Scars are something of a body's memoir.-Chris Nicolaisen.
Tsunade Senju looked at her goddaughter in shock. Naruko seemed to be one of those people who, couldn't let other people suffer. With her own past affecting her decisions in life, she was going end up opening an orphanage of her own, if she kept taking in all these orphans.
"They have Kekkei Genkai."
So that was her card. She knew that the council loved Kekkei Genkai and when they found out, they'd be pushing for the C.R.A. to put on the young men. She noticed the Kaguya immediately, though the others, she was completely lost.
"We can draw up the citizen papers as soon as Ibiki and Inoichi give them all a test. I can begin as soon as that is finished."
Naruko grinned, "These three are, Futeki, Manzen and Ainonai Ninjo. This is Kimimaro Kaguya and finally Kei Uzumaki."
Tsunade quirked a brow. Another Uzumaki. Naruko seemed to be trying her hardest to make her clan grow. Now there was another one. Then there was the Kaguya. But she didn't know of any Ninjo Clan.
Tsunade snapped her fingers and two Anbu appeared out of thin air. "Take them to Ibiki and Inoichi. Have them tested quickly. When they are finished, tell them to come here, and bring them all along. Naruko, you remain, we'll talk about what to tell the council."
The Anbu nodded and ushered the five foreign people from the room.
"So, what is the Ninjo Clan known for?" Tsunade asked, pulling out the ske and offering Naruko a saucer.
Naruko plopped into the seat in front of the desk. "Their blood. Let's just say, it gives them many interesting abilities. I want to tell the whole council at the right moment,because it could help in the medical field. The clan isn't well known because they were much like the Kaguya who slaughtered everyone around them. These three though, didn't want to be like their clan. Kimimaro was the same with his clan. Kei, is very much like Hinata, without the stuttering of course."
Tsunade hmmed as she took a sip of sake, "He reminds me of a child I saw once."
"I know who you mean Tsunade. He looks a lot like Nagato."
Both blondes looked at the window, where Jiraiya was lounging against the frame.
"Can't you use the door like a normal person?" Tsunade glared.
He smirked, "Now what about me is normal?"
Tsunade rolled her eyes, "Anyway, he does look like that boy you took in for a while."
"Who?" Naruko asked as her godparents got lost in old memories.
"His name was Nagato. He, along with two other orphans, were caught in the middle of our battle with Sanshouo no Hanzo. I stayed behind after the battle, and taught them to protect themselves. Nagato was a very shy boy, and he had great power. He possessed the Rinnegan, but was scared of the power it represented. With a few inspirational words, I was able to get him to buck up and learn to control the power, so that he could protect his friends. Nagato was the one I dedicated my first book to. The Tale of the Utterly Gutsy Shinobi. The main character, is named Naruko, and she goes through life fighting a 'curse' and never going back on her word. It was your father's favorite book, and he asked to name you after the main character, which was what made me your godfather. I'd also like to think that I'm the reason you like ramen so much, because I came up with your name while eating a bowl of ramen."
Jiraiya was smiling as he remembered the past. "Nagato wanted peace in the world. Just as I did. That's why I dedicated the book to him. He was so against the hatred in the world, and wanted to change it. I based Naruko off of his attitude and I have to say, that you resemble the Naruko in the book, very much. You remind me of Nagato, and his desire for world peace. You want to bring the lands together and you want to get rid of the pain this world has gone through. You hide it behind your dream of becoming powerful, but I know that in the end, you want what Nagato wanted, which is what your father wanted. I truly believe that a day will come, where there will be peace in this world. And I know for a fact that you, Naruko, are going to be the one that brings it. Nagato and Minato were the first two books in The Quest for World Peace, and Naruko is going to be the final, where the true happy ending comes in."
Tsunade and Naruko looked at him. "I want to read the book," Naruko stated. "If you can get that serious, then I believe I'll like the book as well."
Jiraiya gave her a smile.
Tsunade sighed, "Okay, back to the matters at hand. You and Sasuke have successfully completed all missions while away and your pay is awaiting you in the Mission Assignment Room. During the meeting, I'd like you to announce all the countries you've managed to befriend and draw up treaties with. They don't know all of them and a list would be beneficial. If you butter them up, before the Jonin Exams, they'll be easier to sway when it comes to bumping you up in rank. The Kekkei Genkai will definitely help that."
Naruko nodded and pulled out a letter. She handed it to the older blonde. "That is from Koyuki. In return for trade with Shadow's Fire, they have agreed to share some of their technology with Konoha. Haru no Kuni would like a treaty with Konoha."
Tsunad smiled, "You're quite a busy little bee aren't you?"
