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Chapter 24

Resolve


Kushina calmly walked through Kirigakure's cemetery glancing at the hundreds of respectfully maintained graves with each having their unique marking and the details of the shinobi that died. The place was nearly empty this early in the morning, and a few moments later she found the man she was searching for standing exactly in front of the memorial stone.

A fond smile couldn't stop itself from arriving on her lips as her prediction about his whereabouts came true.

In some ways, he was quite predictable or maybe she knew him more than others did.

She stepped beside him and saw him calmly glancing at the names on the stone with the recent one of Ino Namikaze engraved in stark words.

It had been two days since he told her about what the Mizukage had offered him, naturally she was floored and so was the Uzu leadership as their wildest dream was coming true. They had given an official order to him to accept the position at all costs.

She had seen his misgivings on this matter yet for all his faults, he was a loyal shinobi who always followed his orders.

Kushina herself was quite stunned yesterday when she watched majority of the Mist Village rejoice when Gengetsu made the announcement public once Naruto gave his consent. Not everybody was satisfied, especially the Kaguya and Hagoromo clans but to their surprise the villagers actually were happy with this decision and she couldn't blame them.

A warm smile came on her face as she looked at him for a long moment and understood what the Mizukage had seen in him.

He was young, powerful, a fine shinobi and a probably the finest Commander that Kiri had seen in its entire history.

Most importantly, he was a good man who actually cared about the people around him and had the strength to stand up for what was right, no matter the odds against him.

"Good morning, Lord Third" she teased him with a mischievous smile,

"Not you too! Don't make me feel old" he protested with a weak smile,

"Don't tell me you are not happy!" said Kushina with a frown,

"It's not that. I don't think I am ready for this...maybe a few years later. I have a lot to learn about the world...being a Kage is no easy task. Maybe I would have made been a better choice as Lord Fourth instead. I don't know why but third makes me feel like I came last in a race or something" he explained with an amused laugh,

"Now that you mention it, maybe you do have a point. Naruto Namikaze- The Fourth Mizukage, sounds more cooler" she teased him,

"You seem to be in a happy mood today" he commented but not unkindly, earning a nonchalant shrug from her.

"It's because I am happy for you. Now you actually have a chance to change this world for the better. Isn't that what our fallen comrades would have wanted?" asked Kushina gently,

Her words made him glance at the memorial stone and his thoughts wandered towards the Spartans. Even today, it pained him when he remembered how they were sacrificed so easily.

He had been so angry and helpless all these years at the Uzukage and the elders for what they did. In his darkest fantasies, he had imagined making them pay for their crimes and creating a world where young children were never forced into that kind of hell.

"This will change things, Kushina"

He looked at her when she placed a firm hand on his shoulder and saw her giving him a knowing gaze.

"I know it will and it won't be easy. But I know you'll do what's best for Uzu and Kiri because that is the kind of man you are" said Kushina confidently,

"Some will call such thoughts treasonous back in Uzu" he warned her, earning a bitter look from the redhead beauty.

"Our village has its flaws just like Kiri has its own. Family. Duty. Honor- I know the oath we made is a proof of our loyalty to the our village. Yet it also defines the kind of person each of us aspires to be. It is why I want you to continue working for Uzu but at the same time also do what you can to make this village a better place. Develop bonds of friendship and trust between these two nations as you are the link that can bring them together, even Konoha. Maybe the other villages too if we are lucky someday" said Kushina with a hopeful smile,

"You have an awful lot of faith in me" replied Naruto with a nervous smile, earning a saucy wink from her that made him skip a heartbeat instantly.

"What can I say. I have a thing for handsome blonde men!"

She burst our laughing hysterically when he blushed slightly making him instantly slap his hand over her mouth which in turn made her blush as she realized how ridiculous she must have looked laughing like that in a cemetery of all places.

He gently lowered her hand when her laughter died down completely and her heartbeat became faster when she realized how close they were.

A part of her heart was disappointed when he stepped back respectfully and another couldn't help but admire his loyalty when he glanced at Ino's name on the stone which made him feel quite guilty judging by the look on his face.

