Chapter 180: Chapter 31
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of the characters in this story. Lament with me my friends :-(
Chapter 31 – New Village, Old Ambitions
Naruto reappears in front of a bridge. It was a tall dark iron suspension bridge that seemed to lead into what feels looks like an infinite field of darkness that went nowhere. As soon as steps onto the bridge he can't see anything in front of him, behind him, to the side of him, or even above him. It's completely black, but it's a familiar path he walks down so he kept going until the black mist cleared up and he was standing in front of his village, Onigakure. The village was a gift from Shion she gave him years ago when she learned of his dream to become a Kage. She had a group of foreign builders construct it with a nominal civilian population that had helped them build the village. It was modestly size for now situated on an a big island like Uzushiogakure or Wave, but there was room to grow as the village grew around him. There was also a hidden archipelago a short distance away, which is just for Naruto and the family.
The buildings in the village were modern made of concrete, metal, and some brick. It shown brightly like a beacon after coming through the darkness. There were building of all sizes from single family homes in the residential area to giant sky scrappers and high rise apartment and there was no gate around the village with the dark mist that surrounds serving as a pseudo gate. The mist is fed by numerous seals that kept generating the field of darkness for several miles around the village that once you entered would feel like a never ending loop if you didn't belong to the village. There was also a detection barrier built into the foundation of the village underneath that kept track of those in the village constantly though hidden tags. It was a little paranoid, but Naruto was determined that Konoha's or Uzushio's failures wouldn't be his.
As he expected as soon as he broke through the mist he was met with his personal guard. They were a member short with Guren now focused on little Kaiya, but he trusted both Kimimaro and Jūgo.
"Has the meeting started?" Naruto asks Kimimaro.
"No, Kurai Kage (Dark Shadow)" Kimimaro responds.
"Have they been assembled?" Naruto asks.
"Hai, they are awaiting your arrival" Jūgo answers.
"Good, let's not keep them waiting" Naruto says.
Naruto grabs them with his dark passage jutsu taking them to his Tower. They rose into a lit room with people in it already talking amongst each other..
"Naruto!"
"Hello to you too Haku, you look good. I trust the old man has been keeping you safe" Naruto says to her.
Haku smiles and nods. She was a beautiful as ever her slender frame, long dark hair framing her face, large brown eyes, cute nose, and pale unmarred skin. Naruto noted Haku had grown taller than he remembered by several inches standing 5 feet 4 inches (163.83 cm) and a little bigger in certain areas yet managed to retain her slender figure.
"Hey who are you calling an old man, brat!" Zabuza roars.
"Zabuza, thank you for coming" Naruto responds ignoring being called a brat.
"Yeah well, the brat was coming with or without me after she received your invitation. I figured I might as well hear you out" Zabuza grumbles.
"I must warn you that Suiegetsu is here and probably wants another match so he can take your sword" Naruto warns.
"That brat never learns. I blame you for sicking him on me in the first place" Zabuza says with a glare.
"I knew his desire to attain the 7 swords would be incentive enough for him to find you and bring you the invitation to my new village" Naruto says.
"Yeah well I hope you aren't fond of him, that little brat is seriously testing my patience. If only his brother were still alive to wrangle him in and keep him on a leash" Zabuza moans.
"I'm sure a legend like the Kirigakure no Kijin can handle him" Naruto jests.
Zabuza glares as Haku pulls him away knowing her master was apt to blow his lid and attack Naruto and possibly get them kicked out. Haku was hoping this would become her home and despite the dark vibe that surrounded the village and some of it's citizenry she wanted to stop running from bounty hunters after Zabuza's bounty. They had recently had a close call as members of the Akatsuki found them and tried to collect on the bounty. That encounter was enough for her, but it didn't hurt that she would be meeting Naruto again.
He was soon met by his other guests.
"I see you escaped your prison" Rōshi says.
"The contract was honored, reluctantly" Naruto responds.
"I'm glad my scouts found you before the Akatsuki did. I hope you both will stay with us long term" Naruto continues.
Rōshi looks towards standing in the corner of the room for a moment before looking back at Naruto.
"I will stay, but I can't speak for Han. Despite their neglect, he still has loyalties to Iwa" Rōshi says.
"If he hears me out, he's free to return to Iwagakure at any time. This is not a prison for either of you and I will not hold my fellow jinchūriki captive or constrained. Fū has been with me for a couple years of her own free will and does nothing she doesn't want to do" Naruto says.
"NARUTO!" Fū yells excitedly.
"Speak of the devil" Naruto jokes.
"Naruto, your finally here!" Fū cheers as she hugs her friend.
"Yes Fū and I am here to stay except for special missions and to see Shion-chan and the twins of course" Naruto says hugging her back.
"I trust you've been able to make more friends since we last spoke?" Naruto asks.
"Yep, everyone is so nice here. Thank you once again for saving me and Gaara from that evil Hōichi" Fū says.
"It was a terrible situation, but it gave me the chance to meet you so it wasn't all bad. I'm just glad Shibuki was understanding and agreed that you could live here" Naruto says.
"Yeah, I miss him. He was super cool" Fū laments.
"I'm sure he misses you too Fū, but your here now. I trust training is going well" Naruto says.
"Yeah, I've followed your instructions really good and I can now use 6 tails in version 1 mode. I'm still having trouble with version 2, but I'll get it" she reports.
"Take your time, it's all about your relationship with Chōmei. Remember that and the rest will follow" Naruto advises.
Fū nods and floats away to bother Han.
"Any luck finding the Rokubi (6-tails)?" Naruto asks Rōshi who was still standing beside him.
"No, he's still roaming Mizu no Kuni" Rōshi reports.
"At least the Akatsuki can't find him either. They must be getting desperate with the three of you hidden here and Gaara becoming the KazeKage recently making capturing him a risky proposal especially after that last idiots attempt" Naruto says.
"Yes, that was a blessing and curse. Suna is a pit and would likely be glad to be rid of him despite his growing popularity among the citizens and shinobi of their village" Kimimaro reports.
"Unfortunately the curse of being a jinchūriki was harshest on him thanks to his father's misunderstanding of jinchūriki and what it meant to be one" Rōshi says.
"Yes, well I offered him the same sanctuary I have all of you but he stubbornly insists on changing his village from the inside. At some point the Akatsuki will go after him and I doubt Suna will lift a finger to help him" Naruto says seriously.
"At least his family will help him right?" Rōshi asks.
"As much as they can. I'd feel better about their situation if Suna had a few more powerful shinobi in their ranks. There is a reason Gaara was made Kazekage despite his age and lack of experience, there is literally no one else that has the requisite power to take on the job. His father seriously screwed up managing the village and developing it's power base" Naruto surmises.
"If they were not tied to Konoha or held a tailed beast I doubt they would even be considered one of the Power 5 villages" Kimimaro says.
