Pre-Author's Note: I'm going to quickly clear the air of something that's been bothering me about some reviews on previous stories before we jump into this new one. Many people have been confused as to what a paragraph is since they keep mentioning that I'm "not using" paragraphs. A paragraph usually consists of a block of text that is around four to six sentences long. Every chapter that I write has paragraphs of these lengths within my writing. People who read my stories and mention anything about paragraphs are most likely the same people who like to read walls of text with paragraphs that are at least ten or more sentences. I don't do that. All of my english writing classes never told me to do that. It was always either four to six or five to seven sentences per paragraph. I will stay around four to six sentences, but try to never go over 10, thank you.
Author's Note: Hey all, I'm back again after a long two month hiatus. Truth be told, I will be honest with my reason why I've been gone for so long. I actually found out I had Clinical Depression and it was literally sapping any creativity I had and wouldn't let me do anything. Like I physically could not write anything. It's weird when your brain decides that it doesn't want to do anything fun. I was always laying around feeling like the whole world was coming down on me. I couldn't believe myself. I was wondering what was wrong with me and I got it figured out, so I went and started to fix it. I started going to the gym and going outside more and hanging out with my friends and listening to happier music. Wouldn't you know it? I got my creativity back and now I'm writing!
I did say that I was going to write the next update to Blank Page and that will come soon, but as of this moment, I had to write this story here because I had to get it down. I didn't want to leave it alone. Once I got my creativity back, this story was what stayed in my head, so to get the plot bunny out, I started to write it. This is what will be considered as an honest attempt at a Naruto X Mei FanFiction and it has been in the planning stages for a few months, but always on the back burner. Once again, I can't believe no one has thought of this idea. Now, since I haven't written in a couple of months, my writing may be a little mechanical. I hope that you'll forgive me if the writing seems kinda simple or straight to the point. I've been proofreading my own story multiple times to try and give the story more life, so hopefully this shows. Anyway, I'm sure you guys will like this. I really like this.
Lito Trvp beta'd this story. He will be posting a good story soon that you all will like. It's something I've been betaing for a while. Should be some good stuff. Follow him to read that story when it comes out. Can't spoil anything until he uploads it. LOL
Eternal Sunshine
Chapter 1: Old Memories
How could her life end this way?
She watched as the Infinite Tsukuyomi encompassed the moon high in the sky. The Multi-Ring Sharingan reflected from her eyes and she felt her control loosen. Her body stiffened as she began to panic. Her breath went ragged as she tried to fight with her will to move her body. To do anything! Nothing worked and that thought began to scare her. Without warning, her memories started slowly drive into a haze from the sudden genjutsu that was placed upon her and her eyes could only widen with anticipation.
This was it.
A tear fell from her face as she stood with no control over herself. Almost like a whipped dog, following the orders of its master. What was she thinking? These were her last moments. She couldn't even look at the others, but she knew that they were just as mesmerized by the moon as she was. They couldn't break away from it and she couldn't either. Her thoughts lingered on just one thought that constantly ran through her mind. She couldn't stop thinking about it. It was always her life goal even if she didn't entirely believe it to be so.
'I guess I never deserved love after all. I should have seen this coming.'
Contrary to what she always wanted to believe, Mei was never one to have luck with love. She always believed that one day, she would walk the aisle together with the love of her life, whoever that would be, and would ultimately be happy with him. There would be a lot of flowers. Bells would ring from the distance. Everyone would smile at her and she would be able to look at herself and say that she did it. Then, she could look at her husband lovingly that saw in her what she tried so hard to show to others. That she wasn't just a strong and convincing leader, but also a caring and gentle lady who could give her husband a proper home.
Her tears increased as she gazed at the moon in fixation. She knew it was her time. What was she even thinking? There would never be someone for her. All of her life, she could only rely on wishful thinking. But no one ever understood her and that was how it would always be. Why even bother trying to think that life would have gotten better from here? She was clearly getting older and potential suitors were becoming harder and harder to come by.
The vines quickly ran past her legs as she stood there helplessly. She could hear the murmur of the Edo-Tensei Kage around her, but she didn't know what they were saying. She could feel the pulse of the vine as the vine sprouted into smaller vines that began to wrap around her entire being. She knew it was the end. She could only laugh internally at herself as she welcomed the abyss that was surely destined for her. She heard that the Infinite Tsukuyomi was supposed to give you your greatest dream and make it seem like reality. Her thoughts went over it all and she sighed, 'I guess at this point, it doesn't matter if I fight it. I welcome it.'
