"Trouble?"

Tick.

Stopping momentarily from a paper that he was currently checking, Naruto spared a second to face the person in front of him. He, early in the morning, is greeted by a familiar face. The pale and poorly done smile is evident enough to state who this person is. Not to mention the style of clothing, so revealing and risqué even if this person is a male. The blonde Hokage blinked in a stoic manner, taking in the person's appearance. He sighed, setting down the paper and pen he was holding before to the desk. He stretched his hands, lifting them up in the air. Then he began to ease his neck, making several popping sounds.

"Nothing." The youngest Kage muttered to the person's earlier question. He gave the black haired individual a glance, a bored one. The way he smiles is mocking him; he knew it. There's only two things that will make Sai smile. One, ridiculous stuffs and the second one is when he's out looking for unnecessary attention from people. And by unnecessary attention he meant trouble, like, in the form of unintentional insults or so. "I'm not troubled, Sai… just…" Naruto trailed off, finding a more proper way of voicing his feelings. Finding none, he stayed with an original word. "bored. I'm real bored."

And busy to boot. With the coming of a foreign group of people who will be here in the next five hours or so. But he'll worry about that later, he purposely left home early to check on his works. Of course, not before cooking a nice breakfast for his daughter. He has clones at home, so he won't have to worry about his daughter's safety too. Now, he is worried. Not because for himself, but for the person standing in front of his desk. He's not sure if he can keep Sai from getting pummeled to death by Ino who will be arriving here in three, two, o—

"SAAAAAAIIIII!"

…Speak of the woman…

The blonde Hokage pinched the bridge of his nose, feeling a sharp migraine coming through. He rests his elbow on the wooden desk's surface, he can't take something like this early in the morning. The door to his office was barged open, it's a miracle that it's not broken to pieces. A small shockwave coursed through the office, the impact was hard yet no damages were done. Well, that's one less thing he doesn't have to worry about. A streak of blonde and purple rushed inside the office, aiming straight for Sai. The poor sod wasn't even given any time to react. Sai was lifted into the air, a strong grip on his collar and he's shaking back and forth in a way that Naruto finds familiar.

"You damned one faced bastard!"

Now that's just mean. And hilarious.

"What are you thinking leaving me alone early in the morning huh?! Do you know how scared I was when I woke up to find the room all empty?! I searched the usual place but you weren't there so I ran here as fast as I can!" Ino, who is shaking the poor man back and forth with her womanly wrath, shouted. "I'll let you sleep on the mat the next time you return you useless lecher of a husband!" Naruto, who was watching the entire ordeal, sighed.

Here it comes…

"I cook food for you, I do chores, I work our shop, and I even did all I can to let daddy allow you to have dinner with us from time to time!" as if she's an unstoppable force, Ino began to speak without breathing. She then gasped for air, panting. "Mou~! I hate you! Don't come back and explode you useless letch!" with tearful eyes, she dropped the man like a ragdoll before barging out of the room, crying out 'Sai is stupid' before fading out into the distance.

The situation cleared, things are silent once again. Naruto, still worried, speaks out. "Uh… you should apologize to her you know." He said.

"No." Sai's steel like reply surprised Naruto a little bit. He knew that Sai is a tease but he never knew that he's like this… "She's cuter like this, so no." okay, now he knew. The black haired painter helps himself off the ground, dusting his clothes. He then drags a chair from the far corner of the room, placing it across the Hokage's desk. He then allows himself to sit on said chair, his face finally getting serious. "In all seriousness… I'm here to talk to you of a matter that is of great importance."

Naruto swear dropped at the formal manner of speech that Sai is using. Coughing, he too begins to get serious. "Okay, speak." He said.

"Regarding our guest, I have important news that must be heard only by you. Yesterday night, I sent out extra patrols around the area that Ran Yakumo is staying at. They returned not too long ago, hence the reason why I am out this early. Anyway, they reported to me before returning to base, saying that Ran Yakumo is nowhere to be found." At this point and revelation, Naruto's eyes narrowed. "Without thinking, I ordered them to double the guards stationed at the Hokage tower, but at that time I was not aware of your presence here."

"So you're saying that Ran is missing and you have no idea for her whereabouts?" Naruto asked.

The man nodded. "Yes. I am afraid so. But the men I sent out weren't able to locate or even find any clue as to her presence here. So I came here to ask of you directly. Did you feel Ran's presence when you were here?"

