A/N: Thanks for Reading! It's been a long time since the last update because I didn't want to continue writing until I had the next story beat or two planned out. I've finally gotten some ideas and am writing them. In the meantime I've been re-editing the current chapters for content, grammar and sense etc...
IMPORTANT NOTE: I've shifted the setting of the story from post visored exile, to an unnumbered amount of years before the exile. Shinji and co are still Captains. This will let me have the Shinobi more fully integrated into Soul Society by the time Ichigo comes knocking.
LESS IMPORTANT NOTE: On the subject of grammar and titles. Zanpaktou will retain a japanese name (google translate is the best I can do folks) and I will occasionally use Japanese suffixes (-san, -sama, -taicho). Proper titles however will be in english (Captain Unohana, Lord Shiba)
/
The 10th district of the Rukongai was well within the safer and more comfortable areas. Low crime rate, regular Shinigami patrols and an almost non-existent hollow presence. All in all, one of the more ideal places for a soul to live once they've moved on from the mortal plane. Curiously, of the first 50 districts, the 10th was the least populated, this could be attributed to the harsher landscape. The 10th district was filled with dense forests of huge trees and incredible mountain ranges; the flora and fauna were more hostile and dangerous compared to other districts. There were a number of smaller towns and outposts, mainly occupied by hunters, lumberjacks and miners.
One soul, Bokura, was a hunter. He had died 130 years ago and managed to create a nice life for himself, he'd gotten married and even adopted a young son. He knew the forest and mountains like the back of his hand; he was currently tracking a deer herd farther north than normal. His wife had urged him not to go this far, there were rumors that a demon had moved into the shadow of the mountain. People reported hearing strange sounds and feeling an ominous presence while travelling through the area. Bokura was above such superstitions and if there was a hollow presence, the Gotei would have already taken care of it. In fact, he knew the Gotei had sent members to investigate, he had given directions to a pair of them only a few years ago and they came back a week later no worse for wear.
His musing was interrupted by the arrival of the herd. Around ten does and a few bucks had entered the clearing. He drew an arrow and held a breath. At the moment he loosed, the herd snapped to attention and scattered. His arrow sunk into a tree uselessly. He heard a throat being cleared behind him and turned as quick as he could with his hand going to the knife at his waist. His movement was halted when he noticed the two men standing in front of him. He relaxed even further when he noticed the Shinigami robes and swords at their sides.
Bokura bowed his head in greetings, "Hello Shinigami-sans", trying to hide his annoyance at their sudden appearance.
The shorter one, a man looking like he was in his 50's with a short goatee and stepped forward.
"Please excuse us, we did not mean to intrude on your hunt. We were traveling through the area and hoped you could direct us somewhere? We would be willing to compensate you for your aid."
As he spoke he reached into his robe and withdrew a pouch, visibly filled with money. The shinigami tossed it to Bokura, who took a moment to weigh it in his hand before tucking it into his pack.
"Very well, where are you looking to go?"
The other Shinigami stepped forward. He seemed younger but not by much; he had slicked back, traditionally styled hair with hints of grey in the black. Over his uniform he wore a blue overcoat.
"We understand there is an area where the other souls avoid, closer to the mountains?"
Bokura nodded, "Yes the superstition, they say while in the shadow of the cliffs, you can feel the eyes of the demons upon your back. Bah! Nonsense. Follow me, there is an older path that leads right to it."
As he went to retrieve his arrow, he found himself curious. If it wasn't demons or hollows out there, then what was it?
They rose with dawn the next morning and traveled until the evening. They made light conversation. He learnt from Sarutobi that he was the 4th seat of the First division, while the man with the overcoat was actually the 3rd seat as well as the headmaster of the Shinigami academy. This only confused him more and eventually as they stopped for the second night he felt the need to ask.
As Bokura passed out small dishes of meat and oats he sat down himself.
"Sarutobi-san, I have to ask, what would a high ranking soul reaper and an academy instructor want in the shadows of a mountain?"
