Chapter One: The Return of the Uzumaki
A/N: You, the reader may recognize this chapter. If you do, it is a copy of the opening chapter of KarantheStoryteller's dropped fanfic, Rokudaime Uzukage. The author has given permission to anyone who wants to continue that fic. So, being who I am and all, I decided to try my hand at this fic. So, without further ado… let's begin.
On a somewhat related note, this will be my first attempt of Naruto leading a village at a young age. So bear with me on this, okay?
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Random Quote: "Hey Melvin, you wanna make a buck?" Fred Ward, Tremors
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Somewhere in Konoha
"Is everything ready?" a shadowy figure asked his two subordinates.
"Yes. We've taken everything we needed from the Yondaime Hokage's estate. The Scroll was successfully taken from the Hokage Tower." A female voice replied.
"Excellent. Now all we need is the boy." The mysterious figure whispered.
"I heard that the boy was a Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tailed Fox. Is it true, Shinji?" the other figure asked."Yes. But that doesn't matter. He is a boy after all, demon-host or not." The man known as Shinji answered. "The problem is going to be getting the boy out of the village without raising alarm. Most of the villagers probably couldn't care less about the boy. However, many of his classmates might panic."
The female asked, "Do you think he will come willingly?"
"Willingly or not, he is coming with us. Though if we give him the two scrolls and release the memory storage seal his father placed on him when the demon was sealed, then he probably would come willingly." Shinji replied.
The other ninja, a male, snarled, "I've been watching the child for a week and the way he is treated disgusts me. This village doesn't deserve heroes like the boy. They can't even tell a prisoner from a prison. I can't even believe that these people think they are the strongest ninja village."
"Calm yourself, Mari. We don't want to raise unnecessary attention." Shinji warned.
"Shinji, the children are coming out for lunch now."
"Ok. You know what to do. Now go." Shinji ordered. The two other ninja scattered off to their assigned positions. 'Kushina, forgive me for this. But this village doesn't deserve to have a hero such as your son. He will be more appreciated in Uzu as he is the choice to succeed you as Rokudaime Uzukage. We need your son more than this ungrateful village does. They do not deserve the heir to the Uzumaki clan, Namikaze Uzumaki Naruto.'
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Outside of the Konoha Ninja Academy
An orange clad boy of eleven sat alone eating his lunch composed of a cup of instant ramen, second-rate fruit, and spoiled milk. His deep cerulean eyes gazed sadly at the other children as they laughed and talked amongst themselves. Earlier he asked Haruno Sakura, his crush, if he could have lunch with her.
"Go away, Naruto! I don't want to have lunch with you. I don't even want to see you! You're annoying, dense, and stupid and I don't want to have anything to do with you! Now, GET LOST!"
Then she went running over to her precious Sasuke-kun. Naruto sniffed. 'Why does everyone treat me this way? Why can't I be good at anything? Why is everyone so cruel? What makes that teme any better than me?'
Unknown to Naruto, two people were watching him. Hyuuga Hinata, who had a major crush on Naruto , was watching him from where she was sitting with Ino and Sakura. She had a sad look upon her face while she watched him. Another person watching him was none other than the female intruder who looked upon him with sorrowful eyes. Uzumaki Nayoko watched her cousin silently contemplate what he did to deserve such treatment. She also watched Hinata, waiting for the Hyuuga heiress to turn around. When she finally did, Nayoko made her move.
Naruto was surprised to see a red-headed kunoichi float down right next to him. She looked to him and said, "You're Naruto, right?"
Naruto looked at her suspiciously, "So what if I am?"
"We've been looking for you for quite a while. My name is Nayoko. Uzumaki Nayoko."
Naruto stared at the crimson haired beauty for a moment. Then he broke the awkward silence, "Are you related to me in some way?"
Nayoko responded, "Yes. I am your cousin. My father was your mother's brother."
At the realization that he had a family, Naruto was about to jump for joy when she put her hand over his mouth. "Shhhh. No one can know. You need to keep very quiet. Right now I need you to come with me though."
Naruto looked puzzled, "Why?"
"Because you are the heir to the Uzumaki clan and you are needed in our village. You know about your tenant right?"
"The baka fox?" Naruto asked.
Nayoko chuckled, "Yes the fox. Well, the Yondaime Hokage's last wish was that you would be a hero, but as you probably know, things don't always go as planned."
Naruto's face drooped for a second. "They don't see me as Naruto. They just see me as the fox."
Nayoko's face softened as she hugged her cousin. Naruto's surprise soon became joy as he was finally being appreciated for something. "This village doesn't deserve you. Do you know that your mother, my aunt, Uzumaki Kushina, was the Godaime Uzukage in our village?"
Naruto broke out of the hug with an incredulous look on his face. "She really was? Was my father famous as well?" He asked, jumping up and down.
"Hey take it easy little cousin. Yes Aunt Kushina was and your father was a famous ninja as well. In fact he was Konoha's Yellow Flash. He was the one who sealed the fox inside of you."
"My father… was the Yondaime Hokage?"
"Yes, Naruto. He was Namikaze Minato, Yondaime Hokage." Nayoko responded seriously.
Naruto backed away for a second. His face wore a look of absolute shock. Then, "YATTA! My dad was YONDAIME!"
"You're not mad at him?" Nayoko asked, letting out her breath.
