Disclaimer: This is a work of fanfiction, I own none of it.
Summary: A more rational Danzo takes on team 7. The world changes accordingly
Chapter 18 - Making Waves
When Tazuna heard a knock on the door the last thing he expected was to find a trio of Konoha kids outside his door. Not the ones he'd had either, though he'd guess they were also genin. A kinda creepy one with sunglasses, a cute girl with weird eyes and wild looking one with a dog.
"Good morning sir, would this by chance by the residence of-" The sunglasses wearing shinobi looked down at the piece of paper he was holding with a sigh. "Tazuna, the super bridge builder of Wave?"
Tazuna's smile almost split his face. "Well you bet it is! That'd be me, you're looking for kid. What can I do for you?"
Shino inclined his head in respect to the man. "Tazuna-sama, may I introduce my teammates Hyuga Hinata, and Inuzuka Kiba. I'm Aburame Shino and I was selected to lead this mission to acquire the services of yourself. Why? Because Konoha needs a bridge built to restore our supply lines." He handed Tazuna a scroll. "Should you accept we'll need to travel to Konoha at full speed, taking turns carrying you."
Even Tazuna wasn't so dense as to not know the names of noble clans, and was surprised to find two of them being used as messengers. He was more surprised when he opened the scroll that contained the job offer. They wanted him to design it, and would be given shinobi to get it done in record time. The faster the bridge was built the more he got paid. He didn't even need to think about it, turning behind him to shout into the house. "Tsunami! Inari! I'm leaving for Konoha for work! I'll be back with a boatload." He turns back to them. "Well what are we waiting for, you said full speed I've got some super money to make!"
And just like that he was on the Inuzuka's back racing across the bridge, these kids meant to make it back before the sun dropped. Which seeing as it just came up might just be possible.
Naruto, or at least one of her stood outside the doors to the Konoha Council chamber, taking a moment to ground herself before entering. The Hokage enters last after all, and this would be her first appearance before the clans so her nerves were understandable.
But she was Hokage. This was her village and it was time to show the clans that she was worthy of the position she'd been granted.
Ever a flair for the dramatic she opened the door with a pulse of wind chakra, striding into the room with confidence. Her smile complimented her new outfit that she'd had custom designed with some help from Ino last night and was finished just in time to make it here. A hooded white off the shoulder haori trimmed in tiny red Uzumaki swirls, tucked into red hakama pants. Displayed on her back was a symbol none of them had seen before but was easy to decipher. The Uzumaki swirl inside the Uchiha Fan, surrounded by the Haruno Circle taking up nearly her whole back. The sleeves of the haori are decorated with the Kanji for "Shadow of the Nine Tails.", or Kage no Kyuubi.
Naruto had argued that last touch at first, trying to tell Ino that she hadn't really learned to work with the fox yet. But Ino insisted that didn't matter, that other people wouldn't know that and they'd treat her as if she did. Which Naruto couldn't really argue so sure why not.
As she took her seat in front of the council, Kakashi at her side, she took a moment to adjust her paperwork before addressing the council.
"Honorably Council it is my pleasure to sit before you as your Hokage, unless anyone has any reason we shouldn't we'll now begin with a situation report for Jonin Commander Nara."
The bulk of the meeting was housekeeping, making sure all the clans and divisions of Konoha's military were on the same page. In truth it was pretty boring stuff but Naruto had Ayame get all of it in writing regardless. There was a bit of low laughter when it came time for Sasuke to give his report.
"Uchiha Clan, negative one casualty." He said flatly when it was his turn. It wasn't untrue, because of the invasion they had gained a member. Sort of.
Once everyone had given their reports it came time to address some of the village's hot button issues. Just two really.
"Alrighty, thanks for getting through that everyone," Naruto starts with a smile. "Now that we're all on the same page there are a few issues that I'm dealing with and want to make sure we're all on the same page." She opened a folder she'd brough. "Sarutobi Hiruzen, I Uzumaki-Namikaze Naruto, Fifth Hokage of Konohagakure no Sato hereby bring you before the council."
A few faces were shocked that she'd do this here, but regardless the elder shinobi stood before his Kage.
Naruto's face grew solemn. "You face charges of treason against the clans you swore to defend. Under your orders, the Uchiha Clan were all but exterminated, clan children were drafted into a hidden division of Anbu, the Hyuga Clan were forced to give over one of their own to a foreign power, you defied the will of your successor Lord Fourth and had me raised an orphan, and lastly you erased a clan, my clan, from history and seized in the neighbourhood of 50 million ryo in assets." The various clan leaders were looking between each other mumbling. While some of them knew bits and pieces of everything Naruto had just said, the whole picture was much darker.
Except, that is, for Inuzuka Tsume. "Now wait one second!" Her hands hit the table as she stood. "Sarutobi Hiruzen is one of the most honorable shinobi I've ever known, and he's served this village since before anyone here was born. I won't stand for these baseless accusations!" Ever loyal the Inuzuka, and while both Naruto were about to address her, Kakashi beat her to it.
