Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any of its characters as they are the property of Masashi Kishimoto. The author of the cover image is indy-riquez from DeviantArt. You can check the link for the original image in my profile.

Chapter 41: The Candidates

''This sucks,'' Declared Ino as she took a look at her dirt-stained clothes. ''I need a shower. Again.''

Sai, for his part, simply ignored her and kept walking beside her.

''I swear I live in the shower these days with how much I have to do around the village now. And with how difficult is to find quality bathrooms to boot after they were destroyed,'' Complained Ino. helping rebuild the village day in and day out was starting to take its toll on the Yamanaka heiress. She wasn't used to all this nonstop physical labor.

''I just hope that we don't have to keep this up for much longer. Don't you think, Sai-kun?'' Asked Ino only for the boy to keep glancing at the floor. ''Hey, Sai-kun!''

Sai was snapped out of his trance and stopped his pace to look at Ino eyeing him weirdly. ''Sorry. What were you saying?''

''Forget it, it doesn't matter,'' Said Ino with a sigh. ''More importantly, what's with you today? You are even more out of it than usual.''

''I...'' Sai muttered, unable to say much more. He was still thinking about what Danzo-sama talked with him, but there was not much he could tell Ino. He could say that he was worried about Naruto and Kurotsuchi because of Danzo's interest in them, but Ino would obviously want more details and that was something he couldn't do due to the seal in his tongue that kept him from talking about Danzo and ROOT.

''Something is bothering you,'' Concluded Ino. ''Come on, spit it out. You know you can talk to me, right?''

''Is not that simple,'' Said Sai solemnly. ''I don't think I can tell you this.''

Ino looked somewhat hurt by his statement. ''D-Don't you trust me?'' Asked the girl. After all that they have gone through, he still didn't feel comfortable enough with her to talk?

''It's not that,'' Said Sai apologetically. ''It's not that I don't want to tell you but that I...Wait,'' Something finally dawned on him. How hadn't he thought about this before?

Ino looked at him curiously. He seemed to have gotten some kind of realization.

''Ino-san, I need your help,'' Said Sai suddenly.

''My help?'' Asked Ino in surprise. One moment he said he couldn't talk to her about whatever it was that was bothering him and now he needed her help? She wasn't complaining but it was a weird shift in demeanor. ''Of course. Whatever you need just name it.''

''Can you talk to me telepathically?'' Asked Sai.

Ino was not expecting that kind of request. ''Sure, it's one of my clan's specialties but why?''

''I'll explain in detail later. I can't directly talk to you so this is the only way,'' Sai explained. ''Please.''

''O-kay if you say so,'' Said Ino. All this was somewhat weird but she decided to go along with it for now. ''Just know that it might feel weird at first.''

Sai nodded in understanding. He was ready for that.

''Fine. Here goes nothing,'' Said Ino, putting a hand on top of Sai's head. ''Shindenshin no Jutsu (Mind Body Transmission Technique)''

-Somewhere else in the village-

''Thank you so much for your help, girls,'' Said a middle-aged carpenter. ''It would have taken me all day to sort all these materials by myself,'' Added the man while admiring the piles of stone and wood that the two Kunoichi were able to gather for him.

''It really wasn't a problem,'' Said Sakura amicably. ''Right, Hinata?''

''It was our pleasure,'' Agreed the Hyuga heiress.

The two girls had run into each other earlier in the day and decided to go help around the village together since they had nothing to do and they didn't know where the rest of their teams were.

''Still, thanks for lending a hand. It would have taken forever to do this,'' Added the older man.

''Hachi-san!''

At the calling, the carpenter turned to greet another man who was just arriving with a young boy in tow.

''How are things on your end?'' Asked the man. He had graying spiky hair and a full beard and was wearing round glasses.

''I'm doing great now, Tazuna-san. These two young ladies decided to help and sped along the workload nicely,'' Replied the carpenter.

''Tazuna?'' Sakura muttered the familiar name.

''Hey grandps, look! Isn't this Sakura?!'' Exclaimed the spiky-haired boy excitedly.

Tazuna turned to look more attentively at the two girls and after a moment a look of recognition dawned on him. ''You are right, Inari. Sakura-san, it's been so long!'' Greeted the old man happily. He didn't know how he failed to recognize the girl's distinctive pink hair before.

''Is very nice to see you two again,'' Responded Sakura with a heartfelt smile. ''It has been so long.''

''Indeed. I'm glad that our paths crossed again,'' Said Tazuna.

''My, how tall have you gotten, Inari-kun,'' Said Sakura addressing the boy.

''And you have gotten prettier, Sakura-san,'' Responded the boy, getting a blush from Sakura.

''You also have gotten much more charming,'' Said Sakura.

''And who is your friend? I don't believe we have met,'' Said Tazuna as he took notice of Hinata.

At being addressed, the Hyuga heiress bowed to them before introducing herself. ''Glad to meet you, I'm Hyuga Hinata. Sakura is a dear friend of mine.''

''Is that so?'' Said Tazuna amicably. ''Well, any friend of Sakura is a friend of ours. After everything Team Seven has done for our country they will always be our dear friends and heroes.''

