AN: Heya everyone, here's the next chapter, let me know what you think! Apologies for the lateness again.


"Eeuughh, I know foxy-chan can heal pretty much anything but why does everything still hurt" the voice of Naruto rang out to seemingly no one as he looked up at the white ceiling, instantly realising he was in the hospital.

"Its because you just woke up you dumbass, your body is healed but the process has only now caught up to you…AND WHAT DID WE SAY ABOUT THE NICKNAME"the voice of the Kyuubi rang out causing Naruto to instantly scream and hold his head in pain over the sudden loudness.

This happened to be the scene that Jiraiya walked in on, Naruto grabbing his head screaming and begging for the noise to stop. Giving it a few more seconds of fun, he decided to catch the blonde's attention by clearing his throat.

"So, if you're done with whatever this is, we have a lot to talk about" Jiraiya began, the seriousness in his voice made Naruto instantly stop what he was doing and sit up, listening intently. "I'm going to catch you up with as much as I know, try to not to interrupt and listen carefully, understood?" to which Naruto simply nodded and gave Jiraiya his undivided attention. "You've been out for approximately a week, you had loads and loads of internal and external damage as well as your chakra levels being extremely low. After you STUPIDLY attacked the masked man, he took Yagura and disappeared. I picked your unconscious and lucky ass up and took you straight here. Most of the Sound forces have been killed with the few factions running away once Orochimaru had retreated. The Sand forces were allowed to head back to their village with all three sand siblings captures and held prisoners for now, to stop any funny ideas they might have. We've suffered some losses to shinobi life but could have been much worse, same thing could be said for infrastructure. The main damage was the village walls and outskirts where the snakes had appeared all of a sudden, again, the centre of the village is mainly intact but could have been worse. Both are a thanks to you, for figuring out the invasion plans and also for your mastery of the altered reality jutsu. Some of the villagers are calling you a hero".

Jiraiya paused here for a little to allow Naruto to absorb the current information given to him, judging by the small grin on his face, he could tell Naruto was still listening and happy with how things turned out. That was until his eyes widened suddenly, ready to ask questions, only to be stopped by Jiraiya's raised hand.

"I'm not done. I know what you're about to ask. So, Orochimaru managed to escape with the reanimated forms of the Kage, realistically speaking we haven't heard the end of him or unfortunately the two Senju brothers. Yagura was taken too by the masked man and hasn't been seen since. Mei-dono is alive and well and is heading back later today, after wanting to speak to you. Now, most importantly, Sarutobi-sensei. He's alive." Jiraiya began to which Naruto released a long breath he didn't know he was holding, "however, he's extremely weakened due to Orochimaru's poisoned sword. He has taken a step back from being Hokage and we are tasked with finding the next one, Tsunade Senju, my old teammate. Now you can speak and answer questions" Jiraiya finished off but Naruto could tell something was up, judging by his still stiff shoulders.

"There's something missing. Something you're not telling me. I don't really have any other questions, everything was pretty much self-explanatory so thank you for that. So please, what else is there to know?" Naruto asked with narrowed eyes.

"Well, whilst Sarutobi-sensei is out of commission, a temporary Hokage has been set up, its Danzo" Jiraiya explained slowly.

"…I see. So what does this mean for us now? I've only really interacted with him once or twice. You will surely know more. What's the move now?" Naruto asked cautiously, not risking anyone who might be overhearing thinking he's being treasonous.

"Honestly, I don't know. If you has asked me during Sarutobi sensei's original reign, I'd have worried for our ass by now. He was always planning schemes and had hidden agendas. However, since the Third took the reign again after your birth, he's been a lot more quiet, almost respectful of the Third's reign. As if he approves and is content" Jiraiya explained as he looked out of the hospital window to the repairs that were in process.

"I see. He came to my apartment one time and just gave me the general warning about the Uchihas. That would have made me trust him if not for Jiji's warning about not trusting him at all and keeping my head on a swivel. I guess all we can do is just wait and see how it goes, I'm guessing I'm meant to report to him as soon as I wake up right?" Naruto asked as he got changed.

