Later That Morning)
Sai, dressed in black pants and a grey shirt, was walking through Konoha streets seemingly aimless as his calm pace and smiling face never faltered. While giving off this façade however, internally he was frustrated that he couldn't make sense out of Naruto's pattern and activities as he was full of inconsistencies and unpredictability. For the past number of days, Sai have been trying to observe and study Naruto's movements and activities. But Sai soon learn that Naruto had an effective method of covering his tracks and disappearing when he doesn't want to be found.
As Sai continued on his walk, he came across three Genins coming from the opposite direction from where he was walking. Those three Genins being Kiba, Shino and Sakura.
"It's been more than a week since I've been placed on this team and I still can't get used to it," Sakura complained.
"Deal with it like the rest of us," Kiba retorted, "We weren't any happier about Sandaime's reassigning you to our team as Hinata's replacement pinkie."
"What did you call me!?" Sakura said menacingly as she was about to slap Kiba. That was until Shino grabbed Sakura's right wrist and warned, "I will forewarn you now Sakura that Kurenai-sensei will not tolerate your abusive and violent temper towards either Kiba or myself. She will personally and sternly reprimand you through whatever means she deems worthy if you presumptuously act out of line in thinking you act can violently and lash out against Kiba or myself without consequences. Naruto certainly didn't tolerate any physical or verbal abuse from you at any time. Therefore, don't come here and presumptuously expect that Kiba or myself will tolerate it from you. Do I make myself clear?"
Though Sakura couldn't see Shino's eyes but the aura coming off him warned her not to challenge him. Even Kiba was taken aback by Shino's change in demeanor since he was usually the stoic calm one of the group.
"Yes, Shino," Sakura answered in compliance, "I understand."
'I never knew Shino had it in him to put Sakura in her place,' Kiba thought, 'Then again, nothing has been the same since Sandaime removed and reassigned Hinata from our team.'
From a distance, Sai saw how Sakura was interacting with her new teammates and saw how things between them were sour to say the least. Sai approached the team nonchalantly before placing one of his fake smiles on his face. The team then saw Sai coming their direction.
"You're Haruno Sakura I presume," Sai greeted, "You used to be on Team 7 with Naruto and Sasuke."
"I was on Team 7 until recently," Sakura said, "Why does that matter to you?"
"I couldn't help but take notice of the way you interact with your new teammates," Sai said, "And I was curious as to how things were between you and Naruto while you were on his team."
"Things between me and Naruto?" Sakura asked with a raised eyebrow, "There was never anything going on between me and Naruto."
"And that was your biggest mistake," Sai remarked with the same smile on his face, "Your refusal to acknowledge him in favor of the Uchiha led you to be left behind in the dust, whereas the Uchiha and the Hyuuga heiress acknowledged him. It led to them not only being promoted alongside him but also being paired with him on the same team with you being removed from the team as the liability with nothing to offer or contribute to the team. Even now as I watched your interaction with your new team, you still have nothing to offer except being a liability."
Sai felt Sakura's bloodlust aimed at him, but he stood there unfazed with his fake smile never leaving his face.
'I like this guy!' Kiba thought with a huge grin his face, 'He truly got balls. I can't smell a stench of fear off of him!'
"What did you call me!?" Sakura screeched as she looked ready to violently attack Sai.
"Do you still lust for the Uchiha?" Sai asked blatantly, "Do you wish to ride his dick even now?"
Sakura instantly forgot her anger as her face turned completely red, a red that could even rival Hinata's blush for Naruto. She was suddenly caught completely off guard by Sai's straightforward and shameless questioning? Sakura was trying to speak but found herself stuttering on his words.
"I heard Hinata stuttered frequently, even while on this team," Sai remarked, "Now you're fitting into the role Hinata played while she was on Team 8."
Kiba burst into a fit of laughter after seeing how Sai masterfully cracked on Sakura.
"It's official!" Kiba laughed, "You're on my good buddy's list!"
"I'm happy that I made memorable impression on you," Sai commented, "I'm Sai by the way."
"Sai you say, huh?" Kiba greeted, "I'm Kiba," pointing to his white dog, "And this is my partner Akamaru. Next to me is Shino and you already know Sasuke's biggest fangirl."
"Sakura, you mean," Sai commented as he turned his attention back to the pink haired Genin, "Since you were once Naruto's partner, I was wondering if you can answer a few questions for me."
"And what might that be?" Sakura asked.
"Who is Naruto, really?" Sai asked, "I've heard many things about the Uzumaki but his personality possesses a great deal of inconsistencies and contradictions."
"I was never able to figure him out even while attending the ninja academy with him in the same class," Sakura remarked.
"That's because you were never interested in Naruto at all in the first place," Shino refuted, "There was nothing about him that you wanted to figure out."
Sakura frowned at Shino's truthful logic and found no grounds on which to argue with him concerning Naruto.
"Perhaps you and Kiba can tell me some things about Naruto," Sai asked, "I'm very interested in learning about the son our village's late Yondaime."
"Are you writing his life story of something?" Kiba asked.
"I'm no author," Sai replied, "But I'm an artist, and I enjoy painting portraits that can truly come to life and reflect what I want to express in my artwork. Naruto's life is hard to paint and I've been trying to understand his character better. So I thought I get some resources from those he spent years interacting with and who know him better. Even artists and painters need source materials for their artworks, am I right?"
