Yo...

Time for another chapter, and as you've seen this new arc has a lot of things waiting to be unleashed...

I really enjoy when people hate Baku, it just shows he's the perfect bad guy...whose downright evil and selfish.

Enjoy the chapter...

Chapter 63

Small Changes

Kakashi was currently busy signing various documents and reports that were increasing every day. He had to admit, fighting in a war was more easy than looking after the mess it creates. In all their fighting, none of them had ever realized how much destruction had happened in the world.

Their economies were in shambles, and if the weather didn't turn out to be good...then the ninja world could be facing a food crisis.

Plus there was the fact of jobless ninja, and nothing was more dangerous than that. He was currently in Kiri and was in charge of helping the new Mizukage along with his division. His men were finding it very hard to adjust back to civilian life after 7 years of warfare.

He was relieved to know that the war was over, it was quite a surprise from him when a messenger dashed into his office yelling "Naruto Namikaze defeated the Heavenly Alliance, We Won!".

How the boy was alive was still a mystery for him, but he was happy for his sensei...

"Kakashi..."

The copy ninja was surprised when he found the said man standing before him, and the look on his face was not the one of a victorious Kage.

"Minato-sensei..." said Kakashi in surprise, and immediately bowed before him.

"No need to be so formal, Kakashi" replied Minato as the young Hokage stepped towards the window of the office in order to observe the construction work in one of Kiri's major cities.

"Things are going well here, the people fully support Mei Terumi. And the remaining loyalists of the previous Mizukage have gone into hiding. The Bloodline Purge as well as the Fourth Great ninja war is over for Kiri's people. We finally won..." said Kakashi in a satisfied voice, but the look in Minato's eyes portrayed something entirely different.

"There are things men can do to one another that is sobering to the soul. It is one thing to reconcile these things with Kami, another thing to square it with yourself..." replied Minato in a tired voice,

"Sensei..."

"Nobody is the winner here, Kakashi. In fact, everybody has lost and we are standing in front of a destroyed world...the people of the world have no hopes and are lingering in sadness for the loved ones they lost in this bloody war. 3 great ninja villages have no proper leaders or government, our village has suffered so much that I doubt it would ever regain the strong position it had before the war. There is shortage of food, mental condition of ninjas, it's a mess..." explained Minato in a disappointed voice, making Kakashi understand the true picture that was left after the war.

"But you got your son back..." suggested Kakashi, trying to cheer his teacher up but ended up making him look more sad.

"Yeah, I got what's left of him anyway. He is a body without a soul...there is no love, no spark in his eyes. He's a dead man..." replied Minato regretfully,

"How is he?" asked Kakashi hesitantly,

"Kakashi, he's in the same condition in which you were, after the Third Great ninja war. You lost Obito and Rin, but Naruto lost his teachers, best friends, and many of his comrades. Blacklight made him do things for which he was not mentally prepared and now..." said Minato tiredly,

"Is it that bad?" asked Kakashi sadly,

"Yes, he's in a far worse state than you...and the problem is he has shut himself down. And is not willing to share his pain, I just don't know what to do anymore..." said Minato in a frustrated voice,

"Give him some time...these things don't leave so easily" advised Kakashi

"Time is the one thing I don't have, Kakashi. There are certain factions within the village that would want us to rule over the defeated villages, while the other half would want to re stabilize Konoha and make peace. If I chose any one side, the other would revolt...so I'm taking full responsibility for this war, and resigning from my position of Fourth Hokage" said Minato honestly, as Kakashi took a step back in shock.

"Are you serious?" asked Kakashi in shock,

"Yes, the village and the world needs a new leader to lead them into a better future. I've ruled over Konoha for the past 19 years, and now I'm tired. Change is necessary..." said Minato seriously, making a tired sigh escape from Kakashi's lips.

"Sensei, you are the best Hokage Konoha has ever had. You brought the Uchiha back, strengthened the village, and-"

"I was not the one that won this war, I was not the one that inspired our people in the darkest times. Kakashi, I acted as the mind of Konoha and guided it in this war, but someone else acted as it's heart. He gave hope where there was none, inspired people to fight in front of certain death, won impossible victories and lead Konoha towards a better future" said Minato proudly, bringing a smile on Kakashi's face.

"Naruto Namikaze..."

"Maybe you won't be calling him that for a long time." said Minato suggestively,

"Don't do it, Sensei. It will be a disaster..." argued Kakashi quickly, as only he could understand what type of trauma Naruto was in, and handing him the Hokage position would destroy him completely.

"Why?" asked Minato sternly, and narrowed his eyes at the copy ninja.

