Chapter 31

"Konan, we have the jinchuuriki." Ame's Angel thought she'd feel worse about this. There was an uncomfortable calm within her, an acceptance of what would come next. It was simple, a motion so practiced that conscious thought wasn't needed. Nagato tried to gargle out words, demands to know why but she wouldn't explain. Her friend had long since been lost to her, corrupted by Madara and she'd been too complacent to save him.

He bleed out quickly, her cut on his neck made with the utmost precision. He felt only a moment's pain but the rest of the time was like succumbing to a sedative. She didn't know if Yahiko would forgive her for what she's done up to this point, for twisting his will into something so ugly and extreme but she'd have to face him once she crossed over. Konan resolved to stop thinking so much about what she owed the dead, instead deciding on what she could do for the living; starting with Ame.

She walked out of the cave Nagato and she were hidden in, her gait even. The light shining from the entrance felt like a heavy handed metaphor but she could appreciate it all the same; she had to destroy the Akatsuki to receive her new dawn. She continued out of the cave and greeted the party waiting for her, one of her conditions for aiding Konoha.

"Sensei." She was wrapped up in a bear hug almost before the word left her mouth. Jiraiya was something of a rolling stone but Konan can feel he still cared, he was grieving the loss of another student; unfortunately there wasn't time to indulge. He'd have to put on a brave face and continue on. But for the briefest moment, teacher and student could mourn. After the hug ended Jiraiya returned to Nagato and sealed his body in a scroll, then led Konan to Konoha and then to the Hokage's Tower. Hiruzen was awaiting her, alone. Jiraiya was excused and the two village leaders were left to settle matters between them.

"Konan-san."

"Sarutobi-san"

"Before we begin, I must express my deepest gratitude. When I received your message I was unsure if it could be believed but I am grateful it was true. Jiraiya informed me about your shared history so I know words can't articulate the depths of your sacrifice but I hope we can build something so this never happens again."

"I accept your words but make no mistake, I hate Konoha. Because of Konoha my friends are dead. Because Danzo Shimura convinced Hanzo we were planning a coup, Yahiko lost his life and Nagato lost his way. I don't know if you ordered Danzo to act or simply didn't know but that means you are either as vile as he was or negligent. I want no alliance with you, only to avoid needless death. A ceasefire a treaty, call it what you wish but I will not be involved with Konoha once I leave."

Konan was taking a bold stance but if Konoha attacked Ame after Akatsuki ceased to exist the other major villages not allied with them will assume the Leaf is escalating toward some goal and will respond in kind. Sarutobi would simply damn himself to the violence he claims to not want. It also felt cathartic to tell this man about the mad dog he failed to control and the damage his actions, or inactions, inflicted on people.

Hiruzen's facial expression didn't change but he suspects this occurred around the time Danzo attempted to assassinate him, likely expecting Hanzo to help. He really was negligent, a fool that wanted to see the best in his former friend; to believe Danzo meant well, acted only in the interests of Konoha. The truth was both men lied to themselves and Danzo created an enemy that could have done an untold amount of damage had things been different. This was just another sign he shouldn't be in this chair, he wasn't fit to lead any further.

"I understand your position and if there is nothing else, let's us begin."

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At the recently constructed Uzumaki Manor several Konoha shinobi busy themselves preparing for a birthday party. Tayuya was handling the music. Karin, Hinata and Ino were setting up the food. Shizune had organized the presents. Tsunade was "supervising" which translated into drinking, petting Tonton and making the occasional suggestion on decorations. Team Kurenai, along with Asuma, just returned with the cake. It was a round two tier citrus cake with passionfruit filling and vanilla icing. The cake was decorated simply, blue frosting with orange spirals on top and a 'Happy Birthday, Naruto' written on the cake board.

"Troublesome." Shikamaru spoke with seemingly zero prompting. Everyone, excluding Shino, turned to look at the Nara. He met their questioning looks and sighed. "I get this sense when Naruto is being uniquely troublesome. It just went off." Multiple parties had looks of disbelief while Tsunade cackled.

However, Shikamaru's words soon proved to be prophetic. Karin gasped and started shaking muttering about multiple chakra signatures headed toward Orochimaru and Naruto. All in attendance charged towards the door but were sequestered by an ANBU agent, being ordered to stay in the residence. Tsunade could have overruled the agent, a purple haired woman in a cat mask, but the agent informed the future Hokage that Sandaime-sama was aware of the situation and had a plan in action.

