Chapter 45

"They're not dead, by the way."

That was the first thing that Naruto said once Mei landed on the rooftop they were standing on. 

"I'm sorry?" Mei asked, unsure if she'd heard correctly. 

"I drowned them, but I made sure none of them died," Naruto repeated. "It's up to you to decide what to do with them. 

Mei took a moment to process the new information before turning to Ao, who stood beside her, and nodded. 

Her right hand man shunshin'ed away without saying a word. 

With a raiding party as large as this, they didn't have enough holding cells to contain all of them. 

Some had to die. 

It was the way of war. 

"I apologise for taking action without your permission," Naruto said, breaking her out of her eerie thoughts. 

Mei immediately shook her head. "There's nothing to apologise for. You saved us from having more casualties and extensive damage to our base. We owe you a debt, Naruto Hagoromo."

Naruto waved his hand to bat the offer aside but then he froze, thinking. "Hm…I was going to decline such a notion but there is one thing I'd like to do while I'm still here."

Mei blinked before nodding. "Anything within my abilities."

"I'd like to open a Ninshu shrine," Naruto informed her, "it's a personal passion of mine to spread the teachings of the sage of six paths." 

That got Mei Terumi thinking. "That's…all?"

"Yes," Naruto stated simply. 

"Done," Mei declared, "I just do not believe that this is an equal exchange. The lives of my men and citizens are worth more than a shrine."

Naruto smiled at her. "Even so. If you could grant me permission to build one here, I will take it such that all debts are settled between us, though I did not do what I did today to get something in return."

Mei, for the first time since he'd met her, gave him a genuine smile. 

"Also…" Naruto continued, unaware of gaining better relations with the future Mizukage, "Did you say you had casualties?"

Mei nodded. "37 Injured, all of them civilians. Thankfully, none are dead."

Mei bowed, "Once again, I formally thank you for your help."

Even though she wasn't the Mizukage yet, she was still treated as such by the rebellion forces. She was powerful, beautiful, and had that aura only very strong women had. 

So to see her bow before him was something that greatly surprised Naruto. 

"It–It's quite alright, Miss Terumi," Naruto said as a reflex. 

Mei returned to her normal posture before chuckling huskily. 

"Ah, quite the polite young man, aren't you?" she said and for some reason, the tone of her voice shifted in such a way that he'd never heard her take on before, even in his old world. 

It was alluring.

It was dangerous. 

Naruto coughed into his fist as he felt two sets of eyes staring into the back of his head. 

"When may I get started building this shrine?" He asked. 

"You can start right now," Mei said, "I will get the papers ready once you pick a vacant location. Of course, you do not need to buy the land from us, just say the word and we'll sort it out."

"Thank you," Naruto said. "Now, for the injured, I know someone who's very talented in the medical arts, although she is quite young. Do you wish for me to bring her here?"

Mei's eyes widened. "Our numbers of medic-nin are very few so any help would be appreciated."

Naruto nodded. "I'll go get her then."

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"I don't see why not!" Ino screeched.

Naruto winced. 

"None of you are as proficient in medical ninjutsu as Sakura," he said, placatingly. 

Sakura, meanwhile, was sticking her tongue out at Ino from behind him. 

Ino growled. "We can help in other ways. I'm sure that some are suffering from mental illnesses. You could use a Yamanaka."

"And this civil war," Sarada added, "We can help."

"Absolutely not," Naruto said. 

"Why?" Sarada asked, scowling at him. 

"You're still only genin and–"

"Oh that's bullshit," Sarada interrupted. "You're taking Sakura and Haku's there too. We proved that we were all similar in strength. I don't see why we can't be there too."

Naruto sighed. "Sakura will be there just to heal the injured. That's it. Haku is there because it's her homeland and she's familiar with it. Plus she's part of our three-man cell."

Sarada didn't say anything in return but continued to scowl at him. 

"It's only been a couple days, Sarada," Naruto said, "and you're getting some good training in with Kakashi, aren't you?"

"Tch," Sarada said, looking away. 

"It's alright, Naruto-sama. Just stay safe," Hinata said, waiting her turn to speak once everyone quieted down. 