Sarutobi finished eating and then took out a simple wooden pipe and began smoking.
"Ah, you see Bokura-kun, we aren't searching for 'something' we are searching for 'someone'. Isn't that right shinobi-san?"
Bokura was about to question Sarutobi when he heard the rustling of leaves. He nearly had a heart attack when he turned to the left and saw a figure cloaked in black standing at the edge of their camp. He thought perhaps this was another Shinigami but the stranger bore no sword or shihakuso. Instead, they seemed to be wearing a one piece suit of some black cloth with pouches strapped to his legs, and a hood and scarf covering his face and head. The figure spoke, revealing itself to be a man with a smooth and guarded voice.
"Shinigami-sans, we have already received a delegation from you. Our answer has not changed, we ask that you and your companion return to the Seireitei and respect our wish for isolation."
The so-called shinobi seemed to be waiting for a reply.
"Hmmm, tell me is it so wrong for an old man to want to see his children again?"
The shinobi tensed, obviously unsure of what to make of it.
"Who are you?" was the stranger's reply.
Sarutobi stood up and walked closer to the fire, smiling the whole way, "It's good to see you again, Shino"
The shinobi stayed silent then began to tentatively walk forward until he was staring at Sarutobi from across the open flame. Even his eyes were covered by a strange visor with three red slits.
Then instantly, the man dropped to one knee with his head bowed, "Sandaime-sama"
As Bokura watched the strange scene unfold, he started to think that maybe his wife had been right.
/
Sarutobi waved as the kind hunter Bokura started his trek back home. He was a nice enough fellow and obviously skilled, hopefully his story would help ease the tension and superstition associated with this part of the district.
He and Genshiro Okikiba had been waiting until the current advanced class at the Shingiami academy was done before coming out to district ten. He wanted to make the journey as soon as he found out about the shinobi enclave that had been built but had to restrain himself from investigating until he received approval from the Captain-Commander.
"How much farther Shino-kun?"
They were traveling through the trees towards the mountain.
"Just another hour and we will reach the forward outpost Sandaime-sama"
Shortly after crossing over into soul society, many shinobi learned that chakra no longer worked, they had lost the physical component and were left with only yang chakra or as the Shinigami know it, reiatsu. While it could still be used for internal applications like enhanced speed or healing, jutsus were no longer possible.
Hiruzen contemplated the fate of the shinobi who had started appearing in Soul Society 20 years ago. It seemed that the elemental nations existed in a different realm than the world of the living that most souls came from. As such it had been sealed and the gotei and hollows were unable to access it. When Minato had summoned the Shinigami, he had in fact summoned a representation of their power and by doing so he opened up the path between realms.
Unfortunately, not all souls in the Elemental Nations could be konso'd. It seems that because of the realm's disconnect from the soul society, nature itself had created a force, "The Shinigami" that took any souls that did not possess a certain amount of reaitsu at their time of death and instantly returned them to the cycle of reincarnation. At the same time, if a soul would normally sent to Hell after passing on, it would instead be sent back into reincarnation; unless their soul was tainted of course, Orochimaru and Madara would not be seeing Soul Society and Hiruzen was grateful everyday for that fact.
A soft growl triggered Hiruzen's reflexes and without skipping a beat, he turned his next sprint into a leap. He smoothly sailed over the outstretched claws of the wild cat that had attacked from the underbrush. The creature skidded across the forest floor but quickly turned on the spot to make another leap. The cat's quick reactions were still too slow. Before it could tense its leg muscles its throat had been slit. Quietly, it fell to the dirt. The group running through the forest continued on without interruption.
For a soul born in the Elemental Nations, to become a plus you had to have chakra of at least Chunin or above. When he first arrived, he discovered that the Shinigami had only started to konso shinobi regularly five or so years before his death. A consequence of having to go through Central 46 for permission and official acceptance of the newly dubbed "Elemental Realm" into the Gotei 13's protection. It was decided that the 10th Division, under the command of Captain Isshin Shiba, would be responsible for patrols and monitoring.
