Author Note

Hi there and welcome to another chapter of Nidaime no Sairin.

I was thrilled to see that the readers enjoyed last chapter. Nidaime's short appearance was meant to be, let's say, a checkpoint mark in a race for Naruto's growth, and I'll say it right now…this won't be the last appearance of the Second Hokage. There will be one last appearance which will be the finish line, in which Naruto will receive the final praise, but only if he manages to reach Tobirama's requirements and expectations. But I have lots and lots of training material, not to mention, experiences for him to go through.

I'll tell you…I'm getting more and more excited for this story.

Now, on to the chapter.


Nidaime no Sairin

Chapter 19 – Aftermath

Beta: Scheffinator


A week after the invasion ended, it was mayhem for the Village Hidden in the Leaves.

It was hell indeed for most of the village's forces as they had to deal with the aftermath of the event. As such, the Hokage's Administration Building staff was in a frenzy, as Chuunin left and right were pushing papers, dealing with damage reports and worst of all, accounting for the casualties, both shinobi and civilian wise. It was especially frustrating to believe that this same time yesterday, no one actually believed that an event of this nature would occur. Certainly, Orochimaru of the Sannin would be capable, sure, but Suna...up to this point, the Village Hidden in the Sand was perhaps the only ally of Konoha out there. The other villages either despised Konoha or tolerated the so-called 'tree-huggers'. Suna was the only one who had actually declared them as the village's allies.

Which is why it was so frustrating to one Hiruzen Sarutobi as he saw the piles of paperwork grow endlessly, mumbling curses for every Chuunin that dropped a report over the never-ending pile.

Together with the shinobi leader were the village elders as well as the Jounin-sensei of the rookie teams that were enrolled in this frantic Exams.

"So, Homura, I take it that Sunagakure has sent a written missive for us, so why don't you enlighten me, old friend, please tell us all the cards they had decided to play." Kurenai, Kakashi and Asuma were simply kneeling in the far corner of the room, while the gray-haired elder dealt with the political side of this ordeal. Although, to Kurenai, being the least experienced of the three, it was a first to see the Third Fire Shadow of the Village this pissed off. She could really feel the veined anger dripping in each and every word that came out of his mouth.

Homura, the elder in question, cleared his throat and opened the message sent by their supposed allies.

"Well, Hokage-sama, it has been confirmed that indeed Orochimaru had killed the Yondaime Kazekage and impersonated him. According to the message, Orochimaru, disguised as Kazekage, had influenced their decision to invade us. Though, obviously, there is no clear apology or intent of reparation, it's quite shocking to say it out loud, Hiruzen, but they are demanding that we release the captured Suna shinobi at once. It's said that this entire invasion was due and only due to Orochimaru's machinations." The Hokage was busy just puffing his pipe, while frowning.

Well, it wasn't a lie per se…as much as it pained Hiruzen, his once favorite student had started all of this and Hiruzen knew enough about how the snake operated. Probably, Orochimaru had infiltrated Suna long before making a move on the Kazekage.

From that point on, it was merely child's play for him to work his way and perform his plan with none being the wiser.

"What shall we do, Hiruzen? Suna must pay dearly for their transgressions." The other elder Koharu, demanded of their leader and the Hokage had actually concurred with her.

"Reparations shall be placed into effect, Koharu, of that I have no doubt." The elder woman nodded and Homura as well, though all three knew how thin their path now was. Push too little and Konoha loses its image and prestige…push too much and they risk forcing Suna's hand to send in even more battalions and prolong this pointless debacle. In the end, his advisors knew just how Hiruzen would play this…"I'm not inclined to use the hostages as leverage, but Suna must face the repercussions of their actions. The Fire Daimyo has already demanded an explanation from the Wind Daimyo, so Suna shall already receive even less mission requests. Aside from this, despite not explicitly saying in their letter, they knew we do have their Jinchuuriki in custody, plus the Kazekage's other two children."

Homura and Koharu nodded in acceptance at Hiruzen's line of thinking.

"Indeed…leave it to me, Hiruzen, I shall begin the negotiations in earnest." Hiruzen nodded at Homura, nominating him to deal with Suna.

"Granted, though, please keep me posted on the conversations." The male elder bowed in acceptance and quietly left the room, together with Koharu.

