Well. The chapter nine got a warm welcome. So I decided to work on this early. Hopefully it will also be posted early.
Reviews. Normally if you have an opinion on this story that doesn't sit well with me. I send a pm. But on the cases that someone leaves a review I think people will have mutual thoughts on, I leave a review reply like this.
Thor94: I honestly don't know how to reply you. I don't know whether you prefer the loud mouth orange wearing Naruto to the one I have designed. But. I still say his emotions are completely irrelevant. I don't mean to sound like Danzou though. I'd rather he be cold and heartless and to the point when facing his enemies and potential threats to the village than he being a fun loving optimist. This is what I think a Kage is and should be.
Well that's all. On with the story.
Enjoy!
Chapter Ten
Chapter Ten
The Revelations
"Fear me!"
His voice resonated with power and held every iota of authority the title 'Hokage' bestowed upon a person. Kimimaro indeed began to fear his opponent, the heat rolling off of his body, much more so the menacing scythe he held. He held no doubt that if he didn't submit like the eyes of his opponent commanded him to, he wouldn't even be a pile of ashes. He swallowed hard on the lump that had unknowingly formed in his throat. As it went down another formed.
He held his ground. He was going to die anyway. Why not against someone as powerful as his master. He took a stance and palmed his bone sword.
His opponent seeing this, sent out his final waning.
A gust of something that could only described as sweltering heat washed over him, eating at his bone sword and peeling the skin off his muscles.
It was over. He no longer had a chance against this man. He let his head drop in resignation. This was the extent of his pride. Just as he was about to resign to his fate and make one last suicidal attack, someone entered the clearing.
"Naruto…"
"Naruto-kun!"
Turning is back to his enemy at the sound of his name, he smiled at the two people who had just entered the clearing. "Didn't think I'd be seeing you so soon, Gaara. I've missed you, Lee, It's good that you are well"
Tears dramatically welled up in his eyes at the sight of his most youthful friend. "Naruto-kun!"
Naruto only smiled. But shook his head as he remembered the annoyance behind him. "Our reunion will have to wait until we're all safely back in the village, until then I leave you two to this guy, Kimimaro is his name, don't underestimate him. I could kill him now and save you the stress. But where I'm going…you don't need to follow" The lasts words were more of a depressed mutter.
"Neko, let's go." He gave a firm nod of acknowledgement to his friends. Then left them in the presence of their weakened opponent.
Kimimaro rose to his feet and brandished his bone swords. Pointing one at the combat ready duo he spoke "I may not be able to kill you two and live, but knowing that, I can assure your deaths at the cost of my own life. Your Kage made a fatal mistake entrusting you to me, one he will soon regret. COME!"
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
With a loud boom, Naruto made his way through the concrete wall and into the sky. With Gaara quickly following behind him he let go of the red chakra shrouding him and Temari, quickly grabbing her by the hand and flinging her towards Gaara before landing on Gaara's stage.
"I've given you Temari. Let's not fight" He held his open hands in front of him to show lack of malice.
Gaara slowly set the cushioned Temari on the sand then faced his first friend. "Naruto…I understand your position influences your actions, and that your actions represents Konoha's standing. If you are weak then Konoha in extension is weak. If you are soft then Konoha is soft. I understand all this. I had a father for a Kage after all. And I aim for the position myself. But as friends in opposing corners…we should compromise."
Naruto nodded in agreement a slight smile appearing on his visage. "Let's do that then. As the future Kazekage. What are you willing to give me to compensate your predecessor's mistake, Gaara of the Sand?"
"The Sand will forfeit a quarter of its land as you demand. But it will not be officially Konoha property until the next Chuunin Exams"
Looking confused Naruto began to voice his question "And why is that?"
Gaara smirked wickedly. "Because I guarantee our Genin will win it back in the next Chuunin exams hosted by the Sand and the Leaf. The second phase of the exam will be a territory battle. Of course other villages will not be partaking of this bet. If the number of Sand Genin are lower than that of the Leaf Genin after the second phase, then the Leaf wins the quarter of land from the sand no questions asked. If it's the other way around…we keep our land are forgiven by the Hokage. How's that?"
At this point Naruto had sat on the sand to think if it was a fair enough deal. Opening his eyes he smiled "What are you going to do if the number is equal? What happens then?"
