Episode Sixteen
Main Shrine
Naruto looks over the breakfast table at his two little flames, his daughters Miroku and Saki, as they both abruptly froze from their oatmeal, looking up at their father hesitantly. He nods, speaking. "Miroku, Saki, I think it's about time I spoil you both."
They both broke into beaming smiles, the others in the breakfast table looked befuddled at the sudden declaration, though Shion spoke up, "I was wondering when you would do something like this. After all the time you spent with Kushi and Shirin, Shirin more than Kushi, I am not surprised by this."
Naruto grinned, before sipping his coffee and looking back at the two daughters who were barely restraining themselves from bouncing up and down, talking a mile a minute about the awesome day they were going to have with their papa. Samui raised her hand, drawing her Regent's attention as planned, she spoke. "I shall escort you today."
Naruto glanced to Shion, who looked a little concerned at the prospect of her baby girls being within the presence of that particular kunoichi. She as broken from her daze when her hand was grasped, looking back seeing her husband's hand holding hers, his smile full and no words needed to be exchanged. Shion nodded once; fears laid to rest.
Looking back down the table, Naruto catches Omoi's twinkling eyes, grinning hard and sighs before waving the man off, "Fine. Samui will guard us so Omoi can go catch some tail."
Omoi nodded confidently, causing most to gawk at the statement, though the Kumo chunin, discreetly flicking one of his pops across to his boss, who caught it without looking, all cool like. Slipping it atop his ear, Naruto looks to Shizuka who shrugged, "I will take it easy today."
Shion spoke next, "Perhaps I could ask for your help dealing with the political situation?"
Shizuka raised a brow at that, suspecting something else was a miss. After a brief moment of thought she shrugged, "Sure. Why not… it isn't like I can make any big decisions about anything."
"You know that isn't true," Shion says with a slight frown, "I may be the official leader, Naru my stand in, but you are our greatest advisor. I rely on your judgment more than you know."
As she spoke, Naruto nodded along, though did catch the slight shift of unease from Yugito who had been avoiding his gaze for the last minute or two. Maybe he's being paranoid. Naruto's attention was drawn to Karin who was looking at him intensely. Raising a brow, he asks, "What was that?"
Karin adjusted her glasses before speaking, "Is it possible to confer with both you and Shukaku later? Perhaps that toad sage?"
"All of us? For what exactly?"
Honoka spoke up first, "For our project. It seems we might be entering…"
"Jiraiya is off the table," Naruto states firmly, a steel resolve in his voice drawing his fellow Uzumaki's gaze to him. Before Karin could object, Naruto continued, "He is a smart man, no denying that, but it is because of that, paired with his knowledge in fuinjutsu that he cannot catch wind of this."
Karin maintained her stare as she pondered that, but again, Naruto explained, "The second word of any kind of ability that we are seeking gets out, The Foundation will be the least of our worries."
His gaze was sharp, unyielding to reinforce this point firmly and securely within their minds, "Do not speak of it so freely, nor out in the open where unshielded minds can hear. Am I clear?"
Both Uzumaki ladies nod firmly, left with lumps in their throats as Naruto had never spoken so sternly with them. It reminds them that he is, by a technicality a Kage, and National Leader. Karin nodded as firmly as she could. "We understand."
Naruto nodded before looking back to his two little flames, "Alright you two, go change into civilian wear. We'll leave for our day out when you get back."
Miroku and Saki both picked up their cleared dishes, mouths stuffed with the remains of their breakfast, and rush to put them in the sink, before running to their rooms. As they did their father chuckled at their eagerness whilst their mother sighed, rubbing her brow, "Husband-dearest, why not just let them wear their shrine garments?"
Naruto looked to her with a deadpan, "Knowing them, they'd trash them in their excitement for a daddy/daughter day like last time. You even made me wash and repair them, even though it wasnt my fault, remember?"
Shion sighed, nodding as she does recall that fiasco, though Shizuka spoke up, smirking into her tea, "Your needle work is flawless. Perhaps…"
She fell silent upon Naruto's raised brow, as he says, "You know, a birdie told me that a strap on a certain holster needed repairing. I might just find myself busy all of a sudden."
Shizuka looked away, suitably cowled and Naruto nodded, smirking foxily as he stood, "I'll probably take them to the Land of Valley border should I leave town. We'll be back before evening."
"What about…" Karin began but Naruto cut her off, "I'll drop by the Suna consulate on the way out. Ask Shukaku to pop in for a bit. Okay?"
He meets her gaze, and she nods smiling, "Yeah, thanks."
Naruto nods back, waving as he leaves with Samui not too far behind him. The cheer of "Daddy!" Was predictable and many smile and chuckle softly as they heard it.
As Naruto, led his group out of the shrine, he watched his normally reserved girls were wearing clothes almost opposite one another.
Miroku, being slightly taller than her elder sister, had her hair twin braided, a yellow sundress, though had white shorts beneath it. She had a carefree smile on as this was a great day in her book, being able to spend it together with her daddy who is normally super busy.
Saki, on the other hand, adored both her father and older brother, thus was matching their normal off duty attire. Black cargo trousers, grey t-shirt and jacket, that looks like she 'borrowed' from her older brother. She also had her pale blond hair was in a low ponytail, much like Shirin tends to have his in.
Naruto was also in his mercenary attire, combat boots, black Anbu style cargos, grey t-shirt beneath his black leather jacket. He had his odachi sealed away, though he had twin kunai pouches on his thighs, left with standard kunai found anywhere, the right holds his, for a lack of a better term, family's lesser used three-pronged kunai made from the same material as their swords.
Samui was in her Demon Jonin uniform though, so nothing special as her tanto was on her lower back.
Reaching the outer shrine exit, Naruto looks up and yes, it looks like today will be a sunny day, barely any clouds. At the gates, the two Kitsune on guard chirp and Naruto smirks, "Yo, Grippa, Coolie. Things good out here."
The two five tails bark excitedly, earning giggles from the two girls among the gathering. As Coolie, her blue tinted puffy white fur, had pale blue marking on her right side like a tiger, is petted by Samui as they were passing by. She had named her after all.
Naruto led them passed to the outer walls, heading over toward the large flower fields where just beyond lay a growing number of kitsune dens, as a portion of the summons have permanently moved from the kitsune plains to the Land of Demon. It was a request Naruto, Shion, and Kurama had discussed at length before presenting it to the civilian representatives. That discussion was lengthy and thorough, though in the end, the civilian's agreed to their presence.
Walking through the flower field, Samui finally spoke to Naruto, who was watching as Coolie was playing fetch with Saki, she asked, "Regent."
Naruto looked to the Kumo chunin, Samui continued, "I would like to ask you if it was cool for me to apply for the academy position here."
The stare of the senior ranked shinobi was piercing, Naruto really didn't know what to think about Samui these days. It has been years since her transgression against his wife, but the fact that she had struck out against his light was unforgivable. He had trusted her, and she had betrayed him.
They have fought together, sure, a few missions here and there, none were anything specific or memorable. She had his back, he had hers, but she had still raised a hand against his own. She was drunk, sure, but at the same time Utakata had often told Naruto that those times were when people were the most honest. Ay said that too.
With that in mind, he had to ask the million Ryo question. Naruto turned fully to his fellow blonde, his blues meeting hers, "Tell me, Samui. Why did you strike my wife back then? Answer that," his eyes narrowed dangerously, "then I will answer your question."
Samui did not look away. Not immediately at least. She did and let out an uncharacteristic sigh, loud enough to be heard by the general population of civilians. Not that any were around. Finally, she looked back at Naruto, speaking lightly, "I was jealous."