With the elders gone, only the three Jounin remained inside the room with Hiruzen.

After dealing with Suna, now was time to handle the results of the exams. Despite the invasion occurring, the Chuunin Exams proceeded as per usual with Naruto clearly being the favorite to win the final match against Gaara, when the invasion started. The three Jounin had seen Hiruzen's attention shift towards them, egging them forward to start the subject that pertained to their responsibilities. Not only towards their perspective Genins' display, but regarding the invasion as well. As such, it was expected of them to write reports from both events.

"Ah I see…" Said reports were at this moment being read by the Third Fire Shadow. "So, Kakashi, care to explain why you believed it wise to place Naruto in charge of the other Genin?"

Asuma and Kurenai looked briefly towards the gray haired Jounin, before the man in question explained. The Hokage's tone didn't indicate being displeased with his decision, so it was merely procedure.

"Hokage-sama, considering his versatile usage of the Kage Bunshin to be at various positions, plus the respect he had from his peers, I had given him an A-ranked mission to guide the other Genins and protect Konoha's most sensitive areas. The original one stayed under our tutelage in the stands and I have to say that he has carried out his directives to the fullest, sir. Most of the nobles and visitors were unharmed and Genin Uzumaki Naruto has even managed to form a well-coordinated duo with Kurenai to deal with most of the Sound shinobi, after the visitors and nobles were secured."

Hiruzen just hummed as he then turned to Kurenai for her side report.

"True, Hokage-sama, Genin Uzumaki Naruto worked flawlessly in a teamwork effort with me, where I would capture the Sound-nin in Genjutsu, while Naruto used both his Shurikenjutsu and Kenjutsu skills to strike the killing blow." Despite the woman appearing formal about the subject, Hiruzen could pick up some hints from her tone. Something amongst the lines of respect and even pride, from the looks of things, though he didn't comment further as he turned to Asuma for his take on the blond Genin.

"Above all else, he's a natural. There was no hesitation in his movements, nor it appeared that he was even winded even after the high level battles he had endured." Hiruzen also had reports from plenty of other Chuunin, Jounin and even ANBU about one Uzumaki Naruto. It seems his clones have left quite an impression as well, helping the other civilians and guiding them towards the shelters and even protecting the village structures. Not to mention the awestruck revelation about who was actually responsible for his growth. It has been a week since the invasion and Hiruzen was still having trouble coming to terms with what happened. But, that occurrence aside, it was quite obvious that he would be promoted.

"I see...so I assume that his promotion is a unanimous decision from you three, then?" Kakashi and Asuma nodded resolutely, but Kurenai decided to further explain her reasoning.

"Frankly, Hokage-sama, I'm still baffled by how many skills Naruto has at this moment." Hiruzen worked his poker face to the extreme at such a comment. Considering who taught the kid, then Kurenai's frank statement had merit. "This may sound far-fetched, but considering the rate of his growth, I wouldn't be surprised if he became Jounin material in another two years or so. Just like Kakashi and Itachi were at his age." Hiruzen's obvious frown in disapproval was justified, despite Kurenai not backing off her proud statement. Throughout the village history, there were plenty of prodigies who grew up in skill too fast and ended up losing themselves afterward and Hiruzen didn't want that for Naruto.

"Duly noted, Kurenai. Young Naruto-kun indeed shows promise, but let's see how he performs in the field as a Chuunin. Now, any more Genin worthy of the promotion?"

Hiruzen was looking at the files of Haruno Sakura and Aburame Shino, while Kakashi and Kurenai spoke in their regard.

"Haruno Sakura has also displayed great growth throughout the exams and she managed to create a suitable strategy to fend off against her opponent. While her chakra reserves still need improvement, it's safe to say she is ready for the promotion. I'd advise though that she is paired with more experienced shinobi for a while, before she can assume a more leading role." Hiruzen nodded as he studied Sakura's file closely. Kakashi's request wasn't unprecedented, of course. Not all Chuunin were natural leader material right after the promotion. As it was mostly peaceful times, there was a learning curve to be followed and Sakura could further improve her skills, following a more experienced Chuunin.

"Of course, now Kurenai, please talk to me about Shino."