Gaara smiled happily. "Then we take it up from Genin to Kage. You and I will play the territory battle and whoever loses will determine the outcome."
Naruto laughed heartily and jumped to his feet. "That gives us a lot of time to prepare doesn't it? The next co-hosting is going to be in two years' time right?"
He walked towards Gaara with a grin on his face and a hand stretched out. Gaara took his outstretched hand putting it in a strong handshake.
The deal was made.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Naruto and his one remaining Anbu, Neko, gingerly approached the final valley, their target was in their sights.
There Uchiha Sasuke stood, unfazed by their presence, beside him was one of Konoha's greatest threats, Orochimaru. Naruto's blood boiled at the sight of the scaly man. He remembered his promise to the man and smiled. 'Time to fulfill that promise'
"Hold on to that thought, Naruto-kun" Orochimaru smirked knowingly at him. His smile irritated the hair on his skin "I'm not here to fight…maybe another time perhaps. For now, I'm here to pick up my property as you can see, then I'll be on my way"
Orochimaru made a move to leave but Neko voiced her thoughts on the matter "Hold it right there you slippery eel! Uchiha Sasuke is Konoha property by the Land of Fire law! Hand him over and bring yourself in for execution while you're at it"
Orochimaru did indeed stop in his tracks. He looked at her over his shoulder and turned his eyes to face Naruto who was just smiling. The snake-summoner could only shake his head at the obvious taunt. "I'll take a pass on the offer"
Naruto stepped forward and looked Orochimaru in the eye. "You can come back to die another time but…I'll need to take Sasuke back"
"And who says I'm willing to come?" This time it was Sasuke's turn to speak. But even at his words Naruto's eyes didn't leave Orochimaru's. "You have no say in the matter, Genin Uchiha Sasuke"
Sasuke had had it with Naruto ignoring him. With a raged scream his technique flared to life in his hands. He began his mad dash towards Naruto-who was still locked in a staring contest with Orochimaru- Chidori first. Then Neko simply shoved his assassination technique into the ground neutralizing it and bringing up dirt, dirt that Orochimaru used to escape Naruto's sight.
Reacting immediately Naruto swiftly unsealed his scythe and blocked a strike from the snake summoner's blade "Kukukukuku…See you later Naruto-kun" the taunting smile on his face frustrated Naruto to no end, with a burst of chakra he set the clone ablaze.
Orochimaru had escaped. But not with Sasuke.
Naruto turned to face the struggling Genin. Neko currently had him pinned down. Naruto's face held a strong burden, he crouched down and looked Sasuke in the eye "Orochimaru will be back for you…you might even give your new warden trouble, I can sense you're stronger. I should kill you, it's well within my power. But I made a promise…to keep you safe"
Sasuke grunted and screamed his three tomoe'd Sharingan spinning madly "Why would you want me safe?! Huh? Because we are friends? Is that it?" Naruto could only shed a tear at the rage filled monster his friend had become. He shook his head clear of the thought of letting him free to chase Orochimaru
Naruto shoved his hand in his pockets and sighed, looking to the sunrise. "Well, because we were friends. And because…you are a precious person to me and…a recent friend of mine" Naruto smiled at Sasuke wistfully "So come back to us…before it's too late" And with a poke to his forehead Sasuke went to sleep.
Standing to his full height he glanced at Neko. "Take him home, I'll be right behind you"
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Naruto calmly walked behind the statue of Uchiha Madara, he looked up to his left ear and called out to the person behind it. Said person soon revealed himself.
"You've gotten better at sensing me, Naruto-kun" Naruto could only glare at the person "I thought I told you not to show yourself unless Akatsuki was making a move…are they? Itachi"
Jumping from the statue of his ancestor he landed in kneeling position, in front of Naruto "Forgive me Hokage-sama, but the news of my brother's escape reached me, I was anxious to unsure his safety"
Naruto's glare faded into a small scowl of annoyance. Seeing someone like Itachi kneel to him and address him so formally never failed to put him off "I told you when we met that I would take care of Sasuke. I didn't let Orochimaru take him and I didn't kill him either, couldn't kill him if I wanted, damn laws" The last part said off as a murmur.
