Episode Fifteen
Shrine Ballroom
The shrine ballroom was not nearly as large as one might expect from the capital of a nation, however as the Land of Demon is a minor nation, sparsely populated with thick forests. Thus, the room was slightly smaller than the Suna consulate hall that held the informal meeting a few days prior.
Naruto's arrival drew the halls attention, many saw Temari on his arm and Gaara at his side, though none really questioned it as it was common knowledge that they were siblings and a two-man team. So, when he bowed and kissed her hand, his regal departure cue none seemed bothered. Not even his two wives who had watched.
He left the Suna group, which moved off to one side, Naruto strolled through the hall, Omoi professionally at his side with a firm expression, passing by the chattering nobles of the council Shion heads, along with visiting delegations who whispered among themselves.
Reaching his hime's, who looked heart stoppingly beautiful to the S-ranked shinobi.
Shion wore her priestess lavender kimono; pale blond hair that reached past her waist was kept tied back with her golden crown. Light natural-looking makeup only emphasised her natural beauty and Naruto had a challenging time not staring.
He kissed her hand, upon her wedding band, and she beamed lovingly, her gentle gaze lifting his spirit without effort. "You are as enlightened as ever, my light."
Shion nods firmly, her rosy cheeks were her response as she didn't trust her voice right now in public. Naruto grinned his trademark grin in response.
Shizuka had to be convinced that the security was tight enough and all the jinchuriki, and their bijuu, were all on station for her to not come ready for a fight. She was not totally unarmed though, just none of her weapons were visible and were instead in her many seals upon her skin.
Thus, when Naruto's gaze fell upon her frame, he had to swallow hard. Really, really, really hard. Her elegant black kimono, clung to her firm body showing her man killing body, though did not show any skin nor did it reveal her sizeable assets as she felt that only her husband had that privilege.
Thus, she was fully covered yet her form was easily seen through the dark silk fabric, dotted with grey royal like embroidery that flowed into their family crest on her back. She needed no make up for her natural beauty to shine and she knew it.
Swallowing hard, Naruto first kissed his warrior princess's hand, the one that holds her wedding band, speaking softly. "My love, I am blessed to be within your presence…"
Shizuka smiled, a soft smile filled with love, warmth, and affection for her husband and pillar of strength, "You flatter me, as always, my love."
Naruto smiled back before he moved on to stand with them before turning back to the crowd, standing just behind Shion, she was the legitimate leader with him acting in her place. Largely the external influence and relationships he handled himself.
The leaf group was announced and in came the the hokage, and many eyes stared at them, judgment was clear in the eyes of many. Tsunade supported her diplomatic presence, and moved into the corner of the room, her envoy moving with her silently.
As the evening wore on, the delegates converged and dispersed as they exchanged words with one another, largely among their own alliances if you looked carefully enough. The Land of Valley, Land of Neck, and Land of Wood, were all hanging together.
If the Land of Demon is considered a minor power, then these three were considered micro powers. Though, thankfully they were under the protections of the larger nation. The Land of Marsh no longer dares to intrude in their territory because of the Land of Demon's shinobi force. The only other shinobi force on the secondary continent.
Land of Forest, typically a neutral nation, was bridging the gap between Land of Vegetable and Land of Bird, just like their geography did. Land of Wolf and Land of Honey were talking with Mei and King Michiru about something rather humours if the Water Shadow's polite chuckle was anything to go by.
Land of Tea were sharing words with the Land of Rivers, and Land of Sea Daimyos about something interesting if their focus was anything to go by.
Naruto and his wives were exchanging words with the Water Daimyo, who was explaining how she was looking forward to her trip to the Land of Spring in a few months. Naruto managed to catch the eye of Mei then Chojuro, who recognised the SOS he was asking for. It was clear that the Lady Daimyo was attempting to seduce him, and Shizuka was very clearly getting irritated. Shion was too but hid it far better than any seasoned shinobi could ever dream of.
As such, Mei disengaged from her current talks and moved to support with her guard Chojuro in her shadow. This inadvertently allowed Michiru to lead the other two delegations over towards the loner Leaf delegation that all had been largely ignored until his approach.
Mei smiled and opened with, "My, Lady Daimyo, I was unaware that you had arrived…"
Naruto smirked briefly as the attention was drawn to the Water Shadow when King Michiru signalled him over, so he cut into the girl talk, "Sorry, ladies, but it seems I am being summoned."
Both his wives both nod, allowing his departure, as it would help them calm down without him being eyed up like a piece of meat, or her next conquest by their ally state leader.
Naruto set off but as he moves across the hall again, he senses his two-clanswoman approaching the entrance and adjusted his heading. As the door parted, Honoka and Karin appeared through the double doors, both in elegant kimonos, Karin in a black kimono paired with a grey obi. Honoka in a purple robe and pink obi.
Naruto smiled and hugged them one after the other, before they all walked off to the side out of earshot from the others. Karin whispered first, "We had an amazing concept idea regarding the seal and how to implement it."
Naruto raised a brow, looking to Honoka who nodded repeatedly with a beaming smile. Both knew Honoka was the most invested in this, so he looked back to the contact wearing Karin, who spoke up, "Using a combination of medical chakra, and a base template that I am working on but as I am building it from the ground up..."
"It's time consuming. Right?" Naruto asks and the two ladies nod, and they fall into contemplative silence. It was broken by the arrival of Sato, causing all three to look to him, "Lord Regent, the food will be served in a few minutes. Lady Shion and Lady Shizuka have requested your presence."
Naruto nodded firmly, looking back to his fellow Uzumaki, who nodded to confirm they will follow his lead. Yet this is when the Hyuga stepped in, all eyes fell on their elegantly crafted gowns that was borderline flashy, and they strolled in as if they owned the world.
Karin and Honoka both look to Naruto who shakes his head at their self-important act, commenting lowly so only they hear him, "Those sticks are going to chock them if they get any higher up their asses."
The Uzumaki share a discreet chuckle at that, though pauses when Hinata approaches them, wearing an exquisite piece of garment, all the bells and whistles of the traditional Kimono, in a magnificent midnight blue, matching haori, paired with a dark blue obi, clan insignia dead centre, and hair done up nobly and decorated with a pin with the Hyuga symbol displayed prominently.
Her attire seriously, and damn seriously, extenuated her very being in all ways, shapes, forms, and dimensions. Naruto swore he heard the gulps from men across the hall twice over as she strode with a dignified grace and gentle smile.
As she arrives at the trio's position, she bows her head slightly, "Naruto-kun, you are looking very dashing this evening."
Naruto inclines his head slightly, "As do you, Lady Hinata," looking to her side where her sister and father arrive, both equally as well dressed, "it is a pleasure to have you all here."
Hiashi bows at the waist, a respectful thirty degrees, "You are too kind, Lord Regent. We are proud to be your guests here tonight."
