Chapter Two; Shield and Sword

Hidden Leaf

The moment the four shinobi stepped from the chamber, the whole village froze as one in either panic or shock, those within the tower were no better than the outside, beside Tsunade of course. Having served with them during their previous prime, the medic smiled softly as she looked to the clock, Tsunade muttered. "Looks like it's time."

She stands up from the sofa, Sora too before giving himself a quick look over much to the slug sannin's amusement.

It did not take long for the foursome to get back to the office, the individual body flickers were uniformly effective to display the personality of each arrival.

The torrent of swirling sand announced the firm visage of one Sabaku No Gaara, five-foot two with a lean build and long red hair tailed back in a low tail, flowing down his back. A small gourd placed at his lower back whilst maintaining his classic, patented, arms folded pose and classic smirk.

Beside him was none other then the man of the decade, his leaf shinobi counterpart, Naruto Uzumaki, appearing in a gust of wind, five-foot five with long blond tresses in the same vein as the red head. Though it was pulled back with one of his girlfriends hair band. He wore his own trademark grin, with arms folded across his chest.

Tsunade noted he had more than a few red strands within his normally sunshine locks, his whisker marks were more defined, fangs more prominent, blue eyes permanently slit, and his overall frame was only slightly bulkier than his sand counterpart. His muscles were fairly compact, and despite being younger than last time, he still held a powerful commanding presence that swept over the room.

This was not the brat that left five days ago, no. This is the S-rank Genin of the Fourth war, three time hero, Naruto Uzumaki.

Beside her fellow blond stood Ino Yamanaka, a tornado of pink lilies and wind foretelling her arrival, a five-foot four beauty with hair passing her firm rear in a single tail. Her figure would no doubt turn heads and the smirk she donned paired with the sparkle of mischief within her baby teal eyes gave off a playful side. A slim but muscular figure leaned more towards agility and evasion left little to suggest her strengths but the tanto on her back shows that she does have claws.

Last but not least was Shikamaru Nara, appearing from the nearby shadows, as if a wrathe of myth, he stood shoulder to shoulder with the male blonde at a respectful five-foot-five. The master strategist who later earned the Monika of the 'Master Controller' as he always seemed to be the one orchestrating his opponents to their demise.

This time around however, he has both the trench knives from the start, currently on his waist, that he had learned to honour his sensei, and the tanto on his back, to honour his mother who he had learned later used one during her active days. He even used a modified version of her personal style.

The adults were all impressed at the foursome, all dressed as Hidden Leaf Chunin, even Gaara, as even the clothing they had taken with them did not last to them after so long. All that was left was standard issue attire, minus their headbands.

"It's been so long, lord Hokage." Ino leading the boys in the bow, even Gaara. Hiruzen chuckled softly, replying. "For you all, no doubt, but it has been just shy of six days for us. How was your time in the chamber?"

"Productive." Ino beams whilst all the boys share a look behind her back, not saying a word nor daring to even think in her presence, she continued. "Though, we do need to polish up on a few things and maybe expand our arsenal a bit."

"Indeed." Hiruzen nodded but could tell these children, have a complete handle on their own powers as, after their initial emergence from the chamber, they had reigned in and were suppressing their power as right now they were coming off as civilians. Spending five, almost six years in the chamber has done them wonders.

Naruto and Gaara, as Jinchurki, however had signatures of a rookie Chunin, even while heavily suppressed and controlled, but Hiruzen doubted that even he could match either in raw chakra pressure right now, which meant they were in peak control for their reserves. The old man spoke eventually. "We need to test you all still…"

Tsunade cut in here, announcing her presence to the recently returned. "…and run you through a full medical workout."

All four smiled, Ino, Shikamaru, and Gaara spoke together. "Lady Tsunade."

"Yo, Ba…" Naruto couldn't finish; he caught her slightly enhanced, chakra laced fist with some effort but caught it he did. The resultant shockwave blew all Saratobi's paperwork all over the room, much to his shock and dismay.

Releasing and shaking off his hand, smoke flowing off it along with an orange haze, Naruto growls. "What the hell was…?"

Again, interrupted by a smack of a scroll that he caught on reflex, Tsunade ordered. "Read it."

Naruto grumbled about her not being hokage anymore, but that only lasted for a moment as he did what he was told, and his eyes had widened in disbelief by the end of it. Tears pooling in the corner of his eyes, that looked upon the woman who she smiled wickedly, Tsunade stating, "No more oba-chan from you... Understood?" whispering the last bit to which Naruto beamed a megawatt smile, "Hai, ka-chan…"

After a brief round of congratulations from the entire room, and a certain necklace being returned to a certain youngest blond, the business mode returned. Hiruzen spoke, drawing all eyes to him. "Now then – mind explaining why the Kazekage's youngest…?'

"Ah, where are my manners?" Gaara began as he bowed, "Gaara no Sabaku, adopted brother of Naruto Uz…" pausing to correct himself upon noticing the glare from a certain Senju. "…Senju and former fifth Kazekage."

Those in the know narrow their eyes, those not so were confused. Tsunade as the first to voice the question on everyone's lips. "How did you return?"

Both containers smirk, eyes gleaming in poorly concealed mirth, with Naruto speaking up. "An - unintended side effect."

