I DO NOT OWN NARUTO OR ITS CHARACTERS, I OWN THIS STORY AND ANY CHARACTER I CREATE
I really want this story to take off, to give myself a break from "A Fresh Start" because it's becoming harder to enjoy writing.
I'm also trying to give all the pairings some time in this story but I will likely struggle with Choji and Karui...since that couple came out of nowhere
So make sure to leave a review
Chapter 4: Getting Serious
"Naruto, the Hospital is running low on supplies" Sakura says standing in front of the blonde currently looking order sheets, because of the war and the battles which destroyed most of the trade routes and many of the ones which survived have become targets by bandits.
"According to this the supplies have been dispatched, I'll send out some Genin Teams to see if they can find the caravans to speed them up" Naruto says and Sakura nods "Shikamaru, give this to Kiba and tell him to" he says turning to the Nara clan head who interrupts.
"I got it" Shikamaru states taking the order as well as the mission form from the blonde "He won't be happy you know, he just got back from a long mission"
"Tell him I'll buy him a dog biscuit or something" Naruto says yawning, he has been staying up late filling out forms and updating student rosters.
"Um Sasuke, will you be home for dinner or will I just leave leftovers in the fridge?" Sakura asks and Sasuke looks up from his work.
"Hn, it's my turn to cook" he says and she smiles, he too has been busy with the new school roster "I think we are low on vegetables" he adds putting the sheet down "Could you pick some up on your way home?" he asks and she nods.
"Of course, I'll see you then" she says giving a small wave to him "Oh, and Naruto" she says and Naruto looks at her "Hinata said to tell you 'The guy is coming at lunch time'...she said you'd know what that meant" she explains and Naruto nods.
"Thanks" he says crossing off a name on a list "Man these Chunin registration forms are annoying" he says and Shikamaru takes one.
"So Choji is signing his team up too huh?" he says and Naruto nods, "These can be put off until tomorrow, you should get started on the tax forms" he states and Naruto slumps into the chair.
"Get it done Dobe" Sasuke says standing up "I need to meet with the ANBU Captains so I'll see you later" he states and makes his way to the door.
"Yeah yeah yeah" Naruto shrugs Sasuke's jab off and continues to power through the forms "Try not to lift two things at once, wouldn't want you falling over" he says and the Uchiha smirks closing the door.
_Just outside the village_
"You guys didn't have to come with" Temari says with a sigh as her brothers walk behind her "I mean I'm only coming for the registration forms" she points out.
"I wanted to speak with Naruto, so I figured now would be a good time" Gaara says, he was curious to see Naruto working as Hokage, "And Kankuro is my advisor" he adds, true enough however their real reason for coming along was to watch Shikamaru...and Temari knew that well.
"I can't stop you but Shikamaru is the Hokage's chief advisor and since Naruto is temporally serving as Hokage, if you two pick a fight with Shikamaru in front of Naruto causing his paperwork to build up...well let's just say I don't think you'd survive the outburst...ignoring the fact Sasuke also sits in that same office"
"Look, you make it sound like you are worth so much effort" Kankuro begins and ends as he is elbowed in the face by his older sister.
"I trust Shikamaru, I just want him to understand how important you are to the village" Gaara says and Temari smiles "Enough now...we are almost there"
_Sai and Ino_
"This last year has been amazing" Ino says laying her head on her boyfriends lap as he captures the scene surrounding them, "Sakura and Sasuke, Hinata and Naruto, me and you" she lists out "It feels like we've all become adults" she smiles gleefully,
"Ino...we are adults" Sai says bluntly and in his usual clueless tone, Ino responds with a playful flick on the forehead, "Huh?" he looks down at her with a confused look.
"You've got to read the moment Sai" she says with a small smile "I know that we are physically adults but I meant emotionally" she explains and he seems to be getting their "All taking on important roles within the village and making sure the peace continues and the village thrives"
"With the village in your capable hands, I have no doubt about its safety" he says and she smirks using her right hand to intertwine with his left.
"Hand, because I want you to hold this hand forever" she says and he smiles genuinely
"Now and forever"
_Karui and Choji_
"Man you're so lucky" Karui says as she and the Akimichi walk through the streets of the Hidden Cloud village "Being a Sensei to a group of Genin getting ready to take on the Chunin exams" she states and Choji smiles "I mean the Raikage wont trust me with basic guard duty" she sighs.
