Honestly This was ready two weeks ago. However I had not managed to get the edits done in time to post before I left to do some archaeology. I am back and fresh for more writing which will be good. I am also drawing up plot lines for another fan-fiction. I know I said I didn't want to start a second one until I've finished this one but the ideas for the new story are starting to override this one. So I may get a good chunk of a new story written and then divvy up my time 50/50. Feel free to tell me if this is a bad idea and I should just suck it up and get on with this story.
To whom posted a review: You'll find out. I had considered it already.
To SpicyWifey: (your name is hilarious, can't stop grinning when I read it.) Also I will be focusing on that, as it had been my original idea. But I had to explain EVERYTHING so you could understand. Otherwise the story would feel jumpy. There are a couple Naru/Hina centred chapters I need to revisit to deepen their relationship. Now that I think about it I need to touch up on Fuku/Mon relationship as I feel that could be smoother in earlier chapters.
Usual fire and smoke, keep supporting me, 10k views on my first story. Which is good(?) I am honestly not sure compared to other fictions.
Kakashi's smile only lasted until he was out of sight. He was summoned to the Diamyo of the Fire Country, an unusual request. Right at this moment he was walking through a small park in between two large apartment buildings when he was joined by two ANBU and Sai. The three specialists jumped down beside Kakashi and silently started to walk by his side in quick succession. Shikamaru was also waiting for the Hokage at the end of the path. He was looking… troubled. His crutches were already annoying him and by rights he should still be in the hospital. Had Kakashi not requested him specifically. Without to seemingly notice the three retinue of ANBU at his side, the Hokage walked until he was by the injured jonins side.
"How's you're leg?"
"Troublesome" was the reply Kakashi received. "But I'll make a full recovery."
"That's good to hear, as you know I'll be away from the office for a couple days. Would you mind sorting out the paperwork for catchup? And of course, dealing with emergencies."
"Yes Lord Hokage. Is that all?" Shikamaru couldn't help but smirk.
"Please, enough of the lord. And I'd like you to make sure Iwa do not hear that we have both Monica and Fukushi. I need time to think how to go about this, the stone will not be pleased about this. Although I guess we could trade some jutsu. I'm not sure. As for our most recent rogue ninja, Monica, I unfortunately have had a request from Fukushi to allow her crimes to be forgiven…" The Hokage sighed. "In return he had offered full cooperation." Kakashi paused to see what answer Shikamaru had.
"Troublesome." Shikamaru repeated. "Making sure Iwa remain dark on the subject is easy but I am not sure if what Fukushi has to offer will be enough. I need to see the information he carries first. I understand he saved the life of Hinata and clearly possesses jutsu of a high calaber. I personally believe she should be punished. I'll see what her team thinks first and we can have a formal meeting when you return. Now if you excuse me." Shikamaru bowed politely and begun to limp in the direction of the Hokage tower. He moved about as fast as he wished although he looked like he was shot in a particually painful part of his leg.
Kakashi turned to Sai who was already smiling in anticipation. "How is the genin doing?"
"She was shouting her curses but now is just chanting something in Fukushi's language. I'll be able to receive daily reports if she changes her behaviour."
"Might it be a jutsu?"
"Unlikely, I have a Hyuuga branch member in my employment. She isn't moulding any chakra."
"She is showing potential which is completely out of place from her academy scores but I am not sure if that's because of her own volition or if Fukushi's teaching really is impressive. Might consider how they react to each other if she was released momentarally."
"I think that would make things interesting." Sai keeping up his smile, although now they started to walk to the village gates.
"What makes you say that?"
"The few words she is making sense with are about his betrayal of her. I think there is something going on between those two."
"Would make sense that he is pulling his neck out for her. Because there is something happening. I think Shikamaru is right, he has to prove the quality of the information first before anything."