Naruto and Rōshi just nod.
"If it wasn't for Temari or Gaara I would not have bothered allying with them, especially after their stunt in the Exams. The blame may have fallen on Gaara's father, but it's not like he had much if any opposition to his and the Snake's plan" Naruto says.
The other two nodded, both having experienced the darkness that surrounded the shinobi way of life. That's when the next visitor came up to Naruto.
"So your this Naruto person ..."
"Yes it's a pleasure to meet you Chinoike-san" Naruto greets.
"Hmmm, at least you know manners and didn't greet me like I was a child" Chinoike, Chino says.
"I have to much respect for someone with your abilities. I believe you can be a major asset to the village and hopefully you will decide to restart your clan with us" Naruto responds.
"Hmph, we'll see" she says as she walks off.
"I still don't understand why you want someone like her. Isn't she exactly like the Uchiha?" Kimimaro asks.
"She is and she isn't, she was trained to be that way. I believe given time she can be a great asset and while I'm not trying to become a second Konoha, having shinobi with bloodline abilities can only help the village grow into a power that will put us on par if not above the other villages" Naruto answers.
"So you do intend on becoming a Power 5 village" Rōshi surmises.
"In time, right now we're just a collection of misfits with a bunch of allies that will dump us if we don't produce. They are all way too entrenched in the established norm to trust a new village. At least for now we have strong alliances and hopefully strong ninja that will propel us forward" Naruto says.
"KuraiKage-sama, I believe it's time to start"
"Thank you Chou (Butterfly)" Naruto greets his secretary.
Chou was a beautiful woman of 23, she had beautiful emerald green eyes, black hair with red streaks, and just the right amount of freckles dusting her button nose on her heart shaped face. Chou was a tall woman who had an unfortunate life. At the age of 5, bandits came and slaughtered her family. Chou survived because she and her older sister were shopping in a neighboring village. Since then Chou wanted to become a ninja and she trained her body hard despite her sister's objections and eventually hooked up with a mercenary group, which is where Naruto found her on a mission when he encountered her group and defeated them.
"Alright everybody, let's get started. If everyone will take a seat at the table" Naruto directs.
They all sat down with Naruto at the head of the table, he then flipped a switch under the table. The lights dimmed and two translucent bubbles popped up.
"Sochi, you got out okay" Kushina says immediately.
"I'll visit Uzushio tomorrow and tell you all about it, but we have more important things to discuss right now" Naruto responds.
"Sorry, musuko (son)" Kushina apologizes.
"KuraiKage-sama"
"How are things in Otogakure, Kagura" Naruto asks.
"Fine, but ... do I have to work with him" She asks complaining.
"I trust your behaving your self Kabuto" Naruto says.
"Hai KuraiKage-sama, we're just having a difference of opinion on certain subjects" Kabuto says.
"He means people, the people he wants to continue experimenting on!" Kagura yells at the grey haired medic.
"We'll discuss this in depth next week Kagura-chan, until then Kabuto your to suspend any further experimentation and work on your other non-human projects" Naruto directs.
"Hai KuraiKage-sama" "Hai"
Another bubble comes into focus.
"How are things in Wave, Malice?" Naruto asks.
"Things are going well KuraiKage-sama, thank you for the opportunity" Malice responds.
"Good, and how are you doing Amaru-chan. I trust things are running smoothly without Shinnō interfering now" Naruto asks.
"Yes, KuraiKage-sama" Amaru responds from another bubble.
These were the 5 countries that Naruto had taken over under Konoha's nose. With Orochimaru dead Otogakure with Kabuto and Kimimaro's help was easy to take over and establish himself as their leader. Kabuto wasn't the leadership type so Naruto enlisted the services of Kagura who always wanted to be Hokage like he did as a child, but was passed over like Orochimaru. She was easy to convince after he told her his plans for the future.
Kushina it turns out had done a lot more than mercenary work after he exile from Konoha. It was through her that he met with Malice and Kagura and several other individuals he hoped would aid him in the future. Kushina found and rescued a number of Uzumaki captured during the destruction of Uzushio, not to mention she managed to find a number of hidden Uzumaki families. Together with her at helm and some help from Naruto they were rebuilding the fabled home of the Uzumaki's.
During the two year break Naruto made several trips to Wave. The need for some type of military force was evident as Tazuna and it's citizenry didn't want to have to rely on Konoha again. There were a lot of young men and women in the country emboldened by the defeat of Gato that wanted to become a part of a new military force for their country and Naruto was capitalizing on that wave of patriotism. So naturally he thought of Malice and she accepted as she directed Tazuna on building a hidden base in the island country.
Naruto met Amaru in a funny way. He was investigating rumors of an attack when he went to a neighboring hospital. That's when he met Amaru and initially mistook her for a boy. That led to a small fight after which Amaru clearly displayed her femininity in a ... very direct manner, that gave even Naruto a nose bleed. From there she told him about Shinnō and Sura no Kuni, which led to further investigation and then Naruto and his group took down Shinnō and his followers freeing the Land of Sky from his influence and dark intentions.
Also, Naruto defeated and absorbed parts of the Reibi (Zero-Tails) that Shinnō implanted within her which boosted his own abilities as Kyūbi in turn ate the Reibi once it appeared in the seal. All in all it was a very productive mission for Naruto and allow him to make new allies under Konoha's nose.
Naruto then gathered a great deal of chakra for his next jutsu as he slammed his palm on the table and kanji spread out from each finger connected to a large circle. From each chain rose a miniature version of a summons clans elder or leader. From Condor Clan appeared Hiroto, he was a golden brown bird whose eyes shown red like fresh blood.
The leader of the Kuro Inu or Black Dogs in all her glory appeared next. She was pitch black from head to paw, even her eyes were all black and just looking at them would make one feel as if their very soul was in someway being devoured in her presence. Her name is Yuu. She spat a small fireball at Naruto that he easily caught in his hand extinguishing the flame. He was surprised, she must be going soft on him because she usually spit blue or black flames at him that were near impossible to extinguish.
Naruto's tiger summons appeared next. He was all black with brindle stripes and gave a fierce roar at being summoned displaying his razor sharp and large canine's. His name was Souta and was part of the Tiger contract that recognized Naruto although he couldn't sign the full contract these tigers still came if he summoned.
Naruto's newest summons appeared next. It was a white snake whose eyes remained shut though you could tell it's focus was on Naruto. Naruto gained the Snake contract from Kabuto and was schedule to undergo Sage training.
"WHY HAVE YOU SUMMONED ME IN SUCH A DIMINISHED FORM" Barked Yuu.
"I have summoned you as I have summoned my allies to talk about what's next" Naruto answers.
"What i-s n-ex-t?" asks the white snake.
"To increase the power of our alliance I plan to create a new jinchūriki" Naruto answers.
"That's absurd!" Rōshi protests.