"Yes, Naruto has proven himself to be a good leader. But he's not ready, he needs time to grieve and if you make him Hokage it won't be good for anybody..." said Kakashi honestly,

"I don't understand...this position would help him get over his grief and the pain of losing his best friends..." argued Minato in protest,

"You're wrong, Naruto will never forget them. He can never 'get over them'...but he can accept it as a part of his life. I still blame myself for what happened to Obito and Rin, and cannot forgive myself. You gave me 6 months to grieve and put me on standby, that time helped me accept that my teammates were gone and I had to protect the thing that they gave their lives for. I vowed to protect Konoha in order to honor Obito and Rin, and it is the only reason that I was able to fight back..." explained Kakashi

"Then what do you suggest?'' asked Minato curiously, this was one of the reasons why he visited his student as Kakashi was the only person who could truly understand Naruto and his feelings.

"From what I've seen over these years, Naruto is a compassionate person who loved his friends and respected his teacher immensely. We watched how he cried when Commander Fox died despite what the man put him through, Naruto respected him. Yes, Naruto is worthy of becoming Hokage but not right now..." said Kakashi seriously,

Minato watched curiously as Kakashi took out a few photos from his desk and presented it in front of him...

"Make him a Jounin and entrust him a genin team. The bond which he'll make with these kids would spark the love that he has lost, he would feel the same feelings again. Naruto is a war veteran, and I believe he can be a extremely good leader for the next generation. Naruto is a lot like me, when we saw how he was in Blacklight boot camp, I understood he was like me. But Armin changed him and made him value teamwork and comrades, just as Obito did for me..." said Kakashi sadly, as memories of that day came flooding back in his mind.

After explaining his views, Kakashi forwarded 3 photographs towards Minato as the Hokage took a closer look at them.

"I believe these genin can be a good team. 2 of them have served under me, and I can vouch for them. While you know the third one personally, all these 3 kids know each other and graduated in the same class..." said Kakashi smartly,

"But why these 3? I can understand this one...but the other 2?" asked Minato curiously,

"They are a replica of Naruto's old team. A skilled protege, a hopeless fool and a clever kunoichi..." said Kakashi jokingly, making Minato laugh as he remembered how Naruto, Armin and Mikasa were when they were kids.

And looking at these 3 kids, he could understand why Kakashi chose them.

"Itachi Namikaze is like Naruto, a skilled protege and expert in battle. However he's like a lone wolf, just as his older brother was in his age. Itachi does not favor teamwork and tries to do everything alone...he's a long range fighter and expert in ninjutsu and genjutsu. Plus, Naruto and him share a bond...and Itachi will definitely remind Naruto of his old self, and I believe he will do everything in his power to prevent his brother from making the same mistakes which he did..." said Kakashi seriously,

"The next one is Hinata Hyuga. She's an exact replica of Armin, her skills are average and is the weakest Hyuga in her clan despite being Hiashi's daughter. She has self esteem issues like Armin, and if my sources are to be believed she admired Itachi, just as Armin admired Naruto. She is skilled in Taijutsu and close quarter combat, and can act as the shield of the team. Naruto helped Armin, and I think there is no better person than him who can help Hinata...and this would also satisfy the Hyuga clan who have been quite dissatisfied with your marriage to Mikoto-sama. By making your elder son the teacher of the next heir of the Hyuga clan, you will give them equal importance. And it is vital that Naruto develops a bond with Hinata, because it will help in making peace with the Hyuga that is vital for the village's safety and prosperity" explained Kakashi seriously, as a proud smile came over Minato's face.

Kakashi was his only student in this world who was alive, and the way the man had progressed these years had made Minato extremely proud, and from the thoughtfulness that he was showing right now showed Minato that the man was ready...

"The last one is Sakura Haruno. She's a talented medical ninja and extremely skilled in genjutsu. Her personality is similar to Mikasa- cold, calculative, and straight forward. She's an orphan like Mikasa, and she has saved a lot of lives under my command. With her the team is complete, as you effectively have a long, close, and middle range fighters. Plus you also have a medic which is extremely beneficial for the team's survival. Sakura is not a leader, however she can adapt herself accordingly in battles..." said Kakashi honestly,

"Impressive, Kakashi. It's highly impressive..." said Minato proudly, as the copy ninja just scratched the back of his head.

"In my opinion, the responsibility of Hokage won't bring Naruto back. But this team can definitely bring him back, and I know Naruto would fight fiercely to lead these 3, so that they don't make the same mistakes which he did. Naruto will teach them teamwork and the value of comrades, which they lack right now. He'll pass the will of fire to them, and if this team becomes a success...then the failure which Naruto feels in the back of his mind when he couldn't protect Armin, can be overcome. Naruto can never forgive himself for what happened with his team, but if this team becomes successful then he'll feel that Armin's legacy of teamwork has been passed on, which will give him peace...and after that he is fit to be Hokage" replied Kakashi in detail,

Kakashi was surprised when Minato started clapping while giving him a wide smile which made him feel a little happy...