"You really love her, don't you?" asked Kushina with a pained smile,

"I was in a dark place when I met her. So angry, so sad and in pain I was, there were many times when I lashed out at her but she never gave up on me. She always encouraged me to never lose hope, to never give up, to fight for a future that would someday be ours to live in peace. Yet here I am today, in line to become a Kage, powerful enough to change things in this world...and she is not here with me" lamented Naruto in a whisper,

Kushina understood his pain better than anyone else. If he actually became Mizukage, he would be bound to this village for a long time. Perhaps forever...

Unlike a Ninja Commander who could go out on missions, most Kages were entrusted with their village's safety and usually resided there most of the time. They only went out in events of war, calamity or important meetings with other world leaders which was very rare.

"I failed everyone in my life. Now probably I'll fail as a husband and a father too..."

For once, she had no comfort to offer him as no words could heal the pain he would probably endure for the rest of his life.

Yet again she was surprised when he clenched his fist and a determined look arrived in his eyes as he glanced back at her.

"Even so, I will create a better world, a brighter future. For her, for my child, for you and for these villages. A world where failures like me are never born!" he promised fiercely,

With a heavy heart she watched him walk away and only one thought continued to echo in her soul.

"This cruel world needs more good men like you, Minato. When will you realize this truth?"


It was mid-afternoon when he casually walked through the chaotic markets of Kirigakure trying to politely return the greetings given to him by a lot of people actually. If he thought his victory in bringing down the Lightning Daimyo made him famous, the announcement of him actually being next in line of becoming Mizukage had boosted his fame to unforeseen levels.

Although it made things quite awkward as he couldn't enjoy the peace he used to get most of the time before in public.

It would be a week before his next important mission and it was actually a relief since his apartment was a mess which he needed to take care of urgently. Ino would have had a heart attack if she could see the state it was in...

Only now did he realize how much of crappy roommate he must have been to live with.

Granted he was a powerful shinobi but in normal life, he was quite the slacker. His cooking was awful in every way except for the fact that he could make decent ramen, he rarely liked doing house cleaning, his sense of fashion was awful and he hated shopping most of all.

All in all, he was quite the lazy bum.

The thought of it made him smile amusedly and truly appreciate just how much Ino had been there for him all these years. She tried to make him a normal human being but to no avail, yet that didn't made her hate him. Instead, she cooked for him everyday, did most of the cleaning except when he joined her in washing dishes, his crisp attire was all thanks to her keen sense of fashion mixed with the shrewdness of an actual ninja, and she ensured to drag his lazy ass atleast once a month for boring shopping.

Now without her, he felt broken and lost.

He again looked at the list of items he had made which he had to buy. It ranged from small food items, washing powder, a pair of sandals, a few new kitchen utensils and so much more.

Nervously, he glanced at the dozens upon dozens of shops/stalls most of which were selling the items he was looking for. The problem was that he didn't remember which were the best ones to buy from.

He thought about calling Kushina for help but dismissed that thought instantly. Not only was it dangerous for them to be seen in such a public place, she would literally laugh her ass off at his helplessness.

"I'm so screwed" he whispered with a defeated sigh,

"Naruto?"

He blinked, turning around he saw Mei standing a few feet away from him with a surprised look on her face. Relief spread through the blonde as he literally made a bee line towards the only female he could trust right now to not embarrass him.

"Yo"

Mei was again surprised by his casual way of greeting which was something she had never seen before and he recognized that too being the observant shinobi that he was.

"What are you doing here?" she asked him curiously,

When he scratched the back of his head and gave her a nervous smile, she leaned in closer and gave him a suspicious look.

"Who are you and what have you done to the Naruto I know?"

His spirit was crushed instantly and his shoulders slumped with a dark cloud hovering above his head until Mei burst out laughing which made him look up at her only to freeze.

