This is my first FanFiction so I open to any suggestion as to what I could do to make it better or how I should write it. I will remain loyal to the Anime/Manga up until the time skip. There will be differences between the original however. Such an example is that Deidara is still alive. Also the appearance of all preexisting characters is as they are in Shippuden unless otherwise stated. I will try to get someone to draw the new character to give you the best visual possible so if anyone reading this would like to help please e-mail me. I will also attempt to incorporate stuff from the series as it progresses. Edit I have been writing for a little while now. Any questions or comments or complaints please see the forum. The link is posted on the homepage. Also please read all of the chapters before going to the forum as I don't want any surprises to be ruined. Forum contains spoilers. Hope you enjoy please read and review.
A young woman rushes down a hallway with a smile on her face. In her hand she holds an envelop with good news. "Lady Tsunade!" Shizune says as she burst through the door to the Hokage's office. Tsunade looks up from her papers to she her assistant panting in the doorway. From the look on her face Tsunade already knew that it was good news. "They approved your request Lady Tsunade."
"Excellent." Tsunade said more to herself then anyone else. "Inform the Jonin to gather."
"Yes!" Shizune replied and off she went. Tsunade turn to look out the window, to look over the village. 'Perfect, now I can start mending relations between the five great shinobi villages.' Since her inception as Hokage three years ago she had wanted to do this. Now that Konoha was thriving, she could extend her influence. Tsunade knew that war mostly came from greed and misunderstandings. Perhaps by forging friendships with the neighboring villages, rather then alliance she could truly bring forth peace.
In a crowded room Jonin stood waiting to hear from their leader. There had been rumors that Tsunade was pushing the council to approve something, but what? The Jonin mainly talked among them while they waited. Eventually Tsunade arrived. "Now I know there have been rumors that I've been planning something big and its true. Konoha will hold a tournament between the five great shinobi villages. By this it will give villagers and ninja alike a chance to met and learn about ninja from other villages. I have already spoken to the Kazekage and he agreed that depending on the success of this year's tournament that his village would host it next years."
The Jonin in the room erupted into conversation. Sure tournaments were held on occasions but for specific occasions such as the Chunin Exams. There was great wisdom in Tsunade words however. " I have a question." Said Kakashi speaking over the crowd. "Who will be eligible to enter this tournament?"
"Ah, great question." Tsunade commented. "Jonin will be allowed to enter. Any Chunin will be allowed to enter as well with the recommendation of a Jonin. Each Jonin may only recommend two Chunin each. Although there will be no restrictions on the other countries I am asking that we only enter a total of twelve participants. For any further questions or to register please speak with Shizune, Kotetsu, or Izumo." And with that Tsunade left and the crowd erupted again.
Everyone was talking about entering or who to recommend or if the other villages would enter. Shizune was being crowded with questions until Kakashi took control. He stood up on the pedestal when Tsunade stood and call attention to the crowd. Right beside him stood Guy. "Attention. This is a great chance for us to foster relationships with the other villages. That is why I think only one Jonin should enter." The crowd was confused.
"And who should that be?" Ask Anko.
"Neji Hyuga." Kakashi announced. The crowd all turned to Neji who was just as confused as they were.
"So you suggest we only enter one ninja?" Someone asked.
"No. We only enter one Jonin. The other eleven should be Chunin. The reason this tournament is being held is to foster good relationships with other countries. You all know what twelve ninja I'm talking about. They are becoming well known even outside the village. If they can foster good relationships, if they can ally with the other villages then we will truly have peace. Why else would Tsunade choose twelve ninja?" Kakashi explained. The crowd objected until Guy stepped up.
"Listen to him!" Guy announced. "None of us know how long we have left, no one does. What we do know is that the younger ninjas have the greatest possibility, the greatest potential. Maybe if this works we can have peace. We owe it to ourselves." Guy said. "We owe it to those that have fallen." Guy put his hand on Kakashi's shoulder. It then became clear why they were doing this. They were right, maybe the future started today and maybe peace was on the horizon. No one knew for sure, but maybe.