Naruko shrugged, "All in the name of business."
"Uh huh."
Naruko rolled her eyes.
The was a knock at the door. "Come in!"
Ibiki and Inoichi walked in, followed by Naruko's Orphans.
Ibiki handed Tsunade several papers. "They tested perfectly stable, even though they've all seen some pretty gruesome things. They'll all be great shinobi, once the month is over."
Inochi nodded, "They're all very pure of mind. It's amazing and refreshing to see such purity in such young people these days."
Tsunade smiled, "That's good to know. Naruko, they'll stay with you until I can draw up their paperwork each and get everything is settled. In the mean time, Neko!"
A cat masked Anbu appeared, "Hokage-sama!"
"Gather the council, we're having a meeting!"
The Anbu nodded and Shunshined.
"Naruko, is there anyone you'd like to come to the meeting? I'll just have an Anbu guide them to your home and guard them until you return."
Naruko, "Futeki. He's the eldest and has more self control. If I need to introduce anyone, then I'd prefer to introduce him. A better impression, if you know what I mean."
Futeki stepped forward as another Anbu appeared and led the others away. Ibiki and Inoichi took their leave as well, while Tsunade, Jiraiya and Naruko stood. "Time for a meeting!" Naruko cheered. She was met with the bored looks of her godparents. "What? I think they're fun!"
"You've only participated in one meeting!" Tsunade griped. "Trust me, they aren't great. This onehowever, may be better than most."
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"Quiet down everyone!"
The room immediately settled under Tsunade's harsh command.
"I've called this meeting, because Naruko has just returned and she has some good news for us!"
Tsunade gestured to Naruko and made a movement for her to step to the center of the floor.
Naruko sighed and didn't as silently ordered.
"I left with Jiraiya-sensei three years ago for training. Sasuke Uchiha came along as a surprise to me. A surprise that I could've done without if you must know," Naruko explained, glaring at Fugaku. Said man was looking at the ceiling, ignoring her burning look.
"Anyway, we've been all over the elemental nations and during our traveling, I encountered some orphans that I couldn't just leave. So, I offered to let them come with me and eventually become part of Konoha."
Hiashi, of course had to open his mouth. "And you just decide to let complete strangers into Konoha, when you know nothing about them?"
Naruko rolled her eyes, "Like I did with Karin, I reviewed each of their memories and deemed them okay. Jiraiya-sensei has also deems them to be okay. Ibiki Morino and Inoichi Yamanaka just gave them the Mental Assessment, the same that was done with Haku, whom I brought to Konoha if you remember. Tsunade-sama will give them the medical later on. They've been given the okay, Hiashi."
The Hyuga Head wasn't happy, but thankfully, shut up.
"I came across the only survivor of the Kaguya Clan."
The Shinobi Council gasped. They knew of the clan very well, and couldn't believe Naruko's luck.
"His name is Kimimaro Kaguya, and like his clan, he can manipulate his bones constantly, using them as weapons. He was the heir, even though his father didn't want him to be, because he wasn't bloodthirsty like the others in his clan. I gave him a chance to have a purpose again, because he was just going through life, wondering what he was living for and wandering from place to place. He readily accepted my offer to come and rebuild his clan on better morals and better foundations."
The Civilians were ecstatic! Another Kekkei Genkai added to Konoha, made the villages power increase.
Naruko cleared her throat, "I also came across another Uzumaki. His name is Kei, and like Karin, he's a sensor. He's a year younger than I am, just like Kimimaro. He's been an orphan longer than the others and has been going from place to place, trying to avoid the powerful chakra signatures. He didn't feel mine, because I wear chakra suppressors. He's pretty shy, and doesn't take compliments well. Like Hinata. But he's very good at fighting and won't show mercy if you insult someone he cares for. He wants to be a medic."
Several people nodded. A sixteen year old young man in the Uzumaki Clan, could be put under the C.R.A.. Just like the young Kaguya.
Naruko smiled under her mask. "That last three, are siblings. They are the only survivors of the Ninjo Clan. Not very well known by anyone in the five great nations. They were a mercenary clan and were known for accepting any request, so long as the money was good. They were more brutal than the Kaguya and were taken out when they went on a false mission where they were killed. The three I came across, were the children of the Clan Head, but he had disowned them in a way, because they weren't blood thirsty like he was."
