Chương 37: Chapter 37: Pleasure before Duty
Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto
"Hmm…."- Bijuu
"Hmm…."- Flashback
Chapter 37:
Pleasure before Duty
Kushina was not a happy girl at the moment. But that was evident by the frown that was etched on her face. It had nothing to do with her team either. For the most part, they had been working on becoming more open to one another as per their sensei's request. The training still sucked, though. At least to Kushina it did. It was pretty much only team building exercises. That wasn't to say that they didn't work on their individual skills. Because they did. But it was mostly the former. And to Kushina, it felt like she wasn't going anywhere. That was why she put twice the effort on her training whenever she had the time at her house. They did have a training dojo and a specious backyard in which to do so. It was one of the benefits of being part of a shinobi family.
But none of that really mattered to Kushina at the moment. She was much more concerned with what she had learned a few days ago since Naruto and his team returned from their mission. And that was the fact that Naruto and Aika were now dating. Kushina had no idea how that could have happened, but it had. And worse, it left her with this foul mood, something that she still couldn't comprehend. She couldn't like that idiot. There was just no way. Even so, she was mad, especially at Aika. And there was no other explanation for this other than that. That didn't mean that she had to accept it…..right?
It was something that Kazumi picked up on as she stood behind her sitting daughter in the same place where she and Naruto had had tea after he had fought Kaito. The woman was here for two reasons. One of them was to console her daughter since she could already see what was troubling her. Her daughter hadn't wanted to explain anything to her the last time that she had asked, but Kazumi was sharp. It didn't take that much thinking to figure it out. The other reason, though…..
"Do you want to talk about it?" the Uzumaki matriarch asked in a soft tone as she sat down next to her only daughter.
Kushina didn't respond as she stared aimlessly at the clouds up in the sky. It was around noon, but no one was home right now other than them. Her father was at the office as usual with Naruto and Kaito having left the house early since this was their first day off ever since they had become a team. Usually it meant that they could sleep in, but apparently they each had things to do that required them to be up and about at such an early hour.
Looking at her mother a moment later, Kushina realized that she was the one person whom she couldn't lie to about this, no matter how much she wanted to.
"It's just not fair….."
Kazumi sighed, both in relief and sadness. Relief because her daughter was being truthful to her and sadness because she had to go through this. Kazumi didn't know how to feel about this really. As far as she was concerned, she saw no problems if Naruto and her daughter did date. Even if she had come to love the young blond as her own, Kazumi realized that biologically he was not her son. And by default, he wasn't biologically Kushina's brother. Her husband, though…he would probably freak out. But that was true for any boy that Kushina decided to date. So it wasn't anything out of the ordinary. But…
"It might not be fair," Kazumi began, choosing her words carefully, "but this was something that Naruto chose as well. You have to see things from his perspective, honey. As far as he's concerned, you're not interested in him that way. You didn't eaxctly express your feeling all that well."
Kushina knew that that was true. In the academy, anyone in her class could see that Aika had feelings for Naruto. Even if she was just as friendly with Haru, the other girls could see that she didn't shine the same way as when she was with the whiskered blond. Nor did she really care to hide it all that much either, even if she thought that she did. As far as they could see it anyway. Kushina, however, preferred to always keep some distance between her and the blond. They were good friends at home, but at the academy they had gone their separate ways. But that was just an impulse on Kushina's part. That impulse had caused this moment, though. And she didn't like it.
Again, it just wasn't fair. Why did she have to feel this way?
Kazumi sighed again, realizing that this probably wasn't the best time to say what she was going to say. But this wasn't something that could be put off either way. Her shinobi side and her mother side were at conflict here, like with many other aspects in her life. But Arashi had already been clear about the matter. And she had agreed.
"I know that this isn't an easy time for you," Kazuki said as she ran a hand through her daughter's long red hair, "but there is something that your father needs to discuss with you. Right now."
Before Kushina had the time to reply, Arashi made his presence known as he walked calmly into their line of vision, having arrived from his office in the village center just a few seconds ago.
"Dad," Kushina said in surprise, wondering what was so important that he needed to come here to her during the middle of the day. In the back of her mind, though, she wondered if he had heard everything that they had been discussing.
Arashi, not knowing about his daughter's feelings towards a certain blond, looked uncomfortable as he stopped a few feet away from his wife and daughter.
"How are you doing, princess?"