All preparation for the party stopped as Karin utilized her sensory abilities to relay what little information she could. It was near impossible to remain at the new Uzumaki compound as she mentioned how Naruto and Orochimaru's chakra signature fluctuated often as if disrupted or they were seriously injured. As more of the fight unfolded, Karin understood less and less. The atmosphere was tense, especially when Karin informed the party one final enemy managed to incapacitate Orochimaru and flee with Naruto but relief filled the room when she said the signature disappeared, similar to the five before it and left Naruto.

At that point, Tsunade made the decision to no longer wait, it was clear her friend and surrogate nephew needed help. She allowed Shizune, Karin and the rest of Team Kurenai to follow her, backing the stationed ANBU down. The paced they traveled increased when they witnessed the moon like sphere was pierced and then decimated by wood constructs until three figures descended from the wreckage. The party discovered Orochimaru first. She'd taken the rod out but hadn't had the chakra to heal her injuries. Karin ran toward his Mistress and offered her arm, frowning just slightly at being bitten but it worked and the Snake Sannin was healed. Once she was able to move the Konoha ninja moved onto Naruto's location.

"What happened, Orochi?"

"We were attacked by the Akatsuki leader. What about you? What delayed your response?"

"We were told by an ANBU that sensei had something in the works and not to interfere. But once Karin sensed you were injured and Naruto was being abducted we figured the plan went pear shaped and came running."

Orochimaru said nothing in response. She concluded that if Hiruzen did have a plan, he hoped that she would be killed before it took effect while he could claim innocence. It wasn't the worst plan in the world but it rested on a very large assumption that Pein wouldn't grow frustrated and kill Naruto, figuring catching the actual Kyuubi would be easier once it reformed, if he didn't have a method of breaking the seal in the first place. She would pay him back but she needed to see her apprentice before anything.

The group arrived to see two men standing over Naruto, one kneeling. Tsunade gasped in disbelief while the others cautiously approached. The Slug Sannin turned to her friend and watched her shrug in a familiar gesture anytime Orochi crossed the line. She resolved to have a talk with her but it could wait. Tsunade continued over to Naruto and saw her grandfather healing a stab wound. He still had a swollen cheek and right eye as well as bruising around his neck. She didn't speak to her departed family members instead choosing to heal the damage that hadn't been seen to. In no time Naruto started to stir. The swelling had gone down significantly and the bruising was gone. He awoke a smiling Shoidai and Tsunade.

"Obachan?"

"Yea, it's me. How are you feeling?"

"Like I lost a fight. Is Orochimaru ok?"

"I'm fine." his mentor spoke, having made her way to the group once she saw Naruto waking up.

"What happened? He just collapsed for no reason."

"I don't know." Orochimaru answered.

"So, Tsunade, you became a medic?" Tobirama asked and Hashirama lit up.

"This is little Tsuna? My, you've grown so beautiful."

"Thank you, Grandfather."

The grandfather and daughter continued to speak as Tobirama paid attention to the male Uzumaki, having noted there was one more keeping her distance. He watched the boy activate a storage seal, after he'd released the reanimation which dispelled in a cloud of smoke, on his wrist, resealing the Samehada and retrieving a small rag. He then began to draw a small orb of water from the atmosphere, a method startling similar to Tobirama's own, the former Hokage noted. As a final surprise he saw the boy freeze the orb, making it solid ice and wrapping it in the rag to use as a cold compress.

"I've never known an Uzumaki to have the Hyoton bloodline. Are you part Yuki?"

"No and I have no bloodline." Naruto said holding the makeshift ice pack to his head. "You don't need a bloodline to use the sub-elements, that's a myth."

"I see ninjutsu has advanced since my time. Tell me, who made this breakthrough? Was it Hiruzen?" Tobirama watched the boy's face adopt a vicious scowl at the mention of his student, time permitting he would get to the bottom of that. The Uzumaki had been a good ally and distant family, he couldn't imagine why one would hate Hiruzen.

"No one taught me, I figured it out on my own."

"Interesting. Is this talent why you were chosen?" He saw another scowl.

"No."

"Granduncle, let's somewhere private and I'll fill you in on everything." Tsunade said, overhearing the discussion. He nodded and they prepared to move out. Naruto went to his team, all dressed rather casually.

"Hey, guys, what were you doing before you came here?"

"We were at your home, Naruto." Kurenai asked and saw the boy's surprised face.

"Why?" He knew he told them he'd be with Orochimaru at this time. They just looked at him and then each other.

