Chapter 40

Words-7777

(The Next Morning, 9:00 a.m.)

"Mmm, you have some explaining to do Naruto." Mei said, wrapping her nude form in a dark blue robe. After their initial romp in her office, Mei quickly and covertly escorted Naruto back to her home so that they could continue in private. The Mizukage's hair was wild and disheveled from her previous lovemaking with the blonde jinchuriki. Mei set two cups of tea down, as she took a seat across from Naruto. The blonde was dressed in his boxers, and a plain white t-shirt.

"Thanks Mei-chan." Naruto said, as he took a sip of his tea. Letting out a content sigh, Naruto set the cup of tea back down. "Hmm, where should I start?"

"Why don't you start by telling me about this?" Mei asked, as she revealed the mate mark on her right arm. "I've always wanted a tattoo, but this is a little unusual. I can feel power coursing through this mark." Mei ran her fingers along her mark, and it began to glow dimly. "It's a very strange sensation, but not in a bad way."

"That's a mate mark." Naruto explained, causing Mei to quirk an eyebrow. "It links us together. I gave it to you by pumping some of Kurama's chakra into your body through the bite I gave you."

"So the power I feel is the kyuubi's?" Mei asked, earning a nod from Naruto. "Will I be able to use the kyuubi's chakra?"

"I don't know to be honest." Naruto replied, as he rubbed the back of his head. "Sakura-chan and Tenten-chan were able to tap into Kurama's chakra, but I think it only worked because they were overtaken by their emotions." The blonde jinchuriki sighed and leaned forward in his seat. "I guess if your emotions ever get out of control you might be able to access some of Kurama's chakra. But since you only have one band I'm not really sure."

"One band? You can have more than one?" Mei questioned, as she glanced at the orange band on her arm again.

"Yeah, Sakura-chan actually has three bands." Naruto answered, holding up three fingers. "The rest of my girls have two bands."

"Why do they have more than me?" Mei asked, her voice laced with barely hidden annoyance.

"It's nothing against you Mei-chan!" Naruto quickly exclaimed, as he waved his arms defensively. "It's just that I've known the other girls longer than I've know you, so I have a stronger bond with them."

"I see." Mei said, rubbing her chin. The Mizukage's one visible eye was closed, as she pondered what Naruto had told her. After a few moments Mei's eye opened, and she let out a light sigh. "Listen Naruto...I'm the Mizukage...so I can't go with you and your group. I have a duty to stay here, and lead this village and its people." Mei suddenly chuckled and leaned forward, giving Naruto a generous view of her cleavage. "However I will definitely be planning more 'diplomatic' trips to Konoha."

"I understand Mei-chan. I wouldn't ask you to leave the village anyways." Naruto said, as a toothy grin spread across his face. "And when you're on those 'diplomatic' trips I'll be happy to be your escort."

"Mmm, I was hoping you'd say that." Mei purred out, leaning back in her seat. "So was there anything else you wanted to discuss. You mentioned that you had to tell me something in my office last night."

"That's right, I did have a couple things to tell you." Naruto said, as he scratched his cheek. "Well I guess I'll start by telling you that Yagura and Utakata are both alive."

Mei's visible green eye widened in surprise, as she nearly choked on the tea she was drinking. "WHAT?!" Mei yelled after she roughly swallowed her tea.

"I brought all the jinchuriki back to life." Naruto said, activating his tomoe rinnegan. The Mizukage gasped when she saw that Naruto possessed the legendary ocular dōjutsu. "I felt like all the jinchuriki deserved another chance at life, since the Akatsuki stole their lives away from them."

"Okay, I can understand bringing Utakata back; because even though he was a missing-nin he was never truly a bad person. But why did you bring that murdering bastard Yagura back to life!? He's the one who made academy students kill each other just to pass, and he persecuted and murdered hundreds of shinobi with kekkei genkai!" Mei shouted in rage, slamming her fist onto the table.

"C-Calm down Mei-chan!" Naruto said nervously, as he placed a hand on the Mizukage's shoulder. "I know Yagura has done some awful things, but it wasn't his fault."

"Explain." Mei ordered, as she crossed her arms under her chest.

"When Yagura was in power as the Yondaime Mizukage he was being influenced by Madara and Obito Uchiha." Naruto explained, earning a deep sigh from Mei.

"I had heard whispers and rumors that Yagura was being controlled from the shadows." Mei said softly, as she rubbed her chin. "Even so, Yagura has done horrendous things that cannot be forgiven."

"I'm not asking you or your people to forgive him. Just give him a second chance to redeem himself and prove that he's not as terrible as people say." Naruto pleaded, taking ahold of Mei's hand. "Please, all of us jinchuriki have had incredibly difficult lives. Most of us were shunned and despised by our villages." Naruto looked into Mei's green eyes, as he placed his other hand over the seal on his stomach. "I want to show the other jinchuriki that people are now ready to accept them, and I want everyone to see that we jinchuriki aren't the demons that dwell within us."

