"…And that's how Naruto managed to both insult and motivate Tsunade into becoming the Hokage – as only Naruto can." Kanoko finished up the story of her most recent mission.

Sakura giggled, "Only Naruto!" Sakura smiled sadly, her eyes traveling to the immobile body lying before them, "…I'm happy you're back Kanoko…"

Kanoko raised an eyebrow, leaning against Sasuke's hospital bed, "Please don't tell me you spent all this time wallowing over the Uchiha."

Sakura's face puffed out, "Kanoko! Be nice!" Kanoko shrugged and looked back Sasuke, "He's going to be fine – him and sensei both." Kanoko paused to lift her arm up to Sakura, "The medics here were completely ineffective in healing my arm, and look at it now." Sakura leaned in and pulled back the bandages, "That's amazing! The scarring, it's nearly gone."

Kanoko nodded, putting the bandages back, "Tsunade told me the healing should finish up in the next day, maybe two if I put it through any serious stress."

Sakura smiled as she turned to Sasuke, her heart suddenly uplifted and hopeful. Sakura turned to Kanoko, "Where is she then?"

Kanoko waved absently, "Probably meeting with the elders and village leaders." She paused to look out the window, "But I imagine Naruto will find her soon and drag her here, kicking and screaming – him, not her, I mean."

Sakura laughed, "Yeah, good old Naruto."

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"Using the clues I've given you, determine your quickest route. Begin!" Iruka shouted enthusiastically, motioning to the chalk board behind him. The sounds of pencils meeting paper was heard until the door opened. Iruka-sensei looked over to the intruder before sighing, "Ok class. Unfortunately class will be cut short again."

The class cheered as Iruka walked out. Before leaving he told them, "But that problem is your homework." A chorus of groans was heard, following his statement.

Walking away from the academy, Konohamaru stared up at the Hokage's tower. He had seen a number of people enter and exit the tower with a variety of things and knew something was up. Running over, he was met with Kotetsu and Izumo walking down the stairs with boxes in their arms.

"What the heck do you think you're doing?! That's the Third Hokage's stuff!" Konohamaru yelled at them, fists tight.

"Well… you see… We have to make room for the next Hokage…" Kotetsu tried to explain, not entirely sure how to handle a distressed child. Izumo tried to soften his tone, "Yeah… The Fifth Hokage has been chosen. It's a huge relief to the whole village..."

Izumo did get to finish as Konohamaru growled and pushed past him, knocking Izumo back – trying to balance with the box, "My grandfather was everything to this village!" Konohamaru screamed out.

Racing up the stairs to face the Fifth Hokage, Konohamaru roughly turned the corner and ramming his face into a soft mound.

Konohamaru went pink as he snuggled his face, "Just like my baby blanket…" The moment was short before he jumped back and pointed aggressively at the woman in front of him, "What are you doing here?!"

Tsunade straightened her back, "What am I doing here? What are you doing here, you pesky little runt!"

Konohamaru took an aggressive stance before bellowing out, "Whose a little runt! I dare you to call me that again!"

Tsunade bent slightly to give Konohamaru a cocky smirk, "Oh yeah? So you're a glutton for punishment, huh?" Her smirk widened, "You're a pesky. Little. Runt."

Konohamaru went red in the face, "I'M WARNING YOU, IF YOU CALL ME THAT AGAIN…!"

"Lady Tsunade!"

Both of them turned their heads to the approaching figures. One was a slim lady with brown hair, holding a pig and the other was a tall man with a tight black half-mask on his face.

"Shizune, Torune." Tsunade spoke to them.

Shizune sighed as Torune spoke, "Forgive me for the intrusion, Lady Tsunade, but the elders are waiting for you."

Tsunade shrugged with a smirk, "I guess I'll run along." Tsunade turned back to Konohamaru and flicked him on his goggles, which were situated on his forehead. He growled as he grasped his goggles, where she flicked him.

Tsunade grinned, "You watch your step… Little boy." And with that, she walked away with a smirk on her face.

"…Honestly Lady Tsunade. I wish you wouldn't pick fights. People complain to me, you know." Shizune told Tsunade as the three of them walked down the hall.

Konohamaru was frozen for a moment as he watched the three of them walk away, before calling out angrily, "DON'T CALL ME A LITTLE BOY EITHER!"

*BAM*

"Gyah!"

"Watch where you're going!" Konohamaru barked out, holding his head and sitting on the ground.

"Watch where you're standing!" Naruto shouted back, on his hands and knees, holding his own head.

Konohamaru blinked, "Naruto?"

"Konohamaru?" He responded.

"Long time, no see!" Konohamaru spoke loudly with a large grin on his face. Naruto chuckled back at him, "Yeah!" Looking up from Konohamaru, Naruto asked, "Have you seen an old lady – who doesn't actually look old, but has a nasty temper?!"

"Yeah I've seen her! Who is she?!" Konohamaru responded with a growl.

Naruto shook his head, "It's a long story and I don't have time. I need to get her to the infirmary!" Konohamaru tilted his head, "Huh?" Naruto nodded walking up and down the hall, looking for her, "She's supposed to be this amazing medical ninja, but everyone has been distracting her with "Hokage this" and "Hokage that". Has forgotten what she came here for?!"

