Chapter 8: Discussions and Disagreements

The group entered through the door that would led them face to face with the mysterious Osorubeki (Grim) Clan Head and despite themselves they felt nervous. Determined to complete their mission and get answers they squashed it down and buried it. As they walked in, they noticed it was a reasonably large room it appeared to be like a small dojo, however the cushions on the floor and the floor slightly raised at the head of the room creating a platform. The room had fairly good lighting not as bright as the halls that they had walked through. What stood out to the group the most was the single person sitting formally on the singular cushion on the platform. When they good a look at her the group was completely still. Not only was the head not what they expected but, also who. More importantly they were stunned that they'd already met her. She was easily recognisable not only due to her beauty, which was unquestionably not only an understatement to describe her but, undeniably unforgettable. But in this case it was her clothing and hair colour that made it obvious. She wore a black battle kimono that was off the shoulders, that split into an upside-down V shape at the knees and reached her calfs. The kimono and its sash has a silver outline and the sash itself was purple coloured. The kimono was beautifully decorated with a purple and silver butterfly pattern. Not able to see her feet due to the formal sitting, they can only assume that she wore the same as last time; black ninja sandals. Her silver hair with black streaks went to her knees in length was straight down and framed her face. Her pale face was delicate and sharp but remained wholesomely feminine looking. Her face held stunning dark azure blue eyes which were enclosed by long black eyelashes. Her lips were blood red which stood apart from her pale skin. Her figure was best described as an hourglass yet despite her curves, she still managed to appear dainty. She also held a very graceful air about her. This was the same woman whom they met at the park. The same woman who had four children that looked like Naruto. The same woman that was married. Which meant that she was the wife of Naruto and mother of his kids. Any possible thoughts they had or hadn't have been thinking was broken when the woman finally spoke.

"Please sit." Her voice was not hard or forceful like they had expected. Instead it was gentle and actually welcoming. So in an almost automatic movement by most, they sat on the provided cushions and copied her sitting position in a more relaxed and less formal manner. When they had all gotten comfortable, she spoke again.

"Welcome to the Osorubeki Clan compound. I hope your courtyard welcoming was satisfactory?" She asked the last part as a question, in the same kind tone. However, what through off a large portion of the ninja was the soft, kind and genuine smile they had all received from the second they had entered the room. In the end it was Kakashi who answered.

"Thank you for allowing us within your compound and yes, it had been an unexpected but, pleasant surprise." His reply was rather formal which surprised most of his comrades, in fact anyone who was not Asuma had been surprised. Despite the formal reply her smile didn't remove itself.

"Now before any formal negotiation, agreements etc begin. I would like to introduce myself, since I had not last time. My name is Ruka Osorubeki—Uzumaki and leader of the Osorubeki Clan." Her smile didn't even twitch, her voice did not waver and worst of all she spoke the truth. This woman, Ruka was Naruto's wife. Kakashi, Asuma and Kurenai already knew the second her last name was spoken. Their mission was a failure. However the rookies did not.

"I am Kakashi Hatake these are my comrades and squad; Asuma Sarutobi, Kurenai Yuhi-Sarutobi, Hinata Hyuga, Shino Aburame, Ino Yamanaka, Choji Akimichi, Kiba Inuzuka and his companion Akamaru, Shikamaru Nara, Sakura Haruno-Uchiha and Sasuke Uchiha. We also have in another four comrades currently in the village; Might Gai, Neji Hyuga, TenTen and Rock Lee." Each of the attending people nodded in acknowledgement when introduced. Kakashi also didn't break his formal tone although, he was concerned how he would react to his remaining students. He was no fool, Naruto would have told her why he was banished and how he had been treated within the Leaf Village. Which meant she would most likely at the very least want blood, at worst Konoha's destruction. Hence why he was shocked, along with everyone else, when she simply kept smiling and gave a small nod in greeting to everyone introduced. At everyone's apparent reaction, her eyes glistened in amusement.

"There is no need to be concerned, when you entered this village and compound any predigest or anger I had towards any of you are non-existent. This festival is about peace, love and family. Hence the name the Ai, kazoku, heiwa no saiten (Love, Family and Peace Festival), I will not dishonour the meaning of this festival by feeling and doing the opposite. Not only that but this meeting has nothing to due with such things." Her voice showed her genuine honesty in what she spoke while, keeping its soft tones.

"Very well, I shall believe you. Shall we commence the discussion?" Asked Kakashi, freaking the Konoha ninja out at how Un-Kakashi he was acting.

"Onto business then, what is it you need?" Ruka asked a small amount of authority in her soft voice.

"Lady Tsunade gave us a mission which involved tracking down the Kōshoku no kage (Crimson shadow) and persuade him to join Konoha. However we were unable to find him or find out information on him." Kakashi stated. He saw Ruka's grin widen slightly.

