So lately I have been really inspired to write, due in no small part to the reviews and support I have received from all of you. Still looking for a beta reader though so anyone out there whose interested shoot me a PM or let me know in a review. Now here's:

Sharingan Warrior

Chapter 12: The New Hokage

Naruto ducked a heavy spinning back kick and back flipped over the sweep that followed; instead of landing on his feet he planted both his feet in his opponent's chest and landed hard on his back. Naruto kipped back to his feet and rushed his opponent, leaping into the air he kicked at his head only to have him bend over backwards. Naruto landed on his feet and blocked the incoming punched before countering with one of his own which in turn was blocked. They two went back and forth. Each having their attacks foiled and foiling the other's in turn. Finally Naruto broke off the deadlock by throwing a roundhouse kick which was avoided but followed up the attack by spinning a throwing a second kick aimed for the head. The attack landed flush and was effective in driving his opponent back. Naruto chose not to follow him but instead let him recover.

"A well timed attack, Naruto," said his sparring partner.

"Thanks Lee," replied Naruto.

"I'm not done yet though," exclaimed Lee and took his typical fighting stance. Naruto hid a smile and dropped into his own stance. They charged and resumed their intense spar. It had been three days since the return of Itachi Uchiha. Having learned the man's identity Naruto had been stressed to say the least. Sasuke had promised to kill the person responsible for his clan's death Naruto had decided to fulfill that dream for him, however uponm learning that the person was Sasuke's brother he had felt conflicted. Sasuke was the closest thing Naruto had had to a brother and now he found himself hesitating to kill Sasuke's last living blood relative.

Naruto's stress had begun to take a toll on everyone around him. He had taking to spending hours pacing in his living room or wondering the streets lost in thought, and without Kakashi around and Jiraiya's time split between dealing with the newly arrived Itachi and preparing thing for the next Hokage it fell to Sakura and the rest of the Konoha Twelve to try and get Naruto out of his funk. Sakura , being the person closest to him had done everything she could think of to get the boy to act normal again. However try as she might all her attempts failed, from cooking him breakfast to going to Sasuke's grave even taking him to the top of the Fourth's head. Nothing helped. Finally she turned to the rest of the Gennin, and it was Rock Lee who finally came up with the best solution. He had cornered Naruto in the Market and convinced him to partake in some full contact sparring.

Even though he had agreed reluctantly, Naruto found that he felt better as sparred he with Lee. Three days of confusion and frustration were behind every single one of his blows. In the beginning Lee had tried to exploit the fact that his enemy had only one eye attacking from only Naruto's right side. However Naruto had been fighting with one eye for over a year and had adapted well eventually Lee changed up his game and attacked from both sides. Finally as the two entered the later rounds of their spar, Naruto found himself enjoying himself.

Naruto slide under Lee's kick and aimed a straight right at the Taijutsu master's head. Lee deflected it and countered with a spinning back kick. Naruto got his hands up but couldn't do much more and took the brunt of the attack. He fell to his right putting his hands down to try and keep his feet. Lee followed him, dropping a ax kick at his head. Naruto hit a shoulder roll and leaped back to his feet. Lee chased after him attacking with a front kick. Naruto caught the kick, wrapping his arm around Lee's ankle. Lee leaped off his remaining foot and kicked at Naruto's head. Naruto ducked and lifted Lee's leg. Lee hit a front flip and landed fifteen away. Naruto Ran at him and, in an impressive display of agility, leaped and wrapped his legs around Lee's head. Using his momentum he flipped over backwards, passing past Lee's left leg, and landed on his feet while Lee's was thrown to his back. Naruto tried follow up but he Lee rolled away and leaped to his feet. Naruto attacked with a straight left which Lee deflected. The next thing Naruto knew he was struck in the side of the face and he was on his back. He looked up and saw Lee kneel over him his fist drawn.

"Alright you win," said Naruto laying his head in the dirt. Lee smile and held his hand out to Naruto. Naruto took it and let Lee pull him to his feet.

"What was that at the end?" he asked rubbing the side of his face. Lee laughed.

"It was an outside crescent kick," said Lee.

"Damn, it was so fast I didn't even see it," said Naruto, again Lee laughed.

"Yes, well I have worked very hard to make it so," he said. Naruto nodded and started to leave the training field.

"Hey Lee?" said Naruto causing the black haired boy look up from his pack "Thanks, for everything." Lee nodded with enthusiasm.

"It was my pleasure," he said before going back to his pack. Naruto hooked his hand in his pockets and head back to the village. As he walked his thoughts again returned to Itachi Uchiha and the fact that he had killed his entire family. Naruto just couldn't wrap his head around it. He let out a sigh and chased the thought from his mind. It was this line of thinking that had driven his friends to be concerned about him.

