Chapter 3- Ripples In Time

Yamamoto looked at Mito sitting on the cushy bed. She had indeed looked old and her body showed as much with the wrinkles. Her sharp eyes also still showed the fight in her so that was some comfort. The woman was happy to see him and little Kushina. The poor girl was surprised to see him and would have made a crack about Yamamoto being old if not for the fact they were going to see Mito. In fact, Kushina was happy they were since she didn't understand why she couldn't stay with Mito from the start. Not that it mattered anymore since Yamamoto had taken care of the particular issue with the Hokage.

"You are looking well all things considered," remarked Yamamoto with Mito smiling at him.

"I'm not too old to be completely bed ridden and I can still throw a means punch when required," replied Mito with Yamamoto smiled at her and the fact she hadn't lost the infamous Uzumaki wit.

Still, it was time to get serious.

"How have things been since Hiruzen took over as Hokage?" asked Yamamoto with his smile gone and frown now on his bearded face.

"Bad. Konoha's showing a very ugly side of itself. I fear it will only grow and get worse long after I'm dead," answered Mito with Yamamoto nodding.

'You have no idea Mito. I wish I could tell you the truth, but I fear what it would do to your heart,' thought Yamamoto to himself.

"Friends of the Uzumaki Clan are thinning among the populace. Civilian and Shinobi alike who I have come to know since being here are dead, on long term missions, or have left Konoha because they see what I do. It hurts to see this place become less friendly to my clan," added Mito with Yamamoto growling in anger and gripped his staff tightly.

"You still have your clan in Uzu. You don't need to stay here for your twilight," offered Yamamoto with Mito smiling at him.

"Thank you, but no thanks Yamamoto-sama. My place is here. With Tsunade, Kushina, and with you in the house my husband built. The village we helped build," replied Mito, as she smiled slightly at the memory of Hashirama, and his constant devotion to her.

"When you die, I am having your body sent back to Uzu to be buried with honor. You deserve that much," said Yamamoto with Mito looking slightly sad at hearing that.

"Not with my husband," remarked Mito with her tone matching her face.

"Under any other circumstances, I would agree that you should be buried here beside him Mito. But in these dark times threatening our clan, I dare not think what would happen to your remains if left here with those with questionable ethics," replied Yamamoto with Mito flinching since she had an idea of who he was talking about.

"You know something. Something you're afraid to tell me. That you don't want Kushina or even Tsunade to hear just yet," deduced Mito with Yamamoto nodding.

"Do you want to hear it?" asked Yamamoto with Mito slowly nodding.

"I need to know," answered Mito with Yamamoto sighing.

"Konoha tried to betray our clan not that long ago following taking Kushina here. We were attacked by enemy Shinobi from the other four villages allied together against us. They used a pincer movement with the main force attacking from the front and another team using one of the secret tunnels to launch a surprise attack from behind. Seals in key places for detection and activating traps in certain areas were disabled or destroyed prior to the attacks. The secret entrance into Uzu was the same one Jiraiya used to gain access to Uzu and few outside of our clan knew about it. In fact, the only ones in Konoha who do know of it are you, me, Kushina, Jiraiya, Orochimaru, Hiruzen, his teammates, Danzo, and the ANBU escort Jiraiya came with during his short stay," explained Yamamoto with Mito looking worried and fearful of her clan losing members from such an attack.

"Any causalities?" asked Mito with Yamamoto shaking his head.

"Not on our side. After I personally fixed, repaired, and enhanced all the seals myself, we used their arrogance against the enemy. We crushed them all in ruthless counter attack. No Uzumaki died that day," answered Yamamoto with conviction in his voice.

"I believe you. But still...Hiruzen wouldn't betray my husband. Or Tobirama. Not the two senseis who taught him about the Will of Fire," replied Mito with Yamamoto shaking his head in disagreeing with her.

"Even fire can be corrupted if the desire for power at any cost is strong enough. Hiruzen wants one thing and one thing only from our clan and not in a direct sense. You know what I speak of," replied Yamamoto with Mito nodding.

"Kyuubi. He wants the Biju sealed inside of me," said Mito since she knew the strongest of all the Biju was something Konoha coveted greatly.

"And he planned to discreetly control Kushina not long after you died. Tsunade would be kept away from her and he could manipulate things where she sees Konoha as her second home. Without the Uzumaki Clan to come back to, she would have had no say in terms of leaving here, and even less when the Kyuubi is sealed inside of her once fully transferred over from you," said Yamamoto with Mito letting out a painful sigh.

"What does this mean for Konoha? For us? For the Uzumaki Clan?" asked Mito with Yamamoto looking at her now with gentle eyes.

"If you are referring to me unleashing my fury on the entire village and burning it to the ground...I have no intention doing such a drastic action...yet!" replied Yamamoto with Mito smiling at him.

"You aren't immortal Yamamoto-sama. You can't live forever. You can't defend me, Kushina, or anyone else from our clan forever," countered Mito with Yamamoto smiling at her.

"That maybe true, but it doesn't mean I can't remove the various entities in Konoha that are a threat to our clan while I'm still alive," Yamamoto shot back with Mito looking at him with knowing eyes.

"Many would consider your words treasonous against Konoha from what you are secretly implying," said Mito with Yamamoto's eyes narrowing.

"Considering the betrayal done by Konoha toward our clan, its more then justified. Turn about is fair play," replied Yamamoto since he knew it was only fair he counter Konoha's actions with his own.

"I don't want Konoha destroyed. I don't want my husband's village to be lost forever due to our desire for revenge," whispered Mito with Yamamoto nodding to her request.

"The spirit of Konoha will remain intact. Its those who would corrupt Hashirama's beliefs for their own crude ends that will die," said Yamamoto with Mito smiling at him again.

"You are not what you seem Yamamoto-sama. I sensed as much from you when you let lose your power. There is a piece of the Shinigami inside of you," remarked Mito while she had sensed as much from him with her sensory abilities.

"And what does that tell you about me?" asked Yamamoto while keeping his eyes on her.

"That you are indeed Uzumaki Yamamoto and yet NOT Yamamoto at the same time. I have studied our connection to the deity well enough to know he did something to bring you back to this world," surmised Mito with Yamamoto slowly nodding in admission.

"Do you want to know the truth? The entire truth? asked Yamamoto with Mito thinking it over in her mind.

"Tell me everything slowly and carefully. If I cut you off, it is because what you were about to tell me is something even I shouldn't know, or shouldn't be spoken for others to possibly hear," answered Mito with Yamamoto nodding.

And slowly, he told her about a boy named Uzumaki Naruto. Told her of his horrible life in Konoha and how on the night he was born...his Father was forced to turn him into the Kyuubi Jinchuriki that caused such a horrible life. How the boy struggled for everything he had, knowing nothing of his heritage, taught only the basics, and had crappy Academy instructors who sabotaged him at every turn.