"Ahh... But, now you are fully aware of not only where he currently is but who he is. What will you do now?" She spoke with amusement in her tone but there was an underlying hint of something else as well.

"Originally, I had intended to ask you about the woman we saw him with and about the children that had his features." He gave her a slightly dry look. "Now I cannot or need to do so."

"Hmmm…" She simply hummed in response, waiting for him to continue.

"I do still have many questions however, for both you and him. My team still needs to complete their mission and so I would like to speak to him and ask you arrange a meeting." Kakashi responses were always kept formal and he did not break eye contact with Ruka.

"Tell me this…What is the point?" She looked at everyone and her voice was the same. Before Kakashi could respond, a loud shout interrupted him.

"Because this is a mission and he is our friend!" Yelled Kiba, not realising he is being rude towards someone equivalent of a kage.

"And?" Ruka asked.

"And what, lady?" yelled Kiba in impatience.

"How does that matter or help you?" Asked Ruka, eyes not leaving the Inuzuka.

"What do you mean how does it matter? He is our friend!" Shouted Kiba, not understanding what Ruka is saying. Ruka shook her head.

"And how does that change anything Inuzuka-san?" She once again questioned. "Do you truly believe that he will simply return with you because you are apparently friends?" She continued.

"He has never let his friends down when they need him and Konoha is his home! Kiba yelled with a slight growl. Not noticing the darkening of her eyes. Kakashi however did… and prayed to every Kami (god) he knew for the mercy of themselves.

"You are a fool Inuzuka-san." Stated Ruka her voice slightly colder than before. Kiba tilted his head in question and opened his mouth to shout, but was interrupted by Ruka.

"You call yourself 'friend' yet, whenever he has needed help you were not there. You say by being this 'friend' that he would do whatever you asked. You say Konoha is his home, yet he had no love, care, kindness or family until it was too late. He is loved, adored and worshiped here in Tsukigakure. He has a life he has built, even has a wife and children. I highly doubt that he will give all of it up, just because you simply ask him to. Even further since you state a place that actively despised him home. Tell me something Inuzuka-san, When He was starved did you give him food? Where you his 'friend' when he was glared at and isolated? Where were you when he was beaten? Yes, some 'friend' you are. Konoha disdains him, Tsukigakure praises him, Konoha scorn and ridicule him and Tsukigakure revere and cherish him. Do you see the difference? Why would he willing return to the so called 'home' that discards him, from the place that willingly embraced him?" Ruka asked her calm, ice laced voice was filled with power as she spoke. Kiba looked down having no response that he could possibly give.

"Other that that, why would I give up one of my most powerful and promising clansman?" Stated Ruka returning the conversation back to a more political and formal route. "Ignoring any personal connections to myself, I would gain nothing by giving him over to you." Declared Ruka. Kakashi's uncovered eye twinkled, this is where he could work in getting Naruto back. But before even a single word was uttered from his cloth covered mouth, he was interrupted again.

"What about the sharingan?" Asked Sasuke, who stood up from his siting positions confidently. Ruka's eyes flickered to him, in curiosity more than actual consideration.

"What precisely are you stating Uchiha-san?" Ruka asked with slightly guarded eyes. Sasuke bristled a little at being addressed as san rather than sama but, quickly quelled it for this discussion.

"Exactly as I already said. I will give you a sharingan wielder, in exchange for Uzumaki." Pronounced Sasuke. Kakashi was cursing his black haired student in his mind, when Ruka's eyes hardened into stone.

"Uchiha-san, I would be very careful of what you are implying. I am a married woman." Ruka's voice was as hard as her eyes. Sakura however was wondering how Sasuke could give a sharingan wielder, when he was the only one left.

"Well, Osorubeki-san, considering you were willing to spread your legs for a dobe (idiot) and demon. I doubt you'd turn away an elite with actual worthy genes." Sasuke spoke nonchalantly, infuriating everyone that heard. Sakura was devastated that Sasuke would offer this woman such a thing. Especially since he refuses to do so with her and would not allow her to have his children, despite the councils didn't matter though, because as soon as Sasuke finished speaking the room was blasted with chakra and killing intent (KI) so strong, the floor cracked underneath Ruka.

"ENOUGH!" Her smile was gone, voice filled with anger and was saturated in ice, vibrated off the walls. Her eyes seemingly grew hard enough to solidify and her body radiated rage. However they did not expect her next words.

"Sheath your weapons and step back." She commanded. Everyone turned to see a group of at least ten all aiming weapons at Sasuke's vital spots, the closest three alone had the weapons inches from his neck. Had she not spoke when she had, his head would have been taken cleanly off. The presumed guards protested her order. Well, at least tried to protest. Which she quickly stopped with a few words and a look.

