Dun, dun, dun...the day you've all been waiting for has arrived. This may very well be my favorite chapter and the one I'm most proud of. Reader, reviewers thank you. And remember Lee, you are a splendid ninja already...and if I got it right Yon means four so my translation should be correct...let's hope. Peace.

CHAPTER TEN

The weeks seemed to rush by and soon enough it was the day of Sasuke's inauguration as Hokage. The entire village had turned out to see the event, most to see what their new Hokage would say in his speech, others in anticipation of what may happen. It was no secret that Naruto was still bitter about being looked over for a man who didn't deserve the title. Many of those who did not care for Sasuke had shown up with the intention of getting a show. If only they knew…

Tsunade stood on the dais looking out over the crowd, her robes and hat gone already. Today was her last day as Hokage and truth be told, she couldn't be happier. She already had plans for the rest of her life; live in a cottage at the Uzumaki household, play with her grandson and watch him grow, have fun, die. It was all planned out and the sooner she got this asshole into office, the sooner she could sit back, watch Konoha go to hell in a handbasket, and say 'I told you so'. Oh yes, she couldn't wait. This day would be a day to remember and not because of the new Hokage.

Jiraiya stood behind Tsunade with his arms folded, a scowl on his face. Today should have been Naruto's day, not the Uchiha's. It was taking all he had not to rip the smug little bastard's head off. 'Although he's only got one useful head left.' Thought Jiraiya with an evil grin on his face. He smiled at the memory of that onesided fight at Naruto's wedding. Ah, good times, good times. If his student's plan went off like he hoped, that traitorous Uchiha bastard would spend his entire Hokageship wallowing in misery and humiliation. Jiraiya had to admit; his student was a genius when it came to the embarrassment of another person.

Lee stood in the crowd by Neji and TenTen, literally bouncing in place. When TenTen had asked him what the hell he was so excited for he had simply told her she'd have to wait to see. Neji had turned and asked him if he was excited that Sasuke was now Hokage. Lee had stopped bouncing immediately and his face grew dark, a look that should never have been on Rock Lee's face.

"We all know that that is Naruto's rightful place Neji. The title of Hokage was to be his and his alone. If Naruto had become Hokage I would have been loyal to him till death. With our Hokage being who he is now, I am loyal to Konoha, not the Hokage. I may follow orders but I will never bow and I will never show respect to a man that lost mine years ago. I fight for the people of Konoha, but as far as I am concerned the council and our new Hokage can go straight to Hell. I washed my hands of this corrupt government a long time ago."

Neji and TenTen had stared with awe at this Lee. He seemed…to be a commanding prescence, like he demanded respect and he was not one to be trifled with. What they did not know was that by unlocking his spiritual power and becoming a summoner, Lee had seemingly grown up overnight. He was still hyperactive and goofy, but he could be serious the next moment. He had become even more Gai-like. He had turned back to stare up at the dais, uncaring how the ceremony went now, he just wanted to see Naruto's gift now.

The rest of the Rookie Nine all stood scowling at what awaited them. They were all certain that this would not bode well for Konoha in the future. An uncaring, abusive, unfriendly Hokage who only cared about power and what others could do for him? Oh yes absolute best choice. Let's not pick the more powerful, upbeat, friendly and personable, hyperactive idiot who had done more for this country in his short life than most do in their entire ninja career. Akamaru growled while he stood beside Kiba and Kiba petted his aging partner's head. He wasn't happy either. None of them were.

Kakashi stood behind his new Hokage with that same apathetic look that he always had. On the inside however, his mind was in constant turmoil. Had he helped creat a monster, one that threatened innocent children and his loved ones? Had he neglected his other students too much? Had he given everything he could teach to a man who would misuse it? Nothing hurts a teacher more than knowing that what skills they have taught are not used for the purpose they were taught for. The Chidori was to be used to kill in the name of Konoha and yet, for years, Sasuke had used it in the name of Orochimaru. Kakashi sighed heavily. When had things gone so far down hill? He had abandoned more comrades for what he was now deeming an unworthy cause. Surely Obito was turning in his grave.

