A/N: I hope all of you are safe and are following the safety precautions. I certainly thought that this chapter would take a while, but things sort of kept coming out. So, here it is. Yet, another chapter.

I did note that many of you were keen on Hato's interactions with Mei. I haven't decided on any pairing as of now, but I will keep the option open. It sure looks like it has potential.

Hopefully, this chapter gives you all a deeper understanding of Hatorama as a character. Some might resent him for it, some might understand where he is coming from, but regardless that's how Hato's mind works and his decisions will be based on that.


Chapter 29 – Blast From The Past


"So, where are we in the timeline?" Kenpachi asked sipping his drink.

Kenpachi was in his seventies. He resided in a village that is a couple of hours away from Konoha. It was neither too near to any borders nor too near to Konoha. When questioned, he admitted he shifted to this village pretty much for that reason. He didn't want to be too near to Konoha because he preferred to stay away from the veritable shit storm of canon events that he knew would happen. Likewise, he preferred to be in Fire Country as Konoha is comparatively better than other villages. So, he found an ideal place and set up shop.

The moment we both understood the similarity between us, he walked out and closed his shop. If he was bothered by the customers he had to send away, he didn't show it at all. Once done, he had brought out his best sake and we both occupied a table as we began talking. Well, it was more like me venting to him. Gotta say the man was a good listener.

"If you didn't notice," I raised my eyebrows to express my skepticism, "there was a fucking war going on."

"I did notice," he said amicably, "but what I wanted to ask was in which stage it is actually in."

"Third Shinobi War will end in two weeks. The official declaration should be out by then," I answered taking a sip myself.

"Ah, I did hear some rumors. You know, it is hard to come by these kinds of information as a civilian. And these rumors were running around for over two months now. Not sure what to believe," he said nodding his head.

"I understand."

"So, Minato has been made Yondaime yet?"

"He will be, by the end of this week. The election is coming up. I need to be there by day after tomorrow for that," I said.

"That would mean, Kyubi attack next," he said somberly.

"I wish," I snorted causing him to look up, "the canon is dead now."

"What do you mean?"

"I returned yesterday from Kiri border to find Obito standing in the village. Neither he or Rin is dead. Oh, and also, Kakashi doesn't have the Sharingan."

"What!?"

"Tell me, I think you are the only one who understands what is running through my mind now," I grumbled taking another sip of the drink.

"Kakashi without Sharingan, hard to imagine."

We stayed in silence for a long time.

"So," he began after a while, "what do you think happened?"

"Don't know," I grumbled. "And that's bothering me more than I want to admit."

"You mean, you didn't change anything."

"I tried to stay away from canon as much as possible. But, it is hard considering how I am related to two previous Hokages. I am also the ward of current Hokage and Danzo is my mentor. Kushina is my fuinjutsu teacher to boot."

"Oh, my, that's a lot of connections to canon for someone who wanted to stay away. You should have taken my route. Find a nearby village, open a bar and settle down. It is better to stay as a civilian than to be included in all the clusterfuck."

"Didn't have the option. Remember my last name, Senju! Not many options. To boot it I am the grandson of Tobirama,"

"Tobirama actually married?"

"Hard to believe, right? But, I am the living proof of it."

"So, what's this about being mentored by Danzo. You didn't get into Root, did you? I thought you would have been safe, considering…."

"Nah, the bastard thinks I am like Tobirama, his sensei. So, he has taken a special interest in my education,"

"My, my," he chuckled, "that's hilarious."

"More like bloody irritating. He taught etiquette when I was fucking two," I grumbled.

"So, you didn't change anything?"

"I tried not to," I said grimacing. "Frankly, I was scared of changing it and letting go of the advantage of knowing what the future holds. Thought would play god after ensuring that I survived this war. But, by now, everything is changed. I mean, I could deal with all the other things. But, Obito standing in front of me hale and healthy is one hell of a sucker punch."

Kenpachi laughed out aloud making me smile.

