Welcome to the next chapter.
Darth Simp; Yeah, those two doing that would be pretty awesome. That would be nice with Hiruzen. That would be pretty cool if Itachi did that yeah. I could see that happening with Itachi yeah. Yeah, she could awaken it like that, would be pretty interesting to see how that would go if she did. We'll be seeing a few promotions soon yeah~
joharasbel; Thanks!
nashawnbest; Ryouta will be getting his answers, when he confronts certain people.
ShadowUzumaki55; It really was yeah, it's been quite up and down with emotions. Yukine did yeah, one last goodbye to Pakura. Yukine was highly skilled, and researched things like life and death quite a bit. They managed to get away this time, we'll see what happens next time with him. We'll be seeing what's happening with Danzo pretty soon.
Guest 1; We'll be seeing his promotion pretty soon yeah. Thanks for the vote. Yeah, during Shippuden he will be. It will be for Naruko. We'll see them fight at some point.
Silver crow; Thanks! We'll be seeing what rank he gains pretty soon. Hiruzen is yeah. Orochimaru is gonna be dealing with a lot now. Hiruzen's got some stuff to do now. He did yeah, he didn't give up until he couldn't move anymore. Yeah, Kimimaro seemed to not want to confront huh. Sakura and the others did yeah. Yukine did her best, and showed her mastery of Jutsu. Gaara did yeah, she wanted to help Ryouta out after everything he'd done. Yukine and Hiruzen did yeah. Hashirama did yeah, he could see the good points of Madara reflected within Ryouta. Even Tobirama who doesn't like Uchiha seems to see that there's something about Ryouta that's different. Maybe one day Ameyuri and Ryouta will have a meeting. Yukine's farewell was quite heart wrenching yeah. They managed to have one final goodbye. Maybe Obito could say that yeah. Maybe she'll be appearing pretty soon. Hiruzen and Tsunade will discuss about what Hiruzen knows of the Uchiha massacre. Ryouta and the Akatsuki shall be meeting pretty soon. They'd be cool to get promotions. Thanks for the harem suggestions! Maybe he might get a letter yeah. They'd be cool members.
Guest 2; They could be connected that way yeah.
Guest 3; They could suspect something is going on.
TheGreatGodzilla; I'm sure they'd be shocked by it. This chapter will deal with the aftermath of the invasion. Tsunade will do yeah. Maybe Fu could do yeah. I've got some roles for Hiruzen yeah. I'm sure they'd be happy to know Naruko and Ryouta are close. Maybe they could come back during then.
Guest 4; Ryouta could do that for Naruko yeah, sounds pretty good to me. That would be cool.
Hinata fan; Thanks! He'll be seen in a good light yeah. Hiruzen surely is. We'll see what happens with Danzo. Yeah, Ryouta and Yukine had quite the goodbye. Thanks for the harem suggestions!
Guest 5; That would be cool if she did show him that. That would be a nice moment between them.
LordofWaves; Thanks! Yeah, Hiruzen's alive. Yeah, if she was alive, she could have been Fifth Hokage. We'll see if he is~ Thanks for the harem suggestions.
Guest 6; Thanks very much! They did yeah, we might see a Pakura/Anko/Mikoto full team up in the future. Yeah, Danzo's never gonna be trusted by most. I thought it would be nice to see Kimimaro, even if only an unseen cameo for the moment. Yeah, Kabuto's gonna be going through something's now. I'm glad that you liked Yukine! She did yeah, that skill could come in handy in the future~ It is curious why Tobirama didn't. Maybe Ryouta get the information/knowledge, could be good for some recon. Hiruzen is yeah, he'll be stepping down, but he's got a role to play for the story. I could see Kushina's potential for that. Yeah, it was quite a sad departure, but also gave Ryouta some closure for the time being after seeing his Mother again. Yukine did yeah, she couldn't undo all of the evils Orochimaru did, but she did give Pakura the chance to say goodbye to someone she loved. Hehe, Orochimaru's gonna be suffering due to Yukine's little imprint now, haunting him essentially. It is yeah, his rank is gonna be shown pretty soon. Thanks for the harem suggestions! Ryouta might find his way onto the Tsunade finding mission. I could see that happening with such a hannya mask. Deidara doing that would be pretty funny to see~ Thanks for the suggestions!
Guest 7; Yeah, that would be cool if he did come back during that part. Thanks for the suggestions!
Guest 8; Suigetsu will make a return.
Guest 9; I could see Jiraiya doing something like that yeah haha~ I could see Mikoto being quite annoyed with that yeah. Kushina doing that definitely would be pretty awesome to see~
Guest 10; I could see Deidara acting quite like that yeah, and a fight between them would be pretty awesome to see~
Guest 11; That would be pretty awesome to see Ryouta having something like that yeah. Thanks for the suggestions!
War Sage; Thanks! They might team up later in the series. He does yeah. Orochimaru's going through a lot right now yeah. Maybe they could be helped with Anko. We could see them teaming up with one another. Maybe one day it could be used quite like that to help people have some closure. Yeah, we've got some upbeat stuff coming up. Glad you liked their moments. We'll see what rank he is pretty soon~ Yeah, seems Yukine's not originally from Konoha, we'll be exploring that as the story goes on. Thanks for the harem suggestions!
JustAFan; Thanks! Yeah, he could be~ Hiruzen does yeah. Orochimaru surely did. Maki and Pakura had a chance to say goodbye yeah. Glad you liked the two Hokage's scene. Yeah, we'll get some more upbeat stuff. Thanks for the harem suggestions.
fan of fd; If I did a Future Diary story, I'm not entirely sure which would be best yet, I could see cool story moments from both.
Guest 12; Yeah, he'll be meeting Konan earlier than she's introduced in canon. That would be nice for Konan to do. Thanks for the suggestions.
Guest 13; In the future yeah. We'll see~ Thanks for the harem suggestions!
Andrew123456; We'll be seeing pretty soon his rank.
With those reviews out of the way, it's time to start the chapter!
Konoha Crush aftermath!
Three days…
It had been that long since the invasion of Oto and Suna had taken place.
With Suna and Konoha now calling a truce, they were open to discussions later on down the line.
