It was pretty late by the time Naruto and Iruka arrived to Konoha. Halfway through Konoha, they were joined by a platoon of Anbu. Naruto watched them silently as they conversed with Iruka. He was still feeling a bit embarassed for being fooled by Mizuki. The secret that was spilled on him didn't help his mood either.

As soon as they entered The Hokage tower, the Anbu dispersed and Naruto was left alone with Iruka. His sensei looked down at him smiling and made a 'follow me' motion with his hand. Naruto quickly followed.

As they came to the top and could finaly see the door to the Hokage's office, an Anbu with a rabbit mask motioned them inside. Naruto entered behind Iruka.

The first thing he saw, was the elder Sarutobi looking as if the weight of the world was on his shoulders. He took a drag on his pipe as he noticed them. He took a moment to look at Naruto and gave him a smile. »It's been a long night for you, so I'll be short.«

The Sandaime paused and took another drag on his pipe. »I have been briefed by my Anbu about what happened and I am glad the outcome was favourable to Konoha. Mizuki has been apprehended and taken to the interrogation department where he shall spend quite some time. I am sure he has quite a story to tell.« At this Sarutobi cracked a smile and Naruto thought he heard a chuckle from an Anbu standing nearby.

Naruto stepped forward, his voice shaking »I'm sorry gramps. I should have known it was a trick.«

The Hokage frowned. »Naruto. You are a new genin. You need experience. No one expects you to know everything. But I do recommend you think more on what people say. Do not worry.« Sarutobi took another drag. »Now what is this about you learning Kage Bunshin? And I also heard news, that you used a pretty interesting kind of chakra.«

Naruto looked up at Sarutobi. »Yeah, I learned the Kage Bunshin. It's much easier than the regular Bunshin.«

Iruka spoke up. »You have a lot more chakra than a normal person, which means your chakra control is a lot worse. A normal bunshin might be impossible to make for you. I should have thought of that sooner. Sorry Naruto.« Finished Iruka.

Naruto nodded and looked back at the Hokage. »The chakra. I felt it when I went to defend Iruka-sensei. I got so mad and suddenly I felt really powerful. It was kinda scary. All I could think about was how to hurt Mizuki-sensei.«

Naruto paused in thought and after a moment spoke up again. »Was that the Kyuubi's chakra?«

Sarutobi looked like he aged twenty more years. He sighed slowly in thought. After a moment he looked at the Anbu standing next to his desk. »Send a message to Jiraiya. Tell him that he needs to return to check Naruto's seal.«

The Anbu nodded and disappeared in a puff of smoke.

Sarutobi looked back at Naruto. »I have sent for a pupil of mine. He is a fuuinjutsu master. He actually helped make part of the seal holding the Kyuubi inside you. It's just a precaution, but I want him to check your seal. He knows more about it than I do and will be able to explain better. I will make him find you as soon as he returns.«

Naruto had a thoughtful look on his face. Slowly he nodded at the Hokage.

The Hokage, feeling satisfied with the response, smiled.

»Good. Now I think we went through everything.«

He started filling his pipe with fresh tobacco.

»I expect a picture for your genin license within three days. Iruka can brief you on everything else.«

Naruto smiled, happy about finaly becoming a genin.

»Thanks Gramps.«

He turned and started walking out of the office.

»Iruka-sensei! Come on! Ichiraku is closing soon.«

Iruka chuckled and bowed at the Third and then followed Naruto.