To Be Rokudaime

Chapter 1

The Daimyo Changes Fate Prologue: What if Danzo or Kakashi weren't chosen as Rokudaime? What if Naruto was? With that decision, time itself twists and shapes into a new path, a path that can be forged. For better or worst. Disclaimer: Nothing in this fic is mine.

Naruto was stunned into silence. Happy silence. His arms were thrown out and he laughed as the villagers threw him into the air, only to catch him, again and again. Cheers sounded throughout the entirety of the destroyed village, but thanks to Naruto's charisma and ideals he had convinced Nagato to realize his faults. And so Nagato, to repent, resurrected all of the people of Konoha who had been killed by his hand using Gedo Art Rinne Rebirth. Naruto couldn't be happier.

Everyone was near him now, praising him as the Hero of Konoha. Ino, Shikamaru, Choji, Lee, Tenten, Neji, Sakura, Kiba, Shino, and Hinata. Hinata. He really needed to talk to her about what she had told him, how she risked her life to save him when Pain had managed to pin him to the ground. Honestly he was surprised that she had done that, after all he had known that she liked him. He wasn't as oblivious as everyone thought, he had spent years around perverts like Jiji, Ero-sennin, and Kakashi-sensei. But to think that…. she actually loved him?

Was it because of his nindo? The fact that he would never give up? The fact that no matter what he would protect his precious people, even if he had to die? The fact that even with what Konoha had done to him in the past, he forgave them?

Despite all the hate that they had given him. Despite how they had ignored him, which was honestly a more brutal kind of torture than assassination attempts by your own father, Gaara had admitted. Despite how they refused to teach him when he was younger, which was why he was deadlast. Despite how they had allowed him to starve by ignoring his existence -barring Ayame-neechan and Teuchi-jii- which had stunted his growth. Despite how they had whispered insults behind his back. Despite how they kept their children away. Despite how truly painful his life was, he forgave them.

And now Konoha had accepted him.

Iruka watched fondly as Gai and Lee bombarded Naruto with questions. He could tell that Konohamaru wanted to join them, but he was currently supporting Ebisu, who was giving a small smile as he spoke aloud how his opinion on the blonde jinchuuriki had changed for the better. Even with all the damage that had befallen Konoha, there were no casualties. Every single citizen of Konohagakure was here to cheer on their saviour, the one who had managed to not lose himself in hatred and revenge. Everyone was happy.

And it was because of Naruto, The Hero. Iruka couldn't be more proud.

Shikaku watched with pride as Minato's son was finally acknowledged by his village. He saw the joy and even the disbelief that came from a life of being betrayed. Because of the Nara head's strong bonds with the Yondaime and his wife, the Nara clan had always watched over Naruto from the shadows. This applied to all of the clan's, even the Hyuuga and Uchiha, until their destruction at least. They hadn't been allowed to do much, but discreetly leaving out food whenever possible so that the council wouldn't catch wind of it was the most that they could do.

He glanced over his shoulder and sighed, muttering a 'troublesome' under his breath as he saw the ANBU appear there. Might as well get it over with. "What is it?"

"Nara-sama." The ANBU inclined his head politely. "The council has called a meeting to discuss the terms of reconstructing the village. They may also be planning on discussing the topic of deciding who the Rokudaime may be, considering Lady Godaime is incapacitated."

The brunette's eyes narrowed imperceptibly, but nonetheless he nodded. The only sign that the two had been there were the leaves gently drifting to the earth.

Due to being the jinchuuriki of the Kyuubi, Naruto heard all of the conversations going on around him. From Hinata's, to the Inuzuka's -especially Shino and Kiba- to where Ino said that she could almost fall for him, which made him smirk and almost laugh. Not too long after they put him down and he talked with the young children who wanted to see the Hero, smiling at each and every one of them. He even heard Ebisu, Konohamaru, and Iruka talking. He frowned when he heard the ANBU converse with Shikamaru's father.

