"You're... different from the rest." The red headed sand boy spoke, looking Naruto right in the eyes with his dead ones.

"What tipped you off?" Naruto asked. In a way, he knew the answer. He could feel a connection.

"Tell me something. What does it mean to prove your existence?" The sand boy asked.

"Odd question, man." Naruto scratched his head in thought. "Honestly, I could give you a full freakin' essay, but I'll make the answer short and sweet: to take action."

When the group left from the underground gate, they went straight to the daimyo's home to pick him up along with his small attachment of samurai. From there, the travel from Otogakure to Land of iron wasn't overly long or difficult. A three days journey from a hot climate of wetlands and rice paddies to a cold and slightly mountainous region was quite the transition though, but nothing overwhelming, even for those new to this change.

"Glad we're almost there. I wanna hop in a nice warm bed and take my damn eyes off this dreary scenery." Zaku yawned and stretched as he walked alongside his team. "Seriously, why live here of all places?"

"Who knows. Maybe it's because it's all those things they made it their home." Kin answered.

"Feel free ask them when we get there." Doku blurted. "I'm more focused on what are exams shall be like. I can't wait to display my skills." Underneath his bandages, Doku was grinning. He was eager for he and his team to redeem themselves after years of blood, sweat, and tears for the sake of progress.

"As long as I get to blast apart a few Konoha ass wipes, I'm happy. I like to see that Aburame creep try to block my arms now."

"Just as long as you two don't kill anyone." Kin reminded them. Naruto and Kagero especially had advised against flat out killing. In self defense, they knew they had the green light, but not for anything else. Oto needed a good new image after all. Powerful, but not flat out murderous unless need be. Especially if Naruto and the daimyo wanted to make some solid connections.

"Don't tell me you're not at least aiming to maim somebody?" Zaku asked with a chuckle, nudging her sides.

Kin pushed him yet she was clearly holding back a grin. "I have... a few faces in mind." She said, twirling some senbon in her hands.

"She's right though. We have our priorities." Doku stopped speaking to chuckle for a second. "Oher type of fun priorities at that."

Meanwhile, up front of the caravan. "Look, we haven't talked in a while, being busy and what not... but after a while of contemplating, I must ask: what's it like having breasts now?" Kidomaru was talking with his second leader, Kimimaro. He never really got the chance, or worked up the courage really, to ask his leader on her new bodily change.

"Odd at first, but I've learned to adjust. Bindings annoy me and so does the new functions of my anatomy." Kimimaro answered. "But I'll adjust. Ultimately, my body is for Naruto to use as he may see fit."

Kidomaru couldn't help but have a sweatdrop with a deadpan look despite the cold. "Uh-huh." He shook his head and mustered up some more courage to ask another question. "Are you technically gay now?"

"What do you mean?" Kimimaro asked evenly. It took a lot to weird this gu - gal out or fluster her.

"I mean you like women, right?" Kidomaru asked slowly.

"One of my many life goals is to restore my clan."

"Yeah." Kidomaru replied sluggishly, not sure if he wanted to know where this was going anymore.

"I could no longer do this with strong women. I need men. Strong men." Kimimaro answered with little pause.

Kidomaru was pretty sure she was glancing in Naruto's direction and that was enough for him today. "Okay. I understand. I have no more questions. Stop answering now."

"We're here everybody!" Naruto shouted as the Land of Iron's capital was in sight from not too far away. Simultaneous cries of thank kami could be heard amongst the crowd, particularly from Kidomaru and Zaku. "Hehe, you all share my sentiments. Let's hurry up, the daimyo manage to get us some nice rooms with food, heat and beds to accommodate us during our stay!"

They arrived there right on time and for the rest of that day, the Oto arrivals relaxed. They hadn't encountered any of the other foreign ninjas, but they hadn't gone out that much either. The city wasn't small by any means, but it wasn't large either. They'd definitely being seeing other shinobi by tomorrow. Naruto and Daisuke were guaranteed to.

In a large circular conferance room with a large round desk and large window with a view of the outside, sat the five great nation's kages as they waited for two others so they could begin the meeting for exam planning as usual.

Gaara could feel the unease in the Kage room, especially from the slug sannin. He understood why and felt empathy for her.

