Episode Five

Hidden Leaf

Tsunade near enough kicks the door off the council room hinges, snarling at those within "Seize them!" and her Anbu rush in to secure the secret meeting of the civilians' council and the elders. None dared resist.

The clearing was done. The kage sat at her seat, the clan heads filled in short order, and then the door was sealed shut. As Jiraiya steps out from the shadows, carrying a blank mask Anbu which he hands over to a tiger-masked operative, "All clear, hime." He announces, and she nods her head. "Okay, listen up, as I am only going to say this once." All persons present perk up, sitting straighter. "Our retrieval team confronted Naruto a week ago, that I can confirm, however, that isn't all they encountered." Taking a deep breath, the last Senju continued on, "We were confronted by the boss summon of the Kitsune, the terror of the leaf herself, the Kyubi no Kitsune."

Gulps and cold sweats were had in that room, but none spoke. "She is free of the seal that Yondime used to contain her during the attack, but she is willingly and openly assisting the Uzumaki family as the current head's personal summon."

"Hokage, doesn't that mean...?" Shikaku questioned, earning a nod from the blonde kage. "Yes. She is Naruto's new summon, as he now holds the Kitsune contract."

"Was"

"Lady Hokage, doesn't that mean…?" Shikaku questioned earning a nod from the blonde kage "Yes. She is Naruto's new summon as he now holds the Kitsune contract."

"Was he informed about his reenlistment within our forces?" asked Shibi, earning a heavy sigh from the two sannin. "Unfortunately, it's been proven to be invalid on several counts, with the main two being that Naruto Namikaze is not recognized beyond the Land of Fire's borders, and that the forgery wasn't good enough to sway anyone important," Jairyia informs, causing frowns to appear on the councilmen's faces. "We also learned that Naruto is, in fact, married and has kids…"

"So, the Uzumaki clan will make a comeback?" Choza chuckles, earning a nod from the last Senju "The Kyubi didn't give us names or numbers, but we know he has at least two, one of which is a son." Jairyia informs further "She also confirmed that Naruto is not only aware of his heritage but spent close to a month with his parents."

"What?!" was the universal shock of the room, earning an understanding smile from those who knew. "We still don't know the specifics, just that both Minato and Kushina left a part of themselves as failsafes within the seal. When the seal was broken, they returned for a month, which allowed them to spend time with Naruto and his family."

"Damn. Wish I was there." Tsume chuckled lowly, "Sharing Sake with Kushie again…"

"Which leads into the next issue…" Tsunade started, gaining the room's attention again "…during their time among the living, they learned about the Akatsuki and the threat they posed to all the Jinchuriki, which naturally included their son."

"I can confirm that the criminal group known as Atakasuki has been destroyed by an allied force of Suna, Mist, Kumo, Iwa, Star, and Demon," Jiraiya states, causing the tension in the room to triple. The air itself seemed to forget how to breathe at that declaration.

"Troublesome," he broke the rising tension. "When was this, and how come we are only now just hearing of it?"

"Unsure on both accounts. After this debriefing, I will be heading out to investigate my entire network for any issues. Something that big shouldn't have gotten past me," Jiraiya exclaimed, clearly frustrated at the thought that he was behind on his information.

"Hold up…!" called out Tsume, gaining the room's attention. "Is Star not our ally? Shouldn't they have told us?"

"We broke that treaty several years ago. The number of shinobi they had dropped below the agreed amount." Tsunade informs. "What about demon? Since when did they have shinobi?" Hiashi questioned, earning nods from the others. The Kage takes this one. "Short answer? We don't know. The long political one: Oni no Kuni does not have a hidden village in which to train shinobi of sufficient skill to be considered as such."

The Inazuka head snorted at that. "Well played..."

"That statement means little. Why? They had joined the allied forces, so they must have sufficient numbers and/or skill." Shibi Abareme states, earning a nod from the Kage. "True, however, it seems that they only fielded four shinobi. Minato and Kushina refused to wear the Hidden Leaf headband after finding out everything..." getting a collective flinch from the room, "...and Naruto with his wife. The four all wore Demon shinobi headbands for the duration of the operation."

"Troublesome." Shikaku groans. "...as they are listed as KIA, we can't call them out on it..."

"Naruto was banished..." Tsume added, and Shibi continued, "Unable to label nor claim him."

"Exactly," Tsunade nodded. "...and we have nothing on this wife of his," Jairyia added flatly, arms crossed. "...and with the alliance that had formed without us, we have no clue if it's still in effect or not."

"'Our first course of action should be to verify this story,' Inouchi comments. Tsunade nods to the toad hermit, who promptly leaves in a puff of smoke. 'We should also consider removing anyone associated with Naruto from our bingo book,' Shikaku adds. The others nod. 'I already plan on rescinding the capture and retrieval order on Naruto,' Tsunade reveals, earning hesitant nods from the current clan heads. 'Lady Tsunade, is that wise?' Hiashi speaks, his face a perfect mask of impassiveness. 'Surely...'"

"Continued pursuit of Naruto will eventually draw the attention of either the Kyuubi, the other bijuu, or the villages and countries that hold him in high regard," Tsunade explained with a deadpan look at the Hyuuga clan head. "Do you wish to anger the whole world?" A long silence before the man nodded slowly. "Forgive me, Lady Hokage. I did not mean to come off as ignorant. I was just looking out for..."

