Chapter 34 Summary: The responsibilities of being the Hokage weigh heavily on Tsunade, as she is forced to make some difficult decisions to preserve the life and safety of Naruto and to protect the Leaf village. Meanwhile, life and relationships go on with the Konoha 11, as Shikamaru is learning the ups and downs of dealing with Temari.
Naruto vs. Sasuke: The Aftermath
Chapter 34: "Dates, Deals, & Drunkenness"
It was a stressful time in the Village of Konoha for many of its citizens, but none were more strained than Gondaime Hokage herself Tsunade Senju. Exiting a hospital room which held the oldest son of her childhood Sensei, Tsunade could only shake her head in disgust. It had been almost three weeks since a bloodied and brutally beaten Asuma Sarutobi was found in an alleyway. Unfortunately, he had been unable to identify his attackers to the Anbu assigned to solving this crime. So severe was the beating that the honorable son of the Third Hokage would be spending another few weeks in the hospital before he would be fully healed and able to return to active duty. This annoyed Tsunade greatly, but not for the fact that Asuma had been attacked and that his assailants were still a mystery. The Slug Sannin had a sneaking suspicion whom it was that administered the beating and the reasons behind it. No, what annoyed Tsunade was the fact that it was yet another Shinobi within her ranks she could no longer use for the service of the village.
Fortunately, her reorganization of Gai and Kurenai's teams had far exceeded her expectations in a very short amount of time. Those two teams had nearly cleared her docket of backlogged D and C ranked missions in three weeks time that would have taken some of the lesser Genin teams she had out in the field three months to accomplish. After a couple of uneasy days mostly due to Kiba complaints about having Shikamaru take over Hinata's spot on the team. Team #8 was now functioning very efficiently, as Shikamaru's genius of coming up with effective strategies on the fly had proved quite beneficial when a merchant transport they had been assigned to protect had been attacked by 20 bandits. The young Chunin according to Kurenai had almost instantly devised a counter-attack plan. Which was so successful the red-eyed Jounin kunoichi didn't even have to enter the fight, as Shikamaru, Shino, Kiba and Akamaru were able to defeat the bandits within minutes.
Team #9 had clicked almost from the first day Chouji had been added to their squad. Neji and Tenten weren't pleased that Lee's spot on their team was being filled, but they held no grudge against the Akimichi heir for it. And while both Team #9 members missed their boisterous green clad teammate, Chouji's quiet nature was an immediate hit with Neji because it belied his own silent attitude. And Tenten enjoyed his company because when Chouji did choose to talk she found him to be both pleasant and fun to carry on a conversation with. The three of them proved to be just as effective a team on missions as Kurenai's revamped team. Also, thanks to Gai's brutal training regiment, the Akimichi heir was actually starting to look quite svelte and his stamina in the field had improved dramatically. Unfortunately, this increase in stamina due to Chouji's reduction in weight had also caused a slight loss of his physical strength and prowess. And Gai was having a difficult time trying to find the optimum balance between strength and stamina for the Akimichi boy.
According to Anko's reports, Ino was coming along quite nicely as her apprentice and pupil. This surprised Tsunade a bit considering the purple-haired Tokubetsu Jounin kunoichi was bringing the Yamanaka girl into the hospital every evening to get her wounds and injuries healed from Anko's training. However, Tsunade did note that yesterday Ino hadn't been brought into the hospital so maybe that was a good sign that the girl was finally getting used to Anko's methods of teaching. Either that or the blonde heiress might be dead, Tsunade made another mental note to check on that later. All in all, Tsunade was becoming very proud of the seven functional members of the Konoha 11. Now if she could only find a way to heal the four absent members of that group.
There had been little to no change in Hinata's condition other than the girl had gotten strong enough to breathe under her own power and no longer required a breathing tube snaked down her throat. But other than that nothing else had changed which was a crushing blow to the blonde Hokage. Because Tsunade knew if Hinata could reawaken, that would also heal Naruto's heart and mind as well. For everyday Hinata remained in her coma was another day that Naruto was slowly losing himself to despair. Tsunade remembered Jiraiya approaching her a few weeks ago with some idiotic notion of taking Naruto away to help and train the boy after she had told the Toad Sannin that Hinata's condition remained the same. She of course dismissed the idea immediately and didn't even give her teammate a chance to discuss the matter with her. There were too many people who needed Naruto here in the village to even contemplate letting him leave for that long a time.
Sakura had finished with her final reconstructive surgeries and was well on her way to recovering physically. However, psychologically the girl was now a mere ghost of her former self. Nothing seemed to work to bring the pink-haired kunoichi out of her depression. Tsunade realized that a few kind and caring words from Naruto to the girl would help the situation. But she also knew that no such words were to be found in Naruto with regards to his former teammate. All Tsunade could hope for is that the therapy sessions she, Inoichi, and Keko Yamanaka had scheduled for Sakura in three more weeks could help the girl?
Finally there was Rock Lee who from a physical standpoint would require the most masterful and complicated surgery she had ever done to heal the crippling injuries dealt to him by Gaara at the Chunin exams. So severe were the wounds that Tsunade had refused up until this point to even consider surgery out of fear it would result in nothing more but Lee's death. However, Tsunade was reconsidering this position after receiving a visit yesterday from the Suna Ambassador Subaku no Temari who was returning from two weeks in Sunagakure to visit her family.
(Flashback)
"Good afternoon Hokage-sama of Konoha."
"Good afternoon to you Subaku no Temari of Suna, did you enjoy your visit with your family?"
"Yes I did Lady Tsunade and my brother the Kazekage wishes to thank you for the updated information you had me bring to him about Orochimaru and the Akatsuki."
"Tell Gaara-sama think nothing of it. We are allies after all and I'm more than willing to share information about any potential threats to either one of our countries and villages."
"I shall." Temari replied before reaching into her courier bag and pulling out several large files filled to the brim with various documents and placing them on the blonde Hokage's desk in front of her.
"What is all of this?"
"This Lady Tsunade is all the research and different healing techniques we have used on patients who have been injured by Gaara's Sabaku Kyuu (Desert Coffin) jutsu over the last 10 years. My brother hopes it can be of use to you to help heal the injured Konoha Genin he used it upon back at the Chunin exams."
Tsunade began going through the files and folders examining each one quickly before moving onto another. After a couple of minutes, she looked towards the Suna kunoichi and stated with astonishment.
"There are quite a lot of files here."
"There, there were quite a lot of … incidents between my brother and the villagers while he was growing up."
Tsunade could see the pensive look on Temari's face and could hear the guilt-ridden tone of her response. Truthfully, the girl had nothing to feel guilty about, as Tsunade surmised that Gaara probably grew up living a very akin life to what Naruto had. The blonde Hokage guessed only Kami knows what it was that kept Naruto from developing a similar outlook to life and death as to what Gaara formerly believed in.
