AN: It's a double update today guys. I finally finished my first year in college and have time once again for my hobbies. Expect new chapters earlier.
Chapter 12 is a bit confusing and might as well trigger some peeps. But that's okai. Its all part of the story. In this chapter we are going meet Mei Terumi for the first time and see what she's about. I'm not sure how to handle her character, most fanfics I've read portray her as a massive flirt. I want to try and make this as serious and dire as possible because that is how it really is. With your help I plan to make adjustments to how Naruto relates with anyone and everyone. Please review.
Chapter 13
The Commemoration
Not long after he had sent Shikamaru on his way, Naruto stood in front of the academy idly thinking of what had just happened. He knew what had happened but still asked himself the question. This is for the best anyway. He closed his eyes and opened them once more, gone was the miserable look from them, replaced by resolve and determination. "Hiyori, come out. I know you're there" As he spoke Hiyori peeked out behind the large gates. Her head admiring the ground "Sorry, Lord Danzou told me to come get you, I didn't mean to eavesdrop"
Naruto looked like he couldn't care any less than Danzou would "But you did, didn't you?" Her silence was his only reply "Lets go get some work done then" he said waving her over. She quickly rushed towards him and walked a step behind him. "We are going to look over that woman's letter again. She'll be arriving tomorrow." Hiyori looked positively confused, if her tilted head and raised eyebrow was any indication "The rebel from Kirigakure…" Naruto clarified
Her eyes widened and she let out an enlightened oh "Though. She said she was the Godaime Mizukage. Shouldn't you watch the way you address her, even with me?" She questioned as she opened the office door and let Naruto in to a room with only Danzou and a pile of documents.
Sharply turning and taking his seat "Don't even begin with me on that. I won't take her seriously until the present Mizukage is dead or retired, tyrant or not. Aside from that, it's a punishable offense to appoint oneself as the next Kage or even interim without the official permission of the acting Kage or his council" Naruto huffed and picked up a piece of paper waving it at Hiyori "Look at this!" straightening the sheet he read.
"To the Third Hokage, Konohagakure. I am Terumi Mei, leader of the Kirigakure bloodline rebels and next in line to the Mizukage succession. Once again, I am writing to you to plead your village's assistance in the bloodwars that tear my village in two. This time I am willing to negotiate the term of your involvement in the war. I will be visiting your village in the event that you do not reply by messenger summon in the next week. Thank you. Signed. The Godaime Mizukage Terumi Mei" Naruto slams the paper down on his desk his face in a full frown.
"She hasn't even overthrown Yagura yet" he mutters. Hiyori had long since joined Danzou to file and stack documents that needed Naruto's approval. She let out a tired sigh "Have you already decided to reject her pleas? She might have something really good to offer you know" at this Naruto kept shut and thought.
"Is the real reason you are trying to downplay this woman because of what you read in that old man's memoirs? You know everything in there can't be true" Naruto raised his eyebrow "Are you okay Kyuubi? You've been awfully noisy today." The giant monstrosity snorts "Well it just seems like things are getting interesting…. I heard war" Slowly the scenery around Naruto changed from his mundane office to the ever-familiar red prison.
Naruto let a small smile creep onto his face "You just want me dead, don't you?" The Kyuubi gave a toothy grin at the remark. "The third, at the time she asked. Rejected her flat out. He left no room for discussion. His reason was not wanting Konoha getting tangled in affairs like that. 'A village should solve its own problems' something along those lines. He also didn't want to lose any forces, something I don't want to do either"
The Kyuubi grunted and rose to his feet "You don't have to follow those memoirs to the letter. You mustn't be a copy of your predecessor. Do things your own way kid. There's definitely more than one approach to this. Find it" With that, the beast turned tail and laid down, signaling an end to the conversation.
Inhaling deeply, Naruto was at his office once more. Looking at the stares he was being given, it was obvious he was in there a while. "What did the Kyuubi say?" Danzou spoke for the first time since he came back to the office. The old man looked genuinely interested in what the presumed wild beast had to say.
