Chapter Four: Taking Charge
The kiss was nice.
Unfortunately, Naruto was done being passive. The Cloud Ninja had been taken to the hospital, he called a meeting of the Konoha Twelve. It hadn't been hard, all he'd had to do was ask them, and they came.
"Alright, everyone is here," said Naruto. "Now, what are we going to do about Sasuke?"
"What can we do?" asked Kiba, pulling down his hoodie, so his brown hair showed. "Lord Danzo already said his piece on that, didn't he?" Then he tossed a stick that Akimaru ran to get.
"Kiba is right, Naruto," said Shikamaru. "Lord Danzo made the right decision. We can't start a fight with the Cloud for that."
"Didn't Naruto put three of them in the medical tent?" asked Choji. "They might be upset."
"What do you want from me?" asked Naruto. "I tried to help them, and they started beating me into the ground. I realized they'd kill me if I didn't fight back, so I did."
"I think that Naruto's actions were quite rational," said Neji, who had always hated the Cloud. His Father had been killed by them in exchange for a Cloud agent being caught trying to kidnap Hinata. "We have given the Cloud what they wanted anyway. If they are so irrational that they would cause a war over one of us defending ourselves, we should destroy them.
"They cannot be negotiated with."
"Isn't that a bit aggressive, Neji?" asked Ino. Naruto noticed how cute she looked in that violet tank top and short shorts. Especially with how her blonde hair fell around her shoulders.
"No, Neji has a point," said Shikamaru. "We have to be willing to fight if someone attacks us."
"We're getting off-topic, aren't we?" asked Sakura. "What are we going to do about Sasuke?"
"I say we lot him rot," said Shikamaru. "He brought all of this on himself when he aligned with Asuma's killers. Why should we stick our necks out for him? It'll be a total drag, and he'll just try to murder us at the end of it anyway."
"You can't mean that Shikamaru!" said Ino.
"Shikamaru is right," said Shino, who had been silent until now. "Naruto, Neji, Kiba, Shikamaru and Choji. That was the team sent out to rescue Sasuke from the Sound Four. Every single one of you nearly died.
"Naruto, Sasuke, put a chidori through your chest.
"Just because he didn't finish you off doesn't give us an obligation to help him. He spat on the sacrifices of his comrades. And then he did it again when he murdered Orochimaru."
"Can you hold that against him?" asked Sakura.
"Actually, yes," said Neji. "Sasuke knew the terms of the deal he was making with Orochimaru. If he didn't want to give him his body, he shouldn't have sold out his village to make a deal. Whether or not the deal he made was fair or right is irrelevant.
"Sasuke had an obligation to his new liege. He also had an obligation to the Sound Four, who he led to their deaths under the pretense of serving their master. All of those obligations were betrayed."
"Are you saying that you'd have preferred it if Orochimaru got Sasuke's body and went on a killing spree?!" said Ino. "That's nuts!"
"I do not deny that Sasuke's actions before joining the Akatsuki were convenient for us," said Neji. "But that does not make his actions right. Only convenient. There is a difference." Couldn't argue with that. "No matter how evil Orochimaru was, Sasuke murdering him was wrong."
"Well, if he had given himself to Orochimaru, the guy would have tried to destroy the Leaf!" said Ino.
"Yeah, Sasuke might have saved us," said Sakura.
"Do you think Sasuke killed Orochimaru because he wanted to protect the Leaf?" asked Neji. "Or because he wanted to escape the consequences of his actions."
"...It has to be to protect the Leaf," said Ino.
"Then why did he join the Akatsuki?" asked Kiba.
"Kiba is right," said Shino. "We've been operating on the assumption that Sasuke is a good person gone astray. Someone who is trying to avenge his Clan and doing anything to achieve what he views as justice.
"But the same actions can be attributed to a narcissistic sociopath who couldn't stand not being the best. How many murderous bandits have we killed? What is the difference between Sasuke and them at this point? Other than a matter of scale?"
"Alright, we can talk about all of this later," said Naruto, who was keeping his options open. "We've got business to deal with now that is relevant. Sai, can you get me a meeting with Lord Danzo?"
Sai spoke for the first time. "You wish to speak with him? Naruto, I have to say that such a plan may be ill-advised."
