I DO NOT OWN NARUTO OR ITS CHARACTERS, I OWN THIS STORY AND ANY CHARACTER I CREATE


I really want this story to take off, to give myself a break from "A Fresh Start" because it's becoming harder to enjoy writing.

So make sure to leave a review


Chapter 3: What is my purpose?
Surprising Team


Sakura returned to her place so she could leave Sasuke's Sword and Poncho there while he finished talking to Kakashi before they went shopping, she planned to give him the full tour of her home once she brought him around the village to pick up some supplies.

As the even sun turns the sky orange as the day comes to an end, after walking through the town and picking up some sleeping attire and a change of clothes, something casual that doesn't scream "Wandering bum" like his current attire did. "Sorry that took longer than I expected" Sakura says with an apologetic smile "I doubt you wanted to spend your day going from store to store" she says holding her shopping close.

"Hn...It couldn't be helped" Sasuke walks beside her with his eyes closed holding his new clothes, he can feel the people stare at him, or more accurately at his sleeve flowing like a loose piece of fabric which draws most of their attention

"Poor boy, must have lost it in the war" an old Lady says, "My baby won't end up like him if he stays out of the academy and becomes a shop owner" a young mother says continuing the anti-desire to become a Shinobi now with war fresh in the minds of the parents...and as he is now with a missing limb, Sasuke was the poster boy of everything wrong with the lifestyle...ignore all the good they do as well.

"Excuse me" the two stop and see a young boy looking up at him, "Does it hurt?" he asks pointing to Sasuke's missing limb as his mother turns white with horror.

"No" Sasuke replies bluntly, "Did you fight in the war?" the boy asks and Sasuke nods, "Did you lose it then?" The boy continues and Sasuke replies with a nod again "The hero Naruto lost his arm too...mommy said it was because he is a hero...are you a hero?" this give's Sasuke pause as he looks away.

"Yes" they both turn to Sakura who answered for him "He saved everyone, even Naruto" she says in a tone for speaking to child as she bends over to ruffle the boys hair "He's the silent, mysterious hero... to balance out our brash, loudmouth hero" she grins and the boy laughs.

"Sorry if he's bothering you" the mother chooses now to approach, Sasuke's eyes turn from the smiling Sakura and laughing boy to stare a hole right through the young mother's head.

"Its fine" Sakura says "Boy's will be boys" she adds and the mother bows to them both, Sasuke kneels down placing his bag on the ground and his hand on the boys shoulder.

"Do you want to be a Shinobi?" Sasuke asks and the boy nods with a big grin "Good" he smirks placing his hand on the boy's head "We need all the capable people now" he looks at his missing limb "More than ever" he stands up.

"I'll do my best!" he says as his mother drags him off, the two watch them leave before picking up their bags and continuing their walk.

"That was out of character for you" Sakura says with a smile and Sasuke glances at her "Why did you encourage him?"

"You heard them Sakura" Sasuke says "Using me as an excuse not to become a Shinobi, unwanted sympathy for me bundled with stupid people" he says with a glare "If more people think like they do, then when the next psycho comes along threatening the world comes along, there will be no one to stop him or her" he explains.

"You have to forgive them Sasuke, not many parents want their children in that situation" Sakura says, true enough for her and her parents who didn't want her going off to war but had no say because she is a Kunoichi. "Many parents and children were buried at the end of this war" she looks down.

"And many more who will never be mourned, self sacrifice is the definition of a Shinobi" Sasuke says half minded after hearing that line more than once, they arrive at Sakura's apartment, the building was in decent shape, built over the remains of where Sasuke used to live. "So this is what being the former Hokage's apprentice gets you?" Sasuke asks sounding critical.

"Did Orochimaru give you that cute Poncho?" Sakura replies with a mumble but Sasuke hears and smirks, they walk in and Sakura turns on the light "You're right, it's not much but...it's mine" she says feeling defensive about her first apartment.

