I Don't Own Naruto, Any Other Anime/Manga or Its Characters.
All Characters Appearing In This Work Are Fictitious. Any Resemblance To Real Persons, Living Or Dead Is Purely Coincidental.
Meetings:
At Anbu HQ
The Former Hyuuga and Village Elders were being interrogated simultaneously in 5 different rooms by shinobi who were skilled and experienced interrogation specialists handpicked by Tsunade herself. To ensure correct results she put Ibiki Morino in charge of the team Interrogating the Hyuuga elders and Anko Mitarashi in charge of the team interrogating the Village elders. She then formed an additional team of Interrogation specialists which consisted of skilled and experienced interrogation specialists from the Yamanaka and Nara Clan headed by Yamamoto to interrogate the group of terrorists that had tried to enter the Fire Country Borders.
In the Hokage's office
Not for the first time Tsunade found herself cursing the person who invented the concept of paperwork. Since she had come back she been cooped up in her office trying to sort out all the paperwork, even with 5 shadow clones helping her she still had a mountain of paperwork to deal with, not to mention a whole village to protect but thankfully she had an epiphany and put Kakashi in charge of the village security and gave him free reign. After a few more hours of extensive hard work Tsunade had finally gotten things in order by lunch time. With the paperwork now finished, Tsunade got up from her desk and decided to go to the hospital to check up on her wounded shinobi.
Tsunade was making the rounds of the hospital with Shizune informing her of the status of each and every patient. Tsunade then turned the corner towards the critical care unit. Shizune checked her list and found that most of the critical care patients were stable except for a few. She then remembered that Sai's name was still reflecting in the Critical Unit. She steered Tsunade towards his room while informing her what all had transpired and what treatments had been tried to save his life.
Tsunade entered Sai's room and was checking his medical charts when he started to stir. As he stirred Naruto, Sakura, Udon and Kakashi had walked into his room to see him where they met Shizune and Tsunade in his room, Sai was in his hospital bed in a very bad shape his skin was pale and his breathing was coming in short rasps. Upon seeing his old team walk through the door he smiled and started to get up but was pushed back down by Tsunade. Naruto reached there first and said "hey Sai how you feeling buddy don't worry my friend you will get through this" he said with a forced smile. Sai chuckled and said "always the optimist aren't you dickless, but I am afraid this time you are wrong it is time for me to go now but before I go I wanted to say a few things"
He turned to his team and said "although I was not originally one of you, all of you quickly accepted me as your friend and helped me regain my old self back, you all taught me many things: Naruto you taught me about bravery and loyalty. Sakura you taught me how to care and love my friends and teammates.
Kakashi sensei even though I was never your student and knew whom I was you taught me a great many things: you taught me about bonds and how to be there for my friends when they fall. You taught me the biggest lesson of all: you taught me never to leave my friends behind no matter what because if I did so it would make me lower than scum.
He then turned to Tsunade and bowed his head in respect. Milady Hokage even though i was an agent of Danzo even though I was sent to do harm you still allowed me to join the ranks of shinobi. Through your actions and words you taught me how respect is given and how it is earned. You taught me how to be a better person and whenever I had questions you always helped me and for that I thank you, *rasp* *cough.*"
"That's enough Sai you need to rest" said Naruto. "No, my friend time for me to rest shall soon come but not yet let me finish what I want to say" he pleaded with his friend. Sai turned towards Udon who was trying hard not to cry as his logical mind tried to explain that his master's body had taken too much damage and was failing, but his emotional heart refused to believe his logical mind.
"Udon you were my first and last student, you taught me what it means to be a sensei and a master to a student, you learnt everything I taught you and used it to protect your friends. As your Master I have one final command for you. Never let Hatred or anger gain a foothold within your heart, because if you do, your life becomes nothing but an empty shell." Udon bowed his head in submission with tears running down his cheeks.
Sai continued and said "it is said that Kami grants the wishes of a dying man, and although I doubt Kami might listen to my plight even if she is listening I humbly request that may the Will of Fire burn eternally in your hearts and souls. May the people of this village be worthy of your loyalty. Naruto my friend will you do me a favour?"