"Hokage…?" Konohamaru whispered out.

Naruto stomped back, "Yeah, she's the Fifth Hokage! Are you deaf?!"

Konohamaru gritted his teeth before running out of the tower, "You're lying Naruto! IT'S NOT TRUE!"

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Naruto spent the next hour or so camped out at the entrance to the Hokage's tower. The guards wouldn't let him passed the doors to the Hokage, so he settled for ambushing her later.

"Ah… I hate all this. My body's sore and stiff… I just want to sit down and relax with a nice cup of tea…" Tsunade groaned out, ignoring Shizune as she spoke about the other things Tsunade needed to do.

"Not so fast Grandma! Before you start sucking down some tea, isn't there something you're forgetting about?!" Naruto barked at her from the door way.

Tsunade raised an eyebrow and turned to Shizune, "What would that be?"

Naruto started stomping, "Are you KIDDING ME?! What about Sasuke and Kakashi-sensei?!"

Smirking, Tsunade wistfully spoke while walking away, "Oh yeah… I did forget about them." Naruto growled at her back and was about to yell again when he was interrupted.

"Well… If it isn't Naruto…" A lazy voice drawled out

Walking up the stairs and into view was Shikamaru and his father Shikaku.

"Shikamaru?" Naruto questioned.

Shikamaru gave him a dull look, "What are you doing here? Should you be somewhere stuffing your face?"

Naruto returned his dull look with one of his own, "What about you? Aren't you usually still sleeping this time of day?"

Stepping up to Naruto, Shikamaru drawled, "Very funny. My Dad asked me to come along with him, but don't ask me why…"

Naruto's eye caught the scene behind Shikamaru and asked, "Hey. Do they know each other?"

Shikamaru turned around. Shikaku bowed slightly to Tsunade, "Greetings Lady Tsunade. It's been a long time." The two exchanged words, talking about the old times, while the genin looked at them with curious eyes.

Shikamaru kept his eyes on his father and Tsunade while he asked Naruto, "Who is that lady and why is my Tou-san talking to her, like she's his boss?"

"Did you hear? She's the Fifth Hokage." Naruto told him.

"Wha?" Shikamaru said, completely taken aback. Naruto leaned in to whisper, "And she's no lady… She's actually an old woman in her 50's."

"Huh?!" Shikamaru spat out, even more shocked, looking back at Tsunade in awe.

"So long, see you soon!" Tsunade spoke as she walked passed Shikaku and down the stairs.

"Yes, my lady." Shikaku responded.

Naruto's face broke out in a grin, "See you! We're going to the infirmary!" Turning around, he spoke to Shikamaru, "I'll come find you later and show you the awesome new technique I picked up!"

.

"That's really the Fifth Hokage?" Shikamaru asked when they were out of sight, still in shock.

Shikaku moved around to stand next to his son, "Watch it Shikamaru." He bent down slightly to smirk at his son, "That woman is one of the strongest ninja you will ever meet. So don't let her good looks fool you."

Shikamaru turned to his father with a raised eyebrow, "Yeah?"

Shikaku smirked again, "After all, there's a reason she's the only female among the legendary sannin."

Shikamaru turned his head away from his father and closed his eyes with a dissatisfied look, "Ok… But I mean… A woman Hokage? Not to sound prejudice or anything, but is that really such a good idea?" Shikaku gave his son a bewildered look.

Shikamaru continued with a frown on his face, "Come on. You know what they're like: You can never figure them out, you never know where you stand with them – the smallest things put you on their bad side! ….Always playing their little mind games with you, trying to get you to do what they want. They're just a big pain, basically…"

Shikaku grumbled at his son's statements before letting out a sigh. Crouching down, he placed a hand on Shikamaru's shoulder, "Listen Shikamaru. Keep in mind, without women, you and I wouldn't even exist." Shikaku smirked at his son, "And take my word for it, they make us better people then we'd ever be without them. Unlike us, even the strongest of them isn't afraid to be gentle with the man she loves."

Shikamaru stared at his father, who had started to move away from him, "It's funny to hear him talk like this – tied to Kaa-san's apron strings the way he is…"

Shikaku chuckled, "Just look at your sister. She's rough around the edges, but she risked everything to save you – fighting when she shouldn't even been able to move." Shikaku looked to the sky with a soft look on his face, "She may never say it or show it on a daily basis, but at the end of the day, she truly and deeply cares for you."

Shikamaru quickly spun around to hide his face from his father. Shikaku chuckled lowly at his son, "I can't wait until puberty, when Shikamaru's sister complex turns into an all-out war on the male population."

Tempted to tease his son, Shikaku resisted. He had stuff to do and if he wasn't home in time for dinner… Shikaku sweat-dropped before calling Shikamaru to follow him and entering the Hokage's tower together.

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Kanoko walked down the path from the hospital to the Nara woods. She left Tsunade healed both Sasuke and Kakashi, choosing not to stay around for all the emotional stuff.

