Episode Ten

Suna Consulate

Tsunade was again cursing her overzealous shinobi, who seemed to ignore her instructions not to piss off the Demon Nation. Yet, at every turn, they were caught red-handed when taking things into their own hands. Sure, Jairyia had a habit of getting into trouble, but he should have known that his usual methods of sneaking around were null and void against his former apprentice, who had repeatedly found him in all their earlier encounters.

She wanted to punch him so hard, but that'll come later as she stands from her seat and approaches, despite the gathering of the humanoid tailed beasts and their containers.

Jairyia, on the other hand, chuckled nervously as he got to his knees and sat before the snarling blond, his former apprentice. He idly noticed that numerous people within the crowd, who he knew were containers of tailed beasts, were gathering around the son of his former student. "Well, you see. I just wanted to see if I could catch up with you before,"

"Cut the shit, toad sage," Kurama snarled, stepping forward into the gathering circle. "Our kitsune tracked you from the border, making a direct beeline towards the shrine. A well-established and known government structure for this nation. You had no right, nor reason to approach in such a sneaky way."

Jairyia gulped. That woman, of course, was the nine-tails. If his senses were correct, there were numerous more tailed beasts nearby. He couldn't pinpoint them exactly, but they were here. "Well, I figured I could meet the gaki and ask for an apology for not training him properly."

The Demon Contingent and their allies all scoff at that. Naruto shakes his head in disbelief, but Karin cuts in before Naruto can speak, "That was a lie. Your objective was probably to learn anything that could help the Leaf in negotiations."

Jairyia looked at the redhead, unsure whether she knew for certain, so chuckled nervously and played up his bumbling idiot act to the maximum. "Nah, I honestly wanted to..."

"Lying again," Karin informs, and Naruto nods, suspecting as such. Tsunade cuts in here, knowing that the Leaf is in real big trouble right now, "Jairyia. Did I not say not to antagonize the country? That Demon was off-limits until we were done here? What the hell were you thinking?" having made her way through the crowd, glaring at another idiot making her job harder.

Jairyia paled under that glare, unsure how to answer it, as he thought it would be helpful, since none of his other avenues of gathering information had borne much fruit. Most of this continent has ties to Demon, the only exception being the Land of Marsh, which suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of the Land of Demon in a previous skirmish. Now they are terrified of crossing that line again, so they are incredibly tight-lipped about their interactions with their neighbouring state.

Sighing defeatedly, Tsunade turns to Naruto. "Naruto," she gains the crowd's attention, including the addressed man, whose eyes had remained a frigid cold blue. "I assure you I did not order nor instruct him to do this. Quite the opposite. So, if it will please you, perhaps overlook his transgressions by locking him up until we leave. I would appreciate it."

Many gawked at that, the Hokage offering up one of her own for compensation for a pass over in the diplomatic ring. Though, the more diplomatically literate knew she really did not have much choice in their current position. It must have been a tough pill to swallow, or exasperation at the constant negative consequences of her shinobi's independent actions. It was up for debate.

Naruto stared for a moment, unflinchingly meeting the gaze of the Hokage for a solid ten seconds before looking at Shukaku and nodding, "If you would?"

Shukaku nods with a grin, as sand shoots from his hands, darting towards the horrified Jairyia, who is in disbelief that his former teammate just sold him out like this. He doesn't have time to ponder or escape as the sand wraps around him, locking away his chakra and seizing all his movement, stiffening his body. Then, everything goes dark.

As the sand twister dies down, with the toad summoner no longer in attendance, Naruto nods to Shukaku, complimenting his work. "Expertly done. It's taken you less time than the pirate raiders."

Shukaku looked satisfied with the praise, nodding along. "I've been working on my finer control instead of the volume of control. I am very pleased with the results."

Kurama approaches her container, nodding at her younger sibling. "Yes, well, I will be heading back then. Though, I will check to make sure he made it to a secure cell. Anything interesting happen here?"

Yugito appeared at Naruto's side, leaning against his slightly taller frame, and smirked, "We just covered the pirate mission where Mister Six Tails here acted as Temari's steed, and still does on occasion."

Naruto groaned again, face meeting open palm, though Kurama grinned foxily, "He makes a fine kitsune. Though, last I checked, you have seven tails now, right?"

All eyes were on Naruto when he nodded. "Cut it out, Kurama. However, I will only stay as the six, as that is what Lady Daimyo expects."

Kurama nods. "Well, in any case, I'll head back. We may have the guardians on patrol, but the kiddos are all there,"

Gaara asks quickly, "How are Shinki and Kuran? Are they behaving themselves?"

The vixen chuckles and nods, "The kits are fine and having fun at their own party." She pauses before looking back to her container. Kurama speaks up, "Though, it might turn into a full-on sleepover. Just a heads-up."

Naruto shrugged fluidly. "That's fine, right?"

He looks at the other parents, who chime in, "Yeah, a load off our backs." Kankuro nods in agreement.

"Far from a problem," Matsuri waved off. From her table, Gaara added to his wife's statement, "No problems."

Kurama nods, then looks at Yugito strangely, as she was still leaning on her brother slightly. Under the vixen's gaze, however, Yugito suddenly feels uneasy as the vixen speaks up with a foxy grin. "So, Yugi-girl, when can Mata expect grand kittens?"

The Kumo kunoichi utilized her full might and experience as a full-fledged shinobi of Kumogakure no Sato. Yet, even still, both Naruto and Kurama caught it. That very, very, and I mean very minuscule level of blush dusting her cheeks. Kurama's grin turned into a light chuckle, waving her off. "It's fine. She's been talking my ear off all night about it, so I figured I would ask."

Yugito huffed, looking away. "I am no damn mutt in heat like those two Inazuka bitches over there," she gestured with a thumb over to where Seiken was sitting. Both Inazuka in question glared back at the cat-like kunoichi.

Kurama raised a brow, eyes flowing from the container of her little sister to her own, who sighed. Naruto explained, "I told them about the Land of Fang mission. They got really excited, in every way of the word."

Kurama nods in understanding, shrugging casually, "Only to be expected," looking at Yui with a look that froze the four-tailed fox stiffly, currently the size of a German shepherd, "right, Yui-chan?"

A new voice from the crowd, at least to the nine-tails, spoke: "Umm, are you Lady Kurama?"

All the residents of Demon, or close allies of such, perked up, having been waiting for this, and the vixen turned to see a tall, hazel-haired woman, with equally brown eyes, and a frame on the thinner side of things. A flash of recognition crossed the vixen's face, and Kurama grinned, "Well, well, well. To think we would meet again like this. The clan named after my likeness."

Everyone but Naruto was surprised that she already knew them, though some figured it out as they thought about it. Yakumo gulped and bowed, "I am sorry, but have we met?"

