AUTHOR'S NOTE: Hello fellow readers and writers. To my previous readers, I apologize for the really long update and I am sorry for disappointing you for not continuing the story, as you may know this is a rewrite/revision of the story. I was having trouble with my previous writing due to lack of inspiration, lack of time, a lot of plot holes, and well most of the time, my work turned me off from writing.

Again, please remember that I don't own Naruto (except for the possible OCs – which is rarely). I also wrote this for fun only and I hope my writing has improved. I am not a native English speaker. Thank you for your patience!

Keywords: Naruto, Canon-Divergence, Alternative Universe, Might have some Gags (Cracks) because I like to laugh, Jinchuuriki, Han, Fuu, Gaara, Bee, shinobi, might have some LGBT themes, you have been warned, don't like it then don't read it, bad writing, English is not the author's main language.

BLURB/SUMMARY

When the Great Shinobi Villages along with some smaller ones, decided to participate in an experimental program where they could integrate their knowledge, skills, and resources; it brought a lot of challenges and opportunities. And what could this mean to the future of the shinobi world?

CHAPTER 1

Sarutobi Hiruzen hum happily in his office while smoking his pipe. He took one more look at the replies and he wanted to giggle, laugh, or even just spin around the office if it was even possible. Except he won't because such behavior is too childish for the god of shinobi and the last thing he wants is blackmail material for his enemies (the Anbu doesn't understand what he is stalking about. They know everything about him. What was the point?). Hiruzen just could not believe that this is really going to happen. Despite the many concerns from both the shinobi and civilian council about this new project of his, he was willing to take the chance.

This whole idea did come from the Yondaime Hokage, Minato Namikaze, and the man despite being a feared shinobi in the third war, wanted to end the pain, and conflict from the shinobi world. "A world where we can live together in peace and friendship." The man always says. It was a shame, he never gets a chance to implement it himself.

Most of the shinobi villages he has sent missive with has a positive feedback about the program. The smaller villages saw it as an opportunity for their shinobi to grow stronger especially under the tutelage of the shinobi from the Great Five. However, many of them could not spare the resources to participate and because the program is rather new, there were some significant risks. Only Kusa (Grass) and Taki (Waterfall), were among the small villages willing to participate. Ame (Rain) didn't reply at all, which is not surprising. Hanzon has an iron grip on the village, and Hiruzen highly doubt he even read his missive.

The other villages of the great five were the biggest hurdle. Sunagakure No Sato (Hidden Sand Village), may be an official ally to Konoha (Leaf) but the two villages are still in conflict regarding many issues. But they are still willing to participate, nonetheless. The most surprising of all was Kirigakure no Sato (Hidden Mist Village). Sarutobi thought he was dreaming when he receives a letter that Kiri will participate with the program. Unlike Suna, Kiri is not an ally and has long been known for having the bloodiest and darkest history in the shinobi world. Not to mention they were well-known to be spies and betray many agreements and relationships.

He was even more surprised to find a personal message sent by none other than Yagura, the Yondaime Mizukage, who is also known as the Sanbi Jinchuuriki. Rumor has it that the man went nuts and tried to commit genocide with all the Kekkei Genkai clans in Water Country. While Yagura state that the event almost happened, he is no longer Mizukage. Sarutobi got a funny feeling that something else happened that the man is not willing to share. But for now, Yagura is no longer the Mizukage but a woman named Mei Terumi.

Sarutobi has never heard of her. Of course, Kiri is known for their secrecy to the point that even their own citizens doesn't even know some of their former Mizukage. The woman probably took a different name during the war or was really good at hiding it. Nevertheless, she must be a formidable foe to earn the title of Mizukage.

Sarutobi wished he had that luck. Finding a replacement for you is tough. He has been looking for someone to replace him as Hokage ever since Minato's death. He was forced out of retirement because of it and he wasn't getting any younger. Unfortunately, the people suitable for the position didn't want it and he will never ever hand the hat to Danzo as long as he is still breathing. He sighed and stared at the former Mizukage's letter. He knows there are spies everywhere but how in the world did Yagura know about the boy. Yagura's condition to participate in the program is both crazy and dangerous yet Hiruzen is even considering it. I must be going senile. Sarutobi thought.