Kanoko rubbed the back of her neck to relieve some tension when she paused in her steps. Jerking her head around, she narrowed her eyes on the empty space behind her, "I could have sworn I felt a presence…" Staying still for a moment before turning back around and continuing on, Kanoko was on high alert - ready for anything.

.

The ninja waited until Kanoko was out of sight before appearing on the path again, "…A sensor too. That could prove problematic."

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The sun had started setting, so the room was dimly lit with an orange and maroon glow. The only thing heard was the clicking of tiles on a shogi board. After a few wood pieces moved about the board, the sliding door opened.

Shikaku looked up from his shogi game to see the sannin, Jiraiya. Gesturing to the other side of the shogi board, Jiraiya sat down, "Thank you for meeting me, Shikaku."

Shikaku chuckled lowly, "I wasn't about to turn down a request from a sannin, especially not after electing one as our Hokage."

Jiraiya chuckled in response. Shikaku started moving the pieces back to start and motioned Jiraiya to make the first move. Jiraiya sighed, "Playing shogi with a Nara? I must be out of my mind." Jiraiya joked as he moved a tile forward.

Shikaku smirked lightly before moving a piece of his own, "So… You wish to discuss my daughter."

Jiraiya scratched the back of his head, "Hehe… Can't get anything passed you huh?" Shikaku shrugged, "You wouldn't be the first to give me the third degree over Noko-chan."

Jiraiya raised an eyebrow before moving another wood tile, "She is… Very unique." Turning serious, Jiraiya went straight to the point, "Shikaku… Who is she learning Fuinjutsu from?"

Shikaku chuckled before asking in a mocking tone, "You mean you aren't teaching her?" Jiraiya sweat-dropped, "So maybe a fibbed a bit at the Chunin Exams, but… In my defense, the old man seemed to have no issue with her skill in seals."

Shikaku nodded, "The Third Hokage was an insightful man. It was a heavy loss to us all." Jiraiya nodded, looking down and pausing for a moment before leaning over to capture one of Shikaku's tiles, "You still haven't answered my question…"

"I suppose I haven't." Shikaku said with a small smile, moving another piece, "…Honestly, I have no idea. I came home one day and when I went out to feed the deer, I found her in the forest playing with ink and scroll paper."

Jiraiya eyed Shikaku suspiciously, "…You have no idea…" Jiraiya sighed, "Fuinjutsu isn't something you pull out of thin air and just learn, you have to be taught." Jiraiya peered around him before asking in a low voice, "Are you sure… Rokumaru had no part in her knowledge?"

Shikaku stilled and tensed before relaxing, "….My father…. He refuses to have any interactions with Kanoko."

Jiraiya gave Shikaku a harsh and serious look. With a firm tone, he spoke, "You will have to forgive me for not believing that Rokumaru, a clan purist, would not teach the clan's prodigy child, at the very least, his philosophy."

Shikaku opened his mouth to speak, when Jiraiya interrupted him, "And don't tell me that you have kept him from your children. You and I both know you have yet to overcome your own fear of your father."

Shikaku closed his mouth and eyes to hold his tongue. Opening his eyes slowly, he spoke, "…You are right. However, I speak the truth when I say my father would never teach his granddaughter a thing."

Jiraiya placed a hand on his chin, "…What makes you so sure?"

Shikaku looked out towards the setting sun, "There is a… Legend in the Nara Clan about something called, "The Ryuko no Okami"."

Jiraiya repeated back, "The Maned Wolf? What is that?"

Shikaku continued, ignoring Jiraiya's question, "As the legend goes, the deer lived in the luscious forest, now known as the Nara woods, for years in peace. The forest itself had a life to itself, protecting its inhabitants from the dangers of predators and natural disasters. Until one day, when a great storm hit, knocking the great trees down before catching fire. As lightening and fire raged in the forest, the deer escaped in a frenzy, losing many of their kind in the process. Once the lightening stopped and the rain poured down on the remains, the deer slowly returned to their once beautiful home. However, while the deer mourned their losses, the predators – once held back by the intimidating trees – attacked.

For years, the deer were hunted and killed as they cried for the loss of the trees, their families, and the peace they once had. After a rather brutal attack from the wolves, the deer came together prayed to the gods to send them a defender to protect them against their foes. The gods, sadden by the deer clan's predicament, granted their wish. They told the deer that in one year a doe would birth twins: One to guide the herd through the age with wisdom and kindness, and one to defend the herd against all threats with strength and courage. However, the gods warned the herd, should one of the deer be killed by one of their own, the other would unleash a darkness that would follow the clan until the end of time.

One year later, a doe gave birth to two deer – one a buck and one a doe. The deer celebrated, raising the two with comfort and riches – teaching the buck strategy, as he showed great wisdom, and the doe technique, as she showed great strength. Together, the two grew into adult deer, guiding their herd and all herds that joined further into the forest, where the plant life was growing again. They were at peace again. Predators were pushed back by the combination of intelligence and power of the twin deer, and the vegetation started to grow lusciously again. The clan no longer feared the future.

