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 42: Hokage Naruto?!

''...And that's pretty much what happened,'' Naruto finished explaining Kakashi and Shizune his recent meeting with the Daimyo with and expectant Kurotsuchi at his side.

Kakashi and Shizune stared in shock at the two teenagers, their brains seemingly not grasping what they had just been told. They silently turned to look at Shikaku standing by the door, as if asking the Nara clan head if they had heard right.

''It's true,'' Said the Nara simply. ''Word has already spread to the rest of the village's high standing officials. Soon the entirety of Konoha will know about this.''

''I...I just can't believe it,'' Muttered Shizune. Naruto as Hokage? She always had faith that he would reach his dream but she didn't exactly expect it to be so soon and sudden.

''I guess some congratulations are in order,'' Said Kakashi, still getting used to the idea but nevertheless still glad for his student. ''Good job, Naruto. Or maybe I should say Hokage-sama?''

Naruto felt a shiver going through his body at the honorific. ''Somehow it doesn't feel quite right for Kakashi-sensei to call me that way just yet. I'm not used to it.''

''Whatever you say, Hokage-sama,'' Replied Kakashi with an amused smile.

''Cut it out!'' Insisted Naruto.

''As you command,'' Said Kakashi cheekily.

Naruto simply growled in annoyance. It was clear that his sensei was not going to leave him be for a while.

Despite her lately sorrowful demeanor due to her master's condition, Shizune could still spare a small snicker of amusement at their antics. Hokage or not, Naruto was still Naruto.

''Well, whatever,'' Declared Naruto. ''Now I can finally show everyone how amazing of a Hokage I can be! I'll make sure to treat everyone right! I'll make sure to protect the village and not let anyone die on my watch! Maybe even a Ramen day wouldn't be a bad idea...'' Mused Naruto before he was interrupted by Kurotsuchi.

''Naruto, is wonderful that you are so enthusiastic about the position and I will absolutely love to rub in everyone's faces that my boyfriend is the Hokage but you also have to make sure to be realistic,'' Said the tomboy. ''The job won't be all sunshine and rainbows. There will be a lot of times when you will have to make tough decisions and the amount of paperwork is no joke. Not to mention that you'll have to make choices that will affect the lives of everyone under you and the image of your village as a whole.''

Naruto stared in silence at his girlfriend. He already knew that the job wasn't going to be so easy but when she put it like that it made him a bit nervous.

''Kurotsuchi is right, you know?'' Added Kakashi, earning the teenagers attention. ''Sure, being Hokage has its perks but the responsibility that comes with it is not for everyone. There will be times when you will be sending people to their deaths but you will have no choice as you will need those missions done. Sometimes you might have to be ruthless if you want to keep the other nations respecting you. You will have to punish your fellow leaf comrades if they slight you or the village. All in all, the job is not easy.''

Naruto pondered about what they were telling him. He wanted to say that he would not have to rely on those kinds of tactics when he was the one making decisions, but even he wasn't so naive as to think that. Smarter people than him had taken this position before and even they never found the answer to avoid doing those unsavory things.

''In that case,'' Said Naruto before turning to Kakashi. ''Will you help me, Kakashi-sensei? Can you offer me counsel until I get the hang of this?''

Kakashi was taken aback momentarily by the request but quickly shot his student a comforting smile. ''Of course. That's why I'm here.''

Naruto grinned in gratitude before he turned to Kurotsuchi. ''What about you? Can you also help me out with this, Kuro-chan?''

''Me?'' Asked Kurotsuchi, even more surprised than Kakashi had been.

''I mean...you are meant to be the next Tsuchikage right? And your grandpa is the current one. I'm sure that you have much more experience seeing how a Kage works,'' Explained Naruto. ''And you are pretty smart. Your opinion will definitely help me be a better Hokage.''

''Sure I wouldn't mind but...are you certain of this?'' Asked Kurotsuchi tentatively. ''Won't people raise an eyebrow at your rule for having an Iwa Kunoichi helping you?''

