Bab 194: Chapter 13: A Meeting to Remember
As both parties made their way through the village. Tsunade and Iruka watched as the Tsukigakure group, huddled together. Changing their formation so that Kubinashi flanked left, Kejōrō took to the right and Saizō stood behind, encompassing the children in the centre, keeping them from any curious eyes. However, the small blonde boy was kept close to whom Tsunade knew to be Naruto. Naruto had replaced his mask, keeping it stuck to his face using chakra. It wasn't hard to guess why Naruto didn't want the villagers to see him or his children and it was something that caused both pain and understanding to Tsunade and Iruka. Tsunade was just glad that he didn't have a grudge against her, proven by his usage of "Granny Tsunade." It was a name she usually hated and would have hit anyone else for using, but in this one instance, she was glad to hear it.
It was actually the only thing she'd heard from Naruto since his arrival, straight after the obvious statement of forgiveness and non-blame, Lady Ruka Osorubeki-Uzumaki asked to head to the tower. Everyone could see the ploy for what it was, preventing the village from knowing his identity and lowering the chances other children being spotted. It was the protective instincts of a mother and a wife at their finest.
It didn't take long to reach the Hokage office, even with all the curious stares they drew, along with a few lustful ones, all of them were quite good looking after all. As soon as they entered, Tsunade dismissed her Anbu hidden in the room. As soon as they had exited and she was sure no one was watching she glommed Naruto, Very nearly squeezing him to death in the process with her strength. On the plus size, even if Tsunade managed to suffocate him, she was a medical expert and could easily resuscitate him. Luckily, for everyone involved she realised him when he started to go blue. Then after regaining his breath, he removed his mask and placed it on his hip, removing it completely.
"Oh, gaki, look at you all grown up and you are married with kids! Did you know you're the first of your former graduating class to have kids? How have you been? How did you and Lady Osorubeki meet? There's just so much I've missed because of that stupid council!" Tsunade sped the words out of her mouth without so much as breathing, it was extremely unusual to regular Tsunade. However, it wasn't every day the boy she saw of a son return after a seven-year-long absence.
"Lady Hokage, perhaps it would be better to conduct business first? I know you would like to reconnect with my husband. However, until our official business with the Leaf is concluded, Naruto otherwise known as The Kōshoku no kage (The Crimson Shadow) is here as my personal bodyguard and member of my village" Ruka intervened before either crying or another round of questioning began. She had kept her voice polite and even had a small smile on her face despite the fact she wanted the actual village to burn to the ground in a fiery, never-ending chaotic, devastation. Tsunade meanwhile had considered her proposal and sighed, before nodding in acceptance and taking a seat. Ruka followed her lead, taking a seat in front of the desk. Naruto chose to stand just slightly behind her, as both a sign of protection but also as one to show his loyalty. Naruto Uzumaki would stand by his wife and clan head, even against his former home. Both Ruka and Tsunade sat with their eyes locked in silence, both waiting for the other to break their silence. In the end, it was Tsunade.
"Lady Osorubeki, I have already heard the reports from the teams I sent, concerning their time within Tsukigakure…" Tsunade would have continued if she had not been interrupted by Ruka.
"Speaking of which Lady Hokage, why did you send such a large force to my village? A single team could have done the same type of job, possibly one more equipped to handle diplomatic assignments." Ruka knew full well that the end of that sentence made her a tad hypercritical considering, that she'd basically insulted everyone on that mission. Which, by regular standard was definitely not a diplomatic solution. Tsunade's eyes twitched slightly, showing her annoyance at not only being interrupted but also her ability to assign mission correctly.
"The numbers were due to a multitude of reasons. Mostly because they were charged with finding an S-Rank Ninja, the ranking alone usually screams 'run away if seen'. All of my ninjas have all been under a lot of pressure and stress as of late, especially the Konoha 11. The tension needed to be gone for them to be effective…" Stated Tsunade trailing off. Only for Ruka to easily follow her train of thought.