"Enough," Tsunade cut him, clearly on edge already. "Speaking of the bingo book..." she leaned back in her chair, "...how goes the hunt for the last Uchiha?"

Land of Demons

Shirin was the last to reach the table in the main temple, yawning widely as his friends and family were already happily chatting. As he took his seat, he noticed his father with a genuine smile on his face, and the lack of tension in his body language was clear to anyone who knew what to look for. A soft smile appeared on his face as his father served the food. Originally, the main temple had a significant contingent of maids and servants, but as he and his sisters grew, many found work elsewhere, and his dad took over all those duties. As he and his siblings came of age, they also helped ensure their home was kept clean and tidy while maintaining both their educational level and shinobi training.

This idle chatter at the table almost fully distracted Naruto from the entire situation he was deliberating. In the few days that his party has had to settle down, the entire country has been celebrating the return of the 'Regent of Demon Country' and naturally, the world has taken notice. He hates titles and all that crap, he was just a father, an Uzumaki father, and proud at that, but now all the political crap was creeping out of the woodwork.

Grabbing a slice of bacon from Saki beneath her notice, pinning it on his wife seamlessly and with a smirk to let said wife know the truth without alerting the transgressed, he continued to ponder why he was the one now dealing with it. Shizuka was still in Nadishiko. Sighing internally again, his eyes lost focus as he pondered the problem further.

Their whole culture revolves around being the strongest kunoichi, finding strong males to further strengthen their home in a loop cycle. As far as they are concerned, their princess has outdone herself in getting quite possibly the strongest shinobi as her husband. There were three camps in relation to that; the first was the traditionalists. She had done her duty and now must take office as their leader. Kushina will inherit her current position as princess and, in due time, will search for the strongest possible shinobi and repeat the process. Straightforward and can deal with them as such.

The second camp was a blend and slightly harder to deal with; they wanted to basically choose their strongest member and have him pass his seed among them to create a whole new super powerful generation of Nadishiko warriors. The fact that both Shirin and Kushina are several times stronger than the recruits in their academy, despite only being eight, only gave credence to their goals and objectives. Subsequently, they also include Shirin, and when he hits puberty, they'll no doubt wring him dry too. Their extremists were getting really scary ideas.

The third group wanted him to reign beneath his wife, create a small Anbu-like force to aid in the protection of their home, and screen any would-be challengers. That he could probably be convinced to do if his wife asked in her own unique ways and with some effort, until they also mentioned the execution of any deserters and those who had their virtue stolen from them. He would never, could never allow his family to be used in such a manner.

A hand on his arm brought him back to breakfast. Amethyst jewels looked upon him in concern, and Shion clued him in on who had interrupted his spiralling thoughts. "I'm fine, Shion. Sorry for zoning out like that."

"I have a rough idea of what you were thinking," she admitted before allowing his gaze to go, looking out at the table where everyone had frozen while staring at him. Confusion dawned on his face as his wife sighed, "You let your killing intent slip slightly."

"Oh...?" His sheepish scratch caused his son to facepalm. "...My bad, guys. Just got a lot of work on my hands now that we're back."

"Anything we can help with?" Honoka asked as she lowered her rice bowl. "Yeah, we are freeloaders here after all," Kiyota added, looking from her baby girl over to her secret idol/crush. "Well..." Naruto thought about it for a bit. "Well, Honoka, I could use your help training some of the cadets and shinobi guards."

"In what?" Uzumaki questioned. "I'm not all that good in our clan's combat techniques yet. I'm still working on..."

"Stealth and evasion," Naruto cut off her rant before she could gain too much momentum. "Kiyota, you can handle the Cadets' weapons handling. I'm sure Sato could use a few days off each week with his wife and kids."

"No sweat." Kiyota beamed at him, finally able to showcase some of her talents, but the next words were like a bucket of ice water being poured over her. "Koki will stay with the nursemaids while you teach. Do not, under any circumstance, take her anywhere near..." Shion paused before fixing the teen with a hard look. "In fact, I forbid you from taking your daughter beyond temple grounds."

"You can't be..."

"She is," Naruto cut the indignant mother off, also fixing her with that look that caused an involuntary stiffening within the former Nadishko. "...and I agree with her. You wish to work and pay your way; fine, but all matters involving family go through either Shion..." pointing to said priestess "...or Shizuka. Those are the rules that even I cannot, will not, go against." His eyes hardened, seemingly glowing faintly with smoky wisps lifting from them. "Am I clear?"

"Crystal." Kiyota responded frantically with a nod, and the firm visage of Naruto vanished as if it never happened. "Great." Turning to his wife, he said, "Shion, can you handle things here today while I go deal with '...that..'? I'll cook dinner for tonight." The woman broke into a grin. "Better you than me. It's been a pain since you've been gone." She waved him off before fixing him with a hard look. "...but I'll hold you to dinner tonight. I want candlelit, wine, and dine."

"Your wish is my command, mi'lady." Naruto smirks, his playful foxy smirk, as he kisses her in front of the kids. The kids mimed belching, except for Shirin, who had been immune to such a sight. Honoka and Kiyota both felt a slight pang, each for different reasons, at the sight.

"Oh, I also received a request from..."

"If you say Killer Bee, you will become very acquainted with the couch again..." Shion basically glared her husband down at that, an S-rank shinobi rendered powerless by the look was rather amusing for those on the outside. After the initial shock wore off, Naruto smirked, the Uzumaki prankster smirk, which many had learned to fear, there was even a passage in his black-market bingo book entry to be wary of such an expression, "Oh?" a simple word asked in a question that even the precognitive priestess was now on full alert against "Oh... umm..."

