Wandering Winds
Naruto x Samui x Shizune
Chapter Oneshot
The Village Hidden in the Leaves found itself under attack by one of its allies, and an old foe. The Hidden Sound, a new village led by a rogue Konoha shinobi, just as the counterattack began the one tailed Tanuki appeared beyond the front gate. Panic set in as it enclosed towards the village until, "Summoning Jutsu." was yelled and a giant smoke cloud parted, a large toad appearing with the Hokage's daughter atop its head "Let's go Gamabunter!"
The battle between Toad and tailed beast was not going well, the Princess of the Leaf, Narumi Namikaze, was panting hard with her summons not doing so well either. It didn't take long for the Tanuki to charge a tailed beast bomb aimed towards the village. Before Narumi could cry out in panic, tendrils of wood burst through the forest canopy, trapping the Tunaki. Again, a moment later, a figure highlighted by the orange glow smacked into the demon container "Three-pronged-seal!" was heard as the glow erupted in a pulse before dying down and the construct of sand collapsed into itself.
The destruction of the One-Tail seemed to be the signal for retreat as immediately, the Sand shinobi began to rout, many Sound too following suit. The following hour was filled with clearing the battle ground, and a group of shinobi are walking up the main street. One was bound, tied up, donning an Sand headband, was thrown over the shoulder of the hunk blond carrying him, passed out.
The male blond currently donning a matte grey hoodie, parted down the centre that revealing a chainmail fishnet beneath it with a background of black shirt below. Black cargo pants, black armoured combat boots augmented with matt chakra steel covered the toe cap finished off his look. Paired with the sword strapped to his back, a blank matte black plate which showed he had no allegiances.
At his side was a well endowed somewhat tanned platinum blonde lady, very clearly a kunoichi, with a battle kimono dress that matched her companions colour palette, the fishnet barely visible. She stood at five-foot-five, he towered at five-ten, and her blonde shoulder length hair was in a ponytail, much like her partner's.
The remaining members were clearly Hidden Mist shinobi, two carrying recognisable swords, clearly of the seven swordsmen, and the last was wearing a blue shinobi long dress, covering a mesh under shirt. Auburn hair ran down her back, a sultry smile upon her face, and water Kage hat atop her head with a sway in her hips. Stepping through the battled village, it didn't take long as Anbu dropped down around them "Halt."
"Hold." Mei Terumi stepping forward "I am here to speak with your Hokage." they nodded but then noticed a certain blond among the group and saluted him "Welcome home, Namikaze-sama…"
"I am no longer a part of that clan." Naruto snipped, no one missed the contempt or venom in his words causing the shinobi who spoke to gulp. Samui took hold of his hand, fingers interlocked, and tugged on him lightly which was their silent communication of reassurance.
The group was escorted to the Hokage tower and was immediately stopped by a squad of Jonin "Halt." the presumed leader, stepping toward the blond duo whilst flicking out a cigarette "Identify yourselves…"
"Naruto." The male blond states "Samui." The female responds, her own sword upon the waist glinting in the early evening. The Jonin leader quirked an eyebrow, glancing up than down the blonde teen before him "Hokage's son?" a snort from said blond "Former…"
"It's been a while kid."
"Ash-man." Naruto yawned blank faced, stepping past them as they parted, walking towards the tower.
A knock on the door, "Come in…" a voice came through the wooden door, stepping in came the Mist Kage but breathes hitched upon seeing the sun kissed blond among the escorts. "…Naruto…"
"Lord Hokage…" Naruto bowed his head, dropping off the Sand Jinchurki on the coach before returning behind the Kage of the Hidden Mist, standing sentry as a perfect bodyguard with a face of perfect impassiveness.
A gentle cough caused the blond Kage to snapped back to his fellow Kage "Umm… Lady Mizukage. What brings you to our village at this time?" Minato standing and shaking her hand "Well, we tried to get here for the finals but was held up unexpectedly…" Mei sighs as she recalls the boat running into a rouge hydra summon during the travels. Thankfully, her hired help was able to handle it but was also unaware that said blond was allowed to summon it's clan as thanks.
"I see." Minato nodded glancing to his side where his wife hadn't stopped staring at their estranged son, sighing a little "So, are you here for an alliance of some kind?" Mei nods, "Indeed. Thanks to the efforts of my forces…" glancing over her shoulders at both her swordsmen, smirking still riding high on their victory, then at the two mercenary shinobi who both offered soft nods.
"…we were able to overthrow our corrupt government. We now wish to offer our support to others." she continued, a smile upon her face. Minato smiles at that, "That's good to hear. So, perhaps we can begin tomorrow, I'll have to get the council gathered." Mei nodded at that before gesturing over her shoulder at the bound Suna shinobi "Oh, and that's a sign of good will. It seemed like your toad summoner was having trouble."
"We thank you for that." bowing his head before the group turning away and heading out "Umm… Naruto…" said mercenary glanced back over his shoulder at the fire shadow, cold blue eyes piercing warm baby blue.
"…will you be staying with the family…" the Kage was cut off with the coolant laced words of one former Kumo resident "You aren't family anymore, remember?" this caused pang of guilt within the other two occupants "After all, you expunged him, no?" she continued to push it home and was successful as the redhead burst into tears, the kage lowered his head. The two blondes both leave silently, not wanting to waste their time any further.
Dropping down in one of the penthouse suites many cushioned sofas, Naruto let out a heavy breath "…argh… I hate being here…" only for Samui to drop onto his lap, and wordlessly silenced him. The two resting their foreheads rested against one another "Better?" her quiet cool soft voice seemed to whisper between them, "Better."
"God… you guys can't wait." belched Suigetsu from the kitchen, gulping down jugs of water as always. "…couldn't you at least get a room first?"
"Gheeze… gaki, you and your girlfriend…" smacked upon the head cut off Aoi, "Shut it." Mei growled "…or I'll kill you." The two blondes smirked, they were too cool to chuckle at that.