"He doesn't know." Shino concluded. "Naruto-san, today is your birthday, we were planning a surprise party."

"Oh…" Naruto replied and tried to ignore the feeling in his chest. He hadn't celebrated his birthday in years, not since he thought the Old Man turned on him. "I'm sorry the surprise was ruined guys but I appreciate it." Nothing more needed to be said as they moved toward his home in silence.

When they returned, Naruto saw who else was in attendance. Tayuya, who was yelling at Kakashi about his stupid excuses, Ino talking with Hinata while Asuma was speaking to Jiraiya. Once they noticed his return they yelled surprise and Naruto smiled brightly, scratching the back of his head as he suddenly felt very bashful. The party went on, as they ate and talked, Tsunade eventually returning with the first two Hokage. It felt overwhelming for the Uzumaki heir.

Two years ago he'd given up hope things would change, that he'd really make connections. He realized, now, his opinion of the village and his place in it was tied to his feelings toward the Old Man. Once he lost faith in Hiruzen, Naruto wrote off the entire village as being reflexively and resolutely against him. He couldn't believe they'd ever change and if they could never accept him he could never be Hokage. He entered a mild depression when he stopped believing things could improve and had to let go of his first dream as well as the memories of the kind Old Man that said it were possible.

Initially, Naruto concluded that Hiruzen had simply been lying to him in order to keep the spirits of the village's jinchuuriki up and him mentally stable. It was a bitter pill to swallow that he was manipulated by the Hokage. When he discovered his heritage and what Hiruzen kept from him, Naruto had too long believed the bastard as nothing but a craven manipulator to ever reconsider the Sandaime's motives. It was just more evidence he never would have permitted Naruto to be more than a war deterrent.

After Ichiro's bombing attempt and the talk with Kurenai-sensei immediately following Naruto thought about her words; about how he'd let his hatred for the Old Man cause him to channel at others. He had to conclude she was right and if he were maintaining a negative view of the village, not that they'd done anything to change it, because of Hiruzen then he wasn't being fair in the strictest sense. Maybe they could change, maybe his dream wasn't foolish. He hated it but a part of him still wanted acceptance from the village, acknowledgment that he was of value. To receive that he'd have to acknowledge them and allow the possibility they could change. As long as he let his antipathy for the Sandaime color his impression of everyone else that could never happen.

He didn't, however, think he could ever truly forgive or reconcile with the Old Man. He may have understood his reasons, the fact remained he preferred to save face than risk trusting Naruto, knowing he was all the Uzumaki had. It was a deep betrayal of the bond they shared, the man's vanity was clearly more important than anything they forged. But he didn't need Hiruzen anymore. He'd built a family, people he could trust and lean on. People that weren't just going to go away. He wasn't alone anymore.

After the gift exchange the party wound down, Naruto stepped out, retreating to the roof. Once he reached it Naruto watched the sunset with a serene smile on his face. It'd been an emotionally draining day but one of his better birthdays, if not the best save for the near death experience. The air was starting to cool, as was common for the fall but it felt nice. Soon, Naruto was joined by another party, the Nidaime Hokage.

"Nidaime-sama."

Tobirama sat beside the Uzumaki, "There is no need for such formality, not for a dead man, Naruto."

"Then what would you prefer I call you?"

"Tobirama is fine. I may have a reputation as a joyless hardass but I never made my family call me by my title."

"I'll keep that in mind, Nidaime-sama." Naruto said with a smile, Tobirama cracked one as well.

"Cheeky, like much of your clan." The legendary Senju sighed, "I owe you an apology Naruto. Not only as a jinchuuriki but as the future leader of the Uzumaki. Tsunade has filled me in on the major events that have occurred since my death. As much as I wish I could say I am surprised, the truth is everything she said made sense. It is not that I knew Hiruzen nor Danzo would do these things, it simply didn't fall outside their character." The man sighed again.

"Hiruzen was a preternaturally talented ninja with a caring nature. He was also one that soaked up flattery and praise. Not to mention slipping into sentimentality when logic was needed. Danzo was talented, nowhere near Hiruzen, but a boy with a great deal of potential. He was also overly rigid and given to dichotomous thinking and fanaticism. I overwatched their development and failed to curtail these flaws. You and yours have suffered for this and I request your forgiveness."

"I forgive you, besides the Old Man is responsible for his own choices."

"He is but a part of you will always feel some measure of responsibility for those you teach, especially when you assign them your successor." Naruto just nodded, he couldn't exactly relate. He's only ever taught things to children too young to have done anything too bad beyond pranks.

