Author's Note: Going for the less is more approach. I finally mapped out the finale so here is a teaser to wet your beaks.

As the waves crashed on this foreign land that felt like family. Naruto sat at the edge of a cliff overlooking the land. Naruto pondered the ways he could possibly change what he was looking at. Destruction and degradation as far as the eye could see, history erased from fear. Emotions spiraled in his gut, water swirled in his tear ducts like the whirlpools he was witnessing. Should he be angry? Sad? Happy that he got to witness this place?

His people, his homeland, his original source of family, wiped off of the face of the earth. All that was left was here with him. What was he to do? What were his options? If he was to take over here… if he had a choice to replace the land… bring Uzushiokagure back to its prestige, back to its original strength and power, Could he do it? He thought about all of the things he had lost. The person he became as a result. The life of a shinobi was not about self-interest but about sacrifice. About giving up a piece of yourself for the good of the nation you represented. Could he do it again? Could he become the one thing he always dreamed of? A Kage? For this land, for the people who most likely needed it most...?

"Yes. Now stop sulking and get to work..." Rumbled a voice he hadn't heard in many years.

Then he knew.

He knew what he had to do.

He would make an ally out of Sunagakure, then Kirikagure. He would ask one time.

Just once.

That each of the nations that pillaged his homeland. Any one who would listen, every ear in the land. To return what was stolen. Any person hiding in fear of their lineage, come back home.

And if they did not listen. If these nations decided to play dumb.

He would go to war and win. But knowing the nations like he did, they would acquiesce. As he pondered, he felt a presence appear next to him.

"Are you ok?" she asked.

He smiled. Even in the midst of her frustrations and anger, she allowed herself to be vulnerable with him.

"I will be," Naruto said.

Alright. That was enough sulking. He was NOT Sasuke. This was not him.

Slapping his face twice, he dusted himself off and picked himself up from the cliff he was sitting on.

And put his hands in a cross. Looking at his… lover? Girlfriend? Intended? Another thing to figure out; he asked her.

"I will lead this nation and bring it back to its former glory. Are you with me?" Naruto asked Temari.

Her answer was immediate.

"Always."

In a massive poof of smoke. The Uzumaki Clan was changed forever.

A lot can change with motivation, good connections, whole nations who loved and respected you and of course, the powerful 'talk-no-jutsu,' Naruto mused.

In a matter of months, things got set up.

After the Chunin Exams, Nami no Kuni, Yuki no Kuni, Land of Demons and various smaller nations pledged to support Naruto.

Kumo, Kiri and begrudgingly Iwa, had agreed to send aid.

Suna & Konoha, well, that went without being said.

7 days. In seven days Naruto cleared the land of any debris or damage and began the stages of infrastructure. Working tirelessly, taking small breaks. He, along with Tsunade, Tayuya, Temari and the Suna Nin who came with them, searched for any hidden places, scrolls, etc. Finding treasure troves of information and Seals. Naruto held it all as the leader. The first and only thing they built was a building to stay.

Now that a plan was in place. It was time to return to Suna.

The Chunin Exams was in a week.

Next chapter will be some tough talks and closure in Konoha for Naruto.

Then a time skip, some Temari/ Naruto moments and hopefully we will wrap it up there.