"No, not at all. I understand why he did it. He had to save the village. He didn't know that the villagers were going to treat me this way." Naruto let out.
Shinji and Mari, who were watching from above, jumped down and sighed in relief, "Good. Thank heavens that you accepted it so well, Naruto-sama."
"Naruto-sama?" Naruto asked.
Nayoko then said, "Oh Naruto. These are my companions Aranayo Shinji and Kaguya Mari. Both of them and myself are Whirlpool nin."
"Pleasure to meet you both."
"It is an honor to meet Godaime-sama's son." Mari said as he bowed low.
Shinji then turned to Nayoko and said, "Before we go, we need to release the memory storage seal."
"Memory storage seal?" Naruto asked with a puzzled look.
"Your father gave you the knowledge of his most prized jutsus and a basic knowledge of seals when you were born and sealed them into your memory. It unfortunately interfered with your ability to learn, your growth, your chakra control, and your maturity. When it releases, you will be taller and you will be a great amount more mature. Your father and your godfather, the Toad Sannin Jiraiya, had you sign the toad summoning contract when you were a baby." Shinji replied.
"So basically, my father placed the knowledge of his most well known jutsus in my memory and sealed them away?" the blond asked.
Mari responded, "Basically. Right now we are going to release the seal. Word of caution. It will feel uncomfortable for a bit."
"I'm ready."
Mari then made a few hand signs, placed his hands on Naruto's forehead and said, "Kai!"
Naruto felt dizzy as his body, knowledge, maturity, and his jutsu repertoire began to grow exponentially. After two minutes, Naruto was around 5 ft 7 in and had the IQ of 290. He immediately gained the ability to use the Hiraishin no Jutsu and the Rasengan. He also had a basic knowledge of seals.
"Wow, I defiantly feel different." Naruto said in a more baritone voice.
His baby fat disappeared and his face got narrower. His muscles were more visible and his physique became more sleek. His hair grew longer and he looked more like a miniature version of the Yondaime.
"So are you going to come with us?" Shinji asked.
"Where?"
"To Uzugakure. You've been chosen by the reinstated council to become out Rokudaime Uzukage." Mari answered. "Hasn't it always been your dream to be Hokage?"
"Yeah, but I have friends here and then there's ojii-san and Iruka-sensei. I can't just leave. I've got to prove myself to this village." Naruto sullenly replied.
Nayoko then asked, "Do you think that the village council will let you become Hokage?" Naruto shook his head.
Nayoko then simply said, "They hate you. The shinobi part of the council and the Hokage both try to look out for you, but the civilians and the Elders have more power. They hate you. They despise you. They would betray this village to its enemies before they see you become the Hokage. As for you proving yourself, you don't have to. By keeping the fox at bay, you prove yourself a hero to this village every day. You defend this village 24/7 and you get treated as a pariah for it. You have got to see that no matter what you do, these people will jump at every mistake you make and use it as an excuse to make you a scapegoat. If a mission you are on fails, they use it to exile you. Mark my words, they will find a way to get rid of the "demon brat."
Naruto looked at her and realized she was right. "But my friends…"
"…Will probably always be your friends. But look at them. How old are they? They can only defend you so much. They can't change the minds of these people. All people will do is say that they are under the demon's spell and you know that. So what is the point in staying in a village where your dream is a mere pipe dream when you have another village that is begging you to take another Kage position. At the age of eleven! You're lucky to be getting this offer. So what do you say, Rokudaime-sama?"
Naruto looked at her and then looked at his friends. He then looked back at Nayoko and said, "I'm guessing you already emptied my parent's house here?"
"Yes. Your blood sample helped us get through all the security seals and jutsus." Genji said.
"My apartment?"
Mari replied, "Everything that looked of importance was taken from you're apartment as well."
"Hmm. Ok. Let's blow this shit-hole!" Naruto exclaimed.
Shinji and Nayoko let out a sigh of relief. 'We have our Rokudaime Uzukage. Now Uzugakure no Sato can prosper once again.'
Naruto suddenly swayed and his kneels began to buckle. "I feel a little weak."
"It must have been from the release of the memory seal. Mari, can you carry him?" Shinji asked.
"Yes Shinji-taichou." The Kaguya then picked Naruto up and began to carry him piggyback style. "Are you comfortable, Naruto-sama?"
"Quite, Mari-san."
They were about to leave when a loud voice said, "NARUTO! We've got to go inside. It's time to go back to…" Sakura stopped when she notice that Naruto was being taken by three mysterious figures. "HEY! WHAT ARE YOU GUYS DOING WITH NARUTO?!"
Everyone of Naruto's classmates turned around to see three mysterious figures with Naruto on being carried on the back of one.
The three Uzu nin and Naruto then said, "Oh shit." 'Sakura. Why do you have to be so fucking loud?' Naruto thought while groaning.
"YO ASSHOLES! LEAVE OUR CLASSMATE ALONE!" Inuzuka Kiba shouted. Akamaru, Kiba's companion, began to growl.
Uchiha Sasuke, then began to issue orders, "Sakura, Ino, Hinata, and the rest of the girls go get Iruka-sensei and Mizuki-sensei. Kiba, Shikamaru, Choji, me, and the rest of the guys will go get the dobe back."
"RIGHT!" Everyone cried.