She shook her head. "Ninjo, stands for carnage. They were best known for their Kekkei Genkai and their brutality in killing. I have, Futeki, Manzen and Ainonai Ninjo. Two boys and one girl. They all have the Kekkei Genkai, Chi no Chikara. As you've guessed, it deals with their blood. Something in their blood lets them living very long lives. The oldest person that had ever lived in their clan died at the age of one hundred and forty-two. They have advanced regenerative healing. Faster than mine. Because of this, if someone cut an arm off, their blood wouldn't drip out. It would coagulate and immediately regrow the lost limb. They have very dulled nerves and as such, they can lose something and it could grow back and they'd never know. That was why they were great as mercenaries, because it was hard to kill them. Their blood can heal any ailment, from cancer to a dead liver, to a stab through the heart. Something in the blood allows this to happen and can be used as a medicine, that'll bring anyone away from the brink of death. This was tested on Sasuke when he made a mistake during training and needed healing. All of the Ninjo Clan have O Negative, which allows their blood to be given to anyone, without negative side effects. Finally, they can use their blood as a weapon. They never carried swords or kunai, because they'd use their own blood as their weapon of choice. With a small cut, they manipulate their blood into a shape and fight with it."
Danzo looked at her in question, "Why would no one want such a power in their village?"
Naruko smirked beneath her mask. "I'll show you."
The two Anbu guarding the door opened it and let Futek in. He moved over to Naruko, briefly bowing to the Hokage in the process.
"This is Futeki Ninjo. He's my age and the eldest of the three Ninjo siblings. As you can see by his appearance, he doesn't look like other people. So, because of this, many don't want anything to do such odd looking people. Manzen and Ainonai look very similar, with different hairstyles though. They all have the Chi no Chikara and want to do something in the medical field, because their blood could be a great help."
Futeki nodded, but kept silent.
Danzo was smiling, "It would be more beneficial to have more Medical Ninja."
Futeki moved to stand outside the room and wait for Naruko.
The blonde looked at the room. "Adding more Kekkei Genkai wasn't the only thing I did in my travels. Shadow's Fire, had spread far and wide and through it, I have been able to draw up treaties with many countries. I have a list right here."
She pulled a paper out of her pocket and took a deep breath. "Konoha now has an alliance with, Tsuchi no Kuni. The Tsuchikage wanted to do business with Shadow's Fire and eventually, I got him to agree with an alliance with Konoha. In return for help from my company, he has agreed to the alliance, so long as the Uzumaki Clan remains a part of Konoha."
The council was shocked to her of that. Onoki wasn't easily won over, that was for sure. The legendary fence sitter had actually agreed to an alliance!
"Yuki no Kuni, now named Haru no Kuni, wants an alliance, because we just defeated Doto Kazahana and gave them their country back. Kazahana Koyuki-hime wants to trade. Their technology, for some of our jutsu, as a way to help their ninja improve. Suna no Kuni, Cha no Kuni, Numa no Kuni, Tanima no Kuni, Udon no Kuni and Mitsu no Kuni, which in return for weapons from Shadow's Fire, will trade their special commons to Konoha," Naruko took another breath.
"Yama no Kuni, Kagi no Kuni, Mori no Kuni and Yu no Kuni. Tori no Kuni, after we helped disprove the rumor of ghosts and killed the ninja pretending to be the 'ghosts'. Mizu no Kuni is another big one. The Mizukage, Mei Terumi, wants an alliance, mostly because she doesn't want to be on the opposite end of the Namikaze heir in a war. She is also working to change the Bloody Mist. The Mizu Daimyo wanted to do business with me for Shadow's Fire. It was very successful," Naruko smiled.
"Tsuki no Kuni and Kaminari no Kuni are more countries that agreed after we helped them. I convinced the Raikage to a treaty after all the bad blood between us. With some help of his brother Kirabi, who is the Hachibi Jinchuuriki and Yugito Nii, Jinchuuriki of the Nibi, along with some information about the Akatsuki, he agreed. The Raikage was the hardest person to win over, but I finally got him!"
The shinobi chuckled at her enthusiasm. The young were full of such energy. And surprises apparently. A was known to be a strict man, and if Naruko had won him over, then she must be good with her words.
"Tetsu no Kuni has decided to remain neutral, so that they can still host the Kage Summit. But I was able to establish a trade. With their special metals and my company's sublime weaponry, we're both getting something worthwhile. Shadow's Fire will be able to sell weapons with better quality, thanks to the materials from the samurai of Tetsu no Kuni. And they will have better weapons to fight with. An adequate trade I think." Naruko couldn't help but feel old. All this talking about trading and alliances, was tiring.
"Anyway, Sabaku no Gaara is the Kazekage now and established a treaty with Konoha two years ago. He told me why, and I'm happy for him. If you were paying attention, then you would've realized that Konohagakure now has alliances with the four other great shinobi nations."