Her beautiful and long auburn hair were flowing freely in the air and her fair skin radiated in the sunlight. She was wearing a pretty blue dress which fit her in just the perfect places. He felt quite embarrassed when she caught him staring which made him avert his gaze instantly with a blush.

Mei was at a complete loss of words as it felt like she was looking at a different person right now. One who was totally unrecognizable from the brave and powerful Commander she knew...

"Yeah, this is the real me. A clumsy fool who doesn't even know how to shop properly. Quite lame, huh?" he asked with a sheepish smile, even as he looked at the list he was carrying like a holy book that he had to protect at all costs.

He blinked when she simply gave him a heartwarming smile in return.

"No, it's quite alright" she said with a kind smile

"Why?" he asked curiously,

"I finally got to see the real person behind that shinobi mask"

He relaxed and gave her a thankful nod in return. She then calmly gestured towards his list and he offered it to her without hesitation. After a moment's pause, she looked back at him with a confident gaze.

She asked him about his budget and once he revealed the same, she patiently and slowly pointed out each of the shops from where he could get his respective items at a reasonable cost and with good quality. She also told him to be firm in bargaining with the shopkeepers and not to fall for their inflated prices.

"I'm actually a terrible negotiator. Ino always used to be horrified when I usually paid whatever was charged" he said with a sheepish smile,

"You're a lazy bum, that's all!" she scolded him with a disapproving gaze,

"Then I could surely use your help. Would you come with me, just for a little while please?"

At first, she smiled on hearing his request only to deflate and look away in silence a moment later.

"I..."

She looked back at him again only to see him giving her that same warm and polite smile. He probably hadn't seen the murderous glares thrown her way the moment she stepped inside the market, it only became worse when he actually came to talk to her.

"Naruto, it's not right for you to be seen with me like this. I'm a..." she whispered sadly,

Her eyes widened in utter shock when he simply offered her his arm like a gentleman with a polite smile. She pleaded with him silently, nearly begging him to look towards the glares and whispers that were increasing but he didn't back down.

When she still hesitated, he gently grasped her hand causing few old women to gasp and many younger ones to glare jealously. The men also looked quite disapproving...

Suddenly a murderous aura descended upon the entire area which made many freak out and tremble in fear. He glanced back at the crowd with a cold and overly sweet smile...

"Is there a problem?"

Mei could only watch in sheer amazement when instantly people started looking away from them and minding their own business. Sure, quite a few stole glances but none dared to glare or even whisper as his cold gaze dared them to and face consequences in the event they actually did.

"There you see, No problem. I could really use your help now though" he whispered with a shy smile,

"Why go so far for someone like me?" she asked with a tearful gaze,

"Because now I have also seen the wonderful person behind that mask of a Jinchuuriki"

His words touched something within her heart, washing away all the sadness she had felt and replaced it with a true feeling of pride and happiness.

"I can never win an argument against you, can I?" she asked with a fond smile,

"Nope" he shrugged mischievously,

She yelped in surprise when he grabbed her hand and for the next few hours dragged her nearly across the entire market. In the end, he ended up buying more things than he wanted which only made him laugh even more.

Mei could not help but look at him fondly as this entire time he never left her side once, challenged anyone that tried to look at her the wrong way and walked beside her proudly.

Apart from her father, no one else had ever done something like this for her.

Her happiness soon turned into embarrassment when her stomach growled loudly in protest which made him smile.

"Come on, I maybe a terrible shopper but I atleast know one good ramen place. What do you say? My treat for all the help you gave me today?" he asked her with a hopeful look,

A part of her heart didn't want him to get into any more trouble with the villagers for being around her, but another more selfish part was enjoying each and every moment of this eventful day.

In the end, she could not say no to him...certainly not when he gave her that infectious smile.


Mei curiously watched him finish off his third bowl of miso ramen with the same level of enthusiasm that he had for the first one. She on the otherhand was content with being able to finish the large bowl of shoyu ramen in front of her.

He looked lost in his own world while eating what was probably his favorite food.

Granted, it was not that healthy and was just one of the food items people loved to eat occasionally.

