Chapter 61: The Next Hokage
The four reached the exit of the cave, Sin was leaning on Edge for support. The instant they appeared Link and Strag ran up to them.
"Dead?" Strag asked.
"Yeah," Wiseman said sighing.
"All of them?" Link asked.
"Yeah, I sent the yard after the minions, they're all gone," Sin said.
"And Vox?" Link asked.
"Yeah, Kid got him," Wiseman said clapping a hand on Naruto's shoulder.
"What about Mulow?" Link asked, still as serious as ever.
"Mulow… Sin hacked him to pieces," Wiseman said jabbing a thumb at the tired warrior.
Link breathed a sigh of relief and began walking away. Wiseman looked at Strag with a raised eyebrow and Strag just shrugged at him.
"Everyone okay?" Edge asked looking around.
"Lax and Lee were hurt too badly for Sakura to handle, so Sage and Grim are running them back to Konoha now. We got all the members dead though," Strag said.
"Perfect, when do we leave?" Wiseman asked.
"Few hours, let's rest first," Naruto said walking away towards Sakura.
Wiseman grinned as he watched Naruto walk away, "Kid saved our lives. How'd he do in his fight?" he asked.
"Ask me later, I'm still trying to understand what it really means," Strag said.
Wiseman laughed at the response and started towards the others. Sakura was where she was when Naruto left, Kakashi on her left. Nomad was sitting on her right while Tusk and Link were across from them, Strag, Wiseman, Sin and Edge made the area like a circle filling in the gaps while Kakashi moved down a bit to let Naruto sit next to Sakura.
"Tusk, how long is our alliance for?" Strag asked.
"Until the job is done. When it is, I'll just walk away, I got no quarrel with any of you," Tusk said.
"Well, did Sage give you any guidelines?" Kakashi asked.
"Only until the Alliance fell at least. After that, it's until you no longer need my help," Tusk said.
"I think we'll be good after our rest, so when we head back, you can go your separate way," Strag said.
"Will do," Tusk said nodding.
A few hours later and the ten people rose to their feet. Tusk bide the other good bye and started heading west while the others started south. They were moving somewhat slowly because Nomad was still badly hurt and needed a hand walking and Sakura was too exhausted to heal him anymore. Wiseman helped Nomad walk while Naruto helped Sakura.
"Link, how'd you get Granny to let you come?" Naruto asked after a while of quietly walking.
"I didn't. Strag came and told me what I needed to do, giving me my chain. He told me I'd be breaking out and to be careful," Link said.
"Tsunade-sama's going to be pretty mad. She might even brand you a traitor," Sakura said.
"I am. I betrayed the Alliance, remember?" Link asked.
"She's right, and she wasn't our prisoner either. She's a ninja of another village which thinks her deceased. She doesn't really need to do what the Hokage says," Wiseman said.
"Man, it's gunna be kinda weird not having to worry about the Alliance," Naruto said.
"It'll be a relief is what it'll be. They were a bunch of bastards, and belong in the hell they're in," Sin said.
"I don't know how bad some of them were though…" Naruto said.
"True, some seemed more confused and trying to find a place to fit in, but they still did what they did," Strag said.
They were silent for a while, and for the next three days there was little said amongst them, and nothing of any relevance. The next day they were able to move faster because Nomad was naturally better, and Sakura was able to advance his healing a bit more. By the third day they were at a normal pace. As they approached the village, before the gates were even in sight Nomad stopped and grinned.
"What is it Nomad-sama?" Sakura asked.
"Scouts. We've been seen. The Hokage will know we're here before we even get there," Nomad said with a grin.
"Why are you walking with byakugan activated?" Naruto asked.
"I'm not, my eyes are better than theirs remember?" I saw the rustling in the trees out of the corner of my eye and activated it to see what was going on," Nomad said.
Sure enough when the group reached the gates four ANBU were waiting for them. Kakashi, Naruto and Sakura were shocked by this, but the terrors didn't seem surprised at all.