All eyes on him, Naruto continued. "The kyuubi had a placed a sliver of our chakra, both his and mine, from the time just a week before our final fight within Sora whilst Ino was still in her first trimester."

"What does that have to do with…?" Shizune began but was cut off by Inoichi, who put it together surprisingly fast. "I see. Then, as chakra is the basis of body and mind, it also contains an essence of who we are at any given moment."

Inoichi nodded along with his daughter and her boyfriend.

"Long story short…" Shikamaru states, not wanting to drag this out, he continued. "…Shukaku, the one tails to you all, remembered most things, and the chakra both he and Gaara got from Naruto and the Kyuubi respectively, filled in the rest."

"I must say, I am more than a little intrigued by the plan brainstormed by the Master of a thousand minds, and the Master controller." Gaara announces with the same mischievous glint Naruto had become famous for.

This, of course, had the desired effect as all eyes turn look to the only people who could possibly hold such titles as Ino sighed, rubbing her nasal and Shikamaru mumbled something about troublesome red heads, pulling out a smoke from his pocket.

"I almost forgot about those." Tsunade smirk was vicious. Ino moaned out. "As did I."

Inoichi was amused as much as he was amazed that his not so baby girl had such a moniker, asking. "A thousand minds? What happened Ino?"

"Well… first I would like to point out that it was closer to three thousand, but someone decided that one thousand was better." Ino addressed before glaring at Shikamaru who shrugged as he stared down his male blond friend, who was staring back in a battle of wills. A new hobby of theirs.

"As to how I got it…?" Ino continues but it was Gaara who answered, "She managed to, on her own, connect the minds of every allied shinobi across several kilometres for a full minute, in a middle of a war to share vital information to them all."

Earning more than a few gasps whilst Inoichi, who was probably the only one who knew truly the amount of effort that must have taken, was filled with so much pride, he teared up while hugging her tightly. "That's my baby girl!"

Ino did not fight it. She had missed her father, back then and now after spending five, nearly six, years within the chamber.

"Well, this is more than enough for one day," Hiruzen spoke earning nods from the whole room, he continued. "How about we hold a general test for you all in a few days. Let you get settled again."

"I must send word to my father." Gaara comments earning a thankful nod from the Hokage, and everyone left beside Naruto and Shikamaru, who were now very serious and stared at the Hokage with an intensity that seemed to add gravity to the room.

Sensing the topics sensitivity, Hiruzen waved off his Anbu guard, they would be in the way here. Naruto broke the now heavy silence with. "The Uchiha uprising. It hasn't occurred yet, right?"

The air itself seemed to tense as the Professor makes his return, "How do you know…" stopping himself, right. These two came from a future where this is all history. Shikamaru spoke next, hands in pocket as he leans against the wall. "I suggest you call in both Weasel and Crow here now. We must act sooner rather than later."

Saratobi did just that, sensing these two had a plan that would work.

Shisui was frustrated, staring out his window out at the clan compound with a blank look upon his face. Despite his fame and strength, he has never felt this absolutely powerless. No. Obsidian turns crimson. Spinning wildly, he whispered slowly. "Third this is it - Our last gambit…"

He staring into the glass that reflects his resolve in faux measure.

His Anbu tag suddenly flared, pulse twice breaking him from his own thoughts as he turns back to eye the clock over his shoulder. He raises an eyebrow, mumbled to himself as he dresses into his uniform. "A bit early…"

Itachi suddenly appeared in his room, earning a raised brow from the now dressed Shisui who asked. "You too?"

The younger colleague simply nods. A heavy sigh, from Shushi as the two promptly replace their masks before simply vanishing from their clan compound, clearly unaware of the change about to be inflicted.

Appearing within the hokage office the two Anbu troopers immediately drop to a knee, but freeze up upon sensing the unknown presences, reaching for their blades until Hiruzen whispered through the darkness. "Stay your hands, Itachi, Shisui."

They both do so, and for a moment there was stillness. Hiruzen broke it, informing. "They are here with my blessing and aware of your situation and have come to render their assistance in our endeavour."

"By your word, Lord Hokage." The two Uchiha return without delay.

"Indeed. We intend to alter the course of you wary clandestine operators…" slit blue eyes gleaming in the darkness, the figure stepping into view revealing the fourteen-year-old Naruto Senju, chunin of the leaf.

"Troublesome. Listen, Weasel, Crow, we know how delicate the situation we are in," the beady eyes of the Nara heir stepping out of the Senju's shadow, the two-kneeling rise to their feet removing their mask, Shisui questioned immediately. "How do you plan on doing so?"

Both secret time travelers turn to the aged Kage, Shikamaru asks promptly. "Sir, do they have clearance?"

Hiruzen mumbled upon it for a while, nodding his accent. "Very well," looking to the two Anbu, the old man continued. "What you are about to hear is the absolute truth and cannot be repeated beyond these walls. SS-Rank secret."

Both Uchiha tense at that, what could possibly be so important. One way to find out.

One quick recap, and sharigan confirmations later…

"Foolish little brother." Itachi muttered with his face buried in his hands sitting on the sofa, drawing in his own self loathing. Shisui was just as lost as one might expect having seen events unfold after your death, the death of your clan, only for the few survivors to start the fourth and then the fifth shinobi wars. He wore an understandably tight frown as he muttered. "That rough, kiddos."