Mito of course listened intently, cutting him off from certain points in the story since they didn't happen yet, and were outside of Konoha anyway. No point in knowing such things now before they happened when there was nothing they could do. Yamamoto went onto tell her how the boy was the only Uzumaki in Konoha and yet the history books of that time had no information about them. How the history of the clan was ultimately removed due to the clan being considered wiped out and therefore a pointless thing to learn by the higher up within Konoha. Yamamoto cut through most of his other life and cut to the chase about how Uzumaki Naruto eventually became strong, defeated his enemies, and had to deal with one final betrayal by Konoha in denying his right to be the Hokage due to a law the Sandaime Hokage had in place sometime during his first term as the village leader.

And said law providing an opening to give it to the traitorous Uchiha, who had used his authority to take away anything else Naruto loved in life. How the boy used his power to save the Biju from being made into weapons of war and crush the corrupted Konoha the Uchiha had turned it into when he took the hat. Mito didn't like that part, but considering what this Uchiha had done, and making the other four villages ally together against them...even she knew Konoha of that time was beyond saving.

"And the Shinigami approached me to fix things so the same events wouldn't repeat twice this time around. Namely our clan being destroyed along with several other moments in time that need to be fixed. Uzu was just the main one and went on from there," finished Yamamoto with Mito closing her eyes and trying to take this all into her mind.

"I see. So not only were we betrayed by Konoha, but they went so far as to remove our very existence from the history books. As if we never existed," whispered Mito while Yamamoto nodded.

"One of the reasons I was sent back. I had to prevent such a moment from happening. It was considered THE main catalyst to the events that followed. I intend to use my time in this world to fix other moments in time. Sadly, I have to wait until these events are about to happen before I can even intervene," added Yamamoto with Mito nodding.

"I understand. Do what needs to be done Yamamoto-sama. The future of our clan and ultimately the world itself is in your hands," said Mito calmly while Yamamoto smirked at her.

"It wouldn't be the first time. I just need to live long enough to ensure my successor of sorts is born to continue on my work after I'm gone," replied Yamamoto before leaving the room.

(Konoha Streets-Days Later)

Kushina puffed out her cheeks as she was being escorted to the Academy by Yamamoto due to Tsunade being out on a mission with Jiraiya and Orochimaru. The Uzumaki girl didn't mind Yamamoto escorting her, but the fact was she preferred her cousin Tsunade to him. Tsunade was a strong beautiful woman who could crush anyone who crossed her with a single punch.

As for old man Yamamoto, he was...was...well...OLD!

"Why do you have to walk with me to the Academy old man Yama?" asked Kushina with Yamamoto sighing at her childish nature.

Looking back, he clearly inherited it from his other lifetime.

"Because you are one of three Uzumaki Clan members here in Konoha. It is my duty to ensure you are watched over until strong enough to walk to the Academy on your own," explained Yamamoto while he glanced around when walking and noticed some of the people were glaring at them discreetly.

No doubt for being considered "island foreigners" from a clan outside of Konoha and not ironically enough for being Jinchuriki. At least not yet anyway. Fortunately, Kushina did not seem to notice since she was busy puffing out her cheeks, and staring up at him over his words.

"I'm not weak! I'm plenty strong!" protested Kushina childishly, which made Yamamoto chuckle a little despite everything.

"I'm sure you are Kushina, but you are also still just a child. You still have to continue to learn until the time is right where you will become an adult," explained Yamamoto with Kushina growling and let out a huff at his explanation.

"Fine! I just hope my class is filled with strong people. That way, when I beat them all up, I'll be considered the strongest in my class!" declared Kushina passionately with fire in her eyes.

"I'm sure you will do just that Kushina. Just be sure not to ostracize yourself when in the classroom. Making friends and comrades is crucial while learning at the Academy," said Yamamoto with Kushina nodding.

"I know old man Yama. But it won't be the same as back home," replied Kushina sadly with Yamamoto letting out another chuckle.

"Do not worry Kushina. We can visit Uzu in the future when time permits. I have already spoken Mito and Tsunade about that. They also agree it would be beneficial to head back to Uzu so you can continue to learn from our clan and to keep the bonds there still alive," replied Yamamoto before stopping at the front of the Academy gates and saw children were heading inside.

"It feels weird being here. Its so different from Uzu. I'm not sure I will ever get use to it," whispered Kushina with a hint of worry while Yamamoto kneeled and put a hand on her shoulder.

"I know what you mean Kushina. Believe me when I say I do understand. You have left one home for another. You are unsure and afraid of this sudden change. Its natural. Just do not forget your heritage and where you come from. Do not forget your clan and the knowledge that we love you dearly. Mito, Garp, myself, and even Tsunade since she has our blood running through her veins. We are family. The Uzumaki Clan is your family now and forever. You are our pride and joy. This is your time to show everyone why that is the case," said Yamamoto with Kushina crying a little and hugged him for his kind and caring words.

Words she needed to hear.

"See you after school old man Yama," whispered Kushina before she kissed his cheek and ran off with a renewed fire in her eyes.

"You did a wonderful thing for her Yamamoto-sama," remarked a voice behind the old Uzumaki.

"What are you doing here Hiruzen? Shouldn't you be doing paperwork instead of spying on Kushina?" questioned Yamamoto in a cold tone.

"I'm the Hokage Of Konoha. I can go where I please in my village," countered Hiruzen calmly though he was displeased Yamamoto spoke to Kushina since his plan involved him doing that in a way to keep the girl loyal to Konoha.

"Almost anywhere you please. Clan homes are there own sovereignty," said Yamamoto with Hiruzen frowning since he was right.

"Only to a point. If the clan's actions are deemed a threat to the life of the village overall, I can intervene when needed, and make decisions which benefits everyone as a whole," replied Hiruzen while Yamamoto frowned.

"If that were true, the Hyuuga Clan wouldn't be a divided home," countered Yamamoto and sensed Hiruzen's flinch.

"That's a separate issue," replied Hiruzen while Yamamoto scoffed.

"And how is it a separate issue? If someone from the clan went rogue, they could easily overpower the Branch family, or teach others how to disable the Branch family of the clan using the Cage Bird Seal on their foreheads. Don't bother denying it. You know what I am speaking about is true," said Yamamoto with Hiruzen frowning since he did know and didn't like others telling him what to do.

"The Hyuuga Clan is loyal to Konoha. None of their members would dare betray it for any reason," countered Hiruzen while Yamamoto turned to look at him with cold eyes.

"So long as the Hokage doesn't try to remove the Cage Bird Seal and propose a new one be made that everyone in the clan can wear with pride over that of shame," Yamamoto shot back.

"Be careful what you say Yamamoto-sama. You will make more enemies here in Konoha then you can put down," warned Hiruzen while Yamamoto seemed completely unafraid by the hidden threat.

