Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or any of the monsters/fiends that appear in this fic only the idea that brought them together.
Chapter 3: An End of an Era part 3
It had taken Danzo two additional weeks to get enough information on the various types of creatures the ninja of the regular forces had taken to calling Fiends. Sarutobi immediately set made an appointment with the Daimyō; he was surprised it did not take three days to get an appointment considering all the level of disruption the fiends have caused. Then again, maybe he should not have been surprised at all.
Upon arriving, he waited for admittance to the Daimyō's audience chamber. He did not have to wait long before being admitted. As he entered, he took note of the various nobles and samurai, He groaned eternally, none of whom thought very highly of ninja. Only the Daimyō saw the necessity of the ninja village. Sarutobi thought it would be best just to get it over with, "Thank for seeing me on such short notice Daimyō-sama."
"Think nothing of it Hokage-san we know that you would not seek a direct audience with us if you did not have vital information for us." There was a grunt of disproval at the show of formalities to a ninja; the Daimyō's eyes narrowed in warning at the perpetrator. "In your request for an audience, you said you had information that you wished to pass on to us." Some of the samurai perked up at this they may not like ninja but knew when it came to gathering information they were second to none.
Sarutobi took note in the shift some took at the mention of information, "Yes, Daimyō-sama ever since the creatures began to appear I ordered a branch of Anbu to begin immediate reconnaissance to discover all that can be known about them. Unfortunately, they do not have a set number. Nevertheless, we were able to discover a great deal about them." He took several large files from within his robes and placed them so that an attendant could take them to the Daimyō. "The large majority of the creatures pose little threat on their own. However, they tend to group in number. The ones of note that are found within the borders of Hi no Kuni are the ones that have been named: Ōchū, Marlboro, and Behemoth. There are others, but the likelihood of an encounter with them by civilians is insignificant." He stopped long enough for his superior to look over the files, and waited for whatever question the Daimyō might have.
The Daimyō finished looking through the files then passed them to his General. His questions had little to do with the creatures and more to do with what the Hokage had planned. "What is it you intend to do with these creatures Hokage-san; we would like to keep the loss of human life to the minimum if at all possible."
"With your permission I would like to move to academy into as near war standards as possible with a few adjustments. I would like to create protective walls around some of the essential trade hubs and begin research on Fūinjutsu and Kekkaijutsu to protect essential civilian assets that a barrier wall would not be feasible." Sarutobi stated.
One of the younger nobles mumbles a question to one of older counterparts. "Is telling us or asking us?" Though it is doubtful that it was intended to be heard by anyone other than the one that the question was directed at. Those that had significant experience in these types of situations heard it. The Daimyō moved his fan to hide his smile, The Hokage tilted his hat to hide the mirth in his eyes and several samurai smirked.
The general who was currently looking over the files at the looked up and at the naïve young lord and answered the question, "He was asking the Daimyō-sama to explain his plans to the other Daimyō. Such actions can be seen as the ninja trying to take advantage of the situation and could lead to unnecessary conflict." Having answered the question he turned to Sarutobi with a question of his own. "I see a lot of these creatures have some sort of an elemental weakness. As I am sure, you are aware that only ninja have the ability to use elemental attacks. Are you aware that this means that the role of ninja in the world will change? Moreover, that only a few adjustments to your academy will not aid you in this transition; the very mindset that ninja has will need to change as well."
"I am aware of that however I am also aware that such changes take time. For now, I hope to ease the current and older generations into the change over the next two years. In addition, have the academy curriculum completely changed by the time the current heirs are ready to enter the academy." Explained Sarutobi.
The General nodded he personal never liked certain aspects of ninja training, well what he knew of it. He understood that they needed to start young but he did not agree with fielding children barely in their teens or worse even younger; he also knew that all the Hokages shared this view it was historical fact. "I take it there is little hope of extending the academy duration."
Sarutobi let out a sigh; it was long standing discussion between the two. However, it had always been in private. Then a thought struck him, it would never fly with the clans but with civilians, it might work. "I do have an idea, while the clans are better prepared and start training their children much earlier, the civilian born does not have this extra training. I think with the Daimyō's permission I can extend the civilian curriculum an additional two years, but this also means that those that show prodigious ability from civilian back ground most be allowed to graduate alongside their clan born comrades."
