This chapter is dedicated to Blu3b3rryT3a. Thanks to everyone for reading and following my stories!


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Thinking

Biju, etc. speaking

Biju, etc. thinking

Emphasis


Hiruzen groaned and covered his face with his hands, rubbing his fingers into his eyes. Once again, he seemed to have been cursing Minato to hell and back all day. But this? This was just too upsetting.

He had not expected two Hatakes to show up for his discussion with Naruto-chan. For reasons yet unknown Kakashi-kun had been unable to hide the Killing Intent toward him. He knew Kakashi-kun's cold KI well, so he also determined that he was trying to hide it, but failing to do so. What have I done to piss him off so much since the council meeting? Maybe this was senility setting in, and he had forgotten something? I'm way too old for this position, or to even be active duty. Actually, Kakashi-kun wouldn't make a bad successor, if Naru-chan could help him care more for the living than for the dead. That wasn't what was giving him a headache currently, however.

When he began the oh-so-awkward conversation regarding the Hatakes' marriage consummation requirement, he could hardly look at his granddaughter. But when he did look up to see her smiling and just radiating in excitement, he decided that he would no longer feel guilty for cursing Minato. How had this happened? Neither Minato-kun nor Kushina-chan put up with Jiraiya-kun's perverted behavior, yet their daughter… Internally he groaned. Perhaps she's just mature? No, it was more than that. Between this conversation along with a couple of others regarding Jiraiya-kun's books - not to mention her "sexy jutsu" - he couldn't deny it any longer: his little granddaughter was a pervert. He shook his head and returned to the seat behind his desk to respond to paperwork - or at least to look at it as he refrained from looking at the Hatakes.

He glanced up to see Kakashi's reddened cheeks following their little chat - he could see it above his mask which was telling and Naruto in what seemed to be deep thought. Kami only knows what's going through that girl's mind

"Naru-chan, would you mind allowing me to speak with the Hokage alone?" Kakashi asked. Naruto came out of her thoughts - and unknown to the others, her conversation with Kurama - and nodded, exiting the room.

Kakashi made sure the door was closed and turned to the Hokage. "Why was I not informed of my father's remains being moved to the shinobi cemetery? I should have been there when it was done. When did it happen?" Kakashi asked, his voice laced with anger.

Hiruzen was shocked. "Kakashi-kun, you were informed. When Naru-chan confronted me over Sakumo's history and service to the village - his Will of Fire and dedication - I immediately sent a messenger bird to you. As I recall, you were on a mission, but we waited for you to get back, and another dispatch was sent out to your home. When you continued to take missions non-stop, I had… apparently wrongly assumed that you were not interested in the matter." Kakashi turned away from the Hokage in grief. "Naru-chan can be very persuasive, not to mention hound me into doing what's right… I also sent an official letter of apology on behalf of Konoha to you after trying to reach you in person for over a year while you were on that long mission." He really didn't want to make Kakashi feel any worse for ignoring his summons regarding his father, but he also was more than a little peeved for being blamed for not informing him. He would forever feel guilty for not standing up to the villagers - not to mention his damn council - for censuring and ostracizing Sakumo, and although it was after his death, he'd finally done the right thing with the matter.

Looking out the large windows toward the Hokage Mountain, Kakashi replied. "I never received anything: I'm positive."

"There have been many times you've ignored my summons, Kakashi-kun," the Hokage chided.

Kakashi turned around quickly. "That is not the case, Hokage-sama. I can only remember one instance when I was not allowed to respond to your orders, and that was when I was in that… hospital, and the nurses wouldn't allow me to even write! I was chakra depleted," he scratched his head in embarrassment, knowing just how often he was hospitalized for that, "so I couldn't summon Pakkun to reply to you, either. Maa, every other time you've summoned me while I was… there, I was able to send a note. I was assured on that occasion that you'd receive a notification of my status."

Hiruzen's face said it all: you've got to be shitting me. Kakashi Hatake, the most feared Jonin aside from himself in the village, and the most absent, nonconformist, defiant Jonin in the ranks - perhaps aside from Tsunade-chan - had been responding to his summons?