Thr conversation petered out as the headed east, then south. An unremarkable journey as the route between the capital and Konoha were amoung the most used and most secure routes in the land of fire. Traffic was light considering the looming clouds which still had the land overcast. Sai dutifully summoned the Hokage formal gear as they walked. He handed Kakashi the hokage hat and sealed away his armour into a scroll. Kakashi still wore his navy-blue mask covering half of his face but now he also wore white and red robes and donned the hat which symbolised his power. He looked the part just as a city appeared on the horizon. The capital was considered the only settlement larger than Konoha. Streatching out for miles and had consisted of many tower and building stretching up into the sky. The most prominent building was still the castle sitting on top of a single steep sided hill with many cliffs preventing entrance to all but the most skilled of invaders. Wall upon wall, towers, gates, even battery placements for artillery such as catapults or an artillery based jutsu user. The entire construction was surrounded by a river which had momentarally split in half to surround the fort. The river was deep and fast moving and supported only four bridges to cross the cold water. A sight as impressive and distinctive as the hokage monument in Konoha. As with most cities and towns in the Land of fire they had been utilising the river as trade. The extensive port just downstream from the castle seemed to be brimming with several large ships. Wth a closer look the city was also filled with people who seemingly were ignoring the omens of rain and continued regardless of the weather. Kakashi and his retinue continued to walk down to the city then across one of the bridges into the castle. He received many respectable bows as he passed people. Poor and rich alike acknowledged him as he passed. The castle in question had many buildings inbetween the interior of the walls. A careful balance between utility and strategic placement to maximise the defensive potential. The path up to each plateu were all steep and carefully guarded. Not that Kakashi found it an issue, they were able to recognise him and enter without any delay. Upon reaching the top of the hill and so the residence of the Diamyo himself. The interior of the highest level reminded Kakashi of the hyuuga compound, or atleast one of the gardens. The straight path leading to a pair of majestic mahogany doors were lines of Sakura trees and ornate wooden archways which stood proud and in a line towards the main house. To either side and infront of the whitewashed walls where many collections of small ponds and streams and a huge range of exotic looking plants. Although their grand display was on its way out as Autumn had begun to settle in. Kakashi gripped the large doorknocker and knocked on the door politly and he waited. Within a few seconds a woman around Kakashi's own age opened the door and bowed respectfull. She worse a light grey silk Komono with a red ribbon and had the symbol of fire on her left chest, also in fine red thread. Her hands remained hidden underneath her draping sleaves as she spoke with a calm and sweet voice.
"Welcome Lord Hokage, the Diamyo is expecting and resides within his meeting office." She stood aside and gestured Kakashi to follow. "You may bring in one guard with you to the meeting, as you may know your grace." Kakashi did not bat an eye. It was obvious that Sai was going to enter with him and the two other ANBU immediately walked towards a nearby steat. They professionally sat down but remained still and silent as statues, give them five minutes and the pair would be unnoticeable to all but the most adept shinobi. Ready to be available should they be needed. Kakashi entered with Sai in tow. Their attension was immediately directed to a single man standing by the balcony and looking out over the city below. He worse a Komono very similar to Kakashis own. Both light grey and red. Although the Daimyo wore a has that held a fan that radiated from his head. In his right hand was a fan that he lazily flicked to and fro. Not that it was a particually hot day, this was more out of habit and it showed he was deep in thought or troubled by something.
"You summoned me?" Kakashi asked as he took position behind the chair closest to the door. It would have been considered rude if he had taken a seat without being asked.
"Venerable Hokage, you have always been a great asset to the country. Each Hokage has stood by each diamyo, but lately I have been having some issues with numbers here." The man calmly spoke, he never turned to face Kakashi.
"You flatter me, but is there a reason you have summoned me? I am curious."
"I'm going to be frank with you Lord Hokage, we here at the capital have decided, and with a heavy heart I might add, to no longer fund the shinobi program."
Kakashi was shocked. Wide eyed he staired in utter disbelief. He had to make double sure that he was not about to fall backwards off his feet. "With all due respect, I think your advisors are going insane. Shinobi have protected this land for centuries. What could have possibly happened to change that."
"Economics, pure and simple." Was the simple answer spoken by the Diamyo. Kakashi glared at the man at the excuse. "Don't get me wrong, I am not disbanding your village nor opposing the continuation of the Shinobi training I am only asking for you to find funding somewhere else."
