Naruto: The Weapon Master
Chapter 22: Return to the Hidden Leaf
"We're finally back to the Hidden Leaf village," Naruto spoke happily as he saw the giant gates in the distance with a smile on his face, around his neck and glinting in the sunlight was the Hokage necklace.
Jiraiya stood next to him nodding in agreement "Even when we've been gone for couple of weeks, I still get a sense of nostalgia,"
"I never thought that I would be coming back here after all these years, things have changed quite a bit since I was gone," said Tsunade.
"I can't wait to see all my old friends again!" said Shizune happily as she held Tonton in her arms.
"But first things first, we need to head to the hospital for Tsunade to heal Sarutobi-sensei, as well as Kakashi and Sasuke Uchiha since they were attacked by Itachi Uchiha during our search," said Jiraiya.
They continued on their way until finally arriving at the giant gates where they saw Izumo and Kotetsu sitting in the guard house while on sentry duty as usual, they saw Naruto and Jiraiya approaching and were stunned to see Tsunade and her apprentice with them.
"Tsunade-sama, it brings us much joy to see you return to the village," said Izumo as he and Kotetsu got up from their seats to bow to her.
Tsunade simply nodded at them with a smile "It's been quite a long time since I left this place and now I've returned,"
"So what's been going on since Pervy sage and I left?" said Naruto, Jiraiya grumbled about Naruto calling him a pervert instead of a super one.
"We're still undergoing repairs from the invasion and we've made good progress thanks to those construction crew from Wave country," said Kotetsu.
"That's awesome, we're heading over to the hospital to get Jiji healed up. We'll see you guys later," said Naruto as he and the others walked into the village.
On their way to the hospital, many people were giving the group looks especially Naruto. Many were surprised to see Tsunade returning to the village with Jiraiya and that Naruto was walking with them as well. Some still looked at him with hatred which made Tsunade and Jiraiya clench their fists in anger but what placated them was that many of the villagers were looking at the blond with respect and gratitude. Naruto felt the number of glares had reduced by a large amount which made him feel a lot happier.
"Most of them are finally acknowledging me for who I am," thought Naruto while inwardly smiling.
"That's good, cause I really hate how they looking at you before. This is a change I wouldn't mind," said Kurama.
"Indeed Kurama-san, they saw how he fought to defend the village during the invasion. This is well deserved," said Chinami.
"Well I had to defend my home after all," thought Naruto.
He was snapped out of his thoughts when he felt someone tackle him into a hug, he looked down to see that it was a little girl who was hugging him happily.
"Nii-chan you're back! Kaa-san and I were looking all over for you but we were told that you had left the village on a mission," said the girl as a woman walked up to with a smile on her face.
Naruto recalled from the memories of one of his clones that he saved them from being raped by one of the sound ninjas before summoning Shoutmon and then GeoGreymon to battle the snake summons.
"I'm glad to see that Shoutmon protected the both of you," said Naruto with a smile.
"My daughter and I wanted to express our gratitude to you for saving us," said the woman.
"It's quite alright, it's my duty to protect everyone in the village," said Naruto.
The woman bowed to him before she walked away with her daughter who waved him goodbye, more of the biased villagers began to have second thoughts upon seeing this.
Tsunade and Jiraiya smiled warmly seeing that Naruto was slowly changing the villagers and continued their way to the hospital, there they went up to the special ward where Hiruzen was recovering. The third Hokage turned his head towards the opening door and smiled wearily upon seeing the people entering.
"It's been years since I last saw you Tsunade, you've grown too Shizune," said Hiruzen.
"Indeed it has sensei, I can see that you're still hanging in there," said Tsunade.
"As long as my Will of Fire still burns, I refuse to let myself die until my time truly comes,"
"Then let me help you by healing your injuries, I'll also be taking the baton and become Hokage in your place," Tsunade walked over with her hands covered in green chakra as she proceeded to heal her former teacher.
"I'm surprised though, I was expecting you to rebel against it,"
"Believe me I did, but a certain blond haired kid had to beat some sense into me to change my mindset and here I am,"
"But let's not forget how mad he was at you for what you said earlier before then," said Jiraiya with a smirk while Tsunade began to look nervous with Hiruzen quirking an eyebrow in confusion.
"I could understand Naruto being angry for you not being there for him despite being fooled by Danzo, what did you say?" asked Hiruzen.