Getting back to the Rokudaime Uzukage and his three companions, Naruto said, "Let's get the fuck out of here!"
Nayako then detonated a smoke bomb as the four ninja made their escape. As they began to make a break for it sirens began to blare. "FUCK! Why does it always happen to me?" Naruto muttered.
Nayoko chuckled, "So much for a quick and quiet escape."
"Are there any of our nin in or around Konoha?" Naruto asked.
"Yes Uzukage-sama." Shinji replied, surprised at the sudden commanding tone of the young Uzumaki's voice, "There is a small contingent of our ninja stationed outside of the village and there are two other nin waiting for us near the East Gates."
"Send a signal to the nin outside to back us up. This is going to get messy. We've also got a problem because two of my chunin instructors, a stuck up teme Uchiha, a mutt, an Akamichi, and a lazy bum of a Nara are chasing us. Oh and let's add the Copy ninja Hatake Kakashi."
Mari looked back toward the growing amount of pursuers. "Damn. More keep coming after us."
Then a voice screamed, "DROP THE DOBE AND NO ONE GETS HURT!"
Naruto sweat dropped. 'Great vote of confidence teme.'
"Wow, that Uchiha's pride needs to be knocked down a few pegs." Shinji snorted.
"Tell me about it." Naruto grumbled.
"Now is definitely not the time to make jokes, guys." Mari said.
"Right. We have to remember that we need to get the hell out of here." Naruto said. Then a light bulb flashed. "Does anyone of you have a soldier pill?"
Shinji opened a pouch on his leg and handed the black pill to Naruto. "Here you go Uzukage-sama. But may I ask what you are doing?"
"I don't want to be useless right now so I need some energy. Mari, your kekkei genkai would be highly appreciated here. Since you're a Kaguya, I think Yanagi no Mai would be perfect in this situation." Naruto simply stated.
Mari looked back on the young kage and said, "You know a great deal about my clan's techniques."
Naruto replied, "My father encountered the Kaguya on more than one occasion." Naruto then turned around and said, "Nayoko, do you have any of my father's Hiraishin kunai available?"
In response, the other Uzumaki tossed a tri-pronged kunai to the young kage. Naruto then asked, "Did you put a Hiraishin seal anywhere near or in Uzu?"
"Yes. It was for the purpose of a quick getaway if we got into a situation."
"I would call this a situation, wouldn't you?" Shinji smirked.
Mari looked at the older ninja, "Yes I definitely would."
"Ok. Nayoko, grab three more kunai and give two of them to Shinji and Mari. Mari, Shinji, hold them off while I do the hand signs for the jutsu. Nayoko, tell the nin waiting outside and the ones at the rendezvous point to go back to Uzu." Naruto ordered.
"Unknown ninja, you are trespassing into and committing an act of kidnapping. Return Uzumaki Naruto at once and surrender for interrogation!" A voice called out once again. However, Naruto began making the handsigns for a mass Hiraishin.
Mari stopped and turned around. He then charged the Konoha nin. "YANAGI NO MAI!" He cried as bones began to sprout out of his body.
"Oh shit, it's a Kaguya!" one of the Konoha nin yelled as Mari began his Dance.
Iruka turned around toward the academy students following and yelled, "Guys, go back. This guy is beyond your level."
"Whatever. I'm an Uchiha. I can beat these guys and get the dobe back." Sasuke sneered.
Iruka gave him an angry look and said, "No. You won't beat these guys. Especially due to the fact that we are being showed up by a Kaguya."
Shikamaru mumbled, "This is so troublesome."
"Fine Iruka-sensei. Let's go back."
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Meanwhile, Naruto finished making the handsigns and whistled to Mari and the others. They then gripped each of their tri-kunai as Naruto yelled, "HIRAISHIN NO JUTSU!"
Much to the astonishment of the Konoha ninja, there was a blinding flash of yellow light and the three ninja and Naruto were gone.
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Sarutobi Hiruzen got up from his chair after watching the debacle that was the operation to retrieve Naruto. He walked up to the roof and began thinking as he looked at the face of the Yondaime. 'Minato, Kushina. I am sorry I couldn't keep you son safe. Naruto, be safe.'
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Umino Iruka walked back to the academy with his head down in shame. He had failed to save Naruto. He had failed as to save his little brother. He slowly entered the classroom and looked around. Everyone was looking at him, hoping for good news on what happened to Naruto.
"I-Iruka-sensei. Where is N-Naruto-kun?" Hinata asked.
Iruka just looked up at her and spoke simply, "We were too late to save him. Those ninja took him."
Everyone of Naruto's classmates were appalled. Naruto was the "dead last", the dobe. He was a carefree soul who never lost his happy-go-lucky demeanor. He was brash, loud, and annoying, but everyone knew that he did not deserve whatever fate he was going to receive. (AN: They do not know the reason he was taken. They think he is probably going to be executed, held for ransom, or imprisoned by an enemy village.)
Hinata was bawling. Sakura shed silent tears as Ino also began to cry. Hinata always watched Naruto from afar and always had a crush on him. To think that Naruto may not be coming back was devastating for her.
Sakura and Ino felt very guilty. They always made fun of him or berated him almost every day. In a sense, they treated him badly and now that he's gone, they miss the promises that he would be Hokage someday or the constant flow of requests for dates. They finally realized that Naruto could have been a very devoted friend if they had been a little nicer.
