Disclaimer: - I, SSG-Goku3397, do not own Naruto and any related matter. It all belongs to Kishimoto, the original brain behind the character Naruto. The only thing that I do own is the plot of this story and any original jutsu, seals, concepts and OC's that are present within the story.
"Thoughts / Telepathic Speech"
"Speech"
Letters / Jutsu notes
Chapter 18 – Hero's Return
Mei, Chojuro, Aō, Mei's council elders, Jiraiya, Gai, Zabuza and Sakura were at the main gate of Kiri, waiting for Naruto, Kakashi and the Mizu Daimyō's entourage. It had been less than five minutes since the guards caught sight of them, so everyone expected the group to arrive in less than three.
As they waited, Jiraiya was writing something down in a notepad, all the while giggling and taking sidelong glances at Mei from time to time, causing Sakura, Mei and Chojuro to become irritated. As Naruto's group neared the gate, Sakura finally had enough of Jiraiya's perversity and launched a super powered punch into the man's gut.
Luckily for the man, his instincts, honed in the fires of war saved him from a short hospital trip. Deciding that an annoyed Sakura was a dangerous one, Jiraiya placed his notebook into his equipment pouch and focused on the present situation. Just in time as well, because it was at this time that the Daimyō's entourage finally reached the gates.
"Yo!" Kakashi said walking by reading his Icha Icha. Everyone but Gai ignored the masked Jōnin. The taijutsu specialist lamented about Kakashi's hip attitude and how it was improper.
"Enough Gai!" Naruto said causing Gai to straighten his back and calm down. "Alright everyone, Mitsunari-san, accompanied by his son and daughter, is here to crown you, Mei, as the Godaime Mizukage. The ceremony will be held tomorrow morning, at which time some important announcements will be made as well. Mei, Jiraiya, can you two make all the preparations by then?"
Mei and Jiraiya shared a look. Turning back to Naruto, Mei said, "We should be able to. If Jiraiya-sama will be willing to help with the sealing that need to be done, we can have it all prepared by dawn."
"Don't worry Naruto, I will make sure that everything is ready by tomorrow noon."
Naruto nodded as Mitsunari, Shiki and Otohime stepped out of their palanquins and approached the group with Otohime coming to stand beside Naruto. What caught Sakura's attention was that Otohime was not dressed like a princess. Instead, she was wearing a short grey battle kimono with light leather armour fitted with metal strips engraved with seals. The most catching aspects about the girl's attire was the red naginata with the black blade strapped to her back and the jade necklace proudly worn on her breast with the Uzumaki Clan sigil engraved on it. The same design necklace Hinata started wearing after her engagement with Naruto became public. With a raised eyebrow, Sakura subtly gestured at Otohime causing Naruto to nod. Sakura frowned as she nodded in return.
"Zabuza, I have a job for you. Please come visit me this evening in my room."
"As you wish Naruto-sama!" Zabuza said with a bow while ignoring Mitsunari standing right behind Naruto. Zabuza straightened up and nodded to Shiki before bowing to Otohime causing some of the Kiri shinobi to stare at the scene in wonder. Zabuza, bowing to a Mizu royal.
"Mei-san, you can go. Please don't bother preparing quarters for Naruto-sama. He shall be staying with us." Shiki said causing Mei to nod while Aō just frowned at the suspicious behaviour of the Mizu Daimyō.
"Of course, Shiki-sama."
"Then get going. You have much work to do. I am sure that I can easily escort Mitsunari-san and his family back to their estate here. Kakashi, get some rest. You're on leave until it's time to return. You two Gai."
"Kakashi-san, you have quarters with Gai-san. I am sure that he can show you." Mei called out with a smile. Kakashi paled a little but nodded before turning to Gai and gesturing for the spandex clad Jōnin to lead the way.
As the two Jōnin left, Naruto turned to Sakura and said, "If you don't have any pressing duties, please come with me. We need to discuss somethings."
Sakura nodded causing Naruto to say, "Good. This is Otohime-chan. Hisui-chan, this is my closest friend, Haruno Sakura-chan!"
"An honour to meet you Hime-sama!" Sakura said with a bow. Otohime nodded and said, "The pleasure is mine. I hope that we can be friends."
"Of course! Any friend of Naruto's is my friend!" Sakura said with a smile. With that said, Naruto turned to everyone and said, "We better get going. I can still feel minor malicious presences here. It is best Mitsunari and his family moves out of harm's way."
Mei nodded and barked an order causing the Kiri ninja around her to disperse. Bowing to Naruto and the Mizu Daimyō, Mei turned and headed towards the Kage tower and her office with Aō and Chojuro. Beside her, Jiraiya nodded to Naruto and vanished in swirl of leaves.
"You can go now Zabuza." Naruto said causing Zabuza to shake his head.
"Can't do that Naruto-sama. Protocol dictates that you have at least one guard while are in foreign lands outside of combat. Moka-sama will have by head if I don't follow her explicit orders."
Naruto sighed in defeat before nodding, "Alright, you can come, but after we enter the estate, you are free to go."
"There are some protocols to follow Naruto. You may be a formidable shinobi, but there are certain expectations from your retainers that need to be met. Why do you think the Kage's take bodyguards with them? None of them are the run-of-the-mill shinobi." Sakura said causing Naruto to glower in annoyance.