"Shino is like his father…driven entirely by logic and never loses focus in a mission. He focuses on the small details that make the mission easier and he's a born tactician as well. Actually, he and Naruto can form a good pair."

Kurenai had talked in length with the other Jounin about this. Actually, Shino would only replace Shikamaru in a Chuunin level mission. The Aburame's bugs would aid Naruto's sensor skills in a tracking mission and would also assist Naruto in fighting against enemies with Shino's bugs taking advantage of the enemy focusing on Naruto and subtly drain the enemy's chakra in the meantime. Hiruzen acknowledged the duo and made a side note to test them as soon as possible.

"Well, at least, this Exam was fruitful…with one rookie Genin from each team getting the promotion, which is one blessing these old bones could take out from the tragedy that has befallen us. After all, the Leaf shall burn bright in the end with the next generation showing its Will of Fire. For now, despite them being promoted, for the remainder of this year, they shall still take missions with their Genin teams. But, I also shall place them in C to B-ranked missions from time to time. Please relay the news for them that the promotion ceremony shall occur by this same time tomorrow. Dismissed." The Jounins easily noticed the emptiness of Hiruzen's words. But, then, again, neither of them knew precisely what was going on in the Hokage's mind at this moment.

The turmoil of so many events happened at once…the weight of the losses sustained bearing down on his shoulders… the fact that all of this happened because of his own student's actions…but there was one more crucial aspect that weighed on Hiruzen's consciousness.

As such, Hiruzen barely noticed when the three Jounins bowed and quickly left in a shunshin to relay the news to their Genin in person, leaving Hiruzen alone or at least he wished to be.

"Oh come on, sensei, please stop moping…it's not like you could have prevented any of this from happening…." The Third Fire Shadow puffed continuously on his pipe, wishing that his other student would leave him alone for the moment.

"Jiraiya, I don't have time for your shenanigans, right now. Leave me be." As if on cue, the perverted Sannin shifted from his favorite spot by the office's far window. Jiraiya knew how the leader felt in the aftermath of this invasion. It was the same thing that happened in the Great Ninja World Wars. When Hiruzen had to bear the responsibility of the wrong decisions he had made throughout the wars. Still, the Sannin knew what was truly going on in his sensei's head at the moment.

"You know that the kid saved you in the end, right? Is this what you're feeling right now…you truly thought that you'd die for the village and then you were saved."

Jiraiya actually swallowed nervously when he heard the snarl from Hiruzen's throat. This was the first time that he had seen his sensei lose the usual decorum and vent.

"To sacrifice yourself for the good of the village, Jiraiya, is the highest honor for a Hokage…besides me, all previous Kages had done so." Breathing a little more easily now, Hiruzen still continued. "It was true that Naruto-kun had saved me by releasing Tobirama-sama from Orochimaru's Edo Tensei. But…" Hiruzen then closed his eyes and took a deep breath, before resuming. "I'm tired, Jiraiya. I don't know how long I can carry this out anymore. One thing before Sensei left, he said that I needed to appoint a successor at once and I agree…" Jiraiya then frowned once Hiruzen's questioning eyes were aimed at him.

"Oh, don't look at me, sensei, I'm not Hokage material." Hiruzen couldn't help but chuckle, but it lacked any humor.

"I know…as good a Hokage as I know you'd be, I know that you'd dread taking the position. A Hokage must let go of his own life in favor of the village's welfare, after all. Plus, I can't sacrifice your spy network." Jiraiya right now saw his sensei carrying the weight of the world right now in his somber expression. "…I must appoint someone, and the list is quite short." That was an understatement, as Jiraiya knew that only two names would have met Hiruzen's criteria and one was rather young at the moment.

"You're thinking about her, aren't you?" Hiruzen nodded, this time some life coming back in his eyes at his student's quick thinking.

"Indeed, though I still have to see how to broach the subject."

Jiraiya smirked at that. Yes, knowing how she would react to it, made sense to consider all possible scenarios beforehand.

"Well, I guess you can take your time about this subject, now how about the kid? I take it you have yet to tell everyone below the ANBU rank and myself what truly happened."