"Well no matter, I thank you and your brother very much for this. I must say these files and research are very well organized and detailed. Who was it that put all of this together?"
"All the research and subsequent techniques we've used to treat Sand Coffin injuries were headed up by Sunagakures greatest medical specialist Chiyo-baasama."
"Chiyo-sama! Why would she turn over all of her research to me? That old crone has hated me since I developed an antidote to every poison she concocted during the Second Shinobi World War!" Tsunade exclaimed in confusion.
"That may be true Lady Tsunade, but the threat of Gaara's Sabaku Kyuu is still an efficient means of getting people to do as he orders."
"I understand Temari-san, it will take me several weeks to go through all of this, but with any luck maybe it can be of help to Lee."
"I hope so, that would please the Kazekage greatly. If there is nothing else to discuss Lady Tsunade, I'll take my leave." Temari contritely stated, as she bowed to the woman.
"No, there is nothing else, you may go. Oh, in case you are wondering Shikamaru is out on a mission, but will be returning this evening with his new team.
Temari blushed slightly before nodding her head in understanding and exiting the office.
(End of Flashback)
As Tsunade gazed out a hospital window at the village slowly coming to life in the morning hours she wondered to herself after recalling her meeting with Temari.
'I hope I can find something of use in Chiyo's research, because at this point it may be Lee's last hope of ever being a Shinobi again.'
Meanwhile, across town Inoichi and Keko Yamanaka were sitting at the breakfast table and staring at their daughter in shock and awe, as Ino was shoveling food into her mouth like an Akimichi does with barbeque or Naruto with ramen. After a few minutes of watching this gluttony Keko finally spoke up and asked.
"Ino slow down, you're going to choke on something eating that much food that fast. What happened to your diet you were always going on about?"
"I can't slow down; I'm already running late to meet up with Anko-Sensei for training. As for my diet, it's a thing of the past. Yesterday, Anko-Sensei couldn't understand why I wasn't getting stronger and asked what I had been eating. When I told her about my diet, she got very…. irritated. She told me to forget that stupid diet because any calories I gain from eating won't be there very long after her training sessions."
"Well I don't think she meant you to eat this much food?"
"Oh I know this is just a onetime spree on my part because I have been starving myself for so long. After today I'll just eat a normal breakfast the same as you and daddy from now on. Well, I've got to go, bye mom, bye dad!"
As Inoichi and Keko watched Ino run out the front door in amazement of their daughters change in attitude, the blonde clan leader looked over to his wife with a smirk on his face. Keko only scowled back at her husband before saying with annoyance.
"If the words I told you so leave your mouth about your decision to let Anko become Ino's Sensei, you'll be sleeping on the couch tonight!"
Inoichi knew this was no idle threat and remained silent, as he continued to eat his food. He was still hard-pressed to hide the smirk that still bore upon his face.
"No, no, no, I refuse to agree to this Jiraiya! Damn it you old fool, why are you so adamant about this?"
"Because Tsunade it needs to be done for Naruto's sake and the villages!"
Kakashi and Shizune looked to one another nervously, as they had watched the two legendary Sannin argue for over an hour with one another in regards to the issue of Naruto leaving the village to train. Both Sannin had made logical points in their opposing arguments with one another, but now emotions were starting to get the better of the two.
"I'm sorry Jiraiya, but Naruto is needed here in the village and too many people would miss him if he were to be gone for that long a time."
"I know people would miss him Tsunade, but I think they'll miss him even more if he's dead, don't you think?"
Tsunade's grew pale upon hearing this and she slumped back down into her chair from where she had been standing and arguing nose to nose across her desk with her teammate. After a moment of silence, Tsunade spoke up once more and stated.
"So you're saying that Naruto would be safer out on the road with you and Kakashi, than if he stayed here and trained under the protection of the village and all of our shinobi."
"Yes he will be, because if the Akatsuki, Orochimaru, and Sasuke all know that Naruto is here in the village. Then they can plan and attack anytime they want because they know where their quarry will always be. So not only does Naruto staying here threaten his own life, but also the lives of everyone here in the Leaf village. Whereas if Naruto is constantly on the move and with both myself and Kakashi to train and protect him. Then our enemies can't prepare an attack on him because they won't know where Naruto is located."
Tsunade pondered everything Jiraiya had just said and though she hated to admit it, what the Toad Sannin had said made perfect sense. However the thought of Naruto being gone for so long tore at her heart. Tsunade also realized how much Naruto meant to other people and heedlessly replied.
"I don't know, I'm still not sure if I should agree to this? I mean a lot of people will miss him and Inoichi told me that Naruto may be integral in helping Sakura to recover and …"
Tsunade was interrupted by the sound of a fist smashing down onto her desk which broke it in half and sent papers and documents flying in the air. Stunned, the blonde Hokage looked up to see a visage she had never encountered before with Jiraiya, as his face bore a look of pure rage. She then heard him say through clenched teeth.
"Kakashi, go help Shizune find and bring in a new desk for Tsunade, and take your time while doing it!"
"H, hai Master Jiraiya." Kakashi stammered slightly before he and Shizune exited the office and closed the door behind them.
"Who the Hell do you think you are, I've got a good mind to …"
"Tsunade, SHUT UP!"
Taken aback by Jiraiya's outburst, Tsunade shocked to the very core of her being at the tone of voice he was using sat in her chair silent and unmoving.
"Good, now that I've got your attention, you're going to sit there and listen to what I have to say and not say a word until I am finished!"
Jiraiya waited to see if Tsunade was going to respond and seeing that she didn't continued on.
"Now, I am sick and tired of you placing that girl's well being above your own grandson and even that of the village. I would have thought the mistakes you've made in doing just that in the past would have knocked some sense in you by now, but I see I was wrong. I don't give a damn whether or not Sakura is able to recover because it's got nothing to do with the issue at hand, which is Naruto's safety and the safety of Konoha!
Let me point a few things out to you Tsunade. Naruto currently has our fellow bastard ex-teammate and his new psychotic Uchiha playmate after him for Kami knows what? Not to mention the Akatsuki, a criminal organization made up of nine of the most powerful S-ranked missing nin's in all the elemental nations are also after him for the Kyuubi no Youko. Which if they get their hands on will not only mean our grandsons death, but also the deaths of everyone in the world. And your reasons why Naruto shouldn't go are because people will miss him and that one foolish wayward kunoichi needs him to recover her sanity! Well that's too damn bad, Sakura is just going to have to suck it up and try to live again on her own, or just give up and die, I don't care which! And yes, people will miss Naruto and he will miss them, but it is not like he will never return.
