Chapter 4
Summer Days, a Fateful Homecoming
Sakura Haruno looked on at the scene unfolding before her on the bridge. With the bridge completed and order restored back to the people living in the town of Wave, her team and Naruto had prepared for the trek back home to Konoha. What greeted her eyes was the entire town greeting them to send them off at the bridge.
At first she thought it was for them and she noticed that Daisuke next to her had puffed up his chest in pride at the thought of the townspeople coming to see them. His chest quickly deflated as they all clamored for the hero in red that was behind them. She gained an odd satisfaction at seeing her male teammate disappointed.
Everyone turned to get a gander at Naruto being surrounded by the local populace. For her watching it all, it was amazing. She had never seen people treat someone with such reverence before. They all continuously thanked him for what he had done for all of them.
For freeing their home from Gato's clutches and providing them a future.
For giving back their hopes and dreams that was violently taken away.
They all bowed in veneration to him. It didn't matter who. Men, woman, elderly, and children alike all bowed to him. One in particular stood out amongst the people that was bowing. It was a little girl that was carrying with her in her arms a small stuffed plush lion. Yoshino, if Sakura remembered correctly.
She had noticed that Naruto would try to visit the orphanage as much as possible. The way he treated Yoshino and her elder sister reminded her of a tender, caring, and loving father would be to his daughters. How he would smile and hug the youngest sister. How he would tell her stories of his travels and the places he had been. How he would listen carefully to what she said and gave his undivided attention to her.
For Sakura? It melted her heart completely. She had happened upon it when she had volunteered to help out with the local makeshift hospital and orphanage. It was hard for her to believe that Naruto was the same age as her being eighteen. He had acted well beyond his years that belied everything about him.
Comparing to her fellow colleagues back home and similar aged people, they all focused on enjoying the finer things of life. Things like making a name for themselves, partying, sex, and being the best "shinobi" they could be for their country. In a way she was considered a black sheep in that she was interested in being a doctor and to save people's lives. The only reason why she was a shinobi was to have the military branch fund her education for a medical license and be transferred off later.
Fourteen years ago she had lost everything in the freak fire that occurred in the summer.
Her home. Her parents.
Everything gone over night from the fire that spontaneously came from nowhere.
Her life in the orphanages sparked a fire in her after the incident. In a way it was similar to Naruto's wish of wanting to save people and become a Hero of Justice. That day when he introduced himself to her team resonated something deep within her.
How he had so resolutely believed in his dreams of being a hero to save everyone. That he would do any and every thing he possibly could to save people. To make them happy.
It was why she wanted to become a medic. To save lives from being needlessly loss. She had the power, knowledge and intelligence to do so. That Sakura Haruno would do everything she could to save a person. Because of that, it separated her from her peers that were too busy enjoying other things and themselves.
While others would go out celebrating and partying. She would be at her own meagre apartment studying medicine and practicing healing techniques. Day in. Day out. The pink haired girl would take as much notes as she could from the books and hand guides written by the legendary Tsunade Senju and practice them. Fitting and molding them to her own style piece by piece.
In the beginning it was agonizing and painful. There were many times she wanted to give up. Where she fell down and there was no one else to help her back up. But time and time again she got back up and steeled her resolve to chase her dreams. It was the dream to make sure no one had to cry if she had anything to say about it.
Her eyes softened at the sight of Naruto smiling to everyone especially to Yoshino. He closed his eyes and vibrantly smiled before bowing back to everyone.
"You all… you all don't have to bow to me. I should be the one bowing to you all!"
Sakura tilted her head slightly at that. That was another thing she had noted about Naruto's character.
'He seems to have… a distorted sense of values where he only finds self-worth from helping people without any compensation. Like the act of just helping them was its own reward.'
In her mind it begged the question. How scarred and broken was Naruto? She knew enough about herself that she was wired differently compared to everyone else, but Naruto took that a step further and then some.
It didn't make him bad or off putting, but for Sakura; it made her want to get to know him even more. In the past weeks of being around him and observing his actions, her admiration of him had grown into a budding crush.
A small blush formed on her cheeks before she softly shook her head. Sakura didn't know what was causing her to react to Naruto in such a way. She had never paid much attention to the opposite sex until now.
'Maybe it's because we're similar? Geez Sakura… you're almost an adult and you're thinking like a pre-teen.'
She mentally stuffed her thoughts towards the back of her head and shelved it for later, she would cross that bridge at another time.
Looking around, everyone was looking at Naruto oddly before the little girl berated him saying that's now how things are supposed to be and that he was being completely silly. She smiled at that. Yoshino was such a cute and vibrant girl after meeting Naruto.
He looked sheepish and scratched the back of his head still giving them his smile.
"I-I'll miss you big brother Naruto," the little girl said softly. She had walked up to him holding the lion in her right arm. The look on her face was a sad one, as if she didn't want him to leave.
Naruto's features softened before kneeling down to her level and opening up his arms inviting her for a hug. The orphaned girl ran into his embrace and hugged him as hard as possible with her tiny arms.
"Don't worry… when you miss me just remember this lion ok? I'll be sure to write to you and your big sister as often as I can."
Yoshino looked to be on the verge of crying before smiling. "Ok! Make sure you tell us more about your adventures big brother! We're all going to miss you! Especially Shirley!" At this she gave a sly look to her elder sister who immediately blushed and looked away in embarrassment.
He laughed softly like a father would and rustled her hair a bit gently. "I'll miss you too Yoshino-chan!" he smiled fondly. "I promise you that I will. I'll even try and send gifts to you and Shirley!" He got up and walked Yoshino over to Shirley while holding her hand.
"If you ever need help, write to me and I'll do everything I can, you hear me?"
Shirley nodded, "I'll be sure to write to you as well… and umm… also keep up with the flower you potted!"
During Naruto's stay he had gifted her a potted plant that was blooming into a beautiful white flower. It was a simple gift that he made out of an aluminum can with her name taped on it. He had apologized profusely for not making something better, but Shirley had loved it and promised at the orphanage that she would do her best to care for it as it would be a reminder of him. (1)
It was a gift not bought, but rather made from the heart and for Shirley it made her cherish it all the more. Her first gift from her savior when he didn't had to gift her anything at all. It should've been the other way around, but would adamantly refuse any type of gift or payment for his actions. For Shirley it made her love him all the more.
Sakura watched the two hug before separating and allowing the rest of the crowd to yell out there thanks and gratitude for Naruto.
In her mind, when she looked on the interactions between the little girl and him had permanently landed Naruto on top of her list of people she would look up to and respect. Not to mention her increasing affections for him.
