Advent Against Time
Written By: Matdeception

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Chapter Five: Politics

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The morning light drifted through the window, its sweet caress touched against her face like the warm hand of a parent gently cupping her cheek. She grumbled a bit as sleep left her, the sluggish haze of lethargy slowly being beaten back as she came to consciousness. She welcomed the aches of her body, those wonderful aches of a long night of frenzied coupling that reminded her of the fun and relief she had felt during those glorious moments were she lost herself to passion. Where she forgot who she was, what she was, and simply exalted in the pleasures of the flesh.

Kurenai rubbed her eyes tiredly, pushing Anko's arm away. The woman groaned at the motion but did not waken. It was funny, but Anko was a deep sleeper even when she hadn't been engaged in a night long marathon of gasps and grunts and delicious orgasms. She shook her head, slipping from her bed to the bathroom.

She stared at herself in the mirror briefly, admiring the cut over her eye, and the receding bruises. She could have simply gone to a doctor and received a chakra treatment to take care of the wounds, but honestly she much preferred to keep them. They were wounds inflicted by him, and were to be treasured for what they truly represented; the first wounds received as she traveled down that long and winding path to forgiveness.

She shook those thoughts off, not quite in the mood to delve into such thoughts so early in the morning. She quickly filled up the tub and slid into the warm cascading waters that felt oh so divine. Much as she enjoyed her session with Anko, she reeked to high heavens; her sweat from training mixed with her furious coupling and excretions did not combine into rainbows and sunshine, and she typically loathed being dirty in general.

She sighed in contentment as she soaked, staring at the roof in quiet contemplation. She really needed last nights break from training; she could honestly admit to herself she had been over doing it. Training just a bit too much and too far then what was considered healthy for the body or for the mind. If everything didn't hinge on her passing the Jounin exams, she would have been quite content to wait another year and train at a more reasonable pace.

Naruto; she really didn't know what she was going to do about him. She had hoped and prayed he simply wouldn't remember her, that those memories of her... actions would have been buried through time. That wasn't the case, no, he remembered her and he was rightfully angry. Or surprised, Kurenai didn't know which. Anger was the surface emotion, anyone could recognize that, but she wasn't a Genjutsu specialist for nothing. Psychology was par for the course, she was trained to notice things, small things people wouldn't consider. Use those hard to see factors to determine what a person was really feeling. What she saw during those brutal few moments at the park was anger, yes, but a surprised anger. Like he hadn't been expecting to feel that way when he saw her, which was curious. If he had held onto that hatred and resentment from the time of his torture, he certainly shouldn't have been surprised when he finally saw her again.

And then there was the fact he was married; She boggled at that. Married at his age, and to Uchiha Ita no less. She really wanted to know how those two got together, and what on earth possessed the Uchiha Maiden to so brazenly defy her Clan. She really hoped they had a plan to counter the Clan Council when they got wind of this, otherwise they were both going to be in serious, serious trouble. If they so much as touched her Naruto-kun...

A tapping sound, like that made on glass, forcefully dragged her out of her thoughts. Curiously she followed the noise to the closed window over her bath. She groaned at that; If those two perverted team mates of her were trying to peek again, she'd kill them. Rising up in the tub she carefully pulled the window open a bit and peered outside.

She found a bird, a white familiar bird staring at her pointedly, around one of it's legs was a yellow wrapping proudly displaying a single sigil; Kurenai felt her mouth go dry at the sight of it. The Symbol of the Hokage; The symbol of fire; the symbol that her Jounin exams were upon her.

She never felt so hesitant, unsure in her life as she did now. This is it. This is the end of the line, time to go out and do what she had to do.

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Ita was restless. She couldn't help but think about what her Clan would do in retaliation. She thought up a few possible scenarios: From midnight assaults to attempts at poisoning. Thinking about it only stressed her already tired mind out, but she simply couldn't bring herself to stop. What if he did... what if they tried too... what if they targeted Naruto instead of her? Questions just swirled through her mind that left her tiredly pacing around the apartment for much of the night.

She really needed a diversion, something to keep her mind from drifting back into those dark thoughts. Exploring the building was a nice idea. Her new home, and bunker, was still largely unknown to her. The kunoichi in her wouldn't let that little issue go unresolved for long.

The building was larger then she thought it was. With four floors and four apartments on each floor, the now Uzumaki woman busied herself with a quick search and evaluation. The first floor was unremarkable. Empty rooms with so much dust built up she coughed entering them. Second floor was a tiny bit more exciting when she had to forcibly eject a squatter from the building. The man had been rather upset, yelling disparaging remarks about her heritage before walking away. The third floor held the beginnings of a mystery for the dark haired Uzumaki...

Ita blinked, twisting the door knob and pushing. The door wouldn't budge an inch, which was strange. The material was a composite of cheap thin metal, strong by civilian standards. Against a Shinobi it was little more then an flimsy barrier if they put their minds to getting past it. She punched it a few times, surprised when she didn't so much as dent the surface.