Pakura and Maki spent their final day together, which Pakura and Maki both got some closure before she departed.
The village itself had also been destroyed a good bit, so most were beginning to repair it the best they could. Hiruzen had been unconscious for over a day, and when he woke up, he seemed to still be tired.
Most were worried about their Hokage, including that of Ryouta, with his mind casting back to the images of his Mother, and how he had gotten to meet her.
Ryouta right now was laying in his bed, with Satsuki holding onto his form, Haku on the other side of him soundly asleep. Today was the day of the memorial for those that had died, so Ryouta knew that they'd have to get up soon.
Though right now, Ryouta rubbed his eyes, as he noticed that due to using the Mangekyou during the fight with the Two previous Hokage, Orochimaru and for some of it, his Mother, his eyes had lost some light. Still he could see, but he did notice how it was effecting him.
"It's the price to pay for using these eyes...but, it helped save a lot of people, so I have no regrets..."
Ryouta smiled gently to himself, as he thought back onto the battle, and the outcome.
Ryouta then felt a hand pressing on his bare chest, so his eyes went towards it, seeing Satsuki was the one who was doing it.
"Morning Satsuki-chan, sure is a peaceful day."
Satsuki leaned up, and casually pressed her lips against his own in an innocent kiss between the two of them, it felt good that they had this small moment together, after all of the things that they have had to endure.
"Yeah, feels like months since we've had time to relax."
Ryouta laughed.
"Yeah, it does feel like that. Since the invasion, everyone's been busy picking up what was needed after such a battle."
Satsuki shrugged, snuggling against his chest.
"Still, it was quite the day, how are you feeling about it? Seeing your Mom for the first time."
Ryouta knew that she'd ask eventually, she had given him sometime to think about it which he did appreciate it.
"Ehehe...I can't really answer that, as I haven't been able to sort out my feelings right now. Of course, seeing her was amazing...but, she's gone again now. Only got to see her for a short time, I am immensely happy...but sad that she's gone..."
"Makes sense, if I saw my Father again, I wouldn't know what to do."
Ryouta nodded slowly.
"Yeah...a difficult time. But, I get to spend time here with you now~"
Ryouta smiled out, he didn't want to dwell on the past, and look towards the future.
Satsuki offered a half smirk.
But before she could do anything, Haku swept in and kissed Ryouta's lips for herself, catching him off guard, and Satsuki as well, who looked on as the pair locked lips for what seemed to be forever, in reality was only for half a minute.
Satsuki scowled, as Haku pulled back, giving off an innocent look.
"Good morning Ryou-kun."
"Morning Haku-chan."
Haku smiled kindly, while Satsuki gave a semi frustrated look.
"Haku, it seems you're being forward with Ryou."
"Yes, because he is also someone I would consider my boyfriend, remember?"
"Unfortunately, I do remember that."
Haku's arms went around Ryouta, while Satsuki stared at her.
"I was worried about Ryou-kun, he needs all of the support that he can get, after such a difficult time."
"Yes, and I was giving that to him."
Satsuki's irritation didn't seem to bother Haku, instead she had Ryouta fall back so his body was held close to her own.
"I can as well, Ryou-kun. I shall comfort you in your time of worry."
Ryouta was appreciative.
But when seeing Satsuki didn't look exactly pleased…
He didn't have time to think as Satsuki crossed the distance, and held onto Ryouta also.
"I shall do it as well."
Haku showed a kind smile.
"That's good, we can comfort Ryou-kun together."
Satsuki stared hard at Haku, who did the same thing back, albeit with a kinder gaze than the Uchiha girl had.
Ryouta smiled between them, he was glad that things were beginning to get back to normal, after everything that had happened.
It was good to have normalcy.
Later on, all of the village were at the memorial, remembering the Ninja that had died.
"We have gathered here today, to remember the passing of every life lost within such a cruel battle..."
Hiruzen began giving his speech about what had happened, and how they all pulled together, but also remembering those that had passed.
Satsuki stood with her Mother, Naruko stood close with Iruka, Hinata stood with Hanabi, their Father, and Neji. Lee stood on crutches with Guy, and Tenten. Konohamaru stood close by to his Grandfather. Sakura stood with her parents, Karin stood together with Anko and Haku. He even saw that Yugao was stood behind Hayate who was in a wheelchair, he was glad that they were safe and sound. Ino stood with her parents, as did Shikamaru and Choji standing with their parents.
However, he also saw that Danzo was stood close by to Hiruzen. The old Hokage didn't look pleased with Danzo's appearance, in fact he seemed downright dissatisfied by such a situation, but since this was to mourn those that had lost their lives in this battle, they weren't going to do anything, nor was Hiruzen going to show how uncomfortable he was with Danzo's appearance, he made sure that Danzo still remained under heavy guard.
Ryouta could see some were crying, some didn't react much since they were keeping their heads down.
Ryouta himself looked over those that had died.
Senseless death, he wished that it didn't have to happen, but this was the nature of war.
Not everyone was going to live.
As he was listening to the speech, he felt a hand enter his own.
He looked to see that Naruko was holding his hand, but didn't say anything, so he comfortingly held the hand right back, something that Naruko appreciated.
"Naruko-chan..."
Ryouta did his best to offer her comfort, squeezing her hand which in turn made Naruko feel appreciative of the comfort and support that he was giving to her.
Continuing to listen, he felt a hand on his shoulder, so he looked to see Kakashi stood there.
The man didn't say anything, but did have a small look of kindness in his lone eye, which Ryouta did appreciate a good deal.
They stood together and continued listening to Hiruzen.
But when he finished, Kakashi tapped his shoulder.
"Come with me, I want to show you something."
Ryouta tilted his head, but shrugged, and did what he was asked.
They left together, with Ryouta wondering what was going on.
Eventually, they found themselves at the memorial stone.
Ryouta looked on and saw Kakashi staring at it fondly.
"I heard from Hokage-sama, about what happened during the battle. What happened with the previous Hokage, and Orochimaru, including that of your Mother."
Ryouta lowered his head as he thought about her.
"Yes...I saw her for a brief time, but I managed to see her at least. It's difficult speaking about her."
Ryouta revealed, it was quite difficult as he wasn't entirely what to feel. He felt pain, sadness, but happiness that he got to see her. All of it was ringing through his mind and he wasn't entirely sure what he should settle on.