''It might but I don't care,'' Said Naruto. ''If I am to be Hokage then I'll start to fix the problems between our villages. I want to start taking steps to make everyone see that we can work together and that we can be comrades. This will be a good opportunity for that.''

Kurotsuchi was surprised by his answer but it was quickly replaced by a heartfelt smile. He had always said that if he became Hokage he would fix the relationship of their villages and while she knew that Naruto wasn't a liar it was something else to finally be seeing with her own eyes the first steps that may pave the future for a peaceful coexistence between Iwa and Konoha, for a future where they didn't have to hate each other and where their relationship wasn't taboo. It would be her honor to take part in starting the change. ''In that case, I'd absolutely love to help you.'' Said the girl warmly which earned her a toothy grin from the blond.

''Naruto!''

The blond and companions turned to see both team Gai and Eight rushing them with worried expressions on their faces.

''Guys?'' Asked Naruto in wonder.

''Are you okay, Naruto-kun?!'' Asked Lee, inspecting Naruto's face closely in search of any injuries while the Jinchuuriki took a step back to regain some of his personal space.

''I'm fine, I'm fine!'' Exclaimed Naruto. ''Why wouldn't I be?''

''Are you sure, are the rest of you alright?'' Asked Tenten.

Hinata looked just as mortified as them while Neji and Kiba looked tense and ready to fight while Shino seemed to keep himself composed.

''We are fine, really,'' Reassured Kurotsuchi. ''You can stop asking us that.''

''Did something happen?'' Asked Kakashi.

''We heard from Sai and Ino that you guys could be being targeted currently by some kind of special branch of ANBU and their leader,'' Explained Shino.

''We split up from them and came to find you as soon as possible,'' Continued Neji. ''Luckily, it seems like nothing had happened yet.''

''So that's what is happening here,'' Said Shizune in understanding.

''Yeah, when we heard that you went to face that Danzo guy before he became Hokage we thought you could be in trouble,'' Said Kiba. ''So what happened? Did that creep ended up as Hokage or what?''

The question caused Naruto to share looks of amusement between him, Kakashi, and Kurotsuchi.

''If that's what worries you, you have nothing to fear for the time being,'' Said Kakashi. ''Danzo is not the Hokage.''

''Because I am!'' Boasted Naruto with pride.

Naruto's declaration drained his friend's faces from all emotion save from shock and a raised eyebrow from Shino.

''You have to be pulling my leg...'' Muttered Kiba.

''I am not!'' Insisted the offended blond.

Not convinced, Kiba turned to Shizune. ''That can't be, right?''

Said raven-haired medic simply smiled. ''Naruto-kun is not lying Kiba. He really was appointed as Hokage by the Daimyou himself.''

''No way...'' Said Kiba in complete bewilderment that was shared by most of his fellow Chunin.

''Is it really that unbelievable that I can be Hokage?!'' Asked Naruto in exasperation.

''Yes,'' ''Kinda,'' Said Kiba and Tenten at the same time.

However, Lee on the other hand...

''Yosh! I knew that you would make it someday, Naruto-kun!'' Said the cheerful Taijutsu specialist with a thumbs up. ''I had plenty of faith in you!''

''Congratulations, Naruto,'' Said Neji amicably. ''I didn't expect you to be Hokage this soon but I believed you could reach your dream by molding your own destiny.''

''As surprising as this turn of events is, I also wish to congratulate you, Naruto,'' Said Shino. ''I know your heart is in the right place.''

''That's right, we always believed in you,'' Said Hinata shyly as she twidled her thumbs. ''I'm very happy for you, Naruto-kun. I know you'll be an excellent Hokage,'' Still, the Hyuga heiress worried what this could mean for her relationship with Naruto. His attention had already been snatched away by Kurotsuchi, now maybe this difference in their standings would mean little time to hang out as friends. She hoped that it wasn't the case.

