Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or the thumbnails used, those belong to Kishimoto-sensei and their respective artists.


Chapter 23

Sasuke growled low in his throat when Naruto landed in front of the Hokage tower and made no movement to put him down. He glared darkly at Naruto and hissed, "If you think you're carrying me . . . "

Naruto looked at him and blinked then carefully put Sasuke on his own feet. Sasuke stumbled, he was still getting used to using his legs and though he felt much better than he had yesterday, he was still very aware of his current lack of physical strength. Naruto waited patiently, seemingly lost in thought.

Sasuke grasped his left wrist as Naruto was standing on his right and Naruto looked at him, once again blinking. Sasuke sighed and tightened his hold. Naruto looked forward and took a deep breath before they made their way up towards the Hokage's office, two Anbu stopped them halfway up to the top floor of the tower and directed them to follow.

So they continued up the stairs and then walked past the Hokage's office to the room at the end of the hall. Naruto barely took notice of the fact that Sasuke was leaning heavily against him and put an arm around his waist. The stress of what this meeting could entail had Naruto feeling unfocused and muddled. They stopped just outside the double doors and the Anbu disappeared in a puff of smoke.

Naruto stared at the door as though he were willing it to open on it's own, Sasuke shook his head and reached for the door handle. Naruto took a deep breath as Sasuke opened the door and both were caught by surprise by what greeted them.

It was a large, spacious room, with long tables along the three walls other than where they were, in the middle of the room was a single chair. Naruto scanned the room and felt a little relieved to find he knew most of those within the room. He questioned the change in his mind, but decided to wait until someone, namely Kakashi, to explain.

As he wished, Kakashi, seated in front of the chair in the middle of the room at the table that lined the back wall stood. Tsunade and Ibiki were seated on either side of him.

"Uzumaki Naruto, so nice of you to join us."

Naruto grinned sheepishly, he didn't like being addressed that way by Kakashi, it was weird and unsettling. Sasuke was still standing by his side, not really wanting to join the others among the tables. The table where Kakashi stood behind was also where the other council members were seated. There was a difference between clan representatives and council members, as Naruto knew pretty well.

Sasuke had once been made to stand before the council members, though he didn't have the chance to have the clan representatives there, it would have probably turned out better or worse if they had been there. Naruto took a deep breath, squared his shoulders, calmed his nervousness and bowed his head respectively, "Hokage-sama."

Kakashi nodded and took his seat after motioning for Sasuke to make his way to sit with the clan members. There were two small tables fit with chairs placed at the end of the first table where the four council members were seated. Sasuke had been motioned to take a seat next to Hinata Hyuga and Hana Inuzuka. Neji had been the representative for the Hyuga clan, but as it was, Hinata was the next in line to take his place being the elder sister of Hanabi who would most likely take her place when she decided to resign, which most likely wouldn't be all that soon.

Sasuke also squared his shoulders and despite how weakened and pained he still felt he walked over to the table to take his seat in between the two without betraying that at all. Naruto felt his lip twitch wanting to smirk at the proud Uchiha, but he kept his expression stoic and unreadable. He turned his gaze back to the council members and could feel those dark obsidian eyes focused on him.

Sasuke was still surprised to see an expressionless look on Naruto's face, even his eyes didn't give him away. It seemed that even with the time they had been together, he still had a lot to learn about Naruto. Sasuke took in a deep breath and made sure his face nor his eyes betrayed nothing, it wasn't becoming of him or an Uchiha to give anything away and he wasn't going to start now. He would just have to keep his focus on Naruto and what this meeting was about, he reminded himself of that when he felt a fleeting feeling of panic start to rise up in him. He had to keep his cool, if they saw him as unfit to handle this then he wouldn't have a voice in anything taking place today.

Hinata watched Sasuke out of the corner of her eye, she was still reminded of Neji, even if she knew Sasuke and Neji were different in many ways. They both always had this air of power and control about them. Today she could sense the control was wavering, forced, but she shouldn't expect anything else, she was still unaware of what he'd endured, but from what she'd heard from Sakura it wasn't pleasant. She glanced breifly at her father seated at the council table next to Tsume Inuzuka.

Hana remained calm, it was still hard for her to be around her brothers' classmates and friends and not have him present. It brought about a pang in her heart to see her brothers' best friend Naruto standing before her. Those two were partners in crime, before Kiba had detested Naruto, but then the two of them had always hung out together, going everywhere, starting trouble, partying together. Her mother sat at the table with the other council members, she was seated next to Tsunade.