"No." the blonde Hokage shook his head in negative. "I was busy as soon as I reached here at around four thirty. I didn't sense anyone, much less Ran's presence. I didn't know that you people were here too though…" well, it's given since he wasn't using Sage Mode at that time. He was too busy in his works, maybe that's the cause of his lack of knowledge about this. But still… for an ambassador to be missing at a time like this… this is anything if not suspicious. "Sai, I'll be giving orders from here. I want you to send out ANBU to search Ran Yakumo's room, search for anything private or anything that tells us a little bit about her. I'll still be here until our guest arrives later."

"Understood." Sai stood from his seat, before walking out the door. "Ah, by the way," he then peeked his head back, a blank look on his face. "I have a question." He was given a confused reaction from the Hokage for that. "Aren't you supposed to finish those documents three days ago?" and immediately, Sai barely dodged a kunai that went pass his head.

"Shut up Sai."

Naruto is deep in thought. He was right… something suspicious is at play. He remembered asking Kotori to show Ran around the village, but he's sure that his assistant won't show a guest where all of the important and classified places are. And he asked Ran herself to give the letter to her mistress, or leader, but he's not sure if she sent it via birds. Then how… yesterday, Ran's second day in Konoha, he was visited by the ambassador herself stating that her master will be coming today.

It was just too sudden for him to learn of something that early. He remembered asking her when specifically, but she answered with an excuse saying that she'll contact her master for more clarification. So… that means Ran has a way of communicating with her master in a quick and short period of time, but the question is, how? Ran came from another continent, and he's sure that it's not nearby. Messenger birds won't take two days to reply messages, they'll usually take a week or two depending on the importance of the message. So, it's either Ran's master is treating this matter lightly or she is prepared for all that will transpire in the future.

He was given little time to prepare, but everything was nearly done. He had order Kotori to take care of mostly everything, since she is better at doing things like these instead of him, and all that is left is to wait for the guests' arrival. Naruto never thought that he's going to do one of the most crucial and probably beneficial act in his life… and that is to choose whether to accept the treaty or not. Well, there are other alternatives… he could offer them an alliance with his village instead of the whole nation. The demand was too high in the first place… he couldn't just make a choice like that suddenly.

Feeling tired, the Rokudaime Hokage slumped into his desk, resting his upper body on the desk's surface. "Man… I'm starting to think that I should've not been Hokage…"

This morning is bound to be tiresome. For real.

In a land far, far, far, far, far away…

Gensokyo.

A land of illusions, a reality hidden beneath an illusion that is so strong that the land itself has become one. That is what most people think, but there are those who knew of its existence. However, there are few to little of them, something that is appreciated by the denizens who lives here. This land is a place that could be considered dangerous and beautiful at the same time.

On the peak of a mountain, a mountain that is surrounded by smaller mountains, inside an oriental designed building to be more specific, is currently being used by the Youkai and human denizens for a conference meeting. It is an uncommon thing, but now that everyone is aware of things, it's already no secret. The leader, holder of this meeting is…

"Settle down people."

Yukari Yakumo, a no doubt famous name that most people, if not all, in Gensokyo know. She is dressed in all her beautiful and breath taking attire which consists of a pink and purple dress, and a pink mob cap with a thin red ribbon tied in the front. Sitting in an elegant manner on one of the many chairs available, she was greeted by silence as per her instruction to the crowds. "Thank you."

"As you all might have known, we are going to be departing for Konohagakure no Sato in the next few hours. I trust that all of you have prepared everything that is necessary for this trip." That was not a question. Though everyone did answer with silence. Yukari took it as a sign of affirmative, she showed it by nodding her head. "Good. Now, let us re-discuss our plan of creating an alliance with the Elemental Nations. First things first, are there any questions?"

Multiple hands were raised at the same time. Yukari took a moment to choose who goes first. "Remilia?" she gestured.

A dignified figure raised her hand, a child like figure yet an aura of absolute surrender surrounds her like air. In her charismatic and elegant pose, she opened open an eye. "Do we have to leave so early? I was just in the middle of supper with my family." A supper, for a vampire like her is actually breakfast for normal Youkais and humans. Though everyone knows that.

"Unfortunately, yes." Yukari answered the eternal young scarlet moon without missing a beat. "By arriving early, we are showing the Hokage that we are well prepared for this situation, this will certainly set up a good impression on us." She stated as a matter of fact. "Besides, tardy actions will do us no good. And also, I can't just gap us directly inside the village."

"And why is that?"

