Chapter 3: Part One

Part One

Snafu's Notes: Looks like I'm onto something here. Since this story will be short, I want to issue the following challenge: The Whirlpool Taijutsu Challenge, which is a side story of Naruto: Consequences. Basically, Naruto will host a Taijutsu tournament which is open to any and all ninja from the surrounding countries. Tsunade will send a recon unit to Whirlpool (consisting of Jiraiya, Kakashi, Asuma, Maito Gai, Rock Lee, Tenten, Neji, Ino and Sasuke), where they find out that Naruto is the Whirlpool Damiyo and Hinata is his wife. The events will ultimately lead to a confrontation with Sasuke and Naruto, with Naruto winning. PM me if you are interested for more info.

"Karma's a real bitch. You'd be wise to remember that."

- Michael Masters, Fallout 3

Konohagakure no Sato, Fire Country – two weeks later...

Nineteen years earlier, Konohagakure no Sato was in its prime. It was the strongest of the shinobi villages. With clans such as the Hyuuga and the Uchiha among their ranks, as well as the power of the Nine-Tails at its disposal, it was a village that commanded respect and was feared by its enemies.

Now, nineteen years after the Uchiha Retrieval Mission, the Leaf's power and influence has waned. It was no longer the strongest of the villages, as that position was taken by Neo Uzu.

The village itself was under attack by rival ninjas from the smaller villages, such as Smoke, Grass and Waterfall. Each attack was repelled by Konoha just barely, but it was starting to take a serious toll on the village. Parts of the village were still in ruins from repeated attacks. The village walls had numerous holes in them from exploding tags and animal summons.

And the war was just getting started.

Then, the leader of Amegakure came to the village.

Tsunade Senju and the Konohagakure Council – what was left of it – looked down on the leader of Amegakure with great disdain. It wasn't the actual leader, but rather a shadow clone sent to Konoha from the Fire Capital, where he currently was at with his hostages, the Fire Lord and his family. With Sasuke Uchiha dead, Tsunade was forced to take back the mantle of Hokage.

The leader of Amegakure was tall, standing nearly seven feet tall. Dark hair was tied into a ponytail, the eyes showing intensity, as well as hidden intelligence...and stark ruthlessness.

In the nineteen years since the conclusion of the Uchiha Retrieval Mission, Konoha had not recovered from the fallout following Uzumaki's banishment. She had no love for the Uchiha, and made it clear. But she despised Naruto even more, as she blamed him for Kushina's death.

Jiraiya was also present. The left side of his face was horribly scarred, a memento from Naruto. Using blood left over from his blood clone, Jiraiya had unsealed the Namikaze Estate...only to find the place empty of its wealth and jutsus. The chest loaded with exploding tags was something that even he didn't see coming.

"Your ninja disappoint me, Senju." His voice was deep and menacing. "Here, I was expecting a challenge from the village who fancied itself as the strongest of the Shinobi nations. If your precious Uchiha wasn't much of a challenge, then what is the point of talking?"

"You got a lot of nerve to show your face here," Tsunade shot back. "The will of fire is still strong in the Leaf."

"And yet, you have failed in your rescue attempt of the Fire Lord," Hanzou replied. "And there's not need for empty threats. We all know that Konoha is no longer the strongest of the shinobi villages. Your allies have long since forsaken you because of your past deeds. Tell me, Senju...did the Leaf ever got their alliances back with Suna? Perhaps Spring? Even Mist? I don't think so. You are alone in this matter."

Tsunade's voice died in her throat. It was true. Ever since Naruto's banishment, the Leaf and Fire Country had become a pariah state. In less than two decades, Konoha had lost its status as one of the five great villages to Neo Uzu.

"And even more worse," Haznou continued, twisting the knife, "despite repelling attempts of invasion by the smaller villages, they have been taking their toll. Your shinobi forces are down by what, half? Maybe more?"

"Konoha is still strong!" Hanabi Hyuuga, now the Hyuuga clan head following the death of her father shouted. He had died while attempting to rescue the Fire Damiyo, along with her sensei, Asuma Sarutobi. "We will fight you to the death!"

Hanzou tapped his chin as if in thought. "Strange...your father and cousin said the same thing before I killed them," he replied as if he was discussing the weather.

