Note: This is my first ever fanfic so please be easy on me. i welcome constructive criticism. this chapter is pretty short as well as the next few but it isn't the same for the later ones. Well anyways I hope you enjoy. It is set three years after shippuden where Akatsuki has been defeated (I will include flashbacks of everything as i see fit when the time calls for it)

Also note that none of the characters belong to me.

p.s. I will be revising this story when I finish with this fanfic as well as my next one.

Chapter 1: The New Hokage

"Naruto please come in," as Koharu motioned him into the room.

The spiky blond kid slowly stepped into the Konoha council room. He seemed extremely mellow if not depressive from his usual hyperactiveness. Much has just happened and now all of a sudden the council wants to speak with him. In front of him in their respective chairs were Homura and Koharu, former teammates of Sandaime Hokage. The others that were also present were Jiraiya, Danzo, and Iruka.

"I know much has happened in the past few days Naruto with the death of Tsunade and everything…" said Homura.

"You mean the murder of Tsunade-baachan," Naruto cut in a little defiantly.

"Yes, but we have important business that needs to be taken care of right away and that is why we called you in."

"What business is more important than going after the one that killed Tsunade-baachan?" Naruto snapped.

"Naruto just shut it and listen," Jiraiya commanded.

"Well as Homura was just saying about important business is that a new Hokage needs to be appointed," Koharu said softly, "Now we have greatly deliberated about this and even though most of us are at a stand still, Tsunade did greatly recommend a candidate for Rokudaime and so we have made a decision."

"You see Naruto the council here has decided to appoint you as the next Hokage of Konoha," Jiraiya said very somberly.

Naruto's blue eyes widened at just the mentioning of him being the new Hokage. It is true it is his lifelong dream to be the Hokage but deep down he did not want to be it, not like this. Not after all that has just happened. To go into something so unexpectedly made Naruto feel quite uneasy.

"So desu (I see)…" he responded looking down at the ground.

"You could always refuse," Danzo slipped in, "Seeing as an 18 year old child being Hokage could be too big of a responsibility for a Jinchuuriki such as yourself."

Naruto's head quickly snapped up to stare at the elder Danzo. He twitched a little feeling offended by the way Danzo spoke to him but he sedated his anger and stayed calm. He had to stay calm for the sake of himself if anything.

"Well Naruto what do you say? I know that Tsunade had much faith in you and truly believed you would be one of the best Hokages ever," said Homura, "but seeing as everything you have just gone through we would understand if you refused."

"No, I accept. I will be Hokage. I will protect Konoha from anything and I will make sure things are set right."

With that Naruto took his own leave and walked out the door. Iruka had been standing quiet the whole time but decided that he would speak with Naruto later. He felt that this was too much for him to have to go through. It was unorthodox for such a young shinobi to be given such great responsibilities. It is true that Naruto is now a Jounin and he isn't a kid anymore but Iruka still felt at times that Naruto was still his student.

The rest took their leave all expect Jiraiya and Iruka. Jiraiya could tell that Iruka was greatly troubled by the council's decision and knew that he should explain things to Iruka. He casually approached Iruka to have a word with him.

"You have to face the facts Iruka that Naruto is not a little child anymore. Don't worry though he is a very strong person and he will do great things for Konoha."

"But to have gone through what he has. What if Naruto becomes blind by sheer revenge to kill him now that he has done what he has? It just seems too much for him to have to go through."

"Truly that is his choice. All we can do is watch over him and be there for him. Now that he is Hokage we must protect him with our lives for he protects every single life in this village."

"I know Jiraiya. I apologize."

Naruto leaned across a rail on top of the Hokage's building, his building, looking over all of Konoha. This was his time now to protect this peaceful village. To protect every child, woman, and man. To protect everything that is precious to him. Yet deep inside he felt an urge for revenge. An urge to kill the very one who killed Tsunade and the one who will eventually bring war against Konoha. To witness him kill her like that made Naruto feel such hate for the one he tried so hard to bring back to Konoha.

A gust of wind swept through caressing gently his orange and black suit. He closed his eyes and thought of everything that has gone on in his life. Could things have actually turned out like this? Naruto pondered this question for awhile. He just couldn't grasp on yet to what has all transpired and he wondered if he ever will.

"I will just have to make the best of things now," he told himself.

Naruto reached into the pouch and pulled out a Konoha headband with a scratch through the leaf symbol. He started at it with his sapphire eyes as if this familiar thing had now become so unrecognizable. The very person he tried so hard to save will now be the very person he must kill. He clenched the headband and processed this thought for awhile. As the wind picked up speed, Naruto slowly loosened his grip on the headband. Then as if it were a leaf, the headband rose from Naruto's hand and flew off with the wind.

"Gomen (sorry), but I have to…Sasuke…goodbye."

Naruto watched as his former comrade's headband flew off into the distance. He knew that more important things must be done for the sake of Konoha and everyone in it. He can no longer be the childish hopeful kid that thinks he can bring someone back that only cares about themselves and only cares for power. This was his goodbye to Sasuke. This was his vow to Konoha that he would protect it with his life no matter who he had to go up against. Naruto heaved a deep sigh.

"Naruto," said a voice behind him.

Naruto took a second to notice that someone called out his name. His daydream was broken so he decided to see who it was that wanted to speak with him. He slowly turned to see something that he quite did not expect. In front of him stood all his friends and Sakura stood at the front apparently the one who had called his name. A smile crept across his face at the sight of this. After the recent tragedy he finally felt a glint of hope and happiness.

"Naruto we stand behind you no matter what," Sakura said giving Naruto a big smile.

"Arigato (thank you) everyone."

Hopefully this was somewhat enjoyable. R&R plz, again lend me some helpful advice if you feel I need it to improve the story. I will write more if people like it decently enough.