(An Hour Later)
Jiraiya, Naruto and the rest of the Uzumaki in their company and Shizune were making their way through the Hokage Tower after being summoned by Hiruzen to report to the meeting chamber held for foreign diplomats. By this time Kakashi was completely healed by Tsuande and released from the hospital as he was allowed to join their company. After leaving the hospital, Hinata had left the ground and returned home after Kō appeared and informed her that she was being summoned by her father to return home for something he important he wanted her to do. While in their company, Kakashi was brief by Naruto on everything he missed while he was in a coma.
"It's hard to believe that so much has happened in relatively such a short time," Kakashi said, "Besides more of your clansmen survivors being found, my team has been reorganized to now have Hinata as the female member instead of Sakura, which now makes Team 7 a full and complete Chuunin team."
"That's right," Naruto said, "With Hinata as the exception, I heard that Team 8 weren't all that happy with the changes made."
"I can't imagine they were either," Kakashi remarked, "They lost their one Chuunin in exchange for a Genin. I imagine Kurenai having her work cut out for her with regards to training Sakura. But I'm sure she'll make a competent kunoichi out of Sakura. Sakura is her responsibility now."
"If I didn't know any better I'd say you're happy about the two teams' changes," Naruto said.
"Whatever you say Naruto," Kakashi replied with a shrug, "But tomorrow, you, Hinata, Sasuke and I will have to have a Team 7 to discuss this new arrangement that the Sandaime has put into effect. With Sakura no longer on our team and replaced with another Chuunin, this will completely change the team's overall dynamics. I'm even surprised the Hokage allowed for this since the last team consisting of the Byakugan and Sharingan failed."
"Hinata-chan, Sasuke and I already discussed that earlier today after Sasuke informed Hinata and I about the rearrangements of our two teams Kakashi-sensei," Naruto revealed, "Hinata-chan and Sasuke won't make the same mistake their clansmen made years ago."
"I'm happy to be assured of that Naruto," Kakashi said, "Because all four of us will-"
"We arrived!" Jiraiya announced as they stood in front of the door they were instructed to head to. Jiraiya grabbed the knob and opened the door to come across an unexpected sight. In front of him were Hiruzen, Shizuka, Ami and…
"Konohanasakuya?" Jiraiya asked in surprised. Konohanasakuya, Shizuka and Ami turned to look at Jiraiya.
"Papa!" Konohanasakuya greeted happily as Jiraiya hurried over to his daughter who in return hurried over to embrace him. The two reached and hugged each other in an affectionate father-and-daughter embrace. Shizuka and Ami were happy to see the family reunion between their village leader and her father, as were everyone else in the room.
"So she's ero-jisan's daughter with Uzume-hime," Naruto commented.
"Without a doubt she is if the trademark very long straight white hair isn't a clue of the resemblance she has to her father," Kakashi commented.
"Konohanasakuya, I'm so happy that you made it safely to Konoha," Jiraiya said as she held his daughter, "You and your escort arrived here sooner than I estimated."
"I wanted to make sure I arrived ahead of schedule before your inaugurated into the position of Hokage!" Konohanasakuya said, "I wouldn't dream of missing it and mama would have been so proud of if she were alive to this. Not only will this make me known as the Sage's Daughter but this will make me the Daughter of Konoha's Godaime!"
"Wow!" Jiraiya remarked, "I never thought that! I could only imagine the serious political implications this will have as a result."
"That's what we wanted to discuss with you, Akio, Akemi and Akira about," Shizuka spoke up gaining the attention of everyone in the room, "The governing council of Nadeshiko wanted Konohanasakuya-hime, Ami and I to discuss those important matters with you and the Triple-A Sisters. Ami and I are both Konohanasakuya-hime's personal escort and bodyguards and the representatives of Nadeshiko's governing council."
"Shizuka-nee," Konohanasakuya said, "There's plenty of time to discuss political business later. There's no hurry for that."
Konohanasakuya looked around to see Naruto and the other Uzumakis in the room. She went over to the Triple-A Sisters and greeted, "I'm happy to see you three again! So it's true that you found remnants of your surviving clansmen!"
"We have!" Akira said happily, "It was a long and hard search but we found other Uzumakis!"
"I'm happy for the three of you," Konohanasakuya said, "And Nadeshiko will be happy for you three as well."
Konohanasakuya then turned to Naruto. As she was about to see say something however, her eyes caught sight of Tsunade. Konohanasakuya walked over to Tsunade and stood directly in front of the older woman. Just as Tsunade was about to say something, Konohanasakuya turned to Jiraiya and…
"Permission to speak freely father," Konohanasakuya requested with an unusually calm but solemn demeanor. Jiraiya sensed that his daughter wanted to get something serious off her chest seeing that she addressed him as "father" rather than "papa" and was asking his permission to express herself openly without being reprimanded or scolded.
"Permission granted," Jiraiya said, as he saw the expression on Konohanasakuya's face slowly changed to an emotionless one. As the daughter of the Toad Sage stared directly at the Slug Princess with emotionless eyes, the building tension between and around the two of them was so thick one could cut it with a knife.
"So you're the woman that my father who had once upon a time worshiped the ground you walk on," Konohanasakuya remarked coldly, much to Tsunade's surprise and that of everyone else in the room; Konohanasakuya continued, "I heard from my late mother how before she met my father, he tried so hard countless times to gain your affections and love, even in your darkest days when you've lost your younger brother and lover. You, the woman who turn her back on her village and people just when they needed you the most."
The atmosphere turned cold fast as the tension between Konohanasakuya and Tsunade grew. Shizune was about to saw something to Konohanasakuya but Jiraiya gave Shizune a stern look that told her and everyone else not to interfere. Reluctantly, Shizune complied and held her tongue.
"My mother once told me that the true measurement of a person is how they respond to the trials of their lives and face them head on," Konohanasakuya said, "From my point of view of you Tsunade, I see a selfish, spoiled frightened child who instead ran away from her problems and shamed the names of the Senjus and Uzumakis, both noble clans that are the closest things to royalty who have accomplished wonders throughout history in the shinobi world. But you spent more than a decade of the hard and well-earned wealth of your grandfather's clan on gambling and sake just to escape the pain of your loss."