'What the hell is this?' she frowned, placing her hand on the door. She concentrated, calming her mind as she tested a theory. There, beneath the surface. Subtle near non-existent chakra pathways had been etched into the door, indicative of a common Fuuinjutsu she knew of vaguely. The jutsu had no true name, it had originally been a by product of other, more comprehensive Fuuinjutsu being layered across a surface. She preferred to think of it as a Seclusion art, Fuuinjutsu was esoteric and dangerous enough that true masters preferred seclusion.

'But who would pick here of all places to practice Fuuinjutsu, and why?' Ita frowned thoughtfully, possibilities coming and going with out any standing out to her as feasible. Irregardless, whoever did it had invested a significant amount of time in their work. Fuuinjutsu was a tasking process that required hours of work to craft even the simplest of Seal Arrays.

Ita was curious, very much so. She passed her hand over the connecting wall, tracing the soft undercurrents of chakra as she went. There, a subtle break in the chakra flow. It was small, roughly the size of a pen head. But that made it the weakest point in the chakra construct, breeching here would be easier then anywhere else.

She backed up, carefully examining the surrounding area. One quick controlled Katon burst should be enough to bypass the barrier. She would have to be careful her flames died as soon as they had done their job. Burning down her new home the first night she lived there wouldn't be a good idea.

She flashed through a series of hand seals. Halfway through something flashed to her right, bodily slamming her to the ground. Instincts took over for the Once-Uchiha as she rolled with the unknown attacker, kicking up and throwing the man off her. She kicked up and lunged as the man slammed into the wall... then erupted in a burst of smoke.

"Whoa!" A sudden voice from behind startled her. She glared back, letting that sudden tension in her belly relax slightly.

She snarled angrily, "Just what the hell do you think you're doing? Don't you know how dangerous it is to interrupt some one mid-seal? I could have lost control and caused an explosion!"

Naruto rolled his eyes, "Yeah, sure. And if you had blown through that wall the Seal Array would have gone thermal! You would have fried us all to a crisp you stupid bitch!"

"Seal Array...?" Ita repeated, eyebrow raised, "What on earth is a Seal Array doing here?"

Naruto shrugged, "You'll have to talk to the boss about that; he'd go batshit crazy if he found out I told you about it."

The wife of Naruto blinked, "Wait... you're a clone? Where's Naruto?"

"Duh!" the clone chirruped, "Boss is still asleep."

Ita stared in horror.

The clone blinked, nervously shifting, "Uh... something wrong?"

"You... how... he's still asleep!" Ita snapped, "How could he summon you? When?"

The clone stared, then shrugged, "Eh... it's no big deal, I mean, can't your Kage Bunshin summon themselves too?"

Ita just stared.

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Kurenai pressed her lips together, spreading the lipstick out evenly. Satisfied with the state of her appearance; Dead fucking sexy, she quietly left the bathroom and stopped by the bed. She admired Anko's naked body for a moment, grinning slightly at the wonderful memories from last night before. Counter to her friend's wild appearance while awake, Anko looked every bit the angel asleep. Where her face was normally set in a twisted little smile, while she slept she looked every bit like a peaceful content little house cat as she curled up in her blankets. It was too cute in her opinion. She honestly debated about leaving her friend alone rather then waking her up. If she wouldn't throw such a temper tantrum later she just might have.

"Anko..." the red-eyed kunoichi murmured, gently squeezing her nose shut. In short order the woman snapped awake with a gasp for air, instinctually pulling her head back and breaking Kurenai's grasp.

"Damn it!" Anko hissed, "The hell?" with a withering glare, "What the holy fuck was that for?"

Kurenai raised an eyebrow. "My my, so vulgar early in the morning, I'm shocked Anko. Truly shocked."

Anko just stared.

"Missive can by this morning, I'm being called to the tower. Didn't want to leave with out at least telling you why you'd be waking up alone this morning." Kurenai quickly explained even as she walked to the door.

"Bah." Anko grumped, twisting over the bed trying to get comfortable, "Good luck with the exam babe, I'm rootin for ya."

"Thanks, try to tidy up before you leave will you?" the red eyed kunoichi murmured, shutting the door.

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Naruto had been dreaming. At least he thought so, but couldn't honestly remember what it had been about. He might have tried to remember, but coming awake mid flight was hardly a contribution to such efforts. He grimaced, forcing his as of yet unawake muscles to function as he flipped over. Landing off balanced, he teetered over before falling on his rump. "Oi! What the hell?"

"RUN BOSS! SHE'S GONE THERMAL!" he heard himself yell. Eyes snapping up, he saw his wife dispatching a slew of clones, making decent headway in his direction. He idly thought his Bunshin very brave to face Ita's not so inconsiderable wrath to protect him, but it was honestly to early to be dealing with this shit. With a quick thought, his Bunshin dissipated into smoke.

