A/N:

I know that I said that I would update the next chapter of Fuuinjutsu Naruto, but I hate to tell you that Tsurugi no Tenrai Hogosho is lacking the 3,000 word necessary to fulfill my self imposed 50,000 words. So Sorry, but this chapter will hopefully demonstrate a day to day schedule for Naruto and Misumi. And it just occurred to me that I have never given Misumi and Koga a last name, so I ask anyone out there to supply me with one please. There were no reviewer questions, so on with the show.

DISCLAIMER:

I don't own, refer to chapter one.

"Blah" - Talking

"Blah" - Thinking

"Blah" - Demon/Summon talking

"Blah" - Demon/Summon Thinking

"Blah" - Jutsu

Kenshi's Complex

Naruto felt himself becoming drenched with sweat as he exerted himself. The droplets of moisture seemed to run down his bare chest as he felt his muscles clench and unclench themselves. His back was straining from the constant up and down motions he was doing. He paused in the middle of his extensions when he heard his friend moan out laud...

"Maki! When are you going to put that ball away. You've been finished for over twenty minutes already. Kenshi probably has breakfast ready." Misumi said, her voice laced with irritation.

Naruto got off his exercise ball happy. Today was the first time he was able to do the maximum reps of each exercise that his Yaw-Yan instructor Ziggy had assigned him on his exercise scroll. Finally after a year of exercising, Naruto was able to fit in 250 reps of all six exercises in the two hours he had alloted for exercises. Bringing the grand total of repetitions he did to 1300 reps in two hours. Sure he had to cheat and skip the breaks between reps, but that wasn't a hassle after he found out something very useful.

Apparently having the Kyuubi sealed within him gave Naruto excellent stamina and an phenomenal recovery rate. That mean he could exercise all he wanted and still be fit as a fiddle a few moments later. Taking up a towel he wiped the sweat from his torso, and turned to Misumi who had been sitting against the wall. She had long sense put aside her tsuchibue down beside her, having finished her song.

"Alright. I'm done exercising. That was a beautiful song you played, what was it called again Misu-chan?"

Misumi gathered her tsuchibue and got to her feet before responding, "I call it 'Morning in Paradise'. It's not really finished yet..."

"I think it's great anyways." Naruto complemented as he finished wiping off his body, "You should play some for Kenshi or your dad. I'm sure they'll like it too." he supplied helpfully.

Misumi was blushing, but didn't comment otherwise to Naruto's complement. Since she started playing music, the only person to ever really hear her play her songs was Naruto. She refused to play in front of anyone else because she was afraid no one else would appreciate it. Koga and Kenshi had first sneaked into several of her morning shows, and were amazed at what they heard. But as her senses got honed better through Kenshi's training, she could easily detect when they were trying to listen in and stopped performing immediately.

"Misumi? Are you OK?" Naruto asked when he saw hims friends red face, "Are you getting a fever? Your face is all red." Naruto asked as he leaned his forehead against Misumi's.

Flustered, she pulled away from Naruto and replied, "I'm f-fine, M-Maki. Let's go get ready for breakfast." Misumi didn't wait for a reply as she hurried down the path, her stick banging every few seconds as she went.

Naruto just shook his head, "Why did she run off like that? Bah! I'll never understand girls." Naruto though to himself as he followed along the path she traversed. Stopping briefly to wash outside the building by the well.

Meanwhile inside, Misumi was sitting in her place at the breakfast table listening in to her teacher and father talking about important matters of state.

"Really?" Koga asked Kenshi.

"Yes. I just got a message from the Sandaime of Konoha. He will be arriving in a few days to renegotiate the treaty and pay the restitutions to Japan."

"It's finally time. From what I've been hearing from the ship merchants, it's not a moment too soon. Several of the vessels that dealt with overseas was about to go rogue. This past year was rough on trade ships. Last I heard, the Tatsuki actually had to lay-off most of their sailors due to lack of profits. I'm pretty sure that they'll be happy for the return of business as usual."

"Yes it's a shame, but it had to happen. The treaty needed to be amended, and they had to repay us for almost two hundred years of seal knowledge somehow. But we can all rest easy soon. Things will be as they should have been, and not how they were."

"That's another thing, you keep talking about reparations. What do these reparations entail?" Koga asked his long time friend.

Kenshi smirked, "It's not so much reparations for Japan, as gifts for Misumi."

