Edited 03/08/06: Made a mistake with Kakashi's name. put in Hayate instead of Hatake which is what its suppose to be. Hehe -sheepish grin- thank you prismdragon for pointing that out. Change has been made.

AN: Another chapter done. I'm glad to see that my story is gaining popularity. My reviews have jumped up into thetwenties range per chapter now going close to thirties. I'm glad to hear that people can see my commitment to my story. Makes it all worthwhile. i think there is some confusion in terms of the pairing. ill clear it up by stating it on the story summary ill be changing shortly.Its a Naru/Tayu and Naru/Kyuu. i know i got more to say but i cant remember. hahah thats always the case for me when preparing the next completed chapter. Hopefully ill discover it by the time i check down the chapter and it will appear in AN below. For now enjoy this as much as i have enjoyed writing it! Thanx for all the support!

Disclaimer: I dont own Naruto.

Summary: The Elders Council gets involved. What does this mean for Naruto?

Will of the Flame

Chapter 14

Taking the Step

"Tsunade, what is this I am hearing?" one of the Elders asked. The Elders Council currently was nothing more than two aged but powerful shinobi of the village. The people who made up the council were once the sannin of the village or shinobi of high ranking now acting as advisors in their old age. There was suppose to be one more in the council but unfortunately has been lost during the invasion of the sound; Sandaime Hokage.

"Mitokado-sama what exactly are you referring to?" Tsunade replied a little too innocent.

"Hohoho. We may be old dear but we are not fools. I suggest you do not play us as such," replied the other Elder pleasantly. Tsunade felt sour inside but her cool façade remained on her face.

"I merely do not wish to jump into conclusions of the matter at hand, Utatane-sama," Tsunade replied to the other Elder with a slight bow of the head. She truly felt sour inside. This was another part of the work, other than the paper fights, that she hated with a passion. Being the off handed, crude person that she was, such stiff and respectful conversations irked her to no end. Tsunade was a lot similar to one particular young blonde than she would like to admit.

"The interrogation of the prisoner for starters," Mitokado Homura cut in curtly. Tsunade raised an eyebrow at the old geezer as Naruto would have referred to him as.

"What about it?" Tsunade asked already her rebelliousness seeping into the conversation. Utatane Koharu smiled patiently at Tsunade.

"The tasking of the interrogation of the prisoner being handed to young Uzumaki… A tad inappropriate don't you think?" She said with the benign smile she had on earlier.

"A tad inappropriate? You truly allow the saying of people getting softer with age to be justified Koharu," Homura said with a snort.

"And you truly allow the saying of old people being stiff necks to be justified Homura," Koharu countered with a soft laugh. Homura glared at his council partner.

Tsunade sweatdropped at the exchange. Coughing, she interrupted the exchange. "Looking at the situation at hand and how the prisoner reacts to the br… young Uzumaki it was appropriate. The prisoner wasn't responding to the usual tactics showing a very high threshold of pain tolerance. However just his presence has ignited furious words from the prisoner allowing her to insinuate at certain things."

"Hmm. Well that might work, loosening of the tongue due to anger towards a former adversary," Koharu replied thoughtfully.

"Still sending a genin who has no training whatsoever in interrogation to do the job is pretty far-fetched Tsunade," Homura argued.

"It has yielded results," Tsunade replied curtly. She really hated having her decisions questioned.

"That would be?"

"From the two verbal reports that he has given me, they have started communicating. However they were more quarreling than anything else and nothing substantial has been reported ever since their initial meeting," Tsunade answered truthfully.

"That's right. You got nothing," Homura replied flatly. Tsunade bristled inwardly at the comment.

"Now Homura lets not be too harsh. It appears to me young Uzumaki has achieved quiet a bit as compared to our prized interrogators even if it is not a direct result," Koharu cut in smoothly to prevent an outburst from Tsunade. Homura snorted in defense while Tsunade gave him a triumphant smirk.

"However," Koharu started again locking eyes with Tsunade. "What is with this treatment that young Uzumaki is extending to the prisoner? Without proper authorization at that?"

Tsunade's smirk melted away at the questions. She didn't like having to explain that.