''That's why we accepted to come aid Konoha at once when we heard what had happened,'' Added Inari. ''Now it is our turn to help you guys!''

''Thank you. We really need all the help we can get lately,'' Said Sakura.

''No problem,'' Responded Tazuna. ''By the way, where is the rest of your team? We would also like to see Naruto and Sasuke.''

At the mention of both girls respective objects of their affection, they diverted their gaze and got much more somber.

Tazuna and Inari shared a curious look between them at the girl's reaction.

''Naruto must be somewhere in the village also helping with the reconstruction,'' Said Sakura. ''As for Sasuke he...he isn't here right now. It's complicated.''

''I see...''Said Tazuna, suspecting that something about the current topic was getting to the girls he decided to leave them be for now. ''Well, I'll be leaving you girls now, there is much to do. I'll keep an eye out for Naruto while I'm it.''

''See you later!'' Inari said his farewells, following his grandfather to continue their job.

Sakura sighed sadly at the reminder of the wayward Uchiha. In moments like these she missed how things had used to be before Sasuke became consumed by revenge. But then, she took a moment to give a worried glance at Hinata. She knew that the Hyuga's feelings could be relatively fragile, even more so lately after the revelation of Naruto and Kurotsuchi's relationship.

At the sight of the depressed look that Hinata was giving the floor, Sakura felt pressured to find another topic she could distract Hinata with.

''Do you want to go for some lunch? My treat,'' Offered Sakura.

Hinata managed to give Sakura a weak smile before shaking her head. ''I'm fine, I'm not really hungry. Also, you don't have to try to cheer me up.''

Sakura blushed in embarrassment for being so transparent about her intentions.

''I deserve this,'' Added Hinata. Everywhere she went, her friends tried to find ways to lift her spirits which she was thankful for, but it was bad enough to know that she lost her chance with Naruto but to see that pretty much everyone had known about her crush was humiliating, to say the least. ''I didn't deserve Naruto-kun.''

''How can you say that?'' Asked Sakura in disbelief.

''I have admired Naruto-kun for so long, even since we were kids,'' Explained Hinata with a faraway look on her face. ''I've seen him struggle and overcome every obstacle presented to him. I wanted to be like him and to be close to him. But I also knew how lonely he was and how much he yearned for people that acknowledged him. And I had countless opportunities to get close to him, to let him know how I felt but I never did anything. I was a coward.''

Sakura listened intently with a sad look. She now somewhat understood what Hinata was getting to.

''I knew how much he wanted people to be at his side and yet I didn't do anything. He helped me improve so much by being my inspiration and I never returned the favor,'' Hinata continued with sorrow on her features. ''I was so useless to him that even an enemy Kunoichi managed to claim his heart before I did. If I could lose to that even with years of advantage over Kurotsuchi-san, then I didn't deserve Naruto to begin with. He should be with someone stronger who is willing to be at his side even when it's difficult, not a pathetic and weak girl like me.''

Sakura could kind of relate since she felt almost as useless to Sasuke as Hinata felt she was to Naruto. ''I...I don't know what to say. I'm not exactly the best person to offer insight into these things. If you haven't noticed I'm just as screwed when it comes to love.''

''It's okay. I didn't expect to be able to fix anything anyway. I know that I lost my chance and I'm trying to accept it even if is hard,'' Said the depressed Hinata.

''I guess we are sisters in heartbreak then,'' Sakura joked slightly. ''We just can't seem to do anything right when it comes to the boys we love. But at the very least we understand each other's fuck ups I guess.''

Hinata actually managed to give Sakura a small grin in response, even if it was weak. ''Yeah, I guess.''

Sakura was glad that at the very least Hinata had stopped sulking as much for the time being. It was weird to talk about these things with the Hyuga but she found out that they had things in common at least. ''Come on. Let's go help around the village. There are probably still a lot of builders that need a hand,'' Said Sakura, finally diverting their attention from the previous topic.

Hinata nodded in resolution, agreeing with Sakura. Maybe some more hard work would help her take her mind off Naruto.

-Somewhere else in the village-

''Mokuton: Renchuka no Jutsu!(Wood Release: Serial Pillar Houses Technique)''

Naruto looked in awe as several rows of houses and buildings rose from the ground, neatly occupying a previously empty ruined part of the village.

''Amazing, mister Yamato!'' Exclaimed the blond. ''With you here, we will reconstruct the village in no time,'' Yamato's Wood element was already impressive, Naruto didn't know that it could construct buildings so easily. ''Man, not even with my clones helping can they work that fast.''

''Sure, just...give me a moment,'' Said Yamato trying to catch his breath. His Jutsu might be a huge help in rebuilding the village but it drained him terribly of Chakra. Still, he had to endure it, it was for the sake of his home.

Naruto was about to make a small army of Kage Bunshins to not fall behind in his part of the work when he heard someone call up to him.

''Naruto.''

The Jinchuuriki turned around to find Sai and Ino approaching him.

''Hey, guys what's up?!'' Naruto greeted his friends.

''Naruto, we need to tell you something,'' The severity of Ino's tone told Naruto that whatever his friends wanted to talk to him about was serious.

''Is there something wrong?'' Asked Naruto tentatively.

