Hey!

Back again with the next chapter.

One minute. Before the chapter, I wanted to inform all of you something. Way back in chapter 2, I made a small change in the storyline. Nothing much of huge significance over here. But it might have caused an error in the plot later on. So I made it. You can go back and give it a look.

Now, we can get back to this chapter. So this chapter is dedicated to Amaterasu53. Here you go! Hope you enjoy for the long wait!

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

Yup, here's the chapter...

Chapter 26: Meeting the Uzukage

Uzushiogakure no Sato

Everyone's head snapped in the direction of the voice. A familiar blonde stood in traditional Shinobi gear. The gear had three clan symbols - Uzumaki, Namikaze and Uchiha. She had grown out her hair till shoulder length and had her radiant smile on.

Iruka was the first to recover. He rushed to her and hugged her tight. "'Ruka-nī, can't breath!", said Naruto. "I missed you too Ruka-nī", she continued once Iruka reduced his death grip.

Soon after, she was being hugged or given a slap on the back by almost everyone. Even Akamaru gave her a push to the ground and gave her a huge lick on her face. After being hugged by her Otōto, Inari as well, she looked up at the remaining member, her Aniki. She had an eye twinkling smile and said, "It's good to see you back Sasuke-nī". Then she turned to face everyone and spoke.

"Let's continue this conversation later. Let's first get going to the Uzukage's office". Everyone seemed to have forgotten about that but Naruto didn't wait for their response. Instead, she started her way back towards the mansion. Eiko soon joined her. The others followed.

"All of you took your time, I see, Naru-chan", started Eiko in a teasing manner. Naruto gave a soft chuckle. "Not fair, Eiko. You know how much time it takes. Also, I told you to stop called me that ages ago", she complained. Eiko just chuckled. "Anyway, you gave them good company till I came in", replied Naruto turning her attention back to the presence of others. "Now we just have to get over with the formalities and stuff", she groaned. Eiko laughed and patted her head. "Good luck with that".

The rest were just spectators. They could see how close the two were. On their way back, they saw a lot more people heading in the direction of the cemetery. They once again bowed and greeting Eiko and this time, even Naruto.

Soon, they entered the Uzukage's office reception and entered the office. Again they group saw the office empty and were disappointed that they'd have to wait.

"Aw, man! The Uzukage is still not here", whined Kiba. Akamaru whipped in agreement. A few others nodded in agreement.

"Uh, guys?"', spoke Naruto. The group turned their eyes back to her. Inari wore a wicked grin with mischief. Eiko tried to hide hers behind a bored look. Naruto rubbed the back of her neck. "The Uzukage is in the room".

A few came to the realisation quickly about what she just said and their jaws dropped. It made sense now. But the rest looked confused.

"What do you mean?", asked a very confused Kiba. Ino hit the back of his head and screamed, "You dumb-ass, she said the Uzukage is in this room. So who else is in this room other than those of us who arrived today and Fujii-sama here".

That's when it hit the rest. Naruto. Naruto had become the Shodaime Uzukage.

"That's such a YOUTHFUL achievement, Naruto-chan, I mean, Naruto-sama. I will do a thousand laps around this village for your accomplishments", spoke Lee. This time he was Tenten's target. "I'm really sorry Uzukage-sama. Lee, here, still needs to remember how to address a Kage", she added.

"But - But how?", spoke Kiba. "I- I mean,…" Kiba seemed to have been tongue-tied and stuttered worse than Hinata.

"Uh- guys? I'm still the same Naruto I was two months back, dattebayo. You don't have to address me so formally when we are alone", spoke an embarrassed Naruto.

Now Inari and Eiko couldn't hold on any longer. Both burst out laughing. Eiko was holding her stomach while Inari rolled on the floor. "Kami! This is just so funny! Their expressions realising Nē-chan was the …." Inari's sentence drowned under the laughter. "Yeah! Good going Hokage-sama", added Eiko. Inari looked up at them from the floor. "When Kaa-san realised that you were not informed about who the Uzukage was, she sent over a message to both Ojī-san and me. I sent a messenger eagle ahead to Nē-chan and the others. We wanted to see how long it would take and how you'd all react. You guys gave us the most entertainment we have had in quite sometime". Both continued to laugh.

Naruto looked even more embarrassed but still joined them for some laughter. "Sorry guys. But I have to admit, it was kind of fun, dattebayo".

After another minute, she spoke again. "Anyways, we better get these formalities of your stay completed along with Ruka-nī and Susuke-nī's citizenship. I'd rather not postpone this for later and it won't take you all much time as well". Then she picked out a few forms from on of her desk's drawers. "I hope you have the scrolls and documents, bā-chan gave. Unless, she forgot; then, unfortunately, I'll have to erase your memories and send you all back by tomorrow morning", she said in a warning tone.

They could see the Kage side of her now. Neji and Iruka immediately removed the scrolls and documents and handed them over. Naruto gave them the forms she had taken out. "Could you all fill this now itself and hand over? It takes a few minutes only. I'll finish the other details by then", she said.

The others nodded and started to fill the form. Inari and Eiko seemed to have finally gotten the composure. "I'll be in my room, nē-chan", said Inari and left as soon as Naruto nodded. Eiko just helped Naruto do some work with the scrolls and documents that had been handed to them.

Soon, everyone had finished filling the forms and handed them to Naruto and Eiko. They waited while Naruto and Eiko wrote something in each form and put a stamp. Then, Eiko took all the forms and scrolls and went outside, probably to file them.

"Mundokusē. Where will we be staying, Naruto? Is there some hotel around here?", asked Shikamaru.

"Actually, we don't have any hotels as of now. Plus, in Uzu, we keep the system of helping one and all. You all will be staying with me", she replied.

"But Naruto, we don't want to be bothering you. Plus, there are thirteen of us. It would become too congested for you to take all of us in for so long", said Sakura.

"That won't be an issue. In fact, you'll be most comfortable with me", added Naruto.

"Mendokusē, you live here don't you. That's why you can have all of us in your house", analysed Shikamaru.

"Yeah. Come on, I'm done for the day and it's almost time for dinner", said Naruto as she closed for the day.

She bid farewell to Eiko at the reception outside. They left the office and soon neared the main entrance of the mansion. Naruto opened the door and walked in and signalled them to join in. They entered into the Genkan area and removed their footwear.

Naruto entered the main portion of the out and called out loud, "Tadaime!". Immediately a pair of footsteps could be heard coming from one of the rooms nearby. By the time everyone had entered the living area, the footsteps were closer.

Within a second, a tiny blonde blur jumped on to Naruto. "Okaerinasai, Kaa-chan"

Awe! I did stop at the cute part. Unfortunately, you'll have to wait till the next chapter for it.

Until then, what did you all think of this one? Did it stand up to your expectation? Was it worth the wait? Do let me know in the comments or by DM'ing me.

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

That's all for now. But please do let me know about my note. 'Til next time... Ja ne!