"Anything you want my friend what is it? "You have told me many times of the beauty of the Toad Valley known as Mount Myōbokuzan so i wish for this: after my death I do not wish to be buried but I wish to be burned as is worthy of a shinobi. It would be my fondest wish if you could spread my ashes in The Toad Valley." *rasp* *cough* "Now hear my final words my friends "Long Live the Hokage. Long live Konoha. Long Live the Fire Nation." With those final words life finally left his eyes and Sai finally left his mortal coil. Everyone present had tears in their eyes."
In another part of The Hospital wing
Hiashi had come to check on his nephew and found him asleep. After taking permission from a nurse he took a seat next to his nephew's bed. Hiashi was so lost in his own thoughts that he did not even realise that Neji had awoken from his sleep until Neji called out to him.
"Neji, my boy how are you. Are your wounds healing?" Neji looked a bit uncomfortable "I am fine Uncle considering the circumstances." There seemed to be an uncomfortable silence for a few seconds until Neji broke the silence. "Uncle I have decided to stay in the Anbu indefinitely. As an Anbu I am a shinobi under direct control of the Hokage, and as per the rules set down by the Nidaime Hokage even if an Anbu agent belongs to a clan he/she has the option to appeal for direct support from the Hokage if he /she feel threatened by their clan.
"In such a case the Hokage could offer said shinobi safe asylum to practice their clan techniques without backlash from the clan, provided that said shinobi stays in the Anbu until death or retirement.
"I love Tenten with all my heart. Once upon a time i believed I could live without her but this battle has taught me different. I cannot live without her. I want to marry her and when we have children regardless of whether they have the Byakugan or not I WILL NOT have them submitted to ridicule or being used as pawns for the Amusement of the Hyuuga elders or anyone else within the main branch. I WILL NOT see them branded with the Caged Bird Seal. I will do whatever I have to do to ensure the best for me and my family. And if that means staying within the Anbu and banishing myself from the Hyuuga clan then so be it."
Hiashi Hyuuga was stunned. He was aware that over the years that Neji had come to have a more cordial relationship with himself and his daughters but he also knew that Neji like his father was fiercely protective of his family.
"I can understand why you might think so Neji-kun, but please do reconsider your decision." Neji barked a laugh and on voice ice cold said "come now uncle let us be frank with each other. You know as well as I do the deep rooted hatred that the Branch Family has of the Hyuuga Elders and other members of the Main Family who are able to use the curse seal against us!"
"Can you guarantee that my marriage to Tenten will not be met with animosity by the clan? Can you guarantee that my children and wife will not be branded with the caged bird seal and be humiliated and insulted by being called half bloods and other such names? No, you cannot can you?"
At this Hiashi smiled and said "That is where you are wrong my boy, for you see The Hyuuga Elders have been arrested for the crime of Treason and attempted murder of the Hyuuga clan head." Neji's mouth opened in shock.
Hiashi smiled even wider and said "as you can imagine because of this there would now be a political power vacuum within the clan. Now I have an idea forming in my head that will help us take advantage of this situation and make relations between the Main Household and Branch household much more cohesive and reduce the animosity between the two households."
Neji seemed intrigued and said "How exactly do you propose that Uncle Hiashi?" "It's very simple my child would it be incorrect to say that Ko Hyuuga and yourself are the two most talented and powerful Branch Family members within the clan at least among the current generation?"
Neji nodded his head in understanding and said "true I am considered a Genius amongst the branch family members and as a result I have much political sway with the current generation of Hyuuga Chunin and Jonin. Whereas Ko Hyuuga has much talent as well and also holds much political power with some of the older Hyuuga Chunin and Jonin."
Hiashi smiled and said "together how much political power do you two hold with the Branch Family or to put it more simply what percentage of the Hyuuga branch family would listen and cooperate with you and Ko Hyuuga were you both to flex your political muscles?" Neji smiled and said "I would say that Ko and I would be able to convince approx. 93% of the Branch Family to our line of thinking. The other 7% would be made up of old timers who believe that the word of the Clan Head is law."
