887Disclaimer: - I, SSG-Goku3397, do not own Naruto and any related matter. It all belongs to Kishimoto, the original brain behind the character Naruto. The only thing that I do own is the plot of this story and any original jutsu, seals, concepts and OC's that are present within the story.
"Thoughts / Telepathic Speech"
"Speech"
Letters / Jutsu notes
Chapter 30 – Great Revelations
"Are you sure that it is wise Naruto-kun? Don't you think it would only push him away from us?" Hiruzen asked with a frown as Tobirama nodded in agreement. Hashirama and Minato were silent as all Five Hokage sat in the Hokage Office after activating the security seals.
"If he doesn't know the real reason, his hate will keep festering until it erupts in a vulgar display. No, we need to let him know the truth. I am particularly displeased that such a great asset was thrown away because of the actions of a traitor." Naruto said with vehemence as Hashirama nodded in agreement with the Godaime Hokage.
"I agree with Hiruzen, Godaime. The Uchiha cannot be truly trusted." Tobirama said, causing Hashirama and Naruto to bristle as the former spoke up.
"Don't let your personal grudge against Uchiha Izuna cloud your judgement Tobirama. Uchiha Kagami was a great man as was Madara before he went mad due to the loss of Izuna. A loss that could have been avoided if you had listened to me and not killed Izuna when we found out that he had taken Tōka."
Tobirama lowered his head in sadness as she said, "How was I supposed to know that Tōka and Izuna were lovers and they were eloping? I thought that Izuna had kidnapped and hypnotized our dear sister."
"Your actions had cost the lives of two innocents that day Tobirama. Izuna's death was too much for dear Tōka. If you had listened to her, then Izuna would have been alive and Tōka wouldn't have committed harakiri in sadness. You are a good leader Tobirama, but you lack foresight and understanding." Hashirama said with a dark tone.
"Past actions aside, I believe that Sasuke is more than ready to learn about the truth. Besides, it is better that he learns it from me than from an outside source who would twist facts." Naruto said with conviction, causing Hashirama to nod in agreement.
The five sat in silence for a few minutes before Tobirama spoke up addressing Minato, "Yondaime, you have been quiet throughout the discussion. What are your thoughts on the matter?"
Minato hummed to himself before speaking up. "From the reports, the massacre was the last resort action. Even then, only the traitors were meant to be eliminated. The rogue Uchiha Itachi reported to have helped him is probably the same one who attacked the day Naruto was born. Especially since he is calling himself Madara. If Danzō hadn't stolen and fatally injured Shisui, then this would all be a moot point. I believe that Uchiha Sasuke should be informed of the facts, but only if the current Hokage decides that Uchiha Sasuke is mature enough. Even if we all disagreed, it is the current Hokage's decision and we have no power to stop him. Only advise."
"Very astute observations Minato. You are right that we have only advisory powers now, so it is still up to Naruto-kun to make the final decision. Still, I would ask that you wait a few more years before informing young Sasuke." Hiruzen advised as Naruto nodded in acknowledgement.
"I will keep them in mind, but I still plan to inform Sasuke as soon as possible. I have decided that S-Ranked ANBU Operative Karasu be recalled from his infiltration mission, code S3324INL. It is a waste of resources to have Itachi out there doing black ops when it would be better to have him as one of the faces of Konoha." Naruto said, causing Hiruzen to frown in worry.
"You plan to recall Itachi? How will you handle the public Naruto? It will be utter madness." Hiruzen said with a worried tone.
"Not if we reveal the whole situation to the public and release the reasons why Danzō was executed. I am not sure if you know or not, but Danzō has let rumors spread amongst the Clans that you ordered the execution of the Uchiha and forced Itachi to take the blame to save Sasuke's life. I want to make sure that the seeds of doubt don't get a chance to spread its roots." Naruto said, startling the former Hokage.
"This is worrisome. I cannot believe that Danzō would go so far." Tobirama wondered with a frown.
"Danzō was intent on gaining the hat. He has been undermining Jiji ever since the Kyūbi attack. The amount of foundations he has destroyed in the Hokage's authority, I was able to partially regain with the help of Hideyoshi-dono. Even so, I still have a lot of work to do to make sure that the Clans are satisfied and don't revolt. I can sense the negative feelings that all the clans are having at some of my actions. I have to nip the bad blood before it spills over." Naruto said with a nod to himself.
"That is a wise decision Naruto. We will help you as much as we can to make sure that Danzō's machinations are reversed." Hashirama said getting nods of agreement from his fellow retired Hokage.
"Thanks for the support. Anyway, I need to prepare the Mission Briefing for Itachi's retrieval, so please excuse me." Naruto said, causing the other four Hokage to nod and leave the room so that Naruto could get back to work. Surprising really since this was just a Blood Clone. The real Naruto was meeting with his fellow Kage at the Golden Leaf Hotel.
"Why did you reveal your ANBU Commander's Identity Naruto?" Gaara asked with a curious gleam in his eyes as he sipped on the saucer of ginjo-shu sake.
