Episode Five

A week later...

Hidden Leaf

Tsunade near enough kicks the door off the council room hinges, snarling at those within. "Seize them!"

Anbu rush in, cold and indifferent, to secure all within the secret meeting of the civilian and elder councils. None dared resist. It would only hurt them later on if they did.

Once the rooms clearing was done, councillors arrested and detained. The kage sat at her seat, the clan heads filled in short order, and then the door was sealed shut. Jiraiya steps out from the shadows, carrying a blank mask Anbu which he hands over to a tiger-masked operative, he announced. "All clear, hime."

Tsunade sighs, leaning back and offering her former teammate a nod, before addressing the room at large. "Okay, listen up, as I am only going to say this once."

All persons present perk up, sitting straighter. Tsunade continued. "Our retrieval team confronted Naruto a week ago, that I can confirm, however, that isn't all they encountered. We were confronted by the boss summon of the Kitsune, the terror of the leaf herself, the Kyuubi no Kitsune."

Gulps and cold sweats were had in that room, but none spoke. Tsunade glanced around at the tight expressions, and for a moment there was silence. She broke it. "She is free of the seal that Yondime used to contain her during the attack, but she is willingly and openly assisting the Uzumaki family as the current head's personal summon."

"Lady Hokage, doesn't that mean...?" Shikaku questioned, earning a hollow smile from the blonde kage. Tsunade eventually replied with. "It means, Shikaku, that the kyuubi no yoko is Naruto's new summon. He now holds the Kitsune contract."

Another stint of silence as they contemplate the meaning to this. Shibi broke it this time, asking the kage. "Was he not informed about his reenlistment within our forces?"

Both sannin sigh at that, Jiraiya responds first, speaking up. "Unfortunately, it's been proven to be invalid on several counts, with the main two being that Naruto Namikaze is not recognized beyond the Land of Fire's borders, and that the forgery wasn't good enough to sway anyone important."

This caused frowns to appear on the councilmen's faces. Tsunade added after, "We also learned that Naruto is, in fact, married and has kids…"

"So, the Uzumaki clan will make a comeback?" Choza chuckles in good humour, many smiling at that with a nod from the last Senju. Tsunade too hopes for this outcome, but schools her features with her fingers interlocked on the table before her, as she continued. "The Kyuubi did not give us names or numbers, but we know he has at least two, one of which is a son."

Jiraiya informs further, speaking after his teammate. "She also confirmed that Naruto is not only aware of his heritage but spent close to a month with his parents."

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

"Damn. Wish I was there." Tsume chuckled lowly, shaking her head mornfully, "Sharing sake with Kushie again…"

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

Jiraiya steps forward here, pulling out his notebook and beginning to report. "I can confirm that the criminal group known as Atkatsuki has been destroyed by an allied force of Suna, Mist, Kumo, Iwa, Star, and Demon,"

The air itself seemed to forget how to breathe at that declaration.

"Troublesome," Shikaku broke the rising tension. Looking directly at the toad summoner, Shikaku asks,. "When was this, and how come we are only now just hearing of it?"

"Unsure on both accounts." Jiraiya admitted openly, a tight frown on his face as he began flipping through his notepad, he continued. "After this debriefing, I will be heading out to investigate my entire network for any issues. Something that big shouldn't have gotten past me."

"Hold up…!" Tsume called, rising to her feet, and staring at the hokage. With the room's attention, Tsume continued. "Is Star not one of our allies? Shouldn't they have told us?"

Tsunade sighs, rubbing her temple, before informing them. "No, they are not. We broke that treaty several years ago. The number of shinobi they had dropped below the agreed amount."

Hiashi spoke next, his question remained just as detached as he seemed. "What about Demon Country? Since when did they have shinobi?"

This earned contemplative nods from the others. The Kage takes this one. Tsunade smile lacked any warmth as she spoke. "Short answer? We don't know. The long political one: Oni no Kuni does not have a hidden village in which to train shinobi of sufficient skill to be considered as such."

The Inazuka head snorted at that. Tsume chuckle followed as she breathed out, "Well played..."

