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Naruto sat on top of his father's head on the Hokage Monument with a bored expression. Lots have happened since the end of the Chūnin Exams and subsequent invasion led by Orochimaru of the Sannin.

There was the sounds of repairs all over the village, not so much damage was done that the village was unable to operate normally. But many businesses and homes were destroyed in the fighting.

Overall death tolls were still being counted but thankfully the civilian numbers were mitigated quite well thanks to the actions of the rapid response Chūnin force. Genin, Chūnin and Jōnin deaths were less than expected; 4 Jōnin, 94 Chūnin and 11 Genin. For assault force from the Sand and Sound number will over two thousand all together only suffering 108 deaths defending the village was very impressive. Naruto surmised that the actions of himself, Jiraiya, Kakashi, Gai, and Sasuke did the most as they took out the biggest players or defended important points in the village.

Unfortunately all wasn't amazing.

'Orochimaru isn't dead…the fact that his curse seal is still active on Sasuke, and Anko Mitarashi shows that. So the Old Man's insane jutsu was only really useful for ending the fight and disrupting the Snake's control over the First and Second.'

Naruto's eyes narrowed at the thought. The Third Hokage was comatose since his use of Requiem of the Sage. One of if not the only S-Class+ Jutsu in existence, something that even a young Hiruzen struggled to use much less the old man he is today. Based on the reports of the head doctor, the Old Man would be lucky to retain use of his chakra, but his days as an active S-Class combatant were over. Naruto didn't want to think about the odds of his survival if there wasn't something done about his coma soon.

'No one in the village has the ability to heal him. Head Doctor Tori was only able to ease his pain. The head of the ANBU's medical squad Karp was similarly unable to do much. I can only think of one person on the planet that would have a chance…and wouldn't ya know it it's the last of the Sannin, Tsunade Senju.'

There inlay the problem, Naruto thought with an angry glare. With the Third in the current situation the decisions were being made by the advisory council. Made up of the Major Clan heads, ANBU Commander, Jōnin Commander, and the Thirds old teammates.

Seems with the God of Shinobi out of the game…hidden agendas were coming out.

'All of them can go die in a hole! I'm giving Jiraiya till the sun sets before I go after his stupid teammate!'

It was earlier during a troubling conversation with the council Naruto confirmed his earlier thoughts of them…

Earlier in the Council Chamber

Naruto stood in a large room which was occupied by the current council who has been deciding the fate of the village. It was lacking any real personality, torches lined the walls, no windows and not much to sit on really, random chairs in the room with some occupied others not.

Clan Heads for the Akimichi, Yamanaka, Hyuga, Inuzuka, Aburame, and Nara were sat in various positions around the room. ANBU Commander Lion was sitting crisscross on the ceiling behind Naruto while Jōnin Commander and Nara Clan Head Shikaku Nara was standing in front of Naruto with his arms crossed.

Oh and the three idiots were here.

At a high-rise table were the three former teammates of the Third: Koharu, Homura and finally Danzo. Despite not coming from any real reputable clans, or having any remaining power beyond a typical Jōnin, from his Six-Eyes observation though Danzo was interesting, they certainly held themselves above everyone here.

Naruto didn't hold back; he walked right in and said it. "I'm not here to waste time with old fogies like all of you-"

"Insolence! -" Shouted Hiashi.

Naruto glared at him with glowing eyes that silenced him right away, "I'm here to tell you that with the Old Man in his current state he needs the medical attention of-"

"Tsunade Senju," Interrupted Danzo with a passive expression gathering the room's attention, "Do not think your new Bloodline makes you the only one capable of thought. She is the only one alive with the expertise to potentially heal Lord Hokage."

'Lord? ...this guy hates the Old Man's guts. I've known that since I was seven.' Naruto thought with a slight narrow of his eyes. "Great, then we're done here. I'll leave right now to hunt her down and bring her back." Naruto said with a grin and went to turn around.

Yamanaka Inoichi spoke up before he could fully turn around, "You believe that the best course of action is to bring back a traitor?" He asked with a glare.

Naruto turned and looked at him for a moment with a frown, but it was Choza Akimichi who spoke up. "Inoichi, Tsunade isn't a traitor."

Inoichi turned to his former teammate, "Of course she is! She abandoned this village after the second war! How many have died because she ran away?"

"Lady Tsunade's disappearance is and has been excused by Lord Third." Interjected the distorted voice of ANBU Commander Lion from the ceiling.

"Then what's the problem?" Asked Naruto, this whole conversation reeked of politics, and he truly couldn't care less.