"Who knows my Jinchūriki friend? I may have just had a sudden impulse to be irrational." Naruto said with amusement as he sipped on his cup of premium tea from Cha no Kuni. Gaara narrowed his eyes in annoyance as Naruto placed the cup down and asked, "Why are you drinking ginjo-shu, Gaara? Doesn't the fruity drink annoy you?"
"I quite like the fruity taste, Naruto. Unlike you, who likes Daiginjo-shu. How can you drink such hard liquor." Gaara asked with a teasing smile.
"Uzumaki Tradition!"
"No it isn't!" Mei interrupted as she also took a drink of her Junmai Ginjo-shu sake causing the current head of the Uzumaki to pout in annoyance.
"Is it really time to discuss such frivolities?" Ōnoki asked with a frown. "Shouldn't we discuss the five way alliance treaty that is about to be brought into force?"
Ē chuckled and said, "Don't worry about that Tsuchikage-dono. I am sure that we can discuss the alliance in more depth in the near future by calling a Gokage Summit. In fact, it would be best to do just that. That way our Councils won't be able to cause problems for us."
Ōnoki huffed as he took a bite out of his katsudon as Mei asked a question. "Are you going to have the Reformed Uzushiogakure join the Alliance?"
"I am going to do that but it will have to wait until Uzu has a new Kage. Since I am the Daimyo and the Hokage, I decided to let another Uzu Shinobi take over as Uzukage. When Uzu has a Kyūdaime, I will have them move forward with the Alliance."
Silence reigned around the room for a few moments before Gaara spoke up. "It must be twice as hard on you to Lead both Konoha and Uzu. I am surprised that you decided to take up the position of Hokage."
"Clones my friend. The answer is clones. Then again, your insomnia would be a good answer as well." Naruto said as both young Kage shared a chuckle. Afterwards, the five Kage spent the rest of the meal trying to outdo each other by picking up examples of their subordinates to show who was the better leader.
Sasuke knew that there were a lot of things he was missing in relation to his Clan's Massacre, but never in a million years could he expect such a grand secret. Coup-d'etat. A simple word but with devastating implications. His father, the one he tried on many occasions to please, was a traitor along with most of the Uchiha Elders and active Uchiha Police Force. They were planning to cause civil strife in a mad bid to gain control of Konoha. A civil strife that would have left Konoha easy pickings for the hyenas to attack. There was no doubt that they needed to be detained or eliminated, whichever was the easier option. Hell, he couldn't even begrudge the Sandaime Hokage for the hard decision he had to make. No, the question that was on his mind was simple. Why would Itachi wipe out all of the Clan and kill his own best friend Uchiha Shisui ー someone who had the ability to solve the problem with nary a look ー and make the whole thing so difficult?
Looking up at Naruto, he asked the very same question. Naruto nodded in acknowledgement and said, "There is more. Read these reports and you will realize what happened."
Sasuke silently took the folder Naruto handed to him and quickly pursued through the files in it, taking note of the highlighted portions of the files.
Shushu attacked and had one of his Mangakeyo stolen. Culprit - Shimura Danzō through his Black Ops ANBU Division Ne. No direct proof. Plan A is no go.
Rogue Uchiha claiming to be S-Ranked Nukenin Madara offered his help in eradication of the traitors. Accepted his offer only to find that he eliminated even the innocents. Madara invited me to join a shadow organisation known as Akatsuki.
Recommend that the information be kept secret from the populace and Sasuke. I, Uchiha Itachi, shall take the blame and become a Nukenin to infiltrate the Organization known as Akatsuki made up of a collection of S-Ranked Nukenin from many countries.
Request that Uchiha Sasuke be kept out of the reach of Ne and Danzō. If the request is not me, I shall be releasing sensitive information about Konoha to the world at large and truly become a Nukenin.
Sasuke let out a harsh sigh as he replaced the files into the folder and returned it to Naruto as the Godaime nodded in sympathy and said, "Quite the character, your brother is. One of the Greatest Heroes Konoha has had and we don't even know it."
Sasuke nodded with a stoic expression before asking, "What do you plan to do Naruto? Why let me learn of this? It is clear that the mission is an S-Ranked Secret and meant for Hokage Eyes only."
Naruto nodded in acknowledgement and said, "Do you still wish to kill Itachi for doing his job? I can assure you as can Jiji that Itachi only killed the traitors except your mother, who tried to save your father even though she knew the truth and was against it. Her death was a great loss, but she will be honoured for her loyalty to her treacherous husband."
Sasuke thought for a moment before shaking his head and commenting, "Itachi should be here in Konoha and honoured for his actions. I don't believe I could have done what he did for the village. But that's a moot point. What I want and what you will do are completely different things."
Naruto nodded and said with a authoritative tone, "Jōnin Uchiha Sasuke, Ninja Registration #012606 you are hereby temporarily transferred to Team Kagami led by Elite Jōnin Haruno Sakura, Ninja Registration #012601 along with Chunin Hyuga Neji, Ninja Registration #012587 as Sensor and Genin Inuzuka Kiba, Ninja Registration #012620 as Tracker, as Mult-Range Assault Specialist. Your mission objective is the retrieval of Uchiha Itachi and the capture of his Akatsuki Partner. Return here at noon tomorrow to meet up with your team and for the official briefing. Dismissed!"