"Break this down to me, why do this to us?" Kakashi held onto the back of the chair, there was no logic to the Daimyo and it was making him angry out of frustration. How could he afford to maintain shinobi without cutting back or hiking up mission prises? The Diamyo sighed heavily and turned to face the man.
"Tell me Kakashi how expensive is it to train a shinobi? From the the age of around six, seven. Well over two-hundred thousand Ryo of taxes per student."
"That is about right, but we put them on D-rank missions to help out on the costs."
"D-rank? Mere bread and butter compared to the whole cost and you know this. There is no guarantee a shinobi will even survive before they break even on their training costs." Before Kakashi could respond the next question was shot at him. "How about the number of fully trained ninja that pass training each year? About three dozen if I remember correctly, average about thirty. Yes these are extrodinary individuals especially with the likes of Naruto and Sasuke whom I've heard so much about."
"What are you trying to get at?"
"Please, I am yet to finish, sit if you like." The Diamyo looked grim in his obvious slating over the ninja world. "What of the wars you cause? Four shinobi world wars. Land is destroyed, families ruined and the cost of collateral is often far greater than you realise. The fallout? The cleanup? I have to pay for it all. While the Hokage concerns himself with the shinobi I have to handle many times your number with civilians." Kakashi was about to step in again but was silenced when the Diamyo pointed the fan at him, singnalling to be silent.
"As I had started before, I am having an issue with numbers. If you could, come up and look out of the window with me." Kakashi frowned at the obvious dive away from the question but obeyed and walked over to the balcony next to the Diamyo, who had turned around and looked out at the view. "Now, I'll admit I often enjoy the view I experience out of my castle. But Lord Hokage, if you will, direct your gaze down there. You see I had the pleasure to meet a merchant and he offered an alternative to security. Before I had no choice but to emply shinobi for security as their ability to use chakra to great effect was most benefitical." As he explained Kakashi saw below in a wide-open courtyard in the lower levels of the castle a row of people all holding some sort of weapon. The field was the size of a standard drill yard but Kakaski noticed on the far side of the field were a row of targets.
"If your eye is good, you'll notice the targets are at a range of fifty yards. A long range shot for any shinobi throwing kunai. It's possible but unreliable, correct me if I am wrong." Kakashi made no reply but instead watched what was about to happen. The Daimyo of fire opened his fan out wide and waved it in the air. Someone shouted 'steady, aim, fire!' and a roar of thunder could be heard as each weapon fired. A wall of smoke quickly began to shift out of the way revealing each target was hit. Kakashi could just manage to make out a few of the targets had now small round holes penetrating through them. Usually a kunai or shuriken would simply bite into the material but the projectile seemingly forced its way through; as confirmed by a bucket of water accidently left behind the targets. The bucket appeared to have exploded into splinters when it was shot and send water over the dry earth.
"So tell me, what sounds better for my country? Shinobi, whom I've expressed are expensive or these men? They are all normal civilians with little to no chakra ability. Fully trained in as little as three months, weeks if I so desired. Cost a mere fraction to recruit and I am able to recruit hundreds if not thousands. This, Lord Kakashi, is why we can't fund the shinobi program, we no longer need a shinobi army."
"H-how… where did you get those weapons."
"Trade my old friend, something I am sure you are relatively unfamiliar with such an art but I am well versed as a merchant."
"So, what of my village?"
"Oh, don't get me wrong, I mean no offense, infact this whole meeting was far too tense than what I had in mind. We will always need your shinobi particually when we go to war. But in terms of military spending this is a far cheaper option. You understand this right?"
Kakashi sighed, before he turned around and gave a fake smile, one that put Naruto and Sai to shame. "I understand your intensions perfectly and I wish you the best with your new security policies. Now if that was all you wanted t say, I'd like to take my leave?"
"I was hoping we could drink some tea talk longer about future plans, I'd hate to exclude the Hokage."
"Then you must forgive me, being an emergency meeting I had only divulged miminal time away from my duties." He gave a small bow and turned to leave.
