I know right! You're not going crazy here's the next chapter. This will be the end of the Karin Rescue Arc, which has been going on for a minute now. Now there was a lot of mixed feelings about Naruto getting a bit of a beating. Firstly, he's not all knowing, and I set it up for this to be a rise and fall. But now that we've fallen, he gets to be picked up by our favourite blonde stoic lady. That's right, finally.

I loved hearing back from you all. It's been such a long time.

So enjoy what has been cooking in my brain for a few years now.

…

Chapter Thirty-one

Alliance

Underground Complex

"I was not ready for today." she said as she brushed a stray strand of blonde hair out of her eyes.

"You and me both." concurred the two tailed cat.

"Are you here to take us away?!" asked the girl hopefully.

"I uh-

"Please!" screamed the timid boy.

The other boy remained silent, however is feelings of neutrality were betrayed by his hopeful look.

"You see that-

They continued to stare at her, Yugito could feel her will breaking, they were just so cute.

"Oh fine-but!" she sighed. "Why are you here, I mean what possible reason could four have to be here?" she shook her head and awaited a response.

"We were taken away from our parents!" shouted Tetsuya, gaining a blush on his face.

"By Orochimaru?" Yugito continued her string of questions.

"Orochimaru-sama said that our parents didn't want us anymore and that we're here to help make the ninja word a better place. He said that we were special", Yugito raised an eyebrow as Ichiro explained.

"I'm guessing you're-

"They're the catalysts for Orochimaru-sama's army", Yugito's head snapped up and she whipped around to see one of Orochimaru's bio-mechanical creatures' step through. Ducking his horned head to avoiding hitting the roof.

"You!" she growled as the bull-man from earlier walked into the room.

"Yugito!" Aruna grabbed her pant leg, scurrying behind her.

"I really don't think you should leave children, you're safe here, with us", the tail behind the bio-mechanical creature's tail hit the side of the opened door, sending it flying into the door.

"You're not leaving this place alive, you're dead do you hear me worm?" he asked pointed toward her.

Ichiro grabbed her other leg, showing tell-tale signs of fear.

"I am the driving force of Orochimaru-sama's army, experiment 800, Jun", he let an evil smirk appear on his face as he stamped his hoof on the ground, cracking the earth beneath it.

"I didn't come here to fight you." She said as a blue aura began swirling around her like fire.

"You're going to die here." Retorted the solider slamming his hand into the concrete. Breaking away some dry wall.

"Okay well, you can skip the long monologue." She clenched her fist as she narrowed her eyes.

"Why are the cloud here now? Why help Namikaze?" he asked earning a cough from the blonde.

"Seeing as you're about to die, I'll humour you. We aren't here just because Samui wants to smash our favourite power-hungry block head. This is a mission." The soldier laughed at her explanation.

Suddenly two tails of blue chakra enveloped the children as Yugito's features began to grow feral.

"Power and gain no doubt." He chuckled as he prepared to attack.

"The Raikage has his reasons." She opened her fist as her eyes became silted. The container suddenly closed her fist quickly and the entire area, including a sizeable amount of land above was engulfed in a blue light.

…

The Raikage's Office

The Raikage sighed as he crossed a leg and leaned back in his chair.

"How could you not tell me about this, yo. You formed an alliance with the Leaf even though we got beef?"

Killer B had a muscular build, as well as blonde hair and a goatee. On his right shoulder, he has a tattoo of the kanji for "iron," which is the Iron Armour Seal that was used to seal Gyūki into him, and on his left cheek, he has a tattoo of a bull's horn. His top lip also has a slightly darker hue than his bottom one. Killer B wore oval shaped sunglasses and a white-coloured forehead protector. He also has his village's standard one-strap-over-one-shoulder flak jacket, and a long, red rope belt tied around his waist, the standard Kumo hand and shin guards, shinobi sandals, and a white scarf around his neck.

"This is not the time B." Ay replied with a sigh as his office fell quiet for a second. "Opposing an alliance during these times would be foolish, these mountain ranges are harsh and our growth and power to remain at the top of the world in political and military standing requires this." Ay explained and B sighed in his chair.