The Daimyō had been privy to the numerous discussions, and new well that the clans had their traditions, but also new Konoha had a method of keeping those not ready out of the field until they were. However this had a side effect of many candidates dropping from the ninja program altogether. The idea of staggering the graduation had a great deal of merit. Moreover, would reduce the dropout rate. "I approve. And those that show the appropriate aptitude should be a loud to graduate early, but no older than current standards that goes for clan children as well."
There were several more things discussed but for the most part Sarutobi contribution to the meeting was over. Sarutobi just wished that he did not have to go through a similar meeting was he had returned to Konoha.
Sarutobi sat in his seat in the Konoha council chambers. His former teammates where having a conniption over the information he just told the council. The only ones who seem to support this was the clan heads. It was not until Shikaku Nara spoke that he knew it would not last long. "Hokage-sama could you explain in greater detail the decree the Daimyō has passed."
Sarutobi just knew that the Uchiha was not going to like it. "Basically Shikaku no child is allowed to graduate early no matter how much of a prodigy they are. All civilian born children will two additional years academy training unless they show the same level of skill as a clan child. The earliest any child can graduate is thirteen. In other words those of you intended on allowing the academy to train your kids while you do something other than oversee your children's training better be prepared to have them stay back with the civilians. I also recommend that if you see a civilian that show remarkable skill or potential sponsor them, or point them out to a Jōnin to take as an apprentice." He looks at the Uchiha patriarch and the look of bewilderment. "I am sorry Fugaku this means that if you intended for your youngest to follow in his older brother's footsteps it will no longer be possible." The look quickly vanished as Fugaku gave a stiff nod.
Fugaku's eldest son would be the last to be allowed to graduate. Returning his attention back to Shikaku he snickered internally at the look he had. You would think the man was allergic to work. The man's teammates were either shaking their head at his antics, or patting on the back in mock sympathy.
Sarutobi's moment was ruined by his own teammates, "What of the Jinchūriki, how do you intend to handle him. Surely now you will see." The stern gaze Sarutobi was sending him interrupted Homura.
"Surely, you were not going to suggest I send a five year into a training program designed to break the will of criminals and sociopaths. Surely, you were not going to suggest that I break the will of the individual holding back the Kyūbi no Yoko. Surely, you were not going to bring up a subject I have already decided on." Sarutobi was barely restraining his own chakra because of his anger.
Danzo saw Homura Mitokado walk into an armed Explosive tag and internally cringed, "Besides Mitokado-san who said I was willing to train him in the boy. It is not as if he needs my training to become strong. Nor is it necessary to implement any measures to ensure his loyalty, after all he dreams of becoming Hokage. Although I am curious as to why you are so intent to have him placed under my care." Out of the corner of his lone eye, he would swear he saw the clan heads eating popcorn.
Koharu Utatane quickly stepped into defuse the situation, "We are only suggesting that the boy be taken out of public sight. There is growing unrest amongst the civilians who believe that the beast will get out if the boy learns to control his chakra."
Sarutobi managed to reign in his temper somewhat, "So, someone is spreading false information, and instead of stopping it or attempting to discover the source; you suggest that we heighten their fear by putting him in a position of death and destruction is the main stay. How does that make sense?" They wanted something, but he could not see what or the why, it truly made no sense to him.
"The problems arise in who you chose to oversee his training. If we truly wish to quell their fears then someone of higher rank or standing will be needed, not a Rookie Chūnin." Homura stated flatly.
This statement caused everyone to blink. "You are saying that that it has nothing to do with how he is being trained but who. Don't you think changing or adding to his tutors would cause more problems than solve."
"I see your point we will let the matter drop for now." Koharu stated calmly.
Danzo decided then that he would have some of his Root discover who was spreading false information to counter Hiruzen's own efforts. Having such discord was not in the best interest of the village. Sarutobi was thinking along the same lines, but decided to put it aside for now.
"Let us get back to the changes in the academy shall we." Sending one last warning look at his former teammates, He continued with the meeting.
"Danzo I want to know what those two are really after. What do they stand to gain with Naruto-kun out of sight as it were? I also want to know who is running interference against my own rumors. They must be trusted if they are out doing the Yamanaka's."Those two had put Sarutobi into a foul mood.