"What!?" Tsunade retorted as she looked ready to physically scold the eight-year-old. But she restrained herself as she had to quickly remind herself that Konohanasakuya was not only a foreign dignitary but she was a ruling princess and touching her in any threatening form would lead to an international incident and Jiraiya's anger.
"I heard about your exploits and some of your accomplishments during your prime as a kunoichi and I heard how you, my father and Orochimaru got the title Sannin," Konohanasakuya continued undeterred, "As a fellow kunoichi, I respect your past accomplishments. But knowing everything else about you and how you fell from grace, I find myself disgusted with you thinking you deserve my beloved father's love or his attention."
"Not once did I ever claim to deserve your father's love and affections, even now I don't!" Tsunade argued, "If anything, it was your father who was always chasing after me back then despite the number times I rejected his advances and didn't accept his feelings for me!"
"I don't know what it was my father saw in you for such devotion back then," Konohanasakuya retorted, "But I'm glad that you didn't return his feelings because I would have never been born nor would my father have met and fell in love with my late dearest mother," Konohanasakuya's tone grew colder as she continued, "My mother once told me that some years before I was born you almost murdered my father and came dangerously close to seeing to his murder by your own hands."
Tsunade visibly flinched on hearing how Konohanasakuya addressed the infamous incident that nearly cost Jiraiya his life. In all her years, Tsunade never once thought that her viciously violent act of nearly beating Jiraiya almost to death would have been an actual act of murder.
"It was feminine justice!" Tsunade retorted as she tried to justify her actions, "In that incident I caught Jiraiya-"
"Peeping?" Konohanasakuya spat, "You felt so violated for such a petty act that you felt justified in almost murdering my father! Even now you never apologized for it! I would have accepted that you slapped my father but you don't regret what you did!" Konohanasakuya looked directly at Tsunade, "Feminine justice? That's your excuse?" Konohanasakuya retorted with disgust, "Such double standard hypocrisy! I hardly believe such murderous violence would happen to a female if she were caught peeping on men while calling it masculine justice!"
Karin squeezed loudly after Konohanasakuya made that statement.
"Now you can't tell me that was only a coincidence," Arashi remarked only to receive an annoyed from his girlfriend.
"Konohanasakuya-hime makes a strong argument that even I can't refute," Hiruzen remarked.
"It's ironic that your harsh and brutally violent rejections of my father's advances and interest in you were the very things that drove him into my mother's arms, which led to my conception," Konohanasakuya remarked, "I suppose that I should thank you but it would be pointless since I wouldn't mean it. But like I said, I don't know what it was he saw in you and I still don't see it now. But I know this Tsunade, my father deserves so much better than a bitter disappointing coward like you."
Konohanasakuya-hime took a deep breath and calmed herself down and regain her neutral composure. After what seems like hours when only a few short moments have passed, Tsunade was about to say something but then Konohanasakuya-hime raised her right hand to prevent her from speaking, "I'm not done, so let me tell you this last thing I need get across to you Tsunade. You blamed Konoha for the loss of your younger brother and lover and cowardly deserted your grandfather's village as result."
Shizune got fast nervous when she saw the cold anger burning from Tsunade. Tonton oinked with feelings of dread after sensing the negative emotions radiating off of the Slug Sannin.
"Tsunade doesn't look happy with Jiraiya's daughter," Arashi commented.
"What made you come to that conclusion?" Kansui replied in sarcasm. Naruto quietly observed and listened to Jiraiya's daughter speech and privately thought, 'She's boldly expressing everything I actually wanted to tell Tsunade-obaachan myself when I first met her in Tenmangu-machi days ago. The only difference was that things wouldn't have ended peacefully in getting Tsunade-obaachan to cooperate willingly if I had gone with my original intentions of telling her off because of her drunken self-centered and disrespectful-'
"How dare you!" Tsunade replied indignantly with her anger flaring, "How dare you come here and presumptuously judge me! You have no idea or understanding of what I suffered and went through before you were born child!"
"I have no idea or understanding you say?" Konohanasakuya retorted undeterred, "We have all lost something and someone very dear and precious to us, not just you! I lost my dearest mother at a very young age and not a day goes by without my missing her and wishing she was still alive and here with me! My father lost his wife and the closest thing he had to a son and most prized apprentice, the Yondime Hokage; my godbrother lost his mother and father at birth and suffered traumatically for years from the mistreatment of this village's people; if I remember correctly my father once said that you told him that your grandfather lost two of his younger brothers during his childhood during the Shinobi Clan Wars era long before he founded Konoha with your grandmother; your mother, your grandfather's only daughter was killed and his brother, your granduncle's his wife was killed while she was still pregnant with his children; the Sandaime Hokage's wife was murdered; the Uzumaki Clan lost their homeland and most of their people!
"But we all continued to move forward and thrive for a better future. Yet none of us did what you have done and dishonor our families and loved ones' memories because they live on in our hearts! So what makes you so special for you to excuse yourself and make your past sufferings worse than ours?
"I may not agree with my father in looking to you as a new love interest, but I will respect his choice. In my eyes however, you have a long way to go before I see you worthy of my father's love and attention. But know this Tsunade, you'll never replace my mother even if you do marry my father and become my stepmother."
Konohanasakuya turned to Jiraiya and said, "I said all that I needed to say and get off my chest father. Thank you for allowing me to freely express myself."
With her speech spoken, Konohanasakuya walked passed Tsunade and went over to Naruto. She hugged him affectionately and then greeted, "Hello godbrother! I've waited a long time to finally meet you! I believe we have some catching up to do."
With that the god-siblings walked out of meeting chamber with Konohanasakuya-hime pulling Naruto along with her out of the room, leaving everyone else in the room with Shizuka and Ami giving a short bow before following about Konohanasakuya and Naruto. There was an awkward silence that permeated the atmosphere until someone decided to break the silence…
"Such strong words of conviction and emotions from one so young," Seijiro remarked, "She reminds me of Naruto in some ways."