"Can't argue with that," Kiba admitted and shrugged, "So what would you like to know?"
"Tell me about your experiences with Naruto," Sai beseeched, "Which of his traits stood out to you guys?"
"He's a true illusionist," Sakura remarked
"Care to elaborate?" Sai requested, "I don't believe there was anything saying he studied in genjutsu."
"He was a true deceiver," Sakura clarified, "A very dangerous and deadly S-class ninja who cleverly acted as the senseless idiot and failure. As much as I want to smack him sometimes for the how he would get on my nerves however, I had to learn to refrain from doing so after seeing personally what he's capable doing to people who truly piss him off."
"Oh really?" Sai asked.
"He personally wiped out an entire army by himself without any help before he fed their millionaire crime boss to sharks after taking all of his financial assets and giving it to the country he was terrorizing," Sakura said, "And that was while he was still a Genin and our class' so-called dead last!"
"Naruto chose to be our class' dead last on purpose," Kiba said, "He admitted that to everyone and to the Hokage during the preliminaries. It was an ingenious cover and way of having no unwanted attention drawn to him. No one suspected him. It was the perfect cover and a deception against potential enemies."
Sai turned to Sakura and said, "I heard that Naruto used to like you back then during his days at the ninja academy."
"He did or so he says," Sakura replied, "But later he and Hinata hooked up and are now a couple."
"Or so he says?" Said repeated, "Care to elaborate on that?"
"The guy says he loves Hinata but I've personally witnessed how he shamelessly flirts and hits on every pretty girl he sees in open public behind Hinata's back!" Sakura stated, "He even flirts with women older than him and show little to no regard for Hinata's feelings! He even peeps in women's bathhouses!"
"Has the Hyuuga heiress ever once badmouthed Naruto for this or even threatened to break up with him?" Sai inquired.
"I can't see how she can tolerate that pervert," Sakura said, "In fact, I can't see how the Hyuuga clan known for their prestige and nobility are tolerant of his behavior."
"Is that truly all you know about Naruto?" Sai asked, "Or is that the only thing you're choosing to focus on considering how you earlier described how dangerous he could be?"
Sakura thought for a moment and then replied, "Naruto does have another side his personality, one that even Kakashi-sensei found baffling. That side of Naruto is that of a veteran hardened ninja who've seen untold deaths and wars. He rarely shows that side of his personality, but when he does even Orochimaru becomes wary of him and he's a Sannin!"
"Orochimaru has committed many atrocities against Konoha and even he's cautious around Naruto," Sai noted, "And how does Sasuke compare to Naruto? Would you honestly say that Sasuke can easily match or rival Naruto?"
"As much as I hate to admit this but no," Sakura remarked.
"Why?" Sai asked, "Is because you've always believed Sasuke was stronger and better than Naruto in everything?"
"Naruto was always stronger than all of us in our class," Kiba said, "In fact, he was always stronger than everyone at the ninja academy, including the faculty. Years ago, during the academy field day, he embarrassed all of the male students and faculty, including the Hokage for everyone to see by proving his ability to kill all of us effortlessly if he really wanted to. We were the disgrace and laughing stock amongst the kunoichis for weeks because of him."
"It truly wasn't our proudest moment," Shino commented, "Even I underestimated him and paid for my illogical analysis of basing his abilities solely on his outward behavior."
"I heard Sasuke tried to steal Naruto's girlfriend Hinata from him for some time until recently when he finally decided to stop doing that," Sai said and turned to Sakura, "Sakura, you self-righteously call Naruto a pervert for his flirting with other girls and women, yet during that same time you chose to go after and pursue Sasuke knowing that he was trying to steal Naruto's girlfriend. You're so desperate for Sasuke's dick that you refuse to find a better guy to be interested in. You truly have no self-respect or dignity you hypocritical bitch."
Sakura felt she was proverbially punch in the face that Sai's logic and the irrefutable point he made, vulgar as they were. But she felt her anger flare when it registered what Sai referred to her as. Kiba and Shino sensed bloodlust pouring out of Sakura in loads.
"SHANAROO!" Sakura roared, "WHAT DID YOU CALL ME?!"
"You didn't hear me the first time?" Sai asked with his fake smile still plastered on his face, "I said you're a hypocritical bitch."
"I'LL KILL YOU!" Sakura screamed as she lunged for Sai and threw a punch at him. Sai sidestepped Sakura, allowing the pink haired Genin to rush pass him. Sakura rebounded and turned to pursue Sai again. Sai continued evading and easily blocking all of Sakura's punches.
"MAKE THIS EASIER ON YOURSELF AND STAND STILL ALREADY!" Sakura yelled.
"Only a fool with no common sense stands still at his attacker's request," Sai replied, "But if you insist on wanting to strike me so badly."
Sai suddenly stopped and allowed Sakura to land a solid punch to his face. Her feeling on satisfaction was short lived when Sai suddenly burst into ink and splashed all over Sakura, covering her clothes body face and hair in black ink. When the moment of shock settled, Sakura screamed in dismay after seeing what happened to her. Kiba burst into loud laughter while Akamaru snickered after witnessing what befell Sakura. Shino had two raised eyebrows after seeing the stunt Sai pull on Sakura.