"Unfortunately, young Naruto-kun will have to bear one more S-ranked secret linked to him." Jiraiya understood, of course. The mere existence of someone being called as the Nidaime's legacy was risky. If the knowledge that Naruto acquired from the Nidaime fell on the wrong hands would spell trouble to everyone, no doubt. It was quite astonishing to believe that a mere Genin had knowledge on one of the Nidaime's most dreadful creations. Though, Jiraiya knew that Hiurzen was due to have a sensitive conversation with the brat.

"Do you wish for me to stay here when you talk to him, tomorrow?" Hiruzen shook his head.

Hell, if there was anyone out there who had as many secrets involving Naruto as Hiruzen did was the perverted Sannin.

"No, this is something I must do on my own, Jiraiya. I owe him at least this much. Your time will come as well, I assume."

The usual grin turned into a flat-line smile as Jiraiya took the swift jab and left the room via shunshin.

The reaction was warranted, of course, but Hiruzen truly wanted to be alone at this point.


===Next Day===

Naruto had awakened this morning, not sure what to expect.

He had heard from Asuma-sensei that he was to meet the Hokage this afternoon for an announcement.

The Jounin was rather cryptic about the reason for such a hearing with the Third Fire Shadow and Naruto started wondering what the old man wanted with him, of all people. Right now, Naruto knew that in the grand scheme of things, only Chuunin and above would be called upon to assist in the village's post-invasion details. Above all else, the village needed revenue for the reconstruction and thus the Chuunin and above shinobi were being dispatched to fulfill the village's mission backlog. Fortunately, or unfortunately, for the village, both the Chuunin Exams results and the fact that Konoha had won against two villages, only served to improve its image to the point that mission requests were flowing in endlessly.

Some of the Genin were already sent to clean up the D and low C-ranked missions. Hinata and Shikamaru had joined in some of these missions together with their respective clans.

Sasuke and Kiba were also lined up for some heavy-hitting assignments. Actually, the only Genins who weren't called in for missions were Naruto, Sakura and Shino. Naruto had met Sakura yesterday for some light training and she had complained about Kakashi-sensei not saying anything, aside from Sakura also being called in to the Hokage's meeting. Right now, Naruto had put on his usual clothes, with a new addition, formed now by the lack of any kunai or shuriken holster. Now, he had drawn summoning seals in multiple places to help him have better access to his weapons, should the need arise.

Leaving his apartment, it didn't take long for him to reach the Hokage's Administration Building. Along the way, he could see the destruction caused by the invasion, as well as the construction workers repairing the damage.

When he got inside, Naruto was surprised to see Asuma there waiting for him.

"Asuma-sensei…ah…what are you doing here…ah, am I in trouble?" The bearded Jounin was about to greet his strongest student for the day, when he sweat dropped at the excessive worry in Naruto's face.

"Relax, Naruto…it's anything of the sort." The blond Genin walked closely to his Jounin-sensei as Asuma then placed his arm around his neck. "As to why I'm here…well, it's not everyday a Jounin gets to gloat about one of his Genin getting promoted to Chuunin in their first year, you know." Naruto looked up instantly at his sensei when he heard the word Chuunin, when the Hokage's Office doors opened, revealing both Shino and Sakura carrying their own version of the Chunin vest, followed by Kakashi and Kurenai-sensei, as well as a man that looked like an older version of Shino with a white overcoat and sunglasses.

"Naruto-senpai, look, I got promoted…no wonder you're here as well. It was thanks to you that I received this vest, after all."

Kakashi deflated at Sakura's proud comment, earning a chuckle from everyone.

"Congratulations, Sakura…you too, Shino." The now Chuunin Aburame barely nodded, adjusting his glasses, showing his acknowledgment to Naruto's praise. Shino, then, walked away with his father, while Kakashi accompanied the beaming Sakura to celebrate her promotion together with her own parents. Naruto only realized that he was alone in the hallways when he looked around and saw no sign of either Asuma or Kurenai-sensei, nearby. A bit of an apprehension dawned on him, as to what would follow next, when he heard the commanding voice of the Hokage.

"Genin Uzumaki Naruto, please get inside, so we can begin!"

Swallowing nervously for a bit, Naruto got inside the Hokage's Office and only then did he see that he wasn't alone with the Hokage.