"The problem you shitty fuckin twerp!" Shouted Tsume Inuzuka from her position sitting atop her dog partner, "Is that many won't, nor should they take kindly to that woman's presence back in the village. Like they said-"

"Who cares?!" Shouted Naruto while glaring at the council, "I could care less about any of that! I'm going to bring her back to heal the Old Man, anything after that he can decide." He said before turning to Shikaku, "I wasn't asking to leave or asking to bring her back. I was notifying you as a curtesy."

"A curtesy?" Asked Danzo not letting the frowning Shikaku speak. "You've outgrown your station Genin. You will do as commanded by your superiors and in this case, it is to not leave the village. To many eyes are on you, not even a week has gone by since the invasion and already your profile is in the bingo books. The Leaf cannot lose the Six-Eyes or the Nine-Tails."

'And there it is.' Naruto thought with a furious glare to the three idiots all agreeing with each other. Some of the clan heads agree to various degrees as well. 'The Bugs will go with the most logical choice, the Dog doesn't like me because I pounded on her son Kiba, likely a similar case with the Hyuga and shaming Neji so publicly.'

The Ino-Shika-Cho trio are all strangely quiet, Naruto turned to the Nara and tried to lock eyes, but the man was staring towards the ground. He seemed torn on whether to speak up or not, Naruto wasn't sure if that was in his favor or not.

"Oi! Scarface!" Shouted an irate Naruto getting a twitch out of Shikaku, "You really agree with all this?"

"He agrees as he knows it is the right choice." Hiashi Hyuga stated before walking forward, "Mr. Uzumaki, you are not in any place to demand anything of this council nor are you to leave this village without supervision."

'…Supervision?' Naruto thought without changing his facial expressions. He forced himself to remain calm as he could tell they were building to something.

Koharu chimed in from there, "Hiruzen may have tolerated your disrespect out of amusement, but it is high time you learn your station. It was already bad enough you had no control over the Nine-Tails as our Jinchūriki… now you have no regard for your new bloodline's importance." She stated with a frown on her wrinkled face.

'…' Naruto was suspiciously quiet as they spoke, Shikaku started to look around the room with a frown.

"I do not allow Hyuga's to leave without a seal to keep the Byakugan safe. I would consider the same for Naruto, the Six-Eyes have turned a pathetic Genin into a powerful shinobi not something we should let leave the Leaf due to carelessness." Hiashi stated getting approving looks from the three and considering ones from the rest of them.

Homura stood from his chair, "This council has already been working to place you in a new cell, better training conditions which will allow you to perform your duties as the Fourth Hokage intended."

Naruto opened his eyes at that point and glared at the advisor, "Oh? Is that what my old man wanted? To be your little attack dog?" Naruto wondered with a half-lidded glare that was glowing with unimaginable power, those in the room felt hairs on their necks stand up before the words were registered.

"Boy that is an-" Shouted and alarmed Koharu but she was interrupted by Tsume.

"No fucking way you're his son!" She shouted in disbelief her hackles up at the thought, "You're that woman's son, the Uzumaki outsider."

"…Outsider?" Murmured Naruto before a titanic amount of chakra was felt throughout the room.

All individuals inside the room were war vets, some of multiple wars. Not since the Nine-Tails was unleashed in the village 12 years ago did they feel such primal fear within their bodies. Naruto's body shown with a shimmery blue glow of chakra and the ground around him cracked under the weight of his chakra. If the Third Hokage chakra was like a hyper dense blanket and Orochimaru's was a Malicious Swamp, Naruto was the like the deep ocean and no one in the room could force their bodies to move under the weight.

Danzo's lone eye opened as he stared forward but he didn't move to say or take any action merely observe Naruto.

Naruto continued with an icy tone, "Do not refer to my mother as anything other than Lady Kushina, dog." He said to Tsume who gulped then he turned to the rest, "I have never liked any of you, the so-called high council," Naruto said with a growl, "Before the Old Man was put out you had no power and were more than happy to let him lead the village, and his body isn't even cold before you try and take control!"

Naruto's chakra was pulled back into him, making the glow around his body resemble blue fire. He raised his hand in a claw like motion with a narrowed eyes "I believe you all need-"

Suddenly a hand was roughly slammed onto Naruto shoulder and if he hadn't recognized who it belonged to, he would have torn the arm off. The air in the room was once again saturated by powerful chakra but this time it lacked the fearsome intent of Naruto's.

"Jiraiya what are you doing here?" Naruto asked not even turning from the nervous council.

