Naruto: Archer and Loner
I own nothing. Neither Naruto nor Bleach belongs to me. The next few chapters may end up a bit on the slower side. Mainly because I'm going to be focusing on Naruto's involvement with the council and other things. At the moment, the story is situated about 6 months to a year before the chunin exam. The reason is there is a lot I have to fill in for it to "feel" right to me. So, I'm holding off the exam until I feel like I'm 100% prepared. As for the review on how I am bashing Kakashi, Sakura and Sasuke, all I have to say is think about it. If Sarutobi had been the 'God of Shinobi' from the word go, would he honestly allow such blatant disrespect from Sasuke? Or the fan-girl Sakura? He dealt with a fan-girl in Tsunade and turned her into a decent ninja. And Kakashi has it coming. He's lazy as a ninja. He doesn't put forth the effort of actually training his genin. The only one he really trained was Sasuke. A true general (which is what the Hokage is in reality) would beat down any type of insubordination quick and fast. If it is allowed to run rampant, there will be dissent in the ranks. Sarutobi realizes his failings and is trying to become the Hokage he should have been after the Kyuubi attack. He may or may not fail. Just depends on where the story decides to lead me.
Well, on to the story!
Chapter 15: Council Wheels and Deals
Naruto was bored. For the last two weeks he's been confined to the Uzumaki compound to heal. Even with the Kyuubi's chakra speeding up his healing, it was taking longer than expected. The only "entertainment" he had been from Shikaku Nara coming by for a few hours every day to teach Naruto the ins and outs of the council. Naruto's respect for the man grew by leaps and bounds as he heard how the Nara clan leader cut off the council's attempts at either bankrupting Naruto or banishing him for made up crimes against the village. Zabuza and Haku trained every day and all Naruto could do is watch while confined to a wheel-chair. Kiski put a chakra suppression seal on him the moment they arrived at the compound. It blocked Naruto from being able to use any jutsu. He was only allowed to channel chakra around his body to hopefully speed up the healing of his bones. So, instead of wasting away with nothing to do, Naruto decided to focus on learning Uzumaki Fuinjutsu. Kiski only allowed him to focus on learning how to write the kanji. If he made a mistake, Kiski made him repeat from the beginning. Kiski was a slave driver when it came to this and Naruto understood why. Fuinjutsu could do so much. It created Kiski and even has the power to hold back the tailed beasts.
"Naruto," a voice pulls Naruto from his thoughts. "You have to get ready for the council meeting later today," Shikaku says.
"I know, Nara-san. There is just so much on my mind. Plus, I have to be ready to counter anything they try and throw at me. The only reason they have failed so far is because of you. They can't outsmart a Nara," Naruto says, chuckling.
"That may be true, Naruto," Shikaku replies. "However, it is time for you to be there for your clan now. I will always be available to give you advice and help you. I'm not the only ally you have on the council. You just have to look and help can be found."
"Thank you, Nara-san," Naruto says with a small bow from his seat. "Could you get Kiski so we can go get ready?"
"Hai, Naruto," Shikaku replies. "I know you'll do fine." Shikaku leaves Naruto to his thoughts.
"Zabuza, Haku, I need to speak with you," Naruto yells out. Instantly Zabuza and Haku are standing before the young blonde.
"What is it Gaki," Zabuza asks.
"We need to go get ready for the council meeting later today," Naruto replies. "Zabuza, you are still on probation, however since you are under my clan's protection, I know a way for us to have a bit of fun with the council."
"How so," Zabuza asks.
"Well, you have to dress in your Jonin uniform and have your sword on your back. You can't have any other weapons on you," Naruto replies. "I found an old law that allows a clan head to attend meetings with a body-guard present. You will be my guard. Haku, I must ask that you dress in the light blue kimono with the Uzumaki clan symbol on it. You must not have any weapons on you at all. We will be going together and present a united front to the council. Kiski has also found the Momochi clan symbol if you'd like that on the kimono. It'll have to be below the Uzumaki crest though."
"I'd like that, Naruto-sama," Haku replies quietly.