"What made you dedicate yourself the ninjutsu, especially at such a young age?"

"The academy sensei were jerks and weren't going to teach any ninjutsu for two years but several of my classmates would be learning clan techniques well before then. I decided if they weren't going to teach ninjutsu I'd make my own and have a library filled with clan techniques to give my family. I didn't know the Uzumaki were a clan at that point but I was determined to make them one."

"Bratty motivation but the follow through is commendable. Now, what about the sub-elements?"

"Chakra isn't magic. We may not understand all of what it can do but it does obey certain rules and it is naturally existing, almost all chakra researchers agree on that. If that's the case, then why would it operate so contrary to matter that's chakra free? You can make water vapor, water, even viscous liquids but not ice? Or mud, stone, dust but not lava? Didn't make sense to me and since no one was around to tell me I was wrong I never believed I couldn't do it. I may have had a bit of an ego as well."

"So, the dual elements required for the sub-elements isn't true?"

"It is but it's about how you mold that chakra. Those with kekkei genkai must have some genetic predisposition to combine their elements. It may be the case the real kekkei genkai is innately knowing how to merge and mold various elements but because they are rarely born with more than two affinities they didn't push themselves to see."

"Hm, interesting. I must admit I am from an era that took it as holy writ only bloodline users could perform those types of nature transformation, to see that proven wrong is quite the treat. You mentioned Lava and Ice, are those the only two you can currently utilize?"

Naruto started grinning, enjoying being able to show off for his idol. "The only two that are even close to battle ready." He cupped his hands together and closed his eyes, focusing on his internal energy. Shortly, various strings of light was being emitted from his palm. Naruto then attempted to direct the energy, managing to send a beam the width of a pencil toward a nearby tree, creating a small hole.

"Lightning is already a plasma, combined with water and you create a process of electrolysis and then ionization of the separated hydrogen, making the Storm Release. Increased power and control." Naruto wiped the beads of sweat that started to form on his head, still smiling.

"That is truly impressive and to think you can mimic Kumo's signature bloodline. This pleases me greatly. It also affirms my decision," The Nidaime said and saw Naruto's puzzled gaze, "in your study there are two scrolls brother and I left for you and the clan. I believe you will put the knowledge to good use. Now, I must depart, I need to see Saru before your master releases the jutsu. It has been a pleasure Naruto."

Naruto knew the man wouldn't be here long and nodded before saying goodbye. He watched the Nidaime leave and then laid back down on the roof as the last of the sun dipped below the horizon. Even with the abduction attempt, Naruto had to consider this the best birthday ever.

"Kukuku, it appears my apprentice has been keeping secrets from me." Naruto didn't jump when Orochimaru made her presence known, he'd gotten used to her sneaking up on him. She sat beside him, now dressed in a red kimono.

"I can't reveal everything to my rival." Naruto replied, cheekily.

"Ah, now you're learning. It, unfortunately, may be your final lesson." Naruto looked at her in confusion. "Your apprenticeship was to last up to the invasion. I assume the invasion has been canceled and there is no way Sarutobi will allow our arrangement to continue." Naruto frowned at that knowing it was true.

"What happens now?"

"Jiraiya will likely push for you to go on a training trip with him and I think you should go."

"I would not have expected that." Naruto admitted.

"And I don't blame you. I may not have much use for Jiraiya but he isn't completely worthless." Naruto chuckled, considering that high praise. A part of him was reluctant to go, he didn't want to leave his family and friends so soon after having made those connections; he didn't want to leave his team. He was sure he still had much to learn from Kurenai-sensei. Shika would get lazy if he weren't here to motivate him and Shino would get all quiet and reserved. They made each other better so to leave to focus solely on his development felt selfish.

However, Naruto did want to get to know his godfather. Jiraiya hadn't been in the village much and a training trip would provide ample time to build a relationship. He could also learn more about his father. Also, even if he only provided a sparring partner, training with Jiraiya would have to get him stronger as he had no illusion he could defeat any of the Sannin without the aid of his teammates and weeks of planning. It still sucked that he wouldn't learn under Orochimaru anymore, someone that had supported him for longer than he initially knew but if even she were recommending he do this he couldn't deny the wisdom of the move.

"I guess it makes sense. Sucks I can't just keep learning with you."

"Kukuku, I'm not going anywhere. This is just the end of one phase of our relationship."

