Got another chapter of Red Fox for you all. I have written maybe enough for one more chapter after this which I am still reviewing for upload. After that it might be a while before I update it as I am currently in a little bit of a dead end as to where I am going with this. Until then I may go back and do some editing on previous chapters so as to fit my current writing style. Maybe polish it up a bit. That said here is the next chapter. Enjoy.

Chapter 6

The next morning at the gate Naruto summons Sora. Handing him a scroll and a picture he also creates a clone. "This is Itachi. He may have a partner with him in which case be wary. Give him the scroll and tell him to meet my clone at our usual place. Kisame is welcome but information is secure." Sora nods. "Lord Weise says summons for the Sage have been called a lot recently. They share our realm, so we keep tabs on them. Somebody has the rinnegan Naruto. Be careful." Naruto stiffens and growls. "Jiraya has much to answer for. Once you finish this task go to the Hokage and request the right to call him back to Konoha. If questioned say one of his old students' lives. Tell him if he does anything stupid my previous threat stands." "Got it Naruto. Good hunting and clear skies."

Sora takes off at sonic speed to the west. "If you are about to dispel before meeting Itachi summon a clone to notify me and leave him a summons to Konoha dated for 2 weeks from today. If I cannot get to him in that time, I will send somebody I trust." The clone salutes and runs off to the meeting place. Once again Naruto summons. This time it's a black dragon about five times his size. "Ahh lord Naruto. Weise speaks highly of our summoner. I am Shun. How may I help?" "A pleasure to meet you Shun. I need to get to Kumo fast. Also, I appreciate if while I wear this mask you all refer to me as Red Fox." Shun nods. "Very well. Kumo huh? Hmmm shouldn't take more than 3 days to get there but you will likely be tired when we arrive."

Naruto climbs on his back and holds on with chakra. "It's fine Shun. A hard life has made me tougher than most and even if it didn't Anbu are trained to go days without sleep. I will manage." Shun chuckles. "Hold on." Shun takes off fast. Not as fast as Sora but it is still impressive. The sight of a black dragon leaving Konoha is a sight to the people leaving many in awe. Anko is meeting her friends on their usual tea shop to talk about his mission when they see it. "He'll be fine Anko and back before you know it." She smiles. "I know Nai Nai. He promised after all." Yugao chuckles. "Good. Then it's a sure thing." Hana cocks her head. "Why's that?" Yugao smiles. "He never breaks a promise and he has never made one he can't keep." Kurenai smiles.

"So, what is everybody doing for the next couple weeks?" Hana frowns. "Still working in the vet. We still can't figure out what's attacking the animals around Konoha or track it down and Mom has ordered the Inuzuka to keep all their ninken in at night just to be sure." Anko nods. "I'll talk to the Hokage about it. If nothing can be done, then I'll see if Naruto has any ideas when he gets back." "Thanks, Anko. Honestly this is tiring me out." Kurenai grins. "As for me I got a date with Iruka."
Anko cackles. "Somehow I figured if you didn't stick around with us then you would end up with Asuma. Dunno why though." Kurenai shrugs. "I tried him, but I can't get him to quit smoking and he's too lazy." Yugao shrugs. "Not sure myself. Thinking of leaving Anbu now that I hit captain. Maybe I'll start looking into taking on an apprentice for Kenjutsu. Maybe that Tenten girl."

Anko raises an eyebrow. "That might be a good idea. She's already known as the weapon mistress of Konoha and Naruto has her interested in Anbu so some training from an ex-anbu would help her out." Yugao facepalms. "Forgot about that." Tapping her chin in thought. "Maybe I should set her up with some of the other Jounin as well." Anko nods. "Her taijutsu is good, decent in fuin and potential in kenjutsu is there but she lacks Ninjutsu and Genjutsu experience. Consequences of having Guy as a sensei. She got unlucky with her opponent in round 2 of the exams and got beat by that wind user because of it." Meanwhile a certain panda looking girl is sneezing nonstop. "Are you alright Tenten? It would not do any good to catch something. It would be most unyouthful." She waves off her green clad teammate. "I'm fine Lee. Probably somebody talking about me."

3 days later just outside Kumo

Naruto tumbles off Shun. "You didn't mention the reason I would be tired is Oxygen deprivation." Shun looks sheepish which is a little strange for a dragon. "Sorry. I didn't think it would affect you that much. To compensate for being slower than some of the others I fly higher, so I'm used to it." Naruto waves it off. "I was wondering how to improve my wind element further anyway. Good thing I mastered it to the degree I did, or I would have passed out yesterday."

This discussion is the sight a squad of Kumo's Thunder legion came upon. Thunder legion being Kumo's version of Anbu. Not sure what to do they fall back on protocol. Carefully surrounding Naruto, the leader steps forward. "Please dismiss your summon and state your Name and Business in Kumo territory." Naruto's eyes flick to the man before he slowly sits up and rolls his eyes. "You can go Shun. Thanks for the help." Shun nods and poofs away.

Naruto stands up slowly not wishing to provoke the ninja without reason and rolls his neck. "Sorry to drop in so suddenly. I can't tell you my name as that's against Anbu protocol. I can tell you that the Raikage sent for Red Fox to come to Kumo's aid in a personal matter." The Man nods. "I am aware of the call. Sorry if we seemed hostile but we were not expecting you for a few days more at best." Naruto nods. "My summons are fast. If you don't mind, I will accompany you to your village but not inside. I am wary of traps right now even if the request has me curious and eager." The man nods and leads the way to the village which is not too far away at this point.