Sasuke brooded. Even though he was the dobe, Naruto was his rival. He was the one you could count on to measure strength against. He was also one of the only ones who would actually make Sasuke laugh when Naruto made a joke or performed one of his world famous pranks. Naruto knew the pain and loneliness that came from being alone and Sasuke could empathize with him.
Kiba was angry. Out of all the guys in his class, Naruto was the only one who he shared a sense of humor with. They would sometimes perform pranks together or they would pull pranks on each other, but mostly they used to make fun of each other a great deal.
Shikamaru was saddened. He always considered Naruto an enigma. He was a puzzle that needed to be solved. Shikamaru could always tell that Naruto was holding back. He could see that under the dobe exterior, there was a diamond in the rough. Naruto was also one of the people who used to sleep in class and be lazy as much as he did. He found a kindred spirit in Naruto and was saddened by the fact that now the happy yet lazy Naruto was gone.
Choji was depressed. Naruto was one of his first friends and one of the only people, other than Shikamaru, who didn't make fun of his weight. Naruto was also one of the people who was a Ramen connoisseur other than himself. He was also one of the only people who could be the young Akamichi at a Ramen eating contest, which is saying a lot. (AN: Last contest was 36 to 32 in favor of Naruto) He, like Shikamaru, had found Naruto to be a fun loving and steadfast friend.
Shino was indifferent. That was what he seemed like on the outside, but on the inside, the Aburame was in turmoil. Sure, Naruto was annoying, but he would always go out of his way to make Shino feel wanted and he would always be there to try to cheer Shino up. Shino felt depressed at the fact that Naruto was gone because of the fact that Naruto's drive to make friends gave Shino the feeling of being wanted, which is not a common feeling among the Aburame.
Iruka watched his student's reactions and he announced, "I will be quite frank. We don't know why they came for Naruto nor do we know what they are going to do with him. I along with a few other people will hope for his safe return or any news on his whereabouts."
Hinata then spoke up, "When I become Genin, I will try to get strong enough to find Naruto-kun and bring him back to Konoha. I will because I promise it. I will not give up on my word because like Naruto, that is my nindo, my ninja way!"
"Yeah, me too!" Sakura suddenly found herself saying.
Then the whole class, even Sasuke became abuzz with promises to bring Naruto home.
Sasuke then said, "I think I speak for all of us when I say we will get stronger in order to bring our dobe back home!"
The whole class started cheering and screaming, "We'll bring you back Naruto! We swear it!"
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When news got out into the village about Naruto's kidnapping, there was much celebration. The Academy students walked out of the Academy to see the village giddy with happiness. "THE DEMON IS GONE!" Shouted many of the civilians and some ninja as they danced in the middle of the streets. Naruto's classmates were confused as to why people were celebrating until the group passed Naruto's apartment. It was on fire and people were making effigies of Naruto and lighting them up while dancing. Sakura watched in horror as her own mother set one of the effigies on fire as she screamed, "BURN IN HELL DEMON BRAT!"
However, the ANBU and many other ninja who treated Naruto kindly or did not truly care ended the celebrations with many arrests, injuries, and executions. In response to this appalling display, Naruto's classmates demanded to see the Hokage.
Sarutobi was reading a certain orange book while giggling when his secretary told him that Naruto's classmates were here to see him. As he had her send them in, he sighed and dreaded to think of what they wanted to know.
"Hokage-sama," Sakura asked, "why are people so happy that Naruto is gone?"
Shikamaru also added, "Why are they also burning effigies of Naruto and saying "go to hell demon brat?"
"I'm sorry. I cannot tell you that." Sarutobi said sadly. 'I hope I just dodged a bullet there.'
"I think after what we've been through and seen today, we, as Naruto's friends and classmates, deserve an explination." Sasuke demanded.
"Very well. Let me make this perfectly clear. I am about to divulge one of the village's greatest secrets." Sarutobi began.
Ino then interrupted, "Wait. Naruto is one of the villages greatest secrets?"
Sarutobi sighed and then explained, "In a way yes. What I am about to tell you about Naruto's past is a SS class secret. They are not to leave this room nor can you discuss them at home. If you break the sanctity of this agreement I will be forced to act accordingly. Is that clear?" the Hokage spoke coldly.
After a few nods, Sarutobi asked, "Do you remember being taught in school about the battle between the Yondaime Hokage and the Kyuubi?" After everyone nodded, he continued, "What you learned in school was not the truth. It was only half the truth. You see, the Kyuubi cannot be killed by mortals. It is too powerful. So instead of killing it, the Yondaime used a seal that used the Shinigami in order to seal the demon away. When you use this seal, the Shiki Fuujin, you die. The Shinigami takes your soul along with the soul of the thing that is being sealed and you float around in the Shinigami's stomach for all eternity. In doing this, the Yondaime Hokage sealed the Kyuubi into a baby boy who was born on that same day and just had its umbilical cord cut. That baby was Naruto."
All of Naruto's classmates were shocked. "So, Naruto is the demon?" Kiba asked.
"You tell me. Remember everything that Naruto did. Would a demon try to cheer people up through pranks? Would a demon strive to make friends with his classmates? Would a demon ask a girl repeatedly out on a date? Would a demon cower when Iruka uses his Big Headed Evil Face Jutsu? You tell me." Sarutobi asked in response.