Naruto immediately connected the dots, and inwardly sighed so hard it broke through externally as a heavy breath. Before she could continue, Naruto stopped her with a raised hand, "I love my wives, Samui. That will not change, nor will I ever look another way. Understand?"
She nodded coolly, Samui responded, "I am aware of that, and it is cool. I am cool too, so I've moved on."
Naruto nodded again, looking back at his two children who seemed to be practicing their fox language with Coolie. It took several long few seconds for Naruto to look back at the woman beside him, who had followed his gaze, "You know…"
Samui snapped her gaze back to her fellow blond, Naruto continued, "I can't forgive you for what you did. Nor do I think I ever will."
Most would have missed the cues due to her stoic mask, but Naruto had, as previously mentioned, worked with her for a while so he caught the signs of upset within Samui's frame at his words. He sighed, fighting back his hero complex with competency, Naruto continued, "however, I will make an effort to trust you more than I currently do. I won't shut you out, Samui."
She nodded as he looked away, Naruto could sense Yui's approach, but he did finally respond to her original question, "If Ay approves of Omoi's request, I will not turn you away either."
Samui nodded, bowing her head, "Thank you for your consideration."
Naruto glanced back at her, a hint of jest in his voice, "It's cool."
Again, only due to his experience with her, Naruto caught her smile of amusement at the joke.
The wait was not long, the horse size Yui strolling through the trees just beyond the meadows, leading two other three tailed kitsune, one was a stereotypical red of regular foxes, green eyes of mischief that were common among them. His name, Uoip, and walked with a bounce in his step.
The second had darker fur, black main coat, with grey undercoat, paired with brilliant blue eyes that seemed cool as ice. She had been granted the name of Akeno.
Just as the arrival of the kitsune was acknowledged, the Hyuga arrived upon seeing the Regent in the gardens. Hiashi and his daughters. Miroku and Saki were getting acquainted with their new guardians, Hiashi spoke first, "Regent…"
Naruto immediately waved him off, "Off-duty. Just Naruto today."
All three nodded, as Hiashi continued, "Right. Naruto. What are you up to today?"
"Well," Naruto began gesturing to his two daughters with his head, "it's a daddy-daughter day. I have not spent much time with them in recent times. This is my first step to making it up to them, giving them their fox companions. The whole day with them, is the second. The third is a surprise."
Hiashi smiled softly, matched by his own daughters, inclining his head in approval, "I see. Can we possibly…?"
"Personally, I would rather not…" Naruto said over the man, but he glanced back at him from watching his daughters, "Though, I suppose we aren't doing anything especially private. That being said, I am focusing on their wishes so ask them."
Saki, who had been listening secretly, spoke up, "It's fine daddy. They are like us, right? A daddy and his best daughters."
Naruto face palmed, Samui was clearly amused, though Hiashi offered a soft chuckle. Hinata and Hanabi smiled, the latter beaming and nodding firmly, liking the sound of that.
Back in her room, Kushina suddenly hand the urge to roughly mess up both her little sisters' hairs as her eyebrows twitched in irritation.
Oni no Kuni – Town
The group of Naruto, Samui, their fox guards, Coolie acting for Samui, Miroku and Saki, along with the hyuga walk through the town. The kitsune had shrug down to husky size, and strolling beside their assigned targets.
Though, Saki was swinging off her daddy's hand because were else would she be, right?
Miroku was strolling beside her own familiar, Uoip, ahead of her daddy, still practicing her fox talk so he was responding in kind, with Akeno occasionally responding too, correcting them both. Smarty pants.
Hiashi abruptly spoke up as they approached the town square, "Naruto, what are the plans for today?"
Naruto shrugged casually, responding candidly, "Dunno. It's for my girls to decide. Though, I think we'll make a trip to the border with the Land of Valley, thus the Kitsune presence."
Hiashi raised a brow at that, "Oh? Why does…?"
"It'll cut travel time down for my daughters. We, as shinobi, can travel faster than civilians like themselves," Naruto spoke over the predictable question, before looking over at the Hyuga, "thus, they will be bringing them along for both travel and protection."
Haishi nodded to that, before asking, "Then…"
"As for the Valley," Naruto speaking over him again, "there is a clearing on the border that is just perfect for a day out. I actually took my wife there on our first date," he chuckled at the memory of that night with Shion. Even she had not been and was caught off guard by the beauty of it.
"I see. Sounds great." Hiashi nodded thoughtfully, looking over at his eldest who he knew had been listening whilst interacting with Miroku.
Naruto nodded firmly, glancing to his fellow father, "Yeah, though, first we need to stop over at the Suna Consulate. Clan matters I need to cover with my family there."
Sunagakure Consulate
Gaara appeared in the doorway, pleasantly surprised at the unannounced, unscheduled visit. After the pleasantries, Naruto watched his daughters rush off with Gaara's two kids, Karun and Shinki, their guardians running off.
The adults were guided into the dining room, with tea served and then Gaara speaks up, "So, what brings you here, Naruto?"
"Well, nothing crazy as I am spending the day with Miruko and Saki, but I was asked if Shukaku could visit the shrine as my clanswomen wish to discuss things with him." Naruto responds to which Gaara nods, and has a knowing smirk, "Fuinjutsu problems?"
"Problems…?" Naruto commented with a look of incredulity, before growling lowly, "No, just a new project."
Gaara raised a brow, displaying his curiosity, "Anything I can…?"
Naruto waved him off, "Not as of yet. Later though…"
Gaara nodded, but both jinchurki were surprised by Hiashi's voice, "If I may…?"
Naruto and Gaara look to the man, who had lowered his tea, meeting their gazes dead on, Hiashi continued, "Do you both offer Fuinjutsu services?"
Gaara shakes his head, "Not typically no. Though, we are well informed of the subject. Shukaku is a lead figure in the field and is often seen as its figure head for the Uzumaki. Though, the world looks to the Uzumaki in the same regard."
Hiashi nodded to that, so moved on to the next part, "Is there any way I could employ either Sunagakure or Uzumaki for a commission?"
The two kage level shinobi, glance to one another, a long silent conversation before as one they returned their gazes to Hiashi, Gaara spoke first, "We do not have any reason to accept nor deny your request. We do not have a treaty with Konohagakure though, so we are less inclined to accept."
Hiashi nodded at the previous answer before looking to his host, Naruto spoke next, "As a member of the nation's leadership, I too am not able to accept that request as we are remaining neutral with Konohagakure, and the Land of Fire as a whole, as stated by our leader."
A heavy sigh from Hiashi, nodding his understanding. Naruto spoke up, "However," this perked up all the Hyuga, the husband of the nation's leader continued, "as the head of the Uzumaki clan, I can offer basic advice and services for supplies of Fuinjutsu."
Hiashi nodded with a tight breath, Hinata smiled along with Hanabi, as their father replied, "Then, is it possible for a similar bloodline seal that you have on your children?"
Gaara raised a brow as he swallowed his beverage, before replying, "Our bloodline seal is for our clans and family's safety, linked to our extended eternal family members. It is not something we can hand out…"
He was interrupted by a new arrival, his elder sister, who squeaked. "Naruto!"
All eyes look to the door, Temari standing there in casual home attire, a t-shirt, short shorts beneath silk robes. It took a moment for the woman to notice the other people present and grew ever redder in the cheeks. Naruto cleared his throat, all eyes falling on him, "Mari, I think you should probably get dressed appropriately for guests."
She vanished in a body-flicker, wind of it felt across the room and the sudden lack of air pressure forced the door shut.
