Hey y'all! Another chapter up and online! The invasion is now over and Konoha has come through relatively unharmed thanks to the awesome masters and their new student, one Naruto Uzumaki. Now, we see the what came about after Kakashi ran off and tried to pull a fast one, as well as the results of their betrayal. No one fucks with the Ryozanpaku and their allies and gets away with it!
BACK IN THE VILLAGE
Sound and Sand were in full retreat and leaving the village in droves, nearly toppling over each other to do it.
"Monsters!"
"Beasts! They're beasts! Run!"
"What ARE they? Demons?"
Apachai was indignant at being referred to as something evil.
"Apa! Apachai's not evil!" The massive Muay Thai master fumed as his opponents ran off in abject horror.
"Well, Apachai-kun...It seems that they were all talk." Akisame commented idly as he turned back to working on another injured shinobi.
Kensei, Sakaki, and Miu were with the other sensei back at the stadium, watching as the Sand/Sound Coalition broke down and fled from the stadium. Sakaki just shook his head in disgust.
"Bah...They were hardly even worth fighting. What a bunch of lightweights. The Gaki put up twice the fight these wimps did in our spars." He commented with disappointment.
"Aya...I agree. These youths were quite...lacking in terms of skill. They strike me to be cannon fodder, mere amatuers meant to divert our attention." Kensei added.
"I quite agree with you Ma-sifu. These shinobi that we fought were little better than Genin in terms of skill and ability. I share your notion that they were merely a diversion." Gai agreed respectfully.
Miu, however, was worried more about her newly found family member and his fiancees, how they handled the Suna Genin. She did not want to say goodbye to them so soon, not if she had anything to do with it. She may not be a shinobi, but she was a powerful as an A-Rank shinobi at her best. It would take a lot to stand in her way.
On the roof of Kikyo Tower, Sarutobi, Hayato and the two Sannin were getting their wits about them and assessing what needed to be done and to go look for Naruto.
"I need to go and look for him, Jiraiya. I'm worried..." Tsunade told her teammate.
"I understand, Hime. Just let me go with you. I'm his Godfather, after all." Jiraiya agreed as teh two of them lept off, leaving their sensei and Hayato to talk seriously about what Minato had requested of them.
"Will you honor what Minato asked of us, Saru?" Hayato asked his old friend.
"Yes...I will. Telling Naruto that his father came back to life only to die again moments later is just too cruel. I cannot bring myself to do tell him." The old Hokage lamented before Hayato changed the subject.
"So...What's your opinion on how the boy did? He fought three battles back to back, winning two of them and Kami willing, the third." Hayato requested.
"The boy has shown miraculous growth under the care of the masters and yourself. You undid all of the damage Kakashi and the rest had done to him, minus Iruka. Iruka tried everything humanly possible to help the boy, but there was only so much he could do. I have every confidence that he has earned a promotion. The council cannot refute what everyone in the village and all of these important diplomats have seen." Sarutobi reasoned.
Hayato nodded and changed the subject. "Now, maybe we should go into the village and make sure things are alright? I shall go and look for my associates while you tend to things." With that, the two mighty geezers parted, one in a flurry of leaves and the other in a burst of pure speed.
NEAR THE KONOHA BORDER
Raichi, Renka, and Hinata were having a rough time trying to keep up the brutal pace that Shigure was setting. The fact that amazed them even more was that she was carrying Naruto with her without even slowing the slightest bit. They did, however, know WHY they had to rush back to the village. They had to beat Kakashi back to the village and stop him from giving the Uchiha all of the credit for defeating Gaara as well as pinning them with false assault charges. Kami only knows what he'll get the council to do if they get there first.
Before they knew it, they had fallen far behind the seasoned kunoichi, whose pace could be likened to a ball out of Hell. They thought that they would get attacked any moment now, but all of the enemy shinobi they had seen were all fleeing as if the Devil himself were nipping at their heels. They didn't bother wondering what was going on. As long as they weren't bothering them, this was a good thing in their opinion, they thought collectively as they cranked up the speed.
Jiraiya and Tsunade flickered into the forest just to run into Kakashi, who was carrying his Uchiha pain in the ass in his arms.
"Kakashi? What the hell are YOU doing here? You were supposed to be helping out at the stadium!" Tsunade demanded of him, her honey-colored eyes narrowed with suspicion. Naruto and the girls had taken off in that direction after the Suna Genin and Gaara.