Hiashi smiled and said "That is very good now I am aware that my two daughters would be able to convince approx. 83% of the Main household to their line of thinking. That leaves approx. 17% of shinobi within the Main household and a total of 24% within the whole clan that would listen only to me."
"So this means that if you and my daughters combine forces we could find ourselves in a situation similar to the Uchiha clan with similar results." Neji looked alarmed for a minute and said "uncle please do not misunderstand I would never lay a finger upon my clansmen or instigate any of the branch member to do so in any situation." Hiashi smiled again and said "not to worry Neji my boy i am not asking you to revolt, I am asking you to help me bring a positive change within The Hyuuga clan to prevent such an event." "I am afraid I still do not understand Uncle."
Hiashi explained and said "tell me Neji would you say it is an accurate guess to say many of the branch family members feel the same way that you do with the Main family to varying degrees?" "Yes, that is obvious." What if you could help me bring about changes within the Hyuuga Clan that would reduce the animosity, would you be willing to change your mind and help the clan?" "Obviously so." Hiashi smiled widely and said: "good now be quiet and listen to what I have to say." Hiashi removed a few privacy and silencing tags from his robes and attached them around the room. Only once they were activated did Hiashi speak. While Neji listened in interest.
Later that week
It had been three days since they returned. Tsunade had finally gotten things under relative control. Although Martial law was still in effect, the threat level had been decreased from DEFCON-5 to DEFCON-4. This meant that civilian stores would be open but only between the hours of 7am-3pm. Tsunade was interrupted from her paperwork by Shizune who said "Milady, all the shinobi you requested have arrived." Tsunade looked at her watch. "Very well thank you Shizune, please have everybody settle down in n one of the large conference rooms." Shizune nodded her head and left the room. Tsunade finished reading the document on her desk and after making a few notations on it she got up to attend her meeting.
In the conference room
A large group of shinobi had been gathered for this meeting, although none of them knew why. Present at the meeting were shinobi from every branch of Konoha's Military. The teachers and Headmaster of the Konoha Shinobi Academy, Kakashi, Gai, Yamamoto, Kurenai along with other Jonin sensei who were currently mentoring Genin students.
Ibiki Morino and Anko Mitarashi were also present at the meeting representing the Anbu. Shizune was also present at the meeting along with The Dean of the Konoha Shinobi Medical School and hospital. Present also at this meeting were the Konoha Clan leaders. Last but not least was the Konoha 12 except Neji and Sai. The Hokage arrived a few minutes later with the Fire Daimyo at her side.
After everyone had been seated and greetings had been made. Tsunade took the floor and said "good afternoon ladies and gentlemen. The reason I have gathered all of you here 9s because I wanted to discuss something very important.
As you all know in the past few years the shinobi world has changed drastically. We can no longer train our shinobi the way we did. The past few days have taught us this lesson, for those of you that do not know I will make you aware. Many of the enemies that our shinobi fought in this battle were well versed with their moves. She gestured to Phoenix who was standing near the wall. He nodded and began distributing a booklet to all the shinobi in the room.
Once everyone had received a booklet. Tsunade spoke again and said "within this booklet are three after action reports written by Kiba Inuzuka, Neji Hyuuga, and Chouji Akimichi. Please read through them and then tell me what your thoughts are. The shinobi picked up their booklets and started reading the reports in front of them.
15 minutes later
Everyone had finished reading the reports and they all seemed to be deep in thought. Iruka was the first to speak and said "the reports point out two very interesting things" Tsunade gestured for him to continue. Iruka rose and took on the role that he was most accustomed to: a teacher.
"All three reports have two things in common, one: clan specific jutsu no longer have the same effect as before. Two: had not the shinobi in question mastered other forms of shinobi arts besides their own Family martial arts. They would surely be dead. This is proof of something I have always said will happen eventually."