"Hey Naruto," he heard someone holler as he walked past the market. He turned and saw Kiba walking towards him Akamaru on his head. His normal jacket was gone, instead he wore a black tee shirt and blue jeans.

"Kiba, what's up?" he asked stopping to let the Inuzuka catch up.

"I haven't seen you in quite awhile," replied Kiba. "Thought we could catch up." Naruto nodded and followed Kiba into the market. "So what have been up to the last few months?" Naruto shrugged.

"Quite a bit, learning new jutsu, found the Hokage, stuff like that," he said. Kiba laughed.

"Seems like you've always got some new trick," he said a smile on his face "Heard you went toe-to-toe with an S-rank criminal on your last mission." Naruto nodded, that was something he didn't like talking about, the utter helplessness he had felt as he did everything he could to just hold off Kisame was something he was ashamed of.

"That's pretty crazy man," said Kiba "And impressive no two ways about it man. You've got my respect man." Naruto stopped walking.

"What?" he demanded. Kiba turned to look at him, confusion on his face.

"What what?" he asked in return "Bro you're a Gennin and you held off an S-rank criminal for five minutes, that's damn impressive. And you can make excuses if you want, but that doesn't change the facts. The only reason you're alive is because of your own skill and ability." Kiba turned and started walking again, leaving Naruto rooted to the ground. This was the first time one on the others not on his team had praised him over anything.

"Hey you we gonna eat or what?" came Kiba's voice jarring Naruto out of his shock. Nodding he walked after him, a little more drive in his steps.

After their meal and recounting of their adventures, Kiba and Naruto split ways. Kiba headed into town while Naruto headed home. He wanted to see Sakura and relax. His walk went quickly, and soon he found himself climbing the stair to the apartment he shared with Sakura. He had invited her to stay with him after the death of her parents. Though she had tried to help with the bills Naruto had refused saying that her being their affected the bills in no way and he had been paying them on his own just fine. The one thing he had relented on was that she pay her for her share of food and help with the water bill.

Naruto walked in the front door and was immediately hit with the smell of dinner which he thought he could identify as miso soup and dumplings. Sakura heard his entrance and walked out of the kitchen. She was dressed simply, barefoot, wearing one of his green tee shirts and a pair of white shorts. Naruto couldn't help but stare, she was simply stunning.

"Welcome home," she said snapping him out of his staring. "How was your spar?"

"It's was good," he replied kicking of his flip-flop sandals "I lost." Sakura smiled and shook her head.

"Well what did you expect trying to fight Lee with out use ninjutsu or the Sharinga," she said "Lee is the best taijutsu practitioner of our age." Naruto nodded.

"I know, but I wanted to push myself," he replied.

"Typical Naruto," she said walking up to him wrapping her arms around his neck "Always pushing his limits." Naruto met her smile with a half smile of his own. Their smile were short lived though as their lips soon met in a chaste 'hello' kiss.

"Go shower," she said "Dinner should be done by the time you get out." Naruto nodded and headed for the back of the apartment were his room was. Though it was where Sakura slept, most of Naruto's clothes were still in their. He grab a change and headed for the bathroom. He quickly disrobed and climbed in the shower. As the hot water poured over him he felt his tight muscles relax and sooth. He let out a sigh and put his head in the water flattening his spiky blonde hair, which had grown to a considerable length. His bangs fell to his nose while the back of his hair brushes his shoulders. After he soaked for a bit he washed and cut the water. He stepped out of the shower, toweled himself dry and dressed wearing a white V-neck and a pair of black shorts. Washed and dressed, he walked back in to the kitchen where Sakura was putting the final touches on dinner.

"Ah, good timing," she said "can you carry the pot?" Naruto nodded and picked up it. Sakura grabbed a hot pad and headed for the table with Naruto following. She placed the hot pad on the table and Naruto put the pot on the hot pad. Then they returned for bowls and utensils. Shortly after they had everything dished out and were sitting at the small table.

"This looks amazing," said Naruto. Sakura smiled at him gratitude shining in her eyes. Naruto returned the smile and turned to his food.

After dinner they washed they dishes together talking about the next day. It was Tsunade's coronation as Hokage.

"It should be pretty exciting," said Sakura up to her forearms in suds.

"I think it's going to be weird," replied Naruto "I mean when we found her, she was drunk and complaining about her gambling debts. Don't get me wrong I think she'll be a great leader, it's just going to be strange for awhile." Sakura just shook her head and smile on her face. Leave it to Naruto to say something like that about their new leader. It was one thing about Naruto that hadn't changed with Sasuke's death and that was the fact that he wasn't afraid to tell people exactly what he thought about them.

