Chapter 4: The aftermath of the war
A.N: Thank you guys for being patient with me. I begin a hell of a week at school so I probably might not update for a while after this chapter. But you never know because yesterday I wanted to send an author note to notify you, and I end up making 2 chapters instead.
Anyway, this chapter will be about the kage summit of in leaf. The 5 kage will discuss of what happen in the war and they will talk about the status of their villages in their nations. Naruto, Sakura and Kakashi will be allowed to attend, because they kind of save the world, some of them will brief the kage on certain subject and that last fight with Kaguya. This is the longer chapter I've made and probably the hardest and not the most interesting. It's about resolving some plotholes I've found in the ending. Mainly, what happen to the rogue ninja how they get a pardon, the tailed beast and the status of the 5 nations about the ninja system in place. Inner. Character thinking ()
Anyway, let's get on with the story.
Today was a big day in the leaf village. It will be a 1st meeting in the history of the 5 great nations. A Kage summit that won't be held in a neutral territory. Though Kakashi as already give a full report on the fight with Kaguya to Tsunade, all participants of that fight are exceptionally allowed to be in a room. Well that is, if they can make it in the room before it start because as of right now, our favorite knucklehead ninja is deeply asleep. Fortunately or to his point of view, unfortunately for him, he is about to get a hell of an awakening, as a certain pinkette stop by his apartment to make sure that he's ready. She knock a few time on his door but no answer. She knew that he never lock the door anyway since he had nothing worth a fortune at home. She know on his bedroom and too her surprise the door open. What she see was a still sleeping Naruto, with no blanket, wearing a frog pajama. Sakura couldn't help but giggle. Here it was, the savior of the leaf, the hero of the war in pajama sleeping like a kid. No matter how powerful he gets, he still keep is inner child alive. That was a part of who he was and she's always like that in him.
"So cute"
(Wait we're here to wake him up.)
Naruto than mumble something...
"Sakura's ramen is the best... she's the best cook in the world, believe it" (Node to rock lee:spring time of youth)
Sakura's blush at the unconscious complement. So she tried to wake him up gently.
"Naruto time to wake up."
"Not yet granny, I don't want to go on mission now.", the blond said while being still asleep.
"Cmon Naruto."
"Leave me alone old hag."
Even though he was still sleeping, a vein pop in Sakura's forehead. Her mind know that they needed to be there quickly, the old hag comment just give her the motivation to do so.
"NARUTO UZUMAKI WAKE THE HELL UP"
Naruto almost jump to the roof before falling outside his bed.
"Sakura-chan, you don't needed to be so rude"
"Sorry, I know you didn't talk to me but when you said leave me alone old hag, I was there trying to wake you up. Plus we need to be to the Hokage tower in 15 min. for the summit. You know they're gonna deal with Sasuke's group on that summit right."
"15 min. You should have wake me up sooner, I'm gonna turn up like Kakashi Sensei."
"There is no way you'll be late like Kakashi sensei, I let you change so I'll wait outside your apartment, I knew you're a late sleeper so I brought you this apple. Better have something on your stomach right." said a smiling Sakura
"Right, thanks Sakura-chan for everything, I'll eat it on the way." answer Naruto.
He made a quick change of clothes to his usual fighting attire. He joined up with Sakura and together, they made their way to the Hokage building. Once they arrived, they've been greeted by Kakashi at the entrance
"Naruto, Sakura, I've been waiting for you. I did have time to catch up to my reading at least, let me show you the room where we needed to go."
While they were walking, Sakura whispering to Naruto something about having pass the first step to surpass his late sensei, seeing that he was on scene before them. Naruto just shiver at the thought while she's giggle at his reaction. Kakashi just smile under his mask seeing his two student casually talking and be themselves, even after the war. Once they arrive in a room, they see that it looks more like a tribunal, where the 5 kages and Mifune wear in front. Sasuke, the rest of Taka, Orochimaru and Kabuto were already sitting to the left side of the room,with chakra sealing handcuff while on the right side, you've got all the kages personal escort.