She saw as the vines wrapped around her snugly and everything started to go dark. Her vision was blurred and the only thing that could be seen was the faint light from the moon. Her eyes began to droop as she felt herself succumb to the deep slumber that she knew that she would never wake from.
'Send me to a place better than here. I know I won't live long enough, but at least make me dream happily before I die.'
"-ei…"
'I just want to be happy.'
"Mei, wake up."
'I just want love.'
"Mei!"
Mei was suddenly startled as she woke relatively quickly from a rock of her shoulder and the sound of someone screaming at her. She widened her eyes as she looked around her before she locked eyes on the one causing the disruption. Her green eye leered alertly at the person in front of her. Obvious displeasure on her face, "Darling, was that necessary?"
The person in question let go of her shoulder and smiled. His smile didn't really reach his eyes though, "It seemed to me like you were having a scary dream. I felt like I had to wake you up."
Her memories slowly started coming back together as she ran her hand to push loose strands of hair out of her eye. She sighed as she sat upright and straightened out her skirt, "I just dreamed about the Fourth Shinobi War again. Nothing to get all worked up over."
The man looked down to her in worry. He lowered himself to one knee and grabbed her hand, "Are you sure you're alright? I don't want you pushing yourself. I know you've been busy recently since everything started changing so suddenly. I feel like you've been stressed more than usual."
Mei looked down to her skirt and sighed lightly. Her fingers played with man's hand as she watched his callous fingers run across her own. She felt the sensation and smiled gently to the man in front of her. Even though he was a little energetic, he had this warmth about him that she couldn't help but feel close to. Her fingers laced into his as she looked back into his eyes. His eyes stared into hers deeply and affectionately. His tanned skin illuminated brightly from the sun that shined through the window from behind her. His blond hair almost blinded her like a second sun. She felt like she wanted to tease him at that moment, but felt the need to hold off. The thoughts from her dream still lingered in her head.
"I'm fine, Naruto."
Naruto chuckled lightly as his face held an exhausted smile, "If there's anything I've ever learned about women, is that when they say they are fine, then they really aren't."
Mei really adored this lovable goofball, but sometimes his caring nature could be somewhat over the top. She smiled again as she thought about that. That's probably what she loved about him, "I'm fine… really." She smiled to him as she started to stand up and fixed her hair.
As Mei went to look up to him, she felt arms wrap around her body in a gentle grip. His hand wrapped around the back of her head and brought her to his shoulder. She almost melted right then and there, but Naruto started talking before she could fully take it in, "I know… I know you're still dreaming of the time you were in the Infinite Tsukuyomi. I wish I could have done something to prevent that, but… I can't change the past."
The trauma of that day always haunted Mei. She would think about it still to this day. Nightmares of the event were quite frequent and getting rest was hard for her. It's already been a couple of years since the war, but when it came to traumatic events, things never truly leave. That point in her life will always be remembered. Her mind slowly started to relax as she fell into Naruto's rhythm. His breathing lulled her softly into a peaceful atmosphere.
Naruto pulled away and looked Mei in the eye. He could see that she was tired, but the smile that she was giving him was warmer than the sun currently shining through the window behind her. Mei blushed lightly as she went up to kiss him. They both closed their eyes softly as they shared a lingering kiss together. Her arms wrapped around his neck as she took in the kiss and his flavor. When she did this, all of her worries disappeared and everything felt like it vanished too, just leaving them together in their personal bliss. She didn't know why, but Naruto had this feeling about him that she loved and wanted to relish in.
They pulled apart after a few moments. Their faces were flushed and Mei touched her lips with her fingertips in a soft grin, "You never cease to make my worries go away."
Naruto chuckled lightly as he rubbed the back of his head. Mei clearly embarrassed him, "Well, I wouldn't be much of a boyfriend if I didn't help you."
"Hey," Mei huffed with her fists to her sides, "I'm your fiancée. Make sure to get that right. We are going to be married in a couple of weeks, aren't we?"
Naruto threw his hands up as he sweated. He got nervous as he saw the look on her face that meant she could change to a savage beast if he wasn't careful, "Yes! Yes! You're my Fiancée. Sorry, I've just never gotten used to saying that word. Wife is a much easier word to say and I'd rather say that one anyway."