"Tsume-chan, you will sit or you will be removed from the council chamber." His voice had an edge to it as (if we're being honest) the most powerful Shinobi in the room turned the room to ice with his killing intent. Shocked by the display from Kakashi, someone she thought would be loyal to the Third to the grave, she slowly sat back down, allowing Naruto to continue.
"Thank you Kakashi-san." Suddenly a clone appeared on either side of the room and started handing out dossiers. Full of information confirming everything she'd just said. She gave them a moment before she continued. "Hiruzen-san. How do you plead to these charges?"
The venerable shinobi met her eyes. "I always did what I thought was best for the village, but yes I did all of those things. And whenever I could I had your sensei do the dirty work so I could maintain Konoha's image."
The room was stunned by the admission, even if Shikaku's eyes narrowed a little. Not because it didn't all line up, but because it just seemed too convenient. Regardless, there wasn't much he could do either way. The file Naruto provided was extensive. Hiashi and Sasuke both had smirks on their face. The injustice to their clans was finally being addressed. While most of the other clan heads were having a difficult time reconciling the image they had of their long time Hokage with the new information they're been provided. Tsume especially seemed to be shaking in her seat with clenched teeth, though the observant would realize that was because Shikaku's shadow had pinned her down when he realized she would probably try and tear Hiruzen apart for misleading them.
Naruto nodded sadly. "Then, in light of your many years of service to the village, and the admittance of your crimes I believe I have a fitting punishment." The room grew still as Naruto's face grew solem. "Sarutobi Hiruzen, for your crimes against Konoha and her clan, I sentence you to be erased." Choza made a face at that not totally understanding. "Just as you did to the Uzumaki, your name shall be stricken from all records, you shall be stripped of the name Sarutobi. Your ninja registration will be burned, your picture will be removed from Hokage's office, and you will live the rest of your life on house arrest within the Sarutobi compound." At that Hiruzen's face lightened somewhat, realizing that while the punishment was harsh Naruto had given him exactly what he'd wanted.
To be able to live quietly with his grandson.
The council talked amongst themselves for some time. But eventually they agreed. Hiruzen left the council quietly, promising to give Asuma the information from today's meeting.
The room was silent for a moment after the door closed behind him, out of respect for the man that had given so much to the village. Eventually though Naruto let out a sigh before bringing up the next point.
"With that concluded I'd like to bring everyone's attention to a piece of intelligence I acquired just this morning." She took a moment to make sure she had the room's attention. "It was discovered just this morning by an agent I had gone to check on a hunch. Unfortunately it seems my hunch was correct." She let out another sigh. "It seems the devastation caused by Orochimaru spread even further than we first thought. The WInd Daimyo was found dead this morning, in much the same condition the late Kazekage Rasa was found." She could tell Shikaku was on to her but continued. "In light of this new information I'd like you all to take a look at the proposal I've made on how I'd like to handle the Suna situation." Another dossier was passed out.
Inoichi was the first to speak. "Many of the Shinobi we captured expressed not wanting to be a part of the invasion, but were forced by superior officers. I don't see a problem with the proposal." A few heads nodded at that.
"Why do you want to train with Jinchuriki?" Tsume asked. "You and your team basically kicked his ass already."
Naruto nodded at that. "True, but first let me ask you another question. Currently in Suna who is the most powerful shinobi they possess?" A moment was taken before she answered her own question. "Infinite Blades Baki, who is a fierce shinobi I'm sure. But I doubt he would survive an encounter with most of the people in this room. He'll never be Kazekage. On the other hand Gaara is already strong enough to tangle with most jonin with even odds, and he's my age. I believe in two to three years he will probably be Kazekage." The room nodded with her, impressed by her reasoning. "So I want training sessions with him for a few reasons, to better myself, to better the future leader of Suna, and so I can befriend the next Kazekage before he takes office."
There wasn't much of an argument to be made, Naruto's diplomatic strategy was sound and there was no great danger to letting them train together. Naruto had already shown the village she was able to hold her own.
"Alright if no one has any issues I'll move to my next proposal." She had more dossiers handed out but started speaking before people even got a chance to open them. "As many of you know my late sensei ran a division of Anbu entitled Root, or the Foundation. Officially it was disbanded years ago but I think most of you know that was only to shield the third from his own actions. Root was afterall, founded and allowed to operate under his orders, even after the supposed decommissioning." Lots of varied reactions here, Danzo had been hated for a long time and even with the new information it was hard for some of the clans that had lost members to the Foundation not to blame him. "I however don't believe in this sort of organization and I believe I, with the help of the Uchiha clan have come up with a solution." Naruto paused for effect. "As you can see outlined in the dossier the Uchiha Clan has offered a very generous amount of their land for what we've entitled "The Uchiha Foundation". There are three main points in the proposal, policing, education and rehabilitation."