Sasuke stood up and bowed with respect as he exclaimed with excitement and gratitude, "Hai Hokage-sama!"
Naruto nodded in acknowledgement as he turned his attention back to the stack of paperwork he needed to check over as Sasuke walked to the window and jumped out, much to the surprise of the blonde Hokage. After a few moments, Jiraiya climbed in through the window and said, "It seems that I am not the only one who climbs through the window now, eh Naruto?"
Jiriaya didn't have the time to react as he felt the air around him swirl and suddenly found himself lifted into the air and out the window as Naruto's voice called out, "Don't bother me while I am doing the paperwork, unless it is a matter of National Security. Go find the original. He should be somewhere in the Uzumaki Compound."
Jiriaya didn't even have the chance to blink as he suddenly found himself in front of the Uzumaki Compound where Honoka appeared with a spine whip in her hands. She blinked in surprise before stating, "Naruto-sama is helping Jugo with his Senjutsu again. You will find them at the training ground in the back, Jiraiya-sama."
Jiraiya nodded his thanks to the Konjiki Matron as he walked through the gate and headed to the back of the Compound, intent on finding the real Naruto. As he was passing by the Main House, Minato spotted the old Gama Sannin and walked up to him.
"Yo Sensei! What are you doing here for? I thought you had already left Konoha."
"Just need to talk with Naruto about something Minato before I leave. Why don't you come with me? Our conversation will be highly amusing." Jiraiya said with a chuckle.
Minato shook his head in exasperation and said, "I don't think it will be amusing if you get beaten up for lechery again. With Kushina, Tsunade Saura-san and even Naruto cracking down on your lechery, I thought you would learn your lesson sensei?"
"NEVER! NO ONE CAN KEEP JIRAIYA OF THE SANNIN FROM HIS RESEARCH!" Jiraiya exclaimed with a scream of defiance before a shiver ran down his spine as a woman spoke up. Jiriaya knew that voice well and when he turned to look at teh woman, his shiver increased at the cold and cruel smile on her face.
"Is that so Jiraiya? I wonder how long it will take Sakura-dono to heal you up after the royal beating I am going to administer?"
"Hey H...Hime! H...How is it g...going?" Jiraiya stuttered out as Tsunade wrapped an arm around Jiraiya's neck. An intimate gesture for outsiders, but to Jiraiya, it was anything but.
"What do you want to talk about with Naruto, Jiraiya? It better not be another of your bids to make him into a pervert." Tsunade said with a toothy grin.
Jiraiya observed the grin and shivered in fear as he said, "Not at all Tsunade. It is actually a matter about being Toad Summoners. That's why I asked Minato to join me."
Tsunade stared at Jiraiya with narrowed eyes in suspicion before relenting. Unwrapping her arm from Jiraiya's neck, Tsunade turned to Minato and said, "Minato, if he does something lecherous, let me know. Nothing will save him if he has lied to me."
"I will make sure that Sensei doesn't get off track with his antics again, Tsunade-hime." Tsunade nodded in appreciation and said, "Ojisan wanted to talk to you Minato. So make sure that you keep your schedule free in the evening."
Minato nodded as Tsunade retreated back into the Main House while Jiraiya slumped in relief and released a breath before straightening up. "Come on Minato, let's get the talk over with. I really need to head out by sundown."
Minato nodded as teacher and student walked towards the back of the Compound and the secluded, sealing barrier protected Training Ground where Naruto was helping Jugo master his unique Senjutsu based Kekkei Genkai.
"Ino?"
The blonde haired Yamanaka Heiress looked up from her magazine and saw that her mother was leaning on the frame of her doorway. Putting down the magazine, Ino stood up and said, "Yeah Mom?"
"Are you going to keep lazing about today? I was hoping that we could talk?"
Ino blinked in surprise but nodded in acceptance as she said, "Sure mom. Close the door behind you."
Yamanaka Chika was a voluptuous woman in her late thirties with sky blue eyes and pale silver blonde hair. Chika, walked into the room with a very sensual sway of her hips as she closed the door behind her and sat down on her daughter's bed with a worried expression on her face. Ino cocked an eyebrow at her mother's expression as they sat in silence.
After a few minutes, Chika spoke up. "Ino dear, are you feeling alright?"
Ino looked at her with surprise as the younger Yamanaka asked, "Why do you ask that Mom? I am feeling completely alright."
Chika ran a hand through her flowing long hair, a nervous tick that alerted Ino to the fact that her mother was really bothered by something, before Chika asked, "You aren't out celebrating with your friends. I thought that you being promoted to Tokubetsu Jonin would have had you on cloud nine. What's wrong sweety?"
Ino kept silent for a few moments as realization dawned on her face before she finally burst out into uncontrollable laughter. Chika was highly confused at her daughter's unusual reaction to her words but before she could ask for clarification, Ino had already calmed down and had begun to speak.