He let out a sigh and recited what the tailed beast said. Danzou's facial reaction didn't change from his normal stoic but both Naruto and Hiyori had grown accustom to the shift in the air when Danzou is troubled. The old man hummed in thought and opened his eyes "He is right. You should not try to completely portray your predecessors. Learn from their mistakes, yes. But don't try to become them. You should at the very least ear her out. Hiruzen made a mistake there"
Naruto seemed to contemplate it for a minute or so before announcing that he'd make his decision the moment she walked into his office. Danzou only shook his head at the poor decision-making skills Naruto displayed. Before Naruto could defend himself, he spoke "But, I would like to know where you got that information about the Third and Mei Terumi's meeting…" The room instantly got tense as both Naruto and Danzou's demeanor changed. After a minute of glaring Naruto let up with a mischievous smile "You have a really steel eye there, Danzou." He had obviously thought of something with the way he held himself in his chair, fingers intertwined.
Danzou's glare only intensified "How much do you know?" Naruto losses his smile and leaned forward with a hand over his left eye "Enough to be wary of a mind controlling Genjutsu" Danzou reeled back as if physically injured and inhaled.
"Do you have an idea how much damage that information could do in the wrong hands?" Naruto frowned at Danzou's outburst "Are you implying that this information is not to be handled by the Hokage? Am I not qualified enough to be classified as the right hands?" Naruto stood up and pour himself some tea. "Besides, the fact still stands that you tried to cover this up and this information was meant for me in the first place. Koharu, Homura and yourself won't get away with this. I have plans for you three."
With the threat hanging and Danzou's mouth ajar. Naruto went back to work. It wasn't after Hiyori whispered in his ear that Danzou got up to leave.
After ushering the elderly man out of the office, Hiyori turned to Naruto for an explanation. "I thought we agreed no leaving me in the dark?" Her hands placed on her hip and a look of disbelieve on her face.
Naruto downed his tea, letting out a satisfying sigh. "It's a long story and we hadn't made that agreement then" Hiyori didn't seem fazed "Well. You seem like you're going to blow off your paper work anyway, so tell me"
She sat down, crossed legged, clip board in hand. "Well?" She asked eyebrow cocked
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Out on the rocky mountainside, two powerful men convene in secret, for both their personal and village's interests.
"I heard there'll be a festival celebrating him this day." The man's voice was old but held a certain arrogance to it, his wisdom hidden by its veil.
"His one year in power I believe. Now would be a perfect time to give the execution order to Yotaro. Having their Kage dead on his one year would be the news of the Shinobi world." This man's voice held an obvious strength to it, yet this strength did not seem to move his companion
The older of the two only shook his head "Don't be naïve, boy. They will investigate and will be thorough about it, especially with that Danzou at their side. Sooner or later there will be war. But at least. The damn Namikaze will be dead"
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Naruto woke up to a bustling village after resigning himself to the fact that, no matter how much he muttered for them to keep the noise down, it would still be noise and they couldn't hear him. He peered his eyes open, first thing in sight was his assistant, the one he trusted the most for some reason. And for that unknown reason he remembered filling himself with tea and spilling not only dangerous information about the Uchiha clan, Sasuke and his personal relation with Sasuke's brother Itachi-the supposed S-rank criminal- but also things about his personal life.
He groaned and rose from his seat, he'd once again camped out in his office. He looked around his office, everything in place and more or less the same as he remembered, Hiyori being the only major difference. She had sprawled all over the desk, pushing books and scrolls away. It had been the first time he hadn't shooed her away from all-nighters, no doubt she missed her Queen-sized bed.
He gazed upon her visage, her hair concealed her face and tickled her nose-if the periodic nose twitching was any indication-he smile at her. She seemed peacefully unaware. Slowly he moved the strands over hair covering her face as he wondered if he had ever done this with Sakura.
Immersed in thought, he didn't see Hiyori stirring. "What are you doing?" At the sound of her voice he came out of his daze. Her eyes were strained to look down at his hand on her face. Noticing she had his attention, she raised her eyebrow and asked once more "What are you doing?"
Naruto almost instantly stepped away. Clearing his throat, he said "Sorry, it looked like your hair was hindering your slumber"
"Never mind that! You're supposed to be welcoming the daimyo into Konoha for today's festival!"