"Time travel as a trump card. No shit." Shikamaru stated as he and Naruto puff on their smokes by the window. Shisui nodded before asking. "Yeah, so, how do you plan on stopping the clan?"

"We could try and trap that bastard who kills the innocent?" Naruto offered as he sits on the edge of the window, the lights within the office are out and you could barely see his frame. Shisui thought on it, it wasn't a bad idea but. "Obito, huh? That kamui is a difficult technique to counter."

This comment earned the Uchiha two snorts, earning the other three occupants' attention with Shikamaru commenting. "Just get Kakashi to cancel it out as he has his other eye."

He then stabs out his smoke before rejoining the room at large with Naruto throwing his out the window. They both then returned look to the old man, glaring hard, with Naruto growling. "And order the elders to stand down."

Hiruzen nodded while he was casually puffing his pipe, enjoying the discussion with his finest, speaking calmly. "Very well,"

"What can we do now though? Our clan prepares…" Itachi comments as Naruto looks to Shikamaru, the Nara raised his brow before following his gaze to Itachi who suddenly felt nervous. The future Jonin commander nods, Shikamaru says. "Fine choice,"

"That's what I think too." Naruto nodded with a chuckle before looking to Hiruzen. "What about you, ol' man? You're getting along in your age, ya know?"

It was then Shisui realised what they were playing at and smirked, joining in on the fun being had at his cousin's expense. Chuckling softly, as he adds. "He's right Lord Hokage. I third their plan."

Hiruzen studied Itachi for a long time, hearing his council's agreements only caused him to grin, confirming his agreement saying."Oh, yes, this will be great."

And with speeds none realised he still had; Naruto had the scroll detailing the plan sealed in his pocket. The foursome soon find themselves taking a leisurely stroll towards the Uchiha district, via the long way to get some signatures to pull this off. As they walked, Naruto looked at Shisui, commenting. "You know how much trouble your eye caused in our time. After Danzo stole it from you."

"Argh, don't remind me." Shisui Uchiha mumbled dejectedly, litterly deflating as he hunched forward. "To think I was bested by that old man,"

"At least your little brother didn't go psychotic and start the fifth war." Itachi mumbled, earning snorts from the others, who all chorus together. "True."

"Here we are." Shisui cheered as the guard steps up to intercept the non-clan members, Itachi waving his clansmen off saying promptly. "It's fine."

"They are here on behalf of the Hokage for the clan heads eyes only. We are only escorting them," Shisui informs as the guards back off, whispering the next part, "Beware of the blank masks though. They are trying to bring us down."

The guard nods silently, activating his sharigan after the group pasts as now he was on full alert.

Uchiha Outer District

Strolling through the compound, the Senju was chatting rather animatedly with Shisui while Itachi and Nara were calm despite the death glares upon the two outsiders.

Reaching the clan heads house, none were surprised at Fugaku standing there with several of his men, arms crossed face impassive. "What is the meaning of this?"

Not even bothering with manners, not that Naruto nor Shikamaru cared for them either, instead the former pulls out a scroll and hands it to the clan head, Naruto stating officially. "Lord Hokage sends his regards."

Taking the scroll, carefully, keeping an eye out for any trap, Fugaku read over it swiftly and all due diligence. Disbelieving what was written, he read it another three times, then again with his sharigan active to ensure its authenticity and to memories the thing on its entirety.

Focusing on the bottom, where the signatures were, checking again for any forgery or foul play and finding none, the clan head of the Uchiha looked back at the recently adopted Senju, asking thoroughly confused at this turn around. "Is this…?"

Naruto nodded firmly, and calmly stated, "Legitimate? Yes."

He slipped his hands in his pocket, pulling out a pack and lifting a stick to his mouth, before he continued. "Though, we do have a few announcements we'd like to say to your clan as a whole."

The Nara snags one from Naruto's pack, whilst under the many skeptical eyes of the on-edge clansmen, "You can't be…"

"This signature is legitimate." Fugaku cut them off before nodding to the Senju and Nara duo, stating firmly. "I will call a general assembly."

Not even a half hour later and most the district had gathered before Fugaku in the clan square, as he addressed everyone, "As you all may guessed or suspected, there has been a disagreement between us and the village in recent years. We have been shunned by, and isolated by the senile old fools of the Senju created government."

More than a few glared at the blond chunin behind the clan head, who was leaning against a metal post calmly, death stick smoking calmly as he stares back blankly despite hearing the snickering from the Uchiha troublemaker.

Fugaku continued, holding up the scroll given to him via said blond chunin. "This here however, is our offical apology letter."

As he grinned stepping aside and allowing Shikamaru to take centre stage who did not bother with niceties, stating firmly. "I am not going to waste your time with niceties. Yes, we found evidence that you were right, we were wrong. In order to heal this rift, we have several plans laid out in the scroll given to your clan head. One is your return to your historic district; Your move was straightforwardly unlawful. We are sorry. Second, we are decreasing your clan tax by half for at least two years, with a chance of extending depending on circumstances."

Many within the crowd were already pleased with this but there were far more skeptical about these changes, so chose to stay quiet that allow Shikamaru to continue unimpeded. "Third; to increase your popularity, we will have to insist that the police force allow more non-Uchiha members to spread the blame out. It will be Uchiha led, but their will be members from all Konoha clans, as we are together all Konoha."

