Naruto was estatic. He did it. He was Hokage! He wanted to hoop and holler. He wanted to scream it to the heavens. He wanted to dance forever. He wanted to personally tell every villager that the 'demon' was the Hokage. But it took every ounce of self-constraint to stop him from doing so. Every goddamn milligram. Naruto knew from the Old Man that the Hokage couldn't act like that. So he just sat there, shaking slightly in excitement, wearing a huge grin on his face.

Jiraiya looked suspiciously at Danzo, wondering his reaction. He was real happy for the kid, he got his dreams, but he didn't trust it one bit. He was sure everyone, even some of the civilians, saw this as a ploy for Danzo and the elders to have much more control then they did under the Sandaime, but his logic had been sound enough to convince people in voting for him. Heck, even he had against his best judgement, but it sure as hell was better than the Hyuga. He only wished he could be on the council to help stop this, but he knew he couldn't stay in Konoha forever. He had to upkeep his network, and that went through out the lands. He would have to travel. If only he could get someone he trusted on the council, to help keep Danzo and the other elders from calling all the shots. Naruto did have the right to appoint new elder councilors, he was allowed five. The Sandaime just only used three.

Right then, Jiraiya was stuck with inspiration. It was a long shot, but it was a perfect solution for Jiraiya. If he could only go and convince her, it would be for the best! But then he stopped to think about it. He couldn't leave Naruto at the moment! He had just become Hokage. He was susceptible to major influence by Danzo, and could ruin everything. If Danzo got his hands on Naruto, he might become little better than a figurehead ROOT member. How could he protect Naruto now and long term? Jiraiya began pondering how to best solve this conundrum.

Danzo smirked confidently. The Uchiha had come through for him after all, and had gotten his shinobi into office. He was very, very glad that his plan had worked. It had been a total crapshoot, a spur of the moment inspiration, but Danzo was the son of a Nara mother. He could think very quickly, and come up with plans instantly, all to his benefit. Now, he had to get control of the boy's training to make him worthy.

Sasuke couldn't help but be shocked by himself. He had voted Naruto, Naruto of all people as Hokage. Sure, his other option was Hyuga Hiashi, the clan head of the family he was taught to think of as the enemy since he began to walk, but it was still a hard thing to comprehend. He began to think of the things he might do, like make Ramen the official food of Konoha. That would be bad enough, but how would he deal with policy? Protecting the village? He gave a glance to the man that had nominated Naruto and stopped. He was a little curious why he got the same feeling from that man as he did Orochimaru. That power, that presence. He had an inate feeling that this man could give him the power he needed to beat Itachi. He gave a little smile. With Danzo and Kakashi instructing him, his brother was as good as dead.

Hiashi was very frustrated. He had hoped he would have gotten the vote to the sparring round, but it had failed. He knew he could defeat Naruto and overcome the Kyuubi's chakra, he did with his mother. Now, Danzo's puppet was wearing the hat. He needed to figure out a way to steer some of the power away from Danzo, and into his hands. He considered his resources, and what he could use in this task. A memory struck him concerning his father-in-law, and he knew he had the answer of how to wrangle his way into power. If he could get the cooperation of his supporters, he would have his power over the boy and away from Danzo.

Naruto broke the silence. "So, what else do we have to talk about?"

Many people were stunned by the question. They had not been expecting him to say that. A minor clan head spoke out. "What do you mean?"

Naruto looked at him. "Well, this is the grand council, right? You guys ran the show when we had no Hokage. So, I bet you guys have to talk about stuff. And since I'm Hokage, I get some say in this stuff."

His analysis had not been expected, so it took a moment for someone to answer their new Hokage. "Well, Hokage-sama, this will only a council to appoint the newest Hokage. Nothing else was on the agenda." Homura explained.

"Oh." Naruto said. "So there is nothing for me to do?"

The council was surprised at his eagerness to get started. They thought he would be too busy celebrating to begin working. Koharu shook his head. "Well, we the council must talk to you about a few things first, but beyond that, there is nothing that I know of that can be done today."

Naruto began to nod furiously. "Okay! So let's talk."

A few eyebrows rose, until Danzo clarified. "When Koharu-san says council, he means the Hokage's council. This meaning me, Koharu-san, and Homura-san."