"...right..." Naruto got up. "...I better get to work..."

"Wait... what about...?" Shion began, but upon his raised brow, she backed down and nodded. His smirk returned, and the kids were clearly out of the loop or something.

After Naruto left, Kozato looked at his friend. "So, Shirin? What are we doing today?" the dark blond shrugged so fluidly that many considered it a talent. "Join the cadets for training in the morning, come back for lessons with Shion-Ka-chan in the afternoon, then back to the cadets for evening training."

"Sounds sensible." Shion, who had overheard, nodded her approval, gaining the room's attention. "Seeing as Naruto will no doubt be busy over the next month, especially with the festivities..." whispering the last part beneath her breath, only her daughters catching part of it with snickers, "...I will have time to brush up your academic capabilities. I am sure you did not slack off in your absence, now did you?" Her look, that motherly look that all women unlock upon becoming mothers, was aimed at the youngest Uzumaki and caused him to fidget relentlessly, suddenly finding his rice grains very interesting.

Shion then sighs, "You're such a daddy's boy that you're picking up his habits too."

"I am not!" Shirin whispered, but somehow Shion heard. "Yes, yes you are. I worry sometimes about just how attached you are to him. I still remember you running around in his old t-shirts, proclaiming that becoming the Oni-kage was your goal," she giggled at the ever-growing embarrassment of her shared son. The amusement from the other ladies at the table was palpable. Shirin just stood up and vanished via body flicker, but Shion swore she heard him whine, "Moooom..." as he left. Her smile was radiant. She had missed him greatly. They all had.

Office

Naruto reaches the office, Lady Saiken's container Utakata, was beside the door waving him down, "Yo!"

"Yo! What brings you here Utakata?"

"Well, my student has expressed interest in attending the upcoming festivities." The former most shinobi began to explain causing Naruto to freeze, it made sense now why Shion was so excited to get out of work. Sighing silently, mumbling about precognitive wives seeing things to well as he parts the door, all while Utakata continued to explain his reasoning for bringing his student, "I get it,"

"You do?" The bubble shinobi with a quirked brow, stepping into the office of his friend and leader of the country he has temporarily taken up residence within. Naruto smiles softly, "I consider you a brother, Utakata. Heck, you were at my wedding, no?" Upon the dark-haired shinobi's nod, Naruto continued, "If you want to come, then come. I will have need of you anyway, should Kirabi show up uninvited again."

Utakata smiles, his brother of circumstance has always been rather understanding and welcoming to his whims, helping him out with their troubling siblings is a small price to pay. "Sure. That sounds like a fair trade."

Naruto begins reading over the mass amount of information atop his and his wife's desk, while his brother in arms looks around the office space. As part of the outer shrine, it was stone walled but with plenty of light throughout the room thanks to the frosted windows but the one behind the desk, Naruto likes to look out when he gets a second to do so, helps centre him or something, but the wooden ceiling and furniture gave it a warm feel. The chandelier was his wife's insistence, that discussion was rather lengthy as the Uzumaki wanted seals to light them, but Shion gave him the look, thus the chandelier.

"Anything more plans whilst you here?" Naruto asks not looking up from the festive permits from a jeweller coming in at some point tomorrow, from the Land of Earth, "Ah, well, not really, though I am low on monetary earnings right now." Utakata comments inspecting the family portrait on the wall opposite him. Glancing up, Naruto fixes his airy sibling with a look, "Oh? Any chance you have the time to teach the cadets? Before you moan about having a student already…" blond raising his hand upon noticing the normal rant, "…think about it. You will be being paid to teach your student, with a few eager extra heads, and be paid enough to keep said student entertained whilst here."

Seeing the contemplation playing on the six tails host face, Naruto pushes forward, "You'll also be helping me out to. Log knows we could use more teachers that don't rap and rhyme their lesson plans." This earned an amused chuckle from the former mist shinobi who sighs after, nodding, "Okay." Naruto fist bumped, finally getting Utakata to teach. All that's left is to get Fu to take just one class out on lesson of scouting.

"Only one class, and for a week. No more than ten students."

"I can work with that." Naruto nodding at that. "What a are you planning to teach?" Only for the man to smirk, "They'll find out when they show." Earning a sigh from the blond, "You have no plan."

Utakata looks at the blond blankly who eventually waved him off, "Fine. No complaints on what students you get then."

"That's…" the man paused before slowly nodding. "…fine. If they want to learn from me it is fine. If they don't then that too is fine."

"Very well. Anything else?" Naruto asks returning to his paperwork, "Thank you." Snapping up to his brother of circumstances, bewildered to see the bubble shinobi smiling back at him, "For not shutting me out. I know am rather whimsical at times…"

"We're family, Utakata. I am rather forceful in my beliefs, but I know if I step out of line, you will stop me too." He shrugs. "That's what siblings are like right?"

"I think so." The dark-haired man shrugs, "Your guess is as good as mine."

That night…

Naruto was awaiting in the main shrine courtyard, looking unbelievably sharp in his plain dark blue kimono, black obi paired with a hakama and haori for a full formal dress. He normally never does this, but he knows his priestess loves the traditional, so he compromises during their alone times. Their family crest of the Uzu swirl with the Nadishiko star laid atop is emblazoned on his back, and sleeves.

