Tension was high. Naruto knew it. Whilst most of the residents of Konoha and even the shinobi population did not know it, a storm was coming. It was to be expected. Konoha has grown too weak. The kyuubi death of the yellow flash. The sannin defect. The Uchiha incident. The increased loss of faith in the Third Hokage. All these events had left the village at its knees trying to come back up but failing. It was only by a miracle that their economy had not crash entirely. Hiruzen though he was The Professor could only do so much. He was old man with too much past burdens on his shoulders. Kumo, Iwa and the other villages knew this and it was only a matter of time before they made a move. A matter of time before the Fourth Ninja ,Naruto believed that Konoha would find a solution either way and persevere. They did so and won all the previous wars. What would stop them now? But this was the last thing he had expected. Had Konoha stooped lower than he perceived? Is Hiruzen high?

"So you want me... The village's pariah... to be your golden boy?"

"l really wished you would avoid those terms but yes, Naruto-kun... We would like to use you as l our symbol of our will of fire that had certainly not run out despite our... drawbacks in these previous years. We want to show the world that Konoha still has power and strength... It still has its capability to produce the Elemental Nation's most finest shinobi"

"okay... But I'm just a chunin"

"An eleven year old old chunin to be precise"

"... So?"

The Sandaime was sure now that his continuous rubbing of his his temples has become quite a habit as long as Naruto was around. It surprised him sometimes that the boy was still acting as if he was slow on certain subjects when quite clearly his rapid progress on the military ladder say otherwise along with his academy results. The last known Uzumaki was a highly intelligent individual, having the highest scores in the history of the Academy, equal to Minato Namikaze. He beat Itachi! He missed the days when things were easier with they freely discussed everything from the delicacies of ramen to how much force is needed to cut steel with a shuriken. But the Shinobi life was never easy. His internal and wrinkles were proof of that.

Times was not helping the aging Hokage. Calamity after calamity. It was times like these when he used to call upon the dark faction ROOT to take care of business. Set things in down threats. Remind the world why Konoha victorious for all these years along with its wars. But it was gone now along with its leader. Empty set of buckets were the remains who can only loiter in their cells as they have lost their purpose-their life, adding more problems to his overloaded list already. He should have died with the Kyuubi and leave his predecessor to handle things.

"Naruto.. You know this. Despite your status, you managed to create quite a remarkable reputation for yourself. You exposed a traitor when you were just a genin and went along to fight a A rank missing nin and save a town from tyrannical rule. All in a single mission. Just when we thought your exploits have subsided... You just go on to stop a rebellion with new technologies in Snow country,"The Sandaime chuckled for a moment," you actually saved a princess. A testament yearned to be owned by every wannabe ninja. Even l never completed such a feat"

Naruto mentally groaned. He didn't really want hear any of it. He heard enough of it from Hinata who was earnestly trying to make him believe he was a hero really shouldnt be telling her about his missions. It was totally unprofessional despite how much of they are a testimony of his Awesomeness. Though it seems as the Sandaime has said, his deeds actually exceeded him. Now what was the point of impressing his girlfriend with his achievements if she already heard of them. It was annoying. Either way, he was doing his job. Trying to get that money in the bag. Can't a guy just make earnest living without people fussing over how he does it? . He didn't want it from anyone else noless the Sandaime.

"They were just missions" My awesome missions.

"Not really...You actively sought out Mizuki on your own. You were given specific directions to protect the bridge builder over the course of his work from bandits, not rogue ninjas. One-you were underpaid. Two-noone from this office gave you the order to kill Gatou... Now in Snow Country.. Well,you-"

"l get it... Sheesh..."

"Ok sure... Let me take your word for it then..they were just any other missions. I am sure Kakashi or Gai had done greater feats but the fact is.. Few people know of or cares for said feats. Some number might but people are not actively interested in them as they are with you... You are a new sight to them... An attraction"

"its the whiskers aren't they? ..though l don't see how they compete with Gai's eyebrows" The two males noticed that it was a brief moment reminiscent of their good old days before the canyon emerged between them. It disappeared just quickly as it appeared.

"l will think about it"The young prodigy turned to leave. His mind really needed a rest after these news.

"Sure... But you don't have much of a choice here" Naruto did a doubletake. honestly did not also expect Hiruzen to use the 'I am the Hokage bitch' card. He must be desperate if he was willing to blindingly trust a jinchuruki. For a while, he believed that he was on that lists with persons who people think we trust but definitely dont trust. He must also really believe this plan could work too. Hiruzen must be really high,that hidden leaf must be really strong. He arched an eye brow at the old leader behind the table and queried, "OK... the Sure was for? "

"For you to think about how you should proceed"

".. Huh"

He was the tool again. Typical.

...

Review Please. I don't really trust myself

Omake:

Fugai Uchiha:no omakes for you