Naruto looked at Danzo. "Don't I get to pick my own council? I don't really know you guys, so shouldn't I pick people I know to be on my council?"

Danzo's eyes rose out of fear. Homaru and Koharu, on the other hand ,were much calmer. "If you wish that, Hokage-sama, then yes, you can select a new council. However, we have worked under the Sandaime for many years, and could prove of outmost importance." Homaru explained.

Koharu continued. "Technically, you may elect two more people you see fit to be on this council to help you. It may in fact be in your best interest to do so, so you may have seasoned councilors when the three of us may retire."

Danzo mentally blanched. Though they were right, it was not for the best of his plan. He should have taken this under consideration, but he had been thinking to long-term to calculate this into account.

Jiraiya smiled, sensing an opportunity. "Well, council, I see a perfect opportunity here. I have been thinking about a few things that have been said, and I see a way to alleviate many of our problems. I believe, Naruto, that you should seek for your council Senju Tsunade, one of the three legendary Sannin and my former teammate."

Many eyes rose. "Did you not say you did not expect her to come back?" Someone said.

Jiraiya nodded. "True, but I meant specifically as Hokage. As a councilor, we have a better chance of getting her back here."

Danzo looked at Jiraiya. "And you wish to go and spends weeks, if not months, in finding her?" His phrasing only confirmed Jiraiya's fears.

Jiraiya shook his head. "No, I wish to take the Hokage and for us to go and find her."

That surprised many of the current councilmembers. Danzo spoke out again. "That is highly irresponsible, Jirayia. Letting the new Hokage travel out, not yet strong enough to defend himself fully from the threats of this world."

Jiraiya countered. "I do not wish to send the Hokage out haphazardly, but with a purpose. As his sensei, I will be able to fully train him during our search, making him much stronger then he currently is. And yes, I will use the techniques you suggested earlier, Danzo-san. It will enable him to get the real world experience you fear he is lacking, Hyuga-san, while giving us an important tool to convince Tsunade-hime to return. She cannot reject the direct orders of the Hokage, now can she?" Jiraiya had laid out his reasoning, he only hoped it was enough.

Koharu thought about it. "You are correct in your thoughts, Jirayia-san, you are forgetting a few things. Once the shinobi world finds out the Hokage is a 13 year old ex-genin, not even a Sannin will be able to stop the people who will come after him. And, whomever the young Godaime selects to be on his council is his choice, not his sensei's."

Jiraiya turned to Naruto. "Would you mind if we didn't tell anyone about your selection as Hokage until after this mission?" Naruto began to struggle mentally with the concept of people not knowing he was Hokage, but eventually gave in.

"Sure Ero-sannin, but why should I get her for my council? Why can't I pick from the people I know?"

Jiraiya sighed. "Look, Naruto, I am suggesting her for two reasons. One, the people you know, well, they aren't really that experienced enough to put onto the council. You don't simply want your friends, but people with different ideas and attitudes." He motioned to Danzo. "Like Danzo and the Sandaime. They had different philosophies of how to do things, but the Sandaime kept him on the council because of that very reason. Tsunade, with her vast experience and knowledge of the lands due to her travels, does this perfectly. And secondly, I will not always be here to watch and train you, since my spy networks are vital for the safety of this village. So, I want to have someone I know I can trust here to help watch over you."

Naruto absorbed it in, and it made sense. "Okay, ero-sannin. Let's go find Tsunade to help me be the greatest Hokage ever!"

Jiraiya gave a smile at his enthusiasm. "Good to hear, Naruto. This means, for the next month or two, you have to keep silent about being Hokage, until you get back." Jiraiya turned to the council. "That means for all of you. Not a word must leak out about Naruto here being selected Hokage. He needs to train in both his shinobi and political skills before this is known for his and Konoha's safety." He turned to the elders. "That also means, for Konoha's safety, you should refrain from telling him the Hokage-only secrets."

Danzo and the others understood what was meant. In case something should happen to Naruto, the secrets of Konoha could be kept from the grasps of enemies.

A councilmember asked, "Who will lead Konoha when our Hokage is on this mission. I do not think we can continue meeting, as it may arise suspicion on why we have not voted in a new Hokage?"