"*Sigh* I have far too much faith in you Naruto." Mei said, as she stared into Naruto's eyes. "It goes against my better judgement, but I will allow Yagura and Utakata back into the village if they wish to return." Naruto perked up when he heard this. "But they will be under a watchful eye until I'm sure they can be fully trusted."

"That's all I ask, arigatou Mei-chan." Naruto said with a wide smile, placing a gentle kiss on Mei's lips.

"Alright, alright that's enough." Mei said, giggling softly as a faint blush covered her face. "Now was there anything else you wished to tell me about."

"Yeah there was two more things I wanted to tell you." Naruto said, as she sat back in his seat. "Saiken and Isobu wished to be sealed back within Yagura and Utakata."

"So the bijuu wished to be sealed back within their jinchuriki. I'm already letting those two back into the village if they wish, so if they want their bijuu back they can have them." Mei said, earning a smile from Naruto.

"Great, I'll start looking for both of them as soon as we're done here." Naruto said, as he formed a Kage Bunshin. Ignoring the slight dizziness, Naruto sent the clone to speak with Sai; so that he could have some of his ink creatures start searching for Yagura and Utakata. When the clone left the room, Naruto turned back to Mei with a nervous look on his face. "One last thing before I go Mei-chan."

"What is it Naruto?" Mei asked, tilting her head in confusion at Naruto's sudden nervousness.

"Obito Uchiha is still alive. I brought him back to life a few months ago." Naruto said, causing Mei's visible eye to widen in shock. "He's currently serving on Konoha's newly reformed police force."

"*Sigh* You give me such head pain Naruto." Mei said, as she rubbed her temples. "I've read the reports, so I know that Obito was being manipulated by Madara for decades. I trust your judgement Naruto, so I won't question your decision. But I don't how the other kage will take this news."

"Oh, Gaara and Raikage-jiji already know about it." Naruto said, causing Mei to quirk an eyebrow. "They're both okay with it, but I still haven't told Tsuchikage-jiji yet."

"That's quite a surprise. It's almost impossible to change that stubborn bastard A's mind." Mei said, as she let out a slight chuckle. "But with silver tongue I'm sure it was easy for you to convince him."

"You won't have to worry about Obito." Naruto said, standing up from his seat. He walked over to Mei and kissed her on the cheek. "A seal was placed on his chakra, and he's under careful surveillance. If he doesn't cause any problems we were hoping to lessen the seal in a few years, so that he could use some of his chakra. But we sadly can't allow him to a shinobi ever again after what he's done."

"Okay, I trust you and that pervert Kakashi to keep a watchful eye over him." Mei said, following Naruto to her front door.

"Obito's not a bad guy, he was just dealt a shitty hand in life." Naruto said, as he stepped out onto Mei' porch. "But I know he wants to atone for his sins, and with Rin at his side I think he'll eventually find redemption."

"Your heart is just too big Naruto Uzumaki." Mei said, giving Naruto one last brief kiss. "It's amazing how you can always find the best in everyone."

"I made a promise to someone some time ago. I promised that I would bring peace to this world, and I'm going do my best to prevent anymore wars from happening." Naruto said, as an image of Nagato and Yahiko popped into his head. The blonde jinchuriki pounded a fist over his heart, as grin spread across his face. "Believe it!"

"If there's anyone who can accomplish that it's you Naruto." Mei thought with a small smile, as Naruto leaped onto an adjacent rooftop.

(10 Minutes Later; Sakura's Room)

"Sakura-chan! You in there?" Naruto called out, as he knocked on the door to the pinkette's room.

"Yeah! The door's unlocked!" Sakura replied from within the room.

Naruto opened the door and walked into Sakura's room. He was surprised to see the pinkette preparing messenger hawk. Sakura put two letters in a small container, and attached them to the hawk. Once the container was attached to the hawk's leg; Sakura released the bird out her opened window.

"What's the messenger hawk for?" Naruto asked, as he took on Sakura's bed.

"I sent a letter to Kakashi-sensei and Tsunade-sama." Sakura answered, sitting down next to Naruto. The blonde raised an eyebrow when he felt Sakura rest her head against his chest.

"Sakura-chan, why are pressing your head against my chest?" Naruto asked, causing Sakura to look up him. Her emerald green eyes meeting his bright blue ones.

"I just wanted to listen to your heart beat." Sakura replied, causing Naruto's eyes to widen. "It helps calm me, and it let's me know that you're safe."

"Sakura-chan, I'm fine." Naruto reassured in a soothing voice; rubbing small circles up and down Sakura's back. The blonde smiled warmly and kissed the top of Sakura's head. "I have you to thank for that."

"I know you're fine you baka." Sakura said quietly, placing her head back against Naruto's chest. "Just let me do this, okay?"

"Fine, fine." Naruto relented with a slight chuckle. "So what were in those letters you sent out?"

"In the first letter I asked Kakashi-sensei if he knew where Zabuza's sword, because he was the last one to use it. Suigetsu was really excited to learn that he might get the sword back." Sakura answered, as she stared out the window across the room. "The second letter I detailed everything that's been happening to you to Tsunade-sama. Since she's back in Konoha she'll have access to more medical resources than I have out here. Hopefully she can figure something out, and maybe even start researching a way to cure you."