A knocking on the door earned the ire of the room, growling was heard, before Aoi arrived to end it. "Yes." as the door was parted and a certain golden teen, "Umm… hi…"
"Can I help you?" Aoi questioned with a raised eyebrow, "My name is Narumi Namikaze. I was wondering if my brother is here?" the kunoichi questioned, eyes averted with fiddling fingers behind her back "Brother? There aren't any Namikaze here." The blue eyepatch wearing shinobi with a raised eyebrow, he knew the situation between his comrade and his former family and as the two fought side by side, had earned his respect. The Hunter Commander would not be a standing Shinobi if he did not honour his allies "Umm… well… he isn't officially, anymore…" she whispered the last part, but was heard nonetheless "…I'm sorry kid, but I have to go." door closed.
Naruto stretched out, yawning as the sun peaks through the curtains, caused his partner in crime to wake "G'morning." Naruto whispered kissing her cheek, but she sighs while pulling the cover up past her head. She was not a morning person, and he was currently the only person alive to survive her morning wrath, it is also the only time her cool façade was down.
Samui, in the morning, couldn't be bothered and lacked the willpower to ignore anything that annoyed her, which happened to be everything, before her coffee in the morning. He chuckled slipping out of the bed, moving to the ensuite bathroom, showering quickly before making his way into the main room.
Stepping into the penthouse to find his charge in a navy-blue silk robe, her bedhead on display fully "…mornin…" she mumbles as he steps past her slumped form atop the seat at the island. Moments later a coffee was in her hand, bedhead a distant memory, and noticed that her makeup was as flawless as always.
Sizzling of ham, fish, and vegetables filled the floor, and the other occupants found themselves at the table. As the group ate, Naruto walked backed to the bedroom, with a toffee cream coffee in hand.
Placing the cup upon the bedside table, he notices the twitch of his blonde friends' nose, "Be sure to shower and dress before coming out, okay?" no response to his words, not that he expected one as he turned his back on her as he got dressed in his mission wear, heading out swiftly.
Mei Terumi finally emerged from her room, attaching her Kage hat behind her back and final adjustments to her dress "Are you ready for this Mizukage-sama?" Naruto glancing back over his shoulder and sofa, the tone was flat so Mizukage couldn't tell if he was being serious or sarcastic. She narrowed her eyes at him, a dangerous glint gleaming, and yet for some reason, Naruto just smiled at her. Mei knew her normal intimidation tactics doesn't work on her hired help but doesn't matter as she had an alternative to deal with him "That so isn't cool." Mei smirks as Naruto pales.
A grey blonde blurred past the auburn-haired beauty, and Naruto found a blade at his neck, with cold blue eyes glaring at him "What did you do?" a soft voice from the pale blonde questioned quietly "Nothing." his near whisper, but she simply grips the leather tighter "Nothing…?"
"She's being mean." Naruto whispered again, eyes narrowed near slits and the two maintain their eye contact. Before long, the sword was withdrawn as the silent conversation was had but only after it was sheathed did Naruto breath out a sigh of relief.
After an artic glare that would have frozen her lava techniques, sending a shiver up then down her spine, the group gathered to the front reception when an Anbu with a cat mask appeared before them "The council is awaiting your arrival, Lady Mizukage." Mei nodded "Thank you, we are on our way." The Anbu nodded before looking to Naruto "It's good to see you again, Naruto-sama." but got not even a glance from the teen. She sighed as she body flickered out, her disappointment notable in her body language.
Moving through the streets of Konoha, the group of five drew many eyes with plenty split between the water shadow and the lost son, the moniker the Leaf citizens gave Naruto since the truth of his departure came out.
The council room was abuzz with activity, news of Naruto's return was a hot topic with several clans planning on tying him to their members. Tsume in particular was wondering if her daughter's former best friend would forgive her foolish actions. The guilt of the rainy day had never left, the broken look in those blue eyes ached her heart, the tears hidden by the down pour. A sigh elevated her from the depression that was drowning her just in time for the doors to pop open, the Mizukage stepping in with her guards flanking her, which included the lost son.
Standing proud before the council, Mei took the offered seat at the small desk dead centre of the chamber. Though she idly noticed that many eyes weren't on her but rather on her guard and former resident of this village. Her plan was originally for this to assist with negotiations, however she was starting to doubt its effectiveness and was wary of his original warning. A soft silent sigh as she considered his words of warning of them wanting him back, he wasn't to be used as a bargain chip or she'd regret it.
Minato had his blank faced mask on, using his full Hokage mode to keep his face straight in the presence of his younger doppelganger. He could feel the despair from his wife at his side, but dared not acknowledge it "Welcome, Mizukage Mei Terumi, to the Hidden Leaf."
"Thank you. It's an honour to be here among your honourable council. I hope our two villages can come together in unison." Mei remarked as she recalled how well Naruto had worked with her own forces during the civil war.
Naruto couldn't help but feel the stares boring into his back, he could tell that even the Anbu was eyeing him up, he did not allow his annoyance show despite the dragging on of the negotiations. Glancing to his student/partner, she maintained her outer mask of indifference, but Naruto could tell she was nervous. A cold sweat down the back of her neck he noticed, and her quick glance allow the two the meet Eye to eye. His artic gaze softens, filled with warmth and thanks to her who finds her nerves settle, nervousness fleeting and a barely noticeable smile appeared upon her face which he noticed before both return to their stoic stature, eyes front, gaze empty.
"This is acceptable." Mei states, glancing over the documentation with a nod at the terms before looking back up at the fourth Hokage "…however I must ask, the political marriage; shouldn't the choice of village be up to those to be wed for their residence?"
"It should." Minato responds, his own brush flipping between his fingers idly "…though, we had hoped that having them here alongside the marriage contract we have with Suna, that we are still working with, would allow all three to bond over."
"I see. A collection of embassies then? That's what you are aiming for?" Mei questioned leaning back in her seat, legs crossing, with a nod as her own pen flips into her grasp "Yes. With Suna and Mist, we hope to encourage Iowa and Kumo to meet us halfway." He continued to explain.