Surprising everyone, Naruto came up with a plan. "You guys can say the Hokage is getting special training before he is announced, and you guys, "He motioned to the three elders, "Can run stuff. And I guess Shikamaru too, since I probably want him on my council. He is really smart and stuff, and would probably like not having to go out and do missions! And he knows what I would want, so that works, right?"

Shikaku was surprised that his son was being put on the council by the Hokage, but he guessed it made sense. It would also help counter some of Danzo's possible policies. Hiashi was grateful that there was a counter to Danzo, whoever inefficient that might be at the moment. And Danzo was annoyed that the council was being filled upon spots with people he did not really want to work with. However, as he knew well, the Hokage's word was absolute.

Soon, there was an agreement on the plan, as it made sense for Konoha. Suddenly, Kakashi got up and whispered something in Naruto's ear, much to Danzo's chagrin, and nodded. "And I want reports every week sent to me and ero-san- Jiraiya about what is happening. " Naruto stopped himself from calling his second sensei by his given nickname as he realized Hokage's didn't call people by nicknames like that. Which meant calling Sasuke a teme was out to. Being Hokage was really hard! And he didn't even get to the paperwork. Naruto nearly shivered thinking back to all the paperwork on Jiji's desk.

Danzo lifted an eyebrow. "Oh? How will we do that? You do not know the Konoha's code system yet."

Naruto shrugged, "Well, Jiraiya will have to tell me what it says, and he can teach me it." Unable to counter that logic, Danzo did not respond.

There were a few looks around , before a jounin spoke. " I think, just to be safe, we should have someone go with the Hokage-sama and Jiraiya-sama. You know, someone that we can trust to help them in case something happens. Someone strong."

Another jounin nodded. "Yeah, I think so too." Murmurs filed the room agreeing with the statement. Eventually eyes turned to the Hokage. He was surprised by the looks.

"What? Why are you all looking at me like that?"

Sasuke shook his head disappointed. "Because, Hokage-san," Sasuke dealt with facts. Fact was, Naruto was the Hokage. Another fact, though, was that Hokage or not, Sasuke could still almost definitely kick his ass, " you are the leader of the village. So it is up to you to decide if you get another escort for the mission."

Naruto nodded his head. "Oh yeah." He quickly went into a thinking pose, trying to figure out if someone should come with him. It made sense, you had to protect the Hokage, but he wasn't sure if Konoha could afford to let go of a shinobi who could actually protect him. He remembered enough from Iruka's classes to know the village got most of its money in high class missions, and the village needed money to rebuild. He turned to the council he inherited. "Um, is there any shinobi that can help us with that? I know we have to make money and stuff to rebuild, but is there anyone we can spare?"

Koharu and Homaru looked at each other and shook their heads. "I'm sorry, Hokage-sama, but the village has no one that they can send on a long-term mission for no fee at this time." Koharu explained.

Naruto sighed, but then Danzo spoke up. "I may be of assistance. Though they are not shinobi per se, they are… bodyguards that I have trained in the shinobi way to help protect me and my family. I can afford to let one to help your cause."

Jiraiya knew exactly what Danzo was talking about. ROOT. His own personal ANBU that should have been disbanded years ago. "You know, Danzo, it is highly unethical to train people in the art of shinobi and NOT have them be a part of the village's active roster."

Danzo looked back at Jiraiya. "Perhaps, but I want to feel safe. My injuries have made me less able as a shinobi, so I required the best to teach me. And hiring private guards is cheaper than paying for a full-time mission."

Jiraiya glared at Danzo, wishing he could force him to slip up, but knew it was little use. The man was too god damn slippery. He turned to Naruto and hesitantly asked. "Would you want one of Danzo's," He gave a quick glare at the man once again, " personal bodyguards to escort us on this trip?"

Naruto turned to Danzo "Are they strong. Like really strong?"

Danzo simply nodded. "Of course. If I wanted to train someone to protect me, I would want them to be as strong as possible. Perhaps, I could train you sometime…"

Jiraiya quickly shook his head. "I do not think there is any need for that, Danzo. Between me and Kakashi-san, I believe we can handle Naruto's further training quite well.

