A/N: Was going to wait until I finished Kitsune Knight Ch 6 before uoloading this, but having a bit of a writers block on it. Thus Phantom Blade Ch3 is halfway done, and I redid Mindful Winds ch0 and ch1 in my attempt to clear it. As I upload this, i am working on Lost Fox's Nara portion. You'll know it when you read it. 26/10/24

Chapter Thirteen; Stepping Forwards

Land of Fire; Hidden Leaf

Shino jerks awake, scanning the area to find himself in a hospital, the Hidden Leaf Hospital, his clan's special wing. It took a second as his queen informed him about the allied guest insects and that they were safe at home. "It's okay, Shino. You are safe now, man."

"Kiba-san." Shino's voice was shaky as the said man entered the bug users' field of view. "Hey. You've been out for a full week."

"I have. I see." The bedridden shinobi pauses as he communicates with his hive to receive updates and confirms that he had been recovered a week ago. Nodding, he glances at his old teammate, "I must advise you."

"On?" Kiba raised a brow, arms crossed as he sat on the bedside stool. "I was singled out." Shino paused, nodded, and then looked back at the very serious-looking Kiba. "When the White Dawn attacked us, they knew me directly. My squad held them off long enough for me to send word. They knew me by name."

"That is unsettling." A new voice spoke, both men looked to the door to find Shikaku. "Lord Hokage."

"Don't stand," said the man, waving them off. "Shino, if what you say is true, and I don't doubt it coming from you, then not just Kakashi, but you, Kiba, and Sakura are all high-priority targets for them."

"My thoughts too," Shino nods. "This is becoming far too troublesome. If we can't complete the mission internationally..." The Hokage trails off, consumed in his thoughts. It takes a full minute before he returns to the room. "Until further notice, the retrieval team is on the reserve roster."

"You can't!" Kiba jumped up, earning a raised brow. "Last time I checked, I wear the robes, Inuzuka-san," Shikaku informed, and the boy sat back down. "Get some rest. I'll come for your report in a few days."

Shino nods at that, "Understood, Lord Hokage."

Land of Spring; Kaze no Kuni

"Are you sure about this, Naruto?" Anko walked alongside her superior openly for the first time in many years, both in casual civilian attire as they headed to his home via the civilian way. "You can't stay in the shadows forever, Anko." He gave her a flat look. "You know this as well as I do."

"But..." she looks around as the normal folk go about their business, flinching upon his contact with her shoulder, but relaxes upon remembering that it's Naruto. It's fine. "Give it time. Some light will do you well." His smile was comforting. He was right; she needed to get back to her life. She can't stay behind that mask forever. She tried that once. Look what happened to her.

Sighing, she nodded. "Okay. You have yet to steer me wrong."

"Good. Besides, if you don't, I'll call upon a very hormonal Ryūzetsu for a talk." Naruto informs, earning a deathly pale Anko. "Hey, you wouldn't do that to me, would ya?"

He stops and turns to her with a smile, far too sweet to be natural. "Whatever do you mean, Anko-kun?"

Letting out a defeated sigh, Anko shoved her hands into the pockets of her black ANBU pants. "Fine." Moving off, she brushed her loose black hoodie that hid her chain mail top completely. "I won't complain anymore." He smiled softly, knowing how hard she was forcing herself to relax outside headquarters. He didn't blame her. Most wouldn't recognize her. Her old pineapple hairstyle was a thing of the past. Her blueish-black hair trailed down over her hood, which he forbade her from wearing. She was almost as pale as a Uchiha for crying out loud.

Moving up beside her, the woman steps a step closer whenever she thinks he wouldn't notice as they travel to his family home.

Reaching his street, Naruto glanced at his friend, "Just remember. It wasn't her who gave the order."

"I won't snap at momma dearest, okay?" Anko mumbled, not even glancing at her escort. "Already paid the fucker back, and his cohorts. The old bats are still on my shit list though."

"Your name is at the top of the list for the next leaf infiltration mission," Naruto informs, earning a nod. "I am still pissed that you overlooked me on that last one." She now gives him a side eye, allowing her to witness the fluid shrug. "You were on a mission, and it was time-sensitive," he turns to her. "Besides, at the time, we were still under the Fireproof directive."

"We aren't anymore?" Her brow furrowed, his stare was flat, "Right." She nodded and he knocked on the door. After a few moments, it was Tsunade who opened the door and froze. Frozen due to seeing a ghost, "A-Anko?"

The kunoichi was tense, trying desperately to control her breathing at the sight of "Anko." Naruto's voice, and she focused on him now, trying to calm herself. "You are fine. Remember. We are here. We are..."

"Strong," Anko responded dutifully, regaining her control, and nodded at her commander. She then turned to Tsunade, who caught the tail signs, giving a less-than-half smile, "Hi, Lady Tsunade."

"Drop the Lady." Senju spoke softly, piecing together a disturbing picture. "I thought you were…"

"Dead? Yeah, well that was the point. I should be." Anko spoke rather flatly and flippantly, shrugging after the fact. "Were it not for a certain knucklehead and his fire-spitting partner not giving up on me at all." Tsunade looked to said knucklehead and could figure out the fire-spitter relatively easily. "I am sure I won't like the story, but please come in."

Proceeding into the abode, the affect was immediate, as the laden smell of the Commander was all around, Anko naturally relaxed, heading into the large living room. Naruto was stopped by his mother as he passed her, "Has she been here…?"

"Since she 'died'? Yes, she was a member of my second squad. Third strongest of Luna." Naruto said barely above a breath. He sighed, "I won't tell you her story. That is up to her." Stepping past into the living room, he said, "Anko, I'll set you in a guest room. Follow me."

This snapped the kunoichi from her idle musing about the photos on display. She looked at her captain, her gaze becoming fixed on him with a strange intensity. "Hi, command..." He fixes her with that look. "Naruto." She picks up her own duffle bag and heads up after him.

It took only ten minutes before they returned to the living room, and two blurs tackled Naruto. He adjusted to them relatively easily, "Told you I'd come back."

"You did." Kushina said with teary eyes. "Yeah, you kicked butt, right?" Rella, as Naruto, grinned like a fox. "Yeah. You should ask my good friend here." Gesturing up behind him, a rather stoic woman with longish dark blueish black hair. "Umm, hi..." Kushina smiled, causing the woman's face to soften and smile. "Hey, squirt. What's your name?"

"Kushina Tsuchi!" Kushina introduced herself with an offered hand and a timid smile. Anko took the hand and shook it. "Anko Mitarashi, captain under your father."

"Like our mum?" Ralla asks, and even though the air seemed dimmer, no one shied away from the subject. It would be rude. Anko kept her smile and nodded, "Yes. Like her."

Ralla looked at his dad, signaling to come closer, to which the man did, whispering not so silently, "How come all the captains are girls?"

Silence. Absolutely nothing happened for ten solid seconds.

A slow dawning of realization crossed both Naruto and Anko's features as it was clear they were both counting the captains of Luna, and their sex. Naruto hung his head as Anko snorted and chuckled not so subtly, "I don't count either,"

"No, Commander. You don't." Anko continued to chuckle deeply. "A three to one?"

"Three to one," she nods, and he sighs again, "How tragic."

"What's so funny?" Tsunade appeared from the kitchen, preparing food for the party Rellahan had suggested. Anko chuckled lowly. "Only that most of our finest happen to be us ladies."

