Chapter 18: Just Some Meetings
The very next day when all the children were in the academy an emergency council meeting was held hosted by Hiruzen. This meeting was being held because of the return of Minato and a new threat that is very near.
Every clan head and the civilian council were sitting on their chair waiting for the new announcement to be made by Hiruzen.
Hiruzen: Good morning everyone, today I am here to announce that I will be retiring from the position of Hokage.
Danzo has eyes everywhere he knew what was going on. All the clan heads were informed the previous day. For civilian council it was shocking news to hear this sudden retirement and the they nearly fall from the chair when they saw Minato entered the meeting as the new Hokage.
Hiruzen: This news of return of the Minato would be announced to the villagers this Saturday.
Minato: Morning everybody, it is my honor serving this village once again. Now then would everyone would sit comfortably as there are important mattes to be discussed. First I would like to announce that I will appoint Hiruzen Sarutobi as my personal adviser. Now then as lord third told me everything about the village so far there was only one international incident that was the Hyuga kidnapping which was dealt with very poorly because of our reduced strength and village operation has been going smoothly. Our main focus should be to increase village's strength in numbers, right now we are in forth position in terms of strength among the 5 nations. I request the civilian council to encourage next generation to participate in the ninja academy and you may think that your children can't compete with clan children but I can assure you that for your children there is the whole library to learn from. Please utilize the services provided by the ninja course.
Everyone nodded when Minato finished.
Random Councilmen from Civilian: Aren't you going to tell us how are you alive?
Minato: The answer to that question is above your pay grade and if there are no further questions I request for the civil council to leave because there is nothing new to discuss and I want to discuss about the village security matter.
The civil council left the building and then Minato made a disgusted face.
Minato: I really hate them.
Tsume: Tell me about that.
Minato: It's wonderful to see you again everyone.
Every clan head got up from their chair and have a group hug. Some tears were shed and old memories came back, few angry Minato got from his friends for not telling them that he was alive. And like that the present came to know the whole story.
Minato: As much as we want to have some time to ourselves I think we shouldn't waste others time (seeing the elders).
Hiruzen: Oh don't mind us it's nice to see all of you act like children once again. In past few years the council was getting to serious (small laugh).
Minato: This meeting is all about International Threats. During my on year away Uzumaki clan head Kushina who is occupied at this time made an ally with the rebellion forces in the village hidden in the Mist. So while all the nations are neutral in this matter I have picked a side and it will not change because the current Mizukage cannot be trusted plus his ways of doing things go completely against our will of fire.
Danzo: First we don't have Uzumaki clan in this village and hardly 1 adult & 5 children could count as a clan….
Minato: Yes it does sound like as a clan because not only this clan has a bloodline but techniques to which they specialize in. And as you know one of the children has already started to learn the technique and village formed by accepting bloodline user clan. And in due time they can increase their clan numbers & not to forget that many Uzumaki are wondering village to village seeking home and we could provide them a place to call home with their long lost family.
Danzo: Alright but what about Mist won't other nation see us as a threat if we interfere in the civil war.
Minato: They won't know we helped them.
Danzo: How?
Minato: Really, why are you still acting clueless? I have faced root agents in the mist while trying to steal bloodline (Danzo eyes widen). Don't worry our allies didn't recognize them thanks to you but its time they came out of shadows.
Danzo: What do you mean?
Minato: We will send the root agents to help with the rebellion who are above 16 and under supervision of my Anbu agent and the rest of the root agents will join Anbu under my command. Danzo from now on you are completely released from your duties and now you are just an advisor nothing more. All those who are not in favor speak up now.
No one was against this decision.
Danzo: I thought at least you two would speak up against this decision (seeing with one eye towards Homura & Koharu).
Homura: I would have but now that Minato is back I think there is no need for root to exist anymore as it's not a very good practice to be passed to the next generation. It should end with us alone.
Koharu: What he said plus they creep me out often.
Danzo: But that's their specialty (defending the last comment made by Koharu).
Shikaku: So with root no dismantled what are you hoping to gain with Mist as an ally?