"So, what's your relationship with Kushina?"

"She is like my adoptive sister. Ever since I let her know that I know of her furry little problem and didn't mind, she had become very close to me."

"Even then, you didn't try to change anything?"

I looked away from him not wanting to admit that I didn't think about it. After a while, I looked back to see him staring at me. He was not judgmental like I had expected. He was only curious.

"You know, it never crossed my mind," I said taking a long sip and draining the cup, "When I was young, I used to spend a lot of time with her. But, never once I thought about changing anything. I think, at first it was denial on my part. I didn't expect to get so close to her or get attached. Then, I tried to deny that I was attached to her. But, somewhere along the line, I began to think that I had time till the end of the war came to do something about it. I admit, I wasn't what you would call an upstanding citizen, even in the Before."

Kenpachi merely waited without urging me further. I was grateful for that.

"Then, the war came. I graduated knowing that I will be sent to the frontline sooner or later. All because I was a fucking Senju. You know, it kind of twists your priorities. Then, it was all about surviving till then. I admit, I was selfish. I mean, I didn't want to change something if I wasn't going to live long enough to enjoy the benefits of doing so."

I looked down not able to meet his eyes, afraid about what emotions there would be.

"Then I was sent to the frontlines. When you are there, your whole world changes. The days sort of blur together and all you can think about is training. Because, one misstep will lead you to your death. You don't have time to think of others, it became all about surviving each day."

"Then, when the news came about Kanabi Bridge mission, it really took me by surprise. War was almost over, and canon was beginning. According to me, everything began with Kanabi Bridge, so I had put things off until then. But, suddenly it was there and I know it will lead to Kushina's death. And the worst part was I was in Kiri border. I couldn't do anything about it."

Kenpachi patted my hands which were shaking on the table.

"When I returned from the frontlines, I was thinking about how to prevent the Kyubi attack. But, then life has to throw another curveball. I mean, Obito was fucking standing there. All was fine with him. Even Team Minato. They were all whole and some part of me couldn't accept that at all."

"It has been a whirlwind of emotions, I tell you," I said at last meeting his eyes.

Kenpachi nodded in understanding.

"So, what are you going to do now?" he asked calmly.

"No idea, I mean the immediate concern is the Hokage election. But, even that is giving me a headache. I can't vote for Orochimaru, because it will give be like giving food for conspiracy theorists. If I vote for Minato, it would mean that I am judging Hiruzen for his peace-making actions. At this rate, all I could do is to follow Danzo's advice and abstain from casting my vote."

"Don't give up easily, try to find any loopholes. I am sure you will do fine."

"Thanks, but I very much doubt it. If Danzo can't find loopholes, I not sure I can."

"True, true," Kenpachi laughed. "He is one sneaky bastard isn't he?"

"You are telling me," I snorted. "He is throwing Orochimaru to the wolves to stay on the good side of the majority of the shinobi and civilians. I don't want to do something like that. I mean, Orochimaru for all his faults has been good to me. In this situation, all I could do was warning him that a web is being spun around him."

"You warned Orochimaru?" he asked raising his eyebrows.

"Hey, don't judge me. I don't know if anything is real anymore. I mean, Obito should have been crushed under the cave in. But, no such thing happened. What if this was not the same world we read about? I mean, it wouldn't do any harm to let him know. Who knows, he might even turn out to be a good guy?"

"As if," Kenpachi snorted and I merely raised my arms in defense. "For fuck's sake, he experimented on children."

"That is what we saw," I countered. "But, now that canon is dead what proof do we have to say that everything is going to be the same."

"You make a valid point," he nodded, "but, almost all the characters are the same. And there are three shinobi wars. And Kanabi Bridge was indeed the turning point."

"I agree," I nodded. "But, to be frank, I am tired of being afraid of canon. I want to do things on my own terms now. You know, I even let off Zabuza after the fucker hunted me down to kill me. All because, I was afraid of disturbing canon."

"But now since canon is already dead, you don't want to think about it anymore."

