzen. That represented a change in direction, a new angle he had to attack. If he'd been walking with the Third, he now had to slither around with caution. Freaks of nature, why did things even come to this?
They leapt down to the streets. Some civilians trotted about with indifference. Some with dark clouds over their heads. The general atmosphere, however, wasn't one of gloom and doom. The stars still shone brightly above the Leaf. The spirit of the village was not broken. Shinobi walked with confidence, some even with indifference to his presence. It was insulting. They faced what would be a disaster to normal people, and the presence of another Kage should bring shame. Yet, they treated it with an air of nonchalance, as if he could do nothing.
The Cloud had truly fallen. He'd once threatened war if the Leaf didn't give him the head of the Hyuga leader. And he'd been fairly confident he would strip the Leaf if it decided to dare him.
"It seems you were fortunate." A lamented.
Hiruzen didn't mind the Raikage's ill-will. He understood the bitterness. "Not a way I wanted to go, but despite what power you hold, there will always be surprises. We were fortunate Madara didn't truly intend to destroy the village."
Now, A understood why the Third said the Leaf may have been in a far worse condition had things been different. It offered him no sense of comfort. In fact, it just steered his heart into the embrace of misery and wishful thinking.
The Hokage Tower was being built anew. Next to it, a wooden house was erected. It was a small place, maybe with two or three rooms.
"The Godaime Hokage is in there." Hiruzen announced, pointing at the wooden house.
"You're not coming?" A asked with narrowed eyes.
Hiruzen shook his head. "I have retired. The Godaime will handle everything as is his duty."
A glared at the old man, who responded with a smile. "Does he know everything?"
"Of course. But how he takes things forward, is up to him. He controls the Leaf."
It was up to Itachi how he shaped the Leaf. The Hokage had that absolute power. Hiruzen didn't worry the Uchiha would drag them into further chaos. If anything, Itachi would ensure there was peace. He was, after all, a pacifist.
As soon as A registered the Sandaime's words, he lost interest in talking to the old man. His attention went straight to the building in front of him. Without warning, he ventured forward.
The first room was crowded with shinobi, pushing papers and speaking loudly. At his presence, silence swept through the room, and even the flies stopped mid-air. Time seemed to have been frozen. It only moved when a masked man materialized in front of the Cloud pair.
"Raikage-sama. The Hokage is awaiting you. Please follow me." And then, the papers shuffled, and loud tones slowly went back up, as if a lowered volume was being slowly turned up.
A and C followed the masked man. Neither could make out what the shinobi were saying.
Itachi was sitting behind a huge desk, hidden behind multiple stacks of scribbled sheets of paper. He stood up, looking as if he hadn't slept in days. She frowned at the unreadable expression behind the Uchiha.
As the Uchiha slowly walked from his desk, dark thoughts invaded the Raikage's mind. In a flash, he could attack Itachi and kill him. It didn't matter if he died in the end. There were two monsters, and if he sent one to the afterlife, everyone else could get rid of the other. He quickly subjected the thoughts to contempt. There was just no practicality in him pulling it off. The Cloud would even be in a far worse position.
"Please join me, Raikage-sama." Itachi's voice had no emotion, but there was a hint of informality.
A glared for a second and then walked up to the Uchiha. There was a small round table and three chairs within the room. A sat across from Itachi and placed his hands on the table. C stood dutifully behind him. Itachi remained unguarded. But, those crimson eyes of his created a huge shadow behind him.
"After destroying what remained of Suna, Madara must have come to your village." Itachi went straight into the subject at hand.
It was a pity, but Itachi had heard there were survivors. But that was not the issue at hand. The Raikage wouldn't have come here unless one of his Jinchuriki was taken. Naruto made no mention of it. But that was hardly surprising.
The powerful cards were on his table, but political maneuverings were far from him. It wasn't even given that the people in the Fire Capital would listen to him. The revelations about the Uchiha's past sins surely tempered some relations one may have considered solid.
"We came here following the trail of a huge battle. We have now learned it was between Naruto and Madara." A paused, watching Itachi like a hawk. Frustratingly, the Uchiha was stone faced. A thought he didn't even blink. "What we demand is the return of our Jinchuriki or compensation to the same level."
Itachi raised an eyebrow. The man was in a weak position, yet refused to step off the pedestal. He was making demands. What could he do if Itachi refused? There was no threat of war. The Cloud had no allies. It was a lone figure in this jungle that devoured the weak, favoring the strong. The Cloud could only be destroyed if it attempted to wrestle against the Leaf.
Now, Itachi had no desire for more blood. Enough had been shed. History would not favor them if they simply shed blood to solve all problems. In the same breath, he wasn't about to fold for the sake of parity.
"Raikage-sama," Itachi started in a firm tone. "You should consider your words carefully. We haven't established anything, yet you make demands of me."
A scoffed and pointed a finger straight at Itachi. His tone was filled with aggression as he spoke. "Madara was your clan head. You're ultimately responsible for his actions!" He shouted.