"It's fine Sakura" Sasuke says closing the door for her, removing the bandages around his forehead. "It's a place you've made your own, and it's more than I have" he states and she nods.

"Well the bathroom is down the hall to the left, I'll prepare some dinner while you get yourself cleaned up" Sakura instructs cleaning her hands before taking out some fruit, Sasuke kicks off his sandals and leaves them at the door. He then makes his way down the hall as Sakura mumbles her intentions on making a fruit salad or something. He enters the bathroom and lays his eyes on all the different hair care products and skin cleansers and various other cleaning oils...he plans to just use hot water like a sane person.


4 Weeks Later


Once more Kakashi's wedding had to be pulled back because of Hokage business, now he along with his guards Naruto and Sasuke were on their way to the Land of Iron for a Kage Summit. Onoki had stepped down and his Granddaughter was taking his place as the Yondaime Tsuchikage. Gaara had brought his sister and brother with him as his guards, Mei had brought Chojuro and another Shinobi in training for the Seven Ninja Swordsman. Ay had Cee and Darui with him, Mifune once again took on the role as representative of the neutral nations.

"Sixth Hokage, Fifth Mizukage, Fourth Tsuchikage, and Fifth Kazekage" Ay begins "As I explained in my reports, many smaller nations surrounding my village have spoken in protest on the peace treaty" he says and Kakashi sighs.

"It has been a long debate between me and the lords of the smaller villages in the Land of Fire" Kakashi says with a sigh taking his hat off, "They fear that should the peace talks fail and another war break out, they would face the brunt of the attacks...the only leader I have had any success with is Orochimaru and the Sound" he states, it was weird talking like this about the Sannin but true to his word he has shown his intentions to be pure and noble.

"Fortunately I have made progress in convincing the leaders of the surrounding lands to sign on with the treaty" Gaara says suprising the other Kage, Naruto smiles at his red headed friend.

_The guarding Shinobi_

"Gaara is worthy of the title" the Blonde Jinjuriki smirks, "Showing up guys with tones more experience than him" he states.

"How did he manage to make so much progress?" Sasuke asks turning to the Kazekages siblings, unlike last time the guards were grouped away from the Kage simply observing the meeting.

"The leader of the largest independent village agreed to aid Gaara in the talks if Gaara agreed to marry his daughter when she comes of age" Temari say's "While the girl is only a year younger than Gaara...that only makes her 17 about to turn 18" she states.

"Before you get all strung up about it, the two have real chemistry...she seems to remind Gaara of you Naruto" Kankuro says before smirking "In that she is loud, clumsy and a blonde to the root" he says and Naruto simply laughs.

"What's on your mind Uchiha?" Darui asks seeing Sasuke stare at the Kage, "Not planning another attack are you?" he says as a joke, although if Sasuke where to attack he'd likely win if Naruto didn't intervene.

"With all this talk of unity and peace...I wonder what their plan is for the Shinobi" he says and Naruto looks at him with a blank expression "We are soldiers...and a world of peace doesn't need Soldiers" he says.

"I would mind retiring now" Temari states "Fighting in the war sedated my need to fight...then again you are a different breed of Shinobi" she says, after seeing the power of Obito and Madara and now knowing Sasuke was stronger than both...she had both a deep respect for the Uchiha Clan and a fear of Sasuke himself, not that she would admit that out loud. Then again she knew she wasn't alone, Sasuke could just as easily follow in the footsteps of Madara and the world wasn't strong enough to stop him.

"True...it seems I have a lot to meditate on" he says half listening, "What is there for me now?" he thinks looking at his new headband strapped to his side.

"So Naruto...how long till you take office? I mean Gaara has been anticipating it for a while" Kankuro asks placing his arm around the blonde.

"There are other things I want to see through before committing myself to the position...besides Kakashi Sensei is doing a better job than I expected" Naruto replies, he decided that before he would take an active pursuit for the seat he would get married and start a family of his own, he also wanted to help Sasuke lower his barriers some more.