"Silly me." She giggled underneath the cover of her fan. "Perhaps I should rephrase what I've said. I could transport us directly inside the village, but doing so will only startle and gives a rather bad impression for our potential allies." She shrugged slightly, rolling her shoulders. "In any case, I would like all of you to pay attention to this." From under her sleeve, she pulled out a small cylindrical item, later revealing to be a scroll.

"A scroll? What is interesting about it, ze?" a different voice commented from the group of people. All eyes are focused on one named Marisa Kirisame. Taken aback by the amount of attention she's getting, Marisa grew startled. "W-What? I was just asking…" the infamous black-white witch looked away with a small pout while crossing both arms. The witch is a young girl, and as her moniker suggests, she wears a black dress skirt with a white apron over it, complete with a pointy witch's hat.

Yukari giggled. "I'm glad you asked dear Marisa. This is, yes as what Marisa have said, a scroll. But I want you to look closely at this scroll, especially you…" Yukari's eyes flickered to a person sitting furthest away, almost at the corner of the room. "Reimu."

Reimu, hearing her name being called, stopped halfway as she was about to drink from her tea. The famed red-white shrine maiden of paradise sent a small yet sharp glare over to the woman who is leading the meeting. Her cold and indifferent brown hazel eyes seem to be able to pierce through iron, even steel. Reimu, seeing that she can't help but do as what she was suggested, glance and maintain focus on the scroll that is held by Yukari.

"Here."

Yukari gapped the scroll over to Reimu, the shrine maiden caught it with ease. She analyzes the scroll, eyes narrowing while doing so. Reimu turned and flipped the scroll for two times, her eyes still as bored looking as ever. That is until both eyes widen, surprising everyone present. Long gone is the bored and uninterested shrine maiden that everybody know, replaced by a serious and interested individual who is currently checking the scroll as if it's an artifact that is out of this world.

"This scroll…" the brown haired shrine maiden of paradise said out in a whisper. "has seals on it. From the hex and designs… I must say that this is a blood seal." She saw the look of confusion given to her. "Which means that Yukari will need to smear some of her blood on the seal in order to open this scroll. But how…" if the Hokage managed to make this seal, he'll need to gain a DNA sample, Yukari's to be exact. Then—!

"You're right Reimu. The Hokage is one interesting person isn't he?" The famous gap Youkai mused out, her lips stretched to a small smile. She re-gapped the scroll unto her hand, holding it for everyone to see. "This scroll is a scroll that requires s DNA sample, such as blood, saliva and other bodily fluids, in order for it to be opened."

"That doesn't explain much." Remilia said arrogantly. Apparently, she has yet to figure out the point.

"It explains everything." Reimu took the honor once again. "True to what Yukari said. You need blood or other kind of DNA material in order to open this scroll but see this…" she raised a finger. "the Hokage haven't met Yukari." Remilia's eyes go wide, as well as those who figured out just recently.

"Ufufu… very smart Reimu. There is only one possible explanation for this, the Hokage managed to sneak a piece of Ran's hair without her knowing or… he's more than our knowledge." Yukari stated as a matter of fact.

"Still… I don't get how this is related to our discussion and all that." Marisa scratched the back of her head with a confused expression on her face.

"Oh but it is, my dear Marisa." Yukari insisted. "And by that, I mean it. Knowing about the Hokage himself is already like knowing 80% of the entire village. From what I have gathered, the leaf village is ruled by only one person and that is the Hokage. He makes the orders, give them, and even change them in case if he wants to. But, there are feudal Lords who rule over the Nation that Konoha hails from. However, they are of no importance at the moment."

"So you're saying that the Hokage is more important than the feudal Lords themselves?" Marisa concluded.

"Yes my dear. But we will have to face them some time in the future, and that is where Keine-sensei and Rinnosuke-san will come in." Yukari looked over at two particular individual whose names she have called.

Said two people raised their head in awareness of their name being called. One is a woman dressed in a dark blue with white short sleeves, and a red ribbon is tied to the bottom of the collar. As for her physical feature, she has a smooth and feminine face befitting her gender. Her eyes are dark brown and her hair is a beautiful and exotic mix between silver and blue like highlights. The one thing that is iconic about her is definitely the strange looking hat she's wearing.

The other one is a man. He is tall, one could tell even in his seated form. The man's hair is a neat, yet spiked, silver colored tuff. His eyes are colored a rare yellow; over them he wears a pair of glasses. His clothes is a mix between black and blue, they are worn neatly and a small leather satchel is strapped on the front probably as inventory. His face is sharp and angular, it shows just how serious he is in this matter.