He then looks to the other two Uzumaki ladies, "Lady Honoka, Lady Karin, you are both looking beautiful tonight."
Both ladies smile and bow their acceptance of the compliment, though Hinata speaks up, "Naruto-kun, I hope I am not overreaching on this request, however, if possible, would you please dance with me later on?"
If Naruto was surprised by her boldness, he didn't show it, instead, he shared a discreet look around the immediate vicinity and noting many, many, dignitaries discreetly listening in thus his options were limited. So, he nods once firmly, "If time allows Lady Hinata. I would be honoured."
The happiness of Hinata was palpable, as she bowed again, "Thank you, Naruto-kun."
Hanabi was about to speak up, Karin noticed and thus interjected herself here, to save her friend from getting too deep in this situation, "Lord Regent, I believe that Lady Shion had summoned us."
Naruto looks to Karin, the gratitude in his eyes was not lost on her, as he spoke softly, "Yes, thank you for reminding me."
Looking back, he inclined his head again briefly, "If you'll excuse me, we must be going. Feel free to mingle with our allies here, as the food will be served momentarily."
Hiashi nods as the Uzumaki left. Once clear, he turns to his eldest with a quirked brow as she smiles back prettily, he asks, "I thought he had informed you about not being interested, Hinata."
Hinata smile did not faulter, nodded minutely, "He did, father," looking to him directly, resolve in her eyes unshaken, "Though, I also noted that many are still trying, and I believe I still have a chance. I suspect that a deal might yet be made if I am able to speak with his wives."
"You would play as third wife?" Hanabi asks slightly bewildered, to which Hinata nodded firmly, no hesitation nor fear in her frame, "I love him, Hanabi. As long as I can be with him, I do not mind."
Hiashi sighed minutely. Though, he caught sight of the Hokage and King Michiru talking and decided to investigate, "Come, Hinata, Hinabi. Let us see what our fellow Leaf shinobi are working on."
Ballroom Kitchen
The Uzumaki trio arrive in the kitchen to find Shion orchestrating the servers and chefs alike with the grace her reputation holds, but the efficiency of a trained shinobi. Spotting Naruto and his cousins, she waved them over to which they obey immediately and without question.
Arriving at the place by the stoves, Shion speaks first, "Two things."
They nodded so she continued, "Firstly, what happened with the Hyuga princess? You said…"
"And I did…" Naruto cut in, knowing where this was going, and decided to skip to the end, "Just as I said last night, I told her that I was in love with my wives and cannot return her feelings."
Shion maintained her stare at him for a moment though noticed Karin's discreet nod from Naruto's back so nodded herself, "Fine. I won't say anything more about that. Now, secondly, can you take over here sorting the food whilst I make the announcements?"
The Uzumaki all nod, grateful to be out of that stuffy formal atmosphere of the ballroom. "Hime, you spoil me sometimes you know."
Shion rolled her eyes with a smile, knowing just how much her husband disliked the formalities of these events, but he has dressed up perfectly and was a perfect host regardless. So, she gave him a kiss and headed out. The second she was gone, the Uzumaki got serious, "Honoka, Karin…" Naruto orders, and both nodded before chorusing. "Right away."
Over the next twenty minutes, the efficient system Shion had set only got more so, and all sixty plates were ready to be served a full two minutes before they were required to be served to the tables, kept at the perfect temperature by seals hidden beneath said plates.
It didn't take long for the food to be served and the tables filled with the delegates, who were more than a little impressed by the spread. Even more so when it was noticed that the legendary pulled pork, the one from the rumours, was present and accounted for in healthy portions.
Shion made a speech as Naruto was busy, and everyone dug in. It was a silent affair as many were enamoured with the food, and a certain King was savoring every single bite he made. The Leaf group, including the escorts, got their share too, and boy were they surprised. The way King Michiru had handled the subject of the pulled pork, did not undersell this dish. Heaven was the only thing anyone could formulate for the taste.
The only damper on the mood was the Nara who wanted Choji to try this. He'll ask Naruto about possibly sealing some away for his best friend later. Assuming any was left.
An hour later, and after everyone was done and well fed, the tables were put away discreetly and the room was configured to accommodate a dance floor. The first was Naruto and Shizuka. The band played the same song form their wedding. Those who were there watched on fondly.
Shion was next with her husband and the song changed to her favorite and again everyone watched on with smiles, especially those who knew the two personally. When they shared a kiss on the ending final verse, Mei and Chojuro led the whistles and catcalls.
Shion had never been so embarrassed being caught up in the moment. Naruto was grinning like a fool, before sticking his tongue out at the insitgators.
Everyone took to the floor after that. Naruto ended up switching dancing partners several times. Yakumo was first, followed by, Hinata, then Honoka, who coxed Karin into switching with her. Then Shizuka again, the two also caused quite a stir, their kiss was far more passionate than the one he shared with Shion. Naruto suspected a rivalry between his hime's, as the way his warrior queen strolled up to the puffed cheeked Shion led his mind to many questions.
Temari was hardly surprising and the two shared a very long slow dance, that caused many to question their chemistry. Nothing was confirmed nor denied. Yugao was a surprise for Naruto to be sure, but none more than Tsunade, who thanked him for opening the door for their friendships with the international community to be rebuilt. Mei was expected, and they had a blast. Nila was the last as he was getting rather tired and dizzy with all the dancing, but she left with a big smile nonetheless.
Naruto ended up watching Gaara perform a perfect twirl with Mitsuri, that caused the audience to run wild. He was matched then beat by Utakata and Hotaru. Naruto was one of the many who cheered when they locked lips. It was about damn time. Naruto wiped tears from his eyes at the sight. Shion comforted him running circles across his back. He was just so damn happy.
It was a hell of a night.
After hours…
After everyone had left from the ball, including the hostesses, Naruto remained to clean up with his army of clones. He was on night watch tonight anyway, so he figured he'd finish this before heading out to patrol the area.
This is when he got an unexpected visitor, "Naruto…" the twenty blondes look up to see Yugito standing in the doorway out to the balcony. What was even more surprising was she was not in her normal combat gear but rather a battle kimono, hair down, and staring directly at one blond in particularly. Said blond let out a sigh, as the others all look to him as he spoke, "I thought you wanted me to meet you alone?"
She smiled slightly, nodding, "I did. Got a bit impatient and curious as to what you were doing in here."
Naruto sighed, looking to his clones and gestured with his head to the kitchen. They all nodded and headed off, placing their mops and buckets against the nearest wall to their position.
After the last clone left, Naruto looked to his sister, "So, what is it?"
"I'm sorry."
Naruto raised a brow at her sudden apology and bow, unsure if he deserved such, "Why are you apologising? I was rather high strung and stuff… I know that now looking back."
