There was a hesitant cheer that grew louder as people registered what had happened. Naruto waited for them to calm and then continued. "It is my understanding that you have been subjected to a tyrant rule. You've been starved. Imprisoned. Suppressed. But I will not have it any longer. Under the Shinobi Alliance Proclamation rule 82 part S, I have relieved the Rokudaime of his position and I will place someone more fitting as acting Hokage until we have an official decision. Is this agreed?"

his voice carried. The roar was loud and taking over. It took longer to suppress it this time. Naruto turned from the crowd. "Shikamaru, Kakashi, can I talk to you in the Hokage's office?"

They were about to answer when a chant had started below.

"Naruto! Nanadaime! NARUTO! NANADAIM! NARUTO! NANADAIME!"

Naruto blinked. Kakashi put a hand on Narutos shoulder. "Naruto I really dont want to be Hokage."

"Dont tell me you think I'd really accept the offer," Shikamaru rolled his eyes. "Listen to them. They'd only accept one person."

Sakura gripped Naruto's hand tight. "It's your dream."

Naruto hesitated, turning back to the crowd below. He raised his hand and they stilled. "Citicens of Konoha… Will you have me?"

The chant returned and Naruto found himself grinning. "Then let a new age begin!"

He left then. "Sakura will you tend to the imprisoned? Shikamaru I need you to send birds and envoys to every hidden village. I'm going to get Sasuke myself."

They disolved and Naruto made his way down through the prison and had to cover his mouth, the stench of sickness was giving his stomach flips. He finally found the right cell and authorized its opening.

A huddle figure hid from the light.

Naruto bit his cheeks hard. "Sasuke…"

Sasuke looked up. He was thinner. His hair was longer. The prison conditions had never been like this back when Tsunade was Hokage. Naruto grimaced.

"Dobe," came his cracked voice. "Took you long enough."

Naruto fled inside and supported Sasuke with his weight, helping him up. "Teme, you realize you're talking to the Nanadaime?"

"More like the Dobedaime…"

Naruto laughed a little despite the situation. "Come on, let's get you to the hospital. Sakura's waiting for you."

Sasuke cracked a small smile. "Alright."

And things were finally looking up.


"I want to make a new council," Naturo said three days after the overthrowing of Kato. "Can you call them here? The people I list?"

"Of course," Sakura set down the book she'd put up and readied a pen and paper. "Go ahead."

"Shikamaru Naru. Hiashi Hyuga. Choza Akimichi. Might Guy. Kakashi Hatake. Tsunade. Sai"

Sakura glanced over the list before nodding. "Any others? What about Sasuke?"

"Sasuke's not recovered yet. Maybe later. Mmm. I want Shino too. That's about it."

"Alright. Should I send them here or…"

"Yeah." Naruto dragged his chair back and sat down. "Thanks Sakura."

"Yes Lord Hokage," she winked before turning around and strutting out.

"I think you made good choices," Said Gaara.

"I wasn't too sure. I mean I thought about Ibiki but he's got his own thing going and the guys kinda… you know." Naruto made movements with his hands on either side of his head like an animal clawing violently.

Gaara did not understand. "Hn."

"I just know Kakashi and Granny Tsunade will never even show up though," Naruto huffed. "And Shikamaru's gonna complain when I tell him what his job is."

"What is his job?"

"Hehe. It's a secret until he gets here. Will you stay while I talk to them?"

"If you wish," Gaara glanced out the windows. "We can cover the items of trade while we are at it. Chojirou and B and Kurotsuchi have been authorized to speak on behalf of their nations. I do not think that the other nations would be against starting up trades again. The Sand will cooperate fully. As long as you are Hokage."

Naruto grinned. "Thanks for sticking by me."

"I understand how difficult it is to become Kage. I am sure Tsunade and I will help you until your council is ready. Is it really wise to do away with the old members?"

"I think the village needs a fresh start. I told the members who had been loyal that they are free to live in peace undisturbed in the village. Consider it a retirement and nothing more. Those who were the strongest supporters of Kato… I still haven't decided. I want the opinion of the council before I act there. As for Kato himself… I have some idea's but I'm just not sure."

