Chapter 18 Alliance Part One

Jutsu,

I do not own Naruto what so ever or any of the characters or any of the OC that I used from other shows or games.

-In Naruto's Office-

Currently sitting at his desk, the Rokudaime Raikage, Uzumaki Naruto was looking down at his crystal ball.

It had been over two weeks since the Alliance Gathering had started. During that time, Naruto had been in meetings with Tsunade, Gaara, the Mizukage, Kokimi (Iwa representative/Godaime Tsuchikage sister) and the other Shinobi village representatives, negotiating various deals with them and finalizing their separate treaties. The negotiations had been long and tiring, but thankfully they had just about come to an end.

With the negotiations nearing an end, Naruto decided to have a little fun and relax a little, believing that he earned a little rest.

As he was watching his crystal ball, Naruto heard a knock on the door.

"Enter" answered Naruto

When the door opened, he saw his friend and right hand man Seiwa Anisu enter the room. (1)

"Hey Anisu, what's up" greeted Naruto.

"Nothing much, just came to report that Kicho-sama and Zhuge Liang-sensei have just about finished up negotiations with Kiri and Mizu no Kuni. All that is left is for you to tie up the last few loose ends with the Mizukage tomorrow" answered Anisu with a knowing smile, which made Naruto suspicious.

"Is there something you're not telling me?" Naruto asked.

"Nothing that can't wait until tomorrow" an amused Anisu replied, which made Naruto even more suspicious. But before he could press his friend on the matter, Anisu change the course of the conversation.

"I notice that Nanao wasn't at her desk, is she on an errand or something?"

"Actually, I gave her and the girls the afternoon off, they're at the Civilian hot spring"

When Anisu heard this, he now became the suspicious one, "That's funny Isaribi, Sun Li and the rest of the girls also have the afternoon off too. They also said they were going to Civilian hot springs with some friends, as the Shinobi hot spring was seemlyclosed for some reason."

"Funny coincidence, heh" Naruto replied with a smirk, which made him all the more guilty in Anisu's eyes.

"Cut the crap Naruto I know you well enough, you're up to something and it has to do with what you are watching on your crystal ball" said Anusi as he walked up to Naruto's desk.

When he looked into Naruto's crystal ball he saw the images of girls bathing and relaxing in the hot spring or to be more precise his wives and fiancés. With them as well were Naruto's wives and fiancés, (with the exception of the Daimyo's Kicho, Koyuki, Haruna and the High Priestess Shion).

As soon as Anisu saw what Naruto was watching he turned to glare at his friend. "It is one thing to watch your own wives and fiancés bath, Naruto. But it's completely different matter when you are also watching "MY" wives and fiancés."

"Whoa, Whoa, Whoa, easy there Anisu, it's not what you think!" Naruto said quickly as he raised his arms up in defense, since he could already feel the room getting colder.

"Then please explain…quickly."

"I'm not watching the girls, I'm watching HIM!" Naruto said as he pointed at the crystal ball, which was now showing Jiraiya hiding in a tree near the hot spring, taking notes and looking at the girls through a telescope.

"Jiraiya-sama!" Anisu said in surprise, "What's he doing there?"

"What do you think?" Naruto asked in a sarcastic tone, since it was obvious what Jiraiya was doing.

"I know, but how did he get by the barriers and the seals that Soifon and the others had you put around both the Civilian and the Shinobi the hot spring?" Anisu replied. "Wasn't it to make sure that something like this wouldn't happen?"

"You forget Anisu, this is Jiraiya and even though he is a major pervert. That doesn't make him any less of a Shinobi and he didn't become the strongest of the Sannin for nothing. He's also one of the top Fuinjutsu masters in the Shinobi world, so taking down seals and barriers like the ones I put around the hot spring wouldn't be much trouble for him."

At this Anisu just nodded, as despite being past his prime, Jiraiya was still a highly skilled Shinobi and his old age meant that he knew a great deal of the different Shinobi arts.

"So how did you know he was spying on the girls at the hot spring?"

"A few days ago my private alarm alerted me that some seals and barriers were slowly being weakened. When I checked which ones they were, I found that the ones being weakened were at the hot spring and it didn't a genius to figure out who was behind it all."

"Huh! So you decided to lay a trap for him, by somehow leaking the news that the girls were all going to the hot spring together and using your wives and fiancés, along with mine, which if I may I don't appreciate, as bait" Anisu replied with a frown.

"Hey it isn't something I'm thrilled about either. But I knew I had to lay a big enough bait to make sure the Toad takes it, as well as make sure he gets what coming to him."

"What do you mean?" asked Anisu.

"This" replied Naruto, as he had the scene change from Jiraiya back to the bathing girls and zoom in on one of them.

When Anisu saw who Naruto zoomed in on, the ice user turned as white as his hair.

"Are you crazy? If she and the other girls find out what you did, you be worse that dead, especially if "SHE" finds out!"

"I think that they will be too focused on punishing Jiraiya to figure out what I did" replied the blonde Raikage with a grin. After which he did a single hand seal and reactivating the barriers and the seals around the hot spring.

At the same time, Anisu couldn't help but shake his head; he "might" have pitied the man, were it not for the fact that he was ogling his wives and fiancés.

-With Jiraiya-

Currently hidden in a tree near the hot spring, the famed Toad Sage of Konoha was eyeing up all the young attractive women, who were relaxing in the hot spring and making notes of their figures and descriptions.

Not long after having the tour around New Kumo, Jiraiya decided to use his free time to do some "research" for his next book. But when he arrived at the hot spring, he found out that there was some kind of barrier around the woman's side of the hot spring, which prevented him from getting close to the woman's side and looking in.

He also found that there were several security seals around the woman's side of the hot spring, which would alert the staff that someone had breached the barrier. But as strong as the barrier was and as good as the seals were, they still weren't good enough to keep the self-proclaimed super pervert from keeping him out. He spent the next few days slowly weakening the barrier and seals. Making sure not to attract attention and cause suspicion

As Jiraiya watched the girls, couldn't help but envy Naruto and Anisu, who were either engaged or married to most of the women in the hot spring. Each of the girls had their own allure that would attract the attention of any man.

Jiraiya of course couldn't resist the chance of having a peek of the girls in the hot spring, after he overheard some New Kumo Shinobi talking about it.

But as attractive as all these women were, there was one woman who gained his attention. This woman was none other than Unohana Retsu Head of New Kumo Hospitals and of its Medical-nin unit. The reason why he was so focused on her was because of the woman's assets, which seemed to be as big as Tsunade's, something Jiraiya believed he would never see. It also made Jiraiya wonder, if what he always secretly suspected was true, that Tsunade had used some kind of medical Ninjutsu to make her breasts bigger. Given how flat chested she was in her youth, it wasn't entirely impossible.

"Damn who would've guessed that she was hiding all "that" in those ropes of hers" Jiraiya thought as she focused solely on Unohana's ample chest.

Sadly though, Jiraiya's "research" time was suddenly brought to a halted when he saw the female clerk from the woman's hot spring run into the hot spring and yell;

"The security seals have just alerted me that a man has breached the barrier and is spying on you!"

"WHAT?!" cried Takara (Lightning fist user) in surprise.

"I guess that someone has a death wish" Yuffie muttered, as she stood up from the hot water wearing nothing but a towel to cover her wet body. After which a large Fuma Shuriken appeared in her hand from out of nowhere.

"And I would be more than happy to grant it" replied Soifon as she stood up and put on her gauntlet, which suddenly appeared in her hand.

"Shit!" Jiraiya cursed, realizing that he was busted "What the hell happened?! I thought I deactivate all the security seals!"

Knowing that he needed to get out of here fast, Jiraiya tried toSunshin (Body-flicker) away, but when he tried he found he couldn't.

"Fuck, what's going on? Why Can't I Sunshin out of here?" Jiraiya asked himself, before her heard a female voice yell.

"Over there, I think I heard something from behind those trees."

"Damnit" cursed the White haired Sannin as he tried to run for it, but only got a couple of feet, where he was stopped by the barrier.

"What the hell! I brought the barrier down!" Jiraiya cried before he realized that someone must have reactivated not only the security seals, but the barrier as well.

Before he could try anything to escape, he suddenly found himself surrounded by a large number of wet nearly naked women, clothed only in wet towels.