Yugito nodded to that, her fingers fidgeting behind her back out of his sight, "Yeah. Well. Utakata told me that siblings are meant to have each others back…"
"I thought we had that down pretty well," Naruto asks with a tilted head, resting atop his overlapping hands atop the mop stick, "Our teamwork is pretty spectacular."
"It is," the Kumo Jonin confirmed, no hesitation on that fact. Taking a deep breath, Yugito continued, "I haven't been a very good sibling though."
Naruto raised both brows at that, "how would you know? None of us are siblings. We are…"
"I know that, but we've been together for over eight years now," Yugito whispered before sighing hard, "I thought we'd be better at this thing already."
Naruto thought on it and couldn't denounce that comment. She was right. He responded, "So, what are you getting at? I was mad at Matatabi. She knew what was on the line, and I trusted that she knew not to fall back into her normal…"
Yugito raised her hand, and he went silent. She takes a deep breath, "Utakata reminded me that we," gesturing from herself then to him, "are far more intertwined than we thought."
Naruto raised up from the brooms handle, deadpanned, "He did?"
"Not in so many words," Yugito confesses, chuckling softly, meeting his gaze firmly, "Naruto. I am sorry. You and me – are two sides of the same coin."
Naruto contemplating the statement, mumbling out. "Elegance and grace…"
"Power and stubbornness," Yugito informed with nod, continuing, "I am not okay with you being mad at me, okay? You are my little brother. Mine. You hear me."
"I hear you, o dear sister," Naruto chuckled as she glared at him, that caused him to grin foxily.
A silence dawned on them before he broke it, sighing hard, "Fine. I won't be mad at Mata. Though, I will have to strip her of her sushi privileges, and I will have her baby sit him."
"If that is what it takes," Yugito nodded feeling her tenant shake in fear of that one. A myth among legends. The only kitten she feared. The boogie cat that many kittens far older than it genuinely feared. The one. The only. Kao Morino.
Naruto inclined his head, as he steps forward towards his sister figure, and offered a hand with a smile, "My I have a dance, Yugi?"
Yugito smirked, hand on hip, for a moment, "Oh? Is that…" she paused upon seeing the earnest expression upon his face. She stared back at him, seriously considering his offer before nodding. "I would be honoured."
The two would dance, and Walt's for a full thirty minutes and the pair would laugh and giggle in a good time together as they reconnected, smoothing their relationship back and unknown to the male blond, a place in her heart had solidified further.
At the end of their little party, the duo was on the balcony, looking out across the forest with Naruto sipping coffee whilst Yugito had a glass of white wine, both leaning on the stone railing. Naruto would be the one to break it, "Yugi," the kunoichi looked to him, as he continued, "with Utakata and Hotaru finally linking up now. Our generation is gearing up to be the last set of unwilling jinchuriki. Yet, you don't have a legacy yet. A clan to continue after you're gone."
Naruto looked to her, deadly seriously, "I know I teased you the other day about your lack of men in your life, but I honestly hope you find someone. Someone who lightens your world. Someone who lifts you when you fall, puts you together when you break, and…" his gaze falls onto the horizon. "Holds your heart when you yourself can't handle the weight of the world."
Yugito's gaze hadn't left her brother's form, in a daze as he seemed to glow radiantly under the moonlight, deep in thought and this was also when her tenant truly understood her container's feelings. It was at this very moment, Yugito Nii of Kumogakure no Sato, knew an absolute truth and made a choice.
Naruto suddenly perked up, memories of the clones flooding his mind, making him oblivious to the mentality shift of his sister-figure, as he continued to speak, "Well, it doesn't matter right now. Our aunts and uncles will likely choose from our grandchildren's generation. So, you still have time…"
"Kitten! Wake up!" Matatabi shouted from her seal, jolted Yugito back to reality, and not a moment too soon as Naruto finally turned to her with a smile that reached his eyes, a truly beautiful smile, as he said, "So, I promise not to scare the next one off. Just don't rush things this time."
Yugito nodded firmly, not trusting her voice, looking away out of a need to breathe. It took a moment before she was able to barely whisper out, "I won't rush things. I promise."
Naruto beamed at that, nodding his approval, before letting out a tired sigh, downing his coffee, and spoke, "I gotta get to my patrol route."
A puff of smoke and Naruto's formal dress was replaced with shinobi gear, full Jonin with sword and all. Glancing back at his sister, "Make sure you get some sleep, Yugi."
"I'll be fine," Yugito whispered and Naruto nods again before he hopped up onto the grey-stone railing, she watched his action before saying. "Be careful out there."
Naruto offered her a glance and challenging smirk, "I'll be fine, Yugi-chan."
She groaned lowly, with eyes cutting at him and he cackled while vanishing into the night and Yugito looked after him only allowing her voice to be heard by the wind itself, "Damn it. I think I messed up."
Shrine office
The next day, a knock before Sato entered the office, "Lady Shion. The Leaf is here."
Shion takes a deep breath and looks to her side, where Yugito was leaning against the wall with arms crossed. Said kunoichi nods looking to the opposite wall where Temari nodded too, and Shion nodded before responding to her samurai captain, "Let them in."
Sato nodded and closed the door briefly, and it was silent for a minute before the door opened again and produced Tsunade, Shikamaru, and Yugao. Shion smiled diplomatically, gesturing to the seats ahead of her, "Please take a seat, Lady Hokage."
Tsunade sat down at the offered seat, Shikamaru on her right, eying up Temari, who was back in her normal purple battle kimono, the glamour from the party last night a distant memory. Yugao was on her left, smiling at Yugito, who nodded back, though maintained her stern visage and folded arms. Tsunade speaking up, "Lady Shion, I thought…"
Shion raised her hand, pausing the kunoichi, replying. "You would be negotiating with my husband, yes?"
Upon the medic's nod, Shion continued, "Well, yes, there are two reasons why I am handling your case in place of my husband. Despite his protests," glancing to the Kumo kunoichi, who flashed a smirk, "we, as a family, have decided that I would handle your affairs for a more... neutral stance."
Tsunade nodded, recalling the blonde's words when her apprentice asked of his opinion of them and it was not ideal. "I see."
Shion nods, before speaking, "Secondly, due to the recent events, he is currently boosting our patrol roster today so is currently unavailable. So, I am taking up part of his duty. This being one. Any other questions?"
Tsunade shook her head. "None."
The three other blondes nod to that, so Shion spoke up, "So, what are you wishing to accomplish here in our home?"
Tsunade spoke formally, "Firstly, I wanted to officially declare our apologies for our transgressions against you, your husband, and family as a whole."