Mei widened her eyes before she blushed and looked off to the side with a hand to her cheek, "I suppose wife is an easier word. I wouldn't mind hearing that word more once everything happens."
Naruto grinned before he looked out of the window. His sight aimed downwards and he saw villagers walking through the streets. His eyes followed a couple of children before his eyes gazed towards the plateau. He watched as he saw the suns rays began to creep past the Hokage Monument. His smile curled the edges of his lips as he glanced at his dad's stone head before he looked to the empty spot next to Tsunade's place, "Well, once everything works out, then we will have our own personal time together... and… I can finally say I did it."
Mei noticed his demeanor before she walked beside him and stared in the direction he was looking. Her eyes softened as she looked to him. His face was calm, but she could see the slight ache that echoed in his emotions. Her hand latched onto his as they stood there at the window, "I know you've been working hard to become Hokage. You've always talked about it and now it's not such a far off dream anymore."
Naruto smiled as he kept staring outside, "And that is all thanks to you. If you would have never personally recommended me being the next in line as Hokage, then I never would have been where I am now."
(Flashback)
It had been a little over a month since the end of the Fourth Shinobi World War and everyone had gone back to their respective homes. The reconstruction of the villages had become a top priority now that the threats were gone. All of the Kage were completely busy with their daily tasks for reconstruction and rebuilding their infrastructures for civilized society. Many ninja lost their lives and that amount of death would hurt the countries entirely had they not received help from each other.
After the union, the villages began to work together in order to fix all of the wrongs that were done in the past and create a thriving opportunity for their futures. The bleak outlook from the war changed everyone's opinions about keeping old grudges and left them with a bittersweet feeling now that the war was over. That's why, it wasn't surprising to see Mei Terumi, the current Mizukage of Kirigakure, to be sitting with a paper currently at her desk. Her eyes scanned it multiple times and she didn't know what to think of it. It was a joint letter recommendation from each of the Kage to promote Naruto Uzumaki into a respectable position for his efforts.
"That blond young man. He was the one that ended the Infinite Tsukuyomi that was placed on all of us," Her thoughts dwelled on that before she shivered at the memory of being taken hostage by that tree, "I suppose he is deserving of a higher position, after all, he is only a Genin."
She looked curiously at his file as she saw his Genin status plainly placed in his credentials. She looked at his picture and took in his features, "Cute, but quite average. Hmm…"
She thought momentarily before she looked at the Promotion Request again from the Kage. They wanted to have another meeting in a few days time and bring Naruto Uzumaki to their meeting. Her eye blinked before she sighed a long sigh. She signed and stamped the paper with her notary stamp before she handed it to the attendant that gave her the paper. It had been a long day and she wanted to finally have a break. The entire month that she had been back in Kiri, she was always working and had never stopped.
Her village that she was currently leading was starting to thrive again after everything it had went through. It wasn't surprising that she never stopped working while she was the leader. Ever since she took the leadership role, there were many nights of unrest as she worked to make her home a better place. The havoc of the previous Mizukage still reverberated even in current times, but with the Fourth War finally over, there was a brighter future to look ahead to. Even now, Mei Terumi was finally having a break and was able to stretch and walk around.
She went over the Fourth War in her head again. The thought of being caught in that Infinite Tsukuyomi was disheartening and a feeling gripped her chest tightly.
Her mind replayed the memories of her time in the dream that she had. A taller dark haired man with strong arms and warm demeanor. That marriage was a wonderful feeling that she never had before, 'It was what I always wanted.'
The feeling in her chest tightened as she thought about that moment within her mind, 'I thought it was everything I wanted.'
The more she thought about it, her mind went back and forth. It was confusing to her. When she thought about how happy she was within that dream, she couldn't help but think that they were all lies. The happiness that she had within that eternal dream was nothing but a sham. But… she also couldn't help but think that those times were the happiest times that she ever had. That thought made her frown from the realization that her life hasn't been that happy at all. This loneliness that she has in her office and loneliness that she has in her life were more than enough to drag her thoughts through the mud and it was showing. She really wanted to get out of the office and get some fresh air somewhere.
'It's a good thing I can finally leave this place for a change. The stale air of this office is getting to me.'
.ES.
