Well now, You did not think that I had forgotten about you all now did you? Beleive it or not, I haven't. I'm sorry to say that with my current Internet provider that shall not be named, There have been some issues with connections and such. Thus I'm having to do this through a thrid party network. But rest assured, that my promise to have the sequel going for Naruto and the X-men is in progress as I promised. Just slightly later than what I had planned for.
Now onto the show, Remember people, if I did Own Naruto, do you really think I would be posting my stories on ? I'd be making money off of them to! Hence I don't own it. Or the Marvel Universe where the Original story came from.
With that said Let's get on with the show!
Falcon S. Kimeraki
Naruto and the X-men – Fall of a Hero
Funeral Politics
With the forms signed and documented, it progressed readily fast. She as a leader had sent out word herself to Naruto's friends that he had made throughout the Elemental Nations. A week had passed, and two of the Council members were acting like giddy children, while the third understood her pain and did not seek to annoy her outside of something major. He to understood all to well what it was like to have someone one cared about be lost. Tsunade had insisted that there be booze to help her through the day, and had agreed to allow Shizune to moderate the quantity that she had every day. A week after the reports had been sent out to their allies and friends, Tsunade had walked into her office to see three sealed scrolls there. Each containing a different type of sealed ribbon. Each holding a form of authority and she knew what sort of letters they were.
Instead of grabbing her bottles of liquor from the cabinet, she simply walked towards her private bathroom and kitchen, and opted for some tea. She set a small simple wire mesh and added some Jasmine tea leaves in it. When the water boiled up, she nodded her head and then poured it into a fancy white tea pot with pink lilies painted upon the side. Something that had been given to her by her grandfather, the first Hokage. And then she looked down towards the letters. And it was to early in the day for Shizune to see here drunk out of her mind. She returned
Princess Koyuki of the Lands of Spring and Snow had wrote back immediately expressing her own disappointment in this, and outrage towards the surviving traitor known as Sasuke Uchiha. The way that Tsunade had remembered it, Team Seven as a whole was there, but it seemed to the Princess that Naruto was the one that convinced her to change her ways and to look at life in a far more different light. To her nation though, he was the saviour of the Land of Spring, and that meant that political tensions were now in effect. The lady Hokage sighed and shook her head as she set aside the letter, and sipped her tea. There was little that could be done to appease her.
The Daimyo of the Land of Wave was not so elegant with his words. His outrage at the fact that their own national hero had been sent on a mission where he was killed by the traitor that he was to be bring back. And the fact that the Traitor, Sasuke Uchiha had been allowed to live! The man considered it an insult to himself and to his nation. Economic ties that had been strained between the two nations before the bridge connecting Wave and the Mainland together were flourishing. And after a public announcement to the people there was public rage there. Outside of Political ties that kept a now standing truce between the two nations, sanctions had been passed. No goods would be shipped from Wave to Konoha and a mutual defense treaty had been signed with that of the Lady of the Land of Spring, along with a mutual defence pact had been signed.
That was just peachy, and she was going to rip Danzo's innards out for this little headache that the Council of Elders had dropped on her lap. There was also an added note that there was to be a representative of the people of Wave was coming for the funeral. The subtle fact was that Daimyo was saying that any attack or insult to the representative that he was saying would spark something that they could deal with, but would make them look like the bad guys and they would gain political and military backing. This was a powder keg and someone was trying to light the fuse.
The last was from the Sand Village's leading council until a Kazekage could be named. There was little they could do about the current situation with the people there. The Council had signed papers keeping the truce and the alliance of what they once had with the hidden leaf village. And though the council was indeed disappointed with the actions pertaining with Sasuke, they would not be looking at angering the great nation of Fire Further. They were also sending a representative in the form of Gaara. They did not need to say anything. That boy was the future Kazekage and the fact that they were sending him meant that if they did anything wrong with it, it would mean that there would be certain sanctions. The Hokage had warned the Council that this would happen, but some of the facts were surprising. The thoughts began to come to her mind, and she sighed nodding her head. There was little that could be done for the circumstances, the only thing she could do was salvage diplomatic relations.
And for that she would need help. "Shizune!" The Hokage called, knowing full well that the young lady was out there sorting through the needed paperwork that the paperwork handlers had handed off to her. Mostly missions and intelligence reports. The fact was that there were so few that held any actual intelligence. The young lady in question came rushing through the door, peering around the room, wide eyed trying to find out what was wrong so early in the morning.
"Lady Hokage? Is there something the matter?"
"Indeed, Shizune." Tsunade stated, putting her cup of tea down and gesturing to the letters that laid upon her desk. "I warned the Elders that this would happen. The tension between us and them that it's bound to snap on its own."
"Them? Tension?" Shizune asked questioning, to which the Hokage offered a small annoyed look, before her lips twitched gently having been caught that she had not fully explained the situation to that of her assistant.
"Sufficed to say, Shizune, The Council of Elders have put my ass in a sling without something to hold it up. The Daimyo of Wave and the Council of the Sand Villages are sending representatives. The Daimyo of the Land of Spring herself is coming." Tsunade explained as she shook her head lightly. And then she closed her eyes and pursed her lips in thought. And then without missing a beat she spoke again. "I want you to bring me the heads of the Kimeraki Clan and the Hyuuga Clan. This is to be a diplomatic mission that we will be entertaining, and they are our lead guests. Next bring me Jiraiya and set up a D-Ranked Mission for me. Cleaning the Senju Mansion. I will be entertaining our delegates from the Sand Village."
"Why you, Lady Tsunade? Why not the Nara or the Aburame Clan. I'm sure that they would be able to house the delegates from the Sand."
"They would be able to, that is correct. But I will be handling it." Tsunade stated as she sipped her tea and shook her head lightly. "They are Sending Gaara and his siblings. I trust that you read the mission reports regarding the Sound Sand Invasion?"
"Yes. I have. Orochimaru manipulated that of the Sand Village by killing the Kazekage and taking place. And then he sent Gaara... oh." Shizune stated, realization finally dawning upon her and she bowed her head. Tsunade just smiled and nodded her head.
