Speech - "NTTL is great,"

Thoughts - Wow! NTTL is great,

Naruto Uzumaki – 13yrs old

Mei Terumi – 19yrs old

Sasuke Uchiha – 13yrs old

A/N – Hi guys how are u? It's been a while but I am back. I will update few of my fics and even might finish one or two. So, here goes nothing!

"What do you mean Mei-san? This treaty is already ironclad so there is no need to draw a new one," Hiruzen drawled smoothly as he didn't want to add any unnecessary stipulation as the current deal favor Konoha a lot.

Mei already knew the other kage's reluctance regarding the matter but according to old treaty her village wouldn't get much out as Konoha no longer possess the strength she did during the Yondaime's reign and her own village is in dire situation due to the lengthy civil war. So, new stipulations were a must as she had outgrown the expectations of everyone and had become a legend of her own due to her escapades during the civil war and her village wouldn't be so keen about letting an asset like her to be given away without any rewards.

"Hokage-dono, please be serious. We both know that those conditions aren't applicable at the current state of situation. We both need to strengthen are countries so let us talk more freely and open mindedly," Mei articulated calmly.

Hiruzen sighed in defeat, normally he would've fought to the tooth and nails but he still felt guilty for not helping the Mist before and he knew that the Mist needed some serious help if it were to survive in future as the Stone and the Cloud were gearing up for the war.

The Mist village is famous for the astonishing strength of their Shinobi despite being a small island country and it would be better to have a strong ally rather than a weak one, but I hope she doesn't demand for something as outrageous as taking Naruto-kun to the Mist or something like that, Hiruzen deliberated for a few seconds before nodding and gesturing Mei to continue.

"I wasn't going to agree this quickly but in order to show my appreciation for what you did for Naruto-kun, I accept to move into Konoha after the marriage but I won't move immediately, but that can be discussed later," Mei said evenly while Hiruzen face melted into a big grandfatherly smile.

"But!? My village won't let me go that easily as the Mist would need something in the return as well, but I am not going to demand something as outrageous as Byakugan, but I need someone who holds some power in political game and has potential to match or even eclipse my strength due to the nature of my bloodline…" Mei let her words hang lose and let the Hiruzen do the deducing part as she observed his reaction.

Hiruzen was conflicted as he immediately understood what Mei was hinting. She used the word potential, hinting someone from younger generation and political power hinted towards the individual's status even without realizing his/her potential and that was his cue. The political power pointed towards the clan heirs and as much as he would like to phrase that the next generation surpasses the previous one, Hiruzen knew that none of the clan heads hold the potential to triumph Mei Terumi in strength and charisma except the three younglings he loved and cherished; Sasuke Uchiha, Naruto Uzumaki and his own 10 years old grandson Konohamaru, the only person he loved more than Naruto.

Sasuke Uchiha was invalid due to the animosity the Mist had for the Uchiha and due to the nature of his bloodline. Naruto wasn't an option at all which left Konohamaru, his most cherished possession, his pride and joy.

"Mei-san, what you're demanding isn't reasonable, please reconsider it," Hiruzen almost pleaded as he in his heart he knew that it was a great deal as Konohamaru could establish Sarutobi clan in the mist and it would certainly strengthen the stability and trust of both countries in the alliance.

"Hiruzen-sama, as much as I like Naruto-kun and obsess over him, I am the future leader of the great Shinobi nation Mist and obliged to make such decisions that would accelerate the growth of my country and enhance the prosperity and the glory of my country, so please think about this careful as this is the one term you have to comply or further deliberation would be a moot point," Mei said gravely, though she couldn't hide her distress from the keen eyes of Hiruzen.

"So, you're saying that if I fail to comply with your respect than you won't marry Naruto-kun?" Hiruzen inquired with an accusing undertone in his voice inducing Mei to divert her eyes in shame.

"Yes, that what it means, but we still work out another treaty in that case of scenario," Mei tried to appear indifferent but failed quite miserably in doing so and bit her lips in frustration as she was failing in being both; a good leader and a good fiancé.

This is a problem… Hm… Why I even considering her offer. Konohamaru will surely prove to bean asset to Konoha and he… he is my grandson! How can I give him away? Naruto can find a nice girl without a problem. Konoha has many able Kunoichi that will fit in the role, Hiruzen tried to make his reasoning solid but his conscience didn't allow him to take away one of the few good things that had happened in his surrogate grandson's life in order to keep his other grandson close. Hiruzen had given many sacrifices in the past and he would give another one for the betterment of his village, country and most importantly for Naruto's happiness.