"I agree with Sakura-san. You need to stop thinking that you are a normal shinobi. You are a Daimyō as well, and with that position, certain etiquettes and protocols that need to be followed. Even if you don't like it, you have to suck it up and accept the situation. Besides, there is a show of power with who is your guards, how they are dressed, how they carry themselves. All of it are shows of power and grandeur. It's all very important in Daimyō level politics. I realize that you understand Kage politics, but military and civilian politics are completely different, though they tend to get mixed up at certain point. Till now, you have handled the Daimyō politics well, but let me help from now on. I am sure that your already stellar skills in handling Daimyō politics will reach astronomical levels."
Naruto nodded with a defeated look and turned towards Zabuza to see a glint of amusement in his eyes. Grunting, Naruto said, "If you both are done, maybe we should get into a more private setting! Shiki-san, please guide me as I don't know the way."
Shiki nodded and ordered his guards to lead the way to the compound. As the group walked after the guard, Sakura and Otohime fell a bit back and started conversing with each other, intent on getting to know each other a little better.
Sakura had joined Naruto and Otohime for dinner where they were having a traditional Kiri dish made from a particularly delicious fish that was native to the seas around Mizu. Along with that, there was a platter of pork that was created to the specifications of a famous Uzumaki recipe, though it was not as spicy as the Uzumaki used to make it.
"So, Sakura-san, how long have you been a ninja? From the rumours, I expect that it will be some time already, though you look barely thirteen." Otohime asked with a curious tone.
Sakura shook her head and said, "I graduated with Naruto five months ago. The only reason I am this strong is because of the secret training I used to do with Naruto by sneaking out of the village."
Otohime looked surprised at that before turning to Naruto for confirmation. Naruto nodded as he chewed on a piece of pork. Otohime smiled and turned back to Sakura. "I am curious. They say that you are a very good Iryōnin. The likes of which none has seen before. How would you rank your skill?"
Sakura shrugged as she took a sip of her green tea before saying, "I am not really that great yet. I can assure you that Tsunade-sama would have me beat in healing skills."
"Don't sell yourself short Sakura-chan. I am sure that you already rival Tsunade-bāchan's skills in Iryōjutsu. Besides you have surpassed her in raw brute strength." Naruto said annoying Sakura a bit, though her face took on a faint pink tinge from the complement. An event, that didn't escape Otohime's notice.
"How long have you two know each other?"
"Well, we first met when we were five years old. Naruto always had a very noble character. I was being bullied because of my large forehead. He came in and forced the bullies away and then cheered me up. After that we again met when we enrolled in the academy when we were nine. Though we used to bump into each other during the intervening years, we never got acquainted better."
"So, how did you become friends?"
"Well, that's a difficult question. At first, I used to get annoyed at his clownish act. But one day, I saw him sneaking out of the village and followed him. I didn't know what he was doing and because of his pranks, I wanted to make sure that he wasn't up to mischief again. To tell you the truth, I was amazed when I saw his true self. He was training hard, all by himself."
"She confronted me and I told her what she needed to hear." Naruto interrupted with a serious expression.
"And what was the think Sakura-san needed to hear?" Otohime asked causing Sakura to chuckle and say, "That in the shinobi world, the one with the most hidden cards is the one who will live. After that, I convinced Naruto to help with my training, though, he also put me down for being a fan girl. I must admit, it had hurt at that time, but I am happy that I changed. I don't think I would have survived if I didn't. Instead I would have only dragged my team down with me and maybe got them killed as well."
"So, you two have been friends since then?"
"You can say that. It should be nearing four years now. We started becoming friends since we started training together." Sakura said with a smile. "You know, during our academy days, Naruto used to wear a kill-me-orange jumpsuit and used to prank the whole of Konoha. Even now all of Konoha fears him, even the Anbu."
"You can't be serious?" Otohime asked with shock.
Sakura chuckled and said, "Of course. He has the unofficial tile of 'Demon Prankster from Hell' among the shinobi. Though he has reigned in his pranks since his heritage came out. Instead, he uses his devious mind to manipulate the situations to his advantage. Who knew that pranks could be so formidable on the field."
"What do you mean?"
"You will come to understand in time. Just know this. When you spar with him, never let your guard down. He will humiliate you the first chance he gets and that too with prank techniques!"
Otohime blinked her eyes before turning to stare at a sheepish Naruto. "What? It's either pranks or techniques that would cause grievous harm. What would you have me to do? Kill?"
Otohime shook her head and said, "Well there goes my plan to train with you. I heard that you have a bō staff. I wanted to test out my bukijutsu skills against yours."
Naruto and his group of Uzu and Konoha shinobi were at the gates of Kiri, intending on leaving for Konoha. With them was Otohime with a large scroll on her back and Shiki. Normally a princess like Otohime would have a whole convoy of people and carriages with her, but upon her and Naruto's insistence, it was only the princess with a large scroll strapped to her back. Beside her, Shiki was wearing an expensive travelling kimono, looking a bit ill-at-ease.
"Mei, in a few days' time, the Rokubi Jinchūriki, Utakata will be coming by. I was able to convince him to re-join Kiri, but he demanded certain conditions be met. Just accept the conditions. It is better to have a Jinchūriki of Utakata's skills with you than against you."
Mei looked surprised but nodded, "As you wish Naruto-sama, but are you sure that we can trust him. He deserted his post in the past."
"Utakata is someone who prefers peace over war. To maintain the peace, he will do whatever it takes. Besides the reason he left was a misunderstanding. We shared memories. It is something we Jinchūriki can do. I saw the misunderstanding. His sensei had tried to free him from the burden of being the Rokubi Jinchūriki. Utakata took it the wrong way, especially since his sensei didn't know that separating a Jinchūriki from their Bijū ends with the death of the Jinchūriki. Anyway, I was able to make him realize the misunderstanding, so he agreed to re-join. Just make sure to accommodate his conditions."
