A/N: Okay everyone the Tsunade Arc is almost over. This chapter shall be the last of it, and the next shall be the start of the Kage's Mission Arc. I'll explain more on that in the next chapter. So now, I'll just say; "Enough of this crap" and move on with the show!
Side Note: I got no real sleep last night, and had a nightmare about Fan-Fiction that almost made me stop writing anything, but my friends slapped me and I regained my senses. Also, my birthday is tomorrow apparently. My friends wanted me to put this here so I won't forget. Don't know why because my birthday really doesn't matter or have any place in this story. Oh well, on why the show!
Chapter 10: The Coronation of the Fifth Hokage
Tsunade, with Shizune at her side, trailed in the back of the group as the Elders and the ANBU were speaking with Jiraiya and Naruto. She wasn't sure why, but Naruto had on the most somber expression she had ever seen. It seemed the boy wasn't as cheerful as he let on to be, huh?
"Tsunade-sama, it's good to see you again. It's been such a long time." Shikaku said as turned around to her with a smile on his face. She smiled at him as well. He was one of the many good people she had left behind in her self-imposed exile.
"You're that kid from the Nara clan, Shikaku if I'm correct. It's good to see you as well." Tsunade said as they walked through the village. She and Shikaku struck a conversation while Shizune had taken to try and catch what the Elders were saying.
"Naruto-sama, Hiruzen's effects are being removed from the Hokage's office to make room for the things you'll be placing in there as we speak. The full populace count of the village is to be in attendance for your installation." Koharu said as she, Homura, Danzo and Jiraiya walked beside Naruto while Dragon and Asuma took up the rear.
"I see… Tell me, have we had any intruders or unwanted guess in the village, Dragon?" Naruto asked as he gazed backward while Dragon saluted him.
"No sir, Naruto-sama. The ANBU guards have not reported any trespassers. Though there have been a few civilians attempting to sneak in with forged papers." Dragon said as Naruto sighed.
"Well then, you can tell your men and women they can be lax now. I'm back in the village, so there will be no need to keep up should rigid guard. I know that we should, but even the ANBU need rest; we are all human after all." Naruto said as he crossed his arms and nodded to himself.
"Thank you, Naruto-sama." Dragon said before he vanished in a swirl of leaves.
"Now as for this coronation… can't we just skip the ceremonies? I think it would be best if-" Naruto was saying before Koharu and Homura gave him a look and sighed in unison.
"Naruto, we understand your wish to do so, but the village must know the face of their Hokage. Even if you are a Kage it does not mean to literally be one. The village needs to reassert itself with a public face and to know the face and name of your leader speaks volumes of respect." Koharu scolded as Homura placed a hand on her shoulder to stop her.
"Listen Naruto, you have been given- no, I say you have earned the title of Hokage. You have earned it through your constant hope for a better tomorrow, in not just your own life, but the lives of everyone in this village. You have never stopped giving up hope and have an unyielding determination. This village needs that from you. It needs you to bear the burden as you have done for 13 years. It needs you to not give into the insanity which that Gaara boy did in Suna. This village just plain and bluntly needs you; for hope, for protection, for just being you." Homura said as Naruto looked him in the eye. Though the man was not smiling and was giving him a stern face, Naruto could tell he was filled with pride and admiration. So why was it that Naruto still had those feelings of dread?
"Besides, I think this village has kept a few too many things secret, but has let the wrong things come to light. I told Hiruzen he was foolish in the decision to tell the people of your being a Jinchuriki. But no, he thought the people would be open-minded and accepting. I, unlike him, have always understood the darker side of human nature and how it toys with the mind. It creeps into the thoughts and fears, and brings them into situations in which we don't fully understand. That is why the people of this village avoided and isolated you, Naruto, because they fear and hate that which they don't understand." Danzo said snidely as Naruto turned a critical eye to him, just as everyone else did.
"What are you getting at, you old war-hawk.?" Jiraiya asked as he narrowed his eyes at the older man.
"I'm merely saying that it's time the right secrets came to light. I told Hiruzen that if he was to tell the people of the Kyuubi being sealed inside young Naruto, then he should have told them that he was the son of the Fourth. At least in that aspect the morale and loyalty of our shinobi would have risen to higher aspects. They would have seen that power of his father and the Kyuubi were at his disposal. It could have gotten him so many things in his youth; acceptance, power, training, and love." Danzo said as Jiraiya was seething while Homura and Koharu looked visible uncomfortable as they walked down the road, with the people giving wide space as they recognized the elders and Jiraiya.
"You know that Hiruzen did not want the boy spoiled, or harshed for his heritage. Hiruzen told the people of the Kyuubi so as to be sure that they knew from the beginning that Konoha had been protected by the Yondaime. Naruto, right after the Kyuubi was sealed into you it was a state of panic. People were in mourning for their loved ones, and no one had an answer as to why the village was so suddenly attacked by the Kyuubi; of all demons. Hiruzen couldn't tell the people why it attacked, but when they found out that the Yondaime had died the last thread of sanity was cut and total chaos ensued. He needed to make a difficult choice in such a small window of time. It was either tell the people that the Kyuubi had been amongst them the entire time, and that it killed both your parents or that Minato and Kushina died sealing the most powerful demon into an orphan child and that the boy who it was sealed into was a hero to be regarded as such." Homura said scoldingly to Danzo, who had closed his visible eye, but then Homura turned to Naruto as he addressed him.
"Hiruzen thought and knew that the latter of the two would be best and easiest. He had hoped that by mentioning that you were chosen by the Yondaime they might understand, but… they did not. They had completely ignored the wishes and notions of the Yondaime, so Hiruzen created a law around you. It was decreed that from that day forth, anyone found talking about your status would be put to death with no second thoughts about it. Hiruzen was absolutely livid that the people he cared for and protected could be so cruel and ruthless toward a newborn infant. He also made that law so you could make friends with those of your generation." Koharu said, picking up where Homura left off so the man could glare at Danzo. Naruto waved a hand dismissively as they neared the Hokage's Mansion. He didn't want to think about that now. He had long since come to terms with the way his life was. He didn't need this… not now at least…
"I understand, and I can see what position he was in. I forgave him for what he did when I found out about the Kyuubi and became a Genin. Though I'm curious, what did you mean by 'Kyuubi having been amongst them the entire time', Elder Homura?" Naruto said as he stopped in the middle of the empty street they were now on. Homura stiffened as Jiraiya sighed and slumped his shoulders.
"Listen kid, I promised not to keep anymore secrets from you or to continue lying to you, so I'll tell you. Your mother, Kushina Uzumaki, was the second Jinchuriki of the Kyuubi. She held it in her before you did." Jiraiya said somberly as Naruto's eyes widened.
"N-no w-way…" Naruto said as he froze to the spot.
His mother… a Jinchuriki? The letter she had written to him made no mention or even inferred that. She was a Jinchuriki, yet his father still loved her? And, if she was the second that made him the third, so then-
"Who was the first?" Naruto asked quietly as he dropped his gaze to his shoes as they continued their walk.
"Tsunade's Grandmother and your great-grandmother, Mito Uzumaki. You see it was found out a long time ago that only an Uzumaki can withstand and hold the power of the Kyuubi. Mito Uzumaki was the wife of the First Hokage, your mother Kushina Uzumaki was the wife of the Fourth Hokage, and now you, Naruto, are the Fifth Hokage." Danzo said nonchalantly as Jiraiya glared at the old man. Could he at least be sympathetic toward Naruto's plight?
"Jinchuriki means the "Power of Human Sacrifice". It is by this that you give up a normal life and carry the burden of the demon inside of you. But answer me this, Naruto; what would have happen had you not been born and made a Jinchuriki, but the Kyuubi still attacked Konoha?" Danzo asked as he turned a sharp gaze to Naruto.
"This village wouldn't even exist now. It would be a stain in history books." Naruto said as his hands turned to tight fisted. Danzo closed his eye and nodded as he hobbled down the road with his walking cane.
"Exactly, this village in which isolated you would be a barren spot and razed to the ground. Without you we would be dead and the Kyuubi would have gone on with its destruction. Don't you get it yet, boy. This village was in need of you from the very beginning of your life; since the day you were born. So stop your insistent sniveling and become the Hokage you were born to be." Danzo said as he casted his vision to the Hokage Mansion. "That seat of power may be out of my grasp, but I'll be damned if this boy doesn't become a leader I respect. I'll teach him… the hard way." He thought as Naruto gazed at him intently.
"Yeah, you're right… Listen, I'm gonna go around the village for a while. Just send an ANBU after me when it begins." Naruto said as he turned away from his group of advisors and walked toward another street.
Tsunade and Shikaku stopped their conversation as they both saw Naruto leaving. Tsunade shrugged it off as she walked up to Jiraiya.
"So you drag me back to this place with the secret of making me Hokage, huh? I know we couldn't talk much with the kid around, but why didn't you just tell me?" Tsunade said as Jiraiya gave her a look.