"It's true!" Kakashi stated, offended by the Sandaime's look of disbelief.

Sarutobi sat looking at the Hatake for a good minute: he was telling the truth, by the looks of it. Whether or not he could believe what Kakashi was saying, he knew the brat well enough to know that he wouldn't bother making up a lie: he was just too… Hiruzen wasn't sure of what that trait was due to. Whether it was Kakashi's upbringing, not caring, bravery, or just laziness, he knew Hatake well enough to be aware that he only lied when it was insignificant teasing, or if Gai-kun was involved. He stood and opened a large book that was in his bottom desk drawer and began going through its pages. "I'll need to investigate the ANBU and other shinobi that I've given orders to regarding this. This could be serious," he said absently to himself. He didn't see Kakashi's eyes widen.

Who would not want me to know, or was someone perhaps attempting to stop Father's remains from being moved to the shinobi gravesite? And in what other ways have they been distancing me from the Hokage? Kakashi asked himself. He knew that Danzo held animosity toward him, ever since he defected after his brief stint in ROOT, not to mention that he had rescued Tenzo-kun from the organization. Bastard. There was more going on here, he knew it.

Finally, Hiruzen turned the book around toward Kakashi. It was a formal letter of apology to him and his clan on behalf of the village for actions against Sakumo Hatake, along with a formal exoneration of any wrongdoings in that mission. The Sandaime had attached a letter regarding The White Fang's bravery, dedication, and importance to the village along with a personal apology to Kakashi. "I sent an original to you, Kakashi-kun. I will go into the archives this evening, and summon you directly when I have another ready for you."

Kakashi gave him a polite nod; it had been a really emotional day. Kakashi was having a hard time holding back the threatening tears, so he sunshinned away before anyone knew.


Naruto sat on a bench outside of the Hokage office. She had talked to Genma, that senbon-loving meanie, for a while before finally tuning out the menace who wouldn't stop asking her questions. He was fast, she'd give him that: he'd hit her with that wet senbon before she could blow him away with a wind jutsu. Gross.

I bet Kakashi's giving JiJi hell about not telling him about moving his father… Idiot JiJi: so uncool! Naruto took out her black notebook and began to plan revenge on behalf of her husband. His pervy books would be a good target! She wondered if he had limited editions from her godfather's collection like Kakashi did.

Kakashi… She had absolutely no problem at all with the council's desires for them to consummate their marriage, that was certain. Be glad to "consummate away" as many times as they want, she thought stupidly as she repressed a giggle.

But why would the council go there? Yeah, it was part of the village charter, but didn't Mummy give up the game when he told everyone how they could stay together? What am I missing?

"Perhaps they don't believe the Pervert will complete the 'mission.'"

"Hmmm… Maybe? But he seems pretty sexual to me." Naruto ignored Kurama's huff and pretend gagging. Well, she thought it was acting - sometimes it was hard to tell with the fox. "And don't go into how unattractive I am! There's little doubt he'll have at least one eye covered anyway!"

Kurama rolled his eyes. His kit had her moments, but she was still an idiot. He hoped she was right, though, at least about the eye. He truly hated the Sharingan. Perhaps if the kit lost control during mating like her mother did that time, he could rid the perverted Ningen of the accursed thing. No, I'd never hear the end of it from her. He sighed in irritation. Humans suck.

"Do you think they're trying to embarrass him? I mean, I wouldn't doubt that those council assholes said all that private stuff about us not doing it yet in front of everyone… Then there's the fact that he's stuck with me, ya know?" Naruto looked away from the Bijuu unhappily.

Such a pain in the tails. Kurama groaned before using a tail tip between the bars of his cage to force her to look at him directly. "Uzumaki: you are the Apex Predator of all earthly low-life species thanks to me, and I will not allow you to wallow in self-doubt." Seeing the kit about to talk - like always; honestly, he just wanted to sleep - he continued quickly. "The Ningen is fortunate to have you at his side and it is my belief that he is aware of that." Seeing her hopeful face was just so… annoying. "Stop immersing yourself in this nonsense. Seduce The Pervert and get it over with!"