"Sakura-chan?" He asked. "Kakashi-sensei?" Both turned to him with raised brows. "There's one more thing to do, but I'm going to need your help."

Seeing the glint in his eyes, Kakashi eye smiled and nodded while Sakura looked curious as she replied. "Sure, why not. Lead the way!"

The blonde nodded gratefully at the two and they all managed to sneak away from the crowd, who were now preoccupied as many wandered to survey the damage. As they walked down the surprisingly empty street towards some newly constructed tents posing as meeting areas Kakashi's curiosity rose. "So, Naruto, what exactly are we doing?"

Sakura blinked when Naruto's cheerful face twisted into a scowl. "There's some questions I have to ask Danzo about. You wanna know why it took so long for me to get here?"

"Of course!"

"...Danzo killed Gamakosuke, who, when dispelled, would tell me to summon myself back here. That can't happen if they're killed." Naruto grit his teeth.

Sakura frowned. "Did Fukasaku-sama tell you that?" He nodded.

Kakashi put away his book, visible eye hard as steel. "Danzo has been playing behind our backs for too long. Do you have a plan?"

Naruto grinned. "Actually, no. But I'm just gonna play it by ear as usual. It works every time." The two sweat dropped but quickly regained their composure as the three stood outside the tent to eavesdrop, concealing their chakra. Considering that they were currently talking about how 'incompetent' Tsunade had been as a Hokage, the three took no hesitation in barging in.

Koharu startled, eyes cold. "What, if I may ask, are you three doing intruding on a private meeting?"

Sakura and Kakashi stood on either side of the blonde, who crossed his arms defiantly and swept a cold, menacing gaze over Danzo, Homura, and Koharu. "Seeing as this meeting concerns people close to us, we saw it fitting that we would be allowed to listen in. Besides that, I have some questions I need answered."

"Ohoho, boy! I admire your spirit! May I ask who you are?" The Fire Daimyo inquired, fanning himself.

Shikaku smirked, clearing his throat to get everyone's attention. "Daimyo-sama, that Is Uzumaki Naruto. He is the Kyuubi jinchuuriki, apprentice of the Toad Sage Jaraiya, student of Hatake Kakashi, and as of today saviour of Konoha. But most importantly, he is the son of Uzumaki Kushina and Namikaze Minato, the Yondaime Hokage."

Naruto smirked as everyone looked at him in a new light. Sakura and Kakashi were staring wide-eyed, Shikaku looked smug along with the surprise of the nobles, Koharu and Homura were analyzing him and seemed satisfied with what they found if their respectful nods were any indication, but Danzo's eyes were narrowed, his lips in a grim line.

Damn that boy. He thought. With Shikaku revealing his heritage, there's no way I will be chosen as Hokage now. But no worries, I will make sure to have him eradicated in no time, and I will rightfully be Hokage. Danzo's lips now formed a twisted smirk.

The Daimyo laughed, loud and uproariously. "Now, we were talking about a fitting candidate for Rokudaime, were we not?" He questioned everyone around, who nodded. "I see no better choice than this boy right here! With his background and the strongest Will of Fire that I've ever seen burning in his eyes at this very moment, I would be proud to appoint him."

Koharu and Homura shared a glance and nodded, the former speaking. "We second the decision."

Shikaku smirked. "Third." The nobles consulted and nodded, indicating that they too agreed. Shikaku narrowed his eyes at Danzo. "Anything to add?"

Naruto was watching in disbelief as they were agreeing on his becoming Hokage right before his eyes. Sakura and Kakashi were practically bursting with pride for their teammate, smirking at his wide eyes and gaping mouth. But when Danzo was announced, Naruto snapped out of it. He stalked up to the long table and slammed his hands down, killing intent directed at Danzo, who became noticeably paler.

"Daimyo-jiji, can I ask my questions now? I have some things that I would like to tell the council." The Daimyo nodded, while Kakashi and Sakura were stunned in awe as they saw this new side of Naruto. They were too used to him acting reckless and goofy, but even Naruto could get mad.