"What the hell are you talking about?" Jiraiya said as Tsunade's eye twitched.
"That was the real reason you came to track me down. Sarutobi-sensei died and the village needed a new Hokage, so you come find me because I'm the best choice for the job. It was only convenient that the kid need to find me too so I could heal some people here. By bringing the kid along you made your scheme less suspicious to others because the kid knew I was a healer." Tsunade explained and then smirked as she saw Jiraiya's dumb-found expression.
"Okay… that's… wow." Jiraiya said as he scratched his cheek. If they were making her Hokage that would have been a really good plan. He was glad he thought of it heh, heh…
"So what do I have to do first?" Tsunade said in a bored tone and sighed heavily. Jiraiya was mentally grinning. He wouldn't burst her ego right now, he'd do a Naruto and get back at his old friend for that drug she slipped him before their little tango with Orochimaru.
"Umm… I don't know… maybe you should speak with the Elders." Jiraiya said as he could barely contain his mirth as she nodded and went after the Elders, who had already disappeared inside the Hokage Mansion.
Shizune looked at the chuckling face of Jiraiya as she went after her master. She might not have caught whatever conversation he and the Elders had with Naruto, but it couldn't have been that funny. Oh well, she shrugged as she went to catch up with Tsunade.
With Naruto:
He walked down another road of his village, yeah… his village; the same village that isolated him, that scorned him, and that he was now to protect with his life. He sighed; thinking- no knowing that he had been doing that his whole life. He looked at the happy faces of his people. Well some of them were happy until they saw him. He gave a group of them a smile, but they leaned into each other and whispered things as they stared at him. It wasn't filled with hate like they were about a year ago, but there was still fear and anger in their eyes. He could hear every word of what they were saying…
"I heard that thing was responsible for bringing back Tsunade-sama; something about healing Hatake-san and Uchiha-san." One of the women of the group whispered to another. The other shook her head.
"Yeah I did to, but I'm sure it was all Jiraiya-sama's doing." The woman said as one of the men turned to them.
"That's Naruto Uzumaki, you know," The guy was saying and Naruto rolled his eyes as he was sure the next words out of the guy's mouth would be about Kyuubi, "the kid who won against that Hyuga prodigy. I also heard, from some of the ninja, that he defended the village from the Suna Jinchuriki." The man said, much to Naruto's surprise.
"Oh, I heard from a woman in the market that it was Uchiha-san. Are you sure?" The woman asked skeptically as the man nodded his head.
"Yes, I overheard one of the ANBU tell this group of ninja and then they told me. Apparently the Uzumaki-gaki can even summon Gamabunta-sama. He must be a student of Jiraiya-sama like Yondaime-sama was. That must be why he left with Jiraiya-sama." The man said as the women stared at Naruto with less negativity and more keen interest.
"Well… if Jiraiya-sama believes in him… I guess I can as well…" one of the women said as the other nodded. Naruto walked past them as he was still smiling. Maybe the people were starting to come around…
"Naruto? Naruto, is that you?" a younger female voice came from behind him. He turned and was tackled to the ground.
"What the- Ino!" Naruto cried out as he looked down to see Ino had tackled him with a hug. Now she was snuggling her face into his shirt… weird-o…
"Naruto-kun, it's good to have you back! We just heard you were back! Hinata's with her team and Tenten's with hers, but they're both making their ways here. So we need to move quickly!" Ino exclaimed as she literally dragged Naruto away. Naruto was far to shocked to do anything, but that didn't stop his mouth.
"What the hell are you talking about? What about Tenten? Why the hell are you dragging me? I need an adult!" Naruto exclaimed as she dragged him into a dark alley. Ino put her hand over his mouth as she peeked out from the alley. She could see Hinata and Tenten searching for them.
"I know I heard Naruto-kun's voice on this street. I was him, it was loud and obnoxious." Hinata said as she looked around timidly with Tenten sighed.
"You're right, he was here, and so was Ino. She's not playing fair; being sneaky and keeping him to herself. That's so selfish!" Tenten said as she stomped her foot while Hinata looked down, but then smirked. Ino was seriously scared now. Hinata smirking was never good. Hinata did a single hand-sign and Ino was about to run like hell. The veins near Hinata's eyes became large and noticeable. Dammit, the Byakugan!
"She's in the alley five meters ahead, and she's suffocating Naruto-kun!" Hinata exclaimed while she ran at Ino. Ino looked confused; suffocating Naruto? She looked down at Naruto to see that he was blue in the face. Oops, she had put her hand over his nose and mouth. Oh well, gotta run!
She leapt from the alley and high-tailed it down the street with Hinata and Tenten in hot pursuit. The people on the street watched the spectacle with many reactions from jealousy and anger to fond memories of their youth. One guy was writing things down, but his wife snatched the notebook and slapped him upside his head.
"Ino stop this! He's supposed to choose us not be kidnapped in broad daylight!" Tenten said as she reached into her ninja pouch. Ino didn't even respond as she ran with Naruto tucked under her arm.
"This is getting ridiculous, Ino! P-please stop, p-people are staring!" Hinata said as she looked around at the people watching them.
"I don't care! Momma wants him and momma don't like to share!" Ino said as she turned her head. Tenten sighed as she took something from her pouch and threw it in front of Ino.
Ino ran, before she lost her balance as she tripped over something. She let go of Naruto and both of them hit the ground with a thud. Naruto landed on his head while Ino managed to twist just enough to land on her ass. Both of them got up rubbing their, now bruised, areas.
"Ow, what was that?" Ino said as Tenten and Hinata caught up to her. Ino saw something of a line glimmer in the sunlight.
"Ninja-wire? Oh that is so cheap!" Ino said as she threw up her hands in frustration. Tenten smirked at her while Hinata was checking on Naruto.
"A-are y-you o-okay, Naruto-kun?" Hinata asked meekly as Naruto rubbed his head.
"Yeah, I'm just fine, Hinata-chan. Wait, Hinata-chan!" Naruto said as he finally came to thought and pointed a finger at Hinata. "I need to have a serious talk with you, Hinata-chan!" Naruto said with a stern expression as Hinata's face went red. Hinata shook her head and gazed at Naruto. Now that she was really looking at him she realized her Byakugan was still active and Naruto was… under a powerful genjutsu. She couldn't see through it, but she knew it was there
"Naruto why are you under a genjutsu?" Hinata asked, not even stuttering as Tenten and Ino turned to them.
Naruto froze as he realized she was using her Byakugan. Damn, he was caught. He had hoped no one would know until after his coronation. That way he could hide the bounty of his power, also because of just how different he looked under the genjutsu.
"Well… you see… I… umm… fine! You caught me!" Naruto said as they grew closer to him with every word he said.
"What kind is it, Hinata?" Ino asked as Hinata deactivated her Byakugan.
"It's transformation style; he's basically under an extremely powerful henge that can't be broke unless he chooses to do so." Hinata answered as Naruto stood in front of them.
"Well drop it, Naruto. There's no need for that here, we're in the village." Tenten said as she put her hands on her hips.
"Sorry girls, but I need it for a little while longer. Besides, this is the middle of the street, so-"
"Well then we'll just have to go somewhere else." Ino said as she and Tenten grabbed Naruto by his arms and picked him up.
"Hey wait a minute! Don't I get a say in this?" Naruto said as all three girls shook their heads.
"Sorry Naruto-kun, but I'm curious to what you're hiding. Please forgive us." Hinata said as she followed them. Naruto sighed as he knew there was no way he was getting out of this one.
Near the Hokage's Mansion:
Konohamaru was walking from the Academy with his friends as school had been let out early due to Iruka-sensei having to do something. He could care less; he was angst-ing right now. It seemed that everyone just up and moved on, completely forgetting about his grandfather. His grandfather, the Sandaime or Third Hokage, had protected this village with his life, but everyone just seemed to forget that. He was so pissed right now! Then something caught his eye. Two Jonin were carrying things from the Hokage Mansion, but not just anything; his grandfather's effects.
Konohamaru ran at them while his friends were confused as to why. The two Jonin saw him coming. Damn, if their hands were full they would have shunshin-ed away from he kid. He wasn't much of a brat anymore, but damn could he grit nerves.
"Those are my grandfather's things! Where are you taking them?" Konohamaru shouted as the two looked visibly put-out.
"Honorable Grandson… we… umm…" the one to the right side, Kotetsu Hagane, said as he knew they were busted.
"I said: where are you taking them! They belong to my grandfather!" Konohamaru shouted as both men sighed inwardly. He's an emotional kid, the reminded themselves, he just need to vent.
"Umm well, these things are just in the way, you see, so we thought it would be best to put them somewhere safe." Kotetsu said as his partner, Izumo Kamizuki, shifted nervously. Though it was too small a twitch for Konohamaru to notice, Kotetsu could tell a mile away that that small twitch was him shifting nervously.
"What do you mean, 'just it the way'?" Konohamaru asked as he looked slightly confused, but then that look contoured into anger, "You shouldn't even be touching that stuff! Who gave you permission?"