"Yup,"

"That's a dangerous thought you are having. What if you did something irrevocably bad and it changed the ending? I mean, in the end, things did end well."

I stayed silent for a while thinking.

"I think I am gonna stay with my decision. I am tired of tiptoeing around things."

"Well, then alright," he said shrugging his shoulders.

"What? That's it. You are not going to talk till I change my mind?"

"Hey, look at me. I am already crossing the seventies. I don't even know if I will be alive during the next war. So, it hardly matters to me. Even then, I mean, I was here before you. But, I chose to stay away from all the shit to lead a peaceful life. If I find fault with your decision, then I would be a hypocrite. Do whatever you want, if things turn bad, make sure you try to right them as much as possible."

"You know, that's a healthy way of living your life," I said smiling.

"You learn to see things differently after living a long life. I am crossing seventies here, I lived for about eighty years before. So, after living over a century and a half, your outlook on life changes."

I merely nodded taking in his pearls of wisdom.

"Enough, depressing stuff, tell me something interesting," he said leaning in eagerly forward.

I smirked and pulled out three bingo books and passed them to him. Kenpachi looked at me in confusion before leafing through one of them. In the end, as expected, he found my name.

"Red Eyed Devil of Konoha," he asked skeptically.

"Tell me," I snorted, "the Kiri bastards are terrible in naming."

"And Kill on Sight for Jounin, with Flee on Sight for chunin and below," he looked bemused.

"Well, this one is outdated. I am not sure what they have for me now. After that She-Devil came to the battlefield, I have been forced to fend her off every time a battle starts," I muttered a little irritated thinking about her.

"She-Devil? Who's that?"

"The fucking Godaimae Mizukage," I spat.

"That would be…." he searched his memory for a while before finding it, "Mei, right?"

"Yeah," I nodded glumly.

"My my, she did have a terrific figure," he smirked wagging his eyebrows suggestively.

"She is in her late teens, and I am in yet to become a teenager. Get your mind of the gutter," I scowled.

"In this life," he said sweetly.

"Please, can we not just talk about her," I moaned.

"Fine, fine, well, I gotta say, it is impressive that you are already a Jounin and on three bingo books before even becoming a teenager. Be careful, or else that zombie might come searching for you,"

"You mean, Kakuzu," I asked knowing I was right.

"The very same one, so try to keep a low profile in the upcoming years," he advised.

"I will try,"

"So, you are Senju, that means you must be related to Tsunade?"

"Yes, cousins,"

"Is she…"

"No, she left. Can't fault her. I mean, I am the living reminder of everything she had lost. And she has to see me be trained to participate in any other war that was going to occur. It is better this way, she wouldn't love someone only to lose them again."

"I agree, it's better to be distant. Poor sod. Anyway, now that the war's over and you know that nothing is going to happen for the next decade or so, are you going to meet her?"

I didn't reply. To be honest, I didn't know what to do. While I loved my cousin unconditionally and beyond all rational reasons, the thought of seeing her wasn't something that I easily entertained. While I had wished that she would visit Konoha to see me and even understood her when she didn't come, her reluctance to see me did hurt a bit.

"Don't know, I guess I will wait for her to come back to the village,"

"That's a long time. You know what issues she has, and I am sure you aren't willing to reach out. But, trust me. It would do you a lot of good to reach out and mend this gap. Who knows, her early return to Konoha might even save a lot of lives. Just, think about it."

I nodded knowing full well thinking about my non-existent relationship with Tsunade was the last thing I wanted to do now. If his skeptical look was any indication, I knew he too knew that.

"Once again, we are back to heavy topics," he sighed, "now, tell me about chakra. Is it as magical as we have read?"

I outright laughed at his statement, "that and more."

When he looked eager, I merely said "Watch."

I pulled on my chakra and suddenly an elementary form of my Whirlpool Cone appeared in my hands. He looked at with fascination and moved his fingers to poke it like a curious child.