That did it for Hanabi. Byakugan ablaze, she tried to rush the older man, but was held back by the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, and Hana Inuzuka.

"YOU MONSTER! YOU KILLED MY FATHER AND COUSIN! I'LL FUCKING KILL YOU!" Hanabi screamed.

Hanzou merely waved her off, as if she wasn't a threat. "You couldn't kill a cockroach in your state. But me, on the other hand...I could launch a full-scale, take-no-survivors assault on this cesspool of a village and with Iwa backing me up, Konoha will be nothing more than a footnote in the history books."

"But..." Jiraiya prodded as Hanabi collapsed, sobbing uncontrollably.

"But...I will give you a chance for you to save your village and live in what little dignity you have left," Hanzou continued.

"As I've said before, your ninja were not that decent in the field of battle. You have grown complacent in your supposed superiority and gotten lax. Your trump card – the Uchiha – has ultimately failed. Hatake...the Sarutobis...that crazy Taijutsu master and his protege...the Inuzuka...the original Ino-Shika-Cho trio...those who you have put your faith in...has failed you. Give me the challenge of a lifetime, and whether I win or lose, I will withdraw from Fire Country."

"We'll fight you, anytime and anywhere," Tsunade said.

"You misunderstood me, Senju," Hanzou replied. "The challenge is not here. I wish to fight the one the Leaf has forsaken in favor of the Uchiha."

Jiraiya's eyes went wide, as did Tsunade's, and everyone else in the room. "You mean...?" the old perv began.

"Yes," Hanzou replied. "This is not negotiable. I wish to fight the Leaf's greatest champion. The one who had defeated the Uchiha runt not once, but three times, and has stripped you and your comrades of that precious title that my great-grandfather bestowed upon you. I want the son of the Yondaime Hokage. Bring me Naruto Uzumaki."

Office of the Hokage – later.

Tsunade looked out of the window and into the village. Repeated attacks over the years had taken its toll upon the Leaf. Konoha was now reduced to half of its population and the village was in bad shape. Ever since Amegakure had declared war on Fire Country two weeks earlier, the minor villages had been launching guerrilla-style assaults on the village, weakening the Leaf even further.

The last battle was quite vicious. Grass ninja had infiltrated the Konoha hospital and leveled it. The hospital was transformed into a triage center. Sasuke Uchiha was being treated at the time by Shizune and Sakura Haruno when the attack came. Grass shinobi came charging in and let loose with explosive clones littered with exploding tags. The hospital was destroyed in the blast, killing all inside.

The Uchiha line, along with the Sharingan, was now extinct.

The civilian council was gone, having fled the village with their families, leaving only what remained of the shinobi council. Aside from Hanabi Hyuuga, who had taken her father's place on the council, there was Hana Inuzuka, now the last surviving member of the Inuzuka clan. Shikamaru Nara, Ino Yamanaka and Chouji Akamichi also sat on the council, replacing their fallen parents. The old guard, Danzou Shimura, Koharu Utatane and Honmura Mitokado, had died at the hands of Sasuke himself when it became clear that this whole mess was Danzou's fault.

After Rashoujin Hanzou left the village, Tsunade retreated back to her office. Seated behind the desk, sake bottle in hand, she was taking swig after swig of the drink. Ever since the deaths of Shizune and Sakura, she hadn't stopped crying and drinking. What remained of the civilian population mourned the death of the last Uchiha, some of them even blaming Naruto for their current predicament.

Tsunade chuckled bitterly. She blamed Naruto for many things. But this time, Naruto was innocent. She blamed him for Kushina's death, and blamed him for the downward spiral which led to Konoha's fall from grace and the revival of Whirlpool, leading to Neo Uzu's position as one of the great Shinobi villages.

But the one thing she hated him for most of all was stripping herself, Jiraiya and Orochimaru of their titles of Konoha's Legendary Sanin following the Wave Conflict two years ago.