Free of their grip, the woman that was his wife lunged at him, tackling him to the floor before straddling him. She gripped his shirt and began shaking him. "You! What the hell is this! Seal arrays! Bunshin that can summon themselves! Answer me twerp, or I swear I'll end your short miserable life here and now!"

He glanced up calmly, red sharingan eyes meeting his own. "Yeah, good morning to you too, babe."

Eyes narrowing, Ita hissed, "Don't you dare start with me, Naruto-koi." for all the sweetness in her voice, Naruto knew a snake when he heard one. And she was pure venom. "Now answer me, why are there Seal Arrays here?"

Naruto frowned. How to answer, how to answer. He would probably be beating himself for this later, but right now he needed to calm her down. "That's... look, get the hell off me."

"Not before you tell me, damn you!" she shook him roughly, as if to prove her point.

"Kami, it's the only thing that keeps me calm!" he all but shouted in her face.

Ita glared, "Explain." she let him go, but if she intended to move off him she didn't show it. That was fine, he honestly didn't care.

"Look Ita..." he sighed tiredly, "... I... uh, bleah. I've got brain damage." She raised an eyebrow at that. He was a little annoyed at the vindication flashing in her eyes, bitch probably already suspected as much. "Before you laugh, I'm damn serious."

"What kind of 'Brain damage'." she asked in that oh so annoying no nonsense tone of voice.

"The kind you get by being mentally raped by Genjutsu for months on end, that kind." Naruto breathed tiredly, "And save your damn pity, no one cared when it happened, no one tried to help cept the Old man, so no one has the right to feel sorry for me."

If Ita believed him at all, she didn't show, "What are you talking about?"

"Seven... I was seven. I don't remember too much about it." now that was a bold faced lie, and he knew it showed on his face, "But I ended up in the hospital because of it. It..." he tapped his head, "... screwed some things up. Can't stop thinking, picking up facts about everything and nothing, y'know? If I do, I get really sick."

"So you picked up Fuuinjutsu?" she didn't believe him, but he didn't care. It was the only explanation he was going to give on the matter.

"And why my Kage Bunshin can summon themselves at times." he added tiredly. Now that seemed to pause her. Naruto wondered what the girl had thought when she discovered his Bunshin could summon themselves. Really, Bunshin summoning themselves? Such thoughts lay madness.

Ita frowned, sliding off him and helping him back to his feet. "Sorry." she mumbled, half mortified, half sad.

Naruto just shrugged. The atmosphere was tense, and he really, truly didn't want to be here now that Ita looked, for all intents and purposes, like she just finished beating up a poor retarded kid. He cracked a secret grin as he headed into the rest room. Gullible girl.

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Ita grimaced, slumping on the couch tiredly. She didn't pay her husband any attention as he dressed and took off for school, she really didn't want to deal with his annoyed grunts and glares at having to reveal something so personal to her, much less anyone. Did she believe him? Yes and no. Could Kage Bunshin's summon themselves? No, the idea was just plain silly, his explanation made sense. That she had never heard of him suffering some kind of Genjutsu cluster fuck didn't mean anything, in fact it only served to spur her to find out exactly what happened.

But Fuuinjutsu? His explanation had some appeal, she guessed, but that appeal only went so far. Seal Arrays, and if that little clone had been right, a counter-security breach seal designed to blow the building, and whatever was guarded by the seals, sky high? She wasn't a specialist in this particular art, but she had studied and learned enough to know it took decades of practice to build something as intricate as a Seal Array double counter security defense relay.

But what could she do about it, she wondered? Now was not the time to divide her attentions to that of her newly acquired clan, or the mysteries it held. If she expected to survive the week she had to focus on the politics of the clans, of countering her father and securing not only her right to continued existence, but of Naruto's as well. She sighed, the terrible strain settling heavily over her shoulders. No... now was not the time to delve into the mystery that was her husband.

She yawned, tired. Not that she could sleep now, there was no time for such simple pleasures. If what Sarutobi said was correct, she had mere hours before an emergency Clan Council would be held that would decide her fate. She glanced at the simple black dress she wore, the same dress she had worn to her 'wedding', and currently the only article of clothing she possessed. That would not do.

She sighed, making for the door. She'd need to buy a kimono at least. Something simple but elegant if she intended to rub elbows with the elite of the city. Opening the door she paused, eyeing the old woman standing there curiously. She was expertly dressed, a simple pink kimono that billowed around her appendages. She looked regal, every wrinkle a testament to her age and wisdom, with neutral calculating brown eyes that reminded her so much of the Uchiha Clan elders. Ita would had to have been blind, deaf, and dumb to not know who this woman was. Utatane Koharu, a Village Elder with almost as much Political power as the Hokage himself. She, along with Mitokado Homura form the Konoha Council were former teammates of the Third, they were known for their fair, if entirely ruthless council whenever the greater good for Konoha was at stake.