Mei opened the doors to a larger room with a table directly in the middle with chairs that filled the table with just enough chairs for every Kage. Mei could see that the Raikage was already sitting down and his sharp eyes gazed at her entrance. She smiled lightly at the man before she walked over to a chair and took a seat. Her mind was currently on autopilot from her exhaustion that she was experiencing. Even though she had a relatively easy time getting to the Leaf Village for the meeting, it didn't help the fact that she wasn't getting enough rest from the vivid dreams she was having. She looked around and noticed that Ohnoki was the only one missing from the group.
"Glad you could make it, Lady Mizukage," Tsunade said as she smiled to the lady across from her.
Mei grinned as she crossed her arms in her lap, "Yes, sorry I'm a little late. Restructuring a village takes a lot of time and effort."
Tsunade looked at the woman that was grinning across from her. She could see the bags underneath her eyes from the exhaustion, but chose not to say anything. She didn't want to make a scene about it and assumed that Mei didn't want to talk about it anyway, "You're right about that. Even thought it's only been a little over a month, the damages done to each village were substantial. It may take at least a year before we finally balance ourselves."
Mei nodded at that. It was true that time was really the only thing that they needed. With something as big as an economy, those things don't fix themselves overnight.
"That old Tsuchikage is late," Raikage added off-handedly while his arms crossed in a huff, "Does it hurt to be on time?"
"Hey, you should know yourself that his village is in just as rough shape. I wouldn't put more pressure on him than he already has," Tsunade said with a knowing tone.
The Raikage huffed again, but said nothing more as he continued to wait. His leg bounced in anticipation idly.
A yawn escaped Mei's mouth as she raised a hand to cover it. It looks like she couldn't hide her exhaustion as well as she thought she could. It's not like it mattered anyway. There was nothing too big to deal with these days after the Fourth War, minus the restructuring of the villages. And, also, what seemed to be the world's savior's rank up. It was strange that the other Kage seemed to want him to rise in rank. It's not like she didn't think he was inadequate for a rank up, but more or less the idea of having all of the Kage approve of this is something you don't normally need a meeting for. Just signing a paper would suffice.
It was then that she noticed a young man sitting beside the Hokage. The same man on the file that she received. The same one that saved the entire world. Naruto Uzumaki. She sized him up from top to the end of the table. He looked bored and seemed to want to get up and do something. Introductions were in order.
"Ah!" Mei said as she clasped her hands together, startling the young man, "You must be the one that's being recommended for the promotion!" Mei said exuberantly, "I believe this is the first time we have officially been able to talk! I'm the Mizukage, Mei Terumi! You can call me Mei or Miss Terumi if you wish."
Her eyes closed as she smiled in his direction. Naruto was surprised to see someone so bubbly talking to him, especially since it was the Mizukage speaking so informally. He wasn't used to it, "I'm Naruto Uzumaki! Uh, Nice to meet you!" He said lamely. He honestly didn't know what to say to her, so he just went with the simple introduction, "Honestly, Granny told me to come to this meeting and I didn't know exactly what it was for until I entered this room," He looked over to Tsunade who looked back to him, "Am I really getting a promotion? Did my hard work finally pay off?"
Tsunade's gaze lingered before she grinned lightly, "You will know soon. For now, we are waiting on the others to arrive."
Suddenly, a door clicked and swung open, revealing the Tsuchikage and his attendants, following with him. He grunted in annoyance as his body creaked and rattled to the chair that he was assuming was his. He placed his hat down and looked at each and everyone of the Kage in the room, "Let's get this started. I want to leave sooner rather than later. I have a village to attend to."
"Funny words coming from the last person to arrive," The Raikage snorted.
The Tsuchikage said nothing to this as he looked around to each of his respected Kage. He was very stiff and didn't seem to want to move. It was almost as if he was forced to sit still, otherwise he would be under excruciating pain.
Tsunade grinned at the small man before she placed her hands down onto the table, "Let us now commence the Recommendation meeting."
Everybody put on their usual stoic faces as they began the meeting, but everyone knew that those wouldn't last. Naruto looked around surprised as he felt the atmosphere cool itself.
