A/N:

Here it is. Chapter 36 of this little story. For those of you who wait for my HP story to continue, I still can only say that I have picked it up again for some reviews. Maybe I will launch the edited chapters on AO3 until I catch up again. (Obviously, I will edit those chapters on FFN too).

Regarding Naruto, I finished Chapter 56 just today. I am in my final stretch with the story and while I post this thing here and break through the 200k barrier I look back and see my first chapters and the progress to now and am a bit baffled. This led me to the decision that this story wouldn't get a major makeover or edit. I want this to remind me of my journey and improvement as a hobby author.

For all you Ninjas who may or may not start sweating that the story will end soon, I can try to make it easier for you. I already have the rough outline of the next story. As I will try to connect my stories with some easter eggs I hope the next one will also be something you all can enjoy to a degree. Looking forward to the reviews and private messages. If you want to know something about the new story or this one reach out by pm, please. I mostly reply to reviews by the use of the same so if you wonder you may want to log in to ffn in the web version or your ao3 dashboard :D

That's me out. Enjoy.

PS: Still don't own a thing.

Naruto and Jiraiya stood at the edge of the cliff that looked down on the valley of Kirigakure. The fog obscured the rather rustic buildings, some of which had roof gardens. In general, a collection of round towers and round buildings surrounded by greenery could be seen through the fog: bushes or trees and all sorts of other vegetation. The slightly salty air gave the whole thing a rather mystical impression. The blond ninja was really glad that the times of civil war were over. On the way here, they both passed the place where the final battle took place. His hidden seals indicated that the Sanbi would not need much longer to reform. So he left one of his reinforced clones behind with two Mokuton clones, in the hope of finishing it off quickly.

He looked at his Sensei and gave the man a once over. Jiraiya had not changed his exterior and was wearing his oil headband as Naruto was wearing his Konoha headband. "Say Sensei, why do we not disguise ourselves before we enter? Don't you think we could encounter some problems?"

Jiraiya shook his head. "Don't you think I would have thought about that Naruto? No, I don't think so. First of all, fresh out of an internal affair like that, Kiri would not want to mess with two big names from Konoha. Usually, it would help to be identified. What is somewhat odd is that I could not pick up even one patrol." He ended his explanation with a certain blink of his eye giving Naruto some kind of indication.

Naruto accepted his statement and added one of his own. "Well, All the chakra is saturated with chakra that messes even with my sensing but…" he trailed off and unsealed his blade in one smooth motion to block a sword strike with the still-sheathed sword while his clone unleashed a strong pulse of chakra showing a full team of five ninja with Kiri's Hunter masks that had somehow sneaked up on them. The hunter with the blade Naruto had clashed jumped backwards and disengaged immediately. The blonde held his blade in his left the tump already on the sai, while the right hand laid on the hilt.

"You know it is rude to do such things?" The blonde asked in a no-nonsense voice. "First you could have scratched the sheath or I could cut you in half. That would not be a good start to our conversations with your leader wouldn't it? I mean 'Oh sorry about that one Hunter we cut in half. It was an honest mistake ya know' That sounds not stupid at all. Does it?"

Jiraiya had to hold back his laughter but observed every move of the Kiri shinobi as the one with the sword used a mocking tone to answer. "Who even say you could do all those things you claim to be able to…" He wanted to say more but was interrupted by a yellow flash and enough Naruto appeared at the back of himself and his comrades with a certain kind of Kunai pointed at their vital areas.

"Now that we cleared the question of who would have been the first to strike, could we please stop with this pseudo who kills the other faster? It's boring and just wastes my and Sensei's time." Naruto said before all of the Naruto's popped out of existence leaving back some chakra smoke the original stood at the back of Jiraiya as he would have done the whole time still in his ready position to draw his sword. Witnessing the Kiri ninja tense before their leader and spokesperson held up his hands in surrender followed by the other relaxing again Naruto gave Jiraiya a nod thanking him for the heads up. "Good. Well, Sensei you want to take over?"

Jiraiya nodded again this time and looked at the leader of the group. "I think my apprentice made it clear how idiotic your idea was to attack us this way. But, with all those misconceptions out of the way, we would like to enter the city and speak to your leader."