A few nods of understanding were spotted so Shikamaru continued. "Then, finally to ensure we stick to this, Lord Third has selected Itachi Uchiha to assume the role of Lord Fifth Hokage, with the backing of the Senju, Nara, Yamanaka, Akimichi, Uzumaki, Saratobi, and Inazuka."

This declaration caused the expected reaction. Stunned disbelief and many gasps as the teen in question went wide eyes, Fugaku's eyes gleamed in pride. Naruto finally moved forward, passing through the police chunin and stepping before the clan heir, speaking with a surprising amount of commanding force, tone hard as steel. "Itachi Uchiha, you have been selected as Lord Thirds trainee for the position of Lord Fifth, how do you respond?"

All eyes were locked on the stunned heir of the clan, anticipating his response with bated breath. It was finally the time for the Uchiha to return to the fold of the Hidden Leaf, led by one of their own.

Council Chambers

The following morning, Hiruzen had sent out a summon for a full assembly of the entire village which caused more than a few ripples and ruffled feathers. Many were surprised when Tsunade entered the room, the teenage Naruto yawning at her back, donning a green T-shirt with a mesh shirt over it but beneath a thick unzipped grey hoodie, Senju crest on his upper arm and back. None recognised him at first, his low-level transformation hid his whisker marks and gave him Heterochromia blue and honey-brown eyes. Tsunade said he was being stupid, he shrugged it off and smirked, this was going to be fun.

As he sat beside her, just like the few other heirs that were in attendance which caused more than a bit of confusion but excited a few as he looked close enough to Tsunade that it left little doubt. With his arms folded, face blank Naruto leaned in closer to his adoptive mother, whispering. "Told ya."

"Shut it brat." Tsunade whispered growled back at him, with that look. A look that mother seem to own rights too, causing Naruto to gulp and backed of. Tsunade sat back herself as she smirked. Now the little doubt that remained was gone and those gathered in council knew that this was indeed a Senju heir before them. This had caused several parties to adjust their stances and plans.

Hiruzen steps in and the whole room stands, bows, and sits after him. Glancing around the room he noticed the presence of all the new heirs and heiresses. You have the Nara, Senju, Inazuka, Kurama, Uchiha, and Yamanaka. He grins breifly before he clears his throat, announcing. "This council in now in session."

"Hiruzen, for why have you…" Elder Koharu was chocked by the sheer amount of killing intent levelled on him by the sitting Kage. Hiruzen did not even look like he was trying, he was indeed packing his pipe as he spoke slowly and calmly, not even gracing the man with a side eye, "I suggest you remember your place, Advisor."

The man address might not have heard though as he was busy trying not have a heart attack. This told everyone that the professor was back, and this was no longer a game of politics but a shinobi village ran by its kage. The Nara, Yamanaka, Senju, Uchiha, and the Inazuka all grin at this development. Yes, it seems the professor is back on form.

Letting off his intent, Hiruzen snapped his fingers causing a pair of Anbu to drop in with a new sense of swiftness. It seems they too are glad the professor was back. Hiruzen orders them prmptly. "Take the struggling advisor to your medical wing. Do make him comfortable with your finest cell after he has stablised."

"Hai – lord hokage." They grab the old man and both vanish promptly. They need to get back and watch this show unfold. It will be worth it.

"Now then," Hiruzen began as he surveyed his soldiers, his shinobi, with eyes of tungsten, and a gaze that rolls over the room, continuing on his whim. "As you all, it has come to my attention that various rumours and stories have been circling that are abhorrently false and yet you have all propagated it."

Many gulps were heard from the civilian side, and strangely enough, the elder Kotaru, which were all noted and kept a note of. Hiruzen continued, as he looked to Uchiha clan leader, stating. "Fugaku-san, I am sorry for not addressing this sooner. Though, I must thank you for your own due diligence in this matter."

Fugaku nodded firmly, a slight upturn of his lips as he responded with pride. "We are all of the Leaf, Lord Hokage. We must support one another."

Hiruzen inclined his head before smirked at that, he was hearing his old 'friend' tighten his grip on his walking stick off to the side which only added to his amusement. The hokage then looked around at the gathering of contract killers and continuing. "Well, there are some changes happening around here starting today and no, this is not a debate, up for a vote, or anything foolish like that but rather me informing you all about them."

Everyone nodded back, listening eagerly, so Hiruzen continued, "As Fugaku had brought to my attention, the Police force is understaffed being only run by his clan, forcing them to remain in the village to maintain it's effectiveness. As such, I will be requiring all clans to proved members on a rolling roster basis to work on the force for fixed periods."

Danzo spoke up. "Lord hokage…"

Hiruzen did not acknowledge him, continuing on. "Next, as you all may have noticed, my student has returned to the village with her son and apprentice. She will be returning to frontline service training up the next generation of Sannin to replace the current generation. Her current apprentice will be helping start a medical ninja course she will also assist in."

Many excited murmurs at that, as many eyes fall onto the Senju duo, though said duo noticed the calculated stare from the mummified old man. They knew his game, and time for him was running out.

As they were focused on the old coot, they missed the other heirs in attendance staring in awe of them, no doubt, all wanting to get to know the Senju heir and possibly get on the team.