"Well we have to make room for the next Hokage." Kotetsu said, trying not to be blunt as Izumo rolled his eyes.
"The… what?" Konohamaru asked as his face dropped and his body froze.
"Yeah, it's done. The Fifth Hokage is finally to be inaugurated. It's a big relief to everyone." Izumo said speaking for the first time, as Konohamaru remained frozen.
"Now the one who's been chosen is moving in-" Izumo was saying until Konohamaru pushed his way past the two and almost made them fall.
"No, no way, it's too soon for a new Hokage!" Konohamaru said in anger as he glared down at the two from higher up the steps.
"My grandfather was everything to this village!" he shouted as he ran off into the mansion. Kotetsu and Izumo shrugged as they continued on with their job.
Konohamaru went into the door and crashed into something, but he really didn't care since it was soft and warm. He snuggled his face into it, because he knew it was on a woman, and a very well-endowed one at that.
"Soft bobbies… it reminds me of my baby blanket…" he said dreamily as he snuggled into them more. Tsunade glared down at the kid, but said nothing since it felt good. Konohamaru's eyes opened, even though he didn't remember closing them, and then widened as he jumped off the woman he was enjoying.
"Who are you and what're you doing here?" he shouted at her as he blushed from his actions.
"What am I doing here. Well, what're you doing here, you pesky little runt?" Tsunade said with a smirk as he blushed harder.
"Who's a little runt? I dare you to call me that again!" he said as he was quickly getting annoyed with her. Tsunade only smirked more as she bent down to his height.
"Oh, so you're a glutton for punishment, huh? You're a pesky little runt." Tsunade said, stressing each word as he went red faced.
"I'm warning you, if you call me that again!" he screamed as Shizune walked up to them.
"Tsunade-sama!" Shizune scolded as Tsunade gave her a look.
"You really should be going in now; the Elders are waiting for you." Shizune said as Tonton oinked in agreement.
"Alright, Shizune" Tsunade said as she sighed and tapped Konohamaru's head, "You watch your step, little boy." She said as she walked away from him.
"I really wished you'd try and behave nicely, especially since I'm the one everyone comes and complains to." Shizune scolded as Tsunade rolled her eyes.
"Okay, okay…" Tsunade said as they walked down the hall to the Elders office.
The two elders were standing at a window with their backs to the door.
"Genma," Koharu called as said ninja landed in a kneeing position behind her with a yes, "Aoba" the other appeared in the same fashion.
"Send out the word; everyone in the village must be made aware that today we will officially welcome the Fifth Hokage." She said as the two nodded and disappeared as they came.
"Don't you think it's a bit soon for all that? I just got here and all." Tsunade said as the two turned to her giving her stone faced looks.
"What are you on about, Tsunade?" Homura asked with a raised brow.
"I mean I just got to the village. Shouldn't I rest and relax before I'm inducted as Hokage? I hate this, I'm sore all over." Tsunade said as she rolled her shoulders while Homura and Koharu exchanged a look.
"I take it that fool Jiraiya didn't tell you. He must have thought it a fun joke to be played." Homura said with his ever present scowl deepening.
"What do you mean, didn't tell me what? Oh, you mean about you wanting me to be made Hokage. Well no, he didn't, but I figured it out. It wasn't too hard. I mean who would really go out and search for me just to heal and few people, and then it was 'conveniently' after the death of Sarutobi-sensei. It wasn't too hard to figure out." Tsunade said as they exchanged another look.
"How did you know Hiruzen died, Tsunade?" Koharu questioned as she and Homura gave Tsunade a kunai-sharp look.
"Huh… Oh, well news travels fast when the lords and nobles of other countries are present during an invasion. I found out about two days are the whole thing." Tsunade said as Shizune shifted uncomfortably near the door.
"I see…" Homura said as he closed his eyes, but then snapped them open to give Tsunade a stone gaze and a scowl.
"Tsunade, we thank you for that bit of information, but we must inform you that you've drawn your conclusions from nothing but thin air. You are not being made the Fifth Hokage. This is why Jiraiya did not tell you anything about it, because there was nothing to tell. Now if you'll excuse us," he said as he and Koharu brushed past her and Shizune, "we have work to do, and so do you. I would get over to the hospital if I were you. That was the whole reason you were brought back, just as it was messaged to you by Jiraiya." Homura finished as they exited their office and left Tsunade standing there, frozen and speechless. She regained herself and went after them, catching up them as they were in the hallway.
"Well fine, I'm not Hokage, and don't really give-a-damn, but answer me this: who is?" Tsunade said as she got in front of them. They exchanged looks; she was really getting tired of that.
"You should know by now, you have been travelling with him all this way." Homura said as Tsunade pulled a look of disgust.
"Jiraiya! Kami, why would you senile old fools make that perverted old toad Hokage? Now the kunoichi will be wearing nothing but belts and scrolls." Tsunade said as Homura gave her a stern look, but it was as effective with his red cheeks. Koharu was the one to speak as she looked just as disgusted.
"Not Jiraiya! Naruto! He was made Hokage almost a month ago!" Koharu yelled as Tsunade looked confused, but then she gave them a weird look.
"Naruto! Why would you make that brat Hokage! I understand he's powerful and quick on his feet, but he's just as half-assed as Jiraiya!" Tsunade said as Shizune had finally caught up to them.
"He was chosen by the Fire Daimyo, and approved by the Shinobi Council and Jonin Commander. Naruto has shown that he is able to handle the job so far, so we have faith in him." Homura said as Tsunade gave them a look, but then she smiled.
"Fine, I guess the brat deserves it; all the paperwork, the political headaches, and the boring meetings. Yup, he can have that! I'll just heal these people and be on my way." Tsunade said happily as she walked from the two elders.
"Not so fast, Tsunade. You've been away from the village for far too long. Hiruzen allowed you to leave because you were grieving, but now it's time to come back home. If you don't comply, we'll have to ask that you be marked as a missing-ninja and hunted for abandoning the village." Homura said as Tsunade froze with one leg still in the air.
"Excuse me." Tsunade whispered out coldly as the two were not affected. Shizune narrowed her eyes at the two elders. Naruto won't let this happen… would he?
"We will not repeat ourselves. If there is a problem with what was said then take it up at the next council meeting, which you shall be attending as the Senju Clan Head and Head of the Medical Corps." Koharu said as they once again brushed pass her and out into the village.
"Tsunade-sama… they can't do that, right? Naruto has final say as Hokage… right?" Shizune asked as Tsunade lowered her face.
"Yes they can and yes he does. That's why we'll be forced to stay." Tsunade said as Shizune's eyes went wide.
"B-but Naruto-" Shizune stuttered out as Tsunade raised a hand to stop her.
"Is Hokage now, and he must do what is best for the village as a whole. Having me back here instead of sending ANBU to their deaths is the best decision," Tsunade said with a sigh, but then stroke a thinking pose, "Besides, it's not so bad. I can finally get a drink and use my clan's money to pay off all my debts!" Tsunade said after thinking it over. Shizune's jaw dropped as she stared at her master.
"Tsunade-sama, are you telling me that we could have used the Senju clan funds to pay off your debts, instead of hopping from place to place like we have?" Shizune said as she lowered her face, making her hair overshadow her face.
"Yeah, I know! Didn't you love it? The living on the edge, never knowing where we'd end up next, the running from near constant attempts of repayment?" Tsunade asked with a thumbs-up as Shizune chuckled, but never raised her head.
"Tsunade-sama, I have something to tell you…" Shizune said as Tsunade looked curious.
"Oh, what is it?" Tsunade said as she gazed at Shizune.
"I'm gonna kill you!" Shizune roared as she dropped Tonton, who was frozen in fear, and made a chakra scalpel with her left hand. Tsunade's eyes widen as she did the most rational thing she had ever done. She ran for her life.
With Naruto and the Girls:
They had dragged him all the way out to Training Ground 7 so they would have some privacy. Naruto was still a little put-out about the whole thing, but they were using Puppy Dog Eyes. Curse whoever made that unstoppable jutsu…
"Fine, but stand back; this isn't just your normal illusion. It also holds back a fraction of my power, so I'm not sure what'll happen." Naruto said as they did as they were told.
They hopped back ten feet just to be sure as Naruto pressed his palms together and exuded charka. The very air around him began to swirl and twist into a torrent of energy as his charka became visible to them. Hinata and Ino weren't surprised since they had been seeing him do such ever since they started the Academy, but Tenten was in a state of shock.
"What enormous charka! It feels like the air is pushing down on me!" Tenten thought in shock as she struggled to stay on her feet. She looked over to Hinata and Ino and saw that they were barely effect. "Has he always been this powerful?"
"Kai!" Naruto said lowly, but it rang out as he exploded in a flash of light and gust of wind that had created a dust cloud around him.