"Good morning, Lady Uzumaki." Koharu demurred, bowing slightly.

"Ah..." Ita steeled herself. She may no longer be an Uchiha, but she had been raised, and taught at least the pleasantries of court. She bowed, slightly lower then the woman did, "To you as well, Lady Utatane."

"The Hokage has bid me prepare you." she said simple, gesturing the woman to follow.

Ita did so, standing slightly behind and to the right of the woman as they moved. A sign of respect, and, supplication she knew.

"The council will be called in three hours." Koharu started simply, "As it stands, many of the Clan heads will not be present, electing instead for adjutants to preside over their affairs. You can be assured, however, that the Uchiha's and Hyuuga will be represented by the Clan heads. Given the nature of this meeting, it would not be far fetched to assume an immediate retaliation of some kind." they passed into the street, walking with slow measured paces as they moved deeper into the village.

Ita listened intently, failure to do otherwise could mean the death of her and her... husband. "However, as you no doubt know, there are protocols to maintain. Tradition will dictate your claim to have priority in council, we will use that to our benefit." Koharu smiled pleasantly, "But really, these are the least of your concerns."

"Oh? What do you mean, Lady Utatane?" she asked the woman carefully.

"Once denied, the Uchiha will seek other means of retribution. By blade or Law, they will find other ways to inconvience you." the Elder said simply, "I could not begin to guess what these alternative methods to strike at you may be, and thus can not provide specific means in which to counter them."

'Sounds like Uchiha-sama alright.' Ita spat mentally as they crossed into a tasteful store. She caught sights of the royal silks, the imperial designs, the noble attire. She raised an eyebrow questioningly at the Elder. For herself, Koharu seemed disinterested as she looked over the selection, eyes drifting ever so slowly to her own, less then regal attire.

"But first things first. One can not enter the lions den with out a little..." she chuckled softly, "... color to distract the beasts."

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There was a sense of tension in the air when he entered school, almost tangible. Naruto looked around, but for the life of him couldn't sense just why he felt ill at ease. Kids milled around, chatting, joking, and generally being the children they were so early in the morning. Teachers moved, half shuffling, half dead on their feat as they tried to determine if it was still worth getting up in the morning for this crap. Nope, all pretty standard stuff.

He made for the cafeteria, patting his grumbling stomach. The last two days had been pretty fucked up, if he did say so himself. Getting beaten like a red headed step child, putting the finishing touches on a sentient chakra sword, getting married and... He frowned, scratching his head. Yeah, he was forgetting something, but what on earth...

A flash of red eyes.

'Oh.' Naruto grimaced. At once irritated and curious. He really had forgotten about Kurenai, which wasn't just weird, but unfathomable considering what she had done. Excitement at his impending assassination from the Uchiha wasn't enough to make him forget something like that, but some how he still had forgotten despite all that. That alone was... disconcerting.

"Naruto." he felt a hand on his shoulder, slim fingers gripping his shirt tightly. He glanced back with a frown, "Uke?"

A growl, angry and dark, "Do you have any idea what you've done?"

The Blond smirked lightly, "Well, brother-in-law, I guess I fucked your sister?" He was privately amused as Sasuke sputtered indignantly, cheeks slightly tingeing pink at the thought. He was impressed the affection deprived boy managed to shake that off with out missing a beat.

"Idiot! You've made yourself a target, the Clan is out for blood, they'll see you and Ita dead for this."

Naruto shrugged, "It's worth it."

"How?" The boy growled, "How is it worth it? You're both as good as dead!"

The blond barked a laugh, wrapping his arm around the annoyed Uchiha's shoulders, "Sasuke man, how is it not worth it? You do realize your sister's smoking hot, hard as nails, and more then stab happy when she gets worked up. How on earth could any red blooded male pass that up?"

"You... don't even care, do you?" Sasuke deadpanned, "You two, you're about to be murdered, and it doesn't even phase you, does it?"

"Hell no!" he grinned, "Do you have any idea how much of a rush this is? I swear, if you aren't in mortal danger then dating just isn't worth it."

A pair of girls, beautiful in their own right, sighed at them from across the hall. Sasuke ignored them, but Naruto frowned at that. Fangirls, he knew. One from each of their respective fan clubs...

He shook that thought off. "Bah, don't worry about it Sasuke. We aren't going to die." he grinned toothily, "And if we do, so what? At least I can't die a virgin anymore."

"Shut up." the dark haired boy snapped, grabbing him by his shirt. Naruto could feel Sasuke's hot breath blow across his face as the boy snarled. And, as ridiculous as it sounded, he couldn't help but catch those fan girls squeal and whisper 'Boys in love!'