"You've become a fine ninja, Kakashi. And I'm proud to be your teacher...your understanding of the next generation is what we need right now to lead Konoha to a better future. I understand your plan, and will believe in it. I'll continue to remain as Hokage until Naruto is ready, however there is another thing which I wanted to discuss with you..." said Minato happily,

"What is it?" asked Kakashi curiously,

"I'm planning to make Shikaku Nara a part of my council, and he wants to retire from the position of Jounin commander. He'll still advise the Hokage in important matters, but he wants to spend some time with his clan and family. That's why I want to make you the next Jounin commander..."said Minato honestly, and he smiled on seeing the shocked look on his student's face.

"I don't know if-"

"Kakashi, you are a war veteran who has been through 2 great wars. Your thinking was the only thing that prevented Kiri from getting into Fire Country, you pushed them so back that they had to use their missiles as a last resort. The ninja consider you a hero, and from what I've seen today you understand the next generation better than me or anyone else, and believe in them. You're my student, and are one of the few people whom I trust immensely. There are rough times ahead of us, and I want you to be my second in command and take over as Hokage if something happens to me..." said Minato seriously,

"Minato-sensei..." said Kakashi hesitantly, but was silenced when his teacher placed a hand over his shoulder.

"You're a fighter, Kakashi. Many of the Blacklight and Special forces shinobi are going to retire this year, they'll need a leader and there is no one better than you in the whole village. Also, I request you to take Naruto under your command...act as his teacher, guide, and friend. He needs one, now more than ever...and you're the only person who can truly understand the pain in his heart" requested Minato politely,

Minato waited patiently as Kakashi walked through his office and was now standing near the window looking at a few shinobi who were working outside..

"Sure, in the ninja world those who break the rules and laws are considered as trash...but those who abandon their comrades are worse than trash"

"Whatever the village or anyone else thinks...I think you are a great Jounin, that's how I truly feel"

"Obito..."

His fists clenched tightly as he remembered those words that were said to him by his hero. Kakashi didn't know if he was fit to be a leader, to be offered the position of Jounin commander was almost equivalent to become Hokage, because if the Hokage died in battle, the Jounin commander becomes the new leader until a new Hokage is decided. But if the higher ups are satisfied with the Jounin commander, then he/she may become the next Hokage permanently...

"Obito, it was your dream to be Hokage. I don't know if I'm worthy to become the Jounin Commander...at the same time, I don't want to repeat our tragedy again with a new generation. What should I do?" thought Kakashi worriedly,

His eyes shifted towards a small med-kit that was hanging on his Jounin vest, even after all these years he still carried it around and was one of the most valuable things of his life.

"Don't run away, you are a strong ninja and are definitely a fine Jounin leader. I believe in you, Kakashi"

"Rin..."

A lone tear slipped from Kakashi's eyes, as the faces of his two best friends and their teachings came flooding back to him. And he knew what he had to do...

Minato smiled happily when Kakashi turned around and gave him a firm nod...

(Shanxi Hill)

In the vast open field of Shanxi Hill, a young boy could be seen standing idly. The wild gusts of wind were freely touching his body while his eyes were searching for something in the wide emptiness.

This was where it all began, the place where his suffering started and now after so much time it had ended.

For a person who was supposed to be a Blackops, he was never one. From the beginning he was just a scared boy that got caught in the mess of his world, hell he was still scared. Before the battle on this hill, he was fighting to defend Konoha, his family, especially his little brother.

After the battle at this hill, he fought to protect his friends and comrades. But he failed...and it had left a deep wound in his heart.

Majority of his surviving comrades were happy to go home, they were happy that the war was over and they could live in peace for whatever little time. But everyone one of them knew how much pain they were in...they just showed it in different ways.

Genma with his bitching, Mikasa with her silence, Rangiku with her anger, Shizune with her tears, Izumo with his loneliness, and more...

While him with his tears...

"Come back, Naruto...come back to us"

He still remembered his father's words, but what was he supposed to go back to? The person his family knew had died years back, and now even he didn't know who he was...

What was he supposed to fight for now? The war was over, his family was safe, Itachi was strong enough to defend himself now. His father would make sure that peace be maintained for another decade or more.

But the question that was still burning inside his heart was simple...

What good did come out of all this hatred? Who was the winner? Who was the loser?

His eyes shifted towards the several graves that were silently resting beside him. All his comrades who had died in this place had their bodies burnt away in order to protect their secrets, however he had ordered for the formation of these graves in order to honor and remember those he lost, those whom he regarded as his heroes.

He slowly knelt down in front of the first grave and hesitantly placed a hand over it.

"Commander Fox- A good leader, teacher, and friend"

The name meant a lot to him, the man who taught him everything. His teacher, his mentor, his guide...all those hardships, pain that he made him and his fellow Blacklight's go through had made him survive this war. If not for him, Naruto knew he would be lying in one of these graves.