"So, sending them off on a possible wild goose chase to my village, which is wrapped under as a supposed diplomatic task in meeting me. Which just happened to be timed with our festival, would give them some R&R. All without your pesky elders and council to nag you over it because it is an actual mission. That is rather sneaky of you Lady Hokage. Please continue with your earlier statement, now that this issue is resolved." Stated Ruka with a smirk on her lips, a new appreciation for the old Senju Princess. Tsunade smirked back before schooling her face and continuing.
"Right, as I was saying, I have already heard the reports from the teams I sent, concerning their time within Tsukigakure. I would, however, like to hear your version of events so that this matter can be cleared up quickly." Tsunade spoke with a blank face and respectful tone. Ruka eyes the Hokage carefully and calmly before nodding.
"Very well Lady Hokage. If it my version of events of is what you want, then that is what you shall get." Ruka moved back in her seat for comfort. Tsunade internally sighed knowing that that movement usually meant a lengthy report or discussion. She wished she had sake right now.
"After your Konoha teams arrived they quickly delved into trying to find The Kōshoku no kage (The Crimson Shadow). This failed rather swiftly, due to the loyalty my villagers have. They only managed to revived barley anything of worth. This, along with the information they had required, caused the leader Kakashi Hatake to arrange a meeting with me. They, of course, had already met me unknowingly when I picked my children up from the park. Hatake and the elder Sensei's Asuma Sarutobi and his wife; Kurenai Yuhi-Sarutobi, were polite to my steward and to me. Several others of the group also showed good diplomatic behaviour included Hinata Hyuga, Ino Yamanaka, the Ninja-hound Akamaru and Choji Akimichi. Shikamaru Nara and Shino Aburame remained neutral, while Might Gai, Neji Hyuga, TenTen and Rock Lee, remained in the village. Sasuke Uchiha, Sakura Haruno-Uchiha and Kiba Inuzuka, were forced into being respectful, Kiba Inuzuka was leering at me, while Sasuke and Sakura Uchiha believed to be above my station, in my own village. The topic of The Kōshoku no kage (The Crimson Shadow) was the focus of the situation, after the discovery that he is linked to someone that was in Konoha. After that, I questioned as to why I should set up a meeting. Kiba Inuzuka began shouting and being although disrespectful, it was nothing that hadn't been expected. The topic of what value would it be worth to my clan, then started entering the discussion when the Uchiha rather blatantly, stated that he was basically stating that he would impregnate someone with the clan too, give my clan an Uchiha. This although I was highly unimpressed with and anger had begun to rise, I would have let the matter drop. However, it was the fact that he clearly insulated that it was I that he would 'Bestow this honour.' Even after I plainly warned him that I was a married woman and did not take kindly such a statement, he called me a 'filthy whore that should be grateful he offered his seed to me.' I just only managed to prevent my guards from killing him on the spot, a second later and it would have been his corpse sent back to you." Ruka narrowed her eyes at the Kage.
"Name calling does not bother me Lady Tsunade I have been in wars and skirmishes, I am thicker skinned than that." She spoke with conviction.
"Before telling them to leave my home, I informed your team that I would tell The Kōshoku no kage (The Crimson Shadow) that they wanted to speak with him. I also warned all of them to follow my rules or face my consequences." Ruka's voice was hard almost cold and her eyes were solid.
"Then barely a day later Sasuke Uchiha starts a fight in a crowed, busy street, in the middle of our Peace festival, and not only attacked one of my clansmen, but innocent civilians. Then proceeded to insult both my husband and myself again! Trust me on this Lady Hokage, I was about to give the execution order when my husband stepped in. As my husband suggested and requested Sasuke Uchiha is now locked up and I kicked your ninja out of my village. That Lady Hokage is what occurred. My opinion is that you have an unstable spoilt brat that thinks his name will kill opponents for him. And I would have either killed or stamped that out years ago." Ruka finished not feeling guilty at all for voicing what she believed or felt.
Meanwhile, Tsunade knew before Lady Osorubeki began that she would end up needing sake, that need more than doubled before Ruka had even finished. This is why she wanted to execute him years ago, but no, the council wouldn't let her. The advisors said it'd be bad for the village. Now she just wished that she, had executed all of them together. She sighed and then quickly drew herself up. Oh why, oh why did she agree to this job in the first place?