Hiruzen continued. "Lastly, I the real reason I have called you all here was to announce that I have selected my second successor."

That caused the entire room to gasp, eyes locked on the hokage who remained calm and composed. Danzo was staring at Hiruzen critically, wondering who had he selected. A quick glance around the room and a few names popped out. The most likely being his student, Tsunade and with a son in tow no less. A son he could use to control her. He dismissed the Uchiha outright, by weeks end, they will be wiped out by their heir no less.

Danzo's planning was halted by Hiruzen, who announced, "It is my pleasure to accept Itachi Uchiha, as my hokage trainee until such a time as I deem him ready for the job."

Naruto led the standing ovations, followed by Shikamaru and the others soon followed suit fully embarrassing the heir who desperately trying to cling to his mask of indifference, but his father's proud clapping only drove him further pink cheeked.

Danzo and Kataru were shocked. Weren't the Uchiha about to revolt? Did Hiruzen really think this would be enough to pacify them? Giving them the keys to the the village?

Kataru leaped up, Danzo a moment later, but both froze from the murderous glares from the Senju, Nara, Yamanaka, Akimichi, Saratobi, and Inazuka clan heads and heirs. The stare down was missed by no one and clued in many of the new faction forming.

This made one Hiashi Hyuga incredibly nervous. It would seem the Uchiha had gathered powerful allies somehow. This was a threat that needed to be handled quickly.

On the other side of the chamber, however a few of the minor clans saw this as an opportunity to make a political power move. One such clan head, sat with his weakened daughter, who was told she couldn't become a shinobi, but with the Senju clan back, that might be able to change.

They are the foremost experts on medical science and techniques, and who knows. If things work out well enough, Murakumo Kurama might be able to get his baby girl on the new Sannin team. It would be a big boost for his clan to stand alongside the found clan, no?

As Hiruzen cleared his throat after his advisors returned to their seats, and the silence reigned once more, much to his secret pleasure, as all eyes landed on his smirking face, pipe resting between his teeth, he spoke calmly, "With that all said and done, I will allow you all to raise anything that could require my attention. Do not waste my time however, as I am a busy man, and my shinobi have other things to today."

One civilian council member stood up, and upon Hiruzen's nod, faced the two Senju, beggining. "As a member of the civilian council…"

Before the man could finish, Tsunade responded, "No."

Causing the man to pause, unsure if she knew what he was planning. As he went to ask, Tsunade stated again. "No matter how many times you ask, the answer is no. My son is free to choose how he spends his free time and it is none of your business. Try and interfere with clan matters again and I will crush your head, understood?"

She hadn't raised her voice; her tone was as flat as a bored Nara and held the casualness many Yamanaka would dream of holding. Yet it carried with it not a knifes edge, no, that was far to discreet or subtle for Tsunade Senju. No, the threat was nothing short of a sledgehammer, resting calmly on the desk ahead of her and in plain view for all to gaze upon. The council man promptly sat, and the other civilians looked suitably cowled earning smirks from the shinobi clans who had also planned to ask that, but it seems it was a dead end.

Hiashi raised his hand whilst looking to Inoichi, and asked. "Yamanaka-san, I have been meaning to ask you for clarification about something my clansmen have reported about over the last week."

Inoichi raised an inquisitive eyebrow, until his daughter, whispered into his ear to remind him about that little bunny problem. Recognition flashed across his face briefly, before his eyes and face harden, "Actually, now that you mention it, I too have something to ask of you. But seeing as you have asked first, please. Ask away."

Hiashi suddenly felt nervous, as he had stumbled into a crossfire of enemy positions with overlaying fields of kunai and jutsu fire. He did not let that show, nor hinder him, as he remained posed with dignity and grace. "I have received reports from my clansmen that one Naruto Uzumaki has been staying with you. Is that not directly against the decisions of this council eight years ago upon the day of his birth?"

That did not take long, thought the Senju, Nara, and Yamanaka clansmen in attendance. All eyes fall on the Yamanaka's who remained stone faced before countering, calmly, and in a similar bored manner the Senju had used, Inoichi spoke. "No Naruto Uzumaki has been on our premise in the last few weeks. He did come over to check on my Ino after she called in sick, but that was it. They are classmates after all perfectly innocent behaviour for young children, so no harm done."

The civilians were biting the lips, wanting to condemn that action but they were overly wary of the dragon beneath that red hat, and the seemingly united clan councillors that will no doubt shoot down anything they did.

Hiashi did not by it, and double downed, sealing his fate, though he did notice the blank face of the two Senju, as he continued. "We have reports stating that just yesterday he was in your shop for an extended period of time. This brings your character into question for lying so brazenly before the hokage and this council."

This is when Tsunade, Naruto, Inoichi, Ino, Shikaku, and Shikamaru all realised what they were getting at. They were confusing Naruto and Sora's chakra signatures. As they all thought on it, it would make more and more sense. None knew of Naruto's training, and Sora has always had a sliver of self-sustaining chakra from Kurama running through his system.

Naruto, since emerging from the chamber, had his Uzumaki chakra activated by his efforts in training, perfectly masking Kurama's chakra to levels where it would be hard to distinguish from his own. This means that the hyuga have assumed that the one with the nine-tails chakra was Naruto thus, living at the Yamanaka clan compound where Sora is staying for now.