"Already on it and I agree such actions draw attention to whatever their trying to accomplish, it is unlike them. Unless they believe you would see the benefits and agree with them in the end." Danzo had gone over several possibilities that under normal circumstances he would side with them; however as things stand now and to whom they were trying it. It would not be Hiruzen that they would have to worry about; the boys godfather would go the way of his teammates if the village were responsible for any harm that came to him. "The things I have come up with all lead to a very nasty end result. Although they did bring up an interesting point what do you intend to do once the starts academy; hi current tutor will be his academy instructor then and not have time to oversee private lessons."
Sarutobi let out a soft chuckle, "Oh, I have something planned already in fact I have sent a team to meet with Juriya before heading to Uzu. I hope that there is some teaching materials lift or perhaps some jutsu scrolls that can be given to the boy upon his entry to the academy." Sarutobi took on a more vindictive look as he continued, "If they still want someone of higher rank to oversee his private instruction then I have a few ideas that will suffice."
AN: that is it for time lessons from Iruka.
Lesson one: How to properly address the Hokage in Public
Iruka had been working with Naruto for week and whenever the hyperactive blonde referred to the Hokage as Ji-chan it made Iruka cringe. Therefore, Iruka decided that it was time to explain why Naruto could not do that in front of just anyone.
"Naruto come here for a moment." He tried to track the boy with his but it was making his eyes hurt.
"Sure thing Iruka-sensei." Naruto literally bounced skipped, and hopped until he was standing in front of the teenager. "So, what'cha need Iruka-sensei, we're not going to do more boring reading again are we. Because it's really boring and I want do something cool like more ca-chakra stuff that's fun and makes it so I'm not all bouncy, oh maybe we can go for ramen then we can do some other ninja things or," Iruka sighed internally.
Once Naruto got started, it was almost impossible to get him to stop perhaps he should let Naruto do the leaf sticking exercise while he talked. "Naruto!" Iruka shouted to get his students attention, who in turn stopped rambling and looked at him with bright blue eyes filled with excitement. Iruka ran a hand across his face, he was not sure he was going to survive two years with his sanity intact. "You will do the leaf sticking exercise while I talk." Naruto nodded rapidly went about getting himself ready.
"Now, you will do the exercise while I talk each time you lose concentration we will start over. Begin," It had taken Naruto three days to get the leaf to stick even for a few seconds Naruto can now hold it for about three minutes. What Iruka was about to do may reduce that time to thirty seconds, but it would be a good lesson for Naruto. "What I want to talk to you about is the way you address the Hokage-sama." He stopped to let Naruto place the leaf back on his forehead. "I Know the Hokage-sama lets you call him that, but that does not mean you should call him that all the time." He stopped again when the leaf fell, Naruto turned to him opened his mouth to speak Iruka stopped him with a stern look. "Leaf, I will explain but you must continue the exercise." He waited while Naruto got his, "The reason I bring this up is because while I know that when you call the Hokage ji-chan you mean it in the most affectionate you can However it makes me feel uncomfortable hearing him referred to with such familiarity. Leaf. There are other reasons, but the one you can most relate to is when people hear you refer to the Hokage that way, and don't know that the Hokage-sama allows you to they believe you don't respect or like him." The leaf had fallen, but Iruka waited for the boy to look at him, "Do you understand." The look of sadness on the little boy's face simply did not seem right.
"But, I do like Ji-chan." That morose tone actually hurt, but Iruka steeled himself.
"Leaf," Iruka quietly reminded his student, "I know that Naruto, but not everyone does. The way we show we respect someone so that others know that we do is to address them by their proper titles in public. Leaf. When you are alone with the Hokage-sama then you can call him Ji-chan Okay." The leaf had fallen once more as Naruto nodded sadly. "Leaf, Here, I will make you a deal. If you promise to call the Hokage properly I'll give you a treat." When all else fails bribery always works.
"Ramen!" The little five years old, who would be turning six soon, shouted as he hopped up from and quickly pointed at Iruka; Iruka had to fight back a chuckle at the boy's antics.
It was then that Iruka came up with an idea, "Sure but only one bowl." Seeing the boy gaping at him, Iruka titled in mock confusion, "What you did not think I would give you more than one bowl for only one promise did you."
AN: Well there you how Iruka convinced Naruto to address the Hokage properly in public. I hope you all like it. In addition, if anyone has any ideas for future lessons please feel free to let me know or if you have an Omake you wrote on your own pm it to me and I will post it at the end of the chapter.