When the final dish was put away they turned in for bed, they had a long day ahead of them.

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Naruto was awoken the early the following morning by a loud knock on his door. Rubbing the sleep from his eyes he answered the door making sure to keep his right eye closed. When he opened the door a smile tugged at his mouth.

"Kakashi-sensei," he said the the Silver-haired ninja.

"Good morning, Naruto," replied his Sensei "Sleep well?"

"Alright," Naruto replied "How was your trip?"

"Well it went ok," replied Kakashi "Suna was very willing to peace talks, once we get another Hokage, things will go a bit more smoothly."

"That's good news," replied Naruto "Please come in." He opened the door wider. Kakashi accepted the invite seated himself on the couch.

"Naruto," came a third voice. He looked up to see Sakura, wearing a bagging long sleeve tee shirt and her hair a mess, rubbing her eye. "What's going on?"

"Kakashi-sensei is back," he replied. Sakura's eye's snapped open and locked with her teachers.

"Yo," said Kakashi with a casual wave.

"Oh my," replied Sakura "I'll be back in a minute." With that she turned and retreat back up the hall. A few moments later the two males heard the shower running.

"Are you going to be at the coronation today?" asked Naruto.

"Well of course," replied Kakashi "That's why I'm back as early as I am."

"Haru with you?" asked Naruto.

"Yes, but he went home," said Kakashi "You'll see him there." Naruto nodded.

"You want something to eat?" asked Naruto.

"No thank you, I really should get going," replied Kakashi "I just wanted to make sure you were ok. I heard you had a run in with a pretty nasty guy." Naruto nodded but left it at that. Kakashi, sensing that he was not going to get anymore from Naruto he took his leave.

Sakura joined Naruto shortly after Kakashi left. Her hair was now under control and she was wearing a white sun dress.

"He's gone?" she asked.

"Yeah," replied Naruto "said he wanted to check up on me." Sakura nodded but looked a little down trodden at the fact that Kakashi had left without saying good bye.

"We'll see him at the ceremony," said Naruto. Sakura nodded and headed for the kitchen. Naruto turned and headed up the hallway to change.

He changed into a Blood red tee shirt and black pants. He tied his headband around his right eye and headed for the living room.

"Sakura we need to get going," he hollered.

"Yeah I'm coming," she said walking out of the kitchen. Naruto handed her her sandals before stepping into his own. Once they were ready to go he took her hand in his, laced his fingers through her's, and lead her outside.

The whole village was alive with activity. Villagers were all walking towards the Hokage tower, Tsunade was fit to take the Hokage title in roughly an hour. Naruto and Sakura fell in with the crowd and walked with them all towards. Half way there they ran into a familiar face.

"Naruto, Sakura!" they called. Naruto scanned the crowd before he spotted a boy with brown hair and a Konoha headband.

"Haru!" called Sakura waving to her teammate. The third member of Team Seven worked his way through the crowd. Sakura let go of Naruto's hand and gave Haru and rib cracking hug. Haru hugged her back before moving to Naruto and shaking the blonde's hand.

"Hey Haru," said Naruto "Nice to see you."

"You too," replied Haru falling in step next to them "So you two have had quite the wild adventure I hear. From hunting down Hokages to fight S-rank criminals." Naruto Shook his head, amazed at the speed that gossip traveled through the village.

"Yeah, something like that," he replied "But you've been busy too. Acting as a peace envoy to Suna, that's a big deal." Haru shrugged.

"I mostly sat out in the hallway while Kakashi met with their Jonin council," he countered "Met up with Gaara and his siblings though." A dark look crossed Naruto's features.

"How'd that go?" he asked.

"Actually really well," Ahru replied much to Sakura and Naruto's shock "Kankuro is really an alright guy, Temari is a bit intense but all in all she's not too bad. As for Gaara, well he was a bit strange, mostly telling me to thank you Naruto and telling you he owed you a great debt." Confusion crossed Naruto's face.

"Gaara wanted to thank me?" he asked puzzled.

"Yeah," replied Haru "Strange huh?" Naruto nodded but made no other reply, his eye had a far off look to them. It was then that Haru noticed Sakura and Naruto's entwined hands. "Something going on between you?" he quietly asked Sakura.

"Yes," she replied "We got together after Naruto fought that Kisame guy." Haru nodded but made to reply, he was happy for his friends they looked good together.

The Trio reached the Hokage towers shortly afterward and the Ceremony commenced.