There were several other names like Yugao, Hisana, Hawk, Eagle, Owl, and many more...

"I would give anything to get you all back, to let us be a company together again. Fighting for Konoha's survival..." said Naruto hesitantly,

He carefully placed a small flower on the grave and took in a few deep breaths in order to calm himself down from the storm of emotions that was raging inside his heart.

"I failed you, sensei. I couldn't protect them, like you protected me. I wish I could shut it all of, all this pain in my heart...I wish I could not feel anything anymore, but I can't. I told the entire world to shut the fuck up and follow me, but I don't even know where I want to go...what am I even fighting for?" asked Naruto sadly,

He clenched his fists tightly in order to control the anger, the rage that was burning inside his heart...because Kami knew he did not want to face his mother and brother like this. He didn't want to break their hearts...

"Is this peace worth all your lives? And even if it is, where is my peace? I've killed, tortured, hurted, maimed so many people...trying to vent out the anger that I have in my heart. I am trying to unite the fucking world through my empire...but I don't know what I'm truly living for. I guess I'm just lost, sensei..." said Naruto tiredly,

"You are the savior of this world...instead of drowning yourself in hatred...change this world with your power."

Naruto painfully closed his eyes as those words of his teacher ran across his mind. He knew what those words, what that man was trying to tell him...but Kami it was painful to accept this reality...

Guess he had a long life of suffering left, and this was the path that he was supposed to walk because a wise man once said..."that with great power came great responsibility"

He slowly got up and gave a firm, respectful salute to his deceased comrades...

"You are all free now..."

Naruto slowly started to disappear inside his pocket dimension as a small bitter sad smile came on his face...

"I will see you again...but not yet, not yet"

(Osaka)

A tired sigh escaped from Itachi's lips as he heard his mother ranting about how she'll teach Minato a lesson for taking Naruto away, to Kami knew where.

"Are women really this bitchy?" thought Itachi tiredly, he knew it was a sexist thinking...but he was not as patient and compassionate like his father and elder brother.

"Kaa-san, for the last time will you please calm down?" snapped Itachi, as Mikoto glared at him.

"Don't get smart ass with me, Itachi Namikaze. Or I'll smack your butt so hard, you'll be crying my name for hours..." said Mikoto in an irritated voice, as Itachi got a small sweat drop on his face.

"Eh, for real?" asked Itachi hesitantly, and Mikoto smacked her forehead on seeing the boy's antics

"Of course not, your dumbass. First your smart ass father takes away my son to god knows where, can't he understand I want to meet my boy after 7 fucking years..." shouted Mikoto angrily,

"Troublesome..." said Itachi in a defeated voice, he was thankful that they were in an isolated tent or else it would have been quite embarrassing for him to control Mikoto.

Why did Minato always leave him to deal with the mess?

"We'll see brother again. I'm sure Tou-san had some urgent matter that required Nii-san's presence...you've waited for him for so long, please be patient mother" requested Itachi politely, as Mikoto gave him a small smile.

"I know, and I'm sorry for venting out at you...I just-"

"Kaa-san"

Itachi was surprised when Mikoto instantly shut her mouth as their attention shifted towards the newcomer that was standing at the entrance of the tent...

"Nii-san..." said Itachi in shock,

Because right in front of him was Naruto Namikaze, back from the dead...

Author's Notes: End of chapter.

Another cliffhanger, and it sure is an interesting one...hehe.

Yeah, finally 300,000 words complete making this one of the largest stories on this site. So I'm happy that I got this far...

Now I must tell you, this arc has a slow pacing in order to give the proper development to characters.

I put a lot of thought into deciding whether Naruto should be made Hokage or Team leader, and after a thorough analysis I realized this choice is best for him. He's still too young and a little immature to be a Kage, he needs someone who can understand him...a friend who has been through the same shit like him, and, it's Kakashi Hatake.

My favorite Copy ninja again comes saving the day, and his role will be increasing in this fic. In a way, he will indirectly be Naruto's sensei/new best friend in this fic...

About the team, I'm sure most of you would have understood my reasons. It is suitable for Naruto from all points, whether be tactical, emotional, or anything else. Now I know majority of you might be MASSIVELY surprised by Hinata's induction in the team...since my ''disapproval'' of Cannon Hinata is pretty well known on this site.

I recently had a discussion with one of my loyal readers, he told me "Blackwolf, you are good at developing characters. Cannon Hinata may be a shitty character to you, then why don't you use your creative mind to develop another awesome female character"

And voila, I'm game. I've bitched about Hinata for 1000 times, but now I'm challenging myself to develop her in this story...maybe I can do better than Kishi. She also reminds me of Armin, so she's a perfect addition to the team...

Until next time, till then...

ENJOY THE CLIFFHANGER, AND DON'T FORGET TO LEAVE YOUR AWESOME REVIEWS...