No replies yet were sent from Kumogakure no Sato (Hidden Cloud Village) and Iwagakure no Sato (Hidden Stone Village). Sarutobi is actually not expecting any replies from them at all. Both villages still hate Konoha and he highly doubt any reconciliation efforts would work. Still, five villages (including Konoha) is a strong start. The first Joint Shinobi Selection Program, huh? Saturobi blow a smoke. This can either be a stepping stone to peace or a disaster waiting to happen.

A few days ago in Sunagakure no Sato (Village Hidden in the Sand) ….

Rasa, the Yondaime Kazekage and the Suna Shinobi Council were all looking confused and skeptical about the missive they just received from Konoha. A Joint Shinobi Selection Program?. If it wasn't the Hokage's seal and the efforts they have to decode the message, Rasa would probably think someone is playing a stupid joke on them. They actually decoded it twice just to be sure they receive the right message.

What the hell was the Hokage thinking? Who in their right mind would think such a program would work? Many efforts have been done make peace with the other villages, but it never last. Shinobis are bound to betray each other. Even Suna, despite being an ally to Konoha, isn't even in best terms with each other.

Suna is currently having an economic crisis thanks to their Daimyo who decided to cut their budget in favor of Konoha. The idiot's manipulative streak push Suna into the brink of economic decline that many of his shinobi has to take missions that takes a toll towards their own morale at a lesser pay. He has been trying to find ways to receive the needed financial resources without taking a loan but it has been unsuccessful. Many investors also refuse to invest in Suna due to the harsh weather that limits supply access and distribution and with the withering economic situation, they are not an attractive market for many.

Because of this, Rasa at first decided to ignore the message. After all, the old man didn't state any deadline for response. Besides he'll probably forget he send the message. This isn't like the Chuunin exams. This seems to be nothing more but an inquiry. But what Rasa didn't expect was receiving a missive from the former Mizukage a few days later. He thought he was going to wake up right there. He must be having a nightmare!

Kirigakure no Sato just agreed to participate in the program! What the hell? Rasa thought. Since when did Konoha and Kiri in good terms with each other? Last time he checked, Konoha hated the village for participating on the destruction of Uzugakure (Whirlpool). Did they have some sort of secret alliance, Rasa, doesn't know about?

The most shocking part is how Yagura even know about Gaara! Gaara, his youngest son and the Ichibi Jinchuuriki. The former Mizukage wanted his son to participate in the program. Send Gaara to join the program, is he nuts?! Rasa thought. He suddenly got a horrid premonition about his own son instigating another great shinobi war. Kiri, truly is, one of the best when it comes to spying (aside from being one of the village with the highest amount of kekkei genkai and known for their legendary swordsmen). This also means, Rasa, needs to fortify their defense system as well if spies are able to penetrate and gather substantial information from Suna.

"The program could be an opportunity to get rid of Gaara temporarily." One of the council members said.

"What? Are you insane? Sending him towards another village is cutting it too close. He may be unstable but he is still Suna's weapon. We can't just, hand over the Shukaku to our enemies." Another council member stated.

"If the former Mizukage is involved it could be an opportunity to help the boy learn control over the beast." Another one said and everyone turned towards him. "After all, Yagura and Killer Bee of Kumo are the only two Jinchuuriki who made public about their status because they have full control over their Bijuu."

"It could also help alleviate some of our financial woes." Baki, the Windsword and also Gaara's current sensei said. "With Gaara gone we will be able to rebuild our economy and even gain respite from the killings. Shukaku instability caused a lot of damages in the village that are too costly to be fixed."

"From what I understand in this letter from Mizukage he is also willing to provide compensation and a trade alliance which could be beneficial to the village, Kazekage-sama." Said another council member. Kiri is known for their massive mines of gem and minerals which is used by Suna for their weapons, healing and chemicals and Kiri is interested on Suna's supply of chemicals since the village is also known as one of the top poison experts (aside from being masters of wind and puppet techniques).