"Sochi, you promised!" Kushina cries.
"You can't, to subject someone to the treatment we receive is cruel and dangerous!" Bellows Han.
"Not cool Naruto, not cool at all" Fū agrees.
However, not everyone is protesting in fact from the looks in their eyes they like the thought of the idea.
"To what end?" the Snake asks.
"To create a weapon of course, one of immense power that shall stay with me and learn from me" Naruto says.
"And where would you get such a child?" Fū asks concerned.
"From me" Amaru answers.
"Amaru-chan houses the Reibi inside her, she is already pregnant with my child" Naruto informs them.
"A child from two jinchūriki ..." Rōshi ponders.
Fū blushes when she thinks about it, becoming silent.
"I have never heard of a Zero-tails" Kushina says.
"It is/was the manifestation of the dark thoughts and ambitions of the people from the Land of Sky before their demise. It's not a tailed beast like the Kyūbi or Gobi" Naruto says.
"Don't forget Chōmei!" Fū interjects breaking from her previous thoughts.
"What do you believe would be the results from such a union?" Kabuto questions with a dark gleam in his eyes.
"You can't experiment on our child" Naruto declares firmly.
"I wouldn't think of it" Kabuto reassures.
"But you still plan on sealing a pure demon like Mōryō inside a child" Kushina complains.
"A new village needs a powerful deterrent. Konoha will find me and try to bring me back as will Kumo and Iwa despite not wanting anything to do with the jinchūriki they already have. Those in this room and joining us as allies are in danger. Power only understands a larger power. I can talk peace until I am blue in the face, but I am not trying to change the world any longer. I have powerful enemies that seek to enslave or destroy me. I will show them all what it means to harm me or those I care for" Naruto tells them.
"How does a baby, jinchūriki or not become a deterrent for those that seek your or our power?" Han asks.
"What is a jinchūriki, but a deterrent that makes the other nations step back. However, none of the so called demons that we jinchūriki hold are the actual demons. They are but pieces of the power once housed by the biggest threat to humanity the Elemental Nations have ever witnessed" Naruto says.
"Okay, nice history lesson and all, but what does that have to do with anything?" Chinoike asks with a dark smile.
"Let me share a vision told to me some time ago, ..." Naruto begins as he tells his plan.
1 year later
"Lord Kuraikage, we received an urgent message from the Sand Village"
"What is it?" Naruto asks.
"Lord Kazekage has been captured by the Akatsuki" the code breaker says.
"Your dismissed" Naruto responds.
"Thank you Kuraikage-sama" The messenger responds leaving the room.
"So it's begun" Naruto says out loud.
"Chou" Naruto calls his secretary.
Chou immediately rushes into the room.
"Yes Lord Naruto" She answers.
"Send for Kimimaro and Zabuza, I have an urgent mission for them" Naruto orders.
"Right away Naruto-sama" Chou responds.
"Your going aren't you?" Shion asks.
"You know me all too well, dear" Naruto responds.
"You have a lot of responsibilities, remember that will you" Shion says to him.
"You worry to much, if I'm correct the Akatsuki probably sent Sasori of the Red Sand and whomever his partner is. They should be easy to deal with" Naruto responds.
"They're still S-rank ninja, and what if his partner happens to be one of the Uchiha?" Shion questions.
"Then it'll be a fond reunion" Naruto says with a smile.
"Be serious, the Akatsuki aren't to be toyed with Naruto!" Shion yells at him.
"Yet you weren't the least bit worried when we sealed Mōryō into Takahiro-kun and I practically fought the demon alone" Naruto responds.
"That was different, we had a plan and we sort of knew what to expect" Shion returns.
"Well trust in me now" Naruto asks her.
"Fine" Shino grumbles.
"I'll have Kimimaro with me, you know he won't let any harm come to me" Naruto says.
Shion relents and gives him a hug.
"You better come back safe and sound. I'd hate to have to find the twins a new father" Shion teases.
"You do that and I'll haunt him from the grave" Naruto responds.
"Then you better come back" Shion says with a smirk.
She leaves to go tend to the children just as Zabuza and Kimimaro enter the office.
"Why am I here brat?" Zabuza questions.
"You will show Lord Naruto some respect" Kimimaro orders as bones start to protrude from his skin.
"You may scare almost everyone else with those toothpicks, but I killed plenty of your clan and you won't be any different" Zabuza threatens.
The two men turn to stare at the other Kimimaro with his bone sword pointed at Zabuza and Zabuza with his kubikiribōchō pointed at Kimimaro. However, both men stood down as Naruto cleared his throat.
"As much as I'd like to witness a fight between two of my strongest fighters, we have more urgent matters to attend to" Naruto says.
"Like what?" Zabuza asks.
"The Akatsuki have finally made a move and have taken Gaara captive" Naruto answers.
"Who did they send Lord Naruto" Kimimaro asks.
"Sasori of the Red Sand and his partner" Naruto answers.
"Sasori huh, that will be a difficult fight" Zabuza responds.
"I'll deal with the puppet master. I merely need you in case there are other Akatsuki members we have to deal with" Naruto tells him.
Zabuza grumbled, but nodded.
"And my role Lord Naruto" Kimimaro asks.
"You will take care of his partner whoever that is" Naruto tells him.
"So it'll be just the 3 of us?" Zabuza questions.
"Do you believe we can not handle 2 Akatsuki?" Naruto questions.
"No, but if the Kazekage has been captured it stands to reason he's injured. Bringing a healer would be wise" Zabuza answers.
"Hmmm ... very well, Haku can come with us" Naruto says as he looks behind the two men.
The door opens revealing Haku. She was wearing her pink pinstriped clothes with a black haori that had gold trimmings over top with a black trail holding it together and black sandals. Her long black hair bundled in the back of her head in a black bun holder with two needles holding things together. She was also wearing black lipstick and nail polish on her fingernails and toenails.
"Lovely as always Haku-chan" Naruto says in response to her appearance.
Haku blushed but didn't respond.
"If your done flirting with my subordinate, maybe we can get this show on the road" Zabuza says gruffly.
"We're just waiting on two final team members" Naruto responds.
"It better not be that idiot Suiegetsu" Zabuza growls.
"No, honestly even I have a limit when it comes to dealing with Suiegetsu and his mouth" Naruto answers.
"Good. That brat has already tried twice this week to steal the Kubikiribōchō" Zabuza grumbles.
"Lord Naruto, who will be accompanying us?" Kimimaro questions.
Two barks are heard as the door opens and two dogs enter.
"I'll be bringing Yowa and Kōsetsu with us to track Gaara and the Akatsuki" Naruto answers.
"Is it safe to bring them on such a dangerous mission. I know Lady Shion would blame you if anything happened to Kōsetsu" Haku says.
"It'll be fine, they know not to engage the enemy now and are quite capable at evading" Naruto answers.
