Natsuko

Blanket disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Tenjho Tenge

AUTHOR'S NOTE:

This time Team 11 finally arrives at their destination in Hekison Village. I present to you chapter 28:

Last time:

'CLICK'

There was a flash and the safe handle turned ninety degrees and the door to the safe opened silently the second Aya's fingers gripped it. Aya yawned. "I guess it must have been stuck Jiraiya-sama." She yawned again and said "Well, I'm going to go back to bed." She drifted out the way she'd come in as the three adults in the study stared in disbelief.

After Aya closed the door behind her there were a few seconds of silence before Jiraiya face faulted and cried with anime tears, "It's just like Kushina-chan's black box all over again!"

As Hiruzen comforted his blubbering student Hanako shook her head irritably and reached into the safe where a few unsealed scrolls were regarding the ryugan. Stifling a yawn of her own she closed the safe which once again made a 'click' sound and said, "Hiruzen, send Jiraiya home once he gets done sobbing. I'm taking these scrolls to the kitchen to read them. Join me when you're done with your brat." Then she stepped out of the study.

'What a woman!' thought Hiruzen to himself. "Calm down and stop being so dramatic Jiraiya-kun. It's not like somebody died or anything."

Jiraiya sniffled, "Only my pride as a seal master was brutally assassinated by a genius Uzu killer…"

Hiruzen just sighed. 'Some things will never change…'

…

Chapter 28

Tea Country, Forest

Team 11 woke up and was already eating a simple breakfast in the pre-dawn hours. By the time the sun peeked over the horizon the battle fatigued group was quickly moving through the trees in silence as they covered to rest of the trail to Hekison Village. There were no signs of trouble and by eight in the morning the group of four arrived at the Village gates. The locals were told to expect some Konoha ninjas to escort the beautiful Miko Minami Natsuko to the Fire Capital. What they didn't expect was the dirty, battered and bloodied appearance of the three kunoichi and the single ninja that arrived. Team 11 looked like they'd been through a war.

People quietly stood back and watched in silence as Yūgao quietly led her team into the tiny village. She saw there were a couple of armed guards there to drive off bandits and saw a few people scamper off towards a medium sized house she suspected the village leader lived in. Two more guards came and a balding man in his fifties was with them. Yūgao motioned for her tense genins to stand down and saw them settle into a more relaxed posture as the man arrived. The purple haired Jonin bowed along with her team and she said, "I am Jonin Uzuki Yūgao of Konoha and this is my team. We are here to see the Village Elder of Hekison Village named Ryozaki Arata-san regarding our mission." She presented their mission papers.

The man returned their bow and looked a bit relieved. "I am Ryozaki Arata, Uzuki-san. I welcome you to the Hekison Village. Not to be rude but what happened to you? Are you in need of medical assistance? We have a village healer."

Yūgao waved him off. "We were ambushed on our way here though we don't know why. If you have an inn or guest lodgings were we could wash ourselves and clean and dress our injuries it would be very helpful."

Ryozaki nodded uncertainly as he looked at Naruto's bloodied and frayed uniform. "Please follow me. We have a traveler's lodge for guests who have come to be blessed at our shrine. Are you sure our healer isn't necessary?"

Yūgao looked her team over slowly and said, "Perhaps having your healer look us over would be helpful."

Smiling, Ryozaki said, "We will be happy to provide. Come and I'll show you to our lodge."

Yūgao and her team bowed again before they followed the Village Elder to the traveler's lodge where they could rest and recuperate.

…

Hekison Village Lodge…

Naruto was standing in the shower scrubbing the dried blood off himself. He had to admit that ANBU gear was tops despite his injuries. Given how close he'd been to the explosion it protected him remarkably well. The blonde ninja had pretty much healed between the Kyubi and his own healing factor that was further enhanced by the Kurimuzo-kougou. Finally giving up on getting his back clean Naruto created a shadow clone that got him clean in areas he couldn't reach. He really wished it had been Hinata-chan or Maya-chan there helping him instead but with Yūgao-sensei watching it would be pretty obvious what was going on. None of the three genin were sure if Yūgao had seen them kissing on each other earlier.

In the room across the hall Hinata was checking over Maya and using the mystic palm to heal her various scrapes and bruises. Hinata had already checked herself over and Maya had bandaged her so now the girls had traded places. Finishing up applying some healing salve she gently wrapped what few injuries Maya had left. "I guess basically we're both okay despite all things Maya-chan." said Hinata.