Tsunade blinked owlishly at that, her face slowly morphing into one of smug satisfaction as she reached Naruto's suddenly stony expression. "Is that true, sochi-chan?"

The fact that she used such a ridiculous title, in a singsong manner, paired with that level of smugness really irked him something fierce. Worst of all, he couldn't even deny it, so with a very tight voice, "Hi – it would, somehow, appear that, at some point in time, we have somehow, beyond my current logical understanding of probability, filled our current team captain roster, within my organization, run by Ryūzetsu and myself, with a somewhat skewed level of operatives, that may or may not be of the female persuasion. Allegedly."

The level of smugness Naruto and Rella felt from the two veteran kunoichi, and even Kushina for some reason, was almost smotheringly overwhelming. Even Kurama let out a few coughs, as if inhaling smoke, which did nothing to improve his host's current dilemma. "Oh, I can't wait for the others to show up." Tsunade cheered as she headed back into the kitchen, way too bubbly in Naruto's honest opinion, and Anko's chuckling at his back did not bode well for him when the others did show up. "Troublesome."

Back in the leaf, every single male Nara, both young and old, active, reserve, or retired, all looked to the heavens. As one, they raised two fingers in salute to the one dealing with the troublesome level of trouble emanating in the troublesome continuum. They stood there for a full five seconds before all, again, as one, sighed out, "Troublesome."

Naruto and Rellahan suddenly felt like they were honored in some way and raised a two-finger salute, for a full five seconds. Anko and Kushina watched this, puzzled, until Tsunade came in and spotted the tailed end of it. For some reason, she felt irked, but what sealed the deal was when, in unison, both boys sighed in a very familiar way. "Troublesome."

"Oi." Tsunade growled so softly that the hairs on both boys stood on edge, and in unison, only afforded to the two as father and son, they robotically turned to the former Kage, who grew even more irritated at the sight.

Karin and Ashina arrived first, bringing a full scroll of helium balloons. Karin was happy to see Anko taking her first steps outside the headquarters. It may have been into her commander's home, but it was a positive start, nonetheless.

Sara arrives next, followed by Tayuya with Bashir in tow. Symaru carries a bag of papers from her father's office. Work that needed to be brought to his attention. This is why she arrived last, with third trimester Ryūzetsu. By which time the party was on, with a grill out in the yard, music, and games.

When Ryūzetsu spotted Anko and Naruto on the side, with the latter manning the barbecue grill, she made her way over, accompanied by Symaru. Spotting this, Tsunade left her conversation with Sāra and made her way over to catch up with the intense conversation. "…Ryūzetsu. I know it was against our standard operating procedure, but considering that the only other person there is a nonfactor." Naruto spoke firmly, matching her accusing glare with the same intensity.

The expectant mother growled right up until Tsunade arrived, before sighing. "Fine. Seeing you vouch for her, I will let her off this once."

Anko visibly relaxed after that statement. Sure, she knew the commander had her back on this clear violation of procedure, but Ryūzetsu's fury has been known to cowl even the nine tails. The only survivor thus far was the commander. "I am just worried about you, Anko. You know that, right?"

"I do, Ryu." Anko smiled at her friend. "I owe you my life after all." Looking to Naruto next, she said, "Both of you." Naruto smiled at that, half-hugging the shorter kunoichi and ignoring the brief stiffening. "I am just happy you are moving forward now," he said. Ryūzetsu commented while rubbing her bulging stomach absentmindedly. "Can't have the godmother of my child stuck behind our masks."

"God… child…?" Anko muttered with wide eyes. The white-haired woman nodded, "There is no one I trust more should the worst occur." The troubled former Jonin rushed forward and gently hugged her savior, not fighting the tears, "Thank you. Thank you so much."

Naruto smiled at that as he flipped the burgers, looking up seeing his mother smiling at the sight of his best of his best comforting one another. Just beyond that Symaru going through file bindings, "Mismume." Causing the woman to look up, meeting her fathers gaze. "Drop them in my office. I'll tend to them later."

"…but dad…?"

"No buts. We have company over, and this is to celebrate us. Our family. Those files will be there when we are done." Naruto instructs, and she sighs, nodding as she packs up. "Hi – tou-san."

"I also believe some of your friends from Suna will be here soon," Naruto informs, causing her to snap back to her father, eyes wide in disbelief. He just smiled back with a nod. "I came across their transfer requests here to headquarters. They will be working on the Dawn side of things. You will still have Luna clearance, but..."

"You're the best, daddy!" Symaru launched herself into her dad's chest, earning a smile at the act. He hugged her while flipping the mackerel.

It was still weird to see this version of Naruto for Tsunade. It hadn't been long since she chose to stick with her family, true, but trying to impose that loud, mouthy, orange-wearing, thick-headed, and stubborn fool with this seasoned shinobi commander and family man was nearly impossible. Sighing again, she glanced back over the large garden at the family her son had made. It was a beautiful sight, truly, that she was now a part of, and again, her thoughts about not leaving with him returned. Yet again, she was saved by the conversation topic brought up. "Still, the reports I got."

"I am sorry, Ryūzetsu," Naruto smiled with a slight smirk. "But it worked out for the best. Thanks to the Omega Protocol, we were able to shatter the enemy's defensive bastion, crack their resolve, and finally sever the heads of the hydra. Task Force Omega proved instrumental in the swift victory. The allied force commanders have even gone so far as to decorate our contributions with their own accolades."

"I understand that, Naruto. I really do." Ryūzetsu responds calmly, eyes not wavering from his. "But did you not forget that Luna's whole purpose was to remain inoculated from the limelight? It's why we don't use flashy techniques, recognizable calling cards, and the like."

"I have not forgotten," Naruto nods as he serves the fish, "But with this, things are just escalating, and because they are," he looks directly at her, eyes of diamond. "We will need both Luna and Crescent Moon to put out bushfires while the Dawn tackles the raging wildfires."

"I have been meaning to ask, actually," Tsunade inserted herself, drawing the eyes of the other three. "Luna is your answer to Anbu, right?"

"Not originally," Naruto was quick to respond. "Though it ended up being like that." Anko continues, nodding along. "Then, how long have you been operating?" The former hokage asks, and Ryūzetsu answers. "About seven years now."

"A month after the Tea incident," Naruto spoke with a haunted voice, his expression going flat. Ryūzetsu too seemed to stiffen up and huddle her bump, but Tsunade went wide-eyed at the name. "The Tea incident! You were there?"

"Tsunade," Anko barked heatedly, stunning the Senju and drawing the eyes of the other adults. "Everyone has something you can't ask them." The Luna operative warns, eyes narrowing, "Do not push your luck."

Tsunade noted their reactions, and her mind sped at speeds light would be jealous of. Naruto's harrowing eyes, Ryūzetsu's protectiveness of herself, and Anko's very real anger at her for bringing up the largely unknown 'Tea incident'—which means she is aware of it at some level. Enough to know it is something to not intrude on. In short, something happened to trigger the incident, or the incident triggered something. Add in Ryūzetsu's reaction suggests it was personal, something she had no control over if her shuddering breaths are to be believed. Naruto's lack of expression also suggests that he tried and failed. Loss. They lost something. Or someone.

Taking a deep breath and clearing those thoughts that crossed her mind in under a second, she said, "You are right, Anko." Looking to the duo, she added, "Sorry. I was unaware."