Naruto scratched his cheek sheepishly. It was nice to see that his friends supported him even if they teased him from time to time. ''Thanks, guys. I promise I won't let you down.''

Then, he narrowed his eyes as a playful smirk etched itself on his face as he turned to the Inuzuka. ''So, Kiba. This means that you will have to show me more respect and refer to me as Hokage-sama.''

''W-what?!'' Said Kiba in horror. ''No way! I ain't calling you that!''

''You want me to arrest you for disrespecting your Hokage?!'' Naruto shot back.

''Y-you wouldn't do that!'' Said Kiba.

''Maybe, but you still have to refer to me with proper respect!'' Insisted Naruto.

Neji, Tenten, and Shizune shared a sigh at their antics. Naruto would always be Naruto it seemed even if he was Hokage.

Finally, Kurotsuchi slapped the back of Naruto's head. ''Stop that, will you?'' She scolded him.

''Ouch! It hurts!'' Complained Naruto as he turned to her. ''Why did you do that?!''

''You are Hokage now. Try to show a bit more restraint to command more respect,'' Said Kurotsuchi. ''Also, don't abuse your new power even if it is a joke.''

''Also, don't get too carried away, you are the standing Hokage at the moment Naruto. ''Said Kakashi. ''It could be temporary.''

''What?'' Asked everyone present in unison save from Shizune who already knew this.

''What do you mean it could be just temporary?!'' Asked the shocked blond.

''When we are lacking a Hokage at times of extreme need like right now we don't have time to wait for a votation, so the Daimyou can come and elect someone to act as Hokage until the time to make it definitive comes,'' Explained Kakashi.

''So, I'm not really the Hokage?'' Asked Naruto in disappointment.

''By all intents and purposes, right now you are,'' Reassured Kakashi. ''You have the whole authority of the position and can make decisions as the Hokage could. But we still have to wait for the Jounin vote to make it official. They may even elect someone totally different.''

''So I could, in fact, lose my position,'' Stated Naruto. As he had feared, the Hokage title could very well be taken from him.

''Don't lose hope. The choice of the Daimyou holds much sway in the Jounin opinion for the definitive candidate,'' Said Kakashi. ''Not to mention that you have most of the village favor after your victory against Pain. So, unless you make some choice that the public absolutely loathes is very unlikely that you lose the popular vote.''

That seemed to calm Naruto down for the time being as he let out a sigh of relief. It was good to know for him that he still had a chance to keep the position. He just would have to work hard for the time being to show everyone that he could totally be trusted to be the Hokage!

''What are you all doing here?''

Everyone turned to see Shikamaru just arriving.

''Shikamaru?'' Said Naruto in the presence of the Nara.

''Is good to see you all. However, right now I'm on an important errand so I can't stay to chat,'' Said Shikamaru before turning to Shizune and Kakashi. ''I came looking for the new appointed Hokage.''

Instead of simply answering him, the group shared amused glances between themselves before they settled them silently on Naruto.

They didn't have to say anything, though, as Shikamaru was quick to deduce what their gazes meant. ''How troublesome. I was still debating if what my dad had said was true but now I see he was right. So you really are the Hokage for the moment, Naruto,'' Said Shikamaru addressing the Jinchuuriki. ''Honestly, I don't know why I keep getting surprised any time you end up in the most bizarre of situations. I should be used to it by now.''

Naruto simply smiled sheepishly at the comment.

''Whatever, now that I have found you, come with me. There are some matters that you have to attend to,'' Said Shikamaru. ''You weren't elected as standing Hokage for nothing, you know. We need you to take care of some important stuff right away.''

''What? You want me to attend to important stuff? Like, delicate stuff?'' Inquired Naruto.

''Of course. That's exactly why we needed a Hokage so badly right now,'' Said Shikamaru in a matter-of-fact way.

''O-of course! I'll do it right away! You'll see that it will be a piece of cake for me!'' Exclaimed Naruto before turning to the rest of his friends. ''Then I guess I'll be seeing you guys around.''