Upon Sarutobi's awakening in District 20 of Rukongai, he decided to seek out other shinobi. Once he understood just how immense Soul Society was he became disheartened, choosing to open a tobacco shop instead. It was a calm and relaxing time, except when he was quickly reminded that he was only old in mind and appearance. His body felt spry and strong with none of the wear and tear it displayed while still alive.
To be honest, while he was comfortable spending his days drinking teas and smoking, he soon became bored and began training in the evening. Stretching long gone muscles with the aid of reiatsu instead of chakra, making the workouts more taxing and resistant. As a result Hiruzen estimated that he was in better shape than in his prime.
What convinced him to finally end his "vacation" was when he inexplicably found himself not in his tobacco shop but in the living world. Inhabiting his old body and fighting a war against Uchiha Madara. It awoke his long dormant battle fever and had his cold blood pumping. While he had cultivated a personality and aura of a kindly grandfather, for more than half of his life Sarutobi had been an active war time jonin. To survive that kind of life and come out sane and in control of his faculties meant he in some way enjoyed the battle and killing. By acknowledging that part of himself he gained mastery over his own mind.
Once he returned to the Soul Society, the memories of his time among the living became cloudy; he could clearly remember the conflict and seeing some familiar faces but there hadn't been much time for talk during the war. Hiruzen decided to close his shop and enter the Shinigami academy fate, it seemed, agreed with him. Barely a week after he had decided to enroll, two seated officers from the 1st division appeared and told him the Gotei 13 had questions for him. He accompanied them without complaint, curious as to how they got his name.
When he arrived in the Sereiti he was understandably impressed by the scale of the place; he was decidedly less impressed when he was shown to a secluded barracks under guard inside the First Division headquarters. There he found a dozens of other former shinobi. He recognized a few leaf shinobi and had a number of happy reunions. Most surprising of which was his son Asuma.
/
FLASHBACK
Hiruzen had just finished shaking hands with Hayate, free of his illness, when he heard a cough from behind him. He turned with a kind smile on his face. The smile froze when he laid eyes upon the same ebony hair that grew from his head and eyes that matched his late wife's. Tears welled on the edges of his vision. He took a step forward, but stopped abruptly. Asuma, looked at him for a few seconds before stepping forward himself and slowly embracing the man who birthed him.
"Hey Old Monkey, it's good to see you… I missed you… dad"
"Suma-kun…" Hiruzen pulled back slightly,"You were so young." Hiruzen couldn't help but lament.
"I saved my students," Asuma's cool composure cracked as he started blinking away tears. "but I didn't make it."
"Then you died well my son, have no regrets"
"You don't underst-", Asuma's breath hitched. Hiruzen frowned, "Kurenai was pregnant. I left her alone, I'll never see my child take their first steps. I failed them before I even met them." Asuma had bowed his head, trying to hide his tears.
His son's arms were shaking. Hiruzen recalled the last time they were in this position. It was after Biwako's death. Asuma had returned from his duties as one of the Twelve Guardian Ninja and sat before her grave crying silently. Hiruzen had stood nearby, unsure how to act, he and Asuma had long since tried and failed to reconcile. In his grief, he foolishly chose to leave Asuma to his pain. Not this time
Hiruzen embraced his son and led him to a secluded corner with a couch. Sitting him down, he put Asuma's head into his shoulder and began humming a tune Biwako had used to serenade their sons to sleep. At that moment, they were not shinobi, nor Hokage and Jonin. They were finally once again, father and son.
FLASHBACK END
/
"We have arrived Sandaime", Shino's monotone voice broke through Saurtobi's thoughts.
He noticed they had made significant distance; judging from the sun, it was mid-day. They had stopped in a small section of forest close to the nearest mountain. He watched as Shino approached a tree and began knocking on it. He smirked at the familiar konoha outpost procedure. Of course the code had changed since his death but the outline was the same.