Shibi Abareme spoke next, his voice his usual drawl that prevented anyone from reading his own thoughts on the current topic of discussion. "That statement means little. Why? They had joined the allied forces, so they must have sufficient numbers and/or skill."

Tsunade nodded to that, grinning as she responded. "True, however, it seems that they only fielded four shinobi. Minato and Kushina refused to wear the Hidden Leaf headband after finding out everything..." getting a collective flinch from the room.

Tsunade continued. "And Naruto with his wife. We can assume that all four wore Demon shinobi headbands for the duration of the operation."

"Troublesome." Shikaku groans at that logic, this was getting truly troublesome as he drawled on. "As they have been listed as K.I.A for years, we can't call them, or Demon Country out on it. We'd looke insane for trying."

"And with the pup, he was banished." Tsume added, clearly in thought on things. Shibi continued, his face and tone unreadable as usual. "Unable to label nor claim him."

Tsunade nodded to confirm her same thoughts she had. "Exactly."

Jiraiya continued rather flatly after his teammate, his arms crossed as he spoke. "We have nothing on this wife of his, and with the alliance that had formed without us, we have no clue if it's still in effect or not."

"Our first course of action should be to verify this story," Inoichi comments, stress lines upon his face as he looked to his hokage. Tsunade nodded to the toad hermit, who promptly leaves in a puff of smoke.

Shikaku then added on to his former teammate's statement, saying, "We should also consider removing anyone associated with Naruto from our bingo book."

The whole room nodded along to that. Tsunade responding. "I already plan on rescinding the capture and retrieval order on Naruto. It's all we can do at current."

Haishi speaks next. "Lady Tsunade, is that wise? Surely..."

Tsunade's response was blander than anyone had heard in recent memory, a deadpan blanker than the hyuga's legendary face of indifference. "Continued pursuit of Naruto will eventually draw the attention of either the Kyuubi, the other bijuu, or the villages and countries that hold him in high regard,"

Not hearing his agreement, Tsunade presses on. "Do you wish to anger the whole world?"

A long silence before the man nodded slowly, Hiashi giving in. "Forgive me, Lady Hokage. I did not mean to come off as ignorant. I was just looking out for..."

"Enough," Tsunade cutting him off firmly, it was clear as ever that she was on edge already.

Land of Demon

Shirin was the last to reach the table in the main temple, yawning widely as his friends and family were already happily chatting. As he took his seat, he noticed his father with a genuine smile on his face, and the lack of tension in his body language was clear to anyone who knew what to look for. A soft smile appeared on his face as his father served the food.

Originally, the main temple had a significant contingent of maids and servants, but as he and his sisters grew, many found work elsewhere, and his dad took over all those duties. As he and his siblings came of age, they also helped ensure their home was kept clean and tidy while maintaining both their educational level and shinobi training.

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

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

Their whole culture revolves around being the strongest kunoichi, finding strong males to further strengthen their home in a loop cycle. As far as they are concerned, their princess has outdone herself in getting quite possibly the strongest shinobi as her husband.

There were three camps in relation to that; the first was the traditionalists. She had done her duty and now must take office as their leader. Kushina will inherit her current position as princess and, in due time, will search for the strongest possible shinobi and repeat the process. Straightforward and can deal with them as such.

The second camp was a blend and slightly harder to deal with; they wanted to basically choose their strongest member and have him pass his seed among them to create a whole new super powerful generation of Nadishiko warriors. The fact that both Shirin and Kushina are several times stronger than the current recruits in their academy, despite only being eight at the time, only gave credence to their goals and objectives.

Subsequently, they also include Shirin, and when he hits puberty, they'll no doubt wring him dry too. Their extremists were getting really scary ideas.

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

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

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

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

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

"In what?" Honoka questioned, staring at him blankly. Her tone gained a hint of a whine, as she explained. "I'm not all that good in our clan's combat techniques yet. I'm still working on..."

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

"No sweat." Kiyota beamed at him, finally able to showcase some of her talents. The next words, however, felt like a bucket of ice water being poured over her. Shion was the one to do it, speaking up in place of her husband. "Koki will stay with the nursemaids while you teach. Do not, under any circumstance, take her anywhere near..."