Naruto was about to cut in, but Yugito took his hand and pinned him in place. Temari took up the other side, both smiling sweetly, which gave him a shudder-inducing feeling not to intervene.

Kurama grinned as she faced the young girl, leader of the clan that shared her name, as she posed with hands on hips, and slowly allowed her tails to flow from her back, ears lifting from her hair, and eyes glowing a vivid red. Yakumo, and those who were witnessing this for the first time, gawked and took a step back.

Kurama's voice came out deep and foreboding, "O foolish little girl, do you not realize who is standing before you? Very well. I shall enlighten you, for all who have been exposed to my legend, my name whispered throughout time, not daring to be spoken aloud, for my wrath will fall upon thee."

Naruto wanted to facepalm at this, but the iron grip of his fellow blondes prevented even that, so he watched on.

Kurama chuckled lowly, staring at the woman who had frozen rigid. "My name is Kurama no Yoko, the greatest and eldest bijuu, head of the Kitsune, and master illusionist. Do not forget again, little girl."

Yakumo nodded rapidly, not wanting to do the name of the strongest tailed beast wrong, bowing before responding, "I will not fail you, Lady Kurama."

Kurama's grin grew at that, nodding firmly, before moving toward the door, but pausing. "Oh, and girly," he looked back at Yakumo, who nodded rapidly, "I expect you and your kin to come to the shrine tomorrow morning for breakfast. I want to evaluate your potential."

Yakumo nods, bowing again, "We will be prompt in our arrival."

Kurama nodded, then strolled out with a grin.

The moment the door closed, Yakumo turned to her first crush and glared at him, "Naruto... why didn't you tell me that we share a name with the nine-tailed fox!"

Naruto and everyone else who knew grinned foxily. The addressed shrugged fluently, "Because it was funny."

Earning face palms from those who forgot who they were dealing with, a prankster of the highest order, Naruto continued on a more serious note, "That being said, I was also a bit apprehensive myself about the whole thing. Were it not for my two sisters," gesturing to the blondes at his flanks, "I would have jumped in, but."

Yakumo glared at the two ladies in question, but both maintained their grins, as it was indeed funny watching the leaf clan head sweat and pale before the dramatics of the goofball Kyuubi. Naruto cut off her glare, speaking up, "That being said, I only found out after I was banished from the village. So, yeah, it's not that I didn't tell you, more like when I found out, it wasn't exactly possible for me to contact you."

Yakumo nodded. It was understandable in that case, but she still kept the glare on him.

Naruto's office

In Naruto's office, Kiyota steps in, holding Koki, to find Shizuka leaning against the desk, feeding baby Nami. The lady of the house speaks up, "Good, you're here."

Kiyota nods, speaking up, "Shirin said it was urgent."

Shizuka smiled and gestured to the seat before her. The grey-haired teen took her seat as Shizuka spoke up, "There is something I need to tell you about, as a fellow nadishiko kunoichi."

Kiyota was surprised by that. "Umm, I thought,"

"It's fine," Shizuka waved her off. "Things are a bit crazy right now with the queen's decree against Naru. That being said, we cannot really challenge her decision right now, as the civil war is slipping into our territory. Once things have settled, we will be challanging her call on my husband. Most our generation are on our side so should be a straightforward case."

Kiyota was surprised by that. "Wait, the island is under attack?"

"Minor isolated skirmishes. Nothing too crazy yet. If it were not for Rhen, I doubt I would be able to talk to you right now." Shizuka stated before taking a deep breath, looking directly into her fellows' eyes. "I know that my husband will heed my call for help, but what I want to know is if you will."

Kiyota went silent as she thought about it. Sure, she would love to go home, but after everything, she had assumed that she would never walk through the pearl shoreline, nor the beach of dreams, nor gaze upon the central grey stone castle again. Naruto had become her support. Her life. That brings her thoughts back to her senior. She gulped before nodding, "I will. Though, I wanted to ask something of you..."

"No," Shizuka responded immediately, recognizing that look and tone. More than a few of her fellow nadishiko have approached her with it, pleading their cases, and quite frankly she was more than a little annoyed at the pestering. Narrowing her eyes at the younger woman, her junior, she said, "He is my husband, Shion's husband, our family's leader. Not your lover or anything. He may take up the role of father for Koki, but that is all I will allow. Understand?"

Kiyota bit her lip, trying to quell her racing anxiety and thudding heart, but bows her head. "I… but… I…"

"Listen, Kiyota. I know my husband has likely been the support that you have leaned on," Shizuka began, her glare softened slightly, "He is like that. Always supportive and loving. I can attest to that. However, he is a taken man, a loving husband, and a wonderful father. Do not think otherwise."

Suna Consulate

With beers served again, Naruto sits with Yugito on one side, sticking to his side like glue, and Chojuro opposite her and Temari beside him. Yugao had joined the table, and asks, "So, Naruto, based off that display just now, you are accepted as the Eighth Swordsman of the Seven Swordsmen of the Mist. Care to share?"

Naruto looks at Chojuro, who looks back with a shrug. "I think Isul Beach and Kotan Ridge are declassified. You can share them."

Naruto thought about it, before speaking up slowly, "Well, Isul Beach was the beginning of the end, really. I was only just being seen as,"

Chojuro cut in here, lowering his mug. "Actually, you were already accepted as a swordsman at the time. You were just not too keen on titles and such."

Naruto nods. "Ah, right. It was just before the prison break a few months before, wasn't it?"

The Hidden Mist shinobi nods, "Yes. Just before the Raiga incident and the Relai problem." He whispers the last part, to which Naruto sighs, face-palming, "I forgot about that problem."

Looking at his sword brother, Naruto asks, "Please tell me she is happily married and..."

Chōjūrō's nervous laughter and evading the gaze of Naruto told the man exactly what had happened in his absence, and he sighed even harder. Naruto then muttered, "Figured. She needs to move on. The Yuki clan can't return if she's hung up on a man who now wants nothing to do with her."

"Ex problems?" Yugito raised a brow, having listened to the back and forth for any information. Naruto nodded with a tight frown. "The worst kind. Things got tough during the war. Plus, the fact that we both thought we were the last of our clans," he shrugged as he sipped his drink again as innocently as possible, "Things kinda snowballed from there."

Chōjūrō choked on that snow pun. Naruto grinned as he looked at the swordsmen, "Oh, how rude."

The swordsmen glared at him, but Naruto blew a raspberry in response. Yugao spoke up, drawing both Mist swordsmen's attention to her. "You battled Raiga? Wielder of the Kiba blades?"

Both Mist Swordsmen nodded to that. Naruto spoke up, "Yeah. We caught word of his location. Mei dispatched us as hunters, and we caught him in River Country." He paused before looking at his blue-haired friend. "Wait – can we tell them about this?"