"I want to meet with him on neutral ground," said Naruto. "He can have two guards with him, I'll have two myself, I'll get some of my friends. Just tell him that I'd like to iron out an arrangement with him, so we don't have to go around backstabbing eachother.
"The Leaf needs to be unified."
"But Naruto, Kakashi-sensei said-" began Sakura.
"Kakashi-sensei is smart, Sakura," said Naruto with a smile. "But I'm going to be thinking for myself from now on. Neji, you'll be my first guard, and Sakura will be the second."
"Why me?" asked Sakura.
"You and Neji are probably the strongest of the Konoha 12 overall," said Naruto. "Your medical ninjutsu can come in handy with poisons and such. And Neji's Byakugan will be able to see any problems. Better for scouting."
"That's uh... pretty good thinking," admitted Shikamaru.
"I know my friends," said Naruto. "And from now on, I'm going lead them."
And that was how Naruto, Neji, and Sakura came to stand upon the Hokage monument, looking down over the crater. It was a desolate scene, even with the attempts at rebuilding. Without Yamato a lot of people would have been trapped out in the rain.
No sign of Danzo, though.
"Neji, do you see them?" asked Naruto.
"Danzo and five ANBU are approaching," said Neji. "Three of them are halting just beyond as backup.:
Naruto sighed. "Well, I can't blame him for wanting a little extra security."
"I don't see why we couldn't have had extra security ourselves," said Neji.
"I gave my word, Neji. Two guards each," said Naruto. "Danzo can break his if he wants, but I won't. Besides, after taking out Pain, a few extra guards are not all that scary." He'd already set up a couple of shadow clones for Sage Mode.
"I see your point," said Neji. "Sakura, do you have the antidotes?"
"Yes, all of the standard ones used by Foundation Agents," said Sakura. "Sai helped me with them."
"Good, good," said Naruto.
Danzo arrived.
He was a tan-skinned weatherbeaten man and looked kind of the mirror image of Sarutobi. Or perhaps, he was what the Old Man could have been. Where Sarutobi was scarred and kind, Danzo had harsh and stern features. Half of his face was covered by bandages, and he moved forward with a cane. His root agents stood by.
"You wanted to speak to me, Jinchuuriki," said Danzo.
"Yeah, but for a start, I think you ought to call me by my name, Hokage," said Naruto. "I don't like being referred to as a thing."
Danzo paused. "In light of your service, Naruto Uzumaki, I will grant your request.
"Now, what was so important that you had to drag me all the way up here? You could have asked for a normal meeting?"
Naruto paused. "...Do you want the honest answer? Or the official one?"
"The honest answer will do," said Danzo.
Naruto liked that response. "Neither of us can trust eachother.
"We haven't exactly been on good terms. I was afraid that if I went to you normally, I might be assassinated or captured. So I figured it would be better if we spoke on neutral ground.
"I mean, we're basically enemies right now, even if no one will admit it. Even if I wasn't opposed to you, I'm the ideal figurehead for your enemies."
Danzo nodded. "A crude assessment of the situation, but not inaccurate.
"I suppose this meeting must have some purpose regarding the Uchiha?"
Naruto shrugged. "Actually, no.
"I'm putting Sasuke on the backburner until the situation is more stable. He's made his own choices, and I'm not about to tell him what to do with his free will."
"Then what is this about?" asked Danzo.
"I want to accompany you to the Five Kage Summit," said Naruto. "My team will go with you as extra security."
"To what end?" asked Danzo suspiciously.
"Extra security. Neji's Byakugan can see people miles away. And also to get my name known to the other Kage. I also have Sasuke on the backburner. want to talk to the Raikage about going easy on Sasuke," admitted Naruto. "It won't work, but I might be able to get him a prison sentence or something."
"Naruto-" began Sakura,
Naruto raised a hand. "Not now, Sakura. Just don't."
"I see," said Danzo. "What makes you think he would ever agree to such a thing?"
"Not much," admitted Naruto. "I don't think there's a lot of hope for Sasuke, but I made a promise, and I intend to do the best I can by him. I never go back on my word."
"And why should I allow you to try?" asked Danzo.
"Sasuke is the last Uchiha, obviously," said Naruto. "If he dies, we lose the bloodline forever. That will permanently weaken the Leaf. If we get Sasuke thrown in prison, maybe he can have a family after he gets out. Or at worse, we could get some DNA samples.