"Just what did the boy do this time? You didn't go into details when you told me of him interrogating the prisoner this morning," Homura asked giving his partner a dubious frown.

"Dear please enlighten Homura of young Uzumaki's actions," Koharu replied looking at Tsunade with mischief in her eyes and voice behind her benign smile. The sourness Tsunade felt earlier on came back with twice the force and it showed on her face.

"He bought the prisoner a change of clothes and brought her to the toilet for a shower. He quarreled briefly with the chunnin on guard to allow that to happen," Tsunade said out reluctantly averting her eyes in discomfort. Homura apparently was shocked speechless at the statement since Tsunade didn't hear him say anything. Koharu laughed softly once again.

"Quite an interesting tactic he chose… don't you agree Homura?" Koharu stated more than asked. Homura had a slight gaping look on his face.

"It is not a tactic," Tsunade said sharply causing Homura to snap out of his stupor and gaining both the Elders questioning eyes on her.

"He truly feels for people in such situations especially when I told him about our failed attempts. You both should know in his case where such behaviour could have stemmed from," Tsunade said with strength holding their gazes.

"That is quite unbecoming of a shinobi. Such behaviour could be detrimental in future," Homura said darkly with narrowed eyes.

"He isn't your average shinobi Mitokado-sama," Tsunade replied tightly.

"Well well. Enough of such tension. While we haven't always seen the boy in good light he has been showing odd yet fruitful results. Tsunade being here is one of them. I for one am having a change of heart. Perhaps a time of reevaluation is in order Homura as we discussed this morning," Koharu interjected. Homura rolled his eyes but didn't say anything.

"Now dear where is that more than average boy of yours? We still have the more than average matter at hand that occurred yesterday and this one we want to speak to him ourselves," Koharu stated quite blandly.

Tsunade's face twitched violently at that.

Meanwhile…….

Toothbrush in one hand in his mouth and the other tugging on his pants, Naruto was in a hurry. After such a long day yesterday he totally crashed once he reached home and now he woke up late. Spitting out the toothpaste in a hurry he gargled his mouth while pulling over the usual sleeveless t-shirt he wore nowadays. A clean fresh one that is. Spitting the water out he rushed out of the toilet to leave his apartment grabbing his robe and swords in the process.

"Its bad enough having one old hag beating the shit out of you for being late in the morning now I'm going to have three instead," Naruto groaned out loud to himself.

Naruto at that moment wasn't the only familiar person to wash up. However this person was in no hurry. After washing his face he replaced his face mask that was like a second skin to him. Looking in the mirror he saw that everything was in place. Well almost. Wetting his bushy grey hair he pushed and plastered it to the back of his head. He then tied his forehead protector across his forehead as usual with one slight but startling difference. He no longer tied it covering his left eye. Looking into the mirror reflection a pair of clear black eyes stared back. His left side still bearing the scar from the knife wound he took to what seem like a lifetime ago. Only now in addition to the scar was a mark that extended into his face mask signifying the completion of the sealing process. The experiment was a success and so far there were no side effects.

At seeing the scar together with the seal he closed his eyes and made a silent prayer of remembrance to his former teammate. As always when he closed his eyes in such a manner the memory of his teammate resurfaced. However it wasn't a memory of his. The point of view was Obito's. Seeing two well loved faces wretched with misery for the final time before an addition stab of pain spiked. The memory will then black out but the emotions will linger for awhile more. The pain of the wounds sadness of parting and the regret of many things unfulfilled. Though most of all overwhelming the others was an incredible joy at being able to save his team mate's life and his parting gift to Kakashi. Always at this point will the figure of Obito appearing before him with various expressions depending on the state of things. At rough times there will be a determined look on his face. At happy times there will be that goofy grin that he has on his face. At times when guilt kicked in he would have a sullen look on his face. Right now was the smile of satisfaction and encouragement. Shaking his head slightly Kakashi opened his eyes to see that he had a smile on his face. Running his hand through his hair he brought up it up to its usual gravity-defying spikes. Seeing everything was now in place he turned around and opened the toilet door.

A squeak and the sound of something clattering on the floor were heard. Blinking and looking around he saw a frantic looking nurse in his ward. With a wave and his usual close-eyed smile he chirpily greeted her.