It was one of those rare moments when Itachi smiled. It was a thin smile, which quickly disappeared. Even Naruto would have been amused by the Raikage's assertion.
"Since when are villages responsible for the actions of rogue shinobi? Not to mention, you've seen what Madara has done to Konoha, and you still speak like that?" Itachi never raised his voice.
"I don't care!" A shouted, slamming his fist into the small table. The wood cracked under the pressure. "Naruto fought him, he must know. If you return my Jinchuriki, we won't have any problems!"
Itachi glanced at the man behind the Raikage. Perhaps he expected some help, but none was forthcoming. He shook his head with disappointment. "Konoha and the Cloud still have much to discuss regarding our alliance. I figured you'd be more amenable to discuss things cordially."
The chairs seemed to squirm with duress. The air became unbearably hot. One wrong action, and a nuclear bomb would go off, shaking the far lands of the Lightning country. The Raikage was keenly aware and calmed himself.
C audibly heaved a heavy sigh. His heart slowed down. It had been violently shaking, as if it could be detected by dangerous levels of radiation. He was glad things didn't escalate. He believed that despite his aggressive attitude, his leader was aware of his position. He was just not the one who would fold to his knees. A was a man who'd rather die proudly standing than shamefully on his knees.
"I simply want Yugito returned to me." He said in a calm tone.
"And I will help you with that. We have no desire to cripple the Cloud's power. We are aware that our power will make some things uncomfortable, and no matter how carefully we act, we will never dispel the suspicion."
It was human nature to always be wary of powers beyond them. The Cloud was a Great Nation. Its existence and prosperity would always be the priority of its leader. If there was a power that could threaten that existence, it would be treated with caution and suspicion.
"If you understood, you'd give us your bloodline to soothe our worries." A said shamelessly with a straight face.
"That's simply not possible." Itachi said in a flat tone.
"You wouldn't even consider the thought?"
"There is nothing to consider." Itachi replied with a slight shrug of his shoulder.
As if on cue, Naruto walked into the office. C froze from where he stood. The amount of chakra hidden within the Uchiha was just terrifying. He may as well be staring at a Bijuu. How was it possible for a single human to possess this much chakra? It defied all reason. But then again, the things he had done were incomprehensible.
"Well, it looks like the battle cost something." Having turned around to face the Uchiha, A spoke with a wide smile.
Naruto displayed a level of nonchalance that irked A. He didn't even say anything until he settled down besides the two Kage. "This is minor. It can be solved."
The words were like a pin to a balloon, popped up with air. A's smile slipped, and coldness settled. He wasn't given any reason to smile. Why was this day being so cruel? It hinted at happiness, and when he rushed to grab, he was stung.
Looking at the Uchiha up this close, he seemed like a man reborn. The aura surrounding him didn't make his skin crawl. He was dangerous, but something seemed off. It bothered A, but he dared not give himself away. Besides, there were other matters of life and death.
"How did you even survive the battle with a man like Madara?" A asked, staring at Naruto.
"A trick up my sleeve. I'll admit, he was much stronger than me. But power is not always the determining factor of victory."
A rolled his eyes. "Coming from a man who merely bulldozes his way through any battle."
Naruto smiled. "There are battles you know you can win. In such battles, it's unnecessary to be strategic..." he said.
"It would have been better if you'd died in battle. Some of us would have had a much better time." A said in a flat tone. "If we asked, would you consider dying for the sake of peace?"
It was simply amazing that the Raikage would ask that, and with the seriousness of a man bargaining for his life. "Is there no peace?" He asked the man. "Is the discomfort not only in your heart?"
"Does it matter?"
"Yes." Naruto said with a nod of his head. "You shouldn't be thinking about Yugito. She is dead. The issue is finding where the Bijuu is located after Madara ripped out of her."
He knew where, but he wasn't going to let out the secret of the Gedo Mazo. Besides, this was a good bargaining chip. It was unnecessary to possess. But politics was a fun game when you could play different cards.
"But you need not worry. I'll find it and return it to you. You'll just have to prepare someone to be a Jinchuriki in the meantime."
A was silent. He couldn't simply trust the words of the Uchiha. But Naruto had captured the Bijuu of Kiri and given them away. He dismissed their powers as nothing. How many had died in the race for Bijuu power? It was like when Hashirama wanted to freely give them away when all had failed to even capture just one.
"And if you don't?"
"A Bijuu cannot hide in this world, Raikage-sama." It was Itachi who replied. "Are we settled on this issue?"
A fell silent once more. He wanted to press, but he was powerless. Nothing he said would change things. There was even the danger of more utterances just making things complicated for the Cloud. For now, he could accept things.
"I'll stay the night and depart tomorrow. In the morning, we will discuss our alliance going forward."
Itachi accepted this, also noting the Mizukage's presence. They were the only Kage remaining. It would be a good moment to lay the foundations for future meetings between the two of them. He ushered the Raikage outside and had someone walk them to a hotel to rest.
