Back on a training ground in Suna, a diverse group of people had assembled.
All three of the Subaku siblings, Jiraiya, Baki, and Naruto had come to the training ground to debrief after the mission debrief in front of the council. To say that the death of Yuura was a shock to everyone would be an understatement and could have tipped the council against making Gaara the new Kage of Suna if it were not for elder Chiyo who, with her no-nonsense attitude stomped the council into compliance. The retired kunoichi had put the fear of Kami into the doubters and after that, the vote to make Gaara Kazekage was just a formality.
After some short partying in the Sabaku compound, they had gone to get some rest. Now they had gathered for Gaara to tell a bit of his story and for Naruto to clear up what he meant before they left the temple grounds.
Jiraiya was looking at both teens. "So who wants to start the soon-to-be Lord Fith or my apprentice?"
Gaara and Naruto exchanged looks and without any indication, Gaara started.
"First of all let me thank you, Naruto. You and your partner helped immensely to save a sacred site of my people. The Sabaku family will look after the temple for generations to come as long as Shukaku wants us to, we will guard its secrets and hope you agree with me and will join us in this."
Getting a small nod from Naruto Gaara continued. "Further as you may have witnessed I now truly wield the Jiton element. May it be Sand, Metal, or Golddust I can handle it after I have proven myself worthy to the Tanuki. Mastering the challenges got me some further rewards than just the blessing." He stopped and took out three scrolls throwing one at Temari, then at Naruto and Kankuro. With a nod from Gaara, all three unsealed the contents of the scrolls.
Temari was stunned, she looked at one of the old Tessen, those masterpieces that were the base for those that Suna would now use. But they had not changed from those old models to the newer ones because they were superior. Like with the swords of Kiri the knowledge of how to make them was lost. Those big Tessen were first of all light like a feather but could unleash Futon Jutsu that was classified as storm if you knew how to use them.
Naruto was looking at something similar but different. A one-handed Gunbai. Similar to the version Madara had used this had nine magatama inscribed on it. Naruto could feel how easy it would be to use this.
Also, it could be more than effective in battle and not just only use Futon Jutsus. Naruto and Kurama had a feeling this would come in handy at some point. His chakra was resonating with it and channeling some of it in the hilt he could see that those magatama were not just for decoration purposes. There were much more.
Kankuro's scroll unsealed a puppet. But not any puppet but one that looked like a Tanuki. The same Tanuki statue that could be found in the temple. As all three looked at Gaara for an explanation the red-head had a small smile and explained.
"Those items have been created by Ninshu procedures and stored in a vault in the heart of the temple. I thought they would you." Looking at Naruto he grinned now. "While we are not blood-related Naruto I would like to think, that you more than earned the title of a brother. Not only for fixing my seal and taking me out of the darkness no. You also made it possible to not only gain Shukaku's acceptance but I am now standing here to follow my father's footsteps to be the Protector of this village. And I will surpass him."
Ending on a for Gaara unfamiliar passionate note, it took Naruto one second to hold his fist out and for Gaara to bump it with a big smile. For a second both had red biju chakra bubbling and it seemed like some of it moved to Naruto. Both stood there saying not a word but smiling. Ending the fistbump Gaara was engulfed in a hug by his big sister and shortly after Kankuru. Jiraiya looked proudly at the teens as did Baki. Naruto was also grinning but now sealed his Gunbai away. He unsealed another big scroll. After getting some blood on the sealing matrix he opened it and read through it. Jiraiya moved towards him and after he recognized the design he paled instantly.
"Err. Gaki, you did not steal Konoha's Scroll of Seals didn't you?" Jiraiya asked with a scared voice.
"No, I did not steal Konoha's Scroll of Seals. This is my copy of it." He returned calmly still focused on the scroll. Looking for something.
"Ahh... Good it is yours…" As he said that Jiraiya zeroed in on him and with a raised voice asked again. "What do you mean it is yours!?"
Naruto, summoned a clone while looking at his Sensei with an annoyed expression.
"That is my copy. The scroll in Konoha was made by Mito Uzumaki. While I agree that Konoha has some claims of ownership to it, I am the current last of the former main Uzumaki line and Mito Uzumaki's selected heir through my mother. I did make a copy of it with the authorization of the Sandaime. So it is my copy and Konoha is lucky that for the moment I don't claim the original."
