Eroninja

Naruto left Kiyomi's home to take the path that led to the hotsprings located on the property. He allowed his mind to wander to the talk he had just had with Mikoto. He was aware that quite a few of his lovers were against his giving Mikoto, Shisui's eye. Yet, he felt in his heart it was the right decision. However a part of him felt guilty about it as well, due to it feeling as if he was simply passing the burden on instead of taking it on for himself.

He hadn't been lying or bluffing when he said that he felt the ability to rewrite a person's entire being was wrong. Something he still needed to address with Kiyomi, but at the moment and perhaps a little selfishly he just wanted to enjoy the moment of quiet he believed that they had brought about by freeing the imprisoned Bijuu and raiding what appeared to be Akatsuki's main base. Yet, thinking again about his talk with Mikoto and the Taki-nin, the guilt that perhaps he was simply letting others get their hands dirty on his behalf returned. He knew that giving Mikoto the eye was like putting a drug in front of a potential junkie. But, when he had talked with his mother about it she had seconded the idea. Even with his mother's blessing though, he felt like perhaps he was manipulating her since despite his falling out with Sasuke. A part of him still hoped the Uchiha that had been his teammate and friend could be redeemed and that by giving Sasuke's mother the eye, she would do his dirty work for him.

His mother assured him that this wasn't the case, but Naruto couldn't exactly call her an unbiased opinion on the matter either. He sighed as he knew despite thinking on the matter ever since Mikoto had first been brought to Kiyomi's home, he was no closer with being at peace with the decision he had just made. Ultimately though he had felt that a mother should have the right to reclaim her son, despite the fact that he felt that even if she used the eye for such a purpose, the person that would in essence come into being as a result would not truly be Sasuke, but Mikoto's hopes of what her son would be like. In essence the Sasuke that he knew would die so Mikoto's version of what she wanted him to be could be born.

Naruto approached the bathhouse to enter the hotspring area located on Kiyomi's property and served as the official meeting place for the women of the Konoha Women's Bathing Association. Stepping in, he began to strip, but paused as he saw all the full baskets filled with women's clothes. Judging from the filled baskets he knew that he was the last to arrive so quickly gave his body a quick washing before entering the bathing area. Stepping out of the bathhouse, Naruto was struck by the sight of all the naked beauties that he was bound too. For a moment as his lovers called out for him to join them he wondered if he was actually gazing on a section of heaven brought down to Konoha.

Shaking off the thought, he began to move towards the water just as naked as his lovers and took the opportunity to drink in the sights laid out before him. He smiled as he watched Tenten standing in the water with her backside presented to him as her torso rested on the ground. Her head was resting on her hands as she admired the Kubikiribōchō which was stuck in the ground. Occasionally the weapon wielding kunoichi would reach out and touch it as if still trying to convince herself it was actually in front of her. Whenever she would Haku would smile since she knew Tenten's admiration for the weapon was genuine.

Naruto had been surprised that Haku, after depositing Suigetsu at the Leaf Maximum Security Prison, hadn't immediately returned Zabuza's blade. When he had asked, Haku had informed him that there may be more people interested in acquiring the sword and so she intended to hold onto it in order to build a reputation that she wasn't to be trifled with. Once she was positive people would respect Zabuza's resting spot, less they become targets of her wrath, she would return the blade.

Naruto slipped into the water next to Konan and smiled at her as she grabbed his hand under the surface. Kissing her gently, he turned to face the rest and noticing one of his lovers was missing asked, "Where's Rangiku?"

"She's watching the rest of my siblings," Kiyomi answered from where she sat on the natural looking stone with her legs submerged in the water. "Being that she is your newest conquest she doesn't exactly know a lot of what has been going on so we can catch her up later."

Naruto nodded and then asked, "How are your siblings adjusting?"

Kiyomi shrugged as she replied, "Right now they're still taking it all in. They are staying at a hotel in Tanzaku Town for the time being while Shiho and Mabui finish their identification papers." Kiyomi paused for a moment before she added, "I would appreciate it if after we finish up here you would speak with them." Advertisements

Naruto inclined his head so Tsunade spoke up saying, "Then perhaps we should begin. First I think it would be best if we start with where things stand with Akatsuki. Hana..."

She was cut off though as Konan interrupted to say, "Please do not refer to Tobi and Kisame as Akatsuki any further. I intend to rebuild it to once more be an organization that follows the principles that Yahiko had intended." She graced Naruto with a subtle smile as she added, "The principles that Naruto helped me to remember."

"Very well," Tsunade said before turning to Hana, "Would you care to fill us in on what you found at the base located in the Mountains Graveyard?"

Hana stood as she informed the group, "Unfortunately we didn't locate any trace of where Tobi or the Zetsu disappeared to. But I can tell you that it appears that besides collecting the Bijuu, Tobi was growing an army of Zetsu there."

"What!" Shiho said in shock, "Why would he bother doing that considering how weak these Zetsu appear to be?"

Temari spoke up to reply, "Even the strongest of shinobi can be brought down by the weakest of opponents if they outnumber him. Also, the tactics that could be used by these Zetsu would play havoc on any military force. Imagine the chaos they could cause if they used their abilities to assume the faces of friends and allies during a battle. Without a sensor of Karin's capabilities it would be impossible to trust the person at your back."

"Very true," Mabui said as she looked up from the thinking pose she had taken, "I think his growing an army would also explain why he calls himself Madara."

"What do you mean?" Kiyomi asked since although she had been controlled by the Uchiha didn't understand the fear she could sense the name inspired.

It was Tsunade that answered as her tone conveyed the seriousness that she felt just mentioning the ancient Uchiha's name deserved, "Madara Uchiha is a name that holds power. This Tobi character is obviously quite aware of this and I believe that by making us believe Madara has returned from the grave, he hopes to make us react in a certain manner."

"What sort of reaction he would be hoping for is the question that we need to answer?" Naruto said as his eyes traveled over the various women sitting in or near the water of the hotsprings. "If he was growing an army it would seem to suggest he was hoping to provoke a war. The question would be why?"

Kiyomi now understanding the power Madara's name held smiled as she answered, "That's simple now that I think about it. Depending on how capturing the jinchuriki went it would almost guarantee that the last of their remaining targets would be gathered in one location."

Pakura not seeing a hole in the theory said, "That would make sense. With only one or two jinchuriki left it would mean that whichever villages still held them would attempt to protect them. Likely by finding a place to hide the jinchuriki and while the location would no doubt be secure, it would prove difficult to protect them against a determined enemy."

"Not to mention by hiding them away you limit the strength a village could field during a conflict," Ino said.

"Who the fuck cares," Tayuya said speaking up. "The masked fucker's plans are ruined. Plus with all the Bijuu being released he has only a few pussy ass Zetsu."

"It's more than a few," Hana said gravely. "It was difficult to estimate but I would place the number around eighty to a hundred thousand."

"T-that's probably around the same number of shinobi that all of the villages combined could muster," Shizune said extremely concerned by the revelation. "How could such a large force move without you being able to pick up a trail?"