"What happened here was my fault," Jiraiya said, "Before coming here, I informed my daughter through a secretly sent letter that I would be dating Tsunade soon and that I would become Konoha's new Godaime. Konohanasakuya replied to my letter days earlier and requested that when the time comes if she could be allowed to freely express herself verbally to Tsunade-hime without my interference. My mistake was assuming that she wanted to say something positive about me and that she hopes things works out between Tsunade and myself since she considers my legacy as reflection on her," Jiraiya said regretfully as he turned and looked at Tsunade apologetically, "I honestly had no idea my daughter harbored such hatred and animosity towards you Tsunade. I'll talk to her and-."
"No Jiraiya," Tsunade objected, "This is something between me and your daughter. To be truly honest, I didn't paint a good picture of myself for her to admire and respect considering the village she was born and raised in. But I'll change that."
"You're looking to prove yourself to Jiraiya's daughter?" Shizune asked, "Please don't tell me you're going to place a bet on whether or not you'll win Konohanasakuya-hime over."
"It would be insulting and demeaning to both Jiraiya and his daughter if my efforts to win her affections and admiration of me were based on a bet Shizune!" Tsunade rebuked, "Jiraiya would never forgive me if I did such thing and her entire village would truly despise me! No!" Tsunade turned to Jiraiya and vowed, "I will win your daughter's love and admiration sincerely, no matter how long it takes me or how hard and far I must go to prove that I'm not the same person I once was!"
Jiraiya smiled and said, "You're truly serious about this, aren't you?"
"I give you my sworn word with everyone here as my witnesses Jiraiya," Tsunade replied, "As an Uzumaki with Senju descent! And as you already know, an Uzumaki never goes back on their word once sworn!"
Jiraiya nodded his head in total acceptance of Tsunade's oath and thought, 'I can only wonder how things will be turn out in the future between Konohanasakuya-hime and Tsunade-hime after today.'
(Meanwhile)
Naruto and Konohanasakuya were walking together through Konoha streets with Konohanasakuya walk next to Naruto at his righthand side. Shizuka and Ami were walking alongside Konohanasakuya at her righthand side. After they got some distance away from the Hokage Tower, Konohanasakuya broke the silence.
"I'm sorry you had to see my display of anger and disgust towards Tsunade, Naruto-kun," Konohanasakuya apologized, "But the sight her just served to piss me off."
"Don't worry," Naruto assured, "I didn't feel any better than you did when I first met her to be completely honest. I wanted to do what you did when I first met her really. Except it would have ended with her and I fighting each other," Naruto then joked and laughed, "But it certainly would not have been for my hand in marriage!"
"I don't know what my father sees in that walking disgrace to all kunoichis!" Konohanasakuya replied, "From what I heard Tsunade has never once ever treated my father kindly!"
"Part of this is really my fault Konohanasakuya," Naruto confessed, "If you want to be angry and blame someone then blame me, not your father."
"What are you talking about?" Konohanasakuya with a confused tone.
"I made a bet with Tsunade-obaachan some time ago to get her to not only return to Konoha peacefully," Naruto explained, "But to take my girlfriend Hyuuga Hinata and Uzumaki Karin as her new apprentices and to go out on seven dates with your father."
"This was your doing!?" Konohanasakuya exclaimed in shock, "Why?!"
"To get Tsunade-obaachan to make up for all the times she wronged your father," Naruto explained, "I did this before your father told me about you and his late wife. I know your father isn't without his faults and imperfections and in some ways, I'm able to relate your father because before I met and fell in love with my current girlfriend, the girl I originally tried to pursue also rejected me for someone else despite my best efforts and intentions.
"Originally your father told Tsunade-obaachan that she didn't have to live up to her end of the bet in going out with him and that he was going to ask me to call off that part of my condition of the bet. But I heard from your father that Tsunade-obaachan asked for their seven dates not to be called off. He told me that Tsunade-obaachan said she wanted to go out with him and not because of the condition of the bet."
"Why does Tsunade have a change of heart all of a sudden?" Konohanasakuya asked, "It's not because my father is going to become the Hokage, is it?"
"Far from it," Naruto confirmed, "Tsunade-obaachan has no interest in the position of Hokage. But I think something happened between Tsunade-obaachan and ero-jisan while we were in Tenmangu-machi."
"While in Tenmangu-machi, my father didn't sleep Tsunade I know that much," Konohanasakuya remarked, causing Naruto to trip and almost fall to the ground. Konohanasakuya, Shizuka and Ami looked at Naruto as he got back his balance and stood upright again.
"Please don't be surprised," Konohanasakuya stated with a toothy smile similar to Jiraiya's, "I was educated about sex and human reproduction since I was three." (A/N: That's true about me also. No lie!)
"Your mother taught you about sex and human reproduction while that young?" Naruto asked.
"No," Konohanasakuya replied, "I learned about it in details from reading my father's Ichaicha Paradise books. It was later on when I went to my mother and asked her if she conceived me by having repeated hot sex with my father," Konohanasakuya laughed, "I can still remember and see that shocked and embarrassed look on my mother's face after I asked her those questions and how many tries it took before I was conceived! I even asked her which position worked in conceiving me!"
"You're definitely ero-jisan's daughter," Naruto laughed as he crackled at how the eight-year-old was behaving so carefree and free spirited.
"Though embarrassed," Konohanasakuya continued, "My mother asked me how I learned about what I knew and I explained that I found and read one of my father's orange books and that I wanted to know if that's now they brought me into the world. My mother sat down with me and explained everything to me about marriage, sex and reproduction. She left nothing out while telling me how much she loved my father and how happy she was that their love resulted in my birth. Tsunade never loved my father and she always looked down on him. Even now she shamelessly tried to justify her act of almost murdering my father at the bathhouse years ago with her feminine justice crap speech! She didn't have the decency or the humility of saying 'I'm sorry'! Just thinking about that pisses me off! Her double standard hypocrisy sickens me! I hate her!"
'Tsunade-obaachan is caught between two extremes,' Naruto thought, 'A man who still loves her deep down and his daughter who despises her.'
Konohanasakuya took a moment to cool herself down and to get her emotion back in check again. After a few moments, Konohanasakuya sincerely apologized, "I'm sorry for my behavior just now, Naruto-kun. I seem to forget myself whenever I think about that vile woman."