From over where Kakashi stood, he was reading Sakura like an open book. Picking up on the subtle nuances her face would make, how she would shift her feet ever so slightly, and her gloved fingers would slowly rub against each other.
'Ahh… the wonders of youth and its romances.' Underneath his mask he smirked knowingly at the sight. 'It seems like Naruto is able to bring out Sakura out of her shell bit by bit.'
He was an experienced man who had lived and seen through very much the world had to offer him. Spotting a budding crush that could be seen a thousand miles away was child's play. In a way it was a good thing that was happening.
Kakashi scoffed lightly at that. Usually romances and infatuations were frowned upon in the early stages of development as it would normally be a distraction and detriment. But in this case? Sakura, in Kakashi's opinion, needed this to grow as a person and be socially active amongst a fellow peer. 'Although I would say Naruto is a whole lot more intrinsically distorted than Sakura in all of the cases.'
Naruto's hero complex and ideology to save everyone alienated him from the general shinobi demographic. Most people were usually in the business of either being famous, collect power, wealth, patriotism, or the factor of being shinobi was cool. Kakashi's eye slightly twitched at the last thought.
It reminded him of the state of Konohagakure was in. His nation had not only survived through three world wars, but somehow came out on top in each one. The Third World War had greatly benefited the country and set an unprecedented wave of peace, prosperity, and wealth. Contracts were plentiful, trade was plenty, and resources abundant.
Because of that Konohagakure at its heart had festered a disease that was rotting at its body.
Complacency. Laziness. Smug. Conceited.
Those were a few words that could describe the state of affairs back home. It filled his stomach with disgust at the thought of it. He who was once so proud of his country now could only think of it in disdain. There was an old saying that used to be preached to all of the students in the academy.
"After victory, tighten the cords of your armor."
Konoha had done the exact opposite over the years and loosened the cords of its armor. Its people had become complacent with their new found wealth and sat on its laurels fully intent on reaping the benefits.
For almost over two decades Konohagakure and the Land of Fire reigned as the supreme super power on the continent. Its ability to churn out beyond exceptional individuals that dominated the battlefield surpassed every other nation and hidden village. Whatever the Land of Fire did, the other great and lesser nations had a tendency to follow in its footsteps.
Because of this and the third world war, it had set an unprecedented period of peace. 'In-fact… in a couple years, we will have about three decades of peace. No major wars or conflicts with any other sovereign nation,' he noted.
Definitely bizarre.
If you excluded the fact that Naruto went traipsing through the continent with his crusade on being a hero then he had unknowingly prevented any upstarts sparking a war amongst the nations.
Although with Naruto showing up out of the blue with strange new abilities and a foreign language that was primarily used by the people from the Far West. Kakashi had felt in his body that the cogs of fate were starting to spin up again and that a tide of change was brewing in the horizon in the form of Naruto. With his reappearance and homecoming, Konoha would be the first among many to experience it.
Simply put?
The chickens were coming home to roost.
Kakashi knew Naruto too well as a person and as a friend. He knew all too well of that sinful manner of living. Naruto was the living embodiment of change and revolution. Everywhere he went he had left his mark and shook the establishment to its foundations. 'Konoha has been long overdue for one. With Naruto coming back, things back home are certainly going to be a lot livelier and well…' he huffed a bemused breath to himself. 'Entertaining.' With his rank and seniority he would be granted with front row seats to the storm that he would be bringing along home with.
By this time, the people of Wave had gotten their fill in giving their well-wishes to Naruto and his group had started their way in-land on the road towards home. He noticed as Naruto bowed deeply once more before they finally parted ways. Kakashi gave a small smile, it was quite refreshing for him to see such a character compared to what he had to deal with back home.
At the thought of some of the people back home, in particular junior jonins, made him heave an irritable sigh before brightening up. 'Buu-uut, now that Naruto is back I'll finally have my retribution,' he thought evilly. 'Ohhh yesss… those snot-nosed, green-ass, punks are going to get their just desserts. After all… revenge is a dish best served cold.'
Kakashi Hatake was not above being petty.
Kakashi Hatake was definitely not above using other people to enact out his vengeance.
The sharingan wielding shinobi was a very, very adolescent person deep down, but he would never act on said pettiness himself. Oh no that would ruin his image of being a relaxed, indifferent and almost boring person that didn't care too much what was said about him.
Just some comments here, timed meetings, a nudge there and voila.
Retribution. Sweet, sweet retribution.
He was a horrible person, but no one had to really know did they?
A cough to the side of him broke his chain of thought and he rose an eyebrow in question to the offender. It was Zabuza, Raiga, and the other ninja named Haku. 'I thought they would've skipped town by now and on their way back to Kirigakure.'
"Huh? What the hell are you three still doing here? You idiot I said go home and you're still hanging around here!" said an irritated Naruto.
Zabuza narrowed his eyes in annoyance, but Haku responded before he could. "Ahh, well you see we just wanted to thank you for sparing us. We never had the opportunity, but we thought it best for when we both would split ways." She bowed deeply in respect and gratitude to Naruto. (2)
The blonde hero clicked his tongue in response. "Sheesh come on give me a break here. Please you don't have to bow to me! And well… any sensible person would spare you, I think…" he finished lamely. Consequently he scratched his cheek and looked away as if unsure with that statement.
The two swordsmen beside Haku stared at him blandly with the look that screamed "are you serious right now?"
Haku wasn't deterred in the slightest. "Even then, with the funds we were able to gather from Gato's building we're now able to secure an almost guaranteed acceptance back into Kiri. What you've given to us is a gift we'll never be able to pay in return to you." Zabuza was too prideful as a person to admit it himself and Raiga was simply indifferent about the whole thing. In the end it was up to Haku that did most of the talking.
Naruto tisked in annoyance. He didn't handle well with people thanking him for his actions. To him he was simply a man on a mission to save everyone if possible and that he didn't needed to be thanked. In his skewed values, he was simply repaying a debt for surviving the horrific fire all those years ago. His life was empty, if not meaningless if he didn't try to help people. (3)
"Please. For my sake alright? Take care of yourselves, I hope the next time we meet is under better circumstances and maybe we can get to know each other ok?"
She smiled and nodded, "That would certainly be most agreeable. Before we part ways, we'd like to at least repay-"
"Stop."
The black haired girl recoiled in reaction to being interrupted.
"I don't want or need anything in return. Just go home already. Take care of that idiot to your right and use that money to sweeten your deal to return to active duty."
"Oi – asshole I'm right here."