"My enemies are those who would seek the destruction or enslavement of the Uzumaki Clan," replied Yamamoto before he began walking away from Hiruzen while giving the Sandaime Hokage a knowing "you are one of my enemies" look.

'He knows. Somehow he knows,' thought Hiruzen with a hint of worry while watching the older man walk away from him.

"Are the preparations on your end made Hiruzen?" asked Danzo, who appeared beside his rival currently deep in thought.

"Yes. I spoke to Jiraiya an hour ago. His spy network is ready to release the information to our enemies regarding the 'mission'. It can't be traced back to us," answered Hiruzen after a second to remember what Danzo was referring to about the one mission he was interested in.

"Good. I have seen to it that Orochimaru will be in the village during that time for our given timetable. Provided our intended target is in place and all things are still kept on schedule," said Danzo in a cold tone.

"He will be Danzo. Him and his entire team are going to killed. For the good of Konoha naturally. Still, Tsunade will be upset over the loss," replied Hiruzen while Danzo scoffed at him.

"Senju or not, the boy is a tool just like Tsunade. All must be sacrificed for the good of Konoha," remarked Danzo while mentally adding "except myself" in that sentence.

"Careful Danzo. I might sent you on an important mission where you don't come back," said Hiruzen while Danzo scowled further.

"Unlikely Hiruzen. Like you, I am a tool handler. A weapon user. We are immune from such things. We use, mold, and break tools or weapons how we see fit. Everyone around us are expendable assets for the greater good. The only difference between us my friend, is I can admit my feelings on the matter," countered Danzo while Hiruzen turned to look at him.

"Unlike you Danzo, I at least try to show some form of respect to those who I have sent to their deaths. You do not. That is why I am the Hokage and you are not!" Hiruzen shot back with Danzo snarling a bit at him.

"I still say Tobirama chose poorly," remarked Danzo while Hiruzen smirked.

"Considering it was the three of us that day, I think your opinion on the matter is rather bias," countered Hiruzen before walking away.

(With Yamamoto-1 Week Later)

Yamamoto was sitting in a local bar, drinking some soothing tea when he saw the boy enter with his team. He could actually see why Tsunade thought his old self looked like her little brother. The similarities were indeed so close you would think the boy and one Uzumaki Naruto were actually brothers if they were both together in the same room around the same age. Senju Nawaki had the same shapely face Uzumaki Naruto had at that age and even the same personality when he was with his team from what Yamamoto saw during his observations of the boy.

The old man actually thought for a moment his future self had actually been born ahead of schedule, but shut that thought down soon after. He also realized this was indeed a very rare and golden opportunity for him to stick it once more to Hiruzen along with the other higher ups supporting the Hokage's less then favorable actions.

It was clear to the old looking Uzumaki ever since learning the truth about how his clan fell the first time around that the Sandaime had done other things following it that were morally unethical. The Uzumaki Clan's demise was just the main one that started a long line of dominos falling down one after the other that allowed Konoha and Konoha alone or rather the higher up within it to benefit from such actions while everyone else got the shaft. Over time, Hiruzen did things where he, Danzo, Koharu, and Homura benefited while others lower got the shaft. Namely Jiraiya and Orochimaru with the former being too damn loyal to fight back and the other going rogue to plot revenge under the disguise of his mentor "discovering" the unethical experiments he (hypocritically) supported.

At this moment, Yamamoto knew Senju Nawaki's death was the next domino Hiruzen was trying to knock down. Yamamoto had learned all about the boy's death when he was a full grown Uzumaki Naruto and how Nawaki was killed the day after his birthday. A birthday Yamamoto knew was yesterday because he had been there to give the boy a beginners guide book on Fuinjutsu and saw Tsunade give the boy the "cursed necklace". The very same one Tsunade believed was responsible in the future for the boy's death along with her future lover Dan after she had given it to the man.

Yamamoto made a mental note to intervene when that happened too.

"I can't believe I have to go out on a mission later today. I just turned twelve yesterday!" exclaimed Nawaki after his friends left and saw down in front of Yamamoto to air his own grievance on the issue.

"I know. It was the same for me too on several occasions when I was young lad. Still, it just shows you the responsibilities ninja like us must take on regardless of the special events of our lives. Your enemies will not care if your birthday was today, yesterday, or even tomorrow for that matter. They will only wish to see you dead and your loved ones suffer for it. Namely your sister and your Grandmother," replied Yamamoto with Nawaki sighing.

"Yeah. I guess you are right Yamamoto-sama. At least the mission is suppose to be easy from what the Hokage said. A quick snatch and grab of documents vital to Konoha and the war ending sooner," said Nawaki while having heard of Yamamoto in the past and seen how he acted with others in Konoha.

The man was not one to be disrespected and Nawaki had no intention of doing that.

"Never assume anything Nawaki. I had several 'easy missions' assigned to me when I was a few years older then you. They turned out far more complicated and dangerous then my team thought. Always be aware of your surroundings and always treat a mission outside these walls seriously regardless of the rank. Your C rank mission can easily turn into an A if not S ranked mission. Especially during times of war," explained Yamamoto before flicking the boy in the forehead with his index and middle finger.

"Ow! Okay! Okay! I get it. No need to be mean old man Yama," whined Nawaki with Yamamoto smirking at him.

"If I wanted to be mean little Nawaki, I would tell your sister you were in the hot springs earlier peeping on women out of not so innocent curiosity," remarked Yamamoto with Nawaki going pale at the idea of his sister knowing that.

"Okay! Point taken! No need to get big sis involved. She's been training to use some kind of Super Strength technique Grandma Mito knows. I don't want to be her punching bag or living test dummy!" pleaded Nawaki knowing his sister would beat the future pervert in him right out.

"Good lad. Now hurry and go meet your team. And be mindful of what I said about your surroundings!" commanded Yamamoto with Nawaki nodding and heading off to take care of his mission.

After the boy left the bar, Yamamoto frowned knowing simple words of wisdom would not be enough to ensure Nawaki would come back to Konoha alive, and in one piece. If he truly wanted to ensure the future of the Senju Clan and mental stability of Tsunade staying Konoha. It was better for Konoha overall with her in Konoha instead of drinking and gambling for years on end outside of the village with her skills lessening with each passing day. He would have to do something discreetly to prevent the boy's death and the death of Tsunade's lover to keep Shizune here as well.

(Nawaki-Sometime Later)

The boy was terrified. He had every right to be terrified. Senju Nawaki just had a near death experience with a trap set to kill him and his team on this seemingly simple mission to retrieve documents. First, the documents themselves aren't even real, but fake. Second, his team is ambushed by seven Iwa Nin intent on thinning out the Senju bloodline. And finally third, Nawaki was barely able to escape the explosive trap meant for them should things get that far. Had he not listened to Yamamoto's advice, Nawaki knew he would be dead right now, and unable to be recognized except with the necklace Tsunade gave him.