Kushina did her best to smile as brightly as she could, also noting that her father hadn't heard the beginning part of their conversation. Which was good. "The same as always. But why are you here?"
Being too distracted by what he was going to say, Arashi didn't pick up on Kushina's fake smile this time. "It's just something that I have to tell you, something about your future as both a shinobi and your everyday life."
Now this certainly did catch Kushina by surprise. It wasn't everyday that her father told her stuff like that. It was strange. And it made her anxious.
"What is it?"
Arashi struggled to find the right words for a few second before sighing. "You'll be leaving to Konoha in a month."
Kushina's eyes widened at hearing this. "What? Why!?" she asked as she quickly stood up.
Arashi shook his head. "I can't tell you that. At least not now. You'll know the reason why once you're in Konoha."
Kazumi looked at her daughter with a regretful look, knowing that this wasn't what she needed to hear right now.
"B-but you just can't….." Kushina stuttered as her mind struggled to comprehend this turn of events.
Walking up to her, Arashi placed both of his hands on her shoulders, bringing Kushina's gaze to him. "I know that this isn't easy to hear. And I wish that it wasn't so. But unfortunately, we are still shinobi, Kushina. Sometimes duty has to come before our feelings. No matter how painful it may be."
"Does Kaito know?"
"No, he does not," Arashi answered truthfully. "Only your mother and I know." And well, Kenji too. But that was beside the point at the moment.
Tears gathered around Kushina's eyes. But neither parent could blame her. She was about to leave the place that she had known her entire life and embark to an unknown land with people she didn't know. She was going to be alone from now on. Arashi knew that Konoha would keep a close eye on his daughter the moment she walked through the gates, but it wasn't the same thing. It was going to be painful for them all.
That was why he didn't say anything as Kushina began to openly cry, choosing instead to embrace her as he tried to comfort her in silence.
Kazumi watched this as tears began to gather in her eyes, cursing what was going to happen. But cursing even more at her inability to stop this. The shinobi world was too cruel of a place. This was a fact that Kushina was beginning to understand more and more. And Kazumi was certain that her daughter was going to experience even more of that cruelness in Konoha and for the remainder of her life.
That thought just made all of this even harder. No parent wanted for their child to experience such hardship. But that was the world that they lived in.
So Kazumi cursed it with as much anger as she could, a sentiment that was shared by her husband.
Kushina's cries of anguish continued to echo through the house.
Haru sighed to himself in relief as he laid back against the chair he was sitting on, a different number of books sprawled on the table in front of him. For the first time since he had become a genin, he had a day to dedicate to himself. It wasn't like he minded his team. They were his best friends, after all. But that didn't mean that he didn't like his alone time every now and then. Not to mention that today was a special day for both Naruto and Aika. Haru smiled at remembering how they had told him that they were now a couple the day that they had left the capital and returned back towards Uzu. He honestly had not been expecting for Aika to make a move so quickly. She must have been impatient all right.
"Studying again?"
The boy came out of his thoughts to see his father walking inside their kitchen to where he was.
"No, just reading," Haru replied as he looked at the book in his hands, which was also one of his personal favorites. It was a story about two individuals setting out on an adventure to an unknown land in order to fulfill their goals. The most interesting part, in Haru's opinion, was how the two friends were the exact opposite but still managed to get along. It was fascinating to him. In some ways, it reminded Haru of Naruto and Aika. The girl was much more pessimistic than Naruto while the blond was the exact opposite. And yet, they still managed to get along well enough, even to the point that Aika had developed romantic feelings for him.
Kenji chuckled as he took a seat on the other side of the table, picking one of the books with a fond look. "Your mother always did love to read. I guess her passion for books was passed on to you."
Haru smiled at this.
"I sometimes ask myself how she ever fell for an idiot like me," Kenji continued with a small smirk. "I could never read anything for entertainment."
"I'm sure you could find some enjoyment if you open your mind a bit," Haru responded as he handed his father the book in his hands.
Taking it, Kenji read the title, "'The Two Travelers', huh? Do you think that I could enjoy this one?"
"It's one of my favorites," Haru said with his smile still present. "Mom gave that to me."
Kenji's eyes widened at this, having obviously not known this.
"She managed to read it once, but she instantly loved it," Haru explained, seeing the questioning look on his father's face. "Apparently she found it while she had been out shopping with me."
Kenji chuckled at that. "Is that so? She always did look for any book that could catch her interest….."
