The Return Home

Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Tenjho Tenge

AUTHORS NOTE: Just a short note, Shenlong was a reference to old Chinese myths, not Dragon Ball Z. Don't expect DBZ stuff to pop in the story. The abrupt ending to last chapter was intentional. The story will get back to Tiger Tree Village and the Land of the Greater Summons eventually. Enjoy!

[ ] signifies hand signs

{ } signifies a foreign language

Last time:

"One of the Uzumaki Clan. Ah, we should have known." said Shenlong. "Only a descendant of Ashina would dare to come here before us. What is your mission Uzumaki Naruto?"

"The Withering has returned and the Dragon Flower is extinct in the Elemental Nations." explained the ninja. "We are desperate to cure the Withering and need your help."

"So you would lay it all on the line to obtain the Dragon Flower and the way to make the medicine from it?" asked the Ancient One.

Naruto said, "Yes." with absolute conviction.

Shenlong asked, "And what do have to give us in exchange for such a valuable thing?"

"I have nothing save my life to give." said the blonde. "Or we could make a little wager…"

"Oh no! Ashina tricked us that way." spoke the dragon. "It seems you are him all over again." Then he began to laugh in a strange hissing way. It was not a cruel laugh but one of genuine amusement. "You have entertained us Uzumaki Naruto. Your ancestor Ashina did as well. We will grant you your wish. Should you return here seeking a Greater Summons come see us. Our door will be open to you."

Naruto saw a scroll appear before him. "Open that when you get home. Within lies the Dragon Flowers you seek and the instructions to make the medicine."

The blonde bowed again. "Thank you, Shenlong-sama. I will forever be in your debt."

"Until we meet again Uzumaki Naruto. We have spoken." With that Naruto vanished in a flash of light. The next thing Naruto knew was he and his travelling companions were standing in front of the gates of Konoha…

…

Chapter 59

Fire Country, Eastern Border

While Team Kuro was in Ōrora, ANBU Brat Team 8 led by Yuuhi Kurenai was on Border Patrol near Hot Springs Country. Everything had been quiet and routine until they found the badly injured Jinchūruki of the Eight Tails, Kirabi and his pint-sized companion Aiko; otherwise known as Timberwolf Six.

…

…Flashback

"My insects sense something extremely powerful sensei." said Aburame Shino. "They say it could be very dangerous."

Team 8 crept up on Killer Bee only to be detected by Aiko who took a defensive stance between them and the big carrier of the Eight Tails.

The diminutive Aiko said, "Halt! Are you friends or foes?!"

Kurenai sweat dropped and said, "We are Team 8 from Konoha. What are two Kumo ninja doing here in Fire Country?"

"Yo! I'm Kirabi the king of rap but right now I feel like crap." croaked Bee. "I'm in bad shape as you see, we came here for amnesty."

The genjutsu mistress of Konoha recognized Kirabi from the Bingo books and said "Are you serious? You're one of the most powerful ninja in Kumo."

"Nope, not anymore." replied Bee. "Raikage A showed us the door."

…Flashback end

…

Team 8 helped Aiko and Kirabi to the nearest Konoha Border Station for medical attention. Bee was asleep and Aiko explained their situation.

The light blue haired girl said, "Bee-sama and I helped guide ANBU Team Kuro up to where the passage to Ōrora was supposed to be in order to help his team that the Raikage discarded. When A-sama discovered it, he flew into a rage and tried to kill Bee-sama and I as traitors. We barely escaped alive and Bee-sama protected me with his life. Please help us! We have no other place to go!"

"This is a delicate situation." said Kurenai. "I'm going to contact the Hokage. In the meantime, you two need to lay low."

Over the next few days Bee was patched up per the Hokage's instructions and Team 8 carefully escorted Kirabi and Aiko back to Konoha. They arrived in Konoha a week later and were reunited with Samui, Karui and Omoi.

Kirabi was elated to see his Team alive and they were overjoyed to have their eccentric sensei back. Bee rapped, "Team Kuro is out to find the cure and I believe their hearts are pure. Besides, they should do fine because they've got the number nine."

…

Fire Country, Konoha

A week after that ANBU Team Kuro and their companions Kanna, Kuroten and Aoi were standing there dumbfounded at the Gates of Konoha. Kanna summed things up succinctly by asking, "Where in the hell are we?"

Yūgao said, "We appear to be safe at home. This seems to be Konoha in Fire Country." The two Neko's were a bit dazzled and returned to their home when after realizing they were low on chakra.

"Is this a genjutsu?" asked Maya as she put on her ANBU Raptor mask.