"I, uh...just went to retrieve Sasuke. He fought and defeated the Suna Genin AND Gaara by himself!" He lied to them enthusiastically.
Kakashi was a pretty good liar, but not good enough to fool two of the three Sannin, especially Jiraiya, the greatest spymaster Konoha had ever produced. He could spot a liar while in a drunken stupor without any difficulty.
"Oh really?" Jiraiya questioned, his voice laden with skepticism and suspicion. He already knew Kakashi was lying, he just needed to figure out what happened. Tsunade caught on to what her longtime teammate was implying and pressed on the one eyed bastard.
"Is that so, Hatake? Then you wouldn't mind if I took your pulse while I asked you a few questions?" Tsunade requested, the look on her face saying that refusal wouldn't be tolerated. Fortunately, Kakashi had no idea that she was in fact Naruto's Godmother and, Kami willing, his legal guardian and mother.
Kakashi was arrogant enough to believe that he would fool Tsunade and agreed, thinking that they would backup his claims should they buy it.
"So...What were you and the Uchiha brat doing here, Hatake? Where are Naruto Uzumaki and the three genin we sent in to stop the Suna genin?" She asked.
"Oh. They fled back to the village and Sasuke here valiantly defeated Gaara and his teammates. When he was getting ready to head back to the village, though, Naruto and his three accomplices attacked Sasuke, but I barely managed to rescue him from their jealous attack." Kakashi told them, grinning smugly under his mask. He thought that his training as an ANBU would be able to fool Tsunade.
WRONG!
Their suspicions were confirmed, as Kakashi's pulse was dancing around like a Soul Train dancer thats been hit with a 100,000 volt taser. Tsunade and Jiraiya smirked at each other before rounding on the guilty Jounin.
"Oh, Kakashi...What would Minato say if he saw you now? Or better yet, Obito or Rin?" Jiraiya shook his head.
Kakashi was now starting to sweat. "Wha...what do you mean, Jiraiya-sama?"
"Don't insult my intelligence, boy. I'm not known for my medical expertise for nothing. You were lying to us." Tsunade snarled as she jerked Kakashi up by his vest and to her face.
"Now...You WILL tell us the truth and should you lie to us again, the consequences will not be pleasant." The beautiful Sannin threatened.
After both Sannin pressed him for answers, he finally cracked and spilled everything...the whole truth of what he was up to and how he tried to cover up Sasuke's misconduct. He was lucky that he needed to be brought in alive or the pair would have killed him on the spot for attempted treason and sabotage. The two Sannin surrounded him immeadiately, taking him into custody.
"Hatake Kakashi, you will be coming with us. If you try to run away, you will be killed on sight." Jiraiya told him with authority.
"On who's authority?" Was Kakashi's smartass reply.
"You fool...Do you even realise just who you're talking to? We are called the Sannin for a reason. We operate with the blessings of the Hokage, acting on his behalf. Just be glad he isn't here himself, brat." Tsunade snapped at him, effectively shutting his mouth, before she turned to her old teammate.
"Jiraiya...I'm going to look for Naruto and the girls. Take this trash back to sensei." She informed him as she took off deeper into the forest. Jiraiya just sighed as he made a Kage Bunshin to help him escort Kakashi back to the village.
"Let's go, Hatake. And if you try to escape, I'll cut you down. See if I don't." The Toad Sage glowered at him as they got going.
In another part of the forest, the girls were trying to catch their breath as Hinata picked up a massive chakra signature heading right for them. It spooked her into actvating her Byakugan to scan the target. Before she could tell the others, the signature revealed itself to be none other than Tsunade, who landed right in front of them.
"Where's Naruto?" She asked them.
"Shigure-san took off with him to beat Hatake back to the village. She felt that if he beat her there, he would spread that the Uchiha beat Gaara and that Naruto-kun was a traitor." Raichi explained.
To their suprize, Tsunade smirked. "Don't worry your pretty little heads about that. The old Pervert and I intercepted him near the village and grilled him. He fessed up with a little...persuation, and now Jiraiya is escorting him back to a holding cell, pending charges of misconduct. The Uchiha will face similar charges for his blatant attack on Naruto after he defeated the Suna Jinchuuriki." The Slug Queen answered them.
"What about Naruto-kun? Did he and Shigure-san make it?" Hinata asked.