The leader nodded but did not say much after. "You may follow us then. I think Mizukage-sama is expecting you already." Naruto let out some air before he and Jiraiya joined the group that took them in a diamond formation with the two Konoha ninjas in the middle before they moved to the Mizukage building in the city.

Once there, she was led through the winding corridors and finally brought to the door of the office. They knocked briefly and a short "Come in" sounded. Naruto and Jiraiya nodded briefly to the captain of the team before entering. Behind the desk sat a beautiful woman who looked to be in her twenties. The woman immediately stood up so that the two shinobi could see her completely. She had ankle-length brown-red hair, which she had tied up in a bun with a hairband. Her bangs also cover her right eye. Mei is wearing a long-sleeved, dark blue dress. This dress covers the lower half of her chest and reaches down to her knees, leaving her right leg free.

Under her dress, she wears a net that covers more of her chest and reaches to her knees. She also wears a short skirt under her dress, which only reaches to the middle of her thigh, and a belt. She also wears gray sandals and knee-high shin guards.

Mei looked at both ninjas and smiled. "Ahh Jiraiya-san and Naruto-Kun, so good to see you." She fixated on Naruto more than Jiraiya and played a bit with a strand of her hair. "I heard you encountered one of my hunter teams. Nothing happened I hope."

Jiraiya noticed the gaze but he used a laugh to cover that masterfully. "Ahh, just some little misunderstanding but no one was harmed. My student and I are just on a journey through the nations and after I got wind that your beautiful nation is out of its war I thought it would be a good way to show him the sights so to speak."

Mei raised a brow. "Is that so?" She did not sound convinced but at the same time, she managed to put a gentle smile on her face. "Be that as it may. I would like to speak with you Jiraiya-San as I would want to talk with Naruto-Kun too. I think talking about things could be fruitful for both our nations. Don't you think so too Jiraiya-san?"

Jiraiya could only nod and accept the Mizukage's ideas. They parted ways shortly after so they could have their talks. Naruto was escorted by one of the hunters while Mei talked with Jiraiya. Naruto enjoyed his time off as his guard led him to their hotel room and found a handwritten message from Mei he smirked before he got into the shower.

Refreshed the blonde stepped out of it and found a luxurious and noble-looking kimono for herself. Bright colors and a swirling pattern stood out on the outside. With the help of one of his clones, he got dressed and tied his hair back with ribbons. He deliberately did not wear his headband with the Konoha symbol; the message hinted at a business that was to be concluded between the Uzumaki and Kiri. Uzumaki wanted to remain in a friendly alliance with Konoha if possible but wanted to be seen as their own entity. Fixing himself up he made his way to the establishment where Mei and had booked a private room for the both of them.

When he was brought into the room by one of the employees, he noticed that Mei had also changed her clothes. Although her Mizukage hat was hanging from her chair, she had changed into a very body-accentuating kimono. Hers was also in shades of blue and covered almost her entire body. However, the good cut of the collar gave her an even more beautiful neck. Her hair was artfully pinned up and a golden pin with the symbol of Kirigakure was stuck in it. Naruto suspected that this pin was more than just a hair utensil. He couldn't help but admire the elaborate herons on her kimono. Even though her robe was more revealing than her usual outfit, she still managed to look better.

She gave him a charming smile as she stood up and they both bowed respectfully to each other. "Naruto-kun, thank you for taking the time to meet with me. Also for dressing up like this. I thought it would create a better atmosphere." Mei almost casually played with a wild strand of her hair as Naruto continued to walk towards her and sat down in the seat she had given him, which she followed.

"Mei-san, first of all, let me tell you how good this kimono looks on you." Came from Naruto quite convincingly before he continued. "Also you took my message seriously, otherwise I can't explain this invitation."

Mei smiled and took a fan out of her sleeve to open it and fanned herself but also to hide her smile. "Oh Naruto-kun, you can call me Mei-chan if you like. After all, I think I owe my life to your people, that's the least I can do, isn't it?"