"It's OK," Naruto said, "I have anger and rage management of my own to deal with so I'm in no position to judge you."
"So why don't you tell me some things about you Naruto-kun?" Konohanasakuya offered, "You can tell me about yourself over some ramen, my treat! And please, just call me Sakuya-bime."
"Are you sure about treating me Sakuya-bime?" Naruto asked, "After you're the diplomatic guest in my company, so hospitality should be my treat," Naruto there offered, "I'll even treat your two cute, hot-looking entourage kunoichis with you."
"Complimenting us won't make us drop our guard with you Naruto-kun." Shizuka replied, "We women of Nadeshiko aren't as easy as to fool as those disgraceful fangirls who dare call themselves kunoichis."
"My three distant Uzumaki cousins have live among you and your people for some years and their characteristics testifies to the nature of you and your people," Naruto said, "I'm sure if I were to challenge you for your hand in marriage Shizuka as is the custom of your village-"
"I'd be more than happy to accept your challenge Naruto-kun," Shizuka interjected with a grin, "After all, I heard a lot about your exploits and reputation. You're very powerful ninja from what reports about you said and since you're Jiraiya-sama's pupil I'm certain he's been training you to become even stronger. I'll be happy to challenge and battle you for your hand in marriage if you're interested."
After seeing the deep hole that he dug and almost plunged himself into, Naruto quickly replied, "Thanks Shizuka but I already have a gir-"
"Naruto!" a female voice called out from behind him. Naruto and three females with him stopped to see Tenten, Sakura and Ino approaching the group. Tenten, Sakura and Ino had looks of curiosity after seeing the three foreign females with Naruto with the youngest of the three looking like she was royalty.
"Tenten, Sakura Ino!" Naruto greeted, "How are you three? I hope all is well with you three."
"We heard that Tsunade-sama returned to Konoha with you," Tenten explained, "We thought she would be in your company."
"Sorry she's with ero-jisan," Naruto said, "I haven't seen her since I left the Hokage Tower."
"Drats I was really hoping meet Tsunade-sama," Tenten complained and added, "She's practically the ideal kunoichi I want to model myself after!"
"Were you informed about the changes to our team's formation Naruto?" Sakura asked, "The Sandaime-sama replaced me with Hinata and put me on her previous team with Kiba and Shino. That means I won't be able to be with my precious Sasuke-kun anymore and Kurenai-sensei is a stern task mistress."
"Forehead, Sasuke-kun was never yours to begin with," Ino remarked, "And you never got to even kiss his lips once, unlike me."
Sakura glared daggers at Ino who grin back at her. Konohanasakuya, Shizuka and Ami were forming first impression opinions of Tenten, Sakura and Ino, and so far their leader's thoughts of them were…
'I know those three girls for a minute and already I don't like them,' Konohanasakuya privately thought,
"By the way Naruto," Tenten asked, "Who are those foreign girls with you?"
Ino and Sakura dropped their petty argument after returning their attention back to more important matters wit regards to the girls in Naruto's company.
"These girls are foreign dignitaries from the village of Nadeshiko," Naruto explained, "The young eight-year-old to my right is Konohanasakuya-hime, she's the ruling princess of her village and with her are Shizuka and Ami, her entourage and Nadeshiko's ambassadors."
"I wasn't aware that shinobi villages could have ruling royal families," Tenten commented, "This wasn't taught at the ninja academy."
"There were a lot of things that weren't taught at the ninja academy," Naruto remarked, "But that's beside the point. Konohanasakuya-hime and her entourage are here on very important family business and I was chosen to give these ladies a tour of the village."
"Konohanasakuya-hime?" Ino repeated as if she was testing the name out, "Sound similar to this village's name."
"My father named me after this village," Konohanasakuya revealed, "He's was born and raised here after all unlike my mother who was born and raised in the land of my birth."
"Your father is from Konoha?" Tenten inquired.
"Thus the family business I'm here for," Konohanasakuya said, "I traveled all the way from Nadeshiko to Konoha to not only see and visit my father, but to also witness his inauguration in becoming this village's Godaime Hokage."
"Say what?" Ino blinked and replied as if the information didn't process properly, "What do you mean that your father is going to become our new Hokage?"
"In my village," Konohanasakuya explained, "I'm known as the Sage's Daughter because my biological father is none other than Jiraiya the Toad Sage of Konoha."
"Jiraiya-sama is your father?!" Sakura and Ino shouted simultaneously.
"And he's going to become the new Hokage!?" Tenten asked in surprise, "When was this?"
"Your current Hokage is going to step down from his position as the reigning Hokage with my father rising as his successor," Konohanasakuya said, "I came from the Hokage Tower after having a briefing with your Sandaime who personally explained this to me. You girls are more than welcomed to confirm my words with your Hokage himself if you believe I'm making all of this up."
"We believe your words Konohanasakuya-hime." Tenten said, "But we never knew that Jiraiya-sama had a daughter."
"I can see that seeing how the entire has no clue as to who I am except for the very few who met me so far," Konohanasakuya remarked, "I'm sure nobody here knows that Naruto-kun is also my godbrother."
"Naruto is your godbrother!?" Sakura replied in disbelief as she looked between Naruto and Konohanasakuya, "This guy?! Really!? Are you serious!?"
"You're very presumptuous," Konohanasakuya remarked with a calm but cold tone, "You clearly don't know your place in with Naruto-kun."
"Excuse me!?" Sakura retorted, looking at Konohanasakuya menacingly the same way she would when Konohamaru got her mad. For Sakura, she didn't care who's parents the one younger than her was. Even if the grandparent was the Hokage, as was the case with Konohamaru, Sakura would still physically attack them if angered enough while believing she would be in her right to physically hurt them. However, Shizuka and Ami weren't going to let Sakura have her way as they were ready to use brute force against Sakura if she stepped out of line further. Naruto had no intentions of intervening as he wanted to see how things would play out.
