Hey everyone, did you miss me? If not, that's fine, but I've got a new chapter for you all and some good news. We are finally going to start the war! In a few chapters. I'll be using the next few chapters to round out Naruto's romantic interests and give them a little bit of development, before the war gets underway, the calm before the storm so to speak.

Sorry it's taken so long to get here, but I had a rough six months, being afflicted with crippling joint pain that left me bed ridden, before I was finally diagnosed with SLE and put on treatment, allowing me to return to a normal level of function.

In other news, I've revamped my pat reon, so now you get better rewards for supporting me, for less. For instance, if you enjoy Fairy Tail, there are a bunch of chapters on my currently, months in advance before I will be posting them on FF and with a bit more support, I will start doing monthly Q and A events.

Also, I've started doing previous chapter summaries, at the start of all my updates, so both you and I can know what happened previously, especially given my penchant for long gaps between updates.

Regarding this chapter specifically, I had a plan going into it, but then as I started writing, that plan changed and if there is one thing I've learned, when something happens organically in your writing, roll with it, as it is usually better than anything you can force, so you might be surprised at how this chapter goes down.

Enjoy!
SSJ3 Kyuubi Gohan.

Previously:
Naruto received the message of the Raikage from Samui, before discussing how things may go down at the meeting. Danzo revealed his plan to use the past holders of the tailed beasts, to get the necessary tailed beast chakra, through the usage of the Impure World Reincarnation technique, much to Tobi's anger. Naruto and A had a brief verbal exchange before the meeting, leading to Naruto gaining A's ire, which would persist through to the meeting. Sasuke would covertly infiltrate the Leaf Village and end the lives of Koharu and Homura, but not before Homura explained how war would be inevitable with the way the villages were currently. At the meeting, Naruto revealed having been in contact with the other Jinchuuriki and forming an alliance with them and secretly combating Akatsuki, before calling for a nationwide alliance to combat them. Tobi would then make his appearance at the meeting, before declaring that Akatsuki would destroy all villages in less than a week, before bringing Sasuke into the room.

Disclaimer – I don't own anything from the Naruto anime/manga. All I own are my original characters and plot twists.

'Talking'

"Thinking"

'Heavily demonic voice'

'Fox talking'

"Fox thinking"

*expression*

Jutsu

Flashback

Chapter 42 – Humility

'You!' Shouted the Raikage, lunging at Sasuke.

Sasuke turned his gaze on the Raikage and black flames erupted along his right arm, which was about to strike Sasuke in the jaw.

The pain caused the Raikage to flinch momentarily, but he followed through with his attack, only to slam into something extremely dense that resisted his attack, centimetres away from Sasuke's head.

'Sasuke what the hell man, stop it!' Shouted Naruto in disbelief.

'No. Cloud is the reason half of the wars of the past even occurred and this Raikage is no better than the last, in fact, he is even worse. The Third Tsuchikage is also an old fart who should be dead already, but insists on making things worse for everyone. I will end both of them today and bring peace.' Explained Sasuke.

'I'd like to see you try, brat!' Roared the Raikage, rushing Sasuke again, now missing his left arm.

'Tsukuyomi.' Said Sasuke, before the Raikage froze.

Black flames erupted along the Raikage's chest as he stood in place.

'Sasuke, stop now!' Shouted Naruto, only for Bee to smash Sasuke into a wall.

Jiraiya quickly pulled out a scroll and sealed away the flames scorching the Raikage, who remained unmoving.

'Tch, that A sure is a stubborn, impulsive fool. Cutting off his hand in his impatience.' Grumbled Jiraiya.

Bee was suddenly flung back into the room, with Sasuke calmly walking in after him.

'You beat me last time, but I was lost and confused then. I know what I need to do. I will end all war by cutting out the source of it.' Said Sasuke, glaring down at Bee.

'And just how do you plan to do that, by killing the Kage?' Asked Onoki in disdain.