Itachi glanced up from his desk, through the mountains of paperwork he had to read and approve. He sighed deeply and leaned on his chair, with his eyes shut.
He'd come to learn that the Hokage truly had a stronghold on every little thing happening in the village. The work was more. He didn't remember the last time he was home. He remembered Izumi complaining. Sasuke had stormed out of the office earlier in the morning, pouting like a five-year-old. His mother expressed concern for him. But work demanded that he remained rooted to his chair.
There were too many problems at once. He had to tie down Kirigakure. Pakura's village had vanished. Iwagakure posed a headache he wanted quietened. And now, the biggest problem had strolled out of his office. At least, things seemed amiable enough.
"What is going on?" He asked Naruto, and stared at the ceiling.
From where he sat, Naruto smiled. "Aren't you the Hokage. You should make order of things."
"I can't control everything. And I'm not going to show any disagreements in front of a man who'd no doubt try to take advantage of it." Itachi replied in a flat tone. "Besides, I want to know your thoughts. You surely know where the Bijuu is."
The Raikage was predictable enough. As long as he remained leader, the Cloud would be easy to deal with. Power was the only thing that mattered to that man. He didn't care for Konoha or any alliance. He was merely doing it because he had no other move to protect the Cloud.
Naruto surely knew this much and would try to adjust things to suit his ends. Itachi shifted his head and faced his clan head. "Tell me, what are you planning?"
Working with Itachi was always going to be easy. Naruto was not too greedy to go away with undermining Itachi's authority. Such a move would be a disaster. "You're okay with the Raikage because he is predictable. But you must know, he'll be doing everything in his power to match our power. Even if we're not going to be dictators, the future of the shinobi world will be dictated by the Leaf. Once he attains that power, he'll challenge the status quo and conflict will arise."
"His successor is much more measured than that." Itachi replied in a measured tone. "The Raikage will not rule forever."
Naruto smiled. "Darui, huh?" It was something he hadn't looked at. "I'll have the Bijuu returned. It will be sealed into someone closer to either Darui or the Raikage. That's a good thing. You can even give them our Jinchuriki. As a peace offering."
Naruto had loathed scheming, but that he was capable of it had never been in question. Itachi would rather his clan continue to loathe it. But he realized, the situation was changing. Power had been on display. The enemies were paralyzed, if they hadn't been wiped out of existence. Politics would be at play.
"You want to give him some comfort and ensure he doesn't do drastic things. But even if he does, will you know? You've highlighted that the Jinchuriki will be close to those in power..."
"Bijuu remain conscious and can communicate. Depending on the circumstances, they'll see what the host sees. We don't have to do something as tedious and risky as getting the Jinchuriki to send us letters. He doesn't even have to know anything. Bijuu can communicate through telepathy. It's a simple matter of getting a Jinchuriki within range and leaving the communication to the Bijuu."
There would be no trace of such a conversation. With the Jinchuriki unaware, nothing would be discovered. On their part, it would be a closely guarded secret. This was much better than leaving A unattended and risking conflict in the near future.
"Which Jinchuriki would we use?" Itachi asked.
"Anyone from the Iwagakure."
"Let me carry this out. It will take time to do, won't it?"
Naruto raised an eye brow. "Oh, you want to take some responsibility?"
"I am the Hokage. I'd rather you be more focused on the Military Police Force."
Naruto had no problem with it. Itachi would be Hokage for a long time. It was better to have such a good relationship with his clansmen. Conflict would make Itachi consider quitting and then appoint someone else as Hokage. Naruto didn't need that kind of change at the moment.
"We're setting up nicely," Naruto said with a small smile. "But the Uchiha's situation is not going to change if you don't go home to be with Izumi."
Itachi was silent. Her complaints had been loud. But for reasons different from Naruto's. Either way, he knew what was demanded of him. Hokage, but still Uchiha. It would only bring shame if Uchiha became extinct while he was Hokage.
"There's a lot to do with the rebuilding. Once we get through this phase, things will change."
Naruto nodded and then stood up. "Make your father proud…"
Training Ground 44
Daiki looked at the twelve men behind him and grinned. The first assignment outside the Leaf was bestowed upon him. The Wave Country awaited them. He would have been much happier if Naruto was here to wish them well. But the unsmiling Riku was present.
It was an honor. They'd trained hard for these kinds of roles. He'd be much happier even if the deployment was permanent. He could always return to the Leaf every now and then. He had no family—nobody would miss him.
"Duties are as assigned. You're to do nothing aside from what you have been instructed to do." Riku spoke in a crisp tone.
"We understand."
"Even if people come to complain to you about something, don't get involved in politics. You are there to maintain order, nothing less and nothing more."
"If the Leader begs us?"
"Do nothing. We don't want to take missions from regular shinobi. You must only do so when there is authorization. You'll have some discretion, but not always."
"Understood."
Riku stared past Daiki and at the men behind. "You are expected to behave as you were trained." He mentioned no threats, but it was there. They all knew.
"Hai!"