"Yeah. Let's go via shunshin. Don't want the hero to be distracted by his new fan clubs just yet" Jiraiya smiled as he grabbed Naruto's shoulder before both disappeared.

(At The Hokage's Office)

"Come in"

"Hokage-sama, I was asked to report to you once I woke up, here I am" Naruto explained in a fairly neutral tone. Not overly respectful but not disrespectful either.

"Indeed. We are just waiting on a few more, please, sit in the meantime" Danzo simply said. No indication to what he was feeling or thinking, his eyes never having left the pieces of paperwork he was working on.

A few minutes passed by and Naruto and Jiraiya realised why they were waiting, the forms of Rock Lee assisted by his sensei and Shikamaru Nara with his father had appeared too, initially they thought that was it before one more knock was heard before Danzo asked them to come in. Naruto's eyes instantly watered a little at the sight before him. The third Hokage was walking in, supported by a crane he was leaning on, he seemed to have aged fifty more years since the last time Naruto saw him. He might have survived the attack but Naruto could tell he would never be the same again. The saddened mood was instantly dissipated by the first words that left the injured Hokage's mouth.

"Damn, never thought I'd be on the receiving end of the 'Come in', very weird experience" he released a small laugh, "but anyways. This isn't about me, right Hokage-sama" Hiruzen asked his former teammate.

A small nostalgic smile graced Danzo's face as he took his eyes off the paperwork for the first time to address his old teammate, "indeed Saru-chan. We're here to address these Genin in front of us…sorry, ex-genin" he began and the reactions were instant. Naruto and Lee spotted massive grins threatening to split their face, even whilst most of Lee's body was covered in bandages and he was sat in a wheelchair. Shikamaru meanwhile gave no outwards reaction but his father had a small proud smile on his face. "Following a discussion with Hiruzen as well as the judges panel, the three of you were deemed worthy of the Chunin rank. Congratulations" he said, although no actual joy was heard from his tone, purely business.

"Now then, Gai, Lee and Shikamaru you three can go. Shikaku and the others please stay behind" Danzo said and waited for the others to leave. "Now, Naruto, you're not going to be a Chunin" he began, causing Naruto to instantly narrow his eyes at what was going on. "Relax those eyes, child. You're not going to be a Chunin because it was determined you were going to become a Tokubetsu Jonin instead. Honestly, it probably would have been straight Jonin if it wasn't for your lack of field experience and such. Anyways, congratulations. Shikaku, as you know, is the Jonin commander so I suggest you report to him once this is done. Shikaku you can go, Naruto and Jiraiya, stay behind again." Danzo explained.

"Come by later Naru-chan. Time for us all to have a big family reunion huh?" Shikaku smiled as he ruffled Naruto's hair before leaving. Naruto instantly put the vest on underneath his coat and sported a massive grin, even bigger than previously.

"Now then. I need you to focus up and listen carefully there's multiple things we need to discuss. First and foremost, I understand your suspicions of me. My previous actions have justified your current feelings and thoughts. However, whether it was back then or currently, I have always had the village's best intentions at heart no matter what. Previously, Hiruzen was soft and I disagreed with everything he had done, however, since the Kyuubi's attack, he's changed back to when we were teammates. Back to when he was the God of Shinobi and I respected that. We were feared again and on top of the elemental nations, I still disagree with some of the decisions and processes, but I respect Sarutobi enough to not try to back stab him. Which brings us to the next topic at hand, the selection of the new Godaime Hokage. I agreed that I would only be a temporary option until a suitable option is picked, which has been decided to be Tsunade Senju. My preference was Jiraiya however he vigorously disagreed to that choice. Should Tsunade reject the option of Hokage, you are to bring her back regardless so she is within the village. We have a many injured shinobi including Hiruzen and Lee which are needing her attention. She doesn't have to be an active shinobi, but she has to help out when needed –"

"I'm guessing it is the two of us who will be tasked to bring Tsunade back? Also, what happens to you if she decides to decline the Hokage position" Naruto asked but instantly tensed up as some KI was directed towards him.

"Let me make something clear. Temporary or not, you will respect the title of Hokage whilst I wear the hat. Am I clear?" Danzo asked with no room for ifs, buts or maybes.