Koga was confused, and his face showed it, so Kenshi elaborated, "I had the Hokage attain two of the Elemental Countries most priceless artifacts. They are called Void-Chakra Stones."

Misumi couldn't help but interject, "Why am I getting anything? I'm not important enough, to receive anything. Least of all reparations for the entire country."

Kenshi smiled and answered her question, "You aren't important enough, YET. All this year I have been forcing you to hone your senses to their best, and you've rose up to the challenge remarkably. It takes a remarkable degree of dedication to achieve that."

Misumi was flustered but pressed onward, "But I'm still not-"

Misumi cut herself off as she was forced to move her head slightly to the side to avoid a knife that Kenshi had thrown at her. Hearing the tell-tale 'TWING' that meant the knife had embedded itself in the wall behind her, she shot where she knew Kenshi's was a frown. He just resumed speaking.

"No matter what you say, not just anyone could dodge a knife thrown by my hand. And the amount of people who can while unable to see are reduced even further. Let me tell you what I have planned for you Misumi. Maki has three more years before he must attend Konoha's Ninja Academy. I'm sorry to say that I must leave you and attend to his training there. But I can tell that unlike him, you will be finished with your training before that time comes."

Misumi wasn't deterred, "But how do you know?" she asked the samurai warily.

"Because it took you one year to do what most would take several. And that shows more than dedication, it shows genius. And also, the sheer number of stances Maki must go through is far more than you will learn." Kenshi continued while watching his friend nod in agreement.

"He's right honey." Koga agreed, "You are showing real talent, and Kenshi's training will just improve what your already talented in."

"Misumi!" Kenshi stated regaining her attention, "This next year will consist of two things for you. You will learn how to unlock your chakra, and you will learn how to manipulate it."

Misumi was interested and excited, "I'm gonna use chakra?"

Kenshi nodded, "That's right! The next step that you and Maki have been looking forward to for so long is activating and manipulating chakra. For you this step will be very important, because it is imperative that you build up ungodly reserves. Otherwise you'll fail at what I have to teach you."

"Why would I need big reserves?" Misumi questioned her sensei.

"Because the sensing techniques I will be teaching you require that you constantly and continuously layer a very fine, and untraceable layer of chakra into your surrounding area. I'm hoping that before the three years is up, that you would be able to maintain the techniques throughout the entire day, only needing to stop at night while you sleep." Kenshi said.

Misumi was shocked, "But would I be able to have that much chakra in three years? It doesn't seem possible."

Kenshi smirked, "That is where your wrong. What you will eventually learn is that using chakra isn't so much about storing chakra up and using it like a pump. When developed fully, your chakra coils will constantly emit a specific amount of chakra through them constantly. All you need to do is train your body to adjust to having more and more pump through them. Luckily, that's where the Void Chakra Stones come in handy. They will constantly draw the maximum amount of chakra through your coils when they are finally inserted into your eyes. After a while this will help your coils get used to producing ungodly amounts of chakra. When you have your production at the right level, then I'll have the priests make you a headband with seals inscribed to stop the stones effects. Then when you need to train yourself to have more chakra, just take off the headband for a few weeks."

Misumi was apprehensive, "What do you mean You'll be putting some stones in my eyes?"

Kenshi calmed her fears, "Their more marble like than anything. And I was planning to have some of the monks inscribe seals onto the surface to give you an edge in battle."

Misumi was intrigued once again, "What kind of seals?"

Kenshi new that he had her hooked, "In the shinobi world there is a jutsu called Kokuangyo no Jutsu(Bringer of Darkness) It makes whoever caught within the area of effect to see only pitch black. I thought you might like to even the playing field a little, and share your pain with the Yakuza."

"But why would I need to do that? Am I going to be fighting anyone?" Misumi asked, "I just thought you were going to teach me how to 'see'?"

Kenshi frowned sightly, "The reason you are being given Japan's reparation, is so that you can use it in the service of Japan. Do you remember the organization that the men who took your eyes from you served?"

Misumi was frowning also by this point, "I believe they were Yakuza." She replied seriously.