"I'm more worried about Naruto-kun." said Maya. "He won't admit it but he was really badly hurt. What's he doing now Hinata-chan?"

Hinata activated her byakugan. "It looks like he has a shadow clone helping to scrub his back in the shower. He probably had blood there too."

Both girls sighed sadly thinking of their boyfriend's injuries when they heard a knock on the door. Yūgao's voice rang through the door. "Are you two girls done? I need Hinata-chan to check me over for injuries." Seeing that no one else was out in the hall with her byakugan; Hinata invited Yūgao in. Yūgao was in a yukata for guests and her hair was still damp. She'd just finished her shower. "How are you two doing?" asked the Jonin. The two younger kunoichi seemed to have lost some of the fatigued look they'd had and Yūgao was glad for that. Before stripping off to be examined herself she quickly checked the girls over physically for any injuries.

"It seems you've done an excellent job with these field dressings Hinata-chan." the ANBU Jonin said approvingly. "I'm not in bad shape but I want you to examine me as well just in case."

A few minutes later Hinata finished her examination and said grouchily, "You hardly have a scratch on you Yūgao-sensei. Other than a bit of muscle strain and bruising from the explosion you're right as rain…I'm jealous."

"Must be nice…" grumped Maya as she got her support bra on.

Yūgao chuckled. "I reinforced my body with chakra the second I knew there was danger. When we get back to Konoha we'll be training in that during sparring. It will become second nature to you after a while."

A few bandages later Yūgao was testing her muscles. "Having someone trained as a combat medic on the team is excellent. Thank you Hinata-chan."

About that time there was a quick knock on the door and Village Elder Ryozaki came in leading the village healer. Setting his eyes on the three young, beautiful and nearly NAKED kunoichi he was immediately blown back by a massive nosebleed into the hall where he was knocked unconscious when his head impacted against the wall. The healer yelled, "Ryozaki Arata you bald baka hentai! You don't just let yourself into a lady's room!" The healer closed the door behind her and locked it before the middle aged woman bowed, "Forgive me for not restraining that moron Arata. I am Mai, the Healer of Hekison Village."

The three kunoichi just sweat dropped…

From Naruto's point of view in the shower he heard the sound of the Village Elder's head hit the wall by his door and heard Mai calling Ryozaki a stupid pervert. '…Probably better to not get involved…' he thought wisely. 'I'll just finish cleaning up here and wait for the girls to come bandage me up if I actually need it.' With that he went to dry off and put on a towel…

…

Fire Country, Konoha Village

Hanako had risen early and was in the kitchen looking over the confounding scrolls on the ryugan. They gave a general description:

'The Ryugan is the doujutsu passed down through the Natsume Clan since before the Era of Warring Clans. It allows the user to synchronize with the spirits of all things, thus it gives them a type of prescience that allows them to see anywhere past, present, possible futures, as well as seeing and hearing the dead. It can also use be used to astral project and to use psychometry. The Ryugan is also known for its capacity to consume chakra indefinitely, so sustaining it too long can cause the user to suffer from chakra exhaustion, lose consciousness or in a few rare cases it has led to death from chakra loss.'

'It is characterized by the pupil becoming long and slitted while emanating a red glow thus giving the name 'Dragon's Eye.' A few individuals develop it as children and are often mentally unstable as a result. Most develop it in their mid to late teens or in early adulthood.'

Hanako sighed. This information was all well and good but that's all there was….and it was nothing that wasn't already common knowledge in ninja circles. The three scrolls only said this and all three were identical. She wondered if it was more of Naruto's sealing at work or some blood or doujutsu sealed technique that only allowed clan members to read the scrolls….or if these were even the genuine scrolls…. 'It would be just like Naruto-kun to plant fakes and Maya-chan would be likely to agree to something like that. Still, Maya-chan isn't the sort of young lady to leave Aya-chan without guidance in case something happened. Since I have Aya-chan out of her Academy classes for the next few days I'll talk to her once she's up and about. The child needs sleep right now more than anything…'

Truthfully Hanako wasn't really all that comfortable reading through what should have been Natsume Clan scrolls anyway but since Aya's life could be in danger she felt obligated to help. 'I'll just have to wait until Aya-chan wakes up.' Hanako was so preoccupied with her surrogate granddaughter that she almost missed her real granddaughter coming into the kitchen in her light blue pajamas. Seeing her sleepy eyed grandchild come in yawning and stretching cutely, Hanako smiled and said, "Well good morning to you Hanabi-chan. You usually aren't up for another couple of hours. Can't you sleep?"