"I-i-it's in the past now! No need for you to know!" she said quickly, she didn't want her sensei to be mad for insulting the past Hokages including Naruto's father.
"I'll be heading home while you go and heal Kakashi-Nii and check on Lee, I know that you'll able to help him out," Naruto as he turned to leave.
"Sure thing Gaki, we'll send for you when the time comes," said Jiraiya.
Naruto had left the hospital and was currently on his way to the Namikaze mansion when he stopped walking and spoke out loud as he looked to at the fence on his left.
"You guys can come out now,"
Then a piece of cloth painted to look like the fence was removed to show Konohamaru, Moegi and Udon looking happy to see him.
"Hi Naruto-Nii!" said Konohamaru happily.
"Hey guys, what have you been up to?"
"We've been helping the teachers clean up the academy after the invasion," said Moegi.
"We wanted to train with you a bit, but we were told that you had gone out on a mission," said Udon.
"What was the mission about?" asked Konohamaru curiously.
"Well, Jiji and the elders had sent Pervy sage and I to find one of the Sannin Tsunade and bring her back to become the fifth Hokage, but that's part of the reason as I wanted her help heal a good friend of mine," said Naruto.
"What?! You mean gramps is going to be replaced? But why?" asked Konohamaru who was shocked and looked a bit upset.
"Think about it, Jiji is getting old and he almost got killed if my special shadow clone wasn't there to help him. Also Tsunade-bachan is related to the previous Hokages which makes her the most suitable candidate,"
Konohamaru didn't looked too convinced "But what if the villagers forget about gramps and-OW!" he held his head in pain from the bonk he received from Naruto who was looking at him sternly "What was that for?!"
"Don't think like that, there's no way that will happen," then he pointed at the Hokage monument "No one will ever forget about Jiji with the same going for the Hokages before him. And if they do, we'll be there to remind them,"
Konohamaru looked apologetic for saying that "…Sorry, I was just upset that gramps was retiring,"
Naruto smiled fondly and ruffled the hair of his surrogate brother "Don't worry about it Otouto, look at it this way. Jiji will now have time to be above to teach you his techniques right?"
"You're right, and I can use them to beat you when the time finally comes for to battle for the Hokage position!" said Konohamaru excitedly.
"That will make an exciting battle for sure," said Naruto with a smirk "Anyway, I have to get home and unpack so I'll see you guys later,"
"Bye Naruto-Nii," Konohamaru, Moegi and Udon waved goodbye before running off to who knows where.
Naruto continued on his way until finally arriving at the Namikaze compound "It's good to be back home, don't you think so?"
"Yes it is Naru-kun," said Kurama with Chinami nodding in agreement.
Naruto turned the knob on the door and was about to enter, when the door suddenly flew open and he was tackled to the ground by a green blur after Tora leapt out of the hood in time, he slowly sat to see that it was Fu who was currently hugging him happily and Haku was walking out to them while looking amused.
"Hi Naruto-kun, I missed you!" said Fu.
"Yeah you've been gone for a long time," said Chomei with a cute pout from Fu's mindscape.
"We're happy to see that you've returned," said Haku.
"Hey girls, how have you been?" said Naruto as he got up from the ground with Fu still hugging him.
"We're fine, Hinata and Neji had been training at the Hyuuga compound, Anko is working with Ibiki at the T and I, Kurenai is teaching Sakura some Genjutsu, Ino is working at her families' floral shop and Tenten is helping her father out at their weapons shop,"
"Well I'll be sending some shadow clones to go and get them, I have a lot to tell you girls," said Naruto, then he created some clones which took off before he entered the house with the girls.
Meanwhile Tsunade was looking at the clipboard containing the results of Rock Lee's health condition while sitting in the ward with said patient and Gai.
"So how is it Tsunade-sama? Can you help him?" asked Gai worriedly.
"His injuries have left numerous bone fragments embedded in his spinal column, it's even a miracle that he can even move around with a crutch. As of now he is incapable is carrying on his physical duties of being a Shinobi," said Tsunade with a grim look on her face.
"Surely there's a way you can heal him Tsunade-sama, right? Right?!"
"There's surgical operation capable of restoring his body to the way it was before," said Tsunade, this made Gai sigh in relief and Lee look hopeful "However this surgery has a fifty percent chance of either ending in success or failure. This is a decision you must make that could decide your very life as a Shinobi,"
"You mean that this surgery could help me continue my life as a ninja or end it?" asked Lee to which Tsunade nodded in affirmation and he became silent.