Naruto was confused at how Jiraiya was handling the man. He was being very protective of Naruto, and not trusting the man with anything. Shouldn't he be nice to him? I mean, he was the main reason that Naruto just got voted to Hokage! Wasn't he a friend?

"Well then, Danzo-san, sure! I would love one of your personal guards to help protect me." Naruto enthusiastically told him, much to Danzo's pleasure.

"Very well. I will have them waiting for you when you leave."

"Great!"

Jiraiya growled, knowing he had to deal with some ROOT brat while he was looking for Tsunade, as if that wasn't hard enough. However, it was a good idea to have someone to help protect the kid if Akatuski decided to make a move, so Jiraiya wasn't going to fight it any further. He nodded in compliance. "That sounds wonderful. We will be leaving tomorrow at 9am from the North Gate. Will that be an issue."

Danzo shook his head. "Not at all. In fact, I am surprised it isn't earlier."

Naruto shook his head. "No, that sounds good! We can actually eat first before we go."

Jiraiya nodded. "Exactly my reasoning."

Naruto began to look around at the Grand Council and that they were doing nothing. He decided it was enough. "I guess, since we figured out everything, meeting dismissed!"

The people looked around, unsure if that was appropriate. Naruto luckily realized their confusion and turned to Danzo. "Unless there is some reason why they need to stay?"

Danzo again shook his head. "No, you are right Hokage-sama." He directed his attention to the crowd. "You heard Hokage-sama. Meeting dismissed." At that confirmation, most of the people left the room. Among the ones remaining were Nara Shikaku, Hyuga Hiashi, Sasuke, Jiraiya, Sarutobi Asuma, Kakashi, and the elders.

Naruto was surprised that so many people were still there. He understood the elders, and Jiraiya, and Kakashi, and even Sasuke, but not the other three. "What are you guys still doing here?" He motioned to the three anomalies.

Hiashi bowed slightly and spoke. "Hokage-sama, I know it was ruled that your selection be kept secret, but I wish permission to tell certain members of my family."

Naruto raised his eyebrow. "Like who?"

Hiashi calmly replied. "The Hyuga Council, and possibly the heiress."

Naruto had a sudden realization. "You mean Hinata? Why do you want to tell her?"

Hiashi paused for a moment, and continued. "I wish to tell my heiress, and the council for that matter, because I had told them I would seek the position you are in. I must tell them about my failings, and wish to enlighten them on who beat me."

Naruto scratched the back of his head, and turned to his inherited advisors. "Is that a good idea?"

Koharu turned to Homura, who simply shook her head. "No, it is not. There is no need for them to know who is Hokage before everyone else."

Naruto nodded at the advice. "Yeah, so, I have to say no Hyuga-san. Sorry."

A look of frustration graced the Hyuga face, but quickly passed. "I understand." He bowed again. "Good day, Hokage-sama." The Hyuga left the room quickly

It was Asuma's turn to speak to his father's successor. He didn't bow, but gave a nod of his head. "You know, Naruto-sama, of all the kids in Konoha, I think you were the best to name Hokage. But I need to ask you something."

"What is it?" Naruto asked him politely.

"Well, I was wondering how my team would work with Shikamaru on the council. I was wondering if you were planning to replace him, or another option?"

Naruto scratched his nose. "Huh, I didn't even think about his team." He gave Asuma his grin. "Sorry about that Asuma-san, but I have to get back to you on that one."

Shikaku interrupted. "If I may, I want to ask if I should go retrieve my son so he can be aware of these developments. I do not believe you are aware of this Hokage-sama, but someone can refuse to be on your council."

Naruto nodded in agreement. "Yeah that makes sense. Could you fetch Shikamaru Nara-san?"

Shikaku nodded. "Right away, Hokage-sama." With that he left the room. Asuma decided to wait around and hear the verdict. Sasuke decided to talk to him now.

"So, Hokage-san, what will happen with our team. You can't exactly go on missions with us, because of your duties and all."

Naruto thought about it, and his face brightened. He turned to his advisor, Danzo. "Hey, Danzo-san, you said you have guards and stuff who are trained right?"

Danzo uneasily nodded. "Yes, I do."

"Is there any our age that can join in on my team to replace me? It would be really awesome if you did."