"Knowing how baa-chan is she'll find something." Naruto said, giving Sakura's shoulder a slight squeeze. "So did Suigetsu find things for you guys to do yesterday."

"Yeah, he had Ino and I help train a fresh batch of doctors at the hospital. Tenten was sent to help train a group of shinobi in their weapon handling skills. Konan went to assist the academy teachers in developing a new lesson plan. Anko, Shisui, and Sai all assisted the hunter-nin in some training exercises. Hinata helped several shinobi improve their hand-to-hand fighting techniques. Ryuuzetsu and Temari trained a new group of genin in some basic ninjutsu. And Choji used his increased size to help build several new buildings."

"Hmm, sounds like they kept you guys busy." Naruto commented with smile, earning a snort from Sakura.

"And what were you doing mister?" Sakura asked, turning her head to look at Naruto. The blonde's whole face turned red, as he avoided Sakura's gaze. "You didn't come to the inn last night. So I'm gonna assume you had some fun with the Mizukage."

"You could say that." Naruto said nervously, as he rubbed the back of his head.

"Calm down, I'm not mad at you." Sakura said with a slight huff of annoyance. "I said if the Mizukage tried anything to go along with, and she obviously tried something with you." Suddenly a small smirk spread across Sakura's face. "Man you should have seen Suigetsu's face when I told him you probably sleeping with Mizukage. HA! I wish I had a camera on me, his expression was priceless."

"Ha! I bet it was!" Naruto laughed, a toothy grin spreading across his face. Suddenly a knock came from Sakura's door. A second later Sai poked his head into the room.

"Oh good, I was afraid that you and dickless were humping like horny rabbits, and I didn't wish to interrupt." Sai said bluntly, as he stepped into the room. Sakura's face burned bright red as she glared at Sai, and a slight growl escaped from Naruto's throat.

"What do you want Sai?" Naruto growled out through clenched teeth.

"I just came to inform you that I received your message." Sai replied, pulling Naruto's letter out of his pocket. "I've sent out dozens of ink birds and land animals to search throughout the surrounding area. I also spoke with Chōjūrō, and he agreed to send out a handful of hunter-nin to try and track Yagura and Utakata."

"Oh...then good work Sai." Naruto said in a surprised tone, earning a bright smile from the dark-haired man. "You're free to go now."

"Okay, you two have fun now." Sai teased, dodging a fiercely thrown pillow from Sakura. "I'll inform you if anything happens Naruto." With that Sai swiftly exited the room; leaving Naruto and Sakura alone once again.

"Kami he's so annoying sometimes!" Sakura huffed out, as she crossed her arms under her chest.

"Yeah you said it." Naruto said with a slight grown, as he laid back on the bed.

"So what do we do now?" Sakura asked, lying down next to Naruto. She placed her head back on his chest, as Naruto pulled her close.

"We wait until we get some info on Yagura and Utakata's locations." Naruto answered, as he slowly closed his eyes.

"Well hopefully we'll get to relax for a bit." Sakura breathed out, as she snuggled up closer to Naruto and closed her eyes as well.

(Four Days Later)

"Ugh! This is boring as fuck!" Naruto complained, as he brought another stack of papers into Mei's office.

"Oh hush now." Mei said with hidden smile, glancing over another paper before placing it in her ever growing pile. "All your friends are busy helping around the village, and with your condition this is the only job we could find for you." When Naruto slumped into a seat in front of her; Mei got up from her chair and walked over to Naruto. She leaned forward and placed a gentle kiss on Naruto's lips. "And I do rather enjoy your company. Ao is no fun, and Chōjūrō gets so embarrassed when I tease. It's rather refreshing having you around."

"Well I guess if it makes you happy I'm alright with staying." Naruto muttered, as a slight blush spread across his face.

"That's what I wanted to hear." Mei said with a smile, as she sat back into her chair. "So has Sai found anything yet?"

"No." Naruto said, running a hand down his face. "And I'm seriously going stir-crazy just sitting around and doing nothing."

"*Sigh* My hunter-nin haven't found anything yet either. They thought they found a trail leading to Yagura, but it turned out to be a dead end." Mei sympathized with Naruto, as she leaned back in her seat. "Don't worry Naruto we'll find them, it will just take some time."

"I know." Naruto said with a sigh, as he clasped his hands. "I just want to keep my promise to the bijuu is all." Mei smiled at Naruto and was about to say something, but the door to her office suddenly burst open. Naruto turned in his chair, and was surprised to see Sakura rushing into Mei's office with Ao hot on her heels.

"Haruno-san you cannot just storm into the Mizukage's office like this!" Ao exclaimed, as he grabbed Sakura's shoulder.

"Let go! I have to speak with Naruto immidiately!" Sakura yelled, as she shook off Ao's hand.

"Ao! Let her be!" Mei shouted, causing Ao's eye to widen.