Hana frowned as she answered, "It would appear that most of the Zetsu used an underground lake to escape from the base when they abandoned it. The ones that helped gather up what they could salvage traveled over land before just disappearing. I'm of the opinion that Tobi spirited them away."

"Still a force that large residing out there does change things considerably especially now that we know these Zetsu were cloned from the First Hokage's cells" Sakura said. "Perhaps we should try to hold a Five Kage Summit."

Tsunade agreed but nevertheless said, "I'm afraid I doubt the other Kage will respond. Despite only us knowing that the Bijuu are out of Tobi's hands. I'm afraid that so long as Kumogakure and Konoha's jinchuriki remain safe the other villages will not respond to such a meeting. No doubt they are already wondering how it is neither of our villages have lost one even though three attempts have been made. Also, when you consider that Konoha aided Kumo twice, Kiri and Iwa are likely of the belief we have a secret treaty between our villages."

Despite the gravity of the situation the mood lightened as Koyuki said, "They wouldn't exactly be wrong, although I think they would be surprised at how the negotiations are carried out."

Tsunade smiled as she replied, "Indeed, but I think the only thing that is preventing Iwa and Kiri from forming an alliance is their past history."

Yuugao added, "Plus, Iwa has taken an extremely hostile stance now that Naruto's parentage has been revealed. Finding out that the son of the Fourth Hokage is also the jinchuriki of the nine-tails has them convinced he was being groomed as some sort of secret weapon to finish what the Fourth started in the Third Shinobi War. They moved several battalions of Jounin from their Western border and spread them out of the eastern one. A large concentration of that group is sitting poised to attack Ame."

"My own forces confirm this," Konan said sadly. "I believe they plan to attack in retaliation for my role in capturing their jinchuriki."

"That's possible," Temari said as she processed the information, "But it's also likely that should tensions boil over to open conflict Naruto would aid Ame due to your coming out in support of him. Therefore it might just be that the higher numbers is to account for his showing up. I think the greater concern would be the forces they moved into Taki."

"What are you talking about?" Tsunade asked since none of her intelligence reports suggested anything of the sort.

"After the fallout of Taki's selling out Fu, relations between your village and Waterfall deteriorated. We know that as a result Taki signed a treaty with Iwa." Temari paused a moment to collect her thoughts before adding, "We don't know the exact terms, but we know Iwa was given permission to move through Taki's territory. Also the reports that Yuugao is referencing also showed a large group moving towards Taki. I believe that group didn't stop at the border and is currently in Waterfall Country. They are likely securing supply routes so Konoha cannot cut them like they did in the Third War."

"It may be prudent to move our own forces then," Yuugao said after processing Temari's theory.

"No," Tsunade said after several moments, "The Tsuchikage isn't called the fence-sitter for nothing. He's taking steps in case we do make a move against him, but he will not make the first move. Our sources have been saying that he's not even all that pleased with the land grabs they've made along their Western Border. It appears that it is the Earth Country Daimyo's desire that they expand their borders. The Tsuchikage is as aware as anyone that a misstep here could lead to a devastating conflict."

"I suppose that would explain the underhanded methods they are using against the countries they have absorbed," Mabui said. "They may be cowardly, but it at least allows them the opportunity to deny their involvement in the events that has led to Earth Country's annexation of them and without hard proof it is unlikely any of the other Four Great Countries will move against the Land of Earth."

Tsunade frowned due to her need to agree with Mabui even as she said, "Still it is surprising that either the Lightning Daimyo, Wind Daimyo, or Fire Daimyo have asked our villages to look into these events. Even if no hint of Iwa's involvement has reached their ears, they must be questioning why countries along the Land of Earth's Western Border are falling like dominos."

"Perhaps they know full well what is going on, but have made a pact with the Earth Country Daimyo," Rin suggested. "I mean so long as he's not encroaching on their territories, I can't say I'm surprised the other Daimyo would stay out of it. But still it is something I'll look into when I head there."

"Don't you think that's a little reckless considering what we were just talking about," Yugito said as she pulled herself out of the water to dry in the sun.

"Maybe," Rin conceded, "But I've been reading the journals that Kin has sent and she believes one of Kanji's victims may be located there." Looking around the medic added, "I'm actually surprised she isn't here."

"Kin isn't really one of my lovers," Naruto answered, "She's rather hesitant to make another commitment to someone. Considering how Orochimaru used her who can blame her. Since Tsunade said this meeting concerned those bound to me, I suppose she decided to pass. But which of Kanji's victims does she believe is there?"

"A woman named Suiren," Rin answered. "From what Kin was able to uncover using the documents that Anko liberated from Kanji's base of operations it appears he purchased her from a group of slavers called the Southern Wolves. It would also appear that she is one of the central figures behind the Tragedy of Yosuga Pass. Her supposed death is one of the reasons for the hostile relations between Kirigakure and Iwagakure."

Haku spoke up to say, "Yes, I remember hearing about it as Zabuza trained me. Her team and an Iwa one were sent to retrieve some scroll. However, after securing the target the Iwa team betrayed Kirigakure's and she was supposed to have been killed."

"Apparently that wasn't the case," Anko said from where she was laying on a rock outcropping sunning herself.

"No," Haku replied, "Zabuza was tasked with investigating the incident and it turns out that a member of the team of Iwa-nin didn't just betray the Kirigakure team, but also his own village as well."

Tsunade looked surpised as she asked, "You're saying that the Iwa shinobi went rogue?"

"Only one of them did it would appear as Zabuza found the corpses of the other Iwa-nin near Yosuga Pass," Haku explained. "He brought this information to the Fourth Mizukage, but apparently the Mizukage never shared this with anyone else. I believe that coupled with the Bloodline purges was why Zabuza decided to rebel against the Mizukage. He believed that someone was manipulating events from the shadows by somehow controlling the Mizukage."

"That wouldn't explain why Iwa simply didn't tell Kirigakure that one of their shinobi went rogue," Naruto stated.

"I'm afraid it kind of does," Mabui began to explain, "The last thing a Kage would want to admit is that he made a poor decision. Therefore, better it appear to be a purposeful act of betrayal than a result of him not being aware of what is going on inside his village. I am curious though; did Zabuza ever discover who the betrayer was or what was on the scroll?"

"I believe the betrayer was a man named Bison," Haku said after a moment of thought, "no one but the Mizukage or Tsuchikage likely knows what was on the scroll." Haku paused and after a moment she corrected herself to say, "Actually perhaps even they didn't know what was on it. If I recall correctly, the mission to retrieve it came about due to negotiations between the Earth Country Daimyo and Sea Country Daimyo. At the time they seemed quite interested in brokering a peace between their two countries."

Naruto frowned especially due to his recent meeting with the Fire Country Daimyo, but he pushed the concerns he felt to the side to concentrate on the woman caught up in the entire affair to ask, "How did Suiren end up a slave of Kanji's if this Bison character killed his team? Why would he hold onto her?"