The hardened look Konohanasakuya now gave Sakura showed that she was not amused with how Sakura addressed both Naruto and her as she continued, "You clearly forgot your place in that Naruto-kun is not only a Chuunin and clan leader but also a member of your village's shinobi council! Don't dare talk to us as if you're our equal! Give both us our due respect!"
Sakura was taken aback by how Konohanasakuya sternly rebuked her. Seeing that Sakura offended the visiting dignitary, Ino quickly stepped in, "Please forgive my friend's rudeness and presumptuousness. She has a large forehead but her brain isn't big enough to fill in the space."
Sakura glared daggers at Ino and retorted, "What was that Ino-pig!?"
Ino turned back at Sakura and replied, "Do you want to cause an international incident because you thought you could rudely act and talk to a foreign dignitary in whatever way you want!?"
That silenced the pink-haired Genin when she saw Ino's point. Sakura turned to Konohanasakuya apologized, "I'm sorry for speaking rudely. I didn't mean to offend you."
"All is forgiven," Konohanasakuya replied then warned, "Just don't do it again."
Looking to quickly change the subject and remove the current tension, Ino spoke up and said, "Hey Naruto, the girls and I heard about your new Uzumaki brethren who arrived here in Konoha today and how they're all seasoned ninjas."
"They all are," Naruto confirmed, "They're very skilled in combat and together they not easy to beat."
"And while we're on the same topic," Tenten suggested with an air of confidence, "I challenge you to a battle at the training ground! Just you and me Naruto!"
"You also wish to battle Naruto-kun for his hand in marriage?" Shizuka asked.
"What!?" Tenten exclaimed with a baffled expression before she pointed at Naruto and replied, "Marry Naruto!? This ninja is my eternal rival!"
"Eternal?" Ami now spoke up after a long silence, "So you permanently linked and attached both yourself and your life to this clan leader and vowed to forever pursue his time and attention to better yourself and your combat skills. An admirable vow I respect after finding a worthy alpha male who no doubt bested you in combat."
"In Nadeshiko no Sato," Konohanasakuya stated, "Our people would consider your actions towards Naruto-kun as act of matrimony."
"Say what?" Tenten asked with a nervous expression. Naruto smacked his right over his face as he saw the mess him and Tenten just got themselves into.
'I better clear these misunderstandings now before things starts getting out of hand, even for me,' Naruto thought.
(As The Day Progressed)
The armies of kage bunshins were hard at work cleaning up the new Uzumaki District to have it ready for use. They spent many hours under the guidance of Tsunade's kage bunshins working to dust, sweat, mop and clean everything in district since Tsunade herself knew everything about the former Senju District turned Uzumaki District. It wasn't until late into the even when all of the work was finally done. But the clone, under Naruto's clones advice, dispelled themselves gradually over a period of almost two hours rather than all at once to avoid memory experience overload to their makers which would lead to complete loss of consciousness and depend on their makers' location, that could prove dangerous.
The Uzumakis and Tsunade took residence in the now cleaned and ready-to-use district. Tsunade chose to be in her own house, while Kansui and Arashi stayed together in another house and the Triple-A sisters stayed in a house close by to the twins. Seijiro also chose a house himself within district. As for Naruto, Honoka and Karin however, they chose not to live in the district for now as they had gotten too accustomed to living in the beautiful large house that they're currently residing in. However, Naruto hid and posted some of his disguise clones around the district as his means of security against trespassers.
(Later That Evening; At Naruto's House)
Naruto, Jiraiya and Seijiro were sitting together into Naruto's study and work office. While in Naruto's office, they were listening and watching the video recorded meeting that Hiruzen had with his four kage bunshin in his Hokage office earlier today. But they were particularly interested in listen to the part about Danzō and everything about was said about him and everything he did. Neither Naruto, Jiraiya nor Seijiro liked what they heard one bit and it only fueled Naruto's and Seijiro's hatred of Danzō. After they were done listening and watching the video, Naruto said, "Danzō has committed more acts of treason than I would have forgiven if I were the Hokage! I see why predecessor threatened and wanted to kill him!"
"Both your ancestor and Sarutobi-sensei saw that Danzō was scheming to have Uzumaki Jinchuurikirs and some of the Uzumakis themselves indoctrinated as loyal members of his ROOT ANBU," Jiraiya said, "I always knew Danzō was never to be trust but up till now I never knew how far he'd go to get his way At we understand more why your life in Konoha was so bitter even after Sarutobi-senei passed the law forbidding anyone from talk about the night of Kyuubi's attack. Danzō was behind this in is plot to later manipulate you into joining his organization."
"It's very clear that this Danzō is loyal only to himself and his cause," Seijiro remarked, "He has no respect or loyalty to his fallen or living leaders and fact that he even plotted and attempted to murder Sandaime for the position of Hokage is proof that Danzō might even make an attempt at your life Jiraiya in the future."
"In Itachi's black book," Naruto recalled, "Itachi explained how Danzō stole one of Shishui's Sharingan eye some time before the Uchiha clan massacre took place. And through my clones' investigation, I learned that Danzō even tried to steal the Sharingan from Kakashi. For someone who's been very distrustful of the Uchiha clan, his objective in stealing Sharingan eyes has raised a number of red flags and suspicions. But that's not the only thing about Danzō that bothers me."
"What else is there?" Jiraiya asked.
"Why is Danzō heavily bandaged with only one eye to see with and only his left hand that's useable while being clothed and covered in dark robes?" Naruto asked, "What happened to him that led him to look the way he does with the condition he's in? It's never been disclosed or explained why, and my clones couldn't find any records of Danzō being in any wars or battles that led him to be severely wounded or hurt by enemies that bad. Like it or not, Sandaime-jisan has turned a blind eye to this like everything else Danzō has done. If you ask me, Danzō is plotting something, something big."
Seijiro turned to Jiraiya and asked, "What will you do as Hokage? Will you continue to allow Danzō to serve his function as part of the hierarchy?"
"I don't trust that man anymore than either of you do," Jiraiya said, "And I certainly wouldn't trust him with my daughter and her people if his actions against Sarutobi-sensei and Naruto as a child doesn't already speak volumes of what he's capable of. Even when I become Hokage, disbanding his ROOT ANBU and removing him from the hierarchy won't be easy as he undoubtedly has connections within and outside of Konoha. If I removed him from the hierarchy I'm sure he'll make life for us difficult in one way or another."