''I would rather talk to you in private,'' Said Sai.

''Sure,'' Said Naruto before he turned to Yamato. ''Sorry, mister Yamato. I have to leave you for a moment, I'll be back soon.''

''Fine. I'll just be here,'' Responded the tired Jounin, not finding the strength to inquire into Naruto's matters as he sat down to rest momentarily.

After that, Naruto followed Sai and Ino to a more secluded part of the village in a clearing among some trees.

''Okay, what is it that you want to tell me?'' Urged Naruto, impatient to find out what was so important for his friend to be this secretive about it.

''Naruto, listen. You have to be careful, both you and Kurotsuchi-san,'' Said Ino.

''What are you guys talking about?'' Inquired the confused Naruto.

''Danzo has learned about your relationship,'' Said Ino.

''Sai's boss?'' Asked Naruto.

''Apparently, he is a dangerous and shady character,'' Explained the Yamanaka.

''You both could be in danger,'' Added Sai.

''The whole village knows about me and Kuro-chan by now, what is so different about this guy knowing?'' Said Naruto, still not understanding what the fuss was about.

''This guy likes to orchestrate all kinds of dirty and dangerous stuff from the shadows to keep Konoha safe he says,'' Explained Ino.

''Danzo-sama has very extreme methods to keep the village safe. There is no telling what he could plan to do about you guys,'' Said Sai.

''To give you an idea, apparently, he has always wanted to get rid of Sasuke-kun ever since he left the village. If he thinks Kurotsuchi is dangerous he could have similar ideas,'' Said Ino.

''What?!'' Exclaimed Naruto, now finally starting to get enraged. He had heard a bit about this Danzo guy but he didn't know he was this problematic. ''I'm not going to let this guy take away Sasuke or Kurotsuchi! In fact, if he dares lay a finger on her I'm going to-''

''So you guys know Sasuke.''

Naruto and his friends turned to look at the ones who interrupted them to find two dark-skinned Shinobi in the clearing with them.

The honey-eyed girl with long spiky red hair had hew sword out and had it pointed at the three of them while the white-haired boy looked at them with the same enraged face as his partner.

Despite his surprise, Naruto managed to recognize their uniforms. They were Kumo ninja. Their attires were very reminiscent of the same guys that had him captive back on that turtle island.

''Kumo Shinobi?'' Muttered Sai suspiciously, also recognizing their clothes and headbands.

''Say what?'' Inquired Ino. ''What are Kumo ninjas doing here?''

''We are looking for information,'' Said the male.

''We heard you talking about that piece of shit Uchiha,'' Said the girl. ''We want you to tell us all you know about Sasuke.''

''What for?'' Asked Naruto coldly.

''That Akatsuki bastard attacked our village and took our master prisoner,'' Said the boy.

''What do you mean by Akatsuki?'' Asked Naruto in confusion.

''Yeah, Sasuke-kun is not part of Akatsuki!'' Added Ino.

''You are either liars or are very ill-informed,'' Said the girl. ''Sasuke has been seen working with the Akatsuki, he even has their uniform.''

Naruto and Ino felt ice running through their veins at the revelation. It wasn't possible. Sasuke would never join the very same organization that was hunting Naruto. Even Sai seemed disturbed by the news.

''That can't be...'' Muttered Ino.

''You are lying!'' Exclaimed Naruto. ''Sasuke wouldn't do that!''

''You little fucker! How dare you call us liars after what that bastard has done to us!'' Sneered the Kumo girl.

''Your Uchiha attacked and took our master! You have no right to be defending that trash and saying that we lie!'' Said the Kumo boy.

Naruto clenched his fists and stared at the ground in disbelief. Sasuke had joined the Akatsuki? There had to be a mistake, there had to be. Sasuke had gotten colder but to join those guys was something else entirely. They were their enemy. This could even be considered treason.

''What happened to you, Sasuke?'' Naruto lamented silently.

''Now that we have let you know our reasons, you will tell us everything you have on Sasuke,'' Demanded the tanned girl.

Everyone looked expectantly at the saddened blond, waiting for him to say anything.

''Go on. We don't have all day,'' Urged the Kumo boy.

''I...'' Naruto stared at them firmly. ''I can't.''

Both Kumo Shinobi glared daggers at the Jichuuriki, worrying the Konoha ninja that they would turn hostile any second now.

''I understand your pain and I know that you are in your right to feel the way you do,'' Explained Naruto. ''But even so, Sasuke is still my friend and I won't betray him. If it makes you feel better, even if only a little bit, you can take your frustration on me. I will bear your pain with you.''

Naruto had just barely finished talking when he felt a strong fist collide with his cheek, momentarily disorienting him before he spat a bit of blood.

''As you wish,'' Said the angered girl, ready to continue her punishment. ''If you won't talk I'll beat it out of you!''

''Naruto!'' Yelled both Ino and Sai before they shot deathly glares at the strangers.

''We won't let you keep this up!'' Said Ino.

''Stop it, guys!'' Said Naruto. ''It's fine. I can take this.''

''What are you saying?!'' Ino shot back.

''At the very least you accept your beating like a man!'' Yelled the enraged Kumo Kunoichi before she punched Naruto in the face again.