Jiraiya smiled down at him in a goofy manner, "Seems you and I had the same idea, I'll take it from here, I'll meet you outside." He said with a grin.

Naruto snorted and relaxed his chakra and stance, "Fine."

Naruto threw a pebble from atop the Hokage Monument with a sigh. The council was clearly trying to prevent the restoration of the Old Man and put a leash on him. He didn't particularly care about their reasons or intentions, they were cowards too scared of the old man to act till he was out of the game.

From loyal advisors to ambitious swine…he hated wishy washy people like that.

It had been roughly an hour since he sat down on his father's monument, and he was pretty sure that Jiraiya would be done soon. He was anxious to get out of the village to find Tsunade Senju.

'The old man is stable at the moment…he isn't going to die if they can maintain him as is, but I believe that he will cross a point of no return in three weeks. The way his internal network was burned by his jutsu…that woman better be worth it.' Naruto thought with a sigh.

"Don't think too hard, Naruto, you're far too young for wrinkles." Commented Jiraiya who landed next to him and plopped down.

Naruto spared him a glance before turning back to the village, "Did you talk sense into those fools?" He asked not particularly caring either way at this point, he was leaving come nightfall.

Jiraiya slapped him on the back, "Of course! Who do you think I am? I'm quite persuasive when I need to be!" He exclaimed with a beaming grin on his face Naruto looked at him then shook his head.

"I can't believe those fools. He's not even dead…" Naruto said with a frown.

Jiraiya sighed tiredly, "Crazy as it seems, Sensei's teammates Koharu and Homura are the two that care the most about preserving his vision of the village. They're just quite pragmatic and don't have his attachments to you and others that soften his decisions." He explained softly.

Naruto turned to him with a raised brow, "Soft? The Old Man was many things, but he wasn't that soft, wise and kind, sure. But he never held back after a prank went too far on my end."

Jiraiya laughed, "Yes, soft, if you weren't like a grandson to him, he'd have had you trained since you could walk and wouldn't have tolerated anything resembling a prank from you. Remember Naruto, you're a deterrent for war, a Jinchūriki and many would consider Sensei a fool for not treating you as such. Several of whom are in this very village."

"I suppose…and the rest of those fools? I didn't think the clan heads would act like that."

"Yeah…" Jiraiya mumbled, "That's a whole other issue. Many of the clans are still trying to figure out their standing in the village and the Fire Lord's Court since the Senju and Uchiha were basically wiped out. You present an unfortunate obstacle for their families rise in acclaim."

Naruto narrowed his eyes at that, "Explain."

"There are currently three great clans in this country and this village. The Senju, Uchiha and Sarutobi. You, or the Uzumaki are being considered to be the Fourth Great Clan right now. It's not confirmed yet but it's all but set after this." Jiraiya said while extending forward a small booklet.

Naruto took it and looked at it briefly, International Bingo Book, there was a marked page that Naruto opened too and felt his eyes widen in surprise.

Uzumaki Naruto

Wanted for 50m Ryo by The Village Hidden in the Sound.

Danger Rating – S-Class

Note: Wields a Bloodline known as The Six-Eyes Ocular Jutsu

"Huh…" Naruto said with a snort before handing the book back. "The Snake is a bitter one."

Jiraiya tucked the book back into his pocket, "You are now the third, fourth if we still count Sensei and the international community still does for now, S-Class individual aligned with The Leaf. The Cloud Village boasts three, The Sand boasted two, The Stone boasts four, and who knows what's happening in The Mist with the war and constant defections."

"In the Fire Country's court, the three now potentially four great clans have three of the continents four S-Class ninja. You, Sensei, and Tsunade, which is why those clans in there are less than pleased with you as you blocked one of the only times an opportunity to raise themselves has come in years. As they barely boast an A-Rank much less S, so they know they can't compete with you in terms of strength. Add to your pedigree, the Uzumaki being a once massive and powerful clan and your father being who he was, it was almost a no brainer to elevate you and the Uzumaki to Great Clan status." Explained Jiraiya with a tired sigh as he looked out over the village.

Naruto scratched his head with a frown, "The hell does all that even mean? I get that S-Class means I'm considered an Elite Ninja, but who cares about great clan? Is it really just status that's important to them?"

"Don't underestimate the power of status. Tsunade has had benefits that have prevented her being labeled a deserter due to her Clan's status, even if she was a non-elite ninja her name alone would grant her many opportunities and leverage most would only dream of at the Capital. Sasuke will have many privileges as the last of the Uchiha, loyal at least, once he comes of age. That is without the economic advantages and ears of people in the capital that can make big things happen. Many of the clans in the village would greatly benefit from such things, as most of them provide a service outside of producing ninja."