Had hadn't been waiting long before his wife to appear from the inner shrine, wearing a formal traditional kimono and long haori in the same colour palette to his. Her make up was light, only some lip gloss and she was still more stunning than the moon above.

He smiled radiantly at her with all the love he could managed that flustered her somewhat, it's been months since their last outing. Since he's smiled like that solely at her. It wasn't really either of their faults with all their duties, both family and professional, but it still warmed her that even being apart she had not been forgotten.

"You look amazing, Shion-hime." Naruto voice was so tender and loving, that caused her face to flush further as she took his offered arm, "Thank you, Naruto-koi. You too are looking dashingly handsome. You should wear formal attire far more often than you currently do."

"I will take that under advisement." His cheeky grin told her that those words were lip service, and she knew it. He was a shinobi, and these clothes restricted his movements rather heavily. That being said, he also knew how much she loved seeing him in them thus couldn't complain as during formal ceremonies he never complained when dressed up. It was a compromise she could live with.

"So, husband dearest, where are you taking me? You promised me wine, dine and candle lit." Shion asks and he smiles whilst nodding. "That I did."

The two then disappeared in a puff of smoke. Reverse summoned.

Kitsune Forest; Fang Cove

As the smoke cleared, Shion found herself overwhelmed by the site before her. Under a beautiful sky filled with stars and a full moon, a cliff side view over an ocean that leads off to the horizon that was calm and controlled allowing it to act as a mirror to the endless possibilities. The breeze was warm and gentle, perfect for a dinner party. Their dinner party.

Looking to her husband who's eyes seemed to shimmer like the glittering stars above, holding nothing but the utmost love and affection for her at the moment. Her breath hitched, allowing him to speak first, "Shion. It has been a few months since our last date. When we left for Nadishiko, I promised I would make it up to you. For leaving our responsibilities upon your shoulders." He took up both her hands and faced her directly, her jewel-like eyes were looked on his sapphire orbs as he continued. "We both knew that it was unfair on you. Yet, with humility and grace, you sent us off with a smile that we knew we didn't deserve. I already considered myself a luck man being loved by you."

Shion was really trying not to cry. The day she saw them off was incredibly hard. Shizuka's home sudden recalling of her had disrupted their equilibrium within the home. They had no date for return either. She had to lead the family alone with no idea if they'd return. It was daunting with her two daughters futures in mind. "Yet, not only do you shower me with more love than anyone could possibly have, but you also gave me a home to always return to. In our six years of marriage, my soul has never been so at peace. Your smile became my strength, your laugh became my desire. Your happiness my will for tomorrow."

He kisses her hands, upon the ring he gave her at their wedding. "I will always work to show you just how much you mean to me. To us. To the family. I love you Shion. I never want you to ever think otherwise."

Unable to control herself, she rushed into his chest, arms around him and he simply smiled and hugged her back. He was glad she took his words to heart. They were his true feelings after all. Without both Shion and Shizuka, his family, he would not be half the man he is now. Though, right now, he was focusing on Shion. She deserved it as he had spent almost a full year away from her. He had a lot to make up for.

After she had calmed down enough to speak and compose herself, Shion was led to the prepared table and the food was brought out by a shadow clone in a tuxedo. Another squad of clones began playing her favourite songs, and Shion generally felt like she was the luckiest woman at that moment. Her husband really had gone all out. A view that probably has never been seen before, his hand made food of her favourite types, and even a band playing her favourite songs. It was all just so. "I love you Naruto."

Said man smiled softly, taking up her hand with his, "…and I love you, my light."

Hidden Leaf

Choji sat up as a friendly face entered, his smile was at half mask upon seeing, "Ino, you're back, huh." Said kunoichi dropped in the seat at the bedside, smiling, "Yeah. Took a few days but…" Speaking softly as her eyes travel to his missing arm, numerous bite and claw marks across his body visible beneath his hospital gown, "I am sorry, Choji. I wasn't able to convince him."

"It isn't your fault, Ino." He smiled good naturally, waving his other hand at her, "...but…"

"It is part of the job, right? Threat of death and everything. I got lucky it was only an arm." She remained silent to listen to her troubled friend, part of her clan training covers therapeutical exercises. "Do you hate Naruto for doing this to you? Ending you career like this?"

"Partly." Choji nods as he leans back and sighs warily, hand running down his face, "We wanted to bring him back. Sure, he was angry at us but to." Taking a breath, once, then twice, he breaths out before locking on to his friends' eyes, "But I also understand why."

"You do?" She asks softly, and Choji smiles genuinely this time, "Yeah. He kept saying that he was defending his precious people. We may not know them all, but his son was in that group. Along with his clansmen. If I was in his shoes, I would fight back too. Wouldn't like it but I would." Nodding firmly, he looks back at her. "I don't like it, but I can't blame him. I am angry, sure. But I can't hate him."

Next door a similar story was playing out, Neji Hyuga was being visited by his team, "So this is it, no more active service?" Tenten asks and Neji nods looking at his stump, "Prosthetic arms do not work with the gentle fist." The Hyuga confirms causing Lee to frown, "But – your flames of youth…"

"Do not give me that, Lee." Neji offers a soft smile, "I have already been released from active service, my life as a shinobi of the leaf is over."