Naruto smiled at her. 

"Thanks and I will, Hinata," Naruto responded to the kind-hearted girl. "I'll see you when I see you."

He went over to grab Sakura's shoulder and with a flash of bright yellow light, he was gone. 

"Damn it!" Ino exclaimed, "Now she has the opportunity to get ahead."

Sarada told herself that she didn't care for such things. This petty competition that they were having…it was obvious that she was going to win just as she had in most of their spars. Yet, a part of her couldn't help but feel irritated that it was not her who's there with him.

"We have to train and get stronger," Sarada said, "Once we're chuunin, he won't have a choice but to take us with him."

She looked at Ino and Hinata. "So don't fail the exam."

Hinata smiled. 

"As if!" Ino huffed. "You're probably the most likely to fail."

"What did you say?" Sarada growled. 

Ino only stuck her tongue out and ran away. 

"Bitch! Get back here!" Sarada shouted after her. 

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"I will sign the alliance treaty upon two extra conditions," Mei said to Naruto and Kushina. 

Haku was off spending time with her friend, Miyu. 

Naruto arched an eyebrow. "Yes?"

"You have to fight for us when the final battle for Kirigakure comes," Mei stated, pointing directly at Naruto. 

Naruto looked toward Kushina and for a moment she didn't give even so much as a twitch. 

Then, after a minute, she reluctantly nodded. "I will fight with him too, of course."

Mei could only agree. At first, having Kushina Uzumaki on their side was enough to turn the tide of battle and have a huge advantage. 

Having Naruto Hagoromo? After what she'd seen?

Their victory was all but assured. 

"And the second condition?" Naruto enquired. 

"The second condition is that you will have an offspring with a Kiri kunoichi and that child will be raised in Kiri in the future," Mei stated. 

"What?!" Naruto exclaimed. 

"Excuse me?!" Kushina gasped at the same time. 

Mei only cocked an eyebrow. "Did you not think that a display of strength such as the one you showed today wouldn't have its repercussions?"

Naruto could only watch, stunned as he was, as Mei continued her explanation. 

"Kiri-nin respects strength above all, and all who were in the vicinity of your…technique now know that Konoha has gained a new unnamed monster in their ranks," Mei said. "A monster who rendered a raiding party of over a hundred of Yagura's forces literally helpless with barely an ounce of effort. A monster who, if turned against us, would annihilate us as easily as the yellow flash had with the shinobi of Iwa, perhaps even more so."

With each statement, Naruto felt like he was met with a verbal slap. Perhaps he had been too rash in acting the way he did but when disaster had struck, it wasn't in his nature to think and contemplate his actions when innocent lives were in danger. 

"So what you're suggesting is that with one of Naruto's children born to a Kiri-nin and raised in Kiri, he would less likely turn against you in the future," Kushina summarised. 

"Exactly," Mei said, "the child will be given a home here and, should anything happen to that home, the child would likely not forgive the person who caused it. Of course, this would only work if you care about said child."

"Of course I will!" Naruto said. 

"Then it is even more prudent that this condition is met," Mei said, "in accepting this contract, we are each offering an olive branch to one another, in the name of unified peace. But such things can only be enforced with strength. Strength from a person who is worthy."

Mei met Naruto and Kushina's eyes. "Kiri will not be ruled by a tyrant any longer. We would rather die on our feet than serve with our heads to the ground."

Silence was all that was left in the room after that statement. 

It lasted for a minute before Kushina spoke on the Konoha team's behalf. 

"I understand your concerns and understand why such a decision has been made. May we have some time to think of these changes?" she said. 

Mei nodded and smiled. "It is only fair we extended the same courtesy you showed us. Have as much time as you need. The newly written details are in this paper here."

She handed over a document to Kushina. 

Naruto was silent throughout all of this, stuck in his own mind in deep contemplation. 

Kushina gently led him by the arm out of the office and back to their accommodations. 

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"Well this is the candidate list for your future baby momma," Kushina casually said as she handed over a document with a list of names. 

With a quick read, Naruto recognised none of them. 