"Okay, we have strayed from our main topic for today." Yukari re-gathers everyone's minds to focus. "In four hours we will leave for Konoha." This got everyone tense. Remilia, Reimu, Marisa, Keine and Rinnosuke… they are all expecting this, but did not know that Yukari will take things this quickly. "I will have all of you present here to come with me."

"Surely, you don't expect us come there empty handed aren't you?" Keine asked. She seemed skeptic that the meeting will go well if they hadn't prepared anything. In treaties, usually, the appeasing party will bring an item of appeasement in hopes to propitiate, or indulge.

"No we won't." Yukari answered without missing a beat. "Remember that request I told you a few days back, the request for the Kappas?"

"Ah…" Keine remembered. "So that was for this…? I knew that something is going on..." she muttered. "They should have finished the project, though I'm not sure if it is completely done."

"I see. It's fine then, I could see to that later." Yukari then brought out a book from one of her many gaps. "Now… I want you all to take a look at this book. You should find them in front of you on the table." And indeed, the books are placed right where Yukari said they would be. "This is a small guide about the Elemental Nations, about their structure, hierarchy, backgrounds, history and all other important things. The book has been simplified with the basic and common facts, so it shouldn't be a problem to understand it after a read or two."

Reimu picked the book up and examined it with narrowed eyes. She began scanning through pages, until she stopped at a particular page. "T-The Fourth Great Shinobi Wars…" her whisper was loud enough for everyone to hear, causing all of them to turn on the page where she is at right now.

"Ah, that was an interesting story that one… it even took me more than a few days to even accept the things written there." Yukari stated. "Do please try to grasp the important parts of the book, in the next three hours, I want all of you to be prepared for our departure to Konohagakure no Sato. You don't have to bring anything much, we will leave as soon as we are done. Ran is there, preparing our arrival. We will meet her outside of the borders of the Fire Country… somewhere around The Land of River if I'm not mistaken. Either way, Ran is there preparing the gap by now. But, she will immediately return to the village again to avoid suspicions from the Hokage. After we arrived, we will resume our journey. Now… is there any question?"

None raised their hands. Yukari know the true reason behind that.

"If there's no more, dismiss."

Everyone stood from their seats, each of them began to leave the building they are in through the door that leads outside. All of them were given a task, one is to read the book that was given to them by Yukari, and the other one is to prepare themselves for their departures later. One particular Reimu Hakurei remained in her seat, Marisa Kirisame moved up to her to occupy that vacant seat beside her. She can't just leave a buddy alone now can she?

Yukari notices this and seems to be expecting this kind of action from the both of them. It's like she knows that Reimu will still be here even after the meeting is over. "So, speak you two. I need to do my own preparations." She said.

Reimu crossed both arms, giving the woman a small glance with her detached look. "You're not telling something Yukari."

"Oh my… what makes you say that, Reimu?"

Reimu's stare transformed into a glare. "I may not know what is it that you're not telling, but I swear woman, if this comes biting back in the end…" Reimu was not able to finish her statement. Yukari silenced her by raising a hand. Marisa watched the two interact, and even without thinking much about it, things are going on more than what they're supposed to.

"I assure Reimu, what I'm doing is the best for Gensokyo. Everything will be alright as long as it goes smoothly, and I am here to make sure that it goes that way." The blonde haired Youkai reassured the two girls. "We need help anyways…"

"Then why, why not other people? Why must it be these guys?" Instead of Reimu, it was Marisa who asked.

Yukari was silent for a whole lengthy minute, the two girls can't decided whether she's thinking what to say or whether she's thinking of what stories that would hide the fact behind it all. Suddenly, the gap Youkai pulled out the same book that she distributed to everyone a while ago. "Have you seen humans with the power to rival beings like Youkais in terms of strength? Have you seen humans who could rival the Tengus in terms of speed? Have you seen humans who could rival and Oni's strength?" she began questioning, much to the two girls' confusion.

Yukari was fully aware of the cluelessness in the girls' face. "There are no such humans. The maid is an exception." She excluded a certain somebody. "The thing is, even outside the Great Boundary, humans like those I've mentioned does not exist. It is only this place, the Elemental Nation, where such group of humans exists. Oh do please trust me; I was just as shocked as you two probably are right now when I first learned of their existence. The thing is, Reimu, these are not people from outside the Great Boundary of Gensokyo I'm making friends with. They are an extraordinary race who exists outside of this world."