Naruto eeped and left her mindscape. I need to break that seal though. Kurama just kept getting bigger and bigger as time went on and he was really stuffed inside the cage uncomfortably now. Why she was getting the other half of him, she had no idea; and she also believed she'd never get a straight answer out of him - if he even knew. And he always gets pissed off about not knowing something, she sighed. They'd agreed that the chakra boost that she'd get from him upon opening his cage doors would most-likely be recognizable, though, and that it would alert the village. She could end up being taken in for at the least questioning, or worst of all: possible extraction. If they managed to find another Uzumaki, that is. It would all depend on who got to her first after she tore off the seal.

That Karin woman was an Uzumaki… She'd have to stay away from her to ensure Kurama's safety. But then again, she'd been told that Karin was hot for the Bastard, so maybe Karin could be the Uzumaki bride he supposedly desired. I know he's being manipulated. Bastard or not: no one deserves that. There was no way that asexual moron would really want to "do the deed" with her - that has to be one of the most disgusting thoughts I've ever had - no matter how much he wished to restore his clan! She knew him well enough - at least in her last life - to be assured of that. Naruto sighed sadly, looking around and wishing that either Kakashi would come out to retrieve her, or that Genma would come back so that they could bother each other a little… Getting a dirty look from some civilian, she shook her head and closed her eyes. I really need to do something about...

"WILL YOU SHUT UP! And I don't need your protection, dingbat!"

"Sorry!" How was she supposed to know the damn fox was listening?! He DOES need me, though. She rolled her eyes behind her closed lids as she heard him growl at her. We need each other. No matter what, she was going to give him room outside that cage, soon.

"Naruto-chan?" The Sandaime was standing over her, looking at her curiously. She realized she must have fallen asleep: something not like her at all. "Has Kakashi-kun not come back?"

"Nani?! Did he leave me? What a jerk. I've been waiting here for… How long have I been waiting here?" Naruto asked.

The Sandaime shrugged his shoulders and invited her into his office. They had tea and edamame while he explained that he HAD at least attempted to repeatedly inform her husband about Sakumo Hatake's remains. She easily sensed the man's apprehension and noticed how he kept moving his hand toward his top right desk drawer. She kept a disinterested expression on her face, however. Knowing what a great ninja the old man was, it was hilarious how he seemed to know her so well and feared her pranking skills - which he should! It was also pretty funny that such a fossil would still be into those stupidly-written books. Men. She had to admit to herself, though, that if his Icha-Icha collection had the pictures and all that Kakashi's book has, then maybe it could be... Hmmm: would "informative" be the right word? For an old JiJi, though? She shivered at the thought of it, knowing full well that she was being immature.

Shikamaru wasn't into those books, supposedly, so it seemed her earlier planning against the Hokage had gone to waste. She already had colorful plans for her brother, anyway. There's always a deserving victim out there, though. Jiraiya definitely came to mind. She wondered how much longer it would be until her godfather would show up in her life. "JiJi, when are the Chunin exams? And where will they be?" She threw in the last question just in case she either wasn't supposed to know about them or possibly had enough luck for the exams to be held outside of Konoha. Sadly, though, her good luck mostly revolved around gambling.

"Your sensei didn't tell you? Well, I cannot be surprised, I suppose. Both your sensei and captain are first-timers, and frankly, Naru-chan, we normally keep the exams quiet from even the Genin." Seeing her eyebrows furrow, he explained more. "Normally, a Jonin sensei will nominate a team, and this year the exam will be held in the Leaf. Because it has been nine months since the last international exam, the other Kages and I committed to a time-frame that has caused some concerns. Normally Genin teams have several months to train and work on their combined skills…" He looked at her worriedly, and she could feel the warning in his tone, along with the hesitancy when he sighed so hard. "Naru-chan, this year there will be at least two genin teams that will be FORCED to take the exam. An exam which takes place in two months."