"I thank you for your help Naruto-sama! I will strive to help Utakata any way I can."
"Make sure you do. Alright everyone, gather around." Naruto commanded causing his group to come close. Tapping everyone on the shoulder, each of them were covered in a cloak of bubbling red chakra. Before anyone could blink, they all suddenly found themselves in the forests surrounding Konoha. To be specific, a clearing right off the main road and completely visible from the gates.
"I still can't believe that the Hiraishin can be used like that!" Kakashi mumbled causing Naruto to groan.
"Give it a rest Kakashi! I was only able to do it because I had anchored my chakra with the lot of you using the Bijū cloak. Now let's head to the Hokage Mansion."
"Don't you mean the Hokage Tower?" Neko asked only for Sakura to comment, "Sensor!"
Neko coughed in embarrassment as the group headed to the Hokage Mansion. On their way, they were met by Konohamaru doing D-Ranks with Suiren and Karin as his temporary teammates and Dōmon acting as their Jōnin Sensei.
"Naruto-sama! Welcome back! I hope that you had a good trip?"
"Of course. A perfect trip. Everything went as planned. Well, mostly everything. How are you three doing with the D-Ranks?"
"I hate you Shisho!" Konohamaru grumbled before saying, "You had to recommend an early graduation for me, didn't you!"
"Maa Maa Konohamaru, the faster you finish the required D-Ranks, the faster you are able to get a higher ranked mission, isn't that right everyone?" Kakashi teased causing Konohamaru to glare for a moment. Suddenly, Kakashi's book caught flames as a small explosion occurred startling everyone.
As soon as the explosion sounded, the whole group was surrounded by Anbu and the newly formed Police Force. The Anbu commander Ryū was present as well. Naruto turned his head and saw that they were standing in front of the Anbu HQ.
Ryū stepped forward and asked, "What happened here Naruto-sama?"
"Don't really understand it, but if I am not wrong, then Konohamaru accidentally caused an explosion to destroy Kakashi's precious Icha Icha by just glaring at him." Naruto said with a slight smirk.
"That's impossible! Did you trap the book Naruto?" Jiraiya asked with a peeved tone.
"Again? This is the third time this happened." Ryū said turning to Konohamaru with an accusing glare. "Did you try and kill Kakashi, like you tried with Kagedora and then Hanabi?"
"And I am telling you, I don't understand what is happening!" Konohamaru exclaimed causing Naruto to grin.
"I know what happened Konohamaru. I must say, psychic fire bending. Kurama calls it combustion bending. Anyway, come by the compound this evening. I will help you train with it. I started doing it a couple of months ago, though I found that it gives me a headache from all the concentrating. Till then, don't keep your focus on something for too long or with too much intensity. It will set the ability off."
Everyone was stunned at the revelation. Many had seen Naruto control the air psychically just like he does with blood, but fire was something new. Before anyone could comment, Naruto continued, "We need to be off. Konohamaru, remember what I said. The ability you have is very dangerous. Don't lose control of your anger!"
With that said, Naruto turned to the Root Team and said, "Captain, follow a member of the Police Force to the Police HQ. From this day forth, you are to report to the Police Force Commander! Make sure to hand in the mission report to me by this evening! Dismissed!"
The Root Team nodded before following one of the Police Force members. Turning to the gathered Anbu, Naruto barked out, "Why the hell are you lot wasting your time? Get to work!"
The Anbu nodded before rushing back to their posts. The Commander being the last to leave. With everyone gone, Naruto began walking causing his Kiri Team along with Otohime and Shiki to follow at a brisk pace.
"… and with that, I finish my report!" Naruto said to the Hokage and Fire Daimyō. Both of the leaders were sitting behind a desk looking over the reports Naruto and those under his command had handed them.
"Well done all of you. While I can't order you Uzu Shinobi, I recommend that you along with your Konoha comrades take a week of R&R. All of you deserve it!"
But before you all leave, I have some announcements to make. "Haruno Sakura, step forward!"
Sakura stepped forward and kneeled down in front of the Hokage and the Fire Daimyō and waited. Hiruzen smiled and said, "Your commander along with various other high ranking shinobi in your team and from Kiri has recommended you for a promotion. After reviewing the reports, I and Diamyō-dono have decided to grant you the rank of Tokubetsu Jōnin with a specialization in battle field healing and heavy assault. Congratulations Sakura-chan!"
Sakura bowed her head before standing up and taking the scroll Hiruzen handed her. Unfurling it, she saw two storage seals. Activating the smaller one, she got a folder containing the paperwork related to her new rank along with a clearance level upgrade. Taking out the new ID, Sakura changed her previous one with it before handing the old one to the Hokage. Afterwards, she resealed the folder and unsealed her vest. Quickly donning the vest, Sakura turned to her leaders and said, "Thank you Hokage-sama, Daimyō-sama!"
After Sakura had stepped back into line, Hiruzen declared, "Neko, Tora, step forward!"
The two Anbu stepped forward, kneeled down and waited for Hiruzen to continue. "Remove your masks!"
After both had removed their masks, Hiruzen continued, "Due to your exemplary service during your career and particular the Kiri Mission, we have decided that you both be honoured by the Spirit of the Forest Medal, as recommended by your Team Leader during the Kiri Mission. The ceremony will be held after the Chunin Exams, when Naruto will take over as Hokage!"
Everyone was shocked at the revelation. None of them had realized that Naruto was to be their new Hokage as he already had much responsibility. Seeing the shocked looks, Hiruzen continued, "For the last three months, all major decisions were taken under Naruto's purview. Keep this secret until the official declaration! Now dismissed!"