Sarutobi waited and heard the return knock. A group of three, dressed identically to Shino, appeared around them high in the trees. A man, women and the last one seemed shorter than his allies.
"Kodo, report!"
He recognized the voice before turning around and seeing the distinct purple hair.
"My, my, Yuugao-chan, you don't recognize this old man?"
He saw her eyes widen and the snap of a branch there were three people across from him. Yuugao seemed unable to break eye contact with him.
"Sandaime? Is it really you?"
"Yes it is Yuugao, I'm glad to see you." Hiruzen gave her a kind smile.
She returned his smile, even behind her scarf he could see much joy she felt and it warmed his heart.
"So have I Sandaime-sama, so have I."
Hiruzen turned to the other two, "Tenzo? Is that really you? My how you've grown!"
The once closed off child now turned man simply responded with a carefree chuckle, "Thank you Sandaime-sama, by the way I go by Yamato now."
"Good to know," turning to the smallest member of the squad he asked, "and who is this youngster?"
The figure shifted uneasily under the retired Hokage's gaze, "I-I'm U-mino Harikaze… Sandaime-sama."
Now that brought Hiruzen up short, "Umino? Are you Iruka-kun's son?"
"Yes sir."
"May I ask who your mother was?"
The child's eyes went wide, "Oh! she was Ayame Ichiraku"
Hiruzen couldn't help but chuckle fondly, "I remember little Ayame, she used to serve Naruto and I ramen all the time. May I ask how old you are Harikaze?"
Harikaze seemed confused by the question, "I'm 25 years old."
Hiruzen looked startled at this, "How old were you when you died?", the boy looked no older than 15.
"I was 19"
Hiruzen turned to the headmaster, "Why does he look so young?"
"It is not uncommon for some souls to regress in age after death," Genshiro had been observing the interactions with a curious and critical eye. "Usually that is accompanied by memory loss though. So I'm unsure of the cause in this case."
"Oh well, a mystery for another day."
"Sandaime?"
"Yes Yuugao?"
"We really do need to know why you're here."
Hiruzen took a moment to collect himself, "Yes of course. In short, I and Okikiba-san are here to negotiate with the Shinobi Enclave."
"You understand we already gave them an answer?"
"I do, but I would like to meet your leaders personally and hear them out. The Captain Commander will trust me if I return and advise him to desist from further talks."
The scouts shared a glance with each other. Finally Yamato and Shino gave a nod. Yugao turned back to her old leader. "Very well, we will take you farther than the last group of Shinigami who came to visit us. It would be an honor to host the Sandaime Hokage, but your companion must agree to be blindfolded and deafened for the duration of our trip"
Hiriuzen turned towards Okikiba with an unsure furrow of his brows. It was returned with a calm nod.
"Lead on"
/
Hiruzen felt the enclave before he saw it. The amount of spiritual energy emanating from the seemingly flat mountain face was extremely subtle. Had he not been searching for some sign of life than he most likely would have missed it. They crossed over a certain threshold and a large part of the slopped cliff face simply faded away, revealing a large wall with a solid stone gate; he couldn't help but be impressed.
"My, my Yugao, you've been busy"
"Yes Sandaime, it is truly amazing what happens when you mix the best and brightest from every village. It offers a glimpse into what the Elemental Nations may now look like."
As the group stopped at the massive gates, Yugao, Yamato, Shino and Harikaze all approached a small slate on the bottom right hand of the rock face. Yuugao and Shino put their mouths almost to the stone and whispered something and then tapped on the slate in a quick pattern. As they backed away, a small door receded from the wall to their far left. It seemed the gates were a distraction.
Okikiba was blindfolded and deafened with pieces of wax before they had reached the decoy gate. Once they had entered the wall, it led to a long narrow corridor. After walking and making a handful of confusing and twisting turns before entering an antechamber. There, they restored his senses.