After a few moments to ponder on it, she nods "Very well. I shall confer this with my council though I will exclude any of the swordsmen as they must remain within Kiri. Surely you can understand…?" Minato nods at that, lips tight as obviously he notices the sword upon the back of his estranged son "I do, although perhaps in that case a dual citizenship could be attained and a joint team for such an event?" this caused a raised eyebrow from the Mizukage "Oh? Do you already have eyes on one of my swordsmen, perhaps? Or are you interested in increasing the swordsmen among your ranks?"
Suigetsu and Aoi share a glance, the former glancing behind his leader to where Naruto stood and the two share a glance and nod. The blond glances to his side, Samui too shared a glance, and it seems they all caught on to what was happening. All four caught the subtle hand sign from Mei who seemed to be only idly twirling the brush in hand 'They are fishing information. They want helpers.' to which Aoi clears his throat once, confirming that they too suspect that too.
Their exchange did not go unnoticed by the Hokage nor the elder council, Minato himself cursed himself inwardly as he was caught out. Though the hairs on his neck raised upon seeing the smirk upon his water counterparts face, this couldn't be good "Perhaps… though, I must ask which one has your eye? I don't believe that their identities are common knowledge, as of yet as we have only just come out our civil war a few months ago."
Minato offers nothing upon his face, the clan heads had also caught on to what their leader was attempting to do. Hearts were in their throats, at least in Tsume's case, and the tension raises awaiting the fire shadows response. A quick glance at the male blonde among the visiting group "We wish to request that the Mist put forward 'Naruto Uzumaki-Namikaze' as your representative."
Silence. Absolute silence for several minutes as all eyes flows from the water shadow and the blond swordsmen. Mei for her part showed nothing readable upon her face, her guards didn't so much as flinch at the declaration as they all suspected such. Kushina was trying to hold back her hope, her eyes were literally glowing in anticipation, being able to be with her first born again after their mistakes in the past. She swore she'll make up for their errors and show that his expulsion from the family was a mistake, even if takes the rest of her days to do so.
Tsume Inazuka wouldn't hesitate to offer her daughter if this goes through, heaven knows her pup would be ecstatic to be reunited with her best friend again. She hasn't been the same since his departure four years prior, cold to any man that tried to hit on her with her partner's going so far as maul anyone who tried a bit forcefully.
Inoichi himself was trying to peak into the minds of the Hokage's former son. He never did agree with how the village treated the eldest first son, his brother's daughter was also quite taken with him; he was the only other blond in their class and treated her as a kunoichi in training, not a glorified trophy wife with training. Perhaps his own daughter may get off the Uchiha train upon seeing his friend's eldest son he muses, though he will have to give the young man a though talk and evaluation beforehand of course.
Shukaku knew this was coming, though admittedly he always liked the boy when he visited for a game of shoji and respected the slow game with his unpredictability offering new ways to play. It was refreshing those days. His son no doubt misses playing against the older boys' unconventional tactics, that forced you to think on the fly. Though he also idly noticed the nonverbal communication that suggests that this all was planned out. Though he knew he was missing something. From his angle he couldn't see anything that suggests this could be a trap, ambush, or anything remotely – a pause as he also notices the lack of typical hidden mist uniform on the two blondes like the other guards.
Naruto too began a quick glance around discreetly, glad no one present seemed to know of his or Samui's trump cards, as both holders of coveted kekki genki from their respective villages. The Mizukage knew, discovered during that final battle when Naruto's wood release pinned down Yagora, and Samui's storm release punched straight through his scaly hide. Finally, his musing was halted as it seemed that Mei was about to respond.
A long sigh from the Hidden Mist leader draws the rooms attention as her lips parted "Regretfully, I am unable to fulfil that request." her face stoic as the room erupted in chaos. Various shouts from the civilian council drown out Suigetsu 's snickering. The other three escorts remained blank face and unbothered by the yelling. It would take several minutes for ordering to return.
"…may I ask why?" Minato asks after silence was recovered, swallowing the lump in his throat much like his wife at his side was doing. Mei nodded at that, raising three fingers "Three reasons; One, I do not have a Naruto Uzumaki-Namikaze in my forces, nor is one a resident of the Hidden Mist village."
"He's standing right there!" yells Koharu, leaping from her seat, but was effortlessly ignored "Two; I have not heard of said ninja within our ranks, thus if I am to assume you mean the lovely young man who is currently here…" gesturing over her left shoulder, earning a nod from the fire shadow "…who is currently escorting me – as such I can't offer him as he is my escort and our contract terms forbid such diplomatic issues for the duration of his tenure."
The shinobi in the room all caught on to the fact that she said he was under contract which made the final point mute. Minato only now noticed that the black metal hitite the blonds had been both blank "…and three; As much as I would like for him to be on the table, we too wish for a longer-term arrangement with him thus offering him up in this deal would be counter intuitive for us." Just as hope welled, it was quickly doused but the amber's remained as this meant that he was a freelancer to which was a simple matter to address now.
"I see." A smiling Minato spoke, "Then with your permission, may we also ask for us to speak with him directly?" and upon her nod, he looks to his estranged offspring "Naruto; will you…?"
"No." Naruto's swift response causing another uproar at his instant rejection. The shouting and yelling allowed the young Kage time to quell his troubled heart, his wife too was crying quietly at his side.
Danzo however was thinking that this was perfect, he could send his forces to capture the man once he leaves and reprogramme him. No. Perhaps he could use his eye to swipe him now, have him serve the Leaf proudly in front of the Mist representative and force them to offer up a kekki genki user that the leaf could breed. An internal nod to himself he began channelling chakra to his hidden eye and began his plan "Perhaps we could come to a beneficial agreement…" gaining the rooms attention, including the blonds who notices something amiss. The eye contact was brief, yet it seemed to be enough however a seal on the back of the blonds' neck lit up, a brief moment of thought as he tries to recall what that one did exactly.
Samui, upon seeing the seal on Naruto's back, grabbed him a channelled a massive pulse of chakra and broke the still settling genjutsu. Within moments two swords were drawn and a head and chest were bisected, blood splatter upon the wall but it was the sound of two swords being settled with a ting that broke the stasis the room was in.