Sakura stood with her two children, close by to Naruto and Ino, while Hikaru rode Genmaki. Naruto had not summoned any foxes to be the guardians of Juugo and Karin that day because he would need every ounce of chakra he had if things went wrong. Sakura stared up at the dais with sorrowful eyes. She had left a good man behind for a monster of a man. She would never trade Juugo and Karin for anything, but she could only imagine what their life would have been like if Naruto had been their father. She may never find love again, being the ex wife of the Hokage, but Naruto, in the past few weeks, had been more of a father to her children than Sasuke ever had. Training them in his style, teaching them that honor and honesty were good qualities, showing them that it was okay to be children and not mindless little Uchiha drones. At least in the Uzumaki household her children would grow up to be good people. And when they came to possess their Sharingan, if they possessed it, Naruto would show them how to wield it with pride and honor. He had already told her that if he had his way, her children would not end up thieves like their father. They would use the Sharingan only against an enemy, never against a comrade. Her gaze turned up as the din of the crowd grew louder. Not much longer now…

Ino stood beside her husband, her fingers laced into his, clutching tightly. Naruto had not moved or spoken since they arrived. She knew what he was planning and honestly, her role scared her. She knew that she could do it and she was proud that he trusted her so. But this was a dangerous gamble and there was no telling what would happen if his plan backfired. Hopefully before everything got underway, Tsunade could assuage the crowd's fears and pave the way for a smooth transition. She leaned heavily on her king and he responded by taking his hand from hers and wrapping it around her waist. She could hear the whispers from all over as people pointed and stared at the Uzumakis. After their wedding they had opted against hiding their looks and, fortunately, Konoha had accepted them as they were. They were both too kindhearted and had done too much for Konoha to hold any sort of grudge against them. Besides that, the children loved them, and their fuzzy tails and ears were always being groped or hugged in public. Little girls absolutely adored Naruto and little boys loved Ino. Ino suddenly felt his grip tighten around her waist and she turned to see him looking upward. Tsunade stepped forward and began her speech…showtime…

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Tsunade stepped forward and the crowd quieted as her voice boomed out over the throng.

"Today marks the last day of my tenure as Hokage. I have been proud and privileged to serve as your leader for all these years. Unfortunately, my time is at an end and I must pass the torch to a new generation. I hope you are happy with your new Hokage and may he serve Konoha as faithfully as I did."

The word 'faithfully' and its connotation was not lost on anyone in the crowd. Tsunade had just taken a jab at the new Hokage and basically dared him to do something, anything. Sasuke instead kept his nose in the air and accepted his place at the fore of the dais, overlooking a quiet crowd. His robes and the hat, most everyone thought, did not suit him. They were made instead for a man who was born to be a Hokage, a man destined to wear the hallowed robes and the venerated hat. Scanning his eyes over the crowd, Sasuke locked eyes with the one person he was looking for and activated his Mangekyou Sharingan, as a taunt. Noticing the slight twitch in Naruto's muscles, he smirked and let his eyes revert back to normal. That flinch was like gold to him, it sated his need for dominance over a man who was more than his equal. He had lost the battle at the wedding, but today he won the war.

"My fellow people of Konoha. I am not a man of many words so I shall be brief and then I shall turn the podium back over to Lady Tsunade so that she can bring in the festivities. I will serve Konoha to the best of my abilities and will be faithful while I do so. My loyalties lie with the most powerful nation in the world. May Konoha live long."

His speech was met with a halfhearted smattering of applause and yells from his supporters. He couldn't care less about the welfare of these people. Now that his brother was dead and he didn't have to worry about Orochimaru, he was the most powerful man alive. He had power, both physical and political, and when he was done with the council, the power would rest with the Hokage again. He would not be a figurehead like the Third and the Fifth. He stepped back and turned to leave when Tsunade placed her hand on his shoulder and addressed him icily.

"Congratulations Hokage-sama. But before you go we have decided to implement a new tradition when a Hokage comes to power. Since we have all the Sannin present we wish to show our power to all the dignitaries in the crowd and all villages everywhere, by summoning the great beasts. Do you agree?"

Sasuke, ever willing to show his greatness and power, nodded his head and waited to be told to summon. Tsunade turned and strode back to the edge of the dais. Hook, line and sinker…

"People of Konoha! I am grateful for this glorious day and may today's festivities bring you all joy. But before the festival commences I have a treat for you all. Since all of the Sannin are present, we wish to give you a show by summoning the great beasts, since this may be the only time some of you get to see them. We have also been blessed with the signing of a fourth contract, the fox contract, making them the Yonnin. Uzumaki Ino is the primary holder of the contract but another has signed it and will be responsible for it later in his life. But for the moment, one of our Sannin has an announcement to make. Uzumaki Naruto, come forth."