"Speaking of your daughter ero-jisan," Naruto contemplated audibly, "The hierarchy and perhaps others will see you being the Godaime Hokage and the biological father of the ruling princess of Nadeshiko as an opportunity for Konoha through you to not only convince your daughter to open trade with Konoha but to exercise a measure of influence and control over that village."
"While opening trade between Konoha and Nadeshiko is going to happen however," Jiriaya said, "I will not allow the hierarchy to force my hand in having controlling influence in how my daughter governs her people. As Hokage and her father, I'll serve as her example and role model in how to govern and protect her people since I used to live among them for a number of years and my late wife taught me many things in how the government, trading and the ninja systems work in her village."
"Speaking of ninja system Jiraiya," Seijiro suggested, "The shinobi council might request if you can to convince your daughter in allowing Konoha to have some form of influence in their shinobi system and training programs. Since it's female dominated, they may want you to convince your daughter and her governing council to allow some of Konoha's most trustworthy kunoichis to be sent to Nadeshiko to exchange teachings and trainings between the two villages."
"While that might be an acceptable idea however," Jiraiya replied, "In the end, that decision will be entirely up to my daughter and her people since they practically have their own self-contained culture and way of life. My daughter along with her country's governing council will look out and take into consideration what's the best interests of their people, not Konoha's. When the time comes, we'll have to see exactly how things play out and where we'll go from there."
"That's understandable," Naruto agreed.
"Still," Jiraiya stated, "As Hokage and Naruto's teacher, it will be difficult to continue my work as a spy master and keeping up with my spy contacts," Jiraiya turned to Seijiro and said, "Your skills and talent as a spy master and infiltrator are just as good as my own if not far better. Would you be in the position to work for Konoha as our spy master and infiltrator?"
"I don't know yet Jiraiya," Seijiro said, "I was inclined to train Kansui and his brother Arashi as my new apprentices. I'll have to give your offer some serious thoughts and consideration first if that's alright with you."
"I understand completely," Jiraiya said, "This is not something I would entrust to just anyone Seijiro. Asking you to take over my role as a spy master shows the amount of trust and reliance I have in you. I hope you deep lyconsider my offer."
"I will," Seijiro promised. Jiraiya stood up from his seat and said, "I better be on my way now. My daughter is waiting for me to go see her soon."
"How are you and Tsunade-obaachan taking your daughter's hatred of her?" Naruto asked, "I can't imagine how you and Tsunade-obaachan must feel knowing that your daughter is completely unhappy with you dating Tsunade-obaachan. You may have forgiven Tsunade-obaachan for everything she put you through, but your daughter doesn't appreciate how Tsunade-obaachan never apologized about that bathhouse incident that nearly got you killed and how she tried to justify her actions during that incident."
"Tsunade-hime vowed that she will win my daughter's love and admiration sincerely," Jiraiya revealed, "She said no matter how long it takes me or how hard and far she must go, she would prove that she's not the same person she once was! Tsunade-hime understands the situation and rift that exist between her and my daughter but she holds no ill-will towards my daughter."
Naruto asked, "Will you talk to Sakuya-bime about Tsunade-obaachan and-"
"Tsunade asked me to allow her and my daughter to work things out between without me trying to influence my daughter's actions and view towards her," Jiraiya interjected, "But the best that I'll do is to encourage my daughter to give Tsunade a chance to prove who she truly is and to look pass her past faults and mistakes At the same time though, I can overlook the fact that Sakuya-bime might think I'm trying to replace her late mother with Tsunade. As her father, I'll have to help her to understand that her late mother will never be replaced and that she'll continue to live in our hearts."
"I wish the best between Sakuya-bime and Tsunade-obaachan," Naruto said, "I can only wonder how Tsunade-obaachan will win your daughter's love and admiration."
"Tsunade-hime is the world's most renown medic ninja after all," Jiraiya said confidently, "She'll think of some way to fill in and heal the rift between them. Well, I'll be on my way now. Until next time."
Jiraiya performed a smoke shunshin and left Naruto's office and house, leaving him alone with Seijiro. Naruto leaned back in his seat in front of his desk and remarked, "I wish I knew what to do about Danzō. That man is practically a walking threat and obviously an unremorseful traitor that Sandaime-jiisan tolerated for far too long."
"I'll keep a close eye on Danzō for you Naruto," Seijiro offered, "I'll monitor him with a more keen eye and a spy that I can effectively plant within his ROOT ANBU. But I won't do a thing against him personally unless it's truly necessary."
"In that case," Naruto replied, "I'll leave Danzō to you."
(The Next Day At The Hokage Tower)
Naruto and all of his brethren were summoned to the Hokage Tower for an unscheduled meeting with the Hokage, the hierarchy and the shinobi council. An hour before noon was when Naruto and all of his brethren arrived at the meeting chamber where all of the other clan leaders, the hierarch and Hiruzen were. When Karin's, Akio's, Akemi's and Akira's eyes fell on Danzō however, a most alarming and uncomfortable vibe ran down their spines as they sensed a dark aura radiating from out of that man. They sensed a very dark secret hidden underneath Danzō's physical appearance. They kept themselves together but knew for a certain not to trust Danzō or agree to anything he suggest unless Naruto said otherwise.
"Welcome newcomers of Konoha," Hiruzen greated with Jiraiya standing to his right. The Toad Sage saw that Tsunade was standing alongside Akira while Seijiro stood by Naruto's righthand side as his advisor and personal bodyguard.
"I understand that this meeting is on very short notice," Hiruzen stated, "But I felt it was necessary for the shinobi council and the hierarchy to be properly introduced to all of you. As you're well aware, Naruto is also a member of the shinobi council of this village."
"Yes Sandaime-sama," Seijiro replied politely, "Naruto has well informed us of his position and role in this council."
"Good," Hiruzen replied as he nodded his head and continued, "The meeting will commence and come to order now. We're hear to not only introduce ourselves to the newcomers but also to learn some things about them and their history before arriving here in Konoha as surviving members of the Uzumaki clan."