Thud. Danzo's head flopped onto the desk before him, his shoulders and arms fell shortly thereafter, the sound of them hitting the floor caused panicked screams to fill the chamber which was drowned out by the rear wall cracking from the slashes. Blank masked Anbu dropped in and started to attack the two blondes but yet again before anyone else could react they both vanished again, appearing back in the centre, post slash, with their katana's out. Naruto's katana was as black as a starless night, the light in the room seemed unable to touch it but was covered in jagged white wind, Samui's was a pale moon white, light softly glowing with dark sparking lightning dancing across its surface.
The Root Anbu all burst into piles of flesh, causing more than a few civilians to throw up their breakfasts. Naruto turns to the Hokage with a fierce snarl "How dare you…?!" a guttural growl, his blade aimed at the man who was stunned speechless at the action "…how dare you try and control me like some tool?!" venom and rage in equal measure "I don't …" Minato tried to speak but at that moment, the wrappings around the former council member Danzo's face undone revealing Sharigan eye. "Sure. You don't…"
The eyes of the whole room looked to the exposed secret causing slack jaws and anger flaring. The Mist shinobi took a moment, before looking to one another then to their leader who was frowning, "How distasteful?"
"Are we sure we want to ally with these people?" Aoi questioned concerned about the ethics of the leaf "Perhaps you are right." Mei responded with narrowed lips, contempt rolling off her in waves, as her eyes locked in on her fire counterpart.
"Please… we can explain." Minato declared which caused raised eyebrows from the water contingent, clear disbelief upon their face. After a deep breath, and a prominent pause, the legendary flash finally spoke "It is clear things have been revealed that none of us were expecting but I, as leader of the Hidden Leaf, promise you that we will get to the bottom of this. How about we take some time to reorganize, regroup, and come back tomorrow morning with fresh heads and a clean room." glancing to the flesh mound.
Mei stood and nodded "Very well, I think that is best for all." turning back to her entourage, "Let us go."
"Yes ma'am." The group of five then promptly left, Tsume noted how Naruto didn't even spare her even a fleeting glance though the other Samui did notice the longing look into the clan Matriarch, getting the wrong conclusion no less.
The door shut leaving the leaf council without their guests and it didn't even take a moment, "What is the meaning of this?!" yelled Hiashi in an uncharacteristic bout of rage "This is not something that could happen without conspirators." Inoichi commented glaring at the severed head of the former elder councillor. "Agreed." Shikaku adds with a scowl rarely seen by the council of clan heads "We should begin investigating this with haste." Spoke Shibi, his glasses seemingly gleaming with ill-concealed anger.
"Everything that transpired should be kept close to the chest…" spoke the Anbu commander who looked to his kage "…or things could go pear shaped, very quickly."
"I want only those we can trust implicitly to handle this, Dragon." Minato spoke firmly, looking to his masked shinobi "No doubt he had people within your ranks. You need to flush them out quickly and quietly." the man nodded before fading out.
"Next." Minato announced gaining the rooms attention, "…we have another thing to discuss."
"Oh?" spoke Shikaku with a raised eyebrow "Yes." Kushina states now causing the interest in the room to spike "We believe that someone in the mist group, most likely Naruto, has the mokuton release." Spoke Minato with absolute seriousness causing wide eyes all around "…are… are you sure?" spoke a civilian councilman, the kage nodded solemnly, "The report from my daughter, who fought the one tail to a standstill, states that wooden pillars erupted and restrained it, Naruto then placed a three-pronged seal atop the boys seal."
"Then he must be detained and…" killing intent flooded the chamber, even the clan heads were chocking as the glanced at the absolutely livid Kushina with her hair in nine parts "…oh? You wish to do what exactly…?"
Hidden Leaf
Mei stepped walked through the village, idly wondering if these people were worth the bloodshed her people had seen. She had chosen the Leaf based off what she had assumed from her time with Naruto, but it seemed she was mistaken. Glancing at said guard who was walking slightly behind, and to the left. Naruto always seemed cool, calm and disinterested but she knew beneath that unattached attitude was a heart of gold that cared for all. Peace was his goal, freedom his dream, and the open road was the only companion.
As much as she wanted him to don her village hiate, she knew trying to tie him down was like shackling the wind, possible with certain S-rank jutsus, true, but he would never allow such a situation to happen. He was far too perceptive for that.
Naruto on the other hand sighed inwardly as the numerous people stared, glared, or bowed at him. He knew this would happen, many still saw him as the Kyubi itself despite only containing its soul. Glancing at the window passing him by, the three barely visible hints of red in his slit eyes causing him to actually sigh aloud.
A hand on his shoulder, drew his attention to his current companion "You, okay?" asks Samui coolly to which he just nodded and continued "Fine." his snipped walking on to keep pace with the others, and the teen sighs herself also noticing the reactions of those around "Not cool."
Ao noticed the Anbu teams following them, he wasn't impressed at how easily they were discovered. They should have been far more discreet, far more in tune with the shadows and had expect that based off of Naruto's performance during the war. He smirked, that boy could get anywhere at any time without being seen. His bloodline was a perk, that he never allowed to become a crutch, becoming a true shinobi even by the standards of his old days, though he hid it well.
As the group approached the golden leaf hotel, one particular heiress gasped at the sight of her old childhood friend among the group. She wanted, no, needed to speak to him but something stayed her feet with even her three pups whining at the thoughts.
That evening Tsume stepped into her clan compound and was immediately confronted by an angry daughter "We need to talk, mother." Hana all but growled as the older woman sighed "Listen, we tried to tie him down, but we can't…"
"Why not?! He belongs here!" Hana growls "He was a civilian when he left, kicked from his clan, and without any legal attachments left…" Tsume sighs again, rubbing he nasal "We can't do anything."
"I need to see him." Hana spoke moving towards the door but was stopped by her mother, earning said woman a deathly cold glare "Out of my way, mother. I need…"
"I doubt you'd get through to him as he is now." Softly spoken Tsume causing the woman to droop and sniffle, "…but… what about… me?" leaving her mother silent, which itself was telling.