Danzo's eye widened. He had a perfect opportunity here to do a long-term goal, and there was no way he would let it pass. "In fact, I do. I will have him join your team tomorrow for practice."

"After he registers as a shinobi." Jiraiya darkly said.

Danzo simply nodded. "Yes, after."

Naruto just smiled. "That's great! I don't see anything else we have to do besides the Shikamaru thing, right?"

Koharu nodded. "That is correct, Hokage-sama."

Naruto was happy to hear that. His first day on the job, and he hadn't messed up yet! Sure, it had only been like 20 minutes, but still it was a lot to him.

"Great then!" Naruto happily exclaimed. "So you guys can go when I talk with Shikamaru."

The elders raised their eyebrows. "Should we not stay to help talk to him?"

Naruto shook his head. "No, cause, I want to talk to him in private while I tell him the stuff about me. I don't know, I really don't like talking about it in front of people."

Before the elders could say anything, Sasuke surprisingly stepped in. "There is no point arguing. Hokage-san is really annoying if he wants something."

Naruto frowned. "I'm not annoying." He heard coughs come from both Jiraiya and Kakashi. He glared at them for a moment, and exclaimed, "Baahh! With both of you. So please leave me alone so I can prepare myself."

The elders, especially Danzo were hesitant, but listened. Soon the room was almost cleared save for Jiraiya, who looked at his student, knowing what he was really doing. He was more dealing with all the information he had learned then preparing himself to tell Shikamaru. He sighed, almost feelings the boy's confusion, but let him be. Jiraiya would need some time alone if he found out all of what Naruto learned. With that he sighed, waved to boy, and closed the door shut, leaving Naruto alone in the room, to think to himself.

Mentally, Naruto was a mess. Between being ecstatic and shocked about being named Hokage, the surprise of finding out his mother was just like him, the joy his hero was his father, and the pure rage that his father had sealed the Kyuubi inside of him, Naruto had no control over his mind. He tried to prioritize.

First thing, Hokage. I'm it. I'm Hokage. Naruto promptly stood up, and did the most ridiculous dance he could think of. He was shaking his hips, doing fist pumps, extreme headbanging, shuffling, doing the disco, and at one point riverdanced his joy out. He even summoned a horde of clones to put on the shoulders and carry around, cheering for him. With the joy out of the way, he turned to the next thing he had to digest. His mother being a container.

He sighed for himself, finally feeling connected to his mother. Hyuga-san had told him they acted a lot alike, and she had red hair and purple eyes. She also knew the burden of holding the demon inside of her. He had a random thought that he liked. Nest time he was in the sewer that was the seal, he would ask the Kyuubi about his mom. It would probably know her best, right?

Before Naruto could even begin to contemplate anything to do with his father, he heard a knock on the door. "Who is it?"

"Neh, what a drag. It's me, Shikamaru with my dad. He said I had to talk to you."

Naruto nodded, before realizing Shikamaru couldn't see him. "Good, come in. Your dad too." Naruto added as a second thought. He would probably need someone to help convince Shikamaru he was actually Hokage.

Shikamaru opened the door slowly, and dragged himself in, his dad following. Shikamaru gave a glare at Naruto. "Why was I dragged here to see you? I was watching clouds in perfect peace until my dad dragged me here."

Naruto smirked. "You shouldn't speak to your Hokage like that, Shikamaru. It is not right."

Shikamaru gave a snicker. "You, Hokage. Unlikely as me marrying Ino-san."

Shikaku cackled, much to Shikamaru's confusion. "What's so funny dad?"

He managed to get a grip of himself. "When's the wedding? Your mother would like to know."

Shikamaru gave his dad a strange look, before realization hit him. He turned back to Naruto, back to his father, and back to Naruto. "You weren't joking were you?" Naruto shook his head. "You're the Hokage?" Naruto nodded. Shikamaru sighed, and made his way to a chair. "You know, dad, I think I know why you drink now."

Shikaku laughed at that, and turned to his leader. "Do you want me to hang around, or-"

Naruto cut him off. "No, it's okay Nara-san, you can go." With that, the Nara clan leader left, leaving Shikamaru and Naruto all alone.

"So, how the hell did you get voted Hokage?" Shikamaru bluntly asked.

