Other times, I look at my scars and see something else: a girl who was trying to cope with something horrible that she should never have had to live through at all. My scars show pain and suffering, but they also show my will to survive. They're part of my history that'll always be there.-Cheryl Rainfield.
"Finally!"
Naruko sighed at the collective yell from her godparents. She had just told them about hers and Sasuke's engagement and it was like Jiraiya saw a harem of naked women and Tsunade won the lottery!
Tsunade seemed a lot happier than Jiraiya for some reason though. The blonde woman held her open palm out to the Gama Sennin and grinned, "Pay up!"
She looked between them in confusion. Jiraiya's happy face turned depressed and he looked at his teammate. "There is no way you won that!" he insisted, folding his arms.
Tsunade opened a desk drawer and pulled out a piece of paper. "The bets over their engagement were as follows. Iruka- During the training trip. He bet a thousand Ryo. Kakashi- A month after the came back from the training trip. He wagered a thousand as well. Mikoto- On Naruko's seventeenth birthday. She threw in five thousand. You- on her eighteenth birthday and you bet ten thousand! Me, I said right after the Jonin Exams finished, and I had bet twenty thousand. I won the bet, and therefore, I am thirty-seven thousand Ryo richer!" she cheered.
Naruko gaped, "You really did have a bet over this? You people need lives, seriously!"
"The drama surrounding you two is just too delicious to pass up brat! You make it fun around here," Jiraiya explained while shooting the busty Hokage a death glare.
Tsunade waved her hand, "Get over it Jiraiya. Anyway, Naruko, there is a meeting this afternoon at three. We're announcing the new Jonin and as a council member, you must attend."
Naruko sighed, "Fine. I'll be at Ichiraku's if you need me."
As Naruko left Tsunade gave Jiraiya a grin, "So, wanna bet on the wedding?"
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"I've called this meeting in order to announce the newest Jonin."
The collective council all nodded, wanting to get to the point of the meeting and get it over with.
Tsunade looked to Shikaku, who stood and moved to the center of the room, a clipboard in hand.
"The Jonin Hansho will explain who are up for the promotion and give you a small idea of their skills."
Shikaku cleared his throat and gave a sigh, "Those who made it to the Fourth Exam, are Sasuke Uchiha, Iruka Umino, Shikamaru Nara and Naruko Uzumaki Namikaze."
Naruko smiled to herself. Iruka-sensei finally had a chance to move up in rank. Maybe teaching children wasn't fun anymore.
"Sasuke Uchiha, displayed tactical use of four different chakra natures. Fire, lightning, water and earth, in that order. He cannot do wind. He has mastered the Mangekyo Sharingan, which has several abilities, such as Tsukuyomi, Susano and Amaterasu. He didn't elaborate on the powers themselves, but Anbu Captain Itachi Uchiha vouches for him in the mastery of the powers. He is exceptional, at Taijutsu and Ninjutsu. I assume Genjutsu as well, though he didn't use any in the Exam. He's fast on his feet and thinks quickly. He doesn't really talk in the middle of battle and knows Kenjutsu very well, having studied under Mifune of Tetsu no Kuni. His written exam score was a perfect one hundred. With Hokage-sama's discretion, he has been made a Jonin and has an invitation to join Anbu."
Many people clapped and congratulated Fugaku who was smirking at his son's progress.
Shikaku went on. "Iruka Umino has three chakra natures. Earth, water and fire in that order. He received a perfect one hundred on his written exam as well. Iruka is a tactical thinker and knows when to back out. He's very skilled at Kawarimi and is very good at Bukijutsu. Iruka knows when to take a situation seriously. Hokage-sama has decided to make him a Jonin."
Naruko clapped with the others, proud of her sensei. He finally was getting out of the academy!
"Shikamaru Nara passed with a perfect one hundred on the written exam. He's skilled at Earth and fire jutsu. He's mastered all clan techniques perfectly and has an I.Q. of three hundred now. His strengths are tactics and strategies. His weakness is laziness. However, he impressed us and Tsunade-sama has granted him the title of Jonin."
Naruko smiled, Shikamaru wasn't going to be happy. He had only entered the exam because his mother threatened him. Now that he was a Jonin, he had more work to do. And to a Nara, 'work' is like a curse word.
"Finally, Naruko Uzumaki Namikaze. She displayed perfect usage of, wind, water, earth and fire jutsu. She cannot do lightning. She was made a Gama Sennin at the age of fourteen, after completing her training in twenty-eight days. She has also mastered the Kyuubi's power and can transform at will whenever she so chooses. Her written exam score was one hundred and five. She managed to do the extra credit at the end. On a special note, she finished the First Exam in an hour, breaking the record by seven hours. She also knows Kenjutsu after training with Mifune of Tetsu no Kuni. She claims to know two S ranked jutsus and a few Kinjutsu she picked up on her travels. Jiraiya-sama agreed with her statement. She's quick on her feet and good at coming up with strategies. Her Intelligence Quotient is two hundred and fifty. She has been made a Jonin. The Anbu Honsho has extended her an invitation as well."
Naruko nodded and gave a small fist pump. Though Anbu was nice, she wanted be a Jonin for a bit. Then Anbu would be good.
Tsunade smiled, "The new Jonin, other than Naruko, will find out later on today. Now, another matter of business to attend to. I spoke with the fire Daimyo about my successor and we agreed upon two possible candidates. We both thought of the same people and in the same order as well."
Everyone listened intently, wondering who they were.