"Hai Hokage-sama, apologies, it will not happen again" Naruto said and bowed to show how genuine he was being.

"Now to your questions. Yes, you and Jiraiya are being tasked to find Tsunade Senju and bring her back. You have one shot at this, otherwise I will put her on the bingo book myself and send hunter nins after her" the slight tensing of Hiruzen's hands on the crane clearly highlighted his disagreement on the topic but knew he couldn't say anything, "should she come back but choose to decline the Hokage position, I will become the Godaime until a successor is picked by me" he finished off and waited a little for any questions or comments.

When none came, he chose to continue. "Now, Naruto. With your latest exposure and you taking up your father's surname too, a lot of things will have to change. First, you are now a clan heir, two clan heirs to be exact. You're technically not of age to sit on the council yet but since you've reached the rank of Chunin at least, you are officially eligible to be involved in clan and council meetings. However, you will only hold one clan vote, even though you're part of two. This can change once your clan expands and you can have representatives on the council. Hiruzen has already said you have access to the clan's compound, Minato and Kushina were humble and secretive people, so their living conditions aren't as flashy as some of the other compounds. However, you are free to expand, as long as you don't encroach into other clans' properties." He explained as he walked over to Minato's picture on the wall and placed his hand on it before a puff of smoke went off and two scrolls fell into Danzo's hand which he threw to Naruto. "I'd advise you to have a read through these two after this meeting. They're from your parents. You were only allowed to have them once you're Chunin or higher".

Giving Naruto a few more seconds to compose himself again, Danzo once again continued, "Two last things. As the heir of the Uzumaki and Namikaze clan, you are placed in the Clan Restoration Act. I don't want to go into the details and you can ask your pervert of a sensei about it later. I promised not to get involved unless you do not make an effort" Danzo explained whilst Jiraiya had a small trickle of blood running down his nose at the implications. "Lastly, speak to Mei-san. She wanted to have a word before she heads back. I hope that was all clear. Do not disappoint me. I don't give second chances. You're leaving with Jiraiya in two days. Now, if that is all, you may go, all of you" Danzo said as he sat back down and went back to the paperwork in front of him.

The trio of Hiruzen, Jiraiya and Naruto left the office and as soon as the door closed, Naruto embraced the injured Hokage, tears running down his eyes that he was still alive. "I might not be alive for much longer if you hug me that tightly Naruto-kun" he managed to breathe out which did the effect as Naruto let go and looked sheepish.

"Sorry sorry, just excited. Anyways, how have you been and please tell me about this CRA before the pervy old toad tells me lies and corrupts me" Naruto said as Jiraiya was crying anime tears in the corner over the disrespect.

(A Few Hours Later)

"Ahh Naruto-kun, I was expecting you, please come in" the voice of Mei rang out as she opened the door to welcome Naruto into the Mist delegation's hotel room. "I'm sure you're wondering what this all is about?" she asked as she sat down and motioned for Naruto to sit too whilst Chojuro brought over some tea.

"Well I'm guessing it has to do with Yagura and the invasion and future plans I'm guessing?" Naruto asked whilst keeping a careful eye on the rebellion leader.

"Smart as ever, yes you're right. The main reason for calling you over is because I wanted to thank you, for everything. It was thanks to your preparation and investigations that allowed for the safety for me and my shinobi during the invasion. You were also the one who managed to take care of Yagura, god knows what could have happened if he had chosen to unleash his powers against me or in the village" she began but was forced to stop as Naruto raised his hand to interrupt her in a respectful manner.

"I'm going to have to correct you here Mei-dono, I didn't manage to defeat him in the end. Jiraiya-sensei and Chikara-sama were the ones who helped me take down Yagura once he transformed. If I'm being honest, he was kicking my ass" Naruto chuckled whilst scratching his cheek a little.

'So cute!' Mei thought watching Naruto's reaction but chose to compose herself again before speaking. "Humble as ever and please call me Mei-chan" she began whilst noticing Naruto's blush, "the conditions for how it happened are irrelevant to me. You put yourself in front of an opponent you knew outclassed you for the sake of your village and foreigners who you did not know much about. For that me and my village will forever be in your debt. I was already in talks with Hiruzen-dono regarding an alliance, once the Hokage situation has a more permanent solution and I have been coronated as Mizukage the alliance will become final" Mei explained as she began sipping her tea. Naruto meanwhile put his tea down, taking the opportunity to ask his own questions.