Naruto gave Ino another squeeze and leapt to the top of the dais in a single bound. He gave Tsunae a small hug and turned to face the crowd, his tails waving in the wind proudly, his ears twitching catching every sound. His voice boomed out and he reminded the older generation of a previous Hokage…

"My people! It is my pleasure to come before you today as the Toad Sannin. I have served Konoha in this capacity for several years and hope that I lived up to my predecessor's expectations. I hope I did Konoha proud. Therefore it is with a heavy heart and yet much joy, that I must pass on my title to someone more worthy."

A deafening roar ripped through the crowd. If Naruto was not worthy of the title then who? How could he abandon such a prestigious position? Was losing the title of Hokage that hard on him?

"Now now, let's calm down. I'm leaving the toad contract in good hands. I simply have other urgent matters to attend to and they will take up all of my time and energy. So without further ado, ROCK LEE! COME FORWARD!!"

Well that certainly got a reaction. Rock Lee was a damn good ninja, but what was he being called forward for? He couldn't use chakra and to summon required chakra. Everyone saw Lee leap from his spot beside a slackjawed Neji and TenTen and watched him approach Naruto with a serious look on his face.

"Rock Lee, I have chosen you as my successor. Will you serve Konoha in the capacity given you, with your life, on your honor?"

"I will."

"Would you lay your life down for the people? Protect them with both arms and never let go of your ideals?"

"I shall."

"Tell the people Lee. Shout to them your dream."

"TO PROVE THAT EVEN SOMEONE WHO CANNOT USE CHAKRA CAN BE A SPLENDID NINJA!!! THAT IS MY DREAM!!!"

"AND TODAY YOU ACHIEVE IT LEE!! TODAY I BESTOW UPON YOU A TITLE THAT ONLY A FEW CAN CLAIM!! KONOHA, I GIVE YOU YOUR NEW TOAD YONNIN!!!"

And with that Naruto untied his horned forehead protector and presented it to Lee, tying it around his forehead, while Lee stood with his eyes closed and tears streaming down his face. Silence fell upon the crowd until a familiar boomin voice came from the back.

"YOSH! MY STUDENT IS NOW A SPLENDID NINJA! YOU HAVE DONE IT LEE, YOU HAVE ACHIEVED YOUR DREAM!"

And the crowd went wild. Tsunade watched as Naruto and Lee embraced each other and stepped forward to the dais again. The crowd calmed when she smiled.

"Now everyone outside the gates. We will need the fields outside if we are to summon all the great beasts at once. There may very well never be another shindig like this so…BRING YOUR CAMERA! I GOT MINE!"

Several people laughed at her enthusiasm, but Tsunade had an underlying motive. If Naruto's plan came off without a hitch, then she would need evidence of everyone's faces, especially Sasuke's. Oh yes, today was a good day.

"Will Rock Lee, Haruno Sakura, Uchiha Sasuke, and Uzumaki Ino please go to the field to begin your summons."

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Rock Lee, as the new summoner, was asked to go first. He let out a long breath and steadied his nerves. He knew that many didn't think he could summon but he'd show them. Naruto had put his faith in him and GamaBunta had accepted him. Today, he was a splendid ninja. With a cry of 'Kuchiyose no Jutsu' the smoke appeared and Lee rose rapidly in the air, while the whole of Konoha watched in awe. Lee had just done the impossible again by summoning a toad without chakra. The familiar shape and booming voice of Gamabunta cut through the air.

Ah it is good to be outside again. Hello Lee. Beautiful day today isn't it? I can't wait to catch up with Katsuya and see who the new snake boss is. And we get a treat today do we not? Seeing the fox boss. Oh, what a glorious day.

The Konoha nin watched with wide eyes and open mouths as Lee and Bunta bantered back and forth like old friends. Truly, Lee had usurped Uzumaki Naruto as the most surprising ninja. Next up was Sakura, who had left her children with Naruto and Genmaki, and she almost didn't hear her name called. Lee had pulled off another upset. She got her act together and summoned forth Katsuya.

Ah Lady Sakura. Good to see you again and under friendly terms this time. Hello GamaBunta. I see your summoner is as eccentric as the last one.

Bunta laughed and shook out his pipe.

Come now Katsuya. You're just jealous because my summoners have all the personality. Its true they're all eccentric but they're also always the most powerful.

Katsuya nodded her head and all turned to face the new Hokage. Sasuke smirked and peformed the katas to summon the new snake boss. A large purple cobra emerged from the smoke, but whereas Manda had been rude and imposing, the new boss seemed regal and reserved.