Rasa continued to ponder over this and look again at the program the Hokage sent. The rules are not that much. Blood limit users are heavily discouraged to participate, while not forbidden just another paperwork to undergo to. Any participant who commits treasons or crimes are punished by the host village but this will not impact the reputation of the village they represent hence allowing an image of peace between the villages and for the first ever program, at least one jounin-sensei and one or two genin will represent their village. Konoha will obviously host the program this year and to avoid any biases, will not be providing a jounin-sensei for the first participation. Rasa wanted to snort. Whatever the reason is, he knew that Konoha would not like the idea of their jounins teaching non-village shinobi their techniques. Rasa highly doubts any of the participants would be willing to give their best jounin and genin but also wanted to represent their village proudly at the same time. What a dilemma.

Suna does not have a large supply of jounins and genins to participate in the program. He is still worried about Gaara. His murderous and destructive tendencies can easily give him away as a Jinchuuriki when such a feat should be in secret. He was thinking about sending Baki to keep Gaara in line as he was the most familiar with handling with Gaara (after all, he is the only sensei who is able to survive with Gaara as student). But the man was already registered with handing a team – which is against the rules of the program.

Rasa sighed and stared at his council members. "What preparations should we need if we send Gaara to participate?"

A few days ago, in Kumogakure (The Village Hidden in the Clouds) ...

Ai, the Yondaime Raikage was not amused. No he is not! He had never expected the Hokage to be an idiot. Although the man has to come out of retirement after the Yondaime Hokage died, he must have gone senile due to old age. A Joint Shinobi Selection Program?! And the man has the nerve to ask for Kumo to participate after everything that has happened? The Raikage and his Council decided to ignore the missive. Besides, he highly doubts the Hokage would expect them to participate.

They are busy right now trying to improve and strengthen their military condition. Kumo is known for their military might and Ai wanted to ensure it stays that way. Compared to most other villages, Kumo is doing well economically and socially, except for having the least amount of Kekkei Genkai in the shinobi world. The only known Kekkei Genkai they have is the storm technique, and the inheritors of this talent are very rare. Despite their efforts, they have failed to obtain the Byakugan which is not their proudest moment and even though they sent feelers out towards the Water country to inform the Kekkei Genkai users that Kumo will welcome and honor them when they receive word that the Mizukage has gone insane and called a genocide to all Kekkei Genkai in the country, none of them came.

It turns out the rumor was false and the Yondaime Mizukage has retired and gave the hat to a woman named Mei Terumi. The current Mizukage strengthen their village protection and rumor has it that she has Uzumaki blood and created more barriers in the already elusive and secretive village to ensure protection of all Kekkei Genkai blood in Kiri and the Water Country. Kiri is not known for their economic or military might but they are the most difficult to find and penetrate. They are also known for their swordsmen, hunter-nins, and spying. Aside from Bee (and Yugito who kept her status a secret despite her having full control over her Bijuu), Yagura also has control over the Sanbi. It may not be the Hachibi but the man is still a formidable foe. He wasn't Mizukage for nothing!

It was a few days until Mabui, his assistant hand him a piece of paper. "Raikage-sama. The intel department has send for this urgent message for you."

"Intel?" Raikage asked. What information have his shinobi gathered. Most of the time, they were sent out to find information about secret jutsus and techniques from other villages. Raikage grabbed the paper and began reading. "WHAT?!" The Raikage tower shook. "THIS IS PREPOSTEROUS! THE HOKAGE MUST BE MANIPULATING THEM! THAT'S GOT TO BE IT! NO VILLAGE IN THEIR RIGHT MIND WOULD THINK THIS COULD WORK!"

The people in the Raikage tower were all watching the Raikage in confusion and fear of his anger. Ai, knows that Suna, a long-time ally of Konoha would be willing to participate in this stupid program that Hokage initated by Kiri? KIRI?! Didn't they also participate to the destruction of Uzushiogakure during the second shinobi war? Which happens to be a sore spot for Konoha.

The Raikage is seething. If this was a war, Kumo is at a disadvantage. Three major village would be against them, not to mention the many smaller villages these three are also allied with. That leaves Iwa but Iwa and Kumo are not allies, just enemies with the same interest.