"This fool, ya fool-foolish. No pain no gain so what's the pain?" He asked as Ay bought his hands up to his chin.

"Minato's daughter was kidnapped by a band of rogue Ninja, to which we believe are called the Akatsuki." B adjusted his glasses as his brother continued. "Naruto went after his sister with a band of his friends, putting Minato into a predicament. If they were to die, then their village would lose an incredible amount of potential and power. It's in Minato's best interest to preserve his power and not seem weak in the eyes of his enemies." He coughed and crack his fingers but clenching his fist.

"But why though, it makes no sense, no flow." B crossed his arms and crossed his legs.

"I have been in contact with Minato for a number of months. Until an accord was made, we agreed to meet in secret. This alliance was made for a number of reasons B and I need your backing to gain the support of our people." B nodded slowly leaning forward.

"My reasoning behind this is because strength is something I value above all things. We must keep our friends close and our enemies closer. This alliance benefits us in a number of ways trade, deter aggression, provide some predictability and restrain our allies from destabilising postures."

"We don't need those fools, bunch of Hidden Leaf tools." He expressed his viewpoint through his rap.

"Just listen. Despite Samui and Yugito volunteering to back up Namikaze I would have chosen them anyway."

"Why yo?" He asked

"Because I want Samui to be succeed me and become the 5th Raikage." Ay leaned back in his chair again. "Minato has designs on his son as well, which works out well in our favour. The outcome of this battle must be won by them with Ninja from our separate villages rallied around them." He cracked his neck.

Mabui stepped into the office a look of shock on her face.

"I know yo." B sighed, turning to her and then back to his brother.

"I take it you heard all of that. Before you ask, yes. We are forming an alliance with the Leaf based upon a false sense of crisis. No, we did not anticipate that Namikaze's daughter would be kidnapped by a break away group from the Akatsuki. Namikaze waited for my reply, of course if I had said no, he would have had to most like contend with that old fence sitter and the sound village." He chuckled as she shook her head.

"I'm not questioning your leadership but what are we gaining?" She asked.

"We have gained a lot, the trade, extra military strength and wealth are important. However, in return for assisting his village with the old man I have asked a favour of his son. Furthermore, I have given Samui a very special mission." He explained.

"You want her to seduce him?" asked Mabui pushing her glasses up. "And what favour?" Ay shook his head.

"No, I have not instructed her to seduce him and he will take a SS-Class mission from me as a private contractor." Mabui sighed.

"You can't tell us, can you?" She asked as she took the seat next to B.

"Minato's people are trusting, and I need to inspire our people to trust Samui like that. The relationship with The Leaf will have many benefits." He explained.

"Your crazy bro, this I know. Going into something like this ain't great, let's hope Namikaze isn't a fool.

…

Hidden Leaf

"Naruto might be flawed, but he went with good intentions. Have some understanding, he chose family over duty. That takes courage." Minato stood from his chair for the first time in hours.

The Jonin stopped talking amongst themselves.

"We should go and get them Lord Fourth!" Gai pleaded. This created another sharp burst of conversations earning a small chakra flare from their kage.

Silence followed as Tsunade cleared her throat.

"I don't understand why we'd wait any longer. We have the power to wipe out the sound village." Her anger evident in her voice.

"No, we won't." Jiraya and the Third Hokage appeared behind them. "If you want your son to succeed you Minato then you must start shaping him, teaching him to see the world for what it is." Minato watched as Hiruzen took a puff of his smoke.

"You know this don't you Minato. So what are you going to do now? Your son, your family and your village are in a mortal coil with death and you sit and do nothing." The Third Hokage challenged his predecessor.

"I know what's important." Said Minato as watched the former Kage shake his head.

"That's because I taught you what's important. If you had acted quicker than this situation could have been avoided." He chastised as Minato cleared his throat.

"Your pacifist, you could have acted and stopped Orochimaru from leaving. I admire your need to share those ideals but not everyone will extend that curtsey." The blonde Kage crossed his arms. "Don't speak to me like a child old man. I'll tell you how we're going to fix this situation without having my son, my daughter, our Ninja and our dignity disappear because we acted to rashly" He walked forward the group of ninja watching him.