Kakashi understood why that would be.
"Yes...that's why, I've been thinking and now, I think would be the best time to tell you about something. Regarding...I understand how it is, how you feel to lose people you care about. There's many I know from my past, that have been killed. Seeing their senseless deaths, it can be difficult. But what Orochimaru tried to do to you, was very cruel."
Ryouta really did believe in such things.
That's how Orochimaru was, a cold evil man that would do whatever he wanted to whoever he wanted as long as he got what he wanted, no matter who he would hurt, lie to, manipulate, all of it was something that Ryouta found to be deplorable.
"He can't break me, no matter what he tries. He is nothing but a coward looking for the wicked ways he uses to stay alive by taking others bodies, because he fears death. He can fear it if he wishes to, but he wont be alive forever. Sensei...after everything he's done."
"Yes, Orochimaru's actions against Konoha, the lives that have been lost because of his actions."
"My Mom...she showed me the ways of a true snake user. She and Anko-sensei both, I want to become a snake user like that, and carve out my own path, that's what I wish to do."
Kakashi thought that was a rather mature way of looking at such a situation he was in.
"I am happy to hear you say that, because...Ryouta, I don't know if you know this name. But I remember you being curious about the Sharingan that I received. Of course it came from an Uchiha. He was from an Uchiha that...to be honest, I had a difficult relationship with, but he was my comrade, someone I fought beside until the end. His dying wish, was to give me this Sharingan eye, replacing the one that I had recently lost."
Ryouta was surprised that Kakashi was saying this.
It meant that Kakashi really did trust in Ryouta to talk about his history.
"His name, was Obito Uchiha. He actually was quite like Naruko, a sort of goof ball. But when it came down to it, he was dedicated to protecting those he cared for, and well...he was an interesting Uchiha, you remind me of him. Though you're more level headed than he was. But still, when I look at you...I am reminded of him."
Ryouta appreciated the words, even though he didn't exactly know about this Obito, though he did have to admit that the name sounded familiar to him, he couldn't place it right now.
"Sensei, thank you for sharing that. I know it must have been difficult to speak about it with me."
"It is...but what point I am trying to make is...sometimes, in war especially, we lose people. You losing your Mother...I also know the loss of parents, I know how difficult it is to think about it."
Ryouta nodded, as he thought about his Mother, and what she would be doing if she was still here.
"My Mother...she was awesome, she didn't take any crap from Orochimaru, she was so strong and skilled. I was happy to see her, and know her for as long as I did. I of course wish that I got to know her more...but, for the time that I did get to know her, it was the best."
"Yes, from what I have heard, Hokage-sama's success was also down to your efforts during the fight. And around the village, hearing the exploits of what happened at the hospital, and general civilians as well, you managed to accomplish a good deal."
"Thank you Sensei. I did what any Ninja would do, I wanted to protect those that couldn't fight for themselves. But you know...it's weird, my Mom was already dead...yet, I feel like she's died again. Like...I'm mourning her, but she wasn't alive when I saw her...it's really confusing to think about..."
Kakashi could understand that, so he walked closer to the young man, and met eye level with him.
"In a way, you did experience her passing, this being for the first time for you. It's okay to grief her loss, she was lost to you again. Orochimaru was cowardly when he summoned your Mother to fight you, he wanted to break your mind, he is the type that loves to make those he wishes for to suffer the most. But, as you said, he can't break you, I've seen your strong will for myself."
Ryouta nodded again and again, his mind racing back to images of his Mother, and how she was used in the beginning, but in the end became something so fantastic, and it wasn't her power...it was her, that Ryouta really loved meeting, and interacting with.
Even in the heat of battle...she was graceful, and she was kind, yet she wasn't someone that stopped for even a moment, she knew how to be a proper Ninja, exploiting the weaknesses in her enemies, supporting her allies.
"Kakashi-sensei, did you know my Mom?"
"Eh...well, I did yes. She was friends with my Sensei, so I frequently met with her as well. She...sometimes embarrassed me."
He revealed, surprising Ryouta.
"She did? How?"
Kakashi scratched his cheek.
"Well...she would always hug me, and...suffice to say, she knew how to make me feel embarrassed, especially around my teammates. I think she did it probably to make me interact with others more, I didn't really do it back when I was your age."
"Haha...sounds like what I saw of my Mom. She was roasting Orochimaru really bad, even he couldn't keep his composure, making jokes at his expense. At some points, it looked like he was going mad from her words, she really knew how to push him."
Kakashi repressed a small laugh that was threatening to escape his throat.
Ryouta stayed there with Kakashi for a good hour, speaking about his Mother, and even some stuff about Obito, something Ryouta noticed that Kakashi was feeling more comfortable about. He didn't learn too much, but he was happy that Kakashi could confide in him, and vice versa.
It almost felt like Ryouta was speaking to his elder brother in some aspects. Though Shisui and Kakashi had quite different personalities, it was nice, comforting to speak to someone like Kakashi that understood all of the things Ryouta was going through right now.
Sitting in his office, Hiruzen was going over some reports that he had been given since the end of the Konoha crush. As more and more flooded him, his mind cast back to everything that had happened, and how he had fought Orochimaru, and what happened with Yukine, realizing that his time as Hokage, was coming to an end once more, he didn't have the stamina to keep going with it forever.
So, he had to make some decisions.
First of all however, there was one problem that he had been getting more of, and that was of Danzo.
People had been coming forward, and expressed their desires to thank Danzo for saving them, it almost felt like he was drumming up support for himself, which wasn't a good thing in Hiruzen s eyes, and even two of the Konoha council, were all for Danzo receiving recognition, though it didn't surprise Hiruzen since they always did like Danzo, even after Hiruzen himself had placed him under lock and key.
Still, it felt troubling, so he was discussing the matter with a trusted friend and ally, this being Mikoto.
"So, the time has come for you to step down. Have you had any thoughts on your replacement Hokage-sama?"
"Originally, it was Minato. But with him dead, as well as Yukine, and Kagami who could have also become Hokage...I have asked Jiraiya his thoughts, and he flatly refused the position. However, he did give me another candidate that I was surprised by."