"Hokage-sama wishes to see you all in her office immediately. The others from your mission will be there as well," one ANBU said.
"Why the ANBU?" Kakashi asked.
"You'll find out when you get there," another ANBU said as two started walking to Hokage tower, the group followed them and the other two ANBU took the rear.
The group reached Tsunade's office to find Sage, Grim and Lee already there, though Lee was in a wheeled chair. The four ANBU bowed and vanished.
"Well, firstly I want to say congratulations to you all on a successful mission and destroying the Alliance. Second comes the news I which I didn't have to give," Tsunade said her smile fading, Grim and Sage bowed their heads and Lee was staring into the floor. "Lax didn't survive, he died yesterday from his wounds," Tsunade said.
"What?" Wiseman demanded.
"No! He can't die! The bastard can't even be hit!" Sin shouted.
"Kain? Kain's gone?" Edge asked shaking slightly.
"Lax-sama…" Sakura said her eyes falling to the floor.
No one else said anything and for a while the room was silent save the few sobs Edge let out. After a while Tsunade spoke again.
"Link, I know I can not punish you, because you are not from this village, but I can't say I'm not very angered by this. Grim told me about it already, which did manage to make me see the necessity of it at the least. The last thing I have to say is that I will be stepping down as Hokage very soon. The ceremony will probably be within the next few days," Tsunade said.
"Really? The elders finally decided on a replacement? Who is he?" Kakashi asked.
"A great warrior of the Leaf village, Nomad," Tsunade said.
"Me?" Nomad asked loudly.
"Ivike? What about me?" Naruto asked.
"Sorry, but it was their choice," Tsunade said.
"But why me? What about Wiseman? Or Sage?" Nomad asked.
"You're the only one of the terrors that no other village could dispute having origins in Konoha. Plus, you're the only one that all of the elders don't collectively hate. Only the Hyuuga elders were against your appointment," Tsunade said walking around her desk and sitting on it.
"Hyuuga, why would they object?" Naruto asked.
"Because of how Nomad says what he has is better that byakugan, and how he 'hides' his true eyes. But in the end they gave in," Tsunade said.
"But why me? Why even consider any of us?" Nomad asked.
"I honestly can't say, I didn't think any of you were considered either," Tsunade said shrugging.
"When is the ceremony?" Kakashi asked.
"Two or three days, the elders are being notified of you're safe return now," Tsunade said. There was silence in the room for a while before Tsunade spoke again, "if that's all you can go, Sage and Strag should stay to give me the report, it being the last mission I gave as Hokage," Tsunade said with a slight smile.
Everyone but the said ninjas left the room, Sakura was pushing Lee's wheeled chair. They were silent until they left the building, then Sakura and Lee bid the others good bye as they headed to the hospital. Kakashi also went his own way, but Naruto stayed with the terrors, he had a question.
"Hey, Wiseman, why was Vox so weird looking?" Naruto asked.
"He's my descendant," Sin said from Naruto's other side.
"So you can grow more arms too?" Naruto asked.
"It's hard on me to do it, but that was his third stage," Sin said.
"Stage?" Naruto asked with a raised eyebrow.
"I can grow another arm right now, and all the connections and control would be like I was born with it, but I'd be using a lot of energy to maintain it. But the stages are a burst of energy used, so there's no constant drain. His stages look different than mine, and even had a different order," Sin said.
"How can there be a different order if they're different for each person?" Naruto asked.
"Each stage comes with a not visual trait. First stage is speed and agility, always. Second for me is strength while Vox's second is healing. His final stage is strength and mine is healing and strength," Sin said.
"How is yours both? You have strength twice?" Naruto asked.
"There's a boost of strength just for reaching third stage, that's all," Sin said.
"Then why don't you always fight in third stage?" Naruto asked.