"Tsunade, your reasoning for keeping Naruto here isn't based on logic but on emotion. I'm sorry, but as Hokage that is a luxury you cannot have when making decisions."
Jiraiya walked around the desk before kneeling down and taking Tsunade's hand into his own before asking.
"Do you remember hime what Sarutobi-Sensei said what the number one rule of being a Hokage is when he first took office? He said."
"The needs of the many outweigh..."
"...the needs of the few..." Tsunade softly answered.
"...Or the one." Jiraiya finished.
Taking a moment to wipe away a tear rolling down Tsunade's face, Jiraiya continued on.
"That one rule Sensei taught to us is what a Hokage must base any and every decision they make for the protection and safety of the village and its citizens."
After of few minutes of contemplative silence, the blonde haired Hokage finally looked up and said with sorrow.
"Alright Jiraiya, I'll let you and Kakashi take Naruto away to train him."
"Thank you my hime, I know this is a difficult thing for you to agree to, but it's for the best of everyone concerned. Now all we have to do is figure out how to convince the Council in a couple of days to agree to it. Do you have any ideas in regards to that Tsunade?"
"I wish I did, but I don't. I've been trying to think of anything that can stop that Hyuga bastard at the next meeting, but everything I've thought of will not work. All I know is from what you learned, Hiashi has enough votes to disallow you taking on Naruto as a student and leaving the village to train him and I can't stop him!"
"Perhaps you're looking at this the wrong way. You have been racking your mind to find a way to stop him from doing that through normal political means. But you've exhausted that method with nothing to show for it. Now I think you need to approach the problem from another direction."
"What do you mean?"
"Cut him a deal."
"A, a deal, what sort of a deal?"
"That my hime is what you will have to figure out. But what is it that Hiashi craves most in life?"
"I don't know? The man is a vain power hungry monster, nothing more!"
"Exactly, so let's use that to your advantage. Is there anything Tsunade you can think of that Hiashi craves or desires?"
The blonde haired Hokage face scowled in deep thought as she considered the Toad Sannin's question. A moment later, her eyes grew wide with an epiphany and she called out to her assistant.
"Shizune, you and Kakashi can come back in now!
The office doors swung slowly open and Shizune and Kakashi entered rather sheepishly pushing a new desk for the Hokage to use.
"Shizune, I also want you to send a messenger to Hiashi Hyuga stating that I request his presence here in my office tomorrow morning at 10:00am and Kakashi you're dismissed."
"Hai, Hokage-sama."
"Do you have an idea?"
"I do, but its success or failure is dependent upon Hiashi's vanity and of his jealousy and hatred of the Uchiha clan for it to work. Jiraiya close the door while I reactivate the silencing seals and sit down while I tell you what I have in mind. Hopefully, between the two of us we can come up with a strategy to use."
Shikamaru let out a heavy sigh, as he walked nervously to the small Sunagakure embassy where a certain blonde-haired kunoichi resided. They hadn't seen each other in over two weeks and of all days, the Nara heir had chosen today to accidentally fall asleep while looking at clouds and was now late for his date with the young woman. Knocking on the door to her room, Temari quickly answered and looked at him in a scary way.
"You're late!" The Suna ambassador snapped at him before adding with her hands on her hips.
"What were you doing, sleeping as usual?"
Shikamaru stared at the angry face of his girlfriend and knew that the truth would not set him free of her wrath before answering.
"No, I was doing an important mission for the Hokage."
"Sure you were, come on you lay about, it's late and I'm hungry." Temari brusquely replied with skepticism, before ushering the Nara heir out the door and closing it behind her.
"So, where are we going to eat?" Temari inquired after a few minutes of walking down the main street of Konoha.
"I figured we'd go to the Akimichi barbeque restaurant."
"Again, you're always taking me there, can't we go somewhere different?"
"Why, the food is great and the Akimichi's let me have the meals on the house."
"So that's why we always go there, so you don't have to spend any money on me."
"Yeah, pretty much." The Nara boy absently replied before he felt the killing intent rise with his date, as he heard her say.
"So, I guess you're saying that I'm not worth you spending your precious money on somewhere else?"
Shikamaru winced at the tone Temari had asked her question and quickly stammered.
N, no that's not what I was saying, of course you're worth me spending money on. I mean I like Chouji's family restaurant and so do you, so I didn't think it would be a big deal if we ate there again."
"I do like eating there on occasion, but a place like that it's not really a good romantic restaurant to eat at." Temari stated, as she crossed her arms under her chest.
"I wasn't planning it to be romantic, just free."
"Well, this is a date isn't it, or is it just one of your missions?" Temari asked angrily which caused Shikamaru to groan and look down while mumbling
"It feels like a mission."
"What was that?"
"Nothing Temari." Shikamaru quickly replied, as if by reflex before adding.
"Alright, it's much too troublesome to argue about this. Where would you like to go?"
"How about Ichiraku's, we haven't been there in a long time and it's a quiet and secluded little place off the beaten path."
"And clear over on the other side of the village, it will take us an hour just to get there!" Shikamaru groused in annoyance.
Temari merely glared at him and the Nara heir dropped his head in defeat.
"Fine, Ichiraku's it is, let's go."
When they finally arrived at the restaurant the two Chunin were greeted by Ayame Ichiraku.
"Shikamaru-san, Temari-san, welcome back to our restaurant, it's good to see you again!"
"Thank you Ayame-san, it's good to see you as well." Temari happily replied.
"So, are two here on a date?"
"A mission actually." Shikamaru replied with subtle sarcasm earning a smack to the back of his head from his Suna girlfriend.
"S-ranked as you can see." The Nara heir stated while rubbing the back of his head and ducking another blow.
Watching this exchange, Ayame nervously and quickly ushered her two customers over to a secluded booth and seated them before lighting a candle on their table and asking with a smile on her face.
"What can I get for the two of you?"
"What do you suggest Ayame-san?"
"Well, seeing as you two are here on a date. I would recommend the Naru/Hina romance special we've come up with."
"Naru/Hina romance special?" Both young Chunin questioned in unison.
"Yeah, my Dad and I came up with it after watching Naruto and Hinata eat together. They were always hand feeding one another from their orders and it was quite sweet and romantic to see. So instead of two separate orders placed in smaller bowls, my Dad ordered in some larger ones big enough to accommodate an order for two people. That way it would be easier for couples to feed one another and they don't have to worry about the food slipping out of the chopsticks and falling onto the floor. If that happens, it will fall back into the big bowl."
"Oooooh, that sounds lovely, let's order that Shika-kun!"
Shikamaru nodded his head lazily in approval when Ayame then asked.
"Ok, one Naru/Hina romance special coming up, what kind of meat would like in it?"
"Shrimp!"
"Beef!"
