Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto and I am not profiting from this. For entertainment purposes only.

Chapter 15: Chunnin Peace Godaime

The overwhelming smell of disinfectant was the first thing that Naruto noticed upon waking. Opening his eyes, he groaned as the sunlight that pierced the room invaded his sensitive retinas.

"Ah, I see that you're finally awake Naruto-kun."

Naruto focused on the voice on his left and there sitting down on the chair next to him was the Sandaime Hokage. With the old man were quite a few people. Zabuza, Haku, the entire rookie nine, team Gai, Jiraiya, the Sand siblings and the first and second Hokage were there as well.

"How long…?" he asked them as he tried to sit up with some difficulty. Sasuke saw this and helped him sit up, which was rewarded with a smile and made the Uchiha blush slightly.

"You've been asleep for a week now, Naruto" said Sakura as she, Ino and Hinata arranged the flowers in the vases that were in the room.

What surprised Naruto was the amount of flowers in the room, not to mention the get well cards stacked up on the table next to him. His room became an exotic garden of sorts due to the amount of flowers that were bought from Ino's family's Flower shop.

"Naruto, while you slept the operations for restoring Konoha had begun and it is going smoothly. I've decided to retire from the position of Hokage and I had announced it to the people early in the week. Once you get the go ahead to leave the hospital I want you to go to the Hokage Tower." Said Sarutobi he said as he exited the room with his son, Sarutobi Asuma.

"Kazama Uzumaki-san, my brother and can't thank you enough. Even though our time has passed and we were brought back in the most sinister of ways, you have saved our souls from hell and gave us a chance to start our lives from the start. Thank you" said Shodaime Hokage as he and his brother bowed.

"The Power that governs us, Mana, has told me that both of you have a purpose still in this world and so it gave you back one that was lost to you in your original lifetime." He said looking out the window. All is right with the world again, so it seems.

Three days later Naruto finally left the hospital and he was immediately escorted to the Hokage Tower by two Anbu. Upon entering the Old Man's office he saw that he wasn't alone. Nara Shikamaru looked to the door as Naruto entered the room walking with a stride almost quite feminine in nature. He then became aware that everyone was staring at him. Crud. He was caught staring at the blonde next to him. It was quite hard not to. Naruto's usual turtleneck showed more of his midriff than it was legal; his usual pants still rode dangerously on the edge of his hips. He still wore the same toe shoes with the straps. And his hair was now loose and cascaded now reaching his lower back as it grew longer now. The thing that made this ensemble even more attractive to look at were the vines that clung and twirled around the boy's midriff, his right thigh and ending down his right ankle. The boy seemed nymph like upon first glance earning him quite a few fanclubs from both sexes within the village.

Back to the matter at hand, Sarutobi cleared his throat, glad to have the full attention of the hypnotized shadow user.

"With the success of our win against Oto, the council and I have decided that the two of you: Nara Shikamaru and Namikaze Uzumaki Naruto are to be raised to the rank of chunnin. Congratulations." He said and handed them both the official Chunnin flak jackets.

"Now as you can see I am already retired from office yet I have no successor as the Godaime. This is where you come in Naruto. I want you with the supervision of my student Jiraiya, to find my last pupil, Tsunade and bring her back to succeed as Godaime Hokage. This mission starts immediately and don't take no as an answer."

With that Shikamaru and Naruto left and went their separate ways. Knowing Jiraiya he will be near the women's hotsprings again getting "research" done. Sure enough there was the pervert giggling perversely like there's no tomorrow. He was about to knock some sense into the sage but stopped when he saw the sign in front of the bathhouse: "Welcome all Kunoichi! Half Price!"

If the sign said so then he knew Jiraiya would be in trouble. Thinking of the Kunoichi in there, various Anbu, Jounin, Chunnin, all of the above are capable of giving immense and immeasurable amount of pain if a pervert was caught. One kunoichi fell to mind at the prospect of immense pain and possibly castration upon said pervert before him: Mitarashi Anko. Enough said.