"Don't," I said sharply bringing him to a stop. "Jeez, that's a A-rank assassination jutsu I developed. Don't go poking around it. It might shread your fingers off."

"Oh, sorry," he said sheepishly. "You know, ninja never performed them in front of civilians. If they did, it will only Shunshin and stuff. A real jutsu is hard to see."

"I understand your curiosity," I said nodding, "maybe, I should show you something non-lethal."

"No, no, disperse it," he waved his hands and I dispersed the jutsu. "Tell me, how does it feel?"

I sat there contemplating how best to explain it to him. After all, he didn't want to talk about chakra theory or something technical. He was asking about the feeling I had when I used them. That was something I haven't consciously thought about in years. Maybe, I had thought about it when I discovered and unlocked my chakra. But, once I became proficient, it became second nature. Sort of like moving my limbs. So, I hadn't paid any special attention to the feeling of chakra.

"It's like blood. It flows through your body. But, unlike blood, you can actually feel it and manipulate it with your mind. The feeling, however, I think it differs from one person to another. I think it's basically about their chakra nature. Mine is water, hence I feel like they are gentle drizzle or feeling your leg in a stream. I guess fire will be like a warm, cozy fireplace,"

"Then I guess, lightning will be like being high on something?" he smirked.

"We can only guess," I shrugged my shoulders, "I can try to help you but you are way past that age. If you hadn't awoken your chakra by adulthood, then you will never do. I think the last possible stage is puberty. After that, you either have it or not."

"I see," he said nodding. "Anyways, I wouldn't want even if you could. I have lived both my lives as an ordinary man, and I prefer it that way."

"Why be so ordinary when you can be better?"

"Why try to survive when you can play god?" he countered.

"Too much hassle."

We both said at the same time and smiled.

"I mean, chakra is all cool and well. But, once you have it you have to become a shinobi. Even I understand how dangerous it is for the Hidden villages to let a civilian walk around with chakra. Too many chances of something going wrong. And being shinobi is not my cup of tea. I am not sure I can handle all the stress and killing."

I nodded understanding his point of view. A civilian with chakra is a potential threat to any village. They will hunt him down like a rabid dog.

"I don't mean to pry, but, I am curious. How do you handle it? All that killing and stuff. I can't wrap my head around it,"

"Well, I wasn't what you would call a… morally upstanding citizen even in my past life. So, I guess I got used to it. The first few times were hard. But, after that, it became sort of a routine. And when I was sent to the frontlines, it was either kill or be killed. I didn't earn my name in the bingo book for nothing. I have done some pretty dastardly deeds. If it is in our old world, I would be termed as a mass murderer. But here, it is common. It is the shinobi way. To kill for your village and protect it at any cost."

"I never figured you to buy into the propaganda," he said gravely.

"I try to keep an open mind, but it is hard not to. They literally brainwash you from childhood. Even when you know it is happening and what they are doing, you can't help but be affected by it a little." I said grimacing. "And being tutored by Danzo, it will be a miracle if I don't start seeing enemies everywhere," I snorted.

"Ah, still, its kind of hard to believe," he said shuddering.

"It's the life we chose. You have yours, I have mine," I said looking away.

"True, true, to each his own."

Kenpachi nodded sagely pouring another cup of sake for both of us. By now, neither of us was sure what round it was.

"So, I am sure you would have some at least a few fond memories to share," Kenpachi spoke taking a sip from his own cup.

"Well, I don't have many light-hearted memories, I am sure that is what you meant, but I do have some that might make you laugh," I said thinking about Harami's antics.

"Oh, do tell," he asked eagerly.

"You remember Naras right?"

"Ah, those lazy geniuses," he replied nodding.

"I might have encroached on their territory a little during my academy days," I said with fond remembrance.

Seeing his eagerness, I went on to tell how initially the academy had irritated me and in return, how I had irritated my senseis. When I talked about pulling a Kakashi on the homeroom sensei, Kenpachi guffawed understanding the irony. I also told him about how the Naras in my year had been pissed with my tardiness. When I finished recounting my rivalry with Harami, Kenpachi admitted that he was eager to meet with her.