Naruto had to nod at her statement. "So be it Mei-chan. May I ask what's on the menu today?"

She giggled again and hid her face for a moment. "A good question Naruto-kun. However, I thought the seaweed soup here was delicious when I had time besides my work as a Kage, it was always a treat. Then I thought about tuna with grilled tomatoes and thyme rice. With a local sake."

Naruto nodded, it sounded delicious at least. "Sounds wonderful, Mei-chan. I say we eat and talk about my offer afterward. I don't think it's appropriate to talk about such things with a beautiful woman on an empty stomach."

Mei nodded and signaled with a small bell for the first course. The meal itself was one of the best Naruto had ever eaten, even if he might have replaced the seaweed soup with vegetarian ramen. He had listened to Mei a lot, even if he could not perceive any low feelings from Mei, he had unobtrusively checked his sake.

The rest of the meal was uneventful if you overlook the flirting that Mei very skillfully introduced into their table talk. What exactly she was trying to achieve was still unclear to Naruto. Even when she inconspicuously showed a little more shoulder as her kimono slipped, he couldn't tell whether it was intentional or really an accident. Fortunately, the sake wasn't a problem for Naruto, as Kurama immediately filtered out the negative effects. They had both finished their meal and Mei had sat down next to Naruto to pour him better. "Well Naruto-kun, I hope you enjoyed our meal?"

The blonde ninja couldn't help but look into her eyes and almost lose himself in them. It took him a moment to answer. "It was fantastic, rarely have I eaten such good fish"

Mei nodded in response and the slight reddening of her cheeks already indicated the sake she had consumed. However, she lacked a biju to filter the alcohol. "I see, so you can't manage another table? I have something sweeter on offer," she almost purred.

"Oh really?" came Naruto's reply a little more slowly. Even Haru's hard school couldn't prepare him for getting a clearly ambiguous offer from a sinfully beautiful woman who not only ran one of the five large villages but could also potentially become an ally.

Mei nodded, "Indeed. But I'm afraid we won't get that here. Furthermore, our negotiations will probably have to take place tomorrow. The sake, you understand Naruto-kun?"

Her tone had changed considerably and became smokier, more seductive. So Naruto just swallowed and nodded, whereupon she continued. "Will you walk me home Naruto-kun? I'm afraid my high heels, the sake, and our uneven roads could be dangerous for me, all alone you know."

Again, Naruto could only nod his head obediently, his body betraying him as Mei rubbed against him inconspicuously the whole time.

When he woke up the next morning, he wasn't sure how the evening ended. He saw a hickey on his neck in the mirror, but even upon closer examination with Kurama's help, they couldn't clearly tell if there was more to it than that hickey.

Taking some time to dress again he managed to get into his outfit and make his way to get some breakfast. He met up with Jiraiya and they spoke a bit about yesterday but both were vague in what they told the other. If Jiraiya noticed the hickey he did not call Naruto out on it.

"Naruto, I will take some time for reconnaissance. Even if everything looks good for now. They were not called the bloody mist for nothing. But." He made a short pause "No need to worry about me though. I have nothing bad planned. Just want to gather some intel and maybe recruit some people."

Naruto gave a curt nod internally he had to chuckle. You can take out the open pervert out of a super pervert but not the spymaster out of the spymaster. "All right Sensei, I will meet up with Mei again, she has some Uzumaki things to discuss ya know?"

Jiraiya gave Naruto a knowing grin before he left to take on his quest while his blonde student took off to the Mizukage building. Mei waited in her usual blue dress behind her desk. As she saw Naruto she waved at him before signaling her guards to be left alone. One of them, an older man with an eye patch grumbled but obeyed her orders after getting threatened with death by Mei.

"Hey, Naruto-Kun. How are you?" She greeted him with a friendly tone. Naruto looked at her and observed her neck area a bit more clearly. Most of it was hidden by her outfit and hair. Mei also noticed his looks and smirked. "Looking for something?"

The blonde blushed just slightly before he shook his head. "Not at the moment Mei-Chan. Did you sleep well you were quite tired after our night out."