''Good luck, Naruto-kun,'' Said Hinata encouragingly.

''You can do it,'' Said Neji with a nod from Shino.

''I know you'll do your best, Naruto-kun!'' Said Lee.

''Try not to burn Konoha to the ground, will ya?'' Joked Kiba followed with an elbow to the ribs courtesy of Tenten.

After that, Naruto, accompanied by Kakashi and Kurotsuchi, were taken by Shimakaru to a large three-storey building in the middle of the village.

Two Chunin stood guarding the entrance but after seeing their group the swiftly let them in.

''The Hokage tower hasn't been completely rebuilt yet so we are using this as the Hokage office building for the time being,'' Shikamaru informed them as they went up the stairs. ''By the way, there is someone already waiting for you.''

Naruto and Kurotsuchi wondered who could it be but they arrived before they could ask.

''We are here,'' Said Shikamaru before promptly opening the door of the last floor, revealing three familiar faces standing in the middle of the almost bare room.

''Ahhhh! It's you!'' Said Naruto and Kurotsuchi at the same time as they pointed a finger at the Kumo Shinobi.

''You!'' Karui shot back. ''What are you doing here?!''

''We could ask the same thing!'' Said Kurotsuchi.

Omoi sighed at having to witness another one of Karui's spats with these guys, while Samui raised an eyebrow at their presence.

''Excuse me, what is the meaning of this?'' Samui firmly but politely asked. ''We were told we would be seeing the Hokage.''

''And you are,'' Informed Shikamaru. ''Naruto here is the newly appointed Hokage.''

As soon as Shikamaru muttered those words, the three Kumo ninja looked agape at the blond in disbelief while he simply gave them a silly smile. However, Soon their faces went pale, especially Karui, after remembering their previous encounter.

''Oh shit,'' Muttered Karui almost inadvertently.

''What have you done, Karui? You assaulted their Hokage!'' Omoi said in horror.

''Wait, what?'' Said Shikamaru.

''You met before?'' Asked Kakashi just as confused as the Nara.

Seeing the mortified faces of the Kumo ninja at the realization of their crime, Kurotsuchi smiled deviously at their predicament. It was time for some sweet revenge.

''So, what are you going to do, uh?'' With a snide smirk, Kurotsuchi asked the fearful Karui. ''In a lot of cases what you did would be severely punished. You could even be executed and your country would be asked to answer for your actions.''

''I...I...'' Karui was struggling to find words. She knew that she had screwed up badly. How could she explain her actions to the rest of the Konoha ninja?

''I know!'' Said Kurotsuchi, feigning a realization. ''Get on your hands and knees and beg for mercy. My friends are merciful. I bet they would refrain from punishing you too badly if you showed how truly sorry you are.''

Karui shot Kurotsuchi a hateful glare for a moment before she considered her options. She really didn't want to do as the Iwa bitch said, she was too proud to do something as humiliating as that but she could be in deep trouble right now. She didn't want to cause her country and her team any more problems that she had already caused so with a hard swallow she tried to bury her pride and reluctantly knelt before the blond Jinchuuriki.

''I'm sorry...'' Said Karui, her gaze downwards trying to hide her shame.

''What was that? Sorry we couldn't hear you,'' Said Kurotsuchi slyly. ''Look up and speak louder.''

''Wait!'' Urged Naruto. ''Please get up. You don't need to do this. I get it, you are sorry for before. Is all good.''

Karui turned to look at Naruto in relief and surprise. ''R-really? I'm forgiven?''

''Yep. Don't worry about it anymore!'' Said Naruto amicably.

Thanking her luck, Karui rose from the floor glad that her actions didn't bring them more serious consequences.

''But Naruto, she used you as her punching bag!'' Complained Kurotsuchi.

''And I forgive her. She is sorry and that's what matters. There is no permanent damage and I wasn't Hokage at that moment,'' Reasoned Naruto. ''Besides, you are the one who said earlier that I shouldn't abuse my new power.''