"How can you just be so accepting of this, Neji?! Aren't you mad? Naruto took your…"

"Naruto defended against all of us, whilst still holding back." Neji informs causing his bun haired teammate to pause, "If he wanted us dead, we would have. You had heard what the Kyuubi said. His mind had reached its limit, he was forcing himself to fight us. Our persistence was only harming both sides, this…" gesturing to his arm, "…was bound to happen. Should the council continue however…"

"Naruto's flames burn brightly." Lee declared, "Yes. Yes, they do." Neji sighing again, looking at the arm again, "He bested me for the final time. This time." Tenten stared at him blankly, leaving shortly thereafter. The branch house hyuuga sighed as his second teammate ranted before chasing after their clearly upset teammate. Eyes moving to the window, "Good luck, Naruto."

"You know…" Tsunade inspecting Jairyia's recently reattached right hand, "…you never did tell me where Naruto was based, nor where he was going." The toad summoner blinked at that from the hospital bed he was lying on, "I didn't?"

"No." Tsunade reports as she studies the nervous system in his wrist again, "Just that you needed a team to intercept him. Then this all happened."

"Land of Demon." He informs causing her to glance up at him briefly, "One of the places we never looked,"

"The gaki apparently saved the priestess there during the whole Morio incident,"

"That was him, huh? Shoulda known." Tsunade muses as she rechecks his chakra network, "Just him or,"

"His partner helped, naturally. The two seemed to be internationally known as a two-man team. Both S-ranked. If they're nearby, bandits tend to pack up shop. Smugglers too." This caused Tsunade to realise something, "Wait, can't we just check the bingo books black market section? We have her looks, right?" Jairyia would have faceplanted if his hands weren't secured in place, "Shizune!"

Not even five minutes later, the book was open on;

Shizuka Uzumaki,

Rank; Jonin suspected, (Leviathan – Equivalent to Sannin)

Age; 20 – 24

Affliction; Nadeshiko/Demon/Kumogakure/Iwagakure/Suna

Threat Level; S-rank

Monikers; Lady of the blade, Glint, Razor Wind, Blade Vixen.

Notes;

Normally travelling with husband. If together, flee on sight. Do not stare, husband has castrated numerous men for doing so. Has landed confirmed kill shots on moving targets beyond two hundred metres with Kunai and Shuriken. Has been seen in teams alongside various known Jinchuriki. Ref, Battle of Black Fang.

"Whoa." Jairyia comments, eyes almost disbelieving what he was reading, "Beautiful and dangerous. My kind of girl. I'm proud of the gaki." Tsunade comments reading it too, Shizune had read it on her way back upon realising their intent.

"She's a Levi, Water's answer to us." Jairyia comments with a brow raised and she nodded, "So it seems." The medic says before flipping to the next page, "Ah, Naruto's entry."

Naruto Uzumaki

Rank; Banished Genin of the Leaf, Jonin (Granted by Mist/Suna/Kumogakure)

Age; 20 – 24

Affliction; Formerly of Leaf, Nedshiko/Demon/Mist/Suna/Kumogakure/Iwagakure, Clan Uzumaki

Threat Level; S-Rank, (Borderline SS-rank)

Monikers; the Eight blade of Kiri, Eighth Swordsmen of the Mist, and Hero of Fang, Wave, Demon, Scourge the of Grass, Demon Kitsune of Marsh, Prank Master King, Pack leader, Alpha Fang, Honorary Bolt Operative, Sworn Rock Brother, Saviour of Star, Defender of the Moon, The Demon of the Nine, The youngest Bijou, Demon of Kalipan Ridge, Bandit Exterminator, Punisher, Rescuer of hope, First Fox Sage of Everin Glade, Fox summoner, Kitsune summoner, Sea king, Serpent of the Seas, Leviathan Sage, Black Blade Uzumaki. Star blade of Moon Country. Sky killer, Etc.

Notes; Beware the foxy smirk. Do not flirt with his wife. He has tracked and castrated men for doing so. Do not ogle wife, refer to previous. Extremely dangerous if threatened, especially around his familial members, which includes Wife and all other Demon containers. Suspected of pranking every daimyo in the elemental nations. No proof linking him, extreme stealth skills suspected. Banished from Leaf and Land of Fire, if suspected of being hunted by him, hiding there is your best hope, survival not guaranteed.

"Well damn…" Tsunade whistling at the entry, "The fact they have a warning for ogling his wife, huh?" Jairyia's nervous chuckle, his former teammates grinning feral at that, "He's grown so well."

"He's affiliated with half the shinobi world." Shizune points out, earning contemplative nods from the others, "Isn't that an issue for us?"

"Possibly. If they find out about our aggressive behaviour towards him." Tsunade confirms with a sigh, this smells like trouble, it's a good thing most the civilian council is still in lock up right now. They'd probably try order a hit on Naruto, his wife, or son and start the fourth shinobi war or something. "Well, as soon as I'm done here, I'll officially retract the capture order on Naruto"

"What about our bingo book?" Jairyia asks and she sighs, "As much as I want to, village rules prevent me from pulling it directly. I need a council vote. If it had t reach print, I wouldn't need them, but s citizens of the village have been brought to harm."

"This is most troubling, Lady Tsunade." Shizune mumbled earning a nod from both Sannin. The medical genius then noticed something unusual, "Now that is something." flipping between the two pages, "Neither has a bounty."

Shikamaru stabbed out his smoke, allowing his fellows to process the tale he had just given them of the fight they managed to survive by the grace of of the kitsune. "Damn." Kiba murmurs, fist slamming against the table, "To think, he is already married." Hinata murmurs darkly, none missing her abrupt change nor surprised by it. "Leading an international task force against an international threat. Impressive." Shino acknowledged with a nod, "He still maimed Neji." The newly arrived Tenten. Dropping into the table at the barbecue bar, "Your teammate Choji too."