Mei chuckled and nodded. "Thank you for asking. Yes, Everything was satisfying." She smirked again before adding. "I hope you were as satisfied as me?" She winked which led to the blush breaking out on Naruto's face.

"I can't complain I guess. But you know that I am kinda pressed for time with my Sensei maybe gonna head out to our next target in the next days. So I would like to discuss business." The blonde added wily training to maintain some professional behavior.

Mei took out a scroll with the Uzumaki crest on it. "I read through the agreements. I really like the trading with Suna, Spring, and Wave. The Non-Aggression clauses are also no points for concern. What I am not so sure about is your whole approach to the Biju."

Naruto's face hardened. "Yeah, but those points are non-negotiable. Biju are no mindless beings. They are made out of chakra that has the job of guiding and protecting us. Even from ourselves if it needed to be. They have skills that aided them in this monumental task and all we did in our greed was to collect them like trading cards."

Mei held up her arms in a disarming gesture. "Hey, don't sweat Naruto-Kun. It is not like I would not want to adhere to your specifications. But while I can be persuasive" she winked seductively "There will be people who don't want to follow my leadership in this. Also, I would say Iwa and Kumo would be against those policies. Don't start me on those bumbling fools called Daimyos"

Naruto turned his back to her as he looked out of the window. His voice was deadly serious.

"I try diplomacy first. I want to preserve life where it is possible. But." He made a short pause and turned back showing his crimson eyes with the black swirl pattern. "No Biju will be held hostage as long as I draw breath." Mei could feel Naruto's unconscious leak of killing intent before the blonde continued. "I have already shown that I am capable of drawing out a Biju if need be didn't I?" Mei gave him a short but truly grateful nod, remembering the fight against the weakened Yagura and the seals his agents had provided.

"Iwa is of no consequence for the moment. Kumo will be one of the last steps in my journey and while I met the current host of the two-tailed hellcat, I could not feel signs of mistreatment. As long as that stays that way I will find a way to motivate the Raikage."

Mei raised one delicate brow. "You sure? Raikage A is not known for his analytical way of thinking and diplomacy. More than the opposite in fact. He believes in military might."

Naruto gave her a small but intense nod and a smile on top. "Then I will show him might. I don't want to imply that I want to threaten you or others in any way Mei-Chan."

Mei looked at him and smirked while she quickly licked her lips. "Oh, I would not imply that you do. I understand that you will try other methods to read … a … satisfying agreement right before indulging in violence?" she purred seductively.

Naruto stopped shortly and his leaking of killing intent stopped. "Ahh, Yes. That is my plan but I will use force if I see a Biju not treated like it should be." Lightening up and smiling again he followed up. "Which leads me to my next question as far as I know the six-tails is part of your forces again?"

Mei chuckled at his reaction. "Utakata-kun returned to my forces three days ago. Your intel is good Naruto-Kun. Like other things" she winked implying something but not getting into more detail. "I reckon you want to meet with him?" On his curt nod, she smiled. "That can be arranged. He teaches at the academy. I will send someone to inform him of a meeting after his classes this afternoon?" she asked and Naruto gave her a foxy grin.

"Appreciated Mei-Chan. How about our agreement regarding the second of the Biju that normally roam the water nation?" The blonde asked getting serious while asking.

Mei sighed. "As I said I will abide by the agreement because I don't see reason in forcing violence. The time of the bloody mist is in the past. But. There are fractions inside the nations that want to be seen as strong. And, you can't disagree that a Biju is a powerful deterrent."

Naruto's shoulder sagged a bit. "No, that I cannot disagree with. Biju are powerful for a reason. I will ensure that this deterrent will be used the right way this time" He smiled at her in the end.

Both of them had enough time left for some innocent small talk. A knock from an older man called Ao interrupted their time after he made some comments that the Mizukage had to get back to work.

"He stole that eye under that patch" rumbled Kurama with a bit of disgust as Naruto was about to go. The blonde was about to leave the room he felt a sudden chill that started from his seal. It felt like death was grasping for him. Motivated like this he took a good look at this Ao person. Without problems, he noticed the seals on the fuda he wore as earrings. Naruto turned to Ao and leaked some of his Killing Intent directed at the man.