Then, the topic moved on to my graduation and eventually to my team. Kenpachi was really bummed out to hear that I didn't have some awesome sensei like Kakashi in the series. When I explained how things turned out in the end, he seemed sympathetic to my plight.

"And you didn't bother to even think that your sensei didn't like you?" Kenpachi asked after a while.

"To be honest, it never occurred to me. I mean, all the senseis we saw in the series were always supportive of their students and looked out for their development. Even what little I know of other senseis in my life here was the same. In that way, Tsuki was an oddball."

"I mean, I can understand wariness, even dislike. But, I never suspected him of actively sabotaging my training. I have never seen, heard, or remembered any sensei doing that. So, my mind never bothered to even think of such a possibility."

"I mean, rationally, having me strong would only motivate Fujita and Roku to be stronger. It would increase our chances of survival."

"But, people never act rationally," he commented softly.

"Well, shinobis should," I grumbled.

"Then, what about you? You admitted that you have made some emotional decisions that no sane shinobi should do. A rational response is to try to help people with your foreknowledge, but you didn't do that, did you? You let your fear of change take control of you and acted according to that. Provided, nothing bad had happened due to that yet, you can't deny that there was a possibility."

I remained silent digesting his words.

"So," I asked in the end, "what do you want me to do? Forgive that bastard?" I spat trying not to revolt at that idea.

"Heavens! No, I don't think Tsuki earned your forgiveness. I didn't mean it that way either. I merely pointed out how Tsuki's and your actions are both driven by emotional aspects."

I scowled not liking the idea of having any kind of similarity between me and Tsuki.

"Look, take this as an example and learn from it. In the future, try to be more realistic in your actions and not be ruled by your fear. I don't know if this is the same world as Narutoverse. Sure it looks eerily similar, the people are the same, the events and many others too. But, understand this, you are alive. You are a living and breathing person like anyone else in this world. You have your emotions, your goals, and other things. So, stop living like you are in a game and try to be more proactive. After all, like all the others, you too have your right to live your life as you wanted."

I smiled wanly at him, "If only things were that simple," I muttered massaging my brows.

"Nothing worthwhile is simple, my friend," he patted me in consolation.

I nodded sipping my sake, deep in thought.

(*****)

"Oi Senju baka!" Harami strutted into my room lazily like a typical Nara, to find me seriously in work amidst the pile of dangerously stacked papers.

"Even the village is not at war, you seem awfully busy," she tutted making me look up from my work and give her a scowl.

Once I had vented out my frustrations to Kenpachi, we both drank well into the night. We exchanged stories of our lives (current and past) and talked until it was dawn. When the next day broke, I left him to his rest and made my way back to the village reluctantly.

Even though I didn't want to take part in the mess that was waiting for me, I had no other option other than to return. Even Kenpachi seemed stumped at my predicament and had no advice to offer. Even when he couldn't help me out, his sympathy was well-accepted.

However, the moment I entered the village I realized the world hasn't been still since I left the village. Strangely enough, there were countless whispers regarding how there was a conspiracy at a higher level to keep power within a particular circle and not let it go. Mostly it was among civilians who had no idea of what was truly happening and were witless enough to talk about it in hushed whispers amidst passing shinobi – as if that would help.

But, there were a few grumblings among shinobi too. And that was what worried me. There were a lot of veiled attempts at extracting information that were directed towards me, which clued me to realize that there was some concern among shinobi too. By no means were they outright and obvious. But, after dealing with Danzo, these attempts seemed very pitiful.

I carefully sidestepped all the inquiries and made my way home. Since then, I have been cooped up in my room going through all the documents leading up to formation of the village, in regards to the election of a Hokage. What I was diligently searching for was a loophole. Anything Danzo might have missed that could help me.

But, until now there was no luck at all.

"Well, unlike you, I am not that free Harami. I do have to take care of some stuff."