Naruto whistles in appreciation. "Solid, defensive with a military air and yet feels…. homey and family friendly. I like it." The Kumo Anbu chuckle. "Most people don't see it that way unless you live here but that is the idea yeah." As they arrive at the gate the man tells Naruto to wait while he reports to the Raikage. It doesn't take long for him to come. A tall stern looking man built obviously for power and hiding nothing. His robes hang open to reveal his chiseled chest and his arms weighed down by huge weighted shackles. His face shadowed by his Kage Hat the man seems frozen in a permanent scowl. "Red Fox. At last we meet. I was not expecting you for several more days. A pleasant surprise."

Naruto bows in respect. "Lord Raikage. It's an honor. You will forgive me taking up Anbu again for this of course. Until I can understand exactly what all this is about, I prefer to err on caution. Though I know you are aware of my identity at this point." Ai nods. "Understandable. Kumo and Konoha have not been on friendly terms even now. Forgive me for asking but how did you get here so fast? Are you able to use your father's jutsu?" Naruto shakes his head. "Working on it but not yet. No, I used my summons the Dragons." He rubs his neck a little. "He warned me the 3-day flight would leave me tired, but he failed to mention that was due to high atmosphere flight." Ai burst out laughing. "Sounds like quite a ride. If you wish I can have accommodations made for you and we can speak on the reason you are here in the morning."

Naruto shakes his head. "Again, I would err on the side of caution at this point and not enter the village. I will make do out here for now. Sorry if that is an inconvenience." Ai waves it off. "Gives me an excuse to escape the infernal paperwork." Naruto nods with a chuckle. Pointing to a copse of trees nearby he informs the Raikage. "I noticed a nice clearing just over there. I will make a temporary shelter there for use until our business is done." Ai nods. "I will bring my brother and Yuugito in the morning so we may speak. In the meantime, feel free to look around if you wish. I am hoping this mission will foster some trust between our villages." Naruto nods as the Raikage walks away.

The next morning The Raikage, his brother and a slightly disheveled looking Yuugito Nii walk into the clearing to something none of them expected. In the corner of the clearing is a clearly steaming pool of water and in the dead center is a stairway built into the ground with a stone door at the bottom. Bee raps. "This fox clearly rocks if he turned this copse into a home instead of livin in a box." Yuugito and Ai both whack him over the head and yell in unison. "Too early for your stupid rapping Bee." But he is more stunned at the voice who responds. "Never too early for rap. If you were good I might even clap. Instead I must put up with your crap. On your mouth there should be a cap. Maybe you should go take a nap."

After the 3 Kumo ninja pick up their jaws off the ground Ai is laughing his ass off and Yuugito is rolling on the ground holding her stomach. Bee is curled up in depression until they all recover.
Ai is the first to do so as he claps Naruto on the back. "His rapping might actually be tolerable if he was ever as good at it as you are." Naruto shrugs. "He isn't bad. Enka is not for everybody. I find when such things are not received well a little joking competition clears the air a bit. Sort of like the difference between a Haiku and the more common and better received Limerick for poetry."

Bee is back on his feet at this point and nodding. "Kid's right about that. It's not that my Enka is crap or my rhymes totally not Phat just not everybody likes Enka and really that's that." Naruto nods. "A tip for you Bee. Moderation is best to introduce a new fad. Rhyming everything you say tends to get on the nerves of people and will only work against you. You want them to enjoy it more then do it a little less." Yuugito and Ai look at Bee discreetly with a little hope in their eyes as he nods. "I see. You're probably right. Besides I am having trouble with a real block recently so a break might do that good." Yuugito face plants. "Lord Raikage did Red Fox just get Bee to speak like a normal person after knowing him less than an hour when we've been trying for years?" Ai nods dumbly. She looks at Naruto and grins. "Marry me?" Naruto laughs. "You're attractive but I'm taken sorry. If you're really interested in me after getting to know me and my girl, then talk to her later. We have a somewhat open relationship. Now come inside. I suspect we have stuff to talk about."

Ai, Bee and Yuugito follow Naruto inside where he takes off his mask and sits at a stone table with a pot of tea he just boiled but his guests are standing by the door stunned. Ai looks at Naruto. "How did you build this in just a day?" "I have a decent affinity for all 5 main elements but my Doton and Suiton are weak. I used my Futon to dig and shape the place before using Katon to harden the walls. Specialized seals running with Raiton are used for electricity and lighting. The bed was a challenge. Using my doton I made a soft bed of dirt for the base and luckily the woods here have some nice soft moss I used to make it comfortable. The spring outside is a simple seal you can find in most villages to boil and purify water. I only tweaked it a little for optimum and comfortable temperature."

The raikage nods. "I expect such seals would be easy for an Uzumaki." Naruto shakes his head. "Until I made captain, I wasn't allowed to learn anything beyond basic sealing every Anbu is required to know. I only recently got my sealing up to Journeyman. That's another reason I haven't mastered the Hiraishin yet." Bee and Yuugito are looking at their raikage for answers. He looks at Naruto for permission who nods. "Killer Bee, Yuugito Nii. Meet Naruto Uzumaki Namikazi. Also known as Red Fox. Retired Anbu Captain and Jounin of the Leaf."

Bee cocks his head as Naruto takes off the mask. "I didn't know the Yellow flash had a kid. And Uzumaki? Must be Kushina. The red-hot blooded habanero. Thought they looked cozy together that day." Ai nods. "Ummm for those of us out of the loop?" Naruto grins. "Lord Ai and Killer Bee were a killer combo in the last great ninja war. Only 2 people were a match for them in speed and power. My parents. Minato Namikazi and Kushina Uzumaki. I never knew them myself as they died the day I was born but Dad spoke highly of you 2 in his journal." Bee nods. "Am I right in that you hold 9?" Naruto smiles. "Just as you hold 8 and Miss Nii holds 2. Kurama says he misses Matatabi by the way." Yuugito blushes as Matatabi is very graphic about what she wants to do with Kurama and what Yuugito should do with the hunk known as Naruto. Naruto laughs. "I see she hasn't toned down the hormones at all in the past century."

