The Time of Rebuilding
The Hidden Leaf suffered so much loss after the attack about a month ago. It was not just the village that was burdened, but also the Uchiha Clan's fate in the hands of the 5th Raikage. His bloodlust and his yearn for power made him a historical tale in stories to children as it passed. Uzumaki Naruto, the 6th Hokage, was never forgotten in the village. They were no more remnants of his past, but, the only thing that still lives on was his face engraved in the Hokage Monument overlooking the village.
It was a sunny day in Konoha and the people were all busy repairing and coping up with the high demands of reconstruction. With the help from the Leaf's allies, the Hidden Sand has contributed greatly to the Hidden Leaf. People were carrying hardwood on their backs and shoulders under the morning heat. Children in the Academy were tasked to help in little jobs in the village.
The will and determination of the village was greatly shattered also, but it was about to be lived up again.
"Hey!" shouted a villager. "It's him, the new Hokage!"
He ran unto the streets from the gates and informed everyone about it. A kilometer away from the gate of the village, the foggy atmosphere of the surrounding forest covered the arriving retrieving team.
The rumors were spread in great time. Because of this, the people were glad to meet the new Hokage. And so, with their smiles of happiness ready to meet the new one, they rushed to the village gates and occupied the sidewalks and make a path of cheering crowd greeting the Hokage and the ever brave retrieving team!
Such many people were on the streets that Homura and Hotaru were alarmed of this, they already new what was going to happen, and they accepted it. In their quarters, Hotaru and Homura were sipping their hot tea to mark another day of hard work. As they saw the heavy crowd gathering they concluded, "We'll arrange the official announcement and inauguration of the new Hokage. This better be a hard working one!"
The crowd grew in great thickness and the whole village was there! The only way that could be seen was a path made by the villagers towards the Hokage Palace! The crowds were cheering and others were crying when they saw a new chance for the village. They just hoped, that whatever the new Hokage could bring, it is Peace and Prosperity!
"What is that loud noise Ishimaru-san!?" Nakamura asked in great curiosity as they walked together towards the gate.
"It's the noise of peace Nakamura; I'm glad that they knew!"
Asashi was complaining every second when would they arrive!?
"Will you just shut up Asashi!?" threatened Hayumi. "If you don't I'm sure I will…"
"Now, now, I don't want you fighting again Hayumi," adviced Luna. "This is going to be very momentous days for us, now, stay behaved till the ceremony ends."
"What?" sluggishly complained Asashi. "Now c'mon Luna-sensei, it's my time to shine!"
"What did just I said…?"
"Now Luna, there's no need for you to be harsh on these little adorable kids?" interrupted Wakaru. "I have a great surprise for them when we arrive. And that's an award for helping me!"
Asashi's eyes glowed in great curiosity and so was Hayumi. They couldn't get more excited as they drew near the gates!
It was time for them to be praised for their hard work and bitter sacrifices they made. As they entered the gate, the entire crowd shouted in joy and happiness all glad to see the new Hokage take place. Wakaru took the lead and continued on with great humility. The crowd cheered on as he passed by, others threw flowers and others simply cried and were happy.
Wakaru was then followed by the team, Tokiko, Ishimaru, Nakamura, Hayumi and Asashi were also cheered by the crowd.
"Whoa, the Fox Kid also helped out in the retrieving the Seventh!?" asked a random villager to his friend. "So, he's not that bad after all?"
"No he isn't, he has much to prove yet, especially that girl from the Uchiha Clan. Her clan was responsible for this damage done!"
The cheering continued until they arrived at the Hokage's Palace. From there on, Wakaru was officially announced as the Seventh Hokage.
While in his office wearing the traditional Hokage Hat, Wakaru was seriously bossed around by the two elders, Hotaru and Homura.
"Wakaru, we'll officially end a notice to the Feudal Lord immediately and to the Hidden Sand," declared Homura.
"Yes, I agree. First you need to figure out about this reconstruction plan that were doing!" added Hotaru.
Wakaru stood in silence while on his seat watching the two elders leaves his office. With Tokiko at his side, he ordered, "Now, I want the whole batch of Asashi here Tokiko, I want to entrust them a very important thing. Please make them report at the roof, I'll be there in a jiffy."
"Yes Hokage-sama, I'll get on to it!"
With Tokiko wasting no time, he ordered a summoning notice to Asashi's whole batch. He wondered why? But he did as he was ordered.
Sarutobi Asashi, Uchiha Hayumi, Aburame Ayama, Sagaruchi Shu, Uzumaki Nakimo, Yamanaka Maimi, Nara Shikazu, Akimichi Chojiro, Hyuga Suiren, Hyuga Han, and Tadakashi Fu all reported when Wakaru summoned them. They waited for the Hokage's arrival in the roof of the Hokage's Palace. It seemed important, and they will pay a close attention to what Wakaru shall say.