Tsunade smiled in pride. Who knew that one girl could move the other nations of the world so much? In the middle of bringing her home village more power, she'd managed to spread her company out as well. "How much increase has Shadow's Fire seen?" she asked.
Naruko laughed, "When I first started as the CEO, we had a forty percent increase in those few months. The company has tripled it's increase. Not fifty percent. Not seventy-five percent. Not even one hundred. We've gone through a one hundred and twenty percent increase in the last three years and I intend to make it go higher. This means a higher pay for the workers, because I'm one person and I won't need several hundred billion Ryo just for me and a couple other people. It also means more donations to charity."
That was something for the council to think about. A seventeen year old, had gotten their village, alliances with many nations. She'd lead her company to success. More success than when Gato had run it. She'd managed all this success in such a short period of time and didn't seem to want anything in return. She was even paying her workers more and giving the money she got to charities.
"I have good luck. I play each game nine times, then I move on to something else. I have a lot of money of my own, that's why I'm fine with donating money. I think it's Kami's way, of making for Tsunade-sama's horrible gambling habits," Naruko explained, earning several snickers.
Tsunade was smirking inwardly, ignoring the jibe at her poor gambling skills. If Naruko made Jonin quickly, she be able to pass the mantle and be done with the pain in the ass paperwork! If Naruko was thatgood at running a company, she'd lead the village into prosperity. Especially with her bringing in the Kekkei Genkai like it was nothing and securing alliances with other lands.
Tsunade was pretty sure that the only person who would be against Naruko taking the Hokage seat, would be Hiashi. But that didn't really bother her. Naruko could handle him without a problem.
"Now that you have all been briefed on our standing in the world and you know of the two new clans that'll be joining Konoha, you can return to your homes, this meeting is adjourned!"
Naruko sighed and was out the door before anyone else. She grabbed Futeki's hand and began dragging him along. "Come on!"
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"Naruko you've grown up so much!"
Naruko hugged Ayame as she entered the ramen stand. "I've got some new people with me!"
After introducing everyone to Ayame and Teuchi, they all sat down and ordered ramen. Karin was happy to see her again and was bugging her to explain her travels.
Naruko created a Kage Bunshin to talk for her, so she could eat. And eat she did! Seventeen bowls of ramen, which had left the others stunned. They'd never seen her eat like that before!
"So you learned how to control the Kyuubi completely?!" Karin asked.
he Naruko Bunshin nodded. "Yep! Ero-Sennin got me the key, which surprisingly, was at Mount Myoboku. A toad named Gerotora was in possession of it. Thanks to the removal of the seal, the Yin and Yang halves of Kyuubi, became one and I was able to create my own seal that allows me to go Biju whenever I want to. It's pretty awesome!"
Karin clapped.
"What about you? I noticed in your letters that you never mentioned anything about school, or boys."
Karin blushed and looked away.
The Bunshin smirked,"Yeah. I heard from Ba-chan that you and Konohamaru are on friendly terms!"
Karin's face flamed. "He's just a friend! I would never like that monkey boy!"
"Uh huh! I can totally see you two together!" Naruko teased.
Karin pouted, "What about you and Sasuke-nii? I can see that you two are perfect for each other, so why won't you just marry him already?!"
Both Naruko and the Bunshin groaned and slammed their heads on the bar. "Why does everyone say that?!" the Bunshin whimpered.
"Cause you're meant to be together. I just don't see why you won't give him a chance. That confession was very moving and I was so happy when he told you how he felt. Yet, you sat there and told him to find someone else. And I can tell that you like him, but something is holding you back. I think you should tell him why you want him change his mind. Then, when he shocks you by not caring about whatever it is that is worrying you so much, you'll see that he's perfect for you and you can finally be happy with each other."
Naruko gaped at the miniMaki. Such deep words coming from a child.
"I can't Karin," she finally whipspered.
Karin slammed her hands on the bar, "Of course you can! Sasuke has been in love with you for years! He fell in love with you for so many reasons! If it has to do with your looks, he won't care. If it's because of something that normal people would judge you for, he's not going to stop caring Nee-chan! Sasuke is different. He didn't hate you when he found out about the fox! He's honest, and you really need to have more faith in him. If you trust him in battle, and you know that he would never abandon you, and would always protect you with his life, then why can't you have enough faith in him? You're best friends, but for some reason, you won't tell him what's on your mind. How do you think that makes him feel? To know that the girl he's in love with, that's his best friend, doesn't trust him enough to tell him her secrets? Sure he always says, 'I'll wait for you to tell me', but it doesn't mean his feelings aren't hurt. He's stayed by you through everything, the least you owe him is a reason, because he doesn't understand why you don't trust him. I know you like him, a lot. But you're keeping yourself back and are hurting yourself and him in the process! Just tell him! I guarantee, he isn't going to change his mind!"