Both Konoha and the Fire Lord thought that Whirlpool and Neo Uzu would self-destruct with the so-called 'Kyuubi brat' as its Damiyo. They even bet on Iwa declaring war on Whirlpool and eliminate the last Namikaze once and for all. But as always, pulling off the impossible was at the top of Naruto's already-long resume. He had grown even more powerful during his exile, and both him and his wife were a credible threat. Not even the remaining members of the Konoha 11, their senseis nor Danzou's ROOT could stop them. He even negotiated a non-aggression pact with Iwa and Earth Country, thus securing Whirlpool's safety. Iwa may had been war-happy, but even they would not attack Naruto, despite being Minato's son, given his automatic diplomatic status and that the Wind Damiyo had personally forgiven Naruto for the 'sins of the father.'

So when Konoha marched into Wave Country via the bridge, they planned on annexing the island to Fire Country and use it as a forward operations base to invade Whirlpool, they were surprised to find that the main village was already evacuated and that the Damiyo of Whirlpool was already there...with his wife...and with his Neo Uzu forces.

It was there, that Naruto threw down his challenge – Konoha's Legendary Sannin versus the Whirlpool of Damiyo. The prize was control of Wave Country. Tsunade had to admit that Naruto was out of his mind to present those terms. Should he win, Konoha will leave Wave, never to return and Wave will be under the protection of Whirlpool. Should Konoha win, then Whirlpool will concede defeat and withdraw from Wave, allowing Konoha to take over.

The three Sannin accepted the challenge, assuming that they would net an easy win.

They thought wrong.

Naruto was once known as the unpredictable ninja, the one who could make the impossible possible. It was something he took pride in, both as a warrior and as the Damiyo of Whirlpool. With his victories over his former cell, Madara Uchiha and Itachi Uchiha, the three Sannin could have been cautious.

Naruto took on the three Sanin, with the gathered Uzu and Konoha ninja watching. Tsunade remembered how Naruto had countered her chakra-powered super strength with his own, of how he destroyed the coffins of the first four Hokages when Orochimaru tried to unleash the Impure World Resurrection, and of how he countered Jiraiya's Rasengan with a senjutsu-powered Rasengan of his own.

In the end, their arrogance had led to their downfall. And Naruto had it planned as well. Aside from Neo Uzu and Konoha, the Kazekage and the Raikage were also present, as were the Spring Damiyo, who was shooting a movie in Wave when they heard about the invasion.

Despite the fact that it was a three-on-one battle, Naruto had the shadow clones, his fuinjutsu, the Hiraishin Jutsu and the Rinnegan. The three Sannin were defeated by the Whirlpool Damiyo, by the same person that they had each considered the dead last, and completely useless.

Summoning Gamakichi, Naruto stood on top of his head and made the following proclamation.

"By right, Wave Country is now under the protection of Whirlpool Country and of Neo Uzushiogakure no Sato! Any further attempts of aggression towards the people of Wave will be seen as an act of war! To you...Jiraiya...Tsunade Senju...and Orochimaru...you were granted the title of Konohagakure's Legendary Sanin by Hanzou the Salamander as a result of surviving his onslaught. As that title was blessed upon you, so it can be taken away. As the Damiyo of Whirlpool..,I strip you of your title of Legendary Sanin!"

"Lady Hokage."

The voice of Ino Yamanaka snapped Tsunade out of her thoughts.

She was not along, standing on either side of her were her teammates, Shikamaru Nara and Chouji Akamichi. Jiraiya was behind the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, as was Tenten. The war had taken its toll on the four Elite Jounin, as Ino, Shikamaru and Chouji had lost their parents in the failed rescue attempt, while Tenten was the remaining survivor of Cell Nine. It had gotten worse from there, as Yoshino Nara committed suicide upon notification of her husband's death, and Chouji's mother had a fatal heart attack once it was known that Chouza was dead. Neither had children of their own, but took it upon themselves to raise Asuma and Kurenai's two children.

The Ino-Shika-Cho trio were also present in the council chambers when Hanzou made his demand. They knew that Naruto would defend his precious people, but after being screwed over for the Uchiha and shunned and hunted by those he thought were his friends, even Shikamaru knew that the chances of Naruto coming to their aid were pretty slim.

"Anything from our former allies?" Tsunade asked. Earlier in the week, she had sent out word of Konoha's distress to Suna, Spring and even Kumo for aid.

"Bad news all around," Ino replied. "Suna flat-out refused to help, as did Spring. Mist also said no. Kumo is remaining neutral in this conflict. There is no way around it. We need Naruto."