All, but one. One buck was afraid and angered by the power the doe possessed. He believed the bucks superior to the does, and tried to mount her to show his dominance. She kicked him off and put him in his place. After fleeing, the buck became furious and so he started to plot. He knew he would be unable to beat the doe, given her godly strength, so instead he waited. He waited until her twin brother left the herd to meditate in solitaire. When the wise buck was alone, the buck attacked the wise one – killing him. The herd and doe quickly came upon the scene, but not before the wise one passed from this world.

Consumed with anger, grief, and betrayal, the doe unleashed a loud howl. Her fur turned red, her ears sharpened, and fangs grew out of her widening mouth. The herd stared as they watched their protector turn into a hybrid of a wolf, fox, and deer: What they would later call the Maned Wolf. Her eyes, having turned from a calming deep black to a raging hot red, shifting around the area, counting up the deer. With another wicked howl, the Maned Wolf leaped out and ripped the deer to shreds – blood staining the grass and trees surrounding them.

For years, the Maned Wolf hunted those deer that were once her own, killing all other animals as she stalked through the lands with her long, deer-like legs. Wolves, cats, birds, bears, nothing could defeat the Maned Wolf as blood red tears forever fell from her eyes – seeking vengeance on the world.

The remaining deer prayed to the gods again, this time to undue the curse they placed on them. The gods denied them, stating they had warned the deer and this was the consequence. The deer shouted the Maned Wolf would not stop at their deaths, but would kill all of the gods' creatures until there were none left. The gods debated this argument among themselves for some time before returning to the deer and making them an offer: The gods would stop the Maned Wolf, but the deer clan would lose their animal forms, and they and their children would forever be shrouded in darkness. The deer quickly agreed, fearing the Maned Wolf's wrath. The gods were not done, however. The told the deer they would be tested again. Years from now, a member of the clan would birth twins: One possessing great wisdom and one possessing great power. Should either be killed due to the actions of any clan member, the Maned Wolf will appear again – and this time, no one will be able to stop it."

Jiraiya stared at Shikaku in awe before shaking his head, "Ok, that's a great story, but what does it have to do with your father?"

Shikaku sighed, "I imagine you can already guess that the clan believes Shikamaru and Kanoko to be the twin in the legend – including my father."

Jiraiya nodded, "Yeah, I got that. What I don't get is why you're so sure that he's not teaching Kanoko. After hearing the legend, I am even more convinced that he would want to be involved in her upbringing, if she is destined to become this incredible force."

Shikaku nodded, "…I had thought so as well. The moment we were told we would have twins, my father was immediately consumed with the thought of them. He never cared for Yoshino, but suddenly, anything she asked for, he made possible…" Shikaku sighed heavily again, "Yoshino had just finished giving birth, and had Noko-chan in her arms while I had Shikamaru in mine, when my father reached out to pick up his granddaughter from Yoshino…. Just as he touched Kanoko, Shikamaru screamed – no, he howled."

Jiraiya dropped his shogi tile, it falling off the board, "Back up. So now you're telling me that Shikamaru, your lazy and apathetic son, is the Maned Wolf reincarnate?"

Shikaku shook his head, "I don't know myself. It never happened again. My father was so shock, so terrified, he left the room in a rush and never visited us again."

Jiraiya rubbed his face, "This freaking village and its stupid myths and legends and ridiculous clan ideologies…" Jiraiya started mumbling, cursing the fact that he can never keep up with all the madness.

Shikaku beaked out a laugh, "You're going to curse us when you believe in the Child of Prophecy or whatever it's called."

Jiraiya sighed, "I'm just saying there's too much to keep up with…" Shaking his head, he turned back to Shikaku, "That still doesn't explain how Kanoko can use fuinjutsu like the Flying Thunder god Jutsu."

Shikaku rubbed his temples, "You heard about that then…" Jiraiya interrupted him, "Yes, though I didn't believe it until I saw it for myself."

Shikaku's eyes widened before he cursed lowly, "I tell her to be careful and what does she do? Uses it in front of the sannin…" Shikaku sighed, "Look, I won't tell you what I told everyone else because you'll know it to be a lie. The truth is I have no idea."

Jiraiya leaned on his knees and with a serious tone, he spoke, "You know this means either one of three things: One, she is a real genius beyond compare; Two, she found the Second Hokage's notes – which are under lock and key in the Hokage's tower; Or three, she is not who she appears to be."

Shikaku narrowed his eyes, "What do you mean by that?"

Jiraiya crossed his arms, "Orochimaru can place his soul into another's body and take it over. It is possible the same is so here."

Shikaku growled slightly, "That doesn't even make sense. If Orochimaru took over my daughter's body, that still doesn't explain the Fourth's jutsu. We would know if he knew it – he would flaunt it."

"I wasn't talking about Orochimaru's soul in Kanoko's body." Jiraiya replied.

Straightening, Shikaku asked, "…Then who?"

Jiraiya paused, a hand on his chin in thought, "…I don't know. I had first guessed perhaps Minato had done so – as his death was unique, but Kanoko only begrudgingly helps Naruto out, out of comradery and friendship."