The Daimyo inclined his head. "You may speak."

Naruto nodded back before leveling Danzo with an even stare that put him off since the blonde was never serious. "Danzo, I know what you did."

Danzo scowled. "You know nothing, boy."

"Oh, but I do." Naruto gave a dangerous smile. "I know that you wanted to make me into a weapon for Konoha, Jiji told me. I know that you are in charge of the still active ROOT ANBU, I have friends in ANBU. Well, not really friends, 'cause they'd chase me around after I did pranks..." He gave a sheepish laugh as Sakura whacked his head. "I know that you killed the toad summon left behind to keep me from being summoned and saving the village before the panic set in, which you would take control of and get your hands on the job of Hokage, tou-san told me. Why would you risk so many lives just to become Hokage!" Naruto scowled, what Danzo was doing went against everything he believed in.

Shikaku stood up in outrage. "That would mean that Danzo is responsible for the destruction of Konoha and the lives lost!"

Danzo stood, slamming down his cane as his face was a mask of fury. "No lives were lost today!"

Koharu and Homura glared at their once friend. "The only reason that is so is because of Uzumaki-sama!"

Danzo too began to leak KI. "I deserve the title of Hokage!"

Kakashi strolled to Naruto's side, eyes smoldering while Sakura did the same, pulling on her gloves and cracking her knuckles. The Hatake's voice was oddly calm and controlled. "Danzo, we know that you were working with Orochimaru."

Stunned silence filled the tent until it was emanating killing intent and screams sounded. It was a good thing that the privacy seals had been activated. Soon one had had enough. "SILENCE!" No sound, just an eerie silence. The only thing heard was Naruto's heavy breathing as he leveled everyone with an icy glare, causing everyone to sit again.

The Daimyo sent the blonde a grateful glance. "We will deal with Danzo-san later. Back to the matter at hand. Uzumaki-sama, will you accept your rightful place as Rokudaime Hokage of Konohagakure?"

Everyone waited with baited breath for the reply. Naruto's brow was creased in thought. Am I ready for this? I mean, I know that I've always wanted to be Hokage but I don't think that… "I don't know if I'm ready for the responsibility. I don't really have Shikamaru's smartness, or the ability."

Sakura frowned, leaning in to whisper in his ear. "Naruto, no matter how much you deny it, you're ready to be Hokage. Just today you earned the whole village's respect, and just now you've shown us a whole new side of you. A mature one. Believe me, you're more than ready. Oh, and it's intelligence, not smartness."

The blonde looked at his sensei and got a warm nod. Taking a deep breath… Naruto said it. "I accept."

Everyone began clapping, and Naruto's eyes shone as he gave a goofy smile. The Daimyo coughed, getting everyone's attention. "Now, Rokudaime-sama, what do you propose to do with Shimura-san?"

Naruto smirked. "Shimura Danzo." He began and Danzo paled more. Naruto tried to remember what baa-chan would say in this situation. "Um... As Rokudaime Hokage of Konoha I hereby put you under arrest as a traitor of the Leaf. Charges are: Murder of an ally of Konoha, putting the village in danger, using the power of the council behind their backs, disobeying Jiji's order to disband ROOT, training children to be killers, kidnapping children, and allying with a missing nin of the Leaf."

Kakashi chuckled under his breath. "Those are some pretty serious charges." Sakura couldn't help but agree.

The pinkette smiled innocently. "Rokudaime-sama, what would you like us to do with Danzo-san?"

"I guess bring him to the high security cells and have Ibiki and Anko-chan notified to interrogate him." Naruto said, unsure of himself, but his teammates looked at him encouragingly. As he was taken custody Danzo leaked pure malice at the blonde, who ignored him. "Oh, Daimyo-jiji, can I ask a favor?"

"Of course, my boy." The Daimyo winked.