"Who's that?"
"It's Tsunade."
Mikoto looked surprised.
"Tsunade-sama, she hasn't been to this village in years. Would she even want the position as Hokage?"
"I can't be sure, but she would be a good candidate, and I had considered her alongside Jiraiya. She is a Sannin, and considered the best Medical Ninja in the world. However, as you said, the problem would be in actually having her take the position. For Konoha's future, it would be best if she did appear in the village, and becoming Hokage..."
"Shall I go and try to locate her?"
Hiruzen adopted a small smile.
"That would be kind of you, but I need you here in the village. There's many tasks that I have for you. No, I have been thinking about asking Jiraiya, and see if he would go to find her. With his connection network being as large as it is, I believe he would be able to find her. In the meantime, we did lose a few good Ninja."
"Yes, that's right. And then there's the Chunin Exams, even though it was cut short, have you had any thoughts about that?"
Hiruzen went to nod, when there was a knock on his door.
Curious, he had Mikoto open it.
Revealing Danzo on the other sided, on one of his trips, being heavily monitored at that, he came into the room.
"Hiruzen, there's something's that I wish to discuss with you-"
"You aren't being released from your confinements."
It was a blow to Danzo.
But it wasn't out of the realms of impossibilities.
"I see, I also came with a few suggestions for the village. Some that I am sure that you have been thinking about as well. I have prepared a list."
Danzo placed the list on the table, with Hiruzen looking over it.
When he saw one suggestion, he was surprised.
"I thought that I told you to not go near or even think about Ryouta Uchiha."
Mikoto kept silent, but like Hiruzen she wasn't pleased with what Danzo was doing either.
"I understand that, but this isn't just my account, there are several other eye witnesses to the heroism that the young man had. I realize in the past, the Uchiha and I, have had a rocky relationship-"
"A bit of an understatement."
Mikoto murmured, Danzo's lone eye glanced at her.
Locking eyes for only a few moments, they both felt animosity towards each other.
But then Danzo turned back to Hiruzen.
"From what I witnessed, that boy did a good deal for this village. And you yourself has also recognized his act of helping you, being the reason you still live to this day."
"Indeed, if he hadn't of assisted me, then I would be deceased as we speak. However, Danzo. I don't understand what you would gain from this."
Danzo had to plan his words carefully, so he spoke with a calm attitude.
"I don't gain, but the village does. I still care deeply for this village, I have done wrongdoings in the past. But the past is in the past, I am looking towards a new future. A future that is filled with a generation that is different to us. And I have seen it for myself, the sacrifices that child has done for this village, I believe that it is only right that he should be promoted to Jonin, he has the ability already, does he not?"
Hiruzen couldn't argue with that, as he did believe that it was in fact true.
However, coming from Danzo, it didn't sit right with him at all.
In fact, it was something that Hiruzen found deadly suspicious.
"Indeed, your words are correct. And I have thought of doing that myself. Even though we aren't officially in war time...that child did a lot for this village, and being made a Jonin would be a good idea."
"Then we're in agreement, I am sure the boy will be happy to have the same position as his elder brother, Father and Mother held before him."
Hiruzen nods, as Mikoto looks towards him.
Understanding her feelings, he did his best to convey what he thought to Danzo as well.
"However Danzo, I have to say this now...just because you're backing Ryouta-kun for this position and for what you have done for the village, nothing changes. I do not want you going anywhere near that boy, I don't want you trying to contact him, nor do I want you to have anyone else contact him on your behalf. I heard you met him during the clash with the enemy Ninja."
"That was a pure coincidence."
Hiruzen didn't know, he never could tell.
"Maybe, maybe not. However, be warned, nothing has changed. You did indeed do a good service for this village, but I still view you as a dangerous man with your words alone. I recall the past, with what happened, I simply cannot forget."
"I am not asking for forgiveness. My time being confined, has taught me my actions during the Uchiha incident, were wrong. What I am asking for, is to be allowed to show that I am a changed man. All I care for, is the priority of this village, and the safety of its people. Even when freedom was very attainable, I couldn't do anything other than protect this village, my home."
Mikoto couldn't deny his words.
But she felt there was a reason for it.
There always was a reason for it.
Hiruzen shared a similar mentality, but held his calm demeanour as he spoke.
"If you truly do say you're a changed man, I wish to see this for myself. I'll look over your ideas, but I'd like you to return to your residence."
"I thank you for listening to my words, and reading what I have wrote."
Danzo bowed his head, and left.
When he disappeared, Mikoto's eyes shifted to Hiruzen.
"Hokage-sama, you don't believe-"
"Not for an instant." Hiruzen expressed. "I still see similar eyes to what he had back then, and I can't be sure what his true objective is, but we can find it out if we play Danzo's game."
"We win at his game, you mean sir."
"Yes...that's right." Hiruzen turns his eyes towards Mikoto. "Though he did bring up a point about Ryouta-kun and by extension the other candidates of the Chunin Exam. Shall we discuss him first?"
Mikoto nodded, wondering what he was going to say next.
Meanwhile, a good chunk of the day had gone since he spent time with Kakashi, and right now, Ryouta began walking through the village, seeing that several buildings were being repaired, and had some Shadow Clones going off to help them, but as he did, he saw that someone was running up towards him.
It was Hanabi running through the streets, and towards him.
Getting before him, Hanabi jabbed a finger at him.
"Hello future Sensei, thinking you can keep your exploits a secret from me?"
Ryouta tilted his head.
"Eh?"
"It's okay, I understand that this was a task that you had set me."
"I don't know what you're talking about."
Ryouta expressed truthfully, Hanabi however showed a soft smile.
"Don't sweat it, I got the hidden meaning behind your silence. Because, as a future Ninja, I did some investigation, and have found out a few facts. Would you like to confirm them now future Sensei?"
Ryouta was drawing a blank to what she was saying.
Hinata however then came running up, and saw Hanabi with Ryouta, so she moved closer.
When she looked at Ryouta, memories of their kiss back in the Chunin Exams flooded her mind, and she ended up having a bright red face, her fingers poked together shyly, her eyes dancing between her sister, and Ryouta.
"H-Hanabi, y-you aren't causing pr-problems for Ryou-kun a-are you?"
