Return to The Past : Naruto Fic

19

Chapter 18 – Hero's Return

Mei, Chojuro, Aō, Mei's council elders, Jiraiya, Gai, Zabuza and Sakura were at the main gate of Kiri, waiting for Naruto, Kakashi and the Mizu Daimyō's entourage. It had been less than five minutes since the guards caught sight of them, so everyone expected the group to arrive in less than three.

As they waited, Jiraiya was writing something down in a notepad, all the while giggling and taking sidelong glances at Mei from time to time, causing Sakura, Mei and Chojuro to become irritated. As Naruto's group neared the gate, Sakura finally had enough of Jiraiya's perversity and launched a super powered punch into the man's gut.

Luckily for the man, his instincts, honed in the fires of war saved him from a short hospital trip. Deciding that an annoyed Sakura was a dangerous one, Jiraiya placed his notebook into his equipment pouch and focused on the present situation. Just in time as well, because it was at this time that the Daimyō's entourage finally reached the gates.

"Yo!" Kakashi said walking by reading his Icha Icha. Everyone but Gai ignored the masked Jōnin. The taijutsu specialist lamented about Kakashi's hip attitude and how it was improper.

"Enough Gai!" Naruto said causing Gai to straighten his back and calm down. "Alright everyone, Mitsunari-san, accompanied by his son and daughter, is here to crown you, Mei, as the Godaime Mizukage. The ceremony will be held tomorrow morning, at which time some important announcements will be made as well. Mei, Jiraiya, can you two make all the preparations by then?"

Mei and Jiraiya shared a look. Turning back to Naruto, Mei said, "We should be able to. If Jiraiya-sama will be willing to help with the sealing that need to be done, we can have it all prepared by dawn."

"Don't worry Naruto, I will make sure that everything is ready by tomorrow noon."

Naruto nodded as Mitsunari, Shiki and Otohime stepped out of their palanquins and approached the group with Otohime coming to stand beside Naruto. What caught Sakura's attention was that Otohime was not dressed like a princess. Instead, she was wearing a short grey battle kimono with light leather armour fitted with metal strips engraved with seals. The most catching aspects about the girl's attire was the red naginata with the black blade strapped to her back and the jade necklace proudly worn on her breast with the Uzumaki Clan sigil engraved on it. The same design necklace Hinata started wearing after her engagement with Naruto became public. With a raised eyebrow, Sakura subtly gestured at Otohime causing Naruto to nod. Sakura frowned as she nodded in return.

"Zabuza, I have a job for you. Please come visit me this evening in my room."

"As you wish Naruto-sama!" Zabuza said with a bow while ignoring Mitsunari standing right behind Naruto. Zabuza straightened up and nodded to Shiki before bowing to Otohime causing some of the Kiri shinobi to stare at the scene in wonder. Zabuza, bowing to a Mizu royal.

"Mei-san, you can go. Please don't bother preparing quarters for Naruto-sama. He shall be staying with us." Shiki said causing Mei to nod while Aō just frowned at the suspicious behaviour of the Mizu Daimyō.

"Of course, Shiki-sama."

"Then get going. You have much work to do. I am sure that I can easily escort Mitsunari-san and his family back to their estate here. Kakashi, get some rest. You're on leave until it's time to return. You two Gai."

"Kakashi-san, you have quarters with Gai-san. I am sure that he can show you." Mei called out with a smile. Kakashi paled a little but nodded before turning to Gai and gesturing for the spandex clad Jōnin to lead the way.

As the two Jōnin left, Naruto turned to Sakura and said, "If you don't have any pressing duties, please come with me. We need to discuss somethings."

Sakura nodded causing Naruto to say, "Good. This is Otohime-chan. Hisui-chan, this is my closest friend, Haruno Sakura-chan!"