That shit will not stand. Naruto smacked Sasuke's hands away, he broke free in a run through the cafeteria. Leaping up onto a table, he shouted, "Heya everyone! In case none of you know, I'm Uzumaki Naruto and I have an announcement to make!" he frowned, no one paying attention. "It involves a drastic affair that deals with me AND Uke! Er, Sasuke!" he crowed.

That did it. Large sections of the rather spacious cafeteria went silent. Those who didn't soon found themselves swamped by fangirls and gagged. Naruto was privately impressed by the Bondage Club, they really knew their stuff. He peered out at the gathering crowd. He could see the clear segregation between Sasuke's club, his own, various other clubs devoted to a particular match up amongst the student body (Usually Sasuke + Girl, but he didn't care), and then there were of course the 'Yaoi' pariahs huddling in their dark little corner.

Sasuke just glared at him, he could read the boys lips as he mouthed 'I'm going to kill you'. He thought that wasn't fair, he hadn't even done anything yet. Well, aside from his sister as far as he knew, whatever. He could see the faces of Sakura and Ino in the crowed, looking curious and, of course, annoyed. Well this should be fun... for him at any rate.

"Now I know what you're thinking. What could possibly have happened between me and Sasuke?" He began slowly, "Did we hook up? Have we come out of the closet and admitted to loving each other? Have we engaged in boy boy love?"

"We knew it!" The Yaoi freaks slithered from their dark corner, pale skinned and starved looking, wearing a mockery of clothing that Naruto had to admit did kind of make them look like him and Sasuke.

"Well that's not it, sorry." he snorted as the freaks went slithering back into the dark, wailing at the injustice of it all.

Naruto flipped a portrait to his hand some seemingly no wear. It was rather large, and left many wondering just where he had been hiding it. It was a simple portrait, of him and Ita standing on a dirt beaten trail, a calm blue crystalline lake in the back ground. Ita had her arm of his shoulder, smiling her slight smile at the camera, her ANBU sword resting comfortable against her other shoulder. The blond was there, hand around her waist, two fingers pointed up with a goofy looking grin on his face. "Well everyone, it was bound to happen sooner or later. I got married."

"NO!" his fan club screamed. Naruto was amused at the mortified look sweeping through their ranks. Ino and Sakura, amidst the crowd, openly rolled their eyes in plain disbelief. Sasuke shook in abject rage, but he ignored him. "Yes, it's true. This woman..." he stressed that word pointedly, "... is my wife. Uzumaki Ita. She's eighteen, a classic beauty that stands at 5'9, with a generous C-cup, and dimensions... that aren't any of your Kami damned business."

"I pains me to say this." He intoned solemnly, an obvious fake tear leaking from his eye, "But I couldn't do it! My girls, my wonderful loyal girls don't deserved to be lead around by the nose. Not after I've gone and gotten married." he glanced seriously at his hemorrhaging fan club, "You're my friends, and I love you all, I couldn't deceive you with this." he swept his arm out over the crowd, "But behold! There is a shining light in all this madness! My wife, Ita, was once part of the Uchiha clan! Know this, my loving fan club, should you marry Sasuke you'll be part of the family. And by the grace of your station, can take part in the clan wide orgies!" he chuckled, "Fun stuff, that."

Silence ripped through the crowd, broken only by Sasuke's maddening, angry scream, "I'LL KILL YOU!"

Like a great beast that had food dangled in it's maw, Naruto watched as his fan club turned, as one, to stare at the frothing mad Uchiha heir. Sasuke blinked, shuddering as so many hungry, mad filled eyes rounded on him. A moment of eternity, growls ripping through the crowd as Sasuke's fan club realized what was about to happen... and then all hell broke lose.

"SASUKE-KUN!" screamed one girl, lunging over the throng of students. But her actions were a signal, as girls everywhere began charging the poor bastard. Comically, the boy screamed as he ran like hell.

"Ah, yes." Naruto chuckled, stepping off his soap box. He watched his handiwork, the cafeteria emptying out except for small pockets of scared males huddling close for protection for the rabid fangirls clearing out enmass. Sakura and Ino just stared at the carnage with the type of shocked wide eyed wonder from some one who just realized they were gay.

He nodded. "Yep, job well done, if I do say so myself."

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The Council Hall was it's own building, separate from any and all establishments linked to shinobi and the Hokage. Ita had been here before, once or twice, but never more as anything but an observer. Along one far wall was the Consulate, where the village Elders, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, sat and over saw the business of the Clans as they related to Konoha as a whole. There was a third Elder, a crippled old man with a missing eye, he was already in his seat when she stepped through the great doors to the inner sanctum. She knew little about him, only a name. Danzou.

She felt his gaze upon her the moment she stepped in. A momentary look that left her apprehensive. His look was guarded, controlled, with not the least bit hint of acknowledgement present, but even in his damaged frame there was a certain sense of strength there.