"And who would be the next option? The Second Hokage?" Shikaku asked in a mocking tone, naming the only other person able to perform the Flying Thunder god Jutsu.

Jiraiya waved at him, "Don't be ridiculous. He's been dead for ages. If he had the ability, he would have been revived during my time. Not to mention the fact that he was reanimated at the Chunin Exams." Sighing, Jiraiya paused before continuing, "It was just a thought concerning Minato – one I have already ruled out. I still don't understand how your daughter knows so much, but after hearing your story about the Maned Wolf… Well, if it's true, then perhaps it's divine intervention that she is as strange as she is."

Shikaku chuckled lowly, "Hey, that's my girl you're talking poorly about."

Jiraiya put his hands up in a sign of peace, "Just pointing out the facts." Jiraiya chuckled as he stood, "Well I better be off. Have lots of things to do before heading out again." He finished, walking out.

Shikaku watched the door slide close before moving one last piece and smirking, "Checkmate."

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"To be honest, I don't know what to do. With the final exam being suspended, it was the opinion of many that none of the students should pass the time around – and that includes you. However, I heard that the Third Hokage had nothing, but praise for your match."

Tsunade pulled a brush from her desk and started writing characters down, " It seems you were to be recommended for chunin. In fact, all those that observed your fight and the proctors felt the same. So in this case, my opinion doesn't really matter. From this day forth, I hope you will strive to achieve a level of excellence worthy of that headband."

Tsunade clasped her hands with a smile before motioning to the genin in front of her, "Congratulation! As of this moment, you stand a chunin!"

Kanoko bowed before giving her brother a side look to communicate, "I swear on my first mother's grave. You say, "what a bother" "such a drag" or, so help me if you say "troublesome", I will burry you alive in the Nara clan forest!"

Shikamaru sweat-dropped at his sister's dark look before bowing and quietly muttering a, "thank you".

Tsunade dismissed the room before calling out, "Kanoko. Please stay."

Kanoko turned around and stood straight in front of the Fifth Hokage. Once the door closed, Tsunade leaned back in her chair and peered at Kanoko with her hands together. The two of them were quiet for a while before Tsunade broke the silence, "Your father may have spun some grand story – appealing to Jiraiya's weak spot for legends and prophecies, but I won't be so easily fooled."

Kanoko stood still, not changing her expression as she stared ahead. Tsunade hummed before speaking again, "But I would be a fool to expel such an asset to the village." Swing the chair around, Tsunade stood and walked in front of Kanoko, bending down to look her in the eyes.

"Should your commitment to the village ever waver or should your actions ever place the leaf in danger, consider your days numbered." The Fifth Hokage spoke coldly in a dark voice.

Kanoko nodded with her hands at her sides, but gave no response.

Standing up straight again, Tsunade smirked, "Good."

Kanoko paused, waiting for more, before she turned around to exit. Before she left, Tsunade spoke one last time, "Don't let me down, Kanoko."

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"YAHOOO!"

Kanoko glared at her sensei as he grinned evilly at her. Her team and her brother's team were sitting at a table, inside Team Asuma's favorite barbeque restaurant. Kanoko was currently pouting as she listened to the cheers of Naruto and Ino, the loud chewing of Choji, the yelling from Sakura – who was trying to convince Ino that Kanoko would be a better chunin than Shikamaru. And last, both senseis were chuckling and laughing at the embarrassed Nara siblings.

Kanoko scoffed, "At least Shikamaru can leave whenever he wants, I'm squeezed in between the wall and Kakashi's fat ass." Giving her sensei another dark look, "I guess I should be grateful that I have an excuse not to go home right away…"

Someone had spilled the beans and told her father about her using the Flying Thunder god Jutsu. Kanoko growled to herself. She could still here the loud laughter of her brother the night before, as Kanoko took one look at her father's dark face and bolted right back out the door. It was an odd day at the Nara residence when Shikaku was the one stomping around the house, silently stewing while Yoshino snuck food and blankets to Kanoko with a smirk.

And if that wasn't all, Naruto and Sasuke started fighting again – this time going too far. Not long after Sasuke woke up, Kanoko decided to be lazy and left her teammates to fret over Sasuke. And despite what Shikamaru would lead you to believe, it was not because she was jealous of the attention they were giving him when she almost died… Again… Not. At. All. Jealous.

In any case, leaving them there proved deadly as Sasuke responded poorly to being coddled. That and his rising frustration over Naruto's progress, Sasuke snapped, leading to a battle of jutsus on the roof. Thankfully, Kanoko had been passing Hinata and Kiba when Sakura ran over to tell her. All four ran to the roof to see the two of them trying to kill each other.

Kanoko was prepared to go knock some sense into the two of them when the unthinkable happened:

Hinata roared with a battle cry that would haunt all present for some time, before charging at Sasuke, hitting him straight in the stomach with her gentle fist. Kanoko remembered Sasuke's wide eyes as he squeaked out his teammate's name before fainting.

