The Branches of the Leaf
AN: Hello, so that whole "once a week" short chapter thing didn't work for that story that you guys hated apparently. I had a conversation with a friend of mine and we came up with this story. Anyway I have spring break this week and a new plan. Once daily or every two day updates. Ypu ask "How can you update once a day when you couldn't even update once a week?", well all four of you are anyway. I am writing one thousand word chapters. No more than 1250. It's so crazy it just might work. I hope you guys like this one, so follow, favorite and review. I kind of borrowed some aspects from Black Blood, which is a great story…but this is very different.
"We need to prepare." Those were the Hokage's first words to the shinobi council. The council was made up of the Hokage, the ten shinobi clan heads, the representative of the non-clan shinobi, the various department heads, and the daimio's representative. Each of these individuals replied to the Hokage's statement in the same way a solemn nod.
"Do you believe war eminent Lord Hokage?" asked the Daimio's representative. He had no real say, the daimio let Konoha have full reign. The thought of war was troubling for him though, it would force the Daimio to increase military expenditures drastically. This was the cost of having the strongest shinobi village.
"Unfortunately, Iwa has demonstrated no mercy towards Konoha shinobi. The slaughter if the Genin team was unacceptable. I don't think the war will happen for some years, but it will happen. We need to be ready." The man replied, tired. He had lived through far too many wars. Could he keep Konoha safe?
"Lord Hokage, while I agree we must prepare…I think I have the show of power that could potentially make Iwa think twice." Shikaku Nara, the Jounin commander and the Nara clan head announced.
"What are thinking of Shikaku?" the Hokage asked, Shikaku was one of the most respected and intelligent people in the village. If anyone could think of a way to avert this it would be him.
"Well Hokage-sama, Konoha has always been known for its prodigious talent. You yourself became Hokage at 17, The Sannin graduated at six, Minato, Kakashi and Itachi…they are the reason we are feared by many a nation. Now, if we could produce a team, all with such prodigious talent and present them to the world at the 20th annual Chunin exams in the Land of Iron, in two years, then we could scare Iwa into submission." With this Shikaku ended his statement, the rom waited for a reply.
"Yes that would indeed scare them. Shikaku, I'm assuming you have a list of children in mind already, and a team to carry out their training." The Hokage said, maybe war could be prevented now, and if this worked well enough Konoha may not see another for a generation.
"Indeed. I have a list of children they would have to be approved of course: Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, Shikimaru Nara, Neji Hyuga, Cho Aburame, and Rei Inuzuka. As for the program leader I recommend, Kakashi the copycat, Ira the last leaf, and Dragon of the Anbu." The commander finished already knowing who would offer resistance and who would support. After the clan heads of the respective children each gave their approval one more person spoke.
"While I understand that all of them are impressive, I think the power should be spread to non-clan shinobi as well. Uzumaki is descended of a clan. Why are no children of independent shinobi on the list?" asked the representative of the clan-less shinobi, Han Roshi.
"Well to put it simply none of them show enough promise. All clan-less shinobi that have succeeded to the extent of an S-class shinobi has had a parent of at least A-class origin. Or a teacher. I hope to expand the program but for now I think these children show the most promise and are the perfect and unique representatives for the program." Ended Shikaku calmly. Han said nothing else, this wasn't the time to fight this battle, not when the war could be avoided.
"Shikaku, I approve the program. I wonder what the world will think. We are going to take a group of 5 and 6 year olds and in two years turn them into Chunin. Project Branches is a go. I want the kids out of the village though. I'm sorry to all of you but I think this is the best way. There is a hidden location in the land of fire where they will be trained for the next two years. We will also be sending four Anbu to guard them as well as a team of medics." The Hokage said ending the meeting. All those clan heads whose members had been selected sensing there was more they would be told.
As soon as the others left the room, the Hokage had the Anbu seal the room. The clan heads grew tense. The Hokage had just learned of the idea, what could he be so concerned about.
"What many of you may not know is that I am dying." He paused to let them accept this. "There are many people who once they learn this will try to take advantage. They will spew hate into the village and may try to approach the children and manipulate them, even within your clans." All the clan heads wanted to say no but they knew it was the truth. Clan less shinobi had a 25% lower defection rate. "Danzo may attempt to take them at some point in their training…I won't let that happen. I've thought about it during this meeting and I've decided something. The branches will be the leaf's seven swordsman and they will be my legacy as Hokage. They will be gone for two years, they will return and take the exams. Even after that though they will remain a unit, they will become so powerful they will eventually be able to destroy a village. They will be taught the will of fire alone for the next two years." The Hokage stopped talking and everyone simply left, they knew there was no arguing.
Shikaku walked away from the meeting deeply saddened. He had done this for the good of the village but now he would lose his son for some time. He hoped the Hokage would let them visit. All he could do though was hope. He had changed the future of the leaf. These six would become the most powerful shinobi the village would ever see.