"No." Sasuke answered. "He wouldn't. These ignorant villagers treated him badly for all those years because they couldn't tell the difference between a jailor and the prisoner."
Sakura then continued, "Who are you supposed to hate more? The prison or the prisoner? People cannot hate the prison because the prison did not commit the crimes that the prisoner committed. Therefore, the villagers are wrong. I don't hate Naruto. I hate the fox and I firmly believe that Naruto, if he knew about the fox, hates the Kyuubi too."
Sarutobi smiled, "Well, I can tell you Sakura that yes, he does know about the Kyuubi. Yes he has actually spoken to the fox." Everyone was shocked by this revelation, but listened, "And yes, he has repeatedly called the fox a baka and a teme to his face."
"Wow, he really must be stupid or brave." Shikamaru said thoughtfully.
Kiba responded, "Naruto always had balls of marble. Now I know he has balls of extra hard diamond."
"TMI, Kiba." Ino responded with a slight, yet unnoticeable nosebleed.
"We still are going to bring him back, demon host or not. He is still our dobe." Sasuke said.
Sarutobi smiled. 'At last. Maybe there is some hope for this generation after all, eh Minato?'
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Time Skip- One Year Later
Uzukage Tower, Uzugakure no Sato
The twelve-year old Rokudaime Uzukage looked out upon the bustling village below. When he had first arrived, this village wasn't even a speck on the map. Much of it was still being rebuilt from the Third Shinobi War. Still, they Rokudaime took up his mother's former position and began the steady process of revitalizing the economy and rebuilding the village. He had welcomed civilians and ninja from all over, keeping a wary eye for spies and those who might cause unrest. Surprisingly, he worked very well with his council.
However, everything worked out well. Relations with the Daimyo of Uzu no Kuni were going strong and the Uzu ninja academy was flourishing under a policy of "history will not help with practicality." Talented and hard working Genin were flowing out of the academy, rising to Chunin and Jonin in no time at all. Within a year of his arrival, the former Jinchūriki (AN: Naruto went to the Demon Country and the Priestess used a seal that allowed Naruto to absorb the Kyuubi's chakra in the span of six months. Therefore, the Kyuubi finally perished.) and former pariah and demon brat of Konohagakure no Sato became the Kage of a village that could rival that of successful and rapid expansion of his armed forces also was attributed to Uzu's open hospitality to refugees and missing nin. Of course, all of them are screened. Some missing nin and even other regular ninja were turned away from Uzu because of questionable acts. One ninja was turned away because he robbed Konoha of the Raijin, the Nidaime Hokage's sword.
However, other missing nin and refugees were able to find a welcoming atmosphere among the people of Uzugakure. One of which was the Demon of the Hidden Mist, Momochi Zabuza and his beautiful apprentice Haku. Haku was an orphan who was a victim of the Kiri bloodline purges and she was also a descendent of the Uzumaki. The Uzukage was not crazy about having Zabuza in his village, but he was willing to oblige once he and Haku convinced the young kage. Zabuza was given an apartment, but Haku, seeing that she was a distant descendent of the Uzumaki clan, was given permission to live in the Uzumaki compound and be indoctrinated into the clan.
Another missing nin who the Rokudaime Uzukage Uzumaki Naruto allowed into his ninja ranks was Hoshigaki Kisame. Naruto, much to Kiri's disdain found Kisame to be a very loveable character and definitely worth indoctrinating. With a chuckle, Naruto remembered the day Kisame walked into his office with a dark blue cloak, his sword Samehada, and a shirt that said, "Don't mess with the deep." Naruto just stared at the massive fish man who wore a grin on his face and he knew right then that this guy was a keeper. Kisame and Zabuza are both in the Uzu Royal Guard and they are some of the highest ranking ninja in the village.
Naruto was glad to welcome anyone he could into his village, but he kept a very wary eye out for Konoha nin. He did not want the old man to know about Uzugakure yet. The Uzukage was afraid that if Konoha found out, they would declare war and Uzugakure would be at the mercy of the other Hidden villages. It was hard enough to keep Kirigakure from telling. Due to the fact that Uzu housed the refugees from the bloodline purges and also two missing nin, Kiri was out for blood. The Sandaime Mizukage threatened to raze Uzu to the ground and would not listen to any proposition for peace until Naruto, with the approval of the Uzu council and the Daimyo, proposed a tax. Uzu would pay a tribute of 50,000 ryu to Kiri in order for them to keep their mouths shut and not start a war and Uzu would also not tariff any goods being imports or exports from Mizu no kuni. Needless to say, both the Mizukage and the Water Daimyo were both more than satisfied. As a token of appreciation, the Mizukage began to just exile those with a bloodline to Uzu and Uzu was happy to take them in.
This policy of appeasement kept Uzugakure's existence secret from the rest of the ninja world other than Kiri. But there was one time when that secrecy was threatened dearly and Naruto's hard work nearly came crashing down. This threat came in the form of a white haired pervert who was also one of the Densetsu no Sannin named Jiraiya. When Jiraiya came to Uzugakure, it was completely by accident. However, as soon as he entered the gates, he was immediately detained and by request, brought personally to the Uzukage. When in Naruto's office, the pervy sage was about to start complaining about mistreatment and overzealous swordsmen when Naruto showed his face and Jiraiya immediately knew who he was.