The Summit concluded and plans to start holding annual Kage meetings in the five Villages would be a better location and would allow the other Kage to judge the state of the lands themselves. The first meeting would be held in The Sand 6 months from now.


A few days later


Naruto found himself in the Hyuga Mansion, he just returned from the Land of Iron, Hiashi had hoped to speak with him before he left but Kakashi, Sasuke and the blonde had to leave early to beat the storm. He saw Hinata's little sister training in the courtyard as her eyes turn to see him, "Hey there Naruto!" Hanabi yells waving while her instructor sighs "You look like a mess" she points out

"Hey, nothing gets past your Byakugan!" he replies in a sarcastic tone "Since when are we so friendly?" he asks leaning into Hinata as they continue walking.

"Hanabi has a lot of respect for you, as someone with horrible grades and talent you've done so much...so she thinks' that since she's so talented she can accomplish more" the Heiress explains deflating Naruto's ego.

"Ah..." he says leaving his mouth open for a few moments after letting out the air "Well good for her" he says rather bitterly annoyed "You remember the last time I was in this mansion" he pauses.

"The festival...when my eyes were injured while training with Neji" she smiles sadly, "It was a filled week" she comments, Naruto places his hand on her shoulder "I miss him every day" she says with a saddened expression.

"Me too" Naruto says "But like I said...Neji will live on in here" he says pointing to his heart "Right?" he flashes his confident smirk and she nods.

They arrive at the Shoji of Hiashi Hyuga "Um father, Naruto is here" Hinata says and they hear him say "Send him in". "I-I have some training to do so I will see you later" she turns and leaves as Naruto grips the sliding door and opens it.

"Lord Hiashi" Naruto says with a bow, Hiashi smiles at the boy's gesture "Hinata said you wanted to speak with me...sorry I couldn't come sooner" he says and Hiashi nods indicating for Naruto to sit in front of him.

"By now I'm sure you know of the Hyuga tradition, where only one sibling will remain a member of the main house" Hiashi begins seeing Naruto is about to speak "Since only a man may start a branch family only they receive the Hyuga Sōke no Juinjutsu" he says and Naruto nods, "However I will tell you as I have told my daughters, Hanabi will be my successor" he says and Naruto's eyes widen.

"But Hinata" Naruto says but Hiashi continues for him "Showed true mastery of the Byakugan I feel her desires...lay outside the clan" he says "She can't follow her dreams if she becomes Clan head because...of traditions" he was about to tell Naruto Hinata would have to marry a Hyuga to continue the bloodline but decided against it. "That is why I am leaving my daughters future with you" he bows before Naruto "Please look after her!"...

"I-I will Lord Hiashi" Naruto says being unaccustomed to all this traditional stuff "I promise both my present and future too your daughter" he bows too.

Outside and completely at a loss for words stare both Hinata and Hanabi, it almost sounded like Naruto was stating his intentions of marrying Hinata and Hiashi had given the blonde his blessing, "W-Was Dad always this...weird?" the younger Hyuga says as Hinata sweat drops.

"M-Maybe Naruto's charm is affecting him?" Hinata suggests "Yeah...either that or stupidity is contagious" Hanabi mumbles

_The following day at lunch_

Hinata, Ino, Tenten and Sakura are currently sitting around a table at a cafe, Sakura made sure her new necklace was on display, with the war over it felt good to sit down and relax and have normal girl talk.

"So Ino, have you and Sai been doing?" Tenten asks and Ino smirks, now 1 year into their relationship and Sai was still alive, an accomplishment to say the least if Sakura knew her teammate.

"Sai is a great and caring boyfriend, unlike most boy's he never lies too me" she say's fondly but Sakura grins being able to see through her attempt at deception.

"So how many times has he inadvertently insulted you...6...7" She smirks seeing Ino slump, "10 times" she grins at Ino's comment "Don't take it to heart, he is still learning how to interact, if anything good came from the war it would be he has opened up a lot more" Sakura says.