"I know but…" Itachi couldn't finish his sentence because what he was going to say was perfectly obvious to Naruto
"I get where you are coming from. So…I'll forgive you if you have any new information on the Akatsuki for me. How's that?" Naruto smile softly, awaiting new Intel. But his patience was met with silence. "Seriously?" He could only sigh at Itachi's behavior. "Well whatever. I'm going back to Konoha sort things out with Tsunade and the rest of that hell spawned Shinobi council. Do what you want, don't get seen. And as usual send any new Intel to me via hawk unless…you must deliver it in person. Later"
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Naruto strutted into his open office. They hadn't thought to close the doors it seems. Koharu, Homura, Danzou, Tsunade, Jiraiya and Neko were all present at his arrival.
Tsunade stood up from his seat and the elders turned to look at him, Jiraiya just wrote in his book. "Naruto! You're back!" Tsunade was the happiest to see him Koharu donned a small smile and Danzou held his scowl firm.
"Why didn't you kill Orochimaru…Hokage-sama? Do you wish for a repeat of your predecessor's mistake?" Danzou immediately took control of the conversation that was to ensue. Naruto knows exactly what he seeks…His hat. The book the Third left was sure to say that much.
"Now is not the time to discuss why I did not chase after Orochimaru. But, I think it should be obvious enough that chasing after a criminal and leaving a major asset to Konoha behind would not be the most fruitful decision concerning Konoha's strength." He walked past Tsunade and took his seat. The place reeked of alcohol.
"Then what should we be discussing with a half-trained Hokage such as yourself?" Danzou, again made a jab at him. The words he spoke were indeed true. He was only Half way to becoming a truly fearsome person. But that would have to wait. He had plenty of time. His power, hopefully will not be tested until two more years.
Naruto crossed his fingers together in front of his chin and relaxed into his chair "We should be discussing…speeding up the Uchiha clan's restoration and what to do about Sasuke's betrayal. He needs to be kept alive but at the same time…punished for his treason"
Their collective eyes widened and Jiraiya jumped to his feet "Naruto…the way you say that…don't tell me…" Danzou soon caught on to what Jiraiya was saying and his scowl deepened
"Yes, I am going to take charge of Konoha from now until further notice. Tsunade messed up…big time."
Danzou stepped forward, his cane tapping loudly on the floor boards "Hold up right there. You are in no position to give orders or decide to take control of Konoha yet." Naruto gave the sneering man a blank look and looked to Koharu for explanation.
The old woman sighed and went through a lengthy explanation, arbitrarily telling him that though the Daimyo chose the next Kage, every village has a council made up of the highest ranking officials besides the Kage themselves that can overrule the Daimyo's decision. They are called the Jounin council. It was a system set in place to avoid manipulations.
"You have to be evaluated by the council, if you pass, you get to be the Hokage, permanently, until you die or retire. If you don't pass, you go back to being a Genin and live your life like a normal Shinobi"
Naruto hummed in thought. It seemed like they all knew about this. He glanced towards Jiraiya and lifted an eyebrow, as if asking why he hadn't be notified of this. The man only smiled sheepishly.
"I'm guessing the Kage's council is the highest rank apart from Hokage, followed by the Sannin, their rank being in a league of its own and then the Anbu commander along with all Anbu squad captains, then the Jounin commander. I won't include the head of clans because they are just that. Have I missed anything?"
"No"
"Then summon them, now"
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Atop the Hokage Monument, Naruto stood in front of Shikaku Nara the Jounin commander, Tsunade of the Sannin, Jiraiya of the Sannin, Koharu, Homura, Danzou, Aisaka Kozuki, second female Anbu commander in Konoha history and behind her were the only available Anbu squad captains she commands.
Kozuki looked around and sighed. "Jounin council time huh" her hand on her hip she scoffed "Why do I have to be dragged into these things?"
"You could always retire and give me the position Kozuki-sama" a cheeky voice resolved her lamentations
"Shut up Izaya, Lord Danzou is about to speak"
Danzou stepped forward and introduced Naruto as the one the daimyo had chosen. "Regardless, the final decision is left with us. I know my vote"
Kozuki narrowed her eyes at Naruto, their eyes met and his face remained blank. Devoid of emotion. She looked away. "How do you want us to cast a vote in that black box if we have no clue of what Uzumaki-san is capable of? So far all the Anbu that accompanied him on his trip say is that he's a quick learner and a good leader. What I…what we want to know is… Is he capable of protecting Konoha?"