'Just you and the meathead, your villages are the ones stirring things up. Always trying to get bloodlines or Tailed Beasts. If it wasn't for you, there would be peace already. Sure, villages would still compete and fight, but there wouldn't be the outright hate there is now. You are a cancer on the world, a plague and I'm the lucky exterminator.' Said Sasuke.

'Lava Style: Quicklime Congealing Jutsu.' Said one of the Tsuchikage's guards, spitting out a wad of rubber, which bounced off an invisible structure, just before it could reach Sasuke.

'Sasuke. I get what you are saying, I really do, but this is not the way to fix things. Akatsuki is the real problem here. They've been stirring up all the villages. True, some of them have done things that have caused the situation to escalate, but this has been going on for years now, even before Itachi.' Said Naruto, causing Sasuke to glare at him.

'You don't get it, Naruto, do you? I know exactly who Akatsuki are. I'm not working for those fools, no matter what Tobi thinks.' Spat Sasuke in anger.

'Then why are you doing exactly what they want!' Growled Naruto.

'I'm not. For once, I'm doing what I want. I want to end all the suffering. To make sure orphans like us don't exist. You lost your parents because of Akatsuki. I lost mine because the Leaf was scared Cloud or Rock would try something. That's it! The entire Uchiha clan was massacred because the Leaf was scared of being attacked! Do you even realise how stupid that is? Ninja fight and die, that is our life. Ninja should, at the very least, feel safe in their own villages though. Even you went through hell as a kid because of circumstance. So did others. Gaara was made a Tailed Beast container because Sand was afraid of Rock. Haku and Kimimaro had their families slaughtered because of Akatsuki, I know that, but then why did Mist go into lock down? To prevent Cloud from trying to kidnap all their bloodline holders.' Ranted Sasuke.

'So you just decide to kill two Kage? Do you even realise how stupid that sounds? You're going to start a war like this.' Explained Naruto in annoyance, slamming his hands on the table as he stood up.

'He already has.' Stated Onoki flatly.

'Shut your damn mouth old man! I don't need to hear any advice from you.' Shouted Naruto in annoyance.

'See Naruto, old fools like this are all talk, just waiting for an excuse to try and start a war and fatten either their belts or their wallets. Killing them is a humanitarian service.' Laughed Sasuke.

'You shut your mouth too Sasuke. You idiot! Do you even realise you're still being manipulated by everyone? Who told you it was Cloud and Rock that started everything? Did you even know that Tobi is the one who started the purges in Mist all by himself. It wasn't Akatsuki. You know what is even worse though. The Second Hokage gave Danzo power. You saw what Danzo is capable of. Danzo was a Leaf ninja! A ninja like us and what he did, as sick and twisted as it was, was what he thought was best for the village. Don't you get it? Everyone is just trying to do what they think is best for their village. Their interests. That is why there is war. In war, your side is always right. Pein and Konan started their version of Akatsuki to try and save orphans and prevent war, then, Danzo and Hanzo messed everything up and led to thousands of people dying. Why? Hanzo thought he was protecting his village. Same with Danzo. To him, getting Rain under his thumb was protecting the Leaf Village. Everyone is bloody stupid, don't be like everyone else. Aren't you supposed to be Sasuke Uchiha? An elite? Top of the class? One of the strongest ninja to ever come out of the Leaf?' Questioned Naruto.

'Dust Release: Detachment of the Primitive World Technique.' Said Onoki, a small cube with a sphere inside being released from his hands and moving towards Sasuke.

In the next moment, Naruto exploded in energy. His eyes had turned solid gold with a single tiny dot in the centre and his hair had changed again, becoming shock white with a single lock of blood red hair hanging down his forehead, reaching the bridge of his nose. He had transformed again. In the next instance, Onoki's attack was snuffed out of existence.

'Damn it you old man! Can't you see I'm trying to talk him down here?' Said Naruto in mild annoyance.

'See Naruto, people like him are parasites. They only exist to poison the land. Things will be better off without them.' Smirked Sasuke.

'You brats! I'll teach you to disrespect me like that.' Growled Onoki, only for two fists to slam into his mouth.