"True but I'm curious about your relationship Sakura" Ino says with a sly remark and Sakura blushes "I mean you guys have been living together for over a month, and I've seen you do what normal married couples do, like shop for groceries and furniture" she says and Sakura looks away.

"I drag him to do all that" She admits "Otherwise he'd spend all the time inside doing nothing" she sighs, "Sasuke... is struggling to find a purpose, up until now he always had a clear goal and would follow it with no distractions...now all he does is meditate and cook when it's his turn" she states, she was surprised to learn of his cooking skills but then remembered how like Naruto he also lived alone. "Now Kakashi has given him some old documents that were taken by ANBU after...the incident" she looks down "I think he is bored" she finally admits, he was bored of her and the village already.

"Naruto is the same" Hinata says suprising Sakura, "Ever since he came back all I've seen him do is goof around, eat and then sleep on the roof of his apartment building" she explains "He has no reason to train, after all there isn't anyone who is capable of challenging him" she sips her tea "He is bored too" she finishes. True enough, after all everyone else could do missions and help build relations. However Naruto and Sasuke are too famous, their presence could cause more harm than help when it came to negotiations for peace. This means the two are stuck around the village thinking of ways to occupy themselves.

"So Hinata, are you and Naruto...a couple?" Tenten asks and Hinata blushes thinking back to Naruto and her father's conversation and nodding slightly, "Man...I need to find someone...all you guys are leaving me in the dust" she sighs.

"Don't worry about is Tenten, the right guy will show up when you are ready" Hinata says and the brunette simply downs her drink.

_Kakashi's Office, evening time_

Sasuke and Naruto stood across from the Sixth Hokage "After some thought I have decided to promote you both to Jonin, Naruto you have been named Jonin Commander" he states and the two stare at him. "I won't deny the other Kage where against promoting you to Jonin since you both were technically Genin...but I asked if they wanted me to sign you up for the Chunin exams against their Genin and they seemed to back down rather fast" he says and the two can feel the smirk on his face.

"Why the sudden promotion?" Sasuke asks with a distrustful look, he could have promoted them at the end of the war yet he waited until now.

"Ah Sasuke...Do you not trust Sensei?" Kakashi feigns a hurt tone, but the stone face of Sasuke is all he gets as a response. "Fine...like I said the Chunin Exams are coming up and the will be in Suna now" he states "However I won't be able to attend because I will be on my honeymoon so as Jonin Commander, Naruto will take my place" he explains.

"So...you want me to be Hokage for the Chunin Exams?" Naruto asks and Kakashi nods, "I-I see" Naruto mumbles looking at the ground.

"As for you Sasuke, I think in order for you to prove to the Shinobi of this village and the world...you need to work towards bettering the village" he states and Sasuke looks down "I would suggest establishing the Konoha Police but...I think that is something that should remain in the past" he says and clearly Sasuke agrees "So for now you will take over from Danzo" he says and Sasuke suddenly feels anger take over, "Now before you tear my head off let me explain, for years Danzo was in control of the ANBU, he used them and Hiruzen trust to get his own way, he pulled children from the clans and indoctrinated them into Root, the only clans immune to him where the Uchiha and Hyuga because they govern themselves" he begins "Now that he is gone I believe you will be able to work with the Hokage to create a better ANBU organization" he finishes. "You can say no...But without something to show your loyalty it's only a matter of time before" he begins but is cut off by Sasuke.

"I'll do it, Not to prove myself but because under Danzo's rule the ANBU have become a poison to the village" he says "I'll come by tomorrow and have a look, I need to do some shopping for diner" he says turning around.