Shion paused before fixing the teen with a hard look. "In fact, I forbid you from taking your daughter beyond temple grounds."

"You can't be..."

"She is," Naruto cut the indignant mother off, also fixing her with that look that caused an involuntary stiffening within the former Nadishiko. He continued, "...and I agree with her. You wish to work and pay your way; fine, but all matters involving family go through either Shion..."

Naruto pointing to said priestess, "or Shizuka. Those are the rules that even I cannot, will not, go against." His eyes hardened, seemingly glowing faintly with smoky wisps lifting from them. "Am I clear?"

"Crystal." Kiyota responded, nodding frantically, and the firm visage of Naruto vanished as if it never happened. His cheery reply, "Great."

Naruto then turned to his wife, he said, "Shion, can you handle things here today while I go deal with '...that..'? I'll cook dinner for tonight."

The woman broke into a grin. Shion whispering, "Better you than me. It's been a pain since you've been gone," she waved him off before fixing him with a hard look. "But I'll hold you to dinner tonight. I want candlelit, wine, and dine."

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

Naruto recalled something, and began to voice it. "Oh, I also received a request from..."

Shion basically glared at her husband, interrupting him as she spoke,"If you say Killer Bee, you will become very acquainted with the couch again..."

It was amusing to see an S-rank shinobi rendered powerless by the look from a civilian. At least for those on the outside. After the initial shock wore off, Naruto smirked, the Uzumaki prankster smirk, which many had learned to fear, there was even a passage in his black-market bingo book entry to be wary of such an expression, "Oh?"

A simple word asked in a question that even the precognitive priestess was now on full alert against. Shion sputtered out. "Oh... umm..."

"...right." Naruto got up from his seat, glancing back as he informed. "I better get to work."

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

After Naruto left, Kozato looked at his friend. "So, Shirin? What are we doing today?"

The dark blond shrugged so fluidly that many considered it a talent. Shirin answered. "Join the cadets for training in the morning, come back for lessons with Shion-Ka-chan in the afternoon, then back to the cadets for evening training."

"Sounds sensible." Shion replied, who had overheard, nodded her approval, gaining the room's attention. "Seeing as Naruto will no doubt be busy over the next month, especially with the festivities..." whispering the last part beneath her breath, only her daughters catching part of it with snickers. Shion continued firmly, "I will have time to brush up your academic capabilities. I am sure you did not slack off in your absence, now did you?"

Shion gave Shirin that look only mothers can replicate. One that compelled the young and foolish to behave. The one that brings forth the truth from guilty, hushes the loud, and cowls the fearless. This look was now aimed at the youngest Uzumaki and caused him to fidget relentlessly, suddenly finding his rice grains very interesting.

Shion then sighs, head shaking as he face meets her palm. "You're such a daddy's boy that you're picking up his habits too."

"I am not!" Shirin whispered, but somehow Shion heard. "Yes, yes you are. I worry sometimes about just how attached you are to him. I still remember you running around in his old t-shirts, proclaiming that becoming the Oni-kage was your goal," she giggled at the ever-growing embarrassment of her shared son.

The amusement from the other ladies at the table was palpable. Shirin just stood up and vanished via body flicker, but Shion swore she heard him whine, "Moooom..." as he left. Her smile was radiant. She had missed him greatly. They all had.

Office

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

Naruto's brief response was just as casual, saying. "Yo, what brings you here Utakata?"

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

"You do?" Utakata spoke, the bubble shinobi with a quirked brow, stepping into the office of his friend and leader of the country he has temporarily taken up residence within. Naruto smiles softly, "I consider you a brother, Utakata. Heck, you were at my wedding, no?"

Upon the dark-haired shinobi's nod, Naruto continued. "If you want to come, then come. I will have need of you anyway, should Kirabi show up uninvited again."

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

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

"Anything more plans whilst you here?" Naruto asks not looking up from the festive permits from a jeweller coming in at some point tomorrow, from the Land of Earth signing off on their agreement, cross referencing the request with the current list of attendees.