"Would you like to order more? I swear they have a few more awesome dishes" he encouraged with a happy smile,

"No, I'm quite full" she declined politely,

"You sure?"

"I think you have eaten more than enough for the both of us"

Her quirky remark made him look at all the food he had just devoured which only made him chuckle heartily. Mei could only enjoy this small moment in absolute bliss until he saw her staring at him which made her immediately avert her gaze.

"Is there something on my face?" he asked curiously, but she shook her head.

"No. It's just I always imagined you in a different way in real life" she confessed, earning an understanding nod from him.

"Well, I am a mysterious man" he teased with a mischievous wink, making her scoff jovially at that reply while he laughed at her reaction.

They enjoyed a few moments of silence before she bit her lip nervously before gathering the courage to ask a question she was not sure would go down well with him.

"I'm glad you are happy again, Naruto. But are you truly alright?" she asked, and regretted it instantly when his bright smile disappeared.

It was then she caught a glimpse of the sorrow and guilt he was trying so hard to hide behind his smiles and laughter.

"I'm trying to be"

That was all anyone could do in his situation and she respected his resolve.

"I'm glad you'll be the next leader of this village, Lord Third" she congratulated him honestly, adding the last bit in a teasing tone in an effort to make their chat more enjoyable than where it was headed.

"Could people stop calling me that? Lord Second is still in charge and very capable of looking after this village" he reminded her,

Mei rolled her eyes at that remark as she had gained a decent understanding of his attitude.

"You just don't want to do all the paperwork"

"That too!"

She smirked at his honest but quirky answer until she caught sight of a few ninja entering the ramen stand who all frowned when they saw her sitting at one of the tables. They were about to say something mean judging from their nasty looks until they caught sight of a blonde peeking at them from the opposite side of the table.

The entire group was out of the place in an instant when they caught a glance of those cold blue eyes.

"You don't have to defend me, Naruto. I'm used to it by now" she tried to protest, if only to save his image among fellow shinobi but he glared at her.

"People could be stupid sometimes. On one hand the Great villages value the power of a Biju but the same people hate those of their countrymen who keep those beasts in check and use their power for their protection. More stupid is the way how the entire world knows the identity of Jinchuuriki in nearly every village. Why would you make the information of such a powerful and important ninja public for your enemies to exploit?" asked Naruto in an bitter tone,

"What do you think of people like me, Naruto?" asked Mei honestly with a straight face,

"I think there are better ways to protect the hidden villages than blatantly sacrificing people by making them the hosts of such beasts and then hypocritically fearing or hating them just because of the beast inside of them" he answered confidently,

"You think you can change the way this world works?" she asked seriously,

"I have to try because if not us then who?" he challenged her,

She gave a respectful nod for his determination but he could see she was not yet convinced.

"Why do you think the people today chose not to scorn you openly?" he asked,

"Because you were there and they have more respect for you" she answered without conviction, making him give her an amused smile.

"Maybe for a few. But for most of them, they know I can crush them into dust if they dare go against me. Even more so if I actually become the next leader of this village. Weak pups barking won't change anything, never take shit from anyone and be proud of who you are. If they don't accept that, make them"

Mei was quite surprised by his philosophy but could see a glimmer of truth in it judging from the way nobody had dared to bother her because he was there.

"But wouldn't such a way only turn more people against you?" she asked curiously,

"I'm not advocating abusing or terrorizing of people by your hands just because you're stronger than them. That's what a tyrant does, but at the same time you must understand that humans often like to break the rules if they think they can get away with it. That's the animalistic nature in each of us, it's why we have rules and laws to prevent such anarchy. Why do you think they antagonize you so openly and not Lord Yagura who is also a Jinchuuriki?" questioned Naruto,

"Because Yagura crippled the few idiots permanently that tried to bully him when he was young just because of the beast inside him" she replied swiftly, as that story had been quite a scandal a few years ago.

Yagura had to pay reparations to those whom he had injured and give a public apology for his conduct, his clan also lost face in the village to an extent however no further action was taken against him. In fact, the villagers never tried anything of such nature ever again and started giving Yagura some respect, if only to keep their heads.

