DISCLAIMER!: I DON'T OWN NARUTO! Thought you'd know by now...

(A/N): What up my humans!? I've got another Chapter here for ya and I hope you enjoy!

ALSO! At the end of the chapter I have a special announcement for everyone! SO! Enjoy the chapter and read the announcement, I just know you will like what I have to say... :D

TO THE STORY!

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Chapter 73: Succession

. . . .

Anko looked over to Shizune and smiled. "You wanna get some Dango with Kure-chan and catch up more?" she asked. Shizune smiled and nodded quickly and with that, the two were off to the Dango Stand.

. . . .

Hiruzen sat in the council chamber, and for the first time since he got the Hokage title, he was happy to be there. He sat in his chair with a content smile as he watched the room fill with the Councilmen who he had so many migraines over. He chuckled inwardly as he watched. His smile only grew bigger as his thoughts ran though his mind. Thoughts of relaxing days at home. Drinking tea with his Son. Telling stories to his Grandson. Enjoying the quiet while he smoked from his pipe and practiced his calligraphy. He was a 69 year old man and had been an active shinobi since he was eight years old. The man DESERVED a vacation. Oh, but no. He would be getting something even better than a simple vacation. Something that nearly brought a tear to his eye just thinking about it.

Retirement!

Finally he could give the Hokage title off to the next generation without any demons, wars, or any of the between. No, he would be able t retire into peace, and he was happy. His smiled continued as he stood to call order to the chamber. "Alright, are we all in attendance?" he asked his Jonin Commander, Nara Shikaku. The usually lazy and inattentive Nara was actually fully awake and quick to reply. "Yes Hokage-sama. Every Council member here and accounted for." he said happily with his lazy smile. He too, was happy for the old man. He had the privilege to be his Commander for ten long years, and he was happy to see his friend/grandfather figure finally get the rest he deserves.

Hiruzen smiled to his friend and took his seat. "Now, I believe you all know why I called everyone in today?" he asked with a happy smirk. Everyone in attendance nodded or mumbled their replied 'yes'. "Then I do believe we should get along with it then. Cat-chan, please let Tsunade in." he said jovially. Anbu Cat appeared out of the shadows and nodded to her Hokage. She walked over to the large double doors and opened them. After a brief second, Senju Tsunade strode into the council chamber with her head held high and a determined smile on her face. She walked to her former Sensei and gave him a heart felt hug. "It's good to see you again Sensei." she said to the elderly Hokage. "Ho, ho, ho, ho. It is great to see you too Tsunade. You look exactly like you did the day you left." he said with a hearty laugh and a warm smile. They both turned to the council and Hiruzen cleared his throat.

"I never thought I'd see the day, where I was able to pass on the Hokage title to the next generation twice." he said and gave a sad glance over to Naruto, who returned with an equally sad smile. "But, here I am. Passing on the greatest honor this village can bestow one again." he then turned to Tsunade and took off his hat. "Senju Tsunade, do you accept the role as Hokage? Do you swear to protect your village, your comrades, and the Will of Fire with your very life? Do you swear to never betray this nation and fight until your final breath to keep it safe? Do you swear, that you will honor the Hokages that have come before you, and stand proud while the Will of Fire burns in your heart? Do you swear it?" he asked in a completely serious tone and held the Hokages hat out to her.

Tsunade looked between the Hat, her Sensei, the members of the council, and rested her eyes on the face of her Godson. She smiled broadly and turned back to Hiruzen. "I swear it." she said as she gently took the hat from the elderly man. Hiruzen smiled with all of his heart as a single tear escaped him. "Then, with this council as witness. I, Sarutobi Hiruzen, head of the Sarutobi Clan, and Sandaime Hokage, name you, Senju Tsunade, Head of the Senju Clan, Slug Sannin, and Master Medical Shinobi, the Godaime Hokage. May you were the hat with pride, and may you fight with the ferocity of all of the Hokage that have come before you." he said as he bowed deeply to her. "Hail, the Godaime Hokage of Konohagakure no Sato!"

The council stood and bowed as one. "Hail, Hokage-sama!"

. . . .

After a large applause from the Council and many congratulations, it was decided that the ceremonial coronation in front of the village would be held in three days time. Till then Tsunade would still be in charge as Hokage, but Hiruzen would have to advise her in his office and get her caught up on Village secrets and other off the books knowledge. About an hour after the council meeting ended Tsunade found herself in the Hokage's office with Hiruzen, Jiraiya, Cole, and Naruto.