"And the lights clicks on. I was beginning to wonder." Tsunade stated as she looked down towards the letters and set them to the side. While Shizune was making quick notes on her clipboard, a knock came from the office door, one that made Tsunade very irritated very quickly. Her first appointment was not for at least another hour which meant that there should have been no cause to disrupt her morning routine. With a quick jerk of the head, Shizune moved to the door, and opened it.
There in front of her stood a man, with a long scraggly beard, and an extremely wizened face. His dark eyes were hidden behind half-moon spectacles which stayed upon his crooked nose somehow. The robes and sash that he wore seemed old and out of date in fashion, but nonetheless looked extremely good on the old man, a complexion of dark navy blues and deep forest greens. And then Shizune noticed the mark of office on the man's sash. One that was held by Political Records Office, A branch that handled the record keepings of the major clans, wills and testaments, Political treaties and analyzes, and the small pip showed that he was recognized as the Master Clerk of the holdings. Rumor had it that the last time the Master Clerk had left his office was when he had been called to that Third Hokage's Will Reading, and even then he did not remain for the rest of it.
"Good Morning, my dear. How are you doing this fine morning?" The aged voice spoke out, with such a kindness that reminded Shizune of a grandfather, despite the roughness of it. And Shizune smiled and graced the Grand Clerk with a smile.
"I'm fine thank you. How can I help you?"
"Straight to the point. Not allowing an old man to exploit his small indulgences..." The Old man stated shaking his aged head lightly before he sighed and breathed in, making himself appear twenty years younger. "I am Sorichiru Takamura, Grand Clerk of the Political Office Records, and I've come to speak with the Lady Hokage." He stated and Shizune peered down towards the clip board, checking the appointments. And Tsunade had been correct, there had been no scheduled appointments for another hour.
"I don't see your name on any of the appointments." Shizune stated as she looked up from her clip board to see the face of the old man, who frowned slightly and scratched his beard. It seemed to him that something was now amiss.
"Odd. I sent my assistant to request an appointment with the Hokage yesterday at this time. But nonetheless, I'm afraid that I must in..." The old man began only to stop, when a coughing fit came to him. One to which racked his entire body, and caused him to bend over the waist, while holding the door frame. Worry immediately took over Shizune who took the hand gently and led the elderly man inside, and at a glance the Hokage got up from her high backing chair and assisted her in moving the old man to a sitting position on the couch. When the coughing fit had subsided and the old man regained his breathe did he nod his head towards them. "I thank you my dear. You're most kind in your help."
A comment to which Shizune smiled and nodded her head towards, while the Hokage's honey brown eyes met that of their guests. The look on her face suggested what was to suggest what was about to happen. "Lord Sorichiru. I hate to pry..."
"But pry you must, go on."
"When was the last time you had a complete physical done?"
That question made the old man chuckle and smile, before he shook his head lightly, scratching his beard, while he thought on it. "hmmm. The last time? It was when I took up the position of the Political Office. I remember because that was when I met my wife to be. Yes. That was the last time." He stated with a amused grin on his face, before he looked towards the Hokage dead in the eye. "Nearly fifty eight years ago."
A statement to which even the Hokage's eyes widened towards. Fifty eight years ago, that was the last time he had seen a doctor. And his condition now was in a terrible state. But whatever the Hokage was to say next, the old man held up a hand and shook his head lightly to her. "You need not bother with it. I am a hundred and two years old. My time is coming, and will be coming shortly." The old man stated, smiling towards Shizune who peered at him with a open mouth expression. "My dear, the cow look does not suit you... but is that Jasmine Tea I smell? May I have a bit to sooth the savage beast?" he asked.
The mere asking was what prompted Shizune from standing where she was to move down towards the tea pot, and poured a fresh cup while the Hokage spoke. "I would still like to get you in for a physical. You could have so many more years ahead of you."
"Ah, so good to have the young fretting over the old. Makes me feel important again." The Old man stated with a kind smile, and when the tea was handed to him and he took a small sip. And allowed the tea to linger but a moment, before swallowing it. "I am old and I have lived a life full of contentment. I've seen my children give me grand children, and great grand children have come in as well. I have had two wives in my time, and I have seen many places. If my time is coming, what would be the point?" He asked.
A stubborn fool the man was, but the Hokage knew that she could not force patients to come to her unless it was a life and death situation. She would respect his wishes, and with a nod of her head, she relented. "As you wish, but will you consider it?"
"I shall, my dear, you've no need to worry about that."
"Now, off to business... It is not often that you come out of your office and home to pay respects to anyone, least of all me." Tsunade stated, while she intertwined her fingers in-between one another. "What brings you here? Not for the pleasant company and young ladies to look at."
The sound of the old man's laughter came from his ancient throat and the man had to stop for a moment to catch his breath before he shook his head lightly to her. "Now that was a cruel joke to play on such an old man. tsk, tsk." He commented good naturedly while his ancient hand reached into his robe and pulled out three scrolls, Two baring the undamaged seal of the Third Hokage, the Monkey King, and the third held the same, only opened. "This brought me here, my lady Hokage. You may read the letter that is opened. It was addressed to me by Hiruzen Saurtobi. It will shed light on these things."
Tsunade nodded her head towards them, as she peered down towards the opened letter and opened it, to reveal the Hokage's handwriting and then she began to read out loud.
My good friend.
I ask that you hold onto these, for me. They are of importance. Keep them hidden. Keep them safe. Do not speak of them to anyone. Please return them to me when I ask... But if something should happen to me, give them to Naruto Uzumaki when he reaches Sixteen or the Rank of Chuunin.
Hiruzen.
"Vague. Do you know what are in these scrolls?"