Chojuro shrugged, "It should be fine. Nothing could be done, and we were Hunter-Nin at the time, hunting one of our own. So, it was perfectly legal to do so."

Flashback – Nine Years Ago

Land of Rivers; Konu Town

Two Mist-nin stand in the trees overlooking the quaint little town, far removed from the war zone the two elite shinobi had come from. Their masks, however, hide their identities from all, though it would not be enough to escape the notice of their target, who had spotted them in the shade of the trees overhead.

Raiga noticed eyes on him while he was resupplying, his men nearby, and he cursed internally at doing this himself. However, he had finished and was moving towards the northern exit. He did note that the two hunters had gone again, but he was not fooled. As he left the gate, the six guards he brought with him stepped into line with him as he took to the trees.

Half an hour out from the town, by shinobi standards, the two hunters struck.

A wind-coated kunai struck two of the missing nin on Raiga's left; the third reacted fast enough to avoid the same fate. Raiga pulled out his twin kiba blades in time to block the dual-handed slash from the familiar large blue blade, which was currently oozing chakra, causing him to grin. "Ah, if it isn't Hiramekarei. To think I would see it here."

The Hunter did not respond to the taunt. Instead, he backflipped above four thrown wind knives, which caused Raiga to step aside harmlessly, as if he had expected it. His four cronies leaped after the first Hunter, only to be intercepted by the second. A single large katana caught the first off guard, and his smaller kodachi was sliced through by the wind-coated blade. His life ended upon that swift cut.

The wielder of the legendary Hiramekarei landed on a different branch, leaped aside into the canopy, and moved swiftly to cut off Raiga's attempt to escape as their partner dealt with the backup.

Parrying another downward slash, the hunter retrieves a kunai from the enemy's holster, throws it at the third missing nin, who evades, while the hunter continues his spin and slashes down the one he stole from in a single movement. A shower of shuriken rains over the hunter, who doesn't even flinch at the attack, taking several hits as he charges through it, taking the damage, and seemingly shakes it off.

Raiga clashed with Hiramekarei again. This time, the blue hammer-like blade was actually pushing him back, attempting to force him to his knees. But he wasn't a swordsman for nothing. Shifting the clash slightly, he forced the hunter to pull back or risk losing his stance. Raiga then spun, with his sword aimed at the hunter's jugular, but Hiramekarei intercepted, forcing the missing nin back. Before the hunter could pursue, three bolts of lightning were fired at him.

Side-stepping a sloppy overhead slash again, the second Hunter's katana halved the number of enemies remaining by severing the man at his waist, cleanly, before clashing with the woman trying to sneak up behind him. She grinned rather seductively, "Oh, my, you certainly,"

Before she could finish, a boot met her stomach and launched her into a tree. Coughing blood, she looked up to see her colleague's sword cut through, and guts spill out before being kicked aside by the same Hunter. A scream drew her attention up, as the last of the guards she belonged to dropped from the trees they had traveled through with a battle cry. The battle cry went silent upon the katana piercing his chest.

Batting away another lightning blast, the Hiramekarei-wielding Hunter stared after Raiga, who seemed to know his every move before he even made them. It was confusing, but something had to be done, or their chakra would run dry. There must be a trick to it. A scream was heard, no, a battle cry, that abruptly cut off. That's fine. Our partner is never that loud, so it wasn't them who was silenced.

The short, dark-haired woman, with pale skin that had reddened from the footprint across her exploded midriff, was clutching her stomach. Her head rested on the tree as she stared up at her companion, who had landed on the end of the large katana. The second hunter stared up at the idiot who was way too damn loud for a ninja. Idly, the hunter recognized the irony of his thoughts.

The man coughed and wheezed, trying to get air into the lung that was clearly punctured. "You, Hunters. Are nothing. But dogs, for those," his death plea was cut off as he found himself slammed into the ground, the sword cutting its way out from his chest.

The second Hunter growled for a moment before looking up and seeing its partner battling against their target. However, its head moved back down to the injured woman who stiffened under its watch. She gulped. Not wanting to drag this out, the hunter stepped towards the downed brown-eyed woman, who was sweating bullets, pushing herself against the tree. "Please, wait! I can, I surrender! Please!"

The Hunter did not even miss a step, nor stumble, or look away. The blood that dripped from their katana told of her imminent fate at the hands of this being. "Look, be reasonable, we can talk this over," she pleads, with both hands held out in front of her. Nothing.

She then screams, her chakra reacting to her panic, "Please!"

Raiga ducked beneath another slash that cut through six trees behind him, a double-bladed slash. He avoided it before both were distracted by an eruption of ice nearby. Raiga grinned at that, looking back to his opponent, "Seems your partner underestimated my girl, huh? Relai is a Yuki. Probably the last of her kind." Before he could finish, the first Hunter had leaped at him with the hammer of Hiramekarei rushing towards him.

The other Hunter had been impaled on a spike of ice from the burst of spikes, initiated by the woman in the center, who stared owlishly at the hunter she had managed to wound. The blood from the puncture to the shoulder oozed down the spike, which ran through the cloth and armor, thick and dark red. Yet, this hunter did not even seem to flinch or groan at the injury. Instead, he simply raised his sword and cut through the spike pinning him in place. A quick flare of chakra pushed the ice within out, and he just stopped.

Staring at the teen, the Hunter's mind continued to superimpose their previous encounter with an ice wielder, despite his best efforts to shake it off, causing another explosion of guilt to build upon the troubled teen's consciousness. Growling at the stupidity of it all, the gods must be busting their guts at this level of irony, the hunter finally spoke, "Yuki. Stay put if you want to live. Understand?"

The teen nodded frantically, and the Hunter nodded back once in response, before looking at the target, and watching the two swordsmen clash. It did not take long to notice that Raiga was anticipating the movements of the hunters somehow. Though, that bundle is rather heavy, based on the shifting weight of it as he evades. Returning his sword to his back, using his good arm to pull out a pair of kunai, supercharging them with wind, the hunter flicked them at different targets. The first was aimed at the branch Raiga was standing on, the second at the bundle.

Raiga landed on a branch when suddenly he turned and deflected the kunai at the bundle, missing the one that cut through the branches. As he fell, the bundle loosened enough to reveal a kid, preventing the Hiramekarei wielder from cutting from above, which Raiga managed to redirect. The power in the strike had waned so as not to harm the innocent. This was a fight his hunter was ill-equipped to deal with.

The missing mist swordsmen kicks off the tree and lands on his feet, skidding to a stop. Just then, the katana hunter appears in his peripheral vision, sword already coming down. As he moves to intercept, the bundle is cut clean through, separating it from his back. Raiga is stunned, as now there is a third Hunter, who now has "Ranmaru!" But he is forced to leap back, dodging a swipe from the second Hunter, directly into the Hiramekarei wielder.