Naruto, Ino, and Shikamaru had to really try not snorting at that fact. Inoichi however was really annoyed at the insinuation that he was lying before the council. Yet before he could respond, his daughter mentally connected to him, speaking swiftly, "Daddy, I think they are confusing Sora and Naruto's chakra signatures up. Their signatures are really similar to one another and my baby always has a trickle of nine tails chakra within his coils."

Inoichi blinked at that, before looking to Shikamaru, who nodded, then to Naruto, who too nodded. He then let out a hard sigh, like really hard which surprised the whole council as drops his head into his interlocked fingers. When he eventually looked up, Inoichi looked from Hiashi to the Hokage, before saying. "Lord Hokage, I think there has been a mistake here. Well, two actually…"

Hiruzen quirked a brow at that, curious as to what Inoichi was getting at. Naruto has only been back a night and stayed with Tsunade last night. Who could the Hyuga been referring to as spending time at the Yamanaka. It clicked. The old shinobi looked back at Inoichi, smirk of amusement on his face as he asks. "Is it regard to that?"

Inoichi nodded firmly, and the Kage chuckled, before looking to Hiashi, Hiruzen stating. "Hiashi, I commend you on your diligence however, this time, you are mistaken."

Hiashi quirked a brow, a rare sight for the Hyuga to do, yet he spoke crisply. "How so?"

Hiruzen shook his head. "I am sorry, Hiashi, but that is a clan secret that I will not devolve into a public space with so many flappy mouthed individuals present."

None missed his exaggerated glance to the civilian council, the shinobi all nodding in agreement, though the civilians all looked a gasped and offended but dared not voice that. Their revenge will be swift. Hiashi nodded to that trail of thought as he agreed with the sentiment, however he still pressed on the subject. "Yet they are still harbouring…"

Tsunade spoke now, annoyed at this clear ploy to try break up their forming faction. "No, they are not, Hiashi."

Drawing all eyes to the Senju duo, three honey brown and one blue eyes locked on the pale whites of the Hyuga, Tsunade continued, "After all, my son is sitting beside me right now."

She glances back at Naruto, bored out her mind look upon her face that matched his, Tsunade asks. "Right, Naruto Senju?"

Naruto sighed exasperatedly, clearly exaggerating the act as he nodded. "Hai – Ka-san… though I said I didn't want to come, remember."

Everyone blinked at that. Surprised by that by-play.

It didn't last as the entire as the entire civilian council jumps up, roaring obscenities at the Senju forgetting who exactly his mother was. Naruto met the gaze with his best friend and heir of the Nara, behind the sannins back and both raising their hands, counting down from five. Four. Three. Two. One.

Tsunade roared out, rage coating her voice thickly. "ENOUGH!"

Killing intent then flooded the room, causing all to freeze but the hokage, Naruto, Shikamaru, and Ino, and Tsunade obviously as the one responsible her face passively staring at the civilians trying not to shit themselves. Though, it seemed a few were a little late on the butt clenching, if Naruto's nose was accurate.

Tsunade then looks around the chamber calmly, before meeting her new son's eyes, and the two offer eachother a brief smile before in unison they turn back to the stupid civilians, faces void of anything as Tsunade spoke despite the intent she was still flooding the room with. "Now that I have your attention, let me say this once, and once only. Neither me, or my son will take any of your bullshit thrown our way at all. Should you, any of you, approach either of us, with that attitude, and we get annoyed enough, then we as a clan of two will leave. Clear?"

Seeing all the civilian councilmen and woman nodding frantically, Tsunade offers a brief smile as she crosses her arms and leans back, speaking blankly. "Good."

Then the intent falls off finally, allowing the room to restart as if time itself had unpaused, and many raised hands but Hiruzen just ended the meeting as the shinobi all could smell the problem.

As the civilians filed out in quick succession, Tsunade looked to her sensei, who was smirking with his hat blocking his face above his nose, and she smirked too before Inoichi and Ino arrived, alongside the Nara duo. Inoichi speaking first, hushed whispered, "So, what the Hyuga said…?"

Naruto nodded calmly, speaking just as softly, "Yeah. It is. Though, the fact that they know…"

The rest went unsaid, though all understood that for some reason, likely at Hinata's insistence, the hyuga are aware of Sora's existence. This has likely drawn the eye of their resident Warhawk who will now be concerned as to why the Uchiha now have allies and are seemingly returning to the fold.

Speaking of Uchiha, Fugaku and Itachi arrive with the group, who parted to allow the stoic Uchiha a chance to speak with Tsunade, "Lady Tsunade. I must thank you for the vote of confidence you placed in my son."

Tsunade stood and shook Fugaku's hand, diplomatically replying, "Talent should be given the proper opportunity to flourish, Fugaku. Now, it up to young Itachi to show our faith is well placed."

Itachi bowed his head, "I will not let you down, Lady Tsunade."

Tsunade nodded, with Naruto extending a hand to the Anbu Captain, speaking formally. "I look forward to working with you now that I am back in the village, Itachi Uchiha."

Itachi, recognising the importance of the gestures with so many eyes and ears on them, firmly grasped the arm, and they both shook, responding in kind. "Like wise, Naruto Senju. I suspect you and your team will create a new legend for the leaf I look forward to hearing about."