"After how we screwed him over for the Uchiha and a piece of his inheritance?" Shikamaru butted in, knowing full well of Konoha's personal motives in banishing and their attempts to kill the former genin-turned-damiyo for his clan's wealth and jutsu. "Not to mention Hiashi and Danzou's attempts to kidnap their children? We'll be lucky if Naruto doesn't lead the charge into Konoha himself."

Jiraiya and Tsunade knew that the slacker was right. Neither person had no love for the Uchiha, but they disliked Naruto for their own reasons. It was because of those actions that Naruto saw their offenses as a betrayal to both his parents and to himself.

And Naruto never forgot those who slighted him and his family name.

Both generations of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio had went after him, Hinata and Anko whilst the trio were working as ninja mercenaries. Both had failed. When it became known that Naruto himself had revived Whirlpool as its Damiyo, it was Shikaku and Shikamaru who reminded the Konoha Council and the Fire Lord that Naruto – much to their dismay – was protected under diplomatic status, as he was the recognized leader of a foreign nation, as was Hinata, since she was the wife of said Damiyo.

But it was Sasuke who pointed out that as their children were active shinobi, they were fair game, hence Danzou and Hiashi's attempts to capture both Minato and Hitomi; Minato for Danzou's ROOT ANBU because of his Rinnegan, and Hitomi for Hiashi in order to subjugate the girl to the Caged Bird Seal.

That attempt failed. Naruto saw each failure as giving a big middle finger to Konoha.

Tsunade didn't know who she hated more. Danzou was the one directly responsible for the mess that Konoha was currently in, along with Koharu and Honmura. All three were killed, along with a sizable number of the civilian council by Sasuke himself.

"There's the possibility that Naruto could forgive us," Ino suggested, grasping for straws.

"If it was the old Naruto, then yeah," the slacker replied. "People change in nearly twenty years. Especially those you screw over, Ino."

"Enough, both of you," Tsunade ordered. "We are in a state of emergency. If we don't do anything, then Konoha will be destroyed. As much as I hate to admit, we need that brat of a Damiyo if not to defend Konoha, but to at least force Hanzou to cease hostilities."

It was also a known fact that Whirlpool's Damiyo was well-respected, even to his enemies. Having survived being a missing-ninja longer than any known ninja tends to do wonders for your reputation. That, and playing a role in the Akatsuki's destruction was a nice bonus. Even the remaining members of the Konoha 11 saw that their village was better off with the Jinchuuriki. The civilian council thought otherwise, praising the now dead Sasuke for their prosperity when it was actually Naruto's doing.

"We don't have an exact time-table over when Hanzou and his allies will attack Konoha," Jiraiya said. The scarred super-pervert took his place alongside Tsunade. "Which is why you four will leave for Whirlpool immediately. By the time you will get there, the annual Taijutsu tournament that Whirlpool annually holds will commence. And by tradition, the Damiyo of Whirlpool must grant anyone who comes before him an audience."

That part was very much true. Ever since Naruto revived both Neo Uzu and Whirlpool, he hosted an annual Taijutsu tournament twice a year. It was an economical boom to Whirlpool and it showed goodwill on Whirlpool's behalf. As part of that tradition, the Damiyo of Whirlpool has to grant an audience to anyone who comes before him. Usually it's just a minor petition for favors and such.

"This is an SS-class mission of the utmost importance," Tsunade continued. "Go to Whirlpool Country, get a hold of that gaki and tell him of our situation. Tell him that if he sides with Konoha, then the village will recognize him as the legitimate heir to Minato Namikaze, and we will recognize Whirlpool and Neo Uzushiogakure. I don't care if we have to pay him reparations for the abuse he suffered. I want him on our side."

"You're not really going to do what you promised, are you?" Chouji asked.

"Of course not," Tsunade replied flatly. "I'm merely ensuring Konoha's survival."

'And Tsunade wonder why people avoid us like the plague,' Ino thought darkly, but kept silent.

Aside from favoring potential traitors over heroes, Konoha had developed a reputation for stabbing their clients in the back. It was a major reason why they were unable to gain any trading alliances with the neighboring villages and countries.

"You four will leave within the hour," Tsunade ordered. "Head for Azura and get Whirlpool on our side. Once Hanzou and Ame is dealt with, I will personally deal with Naruto."