Everyone nods at that.
"Alright let's go 'Meiton: Kurai Tsuuro" Naruto calls.
Instantly everyone is engulfed in darkness and disappear from the room. Naruto had been too Sunagakure several times since he had left Konoha in order to established trade agreements and their alliance officially. Personally he hated Suna, their council was as worse than Konoha's and dealing with them always gave him a headache as they tried to pull theirs status as a Great 5 village against his newly minted village. Anyway he knew it would be a bad idea to just pop up inside the village in the state of alarm they must be in so his group appeared 2 kilometers or over one and a half miles away from the village just far enough to be seen approaching by the guard.
As soon as they were a quarter of a mile or 402 meters about 20 ninja came pouring from the now open gate to surround them.
"State your business" one of the senior ninja barks out.
Naruto just held out the scroll that requested his help. The jōnin cautiously took the scroll and then relaxed after reading it.
"Stand down!" He commanded.
The ninja surrounding them and the group that were poorly hiding relaxed their stance but their weapons were still clearly visible.
"Thank you for coming so fast Kuraikage-sama, we were not expecting help to arrive so quickly" The jōnin states.
"The situation requires such a response. I take it you have something of Gaara's prepared so I can track him and the Akatsuki" Naruto asks.
"No Kuraikage-sama, but if you would follow me the council will want to talk to you and we can work on getting you what you need" The jōnin responds.
Frustrated but aware he had no choice but to go along with the charade Naruto allowed the jōnin named Isago to escort them to the council where he found Baki and several Suna council members he remembered like Gōza who like Baki is a jōnin. Naruto was also surprised to find the famed Honoured Siblings also present.
"Have those animals sent outside" Jōseki a council member orders.
A guard moved towards them but stopped when Yowa growled at him.
"Lord Naruto, please restrain your animals" Jōseki orders.
Instead of fighting with them Naruto simply created a Kagebunshin that walked out with Kōsetsu and Yowa. Coincidentally it was that moment an ANBU with things of Gaara's entered the room. He presented them to Naruto who immediately stood up heading for the door.
"Lord Naruto!" Yūra yells outrage.
Yūra is a short man with long black hair that covered his right eye and had a goatee. He wore the standard turban, beige cloak and black pants. He was said to be exceptionally loyal to Suna, but Naruto was starting to pick up on something else coming from the man.
"Lord Naruto, where are you going?" Gōza asks more calmly than his fellow councilor.
Naruto stops and turns to look at them releasing some of his restraints as a dark aura enveloped him. For those in the room it was like a devil stepped into the room.
"You all speak so casually to me. It's not Lord Naruto, you will address me as Lord Uzumaki. You may not recognize me as a Kage, but you will not disrespect me as a leader to my village. We are allies so I have tolerated the insult to me and my village, but you will do well to remember who I am" Naruto says.
"Uhh ... yes, forgive us Lord Uzumaki" The councilors and Gōza apologize.
"Now I'm going to give these things to my clone so my dogs can start searching for the Kazekage" Naruto says.
Turning back to the door Naruto enters the hallway. Zabuza, Haku, and Kimimaro go with him. When he returns he sits down calmly.
"Uhh ... Lord Uzumaki, where are your companions?" Baki asks.
"Haku went to the hospital to see if she could help the wounded in any way" Naruto answers.
"Her help would be greatly appreciated" Baki responds.
"And the other two?" Chiyo asks with a sneaky smirk on her face.
"They are not ones to sit still in a meeting such as this" Naruto answers.
Almost everyone nods except for the Honoured Siblings. Chiyo gives him a suspicious stare while her brother Ebizō gives him a look but seems to drop it.
"Something wrong Lady Chiyo?" Naruto asks as she keeps staring.
She just kept staring so everyone ignored her and continued.
"Let us discuss your involvement in the search for the Kazekage" Ryūsa starts.
Naruto stared at the man making him flinch.
"What exactly is there to discuss? I am here to kill the Akatsuki that attacked your village and retrieve the Kazekage" Naruto asks.
"Yes, well that's good but first we need help securing the village" Ryūsa recovers.
"So you would have me wait before going after those responsible for attacking your village and kidnapping the Kazekage?" Naruto questions eying the councilor.
"Well uhhh ..." Ryūsa stutters.
"It's a matter of practicality. We have encountered numerous traps that threaten the innocent civilians that live in the village. Surely you can understand that as Kazekage Lord Gaara would value the continued safety of his citizens over his rescue?" Tōjūrō says rescuing the first.
Tōjūrō like the two honoured siblings was retired but held a prominent seat on the council. He believed in Suna first and reminded Naruto of deceased Konoha councilor.
"That maybe true, but why should that preclude me from going after the Akatsui while you secure your village?" Naruto questions.
"What if there is a second attack. We would be defenseless should they attack again with the Kazekage gone" Tōjūrō argues.
"You are one of the five great villages are you not?" Naruto questions.
The councilors and shinobi bristled at the insinuation.
"Of course we are!" They shout.
"Then you don't need the help of a new village or it's leader to help with any possible secondary attacks or to secure your village borders?" Naruto rebuts.
"But ..."
"Calm down, I can do both" Naruto says making the entire room look at him suspiciously.
He doesn't even look away or use hand seals as 20 Shadow Clones poof into existence.
"These should do to help search for other traps and possible hidden enemies. As is I lied and my group has already left the village and are on the trail of the Akatsuki" Naruto tells them.
"WHAT!?"
"What is the meaning of this deception Lord Uzumaki!" Sajō asks.
Sajō a jōnin wore the classic Suna turbin and clothes. His eyes normally closed tight as he squinted making you believe he was visually impaired were open showing they were brown and pointedly focused on Naruto.
"You were attempting to delay my retrieval of my friend. He is your Kazekage, but to me he is a friend and I will not tolerate any hindrance in ensuring his safe return" Naruto responds.
Several angry mutterings go through those assembled angered at the nerve another brat that thinks he's better than them. However, that noise was quieted as Lady Chiyo throws a pencil at Naruto. He catches it easily, but a hidden mechanism is triggered and a needle punctures his skin.
"Lady Chiyo!" Baki yells.
"Sis" Ebizō questions with a look.
"Hmmm ... very crafty" Naruto says as he analyzes the device.
"Huh, I swore you were a clone" the elderly kunoichi says as she laughs.
The rest of the council and ninja gain large sweat drops at the declaration. Naruto just laughs with her in response.
"I was tempted. I'm not one for sitting in meetings either, but my clone will alert me should my group get close" Naruto answers once he stops laughing.
"And what good would that do?" Ebizō asks.
"Lord Uzumaki has the ability through his kekkei genkai to travel great distances rapidly if he knows where to go" Baki answers the elder.
That produced a lot of mutterings.
"You remembered" Naruto muses.