Most of it was a quiet affair Tsunade pledged to defend and protect Konoha in front of the Jonin council, and received the Hat. From there she put the headpiece on and turned to the village.

"I, Tsunade Senju do hereby accept the mantle of Hokage and vow to protect Konoha and it's people with my life!" she called and with that Tsunade Senju officially became the Fifth Hokage.

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Kakashi knocked on the Hokage's door before opening it and slipping inside.

"Kakashi, how can I help you?" asked Tsunade setting aside the paperwork she had been working on.

"I want to petition for Naruto Uzumaki to be advanced to the rank of Chunin," he said clearly catching Tsunade off guard.

"Kakashi I am under the impression that the Chunin exams went unfinished this past year," replied Tsunade.

"They did," answered Kakashi "However in the resulting battle Naruto showed leadership, skill and ability well beyond any Genin. Shikamaru Nara as well should be taken into consideration." Tsunade laced her fingers together and rested her chin on them as she studied Kakashi carefully. She'd known him since he was a boy and knew he wasn't one to play favorites, but to ask something like this was not in his normal character.

'He must have great faith in both of them' she decided. "Very well." she finally said "As of this moment Naruto Uzumaki and Shikamaru Nara are Chunin.

"Wait what?" asked Kakashi stunned "Just like that?" Tsunade gave him a smile.

"No, not just like that," she replied "I've been reviewing the notes the Third took during the matches, he made it clear that he planned on advancing them both, but well we both know what happened." with a small nod Kakashi indicated that she was right. An uncomfortable silence fell over them. Tsunade could sense that Kakashi wasn't finished.

"Was there something else?" she asked. Kakashi hesitated slightly before answering.

"Lady Tsunade, if at all possible I would like to have Naruto's lineage made known to him," he replied. Tsunade sighed.

"Kakashi, what I'm about to tell you does not leave this room are we clear?" Kakashi gave her a quick nodded. "As we speak Jiraiya is in a meeting with the Elders fighting for that very thing. He already has my backing, but you know how those two can be. With your support as both a student of Minato and Naruto's teacher, Jiraiya's position will be greatly strengthened. If you truly want this to happen go there right now and let them."

"Thank you Lady Hokage," he replied and with a quick bow he turned and left the office. He practically ran up the three flights of stairs and almost kicked in the door.

"-derstand!" ranted Jiraiya.

"And what don't we understand?" demanded Homura.

"Naruto is already marked for death," said Jiraiya "As the jinchuriki of the Nine-tailed fox he is the target of a group known as the Akatsuki. Whether you release this information or not his life will be in danger. But if he is told of his Lineage he will have access to tools and resources that can be of great use to him down the road. And lets not forget, Orochimaru is still out there and had swore vengeance. These problems won't go away simply because we want them to. Tell Naruto of his parents and give him access to the Namikaze estate."

"He's rightm" said Kakashi striding into the room. Minato wouldn't want his son to suffer like he is. The Third hid Naruto's parents identity to protect him, yes that was the right call. But Naruto has long since grown out of that need. He is a fine ninja, the top of his age group and more powerful than most of out Chunin. Now is the time to make this right."

Both Homura and Koharu looked at each other for a long minute, having a conversation with their eyes. Finally Koharu let out a sigh.

"Very well, the documents will be declassified," she conceded "feel free to reveal it to the boy at your discretion." Jiraiya broke into a large smile and turn to leave the room.

"You've made the right choice," he said and with that he and Kakashi left the chamber.

(This is where I originally planned to stop but I deiced that there wasn't enough so I kept going)

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When Itachi Uchiha woke up he found himself in a small dark circular room, a single small window on the wall at the top of the room behind provided the only light. By the door he could make out two silhouettes, most likely ANBU he decided. He tried to moved but found that he was bound to a chair at the ankles and the wrists.

"So you're finally awake are you?" asked one of the figures.

"Yes and I wish to see the Hokage," replied Itachi.

"The Hokage will be here shortly to check on you anyway, just sit tight," replied the same person. Giving the man a quick nod Itachi let his chest slump back down to his chest. After roughly twenty minutes the door opened and a third person entered the room.

"Get some more lights in here," said a female voice. Quickly candles were lit and Itachi looked up into the eyes of non other than Tsunade Senju.

"Is it true?" were the first words out of Itachi's mouth "Is Sasuke really dead?" There was a pleading edge in his voice, as though he wanted her to say it wasn't, that he was alive and well.

"Yes," replied Tsunade "Sasuke Uchiha was killed in action over a year ago." Itachi's head dropped tears welling up in his eyes.