Naruto chuckled as Gaara raised a brow at that display, though noted how the hyuga ladies held a modicum of smirk, especially Hinata. It did not take long for Gaara to put the pieces together. It seems his sister has lost a few points as a threat in the no doubt hidden race for his brother's heart. His brother no doubt isn't even aware of this fact so he himself must act.
With narrowed eyes, Gaara looked at Hinata then Hanabi, both ladies feeling his gaze and returned it, "Is something the matter? Perhaps, you require refills or perhaps a few slices of pie?"
Naruto raised a brow at that. He knew that Gaara knew they were not staying long enough to require food and snacks. Perhaps that was code for something. As he thought on that, it seemed both Hinata and Hanabi got the underlying message, as did Hiashi who perfectly pulled off the uninformed tactic, sipping tea calmly.
Naruto cleared his throat, "Well, as I was saying before that interruption, as only neutral parties, at least at current, we can offer only basic services. Explosive notes of various types, privacy seals, and sealing scrolls, only up to grade three though. Not much reason for the cost required to buy and ship them back to you in Fire Country."
Hiashi pondered that. What he was saying was currently true, however with the trade station they will acquire might be more feasible economically. Depends on his meeting with. That reminds him, Hiashi asks, "What of our trade station? The request to build it…"
Naruto blinked at that, before recalling they had spoke on that but did not come to a definite conclusion, speaking distractedly, "Ah, right. Local taxes plus ten percent, you said?"
Hiashi nodded, confirming that though Gaara smirked into his drink. Suna had a discount on taxes and brought in bulk from Demon top of the line Seals and medical supplies. It helps being considered a brother to the leader. Though, that brought a new idea. A new tie to link the two nations. His brother will hate it, but his sister's path will be set. Gaara will ask for forgiveness later, first he will need to speak to Shion.
"In that case," Naruto spoke, drawing eyes to him as he continued, "you should speak with my wife for a more comprehensive look at locations available for purchase or leased. I could do it, but her information is far more up to date and comprehensive. You'd get a better idea about the situation with her."
Hiashi nodded firmly, "When is she available?"
"Seeing as I have already cleared it," Naruto spoke up, matching Hiashi's gaze directly, "you will have a much better time, and deals, with her. That I know."
He then stood up, looking to his brother in all things, Naruto says, "Now then, I will be going now. I got a mission today to be the best dad in the world."
Gaara chuckled, shaking his head in amusement but remained silent.
Just outside the diplomatic compound, Naruto led his two daughters and their kitsune's out into the yard the hyuga stepping out behind him though their intention had changed. Naruto turned to Hiashi and stated, "I am sure you'll find that my wife is an understanding person, but do not let her gentle aura fool you. She is just as stubborn as any Uzumaki."
Hiashi nodded firmly, "She is a powerful woman. I do not doubt her resolve."
Naruto smirked at that, agreeing whole heartedly with that statement. "Considering she can stare down both my warrior queen and the Kyuubi no Yoko…" he trailed off to let that sink in and watched as Hiashi swallow hard. A daunting task now lay ahead him.
"Umm," Hinata began drawing both men's attention, and she suddenly hugged Naruto gently and rather intimately, pressing her sizeable figure against his frame with a heart stopping smile, and despite the flush to her cheeks, she spoke characteristic softly. "Thank you for helping us, Naruto-kun."
Naruto was rigid and blank face. He was more than a little annoyed at this very clear sign of advancement from the heiress. He thought this was dealt with already. What the hell is she thinking. Speaking up with a chilly tone, voice flat, Naruto spoke, "Hinata-san. Can you please let go of me?"
Hinata did so, stepping back somewhat reluctantly, but supported her blush to maintain her innocence with that action. "Sorry, I was just so happy that…"
"Hinata-san…" Naruto cut her off, eyes narrowed, and she froze. "I may have been an idiot back in the Leaf, however that is no longer the case. Am I clear?"
Hinata nodded, fingers fiddling with one another bowing her head, "Sorry."
Naruto shuddered when Hanabi's hand landed on his arm, a seemingly innocent gesture, but he suspected it was anything but innocent as its calculated application was far too perfect. Hanabi spoke. "I do not believe my sister meant anything by that gesture, Naruto-san. Please…"
"Naruto!" A new voice drew everyone's attention, Naruto swiftly moving a safe distance from the Hyuga, before looking over to see a properly dressed Temari, who had seen the whole thing, and couldn't just let this slide so acted. She spoke, "Are you free right now?"
Yet before the blonde male could answer, his two flames acted. Saki appeared between daddy and the strange brown-haired lady, taking his hand. Miroku, moving in-sync with her twin sister, took up his other hand, and responded to her auntie, "Lord Daddy is taking care of us today, auntie Temari."
Temari nodded at the chibi, smiling firmly, looking at Naruto, "Then, I will accompany you as no doubt he has no sense in where to go right?"
The two girls smiled at that, Miroku speaking up with a shake of her head, "Yeah, daddy thinks that his hiking is fun for everyone."
Naruto looked betrayed at that, she said she enjoyed it. Temari chuckled at Naruto's expression as she approached, speaking up, "Oh come now, Naru. You know she didn't mean it like that…"
Naruto sighed and nodded, "Yeah, I get that. Though, I guess I should stop the piggyback rides then…" his Uzumaki grin came out at the end and his two flames look horrified at that prospect and turned the absolutely dreaded, feared by all, young and old, damn right unfair and should be illegal, kitsune enhanced, daughter-daddy variant of the puppy eye jutsu on their father.
Naruto saw this coming and had prepped his defences with his kage level defence, bolstered by kitsune leader role and further enhanced with the Regent title. He left out the father and husband defences as they would be detrimental to his stand against the criminal cute regime.
The battle was fierce and unyielding, but Saki and Miroku pulled out one of their ultimate trump cards. They sniffled with tears.
Naruto's defences cracked in totality, shattering under the cuteness of his two flames that was undeniable and unyielding, so he sighed, muttering about cheeky daughters, "Fine. Let's just go already."
Both daughters beamed up at him, dragging him out of the compound only to find the Leaf team there earning a groan from the older blond, Temari bringing up the rear, the Hyuga behind her.
Naruto, still clasping his daughters firmly, broke the silence, voice exasperated, "Can we help you, Hidden Leaf?"
Tsunade looked over the group before her, all were in civilian attire that suggested that they were operating in an unofficial capacity but was still hesitant in her response, "Naruto, I was just curious as to what brought you here to speak with the Suna delegation with the Hyuga?"
"Family business," Naruto responded calmly, a forced politeness that the adults caught but his little daughters did not. They began to tug on his hands, drawing his attention briefly, and he sighed. Looking back to the hokage, he spoke. "I am sorry, but I am busy right now, so if you have any business, you have to take it up with Lady Shion. I am currently indisposed."
Tsunade nodded at that, smothering the smirk as it as clear that his two daughters were trying to drag him away, clearly impatient with the adult talk, "I see. Then, we shall head there immediately…"
"Yo, Naruto-boy!" A new voice, all eyes looking back at the building to see the grandpa of Sunagakure, Shukaku stepping out and clearing the Hyuga group, smirking hard, "Heard you have a problem that needed a master's input!"
The Leaf shinobi were wondering who this guy was, recognising him from the party, but not knowing he was a member of the Suna forces. Naruto growled hard, glaring at the chubby man, speaking lowly, "New project, ya ol' coot. Just wanted your opinion. Nothing more, and it was Karin who asked, not me. So, get your facts right before grinning that fool-like grin."
Shukaku cackled as he turned towards the road, bellowing far and wide earning a tick mark from the Uzumaki of the group, who muttered lowly, "Stupid Tanuki and his prideful arrogance."