Next to Ibiki sat the remaining Elders within the council, both were in their late seventies, yet they still persisted to take part in this meeting. Koharu Utatane, a strict old woman who believed greatly in the old ways and among the council members that pressed that Naruto never be allowed a position of power. Then there was Homura Mitokado, an old man that knew Tsunade well and had served the council since the first time Sarutobi had become hokage. He was wise, and believed in the old ways as well, but could be persuaded to change with the times provided there was just cause to do so.

After the following meeting both elders would no longer be present on the council, both would have to step down due to a unanimous vote from the villagers and most of the ranking shinobi within the village. At the table across from Hinata's table sat the representatives for the Yamanaka, Nara, and Akimichi clans; Ino, Shikamaru, and Choji. They all had serious expressions on their faces, much as everyone else did.

Sasuke quickly took in everyone present and was able to come to the conclusion of what had happened. The clan representatives were enough for him to realize those that had died he hadn't been told about. He felt guilt try to rise up in him at the facts staring him in the face about those across from him, obviously they had lost their parents in that battle . . . but he shoved it down, now was not the time for this.

The silence in the room as Kakashi took Naruto's records from Iruka who appeared behind him was nearly suffocating. Sasuke was surprised Naruto didn't start fidgeting where he stood as the silence continued. Kakashi glanced through the file and then passed it down the table to everyone who took a moment to look through it as well. Iruka leaned down and whispered something to Kakashi that Sasuke didn't catch, but the momentary glint in Naruto's eyes made him assume Naruto had caught.

When the file made it back to Kakashi he looked up at Naruto, "I assume you're aware of the reason this meeting was called?"

"Yes, but feel free to enlighten me with the official details Hokage-sama."

Kakashi smirked and glanced at the two elder council members, he then said in a indifferent tone; "Since it was against my judgment that you even be summoned on the accusations, I leave it to Utatane-sama and Mitokado-sama to give you the details."

Utatane nodded and looked at Naruto with a familiar detested glint in her eyes, "Uzumaki Naruto, as you are aware, you previously left the village against the better wishes of the Hokage and the council. Not only did you go against our wishes, you were also gone for longer than the time period allows for one to not be trialed as a rogue ninja."

Naruto said nothing and Kakashi nodded, "Even though all of that is true, it should be overlooked considering the conditions of which he left as well as what was accomplished in the period that he was gone."

"That does not excuse him."

Hiashi spoke then, "It would excuse any other shinobi."

Mitokado nodded, "As it would, so how about moving on to the next topic, Hokage-san?"

Kakashi nodded and smirked when Utatane sank back in her chair. Kakashi looked at Naruto, "Did you bring your scrolls with you?"

Naruto nodded and took the pack from his back and held it out for Iruka as he came around the table to take it from him. Iruka offered him a brief smile before turning back to give the pack to Kakashi. Kakashi opened the pack and took out a few scrolls, glanced at them and then put them back. He then said to Iruka, "Have these sorted and addressed please."

Iruka grinned at him and then was gone with a puff of smoke, taking the pack with him. Kakashi looked back to Naruto and Tsunade cleared her throat before addressing him.

"It would seem that through the judgment from the newly appointed council members, the elite shinobi in the village, as well as myself and the present Hokage that you, Uzamaki Naruto are being recommended for the position of Hokage."

A few faint smiles crossed the faces of most in the room, but Tsunade cleared her throat and continued; "It is not definite, as there are matters that need to be discussed before a final decision is made. However, as all of us are here, I believe another vote should take place once the current Hokage goes over the record of one Uzamaki Naruto. Should the votes be unanimous among those present a plan of training required for the position shall then be discussed."

Kakashi then took the moment of silence that followed to ask Naruto, "You understand this, I presume?"

Naruto nodded his head, "Hai Hokage-sama."

Kakashi nodded and then opened the file sitting in front of him. He kept his gaze on the file as he spoke, reading the more important parts of the file. Naruto was taken back when Kakashi began with speaking his father's name.