"I do, at his will reading, he enclosed a letter and small package to me, and a portion of his last will and testament that has remained hidden until one of his conditions were met. One to which I burned immediately because of the contents would reveal Hiruzen's last playing hand. But it gave me enough to know what is in the scrolls. Records, revolving around that of the last Namikaze, Minato, The immigration and wedding of Kushina Uzumaki, and their relationship to that of Naruto Namikaze Uzumaki."
Silence came from the room's occupants, and then Tsunade jerked head to look towards that of Shizune and she nodded her head towards the door. Something to which the Apprentice immediately took care of. She looked towards the ANBU guards and she nodded her head to them. "Go and Take Lunch. Now. We will manage for a time. And bring the Hokage back some imported shrimp from that new Sea food Restaurant on the outskirts of the village." She ordered, and the ANBU immediately moved off, not bothering to question the orders of the Hokage's Apprentice. When they were gone, she locked the door and moved to the old recording device and started to play music to add more interruption to any listening devices in the room. Such precautions the old man raised an eyebrow to.
"Are such measures needed?"
"Naruto has just as many enemies as a corpse as he had when he was alive." Tsunade stated as she broke the seal on the smaller scroll on the table, while also taking a sip from a cup of tea that Shizune had provided. But what she saw gave her pause, as her honey brown eyes narrowed, before she set that one to the side, and then unrolled the second. The various runes that she was able to make out were those that were used for sealing scrolls. Further unrolling produced a simple piece of paper, revealing an inventory of what was all there. It was then Tsunade's head snapped up and looked towards the Master Clerk and the look her eyes was enough to give the ancient man pause.
"I need your help." She stated to him, which gave the old man a feeling of dread, while nodding his head, the only thought at that moment was what did his old friend get him into.
A summons had gone out, to the Elder Council members, to the Clan Heads, and the Civilian Representatives. The place had been the grand Council Hall. The very same where the last Uchiha had been tried and found guilty of treason. High white walls extended upwards, and upon the back wall stood the statues of the great ones, the Four Hokages. And the only one that had yet to arrive was the one that had called the meeting in the first place. Tsunade Senju herself. Time was warring on while most thought about what could have been so important to call a summons. Even the Last Uchiha had been asked to participate in the debating's. Danzo was the one that was being the less patient of the three. His Root agents across the Elemental Nations were sending word to him as they sat there and did nothing.
Hiashi Hyuuga took his seat to the side of the Hokage's chair, as was the Hyuuga's right being one of the founding three clans of the Village. If he noticed that Sasuke had taken the left hand seat to the Hokage's chair, he did not show his displeasure. Inochi and Choza who were the heads of their own clans at that point in time were seated next to the Uchiha, and there was a growing distaste for him. Shikaku though, gave his best impression of not giving a damn, leaning back into his chair, and peering up to the roof. The Abruame clan head seemed neutral towards the Uchiha head, though their clan took sides in anything very rarely.
The ones that seemed to be making the most noise though, were the Heir to the Kimeraki Clan, Sorata, who stood in place of his Father, Feng. And Tsume Inuzuka. Both were exchanging rather perverse jokes about some of the funniest things that they had had to deal with while they were in the field. Sorata had once fallen off of his dragon and into Pig pen. That had been one of the most embarrassing moments of his career because it also happened to be how he and his three year long girlfriend broke up. Tsume on the other hand had been hunting with her own familiar around the forest of Death during her Chunnin exams. Turns out what the two were hunting a rather large twelve foot tall Mountain lion which sent them running in the opposite direction when it noticed where they were and decided to try and eat them.
Both were about to get into some of the more recent chaos that they had gotten into, when Danzo slammed his cane upon the ground and stood up, moving towards the door. Whether he was upset or not, the two could not tell. But Sorata turned his head to look towards the Head of the Inuzuka clan and blinked. "What's gotten into the cripple? Someone use the Private ointment or something?"
A question to which made the older woman snort into the bottle of water that she had been drinking. Any further comment was drowned out by the doors slamming open, missing Danzo's face by mere inches and there stood the Hokage in all her radiance as she brushed past Danzo without so much as a second glance. And was escorted by that of Head of the Political Records Office and her personal Assistant, Shizune who was staggering this way and that to keep the papers that she had with in her arms steady. "My apologies for my lateness. I had figured that the copying procedure would have taken less time." Tsuande stated as she took her place on the Hokage's chair, eyeing the Uchiha at her side with his guards on either side of him.
Danzo immediately took the point on the questioning when he turned and looked towards the Hokage, which seemed to be fiddling through a set of papers in front of her then. "I trust that you have a reason to call such a last minute meeting without consulting the Elders?"
"I do… And I don't need to consult the elders on shit. You exist to advise and serve. Not the other way around. Now sit down" Tsunade stated, her honey brown eyes glancing up from the papers to meet with Danzo's lone eye, and the edge to them was seen by all. Tsume turned her head to her counterpart and partner in Drunken Chaos, Sorata and leaned in.
"She's Pissed."
"Yep." Sorata whispered back, as he watched the Hokage picked up a series of folders and nodded her head. She was ready. Danzo returned to his seat, his face frowning and the look in his eye said that he did not like the surprises that were coming now. Of course Sorata mimicked the man and turned to look towards Tsume who shoved him into the Aburamae Clan head. The man turned, stared at them with that long blank stare, to which Sorata slowly apologized by raising his hands and shaking his head. "Sorry..." He mumbled.
"Okay... This is probably going to be a drag and I'm going to live to regret this..." Shikaku stated, as he lowered his chair back on all four of its legs before he turned his scarred face so that way his black eyes could meet with hers. "... What's this all about?"
"Simple. This embodiment of Council Elders, Clan Heads, and Guild Representatives have allowed the son of a great hero to be shunned, hated, and emotionally damaged to the point of criminal neglect." Tsunade stated as she set the file down beside her and then looked towards Shizune who took the silent que to start passing out the files that she had brought in with her. Of course though, what the Hokage was suggesting was something that made them all so still and silent that one could have heard the proverbial cricket chirp had it not been for Shizune's pattering feet.