Naruto could tell she didn't really have the interest of the room yet so decided to change tactics, standing so she could move as she spoke. "So I grew up an orphan right? The village doesn't really have a good system for looking after orphans, and they only really get a future if they somehow make one for themselves. They don't have anyone to help them through the academy or anything." Everyone was waiting for her point. "So I envision the Uchiha Foundation as a clan for the clanless. Orphans and outcasts join up, can get training from the Root Shinobi and have people around they can bond with. The academy graduation rate goes up, orphan quality of life goes up, and maybe bonding with some kids will help them. Konoha prides itself on teamwork. On the bonds we have with each other. These shinobi don't have that, haven't been allowed to have that. And neither have a lot of the kids." Naruto spoke with passion as she paced across the room, bringing as much personal involvement in as she could.
When she finished it was Inoichi who raised a hand. "So to be clear, you're planning on making Root into a police force that raises children." Naruto nodded back at him. "And if I'm reading this right you're proposing that Uchiha Itachi be in charge of this project?" Another nod, this time with a big smile. "You need my help."
Naruto appeared to pause for a minute. "I'm sorry, are you implying I need therapy or that you'd like to work on the project. I know it's a little out there so I could really see you going either way." She chuckled to herself, but Tsume and Choza were both outright laughing.
Inoichi smirked a little, glad the Hokage had a sense of humor. "While I'm sure everyone in this room needs therapy, some more than others." More than a few eyes turned to Kakashi who narrowed his visible eye dangerously right back. "I was referring to the fact that you'll need someone on hand that can work with Itachi-san to provide psych evaluations to determine who needs to be in which house and given which tasks. How to match children to the right houses." The other members of the council were nodding in their agreement. "While I have no doubt of Itachi's ability to lead and control Root, I don't think he's exactly an expert on child psychology or how to build a healthy environment."
Naruto nodded, seeing his point. "Thank you for weighing in Inoichi. I'll admit I just assumed they would form bonds together like team 7 and I did. Would you be willing to take some time away from T&I to help with this?"
Inoichi considers it for a moment. "With one condition. Anyone can leave anytime they want to. Quit the police force, or move out of the compound, anything they want."
Naruto looked confused. "I'm sorry, I assumed that was a given Inoichi-san. As long as they don't go rogue or anything, any member of Konoha has that right." Naruto's usual smile back on her face now. "So it sounds to me like that's a yes. Any other comments or issues?" She finished addressing the room, no one seemingly with much to say. "Perfect, in that case Inoichi-san I'll tell Itachi to expect you. Council is dismissed.
Council meeting over team 7 took the opportunity to have lunch together, sitting at the Ichiraku Ramen stand. Naruto and Sasuke catch Sakura up on the happenings of the council which didn't take long since it effectively went as planned.
"So Sasuke, you never did tell us what Hiashi-sama wanted the other day." Sakura's tone was teasing, but even she couldn't have expected him to turn bright red at the comment.
Shockingly it was Naruto who made the connection, even if just by accident. "Jeez Sasuke, I know you've been training together and hanging out and stuff I didn't think her blush would wear off on you." Sasuke's face landed in his hands.
But that was all Sakura's superior mind needed. Hiashi wanted to talk to Sasuke about Hinata. Why would he do that? Wait hadn't Ino said something about Hinata's home life getting worse? Her brain pulled on everything she knew about the clan, it had a main family and a branch family, the main family had their own council and-
Shit there could only be one new member of the main family in a generation and Hinata had a little sister. After losing to Neji in the exams… The main family wouldn't want her to be the clan heiress. So she'd need to be banished to the branch family, or… Maybe if Hiashi truly loved his daughter…
"He asked you to marry Hinata didn't he? To protect her." Sakura's hand was on his shoulder, trying to coax him out of his hands.
Sasuke's face fell to the counter with a groan as he pushed his noodles to the side. You can just hear him through his arms. "It's not like we're in love or anything I just don't want one of my friends to be branded by a torture seal." He sits back up. "I don't know what we'll be, I just signed the betrothal contract to protect her. There's not even a date on it so it's not like we're getting married tomorrow or anything." Naruto was clapping and jumping in her seat giddily. Happy to hear that her friends were looking out for each other. A marriage between the Hyuga and Uchiha was a big deal too.
Sakura just shakes her head. "Oh Naruto, don't think I've forgotten about you." Naruto looks at her in confusion. "Oh I'm sorry, did you forget that Ino's my best friend? Did you think I wouldn't find out that a certain someone's been walking around with a blush since yesterday? What did you do to the poor boy."
Naruto turned bright red just like Sasuke had. "What!" She was tugging on her braid now. "I don't know what you're talking about."
Sasuke picked now to weigh in. "For a ninja that's been trained to resist torture you're bad at this. You might as well just tell her what happened or her and Ino will drag it out of Shikamaru."