Hanabi rubbed her eyes and shook her head 'no.' "I was worried about Aya nee-chan and couldn't go back to sleep. Have you found out anything that will help Obaa-chan?"

Scooping her youngest grandchild into her lap; Hanako hugged Hanabi gently. "I'm afraid we'll have to wait until Aya-chan wakes up in a few hours. These scrolls don't tell me anything we don't already know Hanabi-chan. If we can't find out more then we'll start training Aya-chan in chakra exercises we Hyūgas use as children to activate and deactivate our byakugan."

Hanabi snuggled up in her Grandmothers warm embrace. "Obaa-chan, are you sure those scrolls aren't sealed in some way by Naruto nii-san? It would be just like him to do that or hide the originals somewhere and leave fakes."

The Hyūga matriarch beamed at her youngest grandchild. "That's an excellent bit of deductive reasoning Hanabi-chan. I was thinking along the same lines. I'm hoping Aya-chan might know something when she gets up." Soon Hanabi dozed off comfortably in her Grandmother's lap and Hanako decided just to relax for awhile holding her littlest one. 'It will work out fine. At the worst we'll just have to wait for Maya-chan to get home.' Hanako smiled down at Hanabi. 'She is such a sweet child. I'll make sure she grows up strong just like Hinata-chan is.'

…

Tea Country, Hekison Village

Minami Natsuko was getting her things together for her trip to the Fire Capitol. She'd been informed that her ninja escorts had arrived and were at the village traveler's lodge. Rumors had spread over the small village that they were injured in some kind of attack so things weren't clear at this point as to what exactly was going on. She knew the village healer Mai-san had gone to the lodge. Natsuko decided to go over to the lodge and check up on things…When the Miko entered the lodge she was greeted by the caretakers at the desk and was directed to the rooms Team 11 was occupying.

Walking down the hall she spotted the village elder laying unconscious in the hall and dashed up to him. "Elder Arata, are you alright?!"

The old man opened his eyes and stared at Natsuko's generous cleavage as she bent over him in concern. He mumbled "…Boobs for the win…!" before she smacked him unconscious again.

Leaving a nice red handprint on top of his bald head the Miko growled, "Old pervert!" under her breath and stood back up figuring Arata was fine. Then she heard the door beside her slide open and saw Mai and Hinata coming out of the room Naruto was staying in. Hinata was wearing a lodge yukata and dusting her hands off with Mai right behind her.

"You are quite the skilled healer Hinata-san; I'm very impressed." said Mai.

Hinata blushed a bit. "Thank you but I'm just trained as a combat medic Mai-san. I have much to learn." Hinata saw Natsuko standing in the hall. "Oh, hello. May I help you?" she asked the Miko.

Mai said, "Ah, Natsuko-san. You have good timing. Hinata-san, this is Natsuko-san who is the Miko you will be escorting. Natsuko-san, this is Hinata-san who is one of your ninja guardians."

Both girls bowed to each other and briefly sized one another up. 'No wonder Wataru-baka picked her.' thought Hinata looking at Natsuko's bust size. "I'm pleased to meet you Priestess; I am genin kunoichi Hyūga Hinata and I hope our passage to the Fire Capitol is trouble free."

For her part Natsuko was examining Hinata appraisingly. 'She's quite stunning. Normally I don't have any competition in the looks department. Reminds me of back home. This kunoichi would fit right in there.' "It's nice to make your acquaintance Hinata-san; I am Minami Natsuko and I'll be in your care. Please just call me Natsuko; there is no need to use my title of priestess."

"As you wish Natsuko-san. I'll introduce you to the others." Soon Natsuko was introduced to both Yūgao and Maya who she noted were very beautiful as well. They informed her that Naruto was getting dressed and would be out in a little bit.

After exchanging greetings the Miko thought to herself, 'Well, this will be boring. Only one male to keep me entertained all the way to Fire Country. I hope he's handsome or at least cute. I'll need something to do. It would be just my luck to draw a team of beautiful kunoichi…'

Mai said, "Well I suppose I should get the caretakers to help me haul Arata-san's carcass back to his place. How did he get this handprint on the top of his head?!"