"Go your way. Once you have settled, report to us. We also expect weekly reports. Do not forget, if any of you want to return home, make a request, and we will send someone over. If you want your families with you, let your captain know, and arrangements will be made. We have procured a big place to house all of you."
Riku settled on the rooftop of the academy building and then stared into the clear skies. Not long ago, it had reigned meteorites. What a dreadful day that had been. He could only imagine those who had been present must have considered it to be the end of the Leaf. Itachi did well. And so did Kakashi—may his soul rest in peace. He was a fine shinobi. A man of honor.
It was time for the Uchiha now. How happy Fugaku would have been that his son became Hokage. It was fitting. The Uchiha would no longer be controlled. Of course, the game of politics would be played in all corners. Enemies' envy would be lurking in all alleys, waiting to pounce on any little slip. And if they did, they would be punished.
Power, they had regained. Their situation was staring to resemble the balance of their power. Their numbers, however, were starting to worry him deeply. Just one loss and he felt as if they'd lost ten men. They were one minor disaster away from extinction. It was a good thing there were more women and than men. After all, it had been men who died under the orders of the Leaf. One wife was not enough. Two had to be the minimum. The perfect marriage could take a backseat, for the sake of the clan's future.
"Now this is a rare sight."
Without even looking, Riku's eyes narrowed toward the man standing on his right: Three. He didn't hate the man, but he wouldn't say he liked him. He had no interest in befriending him. Even if the former tried to be friendly. Kouseki was all jolly. But fitting for his personality.
"You got something for me?"
"The Intelligence network."
Another important task, which Naruto had felt necessary to leave to his former Anbu comrades, was handling the Uchiha. Riku would not begrudge their work ethic. Three and White worked hard, but they were not Uchiha.
"We established a number of civilians throughout the Fire Country. I'll hand you over the files and how to approach them."
"What of Military Police?"
"The members will make up for the supply of information. We'll receive two reports—one from the captain and one from someone on the ground. It gives perspective. Those intelligence reports will be directed to you. And you will decide how the information is spread."
Three stared down at Riku. "I understand the Uchiha might have their own Agenda."
Riku stared sharply and Three just raised both his hands with a disarming smile. Riku however, was not disarmed.
"We understand the situation and know we're outsiders. On interesting things, we'll keep you informed." His smile widened. "Of course, such will be off the record."
Riku wasn't going to say anything. "Your base of operations won't be at Military Police Force HQ. It will be here... right under the academy. And it must remain a secret."
"Not even some members of your clan know?"
"No."
"Curious eyes of the Byakugan?"
"There are measures against that."
Later that day
Long past were the dark and broody days when he watched the dark alleys like an owl, stalking its prey. Those days had their moments, the good and the bad. But it had been a service he'd cherished. Then again, his whole life had been in service to some higher purpose. Whether he'd liked to admit it or not, he had worked to the inch of his life for the safety of the Leaf. Of course, it extended to his clan, but there was never a separation, even if he loudly tried to put a fine line between clan and village.
Fugaku would surely be proud. Maybe even his parents. Long dead and forgotten, but he thought, they'd look at him with the same eyes as Mikoto showered her beloved Itachi.
"It's unlike you to be so silent and absorbed in thought when with other people," Naori said to him, her voice a gentle song, yet her piercing with deep curiosity. "What are you thinking about?"
They were sitting in a restaurant for what she'd termed a dinner-date. Shisui and Mei were with them. Naruto had pressed for a private dinner when she floated the idea. But she liked to float the relationship to everyone, even those who spoke curses and treachery on their back. Naori was aware; the snakes hissed and whispered suspicion toward the Uchiha clan. The cynical ultimately blamed them for Konoha's misfortune. Worse, there had always been a dark cloud above the clan.
Naruto glanced at Naori and then between Shisui and Mei. He smiled—a truly warm smile. The Mizukage seemed taken aback by the smile. She didn't pale as if she'd seen a ghost. She just stared as if she was seeing something shocking. It wasn't the first time he was smiling in front of her, but he supposed there were different levels of smiles. And her perception of him was maybe warped.
"I suppose you're going to be jumping on your bed like a five-year-old," he said to Shisui with a stare. The smile, now a memory, his face, painted with a blank expression.
"Well, I'm not going to go that far," Shisui replied in a light tone, his eyes flickering with happiness. "But seeing you so free and happy makes me feel as if I've seen everything that needs to be seen in this world."
"I know you're happy," Mei cut in with a hard stare. "But I'm here and you've not seen everything."
Shisui chuckled awkwardly. "Well," he paused, sorting his thoughts with a head scratch. "Naruto has battled loneliness for most of his life." He narrated a bit about how he often found Naruto sitting in the darkness, alone, in his house. "I'd always urged him to try to live life."
How could he when death glared at him so menacingly? There had been no meaning in a swing at the playground when his clansmen were plotting a revolt. What was the use of grand dreams when they could have all been wiped out had things played differently? The weight of their entire clan had stifled him, the ambition had dictated his mood.