"That's right! Well, the Yakuza has been spreading it's influence all over Japan. After your training is done and Maki and I have left, you will do as the inspiration of your style did. You will become like ZatoIchi and put an end to the Yakuza menace. After a year of learning chakra building exercises and techniques, I will spend two years getting you familiar with the stances of the ZatoKiri. After that you will have four years to gain practical experience against the Yakuza. " Kenshi at this point turned and Apologized, "I'm sorry old friend, but I require you to dust off your swordsmanship to help. As confident as I am that your daughter will be ready, I know you will make sure she comes out all right. Can I ask this of you?"

Koga laughed, "Like you could stop me. And I will make sure that both Maki and my daughter are outfitted with the best weaponry I can supply."

Shaking his head negatively, Kenshi said, "For Misumi, that is OK. But you know that every generation of warriors who wield the Tsurugi no Tenrai Hogosho MUST create their own blades themselves. That's why I've had you crammed and quizzed him on the process all this year. He will make his first attempt soon..."

Waving his hand to stop his friend, Koga replied, "I know, but there is nothing that stated I can't do something in the way of defense is there?"

Thinking for a moment, "I don't suppose not, but you must take into account that Maki will eventually join ninja ranks, so he needs armor suitable for him. He will have to decide for himself." Kenshi commented.

Misumi got Kenshi's attention again and asked, "Will I ever see Maki again after he joins Konoha?" Misumi hoped that that wasn't the case. She couldn't imagine never 'seeing' Naruto again, and it would break her heart that the boy she had grown to like wouldn't be there. Her face must have been showing some of her emotion because Kenshi decided to ease the distraught girl's fear.

"If after four years you haven't dispatched the threat, then I will return with Maki to help quell them ourselves. But you never need to worry because I would never separate you two for very long. The four years apart will help you both to grow. But you don't need to worry about that anytime soon."

"Don't have to worry about what?" Naruto asked as he walked into the dinning room and took his place beside his friend.

"Nothing," Kenshi said as one of his servants brought their breakfast in, "Time for talking is over. Eat your food." After that everyone dug in and ate.

Kenshi's Dojo

Clang!

Clang!

"So that's what she was worried about!" Naruto said as he intercepted another slash from Koga's blade.

They had been going at this for an hour already. After breakfast, Naruto had practiced his morning Yaw-Yan kata while Kenshi took Misumi to a different side of the complex to continue her training. After his regular three hours of practice, Naruto had a nice break with Misumi as they had tea and onigiri together. After their break he went back to the dojo.

Normally this was the time Naruto practiced his forms, but Kenshi decided that Naruto needed practical experience against another swordsman. Koga, who had come to bring Kenshi something from his shop, volunteered claiming he needed to get back into fighting shape. They were using a pair of katana he had brought with him. They were nothing special, just regular swords with black cloth handles.

Koga dodged a swipe from Naruto as he continued, "Yes. You will be leaving for Konoha in another three years, and after that you wont see each other for another four at least. So make the most out of the time you have left. It will be a while until you see each other again. Both of you have grown some growing up to do, and though it pains me to say it. Neither of you can do it together" he lunged his blade at Naruto's lower leg while slicing up.

Naruto's katana flew in a graceful arc and impacted the rival blade. Pushing the blade backwards to give him some room to move, Naruto jumped back and got into position. Focusing on his opponent, Naruto pointed his blade forward with one hand on top of the other. Koga switched positions and held his left hand loosely in front of him with his sword pointing downward behind his back. As if a signal had been given, the two adversaries lunged at one another.

Clang!

"Omph!" Naruto fell to the ground on his butt, his sword strewn on the ground beside him. Koga had intercepted his straight slice with an upward one, before spinning in a 180 degree circle. With their swords were still locked above them, Koga had his back to Naruto and drove his left elbow into the young boy's solar plexus. The result was one knocked down kid trying to catch his breath.

"Maki, never let your guard down! That's when you are guaranteed a loss." Koga instructed while putting his katana back into it's sheath at his side before helping the boy sit up.

Naruto sent a glare at his opponent, "But you cheated!" he accused, "Ow!"

Koga had just slapped the kid upside his upside his head. Before handing Naruto his dropped sword. After the boy had also sheathed his katana, Koga said, "Maki, what you must remember is that while battling, there is no such thing as cheating. You merely thought that when battling me, I would stick with sword fighting. I think it is safe to say you thought wrong. Also, never forget to you have more than just your sword to fight with."

Naruto looked at the man curiously, "I do?" asked the retired samurai.

Smiling at the blond, Koga said, "Yes you do. And in your case it is a very dangerous weapon indeed."