"Namikaze, Minato-sama, the Yondaime stated prior to his death; "I want my son to be recognized for who he is with my passing and his sacrifice. He's a hero for giving up his life, a chance at a normal life for this village. My son, Uzamaki Naruto, the hero of Konohagakure . . . that makes me proud to be his father, and saddens me that I will never get to know the full extent of such a blessing . . . "

Kakashi remained silent for a moment and then continued, "It is my personal opinion that Uzamaki Naruto has indeed lived up to his fathers' expectations time and again. At thirteen he came to the rank of genin. Following that he and his assigned team, students of my own, then took on a A-Rank criminal named Momochi Zabuza and defeated him and his partner Haku. It was a battle none of us present will soon forget."

"Following that he and his teammates also took part in the chunin exam, to which both he and Uchiha Sasuke continued on to the final rounds. He was the official winner of his match with Hyuga Neji and showed both skill and promise beyond his age group or his rank. Following that he also went on to defeat the present Kazekage, who was then also a jinchuriki."

"Continuing on, he also was a pupil and protege of Jaraiya-sama, the Toad Sage and one of the three Legendary Sannin. As Jaraiya-sama was a direct student to Sarutobi-sama and the Sensei to who was later named Yondaime, I personally believe that enough is said in Jaraiya-sama naming Uzamaki Naruto his pupil and protege."

Another moment of silence followed, to which Naruto was grateful, most of the names spoken had all brought sorrow up to the surface. He missed all of those that had died, and was still shaken up over hearing his fathers' name as well as Jaraiya's spoken aloud. It still hurt just as much to hear their names, and Neji being brought up was still a fresh wound as he had become friends with him over the last few years. He was grateful Sakura wasn't present, he was sure it would be even more painful than the look that had passed over Hinata's face from hearing her cousins' name.

Kakashi sighed and cleared his throat, "Next, even though it's unofficial, I am sure everyone here has noticed a rising shinobi that was taught well by Uzumaki Naruto, Konohamaru. Upon Uzumaki Naruto's return to the village after his training he went on to save the current Kazekage's life, taking on S-Class criminals and members of the Akatsuki to do so, alongside members of Team Kakashi."

"Previous to these feats, he has saved many lives of diplomatic and royal stature. As his previous Sensei, I can say from being present during the majority of his missions as a genin, that it takes a true shinobi to accomplish such tasks, with or without a team, every shinobi is valued and needed to accomplish a mission."

"Now to address his efforts during the War, if you would please Tsuande-san?"

Tsunade nodded and Kakashi slid the folder across the table to her. She remained silent for a moment, passed a gaze over everyone, seeing everyone was calm and attentive she cleared her throat and continued where Kakashi had left off.

"The War, having officially ended two years ago was a time where most of the shinobi from both Konohagakure and Sunagakure were truly brought to light. Among them were two outstanding shinobi from Konoha, Uzumaki Naruto and Haruno Sakura. Both of them displayed exemplary abilities to lead, command, protect, and console our shinobi along with those of our allied countries."

"As it states in this file; Uzamaki Naruto took command and lead our forces to victory using skill, intellect, bravery, and compassion. He is among the most accomplished among us and is was because of his choices and his actions, along with his perseverance and determination to defend the lives of all allied shinobi that a great number of shinobi survived the War. He not only risked his life on a daily basis, he also remained on the battlefield for up to ninety-six hours at a time to ensure that all those who survived and could be saved made it safely back to the camp where they could be treated. Following that he would later return to the battlefield with less than eight hours of sleep to obtain the remains of those killed on the battlefield to ensure they were respectively honored for sacrificing their lives in the name of defending their own village and for the sake of peace."

"It is also noted that he not only did all of this, without instructions or orders to do so, but he also assisted with tending to the wounded and was a great asset to the medical teams and medical staff that were present at the camp sites. He was a consultant to those fighting in the War as well as effectively, efficiently, and wisely holding position of commander on the front lines."

"It is expressed by many veteran shinobi of this still recent War and those before it that he . . . And I quote; 'Uzumaki Naruto maintained a level of skill and intellect as well as wisdom befitting a Hokage during the War in regards to the lives he took upon himself to defend."

"He also never sought out acknowledgment or payment of any kind for any of the times he pushed himself to the point that we call 'overachievment' and always gives every task he takes on everything he has in defending and serving Konohagakure."

Tsunade then slid the folder back to Kakashi, everyone was looking pointedly at Naruto, there was even a glint of surprise that showed behind Sasuke's ever impassive and stoic expression to meet the same surprised and proud looks he was receiving. Utatane did not look pleased in the slightest, she could find nothing to say at the moment and settled with a glare at Naruto.