"I won't leave this place before I will lay this one eye to rest you stole. I suppose you claimed it as a spoil of war. The dead are restless because of it. If that were not to be the case I would have let this go and just forwarded it to the Hyuuga to deal with. Unfortunately for you though" His eyes switched to his swirling pattern and the crimson looked slightly darker.

"Somebody from beyond wants this eye to rest, as Uzumaki I will listen to this demand." With a short look to Mei and a casual rise of his brow, he spoke. "I hope that won't be a problem that I will challenge one of yours to a duel after I meet up with my sibling. He won't be killed but maybe need an eye transplant." With a gust of wind, the blonde ninja disappeared.

Ao turned to his leader. "Mizukage-Sama are you allowing this boy to threaten me like that? In my day, he would have been exe…"

He did not get further as the temperature in the room seemed to drop to a freezing degree as killing intent flooded the room and Mei did not even look at him. Her voice was barely above a whisper. "Ao… You will duel him… or I will kill you"

Getting pale in an instant, Ao hurried to bow to his leader before he took his leave quickly.

Mei looked out of her window and smiled at a thought she had before she got back to work.

same day, last period at the academy

Naruto was sitting on a tree branch and listening to Utakata as he was lecturing his class in the open.

"... As you can see many conflicts in the shinobi world are based on the wishes of expansion or pride. Looking at our past, it is not surprising that violence has always led to more violence. I want you all to prepare one small scroll on how violence can be used to stop violence. Don't forget your Bukujutsu exercises. Class dismissed."

As the students left Naruto jumped down from his branch and waved in greeting at Utakata.

"Hello there Utakata-San?" he half asked.

Utakata was a tall, thin young man with pale golden eyes and brown hair that reached to his shoulders. His side parting let a large portion of his bangs cover the left side of his face. He wore a long, light blue kimono adorned with a small emblem of three bubbles on the back, and a pair of grey pants underneath, with an orange sash. The kimono hung loose, exposing his chest. In it, he carried a bamboo jug filled with a soap solution and a pipe.

Additionally, he wore a Kiri Forehead Protector he just picked up his pipe and lit it up. He nodded in Naruto's direction. He seemed completely calm and at peace with himself. "So you must be the Naruto Uzumaki-san that Mei-sama told me about. You're the vessel for the Kyuubi, right?" At Naruto's brief friendly nod, he had a pensive expression for a moment, which cleared up immediately when his pipe gave off a pleasant smell. "She also spoke of a plan of yours. Shall we talk about this plan, this vision?"

A grateful nod from the blonde was enough before he offered his fist to bump. An amused Utakata did so without further questioning.

Both Jinchurikii met in the shared mindscape. Utakata was intrigued by Naruto's idea and agreed to hold onto one of his Kunaio for the time. As a teacher and in his words retired Shinobi he was not in danger very often. His Partner shared some chakra with Naruto after the Biju talked while Utakata was briefed by Naruto about the blonde's idea regarding their partners.

With all things cleared they talked about the bubble version of the water release. Naruto got some intel for his research and Utakata was intrigued by the idea that the modified release technique could be learned. After their talk, they parted ways as the older Jinchurikii had to prepare for class the next day. Naruto looked for something to eat after his stomach announced the need to do so.

Training Ground 7, Kirigakure, High Noon, two days later

Naruto was currently talked to by Jiraiya. "Gaki I tried to understand but what do you mean the dead want this eye and will get it? You even went on a bandit termination mission to find replacements. Why the fight? He had fought in the last war like I did, do you think he is easy picking?" It looked like Jiraiya wanted to convince NAruto to back down from this fight.

Naruto looked not at his Sensei as he answered. His eyes were focused on Ao who was standing on the opposite side of the field surrounded by some Hunter-Nin. To the side stood Mei with her other personal guard and the last of the loyal seven swordsmen Chōjūrō.

"I mean what I said Sensei. And I may explain it again later but now I have to focus. This man will get his bill delivered today."