"You really don't need to worry about a thing mom. I was planning a party but unfortunately, most of my friends vetoed the idea saying that the reconstruction effort is more important. So we all decided to hold the party next month. Until then, since I don't really have the skills to help speed up the reconstruction, I decided to take it easy. I am sure you know that my time is soon going to become very limited when Missions start up. So why waste what little free time I have." Chika nodded with a smile as Ino continued, "Besides, from what I heard, Sakura, Sasuke, Neji and Kiba were assigned a S-Rank Mission. They are heading out this afternoon. It just alerted me to the increased workload I am going to get soon."
"How do you know that Ino?" Chika asked with confusion.
Ino smiled and said, "I went to meet Naruto yesterday evening to see how he was settling in as Hokage. He was giving the Mission Briefing when I walked in. I was sworn to secrecy about the contents of the mission, but not the existence."
Chika nodded before a mischievous smirk graced the woman's pink lips as she asked with a teasing tone, "You went to meet Godaime-sama in his office and that too in the evening? Is there something I should know Ino?"
Ino blinked as a light pink tinge appeared on her flawless alabaster face. "Well Naruto decided to give us a chance. I really didn't want to waste it, not with the amount of opposition I have. A girl has gotta do what a girl has gotta do to gain every advantage in this war."
Chika nodded before she frowned and said, "You do know that no matter what you want, Godaime-sama will be required to take multiple wives right? I hope you don't plan to be the only one!"
Ino nodded and said, "I know mom, besides Naruto doesn't really have the time for flings and neither do I want us to be one. I really do like Naruto, mom. I don't only have to prove myself to Naruto but to Otohime and Hinata as well. Not to mention Shion-hime and probably Sakura as well."
"Sakura? I thought Godaime-sama and Sakura were only very close friends?" Chika asked with confusion dawning on her face.
"They are and I know for a fact that Naruto loves Sakura, maybe even more so than he loves the Village and his Clan, but for some reason, he just doesn't want to admit it. Hell, even Sakura is being a stubborn mule. All of us can see that they love each other, yet they insist that they are friends." Ino complained with annoyance before continuing. "Otohime and Hinata have plans, I don't know what yet, but I believe that they are planning to force Naruto and Sakura to admit their feelings. I hope they succeed."
"You know, most women would be overjoyed that there was one less rival for the boy they like. It seems that you and the rest of Godaime-sama's girls are very selfless." Chika commented with a smile.
"Why cause problems when it is inevitable that we have to share? Besides, Sakura is the only one who can truly get through to Naruto when he has set his heart and mind on something."
Chika nodded with a smile and said, "I see what you girls are planning. Sakura will be the leash that will keep Naruto-sama under your control."
Ino blinked at her words before the Yamanaka Heiress started giggling. Chika joined in and soon mother and daughter were clutching each other giggling their hearts out at the image that popped into their minds. The two finally calmed down after a few minutes, tears rolling down their face. As they wiped the tears off their faces, a sound at the window drew their attention. Ino stood up and walked up to the window and opened it up to find a messenger Hawk sitting on the window seal. Taking out the scroll in the Hawk's pouch, Ino retreated back to her bed and looked at the red scroll with trepidation.
After a few minutes of silence, Chika finally spoke up, "Well dear, aren't you going to break the seal and read the contents?"
Ino nodded dumbly and broke the seal. Unrolling the scroll, Ino gasped in shock at the message. It was a single line, written in red ink and was signed by The Hokage himself. It was a summons for a top priority mission.
Tokubetsu Jonin Yamanaka Ino, Ninja Registration #012604
Kunoichi, Report to the Hokage Office within the hour of receiving this message. You are being conscripted for an A-Ranked Escort Mission under the command of Elite Jonin Mitarashi Anko, Ninja Registration #011226.
うずまきナルト
(Uzumaki Naruto)
Godaime Hokage
Konohagakure no Sato
Ino blinked in surprise before jumping up and rushing to her bathroom. There was no time to waste. She needed to get ready for her mission immediately. Chika watched as Ino rushed into her attached bathroom with pride as she rolled up the scroll and placed it on top of Ino's bed and made her way out of Ino's room.
"Minato, what's worrying you?" Kushina asked with worry as she and Minato laid in their shared futon.
Minato sighed before stating, "A lot of things, but the most worrisome thoughts center around Naruto. He is powerful, but I think he is spreading himself too thin Kushina. He will burn out if he keeps this up. The amount of clones he is using is astounding."
Kushina nodded as she snuggled up to her husband and said, "I know what you mean, but we just have to trust in him. Besides, Moka-sama said that this was Naruto-kun's modus operandi and he has yet to abuse it to the point of collapse. I am sure he will be fine. Though I wish I wasn't named the new ANBU Commander. Naruto has introduced so many reforms that I can't even recognize it from my time as Commander."
"What do you mean Kushina? I doubt there could be so many reforms to confuse you." Minato scoffed, thinking that Kushina was being her overdramatic self.