Naruto, remained calm his, his expression never changed, there was a brightness to his eyes, something resembling pride or happiness, but no one could be sure. Kakashi nodded to him with a knowing look in his eyes and then said to regain everyone's attention once more; "Following the war . . ."

Everyone's eyes went back to looking at him and he smirked, "Following the war Uzumaki Naruto took both the chunin and jonin exams, which I must point out, regardless of what anyone here may believe, he passed with the highest scores since I myself took the exams. He also never ceases to amaze any of us with the amount of techniques he able to learn and master nor does he stop trying to improve his growth."

Utatane cleared her throat and Kakashi glanced at her before saying, "Is there something you wish to add?"

Utatane looked smugly at Naruto, "It would seem he had disagreements with joining the Anbu force. If he never stopped trying to improve his growth, why is it he continued to decline a chance to become an 'Elite' shinobi? I, myself, believe it is because he does not possess the prowess or skill to maintain such a rank. If he is being nominated for the rank of Hokage, shouldn't he prove he can handle such responsibilities and demands of one ranked as Anbu as the Hokage's before him did?"

Kakashi nodded in acknowledgment, "I am sure that some may see you make a valid point. However, as Hokage and previously one of his Sensei's, I pride myself in knowing my pupil fairly well. Do you explanation as to why he continuously refused the position, or proof that he was indeed a possessor of the skill and prowess, as you stated, that it takes to maintain the rank of Anbu?"

Utatane nodded, "Both if I may be so inclined Hokage-sama."

Kakashi nodded, glanced briefly at Naruto and with a slight nod from Naruto he turned to look at Utatane directly. "The explanation you are looking for is that Uzumaki Naruto felt that he had seen and caused enough death on the battlefield during the war to not need to take the ranks of Anbu. It was not out of superiority, but a matter of defending ones mentality. As for his skill and prowess, as a shinobi on the battlefield and having seen Uzumaki Naruto in action I can assure you he possesses both and much more. If you look carefully through any Anbu's comments regarding him, it is clear that Uzumaki Naruto was the first choice for the position as Anbu Captain."

Utatane nodded and said with a weaker voice, "Hai, arigato Hokage-sama."

Kakashi turned back to facing Naruto, "Now, where was I? Ah . . . there are side notes that were neglected to be added into his file properly through choice of the previous council members. It seems that Uzumaki Naruto defeated members of the Akatsuki, such as Pain, who came very close to taking my life. It is noted by the Elite and Adult shinobi that he showed promising skill and strength back then that would have been fitting to an Anbu."

Ibiki then spoke, "Before we finish this up, I would like to point out something to everyone in this room. Uzumaki Naruto not only puts his life on the line to defend this village or fellow shinobi, he does so without hesitation. He has also housed the Nine Tailed Demon Fox, Kyuubi for his entire life. That was a sacrifice he never complained about and faced ridicule, acts of hatred, violence, and prejudice for before he knew the reason behind it. He continues to keep a demon that took the lives of many, including the Yondaime without fail or complaints."

"I must also point out that he is the son of the Yondaime who was also a pupil of Jaraiya-sama and was the Jonin instructor of our current Hokage. Jaraiya-sama was previously a student to the Third Hokage who was taught by the First and Second Hokage's. Our present Hokage was the Jonin instructor to Uzumaki Naruto. In my opinion, it would be dishonorable to say he is unfit for the position and a question of the strengths our previous Hokage's possessed that would keep anyone of us from voting in favor of Uzumaki Naruto taking the position of Hokage."

Tsunade then spoke, "As for the question that is often brought up with anyone being nominated for position of Hokage, his lineage proves him to be a promising Hokage. As granddaughter to the First Hokage, student to the Third Hokage, and the Fifth Hokage I personally recommend him for the position."

Kakashi nodded, "As a student of the Yondaime, sensei to Uzumaki Naruto, and Sixth Hokage, I personally recommend him for the position as well."

Ibiki nodded, "I agree as a ranking shinobi."

Mitokado nodded, "I also vote in favor as a Elder of this village."

Utatane sighed, "As do I vote in favor, I see no reason to vote otherwise."