"Glad to see you're using deep breathing their kiddo." Joked Jiraya patting his son on the shoulders.

"Dad, did you deliver the note for me? Has Ay accepted our proposal?" Asked Minato earning a nod from the Toad Sage.

"He sent those two Ninja from the exam and he requested something more." He explained earning a sigh from the Namikaze.

"I figured he would. But he accepted none the less?" the Toad sage nodded again. "Good, then the kids won't be declared missing Ninja." He walked over to his wife placing a hand on his shoulder.

"I'm going to get the both of them." He stated earning a nod from the red head.

"Why did you wait so long?" She asked in a quiet voice. "You could've stopped this." Her voice trembled.

"I secured the future of this village before I ruined our son's and our daughter's." He turned earning a sigh from his mother.

"Would you care to explain yourselves?" She asked earning a shake of the head from her son.

"I'll explain when this is done." He disappeared in a yellow flash leaving a wake of confusion.

"Jiraya!" She protested. "Somebody had better explain to me what's going on."

Suddenly the screen showed a picture again. Stopping all conversation in the box. The citizens below began cheering as the picture revealed the bloody and beaten trio of Naruto, Itachi and Samui.

"They're alive." Spoke Kushina.

"Of course, they are." Mikoto smiled at her longest friend.

"They're about to kick some ass, my boys!" Shouted Rin with a laugh and a fist pump.

…

Mar Citadel Beach

The fighting in the distance had stopped. The sun had begun to set and the end was near. The wind below the four warriors' tattered clothes around. Sandals sunk into the sand as the water washed over them.

"You guys, thank you." Naruto breathed out a heavy sigh. "Erol, for what it's worth, I'll remember you. I'm sorry your existence hasn't been your own. You've been given power by an experiment that's not yours. Every cell of that body was built, copied from my DNA. The blood, name and power don't belong to you." Naruto and Itachi stepped forward as Samui took a supportive position.

"I've taken my power for granted and bought my friends here because I felt helpless and that made me act rashly. I could have started the fourth great Ninja war." He sighed as the pair dropped into their fighting stances.

"There's a big difference though, as Hokage, I'd do things differently. But despite this, I'll bring my friends, my clan and my power and I'm going to go to the sound village and I'm going to burn it to the ground." Yellow aura enveloped him. "You've shown me that there's still glass ceilings that I need to break through, and the gap was wider than I thought." A trickle of blood fell from his lips.

"I thought that I was strong because of my name and the bloodlimit that I've been blessed to have. I was arrogant to think I could take on a small country my myself."

Itachi's evolved Sharingan spun wildly as he was covered in an orange glow. Samui clamped her hands together as white lightning danced around them. Erol stood to full attention on holding his bleeding body up his black aura spirit roared it life.

"Without your friends, I would've killed your sister and I would've come for your family." He spoke in a low tone.

"Naruto." Itachi turned to his friend with a warm smile. "Let's fuck him up." Naruto and Itachi let out a battle cry and Erol followed as they charged toward one another.

Meeting together the leaf duo kicked Erol back together, staggering him back the pair dug their heels in the sand and launched at him. The trio engaged in a fierce exchange, Naruto and Itachi began pushing the clone back up the beach.

Naruto ducked a punch from Erol and Itachi leapt up to deliver a spinning heel kick to Erol's face. A fierce crunch resonated throughout the area as the pair broke apart Samui's white lightning erupted from her hands. It travelled into Erol's chest knocking him up the cliff in the background.

"I've got a plan, both of you push him toward me." Itachi jumped back, his eyes beginning to bleed.

Samui and Naruto took off together, side by side. The pair disappeared in a sudden burst of speed. Appearing to either side of the clone delivering elbows to either side of his face. Letting a burst of his chakra out Erol pushing them both back he pushed off the wall with a hand on Samui's leg.

"Samui!" Naruto took after them as Erol attempted to slam her into the sand.

The blonde disappeared in a burst of speed. He thought as he appeared to the left of the clone's arm.

He kicked it away before he could complete his assault. He summoned wind chakra underneath her keeping her from hitting the ground. Moving quicker than his mind would think, time seemed to stop as he reached for her hand.