Yuugito blushes even further. "I just wish she wouldn't go into such detail and make it sound so convincing." Naruto shrugs. "Well each Biju is known for a personality quirk. Kurama has rage issues and his pride, Gyuki is reasonable if a tad boring at times and Matatabi is a hot cat with a slightly more than healthy sexual appetite and slightly morbid sense of humor at times." Bee nods. "Kurama has been telling you about them." Naruto shakes his head. "Just stories and what I need to know. Nothing personal. Said I gotta form my own opinions on them if I ever meet them. I can respect that. But before we continue on this tack what am I here for?"

They all sit at the table and enjoy their tea as Ai explains the situation. "About 6 months ago Jiraya came to warn all the nations of the Akatsuki. I blew him off thinking nobody could get them in our village, but I was wrong. 2 weeks ago, 2 ninjas got past our security and cornered Yuugito in a sewer near the edge of town. She got lucky and made enough noise that we got backup to her in time. Last week she got a mission to help out a small-town east of here. It was a trap. Once again, she was lucky to escape. Same 2. All we got on them is names and a few small details Yuugito managed to pick up during the fights. When I contacted Jiraya about it he said to contact Konoha to send you. Said even his spies don't know as much about this particular group as you do. High praise from a Sannin."

Naruto nods. "I know 4 of the members. 2 of which MAY change allegiances soon or be eliminated. I know there are at least 9 members none of which are below S rank. I know they are after the Biju, but I don't know why. If you got names though I might be able to find some info on em. They would probably have made attempts on me long before now if I hadn't gone into Anbu the way I did." Yuugito frowns. "Yeah how DID that happen? You seem a little young for it." Naruto frowns.

"Konoha isn't as fond of Jinchuriki as Kumo is and because of Kurama they have a particular hatred of me. My birthday has never been good but the day before I was to enter the academy I was cornered, and they almost succeeded in killing me." Naruto shows them the scars. "Even Kurama can't heal everything." He shrugs as he pulls his shirt back down. "It worked out in the end. I got good training, the trauma unlocked my bloodline and eventually I made friends and met the love of my life." Ai chuckles. "Ah the benefits of the Uzumaki Luck. Before we are done with this mission remind me to send Bee's team to meet you. Karui would be happy to meet one of her clansmen."

Naruto raises an eyebrow. "I had all but given up hope there were any other Uzumaki left. I would be happy to meet Karui and her team. Now what is the mission." Ai nods. "Observation and protection. Yuugito has been lucky to this point but I want her to be watched until these Akatsuki are dealt with. As I understand they operate in pairs and Jiraya told me each Pair is slated for a particular Biju. Get rid of 1 pair and it's likely going to be a while before they try again. That will buy us time to start hunting THEM."

Naruto nods in understanding. "I was planning to start hunting them in the next couple years once I am certain of my skills, but this works for me. Besides 2 less Akatsuki to worry about before my wedding sounds good to me." Naruto smirks. Ai laughs. "Good. Yuugito will fill you in on details on the 2 who are targeting her." Naruto nods. "I'll compile a report on the members I know of and keep you updated. Starting with Itachi Uchiha and Kisame Hoshigaki." Bee frowns. "Why those 2 first?"

"Because for starters they are slated to catch the 9 tails. Second because they are particularly dangerous with Itachi's Mangekyo sharingan and Kisame's Samehada. And third because they are the ones, I am hoping to recruit back to Konoha. Itachi especially as he is a spy for me in the organization." He holds up a hand to stall their questions. "I can't go into detail on that but if everything works out over the next couple months then all of it will become public knowledge." Ai nods. "We'll leave you to it then. Yuugito will stay here with you until these 2 are dealt with. Nothing other than that changes for her except you are her bodyguard in the shadows." Naruto nods.

"Before you go. You said her last mission was a trap. Do you know who set it?" A shadow masks the raikage's face. "My own council. I don't have names yet or proof or even if it was deliberate or if the member or members were manipulated but I know somebody there handed her the mission. I will find out though." Naruto nods. "Just checking. Let me know if you need any help in that." Ai nods and he and Bee leave. Naruto turns to Yuugito. "Well I better start preparing you a room. Feel free to use the spring if you like. We can talk later." She nods. "Thanks Naruto."

Almost a week went by with Bee dropping in every couple days. It surprised Naruto how good company the 2 were. He would at this point consider them friends. Yuugito never had quite as good a time in Kumo as Bee did for many reasons but her life was infinitely better than Naruto's. But neither wasted any time with Pity but rather treated eachother with Patience and understanding. Just as Yuugito was considering the possibility of moving to the leaf to meet his wife to be her would be captors came upon their clearing. A man with solid green eyes and no pupil and a face mask who called himself a bounty hunter. This is Kakuzu. An annoying white-haired man with pink eyes and his robe left open to a rather plain looking body and a religious symbol of some kind. This is Hidan. She had told Naruto of these 2 and after some discussion with Kurama he had burst out laughing.

Flashback

"I'm sorry something funny?" Naruto shakes his head. "Has Tabi told you of the demon chain of command?" She nods. "She has a number of mid to high class demons under her command." Naruto grins. "Jashin isn't a god but a low rent demon. He actually serves Kurama. He is the weakest of the demons under his command and the only reason he is there is because he learned how to draw power from the beliefs of humans. Hence this Jashinist cult. The fact is what Hidan is doing is blasphemous to his own religion and when he finds out his ties to Jashin will be severed and he will die." Naruto shrugs. "As for Kakuzu I heard about a kinjutsu from waterfall that was stolen around the time of the shodai. I would bet that's what makes him the way he is. Kill him enough times and he will go down for good. Either that or obliterate either one of their bodies."