Kurotsuchi puffed her cheeks in annoyance. ''Me and my big mouth,'' Thought the frustrated tomboy.

''So, what did you guys want to talk about?'' Asked Naruto.

Samui cleared her throat, glad that the incident with Karui had been forgiven, still, she had to keep going with her task.

''This is about our comrade and Jinchuuriki, Killer B, has been attacked and kidnapped by Uchiha Sasuke,'' Informed Samui.

Shikamaru and Kakashi narrowed their eyes at the information while Naruto frowned at the reminder as he had already heard about that.

''The Raikage wants you to label him as a national criminal so that we can go after him and bring him to justice,'' Said Samui. ''Whether you do it or not won't change that we will go after him, we simply don't wish to have trouble with Konoha if you do decide to protect him but if there is no other choice we won't back down.''

Naruto clenched his fist at the request. He still had a hard time believing that Sasuke was capable of doing something like that but there was no argument that the Uchiha had changed, it was not out of the question that Sasuke could dare to mess with other villages.

Everyone in the room waited intently for Naruto's answer.

''I...I can't do that, sorry,'' Said Naruto, earning him a look of disapproval from the Kumo ninja and Kurotsuchi while Kakashi and Shikamaru stared with unreadable expressions. ''I can't do what you ask. I can't stop you from going after him but I won't label him as a criminal.''

''I see...'' Said Samui. ''Is very unfortunate that we don't see eye to eye on this. However, at the very least we request that you give us a copy of all you have on Uchiha Sasuke. Having as much info on him as we can, will be very helpful.''

before Naruto could refute their request, Kakashi took a step forward. '''We can at least do that much,'' Said the copy ninja as Naruto stared at him in bewilderment.

''Please, follow Shikamaru. He will provide you with all the information and documents you need, '' Informed Kakashi.

''Are you sure about this?'' Asked Shikamaru.

''Yeah,'' Insisted Kakashi.

However, Naruto didn't look happy at all about his teacher's choice. ''Sensei-'' However, he was stopped from continuing by Kurotsuchi's hand on his shoulder.

''Thanks for cooperating with us. It will be of great help,'' Said Samui with a respectful bow. ''Also, the Raikage wanted us to give you this,'' Added the blonde as she handed the copy ninja a scroll. ''With your permission,'' Concluded Samui before she and her team followed Shikamaru out of the room.

Now that the Kumo ninja were gone, Naruto didn't waste time to voice his displeasure. ''What was that about?! Why did you give them intel on Sasuke!?'' Naruto stared harshly at his sensei, not being able to help but feel a bit betrayed by his teacher for not backing Sasuke up and for acting by himself.

''I didn't have a choice. They are in their right to ask about Sasuke after what he did,'' Said Kakashi.

''But we didn't have to just give them what they wanted. I thought that we were supposed to look strong in front of the other villages,'' Argued Naruto. ''We don't betray our comrades!''

''It is hard for me too, Naruto,'' Said Kakashi sternly. ''Sasuke is my student and I hate that I just had to do that but there was no other way. He attacked them first without provocation. We can't protect him in all aspects without making us seem like we are protecting a criminal in the eyes of the other nations. Remember that for all intents and purposes Sasuke is considered a missing-nin, the only reason he hasn't been labeled as one by Tsunade-sama is for our team's sake but every other village already considers him as such. It gives us a bad image if we shield him all the time.''

Naruto clenched his fists in impotence. ''I-I know that but...'' He knew that Kakashi was mostly right, his sensei almost always was, but that didn't make this any easier.

''This is the kind of thing that I was talking about when I told you that you would have to make hard choices,'' Said Kakashi. ''And I'm simply helping you so your burden is not as bad right away, just as you asked me to.''

Now Naruto simply stared sadly at the floor. He hated that things had to be this way. He hadn't expected for his first day as Hokage to start so hard.