"But Mizukage-sama-" Ao started to say, but he was cut off by Mei.

"Enough! She's fine Ao. It must be very important for her to storm into here like this." Mei said, earning a grateful look from Sakura.

"What is it Sakura-chan?" Naruto asked, as he stood up from his seat. "Is everything alright? Did something happen to anyone on the team?"

"No, no Naruto a messenger hawk just arrived from Konoha!" Sakura said excitedly, as she began to rifle through her pack. After a few moments the pinkette pulled out a letter, and a small bottle that looked to be filled with pills. "I got a reply from Tsunade-sama!" Naruto's eyes widened when he heard this. "She said in the letter that she's seen and read of various poisons that produce the symptoms that you're experiencing. But she's never heard of a poison displaying all of the effects at a single time." Sakura held up the small bottle, and handed it to Naruto. "She sent over some pills that may help negate the effects of the poison for a little while."

"Really!?" Naruto exclaimed, as he opened the bottle and took out a pill. The pill was quite small and blue and green in color, and was giving off a strange odor. "So this might get rid of the poison's affects?"

"If it works, yes. But it would only be temporarily Naruto." Sakura said in a warning tone. "These won't cure you. We'll have to do more testing once we get back to Konoha."

"Well here goes nothing." Naruto said, as he popped the pill into his mouth. With a gulp Naruto forced down the foul tasting pill. The blonde's eyes widened, as he felt the pills affects almost immidiately. "Holy shit."

"Is it working?" Sakura asked, causing a toothy grin to spread across Naruto's face.

"Hell yeah it's working!" Naruto exclaimed, as he felt energy course through his body. "I feel good as new! Yeah! I need to take advantage of this!" Letting a childish cheer Naruto hopped out of a nearby window, and began to sprint across Kirigakure's rooftops.

"Naruto!" Sakura called out, as she ran over to the window. "Gah! That baka!"

"Aw let the kid have his fun." Mei said, as returned to her paperwork. "He hasn't been able to let loose for weeks, so this is good for him."

"Yeah, but I don't know when the pill will wear off." Sakura said in a quite voice, taking a seat in front of Mei's desk.

"He's got the rest of the pills right?" Mei asked, earning a silent nod from Sakura. "Well if they wear off he can just take another one. Plus if anything were to happen to him one of my shinobi will help him. So you have no need to worry."

"Yeah I guess you're right." Sakura said, as a small smile spread across her face. "I guess it is good for him to blow off some steam."

(Two Minutes Later; Forest Just Outside of Kirigakure)

"Fuck yeah!" Naruto cheered, as he destroyed another series of trees with a thrown Rasenshuriken. The blonde laughed like a child, as he sprinted through the forest surrounding Kiri. "HAHA! I haven't been able to let loose in ages." Naruto activated his rinnegan and began teleport around the forest. The jinchuriki was having too much fun to notice the Kiri hunter-nin keeping a close eye on him; watching from a distance to make sure nothing went wrong. Another tree burst into splinters, as Naruto hit it with a Raiton Rasengan. "Man this feels great!"

"Hey gak...you...me?!"

Naruto stopped dead in tracks when he heard the familiar rumbling voice in his head. He immidiately sat down, and tried to concentrate as best as he could. "Kurama is that you?"

"Yeah...me."

"I can barely hear you, and you keep getting cut off." Naruto thought, as he suddenly felt Kurama flare his chakra.

"Is that better, can you hear me now?" Kurama said clearly, causing a massive grin to spread across Naruto's face.

"Yeah you're coming in clearly now buddy! Oh it's so good to hear your voice! It's been over a month!" Naruto exclaimed, as he appeared in front of the bijuu; Kurama flinched in annoyance at Naruto's loud tone.

"Keep your voice down gaki. It's good to hear from you, I was really starting to get worried." Kurama said, earning a toothy grin from Naruto.

"Aww, I didn't know you cared so much." Naruto said, causing Kurama to release a throaty growl.

"Shut your trap gaki!" Kurama roared, as he bared his fangs. "Well it seems that those pills you took have weakened the poison in your system enough to allow us to finally speak."

"So it is a poison." Naruto said with a frown. "But who could have done this, and why can't you just remove the poison from my body?"

"I have no idea where the poison is in your system." Kurama admitted with a deep sigh. "I detected it when it first entered your body, but it disappeared so quickly that I figured it was nothing. But after a while I knew something was up, and I began to search for poisons in your system. I don't have a clue where the poison is though. It's almost like the poison was designed specifically to affect jinchuriki and their bijuu."

"You...you don't think the Akatsuki had something to do with this?" Naruto asked, earning a low grumble from Kurama.

"I highly doubt that. But the Akatsuki may have been developing this poison to help weaken jinchuriki, so they could capture them more easily." Kurama replied, as Naruto released a groan of annoyance.

"Damn it, what the hell is happening to me?" Naruto asked himself, as he stared at the ground.

"I don't know kid, but something doesn't feel right to me. So watch your back." Kurama warned, as he leaned his head down closer to Naruto. "I'd hate to see something happen to you when you're doing such a great job uniting humans and bijuu."