Haru merely smiled, watching his father run a hand through the book's cover as his eyes reflected the obvious longing for his mother. It was a desire that Haru shared as well. But they both understood that her time on this Earth had already passed. And thus, they could do nothing but respect the memories they had of her and move on, all the while forging new bonds with those around them. For a long time, Haru thought that that was an impossibility. But Naruto had taught him differently.
So for now, he would sit back and watch Naruto's bond with Aika grow and strengthen even more, all the while sharing the bond he and his father had with one another.
Hagoromo looked at the reflecting water before him as he floated in midair, looking at all the activity taking place around Uzu right now. These were all the descendants of Asura, one of his sons. And in the original timeline, he had to watch them be slaughter by the legacy of hatred that he had left behind. It made him realize of all the things that he had failed as, namely as a father and a teacher.
"You still blame yourself for too much, old man."
Hagoromo smiled as a figure appeared behind him. He didn't need to turn around to know who it was. He recognized that voice, after all.
"Well, this is a surprise," Hagoromo began, keeping his gaze on the water below him. "I didn't expect for Nori to do this as well."
The figure behind him chuckled. "So you already put the pieces together, huh? I always did find that part of you annoying. Especially since Indra had the knack of doing the same thing."
Hagoromo didn't respond to the insult, knowing full well that he deserved it. "So, I take it that you're against what's happening."
"Of course I am. Your playing a dangerous game. One that I don't appreciate taking part in."
"This isn't a game," Hagoromo replied without missing a beat. "I'm trying to correct all the mistakes that I have made."
"And now you're on the verge of creating more," the figure retorted. "The rules you agreed to are the same ones that are going to guarantee your failure."
Hagoromo sighed. "I had a feeling you would react this way….but there is no choice. Things will proceed as I have foreseen. But do not worry. Naruto shall not fail."
The figure was quiet until he h'mphed, facing away from him. "Naruto will learn the truth of this. I shall see to that."
Hagoromo didn't respond as the figure disappeared. He didn't have the nerve to turn around, knowing full well that he was most likely in the wrong here.
'But once this is over, Naruto and Sasuke shall know the truth,' he thought to himself. 'It'll shall be the last thing that I will be able to do for them.'
Even if they did end up rejecting him.
Naruto looked at the suit he was wearing through the mirror that was hanging on one of giants plants in Mt. Myoboku, which he had hung himself earlier.
"I don't think this is necessary….."
Fukasaku shook his head in disappointment from on top of one of his fellow, but larger, toads. "You can't think like that, Naruto-chan. You have to make this evening special for the little lady!"
Gamabunta smirked from his spot as he looked at Naruto squirm in uneasiness. "Feeling nervous, eh, brat?"
Naruto could only nod. But it wasn't his fault. This was going to be his first date ever. And the toads weren't really helping the situation either. While it had been his idea to spend his and Aika's first date in Mt. Myoboku, he had never expected for Shima to go overboard with the whole thing. It only made his nervousness that much greater.
"Ah, I remember my first date with Ma," Fukasaku said as he began to reminisce about the "good old days."
"Ha, I never would have thought that the day would come," Kurama said with a smirk of his own. "You really are growing up, brat!"
"Quit teasing him already!" Matatabi said with an annoyed tone. "This is a happy occasion for once."
'Thanks, Matatabi,' Naruto said back as he calmed himself down. He felt the Hiraishin kunai that he had brought with him inside his jacket. He was planning on giving it to Aika tonight so that he could always teleport to her whenever she needed him in future situations. He also had to give one to Haru as well. But after his hard work, he had finally mastered the Hiraishin to a usable level. He honestly had no idea if he was close to his father's level of mastery. The clones that he had left behind here had only been able to achieve this a few days earlier. But he could at least add it to his arsenal from now on. It was a huge relief to the blond, but it was also frustrating. He really had no aptitude when it came to fuinjutsu. And that just sucked considering that he was half Uzumaki. It should come naturally to him or something. But at the end of the day, Naruto knew that he just had to try harder like with everything else in his life.
He was brought out of his thoughts by Gamabunta who poked him with his oversized finger.
"Oi, stop spacing out, you idiot," the toad boss said with a grunt. "It amazes me how you're even still alive."
Naruto rolled his eyes. "Yeah, thanks for the voice of confidence, chief. I definitely needed to hear that on top of everything else that's going on."