Stupid Sasuke, being right and stuff. She let out a huff and looked at no one in particular. "I just went and spent a little time with him. We watched the clouds together. Talked about personal philosophy a little. He said something sweet, I gave him a hug, we rolled down the hill we were on giggling like children. It was sweet and fun but nothing to gossip about."
Sakura's head cocked to the side a bit, finger on her cheek. "Awww, that's so sweet Naru-chan!"
She might have kept talking if not for Sasuke staring into Naruto's soul choosing this moment to weigh. "You're not bad at lying when you want to but you can't lie to me Naruto. You left something out."
Stupid Sasuke, stupid Uchiha being like impossible to lie to. Stupid her not telling a better lie. Her cheeks lit up bright red again. "Fine, it was one little kiss on the cheek okay. I don't know what came over me and I just did it and I poofed out as soon as I did. Happy now?"
Sakura gave a big smile and a thumbs up, Sasuke though…
"Not really but I'll live. Say you two are having that girls night with Hinata at Ino's tonight right?" There was… Something weird was happening here but oh well. They both trusted Sasuke.
"Yuppers!" Sakura chimed. "I don't care what anyone says, Ino just gets how I want my hair every time she cuts it for me. I mean she probably reads my mind a little but it's just surface stuff so-" She waves a hand. "Plus they have a private onsen at the Yamanaka compound, have a nice soak, and catch up. Ino loves it cause it gives her a chance to poke around in people's heads without jutsu, and she gets to play dress up with all of us." She smiles at the thought.
"I didn't think you were really into that kind of stuff anymore, miss tough as nails taijutsu specialist." Sasuke jabbed a little.
Sakura just rolled her eyes though. "Look, just because I keep my hair and nails short doesn't mean I'm not a girl. I'm just not as girlie as I used to be." She stretched out her arms, showing off her impressive muscle mass. "Though I am tough as nails, unless you want to prove me wrong in an arm wrestle?" By her smirk she knew he'd never take her up on it.
"No thanks, I like having arms." Naruto giggled at that which only drew Sakura's attention to her.
"Oh laugh it up girlie, we both know you wouldn't fare much better." Sakura looked over behind Sasuke's back so she could stare down Naruto.
Naruto's laughter petered out before her impish grin emerged. "You know what, sure. I'm game. Anything goes?"
Oh Sakura was too smart for that. "No Kyuubi, no hand signs." But much to her confusion Naruto was still grinning.
"Sure, no problem at all." She switched seats with Sasuke so the two of them could square up.
Sakura was trying desperately to figure out Naruto's gameplan, knowing she wouldn't have taken the challenge without a plan. Hand in hand Sasuke moved to act as the ref. As soon as he started the match Sakura was obviously in control, Naruto struggling to hold her at bay until suddenly there was a poof of smoke, and where Naruto had previously sat was now Gai.
"Sakura-chan! You wish to have an arm wrestle! Such youth! It would be my honor!" Sakura's eyes were wide open as she was now struggling against Gai. Technically Naruto hadn't broken their rules, she must have sensed Gai about to walk by and switched places. It didn't take long for Konoha's foremost taijutsu master to overpower her. Leaving her pouting while Naruto was leaning on the corner of the stall with a shit eating grin.
She shook hands with Gai. "Thanks for the match Gai-san, it's always nice to have a real challenge. I'm sure Hokage-sama would love to buy you a bowl of ramen to celebrate your victory." She finished with a smirk as she side eyed Naruto.
"Oh why not, thanks for winning for me Gai-san" She put some money on the counter. "Have whatever you want. I wish we could stay but we've got other engagements I'm afraid." She gestured to her team. "Come one guys, we've got work to do before Hinata gets back into town.
As it turned out the work Naruto wanted done was pretty extreme. An army of clones worked in tandem with Itachi, Sasuke, and Sakura. Inoichi was there too, going over the roster of root shinobi and setting up who would live where. Every time he would figure out a grouping a clone would run off to fetch them. While the furnishings were essentially the same, Inoichi would pick out a few decorations he thought the shinobi that were being homed there would appreciate.
At some point Naruto asked why they didn't let them pick out their own decorations, which just made Inoichi sigh. "The thing about the way these shinobi have lived… They wouldn't even know where to begin. They were taught to have no opinion about anything other than the opinion they were instructed to have. Little touches like this are how we're going to slowly let them find their own feelings again. Once they're settled and have their patrol routines set then we can start introducing children from the orphanage." He looked a Naruto in the eyes. "This endeavor of yours is going to have to be handled slowly and with care. But this is the right way to do it okay?" Naruto nods at him. "Also, none of these shinobi have any money at the moment, there's only about a hundred of them but we should probably give them some money for groceries and stuff. Learning to shop for themselves early will be good for them." He looks at Naruto. "Where do you want to get the start up money from? Most of the money Danzo left you has been depleted by the renovations and furnishing."
Naruto only needed a moment to consider. "Today's their first day as police, let's give them two weeks advance out of the village coffers paid back over 2 months so it doesn't affect them much." Inoichi nodded at that.
