Naruto: Archer and Loner
Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto or Bleach.
Chapter 3: Council Woes
Hiruzen Sarutobi made his way back to the Hokage tower after leaving Naruto's hospital room. As he stepped into his office, a sense of dread washed over him. He knew what he had to do now that Naruto knew a piece of his heritage. He had to gather the council and announce the return of the Uzumaki clan. His dread came from the amount of paperwork this announcement would generate.
"Boar, Tora, notify the ninja council of a meeting in fifteen minutes," the Hokage, orders sternly.
The two anbu appear, kneeling in front of the Hokage. "Hai," is the only word spoken before they both vanish as fast as they appeared.
Sarutobi makes his way over to a safe beside his desk. Opening it quickly, he pulls out three scrolls and closes the safe. 'Hopefully this will be enough for now. I can't fail Naruto this time,' he thinks to himself.
Council Chambers
Sarutobi walks into the council chambers ten minutes later, shock on his face as he sees not only the ninja council, but the civilian council too. 'This will not be good,' he thinks to himself. He knows in his heart that this meeting will be long and atrocious. He gazes over the ninja council composed of clan heads and his former team mates.
Danzo Shimura: An old war hawk and the voice of the Uchia clan on the council. Greedy and as cunning as a snake. Also, a constant thorn in Sarutobi's side when it comes to votes on peace.
Homura Mitokado: Another former team mate of Sarutobi. He retired at a young age and focused on knowledge. Sarutobi can always count on Homura to look at things from a logical point of view and provide good insight into any situation.
Koharu Utatane: The last member of Sarutobi's genin squad. She has always worked for the best of the village.
Shikaku Nara: Head of the Nara clan. Jonin commander, part of the infamous Ino-Shika-Cho trio, insanely smart, but lazy, sees everything not worth his time as "troublesome," able to control shadows with family techniques.
Inoichi Yamanaka: Head of the Yamanaka clan. Head of the torture and interrogation unit, part of the infamous Ino-Shika-Cho trio, able to "mind walk" with family techniques.
Choza Akimichi: Head of the Akimichi clan. Part of the infamous Ino-Shika-Cho trio and someone you never want to call fat, able to change size with family techniques.
Tsume Inuzuka: Head of the Inuzuka clan. A beautiful, but deadly feral woman. With her canine companion, Kuromaru, can shred people like paper with her family techniques.
Hiashi Hyuga: Head of Hyuga clan. A clan that is prideful because of their kekkei genkai, the Byakugan, eyes that can see 360 degrees. And deadly hand to hand combat skills.
"Greetings, Hokage-sama," Hiashi says, as the Hokage sits down at the head of the council table.
"Greetings, Hyuga-san. I find myself in a bit of a quandary," the Hokage says with a small smile on his lips.
"What do you mean, Sarutobi," asks Mibuki Haruno, a civilian council member.
"What I mean is, I called for a meeting of the Ninja council. Not the civilian one. Why are you civilian councilors here? And you will address me as is proper, as Hokage-sama," Sarutobi states, with a subtle amount of KI (Killing Intent) being released.
"We're here because this is a council meeting, Sarutobi," Mibuki states, not realizing the KI for what it was and completely ignoring the Hokage's warning.
"Remove yourselves now," Sarutobi shouts. "I called this meeting for the ninja and clan councils only. You civilians have no right to be here since I didn't call for you. Remember, this is a ninja village ran by ninja. We protect you and you work in peace because of that sacrifice."
The civilians look to the older members of the council, Danzo, Homura and Koharu. All three share a look with each other and nod in agreement with the Hokage. The civilians leave, grumbling the whole time.
"Now that is taken care of, let's start with why I called this meeting," Sarutobi says. "I called this meeting to announce the reinstatement of the Uzumaki Clan."
"What," shouts Danzo in disbelief. "We were told the Uzumaki clan was no more after the Kyubi attack. You said that her child died with her."
"I lied," Sarutobi says. "I lied to protect her child. Everyone here knows who she was married to and what that entails. If I had allowed the child to be acknowledged from the beginning, the child wouldn't have lived very long."
"Who is this child," Hiashi asks.
"You all know the child. Each of you have tried to save the child from the scorn of the village many times in his short life," Sarutobi states.
"Troublesome," the Nara head says as he sits up fully. "You told us you named him Uzumaki to honor her and the memory of her village's sacrifice. Why did you lie to us? You could have told us like you are now."
"I had my reasons," the Hokage says. "I know many of you wanted to raise the child. But, I couldn't allow that. I didn't want your clans to become ostracized because of what the child holds."
"Very well, Hokage-sama," Danzo says. "I ask that we bring this matter to a vote. All those in favor of recognizing the return of the Uzumaki Clan raise your hand."
In seconds, every hand was raised.
"Very well," Danzo says. "We will inform the village in a week that the Uzumaki Clan is once again in our village. We must also inform the instructors at the academy to tell the true history of the Uzumaki clan. We will honor their memory."
"Good. I call this council meeting to an end. May you all have a good day. I need to go focus on the paperwork this will have generated," the Hokage says as he stands up to leave. As the door to the council chambers closes behind him, he can hear a smattering of laughter. 'At least they can laugh at something. I fear what next week will bring. There will be hell to pay with the civilian council members. I can feel it in my bones,' Sarutobi thinks to himself.
Whew! And here is chapter 3. I know most of you may be thinking, "Wait a sec. I thought the council was supposed to be bashed. " All in good time. The ninja council will come out somewhat unscathed. And as for Danzo acting nice, remember, he's a cunning and greedy bastard. He'll rear his ugly head soon enough.