Ita grimaced inwardly. She didn't like that look, it was like a vultures, calm, calculating, and patient. Terribly patient as it waited for you to die so it could feast on your cooling remains.

From the Elders podiums rose a slightly elevated podium where Clan Heads or adjutants could speak on their Clans behalf. Stationed in a half crescent around the podium, large sections had been divided, finely crafted wood tables and chairs separated. These seats were reserved for the Clans, and there were many of them. How many even she didn't know, from Major clans to Minor and lesser, the numbers present were disorienting.

Koharu had left her, making her way to her seat of office. She appreciated the old woman immensely, her morning long sermon on the nuances of the clans, of politics and warfare, of considerations and the duplicity of these Political monsters. She had said "There is little different between War and Politics. Anyone who says otherwise has experience in neither."

She herself had taken a seat at a table reserved for those not of the Clans, but with business before the Council. It was towards the back, with slightly less impressive tables and seats. A calculated fact, she had no doubt, to instill a sense submission towards the Clans. She discreetly glanced around, examining the Clan Heads present, and those Clans who's adjutants had arrived to represent their interest while the Clan Heads were indisposed. She recognized many of them, all shinobi or kunoichi like herself. Idly she thought it strange, Inoichi of Yamanaka was not present, an almost foppish looking man in his place, yet Shikaku of Nara and even the Akamichi Clan Head, both teammates of his, were present.

Aside from them stood Tsume. The bestial, ferally attractive woman looked out of place in her Jounin vest and gear. The only woman Ita could see who wasn't wearing a Kimono, as if she didn't give a damn for the intricacies of court. Ita looked down at her own Kimono, bought and fitted just hours ago. It was a royal purple with black edges, soft silk held in place by a black obi tied expertly around her thin waste. Her hair had been left down, thought combed expertly and almost shimmering in the light. Koharu had implied the lack of any ornaments and delicate hair styles would impress a sense of humbleness that she was here only to see her Clan represented for the merits it contained and not as an overly ambitious ploy to gain power within the Council.

The thought was absurd to Ita at first, but after a few quite moments to herself she could understand the reasoning. Was the Council really no different from a mission? She didn't like to think about those missions that had required her to dress up, to play a role, to succeed by the graces of her speech and beauty rather then by sword and steel. It always felt wrong to her, uncomfortable and dangerous on a level she could not quite comprehend.

Why was she thinking about that now she wondered? Ita only had to discreetly glance around to realize the truth of the matter. Much like her, everyone here was watching everyone else, gauging them, questioning their presence and their motives. Now that she had realized that, she knew why she felt so apprehensive and out of place. All eyes were on her, watching her, dissecting her and examining everything she did. She forced herself to remain calm, to remain impassive and non committal. Koharu had warned her, even the simplest of gestures could give you away, and were to be guarded against at all times. Really, she could appreciate the woman's view on war and politics, they went hand in hand.

She caught sight of a man, dressed in regal white with long black hair. She admired his features, taunt and limber as he moved through the concord of nobles and Clansmen. He was some one she knew, if only through reputation. Hyuuga Hiashi, undisputed ruler of the Hyuuga clan, and the Uchiha's primary opponent in the Great Hall. He didn't look at her, at least directly, but that didn't surprise her. With only the soft rustling of robes he took his seat in the hall, flanked by two older Hyuuga, advisors if she had to guess, who kept their heads lowered in subservience.

A dark flourish rustled past her, she glanced and grimaced despite herself. Lips twisted into a half snarl, she caught the flash of charcoal black eyes, the haunty face of the man who was once her father. He didn't look at her directly as he moved past her, he didn't need to. There was a contempt and anger present in those deep guarded orbs she couldn't miss, whether due to her personal knowledge of the man or her experience as a shinobi, she knew the distaste that rolled off him was as real as the danger she and Naruto were in now.

Tsume caught her glance, a rather amused smile on her thin lips. Ita cursed herself a fool. The elder Inuzuka had no doubt caught her disgusted look, and if she did then others certainly had to as well. It only served to remind her that, despite all her prowess, this was one arena she was ill suited. She only prayed she had enough mettle to see this through, for herself and for her husband. Failure would only mean a quick, hopefully painless, death for the both of them. If they were lucky... she didn't put much stock in luck.

A chime, soft and melodious echoed. Koharu set down a small gavel as the note subsided, Clansmen everywhere falling into their seats as a surreal silence took hold. Elegant, poised and in complete control, the old woman rose from her seat. "Council of Clans." she smiled, friendly, platonic, "We are met this day, high season of the burning summer by the grace and will of the Kami's."

"By Grace and Will." there was a soft reverence as the word was repeated. The voice of the clans, as one combining into a dull roar that echoed terribly through the Hall. "Bring forth new considerations." the woman intoned, but Ita caught the sharp look sent her way. She doubted anyone else had seen it, even she wouldn't have if the woman hadn't coached her prior to their attendance here.