Seeing his moody demeanor, Kakashi put a comforting hand on the young Hokage's shoulder. ''If it makes you feel any better, the info we gave Kumo on Sasuke is severely outdated. He has grown and improved exponentially since he abandoned the village. Our records on his abilities don't reflect his current skills. I highly doubt that it will make a big difference in Kumo's hunt for Sasuke.''

Naruto nodded in understanding with a small hopeful grin on his face. He hadn't thought about that. But still, knowing that Sasuke had done such awful things in the first place to put them in this situation was heartbreaking enough.

Kurotsuchi was worried for her boyfriend. Even if she hated the Uchiha she knew how hard it was for Naruto all this mess with Kumo. She was about to give him some words of encouragement herself when someone knocked on the door.

The three occupants of the room turned at the source of the noise before Naruto finally gave permission to enter. ''Come in,'' The words of authority still felt alien in his mouth but he didn't have to ponder on that too much as the newcomer wasted no time to open the door, revealing a Chunin.

''Ho-Hokage-sama,'' Said the Chunin with uncertainty, most likely not used to refer to Naruto as such.

''Yes, what's up?'' Said Naruto.

''I brought the 'package' from this month,'' Said the man as he approached Naruto and handed him a large envelope.

Naruto raised an eyebrow at it but took it nonetheless. Kakashi and Kurotsuchi looked curious, wondering what it could be.

''What is this?!'' Exclaimed Naruto as he opened the envelope to find stacks of high denomination bills. ''This is a lot of money!''

Even his two Jounin companions widened their eyes at the exorbitant amount of cash in Naruto's hands.

''What is this for?'' Asked Naruto at the Chunin.

The Chunin looked confused for a moment before the color on his face was drained once he realized that Naruto had never been informed of this. The man eyed cautiously the girl at the blond's side, causing Kurotsuchi to tilt her head in wonder.

''You...you mean that Tsunade-sama never said anything to you?'' Asked the nervous Chunin.

''Explain to me what?'' Inquired the blond. ''Where did you get this?''

Kakashi narrowed his eyes in suspicion. Something wasn't quite right. What was this man hiding and why was he worried that Naruto had never been informed of it?

''That's our monthly payment,'' Said the Chunin with unease.

''Monthly payment? There are like millions in here!'' Said Naruto, shuffling the money in the envelope. The envelope was already fairly large and the stacks of cash barely fit in there, even just rummaging through them threatened to spill them on the floor.

''How much is there?'' Asked Kakashi.

''Fifty million,'' Confirmed the Chunin.

Kakashi was astounded. Most S-ranked missions didn't pay that well, and even when they did they weren't monthly.

''Wow, that's huge!'' Said Naruto. He had never seen this much money in his life, much less held it. But if this was their payment for some mission or whatever it would be a great help to the rebuilding of the village. Still, he wanted to know where this had come from. ''Who sent us this?''

At the question, the man gulped hard. He started to sweat as he readied himself for the answer, further arousing Kakashi's suspicion and even Kurotsuchi was starting to get bothered by his reluctance. ''From Iwagakure,'' Said the man finally much to the shock of everyone present.

Kakashi widened his lone visible eye as he finally caught up with what was happening here.

Kurotsuchi, for her part, her eyes turned into slits, clenching her teeth and balling her hands into fists.

''From Iwa?'' Repeated Naruto in utter confusion. ''Why would they give us this?'' They weren't in good terms, not yet. Why would they give them such a generous amount of money willingly?

''They are being blackmailed,'' Said Kurotsuchi with a sneer as she glared holes through the Chunin.

''What?'' Exclaimed Naruto.

''They must be paying Konoha to ensure my safety,'' Said the girl with venom dripping from her voice. ''Isn't that right?!''

Naruto turned his attention to the Chunin. ''Is that true?'' Asked the blond with a serious tone.

''I-I wouldn't say it that way-'' Muttered the man.

''Then how would you call it, uh?!'' Yelled Kurotsuchi. ''What? are you guys too much of a cowards to call it what it really is? Extortion!''