Naruto's widened eyes met hers. And his sprint began. As did his day did.
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After quickly washing himself down, Naruto rendezvoused with Homura, Koharu, Danzou and Hiyori. Soon after they set off to greet the daimyo. Naruto wanted to sprint to the gate to make up for lost time but Hiyori scolded him saying it would be the most improper way to arrive in the presence of the daimyo, better late and elegant apparently. Then Koharu and Homura complained about being too old for running or any sort of activity apart from walking and sipping tea.
They arrived at the gate and waited. Naruto wasn't surprised that the daimyo hadn't arrived. He was royalty, and royalty had the tendency to be fashionably late. He had had similar experiences with the daimyo's sons and daughters and also Koyuki, the Daimyo of the land of snow.
After waiting a few more minutes the Daimyo's palanquin became visible on the horizon. From what Naruto could tell, he had quite the entourage. He came with all twelve of his Guardian Ninja. No doubt some of them were Konoha Shinobi. Konoha Shinobi who have never seen him. Four of them of course, lifted the palanquin. The other eight were spread out, two on each side. They all remained alert, regardless of the fact that they were in Konoha and in the presence of the Hokage himself. They were truly as paranoid as his predecessor had seen them
As the Chuunin on guard duty was about to inspect them, Naruto waved him off. There was no need for that. If the Daimyo wanted to end Konoha he wouldn't bring twelve people to do it.
In his peripheral view, he caught a glimpse of Shikamaru. The Nara looked lazy as ever but otherwise very tired. He'd been awake all day after all. Naruto let a smile grace his face-hidden under his scarf-The punishment was due.
He began to approach the Daimyo who still hadn't deigned step foot in Konoha, hovering in his palanquin, his advisors and assistant left behind as he was to be the first to greet the Daimyo at any occasion. As he took strides forward he mentally recited the proper greeting-It wasn't the Daimyo's first visit, he just kept forgetting how it went-He also reminded himself that he needed to broach the subject of Tax reforms.
Suddenly, a large bulk was in his path. The man standing in front of him was easily the bulkiest person he'd ever laid eyes on. He had muscles at every inch of his body. He wore simple civilian clothes except what had apparently been a long sleeve had been cut at the armpit leaving him with a weird looking sleeveless. The look obviously said he was the brute of the twelve. He no pouches, headband or any other sort of protection. He was even bare-footed. The man exuded confidence. And Naruto had no reason to underestimate him. Despite his arrogance he was still a member of the Guardian Twelve Ninja.
Naruto raised the tip of his hat as his head rose to get a better look. The man easily blocked the sun for Naruto. He cocked his eyebrow underneath his hat, obviously questioning the intrusion. The man's comrades did nothing but look on. Some held exasperated expressions on their faces and other had knowing looks etched to their faces.
They intend to see how this plays out Naruto quickly deduces. This wasn't his first time in meeting a guardian. He has had many other encounters with some of them during the daimyo's visits. But they had never all appeared at once. As a result, he only recognized three faces. The one towering before him was new as well.
The large man glowered down at Naruto. He made to speak but Naruto raised his hand to silence him. "Are you Konoha Shinobi?" Naruto carefully inquired. The way Naruto would regard him depended on his answer.
The man outright laughs in his face. "As if! I'm sure you wish I was, don't you? And what are you? Hokage in training?" He looked behind to his comrades with a grin asking for laughs.
Naruto hummed and looked behind the man and at the daimyo's palanquin. Still the man hadn't shown himself. He set his gaze on the man again and asked "I'm sorry what's your name? I am Uzumaki Namikaze Naruto. The Fifth Hokage."
The man shifted his attention to Naruto, letting out a questioning grunt. He jabbed a thumb at himself and declared proudly "I'm known as Satoshi the ironclad." His chest puffed out proudly and a massive grin plastered on his face.
"Can you please move aside so I can address the daimyo" It began sounding as a request but it obviously wasn't. Naruto had gotten the edge to his voice. He was becoming increasingly annoyed by the chuckles and giggles
The man's face contorted with a frown "And if I refuse?"