Now normally Jiraiya would've been ecstatic at seeing this, but given how most of these women were seriously pissed off Kunoichi. He wasn't able to enjoy the sight as much as he would've liked.

"So it was you Jiraiya-sama, I should have known" said Nanao (Naruto's secretary) as she glared angrily at the cowering Sage.

"Once a pervert always a pervert" commented Ayane, as she glared at the elder man, while at the same time playing with a Kunai.

Seeing this of course made Jiraiya sweat heavily, as he wondered what the purpled haired Kunoichi planned to do with the Kunai. (2)

"Wait! Now girls this is all one big misunderstanding, I wasn't peeking" The Toad Sage said quickly hoping to avoid another near death experience at the hands of an angry near naked woman.

"Really and what exactly where you doing?" asked a sarcastic Fu

"Eh…I was…eh..." said Jiraiya as he looked around trying to find something believable to say, before quickly pulling some flowers off the ground"…I was picking some flowers!"

"Oh is that all, ok then you can go" said Yugito.

"Really?!" asked Jiraiya, who could not believe that actually worked.

"NO!" yelled all the women together, dashing the Toad Sage's slim hope of survival.

"So what should we do with him girls?" asked Taira (Lightning Goddess) with a devilish looking smirk, which Jiraiya couldn't help but notice, that it made her even more attractive in a way.

"I believe a justified punishment is in order" commented Tomoe (Metal Release user) "Wouldn't you agree Unohana-sama?"

"Yes I do" replied Unohana, with a smile that was far too sweet and a dark evil looking aura around her, where Jiraiya once again saw the same demonic visage from before, hovering over Unohana. (3)

"Wait, Ladies, Ladies please, I'm sure we can all come to some sort of understanding here?" Jiraiya begged when he saw the surrounding women take out various weapons and preparing various Jutsu.

"Dibs on his balls" said Tomoe as two blades appeared out of her fist.

"Mercy" squeaked the cowering Jiraiya before the angry group of Kunoichi pounced on him, where his cries of pain and agony could be heard all over the village, along with the manic laughter of a certain blonde Kage.

-Later that Day in New Kumo Shinobi Hospital-

Currently walking through the hallways of New Kumo, the Godaime Hokage Tsunade was looking for her former student and friend Unohana Retsu.

For the past two weeks, Tsunade had been in heavy discussions with Naruto and his advisor Zhuge Liang over Konoha becoming a protectorate of the Heavenly Alliance. With the talks now nearing an end, Tsunade thought now would be a perfect time to catch up with Retsu and relax a little.

Accompanying Tsunade was Kakashi and Darui, Kakashi was acting as Tsunade's guard, while Darui was acting as her escort.

Darui was a shinobi well known to both Tsunade and Kakashi long before the civil war in Kumo and Kaminarino Kuni (Lightning Country) and the rise of the Heavenly Alliance.

During that time Darui was one of Kumo's top Shinobi (and still is) and was the right hand man of the Yondaime Raikage. He possessed the Ranton (Storm Release) limit and was only person alive who could use the Kuroi Kaminari (Black Lightning) technique created by the Sandaime Raikage. In terms of skill the man was easily on par with Kakashi, which made him the perfect escort to be with them.

Ignoring their level, Kakashi and Darui also found out that they had a lot more in common with one another.

Both were fairly easy and mellow going people and had a lazy appearance about them, yet they both took their Shinobi duties very seriously and loved their respected villages.

As the three walked down the hospital hallway they suddenly heard a large commotion happening in the hallway to their right.

"You're never going to capture me, there's no way I'm going back to that torture chamber you call a treatment room!" yelled a familiar voice.

When the group turned to look, they saw a badly beaten Jiraiya covered in bandages and was seemly running away from someone.

When Jiraiya saw the three he quickly raced over to the three.

"Hime! Oh thank Kami you're here, you gotta save me from them, you gotta save me! You've no idea what they are putting me through, the things they're doing to me back there…it's…it's horrible, it's inhuman!" cried Jiraiya in terror as he fell to his knees and grabbed hold of Tsunade's legs begging her to save him.

Naturally the female Hokage and the two Shinobi were surprised by the state Jiraiya was in, but before any of them could ask what Jiraiya was talking about another familiar voice suddenly spoke.

"Please Jiraiya-sama I must ask you to lower your voice, as this is a hospital and people are resting here. I also must tell you that there is no running here in the hallways."

When the group heard the new voice, they looked up and saw the head of the New Kumo Hospitals Unohana Retsu walking towards them, and accompanied by two female medic-nins.

As soon as Jiraiya saw Unohana walking towards them, he turned ghost white, as if the devil herself had arrived (which she had as far as he was concerned).

"Hime please, I'm begging you save me, save me from her!" Jiraiya pleaded as he began to cry.

"My, My Jiraiya-sama, you're making me sound like some kind of monster or something" the female medic said with an amused smile and a slight giggle, while at the same time emanating an evil looking aura.

When Kakashi and Darui saw this dark aura, both men had a sudden case of the shudders.

"If you don't mind me asking Retsu, but what is Jiraiya talking about?" Tsunade asked, while at the same time wondering what the hell Jiraiya did this time.

"Oh it's nothing really Tsunade-sama, we are simply treating him for his injuries after he was caught peeping on several Kunoichi when they were bathing in the hot spring."

Upon hearing this, Tsunade face palmed herself and groaned loudly before thinking "I should've known."

Naturally Jiraiya just chuckled guilty, knowing that there would be no point in denying it.

"I hope it is not too much trouble Tsunade-sama, but I was wondering if we could take Jiraiya-sama back and finish histreatment…I can assure you, he will be brought back to your hotel later tonight, fully treated."

At this Jiraiya looked up at his former teammate and shook his head violently, pleading with her not to.

"By all means Retsu, take as long as you like" Tsunade replied with an evil looking smirk, all the while thinking "I have got to get Retsu to tell me her secret in scaring Jiraiya and everyone else, as I didn't think anyone other than me could scare Jiraiya this much".

Seeing that his former team-mate had abandoned him, Jiraiya decided to make a break for it and dashed down the hallway.

Sadly though for the Toad Sennin, he didn't get very far as Unohana ordered one of her female medics to stop him. Who quickly took out an Injection shot Sniper (4) and fired a dart which hit the White haired man right in the buttocks.

Within seconds Jiraiya fell to the floor as he felt his entire body go numb.

"Haruna-sama, Yui-sama, will you both please take Jiraiya-sama back to the treatment room and sedate him. I will finish his "treatment" later myself."

"Hai Unohana-sama!" responded both female medics together, where they quickly went over and started to drag the man away by his legs, ignoring his screams for mercy and help.

"No, No NOOOOO! Please anywhere but back there, anywhere but back there! Kill me; Kill me now for Kami's sake!"

When Kakashi saw this he naturally felt like he should do something, but before he could try anything Darui placed his hand on his shoulder and shook his head.

"Sorry Hatake-san, But I think its best you leave him be, for everyone's sake."

At this Kakashi just nodded and began to wonder what would happen to the Toad Sage and if he would ever be able to write Icha Icha again. He also hoped that Unohana and Anko never got together, since if Unohana could terrify Jiraiya this much, Kami knows what the two of them could do together.

After Jiraiya was dragged away by Unohana's people, the female medic turned to her former teacher and politely asked her why she was here.

When Tsunade explained that she had come here to ask her out to have a drink and catch up with one another. Naturally Unohana agreed, stating that she would be delighted.

Once Unohana signed herself out, the two female medic-nins left the Hospital together to catch up with one another.

-A Few Hours Later-

After meeting up together at the Hospital, Tsunade and Unohana headed for a nearby drinking bar.

When they arrived they took a small private room to drink and talk in peace, while Kakashi and Darui stood outside. When ordering drinks, Unohana ordered tea instead of Sake, stating that she had no taste for it, unlike her mentor, who ordered a few bottles.

For the next few hours the two began to talk about the events that happened to each other since they last saw one another and about people they had both known, like Shizune.

"I have to say I'm still surprised that you actually joined New Kumo, you never showed any interests in joining any Shinobi village. You always said that you preferred to help and heal people" Tsunade commented after taking a sip of sake.

"What changed your mind?"