"An ink clone?" Shino deduced, "I haven't seen such a clone of that caliber before."
"I'LL KILL HIM!" Sakura screeched, "HE IS SO DEAD!"
"Who will you kill exactly?" a mature feminine voice asked from behind the group. All three Genins turned to see Kurenai standing behind them. Kurenai had a raised eyebrow after when she saw the blob of black ink Sakura was covered in.
"Should I even want to know what happened to you Sakura," Kurenai remarked. Sakura sighed with her shoulders slumped and explained, "Some jerk named Sai did this to me."
"No I didn't," Sai corrected as he suddenly appeared behind Sakura, "What befell you was self-inflicted when you punched out my ink clone in your moment of violent rage. This could have been avoided had you kept your violent anger in check."
"You started this when you insulted me about my past with Naruto and my feelings for Sasuke-kun," Sakura retorted.
"All I did was state that facts which you couldn't handle," Sai stated, "If you're so quick to give in to rage and violence, then all you'll do is make yourself an easy target for any competent ninja to exploit and manipulate."
Sakura wanted to hit him, but like with Naruto, she wasn't sure if the Sai in front of her was the real one or another clone.
"So you're Sai," Kurensai realized after listening to the verbal exchanged between Sakura and Sai.
"I know I never met you before," Kiba commented, "But judging from the ink clone you used earlier that got exploded on Sakura earlier, it's obvious that you a ninja."
"Come to think of it," Shino remarked, "We never saw you at the ninja academy at any time."
"My training was complete prior to yours while you all were at the ninja academy," Sai replied, "But I'd rather not talk too much about it."
Sai then reached into to his pouch fastened around his waist at his right side and pulled out his Konoha head protector before fastening it around his head.
"So you're Genin like us," Kiba figured.
"I would appear to be a Genin, outwardly anyway," Sai stated.
"Meaning what exactly?" Kurenai asked.
"That I'm actually a Chuunin like Naruto and his teammates," Sai clarified.
"What!?" Sakura exclaimed, "You're a Chuunin!?"
"Yes," Sai said with his false smile, "I officially outrank you and your teammates. So next time Sakura, know who you're talking to before foolishly assuming you can justifiably attack him just because you want to vent your violent anger while thinking you can get away with it without consequences. The next person after me might not be as merciful."
With that Sai vanished via smoke shunshin, leaving Kurenai and her team on the village streets. Turning to Sakura, Kurenai suggested, "You're best to return home now and washed off all of that ink from off you. It wouldn't do well for you to continue training with us while covered in the mess you got yourself in."
Sakura head and shoulders slumped down dejected as she complied, "Yes, Kurenai-sensei."
"This Sai is someone I've never come across before," Kurenai revealed, causing her three Genins to look back at her.
"You never met him before," Kiba inquired.
"Until now I've never heard or knew about him," Kurenai said, "Or that he's even a Chuunin."
"I'm sure the Hokage knows more Sai," Shino suggested, "We could always inquire of Sandaime as to Sai's history as ninja."
"At least we know not to underestimate him if we ever cross paths with him again," Kiba stated.
"He was oddly interested in knowing things about Naruto and my past with him," Sakura said, "I was under the impression that he was writing Naruto's life story."
"Whoever he is I'm sure we'll be meeting him again," Kiba said.
(Meanwhile)
Naruto, his clones, and Jiraiya had finalized all the paperwork and money transfer with the previous owner of the new facility and land property who got paid far more than he paid for the construction of the new facility and land property. The former owner saw that he not only would be able to buy a new land and build a new facility for himself elsewhere in Konoha, but he would still have a lot of money left as a surplus to do other things with. He felt he gained far more than lost after seeing how much Naruto was willing to pay for his land and newly constructed facility.
During the finalization of business transaction, Naruto's clones, the Triple-A Sisters and Tsunade, Konohanasakuya and her entourage made a thorough inspection and looked around of the facility. Tsunade completely loved everything she saw while seeing the great potential with the beautifully designed and built large building. She and the others saw why Naruto wanted that land and building. It was in the perfect location, a short walking distance from Konoha Hospital. It only made sense to have the new Uzumaki Medical Training Corp located next to the hospital.
And with the money Naruto was able attained thanks to Karin's and Honoka's huge gambling winnings during the Chuunin Exam Finals, he was in the position of buy all of the newest and latest in medical technology and training equipment from Haru no Kuni after he and Seijiro sent an envoy of two clones to travel to Haru no Kuno to greet Koyuki-hime.
"It won't be long until the purchased shipment from Haru no Kuni arrives here," Seijiro confirmed, "One of my clones just informed me of this just now. But a large team of technician and programmers will be dispatched here to Konoha to install and assemble all of the equipment and units we ordered from Haru no Kuni. They should be arriving here in about two days."
"They'll be here that fast?" Tsunade asked, "Considering how far Haru no Kuni is, I would have imagined it would take them longer to arrive here."
"By the way," Naruto said, "One of my clones just sent me some new information. Koyuki-hime requested for Jiraiya as the new Godaime Hokage to grant to her this one favor."
"And what would that be?" Jiraiya asked curiously.