"Naruto, Sakura , Kakashi, we've been expected you, please have a sit here." said Tsunade
"Thanks Grandma"
"I guess that is everyone." said the Tsuchikage.
"Guess so too, Mifune, would you mind open this Kage summit please."
"Of course, now that everyone is here, let's begin. Welcome everyone, I am Mifune, leader of the Samurai in the land of Iron and I shall preside this summit. This summit will be separate on two parts. The first part of the summit will be held in this room. We will discuss what we're going to do with those rogue ninja. We all read the report of Kakashi Hatake saying that they did help in the winning of the war, so the 5 Kages needed to discuss what to do with them. They'd like to hear the objective opinion of Sasuke Uchiha, before making a decision of whether or not we will grant him and his accomplice a pardon. We would also like to hear what Naruto think about Orochimaru, Kabuto and the status of the tailed beast, since he played a big part in this war, we believe his opinion is quite important on those matter. Then you all be dismissed before we begin the 2nd part of the summit in the room behind us. We will then discuss your point of view about those subject, making our own and making a decision about them. Plus we will discuss about officially dissolve the ninja alliance and about the actual status of the 5 villages. If they're any question, now is your time to ask."
….
"Then let us proceed. For every non-Kage we will call your name, then you rise and just answer the question? You can raise your hand if you had a comment to add. Any general question without a name attach is for the kage only. Is that clear?"
"Aye." the whole audience said.
"Good, let's begin with the rogue ninja matter. Since we're were at war with Madara, Obito and Kabuto, I suppose we should start with Kabuto Yakushi, since he was clearly on the opposite side in the war. Do we all agree with that motion?"
"Aye", all 5 kages said.
"Well than Kabuto, I guess we will start with you. If you want to defend yourself, now is your chance."
Kabuto rises and then said: « I've made a mistake. All this time, I've tried to search myself and I've tried to copy everyone. I was lying to myself. I've been a spy in all of the village for so long that I don't even know who I am anymore. I even manage to achieve sage mode but I still didn't answer any of my question. I supply Obito, no Madara army and resurrecting him too, costing more life than I could count in the process. I believe that I can't really defend myself. I'm guilty and I need to atone for my sins. That what Izanami shows me.»
"What is Izanami?" Gaara asked
"It's an Uchiha jutsu that sacrifice the users Sharingan and trap the victim in a loop until the said victim admit their wrong doing and ready to attone for them." said Tsunade
"In other word, this jutsu kind of reform a person, is that correct?" asked Mei
"That is accurate, said Ooniki. It's rare that an Uchiha use this technique though since it cost him both his eyes. They know by using this technique, this will be their last fight."
"Wait, but you couldn't have use the technique? Asked A. Last time I check, the brat still has both eyes open, He even has access to the Rinnegan now."
"Itachi Uchiha must have cast it, he free himself of Kabuto control using a sharingan in a crow that I spit and he said that he would take care of Kabuto." Said Naruto.
"Thanks for the weird but at the same time useful information Naruto, though you did agree to raise hand to add a comment."
"Oops sorry grandma."
"Don't call me grandma, we're in an official meeting brat."
Everyone couldn't help to either smirk or chuckle at the scene.
"Anyway, I guess you don't have anything to add Kabuto." Mifune asked
"No I'm done."
"Then we should move on to our next subject, which is the Taka team. I'll ask each member of Taka what would they do if Sasuke were to have a pardon and walk free." Let's begin with Jugo.
"If you let Sasuke walk free, I will still a part of Taka, meaning I will still follow him. He said to me that he would be my cage and he's the only one who can stop me aside for Kimimmaro without hurting me. He somehow make me think of him, so I would still be with him and I'm ready to share his fate, even if it's prison or death because without him, you cannot release me."
"Ok moving on to Karin."
"If Sasuke goes in prison, I would want to get out of here. (so I can think of a plan to break him out)If he walk free, I would probably follow him since I have nothing better to do and I rather be with Sasuke and my team." (preferably alone with Sasuke)
"Point taken, moving on to Suigetsu."