Flash back end

"Don't you guys learn? This kitty don't play. Now get lost before you piss me off more."
Hidan cackles. "I can't sacrifice you to my god, but I am going to enjoy causing you to cry out in pain." Kakuzu frowns. "Enough Hidan. Get too careless and you will die." Hidan is about to snap at his partner until he hears an ominous chuckle. "I don't think he has to worry about carelessness much Kakuzu. He should have read the fine print in the contract he signed in blood to his god. Or should I say Demon? What he is doing with your group goes against the will of his master's master. He will die regardless and Jashin won't help him in THIS fight." Hidan is flipping his lid at this new interloper. "And who the fuck do you think you are to know anything of Lord Jashin?!"

Kakuzu is flipping through his bingo book looking for him before his eyes widen. "Red Fox. Konoha Anbu. S rank threat. Bounty f-four hundred million Ryo. Recommendation. Kiss your ass goodbye."
Naruto snorts in laughter behind his mask. "Always knew the old man had a sense of humor but I like that one." Naruto shunshins to Yuugito's side and sends up a flair. "Backup will be here in minutes, but it won't matter. Twice you failed on this one. Did you really think the Raikage would take any chances on a third time?" Hidan grins like a maniac. "I can't sacrifice her to my god, but I can kill you." Naruto shakes his head and looks at Kakuzu. "Is he always this dense?" Kakauzu shrugs. "Pretty much. So Kyuubi huh?" Naruto nods. "Explains why we could never find it after your supposed demise."

"Uhhh hello immortal in the dark here? QUIT IGNORING ME AND TELL ME WHAT THE FUCK IS GOING ON!" Naruto chuckles. "Basically, you're fucked. Jashin's not a god asswipe. He's a demon. The weakest under the command of the 9 tails. The moment you threatened me and by extension him you voided your contract with him. You're mortal fucknugget. Congrats." Hidan screws up his face trying to figure out what he means. "Wait wait wait. Kyuubi? That mean you're his Jinchuriki? I thought he died years ago." Naruto shrugs. "The village tried. Most thought they succeeded. I wasn't going to correct them if it meant I was safe. Do I look that dumb to you?" Kakuzu snorts in amusement. "Doesn't matter. Leader said bring her back or die. We got no choice this time."

Naruto turns to Yuugito. "So, which one you want?" She snarls. "I want the fowl mouthed cunt with the big mouth." Naruto chuckles. "Aww I told you. You gotta talk to Anko first." Everybody face faults. "Hahahaha sorry couldn't resist." Hidan frowns. "Hey uhhh Kakuzu? Is it weird I'm having trouble hating this guy? I mean he just took a major insult for me and made a pretty funny joke out of it." Kakuzu frowns. "It is weird yes but no weirder than usual for you. I get it this time though. Still gotta take them both out though." Hidan nods and goes off to fight Yuugito.

Naruto is cracking his neck. "Is what you said about him true?" Naruto nods. "Yup. Nobody knows if the effects will be the same in this plane of existence though so he might retain his immortality, or it might be limited. Either way I am confident she can hold out until you and I are done." Kakuzu nods. "You're not what I expected. Our intel suggested you would be chuunin at best by this point with how your village council acted towards you." "Had I not entered Anbu and thought dead that would likely be the case. Anyway, let's get this going already. I'd like to spend a little more time with my friends before heading to my wedding." "You seem confident. But I survived the first Hokage. You won't make it to your wedding."

Naruto moves faster than Kakuzu expected and punches him in the gut. Winded the man steps back. "The shodai had a habit of fooling around. Saying you survived him means nothing if he never took you seriously. Besides there are like 100 people alive today who can say the same. Your kinjutsu earth grudge fear isn't THAT special." Kakuzu's eyes widen. "So, you know of it." "Benefits of an Anbu education and access to the records of allied villages. The current leader of waterfall is a good friend." Kakuzu sheds his cloak. "Then I should take this seriously."

4 masks detach from Kakuzu's back along with a mountain of black threads and his body turns a dark brown. "Using all 5 hearts at once?"The field erupts with earthen spikes while twin waves of water cut off escape to the sides. The Lightning, fire and wind masks all throw their elemental jutsu at Naruto intending to annihilate him. Naruto does nothing to avoid or stop the wave of fire and lightning coming at him even as Yuugito's eyes widen having just finished off Hidan. "NARUTOOOOOO!"

As the elements die down Kakuzu is panting. "Guess he wasn't as tough as the bingo book said." Naruto chuckles in the smoke causing him to stiffen. Yuugito sighs in relief before looking at him in curiosity. Nobody can see anything by 2 red eyes in a cloud of black smoke. "Those eyes. The look similar to our leader's." Naruto claps. "So Nagato is the leader of Akatsuki, good to know. Thanks. As to my eyes. Did you never wonder HOW I survived that night?" Naruto raises an arm and the smoke around him clears violently as the ground craters beneath him. "So many ways to kill you. Tell me. Do you know WHY earth grudge fear is a forbidden jutsu given the obvious benefits?"

"It fundamentally changes the body of the host. As long as I take a new heart every decade or 2, I can live forever and control the elements like they are nothing. The only downside I have noticed is I can't have children. A small price to pay." Naruto shakes his head. "Again, you didn't read the fine print. While you can live forever as long as you continue taking hearts the original affinity and defects of the host body remain. Worse if it's a heart defect then the same defect spreads to ALL your hearts." "What are you talking about? I have no heart defect I checked."