He'd passed his greatest challenge. The burning fires that threatened to incinerate the Uchiha clan had been put out. Quietness. Peace and a longing for more glory settled within his heart. There was no rush. As long as he lived, the Uchiha would never face extinction.
"Don't take credit!" Naori exclaimed. "I'm the one who turned the frown upside down. This has all been my work!"
"To answer your question," Naruto said to Naori, his face serious. "I was thinking about a second wife. We need to increase our numbers. I'll be fine if I can father up to twenty children."
"You're not even married to me!" Naori pointed her index finger at him. She then glared. "I told you there would be no second wife. I'll kill anyone who tries to get in your bed."
"Oh?" Naruto smiled. "You'd stand in the way of the clan's revival?"
"Yes… I'm not sharing you to some whore."
Naruto chuckled and his eyes turned to Mei. "I was thinking of stripping you from Shisui. It would be such a waste to leave such a fine woman to someone who doesn't even know what to do with her. But Naori seems to think you're some whore."
Mei stared at Naruto for a second. Not once had he even treated her like a woman. She'd come to learn that he had no interest in any woman who didn't have Uchiha blood. He discriminated and looked down on non-Uchiha.
It was then that she realized he was joking. What was becoming of this world? Her heart raced. But she decided to play along. "Well, that would be more suitable. I am a Kage. And you're a clan head..." she smiled slyly, "But, I'd refuse you."
"You'd choose a blind man over him?" Naori asked with disbelief.
"Well," Mei smiled, pointing at Naruto's missing arm. "Shisui isn't blind. What can he do with one arm?"
"Oh, a lot of things," Naori replied with a wicked smile. "You'll find out when you visit our bed today."
The heat in Shisui's face rose. The conversation was a little too hot for him. Mei, on the other hand, seemed more than ready to indulge in it. He cleared his throat. "Manners, Naori," he cautioned. "When are you going to fix that?"
Naori wasn't about to allow Shisui to dictate the conversation like that. "We should arrange a marriage that celebrates the four of us. And soon, before the Mizukage leaves. It will be good for both the clan and the village." She said this intentionally, knowing even Mei would not want to avoid this topic.
The very thought of a wedding had always romanticized Mei's mood. It was now a certainty. No more was it a hunger that kept her stomach grumbling with loud complaints. The reservations about the Uchiha clan had kept her grounded, maybe even fearful of her own future. Shisui had often attempted to soothe things over, but she was never quite comforted.
Here they were, in a little bit of banter, and Naruto of all people, being the root of it all. It wasn't a miraculous feat. But it stilled her confusion. The questions that had often bounced from the back of her head to her temple quieted down. There were no clear answers, yet this moment seemed to come with satisfaction.
"I've finally resolved to accept the marriage, and I was really hoping it would be something happening in Kirigakure." Mei said in a measured tone. "I don't want my people thinking I'm selling out. But I want them to think this is a lasting union I'm bringing to them."
Above all else, she was still a Kage. Shisui was no more than just a member of the Uchiha clan.
"Don't shoot me down with reason like that," Naori said, and then sighed heavily. "Well, I suppose we have to plan our marriage."
"You're really taking charge of things, hey…"
"We're not going to get married if I don't."
"I respect tradition."
"You wouldn't have slept with me without marriage if you respected tradition." Naori replied with nonchalance. She turned her piercing eyes toward Mei. "How are you feeling about this? Joining the Uchiha clan, I mean."
"Still a few unresolved issues. But I think I'll manage." Mei replied in a thoughtful tone.
Naori smiled. "Mizukage-sama," she spoke with respect for the first time. "Shisui-san commands a lot of respect in the clan. He is beloved even in the village. He is a brother we all love, and the kindest person. You've chosen the one unique person in the clan. Despite our clan head's discrimination, he is more than happy for Shisui to enter into marriage out of love and with someone like you. We're all happy that he too can start being happy and stop worrying about the rest of us."
Mei smiled. "I will take care of him. And I trust you will help me with things."
"Of course!" Naori said with a clap of her hands. "I'd be more than happy to tell you things about the clan after this dinner. You're still a Kage, the least I can do is help you become informed. As the wife of the clan head, I think it would be proper for me to show you around."
"I'd appreciate that."
"I'll arrange a meeting, and you'll be introduced to the clan," Naruto suddenly said. "You're not just any woman; we must give you the proper respect."
Mei nodded in acceptance. "Thank you," she said. "How were you as a child? I'm curious. Shisui says you were lonely..."
"He was miserable." Shisui added.
"I thought he was fun. He looked down on anyone, and even the likes of Inabi would fall back if he dared them..." Naori said with a smile. "I do miss that man. Stupid, but he loved the clan."
"A tragedy." Naruto said with a slight shake of his head. "Our clan has a deep history. We've not always been good. But there have been bright lights. For the past couple of years, we've all just been trying to survive. We have survived, gained a footing. We must now sustain it. A week ago, everyone heard of our shameful history and they were turning on us. But through tragedy, we seem to have regained their trust. This is what you're getting into. There will of course, be political shenanigans to try to limit our power. Jealousy will override reason. But we must withstand all that." He stared at the Mizukage. "Are you prepared for it?"