The blond simply stood up once more, catching yet another blow to his face.

Ino and Sai winced for each hit that connected with Naruto's head. They just managed to watch silently for a minute before they had enough. Both of them were about to intervene when someone else caught the next punch.

The Kumo Kunoichi widened her eyes in shock when she found her fist in another girl's grasp being painfully clenched.

If looks could kill, Kurotsuchi's glare could have murdered everyone in the vicinity as she stared down at the two Kumo Shinobi, her killing intent even making them feel uneasy.

''She is fast,'' Analyzed the Kumo boy. ''I didn't even see her arrive.''

Kurotsuchi yanked back the girl's fist, pulling her towards a punch from her own that sent the Kunoichi flying back, forcing her Kumo partner to catch her before she hit the ground.

''Lay one finger on him again and I'll cut off your filthy hands, bitch,'' Threatened Kurotsuchi.

''You...'' Snarled the Kumo girl as she focused her attention on the newcomer. ''You'll pay for that, whore.''

''What is an Iwa Kunoichi doing here?'' Asked the Kumo boy.

''None of your business,'' Said Kurotsuchi. ''What are two Kumo Shinobi doing here?'' She shot back.

''We have things to attend to, which doesn't concern you,'' Said the girl.

''Still, we will make you tell us about Sasuke one way or another,'' Added the boy.

''I have no love for the Uchiha bastard myself. If you want to skewer him alive by all means feel free to do it,'' Said Kurotsuchi coldly. ''But the way you are demanding things from us like we owe you piss me off. So, I ain't telling you shit.''

''You talk big but let's see if you can back those words with actions,'' Said the Kumo girl, readying her weapon. ''We'll be getting info out of you whether you like it or not. I care not if you want to make things hard for yourself.''

''I would reconsider,'' Said Yugao as she too entered the clearing, her hand on her sword's grip ready to engage at first sign of trouble. ''I won't let you go around threatening our people. Stand down or I'll be forced to make you.''

At the appearance of the ANBU, both Kumo shinobi felt the odds against them. Even Ino and Sai seemed to be ready to fight against them if need be.

''Ha! Like we care if you outnumber us! We aren't scared so easily!'' Declared the girl.

''That's right. We won't be intimidated,'' Added the boy despite the fact that he looked much more on edge now.

''What are you two doing?!''

At the unknown voice, both Kumo shinobi stopped in their tracks as they turned around nervously to see another woman approaching them.

Kurotsuchi, Yugao, and the rest of their friends also regarded the strange woman. By her uniform, they noted that she was also a Kumo Kunoichi, but by the looks of the other two, she seemed to be in charge of the team.

''Karui, Omoi, could any of you tell me what do you intend on doing?'' Asked the woman sternly.

''Samui, y-you see...'' Omoi stammered, not knowing what to say.

''We were just looking for some info,'' Said Karui.

''By picking a fight?!'' Said the older woman, scaring her two teammates by her tone of voice. She then turned to look at Yugao. ''ANBU-san, I'm sorry about the behavior of my two teammates. I apologize on their behalf. I hope they didn't cause too much trouble.''

''It's fine. Things didn't get out of control,'' Said Yugao. ''But I would recommend you keep a better eye on them. Starting fights in other villages is serious.''

''I'm aware, And I thank you for your understanding,'' Said Samui before turning to her team. ''And you. I'll have some words with you in private. So come.''

Both Karui and Omoi cursed under their breath but still complied and followed after their leader.

''Wait!'' Ino yelled after them, making Samui glance back at her. ''What are you doing in Konoha? It is still weird for Kumo ninja to come here unannounced.''

Samui eyed the Yamanaka momentarily before answering. ''I'm sorry but it's classified. I can only talk to the Hokage about it.''

''You should know that our lady Hokage is in a coma right now, lamentably,'' Said Yugao.

''I know. I was told as much,'' Said Samui. ''However, I was asked for just a bit of patience since a new Hokage is about to be elected apparently.''

At that, everyone present stared in shock at the news. They hadn't heard anything of the sort.

''What do you mean by that?'' Inquired Ino.

''How could I know, this is your village you tell me,'' Added Samui. ''Anyway, have a nice day.''

And with that, the Kumo shinobi left, leaving the rest to ponder on what the woman had said.

''A new Hokage?'' Muttered Sai.

''Can a new Hokage be nominated at this time?'' Ino asked Yugao.

Even Kurotsuchi seemed surprised by the thought of Tsunade being replaced.

''It is not unusual for the council and the Daimyo to gather during times of crisis to name a new Hokage when the previous can't be present to personally select their successor,'' Said Yugao, mortified. ''However, I didn't think that they would not wait for Tsunade-sama to wake up.''

''No way!'' Exclaimed Naruto. ''They can't just take the title of Hokage away from baachan! We can't stay- Ow!''

He was interrupted when Kurotsuchi slapped him in the back of the head much to everyone's surprise.

''You moron!'' Kurotsuchi berated Naruto. ''What were you doing back there letting that bitch use you as her punching bag?!''