But his luck and the luck of his team won out. Even more so when all seven Iwa Nin had been struck down soon after the surprise appearance of Uzumaki Yamamoto. The old man had his sword already drawn and without hesitation or mercy, he killed his enemies like they were nothing, and sheathed his weapon before giving Nawaki a once over.

Before smashing the boy into the ground with his fist.

"Didn't you listen to what I said earlier?! Honestly, if I had been one minute late getting here, you would be dead! Or maybe severely injured with a near to fatal injury! Of course maybe it would have made you realize your surroundings are crucial when on a mission!" exclaimed Yamamoto angrily while inwardly happy the boy and his team made it out in one piece.

A little banged up, but still alive with fully functioning limbs, and other body parts.

"Ow! I did. We did. That trap back there would have killed us if I wasn't paying attention to my surroundings. Like you mentioned earlier," remarked Nawaki while holding his head after the hit by Yamamoto.

"Had you paid full attention to your surroundings, you would have sensed the seven Iwa Nin that were in waiting for the trap they set to be sprung! If so, you would have realized sooner this was clearly a trap, and would have retreated before calling in reinforcements to let more experienced Shinobi intervene!" countered Yamamoto with another one of his fists hitting Nawaki's head.

"Ow! Stop doing that! I'm sorry. I really am!" pleaded Nawaki while Yamamoto sighed at the boy's antics.

"As you should be Nawaki. Few can ever say they survived near death experiences as a Shinobi. Even fewer from one so young as yourself during a time of war. Let's get you and your team home. The Hokage must be told and to double the patrols around Fire Country to ensure this doesn't happen so often," replied Yamamoto with him escorting the young team back to Konoha.

And away from the secret pile of fifteen bodies consisting of Konoha's Root ANBU. All of whom Danzo assigned to kill the seven Iwa Nin before bringing Nawaki's dead body back to Konoha for the genetic material extraction.

(Hokage Tower-Sometime Later)

"While I am glad young Nawaki is safe, you had no business being out of Konoha, and interfering in this mission!" exclaimed Hiruzen while glaring at Yamamoto, who looked like he didn't give a damn, and looked back at the Hokage with lazy eyes.

"And you should screen your missions better Hiruzen. The mission was clearly a trap of sorts made to kill the boy and his team if possible. The Senju Clan bloodline cannot in any way afford to be thinned out any further in this time of war," replied Yamamoto in a semi-lecturing tone.

"And how do you figure that?" asked Hiruzen with his frown turning into a scowl.

"The seven Iwa Nin who set it up made to strike Nawaki first. The use of the explosive trap was designed to kill the one among Nawaki's team who took point. Namely him. No one else was attacked by those Iwa Nin more then Nawaki was during the ambush. The others were hit with disabling attacks and Jutsus, but nothing truly lethal. The same could not be said for my distant cousin. Had I not intervened when I did, you would have lost a member of the Senju Clan, and leaving Tsunade as the only one truly capable of bringing it back to its former glory!" stated Yamamoto with his eyes narrowing at Hiruzen.

"All the same, don't do it again Yamamoto-sama. Tsunade and Mito maybe have your gratitude for such an act, but I don't! I will not have people in MY village go out and do such things without going through proper channels. Namely ME!" stated Hiruzen while Yamamoto stood up from his chair and looked down at the Hokage.

"This maybe your village now that you are its Hokage. But make no mistake Hiruzen, I will do what I must to protect my clan, and my cousin clan from total annihilation. If you or anyone else stands in my way should something like this happen again, I will burn this village to the ground, and relocate the survivors worthy of being spared my wrath back to Uzu. Do not test me on this," Yamamoto shot back before leaving the man's office.

The moment he did, the Sandaime Hokage slammed his fist on his desk.

'Damn him! He ruined everything! Orochimaru doesn't have the genetic material needed to begin his experiments in transferring strong bloodlines to others who don't have them. I suppose I could have one of the doctors at the hospital get some of it from him or even Tsunade if we're that desperate. But they will need an excuse for such an extraction and Orochimaru isn't one to be denied for long. Especially when something stands between him and his goals to further scientific progress,' thought Hiruzen while hoping his former student would get the result they were all hoping for and thus pass on the Senju's ever infamous as well as rare Mokuton bloodline.

Namely to Hiruzen himself should the results show promise.

It was no secret human beings can be envious and jealous of other human beings who wield incredible power. Even if that power was one of genetic design and not one forged from hard work. Such people made other people feel jealous. Hiruzen was no exception to this, as he was jealous of Hashirama, and even Tobirama to some extent in the mastery of their elements. More so with Hashirama then Tobirama since the former could do what no others even within the Senju Clan were able to do.

The Mokuton. The very ability to summon trees and wood based Jutsus, not to mention the subduing of the Biju with ease. Kami, it was practically screaming at Hiruzen to take, and call his own! The power to control other forms of power! To be like a God!

Hiruzen wanted it. He really wanted it.

Hence why Orochimaru was put in charge of the (secret) project. If anyone could figure it out and get results, it would be his prodigal student. Tsunade would never consent to such a thing due own her family being (secretly) used for it. Not to mention she was going into the medical field over the scientific one. And while the two occasionally intertwined on some level, Hiruzen knew that Tsunade would not go along with such an idea. Even from a medical standpoint due to the "ethics" involved with most people dying painfully from the body rejecting the bloodlines inserted into them.

Jiraiya couldn't do it simply because that wasn't the man's field of expertise and Spy Master was more into peeping on beautiful women in the hot springs for his "research" then finding ways to transfer bloodlines over to others. Not to mention the man had the attention span of a fish the moment a woman with a nice figure walked into the room and Hiruzen knew Jiraiya would practically demand an all female staff to help him, if he was remotely interested in such things.

"My Root team I sent to retrieve the Senju brat's body were killed," commented Danzo from the shadows with a frown on his face.

"He's onto us. I don't know how, but Yamamoto is onto us," replied Hiruzen with a frown on his face.

"We should remove him immediately. He's a threat to Konoha and our future prosperity," said Danzo firmly with conviction in his voice.

"Agreed. But not now. Not until after Kushina has the Kyuubi transferred into her. Any sooner and we risk all three leaving for Uzu and the Uzumaki Clan closing itself off with the most powerful of all the Biju in their village," replied Hiruzen while Danzo scowled knowing full well the Hokage was right.

"I have been having some Root ANBU watching him since he arrived here in Konoha to oversee things regarding the transfer from Mito to Kushina. So far, he hasn't met with anyone privy to our plans for being the dominate power among the five Shinobi villages," said Danzo while Hiruzen frowned.

"And yet he knew about our plan for having Nawaki killed. That the mission the boy was sent on was in fact a trap. One we allowed to unfold and secretly help along," commented Hiruzen while Danzo was puzzled by this too.

"A puzzle to be sure," added Danzo with Hiruzen not liking this one bit.