"Because in third stage you don't really register pain or exhaustion. You can keep going even when you have no stamina or energy, and fight as if you were in perfect health. But as soon as you leave it, and if you over used it, you're dead," Sin said.
"Keeping a leash on the higher powers," Wiseman said.
"Like you and water," Sin said.
"Water?" Naruto asked looking at Wiseman.
"I go through solids. Other people can't. Everyone can go through liquids, so if I try and phase through liquid, it starts killing me," Wiseman said.
"Fighting in the rain sucks," Sin said.
"For me, and the sun for you," Wiseman said.
"Yeah, the sun makes the energy cost at each level higher. No idea why," Sin said.
Naruto continued asking questions about some of their powers, until the terrors reached their home and Naruto said his good bye. Two days later and nearly all of Konoha was gathered together for the announcement of the sixth Hokage. Tsunade called for the crowd to quiet down before beginning her speech.
"People of Konoha, it has been a great honor of mine to serve you as Hokage," Tsunade paused as the crowd cheered loudly. "However, all good things must end, and today, one of those good things is my reign as Hokage. I now present to you you're new Hokage… Ivike the Nomad!" Tsunade said as the crowd burst into applause as Nomad stepped up next to Tsunade, dressed in the white Hokage robes.
"Do I always have to where this?" Nomad whispered to Tsunade as they waved to the crowd.
"You do for formal functions that you attend as the Hokage, as well as ceremonies, but other than that, no. I would recommend you where a shirt though," Tsunade said.
Nomad sighed, "and now I can't leave to hunt for one," Nomad said.
"You could buy one," Tsunade said with a slight smile.
"I hunted, killed and made all the clothes I where. Why do you think they call me Nomad?" Nomad asked.
"You truly are from another time," Tsunade said with a laugh.
"You have no idea," Nomad said laughing himself.
x-X-x
It was midnight and the celebration of Nomad becoming Hokage was nearing its end. Naruto and Sakura had just left. They were walking silently to Sakura's house to drop her off before Naruto went to his apartment. Sakura was leaning somewhat heavily on Naruto, both from tiredness and for comfort. After they were out of sight and sound of the party Naruto got the feeling they were being watched. His feeling was confirmed when they heard a voice behind them.
"How was it?" Sasuke asked.
Naruto gave a sigh of relief when he saw who it was, "Sasuke, you scared me a second there," Naruto said with a slight laugh.
"How was it?" Sasuke asked again, his face stern.
"Sasuke, what's wrong?" Sakura asked taking a step towards him.
"What are you talking about? The party? It was fun, weren't you there?" Naruto asked.
"Not the party, I don't care about that. You killed her. I want to know how she died," Sasuke said.
"Who are you talking about? Who did I kill?" Naruto asked.
"I heard Strag tell Sage him and you would fight Lerah. I know you killed her because Tsunade said Link is the last of the Alliance. How did you kill her," Sasuke asked.
Sakura has returned to Naruto's side, the look on Sasuke's face was somewhat scary, and she just noticed he had his katana in his hand. "Sasuke, what does it matter? She was an enemy, she was going to die anyway," Sakura said.
"I know what she thought of you. She told me before the fight. Is this because you thought the same thing, or because you wanted to kill her," Naruto asked.
"That doesn't matter, answer the question, how did you kill her?" Sasuke asked loudly, it looked as if he was about to jump at them.
"He didn't!" Sakura shouted fearing what Sasuke was about to do.
"Then who did?" Sasuke asked his expression unchanged.
"Strag. I fought a golem she summoned while Strag snuck up behind her. He slit her throat," Naruto said.
They were quiet for a while; the only sound was Sakura's heavy breathing. Then Sasuke straightened up, sheathed his katana and walked away without a word. Naruto and Sakura both sighed in relief as the Uchiha walked away.
x-X-x
Two days later and neither Naruto nor Sakura had seen or heard from Sasuke since he spoke with them after the party. Naruto wondered if he was in the Uchiha compound alone avoiding everyone else. But when he decided to go and check it out, he didn't find a trace of his teammate. Naruto sighed in defeat as he left to go train.