Kushina lightly punched Minato in mock indignation as she complained, "Naruto completely overhauled the training routines. They are harsher and broken up into modules specializing in certain aspects of duty. The Infiltration, Extraction and Assassinnation Routines are completely impossible. The teams have to sneak past Naruto. An impossible case as Naruto is probably the best sensor the Elemental Nations have ever seen."
Minato frowned at her words before realization struck him causing the Retired Fourth Hokage to chuckle and state, "You, the mistress of stealth and death failed, didn't you?"
Kushina pouted and said, "I doubt even you would be able to succeed!"
"I am sure that is the case, especially since I am not a stealth specialist of your caliber. Even so, I can understand your frustration. This afternoon, Sensei and I had a talk with Naruto about our statuses as Toad Summoners. It was quite an enlightening conversation. Did you know that Naruto ranks higher in the Toad Clan Hierarchy than even Gamabunta?"
"WHAT? But I thought only the Gama Sennin couple outranked Bunta?" Kushina asked with confusion causing Minato to nod his head in agreement.
"So did I, until I learned that Naruto is the second strongest Sage and Gamamaru-sama's personal apprentice. I always thought that the old geezer was senile. Turns out, he is so intune with Nature that all of us were only footnotes in his mind. That is until Naruto unlocked the secrets of Toad Style Senjutsu without help. His aptitude drew the old geezer out of his trance. In fact, from what Ma and Pa told us, Gamamaru-sama believes that Naruto is the Yogen no Ko as he is quickly reaching the same levels of understanding of Chakra and Senjutsu the Rikudo Sennin had."
Kushina blinked and propped herself up on her elbows and stared down at Minato in shock. Before she could ask any questions, Minato continued his speech. "The funny thing is that Gamamaru-sama was the one who taught Rikudo Sennin-sama Senjutsu, so if the old geezer states that Naruto is reaching the levels of the Rikudo Sennin, we have no choice but to accept. It is a humbling experience to know that my son has surpassed me already at such a tender age and is on his way to surpass a literal god amongst men."
Minato suddenly stopped when he felt warm tears fall on his face. Directing his attention back to his wife, he saw that she was crying, the silvery moonlight causing the tear tracks to glow a burnished silver. Minato would have worried if he didn't catch the gleam of pride and joy in his wife's eyes. Smiling to himself, Minato pulled Kushina down into a hug and said, "I know Kushina. I wish we were able to help Naruto-kun reach this level, but he is truly our son. As Kakashi said, Uzumaki Naruto is the Most Unpredictable Knucklehead Ninja Konoha has ever produced. I am so happy that he was able to achieve so much in such little time."
Sniffling, Kushina smiled into Minato's neck and said, "I know Minato. I knew that he would be great when I first held him and he is not letting me down. Now let's just sleep Minato. I have to get back to work at Dawn. I think that Naruto reinstated me as the ANBU Commander just to spite my absence in his life."
Minato chuckled and said, "I doubt that. I believe that he trusted you more than he trusted anyone else to take up such an important position."
Kushina nodded as Minato placed a kiss on her forehead. Husband and Wife laid in each other's arms as they slowly drifted off to sleep, content in the knowledge that their son was a great person and an even greater son.
Dōmon blinked in surprise as he looked down at the file Naruto handed him before looking up and staring at Kakashi and Rock Lee with confusion. After a few moments of tense silence, Dōmon opened the file and read the contents. Beside him, Kakashi and Lee were reading their own copies of the same file. When all three were done, they returned the files to Naruto as the young Godaime Hokage and Uzu Daimyō took them back with an unreadable expression on his face. It seemed like hours before Naruto finally spoke up.
"Well?"
All three Jōnin knew that the question was addressed to the Konjiki Patriarch causing the man to release a sigh and stated, "The Konjiki Clan motto is 'Be as Unyielding as Steel'. You have nothing to worry about Naruto-sama. I will not let my personal quarrels with the target cloud my judgement."
Naruto nodded in relief and said, "That's good Dōmon. I don't want to be the one to inform your wife that you were KIA because you couldn't be professional." Dōmon nodded in understanding as Naruto addressed the three shinobi. "This is a joint mission between Konoha and Uzu. The main objective is to track down and observe the target. The rumors state that he has gained access to multiple Kekkei Genkai. Three are recurring and the final is recent. I need you three to engage him if necessary and confirm what Kekkei Genkai the target has gathered. He has three subordinates, one kunoichi and two shinobi. Other than that, we have no more information. Any questions?"
The three Jōnin shared a look before Lee spoke up. "Do we know what Kekkei Genkai the target is rumored to possess? Other than Kōton, I mean. It would be easier to know what to expect than go in blind."
Kakashi and Dōmon nodded in agreement causing Naruto to smile and state, "Kōton is confirmed. Dōmon's reaction to the reports confirm it. We don't know the target's proficiency with kōton, so be wary, though I doubt that he will be able to use it like Mokuren and Ayako can.'