"Family as a whole?" Temari asks, voicing her fellow blondes thoughts aloud. Tsunade nodded firmly, though Shikamaru knew what she really meant by that and decided to speak up. "Yes, Sabaku-san, we are fully aware that the Tailed beasts consider one another siblings…"
"They are siblings," Yugito corrected, eyes narrowed on the Nara, who nodded once, "Right, my apologies," Shikamaru with arms up.
Tsunade took up the reigns, "and we are also aware of the relationships between the Jinchuriki, to a degree. So, we are apologising for causing you all duress from our actions."
Shion nods to that, speaking softly, "Very well. I am sure that the relevant parties will be informed."
"Yeah, even if they've been grounded." Yugito whispered to herself, her bijuu pouted in her seal, though an amused smile from Temari told much to those in the know.
Clearing her throat, Tsunade was about to speak up, when Shion pulled out a familiar scroll from the top desk, "Though, I must ask about this clear forgery."
Tsunade's eyes followed the parchment that was dropped down on the table, the fire insignia on the red wax. She sighed internally, forgetting about this.
Shion continued, though the three visiting shinobi caught the razor-sharp gaze of the two kunoichi at the back of the priestess, "why did you feel the need to recall him under his father's name? As I was there during that talk between my husband and father-in-law, I am aware of the reason he has not taken it up."
Tsunade frowned at the news, but answered anyway, "It was required to earn my council's approval. We had to get them on-board and convince the Daimyo to our cause as we were desperate. When they had found out of his heritage…"
Yugito shook her head in disbelief, though again, Temari spoke up, "So, they want the power of the Namikaze in the village again, right?"
Tsunade did not like admitting that fact, it was a bitter pill to swallow but she was getting used to the flavour in the recent week, speaking with a barely stable voice. "The village required the power of the Namikaze clan back, yes."
Shion nodded, having been expecting that answer, before pulling out a Leaf Bingo book, the same one Fu had dropped off the week prior, "Then, what about this entry? The recovery of my son Shirin attached to my husband's entry."
Tsunade sighed hard, though Shikamaru answered this time, "Unfortunately, when the council heard of your son's existence from Jiraiya. The council wanted him secured too."
Temari was on the ball this time, knowing the unsaid truth, looking to Yugito who matched the gaze with the two nodding. Shion glanced back at her fellow blonds who offered half smiles and nods. She sighed before looking back, "Fine. I assume that you will remove it once you are back, yes?"
Shion's smile was so damn sweet, the leaf trio swallowed thickly, flushed their chakra to break any genjutsu. Tsunade felt compelled, "It is not that simple…"
"It is not…?" Shion questioned, to which Tsunade nods, though both blonde kunoichi rolled eyes, though the eldest of the room continued, "As Leaf citizens were killed, our laws and procedures state that…"
"Those laws do not apply here," Temari spoke up this time, drawing the Hokage's attention, as the Suna shinobi gestured to Shion, "or did you forget who his wife is."
Shikamaru was quick on the response, "She is the priestess of the Land of Demon. Leader of…" he paused upon connecting the dots as Temari chuckled, "He is a leader of a nation, a member of royalty effectively."
Tsunade countered that, "He still participated in shinobi matters after the fact though. His marriage was six years ago…"
"Seven," the three opposing blond correct together, the hokage corrected herself, "right, seven. So, that is null and void."
"Even though it was self-defence." Shion asks. Tsunade nods flatly, "Regardless of the reason. He killed our shinobi so…"
Temari spoke next, "Then, what does my nephew have to do with anything? He's an innocent in all this, yet he is your damn book too."
Tsunade had no counter to that, and couldn't meet any of their penetrating eyes. Shikamaru too felt uneasy at that fact. Though, even if they partition the council to remove that part, it will be a tough, uphill battle.
Yugao has spent most her career as Anbu and knew the council will not budge on that topic. The boy is the grandson of the Fourth Hokage. They want him in the village for their own no doubt nefarious purposes.
"It's fine," Yugito speaking up, and when all eyes fell on her, she shrugged fluidly as she explained herself, "After all, it's not like your trade opportunities will open up unless they are removed or anything."
Tsunade and Shikamaru took a sharp breath, damn, they were just smoothing out their mistakes and the other delegates were only barely talking thanks to the Land of Moon, which itself was only barely shaky at best, icy at worst. The hokage responded, "I… I… have not thought on that."
"We guessed that," Temari commented flatly, though Yugito shrugged again, speaking up, "It was just a thought. Even more so as both Kumogakure and Sunagakure are supporting our allies."
"Without a doubt," Temari confirmed. Shion tapped the desk, gaining the rooms attention once more, "Until that is dealt with, I can not say that we are open to negotiations either, nor will we pass the neutral point."
Tsunade let out a tight breath, understanding their position. "I see, so no treaty."
Shion shook her head, "No, even more so with your spymaster still in our prison. The attack on our children in the neutral nation of Wave, the current capture order you have on my husband and son, and the damage in our neighbouring land, Land of Forest. We are covering the costs as my husband was also involved in the incident, however…"
As the priestess trailed off Tsunade nodded, "perhaps we can come to an arrangement about that. It was partly our fault after all."
"We will send the bill once we come to an arrangement with them." Shion informed to which the older blonde nods. Then the priestess continued, "Finally, there is the matter of your elders. All of them but more specifically Danzo."
Everyone's eyes hardened at that, this is a delicate thing to discuss but it was required, Shion continued, "I am aware of only the tip of the iceberg as my husband and sisters wish to shield me from the facts, but what I do know is that they will likely use the, 'Swirling Tide treaty', my husband called it, in an attempt to forcefully relocate my husband and his clansmen back to the Leaf."
Tsunade blinked at that, trying to recall said treaty, and her fingers rubbing her brow in contemplation, "I am going to have to look into that. I am not familiar with that one."
Shion sighed at that, though, even she was only aware of the basics regarding it too, so nodded shortly after that, "Well, my husband informed me that it, as you may have guessed, is a treaty that requires the Leaf to house and harbor any member of the Uzumaki clan."
The Leaf group nodded at the information, though Shikamaru caught on immediately, voicing his thoughts, "They'll try and quarantine them, and his children in the name of preserving their ally."
"Kumogakure won't stay silent if they so much as try to do so." Yugito hissed with narrowed eyes, her chakra flaring slightly, in a controlled chaotic manner.
Temari was far less flashy in her agreement, "Sunagakure too will not stand for it. Our daimyo is rather fond of him after all. I doubt Water Country would stay silent either."
Tsunade nodded firmly while swallowing the lump in her throat, "I will keep that in mind and review the treaty as soon as possible."
Shion nods, though Yugito spoke next, "Be sure you do. Though, be warned, we have been alerted to a new threat coming from the Land of Fire."
This caught the attention of everyone but Shion, who already knew, and Tsunade's eyes narrowed, "A threat? To whom?"
"To everyone, naturally," Yugito informed, airily rubbing her nails upon her battle kimono, "we have discovered something worrying growing there. As to what, or if we will move on it is classified but if we do, you'll know."