Both Kurenai and Asuma stood by the wall close to the door and both were smiling proudly at him. Naruto paid special attention to the fact that he was still due to talk to Kurenai about all of this. Looking at her, though, the ravenette Jounin only nodded to him and ushered him to step forward to meet the Hokage halfway. Behind the Hokage, were the proctors from the Exams…Morino Ibiki, Mitarashi Anko and Shiranui Genma. While Naruto had never interacted with the stern proctor from the first exam, he could be considered to be on almost friendly terms with Anko and even had a small interaction with Genma, when the invasion started.

He remembered the lack of another proctor and sighed sadly for Neko-sensei's loss. He was still due to find her in the village somehow and see if she needed anything.

"Okay, this will be short…but let us begin…Uzumaki Naruto…" The Genin stood at attention at the Hokage's professional tone as he was busy reading the final report on his desk. "Your overall performance in the exams was beyond exemplary. Morino Ibiki here could attest to your mind strength and knowledge in gathering information. Mitarashi Anko could attest to your ability, as well as your Genin team, to work together and overcome the adversities. And last but not least, Shiranui Genma had attested your prowess on the battlefield. I, personally, believed that if the invasion had not occurred, then you would have been victorious. Aside from that, your assistance to the Jounin senseis throughout the invasion as well as your leadership towards your fellow Genin showed that you have both the skills and quality of a Chuunin."

Naruto just stood in awe as heard the Hokage's report about him.

This time, one Hiruzen Sarutobi had forgone the stern visage for the new addition to his Chuunin Forces and smiled dearly at the young man that stood before him.

"You have earned this title, Naruto-kun, and it gives me great pride to award you the promotion. Now, here is your Chuunin vest."

The young man was still astonished, but he approached the Hokage to grab the vest, despite blushing a bit when Anko showed her enthusiasm by yelling with her fist high in the air…"Yeah, way to go, gaki!"

A small nod of recognition from Naruto as he wondered that perhaps he could consider Anko a good friend.

The trench coat wearing Jounin had then began to laugh awkwardly when both the Hokage and Ibiki openly glared at her for her display, earning a chuckle from Kurenai. Naruto, then, tries the vest on, adjusting the size, before bowing to the Hokage. The act of respect came as a surprise to the aged leader, but he shrugged it off and only smiled.

"Thank you, Hokage-sama, I shall make Konoha proud."

"Becoming a Chuunin, Naruto-kun, means that you will be called for tougher assignments from here on out. You shall sometimes be called upon as a leader of a mission, either leading fellow Chuunin or Genins." Naruto nodded, looking the Hokage in the eye, showing that he had acknowledged his new set of responsibilities. However, Naruto then wondered why the sudden change in Hiruzen's face as he ordered everyone to leave for him to converse alone with Naruto. The others were startled somewhat by this, especially Asuma, who until now was responsible for Naruto as a Genin. Though, he followed the rest out of the room and closed the door.

Naruto was surprised then when he saw the Hokage go through a known sequence of hand seals, before four blurs that Naruto always sensed inside the Hokage's Office, vanished as well.

As soon as the ANBU protection left the room, Naruto saw a string of Kanji filling the entire room, before vanishing from sight.

"I trust that you recognize what I have done, Naruto-kun…surprisingly enough, we are both fellow students of the same man."

It took less than a second for Naruto to realize that perhaps he was right in thinking that he was in trouble right now.

"Ah yes, you have sealed the room, preventing any sound from leaving the room."

The aged leader nodded, feeling his age at the moment and Naruto was considered an experienced sensor enough to know that…

"I take it you're disappointed with me, Jiji." The overall silence coming from the Hokage was screaming in Naruto's ears.

"You know, when I first realized that you were improving in the academy, Naruto-kun, I was happy. Proud even as I could see that your hard work had finally brought fruits in the end. However, you stopped talking to me like we used to…back then." Naruto took a deep breath at that, knowing that indeed, the old man was right, but Hiruzen was not finished. "You suddenly decided to keep it to yourself…you must have decided that…perhaps, you didn't want to talk to me anymore. But, even then, your growth had only improved, and it was astonishing…to see how much you have grown in such a short amount of time. But, now, you and I both know the real reason for your growth, don't we...?"