Some relaxed at his voting in favor, next to speak was Hiashi Hyuga. He nodded to everyone and said in a calm and confident tone, "I also vote in favor, as a member of the council, ranking shinobi, and previous representative to the Hyuga Clan."

Tsume smiled at Naruto, "I vote in favor, same as Hyuga, only representing the Inuzuka clan."

Naruto had to bit the inside of his cheek to keep from snickering, but he still thought to himself, Her and Kiba were always so much alike, sounded like something he would have said.

The next person to speak was Shikamaru, he sighed heavily, as though he were very bored, which he looked to be. Then he smirked at Naruto and said, "I vote in favor as Team Leader of the Investigation and Code Breaking Team, ranking shinobi, and representative of the Nara Clan."

Ino nodded, "I also vote in favor as a ranking shinobi and representative of the Yamanaka Clan."

She turned to smile softly at Choji who smirked at Naruto, "I vote in favor as a ranking shinobi and representative of the Akimichi Clan."

Naruto's gaze moved to those seated at the table across from them and he locked eyes with Sasuke momentarily before looking to Hinata as she spoke.

"I vote in favor as a ranking shinobi, Sensei at the Ninja Academy, and as representative of the Hyuga Clan."

Naruto smiled gently at her in appraisal of her speaking evenly, confidently, and not in a broken sentence. She blushed lightly and his gaze locked onto Sasuke as his deep voice, though still raspy and a little hoarse, spoke with confidence and with no room to argue should anyone try; "I vote in favor as representative of the Uchiha Clan."

Naruto felt a flicker of anger rise in him as he was reminded that Sasuke was still not reinstated as a ranking shinobi. That would be something he would have to fix should he become Hokage. Hana's voice, remarkably less rough and deep than that of her mothers' broke him out of his thoughts.

"I vote in favor as well, as a ranking Shinobi, Squad Leader of the Tracking Squad, and representative of the Inuzuka Clan."

Kakashi nodded and Naruto focused on him once more. "It would seem that the vote in unanimous then. As stated before there are still matters to be discussed before it is made official. Uzumaki Naruto, you understand that you will have to go through special training for the next six months to a year in order to effectively ensure you are fully capable to take the position as Hokage?"

Naruto nodded, "Hai Hokage-sama."

"Alright then, all Clan representatives not members of the Council are dismissed at this time. Uchiha Sasuke, tomorrow, if you and your physician feel you are able, there will be a meeting scheduled concerning your current rank."

As those at the side tables stood Sasuke nodded, "Hai Hokage-sama."

Kakashi nodded briefly at him and smirked when Sasuke dragged a chair from the table over to Naruto and set it behind him before roughly shoving it into the back of Naruto's knees forcing him to sit down. Sasuke brushed his hand over his shoulder before following the others out of the room to wait in the hallway. Once the door was closed behind them Kakashi sighed, "Alright then. Uzumaki Naruto, we are going to run through basic questions, answer them as honestly as you can."

Naruto nodded and waited silently, he could imagine that Kakashi's throat had to hurt from all the talking he was doing. It was just another thing to chalk down as something that made him nervous, he'd never heard Kakashi talk so much. Tsunade ran her hands through her hair, "Uzumaki Naruto, while at the academy you were in class three point zero, correct?"

"Hai."

"You also graduated from the academy and became a genin at the age of thirteen, then became a chunin through the traditional means at eighteen and jonin shortly after?"

"Hai."

Utatane spoke next, "You were given no orders to take charge of the battle front during the war, but you did so anyway?"

"Hai."

"You then proceeded to lead and command, as well as defend and care for your fellow shinobi during that time?"

"Hai."

Mitokado then addressed him, "You were made aware of the Nine Tailed Demon Fox being sealed inside you just before you graduated from the academy, and you defended Umino-san shortly after finding this out, correct?"

"Hai."

"As a genin you lost control of 'Kyuubi,' I believe, four times in which every occurrence was either provoked or in desperation to defend your fellow shinobi, correct?"

Naruto was hesitant at first but then said evenly, "Hai."

Utatane addressed him once again, "Two of those fours times you put lives at risk by losing control, did you not?"

"Hai."

"Why is it you feel that you will not become a threat to the village or a fellow shinobi now?"

"I have acquired proper control and training in which to maintain control."

"How can we be certain of that?"

"I don't know, how is it that you wish me to prove so?"

"Stand up and show us the seal."