"Please follow me Sandaime-sama, the council will be gathering in a few hours to hear your petition. In the meantime an escort will be assigned to guide and watch you for the rest of your stay. I apologize Sandaime-sama but it's protocol."
Hiruzen waved off her apology with a gentle smile.
As Hiruzen stood on the balcony of his room he couldn't help but gaze longingly the enclave before him. It was nostalgic to see the architecture of his home. The enclave was situated in a valley hidden by the mountains, it was filled with building made in many different styles all built with cement and dark wood. From his hotel room he could see the main administrative and government seat, "The Kage Tower".
A three story building with a rounded dome roof bearing the marks of all the major and minor ninja villages. Surrounding it was a sprawling open air market. It was mid-afternoon and there was quite a crowd mingling and haggling. He noticed that there was a sense of peace in the air. Laughs were heard and smiles seen. He heard a knock on his door, opening it to find a familiar face staring back at him.
"Kakashi-kun!", Hiruzen immediately stepped forward and pulled the silver haired man into a hug. Said man was almost too shocked to respond, eventually smirking and returning the hug.
"It's good to see you Sandaime-sama. We've missed you."
"Hehe, let me have a look at you Kakashi."
Looking his former ANBU captain up and down he noticed the man was older, probably closer to his 40's, wearing the same face mask but lacking any forehead protector and surprisingly no sharingan.
"Sandaime-"
"Please Kakashi, call me Hiruzen."
"Of course Hiruzen, would you and your companion like to have some tea with me before the meeting?"
"I would love to, but Okikiba is currently finishing up some paperwork needed for the meeting."
They exited the hotel and began walking towards the market, he noticed many people on either sides of them were stopping and bowing. They arrived at a small tea house named "Fire Snake Tea". It was a quaint little place, with well-maintained tea sets and soothing music being played by a group in the corner.
A waitress he didn't recognize walked up to them and bowed, "Welcome back Hokage-sama, your usual seat?"
Hiruzen was about to respond out of habit when he saw the waitress was in fact asking Kakashi instead of him. At Kakashi's nod they were lead to the second floor and a table by the window with the leaf insignia delicately inlaid into the table. As they sat, Hiruzen simply crossed his arms and stared at his friend.
His great-grand student began chuckling and scratching his ear, obviously somewhat embarrassed. "Maaa, did I forget to mention I was the Rokudaime Hokage?"
Chuckling fondly, Hiruzen responded proudly, "You did indeed. I'm proud of you Kakashi… wait, if you were Rokudaime then who was Nanadaime?"
"Naruto of course"
Hiruzen was shocked silent, but his schock quickly gave way for a wide smile. If some tears formed at the corners of his eyes, it wasn't Kakashi's place to mention them.
They drank tea, keeping the conversation light. Kakashi informed Hiruzen of the many events that had befallen the Leaf between his death and Kakashi's. Most frequently though, he spoke of Uzumaki Naruto. Now Hiruzen couldn't stop the tears falling from his eyes as he heard about Naruto taking up the position of Seventh Hokage, marrying Hinata, having children and eventually helping to create the United Shinobi Council. An organization that helped strengthen ties and keep the peace between ninja while presenting a united front against the Daimyo's and Yakuza. A situation he would have to ask for context on later.
"I knew he would be great. The Will of Fire burned brightest in him."
"Very true. Well, it's time we made our way to the meeting."
After rejoining Okikiba, the two were treated to a tour of the Kage Tower, a well built and organized office structure dedicated to managing the enclave. Hiruzen was still being kept in the dark about how the enclave sustained itself. It was obviously no easy task to keep an isolated community of hundreds of people sheltered, fed and employed. The tour ended in front of a sturdy oaken door bearing a single engraved Kanji.
"Shinobi?", Hiruzen asked.