"It's in the past," Naruto cut off his mother figure. "We can't dwell on it anymore. We promised, after all." Ryūzetsu finished, and now Anko offered her a hug, which was promptly returned.

"I was just curious about Luna as a whole." Tsunade spoke softly, but Naruto picked it up nonetheless, "Luna was originally a way of allowing the most hardened criminals to aid us in the field, without being noticed and outed."

"Huh? Criminals? Why would…?" Tsunade was bewildered as her company looked at her incredulously. "You don't know, do you?" Anko muttered, shocked. The Senju looked back, confused. Ryūzetsu snorted, Naruto chuckled deeply, and Anko sighed. "White Dawn is technically a rehabilitation group. We reform those who fell off the deep end and needed a way to get a second chance. Thus, 'white' refers to a clean slate, and 'dawn' means to begin again." Naruto informed her, and Tsunade gawked at the information.

"At first, it was just the lower end of the C-rank bingo book, sticking with us for protection while earning a decent living." Naruto continues the story, as the pale blonde nods along. "Then, as our group grew, we split up and covered more ground, tackling harder enemies. We were joined by non-criminal elements. As our numbers swelled, we set up base in the old Akatsuki facilities within the Rain village. We began training them up and coordinating our efforts." Naruto informs as he takes a bite from his burger, Ryūzetsu tearing through a freshly grilled steak. "Our clientele grew in station, and we uniformed ourselves, and the beginning of what would be known as White Dawn took shape."

"Luna, on the other hand," the white-eyed beauty spoke up, catching the medic's attention. "was the idea I put forward after my joining. As a former Grass Anbu, and Naruto's record in Suna Anbu..."

Tsunade snapped at Naruto, who was casually handing over a fresh plate of burgers to Ashina, who immediately took them to the table, "You joined the Suna Anbu?"

Naruto looked up at her after that, blinking owlishly before it clicked, "Oh...? Yeah. I should probably officially resign, huh?"

"No shit," Anko chuckled, offering him three sticks of dango. "Well," Naruto took the offered sweets from his subordinate, a gleam of his infamous trickster in his eyes, "That report should be rather interesting, no?"

It took a long moment for both Ryūzetsu and Anko to do the math. Based on their last mission for the Suna Anbu, a report could be about three pages per day during heavy encounters, then take into account their own missions atop that.

Anko's grin matched her leaf days, for a moment, and Ryuzetsu glared at him, "Don't even..."

"Yes." They both spoke before stopping and staring at one another. Naruto was amused because he knew Anko would never go against Ryūzetsu, but the prospect of a ten-volume-long report for Gaara was way too much to resist.

"Also unnecessary." A new voice. Naruto glanced back over his shoulder to see the Sand siblings walking up. "Gaara, my man," the commander cheered, looking at the non-makeup-wearing Konkuro. "Kuro, looking sharp without Meri's makeup."

Konkuro chuckled while grasping Naruto's arm in a brace, "You haven't changed, whiskers. How are things treating you?"

"We're surviving, Aniki, we are surviving," Naruto's voice was solemn but firm, and the older man just nods, a firm smile on his face. "All we can do is move forward."

Naruto nods, their hands releasing one another's lower arms. "Yeah. Though, I hope you brought the beer."

Konkuro grinned. "After hearing about that absurdity of a stunt you pulled! No way I was just going to come and not head out with you. I need details, man!"

Naruto chuckled and nodded. Temari approached, bonking her little brother as she passed to calm him, before hugging Naruto, just like always. "You doing okay?"

"Yeah," Naruto's equally soft response, "I got the family with me, so," he feels her nod, slowly releasing him, maintaining their held hands. "Yes, you do. We are all here for you."

The whiskered blond smiles widely at that, reaching his eyes, as Gaara and Konkuro grab either shoulder with smiles, and a grinning puppeteer.

Tsunade watched this and smiled halfway, yet another reminder of her failure to protect her son, who was then saved by others. This scene made it clear that Naruto is the adoptive, scratch that – the fourth Sand Sibling, resting between Gaara and Konkuro under Temari's umbrella. She doubts blood would make them closer, it seems.

"You should stop doing that to yourself." A new voice broke the silence from her thoughts, glancing to her side to see Karin, smiling at the sight of Naruto, Gaara, and Konkuro roughhousing. Temari was ushering them away from the grill, which was now being tended to by a shadow clone.

"What am I doing to myself?" Tsunade asks the know-it-all scientist, who looks at the Senju. "Just like my clan head, you need to learn to move on. We all do." Karin's scarlet eyes seem to lock onto the Senju's very soul, broken as she pushes her glasses up. "After all, you're his 'mother,' right? Shouldn't you be thinking about how best to keep him safe now? Not the loudmouth thirteen-year-old that left, but the twenty-four-year-old man who is trying to protect his family?"

Former Kage looked back at the playfighting trio. Naruto was getting a nuggie from Konkuro, while keeping Gaara's swiping fists away with his longer arms. All three had smiles on their faces, while Temari looked like she was trying to save face and straighten them out. It was amusing, seeing the most powerful leaders of the current generation acting like kids. "It isn't..."

"It never is," the Uzumaki matriarch responds swiftly and coolly. "Nothing worth having ever is, so keep reminding yourself that Naruto Uzumaki, clan head of the Uzumaki clan, is your 'son' and he is an idiot that needs your constant supervision."

Tsunade snorted at that. "Sounds like you have personal experience," she glanced at her and let out a tired sigh. She took off her glasses and rubbed her eyes, "He's more of a handful, yes." Looking at her clan leaders' mother figure, Karin wiped her glasses with a silk cloth, eye to eye, but with a smile, "But he's my baka. It wouldn't work any other way."

The sudden rush of kids passing them by drew their attention. The three brothers were dog-piled by the stampede of children, earning an abrupt "Yelp!" from the men on the floor. Giggles from the kids and smiles from the mothers, aunts, and sisters followed.

"Yeah. This is worth giving my all for." Tsunade says before chuckling, and Karin smiles at that. Tayuya reaches her side the next moment, with a prankster grin fully on display. "Think I timed that perfectly."

Land of Fire; Hidden Leaf

Shino and Kiba stroll through town, wanting to grab a bite before escorting the former home, as it has been a while since it was just them. Hinata was no doubt on a mission or something, so they head to barbecue-q, where drinks were off until Shino fully recovered. "With us on the reserve roster, we'll be bored stiff."

"Yes. But alive, Kiba," Shino says with surprising level of distance, earning a side eye from his friend who let out a tired sigh. "This isn't good. Since when have things gotten this bad?"

Shino did not respond to him immediately, as it took some time to contemplate things. He finally looked at his dog counterpart, having finished communing with his queen. "If you are asking about the leaf's precarious circumstances currently, then our mission that led to the death of..."

"Right," Kiba cut off his friend, who turned to look forward at the path ahead. "That bastard Uchiha and his number one fan girl. If they weren't around, we'd be fine."

"Possibly," Shino confirms with a nod, again distractedly. "If she had just stuck to the damn mission, or at least waited to understand the whole story before lashing out."

"Haruno-San has always been…" Shino pauses for a moment, nods to something, turns back to his teammate, "…outspoken. Even in the academy, if I recall correctly."

"We aren't in the academy anymore, Shino," Kiba spoke lowly, clearly on edge despite having his hands in his pockets. His fellow tracker nodded, "That might be the issue." Shino offered, to which Kiba chuckled lightly, a small smile as he looked over, "Yeah. We've grown a lot since then."