"I await your answer, though you should know that Naruto's reason for bringing me back here was to help you, saying that he wished to help a fellow ninja who is also a genius in hard work," Tsunade left the room in direction of the Hokage tower in order to meet the elders and plan for her inauguration.
The room was silent for quite a while until Gai finally spoke up
"Lee I want you to know that whatever decision you make, I'll always be there for you,"
"…e-e-even if I were to give up on my dreams?" asked Lee.
"If you give up on your dreams, you'll undergo pain much worse than you've ever felt. You and I share a ninja way and without it we would never survive. Take the operation Lee," said Gai, but Lee still looked unsure of himself. "Do you remember that challenge I threw out to my eternal rival Kakashi?"
"I remember,"
Lee recalled back when he and his team were starting out, they watched Gai constantly challenging Kakashi into different things and he recalled one where they played a game of Rock, Paper and Scissors which Gai wounded up losing and did a 100 laps around the village on his hands which he imposed upon himself if he lost.
"But I also remember him saying that it's not just about one's level of skill but also luck. This operation is a 50-50, live or die. But this isn't some kid's game,"
"True, but only you have the power to carve out your own destiny and I have no doubt that the surgery will be a success and that is from the bottom of my heart, and should you die in the midst of it…I will die along with you,"
Lee looked at Gai with shock as tears started to flow to of his eyes.
"Ever since we first met, my nindo was to train you to become the best ninja possible and that's a promise," said Gai with his trademark good guy pose "And let's not forget that your eternal rival is waiting for you,"
Lee looked confused at what he said "My eternal rival? Who is this person?"
"Why Naruto of course, he too is a hardworker and could see the same in you which is why he went to look for Tsunade-sama and bring her back to help you. he didn't want your dream to die,"
"Naruto," he thought back to when he saw the blond motivate Chouji, when he saved Tenten during the preliminaries, how he defeated Neji during the finals who is known to be a genius and how he fought to protect the village during the sand and sound invasion. Then he looked up to guy with eyes of determination. "Gai-sensei...I'll take the operation!"
"Atta boy Lee! You're truly in your springtime of youth!" Gai hugged his student happily.
Meanwhile back at the Namikaze compound, Naruto was smiling as he watched the girls squeal happily over the gifts which he brought from the town that he and Jiraiya passed through during their search for Tsunade.
"T-thank you Naruto-kun," said Hinata shyly as she wore the necklace.
"You're so sweet Naruto-kun," said Fu wearing the beetle-designed hairclip on her green hair.
"Yeah, you know just what we like," said Chomei who made a hairclip just like Fu's.
Sakura was admiring the kimono bracelet on her wrist, Haku wore the earrings, Ino had her brooch pinned to her dress and Tenten planned to wear the bun covers later.
"Anything for you girls," said Naruto with a foxy grin which made the girls blush.
"How was it now that Tsunade-sama is back?" said Tenten excitedly as she's an admirer of the Sannin.
"At first I was upset with her, but now I'm happy that she's back here with me," said Naruto with a fond smile.
"What did she say that you would be angry with her?" asked Sakura curiously.
"It's in the past now, no need for you to worry yourselves about it," said Naruto.
"Okay if you say so," said Ino.
Two days later, Hiruzen, Kakashi and Sasuke were discharged from the hospital much to the relief of the villagers. Kakashi offered to teach Naruto some of his jutsu as he noticed that the blond only had a few in his arsenal. Hiruzen and the elders helped Tsunade in preparation for being Hokage. Sasuke became withdrawn from everyone including his team ever since his encounter with Itachi and rather preferred to train by himself much to their disapproval.
The next day, everyone gathered at the Hokage tower as Tsunade, Hiruzen, Jiraiya and the elders stood before them to inaugurate her as the fifth Hokage of the Hidden Leaf village much to everyone's joy. Also Naruto and Shikamaru were promoted to Chuunin rank, though Naruto preferred not to wear the jacket.
After several weeks of training and day to day activities, Naruto, Sakura and Hinata were called to the mission room by Tsunade. And they're currently standing before her ready to listen to what she's about to say to them.
"Tsunade-bachan, what's the which you're about to send us on? And why aren't Anko-chan and Kurenai-san with us?" asked Naruto.
"Both of them as well as other Jounins have been sent out of the village on their assigned, also since you're a Chuunin now you have been placed in charge in their absence," said Tsunade, normally she would scolded Naruto for calling her that but Hiruzen told her that it's Naruto's form of endearment. Calling her otherwise means he's serious.