Kakashi nodded , "It symbolizes the separation of all other ties and allegiances, when in this room we are dedicated to the people collectively known as 'shinobi'. It was a powerful symbol during the fourth great war. The meeting should be commencing soon, I have to go in for the beginning but when you hear the bell walk straight through and you'll have your say. It was wonderful to see you again Hiruzen."
With a quick but deep bow, Kakashi entered the room and shut the door behind him. It only took ten or so minutes before a soft chime sounded above Hiruzen. He promptly opened the door and proceeded forward. The hallway was lined with soft lanterns. And lead into a huge domed antechamber with vaulted ceiling and open windows. Allowing a cool breeze and natural sunlight to fill the chamber.
In the centre of the room was a large "u"-shaped wooden table. Sitting around it were pairs of chairs with some very recognizable faces.
He could see the Raikage Ay, slightly more wrinkled but still a giant of a man. Onoki the fence sitter, looking better than Hiruzen had ever seen him and finally his own student, Tsunade, retaining her ageless beauty.
Judging from how Kakashi and Tsunade were seated together, then he could only assume the unfamiliar faces were other kage's successors. In retrospect, he should have expected there to be younger faces. Onoki and himself aside, most Kage either retired or died by the time they reached their 50's.
A redhead that reminded him of the Suna Jinhcuriki spoke first. "Let it be recorded, the shinobi council welcomed Shinigami officers Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Sandaime Hokage and Genshirō Okikiba regarding the Shinobi Council's decision to decline forming ties with the Gotei 13. The floor is yours."
Hiruzen and Genshiro exchanged looks. Genshiro's slight nod gave Hiruzen the signal, "As you are no doubt aware, other than myself and my son; there are no shinobi in the ranks of the Gotei 13. I am the 4th seat of the 1st division. A position of authority and responsibility. I will not mince words. The Captain Commander has ordered me to negotiate the integration of any willing shinobi into the Gotei 13"
The man next to Ay, presumably the Godaime Raikage, responded lazily, "I thought we made it pretty clear that as long as Central 46 required all Shinobi to reveal their personal or clan secrets and renounce loyalty to the Shinobi Council; no ninja, whether they originally be from stone, cloud, sand, leaf, mist or any village would become Shinigami. Their response was a passive aggressive message dismissing us. What changed their minds?"
Genshiro took the silence following the statement as his cue, "Through hard negotiations and appeals made by Sarutobi-san and myself. The conditions have been modified. We're here to present a new offer and a demonstration."
Tsunade sat forward, interest obviously peaked.
He continued, "All shinobi would be welcome to join the Shinigami academy like other applicants. No clan secrets or so called "Bloodlines" would need to be shared. As an added benefit, any shinobi clan that has three generations serve as Shinigami for a total of 300 years would be eligible for minor noble status recognized by Central 46."
The council listened attentively. Hiruzen continued from Genshiro's explanation, "This would give your Shinobi the option to join the Gotei 13. I personally find it very rewarding and a nice change of pace. I still see combat but instead of against fellow ninja, I now fight to protect the souls of the living. It is rewarding and an eye opening experience to see what the Shinigami are capable of, to see what we are now capable of. We may have lost our chakra but we have gained something more. Perhaps a demonstration is in order?"
It was Onoki who asked that they be allowed to bring in their respective advisers to watch. Among the advisers for Konoha were the two Naras, Shikaku and Shikamaru. Now both roughly the same age, it was the scars on Shikaku's face that set the two apart. Yet their minds were clearly as sharp as ever.
The space around Hiruzen was cleared of furniture. His katana was brought from the secure lock up it was taken to after his arrival. He graciously accepted it and presented it so the council could see it in better detail. It was a normal length katana in a dark brown sheath. The handle was wrapped in white and red silk, on the pommel was the Sarutobi clan symbol, the guard was a silver circle. Hiruzen went through a brief explanation on the nature of the zanpaktou and how important it was.
"Do not think of it as just a weapon. It is as much a part of you as your chakra nature. Something unique and personalized. A power, a being, born from your own soul. I will now demonstrate the first release, Shikai."