"Hello!"

The nurse went from frantic to annoyed in a second, marching up to him.

"Don't you hello me Hatake-san! You almost gave me a heart attack especially after I came into the room finding no one around when you are suppose to be in bed!" huffed the nurse, arms akimbo, glaring at him. Kakashi returned her a sheepish look.

"Am I supposed to wait for you to come in to help me change?" Kakashi asked playfully. The nurse blushed at such a suggestion until she caught sight of his current attire. She immediately went back to her annoyed mode.

"What is the meaning of this Hatake-san? You go back in there and change back to your hospital gown. After which you will get back in bed just like Hokage-sama ordered which is supposed to be for a week!" ordered the nurse wagging a finger at him. Kakashi lightly took hold of her wrist and leaned in locking eyes with her.

"What if I refuse? Are you going to forcefully take my clothes off? I'm considering not struggling too much," Kakashi said playfully once again. The nurse went totally red and sputtering incoherently. Kakashi chuckled lightly. He then lightly held her chin and leaned in to lightly kiss her cheek.

"I'm glad that interests you but I have to take a rain check sweetie. Going to see the Hokage about getting that order changed," Kakashi said smoothly sliding past her to exit the room leaving her stunned in the room alone.

A few moments later the nurse managed to shake herself out of her stupor, turning even redder in anger and embarrassment. Stomping her feet in a tantrum, she lets out a frustrated sound at being charmed into letting him escape.

"I know I'm late Ba-chan. You can beat me later. Lets….." Naruto trailed off after barging into the Hokage's office with only quick words to the chunnin on desk duty saying he had an appointment. In front of him was a ticked off Hokage with the Elders each flanking both her sides.

"Err.. I thought we…" Naruto trailed off again before snapping into attention and going into a deep bow touching his sword. "Greetings Elders."

Prior to this moment Naruto has never met the Elders before. Everyone knows of them but they aren't often seen. While he doesn't know how his reputation holds up with these two, he was going to give respect till they gave him a reason not to. Further more it seems the impression he was giving in their first meeting wasn't all too good. Adding the topic that he knew they were going to talk about the possibility of things going civilly was probably slim to none.

"He is as Sandaime and Tsunade here has mentioned. A little rough around the edges but polite when he wants to be," Koharu said aloud laughing softly.

"A little too much if you ask me," Homura added gruffly.

"Keep that up and ill show you too much you old geezer. So much for being polite," Naruto mumbled very softly to himself still bowed waiting for the word for him to rise. Koharu laughed out loud.

"And an attitude added to the mix," Koharu said in jest. Naruto's head jerked up in surprise at being heard or so he thought. Homura glanced at his partner.

"Just what did he say?" Homura asked Koharu.

"Oh nothing of importance that should concern you Homura," Koharu waved away though the whole time keeping her eyes locked on the young man in front of her with a knowing smile. Homura snapped his head forward to glare at the youth.

"Best keep your comments in your head Naru-chan. Seems like an enhanced listening ability or bloodline limit."

"Yeah. Got it."

"Permission to rise Elders," Naruto asked bending his head down again. Koharu was the first one to speak.

"Of course child. Rise," She said smoothly. When Naruto straightened up he saw that Homura was staring daggers at Koharu.

"Thank you Utatane-sama," Naruto said remembering the name from one of the lectures given by Iruka years ago.

"Now now lets forgo all the formalities. After all we know it will disappear in a short while," Koharu said with that knowing smile again. Naruto raised an eyebrow at her.

"You will still maintain your standing with me boy. I do not tolerate such things from anyone," Homura said with narrowed eyes and a strong voice of stature.

"All due respect Mitokado-sama but such things should go both ways," Naruto replied holding Homura's stare. Homura eyes widened at Naruto's reply only for it to sharpen again with more intensity.

"And just who do you think you are to demand that of me?" Homura asked dangerously.

"Uzumaki Naruto. That's all I need to be Mitokado-sama," Naruto replied without faltering. Homura's anger visibly increased. Both just stared at each other. The older one smoldering and the younger doing nothing else but holding his ground.