Karin was the one that answered as she explained, "The Southern Wolves operate out of the Land of Earth. Orochimaru would hire them from time to time to procure fresh test subjects for him. He believed that the Earth Daimyo knows of their existence, but has made it clear Iwa is to leave them be. I believe that Bison likely sold her to them for some quick cash in order to facilitate his escape. There is considerable money to be had from human trafficking. A kunoichi in good condition can be worth her weight in gold."

"How could a Daimyo let such a thing exist in his lands?" Naruto said emitting a simmering anger that his lovers could feel.

Karin shrugged not exactly sure herself, but mentioning some rumors she had heard said, "The Daimyo has several concubines. Rumor has it that the Southern Wolves provide him some as tribute."

Naruto's eyes narrowed and directing his gaze to Rin said, "If she is there and you plan to rescue her then I want you to call me."

Rin smiled as she had from the very beginning although for a separate reason. Licking her lips at the thought she said, "Oh, I intend too."

Naruto nodded a little surprised by the lustful look Rin was directing towards him, but he turned his attention to Tsunade as she said, "I think now would be a good time to get to the actual reason I called everyone here. Over the past several months I've noticed certain changes that had occurred among those bound to Naruto. For one we heal much faster than normal. Not as fast as Naruto perhaps but..."

"What you're driving at is you want to know what other changes have I made to the women present?" Kiyomi said interrupting the Hokage.

Tsunade nodded so she was about to explain but was interrupted by Hinata who asked, "I don't understand why you would keep the fact that you altered us a secret. Although I do not feel you would do something harmful to us, do you not feel as if you should have asked our permission first before making these changes?"

The Hyuuga's question prompted several emotions to spring to the surface, anger being one. But seeing that she could see the majority of the women present felt the same calmed as she replied, "I...I truthfully didn't consider it a matter worth mentioning. I suppose I just considered it as me taking steps to ensure our happy retirement."

"Retirement," Matsuri said in surprise. "What are you talking about?"

"I think it is obvious to everyone at this point that when all is said and done we aren't going to be able to come forward to explain how we were the ones pushing the villages and countries together from the shadows." Kiyomi paused as she could see that quite a few of the faces had already accepted this truth, nor was she surprised that Naruto had seemed conflicted by it. She knew it wasn't a matter of his wanting the credit, but of the simple fact that it was likely his love life would also have to remain in the shadows also. Regardless of the outcome, Kiyomi knew humans could be prideful, not that she was excluding Bijuu from that statement, and as such they may feel betrayed should the truth of Naruto and his lovers' actions ever come out. Therefore, she had decided to ensure that someday her lover could enjoy his Harem lifestyle to the fullest without all the sneaking around. Although she knew it might be a considerable amount of time before that could happen, like a few centuries.

Taking a breath the Bijuu said, "I'm actually surprised that at no point since my taking this form anyone has ever questioned whether or not I had sacrificed my immortality. The answer to that question is no I have not, and seeing as how I am still immortal it would only be natural that it is a gift I would extend to my lover as well." Kiyomi smirked as she saw the looks of shock appear on the other women's faces. She did notice some of them turn into frowns and wasn't surprised that those women were the ones with children. Turning to Naruto, she was concerned as she saw his face was a stoic mask, but guessed it was because he was also searching his lover's faces to see how they had accepted the news.

"Wait a second," Karin said in surprise especially considering Orochimaru had been chasing immortality for decades. "How is that even possible?"

"It's a simple matter," Kiyomi answered, "Aging is caused by the process of cell division. As time goes by the cells begin to divide less and less perfectly causing defects to appear. These defects are what lead to the human body eventually breaking down. I simply made it so that my cells do not divide with these defects. Each time cellular division occurs the resulting cell is a perfect copy. It is something I have passed on to Naruto and by extension those he has taken as lovers via my own modification to the semen he so readily fills us with."

"I thought as much," Tsunade said recalling the tests she had run on the samples collected by Sakura and Shizune, "But then how do you explain my aging after using my jutsu. Plus it seems that certain members present are actually getting younger."

Kiyomi smiled as she explained, "True, but there are those present that are getting older as well. But perhaps the best way to explain it is to ask you why when you were hiding how you truly looked after first returning to the village you chose to henge yourself at the age you did." Kiyomi could see that Tsunade wasn't quite sure herself so the Bijuu suggested, "I think you will find that the answer is that it was the age where you felt you were in your prime. Both in terms of beauty and power. Some of those present have yet to reach that point, while others have already passed it. Therefore, your cells are continuing to divide in a way to allow you to reach that point or repairing the damage to allow you to return to it."

"B-but what about us with families and children," Tsunami said not sure how to feel about the revelation she would now outlive her son.

Kiyomi frowned as in the beginning she hadn't considered it, but now that she technically had two of her own said, "In all honesty, it was not something that entered into my calculations. But with that said, I would consider extending this ability to any of your children, if they so desired. Yet with that said I feel it prudent to explain that in exchange for the chance to live forever, something must be taken and that is the ability to procreate."

"Wait, you're saying we can't have kids anymore?" Tenten said not sure how to feel about that particular side-effect.

"Not exactly," Kiyomi explained, "You are all still quite capable of getting pregnant. I simply made it that Naruto's semen didn't attempt to so that your bodies could absorb it and the energy that has filled your cells allowing for the perfect replication of them. What I mean to say is that if you do choose to bring about a new life, then you will begin to age normally."

"Why?" Ino asked curious although she felt that several lifetimes with the man she loved was a fair tradeoff for losing the right to have a child. After all, a child was simply a way for a person to live on after death, if you removed death from the equation it didn't seem like such a hard thing to give up.

"I think you already know," Kiyomi said with a smile as she saw Ino practically aglow at the idea of staying young with the man she loved forever. "But another reason would be let us say that you had a child with Naruto. Would you not expect that child to be given the same gifts as you? But then that child grows up and has one of their own while extending the gift of immortality it was born with. This cycle would continue for centuries until eventually a continent of immortals was born. Unfortunately, if death is no longer a factor then in time the resources of the planet would be strained. For those that were not immortal it would seem unfair that they needed to struggle to survive due to the shortages that would result from the taxed environment and eventually wars would break out. Granted we are talking about several thousand years perhaps, but the end result would be inevitable. If we are going to be removed from the cycle of life and death it is only fair that we cause as little impact as possible so that the world can remain in balance."

Tsunami didn't seem any happier with the explanation and Kiyomi couldn't exactly blame her since she knew that she was offering a difficult choice. Tsume, and Tsunami, having experienced the joys and hardships of raising a child likely knew what they were giving up. And while neither woman had seemed interested in siring a child with Naruto, did know what their own children would be giving up if they chose to take the gift of immortality. Furthermore, even if their children didn't want to live forever they then would be forced to watch them grow older and die. A difficult thing to ask any parent, but Kiyomi was well aware that life was making hard choices and then living with the consequences.

Tsunami looked passed the Bijuu to ask Naruto, "What do you think of all this Naruto?"