Fukasaku chuckled. "You'll be fine, Naruto-chan. But you should get going now. It's almost time for you to meet up with Aika-chan. It'll be better if you're there before she arrives."
Nodding, the blond said his thanks again as he began to make his way to where he and the toads had set up his dinner with Aika to be at.
Fukasaku and Gamabunta simply watched him go with matching grins.
To say that Aika was nervous was an understatement. For one, this wasn't exactly how she had pictured her first date to be. Not that she minded it. In fact, she was happy that Naruto's toad summonings had taken a liking to her.
But right now, she was embarrassed beyond belief as she walked to her meeting place with Naruto in the ruby dress that the toads had prepared for her. She didn't even know how Naruto had been able to set all this up, but she was enjoying it nonetheless. The dress she now had wasn't anything too fancy, but it was still to her liking. Especially the Uzumaki spiral design that ran all throughout the dress. The toad that had helped her get ready, Shima if she recalled correctly, had also braided her hair, giving her a different look from before. She honestly didn't know if she looked well or not. But either way, she wasn't walking out of this.
It didn't take her long to find the place that Shima had described to her before she had sent her kicking out of her house. It was pretty much one of the larger trees in the area. But the trunk itself had an opening, no doubt made by the toads, in order to create a restaurant of some sorts. Aika didn't know specifically what since she hadn't been here long enough to find out. But for today, it was empty save for one table with one blond already there.
Aika felt her nervousness disappear at seeing the blond smile when he caught sight of her. She had to fight back a chuckle at seeing the orange dress shirt underneath his black jacket. No matter what, he always had to have orange somewhere.
"Welcome, Aika-chan," Naruto said as he grabbed a hold of her hand the moment that she came close enough.
"Yeah," Aika replied as she took her seat before Naruto took his. "I hope I didn't keep you waiting too long….."
Aika wasn't one to worry about fashion like other girls. Nor did she particularly care too much about how she looked at times. Today had been the first time in her life that she had actually behaved like a normal girl and allowed herself the luxury to doll herself up. It had been fun, but it also made her more self-conscious.
Naruto waved her concerns away, his usual goofy smile in place. "Of course not. Besides, it looks like all that work paid off. You look beautiful."
Aika couldn't help but blush at the compliment.
The bijuu on the other hand had to admit that the blond was actually doing well for himself so far. But of course, Naruto was ever so oblivious. He was only saying what he was thinking. But for once in his life, it was actually helping him score some points.
'I just hope the idiot will be able to keep it up,' Kurama thought as he and his siblings observed the date in silence. it might be intruding, but they didn't really have anything else to do for the moment. So they made the best of the circumstances.
A clone was quick to make his appearance as he brought drinks to them both.
Aika had to shake her head in amusement at seeing this. "You really do abuse the shadow clone jutsu as much as you can, don't you?"
Before Naruto could respond, the clone chimed in. "You have no idea, Aika-chan. The boss is always driving us to death. He's like a slave master, I tell you!"
Naruto coughed in his hands in embarrassment while Aika actually giggled. Damn clones. Why did they have to have personas of their own? It was annoying at times. And one of them was right now.
"Oi, you served the drinks. That's all you have to do for now," Naruto said through gritted teeth.
But the clone rolled its eyes as it began to walk away. "Yeah, yeah. Leave the dirty work to us while you enjoy yourself with Aika-chan. Stingy ass."
If it were any other time, Naruto would have proceeded to strangle the clone until it literally poofed out of existence. But at the current moment, he couldn't very well do that. So the blond swallowed his irritation as he refocused back on Aika who was already enjoying herself. She had been worried before since she felt like things between her and Naruto might become a bit too different since they were now dating. But the blond was already proving to her that nothing was going to change with him. And that put her at ease, which also made her realize that she was really going to enjoy her first date.
As for the blond, he was ever so oblivious as he simply smiled at Aika, hoping that nothing went wrong tonight.
Dinner had been a fun affair. For both Aika and Naruto. The girl had enjoyed watching Naruto bicker with his clones all throughout the evening as the clones made snarky remarks here and there. It was amusing for her since Naruto could dispel them if he really wanted to. But instead, he actually treated them like individuals. It was an amusing prospect. Not only that, but just being in the blond's presence had made the date that much more enjoyable.