Temari placed a comforting hand on his shoulder, drawing Naruto's attention to her soft smile, "Come on, there's a cute little shop not to far from here the girls will love."
Both girls perk up, hearing their auntie's words, forcing Naruto to sigh again, muttering, "Fine, lead on."
As he turned to leave, Tsunade asked, "Naruto…?"
"I'm off duty…" Naruto waved her off, not even turning to face her as he led his two flames, the Suna princess, and his foxes down the road.
Tsunade sighs, glancing back to see a frowning Hana, but notices Hiashi immediately walking off, she spoke to him, "Hiashi," drawing the man's attention, his head inclination allowed her to continue, "Where are you…?"
"We are going to meet with Lady Uzumaki to discuss our relationship going forward." Hiashi spoke diplomatically, offering nothing but his face of indifference.
Tsunade nodded once, glancing back at Hana, Ino, and Sakura, the three who had come with her, before looking at Hiashi, speaking firmly, "We shall accompany you to the shrine."
Shrine Office
With the Tea, Smoke, and Wood delegations dealt with, Shion slumps back into her seat, thankful that her husband had finished all the leg work for these deals and all she needed to do was give them a once over before signing. He had already briefed her on them after all.
Shizuka finished filing the paperwork, and looked back at her, "You know, the council should just give Naru the titles and…"
"He isn't of the shrine," Shion speaks, cutting off her sister wife, a lazy gaze falling on the brunette, a tied smile on her face, "That is why he is only a 'Regent' in stead of Daimyo of Demon. The elders insisted on this as a compromise for getting our wedding approved."
Shizuka frowned at that, arms crossed, "What if you didn't…?"
"Well," Shion spoke airily, trying to recall what the alternative was. She did not even consider it back then, as her mind and heart were solely focused on marrying her now husband before he and Shizuka left for the four corners of the world, or back to Nadishiko most likely as they had young toddlers at the time. "I think they'd just want me to have his child then force him out to never see one another again."
"Damn," Shizuka sighs at the thought of raising their babies back in Nadishiko, it would have been a bit of a mess. Maybe a bit more than a mess, as that stupid queen and the senior council would have forced her husband to become a civilian house husband, and son would have taken up a civilian trade. Likely in a local forge or something.
She would likely also be forced to allow others access to her husband, and the elders would insist on it or risk his exile, along with their son. No. The current outcomes were far more positive than that alternative. Shizuka nodded, "That is good. This is fine. Allowing you to marry him was something I was rather hesitant about…"
Shion smiled, a saintly light chuckle drew Shizuka's eyes, "I remember your adamant refusal. Your love for him was greater than anyone else in history. Just like now, in every movement his love for you is evident."
"You have not been left aside," Shizuka commented. Shion nodded with a beautiful smile, speaking softly. "I know. Our goofball is never shy about that. It still gets my stomach fluttering every time he does something boastful and loudly declaring things like that."
Shizuka smirks, leaning against the filing cabinet, "Oh, yes. It is rather amusing these days, watching you get all flustered, Shi-shi."
Shion pouts, glaring at her fellow wife that lacked any heat earning a soft chuckle from the nadishiko kunoichi, the priestess muttered. "Really, Zu-hime?"
Shizuka glared back at the priestess, growling lowly, "That was agreed never to be uttered again."
"Naru did," Shion confirmed with an elegant nod, breaking into a smirk, "I did not."
Shizuka growled lowly, muttering under her breath by her sister wife, "why did I allow this again…?"
Shion giggled at that, causing the nadishiko to sigh at it, unable to be angry at her best friend, sister, and fellow wife, Shizuka speaking up, "Well, I am glad its only you I must share him with. As he often says, you have kept us together and insure we are fine."
The preistess suddenly grew nervous at that, which was naturally caught by the trained assassin, who narrowed her eyes on the blonde. Shizuka asks slowly, "What did you do?"
Yet before Shion answered, the door was knocked upon, Sato's muffled voice came through. "Lady Shion, Lady Shizuka; Land of Fire, the hidden leaf, and the Hyuga are here to see you."
Both ladies look to one another, realising this was going to be a pain in the ass no doubt. Shion sighs, responding, "Let them in…"
Tsunade followed Hiashi into the primary office with her trio of kunoichi in her shadow. Shion raised a brow at the group, but did not say anything about it. Shizuka was there too, taking the second seat, and folded her legs, arms crossed, as the leaf group followed suit.
After a brief silence and all had taken seats around the room, Shion asked the group, "How may I help you, Hiashi-san, Tsunade-san?"
Hiashi spoke first, clearing his throat, "Yes, well, you see, the Regent informed me earlier that you are the one I must talk with regarding building a clan compound here. Also, we can talk about finding a premises for a trading outpost."
Shion had been nodding along with the Hyuga. A new situation that her husband has dumped on her, huh. Well, this is her domain technically. So as much as she wants to put him on the sofa, that would not be very nice.
Shizuka's voice cut the priestess from her thoughts. "As for you, Lady Hokage? Why are you here? I thought you had already finished your business."
Tsunade nodded, before offering a soft smile, speaking up, "Yes, well, something new came up and is in the same area of expertise as Lord Hyuga. I wanted to ask for permission to build a Leaf Consulate or Embassy building to purchase to further increase our relationship building. I wanted to ask if it was also possible to have the Kurama clan man a compound here to enhance our ability to do business."
Shion had maintained her diplomatic smile, but in her mind, she was moaning about the situation being dumped on her. It was evident that the hokage was up to something, she saw the brief sparkle in her eyes when she mentioned the Kurama clan. It was not exactly a secret that the kyuubi had been training them.
She was likely trying to create a bridge using the Kurama clan's leader as a. It clicked. Shion looked to the other five women that came in after the two leaders. Hana and Hinata have both shown interest in Naruto. She did dismiss Sakura outright. Ino has shown interest but nothing beyond friendship and Naruto had straight up threatened her to behave. No issue. Hanabi is an unknown, but Shion would not put it past her.
Looking to her fellow wife, Shion's amethyst eyes meet Shizuka's emerald, and both shared a silent conversation. When they both sighed, looking back to the group before them, with Shizuka taking the ball as this required, a more forceful touch. "Let's cut through the posturing. Shall we…?"
More than a few were surprised at that statement. Tsunade was nervous but hid it professionally. Hinata felt the lump in her throat grow. Hana tensed involuntarily.
Ino grinned, not having seen the normally calm and collected Shizuka get this worked up. Though, it was rather obvious that the two wives had noticed the underneath agendas of both parties. Being straightforward and upfront was the only way to deal with Naruto without his wives intercepting you.
She didn't feel the need to point that out though.
After both Hiashi and Tsunade nodded, Shizuka continued rather harshly, glare murderous. "Naruto is our husband and not available for your considerations."
Tsunade let nothing be seen upon her face but inwardly was annoyed that her ploy had been seen through. With the Kurama here, she had hoped that Naruto and Yakumo would grow closer and possibly become more than just friends as it was clear that Yakumo had feelings for the blond.
Hiashi was not surprised they had figured things out but was prepared for this and had a counterattack on his tongue, putting voice to it, he spoke up. "I am aware of that, Lady Shizuka. We only wish to be partners in the local market as it is clear that Oni no Kuni is a trade hub for this continent with connections to all…"
Shion shakes her head, correcting the man, "We both know that is not exactly true, Hiashi-san. If that was your intention and let us assume that you wish to be in our land, then you should be looking at Londina Port. Not here in our capital."