If it were not for his years of experience, that double team would have ended him, as he deflects the blow from the now clearly tired ninja swordsmen. That sword drains a lot of chakra after all, and it is not suited to long periods of battle.

Growling, Raiga charges at the Hunter holding Ranmaru, but is again intercepted by the second Hunter, his katana coated in razor winds, forcing a block, using both blades due to the strength behind it despite the grievous shoulder wound. Before he could react, a kunai punches through his foot, distracting the veteran long enough for a splat. Hiramekarei had replaced his heart, stopping not even a full foot from the second hunter's, now bloodstained, mask.

Raiga stared down in shock. How had he fallen to such a cheap shot? He was meant to be giving them a funeral, not the other way around. The Hunter at his back spoke up, "Any last requests? As a swordsman, we owe you that much."

Coughing up blood from his throat, Raiga chuckled once, "Just, Ranmaru..."

The hunter ahead nods once, "The kid will be fine. Once we finish with that nutcase known as the Mizukage."

Raiga grinned, now knowing which side these hunters were on, but that was his last thought as his body went limp.

After that, we collected the swords, heads, and our two new passengers, then returned to the Mist.

Ahh, but we also needed to reset your shoulder. That hole was pretty bad, your uniforms always ruined after a mission or two.

Not my fault, blame our enemies. Though, it was a good thing I healed quickly. Otherwise, those six hours of rest would have been a week at most.

You were always so rash and careless.

Suna Consulate

Naruto shrugged Chojuro's accusation off, looking down at his drink. "I was a loose cannon back then. I won't lie, but we were still the best hunter team Mei had, and likely still has."

Chojuro sighs heavily, unable to challenge him on that as he was right, but thankfully his mindset has changed a lot since then. Probably his wife and kids.

Kakashi spoke up, surprising the group at large, "So, you served as a Hunter for the Mist, fought against the Thunder of the Hidden Mist Raiga, who had gone rogue, and found another Yuki clansman in his company."

Chojuro answered in place of his old field partner, "That was the mission, yes. Though, we were lucky to find a member of the Yuki clan, as we had thought they were all dead."

Naruto snorted, before taking a large swig from his drink. As he set it down, he growled, "Lucky? For Mist and everyone else, sure, but me?"

Chojuro chuckled again, evading his eyes. "Well, you kinda imprinted an impossible-to-match image onto her. They must match you, or she will not give them the time of day."

Yugito and Temari both snort at that. Damn, the girl's going to die alone if that's how she thinks.

A returning voice drew eyes to the Mizukage, who spoke up, "Ah, you are talking about my Relai, yes?"

Upon seeing Naruto's sour expression and Chojuro's anxious one, Mei sighed, shaking her head. "That girl is as cold as can be to any delicious man who comes her way," she said, her eyes landing on the scowling blond, amusement dancing in her jade eyes. A sultry smile played on her full lips, "after all, she only ever talks about a certain Jonin of mine who has been avoiding us."

Waving off the accusation and sultry intent, Naruto explained, "Well, you know, traveling with kids is time-consuming, even more so when you have to avoid any of them being captured by unlawful forces."

The Leaf Contingent took that stray shot, and all flinched.

Mei's chuckle was laced with a lustful undertone, as was common and expected. "Mah – mah, come now, Naruto-kun, surely we can discuss this together? Perhaps in my room tonight?"

Yugito cut in here, glaring at the older woman, "Over my dead body, perhaps."

Her words caused many to stare between the two, and now Temari understands why Yugito was here, and the role she is playing. No doubt, Naruto's wives are worried about someone playing on his well-known hero complex, and Yugito is here to shut that shit down fast. They aren't worried about him cheating or anything, too loyal for that. This allows Yugito to gather teasing material, repel the hussies, and act rather selfishly without being considered socially awkward by the others, as she'd come off as a possessive sister figure instead.

Well, she is a possessive sister figure.

Mei pouts under Naruto's glare, joining his sister at his side. It doesn't last as he notices that Karin is back, discussing seals with Shukaku again. Both seem to be discussing a new physical barrier enhancement. His attention is brought back to his table by Yugao, who asks him, "How did you learn the swirling dragon style, Naruto?"

Naruto blinked at that, recalling their fight, and blinked again. "Oh? That? I learned from my mother. When she heard about my adventures in the Mist as a Hunter nin, my position as the unofficial Eighth Blade of Kiri..."

"Nothing unofficial about it," Mei chimed in now suddenly, leaning over the back of his chair, grin in place. Chojuro nodded as she continued, "You are the Eighth blade of the Seven Swordsmen."

Naruto sighs, waving that off. "Yeah, yeah. Eighth blade of Kiri," he says, looking back at Yugao and continuing, "She showed me her style, a modified Uzumaki style that fit our use of the long-form katana. She made me drill it to perfection in the short time I had with her and my dad."

This naturally drew the Leaf's attention, though Yugao nods, "So, Lady Kushina taught it to you. Anything else?"

Naruto thought about it. "Well, they both passed on their seals and ninjutsu arsenals, their taijutsu styles, and the possible locations of family heirlooms. Uzumaki clan heirlooms that is. I have retrieved them all at this point, though," he shrugged at the end, downing the last of his drink.

"Doesn't that mean you know the Flying Thunder God?" Kakashi presses, though he is studiously ignored by the blond as he signals over to a server for another drink. Temari suddenly asks, "Then, Naruto, are you coming to my birthday party this year or are you going to be 'busy being awesome' like last year?"

She glared at him at the end, but Naruto just shrugged. "It wasn't my fault we were recalled, though I did take my time getting back here instead of asking for help from any of you. I was trying to keep a low profile as I had a bunch of kids and a pregnant woman with me. It wasn't entirely my fault. Blame the Leaf."

The stray shot caught the Leaf shinobi by surprise. Another flinch.

Temari dropped the glare at him and glared at the Land of Fire residents, who shied away from it, looking anywhere but at the Suna kunoichi. Naruto continued, "That being said, if you host it here, then more than likely I'd attend as currently, we are trying to get things under control once more. My absence has caused a few issues, though my return has been very… enlightening."

Many raised their brows at that, but none really knew what to say, so they allowed him to continue: "Though, I have to make a visit to Kumo soon, right?"

Yugito nods. "Yeah, Lord Raikage is eager to see if you've gotten faster as he has," she sighs, shaking her head. "That old man is something else."

Everyone in the know chuckled at that, Omoi and the distant Karuii sighed hard at the antics of their leader. Omoi reminded himself to get a more permanent posting here in Demon; he would mention it at breakfast tomorrow morning.

Naruto grumbled for a moment, before looking at his cat-like sister. "Here I thought we settled that last time."