"That is amazing news, I can't wait Mizukage-chan " Naruto teased and enjoyed the blush which formed on Mei's face, "however, other than the thank you, which I appreciate truly, I'm guessing there is another reason as to why I am here?" Naruto asked and eyed the Kiri delegation carefully.

"Well yes. There are two reasons actually. The first being a more personal thank you for everything you've done. I don't know how much you know about your clan's ancestorial home however we have some scrolls and details on it and of course we are happy to give them to you. We were thinking of sending them over via currier, however Hiruzen-dono suggested for you to collect them at a later time as the information within them is sensitive and could cause damage if in the wrong hands. Before you ask, we don't know what is inside them, there seems to be some sort of blood seal on them" Mei explained and allowed Naruto to calm his nerves a little judging by his wide eyes and shaking hands, she was surprised by Naruto's next action as he got up and bowed deeply to Mei.

"Thank you very very much. I only recently found out about my clan and family so there is still much more for me to learn and discover, consider what ever debt you might have to be paid off. This means more to me than anything else in the world currently" Naruto explained, still bowing deeply with tears in his eyes.

Mei took this opportunity to walk over to Naruto and raise his head a little before embracing him in a tight hug before returning to their seats. "Well now might as well be as good of a time as ever to say the second thing. We know about your CRA, to be honest I think most of the elemental nations will know about you by now. I'm just going to say it outright, I am interested Naruto-kun. Maybe not right now, although you are incredible both in terms of power and mannerisms, you are still a bit too young. I am twenty-one years old, there is a ten year age gap between us and I am about to be coronated as Mizukage which will take up most of my time. However, once you are a bit older, assuming nothing has changed and neither one of us is already in different relationships, I will approach you again" Mei explained with a slight blush on her face, Naruto meanwhile was beetroot red in the face over what Mei had suggested. He might not have the most experience with the female gender, however he cannot deny the sheer beauty of the woman sat in front of him and she was interested in him of al things!

"Ahem, I don't know what to say to be honest. You are incredibly beautiful and I'm sure this will also have political implications. I'm not saying I'm not interested, I'd be lying if I said that to be honest but I do think you're right in waiting a little bit. I'm worried I might end up disappointing you if I entered a relationship right now especially considering the factors you said. So I'm happy to wait a while to decide where this could go, but I am definitely interested too. I hope that is all okay and makes sense" Naruto managed to say whilst controlling his emotions and feelings.

"Sounds good to me" she said with a small smile, "well that was all from me to be honest. We are heading back to Mizu tomorrow morning so make sure to come visit soon to get those scrolls, and who knows maybe we can spend a bit more time together when you're here" Mei finished off as the two of them were heading to the door.

"Of course! Safe travels, Mizukage-chan" Naruto said as he left and headed to the Nara compound. He had to speak to someone about everything that had happened over the last few hours.

(At The Nara Compound)

"So, erm, yeah. Now I am here. Is this normal? Surely not right?!" Naruto finally explained as he began eating his food. The other occupants at the table had different reactions. Yoshino was openly staring at Naruto, wide-eyed and mouth agape. Shikaku was still eating although at a much slower pace than he was initially, clearly deep in thought. Shikamaru had a small amounts of blood running down his nose at what Naruto had told the family, he remembered exactly what Mei looked like, so his imagination was running slightly wild…until a frying pan was hurled at his face, courtesy of his mother.

"Ahem, I mean in terms of the CRA that is fairly normal in the shinobi world. It is not a common practice due to clan traditions usually getting in the way but back in the day it was natural for influential and powerful shinobi or clans to adopt this practice in order to guarantee heirs as well as ensuring their clan doesn't die out. What isn't as common is a future kage interested in someone who isn't as influential. That's not to say you won't become influential, but she is certain in your potential for her to make this offer. No pressure I guess" Shikaku joked at the end to try and ease Naruto's worries a little. It seems to have worked judging by his small smile and renewed efforts in eating the food in front of him.