Both Chunin gazed at one another with annoyed looks on their face before Temari stated.
"But I really like shrimp, don't you Shika-kun?"
"I like beef better." Shikamaru as he leaned his cheek into the palm of his hand.
"I don't like beef that much"
"Well, I don't like shrimp that much."
"But I'm the person you asked on a date; shouldn't you get what I want to eat?"
"Well since I'm paying for it, I think you should get what I want to eat!" Shikamaru fired back in an irritated tone of voice, which matched that of his blonde companion.
"I, I, can come back after a few minutes to let you two decide." Ayame nervously stammered.
Shikamaru began opening his mouth to say something when Temari slapped her hand over it and said with conviction.
"That's not necessary Ayame-san, we will the Shōyu (soy sauce) ramen with shrimp and some steamed white rice on the side please."
Ayame quickly nodded her head and scurried away leaving a grinning Temari who let go of Shikamaru's mouth and sat with a smirk on her face. Shikamaru briefly glared at his girlfriend before shaking his head and closing his eyes. After a few minutes of ignoring her, the clearly aggravated blonde kunoichi finally snapped and angrily asked.
"Are you just going to sit there and pout the whole evening and ignore me?"
Shikamaru opened one eye and looked her for a moment before saying with cynicism.
"I hadn't thought of that, but now that you've mentioned it, it's not a bad idea."
Before Temari could utilize her chopsticks as a kunai on the smirking male sitting across from her, Ayame returned carrying a large bowl and their side orders. Shikamaru immediately started eating the rice, vegetables, and bamboo shoots anything that wasn't shrimp. He also made no attempt to hand feed any of the food to his date either. Frustrated, Temari grabbed a piece of shrimp with her chopsticks and moved it towards the Nara boy's mouth while saying.
"Here, maybe if you tried some you will actually like it."
"I have tried shrimp before, and I don't like it!" Shikamaru sternly said, as he resumed eating some rice.
"Well, I can't eat all of these shrimp by myself."
"You're a big enough girl, I'm sure you can." Shikamaru carelessly replied, before an alarm bell sounded in his brain and he looked up just in time to see a rather large piece of shrimp smack him right between the eyes. Looking back over to his girlfriend, the Nara boy winced as he could almost swear he saw steam shooting out of her ears. Knowing there was only one way out of this mess he quickly said while picking up a piece of shrimp with his chopsticks.
"I didn't mean that the way it sounded Temari and I will eat some of the shrimp."
"Will you feed some to me Shika-kun?"
Shikamaru could only sigh and admit that if he wanted to calm his girlfriend down and salvage what was left of this date, he was going to have to acquiesce to every demand Temari might make the rest of the evening. No matter how troublesome the demand might be?
"Yes Mari-chan I will."
After that the rest of the meal was uneventful, as both Chunin strolled down the street side by side. Shikamaru was still trying to ignore the troublesome shrimp taste he still had in his mouth when he looked over to Temari grabbed her hand lovingly. The Suna princess blushed a bit before scooting closer him and resting her head upon his shoulder, as they walked down the street holding hands.
"Where are we going next Shika-kun?"
"Well, you wanted some romance this evening, so I thought I would take you to a spot Naruto recommended to me."
"Naruto, are you sure about that?"
"Yeah I'm sure; trust me I think you will love it as much as Hinata does according to Naruto."
A short time later, the young couple find themselves at the base of Hokage Mountain.
"Well, where is this romantic spot Naruto recommended?"
"Patience Mari-chan, just close your eyes and hold my hand and don't open them until I tell you to."
Temari complied and Shikamaru quickly shunshin'd them to the top of the Yondaime's monument.
"Ok, you can open your eyes now."
"It's beautiful!" Temari exclaimed, as she gazed upon the lights illuminating the Leaf village in the night sky.
"Very beautiful." The Nara heir replied, when Temari turned to him and noticed he wasn't staring at the village below but directly at her. The Suna kunoichi felt her cheeks heat up and blushed furiously before Shikamaru leaned in slowly to kiss her which Temari returned in earnest. After a few minutes of heated passion, the two Chunin sat down. Temari in the front with Shikamaru behind her, his arms wrapped around the girls waist while he rested his head upon her shoulder and she snuggled deeply into his embrace. A few minutes and some chaste kisses later, Temari hesitantly asked as she reflected upon her relationship with the Nara heir.
"Shika-kun, umm why did you ever ask me out?"
Shikamaru turned his head to gaze at his girlfriend with a puzzled expression when she continued on with a hint of sadness in her voice.
"I mean, I'm not really girlfriend material that guys like? I'm bossy, I have a temper, and I don't care about being pretty all the time. So why did you ask me out?"
"Well it's true you are bossy, but I just chalk that up you wanting to be heard in the male dominated society of being a Shinobi. And your temper is in a class with my mother and Lady Tsunade which at times gets on my nerves and makes me crazy, but that's just the way you are. And it's also a fact that you would rather train or spar then set foot in a beauty parlor. But that just means you're comfortable with how you look."
You still haven't answered my question, why did you ask me out? And more importantly, if I'm all those terrible things, why do you still want to be with me?"
"Because, I just told you, you're different."
Temari's nose crinkled and her face bore a look of confusion, as she was trying to decide whether to be flattered or insulted at Shikamaru's answer.
"I mean that in a good way Mari-chan. When I say you're different, I mean you're unique, distinctive...special, at least to me you are."
The Suna kunoichi felt herself start to blush again, as her boyfriend spoke some more.
"I don't mind that you can be bossy at times just so long as it isn't 24/7 I can accept it. As for your temper, while it can be troublesome I've learned to deal with it. And when it comes to beauty, I appreciate that you're not like all those girls who spend hours upon hours worrying about their looks or what to wear because it's in fashion or not. Or obsess about which products to use on their hair and what style it needs to be in to make it the prettiest. None of that matters or is important to you."
"So are you saying I'm not pretty?"
Shikamaru began nibbling on her ear lobe and placing feather-light kisses upon Temari's neck, which caused her to moan in pleasure. The Nara heir then whispered huskily into her ear, as the Suna princess shivered in response.
"No Mari-chan, what I'm saying is you don't have to worry about any of that stuff the other girls do. Because the moment you roll out of bed in the morning you're already the most gorgeous woman in the whole world."
Temari's lips suddenly crashed down upon Shikamaru's, as his eyes grew wide with surprise at the strength, ferocity, and passion of the kiss. After a couple of breathless minutes, Temari suddenly broke away and asked with an inquisitive look on her face.
"When have you ever seen me roll out of bed in the morning?"
Shikamaru merely smirked before his lips descended upon hers once more and after a minute he broke away and whispered in her ear.