Everyone bowed and started leaving the room. After sometime, only Naruto, Sakura, Zabuza, Jiraiya, Otohime and Shiki were left.
"Hideyoshi-jiji, Hokage-jiji! It seems that I have found myself another bride!" Naruto said with a foxy grin causing the two old men to sigh.
"We realized that as soon as we saw Otohime-chan wearing the Uzumaki Protection Amulet. How did this come to be?" Hideyoshi asked only for Shiki to speak, "May I be allowed to recite the tale Hideyoshi-sama?"
Hideyoshi nodded before turning to Naruto and saying, "Naruto-kun, you and Sakura-chan show young Otohime-chan around our beautiful village. It seems that Shiki-san's tale will be a long one, so let's not bore your new fiancée with politics. Shiki-san, you must join us for lunch!"
"As you wish jiji! Zabuza, stay here and then escort Shiki-san to the Compound. Natsumi will key him in!"
"As you wish Naruto-sama!" Zabuza said before walking out of the room and jumping up into the rafters. Seeing an Anbu sitting on the same rafter, Zabuza nodded before taking out a book and starting to read it.
"Are you two free to come by for dinner tonight?" Naruto called over his shoulder as he stood at the door to the room.
"You always invite us. Let me invite you to dinner this time!" Hideyoshi said with a smile. "Bring Hinata-chan, Otohime-chan, Tsunade-chan, Moka-san with you. And you Sakura-chan, please come as well. Kanna-chan has recently become very interested in your exploits. I am sure that she would love to hear about everything first hand."
"It would be an honour Daimyō-sama!" Sakura said with a bit of nervousness. Every time she had dinner with the Daimyō was at Naruto's. This was the first time she was invited directly by Hideyoshi.
"And you Jiraiya-kun. If you have time, please come by as well!"
"I will be there Hideyoshi-sama! It isn't every day that Tsunade will agree to have dinner with me!" Jiraiya said with a faint lecherous grin.
Sakura narrowed her eye at Jiraiya's tone but decided to ignore it. Hideyoshi turned to Shiki and said, "I am sure that you have no objection on joining us for dinner as well?"
"None Hideyoshi-sama!"
"Hiruzen, you are going to be there with your grandson, won't you?"
"Of course Hideyoshi-dono. I won't miss it for the world."
"Then what about you Naruto-kun? You haven't answered yet."
"I will be there Jiji. Oh before I forget, make sure that you have free time the day after tomorrow. Hokage-jiji, can I borrow Training Ground 56?"
"What for?" Hiruzen asked with Hideyoshi nodding in agreement.
"For the spar of course. The spar between Sakura and Tsunade-bāchan!"
Jiraiya's eyes widened in shock before he stuttered out, "Are you sure that it is wise to have those two behemoths spar within Konoha?" Jiraiya suddenly felt a shiver run down his spine. Turing to the source of the killing intent, he saw the pink haired medic giving him a death glare.
"I will be sure to inform Tsunade-sama that you called her and me behemoths. I am sure that she will be thrilled!"
Jiraiya started to stammer in fear when Naruto said, "I will work with Moka-obasama and Natsumi-chan to cover the whole training ground in a specialized sealing barrier. Everything within will be out of phase with the universe, so no attack will escape. The most devastation will be that the whole training ground will have some craters and the trees would be uprooted."
Seeing Naruto's nonchalant expression Hideyoshi and Hiruzen just sighed again. Leave it to Naruto to downplay complete demolition of one of the S-Ranked Training Grounds. Grounds that are reinforced with many seals to be extremely durable.
"Sakura, you should meet up with your parents. They haven't seen you in a while. I am sure that they would love to hear the good news!" Naruto said with a smile.
"Hell no. I am not leaving you alone with Otohime-sama! The first thing you will do is try and convert her to into a Ramen addict! No, I am staying. Besides, we are three days early. A couple of hours won't kill my parents!"
Seeing the determined look on Sakura's face Naruto grinned and said with a teasing tone, "Are you jealous? Don't worry, I am sure that Hisui-chan won't take advantage of me, will you my dear?"
Hisui played along with a teasing smile, "If you want, you still have a chance Sakura-chan to join. What do you say?"
Sakura's face took on pink tinge as she spluttered out, "I don't like Naruto-baka like that!"
Hisui and Naruto chuckled causing the pink haired girl to mock glare at her two companions and say, "Unbelievable! Now there are two of them!" Sakura pouted and turned her head away, though within the deep recesses of her mind, Hisui's words struck a chord.
"Sakura, can you please pick up Sasuke and come to the Golden Leaf. We will be having lunch there."
Seeing the Naruto was serious, Sakura nodded and said, "Alright. He is at his apartment, right?"
Naruto nodded before saying, "That's right, but on second thought, get everyone from the Rookie Nine and their you can find along with their sensei. I will pick up Hinata-chan, Anko, Iruka-sensei, Yūgao and Tenzō."
Sakura nodded before vanishing in a shunshin. At the same time, Naruto created three clones and had them disperse to gather everyone. Turning to Hisui, Naruto offered her his arm and said, "Let me escort you to meet my other fiancée."
Hisui nodded with a smile as she wrapped her arm with Naruto's before both vanished in a swirl of leaves.
The guards standing at the entrance of the Hyūga were surprised when Naruto and Otohime appeared in a swirl of leaves, but before either could comment, one of the guards rushed into the compound while the other bowed to Naruto and said, "Welcome back Naruto-sama. Hiashi-sama is in his study. Hinata-sama and Hanabi-sama are meditating in Hitomi-sama's personal garden."