He knows that Onoki would rather kill himself than join the said program. Iwa has a long feud with Konoha since the establishments of the first shinobi villages. If Kumo were to enter, then Iwa will have no choice, as they don't want to be at a disadvantage.

Ai frowned at himself when he looks at his own reflection on his glass window. He hated how he gets angry and then become calm the next. He hates what his brain is suggesting. There wasn't any harm in participating. They will just have to be cautious. After all, this program establishes some sort of unwritten and informal way of alliance with the participating villages. And an opportunity gather intelligence as well as a chance to showcase the power Kumo in front of important delegates. This would also boost the villages clientele.

Ai sat down calmly surprising everyone in the room. "Mabui."

The white haired woman was startled. "Ha-hai, Raikage-sama?"

"Please call for a meeting to the council and later for the Daimyo. We have a lot of work today, tell the staff to make preparations."

Mabui, though confused decided to do what she is told. "Hai, Raikage-sama."

A few days ago in Iwagakure (The Village Hidden in the Stone/Rock) …

Onoki, the Sandaime Tsuchikage was annoyed. He practically tore up the missive he just received and stamp on it. Unfortunately, his back gave way and he was unable to finish his ranting. For some reason, he blamed Konoha for his current pain.

A Joint Shinobi Selection Program? The old coot even has the decency to think that Iwagakure is willing to participate? The hell they will. When hell freezes over, that's why. Besides, Iwa doesn't have time to think about this. They are still trying to recover from the attacks masterminded by Deidara – the village's bomb genius now turned missing-nin. That explosion almost wiped out the entire village and their casualties would be high if they didn't manage to secure the blasts on time. Still, many buildings and infrastructures were damaged which is costly to maintain, luckily the casualties were minimal. Onoki was able to take control of the information that was spreading about the attack outside the village. The last thing he wants is for their enemies to think they are vulnerable and might consider attacking them, especially if such a word would reach the traitorous Konoha. And it better stay that way!

The Tsuchikage and his advisors have agreed to just ignore the missive from the Hokage and go about their days. However….

"Tsuchikage-sama!"

"Yeah, what?!" Onoki glared at the messenger behind the massive amount of paper crowding his desk. "If that's more paperwork, I don't want it!"

"It's an intelligence report from the Anbu and the scouts, sir. I was told to send it to you as soon as possible." The young shinobi said.

"Right." Onoki took the scroll and opened it. Tension started to bloom in the air as the old small man continue to read down the scroll. The messenger could see a twitching eyebrow behind the scroll. "WHHHHAAAAAATTTTTTT?!" Onoki yelled in rage and the next thing Iwa saw was a bright white light blasting through the Tsuchikage's roof.

Current time in the new Kirigakure….

"Mmmmm. Delicious!" Yagura squirmed as he ate a large place of spicy chicken curry in one of the shops. He was accompanied by Ao, who was assigned by the current Mizukage to watch out for the short, pink eyed man. Being the only man in the village who possess the Byakugan, he could keep an eye out of the masked man with the Sharigan. Even though Yagura is no longer the Mizukage, he is now one of the elder adviser of the village council (though he is not that old).

Mei Terumi, the red-orange haired Mizukage has already reinforced and added wards around the village hoping that whoever that mask man was, will not be able to penetrate the next time he tries to infiltrate the village. With many Kekkei Genkai clans moving in, Mei Terumi-sama has to ensure everyone's safety.

Only a few people know that Mei's grandmother from her mother's side was an Uzumaki, so she was familiar to many of the strong Uzumaki seals. Ao even heard that she sent a missive towards the Hokage about information about the sharigan possessing man as the Uchiha clan is known to have this doujutsu.

The patched eyed man is watching the former Mizukage with a big sweat drop on his head. He never knew outside that serious and rigid exterior of the former Mizukage who is known around the world for his ruthless tactics and smarts could be have a childlike personality with weird quirks. Despite the baby face and the height, Yagura is an adult almost the same age as the great Ao himself.

"Another, please!" Yagura cried enthusiastically at the server causing Ao to tilt his head.