Nomad was having a hard time getting used to all the duties and responsibilities of being Hokage. Tsunade was in the office with him walking him through it all but he was still having trouble.
"I feel bad for Naruto. He wants this job so bad, but does he know how much work it really is?" Nomad asked.
"I think that's why the elders didn't pick him. he may be strong enough but I agree, I don't think he could handle all this paperwork, at least not yet," Tsunade said.
x-X-x
Wiseman and Grim were in their house playing a game of darts. It wasn't much of a game when both players are constantly hitting the bull's-eye, but they were playing nonetheless. Sage was sitting in a chair, a book open in one hand while to other hand was hovering over the pages.
Then, suddenly Sage's head snapped up. "We've got a problem," he said.
Wiseman and Grim instantly stopped playing and spun around, "What is it?" Wiseman asked.
"The thirteenth is here. He'll be at the gates in a mater of minutes, and the guards could present a problem," Sage said.
"What? Why is her here?" Grim asked.
"I'll go get him," Wiseman said ignoring Grim's outburst.
"That's not all, Edge is the closed of us to him, he'll meet him first," Sage said.
"I won't beat Edge will I?" Wiseman asked.
"No, and I have no idea why or how the thirteenth would even be here," Sage said.
"Wiseman, you get thirteen, I'll get Edge," Grim said.
"Yes bring them to Nomad, I'll get the others and meet you there," Sage said.
"Wiseman and Grim nodded before the three disappeared, each in a different direction.
x-X-x
"Edge, Edge!" Grim yelled running up behind the ninja.
Edge spun around upon hearing his name, "Grim, what are you doing here?" Edge asked.
"Getting you, we're all meeting at Nomad's office," Grim said.
"Oh, I'll be right there. I have this strange feeling of familiarity nearby, I want to see what it is," Edge said.
"Sage sent Wiseman to get it," Grim said.
"Really? How does he know?" Edge asked.
"It's why we're meeting," Grim said.
Edge grinned and nodded before following Grim to Hokage tower.
x-X-x
Wiseman raced through the streets headed for the main gates of the village. When he got there he saw a man in white sandals, white fighting pants, a white sleeveless cloth shirt with a hood pulled up over his face and brown leather gloves that strapped up his forearms. The man was walking through the gate and being approached by a guard. Wiseman clenched his teeth and bolted for them.
"What's your name and business in here?" the guard asked as he reached the man in white.
Before the man answered Wiseman has appeared beside the guard, "He's an old friend of ours, must've come to congratulate Nomad on becoming Hokage," Wiseman said breathing heavily.
"So he was brought back with you?" the guard asked.
"Huh? Oh… no, no he wasn't. but we were around a while before we came here," Wiseman said.
The guard nodded slowly, "I escort him there then," he said.
"No I'll do it, we have catching up to do," Wiseman said as he stated to walk away, the man close behind him. the guard sighed and walked back to his post.
"I'm guessing Sage sent you," the man said.
"Yeah, but we have no idea what the hell you're doing here," Wiseman said.
"I'll tell you all at once, so gather the survivors together," the man said.
"We already are. You obviously know about Nomad, we're all going to meet up there," Wiseman said.
The man nodded, though Wiseman didn't see it. They continued on in silence until they reached Hokage tower, where the others waited outside, Nomad being the only one not present.
"That's what I felt! I knew it was familiar!" Edge said happily as Wiseman and the man approached.
"Oh hell, you really are here," Sin said once they reached the group.
"Is Nomad inside?" the man asked.
"Yeah, we were waiting for you before entering," Strag said.
The man nodded and the group entered the building. They walked thorough the halls and up the stairs before reaching Nomads' office. The knocked on the door and heard the call to enter, when they did it was to find Tsunade guiding Nomad through the paperwork. Then Nomad looked up and saw who it was.