"It's a potentially devastating ability when combined with your ability to transport others when using it" Baki responds.
"I am willing to bring a group of Suna ninja as backup with me when the Akatsuki's location is found" Naruto says.
Naruto noticed Baki and Chiyo were the only ones that looked interested in that.
"Our apologies Lord Uzumaki, but we need everyone here as like I told you there could be another attack" Tōjūrō responds.
"Hmmm ... so you did" Naruto responds.
"You may not believe it right now, but we all want Gaara back. However, the village must come first" Baki says.
"Yes, the old refrain followed by all hidden villages to ward off defections" Naruto responds.
The council once again bristled at the naiveté of this youngster who in their opinion knew nothing, let alone anything about them or their systems.
"See here! You will respect us and our village!" Sajō shouted.
"I allied my new village with yours, but trust me it wasn't because I thought of you as a great village. No I did it, because I respect Gaara and Temari. You haven't even sent a squad to find, assist, or bring back your Kage. Your also delaying me in retrieving him for you. So no I have no respect for this kind of inept thinking and politics" Naruto responds.
"Lord Uzumaki, you may not agree with our methods but I assure you everyone here wants the Kazekage back safe in the village" Baki asserts.
Naruto look around at those in the room and he knew at best only 60% actually felt that way. However, it intrigued who was among that 60%. He could also feel the emotions in the room and aside from the negativity brought on by his comments he could see genuine care and concern over Gaara.
"Very well, I apologize for my rudeness. I'm just eager to rescue him and spoke without regard to how you all must be feeling. Maybe we should adjourn the meeting until after the Kazekage returns" Naruto says.
"You actually believe he is alive?" Yūra asks.
Naruto could feel the tension in his voice that lay almost hidden as he asked.
"Of course, the Akatsuki's goal is to capture the 9 jinchūriki that hold the tailed-beasts within them. They need time to extract the beast and since I was able to use my kekkei genkai as Baki-san said to get here so fast, it's likely they haven't even been able to reach a secure location in order to safely extract the One-tails from the Kazekage" Naruto tells them.
At this mutterings are heard. which are quickly broken by someone clearing their throat.
"Ahem, Ahem ... what will you do to the Akatsuki holding Gaara-chan" Chiyo questions.
"Kill them" Naruto says without hesitation.
His resolute and quick response shocked the council.
"You honestly think you and your group can take out two Akatsuki members?" Ebisu questions.
" Considering one is a former member of Kiri's famed Kiri no Shinobigatana Shichinin Shū and the other has perhaps one of the most dangerous bloodlines in existence I'm fairly confident when I say there will be 2 less Akatsuki by the end of today" Naruto answers.
More muttering ensued before a question was asked.
"And what bloodline is that?" Yūra.
"We're allies, but that is confidential information. Just trust me when I say having trained with and battled against him, it really doesn't matter who the Akatasuki sent with Sasori" Naruto answers.
"So you intend to take on my grandson alone do you?" Chiyo asks.
"I do" Naruto answers.
"Take me with you" Chiyo says.
"Okay" Naruto answers.
"Your not worried I'll slow you down?" Chiyo questions.
"I figured that was part of why you did that move before, to show me that you still have a couple of tricks left up your sleeve" Naruto says.
"Hehehe" Chiyo cackles.
It was at that moment the clone dispelled showing Naruto where the Akatsuki were and that they still had Gaara alive but unconscious.
"They've been found" Naruto says startling those in the room.
"Who?" Chiyo asks.
"The Akatsuki that captured Gaara sis" Ebizō tells her.
"Let's go!" The old lady says jumping up from her chair.
"Wait!" Yura calls out desperately.
Naruto Chiyo and the other council members looked at him.
"I told you, I'm tired of waiting" Naruto says as he stands up.
"No! You have no right to interfere in our business!" Yura yells.
"This is absurd, stand down councilman Yura and allow Lord Naruto and Lady Chiyo to leave peacefully" Baki orders the man.
"No! This is our business, we should be the ones to bring back the Kazekage!" Yura argues.
"Why?" Naruto asks.
"We'll look weak if we allow some new village to bring back our Kage after he was beaten by a couple of mercenaries!" Yura argues.
"The Akatsuki are not mere mercenaries, they are comprised of S-ranked criminals! Looking weak should not be your concern. Losing a 2nd Kage in less than the span of 5 years should!" Naruto yells at the man losing his patience.
"Lord Uzumaki, please go and bring back Gaara" Baki implores.
"Your welcome to join me Baki, Gaara was after all your student" Naruto says.
Baki thinks about it.
"I trust that you will be able to bring him back home safely Kuraikage-sama" Baki responds with a bow.
Naruto nods and gets up as then moves towards the door. Lady Chiyo is quickly beside him.
"NO! I won't allow you to interfere!" Yura explodes.
He uses the shunshin no jutsu (Body Flicker Technique) appearing in front of Naruto and attempts to stab him with a kunai. Naruto's response was even faster he unsheathed his sword that hung around his hip Mugen Yoru (Infinite/Endless Night) and deflected the kunai.
"Yura, stop this madness!" Baki yells.
Yura pressed his attack as Naruto held Mugen Yoru in front him.
"So your the spy" Naruto states.
"Spy?" The rest of the council questions.
Yura doesn't answer instead throws the kunai and then gathers his chakra created a blade of wind. He charges Naruto again with his wind sword.
"No, Yura stop!" Jōseki calls out.
That's when Mugen Yoru emitted a pulse the beam destroys the near invisible sword and barrels into Yura stopping him cold. It levitates Yura as dark chakra envelopes him. The sword itself levitates pulling itself from Naruto's grasp as it grows big enough to become Yura's height. The beam then retracts pulling Yura into the sword as he screams.
"No! You won't stop Lord Sasori!" He yells over and over again.
"Lord Uzumaki stop this!" Jōseki afraid for his friend.
"He's a traitor to your village and he attacked me. My sword is merely stopping a threat" Naruto responds.
"It's doing more than that!" Jōseki yells.
The rest of the council were to shocked by what was happened to stopped it. Yura tries to struggle, but he was truly incapacitated by the pulse and light surrounding him until his entire body was pulled into the sword leaving no trace of him. The sword vibrated as it returned to Naruto's hand as he placed it on his hip again.
"What was that?" Chiyo questions.
"My sword, that was one of it's special abilities" Naruto answers.
"That's ridiculous, tell me there aren't more of those" Gōza questions in concern.
"Where the hell did you find something like that?" Ebizō asks.
"It's a family heirloom. I recently learned how to wield it" Naruto responds.
"That's one hell of a weapon, is it safe?" Baki asks.
"As long as I hold it, now I believe there is a Kazekage that needs a little help" Naruto says as he walks out of the room.
Chiyo quickly runs after him not wanting to be left behind. The rest of the council still in a bit of shock slowly return to normal.
