Chapter 7 Succession
"I am not ready."
"None of us were."
"I am barely eighteen."
"Your father was twenty."
"He ended a war."
"You prevented two."
"What about the civilians? What would they think, isn't this favoritism?"
"I am free to choose whoever I want. The people need new hope, not recycled ideologies."
"What about Jiraiya?"
"..."
"Tsunade."
"..."
"Kakashi-senpai."
The old man sighed, "Although he is powerful enough, he is too caught up in the past."
"And I am not?"
"You are getting better every day; I suppose I was right about assigning you as a sensei."
"What about her, what should I do about her training if I succeed you?"
"Minato had time to train Kakashi while negotiating the end of the most brutal war in existence. All of this while he had to raise you. I think you can handle training one genin while becoming Hokage in a time of relative peace."
The younger man sighed, "How much time until you want to make me your successor."
"The next chunin exams will be held in Konoha, I think that that is a good time as any to announce my retirement. Now, come here, I must begin the initiating process."
Naruto sighed and went next to his leader. He knew what he was talking about; it was a method to mark the current Hokage if the previous one could not identify him or her. It was a technique invented by Tobirama Senju, and, although an easy seal to learn, as it is required of every ANBU to at least know the concept of, couldn't be replicated, as it required a previous marked Hokage to use and be authentic. It proved to be useful, as the Second Hokage died in battle without appointing a definite successor.
His musing stopped as the Sandaime seemed to finish the seals that now marked the inside of his right wrist. The kanji for "Fifth" could be seen there. He supposed that the placement was symbolic, if nothing else.
"You suspect something to happen during the exams." Naruto stated firmly, still observing the new tattoo-like construct.
It wasn't a question; it was a statement that the old Hokage knew he didn't need to answer.
"I expect the details before the start of the exams, if someone threatens my home they will know just why I should be just as feared as my father."
"Yes, yes, now, stop worrying so much, you will have gray hair before you even started on the paperwork, drink something, celebrate, or whatever young people do these days."
Naruto snorted before turning towards the door, opening it and leaving the aged leader behind in the office.
The Professor chuckled. He himself didn't need to worry that much. The village was in good hands.
Arriving at home, he couldn't help but smile. Since Aoi moved in he couldn't be any happier, he finally had someone to come home too.
"Taidama! ("I'm home!")"
"Okaeri ("Welcome back!"), Naru-sensei! I am in the kitchen."
"Hmmm, what are you doing?"
"I am learning to cook Teriyaki Chicken!" she beamed at him
Right then he noticed the cookbook on the table. He decided to tease her a little, "You know you are using the wrong pan, right?"
"Uhhh..."
"You also need to add a little more oil and..." he stopped to look at the ingredients that she used, "you forgot to add garlic and soy sauce."
"Uhhh..." she blushed brightly.
He laughed, "Don't worry about it; it was a good first try." He ruffled her hair.
"You know how to cook, Naru-sensei?"
"I know some, do you want me to teach you?"
"Yes, please!"
He chuckled; he supposed he could tell her the news later. This was much more important to him at the moment.