Hiruzen widened his stance and bent forward his sword was held behind his back horizontally.
"Awaken from your grave, Furui Bushi (Old Warrior)"
There was a pulse of reiatsu and Hiruzen's katana lengthened and turned black, finally rounding around and turning into a bo staff identical to his once loyal summon, Enma's adamantine staff form.
"In this form I'm stronger, faster and have access to more reiatsu as well as the special ability of my Shikai. I would ask that you keep my abilities a secret between us. Details of a Shinigami's releases are considered private. My zanpakuto's ability is to divide into a number of other staffs which I can use to from shields and cages"
Thrusting his staff forward, his staff cap expanded and a pattern of bo staff's interlocked with each other created a large square, roughly the size of a man, inbetween Hiruzen and the council. With a quick motion the pattern was absorbed back into the main staff.
"You said this was the first release? There are more?" Unsurprisingly it was Shikamaru who asked the question.
"Correct, to be eligible for a seated officer position you must at least achieve Shikai. The final release is Bankai, the ultimate merging of you and your zanpakuto. It takes many years to achieve and then master your Bankai. To even be eligible to for a captainship in the Gotei 13 one must have their Bankai release."
"Have you achieved your final release Sandaime?"
"I achieved bankai only 2 years ago after a decade of intense study. I still have not mastered it, if you have a way to dampen the spiritual pressure that leaves this room I will demonstrate"
The Kages exchanged glances and all nodded. One of the Mizukage's assistants left the room briefly and Hiruzen could feel security seals activate around the chamber.
Slowly, Hiruzen found his centre using deep meditative breaths. Taking his bo staff and bringing it to his front vertically. He slammed it into the ground with an echoing thump while shouting, "Awaken from your grave, dust off your arms, and rule the battlefield once more, Kako Idaina Bushi! (Great Warrior from Ages Past)"
A bright white energy erupted from his staff engulfing his entire form, flowing past him like a flaring wind. Then as if cut off from its source, the wind vanished. Tsunade could not help but gasp. The rest were dumb struck, there before them stood not Hiruzen Sarutobi, the old grandfather, but the man who was known as The Shinobi No Kami; a war veteran, a warrior god. His power could now be felt like a physical force. It filled the room and made any non-kage shake and some even collapsed to their knees.
Onoki judged him as equivalent of one maybe two Kages. Ever since coming to Soul Society it was difficult to actually measure an individual's strength. Reiatsu and chakra were fundamentally different. An impressive feat and the Old Monkey wasn't even one of those legendary Captains. The Shinobi Council had been formed because of the Kage's individual experience and knowledge, not necessarily their strength. Once their introspection was done they turned their attention to Hiruzen's changed appearance.
Standing straight with his back squared, gone were the black and white robes instead he was clad in a black bodysuit. He had no footwear, but his feet had changed into hands. Wearing dark red greaves that led up to a bright gold over coat covered with an intricately decorated breastplate and scale skirt. His arms had wrist guards and pauldrons of the same make. His face had changed as well, his grey hair had gone youthful black and grown down his neck to frame his face. Hiruzen's brow had thickened and nose widened. They could see some sharpened teeth when exhaled a deep breath. The last change was his staff. No longer simple black with gold caps; it was bronze with intricate patterns and kanji seemingly embossed into the surface.
"So Shinobi Council, what say you?", not even his voice was left untouched; there was a thrum of power that echoed underneath his question."
Kakashi gave the final word, "We will deliberate and give your our answer tomorrow."
/
"Very well, we've all agreed that the best course of action is to send a small delegation of specialists to become shinigami. They will learn as much as they can, gauge their strengths, and then report back on the merits or detriments of our merge." Chojuro finished summarizing their morning meeting. They had only taken a short break to sleep and recuperate before returning to the discussion. "Please present your candidates."
Ay and Darui both stood and passed out a thin white folder around to the other Kage and the full shinobi advisory council.