Ino smirked and nodded, "You can believe it, Itachi-san. Our entire generation has been given big shoes to fill. We plan on doing them proud."

Even Fugaku had to smirk at that. From what he could tell, something has happened to the Yamanaka, Nara, and Senju heirs. Naruto was Uzumaki before but something happened to catapult them into his son's generation and with the backing of the Senju, they look ready to be a part of a newer generation of heroes for the leaf. And his son was to lead them.

All this posturing brought in the other heirs and heiress, Murakumo Kurama being one of them, but it was Tsume and Hana who got their first, with Tsume speaking up, with a grin. "Save some for the rest of us."

Tsunade smirked, as did Inoichi and Shikaku, though Fugaku couldn't help but grin too, adding, "Oh, Tsume-san, didn't expect you not to poke your nose in on this."

Tsume chuckled full of mirth, shaking her head, "Well, my girl Hana here, is also apart of this generation, so naturally I would."

Itachi led the greetings of the group, Hana nodded back to each, as the Kurama clan arrived, and Murakumo speaks up, "Well yes, I was hoping to discuss my daughter joining this gathering."

Naruto, Ino, and Shikamaru look over to see a hazel haired girl, rather frail looking but Naruto knew her as he had helped her last time around. Though, this time it seems she hadn't freaked out yet and the accident has happened yet.

He stepped clear and offered a hand to the heiress, goofy smile on full, "Hi there. My name is Naruto Senju. To whom do I have the honour of meeting?"

The girl smiled and took the hand, feeling his warm chakra, "Good day, my name is Yakumo Kurama, Heiress of the Kurama clan. It is a pleasure."

Naruto chuckled, nervously scratching the back of his neck, "Yeah well, I am still getting used to the whole manner's thing, and the whole Senju name."

Yakumo giggled softly, though Naruto caught the slight flicker of her chakra, and his eyes hardened unsuspectingly. Just as Itachi, Shikamaru, Hana, and Ino arrive, Naruto glances to Itachi, who glanced back and offered a subtle nod, he had caught it too. The two looked back to their fellow clan heir, with Naruto leading the introductions.

Back with the clan heads, Fugaku stood with Inoichi, Shikaku, Tsume, and Tsunade, in hushed whispers, with the Uchiha patriach asking with no little amount of steel in his tone, "I must ask, why are you all backing my clan now when before…"

Tsunade raised her hand to stop him, noticing that this was not a safe area to speak aloud, and she looked to Inoichi, who nodded and connected their minds together for a telepathic conversation. Once connected, Tsunade spoke to the group, "There are things moving in the shadows that I, Inoichi, and Shikaku have identified which requires every member of the leaf to pull together now more than ever."

All the heads nodded at that, so she continued, "A group of S-rank criminal shinobi are hunting down jinchuriki to extract their beasts for their own goals."

They stiffen under that declaration. Tsunade's honey brown lock onto Fugaku's onyx black, and spoke seriously, "We happen to have reason to believe that they wanted to use your clan, Fugaku as a distraction to scope away my son from the village right from under our nose."

Fugaku eyes widen at the news, but he remained stoic regardless, Tsunade continued, "As such, after deliberations with both Yamanaka and Nara, my son proposed a different approach. We all just signed off on it. The Uchiha is an important clan here though unlike us Senju, you are still around in numbers that matter. You need to sharpen up your clan, Fugaku. The world is watching always."

The man nodded once firmly, understanding there are more than one game being played, which led him to recall the whole police force being opened up to the other clans, he asks tentatively, "Then the support in the police force…"

Shikaku answered this one with a smirk, nodding, "With more of your shinobi available to take on mission outside the village to fly the colours, the better it is for us and your reputation. My boy came up with that."

Fugaku nodded, it made more sense now, which is when Murokamo asks, "I was hoping to offer some assistance in regard to that. Most my clansmen are chunin and was intrested in expanding their presence in the village."

Fugaku looked at the man and nodded, "Please visit me at my office this evening. I am sure we can get the plan's together promptly."

Tsume spoke next, "I have a few pups interested too. Mind if I crash that meeting?"

Fugaku was feeling pride in his position as the leader of the police force now, the respect he was getting again was amazing, as he nodded, "By all means."

"Fugaku," Tsunade called, and the man returned his focus on the Senju Matriach, who continued, "There are a lot of forces at play, and you must remain vigilant. Once we both have some time, we all should have a sit down and hash things out together, much like our heirs are."

All their eyes look over to the gathering of heirs nearby. Kurama, Inazuka, Izuno, Nara, Senju, Uchiha, and Yamanaka all talking with one another as a fellowship.

Looking back to one another, the clan heads all nod in agreement. This generation will become the newest, greatest generation to date.

There were not wrong. It was not yet known to most, but they would be apart of the first two village team, known by many names, but I will use their most common nickname used in the underworld in this case. Blazing Sands.

A Nine-man cell, later raising to twelve, consisting of Six Leaf and six Suna shinobi and kunoichi considered to be the best from both nations formed into a hit squad. This squad earned its name via the most famous example of their might was when a joint, three-part attack of Sand, Wind, and Fire had decimated a wide area forest and turned large portions to literally glass sculptures.

It was their calling card later on.

Sunagakure no Sato

Gaara had finally arrived back home. As he approached though, he drew many eyes as he was still donning the leaf chunin attire just without the headband and was strolling casually to the gate without seemingly any care in the world.