Yugito nods, "We did. He is just a sore loser," causing her brother of circumstance to grumble about stupid old men and not letting things go. She grinned like the cat she often portrays, "Oh, come on, foxy-chan, you always have fun, don't you?"

Naruto glared at her, "Oh, you want to start, Yugi-kun?"

She glared back at him for that shit, before an all too familiar "Ara-Ara..." echoed out and they both froze. Swallowing the sudden lump in their throats, which inhibited their ability to breathe, Seiken continued, smiling sweetly, "Are you two squabbling again? Do I have to come over there and show you how to get along?"

Both containers glanced over at the woman on the table next to them. She was resting her round face against her delicate fingers, her grey eyes twinkling with joy and a hint of sultry warmth that was uncomfortable for the pair. Her legs were crossed suggestively, and her dress and hair somehow seemed far too elegant. Both also noticed how stiff Hana and Kelsi, who were at her sides, had gotten upon hearing her question.

Knowing better than to cross or challenge that particular aunt of theirs, Naruto and Yugito shook their heads, exclaiming in unison, "No, ma'am. We are behaving."

Seiken nods, before looking to her new 'students' of manners and kindness, who froze stiff in a familiar sight for the containers present. Internally, though, they all cursed that lazy ass airhead for letting her out, no doubt freeing him from his own obligation to be here, as none would dare cross Lady Seiken's decision to allow him.

Not too far away, a certain former Mist shinobi sneezed in his sleep before rolling over and getting comfortable again.

Back in the ballroom, which had been transformed into a chill-out, informal meeting room, Naruto was served a Naruto-sized serving of ramen, which is basically a full ladle. Unlike back in the Leaf, he took his time and maintained his regal form, as he hadn't forgotten that Seiken was present. If she thought he had forgotten her lessons on etiquette, he'd be going through another round of make-up exams.

Hinata and Hanabi were surprised at his form. The others from the leaf were shocked far more so, though it might have something to do with Yugito and the large portion of shark she was devouring with the same regal elegance her brother was displaying. It was Yakumo who asked, having noticed this from all the containers, "Say, Naruto. Do all your 'siblings' eat large amounts of food like you do?"

Yet it was Temari who answered, also watching the morbidly interesting sight, "Yes. They all have something they are almost obsessed with. Naruto's ramen, Yugito's fish, particularly shark, Gaara's sweet tooth is the strongest in living memory, and Utakata's dumpling obsession is something to be careful of."

Yakumo nods as Naruto and Yugito almost finish their meals. Before the clan head asks again, "What about Fu-san? You didn't mention hers."

"No need to," Temari waved her off, lifting her drink. Naruto finished wiping his mouth in accordance with the polite doctrine put forth by the six tails, before he finished for Temari, "Fu is a black hole. If it's edible, she'll eat it."

Yugito finishes her clean-up before adding, "And trying to hide my premium quality sushi is pointless. She keeps finding them," hissing at the end. Naruto nods; his ramen stash has been raided so many times that he has had to resort to space-time barriers to secure them. Though he suspects it is only a matter of time before she figures out how to bypass them.

Having met everyone and spoken with all, Naruto feels that this is enough for minimum mission success and can now leave without Kurama bitching to him about one thing or another. So, he goes to stand, "Well, seeing as the questions are already answered,"

This is when the final boss enters the question-and-answer session. Having seen him preparing to leave, Tsunade steps up to the bat, seeing as this was her last chance to ask what she wanted, taking the seat Yugao offered. Meeting the clearly diplomatic face Naruto now sported, smile and all, Tsunade speaks up, "Can I first say,"

Naruto raised his hand. "Tsunade, this is an informal get-together. No business should be conducted here, nor any official statements made. I've given you all plenty to work with regarding my whereabouts and activities prior to your retrieval attempts."

Yugito could clearly pick up the barely veiled whiny undertone that he was suppressing beneath his diplomatic tone and shared a grin with Temari, who sat a seat over from the Hokage, Tsunade. She spoke up, "Right, well. I just wanted to know how things were going? How's the family doing?"

"Well," Naruto informs swiftly, "now that we are back home and safe, the family is getting back on track, settling down nicely."

Tsunade nods, before asking her next question: "Then, can we expect the Uzumaki to return to the shinobi world? As the last Senju, it would be comforting to know..."

"No," Naruto cut in, surprising everyone. Looking upon his face filled with sorrow and sadness, Naruto met Tsunade's gaze unflinchingly, and somewhat resigned, "The Uzumaki clan is dead and buried, Tsunade Senju. Our numbers are far too low to continue, and we have all come to terms with that fact."

He sighs as he stands up. "It was a difficult discussion to have, but my clansmen and I are under no illusions that within the next generation or two, Clan Uzumaki will end. Following the Kaguya and Senju into the annals of history," he chuckles softly, shaking his head. "To think, the only one of the original five that will remain is the Hyuga. Ironic, isn't it?"

All eyes widened at that, looking from Naruto to the equally stunned Hyuga sisters. Hanabi asked, "Original Five? What do you mean by..."

Yugito, who also stood alongside her brother, answered in his stead, "The original five: Hyuga, Kaguya, Senju, Uchiha, and Uzumaki. The original five clans that can trace their lineages directly to the Sage of Six Paths or his brother."

Tsunade snaps back, "The Sage was real?"

All the containers and bijuu present stared at the Hokage incredulously. Even Seiken had dropped her smile as she stared at the Hokage. Naruto sighed again, really wanting to get home to his wives and kids. "Yes. The Sage existed. He had a brother too. He created the nine bijuu, who see him as their father, thus our grandfather. He introduced Ninshu to the world, but humans twisted it to create what we know as Ninjutsu. Any other dumb questions before I leave?"

Abruptly, before Hinata could, Yakumo appeared and hugged him tightly. Not so surprised at this, Naruto hugged her back and buried his head in her hazel hair as she whispered, "I missed you, you know."

He chuckled softly, "It's good to see you again. We can talk another time about having a sit-down while you're here, yeah?"

She nods to that before pulling back, smiling, and says, "It was good to catch up."

Naruto nods and smiles. "Yeah, it was."

Suddenly, Yugito grabbed him in a headlock, perfectly timed to prevent the Hyuga princess from attempting the same thing. Naruto picked up on the plan thanks to their silent communication, but he couldn't stop the hairs on his neck from standing up when hearing that "Ara-Ara..." from Seiken.

Run.

Shrine's approach

Naruto and Yugito stroll back up towards the shrine, and when it comes into view. Yugito, sensing her brothers unease, asks, "Do you think you'll be okay? Confronting them like this?"

Naruto shrugged uncommittedly, "It doesn't matter now. They're here, and they won't take no for an answer. As long as we keep them from the private areas of the shrine, we'll be okay."

