Hey'llo!

I'm back! The story continues with what is going on in Uzu but with a tiny, time jump.

Now, before we start, the disclaimer has to be here... I'm don't any of the characters, they belong to Masashi Kishimoto; just this single plot going on is from my imagination.

Yup, now we can proceed with the chapter.

Chapter 20: A New Kage Arises

Uzushiogakure no Sato, 2 months later (over a month since the Rookies got to know the truth)

It had been two months since the entry of the Uzumaki-Namikaze family into the village of Uzushiogakure. A lot of events had occurred in Uzu in this time period. One of the major ones being a blonde wearing a royal robe and sitting in the office section of the huge palace-converted-mansion at the centre of Uzu. It hadn't been even a day since this new change and yet she could be seen truly happy with her new post even with the work-load and burden it brought her.

She sat on the chair behind the ancient royal desk with some papers in one corner and quite a few photos on the other. The newly elected Kage, sat looking at some of the photos and reminiscing the last previous day as well as the time since she had arrived into her home.

~~Flashback~~

Uzushiogakure, the day before

It was the first day of a new year and new changes were already being brought into the village of Uzushiogakure. One such major change that morning was the assembling of the citizens of the village into the memorial behind the mansion.

It was a beautiful winter morning. Though there was no snow in Uzushio, the cool winds blew and there was a winter like atmosphere. The sky had a beautiful cool tone to it with some clouds around. The people of Uzushio were, though not in full winter gear, but still in warm clothing. They eagerly awaiting for the event to start. Their excitement over the roof. Most had waited this moment for a long time. Now the excited murmurs could be heard all around the grounds as they waited for the announcement to make it official.

In another few minutes, came out 5 people from inside the mansion. By the time they reached the stage, the murmurs had all toned down. Everyone paused to have the announcement be made.

Two of the members, women, came to the centre and stood in front of the mic. The three younger members of the group stood to the right of the other two. One of the women in the centre wore royal robes with the symbol of Uzushiogakure and Uzumaki clan. She also wore Shinobi clothing with both the Uzumaki clan symbol as well as the Namikaze clan symbol, a lesser-known symbol than the first and the Uchiha clan symbol, as one of the last few surviving members. But the young lady wore the three of them proudly. The three youngsters in the side also wore the same symbols, though the oldest wore a different third symbol, the well-known Sarutobi clan symbol instead of the Uchiha clan one. The last woman in the front wore a beautiful dark blue kimono with floral designs. She held a hat similar to that found in other nations, but in orange with Uzu written in the front.

The final lady was the first to speak. "Welcome citizens of Uzu. It is one of the best moments and the greatest moment since the destruction of Uzushiogakure. I'm proud to finally present to you all that Uzushiogakure is finally ready to be recognised as an official Shinobi village and also honoured to present our first Kage."

She paused for a minute before continuing. "Though not born and brought up in Uzushiogakure, she still has the heart of a true Uzumaki. Born and brought up in Konoha, she went through a life of struggle from a young age. But she took it as a challenge and bloomed like a lotus in the mess of the swamp. She fought in some of the major wars and attacks in the last decade and is recognised as a war hero in many nations outside. She is also one of the last surviving descendants of the royal Uzumaki family."

Then she took the hat in her hand and placed it on the other woman's head and spoke, "I'm proud and honoured to present the Shodaime Uzukage, Kōgō Naruto Uchiha-Uzumaki-Namikaze."

The crowd cheered at the introduction of their Shodaime Uzukage. Even the older ones who were alive to see Uzu in its original glory all those years back were more than happy to have a Kage and instead of a Kōgō. Even though Naruto was from the royal family and had gained the title of Kōgō from there, she had earned the citizens' trust, heart and respect without emphasising her heritage. They had seen her heart and her true nature and had elected her as their leader.

Naruto waited for the cheers to die down before she spoke. "My dear villagers, the citizens of Uzushio, thank you for choosing me as your leader. Thank you for opening your hearts and accepting me and my children, my family into this village. We are totally humbled by your kindness. Your generosity to help each other and mindset is unparalleled. Without each person's contribution, we wouldn't have been able to build back Uzu and get it back its status as a Shinobi village accepted by Fire Daimyō so soon. It is truly an honour to represent a village that has been through and hardened from so much tragedy and loss. I was brought up without any direct blood-related family members. Instead, I learnt to build my family from those who cared about me. When I had my daughter, I obtained a family back in Konoha. I promised myself that moment that I realised what family meant to me, that I would put every inch of myself into the mouth of danger if it meant I could keep my family safe. Today, over a decade later, seeing how every single one of you accepted us into the village and helped us in any way you could, you all have earned that place in my heart. You are all my family. I will swear an oath on this position that I will do everything in my power to protect and guide all of you. I promise to lead Uzushiogakure such that it could reach its former glory and even surpass it."

The citizens cheered even louder. After some time, everyone separated to go in their own direction to finish their day's work before attending the celebration held that evening.

Naruto also entered her home with Eiko and her three children. She let the two of her kids go and finish their academic work for the day while the third went to help with the celebration arrangements with Amida and his team. Naruto and Eiko, on the other hand, went into Naruto's new office as they now had some urgent matters to take care of.

Once they entered the office, Naruto and Eiko once again checked the contents of all the scrolls they had written and Naruto had signed in the last few days. It was the announcement letter about the return of Uzushiogakure and its new Kage. It also stated that the villages and the citizens who were in hiding were willing to, all the previous Uzushio citizens and their descendants along with any other people were welcome to join Uzushio anytime. Some even proposed a possible alliance with Uzu; but this was only to the villages who's Kage or ruler that Naruto knew personally. It also mentioned the new form alliance between Uzushiogakure and Nami no Kuni.

After checking every single of the scrolls personally, they sent it over to each of the other villages - major and minor, shinobi and civilian ones, and the Daimyōs of all the nations. They took it over to the aviary to send them via messenger eagles. She also added an extra scroll to Konoha requesting the release of Sasuke Uchiha as he was now a citizen of Uzushiogakure.

Later that evening, the citizens had once again assembled in the memorial. This time to remember and share the stories of the old Uzushio and celebrate the new beginnings.

~~Flashback End~~

Naruto looked out of the window, at the sky. "The message of Uzushio's return must have been delivered to all the villages and Daimyos by now", she mumbled before going back to work.

As Sasuke say, "Hn".

So, what did you think? Naruto was kind of an obvious choice. But do let me know of you opinion.

Also, did you like the chapter as a whole? Do let me know!

Also, you are welcome to comment or PM me!

'Til next time, "Ja ne!"