Otohime raised an eyebrow at both guards' reactions but decided to not comment. Naruto nodded and said, "Thank you Hyūga-san, but can you direct me towards the garden. I and my companion wish to meet up with Hinata-chan."
"Of course Naruto-sama! Please take a right at the first branch path from the main road. Follow it for three intersections before taking a left at the fourth. At the end of that path is the garden." Naruto nodded before walking in with Hisui still clinging to his arm.
As the couple walked through the Hyūga estate, a sudden shout drew their attention. Turning around, Naruto and Hisui saw Hiashi rushing after them with Neji at his heels. "Good afternoon Hiashi-dono. A pleasant day, isn't it?"
Hiashi came to a stop in front of the couple and said, "That it is Naruto-sama. I am pleased that I caught you before you left. I was just taking Neji's report of the Kiri Mission and wished to congratulate you on a successful first mission as a team leader. We heard about your wonderful exploits. Also, please extend my congratulations to Haruno-san. Neji just finished reporting of her promotion."
"I will be sure to let her know. Now, I am sure that Neji has told you that the Mizu Hime and the Crown Prince, her brother, has travelled back with us. Let me introduce, Otohime-chan. Hisui-chan, this is Hyūga Hiashi, the Clan Head of the noble Hyūga clan."
"It is a pleasure to meet you Hiashi-san. I am Otohime. I am Naruto-kun's second fiancée. Naruto-kun has told me a great deal about Hinata-chan, so if you don't have any pressing matters to discuss with Naruto-kun, may we be on our way? I am sure that a Clan Head like you have much paperwork to do."
"Of course Hime-sama. My daughters are training in their late mother's personal garden. I am sure the guards have informed you of the directions. Neji, please escort Naruto-sama and Otohime-sama to the garden."
Neji nodded stiffly before walking forward. As the three walked away from Hiashi, the Hyūga clan head called out from behind, "And congratulations on your engagement!"
Naruto waved a hand as Otohime turned back and smiled before walking away. After the three left, Hiashi let out a soft sigh before muttering, "That girl will be a thorn in my plans to win Naruto-sama over."
"Take a deep breath Hanabi and then release it. As you have fire and earth, you need to both have a strong will and good breathing technique. From what Naruto-kun has explained, earth bending needs you to be firm. With a strong will, you can bend the very earth to your will. As for fire, fire is generated by your breath. Learning to breathe right will allow you to generate greater heat and therefore stronger fire." Hinata said softly as she released a deep breath.
"You don't even have my affinities. How do you know so much about them?" Hanabi questioned as she stood up and stretched her legs.
Hinata stood up as well and said, "I may not have the affinities, but I had asked Naruto-kun to explain how bending the other elements work. He explained it to me in great detail. But if you prefer to be guided by someone who has your affinities, then why not ask Konohamaru-kun for help. He has the exact same affinities and has mastered them to an appreciable degree."
Hanabi glared at her sister and said, "I am not asking that baboon for help! He just graduated because he is Naruto-sama's apprentice and Hokage-sama's grandson!"
"Is that right little firecracker? Do you think I would allow such blatant favouritism? Do you think you can match up with Konohamaru right now?" Naruto asked with a cool tone causing Hanabi to shiver in fear. The last time Naruto used that tone, he forced her to clean all the Hyūga bathrooms by herself. "I have told you before. Arrogance and jealousy will only lead to regret. Konohamaru was inducted into the forces because he is way too skilled to leave in the academy. Also, you may not know this, but Konohamaru had to take a Graduation Test which was of much higher difficulty than the one you will have to take at the end of your fourth year."
"He did?" Hanabi asked with curiosity.
Naruto nodded. "He passed with flying colours. Then he had to pass my test to officially become my apprentice. Let me tell you. Even the famous bell test would be easier than mine. Anyway, Hinata-chan, Hanabi-chan, meet Otohime-chan. She is the only daughter of the Mizu Daimyō and my second fiancée. She is quite the accomplished Samurai as well. Her weapon of choice is her Naginata."
"Hello!" Hanabi said with a bow.
Hinata nodded, "It's a pleasure to meet you Otohime-chan."
"Please call me Hisui, Hinata-chan. All my friends do." Otohime said with a smile.
Hinata smiled and nodded as Hisui continued, "Naruto-kun has told me a lot about you. I am looking forward to get to know you better. We are sisters now, aren't we?"
"Of course Hisui-chan. You just arrived this morning, didn't you?"
Hisui nodded as Naruto was helping Hanabi with her stances for fire bending. Every time Hanabi made a mistake, Naruto would gently reposition her arms and legs into the correct posture. "Oh… where are my manners. I am sure that you haven't had lunch yet, so please join my family today."
"Unfortunately Hinata-chan, I can't today. After all Naruto-kun and I came here to invite you and your sister to lunch with us at the Golden Leaf Hotel along with Naruto-kun's other friends and close confidants."
Hinata nodded in understanding before calling out, "Kō-san, please inform father that I and Hanabi-chan will not be having lunch with him today. And send someone with tea. Hisui-chan, please come with me. I am sure that you haven't unpacked yet. You can borrow one of my kimonos. You look about my size. Naruto-kun, please excuse us. Come on Hanabi-chan. Get washed up and ready. We leave in fifteen minutes."
"Ino stop drinking so much!" Sakura scolded causing the Yamanaka heiress to slam down the jar of sake. Looking up with a teary smile, Ino said, "I can't believe that you got promoted before me! That too directly to Tokubetsu Jōnin! I am so happy for you, Forehead!"
A vein throbbed on Sakura's temple before she slapped Ino upside the head and looked away with a huff, though a small sad smile graced the pinkette's face.