Of course, the moment didn't last long before Hinata fell to her knees shouting apologies at the passed out Uchiha. Kanoko smirked as she remembered Naruto slowly crawling away from Hinata with a terrified look on his face, "If she had turned even a centimeter towards him, him would have passed out from sheer terror."

Sakura and Kanoko now had a running gag with Naruto, telling him that if he didn't behave, they would go get Hinata. His face was priceless each time they said it.

Sasuke, after spending a lot of time with his team, seemed to go back to normal – well, normal for the Uchiha. The three of them seemed to be good for Sasuke. They didn't coddle him, but were there to help when he needed it. They were a good balance.

Shino and Torune seemed to be doing well, as well. Torune was taking the role as paper pusher seriously. Tsunade had forgotten what sleep meant as Shizune and Torune tackled her with signatures, important meetings, new information traveling around, and requests from villagers. Kanoko chuckled to herself, "Maybe I should find a way to tell her that she can delegate her authority to others and go about her own life without worry." Kanoko smirked, "No... My grandniece could learn a lesson in humility first."

Shino was promoted, or demoted – depending how you look at it, to special jounin. This position was something the Hokage could assign without jumping through any bureaucratic hoops and was the quickest way to pull both Torune and Shino from Danzo's grasp. Shino was then assigned under a man called, Yamato, for tutelage. Shino was at first sad that his sensei would no longer be his brother, but Torune seemed to have found his calling in running around the Hokage's tower as her assistant, so Shino quickly go over his feelings. Now he was having fun meeting with Naruto, and the rest of the boys of the Rookie 9, about new ways to prank his sensei – even Kakashi-sensei joined in once, but Kanoko suspected there was more to that story then he was telling.

The only people Kanoko hadn't heard very much from was Team Gai. Kanoko suspected that was because Kakashi was only recently released from the hospital and Gai was waiting for him to get back to 100% before challenging him to a duel.

Kanoko did find it odd that Lee had not sought out Sakura for another love confession…

"SAKURA-CHAN! IT MUST BE FATE AND THE POWER OF YOUTH THAT WE WOULD BOTH BE PULLED TO THIS RESTAURANT TO DINE UNTIL NIGHT!"

"Spoke too soon…" Kanoko thought, watching Lee run towards Sakura with Neji and Tenten following in after. Neji had his eyes narrowed, glaring at his teammate's back, "How many times do we have to tell you about your inside voice?!"

Tenten just sighed at her team before walking up to Ino, "I had a feeling we would see you guys here… Oh wow! Are those chunin vests?" Tenten exclaimed, her eyes catching the vest Kanoko and Shikamaru were wearing.

Kanoko nodded, "The Hokage informed us just moments ago." Neji peered at the Nara siblings before turning his head away with a huff – likely upset that Shikamaru made chunin before him.

"Oh come on Neji! You'll get there soon, the flames of youth burn brightly in you!" Gai shouted in his deep voice, placing a hand on Neji's shoulder and embarrassing him in front of everything – who laughed at his distressed face.

Kanoko relaxed as her eyes softened at the group in front of her. Even though she knew the road ahead would be tough and the enemies would only get stronger from here, this was a moment she would never forget. Moments like this, among her friends and family – as strange and new as they still seemed, she would cherish and strive to protect.

Jiraiya may watch her with curious eyes, the Hokage may keep her at arm's length, and her own father may be questioning her left and right, but this life was still perfect in so many was, and she would do anything to protect it.

Shikamaru caught Kanoko's far away look and raised an eyebrow. Still feeling happy with her life, Kanoko smiled kindly back at him, her eyes softening. Shikamaru jumped slightly and turned away quickly.

"Hey Shikamaru! What's got you blushing so hard?" Choji asked loudly – worried like the good friend he is. Shikamaru just turned redder before trying to hide his face with his hand, giving them all a dull and bored look – trying to brush it off.

Everyone laughed at him anyways.

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Gathered on the roof of the Hokage's tower were chunin and jounin – all on one knee in front of the Fifth Hokage. Kanoko was currently near the back with her brother on her right. Behind Lady Tsunade stood their father with his typical calm expression.

"We lost a few shinobi during the invasion of Suna, as well as our esteemed leader, the Third Hokage. Even so, the Village Hidden in the Leaves refused to so weakness and all of you together, and those still on missions, pitched in to help – for this, you have my gratitude, as does your village." Tsunade spoke loudly to the group before her, her arms crossed underneath her chest.

The Fifth Hokage paused to take a deep breath, "The Village Hidden in the Waterfall claims to be conducting a training exercise at the edge of their lands."

Kanoko looked to her brother, who looked back at her, "A possible invasion?"

Tsunade nodded to the group, "I imagine you must be thinking the same as I, a possible invasion. However, they have given this information freely. Whether that is a ruse or not, I won't allow the village to suffer for our inaction. For now, you will be split into groups. Some of you will be required to guard the border of the fire nation while the rest of you will remain here, as our last line of defense."

Sighing out, Tsunade closed her eyes before opening them again, "This, on top of our other missions will leave us at bare minimums. I, and your village, are counting on you to make this a success. Every ninja above genin will be assigned a task, so line up to speak with those behind me for your orders."