He was promptly ignored by Naruto. "Go home and take care of your business first alright? And again. There's no need to repay me alright? You got me? Do. Not. Repay. Me." He was stressing the point of not having to pay him back in anything. It made him feel incredibly guilty as if he was somehow taking advantage of them.
Haku blinked a couple times in response before acquiescing and smiling. "Ok… if that's how you want it to be. We have no problem with that." She bowed again. "Thank you for sparing our lives. We'll be sure to repay you greatly some day in the future." At that she pursed her lips together before smirking at him. As if on cue they all disappeared before their sights, surely on their way home back to Kiri.
For Naruto he was left there standing with his mouth slightly open before it slammed shut with an audible click. "That…. That woman I swear," he started grinding his teeth together. She got the last word in before he could shut her down.
She had got the last word before he could say anything and knew it.
"The next time I see her she's going to regret pulling a fast one on me I swear it. I'm going to skewer her into the ground alright and enjoy every bit of it."
Kakashi laughed playfully at Naruto before padding him on the back. "Come on Hero-san! Let's get going back home already. You can evilly plot away with your vengeance later!"
He received a grumble in response in which he chuckled before moving onto the trail. His team all too eager to get back home followed in earnest.
Tazuna at the other end of the bridge was talking with his fellow construction workers and villagers before one of them asked what they would name their new bridge. He hummed in thought for a moment then scratched his scruffy goatee before smirking and snapping his fingers. Even though Naruto had explicitly told them they didn't have to repay him in the slightest, he wasn't here to prevent them from doing so behind his back.
"How about… The Great Naruto Bridge?"
As one they all roared in agreement before going on their merry way to properly celebrate their new found freedom and completed construction project.
Too busy to care nor notice, not a single soul noticed a white rat scurrying pass them in the direction of Naruto all the while grinning in bemusement.
'Oh Emiya-kun, you never cease to entertain do you?'
It would be several weeks before the four finally made it to the main gate of Konohagakure. Along the way back Kakashi and Naruto made small talk about what has been going on since he left with Sakura chiming in now and then. She made it poignant to stay close with them the entire trip and stuck particularly close to Naruto, though he hadn't minded the company Sakura had brought.
On the other hand, Daisuke and Sasuke stuck together like white on rice and kept their heads down. Sasuke in particular had become reserved and quiet since the battle on the bridge. The psychological wounds left in her had reopened leaving a marked change to her personality. It was enough that it had taken an edge off her usual haughtiness and replaced her demeanor with a pensive mood. Daisuke had been the only one that could still dig up her former self, but if left alone she would slink back into a more reflective state.
Naruto had made several attempts to converse with Sasuke, but each try was shot down by either her staying silent or avoiding him outright. It annoyed him a little bit, especially with Daisuke trying to muscle him out, but he genuinely wanted to know if she was well. After failing, he had stopped trying for now and kept to Sakura and Kakashi after a weeks' worth of attempts. He'd maybe try again after they got over their teenage melodramatic troubles, he couldn't understand it and he honestly didn't want to.
When they arrived at the green wooden gates, it was a quiet and tame affair. For Naruto it filled him with bits of nostalgia as he vividly remembered the first steps to his adventures around the continent. While Kakashi had checked them in, he took a moment to take a gander around himself and he couldn't help but smile to himself and chuckle.
It was loud enough that it brought attention to himself. Kakashi brought an eyebrow up in question wondering what was humorous.
"It's been over four years since I stepped back through these gates and not a single thing has changed since." He placed a hand on his hips as he kept looking around. "Same old bland green gates with the big ole welcome sign painted on there. I remember some talk back in the meetings about upgrading the gates, but I guess they never got around to that huh?" He was softly musing to himself and had an air of open conversation allowing anyone to chime in, but no one did.
"Well I finished up the paperwork check-in for all of us." He turned to his team. "You three can take it easy, head home and unpack. You all deserve a bit of rest, I'll make the mission report with Naruto over here." Kakashi jerked his thumb over to his side.
His team looked at him funnily in response. It was out of character for him to be enthused to do his work in front of them. Usually he was fairly laid back about his job as a teacher, but it seemed like he was personal investing in this.
"Me? Seriously? Come on, I wanted to see if the house is ok and stuff," complained Naruto. "I haven't cooked in ages and I gotta check the gas line and pay off any bills that's probably been piling up." From there on he started droning on about his newfound chores and listed every single one of them.
"You can play housemaid later Naruto. Besides, Sandaime-sama hasn't seen you in ages. I'm pretty sure he'd be pretty happy to see your ugly mug again."
Naruto looked as if he was offended and scoffed. "Housemaid? Really? Kakashi if I remembered your apartment was a literal piece of shit except for your shitty bookcase filled with shitty porn novels. You're just as bad as Anko-nee when it comes to cleaning and taking care of yourself." He started listing things off from what he remembered with his fingers. "There was the garbage, which I took out for you a lot of times, the piled up paperwork on your desk which I would file away for you, your dying plants, your expired dog food that was piled up, dusty ass old scrolls, boxes filled with junk trinkets that you're too lazy to throw out, piled up dishes, and a refrigerator that hadn't been cleaned out in ages."
Through it all Kakashi's eye smiled and he took it all in stride. "My apartment has never been cleaner since then! Thanks to you now I just chuck things out the window if I don't need them!"
The blonde rolled his eyes. "Well that's somewhat a step in the right direction I guess."
"Alright you three. Scram already! You have today off before we have our next team meeting."
Sakura bowed before heading back to her apartment, while Daisuke sneered and Sasuke merely looked away and followed her lover back his house.
"What a great team you have here. Are you sure you aren't a babysitter Kakashi?"
"Shut it Hero-chan and let's go."
Naruto merely smiled and flourished a salute, joking around with Kakashi before being body flickered with him to the administration building.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Sandaime Hokage, God of Shinobi, and the scholar of Ninjutsu colloquially known as The Professor was a tired and aged man. He had survived through countless battles in his long life; ranging from the end of the warring state period to all three of the world wars. One could consider him incredibly fortunate to have been long lived in a lethal profession that guaranteed death. In reality, the reason living so for so long was sadly built upon a foundation of thousands of bodies both friend and foe. The elderly shinobi had seen allies sacrifice themselves to protect the ideals of his home and personally slain a thousand more to defend it.
For over forty years he has guided the village under his vision. His reign would be remembered as one of the longest and perhaps the most tumultuous. In his opinion he was no longer fit to lead the village in its stead. There was a reason why he had the Yondaime Hokage take over to allow a new generation to lead filled with new ideas and bright dreams. They didn't need an old relic like him that came from a bygone age leading the village anymore.