Everyone's heads turned to the resident Miko who was sweating. "I'll get the lodge caretakers to help you Mai-san!" she squeaked as she took off down the hall. Mai and the three kunoichi shrugged as the girls returned to their rooms to get dressed.

…

Hōrō-sha Village

A lone ninja came into town to report to his employer. He looked quite troubled as he entered the town's crime boss's residence. "Ah Shigure, you are back. Where's your team?" asked a man in an expensive business suit.

The ninja Shigure said in a haggard voice, "They are all dead Akio-sama. I am the only survivor out of the eight of us. I came here as quickly as possible."

Akio's eyes widened. "What the hell happened? Were you ambushed? What about the target?"

Shigure sighed in exhaustion. This wasn't going to go over well with his lord. "Akio-sama; we ambushed what at first appeared to be a normal genin cell from Konoha and they turned upon us. We managed to injure one with an exploding tag but he was standing again when I withdrew. I believe all four of them may have been ANBU level but I'm not sure. They were all wearing Konoha ANBU style uniforms. We were slaughtered. The target was rumored to be at that level but all four of them struck like lightning; even the injured one. I was fortunate to have escaped alive and intact."

"You're saying your team had the initiative and outnumbered them two to one and you are the only one that is left alive?" asked Akio in disbelief. Seeing Shigure nod shamefully he said, "My house ninja have always been very competent. I find it difficult to conceive that you were defeated that badly by a team of four." He pondered a few moments. "Were they going to or from Hekison Village?"

"We concluded they were going to Hekison Village from Heiya Village." reported Shigure. "They didn't appear to be escorting anybody and there were certainly no civilians present."

Akio sighed. "We will have to wait until they've picked up their client before we strike again. That should slow them down a bit. I'm going to have you lead a second group Shigure. One of the women in that group is our target and we have to get her."

"Yes, my lord." answered Shigure. 'If I have my way, we won't find the targets again.' he thought to himself. 'Some targets are just too dangerous to hunt and this is one of them. I don't know which kunoichi to target and that lack of information could cost us even more lives. Forgive me Akio-sama but this situation is simply too hot to handle.'

Unaware of his head ninja's semi mutinous thoughts, Akio began a letter to his boss to update him on the situation…

…

Fire Country, Konoha Village

Aya tiredly stretched and woke up around lunch time. She blinked and looked at her alarm clock. "Oh gods; I'm late for the Academy!" she shrieked out as her panicked voice echoed through the house. Aya quickly stumbled out of bed and dashed out into the hall…only to nearly run over poor Natsu who had a basket of laundry that flew everywhere upon impact. Both young women were knocked down.

Natsu rubbed her nose from the laundry basket hitting it and saw the mess. Sighing, she said, "It seems most of your energy has returned Aya-sama. What's the rush?"

Realizing she'd just clobbered the maid of the house Aya squeaked out, "I'm terribly sorry Natsu-san! I wasn't looking where I was going when I left my room. I'm late for the Academy and I was running to get to the bathroom to get ready to go."

Hanako poked her head around the corner in amusement. She'd heard Aya's shriek earlier and saw the whole collision with her byakugan from the front room. Hanabi peered around her Grandmother and saw laundry everywhere. "Aya nee-chan, you're finally awake. I'm so glad! We were all worried for you." said the seven-year-old as she dashed over to the two women in the floor to help pick up the laundry. The little girl quickly looked between Natsu and Aya. "Are you both okay? I heard a crash…"

Natsu looked around depressed at the (formerly) clean laundry scattered hither and yon. "I'm fine Hanabi-sama; I just need to clean up this mess. I think Aya-sama is okay unless she bumped something when she fell."

Hanako said, "There's going to be a very important announcement in the Village Main Square today, so Academy classes are cancelled. We have about three hours, so everyone needs to get ready after we have lunch. Aya-chan, if you aren't up to it, I'll leave a shadow clone here with you to watch over you."

"What's the announcement about Obaa-chan?" asked Hanabi curiously as she helped Aya and Natsu pick up the laundry.

"Hiruzen-kun is retiring and a new Hokage is to be announced." said Hanako with a soft smile. "I trust you ladies would like to be present for such an occasion? I believe Mito-chan and Shizune-chan will be accompanying us."

Natsu perked up. "What about Jiraiya-sama and Tsunade-sama? Will they be present as well Hanako-sama?"

Hanako nodded. "They will be present but serving in an official capacity, so they won't be down in the crowds with us."