"Maybe he sees your skills are better suited to other things" Choji begins as she glances at him "I mean haven't you been guarding the Daimyo a lot lately?" he asks and she nods "and escorting important documents?" she nods again "That's just as valuable to the Shinobi world" he states and she grins giving him a dead arm, "Oww! What was that for?"
"For such a great point!" her grin widens "yeah I guess I am pretty boss after all!" she declares.
In the distance Omoi and Samui observe the two "Man she just punched him...what if he complains the Hokage and a war breaks out...I don't want to fight Naruto!" he says and Samui sighs.
"I think you are over reacting...even more so than usual" Samui says "Love taps like that is how Karui shows her affectionate side"
"Yeah...he's in for a beating then" Omoi says and the two sweat drop
Naruto's Office
Shikamaru and Naruto finish stocking the last of the papers up and with a heavy sigh "That should hold up until after the Chunin exams" Naruto says and Shikamaru nods with the two bumping fists in celebration.
"And here we thought you'd be buried under paper" the two turn to see the Sand Sibling trio standing there "Office life suits you Naruto" Kankuro states and Naruto stands to greet them.
"What's with the surprise visit?" Naruto asks as Gaara extends his hand and Naruto clasps it shaking his friends hand "Afraid I'd skip the Exams or something?"
"No, I know you will be there" Gaara says "I seem to recall inviting you for a drink after you became Hokage, while it's only a temporary role I decided to use this free time to get that drink" he smiles and Naruto laughs.
"Then you got good timing, me and Shikamaru just finished the last of our paper work...so us three can go get plastered while the love birds stare lovingly into each other's eyes" he grins as Shikamaru and Temari blush.
"S-Shut up you idiot!" Temari yells at him "Let's just go" she says grabbing Shikamaru by the wrist and pulling him out of the office.
"I gotta stop by my place and get changed, so I'll meet you guys at Ichiraku's" Naruto say's and the two brothers nod and watch as the blonde jumps from the window.
"I never thought he'd be a good Hokage...but he is actually a great one" Kankuro says and Gaara chuckles.
"I knew it all along, he's destined to become the greatest Kage to ever walk these lands" the red head says and the two walk from the office to meet up with the greatest Kage.
Sasuke
Walking through the streets of Konoha holding a folder under his arm, containing the graduates who are applying for his exam into ANBU, "Bigger list than I was expecting this time" he thinks as he sees a student standing with his father.
"You're the one in charge of the ANBU trails exam correct?" the man asks and Sasuke nods casually "I demand you put my sons name on the list" he says crossing his arms in aggression.
"First of...don't make any demands of me" Sasuke retorts coldly "I work alongside your sons teachers and they ultimately decide who sits the exam" he explains "If he isn't on it then it's either because he isn't the kind of student suited for the ANBU lifestyle or he isn't qualified to take the exam"
"How dare you insinuate my son is incapable of becoming ANBU when you yourself don't even look at his grades!" the father yells angrily.
Sasuke saw it then and there, this was a man simply trying to make his son shine...in his eyes the boy was a perfect candidate and ignored the fact that a school of teachers said otherwise, Sasuke knew how to approach this now. "Tell me, if I were to agree to let your son take the test...then he passes it and becomes a student to an ANBU would you be happy?" Sasuke asks and the man nods without hesitation "Now if he were to be killed on his first assignment because his skills weren't good enough to handle the mission...would you blame me for sending him on the mission...or yourself for putting him on a path he wasn't ready for?" he asks and the father pauses to look at his son. "What's your name?" he asks the boy.
"Fin...Sir" the boy says and Sasuke extends his hand for the boy to shake making sure the boy saw his missing limb. "My name is Sasuke Uchiha, the Shinobi life is dangerous from the first day" Sasuke begins "I bet you have a lot of friends at the academy right?" he asks and Fin nods "Then this exam isn't for you, many students applying to this are people who work better alone, in doing this you would lose all contact with your friends, and is that something you want?" he asks and the boy shakes his head "I think you will make a fine Jonin one day, you'll have comrades at your side and powerful Jutsu under your belt, so forget this test and find your own Shinobi way" he says and the boy seems to nods more enthusiastically after Sasuke's pep talk.