As he spoke the last syllable, the immediate area was saturated with intense killing intent, two of the twelve fell to their knees and many struggled to stand still. Satoshi was one of the few who stood their ground.
Naruto lifted his hat, revealing his fiery red eyes. "I'll have to apologize to the daimyo for man-handling his guard" The man hesitated, no doubt discouraged by the intensity of Naruto's eyes. He slowly moved aside.
Naruto scoffed and made his way to the daimyo's palanquin. When he arrived he softly called out to the sleeping ruler. After a few louder calls the daimyo came to life. We're in Konoha already?" He looked around, smiling when he laid eyes on Naruto "Naruto-chan! You are here already?" He looked around more confused "I could have sworn I told them to wake me up when we arrived at Konoha"
Naruto just smiled and said "I'm sure they only forgot. Forgive them" The daimyo shrugged and began fanning himself. "Let get on with it" He said waving his hand forward. The palanquin was lifted and they began to head out to the Hokage residence, the only place fit for the Daimyo to stay.
As they walked they talked. Danzou had made the initial approach while Koharu and Homura seemed to support whatever was being said. Naruto tagged along with Hiyori who was leading the group. "Aren't you worried about those three?" He turned, and set a strange gaze on her. She returned it with one of those faces that questioned how serious someone was.
He remembered. He'd spilled everything about the third's diary in a single moment of stupidity. He sighed. "No, I am not. And even if I should, they know better than to scheme right behind my back. I trust Danzou. And I'd like to think he trusts me too" That was a lie. Naruto knew well enough not to trust blindly. He checked Danzou's actions secretly. So far, the man hasn't done anything to warrant mistrust.
Naruto let Hiyori walk forward while he waited for the daimyo's palanquin to come close. The Daimyo had a bored face on as he listened to Danzou talk about taking over the Sand.
Hearing that, Naruto frown. There have been an abundant number of times Danzou had tried convincing him to just take over the Sand. But even after he countlessly said no the man still pursued his conquest and brought the matter to the Daimyo.
Naruto discreetly pulled Danzou away. He gave the man a look and he swore he saw his lips tug upward. Naruto let out a sigh "Have you at least broached the tax reforms issue?" Danzou shook his head "We both know there is little chance of you convincing him of doing such. I didn't bother with it"
At this point Naruto couldn't begin to bother reprimanding Danzou. He dismissed the three advisors and walked beside the Palanquin.
He dipped his head as a sign of respect and the daimyo just went on fanning himself "It's good to see you again Naruto" Naruto only smiled and remembered the last time he met the Daimyo. He had been summoned to the capital to execute a peasant who had frolicked with the Daimyo's daughter. "Ah my daughter wanted me to give him the most honorable of deaths. And I thought, what's more honorable than dying at the hands of a Kage?" this was the answer he got when he asked why he was called for such a simple task.
Naruto shook his head and opened his mouth to broach the issue at hand. Tax reforms. "Daimyo-sama. There is a pressing matter at hand, I urgently need to speak to you about it" The Daimyo turned to Naruto. "Let me guess, its about tax?"
Naruto's eyes widened considerably. Opening his mouth to question how the man could possibly know. "Every Kage eventually seeks out a tax cut. You did earlier than your predecessors." Naruto could only blink.
"So…will you consider it?" The Daimyo hummed and let out a sigh "This is neither the place nor time to discuss matters like this. Let me rest. Sleep over it. We're almost here"
Sure enough, they were about to arrive at their destination. The Hokage's residence, the only place fit for the Daimyo to stay.
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The sun had begun setting. Shikamaru had been at his post all day. The regular guards got switch shifts as they pleased on a normal working day, but with him permanently rooted at the gate at the Fifth's orders, they left most of the work to him.
He had just about had it. Naruto had said the delegate would arrive at noon. But the sun had already begun setting. If he stays here any longer, he'd be forced to miss the festival. Already he could hear music playing and the strong scent of food teased him.
Another problem lies in the absence of the guards that are meant to be on duty. Even if this delegate arrived at the very moment. He doubted he'd be able to go anywhere with her or leave her behind to look for someone to replace him. I'm so filing a report against those two.