Jiraiya then continued in a more serious voice, "Also do not discount the elevated status of being an S-Class. While not a military title, as in you're still a Genin at the moment. The level of power and prestige an S-Class has awards them privileges and leeway of their own just to keep them loyal. You are a face of the continent and The Leaf now and will be treated as such, even an orphan like me has lived very comfortably after attaining S-Class. Though if I'm being honest, while likely deserving of S-Class you're probably the weakest of the three of us at the moment."

Naruto shrugged, "Give me a bit more time to get Infinity down and we can revisit that comment." He said lightly to which Jiraiya thumped him on the head.

Naruto then jumped to his feet, "So now what? Are we leaving to get the old broad?"

Jiraiya shot to his feet hastily, "Don't say that! Something you have to know about her is she's vain with a capital V! Don't insult her like that or it'll make our job 100 times harder!" He warned with a bead of sweat on his forehead.

Naruto raised his hands silently in surrender.

Jiraiya took a breath and calmed himself, "Next is we leave at first light for about a two-week journey. I have a few leads so hopefully we're done before that."

"Sounds good. I haven't been able to meet up with my team in the aftermath of the invasion. Have you heard anything about them?" Naruto asked, he wouldn't lie and say he wasn't a bit guilty at not looking for them in the past week, but he had spent much of it at the hospital with the Old Man or training.

"Sasuke and Sakura are fine, they had light injuries that were treated after the fighting. Sasuke led the team sent to protect the little ones at the academy quite well. I'd get the story from him, but rumor has it he proved himself quite well for promotion. Kakashi was low on chakra, but he's been in and out of the village on emergency duties." Jiraiya explained before turning thoughtful, "That's another reason the council didn't want you leaving. They didn't want the village without an S-Class to protect it and they knew I'd be leaving to get Tsunade."

Naruto rolled his eyes, "Yeah, I'm sure it was for a reason like that, they need their strongest here. Really making me feel like I have some type of privilege right now." He said sarcastically. He knew that was barely a consideration during that meeting, they were chomping at the bit to get him under their thumb.

"I didn't say it was the only reason, just a reason." Jiraiya countered with a smile, "In their own way they think they're doing what's best for the village. Unfortunately, the ANBU Commander, Shikaku, and Tsume are really the only active Ninja on the council anymore, the rest have duties inside the village they attend to. So their pragmatism may be a bit skewed these days."

Jiraiya suddenly stopped, "By the way, when did you learn about your old man? I heard you mention it in the council chamber and just went along with it."

Naruto snorted with a grin while pointing to his eyes. "Ever since I've gotten these bad boys, I've been able to think far clearer and figure things out way faster! I saw a picture of him and knew instantly! Then I broke into the record room at the Hokage Tower and found out about my mother. I didn't really bring it up because it wasn't super important at the time, I guess. I was just happy to know who they were." He said softly.

Jiraiya wrapped an arm around his shoulder, "They would both be incredibly proud of you, never doubt that."

"Thanks," Naruto said with a smile, "That being said I am pretty annoyed, but I want to talk to the Old Man before I let it out."

After departing from Jiraiya, Naruto decided to stroll through the village in search for his team. He was taking in the sights and surveying the damage done by the invasion. Shops and signs were busted up but surprisingly very few were totally out of commission.

There were civilians chatting in the street going over their stories from the invasion with relieved smiles on their faces. Some who looked over at him had surprised looks on their faces, a few even looked slightly awed by him.

'Word spreads fast, I'm sure my actions with Gaara and Orochimaru have given me a new image to the people of the village.' Naruto mused with a smile as he basked in the attention offering smiles and waves to everyone who looked at him positively. 'Can't say I hate this development!'

As he walked, he listened to the whispers as he passed by.

"…saying he took down the Tail Beast himself…"

"makes sense considering…"

"…heard he fought alongside Lord Hokage…"

"…husband is a Chūnin…said he's to be considered a Lord soon!"

"Who would have thought that boy would turn out like that!"

"…still pissed he turned all my linens pink last year."

"Heard he was the only to lure the messenger birds over the Homura shop to cover it in bird poop."

Naruto had to withhold his laughter at the last few, he worked very hard on those pranks, and he was happy that their legend remained! He felt a warmth in his heart to hear whispers about him in a positive light. It wasn't that long ago that he would have to harden his heart just to walk home.

Instead of Ichiraku Ramen Naruto went towards the training grounds that his team frequented. A bit more walking and he was made privy to a sight that if his Six-Eyes hadn't told him was real he would have thought was a Genjutsu!