"Thanks Kurama." Naruto said, as he gave the kyuubi a fist bump. "I'll need you soon, because I may need to contact Saiken and Isobu."

"Alright Naruto I'll let them know that you'll be contacting them soon." Kurama said, as he turned his head away from Naruto. "And please be careful gaki."

"Don't worry Kurama I'll stay safe." Naruto said, as he exited his mind. When Naruto reopened his eyes he found Sai staring at him; just a few inches from his face. "GAH! What the fuck Sai?!" Naruto jumped backwards; breathing heavily as he glared at Sai.

"Hmm, so you're awake." Sai said with a creepy smile. "You're face was really weird a minute ago."

"What do you want Sai?!" Naruto exclaimed, as he slowed his rapidly beating heart.

"I just thought you'd like to know that one of my ink birds spotted Yagura." Sai replied, causing Naruto's eyes to widen. "He's near a large waterfall about two miles south of the village."

"Great! I'll start making my way there now!" Naruto said, as he placed a hand on Sai's shoulder. "You're coming with me too. Meet me at the village gates in ten minutes, I'm gonna go grab Shisui as well." With that Naruto ran off to find his team's Uchiha.

(5 Minutes Later; Kirigakure)

"*Sigh* Most of those hunter-nin are really talented, but some of them are rather rough around the edges." Shisui said, as he and Anko exited the hunter-nin's headquarter's.

"I hear you, and I didn't like how some of them were ogling me...fucking perverts." Anko said, crossing her arms under her chest.

"Uh, isn't that kinda hypocritical coming from you? I mean you're one of the biggest perverts I know." Shisui asked, cocking his head slightly. This caused Anko's face to burn red in embarrassment.

"Shut up!" Anko exclaimed, punching Shisui in the arm. "I'll admit that I'm a perv, but I'm only a perv for Naruto now."

"Okay, okay." Shisui relented, chuckling lightly under his breath. "I wonder where Sai is. He wasn't here to help us today."

"He's been helping Naruto try to find Yagura and Utakata." Anko said, stretching her arms behind her head. "But they haven't had much luck so far." Shisui opened his mouth to speak, but he was cut off by a loud shout.

"SHISUI!" Naruto yelled, as he sprinted up to the duo.

"Naruto?" Anko asked in a low tone, as she narrowed her eyes. Her eyes suddenly widened when she spotted the bright orange clothes and blonde hair. "That is the gaki! I thought he wasn't supposed to be overexerting himself! Stupid little shit is gonna get himself hurt!" Anko growled slightly, and immidiately began to storm towards the advancing Naruto. "HEY! What do you think you-" However was cut off when Naruto pulled her in for a searing kiss. Anko was taken aback by the surprise kiss. But after a moment Anko let out a low moan, and deepened the kiss. When the two separated Naruto had a stupid grin on his face, while Anko looked slightly dazed.

"It's great to see you Anko-chan! How're you doing?!" Naruto asked, as he held Anko in his arms.

"I...I...thought you were...supposed to be taking it easy." An managed to say; still recovering from Naruto's passionate kiss.

"Oh!" Naruto exclaimed, as he pulled out a small bottle of pills. "Sakura-chan brought me some pills that Tsunade-baachan sent over. They get rid of the poison's effects for a while!" Naruto suddenly grabbed Anko's shoulders, and his grin widened. "But that's not the best part! The pills weakened the poison enough so that I can talk with Kurama again!"

"Really!? You were able to speak with the fuzzball?!" Anko asked, earning an energetic nod from Naruto. This caused a large smile spread across Anko's face. "That's great news Naruto!"

"Yeah it is!" Naruto cheered, but his happy demeanor quickly fell and a small frown replaced his glowing grin. "But these pills won't cure me. We still need to do more testing when we get back home. And Kurama confirmed that I definitely was poisoned. He can't seem to flush out the poison, and I have no clue who would poison me."

"Don't worry Naruto we'll get through this. We'll find out what's wrong with you and cure you." Anko said with a warm smile, placing a gentle kiss on Naruto's cheek.

"*Clears throat* I assume you came here to tell us something, Naruto." Shisui said, as Naruto and Anko quickly separated.

"Uh yeah, I came here to get you Shisui." Naruto said, causing Shisui to quirk an eyebrow. "One of Sai's ink creatures found Yagura, and you're coming with me to make sure nothing goes wrong. Now hurry up Sai's already waiting for us at the villages gates."

"Alright then, let's get going." Shisui said, as he ran past Naruto.

"Anko-chan let the other girls know where I am so they don't worry about me." Naruto said, placing a gentle kiss on Anko's lips. "I'll be back later!"

"Go get him gaki!" Anko called out as Naruto sprinted to catch up to Shisui.

A few minutes later Naruto and Shisui arrived at the gates to Kirigakure. They quickly spotted Sai sitting down near the opened gates. The pale skinned man appeared to drawing something on a scroll when Naruto and Shisui arrived. But before either could see what he was painting, Sai quickly rolled the scroll up and placed it into his pack.