"We need to find out if anyone else is a traitor like Yura" Tōjūrō says.
"We also need to check on the border. Yura was the one that handled the border patrol" Baki says.
"No wonder they got in. Who knows how long he was under Sasaori's spell" Ebizō says.
The Akatsuki Hideout
"Your late, we must get ready at once" Pein says.
"The jinchūriki proved to be more powerful than we expected" Deidara responds.
His clay bird drops Gaara on the ground of the cave and Pein does a chain of hand seals and then places his hand on the ground. A giant earth statue with a humanoid appearance showing obvious signs of decay towering over everything else in the cave nearly reaching the top.
"Now let everyone gather" 7 translucent figures appear each taking their place on the tip of a finger of the statue.
Sasori and Deidara take their place on one of the fingers.
"So that is the fabled Gedō Mazō (Demonic Statue of the Outer Path)" Naruto says.
"Who's there!" Hidan yells.
Naruto steps out from the shadows.
"The Nine-tails jinchūriki" Pein states.
"What are you doing here and how did you get in here" Sasori asks.
"The two of you were so sure in your traps and hidden allies that you never thought someone could be tracking you and get in here without your notice" Naruto answers.
"What do you want, loser!?" Sasuke yells
"Aaah, if it isn't the littlest Uchiha ... let me guess Itachi ... and is that you ... Obito" Naruto calls out.
"WHAT!?"
"I thought he was Uchiha, Madara!" Konan yells glaring at the masked figure.
"Who told you?" Obito asks.
"You didn't think the puppet would recognize a different puppeteer?" Naruto answers.
Obito wisely keeps quiet.
"We've been fooled by a fake?" Deidara questions.
"Silence, it doesn't matter. Deidara secure the One-tails, Sasori deal with our uninvited guests" Pein orders.
"So you sensed us did you" Zabuza responds.
He, Kimimaro, and Chiyo step out from the darkness.
"Sasori" Chiyo mutters barely audible.
Naruto makes the first move as a clone pops up beside Gaara's resting body grasping it and sinking back into the earth with him.
"Our prey!" Hidan yells.
"Give him back!" Deidara yells.
"I'm sorry, am I disturbing something" Naruto remarks.
The clone pops up behind Naruto and Chiyo gets to work attending to the spent Kazekage.
"You won't leave here alive baka!" Sasuke yells.
Naruto just ignores him and stares at Obito.
"So your the one who kidnapped me and forced my father to sacrifice himself" Naruto says ignoring the others.
"This no time for idle chatter. Sasori, Deidara capture the Nine-tails and get back the One-tails" Pein orders.
"With pleasure" Deidara says.
Deidara reaches into his pouch as his as his hand molds the clay for his signature technique.
"Don't forget about us" Zabuza says.
Kimimaro shoots a bone bullet that hits Deidara's pouch knocking it out of his hand, several more bone bullets impact Deidara knocking him to the ground.
"What was that?" Sasuke questions.
"The kekkei genkai of the Kaguya clan ... it is fearsome indeed" Obito answers.
"You know your not the little whiny bitch, my mother describes my fathers dead last student to be" Naruto remarks.
"That's rich coming from you dobe" Sasuke mocks.
"Oi Sasuke, can you not see when your not necessary. Keep quiet and stay out of real men's business" Naruto taunts.
"Why you ..." Sasuke responds shaking with rage.
"Sasuke calm down, he's just trying to get you to make a mistake" Itachi counsels.
"Yeah calm down little bitch and go run behind your big brother" Naruto taunts.
"I'll kill you!" Sasuke yells.
Immediately his silhouette disappears as does Itachi's going after his brother.
"Now your down to 4, and when ittle Sasuke-kun and his brother arrive I'll be sure to whittle you Akatsuki down to 4 members" Naruto threatens.
"You won't get the chance to reunite with your old friends" Sasori says.
"I suppose your going to stop me?" Naruto asks.
"You've pissed me off. Running your mouth, interrupting our process, and making a mockery of us. I'll show you what happens to little boy's who talk to much and anger me" Sasori responds gruffly.
He quickly shoots the iron-tail hidden behind him at Naruto. but Naruto's clone steps in front pulling out his sword and deflecting it while the real Naruto disappears only to come up behind Sasori. Naruto quickly unsheathes and resheathes Mugen Yoru.
"Dark Slash" Naruto calls.
Black cuts form all over Sasori's cloaked body and then explode destroying him ... so Naruto thought only for a smaller cloaked entity to jump out at the last second.
"You destroyed Hiroki" came a lighter, younger voice than the gruff older one that Sasori used before.
"Who are you?" Naruto questions.
Chiyo who had watched astonished knew exactly who it was.
"That's the real Sasori ... only he looks to young to be my grandson" Chiyo says.
"Hello Obāsan (Grandmother)" Sasori responds.
"I've waited 20 years to see my mago masuko's (grandson) face, now show me your true face!" Chiyo responds.
In response the severed head of the puppet Hiruko jumped up and sprayed a shower of needles at Naruto who merely used dark passage to return to his original position in front of a newly awake and revived Gaara.
"Huh ... what's happening" Gaara asks.
"Welcome back, I just rescued you from the Akatsuki attempting to extract the One-tails from your body" Naruto boasts.
*Boom* *Boom*
Off to the side Deidara is peppering Zabuza and Kimimaro with figures that are exploding as they are dispatched.
"Where are we?" Gaara asks regaining his bearings as he stands up slowly.
"In an Akatsuki hideout 3 days away from Sunagakure" Naruto answers.
"Damnit Deidara, take your fight outside!" Sasori orders angrily.
"Do you really think you can handle both jinchūriki?" Deidara questions as he dodges more bone bullets.
Zabuza just stood holding the Kubikiribōchō using it to deflect the waves of bombs Deidara was throwing at them while Kimimaro went on the attack. He was starting to get pissed, because his blade was starting to crack under the onslaught of bombs Deidara kept throwing at them.
"Hey Gaara, are you up for a rematch?" Naruto asks him.
Gaara doesn't answer instead he focuses on Deidara as the ground shakes as he uses his chakra to mold it into sand. However, as Sasori's face comes into view Chiyo freezes.
"What's the matter Obāsan. Are you so filled with emotions that you can no longer speak?" Sasori taunts.
"I guess it's no surprise. It is our first reunion in twenty years" Sasori continues.
"Sa-sori" Chiyo gets out.
"While I have you all here, let me show you something special" Sasori says.
From his sleeve drops a black scroll that he opens to reveal the kanji for three written on it.
"It was really difficult to acquire, but on the other hand that's what makes me so fond of him" Sasori says
A cloud of smoke erupts as the contents of the scroll reveal themselves.
"No that can't be, impossible" Chiyo reacts with visible fear.
Even Gaara looks visibly surprised.