"Rig-"

"I don't just allow anyone to see me naked and live to tell about it." She watched as the boy started to blush and scratch the back of his head. "Kukuku, should I take it as a compliment that managed to stand out during a life and death battle? Such a little charmer."

"Since you aren't my Shishou anymore I can get you back for all your teasing, 'ttebayo."

"Oh, really?" The Snake Sannin moved closer, now whispering in the Uzumaki's ear, "Then I may just have to escalate before you can." She then kissed him on the cheek and laughed as his entire face reddened. "Goodnight, Naruto-kun" she said between laughs not giving her student a chance to respond.

Naruto took a few moments to compose himself before returning inside. The blush was gone so he was confident there were no witnesses to anything he'd done on the roof. He returned to the living room to see Shino and Shika seemingly in a heated debate. He was a little concerned as the two never argue.

"Guys, what's wrong?"

"Oh, Naruto-san, maybe you can help us resolve this."

"Troublesome, I agree we may need your input."

"Sure, what's wrong?"

"Well, I was telling Shino if I got beat up in front of a girl I liked I'd probably want to die from embarrassment."

"Whereas I believe I'd simply want to renounce my name and title while I went into hiding, from the shame. As we have no experience with this we thought you might be able to help us out." Naruto grit his teeth at the pair of wise asses.

"If you tell me who you like that can be rectified with ease, 'ttebayo."

"Hm, I believe Temari-san will be arriving soon." Shikamaru looked at Shino in mild surprise, he didn't think the Aburame would turn on him just yet but he was prepared.

"Well, lucky for you we don't need to wait. We don't even need to leave. Oi, Tay-" Shikamaru was tackled by Shino in an effort to shut him up. Naruto stood in shock at what Shikamaru was about to say, before laughing and clutching his stomach.

"Shino, didn't anyone ever tell you not to play with fire. Especially not a raging freaking inferno. You can't handle that, you're not ready for that."

"What I am and am not ready for is my decision besides it's not like she's notorious nor beats me down everyday."

"He has a point. I thought Nara men were henpicked but that's downright submissive."

"I'm nobody's bottom! And what about you Shika? You say in front of an arena full of people, 'A man can't lose to a girl, troublesome' and then give up like a buster." Shikamaru bristled at Naruto's impression of him.

"That was very buster like, I was embarrassed." Shino added.

"You had a draw with a boy in cat pajamas." Shikamaru retorted

"It was a manly draw."

"Not really, you had a weird twitch going on. Frankly, you both shamed Kurenai-sensei. Thank the Sage I was there to clean things up, per usual." Naruto observed.

"Land of Vegetables/Land of Vegetables."

"Oh, no. Neither of you are blaming me for that."

"Why not? You're a trouble magnet." Shikamaru responded.

"A short, trouble magnet." Shino added. "With no guys."

"Screw both you shameful bastards."

"Tough talk for a half pint."

"Shikamaru, I believe you should have called it big talk to contrast with his lack of stature."

"I might be slightly shorter than you but I'll wash both you scrubs."

"Let's step outside. Why? To show you who is the scrub. Spoiler warning, it is you."

"Troublesome, even I have some pride. Let's do this."

The boys departed towards the backyard, oblivious or indifferent to the audience they'd attracted with their argument. The onlookers watched as the Chunin Shinobi disregarded all technique and tactics in their bout of horseplay. It looked more like three brothers roughhousing than actual ninja combat.

"Your cute, little students are being adorable again, Kurenai." said Kakashi

"I can't argue with you there. They've come along way in a year."

"You've done well with them." Asuma praised his significant other.

"They made it easy. Well, not at first but eventually they gelled."

"You considering taking another team in the future?" Asuma questioned, as all three were Chunin she could if she desired so. He saw her shake her head.

"Unless it was absolutely necessary, I couldn't imagine it. Those are my boys out there, I'd compare any future team I had to them, it wouldn't be fair." The three Jounin continued to chat as they watched the rest of Team Kurenai play. One partygoer, however, was not amused by their antics and let it be known.

"Stump, if you and those other two dipshits don't get in here and eat some motherfucking cake I'll castrate all three of you tree hugging bitches!" Tayuya shouted from a window. Naruto looked sheepish from the ground, Shino adjusted his glasses and Shikamaru just muttered 'troublesome'. She slammed the window shut, believing she'd done enough.

"Shino, you need to control your chick." Shikamature said. Shino's only response was for the buzzing to grow louder but not loud enough to drowned out Naruto's laughter.