Ascension of the Kitsune by Wandering Maverick

Chapter 8: Training: Year 5

The pair just looked on in amusement, finding it funny that the rumor about the princess was true at least according to the man standing in front of them.

"And why are you telling us this for Sandayuu-san? Clearly there is something you want from us to have come here, and it certainly wasn't to just tell us this." Natsumi inquired in a bored tone, while resting her head on Naruto's shoulder.

"Er...well, truth be told, I'm also the leader of the resistance group who are comprised of the last loyal military men of the true Daimyou. As for the reason I'm telling you all this is because...we desperately need your help! I have heard form the villagers and some of the spies we have in Dotou's military about you two and just how strong you are. I'm asking...no begging that you help us! Please!" He asked in a frantic but control voice, while gripping the arm rests of the chair for dear life.

Natsumi's brows furrowed slightly. "What do you think Naru-kun?"

"If nothing else this is making for an interesting story. Lets just see exactly what he needs from us." He replied.

"What exactly do you need from us? 'Help' in what way?"

Sandayuu sighed in relief that he wasn't outright rejected and sat back in his chair relaxing slightly.

"I'll just tell you the whole plan then...it'll be easier then just telling you specific parts is that alright?" He questioned getting a nod of them. "Alright well...Princess Kazahana Koyuki is actually using a pseudo-name so that she wouldn't be captured by any of Dotou's spies in the greater elemental countries that were sent to look for and capture her. She is is actually a rather famous movie actress named Fujikaze Yukie, and is currently shooting a movie in fire country. I as well am acting as her agent and manager, while also protecting her true identity from being found out, though she does not know about our connection. Anyway we are close to nearing the halfway mark of the film and a few weeks ago I told the director that it would be a good idea to choose Snow Country to shoot the rest of the film, and in effect will make Koyuki-hime come back home..." He paused noting the confused looks on the pair's faces. "...oh gomen you don't know Koyuki-hime's past. Well long story short, Dotou was actually the one that killed her Tou-san to take control of the country. She learned of his treachery and vowed to never return to her homeland nor claim her rightful place as Daimyou. Thusly up until now I've been unable to get her back, but with the movie being shot here she really has no choice. I know it wasn't right to suggest to come to Snow drag the director and his staff into this war. But her country desperately needs her to become Daimyou! Dotou is slowing withering this country into nothingness, and only she can stop it!" He finished taking a few breaths.

"So..." Natsumi paused with a thoughtful expression. "...you now wish to manipulate US into helping YOU with your goals of returning someone who doesn't even wish to rule this land into power just like you did with the director?" She asked accusingly.

Sandayuu shriveled in his seat against the vixen's leering gaze, and looked down in both defeat and self-loathing.

"Gomennasai...if I could do what is necessary alone...I wouldn't think to ask you or anyone else to help, or selfishly manipulate them! But the reality is...the resistance is on it's last leg and we truly need any help we can get! And if the rumors of you two are true, you have the kind of strength we desperately need! I know this is asking something that I have no right to...but please will you help us return Snow Country to it's rightful standing!?"

Naruto leered at the aged man. "Whether or not what you are trying to accomplish is good...it is never right to manipulate people into doing what you want. Had you approached us in any other fashion then the one you chose tonight...I doubt you'd have survived the encounter." Naruto stated, before sighing. "However...this country and it's people have been kind to us for the past year, and if we can repay the favor we shall do so under certain...circumstances." He finished.