Marisa grew even more confused. "You mean… they don't come from earth?"

"No my dear. They do live on earth, but—practically speaking—they are not of this dimension, time or even space."

The two humans' eyes widened at the massive revelation that Yukari had just dropped right from the ceiling.

Reimu was the first to react instead of Marisa. "So you're saying that you are going to convince a group of strangers with incredible powers to help us with what we are facing right now? Why must you do something as troublesome as this?"

"This is my home, and I will do whatever I can to protect it." Yukari answered Reimu without even missing a single beat. "The outside world—ours—is currently on war, Reimu. The Boundary is strong… but I'm not sure if we could hold up much longer if it will go on like this. We have cases of outsiders, soldiers not to mention, appearing as of late. If there were to be more of them in Gensokyo, there will be a chance of something major happening. I may not know what it is, but we can actually gain something from it."

"Whoa, whoa, whoa." Marisa shook her head while crossing her arms. "Let me get things clear here: first, these people from the Elemental Nations are actually people from outside this world, dimension? Second, with the population of outsiders here in Gensokyo, there will be high chance of something big, whether good or bad, happening? Third, we can actually benefit from this? And fourth, how the hell are we going to it?"

"Silly Marisa. The answer's there already. Remember, our potential allies are military trained professionals. They are more extremely trained than the outsiders, who are mostly soldiers, and will have experience in military field. We could ask them to help us train these men, these outsiders, for our benefit."

"Okay, now you're getting me lost even more." Marisa said. "Why would we need to train these soldiers for our benefit and how so exactly?"

"That," Yukari raised a finger, as well as a small smirk onto her face. "is for me to know and for you to find out later. Now, now. I suggest you girls go along. Don't be late." Yukari shooed them towards the door.

Reimu stood from her seat, leaving for the door without saying a word. Surprised by her friend's action, Marisa followed while calling out the shrine maiden's name. "Hey Reimu wait up!" the two are now outside of the building with the door closed behind them. Wondering, Marisa asked. "So, what're your thoughts on all of this?"

"It's all shady and suspicious no matter how we see it. At first, it seems convincing but when Yukari revealed that last part… I got a feeling that things will get even more bothersome at some point later in the future." The Shrine maiden of paradise said indifferently. She can't fully judge Yukari, because only God knows what is running in that woman's mind. No, maybe God doesn't know. All that she knows is that she will act if Yukari is going too far, but she too knows that it won't be easy stopping the woman.

"Well, why don't we just get ready eh? Don't want to miss this out, especially when we're going to go to a different dimension." The witch said enthusiastically. The thought of going to another dimension is really exciting and she is probably one of the few people who will experience such things once in a lifetime. "Ow!" in the middle of her thoughts, she was hit on the head by Reimu's fist.

"Idiot. It's obvious that Yukari doesn't want you to rant out on that, she wants it to be a secret. Especially, for the people there." And by people, she meant their potential allies. It will be surprising, shocking for them to learn that they come from a different dimension. In all honesty, she was surprised that Yukari was able to do such things in the first place. That woman is a pile of secrets hidden underneath a pile of secrets which location and contents are secret themselves.

Reimu left for home to prepare for that day, over the horizon, she could see the sun rising up from the distance.

"Waah… that's finally it."

Naruto dropped the pen he has been using from the previous two hours. He slumped back to his chair, all exhausted and sleepy. His eye lids are heavy, not to mention the aching of his head due to the lack of sleep. He glanced outside the window to find sunlight piercing through the blinds. Well, so much for sleeping. He tiredly stood from his seat, stumbling as he did so. He exited his office, planning to get some coffee from the office downstairs.

The Hokage tower isn't just the Hokage's office. There is an administrative office downstairs, a place where new Ninjas can get their registration IDs and also a place for the villagers to talk about their concern. Although it is separated into two division; the ninjas and the civilians section. His assistant, Kotori, handles both of them. Such a useful and dependable girl she is…

He walked down the stairs to the administrative office, his posture showing his current state. So imagine the faces of the employees who are currently having their morning duties. Seeing their Hokage already present in the tower, and is at the administrative department office. Yes, the reaction is obvious. A massive crowd gathered of female workers gather around the sleepy and exhausted man who is just about to grab a good cup of coffee.

"Kyaah! It's Hokage-sama!"

"Naruto-sama!"