"Now, as you may have been aware, this is Naruto Uzumaki who has almost singlehandedly helped end the Fourth Shinobi World War. Without his help, everything as we know it would have ceased to exist and Kaguya Otsutsuki would have ultimately taken over the world. To be honest," Tsunade looked over to Naruto in a smile that seemed pretty confident in her current speech, "I believe Naruto is a great ninja and an even greater human being. Even though I was the one who recommended Naruto for a promotion, you all wholeheartedly agreed to his rise in rank."
"It is as you say," Ohnoki chuckled lightly, "I wouldn't have shown up had it been someone else receiving this promotion. Naruto Uzumaki has shown great promise and has shown his capabilities as a team leader."
"What lord Tsuchikage said is right," Ei announced gruffly. His crossed arms remained unchanged, "My mind hasn't changed about him since he beat me. It's actually insulting that I lost to a Genin rank, which is why I'd prefer if he was promoted to Jounin."
"Really? I could be Jounin?" Naruto asked with hope filled in his eyes. It was almost cute seeing the innocent look of achievement showing on his face.
Tsunade didn't say anything to Naruto as she glanced down but then back to the Kage, "Naruto was under several different circumstances for his delay in rank progression. The Chunin exams he participated in were halted due to Suna's invasion caused by Orochimaru. Then, shortly after, Naruto left on a three year training trip with Jiraiya as they ran to escape Akatsuki's noses."
Ei nodded in understanding and Ohnoki only laughed, "Well, my boy, seems you were given the short end of the stick."
Naruto chuckled nervously at the man's behavior. He looked over to Gaara and saw that he hadn't said anything, but you could see something working behind his eyes. Almost like he was waiting for something.
"It didn't help, that Naruto had to encounter the Akatsuki since he came back home and he never had time to work on his rank," Tsunade replied strongly as she looked over to him and saw his apprehension, "It should be no secret that there was something more to this meeting than just a simple promotion."
Ohnoki nodded his head as he squeezed one eye shut, "Don't tell me that you're trying to marry him off to my grand daughter. I thought we didn't do those arranged marriages anymore?"
Tsunade chuckled as she looked back to him, "Would you like to marry the Tsuchikage's grand daughter?"
"W-What!?" Naruto stammered as he went slack-jawed. His blush spread across his face as he threw his hands up, "I didn't sign up for that! Of course, I'm not gonna marry her!"
"Are you saying that my grand daughter isn't good enough for you!?" Ohnoki's pitch rose higher than he ever heard the man yell before, "Even though you may have saved us, that doesn't mean you have to get a big head about it!"
"Sorry! That's not what I meant! I-"
"That's enough Lord Tsuchikage! It was only a joke," Tsunade shouted to quell the man's rage. Who knew that he would get so excited over that? Ohnoki huffed before he sat back down, taking a few breaths to calm himself.
Kurotsuchi, who was in the room at the time, only brought her hand to her forehead and groaned in embarrassment. Her grandfather could be too forward at times without really thinking.
"I've put a lot of thought into this before I've chosen to reveal this information to you. It may not be easy right now, but when the time comes, you will understand it better."
Everyone looked on edge as Tsunade coughed in her hand to calm her nerves. She knew that this would be something big and unexpected to a few in the room, but it would be necessary. Mei looked on as she started to finally put the pieces together. Her visible eye widened in astonishment, "You don't mean…"
"As of today, I announce Naruto Uzumaki as next in line to become Hokage."
Everyone paused as they absorbed the information that was just given to them. Both, Ohnoki and Ei shouted in unison, "What!?"
"Are you out of your mind?" Ei yelled as he stared at the current Hokage in shock, "The boy hasn't even lead a team as a Jounin! How could we even think that he could be approved as Hokage?"
"I concur," Ohnoki said with obvious annoyance, "Young Naruto there is still a Genin! He's only 18 Years old! How could you leave your lives to an 18 year old man?"
"Isn't that what we did when we fought the fourth war and everyone fell victim to the Infinite Tsukuyomi?" Tsunade asked with confidence burning in her eyes.
The Tsuchikage was startled by the sudden response, but only looked away in aggravation, "Even though, he did indeed save us, that still doesn't give us enough reason to believe that he could run a village."
"If I may…"
A hand raised as everyone looked over to the silent Kage of the group. Gaara's face didn't change as he spoke in finality, "I approve of Naruto Uzumaki becoming Hokage of Konohagakure."