Shikaku, Homura and Koharu knew already, having been at the meeting with the Daimyo's advisors and the Anbu Honsho. Everyone else was left to their imaginations.
"We've chosen Hatake Kakashi as the first candidate. Daimyo-sama having heard much about him and his accomplishments and thinks he'd make a good Hokage. I can only concur. Kakashi would be a great Hokage because he has the power and experience and a good reputation."
Everyone nodded in understanding. Kakashi didseem to be Kage material. He was Anbu Honsho at one point and he still had ties that could get him anything he wanted should he ever require it. It was like he was still the Honsho, because he could pull rank anytime and force any of the Anbu to do whatever he wished.
They waited to hear who the second person was.
"Daimyo-sama mentioned the second person before Idid. They have helped Hi no Kuni very much in the past few years and have risen through the ranks at reasonable speed. He has done business with this person and feels that with their skills in politics and international business is exceptional. Something that is needed in a Kage. They also have much power and still more time to grow."
Everyone was leaning in, wanting to know who this person was.
"Naruko Uzumaki Namikaze is the second candidate for the Hokage seat."
"WHAT!" two voices yelled.
The first, was Hiashi, which wasn't surprising considering how much he didn't like Naruko. The second though, was the very person that was just mentioned. Naruko's eyes were wide in horrified shock.
"No offense Hokage-sama, but didn't you say a Kage needs experience and power? Why the hell was I chosen? I haven't even been a Jonin for a day!" the younger blonde asked.
"You have much more power than anyone in the village Naruko, being a Sennin and a Jinchuuriki. Then you took over a multi billion Ryo company and expanded it throughout the nations, raising its success. You personally are very well liked by all the Daimyo of the lands Konoha is allied with and Sarutobi-sensei, Jiraiya, Daimyo-sama and I all think you'd be a great Hokage. As it stands, you and Kakashi will be forced to battle each other for the seat within the next six months. He doesn't want to be Hokage at all and suggested we just give the seat to you, but Daimyo-sama thought a battle would make it fair. Sharingan no Kakashi against the Uzumaki Head. This event will take place when the Exam stadium is rebuilt and and everyone in Hi no Kuni will be invited to see the battle and the inauguration afterwards. These next months will be for training mostly with a few missions in between. I suggest you train hard, "Tsunade smiled and winked at her goddaughter.
"Hokage-sama, you can't let her become the Hokage! She'll try and get revenge on Konoha for how she grew up!" Hiashi yelled, losing his composure.
Naruko glared, "Hiashi, I could've taken revenge on the village the moment I became a Clan Head. I could've used my mothers or my fathers names while accusing everyone who have ever wronged me. If you're so worried, that means you know you're clan is guilty and you're scared that my hatred for you people will come out and I'll abuse my power. As I said years ago, personal feelings should never be brought in to a political decision. I don't want to be the Hokage, because I don't feel that I'm ready yet. If you notice, the civilian council isn't saying anything about my nomination for the Hokage seat. They know I won't abuse the power and they know that I have the ability to bring Konohagakure into a more affluent lifestyle, due to the example of Shadow's Fire and how well it's doing. And they were the ones to hate my presence most! When you have a legitimate reason, as to why you think I shouldn't be the Hokage, then bring it up. Until that happens, sit down and shut your mouth."
The shinobi council sniggered as Hiashi was once again, put in place by someone who was at least one third his age.
Tsunade smiled, "Good point Naruko. If you have personal issues, do not bring them in here, or else Iwill have to make a solution and you don't want that."
The temperature went down a few degrees and Hiashi shuddered.
"Now, we've gone over the Hokage candidates and the newly instated Jonin, you are all dismissed!"
Naruko jumped up andran out the door.
She had to find Sasuke and tell him!
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Why do you want Karin, Kei and I to go on this mission?"
Naruko stood beside her clan members in front of the Hokage's desk. They had been given a mission and Karin was to be the medic while Kei needed field experience as a new Chunin rank shinobi.
"Well, the Daimyo asked for you to be out on the team, and I figured some family bonding would be good."
Naruko rolled her eyes. "Sure thing Ba-chan. Let's go guys!"
The three Uzumaki's headed out, signing themselves out of the village on the way.
"Okay you two, we'll run for most of the day. Tanigakure is a small village in Kawa no Kuni. Karin, it's near where we were when we fought to Akatsuki and saved Gaara. While we deliver this to the Daimyo, Ba-chan wants you to check for any of those chakra signatures I had you memorize, I want both of you to open your senses up and see if you can feel anything other than me. This could help us in finding the Akatsuki's lair."
Karin and Kei nodded as they ran.
"So nee-chan, I heard that you and Sasuke are getting married. How did it happen?!" Karin asked.
Naruko sighed, "I told him."
"See, I told you he wouldn't care!"
"Yes, yes. The almighty miniMaki is always right! I'm not worthy!"
Kei looked between the girls and shook his head. He was the only sane Uzumaki it seemed.
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"That guy was fat!"
Naruko's hand connected with the back of Karin's head. "He was the Daimyo you dunce!"
The youngest Uzumaki snorted, "That doesn't mean he wasn't fat."
Naruko face palmed herself and sighed. She was so glad she was never like that! The trouble she would've been in!
After a few minutes of running, Karin gasped, "Nee-chan! I can feel two chakra signatures. They're just like the ones from the cave, but there is a difference in the one. Small, but different."
The three ninja stopped and Naruko turned to the miniMaki, "What's different?"
"It seems sick. It's the same one from the cave, but it's like it's gotten really sick. This person doesn't seem to have much time left," the redhaired girl explained, looking slightly worried.