"My my… Doesn't that remind you of another blonde orphan we once had the pleasure of knowing Homura?" Koharu interjected smoothly cutting the tension. The anger in Homura drained away as a different light seemed to enter into his eyes as if he was seeing something else at the moment.

"Perhaps too much," Homura replied remorsefully.

"Now that that is done and over with let us begin with what was initially intended shall we?" Koharu continued pleasantly.

"Sure thing Utatane-obasan," Naruto replied casually with a shrug. Koharu smirked at the title.

"Obasan now eh?" she asked curiously.

"Yeah you are older than bachan over there so its only appropriate since you said to let go of formalities," Naruto said lightly.

"Naruto….." Tsunade growled. Koharu patted Tsunade's shoulder to pacify her.

"Ah so I did. Well how would you address Homura now then?" Koharu asked playfully throwing a glance at her council partner. He had a straight face keeping his eyes on Naruto waiting for him to answer the question. Naruto eyed Homura for a moment before answering.

"I'll stick to the same. He is too rigid to accept anything else anyway," Naruto said shrugging again earning a flat stare not only from Homura but from Tsunade as well.

"My protests never seemed to stop you why stop now?" Tsunade asked blandly. Homura let out a cough.

"Lets begin," he said with a tone of finality. Homura then leaned forward with a serious look on his face.

"I'm sure you know why you are here. So let us cut to the chase. We already got a report of what happened however we still have our concerns. As much as we can trust Tsunade or anyone else in the village some things are better evidenced on our own," Homura stated clearly. Naruto nodded showing his understanding.

"Everything is going to be point blank from here on. You ready Naru-chan?"

"Yeah."

"Are we in any danger of the Kyuubi escaping?" Homura asked directly his eyes never leaving the youth in front of him. Even though he said he was ready and the fact that they were justified to ask the question he couldn't help the twitch from forming at the corner of his left eye.

"You should have more faith in my father's ability. Shouldn't my presence here, with me talking normally, be evidence of that?" Naruto asked struggling to keep calm.

"This is not a question of faith Naruto which was why it was decided I am to be the one doing the questioning as you can see from the difference in character between Koharu and myself," Homura replied his voice tightening up.

"Naruto answer the question as it is," Koharu added in a soothing tone.

"No we are not. We wouldn't be in danger even if she could," Naruto replied indignantly.

"You sound like you are defending her," Homura said darkly. Naruto stared intensely into the old geezer's eyes.

"I am," Naruto replied with strength in his words. Both the Elders were taken aback.

"And just what is the meaning of that?" Homura asked.

"It means I am defending her. Which part of I am do you not understand Mitokado-sama?" Naruto asked defiantly. Homura's face darkened at that. Koharu interjected again to cut the escalating tension.

"What do you mean by saying we wouldn't be in danger even if she could escape?" she asked. Homura once again passed her an angry look. She threw a quick look of annoyance in return before returning her attention to Naruto with a look for him to answer her question.

"She wouldn't do any harm to my home. Not unless I will it," Naruto answered simply.

"A child definitely couldn't stop her sixteen years back. What difference would that make now if she were to escape?" Homura asked heatedly. Naruto was now an open book of anger.

"The difference is the sixteen years being sealed inside of me. You old geezers are being hypocritical you want me to answer the question as it is and I answered two questions in that manner and now you refuse to take the answers as it is," Naruto replied in controlled anger at Homura. Tsunade couldn't help but smirk at his answer.

"I cannot justify what she did sixteen years ago but what is in the past should and will remain in the past. You holding on to the notion that after sixteen years of confinement exposed to a human's perspective might not change things will only make the incident sixteen years ago a self-fulfilling prophecy in time to come. That will happen by you treating the only person holding it in its current state in this manner whether she escapes or not," Naruto continued before pausing again but this time with a sizing look on his face.

"Why do think Jinchuurikis were considered unstable? It is because you made us so. It is because of the people who reacted out of fear that made us so. As I told Ba-chan when I returned; How many times have I toed the line? Even now you still wish to test me with your bigotry? I can show you right now what would be the result of that with the very gift the village's best gave me! By surviving up to today with the ill treatment I have received to this point, I will show you that I have earned the right to the power that I can wield with no one here to be able stop my will!" Naruto exclaimed with a feral snarl killing intent spiking strongly. Homura shrunk back in shock at the outburst.