I hope you forgive me Konohamaru. I really love you from the bottom of my heart and doesn't worry my child, I won't let you to be taken away from me just yet, Hiruzen resolved as he took a deep puff of his pipe and regarded Mei critically, his demeanor changing dramatically.

"Let's say I allow it, then what happens? When you will be moving in? Who will be the new Mizukage? What will be your position and influence in the Mist? And with whom my Konohamaru will be betrothed?" Hiruzen fired questions after question as he put on his poker face.

Mei took a deep sigh and let her shoulder relax a bit as she wasn't outright denied. It would've completely broken her already bruised heart if Hiruzen had denied her request and she would've lived her whole life as a shell of a broken human being.

"I will need 5 years to move in and train the next Mizukage, during this time I will visit Konoha regularly and I would hire Naruto-kun or his team for missions so I can spend some quality time with him to speed up our bonding. The marriage ceremony can wait for 3 years as Konohamaru-kun is quite too young. We can announce the details of our treaty in a month or so, maybe during the chunin exam finals?" Mei inquired her eyebrow raised in an inquisitive manner.

Hiruzen could tell that Mei wouldn't be answering his other questions until he confirmed and approved her proposal. "Very well, I abide with your request but only if I find the prospect worthy enough to be with my grandson," Hiruzen stated without giving Mei an opportunity to protest as Hiruzen would only accept the very best for his dear grandson.

Mei nodded and smiled in return as she had complete faith that Sandaime wouldn't be able to find any fault in her choice. "Very well Hokage-dono, I believe in you to hold your end of the bargain. Now, what was your next question? Ah! Who will be the next Mizukaze and my influence on the Mist after the marriage, right? Well my little brother Lucifer would be the next Mizukage which will ensure my solid position in the mist, not that I need that and the most important question; who would be the future bride of cute little Konohamaru?" Mei sang out in a teasing voice as she took out a scroll and unsealed the content while Hiruzen kept a keen eye on her movements, though he relaxed when he saw a picture in her hands.

"She will be your future granddaughter-in-law," Mei teased as she handed over it to Hiruzen who couldn't contain his excitement at the prospect of seeing his future granddaughter-in-law, though he gasped when he saw the picture. He had seen that face in Bingo book so he knew the quite well after all not many make it in the Bingo book as an A-class threat at the tender age of 10.

"Shocked? Well you must be, Esdeath is the younger sister of Yuki clan head and she is 10 years old, I hope you approve of her?" Mei inquired and got a positive response when Hiruzen nodded with a gentle smile on his aged face.

"I approve of her and without further wasting any more time I offering you an equal alliance with Konoha so the Mist council can trust us more, though we would still be required to sign the terms, conditions, duration and small details but for now I approve and authorized this alliance with my power as Sandaime Hokage of the Konohagakura no Sato (Not sure if I spelled it right or wrong)

"I am delighted by your kindness and appreciate your considerate offer. You wouldn't regret this decision, I promise you that. I still have a few people I want to talk to, but that matter can be addressed at a later date except one issue," Mei said with grimace on her gorgeous face. Mei's strained expression alarming Hiruzen.

"And what that would be?" Hiruzen proceeded carefully and delicately as the matter seemed quite sensitive.

"One of your elder; Himura Danzo has abducted many people from various clan of my country during the purge. We have successfully retrieved the prisoner from Orochimaru and cloud, but the people abducted by Konoha are still missing. As future allies it would adversely affect the alliance so this matter should be addressed immediately, so I request an audience with Danzo-san," Mei articulated with a certain sense of calm, though her voice did sound a little edgy.

Hiruzen mentally groaned. My friend, why must you always create waves through your actions? "Very well Mei-san, he will be here in few minutes while in meantime we can discuss some other matters as well?" Hiruzen inquired.

"As you wish Hokage-dono, but I seek your support and hope that you'll abide with justice," Mei relied curtly as she proceeded to discuss the further finer details of the treaty.

After a few Minutes

"Hiruzen, you called me?" Danzo asked as he amiably entered in Hiruzen's office, though he quickly got serious when suddenly security seals got activated.