She reached the gravel on her desk, softly knocking against the bell adorning the head of the table. A similar chime echoed through the assembly. Homura, the other teammate of the Fourth, glanced at her through his thick glasses. Ita was slightly awed, he was so much like Koharu, his eyes spoke of a depth and degree only the truly wise possessed. He raised his hand sharply, "Rise and be recognized."

Demurely Ita stood, smoothing out the slight wrinkles in her Kimono. "Ita, wife of Uzumaki, wishes an accord with the Council of Clans."

If she expected dark mutterings, hateful insults, she was sorely disappointed. Everyone, even her despicable father, remained silent. They watched her like a hawk, ancient and experienced eyes examining every gesture, every tensing of muscle, everything about her. For a moment she felt naked under their gazes, reminded once again how out of her depths she was here.

"Be welcome Ita, wife of Uzumaki, and speak your business."

"By his Grace and Will, I have come before you to receive my rightful due." Ita breathed, her tone nothing but respectful. "Charter signed and ratified by this very Council, the Uzumaki clan has come to claim it's promised seat, as set forth by our coming of age."

"Coming of Age?" Danzou mumbled, voice low but deafening in it's totality. "Has the Uzumaki clan truly come of age?"

"It has." she demurred.

"Really..." the old man seemed unconvinced, "Are you certain? Coming of Age, such an important and revered passing. Are you really ready the accept the mantle of adulthood, and the responsibilities it pertains to?"

"Were we not, my lord, I would not be here this day among the honored Council of Clans." Ita remained passive, calm. Inwardly she was nervous and off balance. Koharu had assured her this was merely a formality, merely a statement and a nod to accept the charter and be given their rightful place. She couldn't shake the feeling that something wasn't right, that something was happening beneath her very nose.

"I see." Danzou nodded, almost bored looking. "Then rise and be welcome, Clan Uzumaki. As set forth by Law and Grace, take your seat and be recognized."

Ita marveled as a table, expertly crafted and decorated, was carried in and set within the half circle of minor Clans. By obvious practiced protocol, a rather handsome man in a grey Kimono appeared next to her, offering his arm. She took it, allowing herself to be led down to her new station. She had only just taken her seat when she caught the dangerous, almost guarded look from Koharu. Something was wrong, even the old woman could see it, but just what had yet to be revealed.

"Considerations met, business concluded." Koharu intoned, her bell chiming softly as she sat back down. Ita wasn't surprised as another bell chimed.

"Rise and be welcome, Fukagu, Leader of Uchiha." Homura's words beckoned the man to speak.

Fukagu rose slowly, almost hesitantly. Ita could just imagine the cold realization ripping through him at that moment. His plans, the means he had been relying on to strike out at her and Naruto, had been silenced. What would he do now she wondered? What could he do?

-0-0-0-

"It is a quiet thing, to fall." Koharu murmured. Ita grimaced, even as the seamstress tightened her omai around her thin waist. "Yet, terribly still, is the echoes left behind."

Ita just looked at the woman.

Koharu looked amused, "Should the blood hunt be called, you and yours will be exterminated. Your deaths will be ignoble, and with out purpose... but for the echo's left behind." she smiled, a sad melancholy smile that spoke of deep experience, "All things leave echoes. A word, a choice, an agreement. These echoes will wash through the clans, and it will mean the death of the Uchiha."

She froze, blinking, "What? What do you mean?"

The Elder just looked at her, pointed stare that radiated a profound sense of loss, "What do I mean? Like any great beast, the Uchiha can not turn their guard from the other clans. Exterminating even yours, no matter how insignificant, will force the beast to turn it's attention from the others. The Clans, lesser beasts that they are, will take advantage of this. They will bite, they will rend, they will tear into the Uchiha Clan. Each strike will create more echoes that will in turn resonate with your death echoes, until all that's left is a death that will take decades to come."

"I... don't understand." And she didn't. This was a profound explanation that took a life time of experience to understand.

"I suppose you would not." Koharu shrugged, "To the point, Fukagu will not exterminate you after your clan has been accepted. As loath as he is to let you live, to exterminate you will break the clan. They will, in time, lose everything. Once the fall has started, there is no stopping it." she smiled, a pleasant thing that did nothing to calm the apprehensive confusion she felt, "But that is neither the here nor there. Be mindful of echo's, the can topple even the greatest of peoples."

-0-0-0-

Fukagu smiled.

Ita felt her blood run cold at that smile.

"My appreciation to the Council of Clans, your prompt attendance at my Clan's plight leaves me humbled." he spoke, that victorious smile never once leaving his lips. She caught sight of Tsume shaking her head, irritation obvious. The way he said those words, it was like he whistled and the dogs came running to his beck and call. It was also, Ita realized, precisely his intent.

"A plight you say?" Danzou looked at the man with his one eye.