"The Raikage can be very persuasive when he wants to be. When he first asked me to join New Kumo after the civil war ended. I simply told him I had no interest in being part of a village. But he refused to take no for an answer and continued to ask me to join every day for three weeks."

"Sounds like Naruto" Tsunade said with a smile, as she knew Naruto could never take no for an answer when he wanted something. "So what exactly did he offer to get you to finally join?"

"He offered me the opportunity to create the same kind of medical Shinobi program that you designed.

He also offered me complete reign over all medical Shinobi and hospitals, allowing me to run both the hospitals and the Medical Shinobi program any way I wanted, without any interference from him or anyone else and full funding for whatever I needed."

"That is a very generous offer" Tsunade commented, as she had to admit if she had been in Unohana's position and someone had given her that offer. She would've taken it as well. "I'm guessing that having access to Naruto and his daughter Yami's Bloodline Limit also didn't hurt matters either."

"I would be lying if I said no, as I'm sure you can see the value of their healing Bloodline, when it comes to a medical standpoint. But I was not aware of Yami-sama's abilities until much later."

Nodding at this, Tsunade continued "Speaking of Naruto's children, I've heard that you plan to take Naruto's daughter Nene as you apprentice later on?"

"Yes…" replied Unohana, "…as you've no doubt have seen, given the healing properties of her Chakra and her ability to heal people without having to do hand seals. Nene has the potential to be an exceptional medic-nin, where she has the potential to become as great if not greater than your grandfather the Shodai Hokage-sama."

Tsunade of course nodded in agreement, even though she was hailed as the Greatest Medic-nin of her time. Tsunade knew that her Grandfather was on an entirely different level; his skill was so great that that he could heal himself and perform medical Ninjutsu without forming hand seals.

"Yea, Naruto's brats are just as interesting as he was when he was their age" commented female Hokage. Before she began to stare sadly at the sake bowl in her hand, where she thought of Naruto back when he was a boy.

Seeing this, Unohana spoke once again "If I may be so bold Tsunade-sama, you should know that he does not hate you."

"Excuse me?" asked Tsunade as she looked up at Unohana with slight surprise.

"The Raikage-sama, or should I say Naruto-sama, he does not hate you, he is just angry over how you hid the identity of his parents from him. He does not hold you responsible for being banished, nor does he blame you for his cruel life when he was a boy."

"How do you know that?" Tsunade asked.

"When I first met the Raikage-sama he mentioned to me that he knew you. Later when he was helping to rebuild Kumo, Kaminari no Kuni and forming the Heavenly Alliance, he would sometimes mention you and others from Konoha. In some ways he views you as a mother-like figure."

"A Mother?!" Tsunade spluttered as she nearly spat out the sake she was drinking at the idea of her being a mother figure for anyone, let alone Naruto.

Unohana of course chuckled slightly at her sensei's reaction before continuing. "Yes, or at the very least, an elder sister figure, since from what I know, the Raikage-sama grew up as an orphan and had no true parental role models. At least not until he joined Konoha's Shinobi Academy and met Umino-sama (i.e. Iruka), who the Raikage-sama views as a father figure, or at very least as an elder brother."

"If that's true the brat sure hides it well" Tsunade replied glumly as she remembered how coldly Naruto treated her and others after the battle of Konoha. Although he did treat them more warmly when they arrived in New Kumo, but Tsunade knew he was only being diplomatic.

"As I said he does not hate you, he is just angry over how you hid his parent's identity from him" Unohana answered before continuing. "He knows and understands that you only did it because you were trying to protect him. He also knows that you only tried to deny his inheritance after the battle of Konoha because you were doing your duty as Hokage. The only reason he is still angry is because he's too used to feeling angry."

"What would you suggest I do?" Tsunade asked.

"Talk to him alone and perhaps apologize for hiding the truth from him. He wants to forgive you, I am certain of it. He is just too stubborn, as I'm sure you've known, to admit it, especially to himself" Unohana replied.

After hearing this, Tsunade couldn't help but smile, since she knew how stubborn Naruto could be when he was younger.

"You might be right Retsu, but if you don't mind me asking, why do you care so much about my relationship with Naruto?"

"I am a medic Tsunade-sama, and as a medic it is my duty to heal those around me, physically, mentally and emotionally. And regardless of how well he hides it, some of the events in the Raikage-sama's past still wound him and it is my duty to try and heal them and help him move on with his life."

When Tsunade heard this she could not help but smile since his former student was a true medic, right to the very core.

For the next hour the two women continued to talk with one another until eventually Unohana stated that she needed to get back to the hospital. Nodding in understanding, Tsunade accompanied her back to the hospital (with Kakashi and Darui) before biding her goodbye and returning to her hotel.

-The Next Day Conference room in The Raikage's Tower/Mountain-

Currently sitting in the Conference room Naruto was going over the final details of the treaty between Suna and the Heavenly Alliance, with his friend and fellow jinchuriki Gaara, who was sitting opposite to him on the table.

Standing next to Gaara and acting as his guards were his two elder siblings Temari and Kankuro.

Standing next to Naruto was his personal bodyguard/wife Fu and the leader of the Go Genso no Megami (The Five Elemental Goddesses). Cai Wengi. Who was better known as the Kaze no Megami (Wind Goddess), founder and leader of the Go Genso no Megami.

Cai Wengi was the leader of the Wengi Clan she was a powerful women who had an aura of strength and nobility around her and was well respected by everyone. She was a powerful Genjutsu Mistress as well as an extremely powerful Wind Mistress. She was also a woman of strong conviction and always did what she believed to be best for her Clan no matter what the cost was to her personally, she also valued loyalty and showed respect to those who she believed worthy of it. (5)

Like many members of the Wengi Clan, Cai was able to perform Suna no Jutsu (Sand Techniques), although nowhere near the level of Gaara or the other Shukaku hosts. It was believed that due to their extensive knowledge of the Ichibi no Shukaku and its abilities. The Wengi Clan knew how to do Sabuton (Sand Release).

Originally she and her Clan were from Suna but they were force to leave the village when they learned that the Yondaime Kazekage was planning to have them killed and claim that they were traitors.

The reason why the Wengi Clan fled Suna was because the Wengi Clan had been the Guardians of the Demon Ichibi no Shukaku (One-Tailed Shukaku) and were sworn to keep it from harming the people of Suna. After seeing the destruction that the former host of the Ichibi no Shukaku caused. The Wengi Clan pleaded with the Sandaime Kazekage not create another jinchuriki fearing that Shukaku would drive the host mad like it did to others and create another unstable jinchurikithat would threaten Suna. Eventually the Sandaime agreed to seal the demon back into the tea kettle. But when The Sandaime Kazekage disappeared (secretly killed by Sasori) and replaced by The Yondaime Kazekage, the agreement was nullified. The Yondaime Kazekage sealed the Ichibi no Shukaku into his unborn son despite the Wengi Clan's objections and warnings. When The Yondaime Kazekage realized that the Wengi Clan had been right all along he ordered his son to be killed but all attempts failed.

When the Wengi Clan heard what the Yondaime Kazekage was planning they offered to take Gaara into their Clan. They even offered to train him and help him try and control the Ichibi no Shukaku. But unfortunately the Yondaime Kazekage forbid this, fearing that the Wengi Clan would use their knowledge of the Ichibi no Shukaku, and turn Gaara into their own personal weapon and try and take over the village.

Later the Yondaime Kazekage ordered the Wengi Clan to be wiped out under the guise that they were planning a Coup D'état. Fortunately though, Cai and her Clan learned about the order before it could be carried out and fled Suna.

For the next fourteen years Cai and her Clan wandered around the Elemental Continent where they eventually joined in the civil war in Kumo and Kaminari no Kuni. There they joined the former Daimyo Yoshiaki and The Godaime Raikage in the return of the promise of a new home and a position as a powerful Clan in Kumo when the civil war ended. When the war ended, they were forgiven by Naruto where he then offered them the same deal that the Godaime Raikage offered them.

Naturally both Cai and her Clan accepted the generous offer and swore loyalty to Naruto and Naruto alone after he spared them and gave them a new home.

For the past few hours Naruto and Gaara went over the final details of the new treaty that would make Suna one of the Heavenly Alliance newest allies. During the talks, Gaara even invited Cai Wengi and her Clan to return to Suna, telling her that he learned the truth about what his father did and wanted to mend relations with the Clan.