After that, Karin stood and left the stand, leaving a gaping Naruko in her wake.
"You know, I think she's right."
Naruko looked over at Futeki who was frowning. "I don't like Duck Ass, but I will agree, that he isgenuine. If he's liked you for this long, and he hasn't given up, no matter how many times you've turned him down. And me personally, I've seen it happen several times. If he's still at it, then he won't give up over some bad news. I do like you, but unlike the Uchiha, my interest isn't as deep and serious, and pure. I don't feel the way he feels about you. So I tease him, because whether you know it or not, you let him do more with you, than any other guy. I tried to hold your hand once and you slapped me silly. But he can do it, and pretty much shower it with kisses and you say nothing. He's kissed you several times and you've never yelled at him for it, but Manzen did once and you nearly castrated him. The facts are there. He loves you, you like him, but you're scared. For what, I have no idea, but it isn't fair to him. Because you let him do things that other men would be killed for even attempting, you're leading him on. Because your actions contradict your words. You let him touch you, but then you tell him to find another woman, and for guys, that's confusing as hell. You're saying one thing and you're doing another. The midget is right, you need to tell him. Because even if he doesn't get you to marry him in time for his promise to be kept, he'll still try. This guy won't give up. Remember what he said once, 'the Uchiha always get what they want'? He's not giving up until you admit that you're his."
Naruko's Bunshin dispelled as she sat in silence.
"They are right, you know? You should tell him," Kei told her softly.
The rest of their time at the stand was spent in silence as Naruko thought about what they had told her.
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Sasuke flopped back on the ground of the garden. After his mother had finally gotten to hold him for an hour and he told his parents of his travels, he went outside to rest by the Koi pond.
"Welcome back."
Sasuke sighed, "Hi Itachi."
His brother took a seat on the grass beside him. "Are you well?"
"Physically, I'm fine. Mentally and emotionally, I'm lost."
"No luck with Naruko?"
Sasuke sighed. "That's the thing. I can get away with a lot of things now. I can hold her hand and it's like second nature to her. I've kissed her repeatedly, and she doesn't really linger on it. But then she tells me that I need to find someone else and to stop going after her and I start feeling like this. I don't wantanyone else! But she's so adamant on not letting herself admit her own feelings. It has to do with her mask, because one of the people she found on our journey, told her she was beautiful, and she denied it, like it was a sin to say such things. Then, she was asked to pull her mask down and prove them wrong and she refused. The Hyuga's are involved somehow, because she hates them and swears that they ruined her life. Every time they're mentioned, she touches her mask, and her eyes get all misty. I'm so confused."
Itachi sighed, "Sasuke, I know why Naruko wears a mask."
His brothers eyes went wide.
"Something happened, and I won't tell you everything, but I had just became an Anbu captain at the time. The situation was so bad, the Anbu were called in, and I was the first to get there, though there were two others nearby that could have jumped in at anytime, but did not. I had nothing against her. She is the same age as you, and when I looked at her, I saw you. So, I went in, got her out and to the hospital. I have a feeling that there was more to it, than what literally meets the eye, but I don't know what it is. Sasuke, it's a very personal thing, so don't give up and get discouraged. It's hard for her to speak about. And I'm pretty sure, that it's deeper than even what Ithink."
Sasuke frowned. Something had happened to Naruko when she was younger? He tried to think back to when Itachi had become an Anbu captain. It was sometime during November, when he was six. Which meant that something happened to Naruko when she was six!
Something that was so bad, Anbu had to get involved, but even though there were two who could've helped her, they didn't, and Itachi was the one to save her.
With the way Naruko spoke of the Hyuga's, he was pretty sure that a Hyuga did something to her.
He glared at the ground. They had better not have done something to her.
"I see you put a lot of it together. Two Hyuga's were involved, a Main Branch and a Side Branch. They were killed by the Hokage along with the others who took part. Now that you have an idea, don't be so sad when she's struggling to tell you. Just wait it out. She'll tell you eventually."
Itachi poked him in the forehead and got up. He walked back to the house,leaving Sasuke to his thoughts.
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"Naruko! It's been such a long time!"
Naruko nodded and hugged the man she had thought of as a grandfather, "Missed you Jiji!"
He smiled, "You need advice on something, or are you just here to visit?"
"Both. It's about Sasuke," Naruko told him.
He gave her a large smile. "I've been waiting for this talk for quite some time. Come in, we'll have some tea and you can tell me what's bothering you."
"Thanks Jiji."