"A personal autograph with the Hokage seal of your latest Ichaicha Paradise special edition book gift-wrapped and sent to her," Naruto revealed and then added, "And she asked to make it splendid."
Tsunade's and Shizune's right eyes twitched on learning something about Haru no Kuni's daimyo that they didn't know before.
"Koyuki-hime is a fan of Jiraiya's book series!?" Tsunade asked.
"Not only is she a huge fan of Jiraiya's book series," Naruto said, "She wants to make and star in a new theatrical Ichaicha Paradise movie as the main female character."
"Did she say when she wants to start the production of that movie?" Jiraiya asked, "As the author, I could give her my personal input and suggestions. I ought to get royalties for that movie since it's based on my book series."
"Koyuki-hime will send you a scroll explaining everything she said," Naruto revealed, "Everything you need to know will be in a scroll that'll be sent directly to you."
"I'll be sure to put in a request to Koyuki-hime to allow me to make a cameo appearance in her new movie," Jiraiya said.
"She would consider your cameo appearance as an honor since her movie is based off your book," Naruto replied.
"I'll have to meet with Koyuki-hime in the future and ask if she'd like to join my book club as a special member," Konohanasakuya said.
"Is your book club gender neutral?" Naruto asked, "I know Kakashi-sensei and others like him who'd love to be members of this book club."
"As both Hokage and the author the Ichaicha Paradise book series," Jiraiya said, "I'll make arrangements to establish an official gender-neutral Ichaicha book club here in Konoha that'll be affiliated with the one in Nadeshiko."
Tsunade watched as Jiraiya, Konohanasakuya and Naruto discussed among themselves about their clubs. She couldn't help but smile seeing at how happy Jiraiya, Konohanasakuya and Naruto were together and how Konohanasakuya looked to her godbrother Naruto affectionately as her big brother.
"They really look like one happy family," Shizune thought out loud.
"We Uzumakis are a happy family Shizune," Tsunade corrected, "Jiraiya and his daughter are included as extended members of our clan and family."
"I couldn't agree more," Seijiro replied, "Though unfortunate for you Tsunade, Konohanasakuya still hates the fact that you're now dating her father. There's no telling when she'll ever accept you, if all at."
"I know I have a lot on my plate with her as it is," Tsunade admitted, "Maybe something will happen that'll spark a change in how she looks at me."
"Offer to teach and train her," Seijiro suggested, causing Tsunade and Shizune turn to look at him like he grew an extra head on his shoulders.
"Offer to teach and train her?" Tsunade repeated.
"That's my suggestion," Seijiro elaborated, "It would give you time to hopefully mend things between you both and bond with her. You already have Hinata and Karin. Training the Sage's Daughter as she's addressed as might help to bring you, Konohanasakuya, and Jiraiya closer together as a happy family apart from our clan. In time, she might come to see you as a surrogate mother figure before marrying her father. Also, training her would help repair and restore your reputation in Nadeshiko since you're pretty much looked as Konoha's trash and disgrace to both her and her people."
Tsunade frowned at Seijiro's last remarked but she stayed quiet and deeply contemplated on his suggestion and explanation. After a brief moment of silent deliberation…
"Your suggestion makes sense," Tsunade agreed, "But the question is, would Konohanasakuya agreed to it."
"Approach her now and offer it to her while she and her father are in cheerful moods," Seijiro advised, "I'm more than certain that Jiraiya will coach his daughter into taking you up on your offer. After all, who wouldn't want training from the world's most renown medic ninja? Hmm?"
Tsunade nodded her head and walked over to Jiraiya, Naruto and Konohanasakuya. Upon arriving to them, Tsunade said, "Konohanasakuya, I have something I want to freely offer to you that I don't readily offer to many people."
Konohanasakuya turned to Tsunade. Holding back a frown that almost broke through her smile, Konohanasakuya replied, "What do you want to offer me?"
"I want to make you my medic apprentice," Tsunade said, Jiraiya and Naruto looked at Tsunade in surprise.
"You want to do what?" Konohanasakuya asked in disbelief.
"I already have Naruto's girlfriend the Hyuuga heiress and Uzumaki Karin as my students," Tsunade continued, "I would like to give you the same healing and medic training as them. I would appreciate it very much if you'd be willing to accept my offer."
"Are you serious?" Konohanasakuya remarked skeptically.
"Despite what you think of Tsunade," Jiraiya spoke up, "Her expertise in medic jutsus and healing are second to none. Tsunade is a Sannin for a reason, just as I'm a Sannin for a reason."
Konohanasakuya listened to her father's words without protest, respecting his words as both her parent and his village's Hokage. Quietly, Konohanasakuya thought for a moment carefully, 'Perhaps whatever medic training I get from her could serve to be of use to my people too considering how my mother died from her fatal injuries and she didn't have the ability to heal herself during her battle with that Kiri swordsman that costed her life.'
Tsunade and the others saw that Konohanasakuya was in very deep thought as she carefully weighed her options. While this was going on…
"Naruto," Tsunade requested, "I want to train all of our Uzumaki brethren in medic and healing jutsus."
Naruto looked to Tsunade and said, "That's a major undertaking since you already have Hinata-chan and Karin and now you're offering this to Konohanasakuya. Care to explain your reasons?"