Both Ei and Ohnoki were surprised at his answer, but just as quickly as he said it, their faces spoke more than they verbally did at this meeting. Their eyes glanced at each other before Ei started to speak, "With you being the youngest of the Kage, you seem to have a soft spot for the boy."
Gaara was silent for a moment, "My decision has nothing to do with sentimentality. I believe that Naruto could prove to be the best course of action."
"What makes you so sure that Naruto could lead his village to prosperity?" Ohnoki asked with a pointed finger to the calm Kage. He didn't believe that Naruto could pull this off. He was so sure of it. He knew that the boy wasn't a bad ninja. As a matter of fact, he was one of the best. He had a way of working into people's hearts and that was a strong power that was frightening, just as it was heartwarming.
"Naruto's strong desire to never give up and to always help his friends no matter the cost. These things are what bring humanity closer together. Years ago, when I fought Naruto during the Suna Invasion against Konoha, he showed me just what it was like to fight with love, rather than hate," Gaara said calmly. The other Kage gazed at him soberly while Ei's demeanor only slightly softened, "Of course, Naruto isn't perfect by any means. He would need to be under the tutelage of someone who could provide the knowledge and support to become Hokage."
The Tsuchikage and Raikage looked at each other as they thought about this interesting way of handling this problem. Tsunade took this as a means to continue her course of action.
"So, now that we have come to an understanding, I'd like a vote to see who would want Naruto to train to become Hokage. All in favor, please raise your hand."
Naruto watched as he saw Gaara's hand rise into the air effortlessly. He looked at Ei and Ohnoki and saw that their hands were still down. He was bummed out about that, but saw as Tsunade also raised her hand. He had two votes out of four so far. Everyone looked as they saw the Mizukage yawn before she looked around. An interesting look was on her face as she glanced into Naruto's direction. They made eye contact and he watched her eye close and her lips curl up in a comforting smile.
"Lady Mizukage," Tsunade spoke breaking the silence, "What is your answer?"
Everyone was watching her and awaiting her response. After a few moments, she quietly and finally raised her hand. Ohnoki and Ei watched in amazement as they took in the three to two vote.
"Lady Mizukage, you can't be serious?" The Raikage said in surprise. He knew that they were going to be split on the decision, but was shocked to see her raise her hand for Naruto's approval.
Mei only smiled at him, "Of course I am serious, Lord Raikage. Is this a problem?"
"This is a BIG problem!" Ei said as he slammed his fist on the table, "Naruto Uzumaki is too young to succeed Tsunade! He needs to have the proper guidance and having a busy Hokage who's working on rebuilding a village do all of the work is too much to ask of anyone. Honestly, I would rather us wait a few more years before we decide on someone like Naruto Uzumaki to succeed the throne. He needs more time to study for this role!"
"During my initial entrance as Kazekage," Gaara interrupted, "I had only two years to develop the skills required to become Suna's leader," He lightly tapped his hat that was laying on the table in front of him, "I was officially the youngest Kage to have taken a hat. It was a lot of responsibility, but it was also obtainable. Although Naruto would need guidance, it would not be impossible for him to obtain the required knowledge to successfully lead Konoha."
Both Ei and Ohnoki looked at each other again as they thought about what Gaara said. He was right. Gaara only had two years to prepare before he became the Kazekage. Saying that he couldn't do it was outright lying since Gaara himself did it and seemed to be very successful at doing so. Ohnoki cleared his throat.
"While I don't have any animosity towards Naruto," The Tsuchikage replied with thought, "I do believe that the boy is indeed too young to hold the reigns of Hokage. While you were a special case, he on the other hand will definitely need proper guidance and time."
Naruto didn't know what to say. He kept looking around as they argued with each other about his promotion to Hokage. He was honestly speechless at the thought of becoming Hokage. It was always his dream to step up to the plate and be the village's leader. He couldn't even believe that they were recommending him in the position so early. What's more, he won the position in a three to two vote and could very well be on his way to reaching that tantalizing hat.
"I can help him."
Everyone's sight ventured to the Mizukage as she smiled in determination at the others. The looks on Ohnoki's and Ei's faces were priceless.
"You would actually help him?" Ei asked astounded but also curiously.
Her smile widened as she continued, "Of course. I was once in the same position he was in. When my country fell into chaos and I helped lead the rebellion to take the village back from Yagura, I was thrust into the position without much knowledge or understanding of what being the Mizukage actually meant." She turned her sight to Naruto, who was looking at her with his curiosity peaked, "I had to learn the hard way and it took a lot of work."