Like clockwork. As if fate was acting against his favor. He slowly began to make out a figure in the distance. He waited for it to get closer before assuming anything. And as it turned out. It was a very beautiful and shapely woman. She stood alone, finally coming to a stop in front of him.
"I'm assuming you are Kirigakure's Delegate?" The smile she wore slowly formed a frown.
She narrowed her eyes and answered "I am no lowly delegate. I am the Fifth Mizukage of Kirigakure no Sato" She took an imposing step forward making Shikamaru shrink in his sandals "Did your Kage not inform you of this much or are you that incompetent you had no idea who you were going to be escorting?"
Shikamaru took a few steps back and laid a hand behind his head "Look. All the Hokage told me was that I was to wait for someone from Kirigakure to arrive. I don't really care who you are unless he makes a big deal out of it. And seeing as he sent me, a recently promoted Chuunin, to escort you instead of coming here himself or sending a squad of Anbu? I don't think you are that important"
Mei clicked her tongue and visibly relaxed The Hokage obviously didn't take me seriously when I said I was the Godaime, damn it! "Well? Are you going to take me to him or not?"
Shikamaru blinked. He scratched his head, looking to the top of the gates, looking for someone to help him. Finding none he turned back to face her when he suddenly saw the uniform he was praying to see right beside her. He quickly let out a sigh of relive and before the uniform could talk he quickly pulled them aside.
"Hey listen, I need you to stay here and guard the gate. Hokage-sama gave me strict orders to escort this woman back to him"
The Anbu let out what could faintly be recognized as a scoff. Taking off his mask he revealed his face "You really think Godaime-sama would trust you to escort a high-profile shinobi like her alone? You must be delusional"
Shikamaru scowled at Sasuke "What do you mean?" Sasuke sighed and pulled his arm free from his grip "I mean I've been watching you for the most part. Apparently, he also doesn't trust you enough not to disobey him. Don't worry, I'll put in good word for you"
He walked off to meet the Lady, leaving Shikamaru alone to gape and wonder how far he'd fallen in Naruto's favor.
"Sorry to keep you waiting Ma'am. I'll take you to the Hokage now"
The woman gave a curt nod and followed Sasuke behind. On her way to make an Alliance.
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The sun had already begun to set by the time Naruto was relieved from his duties to the Daimyo. This meant he hadn't gotten a thing done through the day. Hiyori greeted him and took his cloak and he sat down in his chair and took up his pen. He had to touch some work. Still, some events and performance artists needed approval from him, even though it was last minute he'd still have to do it.
He glanced out the window, taking a cursory look at the village, lights of various colors scattered everywhere. Today was the first Anniversary of his reign as Hokage. It felt as no time had passed. Yet looking back on the months he spent as Genin made him feel old and chuckle at his prior ignorance.
"Sorry to interrupt you while you reminisce." Hiyori sudden said "But we have a visitor" Her voice was nervous and her cheeks were flushed. Naruto raised a brow at this. He nodded for the person to be brought in.
Hiyori opened the door and slowly, he was brought face to face with a familiar face. Mei Terumi. As she stood before him he couldn't help but have his jaw hang ajar.
"I've charmed the Hokage already I see" Her voice shook Naruto out of his stupor. He cleared his throat and began to speak.
"You must be Mei Terumi. The one who has been sending me all these letters" He picked up a hand full of paper and waved it around a bit "You are…quite bold in your endeavors"
She smiled. A forced one it seemed "They are more than endeavors. I am performing a service to my nation and country"
Naruto shook his head "You are rebelling against your Kage. That is no service. It is treason" Naruto said positively annoyed. "And you have the guts to sign your letters with the title of the Godaime Mizukage. Do you understand that I have right to kill you where you stand for such? It is a blatant insult to the status Kage if anyone can sign with it and just get away"
Her face took a true turn and showed her true feelings "I refuse to recognize that man as anything other than a mad tyrant." She stepped forward "I came here unguarded to strike a deal with Konoha. Regardless of how you interpret my actions I am doing this all to save Kirigakure." She took in a deep breath and straightened her posture "And yes I lay claim to the title Kage. As many sure would if their current one went mad and begun killing innocents. But before you decide on anything, hear my offer"
Naruto narrowed his eyes at her "And what is your offer?" She took in a deep breath and prepared to use the most out of the chance she'd been given.