"Ah, well, not really, though I am low on monetary earnings right now." Utakata comments inspecting the family portrait on the wall opposite him.

Glancing up, Naruto fixes his airy sibling with a look, speaking softly, "Oh? Any chance you have the time to teach the cadets? Before you moan about having a student already…" the blond raising his hand upon noticing the normal rant about to be unleashed, Naruto continued. "Think about it. You will be being paid to teach your student, with a few eager extra heads, and be paid enough to keep said student entertained whilst here."

Seeing the contemplation playing on the six tails host face, Naruto pushes forward. "You'll also be helping me out to. Log knows we could use more teachers that don't rap and rhyme their lesson plans."

This earned an amused chuckle from the former mist shinobi who sighs after, Utakata nodding as he replied. "Okay."

Naruto fist pumped air, finally getting Utakata to teach. All that's left is to get Fu to take just one class out on lesson of scouting and that would mean they all had a class. Utakata cut in his thoughts, speaking. "Only one class, and for a week. No more than ten students."

Naruto nodded once, it was better than nothing, "I can work with that. Though, what are you planning to teach?"

Utakata smirked, a mist shinobi smirk. "They'll find out when they show."

Earning a sigh from the blond, Naruto muttered. "You have no plan."

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

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

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

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

"I think so." Utakata shrugs, his response. "Your guess is as good as mine."

That night…

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Kitsune Forest; Fang Cove

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

Looking to her husband who's eyes seemed to shimmer like the glittering stars above, holding nothing but the utmost love and affection for her at the moment. Her breath hitched, allowing Naruto to speak first. "Shion. It has been a few months since our last date. When we left for Nadishiko, I promised I would make it up to you. For leaving our responsibilities upon your shoulders."

Naruto took up both her hands and faced her directly, her jewel-like eyes were looked on his sapphire orbs as he continued. "We both knew that it was unfair on you. Yet, with humility and grace, you sent us off with a smile that we knew we didn't deserve. I already considered myself a lucky man being the one loved by you."

Shion was really trying not to cry. The day she saw them off was incredibly hard. Shizuka's home sudden recalling of her had disrupted their equilibrium within the home. They had no date for return either. She had to lead the family alone with no idea if they'd return. It was daunting with her two daughters futures in mind.

Naruto's words brought her back to him, Naruto continued. "Yet, not only do you shower me with more love than anyone could possibly have, but you also gave me a home to always return to. In our six years of marriage, my soul has never been so at peace then within your promise. Your smile became my strength, your laugh became my desire. Your happiness my will for tomorrow."

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

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

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

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

Hidden Leaf

Choji sat up as a friendly face entered, his smile was at half mask upon seeing his childhood friend. "Ino, you're back, huh."

Said kunoichi dropped in the seat at the bedside, smiling, Ino spoke softly. "Yeah. Took a few days but…"

Speaking softly as her eyes travel to his missing arm, numerous bite and claw marks across his body visible beneath his hospital gown, she continued. "I am sorry, Choji. I wasn't able to convince him."

"It isn't your fault, Ino." Choji smiled good naturedly, waving his remaining hand at her. Ino began, "but…"

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

Choji nodded as he leans back and sighs warily, "Partly," his large hand ran down his face, "We wanted to bring him back. Sure, he was angry at us but to…"

Taking a breath, once, then twice, Choji breaths out before locking on to his friend's eyes with his own, "But I also understand why."

"You do?" Ino asks softly, being careful to listen to every word, observing any and all body micro expressions. Choji smiles genuinely this time, "Yeah. He kept saying that he was defending his precious people. We may not know them all, but his son was in that group. Along with his clansmen. If I was in his shoes, I would fight back too. Wouldn't like it but I would."

Nodding firmly, Choji looks back at her. "I don't like it, but I can't blame him. I am angry, sure. But I can't hate him."

Next door a similar story was playing out, Neji Hyuga was being visited by his team, "So this is it, no more active service?" Tenten asks and Neji nodded before looking at his stump, confirming before replying. "Prosthetic arms do not work with the gentle fist."