"What were you drawing Sai?" Shisui asked, as Sai stood back onto his feet.

"If you must know, I was just doing some sketches for a portrait I plan on painting once we return home." Sai replied with a fake smile, which creeped Shisui out. "If you don't mind please don't ask any more questions regarding the painting. It's very special, and it's meant to be a surprise."

"Fine with me." Shisui said with a shrug of his shoulders.

"If you two are done we need to get going." Naruto said, getting Sai and Shisui's attention. "Sai we'll need you to lead the way. Shisui I need you to be close by, and ready to put Yagura in a genjutsu just in case things start to get really violent. Sai, while Shisui and I move in on Yagura you just hang back and be ready to intervene if we need you. Do you both understand your roles?" Both Shisui and Sai nodded in acknowledgement. "Alright, let's head out. Sai you take point."

(15 Minutes Later; 2 Miles South of Kirigakure)

"We're approaching the target." Sai said, as all three teammates stopped on a branch. A small ink bird dove down, and landed on Sai's extended arm. "Yagura is located about one hundred yards ahead."

"Okay, Sai you hang back here." Naruto said, causing Sai to nod before he leaped into a nearby tree. "Shisui you hang close by me, but stay hidden." Shisui gave a quick thumbs up, and disappeared in a swirl of leaves. "Right, let's do this."

Naruto hopped down to the ground below, and began to slowly approach where Yagura was located. As Naruto neared he could make out the low rumblings of a large waterfall ahead. When Naruto reached the edge of the tree line, he found a large crystal clear pond with a roaring waterfall at its far end. Scanning the area, Naruto spotted Yagura sitting alone along the water's edge. The former jinchuriki seemed to be meditating; with his large staff lying by his side.

Yagura had sensed Naruto and his two team members approaching well before they arrived at his location. Naruto's two teammates were doing a decent job hiding their chakra signatures, but Naruto made no attempt to mask his own as he came closer. When Naruto had reached the edge of the treelike, Yagura's eyes slowly opened; revealing his pink pupil-less eyes. A small smirk spread across Yagura's face when he heard Naruto's footsteps approaching footsteps.

"I had a feeling you'd be coming for me eventually." Yagura said, continuing to stare at the pond before him. "You didn't do a very good job hiding your approach, and you can tell your teammates to come out of hiding. I don't plan on doing any fighting."

"Heheh, I wasn't really trying to be sneaky." Naruto said with a grin, as he sat down next to Yagura. "If you knew I was coming, you must know why I'm here."

"You're here to bring me back to my home village." Yagura said, staring at his reflection in the water. "I would like to return, and atone for my horrendous actions, but the villagers would never accept me back. I have come to terms with this, and I plan on watching over Kirigakure from the shadows. I was weak, and allowed my actions to be controlled by outside forces."

"But the current Mizukage, Mei Terumi, ensured me that you'd be allowed back into the village." Naruto said, earning a chuckle from Yagura.

"So she became Mizukage after I was killed?" Yagura said with a small smile. "She was always such a strong and fierce woman. But she was also extremely caring and understanding. I can't think of a better person to lead the village."

"So you'll come back to the village?" Naruto asked, causing Yagura to release a short sigh.

"If Mei is okay with my return...than I guess I can come back. I really do wish to right the wrongs I've committed." Yagura turned to face Naruto, and for the first time Naruto saw the self hatred in Yagura's eyes. "You gave me a second chance at life Naruto, and I don't plan on wasting it. I dedicate all of my time and effort to protecting and improving Kiri, so that I can lift weight of guilt off my shoulders."

"Yagura, don't beat yourself up so much." Naruto said, placing his hand on Yagura's shoulder. "Yes, you did some really bad things. But you were being controlled by Madara Uchiha. So it isn't entirely your fault. You still need to atone for what you've done, but you're not an evil person."

"Thanks Naruto...that...that really means a lot to me." Yagura said, as he wiped a tear from his eye. "Alright, I'll return home. I'm ready to face this."

"That's great to hear." Naruto said, helping Yagura to his feet. "Before you go there's one more thing I need to discuss with you."

"Does it have something to do with Isobu?" Yagura questioned, as he placed his staff on his back.

"H-How did you know?" Naruto asked with a surprised look on his face.

"Recently I've felt like Isobu has been calling out to me." Yagura explained, as he turned to gaze at the waterfall behind them. "I didn't have the greatest relationship with Isobu, but I did manage to master his power at a young age. So we do have a connection of sorts. However I cannot figure out why the beast is trying to contact me."

"Isobu wishes to be sealed back within you." Naruto said, causing Yagura's eyes to widen. "All the bijuu wish to be sealed back within their former jinchuriki. They want to work with humans, and learn to coexist with us."

"You're lying." Yagura said; not turning around to face Naruto. "Isobu despised being sealed within me. He hated humans for what they did to him. He'd never want to be trapped inside me."