"In exchange for Military and resource aid. I am willing to, once I take control of Kirigakure, sign a proper and far more official Alliance between Kiri and Konoha. It will be upheld by my successor and if good relations continue by theirs. We will provide assorted crops and fishes for Konoha. And within good reason aid in any conflict."
Naruto scoffed at her "What do you take me for?" He took up his pen and began to read and sign documents "Do not let my youth and inexperience fool you. I know very well a useless proposal when I hear it. Now be gone. You offer me nothing. Kiri may as well be a minor village now. You all are ruined"
BAMM!
Naruto jerked up at the sound of her hands slamming against his desk. "DO NOT IGNORE ME" Her eyes held tears within them and her lips trembled "I have no one else to turn to. Konoha is the only village I know that won't kill me when I approach for aid. Kiri is estranged to Kumo, enemies with Iwa and tense with Suna. Suna has no Kage yet so all the hope I have left is in Konoha being merciful and forgiving"
Naruto looked at her with dead narrowed red eyes and yet she stared back "Step away from my desk" a few seconds passed and she did "You have failed in negotiations as you just confirmed your helplessness to me. Never show all your cards, even if you have none left." Naruto sighed.
"You've grown weaker since I last saw you Mei" Her pained look turn to that of confusion "You fought valiantly" Naruto pulled out a drawer and took out an Anbu mask, placing it over his face. Realization dawned on her as she swiftly recognized the mask.
"You…you were there during that battle. You saved me…?"
Naruto sighed again "Yes, I did. I was in training then. I wasn't meant to interfere, just observe. But I could tell you were fighting for the right cause. And trust me. While I, Fifth Hokage of Konohagakure do not approve of your actions. I want to help you as a person. Without reward or glory to myself." He set the mask aside, staring at her kindly "Alas I am in a position that requires me to ask for those things. And this position takes precedent of my own morals or interests. I can only bend the rules if it affects close to no one but myself. You have to give me something Mei. Give my something worth the risk"
As she stood there and shook. She suddenly steeled herself "Don't send me back yet. I have something" Naruto dropped his pen and gave his attention "How does the three-tailed beast sound?"
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"She's giving us the Sanbi?" Koharu's surprise was evident. As was Danzou's and Homura's. Naruto had immediately gone to consult with his advisors the moment he confirmed Mei was being serious about the offer.
"Yes, she is. But we'd have to extract it from its host first. Yagura won't lie back while we attempt to do so." Naruto said, confirming what he'd previously said.
Homura hummed softly "Kiri has two Jinchuriki to my recollection. Can we not have the other instead?" Naruto shook his head and replied "I asked her that but she saw through me. She wants Yagura dead and offering up the Tailed beast within him would get her what she wants. It's her last offer really"
"Seeing as she is willing to sacrifice a Biju for her coup…We could just take advantage of her weakness and take Kirigakure for ourselves" Said Danzou. Naruto frowned. His reasoning was sound but the consequences that would follow would be too large.
"No. Kiri is small, yes. But they are too far away and regardless of their current status they are still a Great Ninja Village. We cannot underestimate them" Naruto rose from his seat "It's obvious what we should do. Let's take her offer. Having the Sanbi would easily solve the problem with me being both a Jinchuriki and a Kage. It's a smart move I think"
Koharu and Homaru agreed with him. Danzou still wanted to go to war but he soon gave up when Naruto said it was not going to happen unless there is outright aggression from them or any other nation.
"Fine then. How any are we sending?" Danzou grudgingly asked. All three of them looked to Naruto.
He took a deep breath "I could spare six-hundred Chuunin and two-hundred Jounin. Including Kakashi and myself"
Koharu immediately begun to protest "You cannot leave the Village unattended to. We are experiencing an uprising if you aren't currently aware. We would be exposed! Who would protect us? Your reagent has no authority to give the command to attack our own citizens. That responsibility lies with you!"