They gripped each other tightly as he swung her around behind the clone. Samui delivered a kick to head staggering him back.

"Now!" Itachi channelled his chakra It is sheathed in a sake jar; the blade is unlike any other — rather than a conventional form, the blade is the liquid inside the gourd that is released and shaped into a blade.

Midmotion the blonde pair channelled their chakra together. Bright blue and yellow aura erupted around them as they charged Erol again. The sand being blown away as Itachi's Susanoo hand released the blade from the jar. Samui and Naruto pushed Erol into the jar with a final roar the pair used their chakra to strengthen them.

Itachi's eyes spun wildly as he ran the clone through with the blade. Naruto quickly grabbed Samui and jumped out the way, rolling onto the sand together. Erol watched in horror, his pupils fading. The blade then dragged him into the jar sealing him away. Itachi dropped to his knees as the weapon disappeared with his Sharingan.

"We did it." Naruto stood to his feet helping his companion up. "Thank you for your help Samui." He gave her a hug, which shocked her.

"Thank you, thank you for coming." He smiled. She didn't hug him back remaining still.

"It's fine." She gave him a small smile as the pair separate. "You did a really stupid thing coming here and I was foolish for accepting this mission. Naruto our presence here was conditional." He blinked as Itachi stepped forward.

"That's fine." He countered. "I figured as much. Tell me what it is the Raikage wants?" He asked.

"The price for such assistance will be steep." Itachi wiped the blood from his eyes. "We were lucky that the person who created these creatures wasn't Orochimaru." He explained as Naruto put his hands on his head.

"You're right it wasn't." the trio looked behind them to see the Fourth Hokage.

"Dad." He stepped forward with a serious look.

"Akatsuki. The organisation responsible for creating this mess. An organisation that Orochimaru happens to be a part of."

"When I defeated him. He turned into one of those creatures and his body destroyed itself." Explained Itachi. "He told me some very troubling things before he died."

"We will discuss those things in private." Reassured Minato with a small smile.

"Then what was this?" Asked Naruto looking to his father. "Why Karin?"

"Rogue experiments who claim to belong to Orochimaru. We still don't know why this whole mess was created. However, I know your sister is safe. She along with all your friends are on their way home now. Itachi, go and catch up with them." He ordered earning a nod from the Uchiha who disappeared.

"Son, you've learnt some valuable lessons today. However, this road of life you've been on requires you to grow more. I'm afraid you'll not be returning home with your sister." Naruto blinked in confusion.

"Why?" He asked.

He stepped forward again and looked toward Samui.

"You've done well to complete your mission. What's your name cloud Ninja?" Asked the Fourth.

"Samui Kato, sir." She bowed her head to the older man in respect.

"You can call me Minato." He spoke softly turning to his son.

"The terms of their help in this conflict was an alliance." He coughed rubbing his head.

"The Raikage has never been interested in an alliance." Questioned Naruto.

"Very true, the situation does call for one at least for now. Ay wants the best for his people and so do I. Son, their involvement means that you are to be our ambassador in the formation of a new cloud and leaf alliance." Naruto coughed and pointed to himself.

"Me?" He asked shocked.

"Yes, and this young lady here, Samui. I would like to request you'd be the other. The next generation leading the way to peace." He tapped both on the shoulders.

"Naruto, the voice of change and Samui the voice of reason. Together you can both help our villages form a new era." He encouraged earning a sigh from his son.

"So you used my recklessness to create an alliance with the cloud village? That's some deceptive shit dad." Minato laughed at his son's comment. "I guess that's what Hokages do." Samui shook her head.

"It's what they all do." She commented.

"You'll learn soon enough, the political dance. Now I meant what I said. You've been hurt pretty badly; I take it that you'll have some internal injuries. Samui do you have the means to return to your village by teleportation?" He asked earning a nod.

"Good take care of him. Naruto, the Raikage has requested you meet with him to discuss this alliance. So, I leave its future in your hands." Naruto shook his head.

"I almost died and you're sending me off to a foreign village? One might question your parenting skills." He shook his head crossing his arms.