"Oh Sasuke," he said "I'm sorry, I'm so sorry." Sobs racked his body as visions of his little brother flashed through his mind. Tsunade watched in awe as the man who slaughter his entire clan cried over the death of his brother.

"What brought you back to the village?" asked Tsunade once Itachi had calmed down. "You are responsible for the murder of the entire Uchiha clan, why are you back here?"

"Murder," scoffed Itachi "It wasn't murder." he picked his head up and looked right into Tsunade's eyes, his coal black eyes boring into her own brown ones. "I was acting under orders, orders from the Council and Danzo Shimura." All the air rushed out of Tsunade's lungs.

"The Third was aware of it of course," continued Itachi "I begged him to protect Sasuke, that was the price, I wiped out my clan, my family but my brother was to remain alive. He was innocent." Tsunade finally found her voice.

"Innocent of what?" she asked.

"The Uchiha, my clan, was plotting a Coup de'tat," he said "To preserve the safety Konoha I killed them all and became a criminal for my brother. But with him dead I know longer have a reason to stay away. I've returned to provide the information I can, and submit to punishment."

"What information can you provide?" asked Tsunade.

"I can give you the Akatsuki," said Itachi "Since leaving I have been a member of their ranks steering them away from the village, and gathering intel." Tsunade's lips twitched, the Akatsuki huh? You were pretty beat up when you were found, I'm guessing they didn't take you leaving well?" Itachi shook his head.

"No, when Pain the leader got wind of my leaving he sent Zetsu after me, I was able to kill him, and the other two that were sent after me. Hidan formerly of Yugakure and Kakuzu formerly of Takigakure.

Tsunade nodded, deep in thought. If every thing Itachi was saying was true then he would be given a full pardon and reinstated, but she had to be one hundred percent sure that he was being truthful. She turned to the guards.

"Get me Inoichi Yamanaka," she said and turned to Itachi. "I assume you know who Inoichi is." Itachi nodded "He is going to sweep your mind, cooperate with him and if he finds you are being truthful you may be released." Shock and wonder shone on Itachi's face.

"Released?" he asked.

"If it turns out you were operating on orders the truth will be made known to the public and you will be pardoned. Now if you'll excuse me I have a few things to do." With that she stood up and left the room. From there she headed straight to her office were she looked the door and went to the locked file cabinet behind her desk. In the bottom drawer was a book, and simple green covered book. The journal of Hiruzen Sarutobi, she had no doubt that if the Uchiha massacre had been an order he would he written down in here. She skimmed it for several minutes before she finally discovered the entry.

It was a full account of everything that happened, the Uchiha's plan, Itachi's involvement as a double agent and finally the order, it was true the Uchiha massacre had been known about by the Konoha high command, and Itachi Uchiha had been the scape goat. Shock filled her as she slumped in her chair, after several minutes she stood up and stormed up the to Elder's chambers. She found them playing a game of Go.

"You two had better start talking," she seethed "The Uchiha massacre, it was an order from you two and Danzo, why wasn't I told?" The two looked like four old with their hands caught in the cookie jar.

"What, what are you talking about?" stuttered Homaru.

"No play dumb with me!" shout Tsunade "I already heard the story from Itachi himself."

"He's a criminal he made probably made the whole thing up in an attempt to get free," replied Koharu smoothly a look of satisfaction on her face.

"Which is why at this very moment Inoichi Yamanaka is with him going through his memory," countered Tsunade. The two elders' faces paled.

"Not that it matters because I have the order right here," continued Tsunade holding up Hituzen's journal. The elders' face now had the look of writing paper.

"As of this moment you two are relieved of duty," said Tsunade and exited the room slamming the door for good measure.

Two days later a trial was held for Itachi where all the orders and Inoichi's report was put in the light for every resident of the village to see.

"Itachi Uchiha, based on the grounds of your actions being in accordance to a lawful order to preserve the peace and safety of Konoha, you are hereby cleared of all charges and are reinstated as a Konoha Shinobi. In addition you are granted to lands and finances of your clan," Tsunade announced. Itachi felt a plume of pride swell in his chest, for the first time since that fateful night all those years ago, he was a free man.

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And that as they say is that. I'm sure there are spelling errors, there always are but I try. Anyway this story is moving along rather well and should only need one more chapter to finish the build up before I can finally get into the main plot. One last thing before I go, I would really like to take advantage of the new cover art feature fanfic has introduced but I have no artistic ability whatsoever, seriously I can't even draw stick people. So, if there is anyone out there who would like to design a cover for this story please feel free to do so and send me a link.

"Even if the morrow is barren of promises; nothing shall forestall my return."