"Like what?" Naruto asked Koga.

The retired Samurai groaned and rubbed his temple. "Your martial arts Maki. Think about it! You are practicing a form of fighting that mainly relies on kicks to deliver damage to your opponents. Sure there are punches, but there are three times as many kicks. Most martial arts require both to work efficiently. As a result, most swordsman need to put away their swords to be able to use it."

Naruto widened his eyes in dawning comprehension. Koga smiled and continued, "I see I struck a chord. This means you can transition between both your Yaw-Yan, and your sword style seamlessly. You never even have to sheath your sword. And if you do lose your sword, then your fighting wont be effected very much." Koga leaped back a few feet and put his left hand onto his sheath while his right was lightly gripping the handle, "So you ready for round two?"

Naruto smirked at the man and imitated his position, "Ready when you are old man. This time I'll get you!" the boy altered his stance just a little, he put his left foot just behind his right while moving his right just a bit farther in front. Too a samurai it would just look wrong, but a Yaw-Yan practitioner would know he was preparing to deliver a left kick.

Now that the boy was ready, Koga rushed the boy while drawing his sword for a sideways cut. Naruto drew his sword in a reverse grip and intercepted while launching his leg into Koga's right side. Feeling his foot meet resistance, Naruto was greeted with the sight of Koga siding back on the dojo floor still standing.

His katana still pointing at the boy in his right hand, Koga smiled and said, "Well done, Maki! Now I can start taking you a little bit more seriously." Reversing the grip of his own katana, Koga shrugged off the left side of his Kimono top and transferred the sword to his bare side and twirled the blade upright, "Now, that feels better. I hope your ready Maki, because the kid gloves come off!" cracking his neck to the side, he lunged at the blond again.

Clang!

Naruto blocked again, but didn't expect the strength of the strike to bring him down to one knee. Somehow Koga's strength had increased exponentially, and it took all of Naruto's might to not fall down. Batting the offending object away from him Naruto attempted to get some breathing room, but Koga was there to keep pressing him further. The exchanges lasted until it was about time for Lunch with Koga pressing Naruto hard not giving the boy time to rest.

"Pant...Pant... How are you... So strong?" Naruto got out while he was kneeling on the ground on all fours.

"Didn't Kenshi ever tell you? I was Captain of the Emperor's personal guard. Did you think I achieved that title by being unable to defeat the strongest of opponents?" Koga asked smirking at the fatigues boy.

Taking a breath, Naruto replied, "He told me, but I didn't expect you to be as strong in your other hand. I've only seen you fight with your right hand."

Koga raised his eyebrow, "Didn't I mention that I'm left-handed? I only battle with my right hand because my left is so strong, it would be entirely unfair to a trainee. Oh and Maki..." Koga said as he put left part of the kimono up and started to walk away.

"Yes?" Naruto asked the retreating figure.

Koga looked over his shoulder smiling, "I was only going at twenty percent of my total strength!" he revealed to the blond's horror, "And I limited myself to using ten percent of my maximum speed!" Naruto's eyes widened even further, but Koga added the icing on the cake, "AND I still haven't used chakra to enhance myself!" Koga theft the blond gaping at his back.

Kenshi's Meditation Garden (While Naruto's Training)

Poof!

Poof!

While Naruto was receiving his practical experience from Misumi's father, said young girl was being put through the ringer. All afternoon she had been forced to catch small smoke pellets that Kenshi would throw at her from odd angles at random intervals. That wasn't the hard part though, no, the hard part was having to do so while balancing on a wooden pole roughly the size of two feet in radius.

Catching another one, she asked, "Why are we doing this again?"

Kenshi lobbed one toward her ankle, which she caught but started to wobble a little bit, "Because we need to heighten your perceptions of the world around you better. It was hard to dodge things you can't see, but you require even more precision to CATCH things you can't see." After she straightened herself up, he threw two simultaneously at her left shoulder and right waist.

Poof!

Poof!

Misumi caught the left shoulder pellet with her right hand, and the right waist with her left. This left her looking like she was hugging herself, "I could understand that, but what is the purpose of having me balance on a pole while doing it?" the girl exclaimed.

Shooting four at her in quick succession, Kenshi lectured, "Simple, you need to improve your balance. This is the best way. I plan on eventually moving you down from a column circle four feet in diameter to a pole barely four INCHES in diameter."