Sighing hard, mumbling about troublesome orders and even more troublesome blonds, "I know – I know and it's all so troublesome." His defeated look crossed over the group gathered, Lee had joined them alongside his teammate, "From what we were told, Naruto was holding back for 'Old times sake' and you know that to Tenten." Said women didn't respond outwardly, the flicker of fear in her eyes though told the Nara what he needed to know. "With that in mind, the fact that we made it back at all isn't something to be overlooked so carelessly."

With the gaze of the veteran he was, the Nara Heir couldn't stress the next words enough but tried to anyway, "If we confront him again, in any manner lower than cordial, and threaten him, or his family, our former ties will be enough to save us. He will kill us." Those words were heavy, final. Gulps were made but none made an effort to counter the statement, until.

Slap.

All eyes look down at the book slapped down before them, a bingo book spread on a page before the picture causally drew their attention, "Lady Tsunade and Lord Jairyia figured out that we hadn't checked yet." Ino informed as she arrived with a hand on her hip, other holding the book open. "This should be enlightening."

Silence.

Hidden Cloud

Bee strolled into the office of his brother, the receptionist Mabui not even bothering trying to stop him, as he flipped through the latest updated bingo book from the leaf, making notes on it as he walks. "Yo brutha! We need to…"

"BEE!" Ay roared out, grabbing the eight tailed jinchuriki in his iron claw, "Why did you leave again without permission? Huh!" Despite the cracking of his shades, Bee simply turned the book around and his brother scanned it briefly and the claw was removed. Book swiped. "A leaf bingo book, huh? Retrieve on sight. Killed four Jonin, six chunin." Ay growled upon reading the final note, "Traveling with son that must be retrieved."

"Seems the leaf is moving funny, things are no longer so sunny." Bee raps as his brother remains thoughtful as he rests a hand on his desk. It is clear by this entry. Raising the book up, glancing over it. Naruto has recently been attacked at least once by the leaf. If alone, he would have escaped their notice and the deaths would have not happened.

Ay knew the boys stealth skills could get him into the depths of the shinobi world and out without notice, so he must have been defending his son, who seems to be traveling with him. Where's his wife and daughter? Something must be up. "Bee. Go get Yugito. I have an assignment for her."

"No need, Raikage-sama." Said woman walked in, freshly returned from another mission, "Though, I did just get back from…" her retort was halted by a flying bingo book, caught and flipping over to the page indicated. "I'll resupply my stuff and head off."

"Just one question." Ay asks with his arms folding, stern face, "Based on that, it is clear our Jonin is only traveling with his son. Where is his wife and daughter?" Yugito paused a moment, recalling her last talk with Shizuka. "Best guess. Nadishiko. They did say there was a chance this could happen. They have plans in place though."

"Plans? Anything that included us that I should know?" The Kage with a raised brow. Yugito shook her head. "No. You would have been told before hand if that was the case."

Ay nodded at that, "Very well. Whenever you run into him, remind him that he is still one of our Jonin. If needed a hand with the leaf…"

"I'll pass the word on." The two tailed container smiled, before bowing and leaving. As she reached the door her passenger spoke up, "Hey kitten! If we leave soon, we can reach Demon in time for the festivities, right?"

That caused the kunoichi to pause as if someone had stopped time. Her eyes lit up, turning on the balls of her feet, "Actually, do you mind if I take my squad?"

This earned a raised brow from Ay, "It's a simple well fare check, Yugito. It doesn't require that level of firepower." The kunoichi nods, knowing that, but she had an idea and hoped it would sway the opinion without letting slip her true intention. "True. However, as my target is likely back at his home, or soon to be, I suspect he will be teaching again. It would be a good time to – persuade, a new generation of sword users, no?"

Ay thought about it. True, the Demon Ninja Program is far behind that of Kumo. Only known by the bijou containers and the kages, a few trusted Jonin, and a handful of chunin, but they have proven reliable whenever called upon for help or a simple safe haven for wary shinobi. At a discounted price due to Naruto being registered as a Kumo Jonin, shared with Mist, and Suna. The first of his kind. Couldn't hurt a good faith gesture like this. "Very well. You can take the squirts. Show my speed rival that Kumo has not forgotten him." Ay grinned, "That he should hurry and visit. I haven't had a good work out since his last visit."

Yugito was smiling like a cat that caught the canary, internally of course which amused her partner greatly, but maintained her professional demeanour externally. "I will let him know. I will be sure to get the reports of his engagements for our records too." Upon her kage's nod, she continued her departure. She had to get her team together and party during the demon's festival of founding. It was going to be so much fun.

Hidden Leaf

The council has finally gathered. There were numerous delays but now the full assembly had arrived awaiting to find out the latest from the horses mouth itself. There are numerous rumours floating about as it is well known that the hokage herself had deployed to a fight in person. That never happens. The door parts, and the whole chamber falls as silent as a crypt, not a breath was hearted as Tsunade took her seat.

Looking around at all the clans the leaf had, everyone had representation during these full assemblies, and this was required for the mess they may have brought in on them. Taking a deep breath, she begins, "Now then – in recent times the deployment of a Kage to an engagement only happens in dire situations, so I understand why you are eager to find out why it is that I used the fourth protection platoon to do so." Seeing the few nods and the seriousness on the rest, she continued. "During our last retrieval attempt of the banished genin, Naruto Uzumaki-Namikaze, a fight broke out."