"I don't like making decisions based on power, but we're more powerful with an Uchiha than without."
"And you believe you can convince the Raikage of your point of view?" asked Danzo.
"Well, it's a long shot," said Naruto. "But, I did talk Gaara into going from the most hated person in his village to a universally beloved monarch. I did something similar for Neji, and Zabuza Momochi, so I think I have a shot."
Danzo frowned at this. "I suppose you do have the record to back up your claims.
"Indeed, this arrangement may work to both our benefits. Your presence in my company would give me greater legitimacy. And, given my age, I will eventually need a successor. With proper grooming, you could be made suitable for the role you covet.
"Though I think, in time, you will find that being Hokage is about making the decisions no one else wants. Often ones that will make you very unpopular."
"Oh, I'm used to being unpopular," said Naruto.
Danzo seemed mildly amused by this. "You may choose two companions to go with you."
Easy answer. "Neji and Sakura."
"Shouldn't we bring Kakashi-sensei?" asked Sakura.
"I would, but Neji, you've got unfinished business with the Cloud, don't you?" asked Naruto.
Neji halted. "...Yes, yes I do."
"Then it is decided," nodded Danzo. "Prepare yourselves quickly. I will make the remaining orders for the rebuilding of the Leaf, and then we must set out at once. I suggest you say whatever goodbyes you must quickly."
"Right," said Naruto. "Neji, Sakura, come on."
And they headed off.
As Naruto went through the air, he frowned and looked at Sakura. "So, um... Sakura..."
"Yeah, what is it?" asked Sakura.
"How would you... sort of... feel about harems?" asked Naruto.
"What? What are you talking about?" asked Sakura.
"Y'know, having several different girlfriends," said Naruto.
Sakura frowned, halted, then sighed. "Naruto...
"You know what, do whatever you want?"
"Huh, seriously?" asked Naruto.
"You've saved my life more times than I can count and saved the village twice. I'd say if anyone has earned it, you have," said Sakura.
"Are you serious?" asked Naruto.
"It's not like I have much in the way of options other than you, Naruto," said Sakura. "Sasuke's gone rogue, and I never really got on well with anyone but Ino. Plus, he might be the last member of the Uzumaki Clan, so he has to restore the Clan somehow.
"There's precedent."
"Wow, Sakura, you really know how to make a guy feel welcome," said Naruto.
"Oh shut up, I said I was okay with polygamy. What more do you want?" asked Sakura.
"Just you, obviously," said Naruto, leaning in to kiss her on the cheek.
"Well, you've got me. Now stop banging on about it," said Sakura.
At this point, Neji, who had remained silent, stopped and landed on a rooftop. "Naruto, what has happened to you?"
"Huh, what do you mean?" asked Naruto, halting.
"You have been acting very different since your skirmish with the Cloud Ninja," said Neji. "Not like a different person, more like your old self."
"What do you mean by that?" asked Naruto.
"When you and I first did battle, you were loud, obnoxious, and passionate," said Neji. "After you returned from your time with the Toad Sage Jiraiya, you were calmer and also... more transparent.
"You also seemed to have less of a grip on events. Things happened to you as opposed to you making them happen.
"Now, however, it is like you have returned somewhat."
Naruto sighed. "Yeah, I...
"Well, I guess because the Nine-tails comes out when I feel negative emotions, I came to regard them as bad. But, I think I've realized that the darkness is as much as part of me as the light, and if I deny one's existence, I'll be weaker." He remembered a promise made. "By the way, is there anything I can do about the Caged Bird Seal?
"I mean, I figure if I ever had a chance to do something about it, it was now."
"Well, you can marry Hinata for one," said Neji simply.
"What?!" said Neji. "What does that have to do with anything?"
"Isn't it obvious?" asked Neji. "She obviously has feelings for you. And if she is attached to you, I cannot be attached to her."
"Hang on, but you're cousins," said Sakura.
"Yes, and there is talk of betrothing us," said Neji. "In order to ensure my bloodline is reintegrated into the Main Branch. It caused some panic when I unveiled my abilities. In such a situation, I would be her husband but have none of the authority that comes with the station. Indeed, I would have less freedom and likely be kept close at hand.