Such are the noises produced by the female population in the office. There is only one coffee machine in the tower, and that is in the admin office. He could get one for his office but he just doesn't see the reason to put it there. He doesn't get guests much, well, until now. Grabbing a ceramic cup from the cupboard, he began filling it with coffee from the coffee maker. It's not instant, meaning that the coffee was made by someone else who went to grab coffee earlier.

He sipped a taste from his mug, his eyes widening to find that the taste is different from usual. "Hmm… this is good, who made this?" unconsciously, he asked that question aloud.

"I-I did…." Naruto turned his eyes toward the group of females flocking over him. His gaze landed on a particular woman who happened to be standing in the middle of the small crowd. She is petite, yet taller than a certain feisty assistant of his. Her hair is short, they barely went pass her shoulders, though her bangs cover both of her eyes pretty well, preventing him from taking a look at them. The heterochromic Hokage looked down, seeing that he is superior in height. She is dressed in a black and purple Yukata, totally different from the outfits that he is usually used to.

"You did?" he repeated to make sure. In reply, he received a shy nod from the petite woman. He smiled warmly, leveling himself to her height, bending his knees forward while using his palms as support. The distance between them is closed, drawing their faces closer. "May I ask you a huge favor?" he asked, still smiling.

"Y-Yes!" the woman squeaked out in reply.

"If you could bring me this cup of coffee for me every morning that would be very lovely."

Through her bangs, her face heats up a beautiful pink hue. Shocked, the young woman did not know how to respond to Naruto's statement. All she could do is to stand there, awe stricken. "Y-Y-Yes!"

"Thank you." With a final thank, the Hokage leaves the office with a cup of coffee in hand.

Upon reaching outside of the tower, he was already greeted by a face that he knew too well. "Yo Nii-san!" a distant voice called out to him. Looking forward, the blonde and youngest Hokage was greeted by the walking form of none other than Sarutobi Konohamaru. His lips twisted from their blissful state into a small grin. Seeing the runt, he can't help but see an image of himself. The boy's no longer a boy, just as he was before.

The short brown haired Sarutobi has grown. Well in fact. He is almost as tall as him, probably a head shorter. He is dressed in a green zip up jacket with a blue scarf covering his neck. On his forehead is his Konoha forehead protector, placed there with pride and honor. His lower apparel consists of a long dark green cargo pants and a pair of blue ninja sandals. On his face was a smile that Naruto knew all too well; something that he experienced almost every day.

"Hello brat." He greeted the approaching boy. "Still coming in for missions I see?"

Konohamaru gave his role-model two thumbs up. "You sure I am! I can take on another mission, Nii-san!" enthusiastic yet he is able to prove it by action. Konohamaru is a Tokubetsu-Jonin, meaning that he is a newly promoted Jonin. He haven't get the opportunity to handle a team of gennin just yet, he still have a few more months of solo service before he could do that.

Naruto chuckled warmly. "Then come on in to the mission room, take a mission there. Iruka-sensei will be there to brief you."

"Just like old times eh, Nii-san?"

At Konohamaru's question, Naruto's expression turned soft. He placed a palm over the shorter boy's head, ruffling his hair lightly. "Yeah… just like old times." He retracted his hand back. "Anyway, be sure to return without causing much trouble to the client okay? I don't want getting a complain saying that you tried to do something reckless."

"Maa, maa…" Konohamaru rubbed his nose before scratching the back of his head. "You know how I am Nii-san, can't really stand sitting in a place for too long ya know?"

He knew it all too well. Shaking his head, the youngest Hokage sighed. "What am I gonna do with you brat…" Naruto sighed out still with the smile present on his face. He was returned by a finger pointing at him, said finger belonging to none other than the person standing in front of him. He saw the look, a look that is even more familiar than all the looks that he had seen on the boy's face. Those determination sparkling in his eyes, and that sheer bravado leaking off from his presence.

"Then step down and let me take the seat, I'll show to you that I can be an even better Hokage than you are." There is no cockiness in the boy's statement. Only confidence and strong willpower. A scene flashed before his eyes, when the times where the Third Hokage is still alive and ruling.

Naruto grinned, grabbing the shorter boy in a head lock after setting aside his cup of coffee into Kamui. "You brat, c'mere!" he buried his knuckles onto the boy's head, rubbing them. As the two begin their usual playful encounter, another party joined them.