"Hey guys what's….. oh crap," Nomad said as he noticed the man.
"What's wrong? Who's this?" Tsunade asked pointing at the man.
"Tsunade, it'd probably be best if you left, something's going on and I don't think you should hear about it yet," Nomad said standing up.
"That would be best, though nothing's wrong, this isn't general information," the man said.
"Nothing with you ever is," Nomad said.
Tsunade looked at all of them before sighing and walking out. once she was gone Nomad sat down, motioning for the others to do the same in the newly placed chairs.
"Alright Elvo, what's up?" Nomad asked.
"It can't be a new number, we're not all here, everyone needs to be here for that," Grim said.
"It's not. There's really no need for you all to know, just Nomad," Elvo said.
"What the hell is it?" Wiseman asked.
"Naruto, he's gong to be leaving the village soon. I can't say for how long, but I'm here to tell you so he doesn't get a bounty on his head," Elvo said.
"Kid? Why is he leaving?" Wiseman asked.
"When does Naruto plan to leave?" Nomad asked leaning forward.
"He's leaving to train. And he's leaving tonight," Elvo said.
"Where are you taking him?" Sage asked and all eyes widened.
"Someplace secluded. It's safe, I assure you," Elvo said.
"And the others are letting you do this?" Strag asked.
"They agree with me on my actions," Elvo said.
"There's an alternative motive here, what is it?" Wiseman asked.
"Everyone has a vast capacity for power and greatness. Naruto had once fully achieved this capacity. However, me and the others were forced to alter event prior to that happening, meaning he now has not," Elvo said.
"So you're going to see if you can get it out of him again," Strag said.
"Right, if I can, he'll return to say his farewells and be gone from this place. If not, he'll return and stay here, just a little stronger," Elvo said.
"So you wanna take Kid and train him? what exactly did you have to change? What're you gunna do if he can do what you want?" Wiseman asked.
"You'll learn of what was changed, it'll be his legacy. And if he makes it… we've always needed a Focal Point, he'll take that job," Elvo said.
"What! You're gunna make him a…a…" Nomad yelled.
"Yes, if he can make it. Now, I plan to leave as soon as possible. The sun has already fallen so would you mind bringing him here," Elvo said.
"Yeah… sure… Sin, can you get him?" Nomad asked.
"Yeah, I'll get him," Sin said standing up and walking out.
Sin made his way through the dark streets of Konoha towards Naruto's apartment. He thought himself lucky he even remembered where it was. He finally reached the apartment and knocked on the door. After a few minutes Naruto appeared.
"Sin, what's going on?" Naruto asked.
Sin looked Naruto up and down, he was dressed in what appeared to be his best clothes, "what are you all dressed up for?" Sin asked.
"This is the first chance I've had to take Sakura out on a real date since I became a chuunin so I'm doing the works; dinner, movie, dancing if we have time," Naruto said walking back into his apartment continuing to get ready.
"Aw hell," Sin said shoulders slumping.
"What? Something wrong?" Naruto asked.
"Nomad wants to see you, I'm pretty sure it's a mission," Sin said looking down.
Naruto's face fell, "now…" he asked.
"Yeah, I don't know if it can wait or not either," Sin said.
"…Okay, tell him I'll be right there, I just wanna tell Sakura so she knows," Naruto said.
"Yeah, I'll tell him," Sin said nodding before walking away.
After a few moments Naruto left to, he wasn't fully ready, but he figured he'd have time afterwards, if he had an afterwards. He made his way to Sakura's house, knocking when he reached her door. After a few moments the door was answered by Sakura's mother.
"Hi miss Haruno, is Sakura here?" Naruto asked.
"I thought you weren't going out for another half hour," Sakura's mother said.
"Yeah, I just need to tell her something first, is she here?" Naruto asked.