Cai Wengi of course thanked the young Kazekage, but declined his offer, saying that New Kumo was their new home and that they would not leave it. But she did say that she and her Clan would welcome the chance of reconnecting with their former homeland.

"So we are in agreement that each of us will send a least one Shinobi from our respected villages, where he or she will act not only as the representative. But they will also help in the improvement of our respected villages" said Naruto, as he read over one of the agreements in the treaty.

"Yes, although I am curious as to why you requested Chiyo-sama, as she is retired."

"To put it simply we require someone with extensive knowledge on the workings of puppetry and who better than the former head of the puppet brigade and legendary puppet master."

"With respect Naruto-sama, the puppetry arts are a highly valued fighting style that has existed in my village since its founding. There are many in my village who would be greatly displeased at the idea of sharing it with another village, even if they are our ally. Chiyo-sama herself will most likely resist the idea of sharing her puppetry knowledge."

"I understand that Gaara, but I can assure you we don't want your village to give up all its secrets. We simply want Chiyo-sama to share with us her knowledge on the mechanical workings of the puppets themselves. We have no real interest in forming our own puppet brigade, she may keep the secrets of how to control them and use in battle to herself."

When Gaara heard this he naturally became curious, since he could not understand why Naruto only wanted to know the mechanical workings of the puppets and not know how to use or operate them.

"May I ask why you only wish to know the mechanical workings of puppets?"

When Gaara asked this, Naruto remained silent for a moment, but before Gaara could ask again, Naruto finally spoke.

"For the past year, the heads of my Research and Development Department have been working on a special project code named Doll. The project involves creating automatic puppets that would attack enemy forces by themselves, where they could weaken or disrupt enemy forces in battle."

"Interesting" commented Gaara, as he could see many possibilities for automatic puppets. Even his elder brother Kankuro was of the same mind, as it had been a long time goal of the puppet brigade to create puppets that could fight without their puppeteer.

"But if I may ask Naruto-sama" Gaara continued, "…why would you need Chiyo-sama? Surely your own people could accomplish this, given your advance technology as well as access to the Library of Benzaiten."

"Although that is true" Naruto replied, "It would take several years of heavy research and experiments. But given Chiyo-sama vast experience and knowledge in the puppet arts, we could cut that time down greatly. Not to mention she could help us greatly in another project in or medical department."

"What sort of Project?" Gaara asked.

"An Experimental project involving prosthetic limbs for wounded Shinobi, although instead of using wood like your village has done in the past, we plan to use metal. We call the project automail."

"Automail? An intriguing prospect" commented Gaara with a thoughtful look, as he could see a lot of uses for such idea. As not only would it allow for wounded veteran Shinobi to stay on active duty. But by using prosthetic limbs that were made of metal, the limbs themselves would be more durable in battle, than the wooden limbs that some Suna Shinobi use.

"Yes and if you agree, we will of course share any and all research with your village, should either one or both of the projects succeed" added Naruto.

Naturally after hearing this Gaara became even more intrigued. He of course knew that if he brought the idea of sharing some of their knowledge of the puppetry arts to another village to the Suna Council. There would be many who would oppose it, especially Chiyo herself. But if he explained that all research on the two projects would be shared with Suna, the Council would be more open with the idea. Since both projects had the potential to greatly benefiting both villages, hence the possible gains would greatly outweigh what they were risking. But still Gaara knew that there would still be some stubborn members on the Council that may feel that they were still risking too much, especially if the two projects fail.

"Your proposition is very tempting Naruto-sama and should these projects succeed, they would indeed benefit my village greatly. But still there are some on my Council who may believe we are risking too much, when revealing the workings of our puppets. That is why I would like to request that the representative you send to my village be a Fuinjutsu (Sealing Technique) master"

"A Fuinjutsu master?" asked Naruto.

"Yes, although my village has many skilled Fuinjutsu users, when compared to the Fuinjutsu masters of Konoha or your village, we are greatly behind. That is why I would like your representative to be a Fuinjutsu master, where he or she could teach those of my village and improve their Fuinjutsu skill."

When Naruto heard Gaara's request he closed his eyes and thought deeply about the matter for a few minutes.

Eventually though he came to a decision and agreed to send one of his seal masters to the village so to help Suna, since by improving Suna's Fuinjutsu users. They could better protect their village from enemy attacks, or more specifically from the Akatsuki, who would eventually come after Gaara again for his Biju.

For the next hour or so, Naruto and Gaara went over the last remaining details of the treaty. Once they had finished, Gaara asked if he could speak with Naruto in private about one other issue that wasn't mentioned in the treaty.

Curious as to what his friend wanted to talk in private about, Naruto dismissed Cai Wengi and Fu and told them that they would be alright. In turn Gaara did the same, where he told his siblings to return to their hotel and that he would join them later.

Once everyone had left and the doors had closed, Naruto turned to Gaara, "So Gaara what is it that you need to talk to me alone about?"

"To put it simply Naruto-sama, I wish for you to marry my sister Temari."

At first Naruto said nothing and kept a blank expressionless look on his face. But eventually he broke out into a fit of laughter.

"Hahahaha…oh man…hahahaha…good one Gaara you had me going there for a minute…marrying your sister...hahahaha…and here I though could couldn't tell a joke…hahaha"

"Do you find the idea of marrying my sister humorous Naruto-sama?" Gaara asked in his usual dull tone.

"Oh come Gaara, you're not serious, this is joke right?"

"I can assure you Naruto-sama I am very serious" the young Kazekage replied.

"Really?" asked Naruto with a disbelieving look.

"Really" answered Gaara

"Look Gaara, I'm flattered and all, but you know my situation and I don't think your sister will be all to thrilled about it. Plus if this is about trying to strengthen ties between Suna and my village and the Heavenly Alliance there's no need, I consider you a good friend and one of my closest allies."

"As do I Naruto-sama, but this is not about strengthening ties between our respected villages, I am asking you to marry my sister to protect her and to help my village" the red headed Kage replied.

"What do you mean?" Naruto asked not understanding where his friend was coming from.

"Tell me Naruto-sama have you heard of the Kuze family?"

"Who hasn't, their one of the wealthiest families on the continent and the wealthiest in Kaze no Kuni (Wind Country), they run Kuze enterprises, which controls most of the trade in the west and south. They have their hands in nearly all types of trade, from food, cloth, herbs and everything else. Very little gets through Kaze no Kuni without their approval, so what have they got to do with your sister and your village?"

"As you know Naruto-sama, twenty years ago my village was on an economical decline, due to the pervious Wind Daimyo reducing my village's funding. Who gave missions he would normal give to us to Konoha and other villages. We eventually overcame this troubling time, when the pervious Wind Daimyo was replaced by his brother and when Konoha fell into decline. But before his death, my "father" the Yondaime Kazekage made several deals to support our village, which are now putting it in danger."

"To help support my village, my "father" used his Jiton (Magnetic Release) Bloodline Limit to draw out gold dust to sell to merchants. To get the best value for the gold, the Yondaime Kazekage went to the Kuze family, who controlled most of the trade in gold in Kaze no Kuni. After much negotiation, my "father" was force to agree to give the Kuze family complete monopoly in trade in my village. He was also force to agree that when my elder sister Temari was of age she would marry the Kuze family heir. Later after my father was killed by Orochimaru and I became Kazekage, the head of the Kuze family visited me and informed me of what my father had agreed to and stated that he expected me to fulfill the agreement…"

"And if you don't he'll place an embargo on your village, leaving your village alone and to slowly dry up. But if you agree, they could use your sister as leverage to get you to do whatever they want."

"Precisely and I'm certain if I were to refuse. They would also use their significant influence in the Wind Daimyo's court to have him do the same thing his brother did before, and divert missions and reduce funding to our village. Since several of the Wind Daimyo's advisors are in their pocket, either through bribes or blackmail."

"I see your point" Naruto said with a frown, "But still I don't see why you don't deal with them. You could always just eliminate them without drawing suspicion, like causing an "accident" or digging up dirt on them."