"We already lost a massive number of our brethren and I've seen many die on the battlefield because of their inability to heal themselves," Tsunade explained, "We only have a remnant of our clan left and if they're wounded severely in battle or from an ambush, it would benefit them having the ability to escape and heal their wounds. That would help to lower any future risks of losing more of our remaining brethren from injuries that resulted from our enemies' attacks."
Now Naruto thought seriously about Tsunade's proposal and after a brief moment…
"Accepted," Naruto and Konohanasakuya said simultaneously. Part of Tsunade thought Konohanasakuya would turn her offer down. She didn't completely expect Konohanasakuya to actually accepted her offer without protest.
"Your explanation to Naruto-niichan rings bells of truth and sound logic Tsunade," Konohanasakuya said, "I find no grounds on which to object or refuse your proposal. I'll accept your offer."
"Thank you, both of you," Tsunade said appreciatively, "I'll let you and everyone know when the training will start after this facility is fully established as the new Uzumaki Medical Training Corp."
"How long do you give it?" Naruto asked.
"Give me and Shizune a month to organize everything," Tsuande said and then turned to Jiraiya, "Will you make time to have this new facility affiliated and partnered with Konoha Hospital?
"I'll have everything done and made official before this facility opens and begins operation," Jiraiya said.
"Thank you," Tsunade said, "I'll also look into hiring experienced doctors and medic ninjas with certified credentials to help me operate this new building and its offices."
"Hopefully all this and the payroll will be put together before the end of the month," Jiraiya said, "You'll have your work cut out for you Head Director Uzumaki Tsunade."
"I know," Tsunade said, "But I'll get it done."
(Two Days Later)
Jiraiya was reviewing the reports from Kurenai and Asuma concerning the attack that that happen a few days ago when they and their team were attacked by ninja thieves. In their reports, they explained how Sasuke seemingly lost control of his cursed seal before attacking and killing their attackers in the process. Then they reported how a masked kunoichi sent working for Orochimaru appeared and offered Sasuke power and training that Orochimaru would give to him after experiencing the strength and force of the cursed seal. They went on to report that the kunoichi escaped before they could apprehend and detain her for questioning. From the concluding reports, Kurenai and Asuma expressed their concerns for Sasuke's state of mind when he was under the influence of the cursed seal and how what that Oto kunoichi said to him only seemed to made things for Sasuke more unsettling.
'It's all going according to plan,' Jiraiya thought after Sasuke secretly reported the success of his mission after Tayuya explained how Guren was secretly watching Sasuke's actions during his time with Kurenai and Asuma. Jiraiya placed the reports down after seeing what time it was. He got up to put on his Hokage robe and hat on before leaving the office and making his way to the shinobi council meeting chamber.
While on his way Jiraiya saw that Hiruzen, along with Konohanasakuya, her entourage, Akio, Akemi and Akio were also making their way to the meeting chamber. After exchanging greetings, Jiraiya and the rest of them walked into the chapter and took their places. Jiraiya sat at the head table with Hiruzen sitting closely next to Jiraiya at his left. Konohanasakuya and her entourage stood in attention in the center of the meeting chamber alongside the Triple-A sisters. At the left and right sides of the meeting chamber were two sets of tables and seats where the respective clan leaders and village hierarchy sat. Seijiro stood behind Naruto, monitoring and keeping surveillance over the chamber All of the other clan leaders and along with Homura and Koharu were sitting around the meeting table in their respective places.
"Come to order," Jiraiya said as he commenced the meeting and gaining everyone's attention, "First order of business, we have my daughter Konohanasakuya-hime and her entourage representing their people and village of Nadeshiko no Sato. They're here to negotiate trade and an alliance while having three of their kunoichi from their ranks living here and serving as liaisons between our two villages. These three kunoichis are Uzumaki Akio, Uzumaki Akemi and Uzumaki Akira."
"The Uzumaki clan is part of Konoha," Homura stated and continued, "How could Nadeshiko claim three of them as part of their village."
"Because they are," Naruto spoke up, "As clan leader, I'm confirming this. Akio, Akemi and Akira, respectively known as the Triple-A sisters, have served as active and official ninjas for Nadeshiko for a number of years before coming in personal contact with me and the rest of our Uzumaki brethren."
"The Triple-A sisters have been in my late mother's service long before I was born and demonstrated beyond a shadow of a doubt their intelligence, abilities, and caliber in carrying out their missions and duties," Konohanasakuya added.
"I personally attest to my daughter's words," Jiraiya stated, "I've personally worked alongside these Uzumaki triplets during my years in Nadeshiko when my late wife, Uzume-hime, the previous ruler of Nadeshiko was alive and ruling over her village. Akio, Akemi and Akira are the only three besides myself who know and understand the culture, livelihood and government of Nadeshiko and are best suited to serve as liaisons between Konoha and Nadeshiko."
"It wouldn't do having only foreigners serving as representatives to our village of which they weren't born in," Danzō inputted, "Nor have any understanding about the culture of our people."
"Then what do you suggest?" Koharu inquired.
"I suggest adding a native-born Konoha ninja to serve alongside those three Uzumakis foreigners," Danzō stated, "That way the formation and dynamics of the team will be balanced out. Surely adding just one Konoha male ninja to serve an ambassador for our people isn't too much to ask for."