Jiraiya was standing there gobsmacked while Temari had to hide her chuckles behind her hand. Gaara smirked and Kankura joined him. Baki just had the usual neutral expression of a seasoned Jonin. Naruto's clone took Jiraiya's chance to answer. by simply being faster as he opened his eyes. "I think it is doable Boss. The seal should work here. Enough ninja to generate the required Chakra. But maybe we should place it a bit more to the center of the training grounds."
Naruto nodded at his clone. Jiraiya was looking on helplessly, opening his mouth he was interrupted by Gaara this time. "What do you want to place where Naruto?"
The blonde smirked. "How would you like to have a bit more water in Suna, Gaara? Would make a good start to your reign as Kage providing a bit more water maybe if gain some more shadow" he ended with his signature foxy grin as Gaara moved closer to him. Again without a word they pumped fists and disappeared in a flash of light.
"What? What happened?" Jiraiya asked the remaining Suna nin. Temari had lost the battle and was full-out laughing at the situation, as did Kankuro. Leaving Baki to answer.
Doing so with a voice that had the impression that he was stressed and holding bit a good amount of irritation. "I guess we will find out at the inauguration of Lord Fith."
Days later, Inauguration ceremony, Kazekage building
All of Suna had gathered at the center point of the village right around the Kazekage building. On the roof Gaara stood in front of the elders, already garbed in his traditional Kage robes while Chiyo held onto the Kage hat. The two Konoha Nin stood at the side of the Sabaku siblings Temari and Kankuro. Jiraiya could not stop giving a concentrating Naruto suspicious glances at irregular intervals. Just beside the real Naruto stood a clone looking smugly at the white-haired Sannin.
Just a moment ago Baki had finished the oration to the people of Suna. Telling them about the council's decision, listing Gaara's long list of accomplishments, even including the new Wind Daimyo's approval of the Kage with the promise to raise the incoming missions for the village. Shouts of gratitude and a joyous roar followed.
"...People of Sunagakure, I present you the Godaime Kazekage Sabaku no Gaara!"
Baki called out at the same time as Chiyo lowered the hat onto Gaara's head. Nodding the newly appointed Kage looked at the people of Suna and took a calming breath before he started speaking.
"Citizens of Sunagakure, people of the Desert Village! Today marks a new chapter in our history - a day when an outcast like me is given the honor of serving as your Kazekage. It has been a long and arduous journey for me, one filled with hardship and heartache. But through it all, we came together and learned that we can stand side by side. I vow to uphold the traditions of our village, protecting its citizens from harm and fighting tirelessly for their well-being. I will strive to be a leader worthy of your trust, one who listens to your concerns and works diligently to address them. Together, we will build a strong and prosperous community that stands tall against any challenge that may come our way.
To my fellow shinobi, I extend my hand in friendship and camaraderie. Let us put aside our differences and work together for the betterment of Sunagakure. Our village has faced many trials and tribulations in the past, but with your help, we can overcome them all.
And to those who have opposed me, I offer a chance at redemption. Let us move forward from this point onwards."
Gaara took a short break to give the Naruto clone a signal.
"Today, I and my brother in all but blood want to lay the cornerstone for the new Sunagakure. I promise you that no longer will the world look down upon us because we live in a big desert and endure hardships daily. No, we will be known as the jewel in the desert"
Gaara ended his speech and the clone popped out of existence. Naruto moved through hand seals as did his teams of clones in other parts of the village. Calling out the name of the Jutsu in perfect synchronization.
"Mokuton Hijutsu: Jukai Kōtan"
All around the plaza and there were the clones had strategically been placed by Naruto and Gaara. Palms begin to grow getting bigger and bigger till they reach the height of the Kazekage building extending their big green leaves. Instantly giving more shadow. Behind the Suna Anbu that had taken a ring formation around the building a moat with bridges was built as some of the Anbu that were now showing signs of golden blonde hair formed the ground with their Earthstyle Jutsu.
On all four sides and in all the cardinal directions water came out of some openings in the Kazekage building wall and formed little waterfalls. First filling the moat with cooling crystal clear liquid and shortly after running along the four main roads where palms now provided shade.
The population was shocked and amazed as were most of the ninjas. Only two people looked at each other one blonde and one redhead both smiling. The blonde looked exhausted while Gaara turned back to address the crowd.
"With the help of Naruto Uzumaki, we both came up with new improvements to Sunagakure infrastructure. We hope you approve." Making a wide gesture to the palms and water he gave a half-bow before the crowd exploded into celebrations. Speaking normal again he looked at Naruto. "I can't thank you enough for what you did Naruto."