"Well if Sasuke got in prison, I'll guess I have no choice to break him free. After all, he did break me out of my prison. I did disappear from my village, but I was a prisoner. My goal is to reform the seven swordsmen of the mist and be their captain, like my brother Mangetsu was. However I still consider myself a member of Taka, so I might stick around and see what Sasuke want to do. Would you consider my request, Lady Mizukage."
"Hmm. We do have 5 of our swords who doesn't have an owner and you still have the execution blade. I'll consider it Suigetsu, but must I remember that the decision if you walked out of here ain't mine alone to make."
"I know but I just wanted to clarify that I am still a mist ninja."
"I understand."
Mifune cut in and said: "Well I guess we're ready to hear you Sasuke." Sasuke rise and then said: /Not yet, you still need to hear Orochimaru. He decided to follow me and I consider him my responsability since I brought him back."
"Really? Orochimaru, don't tell me you still want to steal Sasuke's body" an enraged Tsunade asked.
"No."
The samurai then said : «Well I think we need to hear Orochimaru first. What is your intention?»
"The choice is simple, I've seen Sasuke confirm the theory about the Sharingan transform into a Rinnegan. It achieve what I called perfection in Ninjutsu. But somehow, Naruto still able to match him in a fight. I guess Jiraiya and I never really agreed about genius and dead last that never give up. And I won't admit that he just might be right. With that said, I've decided to spend my remaining day with Sasuke, either as his mentor or his adviser. I won't tried to steal his body. I'm done with my plan to destroy the ninja systems and kill the 5 kages. Sasuke is the new wind for the ninja world and I will follow him if I get free. If not, then I guess I spend a lot of time in jail. Whatever past we had Tsunade, you know that I don't lie. I never did. Sasuke knew when I offer him power that I would eventually tried to take his body just like now you must know I wasn't bluffing about bringing your little brother and beloved back to life in when I make the deal with you."
"Enough, don't you dare talk about them! Even though I hate to admit it but you're probably telling the truth. Are you done?"
"Yes I'm done." said the snake Sannin before sitting back.
"Then we will move on to Sasuke. Now would you mind tell us what would be Taka intention if we let you out and why did you help in the war, considering your past crimes." The Hokage asked
Sasuke quietly rose. There was silence. Everyone was waiting because this will probably be the do or break for him. He then said :
"Before I answer that question, I needed to explain myself since most of you here aren't probably aware of the whole Uchiha clan situation. Knowing Kakashi, I suppose he wanted evidence before speaking about it, probably forbid Naruto to talk about it too. I did wanted evidence as well, so while I've seen Itachi, I'll ask him about it. And he confirm the story."
Sasuke then proceed to tell his audience about the Uchiha massacre that Danzo's and the leaf elders push forward, how it was an order of the leaf that massacre his clan, and how it was a plan to make his brother a rogue ninja.
"I did kill Danzo. He had an arm cover with Sharingan, so I suspect that he did steal a few eyes due to the massacre and that was part of the reason he pushed that motion forward. Obito did have some spare eyes too. I've been in his lab when he put Itachi's eyes on me. Danzo's presence at the summit was the only reason I attacked there. As for helping during the war, I never was a part of the big Tsukuyomi plan. It just stupid when you think about it. While every one of you were sleeping in it, I did decide that I wanted to be Hokage. I explain my vision of the word to Naruto, just like he did explain his vision to me. We did disagree and let's just said that we had a clash of ideals. After that fight, I finally understand that I was wrong about it. Naruto is more fit to be in that role. He did made me realize something. I always thought that my way should be in darkness instead of light, but what I realize that my way should be more like in the shadow. See darkness is when there is no light left while shadow need light to survive or else it is engulfed in darkness. When light exist, so does shadows. Since I believe Naruto will be the light to bring a true peace, I'll be his shadow. If I were to walk out of here free and get a pardon for my action, I will use Orochimaru's network to track most rogue ninja in the bingo book and either brought them to justice or deal with them with my team. We will travel to smaller village as well and help them with bandit and crime there. Place like the hidden rain for example, because since the passing of their leader, it has been chaos there. I've made some mistake in the name of revenge, now I seek to redeem myself for it. I have nothing more to say."