"Just keep an eye on Yamamoto for the time being Danzo. The real issue with getting the genetic materials from our prime candidate is only a minor setback at most in this case. We can always spring another trap on Nawaki in the future or use another discreet means of getting what we want from him. It won't be easy, but the things we want in life are, for the most part, usually hard to obtain," commanded Hiruzen while Danzo nodded and left via the shadows of the room.

(Uzumaki Mito's Room)

"You saved my Grandson. Thank you Yamamoto-sama. I don't think I could take such a loss at this point in my life," remarked Mito while Yamamoto nodded since he knew she loved her Grandchildren and wanted to see them reach their full potential.

"It was an honor Mito-sama. The boy has spirit and should be allowed to grow as such with it intact in the years to come," replied Yamamoto before his demeanor became more serious.

"And yet that is not everything you wish to tell me regarding this matter," added Mito in a serious tone since she sensed his emotions become more negative.

"I encountered 'poisonous roots' lying in wait Mito-sama. They were waiting for the boy to be killed," whispered Yamamoto with Mito frowning.

"They wouldn't dare try that. Even Danzo and Hiruzen wouldn't stoop so low as to kill the Grandson of their two senseis," countered Mito while Yamamoto shook his head.

"When it comes to the quest for power, personal ties have little strength against greed, and ambition for obtaining desired goals," Yamamoto shot back.

"I see. I'll speak to Nawaki and ensure his training regiment is increased. The same with Tsunade. I won't have this happen again while I'm still alive," remarked Mito while she saw Yamamoto looking at her with sad eyes.

"I'm sorry to say this to you Mito-sama, but given how I stopped this moment in time from happening, chances are...they will wait just that long before trying again. My only advice to you is to keep on living. The longer you live, the greater the chance of Nawaki, and Tsunade getting strong enough to hold off against such an attempt in the future," said Yamamoto with Mito nodding.

"I need you to do something for me after I die. It involves the Uzumaki Shrine. The one holding the masks connected to the Shinigami," replied Mito before she told him what to do and Yamamoto nodded since he could make the arrangements with Garp easily.

The last thing they wanted to do was leave such powerful items in the hands of people, who betray their closest friends for power.

(Konoha Meeting Room-Several Years Later)

"We need these Medic Nins out in the field Hokage-sama. Instead of a standard three Nin team, the teams themselves should be reorganized to have four Nins per team. If not that, then at least one of the three should be a Medic Nin. Think about all the lives we would save and lower the fatality rate!" exclaimed Tsunade while she saw Hiruzen in front of her with Hokage and Homura on either side of him.

Not far from her was one Uzumaki Yamamoto, who glanced at her from his position as the Uzumaki Clan representative now that Mito had died of old age. She of course had successfully transferred the Kyuubi to Kushina in secret and under the watchful eyes of the oldest Uzumaki in history. Kushina was devastated in hearing what she would have to become since she heard the stories of how other Jinchuriki from the four Shinobi villages were treated mistreated when they weren't being used like weapons. How they were all shunned by their villages and some of the people from within even tried to kill them for it! Yamamoto and Mito had been there to comfort the girl, telling her it was all right to be upset, and not to worry since she still had the Uzumaki Clan in Uzu. Not to mention she still had Tsunade and Nawaki from their cousin clan.

'Thankfully, no one except a rare few outside of the clan know the truth. In fact, aside from myself, Tsunade, and Nawaki...only the three people in front of us, Danzo, and Jiraiya know the truth. Orochimaru might have been told by Hiruzen as premeditated warning should the snake get into a fight with her in the future. Of course that is me being optimistic here. Danzo more then likely told his most trusted of Root Nin about Kushina and I wouldn't put it past Homura or Koharu to blurt it out to some people they knew would keep it a secret yet still hate Kushina all the same. Slowly planting seeds of distrust and dislike among the higher ups to make things difficult for the Uzumaki Clan when we ask for Kushina to come back to Uzu for visits,' thought Yamamoto while he gave Tsunade a supportive nod to her idea.

"We can't right now Tsunade. We are still fighting a war with Iwa and Kumo. Kiri may have backed off for now and Suna is considering a ceasefire all together in light of the political climate within Wind Country changing. But the fact remains we don't have the time or financial means to fund such a project. We have no way to properly train Medic Nins for the field or configure them into deployment after we did. When the war is over, then the option to fund the project will be considered reopened, and will proceed with it when the time is right. Not beforehand," replied Hiruzen while Tsunade looked angry and shocked the Hokage that was her sensei would say no to this idea.

"I support her motion Hokage-sama. With such Medic Nins in the field, we can easily keep the fatality rates down. As for funding, I'm sure if we asked for donations from the people, and the Clans living here...they would donate the funds," added Kato Dan, who was sitting next to Tsunade before giving her a smile.

The two had met two months ago thanks to Yamamoto. They had hit it off well when they both learned of the other's passion medicine and wanting to use such knowledge to further benefit the village. To bring fatality rates down while doing the opposite for the vitality rate of Shinobi during the war or on high ranked missions. Dan had lost his sister and Tsunade almost lost Nawaki so their talks about past moments surrounding death or near death experiences were surprisingly good ice breakers. In fact, the two were now greatly considering seeing each other on a romantic level.

And man was it slowly pissing Jiraiya off something fierce.

"The Hokage's answer is no. Funding aside, this war is not giving us time to train Medic Nins for the field, and an attempt now would risk losing such skilled Shinobi at the hands of the enemy," said Homura in a stern authoritative tone.

"Further more, the Medic Nins are meant to be kept behind enemy lines, and away from the battlefield. If they were caught or captured, the enemy village could ultimately try to get key pieces of information out of them by torture and interrogation. They will become the weak link in the team and thus the plan itself to involve them in Shinobi teams is a flawed one," stated Koharu while Tsunade grit her teeth in anger while the meeting soon ended and everyone was leaving.

"Bastards! They see this more in terms of face value in the short term over the long one. If Medic Nins are well trained, they wouldn't be the weak link! They just don't want to take the time and effort to make this program a reality!" stated Tsunade angrily while the man beside her known as Kato Dan smiled at the woman.

"I agree with you Tsunade. It is unfair that the Hokage and his Advisors shot down your idea for adding a Medic Nin to Shinobi teams. I bet Kumo and Iwa would be throwing a small party if they found out about the Hokage's foolishness," said Dan while joking at the end.

"I'll petition my idea again and again until sensei finally sees things my way," whispered Tsunade while Yamamoto walked over to them.

"Your former sensei is a stubborn man Tsunade. Do not be surprised if he keeps saying no even after the end of the war. To him and the others, such an idea requires a great deal of time and money. All of which Konoha does not want to waste on what they consider to be wasteful ideas," remarked Yamamoto with Tsunade grumbling.

"I bet sensei would have taken my idea into account if Orochimaru was in that room and the one who proposed it to him," remarked Tsunade angrily knowing Orochimaru pushed for a lot of top secret (and also expensive) projects through with Hiruzen listening to all of them with interest.