"I haven't … yet, but I hope one day when you're ready you will grant me the privilege of seeing that sight with my own eyes."
Temari blushed once more at the veiled meaning of Shikamaru's answer and hugging him tightly, she softly whispered back into his ear.
"One day Shika-kun, I promise."
Shikamaru smiled and placed a gentle and loving kiss on Temari's forehead while the two of them snuggled into each other's embrace and gazed out onto the village and the world before them.
Hiashi Hyuga was feeling quite pleased with himself as he strolled to Hokage Tower with a confident gait to his steps. Tomorrow was going to be a glorious day, as he had finally attained complete control over the Civilian Council by covertly purchasing majority ownership of Councilman Akito's restaurant a month ago. The Hyuga leader didn't know why Tsunade had requested his presence for a meeting this morning, but he suspected it had to do with tomorrow's Council session. Hiashi was looking forward to that meeting, as he could finally do away with the Kyuubi-brat once and for all from his life. For with Naruto gone, he could deal with his traitorous daughter as he saw fit and not have to worry about any retribution befalling him and his clan from an enraged Kyuubi no Youko container. But now that the boy had slipped up and released some the Kyuubi's chakra within the village walls. Hiashi could now unleash the majority control he held on the Council to enact whatever measures he saw fit.
'And there isn't a damn thing you can do to stop me you blonde bitch Tsunade!' Hiashi thought to himself, as he entered Hokage Tower and made his way to the Hokage's office.
"Lord Hyuga is here to see you Hokage-sama."
"Thank you Shizune, please show him in and close the door behind you as you leave."
As Hiashi took a seat across from Tsunade, she did some hand signs to activate the silencing seals around her office to unsure their subsequent conversation would be private.
"Silencing seals Tsunade, are you that afraid of someone else hearing our conversation?"
Tsunade silently took note of the lack of any honorific the Hyuga clan leader used in addressing her, but would let the insult pass since she needed his cooperation for the Council meeting the next day.
"Well one can't be too careful nowadays of unauthorized ears listening in on private conversations. A prime example would be what Councilman Danzo did at last month's Council session by having Root operatives present in the Council chamber."
"Yes, Danzo was quite stupid and foolish with his actions last month." Hiashi contritely commented while thinking.
'If the fool had been smart enough and presented a better case to the Council, we could have taken care of the Kyuubi-brat last month. Instead of me being forced to step in and postpone his demise until tomorrow's meeting.'
"I agree with you completely, but I did not ask for this meeting to discuss what transpired at last month's Council session. I would like to discuss a proposal I plan on bringing forth at tomorrow's assembly and I would like your full support on it Hiashi-san."
"You intrigue me Tsunade, to what subject is your proposal about?"
"Naruto Uzumaki."
"The Kyuubi no Youko container how interesting, for you see I also plan on introducing a proposal in dealing with that subject to the Council as well."
"If I may be so bold to ask, what proposition were you planning on presenting to the Council?"
"I see no reason not to tell you, as I am certain either measure will pass. As I see it, the Kyuubi-brat presents a clear and present danger to the safety of the village and its citizens. The Kyuubi no Youko is simply too powerful an enemy to be allowed to walk freely within Konoha."
"The Kyuubi no Youko isn't walking around free, the Bijuu is imprisoned, sealed away within Naruto by the sacrifice of the Yondaime."
"Can you guarantee that the Kyuubi demon won't escape from his prison?"
"Do you doubt the Ninjutsu sealing abilities of the Namikaze clan? They were after all one of the most illustrious and skillful clan's of that art and Minato was the greatest Fuuinjutsu master of them all."
"Perhaps the Kyuubi no Youko is so powerful that it was even too much for the renowned Yondaime Namikaze to have handled completely. Because I can make a case that if a simple spar was enough to push his vessel to release the demon. What could happen if his vessel is put into a life and death situation and he releases even more of the Kyuubi no Youko to preserve his miserable life!"
"First off Hiashi, you insult the talent, memory, and sacrifice Minato Namikaze made to save this wretched village and its people! And secondly, the Kyuubi no Youko was never released as you say. All Naruto did was inadvertently draw upon some of the demons power because he was physically and emotionally distraught over Otogakures attack and of them severely injuring several of our shinobi, your own daughter included I might add."
"Tomato's, tomatoes Tsunade, and if you are speaking about that useless pathetic whelp Hinata that I once called a daughter, I could care less about her. If she was so weak as to be injured by Oto's forces, so be it"
It was taking all of Tsunade's self control to keep herself from reaching across the desk and throttling the very life out of the Hyuga patriarch. Taking a moment to compose herself, she looked over and calmly asked again.
"So what proposal are you presenting to the Council Hiashi-san?"
"As I see it Tsunade, to end the threat to Konoha we must force the removal of the Kyuubi no Youko vessel from the village if not the entire Fire nation by one of three means death, imprisonment, or banishment."
"You can't be serious!"
"I most certainly am, however I've already ruled out death for the boy, as the risk is simply too high. We don't know if his death would also result in the Kyuubi's or would just be a means for it to escape and wreak havoc upon the village once again. So which do you prefer for the brat Tsunade, imprisonment or banishment?"
"Neither one Hiashi."
"I'm afraid Tsunade that you will have to decide at tomorrow's Council meeting, you'll have no choice. Because I'm quite certain my measure will pass."
Tsunade could feel her rage boiling inside of her while staring at the smug grinning Hyuga clan leader sitting across from her, as arrogance of the man knew no bounds. Taking a deep breath to calm herself Tsunade gave a pleasant smile before she spoke once again.
"Actually your measure won't pass, as I will invoke my right as Hokage to cast two votes under the ancient by-law 'For the best interest of the village.' So at best your measure will only garner a 10-9 simple majority in your favor, not a 10-7 clear majority, as I'm sure you were counting on, which would have automatically enacted any law or measure you introduce for the village. You see the removal of that civilian councilman during Naruto's trial for breaking Sarutobi's decree reduced the number of votes you had available to gain a clear majority win even with me voting agaisnt it. Now, as I said Hiashi, I won't support either of those options for Naruto because I have a third option to present to which I would like yours and every civilian council member you control to support my measure 100%."
The grin that had adorned Hiashi's face quickly vanished when he heard Tsunade say she was now going to start exercising her right to cast two votes within the Konoha Council from now on. She apparently knew of his control of the civilian council members. He also wondered if she knew about his bribery of Koharu and Homura as well. Hiashi didn't know what Tsunade had up her sleeve, but feigned innocence at the control she accused him of having.
"Tsunade, I feel you overestimate my influence within the Council."
"Cut the crap Hiashi, I know all about your financial dealings with the civilian council members and of your purchase of my two corrupted advisors I inherited from Sarutobi-Sensei. What if I was to make this knowledge public to the Council and the civilian populace?"