"We recommend Saito Omoi, one of our foremost kenjutsu masters, to study their styles and training regimes. Presumably the Shinigami are all taught the same style. Omoi will be able to determine if this style has any real value or if it can be better adapted for shinobi. As well as Ce, a top sensor. He can help gauge the average power levels and growth rate of Shinigami. "
Omoi, by the time of his death at 46, was the foremost kenjutsu master in Kumo. He was Darui's right hand man, the teacher of several very successful apprentices, and was responsible for no less than three completely unique kenjutsu styles. Known commonly as The Three Thunder Styles: The Boom Style, which uses explosive techniques, The Crash Style, utilizing lightning style attacks, and finally the Silent Style which incorporates the Shadow Clone Jutsu.
Ce continued to serve Kumo and was eventually killed in battle with missing-nin's from Kusa during an ambush. His legacy lived on through the personalized training regime he designed for sensors to perfect their art.
"All in favor?"
All hands rose. An assistant stamped a mission assignment paper.
Gaara and his successor, Kankuro's daughter Hoseki, both stood with their brown folder. "We recommend Nara Shikamaru, one of our top strategist and analysts. His focus would be the non-combat information. How do the Shinigami think? what is their history? how does their society work? He will profile the Shinigami as a whole to aid us in any future negotiations or decisions."
Shikamaru died as a famous strategist and Shogi player and Naruto's chief adviser. Of course, being Shikamaru, his proudest accomplishment was not his long and proud career as a Konoha Shinobi. It was his various published books; Cloud Watching Made Simple, The Shogi Guide and of course a poetry book titled, Life is Troublesome.
Tsunade and Kakashi went next, "We nominate Uchiha Sakura, her extensive medical knowledge would make her perfect to learn the ins and outs of their healing arts. We also nominate Rock Lee to observe their taijutsu knowledge."
Sakura, after retiring from active duty to raise her children, continued working at the Konoha Hospital and was eventually regarded as matching her teacher Tsunade. Her research on the nature of Bloodlines and Jinchuuriki was some of the most revolutionary medical texts to ever be published.
Rock Lee despite his disability eventually worked his way into the annals of history as "The Iron Fist". His training evolved the Goken style taught by Maito Guy into the unique form called Tetsuken, a style based on opening and manipulating the tenketsu of his body to harden his muscles to resemble iron; it was in fact comparable to opening mini versions of the eight gates. In fact many considered his "disability" as a bloodline of the Lee Clan. His son Metal having inherited it to a lesser degree.
The Kage's of Mist slid their folder forward, "Our nominee is Saskue Uchiha. An assassination and stealth specialist. He would be able to accurately assess and deconstruct the Seireiti's defenses and capabilities"
Sasuke passed away killing an insane seal master from the cult of Jashin, he left behind two daughters and two grandchildren. His mission since finding the afterlife has been protecting the shinobi alliance and spending time with his wife. Sasuke was renowned for being a master of the five elements on par with the late Sandaime Hokage.
Finally Kurotsochi stood while her grandfather sat, "We would like to nominate one man whose sole goal would be to rise through the ranks and eventually become a captain, thereby giving us support in the highest echelon of the Gotei 13."
The other kage nodded along.
"We nominate Uzumaki Naruto"
The announcement was met with silence, until Kakashi spoke up. "You are aware that Naruto hasn't died yet correct? We don't know when he'll cross over either. Would it not be prudent to select someone who could enter the academy as soon as possible?"
It was Darui who responded, "I think it would be a good idea. If Naruto found the Gotei 13 worth being a part of it would ease a lot of tension."
"Are you suggesting we postpone our entry into the Gotei until Uzumaki-san had crossed over and been informed?"
"Yes, in fact we should make it a condition of our acceptance that the Shinigami watch Naruto and have him immediately found and brought to us after his passing"
"Very well, all agreed?"
The argument closed and they gave the order for Sarutobi to be brought back before them.