Realization dawned upon her as she understood what he was trying to explain.

"Maybe you don't have such a high opinion of yourself but that should stay within yourself or with those whom you trust unconditionally. For the rest of the public, appear nothing but a strong and dedicated ninja of Kirigakure. Teach a lesson to anyone who suggests otherwise and the others would soon fall in line. You are the heir of the Terumi Clan and a friend of the next Mizukage, remind those idiots of this fact if they still don't listen" he said with a warm smile,

"I will. Thank you for explaining this to me, Naruto. I wanted to avoid conflict with my own people but there is no harm in standing up for yourself" said Mei with a proud nod,

"Why did you become a Jinchuuriki? You don't have to answer and I'm sorry for asking a personal question like this" said Naruto hesitantly, but she gave him a reassuring smile in return.

"My mother was the previous host of the Six Tails. Despite her status, my father fell in love with her. It was quite the controversy and he was nearly banished from his own clan for that transgression. Lord Gengetsu was the only one that supported my parents and was the one that convinced my grandfather and my clan to accept it. My father never forgot and it is why he backed Lord Gengetsu when he was being considered to be made Lord Second and is loyal to him to this day. Eventually my parents were married and enjoyed a few years of bliss until my mother got pregnant"

Naruto had maintained his silence and only observed the series of emotions she was going through while reciting her past. He hid his own surprise well and instead only gave her an encouraging smile which made her continue.

"At the time of my birth, her seal broke and the beast nearly broke free until it was sealed into me by Lord Gengetsu in an emergency ritual as I had a strong chakra like my mother, powerful enough to tame the beast. Besides based on past experience, female hosts are more easy to control, remain loyal to the village more than their male counterparts. My weakened mother was not able to handle all that stress and died that night" whispered Mei sadly with tears arriving in her eyes,

She remembered how many had scorned her as a person who killed her own mother while arriving in this world, even some of her own clan members. Her father had defended her in every way possible, but she couldn't help but feel it was the truth deep in her heart.

"Your mother must have loved you dearly, Mei"

She looked back at him in shock which made him place a comforting hand over her own trembling one.

"She endured all that unimaginable pain but never once stopped fighting. She fought with every ounce of her strength to protect this village, her husband, her clan and most of all her beloved daughter from the Six Tails. Mothers are powerful, your existence is proof enough of the love she had for you" explained Naruto with a bittersweet smile, as he couldn't help but remember his own mother who died protecting him and his brother alongwith Uzu.

Tears fell from Mei's eyes as she realized just what her father had been trying to explain to her all these years, only she was too stubborn to accept it. People always called her a monster, no matter where she went or what good she did.

Eventually, she started believing it too and wondered how could a woman like her mother love a monster like Mei herself.

"Thank you, Naruto"

She meant it truly which only made him smile as she wiped away her own tears.

"What about your family?" she asked hesitantly,

She had always wondered about his past and what made him become the person he was today. She could never imagine herself as the last person of her clan. It was a fate she didn't wish upon anyone, not even the Kaguya whom she hated.

When he didn't say anything for a few moments, she decided to apologize for asking such a personal question.

"I had parents and a younger brother"

She was relieved when he whispered that truth and gently stroked his hand that he had initially placed over her own to comfort her.

"We lived in our small village alongside people that trusted our family. The First Great Ninja War started at that time and my father died in one of the attacks. Our clan's enemies eventually discovered us and my mother sacrificed her life so my brother and I could escape to safety. Ultimately the remaining survivors of the Namikaze clan decided to make one final stand against its enemies, us brothers included. I wanted to avenge my parents and enlisted, my brother followed in my footsteps. In the final battle, we crushed the enemy but were annihilated as well. My brother gave his life to save my own" explained Naruto somberly,

She watched as his familiar dark chakra was released from his body in a tiny proportion. As it flowed in his arm, she saw him gazing at him sadly.