When the dust had died away each girl had the same look of shock and lust on their face, except Ino who was just completely lust. In Naruto's place was a young man just a few inches taller than them. He had long spiky blonde and 2 bangs framing either side of his face. His cerulean blue eyes shined like a clear pool of water, but beneath that warmth and shine they could see cold and darkness which proved he was a shinobi. He wore a long black robe shirt, black robe pants, and a white sash to hold them together to which was tied in a loose knot in the front. A sword was held on his right hip by the sash. He wore a long white Haori with long sleeves over his clothes. He also wore a white scarf around his neck that hid the bottom half of his face. He pulled down the scarf to give them a foxy-smile. He stepped out of the crater his power had created upon release and walked up to the three stunned girls.
"So… how do I look?" Naruto questioned simply, but to them his voice was cool, smooth, and alluring.
"Whoa…" Tenten breathed out as she blushed, but continued to ogle him.
"Momma likes… momma really likes…" Ino said as she gave him a seductive smile back. Naruto sweat-dropped as Ino licked her lips at him; she was so weird…
"Hinata, what do you think?" Naruto said in that monotone, yet sexy voice that made Hinata fight every fiber of her being to stay awake.
"You... like… wow…" Hinata said shyly as her face she was the reddest of all three. If it wasn't for the fact her father was expecting her home soon, she jump him right now instead of sneaking into his apartment later tonight. Naruto sighed as he made a hand-sign and turned back to normal.
"Okay, you girls have had your fun, now if you don't mind; I need to get to the hospital." Naruto said as he blurred sight. The three girls were now shocked and turned on.
"Was that the Shunshin jutsu?" Tenten asked as Hinata shook her head. Years of honing and train not just the Byakugan, but her normal eyes as well told her the answer.
"He… walked away, at instant speed. It was small, but before he completely disappeared I saw him stick out his foot. He took one step, and then… gone." Hinata said as Ino's jaw dropped along with Tenten's.
"But that's impossible, right? I mean Guy-sensei is fast, but not fast enough to walk away at the speed of sound! So how is Naruto?" Tenten exclaimed as she threw up her hands.
"He moved at the speed of light, not sound and, I think it was the use of charka that did it for him. I'm not sure, but I know for a fact no one can move that fast without energy of some kind." Hinata said as she turned and began the journey back to the village. Ino started after her, but then gave Tenten a look as she wasn't following.
"I don't know about you, but I think I've come down with a case of love fever. I need to go to the hospital and have Naruto-kun cure it with his new and sexy self. Bye!" Ino said as she placed the back of her hand on her forehand and feinted sickness. She wiggled her eyes and raced off toward the village as Tenten came out of her stupor.
"Ino, you leave Naruto alone! He's supposed to get to know us and choose to be with us, not raped by you!" Tenten yelled as she raced after Ino. Ino only laughed as she ran.
"It's not rape if he comes back for more!" She yelled back as Hinata thought it'd be good to start running while she still had a head-start.
With Naruto:
He blurred into beside Shizune as the woman saw him and yelped, falling on her ass.
"Naruto! What have I said about doing that to scare me?" Shizune whined as Naruto chuckled and helped her up.
"Not to, but your face is so funny!" He said as he went into full-blown laughter.
"Do realize I'm still a medic-ninja, and that you don't know everything about healing just yet, so you'll have to continue training under me." Shizune said darkly as Naruto paled and quivered in his spot.
"Y-yes, Shizune-sensei." Naruto said through his chattering teeth. Shizune gave him a smile as she and he caught up to Tsunade.
"This must be the room. Sasuke Uchiha, huh?" Tsunade said as she entered the hospital room.
"May I come in?" She asked as Naruto rolled his eyes. His eyes widen a fraction as he saw Sakura sitting beside Sasuke's bed. He looked around the room and saw that fresh flowers were in the vase on the other side. "Those were picked just today. She must have been here quite often." He thought as he gazed at them.
"Don't worry, Sakura. She's here to make everything alright now." Naruto said as Tsunade went over to Sasuke.
"Hey, Naruto; so she must be the one Guy-sensei told me about." Sakura said as she turned and bowed to Tsunade, "Oh please, save Sasuke."
Tsunade gave her a kind smile, with Naruto rolling his eyes again. "Well, I'll see what I can do." She said as she put her hand on Sasuke's forehead and began using healing charka.
"Well, I'll go see what I can do for Kakashi, Naruto will you come with me?" Shizune said as Naruto nodded and walked out, but not without catching a glimpse of Sakura's crying face. Maybe this was why the Pervy Sage had wanted him to give up on her… and why he did…
Sasuke woke up feeling just as bad as he did in that damn coma, but at least now he wasn't seeing images of his family being killed in front of him. It was only Sakura and some lady. He was too tired to care that Sakura was hugging him. He'd let it slide this time, but next time physical contact is to be restricted to only a handshake. And now that he was awake, the first thing he'd do was corner Naruto and demand answers. Ow… stupid damn headache. Okay, new plan; first sleep and some medicine, then Naruto and answers.
Shizune couldn't do anything for Kakashi, so they had to wait for Tsunade. She came in with a scowl on her face as she walked up to his bed. Naruto was stone faced, a first for Kakashi to ever see. Tsunade healed him, but he was still in pain. Oh well, he figured that was his punishment. Naruto glanced over to see Guy was twisting the hospital curtain as he waited for Tsunade to finish with Kakashi.
"How disgraceful, to be taken completely out of the game by two low-life punks like that. I thought you were supposed to be the best." Tsunade said mockingly as Kakashi sat up, looking almost as bad as he felt.
"Sorry… to disappoint you…" Kakashi said as Naruto turned to leave from the room.
"Kakashi, once you're feeling up to it be in my office tomorrow. We have things to discuss, you and I." Naruto said as Kakashi turned his eye to Naruto's back. That was so… monotone and lukewarm. What had happened to Naruto while he was gone?
"Of course, Hokage-sama…" Kakashi said tiredly as he fell back into bed. Tsunade only shook her head as she turned to Naruto, who had a smirk on his face for some reason.
"Only one more to go, Granny." Naruto said cheekily while Tsunade had the urge to punch him as Guy stopped twisting the curtain to point his fingers toward the next room.
"Rock Lee! He's right next door! Next door!" Guy said as he continued to point. Naruto and Tsunade sighed in unison as they went to the room.
No one was in there, but they did see Lee limping down the corridor with his crutch. Now that Naruto was looking at Lee, and knew a bit about healing, he could tell that the injuries Lee had gotten were more serious than any of them had thought. If anyone could heal Lee it would be Tsunade. Naruto narrowed his eyes as he glanced back at Tsunade, who was looking at Lee with especially critical eyes. He could tell that she was analyzing him just from her experience with healing.
"Lee, look who's here to see you! It's Tsunade-sama!" Guy said as he pointed dramatically at Tsunade, who was still stone faced.
"Is this one of your students, Guy?" Tsunade asked as Naruto rolled his eyes again; if she couldn't tell just from Lee's looks…
"Yes, he's more than a student; he's like a son!" Guy said as lee looked up with an awed-expression toward Tsunade.
"I see…" Tsunade said as she gave a quick glance at Naruto, who caught it and nodded.
"I'll let you handle things from here, Granny. I've still some time before it begins." Naruto said as he walked away, but then stopped as he was passing Shizune.
"Be sure to tell me everything that goes on, Shizune. I have a feeling I'll need to know." Naruto said in a stern voice as Shizune stiffened. She had heard his voice in monotone, but never like just now…
"Yes, of course… Naruto-sama…" Shizune as he nodded.
"No need for the –sama part, Shizune-sensei." Naruto said as he stepped behind her and blurred from sight.
Later, At the Ichiraku Ramen Bar, With Naruto and Iruka:
"You're late, Iruka-sensei. I thought tardiness was not part of your ninja way, huh?" Naruto said cheekily as he leaned again the wall of the ramen shop. Iruka chuckled a bit as he came up to Naruto.
"Sorry, it's just all these preparations for the Godaime Hokage." Iruka said as Naruto nodded while they went inside and ordered, but not before Naruto glanced at the corner Konohamaru was hiding behind.
"So, do you know who is to be made the Fifth Hokage, Iruka-sensei?" Naruto asked with his eyes closed as Iruka glanced over to him. Since when did Naruto have a… poker face…?
"No, I'm just a regular Chunin, not one of the Elite, so I wasn't told. Though I have heard it was someone young. Younger than me, and that's something." Iruka said as Teuchi served them. Naruto began eating with vigor, making Iruka sigh; some things would never change…
"Oh, and what do you think of it?" Naruto asked, eyes still closed as he slurped down noodles. Iruka put his chopsticks over his bowl as he struck up a thinking pose.
"Well, being that the person is so young with such a big responsibility and so many people depending on him… that could overwhelm just about anyone. Then we have to think about how we look toward the other nations. By our Kage being so young it suggests that we have very powerful ninja if one half my age could become Hokage. They would be less tempted to go to war." Iruka said as Naruto finally opened his eyes slowly.
"So… you do know who the Fifth Hokage is to be." Naruto said slowly as Iruka looked nervous.
"N-no… of c-course n-not… I'm only Chunin…" Iruka said as Naruto chuckled a bit.