"Sakura, Sasuke, what was it like?" Kiba asked with excitement only for Sasuke to grunt and ask, "What?"
"Fighting in a war!"
"What war?" Sasuke said with a smirk.
Kiba glared before saying, "The Kiri Rebellion! What were you doing over there? Lazing about!"
"You wish. Besides, other than Sakura, none of the Genin saw much action. Team 9 had to deal with a couple of chunnin, while I took down a team of Genin during the initial assault, the very day we got there. After that, it was all camp support and chores."
"But what about the rumours of you guys singlehandedly changing the course of the war!"
"Dog breath, it was Naruto, Sakura, and the two Anbu with us that really changed the course of the war. Not even Jiraiya-sama saw action, and he is a fucking Sannin!"
"Care to elaborate?" Shikamaru asked as Sakura was trying to stop from choking the clingy Yamanaka heiress.
"When we reached there, Yagura's two main forces were already attacking the camp. Naruto sent Sakura to the medical section, with me and Sai as her protection. The Jōnin, Anbu and Team 9 were sent to extract casualties. Jiraiya-sama and Mei-sama were sent to the command centre. It was Naruto who took down the whole army he faced without a single casualty on the enemies' side. He only took out the commanders, not that blame him. From what I heard, each of them were bastards that made Itachi look like a saint."
"I see. Not surprising, especially with Naruto's strength. How long did it really take? For Naruto to subdue the attacking forces, I mean?"
Sasuke thought for a moment before saying, "A little over three minutes."
"Did you get the technique he used?" Shikamaru asked as Kiba to exclaim, "How the hell did he do that?"
"The same thing he did to the Iwa Jinchūriki, the thing he does with air pressure. Just in a more massive scale than in Nami."
"Troublesome. Now I wish I had air as my element. There are so many more strategies with air than with water."
"Water can be much more effective if you use it creatively Shikamaru-kun!" A voice said drawing everyone's attention to the entrance of the room. There stood Hinata, Hanabi, a girl, a litter older than them, that none but those that went to Kiri recognized, Naruto, Iruka, and Anko. All of them, but Naruto, Iruka and Anko were wearing expensive kimonos.
"Oi Yamanaka! Is that Sake from Ta no Kuni?"
Ino nodded with a red face before saying, "You want some Anko-san?"
"Hell yeah!" Anko said as she caught the unopened bottle Ino threw at her only for a sword to slash the bottle in half. Anko stared at the bottle for a few moments turning her head backwards to see who was the culprit only to gulp in fear.
Behind Anko stood Yūgao, still clad in her Anbu uniform. Her mask by her waist. Her katana was unsheathed and gleaming with a bit of sake clinging to it. Then there was the glare, the violet haired woman was sporting. With a sickly sweet tone, Yūgao asked, "Anko-chan, don't you think that it is too early to start drinking?"
Turning to Kurenai and Asuma, the woman asked, "And you two, how can you keep allowing the girl to become drunk. Last time, I can ignore as the sake was particularly potent, but you don't have that excuse this time!"
Asuma gulped as he shivered in fear while Kurenai smiled and said, "What can I say. They are shinobi. We don't have a right to stop them, though I advised against it. Ino-chan just didn't listen. She is just like Anko-chan over there. You know how difficult it is to control her."
Yūgao sighed before reseating her katana before turning to Anko and saying, you get drunk, I lock you out of the apartment. Got it!"
"Hey beautiful, care to share your name?' Kiba asked as he approached Otohime with a slight swagger in his steps. Everyone who knew about Otohime froze in fear. None of them were expecting the set of events that occurred.
As Kiba tried to place his arm around Otohime's shoulder, he suddenly found himself on the ground with the black blade of her Naginata between Kiba's legs. With a sweet tone, Otohime said, "Try that again, and you will find yourself less of a man. Do I make myself clear?"
All the males in the room paled while most of the females were nodding with an approving look on their faces, with Kurenai shaking her head in exasperation.
"Are you stupid Inuzuka! Wait don't answer that. I already know that you are. This the only daughter of the Mizu Daimyō and Naruto-sensei's second fiancée!"
Kiba paled as he turned to stare at Naruto with horror. Naruto sighed before saying, "Kiba. I am not going to take action against you, but make this clear. What you pulled would allow me to ask for your head. If it was another Daimyō, you would have been dead. The way you act will only end up harming you in the long run and bring shame upon your clan, your village, your land, and most of all, your comrades. I can understand that you are attracted to women you find attractive, but the way you approach will only alienate them. This is not an honourable way to act. What will your mother and sister say? Hisui-chan, let him up please, and forgive him. He can be a bit thick sometimes."
"As you wish Naruto-kun. You dog, remember what I said!" Hisui said with a bit of contempt.
Kiba nodded with a fearful look before Kurenai spoke up, "Meet me at your home Kiba. You, me and your mother will be having a long overdue discussion about your behaviour with ladies."
Kiba paled even further as Hinata spoke up, "You really should know better by now Kiba-kun." Turning to the others, the Hyūga heiress said, "I think we came here to celebrate, not for the drama Kiba-kun is always bound to cause, so let's celebrate!"
"Hello everyone. I am Otohime. It is a pleasure to meet you all. I have heard a lot about all of you from Naruto-kun and Sakura-chan! I hope we can get along!"
"Like wise! The names Mitarashi Anko." Anko said with a grin before saying, "Though I must say you are the only princess I have ever met who knew how to handle herself on the battle field!"
"Thank you. My brother is a bit paranoid and had me trained as a Samurai from our best female captain of the royal guards. She taught me everything I know!" Anko nodded with a glint in her eye.