Shino nods in agreement, "Some more than others."

"Yeah," Kiba cackled lowly after that, and even Shino seemed pleased with himself. "To think, the class idiot is leader of his own mercenary group. Married. Kids. The works." Letting out a deep breath before his face drops, he says, "Only for us to come along and take his wife from him." Shaking his head before growling again, "No, we didn't. That fucking banshee did. We told her to."

"Kiba," Shino cut off his clearly angering friend, a hard look despite the shades, hushing his fellow chunin, "Changing the past is impossible. It is rather self-defeating to constantly remind ourselves of our failures."

Again, another long breath before Kiba nodded. "Right. Let's just eat and get you home."

Entering the restaurant, Kiba and Shino spot their former sensei at the bar with a framed picture of her late friend Anko. The ravenette just downed her, two, six, seventh shot before letting out a tired sigh. Curious, the duo shares a look before nodding and heading over to find out what has the woman in a drinking mood, "Kurenai-sensei? Are you okay?"

"Ah… Kiba, Shino, what's up?" The woman, clearly slightly tipsy, rests her elbow on the bar, her hand holding her head as she looks at them both with a crooked smile. "You look rather festive. We wanted to inquire." Shino adds, to which she smiles softly before looking at the framed picture. "Well, it was just confirmed earlier, but it seems Orochimaru, the Snake Sannin, has been killed."

"Seriously?!" Kiba shouted, his mouth ajar, causing the woman to chuckle without mirth before nodding once. "Yes. There are no details on how, just that Suna, Mist, Iron, and Dawn took down the Sound."

"Are they retreating?" Shino asks, only for his former teacher to shrug. "I stopped listening." The older kunoichi sighed, looking back at the framed photograph. "My dear friend Anko, she was that bastard's apprentice until he betrayed the leaf." Twirling the next shot in its glass as she reminisces, "She always said that she would kill the bastard herself one day." Another mirthless chuckle. "What happened to her?" Shino asks.

Kurenai's red eyes lock on to her former students' shades, "Her mission went belly up. The support team reported that they were ambushed. When the dust settled, she was gone." Downing the drink, before sighing, "They found her a few days later as a missing nin's plaything, yet by the time the back up team got there for a rescue, the whole place was ablaze with only her blooded headband plate remaining."

"I – I am sorry, sensei," Kiba's voice cracked beneath a whisper, yet still earned the woman's attention. A smile that lacked fondness played upon her features, "So am I, Kiba. So am I."

"Crap. It's Kiba…" said the shinobi, who heard it thanks to his clan's canine-like hearing, earning a growl as he glanced back to see Ino, Sakura, Shikamaru, Kakashi, and Asuma in the doorway. "Oh, it's the traitor and the spy." His condescending tone was lost on no one. "Kiba, calm down," Asuma stepped up, "calm down? Why? We've been put on reserve because pinky pissed off the spy's friends."

"Stand down, chunin," Kakashi said with far more force than required and was now gathering a crowd. The Inuzuka snorted, his arms crossed, glaring at the scarecrow, "Oh? What's a deadman walking going to do? I am off duty until we figure out how to get her friends off our back." With a thumb jerked towards Ino, causing said girl to take a step back, folding in on herself, Shikamaru growled, his eyes narrowed as he was getting sick of this claim his friend is working with their enemy. "I suggest you back off, Kiba."

The Nara squared up with the Inazuka, "Or what, lazy ass? Just because you have that jacket, or daddy dearest is top dog, you think you're hot shit, huh?"

"You're looking at insubordination, Inuzuka," Asuma said with eyes narrowed dangerously. "We are no longer active." Shino stepped up beside his teammate. "In response to my recent singling out by White Dawn. Why? I was present when Haruno-san and Hatake-san struck and killed their people."

"Are you…?"

"He isn't," Kiba growled at the Nara, who was surprised by the information. "He spent a week on the run to tell us this. He was just released from the hospital."

"How do we know he isn't a double agent?" Sakura spoke up, probably the worst thing to say at that moment, as Kiba's eyes narrowed and a growl so fierce erupted from his throat that everyone snapped to him. Yet before even he could act, someone else did.

A flash of black, Sakura was kicked into the wall opposite, smashing through it. Dazed and confused, she looked up to find a kunai barely a dozen centimetres from her eye. Beyond that, a visibly fuming Kurenai was being held back by Kakashi, Asuma, Ino, Kiba, and Shikamaru. "You fucking skank of a bitch!" The red-eyed babe roared, enraged at the accusations she dared level against her own student. "You have the nerve after everything you've done! This! This is all your fucking fault! Don't you dare! Don't you fucking dare blame anyone but yourself!"

"Kurenai! Calm down! You're clearly drunk!" Asuma pleaded, barely comprehending that he had to use chakra to hold his girlfriend back like this. "Sensei, she isn't worth it," Kiba spoke lowly, his face sunken, "So please…" which seemed to do the trick as she allowed herself to be pulled back and walked off. No one barred her path.

Asuma sighed before looking around. The gathered crowd was filled with shinobi and civilians alike, and many were glaring at either Ino or Sakura. Sighing as he looked to the side, he expected to find Kiba, but he was gone. Shino too. Looking around, they spotted the duo catching up to Kurenai. Probably to escort her home. Good. One less headache to deal with. Turning back to his party, "Kakashi, we should probably..." Suddenly, he caught a thrown brick. "You traitors!" A civilian called out.

That one act seemed to set off the powder keg that all shinobi knew was about to explode at any moment. Unfortunately, Asuma found himself at ground zero. "The spy and the traitor!"

"We don't want you here!"

"Give them to those punks! Keep us out of it!"

"Execute them! Hand them over to the Dawn!"

Okay. With that last one, Asuma knew he needed to get his students out of here, and fast. Going through hand signs, something flashy but harmless, he breathes in deeply, tilts his head to the sky, and lets rip a long trail of flames twenty feet up.

Kakashi, seeing this distraction for what it was, grabbed the still unbalanced Sakura and the visibly shaken Ino, before vanishing in a body flicker. By the time the flames had died down, Asuma and Shikamaru too had left.

Kurenai stumbled into her apartment, having been escorted home by her two precious students, and had washed up before entering her room to find a scroll atop her bedside table. Curious, she approached it and did the usual checks for traps. That shower really helped clear her mind. Finding nothing amiss, just a simple scroll, she opened the parchment and gasped at what was written.

Dear Kurenai,

It's me, Anko. I know I'm six years late, but I couldn't. I still haven't really had any time until now to do things. Well, I did. It's just that I've been ordered to write, and I've reached the point in my therapy where sending this is okay.

Oh. I can't tell you where I am, but I am alive. I can't say what I am doing or anything. I can tell you now that I was betrayed on that mission. Now, before you go all loco, I already took care of them. I will say this though, beware of the old croons. That mission was a cock-up from the word go. I don't know what they told you, but I doubt it was the truth.

My rescuers are my saviors, and getting back to the Leaf is unwise for my health currently. I really, really wish you were here, but I am told that won't be possible for a while. However, it will happen one day. That is my dream right now, to come back to you. Nee-chan, I miss you, and we have much to talk about when we meet again. Stay strong.

Your favorite person

Anko

Despite the tears running down Kurenai's face she recognised her handwriting, and the extra part added at the bottom.