The following day, the Mist team arrived at the council chambers once more, and it was clear that the Leaf was presenting a unified front with their best foot forward. The entire council, their heirs, and civilians filled the room.
Upon Naruto's entrance most their heirs, especially the young male ones, all cheered "Naruto-nii!" came from Hinata, Kiba, Shikamaru, and even the stoic Shino. The teen smiled at them, waving back at them, while keeping pace with his charge. This actually surprised the whole council, their kids seemed to all look up to the Hokage's estranged son as their older brother. Hana was overjoyed at the interaction along with the Hokage and his family that sat at the head.
After the excitement died down, the smirk on both leaders was for different reasons. Mei: her helper was clearly great with kids meaning she had to double her efforts to lure him in. Minato as this could be what he needed to finally tie Naruto to the village. Plans were being formulated.
Naruto stood sentry behind the Mizukage, who herself began "So, should we continue our talks?"
"Yes. Let's get to it." Minato responds with a confident smile, his frequent glances at the blondes was not missed by any of the mist team members.
-Two hours later-
"That sounds about it. I think this has been rather productive." Mei states causing Naruto to snap back to the room from the myriads of thoughts. "I believe we have an agreement." Minato states with a smile though internally he sighed, unable to secure anything regarding his wayward son that the Mizukage had skilfully dodged any promises or stipulations regarding him.
"With that…" the two Kage stand and shake hands "…it's a pleasure to alliance with you." Mei states. The leaf council stands and claps.
"Nii-san!" shouted Kiba outside the tower, the mist team turning to see the heirs running up "Hey kiddos…" Naruto responded casually, "…oh, you're all grown up shinobi now huh?" causing some to blush, bashfully scratching their heads "Yeah, we graduated a few months ago." Shikamaru mentions as Naruto ruffles the Nara heir's hair, much to said boys embarrassment "Good on you. Getting all strong like." His soft smile causing the girls in the group to blush, the boys rubbing their noses, "Well yeah… we can't be little kids forever ya know!" bellowed Kiba "We have greatly grown in your absence, Naruto-san." Spoke Shino with Naruto smiling at that "How is your colony doing, Shin-chan." The Aberame nods, adjusting his glasses, "Well. I must thank you for your assistance with them."
"No problem." Naruto responded looking to Kiba and Akamaru "Hey pup, keeping Kiba out of trouble?" the small puppy wagged its tail and barked causing both Naruto and Kiba to laugh "Good." the older blond swordsmen chuckles as he looks over the group "Always remember; true shinobi fight to protect what they hold dear. That's when our true strength comes through." They all nod "Thank you for the advice, Naruto-nii-sama." Hinata bowing her head.
As Naruto was interacting with the leaf Genin, Mei watched on with a fondness as she recalls all the times during the war Naruto tutored in the ways of the ninja. He sparred with his fellows, and helped patched up the injured, also played with the children in the camps.
Samui was reminded on how she met Naruto in Kumo, she was being harassed by the boys in her class because of her developing body. Naruto arrived, pretending to her older brother, and scared them off before escorting her home. The following day on the way to the academy, the boys found her and again Naruto intercepted them forcing the group to move on. She explained to him how they'd just awaiting her, so he took her out for the day, trained her all week in swordsmanship and even helped with her secret.
After a month of his tutoring, he was told her he was leaving in a week, much to her disappointment as the two were inseparable and she had never felt so safe with him. He taught her, trained her, protected her, and fed her with not a single whiff of sexual energy aimed at her. On his final day she asked if she could come with him, even going so far to show the academy withdrawal forms filled out.
"Naruto!" a voice drew everyone's attention from their own internal thoughts as the leaf Genin all part, Kiba paling upon seeing the visage of his sister. Naruto sighs, knowing this was a long time coming "Hana…" said kunoichi steps through the tunnel of shinobi, scowling the whole while "Uh oh." whispered Kiba "You have some nerve coming back here." Hana growled at the blond who didn't even flinch "Good to see you too, mi'lady."
She growled harder at that and went to punch him, only for Naruto to catch her fist with little effort "Don't you have anything else to say? Leaving like that!"
"I told you I was leaving. I didn't stutter nor did I…" Naruto's voice remained neutral while talking "You left me, why?"
"I was and still am hated by the citizenry." He gestured to the gathering group of civilians who were glaring daggers "I will not serve a people filled with such hatred."
Hana growled at them as she also saw this but much to her dismay, Naruto just pinched her nose like he did when they were younger "Enough of that." He chastised yet she growled again "I'm not a pup any…" before she could finish, he did it again "Calm down. You're a Chunin. Act like it."
"…but…"
"Nothing." Naruto whispered, his voice then drops down even further and speaks in canine "Stop acting all tough. I know your upset, angry at the situation, and scared I won't come back." her eyes widen as she stared at him "It isn't your fault, neither is mine, it just how it is."
"…it isn't fair." She growled back in the same canine tongue "Why are you being so… so…" his hand tugged on her nose again, dragging her from her spiralling thoughts as he smiled softly "Calm down. You are fine. The triplets have your back, right?" Naruto glancing at the trio who cheered and barked at him. He chuckled before looking back at her "Stay strong Hana." talking normally as he turned back to his party who promptly moved off.
Hana watched as her best friend walk away, heart rate beating rapidly as she noticed the glance back from the other blonde, a woman a year or so younger, smirking at her. A very territorial growl erupted from her throat, her ninkin following suit with Kiba backing away and his own pup whining loudly "This could get messy." Just as the Namikaze family appeared from the doors behind them.
"So, how much longer are we spending here?" asked Naruto, clearly agitated at their continued presence in this village "As soon as our escorts get here?" Mei stated much to his hidden ire, "Escorts? Aren't we enough?" Asked Samui who could sense the seeping feelings of her coolest partner "Yeah." Suigetsu declared "Relax." Mei ordered causing them to settle down "It's a goodwill gesture."