It would take a while for the guards to recognise him, but when they did, they could hardly believe their eyes and tried to break a genjutsu multiple times. When they heard his gentle chuckle, with genuine mirth in his voice, they were further chocked,

What the hell happened in his brief journey to the Leaf village?

It did not take long for his father to arrive at the gate, siblings in tow, but what they saw when they got there was unexpected. Their youngest, not so youngest, brother talking and interacting like a normal person. Not only that, it seems that he and the guards were having a kunai throwing contest, using his sand as a hovering target at range.

Rasa idly noticed that his son's range and control has indeed greatly increased, as he watched Gaara throw two sets of kunai, one set from each hand, at the target point at one hundred and fifty metres away. All hitting dead centre.

His chunin guards matched the number of kunai, but their spacing left a little to be desired, and Gaara was giving pointers. Pointers he got from Shikamaru back during their training. The following shots were better than before but Gaara just encouraged them to hit the training ground after their shift.

Seeing enough, Rasa cleared his throat and they all look back to see the Kazekage standing there. Without preamble, the floating targets returned all the kunai to their respective owners, and all got back to their respective duties as the now fourteen-year-old Gaara no Sabaku stood before his family, perfectly calmly.

Rasa eyed up his former youngest with a critical eye. He had read the letter from the Hokage several times and it did not make much sense. All Hiruzen had said was that Gaara had arrived, joined their own Jinchuriki in a training camp and would return soon.

It was clear something top secret was going on. This Gaara before him was a finely tuned instrument of destructive might, that was currently sheathed right now as to appear as little a threat as reasonably possible. Rasa will give it to the Leaf. They do good work.

Having allowed his father to study him enough, Gaara pulled out a scroll and spoke up. "Lord Kazekage. I have returned from my training mission to the Leaf and have come with a proposal that you will likely want to see."

Rasa quirked a brow at the formality on display but took tophe scroll and nodded, before gesturing to follow him. "Come. We can discuss this further in my office."

Gaara just follows silently, idly noticing how his siblings this time around we're not so much as wary but more curious as to what was going on. Last they knew, he was only eight and now he had grown up, well mannered, and normal. He nor Shukaku will ever let it slip just how terrifying Ino Yamanaka is when teaching social skills.

As they walked through the village, Gaara walked in a relaxed manner yet maintained pace with his father, and many had to take a double take as the was wearing Leaf attire but lacked any identification plates. It also appears that his likeness with the Kazekage was unmistakable. He could make out the hushed whispers about his identity, a secret heir to the Kazekage clan that has been hiding in the Leaf perhaps.

He and Shukaku were cackling internally, even as he maintained his bored blank façade externally. Kurama and Naruto were right. Things this time are by far going to be very interesting. Gaara too, like Naruto, has no desire to become kage of his home village. Unlike his brother in arms, Gaara had tasted the kage seat before and had no intention of taking the hat again. It was fine once. It was enough.

Kazekage's office

Stepping into the office he once called his own, Gaara stood before his father, while his siblings stood off to the side silently, and obediently, until the seals of privacy went up.

Rasa then ordered his son, "Report. What happened to cause this change within you?"

Gaara nodded, his dad was still an asshole, but responded promptly, "I was instructed to keep this secret by the hokage…"

This caused a raised brow from Rasa, until Gaara continued, "to give you a tale of grandeur and hidden power from the leaf. However, I will not and instead tell you that during my self-assigned training mission, I met and befriended the others with me. They are not known yet, but I will tell you as long as known outside these four walls hears of this."

Gaara's tone became icy, and forceful at the end, that impressed his father but scared his siblings. He had to drive this point though, Naruto, Shikamaru, and Ino have placed their trust in him, so he would repay it just as they did last time.

After a moment of thought, Rasa nodded. "Very well. I sense that you are not bluffing with your strength, thus, speak."

Gaara nodded, arms crossing over his chest as he began to explain everything, "At the insistence of Shukaku, I went and met the Jinchuriki of the Nine-tails that the Leaf has been hiding. His name is Naruto Senju..."

A/N: I Hope you both enjoy this. (You know who you are. 0188.) thank you for your friendly, regular messages. This is my thank you. You made my day with them.

2nd A/N: So, things are starting to stablise in the leaf but also fracture into new dynamics. Instead of the Konoha Nine or the Rookie Twelve, it will likely be the Konoha Six with, the Kurama, Inazuka, Izuno, Nara, Senju, Uchiha, and Yamanaka clans front and centre.

This Fic is far different than the others I have written as the timeframe along with the main cast are set earlier. Originally, I never intended to have Naruto's group work alongside Itachi and Hana. When I realised that, I decided to look at the other clan characters around their age and seeing as Izuno is another minor clan, without any known members, with the Kurama having none either, decided why not.

Depite Gaara's inclusion being spur of the moment addition, I like that it gives me a chance to expand on Suna's miltary force a bit and see what clans they have as their own Suna Six will be joining their allies in the Leaf at somepoint. This allows the four teams of three that the O-G series has with a twist.

Tsunade will be running overwatch as squadron leader for the twelve chunin/jonin.

This as a one-off until further notice. I'm heading back to Lost Fox. Forces are gathering and people are loosing their heads.

o7