Many eyes widened at the name, there was no point hiding it anymore as it seemed the world beyond the Land of Fire, are already aware of it so. "Our side consisted of; Elite Jonin's Jairyia, Kakashi Hatake, and Yugao Uzuki. Jonin's Shikamaru Nara and Neji Hyuga. Chunin's Rock Lee, Sakura Haruna, Tenten Higarashi. They also later received support from the captured Ino Yamanaka, who has since been returned to active duty."

Opposing them was one Naruto Uzumaki-Namikaze. He engaged all of them head on after they tracked him down in the Land of Forests, a clearing close to the border with the Land of Marsh. By the end of the fight, every single person on our side was injured and no longer capable of combat.

Gasps were heard, many murmuring was heard but Tsunade was not surprised. Taking on Jairyia alone would be a great feat, Kakashi too. But both on the same time was unheard of. Most don't know name, Yugao Uzuki, but they no of her alias and with an Elite Jonin rank meant that she was at least on par with Kakashi. So, three of their strongest and their support fell before the apparent son of their fourth hokage.

"Is that why you, yourself deployed Lady Hokage? To battle against your predecessors kin?" Spoke one Iwakiri Yoshiki. Head of the relatively new civilian born shinobi clans. "In part. Yes." Tsunade confirms before fixing her face with a hard frown, "But let me make this perfectly clear to you all, as this is required for this briefing." Many gulps were taken, her stern visage meant this next part was important and not to be undersold.

Naruto Uzumaki-Namikaze is the legitimate son of Kushina Uzumaki, wife of Minato Namikaze our fourth hokage. This is fact. The paperwork is legitimate, blood work on file, sworn testimonial statements from two other hokages, and elite Jonin's alike. Skirting around this truth is foolhardy and I will not stand for it. This council banished the son of its supposed hero and it is far too late to rebuild that bridge.

"But… Lady Hokage. If we had known…?"

"There was a reason why it was kept secret to all those but the highest echelons." Shikaku ansawered in place of his head. "Thing about what Iwa would have done? Recall what Kumo once tried with his mother, and the Hyuga?" The Nara clan head eyes' sharpen, "Now, due to our attempts to recover him. We may have inadvertently called upon a war where we stand alone."

"This council may have just doom us all." Inouchi informs, face similarly hardened as Choza just nodded, "How?" Asked a civilian in the front row, hand up. "I was getting to that." Tsunade states, all eyes falling to her as she began.

After my arrival, we were confronted directly by the Kyuubi herself." Gasps again but her hand raised, a stern glare from the hokage forestalled any out cries. "Yes. During Naruto's travels he had freed her but she has instead chosen to remain at his side as his personal summon. So as long he lives, the Kyuubi will not return to finish us." She pauses with a smile, that was more of a death heads grin, "Unless of course, he orders her to."

Many gulps as her gaze flows over them, "She also gave us a lot of information of his activities six years ago, which we suspect was the height of his career to which now, he is more of a family man who does shinobi stuff on the side."

The shinobi fathers lie at that, the ones friendly with the boy at least, "We know he has at least to kids, a daughter and son. Their mother is also an S-rank kunoichi who also has ties with the tailed beasts. She is not a container herself though. Just that they all see her as a member of the family."

"Family?"

"Yes." Tsunade looking over her council, "The tailed beasts all consider themselves as siblings. Now more than ever. By association, their containers they re on good terms with are also apart of said family. As such, any attack on one will be attack on them all."

The level of tension and sweat skyrocketed at that, "It also led to the destruction of the S-class criminal organisation by the name of Atkatsuki, made of twelve S-class shinobi, by an allied strike force made up of Suna, Mist, Kumo, Iwa, and Star led by the Demon/Nadeshiko alliance, which attacked and levelled half of Ame."

Silence. The expected reaction from the news Tsunade's announcement was. A joint alliance of four of the five great nations against the village hidden in the rain, that boarders their Land of Fire and this was the first time they had heard of it. "Take that back a second, Lady Hokage." Shikaku with a raised hand, drawing her honey brown orbs to him that danced in amusement at the flustered face of the normally aloof clan head.

Upon seeing his leaders nod, he posed the most logical question his rattled mind could produce, "Are you serious?"

"Bijou cannot lie." Her response was rather flippant as she pushed herself back into her own seat, arms stretched out, palms landing flat against the wood, "Although – as your son pointed out to her, it doesn't mean they are telling the truth either. Thus, Jairyia is currently out double checking his sources for verification of the long list of claims made by the nine tails. This however does pose a problem that the other nations have been actively protecting him. If they learn of our aggressive behaviour towards him…"

The tension spikes to unrecorded levels, the situation now becoming slowly clear to the hall at large, with the silence remaining unbroken for a good five minutes as they all digested this.

Hidden Mist

Mei Terumi seals away another group of her dresses, as she catches her figure in the mirror and smirks, hand reaching her waist. Striking a pose. "Man. I am so going to catch so many eyes." Her smirking was cut short by a knock on her door. "Enter."

"Lady Mizukage." A random chunin appears before the auburn-haired beauty, handing over a bingo book, "A leaf bingo book. I was told by Aio that you'd want to see the page indicated."

"Thank you. Dismissed." And the man retreats in a body flicker of water. Taking to the page, and reading it over before she frowns, "I see. This is a problem; I should bring this up with him when I see him."