It was a busy day but they did have time to kill until Hinata got back. Plus once this was done they could start the renos of the old root facility. Always more work to be done it would seem.
As they neared Konoha Tazuna couldn't help but be shocked at the sight of the ravine. "You know kids, last time I was here there wasn't a giant fucking split in the earth. What the hell happened?"
Deciding to take a break since they were close enough, Shino let him off his back as Hinata answered. "Lady Tsunade, who's generally considered the strongest kunoichi in the world happened. Suna and Oto tried to invade with giant summons, but we knew they were coming, so Lady Tsunade dug layers and layers of tunnels under this stretch, so when they got here she seemingly split the earth with a single punch." You could hear the admiration in Hinata's voice, not surprising really. Tsunade was most kunoichi's inspiration.
"Unfortunately," Shino continued. "Our civilian merchants now have no road into the village. Which leaves us wasting manpower keeping supplied via shinobi."
Kiba looked at the old bridge builder. "Think you're up for it? It's pretty deep and there's no water at the bottom."
But the gears were already turning in Tazuna's head, estimating shapes and distances with experienced eyes. "You kidding me kid? This is gonna be a piece of cake for a super bridge builder like me, let's go see that old Hokage of yours so I can iron out the details." He nearly starts walking before he remembers he doesn't have a way around the ravine. "Uh, right, who's back am I on this time?"
Hinata offers the man her back shyly. "Please try not to move too much while we're going through the ravine Tazuna-sama. My chakra control is nearly perfect but it was designed as a defense so it's difficult to navigate."
"Fair point miss, I don't particularly want to end up as a smear on the rocks myself so my fate is in your hands."
Somehow they all forgot to correct him when he mentioned the old hokage.
Ayame knocked on the door of the Hokage office, opening it a crack as she spoke. "Naruto-sama, Team 8 have just returned with the bridge builder."
One of the Naruto's that sat almost constantly at the Hokage desk smiled brightly. "Good good! Send them in."
As Team 8 and Tazuna entered they couldn't help but notice the many changes since they left yesterday. From Naruto's new clothes, to the redecorated office. The clones had gotten office chairs with wheels that they seemed to take full advantage of as papers were passed every which way depending on what department they were bound for. The office now seemed to be full of small plants, all clippings from the ones in Naruto's apartment. In a few more weeks the office would be teaming with life. Below the windows were now flower beds, full of fast growing wild plants, a large slug seemingly basking in the sun as it munched on a leaf. The insignia for Team 7 was emblazoned proudly on the front of the desk.
"Naruto!?" Tazuna asked bewildered. "I don't even know where to start. I guess you were already kinda girly looking but you've super come into that." Naruto's smile practically glowed at that. Leave it to Tazuna to make it that simple. "But Hokage? You've certainly moved up in the world! I guess I must have made a super impression for you to call for me like this."
Naruto just laughed. "Oh Tazuna, I've missed you, you weird old coot. Of course you impressed me! Your last super bridge is like the best bridge around, and I find myself needing a super bridge. Like tomorrow ideally, did you get a good enough look that you think you could get some preliminary plans drawn up tonight?"
"I think I've got some ideas, yeah, can I take a seat and we'll start ironing out details? You mentioned I'd have some help." Naruto waved him into the seat.
"Of course, Team 8 you've done a great job, Ayame will arrange for your pay at the mission desk. Don't forget to meet up at Ino's later Hinata-chan!" They bowed before heading out, and Naruto turned to address Tazuna again once the door was closed. "So we've gotta keep this on the down-low, but I've got a ninja that can grow and manipulate wood basically at will. But I don't want a wooden bridge, I was thinking more about concrete and steel. So I'll also be providing you with my teammates, you remember them right? Well Sasuke is an expert in fire and lighting techniques so he can probably speed up metal work a bit. And Sakura is beyond strong, can shape stone with her chakra, and the three of us together can do a fair bit of seal work. I'll also have another genin, Rock Lee on hand. Both him and Sakura can bend steel by hand and carry almost a tonne." Tazuna's eyes were going wide. "As for general labourers I can conjure up a couple hundred if needed. Think we can build a super bridge in a day?"
Tazuna, as flabbergasted as he was, had been taking notes. Well except the wood guy he wasn't supposed to know about. "Kid I don't know what that sensei of yours put in your food but he did real right by you. I'll draw something up tonight and meet you folks by the edge of the ravine at sunrise if you're serious."
At some point during the conversation Naruto's smile turned sad. "Yeah he really did do right by us… Unfortunately he passed during the invasion. He died a hero of the village, and fought off one of the strongest shinobi in the elemental nations." The Naruto that had been speaking stood to look out over the village. "Everything we have is thanks to him, and it's my job to make sure Konoha prospers now." She turns back to Tazuna. "So that's why we need the most super bridge ever, the Shimura Memorial Bridge." There was a single tear rolling down Naruto's face as she finished.