"You make it sound daunting."
"Well, it is."
Mei faced Shisui, looking for an explanation. "While our clan head has ultimate confidence in his power, he understands that raw strength is not all that matters. Political will has its moments. Our clan's power dwarfs the other clans. Your presence will only add to it. It's possible there will be actions taken to ban the Uchiha from any political action as a means to maintain balance."
Mei could understand why some people would worry. The Leaf had noble clans who all vied for influence. But the Uchiha possessed military power that could even erase the Leaf from existence. Even if other clans understood this, they would not willingly roll over and allow the Uchiha to control everything.
"Well, I am a Kage." Mei said with a smile.
Naori clapped her hands. "Isn't this a little too strong for the lunch table?"
"I was simply welcoming Mei to the clan." Naruto stared at Naori. "Aren't you the one who started?"
"I was light. You went to the dark side."
"Something's been on your mind." It was Naori's first words as soon as they arrived at their house.
Naruto stopped and turned around. He watched her shut the door and then stare back at him with a look of concern. Since he became clan head, there have been such frequent looks. His people lamented that he took on too much. But they couldn't help because they hadn't had the power to achieve what he needed.
Without a word, he gave her his back once more and strolled into the darkness of the house. Naori trotted in behind him in silence. Their footsteps echoed as they climbed the stairs. Silent voices, but their minds raged with thoughts.
The light was on in their bedroom. Naruto stood at the door frame. Naori stopped for a moment and he allowed her to pass. She shot him a glance and then walked toward the bed. She settled on the edge of the bed and stared back at him, her crimson eyes piercing into his, as if she didn't want to miss anything.
"This house was a lonesome den. You'd hardly find the lights on. Shisui switched on the lights more than I did," he said in a bitter tone. "I was somewhat detached from clan matters, playing the role of an overseer. You know, I never took part until things were bad. Above all, I hated being active during the day. Other people had the norm. The children played. Even Itachi went to the academy. I had nothing. Not a mother to care for me. Just a bothersome friend..." he smiled and walked over to the bed. He settled beside Naori. "Perhaps I never truly got along with Itachi because I was envious of everything he had."
Naori stared down at the wooden floor and shut her Sharingan. She closed her eyes. Her heart was stirred. Was it empathy or just sadness? This emotion was overcome with something—dread. She hated the feeling. She opened her mouth to speak, but the feeling crippled her voice.
"You're not thinking about dying, are you?" Naori asked in a quiet tone, her eyes still fixed on the floor.
Naruto chuckled and put a comforting hand on her thigh. He squeezed a bit and then asked, "What makes you say that?"
"I'm older than you. I should be pregnant already. But despite what you say to others, you're always pulling out. You're not even big on us being married. Whenever you speak about the clan's future, even immediate, it is always one that must survive without you. You've never made any plans for the clan that included you..." Naori's expression turned grim. "Now that I think about it, you don't have any personal desires, do you?"
"Aren't you thinking a little too deeply about this, Naori?" Naruto said in a slow tone.
"No." Naori said quietly. She lifted her face and stared at him with coldness. But it crumbled under the weight of her emotions. "No." She repeated, more to herself than to Naruto. "No," she said once more.
A woman in distress. Naruto could feel the tension in her body. Her emotions spread across her eyes without care. They danced as if they wanted to be seen, even as she seemed to try to battle them into submission.
He wanted to take his hand away and just hug her, for comfort and reassurance. But he hesitated. It was evident as he removed his hand, but it stopped in mid-air. His eyes stared at this anomaly, and then he chuckled bitterly. Since when did he hesitate?
"How mighty human of me," he said with a slight shake of his head and then finally brought his arm beside him. However, he offered nothing to Naori.
He glanced at her. The emotions in her face stirred something in his heart. Perhaps even emotions he thought never existed. He was not confused. He was, however, conflicted, knowing he was the cause of her distress. Naori had been a free spirit. A bird that danced the sky without fear of being hunted. Yet, here she was, grounded, fearful as if all her dreams had crashed and burned right in front of her eyes.
He frowned deeply. And lifted his hand. He ran his hand across her cheek. She felt, rather cold. Her jaw clenched. For a moment, he thought she'd bite him. But he wouldn't have avoided it. After a few moments, he brought his hand beside him and spoke.
"We have won the war. There are still a few issues, but in two years, our clan will be rooted in the very foundations of the Fire Country. For that to happen, I am not necessary. Riku and Kouseki can see through it. That leaves me with really nothing. What becomes of me? I hate politics. I can't imagine myself sitting with other clan heads debating politics. Kids? I can't think I'll be content with just raising kids. I think my future will be boring."
He was a shinobi. He'd never needed to have any other desires. What was required of him was the selfless act of pushing his clan's existence into the foundations of the Leaf. What if he lost his limbs in the process or even his life? It mattered not. As long as the clan was where it had to be, he could accept even being a cripple.