The blonde was sweating and exhausted, kickstarting the network of seals and providing a start to Suna's new palm tree population was no easy feat. But. The blonde could still joke.
"You know me Gaara, doing the unexpected and very cool things is just my type of work, but I should lay down no. We talk tomorrow Sensei. Ya ne!" Giving a Kakashi-style two-finger salute to the Sannin after nodding to Gaara who nodded back he disappeared in a yellow flash as his clones puffed out of existence.
Jiraiya was looking at Gaara. "You knew that my student could use the Shodai's Jutsu? Mokuton? How?"
Gaara smiled as he was about to join his siblings. "He said something about without Yang there is no life and that he needed somebody to point that out for him. And that this is Ninshu. For more details, I would invite you to wait for him to recover." with those words Gaara and the rest of the Suna nin on the roof got back into the building.
It was two days later, Naruto had explained to Jiraiya that he had managed to capture the Mokuton once with one of the Anbu, and while he could figure out that he would earth and water-based chakra there was one component missing and that was yang-style chakra. For the yang-style part, you need a kind of affinity but Naruto said that to get the ratios right by training alone a ninja needs to know his chakra points very well. Still baffled Jiraiya just put that under the Naruto does unbelievable things category. After some rest and inspecting if each seal worked as it should Naruto and Jiraiya stood at the gate of the village.
"I can't thank you enough for what you did for my village Naruto," Gaara said looking behind.
Suna had changed quickly after it got more live. Those trees and the water had quickly changed not only a bit of the climate in Suna. Also, the people's behavior has changed. Now not only the ninja could be seen outside often. The civilians enjoyed time in the little parks around the many oases that Naruto made possible.
"No worries Gaara, I wanted to try something out and I did. Just remember to make sure your ninjas train enough so the seals can collect ambient chakra. I will work on the other project we talked about"
Naruto answered with a big grin as he fist-bumped one last time for the foreseeable future with his friend giving the new Kazekage and the others a wave, as he and Jiraiya started to travel toward the next location on their journey. On the way, Naruto started to practice his new favorite element besides wind. The wood release was so versatile. Defense, Offense, and Supplementary things.
How often he made small cabins for them to sleep in he stopped counting. He practiced with his sword and fans too but for most of the time he was studying the Scroll of Seals. Hashirama Senju had described most of his teachings in it. Jutsu and control exercises. Everything was in there and he wanted to make the most out of it.
Konoha Hokage Office
"Tsunade-Sama you have to look at this. It is. I. I can't believe it" Shizune came rushing in with a new edition of the Bingo Book in her hands that she handed over to Tsunade as an interested-looking Hiruzen stood to the side of the Office. Tsunade opened the book and looked at Shizune. "Page 404" The raven-haired assistant supplied.
She opened the book at the specified page. Wide-eyed she wordlessly handed it over to her Sensei.
"Shizune. Summon the Rookies and the Senseis" Tsunade announced. Shizune nodded and got out of the Office as the blonde looked at the Sandaime Hokage who leaned on his walking stick. "What do you think Sensei?"
Hiruzen chuckled as he lit his pipe. "That they would be proud of him."
One hour later all rookies of Naruto's class assembled in the Hokage office. Standing at attention Shizune handed out the copies of a certain entry on page 404 of the International Bingo Book.
Name: Naruto Uzumaki
Parents: Minato Namikaze (dec.), Kushina Uzumaki (dec)
Rank: Chunin
Ninja ID: KO-012607
Affiliation: Konoha, Toad Clan, Phönix Clan
Titles / Aliases: Jinchuriki of the Kyuubi, Heir of the Uzumaki Clan, Sealmaster, The Second Yellow Flash, Liberator of Wave, Revitalizer of Suna
Kekkai Genkai/s or Notable Techniques: Mokuton, Sharingan, Hyoton, Uzumaki Sealing Chains, Hiraishin, Rasengan.
Known Sensei:
Kakashi Hatake - Konoha
Jiraiya of the Sannin - Konoha
Mifune - Iron Country
Baki - Sunagakure
Sabaku no Temari - Sunagakure
Comment: It has been observed that the subject can replicate Kekkai Genkais after he encountered them once. How he managed to do it is unknown but most possibly related to Fuinjutsu. Besides his Jutsu, he has been seen wielding a Katana and since his stay in Sunagakure different forms of fans. It is to be expected that he has a strong Futon affinity. He is known to have killed Hidan of Akatsuki and survived encounters with the S-Rank criminals Hidan, Sasori, and Deidara.