"Yes. They made it to Hokage Tower safely. Now, follow me. I'll get you girls back to the village. No sane ninja would mess with you if I'm with you." The last Senju told them as she handed them each a soldier pill. They knew this to be true from what they learned about her in history and from what they've seen for themselves. She was a force to be reckoned with and just the mere mention of her super-strength made a couple of the Ryouzanpaku masters cringe. The girls all followed after the legendary kunoichi as she tried to keep a slow enough pace for them to follow.
BACK IN THE VILLAGE...
Shigure had already informed the Hokage of Naruto's victory and of the treachery of Kakashi and Sasuke. The old man was torn between pride for Naruto and his selfless courage, and disgust for what remained of Team 7. The remainder of Team 7 was a mockery of what a Konona ninja really was, with an arrogant brat, a brain-dead fangirl, and a biased sensei. Kakashi wasn't going to escape punishment this time.
"Take Naruto-kun to the hospital to treat his wounds and fatigue and get yourself looked at as well, Shigure-chan." The Elderly Hokage told her with a grandfatherly smile, sending her on her way as she nodded and took off.
'Kakashi...Minato and Kushina would rip you apart if they were alive and saw what you have done to their child. There are special places in Hell for people like you.'
Once she arrived there, she ran into Akisame and Apachai, who had protected it during the fighting. Akisame asked what had happened to his young student and after he was told, he was filled with pride. 'I knew he could do it. He just needed to believe that he could.'
"Apa! Naruto-chan's alright!" Apachai cheered. He was very fond of Naruto and it just wouldn't do for his student and playmate to get hurt.
"Of course he is, Apachai-kun. I must be getting back to my rounds now." Akisame replied as he got back to work. However, he was worried about Kakashi's conduct and what he would have done and gotten away with had Shigure not shown up.
'Hatake will bear watching, as will the Uchiha and the Haruno. There is something about them that makes me ill at ease.' The mustachioed man thought as he returned to his work.
It was an hour later that Hayato had everyone, including a now conscious Naruto, the girls, and the two Sannin, gathered in the Hokage's Office, which was still in one piece miraculously, to explain what had happened with them during the invasion. Sarutobi knew he could count on his old friend and his fellow masters to come through in a pinch, but the masters had proven to be ludicrisly effective. Akisame had prevented a good number of deaths and crippling injuries while Apachai protected the hospital and the streets around it. Kensei, Sakaki, Gai, and Miu prevented any innocent deaths at the stadium where Kakashi had abandoned his post. Finally, Naruto and the girls stopped the Sand Siblings and Naruto himself stopped Gaara's rampage. After they were done, he dismissed them for the day to get some rest.
He was so proud of all of them, he really was. Gai, Hinata, Raichi, and Naruto were to recieve a commendation for valor along with two other Chuunin who had distinguished themselves in the line of duty, Ikki Takeda and Nanjo Kisara, in a ceremony that was to take place in the next three days. They were also going to announce the results of the Chuunin Exams, who made it and who didn't.
After they had gotten through debriefing Sarutobi, he called for Kakashi to be brought in to explain himself, as well as Sasuke and Sakura for their own actions before and during the invasion. As expected, Sasuke was completely unrepentent. He believed that he was wronged first by being disqualified and his chance for advancement given to Naruto. He arrogantly thought that since he was an Uchiha, everyone should be bending over backwards to cater to his whims.
"So...You think that you, a GENIN, is above his superiors? I have news for you, BOY. Your name will not get you anywhere in this room. We are all people who have earned our strength and reputations through hard work, not by having everyone just give things to us. Tsunade's grandfather and greatuncle were both Hokages, but she made a name for herself completely on her own. She refused special treatment and worked hard to become the woman she is now. I had no clan to claim, no special Bloodline to help me, but here I am now, the one who trained the legendary Yondaime to be who he was. Even the Sandaime Hokage had no bloodline or clan and he rose to become who he is today with hard work. Don't talk to US about privilege or prestige. Don't you DARE talk to us about tragedy and hardship. As of now, due to your own actions before and during the invasion, your shinobi license has been suspended for a period of six months. During which time, if you practice ANY of the shinobi arts or engage any sort of training, you will have you chakra sealed and will be imprisoned on the charges of disobeying a direct order from your superiors, attempted murder of a fellow Konoha-nin, and false accusations. You have been warned." Jiraiya dictated before the shinobi tribunal which was made up of only the Shinobi clan heads, the Sandaime's advisors, and the ANBU Commander.