"I'm sorry if I soured your day, as a token of goodwill and lasting friendship I have set up a gift of ten muskets. See if you like them and just send a message and I can arrange for a shipment to be delivered."
Kakashi paused to think about the offer. "Yes, yes I think I will take you up on your offer. He opened the door and Sai followed. Hearing everything but knowing it was not his place to mention anything. He was greeted by a scene of another maid of the Diamyo handing over a scroll to the ANBU and asking them to look after it. She turned to bow at Kakashi then lead them out of the house.
By the time Kakashi had returned to the village, it was now dark and the heavens had finally opened up to the rain it had been promising. The rain was light, but still for a group of people waking for many hours; it had soaked them. Further adding to Kakashi's bitter taste. He was usually a man who could maintain his composure but now the stress of the Hokage had meant he became angry on behalf of the village. He had every right to be as the majority of the funds needed derived from the capital. They were cut off as if they were nothing more than a luxury asset. Shinobi have always been the protector of their respective country because of their superior power over normal citizens.
Meanwhile as the Hokage had been baring the bad news. Fukushi was sitting in the middle of a shrine, the shrine was not important, as the one-eyed shinobi had pointed out that he remembered a different rostier of gods on his pantheon. Sasuke's reply was he preferred these places not for the religious zeal but the fact they were usually empty. Those who visited would not bother their meditation and those who he wanted to hide from would not expect him to be here. Fukushi was under the influence of the Sharingan, nothing malicious but allowed Sasuke to enter his mindscape and confront his soul partner. Aya. They were in the process of trying to reshape the land into something healthier. Sasuke was teaching Fukushi how to pull himself into his own mindscape at will. A useful ability considering it was the only way Aya was able to communicate with anyone else. Fukushi had explained because the binding is so close it is entirely possible to preserve a second conscious at the cost of sanity. Most of the time he was able to control the flickering of images especially when he had something to concentrate on, but not always. The mental strain can often induce headaches and leave Fukushi confused and dizzy. Within the mindscape it was easy to see how bad things have gotten as the visual representation of the cracked mindscape was just that. Thoughts and memories would be misdirected or corrupted resulting in seeing things which aren't there.
Meeting Aya formally for the first time in seven years was a weird experience. Her soul was still damaged but it did not stop them of hugging. Sasuke recognised the pain Fukushi had on his face. It reminded him of when Itachi, his brother, had decimated his clan and left him alone. In hindsight, the Uchiha felt he should have forgiven his brother had he known his pain. Unfortunately, it was far too late for Sasuke to bring back any of his own family and so it pained him to know that he will never have the opportunity to embrace someone he loved as Fukushi embraced Aya. What seemed like an hour of just being in each others' embrace they finally parted and staired into their eyes. Fukushi had seen much in his life. His home burning was the last ever moment they shared before he ran. He was young and had to survive, desperation turned to determination and so he was focused. The focus then allowed him to survive until he reached the land of earth after two years alone. Only to be taken in by a man who later revealed to be a monster, selling him for sex or combat. One injury to body and pride after another until he made his first willing kill. That man, he had allowed his guard to fall. Thinking he was safe in his castle surrounded by friends and family, yet he was struck down by the sword Fukushi still held in his right hand to this day. The same sword that same man gave to him to fight in his horrendous underground tournaments. Aya brushed the scars carefully across his left side of her partner's face. She did not speak, not that she could. Too damaged to make anything coherent but Sasuke had reassured that a mind was capable of being repaired, he would ask Ino who had a specialty in mind based jutsu, to help the process. Despite this, Aya's intentions were clear she could only feel compassion to her partner. While Fukushi was expecting ritious retrebusion for what he did. Instead the woman had silently forgiven her partner with a simple nod and a weary smile, tears in her eyes. Aya did not want to hate her partner she just wanted to try and comfort him.