"Do you not trust I can defend myself from a few words?" Her glare could have frozen wastelands. They shook her heads and did as she had bidden. Her eyes turned to Sasuke.

"How dare you insult me in such a manner! I am Ruka Uzumaki-Osorubeki! Clan Head and leader of the Osorubeki Clan! I am the wife of Naruto Uzumaki and the mother of his children! I will not be compared to a common whore. You insolent swine that calls itself a man!" Ruka's voice was heavy and filled to the brim with power.

"How dare you filth! I am Sasuke Uchiha, head of the Uchiha Clan. One of the elite! You should be grateful I offered my seed to you! Especially because you are the dobe's seconds." Sasuke's voice was filled with anger due to the lack of respect. However, Ruka was far angrier and this was her village. She displayed her position of power by standing.

"You are lucky I don't remove your head for such insults. You are arrogant and narcissistic, you are a child!" She turned to Kakashi. "Take your vile thing and leave my home. I shall allow you to stay within the village but, obey my rules. If you are caught breaking my rules there shall be grave consequences. I will inform my husband of you all being here and he will seek you out if he wishes. Leave." She dismissed them from her presence. She was honestly fighting not to murder the Uchiha, she did not want a war with Konoha if possible. She could not remove them from the village without them breaking the rules due to agreeing with Tsunade's request. Which allowed them to stay until the end of the festival. Kakashi quickly agreed and left, grabbing Sasuke on the way out.

At the bottom of the stairs…

"Have you got any idea of what you have done!" Yelled Asuma at Sasuke. But, before either could speak they were interrupted by team Gai.

"Guys! You need to hear this. The Osorubeki (Grim) Clan head is…" TenTen was interrupted by Kurenai.

"Is Naruto's wife. We are aware." Said Kurenai annoyed at the current situation and torn reputation of Konoha.

"Well, yes… but besides that—" Once again she was interrupted.

"She is the mother of Naruto's children and the woman we saw at both the festival and the park." Said Shikamaru lazily.

"Besides all of that!" Yelled TenTen, getting their attention. She glared at Ino when it looked like she was about to speak. "She's the Benihime (Crimson/Blood Princess)!" Shouted TenTen excitedly.

"Who?" Asked Choji, causing TenTen to glare than sigh.

"Just look at this." Sid TenTen as she held up a bingo book.

Name: Ruka Osorubeki

Alias: Benihime (Crimson/Blood Princess)

Age: Roughly 20 years old

Traits: Knee-length Silver hair with Black streaks. Dark blue azure eyes. Wears a black battle kimono, outlined in silver and decorated with silver and purple butterflies. Wears a Purple sash.

Village/Affiliation: Osorubeki Clan, Tsukigakure

Known Affinities: Fire, Wind, Water

Taijutsu: Excellent uses an unnamed style. Rarely used prefers using Kenjutsu.

Kenjutsu: Master. Last known user of the Hiten Mitsurugi Ryu style. Katana has a silver blade with a black and purple hilt. Usually sealed in wrist.

Chakra Level: Kage

Summoning: White Tigers

Bloodline: Akuma no honō (Devil Flames) Creates unique flames which can freeze, decay, etc

Other Abilities: Sensor, Weapons expert, Blacksmith, Tracking and Sealing

Rank: S

Jounin should engage with caution. Chunin and below do not approach.

Bounties:

Otogakure: Dead or Alive 840,000 ryo

Kumogakure: Alive 750,000 ryo Dead 800,000 ryo

Iwagakure: Dead or Alive 890,000 ryo

Kirigakure: Alive 780,000

As the group read over the bingo book entry, only one thing ran through the rookies minds.

"Holy Kami (god)!" Yelled Ino in shock, summing up everyone else thoughts. Neji however, noticed the behaviour and looks of the people whom just walked out the compound. Especially the anger in the Uchiha's eyes.

"What have you done?" Asked Neji in a dangerous tone of voice.

"Kiba said something stupid and Sasuke basically insulted her and insinuated she was a prostitute." Responded Shikamaru. Neji glared at those repressible for whatever mess they are now in.

"What do we do now Kakashi?" Asked Asuma in concern, not that it was very noticeable.

"For now? Other than contacting Lady Tsunade on what has happened, nothing. We were ordered to stay until the end of the festival and it is still possible Naruto will come to see us. Even if its to remove our limbs." Said Kakashi in a mix of seriousness and cheerfulness that just shouldn't be possible."I believe we should all call it a day. It has been a rather strenuous day." Said a cheery Kakashi, which was followed by nods of the group in agreement. This horrible day however, was only the beginning of something far worse, that had yet to happen.