"Unfortunately I can't at this time, since I believe that some of my own Shinobi and some of the members of my Council are also in their pocket. As I have received a great deal of pressure from some members of my council to have my sister marry the Kuze heir. If I were to move on them without knowing how far the Kuze corruption goes, I could cause an incident that would hurt my village. I also believe that there is another group helping the Kuze family, as anyone who has ever threaten them businesswise or political wise, has met with some kind of accident."

"How can you be so sure?"

"Several months ago, an advisor in the Wind Daimyo's court hired some of my Shinobi to protect him. He had been threatened to support a bill that would give more control of trade in the north of Kaze no Kuni to the Kuze Corporation. Not long after refusing to support the bill, the advisor was attacked by three unknown Shinobi, who were highly skilled. My Shinobi were able to protect the advisor and killed two of the assassin, while capturing the third. But before we could interrogate him, he killed himself."

"Are you sure they weren't nuke-nins who the Kuze family hired?" Naruto asked.

"No, we checked their faces with all known Nuke-nins and they were too skilled for them not to be mentioned by any village if they went rogue. They also had no identifying markings or objects that would allow us to trace them back to whoever sent them."

"I see" Naruto hummed, "But how have you been able to keep Temari from marrying this Kuze heir, since eighteen is the marrying age and your sister is well past that."

"I have been using several legal loopholes to delay the marriage as long as I could. When she was seeing Nara Shikimaru, I had hoped that if things went well that I could use their relationship to form an arrange marriage between Suna and Konoha. But as you probably know their relationship failed and I am now I running out of time, as I can no longer hold the Kuze family back. This is the only solution I can think of that could save my sister and help remove the hold the Kuze family has over my village."

"But won't the Council members who support the Kuze family object to this?"

"They will, but there are some on the Council, like myself, who see what the Kuze family are doing and have given me their support. Ever since you revealed yourself as the Rokudaime Raikage, we have been subtlety suggesting the idea of arranging a marriage between you and my sister, saying that it would strengthen our new alliance with the Heavenly Alliance and New Kumo. Most of other Council members are in favor of the idea and see the benefits of doing this. With most of the Council on my side, those Council members who are involved with the Kuze family cannot do anything to stop it."

"And let me guess" Naruto said as he began to realize what Gaara's plan was. "By doing this you also make sure that the Kuze family can't hurt you back. They would fear that if they were to try anything against you or Suna, I would hit them back in retaliation, given how we would be family."

"Correct, given the events of the past few months, the Heavenly Alliance has complete control over the eastern sea trade and given the number of nations with or allied to the Alliance. The Kuze family cannot afford to make you or the Heavenly Alliance an enemy."

"Does Temari know about this?" Naruto asked, since from what he knew of Temari back when they were younger. She didn't seem the type of person who would allow herself to be used as a tool against her family, and would fight tooth and nail with anyone who tried.

"No, my sister does not; Kankuro and I have been able to keep it hidden from her. Since we know she would not allow herself to be used by anyone and would most likely put herself in harm's way to protect us or our village."

"That does sound like her" Naruto commented.

"So you will agree?" Gaara asked.

Signing slightly, Naruto did not answer straight away, "Gaara I won't lie to you, what you're asking is not a simple thing and you're putting me in a difficult situation. I will have to talk to my advisor and my family about this. So I will have to ask you for a few days, I will of course give you my answer before the end of the Gathering."

"I understand, and I do apologize for placing you in this position Naruto-sama. But you are the only person outside my own village who I can trust with my sister's safety."

"That alright Gaara, I understand" Naruto replied, "We do what we have to protect our family. I'll also see to it to have Masato (Head of Naruto intelligence division CIND) look into the Kuze dealings from other angles. He and his people might turn up something your people might not know of."

Nodding, Gaara thanked Naruto and said he would appreciate any help he could give him. After which the two Kage's stood up and left the room together before bidding each other goodbye

-Later with Naruto in his office-

After his meeting with Gaara, Naruto headed back up to his office and called his advisor and former teacher Zhuge Liang to discuss what Gaara proposed.

When Zhuge Liang heard everything he began to scratch his chin and thought deeply about everything. (6)

"Hmmm, I have to admit the Kazekage-sama has thought this through, on the surface, this can been seen as a simple political marriage. But in reality it's much, much more, by having his sister marry you, he secures her safety from the Kuze family and those in Suna who support them. For without her they cannot force the Kazekage to do what they want and can do little to stop the marriage. As most people would see it as the Kazekage's way of cementing a lasting alliance with us and if they try to oppose it, they will shunned by everyone else. Also with the new terms for trade and goods with Suna and Kaze no kuni, Kuze enterprises will lose their monopoly over the village and will have to focus their attention on their new rivals. Allowing the Kazekage time to clean Suna up of the Kuze supporters and position himself so that he can strike the Kuze family when he is ready."

"Gaara is not someone you should underestimate and he didn't becoming Kazekage simply because he is a strong Shinobi" Naruto said.

"Indeed, we are fortunate to have him as an ally; I can see why Suna has prospered so well under his rule. He will be a valuable assist when it comes to dealing with the nations in the southern part of the continent, as we have few allies there and Suna would be extremely valuable in the west, should things get out of hand with Iwa later on. (7) That's why I believe you should take the Kazekage up on his offer, as it would only help us further down the road."

"Huh, you would, especially given the mess you've gotten me into earlier, but what worries me now is this group that is helping the Kuze family. They're clearly professional and want to keep their involvement with the Kuze family hidden" Naruto muttered.

"It is very likely that this group is helping the Kuze family, so to cause disunity in Suna, thereby weakening the village" commented Zhuge Liang.

"I can think of several villages and groups that would like to see that happen and who might operate like this."

"The Akatsuki perhaps, weakening Suna would allow them another opportunity to capture Gaara? Iwa also would be a possibility, since Iwa and Suna have had their own share of bad blood, especially since Suna has been Konoha's ally for many years."

"Iwa maybe, but I doubt the Akatsuki. This isn't their style; those guys that Gaara's people fought were clearly disposable pawns. They made sure not to have anything on them that would link them back to any village or group on the chance that they were killed or captured. The Akatsuki don't care if you know about them or not, they operate in a small group, made up of only the most dangerous Shinobi, they don't send lackeys to do missions for them."

"Well whoever they are, we will have to keep an eye out for them" Zhuge Liang replied, where Naruto just nodded.

"Speaking of allies, have you and Kicho-chan finished things up with the representatives of Hi no Kuni (Fire Country) and Mizu no Kuni (Water Country)?"

"Yes everything went rather smoothly, both Shingan-sama and Kenshin-sama and the Water Daimyo made no complaints with the treaties when we went over with them together."

Nodding at this, Naruto then began to frown as talking about Gaara's proposal and Mizu no Kuni reminded him of the mess he was now in thanks to his meddling sensei.

-Flashback several hours ago-

"…Well Mei-sama, I believe we can accommodate that, but in return, we will require that you send several ships to the eastern shore of O'uzu Island, as we have reports of pirates raiding some of the small village ports there" Naruto said as he looked from the paper next to him.

Sitting next to him was Zhuge Liang and Anisu, who were assisting him in the negotiations for the treaty with Kiri.

"I believe that we can spare some ships, although I would like an increase in the materials for the rebuilding of our fleet, since as you know we lost many ships in the recent war" Mei responded, who was accompanied by one of her guards Ao.

"How much?"

"About fifteen percent."

Turning to Zhuge Liang, Naruto quietly conversed with his former teacher and advisor.

"Unfortunately we cannot accommodate that much materials, at most we can increase the shipment of materials by seven percent" Naruto replied.

After hearing Naruto's response, the female Mizukage frowned, as she thought over the offer and after a minute or so, she answered. "Very well Raikage-sama I accept, now I would like to draw attention to the final issue of our treaty."

"Which would be?" asked Naruto, as he picked up a glass of water and began to drink it.

"Regarding the marriage between you and me Raikage-sama."

At this answer Naruto spat out the water he had been drinking and yelled "MARRIAGE!"

"Yes, did Anisu-sama and Zhuge Liang-sama not tell?" asked the female Kage with some surprise.

"No they did not, it seems that they neglected to mention this new arrangement" Naruto replied as he turned to glare at the two men. Who had amused smirks on their faces and didn't look the least bit worried when Naruto glared at them.