Hanabi waved her hand in a casual manner.
"Not at all, I was just saying that I have deciphered the message that future Sensei has given me."
Hinata drew a blank, looking to Ryouta who seemed to be just as puzzled.
"W-What did you find o-out?"
At Hinata's question, Hanabi adopted a small smile.
Her eyes went towards Ryouta, examining him while his brow raised at her curious nature.
"I have been looking into it, and what kind of battles that future Sensei had been in while the events of the small war had happened. And I had found out my future Sensei, has fought Orochimaru, a Sannin at that, it shocked me to the point that I had to stop for a few seconds. Then I learned you fought right next to Hokage-sama, is my future Sensei going to become the new Hokage-sama? Is that why you have been leaving these clues for me? Because you can't say it yet?"
Ryouta adopted a small laugh.
The fact that she thought that, Ryouta believed it was quite precious.
Plus also went to show the belief that she had within him, which he found to be very endearing if he did say so himself.
"Well, if I became Hokage now, I'd be the youngest Hokage."
Hanabi nodded.
"I knew that you been working your way up to becoming Hokage-sama, and now I am going to be future Hokage-sama's apprentice. How many can say that they became a future Hokage-sama's apprentice?"
Ryouta had to love how Hanabi had such an imagination, it did make him smile a good deal.
"Sorry to say, but I'm not becoming Hokage-sama."
"But from what I heard, it seems Hokage-sama is in a bad way...when at the memorial today, he seemed really tired. I felt worried for him."
Her heart showed within her words, and her perceptive nature on how others felt also shined through, Ryouta thought.
Ryouta hummed as he moved closer, bending down to her level.
"He's been through a lot, don't worry he's got life in him yet."
"But who would take the position if Hokage-sama steps down?"
Ryouta didn't have the answer, but could see that Hanabi had some concerns so he did his best to dispel them.
"There's many great Ninja in Konoha, if anything, us fighting off two Ninja villages shows others that we have quite the battle strength, doesn't it? If Hokage-sama is thinking of retiring again, then I'm sure he'll find the best replacement that he could do. And Hokage-sama might be feeling tired from the fight, it doesn't mean he's still not got his mind, and his mind can be just as dangerous as his fighting ability."
Hanabi adopts a small smile.
"Yes, I'm sure you're right. So, who do you think would become Hokage-sama? My vote goes to you future Sensei!"
Ryouta lightly laughed.
"That's really sweet. I'm not sure who Hokage-sama would pick. Maybe...Kakashi-sensei? He's very skilled. Or, maybe it could be one of the remaining Sannin?"
"Eh...erm...Jiraiya-san and...Tsunade-san, right?"
Hanabi wondered, Ryouta nodded, but then Hinata pulled closer.
"I-I heard that Tsunade-san...hasn't been to the village in...a long time. I don't know...about Jiraiya-san."
Hinata interjected, Ryouta nodded.
"I know a bit about Jiraiya-san, though he is quite...how to say it...as Naruko-chan would say, he's pervy. Though Naruko-chan said that he's a strong Ninja, plus he is a Sannin, so I guess he'd be on a similar level to Orochimaru. Would be good to have one of the Sannin as a Hokage in this village."
Hinata looked at her little sister, and saw some of the worries that she had was beginning to melt away as they spoke.
"So, future Sensei, did I decipher all of the secret information that you hid for me?"
Ryouta still wasn't sure what this information truly was.
"Well, there is one thing left that I need some assistance with. Not so much deciphering anything, as opposed to needing some help with something."
Hanabi's eyes widened.
"What is it?"
Ryouta smiled, as he pointed down the road.
"Well, I was thinking about having some Ichiraku's ramen, but I haven't been able to find anyone to eat with me. So, how about it Hanabi-san? Hinata-san? My treat~"
Hanabi showed a soft smile, while Hinata gave a more confident one than she usually would have, so the three went to the ramen shop together.
When getting there, Ryouta half expected to see Naruko there, but was surprised when he didn't.
Still, he began eating ramen with the girls, while Hinata leaned closer.
"Hanabi was a bit worried..."
Hinata confessed, so Ryouta turned to her, and whispered as Hanabi continued eating her food.
"What about?"
"The...invasion that went on...seeing the destruction...it's been Hanabi's first time...seeing the results...of such a Ninja battle."
"I see...it makes sense, it's probably something of a shock by how much the village got destroyed. Her first major battle, it can be a tough experience. I remember my own with Yashiro Uchiha, when he came for me that day, and being quite young, can be worrying."
Hinata nodded, she remembered that time as well, and how it could be worrying.
But she was glad that Hanabi was moving forward from it, and was able to put it into perspective.
"It has done...but your words, have given...her comfort, I can see she seems...more relaxed now than before."
"I'm glad to have helped her. And you Hinata-san? How are you feeling? I saw you stood with your Father, is everything getting better?"
Hinata poked her fingers together in a shy manner, as Ryouta ate some of his food.
"Yes...Father said something surprising to me...he wishes to train me again Ryou-kun. I even have a training session tomorrow...he's going to teach me more of the Eight Trigrams techniques, and how to use my Byakugan even more."
Ryouta adopted a small smile.
He was so happy for her.
It seems that Hiashi was changing for the better.
"That's great, I'm so happy for you Hinata-san, after everything you deserve it."
Hinata flushed at his words.
"Yes...it is so good...I didn't think Father...would ever agree...but you helped open his eyes...he's even training Brother Neji as well...speaking of, Brother Neji...he's been more positive...it's still a bit awkward..."
"Things take time, I'm sure as time goes on, he'll become less stiff and more open."
Hinata mentally agreed with what he had said.
"Ryou-kun...thank you, for everything you did...and now, seeing it...it's going to be better."
"Yeah, it will be."
"And Ryou-kun...it seems many people, are talking about you. What you did during the invasion. People are saying...helped Hokage-sama."
Ryouta had heard that, people saying positive things about him, and other nice things, he even received some gifts from those he managed to save, he thought it was really sweet.
"Yeah, we helped one another out. It was a crazy battle."
Hinata moved closer, and gently placed her head on his shoulder.
With flushed cheeks, she didn't move her head, and stayed there for a good long while.