"Other than that predatory foreigner, we heard you make Tokubetsu Jonin! Congratulations Naru-chan" Yoshino cheered out. Although not actually blood related, Yoshino always saw Naruto as her adoptive son after he lived with them for a while and Naruto saw her as an adoptive mother due to her constant care and affection. It was slightly different to Shikaku due to him being more work orientated and not around as much, but by no means did Shikaku not care for Naruto, it was just a different way of showing such affection.

"Ahaha yeah! Although I don't know how it'll work with Team Wave now, I don't want to just leave them after having just got the team" Naruto asked in between mouthfuls.

"Realistically, you'll still be training with them and even take some missions with them however the nature of such will be different. You are likely going to take higher ranked missions with you and Zabuza now being Jonins essentially and Haku can be of a supportive role. You might also end up taking missions with just Zabuza or be asked to fill in for him if he's being called away. You might also be called as back up to teams where the village can't afford to send a full squad for support. It will be an interesting development to say the least but my best advice is to just cherish the time you have with any team member or team you get put into, it will probably involve a lot of rotation" Shikaku explained as he finished off his food.

"Ahh I see, thank you" Naruto simply replied before finishing his own food and joining Shikamaru in a long overdue Shogi session.

(The Next Day - Hokage Office)

"Are you sure this is the only way Danzo" the pleading voice of the Third Hokage rang out.

"I'm going to be honest. I don't know if it's the only way but it's a way with guaranteed results and everything else seems to have failed. Let's be honest, neither one of us cares about the boy but we understand that his genetics are vital to the village. This way he won't cause any more harm or problems and we still get to keep him as a productive weapon for the safety of the village" Danzo explained in a matter-of-fact manner. Hiruzen Sarutobi meanwhile was gritting his teeth, not in anger, but rather in frustration. Danzo made some excellent points and he knew he wasn't able to turn a blind eye yet again, especially since the incident during the invasion.

"Fine, I concede. We'll do it your way" Hiruzen gritted out.

"ANBU, bring him in" Danzo commanded and waited for a few seconds before a knock was heard and entered the office. Two ANBUs escorted the form of Sasuke Uchiha who was chained and had his chakra suppressed.

"Uchiha Sasuke. Do you understand why you are here?" the voice of Danzo rang out through the office. After a few seconds of no reply from the chained Uchiha, he found two blades, courtesy of the two ANBUs, at his throat. "If the Hokage addresses you, you will reply brat. Contrary to popular belief, we don't actually need you. We can slit your throat and harness your eyes to maintain the Uchiha blood - that's my preferred option anyways, so you better get your act straight quick. Now answer the question." Danzo explained, never once losing his composure or raising his voice a single decibel.

"Yes I do. It has to do with the accident during the invasion" Sasuke explained, venom dripping from his teeth at the state he found himself in.

(Flashback)

"Stand down Uchiha. They are hostages of war and are not to be touched under any circumstances, especially following their surrender - orders form the Hokage. Is that understood?" A Konoha Chunin explained as he was trying to escort the bound sand siblings to a safe location.

"I couldn't care less what the senile old man said! I will have my revenge on Naruto but not before I prove my power against that other monster!" Sasuke screamed out as he activated his sharingan.

Following his fight with Naruto, Sasuke spent the remaining time of the Chunin exams in the hospital and had to listen to the results and rumours from the nurses and doctors when they were conversing, including how Naruto had 'embarrassed' him and his full heritage was released, including his jinchuriki status. Sasuke vowed he would make Naruto pay for the humiliation and escaped the hospital shortly after the invasion started and they were being preoccupied with all the casualties. He encountered the bound form of Gaara shortly after and set his sights on his first target, as a warmup.

"I won't say it again. Stand down Genin" the Chunin warned and placed his hand on his kunai holster. That was all the invitation Sasuke needed as he activated his now three tomoe sharingan, courtesy of Naruto pushing him to his limits in their fight, and instantly caught the unsuspecting Chunin in a genjutsu before disarming him and jamming their own kunai into his throat.