"Your village is counting on you. Dismissed!" Tsunade bellowed, walking back towards Shikaku for further planning.

Kanoko and Shikamaru stood, "Things are starting to get serious… How troublesome…" Kanoko gave her brother a nasty look, "Let's just go get our orders before you say something that rubs one of the jounin the wrong way and I have to bail you out. Again."

Shikamaru gave his sister a dull look as he dragged his feet forward to the line. Once they had their scrolls they opened them up. Shikamaru sighed, "I'm to remain in the village as a last line of defense."

Kanoko raised an eyebrow, "Well aren't you lucky. I'm on outer village patrol duty." Shikamaru smirked, walking away with his hands in his pocket, "Sucks to be you."

Kanoko glared at his back before heading out to find her genin team. They would need to know.

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"WHAT?!"

"Naruto! You're as bad as Lee!" Sakura told Naruto, holding her hands over her ears. They were currently hanging out on their favorite spot: On the red bridge over the river.

Naruto looked back as Sakura with a depressed look, "But it's not fair… Kanoko gets this super awesome mission and we get stuck here!"

Kanoko gave Naruto a dull look, "It's not exactly exciting work. I will be running in circles around the village – much like Lee and Gai do every day."

Naruto shook his head, "Yeah, but what if some ninja decides to attack, or… or what if a whole village decides to attack?! You would be the first line of defense and get all the fame and glory!"

Sakura sighed, "That's exactly what we don't want to happen, so stop wishing for it! Kanoko may be strong, but she'll die against a whole village! Is that what you want?!" Sakura barked at Naruto, pointing a finger in his face.

Naruto pouted, "No…"

"Then it's settled. Kakashi-sensei has also been given a mission – though I don't know the details, so it will just be the two of you for some time." Kanoko paused to think, "All the teams will be without their sensei, so maybe you all can get together and train?"

That seemed to appease Naruto, who started to think about it before jumping in the air and running away quickly. Sakura and Kanoko both sweat-dropped as they heard Naruto's voice, in the distance, yell, "I'm coming for you teme!"

Turning back to Kanoko, Sakura spoke, "I do hope everything goes well during patrol duty…" Sakura looked down, her fears getting the best of her. Kanoko tilted her head slightly before fishing out something from her bag. Holding in her fist, she motioned Sakura to hold out her hand.

Looking at her in confusion, Sakura did just that. Kanoko dropped a necklace into her hand, "The next time you see Naruto, can you make sure this gets around his neck? It's the First Hokage's necklace."

"Whaaat?!" Sakura exclaimed, looking down at it in awe, "How did you get it?!"

Kanoko shrugged, "Won it in a bet. It's a long story. In any case, it now belongs to Naruto, so can you make sure it gets to him – and on him, not in his pocket or something."

Sakura nodded, still in a bit of awe, "No problem…"

Kanoko smirked slightly, "Oh, that reminds me." Sakura looked back up at Kanoko, "Remember how we were trying to come up with a battle style for you?" Sakura nodded. Kanoko smirked, "Let's just say, due to recent events, I got some inspiration for an idea. I will warn you though, the path won't be easy – in fact, it will be deadly. Are you ready for such a challenge?"

Sakura stared at Kanoko before narrowing her eyes and arguing with herself. Finally, she looked up at Kanoko with determined eyes, "I'm tired of being the weak one on the team, the support that can't defend herself. If I don't do something, you and Naruto are going to leave me in the dust – and I don't want that! I want to protect my village, my family, …and the people I care about." Raising her fist in the air, Sakura grinned, "Whatever you got, I can take it! CHA!"

Kanoko chuckled lowly, "A simple, "Yes" would have been fine, but since you're so motivated…"

Sakura tilted her head at Kanoko's evil grin.

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Torune stepped before the Fifth Hokage, "You will need to sign here, here, and here. Oh and here, but not here… You should really read that part… And here as well, but don't–"

"MAKE IT STOPPPPP!" Tsunade yelled, standing up from her desk and slamming her hands down, "Sign this, read this, meet with this old geezer, review this request… I'VE HAD ENOUGH! THE LEAF VILLAGE CAN FIGURE OUT THEIR OWN SHIT!"

Shizune quickly ran over and pulled on Tsunade's robes to keep her in the room, "Lady Tsunade! You already gave an oath! You must stay and work!"

"To hell I do! Especially not without some high quality sake!" Tsunade roared back, trying to get Shizune off without ripping her clothes.

Torune came over to appease the Hokage, "If we find you some, will you go back to your desk?" Shizune shot Torune a dirty look, "What are you doing, Torune?!" Torune gave her a pleading look, "Trying to keep our Hokage from defecting?"

Tsunade pushed them back, "No! Find me a way to get more than two hours of sleep, some relaxing tea mixed with something strong, and a nice hot bath, and we'll talk about if the Leaf village still has a Hokage by the end of the day!"

Shizune and Torune looked at each other and opened their mouths to speak when a poof was heard behind Tsunade.