Classification: S-Rank, Flee on sight if not on A-Rank level
Entry issued by: Iwagakure - Bounty 75.000.000 Ryu Dead or Alive.
It took a moment before all hell broke loose. Cheers could be heard Kakashi looked proudly as he looked at his copy.
"As you can see one of our own has reached something that many ninjas aim to achieve." Tsunade started. "Some things standing here are no surprise for me some others are. With this rating, it is almost certain that I will promote Naruto when he gets back to the village. While that is a good thing overall I want you all to put more time into training yourselves. If one of your groups can reach an S-Rank rating that is issued by one of our biggest enemies of the past, all of you can aim for an A-Rank and higher. Dragon!" An Anbu appeared crouching beside his leader.
"Hai Godaime-Sama?" That was the only thing the person said as the former rookies looked on.
"I want some of my Anbu Captains to support those teams with additional teachers. Arrange it over their Jonin squad captains. As you can see they are in the known of this order." Tsunade ordered as the Anbu nodded and disappeared again. "Train hard all of you. We don't want to look lazy to Naruto do we?" She ended with a smile.
After all of them gave her the response she wanted she dismissed all of them except Sakura and Kakashi. Sakura was the first who still looked a bit baffled about everything.
"Tsunade-Sama. Is this true?" she asked slowly holding the copied page up. Still in disbelief about what was standing there.
Tsunade nodded. "I got a note from Gaara the new Kazekage just yesterday, After he helped him get into office he was able to transform Suna with some application of the Mokuton and seals into an oasis in the harsh desert."
Sakura nodded and the Hokage looked at Kakashi. "I want Sakura full-time for the time being. You will be needed to support the Anbu, Inu." Tsunade spoke calmly as Kakashi nodded.
"He will surpass even his father with the skills he managed to collect in just one and a half years of travel." The Cyclops added.
Tsunade nodded and Hiruzen looked out from one of the windows. While the three others spoke about training plans and other arrangements that had to be made. The head of the Sarutobi clan was deep in thought.
Remembering the young boy who had a harsh life till the legacy of his clan had fallen into his hands. Now it looked like Naruto was able to carry not only the weight of his burden as Jinchuriki but also his ancestry without any problems. Somehow the old monkey got the feeling that Naruto's face would not join his father on the Hokage mountain.
The professor had a good guess of what could happen, and with his old rival out there in the world he also had some ideas about who could be responsible. While his guesses mostly came true, he hoped that this one would not. Or if it would, that Naruto would be able to enjoy his life.
Some days later
"Why did we move to Claw country Sensei? With my Bingo Book entry, I think everything around Iwa could lead to incidents." Naruto asked as they were currently at the border of Claw country. They stood on a high mountain and looked at the border river separating the two lands from each other.
The Land of Claws is a vast and rugged territory located between the Sand and Rock. It is characterized by its dense forests, towering mountains, and numerous rivers and streams that crisscross the landscape. This harsh environment has given rise to an abundance of canine predators and other animals with sharp claws, earning it its unique name.
The geography of Tsume no Kuni is diverse and unforgiving. The towering mountains form a natural barrier, separating the land into several distinct regions. Each region has its own unique ecosystem, supporting different species of plants and animals adapted to their respective environments.
The forests are dense and dark, filled with ancient trees that have stood for centuries. Even if those are not as old as those in and around Konoha they were old enough to be known around the nations. These forests are home to many predators such as wolves, lynxes, and bears, which prey on smaller creatures like rabbits, squirrels, and birds.
The rivers and streams that flow through the land provide a vital source of water for both the animals and humans living there. They also create fertile valleys where crops can be grown.
However, these waterways also pose a significant threat due to the presence of large predatory fish.
The climate is harsh, with cold winters and hot summers. Snow blankets the higher elevations during winter, making travel difficult and forcing many animals into hibernation. The summers are oppressively hot most often thanks to the hot weather coming from Kaze no Kuni, causing rivers to dry up and leaving the land parched. Despite these challenges, life finds a way to thrive in this unforgiving environment.
Humans have also adapted to this landscape over time. They live in small, scattered villages hidden among the trees or carved into the sides of mountains. These communities are self-sufficient, relying on hunting, fishing, and farming for their survival. The people of Tsume no Kuni are tough and resilient, having learned to coexist with the dangerous wildlife that surrounds them.