Kiyomi turned to look at her lover wondering if he was pleased or angry, maybe even both. He looked around the hotspring meeting each of his lovers gazes before saying, "When I first stepped out here and saw all you waiting for me...I already believed I had stepped into heaven. The idea that I will possibly have all of eternity to spend with my beloveds brings me an indescribable amount of joy. Yet, I know that for others it must be a gut-wrenching choice. But it isn't one that needs to be made here or now. As Kiyomi said, this is a matter for us to discuss upon our retirement, something we are a far ways from doing."

Most of the women seemed to agree so they were about to end the meeting, but Anko spoke up asking, "You said that this was due to us being pumped full of Naruto cum, right? Is it something we need to take in constantly or do you only need the injection once."

Kiyomi frowned upon noticing a pained look appear on Naruto's face. She was quite aware of why the woman would ask since recently things had cooled down between Naruto and her. Answering honestly though she said, "The change has already been made. It isn't something that would be lost after a period of time."

Anko nodded as she stood and said, "It's pretty ironic that Orochimaru spent decades chasing after immortality and it's something that fell into my lap. I kind of wish he was alive so I could rub it in his face. We're done here right?" Tsunade nodded so Anko headed to the bathhouse to collect her clothes leaving the others behind.

Hinata made sure no one noticed as she activated her bloodline limit since when gathered together most of the women dropped the henge that hid the coloring of their chakra. She smiled as she noticed that Konan's was a bright red like hers. But the smile faded as she saw that Anko's was more white then green indicating that perhaps the reason she had asked her question was because she was considering a life apart from Naruto.

*****

Naruto appeared in a hotel room to find most of the recently freed Bijuu lounging about. He smiled politely at them before he was crushed to Rangiku's chest as she said, "Naruto, it's been ages. How about we find a nice quite place where you can..."

"Easy there," Yoruichi said pulling Naruto free of her sister's cleavage, "It's only been a few days; try to act your age."

Rangiku pouted as she said, "That's easy for you to say. I felt you, Seven, and Kiyomi through the mark. Before you came here the three of you had another romp with him while you left me here to play babysitter."

"Um well...that's..." Yoruichi sputtered.

She was saved by Kiyomi, who asked, "Speaking of which where are Kukaku and Nel?"

"Kukaku said she was going out for some air, and Nel is taking a nap," Rangiku answered while pointing towards a sheet with a lump under it.

"You might want to reevaluate the situation," Seven smirked as she pulled the sheet away to reveal a pillow.

"That little brat," Rangiku said angrily as she rounded on Tier and the women that she helped give lift to by sacrificing two of her tails to add, "Why didn't you say anything?"

"Watch how you speak to Lady Tier cow," the woman calling herself Emilou Appaci said coming to her Lady's defense.

"Cow," Rangiku said angrily before smirking as she countered, "Oh you must be referring to the fact that unlike someone I actually have breasts."

Appaci looked like she was about to attack, but Tier held up her hand as she said, "Please calm down. To answer your question Rangiku I didn't inform you because it was your task to watch Nel. Perhaps in the future it would benefit you to actually show some interest in the errands you are given. You didn't try to stop Kukaku from leaving something you were supposed to do as well."

"Kukaku is a big girl she can take care of herself," Rangiku said defensively. "Nel is..."

"Also a Bijuu," Tier said cutting off her sister.

"That may be true," Kiyomi said preparing to search for the Bijuu in question, "But as diminished as she is, it wouldn't hurt to make sure she doesn't find herself in a bad situation due to her naïve nature."

"Which is why before she left I took the liberty of placing a locator seal on her," Tier answered. "But we are not your underlings Kiyomi. I remained in this room because you asked me too. Nel and Kukaku were under no such compulsion to comply."

"I know, I know," Kiyomi said defensively, "I just don't want you all attracting the wrong kind of attention before I've had a chance to explain how I want you to help."

"So let's get to it," the white haired young woman calling herself Mirajane said. The Six-tails stepped into the room from the bedroom that she had claimed in the expensive suite Kiyomi had booked. Tier noticed that Mirajane appeared to be slightly younger than the young man she assumed to be Naruto. Guessing her sister had chosen such a young form so as to not be locked into a certain body type, Tier hoped her sister's attitude would change since an arrogance seemed to have grown from the confidence she had gained with her looks.

Mirajane studied Naruto for a moment before giving him a dismissive snort as she said, "Hmph this is the guy Rangiku was crowing about. He doesn't look to be all that. I could probably take him with one arm tied behind my back."

"Perhaps," Naruto said with a smile, "But then again in such a situation, I'd probably just be glad to see you'd limit yourself so." Naruto noticed a woman hanging back from the others so asked, "Who might you be?"

"Urd," the dark-skinned woman answered. She was a little uncomfortable considering her origins so was pleased the young man didn't pry.

But it didn't last as Kiyomi explained, "She was born from the piece of Gyuki that was sealed into the statue."

Yet to Urd's surprise Naruto's demeanor never changed as he said, "It's nice to meet you Urd. I hope you're finding your new existence quite enjoyable."

Urd's focus shifted from the blond man to the white-haired Mirajane, who had been quite insistent that she not refer to herself as a Bijuu. Although Rangiku had told the Six-tails to back off, the dark-skinned woman could see that the Blond wasn't quite sure she disagreed. It had made Urd feel as if she was little more than a doll given a semblance of life so as to keep the power that had been growing from the tentacle the original Eight-tails had sacrificed from falling into someone else's hands.

Yet outside of the diminutive Nel, the man currently meeting her eyes also didn't seem to share such an opinion. His warm eyes continued to shine as he said, "I hope you agree to help with Kiyomi's plans so we can get to know each other." Urd nodded, feeling a bit more confident about her place in the world as a result from the blond's words.

The door to the room slid open causing all the people's attention to focus on the person entering. Kukaku smirked from the doorway as she said, "At last it looks like I get to meet with the famous Naruto Uzumaki."

One pair of eyes darted to the small form trying to sneak in behind the dark-haired woman. Rangiku spotting the diminutive Nel ran forward grabbing her ear as she said, "There you are you little brat did you think I wouldn't notice your disappearing act."

"But you didn't," the slender Cyan Sung-Sun said snidely. "You required others to point this out to you."

"Tier, I'm going pretty sick and tired of your sycophants' comments," Rangiku said turning towards the three women. "I think it would be best if you remind them I'm not one to be trifled with."

The dark skinned Mila Rose grinned as she said, "Oh I think I'd like to see that."

"I hope you don't come to regret..." Rangiku began to say preparing to create some ash to teach the cocky women a lesson.

Yet she trailed off as Naruto placed a calming hand on her shoulder as he said, "Let's all calm down a moment shall we. It's going to be difficult to create a world of peace when we can't even achieve it in a single room." Rangiku calmed and even ignored a comment from Appaci as the tomboyish woman called her a coward. "Thank you Rangiku," the blond man said moving to take a seat on a plush chair.

Kukaku would admit that she was intrigued to see Rangiku back down so moved to sit in the chair opposite from him. Upon sitting down she placed a foot on the small coffee table between them showing off her pussy. To her surprise despite noticing her lack of modesty the blond's gaze didn't have any problem holding hers.