Naruto sighed for the umpteenth time that day. He raised his hand, immediately silencing her "I never said I would leave immediately. I will deploy the eight-hundred and once I am done crushing this uprising I will follow and assist Mei in defeating Yagura. Taking the Biju out of him will have to be handled delicately. We don't want to have to wait for it to reform just because we mistakenly killed him" He began walking out of the room "Anyway that is all on that matter and my decision is final. I will deliver Mei with the news. I also have a festival to attend to."
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Soon as the meeting adjourned. Naruto, along with Hiyori delivered the great news to Mei.
"Eight-hundred strong shinobi is all I can manage. In time I will follow you to battle. But in the meantime, my responsibilities lie here, in Konoha." Her face lit up with a smile and she took a deep bow to him.
"I am, most grateful to you. I did not expect to receive this much. Your predecessor shut me down and told me to call off the coup. Thank you"
Naruto sniffed at that "You should have taken his counsel, he was a very wise man" He began to walk away "Well then. I have a festival to attend to and I am already terribly late." He raised a hand and a Shadow appeared "He will guide you wherever you need or want to be. Your stay here in Konoha is supported by the Hokage. Enjoy the festival"
With that he left.
Hiyori soon caught up to him. Clipboard in hand. "You should put that down." He said suddenly, drawing her attention towards him "It's time for the festivals. Go get dressed and have fun. I have to meet with the Daimyo. You are relieved"
She stopped in front of him and looked him in the eyes "Are you really going to make another Jinchuriki?"
Naruto's eyes widened, he hadn't expected her to bother asking about anything concerning Kiri. She'd been quiet all while the meeting. Not even whispering suggestions into his ear like she usually did.
"I mean, you have to know we can't keep it out in the open like a pet. It's a huge danger" He looked in her eyes, easily telling apart worry from the other emotions that plagued her face.
He walked past her as he began to explain "I have a wholly different plan from the one you'd expect." He looked to her as they took strides along the red halls of the tower "I'll make it my personal summon and keep it in a different dimension than ours." He could hear her gasp "If that doesn't work, I'll have no other choice than to seal it in something temporarily until I can find a proper…. vessel"
Her head hung.
Naruto smiled. He couldn't understand why it was so important to her that he didn't do it. She doesn't know the sufferings of a Jinchuriki. For a second he wondered if she was a spy from Kumo or Iwa trying to deter him from gaining more power for Konoha without outright declaring war. But it couldn't be. And he also did not want paranoia to spoil his day.
"Konoha doesn't need to help Kiri does it?"
At her question, he shook his head softly "We don't. If things get ugly for the forces I sent. We will withdraw and cease operations in Kiri." They'd walked quite the distance together. The Daimyo's quarters were already in sight "We are going to Kiri under the guise of a mercenary army. Kakashi and I will, being well known, will only arrive when we are assured a victory. We can't have any of the other villages finding out about this. And we don't want a war with Yagura in the event that he crushes the rebellion."
Naruto smiled at her. "Now let's get the daimyo and enjoy the festival"
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Naruto stepped in after the Daimyo in a Kyuubi shaped float. A large vehicle producer by the moon country for festivals. As he sat in and belted himself to the contraption, he once more began to think of how only a year ago, he and his chakra monster were the most hated beings in the Village. Tolerance and understanding had gone a long way and large efforts were made by influential people to get the bias and discrimination to this level.
The vehicle begun to move. I was meant to go around Konoha showing he and the Daimyo off like the latest addition to a petting zoo. Even on a Holiday he could never catch a break. He took in a deep breath and began to make conversation with the Daimyo, in hopes to circle back to the Tax reforms.
"How have you enjoyed Konoha so far? Its not very often you visit" The Daimyo looked ecstatic. For once he wasn't constantly fanning himself.
He chuckled "I'm glad I chose you to run Konoha. You've made it wonderful and bountiful with joys and laughs" He said waving at the hordes of citizens that swarmed around the Giant float. Naruto blushed, modestly stating that he couldn't have done it alone
The daimyo scoffed. "Nonsense! A leader, even one who values teamwork. Still gets all the work done. You are the helm of this village. Do not let anyone undermine your authority" That sounded like something he was saying to himself rather than Naruto. Which to Naruto displeasure was actually something he was saying to himself. As the Daimyo began to rant and curse at his arrogant son for demanding so much of him. From what he could gather the son already married with kids and obviously tired of waiting for his father-The Daimyo- to die so he could take his place at last.