Sasuke and Sakura were locked into a spar! Sasuke didn't have the Sharingan activated, and it seemed to be hand to hand only but they were going at it.

Sakura's fighting style had evolved over the last month. Under the tutelage of Naruto with Jiraiya's assistance they made her from an academy fighter to a viscous opportunist.

Sakura ducked under a jab, spun outside of Sasuke and lashed out with a kick that the boy was forced to absorb before responding. Sasuke would throw a continuous combo that Sakura would deflect, dodge, and counter with incredible precision.

Sasuke ducked low and went for an uppercut. Sakura saw it coming and leaned back, however that was what Sasuke wanted and spun for a jumping back kick that she took full on to her chest. Not out of the fight she rolled with the momentum and slid back on her feet. Bursting forth with speed levels above where she was during the exam, she let loose a two-punch combo that Sasuke ducked and deflected that she followed up with a calf kick that Sasuke deflected with his shin.

Sakura front flipped from his shin and came down with a high kick that Sasuke was forced to block with both arms with a slight grunt. Sakura jumped back and noticed Sasuke approaching with high speed and sent forward a kick.

Sakura leaned back from the kick then continued with the movement for a high kick to Sasuke's chin that knocked him off balance. She shot forward and went for a haymaker that Sasuke dodged and grabbed her arm and held it behind her back.

Naruto decided to announce himself then, "Wow! Sakura that was great, soon you'll be a worthy teammate!" He laughed with a grin.

Sakura deflated at hearing his voice, "Shut up you moron!" She shouted back still being held by Sasuke.

Sasuke turned over to Naruto, "She's improved quite a bit, I heard she was training with you last month."

"Yep! I needed someone to practice on! She has some insane potential for hand to hand. I actually have a few ideas on what else she needs!" Naruto said with a wide smile while walking forward. "Sakura, your chakra control is good, but your chakra enhancement is wasteful and poorly channeled. Work on that and you'll be way better!"

"I'm getting better at maintaining optimal enhancement but while I'm fighting it's tough to keep it steady." Sakura said with a sigh as she was let go by Sasuke, "I have a few ideas on how to train, I think it's just going to take time."

"Kakashi-sensei had me enhancing myself at all times and he would call out different levels and I would have two seconds to match until it was second nature." Sasuke said as he stretched lightly. "Though I haven't been able to maintain it for very long before tiring myself out, I have a few minutes at my max."

Naruto wrapped an arm around Sasuke's shoulder, "Aw, keep training and you'll get it Sasuke!" He cheered with a high-pitched voice. Sasuke responded with a shove then glared at the trees.

"Sakura keep training it, I'll help when I get back. I'm going to be gone for a few weeks to get Tsunade to come heal the old man." Explained Naruto before becoming sheepish, "Ah, don't tell anyone where I'm going or that it's for the old man. Don't think I should have mentioned it."

"No you should not have." Came the voice of Kakashi as he appeared next to them out of nowhere.

Sasuke and Sakura turned from Kakashi's sudden appearance to Naruto, "Why are you in the loop with Lord Hokage?" Asked Sakura.

"Well I'm not sure what I'm supposed to share, but since you're my team I'll just trust your discretion." Naruto said with a lazy smile Kakashi just quietly sighed but didn't move to interrupt him, "I fought with the Old Man, so I was there. He's out of the game unfortunately but with the help of Tsunade he'll be up and about in no time. She's the only one who can help so it's become top priority, Jiraiya and I are going to get her."

Kakashi perked up after hearing that, "Both of you? I'm surprised they're allowing that." He said with his lone eye showing a bit of surprise.

Naruto narrowed his eyes at Kakashi, "Don't tell me you're on those fool's side?! I'm not sitting around while the Old Man is in that situation! I don't care about my status, and if it makes you feel better, I should be able to return at a moment's notice if necessary." Kakashi just raised his hands in surrender.

"Status?" Asked Sasuke with a raised eyebrow.

"I've been dubbed S-Class, so they want to shackle me here…among other reasons." Naruto grumbled with an eye roll.

Sasuke and Sakura's eyes widened comically, "S-Class!?" They shouted. Sasuke eyes fell to the ground frozen in thought.

Kakashi settled them down, "Yes, it's more than earned considering his actions in the invasion and who they were against. It's customary for all of the Great Five to have an S-Class, usually their Kage, guarding the village at all times…and with Lord Hokage indisposed…" Kakashi trailed off.