Sasuke than sit back to his siege.
"Thank you Sasuke, now I would like to hear both teammate of Sasuke Uchiha. You know him more than most people here, so we'd like to hear both of you. Sakura, you're going first."
Sakura rise and then said:« Thank you Mifune-Sama. If you want my honest opinion, Sasuke was never a big liar. I mean he told both of us that he will quit the village and join up with Orochimaru. He told me more than once that I was annoying, he never filter his emotions with me, never once care about hurting me or not in the process. It's been kind of a jerk. Though he tried to kill me more time than I can count, I do trust his word and if he dare goes back on his word, I think I'll break every bone in his body literally.»
"Damn Sasuke, you sure did piss this woman off. Now I feel like I'm too nice to Karin. I definitely stick with you a little more if you got out now." said Suigetsu
"YOU DAMN IDIOT, DON'T YOU HAVE A DREAM TO REALIZE INSTEAD OF MESSING WITH MINE." said Karin
"What dream would that be, heh?"
Karin blush but before she could answer or more like find a suitable lie, The Raikage demand some order. Orochimaru silently smirk, amuse by the reaction while Naruto eye's went white and gulp thinking (after seeing her in that war, I really need to not get on her bad side,)
"I suppose that you're done Sakura."
"Yes milady." Said the pinkette while sitting back
"Then I suppose it's your turn brat."
"I guess it is, thanks grandma, I mean Lady Hokage."
(So weird to hear him call me Lady Hokage, OH MY GOD, I REALLY GET USE TO HIM CALLING ME GRANDMA)
"Before I start 1st thing first."
With that said Naruto enter in 9 tails chakra mode, taking the audience by surprised. He then look each of the rogue ninja of the eye and said with a serious tone : « Each of you will confirm that everything you just said was the true. You can all said those exact same word at the same time if you want, Everything I just said here was true, I have no intention to harm any villages. I'll be able to tell if anyone of you is lying. Go ahead now.»
"I didn't expect him to do that, said Mei"
"Count on him to be unpredictable." said Gaara.
"Well, I think it's a good idea to so you'll be doing as he said." A add
All the rogue ninja stand up one at the time and they all said the statement Naruto told them to said. After Orochimaru, who was the last finish, Naruto return to normal and said: « If you have to know, all of them were telling the truth. So I believe each of them, even Orochimaru, which kind of surprise myself. I wanted all of you to know that as Kakashi report said, without Sasuke, I couldn't have won. We did beat Kaguya together with Sakura and Kakashi and we've broke the tsukuyomi together. We beat the hell out of each other before that but that part of my friendship with Sasuke. He doesn't understand word, you have to beat them into him. Anyway, I am here to ask you to give a pardon to Sasuke and his team, even Orochimaru and though he is not in his team, Kabuto too.»
"WHAT, why is that. He was an enemy in that war, I understand you've got a friend in Sasuke but why Kabuto too?" said Oonoki.
"Because he said he want to atone for his sins. Killing him would just be like giving up on his redemption. Plus I believe we have enough death already due to the war. So if you want to atone for your sins Kabuto, don't give up on your life, fight harder to show us that you were worth saving. It was maybe a facade at the Chunin exam, but you did help us out in the forest of death. You're one of the most gifted medical ninja too. There is a lot of way for you to redeem yourself."
"Thank you, Naruto." (when I said that I was inspired by you back then, I meant it as a joke. Now you really do inspire me, I won't let this chance go to waste)
"Thanks Pervy sage for that. He told me that to achieve peace, we have to understand one another, for that, I believe that if someone want to redeem himself, you better to give him his chance then to do your own justice. That will only lead to pain and hatred."
"Naruto, do you have anything to add about the rogue ninja subject?" Said the Kazekage
"No, nothing at all."
"Then that bring us to the tailed beast subject. What do you want us to do about it?" said the Raikage
"Well nothing really. The beast will spread across the land and go to their natural habitat. They won't bother human and if human come to their place, they will contact me. By the way Gaara, Shukaku will stay in the Hidden Wind desert to help traveler during the sandstorm. He did said it misses you."
