Sorry this is a day late. My computer was having internet problems. Anyways. Again, Wow. A Jinchuriki's Fate has reached 1812 hits. Thanks everyone! I know you are probably all been wondering how this is going to turn out. Now, as for reviews...
To dragonman180: Yeah. I was so suprised when I saw that episode. I knew her's and Tunade's opinions differed on a number of things, but that was going too far.
To Chewie Cookies: Maybe she will and maybe she won't.
To GraityTheWizard: Thanks.
To Bumblemark: Thanks for the heads up about my spelling error. I need to stop making those. As for NaruHina fluff, I'm getting to it.
The Hokage's Office
"Now then, what's the problem?" Tsunade asked the somber pair.
"You see Hokage-sama," Kakashi began. "Naruto had a little talk with…"
"I had a talk with it, Granny Tsunade." Naruto finished.
Tsunade looked up a little too quickly. She didn't even make any comments about Naruto's disrespectful nickname as she usually did.
"What did the two of you talk about?" Tsunade asked him, trying to keep as calm as possible. "Was it something I should know?"
"Let's just say the damn bjuu confirmed Jairaya's hypothesis." Kakashi told her seriously. The fifth Hokage stared at the copy ninja.
"Shit," was all she could say immediately. "Why did he say it now, of all times?"
"Naruto's training is why." The silver-haired shinobi replied simply. "According to Naruto, they can only communicate in a life-or-death situation, or if he is really tired. The Kyubi saw an opportunity to try and convince Naruto to do what he wanted him to do, and used it against him."
Tsunade took a minute to calm down. (And say a few more curse words)
"Shizune!" The fifth Hokage yelled when she was done. About ten seconds later, the raven-haired assistant opened the door and stuck her head into the room.
"Yes, Tsunade-sama?" She asked meekly. "Is there anything you need me to do?"
"As a matter of fact, there is, surprisingly enough." She growled at her. With that, Tsunade opened one of her desk drawers and removed a stack of papers.
"Aren't those last month's medical reports?" Shizune asked her incredulously. "Why haven't they been filed yet?"
"I haven't found the time to do it myself yet." She scowled. "I need you to take care of them for me. There's a lot of them, so get Sakura to lend a hand if you need to."
After bowing stiffly, the assistant left to follow her orders.
"Are you really that behind far Hokage-sama" the silver- haired shinobi said as he cocked his head.
"You know that's not true." Tsunade growled at him. "Shizune might start eavesdropping, so having an errand for her to run when I talk about something important is much safer, as much as I hate doing it." She turned back toward the blonde.
"So, you know that the seal is weakening, do you?" She asked him sympathetically. "I'm sorry for not telling you about it, but as Kakashi may have already told you, Jairaya made us promise not to tell you in exchange for the information." Naruto nodded.
"Kakashi-sensei told me about that." Naruto replied. "He also said you're the one most likely to know why he did that."
Tsunade sighed. She could tell it was going to be one of those talks. They were painful to be in and rarely ever ended on a positive note.
"I can't say with any certainty what goes on inside Jairaya's head, except for his research." She replied.
Kakashi snorted, but was quickly silenced by Naruto's glare.
"So, in other words, you have no idea." The Jinchuriki pressed.
"Unfortunately, yes." The Hokage admitted. "He never really did anything seriously until Orochimaru left. And as you may know, he followed him shortly after that. What drives his serious side, besides our traitorous teammate, is something I don't know. Sorry I'm not any help."
"It's alright Granny Tsunade" the Chunin replied. With that, Naruto departed, showing little emotion.
"We need to do something about Naruto." Tunade muttered. "Something to distract him, maybe even cheer him up some."
"How about a mission Hokage-sama?" The silver-haired shinobi suggested. "He's done nothing but train for a while now. A chance to get some work in may be just what he needs. Besides, I don't know how much money he has left."
"That sounds like a good idea to me, Kakashi." Tsunade agreed. "Though your last reason is incorrect. You know Minato's will better than I do."
What Tsunade was referring to was the will Minato had drawn up during the Kyubi's attack. Unlike what most people would have done in his position, the fourth Hokage had thought ahead. He had made clear that everything would go to Naruto, but when, how, and all the other details would be decided by his replacement, who would still be alive and therefore able to come up with something that would work in whatever the situation would be.
The seedier members of the Konoha council of elders had wanted to "donate it to the village" of course, but fortunately, that didn't happen.
The third had decided that, since Naruto was to grow up not knowing his parent's identities, the fourth's numerous assets would be kept under lock and key. Although, until Naruto became a Genin and able to support himself, he would be issued an 'allowance' of sorts that he would be able to live off of.
"He doesn't know about that, remember?" The copy-ninja reminded her.
"Of course he doesn't." Tsunade growled. "Fine, I'll dig up a B-rank for you. He will just complain if I give him a C-rank."
"Thank you, Hokage-sama." Kakashi thanked her respectfully.
"There's a snag, though." Tsunade added. "You won't be going on it."
"Why?" Kakashi asked startled.
"I need you to fill in for Kurenai. As you know, she's too far into pregnancy to go on missions. However, I have another mission that requires her team's specialized skills, but I also need someone else to fill in as the team's captain. Your team is the only one with two captians, and I need Tenzo to stay with Naruto, so it's up to you."
"Understood." Kakashi replied.
"Very well than. Please bring the active members of team Kurenai here, so we can start the briefing.