"I never knew you could eat that much curry, Yagura-sama. That is your fifteenth plate." Ao said. Where in the world did you put all that food? Because the damn man is still very skinny.

Yagura paused and stared at Ao. "When I was being manipulated by that teme, I never get to eat as much as I like." Then he lowered his voice. "I'm also a Jinchuuriki and we happen to eat more food than the average shinobi because we need more energy due to our animal friends." Then he digs in his next plate.

Don't I know it. Ao sighed. Utakata, the other resident Jinchuuriki has a habit of eating plate after plate of fried dumplings and people wondered why he never gets fat. The young man's status as a Jinchuuriki is relatively unknown to most of the villagers ever since the incident with his sensei. Mei Terumi honored that one condition Utakata have so he will come back to the village. Since the young man is also attractive, he has a lot of fans in the village. Mostly girls and possibly some men out there.

Ao who was lost in thought in the moment just remembered something. "Oh, Mizukage-sama wanted to let you know that she was able to send the missive to the Taki leader and the Tsuchikage."

"Hmmm." Yagura said.

"This plan of yours is extremely dangerous Yagura-sama. I'm actually surprised you didn't want Utakata to participate in this program." Aoi said.

"Utakata didn't want to be a sensei at the moment." Yagura answered. "You know his last experiences. Besides, I'm sure that girl, Hotaru can bring down those walls be built up around him. She's been constantly hounding Utakata to be her sensei. I don't think she understand the world "no". I even hard she talked Tenga and Ruki to join her quest for sensei. I do find it amusing."

Ao felt sorry for Utakata. Those three kids were very persistent. But Ao was still proud that for once the village children are able to act like children and form bonds that can never be broken. The Mizukage has removed the previous education system and its horrific graduation exam which was founded by the late Sandaime Mizukage and could have been removed by Yagura if he wasn't under the influence.

The Joint Shinobi Selection, huh? Ao thought. He heard that Chojuro and Suigetsu (Mangetsu's little brother), will be participating the program with Zabuza as their chosen jounin-sensei. Ao grinned. The man didn't even know the Mizukage has chosen him for the program. He could only imaging what Zabuza's reaction would be. Man he wish he was a fly on the wall to see the reaction at Zabuza's face.

"Alright." Yagura stood up so fast it surprised Ao. "I have finished everything I needed to do. It is time to find my wife and child."

Wife and kid? Ao thought. "Wait, WHAT? What wife and kid? Since when were you married?!" Yagura didn't answer but proceeded to jumped off the window. "Yagura-sama!" Ao tried to grab the man but the server of the restaurant stopped him.

"Sir. You need to pay the bill before you leave."

Aoi turned and saw fifty plats tack together. "HEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEHHHHHHHH?!"

FINAL REVISION: June 5, 2018.

Thank you again for your patience and support. By the way, Yagura maybe formal but it was noted that he could be curious and informal too (Noted from Naruto Wikia). It was assumed that his rigid and formal nature was the result of the manipulation from Obito. But he's strong and smart. He's the Mizukage after all.

Also I wasn't sure if Suna was also involved in the destruction Uzu. From what I understood (and researched), Suna was too far to even have a chance to attack the place. (I also assumed that Gaara could also be related to an Uzumaki, knowing his level of seals he used during the fourth Shinobi war in the anime and manga and that Suna was known in the past for the seals aside from their puppets, wind jutsus and poison expertise).

Yagura and Utakata doesn't exactly have many quirks, including food so I made some assumptions. I also assumed that the Jinchuuriki eat a lot and often seek out specific types of food like Naruto's ramen and Gaara's salted gizzard (this was not really emphasized much). No access to the internet right now to check.

Also, I just realized something. Turtles are long living creature and age slowly. Being the host of the Sanbi, could it be that Yagura's youthful face and body is one of the effects of being the Jinchuuriki of the Three-tailed Turtle? (Theory Oddball # 1).

Lastly, I just watched Boruto and found out that Yagura has a grandson so that means he has a child at some point. Maybe that kid was Yukimaru? Hahaha. Another Oddball Theories of mine.