Naruto exhaled. "I would like for no one to be know that I'm Hokage yet. Everything we talked about today will be secret and no one can speak about it until I'm ready. Besides that, I was wondering if me, Kaka-sensei, and Sakura-chan go on a two week training mission that we will leave for tonight."

The Daimyo didn't even hesitate. "Request granted."

Kakashi and Sakura blinked, the former asking. "So soon after all of this happened? Who will be in charge?"

Naruto looked hopefully at the Nara head. "Shikamaru's dad, would you be stand-in Hokage until I get back?"

The Nara sighed. "It's troublesome, but of course, Hokage-sama."

"Thank you." Naruto said gratefully. "Anyways, bye everyone!." And after Kakashi put a hand on each of his student's shoulders, they were gone with Danzo in tow.

Naruto groaned in distress as he went to the rubble of his old apartment. Kakashi, Sakura, and him had dropped Danzo off and made sure that he was in the highest security level cell before parting ways to prepare for their training mission. Slowly and meticulously the blonde searched through the ruins, eventually finding a scroll, brush, and some ink. Perfect. Thoughtfully, he sat down on a broken staircase and began to write.

Shikamaru's dad,

Here are some orders I need to give. First, have Ibiki interrogate Danzo. Second, have Anko-chan return with Sai so that they can organize the ANBU to track down any ROOT agents. Third, have Yamato-taicho lead the construction, and contact Tazuna of Nami no Kuni, they will send over people to help in rebuilding. Last, if anyone important comes wishing to speak to the Hokage, offer them a place in Konoha until I return. Arigato.

Uzumaki Naruto.

Satisfied, Naruto rolled up the scroll and got up to drop it off at the Nara's tent. First he would go to the Namikaze compound, and then he had one last thing to do. This was the hard part, time to head to the Hyuuga tents. He needed to have a talk with Hinata.

Hyuuga Hinata was currently in her tent, dressed in a lilac gown as she sat on the side of her fuuton, brushing her long indigo hair. She put down the brush and stared at her face, long and hard, putting a hand gently on her cheek.

Am I pretty? She wondered. I know I'm not strong, because Pain almost killed me when I tried to rescue Naruto-kun. Sakura-chan is the strong one, she healed my injuries. She deflated. And Naruto-kun likes Sakura-chan, not me. I don't have a chance. Hinata was startled out of her thoughts as she heard someone announce their presence at the tent flaps.

"Hinata?" Naruto asked awkwardly. "Can I come in? We need to, erm, talk."

With an 'eep' the Hyuuga took in her pajamas, but decided to take it in stride. "S-sure, Naruto-kun." Face redder than ever, she turned to face him as he walked in and stood in front of her. She nodded to let him know that he could have a seat in the chair, and he sat down.

"So…"

"It's fine if you don't like me!"

Naruto blinked slowly. "What?"

Hinata's face was hidden by her hair. "I-I understand if you don't like me, even if I admitted my love for you. I know that you love Sakura-chan, not me." She was surprised when Naruto began to laugh, very loudly.

"Hinata-chan," Naruto calmed down, shooting her a smile. "I don't like Sakura-chan that way. Well, I do... but I'm pretty sure it'll never happen, so I think I'll find someone else. Sakura-chan is in love with Sasuke-teme anyway, and sees me as more of a little brother."

Hinata looked up at the blonde, her pale lavender eyes glinting with hope. "So does that mean that I h-have a chance with you?"

Naruto shook his head, and Hinata felt like she was going to cry. His voice was soft. "I'm really sorry Hinata-chan, but I don't like you that way. I see you as a friend, as family, like a little sister. But yes, Hinata-chan, you are beautiful, and don't let anyone tell you otherwise. You're also kind, and you're sweet, and you're strong. You were able to jump in and face Pain in order to save me when no one else could. Thank you for that, without you I would've lost." His eyes softened and he grabbed her chin, forcing her to look into his eyes. Hinata's breath caught. "Besides, there's already someone who likes you as much as you do me."