Uchiha Sasuke, Rokudaime Hokage of Konoha, we meet at last. I am Handra, ruler of the snakes. It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. What can I do for you?

"Well at least you're nicer than Manda. This is just a demonstration of power for Konoha, but if you can, stick around, because the fox boss is going to be shown for the first time. It should be quite a show."

I see. Do you know who the fox boss is?

"No I don't. No one does."

I see. I shall stay and meet him. Since the vulpine are now allied with your village, perhaps it would be beneficial for the snake to be allied with him as well. I shall stay.

It was now Ino's turn and she was the most anticipated act besides Lee. She gulped as all eyes turned to her and she stood with her hands at her sides. She hoped that Naruto was the one who answered her call but she knew that he would come. She was the queen so who better to answer her call than the king? She took a deep breath and shouted out 'Kuchiyose no Jutsu'. Eyebrows raised as she made no handsigns and some began to chuckle that she was so nervous she forgot to make katas. All whispering was hushed as flames arose from the ground and Ino rose into the air atop a fox thrice as large as GamaBunta with nine tails. Once the flames diminished the fox threw its head back and roared loudly, its nine tails swishing in the air. The other summons looked shocked. Katsuya and Handra because they had never seen a fox summon, Bunta because Naruto was bigger than the last Kyuubi.

Tsunade stepped forward when the shouting began to get serious. People were still afraid of the Kyuubi and she wanted to assuage their fears.

"People, people please. This is not the same fox that was sealed in Naruto. That fox was absorbed into the seal and is no longer alive. This fox is our ally and we should treat him as such."

While Tsunade was calming the crowd, the other Yonnin looked in awe at Ino and her summon. Lee couldn't believe the size of the fox and yet there was something familiar about it. Sakura thought the same as Lee. Sasuke, however, was fuming at being shown up yet again by an Uzumaki. First Naruto and now his wife. He'd simply plot his revenge for later. The shouts stopped when they heard Ino shout.

"Well go on. Introduce yourself to them."

The fox opened its eyes for the first time and the crowd gasped. Instead of the horrible red of the Kyuubi, they were a most beautiful blue, like the sky or the clear sea. They were captivating. The fox cocked its head and gave a foxy grin, making many think they had seen that somewhere before. Its voice, while booming and very loud, was gentle and kind. This brought more confusion to the throng. Why was this fox so familiar?

Hello Konoha. I am the new Kyuubi, chosen to take the place of the former King of Foxes. I wish to make up for the attack by our foolish former leader by offering our assistance to your village so long as the family and friends of the Uzumaki family are allowed to live peacefully within the country's borders. This is our pact with the Uzumakis in return for the suffering of the people. May Konoha live long and prosper.

The words of the people were undeniable. They were safe from the wrath of the foxes and had gained a powerful ally. The crowd watched as Genmaki strode forward and bowed before his king, his nose touching the ground. The fox looked hard at the smaller fox and spoke.

Genmaki, what have I told you about bowing? You are to stand beside me as my friend, not before me as a servant. Rise.

Genmaki rose and felt a presence behind him. All the villagers watched as Uzumaki Hikaru strode forward and stood looking up at the giant fox. He cocked his head this way and that, making Sakura giggle at how much like his father he was. 'Speaking of which, where is Naruto?" she thought. Her thoughts were suddenly shattered when Hikaru's voice rang out over the field.

"Daddy?"

The giant fox looked down at the child with pink and blonde hair and gave him a hard glance with his blue eyes.

Daddy? Do I look like your father kit? How do you figure that one such as me could be your father?

Hikaru just laughed and launched himself at the fox's paw, hugging it.

"Because of the way you laugh and your eyes. No one's eyes are that blue but my daddy's. Your fur feels the same as his and you smell like him too. Stop pretending you aren't my daddy."

The giant fox threw his head back and laughed long and hard, making many people look back and forth between him and Hikaru, confused as all get out. It eventually looked down at the boy and lowered its head to let Ino off. She leapt to the ground and swept the little boy up, planting a kiss on his cheek before turning them both to stare at the widely grinning fox.

Never could put anything past you huh son? The rest of you should be ashamed, letting an eight year old figure it out before you. Especially the rest of the Yonnin. I guess brains really do only run in my family.