"Kakashi-Sensei, I guess Sakura cracking the whip with his lazy ass?" Naruto smirks and Kakashi chuckles perversely, sighing Sasuke turns around to look at them with a sly smirk

"Maybe...I suppose 'Make out series' is an insightful book about dealing with Women, I'm sure Shizune and Sakura would be interested in hearing that" he looks at Kakashi who pails "Naruto...you're a Dobe" he finishes and Naruto's jaw drops slightly as Sasuke leaves.

"W-Why did he threaten me?" Kakashi whines and Naruto looks at his Sensei.

"Teme"


Later than evening


Sasuke walked into Sakura's apartment with a bag of groceries, he smells something cooking and heads into the kitchen to see Sakura stirring a pot. "I thought today was my day?" he says casually as he places the bag on the counter.

"Yeah...but I figured you might not be in the mood to cook after talking with Kakashi Sensei" Sakura says looking over to him as he sits at the table "So...anything good?" she asks and he inhales rubbing his neck.

"Aa...Kakashi promoted me and Naruto to Jonin" Sasuke says and Sakura spins around and yells "Congratulations!" she says with a bright and happy face, looking at her as she is brings a small smile on Sasukes face. "He also made Naruto Jonin Commander...and put me in charge of the ANBU" he says adding his own new position in like an afterthought.

"Oh? Interesting development" she says turning to the pot "I guess you'll be busy with all your new responsibilities" she says taking a tomato out of the bag Sasuke brought home, "and with all that money you'll have your own place in no time..." she says trying to make it seem like she was poking fun at him mooching off her but, she was terrified that once he moved out then their relationship would go with him.

"Aa...I wonder if it's necessary...I kind have become accustomed to this living arrangement" she hears him reply and spins around only to find him right in front of her looking directly into her eyes and moving his hand to cup her face causing her to blush. "I know you have been worried about our relationship, Do you have so little faith in me that you think I would grow tired of you after a month?" he asks and she replies with a deeper blush and a small stutter, "No matter where I go from now on...how long it takes to get back, I will always come back to you" he says pressing his fingers against her forehead "I owe you that".

"S-Sasuke..." she looks at him with wide eyes as he lets out a confident 'hmph' and simply says "You're burning dinner"

"GAH!"

_Naruto and Hinata_

Inside the small walls of Naruto's apartment sit Hinata and Naruto, Naruto had just finished telling her about his new role. Things where changing so much and it made him look at his apartment...it was good for a Genin, or a Chunin but Jonin Commander? It was too small and he needed to move to a place where he and Hinata could raise a family.

"So um...Naruto, do you want to go out and celebrate?" Hinata asks nervously, when he stopped talking he looked around with a serious expression. "We could go to" she is cut off.

"What do you call a place that sells houses?" he asks curiously and catches her off completely "A Real...something" he ponders looking up with a thoughtful look.

"A-A Real-Estate office" Hinata says and he looks down with a smirk and a snap of his fingers

"Yeah that, I want to go to one a look at the vacancies" he says standing up "We'll need to find a big place if we want to start a family!" he declares and she looks at him before blushing madly when he says "Start a family"

"N-N-Naruto, are you saying t-that we should...s-should live...together?" She says covering her mouth and much of her face to hide her embarrassment.

He smirks "Of course, I mean we can't live here and living at the Hyuga Mansion would make me feel outnumbered" he declares jumping to his feet "First vacancies...then Ramen" he flashes his trademark grin. Hinata smiles as he offers his hand for her to take and stands up "Even though Pain destroyed this place...it might not be the same but it was my home but now I need a new home...one for me and Hinata to grow and develop our relationship, this place is too much of a reminder of my loneliness and it's time for me to leave it behind"


Three Months later Kakashi and Shizune's wedding


The day finally came, surrounded in Cherry blossom trees with pink pedals on the ground all around them stood Kakashi and Shizune, beside the bride stood Tsunade Sakura, Hinata and Tenten. The Groom had Gai, Sasuke, Naruto and Shikamaru who was surprised by the Hokage's request to be a part of the wedding but accepted.

