Lifelong Friend (P.1)

The second ninja war was approaching. A war that would trigger and become the starting point of legends and tragedies. In this war the deployment of jinchuriki was still uncommon but their use would become commonplace by the next war. The only jinchuriki participating, Seto wielder of the one tails, could be contained but was a fearsome opponent. This was the current point of discussion between the Hokage and Mizukage. It had all been but settled. The war would start in full swing in a few months.

In the last few months attacks had gone into full swing. Border fortresses were being attacked and the lands between the five great villages were being decimated by the confrontations. The pretense remained these conflicts were between the smaller villages yet only a fool would believe such words. Jirayas field reports told a much different story.

Kumo hadn't fully recovered from the Uzushio debacle and was only in small skirmishes with Iwa, Kiri, and Konoha. They seemed to be dealing with their own issues but still had time to mess with everyone else. Suna was in its usual border skirmishes with Iwa and Konoha. New to its enemies was the battle of poisons being fought with Amegakure. Iwa not only was defending its borders but was making a naval fleet to attack Kiri. A decision that likely stemmed from Mu's rivalry with Gengetsu.

The main standout was Amegakure who was taking the role of the main battlefield with Hanzo of the Salamander showing great prowess. In the history of the ninja world such a minor village standing on the achievements of one powerful ninja was not uncommon but reaching the heights Hanzo had was impressive. Overall the real battles were about to begin. To this end lady Shimura was recalled home. In doing so soon Lady Tsunade began to make her appearance in Konoha, producing several antidotes for the future battle.

Grandma Mito had also finished her preparations to no longer be the nine tails jinchuriki. A minor fact in the grand scheme of things as jinchuriki were more of last resorts at the moment then combatants. The little fact actually applied to me more then I cared for, this little fact would change my life and lead me to a life long friend.

The jinchuriki all shared a peculiar trait among them. In one way or another they were all related to their respective villages Kage. Whether a distant relation or direct relation the blood ties were irrefutable. Currently one prince Zuko was directly related to the current Mizukage. One jinchuriki also needed to be confronted in the upcoming war. A decision had been made to that end.

Prince Zuko son of the Fire Daimyo, nephew of Gengetsu Hozuki the Second Mizukage would become the three tails jinchuriki under the guidance of Lady Mito. So had decreed the alliance between Konoha and Kiri.

The exact politics of this little maneuver were lost on me as I quite frankly couldn't comprehend the decree. The key points were this:

Prince Zuko had officially become a part of Kirigakure. Ninja headband and all.

The claim to the Land of Fire still remained. Not that this ever really mattered.

An extremely large payment was made to Kirigakure. Somehow I was footing the bill. Kakuzu nearly barged in to kill everyone hearing this as my treasurer. A role he was taking more and more seriously.

Leader in these negotiations and main architect of the decree was Gengetsu himself. Comprehension of why the man had done this was still eluding me so instead of struggling I simply asked.

( Private practice area)

" Hey uncle baby whiskers. Why am I being considered for such a role? You're no fool you must know I'm attached to Konoha and the Land of Fire no matter what the decree says."

" Fighting shinobi from other countries is one thing punk but as long as you have that beast you'll never fight one from here."

" In other words you're bribing me to never partake in battles with Kiri? Why not just kill me?"

" The number of people who could kill you in this village number maybe three. After training you however that may no longer be true. I know you won't admit it but you've had a way to flee the village from the day you arrived Zuko or should I call you Ren?"

" Uhhhh…"

" Kiri is the land of assassins that put all of Konoha to shame punk. Did you really think we would not figure out what was going on? Lady Shimura returns and Lady Tsunade appears. Prince Zuko appears and Senju Ren mysteriously vanishes. Konohas shadow isn't as cunning as he thinks."

" Why give me all you've given me if that's the case?"

" What do you think of the current ninja world Ren?"

" Answer my question first no?"

" Humor me punk. We'll get there."

" Full of hypocrites and idiots. Every village expounds some version of world peace. Well except here. For all the peace talks, all it takes to start a war comes down to coveting resources or some Daimyo having a pissing match with one of the others. "

" Correct. There's a reason Kirigakure has never once declared a desire for peace. It's not that such a noble dream is wrong. It's merely pointless to shinobi."

" The last twenty years would say otherwise no?"

" That was not the true peace other villages claim to desire punk. Those fools don't see such a thing is impossible for shinobi. What do you think will happen to shinobi without wars, assassinations, or other missions?"

" They would live normal lives?"

" Some might. The most likely answer is that they'll turn on common civilians. Power will go to one rotten kids head and new unsanctioned ninja will appear. Eventually we will decline to the warring states period and the cycle will repeat."

" That's a bit pessimistic uncle whiskers."

" It's realistic you punk. The land of water has experienced countless civil wars and peace could only be found when other enemies appeared in the form of the other hidden villages. Should these other villages successfully create peace I guarantee a struggle for power will arise and eventually we will return to the current situation."

" You don't know the future through some mysterious jutsu or some shit right?"

" Don't be an idiot. No one knows the future. All we can do is learn from the past and not repeat the same mistakes."

" What are you aiming for by making me a jinchuriki then?"

" Nothing much boy I'm just having fun in life. I wanted to find a golden egg like you and raise it to its full potential to fight that shitty mummies disciple. If you could beat that runt in my name that would be great. Apart from that my only concern is protecting this village. So in the future protect this place for me."

" You dying or something?"

" Anything can happen in war punk. Preparing for the worst is a key rule for an assassin, for a shinobi. Swear you will protect my family and this village for me. Someone so similar to me should understand. The world does not matter, only the place and people you call home. This is my only request of you as my disciple."

"… very well. I promise uncle baby whiskers. I didn't need the three tails to make such a promise, so again why make me a jinchuriki?"

" Jinchuriki have a unique position in the ninja world. Most villages hate their jinchuriki and fear them. Almost all jinchuriki are related to a Kages lineage however so that doesn't make sense does it?"

" Jinchuriki can lose control and indiscriminately kill so it's not that strange. Relation to a Kage or not the whole thing is unlikely to end very well."

" You're only half right. A jinchuriki is meant to be a savage beast, their killings are often overlooked by all village leaders. The actual intent of a jinchuriki is for them to be a guardian beast. Without an opportunity to prove such a role to the masses they are often portrayed as villains however."

" So you're saying it's because they never show their worth."

" Exactly. So my intent is to make you this places Guardian beast. This war will establish your worth.

To the masses no matter your allegiance you will always be connected to Kirigakure. Well to the Hozuki to be exact."

" …That didn't clarify things at all for me."

" Simply put. Even if your real identity leaks you will forever be part of Kirigakure. You will always be a Hozuki. The politics behind being a Jinchuriki demand it."