Naruto felt the accusing eyes of the man that just now told that he was proud of Naruto's Chuunin achievement.

"What I want to know, Naruto, is why you had decided that I couldn't be trusted with the fact that my own sensei was tutoring you this entire time." Right now, Naruto wasn't talking to the Hokage, but to the man who helped him a long time ago. To the man that gave him shelter when no one else did…To the man that looked at him when everyone gave him the cold shoulder and pretended he didn't exist. Taking some seconds to remember those awful days of his childhood…how one day Naruto was alone in the woods trying to catch a fish, only for this sweet old man to sit by him and tell him stories. This old man who then helped him by taking Naruto away from the orphanage and giving him an apartment, even if it barely had the essentials of a home…at least he had somewhere to call home.

But…on the other hand, this old man had also…had also…

"You know…before I met Tobirama-sensei, I truly didn't know much about myself. None of the teachers in the academy bothered with me…" Hiruzen just stood there with both hands holding his chin as he allowed his surrogate grandson to talk. "They didn't try to teach me the basics…whenever I tried raising my hand to ask something, I would be kicked out of class. Even when the shinobi training started, neither much bothered to tell me that the reason I was struggling in my chakra control was because I simply had too much to control." Hiruzen kept his mouth shut about that. "If it wasn't for Tobirama-sensei explaining that to me in the beginning, I probably wouldn't have passed the minimal requirements to pass the academy. And you, Hokage-jiji, had never explained that to me, either."

"When Tobirama-sensei told me that I am a Jinchuuriki of the Nine-Tailed Fox…" Hiruzen this time slightly opened his mouth in surprise. "I first wondered why I didn't hear this from you, Jiji. You asked me why I didn't trust you, but here I found out that the reason I was so hated by everyone…the reason why people simply ignored me…the reason why no one wanted to talk to me…was because I housed the very reason of their pain. I house in me the one responsible for killing their family…their child…husband…wife…sister…brother…father…mother." This time, Hiruzen had enough decency to look down in shame. "I asked you back then…do you remember….I asked why I was treated like this by everyone and you didn't tell me. You kept this from me, jiji! So, yes, I can say that I didn't trust you with this secret of mine. Not to mention that I didn't trust what the village would do to me, if they knew the truth."

"I see…" Gone was the accusing glare and now Hiruzen understood, though perhaps he felt that explaining his reasons would be too late, but he tried anyhow.

"You're right…I should have told you the truth, Naruto-kun." Naruto, though, merely shrugged his shoulders, as if he didn't care anymore, but still Hiruzen continued. "Keeping this from you was wrong…but my intention was to at least give you a normal childhood. After the event, I gave everyone the order to not speak about the subject and I also ordered the parents to not discuss this to the next generation, in hopes that you would be able to make friends and have fun." Naruto, this time, snorted in derision.

"Well, I guess that backfired, huh." He mumbled, though Hiruzen heard it nonetheless.

Indeed, Hiruzen had failed to acknowledge the level of the village's hatred towards the fox.

"True, it did." Naruto at least felt appreciative that his grandfather figure didn't waste both their time, hoping to make up for bad decisions in the past.

"Just so you know, Jiji, I don't expect an apology…perhaps, I did a long time ago, but not now. And I get the feeling that you're not expecting an apology from me, either, concerning Tobirama-sensei. I guess we can both state that both subjects are water under the bridge." Hiruzen this time took a look at the young man…a good look that Hiruzen did for what he perceived as a judge of character. The vest on top of the clothes that were actually similar to what Tobirama-sensei wore a long time ago, actually brought a smile on Hiruzen's life.

'I guess Naruto-kun may truly be your legacy, Tobirama-sensei.'

"You're right, Naruto-kun. You're absolutely right. Then, I shall dismiss you…I trust that you're quite eager to celebrate the promotion with your friends. Just one thing, though. I had labeled your training under the Nidaime an S-ranked level secret." Naruto looked at the old man straighter this time, acknowledging the meaning behind this, but Hiruzen continued. "You know as well as I do that Senju Tobirama has acquired a lot of sensitive knowledge…knowledge that he may have bestowed upon you. If that information were to reach our enemies, such information would certainly be used against the village and I can't have that. As one of the village's proud Chuunin, I believe you can uphold this directive." Naruto nodded, all too at ease with holding this secret.