Shizuka nodded with her sister, continuing, "So it is rather obvious that you are both seeking to get back in our husband's good graces and eventually his life. This concern of ours is why we have taken your cases off his shoulders, and we are handling this matter ourselves."
Hiashi nodded at that logic, nothing more to be said on the subject as it was true even if things had changed slightly. Their goals are still unchanged.
Hana, recalling the words of advice from Yakumo, hopes that Naruto's wives will respond to the same tactic as she used with him, "If I may…?"
Both Shizuka and Shion look to the Inazuka clan heiress, Hana continued upon seeing Shion nod, "Yes. My mother's intention was to make a connection between our clan and Naruto's as he is a hero in our former homeland, the Land of Fang. I admit, upon hearing the story, Kelsi and I are both romantically interested in him; however, I have another goal now too."
Shizuka raised a brow at the straightforwardness of this woman, but asks anyway. "Which is what exactly?"
"Greater connection with our own canine parteners," Hana informed and the others could tell she meant that. Shizuka too nodded, understanding that as she has worked closely with the kitsune too. Hana continued, "It was informative that we, as a clan that specialised in fighting with animal partners for generations, had only scratched the surface of what was truly possible."
Shizuka replied firmly, "Then, you want to learn from us how to deepen your connections using the kitsune as training partners?"
Hana nodded firmly, "We are. My triplets learned quite a bit about pack tactics and coordination on a larger scale from them during their first training session. I wish to expand on this partnership and open discussions going forward. Though, I will admit that my mother and clan elders will push for a more formal connection with either Kelsi, or myself as a marriage candidate."
Shizuka sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose muttering silently at this pain in the ass situation. She only accepted Shion in the beginning as her husband had asked her, and the woman herself had not attempted anything before asking her for permission before hand. It was uncomfortable for her in the beginning but thankfully her Naruto had showed that he had more than enough love for them both, many, many times over.
Shion let out a tired sigh, knowing what was likely going through her sister wife's mind right now. Their husband is a great man, a kind soul, and incredibly strong in mind, body, and spirit. Paired with his gentleness and caring attitude, doubly so when in the presence of children, it was no wonder so many kunoichi had their sights on him. He was that complete package they had all dreamed of at one point or another.
They could not just allow one, or the others would likely come out of the woodwork with their own proposals. If they allowed the leaf group then the Sand would demand he take Temari, Kumo would demand Yugito to be wed, and Mist would more than likely demand Relai, Naruto's Yuki ex-girlfriend, to be taken as a wife too, if they haven't already. Shion would not be surprised if the Stone would do the same thing too out of fear of being left behind. She blinked at that.
That would bring world peace.
In a sense, yes, her husband would be the pillar to usher in a new era of peaceful coexistence of the big five shinobi nations. The problem? She didn't want to. Selfish? Sure, but Shion had just gotten him back a month ago after a year apart. The other problem was Shizuka would be absolutely furious at the arrangement. Her husband, in response, to his wife's anger, would deny on principle alone. His stubbornness is the stuff of legends.
Shion was rubbing her temples at this headache inducing situation, allowing Shizuka to continue tightly, voice clipped, "I see. Anything else?"
Hinata raised her hand to speak, but Shizuka raised her own to stop her, voice still cold, "Yes, Hyuga-san. I already am more than aware of your intentions. My daughter pointed it out to me at first, my husband informed me of the history, and your display at the banquet was rather telling."
Hinata's cheeks heated up as she nodded, lowered her hand, and step back. Hanabi maintained her innocence mask of indifference, but Shizuka knew she was the true threat of wives everywhere and caught the slightest hint of a red hue to her pale cheeks. She was not fooled in the slightest.
Sakura raised her hand in the back, drawing both Uzumaki women eyes to her with both raising a single brow at the pinkette, which urged her to speak, "Well, umm, you see…"
She was cut off by the dark-haired beauty known as Shizuka Uzumaki, wife of Naruto Uzumaki, and currently really annoyed at these conniving people before her, "Sakura Haruno, right?"
Upon Sakura's nod, Shizuka continued, "I am personally more familiar with you than anyone else in this room. After all, I had been the one to undo all the mental programming you inflicted on my husband throughout your tenure as teammates, and as classmates."
The leaf team widened their eyes at that, except the hyuga who remained detached, though Hinata did give Sakura a dark glare that told of her displeasure of that fact. Ino put two and two together and realised what exactly the woman was talking about and can't believe things were that bad and she, a Yamanaka, had missed it.
Everything made a crazy amount of sense the more pieces she put together. Even more now, having been stuck in Naruto's head for close to a month, and seeing all that damage piled up and suppressed beneath his now stable mindset. Ino too found herself glaring at her best friend, for using physical force against her teammate to such a degree that his mind had been programmed in such a way. Though, a small part also accused herself of being as bad.
Sakura felt the shame and guilt from those words only double when the glares from Ino and Hinata landed on her. She knew she messed up badly. Okay. Big understatement. She had lost sleep over the fact that the only person outside of her family and Ino, who genuinely cared for her in any way, shape or form, she had abused from the get-go.
Shizuka's voice drew everyone's attention back to her, noticing the glares of the Hyuga, Yamanaka, and surprisingly the Inazuka, speaking up. "Due to that, I highly recommend that you do not approach this family in such a manner, or I will personally take your head. Am I clear?"
Sakura nodded softly, but still spoke, "I understand that. I know I have no leg to stand on here, however I just wanted to properly express my feelings and regret about…"
"Didn't he say to think on things and give him an answer before you left?" Hana interjected, having been within earshot of the group during the informal meeting a few nights ago.
Sakura nodded, confirming that, "He did. I have been contemplating everything and wanted to ask him about it, which is why I came here."
"Doesn't change a thing, Haruno-san," Shizuka spoke bitterly, eyes narrowed on the pink haired woman, "you have by far caused the most trauma on my husband than anyone else. That Jonin Hatake is second, followed by the rest of the Leaf village."
That reveal was a gut punch for them all, even Tsunade or Hiashi were not ready for that truth to be revealed. Shizuka continued to vent, not caring about these people, "More than a few people have offered to handle your village over the years. Ay being rather outspoken about his desire to see that place reduced to ash and smoke. My father-in-law talked him down out of duty. My mother-in-law was all for it though…"
Shion sighed, recalling their mother-in-law's rather vibrant reaction to the story her son had shown her of his upbringing, or lack thereof, and untimely exile from the village of his birth.
Tsunade and Hiashi had paled together at the thought of Kushina's rage aimed at the village and the fact that Minato had only talked Kumo out of it as an act of duty. Not because he felt otherwise.
Shizuka continued on, unaware of the other's thoughts, "however, thanks to both mine and Shion's efforts, we have guided all away from that notion as a last favour to our father-in-law."
Hana raised her hand, and asked, "I am sorry, but may I ask who exactly your father-in-law is?"
Shion and Shizuka raised their brows in unison at that, unbelieving that anyone from the leaf had come here without knowing that piece of information. Looking to the Hokage, who now looked embarrassed at realising that it was not common knowledge among her forces, Tsunade turns back and answered that question, "Umm, Hana, your mother should have told you that. Seeing as she hadn't, Naruto's parents are Kushina Uzumaki, the Whirlpool princess, Red Death of the Leaf, and Minato Namikaze, the fourth hokage, and yellow flash of the leaf."
Hana paled at that; how did she miss that information? How could her mother neglect to tell her that? That Naruto Uzumaki was the yondime's son. Now that she pictured them side by side, she can see it. The resemblance.
Ino spoke next, looking at her fellow heiress, "It was mentioned by Naruto at the informal event. Did you not hear it?"