Before Sakura's mother could answer Sakura appeared beside her, "Naruto, what is it?" Sakura asked.
"Ivike wants to see me. Sin said it's about a mission. I might be a bit late picking you up," Naruto said.
Sakura's face fell, "Did Sin-sama say anything about it?" Sakura asked.
"Only that it's important and it might not be able to wait till morning," Naruto said.
"Naruto…" Sakura said.
"Either way I'll come back here, for our date or to tell you about the mission before I leave," Naruto said.
Sakura nodded and Naruto leaned in to kiss her, after noticing that her mother was still there Naruto kissed her cheek. He then left and headed for Hokage tower. When he got to Nomads office and entered he saw the terrors and Elvo waiting for him.
"Naruto, Sin told us about tonight. I'm really sorry, but this in pretty much out of my hands," Nomad said.
"Out of your hands? What's going on?" Naruto asked.
"You're coming with me. There's something in you we need to get out," Elvo said standing up.
"Kyuubi's dead, what's going on?" Naruto asked again.
"It's not Kyuubi that's in you. I'll explain later, it involves things the Twelve Terrors can't know about," Elvo said.
"Who are you?" Naruto asked.
"My name is Elvo. If things go as planned, you'll remember it," Elvo said.
"What's that supposed to mean?" Naruto asked.
"We met before," Elvo said removing the glove of his right hand. Once it was off he showed Naruto the back of his right forearm where a general curve and roman numeral was tattooed onto his skin, just like all the terrors. His number was XIII.
"You're a terror too?" Naruto asked.
"No, but I've made a pact with them. Now, you appear to be very close to what I hopped you'd be, so we shouldn't be gone that long. Nomad already knows the details of the duration of your leave, so go pack your things for a few months training and we'll leave," Elvo said.
"There's no chance we can leave tomorrow, even at sunrise?" Naruto asked.
"No, I must be away from all civilization by sunrise. You'll understand why once we're on our way," Elvo said.
I don't have a choice about this do I?" Naruto asked.
"No. I have no power over the situation, I'm sorry Naruto," Nomad said.
"It's okay Ivike. I'll go say good bye to Sakura and pack my things," Naruto said his voice stating at its normal volume and going ever quieter.
"I'll meet you at the gates Naruto. I'll tell you this, unless you die, when we're done you will come back here. The only thing that will change is how long you spend here," Elvo said.
Naruto nodded before leaving. He walked slowly to Sakura's house dreading what he would have to say to her, what it would do to her. He knocked on the door and this time it was Sakura who answered.
"Naruto! What did Nomad-sama say?" Sakura asked.
"That it's out of his hands. I have to leave tonight," Naruto said.
"That's okay, we'll just do this when you get back. How long is the mission?" Sakura asked.
"No idea, I was told to pack for a few months though," Naruto said quietly.
Sakura's shoulders slumped slightly, "well, when you get back then," she said dejectedly.
"He said that no matter what I'd be coming back, but depending on the outcome of the mission, I might not stay long," Naruto said.
"How long is not long?" Sakura asked looking into Naruto's eyes.
"He made it seem like long enough to say good bye," Naruto said.
Sakura fell forward, wrapping her arms around his neck, "why, why is it always you?" Sakura asked.
"I don't know, but this is training, so at least I'll get stronger…" Naruto said.
Sakura started to cry into Naruto's neck and he just stood there and let her. After a few minutes he pushed her back saying he still needed to changed and pack. They kissed good bye and Naruto started his long lonely walk back to his apartment. A while later he was walking up to the gates of Konoha in his normal garb and with his pack on his back. Elvo was there waiting for him.
"Sorry about any plans I ruined kid, but this is more urgent than you think," Elvo said.
"Yeah, let's just go, the sooner we leave, the sooner we can come back," Naruto said.
x-X-x
AN: just so you know, when Sin talks about energy, he's referring to chakra. Old habits die hard as Nomad said, and in their first lives they called it energy.