Silently he sneaked at least ten meters behind the toad sage and knelt to the ground. A green glow surrounded his hand and a large yellow flower burst from the ground. This flower was beautiful; its petals had colors ranging from various shades of red and yellow. The only thing abnormal about it was that it was bigger than the boy and that it had teeth…rows and rows of teeth (think Kurama's man eating plant from YuYu Hakusho crossed with the big flower thingy in Jumanji Movie).

The plant felt its victim in front of him and its mouth began to salivate. Out of its mouth came out a tentacle of sorts and began to slither itself to its prey. The prey hadn't noticed the danger as the thick tendril crept up one ankle and then the next ankle. And with a snap it tightened its hold on its victim's legs and began to drag its prey back to itself.

Jiraiya looked at the various beauties in front of him as he took notes for his infamous books when he felt something touch his leg. Before he could comprehend what was happening he was pulled abruptly into the surrounding woodland, his entire body being bound by nondescript tendrils just behind the onsen and was raised upwards. Looking down he saw a plant with rows and rows of jagged teeth.

"Jiraiya- Sama, what have I told you about perversion?" said the voice of his new apprentice.

"Damn Gaki! You just ruined my most valuable research material…" the sage was cut off by the blonde and was told just who was in the onsen.

At the name of Mitarashi Anko and Anbus he stopped struggling and paled significantly. The lack of complexion on the Sage's face receded even more when the boy decided to leave the MAN eating plant near the women's onsen as a safety measure against perverts.

"Sensei, we also have a mission regarding Tsunade-hime-sama. She is to be the Fifth and we mustn't fail in this mission." Naruto said dismissively.

An hour later he and Jiraiya left from the northern entrance heading off to Tanzaku city to find her. Both however never noticed a figure looking at them near the gate, with a face akin to admiration similar to that of a prepubescent boy having his first crush.

As soon as the two left the stranger made hand seals and went straight to his apartment and ripped off his facemask and forehead protector and took a cold shower. He was so confused now. He felt the sudden stirrings in his loins yet he couldn't bring himself to think about his blonde student. Never in his life was Hatake Kakashi confused.

Hatake's House

Crashing down on his bed Kakashi gazed up to his ceiling, his mind plagued with only one thing.

Naruto

He remembered the boy before he disappeared. A small thing with the brightest eyes, a laugh so infectious, that one would join him laughing. When he heard the news about the disappearance, he grew frantic. Once more the third had finally told him the circumstances of naruto's birth. His sensei's son! Minato Namikaze, the Fourth Hokage's own son. That was the news that made him resign from being Anbu Captain.

For six years he did his duty as a Jounin bringing in money and business for the village. Though he was forced into becoming a jounin sensei, he would only to fail every genin team given to him. Six years the same old routine was made that is until that day…

His heart soared that day when his sensei's legacy returned and not only that but was far beyond any of his expectations. The aura that the boy possessed was close to being inhuman, almost nymph like. He remembered the barely controlled killing intent that he felt when he saw how some men and women from the village ogled at his unofficial godson akin to lust, their sights on the slim hips and the alabaster skin. The boy is definitely a sight to behold. This became more so during the Wave mission. That sight of Naruto's naked body was etched into his mind. Never had he seen anything more alluring.

Kakashi then stopped his musing and began to smother himself with his pillow. What was he thinking? There is no way that he would fall in love with a boy no less than over a decade younger than him, it's absurd! This thought however was interrupted when he remembered the kiss he received at Wave, his face turned a new shade of red at the memory. He doesn't understand it and may never will. He was however, truly and utterly proud when the boy was chosen and made into chunnin with Nara Shikamaru but then he is also vexed and jealous to say the least, especially with all the attention Naruto was getting from the entire village, not surprising since he really did brought the two founders of Konohagure no Sato back from the realm of the dead.

Kakashi then took off his mask and headband and went to bed. Troubled thought in his mind as he slept.

Hyuuga District

the Hyuuga council debated on something concerning Hyuuga Neji and the loss of the caged bird seal on his head.

