A/N- This Tsunade arc will run a lot different than the original one

Things were somber in Konoha, and the death toll from the attack by both the Sand and the Sound was far from zero. The number wasn't surprising, considering the intensity of the battle. While the Sand and Sound had lost more ninja than the Leaf, it didn't make things any easier. The entire village was shrouded in a heavy mood, mourning the loss of the Third Hokage, a man who had led the village for decades. He had made his mistakes but had also been the embodiment of what it meant to be a Leaf ninja.

Naruto felt the weight of these losses, especially that of the Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, a man whom he had looked up to and who had played a unique role in his development. It was a tough situation to handle, but Naruto kept his head held high. He had to be there for his little brother, Konohamaru, who had lost his grandfather. Naruto had challenged the Third Hokage in various silly ways, and their bond meant a lot to him.

The village faced a major dilemma: who would become the next Hokage? The potential candidates included Jiraiya, Kakashi, and Danzo. However, the elders ruled out Danzo, who had surprisingly not made a move for the position. Jiraiya was hesitant to take on the role, and Kakashi, while skilled, was considered too young. The village was left leaderless, at least temporarily, as the council continued to deliberate and handle missions.

Naruto woke up early, maintaining his routine, although Team Kakashi had yet to embark on a new mission. The uncertainty surrounding Kakashi's status added complexity to their situation. Naruto couldn't help but wonder when their team would receive its next assignment.

One significant change that neither Naruto nor Sasuke were aware of was the encounter between Guy, Jiraiya, and Kakashi with Itachi Uchiha and Kisame. The battle had ended swiftly, and it served as a declaration of the Akatsuki's threat. There would be no Aoba to inform Sasuke of this encounter, which meant Sasuke wouldn't pursue his brother, Itachi, just yet. Without Naruto accompanying Jiraiya, Tsunade wouldn't return to take on the role of the Fifth Hokage, at least not at this moment.

As a result, the village was governed by the council, and the debate over leadership continued. Kakashi served as the interim leader, which made sense given his experience. Team 7 was disbanded, and its members were assigned to different tasks. Sasuke became Kakashi's assistant, working more closely with the Hokage. Sakura, on the other hand, trained under Kurenai, a genjutsu master, and joined Team 8, focusing on mastering her chakra control and genjutsu abilities.

Naruto, officially named as a Chunin of the Leaf, had his own unique path. Instead of working closely with the interim Hokage, he joined Team Guy on missions, serving as an honorary member in Lee's absence while he recovered from his injuries sustained in the battle against Gaara. This allowed Naruto to continue his growth under the guidance of his temporary sensei, Might Guy, and to strengthen his friendship with Neji, who had become a close comrade after their battles.

The next mission for Naruto would involve clearing rubble in a distant town. Little did they know at that moment just how significant this seemingly routine mission would become and the impact it would have on the village.

The members of Team Guy gathered at the gate for their mission, marking Naruto's first assignment outside of Team 7. It promised to be a change of pace, something different from what he was accustomed to. Naruto ensured that all his belongings were properly gathered and prepared as he looked at his new team, all of them arriving as the sun began to rise on the horizon.

"Well, are you guys ready to go?" Naruto commented, waving to his fellow team members for this mission.

Neji, Tenten, and Guy exchanged glances as they prepared for the mission. Naruto's enthusiastic and confident demeanor was a bit of a change for the typically serious and disciplined Team Guy. Neji gave Naruto a nod of acknowledgment.

Tenten, while adjusting her weapons pouches, offered a friendly smile. "Sure thing, Naruto. Let's make this mission a success!"

Guy, always overflowing with energy, gave Naruto an enthusiastic thumbs-up. "You got it, Naruto! Youthful spirit is the key to success! Let's go and show them what we've got!"

The team headed out, and their camaraderie was surprisingly good. Naruto and Neji, having faced off and gained mutual respect during the Chunin Exams, formed a solid bond. Tenten, who hadn't previously known Naruto, was open to getting to know her new teammate. Guy, having trained Naruto extensively for the exams, smiled proudly as he noticed Naruto wearing the chunin flak jacket.

"Naruto, it's intriguing not to see you in your usual orange attire. I suppose it clashed a bit too much with that shiny new chunin flak jacket of yours," Guy remarked with a hint of pride in his voice, knowing he had played a part in Naruto's promotion.