''P-please, I'm just the messenger!'' Pleaded the Chunin. ''Tsunade-sama already settled things months ago with Iwa. This is the arrangement they came up with!''

''So this had been going on for months now?!'' Said the enraged girl. ''How much money have you collected from my home, uh?!''

''I...'' The Chunnin didn't know what to tell them. He himself had lost count.

Kurotsuchi shook her fists in rage, trying to keep herself from doing something she would regret. Instead, she decided to get out of there, she didn't want to hear anything else. She pushed the man away with her shoulder, rapidly going for the door.

''Wait, Kurotsuchi!'' Said Naruto, quickly catching up to her and grasping her forearm tightly.

''Let go, Naruto,'' Said the girl harshly, not turning to look at him, at any of them. She just wanted to be alone.

''I won't,'' Said the blond with finality. ''This is something we have to talk about. So don't just leave. Listen to me.''

Kurotsuchi turned her head to tell Naruto to fuck off, but her words died in her mouth upon locking eyes with him. His face reflected concern and sorry as she had been expecting, but also resolution and firmness, letting her know that he wasn't going to leave this for later. He wanted to talk this out right now. Still, Kurotsuchi kept her face stone-cold. However, she wasn't making an effort to break free of his hold and just waited patiently for something else to happen.

Kakashi glanced back and forth between the two teenagers, recognizing that this was something that they would rather keep between themselves. ''All right, we'll leave you guys to discuss things alone. I'll be around close by if you need me,'' Said the copy ninja as he went for the door with the Chunin following him hurriedly being too happy to get out of this room and the uncomfortable ambient.

Seeing that she wasn't trying to run away anymore, Naruto let go of her arm.

''What do you want?'' Said Kurotsuchi, sounding a bit harsher than she intended.

''First, how are you feeling?'' Asked Naruto serenely.

''How do you think?'' Said Kurotsuchi sardonically. ''Nothing has changed. I'm still just a foolish good-for-nothing naive girl.''

''Don't say that. You know that's not true,'' Said Naruto.

''But it is,'' Corrected the prodigy. ''I can't do anything but worry the people I care about. Here in Konoha, you and Yugao have to take care of me and you even pay for my stuff. Meanwhile back in Iwa I burden my family with a ridiculous amount of payments just to keep me breathing,'' Said the girl, shaking from the repressed anger.

''I don't like this either. I didn't know that baachan had done such a deal,'' Said Naruto, hurt that Tsunade had kept this from them. ''I know that you feel-''

''Sorry, Naruto, but no, you don't know how I feel. You simply cannot,'' Said Kurotsuchi, her features frowning in sorrow. ''To be used against your own family and friends while living in a village that hates you. That's something that no one else can understand and honestly I wouldn't wish it upon anyone else. I have learned to let go of my resentment towards Konoha even if the road has been hard. But this...being used like this is something that I can't accept! This isn't something that anyone else can help me with.''

Naruto stared at her with a blank expression, puzzling the girl. She had expected a more explosive reaction from Naruto.

After a moment, his eyes softened with a somber look, taking the girl by surprise.

''I love you, you know,'' Said Naruto warmly.

Kurotsuchi's heart couldn't help but skip a beat at Naruto's words. Even in this situation he still had a deep effect on her.

''And I'm not the only one that cares about you. You have a lot of friends that worry for your sake,'' Said Naruto. ''Don't act like this doesn't have a way to be solved. We will help you as long as you let us in. In fact, now that I'm Hokage I'll be able to help you in ways I never could before.''

The tomboy widened her eyes at his declaration. ''You mean...'''

Naruto simply nodded before examining the envelope in his hand. ''I'll send this back to your grandpa. I won't accept this, I can't. Whatever deal we had that your village had to repay us is over.''

''You mean that...'' Kurotsuchi mused. With everything that had happened, she had forgotten to consider the power that Naruto held now over these decisions.