"Ah, fine, be that way. I wanted to ask if you want to go grab some dango with me," she pouted adorably making me grumble.

"I have work Harami. I need to do this, otherwise, I am screwed tomorrow." I said sternly.

She looked startled for a moment before looking at the pile of paperwork encasing me.

"Is it related to tomorrow's election?" she asked curiously.

"Yes," I grumbled not taking my eye off the paper in front of me.

"Why are you breaking your head? It's simple you either vote for Orochimaru san or Minato san," Harami spoke with confusion clear across his face.

"It's not that…."

"Oi Senju Baka! Tell me you are voting for my shishou," Anko rushed into the room demanding an answer.

I merely rose my eyebrow at her demand. Harami looked shocked for a second with Anko's abrupt entry and demand.

"Sssh, Anko! You can't tell him to whom he should vote for," Harami barked at Anko, which Anko promptly ignored in favor of glowering at me.

I eyed both of them and promptly decided that I will not have any peace with both of these banshees in my room. Keeping my paper down, I rose carefully from the mess, taking care not to bump into any of the stacks of paperwork, and walked out of my self-created fortress which seemed ready to fall at any moment.

"Are you?" Anko demanded, daring me to say no.

"Anko," I sighed massaging my brows. "It isn't that simple."

"So, you are not?" Anko's eyes narrowed.

"Anko! You can't force him," Harami swatted Anko's shoulders causing her attention to shift.

Anko growled but looked away from both of us petulantly.

"I haven't decided yet," I said letting out a huge sigh. "This is creating a headache. I honestly prefer being in the frontlines to dealing with this shit."

Neither Harami or Anko spoke. Anko was still sulking angrily. Harami, at last, seemed to get a vague impression of how difficult my job was.

"What's there to decide? Shishou's the best," Anko mumbled at last.

"Sure, to you," Harami muttered causing Anko to turn towards her angrily. "I honestly prefer Minato san. Orochimaru san is scary."

"You are just a scaredy-cat. Shishou is more powerful than Minato san,"

"Power is not the only thing," Harami argued back hotly.

"Shishou is the one handpicked by Hokage sama. Obviously Hokage sama knows best," Anko shouted at Harami.

"That's not true," Harami shouted back, "if Minato san is not good enough why is he a contestant?"

"I don't know. I don't wanna know. Shishou is the best. He should be Hokage," Anko growled closing in on Harami.

"That's not for you to decide," Harami growled back in Anko's face not backing down.

"ENOUGH!"

I shouted causing both of them to jump back. I shot a stern glare at both of them. While they looked like they wanted to argue, they promptly shut their mouth hearing my growl.

"Come, let's go get some dango. And no talk about the election," I ordered sternly making my way past them.

For a second, both seemed to hesitate. But, in the end, they followed me silently. While Anko and Harami had both strong personalities that allowed them to be friends with each other, it was not helping their friendship in this particular situation.

They weren't the only ones. There were countless arguments erupting all over the village regarding this matter currently. Both Orochimaru and Minato were famous in the village, and as expected they both had a lot of supporters.

If anyone thought Orochimaru's name didn't have enough weight in the shinobi circle, they would be foolish to think so. Even without Danzo and Hiruzen's support, Orochimaru had his own group of followers. After all, we shinobi always respected people with power. And Orochimaru had loads of it to spare as one of the Sannin.

But, what worried me currently was the rumors about the conspiracy to keep power in a certain group that was floating around. From how quickly it has been spread and how far it has reached, I was beginning to suspect that there was some organized hand behind it.

And rumors were dangerous. Very, very dangerous in times like this. It was forcing people into a certain perception. In the long run, it might affect the entire power structure of the village. But, strangely enough, neither the Hokage nor the other shinobi have noticed it. All their attention was fixed on the upcoming election.