Ryouta smiled at the young girl, glad that he could give her some comfort, and was glad to do the same to Hanabi as well.
Back with Hiruzen and Mikoto, they were in discussion about the results of the Chunin Exams, even if they were cut down due to the situation what had happened. The first topic that they came to, with Danzo's words in front of him, was Ryouta himself.
"Then, it's been decided we'll discuss Ryouta-kun first. Since I have to gain some knowledge on what happened during the clash with Suna and Oto, it's been so hectic that I haven't had a chance to do it just yet but I do know of Ryouta-kun's since I was there beside him."
"Plus you were unconscious for a little while Hokage-sama." Mikoto reminded. "It is okay to take sometime getting into the swing of things. First, your health is important."
Hiruzen gave a soft smile.
"Your concerns are kind, but I do still need to do some things before I can think about retiring...While I haven't gone over all of the details for every Chunin Exam finalist, I would like your opinion on one of the examinees that we have had this year. Ryouta-kun."
Mikoto didn't mind giving her thoughts on Ryouta.
She had something's to say.
Mikoto inhaled deeply, before she spoke.
"I see, then please ask me, and I'll give my thoughts."
"Good. Then, I saw the boy in action. Danzo's words, while filled with some other intentions I am sure, does bring up a good point. He did have Jonin level skills, his mind was like that of a Jonin in our battle with his Mother, and the other Kage. He was tactical in his abilities, quick to act, and ready to defend his comrade, me in this case. He even fought off Orochimaru, both in the Forest of Death, and within that barrier with me, and with his eyes, he was able to push Orochimaru, and even without them, he was able to be a good assistance to me. Also thanks to his Genjutsu, he managed to have Yukine switch to our side, and if it wasn't for that, then I would be dead, and the casualties of the village would be higher. Can you tell me anymore exploits that I might not be aware of yet?"
Mikoto could hear the pride within Hiruzen's voice.
She had the same.
Seeing the young boy she knew, growing up more and more into a man.
A man that she was highly proud of, one she thought her daughter would be in safe hands with, and vice versa.
"He fought Kabuto, incapcitating him. He also duelled with Ameyuri, and was pushing her a good deal. I've got many reports of Ryouta-kun, or his clones, going around the village, and saving people. One such being from Yugao, plus remembering how he saved Hayate-san from certain death. And finally, about what happened with Pakura-san, it seems that he was able to help her out of the depression she had, helping her gain the strength to call Suna off, and because of that, lives were saved Hokage-sama, many have expressed their thanks to what he's done for them, and certainly, from Suna's side, both Gaara, and Pakura-san have expressed their gratitude towards him."
Hiruzen drunk in the words, and carefully considered them while thinking about what would be for the best.
He thought about what would be the best move.
But ultimately, he had come to a decision regarding Ryouta's new status.
"Mikoto-san."
"Yes?"
"Could you also send word to Ryouta-kun for me? I'd like to speak to him tomorrow, and explain about what rank he is going to be next."
"Yes sir."
Hiruzen thanked her, as she left.
He looked down at Danzo's list, exhaling slowly, thinking about what he was going to do with Danzo. With his growing support, to Hiruzen it felt like Danzo had set this up, but the only question was, how did it go about.
Since he received word that Ameyuri appeared to work with Orochimaru, and Danzo was confined…
It was a difficult situation to deal with.
But he knew for certain he wouldn't allow Danzo to win, no matter what.
Meanwhile, Ryouta continued on about his day, and going around the village, doing his part to help restore what had been broken. He saw some of his fellow Ninja, and they were appreciative to what he had done, some of those that he had saved also came up to him and thanked him.
Such new experiences, Ryouta was happy that he could do his part for the village.
But as he finished for the day, Ryouta's eyes happened to see that someone was sat on top of the Hokage Rock, sitting on Hiruzen's image, overlooking a majority of the village. He focused his eyes, and activated the Sharingan, seeing that it was Naruko.
He wondered what she was doing up their alone at this time, so he went to go and see if she was okay.
When he got there, he saw Naruko's eyes looking over the entire village, so he moved closer and closer towards her.
"Hey Naruko-chan."
Naruko jumped.
But when she saw Ryouta, she relaxed.
"Hey! Thanks back at what happened with the old mans speech before, I didn't know what to say..."
"You don't have to worry." Ryouta sat down beside her. "So what are you doing out here?"
Naruko looked over the village, and saw the reconstruction that was going on.
"Ryou...there's been a few good people that died in this attack."
Ryouta nodded.
"Yes, they are gone, but they wont be forgotten Naruko-chan."
Naruko's head turns towards him.
"Really?"
"As long as we remember them, then they wont be."
That offered some comfort to Naruko.
Though she always felt whenever she had a problem, she could go to Ryouta, and he'd be able to help her with his words, giving her advice, or anything of that nature, it was something that she was glad to have in her life.
"I heard...some people sacrificed themselves for their comrades..."
Ryouta recalled his Mother, when she said that.
Though she was dead, she sacrificed her chance of going back to the afterlife, for those in the village may live happily, and even for Hiruzen to survive.
"Yes, it's because they made that choice. So others would live, the courageous can only do such a thing. If they die...then their legacies are carried on by those who they saved, and those who remember them. Even those we didn't fully know, they were connected to others, and they'll remember them, certainly it was a horrible battle, and some died while doing their duty...but they'll be remembered for their brave actions."
Naruko thought that was quite a beautiful way to look at it.
Though there was a question that was within Naruko's mind that she wished to speak about.
"Ryou...you met your Mom again...and then she sacrificed herself, didn't she?"
Ryouta nodded.
"Yes, she did."
"Was it...hard? No, that's dumb. Of course it was..."
Ryouta placed his hand on top of her own.
"Naruko-chan, don't worry about it."
"Ryou...I'm sorry."
Ryouta tilted his head.
"About what?"
"Here I am...and you're comforting me...when I should be doing that with you...you lost more than I did, I didn't even really lose anything in the invasion..."
"You care, about everyone in the village, Naruko-chan. Despite the way...they've treated you, you still care. It is a quality that a Hokage-sama would have."
Naruko's foxy like lips curled upwards.
"Yeah?"