Lee frowned, arms crossed. "But – your flames of youth…"

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

Tenten growled, at his seemingly lack of resolve. "How can you just be so accepting of this, Neji?! Aren't you mad? Naruto took your…"

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

"Naruto's flames burn brightly." Lee declared, cheering for the heavens to hear.

Neji looks to the green spendex donning shinobi, "Yes. Yes, they do." Neji sighing again, looking at the arm again, "He bested me for the final time. This time."

Tenten stared at him blankly, leaving shortly thereafter not breathing another word. The branch house hyuuga sighed as his second teammate ranted before chasing after their clearly upset teammate. Eyes moving to the window, Neji whispered to himself. "Good luck, Naruto."

"You know…" Tsunade murmured, inspecting Jiraiya's recently reattached right hand, "You never did tell me where Naruto was based, nor where he was going."

The toad summoner blinked at that from the hospital bed he was lying on, Jiraiya questioned. "I didn't?"

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

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

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

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

"His partner helped, naturally. The two seemed to be internationally known as a two-man team. Both S-ranked. If they're nearby, bandits tend to pack up shop. Smugglers too." Jiraiya states firmly, earning a nod from his teammate. Though, this caused Tsunade to realise something, "Wait, can't we just check the bingo books black market section? We have her looks, right?"

Jiraiya would have faceplanted if his hands weren't secured in place. Tsunade calls out. "Shizune!"

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

Shizuka Uzumaki,

Rank; Jonin, (Leviathan – Equivalent to Sannin)

Age; 20 to 24

Affiliation; Nadishiko/Demon/Kumogakure/Iwagakure/Sunagakure

Threat Level; S-rank

Monikers; Lady of the blade, Glint, Razor Wind, Blade Vixen. Sharpshooter of Fang. Emerald Eyed Hunter.

Notes;

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

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

"She's a Levi, Water's answer to us." Jiraiya comments with a brow raised. Tsunade nodded, speaking as she reread it to commit the text to memory. "So it seems," before flipping to the next page. Tsunade pauses, blinking twice then reporting. "Ah, here is Naruto's entry."

Naruto Uzumaki

Rank; Genin, (Banished Leaf), Jonin (Granted by Kirigakure/Sunagakure/Kumogakure)

Age: 20 to 25,

Affiliation; Formerly of Leaf. Kirigakure/Sunagakure/Kumogakure/Iwagakure, Clan Uzumaki

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

Monikers; The Mythical Eight blade of Kiri, Eighth Swordsmen of the Mist, and Hero of Fang, Wave, Demon.

Sunagakure Wind Fox. Scourge the of Grass, Demon Kitsune of Marsh, Prank Master King, Hunter leader.

Saviour of Star, Defender of Moon, The Demon of the Nine, The Youngest Bijuu.

Demon of Kalipan Ridge, Rescuer of hope. Sage of Everin Glade.

Serpent of the Seas, Black Blade Uzumaki.

Notes; Beware the foxy smik. Do not flirt with his wife. He has tracked and castrated men for doing so. Do not ogle wife, refer to previous.

Extremely dangerous if threatened, especially around his familial members, which includes Wife and all other Demon containers. Suspected of pranking every daimyo in the elemental nations. No proof linking him, extreme stealth skills suspected.

Banished from Leaf and Land of Fire, if suspected of being hunted by him, hiding there is your best hope, survival not guaranteed.

Tsunade chuckle broke into a wolf whistle, "Well damn…"

"The fact they have a warning fr ogling his wife, huh?" Jiraiya chuckle was filled with nervousness, his former teammates grinning feral at that, Tsunade nodded. "He's grown so well."

"He's affiliated with half the shinobi world." Shizune points out, earning contemplative nods from the others, the black haired assistant looking from one sannin to the other. "Isn't that an issue for us?"

"Possibly. If they find out about our aggressive behaviour towards him." Tsunade confirms with a sigh, this smells like trouble, it's a good thing most the civilian council is still in lock up right now.

They'd probably try order a hit on Naruto, his wife, or son and start the fourth shinobi war or something. Tsunade continued,"Well, as soon as I'm done here, I'll officially retract the capture order on Naruto"

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

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

Shikamaru stabbed out his smoke, allowing his fellows to process the tale he had just given them of the fight they managed to survive by the grace of of the kitsune. He was under no illusion of that and needed the others to grasp this firmly.