The crowd of Anbu nodded and murmured I agreement with what had been said. Naruto narrowed his eyes and sighed. The Anbu made the majority of the Jounin council, he was fairly certain he had Tsunade, Jiraiya and Koharu's votes. Depending on Homura and Shikaku's votes was risky. He had to get the Anbu to side with him. But from what he'd read in the third's book, He was sure Danzou had at least a minimum of ten root agents in the forty-one Anbu operatives standing before him. If he didn't act quickly...he would be thrown out of the office he never really got to have
Naruto got out of his musings long enough to find Jiraiya speaking "I can safely assure you all. Uzumaki Naruto is perfectly capable of protecting Konoha, I have no doubt in this" His words were fierce and held the value of a Sannin. But Danzou knew that.
"And yet he hasn't expended the time lapse for his training before deciding to take the hat and lead us. He is no prodigy that can in within six months of training take the position of Kage. Had you thoroughly trained him in the time given Jiraiya, I would not oppose. Haste makes waste. Do not waste our village's hard work on the misguided faith that the child of Namikaze can instill the fear THE Namikaze did in our enemy's hearts"
Again Danzou had control of the discussion. Give it to him long enough and Naruto would not have a reason to stand there.
Jiraiya had become agitated "Jiraiya-sensei. Stop" It was his time to have a say in this little debate.
"I may not have the experience. But I can get it. I may not have them cowering in their boots but I can make them and I may not have your respect but I can and will force it out of you. I am not my father, but I am my father's son" He flicked his wrists and his scythe came to exist. Everyone visibly tensed "My only achievement in the face of Konoha is single-handedly defeating the One-tailed beast and putting an end to the rampage that would have not only opened old wounds but also give Konoha nightmares for years to come…of course, that is assuming it survived the war that would ensue over its land"
He narrowed his eyes at Danzou, using every mental and word skill the Third's book, Koharu and Itachi had taught him. The probability of Konoha being destroyed after the invasion was low and even if he didn't defeat the One-tail and woken Gaara, he could see six people that could. But using a Shinobi's paranoia against him, he could convince anyone of those events taking place.
He strengthened his grip on his scythe "And that's why. I'm going to fight you…Aisaka-san" the murmurs and words of outrage ensued.
"Naruto?! What are you doing?" Jiraiya held his shoulder, holding him back.
He gestured at Danzou with his scythe "If I challenge one of the Sannin, they would lose and you'll say they were being biased and if I challenge you, you'll lose and say you went easy on the child" Danzou visibly flinched. "You dare say I'd lose?!"
Naruto continued on, unconcerned "So I challenge the next best thing. The Anbu commander is certainly strong. It's only fair I fight someone I have no ties with and is equally strong enough for the Kage position." He smiled beneath his scarf "Neko-chan has told me a lot about you, Aisaka-san" his voice shifted from dead serious to juvenile surprisingly fast. "She admires you very much. And thus I expect to see what makes you so great in her eyes. Here I come!"
With a burst of chakra he pushed Jiraiya back. The rest of the people around actively made way for the oncoming battle.
With another burst Naruto broke all the seals restraining his chakra to Jounin level. His chakra skyrocketing to that of Tailed beast. He glare at her, fully intent on taking her down from the start. "Anbu! Do not be cowards. If you share the same sentiment as you commander come and fight me together, but be warned, this won't be a battle"
Said Anbu looked between each other and twenty stepped forward. At this Kozuki had to speak "Wait! I haven't even agreed to this! And between the twenty of us even Jiraiya-sama would be hard-pressed to face us!"
Naruto's voice deepened and he chuckled darkly "Jiraiya-sama isn't running for Hokage" with that, his scythe was lit aflame.
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
A great wind had risen from Naruto and pushed against his them. Shuriken and Kunai rendered useless, fire style techniques extinguished or used against them. All while he bombarded them with fire style techniques that were greatly enhanced by the wind and strokes of fire that were released from his scythe. He did all this while taunting them. Every attack was met. Water dragon was met with the maw of a blazing fire fox, earth techniques were melted away by the whitest fire, lightning didn't even reach its target, no one had chakra enough to power a wind jutsu strong enough to break his either. They were being taken out without him moving from his place. It hurt her pride.