"Accepted," Konohanasakuya-hime agreed, "I find no fault or reason not to accept that suggestion."
Danzō smiled seeing how the young princess accepted his idea. He then offered, "I'm sure I can come up with a list of suitable candidates for the position."
"That is not your place Danzō," Jiraiya objected, "I don't recall anyone else besides the Hokage who has the authority in selecting potential candidates for the position of ambassador or liaison for Konoha."
"If I may speak," Konohanasakuya-hime stated, "A list of candidates will not be necessary. I choose Naruto-niichan. As the ruler of Nadeshiko, that's my selection."
Danzō held back a snarl as that wasn't what he was aiming at accomplishing.
'Jiraiya and his brat daughter are undermining me!' Danzō thought, 'I have to find a way to maneuver matters into my favor and advantage,' Danzō schemed and the said, "No disrespect to you Konohanasakuya-hime, but I recall moments earlier that Jiraiya said that only the Hokage has the authority in selecting potential candidates for the position of ambassador or liaison for Konoha. It would be an act of presumptuousness as a foreign dignitary trying to decide in Jiraiya's place who'll be Konoha's male ambassador. Also, choosing the Uzumaki clan leader will be frowned on by those who'll consider your decision to be based on both favoritism and nepotism."
Some in the meeting chamber were ready to agree with Danzō's words. Naruto and Jiraiya saw that Danzō was up something, but they stayed silent and waited to see how things would play out before deciding to intervene.
"I assure you," Konohanasakuya-hime stated, "My decision isn't based off any form of favoritism or nepotism," Konohanasakuya turned to Jiraiya and requested, "With your permission, may I be allowed to explain why I want Naruto-niichan as Konoha's male ambassador?"
"Your requested is granted," Jiraiya agreed, "Speak."
"Naruto-niichan is a native-born male from Konoha and he's the only male ninja besides my father that I know and trust with my life and people," Konohanasakuya explained, "I've heard many reports about Naruto-niichan's accomplishments and exploits and how he recently saved this village from an all-out invasion led by this village's traitorous Snake Sannin who happens to be my father's former teammate. Nauto-niichan is also educated and experienced with the shinobi council of this village and he's an active member of it. That also means he's very familiar with the governmental system of this village. Naruto-niichan is also a personal student of my father, this village's new Hokage. This puts him in direct personal contact and close association with my father."
Everyone was now whispering to each other about everything Konohanasakuya explained. Despite her age, it was very clear that her level of intelligence, intellect with governmental affairs and diplomacy weren't to be underestimated. Even Tsunade respected and admired how Jiraiya's daughter handled Danzō's actions with dignity and respect fitted for a ruling monarch.
Things weren't going the way Danzō had hoped as he was planning in suggesting some who was secretly one of his most loyal Root ANBU ninjas to be assigned to work alongside the Uzumaki sisters. Turning to Jiraiya, Danzō said, "Jiraiya, surely you can explain to your daughter that there are other suitable and capable males that can serve in that capacity other than Naruto."
"I wouldn't trust any other male shinobi from this village because I don't know them and they wouldn't be openly welcomed in my village either," Konohanasakuya objected.
"Konohanasakuya-hime is within her diplomatic rights to allow whomever she finds acceptable from Konoha to enter her village," Jiraiya replied, "It's her village and she's within her rights to agree or disagree about who from this village is allowed in her village. Furthermore, Nadeshiko is a female dominated village. All ruling and governing authority are under the subjection of the high ranked women of that village with Konohanasakuya-hime as the ruling monarch."
Danzō was furious at how his plan to plant one of his loyal Root ninjas as a spy on the Uzumaki sisters and Nadeshiko backfired, royally. He hated how the Uzumaki clan were gaining more commercial and governmental influence and strength not only in Konoha but in other countries and nations as well.
'The Uzumaki clan is becoming too strong,' Danzō thought, 'At this rate, it's becoming harder to try to keep them under surveillance and control.'
Jiraiya and the rest of the shinobi council and Konohanasakuya and her entourage were discussing conditional international terms of trade and alliance between Konoha and Nadeshiko with Naruto and the Triple-A sisters serving as ambassador ninjas of Nadeshiko while residing and working in Konoha. While this was going on, Danzō thought back to an event that happened years before Naruto's birth…
(Thirty Years Ago)
Uzumaki Ashina, was standing in the Hokage office after visiting his kin, Uzumaki Mito, who was sick in bed back home and approaching the end of her life having lived a long time like himself. In the office with Ashina was Hiruzen, Homura, Koharu and Danzō.
"Ashina-sama," Hiruzen greeted, "I trust your stay in Konoha was to your liking."
"Despite the wars this village has endured you managed to keep this village together," Ashina remarked.
"Well it wasn't just me of course," Hiruzen said, "I have the help of many brave and honorable ninjas of Konoha and the help of your country and clansmen. Mito-sama is a real help to everyone in Konoha by using herself as a containment in imprisoning and preventing Kyuubi's release. But she's approaching the end of her life."
"Yes, I know and she knows this also," Ashina stated, "That's why I'm here to discuss this with you. Mito will need a successor as a Jinchuuriki."