Jiraiya shook his head, he could not understand his student but stepped back either way and joined Mei on the side. The Mizukage raised her voice. "Naruto Uzumaki from the village of Konohagakure no Sato has invoked his right to reclaim one of his village treasures by risking something of a similar value. An Eye for an Eye was called. An Eye for an Eye was accepted. Begin"

Before some of the onlookers could even register movement both combatants had charged at each other. Elbow strikes met blocking forearms in quick succession as did shins impacted with each other. Fists were caught by open palms or redirected. After the first quick exchange of Tai Jutsu, both jumped back from each other.

Naruto did not even look slightly winded and Ao was a bit frazzled. The blonde looked completely emotionally disconnected from the fight as he summoned two clones and all three held his signature black katana. Ao used the time out to mold chakra and fire three water bullets at Naruto. Bullets that were cut in half humorously by the blonde. "Is that everything you've got Kiri Ninja-San?" The blonde used his detached voice for the first time in the fight.

Ao was an experienced hunter ninja, but something about Naruto's demeanor broke through his facade and he grimaced in anger. "Even in times of war, the young were usually more respectful." he pressed out between his teeth.

Naruto raised a brow before he synchronized with his two clones, who placed their hands on the hilt of the katana still resting in its sheath. "Respect is not something that should be expected, but earned." With these words, all three Narutos disappeared. Ao's reflexes probably saved him from the worst as they literally screamed at his body to turn away from Naruto's attack. But this high-speed attack was difficult to dodge, even for the veteran's trained reflexes. Ao felt the burning pain that would come from a superficial cut. He was present for a moment before the adrenaline carried him away, like a leaf in the wind. Senbon slipped into his hand and with a precisely executed throw, they flew towards Naruto.

The blonde just tilted his head and evaded them smoothly before he had to dodge another blast of water thrown at him. Ao molded his chakra and at the next moment, he disappeared in the mist that had built up. Naruto dispersed parts of the mist with his blade unleashing a wind blade from it. Turning around Naruto barely could reflect the Shuriken and Kunai thrown at him. In a fluid motion, the real Naruto sealed off his Katana and unsealed the Gunbai at the same time. Continuing his turn he molded pure wind nature chakra and unleashed a whirlwind with a swing of the fan. In the blink of an eye, the mist had been completely blown away.

Naruto's opponent kept hidden though. Seemingly out of nowhere a hail of Senbon attacked the blonde while three Ao stood to the side and used more water to unleash a big tidal wave at the blonde.

Chains erupted from the two Naruto clones that had used synchronized Shunshins to appear before the real one. The chains intersected with each other erecting a strong barrier that had no problem holding back the hail of Senbon. The blonde smirked at the tidal wave before he channeled a good amount of chakra into his fan. Using a short grunt he swung at the wave that crashed against a chakra net that looked like honeycombs.

Mei looked at Jiraiya as she witnessed the wave getting reflected at the three Ao. "I now understand why he got an S-rank entry. That was an A-rank water technique and he just reflects it back to Ao." She shook her head, somewhat amused. "You knew beforehand that Ao didn't stand a chance, your little verbal dispute was a distraction, wasn't it?"

Jiraiya raised his hands defensively even though he had to grin a little. "Lady Mizukage, all I can say is that my student has a stubbornness that is second to none. I don't understand his motives, but perhaps I was never worried about the outcome of this fight. Naruto, for some unknown reason, seems to be toying with his opponent."

Mei's eyes snapped upwards in shock. Playing? Ao? Yes, he wasn't one of the seven, but he was one of the strongest in their forces. "You've got to be kidding me, Jiraiya-san."

Jiraiya shook her head gently and pointed to the fight that was going on during the little exchange. Ao now drew several bloody cuts, all quite precise past critical positions. He was panting and gasping breath from all the evasive maneuvers he had to use.

Naruto was slightly sweating now but was still holding onto his Gunbai. His clothes were roughed up but not even cut or signed. He looked at Ao with something resembling pity. "Do you yield or do I have to enter the next gear?" His voice was still near-emotionless even if it got a slight hint of amusement.