'Shut up!' Shouted both Naruto and Sasuke, punching the old man in the face so hard, a tooth flew out.

'Naruto, was it really a wise idea for you to attack the Tsuchikage?' Asked Gaara in his usual tone.

'He was annoying.' Said Naruto flatly.

'And now with Sasuke as well, two of my students have attacked two Kage, where did I go wrong?' Sighed Kakashi.

'Maybe by reading porn around us all the time.' Commented Naruto, getting a shrug from Kakashi.

'Naruto, maybe you should dial things back a bit.' Suggested Mei.

'I think that would be a wise recommendation, Lord Hokage. I have allowed some leniency in proceedings, but if you don't take control of things now, I will.' Said Mifune calmly.

'You heard him Sasuke. Undo the Genjutsu on the Raikage while the Tsuchikage regains consciousness and then we can deal with things properly.' Said Naruto.

'I'm not going to do that. I willing to discuss things with all the villages, but only after those two are dead.' Said Sasuke calmly.

'You know I won't let you kill them, right?' Said Naruto.

'Then you better make me kneel before you, Lord Hokage. I won't bow down to inferior, blind fools. They aren't even worthy to sit on my level.' Said Sasuke.

'So be it Sasuke, I'll show you why I'm the one who became Hokage.' Said Naruto, before his pupil became a slit and the ground under him cratered.

'Give it your best shot.' Scoffed Sasuke, before a pressurised blast of wind rushed him.

To Naruto's surprise, instead of Sasuke being blown away, he was only pushed back a few steps. At the same time though, a purple skeleton of chakra had formed around Sasuke.

'Susanoo? Since when could you do that?' Asked Naruto, mildly curious.

'Long enough, now, time for you to bow before me, Naruto!' Shouted Sasuke, as his ethereal creation raised its right skeletal arm, fist clenched and tried to crush Naruto.

'Nice try, Wind Style: Pressure Damage.' Said Naruto, right hand raised, causing the chakra construct's arm to be blown away.

'You know this isn't going to get us anywhere, trading techniques back and forth like this. Why can't we just settle this with words?' Asked Naruto.

'Words won't be enough. Do you think words would be enough to convince those two fools? No, if you want to make a statement, then you need to overpower me. If you can't beat me, you can't beat Akatsuki. A hundred fleas can't beat a spider. Eventually, they will all be captured and killed. That is what Akatsuki is. They are getting ready to attack too. I didn't get the full story, but they have a plan that makes them uncaring of if you even manage to make a nationwide alliance. So tell me, if they aren't worried about you, why should I listen to you either? I'd have a better chance taking them down myself after I deal with those two, since no one would interfere after that.' Said Sasuke.

'I see. You're confused Sasuke, so let me explain. When we grew up, the Hokage was the strongest ninja in the village. Do you remember that?' Asked Naruto, only for Sasuke to grunt.

'Well, as it turns out, I'm the Hokage and that wasn't by accident.' Said Naruto, before two clones appeared on either side of him.

The two clones started forming a Rasenshuriken, while Naruto took in a deep breath. Sasuke blinked and in the next second, his world went orange. Naruto's clones threw the Rasenshuriken just as a stream of fire was launched out of Naruto's mouth, coating the attack which quickly destabilised and erupted outwards, following the momentum of its two constituent attacks. The meeting hall now had a massive hole in the wall, through which Sasuke had been launched, causing him to crash into the snow around them.

Sasuke laid on his back as he heard the sound of feet crunching on the fresh snow around them.

'Had enough yet?' Asked Naruto.

'You wish, I was just warming up.' Said Sasuke, as he made his way to his feet.

'Amaterasu.' Whispered Sasuke, glaring at Naruto.

Sasuke waited patiently as a few flickers of black fire started to coalesce around Naruto's right shoulder before seemingly dissipating.

'That's impossible…' Muttered Sasuke in shock.

'Last chance Sasuke, I'm ending it with this.' Said Naruto, bringing his two hands together, fingers pointing outwards.

'I'd like to see you try, that was only a partial Susanoo before, let's see you take on the real thing.' Scoffed Sasuke.