"But won't the bijuu she sealed inside herself die along with her upon her death?" Homura inqured.
"Kyuubi will be reincarnated sometime after Mito's death," Ashina revealed, gaining everyone's attention.
"What!?" Hiruzen replied in shock, "But we thought that with her death, Kyuubi would be forever gone."
"No!" Ashina corrected, "His demise would only be a temporary death, not a permanent one. Sometime after her death, without a successor, Kyuubi will be freed and reincarnated to wreak havoc again. To prevent that from happening I've chosen a suitable successor to Mito."
"Who will be Mito-sama's replacement?" Hiruzen asked.
"My granddaughter," Ashina stated, "Uzumaki Kushina. I've chosen her to become Mito's successor as the next Jinchuuriki. She'll travel here to become a member of this village and have Kyuubi sealed into her before Mito's death."
"While your granddaughter is here," Danzō said, "I believe it would be best if she's put under my care. I can give her the needed training and teaching to make her Konoha's ultimate sword and shield."
"Excuse me?" Ashina replied.
"Mito-sama was a trained kunoichi and experienced seal mistress married to our Shodai before she made herself into the first Jinchuuriki of Konoha during Shodai's battle with Madara at the Valley of the End," Danzō said, "You're taking a huge and reckless risk putting the safety of Konoha on the shoulders of a mere young child inexperienced in both war and combat. I recommend and suggest that it would be in Kushina's best interest if she's placed under my watchful guidance."
There was a cold silence that filled the room as Hiruzen knew that Danzō spoke in a manner that clearly undermined Ashina's judgement. This was confirmed when glowing adamantine chakra chains thrusted from out of Ashina's body and wrapped around Danzō in a crushing death grip that almost broke a number of his bones and limited his capacity to breathe. Hiruzen, Homaru and Kokaru then felt a mountainous bloodlust that filled the room and started making cracks around the walls of the meeting room.
"Danzō just had to open his mouth and piss this man off!" Hiruzen strained as he and his advisors were struggling to breathe, 'Even at his age, Ashina-sama never lost his edge!'
"Let me make myself very clear to all of you, especially you Danzō," Ashina replied with a dangerously calm tone as his bloodlust was still pouring out of him in massive loads, "My granddaughter will become no one's weapon or instrument. She's coming here to fulfill an honorable duty on behalf of her senior Uzumaki brethren. If I hear one report from Kushina that you Danzō approached her in any way that made her uncomfortable or that you sought to go behind my back to make Kushina one of your ROOT ninjas, I give you my sworn word I will personally return here and kill you and wipe out your entire ROOT organization before taking Kushina back to Uzu no Kuni! I never go back on my word. Do I make myself clear?"
Ashina tightened his chains around Danzō further.
"I…understand…perfectly," Danzō managed through the pain and strained breathing.
"Good," Ashina replied, "In any case, this meeting has no further use for you. So be gone from my sight."
The next thing Danzō saw was that Ashina used his chains to swing and slam his chained body with a force into a case of book shelves on other side of Hiruzen's office, effectively destroying the book case and forming a crater in the wall as all of the books fell down on top of Danzō after he fell to the floor in a heap. Darkness and nothingness were the next thing Danzō saw after being brutally knocked unconscious, personally experiencing firsthand Uzumaki Ashina's violent temper…
(Present Day)
Danzō despised Ashina since that day for humiliating him. But knew that one wrong move would mean his promised demise at Ashina's hands and the destruction of his organization. Danzō and Hiruzen knew for a fact that Ashina wasn't to be underestimated. They knew Ashina was more than one hundred and twenty years old and outlived two Hokages and Mito. What was also true was that even Hashirama and Madara never challenged him to a fight since he was one of the strongest seal grandmasters Uzu no Kuni ever produced.
Danzō had been wanting members from various clans to be part of his ROOT organization. But he especially wanted both members of the Uzumaki clan and their Jinchuuriki as members. The only problem was Ashina whom Danzō himself was no match for. He needed Ashina and others like him out of the way without anything pointing back to him. He couldn't afford to be held responsible for Uzu no Kuni's downfall. He had to find and manipulate others to do the job for him.
As Danzō was thinking about his past, the meeting in the chamber continued. Jiraiya, being well versed and knowledgeable in the customs and law of Nadeshiko, was able to justly and confidently negotiate trade and an alliance with Nadeshiko with no qualms or compromises. As this was going on, Seijiro's agents were out taking care of business elsewhere.
(Meanwhile)
Sai was up and about walking through streets when he was informed about how often Hanabi spends time being with and training with Naruto. He figured he could better study one of Naruto's pattern is by observing when and how often he's around Hanabi and also Hinata.
'Avoiding their Byakugan will be a bit difficult,' Sai thought, 'I'll have to-'
Sai didn't get to finish his thoughts when painless darkness suddenly overcame him. Soon, Sai gradually woke up and groan while trying to recall what happened. When he tried to move, he found that his arms, legs, waist and neck were bound with glowing chains preventing anybody movements and that he himself was being held up against a large tree. But this wasn't one of trees in the training field, it was in Forest of Death. The looked to see seven abnormally large tigers standing in front of him, ready to attack and devour him if given the order to.