"All that's left of my brother is his chakra that clings to me. All that's left of my family and clan are the memories in my heart. Cherish your family, Mei" he advised her with a sad smile,

"I'm so sorry, Naruto" she whispered sadly, earning a thankful nod from her.

In a way, he had given her the partial truth and was glad to not have lied to her completely.

"Even after all these years, how can your brother's chakra still cling to you?" she asked curiously, looking at the dark chakra in his hand.

"My greatest strength is my ability to absorb chakra from nearly anyone. My brother gave me his and it eventually became a part of my own body, it's a power unique to me" he confessed,

It was why he was chosen for the Spartan program and made its leader eventually. With his ability, he was the perfect supersoldier who could continue fighting for days or weeks so long as there were strong ninjas whose chakra he could steal or receive.

Nagato had the Ash Release but eventually Naruto himself was able to manifest this power by making his brother's chakra a part of his own network. Even now, he could still feel faint traces of Hashirama, Tobirama and Mito Uzumaki's chakra inside his body, one that they had given him in an effort to save his life on that fateful night.

"Your family would be proud of what you have achieved today, Naruto" encouraged Mei sincerely,

He only gave her faint smile in return.


The streets were getting deserted this late in the night but Mei was happier than ever as she watched him accompany her towards her clan estate. This day had been quite eventful and one which she was grateful for.

Her happiness didn't last long when she saw him stop and his expression became deathly cold.

"Out" he commanded in a cold tone,

Mei flinched when four Anbu materialized from the shadows like ghosts all around them. Her hand itched towards the secret kunai pouch hidden inside her dress but something made her pause when these men didn't attack them outright.

"This is no time to be lurking outside, Namikaze" hissed the tallest Anbu in the group,

At once all four of them unleashed their killing intent which made her grab her kunai swiftly. Seeing her move, one of the Anbu's unleashed his own weapon in return only for Naruto to step in between and glare at him.

"You dedicated your life to the village. You're gonna risk getting killed for that monster?" asked the tallest Anbu in a mocking surprise,

His eyes widened when behind each of his men appeared another Naruto placing a kunai at their respective throats. The real one had by now teleported behind the tallest Anbu and had placed his hand over the man's shoulder.

"No, but you will"

Mei tensed when she saw Naruto's red eyes glaring at the Anbu's with a murderous glare.

"Choose your friends wisely, Namikaze. You don't want to end up on the losing side" cursed the tall Anbu,

In an instant the entire squad vanished in a puff of smoke leaving a shocked Mei to rush towards Naruto even as his water clones dissolved into the ground.

"What the hell was that?" she asked worriedly,

"Probably just some jerks. It will be alright, Mei" he reassured her with a smile,

Yet in his heart he couldn't help but feel an uneasiness. His sensory powers had made one thing clear about these Anbu as they all had similar chakra to an extent.

They were not here for Mei Terumi...but instead this was a message specifically for him.

He had real enemies in this village now, ones that wanted him dead for their own reasons. He could already think up of a few that could have such intentions.

It only made him remember Gengetsu's words that night when the man offered to appoint Naruto as his successor.

"Do you think I could have appointed you as my successor without the Water Daimyo's consent? There is a growing schism within the village, one whose roots were born when Kirgakure was formed. The Ninja clans, common shinobi and civilians jointly established this nation. My predecessor and I have tried to maintain the fragile balance of power between these factions, but there are those whose views differ. They are not satisfied with my ruling and the reforms I am trying to instill in this village gradually over time as it would limit their power" said Gengetsu with a worried gaze,

"Lord Second, do you think these sparks could someday become a full blown civil war? Is that why you..." whispered Naruto in surprise, earning a proud smile from Gengetsu for being able to arrive at the conclusion the man was hinting at.

"Yes. I am doing all that I can to prevent that from happening. But in the event I fail, I want you to protect this village. It's clear that isolation is not the way forward as it has been till now. We need allies to protect ourselves, we need to develop our economy which in turn will only strengthen us as a nation. Our barbaric ways needs to be rectified for the sake of our people, but there are those who revel in them. Those who want to increase their own power even at the cost of the future of our people. These vultures must be stopped!" declared Gengetsu fiercely, as he slammed his hand on his desk.