He tapped his pipe emptying the contents before refilling and lighting it. The aged leader coughed a bit before lightly puffing on the pipe. His physicians had warned him to not smoke too much in his advanced age, but he couldn't be bothered to give a damn. Turning towards the window that gave him a perfect panoramic view of the bustling village, he gave an old man's sigh and rubbed his forehead.
"I'm getting too damn old for this." He chewed on the pipe while drinking in the sight before him. "Minato-kun… it should be you that's sitting here while I retired spending the rest of my days playing Shogi and smoking. I need to find another successor soon… someone more competent and youthful compared to this bag of old bones…"
That was a headache itself trying to find a suitable individual to take up the mantle for him. There were only a handful of people that were qualified for the job and all of them didn't even want it. Shimura Danzo, both his longtime friend and rival even declined the position citing that his management of the Black Ops division was too time consuming and finding a replacement for that would be a nightmare.
Sarutobi had known how long his old friend had coveted the position and even for him to decline astounded him. After he had mulled it over, he saw the other reason why he had declined.
The Ministry of Economy, Trade, and Industry, or METI for short. (4)
First let's take a step back to see the fundamentals and foundations that formed the basis of the government of Konohagakure no Sato.
When the Shodaime Hokage, Senju Hashirama, first established the village. It was initially a relatively large military village that was under the protectorate of the feudal lord of the Land of Fire. Over the years it had grew well beyond the concept of a village and into a bustling city that had massive walls and was able to protect from marauding threats such as bandit warlords and piracy.
As the chapter closed on the Shodaime Hokage's reign with his untimely death; the Nidaime Hokage was chosen, being his brother, Senju Tobirama. He enacted reforms and officially placed a constitutional monarchy in which the Daimyo still had effective power over in his capital, but they had replaced, by in large the military, legislative, and judicial branches of the government with shinobi over in the village.
The system wasn't perfect and had started out rough, but as years progressed into his reign it changed and adapted to meet the needs of the people under its protections and became the model in which other "villages" used. Some nations like Kumogakure opted for a more rigid stance on being militaristic and installed a military junta instead. Each of the five great nations and the lesser nations took what they could from Konoha's model and molded it to their needs and purposes.
The Kage's over the past century or more had effectively became the representative military commander of its respective nation akin to a Shogun. While the Daimyo directed the general economy, settled disputes with other lords, communal with other nations dealing with international matters, and other ceremonial duties that he was entitled to for being the ruler of the lands.
There were two main cities that each side ruled. The traditional capital that the Daimyo occupied with his contingency of Samurai, Ashigaru, and select shinobi to protect him. And the walled in military city where shinobi trained and made the bulk of its respective nation's forces in which it's respective Kage would command with.
Now with the bulk of the government located in Konohagakure and with a large civilian population to fuel its recruits into the shinobi sector. There were parts or ministries where there was a mix of shinobi and civilian or strictly of civilian or shinobi.
There was the aforementioned METI. They were by far the largest along with the Ministry of Defense in terms of employment since it dealt with both civilian and military matters. METI has jurisdiction over a broad policy area such as containing Konoha's industrial/trade policies, energy security, and control of arms export, human resource, general politics, business, and academia. They especially took an investment in the health of the shinobi military force and how they should generally operate.
Then there was the Ministry of Justice, or MJ for short, held the responsibility for the judicial system, correctional services, law enforcement, and household, property and business registrations. They also served as the government legal representatives.
The Ministry of Defense, MD, was charged with coordinating and supervising all agencies and functions concerned with national security and the shinobi forces. General recruitment of potential recruits for the academy, operating both internal and foreign intelligence departments, logistics, threat reduction for both internal and external threats, and advanced research projects.
And lastly the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, MFA, handled the state's diplomacy, provided support for the country's citizens who maybe abroad, improvement of the profits of Konoha and its nationals, maintenance of peaceful and safe relations in other countries, and its international diplomacy and policies.
METI was one that was initially purely civilian that later phased out with more retired shinobi. At first they were a centrist in which it was neither liberal nor conservative but with the induction of former military individuals had slowly swung it over to the conservative side. With the long periods of peace since the ending of the third world war, had begun advocating reforms to the education and academic system.
They argued the time for child soldiers had passed; that they were no longer in the warring state period and with the advent of them being the top political and military power after the third war, pushed for reforms in the academy system. Mainly in terms of raising the minimum age requirement to graduate from fourteen to seventeen. From their point of view, since they were in a time of peace, there wasn't a need to rush out recruits and that they should take the time to cultivate their students.
It was a sound argument which had been passed after a years' worth of talks and meetings.
The Sandaime munched on his pipe before breathing in and blowing out a perfect smoke ring. 'It would be fine if they kept it at that, but they keep pushing for more reforms and gathering power to the ministry and party.' The thought flittered about in his mind if he should stomp down on them and use his executive powers as the Hokage to restrain them, but he honestly had better things to do like finding a replacement. Someone young that had vitality in them and ideas to grow the state should be the one to lead the charge.
Simply put? The Sandaime Hokage didn't give a shit about what they were doing.
He was here only to keep the seat warm and maintaining the infrastructure making sure things ran smooth.
"Hokage-sama, Jonin Hatake is present to report for his mission. He's also followed by another person that he says is also here to see you."
The secretary's voice interrupted him from his thoughts. He sat back down behind his desk and tapped his pipe clearing out its ash before responding. "Send them in and thank you."
"Yes Hokage-sama."
A click from the intercom was followed by the door opening.
Kakashi Hatake's familiar spiked up white hair and covered sharingan eye was the first one at the door. He bowed customarily before walking in and standing at attention in front of his desk. 'Now who's this guest that Kakashi brought?'
The person that appeared in his door frame was the last and least expected person he thought he would see.
His jaw lowered as he took in a very familiar sight, he had almost dropped his pipe if he didn't clamp his jaw down.
Sarutobi blinked.
Taking the pipe from his mouth he looked at it, as if it was causing him to hallucinate the appearance of the man in front of him. He even gave it a little shake.
There were very few people that had short blonde hair. There were even fewer that had spiky hair that bore a resemblance to the Yondaime Hokage. Especially the eyes, the pure ocean blue eyes that peered back into him. 'Those eyes…. They've aged so much. They've seen and experienced too much.' Hiruzen had lived for many years to be able to read someone from the look of their eyes.
After all, your eyes are the windows to your soul. They shout out to the world what and who you are.