Since it had been Shikaku that had started the conversation, he felt it his responsibility to continue, and he laced his fingers together, peering at the Hokage right over them. "That's something that should be handled by the local authorities then. Why drag the whole council and guild representatives into it. Whose Son has been erred upon?"
A smile came to the Hokage's lips, one that was neither friendly nor inviting. It was one that one used when they were stalking prey, and with her skills and strengths at her disposal it scarred the guild representatives. "That's odd that you ask that, Nara... After all he did bare such a resemblance to his father, Minato Namikaze." She stated and the whole place was up in an uproar. Some were saying that their hero had never been married. Some had claimed that the Hokage's charges were fraud. But for several of the Clan heads, they knew it could have been possible for those that had actually known the Forth Hokage. it could have been, but there was no real evidence to suggest that the man had had a sweetheart in his life, or that he even had a kid.
When the noise had become too much for someone to bare though, it was not the Hokage that silenced them, but that of the Aburame Clan, who brought his fingers to his lips and blew. The whistle that he produced was loud and shrill, one that aggravated Tsume to no end who had to cover her ears while Sorata was busy rubbing the left one to attempt to clear out the sound that rang in his ears. "Silence." Was the simple statement that came from the Abruame Clan head, Shibi, who had been known for waiting and being patient. But at that moment, it seemed the man wanted to know more about this current crisis. "Lady Hokage. You say that the village has been negligent to the Son of the Forth. This is a serious matter. Who is the child in question, and what evidence to you bring to support this argument?"
"Glad that you have asked that. To begin, I will introduce the man that gave me the evidence in question. May I present Sorichiru Takamura, Grand Clerk of the Political Office Records." She stated to the old man who had been sitting in a comfortable chair, his hands folded in front of him and upon the top of his robes. When introduced he stood up and nodded his head to them.
"It is a pleasure to speak within this political assembly again." The elderly man stated and he looked towards that of the guard and gestured him forwards. "Can you send word to my assistants outside, that the items that I requested will be needed shortly, and on your way back, could you possibly bring some Jasmine Tea? It is my favourite." He asked, the man nodded his head and bolted from the dome, whether he wanted to get out of the tension or rush back to see the conclusion was anyone's guess. And that was whent he elderly man spoke. "To say this, I must now reveal a secret that I have been keeping since before the death of my dear friend, Hiruzen, the Third Hokage. Just after the fall of the Kyuubi, Hiruzen gave to me two scrolls, and a letter. Ones that I was to keep to myself at all time. The letter I read immediately."
"What was within the letter?" Choza asked, his interest peaked now that the Third Hokage had been introduced into the matter at hand.
"The Letter was a request. A request asking me to keep the scrolls that I had received secret, until he asked for them again." The elderly stated back, as he moved down to the floor where he could turn and regard all. "At the time, I did not know of their contents, other than my friend was asking for my help. Thus I did as I was requested of and spoke naught of it. At the will reading of the Third Hokage, The records will show that I was given a letter, to remain sealed at all times and to be read only in private. After which I received my instructions. The Letter's contents I shall explain.
"The Hokage had asked me to keep the scrolls that he had given me, hidden until one of three things occurred. One that Naruto Uzumaki reaches sixteen and, or the Rank of Chuunin. Or in the light of his untimely death, I was to present them to the Hokage reigning at the time. Unfortunately the latter has happened. The letter also enclosed a vague list of items that were within these scrolls. Medical Records, Journals, A birth certificate, Blood Samples from three parties at the time, even photographs that were taken just shortly after the birth of the Forth Hokage's son, as well as a copy that bare the Hokage's seal, showing what he had altered at his own hand."
The scoffing sound was what came after the old man finished. One that came from that of the Elder Danzo whose old face was formed into that of a snarl. "And we've just your word that this is what those words have stated?" The challenge was evident and Sorichiru's eyes narrowed to slits. Even at his seasoned age, the older man was still had intimidating qualities.
"You dare question me, given my credentials and position? Shall we speak of what you approached me of after the death of the Third Hokage?" The old man challenged back, that was something that Danzo to narrowed his eyes towards. "I'm sure that the Fifth Hokage would indeed like to find out what you've been seeking and never finding in the records vaults."
"Enough." Shibi Aburame stated, his hands staying in front of him during the progression. "Danzo's questioning is taking us away from our original purpose here. I will accept the word of Sorichiru as Fact, given his outstanding service records, during his terms of Ninja Service and that of his political career as well. You've presented your word, do you have anything to add, Grand Clerk?"
"Not at this time."
"Then let us move on to the records that you've mentioned. You've hinted that the Hokage has them?" The Aburame Clan Head asked, and at the nod of the Hokage, she gestured to the files that her assistant was currently still handing out.
"There are copies of Original's there. The Originals though... They are in a safe place right now." Tsuande stated as she watched as the Representatives opened their folders and saw the first thing on them. A birth Certificate, and then one that had been altered by the Hokage after it. The First was naming Kushina Uzumaki, mother, and Minato Namikaze, Father, were the parents of Naruto Uzumaki.
"Man... this is turning out to be so troublesome." Shikaku stated as he closed his eyes and put his head into the palm of his hand. There it was. The facts of the Birth certificate were there. The witness of the birth was signed and sealed by a friend of the family and the doctor there was listed as well.
"This alone proves nothing. The fact that the Third Hokage has tampered with the documents, has put this into suspect." Elder Hakuda stated as she slapped the folder down in front of her, and the sudden jerked switched the page for her. One that revealed a blood test and comparison. Two different times, on that had been done at the birth, another that had been done just earlier that day. Hakuda's eyes widened at that, and Tsunade could not help but chuckle.
"No. Alone it does not. However a blood test does. What the scrolls kept were the blood samples of Kushina Uzumaki, Minato Namikaze, and Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze. We were able to compare everything to what we have on file, and it is completely identical." Tsunade stated as she watched the guard return with Sorichiru's Jasmine tea, and saw the content smile on the old man's face. It was indeed a series of pleasant events. "The Hospital in question was able to prove that as well. The Konoha Hospital kept many of the records on file, and many more samples of blood for identification purposes. It's only natural that they would keep the files and blood analyze on hand, just in case such events were to occur."