It was they who would decide a shinobi's fate when they broke the law and this was especially severe. These charges were accrued during a time of war and he could have gotten the death sentence had the Advisors not protested to give him a second chance. The clan heads were pushing for imprisonment and Hiashi was pushing for death. The Uchiha put his own daughter at risk with his reckless actions and he refused to let it go unpunished.
Sakura was also unrepentent, believeing that Naruto should have just given his slot to Sasuke and kept his mouth shut. One glare from Tsunade made her wet herself as she tried to make herself invisible out of sheer fright. However, it was Tsume Inuzuka that opened up with a verbal barrage. She took fangirls as a personal insult and she was quite fond of Naruto. She saw a lot of her younger self in the scrappy young blond, as well as much of a dear friend of hers, and this little brat was the one who kept grinding her heel into him.
"Such a spineless weakling...You fangirls are a menace. A plague to all serious kunoichi like Tsunade-sama and myself! The Uzumaki boy EARNED his spot in the finals while the Uchiha thought that he was beyond reproach. Then, you saw fit to talk down to the HOKAGE, your LEADER of all people! All for the sake of some insignificant crush? How dare you, you ignorant little girl?" Tsume fumed.
"Look at you... a pathetic excuse for a kunoichi. Fangirls really are a dispicable breed, shunning all else, even common sense, just so their crush with look at them. You even tried to threaten the HOKAGE and you were lucky to come away alive! Either Jiraiya or myself could have killed you at anytime, never mind the ANBU. We ill need pathetic creatures such as you polluting our ranks. If I ever hear of ANYTHING like this again, I will expect you to turn in your headband and have your chakra sealed, what little that you have. Now get out of my sight! Just the sight of you disgusts me!" Tsunade tore into the pink haired girl. She honestly needed this if she were to make ANYTHING of herself.
Kakashi...was a mess of contradictions and excuses. He truly believed that he was doing the right thing in stunting Naruto's growth and throwing everything else away to teach Sasuke. He used the excuse that Obito would have wanted him to teach Sasuke. Jiraiya just couldn't take it anymore.
"Enough with your excuses, Hatake! You are a Jounin sensei and a sensei does NOT sacrifice his other students for a personal preference! Minato would be so ashamed of you, as would Obito and Rin. You have become a pathetic mockery of what a shinobi really is. I don't need you mucking up the boy's life any further than you already have. Naruto is hearby removed from Team 7 and you are now under watch, pending a full investigation into your teaching methods. Should your performace be found unsatisfactory, you will never be allowed to take a Genin team again nor will you take any apprentices. If you violate these orders, you will be removed from service and your Sharingan with be removed, your chakra sealed and all jutsu erased from your mind. Now leave. I'm sick of looking at you." Jiraiya finished, ordering Kakashi to leave and don't come back.
Sarutobi was impressed with Jiraiya's outburst. He dealt the well deserved punishment with a firm hand.
'I believe I found my successor. I'm so proud of how far you've come, Jiraiya.' The old Hokage thought.
"Jiraiya, as you know, I am getting too old for this job. I had already retired once, but I need to hand off the robes for good this time. I believe that you are the best person for the job." The old Sandaime confided in his two students.
Jiraiya was stunned. He always believed that he would be the TRAINER of Hokage's, not an actually Hokage himself." S-Sensei? Are you sure? I mean...I'm not exactly the best person for the job. I was always the dead last. Orochimaru and Tsunade both made Jounin before I made Chuunin and I was never good enough. So why now?" He asked, in total disbelief.
Tsunade knew what he was talking about. When they were younger, she and Orochimaru tormented him with their Jounin vests while he was still a genin. she thought back to the hurt look on his face and she nearly teared up. She had to admit now, more than ever, he was truly deserving of what had been presented to him. He was always told that he wasn't good enough and passed over. He had to watch as his student literally commited suicide to stop the Kyuubi and was forced to watch while his Godson was abused, but couldn't do anything to stop it without putting him in mortal danger.
Sarutobi was really kicking himself for his part in Jiraiya's plight. It was one of the things that drove him to perversion and debauchery, to write his famous (or infamous...depending on your gender and/or preference) Icha Icha Series and appear to be a drunken, lecherous fool. Underneath, was a lethal, competent shinobi and master spy. He was the one who trained Minato to be the legend that he became and his next student would more than likely become Hokage. He was more worthy of becoming Hokage than anyone else right now. He had proven his worth through his loyalty time and time again.