Ino shook her head. The conflict in Wave had left her even more bitter. When Jiraiya lost the backing of the toads, she too lost the support of the slugs, who also threatened to destroy Konoha should she try and summon them again. What made Tsunade see red was that the Slug Contract was passed on to Gaara's wife, who had studied under Hinata. Matsuri would go on to build a medic-ninja program in Suna following Neo Uzu's example.

But it was Naruto stripping the Legendary Sanin of their title was the final straw. Orochimaru tried to attack him from behind, only to lose his head as a result.

Shikamaru sighed and accepted the mission scroll. He had talked with his teammates and even he knew that Konoha was in its last days. But as long as he wore the hitai-ate of the Leaf, he will do his duty. Ino and Chouji both felt the same way. It was after their parents had confessed their role in the conspiracy to rob Naruto of his inheritance and legacy that up until that fateful mission to rescue the Fire Lord that their relationships with their parents have been strained. They disliked Naruto for being the jinchuuriki, but they were not so crazy about having a virtual traitor as Hokage and a second traitor return to Konoha with so much as a slap on a wrist, despite having killed Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Once the Ino-Shika-Cho trio and Tenten were gone, Jiraiya turned to Tsunade. "You think Naruto will go for helping us? We're not exactly his two favorite people in the world, you know."

"The gaki will help us," Tsunade replied firmly. "He would die for this village, protect it with his dying breath."

In the coming days, she would find out how wrong she was.

For the four ninja assigned to the task, it would be the last time they would see Tsunade alive again.

Neo Uzushiogakure, Whirlpool Country – one day later.

Training Ground No.12

Naruto had kept close tabs on the conflict on the mainland. His network of informants and spies proved to be even more capable and more efficient than Jiraiya's own spy network. He even knew the perverted bastard's informants by name. The most recent news he shared with Hinata concerning Konoha showed its weakness.

Sasuke Uchiha was dead. Sakura Haruno was dead.

Like Hinata, Naruto was the sole surviving member of Cell Seven.

Sasuke had the dubious honor of being the Hokage with the shortest term in history. Even more shorter than his father's reign. Amegakure knew where and how to strike, and used the minor villages to its advantage, having them strike at Konoha, depleting its forces, even further. Naruto approved.

With the annual Taijutsu tournament approaching, he was expecting less people to show due to the conflict. The Whirlpool Taijutsu Tournament was held in the town of North Azura on the northern island. The island was also known as a popular vacation hotspot for ninja and civilian alike. Even A had settled there after stepping down as Raikage, allowing Yugito Nii to assume the position of Raikage. The Taijutsu tournament was Naruto's brainchild, and it brought the best of the best from the Shinobi nations. For one week, North Whirlpool was a literal battleground as ninja fought each other. For one week, rivalries and hatred was put aside as ninjas fought for a hefty prize and the title of champion. No bloodlines, no weapons, no jutsu. Your hands and feet were the weapons.

Naruto himself fought in the tournament, only because he was challenged by Sasuke Uchiha, who had competed in the tournament in its inaugural year. The Whirlpool of Damiyo took pleasure in stomping the Uchiha prince down. It also sent out the message that the Whirlpool Damiyo was someone that should not be taken lightly in the field of combat.

At the moment, the Damiyo of Whirlpool was sparring with his former pupils, while Yahiko, Konan and Hinata watched. When Naruto reformed Whirlpool, Maru (formerly Konohamaru) Sarutobi, Moegi and Udon were Suna Chuunin, having left Konoha with Gaara in the aftermath of the Uchiha Retrieval Mission. Not even Asuma threatening to disown Maru should he leave did not change his mind. Asuma followed through with his threat, in which Maru responded that Asuma was dead to him, and that he was a disgrace to the memory of the Sandaime.

When word came to Team Misfits that their Boss was now the Damiyo of Whirlpool, the approached Gaara and asked to resign in order to emigrate to Whirlpool. Gaara, knowing of Naruto's friendship with the younger ninja, allowed them to leave with his blessings. Upon arriving in Whirlpool, they were the first of many Chuunin-level ninja to arrive, Naruto opening citizenship to bloodline refugees, nomad, civilian and samurai alike.