Thus the council began to murmur about itself, undoubtedly unimpressed with the turn of events. If it was one thing that they cherished more than the last Uchiha, it was the Forth Hokage. From the evidence provided, the son of the Forth had been greatly wronged, to the point of where they were now responsible for it. The heads of the Yamanaka, Nara and Akimiji Clans were beside themselves. With their own grief did they turn such a blind eye to what the boy looked like. The resemblance was beyond uncanny. They were a mirror image of one another at that age. And they had not stepped in to do anything, or even investigate anything regarding the boy.
The Hyuuga clan head though, he simply set his forehead into his one hand gracefully hiding the great unease that he felt. Hiashi Hyuuga had been on Minato's team before the man had been apprenticed to Jiraiya. He, Minato and Tsume. He felt like such an idiot. He had believed the story that the Third had told them from the beginning, not bothering to question the fact that the boy had blonde hair and blue eyes when it happened. The Third had named him an orphaned baby that Minato had used to save the village. He had known the man all his life and he kept the fact that he had a wife and child a secret from even him. Twice more the fool he played! He would admit that he had wronged the boy terribly so.
The Kimeraki Clan heir though, when he received the news, his initial expression was outrage. Not at the event going on, but by the sheer and utter stupidity of the others around him. The hero that had brought his clan, his family, into the village and gave them a place upon that clan council. He did not like that in the least, but by the looks of even the elders, they to did not know of this. So the Third had done this damage on his own. Later he vowed that he would get drunk and piss on the old man's grave stone. Just for the anger and frustration that the man now caused.
Danzo was secretly at war with himself. He did not like the fact that he had not known such a thing had existed, and that Hiruzen, even in his grave, had still one last hand to play. A grievously blowing hand for him to deal with. However there was another side to the argument. With the Clan heir deceased they as a council could liquefy the belongings and transfer the funds into their accounts to be used for all matters of things. And the wealth of knowledge with in that great Namikaze Manor would place him in the poll position for the Hokage spot. There was no down side that he could immdiately foresee. But had to wonder, what was in it for the Hokage? He had figured that she wanted the fact that public humiliation for the village and it's leaders would be enough, the way that they treated the son of the Forth Hokage.
When Danzo stomped his cane, it echoed through the hall, silencing the others and their inner thoughts. Standing up he spoke, taking the initiative for that of the Council of Elders. "Although I to find this news disturbing. I motion that we now liquefy the assets of the Namikaze clan, and place the lands and possessions under the care of Konoha's Council, to reinforce our economy and rebuilding efforts." Some began to murmur in the motion, but a clapping silenced them. One that belonged to that of Tsunade, who could not help but glare at the man.
"Well spoken, Elder Danzo. Truly you seem to regret your idiotic moves against Naruto... But there can only be one issue addressed by the assembly at a time. And that Motion is still in my possession." Tsunade stated as she rose up and looked towards the other hears, to which her honey brown eyes narrowed to dark brown slits. All got the idea; anyone that disagreed with her would be swept away like a breeze sweeping away a leaf. "My motion is to Recognize Naruto Uzumaki as the heir and head of the Namikaze Clan. To be Named Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze. Is there a second."
Hiashi Hyuuga had began to stand only to pause when a voice rang out before his own. "I second." All in the hall, including the Hokage, turned to regard the speaker, and there he sat, Sasuke Uchiha, his fingers intertwined in front of him, peering down towards the Hokage, and she up at him. "I, Sasuke Uchiha, Second. Have someone take the vote." The staring contest continued onwards, while Danzo looked towards the boy. What sort of game was being played between the two. But the unblinking stare down between the Hokage and the last Uchiha continued onwards, before she nodded her head in consent.
That was where the female council member stood up, slamming her palm upon the front of her desk. "This cannot be allowed. The Boy was found guilty of his crimes and was stripped of all privilege's here. The fact that he is here is a farce in and of itself!" The elderly lady accused. But the cool look that Sasuke gave her showed that he had a card still in play.
"Wrong." Sasuke stated as he intertwined his fingers in front of his face, masking the lower half of his mouth. "I was stripped of all Ninja ranks and duties and given house arrest without an effective end date, to which the Hokage has allowed me to attend here. With written consent. Never were the Uchiha Clan's rights to the clan council revoked. I second it. Do you wish to challenge on other grounds?"
The tension in the room doubled, but the silence shouted that they had to concede the fact that the boy was right in that. He had the right to second any motion, given his status as the current Clan Head. After a moment of thinking, the Hokage nodded her head in agreement.
"There is a second. Sorichiru, none can doubt your honour in this. Would you please take the vote." The Hokage asked as she handed him a pad and pen, to which he graciously accepted with a nod of his head.
"Of course, Lady Hokage. Let the records show that I, Sorichiru Takamura, shall take the tally. All in favour." He asked. Sasuke Uchiha, Hiashi Hyuuga, Choza Akamichi, Inochi Yamanaka, Shikaku Nara, Shibi Aburame, Tsume Inuzuka, and Sorata Kimeraki all put up their hands. The Tally also continued to include the Hokage, and two of the guild representatives, the one representing the shipping and building guilds, and the other handling the food industries.
The Record was taken and etched down upon the paper, as well as the tally total, before the ancient man spoke up again. "All against." The Council of Elders put up their hands, and the remaining four members of the Guild Representatives. And there it was. Sorichiru Takamura nodded his head. "Unless my count is wrong, The count is Eleven for and Seven against. The Motion passes to allow Naruto Uzumaki to become known as the heir and title holder of the Namikaze estates, and that his real name be known and shown in the records as Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze." The old man stated as he turned to the scribe and nodded his head towards her. "I will be wishing a copy of this."