Much to his surprise, Tazuna found so did he. Giving the young Kage a thumbs up as he spoke. "Don't you worry bout a thing, Lady Hokage, I'm gonna make this the most super bridge in the whole world!"
Naruto's smile was sad even though she offered him the same thumbs up. "I believe it, Tazuna-san." Another clone came into existence next to him. "I'll show you to a hotel now, we've got an early start tomorrow."
Deep in a secret room of Anbu HQ a Naruto clone was being escorted to the holding cell of the three sand shinobi that had participated in the exams. A bland affair with two bunk beds, even if there were only three people in the room. An Anbu member entered first.
"Suna-nin. Against the back wall, eyes forward and hands where I can see em. The Hokage's come to address you, one wrong move and I turn you all to ash." Wow, hardcore Anbu apparently. Kankuro gulped, looking between Temari's shaking hands and Gaara's absolute disinterest trying to find some courage.
Naruto entered with a little giggle. "No need to be so aggressive Anbu-san, without Shukaku they're hardly a threat to me."
The sand trio took in Naruto in her new Kage outfit, hat tied around her waist. Temari's skin went white as she read the inscription on Naruto's sleeve though.
"Oh come on now, I'm not that scary you've met me before. At ease, you can speak openly and I'll answer any questions I can." Naruto made a kind of humorous gesture. "Well, okay anything I want to answer. I suppose I can really say whatever I want."
Temari and Kankuro were both still collecting themselves, but Gaara, who'd recently had the best sleep of his life and could finally think clearly was perfectly ready to speak. "I thought it was impossible to remove Shukaku without me dying. How?"
His siblings looked now at him in shock, seeing as he hadn't said anything since they woke up here. But Naruto continued. "This one's easy. I didn't. Jiraiya just took advantage of your transformation to make a new seal while the old one was weak and we had you pinned and suppressed. You should still have access to the same abilities, but you'll need to learn to operate your automatic defence yourself. You might feel like you don't have enough chakra for a while because, to be frank, your old seal sucked and you had tons of Shukaku's in your system like, all the time. Next question." Naruto finished with a smile as Gaara digested the information.
Temari's eyes still on Naruto's sleeves. "Kyuubi no Kage. Were you holding back during the exams? Were you that strong that you didn't even need Kyuubi to fight Gaara?" Her hands were shaking, realizing the extent of which they were out gunned. Realizing how easily this girl a couple years younger then herself could have slaughtered her in the ring."
Naruto kind of rolled her eyes. "Oh stop shaking, I'm a Jinchuriki not the boogeyman. I'm sure Shukaku isn't even that bad but that seal he had on him was a mess and probably hurt the entire time he was sealed. Both him and Gaara. I'm sure you'll find when we haven't been poorly created and mishandled we're just people like anyone else." Naruto shrugs a little. "I suppose we're probably more likely to be powerhouse shinobi, but hey most legendary ninja aren't Jinchuriki and they got along just fine so I really don't get what there is to be afraid of." She realized she hadn't really answered the question. "For me Kyuubi is a last resort, and only to protect. I would never use that power to win an exam of all things." Naruto pointed at Kankuro. "You haven't said anything. You next."
He swallowed heavily, this new Hokage was not what he expected to be dealing with. "What happens now? Are you invading sand? Ransoming us?"
That brought a sigh out of Naruto. "Well you see. There's a lot of things to consider in my answer. I won't be invading sand, I guess I'm ransoming you a little bit but just for a fairly reasonable trade contract. But you'll be returned to your village unharmed, along with the rest of the shinobi we captured." She paused for a moment as Temari and Kankuro let out sighs of relief. "This is largely because we found both your Father and the Wind Daimyo dead, both at the hands of Orochimaru. Who knows how long he's been using their corpses as puppets so…" Naruto kinda shrugged. "I mean Orochimaru's our rogue shinobi and it seemed like most of your forces were just following orders."
The three shared a look. It… Made sense. It was terrifying that their whole nation had been duped but it explained why the Wind Daimyo was causing problems and Rasa was dealing with them in all the wrong ways.
"So anyways, I've got no ill will towards you guys. If you give me your word you'll stay in line I'll move you to a hotel." She offers over some paperwork with the details of the rules of their stay in Konoha and return to Suna.
None of them hesitated to sign the document either.
Unsurprisingly Sakura was the first one to get to Ino's for girls night, and by the time Naruto arrived Sakura was already filing down her nails while Ino touched up her pixie cut.
"Forehead I'm just saying, I think a few highlights would look good! I'm not saying move away from the pink all together. Or maybe like a reverse frosted tips sorta thing? Put some black on the ends and I think you'd look fierce."
Sakura seems to think that one through, looking at Naruto as she enters. "What do you think, Naruto-chan? Black tips?"
Naruto cocks her head, hand tapping her chin. "It might look a bit like quills. I think Jiraiya has a jutsu that lets him shoot his hair like quills so that would be cool but I don't know if you have enough hair."