"Do you honestly believe that Naruto would be able to lead Konoha?" The Tsuchikage asked. His question sounded surprisingly hopeful. Ei looked over to the old man and saw something interesting, but said nothing.
Mei stood up, "I never said that it would be easy. Naruto's road to Hokage would be difficult. He may fail, but…" She glanced over to him and saw his eyes twinkling in anticipation, "I believe with patience and great work, he can achieve the title of Hokage. I have faith in his ability. If he could end a war that was detrimental to our survival, I'm sure he could lead a village if he had the opportunity."
"Lady Mizukage…" Tsunade looked shocked at Mei's response to Ohnoki, "Do you really mean that?" She couldn't believe that the Mizukage would say something so strongly. She didn't know that Mei could ever be so adamant about something. Usually when they were having their meetings, her responses were usually tame and in line with normal procedure.
Mei looked to Tsunade, "Of course. I'd also like to mention that since Lord Kazekage was given his title in two years, I'd like to declare that we give Naruto the same amount of time. This way, he can learn everything of the position and what it entails. I believe it would only be fair."
Tsunade looked at both Ohnoki and Ei, awaiting their judgement. Ei looked like he was heavily debating this topic in his mind. Ohnoki groaned and mumbled to himself. It looked like they were heavily thinking over this. Gaara on the other hand was inwardly smiling. He was watching history unfold before him. He knew that Naruto was going to receive the Hokage title. He knew that Naruto wasn't going to let them down.
After a few more moments of deliberation, Ohnoki and Ei finally acquiesced.
Tsunade smiled briefly before she stood and looked towards the Kage, "Okay, everyone has come to terms with this Hokage recommendation. The rules will be simple," Tsunade raised a finger, "First, Naruto will have two years to train underneath myself and Lady Mizukage, Mei Terumi. We will come to the arrangements for traveling at a later date. Second, if Naruto is to fail, he will have a five year suspension on his attempt to try again. This will give him a punishment for failing to achieve his Hokage status, but will also give him more time to study and learn for the title should he be willing to go after the position again. Finally, Naruto will also be given a delegation position from now on for our countries. With this delegation position, he will now be able to travel freely to other countries and villages, but will also use this as a means to give him work for his teachings," Tsunade looked around to each Kage as she rested on the table with her hands, "Does everyone agree?"
"Yes," Mei said with a smile. She looked over to Naruto again with her smile before Naruto lightly blushed. He didn't understand why the Mizukage was helping him so much, but he was glad that she did. He was one step closer to his dream now. He had to thank her later.
"Aye," Ohnoki mumbled.
"I agree," Gaara replied calmly.
"Alright, I agree to these terms," Ei said gruffly as he stood up.
"I agree as well," Tsunade said as she smiled to Naruto, "And with that, Naruto is officially the next person in line for Hokage. Now, as with all proceedings, can all guardians come forward to show as witness for this promotion."
Everyone began to circle the table as they started to prepare to sign the papers that were in front of them. Naruto's emotions were complex. He couldn't believe it. His eyes glanced around the room and saw as everyone was finalizing his agreement terms. After a few minutes, Naruto was given the pen to sign the paper. Everyone looked at him as he wrote his name on the line.
Once everything was done. Tsunade smiled at him, "Good job, brat. You finally did it."
Naruto looked to her and his eyes started to tear up. He rubbed his eyes with his sleeve as he chuckled, "I did, didn't I?"
"Naruto," Ei said as he put on his hat. The man held a strong look in his eyes. Something Naruto had seen once before, "You have two years. This will be your chance to show us what you're made of. Show that same determination you showed me when you beat me. I will never let it down otherwise."
Naruto only smiled in confidence as he answered, "You bet! I will not let you down!"
"Congratulations, Naruto."
Naruto turned his head and saw Gaara walking towards him. Gaara was showing a gentle smile that adorned his face, "Soon, I will have a friend who can continue his legacy and show that same fire that never died, but now as a leader. You've worked hard, Naruto. You've earned it. You'll always have my support."
Naruto smiled as he shook Gaara's hand. The impulse to hug him was squashed down since he knew that Gaara was a very important person and having Naruto hug him so easily would have been a security threat. A handshake was fine nonetheless, "Thanks, Gaara. I won't let your choice be made in vain."