"That is enough Naruto," Tsunade said with force but also sadness ringing loudly from hearing his words once again.

"Yes anymore you possibly might give my partner a heart attack," Koharu said with a chuckle though nobody doubted she was joking.

"I apologize for letting my anger get the better of me Tsunade-bachan Utatane-obasan," Naruto breathed out heavily composing himself.

"We will continue with me asking the questions if that is alright with you young man?" Koharu asked waving off the apology.

"That will be fine," Naruto agreed.

"Good then. Homura could use the break to collect himself after such an attack," Koharu added chuckling again. Naruto looked at her indignantly.

"I know. I know," Koharu waved off his defense.

"You said that the sixteen years being contained in you made a difference. Would you care to elaborate on that? Even with what Tsunade has told us I am quite unsure how that works," Koharu asked looking to understand the situation.

"You could say she learnt how to be human or adopted such a concept seeing me go through my life and the people around me," Naruto replied.

"Ah I was told as much. Does this mean you can control her?" Koharu asked cautiously not wanting to set him off again. Naruto's face fell and he sweatdropped. Koharu blinked at the reaction in confusion.

"Kyuubi is laughing really hard at that question," Naruto explained flatly showing his displeasure at Kyuubi's reaction.

"You bet I am!" Kyuubi hollered.

"Okay…" Koharu was rendered quite speechless not really knowing how to proceed with that.

"No one can control a bijuu. She is merely confined in me," he answered straightforwardly.

"Then how does that work? It has been said the bijuu will ravage its host if not controlled," Koharu asked again frowning in confusion.

"Obasan you are not getting it. Those are misconceptions. I already said no one can control them. I worked hard at being able to control the chakra but herself? That's impossible and she's the most powerful out of the nine. That's just to say the least. The reason why few jinchuuriki have reached the stage I have with their bijuu is because they kept thinking that they had to control it when you cant or they succumb to their bijuu's will which doesn't work either way."

"Then what worked?" Koharu asked curiously.

"It took me the time when I was away from the pressures of the village to realize this but we had to coexist without either one dominating the other," Naruto continued to explain.

"Though me being just as stubborn as she is had something to do with me surviving up to this point without succumbing," Naruto added sheepishly. Koharu blinked again. This was starting to be quite a revelation to the adults.

"With both of us being stubborn no one could overcome the other and we fought through our differences to settle on terms of coexistence that we both could agree upon," Naruto elaborated.

"I see. I didn't think it would be in that manner," Koharu said nodding in understanding now.

"Well nobody bothered. Jinchuurikis has always been weapons to begin with. With weapons it was always how well one could utilize or control it. I was lucky to be one out of a last resort to saving the village than created to enhance it. I know that made all the difference because there were a few who could see past the fear to get what my father did," Naruto said solemnly to start with but brightening up at the end.

"What does this mean though comparing yourself to other jinchuurikis?" Koharu asked.

"In terms of ability?" Naruto threw back to gain clarity in the questioning.

"Yes."

"Because we operate from a common understanding we devised a way to negate the demonic properties. That leaves me with the access to gradually grow my usage with the vast quantity of the special chakra in the same manner how people normally increase their chakra capacity over time. Only mine is a tad more extreme. Opposing that to a jinchuuriki who is constantly battling with their bijuu over control with the high possibility off self destructing in the process puts me in a clear advantage especially since my bijuu is the strongest," Naruto stated confidently.

"I see. What would you say your level of power would be at right now?" Koharu asked cautiously again. This immediately had an effect on Naruto. He had a guarded look on his face. He answered nonetheless.

"Even though my anger was running I wasn't kidding when I said no one here could stop my will if it is to destroy someone or something. Though it would be more correct if I said no one person could. I almost killed Ero-sennin once," Naruto added the last sentence in softly with much vulnerability in his voice.

"Ero-sennin?"

"That would be Jiraya Utatane-sama," Tsunade explained blandly at having to indirect point out her teammate's favourite vice.

"Ah I see. That must have affected you quite drastically," Koharu mentioned symphathetically.