"I would say Tsunade that you would be a fool seeing as you have no proof to any of these allegations. And even if you did go ahead and divulge what you think you know, it would only plunge the economic infrastructure of the village into chaos."
"You're right, it would do just that. Which is why I'm willing to overlook what you have done provided I get your support on the measure I introduce tomorrow?"
"And what measure is that?"
"Jiraiya the Toad Sannin has officially made Naruto Uzumaki his student and protégé and wishes to take him from the village and train the boy in all the Shinobi arts and more importantly to control the chakra he is able to receive from the Kyuubi no Youko."
"How long is this training journey for the brat supposed to last?"
"Jiraiya estimates that it could take as long as 5 to10 years for the boy to master the Kyuubi no Youko's chakra. Which I believe is a long enough time period to satisfy your concern over the Leaf village's safety. So in the end Hiashi you get exactly what you want the removal of Naruto from Konoha. What say you Hiashi, do you agree to my proposal?"
After a few minutes of contemplation by the Hyuga lord, he looked up with his cold pupil-less eyes and with a sneer on his face announced.
"No, I agree to nothing."
"But, but why, you don't lose anything by doing this?"
"I also gain nothing by agreeing to it. But I can tell you desperately want this to happen and the satisfaction I get from denying you this is something I do gain Tsunade."
"I'll release the information Hiashi, I swear I will!"
"Go ahead; I'm calling your bluff. Release the information and plunge the village into economic ruin. As for my dealings with your advisors, since you have no proof of any wrongdoing Koharu, Homura, and I will denounce you as unfit to be Hokage for making false accusations against our persons. And we will initiate steps within the Council to have you removed from office and charged with defamation and slander of our good names."
Tsunade slumped into her chair as her head hung low in resignation. Hiashi enjoyed the sight of the blonde Hokage so utterly defeated before him. The Hyuga clan head let out a sadistic chuckle, as he reveled in Tsunade's misery before announcing.
"If we have nothing else to discuss, I will take my leave of you. See you at tomorrow's Council assembly, I have a feeling it's going to be a disappointing one for you and the demon brat!"
Just as Hiashi was reaching for the door handle Tsunade's voice rang out behind him and asked.
"What if I sweeten the deal for you?"
Intrigued by this, Hiashi turned around and walked back to the chair he had been sitting in and sat down in a regal pose and said.
"Exactly what did you have in mind?"
"Something you have always wanted Hiashi, the removal of the Uchiha seat on the Council and the stripping of their noble clan status within the village."
Hiashi's eyes grew wide in astonishment upon hearing this offer from Tsunade. He has hated the Uchiha clan and their popularity with the villagers for years. It infuriated the Hyuga patriarch to no end that the peasants of this village always viewed the Uchiha as the strongest and most noble clan to reside in the Leaf village. Hiashi could barely contain his excitement in his voice at the possibility of eliminating them from their lofty and honored status, when he asked.
"I would very much like to see the Uchiha with their bastardized version of the Byakugan put in their proper place as the trash they truly are. But how would you accomplish this Tsunade, and aside from their removal as a one of the noble clans, what do I gain from it?"
"Well as you know, instead of the normal clear majority votes within the Council needed to enact any measure or law for Konoha, it requires a unanimous vote in the Council to remove a clan from it and strip away all of its noble rights and privileges. I can guarantee you that the rest of the noble clans will support the measure of their expulsion, especially after hearing your very moving and impassioned speech when you present the proposal."
"My, my speech, what speech?"
"That is the second part I was coming to Hiashi and is what you and your clan will gain by doing this. If you agree forgo your proposals with regards to Naruto and support along with the rest of your cronies on the Council unanimously my proposal for the boy. Then I will present privately to you the most brilliant dissertation ever written denouncing the Uchiha clan, while also extolling the virtues of the Hyuga clan to such soaring heights you would not have dreamed it possible Hiashi. The speech you give Hiashi will be so magnificent, it will lead to a standing ovation led by me personally within the Council chambers. Your oratory will be so glorious; I will have it released for viewing by the general populace of the village. To which the Hyuga clan will be hailed and celebrated in the eyes of everyone within Konoha if not the whole of the Fire nation as the strongest and most honored noble clan to ever reside within the Village Hidden in the Leaves."
As Tsunade stared at the Hyuga clan leader, she noticed a little bit of drool start to form at the side of his mouth while he stared blankly back at her. It was all the blonde Hokage could do to keep from giggling at the sight before her. Using Hiashi's pride and vanity about himself and the Hyuga clan in combination with his jealousy and hatred of the Uchiha clan had most certainly been the best plan to use to broker a deal to save Naruto. Tsunade just hoped she would be able to stomach all the praise she was going to have to heap upon the Hyuga leader tomorrow. After a minute, Hiashi finally snapped out of his dazed internal revelry and stammering asked.
"How, how long did you say Jiraiya-sama would be taking the boy away from the village for again?"
"Naruto will possibly be gone for as long as 10 years."
The Hyuga leader could hear the sorrow in Tsunade's answer and quickly activated his Byakugan to check her vitals and see if the woman was lying to him. Recognizing the biological signs a person gives when attempting to lie, Hiashi could see that indeed the woman before him was truthful in her answer, as he thought to himself.
'10 years is quite a long time and with any luck, the Kyuubi-brat could die while he is away. And if he doesn't, with proper planning I can regain majority rule of the Council once again and the Hyuga clan should be in total control of the village by the time he returns and we will just kill him then. I'll accept Tsunade's proposal, it gets rid of the blight of the Uchiha and elevates my clan to new heights. And in the end, it does nothing to affect the command I have in the Council.'
"I accept your terms Tsunade. I will support the measure you introduce for the Kyuubi-brat, as will the Civilian Councilmen and your advisors. However, I wish to review my speech before I give it to make sure that it's everything you claim it to be."
"I promise you Hiashi it will meet with your approval."
"Very well then, I will take my leave of you and go home to prepare for the ascension of the Hyuga clan as the new revered clan of this village."
Tsunade smiled sweetly while she watched the Hyuga patriarch exit her office and close the door behind him, before her smile disappeared and uttered with disgust.
"Arrogant self-righteous asshole!"
"Yes he is my hime." Jiraiya replied as he shimmered into the office out of thin air before he added.
"But still you played him perfectly."
"Only because of your strategy of giving him a victory over me and inflating his ego at seeing me defeated before I then used his vanity and his hatred of the Uchiha against him."