Naruko hmmed, "How far away is it?"
Karin looked up and chewed her lip. "I'd say about one hundred miles due North."
Naruko nodded and took a moment to think. On foot, it could take two days. By air, maybe a few hours.
"Okay, it's time I taught you guys what Onoki-Jiji taught me. In order to use the Maiagaru no Jutsu, you need to focus your chakra all over your body and push it outwards. Now, I have wind nature chakra, so I can manipulate the wind around me and give myself extra speed. It's a really simple jutsu, but for those with crappy chakra control, it's a nightmare."
Kei and Karin looked at each other, daring the other to try it first.
Karin rolled her eyes and did as Naruko instructed. When her feet left the ground, she squeaked and grabbed onto Naruko who laughed.
Kei sighed and mimicked the girl. He took it much better than Karin, as he just floated in midair with his arms crossed.
"Fuck you Kei!" Karin yelled, one of her very random outbursts.
After calming the miniMaki down some, Naruko put them through a quick obstacle course before joining them in the air. "We're going to go deal with these two. Before going after them, I want you to wear these chakra suppressors."
"Nee-chan, wouldn't that stop our chakra?"
Naruko shook her head, "No. These are special. They hide chakra, but still let you use it."
"Where did you get these?" the two asked simultaneously.
"A place." That was her excuse. Vaguely, she remembered giving Sasuke the same excuse once.
Naruko hid her chakra and turned North, "Let's go! Karin, I want you to keep track of the chakra and if anything changes, let me know."
When the girl nodded, they flew North. Several hours later, Karin tapped Naruko's shoulder. "It's only a few miles away now."
"Land."
When their feet touched the ground Naruko immediately created five Kage Bunshin and had them hide in the trees while gathering nature energy. "If worst, comes to worst, I can go into Sennin Modo five times if necessary. Biju Modo will be after that."
"Isn't this kind of dangerous?" Kei voiced, looking worried.
"That's why I'm taking precautions. If one is sick, then we can take that one out quickly. Then focus everything on the remaining one. We should be able to win. I have extra things in mind if it comes down to it, so don't write me off yet."
The two nodded and followed her lead through the forest. When they came upon a very large tree, they stopped.
"Something is different about this one." Kei muttered. It was like there was chakra coming from the bark itself. The thickness was astounding!
"Other than the fact that it's several times the size of all the other trees?" Karin deadpanned.
Kei sent her an unimpressed look and nodded.
Naruko frowned, "That has to be the worst Genjutsu ever."
The other two looked confused and gazed at the tree, still seeing nothing wrong with it.
"Oh! Sorry, I'm a Jinchuuriki, and Genjutsu don't affect me. You don't see the huge hole, do you?"
Both shook their heads and she made a hand sign, "Kai!"
Before their eyes, a large gaping hole appeared at the base of the tree. Kei was appalled at his lack of ability. Why couldn't he sense it? Karin was more focused on the hole, wondering if the inside was really a tree. Naruko just wanted to get in and defeat the enemy.
She walked forward, slowly, into the opening. Inside, it was considerably dark, even with the light from outside shining in.
Two people were awaiting them, and Karin was right about the one. He looked ready to drop. He was severely emaciated, to the point where his ribs were sticking out and his face was extremely thin. He was hooked up to some weird thing that had his arms and waist locked. It looked like a real life crucifix. Especially with the metal rods coming out of his back.
There was a woman beside him, and in the very little light that was there, Naruko could tell her hair was blue. She was wearing an Akatsuki cloak and a frown marred her face. Both were looking at Naruko in slight fear and shock.
"Hello."
Both glared at her greeting and the woman raised a hand. At the same time, Naruko had a rasenshuriken spinning in her hand and when she added more chakra to it, it grew larger.
The woman froze and slowly put her hand down. Naruko let the attack dissipate, when she was sure the danger was gone.
"Karin, are these two the ones I had you memorize in the cave?"
The little redhead appeared by her side and nodded, shifting her glasses slightly. "Their chakra is the same, but as you can see, he is very sick, which is different than the one that was in the cave."
"Who are you?" the woman demanded, stepping in front of the man.
Naruko looked at her, "You should really know the name of the person you're trying to kill."
"We do not know you!"
Naruko laughed, "My name is Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze, Jinchuuriki of the Kyuubi no Youko. Ring a bell?"
The two stiffened.
Kei Shunshined to Naruko's side and the woman gasped, looking between him and the man behind her.
"Nagato, he looks like you," she said softly.
Naruko froze and pointed at the unknown man, "You're Nagato?"
The man glared as he leaned forward. His eyes became visible and Naruko had no doubt. Jiraiya had said that Nagato had the Rinnegan, and there was said dojutsu, staring her in the face.
"What about it, Jinchuuriki?" the man rasped.
Naruko turned to Karin, while still keeping a close eye on the two Akatsuki members. She rummaged through the girls medical pouch and pulled out a book.
"Ero-Sennin wrote this book, and based the main character off of you, though she's a girl. My father, the Yondaime Hokage named me after the main character in this book, and believed that I would be like her one day. Ero-Sennin said that I remind him of you and that we share the same views on life. But if you're a part of the Akatsuki, how can that be true? You go around attempting to kill innocent people for what seems like no reason. When Ero-Sennin described you, you seemed pretty cool, but from where I'm standing, you and I are nothing alike and I'm offended to be compared to someone like you, Nagato of Amegakure."
The man's eyes widened. "Jiraiya-sensei has taught you as well?"