Kakashi stared into Shizune's eyes "I hope you can put up with me" he says softly to her and she simply chuckles.

"Don't worry lord sixth...I know what I'm getting myself into" she says softly, "You'll be late but you will show up...you will carry that perverted book with you everywhere and you'll likely pass it onto our children"

"Stuff of nightmares" Naruto whispers to Sasuke which earns a small laugh from the audience, Kakashi looks back and mumbles "Do you want to spend the next week reading the series from atop the Hokage Tower?" and Naruto turns pale and ducks behind Sasuke "N-No Lord Sixth"

Kakashi turns back to his bride "I come with a lot of faults but...I'll never let you down" he says and she nods understanding "Whatever comes my way will be easier to face knowing you're by my side"

"Like Naruto becoming Hokage" Shikamaru begins "Stuff of Nightmares" Sasuke finishes and the crowd laughs a little louder this time, and everyone in the ceremony joins in...all except Naruto.

"When the hell did you two become so chummy?" Naruto folds his arms pouting.

_Two week's later_

Kakashi and Shizune were on their Honeymoon, Naruto, Shikamaru and Sasuke took over dealing with the role of Hokage, as Commander Naruto got to sit in the chair and be the face of this surprisingly well oiled machine.

Sasuke had done wonders for the ANBU or more specific Root, working with Iruka Sensei and the other clans, the once harsh methods had been abolished and in their place was an advanced class for genius students whose potential would be wasted on D-ranked chores. Instead they would be paired with an ANBU Sensei and work in groups of two instead of three and their main missions was Intel gathering, many new factions against the peace had come to light and this new program had not only halted any danger against Konoha but also against smaller villages earning trust and advancing peace.

Shikamaru's level head of thinking many smaller problems around the village, his fair point of view helped settle disputes over smaller crimes in the village and neighbouring lands, he also took charge of Konoha Genin teams participating in the Chunin Exams. Naruto faced the task of dealing with bigger matters, such as talking with the other Kage, dealing with the Fire Daimyo who was a big fan of Naruto and wanted him to become an advisor in the capital. However since it was graduations Naruto was also tasked with sorting the Genin into teams and assigning their Sensei.

"So...we got Choji, Kiba, Hinata, Lee and Shino as the chosen Sensei's" Naruto says looking through the list of Graduates with their grades and States.

"Aa...Iruka gave me a report on Students wanting to take the Root Test" Sasuke says showing Naruto the report, even though he didn't have to he decided to keep Naruto's opinion in mind before choose six candidates.

"I think this guy might be shoot above his current ability, This girl seems smart enough but her Chakra control seems too low" he mutters to himself "They'd work well in a Genin team though" he adds.

"You'll have to decide soon Naruto; the teams will be announced tomorrow morning" Shikamaru says going over some files "Geez...how does Kakashi go over all this stuff?" he wonders.

"So this is what I'll have to look forward to when I become Hokage?" Naruto thinks looking at Sasuke going over his own copy of the roster, all barely touching 20 years of age and in charge of one of the five great villages was a huge accomplishment.

Tsunade sat at the door as the sole Council for the three however after three days they seemed to click and her advise was no longer needed, she looked at them objectively...Sasuke and Shikamaru where good advisors, and Sasuke was doing better than she ever expected but then he was an Uchiha prodigy. Shikamaru and his high level intelligence showed he was just like his old man, Naruto himself was already showing to be a strong Hokage, he never let his work build up like she did, and he never skimmed through the details of the forms, and documents like she thought he would. Kakashi could step down when he got back and the Village would be fine with these three in charge.

"And so the Will of Fire grows"


The End


Hope you like this chapter, turns out I can't write weddings...like at all

The Next chapter will see Naruto observing the Chunin exams, with Konohamaru and Hanabi as participants, meanwhile Sasuke will take over as Acting Hokage in the village, how will they cope with their roles and how will their relationships grow?


Till Next Time


~DoTheBartMan