"Regardless, I am sure your Medic Nin Program you want can find itself useful in other places outside of Konoha," replied Yamamoto with a knowing smile.

"You mean...in Uzu? Sure it would. But wait! Wouldn't your offer to have it be used by the Uzumaki Clan be considered...treason?" asked Tsunade with uncertainty.

"No. For one, the Hokage turned down the proposal. As such, the offer is open to anyone who wants to see it come to fruition. If Konoha won't use your program to save lives and decrease fatality rates, the Uzumaki Clan will in their place. Besides, the Uzumaki Clan is your cousin clan. If the Hokage makes his grievances known, you can always tell him it was a gift between to related clans. Remember, the man had his chance to get in on the ground floor of this Medic Nin program and said no," replied Yamamoto with Tsunade thinking it over before looking at Dan.

"What do you think Dan?" asked Tsunade with Dan think it over in his mind.

"Its really up to you Tsunade. One way or another, I think your idea should be realized. Whether by Konoha or Uzu. It is ultimately your choice. But I will support the decision all the same," replied Dan with the man seeing Tsunade smiling at her.

"Can you pitch the program to Garp-sama back in Uzu for me Yamamoto-sama? I can make sure a copy of my idea and how it would work can be sent with the message," offered Tsunade with Yamamoto nodding.

"Of course. The man is smart enough to see potential new things when they are staring him in the face and this Medic Nin idea of yours is not something he will ignore," said Yamamoto knowing Garp will no doubt embrace this program and get to work on making it apart of their ninja clan policy.

"I thought as much. Grandmother Mito always spoke highly of him. I was a bit surprised Hiruzen was fighting Garp-sama on the right to bury Mito in Uzu when the time came to discuss where she would be laid to rest," replied Tsunade while the three walked side by side by side with each other down the streets of Konoha.

"It is a clan tradition that those of our clan who die, regardless of how it happened, be buried back in Uzu with fellow clan members. Mito may have married Hashirama, but her blood is still, and always will be that of an Uzumaki. Hiruzen had no right to deny my clan Mito's body," remarked Yamamoto while having been there during that meeting with Hiruzen and Garp while making sure the Hokage didn't know the exact route the angry Uzumaki Clan Head would be going down when heading for Konoha.

And it was a good thing too since it seemed to be quite a bit of hostile activity in the area during that week when Garp was suppose to arrive in Konoha. Coincidence? Not to the Uzumaki Clan it wasn't. Garp had called for a meeting with Hiruzen in a letter about him coming to see the Hokage and getting Mito's body to be buried in Uzu. The Uzumaki Clan Head gave Hiruzen a timetable of when he was going to arrive in Konoha and claim Mito's body regardless of what the Hokage wanted to the contrary.

And low and behold, two ANBU teams from Iwa were reported on several major routes that connected to Konoha and Uzu, and Kumo was reported to have had three ANBU teams covering the others. With one of the ANBU teams from Kumo encountering Garp, his ANBU, and Yamamoto himself when on his mission to assist in the escorting.

It was clear to them when they arrived in Konoha that Hiruzen was surprised to see they made it to Konoha. Clearly he along with his Shinobi Advisors did not expect any of the Uzumaki Clan members to make to the village in one piece, if at all alive. In fact, you did not need the Uzumaki Clan's sensor ability regarding emotions to know the Hokage along with his Advisors were upset at the attempt on their lives being a total failure.

It was really straining the relationship between the two villages something fierce.

"I know. Part of me wishes she could have been buried here, but I respect clan traditions, and this is one I know my Grandfather would want honored. He adored Grandmother so much before he died from what I recall. A hopeless romantic idiot from what Great Uncle Tobirama called him," said Tsunade with a smile on her face.

"He earned his right to marry her. Especially, after the beating I gave Hashirama the day he asked for Mito's hand in marriage, and was willing to do just about anything to marry her. The brat had balls to say that to me," remarked Yamamoto since the Shinigami had given him the memories of the previous Uzumaki Yamamoto before him.

All done to ensure his own cover as the man wouldn't be blown if asked something only the real Yamamoto would know.

"Yeah I know. Grandfather did mention the fight to me one time. From what I heard from Great Uncle Tobirama who witnessed it, you beat him almost within an inch of his life, and threatened to kill him if he didn't submit. When he refused, it was only then did you give Grandfather your blessing. Why?" questioned Tsunade since she never did find out why Yamamoto gave his blessing when her Grandfather had clearly lost the fight.

"Because Hashirama refused to stay down no matter how bloody I beat him. I saw it in his eyes at the end. He had heart, courage, and conviction surrounding his love for Mito. Your Grandfather was willing to die for Mito, even if it meant never marrying her if I had landed that final blow. I saw a man willing to stare into the face of death for a member of our clan. That in itself made him worthy. A lesser man or anyone else who claimed to have loved her would have just submitted and given up the fight. Hashirama proved his worth that day. Anyone who lays down and submits to the enemy when the ones they love are on the line in some shape or form are not worthy in my eyes. If you want to be with the person you love, you got to fight for them with all of your power. Win or lose," replied Yamamoto while thinking back to his days as Uzumaki Naruto and of a certain Hyuuga girl who fought for him when Pein attacked.

Thinking of the man, who was no doubt a child living again among his fellow kin in Uzu made the old Uzumaki think about the other two orphans of Ame. Konan and Yahiko. Chances are those two were no doubt in need of help right about now or at the very least would be in need of some help soon. He would pay a visit to where Ame was located or at least the area around Ame in order to find the two and bring them to Uzu. In his own previous life when in hiding, Uzumaki Naruto had traveled to Ame to pay his respects to the three orphans who had gotten hurt so much during their childhood. While the layout around the outside of Ame may be different now, Yamamoto was confident he could find Konan, and Yahiko before they were lost to this war.

His thoughts on the issue were interrupted when an ANBU appeared in front of the three of them and bowed respectfully.

"Yamamoto-sama. Tsunade-sama. Your presence is requested by the Hokage at once," said the ANBU before he vanished.

"It must be serious to get the two of you involved," remarked Dan since he knew the old Uzumaki in front of them was legend in his own right and Tsunade herself for her own experience as a Shinobi.

"Clearly. I wonder what he wants?" questioned Tsunade with Yamamoto shrugging.

"We will find out soon enough," replied Yamamoto before he walked toward the Hokage Tower.

"Will I be seeing you again after this meeting?" asked Dan with a smile on his face and Tsunade was now blushing.

"You know I will. Provided its not a mission requiring immediate deployment," answered Tsunade with Dan nodding with a sad smile.

"If it is, I understand. Just come back safely," whispered Dan before he kissed her and left for his house.

'Such a wonderful man. Was this what Mito felt like when she was with Grandfather? Or was it the other way around?' thought Tsunade since her parents had kept their romantic life private from her and she knew little of it.