''That's what this is about?!'' Asked Naruto. ''We have bigger things to worry about than-''

''I don't care!'' Said Kurotsuchi. ''You could have creamed those two Kumo idiots by yourself and instead you stand there taking blows for Sasuke's sake! We already talked about this!''

''You have to understand, I couldn't just tell them about Sasuke!'' Said Naruto.

''The hell you couldn't!'' Kurotsuchi shot back. ''I'm tired of seeing you put your hand in the fire for that bastard! If that bitch hadn't already punched you in the face I would!''

''Please, guys that's enough. Let's just all calm down and-'' Yugao stopped mid-sentence to glance around her suddenly.

Sai and Ino shared a look among themselves at the ANBU's sudden shift in demeanor.

Even Kurotsuchi and Naruto stopped fighting when they noticed Yugao acting weird.

''What is it?'' Kurotsuchi asked.

Yugao didn't answer for a moment before she turned to them. ''Don't panic just yet. We are surrounded.'' Said the ANBU gravely.

All four teenagers looked at the older woman in alert.

''Surrounded?!'' Asked Ino and Naruto in unison.

Yugao continued to glance around silently until she finally addressed the strangers hiding in the trees around them. ''Come out, I know you are there!''

Nothing happened, so Yugao frowned and tried again. ''I'm a sensor type. It's useless to try and act as if you aren't there so I suggest you all come out!''

After a few seconds, the five of them found themselves surrounded by several individuals wearing white masks.

''ANBU?'' Asked Naruto out loud.

''What are ANBU doing here?'' Asked Ino.

Kurosuchi narrowed her eyes. After being under constant ANBU watch for more than a year now she had already familiarized with the squad designated to look over her and these guys weren't.

''These aren't normal ANBU,'' Informed Yugao, with her guard up.

''These are ROOT ANBU,'' Added Sai. He could recognize some of his comrades in ROOT among them.

''Is there anything we can do for you?'' Asked Yugao at the masked individuals.

The ANBU abstained from answering her, simply limiting themselves to stare at them silently.

''I don't like this, Sai-kun,'' Ino whispered to the pale boy.

Sai wished he could say something comforting to Ino right now but this was something even he hadn't been expecting. He hadn't been informed about this. Had he lost Danzo's trust in him? That couldn't be good.

''Hey you creepy bastards! Tell us what you want, you are getting on my nerves!'' Naruto shouted at them.

Still, the ROOT agents stayed silent, further unnerving Naruto and company.

Then, Ino jerked at a sudden realization. ''Could they be here for Kurotsuchi-san?'' They were from the same organization that Sai belonged to and she knew that his boss didn't like Kurotsuchi. It made sense that these guys were here for her but why now?

At Ino's suggestion, the rest of her comrades stared at her in surprise and Sai and Yugao didn't miss the subtle movement of shock that the ROOT ANBU did at Ino's unexpected remark.

''Is that so?'' Said Kurotsuchi defiantly. ''You idiots got a problem with me?!''

''Sorry, but if you are unaware, me and my squad are in charge of looking after Kurotsuchi here,'' Said Yugao.

One of the agents finally looked straight at Yugao, giving her his full attention. ''We are here to relieve you of your task. Your services are no longer required.''

''I'm here by the orders of the Hokage,'' Informed Yugao. ''Only her can relieve me of my post.''

''Lady Tsunade is Hokage no more. Let's wait and see what the next Hokage has to say about it,'' Said the ROOT agent enigmatically.

''You can't just talk about baachan like that and treat Kurotsuchi like this! I'm going to kick your asses!'' Exclaimed Naruto.

Yugao went agape as she finally realized what was going on. The Kumo ninja had mentioned that a new Hokage was about to be elected. Everyone knew that Danzo had been fighting for the position since forever, he was most likely trying to take Tsunade's place. That's why he had sent these guys, she guessed that as soon as he was elected Hokage he would apprehend Kurotsuchi immediately and wanted to have her watched closely until then.

''Everyone listen,'' Yugao informed her friends. ''We have to go look for the council.''

''What?'' Asked some of them at the same time.

''The council is most likely meeting with the Daimyo right now. They must be electing a Hokage and Danzo is trying to use that to be the one selected,'' Said Yugao, getting mortified faces from the teenagers. ''We have to make them listen and have them agree to wait until Tsunade-sama wakes up. Or convince them of a better Hokage candidate.''

''Are we allowed to intrude into something like that?'' Asked Ino.

''Not normally but unless you want Danzo as Hokage we have no choice,'' Said Yugao.

Everyone understood what that meant. The guy wanted Sasuke dead and Kurotsuchi behind bars, getting tortured and who knows what else. There was no way they would let someone like that become their new leader.

''Like we'd let you go,'' Said another ROOT ANBU, ready to fight.

''Try to stop us!'' Declared Naruto before making his signature hand seal, in an instant, a dozen clones materialized around them and lunged at the ANBU surrounding them.

Some of the ROOT members found themselves struggling as they caught the clones' Kunai trikes with their blades while the more skilled members were quick to dispel some others but as soon as they did they were assaulted by Yugao and the others.