"Nee-chan is going to be bummed out that she missed this." said Aya.

"Maya-chan, Hinata-chan and Naruto-kun have duties elsewhere right now." said the silver haired matriarch. "They will understand. You should all pay attention so you can tell then out it later."

Hanabi smirked. "Well, Aya nee-chan; it seems our elder siblings are going to be jealous of us for being there." There was a mischievous sparkle in her byakugan eyes. "We'll tell them all about it for the appropriate amount of ice cream."

Natsu looked horrified and Aya laughed. Hanako winked at her granddaughter said, "I wonder were this devious, scheming side of yours comes from Hanabi-chan."

Hanabi burst into giggles and soon the laundry disaster was taken care of. It was going to be a rather momentous day…

…

Tea Country, Hekison Village

Naruto was sitting down to lunch at the lodge with his teammates. "We'll get a good night's rest and leave in the morning." Yūgao told her genin. "Then we'll head back to Fire Country on the west side of the mountains and completely avoid the paths we took to get here. Since we don't know if we were attacked because of one of us being targeted or the client we'll be travelling quickly as we can at a civilian pace. Hopefully Natsuko-san is in good enough physical shape to move along at a good speed."

"I guess we'll find out about her tomorrow Yugao-sensei." commented Maya.

"We should talk to her today and see if she knows any form of self-defense." said Naruto.

Hinata nodded. "That's a good idea Naruto-kun. She appeared to be very physically fit at first glance."

Yūgao said, "While it is an excellent idea to know these things as her bodyguards it is our duty to protect her regardless. Including her as an asset to our fighting strength is not something we should do. In a worst-case scenario where we are unable to help her is the only reason she should have to be involved in any kind of combat; understood?"

"Yes sensei." said the three genin.

"Still, we will find out how capable she is before we leave tomorrow." said the jonin. "You were on the right track in your assessments."

…

Fire Country, Konoha Village

The official instatement of Tsunade as the Fifth Hokage was big news in Konoha Village. Everyone was very excited. The rumors had been flying around but at long last the new Hokage was revealed. A retirement speech was given by the Third Hokage and he was only too glad to be passing the hat to someone younger once more. Tsunade was glad that her sensei was staying on as her advisor. She also had just about sealed the deal with Hanako but nothing was really announced other than Tsunade would be appointing her advisors in the next two weeks. There had been some talk about where the three Village Elders were but it hadn't been revealed to the public that Danzo was dead and Homura and Koharu were in ANBU prison awaiting their turn…Tsunade wasn't prepared to tip her hand there just yet.

Down in the crowds Senju Mito was bouncing up and down with excitement. "No wonder Kaa-san and Tou-san aren't down here!" She gave Hanabi a wild hug. "My Kaa-san is the Fifth Hokage!" she said excitedly. Shizune just smiled.

Standing with Hanako's little group was Team Gai. They'd just returned from a long and boring border patrol mission and were all very excited. It was a surprise to the genin but the Jonin had already been informed so Gai had rushed his Team back to Konoha to see the inauguration of their youthful Fifth Hokage. His Team had been a bit disgruntled at returning to Konoha at top speed, but they were glad for it now.

Tenten in particular was absolutely thrilled to see her idol Tsunade-sama become the first female Hokage. Neji was pleased as well and was talking quietly with his Obaa-chan and his little cousin Hanabi who had somehow conned him into letting her sit on his shoulders for a better view. (The many bone crushing hugs from the very excited Mito-chan were a little too much for the seven-year-old Hyūga).

Amidst all the excitement the rest of the Hyūga Clan was there and in good spirits although Hiaishi wished his Kaa-san and her little group were standing united with the rest of the Hyūga Clan instead of apart. Many Hyūgas were looking around for their Heiress Hinata-sama but to their disappointment she was nowhere to be found. Hiashi was privy to that fact Hinata was out on a mission with her team but the rest of the clan wasn't in the know. Hiashi just sighed and hoped Hinata was safe and well.