Naruto shrugged. "I'm not really sure. This Danzo guy nominated me apparently and convinced enough people that I was the best person for the job."

Shikamaru simply nodded. "He must be a really good talker. I heard my dad talk about him before, and I thought he would want to be Hokage."

Naruto shrugged. "He is all bandaged up and stuff, so maybe he is too weak to do it?"

Shikamaru looked at him funny. "You realized you were just a genin this morning."

Naruto narrowed his eyes. "Yeah, well, I have a lot of potential. And Jiraiya is going to train me really really hard when we leave the village to find the last person for my council, some chick named Tsunade."

Shikamaru raised his eyebrow to that information. "Tsunade. You mean the Sannin, the great medical ninja?"

Naruto absently nodded. "Yeah, I guess."

Shikamaru sighed as thought about something. "So why am I here again?"

Naruto smiled. "Because I want you to be on my Hokage's council!"

Shikamaru was surprise by that one. "You want me on your council, " Naruto nodded enthusiastically, "How come?"

"Well, I know you are really really smart and will do anything for the village. You are good enough to be considered a chunin already, so I thought you would be perfect!"

Shikamaru narrowed his eyes at the offer. "What about Team Ten? I can't abandon Choji with Ino! That would be cruel, and he is my best friend."

Naruto tapped his fingers on the armrest. "I don't know. I was hoping you could think of something."

Shikamaru sighed, and went into his thinking pose. Naruto wanted to interrupt, but realized what Shikamaru was doing from the Chunin Exam finals, and kept quiet.

Shikamaru broke from the pose. "I suggest letting my father substitute me on this council while I do some missions with them, while they complete others with either Sasuke or Sakura filling the four spot."

Naruto shook his head. "I already filled my old spot."

Shikamaru raised his eyebrow. "This quickly?"

Naruto nodded. "Yeah, that Danzo guys trains personal guards like shinobi, and he is letting one go to become a real shinobi and replace me."

Shikamaru raised his eyebrow at that knowledge, but didn't say anything on it. "Well, I am sure there are other genin that can fill the spot as needed."

Naruto agreed with that. There were hundreds of genin Konoha, they could surely find one to help them out. "Yeah. So will you do it?"

Shikamaru sighed. "Sure, I'll do it."

Naruto gave a big grin. "Great to hear. I know I can count on you." Then, surprising Shikamaru, his face turned serious. "Now, I think, I have to tell you a few things about me you need to know if you are going to be my councilor." He had gained Shikamaru's full attention, a rarity in his life. "Firstly, I am the container of the Kyuubi."

He gave Shikamaru a moment to absorb that fact. He just nodded. "Makes sense. Go on."

Naruto was floored by Shikamaru's response. He had sort of expected him to reject him, but then Naruto realized this was Shikamaru. He was smart enough to realize what it meant, and it would probably be too troublesome for him to shun Naruto, so it didn't really matter.

"Secondly, I'm the third container of the Kyuubi. The first was the wife of the First Hokage, and the second was the wife of the Fourth Hokage."

Shikamaru was more surprised by that fact, but suddenly had a grin. "Doesn't that mean you were suppose to be the wife of the Seventh Hokage?"

Naruto's eyes bulged, "That's not funny, Shikamaru."

Shikamaru simply shrugged. "Was to me."

Naruto shook his head, showing his annoyance, then took a big breath. "Finally, I'm the son of the Fourth Hokage."

Shikamaru gave a real smile. "Figured that one out last week. Thanks for confirming it."

Naruto's eyes bulged twice as far as last time. "How the hell did you figure that out?"

Shikamaru just shrugged. "You look exactly like him. I'm surprised more people didn't figure it out."

"I was kidnapped at birth and reported dead. It was safer for the Yondaime's son to stay that way."

Shikamaru nodded sympathetically, while Naruto continued. "And you have to keep this silent until I get back with this Tsunade lady, when they name me Hokage in front of everyone."

Shikamaru nodded. "Understood. Anything else?"

Naruto looked around nervously, and took a big gulp. "I also want your help planning something."

"Planning what?"

Naruto's eyes turned purple at the ferocity of the statement, making Shikamaru flinch. He knew immediately why Naruto would want such a thing. He had to let the words sink in.

"War on Otogakure."