"Yes it did. It helped that he didn't hold it against me even bashing my head in a few times for me to get it. Though still feel guilty at times," Naruto said sullenly.

No one else could further address the issue because it was interrupted with the office doors opening without a knock. Turning around Naruto's eyes widened at the person who admitted himself into the room.

"Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto exclaimed. The silver haired jounin went into his usual closed eyed smile.

"Yo."

"Does this occur often with your subordinates Tsunade? Barging in without knocking."

Surprisingly the question came from Homura rather Koharu. Even more surprising it came out rather even without any form of malice.

"Oh I see you have collected yourself Homura," Koharu said cheerfully.

"I already did awhile back. I just listened in to reevaluate my perspective on certain things," Homura replied glancing at Naruto.

"No it does not occur often with my subordinates. Just these two," Tsunade said giving as flat stare to the culprits causing them to identically smile sheepishly.

"Shouldn't you be at the hospital Kakashi?" Tsunade asked.

"Well I came here to talk about that. It was getting rather boring especially without my books," Kakashi replied with a grin. Tsunade's eyebrow twitched but before she could express that further Homura spoke up again.

"That can come later. It's good that you are here Kakashi we can wrap up a standing issue since all parties involved are here with the exception of those carrying out the procedure. Those two do not have any objections do they Tsunade?" Homura threw her a glance.

"Jiraiya and Shizune? No they don't. Does this mean you have reconsidered what I have suggested?" Tsunade asked hopefully.

"Yes. Since I was the only one disagreeing now the decision would be unanimous. It can go through as you wish Tsunade," Homura said with closed eyes. Even though that was what she wanted Tsunade didn't feel all too happy.

"Well that still leaves us with one problem," Tsunade said sadly casting a sidelong glance at Naruto.

"Would it be correct to assume the boy refuses to take it up?" Koharu asked.

"Hey! Don't go talking over my head! I know you are talking about me. Just what is this about?" Naruto asked suspiciously.

"The eyes Naruto. Sasuke's eyes," Kakashi said as he walked up next to his former student placing a hand on his shoulder. Naruto's eyes widened as he looked up at his former sensei. Immediately his expression went guarded and stubborn as he turned to face Tsunade and the Elders again.

"I thought I already said no," Naruto said flatly.

"As stubborn as I was, up until your outburst , I did listen to your point of view in the end. How about you listen to ours now Naruto?" Homura asked civilly striking a chord in Naruto. Naruto nodded grudgingly. He didn't really have a choice other than to look like a hypocrite he accused Homura to be, should he refuse.

"Good. The Council and the Hokage have a job to do Naruto. Just like you have as a shinobi," Homura started off by stating. Naruto just nodded.

"What is the job of a shinobi?" Homura asked with interest.

"To fulfill missions for the village," Naruto replied simply.

"What would the missions consist of?" Homura continued asking.

"Guarding, spying and killing," Naruto answered with a straight face.

"Ah good. I see you have no disillusions about what a shinobi does," Homura said impressed. Koharu had an analytical look on her face, Tsunade frowned slightly and Kakashi raised an eyebrow at his former student.

"It is a fact that that is what we do," Naruto said though now his voice was a little strained. This did not go unnoticed by the people around him.

"Even though you have no disillusions you don't seem to be taking it well," Koharu spoke up.

"Being a shinobi isn't exactly a pretty job," Naruto said the strain getting more obvious with each word.

"What exactly about the job isn't pretty?" Homura asked.

"The killing," Naruto answered simply and softly.

"Naruto have you…." Tsunade trailed off not being able to ask her surrogate brother the question hanging in the air.

"Yes," Naruto answered with his head bowed. Kakashi squeezed his shoulder in a supportive manner knowing how a person can react to killing.

"Where is this line of questioning going?" Naruto suddenly asked lifting his head up.

"it is going to give you clarity on the situation at hand for you to make an important decision. Not as a person but as a shinobi of Konoha," Homura said.

"Then what has this got to do with me accepting Sasuke's eyes?" Naruto asked frowning slightly.