Naruto found himself reevaluating his opinion of this man completely. Sure, he had his flaws and a part of Naruto's heart could never forgive him for risking Ino's life like he had. But deep in his heart, he could not find anything but respect and admiration for Gengetsu's devotion towards his people. He was a true Mizukage, and Naruto felt some trepidation as he thought about a possibility of him being asked to fill this man's position.

"If you accept this position, they'll come for you as they are coming for me. You'll always need to watch your back even inside the village. Do you understand?" asked Gengetsu seriously,

"I swore an oath to defend Kirigakure and I will uphold it at any cost, Lord Second. However, despite my noble lineage I am still considered as a wild card. The ninja clans barely accept me as one of them and the common folk have only started respecting me now after my recent victories. In essence, I don't belong to either of these important groups. Don't you think choosing me as your successor would only widen the schism between these factions?" questioned Naruto, the uncertainty of that future clearly visible in his worried gaze.

"It's exactly the reason why I chose you. Your allegiance is not devoted towards one faction or people, instead you are a ninja devoted solely towards this village. I have not made this decision without thought, in fact I have observed you closely ever since you participated in that death match that made you one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen. I remember seeing your power in that fight and how you crushed your opponents, and yet you also showed mercy to those that surrendered despite tradition demanding them to be killed in the arena. You berated me for my failure that day despite knowing I could have you executed for offending me. You're better at war than I am, your victories and the way you are changing our shinobi is a proof of that. You're not just a powerful shinobi but a wise one too, son" explained Gengetsu with a proud fatherly smile,

"And yet there are somethings you will need to do if you are to succeed me in the near future"

Naruto looked attentively as he sensed a hidden message behind those cryptic words.

"Continue being victorious on the battlefield, that would ensure the loyalty of the common shinobi and civilians towards you. Develop more closer relationships with the more liberal minded ninja clans and their leaders, the Yuki, Karatachi and Terumi clans have a positive opinion of you. Start from there, take Mangetsu's help to get inside that noble circle. You'll need strong and powerful allies if you are to have any chance of succeeding me and actually being able to maintain that position afterwards"

"And one more thing, I know this might seem personal and not the right time...but I need to say this. You will have to marry again as the village will not allow the Namikaze clan to go extinct if something happened to you. The clan heads are also pushing me to have you married to their daughters. It's dirty politics but none of us can avoid it. I would suggest you find someone you actually care about rather than be forced to marry a stranger"

The Mizukage's words still rang clear as a bell in his heart even in this cold night as he glanced at Mei Terumi.

"Those assholes!" cursed Mei, as she came beside him and looked quite pissed.

She saw Naruto glancing around but unlike her, his emotions were in check.

"How can you be so calm, Naruto? People like them makes me hate this village sometimes, don't you feel the same?" she asked him with a heated glare,

"The village may have its flaws but we're still Shinobi of the Mist" answered Naruto calmly,

Her anger could not stand any chance against his conviction as she gave him a respectful nod. She looked back at him when he placed a gentle hand upon her shoulder.

"Things will change for the better, Mei. I'll make it happen"

Kirigakure's history and its culture didn't give her much confidence but a part of her heart still wanted to believe him nonetheless.

His confident smile and that determined gaze of his made her smile as well.

Only one wish was born in her heart as she watched him walk in front of her.

I truly wish I can see this better world that you speak of, Naruto.


Author's Notes: End of chapter.

Hope you guys liked it.

I'm glad most of you guys are enjoying the story based on your positive feedback last chapter. Can't believe this is the 3rd chapter I am able to publish in one month alone whereas the max I could do previously was once or twice a month maybe.

I think by Chapter 30 we should be able to reach 50% of this story.

Let me know your thoughts on this chapter, guys. Also I would like to know as to who's your favorite female character in this story, and your favorite pairing if there is any.

Until Next Time,

Blackwolf501