The trip back to Konoha was a quiet one, with Kakashi pondering what to do with his team.
In a way, the trip had been good, as at least one of his charges had grown up.
That, however, was topped by the crazy one and the quiet grumbling one.
Now, some of the Ninja in Konoha had the idea that Sasuke was the crazy one, what with his stated intentions of getting enough power to kill his brother, especially at such a young age. While they didn't mind him working for what he would get, Sasuke really pissed off a lot of the older generation with the idea that he deserved them putting down everything and giving it to him because he was the last of his clan. While he may technically be a genius because of his bloodline, unless he worked at it he was considered to be a lazy ass.
Naruto, who many would consider as a grumbling numskull was another thing all together. His way of surprising people, especially Kakashi, was something to be put down upon, and that was because they considered him to be under trained. His pranks and ability to hide from even ANBU was taken by the population of Konoha to be an anomaly that was created because of the Hokage having a 'hands off' policy regarding any punishment.
Kakashi had reversed this idea in his own head.
Naruto had some tricks, and having had some time, was calming down about it. But the devices, especially one that could burn water were, to be honest, scary.
Sasuke was just power hungry in comparison.
But what really made Kakashi want to rush back to Konoha was Naruto's statement, "You know, there are some kids I'm teaching, and you'd fit right in. I'll introduce you and teach you some of my more infamous jutsu's with them."
There was a meeting taking place in the Hokage's office, consisting of the Sandaime, Homura, Koharu, and Hiashi. They were a bit worried about the future, and what could be done, as well as the reputation that Naruto had unknowingly accomplished. It wasn't that they wished the boy any harm, it was more because he was supposed to be a hidden ace.
"So," the Third said as he pulled on his pipe, "Naruto was able to convince a missing nin and his apprentice to join our ranks. That should be a good thing."
"Unfortunately, it seems Sasuke is not living up to expectations, and if Naruto gains more of a reputation, he may become a target." Homura stated.
"That is a concern," Hiashi said calmly, "But in a way it is good that he is gaining a reputation fast. It would put him in a position where Danzo would be unable to contest his rise."
Homura frowned. Although they hadn't been able to prove it, Danzo was considered the prime suspect for the elimination of the Uchia clan. A lot of support that the clan had went over to Danzo after the incident, and they had to be careful in how to handle the one eyed coot. "The problem is if Naruto becomes too famous, too fast, then Danzo will be looking at ways to ensure that he isn't a factor. Something that we don't need."
"I'm more interested in the report that the boy has discovered a way to burn water. Can you imagine the number of strategies that could be applied if this is true?" Koharu responded.
Hiashi looked at the Hokage, "Did you teach him that technique?"
The third chuckled, "No, but it may be something he created. Naruto has been building a few thing lately since he hasn't been able to gain fine control of his Chakra as of yet."
"But the lessons I've been giving him.."
"Do not add up to the fact that Naruto still can't form a simple clone. He simply wastes too much chakra to the environment because of the amount he has, so fine control is out. Since normal techniques are out, and his ability to generate chakra seems to be growing by the day, another form of chakra control will need to be devised." Sarutobi sighed.
"Getting back on topic," Homura stated strongly, "The idea was to get Sasuke to calm down and see what is with the real world while Naruto hung in the background. That this Gato fouled things up so much that a C rank became an A rank is tasking. We may now have two genin too worried to be able to assign any tasks other than a D rank for a while, and Naruto's abilities may be bandied about before we're ready. The population may take it as though it is the Kyubi that is the cause of both situations."
Sarutobi nodded, "All we can do for now is wait and see. I will have them all meet with a mind healer as soon as they get back and we will go through the report.
Team 7's arrival back in Konoha was quiet, although Sakura and Sasuke learned the hard way what writing mission reports was all about. Of course, the debriefing session that occurred may have had something to do with that as the person doing so kept going back over the details of the two short fights. Having to rewrite the reports several times because of forgotten details made the two of them swear to start keeping a scroll on them to write on as soon as they were in safe areas.
Tsuname and Inari were welcomed and had quickly been assigned an apartment as well as appointments made so that the young boy could be tested, both to see where he was and what he had to learn and be tutored in. He had also been assigned to a councilor in order for him to discuss the happenings in his life the past little while. While the boy would get enough training to survive with, as all Konoha's citizens did, his going on to a mission team in future depended on a clean bill of mental health.
Naruto, as soon as he got into his office, groaned. There on top of his desk was a set of paperwork that had piled up while he was away. Damn it! Why did the old man have to do this to him?
Making sure to jam the door, Naruto formed several shadow clones to do the paperwork while he started a new project. His hidden draft table came free from the wall, and he pulled some papers from out from his bookshelf. The futon powered system worked well, but he needed the projectiles to fly faster.
That book on magnetism had given him a few ideas, now to put them down on paper so that he could create his new firing mechanism.