"Oi! The adult who is actually a kid!" both male turned towards the voice, seemingly to have thought that the remark was addressed towards one of them. In other words… they both know that they are still a kid. They caught sight of a brown haired teenager, female this time. She is dressed in a dark purple short sleeved jacket with grey accents going down the sides. For her lower attire, she wears a pair of lavender pants and also a set of black shinobi sandals.

Konohamaru released himself from the older boy's hold, a sour expression on his face. His mood turned ninety degree just by looking at the girl's face. "What do you want Hanabi?" asked the Sarutobi to the Hyuuga. Said Hyuuga crossed her arms, her pale and pupil-less eyes narrowing.

Hanabi…? She's Hinata's sister! Naruto looked over at the young lady now standing about a few meters from him. She has grown… at least if that's what his memory told him. He remembered Hinata telling him about her whenever they would have a drink along with the others. As for Hinata herself, he's impressed in the massive change in her. It's as if she is an entirely different girl, not the shy and timid girl that he used to know.

The youngest of the main Hyuuga household member took notice of the Hokage. She bowed in respect at the figure in front of her. "Hokage-sama, please forgive me for not noticing you here."

Naruto chuckled heartedly. "It's fine Hanabi-chan, at ease." And she did so. "So, I assume that you are here to take a mission too?" he asked, receiving a nod of reply.

"You are right Hokage-sama." Again, the Hyuuga replied with a polite tone.

"Tch, you're just showing off your other side you two faced little gi-GAH!" Konohamaru was suddenly on the ground clutching his stomach in pain.

"Please ignore this…"

"Why are you hesitating there you mons-BWAAH!"

"Anyway, I have taken more of your time, see you later Hokage-sama." Then, her personality switched again. "Oi, trash, come on."

Naruto have to restrain himself from laughing. If Konohamaru and Hanabi were to end up together, he'd be so whipped. Then, he remembered. The laughter, the troubles, the sadness, the happiness… all of them are—were shared by two people who had sworn to be together in life until death does them apart.

Konohamaru, noticing Naruto's quiet state, wondered. "Hm? What's wrong, Nii-san?"

Immediately, the blonde Kage was snapped out from his thoughts. His grin returned, appearing as bright as before. "Nah, nothing that you have to worry about. Just some… unfinished business." Was his reason to Konohamaru.

However, the young Sarutobi knew that his elder brother figure was hiding something. But knowing the man, he decided not to pry much. "Okay then, see you later Nii-san! Come on shorty, let's- GAH! WHY'D YOU HIT ME FOR?!" the two teenagers disappeared from the blonde's sight, entering the building behind him.

Naruto stood alone, just like he always had. But a gentle summer's breeze went pass him, soothing him in a refreshing yet warm feeling. Naruto turned his head towards the direction where the wind went, his eyes soon trailing skywards. Red and blue eyes stared at the infinite, boundless sky. The Hokage stood unmoving, as if he was looking at a view that has affected him greatly. From people's view, it might seem that he is thinking of something. But in truth, he isn't.

Because he isn't thinking. He's talking right now.

"You're here aren't you…?"

"Shion."

Just like always, the wind carries his question to someone who is always watching over him.

Sasuke Uchiha watched with vigilant eyes. A pair of blue and purple, a rare mix because one of them weren't even his to begin with. Through masked eyes, his vision isn't hindered in the slightest. From a high vantage point, he has a clear view of the area in front of him. He is like a hawk soaring in the sky, looking down to memorize and replicate the scenery photographically. Fortunately, he is all too familiar, so there's no need to memorize anymore. Since this is the village he's currently looking at.

As always, the village is peaceful. No more conflicts, no more incidents, no more invasions. The Fourth Great War had a lot of effect in the Elemental Nation, since most of the fighting was done in Kumo, they suffered the most. The Raikage was forced to keep his village into isolation just for the sake of rebuilding lost territory and grounds. The remaining four Kages send their own ninjas to help with this matter and it has stabilized the relationship between all the villages.

Konoha was no better. Recently, even if the attack of Pein from the Akatsuki fatal, Konoha is still suffering from the lost of a great number of Shinobi. Both strong and weak. No—perhaps there is no 'weak' in shinobi. But it is still a fact that Konoha has suffered more loss in terms of manpower instead of land. Mizugakure and Iwagakure, also Sunagakure are stable. However, it does not help because they too suffered in terms of financial status. Suna, Mizu and Iwa provided most of the raw materials to build the weaponries and armories. Especially Iwa, but their matter has come to an end not long ago.