Sasuke was satisfied with his progress, using his strength to help others was still a new experience to him. He knew he was capable of overpowering with force but Naruto had always shown strength through other means; a lesson that changed his life. He stood up and left Fukushi to meditate. The shrine itself was a simple one, a small ornate statue with many candles illuminating and warming the immediate space around them. The place had a roof but remained open to the elements by wooden pillars. The shrine was on top of a small mound and overlooked one of konoha's larger and original parks. Sasuke was surprised how pieceful the place was despite being directly in the middle of the village. These were one of the many reasons he liked it here. He took a deep breath and began to walk down the path to find his home, the last remaining Uchiha building. Aside from their own temple. 'I wonder if I should treat Sakura to some tea. I did appreciate her company, for once.' He mused himself as he walked. Sakura had been very busy trying to save her friends who were badly injured. Her efforts were proven to be a success although he had heard it was touch and go with shino. His smaller body did not offer the same protection as Choji's larger one and so suffered significantly more damage. But Sakura prevailed against all odds and is truly becoming an inpressive medic ninja.
The Uchiha's thoughts were cut short as a ANBU officer dropped down infront of him. He was wearing a white boar mask with red patterns swirled across. Aside from the brown hair, Sasuke had no hope of identifying who he was. The ANBU was respectively on one knee and bowed.
"Lord Uchiha, the Hokage has summoned you. Do you know where I can find a Fukushi Solaris?"
"I'll head over, Fukushi is up in the shrine. He is in deep meditation though so don't startle him."
Monica was acting very unusual. The guards did not feel comfortable being in the same room as her so had retreated behind a door where they can't hear her chanting. She had been staring into nothingness and chanting words in Fukushi's language. She had remembered the long string of words after she had encountered a certain jutsu in the book that Fukushi had entrusted her to use to help develop her fire ability. She was well aware how difficult and how easy it was to mess the jutsu up but still she chanted on. Repeating the sequence once she had finished over and over. She felt hurt for many reasons. The fact her home had shunned her still. The fact that Fukushi had not come to rescue her. The fact Fukushi had another woman on his mind. 'Aya' she spoke with cold words; her voice was dry from chanting for several hours. She hated that word with a passion. It clearly meant much to him, she couldn't deny his body reactions. He acted as if she was the only woman who could break his shell who could know him the way she wanted to know him.
The door opened and she glanced over to see who it was. Not Fukushi, she no longer cared. Sai on the other hand spoke with the same indifference he always had.
"You are lucky, you might be free by tomorrow, just thought I should mention this. Although expect there to be many conditions. Many do see you as a criminal although Fukushi is offering much for your release… You should be greatful."
Sai was not sure what she was thinking but she just simply smiled. "Thank you for notifying me." She spoke formally and innocently. A stark contrast to the dry chanting she had been doing since she was awake and found herself in a high security cell. Her grey eyes seemingly flashed brightly for a moment in the gloom, anticipation? Passion? Sai thought he would have to read up on language with the eyes some more before he could accurately understand her intensions. He closed the door and left her in solitude once more. She was silent for a moment but then started her chanting again. If anyone was there to hear they would have realised it was a new chant, differently from the previous one but eventually would drone itself into the subconscious.
Meanwhile as the Hokage's office, Kakashi was waiting patiently for Fukushi. He was not allowed to use any form of jutsu and so had to walk with his ANBU guard to the office. He entered after politly knocking and the room was filled with many shinobi of the leaf. Some he recognised and many others he did not. In the middle and at his desk was the Hokage himself the only notable exceptions were Naruto and Hinata, Shino, Choji, and Sakura. Although everyone had a morbid look on their face as if one of their own had died that day. Before Fukushi had arrived, they were told that the capital was pulling support in favour of civilian soldiers. On the table infront lay a single rifle with gunpowder and shot laying next to it. Kakashi had just confirmed that these were the weapons used against the jonin in the battle three days ago.
"Fukushi I have considered your offer. We have agreed to your terms providing the information you provide is indeed valuable."
"I understand, what about Monica." He spoke frankly and without emotion in his voice.
"We will release her from prision but understand she has broken many laws of our land and many no longer trust her. She will have her freedom but will not exceed the rank of genin, leave the village, and will have permanent watch over her. This is in light of recent events. Now, I would like to know what you have and tomorrow we will watch you and monica have a sparring match to see your abilities."