"Yes, you might not have known those that had died, the fact that you still care, to Hokage-sama, everyone in the village is family. If they're big time Ninja, or a simple farmer, each person that died, is important, and each person to Hokage-sama, is another loss that they feel deep about. It's because you're so kind Naruko-chan, it's a quality that I really do like about you."
When he said that, Naruko's lips curled upwards.
Hearing what he said made her happy.
It made her think about who was important to her.
Who she cherished, and what she wished to do now.
One such person that came to her mind, was the young man beside her.
"Ryou...you're...you're very important to me...when I heard you were...fighting someone like Orochimaru, I was very worried..."
"Yeah...he's quite a horrible person..."
As he spoke, Naruko suddenly leapt into his arms, and hugged him tightly.
He watched her for a few moments, before smiling and hugging her right back, petting the back of her head.
"Ryou, with Gaara now...do you think she'll be okay?"
"I think thanks to us...she'll have more support, and she'll be able to carve a new path for herself."
"Yeah...if circumstances were different...it could have been me...so I'm glad we could help Gaara..." Ryouta felt Naruko brush her cheeks against his own, causing her to let out fox like purring sound which made Ryouta blush. "...And I'm glad...that you're still here..."
"Yeah...I'm glad you're okay Naruko-chan."
Naruko pulled back, and peered into his eyes.
He did the same thing.
Their eyes locked together, and she blushed as she stared at him.
He smiled right back towards her, as her arms went around his neck.
"Ryou..."
"Yes, Naruko-chan?"
Naruko smiled cheerfully.
"It's nothing, but...I'm glad that you're here, with me-"
"What're you doing kid?!"
"Waaaaah!"
Naruko cried out.
But stayed on Ryouta's lap, as she looked towards the person that had come.
Seeing that it was Jiraiya, she looked annoyed.
"Pervy Sage! What are you doing?!"
"Hehe, I came to see what was going on, but I didn't know that I was getting in the middle of a teenage romance."
Ryouta's cheeks dusted with pink, while Naruko gave a pout.
"W-We were simply hugging! That's all!"
"Right, right, okay. If that's what you say." Naruko huffed. "Well, it is getting late, so I guess we can always talk tomorrow. Sorry for ruining your romance Uchiha boy, and Uzumaki girl. Haha, thinking those two would come together..."
Ryouta watched as Jiraiya practically skipped away.
Leaving them behind, Ryouta faced Naruko, who scowled cutely in Jiraiya's direction.
"Seems like your Pervy Sage as you call him has some bad timing."
Naruko laughed awkwardly.
"Yeah, seems like he does huh. Ruining our time together! Pervy Sage, he does it on purpose, I'm sure he does!"
Ryouta gave a small smile, as she comfortably rested on his thighs.
"Do you feel a bit better now, Naruko-chan?"
"Yeah...thanks."
Ryouta shook his head, and spent a small time with Naruko.
They didn't say anything, but enjoyed the silence between the two of them, the comfortable silence at that.
A small time later, Ryouta sat in the area that he had last seen his Mother. He stared fondly at the mostly broken area that they had fought on, recalling his Mother, and her actions. He thought about what Kakashi said, about grieving her loss, though he also wished to celebrate her life as well.
What kindness she had shown during her short time back on earth.
While he sat there, he suddenly felt a presence coming closer, so he turned his neck to see that it was in fact Mikoto that was coming closer. Her eyes saw Ryouta's own, so she moved closer, and closer until she reached him.
"Hello sweetheart, what are you doing out here?"
"Oh...nothing really, I was just thinking about my Mom, that's all."
Mikoto could get that, it was something that she would believe he would do to process the situation that he had been in.
"And?"
"It was brief...but, it was a memorable day that day, even for you Mikoto-san. I heard how others had said that you did quite a lot during the, what I've heard people call, Konoha Crush."
"Yes, it does seem that people are calling it that." Mikoto sat down beside him. "Such a horrid day, though you got to see Yukine again. I wish that I could have seen her, she was one of my closest friends."
Ryouta knew that they were close, he had been told before.
"Yes...I'm sorry that you didn't get to see her."
"But, even if I didn't, you did, and I would happily trade my chance for you to get to meet her."
Ryouta adopted a small smile on his face.
Mikoto truly was a kind woman that Ryouta was grateful to have in his life.
"Mikoto-san, that's really kind of you. But you know, after this Konoha Crush has ended, my thoughts keep going towards my Mom...and I spoke to Kakashi-sensei about it, and how I should grieve for her...it's weird to say since she was already dead, she didn't die again..."
"Maybe not, but she did depart from our lives, for you for the first time. So it is good to grief, to process everything that you've been through. It's been a lot, since the invasion, until now. You've been through so much without little time to relax, and no time to process anything that's happened. It's traumatic what you've had to endure at the hands of Orochimaru."
Ryouta nodded.
"Yes...lots of things have happened."
Mikoto budged closer, and placed an arm around his shoulder, his bright eyes going up towards her.
"But, I know you'll be fine."
"You do?"
Mikoto giggled away.
"Yes...because you managed to survive when Shisui-kun died. That event, I saw how it made you feel...but you found strength to carry on, and I can see you've done the same now. Ryou-kun, in your young life, you've been through so much, it's something that I wish you didn't have to experience."
"Though I have, it has only made me want to do even better. Orochimaru escaped last time...he's caused so much ruin, and destruction. He's on the same level as Sugaru and Tobi for me. People that have caused nothing but misery to me and those I love."
Mikoto adopted a small smile.
"Ryou-kun...Despite everything, you've always tackled your pain head on, and dealt with it, not forgetting but not letting it consume you either. It's a quality, that I really do cherish about you. It can be a tough world...Yukine once said to me that life is tough, life can be unforgiving and downright cruel...but, there are good things, you sometimes just have to look for them. And for me, I just look at my daughter, at Naruko, at those in this village, and I look at you...with everything you've been through, you come out stronger than ever, showing your true heart."
Ryouta smiled as Mikoto bent down and lightly kissed his cheek.
He blushed at the contact as she pulled back.
"By the way, I was sent here, to deliver a message to you."
"A message?"
"Yes, Hokage-sama wishes to see you bright and early. He said that he wishes to discuss something important with you."
