Author: Silver Star Dragon
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.
Pairings:
Main: Neji/Sakura
Secondary: Shino/Ino, Sai/Airi, Gaara/Hinata
Rating: NC-17
Notes: This Hokage Story actually takes place after the story 'White Dove's Legacy'. I haven't finished it but this bunny wouldn't let me go (Plus I've writer block on Legacy).
Rokudaime Cherry Blossom
The Council of Konoha met in secret, in the dead of night, its members were cloaked and masked. The Fifth Hokage was not to know. She would not agree that the time was right, but it was. The Council had decided it needed to pick her successor, the Rokudaime, the Sixth Hokage. They had a list to choose from. Oh yes, it was a rather large list composed of all ninja in the Village that were of some merit. But the Council doesn't pick on merit. The Council wants only what is best for Konoha. With that in mind, the Council's list was getting smaller by the minute.
Some ninja were quickly crossed off, such as Gai, Rock Lee, and Kakashi Hatake were crossed off due to their status as high-ranked ninja and that they made better teachers than leaders. Actually, no one wanted Gai as Hokage and his student was just as bad. Kakashi, well, everyone decide that it was in their best interest not to appoint him.
Shikamaru Nara, once a promising candidate was crossed off for two reasons. First, even though Gaara, the Kazekage of Suna was an ally, Shikamaru was married to his sister Temari, this meant that Shikamaru would be easy to influence in matters pertaining to Konoha. The second and real reason is that Shikamaru was lazy. That was something the Council was trying to avoid. Many were not pleased with the Godaime being so lazy, Shikamaru put her to shame.
Shino Aburame was crossed off. He really was a likely choice; however his bugs were in the way. The Kikai insects were a major turn off to most people so they would not deal with him. The Council doubted that he would take the title of Hokage willingly either. It annoyed the Council, he'd of made a great Hokage. Such a pity.
The Council took a break for some food and water. No one removed their cloaks, they just lowered their heads. Several had learned to do it better than most. One had looked at the clock. They had been at this for over seven hours. The Council leaders called order to the meeting. The shifting through candidates began again.
Sasuke Uchiha was crossed off. He came back from Sound without killing Orochimaru and none knew why. He was a traitor and Hokage's mistake. She had returned him to his full status as jonin and gave him his Uchiha Heir title, she gave him power. The Council would not make the same mistake and give him power.
The Kuraku Clan members were crossed off by the Kuraku members on the Council. The members claimed personal reasons. They also wanted to protect the Hokage; they didn't want to be Hokage. One member remarked, "Could you imagine one of us in our cursed form meeting with a Daimyo?" It was quickly agreed not to appoint a Kuraku Clan member.
Hinata Hyuga-Kuraku's name was also removed. No one asked any questions. There was no need. Hinata was stronger now, but she would never forget the insults dealt to her. Being Hokage would put her back in the cross-hairs. Besides, it was quite well known that the Kazekage was very much smitten with her.
Neji Hyuga was also crossed off. After Hanabi was declared a missing-nin and traitor along with her mother Hisa, Hiashi had taken his nephew as his heir. When Hiashi decided to go after his daughter and second wife, Neji assume his role as Clan Leader. Short and to the point, Neji would not divide his time. He has the position that he wanted.
The Council debated Kiba Inuzuka and Ino Yamanka. Kiba would be strong and loyal. But he smelled like a dog and acted like one too. He was certain to cause an incident with someone. Ino was just too self-centered. She knew her stuff, was even a member of the ANBU, but she was not a good idea for Hokage.
At last, the Council came down to just two people. Naruto Uzumaki and Sakura Haruno.
Naruto Uzumaki. Son of the Fourth Hokage. Container for the spirit of the Nine-tailed Fox. Student of the Legendary Sanin Jiraiya. He, who found Sasuke Uchiha and brought him back, then got the Godaime to let him off easy. Naruto had gone to train with Jiraiya. He had left Konoha. He might as well have been just like Sasuke. Plus, the Akatsuki were after Naruto for the Nine-tailed Fox. How could they protect him? Since he acted first and thought second, they would forever be saving his ass. But it was Naruto's dream to be Hokage.
Sakura Haruno. Medic-nin and student of the Fifth. When she was twelve she adored and worshiped Sasuke. Not anymore. She damn near killed both Naruto and Sasuke when they had come back to Konoha. When Sasuke asked her to marry him, she had refused. Sakura's medical skills had already started to surpass Tsunade. Her chakra control was unbelievable. She was mature for her age. Smart, kind, and strong. Plus, as the Kuraku remarked, Sakura wasn't afraid of blood, and she never left Konoha.
But it was Naruto's dream.
It was decided. How could they choose otherwise? There was no other choice. The new Rokudaime is Sakura Haruno. There is no other way that a decision could be made. The Council broke apart; there was little time to rest. Everything was too made in order. Because they knew they were picking another Hokage, the garments had been made and everything set up. It would be up to the oldest and wisest members to tell the Hokage of the decision.
One last member looked down at her list as she crossed Naruto's name off.
"I'm sorry Naruto-kun. But for our safety, you may never wear the robes of Hokage."