Naruko nodded stiffly, glaring at the man.
Nagato's head tilted slightly, "Then we are sibling disciples. I trust he has told you about his longing for peace?"
Naruko nodded once more. "I'm trying to help his goal, but people like you are making it increasingly difficult. Attacking and killing people for no reason!"
"We don't do it for no reason girl. We have a reason, and a very good one. Just like you, we want peace."
Naruko snorted, "Great way to go about it."
Nagato frowned, "Only through pain, will the world see the light. Only when they have suffered greatly, will the people finally understand that only pain can bring peace."
"So you plan to rule through fear and pain, hoping that everyone will be too afraid to go against you? That's ridiculous! There will always be people everywhere who will rise and fight against what's wrong. Against what they feel shouldn't be. You can't force people to be happy with false peace. What would you know of pain anyway? Unless you lived in my shoes, or another Jinchuuriki's shoes, you will never know what real pain is. Even if you've lost family or friends, or even a home or a village, at least you had it all at one time. You don't know what real pain is like Nagato of Amegakure, and if you plan to make others suffer all for your screwed up version of peace, I will take you out of the picture permanently."
Naruko glared at the two, who looked a bit shocked at her words. Nagato recovered faster than the woman and he returned Naruko's glare.
"What could you know of pain? You're but a child!"
"HA!" Naruko laughed without humor. "You really don't know anything do you?"
"What?!" Nagato hissed.
"Do you know what the life of a Jinchuuriki is like? We are hated by our villages. The people who think we're the very demons sealed within us. We go through life, being hated for something that wasn't our fault. You can't compare anything you've been through, to what you've been through."
"We were orphans who lost our parents during the Second Shinobi World War. We had nowhere to go. We had to struggle to survive."
Naruko scoffed, "I never even knew my parents. They gave their lives to save mine and sealed the Kyuubi inside me. I was kicked out of the orphanage at the age of three, because 'demons don't deserve to live with humans'. It took the Sandaime a month to find me. During that time, I was starving as I tried to find food. I was beaten by random villagers, who hated me. Sure Jiji finally found me and gave me a place to stay and food to eat, but that didn't stop the villagers. My taxes were fives times more than anyone else's, if I didn't have the Hokage with me when I went to buy something. I was kidnapped at the age of six and tortured. That night would've ruined the future for many, but because I'm a Jinchuuriki, I survived, but not without problems of my own. You at least had a family at one point. A family to remember. You found friends who were in a similar situation to you and you protected each other. Ero-Sennin came across you and taught you to defend yourselves. Don't try and pull the, 'my pain is worse than your pain' card. Cause I have your pasty ass beaten in that area."
Nagato glared, but said nothing.
The woman did however, "We lost our best friend to Hanzo during the time we were trying to assemble a group that could bring peace. Hanzo killed off everyone original member of the Akatsuki, except Nagato and I."
"So? You still have memories of your friend, don't you?"
The woman remained silent.
"Where did you even get the idea that capturing the Biju and killing innocent people, was going to bring peace?"
"We were told that if we removed the weapons of war from the elemental nations, our goal of world peace will be reached faster and the nations won't be tempted to oppose us if we had all the Biju in our possession."
Naruko frowned, "Who told you this? Because if you gather all the Biju in one body, you'll just recreate the Juubi. The Rikudo Sennin, who had sealed the Juubi within himself, created the Biju after splitting the Juubi into nine parts. If he died, the Juubi would be unleashed on the earth again, so he used his powers and separated the Juubi into nine different bodies. If all the Biju are collected, the Juubi will form once more and will go on a rampage in order to collect it's power from those who he thinks stole it."
The woman looked at Nagato and he nodded at her.
"Where did you learn this?" she asked Naruko skeptically.
Naruko shrugged, "Kyuubi has been there for me ever since I was kidnapped. She is the reason I am how I am today. I've been trained by a Biju, which puts many below me when it comes to knowledge and power. She has told me all about the Rikudo Sennin. Whether you believe me or not, that's on you. But think about this. How many seventeen years olds are as powerful as me? Now I repeat, where did you get this bright idea of yours?"
"Madara Uchiha," Nagato answered.
Naruko blanched, "Isn't he dead?!"
The two shook their heads and Naruko sighed. "And how did he come upon you two and know of your plans for peace?"
"Our friend Yahiko met him when he created the Akatsuki and he seemed to support Nagato's dream of peace. He suggested that the capture of the Biju would help our cause and because Yahiko seemed to trust him, we never doubted anything he said," the woman explained.
Naruko nodded, understanding what they meant. "But don't you think it's odd? A group that supposedly was created to guide the world to everlasting harmony, is full of S ranked criminals who all enjoy killing people without a problem? Those who love to bring chaos and death. Do they even know what this group is for, or are they in it for money?"
Nagato looked to the woman and then to Naruko. "They are just payed. They don't know."
Naruko shook her head, "Now see? You've already lost members. Kisame, Kakuzu, Sasori and Hidan. Then, there are you two, this Madara guy and another one if what Ero-Sennin said is true. You Nagato, are dying and don't have much time left. And then there's this one. Your organization is done for. And if Madara is the one providing such information, and you are withholding some from those who are in your employ, in order to assure their loyalty, then who's to say that Madara isn't holding anything back from you, to ensure your loyalty to him? You didn't know about the Juubi. But Madara is old enough to know about it. He fought the Shodaime Hokage and even used the Kyuubi in battle against him. Who's to say that you two aren't being used by him?"