Ryouta wondered what it could be since he had already explained everything that he had done during the Konoha Crush.
"Have any idea what it could be?"
Mikoto played it cool, and gave a coy smile.
"I couldn't possibly say~ You'll have to see tomorrow~"
Ryouta chuckled lightly.
"Keeping secrets now Mikoto-san?"
"Maybe~"
She said in a playful manner, Ryouta continued to chuckle.
"Well, if that's the case, then I should be getting off home. Want to come?"
"That's sweet, but I've got a few more duties to do today."
"Never any rest huh Mikoto-san?"
He joked, Mikoto matched the tone, and smiled softly.
"Nope~"
Ryouta humbly bowed his head.
"Thanks for this Mikoto-san. Just speaking to you has made me feel better. Now I'm gonna get going, it's quite late."
Mikoto smiled.
She was glad that she could help out in some small ways.
"No problem, and yes, you should get some rest. I'm sure that missions will be starting up again soon, got to be ready Ryou-kun. Use this time wisely."
Ryouta nodded, and Mikoto watched as he ran off, jumping from roof to roof.
When Ryouta got back home, he saw that a letter had been delivered, and saw that it was from Mei. He smiled, picked it up, and looked at the contents of the letter.
[Dear my adorable future husband. First, I cannot believe that Orochimaru has been such a horrible evil man and caused much pain to you, because he messed with you, he's on my hit list now.]
Ryouta snickered at that.
The letter continued on.
[But hearing of your exploits, it's made me glad that I chose you as my future husband. Things are going well here, Zabuza is surprisingly keeping his word, and is working together with me to build a better village.]
"I'm glad, Mei-san."
Ryouta thought, as he continued reading.
[If everything goes well, hopefully we'll be able to see one another again soon. Maybe I should make a request to your Hokage-sama and have an agreed marriage between us. I'd certainly be okay with that.]
Ryouta raised a brow at that.
But he remembered Mei's sense of humour, so he laughed at it internally, then he continued reading.
[Sorry I missed the Chunin Exams, I'm sure you nailed it. Let me know what happens with your rank now, I'm sure you'll do really well. Stay safe, and see you again soon. Lots of love, Mei.]
Finishing the letter, Ryouta smiled at the letter for a few moments, before he safely put it away.
Ryouta then went up the stairs.
Getting into his room, he saw that Satsuki was asleep on his bed, together with Haku. He smiled at the sight, and moved towards the bed.
But as he went past a mirror, his eyes caught the sight of her once more.
The woman with white hair, her eyes staring towards him, so he stopped, and looked towards her.
His reflection was her, so he walked closer to her.
"I haven't seen you in a while."
The woman tilted her head for a few moments.
He wasn't expecting an answer back.
In fact, he thought that she might have vanished already.
But that wasn't the case.
It seemed to him that she had something that she wished to speak about, so he looked on with intrigued eyes.
"You have been busy of late."
The woman spoke, surprising Ryouta that she did answer.
"Are you going to try and control me this time? Because if you are-"
"The one you call One Tail, it seems that you had gone into the inner world of the girl named Gaara, and spoke directly."
Ryouta was curious as to why of all things she was bringing that up now.
"That's right..."
"A Tailed Beast, One Tail at that, can be unruly. However, as I observed your interactions, I saw the unruly being slowly more calmed."
"So you were watching..."
"I am always watching."
Ryouta wasn't sure what to even make of that.
How she would always be there, watching him.
"Now that you're talking to me...what do you want exactly?"
"That time shall come. When I show my desires to you. However, I have yet again observed something strange about you. It happened with Shisui Uchiha as well."
"W-What?"
Ryouta asked, the woman paused for a few moments, it felt like an eternity.
But then she parted her mouth, as her hands reached out.
Though not physically there, he felt her fingers brushing against his skin.
"Your strength of heart. It is...something that I haven't seen in many before, but it is something I am intrigued by. Even when I came for you...you held that same feeling. You resisted my power, and managed to stop me from coming closer. I am...curious, more and more, I want to understand about you, as you do about me."
As she said it, her icy cold fingers kept brushing his skin.
Even though she technically wasn't there, it felt like that.
The woman's lips curled upwards ever so slightly as she gazed up at his hair.
"It seems, you have some more silver in your hair."
Ryouta looked perplexed, as he pulled around her to look into the mirror, and indeed, he did have some more silver in his hair, running through his bangs completely.
"Why does that matter?"
"You'll find out in the future."
Ryouta looked perplexed as she vanished from sight.
As she did, Satsuki lifted her head up, looking sleepy as she spoke.
"Who're you speaking to?"
Ryouta looked at her, and shook his head.
"No one."
"Then...come to bed, it's late."
Ryouta smiled, and walked over to the bed, got ready for said bed, and then got into bed, snuggling between Haku and Satsuki.
Though sleepy, the ice user wrapped her arms around his body on instinct, Satsuki did the same thing.
He looked between them, and gently smiled.
He had lost his Mother again…
But he still had many people around.
People that needed him, people that cared for him.
Those thoughts, were going to carry him on, and do what his Mother had wished for.
To live.
To love.
To be the best he could be.
As he felt his eyes becoming more heavy, he thought "Thanks Mom, for everything." and let sleep take over him, relaxing for the first time in a good while.
End chapter!
So this chapter focused on the aftermath of the Konoha Crush, with the discussions of promotions coming up, Ryouta processing the loss of his Mother after only knowing her for a short time. Danzo is also trying his old tricks, but Hiruzen's more wise to it now, and is doing his best to stop Danzo at every turn. Naruko and Ryouta also spent sometime together, and began growing closer, with Jiraiya noticing. Hanabi and Hinata also spent sometime with Ryouta, expressing their grattiude for what he's done for them. Kakashi also opened up a bit about Obito to Ryouta, who appreciated him doing that. Mikoto also offered kind words, and then a certain white haired woman appeared to Ryouta once more.
Well, until next time, thanks for reading!
Ryouta; Satsuki, Sakura, Naruko, Hinata, Gaara (fem), Ino, Haku (fem), Kurotsuchi, Karin, Konan, Mei, Anko, Samui, Hanabi, Mabui, Temari, Pakura,