"Mizukage-sama, would you excuse us for a moment, so I may talk to my two advisors"

"Of course" replied Mei, as she and Ao walked out of the Conference room.

When the double doors closed, Naruto stood up and walked over to the other end of the table, (the Mizukage's side) so that he would be opposite Anisu and Zhuge Liang. After which he took a deep calming breath stared directly at his two friends/advisors.

"Now I know there is a good explanation for this, so please tell why you two agreed for me to marry the Godaime Mizukage, without even telling me about."

"Actually we did not agree to anything, we simply left it as an option, it is entirely up to you" Zhuge Liang answered.

"Well that's good, but it still doesn't answer why you're even considering it and didn't just deny it, or let me know about it" Naruto replied in an annoyed tone.

"Actually the part of not telling you was my idea, I thought it be fun to see the look on your face when the Mizukage told you about it" Anisu answered with a smile.

"Well Hah, Hah, you got your laugh, now could you please tell me whose idea was this and why it is even on the table?"

"Well actually the marriage is only a façade at most you'll be engaged, unless of course you decide to go through with it later on. The propose of the marriage itself is to be symbolic, to represent a new union of friendship between us and Kiri, as for whose idea it was, it was the Mizukage's. There is still a number of her Shinobi who feel resentment towards us"

"But why? And why do we even need to go through with it? We're on the verge of a new peace treaty and we helped them get rid of the Godaime Mizukage Shiro and the pervious Water Daimyo and are helping them rebuild the village and Mizu no Kuni."

"That may be true Naruto, but you should know better than most, how deep hatred can run with people. Especially with those who have lost loved ones and friends, not just from the recent war, but from the other Shinobi Wars and on missions. Simply signing a peace treaty will not end people's anger or hatred. If we really want to bring about a lasting peace, people on both sides will need a symbol of unity."

"You mean just like when Kicho-chan and I married?"

"Precisely" answered Zhuge Liang, "After the civil war the people of Kumo and Kaminari no Kuni needed a symbol to help them believe that they could reunite and rebuild. You and Kicho-sama became that symbol when you married as the people looked up to both of you in different ways during the civil war."

"So basically this supposed marriage with the Mizukage is completely symbolic, that might not even happen? It's only to help improve relations with us and Kiri?"

"Not unless both of decide to go through with it later, if you don't that's fine, the engagement itself is purely symbolic" Anisu replied.

"And when is our "supposed" marriage to happen?"

"Five years from now" Anisu answered.

"Five years?!" Naruto repeated in surprise, "But why so long?"

"That is the estimate time of how long it will take Kiri to recover most of its strength, after which they will officially petition to join the Heavenly Alliance." Zhuge Liang responded.

"And what better way to symbolize Kiri joining the Heavenly Alliance than with the Mizukage marrying one of the Alliance founders and leaders" Naruto finished dryly when he realized what his sensei and friend were thinking.

"Told you he would catch on" muttered Anisu to his former sensei, who nodded before turning back to his other student. "Like we said Naruto you do not have to actually marry Mei-sama. Your engagement with her is simply to help ease tension between Kiri and us until they become part of the Heavenly Alliance. When they do, we can call the engagement off."

"So Raikage-sama will you agree to this or not?" Zhuge Liang asked.

-End Flashback-

As Naruto thought back to the meeting, he could not help but sigh. He of course told the Mizukage that he would have to consider it and would give her an answer before the gathering ended.

But with Gaara now asking him to marry his sister, things had become a lot more complicated.

"Ah, its times like this that make me wish I had never agreed to become Raikage. Things were so much simpler back when I was just a regular Shinobi."

"The ruling of a nation is a heavy burden Naruto, more so when you are leading a vast alliance of other nations, I taught you that long ago. As leaders, we must make personal sacrifices for the betterment of those we rule over."

"Yea…I know, but it still doesn't make things any easier, if I had known the kind of things I would have to put up with or have to do. I probably wouldn't have been so eager to become a Kage when I was a kid."

"So does that mean you've come to a decision already regarding the Kazekage and the Mizukage proposals?"

"Hoooo, yes I can't refuse Gaara when he needs my help, especially if what he has told me about the Kuze family is true. If we let them have their way, they will become a serious problem later. As for the Mizukage, I agree to the engagement, but only because it might help ease the peace process and when the time comes, we'll call it off."

"I understand Raikage-sama" Zhuge Liang replied with a small smile, before he stood up to leave Naruto's office. But before he could leave Naruto suddenly spoke up.

"Before you leave, I have something that I would like both you and Anisu to do?"

"And what would that be?" asked the Nemuriryu (Sleeping Dragon).

"Well given how the treaties with Konoha, Kiri, Suna and the other nations are nearly finished. I have agreed to give a brief personal tour of the Library of Benzaiten."

"The common area's I'm assuming?"

"Of course, you hardly think I would be foolish enough to let the likes of Danzo or Koharu see the Shinobi section of the Library."

"So you wish us to show the representatives around the Library."

"Actually I will be showing them the library personally."

"Then what is it that you want me and Anisu to do?" asked the elder Shinobi.

"I would like both you and Anisu to break the news of my "engagement" to the girls, since it was you two who got me into this mess. At the same time you can also tell them about Temari and explain to them why I have to do this."

When Naruto finished he was gratified to see a slight twitch of fear in his former teacher's face. As most of Naruto's wives were strong fighters in their own right and were quite terrify when they were angry, but when all of them were together and were angry, they could make a Kage level Shinobi tremble in fear.

"I'm sorry Raikage-sama but I'm afraid that I have several important matters of state that need to…" said Zhuge Liang but before he could finish, Naruto interrupted him.

"I'm afraid refusing is not an option Zhuge Liang-sensei, and I don't believe that you or Anisu would dare disobey a direct order from your leader now would you?" the young Raikage asked with a shit eating grin that said "Payback is a bitch."

Knowing he couldn't refuse Naruto, after reluctantly nodding, Zhuge Liang quietly left the room, all the while thinking if he should put his affairs in order before it was too late.

-The Next Day-

Outside the entrance of the Raikage mountain/tower, the representatives of the various nations (with the exception of Iwa) who had come to New Kumo had gathered together for their tour of the Library of Benzaiten, accompanied by a squad of New Kumo SHOCK members.

They of course did not have to wait too long as they were met by Naruto and Killer Bee.

Naturally the representatives were surprised that Naruto would be the one to giving them their tour of the library. Before any of them could ask why he was doing it, a massive roar of several angry women shouting at the same time was heard from the Lightning Daimyo's palace.

"HE HAS TO WHHAAATTTT?!"

The angry cries were then followed by a series of large explosions and sounds of men screaming in pain.

"EEEhhhh is there something we should know Raikage-sama?" the Water Daimyo asked worriedly when he looked over to where the angry cries were heard.

"Oh it's nothing Daimyo-sama, just some unexpected news being delivered" Naruto answered with a dismissive wave. Although some of the more observant members of the group notice a twitch of a smirk on Naruto's face.

Naturally this answer made everyone even more curious, but when some of them asked, Naruto simply deflected the questions by saying that they should get going.

After a few minutes of walking, the large group of people finally arrived at the entrance of the Library.

The Library entrance was shaped like a giant stone Gateway carved into the side of one of the mountains that flanked New Kumo with two massive thirty foot wide stone doors.

On the archway of the Gateway, the group could see that there was something written on it.

"Welcome all seekers of truth and students of wisdom, who have come here to quench their thirst for Knowledge."

"So this is the Great Library that is supposed to have all the knowledge in the world? I kind of expected something different" commented Kiba as he looked up at the Gateway.

"Well I wouldn't say all the knowledge in the world, but it has a lot and trust me it's a lot more impressive when we go in" Naruto replied. After which the large double doors opened and the group entered.

As soon as all the representatives had passed through the Gateway they found themselves in a large square shaped hall with another closed double door entrance way in front of them.

The hall was large enough to easily accommodate everyone in the group and still have room to spare. It had grey tiled floors, beautiful carvings of animals and people on the walls, which seemingly told a story about something. There were also paintings of people and animals on the ceiling and like the cravings on the wall; they seemed to tell a story.

After the group had entered the hall, the large double doors behind them closed, but they still had light, thanks to some special light emitting crystals on the walls and ceiling, which glowed softly, giving the hall a very soft but strong amount of light.

