NARUTO IS OWNED BY MASASHI KISHIMOTO NOT ME!
A Second Chance
The sun was just rising over the horizon, the early risers where walking along the streets heading to work or getting started on their errands, shop keepers were opening their doors, and the smell of fresh baked bread could be smelled in the distance.
"Are you sure that you want to do this?" asked the man with the goatee and long hair tied back, to his old friend.
The other man stood there silently staring up at the stone faces, pondering how they felt when they came to this point in their lives. He stroked his beard and sighed heavily. He started to remember how so long ago he would stand on this very spot and proclaim how he would one day join the great shinobi who had the honor of getting their face carved into the mountain that overlooked Konohagakure. He was one of them, for five decades he has had the privilege of the title Hokage.
"Yes, I want to do this. It is time. A man knows when it is time to let go and rest, you of all people should know that better than anyone Shikamaru!" chuckled the Hokage to his best friend. "it's just time I let someone else take over, old man Hiruzen died defending this village when he should have been resting and enjoying the fruits of his long years of labor. Granny Tsunade was smart and retired while she still could. She enjoyed the last few years she had in the casinos gambling away all her money, but at least she was happy. I just have to find my own place in this world now."
"I see, kind of hard to believe when your whole life was all about being Hokage one day until the time of your death. But of all the decades I have known you, you are still the most unpredictable ninja I have ever met, Naruto." Stated Shikamaru with his signature sigh. "Do you have anyone in mind? Whoever you chose I'll back you up on it, you have never steered anyone of us wrong."
"Yeah, I do have someone in mind. Although it may come as no surprise to you as to whom it is, I will let you know later today at the summoning." Said Naruto as he turned his back to the mountain, walked past his friend and headed for the stairs.
"How troublesome, making me wait and stuff, that's the thanks I get for being your best friend and advisor for what seems to be an eternity!?" sighed Shikamaru jokingly. "… Hey where are you going?"
"I'm going to visit Hinata, and then I'll come back here for the summoning." Said Naruto with sadness in his voice.
"Why do I even bother asking you this, you are just like master Kakashi sometimes I swear. While you are at it, send my regards to her, it's been far too long."
"I'll let her know, thanks Shikamaru, I sometimes forget how great of a friend you truly are. I'll be back when I'm done." Said Naruto as he was walking down the stairs.