With Team Kurenai's Genin: In the Forest
The three Genin were taking some time off from training and relaxing together. Kiba and Akamaru were jumping from the tree to tree with the dog marking them as they jumped, Shino was collecting bugs, and Hinata was enjoying the forest.
Shino was about to collect a bug until Akamaru's pee caused it to fly away.
Shino looked up. "Is that any way to walk a dog? No, I think not. I can't gather specimens this way."
Hinata walked over to Shino while also watching Akamaru and Kiba. "Wow, you three have something that your so good and passionate about."
"Do not count yourself out Hinata. You have improved a great deal. I know that you'll only grow stronger and prove yourself as a true ninja to those elders." Shino stated.
The Academy
The students had been eating lunch, but now they crowded around Konohamaru and Udon. Konohamaru had his practice staff out while Udon had his practice sword out.
"Alright Udon, let's find out who's Kenjutsu is superior, and just so you know, I won't be going easy on you." Konohamaru stated with a smile.
Udon, smiling as well, said, "You say that everyday Konohamaru, yet I stand by my statement that swords are the best weapons."
Konohamaru said, "No, staffs are better."
The two immediately charged at each other. Konohamaru swung his staff only for Udon to block it with his sword. Udon then lept to the side and move in to strike at Konohamaru.
Both boys had fan girls of their own, though Konohamaru managed to have a larger following. The two groups were arguing witch of them was the best.
Udon moved to strike at Konohamaru while Konohamaru moved his staff to strike Udon. Just as they were about to clash, Iruka appeared stopping both weapon. This was exactly how their fight ended everyday.
"I"VE TOLD YOU BOTH A MILLION TIMES TO STOP THESE FIGHTS DURING YOUR LUNCH HOUR!" Iruka angrily yelled.
Everyone scattered except for Udon and Konohamaru who were now being dragged away by Iruka. Both students were crying fake tears.
Hokage Tower
The whole group, consisting of Naruto, Daichi, Tonton, Tsunade, Shizune, and Jiraiya entered the tower.
"What are we doing here? Sasuke and Kakashi Sensei need help." Naruto worriedly stated.
Jiraiya said, "That's the next stop Naruto, but we have see the old man first."
Naruto grumbled to himself, but it was clear that he was just worried about his other teammates.
Jiraiya knocked on the Third's door.
It took a moment before he said, "Come in."
The whole group entered the room to find it already packed with all the proctors from the Chunin Exam and Shikamaru. It was quite a surprise for many people inside the room to see Tsunade.
"What's going on?" Naruto questioned.
The Third ignored his question for the moment to address Tsunade. "Tsunade, it is good to see you again."
"It's good to see you to Sensei." Tsunade replied with a slight smile.
"Unfortunately, we are in the middle of something important. Would you mind attending to the injured in the hospital? That should give us enough time to finish up here" The Third asked.
"Alright, come one Granny Tsunade! Sasuke and Kakashi Sensei need your help!" Naruto exclaimed.
"Yeah, Yeah, I'm coming brat." Tsunade stated.
"Hold on, I would also like Daichi to remain here as this concerns him as well." The Third stated.
"Right." Daichi addressed Naruto. "Tell Kakashi Sensei and Sasuke that I'll be over to visit them shortly."
"You got it." Naruto nodded before running out of the office.
The rest of the group filed out of the room behind him. Daichi stepped up to stand beside Shikamaru. They now both stood before the Hokage
"So what's this all about Third Hokage?" Shikamaru, bored, asked.
The Hokage smiled. "I must say that it's a welcome surprise that you're here now, Daichi. It is customary for those who have attained the rank of Chunin to accept their jackets at the same time."
Shikamaru sighed, "What a drag."
Daichi was both surprised and smiling. "I passed the Chunin Exams. Yes, I'm one step close to achieving my dream!"
"Your battle was well fought. Shikamaru, you had the clear advantage in brain power and didn't let the rain Daichi produced detour you from continuing the fight. Daichi, you have a strategic mind, that while not on par with Shikamaru, is still Chunin level. Not to mention that you made up for your difference in brain power with above Genin leveled skills."
Izumo and Kotetsu presented the two of them with their own Chunin jackets that they both immediately put on.
"From this day onward, I hope you'll both strive for a level of excellency worthy of that head band. Congratulations, for you are now Chunin of The Village Hidden in the Leaves." The Third said with a large smile.
Outside the Hokage's Office
"I can't believe I'm finally a Chunin. I honestly though no one was going to get promoted after the exams were interrupted." Daichi stated while smiling.