"Jiraiya...For what it's worth, I'm sorry for how I was when we were younger...I had no right to tease you and treat you like I did. I was no better than that little Haruno tramp at times over Orochimaru. I know that this is pretty late coming, but I truly am sorry." Tsunade apologizing to her old teammate and most trusted friend.
Jiraiya had already forgiven her. He forgave her years ago, but an apology was always welcome. From Tsunade, apologies were few and far between, so he knew that this was as genuine as it could get.
"It's...Okay, Hime. I forgave you years ago. It's in the past, so just let it go." He told her gently as she hugged him.
"Congradulations, you big pervert." She told him.
"Could've done without the pervert part, but I'll take what I can get." Jiraiya sighed as he chuckled.
"Jiraiya, I'll announce you as my successor tomorrow after the promotions and commendations are awarded. You will be the Godaime Hokage." Sarutobi told him seriously as he bade them goodnight.
"Jiraiya...You have truly grown from the irresponsible boy I knew long ago. I know that Naruto's future is in good hands and in the schemeing council's. He will have the life that was denied to him for so long and fulfill his destiny to become a wise and powerful Hokage in his own right with you, Tsunade, Hayato, and the masters to guide him along the path and the girls to support him." Sarutobi said aloud in his office as he turned in for the night.
THREE DAYS LATER - STAGE IN FRONT OF HOKAGE TOWER
The rise of the sun three days later saw almost all of the villagers in front of Hokage tower, as the Hokage had an announcement to make and the rumors of a new Hokage were running rampant. There wasn't much to do, mainly due to the fact that the Ryozanpaku masters had kept damage within the village and losses to a bare minimum so there were few repairs to be done. There was also the rumor that the results of the Chuunin Exams were to be announced. Many of the villagers were actually hoping that the council had promoted the Uchiha and threw out Naruto's matches. On the contrary, many shinobi were hoping Naruto got promoted, due to the fact that he earned it by fighting three times in a row and winning each one with superior tactics and skill. In addition to that, they had heard that it was Naruto that stopped Suna's Jinchuuriki whem he raged out of control.
Finally, the Hokage himself, flanked by his two loyal students, the Sannin, had arrived in the stage in a plume of smoke. He scanned the crowd of civilians and shinobi, reading their mood as he began to speak.
"Citizens and shinobi of Konoha! I am glad to find that almost all of you are unharmed after this sudden and unprovoked attack on our village. We have our brave shinobi to thank for this boon, however..." He paused for dramatic effect.
"We have some very special individuals to thank for our safety. I would like them to come up to the stage now so that their valor may be recognised." He paused again, preparing to read off the names until someone shouted out.
"I hope Sasuke-kun gets promoted!" A recently released Sakura Haruno screeched to the embarrassment of her mortified parents, garnering an annoyed groan from some of the shinobi who were tired of always hearing about how great that Uchiha kid was.
Sakura's folks were greatly embarrassed by the shameful actions of their daughter when they had to go to the ANBU lock up and bail her out. They really tried to do everything in their power to curb her slave-like devotion to the last Uchiha, but she was already too far along and her psyche too twisted to fix without some massive psycho-therapy from the Yamanaka Clan. However, since Sakura and Ino have been at odds and Sakura has been so nasty to Inoichi's daughter, they feared that the help she needs may be beyond her.
Her parents just could not figure out the attraction. He was just one kid and pretty average as far as the Uchiha went, not to mention that the Uzumaki kid had a harder time with Neji Hyuuga and the Suna kid than the vaunted Uchiha. He couldn't be all that great Naruto smacked him around like he did. But to Naruto's credit, he had improved by leaps and bounds in such a short period of time and mastered two incredibly difficult jutsu. If he earned the trust of the Toads, like the Yondaime did, that was enough to tell them that he was truly something special because the Toads wouldn't trust just anyone to summon them in combat. Then there was the tantrum that Sasuke threw down in the arena and the fact that he was willing to kill his own teammate in an exam match.
Sarutobi looked annoyed at who was shouting, but continued on with his speech.
"As I was saying before I was interrupted...I would like these people to stand up here with me and be recognised. Maito Gai, Hyuuga Hinata, Li Raichi, Uzumaki Naruto, Ma Renka, Fuurinji Miu, Nanjou Kisara, and Takeda Ikki! You have all served Konoha with distinction in it's hour of need. We need heroes such as yourselves to continue to serve our village with exemplary honor and courage, that you have displayed. For your selfless courage in the face of extreme danger, I, Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Sandaime Hokage of Konoha, present you all with the Medal of Valor with recommendations from the Fire Daimyo and blessings and gratitude from several other dignitaries. You make us all proud." The old man beamed with pride as he personally pinned each of the recipients.