Naruto thought, 'The Ancient One must have sent us here to help with the Withering.' Putting on his smiling Fox Mask, he said "Genjutsu Kai!" and sent out a massive shockwave of chakra that would shatter any illusion around the Team. Nothing happened but everyone in Konoha felt it.

Raptor sweat dropped. "Wasn't that a bit overkill Fox-kun? Raven could have told us you know."

ANBU Raven looked with her byakugan and said, "We really are in Konoha…and a small army is headed our way in response to Fox-kun's chakra blast…Then again, I suppose it was as subtle as getting hit in the face with a shovel..."

ANBU started appearing everywhere in response to Naruto's chakra wave and Commander Dragon sweat dropped when he realized it was Team Kuro. 'I'd recognize that chakra anywhere.' "Report!" he said authoritatively.

"Team Kuro reporting for duty." said ANBU Cat. "We have much to discuss."

"Did you accomplish your mission?" asked Dragon.

"We need to go to an empty patch of greenhouse to make sure." said Naruto as he held up the large Dragon Flower scroll.

Dragon ordered, "Everyone stand down. Team Kuro come with me…and bring your guest."

Kanna shivered. "Does everyone around here wear creepy masks?"

Cat put her hand on Kanna's shoulder and said, "Only those of us in ANBU Black Ops wear masks Kanna. You are perfectly safe. Call us by our codenames anytime we wear our masks in the Elemental Countries."

Dragon asked Kanna, "You are…?"

"I'm Uzumaki Kanna." said the redhead.

Dragon nearly face faulted. "Another Uzumaki?! For an extinct Clan there sure are a lot of you popping up." He looked at Fox and said, "Well…?"

Fox scratched the back of his neck nervously and said, "We kind of discovered a lost branch of the Uzumaki Clan in Ōrora. It's a long story. The main issue at this point is to get an empty plot in a greenhouse for this scroll of Dragon Flowers."

Dragon said, "Follow me over to the greenhouses. The Hokage will want to be there." He motioned to one of the other ANBU Teams, "Inform the Hokage that Team Kuro has returned. I'm taking them to the new greenhouses."

Cat turned to Naruto and said, "So what exactly happened Fox? Did you meet the Ancient One?"

"I did but I want to make sure that the Dragon Flowers are really in this scroll before I believe what I saw."

Kanna was looking around in awe at the size of Konoha and how many people there were. "You could fit the whole Tiger Tree Village in this place." she said in amazement.

As the group talked Commander Dragon felt a migraine coming on. 'Whatever their report is will probably mean typing up a book length report.'

Tsunade and Shizune were waiting at the new greenhouse complex that was constructed for the various plants and herbs they hoped to recover from Uzu with Naruto's permission. Team Kuro bowed and Cat said, "We have returned Hokage-sama. I hope everyone's hard work has paid off."

The Fifth Hokage said, "I suppose the results of your trip are in that scroll?"

"Hai, Hokage-sama." said Fox. "With your permission I'll unseal this scroll and plant the new flowers."

Seeing Tsunade nod, Naruto checked the scroll again and said, "Fuinjutsu: Flower Garden, unseal!"

The scroll opened and a ten-meter by thirty-meter patch of fresh earth spread out on the greenhouse soil. An instant later the Dragon Flowers grew rapidly from the earth covering the entire area in violet-colored blooms.

The Hokage immediately examined the flowers to compare the old book she had of medicinal herbs and said, "These are perfect specimens of the Dragon Flower, Antirrhinum bellidfolium. Shizune, begin preparing the antidote. Well done team Kuro, very well done. I'm looking forward to your reports."

…

By that afternoon Tsunade and Team Samui were cured of the Withering and the jaundiced spot between their shoulder blades was gone. The group was having a small celebration at the Senju Compound with Doctor Akira, Yano, Hiruzen and Hanako. The still healing Kirabi and Aiko were also present. "May the Withering never plague anyone ever again; cheers!" said Jiraiya.

"Cheers!" called out everyone present. Omoi said, "This is great Bee-sensei!"

Karui was caught up in the celebration but Samui thought, '…And A-sama didn't lift a finger to help us.'

…

…Where was Team Kuro? Instead of celebrating, they were deep inside ANBU Headquarters writing up their huge reports…

Yūgao sighed. "So, the Ancient one was actually a Shinryū? A genuine Divine Dragon? No one will believe it Naruto."

Naruto shook his head. "I can only say what I saw. I'm not sure if I believe it either. I will say one thing though: The poem we used to guide us fit his description perfectly. I don't know what details to even write down or where to begin."

"Just write down everything Naruto-kun." said Hinata encouragingly. "You can sort out the details into a formal report afterwards."