Neither could deny to truth to her words. It was entirely possible that Madara was using them. Toopossible.
Nagato cleared his throat, "What is your plan for peace?"
Naruko looked up, into the darkness above her. "After being kidnapped, I dedicated my time to becoming powerful, so that no one could ever do that to me again. For seven years, I did it all for myself. But then I realized, during a mission, when I brought Momochi Zabuza's apprentice back to Konoha with me, I had more than myself to fight for. The teen was an orphan, with no one to care for him, and then Zabuza came along and gave him a purpose. To have someone acknowledge him, was such a special thing, that he dedicated his life to Zabuza. Zabuza was his precious person. I realized then, that somehow, I had managed to gain some precious people of my own. I no longer wanted to get stronger for myself, but I wanted to get stronger to protect them. Then I met Jiraiya-sensei and Tsunade-ba-chan and they gave me more to fight for. I went with Ero-Sennin for three years and he taught me everything. Even his dream of world peace and slowly, I've been able to change people with my company."
She sighed, "He was so firm in his belief that the world could be brought to peace, as long as we 'break the cycle of hatred'. I wanted to help him with his dream. I'm the CEO of the most successful company in the world and I've been working on getting the different nations to work together through my company. Konoha currently, has alliances with each of the other great shinobi nations as well as many other nations. With my good word on behalf of them, nations are willing to work together with each other. I'm personally friends with almost all the Daimyo and the GoKage. This is my way of peace. If I can get everyone to work together, then peace can happen. I don't talk about it much, because I don't want people to know that this is my goal. I want the peace to come from their actions toward each other, not because they know that the 'Namikaze Head' is aiming for it. With a proper push in the right directions, people can come to their conclusions and work together on their own. Prejudices can be pushed aside and in the end, everyone will work together. They think I'm being nice, because my upbringing wasn't pleasant. They think I'm trying to make sure that no one suffers like I did. While all of that is all true, they don't know I want peace. They just think I'm naive and too kind for my own good. This is my way of going about getting peace, to follow in my sensei's footsteps. In three years, I have accomplished all of this, while you've been at this for many years and haven't succeeded in anything. You have no Jinchuuriki in your possession and you're losing your employees. Now, compare my way, to your way, and which seems to have a better chance at succeeding?"
Both Nagato and his friend seemed to be thinking.
"Your plan has been coming to fruition, while ours, has yet to show any fruit. You plan to 'break the cycle of hatred'? You wouldn't use your power to get revenge on those who have wronged you?"
Naruko snorted,"The moment I became the head of the Uzumaki Clan, I could've gotten retribution for all that was done to me, but I haven't. The Hyuga's are even the ones responsible for ruining my future, but I haven't done anything to them. I'm one of the candidates for the seat of Rokudaime Hokage. Because even though I don't like certain people, I'm not foolish enough to attempt revenge. I'd be killing to make myself feel better. And in the end, that isn't going to help my cause. I was chosen, because somehow, they think I'm mature enough for the position. As one of the world leaders, I can't let my personal feelings affect my decisions. That's not the mature thing to do."
"You really believe that your plan will work?" Nagato asked quietly.
Naruko nodded, "I know it will. It may take some more time, but soon, everyone will put aside their differences and work together. I'm doing this for Ero-Sennin. For the children out there who have suffered and for anyone who wishes for a better tomorrow. I will see it happen, especially when Ero-Sennin has entrusted the future to me. Like the character in this book, I'll change everything, even if I have to bleed to see it happen!"
Nagato gave her a small smile, "You're very inspirational, you know? I was born of two survivors of the Uzushiogakure massacre. My name is Nagato Uzumaki. If you are the Head of the Uzumaki Clan, then how many are there?"
Naruko smiled and pointed to Karin, "She found me three years ago when she sensed my chakra from a country away. I didn't sense her, even though she was following my chakra all the way to the village. When I finally sensed her, I listened to her story and used my special chakra ability to check her memories for truth. When she was legit, I brought her back to the village. Karin is a sensor and she can even tell when someone is sick or not. If they're evil or good. She can even feed her chakra to feel and heal them of any wounds." She then pointed to Kei, "I met him almost a year ago. He's been an orphan longer than any of the other orphans I've taken in and he's also a sensor who can shape his chakra into weapons. The three of us are what remains of the Uzumaki Clan, other than you."
Nagato smiled, "So you're bringing in orphans and taking care of them as well as trying to bring peace, running your company and preparing for your possible jump to the seat of Hokage? Impressive. You're absolutely certain that your goal will succeed and you're prepared to shed blood for it. I admit, to liking your idea for peace more than the one I've been working for these many years, and I do feel that your way will work better. If Konan and I pull out of the Akatsuki, that leaves Madara and Zetsu, who Madara brought into the organization himself. If we stop, you'll leave Konan alone, correct?"
Naruko nodded, "I don't want to kill you guys. But if I have to, I will. Yet, I know that you don't have much longer. I don't even think Karin can heal you."
Said girl shook her head, "He's been using that jutsu for too long. If he were to suddenly stop, he'd die immediately."
Nagato smiled at the miniMaki, "Thank you for the thought anyway. You are correct, I am dying and this jutsu takes a lot out of me. I just want your word that if we stop, you'll let Konan go free. She's just been helping me. In all actuality, she isn't even a criminal nor has she even done anything for the Akatsuki. She's been watching over me."
Naruko nodded, "You have my word that she'll remain untouched."