"Iruka-sensei, only Elite Chunin are made, and allowed, to teach at the Academy. Besides, when you were a regular Chunin you were in Kakashi-sensei's squad. I read your files." Naruto said as he drank his broth and put down his bowl. Iruka sighed as he threw up his hands.
"Fine, you caught me, but really Naruto; Hokage so young?" Iruka asked, but stiffened as Teuchi laughed gruffly.
"He's working hard, Iruka. Besides, if not now he'd have probably claimed the title three to six years from now, and that wouldn't be much of a change." Teuchi said as he produced another bowl of ramen for Naruto.
"Oh we are so making ramen Konoha's national dish." Naruto said as Teuchi got ryo signs in his eyes. He could just imagine the money he'd rake in saying things like, "The Hokage always ate ramen here", or "Every meal the Godaime Hokage was here, and if it's good enough for him, then why not you? Should we go see him and ask? He might not be in a good mode if we do." Yeah… that would work.
"N-Naruto! You can't just do things like that! That's abuse of power!" Iruka scolded, but Naruto was ignoring him in favor of his ramen. Iruka gave up after seeing Naruto wasn't paying attention to him.
"Tell me something Old Man Teuchi; how did you know I'm the Fifth Hokage?" Naruto asked as he finished his noodles. Teuchi crossed his arms with a smirk on his face.
"I'm a retired Jonin, so I still have the privilege of getting that kind of info. Now eat up, Ramen is on the house today!" Teuchi said as he pointed his wooden spoon at Naruto. Naruto's face lit up like he was getting free ramen, which he was!
Suddenly an ANBU appeared in a kneeling position behind the two as they ate. Naruto sighed, not even turning around, as he placed his chopsticks over his broth-filled bowl.
"What is it?" Naruto asked annoyed as the ANBU bowed his head.
"Sorry to disturb you before the coronation, Hokage-sama, but a problem has come up that needs your attention." The Anbu, Bird, said as Naruto turned to him.
"A problem, what is it?" Iruka asked.
"Konohamaru Sarutobi has barricaded himself inside the library of the Hokage Mansion. Tsunade-sama is trying to get in for medical research and the village Elders need to get in for your Inaugural Kage robes which had been stored in there some time ago." Bird said as Naruto nodded while Iruka looked shocked.
"Wait, what? Konohamaru wouldn't do something like this. He knows the village needs a new Hokage so why would-" Iruka was saying until Naruto raised a hand to stop him.
"He's angry and sad at the same time due to the village. He feels as if the village has forgotten his grandfather in its haste to get back to normality. I shall go myself and get him. Iruka come with me, it'll be better if you're there with us." Naruto said as he got up from his stool and blurred away. Bird nodded as he disappeared in a plume of smoke. Iruka was shocked Naruto could use teleportation jutsu, especially one such as that. Naruto didn't even use a hand-sign…
"Right" Iruka said as he nodded a good-bye to Teuchi and disappeared in a swirl of leaves.
At the Hokage Mansion:
Naruto had been the first to arrive, followed by Bird and Iruka. He scanned the hall as he walked and found Moegi and Udon along with Izumo, Kotetsu, Shizune and Tsunade. Koharu and Homura were stand along the opposite wall with deep scowls on their faces.
"But Tsunade-sama, he's just a kid and the grandson of the Third Hokage-"
"What do I care? I'm the granddaughter of the First Hokage, so I'm the one you need to worry about!" Tsunade snapped back as the two Chunin flinched back.
"What's with all the racked? It's barely even noon." Naruto said as he walked up to them all.
"Sorry, Naruto-sama, but Konohamaru has blockaded himself in your library. We can't get him out without using… force." Izumo said as he and Kotetsu bowed to him. Moegi and Udon looked in awe as Naruto walked up to them.
"Thank you two, but I'll take it from here." Naruto said as he threw back his hand and a cherry blossom fell into it.
The petal glowed as it transformed into a katana. It was a regular katana, with a simple cross guard, which is a simple open frame, much like a four-pane window. It had a white-colored hilt and white sheathe. This katana was Senbonzakura. He unsheathed it and threw the sheath to the side where it turned to cherry blossom and dissipated.
"Naruto, what just happened?" Iruka asked as Naruto gave him a foxy grin.
"That was a special weapon summoning. I learned how to do it when I finished my seals training. Jiraiya-sensei says that I've gained the title of Seals and Sealing Master after I pasted a test of his. I can do that summoning from a seal that's hidden in invisible ink on the right hip of my clothes." Naruto explained as Iruka only nodded dumbly with a look of awe and shock.
"You've really gotten stronger Naruto. To think that one month of training under Jiraiya-sama has done this for you." Iruka said as Naruto's grin grew.
"That's not all, but right now I have something to do." Naruto said as he turned to the door.
He pushed it, causing a panel at the top to release a bunch of metal pans. He slashed through each of them as they fell. He pushed the doors in and found that they had tables and stacks of books blocking them, so he added charka to his strength to get them open wide enough. He saw that ninja wire and exploding tags were strung up all over the room. He took down the tags and cut through all the wire, causing more junk to fall in front of his path. He punched it all out of his way and took a few more steps in. He heard a sizzling noise and looked down to see that an explosive tag had been hidden on the floor as well. Before it could explode he stepped on it, and grinded his foot into it, destroying the seal and stopping the explosion. A pair of kunai came at him and he sliced it in half after adding wind charka to the blade of his sword. A boulder fell from the ceiling and it too was cut in two by his blade. He kept walking as he had and dispelled Senbonzakura, seeing that the traps had all been destroyed. Konohamaru's eyes widened as he ran to the corner, but Naruto grabbed him by the scarf and yanked him. He dragged Konohamaru, kicking and screaming, from the room and walked down the hall with Iruka close behind.
As soon as they had made it out of the mansion Naruto picked Konohamaru up, still kicking, but now crying and they walked all the way to the Academy in non-conversational silence. Once inside they found Iruka's classroom and locked themselves inside as Naruto dropped Konohamaru onto the wooden floor. Konohamaru looked up at them as he sobbed, but neither was in the mood for his whining as they gave him stern looks. Naruto, eventually, sighed and sat down at one of the student desks, faintly remembering his days in the Academy.
"What's this all about Konohamaru?" Naruto asked as Iruka kept up the stern look. He knew what Konohamaru was doing, but he wanted the boy to say it himself. Konohamaru stopped sobbing and dried his eyes as he sat on the floor of the classroom with Iruka standing over him.
"P-pretty soon, everyone's g-gonna forget about the Old Man." Konohamaru said quietly as he got up and sat next to Naruto with Iruka leaning on another desk.
"It wouldn't be long," Konohamaru said with a blank face, "They'll forget what a great ninja he was. And then they'll just toss his memory away like an old shoe." He finished as Iruka gave him a stern but concerned look. Naruto was quiet for a moment, but then stood up.
"You're wrong; I know for a fact he'll be remembered long after we're gone." Naruto said as Konohamaru's face contoured in anger.
"Well you're wrong!" Konohamaru yelled as Naruto gave him a smile.
"I'm not wrong, because I promise as the Fifth Hokage that I won't ever forget him, and all the good that he's done." Naruto said as he blurred from the room. Konohamaru and Iruka stared, with wide eyes, at the spot Naruto had been, but they were staring for completely different reasons.
"Naruto… is the Fifth Hokage…" Konohamaru whispered in shock as Iruka smiled.
"You really have grown up since you were in his seat, Naruto." Iruka thought as he looked and smiled down on the shocked-outta-his-mind Konohamaru.
Naruto travelled at transcendent speed around Konoha, looking for Shizune. He stopped atop a building as he dropped to one knee. His breathing was hard and fast, but he was smiling none the less.
"That's ten, and that's my limit, but it's a better limit than three. I get it now. I don't pump it to my legs, but let small strings out as I walk. I'm glad I'm getting adjusted to this technique, but I still need a name for it." Naruto said as he stopped and sat on the roof of the building.
"Hmmm… It needs the word step in it I know that, since all I'm do is walking at high speed… Blur Step… no… how about quick step… no… Light step… no… Flash Step… hmm… Perfect! I'm genius after all!" Naruto said as he jumped up and down on the roof.
"Tsunade-sama!" was the scream that Naruto heard just down the street. Naruto jumped off the roof and ran to what sounded like Shizune. He burst in the door to find Shizune with a shocked expression.
"Shizune, what's wrong? What happened to Granny?" Naruto said as he was already going through hand-signs for an Earth style ninjutsu.
"S-she's concentrating on s-s-studying!" Shizune said as Naruto thought over her words and looked over to Tsunade, who was in fact studying a medical book.
"Oh Kami! What's happening? Is this all just a dream or some story by a weird guy who got thought this would be a good idea? You're studying!" Naruto said, too shocked to do anything but yell. Tsunade gave them both an irate look as she sipped her sake.
"I'm studying for Rock lee's surgery." Tsunade said with a serious face as Naruto's eyes widened just a fraction. He had a feeling Lee would need surgery.