Hiashi said "please explain Iruka-san." Iruka looked at the Hokage for a moment, who nodded her head. "Allow me to explain Hiashi-san, but before I do so let me state for the record, that my opinions are un-biased and reflect both my professional and my personal opinions, also many of the elite shinobi who are now serving in the various branches of Konoha's shinobi military were once upon a time my students and as such as their teacher I will always have their best interest at heart."
Tsunade spoke and said "Duly noted Chunin Iruka, please continue." Iruka nodded and continued. "As you all Know i am an academy teacher and the only chunin amongst all of you Anbu and Jonin level ninja; however one thing you need to remember is before you all became a Jonin or Chunin or whatever, you were all once academy students.
A place of knowledge where you learned the basics of chakra, Ninjutsu, Taijutsu and Genjutsu amongst other shinobi arts, however even at the academy there were two groups of students: Those who were from a clan and those who were not."
"Those students who were from a clan although participated and learnt the different shinobi arts like the others most of them never took great interest in it because they had been taught since birth that their family or clan's style of Taijutsu or Ninjutsu was the best. Do not get me wrong they are able to fight with other means as well but not as well. "
For e.g. if i were to hold a contest between a normal academy student who is not from a clan, and a student who is from the Aburame clan and have a kunai throwing contest between them. I can assure you that the Aburame shinobi would lose." Shibi interrupted and said "pray tell why that is Iruka-san?" Iruka smiled and said "simple Shibi san, the student who is not from a clan will try harder to master the skill and will succeed because he knows that his skill with a kunai might make the difference in a fight. Whereas the student from the Aburame clan will not try as hard and will instead rely on his clan's abilities to win a fight." "As a teacher I have always tried to teach my students various forms of martial arts. But many of them either are not willing or reluctant to learn because they rely too heavily on their clan's abilities and jutsu."
Which at the end of the day are just tools and as we all know a master with a pebble can defeat a novice with a shuriken." Iruka said referring to an old Japanese adage. Shikamaru spoke up and said "but Iruka sensei is it wrong to have pride in our clan's abilities?" "Not at all Shikamaru you should be proud of it and use it to its full extent." Let's take a very good example." He turned to Kakashi and said "Kakashi sensei, you have the Sharingan in your left eye, and as a result of that you can have won many battles with it, correct, but when in battle do you rely only on the abilities of your Sharingan to win a battle?" Kakashi smiled and said "of course not Iruka sensei, in fact I use my Sharingan as a last resort, I try to use my own abilities first."
Tsunade rose and said "Thank you Chunin Iruka, you may be seated. As you all heard and read from the after action reports its clear that had the shinobi in question not learnt other martial arts they would not have been able to win in battle do we all agree on this point?" everyone present in the room nodded their heads.
"Good, this makes what I have to say easier; after consulting the Fire Daimyo I have decided that By Executive Orders any Genin who is part of a clan or large Shinobi family, must show Chunin level proficiency in at least one other Martial art besides their Family or Clan specific jutsu."
"For e.g. if a Hyuuga clan member was to show expertise and chunin level judgement only while using the Gentle Fist, then even though that genin showed the qualities of a chunin he/she would not be selected because they did not master any other martial art except their own."
This rule will also apply to Genin who are aiming to be specialists. For e.g. if a shinobi who is an expert swordsman and while that genin shows Chunin level proficiency in Kenjutsu but is unable to battle using any other Martial art. That shinobi would not be considered for chunin selection. So in effect any genin wishing to apply for the rank of Chunin must show Chunin level proficiency in at least two different martial arts to attain the rank of Chunin."
The room was silent for a few minutes until a few grumbles broke out from some of the clan leaders. Shikaku spoke first and said "Hokage–Dono as it is an executive order we shall comply but I have a few doubts I would like addressed." "Please go ahead Shikaku." "While it may be feasible to teach each Genin two or more martial arts and also bring them to Chunin level in proficiency. Each Genin is different and will have different affinities and qualities."