"You can speak to him yourself, and see that he does want to work with you." Naruto said; this time Yagura did turn around to face the blonde jinchuriki. "Isobu has seen how Kurama and I get along, and wants a similar relationship with you. Yagura, bijuu have feelings just like us, and even though they may deny it they crave interaction with others."

"You said I can speak with him myself?" Yagura asked, earning a quick nod from Naruto. The former Mizukage closed his eyes, as he thought of his answer. Yagura's eyes slowly opened, and he met Naruto's gaze. "*Sigh* Alright, I will speak with Isobu. If you are telling the truth, and he does wish to be sealed back within me, I will grant his wish."

"Awesome! I'm sure Isobu will be excited to see you!" Naruto exclaimed with a grin, as he contacted Kurama. "You hear all that buddy? Call Isobu, and tell him to start making his way towards Kirigakure."

"Yeah I heard you gaki." Kurama replied in a sleepy tone, as he let out a short yawn. "I'll contact that overgrown turtle, and relay him all the information."

"Great! Thanks Kurama! Now we just have to find Utakata, and then we can start making our way to Iwagakure!" Naruto exclaimed, causing Kurama to flinch at the volume of Naruto's voice.

"That's great Naruto, but fucking keep it down." Kurama groaned out, as he began to contact Isobu.

"Sai, Shisui you can come out now." Naruto said into his headset. Seconds later both Shisui and Sai landed in front of Naruto and Yagura. "Yagura has agreed to come back to Kiri with us, so we can head back now." But before anyone could make a move to leave, a masked Kiri hunter-nin dropped down next to him.

"I'm apologize for the interruption Uzumaki-san, but my team has just located Utakata. He's traveling down a small dirt path about a half mile east of here." The hunter-nin reported, as he pulled out a small map and pointed out Utakata's location. "If we leave now we can catch up to him in just a few minutes."

"Alright change of plans." Naruto said, getting everyone's attention. "Shisui, you escort Yagura back to Kiri and report to Mei. Sai you're sticking with me to help support the hunter-nin just in case Utakata starts to put up a fight. We don't want to kill him, so nonlethal attacks only. Sound good to everyone?" Shisui, Sai, Yagura, and the hunter-nin all nodded in understanding. "Okay, Shisui you head out now." Shisui and Yagura nodded before they took off down the path Sai had initially led them down. Naruto then turned to the hunter-nin. "You're leading the way. Sai let's go."

Pumping chakra into their legs the three shinobi jumped into the trees over head. About a two minutes later Naruto and Sai linked up with the rest of the hunter-nin's team. Now with with a six man team, they began to track Utakata. The hunter-nin's intel proved to be correct. They found Utakata only a short distance from where they had last spotted him. But as Naruto's team approached, Utakata suddenly stopped walking. Naruto's eyes widened when Utakata suddenly spun around; bubble pipe already raised to his mouth.

"SCATTER!" Naruto screamed, as a barrage of explosive bubbles detonated where his team had been moments before. Luckily Sai and the hunter-nin had reacted fast enough, and were unharmed and hidden amongst the trees surrounding them. All of the hunter-nin brought out their senbon needles, ready to paralyze Utakata. Sai unrolled his scroll, and prepared his paint brush. Poking his head out, Naruto spotted Utakata scanning the trees for them. The blonde jinchuriki took a deep breath, and leaped out his hiding place. "Hold your fire Utakata!" Utakata's head immidiately snapped towards Naruto's position, but he stopped when he clear look at Naruto.

"It's you." Utakata said in a stoic tone, as he lowered his pipe. When Naruto landed in front of him, Utakata put his bubble pipe back into his light blue kimono. "I thought hunter-nin were after me again."

"Well there are some hunter-nin with me." Naruto said, causing Utakata's eyes to narrow dangerously. Quickly realizing his mistake, Naruto clarified the situation. "But they're not here to kill you, I swear! They were helping me track you down!"

"Why were you searching for me?" Utakata asked, his eyes still narrowed.

"I came to ask if you wanted return to Kirigakure." Naruto said with his usual foxlike grin. "The new Mizukage, Mei Terumi, agreed to let you come back to the village."

"No thanks." Utakata said, turning around so that he could continue walking down the path. But he was stopped when Naruto grabbed his shoulder.

"Why won't you come back?" Naruto asked, a serious look in his eyes. "I won't force you back, but I'd like to know why you won't return home."

"Home?" Utakata parroted with a dark chuckle. "I wouldn't call a place that makes academy students kill each other home. I wouldn't call a place that shunned me and treated me like trash home. There is nothing for me in Kiri."

"I read your file." Naruto suddenly said, causing Utakata to quirk an eyebrow. "You used to be loyal Kiri shinobi."

"That was before the Yondaime Mizukage started sending academy students to kill each other, and mercilessly killing those with kekkei genkai." Utakata said, as he shook Naruto's hand off his shoulder. "I refuse to return to such a horrible place."

"But Yagura was being controlled by Madara Uchiha. He never meant to do all those horrible things, and he intends to spend the rest of his life making up for all the pain he's caused." Naruto pleaded, as Utakata's jaw clenched. "The village has changed greatly since you've been gone. Mei Terumi has helped the village thrive. She's a very kind and caring women, who would never hurt those who don't deserve it."