Pupil-less eyes widened. "R-really? Who?"

Naruto chuckled, removing his hand. "You'll see, now that you know that I'm not your guy. The guy that likes you makes it pretty obvious that he's jealous when I'm by you, too." His eyes hardened. "Anyways, I have a bad feeling that something big is going to happen. Me, Kakashi-sensei, and Sakura will be gone for about two weeks. Can I trust that you will train to get even stronger than you are now, and get the others in on it too?"

Hinata smiled gently, happy that Naruto had acknowledged her. It wasn't in the way that she had dreamed of, but he did care for her. "Hai, Naruto-kun. You can count on me."

"Thank you, Hinata-chan." Naruto stood, but paused when he was about to exit. "And I believe in you."

Even when he was gone, Hinata sat on her fuuton, staring into space. Everything had gone wrong, yet it had cleared up all doubts that she had once had about her strengths. If Naruto had faith in her, then so would she. She would show him that his hopes weren't misplaced. And from outside the tent, Neji stood, a proud and satisfied smirk on his lips. He hadn't hurt his cousin, and even though he'd been telling her that they wouldn't work out, he had shown her the window of opportunity with other men, and gave her the confidence she had lacked. But with a weary sigh he looked off in the distance. What were those two spandex-wearing men doing now…..?

"So, Rokudaime-sama, where are we going anyway?" Kakashi asked, a tease in his voice. The three were leaping from tree to tree, on their way to wherever Naruto was leading them.

"It's someplace that Ero-sennin showed me on our trip. We didn't have time to stay though, because the pervert had gone and done something stupid, so we were being chased. Anyways it's somewhere in the wild lands in between Mizu no Kuni and Hi no Kuni. You'll see when we get there." Naruto replied, and Kakashi nodded.

Sakura swung to the next branch before asking Naruto the question that's been bugging her. "So, Naruto, did you talk to Hinata?"

The blonde sighed and grinned. "Yeah, I did. It went better than I thought it would! I left her telling her that she was strong, and beautiful, and kind, but that I saw her as a sister. I told her to get stronger than before and get the others to train too."

"Wow…" Sakura trailed off in disbelief. Kakashi eyed his student happily. "You actually do know how to deal with women."

Naruto snorted, gving his sensei a sly smile. "Of course I do! Anko-chan taught me what to do. Anyways, I traveled from ages twelve to fifteen with the Super Pervert, and I spent basically all my time around either him or women."

Kakashi wiggled his brows. "So, student of mine, did you get laid by some of those women?"

While Sakura fumed, Naruto gave the silver haired nin a smirk that said it all and more. For the next few hours they argued and talked back and forth, getting to know each other until the bonds that they had were cemented to never break. They were a family. But soon they had to stop at a town right on the outskirts of Hi no Kuni, needing new outfits since the others were destroyed and they also needed enough weapons and supplies to last them a long time.

Once they got out of the store Kakashi looked the same, but he wasn't wearing his jounin vest and his shirt was a tee. Apparently he'd had extra clothes in a sealing scroll that he carried on his person at all times.

Sakura was wearing black short shorts, the same sandals, had her weapon pouch and medic pouch strapped to her thighs, and a red sleeveless blouse with the same gloves on her hands. Her hair was tied in a ponytail and her bangs were held back by her red hitai-ate.

Naruto had changed the most. He still had his hitai-ate and sandals, but his necklace had been shattered. He was wearing gray sweatpants and a loose black tanktop. Now they were finally ready to train. They made it to the place Naruto was talking about at around midnight.

"This is… it's amazing." Sakura breathed. They were standing at a marble wall that had been hidden by a henge. On it was a large seal surrounding the kanji for 'Tsuyo', or strength.

Kakashi admired the structure of the very complex seal. "So, Hokage-sama, how do we get in?"