"it might not be possible for that Genin's sensei to teach him/her the requisite skills necessary, for e.g. if a particular genin shows an interest or talent in Genjutsu and Elemental Ninjutsu and that genin is assigned to Might Gai. None of which are Gai's strong points. Would that Genin then not do better under say Hatake Kakashi or Sarutobi Kurenai?" Tsunade smiled and said "Thank you for bringing that up Shikaku that thought had occurred to me, and that is why before making this decision I realised that in order for this to work we have to change the way we teach our future shinobi."
"As a result I have decided to appoint one of our brightest and best Academy teachers to assemble a group of expert shinobi from around the village to build a new Academy curriculum that will allow and help the academy teachers to profile their student and help them judge what type of martial arts would best fit their talents and tastes and thus train and teach them accordingly and choose Jonin sensei that would best be able to teach them the skills they would excel in."
"The best person for this job in my opinion is none other than: Chunin Iruka Umino." There was a silence of about 5 seconds before the room burst into applause. Iruka was shell-shocked and sat frozen in his seat, until Anko pinched him hard causing him to stand up in surprise. The Hokage signalled for silence and continued "as I was saying Umino Iruka you have always had the best track record of all the academy teachers, you also have the highest percentage of passing students who later became Jonin, thus you are the most logical choice." Suddenly the Daimyo stood up, The Hokage noticed this and promptly sat down.
The Daimyo finally spoke for the first time since the meeting had started and said "Congratulations Iruka Umino your fame and success as a teacher have not gone unnoticed I assure you. However it is my opinion that new responsibilities must come with a certain rank, one which I am afraid a man of your current rank is not ready, no matter how experienced you may be."
At his words the Konoha 12 seemed to erupt in outrage, However Iruka raised his hand in silence. The Daimyo continued "as I was saying, I do not think a man of your rank has what it takes to handle this responsibility. That is why I have decided to create a new shinobi rank, and that is: Shuyōna Chunin (Chunin Major)."
" This rank is a very special rank reserved for those shinobi of Chunin level who have accomplished great things in their careers as Chunin or have displayed great bravery in battle. A shinobi of this rank will be given equal pay and status as a Tokubetsu Jonin and will also be the Commanding officer of any chunin or genin level officer in absence of their commanding Jonin Squad commander."
I am pleased to announce the first ever Shuyōna Chunin (Chunin Major) Iruka Umino! The Daimyo was smiling now as he shook Iruka's hand and pinned a ribbon to his vest. "Congratulations Iruka I am sure you will do a great job best of luck." The whole room burst into applause and cheers as Iruka shook the Daimyo's hand. "Dattebayo, Iruka sensei" Naruto cried out in joy. "The fires of youth burn brightly within you Iruka sensei." Lee screamed out. "Baby you're getting laid tonight." Anko screamed out. The room burst into laughter as Iruka turned slightly red. Nobody seemed to notice Tsume Inuzuka whisper a few words into the ears of Anko Mitarashi. Nobody also seemed to notice Anko's eyes widen in surprise and her face crack into a devilish grin and say "you have got a deal Tsume."
Once everyone had settled down Tsunade took the floor again and said "Iruka I want you to organise an expert panel of shinobi to help you. I will offer you all the help you need. To all the clan leaders and Jonin sensei here I want you all to help Iruka in any way you can; I want a working curriculum ASAP. Now Meeting Dismissed. Iruka come with me to my office, I want you to incorporate certain items into your curriculum." With that said the new Shuyōna Chunin (Chunin Major) followed the Hokage to her office to discuss further about this topic.
A/N: There you go guys another chapter finished. Hope you enjoy it. Just a few things to explain; some of you might object to me creating a new rank just for Iruka, but I had an idea and I ran with it. It is all part of my plan to give as much exposure to supporting characters as possible.
I also find That Kishimoto has seriously underplayed Iruka's role as a sensei and shinobi in general so I wanted to give my own Iruka a bit of a status upgrade, I also personally like the character of Iruka as am sure do many of my readers.
As I previously mentioned, my story is coming to an end. I estimate that by ch. 50 my story will be complete. But that doesn't mean i am finished not by any means. I am planning to write a couple of one shot after I finish this story so stick around and watch this space.