Nagato nodded as he looked at Konan, who seemed worried, "We knew that it would happen one of these days. I believe that she has the answer we've been looking for. I want you to back her up on her goal. Because I want to help her." He looked Naruko in the eyes, "I'd like to give you something. It'll help you in your plan. Madara is powerful and he is the one who set the Kyuubi on Konoha seventeen years ago. He used the Sharingan to control the Biju and ordered it to attack the village, for some reason. His cohort Zetsu, is something that shouldn't be taken lightly. There are two parts of Zetsu, black and white. White Zetsu was created with Hashirama Senju's DNA, and can create physical clones of himself, which he can telepathically speak to. He can copy someones chakra perfectly and impersonate them to which no one can tell if he is a spy. Black Zetsu was created from Madra's will and can telepathically communicate with his creator that way. He can also sustain the life of a dying individual by clinging to them."
Naruko nodded as she absorbed the information. His condition must've been bad if he was giving all this information now.
"I wish you good luck on ending this. I hope this information helps you."
Naruko nodded, "It should. Ero-Sennin will love this information."
"I want you to take my eyes."
Naruko looked at him like he was crazy. "Uh….wouldn't that hurt?"
He laughed, "I'm dying anyway. If I can give you my eyes, your goal will be easier to reach and it'll keep Madara from taking them, should he come for them when he finds out that we are no longer working with him. Think of it as an apology for what we've done, and a promise that Amegakure is on your side."
"You're the leader of Ame?" Naruko gasped.
"When I die, Konan will take over as the leader. Do you accept?"
Naruko sighed, "No offense, but I don't like the thought of removing my own eyes to replace them with yours. It seems really gross and I'm not too partial to the possible pain that'll be involved."
I can numb you to where you won't feel anything! Karin can do the transplanting. Having the Rinnegan will be the most beneficial thing, trust me!
Naruko sighed, "Kyuubi's all for it. She said she'll numb me, if Karin does the surgery."
Karin stood a little straighter, "I'm just under Shizune-nee-san in medical jutsu. I have high authority at the hospital. I can perform surgeries without anyone watching me. I can do it!"
Nagato smiled, "Then it's settled." He made a hand sign and a large amount of chakra flowed into the rods in his back. His hair turned white with the effort and he slumped forward slightly, "The others are released now. Thank you for sparing Konan, and please, tell Jiraiya-sensei, that I'm sorry for turning away from his path. I believe that you will be the final chapter in this story, The Quest for World Peace. The happy ending comes with you."
Naruko smiled slightly, he had unknowingly, quoted Jiraiya in that moment. It showed how close the two were at one time.
Konan was crying as she watched her friend, take his last breath. "He just stopped the six paths. He had six bodies working under his orders. He controlled them with his Rinnegan and releasing them, he has completely pulled away from the Akatsuki. The bodies will decompose where they are and cease to exist. Nagato must really believe in you, if he wanted to help you this badly. Upon his wish, please take the Rinnegan now. He wished for you to use it. Upon his request, I will follow you and your ideals. It's the least I can do for the friend who saved me and believed so strongly in Jiraiya-sensei's teachings. As a fellow disciple, I will put my hopes in you and do as Nagato asked."
Naruko was able to get a good time from Karin about how long the transplanting would take. Then, she was able to get Kyuubi to knock her out for it. She didn't want to be awake for it. Being completely aware that someone was taking your eyes out and putting other one in, was disgusting! She had the giant furball inside her head talk to her about what the doujutsu could be used for, as a way to get her mind off the thoughts of having her eyes ripped out and replaced.
True enough, she felt no pain when she awoke, and she couldn't see any differences in her vision. The reactions of the other three though, told her all she needed to know. Karin gave her her eyes, that were encased in a tube of Ninjo blood, to preserve them. Incase she ever needed them.
"Is this really okay?" she asked Konan who nodded.
"Nagato wished for you to have it."
"Okay then. I want you to take this." Naruko held out a kunai with a seal on it.
"If Madara does come for you, focus your chakra into this and I can Hiraishin to wherever you are. Will you give him a proper burial?"
Konan nodded and raised a hand as several pieces of paper clumped together and formed a bouquet. "Will you give this to Jiraiya-sensei?"
Naruko accepted the bouquet and nodded. "I will."
Konan waved a hand and Nagato's body was covered in paper. The tree began to dissolve into piece of paper that surrounded Konan's form, giving her wings. "Nagato believed in you. So I believe in you too." She reached forward and placed her hand on Naruko's head. The paper formed two roses, that Konan slipped into Naruko's hair. "This time….I hope for you, these will be flowers of hope that never die."
Konan took flight then, taking Nagato's body with her. "Amegakure is on your side." With that, she disappeared, leaving the Uzumaki's looking at the blue sky.
"This didn't go the way you thought it would, did it?" Kei asked after a moment of silence.
Naruko shook her head, "They weren't bad people. They were mislead and misunderstood. I'm going to kick Madara's ass if he doesn't see reason. Nagato wouldn't have had to suffer like that. He could've had a good future, if Madara didn't intervene." She sighed, "Let's get back to the village. I have so much to explain right now and I want to get it over with. Karin, could you hold these? Staring at my own eyes is freaky."
Karin rolled her own eyes and put the tube in her medical pouch.
The three used the Maiagaru no Jutsu, in order to shorten their return to the village. Naruko was mulling over how to explain everything.
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Naruko stood before the gathered councils. Her new Rinnegan in plain sight for them to see clearly.
She just explained everything from her mission to them. The information about Madara made many very nervous, knowing that he wasn't one to be trifled with. When they heard that he had controlled the Kyuubi and made her attack the village, they wanted to find him make him suffer for what he put the village through.
