Hey guys and girls!

Here's another chapter in Konoha.

As usual, the disclaimer... I'm don't any of the characters, they belong to Masashi Kishimoto; just this single plot going on is from my imagination.

Now, back to the chapter.

Chapter 23: The News

Konohagakure no Sato, the present time

All the current occupants in the room finally could be seen wearing a smile on their faces. Even Kakashi's half-face had a glint in the eyes.

"Just today morning, I received a scroll from the Uzukage with the request for their citizens, Sasuke Uchiha and Iruka Umino along with a safe protected journey provided with a personnel of their choice", announced Tsunade.

"But Tsunade-sama, there is no Uzukage", said Ino.

"Actually there is one now. A newly elected Uzukage was announced yesterday. Along with this, Uzushiogakure is now an official Shinobi Village recognised by all. So requesting for its citizens is a right they have", replied Tsunade.

"Mendokusē. So, that means the people in this room before us, were all previous citizens of Uzushiogakure", stated Shikamaru.

"Yes", spoke the Godaime, "they were all either citizens or families of those citizens. I gave the news about the return of Uzu and a choice on what they want to do since they were all still considered refugees or families of refugees. The only once I cannot offer this to are those who have entered into the Jōnin or Tokubetsu Jōnin or ANBU rank holders as they hold secrets of this village."

"Aren't the Ichiraku's from Konoha. From what I know, even Tuechi-san's father used to make ramen there", said Choji.

Tsunade chuckled at Choi's knowledge when it was related to food and the people who made them. "Yes Choji, they are from Konoha itself. But Tuechi's wife, Yosuko was from Uzushio. She was actually a konoichi there but retired once she came for shelter here after the attack on Uzushio", she answered.

There was a pregnant pause in the room before Sasuke spoke. "Hn. When can we leave, Hokage-sama?"

Tsunade let out a sigh. "I'll have the papers and documents ready. Iruka has been informed and is already packing. You eleven," she looked at the Rookie group, "you'll be accompanying Sasuke and Iruka to Nami no Kuni, tomorrow at eight in the morning. From there, a person that Sakura and Sasuke know, Inari Senshi, will be guiding you all to Uzushiogakure".

"Inari, huh? It's been some time since we last saw him", mumbled Sakura. "So Uzushio is near Nami no Kuni? So close to Konoha", said Sakura.

"Yes. It comes just off the coast of Hi no Kuni. The closest route is via Nami no Kuni", replied Tsunade. "A letter has also been sent to the people in Nami to help with transportation. So you'll just have to go over to their place."

The group nodded. But the remaining three Genin looked upset. "Hokage-sama, could we also go with them? It's been so long since we met Konohamaru", spoke Meogi.

"Unfortunately, I cannot send Genin on S rank mission of escorting a ninja from the bingo book and another Chūnin. But I'll see if anything can be done", replied Tsunade honestly. "Now, I think it is best if you all go and pack for a few weeks as you will also be helping around Uzushio as a mission. Neji, you will be the captain. Now, you may leave. Neji, Shikamaru, Kakashi, stay for a minute."

Once the others, including Shizune, cleared out of the office and headed to pack, the remaining three Jōnin waiting for the Godaime to continue.

"Shikamaru, you'll be going to Uzushio with them tomorrow, but your mission is different. I'll be handing over the alliance contracts to you now. I want you and the Uzukage to come to appropriate terms and finalising an alliance with Uzushiogakure." Stated Tsunade. "Neji, I wanted you to be informed of this matter so that it doesn't cause any issue on your journey."

Both nodded and understood the situation and its severity as mission leaders. Tsunade then pulled out a scroll and wrote down the contract and then handed it over to Shikamaru. "You both can leave now." "Hai", replied both and left.

Now, with just Kakashi, Tsunade spoke once again. "I know you wanted to go to stay in Uzu, but you know that I cannot do so." Kakashi nodded in understanding. "But once the alliance goes through, I can figure something as a bargain. I'll still be sending you over with the others who are moving back to Uzushio along with the rest of the group. You can stay than for a few days and be back."

"Hai, Hokage-sama, I understand. Arigato", replied Kakashi.

"In the meantime, I wanted to offer you a chance to become an ambassador between the two villages once the alliance is fixed", said Tsunade.

"Hokage-sama, if I may, is Naruto the Uzukage? I'm assuming so since you seem to be sure that the alliance will happen", stated Kakashi.

Tsunade laughed out loud. "Smart and observant as ever, I see, Kakashi. Yes, that Gaki became the Uzukage. We can surely see Uzu becoming a major village in the near future".

Kakashi had to agree. He knew Naruto would be a wonderful Kage and now, after the war, everyone already treated her as a hero. Uzu would get a lot of help and alliance offers.

"You left that information out of purpose. Guess they are all in for a shock", said Kakashi. Tsunade just nodded and continued to laugh.

Both were, indeed, very happy and proud of the person Naruto had become. She truly was a diamond coming out of the stone.

So, what do you think?

How are these chapters and the plot coming along? Liking it? What do you think will happen next?

Also, thank you all for the follows, fav and support! Do review and let me know how you feel about the story!

Until next chapter, Ja ne!