Hana shook her head, "No. I was, umm, talking with Lady Seiken after the Land of Fang story."
Shizuka smirked at that, Shion sighed trying to mask her grin, before standing up and moving around the desk. All watched as the priestess moved to the side of the office, and pulled off the dust cover off the painting on the wall, revealing a family portrait of the Uzumaki-Namikaze houses. It was one of many, painted by local artisans that had the grandparents on both sides added artificially with the kids as their seven-year-old selves.
Naruto stood in the back with Minato, both with the soft smiles the Namikaze were known for, Shirin was standing between them dead centre of the whole portrait, matching their formal attire.
Shion and Shizuka sat on the ornate royal purple felt couch, Miroku, Shion's mother, sat at her side with Miroku her daughter at her feet, Saki at her mother's feet, all wearing their respective shrine garments. Shizuka sat beside redheaded Kushina, her daughter Kushina at their feet with matching Uzumaki grins, all in formal wear.
It was a wonderful sight that never came to pass but only in the minds of those that lived.
The guests all looked upon it with mixed emotions.
Oni no Kuni – Town
Over the last few hours, Naruto had been dragged along in what he can only describe as hell. His fellow blondes must have gone through every single shop in town, shopping, eating, and drinking every damn thing in sight. Sure, he was loaded, and this didn't even register on his balance sheet, but he wanted to spend time relaxing with his two flames yet instead, he was getting dragged into a shopping spree on his dime no less.
He did not complain however, as it was clear that both Saki and Miroku were having a blast being normal girls and not priestesses in training. Temari and, by a lesser extent, Samui were ensuring that they did so. That being as it may, the chaos of having the truly important duo to the countries future out in the town, and not in the shrine had other effects on their surroundings.
The people of the country all knew of the two, naturally, as they will be taking the crown from their mother upon their coming of age and thus wanted to catch a glimpse of their future rulers or at least become acquainted with them.
This was a double-edged sword. On one end, whenever an outsider asked about them, it was immediately flagged as suspicious behaviour, and they were immediately apprehended by the civilians until a shinobi or samurai patrol arrived. This ensured their safety.
The other side of that, was their celebrity status in countrywide circles. Everything from what they were wearing, to their favourite dishes was recorded by all and noted down. Many shops had their menus based around this but as children, that changed on a semi-frequent basis which caused more than a few headaches for him in the shipping manifests that passed by his desk.
Right now, though, it was manifesting itself as a gathering crowd all trying to get close. A crowd Naruto, with pop in mouth, only had to glance at for them to hold back from closing in, the threat clearly received by the subtle gesture. Thus, he was keeping the fans at bay whilst Temari and Samui, who should be doing this by the way, were showing his girls a set of dresses. That's like the twelfth one in the last hour. How many do they need exactly?
Naruto's regular glance at the crowd, who backed up out of respect for their lives and the Regent of their nation's strength and benevolence, was interrupted by a gentle bonk from Temari. Looking to her, she smirked and pointed to the two little girls, who were posing in their new dresses. White base with flower patterns, desert lilies, tulips, and daisies by the looks of it.
Plastering a gentle smile, added fatherly pride, Naruto nodded at his two flames, "Very nice girls. Though, I think you should try one without the flower print."
Both girls nodded frantically, moving off to find one. Temari play scowled, Samui smirked, having called it, with the wind mistress speaking up, "Got a problem with flowers, huh?"
Naruto smirked and shook his head, "Nah, not flowers, per say, but rather your attempt to influence them towards your ever so favourite Desert Lilies."
Temari glared at him, arms beneath her bust, replying hotly, "Oh? Is something wrong with that?"
"In of itself, no," Naruto admitted, earning a brow raised from the desert princess. Naruto continued to explain, "Just that, your love for the flower of the arid region is well known, and Kushina already has a patch of them in the greenhouses. If Saki and Miru asked for one too, the three will squabble with one another for hours on end."
Temari's glare dropped, and she sighed, nodding as she could tell there was truth to that, mumbling, "I didn't think of that."
"No, you didn't," Naruto confirmed with a nod, glancing back at the crowded streets, the people going rigid under his frigid gaze. He continued, "Besides, Saki is a tomboy and prefers wearing clothes that are similar to her brother and myself, so dresses aren't really her thing. Miroku likes things that make her look more mature. Sundresses are high on her list, but nothing beats kimonos like her mother's ones so ultimately formality will always win out with her."
His two girls rushed and hugged him after that speech, knowing how much their daddy loved and looked after them, even though he is always super busy. They didn't say anything as Naruto just hugged them back the best he could.
Temari smiled softly at that, wishing her own dad had paid even half the attention Naruto seemed to do with his daughters. Her life might have turned out far differently then it has. As a daughter of a Kage, it was likely she'd be used in a political marriage of some kind to secure a long-term treaty of similar importance. Probably to the Leaf.
She blinked at that. Naruto too is a kage's son. If things had turned out differently, his parent's survival, the Kyuubi attack, and the chunin exams. An image of their respective parent's introducing them to one another came to Temari's mind.
Among the multiverse, upon a website that hosted the stories collected from it, one Temari Namikaze, wife of Naruto Namikaze, son of Minato Namikaze, current hokage of the leaf, stood before her eldest daughter with a hotty grin. She had her hands resting on battle fan that stood on its end, and still reached her toned stomach despite having her two children.
Her daughter, a near carbon copy of her with brighter hair and her grandmothers eyes, had a smaller version and looked a little unsettled at the expression her mother had.
That changed however when said mother suddenly sneezed, very hard, the wind blast large enough that the nearby tree's lost leaves to the rushing gust and caught the attention of the girls father who came out into the garden training ground, "Mari, you okay?"
Temari looked back at the whiskered blond, and nodded once, "Yeah, fine. Just felt like somewhere out there someone was wishing they had met the way we did, arranged married as kids of kages, fell in love, got married for real, and had amazing kids."
Naruto stepped out onto the grassy two acre field, his open green jonin flak coming into view, quirking a brow, "Oddly specific of you."
Temari shrugged, "Well, political marriages like ours rarely end as well as ours do, so i guess its understandable."
Naruto thought on it before nodding, "That I can agree on. Even moreso when talking about your dad's attitude."
Temari snorted as their daughter spoke up, "But, Papa, Rasa-jiji is like super nice."
The girls parents both look at her deadpan, Naruto responding, "Yes princess, only after your uncle Kankuro took the Kage seat from him, and Uncle Gaara took over the clan from him."
He then looked at his wife, "Speaking of which, why is he staying here again? Surely he'd be more comfortable living with Gaara at the Sabaku estate back in the Sand."
Temari sighed hard, rubbing her brow in frustration, "It's ever since Kiro showed skill in the magnet release so heavily, he wanted to personally train the next prodigy of the clan."
Naruto sighed at that, shaking his head, "Fine, but don't expect me to roll out the welcome wagons."
"Speaking of..." Temari recalling something else, looking dead in her husbands eyes, "Why is your mother constantly around trying to teach my baby girl sealing techniques and swordsmanship? Huh?"
Naruto raised his hands defensively, "I am with you on this! I keep telling her to go home and that Menma, Naomi or Mito need her help and not us. It's frustrating that she by-pass all my security seals with such frequency that its so. Grah. For the love of the log..."
"Menma? Why would he need her help...?" Temari asked with a bewildered expression. Naruto sighed, moving closer to whisper on her ear. "Seems that Hinata caught him being a bit too nosy. Reset his progress back to square one."
Temari winced, easily picturing the second Namikaze heir being jukened into the next decade for that stunt. She whispered back, "Is she still after you then?"