"So, what do we do now?" she asked her Sensei as she sat down behind the desk, noticing that the chair was rather comfortable and the desk on her side had several storage seals along the drawers. Hiruzen smiled at her and sat in one of the chairs across from the desk. Jiraiya took the chair next to him while Cole and Naruto sat on the couch in the side of the room. "No, Hokage-sama," Hiruzen started, while stressing the word 'Hokage'. "We need to get you caught up on the hidden village affairs, the economy, and the new Shinobi Roster. But first, we need to get you two new advisers, since I had Koharu and Homura fired and Seinaru here killed Danzo while the fool was caught red handed committing treason." he said to Tsunade and she nodded, only slightly surprised by the information. She was happy that her Sensei finally man'd up and fired those two snakes. She never did trust them. But the fact that Seinaru killed Danzou was a little surprising. It just added even more to the mystery that is Uzumaki Seinaru.

Before she could speak Hiruzen held a hand up for her to wait. He gave her a fiercely stern look. "And, no. I will not be one of them. I believe I am in for a LONG retirement." he said to his former student. Who in turn deflated a bit. She was really hoping to get the old monkey in her corner for the council meetings. "Well, I was already going to pick Jiraiya," she said and he nodded in agreement with her. He had all of the dirty little secrets on most of the village and could help her with blackmail. "Then who am I going to choose other than you Sensei?" she asked in frustration.

Hiruzen smirked and point towards the Father and Son who were lazily watching from the couch. "Why don't you ask one of those two to do it. Naruto, being our Jinchuriki will be able to help you out when straight up influence is needed. But, Seinaru-san would be able to help you gain connections and make governing choices. The man is very smart and if he would have accepted my offer, be sitting where you are right now. So, who will it be?" the elderly man asked with a sly smile.

Naruto went wide eyed when he heard Hiruzen rat him out to work as an adviser, but before Tsunade chose his father cut in. "Well, Tsunade-sama, I say that I am the one for the job. Naruto-kun is too young, and I also believe he would be more of an asset in the field than at home behind a desk." he said to the new Hokage. Tsunade nodded slowly and gave a slight grunt. "Fine then, you're in Seinaru-san." she said as she leaned back into the comfortable Hokage chair.

Cole smiled and bowed his head slightly. "Glad to be aboard Hokage-sama." he said with a smile. Naruto sighed in relief and leaned back into the couch. He nodded to his father. Nice save. Hiruzen cleared his throat to gain attention again. "Now that that's settled. I think it is time to let you in on a little secret. Seinaru-san, would you do the honors?" Hiruzen said as he waved his hand over to Cole. Cole smirked and stood from his seat and strode over to in front of Tsunade's desk. He pulled a mask out of seemingly nowhere and put it on.

"Hokage-sama, I believe a TRUE, introduction is in order. You know me by the name of Uzumaki Seinaru, but that is just a cover. For I, am the Oracle of Six Paths. Bringer of prophecy and seer of the future. I am the Oracle, and I know a great many things."

. . . .

(A/N): To be continued...

*ATTENTION!*

OUR AUTHOR HAS A SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT!

Hello all of my loyal and fantastic readers! Bulba Fett here with a VERY IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!

Myself and a friend of mine who goes by the pen name, Anonymous Jonin, are writing a story together!

Story will be called "The Caged Bird"

Summary:

'Naruto was only six when he was forced to flee from Konoha. However, he found by Hyuuga Hizashi and brought back with the Promise of Family.

But when good intentions take turn for the worst, Naruto is branded with the Caged Bird Seal. How will he grow up while under the abusive eye of

the Main Branch Elders. And will he ever find out what a true Family is like?

Find out in, The Caged Bird.'

It has a NaruHina pairing as well ;) (Also Rated M, but NO SMUT/LEMONS)

I hope you guys are just as hyped about it as I am! Make sure to go check out Anonymous Jonin as well! His story, "Some Call It Divine Intervention" is a heck of a read so far and I believe he just doesn't get the amount of views that his story should! We plan on publishing this story either this coming Sunday, or next Sunday!

Remember to REVIEW AND LEAVE A QUESTION FOR THE Q&A ON FRIDAY! And as always, I'll see ya next time!