"Go and get ready then," Naruto replies. "Zabuza, here is your sword. Please make sure it shines and is in proper working condition."
"Hai, Naruto-sama," Zabuza says with a smile. He takes the scroll Naruto hands him and runs off to his room. Haku bows to Naruto and heads to her room.
"Are you ready, Naruto," Kiski asks.
"I'm about as ready as I'll ever be, Kiski," Naruto replies. "I think I'll go with the dark blue kimono. The one you added the nine-tailed fox to the front breast pocket."
"Are you sure," Kiski asks. Seeing Naruto's nod, he pushes Naruto to his room to help him get ready for the meeting. 'This will be an interesting meeting. You'll cause quite a bit of ruckus, Naruto,' Kiski thinks to himself.
Council meeting chamber
The group stood outside the doors to the council chambers. Naruto looked everyone over looking for anything that would be frowned upon. On seeing that everyone was presentable, he nodded to Zabuza. Zabuza walked forward and slammed the council doors open. Everyone's eyes are drawn to the group of five people. Kiski pushes Naruto's wheel-chair into the chambers. Haku keeping step beside Naruto and Zabuza falls in place behind and to the left of Naruto.
"What is the meaning of this, boy," Mibuki Haruno screeches. "Why do you have a ninja with a sword and who is the woman beside you?"
"Haruno-san, you will call me by my title as dictated in the clan charter of this village," Naruto says sternly. "As for my companions, this is Zabuza Momochi, my guard. The young lady is his daughter, Haku Momochi."
"Why are you allowed a guard, Uzumaki-san," Koharu Utatane asks. "As far as I know there is no law that allows you to come into this chamber with a guard so armed."
"Normally you would be correct, Utatane-san," Naruto replies. "However, in my perusal of learning the laws of the council so I can better serve the village, I came across a law that was instated back when Hokage-sama first took up the title of Hokage. It states that a clan head may have one guard with him at all times in the village."
"But this is the council chambers, boy," Mibuki says. "You are not allowed to have a guard in here."
"Are these chambers located in the village of Konohagakure," Naruto asks. "Or are these chambers located somewhere else in the world?"
"You are correct, Uzumaki-san," Koharu replies. "And thank you for pointing out the law without being sarcastic about it."
"Not a problem, Utatane-san," Naruto says. "Now, for the last two weeks Shikaku Nara has told me what this council has attempted to do to the Uzumaki clan and its resources. I'm here to tell you that your wheeling and dealing stops. If you persist, then you will face the might of the laws that were laid down by the Hokage when this village was formed."
"What do you mean, Uzumaki-san," the Hokage asks.
"What I mean is the blatant disrespect this council has shown me all because of something I had nothing to do with. To blame me for the Kyuubi attack would be like blaming Sasuke for the 2nd Ninja war. This council will treat me with respect and respect my wishes. As for what I am going to do to improve this village that is quite simple. I noticed on my walk here that there are quite a few buildings in disrepair. I also walked by the orphanage where I was housed in the first few years of my life. Want to know what I saw there?"
"What did you see, Uzumaki-san," Danzo Shimura asks, his curiosity showing.
"I saw an orphanage that was too small to house the amount of children they have. Thus, I propose to buy a few of the buildings that are in disrepair and repair them. Turn them into a larger orphanage for our young to grow," Naruto replies.
"And how do you plan on coming up with the funds needed to do this, boy," a fat merchant says sneering.
"Well, that is quite easy considering I own 57% of the market where your stores are located," Naruto replies with a smile. "The funds come from the rent you and your fellow merchants have been paying my clan for the last 60 years." The faces of the council pale at this revelation. They know that Naruto could essentially cut off funding for the market and throw the village into disarray if he wanted to.
"How long do you think this would take, Uzumaki-san," Inoichi Yamanaka asks.
"Oh, it is already in place to get started. The repairs could be made within a month. Within a month and a half, we could have a new, larger orphanage open to the public," Naruto replies. "That isn't all I plan to bring to this village, Yamanaka-san. I have an idea to improve village security."