And for Sarutobi Hiruzen? It reeked of sadness and sorrow. Loss. And what was that? Guilt? Regret? He narrowed his eyes ever so slightly to get a better read, but the man in front of him caught on and blinked once and hid behind a mask belying his feelings.
He bowed politely and walked up and stood next to Kakashi. In his small stride to the other man's side, the Hokage noticed, even though his eyes told him of pain and sadness; walked tall and proud. There was a small smile that adorned his face as he stood there like a knight beside the other man.
"Naruto-kun?"
I gave a soft smile in response when I heard him speak my name. Looks like the old man Hokage has aged considerably the last time I saw him. He should well be in his seventies if I remember correctly. This job must be taking quite a toll on him by how tired he looks.
I'm fairly sure that at this point he must be desperate to find a person that's willing and able to take up the hat for him so he could retire already.
Sad really if you looked at it from a certain point of view. Hiruzen Sarutobi was once a powerful and ambitious man filled with hopes and dreams. His power and skills demanded absolute respect; it such that his infamy was spread across the continent being named a God of Shinobi of sorts.
I never saw the old man in action and only heard of accounts of his exploits in his youth. Many alike said that he was able to command all five elements simultaneously and shape the surround environment to his whim if he so chose to. Others spoke of his unyielding endurance being able to go on for days if not weeks of constant fighting. All of them also reported of supreme battlefield dominance being able to subjugate lesser beings and weak-willed men and women by sheer chakra presence alone.
One of them wrote vividly at how he had appeared at a battle during the Second World War. The shinobi of Konohagakure had been essentially sandwiched between Iwagakure and Kumogakure. If I remembered correctly they were outnumbered by the thousands, 20 to 1 or some odds like that. Old Man Sarutobi had showed up to allow his outnumbered force to retreat and reposition themselves while he would take on both armies. There were many sources detailing the fight and how long it lasted. Some scholars argued it lasted a whole minute, while others said it had dragged on for much longer.
But all of these eyewitnesses and accounts had agreed on one thing. Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Sandaime Hokage, had immediately knocked out over half of the forces from each side by simply letting loose his chakra and chakra alone. After that it was a one-sided battle with him absolutely trouncing the armies into smithereens and crushing them under the heels of his sandals.
And that was how he would become to be known as the God of Shinobi.
The person sitting in front of me was undoubtedly one of the most dangerous individuals to have been born onto this earth.
But… that was decades ago.
And here he was now. Old, growing frail and weak every year. It was only natural really, there was no greater enemy than time itself and the old man knew it.
I'll be honest, I'll probably bust a gut if he offers me the hat right here and now.
Doubt it.
Besides, I'd rather not be stuck in an office and dealing with politicians and learning how to manage a country. I love my freedom and being able to travel anywhere I wanted to thank you very much.
"It's been quite some time since we last spoke huh old man?"
He gave a grandfatherly smile in response and a suppressed laugh. "Indeed it has been." He inhaled a bit from his pipe and breathed out the smoke smoothly. "How long has it been since you've been out travelling the world hmm? Four years? Or was it five?"
"Somewhere around there."
"And you didn't even bothered to send a postcard along with the meagre check-in letters that you would do."
I gave him a smirk, "Well I'm sorry to say that postcards aren't on the list of things to make and sell in the shinobi world."
"You could've at least sent a gift from the local area," he countered.
"At least I wrote back to home, isn't it the thought that counts?"
The old man blew out a perfect smoke ring. "Can you fault an old man for wondering what the world looks like nowadays? I haven't been out of the village or the country in years!"
"Have you considered retiring maybe?"
"Is that you being interested in taking over for me then? I'm looking for candidates you see and I see a splendid and fine young gentleman in front of me that would be perfect for the job." He looked at me dead in the eyes. Shit. Was he being serious or was he just messing with me?
"I do have to say as a word of precaution that the job details aren't too glamorous. Long hours, stressful environment, lots of paperwork, government leadership, long meetings with idiots, and oh? Did I mention lots of paperwork?"
"Haha…. Hahahaha. HAHA-HAHAHA~HAHAHAHA!"
I laughed uproariously and uncharacteristically of me at him. He really was trying to pass the hat onto me and make me Hokage. I was laughing so hard I actually threw my head back and grabbed the front of my head. It was so much that I actually started to shed tears. It was a genuine hard laugh and response at my own prediction at how right I was.
Composing myself back into order I looked at him and saw that he was smiling, just waiting for an answer patiently.
I placed a hand on my hip and gestured with the other. "Sorry to say, but I'm going to have to politely and respectfully decline. Sorry… you see I sort of enjoy my freedom and I'd rather not be tied down by a desk job."
"A shame then really. Such a strong, strapping young man full of vitality and youth. Not to mention many connections with the minor feudal lords and ladies, you would've made a fine Hokage." He took another puff from his pipe before pointing it to Kakashi. "How about you hmm Kakashi? Since you seem to find this quite humorous. Could I interest you in taking the hat?"
Kakashi gave the man his patented smile from his eye. "No-no Hokage-sama! I possibly couldn't! I'm only a mere lowly peasant and could never take up the holy and grand position of Hokage!"
The Hokage clucked his tongue in feigned annoyance. "Sheesh this generation. No ambition at all. What a disappointment I tell you. Why… back in my old days…" he stopped right there and grinned. "Did you two think I would go on some long-winded story about the days of my youth like some old man?"
We shook our heads with a benign smile.
He harrumphed in response, "Looks like I still need work on my old man skills."
"Yeah you do old man. It sucks. For an old man you don't really do the whole old man thing well."
"How rude, it seems like you've developed such a sardonic personality," he noted.
"Oh? With how old you are I thought you wouldn't notice. Guess you're not that old huh?"
"And being an annoyingly sarcastic punk to boot," he responded dryly.
A pause fell upon the three of us before we laughed in good nature. I was the first to stop laughing before my face fell into a pensive look. It's been a while since I had a good laugh. Sort of makes me happy that I came back to my old home. Besides… I haven't checked on dad and the house in years. I hope everything back at the house is ok.
Eagerness and excitement welled up inside me at the prospect of stepping back inside the house again.
"Well that's enough of that. Let's get to business shall we? Kakashi, report."
My former teacher snapped to attention and began giving a summarized verbal account of the mission. He recounted how a few days into their trip they were ambushed by two rogue shinobi whom were easily dispatched. Followed by his student's vote to continue on, their first encounter against Haku, Zabuza, and Raiga, and then him sending out a runner to contact back home to send reinforcements. How by pure chance that I had come across Pakkun and came to assist, liberating the town, killing the mercenary army hired by Gato, his subsequent trial and death, the completion of the bridge and pledge by the people of Wave to support Konoha in any way possible.