"So, I heard you also saved the new Hokage, Asashi!?" The prideful Han said. "It seems the new Hokage isn't much of anything ey? Why was he so weak that he even needed you help?"
Asashi controlled his anger and boasted, "He's not weak! He was being mercilessly battled and violently beaten up by some two guys of the Akatsuki! Don't you know they are powerful?"
"Heh, no Akatsuki can harm me!"
"Why you little…" Asashi tried to punch Han's face when Hayumi tightly grasped and held on tight to Asashi's bare hand! All of a sudden, Wakaru came.
"In my reign as Hokage, I will not allow ourselves to beat each other up! Isn't that right Asashi?" Wakaru questioned Asashi and Han why they were fighting. The whole batch then formed a three row line.
"To fight each other is a shameful way of bringing the name of the village! Doubting in one's friend or elder is also a shameful way of bringing the name of the village! You should not doubt in our comrades." Wakaru looked at Han when he said this.
"Now, the reason I gathered you here is one of the most important thing that I want to assign to all of you. The eleven of you shall be named the newest Konoha Eleven!" Hearing this, they were all shocked! To think that they were still Genin and needs to become a Chunin, and more importantly, the Konoha Eleven is a special force with elite powers and combat styles.
Maimi asked shyly, "But… Hokage-sama, I think we are too weak to become the Konoha Eleven. Besides we are also Genin!"
"Now, now, let me finish first. With the last Chunin Exams postponed, I am granting you a once in a lifetime opportunity to become Chunin! All of you here are now Chunin since also, the village needs more power. But, I am warning you, in three years time, I am going to call all of you again. An on that time, your own sensei will be your own enemies as a test of proving you are rightfully the Konoha Eleven!"
It was a sudden surprise to them, after the statement, Wakaru left to attend with some business. They all shouted for joy and happiness. They just couldn't believe they are now Chunin of the Hidden Leaf. AS time past by, they left and continued to celebrate, but, for Asashi, he wanted to hone his skills even further. But the question is who will be his trainer? Asashi pondered, on the question every single minute until the day was done.
Night came to the happy village. The workers then left and took the chance to have a rest for tomorrows another busy day. In Asashi's rented apartment, the whole house was dark except for his room. He was on his bed staring at the ceiling grievously and again pondered on that question.
"What shall I do? There's no person on this village that can help me. Hokage-sama is still busy and cannot help me, Luna-sensei is sent on S rank missions every time, and the village is in great crisis that I cannot find a master."
Because of this, in the middle of the night, he went to the Hokage's office wearing his ninja suit. He was determined that Wakaru could help him find a master that could teach him every single technique that he wants to learn. As he arrived, he opened Wakaru's office, and was shocked that Wakaru was still there working on all the paper work to be done.
"Oh, why are you here Asashi?" asked Wakaru. "It's the middle of the night, get a rest there's a lot of work to be done tomorrow."
"Umm, Hokage-sama, I need help. It's about my training, could you help me with it!?" Asashi requested in great mercy and desperation.
"Hmm, I may be able to help you, but, it's still too early for you Asashi."
"What is it Hokage-sama? I know whatever it is on your mind, I can do it!"
"Really?" Wakaru replied and doubted. "Hmm, so, I find you a master to train with the use of Senjutsu! A very hard and difficult filed of study and training."
"So? When will I meet this master?"
"About a week or so he's been travelling in the world for such a long time now. He's also a Sannin, my comrade ever since we became team 7."
"What!?" asked Asashi in great tone. "A week or so, I can't wait for that long Hokage-sama"
"Shush, the village is in great danger Asashi, and you know that. Just be patient, after all, no harm can be brought to you. I'll let you know if he has arrived, okay."
"Alright Hokage-sama, thank you so much, okay, I'm off; I need to get some shuteye!"
Asashi left in high spirit as his problem was already solved quickly as he expected. Wakaru on the other hand was concerned if he can learn Senjutsu. The great and unbearable training of Senjutsu is unparalleled by others.
"Oh dear, I only pray for him to succeed in the training. Senjutsu is very difficult, especially in my time when I was studying and training in the Shikkotsu Forest and Mt. Myouboku. The slugs were very gentle while the toads were fierce. Ahhh, those were the days I'd like to remember." Wakaru hoped for Asashi to endure the pain of training and learning of Senjutsu, but with Asashi's high spirit, Wakaru believed in him.
The sweet smell of the morning rise over the village overpowered the people and gave them the energy to work for the village. It was another day of extra reconstruction. But with Wakaru spending more for the village infrastructures, the village didn't just get repaired, but also upgraded by most of its old buildings. With the Hidden Sand helping of the reconstruction, it was expected, that last minute repairs would be done today.