"How is that, Uzumaki-san," the Hokage asks.
"Well, no one here can doubt that when the Uchiha clan handled the police force that internal strife was extremely low," Naruto begins. Various people nod at his statement. "However, in the years since the Uchiha massacre, there has been no internal police force other than Anbu. What I propose to the council is to create a set of teams. These teams will be made up of Hyuga, Yamanaka, Nara, Aburame and Inuzuka clan members. This way the teams will be balance and cover any contingency."
"Why only those clans, Uzumaki-san," Choza Akimichi asks.
"That is because those clans have clan members who are not doing anything for the village at the moment, Akimichi-san," Naruto replies.
"I beg to differ, Uzumaki-san. The Hyuga are always working for the village," Hiashi Hyuga says, standing and glaring at Naruto.
"I do not doubt your clan's devotion to this village, Hyuga-san," Naruto replies, with a small bow. "All I said was that you have clan members who are not going on missions or anything. Currently the only members your clan sends out on missions are from the branch family of the Hyuga. This means that currently there are quite an abundance of main branch members who are available and able to do what I have proposed."
"You do make a good point, Uzumaki-san," Shikaku says. "Uzumaki-san's idea has merit and he is correct that the clans he mentioned have able-bodied members who would be perfect for the role."
"Very well. We'll put it to a vote. Since this is an internal clan matter, the clans will be the only ones allowed to vote. I amend that Shikaku Nara be the head of the new internal security force," the Hokage says. The clan heads all nod at his suggestion. The Hokage calls for a vote and soon everyone votes for Naruto's plan.
"Well, we will give Nara-san a few weeks to implement this new system," the Hokage says. "Uzumaki-san, thank you for pointing out a flaw in our village and showing us a way to fix that flaw." The Hokage stands up and bows towards Naruto. The rest of the clan heads follow suit. "I believe that is all for this meeting of the council. I propose that we meet in another month to see how things have been implemented. I bid you all a good day." The Hokage stands up and walks out of the council chamber.
Unknown location
A lone figure is walking down a dark hallway. His face is half covered in bandages only allowing his mouth and one eye to be visible. He walks slowly with the aid of a cane, one arm tucked into his robe covered in bandages. He is Danzo Shimura, Hokage advisor and past team-mate of Hiruzen Sarutobi and Koharu Utatane. He is known world-wide as the 'Ruthless Shadow' or as a War-hawk. None of those titles bother him one bit. All he cares about is the glory of the village. The strength of the village.
'Damn Uzumaki. He completely knocked the wind out of the council's sails with just two moves. First he catered to their humanity then he catered to their need to feel safe,' Danzo thinks to himself. 'I can't make a move on him at this time. He is too well protected. With both Momochi's and Kiski, he's basically untouchable.' Danzo comes to a door and opens it. There in the middle of the room tied down to the floor is Kakashi Hatake.
"Kakashi, you have failed me. You were supposed to make sure Uzumaki was beat down enough for my forces to take him in Wave Country," Danzo states. "You failed to curb the insanity of the Uchiha and the fan-girl Haruno. You had a simple job. Focus on those two genin and leave the Uzumaki alone. He was supposed to be weak! Yet, he is stronger than expected."
"I'm sorry, Danzo-sama," Kakashi mumbles. "He had training before he was in the academy from Kiski Uzumaki."
"I know this, Kakashi," Danzo replies. "You were supposed to ignore the boy and render him unable to fight after you won your battle against Zabuza Momochi. You failed. Zabuza beat you and was strong enough to engage anyone who would have captured the Uzumaki at that time. You failed this village! You, who are supposed to be an A-ranked ninja, got beat by an A-ranked missing Nin! You had more training than Zabuza. Zabuza should have been weaker than you by constantly being on the run. Yet, he beat you!"
"What do you want me to do, Danzo-sama," Kakashi asks.