When the doors closed behind them, Naruto explained to everyone that they would just have to wait here for a minute until their escort came.

As the group waited, some of them looked at the carvings on the walls and the paintings on the ceiling (which was about forty feet above them). As they studied them, Sai noticed that there seemed to be a popular trend with both the cravings and the ceiling painting.

The trend was that the same two animals appeared on both the cravings and the ceiling painting and were highlighted more than the other animals or the people.

The first animal was an Owl, which was drawn bigger than a normal person and was seemly being followed by several other small owls. The Second was a fox, which Sai found oddly curious, where on the ceiling paintings it showed several more foxes running away from different lands and places, carrying what looked like scrolls in their mouths. But before Sai could think more on the carvings and paintings the stone doors in front of them began to open.

When they opened, the group was surprised to see a massive twenty foot tall Owl walking towards them, accompanied by several small brown foxes and a dozen or so white cloaked Shinobi wearing blank ANBU like masks.

"Kotonkor -sama, thank you for allowing this tour" Naruto said as he bowed respectfully to the large owl.

"You're very welcome Raikage-sama" Kotonkor replied with a nod.

"Honored Guests, I would like to introduce to the wise and noble Kotonkor-sama, Guardian and Caretaker of the Library of Benzaiten.

"Guardian?" asked Tsunade.

"Yes, when the Order of the White Lotus first began building the great Library, they acquired two Summons, to help them gather knowledge and to help them protect the Library from greedy hands. They were the Owl summons and the Fox summons."

"Foxes?" said Jiraiya in surprise.

"Zanko (Good foxes) to be exact, they are nothing like the Kyuubi, they are in fact quite friendly" Naruto said with a smile, as he bended down to scratch the ear of a small fox that walked up to him. Who then started to wag his tail and squeak happily.

"So I'm assuming that they helped the White Lotus Order steal knowledge from all around the continent and bring it back here" Sai said. After he realized what the carvings and the paintings on the walls and ceiling meant.

"Correct, they continued to do this even after the White Lotus order was destroyed by the Shinobi Clans and villages."

"If the White Lotus Order was destroyed then who are these people" Sakura said as she pointed to the white cloaked figures.

"They are the Bookmen unit, they are a group of Shinobi who I assigned to help care and protect the Library."

"Yo Motoi, Howa hanging?" said Killer Bee as greeted his Childhood friend.

"I should have known you would know me even with my mask on Bee-sama" replied the masked man standing next to Kotonkor. After which he took his mask and hood off to reveal his face and bumped fists with Killer Bee, as they would do when they were kids.

Motoi was average height with dark-brown, spiky hair and dark eyes. His most prominent feature was the dark green mark that ran down the bridge of his nose. Underneath his White cloak, he wore the standard outfit of a Kumogakure Shinobi, complete with hand and shin-guards as well as flak jacket.

"Everyone I would like you to meet the head of the Bookmen unit Motoi, who will be escorting us as we tour the Library."

After introducing Motoi to the group, the Mizukage decided to ask a question about something she had been wondering about.

"If you do not mind me asking Raikage-sama, but I was wondering, earlier you thanked Kotonkor-sama for allowing us to tour the Library; does the Library not belong to New Kumo and the Heavenly Alliance?"

Before Naruto could respond to this, the Great owl summon Kotonkor suddenly spoke "The Library of Benzaiten belongs to no one nation or group of nations. New Kumo and the Heavenly Alliance are our allies and in return for helping to protect the Library and helping to gather more knowledge we allow them access to the Library."

Naturally upon hearing this, the visiting dignitaries were surprised to hear this, as many of them believed that the Library was controlled solely by Naruto. But before anyone could comment on this new information Kotonkor spoke again.

"If it is acceptable to you Raikage-sama, I believe we should begin the tour before it becomes too late in the day."

"Of course Kotonkor-sama" Naruto said respectfully, "Although if it is alright with you, could you take a less imposing form. Since I believe it would make some of our guests more comfortable as you guide us around the village."

Nodding the Great Owl suddenly puffed into a cloud of smoke and turned into a tall middle aged man with shoulder length black hair, wearing a crimson red Chinese top and brown pants and sandals. (7)

After Kotonkor transformed, the guardian summons quickly explained that he used a Henge (Transformation) technique to make everyone feel more comfortable.

Once everything was explained Kotonkor and the Library guardians led the dignitaries through the opened doorway and into the great library.

For the next half hour the large group travelled through a series of large dark hallways, and stairways. As the group followed their guides many of the Shinobi members notice that there were many different hallways around them and that everything looked the same, no matter which direction they took.

It was of course not hard to guess that this was the point, and that they were in some sort of underground maze, which was designed to protect the library should anyone find it and enter it. Several of the members, tried to memorize the different directions they took, but found it impossible, since there were too many turns and no discernible features in the hallways, to tell them apart from one another.

Eventually though they finally arrived at another set of large stone double doors with carvings of Owls on them with Bookmen guards standing at opposite ends.

Upon seeing the group, the two guards, pushed down two set of levers that were next to them, allowing them to open the doors.

When the doors open and the group entered, the visit dignitaries found themselves in awe at what they were seeing.

After walking through the large doorway, the group found themselves in a massive man-made underground cavern, walking on a large stone bridge. When they looked up they saw a massive dome shape like ceiling at least a hundred feet above them, covered in carvings and paintings indicating key events in ancient's times.

As they walked across the bridge they could see at the other end of the bridge. A massive floor level, stretching as far as the eye could see from one side to the next. The entire floor level was filled with hundreds of bookshelves that were at least twenty meters high and were filled with hundreds if not thousands of books and scrolls.

But as surprised as they were when they saw this, they were completely blown away when they looked down into the vast chasm below them. There they saw a dozen more levels on both side of the cavern connected by more stone bridges directly below them. With each level as vast as the first level and filled with just as many scrolls and books. (8)

"Welcome to the Library of Benzaiten" Kotonkor said a small amused smile, when he saw the stunned looked on the guest's faces.

"Unbelievable" muttered a stunned Choji.

"The Legends were true, every word of them" Tsunade said as she looked around in disbelief.

"This entire mountain is the Library, incredible; no wonder no-one could find it!" the Mizukage commented, as she looked down into to chasm, to try and see if she could see a bottom or how many levels there were. But she could not, where it seemed as if it was bottomless.

"Damn, What Orochimaru wouldn't give to be in here right now" Jiraiya thought as he looked around, knowing that Orochimaru would give up his left and right arms to be here.

"My God, how many books are there?" Kakashi asked.

"More than any one person could possibly read in a dozen lifetimes" the Guardian owl replied, while at the same time not fully answering the copy-nin's question.

"Truly amazing" the Water Daimyo commented, as he and the other non-Shinobi dignitaries gabbed at what they were seeing.

"Now if all of you will, shall we begin our tour?" Kotonkor said as he indicated to the group to follow him.

For the next few hours Kotonkor and Naruto led the visiting people around the various parts of the library.

During the tour Kotonkor explained that each level was dedicated to different subjects, such as History, Music, Architecture, Biology, Languages, Science and many other subjects.

As they toured the different vast levels of the Library, the visiting dignitaries could not help but stare at the vast wealth of knowledge. Many were even tempted to ask if they could read any of the books or scrolls.

Others however, like Danzo and Koharu stared at the various books and scrolls with envy and concern. Since they knew first hand that in the world of Shinobi knowledge was power and with access to a wealth of knowledge like this Library, New Kumo and the Heavenly Alliance had the ultimate weapon.

The two elders also knew that there was probably more than just books and scrolls here, since the Order of the White Lotus had been known for collecting artifacts, ones that could hold great power, much like the three Celestial Swords.

During the tour, some of the members of the tour like Sai noticed several paintings and maps of places he was unfamiliar with on the wall. He paid close attention to the largest of the maps which displayed a full detail drawing of the world, showing the entire elemental continent and other continents across the sea. (9)

During the tour of the science level of the library, Kotonkor took them to the astrology chamber which Naruto stated was one of his favorite rooms in the library.

When the group entered the chamber, they found that the chamber was actually one big machine, made out of phosphorescent crystals, marble, stone, jade, brass and other fine materials.