"We MUST put the caged bird seal on the boy again!" yelled an elder

"Sir, that is quite impossible. Neji will surely die if he is to be given the seal again and besides, the seal is and can only be done on a person only once in their lives or risk destroying the Byakugan all together. We simply cannot do that to one of the most talented Hyuuga in this generation." Retaliated another elder, albeit younger than the rest

"ENOUGH!"

The entire room was silent at the outburst from Hiashi Hyuuga, the current Clan head.

Everyone looked on as the veritable wall of a man entered the room and sat on his place.

"Esteemed councilors, I have a suggestion that may in fact save us all clan-wise. Since I don't know if this will work or not, but if successful it will make the Hyuuga all the more powerful."

Hiashi smirked to himself as he noted the controlled looks of excitement from the Hyuuga Council. Nothing makes the council listen more at the prospect of more power.

"What is this suggestion of yours, Hiashi?"

"I propose that we make Neji part of the Main house. I already made arrangements for his adoption into the main house, namely he will be adopted into my family."

Deadly silence filled the room before the elders began to violently contest to this idea. However, before a word from the council even began, Hiashi spoke up with an inner fire burning within his eyes.

"I will not take no as an answer, Elders. It was Hizashi…no…my late brother's wish, his last wish on this earth that I take care of his son. The Hyuuga council hinders my brother's wish all because he was a branch member. Well, not anymore. Neji WILL become a part of the Main House, it is my promise to keep my nephew safe in his father's name."

Everyone in the room was stunned to say the least. But a plan brewed in one of the elder's head.

"Fine, I agree with your proposal for Neji to be moved to the Main house, however, another child shall take his place. Hinata Hyuuga will take her cousin's place and will be given the seal." the elder sneered at Hiashi, only to see a look on the Hyuuga that clearly said 'checkmate'

"Ah, Yes. About my daughters, I shall give my assessment now on their performance. Firstly, Hanabi is showing great progress in her use of both the Byakugan and the Hyuuga fighting style. This is quite an achievement considering her young age. Hinata, however, though not as talented in the clan style, had recently showed an unimaginable prowess when I comes to medical studies, another fine career for Hyuuga even if it is unheard of."

Hiashi then took out one of Hinata's healing balms from his person as well as a vial of purple liquid and placed both items in front of him. He had a hard time convincing his eldest daughter to give him samples of her concoctions but she relented when he told her of his plan.

"These, esteemed elders, are the creations of Hinata in her own practice. I had taken the liberty of showing these to the healers in the Hospital and was surprised at the Healers' reaction. Apparently, Hinata's balm in itself was a great help for many patients that endured injuries that are potentially life threatening. Currently there is a Leaf shinobi that had endured third degree burns from stray Katon Jutsus during the failed invasion. After rubbing the balm on the man's skin the results after its use were almost immediate. The man's burns became less noticeable and the pain etched on his face was alleviated and according to the healers with continuous use of her healing balm, the burns will become non-existent within a matter of a few days. The Healers were so impressed that they asked Hinata to teach them how to make it so it will be a part of the medical pack that all shinobi are issued next year."

The Council was stunned. The simple balm in front of them was given such fuss. All of them were now eyeing the vial as to what it was. Seeing the looks on the council's faces, Hiashi was more than happy to continue.

"This vial is another concoction of Hinata's own design. All of you must have heard that various shinobi had fallen victim to poison from Orochimaru's summoned snakes, Correct?"

Everyone nodded

"I don't know how, but Hinata was able to get the anti venom from one of the snakes and was able to make an antidote. She gave a sample to the hospital and was given to the shinobi with the highest venom count and the antidote had done its job and passed with flying colors. Even as we speak the samples are being mass produced for the benefit of the village."

Again the Council was flabbergasted. The Heiress that was supposed to be a failure was a heroine in the Medical Field, a prodigy in her own right. With the exception of two members of the Hyuuga council who stubbornly refuse, everyone accepted the change. Hiashi smiled as he left the room. Everything will be right in the world soon enough.

Whilst the meeting was in session none of the council members noticed three pairs of eyes watching from the next room. Hinata, Hanabi, and Neji couldn't believe the news that they are currently hearing. All three were bursting with joy and all three left the scene and went to Hinata's room. As soon as the door closed, all three made a three way hug.