Minato: Glad you asked. We can no longer play soft while other village takes advantage of our kindness like the Clouds did. And from I can tell they are increasing their military strength which means…
Shikaku: They are hoping to start a war or preparing for one and you are hoping to have Mist on our side which they cannot refuse because of the debt they would owe us. And with Sand & Mist on our side you are hoping to make the Raikage back off and reconsider of having war with us.
Minato: Yes, and to accomplish that we need to strengthen our ties with Sand too, heard from Jiraiya Sensei that they are having some trouble with their Daimyo.
Danzo: Their Daimyo is a fool thinks he survive for long after mistreating his own military.
Hiruzen: I don't think there is nothing we can do help them personally.
Koharu: I would advise to have a meeting with Kazekage and discuss this problem personally.
Shikaku: I agree with elder Koharu's advice as if there is nothing we can do from this side, we certainly can advise to do something from the other side.
Minato: I will arrange a meeting with Kazekage next month. And with this matter out of the way I would like to discuss another matter, it's about Zetsu.
Tsume: Who is that?
Hiruzen: We are not sure who or what he is.
Shikaku: What do you mean by 'what'?
Minato: We recently gain this information from a reliable source that this Zetsu is the root of the problem the ninja has always faced, no pun intended.
Danzo: Non-taken.
Minato: That thing is causing wars among the villages since the day of sage of six paths. And it is possible that it was the reason for the nine tails attack the village. It started it.
Shikaku: How reliable is your source because the thing you told us seems pretty farfetched to me.
Minato: I can't tell you his identity but I assure you that this Zetsu guy is the real deal.
Fugaku: I trust you only because you said it. So tell us how to identify it.
Minato: It looks like I human but it is completely dark as a shadow.
Tsume: From where to where?
Minato: Head to toe.
Shikaku: Should be easy to identify, do you have any other information?
Minato: No, that's why is was thinking that from now on all the our high level ninja who could work undercover gather some information on it while doing other mission assigned to them.
Shikaku: It would be a drag but I'll make the list of such ninja who fits your requirement and send it to you.
Minato: That is all that I wanted to discuss at this moment if some problem arise I will hold this meeting again. Dismiss.
Everyone one by one left the meeting and clan heads went out to eat in a restaurant to celebrate Minato's return. Only Hiruzen & Danzo remained seated in the meeting hall.
Danzo: I have a feeling you wanted to ask me something.
Hiruzen: Why did you not try to stand against any decision made and gave up root so easily. I thought you wanted to be Hokage?
Danzo: Did you know why Tobirama Sensei choose you as the Hokage; I came to this knowledge with a lot of thinking on my part. I think he chose you because you live by the ideals laid down by Hashirama Sensei. When Hashirama sensei was in charge things changes around Tobirama sensei for better as much as he didn't won't to admit it and came to a lesson that he forgot to teach any of us that only naive thinking good person can change the something for the better.
Hiruzen: This doesn't answer my question.
Danzo: I live with ideals laid down by Tobirama Sensei and he knows the reality how cruel and disgusting it can be, the only problem was you were best choice but you were not ready for the job. It all happened so sudden that you didn't know what to do. That is why I stepped up to do the things that you can't do and with that root was born. When Minato died and 2 of your students failed you, you were not capable to do the job which was necessary that is why I desired to be the Hokage because at that time what we need was not idealist but a realist who could make things done. Little did I know my thinking has lead me do a lot of mistake which I cannot change. You can say I went senile.
Hiruzen: Why are you acting like this? What changed?
Danzo: I got my feeling hurt by Naruto. Each time I approach him he ran away like I have a plague and then I started to realize that his generation is so innocent even the new root agent recruits. They know nothing of darkness and those who do never lived long enough to see the light. And when I found him stoned I got his honest opinion which was kind of like you.
Hiruzen: They hurt your feelings didn't they?
Danzo: The worst thing is that it was all true.
Hiruzen: What do you have in mind now for the village?