Ino perked up at that idea. "I'm sorry did you say there are jutsu that use your hair? I have GOT to learn some of those. And Naruto's right honey they will look like quills, but I think it'll make you more intimidating. Especially with that combat swagger we worked on."
Ino always did know how to talk to Sakura, and she found herself agreeing with her. "Look, you might be right but not tonight at the very least." She looked at Naruto again. "Is Hinata back yet? I can't wait to hear what she thinks of the whole situation."
Before Naruto can answer Ino butts in. "Hold on now, what situation is this? Are you holding out on me girl?"
"Ma-ma" Sakura waves her off. "It's not mine to tell, and don't bother with that surface thought mind skimming thing we worked on, my mind is a fortress." She finishes with a smirk as Ino "Hmpfs"
Her chance to speak at hand Naruto picks up where she left off. "She should be here any minute, I've got a clone bringing a bunch of snacks and finger food too, should be just in time for Hinata to open the door for her."
Sakura just shakes her head lightly once Ino finishes trimming. "You know I helped design it and I still can't believe what we did with that clone jutsu of yours. You've been putting so much stress on your chakra network for so long I can't even imagine how much you have at this point."
At Ino's direction Sakura and Naruto switch spots and Ino starts undoing Naruto's braid. "It's a hard thing to measure really. With Lady Katsuyu helping me keep my chakra distributed too it's a more spread out burden. Honestly though I actually feel better when I'm using a lot, like I can think more clearly. Plus Kyuubi says the closer my reserves get to his the easier it will be for me to use his chakra."
Ino stopped cold for a moment before she continued, starting to brush out Naruto's hair. "You know Naruto I could have sworn you just admitted to talking to Kyuubi, and he's giving you advice?"
Naruto nodded as they heard the door open, Hinata helping a Naruto clone laden with takeout bags into Ino's room. Everyone saying hi as Hinata joined Sakura and took a seat on the foot of Ino's bed. "S-sorry I'm late girls, what'd I miss?"
Ino was happy to surmise. "Sakura won't let me dye her hair, Sakura's hiding something about you, and Naruto's been talking up the Kyuubi. Oh, and Naruto you haven't actually told me what you want done with your hair yet?"
Hinata turned pink hearing Sakura had covered for her, but Naruto was talking again giving her an opportunity to compose herself. "I'm not really sure honestly. The outfit we put together is pretty formal so I was thinking either something more formal to match or something more playful so people don't forget it's still me ya know?"
Ino circled the girl, hand on her chin as she thought about it. "How about a big wavy updo? Formal, but still fun and bouncy. Plus we gave Katsuyu that hood to hang out in so fluffing your hair up some could hide her better. If I show you how to do it once you can use your transformation jutsu to keep it up right?"
Naruto turned to face the girl, eyes narrowing slightly. "I don't recall telling you my jutsu worked like that." A glance at Sakura answered by a shrug.
"Fuck, sorry Naruto-chan. Sakura and I developed this technique that lets me skim surface thoughts, I've been doing it all the time to practice and didn't realize I'd pulled that out from you." She paused. "But I mean as Hokage you should probably work on that. If I can do that with my little jutsu Daddy can probably read your mind just from eye contact. We can work on it if you want, Sakura's good at keeping her surface thoughts inline."
"Nah I cheat." All eyes on her now as she tapped her head. "There's basically two of me in here, and if Inner me doesn't need to be managing my seal she can keep my thoughts organized. It's why I'm so smart, it's like having my own really angry librarian in my brain that keeps things organized." She paused for a second as a sad look crossed her face. "Sensei thought I might be a genesis, the beginning of a bloodline." Hinata was rubbing little circles in her back now.
Even as all this was happening Ino was putting Naruto's hair up in rollers, wetting her hair down with a spray bottle aas she sectioned it out. "Yeah I've been in your head, it's definitely… Unusual. But you make it work for you so all the power to ya." She finished Naruto's rollers before putting her hands on her hips to admire her work. "Alright, Hinata your hair already looks perfect as always so I'm guessing no changes?" Hinata shook her head, a little smile at the compliment. "Perfect, in that case grab those snacks, I'll bring my nail kit and let's get into the onsen. I imagine Hinata-chan needs a soak after booking it to and from Wave." The girl nodded as they all gathered up everything they'd need and relocated.
It was a nice scene in the hot springs, the girls relaxing either in the water or lounging next to it. Snacks arrayed all around, some even on little floating trays. Ino had even made a big pitcher of a drink she called "Mojito's", that she explained normally had booze in it but it was just as good without.
Once they were all situated Ino went for the question that'd been eating her up "So Hinata-chan," Her grin was almost predatory. "Spill! Sakura knows something but won't talk."
It wasn't a question, and Hinata turned bright red as she sipped on her drink. "I-it's um… I mean… You have to promise not to be mad?"