Kiyomi sitting on the couch closest to her lover also noticed Kukaku's display as well as the fact that it appeared some semen was leaking from her. Frowning the Bijuu asked, "And just where were you."

Before she could answer Nel stood up having taken a seat on one of the couches surrounding the two chairs, "Oh I know. She was in the hotsprings hugging some stranger. She kept making these weird noises as he grunted." Nel accentuated her statement by thrusting her hips in a fair imitation of the way she had seen Kukaku.

Kukaku smirked as she expected Kiyomi to lose her cool, but to her surprise it was Yoruichi who shouted, "What! You went out and found some random guy to fuck. What happened to all that pride you boast of?"

Kukaku glared at her sibling as she said heatedly, "What are you talking about?" Focusing on all her sisters that were bound to Naruto but primarily Kiyomi she said, "Did you honestly think I'd throw myself at this whelp the way the rest of you did? I believe that was why you showed me all those images of him enjoying those other women, wasn't it Kiyomi?"

"I showed you those images because they were the ones that I had access to," Kiyomi answered. "I merely wished to open your eyes to the benefits of taking on a human form. If you wish to experience those pleasures with random strangers be my guest."

"What are you all talking about?" Tier asked not sure why the room had gotten so tense. A question she could see was mirrored on both Mirajane and Urd's faces.

Yoruichi ignored the question as she focused on Kiyomi to say, "How can you say that...I thought you believed in father's prophecy as well?"

Before Kiyomi could answer Naruto said, "Yoruichi, the important thing is that all of you work together. I don't believe I'm a central part to your father's vision. It is simply my hope that you and your sisters will agree to use your powers to build a peaceful world we can all live in."

Yoruichi calmed from Naruto's words although Kukaku could see that her sister was of the belief the jinchuriki was central to the prophecy. She felt a little childish and self-conscious suddenly due to the young man's ignoring her discourteous display. She brought her foot down, something Kiyomi smirked about since Kukaku had ended her flashing of her lover. Kukaku felt annoyed by her sister so questioned rudely, "Ha, a punk like you thinks he's going to make a peaceful world. Don't be an idiot, our father worked to that end as well and he couldn't do it. What makes you think you can succeed where he failed?"

"I don't think I'll succeed where he couldn't," Naruto said causing the recently released Bijuu to stare at each other in confusion. "But then again I'm not acting alone either. I might not succeed, but we will. I'm simply asking that you will lend me your power so we can make your father's wish of a peaceful world a reality as well as my master's."

The Bijuu remained silent for several moments until Tier asked, "What would you ask of us?"

"For now, I believe Kiyomi needs your help to make the shipping company she owns prosperous again. Once we've achieved that, we can discuss the next steps we will need to take."

"We?" Urd asked her tone showing her surprise.

Naruto nodded as he answered, "Naturally. If a peaceful world is our end goal then it needs to be one that we can all enjoy. For that I'll need your input as well as your strength."

Kiyomi watched as a smile appeared on Urd's face, the first since her awakening. From the gesture the red-head was more sure than ever that Naruto was the key to the enigmatic words the Bijuu's father had left them. Yet as she had explained to the women of Naruto's harem she tended to take a long view of things and as such didn't doubt that in time the Bijuu sitting around her lover would find themselves bound to him. Even the headstrong Kukaku who she didn't doubt would continue to search out other men to deny there was anything special about the one sitting across from her. It would take some time, and perhaps even a little heartache, but in time she had little doubt the nine of them would move as one because they shared the same affections.

*****

Karin followed behind Gaara as he guided her to the room that housed the Suna council. Upon entering a section of the hall that was currently unoccupied the Kazekage said, "Despite my friendship with Naruto..."

"And now deeper familial connections," Karin couldn't help supplying with a smirk.

Gaara looked over his shoulder in mild annoyance as he added, "Yes despite those as well, do not expect me to simply go along with what you are proposing today. I need to be convinced this would be in the best interest of Suna as well as help move Naruto's ambition forward."

"I'm quite aware of that Lord Kazekage," Karin replied, "Which is why I insisted I make the pitch in front of your Council as well. I don't think you'd need to worry about your personal feeling getting in the way if I can get the council behind me."

Gaara didn't smile but she did detect a slight raising at the corner of his lips as he said, "Don't be so sure the council is as unbiased as you believe."

Karin frowned not sure what Gaara was implying but before she could ask they began to near the doors to the Council Chamber which was guarded by a pair of Jounin. The shinobi pushed the double doors open for them and Karin could see they were the last to arrive. Her gaze first fell on Temari, who she graced with a smile. She also recognized her younger brother Kankuro, and their former sensei Baki. She didn't recognize the other three men present, but knew they were likely the Councilors Sajo, Ryusa, and Goza. She had expected to find two empty chairs, one for the recently arrested Joseki, and the other for the revealed traitor Yura, who had been working for Sasori and had aided in letting Akatsuki enter the village. He had been killed by Naruto, when he had been used as a sacrifice by the organization to assume the form of Itachi in order to delay the Leaf Village's attempt to save Gaara. Despite it being over a year since then his seat had remained empty due to the councilors' inability to agree on a worthy successor.

However, to her great surprise both seats were taken and she understood what Gaara had meant as they were filled by Pakura and Maki. Nodding to the gathered councilors she said, "Greetings and thank you for taking the time to see me."

Karin frowned though as the bearded Goza said, "I assure you it wasn't by choice, but it would seem that our newest members have adopted a rather friendly attitude towards the village you call home. Perhaps not so surprising in..."

"I assume you are about to refer to my in fact being saved by a Leaf Shinobi," Pakura said speaking up heatedly making Karin suspect she had been the center of several discussions in regards to her views about the Leaf Village. "It would be a trait I happen to share with Lord Kazekage."

"True," Goza said, "Which is why I suppose he nominated you to the position."

"You mean besides my many years of service in which I took on every dangerous mission Suna handed me. I do have more S-ranked missions under my belt then all the members of this council combined," Pakura said angrily.

"That would be why I voted for your inclusion on the council," Goza stated calmly. He smiled as he noticed some of the anger bled from Pakura's face. "No, I can't say I'm surprised by your choice to allow the meeting, but I would admit to finding it surprising that you would Maki."

"I can't say I'm overly shocked by that considering I was to be Joseki's handpicked successor to the council," Maki said folding her hands on the table. "My own grievances with the Leaf Village are well known as well. However, considering that Joseki is currently in a jail cell because he couldn't let go of his own grievances, is it any wonder that I would wish not to follow in his footsteps. Furthermore, my time among the Training Force was...enlightening to say the least. I witnessed one Shinobi village put its trust in another to help them deal with a problem..."

"I think a better description would be that the Leaf Village used us to deal with a problem of their own making," Ryusa said annoyed with the whole situation.

Gaara spoke up to say, "Then I'm guessing you have chosen to ignore the fact that Joseki may have been aiding Danzou by trying to break-up the Training Force. Recently several former members of his hardliners have come forward and claimed Joseki asked them to cause trouble in order to have us call back our shinobi."