For Naruto, the clones had made the plan a bit more complicating than what he had first intended. But it was only thanks to them that he had been able to get everything ready for today, including the buying of the dress that Aika now wore. And Haru too. His friend had gone with one of the clones in order to pick out a dress for Aika. Naruto had asked Haru since the blond was sure the smarter boy would have a better idea of what size to pick out. And he had been proven right. At first, though, Naruto had been skeptical to buy the dress with what money he had saved up from the missions that they had gone up until now. He hadn't thought that the dress was fancy enough. But Haru had reassured him that Aika would like it. And once again, that had been proven right as Aika really did seem to like the dress.
But the clones were still annoying. At least they still did their jobs, even if their comments weren't welcomed.
After dinner had ended, Naruto had guided Aika to the top of the tree, which was where the two were now, just as the sun was descending down the horizon. They were sitting on a blanket that Naruto had prepared beforehand.
"It looks like you really did plan this out," Aika said, observing this with a small smile.
Naruto chuckled while scratching his cheek, a small blush on his face. "Well, I can be pretty smart when I want to be, ya know."
Aika rolled her eyes at hearing that. "Too bad those moments are too rare."
Naruto pouted slightly. "We've already been over this, Aika-chan."
The girl smiled as she bragged his hand, bringing it up next to her face. "I know. And I wouldn't change that, no matter how much I say that I would."
Naruto smiled as the gesture as he used his other hand to go through the pocket inside his black jacket. "I actually have something that I need to give you."
Aika raised an eyebrow as Naruto brought out the Hiraishin kunai. Realization sparked in her eyes the moment that she caught sight of it. "Is that….."
Nodding, Naruto said with a smile, "Yep. The Hiraishin. You could call it my dad's most dangerous jutsu that he created. And I finally know how to use it."
Aika continued to smile as she grabbed a hold of the kunai. "And you're giving me one?"
The blond chuckled as he looked to the side. "I know that you don't need me to protect you. But that doesn't mean that I can't worry about you. If you ever need me, I'll be a throw away, so to speak. Hahaha….."
Naruto trailed off, not knowing how the girl was to react. He already knew Aika. She wasn't the type of girl that liked to hide behind cover as everyone else did everything for her. She prided herself in achieving things on her own. And Naruto actually liked that about her. But just like with anyone else whom Naruto considered precious to him, he wanted to make sure that no harm ever befell her. That was the whole reason for him giving her the Hiraishin kunai. That didn't mean that she would like that train of thought, though.
But the blond's anxiety disappeared when Aika placed one of her hands on his cheek, turning his head towards her as she brought her lips to his.
Unlike before, though, Naruto quickly deepened the kiss, already knowing that she wasn't angry with him.
Parting a few seconds later, Aika smiled as she said, "Thanks. I know that I can get in tough situations sometimes because of my stubbornness."
'It's not like I'm any better,' Naruto thought to himself.
Aika sighed a moment later as she looked down. "Things are going to get even tougher, aren't they?"
Naruto then sighed as well at hearing that. "I wish I could tell you otherwise. But I can't. I'm not even sure if I'll always be here in Uzu for the remainder of my time."
Aika quickly looked at him with wide eyes. "What?"
Naruto closed his eyes as he stood up, walking a few steps in front of him. "My goal isn't something that can be achieved so easily, Aika-chan. It's going to take time. And a lot of work. Right now, all the shinobi nations have a grudge against the other and don't have any sort of trust among one another. I want to rectify that. At all costs. But that doesn't mean that I know how things will play out. Anything can happen. I also don't want to put you guys in any more danger."
At this, Aika narrowed her eyes as she stood up. "So that's what it boils down to, huh? You can't trust us to stand beside you?"
Naruto shook his head. "Yes and no. Right now, there is an enemy out there that is more dangerous than you can imagine. If we fought, I don't even know if I would come out on top. But it's also my selfishness. No matter what, I don't want to see those close to me suffer. If I can prevent that, then I will."
"You can't do that, Naruto," Aika replied with a frown as she placed a hand on his shoulder. "You can't bear all of that by yourself. It's not fair. Nor will I allow that. Even if I have to leave Uzu to do it."
Naruto turned around to look at her with a shocked look. "You can't-"
"You don't get to decide that," Aika cut in with a stern look. "What I do with my life is my choice. I'm also not ignorant to the fact that, right now, I don't have the skills to make any sort of difference with you. But that doesn't mean that it will stay that way forever. I'll train harder, no matter what it takes. But I won't let you shoulder all of this by yourself."
Itachi's words came haunting Naruto back from the future, reminding the blond that he was repeating the same mistake that Itachi had committed.