Tsunade felt she took after her Grandparents more then her parents when it came to her personality when dealing with different emotional moments. At least her brother Nawaki didn't act like a pervert like Jiraiya tried to do from the one time she overheard the man attempting to convince the Senju male to help with peeping on all of the women in the hot spring. Tsunade would have bashed both their brains in if not for the fact Nawaki refused to help Jiraiya and walked away.

She was actually proud of her little brother for resisting...at least up until the point where Nawaki basically said all he had to do was just imagine a hot woman of his choice being naked in the "safety" of his head. Apparently, nude women in your mind were safer to see then in real life outside, and not even angry women could take that away from him.

He said it with such pride in his voice too. She almost didn't have the hearty resolve to beat the stuffing out of her little brother later that day on principle alone. Almost.

In any case, she put those personal thoughts on the backburner of her mind, and entered the Hokage's Office with Yamamoto to see the Sandaime Hokage. When they entered the Hokage's Office, the two ninja saw that Hiruzen, Orochimaru, Danzo, Jiraiya, Koharu, and Homura there waiting for them. All of them were looking quite serious and knew this was something that required their attention.

As much as Yamamoto hated Hiruzen and those inside the room sans Tsunade right now, the Konoha he was fighting for needed him, and the people Uzumaki Naruto would one day call friends when born.

"What's the mission?" asked Tsunade while ignoring the glare Jiraiya aimed at her for a brief second though Yamamoto made a mental note to smack the man around for it.

"You, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru are going to Ame. There was small contingent of both Iwa and Kumo Nin have been spotted in the area thanks to Jiraiya's spy network. I suspect our enemies are trying to acquire favor with its leader Hanzo: The Salamander of Ame. No doubt to have him aid in their cause to attack us from our rear flank. We need an alliance with Ame in order to cause the opposite for our enemies. You three will go their to show Hanzo why you three are my students and Konoha's strength. If you impress him enough with your skills, I am confident he will side with us over Kumo, or Iwa for that matter," said Hiruzen while Yamamoto narrowed his eyes.

"And why am I here Hiruzen? Your ANBU said you requested me as well as Tsunade for this meeting," remarked Yamamoto while seeing the Hokage nod to Danzo, who gave the old Uzumaki a mission scroll.

The man also ignored how Homura and Koharu wanted to scold the Uzumaki for his lack of respect toward their teammate.

"You are going to Ame as well Yamamoto-sama, but for a mission far more dangerous in its design. In the event my students fail to meet Hanzo's expectations and he decides to side with our enemies...you are going to kill Hanzo and his supports," answered Hiruzen with Yamamoto scowled slightly since this mission given to him was extremely fishy for his tastes.

"Why send me? Why not send Danzo? Or a team of highly trained ANBU?" questioned Yamamoto since he knew Hiruzen well enough to know that sending someone of his level was overkill.

It was like sending a fully trained Jinchuriki with control over the Biju's power to fight an infant barely able to walk.

"Are you questioning Hokage-sama's orders surrounding this mission Yamamoto-sama?" questioned Homura in a disapproving tone.

"Such a thing could be considered treason," remarked Koharu while glaring at Yamamoto with dislike in her eyes.

"I question the reason to send me. Not the mission itself. Its overkill. Not only that, but what will happen in the off chance I failed my mission after they failed theirs? Ame will see the Konoha and Uzumaki Clan as its enemy. Ame is closer to Uzu then any of the other Shinobi villages and thus make things problematic for my clan. I have no intention of making my family a bigger target during this war," countered Yamamoto while giving Hiruzen's teammates a glare.

"Are you not up to this mission Yamamoto-sama? Given your age, no one would think any less of you," challenged Hiruzen while Yamamoto's eyes narrowed in on him.

"Do not speak to me about age when compared to your weak monkey ass. Even now, I could take on everyone in this room, and still have more then enough strength to flatten this village into nothingness," said Yamamoto while flexing his spiritual pressure on the people in the room and made to remind them all that he was far from weak.

"I stand corrected," replied Hiruzen with great reluctance since he was sadly outclassed by Yamamoto's power and hated it.

He hated anything and anyone stronger then himself.

"I will take the mission Hiruzen. But I highly doubt you will even need me there to fight Hanzo. Especially, if all three of your students here are as capable as you seem to claim," remarked Yamamoto before walking out of the room with Tsunade right beside him.

"That old man is a pain my ass," remarked Jiraiya bitterly since he had been watching the old man for awhile now and was furious with Yamamoto for getting Tsunade interested in that sissy looking Kato Dan.

"Enough Jiraiya. We don't need you being distracted now of all times from the mission due to your own personal reasons regarding the imaginary romance between yourself and Tsunade," said Orochimaru offhand while Jiraiya bristled in anger.

"Hey! No one loves Tsunade more then me! Not you, Sarutobi-sensei, and certainly not that sissy boy Dan! Yamammoto-teme got those two interested in each other over their stupid concerns about the medical field. My field is spying, Fuinjutsu, my research I do in the hot springs. Only one interests Tsunade and not in the way I can get her to swoon like she does with Kato Dan! How am I suppose to compete with that?!" protested Jiraiya, as he saw Orochimaru roll his eyes.

"Enough Jiraiya. I will help you with this Dan person at a later time. Right now, I need you to focus on the task at hand with Hanzo in Ame," commanded Hiruzen while Jiraiya just grumbled, but agreed with him.

(Territory around Ame)

The two orphans of Ame looked up at Yamamoto in fear. They could easily tell this man was strong. He hid it well, but they had seen enough in their short lives to know this old Uzumaki was nothing to mock or sneeze at. He could crush them like bugs. Yet he gave them both a gentle smile.

"Who are you?" asked the boy on guard against the stranger in this rainy land.

"A friend," replied Yamamoto calmly.

"Many have said that to us," said the girl with caution in her voice.

"And?" questioned Yamamoto curiously.

"They were all liars," answered the boy.

"I am not them," replied Yamamoto with the boy and girl looking him over.

"Why are you here?" asked the boy.

"I am here for you two," answered Yamamoto with the boy and girl now being put on edge by his words.

"To hurt us?" asked the girl while the boy moved into a crude fighting stance.

"No. To help you," answered Yamamoto with the two children looking at him with looks of disbelief.

"Why would you help us? We are mere orphans. No one wants us," said the girl.

"It is because you are orphans that I wish to help you," countered Yamamoto with both children looking at him in confusion.

"That doesn't make any sense," said the girl while Yamamoto let out a huff of annoyance.

"The reason you are orphans is due to the war between several Shinobi villages. The war has finally spilled into Ame and you have suffered greatly in the process. I am here to help ensure you do not have to suffer anymore," replied Yamamoto with both children unsure if he was lying or telling the truth.

"And how do you intend to do that?" asked the boy.

"By taking you both with me back to the Uzumaki Clan in Uzu. To become members of our clan," replied Yamamoto with the boy and girl looking unsure.