Seijiro was chosen to go first to explain his history and abilities. Seijiro explained his profession as a freelance bounty hunter who had no affiliation or allegiance to any country though he had connections with Koyuki-hime of Haru no Kuni.
"Uzumaki Seijiro," Danzō interrogated, "After hearing about you from Koyuki-hime from Haru no Kuni, some investigating was done into your background and we found that you have an active criminal record as an S-class missing from Kirigakure. You wanted for fraud, conspiracy and plotting against the establish government of Kirigakure with a kill-on-sight order issued against you. Can you to explain those criminal activities to us?"
"Hatake Kakashi also has a kill-on-sight order issue against him from Kirigakure as an A-class ninja wanted dead," Seijiro retorted, "I don't see Kakashi standing before the council here being force to explain himself."
Danzō wasn't deterred by Seijiro's countering words as he replied, "We're well of aware of Kakashi's actions during the Third Shinobi War and his exploits against Kirigakure during the war. We don't know anything about your history with Kirigakure and therefore you pose as a possible security threat to this village's safety, especially since you have no affiliation or loyalty to any shinobi village."
'This man is a danger to Naruto, myself and the rest of my brethren,' Seijiro thought as his mind began planning on how to deal with Danzō in the future, 'He's truly a snake whose head needs to be crushed!'
Naruto came to Seijiro's defense and explained, "Krigakure was one of the shinobi nations that sought to wipe out the Uzumaki clan in the first place. And before you or anyone here jump to wrong conclusions about any of my clansmen, I ask that you and everyone here first hear and know the facts about Seijiro-jisan's past."
"I will remind you Naruto that I stated earlier before the council here that an investigation was done on Uzumaki Seijiro," Danzō retorted as eh pulled out an official Bingo book from Kirigakure show Seijiro's records, "None of what I said was made up boy."
Seeing how Danzō was trying to undermine him and criminalize his brethren, Naruto looked straight at Danzō and countered, "Your so-called proof of Seijiro-jisan being a security threat to Konoha is as valid as me stating in front of everyone here that I have proof from a reliable source that you Danzō had ambushed Uchiha Shishui, a loyal shinobi of this village, for his Sharingan before his death and the night of Uchiha clan massacre happened."
Hearing that placed Danzō on the spot as all eyes turned to look at him. With his years of experience, Danzō was able to keep his calm without breaking a sweat of nervousness as he was replied, "You make a fair point Naruto. I have no grounds on which to refute you in saying that I still don't have enough proof of Seijiro posing as a threat to this village."
"I should hope so," Naruto remarked, "It's my job as clan leader and a member of this council to defend my brethren from both enemies and potential enemies."
Outwardly Danzō looked calm, but he was raging internally while wondering, 'How did Naruto found out about that? What else does Naruto know about me and my ROOT organization that he shouldn't know?'
"Don't make any accusations against my brethren without substantial proof Danzō!" Naruto warned, "You may be part of the hierarchy, but I give you my word, I will not bend or cower to those who threat my precious people! I'll defend them, even from you Danzō! So don't test me!"
Naruto and Danzō stared at each other defiantly as though there was a standoff.
"Order in this chamber!" Hiruzen commanded, "We will not turn this meeting into a war room! There will be peace and order in this chamber! Am I clear on that?"
Naruto calmed himself down but kept his guard up with Danzō, as did all of the other Uzumakis in the chamber.
"Seijiro is no threat to Konoha at all," Jiraiya spoke up in Seijiro's defense, "In fact, he's one of the contributing reasons why we found Tsunade-hime faster and why she was willing to return to Konoha after years of being away. His skills as a ninja and bounty hunter are most admirable and demand respect if I do say so myself. I've personally gotten to know Seijiro, Kansui and Arashi during the time searching for Uzumaki Tsunade-hime before and after we found that. However, I've known Akio, Akemi and Akira for a longer period of time while I was residing in Nadeshiko but that was before they revealed to me that they're Uzumakis.
"These Uzumakis have lived hard and tragic lives with many enemies seeking their deaths before Naruto found joined them together as a clan again. I asked that everyone here please listen and hear their stories out."
All of the clan leaders along with Homura and Koharu listened to Jiraiya's speech and found his words meaningful.
"I agreed with Jiraiya-sama's appeal for the Uzumakis," Shibi remarked, "It would be logical to listen with open mindedness what our newcomers have to explain to us without having bias views of them for from strangers to us."
"It would be too troublesome to do otherwise really," Shikaku commented.
"So then let's hear their story out," Chouza said, "Let's start with Seijiro's life story."
Seijiro was then allowed to explain his history but left out the part of how he triggered the war between Kumo and Kiri. He only told the Hokage and everyone else in the chamber only what he wanted them to know and nothing more. The Triple-A sisters went and explained their history before and after joining Nadeshiko and how Seijiro helped them avenge the deaths of their family and clan. The Triple-A made it clear that they're ninjas affiliated with Nadeshiko and are willing to serve as liaisons between the two nations.
Kansui and Arashi then went and explained their past to the Hokage and council. But when ask about their abilities, they, like the others, only revealed enough but not a whole lot
Soon, Tsunade was asked by the hierarchy and council to explain her reasons wanting and choosing to join the Uzumaki clan and changing her name and status from Senju to Uzumaki. She explained that her time being with her brethren from her grandmother's side of the family gave her a new purpose, new bonds and a new family to be part of and protect as her precious people. She also explained that by birthright from her grandmother's side of the family she was within her rights to choose to join the Uzumaki clan and change her name from Senju to Uzumaki. She made it very clear that her decision to be known for now on as Uzumaki Tsunade was final and permanent.
After the meeting, Naruto left the Hokage Tower and made his way to his next destination, while both Tsunade and Karin went to retrieve Hinata.
(Hours Later; At Root Headquarters)
Danzō stood in front of a black-haired pale boy dressed in black the same age as Naruto who was kneeling in front of him.
"I was told you summoned me master," the boy said.
"I have a mission for you," Danzō instructed, "As of today, your new name will be Sai."
"Sai," the boy said with a smile on his face, "I like that name."