Naruto ignored the jab, now used to it, and walked up to the seal. He bit his thumb and swiped his blood on the ink, channeling his chakra into it simultaneously. A loud scratching sound permeated the air as the wall slid backwards before sinking into the flourish the blonde lead his two awestruck teammates in. Both jumped when the door closed again, covering the tunnel in darkness.

"NARUTO! What do we do NOW?" Sakura asked, crossing her arms, unseen in the darkness.

"Don't worry." They could hear the grin in his voice. Suddenly they heard a snap and the tunnel lit up, blue flames lighting the torches from Naruto's chakra. Naruto turned and began to walk inwards. "Now follow me." They walked for about twenty minutes until they arrived in a cavern.

There were seals going up and down the walls, covering almost every inch of the stone. The room was light, despite the fact that the tunnels had lead downwards so they knew that they were underground, and it was night outside.

"So~" Kakashi glanced in various areas. Each section of the room seemed to be protected by a barrier, so whatever technique practiced there wouldn't damage any other area. The walls and floor also were protected by a barrier so that the cavern wouldn't collapse.

Naruto smiled, eyes shining as plans raced through his mind. "So we can train in here, using our strongest techniques, and nothing would happen. We can walk through the barriers without a problem, but anything -like a jutsu- using chakra cannot exit whatever barrier it's within. The dummies in each section are also made to replicate the human body, so whatever the jutsu you hit them with would do to a person, shows on them, but they can be fixed within the time where you activate the 'fix it' seals. But this is only the area where you practice jutsu. This way!"

They walked through another tunnel -the passage entrance was also protected by a barrier so jutsu couldn't enter the tunnel- and then into another cavern. This one was filled with dummies and boulders and on the walls there were many chakra weights. Naruto was smiling wide.

"This is the taijutsu area. The terrain shifts and can change forms from a lake, to a forest, to a canyon, to a field, or whatever kind of battlefield. If you activate the seals on the dummies they come alive and attack you, and they can't be destroyed. The only way to stop them is to pass the level that you set them at and advance, or to deactivate the seals. Any damage done to this room can be fixed by the repair seals on the floor and walls. Now to the next room!" Naruto said with a goofy smile, as he'd worded it exactly how Jaraiya had. The other two rolled their eyes at his 'advanced' wording.

They went through yet another tunnel. The next room was filled with so many bookshelves, that it was next to impossible to believe. A large table that could fit thirty people was in the middle of the room, along with many brushes, empty scrolls, and inkwells. The scrolls on the shelves had every topic possible, from cooking, to ninja techniques, to politics, to the history of the elemental nations. Naruto's eyes were so wide as he found that section the other two were surprised that they weren't popping out of his head.

"So what's this room?" Sakura asked, knowing the answer.

Naruto was practically bouncing with energy. Honestly, they had never seen him excited to study, but they guessed that his love for that topic was also hidden. "This is where we study! I'm excited 'cause I never really got a chance to, and even though I hate it, tou-san told me it's a good idea."

Kakashi nodded sagely. "Of course, knowledge is power."

Naruto crossed his arms and copied his sensei's sagely nod. "But without the strength to back it up, it can be nothing."

Sakura looked contemplative. "That's actually pretty true…"

"Anyways!" Naruto tried to snap his fingers but failed and laughed it off. "To the next room."

The next room had a wall covered in every type of weapon imaginable. The seals also covered the walls and floor here, and dummies lined one end of the room.

"This is the weapon training room." Naruto said. "The dummies do the same thing as the jutsu room. To practice the long range weapons, you stand on the furthest end of the room. For close-range you go to the left side of the room where the dummies can be activated, and they can also use weapons so that will help you to learn." The two nodded, and they were lead into the next room.

This one was obviously living quarters. Bunk beds and dressers lined the walls, while there were tables and refrigerators for food on the others. Nothing was dusty, not one bit, despite the fact that no one had been here to clean for ages.

While Sakura bit her lip, Kakashi quirked a brow at the blonde. "Naruto?" He began slowly. "Just where are we?"