Throughout it all I listened in here and there, but I noticed Kakashi had left out a few rather peculiar details such as my abilities. I didn't raise an eyebrow at that, but I guess he wanted to talk privately about that I suppose. He probably has a crap ton of questions. I know I would.
I also noted that Kakashi made comments about Sasuke and Daisuke particularly. Oh I could tell this was going to get juicy. From what the conversation that I had with him, those two were a special project being schemed behind closed doors by several people.
Tsubasa Daisuke was the son of a prominent retired shinobi that was a part of METI and that he was to sway one Uchiha Sasuke to their side for political power. The wealth and prestige of the now almost extinct Uchiha Clan was too good of an opportunity to pass up. Coincidentally since Daisuke was a guy and Sasuke was a girl, it made it all the more easier.
'Also doesn't hurt the fact that that girl is a basket case of problems. Geez Itachi, did you really have to screw over your sister that bad?' I sort of felt bad about her predicament, but her attitude grated on my nerves a lot.
I made attempts here and there to talk to her, but I would usually only get a cold shoulder. I definitely could tell she wanted to talk to me or wanted something of me the very least, but it seemed like she was too scared to do so or something was holding her back at the last moment.
At the back of my head I felt a headache begin to bubble up just thinking about it. 'Why does things have to be so complicated back home?' Now I sort of regret coming back home. Sort of.
Nah not really.
I might as well try and fix whatever is going on at home. Set things straight and… well prepare to head back to the west.
Akasha help me when the time comes, because I'm a hundred percent positive that I'll be a dead man. Probably experimented on then killed, then resurrected, and then killed again. Give or take a couple dozen times depending on how mad she would be.
Then I remembered who and what kind of person she was.
Yeah… I might as well prepare my grave now then.
"Naruto?"
"Huh?" Was my intelligent response.
Smooth move moron, I was so lost in my head that I didn't even pay attention to anything that they said.
Shit.
How deep in thought was I?
"You tired Naruto?" asked Kakashi.
I rubbed the back of my neck tiredly. It was all starting to hit me and I hadn't had a good night's rest in a while now. "Yeah… been travelling for a long while now, sorry about that." I sincerely apologized. "You two don't mind if I had back to my house? My list of chores is building up quite a bit and I would like to get a head start on them."
Old Man Hokage nodded allowing me to go. "By the way, now that you're back. Would you like to be re-instated?"
My lips pursed together, my eyes looking around in thought before my head shook. "I think I'll have to decline on that, but thank you for the offer." I bowed formally to him. "I don't think I'll be able to pay you back for what you've done for me, but I've tried my best."
He gave me a smile, the type a grandfather would to their grandchildren. "It's alright. Go on and scram you. I still have a couple more things to discuss with Kakashi here. Do stop by and visit would you? After you're finished with your personal matters that is."
"Sure, I can visit whenever you're free." It wouldn't hurt and I could get a feel as to what's been going on lately. "Old man. Kakashi." I waved to them as I exited the room with my back to them.
Walking through the halls of the administration building I heaved a great sigh that I had been holding. I was tired, just so very tired. I felt drained both mentally and physically.
Bringing up my right hand I clenched it a couple of times.
Huh.
My entire right arm had went completely numb. The red holy shroud that was wrapped around it to seal it off was still tightly wound onto the limb. Clenching my hand some more and flexing my arm I couldn't help but grimace when I felt the familiar sensation of being cut and stabbed in the aforementioned limb. At first on the bridge it felt like it was burning and now it was getting worse.
Luckily this hallway was fairly empty so no one saw me lean against the wall for support. My breathing started to get heavier and I started to break out into a cold sweat at the pain. Closing my eyes I concentrated breathing to calm myself.
Breathe in.
Breathe out.
I needed to get home pronto. I can't afford to waste any more time seeing as how my arm was getting progressively worse.
The pain was so much, that for a fleeting moment, the thought of cutting it completely off came to the forefront of my mind. But that would probably make everything a hell of a lot worse for me than it already is.
"Gah… this arm…" It was hard to even speak now. "Is a real… pain in the ass…"
I need to get into the workshop as soon as possible or else I'll find myself actually attempting to lop the damn limb off just so I could get rid of the hassle that it brought.
The two men that were still in the office waited before they felt Naruto's presence was out of the building before they resumed talking.
"Alright Kakashi. Give me the complete assessment. No bullshit or anything else."
The silver haired man mulled over the choice of his words and how he would bring it up. It was a delicate matter that went far beyond even his high-ranked paygrade. Because of Naruto he felt that he was now playing in a whole new ball game and stepping into another world that he didn't have much knowledge on. Quite frankly it frightened him a little bit at what he thought Naruto got himself into.
"Well… you see Hokage-sama. I don't really know how to tell you in all honesty. I feel like I just accidentally stumbled upon something that I shouldn't have."
All he got in response was a raised eyebrow.
"I think… Naruto has gotten himself tangled up in some serious and sensitive matters. On the bridge he uttered words in a foreign language. The one typical spoken by people that hail from the Far West. I've only rarely came across people who spoke that language in the form of priests from this… Holy Church?" Kakashi had brows furrowed in concentration. "Not to mention he's picked up a few abilities that I've never seen before in my life."
The aged Hokage had a pensive look on his face before he sighed. 'Of course Naruto would get himself mixed up in crucial foreign affairs.' He took his time to empty out his pipe before packing in fresh tobacco and lighting it with a match. 'I suppose it would only be a matter of time before he would fully delve into the arts of this Magecraft that Kiritsugu had written up about.'
It was the deal that he and the adoptive father of Naruto had made. In exchange for asylum in the walled city, Kiritsugu had agreed to write up a comprehensive outline about the Far West and its intricacies. Suffice to say that he had written a large book that detailed everything Kiritsugu had memorized in his head.
The one thing that had unnerved him the most was the sheer versatility that thaumaturgy could provide. It rivaled, if not, surpassed Ninjutsu in a large amount of areas. From general intelligence gathering, day to day life utilities, to combat applications. It was that flexible, but the downside was that only a select amount of individuals had knowledge of thaumaturgy. The main drawback was that if more and more people knew about magecraft, the less effective it would be. 'But, it also means that the less people that know about it are even more powerful than one could imagine.'