Kurenai looked on with tear filled eyes. The shy little girl she first met had earned one of the most prestigious awards that could be bestowed upon a shinobi. She had truly matured and from what she had heard as of late, she was engaged to marry the boy she has had a crush on since she was just a little girl and he seems to feel the same way about her.
Hiashi was just as proud of his daughter. She had brought a great honor to the Hyuuga clan being the first Hyuuga to recieve this token of Valor and Honor from not only the Daimyo, but other dignitaries and rulers. He was also proud of Naruto for showing devotion to his daughter. Not for the first time, he thanked Kami and the stars above that this was the boy who was to marry his eldest daughter, not to mention a certain Yellow Flash and Red Death for concieving said blessing.
Kensei and Tenmon were both equally proud of their daughters and the fordmidable team they proved to be teamed up with their fellow bride and the groom-to-be. It was further proof that their decision to honor the marriage pact was one of the best ideas they had in their lives.
Kisara and Takeda both smirked as they bumped fists. The two made an awesome team, had been since their Genin days. They only wished that Ukita could be there with them to witness this day and cursed the traitor, Taichi Koga, that damned him to his death. They were, however, glad that they made him pay for his crimes by bringing him to Ibiki Morino for interrogation. From there, he fessed up to being in league with another, unfriendly power in exchange for money and influence once he defected. Now, he was merely locked away within his own mind turned into a world of pain thanks to someone even the Boogieman checks under the bed for before he goes to sleep.
The masters and Naruto's new family were all geniunely proud of him and Miu for their bravery and placing the lives of the innocent and defenseless above their own, a credo which the Ryouzanpaku was built upon. They brought honor to their way of life.
Sakura and many of Naruto's naysayers were all livid, hopping mad. He was awarded a high honor while Sasuke wasn't even mentioned. Sakura's haggered parents, unable to restrain her any longer, lose their grip as she storms up to the foot of the stage and began to verbally assault him. Thankfully, the exam proctor from before, Genma, nailed her with a well aimed senbon to the ack of her neck and knocked her out before she could disrupt this ceremony any further.
Unfortunately, she got a majority of the civilians going in a rant about how the demon was really responsible for the attack and that it should be dealt with, but they too were silenced, courtesy of one Shio Sakaki, who made them shut the hell up with one of his power glares. I was found out later on that he made a few of them faint and a couple more suffer mild heart attacks.
With these disruptions out of the way, Sarutobi got on with the ceremony.
"I also have the results of the exam in. Would Aburame Shino and Nara Shikamaru join Uzumaki Naruto on the stage at this time?" He asked, grinning a little at the shocked expressions on the faces of the two genin who were called out.
"Go on, Shikamaru." Shikaku urged his son into motion.
"Shino. Stand and be recognised." Shibi nudged his stunned son.
The two fathers were very proud of their sons for making Chuunin off of their first Exam. To them, it just went to show that this crop of genin had some truly talented ninja. Also all three were from the three rookie teams, shocking the other shinobi in the crowd even further. Ino was proud of Shikamaru for making Chuunin and truly impressed that Naruto made it as well.
'How about that...The three un-cool and unpopular guys were the ones who got promoted instead of so-called geniuses. It's like a kind of justice in it's own way. Way to go, guys. I'm proud of you all.' The pony tailed girl thought as she smiled.
Not all of the shinobi were happy for them. Kiba and Sasuke were both glowering at the three. Kiba was jealous that Shino was promoted, feeling that his position as Team 8's self-proclaimed Alpha was in peril. Now that Shino had rank on his side, any move made against him would be seen as insubordination. To add insult to injury, Naruto made it, too.
'Damn that Dobe...Not only does he get promoted to Chuunin, he also has MY chosen female! Why him when that idiot had no clan?' He thought in a rage.
'Where did that Dobe get so much power? Who gave it to him? I must have it...I need it more than some lame, clanless idiot! Can't they see that?' Sasuke seethed with anger.
Kakashi was also watching the proceedings with narrowed eyes. In his mind, Naruto was the catalyst that toppled his reputation among the other Jounin. The rest wouldn't even spare him a glance and his old ANBU squad was snubbing him, especially Yuugao. She had some pretty nasty words for him, amplified by the fact that Hayate was killed before the invasion and he had the nerve to trash talk her dead lover.