"Haven't you figured it out yet?" Naruto smiled fondly at the room. "We're in one of the Uzumaki clan bunkers."

"Wh-what?" Sakura stammered. "So there are seals that keep everything from getting dirty or aging too?"

Naruto nodded. "Yeah, and there's seals in the fridge too so that the food never goes bad. Oh, another thing about this place. Time in here travels slower, so even if two weeks pass on the outside world, two months should pass here. Our bodies will form muscles and mature, and our hair will grow as much as it should in two months time, but we will still look our real ages."

Kakashi's visible eye was wide with disbelief. "Fuuinjutsu can do all that? The Uzumaki… really were something."

"Tell me about it…" Sakura murmured.

Naruto grinned and hopped onto a bed. "Okay you guys, let's sleep. For tomorrow marks the start of our training!" With nods the two followed suit, for the next couple months they'd be going through hell and back, they just knew it.

"Damn, why did I accept to do this? All of this paperwork is so… troublesome." Shikaku sulked. He was a Nara, dammit, and they were lazy by nature! But Hokages were always busy, and basically never had time to sit and watch clouds! "Kuso!"

"Nara-sama, there's a team of cloud nin here who request your presence." Shizune smiled as she peeked her head in. Shikaku frowned, leaning back in his seat before responding.

"Send them in."

"Hai!" No sooner then she'd replied then did the team of three enter and bow to the Nara head.

Shikaku waved it off, sighing. "Don't show me that kind of respect, I'm just here until Rokudaime-sama returns. Call me Shikaku-san."

"Rokudaime?" Samui asks, startled.

"I thought that the Godaime was still in charge!" Karui protests.

Omoi's eyes were wide. "Oh no! Karui, you killed the Godaime with that pebble!"

Karui flinched. "I-I did?"

Shikaku watched the exchange with amusement, knowing the ANBU guarding him were doing the same. "Don't worry, Karui-san, it wasn't your fault. Godaime-sama was injured in the attack."

Karui sighed in relief. "Oh, my condolences."

"It's fine." Shikaku responded, before straightening. The Kumo nin did the same. "So, is it the Hokage you must speak to about this issue?"

Samui nodded. "It's totally not cool, what happened. But yes, we must speak to the Hokage."

Shikaku frowned, rubbing his temple. "I'm sorry, but you'll have to wait for Hokage-sama to return. They won't be back for two weeks. Until then, we can offer you three a tent to stay in, as at this point in time it's the best we can do."

Upset that their urgent message would have to wait, the three nodded nonetheless. "Hai. Thank you, Shikaku-san."

The Nara nodded, waving his hand to signal to an ANBU. "I just sent for someone to escort you to your tent. They'll be here in a few moments." It didn't take long until twelve year old genin Hyuuga Hanabi appeared, looking curiously at the Nara head.

"Nara-san, you requested me?" She asked, eying the Kumo nin with trepidation.

Shikaku nodded. "Don't worry Hanabi-san, they won't try anything. Just in case, I'll have an ANBU tail you. Anyways, I would like for you to find them a tent to stay in."

Hanabi bowed. "Of course, Nara-san." She turned, looking at the stunned Kumo nin with a slight glare. "Come on, then." They walked out into the street, and the cloud team was even more surprised. People walked by, doing reconstruction with smiles on their faces. Not one person looked upset by the destruction of their village.

"Hanabi-san?" Karui began. "Why is everyone so… happy?"

Omoi pulled out another sucker. "Wouldn't they be upset about all of the death?"

Hanabi giggled. "Death? No one died!"

Samui blinked, taking in the rubble. "How… is that possible?"

"Oh, people did die." Hanabi was starting to open up to them, but wouldn't give away vital information on her village. "But Naruto-sama convinced the enemy that what he was doing was wrong. After fighting the Paths, Naruto found the enemy and confronted him. He talked to him about how he killed his shishou, but in the end Naruto-sama decided not to kill him and the enemy resurrected everyone who was killed."