Then there was the whole section detailing about other esoteric subjects. Phantasmal species were one thing. When he had read into it, he was filled with absolute disbelief. Kiritsugu had the gall to write that there were some beasts that had ascended to a level that was at par or simply beyond the scope of the tailed beasts. For a short while he had considered the man was pulling a fast one on him, but there was no other sources to collect from. Emiya Kiritsugu was his only source of knowledge that knew a great detail of the Far West inner-workings and otherworldly abilities that they possessed.
As he had delved deeper into his writings, there was one thing that had terrified Sarutobi Hiruzen to his bones that he had involuntary dropped the book in horror while reading. It was a short chapter as Kiritsugu himself didn't have as much information as he would've liked to have written, but it was enough that it frightened him down to his soul.
In the book he had touched upon another organization with power rivaling the Holy Church and Mage's Association. They were simply named:
The Twenty-seven Dead Apostle Ancestors
The aristocratic elite of the vampires, otherwise simply known as Dead Apostles. It wasn't the fact that there were actual vampires. It wasn't the fact that there was undead organization manipulating events behind the curtains.
No it was the simple fact that Kiritsugu had theorized the first ten on the supposed list couldn't be defeated by normal concepts, as they, themselves, are something of a fantasy and therefore existed outside of nature.
'And that the list meant the higher you go up, the paramount danger they pose to humanity increases.' He took a long drag from his pipe. 'To hell with it, my successor can deal with this when they come into office. I got other prominent matters to deal with first.' A traitorous former student of his came to the forefront of his mind.
"You're right Kakashi, you've indeed stumbled upon something that is greater than me and you. There are forces at work that are simply beyond me and my abilities to even comprehend. Even though I am of the scholarly sort, most of the things that I've been read about escape my grasp to be able to explain." With his free hand he rubbed his goatee while he smoked. "You'll have to ask Naruto on this personally as I wouldn't be able to give you a clear picture, but know this."
Kakashi straightened up at the change of tone at how serious the Hokage had gotten.
"You mustn't tell a single soul about this Kakashi. Whatever you and he discuss in private? No one must know at all costs. There are just some things the world and its people aren't ready to find out about. Truthfully they might not ever be ready."
At this moment, the twenty-nine year old shinobi knew he had irrevocably stepped into a whole new world. 'Just another day at the office I suppose huh?' he sighed internally.
"I'll leave it up to your discretion as to what to do if anyone else finds out Kakashi."
He bowed in response. "Yes Hokage-sama."
"Is there anything else you'd like to report?"
"No Hokage-sama," he said.
"Then you're dismissed Kakashi. I want your paperwork filed and the report by the end of this week." Kakashi bowed before turning around and heading to the door to leave. "Oh and you and your team can take leave for the rest of the week. You'll have your pay adjusted in accordance to the mission."
He nodded, "Have a good afternoon Hokage-sama."
Sarutobi grunted, he had more paperwork and two meetings later on today. "You too Kakashi."
When the jonin finally left his office he let out a long and tired sigh.
"I'm getting too old for this shit."
Sasuke Uchiha stared blankly at the drink she held in her hands. It was a cup of chilled sake that she had been sipping every now and then. If she were honest with herself, she wasn't in the mood for drinking or celebrating with the group of people she was with currently. Daisuke had called up their usual group friends that they would hang out with normally.
They aren't even your friends.
It was true. They were mostly Daisuke's friends that she had become acquainted with by just being with him. They were a group of junior Jonins that were starting to be fairly popular due to their high mission success rate. If she remembered correctly from their boasting, they had yet to fail a single mission that had been given to them since their promotion a year or two back.
Typically she would be enjoying the celebration at their first successful mission out of the village, but for some reason unknown to her she couldn't bring herself to do so. Bringing up the cup of sake she took a small sip. No, she knew why she couldn't enjoy what was going on right now.
That wholesale slaughter on the bridge kept replaying over and over in her head. The absolute power Naruto had exuded rocked through her soul when he performed that strange technique to create all those weapons. How he then, almost as if, casually raised a hand above his head, summoned a wall of steel and made it rain down upon the enemy with no mercy.
She should've been used to seeing such brutality. After all, when she was younger she herself found her clan massacred throughout the streets. But then again Sasuke had only found the aftermath of it. Witnessing it happening in real time was a completely different matter altogether.
"What's wrong with her?"
It was almost a whisper, but she heard it. They were starting to talk about her again.
"I don't know. She's been all weird since she got back."
Then one of them laughed. "Isn't she always weird though? Hasn't even talked at all since the party started."
"You think her and Daisuke are having another spat?"
"Maybe? At least it makes him free for the night though."
Sasuke could feel the smirk roiling off the one girl that had an interest in the person she was seeing. There was a total of eight, if you included Daisuke and Sasuke, which were celebrating in the room. An even split of males and females, with all of them huddled into their respective groups to chat and drink except for her.
The comments being made that usually brought a response fell on deaf ears. There was a new and pressing issue that she had to deal with currently.
'Like working up the courage to ask him to tutor me or give any tips.' The dark haired teen felt stupid ignoring Naruto when he came up to try and converse with her. It would've been easy since he came to her, but now she had to go to him. In a way she lost home field advantage and would now have to venture out onto his territory to ask for a favor. 'Would he even consider it? And how would I bring it up? "Hey, I know I was a haughty bitch and irritated the hell out of you, but could you train me so I can kill my older brother?" Ughhh he probably doesn't even like me after I brushed him off all those times.'
Don't forget about Daisuke ~.
She took a deep breath at the whisper in the back of her head. It was her logical side speaking up that seemed like it had a tendency to poke in at the times she was in deep thought and sadly it was right. 'He'd flip his lid if he finds out. He's already irritable as is and whenever a guy even looks at me or says "hi" he turns into… into such an asshole.'
He even treats it as if it's your fault…
Downing the sake that was left in her cup, she grabbed the bottle and refilled it. 'It's not my fault that people come and talk to me. I wouldn't mind making other friends of my own and do what I want to do sometimes…'
Taking a peek at the assembled group they all looked like they were having a blast. She didn't liked them per se, 'But I guess it beats being alone and depressed. Then again it still sort of feels like I'm still alone and depressed… just a different type.' Heaving a morose sigh softly to herself, she took another sip before looking out of the window.
As she watched the people walk passed by she spotted someone amongst the crowd that caught her attention. Sasuke blinked a couple of times to make sure the alcohol wasn't playing hijinks with her vision, but it wasn't. The red shroud that was draped over onto the left side of his body was unmistakably him. There was only one person that walked with a sense of purpose and being tall and proud like a knight all the while.