Naruto then pulled her closer to him, bringing his head to the crook of her neck. "I'm just scared. I don't want to lose anyone else anymore."
Aika smiled as she replied, "I'm not going anywhere. Trust me on that. But I also understand where you're coming from. There are even times that I want to run away from all of this with you. Just to have a normal and happy life."
Naruto chuckled. "And here I thought you were more down to Earth than that, Aika-chan. That's something that I would say, not you."
Aika rolled her eyes, feeling the mood starting to brighten up again. "Oh, shut up. Your unending optimism has rubbed off on me, okay? So shut up and deal with it."
The blond chuckled some more before he sighed. "I wish I could run away like you say. It would make things easier. But I can't. I would never forgive myself."
"I know..."
Naruto merely smiled some more as he brought his head back in order to look at the girl in his arms in the eyes. "It's not so bad, though, is it?"
Aika didn't reply as she brought her lips back to his, effectively preventing the blond from saying anything else that he had wanted to.
'No, it's not so bad,' she thought to herself as she continued to kiss Naruto whose mind was already blank save for savoring the lips of the girl that he had fallen for.
The bijuu observed all of this in silence.
Danzo stood within his tent as he looked at the map before him, making sure that all preparations were in order before he made his move. His camp was a few miles away from the sea and in the middle of the woods, something that he had done on purpose to avoid being spotted being spotted by either the Uzu shinobi in the town or any of Sarutobi's men. Hiroshi would be meeting with him in a few minutes in order for the Uzumaki to take a small Root team with him so that they could signal him the moment that the barrier was down. After that, he would give the signal to the other armies already on standby.
After Kiri's fleet had been destroyed in the last war, getting the necessary money together in order to build another one had been tough. Of course, both Iwa and Kumo had refused to send any funds in order to help make this happen. So Kiri was left to gather the money on its own with Danzo pitching in at a roughly twenty percent. It had been the best he could do. And while the new fleet wasn't as large as the one before it, it was enough to house the three separate armies before they stormed into Uzu after the barrier was brought down.
There was only one thing that was troubling him in all of this: the new jinchuriki. He had wanted for the new host to have been transported to Konoha by now as to avoid any risk in having him or her killed in the attack. But unfortunately, Uzu had been hard pressed to send anyone over. That was why Danzo had tried his best to postpone the attack for as long as possible. But Hiroshi and the other Kage didn't make it easier. But at long last, the Uzumaki clan leader had messaged the Hokage with the name of the new jinchuriki that they would provide. She was due to be sent to Konoha in a month or so. Having learned that, Danzo had tried to stall the attack for another month, but his…collaborators had refused. They wanted to attack as soon as possible so that they could get on with trying to destroy each other. It was laughable really. But Danzo would make the best of this. One point in his favor, though, was that the new host was to be the clan head's daughter. That would make finding her a lot easier than if it were someone else.
Danzo could finally see the end of one Konoha's enemies, just like he had learned all those years ago.
Flashback: Start
The bar was big in the festivities today. For one reason or another, there had been a big festival today that was important in the town's history.
But Danzo didn't pay any attention to that as he walked into one of the supposed locked rooms in the back of the bar. It was here that he was supposed to meet with the new informant about Kumo's new plans in the front. Without Sarutobi's consent of course. That old fool didn't know about anything that was truly happening in the shinobi world. All he could do was preach about peace. Well, peace wasn't achieved by words. It was achieved by actions, actions that Danzo had been taking all this time.
"You're on time….."
Danzo came out of his thoughts at hearing the voice. His muscles tensed as he had not been able to sense this man's presence. But adjusting his eye, Danzo was able to make out a figure in the shadows.
"Is there a particular reason that you are hiding yourself?"
The informant chuckled. "You know full well why. I am not about to have my identity revealed. Besides, who I am should be of no concern to you. We already know what you want."
Danzo narrowed his eye for a moment, knowing that the man had a point. Now he knew why this particular informant had been well recommended to him. He was careful to make sure that no one could ever find him. Not only that, but he had the skills to evade if things went south. So there could be no security breach in terms of who had come to him and for what information.
The Root leader then relaxed. "I'm sure that you already know that Kumo has begun to make some suspicious moves in their shorelines. They've removed a significant number of their shinobi and recalled them back into the Land of Lightning. One of my spies was only able to report to me that they were building something in the shores. But then he was caught and killed before he could tell me anything else."