"With all due respect Lord Gaara, if you knew Joseki's hatred for Danzou you would find that as difficult to believe as I do," Ryusa said. "Also, I'm not quite sure how much trust I'd be willing to put in the word of a Root member that claims to have witnessed several of their meetings, even if the Leaf have vouched for the fact that she defected from the organization."

Maki leaned forward to say, "Then what about mine councilor Ryusa. I can attest that Joseki asked those of us that were Hardliners to disrupt the Training Force. I can only think of one person that would have directly benefited."

Sajo drew everyone's attention by clearing his throat before saying, "We didn't gather here to discuss the validity of Joseki's guilt or innocence. I did find it strange that Lord Kazekage would nominate you to Joseki's position though Maki. However, from your tone it's easy to ascertain that despite your years of being influenced by Joseki, you have made a break with his beliefs. I'm guessing Lord Kazekage has seen this as well which is why he felt it best not to punish you for your association with him. Yet, again these are matters best discussed later." He leveled a stare at his fellow councilors Goza and Ryusa as he added, "Plus do not forget gentlemen that I voted in favor of granting Karin this audience as well. I believe we are living in interesting times, something you might see if you allowed yourself to open your eyes to them a little." Focusing on Karin, he said, "Please begin my dear. I'm interested in seeing what you came here to pitch."

The red-head smiled politely as she said, "Thank you councilor. I know you are all busy people so I'll make it brief. Simply put I would like to open a branch office of the Great Tree Shipping Company here in Suna."

"Absolutely not," Goza said quickly, "Do you really take us for such fools that we would openly invite a member of the Leaf to open a company here that they could use to spy on us?"

"No, I can't say you would be a fool to have concerns about such a thing occurring. I would say you could be considered one for dismissing my proposal without even giving me the chance to explain it."

Temari snickered as Kankuro did his best to hide his amusement. Gazo though was anything but amused and was about to storm out till Sajo said, "It is an interesting proposition to be sure."

Gazo's jaw dropped before recovering to ask, "Have you lost your mind Sajo?"

"Hardly," the Councilor replied calmly, "I dare say I'm feeling extremely clear headed. Perhaps you should take a look at yourself before leveling such accusations." Meeting the eyes of the two councilors most opposed to what was being proposed he said, "For a moment lets recount how many times we've caught the Leaf spying on us in the last four or so years since Tsunade took over. Not counting the few times Jiraiya has stopped in our village I would put the number at zero. Not to mention did anyone notice how well the last batch of our genin did in the Chunin Exams. It was a steady improvement from the previous exams. As a matter of fact ever since the Leaf shared with us...let me repeat that, shared with us, some of the curriculum that they use at their own Academy our genin have continued to do better and better. I would attribute this to the fact that each successive group of genin to emerge from the Academy have been exposed to the Leaf's training methods for longer and longer periods. I truly look forward to the exam where the genin have only known those methods."

"What is your point?" Ryusa said dismissively.

"His point," Temari said speaking up, "Is that if the Leaf was so hellbent on our destruction they have a strange way of showing it."

"Exactly Lady Temari," Sajo said leaning forward, "I am currently the oldest member on this Council. I'm tired gentleman and ladies of always looking for some sinister plot in even the simplest of gestures. I have looked at the Leaf's past actions with the same distrust as you. Yet all I have ever scene is an honest and sincere desire to better relations between our two villages. I know we blamed the Leaf for causing a situation where our Daimyo would hire them over us. It could be argued that the old war hawks like us among the Leaf's power brokers built those conditions into the treaty to weaken us. But those Hawks have had their wings clipped. Would you wish to follow their example as more and more the youths of our village come to think of those from the Leaf as friends and allies? If so gentlemen, then I think you'll find yourselves pushed aside as they clamor for leadership that thinks as they do."

Karin nodded as she said, "Well said Lord Sajo. The Lady Kiyomi believes much the same as you. She believes we've entered a period where the Shinobi Villages not only want a true and lasting peace to settle on the land but are clamoring for it."

"I suspect she believes this hoping for a nice tidy profit as well," Ryusa said snidely.

"I can't deny we intend to profit from it, but then again so will the villages that agree to open their doors to our company."

"Really and how do you intend to deliver on that promise?" Goza asked skeptically.

Karin smiled as she pulled out several sheets of paper. Moving to Temari she asked, "Can you please hold this?" Upon Temari's taking the sheet from her, Karin instructed her to channel her chakra into it. The councilors were surprised when the paper split neatly in two. Karin smiled as she said, "Now I'm sure some of you have heard of the chakra paper that Konoha uses to help determine what element a person is strong in in order to maximize their strength in it. Here in Suna, you tend to take a trial and error approach. For some like Temari, the strength is apparent quite early. For others not so much, resulting in wasted time and effort. Yet, Suna has access to the same tree that the Leaf uses to create this paper."

"What is your point?" Goza said impatiently.

"The point is the reason you do not have access to this paper is because every tree you can harvest is used in the construction of your puppets. It's also why so many of the puppets in this village are hand-me-downs." Karin could see that the three male councilors were surprised by her knowledge, yet truthfully she hadn't needed any insight from Naruto's Suna lovers to reach that conclusion. All she had needed was to study the thriving black market that existed and in turn linked the Shinobi villages. Much as she had stated Konoha had the tree in abundance and it was used in everything from scrolls to the chakra paper she held. Suna had at some point managed to get its hands on the tree, but lacked the fertile lands required to grow it in any truly meaningful numbers. As a result they turned to the black market where the paid a highly inflated price, something they still did despite being allies with Konoha for years.

"I'm guessing that you believe should we allow you to open a branch office here you'll be able to supply us that chakra paper," Sajo said clearly interested since it would help improve the training process of their genin and chunin.

Karin nodded, "I have already negotiated a contract with the Hokage that has given me access to not just the chakra paper, but the unrefined wood you would need to create new puppets. Imagine the innovations you could come up with if you didn't need to fear wasting a precious resource on experimental designs."

The Uzumaki smiled as she saw the two councilors Goza and Ryusa share a look of interest. It faded as Gaara said, "A tempting offer, but I'm sure that in order to make this work the Leaf made some requests of you to secure from us on their behalf."

She could see the distrust appear in the two men's faces again as Ryusa seconded, "Yes, what exactly would the Leaf require?"

"The deal I made is already done. So whether or not you wish to supply any items for trade, I still have a ton of wood I need to get rid of and plan to sell it to you at a significant discount from what the black market would charge you," Karin said after a moment's pause. "With that being said I know the Leaf is interested in some of the flowers that you have access to and only grow out in the harshest of environments. Whether I can secure them from you at a price that makes it worth my while to sell we'll have to wait and see. But considering how the black market has gouged you guys over the year I imagine there is quite a lot of margin I stand to make."

"Lord Gaara," Sajo said as Karin ended her speech, "I for one would vote that we allow the Great Tree Shipping Company to open an office here. It is something that would only benefit our shinobi in the end."

"I second it," Goza said quickly surprising many of those present, "Although I find it difficult to trust the Leaf Village, I can't see them allowing this to happen if they had hostile intentions. With the money we stand to save on procuring supplies, we could double or even triple our puppet production."