"This is insane," he muttered, "I didn't expect to be contemplating having a child so soon."

"She didn't specify when you have to do this," Kushina said, "only that you must."

"Even still," Naruto sighed, "Why are you so calm about this? I thought you said I wasn't ready for kids. It's why you made that seed-killing seal, after all."

Kushina shrugged. "I was right. You aren't ready. But I'd be lying if I said that I wouldn't be expecting grandchildren sometime soon. You may be a Hagoromo now but you were an Uzumaki, and still are at heart. We aren't exactly known to be infertile."

"I can't just…have a child with someone and leave them be," Naruto scowled as he got up, "I need to care for them, both of them. I will not have my own child grow up as I did."

Kushina stood up, walked over to him, and enveloped him in her arms. "I know. The decision is up to you. You can even choose to marry this future partner of yours, and she will be one of your wives."

"..." Naruto fell silent for a moment, "...wives? As in, plural?"

Kushina stepped back to raise an eyebrow at him. "After all your wooing of the girls, you expected to end up with just one wife?"

Naruto blushed. "No! I mean…I…I sort of want all of them, but I thought I'd just eventually end up with one wife whilst the rest of them grow apart from me. It's the way of the world after all, you only get to pick one."

When Naruto said that last part, his eyes were directly on Kushina's as if to convey some hidden meaning behind his words. 

Kushina didn't realise it as she tilted her head. "Says who?"

"What?" Naruto intelligently responded.

"You do know that harem marriages exist right?" Kushina led on.

Naruto spluttered. "Of–Of course I do! The daimyo has multiple wives. Though they are very very rare, they do exist."

"..."

"..."

Naruto almost jumped when he came to the realisation of what she was suggesting. 

"Wait, don't tell me you're thinking…" Naruto exclaimed as he pointed a finger at her accusingly.

Kushina shrugged. "I don't see why not. As you can already tell, many people are out there to try and have your offspring. Even politically, there are reasons you should have multiple wives. You're the only one left of your unique bloodline, Naruto. Not just as an Uzumaki but as something that's uniquely you, a Hagoromo."

Naruto swallowed his tongue. He sat back down on his chair without even realising he stood up to pace when he was stressed. 

"A harem huh…" He thought for a moment before a chuckle escaped him.

Then a laugh. 

Then he was wheezing. 

Kushina couldn't contain her smile as she watched him. "What is it?"

"It's just–" Naruto got out between bouts of laughter. "Ero-sennin's gonna be so jealous!" 

Kushina started laughing too. 

It was a ridiculous situation where one could not help but laugh.

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"Thank you, Thank you so much," an old man said as he held both of Sakura's hands within his own, "You saved my life. You're an angel."

Sakura gave a small laugh. "It was a broken leg, Mr. Takashi. It was far from fatal."

"Oh and so humble too," Mr Takashi went on, "If I were younger…well no matter, I have a son that you have to meet! He's a very talented sculptor, incredible in his craft. I know he would love to meet you!"

Sakura could only smile as she separated her hands from his own. "I appreciate the gesture but…my heart's already taken."

Mr. Takashi deflated. "A shame to all men. Whoever he is, he better treat you right!" 

Sakura chuckled. "He will, and he does. He's…perfect."

The last part she whispered out but Mr.Takashi knew that tone very well. He did have a wife once after all. 

"I understand," he said, "I will get out of your hair, Miss Talented Doctor." 

Sakura got up and bowed. "Thank you for being patient in waiting for the procedure. Thankfully you're the last patient I have today so I can finally go home and take a bath."

"I wish you well, Sakura-sama," he said.

"Oh please, just Sakura is fine," Sakura said as she waved him goodbye.

She left without another word. 

It only took a few more minutes before she reached Naruto's rather spacious tent. 

When she stepped in, it was like she was transported to a new world, not unlike what she'd experienced in the kingdom of animals. 

"You can come out now," Sakura said. 

"Umu, it was getting quite stuffy in here," a voice said from the inside of her qipao blouse. 

A moment later, an adorable face of a pink axolotl popped up. "Nice going today with your medical jutsu, Sakura-chan, you're growing at an even faster rate than I expected."