"What is it?" Naruto asks noticing the reactions of the two Suna-nin.
"That's the Sandiame Kazekage" Gaara answers.
"It's really him. It's the Sandiame Kazekage" Chiyo mutters still shocked.
"hehehe" Sasori chuckles in his child like voice as he manipulates the man turned puppet.
"What do you think? Doesn't it just take you back Obāsan" Sasori taunts.
"So this must be what happened to him" Chiyo mutters.
"You dare turn the Sandiame Kazekage into a puppet" Gaara says angrily.
"What's it matter to you One-tails? I heard you tried to murder your own father the Yondiame Kazekage multiple times" Sasori responds.
"Sasori, Deidara deal with these interruptions quickly. We are behind schedule" Pein orders.
Deidara quickly molds more clay using his chakra to form his clay bird and takes off through a hole in the ceiling made from all his bombing. Kimimaro and Zabuza quickly give chase.
"Gaara, Lady Chiyo" Naruto calls getting their attention.
"I feel like I'm intruding on village business. I'll leave Sasori to you" Naruto says.
"Your not going anywhere" Sasori responds.
The Sandiame Kazekage puppet released a ton of iron sand send it rushing towards Naruto. Naruto responded by placing his left hand in front of him as a channeling dark chakra through his body as the image of an human sized hand palm out formed in front of him.
"Meiton: Kyūketsukō - Dark Release: Inhaling Maw"
Naruto's technique swallowed all of the black sand as it came rushing at them leaving not a grain of sand in the cavern that wasn't Gaara's. Gaara used the shock on Sasori's face to unleash his own sand attack.
'Ryūsa Bakuryū - Quicksand Waterfall' Gaara intones.
All the sand he's created and gathered rush Sasori and the Sandiame Kazekage puppet burying them under a tidal wave of sand.
'Sabaku Rō - Sand Prison'
Gaara's sand forms a prison capturing both the puppet and Sasori.
"Hmmm ... you've changed. You used to be all about killing" Naruto muses.
Gaara turns to his friend.
"He has information that could be useful to the village" Gaara responds.
Naruto just nods.
"What about the other Akatsuki?" Gaara questions.
"I'll deal with him myself" Naruto says as he disappears.
"Lady Chiyo, we should return to the village. I will allow you to visit your grandson in prison once we have interrogated him on possible collaborators" Gaara says.
"Thank you Lord Kazekage" Chiyo says grateful.
Chiyo gathered the remains of her grandsons other puppet and then duo make their way out of the cave and back towards the village at full speed with Gaara making sure his sand prison would hold by adding addition sand and pressure. Behind them they could hear several explosions.
With Naruto
Naruto appears on top of the cave as he spots Deidara flying away on his giant clay bird. He spots Kimimaro still peppering the bomber with bone bullets and Zabuza behind him. He quickly summons a vulture, this one was smaller than the ones he's summoned before, but large enough to easy carry his weight as Naruto stood on it's head. Smoke billowed from it's nostrils as it eyed the blue skies seemingly ignoring Naruto.
"Lord Uzumaki, what did you summon me for?" The vulture asks.
"I need you to help me destroy that" Naruto says pointing at the clay bird.
The vulture nods as it takes off flying at incredible speeds it quickly catches up to Deidara as Naruto jumps from his summons and onto the back of the clay bird. The summoned bird flies high into the sky away from the fight just in case Naruto might need him.
"What? How did you get here!?" Deidara questions.
Naruto ignores the mad bomber and prepares a jutsu.
"Kuroi Kaminari" Naruto calls out.
Black lightening shoots from Naruto's finger tips into the clay bird instantly destroying it causing both he and Deidara to free fall to the ground, but thankfully the vulture swoops in under Naruto giving him a soft landing. However, Deidara remains calm as he digs into a pouch for more clay, but that's when Kimimaro tags him again with more bullets causing him to drop the bag.
"DAMNIT!" Deidara yells as he plummets to the ground.
However, he was saved as a the sky ripples beneath him and seems to swallow the bomber up. Naruto noticed another Akatsuki member standing on a tree give him a stupid wave and disappear his body sucking into a black hole and vanishing. Naruto and the vulture stop in mid air it's wings flapping to stay aloft as Kimimaro and Zabuza jump up to join him.
"Lord Naruto" Kimimaro greats his master.
"Brat, you should have finished him off" Zabuza critiques.
Naruto just shrugs.
"There will be other opportunities, for now we should head back and return to Suna" Naruto says.
Both men nod.
"Asuka, would you mind flying us to Sunagakure" Naruto asks the summons.
"No Lord Uzumaki" Asuka responds.
Since they were in no rush Asuka took her time, but even still they managed to catch up to Gaara and Chiyo with Gaara still maintaining his sand prison and give them a lift back to the village.
With the Akatsuki
"The 9-tails has become a problem" Pein says.
"What do we do?" Konan asks him.
"He stopped us from acquiring the One-tails, where are we at with the other jinchūriki?" Pein questions.
"Hidan and Kakazu are ready to capture the Two-tails as soon as you give the word. The Eight-tails is still kept locked away by the Raikage. So far there is still no word on the others" Konan reports.
"Pein we have a problem" Obito says now returned.
A path immediately physically detains the rogue Uchiha as the Preta path drains his chakra.
"What's the meaning of this Pein" Obito says calmly.
"You are not Uchiha, Madara" Pein responds.
"Who the hell are you?" Konan questions.
"No, I am not Uchiha, Madara. He died training me to fulfill his plans" Obito tells them truthfully.
The Preta path stops draining him of chakra and the Human path releases him allowing Obito to explain.
"What else have you not told us?" Konan questions.
"Nothing, now what do we do about the 9-tails?" Obito questions.
"Do we know the exact location of his new village?" Pein questions.
"No, we've had Zetsu focus on the other jinchūriki" Konan responds.
"Tell him to focus on finding the 9-tails" Pein answers.
"What about the One-tail?" Konan asks.
"We don't need him" Obito says.
"What do you mean, we need all 9?" Pein questions.
"If we capture the rest, the statue already has enough of demonic chakra to make up for the loss of the One-tails. His village will be on high alert and with Sasori in their custody any moles will be rooted out soon, making capturing him near impossible especially if the 9-tails were to interfere again" Obito explains.
"Then we make dealing with the 9-tails the priority" Pein orders.
Everyone nods as Konan relay's the new orders.
Sunagakure
"It was great to see you once again Naruto" Gaara says to his friend.
"If you need anything Gaara, you can count on me" Naruto responds.
"Thank you my friend. I owe you a great debt" Gaara says.
"You already repaid me, you owe me nothing else. I'm sure the friendship between our villages will only grow stronger from here" Naruto responds.
Gaara nods as do the Suna ninja watching them. However, Naruto's departure was interrupted.
"Kazekage-sama, there are Konoha-nin with Lady Temari at the front gate" an ANBU says.