Shikamaru just sighed. "I suppose I should go and tell my team."
Daichi had gotten so caught up in his promotion that he'd momentarily forgotten that he had to go and see his teammate and Sensei.
"I have to go Shikamaru!" Daichi ran past the Chunin. "We'll have to set up a time to have another fight!"
"How about Shogi?" Shikamaru asked.
"Why not, but I still want a fight you again!" Daichi shouted back.
With that, he was gone, and Shikamaru walked out of the tower with a slight smile on his face
Sasuke's Room, A Few Minutes Earlier
Tsunade walked into the room. "May I come in?"
Sakura, who was sitting by Sasuke's side, stood up. "W-Who are you?"
Naruto ran into the room. "Sakura! Sakura!"
He didn't get to say much more before Sakura was punched him in the face which sent him flying.
Sakura was clearly mad. "Naruto! You idiot! You and Daichi left without telling me where you were going! I had to find out from Guy Sensei!"
"I'm sorry." Naruto offered.
Tsunade smiled, "This girl has promise. I think I may have to take her on as a student.."
"She's like Tsunade." Shizune thought.
Sakura suddenly remembered something Guy told here and turned towards Tsunade. "That must mean you're Lady Tsunade." Sakura bowed. "Please save Sasuke and Kakashi Sensei."
Naruto stood up a little dazed.
Tsunade smiled at Sakura. "Well, I'll see what I can do."
Just then, Daichi ran into the room colliding with Naruto and causing the two of them to hit the wall.
"Why I am getting hurt so much today." Naruto complained.
Daichi hopped to his feet and picked his best friend up. "Sorry about that buddy. I rushed over here as fast as I…"
Daichi blocked the punch Sakura sent at him. It was clear that she was angry once more
"I do not appreciate it when my teammates suddenly disappear on…" She suddenly stopped when she noticed what Daichi was wearing. Naruto suddenly realized it as well.
This caused the two of them to shout, "You're a Chunin now!"
"I'll tell you about it once Sasuke and Kakashi Sensei are better." Daichi replied.
The three Genin turned to look at Tsunade who laid her hand on Sasuke's head. Her hand glowed green with Chakra, and a few moments later, Sasuke's eyes slowly opened. This caused his teammates to smile.
"Sasuke." Naruto said
Sakura said, "You're up."
"It's good too see that you're awake." Daichi stated.
Sasuke sat up and Sakura gave him a hug.
"I'm so glad you're okay Sasuke." Sakura said.
Naruto was a little down at this sigh, so he put his arm around his friend to comfort him. Naruto faced his friend who gave him a smile and Naruto returned it. The two of them then walked to the door of the room.
Naruto said, "Come on, you're not done."
Kakashi's Room
Kakashi had just been awoken and Tsunade was scolding him. "Disgraceful, to be taken out of the game by two low life punks. I thought you were supposed to be the best."
"Sorry… to disappoint you." Kakashi said sounding weak.
"I don't think that's a fair assessment of them Lady Tsunade. Those two are S rank criminals. Not to mention the fact that one of them is and Uchiha and the other is an ex-Seven Swordsman of the Mist." Daichi commented.
"Yeah, those two were crazy strong." Naruto added.
"You two may be right." Tsunade conceded. "Anyways, you two should leave your teammates to rest. They'll be fine."
"Yeah, let's go Naruto. I think it's time we celebrate a mission well done." Daichi said.
"Alright." Naruto nodded.
Streets of Konoha
Naruto happily stated. "Let's head to Ichiraku's."
Before they could move any further, a Hyuga member appeared before them.
"Daichi Ryu, the elders wish to discuss matter with you once again." The Hyuga stated.
Daichi honestly thought he'd at least have a little more time before he had to meet with the Hyuga elders again, but it appears luck wasn't on Daichi's side today. At least he had a plan to finally get them off his back.
"I have to get something from my house. In the mean time, could you go on ahead and gather Hinata, Neji, and Hiashi for a meeting? I have an urgent matter that I must discuss with them before meeting with the elders." Daichi asked.
The Hyuga said, "As you wish."
The Hyuga left to fulfill Daichi's request.
"Does this have to do with the elders wanting you to marry into the clan?" Naruto asked.
"Yeah, it does. Don't worry, I'll handle it myself. You just go on ahead and order whatever you want and put it on my tab." Daichi sighed.
"Good luck Daichi." Naruto said before taking off.
"Thanks." Daichi said before running to his house.