'I swear...He will pay for my disgrace...They'll all pay...' He vowed as he watched on.
"These three Genin showed superior tactics, bravery, skill, and ability. All of these things, combined with a sense responsibility, are what is nessessary to become a Chunnin. It is with great pleasure that I promote these three to the rank of Chuunin." Sarutobi announced as he handed each of them their Chuunin Flak Vests.
"Wear them with pride, as you represent Konoha whenever you step outside of her borders." He added.
The three wore looks of shock and awe as the three gobsmacked boys (Yes...Even Shino can look shocked...) slipped on their vests for the first time. The appluase that came form the shinobi was like rolling thunder as they were given a standing ovation for their accomplishment, a major milestone in their careers.
Sarutobi once again held up his hands to halt the appluase. He still had one more surprize in store for the crowd.
"Now...I have been the Hokage for a total of over 40 years. It is time that I turn over the position of Hokage to the one person that I trust to carry on the Will of Fire. This person has overcome so much in his life to make it to where he is today. He was once looked upon as a failure, a nobody, a joke. He was not a prodigy. He had no clan lineage to back him up, no powerful bloodline to help him along his way. He built himself up from nothing, never giving up nor did he give in. This someone is none other than..." He paused for dramatic effect. Sarutobi truly loved to grandstand with his speeches and knew how to hold a crowd's attention and fan the suspense.
'I swear...He really loves to get on his proverbial soapbox.' Tsunade mused with a smirk.
Sarutobi's 'Advisors' were nearly biting their nails. They had failed to catch the Chuunin list in time so they could doctor it, as Sarutobi never let it out of his sight and Kakashi's story was shot down. They had no idea who Sarutobi chose to be his successor. Once they caught wind of Sarutobi wanting to retire, they wanted to install a puppet Hokage in Kakashi, but now...
"...None other than Jiraiya!" Sarutobi finished with a huge grin on his face. That grin got even wider when he saw the shocked expressions on his ex-teammates faces, as well as the enraged look on Danzo's face as the position of Hokage had once again slipped from his grasp.
Jiraiya stepped up to the old man and accepted the robes and hat from his old teacher with a calm smile but on the inside, he was fighting with everything he had to hold back his tears. He was deeply honored to accepted this position as he put on the robes of his new station. Now, he had the power to right many wrongs and better protect the godson that he was forced to neglect, the godson that had quickly become his grandson. He already had his first target in his crosshairs : The Civilian Council.
They had been responsible for so much corruption, so much needless suffering. He would start by making an example of his sensei's two old teammates. Even though since the regime has changed, they stubbornly held on to their positions, chasing away anyone else who wanted the job. They refused to relinquish the power and authority they held. Even though they were two of the people who had planned out the Uchiha massacre, they still spoil the last Uchiha remaining in the village and had become drunk with power. Jiraiya was going to really enjoy yanking that power away from them and the council, returning most governing powers back to the Hokage and the Shinobi council and returning the village back to the way it was back when the Yondaime was in power, where the privileged and so-called elite wouldn't have so much sway.
'Like you tried to create and were betrayed for. I'll try to make your dream a reality. I know that your son will gladly continue this legacy of equality and justice once he is ready to take up the mantle.' Jiraiya thought as he put on the vestments of his station.
As he tried to put the hat on, he found that it wouldn't quite fit over his hair. "Oh well...Minato never really wore this thing and for the same reason, too." He chuckled as the ceremony went on.
The ceremony had wound down and Naruto was sought out by two of his fellow awardees, Kisara and Takeda.
"So...a big, bad Chuunin now, eh?" Takeda greeted with a grin as he mussed Naruto's hair.
"Takeda, lay off the kid, alright? He doesn't even know who we are." Kisara admonished, but turned to him.
"Hey, kiddo. We saw your fights in the tournament and we were pretty impressed. I wouldn't mind having a spar with you, maybe the idiot here, too. I'm Nanjou Kisara, by the way." The fiesty red-head offered as she ribbed her partner.
"Easy there, Kisara-chan. Though, I wouldn't mind having a spar with our newest Chuunin, myself. I'd like to get to know who I might work with in the future and I'm Takeda Ikki. Just call me Takeda." The ashen haired young man winked good-naturedly.
Naruto was a little wierded out by these two, but could tell that they were being friendly. Besides, he really didn't mind the opportunity to expand in experience base a little wider. Also, as a Chuunin, he might wind up working with these two in the near future and it would be good to make some new friends.