Naruto grins. "None diagnosed. But as soon as Lady Tsunade returned to the leaf she went over old records of our allies and she found YOUR file. Seems the doctor who checked you out 60 years ago made a mistake. An easy one but it's there. You were born with a high risk of cardiac arrest if lightning chakra is fluctuated in just the right way around your body. And all the time we have been talking I have been pumping out raiton into the air around us. You're probably finding it a little hard to breathe right now. Maybe your arm is going numb? A little dizzy? Even if I stopped now I've already done the damage. All 5 of your hearts are shutting down as we speak." Kakuzu spits blood on the ground and falls to his knees.

"Heh dead to a stupid birth defect. I feel pathetic." Naruto sits at his side knowing he has already won. "Don't feel too bad. I would have won anyway. Besides it could happen to anybody. There are worse ways to die." Kakuzu chuckles. "I like you kid. You remind me of me without the obsession with money. A gift for you. Track our movements back to our nearby hideout and you will find a scroll there. I've been hunting the 7 swordsman on the side. Managed to get about half their blades. If you can't use em the give em away or sell em. Up to you."

Yuugito sits by Naruto's side. "You didn't tell me about a heart condition." Naruto shrugs. "I had honestly forgotten until a few minutes ago. It was a 1 in 50 chance it was lethal or would work at all anyway. If it failed, I would have had to resort to some of my more destructive jutsu. Flooding the area with raiton was also a setup for about a half a dozen other jutsu I could have used." "How did you survive that attack? I thought you were dead." Naruto sniggers. "Never underestimate an Uzumaki." She snorts. "Karui always says that. But seriously I want to know." Naruto shrugs. "If this alliance works out, I won't need the secret I suppose, and I have many other Aces. Remember what I told you about the night I decided to enter Anbu?"

She nods. "Rusty kitchen knife in a drunkards' hands." "Yeah. I mentioned that the trauma awakened a bloodline. I didn't say which one. It's a doujutsu similar to the rinnegan called Kitsunegan." Naruto takes off his mask and shows her his eyes. "Matatabi says she wants to hug you. In a nonsexual way. That's really unusual for her to even point that out whether it is or isn't sexual. Don't know why though. You said similar to the rinnegan. How so?" Naruto chuckles. "Aside from the resemblance it offers a couple powers in common. It also pulls some from other doujutsu and a couple unique ones. In the case of the rinnegan perfect chakra control and gravity manipulation."

Yuugito chuckles. "Seems like a cheat to me. But then most bloodlines are." Naruto shrugs. "It's been hard to master it. Still don't know half of what it can do. I do know that I abused shadow clones WAY more than this. Now THAT jutsu is a cheat." She pouts. "How so?" "Heh anything the clone sees or learns is transmitted to the original and remaining clones when it pops. As an Uzumaki I can make hundreds but as Kurama's Jinchuriki and with perfect chakra control I can create an instant army."
She blinks a few times as she processes that. "Well….shit. That IS a major cheat."

Naruto shakes his head. "True. But as much as I take advantage as any ninja should I still believe in building myself the hard way. I don't abuse this stuff nearly as much as I could, and I use them less now than when I first started training. Don't want to become reliant you know? What do you think Bee?" Yuugito starts in surprise as Bee and his team step out of the trees. "I think I respect you now more than ever. Nothin better than hard work to keep you healthy. A shinobi who has it easy gets soft quick and a soft shinobi no matter how strong is a dead shinobi." Naruto smirks. "So, when exactly did you arrive?" A blond woman with tan skin, modified Jounin attire, a bust to rival Tsunade and an emotionless face replies. "Just when you were talking about gravity manipulation and perfect chakra control. Sorry if it's not cool for us to hear about it."

Naruto shrugs. "Officially I am only back in Anbu for a temporary stint. A lot of what I said is becoming common knowledge. Even some academy students in Konoha know this much. The shadow clone thing is a bit of a test for jounin though." A red head with a dark tan narrows her eyes. "How so?" "Well Shadow clones are a fairly common jutsu for Konoha Jounin even if it's a kinjutsu but it's considered a condition of learning it that nobody informs new users of the major perk that the jutsu comes with. The memory transfers. If you aren't aware of it, then it can take months or years to realize it. As I said only a few select people could use it in the way I can though. Needs too much chakra to make more than a few clones and the memory feedback is damaging if abused by somebody without an innate healing factor like me."

Bee smiles. "By the way Mr Nine this is my team. Samui is the cool busty chick. Karui is the red head with the short fuse." "WHO YOU CALLIN SHORT?!" "And Omoi is the guy who looks like he's shittin himself in paranoia. Kids this guy's Naruto Uzumaki Namikazi. Also known as Red Fox." Omoi narrows his eyes. "What if he's just here to ingratiate himself before stealing all Kumo's secrets and killing us all." Karui is about to call him a paranoid idiot and beat him up when Naruto holds a hand up to her.

"I'll answer that one Karui. Basically, if I was going to do that, I would have taken the multiple offers to enter your village. Second if I wanted you dead then you would never see me coming. I specialize in both assassination and sabotage and I am also a known heavy hitter. I expect in your village only Yugito, Bee and Lord Raikage would have a chance of even detecting me let alone beating me. As for ingratiating myself who called who?" Samui smiles slightly. "I like him. He's cool. He's also confident and right."

"You said Uzumaki right?" Naruto nods. "My mother was Kushina Uzumaki. I was born blonde but the event which unlocked my kitsunegan also changed a few things about me genetically and physically. My mother's genes took over causing my hair to change. I never knew Uzu if that's what you are asking. It's before my time. But I went there once to check out if they left anything I could use." Karui looks at him with hope. "What did you find?" "Besides Mito Uzumaki's sealing sword. I got a scroll with some jutsu. Another with seals. And a summoning contract."