'I already have, Bomb Thrust.' Stated Naruto flatly, before Sasuke's world went completely white.

Sasuke's ears were ringing when he finally reoriented himself. Looking down, Sasuke realised he was lying face first in the snow. Pushing himself out of it, he turned to where he felt Naruto's chakra and was shocked. Between the two, was a massive trench which had carved deeply into the mountain. Not even rubble managed to survive, as a clean, almost too clean, semicircle, had been carved through the mountain, completely unhindered by the natural environment, or even Sasuke's Susanoo itself.

'Are we done now?' Asked Naruto from his position, raising his voice slightly.

Sasuke pushed himself up to his feet with some difficultly, taking a moment to rest with his hands on his knees, before standing up straight.

'Yeah, but that was some serious overkill, I wasn't even fighting you seriously.' Commented Sasuke.

'Neither was I, or you wouldn't be here, just ask Pein.' Commented Naruto.

Sasuke gave a small grunt, before Naruto started heading back towards the meeting. After a moment to further survey the mountain, Sasuke followed Naruto as well.

'Now, can you undo the Genjutsu already? Although can someone keep him in place please?' Requested Naruto.

Bee stepped up and wrapped a tentacle around his brother, with Gaara reinforcing the grip, by letting his sand seep into the gaps and form multiple bands around the Raikage. Sasuke gave a small grunt before his Mangekyo spun, releasing the Genjutsu on the Raikage, who instantly slumped forward slightly. After a moment, his neck snapped up and glared at Sasuke with such intensity that one would think he was capable of Amaterasu himself.

'Can someone wake the Tsuchikage as well so we may try and restart this meeting?' Requested Mifune, only for the old man to grumble.

'I'm not sleeping you whippersnapper, I just couldn't be bothered dealing with two more children.' Grumbled Onoki unconvincingly, as he was clearly holding his back in pain.

'Very well then, can we perhaps get back on topic?' Requested Mifune, to which Naruto nodded, before going back to his spot.

'Certainly. To clear up the obvious, firstly, Sasuke Uchiha is not a member of Akatsuki, despite his childish actions. Bee is in fact alive and well, currently free from Akatsuki's grasp. Lastly, a member of Akatsuki, the leader in fact, just came and declared war, or in his words, a one-sided slaughter.' Started Naruto, getting a childish huff from Sasuke and a small growl from the Raikage.

'I say let them try. Akatsuki is no match for the might of Rock, especially with both of our Jinchuuriki on the same page.' Said Onoki arrogantly.

'Except that very same man who made the declaration before, almost beat both Han and I. It was only due to him retreating suddenly on his own that we are standing here.' Said Roshi, causing Onoki to deflate slightly.

'If I may be so bold, gentlemen, but I do believe the time for posturing and sizing each other up has long since passed. It is clear that no single village is a match for Akatsuki and even the Jinchuuriki, united as they are, have only managed to deal with some of them.' Started Mei, getting a huff from A.

'Isn't that convenient, the village who had their Kage under Akatsuki's thumb wants us to stop posturing. Where do you get off? One of your own, that man standing there, allowed himself to be taken over by a pitiful man and led to the mass extinction of dozens of bloodlines. You have no right to talk about strength when you have none.' Said A.

'Funny, since I'm pretty sure I could have gotten you to do the same, or did you not get enough of my Tsukuyomi the first time.' Commented Sasuke in boredom, causing Mei to laugh.

'Well, Lord Raikage, he does have a point, you've already proven your strength, or lack thereof.' Commented Mei in amusement.

'It also doesn't help that you outright attacked Sasuke for supposedly killing your brother, who was standing alive and well in front of you.' Added Naruto, causing A to growl.

'There is also the rashness of your actions, cutting off your own arm. A ninja should not cast away an important part of their strength to satisfy personal grudges.' Admonished Gaara coolly, causing the Raikage to snarl.

'Hmm, for once the brats are right, you are too rash. It is a wonder Cloud is still standing.' Added Onoki, causing A to fume.