Danzo: I think I done all that I can for the village all I can do trust the Hokage's generation to do a better job than us.
Hiruzen: I think I was a good Hokage (pouting).
Danzo: Hah! You wish.
Then Danzo left the building leaving Hiruzen smiling with happiness.
Academy (closing time)
It would be a normal day for Sasuke if he did not have help Naruto's mother. He did not her because if she comes in Naruto's life they would not be able to spend like they are now. But Naruto was his best friend and he wants him to be happy that is why he was going to help his aunty (he enjoys saying it to Kushina because she gets irritated).
Shoko wanted to go right up to talk to Naruto but she can't because Kushina told her not to as he doesn't know that they are his family. Deep inside a faint jealousy took hold as she sees her 2 bother very good in everything and afraid she would become a disappointment in the eyes of her parents and they won't be proud of her.
Shogo was jealous of Naruto, everybody even his parent knows that. He was an open book carrying his feeling on his face which is why he got a threat from Sasuke to not come near or try to approach him or talk to him, basically any type of contact with Naruto is not allowed. He wanted to go to him and challenge him for who will be the best son because of that he was tied to a chair in the last class corner chair where Naruto can't see him.
Kushina was on a cloud nine as at first she got see all pictures taken by Obito secretly of her children since birth and then she was going to pick up her sons & daughter from school with Mikoto and 3 infants who are in a baby carts. She was exited as this was a surprise for her children even for Sasuke.
Kushina: I'm looking good aren't I?
Mikoto: Don't worry, you are thinking too much. You look fine. Just remember you can't afford to look angry or grow tick on your face even if it's the nine tailed fox. If that happens Naruto will go on edge and keep you at a distant for who knows how long, it could be forever. You have to let him close to you and let him open himself to you got it.
Kushina: Yes, got it.
As the school is over Mikoto & Kushina were ready to pick up there kids. And not long Sasuke, Naruto, Shogo & Shoko arrive at the exit were greeted by their parents from afar with a waving hand.
Naruto: Why is that lady here?
Sasuke: Oh she might be here to pick up the twins in our class, apparently she is there mother.
Naruto: But she was with the ghost of forth Hokage.
Sasuke: You must be imagining it, as far as I know I saw her bleed so she can't be a ghost.
Naruto: What about…
Sasuke: Not a zombie or any other scary stuff either. Now just relax, she is a good friend of my mother and your mother.
Naruto: My what?
Their conversation was left unfinished as they reached near them. Sasuke greeted them politely and Naruto greeted them in a more traditional manner.
Mikoto: So how was school today (not getting bothered by Naruto's behavior)?
Sasuke: Boring.
Mikoto: What about you Naruto?
Naruto: Huh (cute puppy face)?
Everyone's heart skipped a beat who watching Naruto. Naruto is confused as he didn't hear what was asked from him because he was staring at her mother.
Sasuke: His was boring too.
By that time the infants woke up and all 3 of them started to cry at once. Mikoto picked up Akame to make her stop crying and Kushina picked up Satoshi to do the same and asked Naruto if he could make Kyoko stop crying.
Naruto is hesitate at first but could not refuse the request made to him. Kyoko was laughing after 1 minute when Naruto hold her.
Sasuke: I still don't understand how you do it?
During that time Shogo & Shoko arrive at the scene and saw all the 3 infants hold up.
Shoko: Hey Naruto, how did you make her go quiet, I have been trying that all night and they still won't stop crying.
Sasuke: I have been asking that same question since Akame was born and I still have idea why Akame only wants to hang out with him not me (a bit jealous)?
Shogo: Maybe its looks?
Sasuke: I have a fan-club dude.
Shogo: You only have a pretty face, your personality suck.
Sasuke: Now you are really asking for it.
Mikoto: Stop arguing and let's go to Ichiraku for some lunch.
Ichiraku Ramen Shop
All the way to Ichiraku Kyoko hold Naruto's jacket very tightly refusing to come down.
Sasuke: Looks like she likes her big-big brother more than her big brother or sister.