Kiba began with his fist slamming down, "Damn."

Shikamaru nodded firmly, but remained silent as Hinata was next to react. "To think, he is already married."

None missed her abrupt change nor surprised by it. Shino spoke uo, breaking the tense air, acknowledging the feat his former classmate had managed, "Leading an international task force against an international threat. Impressive."

"He still maimed Neji." The newly arrived Tenten stated. Dropping into the table at the barbecue bar, she continued. "Your teammate Choji too."

Sighing hard, mumbling about troublesome orders and even more troublesome blonds, Shikamaru countered, "I know – I know and it's all so troublesome."

His defeated look crossed over the group gathered, Lee had joined them alongside his teammate, Shikamaru continued,"From what we were told, Naruto was holding back for 'Old times sake' and you know that to Tenten."

Said women didn't respond outwardly, the flicker of fear in her eyes though told the Nara what he needed to know. Shikamaru spoke up again, "With that in mind, the fact that we made it back at all isn't something to be overlooked so carelessly."

With the gaze of the veteran he was, the Nara Heir couldn't stress the next words enough but tried to anyway, Shikamaru states in force, "If we confront him again in any manner lower than cordial, and threaten him, or his family, our former ties will not be enough to save us. He will kill us."

Those words were heavy, final. Gulps were made but none made an effort to counter the statement, until.

Slap.

All eyes look down at the book slapped down before them, a bingo book spread on a page before the picture causally drew their attention.

"Lady Tsunade and Lord Jiraiya figured out that we hadn't checked yet." Ino informed as she arrived with a hand on her hip, other holding the book open. "This should be enlightening."

Silence.

Hidden Cloud

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

"BEE!" Ay roared out, grabbing the eight tailed jinchuriki in his iron claw, "Why did you leave again without permission? Huh!"

Despite the cracking of his shades, Bee simply turned the book around and his brother scanned it briefly and the claw was removed.

Ay swipped the book, reading it over. "A leaf bingo book, huh? Retrieve on sight. Killed four Jonin, six chunin." Ay growled upon reading the final note, "Traveling with son that must be retrieved."

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Ay thought about it. True, the Demon Ninja Program is far behind that of Kumo. Only known by the bijou containers and the kages, a few trusted Jonin, and a handful of chunin, but they have proven reliable whenever called upon for help or a simple safe haven for wary shinobi. At a discounted price due to Naruto being registered as a Kumo Jonin, shared with Mist, and Suna.

The first of his kind. Couldn't hurt a good faith gesture like this. "Very well. You can take the squirts. Show my speed rival that Kumo has not forgotten him." Ay grinned, "That he should hurry and visit. I haven't had a good work out since his last visit."

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

Hidden Leaf

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

Looking around at all the clans the leaf had, everyone had representation during these full assemblies, and this was required for the mess they may have brought in on them. Taking a deep breath, Tsunade begins, "Now then – in recent times the deployment of a Kage to an engagement only happens in dire situations, so I understand why you are eager to find out why it is that I used the fourth protection platoon to do so."

Seeing the few nods and the seriousness on the rest, Tsunade continued. "During our last retrieval attempt of the banished genin, Naruto Uzumaki-Namikaze and a fight broke out."

Many eyes widened at the name, there was no point hiding it anymore as it seemed the world beyond the Land of Fire, are already aware of it so, what the hell, right?

Tsunade continued firmly, staying professional. "Our side consisted of; Elite Jonin's Jairyia, Kakashi Hatake, and Yugao Uzuki. Jonin's Shikamaru Nara and Neji Hyuga. Chunin's Rock Lee, Sakura Haruna, Tenten Higarashi. They also later received support from the captured Ino Yamanaka, who has since been returned to active duty."

None spoke to interrupt, surprising her, but she did not let it show. Tsunade continued. "Opposing them was one Naruto Uzumaki-Namikaze. He engaged all of them head on after they tracked him down in the Land of Forests, a clearing close to the border with the Land of Marsh. By the end of the fight, every single person on our side was injured and no longer capable of combat. He however was still very much combat capable."