The astrology chamber worked on gears and cogs like a watch, where all a person would have to do was turn the ring shape dial in the centre of the room to a date they wanted. The ceiling was shaped like a dome, and would mimic the way the stars would appear that night by using crystal light to mimic stars, along with several rotating planets, to act as a kind of almanac, showing both recorded history and projected future planetary alignments. (10)

Naturally the group was highly impressed with the machine, especially when Naruto demonstrated how it worked, by showing when the next lunar eclipse would be.

After leaving the astrology chamber, the group continued with their tour, where they visited the seventh lower level. This level was dedicated to Literature, which was filled with thousands of stories written by different authors and poets over the years, who were either well known or not.

Naturally when Jiraiya heard this he immediately asked if any of his books were here.

But before Kotonkor could respond to this, Naruto interrupted the Library guardian by saying "The Library only holds books worth preserving, not third rate porno books that lonely closet perverts buy at discount stores."

As soon as Naruto said this, an indignant yell was heard from the Toad Sage, who then began to rant about how his books were literately art. Naturally Jiraiya was backed up by his number one fan Kakashi, who stated that they were a work of genius.

But as soon as they had finish ranting, Naruto turned to the two with a bored blank look and said "Sorry did you to say something, I wasn't listening."

As soon as the group heard this, nearly everyone in the group busted out laughing, as Naruto preformed a perfect Kakashi on the two. It was made even funnier when they saw the disbelieving look on both Jiraiya and Kakashi's faces.

At the same time Gai then started ranting how Kakashi's "cool hip attitude" had been passed onto Naruto, while Kakashi himself thought "So that's how that feels."

Eventually after a little while, the group settled down and continued with their tour of the Literature level. But once they had finished it Naruto turned to face the group again.

"If you excuse me everyone, but I'm afraid I must end the tour of the Library here, since as you know the signing of the treaties is tomorrow and you will need all your energy for them."

"But there is still so much to see" the Mizukage said with a touch of disappointment.

"I apologize Mizukage-sama, but I'm afraid we have no choice, as it would take several more hours to tour the rest of the library and I'm afraid we simply do not have the time."

"Are you sure you are not just making excuses Raikage-sama?" Danzo said suddenly, gaining everyone's attention. "Clearly you do not wish for us see the other levels, such as the ones that deal with the Shinobi arts."

Naruto of course wasn't surprise by this question, since he had half expected Danzo or someone to complain about not being able to see the level in the Shinobi arts.

Before Naruto could even respond to Danzo's comment, Kotonkor intervened.

"The levels that deal with the fighting arts are all restricted to everyone without clearance and I am afraid none of you have clearance to enter."

"So much for the Heavenly Alliance policy on sharing" Koharu remarked with a scoff. "We are your allies and yet you horde all of this vast knowledge for yourselves.

At this remark, several of the Bookmen and the SHOCK shinobi who were escorting the group glared at the old woman, but before any of them could say anything, Naruto spoke up.

"Konoha is not our ally it is a protectorate, and it would be wise to remember that Koharu-san" Naruto replied with a cold smirk. "The only reason you are allowed in here or even allowed to set foot in my village is because of my good grace, which you would be wise not to test. Now I suggest that you and Danzo both watch your mouths and treat me with more respect, because if not, I will have you both set back to Konoha."

Upon hearing this, the two elder narrowed their eyes and glared at the young Raikage, who simply ignored them, but eventually the two nodded their heads and said "Yes Raikage-sama".

At the same time Tsunade and Jiraiya and several others smirked at how Naruto put the two old fossils in their place.

After Naruto had dealt with the two elders, he explained to the other representatives, once they became members of the Heavenly Alliance they would be given access to the more common levels of the Library, such as the ones they have seen. He also explained that copies of scrolls and books would also be distributed to all member nations of the Alliance so that the knowledge may be shared. But the fighting arts, involving, Ninjutsu, Kenjutsu, Genjutsu, Fuinjutsu, and certain artifacts were restricted to everyone. To gain access to these levels people would have be fully vetted by Kotonkor and the Alliance Council due to the danger they pose.

But what Naruto didn't tell them was that even if the person had been vetted, a person would only have limited access to certain Jutsu, such as E, D and C level Jutsu. Thanks to special seals that were placed on all of the books and scrolls in the library. A person could not read any scroll or book that contains Jutsu that is above their access level. If they tried, all they would see would be a blank page or jumbled up words mixed together making no sense. The seals also prevented any scrolls or books from being stolen from the library, since if someone tried to take a book or scroll from the library. The book or scroll would immediately return to their original place in the library, once the person stepped out of the Library.

To gain further access to more powerful Jutsu a person would have to request it from Kotonkor. Who would vet the person carefully and place them under a powerful Genjutsu to make them tell him why they wanted higher access and find out what kind of person they were. If he was pleased with the person, he would then inform Naruto and then give the person access to B or A rank Jutsu.

The only section that was restricted to everyone, with the exception of Naruto, his inner circle Kotonkor, the other summon guardians and the Key Alliance leaders from the Shinobi nations, were the S level Jutsu and certain artifacts. This was because of the danger they posed to everyone, if they fell into the wrong hands.

Despite the disappointment of having to leave the Library, the visiting dignitaries followed Naruto and Kotonkor's wishes and made their way back to the main entrance to the Library.

-Later that Night-

After finishing their tour of the Great Library, the visiting dignitaries were escorted back to their hotels where their meals were ready for them in the dining rooms.

Upon finishing her meal, Tsunade headed up to the hotel rooftop, where she walked over to the railing and looked out at the vast village, which was lit up with lights.

Before long she was joined by her former team-mate Jiraiya, who was carrying bottle of sake and two drinking plates.

"Ryo for your thoughts hime?" the white haired man asked, as he handed the blonde woman one of the plate and poured some sake. "You've seemed distracted ever since we came back from the Great Library. Aren't you impressed with everything?"

"A little too impressed" Tsunade replied, after she drank the sake.

"Huh?"

"Look at it" Tsunade said as he pointed out at New Kumo. "Only a couple of years ago this entire country had just finish fighting a bloody civil war and in just under four years Naruto rebuilt it into a thriving nation. He's even built a massive alliance made up of most of the Shinobi villages and other nations, something my grandfather and Sarutobi-sensei both tried and failed at. I can't help but wonder if I had found a way to keep Naruto in Konoha and he had become Hokage, would Konoha be the one that is thriving now?"

For a moment or two Jiraiya said nothing and stared out at the vast village, but before long he drank the Sake that was in his plate and then said. "A wise woman once told me no matter how much we want to, we can't change the past. The best we can do now is look to the future and do our best with the time we have left."

At this Tsunade, smirked, remembering her words when she talked to Jiraiya a few weeks after the battle of Konoha. But before she could comment, a new voice suddenly spoke from behind them.

"Wise words Jiraiya."

When the two Sannin heard the new voice, they turned to look and saw Homura slowly walking towards them.

"Homaru, what are you doing here?" Tsunade asked in surprise.

"Like you Hokage-sama, I came for some fresh air and to clear my head a little" the old man replied, where he then walked over to the railing and looked out at the village and let out of tired sigh and muttered "The will of fire."

Hearing this, the two Sannin looked at their late sensei's former team-mate with curious looks

"Something on your mind Homaru?" asked Jiraiya.

"Just remembering something Hiruzen once told me, when I saw him using his crystal ball to watch Naruto" Homaru replied.

"What exactly did he say?" Tsunade asked.

"He said that the will of fire burns more brightly in Naruto than any other Shinobi he has seen. Now after seeing how he has rebuilt this village and has founded the Heavenly Alliance, I understand what he meant all those years ago. Hiruzen saw the potential Naruto had, even though the rest of us could not. He may be the one who could realize the Shodai's Hokage's dream of bringing a lasting peace to this land."

"You might be right about that" Jiraiya muttered where he then began to think about Child of the Prophecy told to him by the Great Toad Sage and began to wonder if Naruto may be that Child.

After a moment or two, Homura let out another tired sigh and spoke again. "We were fools to send a treasure like the boy away. Hiruzen was a far wiser man than I and now because of our folly; Kumo is the one who is prospering and our village has fallen into decline."

At this, both Tsunade and Jiraiya nodded silently, where after a little while the three elder Shinobi decided to head to their rooms as they had a long day ahead of them.