"Good to know, I'll take notice" respond Gaara.
"Kurama will stay with me as you all see and Gyuki has returned to Bee as you should know, Raikage-Sama. The other beast will be free and none shall think of them as weapon. Their all my friends and I'll protect them."
"But what makes you think it'll be safe to have the beast roaming free. How can you guarantee that the tailed beast won't be stolen by another organization like Akatsuki" ask the Mizukage
"Threat like the Akatsuki shouldn't happen again. Since all beast will be spread and can communicate with me instantly, no one can hope to take on all 9 without me notice it and no one is like Madara who could seal the beasts in a matter of second. Even so, I will know and I can pinpoint the location of a beast too."
"It seem like you've got it cover, anything you wanted to add?" ask Mifune
"Actually yes, but it's not about the tailed beast, it's about the 5 villages and the balance between our five nation. I see that we've have united for the greater good and it was fantastic. I believe that every village should be allies, a little like the leaf are with the sand. That way, every village is independent, keep his culture, his mission but can learn from the others at the same time. I don't believe in a unification mainly because story like what happen to the Uchiha Clan will most likely repeat someday if we do it. By having the 5 village in one in 1, it's bound to happen again because it's almost sure that 1 village will be more represent than another, leading to the fear of assimilation from one by another, which result in another conflict.. Well that's what I think. Finally, all village must answer to a different daimyo, so united all the village could create a political problem as well with them. We better stay the five great ninja village, but as ally instead. "
( He just show heart and mind too, he really has grown) think Sakura.
"We should accept his next date invitation, who knows where this will lead"
(Shut up, I don't see him like that)
"Why do you think I reappear, I'm you, I see things you don't aware off yet, but I'm sure you will soon enough"
(Not listening)
(Dube getting smarter) Sasuke thought
(that make a lot of sense) Kakashi thought
"We will take that in consideration, said Tsunade."
"Thank you grandma" :)
"Well I guess this put an end to the 1st part of this Kage meeting. We will deliberate in a separate room about those point and we will comeback to tell you what it is gonna be."said Mifune.
"Kakashi, I want you to come to the next room with us." asked Tsunade.
"Yes my lady."
With that the Kage and Kakashi enter the next room.
Tsunade start the meeting by saying
"Before you begin, I would like to tell you that I am officially retired as the 5th Hokage. You all agreed in the 1st Kage summit that Kakashi Hatake should be the 6th Hokage. After the war effort he put, I've come to term that he is best qualified to make those decision. Is there any objection?"
Kakashi look quite shock, but no objection were made by anyone.
"Then as of Today, Kakashi Hatake is officially the 6th Hokage of the leaf, don't worry, after the summit, we will prepare you a Hokage celebration" (With a lot of sake of course)
"Thanks, Lady Tsunade. I suggest we will begin with our subject at end. Said Kakashi. 1st I would like to know from you Raikage and you Mifune, are you ready to accord Sasuke Uchiha and his team a pardon since he hurt mostly samurai and the cloud more than any other village."
A: "Well he turned out that be his fine and I've still got both my arm so I don't need to hold a grudge I suppose."
Mifune:"He kill some noble samurais, but we lost more in the war and if he want to go on a trip to redemption really, he wouldn't mind come to my land to repay us."
"I guess that's fair enough. As you all know, I was Sasuke's teacher. For the 1st time in a long while, I've seen him express remorse and shame. I suppose that's count for something. If you all vote for his pardon, I'll take responsibility for him, so those who are in favor."
Everyone says aye
Kakashi: "I guess Sasuke team got a pardon."
Oonoki: "Remember though, you take responsibility for him. If he gone mad again, it's on your head."
"Thanks for the reminder, let's take our next subject, what about Kabuto, anyone has anything to add?"
Gaara : "Naruto believe in his redemption, so that's enough for me. I propose the motion so who want to give Kabuto Yakushi a pardon."
Everyone said aye.