"W-Well if you are sure son" The dad says turning to Sasuke "Thank you for speaking with us Mr. Uchiha...you are wiser than your age lets on" he says and offers his hand to Sasuke who shakes it.
"A good father will always see the best in his son" Sasuke says and the man walks off and Sasuke just stands and watches them leave.
"Nicely done Uchiha" Sasuke hears Tsunade speak while clapping "I half expected the guy to end up in hospital" she states.
"Hn...The Hospital is low on supplies and Sakura would get pissed" he retorts and she laughs "So...still having a hard time trusting me?" he asks and she shakes her head.
"I won't lie, I wasn't sure if Kakashi was right to give you such a such position in the village...but you've done wonders for ANBU and motivated students to improve even in this time of peace" she states "And I've never seen Sakura so giddy" she adds and he looks "Tell me...you two haven't...you know" she says suggestively.
Blushing slightly a coughing "NO! ...E-Even if we did...IT's none of your business" he yells out but composes himself before continuing.
"Relax Sasuke, I'm only teasing you" Tsunade says patting him on the shoulder "It's cute...the way you blush" she adds and he scoffs angrily walking away.
Hinata and Sakura
"So Naruto just ran in, got dressed...and ran out saying he was meeting with Gaara" Sakura asks as she places the cup of tea in front of the Hyuga girl who nods in acknowledgement, "Geez what's that idiot doing getting drunk when he is supposed to be Hokage?" she sighs.
"N-Naruto has been working hard so he deserves a break to relax" Hinata says in her boyfriends defence "After all he will be leaving for Suna soon so perhaps this meeting is about the Chunin exams" she says and Sakura smiles.
"Lucky guy" she smirks as the door opens and Sasuke walks in "You're back earlier than I expected" she says and he places the folder down.
"Aa, I bumped into the idiot on the way here and apparently he and Gaara are having a meeting in your mentors natural habitat" he says and she raises an eyebrow "I'm heading there now, just needed to drop this off" he says meaning the folder "Can you look after yourself for dinner tonight?" he asks and she nods, he then turns to Hinata "I'll make sure he doesn't over do it" he says and she nods
"Thank you Sasuke" she replies and he turns around and heads for the door
_The Bar_
Sasuke walked into the bar to see Naruto, Gaara and Kankuro sitting around a table waiting for him "And at last, the rouge decides to grace us with his presence" Naruto and Kankuro yell which earns a sigh from the Uchiha who sits beside the blonde.
"Your girlfriend was with Sakura, you shouldn't just abandon her with a small word of where you are going" Sasuke says and Naruto looks at him "Acting like a child is no way for a Hokage representative to act" he states and Naruto brushes it off.
"It was short notice, besides I helped back all of our stuff into the new apartment" he says and Sasuke simply ignores him.
"So, will you be coming to Suna for the Chunin exams Sasuke?" Gaara asks pouring some sake into cup for the Uchiha who nods, "I've heard you've done a lot for the ANBU; you've brought what Danzo kept hidden into the light...as some would say"
"His methods were extreme and cruel...but now that I've read his reports and had a chance to meditate on his believes...he was simply a man who never evolved with the village" Sasuke says drinking his Sake before pouring Gaara in return.
Meanwhile Kankuro and Naruto share a bottle between them while the two stick in the mud's talk seriously "So Naruto, I didn't know you moved in with your Girlfriend" he says and the blonde grins.
"Yeah, felt like I needed a new place for the next stage in life, you know?" Naruto says pouring some Sake for the Puppet user, "My old place was for the old me...and the new house is" he pauses with a smile "My future" he finishes thinking of Hinata.
"Yeah, I get that" Kankuro nods toasting Naruto "All grown up, soon you and Gaara will be revolutionizing the world while me and Sasuke watch your backs" he says glancing at the Uchiha who acknowledges the comment.
