Hero's Heart

Chapter 8

Hokage

Naruto wandered the village purposelessly until he eventually ended up on top of Mt. Hokage. When he got up there, he saw the incredible view and decided to stay there for the rest of the day. He sat down on top of the Fourth Hokage and retreated to his thoughts. The only thing that was going through his mind was what Hiashi told him.

Stay away from them.

Why did he say that? Why was he hiding like that? Naruto had so many questions that just couldn't be answered. They all involved the Hyuga and the Hyuga weren't in the mood to talk to him. This only made him feel worse.

"Ugh… This sucks."

"Something on your mind?"

Naruto turned around and saw Kakashi standing right behind him. The odd thing was that he was dressed as if he was his teacher. He wasn't wearing Hokage stuff, just his old apparel from when Team 7 was still a team.

"Kakashi-sensei, what are you doing?" Naruto watched him walk up next to him and take a seat beside him.

"I had a meeting with the Elders pretty recently. We talked about a lot of stupid things, but there was one thing I had to bring up that might peak your interests." Kakashi looked at Naruto who wasn't really interested in this conversation so he decided to step right to it. "I've decided to retire as the Hokage."

"Eehhh?!"

"Haha, is that the best reaction you could come up with?"

"Wait, why? You've been doing a great job as the Hokage."

"Not really. I didn't really do anything. All of this came from you. You united the nations after the Great War. I was just there to keep our people in check. You're the onewho's truly been leading our people. I think it's time that your dream came true."

"Don't be ridiculous. I can't be Hokage."

"And why is that? That's been your dream ever since you were young. What changed?"

Naruto was silent.

"Uh, well…" Naruto didn't have the words. He just shut up and looked down.

"Naruto, I've noticed lately that you haven't been yourself. Is there a reason for this? The reason why I'm asking is because you were once my student so I care about you. You don't need to go around thinking that no one cares about you or thinks you're useless." Kakashi put his hand on his shoulder which made Naruto look up at him. "I know you'll be a great Hokage. I watched you all of this time and you've managed to surpass some of the greatest shinobi in history, including your father who was an incredible shinobi. He was also a good man and you're already one as well."

"Thank you Kakashi-sensei. I feel a little better now."

"Good. I just wanted to let you know that the Hokage position is practically yours. There's no one who contests with you… Not even Sasuke."

That's when Naruto's eyes shot wide open. Hearing that name was almost like seeing a ghost. Kakashi knew that using his name would motivate Naruto even more since the two of them have had an intricate past.

"You think so?"

"I know so. No one could do what you managed to do for this world. I think it's time for everyone to see you for who you truly are… and that's Hokage."

"Alright."

Kakashi put his hand on Naruto's shoulder once again and gave him a good rub. After that, Kakashi had to go for some Hokage business. Meanwhile, Naruto returned to his feet and took a deep breath. He then looked out towards the village and smiled.

"Hokage, huh?" At that moment, he disappeared and reappeared inside of Hinata's room. However, Naruto didn't have the best timing in the world. When he appeared, he saw Hinata in her underwear. "Oh man."

"N-N-Naruto-kun… Hyah!" She covered up her body with one arm while with her other arm, she slapped him across the face.

"I-I'm so sorry." He turned around and looked at the door from just an inch away.

Thankfully, this little fiasco didn't get the attention from her guards, but Naruto felt really about it. He did kind of barge into her room without any warning so it makes sense for Hinata to react in this manner. After a minute or so, Hinata finished changing and allowed Naruto to turn around. He did so in a super slow manner to show how sorry he was. Of course, Hinata told him that it was alright, but Naruto wasn't swayed by her kind words.

"I'm really sorry, Hinata. I don't know what I was thinking."

"Naruto-kun, I said it's okay. You came here for a reason, right… because if you didn't then I might a little mad."

"No, of course I came here for a reason. Kakashi-sensei talked to earlier and said that he was retiring and that I was going to succeed him."

"Really?"

"Well, it's not official yet so I can't be too happy, but…"

"That's great." Hinata wrapped her arms around Naruto's body which totally caught him off guard. Even though their feelings for each other are mutual, Hinata's never been one to show her feelings like this. And yet, Naruto didn't mind. He just hugged her back and smiled. "Your dreams are coming true, Naruto-kun."

"Almost… There are still some things that I need to do."

"Like what?"

Naruto pulled her off of his body and looked her in the eyes.

"The Hyuga. I can't keep letting you guys live like this. You're a part of this village and yet your walls continue to get higher. That needs to change in order for this world to move on."

"Naruto-kun, as much as I believe in you, I just don't think that that'll work."

"What do you mean?"

"Lord Hiashi is the head of the clan. He's strong-willed and believes that the Byakugan chose him to be the caretaker. I don't think there's any way to change his mind."

Naruto suddenly kissed her on the head.

"Don't worry. I'll figure out a way to change his mind. I know he doesn't like me, but I need him to acknowledge me. I did this with Sasuke and look what happened. We're better friends than ever. I promise to you free you guys from this lifestyle."

"Thank you Naruto-kun." She hugged him again as the two of them stayed in each other's embrace for some time longer.

…

"Hokage-sama, are you sure about this?"

"Absolutely. My time as the Hokage has come to an end. It's only right that we pick our new leader."

"Alright. Does anyone have a suggestion?"

"Uzumaki Naruto."

At that moment, Kakashi was caught off guard. He was so determined to nominate him and yet, when he looked at the end of the table, he saw Shikamaru doing it instead. His father was a part of the council and since everyone knew what kind of person Shikamaru was, it was only right that he inherited it from his father.

"Naruto-kun, huh? That's a good pick. Anyone else?" The head Elder looked around and saw that no one was going to nominate anyone. "What about Uchiha Sasuke?"

"Excuse me…" Kakashi got up from his seat and decided to share his thoughts on this suggestion. "Uchiha Sasuke is a good nominee, but I think we all consider him to the Itachi of our time. He's dealing with all of the behind-the-scenes crap on his own accord. Also, I truly believe that Sasuke would want Naruto to become Hokage instead of him."

"I see. Does anyone have any objections?" The head Elder looked around and saw everyone shaking their heads. "Alright, I guess that settles it. Uzumaki Naruto will become our new Hokage." They all rose to their feet and bowed to each other. Another successful and productive meeting amongst the Elders that discussed the thing that revolved around the Hidden Leaf for so long. Uzumaki Naruto was going to become Hokage.

End of Chapter 8