In truth, when Naruto left Konoha, Gaara was far from surprised. He could feel the malice in his heart. Not towards him, Suna, or Oto in general, but towards Konoha, most of its inhabitants, and most things relating to it. When the Hokage died despite his efforts, that malice had only grew more prominent and his reasons to remain were probably slim if at all. His reasons to leave only leave grew at further loss and alienation.

Tsunade couldn't save either of them despite her best efforts, and it Orochimaru was responsible for a good majority of the pain, as well as the village she now leads. Why she kept on going was a bit of a mystery to him at first, but he figured it was because of that loss she had to try harder.

As for the cause of the unease all together in the room, that was probably due to the fact that Otogakure now had an Otokage. An Otokage responsible for destroying Orochimaru, master of deception and science within the sannin. And to top it off, Oto was united under him rather than enslaved. Zeal is powerful tool and while they doubted this was a big deal among the power shift of the great nations, it was a big deal among the smaller nations and who knows what they might do, united under this powerful Kage.

What may not be a problem can easily become so sooner or later.

Too make things even more uncomfortable, they had recieved word from their respective daimyos that said Otokage would be at the exams too, as he was one of the two people they were looking for. Even though this was neutral ground, it was still a bit tense.

Gaara closed his eyes and relaxed a bit. 'He won't be trouble now, that much is certain. Still, I feel an odd premonition... I need more sleep.' Fun fact, Gaara loved sleeping and now what the Nara felt. He may make for relatable brother in law yet if he and Temari kept the relationship going.

Gaara was broken from his musings when someone opened the door, a young teenage form in kage robes and veiled kage hat. With the symbol of Otogakure. "Excuse me, is this the kage meeting room?" A familiar gravely voice of a male asked.

"Yes." The Raikage, Ai, growled, not letting go of his weight as he looked the Otokage over warily. "Hurry up and take a seat."

"Geez, could ya sound more inviting?" The boy asked sarcastically as he walked over and took the seat next to the Mizukage which was across from the Raikage and Tsuchikage. "You'd think the guy who did in Orochimaru would get a more cozy welcome."

Gaara and Tsunade remained visibly impassive, but but they were churning with shock and possibly hope inside. 'Could it be?' Was the thought in their heads. The mystery boy took a seat by the Mizukage which was across from Gaara and Tsunade, diagnol from Ai and the Tsuchikage.

"Forgive the Raikage-dono's brashness. He's not the most welcoming type." Said man rolled his eyes at the Mizukage's, Mei terumi, words. "So, you're the one who killed the serpent. You're a lot younger than I would expect."

"I get that a lot. Excuse me for a moment." He took of his hat to reveal his messy blond hair, whiskered cheeks, and blue eyes. It was Naruto Uzumaki.

We knew that, but Gaara and Tsunade weren't sure until now, barely able to restrain the feelings inside of them. He survived and killed the snake sannin. Now, he was the kage of Oto. How quickly someone could rise in the world.

"That's better, was a bit stuffy in that and it obscured the view of a most wonderful sight. The descriptions of you, Mizukage-dono, do you no justice." He said flirtatiously as he put an elbow on the table and held his head on one hand, looking right into Mei's eyes.

"I had never pictured the slayer of Orochimaru would be so charming. Or cute." She wasn't sure about her fellow kage, but unease was officially out the window with this young man. Good looking, laid back, and quite strong from the looks of things. And those whisker marks only added more to his list of desirability.

"Could you both please restrain your hormones?" Onoki groaned as he shook his head. "Honestly, you youngsters should flirt on your own time." He expected more of the Otokage. A wizened man with years of skill written on his face. This turnout was a both unexpected and visibly underwhelming. Though, his age did make The elderly Tsuchikage more wary. 'This boy. Either he had immense help or we're dealing with another prodigy.' He thought of that S rank nin, Itatchi Uchiha. Then he thought of the Mad Bomber. 'We really don't need another one of those.'

Naruto rolled his eyes. "Someone sounds a bit jealous. Is it because he's past his prime and can't reenter the dating scene." He cooed. This earned him a giggle from Mei and Ai looked as though he held back a snicker.

Onoki huffed and puffed out his chest. "You wish. When I was your age, I was quite the bachelor. I practically wrote the art of dating."