"To Uzu?" asked the girl.

"Yes. I assure you both this is a genuine offer. If you say no, I will understand, and will leave you two alone to your own devices here in Ame," replied Yamamoto with both children looking at each other.

"Why are you doing this for us? Why not the other orphans roaming around Ame at this point? What makes us so special?" asked the boy since he figured there was more to this moment then they were led to believe.

"You both have amazing potential to do something with your lives. For good or ill. I wish to see you both reach that potential for the good of all the world," said Yamamoto with the two children looking at him with cautious yet hopeful eyes.

"I heard if a member of a clan swears on their family honor, they have to follow through with it no matter what. Is that right?" asked the boy.

"Yes. And the Uzumaki Clan, which I am apart of takes such honor very seriously," said Yamamoto with both the girl and boy looking at each other again.

"Do you swear on the honor of the Uzumaki Clan that your intentions in taking us away from Ame are for the right reasons? That this isn't some kind of cruel trap for some sick, twisted, and perverse enjoyment in seeing us be abused in some manner?" questioned the boy with Yamamoto nodding.

"I swear it on my honor as a member of the Uzumaki Clan and on the souls of my clan's ancestors dating back to the time of the Sage of Six Paths himself," replied Yamamoto without hesitation and saw the two children lower their guard.

"My name is Yahiko," said the boy now identified as Yahiko.

"I'm Konan," said the girl now identified as Konan.

"And I am Uzumaki Yamamoto. Actually my full name is super long so I decided to just keep it short at Yamamoto," replied Yamamoto offhandedly at the end.

"How far away is Uzu?" asked Yahiko with Yamamoto stroking his long beard.

"It is a country surrounded by water. An island country actually. Its far away from Ame, but not too far. Well over two weeks if we move fast enough," answered Yamamoto with both children looking a little upset they had to travel two weeks with little to nothing to Uzu.

Hopefully, this trip would be worth it the long wait.

(Konoha-Hokage's Office-Weeks Later)

"This is inexcusable sensei! He left the three of us to fight Hanzo! And for what?! All for two measly orphans he took pity on!" exclaimed Jiraiya while Orochimaru and Tsunade were in the room listening to him complain.

"I too must admit sensei, Yamamoto's action in abandoning us during the mission is most disheartening. This cannot go unpunished," added Orochimaru though he only added to Jiraiya's defense simply out of his pride being deflated after the defeat he suffered at the hands of Hanzo.

"Oh get over yourself! Both of you! Yamamoto-sama shouldn't have gone with us in the first place. Him being there was overkill and all three of you know it," replied Tsunade while she saw the two men in the room trying to have their egos tended to by their sensei.

"You wouldn't say that if Hanzo killed one of us or was about to kill you. What if your precious Dan or Nawaki was there? And Hanzo killed them? Would you be defending him then?" asked Jiraiya before he was floored by Tsunade with her fist to his face.

"First off, do not speak to me like that about Dan or Nawaki again! Second, they weren't part of our team, and Yamamoto-sama knew that from the start when he was here for that mission briefing. Third, I know Yamamoto-sama would have never allowed it to get that far with us dying. He clearly had faith in us to get the job done with Hanzo regardless if we won or lost our fight. And finally, Yamamoto gave two orphans, who suffered in this war, partially because of US, a place to live, and be loved in Uzu! It was a loving act and you should show him respect!" said Tsunade while she saw Jiraiya on the ground.

'Sadly, she has a point Jiraiya,' thought Hiruzen knowing his student deserved that hit no matter how much he wanted to scold Tsunade for it.

"Getting back to topic at hand sensei. Are you going to punish Yamamoto-sama for his abandoning of his mission in Ame?" questioned Orochimaru curiously.

Hiruzen was silent for a second to consider his action on the matter. On the one hand, he could try to impose some form of punishment on Yamamoto for what he did in Ame. On the other hand, if Hiruzen did that, he would have to reveal why Yamamoto was there, and the mission the Uzumaki was sent on wasn't what you would call...sanctioned. The Sandaime Hokage had made it seem like mission was when Yamamoto had first decided to questioned the reason for him being in there. But in truth, the mission was designed to smear the honor of the Uzumaki Clan and make Uzu an enemy of Ame in the future.

"I need time to think about my decision. The Uzumaki Clan will no doubt fight me on this since they know what Yamamoto did when bringing the orphans to Uzu. With things strained between us as it is, I don't know if punishing Yamamoto would be good for us right now," said Hiruzen while needing to discuss this with Danzo, Homura, and Koharu before reaching a decision.

Seeing Tsunade nod and leave, Hiruzen saw Orochimaru do the same while giving the Hokage a knowing look before leaving the office. This of course left Jiraiya, who was not done yet after getting off the ground.

"I want that sissy boy Kato Dan dead," said Jiraiya tactlessly while Hiruzen raised an eyebrow at him.

"The one you keep saying Tsunade is seeing romantically?" questioned Hiruzen while Jiraiya nodded.

"I know she is. Or soon will be anyway. She's getting all lovey-dovey with the guy and its not fair! I loved Tsunade since we were kids. Yet she rejects me for this skinny, bleeding heart...idiot! He'll ruin her! We need to remove him from the village and Tsunade's heart before he has that chance!" stated Jiraiya angrily at his former sensei.

"Tsunade will clearly be devastated if Dan dies Jiraiya. What about her feelings on this matter? She will not be so emotionally vulnerable that your advances will be accepted like you think Jiraiya," questioned Hiruzen while Jiraiya scoffed.

"Tsunade doesn't know what she wants. She doesn't need some wimp like Dan in her life. She needs a guy like me. A manly man like me. Someone who can take care of her every need. I just have to show her the cold hard painful truth and I can't do that unless Dan is removed from the picture," countered Jiraiya while Hiruzen sighed.

"And what if the two getting together helps produce children to further carry the Senju Clan line?" questioned Hiruzen before Jiraiya surprisingly glared at him with surprising anger.

"No one is allowed to get Tsunade pregnant but me! Understand sensei?! Not Dan! Not Orochimaru! Not some guy on the street looking to lucky! ME!" exclaimed Jiraiya while he had a crazed look in his eyes.

"I'll look into it Jiraiya. There are some missions we might be able to use for what you have in mind. I'll have to look at them to find the most promising solution to the little problem surrounding your...love life," replied Hiruzen while Jiraiya just nodded before leaving via the window.

'Tsunade is mine and mine alone! No one will stop me from swooping down and laying claim to my hime. Not Dan and certainly not that old geezer Yamamoto. He was the one to get Tsunade and Dan together. I have to make sure he doesn't interfere in my plans to rip them apart!' thought Jiraiya angrily at the idea of Dan being with Tsunade and having a happy life together.

Jiraiya would ensure his hime loved him and no one else. Even if he had to kill everyone Tsunade loved around her.