Sakura smiled and bowed slightly. "It's all thanks to your instruction and supervision Pinkett-sama."

"Umu, don't hesitate to call on me next time you need help," Pinkett said, "Tell Naruto-sama I said hi."

With a poof of smoke, she was gone. 

Sakura gave a satisfied smile and she stretched, looking around the…very much humongous space inside of the tent. 

She didn't know how Naruto had done it but the interior looked like that of one inside of a mansion, far bigger than it was from the outside.

She could only hope to reach such a level of expertise in her own arts. 

"Oh, Sakura-chan!" A voice greeted her, "Welcome home!"

A voice that warmed her. 

A voice that always made her day the moment she heard it. 

"I'm home!" she greeted back before she turned and bounded to where the direction of Naruto's voice came from. 

It only took her a second to find herself in the arms of Naruto Hagoromo, her face buried in his shirt and hugging him fiercely. 

"I see that your day has gone well," Naruto said, chuckling slightly.

"It has," Sakura said, voice muffled by the fabric. She didn't see fit to remove herself just yet. "It feels so good to help people to this extent. I only get smaller duties on Konoha."

"It's why I brought you here," Naruto said, "I knew you would flourish. With Pinkett's help, you may as well be a younger Tsunade."

Sakura finally separated as she blushed from the praise. 

"I'm not," she declared, then smirking, "I'm going to be better."

"Ha! There's the tenacity," Naruto laughed. "I got the bath ready for you when I sensed you coming. We'll be bringing you back to Konoha tomorrow."

Sakura leapt back as if stung. "What?!" 

Naruto only arched his eyebrow. "You're…done with the patients, correct?"

Sakura nodded. 

"Then I don't see why you need to stay in a soon to be hostile battlefield," Naruto continued. 

Sakura pouted and looked…rather cross with him. 

"You'll be going into war," She simply stated, voice frosty, "There will be more casualties. You need me here."

"I can simply go back and get you when the need arises," Naruto said.

"And what of the people who needed immediate service and would die because I was not there beforehand to treat them?" Sakura argued, "I am needed here, and this is where I will be."

Naruto looked pained. "Sakura…"

"I know you're just trying to protect me, Naruto, but I am ready for this," she said. 

Naruto took a moment to think before he reluctantly nodded. "You will be a medic only. No participating in fights, understand?"

Sakura brightened as she nodded eagerly. 

Naruto held her shoulders and stared into her eyes. 

At home, his blindfold was off and his eerie rinnegans stared into her. 

Sakura, all of a sudden, felt like a mouse looking at a mountain. 

"I'm serious," Naruto said, "I would rather have everyone here die instead of you because I care about you more than I care about the entirety of Kiri combined."

His words and the emotion he showed as he gazed at her killed all of her possible retorts. 

She could only nod meekly, heart hammering in her chest. 

Like a switch, Naruto was his usual happy self again. "Good!"

With that, he motioned to walk away.

"Wait!" Sakura said before he could leave.

"Hm?" Naruto responded, "did you have something else you needed?"

"Yes," Sakura said, her voice shaking a bit. For some reason she was clamping her legs together weirdly. "I needed your help on…an anatomical problem that I've found. If you could just wait in my room whilst I'm done with the bath…"

"Of course I can help you," Naruto shrugged. 

"Good! Great!" Sakura responded, "W-well I'm going to–to take a bath now! Bye!"

For some reason she was almost breathless as she said those words and she bolted to the bath like she was being chased. 

Naruto could understand her eagerness. There's nothing like a nice warm bath after a day of hard work. 

He did as he was told. 

He stepped into Sakura's room and regarded it proudly. He'd made it with her in mind, after all. 

It was cosy and rustic, and had an air of warmth unlike that of the cold hospital rooms. It was the perfect place to rest for Sakura. She'd loved it when she first saw it and thanked him with no small amount of kisses. 

He heard the door creak from behind him. 

"That was fa–" He started but his voice died in his throat. 

Before him, Sakara was standing in nothing but a towel covering her.

She smiled nervously at him before she closed the door behind her. 

…and let the towel drop. 

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