'That is quite enough. I believe the point has been made. Can we now discuss what will be done moving forward and who will be a part of it?' Interjected Mifune, before A exploded.

'I suppose you're right. Well, now that everyone has settled down, I believe that I am not overzealous in saying that Mist and Sand will support the Leaf in a united effort to stop Akatsuki.' Said Naruto, turning to Mei and Gaara.

'Of course.' Said Mei, with Gaara nodding in agreement.

'Good. We are making some progress now. What of you, Lord Tsuchikage and Lord Raikage? Would you also be open to an alliance to defeat Akatsuki?' Asked Mifune.

'Hmm, well, you young ones are already keen for a fight… it makes me wonder if Rock is better off not just staying out of this mess.' Started Onoki, only for Roshi to cut him off.

'You old fence sitter. I may be speaking a bit out of place here, but you know that Han and I will be part of the effort, as will all Jinchuuriki.' Said Roshi, turning towards A at the end.

'That's some nerve you have, talking down to your Kage like that. Here I thought only my Jinchuuriki did that.' Said A, glaring at Bee.

'Yo bro, that ain't cool. Lumping in Yugito with me is something that only a fool would do.' Rapped Bee, causing a few of the Jinchuuriki to groan.

'Really Bee? Even though I appreciate you sticking up for me, is this really the place to be rapping?' Commented Yugito.

'It is always right to stick up for your friends. Following procedure all the time will make your life end, yeah.' Retorted Bee.

'Not to interrupt, since I do appreciate you what you are saying Bee, we need an answer.' Said Naruto, turning back to the two reluctant Kage.

'Just why should we ally with you? Aside from sitting this battle out, we could always mount our own offensive.' Commented Onoki.

'For two reasons, one, you won't be able to sit this battle out, since Akatsuki has made it clear that they will be coming after all the villages. They want to subjugate us all. In addition to that, since when has one group going off on its own ever won in the face of a coordinated attack?' Retorted Naruto.

'Hmm, I seem to remember someone who would go off on his own to great avail.' Recalled Onoki scathingly.

'True and if everyone here could use that same technique, Akatsuki would already be defeated. What is your point, old man, recalling the past isn't going to help us save the future?' Said Naruto, before he slumped forward slightly and his hair and eye colour reverted to normal.

"Kurama?" Thought Naruto.

'Twenty-five percent now. You've got to be more conservative with your chakra usage when you transform.' Said Kurama, causing Naruto to mentally swear.

'Sasuke… you're a pain in the ass, you know that?' Said Naruto suddenly.

Sasuke grunted, but didn't otherwise respond.

'Look, we are going to be up against Akatsuki any day now, so we need an answer: are you going to help or not?' Asked Naruto, slightly miffed.

'Cloud won't help. As things stand, none of our shinobi are members of Akatsuki and neither of our Jinchuuriki have been taken. Clearly, Cloud is a force to be reckoned with on its own and Akatsuki will learn that if they try and attack us. I will be leaving now.' Said the Raikage, as he stood up.

'Bro, that isn't cool, ya fool.' Said Bee.

'I've been too lenient with you Bee, when we get back to Cloud, I'm going to remind you why I'm the one in charge.' Said A dismissively.

'I ain't coming back, I'm going to be part of the attack.' Said Bee, causing A to glare at him.

'Watch your mouth Bee, that sounds like you are disobeying a direct order from the Raikage.' Said A.

'No order can keep me down, I am Killer Bee and a Jinchuuriki, helping out my brothers and sisters is important to me and if you can't see that, you're a clown.' Said Bee.

'If I may interject, Lord Raikage, you are the one who called this meeting with the purpose of dealing with the Akatsuki. Leaving now and refusing to mount any action against them is not only foolish, but dishonourable.' Said Mifune, his disapproval at the Raikage's actions clear to all.

'We are shinobi, honour means less than nothing to us, samurai.' Said A.

'I'm starting to think I really should have just killed you.' Commented Sasuke.