"Can't you tell us anything else? Surely, we can…" Tsunade pressed but Yugito shrugged, "I have probably told too much, and my brother will be rather annoyed at that, but I figured to tell you as a show of good faith."
Yugao spoke next, slightly hesitant to do so with all this tension. "Is – does it have to do with Root?"
"It does. Though, we, as a family, will deal with it once we are sure of the situation. When we do, it will be swift, violent, and overpowering in all things." Yugito says with her catty smirk, amusement dancing in her slit eyes, as the Leaf team felt the threat for what it was. A warning. A warning for when they come, to stand aside or be torn asunder beneath their claws and chakra.
Family Clearing
The sun was high, high above, Naruto landing on the edge of the clearing having finished his patrols on the boarders, when Kurama summoned himself, "Runt,"
Naruto looked back at the male form of his tenant, a rare sight these days, "Kurama. What's up?"
"What are you planning to do with Mata? Are you really just going to summon the boy and have her clean up after him?"
Naruto sighed hard, nodding, "Yeah. I don't like being mad at them. I was angry sure, but also everyone was there. I doubt even I could have broken into the Shrine back there. I was a mix of fear and anger. Kinda overreacted."
The towering form of this male form Kurama, standing at a solid six foot six, bulky but not overly so, and his eight whisker marks mirrored his more common female form, and intense gaze locked on his container, "I see. Then, you are regretful?"
"Kinda," Naruto sighed rubbing his face, "I was scared, but I also should have trusted them. I normally do."
Kurama nodded grimly, face blank before asking a delicate question, "What do you think of Matatabi and her container?"
Naruto locked on to his partners face, unable to read his intent, so unsure of the underlying words but answered without much thought, "I've had all night to contemplate that," he sighs as he leans against the nearby tree, arms folded as he looks to the sky, "Yugi's words last night. Being two sides of the same coin. Even I cannot deny that out of us all, she is most definitely my closest sibling of circumstance. Fu is a close second, joint with Gaara, then probably Utakata…"
"Just focus on Matatabi, runt." Kurama grunts and Naruto meets his scarlet gaze with a brow raised, "Auntie Mata is easy to get along with, playful and friendly – normally that is. Far less of a task master than most. Why?"
"I see. Anything else?"
"No, not really. Haven't really spent much time with her without Yugito. Like most beside Shukaku as we have those Seal projects. Why'd you ask, huh?"
"Just contemplating your words to them. About the legacies of us all." Kurama states and Naruto nods, though remained silent so the bijuu continued, "You were right in my regard. More than likely, if I were to take a new vessel, it would likely be your direct descendant. Two generations of you."
Naruto nods before asking something else, as a random thought came to him. "What happened exactly? How'd the snake get passed you both?"
Kurama sighed scratching his red hair, as messy as his container's, "Ah, well, it is as you said. We managed to corner the freak, but he shed the child's body he inhabited. I got a strike off, but Matatabi pounced on him and started her whole game between her paws," the fox mumbled arms crossing himself, Naruto nodded, though Kurama continued, "So, I have grounded her which is why you won't see her for a bit."
The blond chuckled shaking his head, "Man, that must be driving her nuts."
"It is," Kurama confirmed but his eyes locked on the container, eyes sharp, "We could have killed that thing and protected the family. She let him go to stretch it out. As a fellow hunter, I understand her motivations but…"
Naruto nodded in understanding, "I should have trusted you to handle her then."
Kurama waved him off, "Doesn't matter. The kits are safe. Family is safe. Now, all we have to do is get that ultimate summons location and find out what that muscle brain monkey and running disaster are up too and we'll be fine."
Naruto chuckled, smirking at that with a nod, "Well, I will send a messenger to the old men as Fu will be busy with combing through the Land of Fire for this secret base."
Both men freeze when a swirl of Sand appeared ahead of them, Gaara smirked as he appeared and Naruto grinned as Kurama vanished before being spotted. "Glad you made it, brother."
Gaara nodded, "I will take watch from here. Feel free to sleep now."
Naruto shrugged and waved. "Hai, Kazekage-sama."
Gaara's eyebrow twitched as Naruto vanished in a flash of yellow, his cackles echoing through the clearing much to the Wind Shadow's annoyance.
Outer Shrine
Naruto flashed in and found Kiyota heading back for the late lunch break, startling the kunoichi, she muttered. "Naruto…"
Said man smiled before yawning again, "Kiyota, how goes your day?"
They both headed further into the shrine, and Kiyota smiled back, answering, "Well, I am trying to get back into shape. That fight showed that I still have a long way to go in my training that I have slacked off ever since…"
Naruto gently shoulder barged her, gaining her attention and a smile, "In that case, I think I have some time right now. So, after we get some food in us, we can have a spar. If you want…"
She lit up, "really? We can? It's been so long since…"
This is when the Leaf group came down from the office and saw the duo strolling toward them, talking animatedly, both in their Demon Shinobi gear, Naruto a Jonin, and the greynette kunoichi in a chunin vest. They try to recall her from their time in the clearing, but her name escaped them. The unknown girls voice caught their attention though. "So, Naruto-Nii, do you think I could learn to use an odachi like you?"
Naruto raised a brow, "Kiyota, you lack the strength and stamina to…" he paused upon seeing a Tsunade, Shikamaru, and Yugao from the corridor leading up to the office, "Oh, the Leaf Contingent."
"Regent," Tsunade responded but Naruto waved them off, passing them without further words spoken, continuing on looking back to his companion, "My Odachi's style is a family style. I can't teach you that. Though, I think you'll do better with your current katana."
Tsunade watched Naruto stroll away, clearly not caring about them at all. She had hoped that after the festivities they shared, a bridge had been built at some level but their attitude this time around did not reflect as such. Shion, the legitimate leader of the land, had flat out said that their relationship was to remain neutral until they removed Naruto, and relatives, from their bingo book.
It was understandable, sure, however that means their council has to agree to it. An uphill battle in of itself.
Sighing, Tsunade turned back to her two escorts, but Shikamaru spoke, staring at the grey-haired girl, "I wonder if she's a Hatake. Her eyes and hair match, right?"
His boss paused, looked over at the teenager and sure, she could see it but also doubted that. It was a coincidence at most, surely. Right?
Yugao broke them both from their musings, "I doubt it matters. We should be getting back to our group, no?"
"We should," Tsunade nodded, before heading towards the exit, the others close behind.
Main Shrine
Naruto and Kiyota arrived to find the kids making their way out, having already eaten, and the two groups waved each other passed. Naruto ruffled Shirin's hair, though glared at Kozato and Tada, who both averted their eyes from his flower princess, who was chatting animatedly with Ayao about their swordsmanship.