"Certainly, Hokage-jiji. It would remain just like this conversation never happened in the first place. So, I take it only you and the ANBU know about it?"

"Jiraiya is aware of it as well…" At Naruto's eyebrow lift, Hiruzen elaborated, with a straight face and easing the flow of his chakra. "One of his life-long assignments is to run Konoha's spy network and he needs to follow up on any leaks of the village's secrets to the enemies."

Naruto looked at the old man for a short while, wondering if that's the truth or not. In the end, the now promoted Chunin just doesn't care much at this point.

"Oh ok, I see, well, you're the Hokage and he's one of the Sannin. So, would that be all, Jiji?" At this point, the silencing seals on the walls rescinded.

"Yes, Naruto-kun, that's all." Hiruzen just observed the fine young man Naruto has become as he turned his back on the Hokage and walked away.

Despite the talk, Hiruzen wasn't sure if he would ever recover Naruto's trust.

Not to mention that he still felt a bad taste in his mouth for once again having to lie to this grandson figure, hoping beyond hope that he wouldn't have to bear the responsibility for telling him in the future.


===With Kurenai===

As soon as Naruto stepped outside the Hokage's Administration Building, he looked around and saw nothing out of the ordinary. The imagery was practically the same as when he got inside the building earlier. There was destruction in some of the buildings and also the workers were seen repairing it. Also, a few villagers were seen passing by, with children playing amongst themselves. However, there was something itching in his brain, as if something was direly amiss in this whole scenario. The now promoted Chuunin quickly manipulated his chakra and smiled, before quickly disrupting the flow.

"You're still taking too long to recognize my Genjutsu, Naruto-kun." The imagery of Kurenai appeared by his side with her arms crossed and a smile on her face.

"Well, it's not like I expected to keep my senses high inside the village, but I did take more or less five seconds to disrupt upon leaving the building." The ravenette sensei just shook her head amusingly at that.

"You're a Chuunin now, you're not allowed to use that excuse anymore and I would need only one second to slice your throat."

Despite everything, Naruto didn't feel anger coming from her, just plain amusement.

"That's true, I guess I'll have to be on the lookout from now on. Can't have you sneaking up on me, huh." Kurenai, then, placed a comfortable hand on her waist in response.

"Precisely…now, do you have any plans on celebrating your promotion?"

"None, actually. I don't know where Asuma-sensei is, and Shika is on a mission, since yesterday. Plus, I don't know if Hinata-chan is back from hers, yet. Sakura must be with her team, celebrating her own promotion." Kurenai smiled at that.

"Oh, Hinata-chan arrived just this morning. She and Yakumo are at home and both are dying to get the chance to congratulate you on your promotion, if you want to join us. I also believe that Anko will be there as well, though I believe she is more interested in mooching whatever it is in my fridge.." Naruto laughed and nodded at the invite.

"Sounds good…"


===Next Day===

On the next day, the Hokage held a special event to honor the lives of the shinobi and kunoichi who died protecting the village from the invasion.

As he made the small speech in consideration for the lives lost, Hiruzen felt every bit of his age, especially knowing that these lives lost were due to one person and one person only…the one that he failed to stop, many years ago. As he was saying the words, he felt empty. As if he was looking down upon him and wondering who this person was. In a ninja war or in a mission, casualties are unavoidable…it was an occupational hazard. But this event was nothing of the sort. It has occurred because of the whims of someone whose reason relied solely on wishing to see things in motion, in the snake's own words.

A part of Hiruzen was still having trouble accepting that such a reason was valid.

However, it sure came as automatic when he announced the words, as the skies wept for the victims of this tragedy.

"…As such, let us all pray for those who sacrificed their lives for the good of the village…for the Will of Fire burns brightly in them and in all of us. Buildings and walls may crumble, but as long as we look out for our loved ones, the Village Hidden in the Leave's flame will burn stronger than ever." The Hokage stood in front of the pictures of the shinobi and kunoichi who perished in the invasion. Beside him, were the elder councilors Homura and Koharu. And besides them, were rows and rows of shinobi and kunoichi, wearing black outfits in morning.