'I'm starting to think I should have let you… listen here, Lord Raikage. I will make things clear to you, if you walk out that door, no one in this room will help you when Akatsuki attacks. I said when, not if and I meant it, Akatsuki won't leave you alone. Helping us destroy them now is the best chance we will have. Even if you have no respect for me or the other Kage gathered here today, at least consider what your actions will cause. Leaving Cloud to sit aside makes you a target for both sides. In war, neutrality is uncertainty and uncertainty equals death. Walking out of here condemns your village to be viewed as a potential enemy by both sides, so think long and hard about what you do next, your village and possibly your life depend on it.' Said Naruto.

'Was that meant to be a threat?' Bristled A.

'It was a promise and if you know anything about me, it is that I never break my promises.' Replied Naruto.

The tension in the room had reached a sickening point at this stage, with the two guards of the Raikage tensing up in anticipation of what might happen next.

'Darui, C, we are leaving.' Said the Raikage, leaving the meeting room, his guards following after.

'Bee, is there any chance you can get him to change his mind at this point?' Asked Naruto, only to see Bee shake his head.

'*sigh* I knew he was stubborn, but he is going to get his village destroyed like this.' Said Naruto, slumping back into his chair.

After a moment, Naruto straightened himself out and looked to the Tsuchikage.

'Well, are you going to follow suit?' Asked Naruto.

Onoki had and unreadable expression on his face and even the two guards he brought with him couldn't read what he was thinking, making his next action all the more confusing.

'I never thought I could come to like the spawn of that flaky blond, but I suppose with being the son of Kushina Uzumaki you have more backbone. Loathe am I to admit it, especially with your earlier disrespect, but you are right, Akatsuki should be dealt with, the sooner the better, then, Rock can prove its superiority.' Said Onoki.

'I never thought I'd see the day you used your head, for something other than holding grudges I mean.' Commented Roshi.

'Watch your tongue, your old monkey, I can still whip you into place if I have to.' Retorted Onoki.

'Very well then, given all parties here have agreed, I will finalise this agreement between the four villages, Leaf, Sand, Mist and Rock. An alliance has now been entered with the goal of defeating Akatsuki. I, Mifune, have borne witness to this meeting and confirm its validity.' Spoke Mifune.

'Or, in other words, it's official.' Added Jiraiya.

'Indeed. Missives will be sent out to your villages detailing such. I believe there is only one more point of business to address. Given the allied forces follow different leaders, it seems necessary that someone be appointed the leader of the alliance. Originally, I would have suggested the Raikage, since he called the meeting and I had thought he would be the most level headed and one to take appropriate action. It seems I was grossly mistaken. Given the events of this meeting, I propose Lord Hokage be appointed the leader.' Said Mifune.

'I see no problem with that.' Said Mei, with Gaara nodding.

'Neither do I.' Said Onoki, causing one of his guards to look at him in shock.

'What are you saying gramps, you can't be serious?' Commented the girl, who had used a lava technique earlier.

'Kurotsuchi, if that man could get Roshi to follow him, I trust his judgement enough to temporarily lead our forces in conjunction with those of Mist, Sand and even the Leaf. Don't be blinded by pride and ambition like that fool A. A rock endures and survives all. It may be worn away over time, but it can never be destroyed. Breaking a rock only makes more rocks and in the same way, even though we fall in battle, the new generation is always more numerous. Although it seems they get mouthier too.' Said Onoki.

Kurotsuchi had the decency to look slightly embarrassed, but the attention was already off her.

'Very well then, with that agreement, I declare Naruto Uzumaki as the leader of the joint shinobi forces and call this meeting to an end.' Said Mifune, allowing everyone to relax slightly.

'So, not only are you the Hokage now, but you're also the leader of all Leaf, Mist, Sand and Rock shinobi if the situation calls for it.' Commented Sasuke.

'Good thing I don't have an ego like yours, or my head might explode.' Retorted Naruto.

'I'll keep an eye on Cloud kid, but A is pretty stubborn, I don't think he will be coming around, especially after you basically emasculated him. A is funny that way. He respects power, but you seem to have too much for him to accept.' Said Jiraiya quietly.