It scared me to know that someone was doing it purposefully. And if my instincts were right, Danzo isn't behind this. He had no reason to. After all, he has decided to take a step back and remain neutral in this election process. So, it meant that someone, probably high up in the village, who understood the power masses held was behind it. And from the looks of it, they were playing a long game.

(*****)

There it is!

A single ray of hope! My chance to escape this mess!

No wonder, Danzo hadn't found this.

There was a single loophole that I could exploit to stay out of the convoluted mess. The option was available for only a limited number of people. And Danzo wasn't one of them. Even then, I highly doubted Danzo had come across this loophole.

Because, Madara Uchiha – the paranoid bastard, was the one to create this loophole.

And like I said, there were only a select few individuals who can use this. It pertains to the founding of Konoha and one of the initial allowances that were given to the founding clans. This would help me to escape this.

But, before that, I need to ensure that this hadn't been amended or abolished since then.

What followed was a long night of going through various laws and restrictions that were passed in Konoha since the founding. In the end, it took me most of the night to make sure that nothing has been changed.

But, nothing was changed. It looked like it was one of those loopholes that were forgotten over time due to no necessity. And this long-forgotten loophole was the lifeline for me to escape from the fiasco.

But, one question still remained. How to implement that?

As I laid back smiling at my success and thought about the various possibilities through which I could implement this. One particular possibility looked more and more appropriate than all the others. In fact, this might even have some major additional benefits.

With a smile on my face, I drifted off to sleep peacefully knowing that tomorrow I was going to cause a huge ruckus.

(*****)

Danzo would be pissed.

Oh yes, he was going to be so pissed off with me for pulling this stunt. But, I didn't care. I hummed a jaunty tune as I entered the dining room for breakfast. Hiruzen, Orochimaru, Biwako, and Asuma looked confused at my attitude change. I couldn't fault them. I had been moping ever since I returned to find the fiasco waiting for me to get dragged in. But, after last night, I wasn't worried.

"Looks like you are in a good mood, Hato kun," Orochimaru commented mildly as he looked at me with amusement.

"You can say that," I smiled wide making Orochimaru look at me in surprise.

"Anything I should be worried about?" Hiruzen asked me with mild trepidation.

"Probably, but I not telling you," I stuck my tongue out childishly causing Asuma to splutter.

"You aren't planning about running off, are you?" Biwako asked sternly.

"Nah, where's the fun in that?" I asked gifting her with a mischievous wink.

"Sensei, I think we should be worried now," Orochimaru said trying to keep a straight face.

"It would appear so, Oro kun," Hiruzen looked mildly amused. "Anyways, I hope you have made your decision Hatorama. After all, this is an important occasion."

"Don't worry, my decision will surprise you," I smiled knowing it would not only take him off guard but a lot of others too.

After all, no one would expect what I am going to pull.

Hiruzen and Biwako exchanged a worried glance at each other, before letting the matter go. Orochimaru looked more curious than ever.

"Hato kun," Orochimaru spoke after a while when we were almost done with breakfast, "about the last statement you said to me last time we spoke, should I be expecting anything today?"

I chewed my food thinking back to our last conversation, and once I was sure what he was referring to I nodded slowly.

"You can expect some signs," I said cryptically.

"I see," Orochimaru looked thoughtful, "thank you for your information."

I nodded amicably not minding Hiruzen looking at us like a hawk. There were very few times Orochimaru and I have had a civil conversation. And anything that was associated with today was of critical importance to Hiruzen. But, lacking context, he couldn't actually identify what we were talking about. Thankfully, he didn't press.

When the breakfast was over, Hiruzen led me and Orochimaru to the clan meeting in a sedate pace. We were one of the last few people to arrive. But, that was to be expected considering Hiruzen's status. As he entered, everyone bowed and resumed their seat.

Hiruzen was sitting as the head of the table with Orochimaru and Minato flanking him on either side. Danzo sat next to Orochimaru and the two other councilors sat next to Minato, leaving Shikaku to occupy the last spot by Danzo.