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Seven Months Ago
Uzukage's Office, Uzugakure
"So you're the Uzukage?" Jiraiya asked in disbelief.
"Surprised, Jiraiya of the Sannin?" Naruto asked.
Jiraiya grinned and said, "Well yeah. My sensei asked me to find you five months ago. You disappeared off the face of the Earth. I was incredibly surprised when he said you used the Hiraishin to leave Konoha. I was also very angry that I wasn't told that you were alive. I was supposed to be…"
Naruto interrupted, "…My godfather. I know. I read my father and mother's scrolls. So Jiraiya-sama, what brings you to the village of my ancestors?'
"Research." Jiraiya said simply.
"You mean peeping?" Naruto asked with a smile and raised eyebrows. "Yes I know of your little Icha Icha Paradise series and every time I get a little bored I make a Kage Bunshin to do the paperwork and I pull out my trusty little orange book an immerse myself in your wonderous world of smut."
Jiraiya was flabbergasted when Naruto pulled the Orange book out of the bottom drawer of his desk. "I'm glad you're a fan." 'HAHAHA! I beat you Minato! I finally corrupted your son! HAHAHA'
"Yes you can keep laughing in your mind about how you were able to corrupt me against my father's wishes…" Jiraiya looked at the boy kage, wondering if he was reading his mind, "But the problem is that you are here and I don't want Konoha to know of Uzu nor of my whereabouts. So what I am going to do is this. I am going to give you an offer."
Jiraiya was all ears, "Now ero-sennin," Jiraiya snorted, "You are going to like this offer. I am going to give you free reign on your research. It is very important. I will give you ideas for your books if I see them for absolutely no charge. I will show you my Oiroke no Jutsu and model for you as a really sexy naked blond female. Trust me, it gets them every time. You will not however do your research in the clan compounds if you value your life. Especially, the Kaguya and Uzumaki compounds because frankly, my cousin Nayoko really hates your books and will have no qualms about hanging you naked off my statue. Do I make myself clear?" Naruto explained.
Jiraiya nodded his head like a happy little puppy. Naruto then dismissed him, but before he left, Jiraiya said, "I don't know if you'll appreciate this or not, seeing that you are a kage and you have kage level skills, but I hope it will not hurt your pride if I take you on as my apprentice, will it?"
Naruto was taken aback. 'I guess he wants to do this for all the years that he wasn't there for me.' Naruto then did something that Jiraiya did not expect. Naruto bowed low to the Sannin and said, "I will gladly and most definitely accept, Jiraiya-sama."
So for the next four months, Naruto studied under the Toad Sannin Jiraiya as his apprentice. When the citizens and ninja of Uzugakure heard this, they were quite impressed that they had a Kage who could recognize his own faults and they treated Jiraiya like a Daimyo. Women would actually act out scenes for his books just so they could show their appreciation for the Toad Sage for training their Kage.
Under the Toad Sannin, Naruto re-learned the Toad Summoning Jutsu, which on his first try, he was able to summon Gamabunta, who absolutely fell in love with Uzugakure. After two months, Naruto was ready to learn Sennin mode. He disappeared for two weeks and had Jiraiya sit in as his substitute. When he came back, he was a full fledged toad sage. He was even able to surpass Jiraiya and go into Complete Sennin mode. With all the fun he was having, Jiraiya overlooked one thing. Unfortunately for the Ero-Sennin, the time of his life halted as soon as the second sannin came to visit.
Tsunade heard about the new hidden village and with her assistant Shizune, went to investigate. What she meant by investigate is investigate the village for gambling parlors and bars with tons of sake. As soon as the two medical ninjas entered the village, they were welcomed with open arms and sent to greet the Uzukage. To their surprise, the Rokudaime Uzukage was a gaki.
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Three Months Ago
Uzukage's Office, Uzugakure
Tsunade gave a skeptical look toward Naruto. "So you're the Rokudaime Uzukage? You're just a gaki!"
Shizune bowed and began to splutter, "I am terribly sorry for Tsunade-sama's behavior Uzukage-sama. I thought she would have more respect."
Naruto looked at the fumbling medic nin as Tsunade kept pointing out the fact that the Uzukage was a gaki. "Don't worry about it Shizune-san. It's not your fault that Baa-chan is acting this way."
"What did you just call me?" Tsunade said dangerously.
"I said Baa-chan, that it is not Shizune-san's fault that you are acting this way. I think your old age must be getting to you." Naruto smirked.
"I am not that old!" Tsunade snarled.
"Says the woman who hides her age under a jutsu." Naruto replied smartly.
It got very silent. Tsunade and Naruto kept staring at each other waiting for a reaction. Then Naruto ended the silence, "Ok. Let's stop acting like five year olds and start acting like mature ninja. So let me start by welcoming you warmly to Uzugakure no Sato, Senju Tsunade a.k.a Densetsu no Kamo. I am proud to have one of my mother's friends and closest confidants in my presence and I am honored that you came to this humble village, Tsunade-sama."
Tsunade and Shizune were aghast when he bowed low to them. His eloquence and maturity changed in a split second. 'Damn this gaki really knows the game of politics. From what I've heard, he has already dazzled the Mizukage with his ability to manipulate the political sphere. Yep, definitely Kushina and Minato's son alright.'