"Naruto!" Shouted Sakura in shock, "You can't leave if Lord Jiraiya is going! What if-"

Naruto interrupted with a raised hand. "The Old Man's situation isn't known by the public, as far as anyone is concerned, he's resting. Even those within the village that don't have Jōnin clearance don't know." He explained.

"Wait what do you mean you could return at a moment's notice?" Asked Sasuke.

Naruto blurred forward and hugged Sasuke, "I'm glad you asked, Sasuke!" He shouted getting face full of Sasuke's hands as he tried to free himself.

After unceremoniously dropping Sasuke, Naruto went through eleven hand seals ending with the snake seal. There was a slight flare of chakra and a bit of a woosh sound, Naruto in one second was in front of them then at the next he was behind them.

All three of them, turned from where Naruto was standing to where he was standing several times. Kakashi just chuckled in disbelief while Sasuke glared at the grass beneath his feet while Sakura looked a bit excited at the development.

"I did that by playing with space-natured chakra!" Naruto shouted joyfully, "Basically if I consider where I am point one then where I want to be point two, I reduce the space between the two points to zero and I'm warped to that point! The Fourth Hokage did something similar but with Seals as the medium, and his was easier to make combat ready. Though with time my jutsu will be so superior no one will even bring him up!" He shouted with a wide grin and his sunglasses shinning in the setting sunlight.

'It isn't as complicated as it sounds, I basically apply my Infinity jutsu in reverse, I'm not expanding time to constantly slow down incoming attacks but reducing the distance to zero using space chakra. I should be able to do it over long ranges eventually but at the moment I can only do it to places in eyesight after eleven hand seals to get the chakra ratios right. Though I do have the anchor to help in my apartment for emergencies.' Naruto thought with a hum. Space chakra was more tangible than time-based chakra so he could play with it a bit more, time was incredibly dangerous. He didn't want to mess with it too much and get sent into the fucking past or something.

Looking back towards his team he saw that Sasuke and Kakashi were off to the side talking about lightning jutsu, completely ignoring him. While Sakura was staring at him with wide eyes, clearly appreciating his genius!

"You're going to tear yourself in half doing stuff like that." Sakura said with wide eyes. "Do you even understand the physics behind what you're doing? Cause if-"

Naruto's eyebrow twitched, "I test it with clones! Hey! Kakashi-sensei, Sasuke, you done?" He shouted.

"Oh sorry, did you say something Naruto?" Asked Kakashi as he and Sasuke turned back to him.

'Nope, he's not getting me with that.' Thought Naruto before weaving seals to reactivate his jutsu, "See you in a few weeks losers." He said before warping out of the clearing.

Naruto and Jiraiya were enjoying a nice stroll through the forests of Fire Country as they made their way towards where Jiraiya's intel suggested Tsunade was residing with her aid Shizune.

"So what's the big deal here?" Asked Naruto with his hands in his pocket, "Why is getting this lady so involved? I mean at the end of the day she's a Leaf Ninja, active or not."

Jiraiya sighed, "You're right, but remember what I said about Great Clans and S-Class privilege? Well she's taken advantage of both to be given indefinite leave, so the trouble isn't finding her it's getting to her without her sensing us and bolting. If she knows we're coming, then she'll run, and we'll be on a chase I don't particularly want to have to be a part of."

Naruto snorted, "She sounds like a real handful!" He laughed. "I guess I won't complain too much, it's nice to be out of the village for a bit."

The silence continued for a while, but Naruto had another question. "So, why are you so focused on going to find her? I'm more than enough to go bring her back and the old fogies would be happy to have you stick around. Not like they'd really trust me with anything like they do you."

"Well, that's cause you're still a twerp." Jiraiya said with a grin getting an eye roll from Naruto.

"In all seriousness it's because there are rules and despite having more knowledge of chakra theory than any Jōnin I've met you are sorely lacking in the political knowledge of our country and the others. Especially as a new S-Class, there are rules even in this country we have to follow, more unspoken but rules all the same."

Naruto turned to him with a raised eyebrow, "Maybe I can force the Snake to resend the rating cause this is becoming annoying old man." He grumbled.

Jiraiya laughed, "With strength comes responsibility, Naruto. You have tremendous strength so…"

"I got it." Sighed Naruto. "So what am I missing?"

"There is a balance, between the Hokage and the Fire Lord. While Ninja Villages are largely independent from the capital, there is a back and forth. The Fire Lord in the capital is in charge and there are five advisors, all of which hold large influence in the country and trade throughout the continent. Trade that we need; food, cloth, resources, herbs, basically things that don't grow or exist naturally in this country. With that the Capital also provides funds to the village in times of need, such as after the Nine-Tails attack, where we needed all the help we could get to quickly rebuild so as not to look weak to the other four great nations."