The informant chuckled again. "Ah, that. It deals with one of your supposed allies. Uzu."
Danzo raised an eyebrow this, to which the informant began to clarify. "The current Raikage has had an obsession with bringing the Uzumaki clan under his rule ever since he came into power. And despite Uzu's stance in not taking any sides in this war, he doesn't care. He will use any means necessary in order to bring them under submission. That's why he placed that embargo on them. That is also why he's trying to build a fleet so that he can assault the island nation."
Danzo took all of this information in, already trying to formulate a strategy in order to stop the attack from happening. Even if he didn't particularly care for the Uzumaki clan, not to mention their stance on not taking any sides in this war, they were still a very important asset to Konoha. An asset which he knew that they couldn't afford to lose.
"You're already thinking of how to stop this, no?"
Danzo refocused his attention on the informant, his only visible eye narrowing again. "And of what importance is that to you?"
The informant chuckled. "Don't be so weary, Danzo. As you know, I don't share any information about my clients. Of course, that doesn't mean that I won't sell you out for the right price."
Danzo h'mphed. "I find it naive that you would say that to my face."
The informant t'sked. "It looks like you're the naive one. This whole place is already filled with traps. The moment you try something is the moment that you die."
Danzo didn't respond, but the informant could already tell that the man did not take well to being threatened. It was amusing to him really. But that was the whole point here.
"But," the informant then added after a few seconds of tensed silence, "you did pay me quite a bit more than any of my other regular clients. So take what I'm about to tell you as a bonus."
Danzo was taken back by this but didn't say anything, opting to letting the informant continue.
Noticing this, the informant continued. "Do with this information what you may. It makes no difference to me either way. But it looks like the Uzumaki clan plans to betray Konoha soon."
If Danzo had been surprised before, then this took the cake. "What?"
The informant chuckled yet again. "Interesting piece of information, isn't it?"
But Danzo wasn't one to be so trustworthy of what he heard just like that. "How did you get this information? It's virtually impossible to infiltrate that village."
The informant shrugged. "Do you honestly believe that I would reveal my secrets to you? But if you don't believe my words, then so be it. Like I said, it makes no difference to me what happens to you or to Konoha."
Danzo was silent for a few moments before asking, "When? How are they carrying this out? And for what purpose?"
The informant shook his head in amusement. "Oh, no. That's not how this works. If you want more information, then I suggest that you present more money to me."
Danzo's hands clenched into fists at his side. He couldn't afford to spend more money that he didn't have. Most of his funds were already on the war effort. Not to mention the amount that he had used in order to meet with this person.
The informant chuckled. "So I guess that's a no. But I'll be even more generous to you by telling you this: just why do you think they would do this? Hmm? A caged bird longs to be free, after all."
Before Danzo could get another word in, the informant's presence vanished from the room, leaving the man with more questions than answers.
Flashback: End
In the end, Danzo hadn't lifted a finger. Kiri had somehow caught wind of what Kumo was doing. But thinking that they had been planning on attacking them, they had destroyed the fleet while it was still in the middle of being constructed. So Uzu had unknowingly averted being attacked.
A few months later, Danzo had saved enough money to arrange another meeting with the informant so that he could get more information on the supposed rebellion by the Uzumaki clan. But Danzo had never been able to get in contact with the man again. So he had been left to decide by his own as to what he should do with this piece of information. Danzo had hesitated a few months before thinking about anything concrete. But it was then that he had arrived at a brilliant conclusion: he could recreate the Uzumaki clan, but this time in Konoha where he could keep a closer eye on it. Leaving such a dangerous group of people to their own wasn't a very smart idea in the long run. So this way, he was killing two birds with one stone. If the Uzumaki clan really was planning on enacting some sort of revenge on Konoha, then he would get rid of the threat. But if they weren't, then he would still get rid of a possible future threat. Either way, though, he would be adding a powerful force to Konoha's ranks. That was why he had been pushing for the new jinchuriki host to be picked and sent to Konoha already. Through her, Danzo would recreate the Uzumaki clan. Only this time, it would be under his control.
It was at this moment that Uzumaki Hiroshi walked into his tent as he was escorted by two of his Root anbu.
Danzo smiled. It was almost time.