The Hokage nodded his head before Danzo tapped his cane against the ground, silencing the chatter once again. "Now that the Lady Hokage has now successfully carried her motion and the Namikaze heir has been made known, I now put to the floor of the Notion of Liquefying the Namikaze estates and assets..."
"You don't have the power to do that." Tsunade stated as she put her feet up on her desk and crossed them, while placing her hands behind her head, peering over to that of the Elder in question who gazed at her.
"I don't see how you can stop it from happening, Lady Hokage." Danzo stated, keeping a neutral tone while his black eye peered towards her, wondering what she had done.
"Oh, but I do. The Namikaze estates are to be held in trust. To be used for foreign dignitaries and diplomatic corps if needed, Approved by the Hokage herself." Tsunade stated before she peered down towards three scrolls, gesturing to them. "These are the correspondences of three nation leaders who will be sending their representatives to oversee Naruto's Burial. Not only that, but I've ensured that the Daimyo of the Land of Fire has been made aware… To say that one of his close and long times friends family was neglected by us is somewhat of an outrage, and is supporting the ideal. If you wish to push the matter Danzo, I would suggest that you consult him first. He'll be sending a representative to the funeral as well. Feel free to do something about it then."
The silence that came from the elders was intense, while the chuckles escaped from the Clan Heads, a smirk from Hiashi Hyuuga, and full blown laughter from that of Tsume Inuzuka. To Danzo it was an outrage, A slap to his face and a successful one at that. That she had contacted the Daimyo of Fire, and that there were several other nations that were coming as well, ensured that if the motion were passed against their hero's, it would not end well. The Council of Elders though, was divided. The old man seemed to be deeply amused by the turn of events, and the last Member of the council seemed deeply indifferent. As though one saw bad manners but there was nothing that she could do about it.
Danzo was left with only one viable course of action. As an advisor, as she so readily pointed out once, that he could only advise. Ultimately she could use her authority, counter order everything that the council would elect, and make it more difficult for her in the longer run. So what faced him now was either concede defeat about this matter now, or fight and lose later. To save time and effort he nodded his head to the Hokage, before he took his seat again.
The Council then drifted on towards the information that they had received about the Land of Wave and the Land of Spring and it's Ninja Force signing a mutual defense treaty. There was nothing that they could do, and Tsunade had pointed out to the clan heads that she had told the Council members that this is what would happen. An argument that went into an outrage that the Last Namikaze was now decreed dead and his skills or lack of was on their heads. There was plenty of blame to go around, and when Sasuke was brought into the argument, he was oddly silent for what he was accused of. The meeting ended with those two things, the naming of the heir, and the protection of the Namikaze estates, even for a little while. When they all began to file out, Tsunade and Sasuke locked eyes, and they knew what was to come. The Guards of course seemed oddly uncomfortable to it.
With a wave of the hand, Tsunade dismissed them, and they eagerly left out the doors to be waiting there. "Why?" That simple question was enough for Sasuke to raise an eyebrow to her, and then he just sighed and shook his head lightly to her.
"It's Complicated."
"Then un-complicate it." Tsunade stated as she rose up, her grip shattering the armrest that she used to stand. It was clear to him that she wanted the answers to questions that he did not fully realize at the moment.
"I didn't hate Naruto."
"Evidence proves differently." Tsunade stated, her honey brown eyes narrowing once again on the Uchiha's head.
"Evidence can go to hell for all I care. I didn't hate Naruto." Sasuke stated as he looked back to her and his dark eyes narrowed. "I didn't hate him. He was far closer to me than my brother. But to get the power that I needed to kill Itachi, Naruto was the obstacle in the way... I did this so that way Naruto can have a place here and with respect."
"So you didn't do it to get in my good graces then?"
"Think what you will, Hokage. But you would be wrong if I wanted him to die alone and family-less... I wanted the power to kill Itachi. To be the Avenger of my clan. But Killing Naruto... no. I did not want that." He stated as he rose up from his chair and shook his head, turning away from the Hokage as he did so and headed towards the door. "Believe or don't believe, that's your problem." He stated as he joined his guard escort.
And at that he left, leaving behind him an extremely confused and annoyed Hokage.
Word had gotten out quickly that Naruto had been the last Namikaze and the heir to a great legacy. The population had been up in a roar about that. Half of those that began to believe in Naruto were beyond shocked and almost disgusted with themselves and their actions. Had they had known they would have acted differently, the Ninja population were the most understanding, even going so far as to defend him against those that belittled Naruto's name in front of them. The other half would not change their stances, The village demon was still the village demon. Just because the demon had a father and mother that whelped him and made him as he was now did not sway them.
The Hokage one day, had to severely reprimand the Kimeraki Clan Heir, Sorata, Kakashi, Sakura, and Rock Lee. Apparently they had all gone out for a dinner of sorts. Each going to the same restaurant and had no plans at all. In five minutes when they all joined together, Those four were the only one's standing in their corner, a mass of patrons around them. At seven minutes later, the bar had been set on fire. At Fifteen minutes the Owner and bartender had been thrown out side from the second level. At seventeen minutes the Fire fighting team had arrived putting out the fire and hosing down the four ninja in question. Reprimands, Damage, Medical Bills. That was what the Village was being sued for because of the lack of discipline that she gave to her subordinates.
Though secretly she was indeed pleased, she granted the money to be taken out of her personal accounts to arrange a settlement, on the provision that the owner, his family, and his bartenders family leave the village by weeks end. It was rumoured that the owner of the said bar had to be admitted to the Konoha Hospital a second time, for a broken jaw. He and his family left shortly after that. it was the day after that though, that the representative of the Land of Waves arrived with that of his entourage. Which consisted of about three hundred people. Tsunade had gotten word that they were on the way, and had sent for the Kimeraki Clan Representative to meet her at the North Gate. Again Sorata had arrived in place of his father, his hands in his pockets and his blue eyes holding a mirth up until he saw what he had been summoned for. He took his place gracefully at the side of the Hokage before he leaned in.