The vast majority of the village was surprised but no one was more surprised than Yakushi Kabuto. 'This could change everything! What am I to tell Orochimaru-sama? Why didn't Danzo contact us? He had to have known about this but he's been missing for some time. Where is the old war hawk?! For all that matter why aren't those two fossils Koharu and Homura present for the ceremony? Something is very amiss here. I have the feeling this beefed-up security is a result of Tsunade-sama's influence. It's getting more and more difficult to slip away to report to Orochimaru-sama. I wonder what Rasa-sama will do once he hears the news. If the Kazekage drops out the entire invasion plan could be in jeopardy…'

…

Tea Country, Hekison Village

Uzuki Yūgao had gone over to the shrine to visit Natsuko-san and was pleasantly surprised to find the young Miko was going through her katas with her naginata. After she talked a bit with Natsuko she found the Miko claimed to be a rank amateur but said shaking a naginata at potential thieves or bandits made them think twice before they attacked so help could come. Yūgao didn't buy that story for a minute. She'd carefully watched Natsuko for several minutes before the Miko noticed her presence and intentionally got sloppy with her forms.

'Natsuko-san was either trained for years at a temple or is a trained kunoichi.' thought Yūgao to herself. 'She hides it well but her story of being a lost soul that found enlightenment in this small shrine is utter bullshit. I know a trained combatant when I see one. I will have Hinata-chan check her chakra coils out and see if they are well developed as I expect they are. Just who and what are you Minami Natsuko? –Assuming that's even your real name…'

Yūgao went back to the lodge and informed her genin of her findings. Hinata agreed to look the Miko over with her byakugan later…

…

Rice Country, Orochimaru's main base

Orochimaru sat there in shock. The message from his spies in Fire Country (who seemed to be dwindling in numbers of late) informed him the situation had just changed radically. They relayed the information that his old teammate Senju Tsunade was now the Fifth Hokage. 'This…was totally unexpected. Sarutobi-sensei totally blindsided me with this move. I will have to move quickly to keep Suna in this war. I had the Kazekage completely assured that I could deal with old man Sarutobi but Tsunade is a different matter. I'll wait for a full report from Kabuto before I make any overt moves but I need to send a message out to Rasa-sama immediately before he gets cold feet.' The snake sannin was previously sure his plan was foolproof but now he wasn't so convinced…

…

Tea Country, Hōrō-sha Village

Akio was concerned about his current situation. He'd lost seven good, competent house ninjas to an enemy that seemed far too strong. His boss had hired Akio's group as well as another group to kill a jonin or ANBU level kunoichi that somehow was connected to this mission to escort a Miko from Hekison Village. The details were scant and his head ninja Shigure was showing all the signs of someone who wanted to flee rather than take this mission on again.

The worst part of it all was they didn't have a clear-cut target. Apparently, his boss held some sort of long-standing grudge against this kunoichi and the description was she was young a beautiful with long hair. She was also skilled with blades. Discounting the fact that hair could be cut, colored, styled, etc. any of the three kunoichi involved could be the target. They all carried swords and at least from Shigure's appraisal were all young and very attractive.

Just as bad was the male on the team. He was hit point blank with an exploding tag and Shigure had been positive he was dead…until the ninja rose up and apparently bisected their heavy hitter Itoi in a sword duel. Akio knew that ninjas from Konoha or any of the five major villages were going to be tough. Most house ninjas in Tea Country were from villages where they couldn't make the cut. But shrugging off an exploding tag? Whoever they were facing was obviously monstrously strong. Akio was already committed to sending another squad of eight out led by Shigure but he was beginning to think it was a bad idea…

…

Wind Country, the Village of Suna

The Fourth Kazekage, Rasa of the Gold Dust was in a quandary. This very afternoon he had received an official letter from Konaha that the Fifth Hokage was announced and it was none other than the Slug sannin Senju Tsunade. He also received an official invitation from Tsunade-sama herself to come to Konoha and reaffirm their long-standing alliance with Suna. While Rasa had been very cautious of throwing in his lot with the criminal Orochimaru; the Snake sanin had assured him that defeating Sarutobi Hiruzen-sama was something Orochimaru could easily accomplish. Tsunade on the other hand…

Rasa was at home and saw his three children outside with their Jonin instructor Baki when he peered out the window. 'Is this worth it Kurara?' he thought to himself. 'Can I put our children at risk this way in a war that we might very well lose?' The troubled Kazekage read the letter he received from Orochimaru as well. It was obviously written in haste to assure Rasa that everything was under control and the Fifth Hokage's appointment meant nothing in the grand scheme of things. Rasa didn't buy that for a minute.