"What is the job of a Hokage Naruto?" Homura asked instead of answering his question. Naruto glanced at Tsunade. She didn't say anything but was staring at him with a look tinged with sadness and regret. Naruto didn't understand.

"To protect the village," Naruto replied though confusion was still there.

"By what means?"

"Any means necessary," Naruto answered now already starting to frown. Frustration was starting to set in but he held it back.

"What would it take to fulfill that?"

Naruto kept quiet to think for a moment.

"You have to be strong," Naruto answered with certainty.

"In what manner?"

"Every possible way. You would have to be strong in body, capability, heart and mind," Naruto replied.

"As compared to whom?"

"To anyone else in the village in order for him to be able to lead them to protect the village," Naruto said with conviction.

"Half correct," Homura said.

"Huh?" Naruto blurted out.

"Are we protecting the village from its own people?" Homura asked intently. Naruto frowned at the question.

"Unless there is internal strife for the most part no," Naruto answered.

"I see you can think for wider possibilities even unsavory ones like betrayal which is good. Correct. For the most part we aren't. What are we protecting our village from then?"

"From other villages that would want to exploit us and our land," Naruto replied.

"And that would mean the Hokage would have to be…" Homura trailed off looking at him in question to complete the sentence.

"The strongest person alive," Naruto said with closed eyes. Naruto opened them to stare at Homura with a look that was held with steel. Homura smiled for the first time today.

"What is this dream that you have I hear from people Naruto?" Homura asked with a look of equal standing.

"You know it already. I don't have to say it," Naruto said with strength.

"Say it boy," Homura said with a smirk. Naruto shifted his view to Tsunade whom raised an eyebrow in question. He struck a pointed finger at her.

"I'm going to kick Ba-chan there out of that seat and take over so she can laze around and drink which is what she wants to do all day!" Naruto exclaimed with fire in his eyes. Tsunade's eyebrow twitched violently in irritation.

"Brat. You are going to get it from me later," Tsunade said venomously.

"Gladly!" Naruto said with a grin. Tsunade seeing that look on his face, she felt her irritation drained from her and her heart went out to him. Her face showed the softness that she had for her surrogate brother and how much she loved him for who he is.

"What is the job of the Council Naruto?" Homura began his questioning again. Naruto blinked as he looked at the aged man again not expecting that question.

"Um.. advise the Hokage?" Naruto asked uncertainly. He didn't know much about the council as nothing much was talked about them other than words of respect.

"Just one part of it Naruto," This time Koharu spoke up again. "It is also part of the council's role to choose and groom, if necessary, the next Hokage so that the current Hokage can focus on the village and one day take their place in the council."

"What are you implying?" Naruto asked seriously.

"Are you willing to do what it takes to fulfill your dream and protect the village with the highest capabilities deemed possible to you?" Homura asked. Naruto's eyes widened. He now knew what they were asking of him and what the immediate consequences would be. Closing his eyes he composed himself.

"Yes."

"You already have power beyond measure and you handled it well. Now we demand you take on more. Will you?" This time Koharu asked surprisingly serious. Naruto opened his eyes to see Tsunade had that look of sadness and regret on her face. Naruto now understood that she didn't want him to be under this pressure so fast and he loved her for her overwhelming care and concern for him. There was no way he could refuse now.

"Yes."

"I acknowledge the will that you have Naruto. You truly deserve to carry the swords your father crafted," Koharu said with pride. Homura had the same look even though he was silent. Tsunade's face didn't change and glancing to his side he saw his former sensei smiling confidently at him.

"That concludes our business for today," Homura spoke as he abruptly got up. Koharu followed with a nod. Everyone else kept quiet and still. As Homura walked past Naruto he placed a hand on his shoulder.

"Expect to see us more often from now on boy," Homura said. Naruto blinked. For the first Homura used the word boy as a form of affection however slight. With that the Elders left the room.

AN: um still didnt figure it out oh well too bad then. i felt i could have added more into the conversation but i wanted sharp and impactful rather than it being draggy. Let me know if i achieved that. if i didnt what was missing.oh yeah just remembered something. im considering getting a beta reader because of my limited time cant afford to be anal about editing it. i dont really know how that goes about though. if anyone is interested give me a holler thru PMs.

Till next chapter. Ja