"Sure! I don't mind! Come on by the dojo later today! Here's how you get there!" Naruto cheered as he handed them directions before sprinting off at a rapid clip.
"He sure is an energetic little guy and kind of a cutie, too. Hard to believe that he's the container of the Kyuubi." Kisara mused with a small grin. She felt that she could really get to like this kid. Something about what they were planning, taking him onto their Chuunin team, seemed right, like he would fit right in. Takeda could feel it, too. His cheerful attitude, combined with what they saw during his matches, made him an ideal match for them. He almost seemed like a little brother he'd like to have, if he had one.
The crowd broke up and the people all went about their business, with Jiraiya heading back to the Hokage's Office with Tsunade and Sarutobi. It seemed as if telling the boy about his folks would have to wait just a bit longer, at least until he could settle in. Tsunade had already taken over the Hospital, but was ready to hand over the reigns to Shizune so that she could spend more time with her godson and acutally adopt him. Jiraiya was already planning on making her one of his advisors, with the old man being the other.
Naruto hadn't forgotten about that, however.
"Hey, Kyoufu! Wait up!" He called out to him.
"What's up, kiddo?" Jiraiya asked, already knowing what Naruto wanted.
"Well...I made Chuunin like you said, so...can you tell me? I mean...about who my folks are?" Naruto asked, his eyes hopeful.
"I'll come by the dojo tonight. I'll tell you there. I need to get back to the office to get settled in, so I'll see you later. Okay, brat?" Jiraiya told his Godson, ruffling his hair playfully.
"Thanks...Kyoufu. Will you be coming too, Oba-chan? Jiji?" He asked the other two.
"Sure. I'll drop by, Naru-chan. I'll even bring Shizune." The beautiful blond told him as she pulled him into a hug. He got a huge grin at the mention of Shizune. She was an awesome cook, better than Miu, alothough he wouldn't say it aloud. She saw her as another older sister, one that doted on and fussed over him left and right.
"As will I, my boy." Sarutobi added. He too knew the truth, but hid it from the world to protect him until he was strong enough. From what Naruto had proven to him, it was finally time. The time to finally learn about who he really is had finally come.
'THIS ought to shake things up a bit...At the very least, these fools here in the village will eat a HUGE shit pie once they find out just WHO they've been abusing all these years. At least he didn't grow up spoiled like that Uchiha brat.' Tsunade thought with a smirk.
ON A HILLTOP OVERLOOKING THE VILLAGE...
Two figures stood on a distant hilltop over looking the village, taking in the view. These two figures were of two very different heights, but both wore the same black cloaks with red clouds, complete with straw hats with a veil all around the brim.
"I heard that Konoha was just attacked, but it looks like nothing happened. Pretty impressive. I didn't know that your old home village had such good shinobi, Itachi." The taller one commented, lifting his head to reveal his face. He had blue skin, gills, and serrated teeth, like a shark.
"The shinobi were not this good when I left. No...I have a feeling that THEY are still around. It would be prudent to exercise caution, Kisame" Itachi warned.
"Who are THEY, Itachi? Anyone that can rattle you would HAVE to be some pretty nasty customers. Customers I'd love to fight." Kisame grinned in his shark-like manner.
"Just don't underestimate them. It would be very foolish. I doubt that even my Tsukuyomi would work on them." Itachi replied. The last time someone from the Uchiha clan tried to mess with one of the Ryouzanpaku and tried using some Sharingan Doujutsu on them, it was worse than ineffective. It only seemed to annoy them.
"You seem...scared of these guys. Heh..." Kisame commented cockily as he walked down into the village. Itachi shook his head and followed, although reluctantly. He knew that these people were something...other that human.
A/N : Sixth Chapter! Locked and Loaded! Well, looks like the village will be eating a big fat shit burger once Naruto's true name hits them. Can't wait to write about it almost as much as you all can't wait to read about it! Okay now...Three days have passed since the invasion. Naruto, Shino, and Shikamaru made Chuunin, Kisara and Takeda have made contact and not much was damaged thanks to the masters!
By their awesomeness combined, the Ryozanpaku!
Sorry...Had to do it! The Gods of all things awesome and gnarly...Chuck Norris, The Dude, Mr. T, and Evel Knevel...demand homage and reviews! Do it, or the Gods of Awesome won't just go medieval on your asses, they'll go Stone Age!