"Time doesn't wait" Gaara says mulling over his glass "So we should get to business before time runs out and half of us are unable to form complete sentences" he says looking at the empty bottle between Naruto and Kankuro
"Agreed, no more drinking until we've concluded this meeting" Sasuke says as the other two let out a bellowing whine
_Shikamaru and Temari_
The young couple walked side by side, hand in hand through the streets of Konoha "Lately I've been thinking about the future" Temari states and Shikamaru glances at her. "If we want to have a future...one of us needs to relocate to the others village" she says and he sighs knowing where she was going now "But we both know you can't...you are the Hokage's chief Advisor, and head of one of Konoha's clans" she would continue but Shikamaru cuts her off.
"You can live here, and still receive missions from Suna" Shikamaru states suprising her "or you can retire if and when we get married" he continues "You're right, I can't leave Konoha...so I will support you in any decision you make" he pauses to judge her mood. "I mean, we could always break up...seems like the less work involved choice" he jokes and she laughs pushing him away.
"Ass" she smirks
The following day
Gaara and Naruto sat in the Hokage's office finalizing the Chunin exam preparations "So 3 teams from Konoha, 4 teams from Suna, 3 teams from Kumo and 5 from Iwa" Naruto says holding the sheets of the big five Villages.
"Plus 15 teams from smaller nations put's the total teams at 30" Gaara adds "I'll have these copied and sent to the other Kage after lunch and everything will be set for the exams in 1 week" he says and Naruto leans back with a relieved sigh.
"Man that took more effort than I'd like to expend" he states and Gaara smiles from behind his folder "Now I just need to set everything up for while I'm away" he says "Although it's likely Kakashi Sensei will be back before I am" he adds.
"It will be interesting to see how married life has changed him" Gaara says and Naruto nods in agreement "While the work has been hard, especially with the two of us doing it...it was good to give my sister and Shikamaru time to evaluate their choice"
"Would you accept her decision if she decided to move here?" Naruto asks curiously and Gaara looks out the window.
"This village...is more...peaceful, I think this village is better for nurturing such a lifestyle" Gaara states "Plus having you close to her and any future children is a benefit" he jokes which Naruto laughs at. "In honesty I want her to be happy, and not give up and the things she wants for my sake, but I won't say anything other than I support her" he says and Naruto nods.
_The Streets_
"So you are going on a mission to investigate a new faction?" Sakura asks as she and Sasuke browse through the Store's ninja tools as Sasuke prepares to go on a mission.
"Hn, lately ANBU reports have been mentioning a faction of Villages forming their own Union" he begins "However their goals and actions have gone unrecorded long enough" he says paying the vendor.
"And you're not telling Naruto yet because...?" she asks and he looks at her with a smirk, placing all the Kunai and shuriken into the seal on his sleeve.
"Because the Dobe will try to drop everything and come with me" Sasuke states and Sakura laughs lightly, she knew he was right, "Besides, this fits under my role as Chief of ANBU...or whatever my title is" he adds.
"OK but aren't you supposed to be going to the Chunin exams, and isn't this coalition located on the edge of the Land of Fire in the opposite direction?" she asks as the walk towards the supermarket.
"If we both went then the leaders of this Union would feel like they were being forced into signing the peace treaty and accepting our way...by going alone I will try and find a peaceful end for both sides" Sasuke says and Sakura smiles.
"He's changed" she thinks, the old Sasuke would have never said that "I guess I can go to Suna in your stead...I mean it's up to you and all but it's not like I have anything better to do" she says.
"Thanks" Sasuke says extending his hand to her "That would be great" he smiles and she looks away blushing as she takes a hold of his hand.
_Hinata and Naruto_
"You're back early" the Hyuga says as Naruto kicks off his sandals leaving them at the door before sitting on the sofa.
"Yeah" Naruto says with a big sigh "Thanks to Gaara I got the work done faster" he says and Hinata nods sitting beside him "Now all that's left is to prepare for the trip to Suna" he says.
"How long will you be gone for?" Hinata asks curiously, she has begun to wonder if this was their future, Naruto constantly busy with work and thus barely seeing him.
"Well you're coming too, so it doesn't matter how long I'm gone" he flashes a big grin and she looks at him surprised as he pulls her into an embrace sitting her on his lap hugging her waist causing her to become flustered and shy. "Well this will be my last act as temp Hokage, plus I haven't had much free time so we haven't had a lot of time together even though we live together" he explains "Suna will be like a vacation slash date away from home" he grins and despite blushing madly she leans back into him.