Asashi woke up and went to fix himself up. He put on his Ninja Suit and got out from his home. "Now, what should I do?" Asashi asked himself as he inhaled deeply with the morning's cold breeze.
Up in the street, Hayumi was calling him over, "Hey, Asashi! Come on! Luna-sensei just got home from the mission!"
The two wasted no time and visited Luna in the hospital. There, Asashi bought a basket of fruits and Hayumi bought with her, fresh roses picked up from the flower shop just this morning.
"Luna-sensei, we're glad to see you!" Asashi exclaimed. "I'm glad your okay, but what happened?"
Luna shouted in pain as she tried to move her body in the bed.
"Wait Luna-sensei! Don't make it worse, don't move!" Hayumi insisted. "Asashi you fool! Don't try to provoke Luna-sensei's body; it's still recovering from the injury!"
Luna laughed in her bed as she heard the two fighting again. "Ha-ha-ha-ha, Now, stop you too. Don't fight, there's still a way better solution for that."
The two relented and replied in chorus, "Yes, Luna-sensei!"
Luna got comfortable again, as she exhaled and said, "It was maybe my lucky day today! But, for my one comrade who died, he wasn't lucky enough to escape his death."
"What did actually happen Luna-sensei?" asked Asashi curiously.
"Hmm, now, where should I start? Okay, it happened when we checked on the border of the Fire Country a day ago. We were baffled by the actions of the two parties between the Hidden Rock and Hidden Cloud. We were sent by the Council as the neutral village to handle the issue that might cause war between them. But, the Raikage and Tsuchikage refused to sign a new treaty!"
"So, there's a new Raikage of the Hidden Cloud Luna-sensei?" asked Hayumi. "If there is, I think the past invasion was already planned."
All of a sudden, Wakaru got in the office together with Tokiko. They were in serious faces.
Wakaru then declared, "I think it's out of our boundaries to answer that Hayumi dear. Now, Luna, good you're alright. I've been notified by your report, and I'll takeover the mission and spearhead it! There will be an incoming war between the Hidden Cloud and Rock, might as well brace for the worst as we will be neutral in that battle."
"Hokage-sama, I think the rivalry will also cause a glitch and make the Hidden Mist, as the natural enemy of the two, enter the war. Count the Hidden Sand also, the long time rival of the Cloud and Mist!" Luna explained in detail.
"Yeah I know that, since our village suffered the most loss, we will not participate. All we can do is to aid our closest ally, the Hidden Sand with war supplies. I'll call for a meeting this time. And I also forgot! Here, Luna, drink this medicine it'll make you better!" Wakaru handed him down a capsule that has the healing properties of his Medical Ninjutsu.
"Thank you so much Hokage-sama!" replied Luna.
"No problem at all. And by the way, Asashi and Luna please check all the left reconstruction services being held now. This will be the last day of our reconstruction. I'll expect a report by the end of the day!"
"Yes Hokage-sama, we'll be on our way!" the two answered on chorus and went on.
Asashi and Hayumi went on as ordered, with Wakaru suddenly having a serious gaze upon them. They were scared about that and quickly went to tackle the mission.
Next up, Wakaru met Suiren and Han on his way to the Jounin council meeting. "Ah! Han and Suiren, just the two people I was looking for. I have a mission for you two since you deeply rely on your eyes to see things."
"Yes, what is it Hokage-sama?" replied Suiren gently. "I hope we could handle that easily, Hokage-sama."
"Yes, yes, you can handle it. Your mission is to scout the entire village perimeter and see to it that there will be no intruder spying on us! A war between the Hidden Mist, Sand, Cloud and Rock is to be held, and I don't want any reports of mass trespassing and espionage!"
"Yes Hokage-sama, as you wish!" answered Han. "We will report to you after the end of the day. And we'll of course coordinate with the scouting team."
"Alright, now Go!"
The two rushed all of a sudden when they received the sudden mission. Tahiro, a Jounin reported every single dispute that ahs happened in the border of the minor villages. It was getting pretty intense as the Hidden Rock and Hidden Cloud has matched up their army. Also, the Hidden Mist has prepared for a sudden invasion in the Lightning Peninsula. The Hidden Sand of course was confident to turn the tide of war into their favor.
With the Hidden Leaf beginning to have a formal military action, Wakaru never acted to enter the war.
"This war is not for us! It is for those nations greedy for land and territory!" Wakaru explained in the Jounin Council meeting. "If we would enter, the Hidden Leaf will continue to crumble never before seen! Our village has now considered slow tiger of the Shinobi world for the unnecessary actions taken from the past and therefore thinning our military that caused us this problem!"