Naruto hummed, "I suppose it doesn't come for free?"

Jiraiya nodded, "Exactly. The Hokage's ninja are tools to complete missions and those with money can hire us. The Fire Lord and the five advisors often have work that needs to be done; from being political diplomats in other nations or taking care of rivals." Naruto saw Jiraiya giving him a deadly stare and Naruto understood, the rivals weren't always in other countries.

"None of this is hidden from the Fire Lord or Hokage. In fact it's actually encouraged to keep everyone sharp, we may not have the public history that the Bloody Mist does, but The Land of Fire has its own history of in-fighting. Besides the Fire Lord the Hokage has the most authority in the country with the five advisors being below that, then are the Great Clans. See why it's important?"

Naruto rubbed his hair with a groan, "Yeah, I get it, so what's the rules? You explained all that but didn't answer my question."

Jiraiya thumbed him on the head, "I was getting to it!" He said with a glare, "You and I are the go-to hire for those in the Capital. Our power and reputation make us ideal emissaries as we can go most places to deliver messages that would normally kill all that approach from The Leaf. Last year I went to The Rock Village to deliver the updated trade agreement from the Fire Lord to the Stone Lord. I know you know how that's impossible for most others?"

Naruto nodded with an impressed face, "Even with your rep you have some balls, Jiraiya!" Laughed Naruto, "I mean you're the one who trained my old man… who tore those losers apart!"

Jiraiya snorted, "They hate us and him especially, but the Tsuchikage isn't a stupid man and knows there isn't a point to starting another war. For now at least." He trailed off tiredly.

"Think they're losing it over me?" Naruto asked excitedly, "I mean I look so much like him! Not to mention I'm getting pretty famous thanks to the bingo book! Oh I hope they've seen it!" Naruto said with a wide smile.

Jiraiya went to thump him on the head again, but Naruto ducked away and laughed, "Ha ha, old man!"

Then Naruto felt a thump on his head and turned to see a clone poof away. "Seriously, when did you make that?" Naruto asked with a blank expression.

Jiraiya burst out laughing, "Like an hour ago!" He shouted.

Naruto blew a raspberry at him, "Whatever."

Jiraiya sobered back up after a bit, "Back to the rules, because we're the go to we have to always be ready to drop what we're doing to answer a summon to the capital. Knowing you if you were summoned while out here alone, you'd ignore it and that would just cause all sorts of issues."

Naruto nodded, "Makes sense, anyone besides you do these things?"

Jiraiya nodded, "Yes. I do a majority of the political things, sometimes Kakashi as well as his rep is incredible, and his strength isn't anything to scoff at. But for the work sometimes an ANBU Capitan will take the job. The issue is the Hokage decides who gets the assignment otherwise they would demand me for everything, my mission rate is very high, but they have practically unlimited money!"

Naruto perked up, "Oh! What would my mission rate be?" He asked, he wasn't exactly well off financially, he's only been on 10 missions and 9 of which were D-Rank.

"I'm sure it is gonna be higher than Kakashi's, so likely 2 million minimum." Jiraiya said with a wave, "Mine is 10!" He said with a grin to which Naruto laughed back.

Naruto suddenly stops and turns to Jiraiya with a curious expression, "By the way are we just let those guys follow us the whole time or should we do something about it?" He asked while pointing a thumb to the forests behind them where he knew they were being followed.

Jiraiya shrugged, "They're here for you, you take care of them. I was hoping they'd have the guts to start the fight."

In the next moment six Ninja with no headband arrived in front of them with a Body-Flicker. Naruto looked at all of them closely, there wasn't a common elemental affinity among them that would give away a village affiliation, nor were there really any visual cues. All of them had very little defining standout features.

"Ok I give, where are all of you from?" Called Naruto with a tilted head.

Jiraiya took a few steps back, "They're 'unaffiliated' scouts, they want to get a feel for you. This means that every Lord and Kage now know of you and wants to see if you live up to the hype. After all, S-Class win wars."

Naruto stepped forward while cracking his knuckles, "Got it! Now I want all of you to give it your all, don't make this boring!" He shouted before blitzing forward and kicking the one in he center.

To the ninja's credit he managed to raise his guard, but Naruto felt both arms break from the kick. Naruto's eyes glowed and he blurred past the ninja he kicked to get behind him and swept his legs from out under him and rained down punches with ruthless force. Once the ninja was completely broken, he stood back up and turned to the rest, the five were silently watching.