"Sounds like it will be fun"
The following Morning
"Where is Sasuke...the hell is keeping him?" Naruto says as the huge convoy waits at the gate, consisting of Naruto, Hinata, Gaara, Kankuro, Temari and Shikamaru.
"I never thought he'd be late" Kankuro admits as Sakura comes into view
"Sakura?" Hinata says and the others all look towards the Pink haired Kunoichi who hands Naruto a note
"A not from Sasuke..." Naruto states unfolding it..."Something came up...Sakura's filling in for me" Naruto reads the note aloud before looking at Sakura who shrugs "Tss...Bastard made us wait and simply leaves a note with 7 words?" Naruto says "OK, let's get this trip on the road!" he declares walking ahead and leading the pack
"Did he say what he was doing?" Gaara asks as they all walk slowly not wanting to rush just yet, Gaara notices Sakura's hesitation and her eyes dart around while she tries to think of something to say.
"He just said he'd tell Naruto or Kakashi when he gets back" she states and Gaara seems to nod accepting this answer "If it's something that got Sasukes attention...it'll be in the back of my mind until I know it's fine" he sighs.
"Don't worry about it, Sasuke will handle it" Sakura declares so sure of her Boyfriend it was written on her face
_In an undisclosed location_
"So the Hidden Leaf is the first village to reach out to our organization" a teal haired man says looking at a message from Sasuke Uchiha explaining that an ambassador from the village was coming to negotiate terms of the peace treaty "Send out a team to either capture or kill this ambassador" he says and a man in a white kimono nods and bows before leaving the room.
"We aren't ready to deal with one of the big 5 yet Gin" a brown haired man says with a cold look.
"No way around it now, we will have to move our operations once we receive word of the team's success" Gin says "Relax my friend" he says with a smile "At worst the leaf attacks us and we spin it around on their peace treaties legitimacy and gain more support from other nations.
"Wrong..." a red haired woman says entering the room hiding most of her face behind a fan "The worst case scenario is one of the two most powerful Shinobi kick in our doors and kill us all" she says and Gin laughs.
"In order for our plans to proceed we will need their power eventually" Gin says calmly "And Naruto will be on his way to Suna, divide and conquer my dear" he states arrogantly.
"Fool" she growls turning around and leaving, Gin ignores her insult and returns his gaze to the map of all the nations, most of which have already joined the Union"
"All is coming together nicely" Gin says, in the halls of the huge tower the red haired woman storms towards her room.
"Lady Uzumaki?" a hand maiden asks seeing the angry look on her mistress's face.
"Prepare my bags for travel to the capital" she orders "As expected Gin has become full of himself after obtaining a micro amount of authority and now risks turning Naruto and Sasuke's attention to us before we are ready to strike" she states as the Hand maiden packs.
"So what will happen here?" the hand maiden asks curiously
"I believe...it will become a mass cemetery" they both turn to see a man with pale skin, shaggy white hair, attractive facial features, and six Magatama designs tattooed on his collarbones to resemble a necklace. Dressed in white, high-collared kimono with a black obi, over which he wears a pale green sash tied at the right shoulder.
"L-Lord Toneri Otsutsuki" Lady Uzumaki says with surprise, the white haired man with closed eyes gives her a smile.
"Gin is unaware but the Ambassador from the leaf is none other than Sasuke Uchiha himself" Toneri says "And with no eyes I am no match for his Rinnegan, so I came to collect you and bring you to my palace for the time being until I have you become Fire Daimio"
"I am honoured my Lord" she bows, he extends his hand for her to hold "I will need my hand maiden to come with me...she is a vital part of my power"
"I know" he says holding his other hand for the young girl who nervously takes hold of it "Hold on" his soft voice says as the whole room vanishes.
"But what about Sasuke, once he deals with Gin and the others he'll learn out order is spread out all over the elemental lands" she states.
"No, I already tampered with the files; once Sasuke looks on them they will be blank" Toneri replies "Once I obtain my true power of course..."
"None of that will matter"
The End
It's been awhile since I updated, hope I haven't lost my touch lol.
I really want to focus on this story, mainly because I've heard that there may be a new Manga series starting up
Leave loads of reviews and I hope to have the next chapter up soon
Till Next Time
~DoTheBartMan