So far they had lost seven people. The wind pushing them back would randomly sharpen and skewer many. Kozuki groaned, in ten years of her position as commander, she'd never felt so beaten. Time to change that.
"Izaya!" She pointed toward Naruto "Water dragon, don't question me! Ryuuji, Akane." She made some hand signals and they nodded in understanding "Izaya! Now!"
"Suiton: Suiryuudan no Jutsu! (Water style: Water dragon jutsu)"
Not a moment later the technique was called out that it was parried
"Uzumaki-Katon: Kitsune no nodo! (Uzumaki fire style: Fox's maw)"
The fox's maw chewed out and vaporized the water dragon. Steam rose up and Naruto had already begun to unleash his follow up attack. Multiple wind coated kunai and shuriken pierced the steam, cutting through anyone unfortunate enough to be caught.
Kozuki and her group had already steered clear of the bombardment though. She was right behind him
"Doton: Doryuu Taiga (Earth Release: Earth Flow River)!"
With Naruto trapped in Kozuki's mud flow technique Akane followed her example
"Furyuuchou Ken ( Flowing Wind Fist )!" Thrusting out her fist and releasing the pressurized wind chakra, Akane sent Naruto's body flying.
"Gouryuuka no Jutsu (Great Dragon Fire Technique)!" Ryuuji declared fiercely spitting out the Dragon towards the descending Uzumaki, landing a solid hit and resulting in an explosion.
The remaining Anbu gathered around Kozuki, Ryuuji and Akane. Asking if they went a bit overboard. Kozuki answered "If he managed to take out fifteen of us without moving from his position…this is too kind" She sneered. "Izaya, go check if he's alive"
"No need" The dust had settled and Naruto was revealed. His scarf torn and a little blood dripping from his cheek, otherwise he was unharmed.
The Anbu instinctively took a step back
"Surely this isn't all you have…the team work was spectacular, would have killed anyone else. But I expected more from you Kozuki, after all Neko's praise. I actively took out other Anbu while avoiding damaging you, seems like I wasted my time, I should have just incinerated you all"
Kozuki let out a snarl "You bastard!" She ran forward sword in hand. But she and her cohorts were suddenly thrust into the ground.
"No more of that. You ruined my scarf so I'm certain you can do better" she looked up and saw Naruto's fingers directed to the ground
"H-how?"
"I created a technique that allows me to control the air in the space my chakra has saturated, that's how I came out fairly unscathed from your combo. Its chakra intensive and takes time to prepare. That's why I constantly threw wind chakra at you from the beginning, to saturate the air with my chakra. This is an S-rank offensive and defensive technique according to Jiraiya. I haven't named it yet, just like I haven't named my other S-rank fire technique" he smiled happily "I hope I've won you all over with this"
Naruto turned over and walked towards the black box. "Cast your votes away!"
Danzou groaned
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Needless to say, Naruto was officially the Godaime. He'd gotten a change of clothes and got back to the office. Jiraiya was already there though. He looked visibly upset
Naruto only lifted an eyebrow at that. "Here to congratulate me?"
"Congratulations" The man had said it so flatly Naruto flinched.
"I'm sorry I didn't tell you I planned to use it." His head held down Naruto formally bowed and apologized to Jiraiya.
"Naruto, that's technique left you with chakra exhaustion, crushed your ribs and your arms, it also leveled the entire surrounding area, and that was the first time you used it, it was also the last to my knowledge." He glowered down at Naruto "How many other times have you used it to master it to this level? How many times did you get hurt?!"
Naruto still had his head bowed down. He had promised not to try the technique again, but it just had too much potential to drop. For some reason, clones couldn't perform, he speculated it was because their bodies weren't strong enough to handle that amount of chakra being poured out from their pores. And so he had to take some risks. Even now the technique still inflicted injury on him. Thus, his dislocated shoulder, broken femur and ribs.
"But it works now with minimal risk. No technique is without risk really. Given time I will perfect it." Naruto straighten up and took his seat. Not a moment later, the elders entered.