TWO MONTHS?! Surely they had more time to prepare - as ill-prepared as they were in her first life, hadn't they? Naruto wondered: it was so long ago… And aside from keeping her team alive this time, she also had to worry about the Suna and Oto attack - and that pedophiliac snake on top of it? She shuddered and held her warm tea close, being careful not to break the cup in her shaky hands.

"Don't look so worried my dear! I am sure that you - and your brother - will be just fine, ne?" the Sandaime asked, hoping Naru got the hint that it was Shikamaru's and her teams that were being forced into the exam. Hiruzen was much more worried about Team 7, though, despite the skills of the individual members. Sasuke Uchiha was still in the hospital and he had been informed that the boy was only interested in killing his brother, and apparently continuing his clan with his granddaughter. As if I, not to mention Hatake, Nara, and even Itachi-kun would allow that! Stirring his tea, he reminded himself with a chuckle that Sasuke Uchiha would first have to defend himself from the little blonde in front of him, though. Between her pranking, trapping skills, and ninjutsu she was quite formidable.

Unlike his older brother, the last Uchiha left in the village seemed to completely lack the Will of Fire. Between Kakashi, Tenzo, and Naruto, he still hoped that such a horrible thing could be remedied. I've always been an optimist, Hiruzen admitted to himself.

Team 10 had been training since they were small children in many ways, often together - and they had surely learned many Ino-Shika-Cho combinations from their parents. Team 7? Their team didn't even make sense in the way teams had traditionally been set up! When that menace, Danzo, had caught scent of Naru-chan's first contact with Kakashi-kun, he forced Hiruzen's hand. Danzo convinced his so-called council that the last Hatake wouldn't take needed measures to halt the nine-tails from taking over Naru - that Hatake wouldn't kill her: such idiots, considering what would eventually happen to the village if the last Uzumaki was dead - so they insisted that she be assigned a different sensei. Poor Tenzo-kun. Then when his former team and rival learned he was including a second Jonin sensei for the girl's team, he had been talked into allowing one of Danzo's agents to be a fourth member. ROOT members were unranked, but seriously: did Danzo believe he was fooling anyone?

Honestly, he hoped to undermine the Warhawk. There was little doubt his soldier, Sai-kun: AKA Boy With a Death Wish considering what he was calling people around the village, would be better off away from the Warhawk. It was possible that he could be truly reformed, especially considering his young age. Knowing Danzo, the boy would be skilled - which had been confirmed by Tenzo-kun. Alongside the rest of his new teammates, he hoped that Sai would become too unstable for ROOT, meaning that he could regain his humanity. What a mess.

Team 7 was overpowered, but it was the only place to put Sakura Haruno. Hiruzen still had hope for the girl, believing that she had the ability to be a good ninja, or perhaps at least a good paper ninja; the girl is intelligent. Her main problem was her mother and uncle. Gods, if I could get anyone off the council it would be that Haruno woman! Well, maybe the elders first… No. That Haruno woman's screeching just set something off in him, and gave him at least weekly migraines. "You're awfully quiet, my dear."

"Oh," Naru exclaimed. "Sorry, JiJi. Ano, I have a question: you said that you have that exam agreement with the other Kages, correct?" She saw him nod in affirmation and continued. "Does that mean that all of the nations are entering?" she asked nervously.

"It is considered tradition to leave some surprises for Genin, ne?" The Sandaime watched with amusement as his granddaughter's face screwed up, not liking that answer at all. "I will tell you this, Naru-chan, because it will be important to you: we have yet to confirm if Iwa will be joining the tournament this year." Naruto closed her eyes and leaned back into her chair. Good: she's taking such a possibility seriously. Opening her eyes, he was once again looking into the same fierce blue glare of his successor.

"I won't dye my hair or henge for them, Old Man!" Naruto nearly growled.

The Sandaime snorted. "We'll just wait and see about that, won't we brat?!"

"Rude! I'm outta here, JiJi!" Naruto jumped out of the window as her grandfather laughed at her. She needed to talk to Shikamaru - and also punish him for attacking her. And where the hell is Kakashi?!