Hi, I can't tell you who I am, but feel free to show your leader, not their advisers, this message and warn them that they are amassing resources. We haven't tracked them down, but a full inventory and investigation should bring it to light.

Your friend is in good hands. She gave us a few scares but we haven't given up on her and she's coming back. Good luck, Kurenai.

There was an arrow pointing to a small scribble with the tag "channel chakra." She did so, and out popped a small Polaroid photo of Anko, in her civilian attire, with a peace sign up. However, Kurenai could tell that she was different. Less vibrant, but still Anko.

After a good ten minutes just staring at that photograph, Kurenai's eyes hardened. Someone had tried to kill her best friend. Fuck this shit. Getting up, dressed in regular Jonin attire, Kurenai's body flickered to the Hokage Tower. He needs to read this.

Shikaku was certainly not amused right now. Just as he sent for Kurenai, the kunoichi barged into his office, and before he could reprimand her, she presented a letter from the long-thought-dead Jonin Mitarashi. Most of the letter was personal, clearly suggesting that she had been rescued from her failed mission, and the recovery was working. The second half, clearly written by someone else, however, suggested that members of his council were siphoning off Leaf resources for something beyond their knowledge.

How is the enemy? He was not under any illusions to think this was the work of anyone but the Dawn, or more accurately, Luna. How could they find information he didn't even know he needed to look for? Wait. That's the point. He wouldn't. Thus, this leads him to believe that it may have come from either Naruto, or someone close to the top ranks of Luna. There's hope.

Finally looking up from the letter, Shikaku's black eyes met the scarlet ones of the kunoichi. "Has anyone else seen this?"

"No sir."

"Then, be sure to keep it that way."

"Yes sir."

"What was in the seal?"

"It's a recent photo of her, I believe."

"May I?" The Nara reached his hand forward, and out from her pouch came the said article which was hesitantly placed. The Nara couldn't blame her, but this also confirmed that her loyalties were firmly placed. The fact that she willingly handed over her newest prized possession with only a slight hesitation.

Upon looking at the photo, it is clear that yes, Jonin Mitarashi has gone through a traumatic experience based on her wary face, her posture, and the general sense of self he can pick up. Additionally, the background is nondescript, meaning that this was likely planned to reduce the likelihood of being tracked down using any landmarks. They are careful.

Land of Spring; Uzumaki Household

Anko couldn't sleep. The bed was comfortable, and her lucky bear was within arm's reach, yet she just couldn't sleep. The room was fully sealed, plus, who the fuck would try to sneak into the head of Luna and White Dawn when he's home and on edge.

Getting up, she decides to get a nightcap. She steps out and strolls down the hall, passing the office, and stops. Her senses are razor-sharp. They have to be, for her new praying mantis style, which she developed around her fear of being touched by others. It's all it takes to end up dead. She would know.

Sliding the door open, not bothering to be discreet, she came across a puffy-eyed Naruto. The door shut before he could even call her name. "What are you?" He asks, a stupid question if you ask her, so she ignored it. Before he could stand, "Sit." He froze upon the order as she grabbed the bottle she knew he kept hidden, top-shelf stuff from the Land of Lightning, a regular gift from the Land of Tea that had piled up all over.

Pouring two cups of bourbon, she heads over to the still-sitting blond and pauses for a moment. Taking a very deep breath, she nods to herself, using all her willpower while mentally chanting, "It's Naruto. It's Naruto. It's Naruto." She places herself in his lap, desperately regulating her breathing as she stiffly hands one of the glasses to him. After taking several breaths, she looks at him, "Spill. What has you so worked up and crying like a bitch?"

Naruto could hardly believe what he was seeing. Here he was, in his office. Okay. He might have come across his wedding photo and gotten lost somewhere on memory lane, but that's neither here nor there. Yet. Here comes Anko, strolling into his office like she owns the place, grabs the whiskey old man Jirōchō sent him, and sits on his lap. The haphephobic, androphobic Anko was willing to set aside everything and sit on his lap.

It wanting to discourage her, he sighs as he takes the drink, "I came across a picture from my wedding."

"Ah." Anko nodded, pointedly ignoring his gaze and focusing as hard as she could on the glass. "Can't really help you with that. Sorry."

Naruto snorted, "Unless it is related to training or dango, right?" She nodded emphatically, trying not to let her nerves get the better of her. "When we set out on this journey, Anko. We had no idea things would get this big." Taking a deep breath, Naruto continued, idly noticing that her anxiety levels were tapering off as he spoke, "We were just trying to save as many people as possible."

Taking a sip as he stares back into the glass, "That is what we set out to do. We still do. Yet, it feels like things have gotten out of our hands. I feel like my whole life revolves around the Dawn. Now, when the Dawn moves, the whole world takes note." He softly chuckles as he sips again, "You're scared."

"No shit," Naruto whispered as he lowered the cup, "At some point, we became the big dogs among a pack of wolves."

Anko snorted at that, "Try flipping that." She took a sip herself, man, that's strong, and finally glanced at him. "Commander," she said, gaining his attention. "As one of those you rescued," she tipped her glass towards his, and he raised it, tapping them together. She offered a cheeky smile, "Thank you for saving me."

That brought a soft smile to Naruto's face. The photo that had brought him down, resting on the table, drew his eye. "Yeah. Let's save those who couldn't save themselves."

"The old motto."

"Yeah," Naruto confirms her unspoken question, "A lot is happening, Anko. I'm handling it the best I can."

"A lot better than me," she quipped, earning that look from him. She looked away meekly, "Sorry."

"We both have them. Your progress is outstanding. Heck, you built a whole fighting style around not wanting to be touched again." Naruto chuckled good-naturedly, and she offered a half-smile and nodded. "Figured that, if I had control over that, then."

"You are amazing. You're doing great. All that's left is that little reunion, isn't it?"

"Yep, Nee-chan," Anko nods firmly. "Once I get back, I'll have a girls' night in."

"What gift are you going to bring? And not dango." He asks before giving her that look at the end, and she curses beneath her breath. "Dango is life."

"Let's not argue about the food of the gods again. It's late. The last thing we need is to wake Momma Dragon." Naruto states, and Anko nods, taking a sip from her drink. "Agreed. You'd lose anyway."

"Oi."

"Just saying," she shrugs carelessly, but Naruto knew she was all bluffing right now. She had relaxed, her body's automatic response to touch and men had long since passed as she knows he won't hurt her. According to Ryūzetsu, she has him categorized on some level as family or trusted, which is how he can get past her automatic lash out when he touches her. The involuntary stuff is just that. Involuntary. Nothing to help.

"Say, Anko-nee," Naruto asks softly. This drew her full attention as he had never called her that before, and his crestfallen eyes worried her. "Am I doing good? I mean, Kushina, Rellahan, and Juk. I know how scared they are right now that one day, daddy won't come back like mommy." He takes a deep, shuddering breath. "I can't just walk away from it all either. Things are getting messy. The world is even more divided than ever before. It's like—no matter how much we clean up…"

"Naruto," Anko calls so softly that even the wind didn't catch it, yet his eyes lock into hers, the two locked on each other. "The fact that you feel fear means that you are still human. Remember?"

Of course he remembers. He told her that during her early days. When she said she was a dirty monster, he had held her and said, "Monsters don't feel fear for others or themselves, just failing their dreams. You, feeling fear for what you have become, means that you are still very much human. You are no monster."