Misumi Caught them by moving her hand in a 'Z' formation, "But why would you need to do that?"

Kenshi sighed, "Because if you can do that, then you are guaranteed to never be knocked off your feet. That is very useful in battle, and this helps you familiarize the position of your arms in relation to the rest of your body. Now I'm going to make it harder, I know that you can catch up to six pellets at a time. But now I will be switching to pebbles, but I will tell you the number you have to catch. These are the ones that will hit you if you don't, while the rest will pass you in relative safety. The distance the safe one are thrown from you will shrink until they are just barely passing your skin."

Misumi gulped nervously, but her torment didn't end there.

"Don't complain about the methods of training. Do you think I have nothing better to do than teach you anything?" At Misumi's negative response he continued, "Why do you want to do this? Is it really what you want? Because trust me if your doing this only because Maki made this happen, tell me now and I'll stop and have the Void Chakra Stones that should arrive soon modified and given to him."

Misumi bit her lip and shivered. She didn't want to make Naruto disappointed, but did she really want to go through the pain of Kenshi's training. Sure she would love to be able to see, but was that worth the risk she was going to take after she gained that ability. Did she really want to become a glorified weapon of Japan? Misumi had her doubts, but she just didn't know.

Rushing away from her spot on the column, Misumi ran not knowing where she was going. She stopped when she heard the sound of clanging coming from inside., "This must be the dojo." Misumi thought as she listened to the two combatants. They began talking.

"...So make the most out of the time you have left. It will be a while until you see each other again. Both of you have grown some growing up to do, and though it pains me to say it. Neither of you can do it together..." Misumi's father was saying to Naruto.

Misumi thought about that for awhile. So was that what this was about, did she need to grow up away from Naruto. She thought about it some more, and realized that she had been depending on everyone else to help her when she never really wanted to help herself. Sure she excelled at what they wanted her to, but that didn't mean SHE wanted to excel at it herself.

Since she lost her eyes, every time she needed something she had relied on someone else for it. Her Dad, Naruto, even Kenshi. But never had she relied on herself. Maybe what she needed to do was what her dad said, and grow up a little bit. She wasn't going to be the scared girl waiting to be rescued by a knight in shining armor. Steeling herself, she backtracked her steps to the stone ring.

Kenshi's voice rang out from her side, "Have you made your decision?"

Misumi nodded with a serious look on her face, "I don't want to have to wait for anyone to save me again. I will turn this handicap into a strength, and my enemies will fear me for it. I wish to continue training, Shishou.

Kenshi Nodded and continued where he left off, " As I was saying, now I will be switching to pebbles, but I will tell you the number you have to catch. These are the ones that will hit you if you don't, while the rest will pass you in relative safety. The distance the safe one are thrown from you will shrink until they are just barely passing your skin. In time, when you find yourself adept at this exercise, we will progress to moving directions the stones come from."

Misumi Nodded grimly and they continued their training. I was a bruised and fatigued, but somewhat relieved Misumi that hobbled away from her sensei. But before she got too far, Kenshi said, "Oh and Misumi?"

The girl halted her walk and asked, "Yes Shishou?"

Kenshi continued, "I only threw the pebbled at twenty percent of my total strength!" Misumi's eyes (If they were unbound) would have been wide, but Kenshi didn't stop there, "And I have yet to enhance myself with chakra!" Seeing a messenger at the gate he left the girl gaping like a fish in the stone circle.

Across the complex, two individual people were having the same thought, "He's a monster!"

Koga's Blacksmith's

(P.S. I know nothing about forging. I did some research, but it was so conflicting, I decided to stick with Youtube on this one. Sorry!)

Later that day at Koga's furnace Naruto was casting a block of Tomahagane into a fire on the end of a long square rod that the . He was pretty excited because today because Misumi's father was letting Naruto make a sword while he oversaw the procedure and quizzed him on the various processes.

"What will you do once the iron is heated Maki?" Koga asked his Pseudo apprentice.

Naruto moved the sword in the fire before responding, "I'm going to use the hammer and flatten it out into a brick, where I'll reheat the two pieces and pound them together. That is called folding the steel, and to be a true Japanese sword the steel must be folded sixteen times. Then I get another bar of Tomahagane and repeat the process until the iron is the length I want it for the sword."