Naruto slumped in his seat. The night wasn't going as expected. The Daimyo was already too in deep in his story to stop talking and listen to his Tax reforms plea. And worst of all he wasn't even having fun on his own festival Night.
He finally made up his mind. Quietly creating a clone to take his place he began to sneak away. The clone would work at getting a discussion on the tax reforms with the daimyo while he had some fun.
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Making it through a back alley. Naruto found himself headed for Ichiraku Ramen, not bothering himself with a disguise. He walked up there and sat on an open stool. As people slowly began to take note that he was actually the Hokage and not a child in costume. They began to cheer and congratulate him. A sense of warmth and achievement overwhelmed him. Along with eating up to fourteen bowls of ramen, he began to sing along the drunks in their songs.
After a one particular high note that marked the end of the song, he shared laughs and hugs with the men. Soon he settled to finish up his sixteenth bowl, it was getting cold.
"I never thought I'd see you so relaxed Hokage-sama" the voice came from the person seated beside him. Hiyori. Her smile said it all. She'd seen enough and more. He shook his head and downed the rest of the bowl, dropping a few coins and notes on the counter for the Old man.
"Well. I've got to unwind somehow, don't you think?" He started "Besides, what better way to win the love of the people than to drink and eat with them?" He began walking.
She steadily strutted behind him "Why did you leave the Daimyo? I'm sure I don't need to spell out the disaster this could cause if it were found out"
Naruto ignored her for the better part of two minutes before he was kicked in the shin and the question repeated to him.
"Ugh. I know. Relax. I'm not so incompetent…my clones aren't so incompetent to let something like that slip up. Besides. They should be strong enough to withstand a paper bomb or two" he said nursing his shin.
Still. Hiyori glared daggers at him. "You'd better be right Naruto-sama."
After that all they did was walk side by side and play the games made available some time had passed and the float his clone was in would soon be making its way back to the tower to give a speech. Regardless of how legitimate the clone maybe he still had to do it in person.
He looked towards Hiyori, she seemed to be having the time of her life. With her arm wrapped around his-he had no idea when she managed to slip it in-and with the light cast on her visage, she looked beautiful. He caught himself there. It was the first he thought someone was beautiful other than Sakura. Thinking her name hurt even as he stared at the only other person he thought beautiful. Perhaps he was lying to himself. He didn't want that to be so.
Knocking him out of his thoughts, Hiyori caught him staring. "Is something the matter?" Concern seemed to be her default with him he wondered why.
Naruto shook his head "Nothing, you just look luminous in the light" She smiled, lighting up even more. He stopped walking and faced her. He smiled down at her. He'd grown even taller and towered above her. He brushed her hair aside and she parted her lips. The sounds of celebration and excitement became distant as she tipped on her toes and he leaned in.
BOOM!
With their lips barely inches apart, the village shook. Wind from the supposed explosion came rushing in a shockwave. All music stopped and screams of pain and confusion could be heard in a distance. Others around them wasted no time to begin running.
Naruto looked toward Hiyori who looked as scared and confused as he did. He soon got over that and began to move away from the explosion with Hiyori scooped up in his arms.
"What are you doing!?" Her eyes wide as she looked at the large smoke cloud coming from what was her burning village in the distance.
"Getting you to a safe place" He flared his chakra violently and came to a stop on a rooftop, soon an Anbu operative stood in front of him.
"Hokage-sama! You're alive!" The Anbu spoke like he'd seen him dead. Must have been his clone.
"I am. Protect her with your life" He took one more look at Hiyori. Her eyes desperate for him to explain, for anyone to explain really. "Dismissed"
With the Anbu gone he closed his eyes and dispelled his clone. Preparing to shift through the memories of what no doubt held information to the cause of this disaster.
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AN: Posting the next chapter soon…like immediately. Soorrry. I've got no excuse for the lateness