Tsunade was able to calm everyone down in time. She then had Naruko clarify some things that left council feeling better. Like how Amegakure was on Naruko's side and that an alliance between Naruko and the leader, Konan, was a good thing.
Naruko had given Jiraiya the bouquet and told him what Nagato had asked her to say. Jiraiya had actually cried as she told him of what his students had gone through in life. Yet, he was proud of how Nagato had used his last moments and how Konan listened to her friends wishes. He thanked Naruko for letting Konan go free and smiled, proud of how she described their belief in peace and that they trusted her to bring it, just like he did.
The fact that the Akatsuki didn't have any Jinchuuriki and that there were only two members left, was good news. Everyone took a deep breath and calmed themselves down.
"While this is a mixture of good and bad news, we cannot become lax. Just because things are going well for us, doesn't mean we should get lazy."
That was Danzo, and many nodded in agreement. Konoha had been doing well lately, but anything could happen at any time.
Tsunade sighed, "Now that everything has been explained, does anyone have anything to add?" Secretly, she was hoping that they could just go home. She hated meetings.
"I don't think the Uzumaki should have the Rinnegan. It's a powerful dojutsu and she has done nothing to deserve it."
Tsunade turned to Hiashi with a glare, "That's enough!"
Everyone leaned away from the female Sannin as her KI filled the room.
"Your petty jealousy and hatred for Naruko is ridiculous. As the Godaime Hokage of Konohagakure no Sato, I am issuing a battle between Hiashi Hyuga, Head of the Hyuga Clan and Naruko Uzumaki Namikaze, Head of the Uzumaki Clan. The winner will decide the fate of the losers clan. I am sick of this and it will be taken care of tomorrow. As Hokage, I can supercede even Clan laws, so do not argue with me on this! The councils will convene at training ground seven tomorrow at noon and we will observe the battle. Invite whoever you wish. As for today, this meeting is adjourned!"
Tsunade was he first out the door this time, stomping down the hallway, taking her KI with her.
Naruko followed after her, heading off to tell Sasuke all about what was going on in her life.
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"So, Tsunade-sama is giving you a chance to get back at the Hyuga's for what they did?"
Naruko shook her head, "No, it's to settle everything between Hiashi and I. I'm the one with something to actually hate him for. He's just jealous and angry that I refused to ally with his clan and instead, chose the Uchiha. His feelings are petty, while mine are justified. I plan to involve Hinata. I won't kill Hiashi, but I'll do to him, what I did to Neji. I'll make sure to embarrass him though."
Sasuke nodded as he trailed his fingers over her back, smirking when she shivered. "When do I get to see your tattoos?"
Naruko smirked as she rolled over, effectively stopping his wandering fingers, "Sorry, but you'll have to wait for the wedding. You don't get to see anything else until then,"
He huffed, "At least I don't have to wait that long. Ever since we told my parents and you asked my mother to help Tsunade-sama plan the wedding, they've been working on it nonstop. As for the honeymoon, well, I can't tell you that. You'll like it though."
"At least tell me if we're going far from the village, because I don't want to be too far."
"Trust me, it's not too far and you'll love it. Now, no more questions about it. I'm enjoying myself and I can tell you are as well." Naruko stuck her tongue out at him, which he quickly grabbed.
"You have the pinkest tongue I've ever seen. Very soft too," he murmured softly.
Naruko flamed and tried to pull her tongue back into her mouth. He wouldn't relinquish it though and she lifted her leg and wrapped it around his outstretched arm, attempting to squeeze it hard enough to make him let go. It didn't work.
Sasuke just smirked and shifted his position, pressing himself against her, right between her legs. She flushed and attempted to move away, only to let him move in closer. He was pretty much lying on her with her one leg curled around his arm, while he grabbed the other and wrapped it around his waist. He had finally let go of her tongue, using his hand to caress her scars, knowing what it did to her.
"You're very limber," he purred.
"Ducky get up now! This is embarrassing!"
He smirked, "But I like this position."
"So?! I swear to Kami I'll kick your ass for this!"
He shifted slightly, laughing when she hissed. "It's always my ass with you. You're hands are free at the moment, you can satisfy your addiction to your utmost delight right now."
He moved again, positioning himself above her, giving her a better chance to grope him.
"I've gotten enough handfuls of it. I don't need it right now. Get up! What if someone sees us?"
"Who cares? We're getting married. It won't be surprising to anyone," he shrugged.
Naruko glared and struggled to get him off.
"You really don't want to do that," he warned.
She stilled, knowing what he meant. "Fine then! What now?"
"I kiss the very breath from your lips."
Her eyebrows quirked, "That sounds like that one quote from chapter ten of Icha Icha Tactics. Where Tsuraiya pins Jinade to the ground and ki-"
Sasuke moved in and kissed her, before she could finish the sentence, caressing her scars in the process to distract her from her thought. She didn't need to know where he got his inspiration from.
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Naruko and Hiashi stood across from each other at training ground seven. The councils we sitting far off, on a wooden stand that one of Tsunade's Anbu created. Everyone else who had shown up, were standing in various places. Hinata, who had been invited by Naruko, was fidgeting beside her teammates who had come to support Naruko.
Hiashi was smirking, "I'm nothing like Neji. I've trained in the art of Juken for years. You have no hope in winning."
"That's where you're wrong. Your clan only focuses on Taijutsu and you never bother to learn Ninjutsu. I have you in Ninjutsu, Kenjutsu, Senjutsu, Kinjutsu, plus my Taijutsu is better than yours. You're done for."