Tsunade smiled as she looked from Naruto over to Mei. The woman looked ran ragged, but she was still maintaining some level of composure. She saw Mei yawn again as she stood up. The woman walked over to the Hokage and smiled genuinely, "Lady Hokage, I'd like to continue talking in your office about our arrangements. If you don't mind, I would like to stay in Konoha for a couple of days to finalize our travel arrangements and minor details regarding the training for Naruto."
Tsunade smiled good naturedly, "Sure, we can talk more about that in a couple of hours. I gave myself some time for any unforeseen circumstances, so I should be okay with this. I will provide your sleeping arrangement details in the next hour."
"Perfect!" Mei smiled sweetly as she began to walk over to Naruto who Gaara had left just moments before.
Naruto turned and saw the woman approaching him. He felt apprehensive, but also smiled at the woman who agreed to train him, "Hello, Lady Mizukage."
"Oh please, address me as Mei. We will get to know each other better anyway. It's better to lose formalities."
"Okay… Mei," Naruto said with a smile, but was also nervous because it was another Kage that he didn't know very well and was telling him to just use her name. He didn't know if that was allowed. Naruto had always called Tsunade 'Granny', but that was because he always felt close to her. This other woman was someone entirely different. He had only seen her a handful of times before.
Mei giggled as she watched the boy squirm in front of her, 'He must be embarrassed. Cute.'
"Mei, I personally want to thank you for approving me for the Hokage position," Naruto said as he bowed slightly, "I wouldn't have gotten this chance if you didn't agree."
"Oh, please. Think nothing of it," Mei said as her smile lessened into one that slowly deteriorated into melancholy, "It's the least I could do after you saved us from the Infinite Tsukuyomi."
Naruto couldn't tell what Mei was thinking, but he could see that there was something that was eating her up inside, "Are you okay?"
Mei quickly suppressed her feelings before she went bright and cheerful again, "Oh my, I'm sorry. I spaced out for a bit. I am entirely fine!"
Naruto knew that something was bothering her, but it would be rude to ask, so he just left it alone.
"By the way," Mei started, "While I'm waiting for sleeping arrangements to be made, do you think we could eat somewhere? I haven't eaten much since I left Kiri to come here. I'm awfully hungry and I'm sure you know of some fine places to eat in Konoha."
Naruto thought momentarily before a lightbulb clicked, "Uh, yeah! I know a place we can go to! You can follow me. I will bring us there."
"Wonderful!" Mei said as she clapped her hands together. Full smile was apparent on her face, "Chojuro. Ao. Naruto Uzumaki will take us to a nice restaurant. Let us follow him!"
"Yes, Ma'am," Both replied in unison. They looked at each other interestingly at this new development that was created. They didn't know why, but the Mizukage seemed to want to help Naruto achieve Hokage. It wasn't often that she offered a helping hand. Her life was much too busy for that. They all filed behind Naruto as decided to keep this to themselves. Upsetting Mei wasn't something that they wanted to do.
"Naruto!"
Naruto turned his head and saw the Hokage, "What is it, Granny?"
She quickly responded, "I'd like you to come to my office later with the Mizukage. You will need to be there for the traveling arrangements that we make for you."
"Yes, Ma'am!" He saluted as he grinned at her before him, the Mizukage and her guardians all left through the big doors that led to the hallway.
Tsunade watched as everyone filed out through the doors. Her mind was still in thought about the current undertaking that she was going to have to do. There was going to be a lot of work from now on, but she was happy that the Mizukage could lighten her load if by a little. It wasn't everyday that a Kage would offer their services to another Kage. She found it highly interesting. Maybe Mei had a side that she didn't notice before? She smiled as she thought of the future for Naruto, 'Now you can finally become what you've always wanted to be, Naruto. I fought tooth and nail for this. I hope you pass this. No, I know you will pass this trial.'
Tsunade finally walked out after everyone had left and closed the doors behind her with a loud thunk.
Author's Note: Well, here we are. LOL. Here's my first attempt at a Naruto x Mei fic. I hope you guys like it because there's more coming from this story soon. I've been working day and night to make sure this is good enough to publish. Anyway, next chapter will be from Blank Page. That will come out in the next few days. Thanks for the wait!
If you liked this, please tell me your thoughts!