Everyone watched with slack jaws as the fox began to shrink into the shape of a man. It gradually got smaller and smaller until the familiar shape of a much beloved blonde took form and stood upright again, his hands on his hips, his grin overwhelming, his bearing still regal. Hikaru broke the tension once again by leaping from his mother's arms into his father's, who gave him a big hug. One by one, Tsunade, Iruka, Jiraiya, and the rest of his friends approached him to see if he was still real. Lee was the first to make it there and he was nearly out of breath, a feat in itself considering who Lee was.

"Naruto, my rival, is this why you had to give up your role as a Sannin? Because you are now a demon? The King of Foxes?"

"Yep. That's me. I'm still the number one surprising ninja in Konoha, even if I am a demon."

Hinata stepped forward, dragging Kiba and a slightly stupefied Akamaru. She smiled at Naruto and hugged him and began inspecting his tails and ears. Satisfied that he was still Naruto, she stepped back and grabbed Akamaru again.

"Go ahead Akamaru. Its still Naruto. You should know better than anyone that he's harmless."

Akamaru shuffled forward slowly, sniffing the whole way. He got right up against Naruto and began to smell all over him. He inspected Naruto's tail and when he went to sniff Naruto's butt one of the tails whacked him on the nose and he leapt away, yelping in surprise. Finding his nose wasn't hurt, he eyed Naruto carefully, before trotting forward and leaping upon the fox lord, pinning him to the ground while he licked his face. All the villagers let out a breath they didn't know they were holding and came forward to swamp the new summons of the village. Everyone was celebrating, and no one more than Naruto. Despite becoming what he had always feared he would become in his life, he was loved and wanted. He was needed and there was nothing more satisfying than that feeling. Cries of joy rang out and the festival began in earnest. The only person missing was the new Hokage, who had opted to go to his new office and brood the night away. Naruto had surpassed him yet again. He had stolen Naruto's dream, but Naruto had found something better. How was he ever supposed to find peace if the dobe kept beating him at life?

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Naruto flopped onto the couch after putting all the children to bed. They had insisted on staying up for the festival but Naruto knew they were fighting sleep and decided to go home. His eyes were closed and he had a small smile on his face when he felt a weight on his body and suddenly someone else's lips were smashed into his own. He opened his eyes to find his wife on top of him, her tail swishing happily behind her.

"What was all that about?"

She opened her eyes and grinned at him cheekily. Her eyes halflidded and eyelashes batting she spoke in a low and sultry voice.

"You were so hot in your fox form. I mean beautiful. Words cannot describe how sexy you were. Would you care to find out how to mate like real foxes in the bedroom?"

"Before you two start any bumping and grinding, I have a few questions for you both."

Naruto and Ino both groaned. Leave it to Sakura to ruin their fun. Ino turned her head and growled at her found again friend.

"Can't you see I have business to take care of here Forehead? My king needs attention and as a queen I can't let his scepter remain unpolished. Get my drift?"

"Oh I get your drift. I just want to know what the hell the two of you are."

Naruto grinned at Sakura and just rubbed Ino's back, making her purr.

"Why Sakura, I'm offended. I'm the king of foxes and Ino is my queen. We're fox demons and royalty. Now I believe you were interrupting something, so do you mind?"

"What about Hikaru? Is he a demon?"

"Is that all you're worried about? No, Sakura, our son is human and always will be. He's abnormally strong for one so young, but that' because he's our son. My stamina and your strength and chakra control. He'll grow up to be a better ninja than either of us. Our son will be fine. Now please, we're about to celebrate whether you're in the room or not, so unless you want a lesson in how flexible foxes are…"

"Allright, I'm going. And Naruto? Thank you for everything you've done for me. I don't deserve it but thank you for taking my children and I into your home. I'll never be able to repay you for your kindness."

"Can you help Ino raise Hikaru up right while I take care of my other duties?"

"Absolutely."

"Then you can repay me. Now then my queen, where were we?"

Sakura ran from the room as quickly as she could. Unfortunately, she wasn't quick enough to escape the sounds of yelps and growls coming from the room.

'Those two are a couple of animals in the bedroom. Oh well, if Naruto's anything like when we were married, Ino's going to have a smile for days.'

Sakura blushed at her thoughts and walked back to her new home. She tried not to reminisce about the past but couldn't help it. Deciding to take a page out of her master's book, she cracked open a bottle of sake to wash away the memories. The more shitfaced she got though, the more the blush would deepen. Before she drifted off into a sake induced slumber she had one final thought.

'I always knew he was an animal at heart…'