"Neji congratulations! I'm so happy for you!" cried Hanabi

"Y-yes c-c-congratulations Neji nii-san." Said Hinata

"Since now you'll be part of the main house now and will be our new adopted brother, may I call you Onii-san?' asked Hanabi. With a nod from Neji the little girl flung herself onto him and tightened her hug.

"Thank you both. I was quite surprised with Hinata though. I never knew that your skills in the medical field were that advanced. Nevertheless, I think you will be a great medic nin and I hope you forgive me for what I did to you in the preliminaries, Hinata." Said Neji

"Yes. She will make a fine medic nin like her mother before her." said a voice beyond the door. The door opened revealing Hiashi with a kind smile on his face. "As you three overheard" at this all three blushed crimson "Yes, Neji will be a part of the main House. This change might even one day erase the barriers between our families. It will take time but I'm sure it would happen." Said the Hyuuga Clan leader and knelt before the three.

"Hinata, forgive me for being harsh with you. The only reason why I pushed you like I did was because the Hyuuga council thought of you as a liability and intended for you to be given the caged bird seal. I am so proud that you decided to take a career that's to your liking. After all, Hyuugas in the medical field are rare but not unheard of."

That very night the announcement was made and everyone couldn't be happier for Neji and things in the Hyuuga Compound was only beginning to look better. All of this is, of course, in Neji's belief was because of his ethereal looking opponent that freed him and taught him to basically cast his own stone. With a silent vow, he will do so.

Uchiha District

Uchiha Sasuke had a lot of things happening in his life; His estranged and considered mentally deranged brother massacred his entire clan, a snake-incarnate pedophile trying to give him a hickey and fortunately enough failing to do so. Yup, so far he's led a really crappy life. Everything in his life felt monotonous. Even the rage he felt for his brother had begun to be monotonously old. There were some good moments though; being rookie of the year, having the attention of many of the villagers, and of course having the sharingan finally activated. Yet none of it mattered, at least now. For the first time in years, he was able to think clearly. Why had Itachi killed the entire clan but not him? He also looked back on how he acted towards others and immediately felt shame. With a resolute glint in his eye he silently vowed to change and vowed to know the truth. Silently he thanked his Nymph-like teammate Naruto. Even with this however, his curious nature came back full force at the thought of his teammate. He then remembered his very emotions during the exam as well as during the invasion.

The way Naruto fought Kiba during the exam, with an illusion as well as a song was very unorthodox, yet highly effective. He barely remembered a new song being sung during the invasion and enemy nins within its hearing range all collapsed under its strain, some rumored to have died over simply hearing it as the song climaxed. (Think Diva's Song in Blood +) he felt at that moment was a string of jealousy. How did this person outshine him, the last and loyal Uchiha, in everything! Heck, he even brought the first and second Hokage back to life and was the only other genin in their age group other than that lazy ass, Shikamaru, who made chunnin! His tone and jealousy of course quickly disintegrated especially when he saw Naruto in the hospital and confined there as he was asleep, in a healing coma. A new emotion he had never felt for anyone else had awakened when he saw the pale and very vulnerable form of his teammate. Over protectiveness, never had he felt such emotion. He couldn't explain it. When Kiba tried to lighten the moment by attempting to draw on his teammate's face as a joke, he was not amused. In fact Kiba should be out of the hospital once the doctors figure out how to take the guy's head out of the wall in one of the janitor's closets as he used Shinobi patented crazy glue to keep him there.

There was one thing that he noticed odd was the way the plants in the room seemed to flourish upon his very presence not withstanding that these plants weren't even watered during their time in the hospital. The various flowers in the room hadn't blossomed until the said blonde woke up. Now this wasn't strange. The strange part about this was they ALL blossomed at the same time. It was only later he had remembered their conversation in the Forest of death That he understood especially after Naruto dressed with that a vine-like plant winding itself around his teammate. In silence he vowed to protect his village, his friends, and protect Naruto to the best of his abilities.

While these three gentlemen pressed on with their thoughts, the stars and the heavens looked down upon them as their secret audience as Mana Chosen them in silence.