"Goodwill?" Naruto with a raised eyebrow and a snort "Right. They'd just want to try and capture us, knowing them."
This caused the groups eyes to harden "How sure are you about that?" Ao asked in full Anbu commander mode "Without Danzo, I'd say fifty-fifty. If he was still around, with a doubt." Naruto states matching the intensity of the commander. "Perhaps we should leave sooner than planned, make it back before…"
"No." Mei ordered, Kage voice in full force "We shall trust in our ally."
"That alliance is only as good as the weight of the paper it was signed on." Naruto comments, unafraid of the authority being used by the auburn-haired woman.
"Do you not trust me, Mael-koi?" Mei with a raised eyebrow, hand on hips "Don't give me that speech again." Naruto glaring at the woman, having heard it throughout the war whenever the two were on a high stake mission. She always got him to do stupid shit, insanely stupid shit and he was not in the mood, and she knew it took thus the use of her nickname for him to lay it on thick. "Have I ever led you astray…?"
"Monte Ridge." Naruto snapped causing her to blush, "Okay, that was…"
"Kanku River." Naruto continued as the group watched on as he counted on his fingers, "I get it, okay." Mei sighed heavily, knowing that he wouldn't defy her orders, but he was simply venting his frustration at her.
The following silence was broken by a knock on the door, all eyes snapping to it and a low growl from Naruto said that he was growing ever more irritable at the situation. Ao was the one to answer the door "Yes?"
"Good day, my name is Yakumo Kurama; heiress of the Kuruma clan. May I speak with Naruto, please?" before he could respond, Naruto appeared "I figured you'd show up, Yuku-chan." her face brightened, "Naru-chi!" she glumped him with strength he knew she didn't have when he left.
"You've gotten stronger." He comments breaking the embrace, and she beams at that nodding furiously "I worked really hard after you helped me with my demon."
"You worked hard huh?" he ruffled her hair playfully, her cheeks puffing out childishly, smiling all the while "I'm proud of you, Yuku-chan."
A cough cleared up the overwhelming sense of happiness radiating from the young lady, Naruto turning back to his group "You going to introduce us?" as Mei, her tone overly sweet and smile damn right demonic. She would never admit it aloud, but her pride as a drop-dead gorgeous woman had taken a hit as she failed to seduce her helper. He was in the middle of puberty; his hormones should rule him yet not once has he allowed his eyes to travel over her in such a way that she could use.
"Right. That is Yakumo Kurama, heiress of the Kuruma clan and holder of the clans kekki genki." Naruto smiles with his hand still on her head "She was one of the few friends I had before I left originally. I also helped her with her kekki genki which was a bit of a double-edged sword." Naruto paused before looking back at her "That reminds me; how is Uroko-Oba and Murakumo-Oji?"
"They both are fine. Mother wishes to invite you to diner, papa too, so…?" Yakumo activates the dreaded, feared by men everywhere of all ages, and damn right unfair puppy-eye jutsu, "…will you come?" Naruto really did try to resist, kami knew he did and so did the secretly the amused kyubi no yoko, but there was no beating this double S-ranked jutsu.
"Fine." Naruto sighed hard causing his friend, and truly the only other person who really knew him, beamed up at him "Great! They will be pleased." Running off without actually allowing the blond to stop her. He sighs at her abrupt exit "She… never changes…" returning into the room.
Kurama Compound
That night…
"Thanks for the guard." Naruto comments as Aoi nods at him "Try not get dragged into another side mission this time." Spoken so drily, the trees around them seemed to wilt a bit, "You know I can't promise that." Naruto's equally dry response, he hates breaking promises and usually stuff like that just happens and would ultimately cause issues later down the line "Fine. I'll remain nearby. Just in case." Before vanishing in a swirl of water and Naruto nods to alert the clan of his arrival.
"NARUTO!" called out Yakumo who tackled him but her lack of mass allowed him to stabilise the force out, "Yuku-chan; You've gotten stronger." Causing her to nod emphatically at him "Yeah. Thanks to you, mama and papa allow me to walk around the clan estates now unattended."
"I'm glad your getting stronger. Soon, you'll be a kick ass shinobi like me." He smiles causing her to beam up at him, her cheeks a hint of rosiness to them.
She leads her best friend though the small compound to her parents house whom welcome him home like a hero, "Sochi!" called out Uroko Kuruma brining Naruto into a bone crushing hug, that he had prepared for but she still broke through his chakra reinforcement as if he was a mere academy student "Uroko-oba…" Naruto hugging back, trying to keep air in his lungs "It's good to see you well…" Murakumo states clapping Naruot on his shoulder "Despite everyones effort to the contrary…" chuckling neverously, the blond smiles at his uncle figure "How's things been in the clan? In the village?"
"We're doing much better in fact." Murakumo explained as his nephew figure was finally released from his wifes hold "One of our clansmen finally reached Jonin Rank."
"Well that's awesome." Naruto beaming smile was contagious as they all too beamed back "Yeah it is…" Yakumo confirms "Though, due to that, we knew what the hokage has planned."
"Figured." Naruto responding to the clan head who now looked grim, "Come… we can discuss this over the food. Don't want it to get cold." He leads the group to the dining table.
Once served and idle chatter died down, they began to explain after the privacy seals were enacted "Several tracker teams are being prepared." Murakumo opened with earning a nod from the lone non-clan member "We figured as much." Naruto responded flatly, clearly not surprised by that "At least one Anbu Combat team will be part of your escort. You have a plan right?" Uroko asks earning a nod from the visiting shinobi "We do, it's also why I asked you to prepare the bento. My friend is outside acting as my chaperon. Just in case." Naruto explains causing nods from her "I was wondering who he was, hanging around outside like that. You should have brought him in."
"Nah…" Naruto waived off her concern, "This is a family matter." This earned a beaming smile from the ladies and a soft chuckle from the older man who nodded "Well said." Leaning forward though, Murakumo continued "What are your plans going forward? Now that the council knows you're a mercenary, they'll come for you." Naruto nods at his assessment "True. We have a plan in the works and we have the Daimyo on our side. To Konoha, we will be untouchable."