"Don't even think about it Anko. She isn't a shinobi. You would end up traumatizing her like you nearly did to Konohamaru-kun!" Anko pouted at the red-eyed woman's scolding as the woman turned to Otohime and bowed, "I am Yūhi Kurenai. Jōnin Sensei of Team 8 that consists of Hyūga Hinata, Aburame Shino, and unfortunately Inuzuka Kiba." Kurenai said as she pointed out her team. Each nodded in agreement with Kurenai's statement and bowed except Hinata.
Otohime nodded as Hinata quipped with a teasing smile, "She is the best Genjutsu user in the world, if you don't consider Uchiha Itachi, but then again, the Uchiha's claim to genjutsu mastery comes from their over rated monkey marbles they call eyes."
"Mind what you say Hinata-dono, the Sharingan allows us minor precognition in battle along with hypnosis, while the Byakugan only allows 360° vision. I would say that I got the better bargain."
"What use is your eyes if you can't see someone coming?" Hanabi quipped before Kakashi and Tenzō called out together, "Enough out of you three. Leave the rivalry to the training fields."
Both looked surprised before sharing a look and grinning, though Kakashi's grin couldn't be seen under his mask.
"The names Sarutobi Asuma, the Jōnin sensei of Team 10 consisting of Yamanaka Ino, Nara Shikamaru and Akimichi Choji! Nice to meet you. It has been a long time since I have talked face-to-face with a princess. Not since before I retired from the Twelve Guardian Ninja." As Asuma introduced his team, each member nodded though everyone could see that Ino was a bit inebriated from the way she was swaying in her seat.
"Nice to meet you all."
"Hisui-chan, this is Umino Iruka-sensei. Our sensei in the academy and the only one who treated me fairly."
"It is nice to meet you Hime-sama. I hope that you will be happy with my knuckle headed former student." Iruka said with a teasing grin. "Though he has become quite a celebrity since graduating. I hope you and Hinata-chan can keep the fan girls away."
"Don't worry Iruka-sensei. I am sure that we are up for the task, aren't we Hinata-chan?"
"I would like to see those gold diggers get within ten yards of him!" Hinata said with a sudden cruel glint in her eyes causing everyone who knew the girl to realize that, no matter how peace loving and kind the girl was, she was still a shinobi and the future first wife of a Daimyō. Some one that needs to be as strong as well as kind and understanding.
"Congratulations Ototo-kun! You two Sakura-chan!" Ayame said as she walked in wearing an expensive looking kimono. A gift from Naruto on her recent seventeenth birthday.
"What are you congratulating me for Nē-chan?"
"And me?" From what Sakura knew, her promotion wasn't something that was common news yet.
"I do have eyes you know. I can see the standard Jōnin vest you are wearing. I may be a civilian, but I do live in a shinobi village. As for you Naruto-kun, a little white birdy told me that you are now engaged to two beautiful ladies and for being the next Hokage! I can't wait for official announcement." Ayame said with an excited grin.
Sakura jumped up and rushed towards Ayame before shaking the girl and asking, "How the hell did you know already? Hokage-sama declared it just this morning to us and told us to keep it hidden until the official announcement!"
Sakura would have kept shaking Ayame when two fists gently pried her hands off the ramen chef while Sasuke supported the dazed Ayame. With a dizzy head, Ayame stuttered out, "I overheard Moka-sama and Tsunade-sama discussing it a couple of weeks ago when I was making a delivery. I asked for confirmation and they told me. They did tell me to keep it quiet, but I thought that you would have alerted you friends by now."
Naruto sighed before saying, "Alright Sakura, cool down. The information wasn't spread into the high winds. Besides I was about to announce it to you all today at the end. No harm done."
Sakura nodded before turning an apologetic smile to Ayame, "Sorry about that, but after hearing about Danzō, I was a bit paranoid."
"Nē-chan, this is Otohime-chan, my second fiancée and the princess of Mizu. Hisui-chan, this is Ichiraku Ayame, someone I consider family. While I was roaming the streets looking for food, they were the ones who took me in and fed me. Oi, Nē-chan, where's the old man?"
"Dad has a delivery to make at your compound, seven hundred bowls of assorted flavours of ramen. Thanks of bring back the Uzumaki Clan. Our business is booming. We had to hire three new helpers!"
Everyone's jaw dropped at the information. None had ever heard of such a thing. Not even the Akimichi ordered in such quantities the same dish, only different flavoured.
"Thank you for taking care of Naruto-kun. Can I call you Nē-chan as well? You can call me Hisui!"
Ayame nodded with a smile as Otohime continued, "I would love to taste your ramen. Naruto-kun has been praising it ever since I met him."
"Ayame!" Sakura said with a toneless voice causing the elder girl to look at Naruto's personal physician with a fearful expression. "Even if he becomes a god, you won't give him Ramen over his prescribed dietary quota, got it!"
"HAI SAKURA-SAMA!"
Seeing the strange reaction, Otohime asked Hinata, "Sakura-chan doesn't allow Naruto-kun to go outside his diet, does she? Will she be doing that to us as well?"
"Don't know, but I hope not. I don't think I can live without my cinnamon rolls." Hinata whispered back only for Sakura to look at the duo with dead eyes and ask, "You two aren't planning on sneaking him any extra ramen, are you?"
"Not at all!" Hinata quipped as Otohime nodded with relief.
"Good, because if you do, the you two would be the reason he died from unhealthy diet!" Sakura said causing Sasuke and Kiba to snicker at Naruto's predicament.
"Don't you think you are being quite harsh on him? I am sure that eating a few extra bowls won't kill him." Sasuke said reigning in his snickers.