"The honor is mine, Uzukage-sama." Tsunade bowed back.
"Please call me Naruto or gaki. Whichever works for you." Naruto laughed. "May I interest you in some of our world famous Sake?"
Tsunade once again was surprised by Naruto's eloquence. "You really know how to butter me up."
"Jiraiya told me a great deal." Naruto replied, looking for her reaction.
Tsunade snorted, "Oh he did, did he? And what did the old pervert say?"
"Ero-Sennin told me about 'the good old times' while he trained me as his apprentice."
Tsunade began cracking up. "Ero-Sennin. That's good. I've got to use that one the next time I see him."
"Damn gaki, you just had to tell her your little pet name huh?" Jiraiya suddenly said as he appeared at the window. Naruto threw a sake saucer at the sage, who caught it, "Would it kill you to use the door Jiraiya?"
"So, Ero-Sennin, what are you doing here?" Tsunade snickered. 'I'm never going to get tired of that. Ero-Sennin. This kid is a genius.'
Jiraiya simply replied, "Research."
"Before you ask, yes I let him because it keeps him from telling Konoha about Uzu and I believe, along with many male and female members of the council that this research is quite beneficial." Naruto said.
"You just had to corrupt the poor kid, didn't you?" Tsunade flatly said toward the pervert.
Jiraiya squealed with glee, "YEP! I got the kid!"
The office then shook as the self-declared "Super Pervert" was sprawled out on the floor unconscious. Tsunade then cracked her neck. Naruto thought, 'Note to self, never, ever, ever get Tsunade pissed off.'
"So, what brings you to Uzu, Tsunade-sama." Naruto asked nervously.
"I'm looking for gambling dens and good bars." Tsunade said.
"Well, Uzu does have those. We needed the money and basically, it is a million-ryu business so yeah, we have plenty. But I would like to make you an offer." Naruto began shrewdly.
'Uh oh. That's the same smile Kushina used to give me when she needed me to do something. I have a very bad feeling about this.' Tsunade then asked, "What's your offer?"
"Uzu's medical core is a bit behind and we have modern equipment, but not enough medical nin to man the hospital. I beseech you to please train a class of our academy how to become medical nin. If you do this, whatever money you owe to the casinos here or any loan sharks here will be, depending on the amount owed, reimbursed by the Uzumaki clan and the village treasury. Thank kami we have a surplus." Naruto stated.
"That's it? Sure I'll do it." Tsunade said.
"Thank you, Tsunade-sama. But I will warn you, the maximum reimbursement is 1.5 million ryu. If you go above, I will still only pay 1.5 million. So be careful." Naruto replied.
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Present Day
Uzukage Tower, Uzugakure no Sato
Naruto was absorbed in his thoughts. 'Today, I go back to Konoha. They know about Uzu and now they will know about me.' "Kisame, Zabuza, you are going to organize the defenses for the village. I will take two platoons of ninja with me to Konoha. I am entrusting you two with the safety and sanctity of this village. Good luck."
The two replied, "At once, Rokudaime-sama."
"Sentaro, Haku, you two are my personal guard. I expect and trust you to guard me at all times." Naruto ordered.
"Understood, Uzukage-sama."
"Genin teams, I wish you good luck in your exam. Shinobi of Uzu, MOVE OUT!"
As Naruto's escort began to head towards Konoha, the twelve-year-old Kage wondered, 'I wonder what ojii-san will think of me now.'
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Hokage's Office
Konohagakure
Sarutobi repeatedly examined the letter he received from the Rokudaime Uzukage with bewilderment.
Hokage-dono, or more appropriate from me, ojii-san
I do not expect you to believe me, but I, Uzumaki Naruto, approximately one year ago, became the Rokudaime Uzukage. I truly apologize for any worry I might have caused you and I hope that we may have time to catch up during the Chunin exams. I am hopeful that this will be the beginning of a partnership between our villages.
I do not expect the Konoha council to play along, in fact, I half expect the council to execute me as soon as I walk in the gates. I do want you to keep an eye out for that old fossil, Danzo. He is plotting something. My agents in his ROOT have confirmed it.
Well, maybe I should move on to why I left. First, the trio that came to get me was going to bring me to Uzu, one way or another. Second, I had responsibilities as the Uzumaki clan head. Whether I was born in Konoha or not, Uzu still had every right to recall me. Third, this village did not honor my father's dying wish. In fact, they deliberately ignored it. I believe that is an insult to the Namikaze, the Uzumaki, and me. Fourth, I also was being given a Kage job. You know me. I just had my memory seal released, I grew, I matured, I was able to do the Fourth's Jutsu, and they knew what I had in me and they still wanted me, an eleven year old boy, to be a kage. So I accepted. No hard feelings, ojii-san?
I know my friends probably already know about my tenant and I hope they can forgive me for abandoning them. Especially Hinata. Well, I must admit that I am under the radar of the Uzu Clan Restoration Act so I am stuck having a harem. Ero-Sennin, I mean Jiraiya-sama must be laughing at me right now. Yes I became Jiraiya's apprentice, but after receiving this letter, I would imagine that you have already asked him about me. Don't blame him for keeping information about me secret. I must admit that I bribed him to keep his mouth shut. But with my bribe, he wrote his newest book, which I must says is deliciously smutty. Yes he corrupted me too. I bet he left that little tidbit out. You can kill him later. Oh by the way. My first month as Uzukage, I went to visit the Priestess of the Demon Country, Shion, well she created a seal that drained the fox's chakra and turned it into my own. I am proud to say that Priestess Shion is responsible for the final destruction of the Kyuubi no Kitsune.