Before he passed the building that she was in he stopped in the middle of the bustling street and turned towards her. 'No way… did he see me? But the blinds are closed and the windows are tinted.' His head turned up ever so slightly and blinked a couple of times before moving on. 'He did. He had to have known I was here… I think…' Now she was second guessing herself. 'Ugh damn it. What the hell is up with that guy?'
From the second story of the building she watched as he walked away and turned the corner down the street disappearing from her sight. 'Well he's heading towards the northern end of Konoha so I at least know where he might live.' Strange, the northern end was a suburban area that contained old houses and traditional buildings. 'Not to mention expensive considering the fact they could be called antiques dating to the foundation of Konoha.'
"Heyyy ~ whatcha doing be all beautiful and alone by yourself."
Someone plopping down right next to her almost made her spill the drink she had. It was Daisuke and from the looks of it he was drunk already. He kissed Sasuke's cheek and tried snuggling into her which she just allowed him to do so.
In a way it felt nice to be loved by someone. Daisuke filled a void that was created by her older brother. Even if it caused her a great deal grief and headaches, there were times where she was glad that she had anybody at all to give her company. The pain of losing everyone she loved and coming home at the end of the day to a desolate and lonely home was the worst.
No one could really knew how it felt coming back to a home dead silent after a long and hard day. No mother to hug you. No father to recognize you. No brother to cry your heart out to.
It was a personal hell that she suffered for years until a young boy had gotten the courage to try and hang out with her. From then on she clung to it like a lifeline. That someone had stepped into her life and filled the loneliness in her life.
Even if at times he would cause her pain, she would still be with him.
Even if at times he would be absolutely deplorable, she would still be with him.
Because deep down, she was still a little girl that feared being alone. That in her mind, it was better to have bad company than no company at all.
Anything was better than enduring alone in your own hell all by yourself she reasoned.
Why suffer alone?
When you could be among others and hide your pain behind a veil.
A diversion was the best thing one could use to hide the agony after all and Daisuke with his group of friends provided the most perfect distraction of them all.
Scurrying in the shadows, a small white rat skirted along the streets following the hero in red back to his house. It kept a large distance between itself and the human it was tailing after. All along the way, it communicated to the other rodents using its heroic and idol status to gather its powerbase and spread its influence upon the walled in city.
It was easy enough with it being popular with communities in narrow spaces underground, on ceilings boards, in drainage conduits, sewage systems, and even behind the furniture.
After all, what rat could deny such a kingly and beautiful rat with a crown and cape? By the time the day would be over, Konoha's rat population would be under its total control. (5)
As it traveled through the city following its target, it couldn't help but stop at moments to admire the location it found itself in. 'A charming and fascinating this place is. No wonder Emiya-kun is here. There's almost no pollution in the air. Everything here is natural.' The sight of the faces carved into the granite mountain side above the red capitol building was a wondrous thing to behold the rat's eyes.
The white rat made sure to take note of any and all possible routes for escape in the event things would go south if it was found by the local shinobi, but the probability of that happening were impossibly slim. The type of chance where you had a greater possibility of being struck by lightning on a non-stormy day.
Twice.
It took pride in above all else its abilities in subterfuge, espionage, and stealth.
From a distance it observed Naruto finally coming his destination being his home and unlocking the gate. Just as he did that, the King of Rats sensed a bounded field being erected over the property. It would have to keep its distance for now until the right time could be made to contact Emiya.
With no knowledge of what the barrier could do if it crossed into it, it would have to bide its time and examine what would happen if someone that wasn't keyed into the system walked in. Either way it gave time for him to explore the city and give time for Emiya Naruto to recover. There was a great deal of things to discuss, but it could take a backseat for now. No sense in rushing things when its master and his partner weren't here yet.
'Looks like that arm of his is starting to become a great burden for him. I wonder Emiya-kun… if you are prepared for the storm that's brewing upon the horizon.'
(1) Another nod to Fate/Zero.
(2) I don't care what anyone says, Haku was most definitely a girl and was fucking with Naruto.
(3) Trying to convey the survivor's guilt.
(4) My attempt at expanding the Naruto-verse starting with how things operate.
(5) If you don't know who this is hinting to by now, you're going to have to wait a long while.
Author's Note: So this was particularly difficult to plan and write out. It took me a while to figure out how to expand upon Naruto and its universe. In the series they don't really touch upon how things are ran beyond that the Hokage pretty much does everything and has a couple of advisers. I'm making an attempt to do some world building and took a lot of inspiration from how the modern post-1945 government of Japan works. Suffice to say, they have a shit ton of departments or ministries that make sure everything runs smooth so I narrowed it down to just four main ministries for the basis of the governments of the hidden villages to work off of. Hopefully it's not too much and adds a quality of life to the story.
The goal for this chapter was to conclude the Wave Arc, getting them back to Konoha, an insight to both Sakura and Sasuke with Daisuke coming up next chapter, a hint at the bigger world with the meeting in the Hokage's office, and hopefully, I'm doing this right, start building the suspense of something immense heading towards Naruto's way.
Before anyone asks because I know some of you will be rolling your eyes at the mention of a council because of its stigma used as some cheap trope to explain things. Such as "muh council has too much powers" and "duh council is the real power of the nation!" Nah, not in here. It's just here to flesh out Konoha and give it some life and not some 2-D flat as a board nation. The Hokage has the first, middle, and final word in all matters. If he wants you dead, you're dead and you'll be replaced. Welcome to a dictatorship.
Yes. I've depicted Sarutobi as a man that just wants to retire and couldn't really give a shit about what's going on unless something actually poses a threat to the village. Speaking of the village, I know I classified it as a city, but I'm going to keep using village for the namesake and ease. If you really look into it, Konoha is huge and is considered to be the most populous village in the world.
Also again, there will be no bashing in this story. Everyone will be fleshed out. There will be some characters that dislike other characters of course and as a reader you too share the feelings of either liking or disliking the person. But no one will be bashed. They will grow and they will mature over the course of the story.
I lied about making long author notes, can't help but want to explain some things and set stuff up. Anyways I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! I felt like I did my best to attempt to do some world-building and I hope you thought it was interesting at the very least! I do my best to try and respond to any and all questions sent my way as soon as possible, so feel free to PM me if you'd like to!
Please leave a review on what your thoughts/critiques/concerns are so I can improve as an author! And thank you all for the responses on the last chapter! Some of you guys/girls make me feel all warm and fuzzy inside! Seriously, thank you all so much for taking the time to read my story! I'm very grateful!
Word count before A/N: 11,275