"We? Or you?"

Naruto stops and turns to her. She turns and stares back at him, not backing down or offering anything he could read or perceive. After a few moments, he nods. "Yugito. They broke me." The gravity of that statement was not lost on the container of the two tails, though she remained silent as he continued. "The Hidden Leaf was my entire life. My biggest ambition was to one day lead them proudly as their Hokage after getting them to accept and acknowledge me. Yet,"

She stepped forward and hugged him, the kind of hug she would never be caught dead giving to anyone but this was her ever dependable, yet clearly foolish, little brother. He had led the family through a restructuring and reunited the bijuu into a family of guardians who keep watch over the world, with their containers acting in their stead.

Yugito spoke softly, as he returned the embrace, "It's okay, Naruto. We all are behind you, one hundred percent. Me doubly so. You pulled me out of that death trap those two undead Akatsuki created and kept me safe until I recovered. You're my cute little brother, someone I enjoy fighting with like we're kids, with Kurama and Mito as our parents."

Naruto muttered, "Our troublesome Aunt Seiken."

She smirks softly as they finally part, and nods, "Yes, exactly. All the kids are safe. Kumo, Mist, and Sand are here to help you with your new life as Regent of Demon Country. You aren't that Lost Fox anymore."

Naruto glared at her for that, his original moniker from Kumogakure's bingo book, which she had given him upon returning him to Kumogakure. Her smirk got catty, "It was rather fitting, considering everything."

"I wasn't lost," he muttered, looking away to dry the tears he certainly wasn't shedding. "I was just searching for something."

Yugito's smile turned soft as she replied, "You found it, right? It was so much closer than you realized."

Naruto looks back at her with an equally soft smile. "Yeah. It took me a while to figure that one out."

Yugito chuckled softly, resuming their walk back to the shrine. "Man, Shizuka is so damn lucky. Finding a man like you who isn't your brother."

Naruto shook his head in disbelief at those words. "Let's not start this again. I really don't want to hear about your lack of interesting men in your life."

Yugito glared at him this time, hissing, "And whose fault is that, huh?"

Naruto grinned foxily, "He was no good for you, and you know it."

She groaned, and Naruto believed her tail would be wagging very aggressively, if she had one. So, he did the logical, mature way to handle an angry kitty. He bopped its nose.

She hissed and he cackled as he ran; she was on his tail, and the heavy atmosphere evaporated as Seiken stepped out from the shadows, nodding her approval. She'll overlook things this time, as that was so touching. Though, she'll still have to have a word about the way they spoke about her like an evil, sadistic woman who enjoys their torment. That is wholly absurd. Though, even she will admit that hugging the kindness into them can be rather time-consuming, as they typically faint from the infusion of her joy.

Lodinia Port

In a darkened back alley in the bustling port town of Northern Demon Country, the largest town in the nation that allows large vessels to harbor and has direct trade with the capital, two figures converge. "My lord, we have yet to be detected thus far. Just as planned."

"Kukuku, good. Guren. Have our forces spread out and look for our wayward medic. Then, search for that fox brat and his little brat. No doubt the son of the strongest tailed beast will hold a body far greater than any other and will be of use."

"What of the rumours of the Demons that rule these lands?"

"They will be of no concern to us. Just grab the boy and we'll be gone before they realize something is wrong." A low chuckle escapes the man's lips as he grins. "Oh, the look of despair when I confront that upstart with the face of his own son shall be worth the wait."

"I shall contact the others personally."

"Remain discreet, Guren. If you suspect anything amiss, deal with it discreetly. We are so close; I want no screw-ups."

"At once." The figure vanishes as the reptilian eyes glance around, only seeing a stray cat sleeping beneath the dumpster ahead, and he cackles lowly before disappearing into the darkness.

As soon as the second figure leaves the area, the stray cat opens an eye and vanishes in a puff of smoke. He has to bring this to Lady Matatabi's attention. His siblings can handle tailing that other lady; this threat seems far too real, and they are after the kitten of the fox leader. Not under Scruffie's watch!

Land of Vegetable; Offshore

A knock on the door alerted the leader of the new Hidden Mountain Village. "What?"

"Lord Uchiha, we are almost at the Land of Demon. We should arrive before midday."

"Then why are you bothering me now? I am busy with more important matters."

"Well, sir, you ordered us to let you know."

"Begone! You are wasting time when you should be getting us there faster!"

"Sir!"

The man in the room grunted, no longer feeling in the mood as he pulled away from the woman beneath him. She herself was slightly sweaty and nude, curling up immediately as he sat beside her.

Staring out the window of this liberated vessel, the first of the new Uchiha Navy Flagship, The Uchiha's Fist, he ponders how to take over the dobe's nation for himself. Naturally, he'll take his wife and power, but should he bother with the nation too? It doesn't matter; the might of the Uchiha will never be allowed to be overshadowed, so he'll subjugate them and have them pay him to take over for the dobe.

Nodding to himself at that, perhaps he would move the Uchiha village here and build his forces before taking over the other nations and uniting them under the fan of the Uchiha. Then, maybe, after that, he would go kill that snake for trying to take his and his brother's bodies. Then, he would turn that pathetic excuse of a village into ash or a crater. He hasn't decided yet.

Either way, the Uchiha will live on and continue to rule these lands. First, take the dobe's power, kill that psycho snake, then destroy the Leaf. Simple enough. Looking back at the previous captain's daughter, who had just gotten dressed again, "bring me food."

She nods meekly, turning her back on him as she licks the split lip, hissing at the pang of pain, and makes her way out of the room. Why did she accept his offer again? Oh, right, to be his queen in his land if she can bear him a male heir. Was it worth it, though?

The Uchiha's smirk grew; his word is law here. As it should have always been.

Land of Fire; Beneath the Hidden Leaf

A bandaged old man strolled into his secret office, his cane the only recurring noise as it hit the paved road, echoing off the darkness that surrounded him. As he sat down, he reached for a certain scroll in the bottom drawer of the desk. He hadn't heard from his expeditionary force yet, though it should be fine. He doubted that the spoiled princess had noticed them aboard their ship.

He pauses his reach. Instead, his eye catches the wardrobe's parted door, within which lies his greatest desire. Briefly allowing his mind to wander, he imagines himself sitting with it atop his head, with the great nation of Konoha bowing at his feet, leading the world into golden days beneath it. Ah, yes. Then again, his age is slowly catching up with him. Which reminds him, Project Rebirth should be ready within the month.

Changing plans, he reaches into the top drawer and pulls out the report on the said project. A combination of Orochimaru's work with clone and DNA splicing, the Senju medical archives, Yamanaka forbidden jutsu, and finally, his own sealing expertise. All these contribute to the rebirth project to create a new perfect shinobi to lead the Root of the great tree that is Konoha.