"How bad is he?" Naruto asked with an equally serious face as he sat in the booth on the opposite side of Tsunade.
"Some of his injuries are embedded deep into his spinal cord. The surgery, as it is now, only has a fifty percent chance of success, but if I can apply that jutsu Kabuto used to a patient such as Lee then it could increase the chance of success, even if just by one percent." Tsunade said as Naruto looked deep in thought. He figured she meant the one Kabuto had done when he was hit by his Rasengan. So it was a jutsu and not a bloodline, huh? That means it could be used on anyone, so long as they had the power to use it.
"I'll see what I can do about that. Kabuto's jutsu was probably his own. I'll do some… checking and tell you what I come up with." Naruto said as Tsunade nodded, but then looked at him in confusion.
"You plan to help with the surgery?" Tsunade asked as Naruto nodded with a smile on his face.
"I am the Fifth Hokage after all. I plan to do a lot of things to help the village, and I think it's a good start to help at least one of my ninja continue his dream, don't you?" Naruto said as Tsunade leaned back in her seat and chuckled.
"Fine, I plan to begin preparations two days from now. Dig up whatever you can by then. Afterward have Shizune here teach you about anything you may not know." Tsunade said, but as she finished Naruto paled ghostly and Shizune was chuckling evilly with a dark aura around her.
"Naru-kun and I are gonna do our best, right Naru-kun?" Shizune said wickedly sweet as Naruto was trembling as he nodded.
"Y-y-y-yes, S-S-S-Shizune-sensei…" Naruto said as he stood and walked out of the tavern. As soon as he stepped into the street an ANBU dropped in front of him.
"The coronation is to begin, Naruto-sama. The Elders and village require your presence." The female Boar masked ANBU said with just a hint of distain in her voice.
"Very well, let us go." Naruto said coldly as he turned from her and disappeared.
The ANBU kneeled on the street, frozen in place by the frigid cold tone that struck her. He could have known she was against his appointment… could he? She shook her head as she needed to get to the coronation herself, and think about that later.
At the Coronation, With Naruto:
Naruto adjusted his ceremonial robes and ran a hand over his new Kage hat, hoping the gestures would mask his own growing nervousness for his inauguration as Konoha's Godaime Hokage. Despite all his confidence in proclaiming that he will be Hokage all these years, it is a way different story when it was actually about to happen.
"You look fine, so stop you're fussing or you'll rip those clothes to shreds." Jiraiya said as he leaned against the doorway of the ceremonial room. Naruto gave him a small smile as he took a deep breath. It was all so real now…
"So how do these things usually go?" Naruto asked as he went over to Jiraiya.
"Pretty boring, but the only one I've ever seen was Minato's, so that may not be an accurate account. It's basically you standing there while one of the Elders announces your life up until now. They may throw in a few things extra, but it's all basically a snore. Well, I better get out there, the village needs my good looks to survive." Jiraiya said as he disappeared in a plume of smoke.
Taking one last look at his appearance in the mirror Naruto stepped out of the room and looked out of a hallway window. He couldn't see the rooftop since it was above him but he could see his people. He could see their faces, so he used his Kami-Daiougan to see them all clearly. He could now clearly see into the literal crowd of thousands. He saw Shikamru standing beside Asuma with a smirk on his face. Choji was beside him, not eating, which was a first for Naruto to ever see. Ino was standing with Hinata and Tenten as they, like everyone else was looking up at the rooftop.
He saw Rock lee there on his crutch standing along with Neji and Guy with a hand on each of his shoulder. He could see Neji was smirking, but he didn't know why. Then he saw that the Hyuga prodigy had his Byakugan active and was staring right at him. Naruto wanted to hide, but then slapped his forehead as he realized that made no sense or point. He just waved and Neji, along with several other Hyuga waved back.
Kurenai-sensei was standing with Kiba and Shino. Kiba had Akamaru atop his head as the dog was barking. Shino was just… well Shino. Anko, the crazy ass snake lady, was leaning on Kurenai-sensei. Naruto couldn't read lips, but he was fairly sure that whatever was being said was giving Kurenai-sensei that red face.
He gazed through the crowd and saw something that made his heart both lighter and beat faster. His team was out there, right next to the Special Jonin. Kakashi and Sasuke looked exhausted and ready to drop dead, but they were there none the less with Sakura looking around and saying something. Kakashi put and hand on her head and said something that made her stop, but whatever was said gave Sasuke a thoughtful look.
He saw many others from the village that he knew; Iruka and other teachers with all the Academy students, and Teuchi and Ayame from Ichiraku's Ramen Bar. The only people he didn't see were Tsunade, Shizune, the Clan Heads, the Village Elders, and Jiraiya. He resolved that they must have been on the roof waiting for him.
It was then a loud voice, Koharu if he had to guess, began speaking. He had no idea Koharu could be that loud.
"Proud people of Konoha, we have been through much, and it has weighed heavily upon our village. We've seen, just recently, an Invasion in which we were attacked by two villages. Thought we fought and won and perceiver through it all. The heaviest of all was the loss of our dear Sandaime Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. But, we will not give up! He would not want that of us! He'd want you all to weather these tough times and the tough times ahead! That is why we have gathered here today to welcome the leader who will bring us through those tough times, with determination and an unyielding spirit." Koharu said and then stepped back as Homura came up and went through hand-signs.
"We of the village have kept many secrets, not just from our enemies, but from you the people as well. We the Elders and your newest Hokage believe that it is time for some, if not all, of those secrets to come to light. The village is a family and we should not keep secrets from family! So here, in front of all that are gathered, shall we tell you of the truth around one Naruto Uzumaki!" Homura said as voices began to mutter to one another. Naruto could see Sakura turn to Kakashi and say something, but he must have told her to listen to the Elders since she turned back. He saw that a lot of the younger people had turned to the adults, but they did as Kakashi did.
"Naruto Uzumaki, as many of you may know, was a Genin ninja of Konoha. He was the village prankster and wanted nothing more than the attention of others. Though there are far more rooted things than you all know. He shall expose a truth now that was banned by law from speaking. Naruto Uzumaki… is the Kyuubi Jinchuriki of Konoha!" Homura said as the entire crowd gasped and went wide-eyed, even Kakashi. Naruto saw that several of the Jonin appeared beside each other, namely Kakashi, Guy and Asuma. Kurenai and Anko were having their own discussion and Naruto knew that he was the topic of the muttering and whispering voices.
"What were they thinking outing Naruto like that?" Kakashi said as Asuma shrugged, but did glare up at the elder as he waited for the people to calm themselves.
"I don't know, but they had better have a damn good reason. Naruto could execute that old man for something like that." Asuma said as Guy nodded.
"Perhaps that is the bad news to whatever other secrets they and Naruto feel must be exposed." Guy said with his voice serious as he gave Homura a narrow-eyed look.
"Hey Kurenai-chan, do you think Naruto would give that old bastard a public execution for this. I always wanted to see his old ass die and then Danzo!" Anko said excitedly as Kurenai was serious and frowning.
"I don't know Anko, but whatever's going on it better move on quick before the civilians fill their children's heads with more demonic stories of Naruto." Kurenai said as she gave the old man a hard look.
Homura finally raised his arms to shush the crowd and all was silent as he pressed on.
"That is not the most shocking thing you will learn today. Naruto Uzumaki is a hero for containing the demon that would have destroyed us. If not for his very birth we would all have been at the mercy of the Kyuubi and its wrath! He is a hero of epic proportions and shall be regarded as such! This was the wish of both the Yondaime and Sandaime! But you villains and heartless fiends disregard this wish; this last dying wish, simply because you do not understand! Now you shall learn of one of the most shocking secrets that has been kept from you for over 13 years! Once you learn of this, you shall wish to repent for your deeds against young Uzumaki!" Homura said and stepped back as Danzo limped up to the front of the rooftop. His cold and stone face made everyone nervous, because even Danzo normally did not look that coldly at people.
"You fools who had praised the Sandaime and Yondaime for their actions, yet you disregarded their wishes. I could point each of you out as a person who has wronged Uzumaki-san in one way or another. There are only a handful of people who would escape that identifying! Though I suppose making you feel sorry now is of no real mirth. For once I have said what I plan to each of you shall gaze upon the boy with new eyes and new found shock and awe." Danzo said as the crowd was eerily silent when he took his pause.
"Uzumaki is not just some common and useless name. It is one of his birth names. Some of you may know this, but I shall explain for those who don't. Naruto Uzumaki happens to be the last of his clan. The Uzumaki clan to be exact. The Uzumaki clan was a prominent clan in Uzushiogakure or the Land of Whirlpools. They were also distant relatives of the Senju clan and thus both clans were on good terms; an alliance that extended onto their Hidden Villages - Konoha and Uzushio or the Hidden in the Whirlpool Village. Did you know that the whirlpool symbol integrated onto our shinobi's uniforms and flak jackets as well as on the shoulders of those uniforms is a sign of friendship and goodwill between the two villages, and continues to do so to this day, in memory of our friendship; even years after Whirlpool's destruction? No, I suppose not, but then again none of you could see the plain true in front your eyes. That shall be the next truth I reveal onto you, the precious people of Konoha."