Karui nods. "I went once with the Raikage's permission. But the only thing I found was some jutsu in a burned-out building and a vault I couldn't open. My guess is blood seal linked to a certain family. Likely the leaders of the clan or something." Naruto nods. "I've heard Mito referred to as the Princess of whirlpool and my mother was a distant cousin, so it makes sense. Knowing the Uzumaki with seals it could probably detect exactly who I am related to for all we know. I am still learning seals like I said and haven't touched those yet. Never expected to find family here of all places though. In one of the countries that destroyed Uzu? But then mom's diary said Uzumaki don't bear grudges." Karui nods. "The third raikage found my parents wandering around a few years after the fall and invited them here. He would have taken them if they said no, he admitted as much to me before he died but they came. Apparently, he was disappointed my mother couldn't have children after me and that I showed no signs of awakening any Bloodlines or any talent in Fuin."

"Heh. Based on that sword though you got good in Kenjutsu. If this alliance between leaf and Cloud works out, I'll send you a scroll with the UzuRyu sword style in it. Wouldn't do if only one of the remaining Uzumaki had such things and he died before passing it on, right? Besides I took to the standard Anbu styles for Kenjutsu and I don't have the talent for the UzuRyu." Karui nods. "I'll learn it and teach it to future Uzumaki." Everybody is smiling at a family reunited until Samui seemingly jumps. "I-Is that a hotspring?" Naruto nods. "Yeah why." "Mind if I use it? The ones in Kumo are crap and it's about the only thing that helps my back problems." "Sure, knock yourself out."

Samui all but jumps out of her clothes and runs to the spring and bomb dives. Everybody sweatdrops but Naruto is just blinking in surprise. "Dooooes this sort of thing happen often with you guys?" Omoi nods. "It used to. Until sensei stopped rapping. I'm convinced he's just holding it back and the worst rap ever is coming, and we will all die of exasperation." Karui hits him over the head. "That is your craziest theory yet." Naruto grins and shake his head. "Well that blast destroyed my little home here so I should get to work fixing it. That way I got a little place here for when I come to visit. Besides when I'm not using it, I'm sure the Raikage could use it as an outpost or a retreat for ninja who do well. Places like this are great for Morale." Bee grins. "Yeah. I can see Bro doing that. More likely he would use it as a reward post for ninja who either need an easy job for a bit due to injuries or who've done good." Naruto grins. "I might have to point that out to Tsunade when she becomes Hokage."

Naruto spent a couple days at his little retreat rebuilding and getting to know his new friends. He even invited the entire group and the Raikage to his wedding in 2 weeks. The Raikage declined as it wasn't his kind of thing, but he gave permission for the group to attend. Yuugito donated the bounty for Hidan to him as an early wedding present. Before leaving Naruto made it clear each and all were welcome in his home in Konoha anytime. Something they appreciated greatly especially Bee who was always looking for places to slack off. Naruto decided to take his time getting back to Konoha and with his dragon Shun took to the skies.

A week later Tsunade and Hiruzen were on the top of the Hokage tower trying to delay her appointment as long as possible for a certain red head to get back. "Grrrr where is that brat. He better not be hurt, or he will be." Hiruzen sweatdrops. "Calm down Tsunade. I am certain he will be here soon." Spotting a large shadow moving quickly across the crowd Hiruzen smirks. "Sooner than you might think in fact." Tsunade looks at the old man before she senses something approaching at high speed putting her on guard.

In the sky a certain dragon is worried for his summoner. "Are you certain?" Naruto sniggers. "Every new Hokage to take office should have something flashy for their appointment ceremony. I figure one of her top ninjas dropping from the back of a fast flying dragon to greet her should do the trick." Shun chuckles. "As long as you know if you go splat, I'm not taking the blame. The other dragons are one thing, but I learned long ago not to piss off a woman. Especially a mother figure such as Tsunade." Naruto laughs.

Tsunade senses the approaching object but can't see it. 'The crowd? No Below? No. SKY!' All of a sudden before her eyes a black dragon dives out of the sky at high speed towards the roof. At the last second, he pulls up and an Anbu in a crimson fox mask jumps off the dragon landing at her feet kneeling as is protocol. "Kumo sends its greetings and good wishes Lady Hokage." Tsunade growls. "You're lucky I didn't see you as a threat Red Fox or I would have cracked that mask with your face still in it."

Naruto chuckles. "I though a unique entrance might make the event more memorable. Was I wrong?" Hiruzen claps and laughs. "Well I was impressed, and I can't say the crowd didn't enjoy it."
Tsunade shakes her head and pinches her nose. "I need a drink after this. Rise Red Fox. I will see you in my office after the ceremony for a report. In the meantime, stick around for the ceremony." Naruto nods and steps back beside the standard Anbu guard silently. ALMOST silently since several of the anbu are sniggering as money changes hands.

"So, what was the bet this time?" "How long it would take you to give the new Hokage a headache or piss her off." Naruto sniggers. "Come on guys. That's a sucker bet." Three anbu hang their heads in shame and Naruto raises an eyebrow behind his mask as he points to them. "Newbies?" Dragon nods. "Lesson one greenies. Never bet against the fox. The fox's trade is tricks and has the luck of the devil." Naruto laughs. "Lesson 2. Don't get into a philosophical debate with a Dragon. A dragon is wise but a pompous ass and has no problem letting you know as such." Dragon hangs his head as more money exchanges hands. Naruto sweatdrops. "How long it will take to open my smart mouth and bring you to depression?" Dragon nods. "Yyyyyyup."