Naruto was walking down the darkened streets of Uzu with a smile on his face as he made his way back towards his house. He was also dressed in his regular outfit again. He didn't want to show up in front of his grandparents while wearing a suit, after all. It would raise too many questions. Well, they already knew that he was dating Aika. So really, it was kind of a moot point.
But the blond didn't dwell on the specifics. He was in too good of a mood. Nothing could spoil this moment all right.
At least, that was what he thought until he felt a new presence behind him along with hearing a feminine voice.
"So, you're the new Asura, eh?"
Naruto quickly aimed for a backward punch to his ambusher only to hit empty air. The blond t'ched as he got into a defensive stance, the bijuu inside him waking up as they noticed his plight.
"Oi, what's happening?" Kurama asked, speaking for all of the bijuu.
'That's what I would like to know,' the blond replied as his eyes traced all the rooftops around him. He was still somewhere in the outskirts of the village since he hadn't wanted anyone to notice him using the Hiraishin. That was how he had been able to get back into the village. He had wanted to walk Aika home too, but the girl had turned him down as she knew that his grandparents wouldn't be too happy if he stayed out any longer. They were overprotective like that.
But Naruto didn't have to look around for too long as giggles hit his ears. Looking to the rooftop of a small shop to his left, Naruto came face to face with his attacker, only to see that there were four other figures standing around her. They all looked identical too with their only difference being the color of their hair. The one in front had dark crimson hair with dark brown eyes. They also wore the same outfit which was pretty much a black skintight shirt with armor brown armor gauntlets on both wrists, a black and red skirt with white leggings, and black shinobi sandals.
Naruto narrowed his eyes as he asked, "Who are you? And how did you get inside the village?"
The one standing in front giggled for a moment as she replied, "This barrier once caused our master some problems. But now, it doesn't matter. And it's all thanks to you, Asura."
Naruto t'ched at hearing that. Again with this Asura person. It was really starting to irritate him that no one could get his name right. He was Naruto, not Asura. But that did clear up one question all right.
"So, this master of yours wouldn't be a guy called Nori, right?"
Another one of his female attackers, this one with blue hair, giggled as she said, "And here I thought he was supposed to be an idiot? It looks like Master lied to us."
Naruto's eyebrow twitched at that.
The one with crimson hair smirked. "It doesn't matter. We still have our orders. You will be coming with us, Asura."
Naruto frowned. "And what the hell makes you think that I'll go anywhere with you?"
The crimson haired girl shrugged in amusement. "Because if you don't, your dear friends are going to die."
Naruto growled at hearing this. "What did you say?"
The group all giggled together as an opening, almost like a crack in space itself, opened up behind them. And in it, Naruto could see the white walls and pillars of the palace that he had met Nori in while he had been in Kumo.
The same crimson haired woman grinned as the others walked into the opening which the blond could now see was a portal.
"It's your choice whether to believe us or not, Asura. But if you make the wrong choice, both of your dear friends will end up dead."
With that, she walked into the portal just like the others before her had.
Naruto growled again, already knowing what he had to do. Now that he was focusing on it, he couldn't sense the kunai that he had given Aika during their date.
"Oi, you're not going to-"
Before Kurama could finish, Naruto jumped up towards the portal, intent on following the women.
The portal closed a second later, leaving no trace behind.
Hiroshi looked towards the place that had been his home all these years, the team that Danzo had picked to accompany him standing behind him. They were on aboard a small ship, the smallest one that Danzo had been able to find for this assignment. With Hiroshi having already memorized the patrol routes, they were able to easily get close enough to the island. Or well, as close as they could without hitting the raging whirlpools. But Hiroshi already knew how to deactivate them. It was why he was here, after all.
One of the Root anbu was already prepared to throw a explosive tag into the air via kunai the moment that Hiroshi deactivated the whirlpools. The explosion would be enough to alert the other Root team miles back that they could head back to the mainland so that they could tell Danzo to begin with the operation.
Hiroshi didn't hesitate as his hands began to run through the necessary handseals in order to deactivate the seals in place underwater.
Reaching the final one, the man paused for a moment. The captain in charge of the Root team glanced at him for a moment, wondering why he had stopped.
But before the anbu could say anything, Hiroshi closed his eyes as he activated his chakra, effectively deactivating the seal made whirlpools. Behind him, he heard the Anbu throw the kunai with the explosive tag into the air. Opening his eyes, Hiroshi saw how the whirlpools were deactivating one by one just as the sound of the explosion hit his ears.
It was finally time. The invasion of Uzu had begun.
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