All three nodded in agreement with Naruto's assessment as the Godaime continued, "It is rumored that he can move at an exceedingly fast pace leaving behind a shadowy afterimage. I have discussed it with my predecessors and we conclude that it is Jinton, the Swift Release. Lee, you are the only one in the Team who can strike the target if that is the case. He is also rumored to be able to generate storm clouds, so Ranton as well. Finally, it is not confirmed, but he seems to have acquired some kind of Kekkei Genkai that allows him to absorb Chakra Based techniques and then release it as azure chakra flames of greater power. We don't know the name, but if it is true, then stick to Bending. Do not externalize chakra usage. That is all we have."
The three Jōnin nodded in understanding as Kakashi received the mission scroll as Naruto stated, "The time limit is three months. You shall leave at dawn tomorrow. This is an S-Ranked mission, so be alert. Only Kakashi has experience on these types of missions, so he will be the commander with Dōmon as the second in command. You three will meet up with Jiriaya of the Sannin at Shami-zan. Before you leave, meet with Natsumi at the Uzu Fūin Shoten. She has some fūinjutsu supplies prepared for this mission on my request. Make sure to learn the purpose of each type of tag. Dismissed!"
"Hai Hokage-sama!" Kakashi and Lee said with a bow as they turned and left the room while Dōmon just nodded and left with a quiet, "As you command Naruto-sama!"
After the three had left, Minato dropped down from the ceiling. Father and Son stared at each other for a few moments before Naruto made a hidden gesture, dismissing his ANBU guards. After they were sure that the ANBU had left, Naruto activated the privacy seals as Minato sat down in the chair in front of Naruto's desk.
"What do you need dad?" Naruto asked with trepidation. He was intimately aware of his father's brilliance and intuition, so his father's behaviour was putting Naruto on edge.
Minato sat in silent contemplation for a few moments before he finally spoke up. "Son, why did you use the Ninpō: Kako no Yūrei and who did you bring back with you?"
Naruto blinked as he tried to comprehend the question before he cursed as realization struck both himself and Kurama. Taking a steadying breath, Naruto looked his father in the eye and asked, "Your half of Kurama was also affected, right?"
Minato nodded, causing Naruto to sigh and state, "We should have expected that. What is the last thing you remember about the previous timeline?"
"The Jūbi launched a Bijūdama at the Allied Shinobi Forces."
"Then you know damn well why I did what I did!" Naruto exclaimed causing Minato to frown and state, "But all four of us Reincarnated Hokage had already placed a Ninpō: Shisekiyōjin no Jutsu around the Jūbi just as it released its Bijūdama. There was no need for you to use such a powerful Jikukan Ninjutsu."
Naruto looked up in surprise before he nodded and said, "From your perspective, that is true. From mine, we believed that we were going to be killed. I took the only chance I had to save everyone. What would you have done in my place?"
Minato nodded with a sad smile and said, "You already know the answer Naruto. I would have done the same. Now, who did you bring with you?"
Naruto narrowed his eyes at his father and said, "Sakura and I am sure you have realized it, but to be sure, my fellow Jinchūriki and the rest of the Bijū. Which seems to include you as well now."
Minato nodded and said, "Is that why you and Sakura are working so hard and ignoring your feelings for each other?"
Minato was surprised at the sad look on Naruto's face as Naruto shook his head and said, "I may have feelings for Sakura-chan, but she has made it clear that she loves someone else and won't be able to return my feelings. I will not destroy my friendship with her just for a selfish desire to call her mine."
Minato nodded in understanding before he said, "That is a good reason, though I believe that both of you are in denial. But that's my observation. I may be seeing things. Now, what do you plan to do next? I doubt this is how it turned out in the last timeline. If I am not mistaken, Tsunade was the Godaime and Sarutobi had died, right?"
"Everything is different. Now, we preempt the Akatsuki, Obito and Madara. That is the only thing we can do at the moment. Already the world is closer to peace than ever before. I hope to make sure that is everlasting." Naruto said with a determined smile.
Minato smiled in return and said, "That is a great dream Naruto and I am sure you will achieve it. Your mother and I are very proud of who you have become."
"Thanks dad." Naruto said before asking, "Was there anything else we need to discuss?"
Minato stood up and said with a shake of his head, "Not at the moment son. I need to go talk with Mito-sama and Natsumi-san about a seal I have in mind, so see you at dinner."
"Sure thing dad." Naruto said as he deactivated the privacy seals just as Minato teleported out of the office with a proud smile directed at Naruto.
Kurotsuchi and Yugito were sitting deep within the Uzumaki Clan Compound with Otohime, Hinata and Shion. A surprising situation as neither of them expected to be called here by the Mizu Princess, the Hyūga Princess and the Princess of Oni no Kuni. They were even more surprised when the current heiress of the Uzumaki joined them.
As Sakaki and Mizuhō retreated from the room after placing the trays of snacks and pots of tea, Otohime spoke up with a regal tone. "I am sure you two are wondering why we called you here…" Otohime trailed off as Kurotsuchi and Yugito nodded in acknowledgement. Smiling reassuringly at the two foreign Kunoichi, Otohime continued, "To put it simply, your marriage with Naruto-kun is set in stone as are mine and Hinata's. Shion is still uncertain, though I believe that she will agree to a marriage. Karin – why the hell are you here anyway?"