He'd completed his part. The clan was progressing toward the right direction. He felt, not even the whims of fate could steer the clan away from its goal. It was all inevitable as everything was in place. It could happen, even if he was dead.
"We are at a point where I have to change my thinking. It's not easy. I have so far lived suppressing most of my emotions for the sake of the clan. But we are no longer in war mode. There has to be peace in my heart." Finally, he took action. With his one arm, he pulled Naori into a warm embrace. "I'm not planning to die, Naori. If I was, I wouldn't have allowed you close to me." He whispered into her ear.
Naori was hearing him. Yet, his hands trembled. She was struggling to accept those words. Perhaps he sensed her inner conflict; he didn't let go of her until she gave him the nod.
She stared at him. "I'm retiring from my duties, to focus on being your wife. You'll experience happiness and be content with your life and raising your children while the clan flourishes." She said in a firm tone. "And you don't have a choice. I'm doing what I want."
Naruto laughed. "You've always done what you want. This relationship, is because you wanted it. If you'd done nothing, I'd probably still be alone." He smiled warmly. "For that, I'll always be grateful. Truly..."
The morning arrived with haste. He'd shut his eyes and the next thing he knew, it was morning. The sun had yet to intrude through the windows, but if he lingered in bed, it would be all over his face.
Naruto slowly rose from the bed. Naori was curled under the sheets, her hair covering most of her face. She seemed at peace. Perhaps her thoughts had settled. He'd often heard that women had a sixth sense. It might as well be true.
"And here I thought you were planning to do something naughty." Naori said in a whisper. She did not move, nor did she open her eyes.
Naruto had momentarily taken his eyes off her. He glanced back at her figure and smiled. "Would you rather I slipped in when you're asleep?" That was curious. Being awoken by something poking her insides. Did she give the same warmth? Did her insides press more tightly against him when she was unconscious? Why was he even thinking such thoughts?
"A welcome surprise. Couples do that." Naori replied carelessly and then slowly opened her eyes. "Good morning." She said with a warm smile.
Naruto grunted in acknowledgement. "Isn't that wrong?"
"I'm telling you it's not." Naori replied with indifference. "We must be free with our bodies. I'm not your slave to feel that this is wrong. As long as I am okay with it, we should have fun. My body is yours to pleasure. And yours is mine."
Naruto shook his head. "Your tastes are becoming clear, Naori." He said.
She smiled. "I'm giving you permission. Not saying you should do it with anyone... And when I feel like it, you'll wake up to me grinding you..." she added with a sly smile. "Who was your first?"
"Who knows?" Naruto smiled mysteriously. "What are you doing today?" He asked curiously. He had no students to train. Yuto and the others didn't need his help every time. Perhaps he could always have them around to alleviate some boredom. He could even take them on missions outside the village. Perhaps, his life would mean something then.
"I'm allowing you to get away with that." Naori replied playfully as she stirred. She faced the ceiling and adopted a thoughtful look. "I'll just go to the Military Police and prepare for my retirement."
Naruto raised an eyebrow. They had no children. It wasn't even like she cooked for him every day. What else would she be doing in the house? Perhaps he could assign her some clan matters. He'd mostly tackled clan matters himself. It would be a relief to have a partner in crime.
He slipped back into the sheets. "Just don't be up to mischief in your free time..."
Naori smiled wickedly and stared at him. "I'll just be lurking in the shadows to ensure there's no fox trying to dip its teeth in you..."
"I'll have to chain you to this house then." Naruto said with a slight shrug. "I'll come around 1pm for lunch. We'll talk about the important details of our relationship. And living arrangements with the second wife. We must be at full force to restore the clan's numbers."
There were no loud bangs of nails being driven into wood within the Uchiha Compound. The children were out, fooling around in their free time. While the village nursed its wounds, they were permitted to rest from the grueling training they'd been put through, to be kids once more.
Military Police Force was rather active nonetheless. Naruto thought he might have to take up some duties in the streets as well. But once the rebuilding was complete, normal service would resume. Everything was done with heightened suspicion. Their enemies might be dead, and some on their knees, caution was still required.
As he strolled toward Mikoto's house, Naruto bumped into Sasuke. He stopped and stared at the boy. His growth was actually a little disappointing. He had talents, yet something seemed to be missing. Perhaps he would break out of a shell once he grew.
"Your mother home?"
"Yes." Sasuke replied. He wanted to walk past Naruto, but was stopped.
"You're the only one at the moment who can possibly reach the heights we have reached. But you're not living up to that talent." Oddly enough, Naruto had always steered far away from Sasuke's development. Maybe because it was Itachi's responsibility.
Sasuke stared and then scoffed. "What do you want from me?"
Naruto wasn't amused by Sasuke's attitude. A spoiled child with little respect. He could, of course, just step on his throat and force him. He'd often been indifferent to it. Maybe because he was Fugaku's youngest. But he no longer found it amusing.