Kiyota giggled at the absurdity of Naruto's protectiveness over his daughters, even against his sons, though she felt safe in the knowledge that he was and would be over her own daughter. She idly wondered if she fell into the category of that protection. She shook that thought off, of course she was as the words from the fight came to her.
In the dining room, Naruto finds Shizuka juggling both Koki and Nami, though it seemed that Nami was doing the bulk of the work keeping Koki calm. Naruto's chuckle was music to his wife's ears, looking up to see him create a squad of clones who head into the kitchen, whilst he himself approached his wife.
Shizuka accepted the kiss from her husband, it was a lot deeper than she thought it would be, but was not complaining as their intimate time has been reduced heavily in recent times. So, this level of affection was most certainly welcomed. Slowly, they parted slightly, staying close as they catch their breath, his arms around her waist, hers around his neck, Naruto whispered, "I missed you…"
"I missed you too," Shizuka whispered back giving him a chaste kiss again, before pulling him in a hug, spotting the dark look briefly on her junior, replaced with a blank face as she reached the cot with their two babies within. She wasn't surprised, her husband was the greatest man and shinobi, thus more than a few of her fellows have asked her to share him.
Naruto was hers. She knew this, and so did her fellows. Shion was a one-time deal, but she has grown accustomed to the sister wife of hers. It wasn't her first choice, but she hasn't regretted it either so won't complain about it now.
As the two part, Shizuka asks, "So, what brings you both back together?"
"Food, naturally," Naruto nearly whispered and his wife nods, her brilliant green eyes look to her junior, who was making faces for both of their children. Naruto continued, "Though, Kiyota did ask for help with training. She's rusty and…"
"I can handle that," Shizuka announced, causing Kiyota to snap to her senior who had a hard gaze upon the grey-haired woman, yet before her husband could object, she continued. "It'll be perfect. I have been feeling slightly stiff and boxed in."
"That was…"
"It'll be fine, right?" Shizuka cutting off her husband again, a soft smile that forced him to concede, or he would not be getting any tonight. Naruto sighed, not wanting to face the alternative which was likely to lead him to sleep on the sofa again and nodded. "Right."
His wife nodded at that, smiling firmly, to hide the tenseness of willingly parting with her baby. Sure, she's leaving Nami with her husband and her father but still. She swallowed spit. It'll be fine. Everything will be okay. Just an hour. It'll be fine.
Her thoughts were sliced through like the blades they wield by her husbands lips meeting hers. For a full thirty seconds bliss overtook her. When they parted, her emerald met his sapphire. Naruto smiled gently, as he whispered, "You have my word. Okay?"
Shizuka's heart skipped a beat. Her loveable husband is a mind reader it seemed. As always, he knew exactly what to say and do, so she nodded once firmly but said nothing beyond that. It will be okay.
After serving a basic lunch, Shizuka and Kiyota left for the training spar which left Naruto with his youngest two. Nami and Koki.
Nami is very much a clone of her mother thus far, with just his eyes, as even her temperament seemed to reflect that as the quietest of his kids thus far. She wasn't very fidgety, nor overly demanding unlike Kushina, who was a diva since she could support her own head's weight. No, ever since she realised crying got attention. Man, she just never knew how to take it easy.
Back to the midnight haired baby, who was currently smiling and kicking around, trying to crawl to him, he picked up the normally silent baby, turning his attention to his adoptive daughter, that will never know that she was until she was ready.
Koki, much like Nami, was nearly a replica of her mother, Kiyota. Though, parts of her facial structure came from her father, skin complexion too, but those might change as she grows. It was still rather early days after all. That being said, Koki was very particular about who can hold her, and how they hold her.
So far, it was only really her mother and himself she 'allowed' to touch her, not crying when being held by either. Shirin can get away with it, if she was recently fed as he had burped her on occasion. Shion too can keep her calm, but not stop her cries. Shizuka can quieten her but Naruto suspects that it is something else that causes that. Sensing motherhood from her or something, Koki knows she is safe in her arms.
The rest have to just grab him or Kiyota. Though, they are never far from her eitherway, so the baby's tears aren't going on for too long. Naruto let out a soft chuckle, upon seeing Nami falling to sleep in the crock of his neck, while Koki looks to be trying to reach for him too. He always found it curious that Koki was so attached to him.
After talking to Shion about it, she guessed it had to do with the fact that he held her all night after her birth. She knows her mother scent by heart, with his being the closest after due to the fact that after her birth, the two smells she found was mother and father so on a level within her developing mind she knows Naruto second only to mother.
He smiled at that, being this innocent baby girls second precious person was awesome.
With skillful hands, and a slight use of chakra, Koki was also retrieved from the cot she was sharing with her sister, and Naruto dropped down on the sofa holding both babies close. Nami held a firm grip on his top, but Koki wasn't a slouch in that department either. Naruto turn on the television, a rare thing for him, as he just took time to spend with his youngest family members.
A title soon to be usurped if his senses are accurate.
Shine Office
Just after the Leaf group left, Shion let out an uncharacteristically loud sigh that dragged on, drawing her fellow blondes attention. Temari asking first, "You okay, Shion?"
This drew the priestess's gaze, looking back over her shoulder at the Suna Jonin, and contemplated the question. Then the memories of the night before reasserted themselves, and this was as good as ever to clear this up. "Temari. You have a thing for my husband, right?"
Temari, caught off guard by the subject topic, almost face planted and allowed her cheeks to adopt a rose tint, spluttering out, "Huh… what… I… huh…?"
Shion nodded, though also caught the stiffening of Yugito and her suddenly blank mask thus it was clear this was worse than she and Shizuka had thought. Let out a far heavier breath this time, Shion stood from her chair, turned, and sat on the table so that both Kunoichi were in her sight, "Listen, the pair of you."
Yugito was really nervous now. It seems that Shion was far more observant than she was given credit for, though listened to the following words. The fairest blonde continued, "I have suspected that you guys were growing feelings for him for a while. At first, I thought it was only a passing intreast. A phase of sorts."
"Shion…" Temari started but the priests raised a hand at her, silencing the unmarried, Shion continued on, "You two are Naruto's closest companions out in the field. Only Chojuro can best you two in that regard. I am not counting Shizuka as she even outranks me…"
"I doubt that," Temari commented softly, but Shion shook her head, letting out a tight breath, the wind mistress continued, "Listen, Shion. I am aware of the fact that Naruto will turn us both down if we made a move. Yes. I have feelings for him, but I know better than to act on them. Last night, I kinda just wanted to indulge myself a little bit."
Shion looked amused at that admission, coy smirk and raised brow, "A bit? That dance was rather risky and a clear expression of intent to both me and Shizuka. Who I might add is far less understanding in regard to our joint husband's affections."