Hiashi glared, "You were born worthless, and you'll die being just as worthless. You don't deserve anything that's been given to you. You're a monster and I regret telling my clansmen to let you live. They should've just killed you that night."
Naruko's eyes widened, "You were behind that?"
Hiashi smirked once more. "Of course. I commissioned them to take you, and break you."
Naruko's anger rose. He was behind it all! He hired people to do those things to her! That bastard!
Itachi, who was in attendance, had had his Sharingan activated, and actually gasped. "He admitted it!"
Sasuke looked at his brother, "What?"
Tsunade and Jiraiya also looked at the Uchiha prodigy.
"Hiashi-san just admitted that he regretted telling his clansmen to leave Naruko alive that night. The night were I had carried her to the hospital. The night she got her scars. He said he commissioned them to 'break' her."
Sasuke had to be physically restrained by Jiraiya and his brother while Tsunade was glaring at Hiashi. "If she leaves him alive after this is over, he's going to jail and he's going to rot," she growled.
Naruko glared at Hiashi.
How dare he!
Show him that even though you've suffered, you're alright. Show him that no matter what happens, nothing can bring you down. Kick his all seeing ass Kit!
Naruko nodded and reached up, hooking her finger in her mask, she pulled it down.
Hiashi's eyes widened.
"You think you've ruined everything? I'll admit that I believed my life was ruined because of you people, but now I know I have people who won't care. Your plan failed, because I'm getting married soon, to someone who's accepting of my imperfections. I pity you Hiashi. You went through all this trouble to try and bring me down, and you only brought yourself down farther. I'm the successful one here, while your clan is squandering their assets and savings. Acting like you're all great when you're the lowest of the low. Enjoy your eyes, because when I'm done, you and Neji are going to look like twins."
She then got into her Jinsokuna Ken stance and waited for Kakashi, who was the proctor of the match, to call it. The cyclopean ninja was glaring at Hiashi. After what he had heard between the two, he was rooting for his once student to kick the Hyuga's ass.
"This match between the Head of the Hyuga Clan and the Head of the Uzumaki Clan, will commence in three….two….one….Hajime!"
Naruko rocketed toward Hiashi, giving him no chance to activate his Byakugan. She kicked him in the face, pushing as much of Kyuubi's chakra as she could into it.
Hiashi sailed through the air and slammed into a tree.
Focus on his body and say, Bansho Ten'in. Gravity will pull him toward you and you can deal more damage that way. It'll take five seconds before you can use it again.
Naruko did as ordered, "Bansho Ten'in!"
Hiashi's body lifted from the tree and flew toward her. She delivered a spinning kick to his midsection, sending him back where he came.
When he didn't stand Kakashi took that as a chance to end it, "Shosha, Naruko Uzumaki Namikaze!"
Naruko glared at Hiashi's slumped form. "Now who's worthless, you asshole?"
Kakashi was at her side, wrapping his arms around her. "I'm sorry he did that to you."
She sighed, "It's okay Kaka-sensei. I just kicked his ass. I feel good now."
When Kakashi let her go and ruffled her hair, she was pulled into another pair of arms. A very familiar pair of arms.
"I hope you guaranteed him suffering. Because he's going to jail after he gets first aid. Then again, I'm sure that when the ladies at the hospital find out that he hired a bunch of people to rape you, they won't want to help him." Sasuke said all of this in a very loud tone, making sure that everyone in the area could hear him.
The women, both shinobi and civilian leveled the fallen Hyuga Head with scathing glares. He had done that?! The women began to call for death, but Tsunade told them to be quiet, because Naruko had to announce what she wanted to happen to the Hyuga Clan.
Naruko waved Hinata over and the girl looked at her friend in confusion. "I want Hinata to be the new Clan Head. I know that she will lead them in the right. Anyone who opposes her leadership, will be incarcerated immediately with no mercy. I don't like Hyuga's, but I know that not all of them are bad. Under Hinata's leadership, she'll take great care in removing the bad apples and replacing them with good eggs. I plan to help her with her plan as well."
Hinata threw her arms around her friend, "Thank you! I'll do my best."
Naruko smiled, showing off her perfect teeth.
"So, that's what you look like! You're pretty hot Naruko!"
Said blonde looked over at Kiba who was smirking in her direction. Shikamaru, who was standing beside him shook his head, "You shouldn't have said that. Your death will be a drag."
A dark aura filled the area and a possessive arm wrapped around Naruko's waist. Sasuke wasn't too thrilled about Kiba's comment, and decided to let everyone know how he felt.
Choji and Shino were standing behind Shikamaru. Choji waved at Naruko while Shino nodded in her direction. Ino was beside them, staring at her, with a frown on her face.
Naruko looked at her fellow blonde in question and the girl mouthed, 'I'm sorry'. Naruko smiled and winked in return. Ino had changed, and she was sure that the girl was being honest.
TenTen was bouncing up and down, happy for her friend.
Tsunade smiled at her goddaughter. She had chose to be the bigger person and had greatly helped a clan in need by doing so. Admirable and a good quality in a Hokage.
Naruko smiled at Sasuke, "He's not making a move Ducky. It would be stupid to challenge the great Uchiha Sasuke for his fiance's hand."
Sasuke didn't look away from the Inuzuka, but nodded anyway.
Naruko rolled her Rinnegan eyes.
Sasuke was a bit possessive, but she could live with that. It just made him more attractive that way.