"I'm going to hit you with something really heavy really soon. What the hell is this?" Sorata mumbled through gritted teeth, a comment to which the Hokage smiled and shook her head lightly. Oh she had anticipated that statement, and she simply shrugged her shoulders.
"I was told a representative was coming. Not how many. I'll write the Lord of Wave and inform him of what this is. I doubt he'll offer any sort of compensation though with how the political situation is around this." Tsunade replied with the same hushed tone, before she patted his shoulder lightly. "So be a man, and quit your bitching. I'll dig into the food stores that we have around the village and get some food for the people that we have to feed now. I trust you've lodgings?"
"For most if not all, but we will need to clean up some of the older quarters. I need a priority mission to get that place cleaned up and human habitable. The More the merrier." He replied and she nodded her head. It was a fair compensation, though she had yet to hear that he would not hit her with that really heavy object yet and that gave her pause for worry. But still what he asked in return for what she had now asked of him, it was a fair compromise, even if she did end up hurting him in the end of it all. It was not long before the progress had reached the gates and the man at the head of them.
One man stood at the head of them, and behind him was a small boy with a grey bucket hat with what seemed to be a permanent sour face on. The other was what seemed to be a common house wife, dressed in a simple kimono, with a green and red floral pattern. Long black hair pulled back into a low pony tail and though she had beautiful black eyes, what reflected in them was a deep sorrow and pity for those in the village. A look that Tsunade found disturbing. But the man at the head of it all, was a elderly man with a greying goatee, dark eyes hidden behind spectacles and he covered his greying hair and bald crown with a simple stick hat. The way the man held himself, he was coarse, unrefined and not pleased at all. And evidently in charge.
Approaching the village gates, the two that followed him stayed at the entry way while the old man approached the blonde haired Hokage, his frown deepening as he approached. "Greetings. I'm.."
"Can it." The man stated, to which the Hokage immediately was taken aback by the sudden rude and extremely bad manners of the man. Before she could even speak about that, the man ploughed over her. "I'm Tazuna. The builder of the Great Naruto Bridge, and behind me is the village of the wave that connects the to the mainland because of it. Because of what Naruto has done for our people. We've all come for our respects to our nations hero. Those that can be spared that is. I ain't in the mood for false smiles, poor jokes and even faker apologies."
There Sorata was just attempting to hold in his laughter and had been failing miserably given the snorts and snickers that escaped the man. He laughed too much, and at her expense, she could only narrow her honey brown eyes. "What's so funny?"
"He is." Sorata replied as he looked up to Tazuna who could not help but glare at him and the Kimeraki Heir just simply shook his head lightly to him. "No offense, but what you just did was far better poisoning her food. Not as great, but, strangely, just as satisfying. For that you and your people are crashing at the Kimeraki compound. Hope you all brought your own booze, i do not share. Also I was expecting a extremely smaller number of people I was going to be entertaining, so It will take some time in order to secure lodgings." Sorata stated before he waved to the people in the back and began the walk down the ways, leaving Tsunade extremely annoyed and confused while Asuma approached her from behind.
"Did you ever get around to actually explaining to them what the plan was?" He asked, and Tsunade just sighed and shook her head. She was going to have to double the patrols around the village and ensure that they had orders not to hurt the visiting villagers unless they were left with no other choice. This up coming week was proving to be far more tiring than what she had hoped for.
The very next morning the Damiyo of the Land of Wave herself, Lady Kazehana, had arrived with her group of fifty jounin from the Village hidden within the Snow. Truth be told, she did not know that that village had possessed so many when she last visited. But it was little wonder that they did under the guidance of a true ruler. Hiashi Hyuuga had been made aware, but due to clan Politics was unable to attend the initial greeting of the Daimyo as he should have. Hinata was still indisposed to the point of where it was a struggle for Kurenai to get her out of her own home to see friends and loved ones. So beside her was that of Neji Hyuuga, A genin who had been remarkable within the Chuunin exams, though still recovering from his fight in the mission to recover Sasuke. He stood tall and proud his dominate hand with in a sling, his long brown hair swaying with the wind as he looked towards the coming people.
"Hokage-Sama... I have a question."
"Hmmm?"
"What are the funeral arrangements now that he is Namikaze?" Neji asked, and Tsunade cuold not supress thesmall smile that graced her face.
"I'm going to put him home, with his family." She replied, and Neji nodded and said nothing more. It was clear to Tsuande that Naruto had impacted the life of Neji quite enormously. Honey brown eyes turned to look towards the people that escorted the carrying pavilion to the gates, and when they were ordered to set it down, a woman with a tanned face, dressed in a simple kimono that was a deep navy blue with golden edges. Theirs eyes met, and though sadness reflected in the Daimyos' there was that of a steel and a fuming anger beneath them. The Hokage already knew that there were political ramifications, which meant that if something happened here, they could be looking at a war.
"Greetings Hokage-Sama. I am Koyuki Kazehana , Daimyo of the Land of Spring and this is my escort and good friend, the leader of the Village hidden in the snow, Shinji, who had graciously accepted my invitation to attend." The Daimyo stated, gesturing to the side of the carriage where the man stood, with a long white cloak of fur, and knockout whit eyes. The man simply bowed towards her and to no one else. Thus the Hokage returned the bow and then looked towards those that escorted her.
"This is my predecessors son, Asuma Saratobi, Jounin Instructor. And this is the representative of the Hyuuga clan, Neji Hyuuga." The Hokage introduced, and to which Neji bowed, despite his discomfort with the motion.
"I offer my sincerest apologies that our clan head could not be here. He was called away to a meeting, and he has sent me in his stead."
The Daimyo regarded him for a moment, and her black brows furrowed together as though she were trying to remember something. And then the young acting Daimyo nodded her head. "Ah yes. You're the one that Naruto boasted about beating during the Chunnin exams." The Daimyo stated as she put her delicate hands back into the wide sleeves of her kimono keeping her face neutral. Despite himself though, Neji could not suppress the small smile that graced his face as he rose up.