"We're going to be stuck in here for days aren't we sensei?" asked Maya glumly.

Yūgao chuckled. "We won't be here as long as ANBU Commander Dragon. He'll have to read all our reports."

…

In the meantime, Uzumaki Kanna was being shown around town by her cousins Tayuya and Karin. She was having a great time. "It's so amazing here!" said the orange-red haired girl. "I wondered about where Naruto and the others came from but I never imagined I would be able to come here. There are so many different clans I can't keep track of them all."

The three redheads actually made quite a stunning trio and attracted a lot of attention. "So, you are a hunter in the Tiger Tree Village." said Tayuya. You'd probably be a chunin here bordering on Jonin like me. You've got all the fighting power but not the experience yet."

"Come to think of it, Naruto-sama should be on the Jonin Council because he is technically the head of a good-sized clan now instead of a handful of us." said Karin. "I'll have to bring it up to Akira-sensei or Shizune-senpai."

"What do you suppose Naruto will do?" asked Kanna. "I don't know how he intends to get me back to the Tiger Tree Village. It's on the other side of the continent. I may have to join Konoha so I'll have a place to live."

"Did he say he'd do get you home?" asked Tayuya. Seeing Kanna nod the Uzumaki chunin said, "Then he will. Naruto always keeps his word. He got both Karin and I citizenship here in fire country and I thought it was impossible. He's sly and tricky like a fox."

Karin laughed. "They were ready to send me back to Grass Country and Naruto-sama somehow changed the old judge's mind. I still wonder how he did that…"

"Well, he got me out of prison after talking to Yamanaka Inoichi and the Hokage." said Tayuya. "I figured he'd never pull that off but here I am."

As the three girls talked merrily, they came upon Naruto's unwanted fan girls of Team 17. Ami, Fuki and Kasumi saw Tayuya and gave her wide berth. Aside of the fact Tayuya was protective of Naruto she could be mean as a pit viper and didn't like the three of them at all.

They all happened to be at Ichiraku's Ramen when Ami opened her big mouth. "Look girls, another red headed bimbo. Who are you moron?"

The green-eyed girl unleashed a mass of killing intent that even put Tayuya's to shame. "I'm Uzumaki Kanna. What's it to you bitch?"

Seeing the image of a massive green-eyed tiger behind Kanna Team 17 wisely got up and ran. Tayuya laughed. "Way to go sister! You sent that trash running!"

"Who were they?" asked Kanna as she reeled in her killing intent. "They were rude."

Karin yawned. "That's Team 17. They used to bully Naruto-sama as a child but when he grew up all tall and handsome; they decided they want him. They don't like other Uzumaki Clan members either because they see us as obstacles."

"What a bunch of hypocrites." grouched Kanna. "It sounds like they need a good smackdown."

Tayuya grinned ferally. "I think you're going to fit in fine here Kanna."

…

Natsume Clan Home

The next morning a very tired Maya, Hinata and Naruto came home and saw Natsu cleaning and she welcomed them home. Then they saw Sarutobi Hiruzen and Hanako sitting on the couch looking young and vibrant as could be. Hanabi and Konohamaru were there as well and the four of them said, "Surprise!" in reference to the Elders restored youth.

The three members of Team Kuro/Team 11 looked at them and Naruto said, "Ha, ha! Good one Obaa-chan, Jiji. Pranks are my thing. We're exhausted from travelling to Ōrora and back so the three of us are going to shower and crash for the day. Goodnight."

Seeing the bags under the three kid's eyes Hiruzen deflated a bit realizing the members of Team 11 were physically spent and decided they would try their surprise again later…

…

A few hours later Tomoe Hikari arrived at the Natsume Residence and greeted the Elders in her always respectful way, "Hanako-sama, Hiruzen-sama; how are you? Are Naruto-kun and the others home?"

"Yes, they are," replied Hanako. "Unfortunately, the three of them were very tired and went straight to bed."

Hikari giggled, "How did they react to your younger selves? I nearly fell out of my chair in shock."

Hiruzen sweat dropped. "You might say they were underwhelmed. They were so tired and so accustomed to Naruto's pranking antics that they assumed it was a practical joke and didn't bat an eyelash."

The young ANBU snorted and then burst into laughter at the flat look on the Elder's faces. "Forgive me Honorable Advisors but this is too much! Bwahaha!"

Hanako smiled and said, "You are forgiven Hikari-chan. As I understand it their reports and debriefing took eleven hours so it's no wonder they were worn out."

"Do you know what happened?" asked the now serios Hikari.

Both Elders shook their heads. "The three of them went to Ōrora and back and somehow retrieved the Dragon Flower. That's all we know at this point," said Sarutobi.