"Where would you like me to start?"
"First, can you fire this weapon?" Kakashi looked down at the rifle. Although Fukushi looked at it for a moment and closed his eye while shaking his head slightly.
"My family considered them dishonourable, we had a society of duelling where usually battles were broken to individuals seeking glory. The rifle allowed for the shooter to kill their target before they even have time to react. So I was never taught to use them… although my memory of when I ran from my home is very fuzzy, one piece of advice I had was to watch their trigger finger. Timing your move to the flash will not give you enough time. May I?" Fukushi walked up slowly, not that he was in any position to do much, he was in the room filled with jonin and the hokage himself. He picked up the weapon and showed how easy it was to spot the finger. "I'm sorry I am not so sure how to use it. There might be something in my book about them."
"please, continue, we have heard much about this book, and honestly you seem to hold so much value over it."
Fukushi nodded and looked down in shame. "I let it get to my head that it was the most important thing in the world." He weaved several hand signs and spoke out the jutsu in his own language. Startling some of the jonin as they had not expected several lines of yellow chakra to erupt from Fukushies hands into some sort of decorative banner. A puff of smoke and Fukushi was holding a large and tatty red-leather book with a clear fuunjutsu surrounding it. The one-eyed ninja took a deep breath and opened it at a seemingly random page.
"Yeah, there is quite a bit written about the history of rifles. If you like I can translate it for you." He spoke calmly as if he was expecting the stunned silence. In their minds eye when they were told he was carrying a book on jutsu they were expecting a scroll or two not what looked like a tome of unheard arts and culture.
"How many pages are in there?" Shikamaru was the first to ask as his natural curiosity had overcome the brief stunned silence.
"Many thousands, the book itself is a product of fuinjutsu. Although I need to replace it as I don't think it could last much longer. I guess That was my plan once I had retrieved the missing pages."
"Why were the missing pages so important? It seems like a few to the many." Anko spoke, she was behind on the details but the purple haired woman eyed up the potential that sat infront of her, not too dissimilar to how Orochimaru would have reacted. It had affected her like a moth to the light and she was already starting to get somewhat giddy over the secrets held within.
"Because I don't know what the pages that were ripped out contained. The way the book works is if you rip out a chunk of pages it'll end up being totally random rages instead. Which could be death jutsu… err forbidden, I think it's the same as you word it."
"What makes a jutsu a death jutsu?" Kakashi asked causiously, he wanted to evaluate the risk involved in protecting the book. Power is valuable but he was releaved certain individuals such as Oorochimaru were no longer at large. Oorochimaru had somehow managed to survive the war despite being killed several times. He was now restrained to one of his labs to forever more read his library or pass on advice when asked. Not a glamorus life but life nevertheless.
"Death jutsus." Fukushi explained. "Are called as such because they often do one of two things. Cause effects worse than death, or effects to a wide area thus affecting more than one person. In the wrong hands it could unleash untold suffering. Although it still does not excuse my actions."
"And you're wanting us to protect this for you?"
"Yes, I don't think I am capable of protecting it myself especially when the Lapis family are now here. They will be after the book as they want all of my family's jutsu. I know my limits, especially after I've lost my edge from being unknown. I've been lucky with my defeats but it only takes someone with edurence or strategy to run me down." Fukushi finished and he lay the book out on the table and pushed it towards the Hokage.
"I think you're being very logical about this. Please step outside Fukushi while I discuss with my shinobi what to do." Kakashi spoke in an even voice. He wanted to make sure he was making the right choice. Fukushi was clearly capable at providing surprise attacks which were able to overpower ANBU level shinobi. Sasuke had placed his trust in him, as he had described it. 'To pull him away from a dark path.'
"Does he have any allies? Any allegence with anyone?" Kurenai spoke first. The door was now closed and a silencing jutsu was cast over the room. While Shikamaru and Anko had silently picked up the large book and opened it on a seemingly random page. Kurenai was still on maternity leave but was asked by Kakashi to have her view on the side. She was furthest away from the shinobi mindset out of everyone present here.