Well, Hokage-sama, all I can say is that I cannot wait to see you again and see how much the village has changed. Oh and by the way, could you tell my friends that I will be coming back. But please, please leave out the part about me being Uzukage. I want that to be a surprise. And I also don't want the teme to blow a gasket. Thanks Ojii-san.
Uzumaki Namikaze Naruto
Rokudaime Uzukage
Gama Sennin
Uzugakure no Sato
Sarutobi smiled as he finished the letter. 'So Naruto. You finally achieved your dream. And the demon is gone. That's definitely a plus.'
"Miya, send in the Rookies."
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
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Four days later, Konoha
"State your name and reason for coming to Konoha." The chunin guards drolled.
"Rokudaime Uzukage with the delegation and Genin candidates from Uzugakure no Sato." Naruto said simply.
Izumo looked up and stuttered, "Of course Uzukage-sama."
"Relax Izumo-san. I am only twelve after all." Naruto said after he looked up and pushed his hat up a little bit.
Izumo looked at the youthful face of the Rokudaime Uzukage initially with shock and finally began to smile, "Naruto. You've certainly changed."
"Yes, but I don't want you to mention who I am to anyone yet. Same with you Kotetsu-san." Naruto said.
"Of course Naruto-sama. Wow that is hard to get used to." Kotetsu said as the group from Uzugakure passed.
The Rookie 9, as they are known as now, one spot held in honor of Naruto, rushed to the gates in order to catch a glimpse of their lost friend. As they scanned over the group of Uzu nin, their hearts fell. They could not find Naruto at all. Of course they didn't see under the kage hat. "Do you think that Hokage-sama could have lied to us or maybe have been mistaken." Sakura said anxiously.
Shikamaru said, "So troublesome. The Hokage wouldn't trick us and he probably is not mistaken so probably whoever is holding Naruto in Uzu did not let him come because of the letter."
"Those Uzu nin look good." Ino said.
Hinata added, "I heard that the Rokudaime Uzukage is actually around our age."
They all looked at her, "He's that young?"
"He is supposedly a very shrewd person too. He was able to stop the Bloodline Purges in Kiri without actually stopping them."
Kiba looked confused, "What does that mean?"
Sasuke rolled his eyes and sneered, "You dobe. It means that the Mizukage was just now able to exile the clans from Kiri to Uzu."
"Well, maybe we need to ask the Hokage what is going on. I mean Naruto was supposed to be here." Sakura said.
"Fine, we'll go see the Hokage."
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"So you've achieve complete Sennin mode? I'm proud of you, Uzukage-dono."
"Well, Hokage-dono, if it wasn't for Ero-Sennin, I would have still been just at your level."
Sarutobi laughed and said, "That would be a disaster. I'm glad you were able to surpass me Naruto. I think you might have given your father a run for his money."
Naruto smirked, "Well I certainly would have given him a run."
Sarutobi chuckled as his secretary paged him, "Hokage-sama, the Rookie 9 are here to see you."
"Send them up, Miya."
Naruto looked at him, "The Rookie 9?"
Sarutobi shrugged, "They're your friends."
"Oh boy this is going to be bad." Naruto gulped as he put on his Kage hat and mask.
"Don't worry about it, Uzukage-dono." Sarutobi chuckled evilly.
"You know, I was going to tell you the secret to beating paperwork, but now I am not so sure." Naruto said slyly.
Sarutobi blanched and begged, "You need to tell me. Please I beg of you."
Naruto smirked, "Oh fine Hokage-dono. It's called Kage Bunshin."
"YOU'RE A GENIUS!"
"Don't have to tell me twice." Naruto replied.
Then the door burst open.
'Aw shit' Naruto thought. Sarutobi chuckled as Naruto squirmed.
"Hokage-sama, Naruto wasn't at the…" Kiba started, "…I'm sorry Hokage-sama, Uzukage-sama. Were we interrupting something?"
"No not at all Kiba." Sarutobi smirked. Naruto gave him a glare that meant death.
"Anyway, you said that Naruto would be at the gate with the Uzu nin and he wasn't." Sakura sullenly said.
Sarutobi saw a chance to pounce, "Oh he was there. In fact I think he was near the front."
Naruto mouthed 'I'll get you for this later.'
"Umm, Uzukage-sama, did Uzumaki Naruto come with you." Sakura asked timidly.
Naruto, trying to disguise his voice as best as possible, said, "Yes Naruto did accompany us here." 'Ha! Take that ojii-san!'
"So where is the dobe?" Sasuke asked.
'I guess the jig is up.' Naruto thought. Naruto then stood up and turned around. He then took off his kage hat and much to everyone's shock, he said, "It's been a while, huh teme?"
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A/N: Hope you guys enjoyed it all the way up to the 'big' reveal. Guess Sasuke can't call Naruto a dobe anymore, huh. Stick around for more Naruto goodness coming your way. And, as a side-note, even without the author notes, this chapter alone surpasses Episode 1 of The Insanity Corner.