Gaara folded his hands as he said, "I agree. Karin there would be a few other items I would like the Leaf Village to make available to us. I'm sure we can come to some sort of arrangement. For this new office do you have someone in mind to run it?"

"Not at the moment," Karin said before adding, "But I'm sure eventually someone will appear that's capable enough."

*****

Guren finished covering a Leaf Jounin in crystal before turning to face the wall surrounding the village of Konoha. Behind her the Jounin's eyes darted back and forth as he groaned through the small breathing tube she had left him. Although she would give anything to see Yukimaru again, the cold blooded killer she had been died with him and while Kabuto said he needed a distraction she would not dirty her hands again for his sake.

Charging a wall as the moon disappeared behind some clouds; she picked a weakened section of the wall that appeared unoccupied and created several crystalline dragons. She mounted the last one as the others smashed through the weakened structure as shouts of alarm were raised. Leaping from the last dragon as it reached the wall she leapt to the top of it as her crystal dragons distracted the shinobi on duty. She landed in front of several chunin that had been about to attack her jutsu from above and slamming her hands to the ground sent a wave of crystal that captured and then encased them.

She coated her arm in a crystal blade which she used to deflect kunai thrown at her from the opposite side of the opening her jutsu had made in the wall. Running away from the shinobi by running through the crystal formations she had created to entrap the chunin, she heard the people behind her curse as several leapt in pursuit. Guren used the moment she disappeared from their view to leap from the wall as she made her way to her target.

Hiding in the shadows of a nearly demolished building, she watched as several shinobi including a nin-dog landed in the area before cursing and splitting up to search for her. She was just about move when one of the shinobi nearly surprised her by flying through the wall she was pressed against. Leaping back, she recognized the youth as one of the shinobi that had opposed her during her mission to capture the Three-Tails for Orochimaru.

Kiba growled as he crouched in front of her saying, "I thought I recognized your scent, although I guess I shouldn't be surprised considering those crystal dragons back there."

"Get out of my way," Guren shouted not in the mood to banter with the youth, "You have something that doesn't belong to you."

"Are you talking about that boy we brought back?" Kiba said heatedly. "It's thanks to you and that snake bastard that he's dead. We simply gave him a place where he can rest peaceful."

"I don't have time to explain, but I'm trying to correct that mistake. Now move!"

"Make me," Kiba shouted charging the woman with his partner that had taken on his form. Leaping the final distance, he attempted to slash at her face and managed to score a hit but winced as it felt like his nails wanted to be pulled from his fingers.

Guren slammed her crystal incased fist into Akamaru's stomach causing the dog to whimper as it collapsed around the blow. It reverted to dog form before leaping out of the way as Kiba smashed into her back using fang over fang. The attack lifted the woman off of her feet as they smashed into and through the wall of a ruined building. Despite her crystal armor Guren worked herself to her feet slowly as did Kiba due to his jutsu failing to penetrate. Guren looked back from her kneeling position and backhanded the Inuzuka so that he landed on his back. She heard a growling and turned to see Akamaru leaping at her from the hole they had made.

Picking up the still dazed Kiba by his jacket, she threw him at the animal causing them to crash into each other. She then encased them in a crystal dome before they could recover. She sensed it as dozen of shinobi surrounded her location with one of them calling, "Surrender, and come out with your hands in the air or else we will come in after you."

Guren cursed since although a part of her mission was to distract the Leaf. She needed to secure her own objective as well. Creating a jade mirror, she created a dozen copies which all began to exit from the crystal object. From outside the man that had assumed command said, "You have until the count of three to comply."

"Don't worry," Guren said to herself, "Here we come." The Jounin outside got as far as one before more Guren than he could handle appeared from the hole to sow chaos in the Leaf.

*****

Naruto was nestled in his bed with Konan, Mabui, Yugito, and Ino when he suddenly shot up in it waking all four kunoichi. Having returned from Tanzaku town to find the three non Konoha women waiting for him, they had quickly made the most of their time together. After things had settled down, Ino had joined them in order to sleep in the same bed as their shared lover. The reason for his sudden concern was due to the clone of himself and of Ino dispelling to alert him that the village was under attack.

"What's wrong," Konan asked having come instantly awake.

"I'm sorry it looks like somebody has decided to attack the village. Probably looking to test us our readiness," The jinchuriki answered as he pulled his clothes back on. Throwing his cloak on he said, "It looks like whoever it is has the ability to create crystals."

Ino had been in the midst of following her lover's example but paused due to his statement about the nature of the attacker's jutsu. "It must be her."

"Huh, what are you talking about?" Naruto asked turning to face Ino.

"I think I know who the attacker may be," Ino answered as she pressed herself to Naruto. "Hiraishin us to Tsunade."

Naruto nodded and the pair disappeared in a red flash to reappear near the Hokage's office. Bursting in, they found the room filled with other members of the village's power structure, who turned towards them, Ino quickly moved forward to join the other councilors and village leaders as she said, "Thanks Naruto for Hirashining me here. I'm glad I ran into you." Focusing on Tsunade she said, "I heard the attacker can use crystals she may be..."

"The woman that helped to prevent us from banishing the Three-tails," The Hokage said cutting her off, "Yes we know. That detail has been confirmed by Kiba although he is currently trapped in a crystal dome. Unfortunately, she's managed to slip through our fingers after defeating several squads that had cornered her and has several clones running through the village causing havoc on the east side of it"

Ino frowned as that was on the opposite side of the village from what she imagined Guren's goal was. Believing the clones were a feint she asked, "What about the guards protecting the cemetery?"

"We've pulled several squads to track her down and to help deal with those crystal dragons," Ibiki answered.

"That's where she's heading," Ino said confidently, "I think she's here to reclaim Yukimaru's body."

Tsunade frowned as she said, "That might not be the only person planning to take advantage of us pulling the guards tasked with protecting our dead. Yuugao, send every available shinobi to protect the cemetery. Also somebody have the units still in place check in." Tsunade nodded her head towards Ino telling the kunoichi she wanted her to follow as she said, "I'm heading to the hospital to help with the wounded. Ino follow me, there are a few things I want to ask you about your encounter with this woman."

Ino nodded and wasn't surprised to find that Naruto was already gone, and from what she could feel had likely left as soon as she pinpointed where she believed Guren was or was heading. As soon as she was alone with the Hokage, Tsunade said, "Find Yakumo. I have a special task for the two of you."

"What's that?"

"You're going to dig up what's buried in Rin's grave."

"Oh joy," Ino said sarcastically wondering if she should have perhaps stayed in bed.

*****

"Squad seventy-one report in," a female voice called out from a headset of the shinobi that Guren had just knocked unconscious as she took it off his body. Looking about the cemetery, she could hear the fresh clones she had created battling the other squads that were trying to converge on her position. Having once snuck into the Leaf Village to visit Yukimaru's grave, she knew exactly where she needed to go in the portion of the cemetery reserved for civilians. Looking at a nearby wall she knew separated the shinobi portion of the graveyard, she wondered if Kabuto had come and gone already. Considering just how few shinobi had leapt over the wall to engage her and her clones upon her being spotted, she wouldn't be surprised if Kabuto had created a demand for more holes to be dug.