The crowd was as silent as they could be. Naruto Uzumaki, the resident moron, the prankster of Konoha, and all around annoyance was the last of a clan that not only helped their village, but had a village of their own? The shopkeepers vowed to be nicer to the boy, give him a few gifts, and apologize for their past treatment of him. The shinobi, who didn't know, were shocked right down to their cores as they looked to the swirl symbol on their and other's clothes. That thing was just about everywhere in their village! And it was in dedication to a founding clan? That Naruto Uzumaki, the number one knucklehead ninja was the last of? They couldn't believe it. True they had been already seeing him as one of them, a true shinobi of Konoha, but to think that the kid had the power of a clan and was related to the Senju; it was enough to make more than a few of them faint. Luckily some of their friends were there to wake them up. What was next, him being the son of Kushina… Uzumaki… Damn! They fainted again.
"I see some of you have already began to realize just what is next on the list of secrets to be revealed. Well for those who haven't allow me to do the honors. Naruto Uzumaki is the son of the only other resident Uzumaki this village has had since the wife of the Shodai Hokage; Mito Uzumaki. That is right Naruto is the great-grandson of the Shodai Hokage, the great-grandnephew of the Nidaime Hokage and son of Kushina Uzumaki; the Red Hot-Blooded Habanero." Danzo said as he saw a few dozen more ninja in the crowd faint. Apparently they still remembered her quite vividly even after 13 years.
"As many of you know there was only one man that was worth Kushina's time. That man and her became fast friends and even lovers. They married around 14 years ago and were found dead in each other's arms! That man gave Naruto his hair color, eye color, and skin tone! In fact the resemblance between the two is so very noticeable that you'd have to be a complete moron not to see it!" Danzo said as the sound of many face-palms came out across the crowd. He smiled and it made a lot of people give him a look. The sounds of idiots finally seeing the truth was always music to his ears…
"You don't think… no it couldn't be… it's impossible!" Kakashi was saying as Guy shook his.
"Calm down, Kakashi! It's alright, we all deluded ourselves from the truth because it was far too painful. We knew it was true, yet we decided against it, because if there was even a chance it wasn't we'd all be far more depressed." Gu said as Asuma nodded.
"But he was my teacher, my sensei! The man was like a second father to me! I looked Naruto in the face so many times, and I just brushed the resemblance off as a coincidence!" Kakashi said as Sakura and Sasuke looked at him and came over, along with all the other Genin.
"I wrote it off as mere coincidence that he had the blond hair, the cerulean blue eyes, the perfect tan skin, and the talent for ninjutsu! I said, "There's no way he could be my sensei's son because they said he and Kushina-sensei died and no child was found"! I was a damn Jonin for Kami's sake! I should have known that my sensei would never use someone else's kid for that sealing. I should have known that my sensei would do something as stupid as to seal the most powerful demon into his own son, because it was the only way!" Kakashi said hysterically as he dropped to his knees with tears streaming down his face.
"I could have done so much for Naruto… I could have given him a home, a big brother, better training, love, compassion, and a shoulder to cry on when he was alone… I could have been so much more than a guard at his window, or a half-assed teacher… I could have been "Kakashi-nii-san or Big brother Kakashi"… I could have had a little brother to help deal with the sorrows of my own life… He could have imparted some of that never die attitude onto me… It all could have been so beautiful…" Kakashi said as his students and friends looked down at him. Guy and Asuma bend down and patted his back while Kurenai and Anko came over.
"It's alright Kakashi; you've done more than you think. You've given him a great morale teacher, and that's very hard to come by in the ninja world. You've given him the ideals of teamwork, the importance of loyalty, and the love of a teacher. You said it yourself that he has the best moral beliefs of your team. That should count for something, because it was you who installed those beliefs into him." Guy said reassuringly as Kakashi got up and nodded.
"Y-you're right, Guy." Kakashi said slowly as he didn't even bother to dry his tears.
They were his punishment… and his pride…
Danzo surveyed the crowd with his hawk-like gaze and found that they were quieting down; it was time for the final nail in the coffin.
"Naruto Uzumaki is the son of none other than Minato Namikaze, the Yondaime Hokage!" Danzo said as everyone in the crowd was stunned.
The civilian population were dumbfounded and most of the ninja population as well. How the hell did they not see it? The sun-kissed blonde hair, the sparkling cerulean blue eyes, and the never-die attitude! Damn, he is the son of the Minato and Kushina.
Even the civilians that hated Naruto to their very core couldn't scream out in protest. Even they couldn't delude themselves about who his father was. They knew their beloved Yondaime would never use any child for that sort of sealing, but his own. It was the plain, honest, and undeniable truth; Naruto was the son of the Fourth Hokage. They hung their heads in shame for how they treated the son of their best and most powerful Hokage. They just hoped that never-die attitude extended to forgiveness as well.
The ninjas were still face-palming themselves all around for not seeing it earlier. How the hell could masters of disguise and secrets, not have seen the plain and simple truth that ran past them every single day. He had to be the son of Kushina the way he got people back for ignoring them. He turned their ninja clothes pink for ignoring him; that was definitely a Kushina-move!
Danzo smirked as he saw more face-palming and even some going up to trees and knocking their heads against them. He looked out and saw some of the civilians were doing the same. He really loved this part of him; the part that could enjoy the stupidity of other people. It was the highlight of his week. Oh well, time to continue.
"That's right; your so hated Naruto Uzumaki is the son of your so beloved Yondaime! What's more, as you all know the Namikaze were one of the first clans to join and help built the village. The Namikaze are why the Hyuga and Sarutobi clans joined the village. The Namikaze clan was a small clan, but a founding clan none the less, and Naruto is the last of it as well! You who dishonored the Sandaime and Yondaime have dishonored this village and its founding! You have dishonored the Senju and its members! You have dishonored all the previous Hokage!" Danzo said as almost everyone in the village hung their head. Danzo's smirk came back as he raised his arms. "And you have done a great and terrible dishonor to your newest Hokage."
At hearing that everyone's attention was back on him and not their sorrows. They had already dishonored their newest ruler, and leader? Oh Kami-sama, help them! What if the newest Hokage was Tsunade? With her temper, they'd kill themselves before she got to them! What if it was Jiraiya? They had never saw him angry or displeased, but if the stories Orochimaru used to tell were true, they'd run to Tsunade before they'd let him get a hold of them! It didn't matter who the newest Hokage was, their asses were in hot water…
"Asuma-sensei, the Godaime Hokage won't do anything to bad, right? I mean, we're loyal followers, so we'd be alright, huh?" Choji asked as the Genin turned to Asuma. Neji was shifted nervously as he gazed at one of the windows to the Hokage Mansion. Naruto wouldn't do anything that horrible, right?
"Well it depends on the mood the Fifth is in. He can order us to basically slaughter anyone that did an injustice to Naruto and this village. If word gets out about how we treat ninja like Naruto and then if word gets out about his heritage, all hell will break loose in the shinobi world. This village maybe invaded just to get Naruto out of this hell-hole. I know Wave country would kill us after Naruto's saving their country. So, we may or may not have to kill off the ones that made Naruto's life hell. Just be prepared in case we're ordered to. Okay, Choji?" Asuma said as the Genin were wide-eyed at how conversationally he said it all. The other Jonin-sensei and senior ninja rolled their eyes at his little over-the-Genin-head joke. Neji caught on to the joke, but still feinted shock as he mentally smirked.
"The Fifth Hokage can't just kill people off for how they treated one person! That's barbaric!" Sakura exclaimed as Kakashi turned to her.
"The Yondaime Kazekage used Sand to assassinate his own son, Gaara. The Sandaime Mizukage used Mist ninja and ANBU to try and kill off anyone with a bloodline. The Sandaime Raikage tried to kidnap Hinata from our village, and didn't care that his Head ninja was killed. The Nidaime Tsuchikage killed off half his villagers thinking they were going to revolt against him. And Minato-sensei killed an entire army of Rock-ninja, even those who had surrendered or tried for retreat. You kids need to learn not to question your leaders, and simply accept what is said; especially today." Kakashi said as Sakura and the others gazed at him with shock.
Homura and Koharu had stepped alongside Danzo as they gazed over the crowd. They made a motion and an ANBU ninja with a cat mask nodded and disappeared.
Naruto couldn't believe some of the things that had been said, but like everything else, he resolved to deal with it when he didn't have things to do. He could have an emotional breakdown after today was over with…
"Hokage-sama, it is time." Tora, the Cat masked ANBU, said as Naruto nodded and walked away from the window, his purple eyes fading back into cerulean.
"Thank you, Tora… Hey, I have a question; why do you have a cat mask, but your codename is Tora, which means Tiger?" Naruto asked as he got to the doorway where Tora was standing.