Discounting Shikaku, who was here as a Jounin commander, it kind of looked like distribution of powers to anyone with half a mind to take note. Straight opposite to them, on the other end of the table, I sat along with Fugaku, Choza san, and Hiashi san sat representing the founding clans of Konoha. The rest of the clan heads, representing their clans, took their seat on either side of the table in no particular order. I even saw a sulking Kakashi representing his clan.

"As you all know," Hiruzen began the meeting in a calm but stern tone, "the purpose of this clan meeting is to vote on the two Hokage candidates. Choose wisely and vote without fear of any repercussions. Make your own judgment as to which of them will be suited to lead us in these troubling times. We have all just ended a war and the candidate you choose will represent Konoha and sign the peace treaty to bring an official end to this war. Thus, I implore you to keep in mind that you must choose who will represent us wisely giving due consideration to every aspect of the candidate whether be it strength, fame, or anything else."

"The first candidate is my student Orochimaru. One of the Three Sannins, who made his name in the Second Shinobi War and has been contributing a lot in this war as well as an assistant to me. I do not need to expound on his actions and countless meritorious deeds for this village. I am sure most of you are already aware of this."

"The other candidate is Namizake Minato, student of the Toad Sage, Jiraya. His name Yellow Flash has been branded into the minds of our enemies in this war. He was one of the pivotal assets in helping us win this war and bring peace back to Konoha."

"Either of them is a promising youngster who is fit to lead Konoha into a new era of peace. I hope you choose wisely. Regardless of whom you choose, he will have the entire support of the village once he assumes the Hokage office. After all, the Will of Fire burns in each and every one of us and we all will die for Konoha. Our positions, roles, and responsibilities may vary. But, we are all shinobi of Konohagakure first and foremost."

"As per tradition, we will start the voting with the representatives of the founding clans of Konoha. Senju Hatorama, you may begin."

I eyed the rest of the room lazily and a smirk pulled on my face. I didn't fight it, but let it remain there to let them know that I was doing this purposefully.

After all, if you going to cause a ruckus, you need to do it with style.

"As the representative of Senju clan, I, Senju Hatorama, propose an additional candidate for the election and vote for him. The shinobi I chose to propose is,"

I could see murmurs erupting all over the room. No one had done what I had done until now and I am sure it was going to create some interesting effects. Already, Danzo and Hiruzen were narrowing their eyes. Orochimaru looked amused. Minato looked surprised. The two councilors were shaking their heads. Even Shikaku was wide awake now.

But, I turned to my right and watched the one man's reaction I absolutely needed to see.

"UCHIHA FUGAKU."

(*****)

Konoha Founding Clans Charter – Amendment 27.

As proposed by Uchiha Madara, the Uchiha Clan Leader, and accepted by the clan leaders of the founding clans of Konohagakure, the founding clans of Konohagakure namely the Hyuga, Akimichi, Uchiha, and Senju are provided with the right to propose their own candidate to be nominated as the next Hokage.

In the case that any of the founding clans are unsatisfactory with the two nominations for the post of Hokage and feel that some other citizen of Konohgakure will represent the village, this amendment to the Hokage elections could be made. Provided, the suggested candidate fulfills the following criteria.

The proposed candidate should,

a) Be a citizen of Konohagakure.

b) Be atleast a Jounin.

c) Not be nominated for the post of Hokage in the past or current election.

d) Have made contributions for the village prior to the proposal.

e) Not be from the same clan as the proposal came from.

If the proposed candidate fulfills the above conditions; neither the civilian council nor the clan council has the right to reject this proposal.

As I read through the charter's amendment, I couldn't help but let out a relieved smile. This wouldn't be applicable to anyone but me, Fugaku, Hiashi san and Chouza san. Therefore, Danzo must not be privy to this little exception.

This way, I can escape the fiasco unscathed. But, the problem was who to propose as the candidate. This would need some serious thinking. Nevertheless, I now had a loophole to exploit. That's the only thing that mattered to me.

There it is!

A single ray of hope! My chance to escape this mess!