"Very well Tsunade-sama, what is our mission objective?" asked Sakura.
"It's a B-rank escort mission which turn into A-rank should you run into trouble," said Tsunade.
"It's almost similar like that mission to the Wave country," said Kurama.
"So who will we be escorting?" asked Naruto.
"I don't know," said Tsunade much to the surprise of the team "Let me explain, every four years our neighbor the Land of Tea holds a dedication ceremony at the great Todoroki Shrine. And each time, we're asked to escort a runner who will participate in a race that is part of the ceremony. This year the messengers who were bringing the request were attacked before they could get here,"
"Um Tsunade-sama, we don't the story very well," said Hinata.
"Don't worry about it, once you meet boss Jirocho, he fill you in on everything," said Tsunade.
"I believe we met that man back at hot spring village before we returned to the village," said Chinami.
"That we did Chinami-chan," thought Naruto.
"That's everything I know so far, they expecting you to arrive at the Land of Tea by the end of the day, so you better get on and please be careful," said Tsunade.
"Don't worry baa-chan, we'll complete this mission and come back to you safely," said Naruto
Then they took off and get themselves ready for the mission. What they didn't know was that this mission was going to be just dangerous as the Wave mission.
This is Hussbek online with another chapter, sorry about the long duration as I had other chapters to update especially the Sky Fox which now has a large number of favorites and follows. This chapter is simply the cool down period before Naruto heads into the next mission. I also made him a Chuunin so that it makes more sense when Anko and Kurenai aren't around to follow them on missions. Also this chapter leads to the five episode arc of the Todoroki race. Hope you look forward to it, Read and Review as always.
Omake
Party Allover
It was late at night in Konoha and everywhere is peaceful…well not exactly when you hear loud music being played for the whole village to hear. We trace the source of the music to the Namikaze complex where one can see a lot of people both inside and outside the mansion wearing party clothes and costumes while dancing the night away.
The building itself is decorated with party streamers, disco lights flashing different colors, balloons, confetti and blown up toy foxes which were being thrown around.
A grumpy old man wearing pajamas and bags under his eyes was trudging towards the mansion where once he got to the front door, he started banging on it so hard that the music stopped playing. Footsteps could be heard approaching the door and it opened to reveal Naruto who as dressed in an orange t-shirt with the letters 'Party Fox' on it, cargo pants and trainers. He also wore a pair of sunglasses too.
Naruto raised his shades to look at the old man in confusion "Yes, can I help you?"
"Now you listen here you little brat, it's eleven pm and people are trying to get some sleep. But here you are playing your ridiculously loud music which is preventing us from doing just that! Now what do you have to say for yourself,"
Naruto simply quirked an eyebrow at the man's ranting "I'm afraid you're asking the wrong guy, let me redirect you," then he turned to look inside and called out "Hey everyone! Someone out here is saying that we're disturbing the peace, now what do we have to say to him?!
Naruto opened the door widely for him to see everyone yell simultaneously
"SORRY FOR PARTY ROCKING!"
Then the music started up again (LMFAO: Sorry for party rocking) as Naruto slammed the door in the man's face and walked back into the party.
Chouji was at the buffet table eating from a plate piled high with different kinds of food, Tsunade was having a drinking competition with a Hyuuga. Shikamaru was sitting elsewhere muttering troublesome but nodding his head to the beat. Jiraiya was at the hot spring trying to peek inside but got beat up by the ladies inside. Gai was expressing his youth by doing the worm on the dance floor and Kiba with Akamaru were running all over the place.
There was another knock on the door, and Naruto opened it to see that it was the old man again, and this time he had the ANBU with him.
"Naruto Uzumaki, there's we're requesting you to do for us," said one of the ANBU.
"Yes what is it?" asked Naruto.
"Finally I can get some peace and quiet," thought old man with a smirk.
"..can we join in on the party man?"
The man's jaw dropped while Naruto smiled widely and opened the door "Sure thing dude, right now there's a zebra doing the shuffle on the dance floor,"
At those words, the ANBU rushed while Naruto wiggled his eyebrows and was about to close the door.
"Wait!"
"What is it now?"
"If you can't beat them, join them," the old man went inside to take part in the party and was soon seen breakdancing with everyone cheering him on.
"And who says that you can't teach old dogs new tricks?" said Kiba with Akamaru barking in agreement.