Yugao and a ROOT member exchanged blade strikes, steel clashing against steel keeping both fighters in a stalemate. Yugao cursed under her breath, she didn't have the rest of her squad to back her up right now. With the village in the state it was they didn't have the luxury to waste the manpower to all be watching Kurotsuchi, even less so when the girl didn't even misbehave anymore. So Yugao would have to make do with the allies she had right now.

Another one of the agents attempted to go and help his comrade fight the purple-haired beauty when several ink wolves started circling him.

''You traitor!'' Yelled the ROOT ANBU once he spotted Sai controlling the artificial beasts.

''My task is to watch over Naruto, I was never ordered to get in his way,'' Said Sai, not noticing another ROOt member flanking him.

''Shinranshin no Jutsu! (Mind Body Disturbance Technique)''

The agent stopped in his tracks before turning around and attacked the closest ROOT ANBU he could find.

''What are you doing?!'' Asked the confused ANBU as he defended himself against one of his own.

''My body is moving by itself!'' Yelled his comrade as he kept slashing at him with his sword.

Ino smirked triumphantly as she held her square-shaped hand seal in place. Using their own members to attack would cause confusion. It would hopefully give them enough time to allow any of them to slip by these guys.

Kurotsuchi unsheathed her sword but was stopped before she could engage.

''Kurotsuchi, stop!'' Yelled Yugao. ''You and Naruto get out of here and find Danzo!'' Ordered the woman before ducking under a swipe from the guy she was fighting and returned the favor with a kick that sent him stumbling back. ''If you attack any of them Danzo will use that as evidence that you should be behind bars!''

''But-'' Kurotsuchi tried to argue.

''Go! We have them under control don't waste time!'' Yugao repeated.

''Let's go, Kurotsuchi!'' Urged Naruto.

Kurotsuchi knew that she didn't have time to discuss this so decided with much reluctance to leave these morons to her friends while she and Naruto went looking for Danzo.

''Okay, just be careful,'' Kurotsuchi warned Yugao and the rest before she followed Naruto and made a run for the village.

''I won't let you get away!'' One of the ROOT ANBU attempted to block their path but it was pushed aside by Sai's wolves, giving Naruto and Kurotsuchi the chance to escape.

Both teenagers quickly made their way into the village, not wasting any time to go and look for this council meeting taking place.

''Where are we supposed to go?!'' Asked Kurotsuchi, sprinting behind Naruto.

''I don't know! The Hokage Tower is gone, I don't know where they are supposed to meet!'' Said Naruto as he rounded another corner, looking for any high ranking ninja that could give him information.

Kurotsuchi felt like berating Naruto for running aimlessly looking for something that he didn't even know how to find, but this was no moment to be discussing among themselves. It wasn't like she had a better idea.

After asking a few Jounin and even some Chunin, Naruto and Kurotsuchi quickly found out that the general public had been just as clueless as them about the meeting, as no one knew anything about it.

Naruto was starting to get frustrated. They couldn't afford to be wasting their time and here they were running around like idiots.

Then, as they rounded yet another building they came to an abrupt halt when they almost ran into somebody.

''Hey watch it!'' Shikamaru gave a step back before he noticed who had almost knocked him over. ''Naruto?''

''Sorry, Shikamaru!'' Said Naruto. ''We are in a hurry!''

''We need to find out where the Fire Daimyo is!'' Said Kurotsuchi.

''That's right! We have to find out where he is meeting with the council!'' Said Naruto.

''How do you know about that?'' Asked Shikamaru. It wasn't something that had been made public just yet.

Kurotsuchi eyed Shikamaru in suspicion. ''I get the impression that you know about this,'' Declared the tomboy. The way that the Nara talked about this made it seem like he wasn't surprised.

''It's classified,'' Said Shikamaru. In fact, the only reason he himself knew about it was because his dad was going to be at the meeting too.

''Now is not the time to worry about crap like that!'' Said Naruto. ''We have to see the Daimyo!''

''This is an emergency, Nara!'' Insisted Kurotsuchi.

Shikamaru sighed. He wasn't sure what was going on but even Naruto had to know that intruding in a meeting with the Daimyo was nothing to make light about. In that case, whatever that was happening had to be severe for his friends to be in such disarray.

''Fine, but don't tell me I didn't warn you about the trouble you could get in,'' Said Shikamaru as he pointed at a particularly huge building at the distance. ''Just passing that place there is a large black tent guarded by Chunin. You will find the meeting there.''

The shadow user had just barely finished his sentence when Naruto and Kurotsuchi shot past him, leaving a cloud of dust behind. ''Thanks, Shikamaru!''

In their rush, Naruto and Kurotsuchi passed the building in just a minute and it wasn't long before they spotted the black tent that Shikamaru had told them about.

Both teenagers landed in front of the entrance, startling the two Chunin guarding it.

''N-Naruto?!'' Asked one of the Chunin, not expecting the blond hero to appear here.

''What are you two doing here?'' Inquired the other. ''This is an important meeting. If you want something you will have to come back later.''

''No can do! I need to enter right about now!'' Said the Jinchuuriki, not even waiting for the two young men responses.

The couple of Chunin were momentarily taken aback by the boy's boldness. They rushed to block Naruto's path but the blond pushed past them with surprising force, not leaving them enough time to react further.