Ino just rolled her eyes. "Oh come on Hinata-chan. What could you possibly have done to make me-" But then she noticed Naruto's prankster grin forming as Sakura seemed to focus intently on whether her toenails were all filed enough. "Oh Kami what's going on? Damnit Naruto stop laughing! Fine I promise I won't be mad."
Naruto couldn't help it, it's just the way she is. Hinata though was hiding her face as she built up the courage to say it. "W-w-well… With the way things are in the clan. Because I lost to Neji they wanted me branded and sent to the branch family." Okay, that's horrible and something Ino would definitely get mad about but Naruto wouldn't be giggling over that. "B-but my F-father wouldn't stand for it. So when the clan tried to force him to do it…" She was having some trouble here so she took a deep breath and then said it all at once. "SofatherbetrovedmetoSasuke-kuntoprotectme."
The room was silent for a moment, with the exception of Katsuyu chewing on a crunchy leaf of some kind. "I'm sorry Hinata-chan. You said that last bit a little quick. What was that?" Ino thought she'd heard something but… Wow.
Hinata took another breath and tried again. "F-f-father convinced Sasuke to sign a betrothal contract so the clan couldn't put the c-curse seal on me." Hinata was bright red, but much to her relief Ino genuinely didn't seem mad.
"Oh man, that's such a noble way to get taken off the market too. Oh well, life goes on. How'd your old man talk Sasuke into it anyways?" Ino went back to setting up to paint her nails.
"Um, well. H-he knew we'd been training together, and with Sasuke being a chunin and clan head now he's one of the few people that w-would really be able to protect me from the c-clan politically." Hinata pushed her fingers together nervously. "A-and I trust him. H-he's always such a gentleman when we train together. I want to be able to learn to be like him, composed but kind. Strong but not mean. M-maybe one day it even could be something more than a political agreement."
Shocking everyone was Naruto giggling out. "Oh can't blame the girl for that. If he wasn't like my brother I might make a move too. Then again I seem to be going for Shikamaru so maybe I just like 'em dark and handsome."
Sakura scoffs at that. "More likely you like them quiet so there's more room for you to talk."
Naruto sticks her tongue out at that as Ino shakes her head. Hinata can't help but smile, if something ever did really develop between her and Sasuke at least she knew she'd be marrying into a wonderful family.
Elsewhere in the village as the night grew dark, Nara Shikamaru was making his way home in the dark. Nothing new there, he was comfortable at night, and he'd stayed at Asuma's playing shogi pretty late. He was cutting through the last ally that would take him home only to suddenly find the exit blocked by masked shinobi. A glance behind himself revealed more of the same.
"Ma-ma, shinobi-san. I believe there must have been some kind of troublesome mix up-" Only for him to get cut off but a voice in his ear. His eyes went wide as he hadn't even realized there was someone there.
"No mistake Nara." Shikamaru felt a tingle of Sasuke's electrical chakra before suddenly the Uchiha was in front of him, Sharingan eyes swirling dangerously as the smell of ozone became apparent. Leave it to Sasuke to charge his shunshin just to make it scarier. "You're becoming involved with my teammate."
So that's what this was about. Okay, protective big brother he could live with. "What Naruto and I do is our own business, and moves at her pace not mine. Happy?"
"No." Okay he could have seen that coming. "Sakura and I are the first love and affection she's ever known Nara, and we have a bond that will last beyond this life." Right, Uchiha were Shinto, Shikamaru always forgot that. "She's building a bond with you and following her heart. She won't understand if this is some game to you, or if once you get enough pieces to solve her you lose interest. If you go down this road, you need to have clear and true intentions at all times. And if things ever change you need to be upfront and honest with her or it will shatter her ability to trust. And remember she can sense when people are lying as well as I can."
Sasuke paused to let it sink in before taking a step back into the night. "Break her heart Nara, I turn yours to ash." And as quickly as they came they were gone. The only reminder that he had ever been here being the smell of ozone rapidly fading. That and Shikamaru's memory of the event which-
Son of a bitch used the Sharingan to burn it into his mind. Great, unforgettable memory. Troublesome Uchiha.
As Shikamaru trudged home he considered Sasuke's words. Sasuke was right, maybe at first. When he'd first seen her again before the first round of the chunin exam it had been curiosity, she'd changed so much and that just drew him in. Since when was Naruto cute and shy? And when she basically gave them a free pass in the second round? She'd had him hook line and sinker.
But then they'd spent almost a month together, playing various games of skill and strategy, all the while discussing her own battle tactics, and beyond that how to use her abilities to their full effect out of combat too. And that whole time he got to watch her come more and more out of her shell, become more like the Naruto he remembered from the academy and yet so very not. And not the girl thing that was a pretty two dimensional puzzle for someone like Shikamaru.
And now she was his Kage, and he knew deep down that Sasuke would never have delivered a warning like that unless one very simple line had been crossed. Naruto was falling in love with him, and troublesome as it was, he knew he was past the point of being curious.