Nodding, Koga said, "Well done, and precisely how long does it take?"

Naruto thought for a moment, "If I worked on it all day, it should take roughly one to two days." he answered taking out the rod, with the cherry red iron on the end. Taking his hammer, he got to pounding away on it to start the folding process. "Luckily This one is almost done though because you started it yesterday."

"That's right Maki, but you will need to do your own one day. That's why I'm prepping you, because Kenshi said that all masters of his family sword style MUST make their own swords. He even gave me a recipe for the clay that has to be but onto the sword before quenching. He says that it will "bond" the sword to you, whatever that means. But since he is your sensei, and his family had been known to produce the best swords in the world. Even better than mine, though I'm hesitant to admit it."

It was several hours later that Naruto finished folding the steel. When it had cooled enough for Naruto to put Koga's standard mixed clay on the back of the sword, the blond took extra care to leave the edge uncovered. The old sword smith quizzed, "What ingredients are in the clay, and why are they important?"

Naruto answered without looking away from his task, "The special clay is usually made from clay ash and rust. I read in Kenshi's archives that his family believed that if the ashes of a loved one is freely given to help make a sword, their spirits could lend them strength in battle."

Koga rubbed his chin thoughtfully and said, "That's a nice theory, but we can't prove that. But I will tell you that something the Matsumuro do to the swords make them the greatest. So tell me about what the clay is used for?"

Naruto rubbed the back of his head and replied, "The clay mixture is put onto the back of the katana taking care to avoid the edge of the blade. This provides heat insulation, and makes sure that only the edge will harden during Quenching." Naruto said as he put the blade back into the fire.

Koga smiled at all his apprentice had learned from him. He asked Naruto one last question, "And Quenching?"

Naruto smiled, "It is when you reheat and submerge the blade into the water the several times until the sword is finished. Afterwards it takes about several weeks of sharpening and polishing, going from courser whetstone to finer ones during the day."

Koga patted his apprentice on the back and said, "Congratulations Maki! You are now know all you need to make your first sword. Kenshi will give you the go ahead when your need to make one, and this time I'll not be standing over your shoulder. But first, let's finish this one and get it onto polishing, eh?"

Naruto smiled and said, "Yes sir!"

Emperor's Palace

While Naruto was busy at Koga's Shop, Kenshi was sitting in a very important meeting. The Hokage had came with the necessary reparations to Japan, and had requested he bring Misumi along since she was to receive them. Kenshi was dressed in his finest kimono and hakama, while he had a maid pick out an equally impressive kimono.

They made quite an entrance into the meeting hall. Kenshi dressed in his black clothing, and Misumi in her white silk. She seemed to glow next to his contrasting color, not that she knew of course. So she was unexpected to hear several of the samurai's breath catch. To them she looked like an ethereal child. Kenshi saw local lords gathered around the table with the Hokage taking seat next to him, a high honor for someone not native to their country. He walked up to the Emperor and bowed, and had Misumi bow too.

"My Lord, I have come with Misumi to accept the reparations the Hokage agreed to in the name of Japan." Kenshi said in his humblest tone of voice.

"And why is it SHE is bestowed with the honor. Surely there is another more suited than a blind GIRL." One of the local lords complained. As Kenshi took in the man's features he recognized the lord of Yokohama. He had never liked Kenshi since he became the Emperor's advisor and head general. He believed he should have been chosen, and chose to take it out on Kenshi whenever he could.

Shooting the man a glare, Kenshi warned, "I would be careful of whom you speak to, Misumi is Koga's daughter and a noble by blood. If I recall correctly, you married into the nobility. So are you suggesting that this go to someone of LOWER birth? I'm pretty sure that Koga would challenge you for the right." That shut the lord up quickly.

It was common knowledge that even though Koga had retired ten years prior, he still could outlast any of the recruits the army had. He even still kept in contact with his replacement in the Emperor's guards, electing to supply them each personally with one of his swords. Koga's swords were so valuable, they were considered one of Japan's National Treasures. Only the Matsumuro family swords were held in higher esteem, and Kenshi had not shown them to anyone in over twenty-five years due to the rate thieves kept trying to steal them. No one wanted to go against Koga, and in the end they all agreed that Misumi was a decent candidate to receive the reparations.