Naruto grinned widely at Guy's comment, puffing out his chest a bit in pride. "Yeah, it's pretty awesome, right? Chunin of the Hidden Leaf Village!" He adjusted his new flak jacket with a sense of accomplishment. "But don't worry, sensei, I'll still bring the orange back when I'm not on official business!" Naruto's enthusiasm was as contagious as ever, and he was eager to prove himself as a chunin ninja.

The trip was easy; it wasn't a difficult mission at all. It involved traveling from point A to point B, where they would use their strength to help repair a bridge for an important city and then return home. The mission was straightforward, with no tricks or combat involved. The group walked in peace for most of the journey, with Guy giving Naruto additional personal challenges for training along the way.

As they walked, the group ran into someone who was also traveling to the town. This voluptuous blonde with long flowing hair was accompanied by her short, dark-haired assistant, who appeared frustrated at the moment. They seemed to be in a disagreement, with the blonde having to turn down her old teammate's job offer.

"Hi, miss. Are you from this village?" Naruto asked, stepping ahead of the others. He looked at the blonde woman, giving her a warm smile that revealed his hyperactive nature. He had no clue who he was speaking to, but he wanted to be friendly and approachable.

Tsunade looked at the energetic young ninja who had approached her with a mixture of curiosity and amusement. She wasn't used to such enthusiasm from strangers. With a raised eyebrow and a slight smirk, she responded, "Well, you could say I'm not exactly a local, kid. What's got you so excited?"

"I am a chunin now, and this is my first mission as a chunin. It's one step closer to becoming the next Hokage of the Leaf Village. I'll achieve that someday, believe it," Naruto said with his usual boundless energy.

Tsunade raised an eyebrow as she looked at Naruto, her interest piqued. She hadn't expected such ambition from a young ninja she just met. "Hokage, huh? That's a lofty goal, kid," she replied, her tone a mix of curiosity and amusement.

Tsunade chuckled at Naruto's determination. "Well, it's good to aim high. But being the best comes with a lot of responsibility, you know. Do you have what it takes to handle it all?" she asked, genuinely curious about his response.

Naruto grinned confidently, his determination shining through. "Of course, I'll work hard and do whatever it takes to protect the village and make everyone proud. I've got a long way to go, but I'll never give up, believe it!"

Tsunade chuckled, a hint of nostalgia in her eyes. "You remind me of someone I used to know," she said, her gaze distant for a moment. "Well, kid, if you're aiming for the Hokage title, you'll need more than just hard work. You'll need guts, talent, and a bit of luck too."

Naruto nodded enthusiastically. "I've got all of that, and I'll prove it to everyone!"

"Hello Lady Tsunade, Naruto Uzumaki here a very similar to a certain fiery tomato don't you think," Guy would comment as he walked up and joined them.

Tsunade smirked at Guy's comment. "Oh, indeed, he does have that fiery spirit," she replied, glancing at Naruto. "So, what brings you all the way out here on this mission?"

Naruto couldn't contain his curiosity. "Are you a ninja too, Lady Tsunade?"

"Yes, Naruto, Lady Tsunade here was offered the job of hokage, but turned it down," Guy tossed in knowing what he was doing.

"What you turned it down, why, being hokage is the best," Naruto said beside himself as he couldn't understand why Tsunade would turn down the job. It just seemed unreal to turn down the ideal job to him at least.

Tsunade chuckled at Naruto's enthusiasm. "Well, Naruto, being Hokage comes with a lot of responsibility and paperwork," she explained. "And I've got my own way of doing things. But who knows, maybe someday you'll see me in that position."

Naruto grinned, his eyes shining with determination. "I believe it! You'd make an awesome Hokage!"

Guy nodded in agreement. "Indeed, Naruto, Lady Tsunade is one of the greatest ninja in the world."

As Team Guy continued on their mission, leaving Shizune and Tsunade behind, the two women shared a knowing look. Tsunade couldn't help but smile at the encounter with Naruto.

"Shizune, that boy reminds me so much of someone," Tsunade mused.

Shizune raised an eyebrow. "Who do you mean, Lady Tsunade?"

Tsunade's gaze drifted into the distance. "Someone I used to know, someone who had a dream just like Naruto's."

With that, Tsunade turned and began walking, a sense of nostalgia and determination filling her heart.