"Because I have to check in with some of my contacts here and we need to observe if and how our friends from Iwa react to the situation. While I don't think that the old Tsuchikage is gearing up for war. Not with the Second yellow Flash around. He will do something. Anything that your senses picked up?" Jiraiya answered
"I could feel a chakra signature that was bigger than most I encountered it felt hot. So yeah maybe somebody with a high enough fire affinity." Naruto commented as they took off in the direction of Jiraiya's first contact.
Somewhere in Rice country, Hidden Base
As the exhibition match began, Sasuke Uchiha stood calmly in the center of the arena, his eyes scanning the crowd for any sign of movement. Orochimaru had gathered some of his strongest test subjects for this event, and Sasuke knew that he would have to be at his best if he wanted to impress him.
Suddenly, a group of prisoners charged towards him, their weapons drawn and their faces twisted in rage. Without hesitation, Sasuke sprang into action, performing a series of intricate hand seals before summoning a swarm of snakes to surround him. The prisoners stopped dead in their tracks, their eyes widening in fear at the sight of the slithering creatures.
Sasuke took advantage of their surprise and lunged forward, his body becoming a blur as he moved from one target to the next. His chakra-infused sword slashed through the air, leaving behind gashes that bled crimson on the prisoners' clothes. The snakes writhed around him, striking out at any enemy that came too close.
One of the prisoners managed to break free from the swarm and charged towards Sasuke, brandishing a large battleaxe. With a quick flick of his wrist, Sasuke summoned a shield of chakra to block the blow before countering with a spinning kick that sent the prisoner flying across the arena.
The remaining prisoners hesitated, unsure how to deal with this new threat. But their uncertainty was short-lived as Sasuke launched himself into the air, performing a series of intricate acrobatics that left the crowd gasping in amazement. He landed gracefully behind one of the prisoners and sliced through his back with his sword, leaving nothing but a pile of ash on the ground.
The last prisoner stood alone now, his eyes filled with fear and determination. With a loud roar, he launched himself at Sasuke, his fists flying towards the young shinobi's face. But Sasuke was ready for him, blocking each punch with ease before countering with a powerful jab that sent the prisoner stumbling backward.
With one final blow, Sasuke decapitated the prisoner, ending the fight and leaving his opponents lying in ruins around him. A slow clap could be heard as Orochimaru rose from his throne.
"Very good Sasuke-Kun." The Sannin jumped into the arena as some of his henchmen disposed of the corpses.
"You had made good progress considering your limitations. I think in a year you will be ready to challenge your brother to avenge your clan."
Sasuke gave a short "Hn" before he left following Kabuto who would treat his wounds. Orochimaru smirked as he looked at his retreating form. His new vessel was coming along nicely.
Kabuto was looking at his master's potential new container. Since the Uchiha survivor joined Oto, may it not be completely of his free will, he had thrown himself into training. It looked like the Juin completely erased Sasukes conscience. While he treated the wounds of the Uchiha he pushed the button and on one of the screens a certain new Bingo Book entry was shown.
While Kabuto could appreciate his master's idea he just did not want the Uchiha to be around his equipment when he would be shown something that would trigger his anger. Counting to three he could feel the Uchihas Chakra spiking summoning the Juin and showing the black markings on his skin.
"How could this idiot be better than me? I thought Orochimaru would give me all the strength I need to claim my birthright. " Sasuke raised his voice. The chakra pressure in the room was rising and Kabuto made his best attempt to calm the young avenger.
"Uchiha-San. Please calm down. While I can understand your anger my equipment is here to help you. If you destroy it I can't do my part to help you and Orochimaru-Sama improve you." Sasuke looked at the bespectacled medic of Orochimaru and like the responsible young adult that he is, he gave a Uchiha signature Hn as an answer and the markings receded.
Somewhere in Tsume no Kuni
"Okay, Gaki. I have to meet this contact alone this time. I want you to be alarmed and have a clone ready to summon me if you need support. Be vigilant and don't train too much okay?"
Jiraiya ordered as he was about their little wooden cabin. Around it was a perimeter of barrier seals. Naruto had come up with the idea to establish some hidden safehouses around the nations. He would go hunting, and summon Hiero to study some but most of the time he would not venture too deeply into Tsume no Kuni still varied about the one big signature.
Kurama was still sleeping and gathering some Chakra after he and Shukaku had secured the temple even the mighty Kurama was exhausted and with the seal in its current configuration, his regeneration was unfortunately much slower.