A smirk graces his aged features as he scans the reports from his tools. Everything is on schedule, and the results are promising. Good. Nothing to worry about there. Looking over the other report that reported a stalling of the tests, he frowns. The Ultimate Summoning Creature.

Pausing for a moment, he recalls the report from the Nara Heir. Yes. That description aligns with the missing orphan child that ensured the creature remained docile during tests. Since her departure, three separate research teams have suffered deaths. To think, she found the missing jinchuriki, even when his own people had trouble doing so. Truly, the luck of the Uzumaki knows no bounds. Though, he can only benefit from it. Should they procreate, the child of such a union would be invaluable.

This brings him full circle.

The Land of Demons. If that is truly where their missing weapon has been, then infiltration and subjugation of the nation will be necessary. Even more so as the other villages seem to be its ally. Through them, they can control the actions of the other three. Having them serve the great purpose of supporting the Great Tree of Konoha. That boy is most certainly more capable now, having been banished, than when he was a loyal weapon under that old fool, Hiruzen.

Reaching for the bottom drawer again, he retrieves the scroll of the forty operatives dispatched alongside the Senju princess, and opens it up to find the seals all empty...

He frowned. "It seems I may have underestimated the boy."

Land of Demon; Main Shrine

Naruto was up first this morning, a fairly common occurrence in recent weeks, and even before the recall. He made his way out of the master bedroom, having stopped by the sleeping Nami, briefly, to see her sleeping the morning away. She was far less troublesome than any of her elder siblings.

In the corridor, Naruto was joined by both Karin and Honoka, all three nodding to one another. This too seemed to be growing into an expected trend. Naruto's awakening triggers Karin's sensory, stirring her, and as she shares a room with Honoka, her stirring triggers Honoka's, and thus the three Uzumaki end up together in the kitchen, preparing breakfast.

The shrine's kitchen is what one might expect of a professional restaurant's kitchen. Silver and black dominate the room, with bare metal countertops and two twelve-hob gas stoves. In the center of the room was an island with lights and running water. This is where the three Uzumaki were, opposite one of the stoves, awaiting the boiling water.

As soon as the coffee was poured, the three took their sips, and a heavy sigh slipped through their lips in unison, "This stuff is great, ya know." Honoka mentioned, and Karin nodded, looking at the only blonde, "Yeah, how long did it take you to get it like this?"

Naruto shrugged fluidly. "A few weeks. Using shadow clones. So, months maybe, if you consider everything. Could probably refine it, but there's no real incentive to do so."

Karin nods to that, thinking about it, but Honoka speaks up, her voice light, "Umm... can I ask you both something?"

Both Naruto and Karin looked at their shorter clanswoman, nodding in agreement, so she spoke up, "Is there really nothing we can do? You know? Rebuilding the clan?"

Naruto sighed at that, though Karin offered an understanding smile, answering in place of the blond, "Well, put simply, no. Even if, for argument's sake, the three of us came together and had a realistic eight children together. Now we have eleven clansmen with our full capabilities. The problem is, they'll all be brothers and sisters to one another. Even if we allowed incest to occur, at most we'd get one, maybe two more generations before things get out of hand, or the powers and abilities our great-grandchildren have will be diminished rather heavily."

Naruto nodded along with her points, sighing afterwards. "Honoka," he said, drawing her attention, his gaze soft and understanding. "Neither of us are happy with this, but I would rather not just say, 'screw it,' and turn ourselves into breeding machines to 'rebuild the clan' or anything."

Honoka nods, understanding that. Naruto continues, "I have seen the remarkable capabilities of my own kids, compared to what I knew from my own at their age. Shirin is by far the most capable nine-year-old I know. He's levelheaded and caring for all. He holds his friends and family close, shows kindness when needed, and is stern when required."

Honoka nods again, knowing this but failing to see where this was going. Naruto finally gets to the point: "However, my branch of the Uzumaki clan, the head branch, are supposed to be chain experts. The fact that even I, as a male, have them shows how truly potent our solid chakra manipulation is supposed to be. Yet, he can barely make a single chain past a metre. It's half as thick as mine, and although useful in defensive situations, it's not capable of being used in its intended role. Many Uzumaki techniques are beyond him."

Karin nods, taking over from him. "No doubt, his kids won't have them at all. It is a shame. I never really thought about having children after Sasuke tried to kill me, but now, I feel like I'm missing out."

A new voice, "Because you are..." drew the three clansmen's attention to the door where Shion stood, having listened to their discussion. It was rather morbid to hear her normally upbeat and happy husband sound so defeated and resigned. He is supposed to be the one who breaks through the impossible against improbable odds, smiling all the way back home to her. Not this defeated man, who uses logic to solve and explain issues beyond his control.

Shion shelves that trail of thoughts for later and continues, "Being a mother is a wonderful experience that no woman should ever be denied the opportunity to have."

Karin shrugged at that, only having recently seriously thought about the prospect of motherhood after meeting Naruto and Honoka. "I get that. Just that until meeting both Naruto and Honoka, I thought I would never meet a man who brought those thoughts back out. Sure, right now, I know neither I nor Naruto sees one another in that light, but seeing how united and cozy this family is makes me kind of wish for my own."

Shion nods. Naruto says, "I can only thank Shion for that. She is the heart of our family unit. I am the shield to protect, and my darling Shizuka is the sword. That's how we've managed so far."

No one missed the flush of Shion's cheeks at the lovely comment. Naruto is never shy about his love for her, and it was always comforting to know that she is relied on, despite not being a fighter like the others.

Honoka and Karin smile at the interaction, with the former speaking up, "I am in the same boat as Karin. Before coming here, kids and family were never really on my mind. I was always just trying to survive. Now, however, with the home here, three meals a day, and a respectable job teaching, it has allowed me to consider such a prospect."

"That is fine and all," Naruto drew attention to him, "but, the original point remains. Our clan is dead. The lack of biodiversity will kill it in three generations or so. It's a moot point."

Shion frowns. Honoka hangs her head. Karin nods in agreement with the statement, though the priestess asks, "Can't you use some of your clan's seals or something? You always say that they can do anything, right?"

Naruto froze, as did Karin, both looking at one another. A silent conversation took place over the course of ten seconds. Honoka looked between them, anxious to understand if it was possible, and her smile and heart fluttered when they both nodded. Karin stated, "It isn't impossible..."

Naruto speaks carefully, too, "nor without risks from various factors."

Shion nods, hands on hips, smiling as she knows that twinkle in her husband's eyes, paired with that grin, it was unmistakable. He was about to do the impossible again, beat the improbable odds, and give both Kami and Fate another heart attack. Triply so now that his expression had spread to the other Uzumaki.