"Whoa." Karui breathed, stars in her eyes. "I really want to meet this 'Naruto-sama'." Omoi and Karui sighed at this.

"Oi Hanabi-chan, what are Kumo nin doing here? And what about Naruto?" Kiba asked as he ran up to the genin's side, Akamaru not one step behind.

Hanabi brightened at the sight of her sister's teammate. "Kiba! Oh, I guess that they're staying here for a while because Nara-san asked me to show them to an empty tent."

Kiba nodded at the girl while eying the Kumo nin distrustfully, he knew about the Hyuuga-Kumo incident. "Alright, I'll go with you guys." Akamaru woofed happily.

Omoi looked at the newcomers curiously, sucker sliding to the other side of his mouth. "So, what about this 'Naruto' guy?"

Kiba blinked, before giving a toothy smirk. "Naruto's one of my friends, so you asked the right guy. Basically he saved us all, he faced the leader of Akatsuki and won."

Team Bee's eyes widened. "The leader of Akatsuki? Just how strong is this guy!"

"Troublesome." Shikamaru muttered as he walked up to the group, getting his back slapped by Kiba made his eyes narrow into an annoyed glare. "Naruto's actually the strongest ninja we've got. I think that he's also hiding his true potential."

Hanabi blinked. "Really, Shikamaru-san? That means that Naruto-sama is awesome!"

All that the trailing ANBU could do was sweatdrop at the interaction.

"So, Hinata, did Naruto talk to you?" Tenten asked with wide eyes. The Hyuuga princess blushed and nodded.

"Ooooooh, really?" Ino asked with stars in her eyes. "You have to give us the juicy details! Are you two dating?"

Hinata shook her head, and the other two paused. "N-no. He told me that he saw me as a sister. He also said that I was strong, kind, and beautiful, and that someone else liked me like I loved Naruto."

Ino and Tenten nodded, smirking. "Kiba."

"K-Kiba-kun likes me?" Hinata was stupefied, and the other two giggled at her expression.

Tenten nodded, but it looked weird because she was laying on Hinata's fuuton with her head over the edge. "Yeah. He's been dating quite a few girls but me and Ino noticed that he only had eyes for you. I'm surprised that Naruto of all people noticed."

"Actually, I think that Naruto-kun is actually as smart as Shikamaru-kun." Hinata spoke up. Tenten looked disbelieving but Ino agreed.

"I think so too." Ino said, admiring her nails.

Tenten smirked in her direction. "And how would you know this?"

Ino's face flushed. "Sh-shut up!"

Hinata blinked at the two. "Ino-chan, you like Naruto-kun?"

The blonde blushed more, but nodded. "Uh, yeah, I guess. I mean ever since he came back with that old pervert I've been paying more attention to him."

"Ino and Naruto sitting in a tree, K-I-S-S-I-N-G! First comes love, then comes marriage, then comes Ino with the ba-" Tenten was cut off by a fuming Yamanaka.

"Look who's talking! We all know you want Neji's baby!"

Tenten blushed and sat up, glaring. "Oh no you didn't!"

"Oh yes I did!"

Hinata frowned. "Guys."

"Take that back!"

"No way! You take it back!"

"Guys!"

"You!"

"You!"

"Guys!" Both froze and looked at the glaring Hinata. She relaxed once she saw their attention was on her and smiled innocently. "Before Naruto-kun left, he put me in charge of getting everyone stronger."

Ino blinked. "So he wants us to train?"

Tenten smirked. "Obviously. And knowing him, he wants us to train hard." With that the girls set out to find their friends. And knowing this, you can guess that there was no way the guys could deny them their wish.

After all, girls were scary when wronged. Especially the shy, kind ones.

Done! 5,569 words. Anyways….

Next Chapter: Training for everyone begins, the Kumo Team make some new friends, Ibiki has some fun, Anko and Sai return for their mission, and Yamato learns that civilians really have no stamina.