"Elder Danzou." Fukagu bowed, "Yes, a plight. In violation of Clan doctrine as set forth by the First, the Uchiha have been betrayed by one of their own. A woman, strong in our bloodline, has abandoned her duties and joined with another."

"Truly?" Ita would have rolled her eyes if she could. Danzou sounded sincerely surprised, "Such an act... this is a serious charge. Who is it that would so brazenly violate the Firsts written law?"

"My lord, it is none other then Lady Uzumaki herself."

Danzou looked at her. Ita felt her gut twist and clench at the pointed stare. He turned back to Fukagu, "And you seek retribution? Perhaps compensation for this slight?"

"No, I do not." Fukagu shook his head. Ita caught the surprised look on Tsume before the woman could expertly conceal her shock. Hiashi closed his eyes, and took a deep, audible breath, but otherwise did not react.

"If you seek nothing due to you by our Laws, why have you called this assembly?" Danzou looked irritated, his tone almost dangerous, "To waste the time of this hallowed Council is a grave insult, Fukagu of Uchiha."

"My lord." Fukagu nodded, "My clan has been slighted, but it was by my own daughter this insult was made. I simply, before this great house, wish to ask a question of her."

"Speak it then." Danzou waved the man off, clearly disinterested.

"Why did you marry him, my lady? Tell me, before this assembly of peers and Clans, why you abandoned our Clan to join with his?" Fukagu's words were soft, almost imploring and desperate. Ita wasn't fooled, Koharu had warned her precisely of such things. Many were the nations influenced simply by the tone of some ones voice, this was no different.

Ita rose, trying to collect her thoughts. What could she say? The truth? Certainly not, such an admission would only earn her the scorn of the other clans, and leave an avenue her despicable father could exploit. But then what? What could she...

"Do you love him, Ita?" Fukagu looked at her. For an instance, she saw warmth there. A warmth and love she hadn't seen in so many years, it shocked her. She could feel her tongue twisting, trying to wrestle itself free to respond, to say something to the man and his questions. It surprised her, how much emotion such a simple question and look could inspire within her.

She didn't even consider her words as she answered, "Yes, I love him."

"I see." Fukagu nodded, that warmth and love she saw in his eyes vanishing as if it had never been. "Then I will validate that love before our peers and the Clans. I call forth the Continued Generations Act, to assure the slight against my family was done out of the noble notion of love. Give us this much, and we will consider the matter settled."

Nothing could keep the Clans silent now. A roar tore through the clans, angry words, shocked and surprised, condemning and accepting. It flew by in a torrent, and through it all Ita watched Fukagu as he stood amidst the chaos he had created, still smiling that... damn... smile!

"Silence." Danzou roared, his voice, so weak and unassuming, commanding the great assembly to silence. He looked at Fukagu first, before turning on her, "Is this acceptable to you, Lady Uzumaki?"

In a voice filled with confidence she in no way felt, even as she asked the question she felt her blood run cold, "Forgive my ignorance, Elder, but what exactly is the Continued Generations Act?"

"Hmm?" he looked amused, "You truly do not know? How surprising." he smiled, an amused almost sinister smile that did not ease her fears one iota, "It is as it sounds, an act that will require you to, within three years hence, to breed a child with your husband and assure the continuance of your clan."

Naruto's words from last night came back to her, haunting in it's severity and clarity.

-0-0-0-

"Some people are actually going to want us to make like rabbits, I mean who wouldn't want the power of the Kyuubi to mix with the Sharingan?"

Ita frowned even as she fell into a comfy armchair, "What they want, and what's going to happen are two different things." she snorted, "Besides, it's not like they can force us."

"Can't they?"

-0-0-0-

He had known it could come to this. There was no other way, no other explanation, it left a terrible chill echoing down to her very soul. She desperately tried to think, tried to come up with something to refute or abolish this absurdity. Ita frowned, "My lord, my husband is but a child. He... is not ready for such things."

"Is he not?" Danzou blinked, "But, my lady, did you not come before this assembly and declare before all present that you were ready to take your seat? Did you not accept, with your own words, the responsibility entailed in coming of Age?"

Ita all at once realized what Koharu had meant by echoes. Her accepting of the Clan Seat, her words to Danzou earlier, it had created an echo. One her despicable father had picked up on and turned against her. Had this been planned from the very beginning, she wondered? Or had she, simply, been outwitted on a field of battle she was ill prepared to fight on?

It didn't matter.

"I understand." she bowed low, "And will obey."

-0-0-0-

AN: Been awhile, eh? Yeah, yeah. I'm a horrible person, so what. I bring this segment to you, introducing politics I have alluded to here and there. A fine mess Ita has found herself in, eh? She was so out of her depth there was simply no way she could win this one.

As for Kurenai, well, her jounin exam will take place next chapter, as well as other things. Anyway, enjoy.