Right before he could turn to Gaara and his siblings though, an ANBU had appeared and knocked him out before calling for a different ANBU to support the sand siblings.

(End Flashback)

"Ah yes, 'accident'. I read in your initial report how you thought that was their Jonin sensei and you were just trying to dispatch an enemy shinobi hm?" Danzo asked with a hint of sarcasm in his voice.

"Exactly. Now then, when can I go?" Sasuke said in a smug manner.

"You can go now. You're going to be incorporated into the ROOT programme whether you give consent to it or not. I don't care. You're a liability to yourself and the village. Itachi damaged you more than I thought, this will be rectified now. ANBU take him away" Danzo simply commanded and tuned out Sasuke's insults and profanity, before the ANBU knocked him out again.

"Danzo, I hope this is the right decision" Hiruzen simply sighed out as he began leaving too after Danzo chose to ignore him and focus on the paperwork in front of him.

(With Naruto)

"This is ridiculous! I know they were geniuses and talented but surely they have a limit too! How's it going for you ero-sennin" Naruto called out from what looked like a maze.

"Same as you to be honest! No wonder Minato-kun didn't need to expand the compound...its self-expanding" Jiraiya said as he found another seal behind one of the bookshelves which opened up another hidden passage.

Following the eventful day yesterday, Naruto and Jiraiya chose to spend the next day exploring and sorting out everything regarding Naruto's heritage. They spent the day organising the house more since they didn't have much time during the Chunin finals preparation as Naruto would either eat, sleep or train. So, using shadow clones, Naruto has refurbished the house to his likings and then began exploring. It was a fairly modest and simple house. Hidden behind the Hokage monument and near the Hokage's private training ground was a fenced off area which housed a simple three-story house. Behind the house was another smaller training ground and an onsen connecting to one of the many rivers flowing behind the village. Inside the first floor of the house was a large kitchen which connected to the living room and a small bathroom. If you took the stairs up to the first floor, you'd find two bedrooms - the master bedroom where his parents slept in and has now become his own room and then the second room which was his original baby room which has since been emptied and transformed into a guest bedroom. Both rooms had their own ensuite bathrooms which were fully furbished and had everything you would need.

If you took the stairs up to the last floor, you'd find an office in the attic, covering the whole floor. Both Jiraiya and Naruto weren't surprised by this detail. From the stories Jiraiya told and the history lessons in the academy and library, his father was a workaholic which was mirrored by his mother but to a lesser extent. The design was quite simple, a carpeted floor with a desk and chair at the end of the floor/room, two slanted windows, a table lamp and hundreds of pieces of papers – sealing, chakra, explosive, notebook you name it.

However, the most impressive thing were the stairs leading to the basement below which was the location of the library which to the initial eye looked like a small sized room, however Jiraiya and Naruto quickly found out that wasn't the case. Initially they were quite unimpressed by the size of it and limited number of scrolls and books, however, they quickly realised the basement was a mix of multi-layered genjutsu and fuinjutsu. On the many bookshelves, depending on which book or scroll you took, would reveal a further section of the basement – a scroll on elemental manipulation revealed a hidden passage which contained tons of books and scrolls on all the elements and their manipulation as well as jutsus on each element. A section on martial arts, revealed a passage on all kinds of taijutsu forms and techniques throughout the elemental nations.

It took them most of the day to discover everything in the library, it turns out the library expands beneath the compound for many miles but stopping before reaching the village. By the end of it they were exhausted and decided to spend the night in the compound, Jiraiya was moved to tears by Naruto's request for him to spend the night, saying Jiraiya was part of his family too.

(The Next Day)

"Okay brat. Let's find my teammate, one way or another she's coming back to the village" Jiraiya said as they began their journey out of the village.


AN: What did you think?! I personally have always loved Danzo's ideologies towards the Leaf and ninjas etc. He was a proper true die hard Leaf shinobi you know? I'm not saying ninjas should be like him, but no one could deny his loyalty towards the village and wanting what was best – shame his actions didn't always seem to reflect that.

The next chapter will hopefully covering the whole Tsunade section, as well as updates regarding Sasuke and Danzo!

Also let me know what you think of the whole news regarding Naruto and the CRA etc.