"You're finally awake," a voice masculine said. Sai looked up to see Seijiro and Honoka standing behind the tigers, with glowing chains coming out of Seijiro's body which was what was holding him off the ground and confining him onto the tree. Seijiro left a clone with Naruto after carefully switching places with his clone so as to not arouse any suspicion from the shinobi council.
"Why have you brought me here?" Sai asked with a fake smile, "Kidnapping a Konoha Chuunin is a serious offense."
"It's a serious cause for concern that an unknown Chuunin like you is seeking to keep tabs and learn more about our clan leader for unknown reasons," Honoka said.
"I don't know what you're talking about," Sai answered with the same fake smile on his face, "My reasons for wanting to know more about Naruto were made clear when I spoke with those who know your clan leader well. You can go ask them yourself."
"We did already," Seijiro said, "And I went and did some extensive investigating of my own, about you Sai. Evidently, no one in Konoha seems to know you exist or that you're a Chuunin. There's no record of you ever being or graduating from Konoha's Ninja Academy despite being the same age as Naruto. Having someone like you looking to find more information on Naruto and trying to keep track of his movements and activities raised several red flags for us. This leaves us with some question we want answers to."
"I don't see how anything I know will be of any use to you both," Sai replied.
"They will be," Seijiro countered, "And you can forget about that silencer seal on your tongue. I've already neutralized and removed it."
Sai knew that was no bluff if Seijiro knew exactly what type of seal was previously on his tongue.
"Now," Seijiro said, "You will answer our questions and give us the true information we want," Sejiro then warned, "And for each time you lie to us, I'll have Honoka use one of her tigers to tear off and devour one of your limbs."
The tigers growled viciously, waiting a chance to feast into Sai's body. Sai knew that Seijiro's warning was no empty threat.
"Now," Seijiro started off, "Tell us, why did Danzō send you to spy on Naruto?"
Sai dropped his fake smile and looked back at Seijiro and Honoka with a lifeless expression in both his face and eyes.
"You might as will end my life now," Sai replied with an emotionless tone, "My master will send his agents to kill me after he learns that I've been compromised."
"Danzō would really go that far to cover his tracks?" Honoka asked.
"Danzō will deny any involvement with me now that I'm in your custody with my life in our hands now," Sai answered, "My life is no longer of any use to Danzō."
"Be that it may," Seijiro replied, "But you haven't answered my question. Why were you sent?"
Sai deliberated on whether to talk and betray Danzō which would mean death by Danzō's hands or die by the hands of the Uzumakis who captured him. He knew that Naruto and the rest of his clan would learn about him and his connections with Danzō. Sai knew he had no chance of escaping and even if he did and reported back to Danzō, Danzō would still kill him for failing his mission with the Uzumakis and blowing his cover.
"It doesn't matter," Sai said emotionlessly, "Either choice I make will end with my death. My master sees Naruto and pretty much all of you Uzumakis all together as a potential threat to him and his organization. He feels you Uzumakis are gradually growing too strong to control and keep in check."
"So Danzō dispatched you to find out what you can learn about Naruto and about us later on so he could use that as leverage against us," Seijiro deduced, "You were sent to spy on a spy master being trained by a more experienced spy master not knowing you were being tracked and trailed by another spy master. Your master sent you on a suicide mission knowing that your probabilities of failure were far higher than any chance of success. You were expendable and replaceable."
"Are you going kill me?" Sai asked.
"No," Seijiro said, "I'll let you live and return back to Danzō in one piece."
Both Sai and Honoka looked back at Seijiro surprised.
"You're letting him go?" Honoka asked with a shocked and confused expression, "Why?"
"You're showing me mercy," Sai asked with a confused tone and then continued, "What reason you have for sparing me?"
"Your disappearance will alert Danzō that you failed your mission and he'll look to cover his tracks while looking to come up with new ways to spy on Naruto and the rest of my brethren," Seijiro deduced, "Plus I don't want to explain why you went missing."
"I appreciate your leniency towards me," Sai replied as he put his fake smile back on his face.
"My mercy in sparing your life however comes with a price," Seijiro replied.
"What's the exchange?" Sai asked before Seijiro took a few steps forward to stand closer to him.
"In return for sparing your life," Seijiro said, "You work for me now Sai."
"I was sent to spy and gather intel on your clan leader," Sai reminded, "Now you're offering me work on top of sparing my life. There is a conflict of interest working for you while I'm still Danzō's subordinate."
"And that's exactly why you're most useful to me alive than dead," Seijiro remarked, "You'll be my secret informant in Danzō's ROOT organization. You can start your new role as my spy by telling me everything you know about ROOT and the names of everyone you know in that organization and their abilities."
Sai was captured by Seijiro and is now being recruited and probed by Seijiro for everything he knows about ROOT and everyone who works for Danzō. How much will Sai tell Seijiro? Naruto's revised plan for Sasuke to infiltrate Otogakure has begun but will it work successfully? Will Kurenai offer Hinata and Hanabi any helpful suggestions, especially since Shion the priestess is still waiting for Naruto's reply to her offer in having two Uzumaki priestesses through her bloodline? Jiraiya is handling his new role as Godaime rather well, the Uzumaki clan will be starting their medical training facility. More new things are to come.