"Oh! Is that so? When did you get your medical certification Sasuke-chan!" Sakura said with a sickly sweet tone causing Naruto, Kakashi and Yūgao to shiver in fear.
Before anyone else could trigger Sakura's wrath, Naruto spoke up, "Anyway, for those of you who don't know, the Heir to the throne of Mizu, Otohime-chan's elder brother is here discussing a possible trade alliance with Hideyoshi-jiji and a military alliance with both Konoha and Uzu. I want all of you to keep an eye out for dissenters."
"Do you think there will be dissenters?"
"There are always dissenters Shika. Just keep an eye out. With Danzō out of the way, there are no one pulling the strings on his civilian puppets. Also Shika, I need you to perform well during the Chunnin exams. All of you need to do well. We will show the world the power of ninshu. No longer will it only be a rumour! This Chunnin exams will be the greatest breakthrough in history. All five great villages will be participating in this one. Both Kage and Daimyō of the five nations will be here. Smaller nations will also come, but from the reports, the Daimyō will come, not representatives like usual."
"Troublesome, as you wish Naruto, but please try not to have me promoted to Chunnin!" Shikamaru said causing Naruto and Sakura to chuckle.
"Alright, you won't become Chunnin, no matter how well you do. Now, there will be a Council meeting tomorrow at dawn. All of you, shinobi, will need to be there, yes, even you Shika." Naruto stated causing quite the round of raised eyebrows.
"Finally, this announcement is only for Anko. We had a run-in with your former master." Naruto said with a grin as Anko's face darkened.
"He escaped again, didn't he?"
"More like we let him escape, with his tail tucked between his leg. It wasn't his time yet."
"What do you mean 'let him escape'? Are you crazy?" Anko shouted only for Naruto raise a palm with a self-satisfied smirk.
"He has been greatly defanged. He has lost right to the Snake Summons. As of now, you are the only known Snake Summoner. I had a talk with the Hakujā Sennin, Koshiro-sempai. At my recommendation, he has decided to let you become the main Snake Summoner and therefore, be trained as a sage. Also, Manda may have been dethroned, so there could be a new Boss Summons. You need to check with them. Congratulatios Anko, you will finally surpass your master if you master Hebi Sennin Transformation."
"Transformation, not mode?" Shikamaru asked with curiosity before Anko could react drawing everyone's attention to the Nara heir.
"That's right. Koshiro-sempai went a different road. Instead of a mode he uses a temporary physical mutation that allows the use of senjutsu chakra. It is difficult to master and far more dangerous to learn than Sennin Mode. I hope you succeed in the attempt. It would be such a shame to lose a kunoichi of your calibre. Also. Come by the compound in three days' time. Natsumi-chan has found a way to completely remove the jūinjutsu Orochimaru applied on you."
Before anyone could react, Naruto found himself on his back with Anko straddling him and raining down kisses on his face while crying out thank you's in between. It took the combined effort of Kurenai, Yūgao, Kakashi and Tenzō to remove the crying woman off Naruto.
Naruto chuckled and said with a teasing smile, "Now I have seen everything. The Snake Mistress of Konoha, crying!"
Anko's tears suddenly dried up as a potent killing intent flooded the room. Two snakes flew towards Naruto while Anko said with a sickly sweet tone, "This never leaves the room."
At first, everyone panicked at the flying snakes, but to their shock, the Snakes curled up around Naruto and bowed their head the larger one greeted Naruto, "Naruto-sama, it is so nice to meet you! Hakujā-sama has been driving all of Ryūchi Cave mad with praise of your abilities after your spar with him."
The other snake turned to Anko and said, "Sorry Anko-chan, but outside of spars, we are forbidden from harming Naruto-sama, even if our venom would only cause him a bit of dizziness at best, that too if we could touch him."
"Yeah. How can we even hope to touch him, if he doesn't let us, when Hakujā-sama failed to do the same."
"Oi don't be over dramatic. Neither of us were trying to injure each other. It was only a bout of pure senjutsu usage. A battle among Sennin. A battle of Sage Masters." Naruto said as everyone's minds rebooted.
After everyone calmed down, Anko asked in an awed tone, "When did this happen?"
Sasuke replied, "While on our way to Kiri. The spar Naruto and Hakuja-sama had was awe inspiring, not to mention completely changed the landscape."
"Alright, enough about unpleased things. Let's party!" Sakura said with cheer causing everyone to cheer in response.
"Also, everyone, the day after tomorrow at noon, Sakura-chan will be sparring with Senju Tsunade at training ground 56. All of you should come by and watch!"
A/N:
Japanese Translations
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Japanese Jutsu, Style and Weapon Name Translations
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A/N: Hey Everyone! I hope you like this new chapter. Now, everyone knows that I have published a new Harry Potter/Stargate Crossover. My original plan was to only post the Prologue and finish an active story before continuing it. Many of the readers have requested that I continue the story, so I have decided that I will only post one chapter of "Return to the Past" from now on instead of the two I normally do, and focus the time for the second chapter on "Return of the Alterans", so please no flames.
Also, I see many readers comment that I am inducting Naruto into the Sannin. That is a a misconception. I refer Naruto as Sennin, not Sannin.
'Sennin' means Sage, while 'Sannin' refer to the title 'Densetsu no Sannin', which means 'The Legendary Three Ninja'. I hope that I have cleared that misconception. Also 'Sannin Travel Rights' are the freedom the Sannin have to travel. Granting it to someone is stating that the person is considered as strong and capable as a Sannin, not that they are members of the Sannin.
SSG.