The sound of the book slamming shut, as the hard emerald eyes meeting the mirror, "Though, if they've hurt him…" with a dark face.

Land of Demon

Naruto looks up from his work to find his wife standing in the now open doorway, "Hun…" with a questioning look upon his face as she smiles. "Wanted to se how things were going. With the festive season coming up and everything."

"Well, things are things." Naruto speaking rather dryly as he ruffles through the permits, earning a giggle from her, "I see. They are indeed things, as you put it."

He sighs before meeting her gaze, "I have been working to catch up with things again." Placing the papers down as he leans back in his seat, "Thankfully, Utakata is covering me training the cadets. Which he apparently a natural at, if my clones reports are accurate."

Shion smiled at that. Utakata is a good man, Hotaru is a lucky woman but she still has a long way to go to break through that aloofness. "Still. I am behind where I want to be. I've been running parallel with clones to catch up."

"Very well. I shall aide you for now then." She reports as she approaches around the desk, "What about…?"

"I gave the kids a pop quiz earlier. They have the rest of the week off. No doubt they are all with the cadets right now." The priestess reports and Naruto sighs, nodding slowly before they get to it. Tackling the piles up as it was clear that this festival was working up to be the most lively it has been on recent years.

Hidden Leaf

Tsunade clears her throat and gaining the assembly's attention, "Is there anything else that requires our attention?" Both Hiashi and Choza raised their hands, earning a raised brow from the Senju "Has it already been covered?"

"No." Both men report and she sighs, "Akamichi then Hyuuga."

"Thank you," Choza smiles as he rises, Hiashi lowering his hand, "With all this talk about relationships of ours, or lack thereof, I feel it best that you know that my clan had come across information from our suppliers that may prove useful."

"What kind of information?" Tsunade asks and the man smiles, "Well, when you mentioned Land of Demon…" more then a few gulps were taken, "…it reminded that they are having a 'Founding' festival coming up very soon. Perhaps we could offer an olive branch of sorts."

No body spoke for a long time, Tsunade was surprised that this hasn't been brought forward earlier. None of their intelligence had picked up on this. Then again, a Founding festival is hardly reportable news if it is an annual event. It is also in a minor nation. Choza is right. This is a perfect chance for an olive branch offering. No doubt the other nations are going to be there to so they will be treading water here. "I agree. That is most useful and we will have to take action on it. Do you have any plans already?"

Choza nodded, "A few within my clan were planning on setting up a stand. But with no official ties, we would have to run it by this council first."

"Prepare your clan's stall. I will despatch the request after the meeting." Tsunade orders and he nods before retaking his seat, looking to Hiashi next. "Hiashi, what do you wish to bring forward?"

Standing, Hiashi looks to the hokage, "Yes. Well. It was in a similar manner that the Akamitchi clan has covered. Our traders to had heard of the founding festival and I had intended to allow several of my clansmen to head to join the festivities." Tsunade nods at that. Damn. What the hell is Jairyia doing these days?

"Troublesome." The Nara clan head comments as he stands, "Lady Hokage. It is clear that we have much to make up for. So, I propose an official apology and delegations to be sent to this festival. To cover all bases. This may be our one and only chance to prevent a war. We can not mess this up."

It took a full minute of contemplation before Tsunade nodded, "Very well. Though, as they asked before hand. I will permit both Akamichi and Hyuga clans separately." Both clan heads nod, "As for everyone else. No more than twenty places for our official delegation. We will convene back in a week. Hopefully, a response to our missive will be returned by then."

Hyuga compound

A knock alerted Hiashi to his expected guests arrival, "Come in." And as gracefully as ever, his two daughters stepped in and sat before him, "Daughters. As you are no doubt aware of recent events, I will skip them for expedience." Upon their nods he continued. "This new alliance of nations seemed centred around the Land of Demon. A smaller nation, previously of little consequence."

"Father. Where is this Land of Demon? I have not covered it in my studies yet it seems." Hanabi commented with all the formality of the princess she is portrayed as, "it is on the second continent. Roughly only a quarter the size of Fire country in size. Considered a minor nation ruled by a priestess in place of a daimyo." He informed.

"That is rather." The youngest Hyuga trailed off. "Yes. Well. If rumours are to be believed. The shrine maidens in question seem to hold precognitive abilities and have been tasked with the sealing of a certain entity. Though, the last time was over seven years ago now."

"This Land of Demon, father." Hinata speaking up for the first time, earning the man's attention, "What is the clans desire for it? I assumed you called us here for more than pleasantries."

If Hiashi was surprised by his eldest boldness, he did not show it. "The hokage is planning a diplomatic overture fomr the leaf in an attempt to dissuade the possibility of war. As we, the Hyuga, and the Akimichi had asked to do so independently before the general notion was passed, we have been granted an independent delegation to attend the Founding Festival they re hosting. I want you both to prepare your best dress. We must sway the leadership of this land to our advantage."

"Yes, father." The both respond and he nods, noticing the impeccable posture, tone, and stern expression of his eldest. Where this came from, he did not know hopefully though she will maintain this outlook during their clan mission. "Dismissed."

A/N; It's been a while since I worked on this. Took me a long time to get back into this one. I am pleased to report however that Sin's next chapter has possibly been the most epic yet. As for Crushing Waves, I have started planning the next chapter. Without any notes on this or Crushing Waves, I kind have to try figure out what my plans were for them or Storylines and such.

o7