"Impressive technique Uzumaki-san, the possible applications for such a technique is…unbelievable. We should begin training our soldiers how to do it" For once the man spoke with something other than discontent in his voice. Admiration.
"That won't happen, do you want to make potential S-rank missing-nin of all Konoha Shinobi?!"
"We have loyal soldiers in Konoha too Jiraiya, don't undermine us all"
Naruto interrupted before Jiraiya could fire his comeback "Regardless of what loyal soldiers we have, I won't be teaching this technique to anyone. It would kill any other person. We are here to discuss Uchiha Sasuke and The Sand village. Before that though. I want to make some things clear. I'm taking seat today, I will be inaugurated again tomorrow as Uzumaki Naruto spread the word anyhow." He faced Danzou squarely and glared "And Danzou…I do not appreciate secrets, I want a list of all your root operatives, I want a list of their deeds, abilities, everything about who they are before and after you brainwashed them, they will all be reexamined by a Yamanaka and incorporated into Konoha forces, all forms of seals will be destroyed too. If you resist I will kill you where you stand"
The room was filled with silence. Danzou was visibly shaking. Jiraiya was also visibly shocked but for different reasons. How can a normal conversation change pace so quickly!
Danzou soon gathered his wits and replied affirmative, looking for a place to sit and consider he made for the door.
"You aren't dismissed, Danzou…" He was stopped cold in his tracks. "I'm not the third. The only reason the third couldn't deal with you was because of root and he couldn't take away root because he feared internal conflict higher than the one he already had. But I have taken away root and you can't fight back, but that doesn't mean I don't need you here" Naruto walked up to him and smiled kindly, he held no hostility or mockery. Just a true smile.
"Be the old man you are and help me lead this village, Danzou" Naruto gave him a seat and for once, Danzou smiled. Koharu and Homura sat right beside him too, looks of relief and bewilderment on their faces.
"Yes. Now back to business. Starting with. Uchiha Sasuke"
The room went silent as they contemplated what to do with the young Uchiha. He was a delicate person to handle, Orochimaru stood behind him and so did Itachi. Killing him would anger them both. Naruto highly doubted his survival in a battle with those two, even one was enough to keep him on his toes. Jiraiya had never truly been serious with him. Even when he went all out, the man restrained from using his final trump card. The one no doubt every Sannin had. If Jiraiya thought his final play was too much for him, then it was undeniable that Orochimaru was still a league ahead and so was Itachi.
"We cannot touch the Uchiha because of the deal the third made and we also don't need Orochimaru hounding us"
"That is true Danzou. So what do you propose?" Danzou looked up to Naruto and then to the rest of the occupants of the room
"At this point we have no choice but to keep him alive until we are certain that he is ready for sexual activity. We can hope he goes on to reproduce on his own without much fuss. If not we enact the clan restoration act on him. By law we have right to restore his clan through any means necessary."
Koharu then pitched in her two cents "The same goes for you Hokage-sama. Even you can't avoid this law."
Naruto flushed, hearing Jiraiya giggle in the background and considered the implications. "So I'm force to start a family by what?"
"Force to start a family at the age of sixteen or you can just take multiple willing women if you aren't the commitment type" Jiraiya seemingly being an expert in the subject explained
"That aside. We could avoid all this hassle and hand him over to me for conditioning, he can reject Orochimaru and stay loyal to the village at a command. And even birth the Uchiha clan once more"
"But wouldn't that mean Tsunade-hime is subject to the CRA too?" Jiraiya had no real concern in the subject any longer.
"Jiraiya! Get serious" Koharu admonished. Jiraiya huffed. And Naruto contemplated his decision. Not too long ago he admonished Danzou for his brainwashing. But now that brainwashing could very well save him from worrying when next Orochimaru would come for Sasuke and how much damage he would do before being stopped.
"No, I have a better plan in mind. It solves some of Konoha's problems along the way too." Naruto smiled contentedly behind his scarf. He'd have to take the risk. Despite what he told himself. He still valued Sasuke as a friend and desperately wanted to save him from his path.