"Umm… Well… You know that cat they make Genin catch?" Tora said as he shifted while Naruto nodded.
"Yeah, that damn thing is ferocious! It clawed my face up pretty damn good when my team had to catch it. That wasn't a normal cat; that was a demon in hiding." Naruto said as Tora nodded.
"That's why…" Tora said as he lowered his head. Naruto raised a brow, but then his confused face turned to one of mirth as they walked down the hall.
"Are you telling me; that you're the ANBU-epitome of that cat? That's hilarious! You're supposed to be that damn cat! Thank you, you've made this whole thing a lot easier on my mind!" Naruto said as he laughed and walked up the stairs. He patted Tora on the shoulder as he reached the top of the stairs.
"You're welcome, Hokage-sama… Glad to be of help…" He said as his shoulders slumped and he gave a pathetic look under his mask. Why couldn't he just be Fox? No one ever made fun of Fox!
"People of Konoha, you're Hokage has lived a simple life. He was chosen by the Fire Daimyo and approved by the Shinobi council. We, the three village elders have approved his ascension as well and the Jonin of the village have approved him as well. He has defended this village not only in the Invasion of the Sand and Sound, but against the threat of Orochimaru regaining the use of his arms after the Third Hokage sealed them away. He has brought back Tsunade Senju and has promised to lead Konoha into better times!" Homura said as some of the people paled thinking it was Jiraiya.
Sasuke gazed up at the roof tiredly. He make have just come out of a month long coma, but even he knew who they'd be naming. He glanced over to his fellow Genin and saw that Shikamaru and Shino were elbowing each with grins. Wait… was Neji over there smirking? The Jonin looked to be about to laugh out loud and Sakura looked as confused as always. How could she not know? It was so obvious. He figured it out when they started talking about Naruto. It didn't take the others long either since Hinata's face was red, Ino looked like she was about to rape something, and that Tenten girl was giggling her head off. Hell even Kakashi was smirking under that damn mask of his. Oh wait… yup, Sakura face looked like someone just smacked her, so she must have figured it out. Kiba looked like he swallowed cat food, so he figured it out to, huh?
"No way…" She whispered out as Sasuke hmph and smirked up at the Hokage's rooftop. The three elders moved a part and a figure, with his face hidden by the rim of the Hokage's hat, moved up to stand next to them.
"You did it dope… And way earlier than anyone would have thought, but that doesn't change the fact that we're talking after this… or that you're a dope and a dead-last, but you certainly are a great one at that…" Sasuke thought as he looked toward the setting sun, that just so happened to be setting behind the Hokage Mansion and the Hokage Faces.
"People of Konoha, we give you, you're Godaime Hokage, Naruto Namikaze Uzumaki!" Koharu shouted as Naruto removed his Kage hat and let the wind blow through his spiky blond hair as he gazed down at his people. Yeah, his people… that had a nice sound to it…
The shinobi and some civilians were clapping and cheering for him, rather loudly he might add; especially Hinata. He had no idea she could be that loud. Yet, most of the civilians remained quiet; like eerily quiet…
After the cheers had faded away and the silence remain; all hell broke loose. Cries of outrage and screams of protest all that were heard. Many of the civilians yelled and shouted for it to be a mistake. And what did Naruto do you might ask? The only thing he could do; he stood there and took it. He placed his Kage hat back on and let the screams, shouts, and yells wash over him as he held his peace within.
But then things got crazy; like out the scroll crazy. Jiraiya, who Naruto hadn't seen on the roof with the others, had appeared out of nowhere atop Gamabunta; in the middle of the village. The white haired Sage went through hand signs in a flash and the partly cloudy even of orange sky turned into a storm of black clouds and roaring thunder. Everyone turned wide-eyed and shocked to the furious face of the Toad Sannin and resident Sage of Konoha. His eyes were narrowed as he glared down at the crowd. His hands were balled up into fists that were clinched so tight his knuckles were white as his hair. His nostrils flared and his mouth was in the form of a scowl so deep and foreboding that even Homura had to gape. This was the face in Orochimaru's stories, this was the beast of a Sannin that protected the village, this was one hell of a pissed-off Jiraiya and his target was Konoha.
"You fools and morons! How dare you screech in protest to my godson's being made Hokage! As if any of you should be! He has protected this village time and time again! He is a ninja of Konoha and has proved that with his blood, sweat, and tears! He has endured more than any of you ever could in life! He has felt the sting of isolation, the pain of not knowing why he was hated, and the ache of learning the truth! You have no right to declare that he is unfit, or undeserving of his title! So allow me to show you to hell, since you want to make his life a living one; even after all that has been said!" Jiraiya roared with unparalleled rage and venom in his voice as he slowly went through hand-signs. Gamabunta's stomach began to swell, and Naruto's eyes widened at what he knew was to come next.
"Jiraiya-sensei, don't do this! They're not worth it! Please stop!" Naruto yelled as he gazed at his sensei. Had the man gone mad with rage?
He threw his Kage hat to Danzo, who put it on his own head for 'safe keep', and jumped to the railing of the rooftop. He jumped off and straight toward Jiraiya and Gamabunta as if he was flying with wings. The crowd below watched as Naruto sail at Jiraiya with terrified and panicked expressions. Naruto created a shadow clone with the two going through their own hand-signs, and both inhaled deeply as Jiraiya did the same. Gamabunta unleashed a large torrent of oil that was quickly set a flame with Jiraiya's fire jutsu. The real Naruto unleashed his own flames and the clone blew out a twister of air.
"Fire Style: Toad Flame Bombs!"
"Flame Vortex Jutsu!"
The two jutsu collided together; with Naruto's swallowing Jiraiya's own, and dissipating into thin air. The clone flung the real Naruto at Jiraiya and dispelled as the Town Madman forming a hand-sign with a smirk on his face. Naruto tackled Jiraiya as they were overtaken by a plume of smoke. They went skidding across a surface and Naruto flipped over Jiraiya to see that they were on the Hokage's rooftop. Jiraiya rubbed his head, but chuckled all the same as Tsunade helped him up and the Elders clapped.
"What the hell is going on here?" Naruto asked with a serious look as Jiraiya sighed and walked over to the railing to look at the people below. As soon as they saw him they recoiled back in fear, but he didn't care about that as Naruto stepped up next to him.
"You people see now just how much this village means to him. He protected you, the ungrateful people that have tormented his life, from me, his own godfather and mentor. He was willing to put his life at risk for all of you; even though my wrath would have been completely justified! He is willing to protect and lead all you, but are you willing to respect and follow him?" Jiraiya said as the crowd was silent.
Then after a few more moments before a voice broke the silence.
"We'll follow you, Naruto Hokage-sama!" Ayame yelled from the middle of the crowd as Teuchi nodded.
"The Hyuga will support you, Hokage-sama!" Neji said as the Hyuga raised their fists in agreement.
"The Jonin of this village are with you, Hokage-sama!" Asuma yelled as he and the other Jonin-level ninja all saluted in unison.
"Konoha's Torture and Interrogation Force are ready for your command, Hokage-sama!" Ibiki said as he gave a smile and saluted from the head of the crowd.
"We believe in you, Hokage-sama!" Iruka shouted with Konohamaru on his shoulder as the other children and teachers vocally agreed.
"Give 'em hell, Hokage-sama!" Anko shouted out as she wrapped her arm around Kurenai's neck.
As more and more people began showing their support Naruto stood there with a shocked look on his face. He didn't even know some of the people that were now shouting for him to speak… Wait… speak! They were all chanting for him to say something while he had been too shocked at the fact that some of the people who outright hated him, and with a passion he noted in memory, were now encouraging him to be their new leader. He shrugged; what the hell. He took his Kage's hat back from the top of Danzo's head, making the old man sigh sadly but Naruto didn't notice, placed the hat on his head, and walked back to the railing where his people were cheering.
"From this day on I, Naruto Uzumaki, shall protect and lead Konoha from the worst of times into the greatest", Naruto said as he took the hat off and the wind blew his hair and robes back, "As the Godaime Hokage!" Naruto shouted to the cheers of many and the smiles of all. They may not have 'hated' him anymore, and may not even like that he was their leader and ruler, but dammit was his determination and courage heart-warming!
As the sun set over the Hokage Mountain, right behind the faces of the Third and Fourth Hokages, a lot of the older villagers couldn't help but be reminded of seeing the other Hokages being inaugurated in the very spot Naruto stood. So, if they had lead the village so well despite what many had said about them, why could this young brat- they meant fine young hero.
Perhaps they would reach the greatest of times under his rule… just maybe…
Well, I hope everyone enjoyed the coronation, because it's the only one that'll happen... or is it, hmm? Well just know that I worked fast to bring you all this, and I hope the speed of my writing didn't affect the quality of my work.
Be sure to read and check out my other stories, and I hope everyone enjoys this gift; from me to you. Love you guys, and be sure to REVIEW to show your love of me. Go Hokage Naruto!
Until Nexr Time, See Ya!
-T.K