"Well, I had hoped I would be wrong and that Hiashi would be swayed into doing what you wanted by your bluff. But I had a feeling anyone as cunning, devious, and evil as he is wouldn't be frightened by it. You do know once the euphoria wears off after a few months of people blowing smoke up Hiashi's ass about how glorious the Hyuga's are, he's going to start flexing the power he holds in the Civilian Council. He's going to look for a way to circumnavigate you now voting in the Council and try to regain majority control again to pass all of his and Danzo's measures. What are you going to do then Tsunade if he succeeds?"
"I know Jiraiya and I'll deal with that... if the time comes."
"Well then I guess I need to come up with this literary masterpiece you promised him."
"Not you, at least not by yourself. We need a speech written for the ages not a perverted tome written by only you."
"I'm hurt my hime, what other people do you know who can help with this?"
The blonde Hokage merely smirked before yelling out to her assistant. A moment later Shizune entered the office and Tsunade ordered.
"Shizune, bring me Shikaku and Shikamaru Nara to my office immediately."
A short time later both the Nara clan leader and his son were standing inside Tsunade's office, while Shikaku Nara vehemently protested and pleaded to his Hokage.
"Ok, coming up with something to denounce the Uchiha's is not a problem. But please Hokage-sama, don't make us write this! I can't stand that stuck-up prick Hiashi or his stick-up-their-ass clan. And you want us to write something that makes them seem like angels sent by Kami to grace us with their presence. I can't do it, we won't do it!"
"Damn it Shikaku I'm not giving you a choice on the matter but an order! You and Shikamaru will write this and it will be a literary work of genius from the both of you and you'll do it for two simple reasons. One, I've closed the case on the assault and battery of Asuma Sarutobi, but I can easily reopen it again. And two, if we don't do this, that stuck-up prick as you call him Shikaku is going to use his control of the Civilian Council to deny Naruto the training he needs from Jiraiya to save not only himself, but probably all of us in the future!"
Taking a couple of minutes to absorb everything Tsunade had just said, both Nara men exhaled heavy sighs at the same time and muttered.
"Troublesome."
"We understand Lady Tsunade, but if I may suggest, to do this properly we're going need sake, a lot of it."
Tsunade hit a button on her desk and a sliding panel on a nearby wall opened up to reveal several cases of unopened sake. Nodding his head eagerly in approval, Shikaku turned to his son and announced with energy and glee.
"Let's get started!"
Shikamaru could only pinch his nose in embarrassment in how easily his father's mood can change just from the sight of unopened sake bottles.
"I'll send a message to Yoshino that you two are currently working on an important mission for me Shikaku."
It was nearly 11 o'clock when Yoshino Nara answered her door to find her son's fuming Suna girlfriend standing on her porch.
"Temari dear you look upset, what's the matter?"
"I am upset Yoshino-san, because your son was take me to a movie tonight and I've been standing outside the box office for the last two hours waiting for him."
Oh I'm so sorry Temari; he must have forgotten about you that lazy idiot. A messenger came by earlier today and said he and his father were working on an important mission for the Hokage."
"That's the same excuse he used on me when he showed up almost two hours late for our date last night! You don't suppose he's making that up just to go and goof off somewhere do you Yoshino-san?"
"I don't dear but if he is then his father is in on it as well. Come on Temari, let's go to Hokage Tower and see Lady Tsunade to find out if those two lazy good for nothing slackers are really on a mission for her or not."
Upon reaching the Hokage's office a short time later, both Temari and Yoshino could hear singing emanating from inside Tsunade's office. Opening the door slowly, the sight the two women beheld left them speechless. Strewn about all over the office were crumbled up pieces of paper and empty sake bottles. Tsunade was currently passed out in her chair clutching a sake bottle in one hand and a document in the other. While Jiraiya, Shikaku, and Shikamaru were standing at the back of the room their arms wrapped around each other's shoulders as they swayed to and fro while singing perverted limericks.
"Said Old father William I'm humble,
and getting too old for a tumble,
but produce me a blonde,
and I'm still not beyond,
an attempt at an interesting fumble!"
As all three men broke down laughing, it was then that Jiraiya noticed the two women and stated with surprise.
"Wow, we sing a song about producing a blonde and one appears! I've got to remember that one."
Jiraiya was then blasted with a wave of killing intent from the two women that backed him into the far wall shivering.
"Huh, a blonde, where?" Shikamaru still swaying unsteadily mumbled, as he peered about the room through half-lidded eyes before he spied Temari and slurring exclaimed.
"Mari-channnnn, hey sweet-cheeks, what are doing here? I'm glad you came because I'm not like Old father William and I could go for a good tumble!"
A second later, this is exactly what the Nara heir did, as he fell forward face down in a heap unconscious. Shikamaru never saw the tick mark appear on Temari's face with her right eyebrow twitching a mile a minute before she growled through clenched teeth.
"Sweet-cheeks, could go for a good tumble, I'll show him a good tumble!"
Just as Temari was about to march across the room and end the existence of her boyfriend she felt a hand pulling on her shoulder stopping her. Turning around she saw Yoshino shaking her head sadly at her before the older woman stated.
"If you beat him up now Temari dear, he won't feel anything because he's so drunk. Let's get him and my slacker husband back to the Nara compound. In the morning after they've sober up, we'll find out what has been going on and then administer their beatings. Trust me dear, this is best way to handle this situation.
Temari nodded her head in understanding, as Yoshino shot her trembling husband an evil glare before ordering with authority.
"Shikaku, pick up that lazy sod we call a son and get both of your asses back home right now!"
The Nara Clan leader quickly complied with his wife's order and knelt down to pick his inebriated son all the while thinking to himself.
'Tomorrow morning is going to be most troublesome.'
Author Notes: Argh, I've lost the ability to write cliffhangers anymore! What is wrong with me? That's two chapters in a row now! Anyway, enough about that, I want to thank all of you who reviewed the last chapter. I have to say I was shocked that it set a new personal record for reviews of one of my chapters. 70 reviews for the chapter just blew me away. I can't figure you readers out? Chapters I think will set new records don't and ones I didn't give a second thought to do. So I don't have a clue as to how this chapter will be received by you all? I hope you've enjoyed the chapter, albeit not the most exciting one I know. I'm just trying to get some issues in the story wrapped up before the end of the first arc. But hopefully you all liked the bit of Shikamaru/Temari romance fluff I had in the chapter.
I have very little positive to say about the last few issues of the Naruto manga.
#457 Well, I don't think Kishimoto could have done a better job of making Naruto look like a completely pathetic loser blubbering on and begging the Raikage to forgive Sasuke and lift his execution order on the emo Uchiha. It's manga issues like this one that make me believe that if Kishimoto could go back in time he would rename and rework the entire story and call it Sasuke!
#458 A little bit better the Kage meeting was ok and it was nice that someone finally pointed out to Sakura that she causes Naruto nothing but pain.