"Indeed. He beat me and defied Fate all in the same day." Neji explained, holding up his hand indicating that he did not mean any offence. "My Clan Head offers his estate as the personal residence of you and your company of men, if you so choose, and for as long as your remain within the walls of Konoha."
"Your hospitality is noted." The Daimyo stated and to which the young lady turned to regard the leader of the Snow Village again and the man nodded his head. "We Accept your generous offer." The Daimyo stated before she re-entered her pavilion. She sat down on the many cushions and pillows that she had, the silks that she wore drifting outwards, and then she spoke. "You may lead on when you're ready." And thus Neji Hyuuga bowed again, and turned and left, moving forwards, not bothering to see the look of astonishment that the Hokage and the Saratobi heir had on their faces. If the young man had even noticed the arrogance of the young lady that came to their doors, he did not seem to notice or even flinch at it.
The last delegation that the Hokage had been expecting was that of the Sand Ninja. Gaara, the leading runner for that of the seat of the Kazkage, and that of two others. At the gate though, The Hokage, Jiraiya, Asuma, Kakashi, Sorata and Gai were all there, along with a contingent of ANBU black operatives hiding in the shadows greeted Gaara and his two contingents. When Temari's eyes locked with that of Sorata's form, the Hokage could have sworn that she had felt the temperature drop. And yet there man was man, grinning like a lunatic, his blue eyes hidden behind that of a pair of sunglasses, with his long blue dread locks swaying with the wind. Despite the obvious tension that was resonating from Temari, The man seemed completely ate ease.
"Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro of the Sand. I, Tsuande Senju, welcome you to the Village Hidden within the Leaves. I will be your host for the remainder of your stay." Tsuande stated as she bowed before them, and they in turn did so as well. But rather than Gaara who headed the group who spoke, it was his sister Temari.
"We are honoured to be allowed to come back here. And that you would allow us to reside within your clan's home." Temari stated, while Kankuro rubbed his stomach and chose that moment to speak.
"Where's the food? I'm starved!" The painted teenager whined, and Temari fixed a glare on Kankuro that spoke exactly what she was thinking. ~Screw this up and I will set you ablaze.~ Fortunately for his sake, Kankuro's realization of impending beating had been well received and the man bowed his head forwards towards the Hokage who saw something different with her eyes. For a moment, those Honey brown eyes thought that she had seen an after image of Naruto, who had no problem at all in declaring what he wanted. A thought that brought a small smile to her face before she shook her head.
"It is alright. People need to eat to grow, especially little boys." Tsunade stated, that sad smile turning into a bit of a mocking one, and regarded Temari who gaped at her for a moment and then to grinned. Gaara still looked unmoved towards the scene other than fixing that blank stare that he perfected onto that of the Hokage. Honey brown met green and then she nodded her head lightly as she turned and began to walk. "Keep up, please."
The pathways to the Senju Clan Mansion were straight forward and through the business section of the village. And there were several shops that the two older siblings eyed. One was one of the fashion stores and hair styles. Another, the weapon and machine part selection. But it was neither Temari or Kankuro that spoke to their lead. "You don't trust us."
The monotone voice that simple sentence came from spoke volumes to the host, who turned her head to regard Jiraiya who had been peering down at the hoes of his latest novel, and shook his head. There had been little point in denying it now, considering that the ANBU had been spotted and that the Jounin that accompanied them to the Senju Clan Mansion were obvious. Tsunade stopped and turned to regard Gaara meeting his gaze dead on. "It's not that I don't trust you. That is personal." She stated as she looked up to the darkening sky, and watched the clouds. "But I, as a leader, cannot allow personal feelings to coincide with any decision that I make on behalf of the village. So the rank and position that I hold doesn't allow me such niceties."
The statement had been enough. Understanding passed through Gaara's eyes, while Temari's own held a deep sadness to them. Kankuro though, he looked frustrated and confused. Tsunade knew what was to come, and rather than stopping it before the boy could speak, she allowed it. She knew the learning habits of many were as diverse as the elemental nations. "But why don't you? I mean, I was there when the body of our leader was discovered. I was there at the decision for them to tell you and to make amends between them. Why don't you trust us?"
"Think of it this way, and immediately respond. Say you saw two boys playing. And having fun, having a good time. Laughter and pranks and jokes." Tsunade stated as she looked towards Kankuro and she raised an eyebrow to him. "Now one boy grabs another's toy and rips it in half, whether by accident or on purpose. The friendship does continues. But does the trust happen right away?"
Understanding then flashed in Kankuro's eyes, and he bowed his head in shame while Temari placed a hand upon his shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. And thus the Hokage nodded her head, as she reached out and gently lifted Kankuro's face to look up at hers. Eye met eye, and she gave a small sad smile. "So you see, the position does not allow me to fully trust you, but this works two ways. The ANBU that I have following us are to be security only. Your security."
"You don't just fear us, You fear for us." Temari provided and the Hokage nodded her head as she turned and walked forwards, dismissing those that accompanied her to the gates with just a small nod of her head and hand, while Jiriaya just stood there crossing his arms and looking on. In shock or in awe, it was little difference. Tsunade had shown that she still had the maternal instincts that she had been born with. Even after such losses.
"You represent something to the village. Danger, Enemy, Death. These three things many of these people know of, and have had far too much of. Thus, they may take matters into their own hands. Especially with us only being a short time out of the invasion. This I cannot allow, but rather than declare Martial Law and banish them to their homes for something that had not committed yet, I felt this option was better." Tsunade stated and wit out further explanation she moved forwards, towards the ancestral home of her forefathers, his honey brown eyes peering at a statue as they passed. One of her Grand Father, The First Hokage.
'What would you have done in my place?' She wondered.
She received no reply.
Chapter End.
Well now, I finally found a use for Sasuke. A small one, but one nonetheless. And reviewing the series. Naruto and Sasuke do fight a lot. And I do mean a lot. evening going of using killer techniques. But their friendship? The connection? Completely Gone? No. In any case, don't forget to Review.
Falcon S. Kimeraki