"Hokage-sama, I don't think I have done something overally wrong… I mean morally wrong which would require such drastic actions," Danzo drawled lazily as he prepared for another long moral lecture, though his eyes did widened when he registered another person's presence in room.

I didn't notice her at all? Danzo thought, alarmed that the young redheaded woman managed to evade his senses so easily. Red hairs, a cloud delegate, no maybe an Uzumaki? No, that is not possible, but somehow she seems familiar… Hm… Now I remember she is the leader of the rebellion force fighting for the independence of the Mist. She must be here to ask for help and Hiruzen decided to lend my root. Hm… nice decision Hiruzen, it would certainly improve our position in the Mist, we might even find some good specimen with unique bloodlines there, Danzo's deduction would've been quite accurate only if the mist was still enslaved by the Sandaime Mizukage, but that wasn't the case anymore though Danzo didn't know of it yet.

"Danzo sit down my friend," Hiruzen calmly requested. Danzo complied immediately as it wouldn't be good if Mist delegate got wrong impression due to their bickering.

"Danzo, I would like to introduce you to the future Mizukage of the Mist village," Hiruzen drawled out while stressing at the Mizukage. Hiruzen knew that Danzo must be cooking some plan for his root expansion in the Mist village so he wanted to make it clear to Danzo that Mist was already free and rebellion group had already won the war so he must treat Mei with respect.

Danzo's eyes widened as he got the hidden massage but how did it come to this? Mist shouldn't be free for at least 2-3 years. His spies said as much. Rebels weren't powerful enough to throw away that moronic Mizukage, yet this splendid young lady was sitting in front of him with a gorgeous yet dreadful smile.

What is this about? If she doesn't need my help than why is she here in the Konoho; maybe a peace treaty? Hmm… if so, why I have been called? Don't tell me this idiotic girl is here to demand back the test subjects? Even she must know how stupid that is? Danzo debated as he eyed the gorgeous young lady with his lone eye.

"So, why I have been called here? If it's about the treaty than it should be discussed in the meeting hall not in a sealed room," Danzo stated with a straight face which made Mei's smile to become little strain.

"Danzo cut the chase. I know you have kidnapped people from the Mist so please kindly release the prisoners and call back your spies," Hiruzen ordered, his voice had an edge to it and if was any lesser man than he would've already dirtied his pants but Danzo wasn't a coward. He was a player who held almost as much power as Hiruzen did, maybe not in the physical prowess but in wits and political power play he was equally strong.

"What are you talking about Hiruzen I had done no such things? How can I kidnap anyone? Mist's borders are closed off so it's impossible to go in and out, so how an old man like me can commit such heinous crimes? Lady Kage must've made a mistake while investigating or the real criminal left false trails," Danzo denied with a straight face while taking a jab at Mei's skills as well.

"Danzo-san, I have investigated on my own and one of my spies is within your camp right now? I let him to be captured so I could get proof of your wrong doings, so can you please kindly return my men and women to me? I hope you do or my spy might've to make a scene in your little root base and that wouldn't be good for anyone, right?" Mei whispered innocently as if she was talking to a mischievous child rather than an old bastard like Danzo.

"Why should I? I saved them from death and they would rather be here than a place that took everything that ever mattered to them?" Danzo challenged not even little bit intimidated. He faced Hiruzen on daily basis and compared to him this little girl was a… well a little girl.

"Oh? I already know about your special emotionless puppet training program but I still think I can handle them so you just have to return them. I will personally lookout for their comfort," Mei said with an even smile as she knew that in the end she would be the one to emerge the victorious as Hiruzen was losing his patience.

"Danzo! Enough of this nonsense! Return all of them immediately. It's an order from your Hokage. I have no interest in any further debate as there is a whole treaty to discuss and Danzo it's on equal terms," Hiruzen ordered while releasing his true killer intent as he help his hands up to stop Danzo from questioning him.

"I will later discuss why we are making this treaty, it's detail and why must it be on the equal terms. Now please leave Mei-san and I need to work out more details and make preparation to release our guests from the Mist," Hiruzen ordered with authority while Danzo tensely nodded in agreement as he left the two alone.

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In next chapter Naruto and Mei meets. Chapter - 6 – Naruto! Happily Married?

Written by: NarutoTheTrueLegend