Ao snarled at the blonde. "You don't scare me brat. Do you think these wounds are hindering me? I survived worse. Time to step up my game." He molded his chakra holding his hands in a Ram seal as veins bulged under the patch of his covered Byakugan eye. In the next second, he attacked Naruto with spear fists and open-palm strikes.

As Ao was about to hit Naruto who did not even try to move out of the way he was about to smirk as his palm impacted with the chakra chains. As he was about to try to hit a major weak point in the chains he could feel his hand shattering on something. Just at that moment, a blinding light erupted from Naruto which instantly overloaded his Byakugan.

Naruto was standing inside his Susanoo. An imposing Samurai holding a gunbai with a sheathed sword. Disappearing for a millisecond it reappeared and swung at Ao like. The wrestling wind and physical impact catapulted him into the sky.

The hurting Ao tried to blindly readjust his positioning, which proved difficult. Without his optical nerves getting the right stimuli he trusted his other senses to warn him. Just as he wanted to mold chakra for a water jutsu he was hit again. For those who could see, Naruto and the Susanoo had briefly disappeared only to reappear above him. Using the big still sheathed charka sword the Kiri nin was hit with the blunt side and fell to the ground. Only to fall into a net made out of charka chains that began to encase him till the only thing left was his face.

Naruto let go of his Susanoo his eyes shifting back into his normal blue ones as he walked at a leisurely pace towards his captured target. Pulling out a fuda with a matrix prepared on it he placed it on his forehead as he was joined by Mei and Jiraiya, who both were ignored by the blonde. "How do you get that eye, don't try to lie it will be unpleasant."

Ao had trouble breathing, even though the chains held him firmly in place without cutting off his air, he still felt the effects of the fight. The loss of blood and the probably at least cracked ribs were noticeable. "It was in the last war. I got it from a Hyuuga after I beat him." Before he could say more the seal shocked him with something that looked like a very pointed thunder-style Jutsu. "AAargh.."

Naruto sighed. "I told you to tell the truth didn't I don't try to twist it." To make a point the chain construct the blonde commanded constricted for a second before holding him down. Mei struggled to decide what to do, while Jiraiya just observed and covered Naruto's back. The blonde was not finished. "I can understand that you could have taken it. I get it all alright but something is missing. I would not get the task of reclaiming this eye if it was a mere spoil. Talk I don't have all day."

For a moment it looked like Ao wanted to say something before he stopped. He looked at the Mizukage and Mei looked at Naruto. "Naruto-Kun. Is that necessary? I understand, that you want this eye. You have a replacement ready and I have the medic on standby. Can we get this done quickly? he may be a stubborn fool sometimes but he is still one of my most faithful." As the blonde rounded on her unleashing amounts of chilling killing intent he spoke in a different voice. It felt unnatural and natural at the same time. "Don't interfere in things that don't concern you child! This person and I have unfinished business."

Mei took a step back and Jiraiya stepped before her. The man knew that presence. Having felt it more than once now before the Sannin looked at the captured Kiri Nin. "You old fool. Start spilling the story if you want to live."

Ao sweated no he felt this presence that was no human killing intent not even the killing intent of a biju. That was more. "I … I may have made an agreement with the Hyuuga. It was.." He stopped only for the chains to constrict again as Naruto wordlessly commanded them. "... aa.. Alright. It was a small skirmish at the border to Rain. His team and my team clashed. Only the two of us survived. I could have killed him there but he made the offer to trade one of his eyes against his life." Again he paused only to witness a flaming sword pointed at him. Those ethereal blue flames were shocking enough.

"Last chance. I only entertain a wish of my current vessel by sparring your life if you tell your story and you are remorseful. So. You know what happened. You called upon me didn't you…" came the commanding tone out of NAruto whose eyes had gone black as he held the blade at Ao's throat.

"We both swore…" Ao gulped his next words. "We both swore on Shinigami-Sama that we would abide by the deal. The Hyuuga did. I did not. I killed him in the moment he took out his eye by piercing the other with a Kunai." The Kiri ninja took a deep breath. "I am not proud of what I did, but we are Shinobi. It was a war and honor is the way of the samurai, not ours. Looking back I can't say I am completely sorry but I should have not broken the deal as I did."