Naruto grimaced but nodded. "It's driving Tou-san and Hiashi-san up the wall."
Temari peaked his cheek, before pulling back with a grin, "No doubt. I better get back to our princess before your mother tries to intervene again."
"Naruto!" A very familar yell from the front gate causing the two adults to sigh hard, with Naruto muttering, "You just had to jinx it."
Temari sweat dropped, "Just go tell your mother that we aren't here or somthing."
Naruto snorted, knowing that would never work, "Yeah, Yeah, I'll figure out something."
Naruto's voice brought Temari back to the room and current universe, as he asked. "Is that everything?"
Saki nodded, Miroku answered, "Yes, daddy."
Naruto nodded, as he looked to Samui, who had retrieved the brought dresses and approached the family. He continued, "Then, let's go have a picnic somewhere special."
All the women look to him confused as he grinned foxily, leading them out of the shop. Yui, Coolie, Uoip and Akeno taking up a box formation around the shinobi group as they head southward towards the town exit.
As they reach the southern gate, they are met by a squad of four shadow clones, that hand the original their scrolls who takes them and seals them in his wrist before they all pop away. A moment later, another shadow clone popped into existence, and both Narutos' turn to his two daughters, "Now then, who wants a piggyback?"
Both little girl's arms shot up so fast, Naruto swore the sound barrier shattered but broke into a beaming smile.
Hopping through the trees of the countryside at mid-chunin speeds, Miruko and Saki were screaming in joy at the speed they were going at. On occasion their daddy did a flip or something which was totally awesome if you asked their clearly unbiased opinion.
Naruto originally was going low-Jonin speed, but Temari reprimanded him and threatened to tell Shion, and the younger foxes were not fast enough to hold that speed for long. Thus, mid-chunin speed.
Samui was thinking about how much fun she had with the two children. She too had overheard the discussion about their likes and personalities Naruto had with Temari. She never thought much on parental figures having not met her own or not having memories of them at least. She had her brother, Atsui, and that was enough of a headache to deal with.
That being said, as she hopped alongside the group, fulfilling her role as guard for the off duty Regent, Samui's mind returned to the only time he had been ready to strike out against her in anger. A red-hot anger, his eyes a vivid orange tinted scarlet, his black sword coated in gale force winds and killing intent oozing off his entire being.
Yugito standing between them was the only thing that saved her, her intent barely shielding them both, her chakra pressure barely holding his back as even their bijuu's looked ready to duke it out.
Too this day, she has nightmares of it.
The face of absolute loathing he had for her in that moment is what sobered her up to the realisation on what she had done. It was a rare moment of truth for her as she had allowed her feelings to surface at the time, and she was overcome with her jealousy of Shion and Shizuka for finding quite possibly the perfect man who did not oogle her but treated her as an equal and respected the strength she held.
True, Naruto is heads and shoulders stronger than her. Samui is under no illusions about that fact. Even if she was vain enough to admit it, her body is the stuff of envy of many in Kumo, Lightning, and most of the elemental nations. There has been no little number of proposals, arranged marriage requests, and general courting sent her way over the years of service. From civilians to her fellow shinobi, all the way up to daimyos and Lords of lands for her hand in marriage.
The problem? They all only wanted one thing, and she has plenty of practice in seeing through their phoney smiles, and empty promises to the point she could feel their desires hidden beneath their masks of respect and dignity. It sickened her.
There are only a few who have no intent emanating from them. The Raikage Ay, Bee-sensei, Omoi, Darui, Cee, her brother Atsui, obviously, and Naruto. Even if hidden well, the swordsmen of the mist Chojuro had it. Gaara no Sabaku, the Kazekage, it was low and barely registering, no doubt because of his wife. His brother goes without saying.
The leaf group is also a big no. During their limited time together at the festival, the toad sage made no effort to hide his intent. Per the course if his reputation was anything to go by. Hatake caught her eye, his intent was there but far more controlled. The dog boy was shamelessly ogling all of them. A mutt in heat. He was so lucky that Naruto didn't catch it. He would have been neutered.
That Nara gave her a full once over, seemingly studying her so was unsure what his intentions were, so won't judge him just yet. The only tolerable one was that Hyuga but he was way too old for her, considering his eldest daughter was only a year younger than herself.
Leading herself in a full circle. Naruto only gets that angry in defence of his precious people. She's known that from their first meeting when he escorted Yugito back to the village after the ambush. Even then, when he wasn't married to Shizuka, he only treated her fairly and did not ogle her immediately. Just a warm smile and a firm handshake.
Their first spar, he gave her that cheeky smirk that spoke of confidence in his abilities, the sparkle in his eyes as they clashed swords, told of his joy in the fight, his unrelenting determination flowed through their strikes at one another filled even her with the strength of self to push herself. For the first time in a long time, she desired to be at a man's side.
News of the wedding wasn't a shock for Samui. Shizuka had told her at their first meeting, away from Naruto's hearing, that she had designs on him so to back off. But that didn't mean she liked the idea of loosing. That notice though made it clear. She lost.
What truly angered Samui though was the fact that, despite the earlier talk, Shizuka had allowed Shion into the marriage. What made Shion fine, but her not so? That question is why Samui had lashed out at the gentle priestess in a moment of emotional weakness, and the reason why she both loved and feared Naruto Uzumaki.
Shrine Office
Tsunade was the first to break from her daze on the portraits reveal, speaking softly, "It's a lovely sight…"
Shion nodded with a mournful smile, "Yeah. A glimpse of what could have been."
Hinata was smiling too, "Naruto-kun looks so peaceful and happy."
Ino spoke next, seeing Naruto in this new light, "Yeah he does. His mother is beautiful too. I see where his daughter gets it from. Even if she gets her eyes from you, Shizuka-chan."
"Kushina was a great woman who taught me a lot despite our brief time together," Shizuka admitted, also looking upon the family portrait, but she was only seeing the past and that one month she had with the woman. A soft smile gracing her features in remembrance of it, having a mother helping take care of everything and teaching her how to be one herself. "I treasured every waking moment we had together. Truly, I felt blessed to have known her."
"She was like that," Tsunade says in a whisper, "she always came off as brash, rude, and hot headed. She cared though. For everyone and everything. That's why she was always so rash and impulsive."
Shion nodded to that, replying, "Naruto's a carbon copy of her in that sense. He has toned down a bit in recent years as he has us and the kids to think about but, he will never look away from those in need."
Sakura speaks softly, "So, he's happy here then? Away from the Leaf? Away from us?"
"He is," Shizuka confirmed, voice firming and eyes hardening to unseen levels as she looks upon the pinkette. Her tone falls to ice as she continued, "Which is why I will never allow you anywhere near him to have him potentially relapse into his broken self. We worked too damn hard to put him back together to allow that."
Shion nodded as she retook her seat, the dust covering neatly folded on the side of the desk. She speaks after getting situated, "As for your requests; I will investigate a trading post in Lodinia Port for you Hiashi-san. If it is trade you are seeking for then that is best for you."
Hiashi nodded at that, no counter in place for him to argue that logic. Shizuka took over, staring hard at the hokage, "I do not believe we can spare a place for a Leaf Consulate here at present."
Tsunade sighed at that, nodding in acceptance. A likely outcome she thought she'd try the Kurama angle to push it through as they were at least cordial with kyuubi, being their students.
Shion spoke next, cutting the hokage off, "Though, depending on what Lady Kurama says about Yakumo and Nila, we may house them here for a period of time, as she seems interested in their development. I will talk with her later about that, but I make no guarantees or promises regarding that."