#459 Back to Kishi's undying love of Sasuke, as now he has Naruto mooing in a room about emo-boy. Ino going to pieces upon learning he's with the Akatsuki. I mean seriously, I thought she had moved on unlike Sakura. Speaking of Sakura, did anyone else want to reach into the issue and choke the life out of her when she arrogantly stated "the fool's (Naruto) in love with me." The only positive is hopefully Sakura now realizes all the pain she's given Naruto and the mistakes she's made and stays the Hell away from him! Thus allowing Naruto to hook-up with Hinata, who actually loves him and doesn't use him like a tool.
Yes, I'm still thoroughly disgusted that Kishimoto hasn't done anything yet with the Hinata confession to Naruto now reaching 23 issues.
*News on the Zombie Hefster War*
I recently received a pm from Zombie Hefster informing me he was taking a vacation to Greece a couple of weeks ago. Perhaps my readers I'm Solo and Naruto the Highlander were getting too close to finding him in Germany, we'll never know? However the mayhem Zombie Hefster brought forth during his time in Greece has left the country shattered. It is my sad duty to report that NATO has quarantined the nation and has it under Martial Law. On the plus side, upon Zombie Hefster'sreturn to Germany, he took ill. I guess the combination of Naru/Hina brains and tzatziki sauce doesn't mix. As Grecian citizens yet to fall under his demonic Nar/Sak zombie army have been painting their homes with the sauce and keeping some with them at all times. Perhaps tzatziki sauce which is made of strained yogurt, milk, cucumbers, and a good amount of garlic, salt, olive oil, and pepper is another weapon that can be used in the war? Scientists around the world are examining the possibility even as I write.
However, authorities still recommend the use of romantic imagery showing Naruto and Hinata together, as most effective means of protecting yourself from any pink-haired zombies you might run into.
Warning * Warning * Warning
Zombie Hefster also informed in his pm that he would be invading the United States in November during our Thanksgiving holiday. Somewhere in the state of Florida but he would not reveal where. He's taunting us people! So to all my Floridian readers, be on guard in November for pink-haired Naru/Hina brain eating zombies roaming the streets and beaches of your great state.
*End of Warning*
To the loyal Naruto/Hinata fans and soldiers on the battle lines in Europe I salute you. I'm Solo and Naruto the Highlander I hope you two were able to link up in Germany and coordinate your attacks upon the zombies? Your last review Solo painted a bleak picture of the situation on the front lines, so hopefully some reinforcements were able to help you out. Some of my other reviewers have made additional suggestions on how to help to defeat the zombies.
shkamaru15– Suggests the writing of more Naruto/Hinata stories by everyone and more artwork to be created of the two together. (These are good ideas even without the zombie threat.)
BetahimeTsukiko – Suggests, I don't know how you attract them, maybe a NaruSaku picture or something, but you lure them to a condemned building, lock them in and surround the place in NaruHina paraphernalia then (to Quote Lucy Barker, Sweeny Todd's poor unfortunate wife) Se'iht on fiah, se'iht on fiah. (Set it on fire, set it on fire) And of course at the same time that's happening you blast the most appropriate NaruHina songs you can find. I kinda like Sk8r boi, just cause Naruto is the sk8r boi, Saku is the snobby ballerina and Hina is the rocker girlfriend.
Kage Bijuu – Suggests using nukes.
OutlawKnight – Suggests, to blow them apart with high levels of sound, a metalica or def-leopard concert should do or to freeze them and have at their stomachs with sledgehammers and frozen rubber chickens, as everyone knows Zombies have a phobia of rubber chickens and Americans.
THE HEE-HO KING – Changed his avatar to a Naru/Hina image to protect himself from the zombies and the one he picked is quite funny and damaging to the zombies.
Jcogginsa– Suggests, if the imagery hurts the ZH's ,then I know an amv on 's naruto and hinata pics set to far away by nichel could help on the war ,why not recruit some other pairing fans to help /tema would probably be glad to help,as would kaka/kure.
Razeblaze – Suggests, I say immobilize every zombie u see and put em all in a super protected cave^^ with super boiling heat inside! YOU WILL ALL MELT UNDER THE FLAMES OF HEAT...AND MORE HEAT! MAUAUAAHAHAHAHAAH!
You'll have to let me know if any of these ideas work I'm Solo and Naruto the Highlander. Good luck to you both in the war. I'm Solo I do have an incoming message listed below for you from reader violent werewolf-Dark Princewho was working on an animetomic bomb for your use in the war.
"The bomb is complete! However, it still needs to be fully tested. Damn, time is running short and I've only finished one! (lol, the bomb is actually a chapter in my story! Only one part...) Solo, and anyone else, I need you to CAPTURE as many zombies as you can and bring them to my research facility! I will test half of the bombs power!"
*End of Zombie Hefster War News*
Back to more pleasant things, I've created a poll in my profile/bio page. And I wanted to clear up some misconceptions about the type of chapters I would be writing about the time-skip. Naruto, Kakashi, and Jiraiya will be leaving Konoha to train Naruto over the next several years. However, the chapters I plan on writing are not simply on training but more of the escapades those three get into while out on the road. Rescuing damsels in distress, running from the law, getting into all sorts of mischief, …..adventures. I will be including some training aspects within the chapters but it won't be the sole focal point. The same with the characters left back in Konoha on the chapters I will be writing about them.
I will say that I do have some interesting and innovative ideas for original chapters for all of the characters, but I'm curious as to the opinion of you all. Please checkout the poll and vote when you can, thanks!
As always, if anyone wants to discuss my story in greater detail, just shoot me a PM. I enjoy talking about the story with any readers who really have an interest in it. I'll try to respond back to you as quickly as I can. Now I'd like to give a shout out to a couple stories that I recommend and hope you all will check out when you have the time.
"Naruto's Big Secret" by Final Knightmare: This is a harem story involving Naruto, but what sets it apart from other harem tales are the amazingly well written lemons this writer does. And according to the author this is their first attempt at writing lemons for a story. Truly this author is a talent at writing the lemony goodness we all secretly enjoy.
"The Gentle Fist of the Akatsuki" by Khain255: A gripping tale about Hinata who was left dying on the battlefield three years ago on purpose. The Hyuga heiress was subsequently rescued by the Akatsuki and trained the last three years. Now Hinata has returned to seek vengeance on the one who betrayed her. And the only Shinobi powerful enough to stop Hinata is Naruto who is wrestling with whether or not he should or even wants to stop Hinata from seeking her justified revenge.
I hope that all of you can R & R these stories when you have a chance.
Take it easy and be good!
Kingkakashi
School time:
Brusquely
Definition: Blunt in manner or speech often to the point of ungracious harshness
Etymology: Medieval Latin to Italian to French 1651
Part of Speech: Adverb