Danzō frowned deeply at the youth in front of him and ordered, "Don't make fake smiles in front of me."
Sai dropped the false smile and happy sounding tone for a more neutral and emotionless tone and expression, "My apologies Danzō-sama. But it's just hard for me to express emotions."
"Never mind that Sai," Danzō said, "I'm giving you a secret S-rank mission. You're to spy and keep close watch on Uzumaki Naruto. I want you to stick close to him without alerting him that you're working for me as my secret ROOT ANBU agent."
"May I ask what is it about Uzumaki Naruto that concerns you, Danzō-sama?" Sai inquired.
Danzō then thought back to when Naruto revealed in front of the entire council about his dealings with Shishui and how he stole his Sharingan. While he kept a calm outward facial expression during the meeting earlier, inside Danzō was plotting to have Naruto ambushed and murdered as he saw the Jinchuuriki as a dangerous threat to him and his ambitions for Konoha. But he knew that it wouldn't be easy to pull off when he recalled Hiruzen's warning about Naruto and Seijiro having connections with foreign nations that would retaliate against Konoha should a calamity that was Konoha's doing befall him and his brethren. During the meeting, Danzō saw that he would have to carefully buy out some time to plan out how he would effective remove Naruto and later Seijiro, making sure it doesn't point back to him as the conspirator.
"The Jinchuuriki poses as a dangerous security risk to both me and ROOT as an organization," Danzō replied, "Further details on Naruto will be given to you at a future time. In the meantime, your primary mission is to keep track of Naruto's movements and report back to me with anything important you discovered about the Uzumaki."
"As you wish Danzō-sama," Sai said in obedient compliance. Danzō was no fool though. He knew how dangerous Naruto was as an S-class Elite Jounin-level Chuunin. But while Danzō knew Sai couldn't afford to underestimate Naruto at any time, he was willing to sacrifice Sai if it meant fulfillment of his ambitions and goals for Konoha.
(Elsewhere)
Naruto was alone and out in one of the training fields standing in front of a cable that was tied and being held up seven feet off the ground. Tied across the cable were ten flat square shaped pottery plates each of them being held up by small ropes tied through the one hole each of them had at the top corner. The plates themselves were a foot long and wide and being held five feet off the ground. Naruto went over to one of the ten plates and stood in front of it. Clenching his right fist, he gathered his strength and laughed his fist into the plate, shattering it on contact. He repeated this with his left fist and shattered the second plate to pieces.
"Naru-chan!" Hanabi called out as watched approached and saw what Naruto was doing. Naruto turned to see his girlfriend's younger sister approaching him with curious look on her face.
"Hanabi-chan," Naruto greeted, "Nice to see you. But what are you doing out here?"
"I came to practice my drunken earth elemental Juuken in private without onee-sama or father or the others knowing about it," Hanabi revealed, "That was until I heard the sound of shattering pottery. So I came here to see what was happening only to find you breaking these plates."
"This is an advanced physical training," Naruto explained, "It's useful in building up pure raw strength without the use of chakra or elemental manipulation. It helps strengthen your blows especially when in close melee combat. Do you like them?"
"Yeah I do!" Hanabi said confidently, "In fact it sounds easy! Let me try!"
"Alright" Naruto gestured to her to go ahead and try to shatter the third plate, "But remember, absolutely no chakra or earth manipulation! It's pure physical strength!"
Wanting to prove herself to Naruto, Hanabi nodded her head and hurried to the third plate and got herself ready to punch and shatter the plate like Naruto did. Clenching her right fist tightly, Hanabi got ready and punched it and…
"Ow! Ow! Ow!" Hanabi squealed in pain as she quickly rubbed her now sore right knuckles after finding that not only were those pottery plates hard, but they also carried some weight to them.
"You think it's easy?" Naruto teased, "Go ahead Hanabi-chan! Try it!"
Hanabi frowned deeply at Naruto and went back to the third plate, deciding to use her left fist this time. She threw a punch at it again and…
"Ouch!" Hanabi cried in pain as she now rubbed her left knuckles.
"Still think, that it's so easy?" Naruto mocked as he grinned at Hanabi. Instead of giving Naruto a retort, she tried a third time, but the result was still the same as she hurt her left fist again, giving off the same squeal like before. Naruto chuckled and turned away as he walked off towards his training equipment resting under a shaded tree. Seeing that Naruto's back was turned, Hanabi smiled mischievously as she grabbed the plate with her left hand to keep it in place. With all her might without the use of chakra or earth manipulation as Naruto instructed, Hanabi threw her right fist into the plate and let go of it at the last second before her fist struck the plate.
"OW!" Hanabi shouted loudly as her fist not only stuck the plate but caused it to swing forward and upward fast over the cable and back down, leading it to shatter on the back of her head on contact with Hanabi being forced to her knees from the impact. On hearing the sound of shattered pottery, Naruto turned to Hanabi and congratulated proudly, "Way to go! You broke it!"
Hanabi, while on her knees and looking up at Naruto with tears running down her face while holding her injured head, cried in pain, "Yeah! And also my head too!"
The young Hyuuga continued crying while she held her hands over the spot where the plate struck her before Naruto went over to treat and bandage her head injury. He made a mental note to have Hanabi's injury healed up by a medic nin later after explaining to her how to properly shatter the pottery plates without hurting herself. While both Hinata and Karin were currently with Tsunade to begin their new training with her, Hanabi was introduced to a new form of training she would implement into her Juuken fighting style and eventually into her drunken elemental earth Juuken style.
Hinata and Karin started their new training with Tsunade while Hanabi was introduced to a new form of training by an absolute fluke. Danzō is making moves to plant Sai as a spy to keep careful watch on Naruto. How far will Sai get in his dangerous mission S-rank mission to spy on a seal/spy master? How will Seijiro go about spying on Danzō? Will Tsunade succeed in winning Konohanasakuya-hime's forgiveness, love and admiration as she has vowed to as an Uzumaki while dating Jiraiya? What further discoveries will Sasuke learn with Tayuya regarding Itachi's true motives as to why he wiped out the Uchiha clan while leaving him alive? Find out more next time.