"The Daimyo? You have such a reach?" Uroko asks slightly surprised at the name drop, Naruto nodded at that "Yeah. The Senju clans backing too."
"Lady Tsunade's? How'd you pull that one off? No one can ever find her."
"Ran into her on the way to Water Country, the job before this, and we talked. Right now, she should be setting things in motion in the capital whilst we are heading back to Mist. After that, we have an assignment in Waterfall." Naruto explained earning raised brows from the clan head "You've been busy."
"Gotta be, uncle." Naruto says with a half smile before shrugging "I had no backing when I left. Now though, I have proven myself to several powers as a valuable asset. I'm riding this momentum as much as I can. I even have plans for a full team line up soon."
"Team? Can I join?" asked Yakumo gaining the rooms attention, Naruto paused for several minutes in contemplation "You'll need to be at least at high-chunin level before I can even consider it seriously." He informs seriously, no playfulness nor nepotism to be found at that moment upon his visage. She nods just as seriously "If that's what it takes."
"Don't rush it, dear." Uroko cutting in after her daughter, who puffed her cheeks at said woman "…but…"
"She's right…" Naruto now speaking up, his face still set in stone "…the life of a shinobi, neh; a kunouchi is not for the faint of heart. It's dangerous, even among allies, so please Yuku-chan, do not rush through your training and enjoy yourself along the journey." He finally smiles "When you are ready, and only then, will I personally test you and see if you can join my team." This caused the heiress to glance down at her hands for a brief moment before her resolve hardened "I will protect my family…" looking directly at her hero "…with this power you gave me. I'll be the strongest Kurama clansmen and show that even us minor clans are of note."
"Well said!" Murakumo announced raising his glass "To the future…"
"To the family…" Uroko chimed in "…to the Kurama!" Naruto and Yakumo cheered and for the next hour and a half, the chatter became a lot less serious as they spoke like the long lost family unit they inadvertently formed all those years ago.
Murakumo walked Naruto to the gate, Uroko carrying her now sleeping daughter to her own bed, allowing them to talk about topics not ment for the innocent "About the other thing…" the clan head spoke as Naruto too matched his posture "There is still time before you make that final decision."
"The Leaf has little love for us, truly." Murakumo continued after nodding "The clan is behind you on this. I was the one providing the devils advocate in the clan meeting."
"That musta been difficult."
"It was." Finally reaching the gate the two turn to each other "We aren't a minor clan for nothing. We are down to only twenty members." He paused before correcting himself with a soft smile "Soon to be twenty-one though…" Naruto brightens at the news, smiling alongside his uncle figure who took him in during his darkest days "Congratulations Uncle. I look forward to spoiling the little one unashamingly." Earning a chuckle from the older brownette "I bet." Sighing this time and fixing his nephew with a serious look "I'll train Yakumo as best as I can. The whole clan will, but if she does join…"
"I'll look out for her as I always have, and always will…" Naruto cutting him expecting this much earlier but still, better late then never. Murakumo and Naruto hugged man to man briefly as he finally stepped out "Thanks for the food again."
"Come home more often and Uroko will be less tense."
"I'll try…" Naruto responded with a shrug "…though, I can't promise that."
As soon as the gate shut, Ao appeared beside Naruto who promptly hands him the bento prepared by the clan matriarch "What's this…?"
"A thank you from the Kurama clan…" Naruto spoke softly and full of fondness, earning a raised brow from the hunter commander "…for keeping me safe out there." The man actually smiled at that "Your welcome."
Hidden Leaf Gate
Naruto was leaning on the tree beside the main gate, Samui leaning back against him with both looking bored as hell while the Mist group await the Anbu escort to arrive. Suigetsu was sitting at the duo's feet, inspecting his sabre again, whilst Ao remained at Mei's side standing in the middle of the gate speaking with the Hokage, who kept stealing discreet side eye glances at the blond duo. "Man, that guys persistent." The water man states, not breaking his eyes from his blade, his focus on ensuring not a chip was upon the hard steel's razor edge "Told you didn't I?" Naruto states as Samui finally opens her eyes "You did."
"Well, once we get back to Mist…"
"We have to move on to our next assignment." Naruto informs causing the water man to finally look up "Oh? Not staying for the exams?"
"It's Mist shinobi only, remember?" Naruto states looking to the Hōzuki clansmen, who looked bewildered earning a smile from the blond "I guess you forgot that we aren't Mist shinobi."
"To be honest…" he nodded, still somewhat shocked at that "…yeah. You guys are cool, and you helped us out big time… figured you'd become one of the seven."
"Thank you." Samui spoke up for the first time, though Naruto knew it was only because Suigetsu used her favourite word "It's not like we'll not be working together moving forward, just that we have other obligations to tend to now." Naruto told the teen who nodded then sighed, shoulder sagging "I guess your right." He suddenly perked up "Just means I have a better chance at my goal of mastering all seven swords!"
"You need to find them all first though." Samui added unhelpfully as their comrade slumped again at that, mumbling about stupid missing ninja stealing prized swords and the like. It was then Naruto noticed the arrival of three Anbu teams approaching fast, "Time to move out." Speaking so softly that only the former Kumo resident to hear. She nods getting off him as he stands tall now, Suigetsu noticing this change in posture too gets to his feet, large sabre placed back in its sheath on his back just as one Anbu team drops in abruptly.
Mei finishes up their discussion before turning back to her team "Okay, let's head out. We need to get home."
"Yes ma'am!" was chorused and they were off like blurs, Minato watching as his estranged son continued to get further and further out of his reach. It was then he was joined by his former sensei "Follow them. I want to know what he's been doing with himself."
"No worries kid. The mighty…"
"Not now sensei. Just get moving or I'll call Kushi-chan…" the presence was already gone at that point and the blond couldn't help but smile. With his sensei on the case, his son will be back, and the wood release will finally be back in the leaf.