"You rocked me to sleep that night, and it kept the nightmares away." Their eyes had yet to part. "You did not give up on me. Even now, I know I am not back to who I was, but that's okay, as I am still human. I trust you, commander. You are my family, Naruto, so I have faith that you will guide me and all who follow you to a better future."

It took a while, a long while, before he took a long exhale. "I am being silly, right? Beating myself up even after all this,"

She snorted, "Took you long enough." But Naruto still caught the genuine smile she wore as she downed her cup, "Thank you, Anko-nee."

"No problem, squirt." She stood as she replaced the bottle on the shelf, turning back to the commander who downed his own drink. "You pulled me back together. Listening to your worries is the least I can do."

Land of Rain; Boarder Station

"…I am telling you, Yukoi. My brother said they jumped from at least three hundred metres right down into the middle of the village."

"Bullshit, I know those battlejunkies are nuts, but even that…"

"Fine, when Murkuma gets back, ask him; he was there too."

A snort sounded as a hooded figure appeared in the road, well within the warning line. The light samurai and shinobi duo jumped up from their sitting position, signaling to the single approaching individual, "Halt. Identify yourself."

"I can't. Not out here. I just want to ask White Dawn for an audience. We need help and…" The clearly female voice was cut off by the Samurai's sigh, "Damn. Just when I thought things would calm down."

"Right," his colleague let out a deep breath. "Kurotsuchi, right?" That actually surprised the kunoichi. "How did you know?"

"You'd be surprised by how many of the old Golems from Oniki's time we have in the Dawn." The shinobi chuckles, which causes the pink-eyed Iwa kunoichi's hope to soar. "So, we can get help then, right? If we have so many."

"Take it easy there. If you're talking about a rebellion, that's top-level echelon clearance needed for those kinds of orders."

"Then, can I speak with them?" Kurotsuchi asks, surprised at the ease of this, but that falls flat when they both shake their heads. "Your information might be a few months old. The main headquarters have moved."

"Moved? Where?"

"Can't say." The samurai shrugged. "Surely you understand, no?"

The granddaughter of the fence sitter sighed, nodding. She could blame them for keeping their mouths shut. She wasn't an ally, just an expected arrival. "Though, we might be bow to bump up to see..."

"We could get away with Lady Ame, right? She has a direct line to the guys up top too."

"We could," the samurai nodded to his shinobi ally, looking to the outsider, "Though, please understand, that we are taking a risk here. No funny business."

"Best behavior," Kurotsuchi confirms, and the man nods as he sighs, "This is going to be a hassle."

Land of Lightning; Kirabi's mind scape

Sitting atop the nose of his partner, Kirabi ponders how things had gotten this bad. Oh, right. His brother thought he had to send a message that Kumo was not one to trifle with and led them to try and kill the mighty nine-oh. Just to find out that he was the top dog. A wounded dog turned out to be a wolf ready to unleash its rage. Should've checked that page.

"Not the time, Kirabi."

"Yet it cannot be helped; the killer bee is the one that must be kept."

"Bee! The Nibi. She needs our help."

"Let's go get our kitty and make it look like skiddy."

"Perhaps we can ask for help? He might be calmer now."

That put a hold on Kirabi's rap and he fell silent, sighing as he takes off his shades as he rubs his eyes, "Will he come though, Gyūki? We are locked down pretty tightly. Getting to Yuigto will put us in a tight spot. We also will be going up against our own."

"Bee. Kurama might have been angry, but he is not unreasonable. We did attack him after he brought his wife's body home. Anyone would be mad in that situation, right?"

"Yeah. We chose the wrong time for our visit, huh?" Taking a deep breath, the bulky man replaces his shades as he nods, "You send the message. It's time to make like a snake and exit stage right."

"Just get moving. I'll convince my brother. Remember, they may wear the Kumo colors, but they are not Kumo shinobi. They betrayed their oaths."

"Right!"

Land of Spring; Royal Air Dockyards

Naruto, flanked by both Kushina and Rellahan, who were both in specially made command-level white Dawn uniforms, wore off-center black formal trench coats with rank chevrons clearly displayed on their shoulders, denoting cadet rank for the two children and commander, which was a Uzu swirl with a small gold star above, for Naruto. They wore leather-like undershirts, which were plain grey, leading into grey, clean-looking cargos. Naruto naturally had his katana on his belt, while the two kids had training-level kunai. All three had their hair braided in low ponytails, with Kushina's plaited by her daddy, trailing halfway down her back.

As Naruto had to get back to duty, his work having piled up, the kids asked if they could come, and after checking his schedule with Symaru, he decided it was all no risk at all. Yet, it seems someone within the Dawn predicted this and had uniforms prepared for the two young Tsuchi. Tsunade sneezed. Which leads to now as they escorted the priestess of Demon Country after her tour of the land. They were now taking her to the royal yacht that has been prepared to take her home, the two transports loaded with the first batch of equipment for the White Dawn Station to be constructed there.

"I hope you found the tour useful for our future endeavors, Lady Shion." Naruto spoke formally in front of his kids, who were doing their absolute best to come off professional like their dad. If you ask the hidden guards, it was adorable. "Yes, Commander. It is clear you have a well-trained force. We look forward to working alongside you." Shion smiled as she too noticed how cute the children were being. "Has Marsh caused any issues?" Naruto asked, knowing the two neighboring lands had been on rocky terms for a while now.

Shion frowns briefly. "They have mentioned their dissatisfaction with our decision to align with the White Dawn. Yet, they still have their own Shinobi force, so we feel more than justified in our decision to do so."

"Fair point," Naruto nods. As Bela steps up in her dawn armour, though Naruto could see the telltale signs of a hinge, he didn't say anything about it. "Lieutenant."

"Commander. All forces are loaded and ready to go." Bela reports dutifully, and Naruto nods. "Very well. We shall be escorting you to your home, Lady Shion. If you would be so kind as to follow us." Looking to the lady of the shrine, who was surprised, before looking to the two kids who were desperately trying not to bounce in excitement. How could she deny them?

Nodding, Shion spoke up, "It would be an honor to host you all." With a gentle smile that the kids responded to without restraint. Naruto could hear several of Luna's operatives squealing in the shadows and glared at them.

As they climb the ramp into Royal One, Naruto spots the covered yard and smirks, "Next time." Nodding once, he proceeds up and catches up to the eager Kushina who was waiting for him, "Pilot, begin takeoff procedures."

"Yes, Commander. At once." was the response as Naruto turned to his son and smirked, "Cadet Captain, front and centre." Rellahan approached his father, who bent down and whispered into his ear. His eyes lit up, and he turned to him, "Really?"

"Really. Just this once." Naruto smiled, chuckling as his son sprinted to the cockpit. "Sir?" Bela asked, and Naruto glanced at her, "Tell the pilot he has permission for the takeoff callout."

Bela smiled at that; it was rather cute how hard the kids were trying to imitate their father just to spend time with him. "Yes, Commander. At once." She made her way to the cockpit, and sure enough, Rella took the guest headset as the pilot turned back. Upon her nod, he flicked open fleet comms and nodded to the seven-year-old. "This is Cadet Captain Rellahan Tsuchi. Commander Daddy Tsuchi has given us the go-ahead to take off."

"Understood, Captain. Give the word." was the response from transport three, directly on their left, when the yacht's pilot whispered what to say to the seven-year-old next, "Transport Four, awaiting orders, sir." The ship on their right, two docks over, but it was clear that all were amused at the effort of their commander's son. "Um, Transport convoy three. We are requesting take off." Rella asks, and this time the tower responded with all seriousness, though more than a few smiles could be heard, "Transport convoy three, you are cleared for immediate departure. You are cleared all the way up to cruise. How copy?"