"I would recommend you come at me together."

Naruto didn't wait and rushed another, this time the ninja he was attacking was supported by two more who came at him with tantos. Naruto pulled the ninja in the middle who had his guard raised with earth nature chakra to protect him, Naruto grabbed him and threw him at the ninja on his right sending them tumbling away. Then he leaned away from the slash and ducked under the follow up attack. Naruto send a knife hand to the ninja's open side breaking the ribs.

Naruto was forced to block an incoming kick from the fifth remaining ninja and with lightning speed grabbed the foot and tossed him into the ground. Naruto was about to finish him off when the two he sent tumbling away shot forward to attack one with a tanto the other with a fist glowing with lighting natured chakra.

The one with the tanto was channeling wind chakra so Naruto knew not to touch it otherwise he'd lose a finger or hand. With that in mind he avoided the tanto with swaying movements and waited for his opportunity. The second ninja with the lightning fist attacked after he swayed back, and Naruto grinned savagely at the mistake. He grabbed the incoming attack by the wrist and pushed it in the way of the wind blade causing an explosion from the elements clashing. Naruto saw lightning fist lose his hand and moved to finish him.

Naruto jumped and kicked him in the chest sending him back then warped behind the ninja and slammed a full force punch to his back cracking and breaking all him bones in his torso. The ninja with a tanto had his blade ruined and he moved to attack in hand to hand. Naruto parried a punch and hit him with six punches to various places around hid body then finished with a spinning kick to his neck sending him tumbling away out of the fight.

The remaining two, one with the broken ribs and the other who he threw into the ground were on guard next to each other. Naruto noticed that the one with the tanto pulled another out to dual wield the blades.

Naruto shot forward and made it look as if he was going after the unarmed on but attacked both, the one with the tanto with a kick and the unarmed one with an elbow. The bladed ninja tried to slash him while the other tried to punch him, but Naruto parried the punch and grabbed the wrist holding the blade. He pulled the wrist forward and kneed him in the face rattling his skull and shattering his nose. The last one knew he was out matched and took out a role of explosive notes and rushed him. Naruto grinned and coated his hand with chakra as he grabbed the role of notes and flooded the paper with so much chakra it destabilized the seals causing them to catch fire rather than explode. Naruto then leg swept the ninja, and followed up with a hammer arm to smash him into the ground creating a crater in the earth from the force.

Naruto wiped his hands off as he looked at the six downed ninja, "That was fun, now go! Tell everyone of my amazing power! I'll happily beat any of you into the ground again!" Laughed Naruto, he watched as they managed to pull themselves up and drag each other away into the forests.

Jiraiya stepped up with a thoughtful expression, "That was different that your usual boasting. More calculated."

Naruto nodded, "After the invasion, and the Old Man, we need a new boogie man to deter foolishness from our rivals. I took them down without ninjutsu as a statement of strength. I do still plan to be Hokage after all!"

Jiraiya nodded, "Smart. Though you should settle for Sixth Hokage as you're too valuable to be relegated to the job now. That's actually the reason we're rushing to get Tsunade as well! She is perfect for the job, strength and reputation in spades, and we won't lose any manpower as she hasn't been active in decades."

Naruto's face gave nothing away as he acknowledged what Jiraiya was saying. He didn't want to voice that he wasn't exactly a fan of someone who ran from her duties becoming Hokage. He'd have to test her when they met.

"Gotcha." Said Naruto as they continued their walk.

Chapter End

Thank you all for the reviews and positive reactions to this story's first chapter! I had so much fun writing it I had to continue, I actually have the outline up until we're done with the Tsunade Arc. Also, no, I will not have every chapter be nearly 30k words. I just wanted to give a good first tasting of the story and some real meat.

For Sasuke and Sakura I wasn't talking about giving them jujutsu abilities, more giving them the similar styles. The Six-Eyes is the only carry over ability! Now I was thinking heavy hand to hand with enhancement jutsu for Sakura, Sasuke I want to lean heavily into the Sharingan's copy. That's what I meant, now what are your thoughts. If you don't like those characters, then suggest someone else!

The pairing and romance will not be a focus, it never is in my story, but I wanted to let you know the style of it for this story. It didn't come up in this chapter really since it was mostly Naruto and Jiraiya but yeah…

I had a PM asking if they could write a reaction to this story, I'll say this here and now any of you can write a reaction or use my ideas or anything from ANY of my stories! I just ask that you tell me when your stuff is out so I can read it!