"If this is the thing that knocks you off, well, it would be embarrassing for us all. You're a Ninja of my village who's been given one of the most important missions in history. Go to the hospital in the cloud village, receive your medical treatment. Naruto this is an SS-rank mission, I trust you'll look after yourself." He nodded earning a confused look from Samui.

Minato laughed and gave her a smile.

"Samui I leave him up to you, take care of him." She raised an eyebrow.

"How's mum?" Asked Naruto earning a shake of the head from his father. "I thought as much but you can tell her we're both safe now, right?" Minato chuckled.

"I can safely say Karin is safe, however, you're going to have a bit of an issue there." He disappeared in a yellow flash.

Naruto sighed. "You're really sarcastic, aren't you?" He asked and she shook her head.

"You aren't as smart as I thought you were." He laughed as she shook her head again. The two began walking up the beach.

"Say where's your friend Yugito?" He asked. "I can sense the two tails chakra up ahead." He pointed out.

"She saved a group of children." She stated flatly as he nodded again.

"I do love these chats." He laughed causing her to sigh.

"I should have never accepted this mission." She pinched her nose. "However, I have aspirations of becoming the Raikage and this was the next step to that." She explained as they walked up the beach.

"I'm hungry." He stated.

"There's food in the village." She snapped as he whined in protest.

"Can we not stop on the way for some ramen?" He asked as she sighed again.

She let out an uncharacteristic giggle.

…

Two Days Later

Hidden Cloud Village

"It's windy." commented Naruto as he strolled through the streets of the cloud village.

"It's always windy here, we're on a mountain range." His blond counterpart explained.

The Village Hidden in the Clouds was the hidden village of the Land of Lightning. The ninja from this village specialise in Lightning Release. It is located on a high mountain, hidden in the clouds. The standard attire for cloud Ninja consists of a long, grey top which gathers just at the waist to give a sash-like appearance, with a matching coloured bottom.

Naruto had spent a few days in hospital, his injuries had been taken care of with only minor medical intervention and he continued to be on rest.

Samui walked with Naruto in her normal attire, whereas Naruto wore a pair of black pants, white top and sandals. His head band destroyed his long hair hung over just above his fringe.

The village was bustling with all manner of activity. His presence turned a few heads. The pair made their way toward the Raikage building for the first meeting of their newly formed alliance.

"Are you feeling better?" She asked as he rested his hands in his pockets.

"I think the high of winning isn't hanging around as much as I would have liked. I lost my sword and headband." His casual attire was that of a civilian.

"You can replace those things." She stated earning a chuckle.

"They aren't just things you can replace. One was a family artefact from the land of snow and the other was a something very special to me." He explained as the crossed a small bridge. The wind blew upward from the valley below.

"Holding onto sentimental things doesn't bode well for ninjas." She countered as the moved into another street. The Raikage's office building coming into view with groups of different people, Ninja and citizen alike.

"You have something like that, don't even joke." He shook his head. "What about your sword?"

"It's a tool that I use." She stated quickly.

"Okay, well once again good chat." He chuckled as they walked casually.

…

The Raikage's Office

"My shinobi saved you, as far as I'm concerned you owe me." Said Ay looking at Naruto from behind his desk.

It had been a few days since the incident in Mar citadel. To avoid a war, the cloud and the leaf aligned themselves with one another. With the impending threat of the movement of the Akatsuki it was more important than ever to protect their own interests.

"Oh, joy thank you for saving me Lord Raikage." He said sarcastically as Ay's eyebrow twitched.

"I saved your spoiler ass and you speak to me with such disrespect!" Samui coughed quickly.

"You'll have to forgive him sir. Don't let his attitude affect you" Ay growled and pinched his nose.

"The next generation. We're surely being led to our deaths, hopefully I'll be dead before that happens." He grumbled.

"Your alliance agreement seems reasonable." He liked to the black folder in front of him. "One loose end remains to be tied up, so out with it. What do you want from me?" He asked leaning back into his chair.

"You and Samui are going to retrieve an artefact for me that my father left in The Village Hidden by Whirling Tides." He smirked.

Chapter End

…

There it is. Let me know what you all think. The next arc is going to be focusing on Samui and Naruto's relationship.

Let me know how you're feeling about how it's all been wrapped up.