"Yes, thank you."

"Good luck up there. Tower out."

"Transport convoy three, we can take off now. Let's go." Rella orders, and it's clear many were trying to either hold back their chuckles or squeals at the level of cuteness being generated. "Royal Yacht one, taking off." The pilot beside him calls out, as the engines could be felt picking up speed. "Transport Three, taking off."

"Transport Four, Lifting off." And before his eyes, Rella saw, felt, and witnessed the three craft begin to climb from their respective harnesses and take to the skies. It was the best day ever, if you ask his clearly unbiased, childish opinion.

Back in the lounge of the craft, Kushina was sitting beside her father, fidgeting as she was nervous but also didn't want to break formalities, on the soft sofa that faced the priestess who was all smiles at the display. Naruto, who glared down at the far end where he knew Team Kappa were hiding, finally looked to his princess, "Kushina. You can relax now. Shion-chan here will understand and no one will report any differently. Right?" The ending question was with a smile to the far end, and Naruto very clearly heard the three hidden members' gulps.

"But."

"It's fine, Kushi-chan." Shion spoke up but paused, "May I call you Kushi-chan?"

"You may." Kushina responded with a nod, still trying to be formal with the pretty-eyed lady, who smiled back at her. "Kushi-chan, me and your father are old friends, you see. I am well aware that he has an aversion to the formal."

"Aversion?" Kushina cut in, confused, yet her father spoke up, "I don't like being all stiff and formal, so I try to avoid it."

Kushina nods to that, never actually remembering if her daddy ever wore anything proper and strict like the schoolteachers. "Ah, yes, daddy never wears that strict stuff."

Shion giggled, Naruto sighed while hanging his head. "So, Kushi-chan, don't worry if you break from being so formal. I don't mind. In fact," she signals for her to come over. The young brunette glances at her father, who gives her a soft smile and nod. The seven-year-old gets up and approaches the pretty blonde lady, who whispers something.

Naruto's princess and the priestess continued to whisper gossip with one another throughout the flight. The commander himself let out a wary sigh, hung his head back, and relaxed, contemplating how things were going to turn out, and if bringing his kids along was a bright idea.

Land of Fire; Hidden Leaf

In the Kage office, Shikaku was joined by his old teammates to help him confront the numerous problems facing them at present. Though they were joined by Hiashi, "It's getting bad out there, Shikaku. We managed to smother the flare-up yesterday, but everyone is on edge," Inoichi informs with arms folded. Choza nods, "Yeah, and word is the Fire Daimyo is heading here after news reached him of a civil war."

"It was only confirmed this morning that the Land of Lightning has entered a state of civil war." Shikaku clarified the information, earning nods from the three opposite him. "Do we know why and where the battle lines are?" Hiashi questioned, though none missed the undertone of satisfaction. "Well," the man in the seat let out a slow breath, "it seems that after their crushing defeat against the Land of Spring, Ay felt that a message needed to be sent. So, for whatever reason, he led a personal team in to find a suitable target."

"They didn't find one and got caught?" Choza asks, but the Nara smirks, that "You are never going to believe this shit" smirk that Nara have mastered. "Oh, they found a suitable target. Just probably the worst one to stumble upon, and at the worst time possible."

The three opposite their Kage, in all things, were on the edge of their seats, even Hiashi though he would later claim to not recall, "He ran into a grieving Naruto Uzumaki, who was out for a stroll to clear his head after escorting his wife's body home." Shikaku reveals causing the three men opposite to facepalm, even the Hyuga, whilst the Nara chuckled lightly, "How bad?" Spoke up Inoichi first, glancing up from his hands, "From the story Jairyia was told from the horses' mouth, Naruto switched out after his clansmen had created a safety barrier to protect herself."

"Switched out?" A confused Choza looked from the Nara to the Yamanaka, who looked grim. "He swapped out with the Nine Tails, right?" Hiashi informed, earning a nod from his boss. "During his travels, he seems to have mastered the power he possesses and can transform at will, much like the other perfect jinchuriki." The Hokage informed, causing them to gulp. "Then, what happened?" Choza didn't want to get off subject. "Well, it seems that even the Kyuubi was not thrilled that they had interrupted his container's grieving time." Nara explained, causing a collective shudder to travel through the room at the thought of an angry Nine Tails.

"So a fight broke out, with Ay of Kumo leading the Eight Tails and a small elite squad, and Naruto, backed up by the Nine Tails and a single clansman," the Nara chuckles in the face of their mounting tension on his subordinates' faces. No doubt, the ANBU in the rafters are trying to maintain their steady breathing. "Who, who won?" Inoichi poses the million Ryo question. "It was a landslide in Naruto's favor." Shikaku states blandly. All eyes widen at the fact that Naruto, and a single clansman, were able to stand against a sitting Kage and his elite team, which included the Eight Tails, yet pull off a landslide victory. Just how powerful is he?

"Ay was killed," Shikaku says, pulling them from their thoughts, already knowing what they were and needing to move on to the actual issue. "Along with his top shinobi, Darui of the Black Lightning was killed in their original invasion. Cee was killed alongside Ay, leaving only Killer Bee to return home. Despite his best efforts, it seems the power vacuum led to infighting, which has now spread nationwide."

"Damn."

"Yes," the Nara leans back into his seat, confirming Choza's words, "Which means that only the stone is left as a credible threat?" Inoichi asks, and the shadow user nods, "Yes. Though Jairyia claims that they are more interested in White Dawn than us."

"Should we not also be concerned about this group, hunting our shinobi?" Hiashi argues, to which the Hokage nods, "I have a hunch that'll stop soon," causing the three guests to look bewildered at that claim. "What makes you say that?" Inoichi asks, eyes narrowed on his best friend, "Jairyia went to Naruto's wife's funeral. That's where he got all this information from."

"He did?" Choza was surprised, but he wasn't alone in that. "As am I," Hiashi said with a very serious expression. "If that was an option."

The Nara sighed. This was getting troublesome, but he pressed on as he looked to the Hyuga, "Hiashi, Jairy had to infiltrate the Land of Spring, which has become White Dawn's primary headquarters, and find Naruto's home, while remaining undetected from shinobi-trained animals and samurai, to present his white flag." The looks the Kage had been given were so dry that a tumbleweed body flickered in before being caught by an Anbu and sealed up for later disposal.

"I see."

"So, you do." Shikaku responded to the uptight clan head before looking to the others, "Due to this, we are also aware that Naruto was not the one to put the bounties, nor spread the details of our shinobi, as he was taking time off to bury his wife and spend time with his grieving children."

Understanding nods travelled through the room, allowing the man to continue unimpeded. "Once he returns to work, Jairyia was told that such an order should be rescinded."

"What about Mist and Suna?" Hiashi asks. The Nara looks at him blankly, "We have no information on them, though from what Anbu have managed to see, the Dawn is using the Sound prisoners to speed up the Land of Rice's recovery. Sand and Mist have already begun returning."

A collective sigh, "Which means we have time to focus on ourselves, which is sorely needed right now." The Hokage informs, earning understanding nods, "With the Daimyo coming, we need to present a united front to show that we are working through the current unrest with the civilians."