Stepping in front of Yukimaru's grave, she clasped her hands in a hand-sign causing the ground to shake before a crystal dragon appeared with his coffin inside its body. From the headset she had liberated she heard a voice call out, "Hell yeah, Naruto's here and he's smashing these crystal clones like nobody's business."

Guren frowned as she felt a sensation which confirmed the report. Leaping onto the dragon, she created as many clones as her dwindling chakra reserves would support so as to buy time for herself and sent them in the direction she could felt her clones disappearing. Directing her dragon to flee in the opposite one, she looked back in time to see a blond man charging her despite the mass of clones closing on him. He pulled a kunai that he threw at her, but Guren countered with a crystal shuriken that knocked it out of the air even as the blond teleported to it.

Guren breathed a sigh of relief as her clones swarmed the young man upon his reappearing near the kunai while she focused forward intent on meeting with Kabuto and claiming her reward.

*****

Tsunade stepped into the shinobi portion of the village's cemetery followed by Ibiki and Yuugao. She felt her rage grow as she saw the dead shinobi that had been tasked with guarding the place. Looking back at Yuugao, she asked, "Do we think this Guren character was working with Kabuto?"

"I'm not sure," Yuugao answered, "According to the mission report Shizune and Yamato filed it had appeared that Guren had a falling out with Kabuto. I find it hard to believe she would work with him again, although the timing of her and his attack is unlikely to be a coincidence."

"Everyone has a price," Ibiki said crouching down to inspect a dead shinobi that worked in his department, "Considering what Kabuto disturbed these graves for it is likely she may have aided him to bring back the boy whose body she took."

Tsunade sighed as she said, "That would be a theory that those who were on the mission where we first encountered her support as well. Yet, considering there were no fatalities among the people that she encountered during her assault it would seem she's no longer the same woman that was encountered then. That leaves me to wonder how she would take advantage of a jutsu that requires a human sacrifice."

Turning to face Ibiki, she asked, "Do we know what DNA Kabuto acquired?"

"From the disturbed graves it would appear Master Chen, Asuma Sarutobi, Hayate Gekko..." Ibiki paused as he appeared uncomfortable due to Yuugao's gasp.

Although aware of the pain her fellow Harem member must be feeling, Tsunade forced him to push on as she asked, "Is that it?"

"No Milday," Ibiki said gravely, "The other disturbed graves would include Rin Nohara's, as well as Dan Kato's and Mito Uzumaki."

The color drained from Tsunade's face as she heard the last two names and was quite suddenly alerted to the fact that the pain she had assumed Yuugao must be going through wasn't even close to what she thought. The dread of facing loved ones felt almost crippling, but Tsunade pushed the dread and fear away as she rounded on her heel.

"Lady Tsunade where are you going?" Ibiki called out after his retreating leader's back.

"I'm going to plant my foot on a snake's skull before he can put his recently acquired DNA to use," Tsunade called back.

"I'll gather a squad..."

"Don't bother," Tsunade said as Naruto appeared sensing his two lovers' emotions, "My squad's just arrived."

Naruto sent a concerned glance towards Yuugao, but sensing Tsunade's determination followed after her intent on finding the person responsible for the anger she felt.

*****

Kabuto smiled as he finished preparing the scroll he meant to use against Naruto when next they met. He heard the sound of something large approaching so turned to see Guren riding on her dragon shaped jutsu. Leaping from it, she landed in front of him prompting him to say, "Impressive, you really did a marvelous job of distracting the Leaf. It's a shame that you're so diminished mentally though. Wouldn't your task have been much simpler if you had killed the shinobi you faced?"

"What do you care?" Guren snapped, "You got what you wanted now it's time you honor your side of the bargain."

"Very well," Kabuto said as the crystal dragon disappeared leaving the coffin behind. "However, I don't see the sacrifice that you require."

"Leave that to me," Guren said turning away as Kabuto pulled the coffins lid loose.

She held her hand to her mouth as she heard the sickening sound of flesh being cut before Kabuto said, "There all finished. Now where is the sacrifice?"

"It's me," Guren said facing the hooded man.

"Really," Kabuto said, "Aren't you being rather trusting of me? What's to stop me from using Yukimaru to my own ends?"

"You have no use for him," Guren replied. "If you did you would never have allowed him to push himself so far. This means his ability was unique to the Three-Tails and with it in Akatsuki's hands you have no need for a means to control it."

"True," Kabuto said, "Then what do you want me to tell him happened to you?"

Tell him...tell him that he saved me," Guren said dropping to her knees as Kabuto approached with the scroll.

"I think that would be a matter of debate," Kabuto said placing the scroll on the ground as he activated the jutsu.

A pattern spread along the ground towards the woman as flakes of clay, ash and dirt began to cover her. Guren could feel Yukimaru's spirit begin to surround her, but then the feeling vanished as the flakes covering her fell to the ground. Shocked by the sudden change Guren stared up at Kabuto in desperation as she asked, "What happened!" Advertisements

"It would appear this is another failure," Kabuto replied with a shrug, "I figured this might happen. Sometimes when a spirit is truly at peace they can't be manifested in this world. It seems Yukimaru had no regrets about sacrificing himself for you Guren. You should be happy."

Tears began leaking from Guren's eyes as she broke down in sobs and began to pound the ground. Kabuto shook his head at the display having a hard time picturing the woman before him as the feared kunoichi that had served Orochimaru. Although tempted to leave her in her misery, he figured now would be as good a time as ever to put his experiment into motion. Switching the scroll he said, "Fear not Guren if you truly wish to be a sacrifice. I'll oblige you."

Changing the scroll to the one he had prepared before her arrival he again activated the jutsu causing the ash to begin covering the woman again. For a moment he saw the will to live appear in Guren's eyes before she discarded it and just before she was completely covered thought he heard her thank him. The covering surrounding his sacrifice hardened and took the shape of a woman he remembered seeing in his history books. Despite dying as an old woman under mysterious circumstances, Kabuto had chosen to resurrect her looking like she had while in her mid-twenties.

Mito Uzumaki stared blankly forward before he summoned a casket to store her in. For a moment he wondered if he should use a different pawn for his experiment, but rejected it due to his not wanting to potentially sacrifice a more valuable pawn. Still he knew virtually nothing about Mito's abilities so wondered if she would even offer Naruto a challenge. However, her true value was the emotional attachment she possessed with Tsunade and if Kabuto wished to see Naruto's ability to give true life to those brought back by Edo Tensei, he would need to play off of the attachment he knew the jinchuriki had for the current Hokage.

The white snake that was a part of him appeared from beneath his robe as its head faced towards Konoha. Sensing the people approaching he smiled as he said, "My, how very kind of you two to be so accommodating." Causing the coffin to disappear into the ground, he created a clone to welcome those in pursuit and to activate the trap while he found a safe place from which to observe what happened next.