Later in the Hokage's office. "And that's it Lady Hokage. Lord Raikage proposes an alliance to eliminate remaining Akatsuki members which he hopes will lead to a treaty later. I have also retrieved something which might lead to a treaty with Kiri." Tsunade raises an eyebrow. "How so?" Naruto scratches his cheek sheepishly. "Uhhh actually credit goes to you for that Lady Tsunade. Kakuzu's death was so unexpected for him that he gave me the location of a scroll containing 3 of the 7 blades of the mist. His death would have been much more difficult if I hadn't remembered that medical record you dug up on Waterfall ninja."

She taps her chin. "Kakuzu…oh right. Congenital heart defect." She deadpans. "He used earth grudge fear, didn't he?" Naruto laughs and nods. "And this guy was S rank? How did he survive my grandfather?" Naruto shrugs. "Very well Naruto. Anbu status on hold. You may go." Naruto bows. "I will have the guest list on your desk for my wedding within 2 days for Security to go over." Tsunade nods.

Naruto heads out of the office to go get something to eat. Wondering where to go he thinks back and smiles. There is one place he hasn't been to in years. "Ichirakus. Hey old man. Gimme something greasy." "GRRR I TOLD YOU GOOD FOR NOTHINGS ONLY ONE PERSON IS ALOWED TO CALL ME THAT AND IT HE AIN'T BEEN HERE IN YEARS!" Naruto sniggers and a ladle drops behind the counter. "It really has been a long time hasn't it?" A beautiful girl is staring at him like she has seen a ghost. "N-Naruto?" Naruto smiles softly at his sister figure. "Hi Ayame. Sorry for not dropping by the past few years." Suddenly she flies over the counter tackling him to the ground in a hug. "We thought you were dead. Heard rumors out of the academy you were an Anbu but we didn't believe them." She's crying her eyes out now beating his chest. "WHY DIDN'T YOU AT LEAST LET US KNOW YOU WERE OK!"

Naruto wipes away the tears. "For the same reason I became an Anbu. To protect myself and those few who I care for. If it became known I was alive before I was ready the attacks would have continued, and it was only a matter of time before you were hurt." A grinning old man walked out of the kitchen chuckling. "So, you gonna marry my daughter or are you two just friends?" Naruto chuckles. "Much as I love Ayame she's more like a sister. Besides haven't you heard? I'm taken." "EEP!" Ayame blushes as she jumps away from Naruto. "Ahem sorry. So, who's the lucky girl. Anybody we know?"

Naruto smirks. "I though everybody knew Anko Mitarashi." Naruto frowns. "Come to think of it I've been out of Anbu for nearly a year. Why has nobody we know told you of me? I know the Ice queens all come here on occasion. And I've been teaching at the academy once a week for a month." Old man Teuchi frowns. "They did but we were so hurt by news of your death we didn't want to get our hopes up. You have a long story to tell boy." Naruto nods. "Well then best keep the ramen coming old man." Teuchi smirks. "1 Naruto special coming up."

1 hour later and about 40 bowls of ramen Naruto finished telling them of all that has happened to him that he's allowed to. Teuchi whistles. "Quite a tale my boy. I heard of the Red Fox of course but I never would have guessed it was you." Ayame nods. "Hey uhh what's with your hair Naruto? Didn't you used to be blonde?" Naruto nods. "The trauma that night not only unlocked my bloodline but changed some features. The hair obviously. My eyes are also slightly darker if you noticed. And last but not least." Naruto taps his claws on the counter causing Ayame to blush. Nobody ever guessed but she has a thing for scratching during sex and not being the one to do it.

Teuchi knows however and he is currently sniggering. "Ayame you are drooling. Curb your imagination with the soon to be married customer." Ayame wipes her mouth and mutters a quick apology which Naruto waves off. "We all have our thing Ayame. I've seen a lot weirder than a scratching fetish. If you're really THAT into me talk to Anko. She's got a thing for threesomes and foursomes and such. She's also Bisexual." Ayame is trapped in her imagination giggling perversely. "Oh dear. You've done it now Naruto. She won't be aware of anything for hours hahahaha." Naruto shrugs. "I was being perfectly serious. Since she lost her public sadistic nature, she's become pretty insatiable in the bedroom. But then who am I to complain?" Teuchi shakes his head. "Lucky bastard." Naruto smirks. "Hey, I'll have you know my parents were happily married at the time of my birth."

That snaps Ayame out of her trance and Teuchi has to double check both Naruto and Ayame. "Y-you know who they were?" Naruto nods. "Since that very night. I figured you might know but I don't hold it against you not telling me. The old man wasn't as bright as people think when it came to me. Anbu was the best decision he made for me and he only did it because the alternative was far too dangerous for everybody." Ayame pouts. "Uhhh for the people NOT in the know?" Naruto turns his head and looks at the Hokage monument. "Ahhh Ayame I'm disappointed. I always thought you of all people were observant. You never noticed the resemblance?"

She steps outside again and looks at the monument while comparing them to Naruto and promptly faints. "Ahhh there's the reaction I expected. Heh wait til she hears who my MOTHER was." Teuchi chuckles. "She was only small at the time, but she and your mother were good friends. I am surprised she never questioned your personality." Naruto nods and pays for the meal. "Thanks, old man. For everything. Wedding's next week. You're both invited." Teuchi nods and helps his daughter back inside as Naruto leaves.

"What now? Hmmmmm." Looking towards the edge of the village he smiles. "Let's see how my students are doing." With a quick body flicker, he arrives are TG43 to find not only Sakura and Ino but Yugao and Tenten as well. "Training the next generation of Anbu are we Yugao? You sure you got time for that?" Yugao smirks and punches Naruto in the arm. "While you were gone on your mission, I left Anbu. Just a regular Jounin like you now. Figured it was time to look into some of the next gen to see if any of them were worth the time. Didn't expect 3 to be really interested." Naruto frowns and looks at Ino and Sakura. "I knew of Tenten's interest but Ino and Sakura are news to me. I just gave them advice and a little makeup training to keep them alive."