"Usually a criminal like him would be executed publicly and his body burned. In the sand we do not give graves for high criminals. It is the ultimate shame."

"See, I don't want my first rule to be something like that Gaara. I want my Leaf to be different! Better! I want peace and that's not going to get it for me. So I'm trying to think of an alternative to murder."

"I understand," Said Gaara.

The two talked about things Kage talked about. Gaara shared small tidbits of his knowledge and Naruto would agree or disagree with much. his ideas were new and fresh. He was not yet tainted by 100 year old politics or withstanding rules. There was an insight with a fresh pair of eyes that Gaara found himself listening to.


It took half an hour to assemble everyone in the office. The ambassadors were on standby for when talks of trade would commence.

"I'll leave you be," Sakura lowered her head. A part of her was bitter for not being on the council but she understood why. Her responsibility was head medic. Naruto had left those who were already weighed down by tasks like Ibiki or the head of anbu alone.

"I dont know if Sakura told you why I wanted to see you all," Naruto stood from his chair and glanced over them all. Kakashi gave a quick shake of his head to inform naruto that no, the knowledge hadn't been passed along. "My first act as Hokage is to start a new council."

There was a shuffle around the room. Naruto continued, "and each of you will be on it. The eight of you are who I can trust most with decisions. Starting a nation after it's been destroyed like this isn't easy. I cant do it alone. You have the right to refuse. If you agree your judgement must be for the betterment of the Leaf. you will forsake all gain from this position. Will you consent?"

"I will, forsaking monetary gain and pride for the betterment of my village." said Tsunade, stepping forward and leading with the customary response.

I will, forsaking monetary gain and pride for the betterment of my village." Shino was the next to follow her example.

I will, forsaking monetary gain and pride for the betterment of my village," said Sai

I will, forsaking monetary gain and pride for the betterment of my village." Shikamaru followed.

"I will." Kakashi's eyes crinkled with a small smile.

"I will, forsaking monetary gain and pride for the betterment of my village," said Might loudly.

"I will, forsaking monetary gain and pride for the betterment of my village," said Choza.

"I will," said Hiashi.

Then they bowed down on one knee and Gaara nodded to Naruto.

"The council will now rise." Naruto waved them back to their feet and gathered around his desk. "I have several requests from all of you."

"You are free to order us," Shino suggested.

Naruto flashed him a grin. "Right now there's a lot to be recovered. Guy, Kakashi, I want you two to help restore the ninja system to how it was before. Work with Iruka. Choza we need to go through the rest of the prisoners and make sure nobody is in there for a wrong crime. Those who have been need to be acquitted properly and given compensation. Sai, Shino, can you find all the documents on legislature Kato inforced and bring them to me to sift through? Tsunade you'll be in charge of diplomatics until I have time to look over it."

They nodded and disappeared. Naruto looked at Shikamaru and Hiashi.

"I owe you two my life," Naruto pointed out. "Hiashi I trust your judgement. Even if we haven't agreed in the past I know that you will do whats right, even if you don't want to. I'm going to rely on you a lot. Is that alright?"

Hiashi lowered his head.

"And Shikamaru, I'm going to appoint you Jonin commander, like your father."

"What a drag," shikamaru mumbled, but smiled a little.

"Now the last thing is… I… for Kato's punishment. I need you Hiashi."

"What can I do?"

"I do not agree with your curse mark. I think it is a flawed system but I have no rule over clans. I am requesting you place a curse mark on Kato. If you are willing and able to modify it. I will provide him with a cabin outside of the village and the mark will make it impossible for him to leave it or betray us."

Shikamaru started. "That is the same as an acquaintance!"

"As I said, I do not wish to start my rule with death! This is my solution."

Hiashi inclined his head. "I will talk with my clan, but I believe there will be no qualms to your request. This once."

"Thank you Hiashi. Dismissed."

Naruto wanted to make a different village. A different rule. He wanted to be fresh and new and different. He didn't want so much death.