'He's going to get himself killed. His village might even be destroyed.' Commented Naruto in annoyance.

'There's nothing you can do about it, Naruto. Ninja are allowed to make their own decisions, even the wrong ones, but they must live with the consequences.' Said Kakashi.

'I just know Samui is going to blame me for this somehow, then she will complain about not getting to spend as much time with me as the others… oh, seems I did make a harem after all… I should probably apologise to Tayuya then.' Said Naruto.

'You've only now realised?' Commented Jiraiya in shock.

'Uh yeah… actually, that reminds me of something.' Muttered Naruto, before disappearing into his mind.

'What are you doing in here?' Asked Kurama, opening an eye in curiosity.

'One, two three, four… five?' Counted Naruto.

'Hey what the hell you stupid fox? I finally figured out what you are doing here, but why are there five marks?' Asked Naruto.

'Worthless human, you can't even tell how many females you've attracted. I don't even think you are done yet either.' Commented Kurama.

'Huh? I mean I suppose at least three of these I get, Tenten, Tayuya and Samui, but who are the other two? Also, what do you mean you don't think I'm done yet either? Do you think this is some kind of joke Kurama, I'm no Jiraiya.' Said Naruto.

'Considering that he doesn't even have one organically, I'd say I agree with you, you are nothing like Jiraiya. In fact, I'm sure Jiraiya wishes he was like you. As for the other two, if you can't see that the former spy and Mizukage are also interested in you, you really haven't changed from that stupid human I met a few years ago.' Said Kurama.

'Fuka and Mei? Did you get your hands on some dodgy ramen or something?' Asked Naruto in disbelief.

'Well, if you don't believe me, why don't you ask them out on that thing you humans call dates. I don't know why you bother. I remember when humans would just mate with each other to produce the strongest offspring possible, now you all waste so much time posturing.' Said Kurama.

'You're on foxy, I'm so sure you're wrong, I'll ask her right now.' Said Naruto, before exiting his mind.

'Naruto, are you ok? You spaced out there for a minute.' Asked Jiraiya, a small frown on his face.

'Yeah I'm fine, just going to prove the fox wrong about something.' Said Naruto, before standing up and walking over to Mei, who was discussing something with Ao.

'Hey Mei, do you have a minute?' Asked Naruto, causing Ao to bristly slightly.

'How rude, back in my day, men knew not to interrupt conversations. It is incredibly rude to butt in before the end of a conversation.' Started Ao.

'Seriously Ao, you need to let that back in your day stuff go. I mean, back in your day, ninja were killing each other for having bloodlines, or did you forget that?' Interrupted Naruto.

'Of course not. I spent my life fighting against them with Lady Mei. We spent years fighting and growing together until we had formed the rebel group that toppled the old regime.' Said Ao indignantly.

"Lady Mei… growing… old." Thought Mei.

'Ao, shut up or I'll kill you.' Said Mei sweetly, causing Ao to splutter in surprise, before sighing.

'Anyway, Mei, would you be interested in going on a date with me?' Asked Naruto with a grin, fully assured he had read the situation right and he would soon be able to reveal how he had proved Kurama wrong.

'I'd love to, you can pick me up in two hours.' Said Mei, before standing up and leaving with Ao and Chojuro.

'Uh…' Muttered Naruto, right hand raised weakly in protest.

'Normally I would break out into uproarious laughter at your ignorance at this point, but I'm feeling good about this, so I'll just settle for an I told you so, foolish human. After all, did you forget telling your own mother that you were on friendly terms with the Mizukage? Good luck on your date.' Commented Kurama, with a grin, looking every bit like that cat, or in his case, fox, that ate the canary.

"Yeah, friendly… like friends… wait, if you were right about Mei, then that means you are right about Fuka too." Thought Naruto, only for Kurama to burst into laughter.

'I thought I wouldn't laugh, but this is too amusing. I can't wait to see how you manage to handle your harem, now that you finally know you have one.' Laughed Kurama.