"On a stone tablet." Naruto whispered to Mei, making her giggle some more. Ai heard heard it too, and nearly snorted from that snide remark. The room was quickly becoming more relaxed for Ai, Mei, and possibly Onoki. For Gaara and Tsunade, things were a bit more tense, especially for Tsunade considering how Naruto left.

They wanted to rush over and talk to him unprofessionally, but now wasn't the time or place. No, they would have to wait and tread carefully. They could speak to him once the chance arises.

'If he would be willing.' Tsunade doubted his rage subsided, let alone gone by. He wasn't even looking in her direction yet he was occasionally looking towards Gaara. She doubted Naruto had any resentment towards his fellow jinchuuriki. This also brought up the question, what's he gonna do as Otokage? She knows how he feels about konoha.

"If I had the tools and the time, I'd take apart this village piece by piece!"

But he wasn't an idiot, despite the quirks. This also meant she'd have to keep an eye open and so would the people of konoha. 'Oh kami.' Tsunade mentally sighed. How would the konoha rookies react? How would his old team react? Heartbreak and headache, just what she needed. She didn't even bother thinking of bringing him back. Not at this point.

Gaara worried about Konoha too, though to a much lesser extent seeing as he knew Naruto was no fool. He wasn't too attached to Konoha as a whole either, but still wished them no ill will. There are good people in that village too.

"It's good to hear everyone is here." Everyone turned to see an old man, a samurai with long gray hair and a the top of his head in wrapping, enter the room. It was Mifune, leader of the Land of Iron. "It's also good to see the new Otokage is getting along well with his fellow kage despite the differences."

Naruto shrugged. "Considering me and Oto are new fish in tub of sharks, one of them quite lovely," he looked towards Mei and winked, much to her amusement. "I might as well make a decent impression."

Mifune nodded. "As you should." He walked over and took the ain seat. "Let's get the meeting out of the way, hm?"

The meeting went through as usual. The test conditions confirmed, the approximate dates of each stage reaffirmed, the number of arrivals, the daimyos that would be present, and everythng relating to the security. During that time, Naruto said nothing, simply watching the conversations go on. Both Tsunade and Gaara's focus was spilt at the time, from listening to the talking and idly glancing at her former shinobi. By the Land of Fire's and a select few of Sand's concerns, he was a criminal, a missing nin. But only they knew what he was and why he was wanted. By the other nations standards, he's a champion out of the woodwork. Orochimaru's slayer. Otokage.

Obviously, this was better than the alternative compared to him being in the bingo book. He'd be vulnerable and so would the people he must've befriended. On the other hand, this presented another set of problems: he has a nation, albeit a small one, behind his back, and outright trying to take him wouldn't be an easy fight nor would it make Konoha look good in any sense of the word. Imagine if word got out that that Konoha lost their jinchuuriki and had to invade a smaller nation to take him back. Not exactly beneficial for reputation or security.

So all they could do now was watch and wait for a turnout. He wasn't coming home, not at this stage. But maybe amends could be made. Tsunade hoped for that much.

"Any questions? Hokage-dono, you've been quite silent for a while." Mifune said, looking towards Tsunade.

She shook her head. "No. I'm fine." She wasn't, but they didn't need to know that or why.

"Alright then, I believe our meeting is adjourned for now and the exams shall begin tomorrow." With that, Kages got up to leave and go their seperate ways except for three of them.

"You know, Mizukage-chan." Naruto said as he walked alongside the mizukage. "I was thnking that we could get some dinner later. Mayber some drinks if you're feeling up to it."

"I'd love to." She sighed however. "But I have some errands to run and people to meet. Perhaps tomorrow would be a good time?"

Naruto put on a bit of a sad puppy face in an effort to butter her up. "But I'll be lonely until then."

Mei sighed, a small smile on her dainty face. "Now don't give me that face, Otokage-dono. You'll break my heart." She looked over her shoulder and saw kazekage coming towards them, looking at Naruto. "Besides, I believe someone else will keep you company for a bit."

"Bet they aren't as breathtaking though." He muttered dejectedly.

She shrugged. "True, but he doesn't look half bad himself. Until then, have good day, Otokage-kun." She blew him a kiss while walking off which Naruto caught in his hands. His smile faltred a bit when a familiar person came near.

"Gaara." Naruto greeted curtly. "How are things?"

"Fine. However, I feel as though I should be asking you that." Gaara replied evenly. "I hear nothing from you in three years, next time I see you again and your leading your own country. It's rather a lot to take in all at once."

"That's what my girls say." Naruto giggled as he turned to face Gaara. "Are you in honestly surprised? Let's be real, this was gonna happen sooner or later." He shook his head. "Rather surprised it wasn't the former given his condition at the time." He shrugged. "Worked in my favor, so I won't complain."

"What does this all mean?" Gaara asked, though it was a bit strained for him.

"The obvious, my sandy friend. I belong to Oto and Oto belongs to me now." Naruto chortled. "The past is the past. Let it stay the way."

"You know they won't." Gaara put an emphasis on them. "I know you don't care for the people as a whole, but surely there are a few other you miss. The ones who miss you... I don't think they'll accept this. Not easily."

Naruto almost narrowed his eyes, but he shrugged it off. "Fuck 'em then. That's a them problem, not a me or an Oto one." He smiled and put his arms around Gaara's shoulders. The red head stiffened a bit from the contact. He's gotten better with friendly physical contact over time. "Listen. They're behind me. If you're worried about any mishaps, don't be, neither of us will do something rash, especially not here. Ease up, okay?" He jostled the suna boy and pat him on the shoulders, gesturing him to follow. "So, why don't two good friends of high status unwind a bit before the big show? A few drinks maybe? I've been meaning to try the local ramen."

"... I suppose it couldn't hurt." Gaara was reluctant, but what could he do? At least this way, he could actually bond with the guy who saved and befriended him. Anything to just calm his nerves. It was also for the best to just drop the subject. No need to fuel some unwanted flames.

Another meeting room within the capital, concurrent to the Kage meeting.

"Daisuke-dono, It's been too long." Greeted the Daimyo of wind from a screen. Daisuke was sitting on a comfortable luxury lounge chair with a small desk in front of him. Above him on five screens of an over head screen set, three were of the screens with the faces of three daimyos, one from the land of Wind, Lightning, and Water. They were the only three Daisuke were on speaking terms with, given how the fire daimyo lost Orochimaru and what ensued in his wake and the rock daimyo's less than cooperative attitude. Lightning and Water are neutral, but he was on good terms with Wind Daiymo.

"You too, Hei-dono." Daisuke greeted in kind before turning to address the whole audience of three. "Gentlemen, I'm glad we could finally meet. As you know, my homelands situation has been less than savory thanks to both my countries weaker forces and Konoha's missing mad scientist, who has recently been disposed of, thank Kami."

"Yes, words spread rather quickly. Your new kage is his killer, correct?" The water Daimyo asked and Daisuke nodded. "He must be quite the shinobi to have taken down one of the legendary sannin. If not outright powerful, then definitely cunning."

"Indeed. He's also apparently rallied the people of Oto. Quite the come back after that failed invasion I must say." Lightning Daimyo added, adjusting hs glasses.

"it's been quite an eventful set of weeks, I can assure you." Daisuke muttered. "But rather than a reaffirmation of what you've already heard, I requested this meeting to bring up the subject of my lands isolation and how we would like to put an end to that."

"Ah, you wish to reintroduce yourselves into cooperation with major powers." Hei hummed out.

"Let me guess, trade, work, and the like." Water Daimyo listed off in a dull tone. "With all due respect, what real benefit do we get with you?"

Daisuke sighed, rubbing his forehead. "Not much. And that is why I'm not asking for much. Low level work and small amounts of your exports in return for our improved services, our number one export, being rice, and new advancements in medication."

"Improved services and advancements in medication?" The Lighting Daimyo asked, his eyes boring into Daisuke as he looked over his spectacles. The other two daimyos looked more inquisitive as well.

"Yes. As previously stated, our new kage is both powerful and cunning. Even before Orochimaru was dealt with, he had been building up allies and resources. With that came the improvements of both shinobi skill and medical care. Some of which we can offer for you cooperation."

"Hmmm." The Water Daimyo leaned on his elbows on a table and rested his chin in his hands, mulling over Daisuke's words. "Maybe. The improvents In medication, and to a much lesseer extent, rice I caould see as possible noteworthy benefits. Your shinobi however, leave me a bit skeptic."

"To be fair, they were bold in their assault on Konoha and left their fair share of damage. Not to mention their particular talent with sound oriented arts as shinobi." The Wind Daimyo said in support of Daisuke's shinobi.

"They also lost a good portion of their shinobi and were reported to be inept against the clans. Oto itelf proves to be lacking in clans themselves." The Lightning Daimyo added. "Courage and arrogance have a narrow border. I doubt Oto's troops are pushovers, but I'll believe in improvement when I see it."

"I see." Daisuke understood the message of that loud and clear. From the look of things, the Wind and Water daimyo were thinking along the same lines, especially the latter. "Then you will bare witness to Oto's greater strength come these exams. From these exams, you shall see my words hold true."

"We would hope so, Daimyo-dono." Ligthning Daimyo replied. "Another strong ally will always be welcomed."

"Agreed. Now is that all to be said today?" Hei asked. Daisuke nodded. "Then I guess this meeting is adjourned. Until then my fellow Daimyo." With that all of the onscreen daimyo signed off and Daisuke was left alone to slump in his chair, greatful the talks went just as he had hoped.

"Come you guys, just buy me it. It's not like you can't split it."

"No way, not with my hardworking earnings. You shouldn't have left most of ryo at home."

"Fine, be that way, Kin. What about you Dosu? Help out your brother, please."

"If I'm going to waste money, it'll be for my amusement. Not yours."

Team Doki had decided to go and kill some time by weapon browsing and shopping if need be, thus they went into a nearby armory. Zaku had found himself a rather cool expensive sword that could be disguised as a cane in a fancy little display case. The problem: poor bastard didn't pack enough ryo, leaving most of it at home. He could buy them himself and starve a bit later, since his team wouldn't be paying or save his money for food. The third option was beg his teammates.

"I'll pay you guys back." Zaku offered with a cheesy smile and a thumbs up.

"Why the hell do you want it? You don't even use swords." Kin reasoned with an eyeroll.

Zaku rolled his eyes too. "It's called living, Kin. And besides, I could use when I'm old or in disguise. Someone rushes me or tries tries mug me and slash, right across the face." He said with a demonstrating motion and a cackle.

"Zaku. What is wrong with you?" Kin asked, pinching the top of her nose.

"The real question to ask is what's right with him?" Dosu sighed, folding his arms and leaning on a armor display.

"Kami, I'm so glad to have such supp-" The shop doors opened before Zaku could finish his sarcastic remark. Naturally, that alone wouldn't stop their conversation, especially Zaku, but it wasn't that alone. Rather, it was who came through that door that stopped them. A robed lavender eyed teen, a girl with buns wearing maroon edged white blouse, a green spandex wearing lad stood at the entrance of the store.

The new arrivals also stopped midwalk to see all too familiar faces. "Tenten-chan, Nejie-kun, do those guys look familiar to you too."

Niether of them answered for a few seconds until Nejie nodded, Tenten following as they both narrowed their eyes. "Lee, do you remember the moment from Forest of Death in our last chunin exam? The moment Team 7 was attacked?" Nejie asked.

"Of course." Lee answered with gusto and then it hit him when he looked at the strangers for a moment longer and gasped. "Those are the scoundrels who assualted our friends!"

"Great, it's the walking weapons shop, quick hands, and captain caffeine." Zaku drawled as his previous positive mood died down like the atmosphere.

"Ha, those insults carry no weight! I consider having quick hands a positive trait and Nejie-kun doesn't drink coffee!" Everyone narowed their eyes and sweat dropped at Lee's ignorance and lack of tact. Despite the stares, he still puffed up his chest and smirked at his little victory.

Doku moved from his relaxed position and rolled his shoulders. "As riveting as this conversation was, I think we'll be going now."

"But what about the-"

"We're leaving." Doku wasn't in the mood for a debate. Zaku groaned in protest, but went no further and followed his companions. Team Guy proceeded to go further into the shop, Tenten eyeing that cane sword to Zaku's ire.

"You three," Nejie began, ceasing his walking for a momwnt to have them clearly hear his words. "Have a lot answer for. If we can't get the answers, a familiar team will do so."

"I hope they're ready for further disappointment." Doku repiled, he and his team not bothering to stop. Kin just tched and Zaku shot Team Guy two quick rude gestures over his back with his hands.

"Really? And you don't notice anything odd about how Matsuri looks at you or anything like that?" Naruto took a sip of his lemonade after his question.

"Not particularly." Gaara replied, having finished his second salted cow tongue. Naruto would've sighed if he wasn't in the middle of his fifteenth ramen bowl.

"Gaara, I really need to reinstate you into the class of human interaction." Naruto sighed out before he burped and nearlly made himself fall off the stool.

So far, the lunch was going pretty well. A nice food stand with good food and friendly servers attending them when necessary with no nosing in on their friendly conversation of light topics, the catch up was pretty swell. "I really don't think that would be wise considering how I tried a few of your approaches on other people and the ensuing results."

"Yikes, you saying I'm not a people person?" Naruto asked with fake scorn and a brow raise before he gulped down another plate.

"I'm saying you're not for most people." The red head retorted plainly.

"Ha! Okay, that's true." Naruto guffawed with a knee slap. "To be fair, most people probably aren't for me either."

"True." Gaara conceded with a sip of his milk. Niether them probably weren't personally for most people, but they were for leading people. Niether of them have really had normal interactions with most growing up, both suffering from scorn and scorning in return, but they had something for leading.

"Of all the places to find you two." A calm voice spoke, interrupting their talk. "Not surprising if it weren't for the circumstances." Kakashi said. If it weren't for the presence of Gaara, Naruto's smile would've quickly faded instead of twitching. "Mind if I take a seat?"

"A bit/No." Naruto would've shot Gaara a glare if he didn't love the guy so much.

"Thanks." Kakashi said a bit dimly, taking his seat next to Gaara who was in between former master and student. He ordered his meal and relaxed his form. "So, how's life treating you two?" He asked, trying to lighten the mood.

"Fine." Gaara replied.

"Better than before, that's for sure." Naruto replied cheekily holding back the bite he wanted to put in his tone. He could hear his Kyu-chan growling in his head. He wanted to do the same, but held off on it, especially with Gaara between them.

"Right. That's good to here." Kakashi received his meal and pulled out his smut book, proceeding to eat like he did as usual. The silence was awkward after that. Few words were spoken, unless Naruto and Gaara addressed each other. It hurt Kakashi to see Naruto was still so angry and bitter. It also worried him. He knew Naruto was the Otokage now. Tsunade told him personally. He wasn't shocked, he had a gut feeling.

It was clear Naruto wanted nothing to do with most of his old home, his old company. Gaara was one of the few things he wanted to keep from his old days. It was the painful truth. Kakashi also wondered how much of a connection he's made with his new family. Three years is a lot of time and no doubt far more positive than any of his years in Konoha considering where his is now. Still, he wanted to see exactly how far Naruto's come personally. He still cared for the kid, not just because of his love for his sensei, but because he loved the kid.

"I gotta say, Gaara. It was cool catching up with you." Naruto said as he left ryo on the table with a generous tip and got off the stool. "But I gotta go. Kage stuff and what have you. I'll see you soon, pal." He left and paid no attention to his former teacher, not even a glance.

Gaara turned to look Kakashi right in the eyes. "He still hates you." He said after Naruto was long gone.

"Really? I couldn't tell." The jonin lazily remarked sarcastically. Gaara wasn't pointing out the obvious to be rude or anything, but still, it didn't help.

"It's never too late, Kakashi. As long as you both breathe, the problem can be fixed." Gaara said in an effort to lift the man's spirits. "Even beyond that, wounds have a chance at being healed."

"Thanks Gaara-san." Underneath his mask, Kakashi smiled at the Suna Kage's attempts to help. "Maybe with time."

Another chater AFTER SSSOOO LONG. Longer than the rest, so I hope it appeases your appetites.

Fun fact, a friend of mine went on a trip to New York freshmen year and accidentally bought a cane sword from a chinese shop. Really wish I went.

Anyway, good night and good luck.