He had met Sarutobi Hiruzen-sama on several occasions and though he respected the Third Hokage greatly Rasa felt the old man was too old to effectively battle against the likes of Orochimaru or himself. But Senju Tsunade was renowned as the strongest kunoichi on the continent and held the Slug contract. She was also still in her prime and Rasa had no doubts that she was very formidable. Old Sarutobi wouldn't have chosen her otherwise.

The Fourth Kazekage was going to have to reconsider his options. The idea of this invasion of Konoha was looking less and less attractive the more he thought about it. He looked out the window at his estranged children once again and decided that meeting the new Hokage face to face might be in the best interests of Suna and his estranged family. No matter how big of a barrier he had between himself and his three children he still loved them dearly. Perhaps there was an alternative to this war…

…

Tea Country, Hekison Village

That evening Team 11 sat down with their client and discussed what the trip would entail. Yūgao voiced the opinion that they didn't want to endanger the Priestess any more than they had to so they would be traveling through the more forested west side of the peninsula. Natsuko indicated she was an experienced camper from her previous travels and that she was fine with it. When they asked what she did before she was a Miko she simple deflected the question saying she was a wanderer.

Several thoughts were going through their heads. Natsuko was eyeing Naruto rather hungrily. "He's sexy in a feral kind of way. I like those cute whisker mark tattoos. I can sense he's strong too. I'll have to sleep in his tent so he can keep me nice and warm at night. Even if he's a virgin I'd love to play teacher…' mentally she was giggling to herself perversely.

Hinata had stepped out to 'use the bathroom' and examined Natsuko with her byakugan through the wall. 'Yūgao-sensei was right. Natsuko-san has high chunin chakra levels and clearly has used them often. There's no doubt about it; she's a kunoichi.'

Maya was on a different wavelength. 'I don't know who this Miko thinks she is but I'm not letting her near my Naruto-kun. She's been eye humping him and flirting with him the whole meal…I may have to kick her ass client or not…'

After dinner Team 11 and their sensei traded notes that Natsuko was indeed a kunoichi and that they would have to be careful with her. They all agreed to keep pretending she was a civilian though. Naruto seemed oblivious to the Miko's sexual innuendos so the girls decided not to bring that subject up.

The escort mission back was going to be a potentially interesting…especially considering the 'Miko' they were guarding may have been the real target of the attack on them to begin with…

…

Fire Country, the Village of Konoha

Tsunade was sitting in the Hokage's Office; or rather her office now. Her husband Jiraiya was there as well. She, Jiraiya and Sarutobi-sensei had concocted the idea of sending out a 'friendly invitation' to the Fourth Kazekage. She'd never met Rasa-sama of the Gold Dust in person but if he did come the plan was to reveal just how strong Konoha was and that they knew that he was cooperating with Orochimaru. It was a rather edgy and truthfully aggressive way of conducting diplomacy but Tsunade had a plan. She was not a warmonger and frankly she hated conflict with a passion but this could be turned into a golden opportunity to take her traitorous ex-teammate Orochimaru out of the picture for good. That idea she relished in.

Thanks to Jiraiya; Tsunade was well aware of the fact that Suna was hurting financially due to the idiocy of the Wind Daimyo. He was giving most of his business to Konoha these days. For certain economic concessions (perhaps joint Suna-Konoha missions in the future); Tsunade hoped to convince the Fourth Kazekage to stay out of this or better yet join with Konoha in an attack to wipe out the Sound Village.

Hanako-sama had suggested that striking while the iron was still hot as well which made Tsunade want the former ANBU Commander Raven as her advisor all the more. If Rasa-sama agreed to visit Konoha then 'coincidentally' the corrupt former elders Koharu and Homura were going to dealt with that very day and the announcement that Danzo had already been executed for treason would be made public as well. If that didn't leave an impression on the Fourth Kazekage nothing would.

Tsunade was not bloodthirsty but presenting a dynamic and powerful front would keep anyone (particularly potential enemies) from thinking an attack or messing with Konoha in general was a good idea…

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POSTSCRIPT:

Well, wheels within wheels are turning both on the level of village politics and down to Team 11's escort mission. Who is Minami Natsuko and what is her actual purpose? What is going to happen with the Fourth Kazekage? Rasa is at a crossroads and will have to choose sides between Tsunade and Orochimaru. Tsunade is now officially Hokage which frees up time for Hiruzen to romance Hanako provided they don't get in a war. And lastly the mysteries of the Ryugan remain just that –mysteries. See you next time. Blue out. 6/24/23