''Now, I declare Danzo as the new-''

The meeting was interrupted when Naruto came barging into the tent, swatting away the flaps as he made his way in.

At that moment, Naruto came face the face with a dozen confused stares fixing on him. In the center of the room was a large table, One one side there was a row of individuals all dressed in formal black clothes, most likely the Daimyo's advisors, while on the other he recognized Shikamaru's dad, who was almost an exact copy of his son except for his scars and goatee. At his side were the two elders that he occasionally saw with Tsunade and at their side, he noticed a bandaged old man who all his instincts were telling him that it had to be Danzo. And by the glare that the ROOT's leader was shooting his way he wasn't pleased to see him there.

The whole room went silent as the integrants of the meeting eyed the blond in surprise and confusion.

''Hmmm, who is this young man?'' Asked a bored looking middle-aged man sitting at the head of the table. He was wearing regal clothing of the finest silk, the gold and black garments enveloping his body, only leaving his long white sleeves out. He was wearing a rather ornate headpiece that resembled an open curtain that had a fire motif knitted on it.

''What is the meaning of this, Uzumaki Naruto?!'' Said an enraged Koharu.

''This is a private meeting you are intruding, boy,'' Said Danzo sharply and coldly.

''Ohh, so this is the famous Uzumaki Naruto I have heard so much about!'' Declared the Daimyo in mild excitement.

''You have heard about me?'' Asked Naruto, the Daimyo's attention and recognition calming him somewhat.

''Everyone is talking about you!'' Said the regal man. ''You were the brave soul who defeated Pain and saved the village! You are quite the hero now I hear.''

''It wasn't that big of a deal,'' Said Naruto sheepishly, feeling weird to be complemented by the Daimyo himself.

''Now if the boy would leave so we can return to the matter at hand,'' Demanded Danzo.

''Oh yes, the Hokage selection,'' Said the Daimyo, remembering the topic they had been addressing a moment ago.

And with that, Naruto was brought back to his original purpose, his panic returning in full-force. ''Wait! You can't make Danzo the new Hokage!''

At Naruto's request, everyone once again turned their attention to him, even more confused than before. Save for Danzo who's gaze seemed colder than ever.

''That's what you came here for?!'' Said Homura. ''Just so you could get in the way of the elections?!''

''You have to listen to me!'' Pleaded Naruto before pointing to Danzo. ''This guy wants two of my friends dead! His comrades just attacked me minutes ago. Also, he has always been in conflict with baachan and even the third! And he is always doing shady stuff! He isn't fit to be Hokage!''

''Two friends you say? Do you mean the traitor Uchiha and the Iwa spy you are so fond of?'' Said Danzo in a mocking tone. ''Truly you seem to associate yourself with people dangerous to Konoha. One could say that your own allegiance is questionable if that is the kind of company you choose. And you dare say I'm shady?''

''That doesn't change the fact that you had your men attack me and it doesn't excuse all the other stuff you have done!'' Exclaimed Naruto.

''Mere words of an ignorant child. Everything I've done has been for the betterment of the village,'' Danzo shot back. ''I don't expect a naive boy like you to understand.''

''So, who should be named Hokage then?'' Asked the Daimyo tentatively. He wasn't sure what was going on here but it seemed that the choice of the Hokage wasn't so clear-cut anymore. All this just served to confuse him.

''This changes nothing,'' Declared Danzo.

''That's right. Danzo is still the best choice we have regardless of what Naruto says,'' Said Koharu. ''The village needs a strong leader right now. Someone that does what need to be done and that's Danzo.''

''You gotta be kidding me! There has to be someone else besides this guy!'' Said Naruto in exasperation.

''Well we certainly already went through our most likely candidates without success,'' Said the Daimyo. With Jiraiya dead, there weren't many who could be up to par. He personally hadn't been against Hatake Kakashi but if his advisors didn't approve of the White Fang's son what was he to do? ''There aren't a lot of people left in the village who are strong enough to be Hokage and that the citizens acknowledge besides Danzo.''

At that moment, the until now silent Shikaku widened his eyes as a thought occurred to him. What he had in mind might not be the ideal outcome either but it was better than having Danzo as Hokage.

''Yes we have,'' Declared the Nara clan's head, garnering the attention of everyone. ''Young Naruto here fits the role perfectly.''

Now, even Naruto stared agape at Shikaku's suggestion.

Naruto as Hokage?!

''What nonsense are you talking about?!'' Danzo sneered. ''This wet-behind-the-ears boy is the furthest image from Hokage there is!''

''Have you finally lost your mind, Shikaku?!'' Added Koharu.

''Please explain,'' Urged the Daimyo.

''Being honest, Naruto here is the strongest in the village,'' Said Shikaku. ''He managed to defeat Pain by himself which is something that the entire village together couldn't do. Also, he is now loved by the villagers and respected by our fellow ninja. It is clear that even if he is young, Naruto has both the strength and the public acceptance to be Hokage.''

''He is too young and inexperienced!'' Argued Homura. ''Yes, the boy is strong and much more well-liked now than years ago but he is not ready to lead a village. He is too green!''