''Yeah, I'll give them back this money. Also, I'll send a message to your grandpa to arrange new terms so that we can hopefully reach a peaceful agreement,'' Promised Naruto. ''And lastly, You are no longer considered our prisoner. You won't need to be watched by the ANBU at all times and you are free to leave the village whenever you like.''

''Naruto-'' Kurotsuchi couldn't find the right words. The gratefulness she felt was couldn't be put into speech.

Naruto smiled. ''As Hokage, I'll make sure to fix all this. I'll talk to your grandfather. I'm sure that we can settle things some other way. The road for a peaceful coexistence will be long and hard but I'll make sure to see it through!''

Then, the blond found himself wrapped in the arms of the woman he loved. Finding her embrace tender and soothing as she pressed her cheek against his.

''Thank you, Naruto,'' Muttered Kurotsuchi softly. She felt stupid for having forgotten that she could always count on Naruto, and now more than ever. There was no doubt in her heart that she had made the right choice; he was the one man worthy of her heart.

Naruto simply found respite in enjoying this moment with her, returning her gesture and gently leaned against her.

They stood there in comfortable silence for a couple of minutes until someone knocked on the door.

Naruto groaned at being interrupted but knew that there was no helping it. As Hokage he still had a lot of matter to tend to. ''Come in,'' Announced the blond as he and Kurotsuchi took a step back from each other to appear more professional.

But unexpectedly, Kakashi was the one to enter the room once again. They didn't think that he would come back so soon.

''Kakashi-sensei? What is it?'' Asked Naruto.

''I took the liberty to take a look at the scroll that our Kumo friends left us and after reading what they had to say I decided that you had to know this as soon as possible,'' Said Kakashi.

''What do you mean?'' Inquired the young Hokage. Even Kurotsuchi seemed curious.

''A Kage summit,'' Said Kakashi. ''In the Land of Iron. Apparently, all the Kages are going.''

''A Kage summit?!'' Repeated both teenagers. A meeting of all the kages was something unheard of. There had been a very few number of summits like this through history.

''What is the purpose of this?'' Kurotsuchi felt the need to ask.

''The letter didn't go into much detail. We just know that the Raikage wants to talk about the Akatsuki,'' Said Kakashi in all seriousness.

Now, both Naruto and Kurotsuchi also went stern. If this was about the Akatsuki it was something that couldn't be taken lightly.

''I'm sure what your answer will be but I still have to ask,'' Said Kakashi. ''Are you going?''

''Of course I'm going! There is no way I'm missing something so important!'' Exclaimed the blond.

''I thought you'd say that,'' Said Kakashi.

''Also, I have something very important to discuss with the Tsuchikage and this will be the perfect chance,'' Said Naruto, surprising Kakashi and getting a beaming smile from Kurotsuchi. It was good to see him take his vow so seriously.

''I'm sure you have your reasons,'' Said Kakashi. ''Then, you better prepare yourself and decide who will be accompanying you. The Hokage can't go without escorts, after all. And it better be fast. The meeting will be in a week. We should be going as soon as we can.''

''No worries. We'll go tomorrow morning! I already have an idea on who to choose for the trip,'' Said Naruto with confidence before he turned to Kurotsuchi with a reassuring smile and grasped her hand in comfort.

Kurotsuchi returned his warm smile with one of her own as she tightened her grip on his palm. She knew that Naruto was going to do his best at this summit. Not only as her boyfriend but also as Hokage and she trusted him fully, for she knew that he would never let his loved ones down.

Whatever happened in the Land of Iron she knew that Naruto would find a way to make things better. She just knew it deep down. And she would support him all the way.

Author's Note.

Sorry for being so late, everyone! Still, as promised here it is the newest chapter!

I've been having a bit of personal drama in my life recently so my inspiration to write suffered for a bit but fear not, I won't abandon this story!

I just ask patience between chapters as you probably already noticed how slow the updates come. Still, they come slowly but surely!

So, how did you guys like the chapter? Let me know in a review or a PM!