With that Kushina & Mikoto eyebrows raised on what Sasuke just said which went unnoticed by children present except Sasuke.
Sasuke: Naruto what are you thinking so deeply?
Naruto: (Hesitate to speak at first but still spoke) I don't what to do.
Sasuke: She is your mother not some monster who wants to eat you. Just be yourself.
Kushina: (Putting her hand on his shoulder) I love you with all your mistakes & achievements. No matter what I won't ever leave you ever again.
With that they got into a family hug with Minato watching them from the crystal ball tears coming out of eyes regretting from making a rookie mistake. That hug was a new experience for Naruto as he never got hugs on regular bases which leave a warm feeling inside his body.
At shop they greeted by the Ichiraku who welcomed back Kushina with joy. The Uchiha present were left with their mouth open as they saw the Uzumaki devouring bowl after bowl of ramen.
Sasuke: I have never seen him eat like that before.
Mikoto: They all got their mother's eating habits in their genes.
Sasuke: What is that gene, an Akimichi?
Mikoto: Afraid we will never know.
Playground
After eating at Ichiraku they were at park to have a little fun for a change like normal kids. Naruto was standing in between Kushina and Sasuke while other kids were out playing tag.
Naruto: What are they doing?
Sasuke: They are playing tag.
Kushina: Don't you want to play with other?
Naruto: What are the rules?
Mikoto: The kids who is it has to tag another and then try not get tag again.
Sasuke knew what Naruto was going to say.
Naruto: That's a stupid game.
Sasuke stand corrected.
Kushina: How come?
Naruto: It all comes down to a kid who is faster & has a lot of stamina. The kid who is best at this would never get caught and then he would get easily bored.
Sasuke: So they should just race to have fun.
Naruto: Having to race won't be fun for slower kids as they would be humiliated.
Kushina: So what do you suggest they should play (amused to see how Naruto's mind works)?
Naruto: They should play shogi.
Kushina: Why?
Naruto: Because they are too young to strategize in this game. And they would be on an equal level.
Mikoto: Wow that's a nice way to look at things.
After some time at the park in the evening.
Kushina: Naruto how would you like to stay with us from now on, we would love to have you around.
Sasuke's ears got in attention when he heard the words coming out of his aunt's mouth.
Naruto: I am sorry but I have to refuse because I like my place.
Kushina: I understand.
Sasuke sighed and let out a breath which he holding while Naruto was giving his answer because he also like his new home and would not want to trade it for anything.
Kushina: How about weekends, you have to at least come live with us during weekends and I will not take no for an answer.
Naruto: Okay (he said because he took the words coming out of her mother's mouth seriously and thought he could not refuse).
Mikoto: Same goes for you to Sasuke.
Sasuke: Fine it's not like we have any choice.
Kushina: Hey let's spend some more time together since it's your holiday.
Sasuke: What holiday?
Kushina: A new Hokage is going to be selected this Saturday so in preparation for that academy is closed tomorrow. So how about tomorrow, we could see a movie.
Sasuke: I am sorry because even if Naruto does say it I am going to say it, we have to train. It's not possible for us to hang out with you tomorrow besides we are going to see you on Saturday.
Mikoto: We could train you too.
Sasuke: You are not going to take no for an answer would you.
Mikoto: Why do you have a problem spending time with mother huh?
Sasuke: It's not like I don't have fun while you are around, it's just I have a lot more fun when you are not around.
After that Sasuke got 2 bumps on his head and everyone leave towards their home. Kushina was happy with the progress she made today with all 3 of her children and she hoped that Naruto would be to express himself a lot more like her other 2 children, she didn't know how wrong she would be Naruto expresses himself.
Hokage's Mansion (after kids were asleep)
Kushina: Honey please find yourself a new place to live during the weekend.
Minato: Why? What did I do?
Kushina: Naruto is coming to live with us for every weekend and I don't want some ghost hanging around him.
Minato: You know sometimes what you say hurts.
Kushina: Oh yeah, who's fault is that.
Minato ran out of the room crying.
Kushina: Idiot.