After the matter was handled, The Hokage handed the redwood box to Misumi. After she had accepted it the Hokage gave the key to Kenshi. After a few words of exchange, the Emperor dismissed the group, Kenshi sent the Box along with the Key to the priests with a warning about the stones compelling properties. They promised to take special care with the seals, and left. Kenshi turned to the Hokage and invited him over for dinner and they left together.

Kenshi's Compound

Dinnertime was one joyous affair for one blond kid by the name of Uzumaki Naruto. After he found out that the Hokage was there he was a bundle of energy. The older group of men had a great time eating and reminiscing about their youth, and the children got treated to some war stories from the three men's combat days. It was during a lull in the conversation that Naruto decided to question the Hokage.

"So how long are you going to stay this time Jiji?" Naruto asked the elderly Hokage.

"Just a few days while Kenshi and I rehash a new treaty between Konoha and Japan. I'm sorry it couldn't be longer Naruto." Naruto looked a little down at this, but didn't say anything.

Sarutobi decided to brighten the blond boy's day up and said, "Naruto I have gifts for you." Pulling out the two cloth wrapped packages and handed them to the youngster.

Naruto spared no time opening the biggest present first, Inside was the biggest pair of cloth folding fans he had ever seen. Both fans were a foot and a half in length and made of iron, which gave it a dark sheen and weighted it down just a little. The ten ribs of the fan went all the way through the black cloth slips and exited to make ten bladed spikes at the very tip of the fan. Sarutobi explained that the fans were his mother's and that they had nine throwing spikes hidden within the folds ready to be unleashed.

Naruto's eyes grew big when Sarutobi explained about the spikes hidden in the cloth. And Sarutobi could just barely see the stars in the boy's eyes when he explained the return-to-sender seal, and wind amplification seal inscribed on the spikes, and cloth respectively. All-in-all it was a very giddy boy who opened the second smaller gift to see a length of red cloth with a metal plate. In the center held the swirl symbol of the Uzumaki-gakure.

After seeing the hitai-ate, Naruto demanded to know more about his mother. Sarutobi complied telling him about the rise and fall of Uzumaki-gakure, and the inevitable refuge of Uzumaki Kushina. He explained about how his mother would use her fans and recounted of how his father and her met together. But got more somber, when he explained how the Kyuubi attack had forced Kushina into an early pregnancy which ended in her death. Naruto stared at the headband for a long time before he felt strong enough to speak.

"Jiji?" Naruto asked the Hokage.

"Yes Naruto?" Sarutobi answered.

Naruto turned his eyes to the Hokage, they seemed on the verge of tears. "I want to honor my mother, but I don't think I'm ready to wear this headband. Do you think you could keep this until I am?" He asked with a pleading look in his eyes.

Sarutobi was touched at Naruto's heartfelt request and replied, "There would be nothing that I would feel honored to do more." Taking the red hitai-ate from his ceremoniously he continued, "Naruto, I swear on my honor as Sarutobi Hiruzen that I will return this hitai-ate to you when you are ready to wear it proudly." The Hokage finished with a solemn tone.

Naruto embraced the Hokage in a tight hug before turning to Misumi, who had been feeling a little left out of the whole thing, and saying, "Misumi! I want to give something that is dear to me to you." Misumi opened her mouth to protest, but Naruto stopped her with his next declaration, "Remember when you gave me the Yang Necklace and you took the Yin Necklace Misumi?"

Misumi answered cautiously, "Yes."

Naruto smiled, "I did some reading and doing that means that we have tied ourselves together for all time. No matter where you are, you will always have a piece of my Yin with you. Just like I'll always have a part of your yang with me always. I just want to give you something else." Taking one of the fans, he handed it to the blind girl, "Now as long as you have my moms fan, then I will always come back for it. And you promise that as long as you have my moms fan, you will always return it to me. Deal?"

Misumi smiled and nodded her head, "Deal!"

The grownups smiled at the adorable scene and looking in each others eyes, they knew. Right then at that moment, a bond was created. One of the ones that lasted throughout the ages. And that brought a chorus of laughter from each of them in turn.

Japanese Words/Phrases:

Tsuchibue- Earthen flute. AKA an ocarina.

Onigiri- A rice ball normally stuffed with fruit, vegetables, or meat.

Tomahagane- Special Japanese Steel.

Sunobe- The initial crude outline of a katana before it is forged.

Uzumaki-gakure- Village Hidden in the Whirlpool.

R&R PLZ