In short, all the five major villages are still healing, with each suffering from lost that are far greater than anyone could've imagined. Even until now, some scars were left behind. Is this what Naruto envisioned? His ideology of peace, is this it? Is this the Konoha that his brother wants to protect? Probably, but there is one thing for sure…

This is not the Konoha that he once knew, it has changed.

Sasuke disappeared from the roof he was in via Kamui. He reappeared on another roof, this time on a lower level than the previous one. He has to thank the convenience of using Kamui, the blonde got his Hiraishin and he got his Kamui. Seems like a fair thing. Ever since they both share each other's powers, things have been hell. Literal hell. On the day after he received half of Naruto's Yang chakra, his body couldn't even handle the power one bit. He remembered screaming like a madman from the pain alone. This now means that he has both Yin and Yang chakra in him, just like the Sage of the Six Paths once had.

But Naruto… he has Yin chakra to begin with. But what makes his and Naruto's Yin chakra different, is that his is more concentrated than Naruto's. And since he is used to using Yin chakra instead of Yang, it's easier for him to use Kamui instead of opening dimensions like Kaguya could do. Naruto can do both easily. Why? Because he has been nourished, soaked, trained in using Yin chakra ever since then. The chakra of the Kyuubi in him… it both contains the Yin and Yang chakra, after the Fourth Hokage has given the Yin half to Naruto.

Long story short, he is Yin-Yang while Naruto is Yin-Yang to the power of two. Also, meaning, Naruto had a harder time dealing with the after effects than he did. He can't and will not imagine what did the blonde had to go through during the first few weeks of their exchange. He shuddered at the thought alone. Sasuke removed the porcelain mask from his face, showing purple and blue eyes for the world to see. Then he looked up, he caught sight of a hawk flying in circle just right above him.

"… What does the dobe want now…" without saying much, Sasuke disappeared into a swirl of nothingness.

Reappearing, he find himself staring beyond the gates of Konohagakure no Sato. He used Kamui to appear at Naruto's location. "You're here." Sasuke looked to his right side, where his rival is standing in his Hokage's robes. The robe is styled into a haori, similar in fashion to the one that the Fourth wore during his reign. The characters on the back spell 'Rokudaime Hokage' meaning the Sixth Hokage of Konoha. On the blonde's head is his Kage hat, with the Kanji of 'Fire' printed in red right at the middle. Sasuke raised an eyebrow at one particular feature that his blonde friend possessed. He is covering his face with a white turban, but only Sunagakure's Kage, the Kazekage does that.

"Don't speak. Listen to what Ran has to say." Looking to his left, the blonde cap wearing woman is indeed there. She is dressed in the same dress that she wore three days ago. Sasuke thought that it was strange for him to not feel Ran's presence, but maybe it was him not concentrating on things.

Naruto himself wasn't quite expecting something like this. For the ambassador herself, who have been reported earlier this morning to be missing, to request of his presence at the main gate. He was about to catch some Zs in his office…

"Thank you very much Hokage-dono." Ran did a small bow to express gratitude. "The reason why I request for your presence here is because, my master has arrived."

Naruto's eyes narrowed.

Sasuke grew interested.

The two of them turned towards the gate at the same time, where they saw a group of silhouette approaching their direction from the distance. Sasuke placed his mask back on his face, hiding his face completely. Naruto crossed his arms, preparing himself mentally as well as physically. The appeasing party is here… now all that's left is to…

Start the meeting.

A/N: Whew… that was… long. This was quite rushed if I may say so myself, because in all honesty, I'm just too excited to show ya'll the part where Naruto and Co start to kick some butts.

Le gasp, the reason for all of this, what is it? There is war happening outside of the boundary? Timeline decided?

It seems that Yukari has her own reason to seek Konoha for help… just what is it exactly? Is it as she'd just said, is it for the good of Gensokyo? For its benefits? Now this will be a hard part to write…

Shion? Wasn't expecting that now weren't you? Now, before ya'll start to shoot me with the flames, I have a very important reason for this. It will be a major event in future chapters and more will be revealed.

I know that I have done poorly on this chapter but I assure you guys, I. Will. Improve. I definitely will. I am still studying English and is using this, writing fictions, as a way of improving, learning my errors in more relaxed way. I'm taking my lessons of course, and I will definitely use that opportunity too.

Oh and speaking of opportunity, and if you are willing to help me, you could PM me and suggest what type of romance/love category that you guys enjoy. This is for my Good end theatre project so please do note.

Anyway… that is all that I have to say and may ya'll have a good day/night!