Then Hanako said brightly, "Once they awaken, I'm sure they'll have some tales to tell. Come have some tea with us Hikari-chan. I'm sure you'll see them tomorrow.."

…

Hokage's Office

The completely recovered Senju Tsunade Senju was reading over Team Kuro's reports with Commander Dragon. "So, they met the Tora and the Neko Summoning Clans…" mused Tsunade. "Uzuki Yūgao is now contracted with the Neko Clan. Excellent." Then her amber eyes grew wide. "Thunder Lizards…? Shenlong…? Just what the hell have they been through?!"

…

Konoha Diplomatic Guest Quarters

Kirabi was discussing things with his three students and Aiko. "Team Bee always repays their debts. If the Hokage agrees then we're all set." rapped Bee.

Samui nodded. "I agree with Bee-sensei. The Hokage and ANBU Team Kuro saved all our lives after the Raikage threw us away. I say we join Konoha."

Karui added, "The Raikage would consider us traitors for surviving anyway."

"The food is great here!" said Aiko enthusiastically. "That's a big plus."

After a long discussion Team Bee and Aiko agreed to join Konoha if Tsunade would let them.

…

Natsume Clan Home

The next morning Naruto, Maya and Hinata woke up early as usual and saw Hanako looking young and beautiful again. She was already eating breakfast with Hanabi. Naruto asked, "Obaa-chan, why are you under a henge still?"

Hanako smiled warmly and said, "I think we all have stories to share…"

"…"

"…So, you really are young again Obaa-chan." said Hinata happily. "We all are thrilled for you and Sarutobi-sama."

Hanako beamed. "And you journeyed to the Land of the Greater Summons. It must have been quite an adventure. You don't know how proud I am of the three of you. What are your Team's plans? You are due for some mandatory time off."

Hinata took a deep breath. "I need to set things straight with Father. Despite what happened, the trip to Ōrora convinced me I should forgive him and make amends."

"I'm glad to hear that Hinata-chan." replied Hanako. "Hiashi-kun was worried sick about you on this last mission. He came by last night and I told him you were exhausted and need to sleep. I invited him to come back for lunch today so he could see you. I hope you don't mind."

"Perhaps I'll go see him this morning at the Hyūga Compound instead." said Hinata.

"I'm sure he'd love to see you." said Maya. "I was worried you'd never forgive him."

Naruto smiled. "I'm glad too. I'm sure Hanabi-chan is thrilled."

Hanabi smiled and said, "We should go see Daddy together nee-chan."

What about you Maya-chan; Naruto-kun? asked Hanako.

"I need to catch up with Hikari-chan and get to know my clanmates a little better." said Naruto.

Maya smiled, "I intend to make sure Aya-chan hasn't been slacking on her training and see all of our friends."

"Just don't forget to relax and recover." said Hanako. "You've all had a long and exhausting trip."

…

Tomoe Hikari's Apartment

Naruto went to see his fiancé Hikari and was lucky enough to catch her at her apartment. She opened the door and said, "Naruto-kun!" before she embraced him and kissed him passionately.

The blonde shinobi eagerly returned her kiss and said, "I've missed you so much Hikari-chan! I'm so happy to see you."

Her green eyes practically lit up with excitement and she dragged him into her apartment and locked the door…

…

Hyūga Clan Compound

An hour later, Hinata appeared at the front gates of the Hyūga Compound in her ANBU gear minus the mask. Hanabi had stayed back with Hanako. The two guards greeted her warmly after getting over their initial shock at her sudden appearance. All of the clan members were happy to see their heiress among them again.

None were happier to see her than Hiashi though. He said, "My daughter, look at how you've grown! You are more beautiful than ever. Himawari lives on through you."

The last thing Hiashi expected was Hinata to gently embrace him and say, "I forgive you Father. Let us start anew."

Hiashi had tears in his eyes when he returned his daughter's embrace and said, "You don't know how happy I am right now Hinata-chan."

The Father-daughter pair had tea together and discussed her harrowing mission to Ōrora in detail.

"…So the Land of Greater Summons is like a vast, untamed Forest of Death." explained Hinata. "The beasts and summons there are colossal and there is a branch of the Uzumaki Clan that lives near there. It is an amazing place that has to be seen to be believed. Thankfully we were able to complete our mission and retrieved the Dragon Flower."

"I'm so proud of you Hinata-chan." said Hiashi beaming at his daughter. "You have become a powerful and dynamic kunoichi like Kaa-san. I'm sure she must be proud of you as well…"

…

Konoha Ninja Academy

In the meantime, Maya went to the Ninja Academy to observe her little sister Aya who was hard at work as a second-generation ANBU Brat. The Natsume Heiress had been both proud and worried that Aya was going through the Advanced Genin training program like she did.

