New Leaf

14

4 Years Later

"Uzushio has been rebuilt," Jiraiya reported as he climbed through the window of Tsunade's office. "Security is really tight, I got thrown out before I could even glimpse beyond the wall." 

"Do you think it has to do with him?" She asked as she recalled Naruto disappearing 2 years ago. "He did visit the ruins." 

"More than likely but what's going on over there couldn't have been done by him and Neji alone," Jiraiya said, shaking his head. "It was a civilization and several redheads could be seen Tsunade." 

"That means the Uzumaki Clan went deep underground or something else otherworldly happened," She bit her fingernail in annoyance. "Konoha offers asylum for those of Whirlpool why didn't they come with us?" 

"Because they don't trust us," Jiraiya answered for her. "They knew who I was but yet they threw me out as well. That and the fact that our alliances have been talking to Uzushio. Naruto's somewhere involved in this but I can't see why he would desert Konoha like this." 

"Really you don't see one reason he would turn from Konoha?" She asked contempt dripping from her lips. 

"The Uchiha-" 

"It's more than just Sasuke," She snapped. "The council reversed my decision to keep him a Genin forever and the villagers to kissed up to him. Count in the fact that he donates to charities and you have a 'reformed' poster child. Then Kakashi went right back to him. The brat has his own ears and eyes in the village, no doubt they told him what happened and turned to Uzushio." 

"Then you have the fact that Hiashi beat his husband that one time," Jiraiya mumbled. "He burned himself from the Toad contract but from what the toads could tell me the fox den in the summoning world has reawakened. So we know which summons he has now." 

She sighed. "I'll send Uzushio an inquiry to see if they have one Naruto Namikaze Uzumaki and Neji Namikaze Uzumaki. Depending on their answer we proceed but I will not allow our Jinchuriki to turn rogue. Even if I want him to be happy it's a fact of national security."

"I'll have some of my civilian spies enter as merchants or tourists to get a layer of the place," Jiraiya jumped back out of the window to get started on the long journey. 

Tsunade sighed and opened a drawer to get the ink pot out. 

************

The top of the Uzu Tower provided a breathtaking view of Uzushio, bustling with life and prosperity. Naruto, now the Uzukage, stood there with his husband Neji and his best friend Gaara, the Shadow Kage, by his side. This moment marked the culmination of their incredible journey, one filled with sacrifice, redemption, and the revival of the Uzumaki Clan.

As the three friends stood together, a gentle breeze rustled Naruto's blonde hair, and he couldn't help but smile at the sight before him. Uzushio was no longer a forsaken ruin but a vibrant city, thriving under his leadership and the support of Neji and Gaara.

"Naruto, I'm proud of what we've accomplished," Neji said, his gentle voice tinged with genuine admiration. "Together, we've turned Uzushio into a place of hope and prosperity."

Naruto nodded, his eyes filled with gratitude as he glanced at his husband. "I couldn't have done it without you, Neji. Your wisdom and unwavering support have been my guiding light. Thank you for standing by me, even when my past weighed heavily on my conscience."

Neji's expression softened, his pearl-like eyes reflecting love and understanding. "I promised to be with you through thick and thin, Naruto. We share not just our joys but our burdens too. Your past is a part of you, but it doesn't define who you are now. You've redeemed yourself by bringing back the Uzumaki Clan and leading Uzushio with compassion."

As Naruto gazed at Neji, he felt a profound sense of love and acceptance. Neji had been his anchor, the one who never wavered in his belief in Naruto's potential for change. Together, they had faced the ghosts of Naruto's past and transformed Uzushio into a beacon of hope for the world.

Gaara, who had been observing the exchange between the couple, stepped forward, a small smile playing on his lips. "Naruto, you've always been someone who challenges fate and stands up against adversity. It's an honor to be your friend and your Shadow Kage."

Naruto chuckled warmly. "And it's an honor to have you, Gaara. Your friendship and support have been crucial to me throughout this journey. I'll always be grateful for the strength you've given me."

Gaara's jade eyes softened, a rare display of emotion. "The same goes for me, Naruto. We've been through a lot together, and I'll always have your back."

As the three friends stood together, their bond seemed to transcend time and space. They had weathered countless storms, faced their darkest moments, and emerged stronger than ever before. Each had played a vital role in the revival of Uzushio and the redemption of Naruto.

"Naruto," Neji began again, "it was never just about reviving the Uzumaki Clan. It was about rebuilding a place where people could find hope and happiness. You've become a leader that everyone looks up to, and your compassion has touched countless lives."

Naruto's heart swelled with pride and gratitude. "Thank you, Neji. I'm humbled by the trust the people of Uzushio have placed in me. As their Uzukage, I promise to protect them and ensure a bright future for this village."

With a shared understanding, the three friends stood united, their unwavering support for each other evident in every word and gesture. Together, they symbolized the triumph of love, redemption, and unity over the darkest of pasts.

As they gazed upon Uzushio, Naruto couldn't help but feel that this moment was just the beginning. With Neji and Gaara by his side, he knew they could face any challenge that lay ahead. Their bond would continue to be the driving force behind the prosperity of Uzushio and the well-being of its people. The once-lost Uzumaki Clan had found its way back, not just to their village but to each other's hearts, where their love and friendship would forever shine.