Hiashi's Study, Some Time Later…
Daichi entered the study and at first he noticed all the books along the walls, and a desk with a chair on both sides. Then he noticed the three Hyuga, that he wanted to see, sitting on one of two couches. Daichi immediately took a seat on the couch across from them.
Hinata immediately said, "I'm sorry the Hyuga elders have brought you here once again Daichi."
"It's quiet alright. Honestly, I knew this was going to happen again." Daichi stated.
Neji asked, "Now that that's out of the way, would you mind telling us why you needed to speak with us in private?"
Daichi took a scroll out of his pocket. "This scroll contains the issuing of a Dual."
"What exactly is a Dual?" Neji asked.
It was Hiashi who answered, "Daichi's grandfather was originally a Samurai, so he formed his clan based on a lot of the ideas and principles of being a Samurai. One such custom they have is known as a Dual. It's where one person can challenge another or even a council to a fight.
Both sides must agree to the terms and sign a scroll that declares the Dual. The scroll itself contains the time the dual is to take place and what both sides wager. It's also worth noting that should a side back out of this agreement, the Hokage will step in and enforce it."
"You are correct Hiashi. Basically, with your permissions, I'm going to challenge the Hyuga Council. If I win, they must disband the council, the head of the clan gets full power, but he must also pick advisers to help guide the clan into a better future, and the Caged Bird Seal must be removed from the Side Branch Members." Daichi stated.
"What happens if you lose?" Hinata asked.
"Then the council gets what they've always wanted. I marry a Hyuga and give them every jutsu, that have no restrictions in sharing, to the the clan." Daichi stated.
"You're father was willing to do the exact same thing, but I talked him out it. To this day, I'm not sure if I was right in doing that. This would be a huge step in uniting our clan." Hiashi nodded his head. "You have my support."
"Thank you Hiashi." Daichi then looked to the younger Hyuga's. What about you two?"
"Lady Hinata's dream is to reunite the clan, but things have not been moving for awhile now. I agree with Lord Hiashi." Neji stated.
Daichi smiled. "Thank you Neji." He then turned to the last Hyuga. "Hinata?"
"I don't know Daichi. I know you're strong, but there's always that chance you'll lose. I don't want you to regret doing this Daichi." Hinata worriedly stated..
Daichi smiled again, "First, this Dual won't take effect until the day I become a Jonin, so their plenty of time for me to get stronger. Secondly, The only way I could ever regret taking this action is if you said no and I went behind your back to do it.
You, Hiashi, and even Neji are my friends. Win or lose this dual, I'll be happy knowing that I did everything I could to help my friends and Konoha because having a untied Hyuga clan can only make us stronger."
Hinata smiled. "Then I'm in favor of your plan Daichi."
"Then I think it's time I had my meeting with the elders." Daichi stated while walking out of the study.
Hiashi and his family followed after him.
Dining Room, Some Time Later…
Daichi took a seat at the table. Conversation turned to him quiet a bit, but he never let the elders broach the subject of his future wife. Daichi only had one reason for not bringing up let. He was hungry.
Once he finished eating, he brought out the scroll and explained how they could possibly get what they always wanted from his family. Soon enough he got to a few extra parts he hadn't disclosed in his meeting with Hiashi, Hinata, and Neji.
"My opponent can not be Hiashi, Hinata, Hanabi, or Neji Hyuga. Should I lose, I get to pick my wife not the other way around." Daichi firmly stated.
That very last part was mainly in place so they could force Hinata or Hanabi to be with him.
The elders discussed Daichi's Dual for a few minuted before coming to a consensus.
The old woman, who spoke before, said, "We accept your Dual."
Daichi brought brought out a copy of the scroll he'd made and then had every elder and Hiashi sign both copies before he himself sighed them as well.
"I'll be taking my leave now." Daichi stated while getting up and leaving the dinning room.
(A/N: The Dual will not happen until part 2)
Hokage Tower: Hokage's Office
Tsunade sat behind the desk and Sarutobi, no longer in his Hokage's clothes, stood before her.
"I suppose I've give you all the useful advice that I can, As of now, you are acting Hokage. It will take a few days before you're the official Hokage, but you have nothing to worry about in regard to it becoming official." Sarutobi stated.
Tsunade replied, "I hope you'll agree to have a drink with me from time to time Sensei. I would like to be able to consult with you as well if any major problem arise."
"Getting together and having a drink would be lovely though keep in mind that I can't drink to much or I'll be rubbish when it comes to training my grandson." Sarutobi stated with a smile.
He then left the office and Tsunade turned to look out the window and at the Hokage Monument. "Life sure has a funny way of working out, doesn't grandfather?"