"They are calling for my daughter's death or exile, Shikaku? How are we meant to..." Inoichi began but paused upon the raised hand of his teammate-turned-boss, "I have a plan for that, and spoken to Jairyia about it."

"Lord Jairyia?"

"Yes." Shikaku leaned forward, resting his arms on the desk. "I plan to have him take her as an apprentice to become this generation's spymaster. He's getting old, and I know he plans to retire soon. Ino, I am hoping, will take up the mantle of his role and keep our impressive spy network functioning when he steps down." He smirked, his plan coming together. "Subsequently, she may have to travel with him to meet various contacts in person." Shrugging casually, "It might take a while to do so."

"I see," Inoichi nods, catching the underlying idea easily enough to put things together, which meant his daughter would be safe. "What of Haruno?"

"That is a bit more difficult," Shikaku admits, nodding at Choza who posed the question. "Though, I am hoping the Daimyo has an open spot in his Fire guardianship for a medic. If not, I am sure the capital has a few spots open for a chief medical officer."

"Smart," the rotund man nods thoughtfully. "Kakashi?" Hiashi asks this time, earning a sigh from the Nara. "The choice is rather limited regarding him. Though, I am leaning more towards Anbu Commander. Keep him in the dark for a while. Out of sight. Though, I do have an assignment lined up for him and his old unit."

"Seems well thought out." Hiashi nodded his agreement. "Though, what will we do about the Dawn? That is most likely the biggest question the Daimyo will ask,"

"It is," Nara confirms. "That is by far the hardest to deal with. Although structured as a military arm, much like us, they don't have any real political ties to lock them in place. No clans control parts. From what Jairyia has discovered, the force is primarily split into four parts."

"Four parts? As in…" Choza began to ask, but was cut off by the Kage. "White Dawn is the umbrella, much like the Hidden Leaf. Then it is split between shinobi and Samurai. Those are the two official branches."

Upon seeing the nod, Shikaku continues, "The unofficial branches of each are Luna for the shinobi and Crescent Moon for the Samurai. Think of both as Anbu equivalents."

"So they were the ones who infiltrated us when we kidnapped the children," Hiashi says with an understanding nod at the end. Shikaku nods in return, "Just as we would have done if one of our high-ranking officials were taken. That is what Luna is; the only difference is their combat philosophy."

"How so?"

"They are even stricter than our Anbu about their identities; nothing identifying them is allowed." Shikaku explained, getting confused looks, though the Anbu too were wondering exactly what he was getting at. They all had their identities hidden, right?

The Nara sighs, realizing he would have to explain further. "Their operatives are not allowed to use any techniques that might identify them one way or another. For example, if I was part of Luna, I would be prohibited from using my kaimain jutsu." He looks at Inoichi. "You would not be allowed to use your mental attacks." He then looks at Choza. "No expansion jutsu." Finally, he looks at Hiashi, who answers back, "No gentle fist."

"No gentle fist," Shikaku confirms with a nod. They all return, understanding crossing their features. The hidden Anbu were impressed. Being able to fight at their level without relying on their innate instinct to rely on their family's strength and knowledge. Truly, a formidable force. "The only other thing he was able to learn was that they operate in teams of three. No numbers, or anything."

"What about Cresent moon? I don't know what an Anbu like Samurai force would operate." Asked Inoichi, "We have even less information on them then Luna. Shinobi and Samurai affairs are handled separately, despite being so interwoven throughout the entire force." Nara responds, sighing at how troublesome things were getting, "We still have yet to tackle what we plan on doing to tackle their hostility to us." Hiashi reminds the group, earning a nod from Shikaku, "I have already sent a missive to the Land of Spring, the location of the Dawn's headquarters, requesting a meeting with their top brass at a neutral location. This is where you come in Hiashi."

"You wish for me to act as our diplomat?" the Hyuga offered. The Nara confirmed, "Yes. As we are a shinobi village, I have reason to believe that our request will require someone on Naruto's level of clearance within the Dawn."

"Do we have updated information on Naruto's profile?" Hiashi asked, and the Nara nodded, dismissing the Anbu. This information was beyond top secret. As soon as the barrier was reapplied, the Nara gave his subordinates a very serious look. "This information is to be treated as an SS-class secret. No one can know that we have it, none can know that it was given to us, none can track it back to us. If word gets out of this information, I am under no delusions that the counterattack launched against us will end the hidden leaf village in its entirety. Am I understood?"

The level of seriousness was palpable in the air. The three nodded in agreement, so the Kage continued, "Naruto Tsuchi-Uzumaki, aged twenty-four, Commander-in-Chief of White Dawn. Chief of Shinobi Affairs. Threat Rank-SS. Father of six children, from youngest to eldest: Juk, Rellahan, and Kushina, from his wife Kin Tsuchi. Bashir and Ashina, born from Tayuya and Karin Uzumaki, respectively. Then the eldest, Symāyu, born from the last queen of Roran, Sāra. That last one is highly classified, so don't ask about it." His subordinates nodded, digesting the information. "He is the recognized clan head of Clan Uzumaki, despite officially reverting to his wife's surname upon her death, so keep that in mind during your negotiations."

"I understand," Hiashi responded with a nod, making a mental note to ensure he did not mess up his initial greeting by using his clan's name first. "Perhaps I should bring my daughters?"

Shikaku thought about that for a moment, recalling the details of Naruto's current mindset as Jairyia explained it. "Perhaps, though, if they were to have 'students' around the age of six to eight, I am sure you would gain a level of understanding between the two of you."

"I see." Hiashi instantly connects the dots, the underlying message of a potential relationship between the Tsuchi, who were basically a branch off of the Uzumaki, and the Hyuga clan to smooth over relations.

"Perhaps," Choza spoke up, drawing eyes to him, "The Akimichi could provide catering?" Again causing the Nara to ponder it. "I will have to get back to you on that. We will see how the missive is received and if they provide a location."

Choza nods, understanding that was probably the best he'd get at the moment. "Anything else?" Nara inquires, but they all shake their heads, having been briefed on their own roles already. "Good. For now, keep Haruno and Ino-chan out of the public eye until after the Daimyo arrives, where we will inform him of our plans going forward."

"Got it," Choza nods. "Easily done," Inoichi confirmed. "I shall prepare at once," Hiashi informs. "Oh, and Hiashi," Shikaku calls, drawing the man's eyes to him. "I do not want your Hyuga council catching wind of this until after the talks. The information given to you here is highly sought after. Do not betray my trust in you."

Hiashi bowed his head. "I will be sure to show you that your trust was well placed."

"I expect nothing less." Shikaku nods, lowering the barrier around the office. "You are all dismissed."

A/N: So, Naruto is heading back to work, his two kids tagging along, while the leaf is about ready to tear through a certain kunoichi duo. Future plans, and shady elders, while sitting on a powder keg of civil unrest, means that the leaf has to be careful now more than ever.

Kirabi is having to face off against his own to rescue his little sister figure in Yugito, Gyūki preparing to call upon his older brother and hoping he's calmed down enough.

Kurotsuchi was surprised to learn that a few of her grandfathers old Golem guards had joined the Dawn, and warned them ahead of time that she would likely show up. The only problem, she was a bit too late, so now she has to somehow convince Konan to cacll upon Dawn's best for aide.

Despite presenting a White Flag, Jairyia still snooped whilst attending the funeral despite international rules against doing so, bringing much needed information for Shikaku to use against the White Dawn.

o7