A random thought crossed Karin's mind. Putting voice to it, she said, "What about the Senju and Uchiha clans? It is impossible for Kaguya without a living specimen, but..."

Naruto shrugged, "We don't even know if it will work for our clan. Let's take this one step at a time, okay?"

They all nod to that and get ready for a really busy breakfast table.

An hour later…

The breakfast table had been lengthened to accommodate the expertly overflowing breakfast meeting, with the additions of the invited guests and the Uzumaki family. The whole family plus Matatabi and Kurama, plus the Sab family, as the children had slept over, allowing their parents to enjoy the night to the fullest.

The food has been pouring out of the kitchen constantly, thanks to the liberal use of shadow clones, allowing the ladies who have aided in its cooking to take a needed break. Yui escorted in Yakumo and Nila, her best friend and clansmen. Standing at a slim frame, five foot six, with dark brown hair down to her tight bum, mismatched eyes (left black, right brown), and a round face that hosted a smile at the sight of the family unit.

Kurama waved them over to the end where she sat with her little siblings, Matatabi, and Shukaku. As Yakumo led her clansmen over to them, Naruto and his clones finished setting the table. Temari also appeared from the kitchen, holding two coffee pitchers, one with a red tip signalling the Uzumaki coffee.

Kankuro chuckled at a joke from Omoi. Karuii was explaining her sword style to Kushina, who replied with the style her father had been teaching. Ayao offered her two cents, though Hirori was curious.

Samui was sitting beside Kurama, sandwiched between Yugito opposite her, and Karin after that, Honoka beside them. Gaara was listening to his wife, Matsuri, discussing the night with Kalia, Kankuro's wife, as the kids continued to chatter.

Naruto sat with his wives, as usual, and they all dug into the prepared food. Together as one, the family conversed, and the ambient atmosphere was comforting, belaying the building tension beyond the Shrine. Especially seeing as a certain Hyuga had watched her fellow Leaf heiress being led in by a kitsune.

"So, boss man," Omoi spoke up, getting Naruto's attention, and continued, "Is it possible to take Shirin as an apprentice?"

But before Naruto could respond, Kankuro did: "Oi! Back off, sparky. My nephew is my next apprentice, not yours."

"Easy there, man, it's not every day you find a natural in swordsmanship. He also has a lightning nature too." Omoi commented, meeting the puppeteer's gaze head-on with equal intensity. Naruto and Shizuka were amused, but Shirin was embarrassed at the sight of his uncle and brother figure arguing worse than Amano and Kozato when discussing her bow against his kunai.

Shion cleared her throat, and the argument abruptly halted. The two men responsible looked over, seeing her sweet smile. "Do I need to put you both on a time out?"

Both paled and shook their heads, to which she nodded, before continuing, "Shirin is still too young to leave for either village, plus he has his responsibilities here to contend with."

Omoi raises his hand, as if in class, and Shion nods, allowing him to speak. "About that," he looks to the boss, who raised a brow as he rocked little Koki in his right arm, coffee in his left. Omoi continued, "I've been wondering if I can get a more permanent position here? Like, sword or weapon instructor? Maybe even combat strategy?"

Karuii jerked her head back to him, looking incredulously at her teammate, and spoke up, "Are you for real, Omoi? I mean, sure, that would be amazing and all, staying here, but I doubt Raikage-sama would allow it."

Yugito nods along with her loudmouth redhead, "She has a point. Sure, I spend a lot of time here myself, but that is usually business, reports, and the like between the two points. I never stay more than a week here."

All eyes looked at Naruto, who was calmly having a staring contest with a smiling Koki, making faces and taking sips from his drink periodically. It was truly a wonderful scene for the ladies, none more so than for Kiyota, whose heart was fluttering in joy. She may have been denied by her senior, but her chances were not entirely zero, it seemed.

Eventually, though, Naruto got a giggle out of the baby, and he looked up. "Omoi, your request is rather difficult to make from Kumo. You are part of one of Kumo's premier teams. From memory, you guys have the highest completion rate compared to your fellow chunin. Led by Jonin Nii and Samui, who is basically a Jonin in all but rank, the four of you have proven overwhelmingly effective. Breaking that up isn't really in Ay's best interest."

Omoi nods, but goes to rebuff, until Naruto speaks up again, "That being said, feel free to send him a message. I will not say anything about it until he does. Understand?"

The man nodded. It was fair. Now, Naruto turned to Kankuro. "Brother, I understand that ever since Saya, you've been looking for someone to carry on traditional puppetry. You fear it's being superseded by this new generation of puppet-like arts. It's kind of like me and Fuinjutsu. Well, any Uzumaki and Fuinjutsu."

Both Honoka and Karin nod at that, but Shirin and the two Shrine Maidens, who use fuinjutsu in training do so too, as Kushina isn't really a seal user, but rather, she uses swords and kunai. Naruto continued, "If that is what he chooses to do later on, I won't stop him, but you will have to convince him, his mothers, your Kage, and the elders before I allow him beyond my easy reach."

Kankuro nods in understanding. Gaara speaks up, "I have no issue with that, and I doubt the elders will, as they share Kankuro's concerns. It will also give them direct access to Demon's political power. A win-win situation in their eyes."

Naruto and Shion groaned. Shizuka growled, "Damn old coots." All three mumbled together. Though Omoi spoke up, "If I do get posted here, I can help his entire team and help with his lightning nature ninjutsu too."

"I want in on that!" Karuii adds. Samui nods, adding her own voice. "It'll be cool."

Naruto mumbled about repeating himself over and over, but the giggles of Koki caught his attention. He stuck his tongue out, and she giggled again. Looking back up the table, he said, "Send a letter to him with your request. Yugito will also tell him about my stipulations. No doubt he will ask for a spar, so yes, I will head there after my job in Suna at the end of next month."

The Kumo squad all nodded to that; it was fair.

A/N: The informal meeting was a mixed bag, Naruto's Hunter days filled with recklessness, and an old flame mentioned. Or icicle perhaps is more fitting. Yakumo meets Kurama, scared half to death as it was funny. Tsunade discovers the resigned fate of the Uzumaki and their grim acceptance. Yugito comforts her little brother, who was definately not crying. Shion reignites the whirlpool and a hope returns.

Episode XI: The day is young and the festivities are underway. Trouble is afoot though and the Demon security forces are put to the test. A new ally introduced and their past brings answers to a mystery the Hokage has been wrestling with.

2nd A/N: I am currently putting the finishing touches on Episode XIII if you are reading this on upload day. I understand that timewise, this story has barely moved over the few days building up to the festival, and this hasn't changed. A lot happens on this first day. A lot. It also showcases a lot of the ablities Naruto, especially, Karin, and Kiyota in particular posses. The hyuga too have a show case of their ablities in close quarters. To devistating effect. Won't say much more on that. :-)

o7