Both women would have flinched if they were lesser kunoichi, but they maintain their composure, Temari replying, "I know. I have already resolved the fact that I will have to go after someone else. Heck, if things go well over the next few months, I'll try my luck with that Nara from the leaf, try tie our villages together…"
Shion got up and moved to hug the teary eyed Sabaku, leaving Yugito to her own thoughts. They both knew that Naruto would not accept them, yet after last night, she couldn't just.
Inner Shrine
Honoka and Karin would arrive an hour later, to find Naruto asleep with both Nami and Koki, sleeping on his form, that was cradling them both affectionately gentle. The sight stirred feelings within them both, as Honoka went to get them a blanket, leaving Karin to watch over them. She had sensed Naruto on patrol all last night after the party, and then this morning when she awoke, he was still out on patrol, which means he hadn't slept despite everything.
Now, here he comes. No doubt exhausted by this point, circling the entire country's borders several times, then coming back to take care of his two daughters. Karin noticed the diaper changing gear on the side of the sofa, and the half full bottles on the coffee table, so yes. Naruto had cared for his daughters whilst the mothers had time to themselves.
Perhaps, just maybe, this whole clan restoration won't be so bad. Shion is a mother too, so she must know what she's talking about. Swallowing spit, Karin allows her mind to wonder off the scientific aspect of their goal, more on the philosophical side instead. A child sired by them both.
Will they have her long red hair, or his shaggy blond hair. A blend? So long blond with read highlights, or shaggy red, with blond undertones. Blue eyes? Perhaps her red. What about the whisker marks Naruto has. Only Shirin has them so, maybe there's something to it. Will they need glasses too? Will they be able to use his chains or her sensory? Maybe both. The chances were small, about twelve-point six three percent. Give or take a percentile.
Names? Well, for a girl, Nami would have been nice but already taken. So, something like Toki or Ryu, maybe Umiko. That might be a bit on the nose though. Shinju then? Sounds too similar to Shirin. Mizuhiro. Yes, she likes that one.
What about for a boy? There's the obvious, like Ren, Kao, and Haru. Then again, why is she focused solely on water names? Well. Like Naruto said during the fight, we Uzumaki are a clan of the sea. It just makes sense. Namiya? Nope. Nami would be upset. Umihiko? Again, on the nose. Does it matter?
A hand on her arm, breaks Karin from her deep thoughts, to see Honoka, staring at her intently. Blinking owlishly, she went to speak but Honoka just raised a finger over her own mouth before shaking her head, gesturing to the sleeping trio, now covered in a soft blue blanket. Nodding once, the pair made their way back outside as silently as they could.
They obviously missed the peaking eye of Naruto who watched them leave. Like he'd sleep with people nearby when his princesses were with him. Sure, they are family, but he can never be too careful. Only when they opened the door, he confirmed it was actually them, and no genjutsu was in play nor transformations, and allowed himself to relax a bit. Though, he'll have to talk to Karin about her trail of thoughts, assuming his nose was accurate.
A snort in his mind tells him that he was being stupid again. Naruto sighed exasperatedly internally, "Damn it fuzz-butt, let me pretend to be ignorant about this once."
"You know full well what was going to happen between the two of you if you plan on reviving your clan again."
"I know that, but we have only begun to identify what components are required for the seal we are working on. I figured I had more time. I need to speak with Shizuka about it seeing as it was Shion's idea to use seals."
Again, another snort, "Still can't believe someone had to tell you to use your own clan speciality to help you."
Naruto sighed internally, "It slipped our minds that something like that would potentially work. With everything else going on, I think I can be forgiven overlooking that possibility this time."
"Only if it is this once. Anyway, outoto, Kit Nami, will need a change in about an hour."
Naruto nods internally, not willing to move and potentially wake them, "I think her appetite is the only Uzumaki thing about her, hahaha. Though, thanks for the reminder. I will get a quick power nap again."
Another hour before Shion led her fellow blond into the inner shrine to find the sight of the man of the hour, snuggled with his two youngest daughters, an absolutely beautiful sight for all three ladies. Though, the group were treated to a traveling yawn from Nami, to Naruto, to Koki. All three waking shortly after. With glazed eyes Naruto looked down from Koki, to Nami, and surely enough the latter needed a change.
Before he could get his bearings, Shion scooped up the slowly stirring Nami, and none missed the jerking action that cleared Naruto's vision completely, and then he relaxed. Shion continued her retrieval of the baby, and the father yawned as he adjusted his position, "What time is it…?"
"Almost dinner time," Shion informed as she picked up the diaper changing equipment, "I was coming to wake you," looking to the man of her heart, Naruto replying, "I'll cook as soon as Kiyota and Shizuka get back."
"Honoka and Karin have already begun," Shion began causing Naruto to snap up to her, and she smirked, "You aren't the only one who can cook, mister."
Koki loud yawn then sniffing distracted Naruto, cutting off his response, as he reached for her bottle.
Cadet Training Ground
The cadets and young Uzumaki family members were treated to a rare sight, a Jonin level battle, Kiyota verses Shizuka. At first, it was a kenjutsu spar, but it has since become an accuracy test as both nadishiko women have been standing further and further away from the numerous bubbles created by Utakata.
At first, they were using standard equipment, until Kiyota noticed the second and third kunai pouch her senior wore and asked about them. Shizuka smiled softly, revealing the sleek throwing knives that were perfectly balanced and yet clearly optimised for long range throwing. They have seals for every situation. The black with a shimmer of blue blades were stun weapons.
The ones that shimmered with a tint of red were explosive, green were wind enhanced, white were lightning, yellow were fire. Dull grey lacked anything fancy beside the standardised seal they all had. A seal her husband came up with, based on his father's famous seal, the 'return' seal. It recovered thrown weapons when chakra is flashed in the holster in a certain pattern.
Shizuka have managed to perfect it to an art, able to call them individually at will at subconsciously, and with such speeds that it seemed she never ran out.
Kiyota asked why she hadn't used them, and when Shizuka smiled at her, saying, "It wouldn't be fair if I did," it would cause the younger kunoichi to growl and demanded that she was not to be taken lightly. Shizuka nodded and began using her specialised weapons. It wasn't even a contest at that point.
Kushina cheered her mother on. Shirin's shit eating grin was overflowing with pride for his mother, though he noticed all his friends were held star filled eyes at the performance. None more then Kozato, who had chosen to specialise in thrown kunai use. No doubt he'll ask daddy for a set himself. Probably for his birthday.
"Game," Utakata announces after sensing his two-hundred and fifty metre bubble pop. Kiyota slumped down, her defeat evident, but caught the blue flicker of the returning knife to the hostler on Shizuka's upper right thigh. She speaks up, "those knives are something."
Shizuka looked over at her grey-haired junior, smiling softly, with a nod, "Yes, they are. A gift from my husband a good few years ago. These," pulling out the throwing blade with practiced hands, "are the latest examples, the latest iteration and probably the greatest throwing weapons in the world."