Gasps were heard, many murmuring was heard but Tsunade was not surprised. Taking on Jairyia alone would be a great feat, Kakashi too. But both on the same time was unheard of. Most don't know name of Yugao Uzuki, off the top of their heads but with an Elite Jonin rank meant that she was at least on par with Kakashi. So, three of their strongest and their support fell before the apparent son of their fourth hokage.

"Is that why you, yourself deployed Lady Hokage? To battle against your predecessors kin?" Spoke one Iwakiri Yoshiki. Head of the relatively new civilian born shinobi clan council.

"In part. Yes." Tsunade confirms before fixing her face with a hard frown. She continued. "But let me make this perfectly clear to you all, as this is required for this briefing." Many gulps were taken, her stern visage meant this next part was important and not to be undersold.

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

"But… Lady Hokage. If we had known…?"

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

"This council may have just doom us all." Inoichi informs, face similarly hardened as Choza just nodded, "How?" Asked a civilian in the front row, hand up. Tsunade state swiftly, "I was getting to that."

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

Many gulps as her gaze flows over them, nervousness at all time high. A few were calculating their individual responses. Tsunade however continued on, "She also gave us a lot of information of his activities six years ago. We suspect that time was the height of his shinobi career. Now however, he is more of a family man who does shinobi stuff on the side."

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

"Family?"

"Yes." Tsunade spoke firmlylooking over her council, viage growing stiff wanting to ensure this next oart was taken just as seriously. "The tailed beasts all consider themselves as siblings. Now more than ever. By association, their containers to that they are on good terms with are also apart of said family. As such, any attack on one will be attack on them all."

The level of tension and sweat skyrocketed at that, Tsunade noted, thus pushed on. "We managed to confirm that, it also led to the destruction of the S-class criminal organisation by the name of Atkatsuki, made of twelve S-class shinobi. An allied strike force made up of shinobi from Suna, Kiri, Kumo, Iwa, Smoke, and Star led by the Demon/Nadishiko alliance, attacked and levelled half of the Hidden Rain."

Silence. The expected reaction from the news Tsunade's announcement was. A joint alliance of four of the five great nations against the village hidden in the rain, that boarders their Land of Fire and this was the first time they had heard of it.

Shikaku with a raised hand, drawing her honey brown orbs to him that danced in amusement at the flustered face of the normally aloof clan head. His voice was shaky as he asked. "Take that back a second, Lady Hokage."

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

Tsunade's response was rather lax, flippant even, as she oushed herself back into her seat with arms supporting the action, palms flat against the desk. "Bijuu cannot lie. Although – as your son pointed out to her, it doesn't mean they are telling the truth either. Thus, Jiraiya is currently out double checking his sources for verification of the long list of claims made by the nine-tails."

Her gaze flows back over the room as a whole, to ensure they were listening, Tsunade continued, "This however does pose a problem that the other nations have been actively protecting him. If they learn of our aggressive behaviour towards him…"

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

Hidden Mist

In the Kage tower, and residence if the water shadow, Mei Terumi seals away another group of her dresses, preparing for her trip to Demon Country for the Founding Festival. She was going in behalf of her nation and village but most importantly, to shiw her support for one of her close friends, and subordinate and former housemate turned war hero.

Twirling around, humming to herself, Mei catches her figure in the mirror and smirks, hand reaching her waist. Striking a pose after pose, checking herself and legendary figure, Mei whispers to herself. "Man. I am so going to catch so many eyes."

Her self admiration was cut short by a knock on her door, looking over while blowing a few stray auburn locks clear of her emerald eyes, Mei called out. "Enter."

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

"Thank you. Dismissed." Mei ordered. The man nodded, saluted then retreats in a body flicker of water. Taking to the page, and reading it over before she frowns. Mei spoke lowly, barely above a whisper. "I see. This is a problem; I should bring this up with him when I see him."