Naruto took the three under his wing. In the eight years that followed, Maru, Moegi and Udon still called themselves Team Misfits, but they were one of the best teams Neo Uzu had to offer. Like his grandfather, Maru was an expert in Ninjitsu. Combined that with the Monkey King Summon, and people saw the young Sarutobi as the Second Coming of 'The Professor.' Moegi turned out to be skilled in medic ninjitsu, and she learned under Hinata and Kitami. Udon was the tactician of the trio, his keen mind combined with his skills in Taijutsu made him a fan favorite in the Taijutsu tournaments.

Maru had married a local girl from Wave Country who worked in the Pekara Merchant House, and was a father himself. His sons were enrolled in the Neo Uzu Academy. Moegi and Udon both married each other and settled in New Uzu as well. Their child was also in the Shinobi Academy.

Dressed in his combat attire (i.e., black Konoha-style flak vest, cargo pants and sandals), and armed with his O-katana, Naruto twisted through the Misfits' attacks, occasionally smacking them with his sheathed sword. It wasn't painful, but it definitely stung.

SMACK. SMACK. A blow to Maru's shin, causing him to yelp, followed by a smack to the head.

"Dead," Naruto deadpanned.

SMACK. A blow to Moegi's side. Had Naruto impaled her, she would have bled to death.

"Dead."

SMACK. The older man swept Udon off his feet, followed by a double tap to the chest and head.

"Very dead," Naruto finished.

Even acting as one, the Misfits could not gain the upper hand on the Damiyo. They were capable of giving him a run for his money, but Naruto was the superior ninja.

"We almost had you that time, Boss," Maru complained. "One more time!"

Naruto chuckled. "Maybe next time, Sarutobi."

Before Maru could object, a Uzu ANBU appeared via shunshin, along with a second person. "Lord Damiyo. You have a visitor," the jounin reported.

Naruto saw that it was Rashoujin Hanzou. Frowning slightly, he wondered why he was here when he should be in Fire Country. Then it hit him. He forgot that Hanzou also knew the shadow clones jutsu. He must have sent this copy to Neo Uzu to get his take on the invasion.

Hanzou bowed respectfully to Naruto. Sure Hanzou was older, but Naruto was higher on the status ladder than he was. Unlike the Salamander, Hanzou knew where to give honor and respect when it was due. Fortunately for Naruto, he was one of the few people that Hanzou genuinely respected.

But Hanzou knew of Naruto's connections to Konoha. If Naruto decided to run interference, then his plans of razing Konoha to the ground would be in vain.

"Lord Damiyo," Hanzou greeted.

"Rashoujin Hanzou," Naruto replied, bowing back. "I've heard that you've been busy."

"That I have. I wish to have a word with you, Lord Damiyo."

Naruto turned and walked down the path leading to the village. Hanzou fell in step beside him, while Team Misfits and the Uzu ANBU tagged behing at a respectable pace.

"So you know about my occupation of the Fire Capital," Hanzou began. "Do you know I plan on invading Konoha and razing it to the ground?"

"I've heard."

"Iwagakure wants to get in on the action, but has concerns facing you and Neo Uzu should you fight on Konoha's behalf."

"If I decided to join in and help defend Konoha, then that would violate the non-aggression pact I made with Iwa and Earth Country," Naruto replied. "The last thing I want or need is to be remembered for starting a Shinobi War."

Hanzou nodded in understanding. "But you still haven't answered my question."

"I'm not interfering in your quarrel," Naruto replied. "If I was younger...if I still wore the symbol of the Leaf, then yeah. But after their betrayal and their repeated attempts to kill me, my wife and their antics concerning my children. I could have easily destroyed them myself by allowing the Nine-Tails to go to town. But I didn't. I decided to spare them, to let them know that the dead last could just as easily crush them in ways that Orochimaru and Madara could dream of."

"You spared them so that they could live with the disgrace," Hanzou surmised. He knew that Naruto was no coward. He knew how to pick his battles, and where and how to strike for maximum damage, which was how he was able to destroy the Akatsuki. Hanzou approved. "Not bad. Most ninja tend to overlook battle tactics. I am honestly impressed, Damiyo Namikaze. Glad to see that your years as Damiyo has not dulled your senses."

"Konoha is alone. Fire Country is alone. I also have ninja in the surrounding countries on assignment," Naruto said.