Maya watched discreetly from up in a tree as Hatake Kakashi ran twenty-four students through their paces and saw his training style wasn't quite as strict as Yūgao's. It was still ANBU training, but they weren't gearing up for a war either.

"Watching the next generation?" asked Kakashi from a nearby branch.

Maya looked over her shoulder and said, "So you can make shadow clones too. I just came to see how my little sister is doing. I wasn't aware there was a second group of Advanced Genins until I got back from Ōrora.

"I'm eager to hear about Ōrora once it's been declassified." said Kakashi. "Team Kuro are going to be legends someday."

…

Tomoe Hikari's Apartment

Hikari sighed as she laid comfortably in Naruto's arms. "Mmmm…I've missed you Naruto-kun." she said sleepily. She ran he hands through his blond hair. "It's been weeks since we saw each other."

He kissed her sweetly. "I've missed you too Hikari-hime." Naruto squeezed her gently. "I love you."

"And I love you my Uzu Prince." she replied. "I was outside the village when your team got back. I heard you unleashed a huge shockwave of chakra that scared everybody and brought someone with you."

Naruto nodded. I had to make sure the Konoha wasn't a genjutsu. "Were were teleported to the Leaf Village by …unconventional means."

"Unconventional means?" asked Hikari.

"We aren't sure exactly how it happened." admitted Naruto. "The Ancient One kind of snapped his fingers and we appeared here."

Hikari's green eyes widened. "The Ancient One like in the poem? What is it?"

"It's a Shenlong that is unbelievably powerful." explained the blonde. "The Divine Dragon teleported all of us halfway across the Elemental Continent in the blink of an eye."

"Who all came with you?" asked the purple haired ANBU.

Naruto replied, "Team Kuro, Yūgao-sensei's two neko summons Kuroten and Aoi, and our new friend Uzumaki Kanna-chan."

"Uzumaki Kanna?" questioned Hikari. "You found another clansman?"

"Yes, the is a place called the Tiger Tree Village in Ōrora that is led by a lost branch of the Uzumaki Clan." answered the blonde. "It's an amazing place and Kanna-chan is like a princess of sorts there."

"Tiger Tree Village huh?" she asked. "That's an unusual name for a village."

Naruto grinned. "The place is entirely built in the tree that is kilometers high! It is unbelievable…"

The two lovers talked well into the afternoon…

…

Natsume Clan Home

That evening, Maya and Aya came home and found Hinata, Hikari, Naruto and Hanabi were waiting for them among many friends and relatives. Most of the ANBU Brats were there with the exception of Team 9 that was on a mission. They were preparing a feast to celebrate Team Kuro coming home. A lot of things were discussed and Uzumaki Honoka's spirit was brought up as well as Summoning Island.

"The Uzumaki fuinjutsu: Body/Spirit Reformation should work from what I know of it." said Naruto as he thumbed the pages of the Uzumaki Black Book that Tayuya's Grandfather had left behind. "According to this, all we need is a sample of Honoka's original body like a drop of blood or a piece of hair to complete the process. We'll have to go to Summoning Island and search."

They were also discussing Kanna's situation. "I like it here in Konoha. There is so much to explore!" exclaimed the red-orange haired huntress. "That being said; I want to find out who tried to kill us all on Caldara Island. That's a crime that carries a death penalty in the Tiger Tree Village. I want to know who is responsible and bring them to justice." Her green eyes sparked with vengeance. "Heads will roll."

'Never piss off an Uzumaki.' was the collective thought of all the non-Uzumaki present…

Hiruzen said, "Ahem…Well, vengeance aside you seem to fit in well here with your clanmates Kanna. It will probably take some time to get back to Ōrora though."

"I'm well aware of that Sarutobi-sama." said Kanna. "I can wait. We Uzumaki are long lived after all…"

…

Hokage's Office

The next morning, Kirabi, his team and Aiko were sworn in as Konoha Ninjas despite diplomatic protests from the Raikage. Bee rapped to the Kumo diplomats, "Tell A he's got no class and that he can shove it up his ass. Konoha found a cure for the disease, so we've got every right to leave."

Cringing at Bee's bad rapping, Tsunade said to the Kumo diplomatic envoys, "The Raikage threw away some of his most promising and loyal ninja. To send them back would be a death sentence. Inform A that he's lost this one."

Finding their arguments were getting nowhere; the Kumo diplomats left Konoha empty handed…

…

POSTSCRIPT:

See you next time. Blue out. 10/21/23