"I'll focus on instilling discipline in you. I will also personally train you until I am satisfied with your progress. You will meet me around 11 at the academy. Don't be late. And be prepared."
Sasuke wanted to say something, but the Uchiha had suddenly appeared inches from him. His heart nearly stopped. His lungs lost rhythm. Naruto put a hand on his shoulder. It was then that he felt the aura off his clan head. He felt terrified of the power the man emitted. He wasn't being threatened, but Sasuke felt it. His knees trembled, and any word he wanted to utter was lost.
"You will behave as you should."
Slowly, Sasuke nodded.
"Good." He released the young Uchiha. "You mustn't bother your brother. He is the Hokage now, and when he has time, he must spend it with Izumi, not you." He needed Izumi to have a child. With Sasuke hovering above them, those two would not bond. It would be detrimental to the clan's growth.
"He is my brother!"
Naruto sighed deeply. "Don't be late," he waved his right hand. He could have offered Sasuke a free lecture, but he dismissed the thought. He didn't want to, for some reason.
The house held significant memories—the good ones. Maybe if he'd been a weepy child, he'd have had those memories here. It had once felt more like a home than his own house. Then again, there was never anyone waiting for him in that place.
He settled on the rear porch and waited. He didn't call, but he figured she'd sense his presence. Sure enough, he felt her gentle footsteps. He could make out her pacing and the weight in each step. It was funny how he could pay attention to those little details about her.
"Came across your boy... still disrespectful..." Naruto said without glancing at Mikoto.
She sighed as she settled beside him. She glanced at him and then cast her long eyes toward the garden. "He's been moody lately."
"He has always been moody. He has no control over his emotions." Naruto said with a shake of his head. "I'll take care of it. He also needs to start pulling his own weight around here..."
Mikoto didn't immediately reply. Sasuke was the least of her worries. She also had Izumi, who came running to her for motherly advice. "I'll leave him in your care." She said in a quiet tone. "Just be nice..."
"Hell no." Naruto quickly shot down the idea. He glanced toward the sky and then spoke again, in a slow tone. "Naori surprised me yesterday. She asked if I was planning on dying since I no longer had any ambition..." he smiled despite his words.
Mikoto was alarmed. Her eyes fell on him with questions spread across her face. "You weren't planning on it, were you?" she asked in a stern tone.
It was an unfamiliar tone from her. He faced her for the first time and wondered what could be in her mind. His ponderings returned empty-handed. "Not in the way she was thinking..." he said. "I only long for the Uchiha to be restored."
"You haven't done that, yet." Mikoto reminded him in a stern tone, wagging her index finger.
Who among the Uchiha had Mikoto's touch and grace? Perhaps it was the seniority or that she had known him all his life. Then again, the same could be said of Shisui. Naruto felt he had drifted from his friend. There were certain things he couldn't share. Before, he had been a news reporter, detailing all the little details without exaggeration. Perhaps it came with being clan head. Or maybe, it was that there were a few more people in his life he could talk to and he no longer depended on Shisui.
"The greatest threat has always been our numbers," Naruto conceded. "In that case, I have not yet done anything. We even lost a member," he said with bitterness.
"But you're working on it, right?" Mikoto stared, her words spoken purposefully slow.
Naruto smiled. "You think I'm not."
"Not with Naori."
Naruto shook his head. "I am," he said. "But, you know something? I have gained power out of this world. Even without my other arm, this is nothing. I could have subjugated even the Cloud if I wanted."
There was a hint of the truth in what the seniors lamented about power; it indeed had a corruptible seed. Power, Naruto had always wielded. But that was purely destructive. Now, he wielded godly powers. The things that could be done with the Rinnegan were simply beyond what a shinobi could do. The tales about the Six Paths were criminal. They underestimated when history often had the knack to exaggerate.
"I stand in the doorway of life and death," Naruto stated in a whisper. "If I so chose, I could bring back the Uchiha who died during the fateful night, including Fugaku-sama..." he chuckled. "Can you believe that? It's entirely possible."
Mikoto momentarily froze at the mention of Fugaku being brought back to life. Maybe in the early days, she had wished he would return. She had wanted to go with him.
"We've done some things," Mikoto said to Naruto, holding herself for comfort. She dreaded facing him after everything. How could she even look at him? Wouldn't he be disgusted by her?
It was funny that she immediately believed Naruto could bring the dead to life. She didn't beg the question of how that was possible.
"Yeah," Naruto nodded and fell silent. After a moment, he spoke again. "But if I do that, I'm sure I would die. Yet, that would be worth it, wouldn't it? One life for twenty? It does the clan more good..." he smiled bitterly. "Yet, for the first time in my life, I want to be selfish. I want to live."
"Then live," she replied.
Sorry for the long wait!
This is not the chapter I had originally planned to write. I picked up writing last week. I didn't like the direction of the first draft, and ended up rewriting again. This is what I came up with. I hope, it was not a disappointment.
The Omnipresent Sage