"Let them in" Gaara says.
Immediately Temari came running through the gate and hugged her brother.
"Gaara, I heard you were captured by the Akatsuki!" Temari says practically strangling her little brother.
"Hello Temari-chan" Naruto greets the young woman.
She had grown almost an inch since Naruto had last seen her almost reaching 5'5 or 170 cm. He eyed her figure tantalizingly hidden underneath her new black kimono. He could tell that she had traveled hard to get here to save her brother.
"Naru-kun ... what are you doing here?" She ask with a blush.
Temari like wise eyes him up in his Kuraikage garb that unfortunately for her hid his muscular body behind a black cloak and dark pants. At least he wasn't wearing one of those ridiculous hats that hid his blonde hair that had grown out some and blue eyes.
"I got the message a few days ago and had to save my friend and potential brother-in-law" Naruto says with a smile.
Temari forgoing procedure rushed Naruto giving him a searing kiss and a hug.
"Haha, I wonder if we get similar treatment for rescuing the brat" Zabuza laughs at the blushing couple.
Kimimaro glares at Zabuza for the comment while Haku looks at Naruto and Temari with hidden emotions.
"Geez sis, cut it out. Everyone's watching" Kankurō complains.
Any further pleasantries were suspended as the Konoha group came walking up.
"Lord Kazekage, your safe?" Kakashi questions.
"Kakashi-sensei isn't that Naruto?" Sakura butts in.
That prompted the rest of the Konoha-nin to look closely at the figures standing with the Sand siblings. Naruto noted the old and some new Konoha figures. With Kakashi and Sakura, was Sai a former member of Root and another former Root a little older called Hyō. Hyō had black eyes and hair with a handsome enough face, he wore a beige coat that hid everything except his black pants. Sai is pale with similar black eyes and hair that reminded Naruto a little of the Uchiha. He also noted Team Guy was also there and had adopted battle stances.
"Uzumaki, Naruto you are hereby ordered to return to Konoha" Kakashi says.
Naruto just looked at the quartet from Konoha dismissively.
"And why would I do that?" Naruto questions.
"Stand down Kakashi" Guy orders.
"Lady Tsunade wants him to come home Guy, don't interfere" Kakashi says.
"How is the Hokage?" Naruto asks.
"She'd be better if certain brats didn't run off without telling her where they were going" Sakura responds.
"Well give her my regards" Naruto says ignoring them.
"You will come with us Uzumaki" Kakashi warns.
"Still no manners huh Kakashi, at least when it comes to me. I have a new village so no, what ever is ailing the Hokage is not of my concern and I do not answer to her" Naruto answers.
"Kakashi there is no mission here. Naruto and his group rescued the Kazekage and I spoke with Lady Tsunade myself and I know she didn't place any retrieval orders on Naruto since he left legally in accordance with the Daimyō's orders" Gai says.
"Hatake-san you need to stand down. I am willing to let both of your teams rest in the village for the day and give you some time to recuperate. Lord Uzumaki has made it clear he will not return to Konoha. Any further hostilities will not look favorably on Konoha and I won't be held responsible should Lord Uzumaki and his group retaliate should you attack them" Gaara states neutrally.
"You would put your village at risk siding with him over your true ally" Kakashi says staring hard at Naruto.
"Yes, he came immediately and saved me from the Akatsuki. He is a friend to the entire village of Sunagakure and shall be treated as such within this village" Gaara responds.
"Fine" Kakashi relents.
He and his group stand down relaxing their stances. Gaara calls for a couple ANBU to escort the Konoha teams away. Team Kakashi leaves immediately with one of the ANBU, but Team Guy lingers a bit.
"It's good to see you Naruto-kun!" Gai cheers.
"It's good to see you as well Gai, Maito" Naruto responds as they shake hands.
"Yosh! Let's spar!" Lee requests.
"I'm going to have to decline, we have to get back home. It's good to see you Lee" Naruto responds.
"You as well my friend, we'll spar some other time and if we don't I'll do ten laps around the village on my hands!" Lee cheers.
"That's the spirit Lee and I'll do 20!" Gai joins in.
"Uzumaki" Neji greets neutrally.
"Hyūga" Naruto returns.
"Hey Naruto, how is your mom?" Tenten greets him casually.
"Hello Higurashi-san, mom is fine and yours?" Naruto returns the greeting.
"She's fine, she really misses your mom though. A lot of them miss her and wishes she would come visit" Tenten tells him.
"I'll be sure to let her know" Naruto says.
Tenten nods as Team Guy leaves with their escort.
"Kid we should get going too" Zabuza says.
"Do you really have to leave" Temari asks batting her eyelashes.
"I'm afraid I must, if the Akatsuki are bold enough to attack Sunagakure it's only a matter of time before they target Onigakure" Naruto tells her.
"Your always welcome my friend" Gaara says as he gives Naruto a hug.
Naruto returns the hug and then signals to his group as his chakra enveloped them and they sunk into the ground.
Onigakure
"Thank you both for your service, you are free to leave" Naruto tells his team.
"Kuraikage-sama" Kimimaro says as he leaves.
"See you later brat" Zabuza says as he also leaves.
"Naruto-kun" Haku says giving him a chaste kiss on the cheek before fleeing.
"Finally going to make your move, dear Husband?" Shion questions.
"How long have you been there honey" Naruto asks.
He turns to see Shion sitting at his desk going through files.
"Long enough, were you successful?" She asks.
"Yes, I arrived just before the De Facto Akatsuki leader summoned the Gedō Mazō" Naruto reports.
"And Gaara?" She questions.
"He allowed me to siphon some of Shukaku's chakra as thanks for rescuing him before the Akatsuki could seal any of it's chakra into the statue" Naruto tells her.
"Good, then everything is moving as we planned" Shion says.
"The Akatsuki are probably moving to find Onigakure as we speak and will delay any further missions involving the other jinchūriki giving us the chance to get to them first" Naruto says.
"Have your clones or the vultures found the other jinchūriki or the Akatsuki tasked with capturing them?" She continues.
"Hai, it seems as if they've tracked Yugito and were ready to capture her at any moment. Utakata is still eluding us both and Isobu is likely still a few weeks or months from resurfacing so we're almost ready" Naruto answers.
"And what about the Raikage's brother?" She asks.
"We will let the Akatsuki make the first move. I'm pretty sure they'll send one of both of the Uchiha brothers to take him on" Naruto theorizes.
"I'm sure you're looking forward to that confrontation" She muses with a smirk.
"Maybe" Naruto responds.
"As mush as you want this?" She questions.
She opens her robes to reveal she was wearing nothing underneath as she stands up letting her clothes hit the floor. Naruto quickly shakes his head no and goes to the door locking it.
"Come and get it" She orders as she sits back down.
"Yes mam!"
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone