I do not own Naruto in any way shape or form.

Well I was looking through those who had reviewed my stories and came across this challenge from Coduss, I was sad to see that it hadn't apparently been used so I decided to do a chapter in hopes it would inspire another writer to take a shot at the story. Fair warning this is not something I intend to continue writing for any long length of time. I might, and this is a big might continue this work, but at the moment my focus is with my first story which still has a long way to go. So hope you enjoy this little divergence into skyrim.

A few things happen out of place for this one, for one the Snow mission happens right after the wave mission but before the chunnin exams in this one, just go with it please as it will help you to deal with some things that happen.

Snow's Swirling Dragon

Chapter 1

"Talking"

"Thinking/Mental conversation"

"DEMON/God or the like"

"Jutsu/Shouts"

-A Fire that burns deep –

A mistake….just another mistake, in a long list to be sure but a mistake of innocence, not of malice… yet that hardly mattered in the end. For the boy that now ran through the darkening streets it mattered very little, all that mattered was to run…to keep running hoping…praying that his pursuers would not catch up to him.

What was his crime?...what had he done to be now chased after by an angry mob, hell bent on dragging him to the Shinigami himself if their howls were any indication…his crime was what it had always been…innocence.

The innocence to stop before the home he had…to look in the dust covered windows, and to wonder…wonder why he felt drawn to it… even as the coolness of night closed in around him he did not find himself headed back to his lonely apartment to find what warmth he could under the covers of his bed…why even as the first shout reached him, he had found a strange piece in looking at the small home long since abandoned.

But none of this mattered now; all that mattered was to run, to escape.

"GET BACK HERE DEMON HOW DARE YOU VANDALIZE THE FOURTHS HOME! THIS FESTIVAL MARKS YOUR DEATH KYUUBI!" howled figures among the crowd, as their fellows took up the bellow, as if some greater anger drove them on as if a hand was at work to force them after the blonde haired youth before them.

The boy did not reply to these shouts, he had long since found the price of such words and it was pain. For every word he would speak a snarl would answer, for every truth he spoke another harsh glare, and for every innocent act, only the chase.

So the young blond ran his bright orange clothing doing nothing to keep him hidden as his feet pounded a path into the forest, carrying him over the fence at its edge, even as a bent bit of wire caught at his pant leg causing him to fall over leaving a long strip hanging to wave gently in the night breeze.

But the boy carried on forcing himself forwards into the forest ignorant to his now bleeding leg, or his torn clothing, only knowing that his only choice was to flee. Behind him the crowd reached the fence and despite his fear the boy could hear their angry shouts.

"WHERE IS HE? I DON'T KNOW SPREAD OUT HE CAN'T HAVE GONE FAR! WAIT LOOK THERE! THAT'S HIS AND LOOK BLOOD." Voices called each indistinguishable to the boy as he continued to race ahead the last words to reach his ears being of mad laughter, and calls of their job finished; but even then the boy did not halt.

No what finally stopped the boy's feet was when the ground below him gave out, and the earth opened its mouth wide to swallow him into darkness. As the boy fell he could voice the question he had been asking ever since he had been thrown from the door of the orphanage at the tender are of four…the question he had asked for these three years.

"Why?" before with the blow his head impacted something in the blackness and his mind followed his body into the void.

It was hours later when the blonde boy found himself waking, and the first thing that came to him was the ache of his body, his head throbbing joined by his leg a moment later as feeling slowly worked its way down his body. With a groan the boy slowly opened his sapphire eyes, blinking what he was able to identify of blood from where it had hardened over his face. However, all of this was second to what his eyes found in front of him. There a few feet from him on the wall…there was a flame, but one unlike any he had ever seen, it was blue…radiant blue like it was carved from ice casting a pale light all around the room illuminating his orange garb and pale skin with an unearthly glow.

With nothing else for it the boy pushed himself up he noted a series of grooves that ran along the floor in an intricate pattern that's purpose escaped him. If the light had been brighter the boy would have noted the dark red liquid he had provided slowly making its way through that pattern as though its red current was being drawn by an unseen figure. Pushing himself up the blond turned to see what else the blue flame was illuminating.

As the boy made his way to his feet, he found himself standing before a massive alter, that seemed to have been chiseled from blackened almost burnt looking stone that glowed eerily in the blue flame light causing shadows to dance across the massive lizard like skulls on either side of the structure. To add to the boys fear there were also eight blank hooded faces carved into the alter rising up to form rank around a final enormous skull that faced him its hollow eyes sockets seeming to dance in the flame's light.

"What…what is the place?" the boy asked as he turned from the alter looking around at the cavern walls his eyes spying the place he must have fallen from noting with a touch of horror that it was now collapsed cutting of any escape from the room. As the boy looked on at this he didn't notice as the red lines had reached the base of the alter continuing up its carvings decorating the skulls and stone faces alike in glissading lines of deepest red that shimmered in the light. Just as the red lines reached the skull at the center of the alter, the blonde boy turned to see the blackened eyes of the skull glow suddenly with a red light, as its lifted itself up exposing an open jaw towards the blond. Before he could do more than look over in horror the now gapping maw let out a blast of light illuminating the cavern as from it a stone mask, glowing brightly and shaking as though it was fighting broke free flying into the boy's face. As the mask and boy met the light suddenly vanished, leaving the room suddenly barren of either the alter or the child. A few moments later the torches on the wall with their bluish flames slowly died plunging the chamber into complete darkness once more…this portal was closed…but it had served its purpose, and so would sleep soundly.

With a flash the boys found himself suddenly falling face first into a snowdrift the cold biting all the way to his core. There was a bit of a reaction to this.

"AAAHHHHH! COLD! COLD! COLD! AHHH ITS DOWN MY BACK, OUCH OUCH OUCH ITS IN MY PANTS AHHH WHO PUT SNOW IN A CAVE?" called the surprised youth as he made a bit of a show jumping up and running around in apparent panic doing a bit of a dance as he attempted to work the white powder out of his clothing. As the boy performed his impromptu dance, a few voices near him let out deep belts of what sounded like amusement.

"HAHAHA ALDUIN COME IT SEEMS WE HAVE VISITORS!" called a massive voice that seemed to shake the very air around the boy causing him to halt his dance and turn. What met his eyes was beyond belief. There crouched at the crest of another snow covered bit of rock was a massive creature… one he had only seen the like of the few times he had managed to see one of the picture books back at the orphanage…it was a dragon. Before the boy could even come to grips with the face that such a creature could exist another of the beasts made its appearance its black body alighting upon the snow as it turned its massive form to face the boy in apparent amusement.

"Yes Paarthurnax I see that, hum and it would seem he bears the mask of our priests…interesting the mask of Konahrik a lost treasure…it seems this youth has a story to tell." Alduin replied his voice heavy as his fellow, as the pair turned their faced towards the youth, who under the circumstances did the most logical thing he could. He fainted falling back into the snowdrift behind him with a soft thump as the two dragons looked at one another in apparent confusion.

"I must say for a priest that was hardly the reaction I expected…one would think Kurai would allow such behavior." Alduin spoke a twinge of disappointment in his words even as he turned to leave. However before he could his fellow noted a smell in the air that caused him to speak.

"Alduin wait, do you smell it, the boy…" called Paarthuranx as he moved one clawed hand over to gently turn the boy over showing the red stain leaking from his battered head and leg. Alduin in turn noted the sight, and more importantly to him the smell…it brought back a darker time for him…a time he had burned the fields of men black with his flame…a time he had put behind him. However at the moment the life of the little priest took precedence over his memories. With a grunt Alduin grabbed the boy before unfolding his massive wings. A moment later found him headed down to the temple the small form clutch in his massive talons as behind him Paarthuranx let out a small sigh as he eyes turned down the red stained snow, and his mind turned to how a boy so injured could find his way to the top of their sanctuary…and possible most importantly how the lost treasure Konahrik had found its way home to them.

An unknown time later found the boy blinking himself back to consciousness finding the previous cold and pain that had assaulted his body blessedly absent. As these facts were coming into focus for the youth he noticed a small movement to his side. Turning his head upon what he noticed to be some kind of animal fur that acted as his bed he found the profile of a woman bending over a small fire where a kettle hung stirring the contents the light reflecting off of the tan robes she wore. The figure seemed to notice his eyes upon her, because she turned a pair of bright green slitted eyes that carried a reptilian nature.

"So you are awake that is good, the masters were worried you might have let the fever take you. " spoke the women as she stood a bowl in her hands as she moved over to take a seat beside the bed never taking her eyes of the youth as she dipped a spoon into the bowl. "The masters have asked me to look after you until you are well enough to do so on your own, you may call me Kurai little priest." the women continued as she pulled the spoon out offering it to the blond boy, who eyed the spoon suspiciously.

He may not have known where he was, what was happening or if what he had seen was even real, but he knew that food had only been offered to him as a trap. So after a moment he looked back up into Kurai's eyes trying to put on a brave a face as his battered body would allow. The effect was not what he intended. The woman gave a pleased little smirk before turning the spoon into her own mouth all while keeping her eyes upon the blond youth.

"Hum good you have the mind and spirit of one who is to be a priest, consider this a first lesson little priest trust in those that earn it through action, human words are the weapons of cowards for it is the speech of the dragon that tempers one through its workings, in that you can trust." Spoke the woman after she had pulled the spoon from her mouth offering a small smirk down at the boy. The boy in turn couldn't help but gaze at her in open fascination. No one…no one had ever complemented him…or taught him…the old man had been kind to him but even he had never praised him…but she had. With a small effort the blond managed to part his cracked lips.

"Nar-naruto."

"Hum what was that little priest?" asked Kurai as she pulled a second spoonful out offering it to the youth. With another effort the boys mouth opened again.

"My Name…its Naruto…" the now identified boy managed as Kurai's gave him a small smile as she offered the spoonful that Naruto gladly accepted.

"Naruto a fine name…named for one of the words of power, the maelstrom…I fine name indeed." Finished the woman as she gave the blonde a smile that he returned.

It was several days later when Naruto was finally well enough to move around Kurai slowly showing him through what had once been the home of a clan known as the grey beards, a group that had dedicated themselves to solitude and the teachings passed down to them by their master. However, as time had passed the greybeards had found themselves slowly fading, perhaps hastened to it by their own secluded beliefs. While Naruto had been bedridden Kurai had spoken to him about his home, and his life, never commenting on the harsh life Naruto had lead instead simply taking it in turn before explaining to him the land he was now in.

Skyrim it seemed was the home of many races, and stood under the protection of the twin masters and their teachings. It seemed that long ago Paarthuranx and Alduin had battled those other races, intend on letting the dragons rule as was their right by the strength given them. However, as time passed and the blood on all sides mounted Paarthuranx and Alduin grew tired of seeing their kind hunted and destroyed, even as the other races continued to battle in a seemingly unending battle that would only end when one side found annihilation. So the pair had ending the conflict leaving the matters of the races to themselves with their chosen emissaries the Dragon Priests to act as their voices in the great holds of Skyrim. Such was peace attained, the lords paid heed to the words of the Dragon Priest, and in exchange the Dragons aided Skyrim from any who would threaten her.

Naruto could hardly believe what he was told of this land, it sounded so much like the fairy tales of his youth, dragons, and magic, powerful knights even princesses. True a part of him would miss his home, even his small apartment, but this land was full of so many wonder he could hardly let his mind even consider his loss next to all that this world had to offer. What had him even more excited was when Kurai had explained to him that as he had retrieved the mask from the shrine it meant it had chosen him to be its next wielder…meaning he would be a dragon priest. At this Naruto found himself so excited he had hardly noticed as Kurai and he had made their way up the snow covered stairs to the top of the mountain. As the pair marched wrapped in heavy furs against the bite of the cold Naruto finally calmed himself enough to look up at Kurai through the eye holes in his mask, which she had instructed him to wear as a sign of respect.

"Kurai-san?"

"Hum oh yes Naruto, what is it?" replied the women turned her green reptilian eyes down on him.

"I was wondering are you a dragon priest too?" asked the masked boy as Kurai gave a small smile before she pulled out her own mask, a heavy red one decorated much the way the boys was.

"Yes Naruto I am, it will be my duty to guide you in the ways of the dragon, till the masters deem you worthy just as I have done before though the masters will decide if you shall take this path so keep your fire bright as you address them." Chuckled the woman as she turned forward once again along with Naruto following a little behind her. Soon the pair found themselves at the peak of the mountain, Naruto huddled slightly behind Kurai as the pair of dragons emerged in all of their terrifying glory, the light that managed to fight its way through the clouds glinting off of their scaled hides even as they turned their massive heads towards the pair. As their gazed reached the pair Kurai sank into a respectful bow something like a formal curtsy with her arms spread wide.

"Greetings Masters, I have come as requested with your chosen Priest Naruto Uzumaki holder of the Konahrik." Spoke Kurai in a respectful tone as above her both Dragons allowed their heads to incline slightly.

"Rise Kurai, you have shown your devotion through the work of your post and need show no more humility before us. Let us see the holder of Konahrik from what you have told us it would seem that once again Konahrik has chosen quite the priest." Paarthuranx called his tone firm yet somehow carrying a wisdom with it that even though frightened Naruto could pick up where he stood slightly crouched behind the women. As Kurai rose she turned a head to see Naruto still standing behind her his fear of the massive creatures keeping him from stepping forwards.

"It would seem the holder of Konahrik wishes to stay hidden, should we perhaps have Kurai put snow down his furs once again, the dance was entertaining during his last visit, and if he has not the courage to stand before us as a priest then he is better suited as a jester." Alduin called a note of disapproval in his tone as he turned his blackened head to face the pair before him. From behind Kurai Naruto felt himself bristle with anger at the dragons words, his life had been a constant stream of disappointments, anger never earned, and pain never paid for...and now that he was in this new land he had felt the hope of never going back to that pain. Yet here were those words again once again attacking him for something he could not help…and he refused to let it stand…never again. So he did what many would consider the dumbest thing he could have in the situation.

Naruto stepped out from behind Kurai his hands reaching down into the snow as she did reemerging with a clump held in his now freezing fingers, but he didn't even notice the cold as he turned his masked face up towards Alduin a fire burning in his eyes that had not been their previously as he hauled back his voice raised in a defiant shout as he did.

"I AM NOT A JESTER I'M NARUTO UZUMAKI YOU OVERGROWN LIZARD AND I'LL SHOW YOU!" called the blonde as with a heave he threw the clump of snow up where it splatted a moment later upon the black scales of Alduin, forming a white spot upon his massive black hide, that drew everyone's eyes. For a moment everyone looked from the white spot then to Naruto and back in apparent shock. Paarthuranx seemed for a moment nervous as Alduin turned his eyes back at Naruto taking a massive clawed hand and slamming it inches from the boy leaning down so that his face was nearly touching the masked boys face. Naruto, however just stood his ground, the anger at his life, and the refusal to bow to that pain keeping him from following his minds advice to drop and run from the death that now looked him dead in the eye.

"So the little priest has a fire in him, maybe I should burn your chosen one Konahrik it seems he does not know his betters!" spoke the massive dragon as he watched the boy's reaction. Naruto in turn glared back at the dragon for a moment before reaching up to pull of his mask his bright blue eyes looking straight into the dragon's reptilian ones a look of determination upon the boy's face that didn't belong on someone so young.

"Kurai said that dragons don't fight with the words of men, they fight with action and I won't let stupid things like words stand anymore, you want to fight me fight me, but I'm done running!" fired back Naruto as he fixed the massive dragon with a defiant glare. For a moment the pair just stood looking at one another before Alduin pulled his head back letting out a deep hearty laugh as he did turning his eyes to face both Paarthurnax and Kurai in turn.

"hahaha I like this one, he has the fire in him, that is the defiance of a dragon, to stand before the storm and not to bend but to call your defiance till your last, yes well-chosen Konahrik well-chosen indeed. Kurai I think you may have found one even more stubborn that yourself." Finished the dragon as it looked down at Naruto who looked a little confused at the reaction he had received. Luckily Paarthurnax seemed willing to elaborate.

"Peace little priest, this is only the first step to your work, though I must say you are the first to take such an aggressive response." Chuckled the massive dragon as it raised a talon to point at the snow now dripping from Alduin. "If you are to be a dragon priest you are to live as a dragon would, without fear, without shame, and always to hold your pride, if you had fled it would have only shown you did not possess the fire to be a dragon priest, yet your flame burns bright. We will expect much from you little priest." Finished Paarthurnax as the two dragons took flight and Kurai stepped forwards as she laid a hand gently upon the boys head ruffling his blond hair as she grinned down at him her slightly elongated canines showing for the first time.

"Well done Naruto, the Masters approve of you; it will be long road but remember the way of the dragon. Keep that first inside and you need never fear the path you tread." Spoke the woman as Naruto looked up at her his eyes full of wonder at what awaited him.

Years later we find Naruto laying on a small outcropping or rock his face covered by the familiar dragon mask that had become like a second skin to him over the years. As he laid there allowing the sun to warm him against the cold even as the spray from a nearby waterfall let the mist alight upon the burnt orange cloths he couldn't help but find happiness in the simplicity of it position. Idly Naruto smirked as he thought of the orange speck he must mark on the otherwise dreary grey mountain side. While Paarthurnax had argued against the child's taste in color Kurai and Alduin had found it a fine garb arguing that dragons were not meant to slink away from combat or hide in the shadows like common thieves. No a dragon was to be seen, his voice tearing the sky announcing his presence as a king might. To face their foes proud and head on was their way. So Naruto had adorned the simple leather and cloth pants and light robs he had cut short at his waist to be adorned with bright lines of orange mimicking the marking found upon his mask. Little did he know this gave him the appearance of an some kind of demon lord back from his own world…there was some irony there.

Like his fellow priests the boy wore no armor instead trusting in his training as a dragon sage that allowed his very skin to take the rugged strength of the dragon's scales into itself, making his flesh stronger then steel when his wished it to be. As the boys thoughts turned from his dress he heard a distant sound like thunder rumbling over the hills prompting his attention.

As the boy turned priest pushed himself up he allowed his eyes to look out across the landscape of Skyrim a smile coming to his lips as he saw in the distance a dragon flying low towards him.

"I swear every times I get a break Paarthurnax send a son to find me, one of these days he is going to let me actually relax." Muttered the blonde as he pushed himself to his feet. The years had forged the boy into a warrior of no small merit. His now Seventeen year old self stood proud his body a mix of muscle and flexibility that was indicative of the dragons training. As Alduin had once said, a dragon does not stand on claw and tail alone, but in domination of the sky and voice, to be a priest is to live this truth. Although thinking about it Naruto couldn't help but think how easy it was to say this when one was born with the abilities of the massive creatures, but still he couldn't deny the training had paid off.

As these thoughts crossed his mind Naruto raised one hand up to idly scratch at the back of his shaggy mane of blond hair that now hung to half way down his back. With a small smirk Naruto spied the dragon banking towards him and with a smirk took a few steps back gauging the creatures path before racing forwards to the edge of the falls throwing himself forwards just as the scaled beast was flying under him with a whoop of excitement as he allowed the wind to take hold of him.

"INCOMING!" cried the blonde haired sage as the dragon looked up in time to see the sages leap, letting out a small look of approval upon its brow as the blonde plunged down at the beast. The small orange dart shot forwards landing right upon the creatures back and rolling slightly till it caught one of the creature spin, just as the beast spread its wings wide and with a push forced itself higher into the air its voice carried back to Naruto on the wind now rushing past his hair.

"Still trying to fly eh Naruto, when will you learn that flight is only for those born with wings." Called the dragon in a holier than thow voice that none the less carried of playful nature to it. Naruto in return pulled his mask back to allow his brilliant smile, with its more developed canines included to shine out.

"If I believed that nonsense kind of nonsense I wouldn't have challenged that giant to a drinking contest. Come on Bartan you know me better than that, the only impossibility I believe in is the chance that Paarthurnax will get a sense of humor." Chuckled the blonde as Bartan banked into a twist causing the boy to grip onto his spine harder and giving the dragon an annoyed look.

"Sorry priest of Konahrik what was that about my father?" called the massive dragon as it righted itself its voice carrying obvious amusement in it, even as Naruto steadied himself giving the scaly hid below him an annoyed little stomp for good measure before breaking out into a loud laugh that Bartan could not help but join. The pair had known each other for years at this point and knew when one was having fun at the others expense.

Bartan had been one of the hatchlings that Naruto had been tasked with taking care of during his early training, and the two had found themselves a matched pair from the start, only ever allowing Kurai or the elder dragons to keep them in line. So as the pair rose through the clouds circling their way up and the laughter died down Naruto decided to ask his friend of what they were headed for.

"So Bartan what does your father need, I finished aiding Dawnstar against the raiders, and your sisters carried the fight back to their borders heck the poor fools are probably still smoldering under their flames."

"No idea Naruto I swear though flame is such a low word I pray for the time they learn their own voice. It is becoming tiresome putting out their flames when they let them spread." Replied the dragon as the blonde rider gave a small nod at his words. While every dragon was born able to speak the flame, it was rarely their main voice, as a dragon grew older their voices would change to reflect their cry, for Bartan and Naruto their voices had found the frozen power of the winds themselves to be their guiding breath. While some like Kurai had found the primal light of the heavens to be their voice. A rare few Alduin being the only he had known of had found a level of flame deeper than any other so that his voice could burn away the air itself if his boasting was anything to go by. The pair continued to discuss the recent campaign till they reached the top of the temples mountain Bartan landing gracefully upon the snowcapped peaks as Naruto flung himself off of his friends back pulling his mask down as he dropped to the ground. As he landed he noted the presence of Kurai who moved to stand beside him before a rumbling announced the approach of the masters. At the same moment both Kurai and Naruto sank into a bow while Bartan arranged himself so that he stood at attention his body tensed as though he was a solider about to be inspected. Soon the monstrous forms of the twin rulers made themselves known their massive eyes scanning the three before them.

"Rise Naruto holder of Konahrik and Kurai holder of Volsung you are always welcome in our presence. We have called you here because we have received word that concerns you Naruto." Spoke Paarthurnax as Naruto and Kurai looked up in apparent interest. Before either could voice their confusion the dragon raised a clawed hand up motioning for them to remain silent.

"We have found that Konahrik is intended to return to the land it came from. Konahrik will return to your world, and as its chosen wielder you are to accompany it." finished Paarthurnax as Naruto looked dumbfounded at what the dragon had just said to him. From his time learning to be a proper sage he had learned that each mask held an elder dragon soul within it, and that those souls were what chose the wearer for a purpose…but his purpose could be to return to his world…such a thing was unbelievable to the boy. This, the north, Skyrim had been his home now longer than Konoha, or the elemental nations had ever been, why he should leave now.

"Wha but, Skyrim is my home what if I don't want to go back, there's nothing there for me there. Why would Konahrik ever want to go back there?" Naruto said obvious distress in his voice as he spoke. Beside him Kurai looked confused as well, she had come to care for the boy like a son, and to hear he may be leaving possibly forever was a heavy blow to her. However, she was a priestess, and knew that things were never as simply as they seemed.

"Paarthurnax you say that Konahrik wishes to return, why now? If Konahrik wished to stay why did he ever bring Naruto to Skyrim?" asked the woman as those present looked over at her, the elder dragon looking over with a slightly blank expression.

"That I can't say, Konahrik long ago left our world saying that he was called there, even as his soul returned to his resting place that desire continued on, but if I was to guess I would say that it is because Priest Naruto has now completed his training, it is possible that is what Konahrik was waiting for, it may also be why he waited in that land for a master, but the truth is that we cannot know his design. All we know is if his wish is not met his soul will be lost, and the Priest's shall lose our newest flame." Replied Paarthurnax as beside him Alduin let out an annoyed breath.

"So….so I have to go…I…I just have to leave here." Naruto managed looking over at Kurai who was looking up at the dragons in apparent displeasure, though her mask made it hard to be sure. Beside them even Bartan looked distressed at his father's words, the simple acceptance of it. However, before either of these two could comment there was an angry snarl from Alduin drawing everyone's eyes.

"The old ones were never ones for telling their plans to anyone, but I refuse to send a priest to a foreign land with no means of retrieval, he is our priest and I do not bow to the whims of the dead. Naruto step forward I need your arm." Called the massive black dragon beckoning Naruto forwards with one claw. Naruto did not hesitate to step forward before the dragon, he had learned to trust the pair and they had become like family to him, so with no fear the boy stretched out one arm his orange robe falling back from it showing the tan skin below it. As the arm became bare Alduin looked Naruto in the eye once before opening his jaws wide and snapping them down on the arm. For a second the blond was tempted to cry out in fear but held it back, Alduin had never steered him wrong, and if he simply wished his arm then Naruto would freely give it. However, as the jaws snapped shut Naruto didn't feel any pain. As he looked down he noticed small trails of a deep red liquid working their way up his arm to his elbow forming intricate pattering that seemed to slowly shift together. As the massive jaws opened Naruto saw the pattern settling depicting a dragon curled around his arm burnt black as if he was one of the nords who tattooed their faces.

"There let Konahrik do as he wishes, but now our priest is connected to us. Naruto should you need your kin only place your blood upon the mark, we will know, and should you wish to return we will aid you. You may have to follow Konahrik's wish, so give the fool his wish, but never forget you carry the dragon flame within you, use it to burn the path you wish to walk. Never bow to another will, should you wish to return to us then find your way!" Finished Alduin as Naruto gazed down at the mark and then back up at the black dragon unable to believe what the dragon had done for him. Idly he looked around to see Kurai nodded in head in apparent agreement as beside him Bartan spoke up.

"Father I wish to accompany our priest to this world, one of the flames should not travel alone." spoke the younger dragon as the pair looked at him for a moment before Alduin spoke again.

"There is no need to travel now my son, Alduin's work is binding should he need us he need only call, he now holds the power to call our aid, and the way back is always open to our kind. For now simply accompany our priest as he prepares for his departure, the journey comes tomorrow." Replied Paarthurnax as his son bowed his head in understanding. With this the group set their way down to the temple Naruto to gather what tools he would need, while Kurai spent what could be her last night looking after the flame she had tended for so many years.

As Naruto looked around at his home for the past nine years, back in his old home three individuals were looking around at one another across a table each of them looking at one another their eyes hardened as what they discussed lead them to a horrible truth about their home. The first of these three was a white haired man whose hair hung down like a carpet behind him, accenting the red cloak he wore that gave him the impression of a kabuki actor.

"Yes, I'm afraid that is the conclusion that I've come to as well…Kami only knows how this happened but there isn't any question about it, Danzo couldn't have moved alone, the third is involved with this, with what I found on that damn council it's possible that they were all in on it, I just don't know." Spoke the man as he pulled up a jug of saki taking a massive swig as he looked over at the pair across from him the older of which let out a vicious snarl before slamming her hand down on the table a spider web of crack running through the oak as she did. Beside her the younger blonde moved to gently take the women's hand looking over at Jiraiya her eyes set.

"So…so they killed Naruto so that you would hear about it and bring me back, I don't get it if they had just told you then we would have come why kill my brother Jiraiya sensei?" asked the blonde as Jiraiya turned to look over at the blonde girl would had just turned thirteen a few days previous his face taking on a frustrated look at what he had to have as an answer.

"Because Naruko, they screwed up, it took me years just to figure out what they had done to Naruto, if we had come back and he had been able to talk to me we wouldn't have stayed, at that point they had gone too far, they were aiming for the Kyuubi so they faked his death taking him because of his birthmark, by the time they figured out they had the wrong one it was too late I had you in hiding and they had already faked his and your mother's death." Replied Jiraiya turned his eyes around to the redheaded woman who was forcing her anger back under control. As she pulled up her violent eyes to look across at Jiraiya her words came out in a snarl.

"And those bastards kept me sedated just in case they needed another Uzumaki to hold the fox, or to use me to get to my children…those monsters, I'll kill every last one of those self-righteous animals I can't believe Minato died to save their useless lives." Spat Kushina as she looked across at Jiraiya who was grimly nodding his head.

"Kushina I'm so sorry if I had known…damn it if I even had an idea, I wouldn't have." Began the man but Kushina raised a hand waving away the man's apologies.

"No Jiraiya…you did all you could…you saved my daughter from those bastards…and when you came back you found me before they could turn me into a puppet to use on Naruko…it's not you who has anything to apologize for…you gave me back my life…you gave me back my daughter…" spoke Kushina as her mind flashed to that day five years ago when she had awoken to find Jiraiya looking down at her grimly as an eight year old Naruko looked at her with a mix of happiness and concern. Only later had she learned that she had been in some kind of a coma for the past eight years. Of course there had been explanations from the third and the council, about how she had been sick and Naruto had been apparently abducted fooling everyone until he was discovered alive only to be lost in the forest and apparently dead.

When she had learned this she had demanded answers only to be met with apologies, and half-truths. All that had kept her from falling into absolute denial was the presence of her daughter. Naruko had been the light that had kept her from completely collapsing in on her after the horror she had found herself awaking to. As time had passed Naruko and Jiraiya had managed to help her piece together bits of a family while morning the loss of Naruto in silence. It was as their lives had continued in Konoha that things had slowly begun to set of warning bells. Small glares being shot at Naruko from people they had never meet, words of demon whispered where their speakers assumed they were out of earshot, Kushina also noted that many of the shinobi seemed suspicious of her, or at least on edge about her family. Jiraiya had seen this as well going to the third and demanding answers, but only getting the simple response of people being worried about the Kyuubi, and Kushina's apparent resurrection…but something was off about what he was saying, and Jiraiya knew it. So he had begun to dig, and dig, until he found it. The truth of Naruto's supposed death…both of them.

It had taken time, nearly five years of constant work, just to remain undetected. More than one shinobi and citizen of Konoha had mysteriously gone missing during that time, but at last he had found the truth. When he had told Kushina of Naruto's faked death, her own attempted manipulation, as well as the outright attack on her child it took everything Jiraiya had in him to hold the pair of women back from going on a killing spree. After a time Jiraiya had finally managed to calm the two down enough which had brought them to the conversation they were now having.

"So we have no idea who is involved and who isn't, all we know is that someone is playing behind the scenes, and they've managed to either convert or blackmail their way into controlling most of this village…damn it is there anyone we can trust?" she asked looking over at Jiraiya who let out a sigh pulling out a bound volume and dropping it before her.

"These are the ones I could find that are being blackmailed, Tsume apparently is being held in check thanks to someone with a death threat on her pups, looks like Mikoto, along with Hitomi were taken out when they wouldn't play ball, besides that a hand full of Jonin, a few chunnin that's all I have for sure, even then they are just being blackmailed no idea if that means they'll be willing to act, the problem is we just don't have the support to do anything." Huffed out the man taking another swig as Kushina moved through the documents spying a few names as she passed through but otherwise not commenting. Beside her Naruko couldn't help but search through the files looking for her own sensei, hoping to find him amongst the files… Idly she flipped a file over spying a purple haired women her hair drawn up in a fan in the back, but no sign of her sensei no grey hair decorated any of the faces.

"Jiraiya sensei I don't see Kakashi in here, does that mean?" asked the blond girl as Jiraiya turned to her letting out a sad sigh as he let his head bow slightly.

"I wasn't able to find anything on your sensei Naruko, from what I can tell he knew of Naruto but never acted, I'm sorry but either he is in on this, or he simply doesn't care. Either way keep an eye on him from now on, him and the rest of your team could become enemies if things are as bad as they look." Replied the white haired man as Kushina looked over at her daughter obvious concern on her face. Both knew that Naruko was supposed to leave for a long term mission tomorrow, and now to learn that she could potentially be with a team she couldn't trust the prospect was daunting. Jiraiya looked between the two before letting out a breath looking over at Naruko.

"Kid I'm sorry but you have to go, to not would arouse suspicion, if what I've found is enough they won't try anything with you, they've been quiet ever since you came back for a reason, they are scared, if what happens comes out they risk losing you. They aren't willing to risk that as long as they think they have you and Kushina fooled, so we sit tight, and gather our strength. Then we make them pay for what they have done." Finish Jiraiya as Naruko nodded a look of defiance upon her face. From beside her Kushina stood moving over to stand behind her daughter her arms wrapping gently around the girl just holding her close as the three hoped that they could protect one another from the monster they found themselves surrounded by. At this Jiraiya pulled out a final envelope looking across at the pair with a small smile on his lips.

"I saved this for last because you needed to understand what was happening here first…but from all I found Naruto may still be alive." Spoke the man as across form him the pairs heads shot up staring at the man in apparent shock. Before they could find their voices the white haired man continued.

"I can't say for certain but nothing was ever found of him in the forest, heck from what I can tell they lost him. This doesn't mean that he is alive, but there is a chance, and if he is it isn't in Konoha." Finished the man as Naruko's eyes went wide in understanding.

"Yo-you mean he may be out there somewhere?" asked Naruko as Kushina looked as though she was about to start sobbing from the hope now positively leaking out of the pair of Namikaze's. In response Jiraiya nodded his head fixing Kushina was a solid look.

"I am leaving for a time to check on what I can find, I already have my people moving looking for anyone like him but I'm headed out as well, but all of us will have to remain under the radar, Naruko that goes double for you if Kakashi is involved you can't let him know that Naruto could be alive, if he is involved then it could cause them to take action against you and Kushina…for now all we can do is keep out eyes open and wait for a chance to act."

From across form him Kushina and Naruko nodded gravely, even as small hopeful smiles spread across their faces. For years they had known that Naruto was gone…that he had died before either could know their family, but now there was a chance he may be alive out there…and that hope was enough for the pair to smile despite the darkness that surrounded them.

Back in Skyrim Naruto found himself looking around the room that had been his home. As his eyes moved over chest and cabinets many holding mementos of times he would never forget… a frozen bit of wood the remains of his first successful ice spell, or the mug of the thane of winterfell…the fur of a grizzly he had hunted with Kurai, when she was teaching him the dragon priests dagger style. He had taken to that training rather well, and now held a plethora of the blades worked into the inside of his cut off robes so that it was almost like the many pointed teeth of a dragon's own mouth. All these and more reminded him of his life here in Skyrim…all except one item. There on the nightstand sat a rolled up set of an orange jump suit… his cloths from what felt like a life time ago. Idly the blonde reached over spreading the suit out and looking over the now well-worn orange, rubbing his fingers against the cloth as thoughts of what awaited him hit him and washed across his mind. The beatings, the names the suffering he had endured, and despite himself he felt anger boil up in him as he felt his skin taking on its hardened feel sensing his aggression. But despite this Naruto put the small bit of cloth into his pack letting out a heavy breath as he gave his room a last look before he pulled his pack on and turned out of the room.

A few minutes later found the blonde standing outside of the temple Kurai standing waiting for him, a somber expression upon her face. As he approached she slowly pulled off her mask showing her bright reptilian eyes that even then were brimming with proud tears as she looked at the man before her. As Naruto reached her, he lifted his own hand up to pull his mask aside letting his own bright sapphire eyes with their reptilian slits look back into her's as he greeted her with a warm smile. The two didn't exchange any words as they marched up the steps, both knew that what was to come, the two were members of the dragon clan…but more than that they were family, and nothing needed to be added to that for now.

Soon the pair found themselves standing among a small group and dragons all gathered around a great snow covered arch that opened towards the great expanse of Skyrim's skies. Gathered around were the other seven dragon priests and priestesses all in their formal garb masks covering faces as their owners stood silently all facing Naruto in silent respect for his parting. Behind them stood dragon's ranging from the elders of their kind to the very young like Barton's three sisters all still with dots of white along their spines that marked them as newborns; who were even then nipping lightly at one another as their elder brother shot them a disapproving look. Finally the two masters stood one on either side of the arch their heads bowed in respect to the journey that their priest was about to take. Not one of the watching figures spoke as Naruto made his way to stand before the archway his masked face hiding the tears the leaked from his eyes at leaving his home, even as his heart beat in excitement at the journey that stood before him.

With no signal the elders both turned to the great ring of stone calling out in the dragon tough words that laced the stonework with sudden blue fire. As the onlookers watched that first spread down from the stone till a solid wall of blue flame stood before the boy, silent, and cold. With a steadying breath Naruto pushed forward towards the flame, his steps making a small tap as he moved across the aged stone, towards the portal. When he was only a foot from the portal a voice rang out behind him causing him to turn slightly the pack on his back sliding a bit from his shoulder.

"Naruto remember a dragon priest never weeps at a parting, they cheer at a future meeting, they howl in the fight, and raise their voices loudest in the celebration, they stand proud before the storm, never forget who you are DRAGON PRIEST NARUTO!" called Kurai her voice cracking at the end betraying the tears that were finally pushing their way through her eyes. Around her the other sages respectfully turned from her knowing she would not wish them to see her in such a manner as Naruto turned to face her, slowly nodding his head in her direction.

"HAI DRAGON PRIESTESS KURAI I SHALL NOT FORGET ALL THAT YOU HAVE TAUGHT ME. KNOW MY FLAME WILL NEVER FAULTER THANKS TO YOUR GUIDENCE!" called the blonde before he spun throwing himself forwards into the blue flame, that vanished a moment after he was through it leaving the dragon clan with the silent emptiness that he left in his wake.

As Naruto stepped through the other side of the portal he at first thought something had gone wrong, as what he saw was an expanse of snowcapped mountains like those he had left behind. However, before his mind could start to question where he was he suddenly noticed another fact, namely he had stepped into apparent thin air, and was currently plummeting down towards the snow covered earth. Naruto had just a moment to recognize his situation before he twisted so that he face was pointed down towards the rapidly approaching ground, as he drew in a breath calling forth on the first words of power he had learned all those years ago letting out his breath and power into a mighty bellow.

"FUS RO DAH!" the words thundering out like a cannon blast hammering into the snow below and scattering it as Naruto found his decent suddenly halted as the power from the force pushed back on him allowing him to land although not gracefully at least without injuring himself. With a little sigh Naruto privately thanked his master's insistence on truly mastering the words as more than just a weapon but as a way of life. As he thought this his eyes scanned his surroundings noting these were not the snowcapped hill of Skyrim…however it also brought up another point for the youth.

"Just where the heck am I?" the boy voiced to the snow tented air that swirled around him. Idly Naruto's mind pointed out that this was definitely nowhere in Konoha, while another part of his mind had to stop from shouting back no kidding in a painfully sarcastic tone. However, as Naruto turned looking around he spied what appeared to be lights in the distance. So with nothing else to guide his journey Naruto checked his pack before pushing himself forwards towards that light in the distance.

What seemed like an eternity later Naruto found himself trudging through a final layer of snow as he came to the edge of what was apparently a small village or town of some kind. Idly he noted that these homes were much more like the ones of Skyrim rather than what few memories he had from his time in Konoha. As he made his way through the village he noted more than a few glances cast his way, though considering his odd clothing and the mask still perched upon his face he supposed he could hardly expect otherwise. As Naruto reached the center of town he was just looking for an inn or lodging when several voices came to him carried on the wind. Turning Naruto spied a group of men standing together gripping what looked like farming tools before a pair of figures dressed in what Naruto could only describe as skin tight grey suits. The whole scene was so bizarre that the blonde found himself approaching the sight barely noting what the group was saying to one another.

"By order of Lord Doto this village is to be destroyed for harboring rebels!" called one of the grey suit wearing figures as the crowd before him started shouting back.

"WHAT THAT'S INSANE! THERE AREN'T ANY REBLES HERE! THIS IS OUR HOME WHAT DOES DOTO WANT WITH US HERE! WE WON'T JUST BOW TO THE LIKES OF YOU!" came the call from the group all fixing the pair before them with aggressive glares. Just as Naruto had reached the two groups one of the grey clad figures started rushing through what Naruto vaguely recognized as hand sighs before a block of ice shot up from the snow covered ground creating a wall around the group of angry villagers. Beside him his partner called out in a voice laced with excited cruelty.

"Well then by order of lord Doto you are to be executed as traitors to the land of Snow!" called the second man as around the village cries of fear rang out as several more grey clad figure began to appear. Naruto was at first unsure of what to do, after all this was an unfamiliar land, and if this was the ruling of the thane then was he justified in interfering. However, as he watch the ice wall spring up around the farmers, crowd and saw more ice beginning to move toward women and children who were rushing to reach their homes, any thought of remaining an observer went out the window.

The Snow shinobi who was looking down at the pair of women before him had his mind full of nothing but the fun he was about to have as his hand landed on the final handsign. However just as he was about to call out his jutsu he felt a small sharp pain, and for some reason the words didn't seem to be coming out. He noted vaguely the cold a little sharper than he had remembered it as his eyes noted an odd red stain on the white snow before him as well as the shocked expressions of the two women he had cornered. Then he felt his legs wobble and give out from under him as he sank to his knees his eyes traveling down to his chest where there was another small twinge of pain. The snow shinobi's last sight before he collapsed to the snow-covered ground was of a shard of ice the size of a fence post dyed red with his own blood sticking out of where his right lung had once been.

Seven other shinobi fell the same way causing a set of cries coming up from the villages as the shinobi before them had their chest bursting forth with matching shards of blood red ice. The commotion drew the first pair of shinobi to turn round to find Naruto's masked face looking between the two, a small amount of bright glowing frost gathered around his arms as he looked between the two. Both armored figures looked around horrified at the dead or dying men around them before they turned to back the mask demon before them.

"YOU BASTARD!" screamed the first man moving forwards to strike at the masked figure his fist flinging forwards towards the mask before him. His partner in turn watched in horror as Naruto effortlessly shifted away from the blow his arms blurring as two golden curved dragon daggers spun out, before disappearing back into his cloak as he stepped past the armored figure who stumbled once before falling to the ground his throat open in a wide red grin. The sight was enough for the final man's legs to give out as he fell backwards onto his hands trying to scurry away from the demon made real before him calling out in a panicked mess of words.

"No no! Please I didn't, leave me, no, it was them." Jabbered the man before Naruto grew tired of his babbling and simply slammed the bunt of one of his daggers into the man's temple knocking him out cold to fall limp before him. Naruto then waved a hand gently around causing the ice and snow to fall away from the wall it had created around the villagers who stared at the masked man in a mix of fear and awe. For a time no one seemed like they would be the ones to break the silence, before a child's voice rang out across the now blood strewn snow.

"Daddy!" called a young boy stumbling forwards to fall into a man at the head of the group's arms, as he bent down to hold his son. Soon after a women followed in two grabbing hold of her family and openly weeping in relief at finding them safe. As the group held one another, the man found himself looking up into Naruto's masked face.

"Thank you." Called the man as Naruto nodded reaching up to remove his mask so that he could give the family a small smile. For a moment the older women froze at the sight of his reptilian eyes, and sharper teeth, but once again the relief came in the form of the child who blinking up at Naruto's appearance let out an excited cry.

"Hey mister your eyes are cool, how did you get those, can I get mine like that?" called the youth as Naruto let out a chuckle at the boys questions giving the boy a wider smile as around him the villagers relaxed at the hearty sound coming from the stranger.

"Sorry kid these eyes of mind are special you can only get them if your part of the dragon clan like me." replied Naruto his words causing the boy's eyes to grow even wider as his parents along with most of the other adults look up at the boy in open confusion.

"Wow mister does that means you're a dragon?" called the youth to which naruto smiled.

"Well I guess I'm close enough for you." Chuckled the blonde as the village closed in around the boy now convinced he was safe enough to approach. Soon the village had welcomed Naruto in, as the dragon priest decided to find out just who this lord Doto was.

A couple weeks after Naruto's actions in the village and across an ocean Naruko, and her team were sitting in a movie studio having just learned that they were going to be traveling to snow, a trip that would likely take a month at the very least. Idly the blonde haired girl noted Sakura again fawning over Sasuke for what felt like the hundredth time since that morning. Even the blonde had to admit that this was getting on her last nerve.

"Yo Sakura will you shut it please Sasuke doesn't want to date anyone for the love of kami just give it up you've got a better chance of getting Choji to go on a diet." Called Naruko and Sakura spun on her fellow Kunoichi an annoyed glare only reserved for girls she thought were after her prize adorning her face.

"Ya right Naruko I know what you're up to and I won't be handing Sasuke over to you!" called the pink haired girl as Naruko dropped her head in a comic fashion with a heavy sigh.

"Sakura how many times do I have to tell you I'm as interested in Sasuke as he is in you, guess what that's not a lot, just let it drop." Called the girl as she noticed behind Sakura her other teammate gaining a small nod of agreement from the boy. Naruko had learned early on what kind of person Sasuke was and had even found a bit of common ground given both had lost parts of their family. Although she thought he was a little uptight and brooding she supposed that if she had been left along without Kushina or Jiraiya she could hardly expect to be much better. Still she wouldn't deny that the boy had a stick up his ass, just that it was a stick she could understand. As she was thinking this there was a small pop of chakra behind her as she turned her violet eyes around to find Kakashi having just arrived his orange book pulled up to his nose as usual.

"Well team the Hokage had approved our mission to snow, the mission doesn't look like it's changed so we'll be moving out soon. I expect your best performance." Called the man as around him the genin nodded towards him. Soon the team was headed out as Naruko allowed herself to drop back from her team enough to slip into an alleyway flying through a few quick hand signs before adding a few drops of blood and slamming it onto the ground before her. Out of a cloud of smoke popped an orange toad popped out opening its mouth wide to greet her.

Before the toad could call out his usual loud greeting Naruko leapt forwards wrapping an arm around the toad mouth while making a hissing noise for silence.

"Gamakichi, hush you're a spy remember!" hissed Naruko as the orange toad gave a slightly constricted nod from under the girls arm. Naruko then let the toad go giving him a small apologetic smile.

"Sorry Gamakichi, but we have to be quiet the mission has changed, I need you to take this scroll back to Kaasan and Jiraiya ok, if you do when I get back I'll give you all the snacks you can eat." Finished the girl as the orange toad nodded his head in apparent excitement as he took the small scroll from the girl vanishing the next moment into another cloud of smoke as Naruko moved out falling back into the throng headed for the docks. As she fell into step she noted vaguely that the actress Yukie Fujikaze who was still unconscious thanks to Kakashi's sharingan.

As Naruko looked over the woman she couldn't help feeling a small shiver at the idea of Kakashi someday possibly doing the same thing to her. The idea of not being able to relax around her team was not one she enjoyed, but after learning what she had the chance of her ever taking their word for things again was somewhere between zero and impossible.

As Naruko made her way off towards the docks back in Konoha a small orange toad popped into the living room of the Namikaze home.

"Gamakichi, what brings you here, is Naruko doing alright?" spoke Kushina spying the toad from where she stood in the kitchen. The orange toad turned towards the woman he spotted the open cupboard with wide eyes that Kushina noted with a small grin. Without waiting to be asked Kushina reached over and pulled out as small bag of chips tossing them into the sitting room where the orange toad caught them with a wide grin of his own.

"Thanks Kushina! Naruko's fine she's going to snow with her team, along with a film crew!" called the toad as Kushina moved out from the kitchen to fall into a seat at the table looking over at the orange toad as it munched away happily at the snakes. As Kushina's violet eyes looked around she noted a scroll that lay beside the toad pulling it towards her and reading through it her face remaining calm as it reached the end before she set if back down with a small sigh.

"Well at least she's ok for now, looks like everything is still normal for her." Kushina mused to herself. Just as she was about to start a reply she heard a knock at her door. Idly she pushed herself up moving through the hall and into the entryway calling out as another series of Knocks rang out.

"Ya Ya I'm coming!" She called as she reached the door, pulling it inwards as another series of knocking seemed ready to begin.

"Hey anyone, Oh there you are." Chuckled a purple haired woman letting the arm that had just been knocking dropping to her side falling into her trench coat pocket as her face broke into a small smirk that carried up to her grey pupil less eyes.

"Bought time there tomato I was starting to think you'd gone deaf on me." call the purple haired woman in a mocking tone, that caused Kushina to glare at the woman a dangerous smile playing cross her face, as she forced herself to retain some control of herself.

"Anko, I think I've told you before I detest that nickname." Kushina spoke ominously cracking her knuckles causing Anko to let out a nervous chuckle as she raised her hands palm up towards the woman in a placating motion.

"Right right, reel it in there girl it's all in good fun." Replied Anko as Kushina sighed before motioning the woman inside. Kushina moved over plopping down in an open chair her green and white dress protecting her modesty in a way that Anko's mesh armor and trench coat combo seemed to openly mock as the purple haired woman lowered her self onto the table her legs kicking out gingerly as she looked over at Kushina. The redhead in turn shot Anko a look which caused the woman to sigh heavily before sliding down into a chair her arms raised in a visible shrug as if asking it her fellow was satisfied.

"So did you call me just to discuss proper manners or what?" called Anko looking vaguely around the home noting a few seals dotted about the room as she did. In the back of her mind she noted them as sound and detection seals like those in interrogation, odd this home seemed as secure as one of her own cells. Kushina seemed to consider the woman's words for a moment before letting out a small sigh.

"I'll be blunt with you Anko, you have information I need, and I'm willing to trade for it."

This caught Anko's attention; the way Kushina was speaking told her that something was off about the situation, but nothing she could put a figure on at the moment. Still the way she had spoken made it clear this was no social visit.

"Information and I take it this isn't the kind of thing you want getting out by the looks of your place. If I didn't know any better Kushina-san I'd think you were threatening me." replied Anko as Kushina's eyes narrowed slightly.

"Well then I'll make things clear to you." Replied Kushina as golden chains suddenly shot up from under the table binding Anko to her chair before she could react.

"Hey what the hell!" called the woman before another chain slunk its way around her mouth deadening her voice. Her grey eyes glared daggers at the redhead across from her but Kushina didn't seem to give it a moment's thought as she continued to speak as though she hadn't just captured her guest in a golden prison.

"I am threatening you Anko, I am willing to trade for the information that I want and truthfully I would prefer taking that route, but if you are not open to that then I will get what I want another way. I think you noticed the seals here, no one will know you are here so the choice is yours we can be civil or we can be professional, I leave the choice to you." Finished Kushina as the chain around Anko's mouth slipped away letting Anko spit out a curse.

"Bitch what the hell are you playing at Huh!" spat Anko as Kushina continued to look at the woman impassively before continuing.

"You are the current overseer of the Forest of death, what I want is information on it, give me that and I will be willing to help you remove a certain mark from your body." Continued Kushina her words causing Anko to go suddenly stiff halting her struggles against the golden chains.

"Yo-you mean the curse mark?" Anko breathed her voice betraying the hope she was feeling at Kushina's words. In answer Kushina nodded her head slightly never taking her eyes off of the woman before her.

"Ya, ya right I know you can't do anything about it, you think I'd believe that pack of lies, whatever the hell you're up to the hokage will never let you get away with it!" called Anko as Kushina just continued to watch her with that same calm control.

"I think we both know that the hokage or the village would hardly bat an eye at your disappearance Anko, heck I am one of the few that doesn't see you as just a leftover from your master so drop the false bravado. As for the seal I helped to teach Minato and Jiraiya sealing you think something cooked up by that monster Orochimaru is outside of my understanding? Maybe I overestimated you intelligence after all."

These words caused Anko to swallow slightly her own mind admitting that the woman's words were true. She had been forced to claw her way up by inches her whole life in Konoha, it had been a miracle when she had managed to reach special Jonin and even that had only been due to Ibiki's recognition of her skills. Then there was the woman's offer, Kushina had always been accepting to her, even going so far as to be one of the few people Anko found herself trusting…Now that same woman held her in chains offering her what seemed like a simple trade…something didn't seem right here.

"And here I thought I could trust you. Fine Kushina what do you want!" asked Anko hoping to understand just what had led to the situation she found herself in. In replay Anko noted a small look of sadness upon Kushina's face before she seemed to steady herself.

"I want to know what you found in the forest when my son apparently died, I recently found all of the files on the incident and your file was absent, all the others made it clear they found enough blood and tattered clothing to account for his death thanks to the beasts in the forest. Every one of them says the same damn thing, but yours the one person I know full well knows that forest like the back of her hand didn't have a report. What I want to know Anko is what you found out there." Finished Kushina as everything suddenly became horribly clear to Anko. Kushina wasn't acting crazy she didn't know if Anko was an enemy. Anko wasn't sure how but Kushina had pieced together what had really happened with her son…which meant… oh hell. Thought the woman as she felt a small shiver run down her spine. Which meant that if she thought Anko had anything to do with hiding the truth her life was as good as over.

"Yo-you know?" Anko managed as Kushina nodded her head slowly.

"Yes Anko I know, I know this fucking village was responsible for making my Narutos life a living hell, and that there is something going on in this village, what I don't know is how far it goes. From what I've found you know something as well, what I don't know is how much you are involved…I pray it isn't too deep, I want to believe that you are the woman I've come to think of as a friend…but I can't take things at face value anymore, so tell me Anko where is your file?" asked Kushina as she reached over placing a seal Anko knew all too well upon her brow. The seal was one of Kushina's private works and functioned like a lie detector connecting directly with the chakra of the target. Heck it was how the two had first meet when Kushina had delivered the first tags to the interrogation department.

Anko look up to the small seal now adorning the tag on her head before moving her eyes back down to focus on Kushina letting out a small sigh as everything suddenly came into focus.

"I suppose you won't let the chains or seal off till you're satisfied…damn it I suppose I wouldn't either if I started to find out what you have. Well let's get started with this, but know once we are done with this you are so getting it for tying me up friend or not." Started Anko letting a small smirk cross her lips as that seemed to let Kushina relax slightly.

"Well first off I did file a report, same as everyone else, heck I even brought it to the hokage that the other reports were practically fairy tales. Next thing I know my report has vanished and I'm on border patrol for the next few weeks. When I get back you've suddenly popped up and everyone's talking like your son never existed. When I start to ask questions I get attacked in my home by some mask wearing bastard who tries to put some kind of seal on me. Bastard manages it to but something about the snakes hikey must have kept it from working because it only knocked me out, but not before I got a look at the bastard behind the mask. Next day I go to report it and see the bastard with my team smiling and greeting me with the others. Guess if you argued they just fixed you, anyway I kept my head down so I wouldn't get another visitor this one with a kunai instead of a seal in hand." Spoke the purple haired woman as Kushina nodded the chains around Anko loosening a little but staying ready to tighten once more.

"Anyway from that point on I just kept my head down considered approaching you about what I knew, but I didn't know if you were in on it too. Heck I don't even know what it is. But anyway the report. Look I never found anything that suggested your son died out there. We found a torn pant leg at the entrance to the forest and some blood from a cut on the fence that is it, no body, no massive blood spot, nothing, heck from what I saw from the rest no one had any idea where your son disappeared to." Finished the grey eyed woman as Kushina nodded her head and the golden chains moved away allowing Anko to reach up and tear off the seal giving Kushina a look of annoyances as she did. Kushina gave the woman a small apologetic look in reply.

"Thank you Anko…and sorry about the chains and seal…I had to be sure." spoke the woman weakly even as she fought to keep her own thoughts under control. Her son Naruto he may really be out there. Jiraiya had been speculative but here was even more proof that he may still be out there somewhere. From across the table Anko gave Kushina another glare before hefting out a breath and shaking her head.

"Don't worry about it I guess, I mean with all the stuff that's apparently happening I can hardly blame you for being paranoid… so did you mean what you said about my seal." She finished unable to keep the hope from her voice as Kushina offered her a grateful smile.

"Oh course Dattebane I'll have that thing off in no time!" Kushina called the happiness at what she had learned adding to her enthusiasm as across the table Anko couldn't help but snort at her antics. As Kushina stood and began to move around the table she suddenly found her legs wrapped in something cold as she pitched forwards onto the wooden floor letting out a small shout of surprise as she did. Look back she noticed a medium sized snake that was stretching out from Anko's sleeve. As her eyes traveled up she noted the smiling face of Anko looking down at her.

"Consider it payback for the chain's." chuckled Anko as the snake slithered back into her sleeve and Kushina pushed herself up with a small annoyed look as she moved over to examine the woman's neck. As she began to exam the seal her mind wandered idly to thoughts of her son. Naruto…he was really out there somewhere wasn't he…her son was alive…she could just feel it somehow.

Meanwhile back in snow Naruto had been busy over the past few weeks. After learning of the tyrannical rule of Doto he had moved to remove the corrupt ruler from his position. Over the days that followed that first encounter Naruto had decided to march on the nearest base where the forces he had engaged had apparently come from. Following the absolute devastation of that base the forces still loyal to the last king had found their way to the blonde offering their support if it meant reclaiming their kingdom. With Naruto at the lead their forces steamrolled through Doto's forces taking the massive train depot and seizing the new weapons and ships there. Within just two weeks all that stood between the rebels and retaking their land was Doto's keep, and a few hundred scattering of shinobi and soldiers that had not already surrendered to the inevitable.

So there Naruto now stood his masked face scanning the keep in front of him as behind him the rebel forces as well as many from the villages they had liberated armed with a mix of armor and weapons taken from Doto's own forces stood waiting. Naruto had to admit to himself that the sheer rate of their victory had been shocking to him. It seemed that in the short rule Doto had managed to make the entire nation ready to kill him given the least chance. Once they had a figure to rally behind every village seemed to have rallied behind the youth cheering for the swirling dragon of snow, the one come to liberate them from their bindings. Naruto couldn't help but smile inwardly at how well his little conflict had gone. Maybe it was Konahrik's influence but he found himself loving the conflict he was leading. Even more so as he saw the corruption he was stamping out through his victories. All of this and more continued to flow gently through the boys mind as a figure made himself known beside him.

"Naruto-sama the forces are prepared we are awaiting your command." Spoke a solider covered in what Naruto had learned was an experimental armor known as chakra armor. At the train deport his forces hand found a stockpile of such armor, and now the elite of his forces wore it alongside the more bulky samurai style armor making them living tanks to most attacks. True the wearer sacrificed speed, but then they were hardly going to keep up with the speed of a shinobi even if they were naked, so the added armor was well worth the cost.

"Good, tell them to wait for my signal, I think this calls for a little something special." Replied the blond as she stepped forwards biting into his thumb as he went spreading a small trail of blood across his arm as he marched forwards into the open expanse of snow covered earth between his forces and the impressive form of Doto's keep. As his blood touched the black mark the mark's eyes shown bright red as a voice suddenly made itself clear in his mind as though he was standing across from the person.

"So.. that wasn't long Priest have you found trouble so quickly?" called Alduin in a mocking tone from withe the boys mind.

"Now Master Alduin what would make you think that?" replied Naruto the smile on his lips carrying with every word he spoke causing the dragon to huff out an amused chuckle.

"Because I know you Priest, so for what do I owe this call?" asked the beast as Naruto allowed his mind to open wide his memories over the past few weeks to flood over the link into Alduin allowing the dragon to see all that he had. After a moment Alduin let out a small deep troughed laugh.

"So our Priest is the Swirling Dragon of Snow a fitting title for one of our priests indeed. It seems Konahrik has lead you to worthy battle, we of the clan will be honored to purge this fool that fancies himself a ruler. Prepare the sight my Priest today the Dragons spread their wings over snow!" finished Alduin as the link was severed. With a wide smile Naruto raised his hand up the white crystal dust of ice magic floating around his arms as he swiped them forward ice suddenly springing up into a wide circle upon the open field. As both armies watch Naruto bent pushing his still dripping palm onto the ice as a howling set of words flooded from his masked form. Soon there was an odd red glow that slowly worked its way through the ice circle causing each block of ice to shine out a violent radiance to the surrounding snow causing it to glow in turn.

Just as Doto's remaining forces began to start wondering what was occurring and Naruto's own forces began to question whether their leader had lost his mind the circle closed as blue flames erupted from it causing a disk of pure blue flame to lance out towards the sky accompanied by a howling cry that caused battle hardened men to go weak at the knee.

Then they came. Monstrous forms their wings spread wide as they pelted one after another out of the portal as they took to the skies each adding their own roar to the course as their number grew. Finally just as it seemed that they would block out the sky with their number Alduin came, his black wings like great blades, his eyes glowing red with battle fire, and his massive form landing beside Naruto as he turned to face Doto's forces an eager poise to his posture.

Naruto in turn looked over at his forces that at first were stunned speechless at the appearance of the dragons. Then out of the forces came one cheer, followed by another until the force was now cheering their voices raised in time with the dragons in the tongue Naruto had called upon when entering into every one of their victories.

"YEIN FAAL DOVAH BROOD WAH KRONGRAH!" (hail the dragon clan to victory) came the call from the hundreds of men as they raised their weapons high, their voices rising up to be joined by the dragons in turn echoing the cry till the very ground shook with its roar. Beside Alduin's massive form Naruto raised his own arm his dragon dagger shining in the light as he turned pointing his blade towards where Doto's forces were beginning to collapse from the horror before them.

Without a word Naruto charged, and with him came the dragons, and all of those of snow who wished to reclaim their land. They charged Doto's keep as the dragon fire fell, following the man who had led them to their freedom. Following Snow's Whirling Dragon.

The outer forces crumbled even as the walls of the fortress shattered under the dragon fire, as Naruto's forces plowed forwards swarming over the defenders driving forwards toward the heart of the fortress.

At the head of the main force Naruto shot his way deeper into the fortress slamming bolts of ice, or words of power into any who stood in his way carving his way deeper and deeper until he reached the throne room, its columned halls open as a tall figure dressed in what Naruto could only guess was a more modified version of the Chakra armor he had seen on the man's forces stood at one end of the long room. As the blonde burst into the room Doto turned a face full of fury upon him howling in a mix of madness and rage at the one who was even now bringing his world to ruin.

"I suppose you would be Doto?" called Naruto as he rolled his shoulders taking a few steps so that he stood cross the open hall facing the man his masked face showing a blank expression towards the larger man. Doto in turn sneered at the masked figure his eyes traveling down the figures mane of blond hair to his simple orange robes and battle worn pants.

"And you would be the supposed dragon of snow, ha you look more like a carnival performer. Still your power is commendable surrender to me now, serve me and I will forgive your transgressions, continue to oppose me and I will dash you upon the peaks of snow." Called Doto as around him three shinobi materialized all wearing advanced suits of chakra armor, apparently being Doto's elite guard. Naruto in turn looked down at his clothing before looking back to Doto as he pulled his mask from his face allowing it to slip back to sit upon his blond hair showing his slitted eyes, and now slightly scaled cheeks.

"I suppose my dress may seem a bit off for this world, but I must say coming from a man who dresses his forces in jumpsuits I think you'll forgive me if it don't start taking fashion advice from you. Oh and for the offer to surrender allow me to offer you one in return. Surrender now, and maybe just maybe I'll make your death quick, fight me and I will bring all you hold dear to ruin." Called Naruto as the pale light, and flecks of frost moved slowly from his clenched fist to his elbows causing the youth to give off an ominous glow that caused his eyes to shine out brighter in the shadows the light pressed upon his face. Despite himself Doto as well as his elite guard felt themselves shiver at the figure before them. But if Doto whether through anger, or fear pushed these feelings back throwing his fist forwards as chakra blazed around his armored fists.

"DAMN YOU KNEEL BEFORE ME! BLACK DRAGON BLIZZARD!" howled the man as from his gauntleted fists to blackened forms slithered out before blasting forwards at the youth their gaping mouths showing a blood red hue as they shot across the floor at him. Beside their master the three shinobi leapt as well charging after the blast as it raced across the pillared hall the red light eliminated the fierce grin of the blond just before it impacted kicking up a cloud of black dust around the boy.

As the attack connected Doto let out with a belting laugh of triumph his mind already showing him images of his victory. As he watched his three shinobi disappeared into the cloud confident in their soon to be victory. From inside the cloud there came a small sound of shouts followed by an odd sound of tearing metal. His smile faulted as he saw Fubuki the kunoichi of the group hurtling out of the smoke several gleaming golden blade slammed into her chakra armor spearing it even as blood seeped through the many spots causing her to cry out in obvious pain, her arms bent under her at odd angles. Fubuki's pink hair now hung limply around her face her green eyes flashing as she looked back at the cloud even as a trail of blood flowed gently from her lips.

"Wh-what the fuck is he?" she managed before her wounds overcame her and she fell limply to the ground unconscious. As Doto saw this another cry rang out as Mizore the largest of the three stumbled out his right arm incased in ice that Doto realized with horror had bitten into his flesh dying the clear surface red with his blood.

Mizore turned his face contorted in fury as he brought his prostatic arm to bear firing his clawed hand into the smoke with a cry of rage. There was a satisfying sound of impact and for a moment Doto and Mizore allowed a smile to cross their faces. Then with a wrenching sound the cord still clinging to Mizore's prostatic arm went taught before the man found himself being pulled forwards stumbling forwards his face contorted in fear. Just as he reached the edge of the cloud of black snow there was a ripping sound as Doto watched his elite shinobi's back burst forth from several spires of ice dyed red forming a grotesque kind of flower as the man fell forward his arm and head clinking upon the stone floor as he impacted it. This took what little calm Doto had retained and smashed it causing him to cry out in fear and anger.

"NADAR KILL HIM!" cried the man as the blackened snow and dust finally began to settle. As it slowly worked its way down the man froze at the sight before him. There was Nadar…his most elite shinobi…his greatest warrior…frozen. Nadar was completely incased in ice, his form contorted in a look of silent horror as his mouth stretched wide the ghost of his final scream frozen before it could find voice. And there, beside him was Naruto standing just where he had been his arm lightly holding a metal cable he let fall with a small clatter to the stone floor as he fixed Doto with his glowing eyes.

"I see so you are no true warrior, just a cowards that throws others before him." spoke Naruto as he marched forward past the dead shinobi pausing for a moment to give the barely alive Fubuki a small glace before idly speaking a word of power that caused her wounds to close but did not revive her. True she was an enemy but she at least had been wise enough to flee from the fight, and to kill a defeated enemy was not the way of the dragon clan. Looking back Naruto found Doto taking shaking steps back as the blond approached his armored form shaking giving a dim sound of tinkling metal that reverberated around the pillared room.

"ST-op I'll give you the kingdom anything, anything women, land, riches anything just spare me." cried the man as Naruto stepped forwards till he stood at the base of the stairs leading up to the throne. As the blond looked up a small knowing look his face curled into a small smile at the shivering man above him.

"Spare you… no you have destroyed this land, its people, and its heart. You have drawn blades against the innocent and guilty alike, and you have thrown everyone you could in front of yourself just to prolong your pathetic life. No Doto this is where you end, but take heart the celebration that follows your fall will likely go down in history, after all we of the Dragon clan are as good at celebrating as we are at fighting…and I think you know just how good we are at fighting." Chuckled Naruto even as his forces charged into the room halting at the sight of the decimated shinobi and Doto cowering before their leader. The crowd watched in silence as Naruto spoke again.

"So Doto I have only one thing to say to you." Called Naruto as he gathered the words into his lungs looking up at the man, who was looking around panicking to escape a pair of wings bursting out of his armored back as he looked to flee up. However, he was too late as Naruto's voice rang out the power flying out with it to end his ambitions.

"FO KRAH DIIN!" cried the blonde as a howling wind blew forth from his mouth freezing the very air as it passed. As it reached Doto he found himself suddenly caught as the ice swept over him upon until it formed the massive spiked wave of ice that formed a massive spike sheet incasing half of the room in sudden biting cold. Naruto gave his work a small look before he turned to see his forces looking on their mouths open wide in shock at what they had just seen. Then there was a call.

"DOTO IS DEAD! THE LAND IS FREE! THE DRAGONS HAVE FREED US! YEIN FAAL DOVAH BROOD! YEIN FAAL DOVAH BROOD!" came the call that soon found itself coming from as many lungs as it could find as outside the roars of the dragons took up the celebration as they perched upon the burnt and frozen battlements. So Doto's rule came to an end amongst the cry and cheers of the dragon tongue. Naruto had not overstated the celebrations of the dragon clan, and once news spread of Doto's demise the land of snow celebrated so loud it was said the elemental nations shook with their triumphant calls.

Several weeks later found a huge boat moving slowly over towards a massive island of ice out in the sea not far from snow's boarders. As the crew disembarked Naruko headed over to plop down on a small outcropping of ice, privately thanking her mother for insisting she seal away her gear. Currently the girl was dressed in a simple white coat and pants, accented with deep blue at the joints as well as a bright red Uzumaki swirl across the back. As the film grew got to work on their movie the blond girl let out a small huff as she let her mind wander her eyes lazily scanning the waters.

So we have a spoiled actress to babysit, great this is just what I always wanted…still at least Mom managed to find out Naruto might be alive…Maybe I can look for him once we get to snow…still I guess there isn't much I can do with Kakashi shadowing me all the time. Hm what's that? Finished the girl pulled from her thoughts at the sight of something black on the horizon moving slowly.

At first she thought it must be some kind of flock of birds or something, but after a moment her body tensed as it seemed to turn and head towards them picking up some speed as it moved. Naruko sprang up turning to run back to the theater group calling out to them causing team seven as well as all those present to turn just in time to see the massive form of an airship moving towards them. As team seven fell in to a defensive pattern and the film crew turned their camera's up towards the ship as it halted above their position.

There was a tense moment as team seven along with the crew watched the strange craft not knowing what was about to happen. Then as if in answer to their questioning stares a small area upon the ship opened as a platform slowly lowered with several armored figures upon it. As the platform came nearer Naruko noted that the figures upon it looked to be wearing the kind of armor she had seen in Iron when she had been traveling with Jiraiya, except unlike the grey of the samurai this armor was black, and carved with what she could only describe as descriptive carvings depicting some kind of creature. Beside Naruko Kakashi's visible eye went slightly wide as he noted that under the samurai armor he saw the grey lining and tubs that identified it as chakra armor, looking closer he saw also the small lumps at the back of each armored figure where the reactor must lay heavily armored. Kakashi couldn't help but worry at the impressive armaments of those approaching, wondering just what these figures could want with a simple theater group.

As the platform landed three of the armored figures stepped off their armored head turning towards the group before them pausing for a moment upon the shinobi before turning back to where the actors and director look on in apparent confusion.

"We are the Vanguard of Snow; you have entered into our land without announcing yourselves. Your vessel does not appear to be a ship of war, nor do you seem to be more than actors, however, I will need your leader to identify themselves." Called the apparent leader as he reached up to pull off his armored helm showing a simple face his hair hanging slightly over his neck along with a well grown beard set below two black eyes that looked around the group. As his mask fell there was a small intake of breath that caused the armored man to turn, his eyes going slightly wide as he focused on Yukie's assistant. Everyone in turn looked over at the spectacle wearing man his own gray bearded mouth open in apparent shock at the man before him.

"Toku? But but you couldn't be working for Doto?" called Sandayu as the film crew including Yukie who seemed to freeze up at the sound of her uncles name. Meanwhile Kakashi's eyes swiveled around to settling on Yukie as his mind recalled his failed mission all those years ago. Suddenly things clicked into place as the sharingan welder recognized Yukie as Koyuki Kazahana…and if that was the case then the men here were…damn it looked like things were escalating quickly. However, before Kakashi made a move Toku broke out into a wide smile as his eyes found Sandayu.

"Sandayu! You old man you're alive. It's good to see you." Called the armored figures as he moved forwards towards the grey haired man who looked at a complete loss as to what was happening. Sandayu seemed among them as Toku reached him grasping the man's hands and shaking them in apparent happiness.

"Bu-but Toku what are you doing here?' asked the obviously shaken Sandayu as Toku gave him a wide grin and the guards relaxed along with the film crew, as team seven looked on a little confused as where they currently stood. Seeing the obvious confusion on his old friends face Toku turned to address the man.

"Sandayu here to find Doto is dead, snow is free, we did it old friend our home is safe again Lord Sosetsu is avenged." Spoke the armored man as Sandayu's legs seemed to give out on him as he slipped slightly looking up at the armored man.

"He-he's dead…our land…our home?" spluttered the man as Toku smiled down at him.

"Yes old friend we are free at long last." Replied the man as he smiled around his eyes landing on Koyuki, as his eyes went wide.

"Sandayu…is that…can it be?" asked the man not believing his own eyes as Sandayu looked around then back to the man nodding his head.

"Yes it is," replied the grey haired man turning to face a still stunned Koyuki. "Princess your home…its free…we are free at long last." Called Sandayu as the film crew and team seven turned to see Koyuki looking conflicted at what she should be feeling, her mind suddenly blank at hearing the source of her nightmares had been slayed. Soon Toku as well as His fellow armored solders moved over to stand before Koyuki each bowing their heads to the woman, though Kakashi noted not taking a knee.

"Princess Koyuki Kazahana it does our hearts good to see you alive we had not dared hope that we might see you once again. Please you must come with us, our lord will be excited to meet you." Spoke Toku as he rose Sandayu along with Koyuki and Kakashi looking at the man as he spoke with open concern.

"Your lord, but Toku Princess Koyuki is our lord." Started Sandayu as Toku turned to him wish a small shake of his head.

"I am afraid not old friend, while it is wonderful to see lady Kazahana safe once more, our lord is the one who lead us to take back our country. We owe him too much to simply push him aside at the return of the princess." Replied Toku bowing slightly in apology to Koyuki as he spoke.

"Who is this lord?" Koyuki suddenly asked her tone a bit sharp. True she had no true wish to be the leader of snow, but to hear her Uncle was slain and the kingdom now under another banner left her feeling somehow empty, as though the Kazahana clan had truly ended its time in snow. Toku in response turned to her has he placed his helm back on.

"He is known as Snows Swirling Dragon my lady, or the dragon lord, he wishes to keep his own name private to those outside of his nation. Should you wish to know more we would be happy to escort you and your fellows into the kingdom as I have said our lord will be most pleased to meet you?" Finished Toku as he stepped to one side offering the platform to the woman. In reply the dark haired women looked round at her assistant then to team seven before turning back to face the open platform.

"I assume my assistant and guards are welcome with me?" asked the women her tone carrying a touch of authority to it. In reply Toku nodded again stepped back allowing Koyuki, along with her assistant and team seven to move onto the platform. Toku then turned to address the crew.

"We will notify the patrols of your ship you are welcome in the land of snow as thanks for brining Koyuki to us, rest assured should it be her wish we will return her to you after she meets with our lord. If you wish you may follow us to the capital." Finished the man as he boarded the airship.

A few hours later found the airship passing through mountains Naruko looking out of the windows with open excitement as Kakashi privately wondered just what kind of man the dragon lord could be as Sakura and Sasuke kept up their usual back and forth.

"This is so awesome I've never seen anything like this, how do we stay up?" called Naruko as one of the armored figured turned to her a small chuckle coming from beneath his armored helm.

"Sorry kid country secret, though I have to say it is pretty breathtaking seeing snow from this view, makes me happy to know we are safe again under the dragon lord." Finished the man as Naruko turned to him with a smile on her face. Whatever else was happening the solders on this ship seemed friendlier than their impressive armor and arms might suggest.

"Hey why do you call him the dragon lord anyway, I mean dragons aren't real?" Naruko half asked as she looked over at the man as another of his fellows moved into the room catching her comment and chuckling at it.

"Ya we though the same till the lord came, but I was there at the final charge, there are dragons kid and believe you me nothing you have ever seen compares with what they are like. Heck there was one who was the size of this ship black as night." Said the man spreading is arms out to indicate the ship around him. From beside him the other armored man let out a huff.

"Ya right I was there, you were in the back of the army even they looked like ants to you, I was in the front, and I saw the lord ride a pair into battle spitting fire as he went." Replied his fellow as Naruko looked between the pair in wonder. This continued until their captain Toku walked by calling a halt to their antics. After that Naruko watched the land race under them for a time before deciding to move to the rear to see what their employer was up to.

As she reached the back of the ship she found Koyuki sitting alone her eyes gazing out over the land as it swept by a lost look on her face as they moved forwards. This seemed odd to the blond girl who decided to investigate just what was going on with her usual amount of subtlety.

"What's up with you, I mean shouldn't you be happy, from what we've heard the man who drove you out is gone, your kingdom is safe, and we are on our way to the capital, and here you are moping like someone told you your film bombed at the premier." Called Naruko as Koyuki fixed him with an angry look that marred her beautiful face.

"What would you know? I never asked for this, I never wanted to come back to this country, and look it doesn't need me here, so you tell me why I should care?" spoke the women her voice heavy with emotion. Naruko in turn glared back at the woman her thoughts turning to the own tragedy of her family, the fact her only home was more like prison, and that fact that she didn't even know if she could ever have something like a safe home.

As all of this flipped a switch in the blond as she marched forwards her blond hair going a little wild as her whisker marks darkened and her purple eyes suddenly folded down into angry slits. Koyuki only had a moment to look surprised before Naruko's hands closed around the front of her pink kimono pulling her close so she could see the girl's slitted eyes.

"Look here you selfish brat you think you have it tough now that you have a home, people that want you there, so don't you dare whine to me about having what you don't want, guess what life isn't fare! So either grow up or learn to whine to someone who doesn't know how cruel the world can be." Finished Naruko as she dropped the woman back onto her seat looking a little frightened as Naruko turned and moved out of the room. Just as Koyuki was watching Naruko leave Kakashi stepped around the door looking over at the princess with a look she couldn't quite identify.

"Try not to judge her too harshly, she learned a few years ago that her brother was abducted and killed before she ever knew him. Thanks to that she and her mother suffered a bit of a breakdown…it's been hard on her." finished Kakashi as the lights above them flashed and a voice came over the intercom announcing they would be landing soon. Kakashi then left to talk to Naruko about what the princess had gone through at the fall of her kingdom hoping to calm his student from any further outburst.

As the ship continued its decent inside what was once Doto's fortress Naruto was sitting on the thrown his head leaned back as he let out a heavy sigh, ideally rubbing his head.

"Come on I told them I didn't sign up for this; Konahrik you dead bastard what did I ever do to deserve having to deal with running a country, I don't want to deal with this kind of stuff." Muttered Naruto as beside the throne a small laugh came out of the darkness.

"Oh ya agreeing to join you was well worth it, heck if I wanted to get back at you all I have to do is let you keep this job." Chuckled a female voice as Naruto coked his head to the side.

"Remind me again why I let you join the guard Fubuki?" called Naruto as a small bit of laughter range out from the darkness.

"Cause I'm one of the few trained shinobi in this village, and I have an understanding of Doto's weapons and plans which I gave you, after you became my employer, and what was that last thing, oh ya cause you partied a bit too hard, and I ended up getting to know you personally." Chuckled Fubuki as Naruto groaned.

"I need to learn to stop taking every drinking challenge I enter into, it always ends with me waking up beside a crazy woman." Finished the blond as Fubuki let out another laugh as one of Naruto's new advisors moved into the hall drawing his attention forwards.

"My lord it seems the Vanguard has come across someone at our boarders, it seems that Princess Koyuki is alive and is headed here now!" called the man in apparent excitement. Naruto in turn looked forward his mask still in place despite the formal robes they had forced him to wear ever since they had made it clear he was going to be their new leader. He couldn't quite fault their logic as they insisted if he didn't take the position then infighting may break out or worse someone else might take control, so he had taken the post. Over the few weeks they had focused on running as much damage control as they could. So now the reluctant king found himself forced into formal blue and white robes with a bright orange sash. His one saving grace was that he was able to keep his mask though this only made him appear even more like some old demon lord to those who didn't know him.

"The princess? Huh maybe I can get out of this job after all, was there anyone with her?" asked the blonde as the man smiled at his lords apparent satisfaction.

"Yes my lord, it seems she was traveling with some guards shinobi from Konoha, if the markings described were correct." Continued the advisor. He was suddenly silenced as a heavy chill ran throughout the room, the temperature dropping sharply as ice began to form along the throne as well as the man's body as his thoughts turned to his past. Fubuki started to become worried as the ice inched its way closer to her position before Naruto manage to push his anger down, the ice slowly fading.

Calm Naruto….calm down remember Alduin's words, if a town is rotten it will be burnt, but to burn the innocent along with the villain is to become a villain as well… Those responsible will pay if I get the chance…but I need to stay calm… these shinobi may be only genin…children heck from what Alduin said time passes differently here, those bastards could all be long dead for all I know… finished Naruto taking a deep breath as she let the ice and anger fade from him as he looked down to where the advisor was shaking slightly. With a heave Naruto pushed himself up off of the throne moving down to the man.

"Sorry councilor, old memories that's all, this is great news go and announce the good news you all fought long and hard to see your land free, and this is your victory. Just have the princess come to me at some point alright." Finished Naruto the councilor still slightly panicked from the man's anger but thankfully reassured by his words as he turned to prepare the greeting. Naruto in turn moved back to try and focus before he meets the princess of the Kazahana family. After all he still had to ask her what was up with the machine they had found under the ice that Doto had been so interested in finding.

As the ship landed Koyuki and team seven emerged to the cheers of everyone in in the castle, from the simplest staff to the palace guard everyone stood at attention cheering the return of princess Koyuki. As the group moved forwards team seven couldn't help noticing the armored figures scattered about. What also drew Naruko's eyes were areas of the building and walls that looked as though they were under construction, some looking as though a great claw had torn into the very stone. Idly she started to think that the stories of dragons may not be that far off.

The group continued forward moving into the carpeted halls of the palace through room after room until they found themselves standing in a great pillared throne room that still showed signs of recent conflict. However, now their focus was drawn forwards to where the throne stood a tall blonde figure his face obscured by a golden mask that seemed to glow slightly stood, a pair of figures at his side, one an older man obviously some kind of advisor, and to his right a women dressed in what appeared to be a customized version of the armor adorning the others, more flexible plates covering her form, as what looked like a matched pair of clawed gauntlets gleamed on her fist. As the group approached him, Naruto made his way down till the two groups stood facing each other Naruto stepping forwards with a small incline of his head.

"Princess Koyuki I assume, may I welcome you back to Snow I recognize that this may not have been the way you wish to return to your home, but know your people are at least safe." Spoke Naruto looking around as he finished looking across the four members of team seven vaguely noting the familiar look of Sakura and Sasuke as he did. Huh well there you go guess I'm not the short on out of our year anymore…hm don't recognize the blonde girl…strange she seems familiar to me for some reason.

As Naruto finished he words Koyuki let out an annoyed breath before looking up over at the blonde with a look of someone not please to be there.

"Well my lord I must say when I hear of the great dragon lord I didn't think it would be some man in a mask. I suppose you want me to marry you or something so that you can remain in control of this nation." Koyuki spoke her eyes narrowed, as she looked into the masked face. She knew that someone who had just fought to take the nation back from her uncle wouldn't just be looking to hand it over to her. She was to be a prisoner her dressed up to be wed so that another man could claim power…but if this masked man thought he would get away with it so easily he had another thing coming. Naruto however surprised her with his response.

"Well aren't we a bitch, and here I thought you would behave a little more lady like from your films, I saw one recently and I have to say the only thing worse than your acting is you attitude. I don't care if you want your throne back, heck I'd be happy to give it to you. As for marriage, sorry but I'm not looking to settle down, and besides you wear too much makeup for me." replied Naruto everyone looked at the masked man stunned at what he had just said. Koyuki looked as though someone had slapped her across the face as around the room those guards present looked between the pair not knowing what to think.

"Ho-how dare you!" Koyuki started before Naruto took a step forwards his masked face drawing closer to the woman's as he did.

"No princess, you wish to drop formalities and decorum, fine but be ready for me to do the same, I'm not some pompous noble who will banter about with words, they are the weapons of the weak. My actions are what I stand by; I came to this land and fought, along with everyone in this room to free this land. You acting like we are thieves here to plunder what we have not earned is an insult to every man and woman who bled to free this nation and I will hear none of it in my presence. So go back to your movies, go run and hide or stay in your home as the people hope you will, I couldn't care less, but if you stay know that I do not judge on titles I judge on the person, and I don't see much before me." He finished. Koyuki in turn pulled back her hand as if to strike the man as he let a small pulse of cold prompting team seven to jump before Koyuki before the masked man could attack one another.

"Hold it there we are tasked with protecting Koyuki, and we'd rather not have to fight so let's all just keep calm." Kakashi spoke trying to keep the situation from escalating. Naruto in turn looked over at the man the ice fading from his body.

"Relax Shinobi I do not start fights, I just end them." Spoke Naruto as he turned back to face Koyuki.

"You are free to do as you like, but I must ask one thing of you before go on your way, it seems your father left something here buried in the ice. Some think it a weapon while others assure me it is nothing dangerous and that your father would never have created such a device, whatever the case I do not like the people of this land living on what could be a sleeping giant. If you know what this device is or how to deactivate it I ask that you tell Me." finished the blond as he looked over at the woman who idly grabbed at the necklace that hung around her neck.

"So that's it you want power just like Doto." Fired Koyuki as Naruto paused before letting out a heavy laugh that reverberated around the room before looking back to her, and even through the mask the group could tell he was smiling.

"Princess the one thing I don't need is power, if it makes you feel better you have my word and the word of every one under my command that if this is a weapon we will destroy it by our own hands, now I ask you what do you know?" finished the blonde his tone making it painfully clear that this was the end of their conversation. The dark haired women seemed to pause before letting out a heavy breath.

"Fine take me there and I'll show you, but I want a guard with me one of mine." Shot the woman as Naruto shrugged her words off.

"Do as you wish, pick a guard to accompany you it matters not to me, but we will have to go tomorrow, for now make yourselves at home." Finished the masked man as he turned moving away from the group as the guards moved to show the princess and her guards to the royal chambers. As the group left Naruko cast a look back at the form of Naruto noting oddly that from the back with that long yellow hair he kind of looked like the pictures that Jiraiya had shown her of her father.

Later that night Naruko found that she just could not get to sleep no matter what she tried. After failing to find any rest in her bed she had decided to slip out to take a walk through the halls letting the cool snowy air relax her. As she turned a corner a small balcony opened up showing the mountains glowing bright in the moonlight. So beautiful was the scene that she didn't recognize the presence of the other figures until she had already stepped past them and out to the railing so captivation was the landscape before her.

"Beautiful isn't it." Spoke a voice that caused the blonde girl to jump slightly turning to find the dragon lord standing beside her his masked face looking out over the expanse of land.

"Hey don't scare me like that!" called Naruko as the masked figure let out a small chuckle.

"I was here first kid, you walked right past me, I thought kunoichi were supposed to be observant." Replied the man the kind of a smile playing through his words as Naruko gave him an annoyed look.

"Hey I'm not a kid I'm a kunoichi, and besides you shouldn't be lecturing anyone after how you acted to princess Koyuki." Fired back Naruko ignoring her own actions against the women. After Kakashi had explained the situation to her, Naruko had found herself slightly sorry for her earlier words and it didn't help that the man before her was poking fun at her. In reply the masked man let out another small bark of laughter.

"I suppose not, but then again I never claimed to be lord…no I'm just a dragon plain and simple." He replied getting a small snort from Naruko.

"Ya right." She replied as Naruto turned his mask down to her.

"Oh does the little kunoichi doubt me I'm hurt." Joked the masked man his tone making Naruko even more annoyed at each passing second.

"That's it you and me right now! You say actions over words well then show it!" called Naruko pointing a figure over at the man. Naruto in turn spread his arms wide at this challenge his voice carrying a happy tone to it as he replied.

"Ha you have fire after all that is the spirit, come little kunoichi I would be happy to offer you a chance to prove your words!" replied the man as he turned leading her out into a training field within the castle walls.

The two blondes moved out into an open patch of land surrounded by a small wall where the snow lay uninterrupted across the land forming a smooth white carpet that the two trudged through. As they neared the center the masked man began tugging off his robs showing a scarred but muscular build under them, as he drew the sash of his pants tight around him. Naruko had been sleeping with her clothing on so moved simply to stand across form the still masked man dropping into form as she did.

"Well little kunoichi as you are my guest the first move is yours, let's see what you've got." Called the man as Naruko gritted her teeth in annoyance shooting forwards across the snowy ground her feet kicking up small tufts of snow that glinted in the moonlight. As she reached the man she swung a fist up to catch the man's chin but found herself only hitting air as the blond stepped back almost lazily swinging a leg out to catch her in the chest and flinging her back across the snow.

"Good you don't hold back, shows you respect your opponent, you may be a kunoichi after all." called the man as Naruko let out a yell charging forwards again to swing a roundhouse kick at the man who caught her leg in one hand before spinning her around letting her fall face first into the snow. With a snarl Naruko forced her hand under her pushing up swinging her feet up as to deliver a kick at the masked man's face. Naruto in turn simply shifted his head to one side allowing the legs to pass by him before grabbing hold of them and swinging her round to fling away causing her to skip across the snow again.

So it went on Naruko would attack with everything she had, and Naruto would redirect or simply bock the moves one after another. As the time passed Naruko found herself smiling slightly despite herself, the challenge of the fight overcoming her anger, as she simply let herself pump the anger and frustration she had been feeling into every attack and letting them slip away along with those strikes. Naruto too found himself enjoying the little spar remembering back to his own time when Kurai had tossed him around like a ragdoll. This girl reminded him so much of himself it was almost scary, and the dragon priest found himself simply marveling in her determination. Finally as the moon reached the top of its cycle Naruko dropped to the ground breathing hard as she looked across at where the masked man stood apparently not even winded for the exchange.

"Do-don't you ever get tired." Called the girl as she tried to catch her breath. Naruto in reply moved forwards dropping into a squat so that his masked face hung down over the girls own, casting a show over her eyes.

"I'm a dragon remember." Chuckled the man as Naruko found herself laughing despite her best efforts, as he offered her a hand up. Naruko accepted the offer allowing the man to pull her up before he moved over to collect his discarded robes. As he finished he turned to her the moon causing his mask and body to glow slightly as the white world around them cast a light upon the pair.

"So it seems I owe you an apology you aren't a little Kunoichi after all your will burns bright as any I have meet, care to tell me your name." called the blonde as Naruko looked over at him as small smirk on her face.

"Fine but only if you show me your face." Called the girl as Naruto gave a shrug pulling back the mask to show his scaled cheeks and bright blue slitted eyes. As Naruko looked across at the man, her eyes focusing for a moment on the man's shining slitted eyes before moving around the rest of his face pausing at the small sharp smile he was wearing. She felt she knew that face form somewhere…it was so familiar, yet she just couldn't place it. After a moment the mask returned and the feeling left as she let out a sigh.

"Hey is that a blood line or something I mean those eyes and those cheeks." Called the girl as the mask slipped back down.

"Nope sorry as I said I am a dragon Kunoichi, now it's your turn." Finished the man as he finished pulling his robes back on.

"Ya ya the names Naruko Uzumaki Namikaze!" replied the girl with a fox like grin. It was fortunate that Naruto had a mask on at that time as his face suddenly feel into an open mouthed stared…she had said Uzumaki…h-he had family. His brain tried to process this face, but it didn't seem to be working. Naruko seemed to notice the man's momentary pause stepping forwards.

"Hey what's up Mr. Dragon Lord?" asked Naruko the happiness from their spar still lying upon her. The words were enough to snap Naruto out of his stupor and to set his mind in motion again. Something was going on here, looking down he noted the girl did look a lot like him…maybe…just maybe and that name…something was definitely up.

Konahrik you bastard is this why I'm here… because I have blood here… but something isn't right about this…I'll need to find out what's going on here…still I have family…by the old ones I may even have a sister before me now. Thought the blond as despite himself he grinded down at the blond girl before him. I guess if nothing else I know that I'm not alone…I guess this calls for a celebration.

"Nothing Naruko, I was just thinking I haven't had a good spar in weeks, I think you deserve a little reward." Replied the blond as he pulled back his sleeve exposing the dragon marking Naruko had noticed during their fight. She watched as Naruto pricked a figure before placing it on the seal and calling out in a language she didn't understand. A moment later a small opening seemed to tear itself in the sky before them as a massive form shot out circling once before coming to rest before the pair. Naruko felt her mouth flop open in shock at the sight before her, as the massive form of an honest to kami dragon looked down at the pair.

"Yo Bartan meet Naruko mind giving us a quick fly around she has a fire that I think calls for a reward." Called Naruto as the dragon inclined its head looking over at Naruko with one reptilian eye.

"I suppose I can help you this time, but that means you have to look after my sisters next time they get anxious." Replied the massive beast its tone carrying a light hearted ness that helped to put Naruko at ease.

"Ya, ya, come on Naruko I doubt you have every flown like this before." Called the masked man as he leapt up onto the dragons back waving for her to join him. The girl turned her violent eyes up to the blond figure above her finding a smile playing across her face.

"THIS IS AWSOME!" she called as she leapt up and the dragon shot off into the moon lite sky.

Ok done that's it for the first chapter. I hope this helps you get a writer to pick up your story, I think it has a lot of potential; I tried to keep as many of the elements from your challenge in play while adding things that I thought could help the story grow. If I might say this strikes me as a good challenge for a VFSNAKE style of story, not too long, not too much development, but just enough to have a lot of fun with. Still I hope that you enjoy this bit and that it helps to get what you want to see out onto the site.

Songbird out.