Kozato and Kushina appeared at the elder nadishiko's side, causing Shizuka to look down at them, both inspecting the weapon forged by her husband and their father specifically for her fighting style. The white-haired boy spoke up first, "Umm… okaa-san. I don't suppose…"
Shizuka chuckled lightly, ruffling the boy's hair, it was really soft, "I could give you tips, but you'd have to impress your father just as Kushi has to for her blade."
Kushina jerked up at that, wide eyed, muttering, "But… ka-chan, I thought…"
Shizuka smiled, shaking her head, "No, Kushi-chan. You are my daughter, true, but as a Nadishiko, you still have to prove yourself before your fifteenth birthday if you want to wield our swords."
Kushina slumped for a moment, before her emerald eyes seemed to glow in determination, "I will not fail you, ka-chan!"
Shizuka nodded pride in her daughter evident, Kiyota beamed at her younger counterpart, "I'll help as best as I can too. That way, you can help your little sister's follow after you."
Kushina glowed in excitement at the prospect of teaching both Nami and Koki through their own journeys. It was now her new dream. She will let her oni-chan take the Oni-kage hat for awhile before she claimed it for herself. After she finds her husband and comes back to Demon Country after serving her time as leader of Nadishiko, of course she will come back and take the hat from him.
She nods, confirming her own thoughts and turns to her elder brother, by a mere half hour, "Oni-chan," this caught everyone's attention, none more than Shirin and Shizuka, Kushina rarely calls him like that, referring to him normally as Shirin-nii. Kushina continued with a fist raised to her brother, "You can have the oni-kage hat for now, but when I finish with my duties to our other home, married and stuff, I'll be coming for it."
Shirin looked bewildered for a moment, but by the end of her small speech he was grinning with a light hue of pink to his cheek for the jibe of his childish dream, that he still plans on, regardless of his father's insistence that such a post does not exist, he's a shinobi in training, thus not buying it. He speaks up, "You can try. I will not go easy on you just because you are my cute little sister."
Hidden Leaf Penthouse
Yakumo leads Nila into the Hidden Leafs living room to be confronted by Tsunade, Kakashi, and Kiba, talking at the kitchen island, who all looked over to see them. The Kurama clansmen froze under their joint stare. Tsunade raised a brow, having noticed, like the others, how often the Kurama clan members had been absent, "and where have you been?"
Without missing a beat, Yakumo responded with, "Clan business, Lady Hokage."
"Clan business?" Tsunade with a raised a brow, pushing off the the polished wooden surface, approaching the two ladies, "Even all the way out here?"
"Yes," Nila responded fluidly, though both she and her clanhead knew that this was not going to be a fun conversation.
Tsunade stops before them hands on hips, Kiba at her side, Kakashi beside him, "What clan business do you have? Ever since your invitation from…." She trailed off recalling the declaration from the Kyuubi. No. Kurama. Eyes widened, as Tsunade muttered, "You've been with the Kyuubi, right?"
Yakumo sighed, before nodding, "Yes. Lady Kurama has been studying and training our genjutsu skills as to not do her name injustice."
Tsunade looked bewildered for a moment before nodding, "Then, is it working?"
Both Kurama clanswomen shrug casually, Yakumo commented. "Its early days."
Kakashi speaks up, "What has she taught you exactly?"
Yakumo glared at the Jonin, speaking icily, "That is most definitely a clan secret."
He shrugged uncaringly, "It is a valid question. Who knows what the bijuu knowledge might do to us normal people."
"Still," Yakumo cut him off, eyes remained narrowed, "clan secrets."
Kiba stepped forward, smirk on his face, "Come on, Yuku-chan…"
The killing intent that slammed into the Inazuka, cowling him in totality, Yakumo glare was murderous, "Do… not… ever… and I mean ever… call me that again. Am I understood?"
Kiba nodded frantically, bowing his head, as Tsunade chuckled in amusement at the display of feminine fury cowl a full fledge Jonin.
Kakashi was hesistant to speak up but did so anyway, "Still, I think that…"
He froze upon her hazel gaze locked on to his grey eye, Yakumo growled again, "Back off, Hatake."
Tsunade stepped between the two sides, "Enough everyone. Kakashi – stand down. Yakumo, you too."
The hazel haired woman cut the intent off and nodding, folding her arms but had her glare on the Jonin who also took a few steps back. Tsunade sighed before looking to the clan head, smiling softly, "So, you have a connection with Naruto and his family, right?"
"Yes," Yakumo swift, clipped response. Tsunade nods once, "Good. In that case, you may act as a bridge between us both. Are you planning to stay here after we leave?"
Yakumo shook her head, "no. We did not believe that would be allowed, nor accepted by the village. The reason Lady Kurama is pushing us so hard."
Tsunade nodded as she planned out a way to expand on this shaky connection. The village needed this more than anything else. A full on and solid connection between Demon and Leaf much as Suna, Mist, and Kumo have via Naruto's enrolment as a Jonin within their forces. That was not an available to them. He was a banished from their land after all. She should investigate revoking that. If possible, alongside the revoking of his profile from their bingo book.
What will the council do? Probably try and take what they can from this expedition. Once things have been explained, there is no doubt they would try and capitalise on everything they have managed to achieve here. String bridges at best. Nothing concrete.
Though, her eyes land back on the clan head before her, and nodded. Yes. That is what they would do. Though, going about it differently would be best. They are friends so granting them time to reconnect will lead to a more natural progression. Added with the Hyuga and Yamanaka clans, it should secure their position enough to silence the council for now, give her time to secure her other more permanent ideas.
Tsunade finally speaks up, "Right. How about I speak with Lady Shion about getting your clan set up here as our representatives for future negotiations?"
Yakumo was surprised by the prospect of leaving the village, moving her admittedly small clan out here to demon. No doubt, Lady Kurama would be pleased having this many people using her name. Though, what does this give the Leaf. Yakumo voices this concern, "As great as this is, what does the Leaf get out of such an arrangement?"
Tsunade smiled softly, speaking gently, "A step in the right direction. At least, I hope. That will depend on you and your clan."
Yakumo had her reservations, and her glance to Nila showed she too was not totally sold on the seemingly benevolence of the Hokage's decision. She was up to something clearly, and they were her unwilling pawns in the game of international political chess. As a clan head, she should be used to this by now but left a bitter taste in her mouth as she spoke up, "I will suggest it to Lady Kurama."
A/N: Tsunade trying to be sneaky. Shirin and Kushina make a promise to one another. Shion confronts her fellow blondes.
2nd A/N: I have finished the storyline for this story, even going so far to write out the final few paragraphs. It looks like it will be on course for my target. Currently on XVIII right now.
o7