Turning around, Tsunade raised an eyebrow at a confused and shocked pink haired girl. She froze when she looked up to see the Hokage. Tsunade gave her an unimpressed look, "I don't know how you got in here without my guards knowledge – WHO WILL PAY DEARLY LATER – but I suggest you start speaking, girly."

Sakura shook with her eyes wide before extending her hand out, a piece of paper in it. Tsunade reached out to grab it as Shizune and Torune yelled at her to stop – thinking it could be a bomb or something. She ignored them and read it out loud, "By now you must be going insane and pleading to the gods for a nap, warm bath, and/or some hard alcohol to ease that growing headache of yours. I am willing to offer you information to make your life easier – the only condition is that you agree to train the pink haired genin in front of you. WHAT THE HELL IS THIS?!" Tsunade screamed, punching the desk behind her and breaking it in half.

"No! The papers!" Torune cried out. He just spent an hour organizing all those piles.

Sakura shook her head, "That's all I know promise!" Tsunade eyed her suspiciously, "So… If this isn't your doing, whose is it?"

Sakura looked to the side, "Kanoko didn't tell me if I could tell Tsunade the truth…" Tsunade noticed the hesitation, "Let's rephrase this question. Who are your teammates and sensei?"

"K-Kakashi-sensei, Naruto and Kanoko." Sakura stuttered out. Tsunade groaned lowly, "Great. My three favorite people…" Sighing, Tsunade thought about the trade. Honestly, she would likely train the kunoichi in any case if she showed the will and potential for medical ninjutsu – Konoha need more medics, but Tsunade was a very busy person, who could barely balance her own life.

Tsunade looked down at the paper, "But if they have an answer to my woes…" The Fifth Hokage leaned back on her desk with her arms crossed, "Tell me… What was your name?"

"Haruno Sakura, my lady."

"Tell me Sakura, do you truly want to learn the ways of medical ninjutsu or is this something you are being forced into? I'm not going to lie to you, I'm not an easy sensei, in fact, some may call me cruel. I will likely be in a sour mood most of the time, due to my position in the village. Knowing this, what is your answer?"

Sakura looked unsure for a moment before her eyes turned serious again as she stood confidently, "It's my dream to protect my village and the people I care about. I want to become a strong ninja like my teammates and sensei. I was warned you would be tough, but I am willing to work past my limits to become a ninja – become a kunoichi this village can be proud to call one of its own!"

Tsunade raised an eyebrow, "Impressive speech – though a bit bland compared to your teammates." Tsunade watched Sakura's fist tighten at the accusation, "And what about healing ninjutsu? It requires fine chakra control."

Sakura nodded, "I understand... Actually, one of my teammates showed me a technique that I can now preform accurately: The Mystical Palm Technique."

Tsunade's eyebrows rose, "I'm going to assume you are referring to the Nara… I know for a fact she does not know the technique, or else she would have aided in healing her own wounds."

Sakura nodded, "She told me she never actually preformed the jutsu, but stole – I mean, acquired a few books to help me learn after I told her of my interest in medical ninjutsu."

Shizune gasped, "You learned on your own? That's amazing!"

Tsunade stared at Sakura with narrowed eyes, who tried not fidget under such gaze. After a few moments, Tsunade spoke, "…Give me the information about how to lessen my work load and I will think about making you my student."

"She's going to try to out-play you. You'll have to be strong. So long as Shizune is there, she'll hold Tsunade to any promises she makes, but you have to get the words out of her." Kanoko's words repeated in Sakura's head as she took a deep breath and shook her head, "Not until you make me your student."

Tsunade stilled, "Oh? You would act so pompous to your Hokage, your leader?" Tsunade spat with a cold tone.

Sakura gulped and shook slight, before nodding confidently and shouting, "Hai! I will only give you the information if you make me your student!"

Tsunade glared at Sakura long and hard.

Sakura felt herself sweating under such a heated glare, "What have I done?! Kanoko! You're going to get me killed!"

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A bark of laughter came out of Tsunade, making everyone in the room relax, "Hahaha! The kids these days! Such stones!" Turning back to Sakura she smirked, "Your funeral kid, but I promise here, on my honor as the Hokage, to make you my student. Now hand it over pinky."

Sighing out in relief, Sakura slowly walked over to the desk and placed an envelope on the desk before bolting out of the room at the speed of light.

Torune and Shizune looked at the swinging doors in confusion. Turning to Shizune, he said, "That was odd…"

Tsunade scoffed before ripping the envelope and reading the contents inside.

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"NNNNNNNNNAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRAAAAAAAAAA!" Tsunade roared, kicking one half of her broken desk out the window in rage. As she panted in anger, Tsunade quickly turned her eyes to the ninjas standing outside her door, "Find me Nara Shikaku and bring him to me NOW!"

Shaking slightly, Torune and Shizune snuck over to read the letter that had fallen out of their Hokage's hand.

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It's called, "Delegation of Authority" idiot.

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Author's Note: Thank you for the inspiring reviews once again! Please let me know what you like and what I need to work on! I will be typing as fast as I can to get out the next part, so I hope this chapter puts a smile on your face!

Thank you again!