"He has none, I would have found out by now." Sasuke answered. "I guess he has allgence with Monica but that was a relationship of circumstance. I get the impression she is very… taxing on him. Never the less he is quite alone."
"He sounds like he has plenty to gain from this deal." Kiba spoke. "Although he also has nothing to lose."
"Family name?" Kakashi countered. "He told me that he wanted to repent and repair his name."
"Then he is tired." Kurenai finally said. "I'd imagine he is exhausted from making such choices by himself."
"What about this jutsu he did on my daughter and Naruto?" Hiashi was listening in from the back of the room.
"The soul binding." Sasuke corrected. "I learned much from speaking to a spirit which resides within him. She died but because of the nature of the jutsu her spirit was able to survive. Although I can't imagine what kind of suffering she had endured. Because she is still a far cry from who she used to be."
"That is a very impressive form of reanimation." Ino spoke, now nersing her arm in a sling. She knew that Hinata has survived but had fallen unconscious because she had used up her remaining chakra to stableise Choji. She was probably the reason he was still alive. So he had not witnessed the jutsu herself.
"Clearly one that doesn't require a sacrifice." Anko mused, she also thought that Oorchimaru would kill to get his hands on a jutsu like that.
"We are getting off track. What do you think I should do?" Kakashi cut through their conversation. He was tired and stressed and wanted to get the situation out of the way as soon as possible.
"In light of what you said, we are five jonin short for now. Underfunded, and we are at the weakest we have ever been with the majority of our strength is in our chunin and genin now." Might Gai spoke, for an oddball, he was surprisingly effective at summarising the situation. "He is also our only option when it comes to Naruto and Hinata. Plus, the addition of some superior ninjutsu, or at least jutsu we don't have yet."
"He is in the prime of his youth, I would like to be the first to challenge him!" Lee spoke, he would be stubborn now that he had the idea of fighting someone in his head. But he had a valid point. "Besides he had managed to steal one of my genin students and I would like to see why for myself."
"Yes, Monica has improved immensely under his teaching. Even if he doesn't become a citizen we could simply employ him to train some of our genin." Tenten added, seeing her teammates point. She had her own group of genin who were also nothing special. They had solid teamwork and fighting skill but nothing on the calibre that she had seen from her peers at the time. "It would free up some jonin, like what the training program in Iwa tried to accomplish.
"I disagree with simply employing him. He will understand citizenship as adoption. His name, Solaris is the name of his village not of his clan. Citizenship will make him loyal out of honour." Sasuke retorted.
"If you're sure…" Tenten glanced at the Uchiha. Clearly not trusting the one-eyed shinobi since she had heard Lee's side to the story first.
"Is there anyone here thinking we won't benefit from him?" Kakashi asked, everyone shook their head. "So we can't deny the usefulness of Fukushi?" He paused. "What about employing him but only granting him civilian rights of our village?" Tenten, and Kiba raised their hands. They both had disgruntled faces and it was clear they did not trust the new addition. "Hiashi? You would like him to become a citizen?"
"I'm too old to be full of spite Lord Kakashi, if what you say is true then a new clan can only strengthen our village. Besides he saved my daughter, the heir, it would dishonour me if I shun him out now. I understand his crimes in Iwagakure and he has fought our shinobi but as far as technicalities go he is innocent."
"Besides translating this would be too troublesome on my own." Shikamaru spoke he was trying to read the pages for anything he could recognise.
"What about Iwagakure?" Lee spoke up. He managed to click something that everything had neglected. He got a sharp breath in from a few of the jonin.
"They won't be a problem." Sai said. "This morning they had send a letter warning us about the 'Ro' Alliance. They had made several moves and Iwa is stuggling to contain the riots." Sai mentioned.
"As you can see these are trobled times, the less we have to deal with the better. Alright. I've made my choice and will present it formally to the council. At least this is shinobi business so the civilians would have limited input." Kakashi sighed, politics were so troublesome, to borrow Shikamaru's phrase, if he wasn't careful he'd end up with the same tick. "Send him back in."