Karin giggled at Otohime's uncharacteristic outburst and stated in a matter of fact tone, "There are very few Uzumaki left from the Main Line. I wish to keep the bloodline active. It doesn't hurt that Naruto-kun is a one-in-a-million catch."
Hinata smiled at Karin and said, "You have developed a crush on him, haven't you? Just like how Ino now likes Naruto-kun as well."
Karin blushed at Hinata's statement as she meekly nodded to the Hyūga Heiress' query.
"This is an interesting situation." Yugito commented, causing the rest to nod in agreement before Kurotsuchi spoke up.
"Not really. Daimyō are known to have multiple wives, most if not all are political in nature. Hell, I had expected to be a political bride, but never did I think that I would also be included in a CRA. Still, I am a bit surprised that anyone would willingly decide to start a relationship with someone in a CRA."
"Depends on the situation, Kurotsuchi. Now back to the main reason for calling the meeting —" Otohime trailed off as Hinata took up the explanation.
"I have known Naruto-kun for a long time. No matter how much of his true self he hid, his true emotions for Haruno Sakura were always visible. From their interactions, we conclude that both love each other but for some reason, they are not acting on it. What we want to know is that will you help in forcing the two to confront their true feelings?"
Yugito and Kurotsuchi blinked in shock before the former spoke up, "This is quite a surprising development. I didn't expect to be involved in trying to get my future husband another possible wife."
"Uzumaki Naruto is a very passionate man. The only person who can truly curb his more undesirable traits is Haruno Sakura. Besides, while training with Naruto-kun to gain control of my Dōjutsu, I saw two possibilities. One that contained Haruno Sakura as a friend and one that contained her as a lover. The second yielded better results overall. I am the one pushing for their relationship to progress." Shion said with a haughty tone surprising everyone present.
"You can see the future?" Kurotsuchi asked with trepidation.
Shion nodded before stating, "Before the training, I could only see the death of someone around me. With the training Naruto-kun gave me, I can now control it and even use it briefly. Until now, none of my visions have been wrong, though I can only perceive certain portions and not the whole picture."
Yugito and Kurotsuchi nodded in acknowledgement as the group fell silent as they sipped on their tea and nibbled on some of the snacks. After a few moments, Yugito spoke up, "Matatabi and I will help anyway we can. As a Jinchūriki, I cannot stand back and let a fellow Jinchūriki miss out on a chance to find happiness."
Kurotsuchi snapped her head towards Yugito in shock before sighing and turning her face back to the group and nodded in resignation. "If we want this relationship to work, we need to do things democratically and it seems that I have been outvoted. I will help as well, but don't expect me to come up with the mushy stuff."
"Thank you for understanding our views. I know what we want is unorthodox, but in the short time I have been acquainted with Shion, I have come to trust her visions, as erratic as they are. Besides, Naruto-kun helped my home lands when none would. It is the least I could do to repay his kindness." Otohime said, causing the two foreign Kunoichi to nod in acknowledgement.
"Now that the stuffy parts are over, how about we get to know each other better?" Karin said with a grin causing the two foreign Kunoichi to smile and nod in agreement.
In a large cave, on top of the fingers of a large grotesque humanoid statue were the ethereal figures of nine cloaked figures. A tenth emerged out of the ground and jumped up onto the final free finger as a cloaked man with piercings on his face spoke up.
"We have new information and some new recruits. I am sure you all recognize him, but let it be known that Orochimaru is no longer an enemy. The silver haired man with him is his latest apprentice Yakushi Kabuto." As the man finished, Orochimaru walked into the cave with Kabuto on his heels.
"Orochimaru? Didn't expect to see you here again." Kisame said with a feral grin.
"Times change Kisame. My goals will only succeed if Akatsuki's goals succeed. That is why I am here now. Thank you for allowing me to join again Pein." Orochimaru said as an orange masked man appeared beside him out of a swirl in space.
"And this is Tobi. He has been a shadow member of the Akastuki from the start. Now let us get to the point of the meeting…" Pein trailed off as the hunching figure of Akasuna no Sasori spoke up.
"Is this about the sudden increase in power the Kyūbi has been displaying?"
"In part." Pein said, getting a frown from Itachi. Ignoring the frown, Pein continued with his explanation. "While the Kyūbi's power is a factor, new information has been brought in that is far more concerning."
"And what would that be Leader-sama?" Kakuzu asked with interest before asking with a thoughtful hum, "Is this about the bounty Haruno Sakura has gained as a fresh Genin?"
"Your information is out of date Kakuzu. Haruno Sakura is an Elite Jonin with masterful control of Water and Earth through the use of Ninshu. From the reports, she can bend the very blood of her opponents to her will and has the ability to heat up and liquify the very earth into lava and bend it to her will. She has also displayed strength on par with my former teammate Senju Tsunade and rival Tsunad's skills in healing to the point Haruno temporarily becomes invincible due to near instantaneous regeneration. She is a high S-Ranked threat." Orochimaru said, causing everyone to look at him in surprise.