The sound of the book slamming shut rang off the walls as the hard emerald eyes meet in the mirror, Mei's face and tone darkening. "Though, if they've hurt him…"

Land of Demon

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

"Well, things are things." Naruto speaking rather dryly, he ruffles through the permits eyes falling to the next piece of parchment. His wife giggled at that rather uninformative statement from her husband. Shion replied with a beaming smile, and a firm sagely nod. "I see. They are indeed things, as you put it."

He sighs before meeting her gaze again, Naruto muttered. "I have been working to catch up with things again."

Placing the papers down as he leans back in his seat, another sigh escaping his lips, Naruto continued swith a slight uplift in his tone. "Thankfully, Utakata is covering me training the cadets. Which he apparently a natural at, if my clones reports are accurate."

Shion smiled at that. Utakata is a good man, Hotaru is a lucky woman but she still has a way to go to break through that aloofness of the wonderer. Naruto broke through her thoughts on the former mist shinobi, saying. "Still. I am behind where I want to be. I've been running parallel with clones to catch up."

"Very well. I shall aide you for now then." Shion reports, approaches around the desk and taking her seat at her husbands side earning a look from him. Naruto asks, "What about…?"

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

Hidden Leaf

Tsunade clears her throat and gaining the assembly's attention, "Is there anything else that requires our attention?"

Both Hiashi and Choza raised their hands, earning a raised brow from the Senju, Tsunade asking. "Has it already been covered?"

"No." Both men report and she sighs, Tsunade gestures from one to the other. "Akamichi then Hyuuga."

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

Tsunade perked up at that, asking. "What kind of information?"

Choza smiles softly, mirth in response to the brightening of the hokages frame, "Well, when you mentioned Land of Demon…" more then a few gulps were taken and heard, but went unacknowledged as Choza continued to speak. "It reminded that they are having a 'Founding' festival coming up very soon. Perhaps we could offer an olive branch of sorts."

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

Choza nodded, taking up several papers from the desk, reading them off. "A few within my clan were planning on setting up a stand. With no official ties to the nation, thus no treaties, we need to run it by this council first for clearance and perhaps an issued mission for escort."

"Prepare your clan's stall. I will despatch the request after the meeting." Tsunade orders firmly, mind contemplating her own response. Choza nodded as he retook his seat. She then looked to Hiashi next, Tsunade asks. "Hiashi, what do you wish to bring forward?"

Standing promptly, Hiashi looks at the hokage, voice formally bland. "Yes. Well. It was in a similar manner that the Akamitchi clan has covered. Our traders to had heard of the founding festival and I had intended to allow several of my clansmen to head to join the festivities."

Tsunade nodded in acknowledgment. Damn. What the hell is Jiraiya doing these days? Oh. Right. Busy trying to catch Naruto. She should tell him to focus on other things. Not Demon though. They need to leave that nation alone until they get a grip on things with a clearer picture.

"Troublesome." Shikaku states, breaking Tsunade from her thoughts, the Nara clan head stands, commenting. "Lady Hokage. It is clear that we have much to make up for. So, I propose an official apology and delegations to be sent to this festival. To cover all bases. This may be our one and only chance to prevent a war. We can not mess this up."

It took a full minute of further contemplation before Tsunade nodded, stating. "Very well. Though, as they asked before hand. I will permit both Akamichi and Hyuga clans separately."

Both clan heads nodded their confirmation, Tsunade returned to the room at large, saying. "As for everyone else. No more than twenty places for our official delegation. We will convene back in a week. Hopefully, a response to our missive will be returned by then."

Hyuga compound

A knock alerted Hiashi to his expected guests arrival, he informed. "Come in."

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

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

"That is rather..." Hanabi, the youngest Hyuga in the room, trailed off with a complex expression. Hiashi met his daughters gaze, firmly with a blank face himself, saying. "Yes. Well. If rumours are to be believed. The shrine maidens in question are rumoured to hold precognitive abilities and have been tasked with the sealing of a certain entity. Though, the last time was over seven years ago now."

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

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

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

A/N; Things are getting underway, and the leaf is licking their wounds and future olans being formulated. The new situation brought to the forefront, and a dynamic forming.

2nd A/N: Cleaned things up.

o7