''That's what counselors are for, to help guide the Hokage and teaching him the ropes even more so when they are new to the job,'' Said Shikaku. ''Tsunade herself wasn't that much more knowledgeable about her position when she came back but she learned and Naruto will learn too. Suna's Godaime Kazekage was even younger when he became a Kage, there is no reason why Naruto can't be one too.''

''We need a strong figurehead!'' Yelled Danzo. ''Someone who other villages will recognize as strong and will be wary to cross us! We need a leader that shows power!''

''I agree, and that's why Naruto is perfect too,'' Shikaku continued. ''News about his triumph against Pain and his reputation as Konoha's strongest is already spreading like wildfire in other nations. Also, he has good relationships with important individuals in other countries. Even being one of the closest people to the Kazekage and the next Tsuchikage; also he has been heralded as a hero in the Land of Waves for a few years now. I don't know about you but I think that those qualities make for a better figurehead than someone who has spent his entire life avoiding the public eye and failing time and again to obtain the Hokage position.''

''Watch your mouth,'' Danzo glowered dangerously.

Homura and Koharu were left speechless. Shikaku had managed to turn the entire situation in the boy's favor.

''It is decided then!'' Said the Daimyo cheerily. ''Naruto-kun, you shall be the Rokudaime Hokage!''

Naruto's eyes were wide as plates as his mouth hung loosely with a blank stare plastered on his face. He couldn't fully comprehend what just had happened. This was some kind of dream right? It was unreal, it simply couldn't be happening so soon.

The rest of people present weren't faring much better than Naruto. Both Homura and Koharu alternated between looking at the Daimyo and Naruto as if expecting for the monarch to declare that all this was a joke, but he never did so.

Danzo meanwhile was fuming. He would never forgive this humiliation. He had lost the Hokage position. Again. And to the Kyuubi Jinchuuriki no less! This was ridiculous.

Finally, the bandaged man could take it no more and promptly sat up and left the tent, his rage was almost palpable by everyone else.

Homura and Koharu followed soon after. Not fully believing what just had happened.

''Now if we are done here let's go somewhere to eat, I'm starving!'' Exclaimed the Daimyo before he too stood up along with his black-clad advisors. ''Good luck in your new position, young Naruto!'' And with that, the eccentric man left with his companions.

Shikaku, for his part, put an encouraging hand on Naruto's shoulder. He didn't say anything to the boy, for he knew that whatever he said would fall on deaf ears if Naruto's lost expression was anything to go by.

''Shikaku-san what just happened?!'' Asked the two Chunin that had been previously guarding the entrance as they made their way into the tent. ''What's up with everyone's faces as they left?''

''And you, Naruto! You better have behaved in here!'' The Chunin scolded the silent blond. It had been bad enough that the boy had managed to slip by him at least he hoped that he hadn't made a ruckus in her or he could lose his rank for allowing the boy in. ''You better not have caused trouble!''

''More respect, you two,'' Said Shikaku. ''You are talking to your Hokage.''

The Chunin's mind seemed to go blank for a moment before they freaked out when their brain comprehended what Shikaku had said. ''Say what?!'' Exclaimed the two men in unison.

Naruto took this chance to exit the tent too while Shikaku explained things to the Chunin. He wasn't even paying attention to where he was going as he tried to process his new position.

Kurotsuchi finally spotted Naruto exiting the tent. Unlike him, she hadn't managed to enter the tent, and she couldn't have the luxury to try. As an Iwa Kunoichi, she could be executed just for trying to force her way where the Fire Daimyo was. Anyway, she approached her boyfriend feeling full of anxiety. She really wanted to know if he had managed to stop Danzo from turning her into his new guinea pig.

''So, how did it go?'' Kurotsuchi asked impatiently. ''Did we make it in time?''

Naruto turned to his girlfriend, trying to form a coherent sentence to explain what had happened but nothing came out.

Kurotsuchi eyed him worriedly. Naruto's behavior was odd. Out of all the reactions she expected, utter and total confusion wasn't what she had in mind.

''Naruto, what's wrong?'' She asked again, this time more worried about him than her fate. ''What happened there?''

''It seems...'' Naruto finally managed to let out. He licked his lips and cleared his throat before continuing. ''I'm Hokage now.''

Kurotsuchi's face slowly turned into a mirror image of the confusion that Naruto exhibited. She had to have heard wrong. However, Naruto's expression told her everything.

She found it hard to respond with anything at the moment. There was only one thing she could say at a time like this.

''What the fuck.''

Author's notes:

Hey guys! It's been a while! Sorry for that, I was hit with the strongest writer's block in a while. But fear not! I have not been simply slacking off in my time off. I have gone up ahead and wrote a brand new fic! And I think writing something fresh was all I needed to get my inspiration flowing again and come back to finish this chapter. If you are interested, my new fic is called 'Goddess Reborn' it's a Kaguya story if you want to check it out, also I have like ten chapters written already for it (when I said I wasn't doing nothing I meant it) I will be uploading those as soon as I finish proofreading them.

Well, regarding the chapter I like how it turned out in the end. I wasn't sure if I wanted either Naruto or Kakashi as Hokage but I settled for Naruto. Now, will he stay as Hokage or Tsunade will come back to take the lead again? You'll have to find out.

Anyway, let me know what you think. Please review if you can!