"Not to mention the fact that Mitarashi Anko has completed Senjutsu Training and is now the recognized Hebi Sennin. Another S-Ranked threat. With both women, Konoha has three active S-Ranks at the moment. There is also the fact that Uzumaki Naruto was able to reverse a tactic Orochimaru-sama was using. Due to that fact, Konoha has regained her Shodai, Nidai and Yondai Hokages along with Uzumaki Mito and Uzumaki Kushina. That has added one beyond S-Rank Shinobi in Senju Hashirama, three High S-Rank Shinobi in Senju Tobirama, The Kiiroi Senkō and the Akashi and now has two active Battle Fūinjutsu specialists in the Kiiroi Senkō and Uzumaki Mito. As of this moment, Konoha has a total of ten confirmed Kage Class Shinobi and Kunoichi. Enough power to easily combat and defeat Akastuki if we aren't careful." Kabuto said, causing most of the Akatsuki to adopt worried looks. Only Kisame, Pein, Konan, Itachi and Hidan looked calm.
"Senju Hashirama is not to be trifled with. We must approach with caution Leader-sama." Kakuzu said, causing Pein to nod in agreement.
"Very well. Itachi and Kisame, your mission parameters have changed. You will sneak in and if possible kidnap Uzumaki Naruto, else retreat. While you are at it, evaluate Konoha's strength. Do not take unnecessary risks." Pein ordered, causing Itachi and Kisame to nod in acknowledgement.
"Itachi, I am sure you are wondering about your brother!" Orochimaru exclaimed with a sick grin.
"And why would you believe that I am interested in that weakling Orochimaru?" Itachi asked with a cold tone.
"Young Sasuke has the Mangekyō Sharingan and seems to have already mastered the Susano'o. I wonder how he came into possession of those beautiful eyes?" Orochimaru taunted with a grin causing Itachi to glare at the Hebi Sannin.
"How should I know? But it seems that my assessment that my foolish little brother is weak seems to have turned out to be false. I shall have to correct my oversight in leaving him alive." Itachi said with an offhanded tone causing Kisame to comment, "Damn Itachi! That is cold."
"Hidan and Kakuzu, you two will provide them the distraction they need to successfully infiltrate Konoha, so intercept Ryōtenbin no Ōnoki. Sasori, I need you and Deidara to tap into your spy network and get us the latest intel as fast as you can. Tobi, you will be working as Orochimaru's partner. Kabuto, I want you to work with Zetsu as our Intel analyst. You seem to have fulfilled that very role under Orochimaru." Pein ordered with an imperious nod as everyone nodded and set about to follow through with their orders. The projections, fading while those present in flesh, leaving to their respective bases.
In Ame, Konan frowned and asked, "Are you sure about this Nagato? Doesn't this make an enemy out of Uzumaki Naruto?"
"I have to at least keep up appearances, Konan. Especially with Tobi taking an active role. I will find a way to alert Uzumaki Naruto. In fact, I already have a good idea." Nagato said, causing a shiver to run down Konan's spine as a sense of foreboding encompassed her. The same foreboding she was once used to feeling when they were younger. The same foreboding feeling that warned her of another one of Nagato and Yahiko's plans were about to unfold. Sighing in defeat, Konan looked at Nagato and waited for the doomed plan.
"I want you to go to Konoha as my Emissary and take a letter. It will be an official congratulations letter that is expected to be sent by neutral and allied lands. In truth, it will be a cipher and you will give Uzumaki Naruto the key I will tell you. You will leave tomorrow. Any questions?"
"Yes! Why me?" Konan asked with confusion and dread.
"Because there is no one else I trust more than you, now that Yahiko is no longer with us. Please do this for me Konan. I am sure it will be nice to see Jiraiya-sensei again." Nagato said with a small smile.
Konan nodded in agreement and said, "You want me to invite Jiraiya-sensei here to show him what we have accomplished, don't you?" Nagato nodded and fell silent as he manipulated Yahiko's body, his Deva Path to write the letter causing Konan to turn and leave the crippled man to his work.
Japanese Translations
Gama Sennin = Toad Sage
Yogen no Ko = Child of Prophecy
Rikudo Sennin = Sage of Six Paths
Uzu Fūin Shoten = Whirlpool Sealing Bookshop
Jūbi = Ten Tailed Beast
Akasuna no Sasori = Sasori of the Red Sands
Hebi Sennin = Snake Sage
Mangekyō Sharingan = Kaleidoscopic Copy Wheel Eye
Tanzaku Gai = Poem Card Quarters
Ryōtenbin no Ōnoki = Ōnoki of Both Scales
Japanese Jutsu, Style and Weapon Name Translations
Kōton = Steel Release
Jinton = Swift Release
Ranton = Storm Release
Ninpō: Kako no Yūrei = Ninja Art: Ghosts of the Past
Bijūdama = Tailed Beast Bomb
Ninpō: Shisekiyōjin no Jutsu = Ninja Art: Four Red Yang Formation
A/N: Hey everyone! Hope you like this Exposition Chapter which is setting up the start of the new timeline. Tell me how you liked it and thanks for waiting patiently for this chapter. You have my eternal gratitude!
Please remember to review.
SSG