Tsunade perks up at that, the door was shut but not sealed. She smiles and nods. It was the best they could get.
Shion then looked to Hana, feeling she should address her inquiry now, "As for you, Inazuka-san, I must admit I am a bit unsure of how to handle your request. No doubt the foxes wouldn't mind having your clansmen train alongside them, however, your clan head and elders pushing for more will likely cause more issues than solve them."
Hana nodded to that, understanding the dilemma. Shizuka cut through her growing thoughts, "I am even more hesitant than my Shion is. As you have made it clear that you seek romantic relationships with our husband, I do not feel comfortable allowing a relationship, even just a professional one, to exist between you and Naruto."
Hana replied briskly, recalling the ball, "I understand that, however, what about Temari no Sabaku. I doubt anyone could have missed…"
"That is being handled," Shizuka cut her off, ice on her breath, glare firm. "You do not need to insert yourself with our internal affairs."
Hana, Hinata, Ino, and Hanabi bit their lip, biting back their responses, but Sakura spoke up carelessly, "Well, we caught him and your daughters and the Suna consulate earlier, and Temari joined their outing."
Shizuka's gaze fell on the pink haired medic again, eyes still solid steel, "Did I not say it was an internal matter?"
Though internally she was ready to tear that bitch a new one.
Tsunade wanted to face palm at her successor to the slug contract, Ino too, but instead turned calmly to her former disciple, speaking in a forced calm, "Sakura. Just remain quiet please."
Sakura nodded and stepped back further. This allowed Tsunade to turn back to the Nadishiko kunoichi, speaking up, "Forgive that transgression. We meant no ill will about it."
Shizuka nodded sternly, before replying, "Yes. Though, the only other thing of concern is your spy we caught, yes?"
Tsunade nodded, remembering Jiraiya's current position now, "Yes. It is."
Shion answered, "As he hasn't caused any further issues, even on his brief appearance at the festival, we shall hand him over to you upon your return home. Unfortunately, we do not know which vessel was yours as it is not in our records of vessels docked in our port."
Tsunade nodded and explained, "That is because we docked in the Land of Wood to the direct south and ran the rest of the way."
Shion looked perplexed at that, Shizuka raised a brow, with the former asking, "Why would you do that?"
Tsunade replied easily enough, "We heard that the docking fees in the nation were extortionate during the build up to the festival, so we figured we would save money by docking there instead. It only took a few hours at speed to make it here."
Shion sighed, rubbing her brow in annoyance, "Who told you that and how much did you pay to dock there?"
Tsunade got a bad feeling about this, but answered anyway, "We heard a port manager mention it when we arrived in the Land of Honey, among the other ships that seemed to land there for the night. As for the fee, about twenty thousand Ryo a day."
Shizuka sighed, shaking her head, "The dock master in Honey is an old woman by the name of Grace. Greying brown hair, black eyes and petite frame. She would never have told you that."
Shion continued after, "Also, as an unaffiliated ship, at most our fees would have cost you about fifteen thousand Ryo but that would also have had your ship in our dry docks for a full service and samurai patrols. It would have reached twenty-five thousand for medium repairs, and permanent guards twenty-four seven."
Tsunade face palmed at being duped like that, and the other Leaf kunoichi all sigh at being caught up in a scheme like that.
Shizuka spoke next, "You could have saved on the guard costs too, if you came as the Land of Fire delegation, aboard one of their navy vessels as I did with the Kiri delegation. As part of the international agreement regarding diplomatic relations, its protection would have been our responsibility to uphold as with all visiting dignitaries."
Tsunade really wanted to punch something right now, evident by her bulging vain upon the side of her temples, "I see. May I ask why that wasn't covered in the invitation to the festival?"
Shion answered smoothly, only Shizuka noticed the hint of amusement buried beneath the diplomatic tone in use, "Well, you used the diplomatic seal to push through your request. We had assumed you knew this all along as it is listed a few paragraphs before the rules of the seal is listed. We had assumed you were already aware of it thus mention of it was a mute point."
Hana nodded at that, now understanding why there were so many ships flying national banners on the way in. Speaking up to allow her hokage to calm down, "I see. That is why we saw so many national vessels sailing alongside us during the final leg."
Both Shizuka and Shion nodded, the latter speaking, "Yes. Docking fees for those ships is limited to five thousand Ryo, and guards are placed by default."
Tsunade nodded before rising to her feet, forcing herself to remain calm and in control but it was damn hard. "I see. Well, thank you for your time and we will await your response."
Hiashi followed suit, "Yes. Thank you for seeing us. I shall confer with my clan and await your summons."
Both ladies nodded but did not raise to stand, instead watched them all leave.
Boarder with North Land of Valley
In a hidden grove, filled with plenty of wildflowers, that had a cliff overlooking the many valleys of the Land of Valley, Naruto dropped in and came to a stop. His party also landed silently behind him and were amazed at the beauty of it. A moderate breeze flew over, but it wasn't any real issue as plenty of insects of various types could be seen mingling among the colourful flowers and going about their daily lives.
Setting down his princesses, Naruto began to explain, "I discovered this place during my first mission here in the Land of Demon," he stepped forward, seemingly lost in memories of his first date here with his now wife, Shion, a month after the Morio incident. The others followed him silently, as he continued, "I had my first date with your mother here too. She hadn't known about it before then either."
Naruto chuckle was soft and warm, as he looked back to his two daughters, "Apparently, this was the place she had decided on marrying me at any cost."
Saki and Miroku looked around at the sight, it was amazing and the place where their parents decided that they would be together. That meant that this place was the reason they were born. A precious place for them too it seemed. They both look to their daddy as he continued, Naruto speaking up again, "I was really nervous back then you know. Your other mother wasn't to thrilled about it. I was unsure too, but I also did not want to let your mother down either. So, I made every effort to impress and hoped it was enough."
As they reached a particular spot within the grove, Naruto unsealed the supplied his clones got him, and within a few minutes a full picnic spread with warm food and drink, that matched the date with the second light of his life as laid out. Though, this time he didn't prepare it himself. That was something he only reserved for his wives.
Miroku looked over everything and it caught on first, eyes snapping to her daddy, and seeing his smile and nodded she whispered, "These are most of ka-chains favrouites…"
Naruto cut her off, "Yeah. Not entirely though, as it's us here and not her. It gives you an idea of what your mother and I ate back then. I wanted to share this with you two, because it was an important moment for your mother and I. Just like I want it to be an important moment for us too."
Saki near enough teleported into his frame, almost tipping the shinobi over, Miroku a moment later, and their sniffles were heard by the three adults, and the foxes who were playing nearby.
Samui and Temari both realised why Naruto had been annoyed by their decisions to tag along with this family outing. It was rather selfish of them.
A/N: Naruto's day out with his girls is quickly derailed by the Hyuga, and later the Sand Princess. The Leaf join the Hyuga in an attempt to get their foot in door but again, Shizuka shut that shit down quick.
Samui's feelings toward Naruto is explained, and I sure hope it makes sense as I think i did an okay job of explaining it and the consequences that followed.
Temari's head was in the land of What If's, as she realises that if things were different, she may have been forced into a marriage with Naruto from an early age, as offspring of the fourth kages of their respective villages.
Episode XVII: Naruto, Shizuka, and Shion have a final discussion on all the high strung woman surrounding the family. The topic of the Uzumaki Clan's possible revival is brought to the forefront, and a nosy Sakura inadvertently brings it to Tsunade's attention. Gaara approaches Shion and Shizuka about his proposal, and is overheard by Mei. The Festival ends on an explosive note.
o7