"Do nothing. The Hokage will deal with you and you will take his punishment without protest. You have failed me and you have failed as a Jonin sensei. Your own sensei would be disappointed in you. Just be glad the Uzumaki doesn't know his connection to your sensei yet," Danzo replies. "You're dismissed. Do not come back here until I call for you."
"Hai, Danzo-sama," Kakashi says and vanishes in a shunshin.
'Months of planning destroyed by that idiot, Kakashi,' Danzo thinks to himself. 'This will take careful planning. For now, we will have to be quiet. With the new orphanage, people will keep a closer eye on the children. That will hurt recruitment. I wouldn't put it past Kiski to place seals to protect the children from us.' Danzo turns and leaves the room walking off into the darkness.
Streets of Konohagakure
Naruto and his group exit the Hokage tower and start heading towards the Uzumaki clan compound. Zabuza and Haku are giggling and laughing at the antics of the council.
"Did you see that fat lard's face when Naruto mentioned he owned over half of the market-place," Zabuza asks. "I wish I had a camera. It was priceless!"
"It is funny, Zabuza-sama," Haku replies. Before she can continue, Hiashi Hyuga steps in front of the group.
"Uzumaki-san, may I speak with you," Hiashi asks.
"Yes Hyuga-san," Naruto asks.
"I request a meeting with you tonight at your clan compound, Uzumaki-san," Hiashi says.
"Just what is this meeting about and who will be present," Naruto asks.
"The meeting is about something sensitive and would be best talked about behind doors," Hiashi replies. "I will be there with my daughter, Hinata Hyuga, my nephew, Neji Hyuga and Hinata's bodyguard, Ko Hyuga."
"Very well, Hyuga-san," Naruto replies. "Will this be a formal meeting or casual? And what time would you like to meet?"
"The dress will be formal, I'm afraid. And we'd like to meet shortly after 6 P.M. I figured it would give us all time to eat our evening meals and be relaxed for the meeting," Hiashi says.
"Very well," Naruto says. "We will be ready for you at 6:30 this evening. Good day to you, Hyuga-san."
"Good day to you as well, Uzumaki-san," Hiashi replies and turns around to head to his clan compound.
"Kiski, do you have any idea what this is about," Naruto asks.
"No, Naruto. I know your mother was close friends with Hiashi's wife," Kiski replies. "Yet, I do not have any idea what this could be about."
Uzumaki Clan Compound (Naruto's study)
Naruto sat at his desk in his study. Kiski stood behind him. In front of Naruto sat Hiashi and Hinata Hyuga. Standing slightly behind the two are Neji and Ko Hyuga.
"Well, Hyuga-san, you requested this meeting," Naruto says. "What is so important that we have to meet like this?"
"Uzumaki-san, your mother and my wife were quite close growing up. They were best friends and spent a lot of time together," Hiashi begins. "When your mother heard the news of my wife's pregnancy, she was overjoyed. This was shortly after your mother learned she was pregnant with you. When the doctors notified both my wife and your mother of the sex of the babies and the estimated due date, that is when your mother started pestering the Hyuga clan with a plan."
"What plan are you talking about, Hyuga-san," Naruto asks.
"The proposed plan was a betrothal between the Uzumaki clan and the Hyuga clan. Your mother proposed that you be betrothed to my daughter, Hinata," Hiashi replies. Hinata's eyes widen at the words of her father. Only her upbringing prevented her from squealing at the news. "Your mother hounded me until in September of the year you were born. I finally broke down and signed a betrothal agreement with her. I am here to honor that agreement."
Hiashi stands and bows to Naruto. The whole room is silent at the revelation. Then, THUMP. Everyone turns to see Hinata passed out on the floor.
"I believe we have a lot of talking to do before we are satisfied with the agreement, Hyuga-san," Naruto says. "I am not going to say no because it will bring dishonor to my clan. However, there will be stipulations. Is that understood?"
"Hai, Uzumaki-san," Hiashi says. "I would have it no other way."
Yay! Finally got this chapter done and it is going in the direction I planned to. Don't worry about Naruto and Hinata's interaction before this. This will start out political, but hopefully move on to a loving marriage. This is just the beginning.