"I...I...I just can't go back Naruto." Utakata struggled to say, as he clenched his fist. The former jinchuriki hung his head, letting his long hair hide his face. "I cannot return."

"Is is because of Hotaru?" Naruto asked, causing Utakata's head to suddenly snap up. "You feel like you abandoned her. You want to find her before you do anything else, I'm right aren't I?"

"How do you know that?" Utakata asked, letting out a shaky breath.

"Your eyes are full of sadness and regret." Naruto answered, causing Utakata's eyes to widen in surprise. "Hotaru may have annoyed you, but she did mean a lot to you. You care deeply about her, and you want find her again to show that you didn't abandon her." Naruto once again placed his hand on Utakata's shoulder, and gave a slight squeeze. "If you return to Kiri, I'm sure Mei would assist you in your search."

"She would help me?" Utakata repeated with a skeptical look.

"I told you, Mei is a very caring person. I'm positive she'll spare some man power to help you." Naruto said, as a small grin spread across his face. "And if she doesn't I'll convince her to."

"*Sigh* Then I guess I can return home." Utakata said. When Naruto was about to speak again, Utakata stopped him. "If you're going to tell me about Saiken I already know." Naruto's eyes widened when Utakata said this. "I had a better relationship with Saiken than most jinchuriki. He found me one day while I was searching for Hotaru, and told me that he wished to be sealed back within me. I told him I'd think about it, and to wait for a signal from me."

"Will you let him be resealed within you?" Naruto asked, causing Utakata to slowly nod his head.

"Since I'm returning to Kiri, I might as well grant Saiken his wish as well." Utakata said, as he gave Naruto a small smile.

"You won't regret this Utakata." Naruto said in a warm tone. "Once you find Hotaru, you'll be able to start over again."

"I think I'd like that." Utakata said, as Naruto began to lead him back towards Kirigakure.

(2 Days Later; Kirigakure Gates)

"Well I guess we're off." Naruto said to the small group that had come to see his team off. "Mei-chan you'll help Utakata find Hotaru, right?"

"I already have two teams of hunter-nin searching for her." Mei said with a smile. "Utakata would go too, but he's still weak from the sealing ceremony."

"Don't remind me that freaking sucked." Utakata, now dressed in a Kiri shinobi uniform, said as he leaned against Chōjūrō for support.

"You doing alright Yagura?" Naruto asked the Sanbi jinchuriki. Yagura was still dressed in his normal attire, but he now had a Kiri head band tied around his arm.

"I'm fairing slightly better than Utakata, but I'm still rather exhausted." Yagura said, using his staff to stand upright.

"That's great to hear." Naruto said with a smile. But just then Naruto noticed that something seemed off. Then he realized that someone was missing. "Hey, where's Suigetsu?"

"He's traveling to Konoha right now." Chōjūrō said, causing Naruto to raise a blonde eyebrow. "Your Hokage agreed to return Zabuza's blade, on the stipulation that Suigetsu come to the village and pick up personally."

"Oh, well that good for him. Hopefully he'll run into Karin and Juugo, I know he really wanted to see them again." Naruto said, as he turned to the rest of his group. "You all ready to leave?"

"We've been ready to go for five minutes, you baka." Sakura said in a slightly annoyed tone, as she tapped her foot. "Now let's get going, I want us in Iwa before the end of next week."

"Alright, we're going." Naruto said with a grin, as he turned to Mei on more time. "Are you sure you don't want this, Mei-chan?" Naruto pulled out a three-pronged kunai, and offered it to Mei.

"I told you before, I plan on making a lot more diplomatic excursions to Konoha." Mei said in a sultry tone, kissing Naruto on the cheek.

"I look forward to your visits." Naruto said with a lustful smirk. But he suddenly yelped when Sakura grabbed his ear, and began to drag him off.

"That's enough! We're leaving now!" Sakura exclaimed, as she dragged Naruto away from Mei.

"Bye Mei-chan! Bye everyone!" Naruto yelled, as he waved to everyone back at the game.

"Come visit sometime Naruto, I'd love to spar with you!" Yagura called out to Naruto's form.

"Me too!" Utakata exclaimed with a small smirk.

"Ow, ow that's enough Sakura-chan!" Naruto whined, as Sakura let go of his ear. "Damn it that really hurt." The blonde jinchuriki mumbled to himself, as rubbed his sore ear.

"I wouldn't have to do that if you weren't making a scene at the village gates." Sakura said, earning a nervous chuckle from Naruto.

"I guess that was kinda inappropriate." Naruto admitted, as he rubbed the back of his head. Sakura jumped when Naruto suddenly hoisted her onto his back.

"Man why does forehead get all the attention?" Ino asked with a small pout. But she screamed in surprise when she too felt herself lifted into the air. Looking around Ino saw that each of the girls had a Kage Bunshin carrying them.

"To Iwa we go!" The Naruto's cheered, as they took off down the path.