Hanzou nodded in understanding. "As long as they do not attack my ninja, I will show the same courtesy. And your allies?"

"They will not interfere, and at the same time, will not fight on your behalf," Naruto replied. "I've already discussed this with the others. I will not aid Konoha in any shape, form of fashion. I will not fight them, as I have nothing else to prove to them...but I will not save them either."

Hanzou smiled. That was the answer that he was looking for. Naruto had just confirmed to him that he was more than willing to send Konoha to a hell of their own making.

"I thank you for your time, Lord Damiyo. I will take my leave," Hanzou said, bowing, to which Naruto responded with a nod of his head. The shadow clone then dispersed.

The Fire Capital – Fire Damiyo's Residence.

The memories of the shadow clone were transferred to the real Rashoujin Hanzou, who was currently in talks with the Tsuchikage, Kurotsuchi. The leader of Iwa had her concerns when an Ame envoy came to her with a most interesting offer – the destruction of Konohagakure no Sato.

Kurotsuchi noticed Hanzou pausing in mid-speech, before a smile spread across his face. "Good news from Neo Uzu?" she asked.

"Very," Hanzou replied. "Damiyo Namikaze made it clear that he nor his allies will not aid Konoha. The Leaf's fate is sealed. So...about our alliance?"

Kurotsuchi nodded. "You have the full support of Iwagakure no Sato. When do you plan on attacking Konoha?"

"Three weeks. That drunk of a Hokage actually think that Damiyo Namikaze will help them. As they sit, praying and hoping that their former jinchuuriki will help them, we will strike. I've heard that they've sent four of their ninja to Neo Uzu to ask for help. By the time they return to Konoha, they will find it burned to the ground."

Kurotsuchi nodded. "One more thing. What's your take on Damiyo Namikaze?"

Hanzou thought about it for a moment. "I respect him. He's been through so much growing up, being the container to the most powerful of the bijuu. It takes a lot of willpower not to unleash hell upon a village that spits on you, yet was willing to defend to his dying day. Any weaker man or woman would have either killed himself or went mad with such a burden."

Kurotsuchi could understand. After all, Iwa had two Jinchuuriki of their own: Roshi and Han. Out of the pair, only Roshi was still alive, as Han was killed by the Akatsuki. Like A, Roshi found a home in North Whirlpool, spending his life in peace. As long as Roshi did not don the hitai-ate with the Whirlpool insignia, she left him alone.

"Follow me," Hanzou said. "I have an appointment with the Fire Lord."

"So...the idea of sending Konoha ninja to Neo Uzu to try and get Damiyo Namikaze on their side was just a ruse, right?"

"Of course. You really think that Konoha would actually succeed in the task that I gave them. The Yondaime's son hate Konoha as much as you do. By the time our forces are in place, they will see that it was all for naught. I promise on the bones of the original Hanzou the Salamander...Konoha will be destroyed. By having the Fire Lord sign this scroll, it shows that he was more than willing to throw the village to the wolves in order to save his own life, thus demonizing him even more in the eyes of the public."

The past nineteen years had not aged the Fire Lord well, nor was he able to appease his counterparts in Spring, Wind and Water. After all, he too was one of the chief conspirators in orchestrating Uzumaki's banishment for a sizable cut of his family's wealth.

Too bad Naruto had taken it with him when he left Konoha.

His crimes made public, he had lost face with the other Damiyos. Even Earth Country and Iron Country called him out on his arrogance in denying the son of the village's hero his legacy. When Whirlpool was reformed under the same boy he had ordered to be killed, he was the only one to denounce him, not recognizing his authority as Whirlpool Damiyo. But since Whirlpool was allied with three different countries, invasion would result in Konoha's destruction.

And now, here he was, a prisoner inside his palace. Ame Ninja had the capital locked down tight following Konoha's attempt to rescue him several weeks earlier. He was allowed to move within his palace, but was always under heavy guard. His Guardian Ninja were of no help, either, as they were slain protecting him. His wife had succumbed to a heart attack during the invasion.