Elsewhere a certain Senju sneezed whilst looking watching over the future of her clan, a bright blond haired, brown eyed child who was pestering his other mother about the medical book she was reading. The other occupants of the waiting room look to her in concern, "Lady Tsunade?" spoke Shizune who had her own daughter on her leg "It's nothing. Just had a feeling I needed to punch my teammate and his stupid student for some reason." Before looking down at the adoption papers in hand, signed and awaiting the seal of the man behind the door.
This caused Shizune to frown, unseen by the black-haired girl on her lap who too was reading along with her mother "That could only mean…"
"Yeah. The runt is going to try something against the brat." Tsunade spoke ever elegantly causing her apprentice's frown to deepen "Mi'lady…" earning a sigh from the senior medic "I get it. You don't like your boyfriend being bad mouthed…" this earned a rosy blush to adorn the face of the younger woman "…he isn't…"
"…but still, didn't think this would take this long." Tsunade continued over her flustered student, looking to the double oak doors with growing concern "I mean, he damn right ordered me to do this and he's keeping us waiting. We'll be late at this rate."
"That's right. We have to meet them a Takigakure soon." Shizune seemed to be brighter than ever "Yeah. Then, after that check-up, I'll have to head to the leaf…" letting out a tired sigh, "Should have done this a long time ago."
"What's done is done, mi'lady." The soon to be former jonin states earning a nod from the blonde as she stares at her son, that was now running towards her leg "Yeah…" a growing soft smile upon the form she then lifts on to the sofa beside her "…and I'm happy for it all the same."
A day offshore – Enroute to Mist
Naruto sighs while keeping his eyes closed in his cabin, the smell hitting his nostrils was uniquely of hazelnut and ozone telling him that Samui was sleeping atop his chest. He takes a deep breath which alerts her and his tapping on her lower back, a code 'Stow away, hidden leaf, kage level. One.' To which she nods at "…m'orning."
"Not cool." She whispered back as her water chakra begins to mold, alongside his own that he adds trace amounts of wind to, "I know…" he sighs out as they both slowly turn to the corner by the door and blast it with a jet stream of water.
Out from the shadows comes Jiraiya, not wanting to get his notepad wet, and in the destraction he missed the second flaring of chakra, and the wooden panels begin to morph and grab his ancle but before the lightning strike could hit, he puffed away in smoke. Naruto growned at that, "Of course they would send him." Sitting up alongside his friend/student "…I shoulda known." At that moment, Ao came bursting in to the cabin after sensing the Chakra spikes "What happened?"
"Toad sage stowed away." Samui informs as she stretches "Not cool."
"He slipped in and awoke me. Got away before we could detain him." Naruto informed earning an understanding nod "Well, he's Konoha's spymaster after all, a sannin too. You did good to even detect him."
"He's still on the ship though I can't pinpoint him exactly." Naruto continued with eyes closed and focused on his minds eye of the kagura, he acquired this upon the Kyubi snooping around his genetics to see if he had those infernal chains. In a deal to ensure his safety, Kyubi unlocked the Minds Eye for Naruto but suppressed his chains. Naruto figured that would be fine as he already had his Wood Release should the tailed beast attempt to act up. "It may take a little bit."
"I'll help out though, I am sure he knows that I am…"
"Go warn Mei. We'll get dressed." Naruto orders and Ao leaves to find his kage, the last two putting on their armour and armament atop their civilian attire.
Not even two minutes later the duo exit their room, Naruto holding on to Samui shoulder as he focuses on his Minds Eye directly on the ship, scanning it completely and thoroughly whilst also refining his scans down below the normal limits.
Make their way down the hall, he begins to pick up smaller and smaller signatures, even the few fish tumbling in the wake behind the ship which drew his attention and finally locked in on the sage "Got him." Was whispered and two shadow clones pop into existence, immediately heading off to track the sage whilst the original and Samui headed topside to meet with the others.
"Report." Mei orders as the duo arrive, "Toad sage was last spotted on the rudder. He's slipping about, but…" a pause as he snapped to the left, everyone following suit as the two clones land either side, glaring at the space between them and the others all enter defensive stances "You can drop the illusion, toad sage." Naruto spoke so coldly, Samui was proudly smirking at his side with sparks of lightning dancing across the kunoichi's pale skin "Why are you here?" Mei orders as the man fazes into view, frowning as he hadn't been discovered like this "Does it matter?"
"Yes." Spoke the Mizukage firmly, eyes narrowed dangerously "Spying on foreign dignitaries is punishable by death."
"Whoa, take it easy… I just happened to be heading this way." Jiraiya chuckles light heartedly, scratching the back of his head only earning a scoff from the lone Uzumaki "You've been following us since we left the village." Earning a raised white brow "I didn't say anything as you may have left with the Anbu but seeing as you tried to stay undetected…" his eyes narrow "…whilst sneaking into my room…" earning growls from his fellow blonde "…this I cannot ignore."
"Explain yourself!" Mei ordered with far more force, worthy as her title as Water Shadow as the temperature on deck began to climb notably despite the cool ocean breeze "Just wanted to ensure my future student is…"
"Future student?" spoke Ao with a frown, glancing at Naruto who too looked just as confused if his clones were anything to go by. Jiraiya points to Naruto "You, my boy, will be the greatest shinobi, trained by my…"
"No." Naruto spoke so coldly, the scattered Yuki clan all found themselves nodding in agreement based on that fact alone, and with such finality that even the Toad sage was left without words "I will never, and I mean never, be your student, perverted hermit of detsu no saninn." A full minute before anyone got their minds together enough to speak again "…but… your father…"
"I have no father." Growled Naruto as his chakra spiked higher than Mei's yet flowed much like the ocean around them, which reminded the senior shinobi of his teammate "Now leave before something unchangeable and regretful happens that cannot be undone." spoke so casually and coldly that goosebumps ran up then down the body of the Elite Jonin known as the Sage of Mount Myōboku.
A/N: This is just another Idea I had on the back burner.
I probably won't be around for sometime, doubt I'd return soon either. Life has got me really down so... yeah... thanks for everything. :)