"Lady Osorubeki, it is clear from all versions I have heard that Sasuke Uchiha is the one at fault. I humbly apologise for all the trouble and offence his actions and careless words have caused. We have always held the Osorubeki Clan and Tsukigakure in high esteem. It is the Leaf Village's oversight about his attitude please allow us to correct it for ourselves." Stated Tsunade humbly and respectfully. Many kage would feel it beneath them to apologise to anyone, let alone a clan village. However, Tsunade wasn't a fool and believed that if The Benihime came to another kage's village under similar pretences, that they would scramble to make her happy, even it that meant apologising. Ruka Osorubeki was a ninja on par with the Three Sannin, in their prime. Hell, it is rumoured that no one has actually seen the full extent of her power, so if the woman who could personally level your village came knocking. You answer the door, no matter what.
"I thank you for your kind words and meaningful apology, Lady Hokage." When Ruka responded Tsunade discreetly let out a breath, she had worried that this would be difficult. The Osorubeki (Grim) Clan have always protected their own, even from words. Sasuke's words would look as if he was insulting the whole Clan and Ruka would no doubt be more protective of her husband and children than anyone else. Sasuke Uchiha ignited a fire best left unlit and Kami (God) forbid Ruka Osorubeki demand Sasuke's head in recompense for the insults to her clan and village. The council will have kittens. Let alone what else she could demand from the village due to the insults towards her, her husband and children, including the heir to the Osorubeki Clan. Any sense of relief soon shattered when Tsunade heard Ruka's next sentence.
"However, Lady Hokage, how can I trust that you will provide proper punishment towards Sasuke Uchiha? After all, he betrayed this village and was barely scolded. Plus my clan members really want to handle him themselves. I had to place an order out to prevent them from harming him while I am gone. On top of that Lady Hokage, my clan elders and advisors are telling me that they want payment towards the slight against my clan and there are also the civilian citizens I need to consider. In other words Lady Hokage, why should I give him to you?" Ruka stated calm almost as if she'd been talking about the weather. Tsunade, on the other hand, was internally sweating.
"I understand your desire to have your clan punish him personally Lady Osorubeki, however, Sasuke Uchiha is a Konoha Ninja. For that reason alone it must be the Leaf that carries out his punishment. Would a compromise of some sort be acceptable to you?" Tsunade spoke sounding convicted and strong, even if she was begging Ruka to accept internally.
"Very well Lady Hokage, what do you suggest this compromise be?" Stated Ruka not even pausing to consider the offer. Little did Tsunade know that Ruka was aware that this is the root Tsunade would take to please her clan.
"The Osorubeki Clan can choose Sasuke Uchiha's punishment on top of what I shall be giving him, the punishment decided by your Clan must come through me first and it cannot be suicidal or career ending. The Leaf will pay all damages caused by Sasuke's fight and both the village and the Uchiha will send money to the civilians that were nearly harmed by Sasuke. Please believe me when I say that Sasuke Uchiha will not get a slap on the wrist for his behaviour." Stated Tsunade knowing that this is the best she could offer the angry clan head.
"I accept those terms, however, I would like to add something of my own. Sasuke Uchiha's Sharingan will be sealed, not only until his punishment is decided but also during it. The Sharingan can only be unsealed when he has completed his punishment. He should also not be allowed to take missions until then either." Ruka declared with confidence and authority. Tsunade nodded in agreement, she found that to be fair.
"Anything else you wish to add before we form an agreement?" Questioned Tsunade, not realising she would wish that she'd kept her mouth shut afterwards. Ruka blinked as she remembered something.
"Yes, actually, I want a formal apology from Sasuke Uchiha once his punishment has been completed. If he does not he shall be punished again, this will continue until he apologises." Ruka added in. Leaving off her thoughts; that after so many times she'll simply extract a pound of flesh in place of what he owes. Tsunade voiced her agreement to this clause as well.
"Now, it is time to answer my questions Naruto Uzumaki-Osorubeki-Namikaze!" Tsunade demanded, looking towards a certain masked blue-eyed blonde.
Status Power Mingguan
-- Peringkat
Power 
-- Power
stone