Mei : "Motion adopted. Next one was the tailed beast. I was doubting it at first but the kid did convince me. It seem to know more about the tailed beast then anyone here. So does any of you has an objection about what the kid said?"
All of them said no
A: "That mean that what Blondie said goes for the beast. Now about the current status of the village I admit that working with all 4 villages was beneficial for the cloud. Kazekage, would you mind to explain to us what's the alliance you have with the leaf."
"We share information like how we train our shinobi, how we teach nothing too confidential. If we're in trouble, they come to help and vice-versa. The goal of our alliance is to make the leaf and the sand prosper in peace."
Mizukage : "I see, The mist would like to join with that kind of alliance."
Raikage: "The cloud would love to join your already establish alliance." ( I could send bee doing is concert in other village and have some peace)
Tsuchikage: "I never though I lived long enough to see this day, but it will be beneficial for us all to band into an alliance between all village."
Mifune: "Ninja and Samurai could learn a lot from each other. I would like to join as well"
Gaara : "I have no problem allying myself with all of you"
Kakashi: "In other word that mean that we are all alllies since everyone agree. Let's make an official motion, those who want to be part of a ninja/samurai alliance say aye."
Everyone say aye.
Kakashi: "Good one last thing before we make the official statement in the other room."
"What is it?" Ask A
"I want to talk about my student. I would like to make Naruto Uzumaki and Sakura Haruno my personal Hokage escort."
Oonoki: "a Kage can decide whoever they want as a personal escort. You don't need us for that"
Kakashi : "you right but the selected Ninja must be Jonin. Naruto is still a Genin, technically speaking and Sakura is a Chunin. Sasuke is a Genin too.
All except Tsunade and Gaara: "WHAAAAAAAAAAAAT?"
"You see, I'm not going to be a good teacher here all right. My weakest pupil is Sakura, We all agree on that. The problem is that she master the Byakkou seal at 16, when Tsunade master it at 44. She made both Naruto and Sasuke arm grew back, after being knockout by a genjustu, she know when to summon and got a perfect chakra control and enhanced strength. Basically, she's at Tsunade level at 16, would you agree my lady."
"She's really grown, yeah I agree."
"See my point. My weakest pupil is at a Kage level. (and she still think she's too weak for her team) We can't allow Naruto and Sasuke in a Chunin exam, that would be too insane and a joke to them. I propose to give them a higher rank, base of their skill and because they saved the world."
" You want them Jonin", ask A
"No, I guess we have a new legendary Sannin group if you all agree."
All of them nod.
Kakashi :"However, I want Naruto to pass the Jonin exam, without Kurama help."
Mei : "Why is that?"
Kakashi: "Though he got skill that far exceed Jonin, Naruto need to develop leadership skill on a battlefield. The Jonin exam would be the place for him to learn that."
Gaara : "I agree. It will make him 1 step closer through his goal. Does anyone as an objection?"
…
-Kakashi : "Than it settle, I'll announce them myself the good news. Sakura and Sasuke are free to pass it if they want."
With that said everyone goes back to the 1st room. Kakashi go back to his student because his hokage position will be made official in a matter of min. Mifune then announced.
"Here what we have decide. Every rogue ninja in this audience will get a pardon, we will listen to Naruto Uzumaki recommendation about the tailed beast and the 5 nations status. As of today, the 5 ninja village and the Samurai will be ally. And finally, The Hokage as an announcement to make. Tsunade please."
Tsunde rise and said
"As of today I am no longer the Hokage of the leaf, The new Hokage is now Kakashi Hatake. You are now the 6th Hokage."
To Kakashi's shock, after the announcement, everybody was applauding. After that, Mifune conclude: "This will close this Kage Summit. This meeting is adjourn."
I know, not the most interesting chapter, but I felt that it was necessary. Don't worry, though, next one will be shorter and will threat about something more interesting.
It'll be called walk in the moonlight/departure. It will focus around NH resolution and Sasuke's departure. Till next time, whenever may that be ( I'm sure to end this fic for sure though, after school my whole focus will be to end it.) I've got 3 to 4 chapter left, I might split this one in two. R&R Peace.