Yugao nods. "And they took to it like a fish to water. Like Tenten here Ino has some potential for Kenjutsu. Like Sakura she also has potential for Medical and Genjutsu. She'll make a good all-round ninja. Sakura excels in chakra control. With some time and training I expect she could figure out Tsunade's super strength. With the right advice she could make a great Taijutsu specialist too." Naruto deadpans. "No green or youth please." Yugao giggles and Tenten facepalms. "As for Tenten she's a natural with Leadership, Stealth, Weapons of ALL kinds and she's smart too. She'll make captain in no time I think." Naruto smiles. "I told you that you had potential Tenten. Made any progress on elemental ninjutsu?"

Tenten grins. "Turns out I have a lightning affinity which works out GREAT for me. I've been working with Kakashi sensei to refine it and to learn some jutsu. So far, I only have the Electromagnetic murder down though I am working on Gian. Kakashi says he might be tempted to teach me his Lightning blade if I make Anbu. Though I also have a minor Wind element I know a couple jutsu for that but not much." Naruto raises an eyebrow. "I'm surprised. Kakashi taught Chidori to Sasuke and has regretted it ever since. I thought it would be a long time before he tried that again. Did he tell you why?" "Only muttered something about you being a better judge of character." Naruto nods. "Well if he goes through with that then you should feel honored. He has learned over 1000 jutsu but Chidori and Lightning blade are his only originals. It's a versatile assassination jutsu and as he would say it's to be used to defend your comrades and never against a fellow leaf ninja."

She nods. "Not sure how I feel about learning a jutsu which is only used to kill but if I make Anbu I will need every tool I can get." Naruto smiles. "Then you are already 2 steps ahead of most recruits."
Naruto turns to Ino and Sakura. "So, you two. How's the training going so far?" Sakura grins. "Both Ino and I have doubled our speed since last we saw you. We can also run for a couple hours straight without a break. Longer if we keep the speed down a bit. I learned some medical analysis justu and the Mystic palm along with the Hell viewing jutsu. Lady Tsunade said she is considering taking me as an apprentice, but I want to try Anbu first. I figure her techniques are too recognizable for it."

Naruto smirks. "Smart decision but keep your options open. Tsunade doesn't praise like that often, I think. And you Ino?" "I mastered mind destruction Jutsu and a few interrogation techniques. I've also mastered the mystic palm and am working on poisons. Kurenai sensei was talking about teaching me her Tree binding death genjutsu and Shizune is teaching me more about poisons and antidotes." Naruto claps. "Excellent. Now if we can get you both some elemental Ninjutsu you will easily be chuunin level. Maybe even Low Jounin. Am I right in thinking you are taking them for training often Yugao?" She nods. "Yeah. It'll be nice to train some competent kunoichi. Anko's even thinking of teaching them seduction." Naruto laughs. "We don't want to scare them out of work just yet. Don't get me wrong she's good at it but well Anko is Anko." Yugao laughs. "Don't worry none of this is until AFTER the wedding."

Ino developed stars in her eyes. "Gasp did you say WEDDING?! Who's?! When?! Can I come?! I LOVE weddings." Everybody sweatdrops. "Ummm in order. Yes, mine and Anko's, in about a week, I'll think about it and I figured that from your sudden fangirling." Ino blinks a few times before hanging her head. "Sorry. Old habits." Naruto puts a hand on her shoulder. "Don't worry Ino. Even for serious kunoichi everybody has at least one thing which will bring them to that state. For example, watch this." Ino watches as Naruto walks over to Yugao. She can't hear what he says but falls face first on the ground when she sees Yugao's reaction.

With Yugao and Naruto. "Hey Yugao. Wanna see 3 of the 7 legendary blades of the mist?" Yugao begins to hyperventilate and drool before tackling Naruto. "SHOW ME AND I WILL HAVE YOUR CHILDREN RIGHT NOW!" Naruto scratches his head and grins. "Uhhh maybe we should talk to Anko about that. I'll show you later though." Yugao blushes beet red and jumps away. "Ahem Sorry about that." Naruto snorts. "Nice to know your Passion for blades hasn't Dulled. Hahahaha I'll see you all later. Have fun girls." Naruto body flickers home still laughing has he walks in not noticing Anko in the sitting room reading. "Something funny?"

An hour later Anko is cackling. "She really SAID that?! Oh, I'm gonna remember that." She then begins to smirk causing Naruto to sweat. "And what's this I hear about ANOTHER girl wanting some fun with my man? You should be careful, or you might not leave enough women for all the other guys in the world." Naruto nods sagely. "I have considered that. I was also thinking. How on earth would I go about pleasing so many women? I mean even MY stamina has limits." Anko grins wider. "And? What did you come up with?" Naruto smirks and forms a single hand seal to form 20 shadow clones who then transform into various attractive and most importantly NAKED men. Anko's mind goes into overload before she rockets back from a massive nosebleed screaming. "OH, YEAHHHHH IT'S A PERFECT 10!"

A certain white-haired pervert suddenly sneezes as he walks through the gates of Konoha. "Somebody's stealing my bit!" Meanwhile Naruto is laughing his ass off. "Sexy Jutsu reverse harem. TOLD em it would work on Anko."

Hope you all enjoyed reading as much as I enjoyed writing. Next time on Red Fox. The return of Itachi Uchiha and the Wedding. Until then don't forget to review and recommend. BYE.