"I have no desire to become a glorified pet to my own cousin. So I'd much prefer it if you married Hinata and humiliated the Main Clan further."
"I thought you'd patched things up with Hiashi," said Naruto.
"I am wearing a slave mark," said Neji. "And I could be killed at any time. Having things patched is good for my health. And not holding onto my hatred has allowed me to move forward.
"That does not mean that Hiashi and myself are family, as you would call it."
"Why didn't you say anything about this earlier?" asked Naruto.
"Because we haven't talked in three years, Naruto," said Neji. "At all."
Naruto blinked. "Oh, I uh... I guess I haven't really had much time to spend with Team Guy, have I? We uh... we should talk later.
"I need to meet with Tsunade for now, though. Come on, Sakura."
"I have a meeting with the rest of my team as well," said Neji. "Tenten and Lee have been occupied with scouting duty. It would also due to keep the Cloud Ninja in check." He paused. "Naruto, with your permission, I'd like to have a backup squad to follow behind us. Just in case anything happened."
"Who do you have in mind?" asked Neji.
"Guy-sensei, Tenten, and Lee would be logical," said Neji. "Kakashi could go with them."
"Why not Team Shikamaru?" asked Tenten. "Or Team Kurenai?"
"Danzo is employing an Abarame; I saw his poisonous insects," said Neji. "And if so, other clans might be supporting them. Tenten, Lee, and Guy-sensei are not part of any clan.
"There won't be any personal conflicts if Danzo gives an order that contradicts your own."
"Kakashi-sensei isn't coming," said Naruto. "I need him to stay here to keep an eye on things. There could be another attack."
"Shikamaru is needed here anyway," said Sakura. "Ino has been busy too. Besides, Team Guy missed the attack on the village by Pain.
Naruto and Sakura broke with Neji. From there, they made their way through the buildings to the medical tent. There Lady Tsunade was resting. Coming to a halt, Naruto found Hinata waiting inside and Shizune at the door.
"Shizune, is Granny Tsunade alright?" asked Naruto.
"Yes, right now she is resting," said Shizune, a mousy-brown-haired woman who looked concerned. "We don't know if she'll ever wake up, but she is stable."
If Shizune was giving grim predictions, it must be bad. She was one of the best medical experts ever.
Naruto nodded and moved forward, and kneeled by her. Her beautiful form was thin and frail, and her blonde hair pale and thin. As if she could die at almost any moment. "Hey, Tsunade.
"I want you to know that no matter what happens, I'm going to take care of the village until you wake up. So you don't have to worry. You rest, and when you wake up, everything will be fine." He paused and looked down. "You can believe that too."
For a time, he stood over her, but eventually, he realized it was doing no good. So he nodded to Hinata, stood, and walked out. Hinata walked after him.
"Um... Naruto I..." Hinata halted, the beautiful dark-haired girl looking away.
Naruto had to talk to her now, or he'd forget. "Hey, Hinata. I need to talk to you about what you said before you fought Pain?"
"Yes, I..." Hinata paused.
"Did you mean that?" asked Naruto. "When you said you loved me?"
"Absolutely. With all my heart," said Hinata.
Naruto nodded. "I... I'm glad. I don't think I've ever heard someone say those words to me before, Hinata. I... I don't exactly know if I can say them back. I'm kind of getting used to my own emotions.
"But Hinata, I really, really, care about you. And if I had to spend my life with you, it wouldn't be bad at all.
"Hinata, I really, really care about you."
"I know," said Hinata. "Because you love everyone, Naruto. I've seen it in how you interact. Everyone you meet, you change for the better. You make them become more themselves in you than they ever were alone.
"The kind of love you feel, you show, for everyone and everything is so vast... something like romantic love is tiny by comparison. But... I feel it, no matter what you say or do."
At that point, a pack was thrown into Naruto's chest, and he caught it. "And... break it up, you two. We've got packing to do, Naruto. I don't want us leaving anything vital behind."
"Oh, come on, Sakura! It was getting good!" said Naruto.
But the moment was lost, and nobody had time for anything else.
Even so, Naruto, Sakura, and Neji headed out with Lord Danzo toward the Land of Iron. As they did, a glance back revealed Hinata watching from afar as she always had. But many others were with her now.
And things would soon be in motion.