"Yes, you should not have…" said the voice before first an ethereal hand made out of spiritual chakra grabbed Ao as the chains disappeared. Shortly after Naruto overpowered the barrier of the earrings. He ripped off the ear patch and with a squelching sound and green glowing hands removed the Byakugan eye out of its socket. Ao screamed as he felt something beyond pain in that very moment as the same voice whispered only for him to hear. "I marked you. And I will punish you after your death. Be grateful that Naruto wanted to give you this chance to repent."

The controlled Naruto rushed through hand seals as he stepped back from the defeated Ao. After the smoke cleared, a stone bowl appeared. Naruto whose eyes are back to blue put the bleeding eye into the bowl. What happened next shocked most of the present. The Shinigami appeared above the bowl between the two torches the Jutsu had also summoned. Using a mortar Naruto crushed the eye. working it to a paste the flames lit up in a cold blue. The Shinigami floated down and looked at the bowl Naruto offered with a bowed head.

As the deity looked at the paste he waved his hand over it.

The paste immediately caught fire. The fire formed a blossoming lotus flower. This looked surprisingly real when the fire had gone out. The god of death looked at the blossom and took his tanto out of his mouth. He impaled the blossom on his knife. A clear liquid immediately flowed down the blade, which the god seemed to taste with his long tongue. Slowly, the crowd could see the flower wither. When the last drop ran down the blade and the flower turned to dust, it was not the tip of the tongue that absorbed the drop. The Shinigami flicked his blade into the direction of Naruto. The latter followed the ceremony with wide eyes. His eyes were so wide that the drop, which grew in size a little before it hit his forehead, wetted his eyes.

Naruto cried out before toppling backwards. With a sinister smile, the figure of the Shinigami slowly dissolved. Only Naruto and Kurama heard the next words. "Hanemura sends his regards and he asked me to gift you with this. You will understand when you awake."

The torches and everything else for the ritual the Jutsu had summoned, disappeared with a breeze of wind, which also carried away the appearance of the Shinigami.

The crowd that had gathered was silent before Jiraiya handed a container with medical fluid to the Mizukage. Before he nodded to Mei. "I will take him away to rest. As I understand there should be no problems right?"

The Mizukage took the eyes still disbelieving about the fact she bore witness to the Shinigami not only guiding Naruto for a moment but also holding a full sacrificial ceremony. There were old legends that the deities would appear and help the humans. But those were legends, right? So as the Sannin took Naruto in his arms after she had received the replacement eye for Ao she gave him a small nod before instructing the nearby medic nin to deal with that. It was like she was on autopilot.

Jiraiya took his Apprentice in his arms and reverse summoned himself to the Toads. After that, he still was not completely sure what it was, they needed to disappear for some time. But one thing was sure for the Toad Sage, Naruto was the one the elder spoke about and he will do his utmost to prepare him.

Two weeks later the spies had done their work and while Naruto and Jiraiya had yet to now about the consequences of the event the nation's leaders would soon have an updated Bingo Book entry on their desks.

Name: Naruto Uzumaki

Parents: Minato Namikaze (dec.), Kushina Uzumaki (dec.)

Rank: Chunin

Ninja ID: KO-012607

Affiliation: Konoha, Toad Clan, Phönix Clan, Shinigami

Titles / Aliases: Jinchuriki of the Kyuubi, Heir of the Uzumaki Clan, Sealmaster, The Second Yellow Flash, Liberator of Wave, Revitalizer of Suna, Kogane no Shinigami(Golden Reaper)

Kekkai Genkai/s or Notable Techniques: Mokuton, Sharingan, Hyoton, Uzumaki Sealing Chains, Hiraishin.

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. 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.

Update:

According to eyewitness reports, Uzumaki defeated Ao from Kirigakure in an arbitration match. As a prize, Uzumaki demanded his eye, which he then sacrificed to the Shinigami in an unknown jutsu. It is rumored that the Uzumaki clan had a special connection to the god of death in the old days.

Classification: S-Rank, Flee on sight if not on A-Rank level

Entry issued by: Iwagakure - Bounty 150.000.000 Ryu Dead