And to make matters worse, Hanzou forced him to watch as he and his Ame ninja slaughtered the Konoha ninja. He watched as the rescue force, 200 strong, were cut down. He watched as Asuma Sarutobi died while protecting his wife. He watched as Kurenai Sarutobi was pinned to the wall, her body riddled with kunai. Kakashi Hatake, the famed copy-ninja, had fallen to Hanzou himself, his neck broken. And Sasuke Uchiha...both eyes were ripped out and crushed under Hanzou's heel. The final indignity was Hanzou snapping the Rokudaime's back like a twig. Only ten of the Konoha ninja survived and made their retreat, taking the Uchiha with them. Hanzou ordered the remaining bodies to be incinerated.

He was inside his study, a single Ame guard was his companion. The doors to the study opened and in walked Rashoujin Hanzou and Kurotsuchi.

"General Hanzou!" the Ame ninja bowed.

Hanzou ignored him as he walked towards his prisoner. Pulling up a chair, he sat down in front of the Fire Lord's desk. "Ready to talk?" the Ame warlord asked.

The Fire Lord sighed. Giving Danzou the green light to attack him was definitely a bad idea. "What do you want?" he asked.

"To discuss the instrument of surrender. We'll see how much your integrity weighs against the lives of yourself and of your family. I know you gave Shimura the order to try and kill me. I also know that you ordered him to kill my great-grandfather, and his supporters. So rather than kill you in retaliation, I'm here to offer terms. These are non-negotiable, and I am merely offering you these out of courtesy. First, you will pay a one-time indemnity to both villages of Rain and Stone."

"A bribe, you mean," the Fire Damiyo shot back.

"Call it what you like, but you will pay what you owe," Hanzou replied.

Again the Fire Lord had no choice. His life and that of his family's was at stake. That and paying off both villages could all but ruin him. "Done. Anything else?"

"Yes. The destruction of Konohagakure no Sato."

"Wh-what? Destroy Konoha? It already has been through enough with the loss of their Hokage, who was the last of the Uchiha! And from what you already told me, the majority of their Jounin and Chuunin were killed in repeated assaults on the village! Destroy Konoha? We were the first of the nations to have a village! Please...spare the village."

Hanzou's face was grim. "Suit yourself." Without breaking eye contact, he addressed the Ame jounin, his voice ice cold. "Retrieve the Fire Lord's family – his mistress, children and grandchildren, all of them...and show them the same courtesy as he showed to my family."

The Fire Lord's eyes went wide at the realization of Hanzou's order. He was going to execute his entire family! "WAIT! Wait..."

Hanzou cocked an eyebrow, one hand raised, stopping the Ame jounin in his tracks. He had the Fire Lord right where he wanted him. Producing a scroll, he unrolled it and placed it in front of the Fire Lord. The Fire Lord looked at the scroll. It was titled TERMS OF SURRENDER. It was already signed and sealed by both Hanzou and Kurotsuchi, but was missing his signature.

"As you can see, my terms are harsh, but fair," Hanzou said. "I have no desire for territory, nor to make Fire Country a protectorate, nor does Iwa or Earth Country. But the terms are clear. Fire Country will no longer have a shinobi village. In exchange, we will leave you in peace. Konoha will be burned to the ground, its ninja from chuunin to jounin will be slaughtered should they resist. Any ninja who surrender to our forces will have their chakra sealed and sent into exile. Any genin will be taken by Iwa and Ame back to their respective villages, their minds will be wiped clean and we will raise them as our own ninja. The civilians will not be harmed. All jutsu will be destroyed. Any clan's wealth that is left behind will be paid as part of the indemnity. Since the Uchiha clan is now extinct, its wealth will be used as part of that indemnity. So what's it going to be? The lives of your family for one village who has dug its own grave? Or I execute your family as you watch – with you being the last to go – and the Rain and Stone will crush Konoha regardless. Make your choice now."

With a trembling hand, the Fire Lord reached for his pen. But Hanzou stopped him.

"Ah-ah-ah," Hanzou chided.

Before the Fire Lord could say anything, Hanzou grabbed his hand and jammed the pen into his palm, causing the old man to yelp out in pain.

"Now you may sign," Hanzou said.

With a second cry of pain, the Fire Lord yanked out the pen and signed the scroll in his own blood. The scroll reacted to the signature, making it binding as the Fire Lord applied his hanko seal onto the document, making it legal.

With that action, the Fire Lord had officially sealed Konoha's fate.