A/N: I want to express my heart felt gratitude to the readers who follow, reviewed and included this story in their favorite list. I want this story to be a canon as much as possible (semi-canon if you must). I want to stick to the original timeline and events as much as possible but also staying true to my "headcanon". This is my answer to ( a reviewer) Yungsun's question: Shouldnt Kakashi be Hokage at this point in time?
Kakashi Hiden: Lightning in the Icy Sky informs us that Kakashi, even nearly a year after the Fourth Shinobi World War, has not officially taken the position of the Hokage.
Shirainee's Hidden Agenda
All the minors had gathered in one corner after dinner. They were served with hot tea while the adults drank sake that the Hotate children's grandparents brewed.
As expected, Tsunade drank the most and assumed the role of pouring a drink to their glasses.
"Drink Shirainee, this is the best rice wine I've ever tasted. Come on drink," the Hokage thrust a glass to Shirainee.
"I don't really drink alcohol Tsunade-sama. You can say that I am light-weight when it comes to drinking."
Tsunade stood and stared down at Shirainee, wearing her most intimidating expression.
"Are you going to deny my request?" By the tone of her voice, no one can call that a request. It is more of an order.
Shirainee did not say anything but accepted the drink. She drank everything Tsunade served after that. After the seventh shot, it was evident in Shirainee's face that she's drunk.
"So tell me Shirainee, why are you here really? What is your agenda here in Konoha?"
Everyone was silent including the young ninjas at the other corner of the hall.
So, Tsunade-sama got Shirainee deliberately drunk for this interrogation? And here I thought she just wants everyone to be as wasted as she was.
Kakashi anticipated Shirainee's reply. He involuntarily moved his body a little closer, as if decreasing a few centimeters between them would make him hear better.
"I already told you, Tsunade-sama. It is my father's wish that brought us here. When he heard that there is another Uzumaki living in Konoha, he left me with the instruction that I should make a life here so I can pass Uzumaki secrets to Naruto."
Tsunade-sama stared at Shirainee hard and long as if assessing the truth of her words.
"Onee-sama, perhaps you should tell Hokage-sama Uncle's other instruction," one of the blue-haired twin sisters said, whether it is Yuriko or Yumiko, he is not sure.
"Maybe the Hokage can give you the reference for the most suitable-"Hiromi failed to finish her expression of agreement to what her blue-haired cousin said. She was cut off by Shirainee's cold refusal.
"No," Shirainee glared at the female twins as if daring them to contradict her.
Everyone was intrigued now. The shameless young ninjas move closer to their table to listen.
One of the blonde twin brothers stood and cleared his throat to gain their attention. Based on the serious and stubborn expression on his face, this must be Keichi.
"As the eldest member of Hotate family, next to Shiraine onee-sama, I have the right to announce it."
"And as the person involved and the head of this family, I have the right to tell you to shut your mouth regarding the subject," Shirainee replied acidly, her back rigidly straight as if on defense.
Tsunade pounded her fist on the table, cracking it. "And as the Hokage of the village, I have the right to demand you to tell me if it involves Konoha and its people." She crossed her arms on her chest. "Well?"
Kakashi could not help but sigh and thought, That was some battle of superiority there for a minute.
He was surprised when Shirainee suddenly grabbed one of the sake ceramic bottles and drank it content straight from it, bottoms up. She was breathing hard afterward, probably for being upset and probably for holding her breath while drinking the whole content of the bottle.
"My father," she swallowed. "My father expressed his wish for me to marry a ninja from Konoha and revive the Uzumaki clan. According to him, the Hidden Eddy Village and Hidden Leaf had a good relationship. He believed the ninjas of this village to be honorable so he wished for me to marry one."
Revive? As in repopulating the world with Uzumaki babies?
Kakashi cringed at the possible effect if this information becomes known in the village. He eyed the people in the room. Unmarried males suddenly looked at Shirainee differently now... more intensely. If they looked at her before with interest, they now look at her as if they would volunteer to be her husband.
Shirainee gulped down another bottle of sake.
"He also asked me to see to it that Naruto knows everything an Uzumaki should know and ensure that he will marry someone honorable and suitable."
She stood up and looked around the room, focusing her eyes on Naruto. "Yo! You will help me revive the Uzumaki clan Naruto, ne?"
"Nee-chan! What are you saying?" Naruto seemed embarrassed by the implication of what Shirainee was asking. "I am not even allowed to drink yet."
"Love should be in the air but Naruto doesn't care. That is not cool! You are a fool! Yow Naruto! Bakayaro, konoyaro."
"Octopops!"
"OH WELL!" Shirainee said louder than what was necessary, opening her arms addressing everyone in the room. "There you have it! I have no other secrets to spill." She turned to her cousins, "You, you, you, you, you, and you... Make sure everyone is having fun. Me? I am going to bed."
She turned to leave. She had only walked a few steps when her knees buckled. Iruka, Guy, and other single male ninjas raced to catch her but they were not faster than Kakashi.
Without a backward glance, he carried Shirainee to her room. Half-way to her room, he stiffened when Shirainee took a deep breath to smell him.
"Now I understand why some people drink. It can be a little liberating. You do things you don't do normally and can blame it on sake." She ended her statement by sniffing him again.
Why is my heart beating loudly? What is this emotion I am feeling?