Naruto paled, he knew that with the fusion the seal would most likely no longer be there or at the most, faded. Still, he did as he was instructed and once he stood up he pulled his shirt up to reveal his stomach. He glanced down at the gasps he heard and sure enough the seal was gone from his skin. Naruto sighed but held his tongue and waited to be addressed. It was remarkable how much patience he had now compared to before.

After a few minutes is was Tsunade who spoke, "You may be seated." Naruto put his shirt down, smoothed it over, and then took his seat looking at her with guarded eyes. She took a deep breath, "How long has the seal been gone?"

"At least a week or two now."

She nodded, "Was it released, weakened, why is it gone?"

"Fusion, it was Kyuubi's idea."

Tsunade put her hand to her face and pinched the bridge of her nose. Utatane glared darkly at Naruto, "Don't you think you should have informed us of this before you returned to the village?"

Naruto looked at him, "I would have had I not been under a time limit and given permission to leave the village in search of Uchiha Sasuke."

Utatane only glared deeper at him, "That is of no consequence, you put the lives of this village in danger by returning with the seal gone."

"As the host of Kyuubi, I believe I am the only one to judge whether I put the lives of the village in danger or not. I am fully aware of when I am on the brink of losing control and when I am in full control. As the only remaining jinchuriki and also a ranking shinobi, I trust in my judgment in regards to the safety of this village. As a member of this village I would never put anyone in the village in danger intentionally."

"As you did by remaining here prior to knowing the Akatsuki were looking for you," Utatane replied with a hint of disgust.

Naruto inhaled sharply and let his breath out slowly, "I was not at fault at that time, I was instructed by shinobi ranked higher than myself to remain within the confines of the village."

"Yet, when you were instructed by shinobi with more experience than yourself, the Hokage, as well as the council to remain in the village instead of pursuing Uchiha Sasuke recently, you did so anyway."

"The conditions of that decision were entirely different."

"And what conditions are those?"

"The conditions that it was a personal as well as professional matter. Uchiha Sasuke holds enough merit in this village with his lineage as an Uchiha, the last remaining Uchiha. His clan was the highest ranking clan in Konoha and he continues to prove that he is befitting the name and respect his Clan once held within Konoha. It was against your better judgment, but not my own."

"Personal conditions, such as what?"

"He is my former teammate, former rival, best friend, and currently my lover."

Kakashi grinned at him for that and decided to remain quiet as he saw Naruto was handling himself quite well on his own. Utatane continued, "Your lover, well, that should mean we can override his vote."

"You could, but under regulations you must have a representative from each ranking clan should one member still exist. As it is, he is the only one that can represent the Uchiha Clan."

Utatane had nothing to say to that and Kakashi grinned behind his ever present mask and cleared his throat; "It would seem that you won't need much training with diplomacy Naruto-kun."

Utatane glared at Naruto and sank back in her chair once more. Naruto looked to Kakashi with a smile in his eyes, but his expression remained the same. Kakashi yawned, "Well, I'm beat, everything else can be taken care of once we have all reviewed your record and have documentation of the techniques you know. As it stands, your training will begin once we have accessed your current capabilities. Until then you will remain in the village, not be able to take on any missions, and expect a summoning at any time."

"Hai Hokage-sama."

"You're free to go, take Sasuke-kun home and get some rest yourself."

Tsunade looked at him as he stood, "Put that chair back and I want the two of you to wait a moment outside."

"Hai Ba . . . Tsunade-san."

She smirked and watched as he put the chair back then turned and walked out of the room closing the door behind him. Kakashi stood up and stretched then glanced at everyone. He then addressed the Elder council members, "You two are hereby relieved from your duty as council members. You're free to go."

Utatane bristled, "Hokage-sama, I press that you let us remain concerning the situation."

Kakashi sighed, "I believe four council members is sufficient enough for the current situation. As it is, neither of you gave any argument to Uzumaki Naruto becoming Hokage."

"Hai, but . . . "

Mitokado stood and placed a hand on Utatane's shoulder, "Let us go in peace, we had our say and that is enough. It is time for us to step down and trust the younger generations to the future of this village."

Utatane sighed irritably but conceded with a nod and got to her feet as well. The two of them were gone in a puff of smoke. The remaining four at the table looked at Kakashi. Kakashi walked around the table and over to the door, "Let us continue in my office."

Tsunade grinned, "Hai, I always detested this bland room anyway."