===At the Memorial Stone===

One person, though, stood far away from the ceremony, holding a bouquet of flowers.

A solemn Uzuki Yuugao walked slowly towards the Monument made in honor of the shinobi and kunoichi who were killed in the line of duty in the past. Her eyes had simply lacked any form of spark right now, as taking vengeance on some Sound and even some Suna Jounin, could hardly count to appease her broken heart. As she heard the 'gongs' echoing in the distance, at the event made by the Hokage, Yuugao kneeled close to the monument and laid down the flowers, before praying for her deceased fiancée.

Words alone couldn't begin to describe the love she had for Hayate and the unfathomable pain in her chest, but all she could right now was to wish that wherever he was right now, that he was at peace.

It was at this moment, that Naruto approached, having sensed the presence of his sensei, nearby. While he had never seen her without the ANBU outfit, his sensor skills allowed him to know where she was. When she got up and realized that she wasn't alone, she sighed in dismay, though her eyes remained the same as she still faced the monument.

"You shouldn't try to see me without my mask, Naruto-kun."

Right now, Naruto's chest ached as he saw the turmoil that still marked her chakra, now that he knew the reason why.

"I'm sorry Neko-sensei…ah, I sensed you nearby and I wished to see how you were doing."

The minute those words left his mouth, Naruto felt like slapping his forehead for such insensitivity.

'Stupid…how do you think she's feeling…she had just lost the one she loved.'

Yuugao, however, decided to turn and show her face to her student. Worrying about him finding out her identity was actually the least of what was in her mind right now.

"You shouldn't have bothered coming here, it's not like you have any obligation to try and comfort me." Naruto flinched, but still approached his sensei.

"I know that you had helped out as a favor to Kurenai-sensei, but I don't know…I truly valued your help, back then. I know I can't do much, but at least I wanted to come here and express my condolences for your loss." For a moment, Yuugao just kept looking at him, or rather at his feet and Naruto understood that perhaps she didn't want to talk much about it. Yuugao, for her part, in fact didn't…and for as much as she wanted to throw all caution to the wind and berate him for his attempts, she just couldn't.

"I appreciate it, Naruto-kun…" Yuugao even showed a slightly less dejected visage when she realized that she was not looking at her Genin student anymore, but at a recently promoted Chuunin instead. "I heard that Hokage-sama has promoted you…congratulations." Naruto looked surprised for a moment, but nodded in appreciation.

"Oh yeah, ah…well, it was thanks to your help as well as everyone else's." Yuugao this time managed a small subtle smile at that.

"For some reason, I doubt that you needed much help to begin with, but I appreciate it." The woman then turned briefly to the Memorial Stone and then towards her student.

Hayate had died, protecting the village. And she above all else wanted to honor her dead fiancée, by perhaps passing along his techniques to the next generation.

So, after surprising Naruto with her arm around his neck, a walking Yuugao simply stated.

"Naruto-kun…" As they walked, the student looked closely to Yuugao's narrowed eyebrows as he suddenly wondered about the sudden shift in demeanor. "I may have helped you back then as a favor to Kurenai-chan, but as of today onward, we shall continue your training on a permanent basis." Naruto just kept looking questioningly at the woman, who wasn't even looking back at him…she was just looking ahead, suddenly feeling much more at ease, knowing that she had found a purpose once more in life.

A purpose to make sure that the Gekkou Clan's techniques will live on. To make sure that Hayate-kun will live on, even if through Naruto's sword.


Author Note

Ok that's it for now.

I did plan on starting some of his training with new skills and abilities, but I decided to do it next chapter and I had decided just now that Yuugao will continue his training, so that he can learn to perform Hayate's techniques in the future. Furthermore, for those who believed that Itachi and Kisame would appear and that Jiraiya would take Naruto to find Tsunade, well I have some plans for him before that happens. From the anime, I got the feeling that some time has passed between the invasion and the follow-up of searching for Tsunade, so I plan on doing just that..he will be training next time and some missions as well as Chuunin. Also, I have some other moments planned for him.

Once again, thank everyone for marking this story as favorite or following.

Oh and the poll I placed in my author page is quite heated with two stories tied with most votes.

I'll leave the poll open at least until the end of november.

Next update: Shadow Spear