"Hokage-sama, I truly agree!" declared Ishimaru. "We shall remain neutral as signed in the resolution during the reign of Tsunade. It states that, every ninja village shall be neutral and has the right not to enter in war!"
The meeting room continued to get pretty intense as some argued further.
"Hmm, whatever the decision is, I as the Hokage shall not decide and approve any decisions regarding the approval of the war!"
Suddenly, Tahiro then came in and reported, "Hokage-sama, the war is now starting, the Hidden Rain and Hidden Sound Village is now a battlefield between the four villages namely the Cloud, Rock, Sand and Mist!"
The room was silenced after hearing the report. And Wakaru concluded, "And now, I hereby declare that our military must be our first priority! All Genin and Chunin shall have further assessment training with their respective teams! Our village must also have outstanding Medical Ninjas. All team leaders must submit a ninja who shall serve as the Medical Ninja for training under me! And as for the regular ninja, we shall add more of them and order recruitment!"
The meeting ended, and the Hidden Leaf, never stepped up for another devastating loss. They all put a space between them and the cruel war torn world!
Meanwhile, in the Academy, over a hundred children were trained to be Genin. With the population steadily increasing, the demand for more forces is inevitable.
"Hokage-sama, we've received a report from our military that it has coped up with the demands of being a five-star honored military. And the Hidden Rock and Cloud has threatened our nation's border with war if we don't chose a side!" reported Tokiko while Wakaru was seriously sitting on his seat thinking of what to do.
"Hmm, this is a problem, but, we need to take action over this. I'll send another neutral party to both sides and issue a treaty. At the meantime, this is all that we can do for the protection of our village. Now, is he already here yet?" Wakaru replied and asked. "My dear teammate Koken Konmetsu, a fellow Sannin and a master of the Sage Genjutsu, Tokiko, I want you to report to me if he will arrive."
"Okay Hokage-sama, I'll let you know. So, how are Asashi and Hayumi doing? You gave them a mission to keep them busy right?"
"Ahhh yes, Asashi is so hasty, he wants to learn as fast as he can. But, there's a special thing or gift in that kid Tokiko that made me to bet and believe in him. It's is Will!"
Tokiko was speechless and left the room. He checked all the pending missions and to his amazement, there was man who was wearing a kimono walked down the hall towards the Hokage's Office. Tokiko was startled and ran as fast as he can not knowing who that person might be!
"Stop sir! Please, you're not allowed to…" just as when Tokiko barred him from entering, he sensed a very powerful chakra from him disabling him from making any movements! It was the basic Genjutsu Binding, wherein the user can paralyze the enemy's body for a while. "Stop, wait!" desperately shouted Tokiko stopping him from getting inside the Hokage's Office.
Then Wakaru went out to look and was annoyed about the noise Tokiko made. "What's all about…? It's you, at last, Konmetsu my long old friend!"
"Ah, it's you Wakaru. I thought you'd never achieve this big responsibility? It's been a long time indeed, after years of travel around the world; I finally finished my new book!"
"Bah, enough of your journalism stuff! There's something I want you to do, it's about training the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, Sarutobi Asashi. But first, let's get in! Tokiko, please serve us tea."
The two welcomed and greeted each other with all joy and happiness they ought to share. "Whoa, it's been also a while since I got here Wakaru, no, I mean Hokage-sama?"
"No, you can still call me Wakaru, being a Sannin ourselves; our title has made us respected. Lord Sixth, Uzumaki Naruto, my predecessor and your teacher has entrusted to us the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. And you Konmetsu are the only one to be able to protect the Jinchuriki, and most of all become his master in Senjutsu!"
Konmetsu sat on the chair offered and sipped the hot tea, "So, it means I will be going back to ninja work? Wakaru, I'll accept, and I will try to protect him at the same time. Naruto has long time foresaw this and gave me a mission that long I've been waiting since then. I think it is the time to protect the Will our village has!"
"That's the spirit Konmetsu, saying all of this makes me remember our team back then. We were complete back then." Wakaru suddenly got depressed as he remembered a terrible past. Tokiko comforted him.
"So, you still remembered Wakaru, she was the most sarcastic woman I ever met and the best friend whom I ever had! But, for you, she was…"
"The love of my life!" Wakaru continued as he exclaimed all of a sudden. "She was the person who inspired me and encouraged me to continue the system of medical Ninjutsu."
Konmetsu was speechless as he recalled the past. "Wakaru, you've been a lot since her death. Now, it's time to pass on our knowledge to these kids. Let's get started."
With Konmetsu marking the start of his mission, Wakaru made sure, Asashi is to be safe from the Akatsuki.
Fin