Koharu prompted him to go on with what he had to say and he took a big breath "We leave Sasuke in the village. But…we are going to have to reopen the Uchiha clans land. Danzou's extra forces will stay there together with Sasuke, report his actions and protect him. They will also form majority of the shutdown Konoha police force. Its about time we heal our old wounds"
Koharu smiled "An effective use of those forces. It's a brilliant plan."
Naruto scoffed "You act surprised" he grinned at her approval
"Except thrusting the boy into the stage of his clans massacre and forcing him to live there…we would at least have to perform a full remodeling of the place" Jiraiya nodded in agreement with Danzou's statement "If we just throw him in there he'd be even more unstable and rage filled than ever before"
"Sadly that's true and there's nothing we can really do about his state of mind except therapy. And that rarely went smoothly from the records Tetsuya Yamanaka gave me" Naruto sighed "As for the remodeling. I have someone that will come in handy. I'll file out the documents as soon as I get an audit of the last four years"
Danzou frowned "I still say you let me have him and put him through conditioning. Isn't this a bit too much trouble to go through for one Shinobi? Even an Uchiha as he is"
"He isn't just one Shinobi. He is our dilemma. He is also my friend or so I'd like to think. But I'd sooner leave Konoha than let you have Itachi knocking on our doors" That was the end of that discussion. It was decided then what the plan would be. "As for the Konoha police force. I'll have someone send out invitations to it to all clans and inactive Shinobi. It will need as much power behind it as possible"
Naruto straightened up and continued "Now…on to the next agenda. The Sand Village"
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Naruto had concluded his meeting with Jiraiya and the Elders. That took longer than he originally thought. He glanced at the paperwork stacked in front of him and immediately decided to forgo it and head out for the day. He picked up his haori and hat. Then left the building.
Calmly walking the morning streets of Konoha, he received smiles and greetings. They hailed him and children played around him. He realized then, that someone had leaked info of his identity as Hokage and surprisingly the village accepted him. He was sure it must have taken time for them to realize. But with the regular Shinobi he took missions with during his time training acknowledging him and his strength. They must have set the pace for his acceptance.
They called his name. "Good morning, Naruto-sama!" "Welcome back, Naruto-sama!" He felt truly happy, vindicated. He achieved his dream. He let his scarf hang around his neck and set his hat to hang at his back.
"Good morning, Konoha!"
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
He'd eaten at Ichiraku's ramen. They were never happier to see him. Against his wishs Ayame had smothered him in a hug. He celebrated sixteen bowls with them and promised he'd be back.
Now he stood at the door that separated him from the person he wanted to see most. He knocked twice and a voice replied with a 'come in!' He took his first steps in and a small smile found its way to his lips as he found her. She sat crossed legged on a sofa, popcorn in hand as she watched a drama starring the Princess of the Land of snow. He concealed his presence and appeared directly behind her. Right before pulling her into a hug. She jerked in surprise but immediately calmed at his presence.
"I'm home, Sakura"
"Welcome back, Naruto"
XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
AN: And here it is. Chapter ten. I did my best. Hope you follow and Fav.
I dropped some not so subtle hints at you readers. I need a name for Naruto's Jutsus. Comment what would fit the description of the technique in reviews please. Also, Sakura haters…be paitent with me. I honestly planned for Narusaku to be the main pairing for the story, while also having Temari as a political wife. But after watching some Naruto episodes and seeing how well Temari and Shikamaru fit so well in canon…I just couldn't. I apologize. Also if you'd noticed I had all pairings removed in the story description. I still don't know what to do. I certainly don't have the slightest intention of letting Naruto remain with Sakura either. Now all I have in mind is OC or a certain older woman mentioned I this chapter and the last. Points to you if you can guess who.
Also Danzou haters and/or supporters. Not every evil character has to remain evil. Talk no jutsu is not the only way to bring a villain into the light. There's common sense too. Danzou is also the ideal person to use to amplify Naruto's position as Hokage.
Hope I did better on the fight scene than on the last. I read the previous chapter's fight scene and cringed. Beta… ;-;
Let me know your thoughts on what I did with Sasuke too.
I have only one excuse for my lateness though…college -_-
Its very hard putting up with college and typing this. I've been here since January and will still be here by June.
Anyway. I'm actively looking for a beta so anyone can volunteer or direct me to one or one to me in reviews or PM.
Genocideshinobi~