A/N: This chapter contains strong fluff between two infatuated adolescents. If you don't like it then don't read. I'd also like to thanks those who have been following and faved this story for your continued support and this chapter will take place a week after the attack. Much love from the Rice Man. :)
Chapter 17: Meeting The Sannin
-Konohagakure-
The alarm clock in Naruto's room goes off playing a rather weird jingle and once again our favorite blonde wakes up grumbling in annoyance. He takes his pillow and throws it at the clock knocking it over the drawer and it shuts off from landing hard.
''I need a quieter alarm clock.'' Naruto yawned as he gets up and grabs a fresh shirt, his jacket and boxers and heads into the shower to freshen up.
20 minutes later.
We now see Naruto in his room putting on his clothes for the day as well as unpacking a bag of hygiene products he had bought the night before while out with Kurotsuchi. He takes out a new axe deodorant and eyes it carefully. ''Hm, I'm always using old spice, so maybe this one will make me smell really good and hopefully Kurotsuchi will notice.'' Naruto thought with a perverted grin.
After putting on the deodorant Naruto grabs his keys and heads out of his apartment. ''I wonder what Kurotsuchi is up to.'' He said to himself as he walks in the direction of his best friend's apartment complex.
-Kurotsuchi's apartment-
*Beep beep*
The super annoying alarm on Kurotsuchi's dresser rings to life as the clock strikes 8:00 and the loud noise of said alarm wakes Kurotsuchi up and the Iwa girl slowly gets up and sits on the edge of her bed. ''God, I hate that stupid alarm, I want to hear Naruto's voice wake me up every morning instead.'' Thought Kurotsuchi as she gets off her bed and walks over to her dresser to take out a fresh shirt, pants and panties and takes her towel to head to the shower.
After exiting the shower Kurotsuchi is now seen in her room clothed in only her towel which was wrapped around tightly showing her slim figure. She then takes her clothes to get fully dress in her usual Iwa kunoichi outfit, brown vest, and red konoha headband so she looks at a small bottle of perfume resting next to her mirror.
''Hm, I wonder if I used it Naruto would notice me more?'' Kurotsuchi thought while smiling pervertedly. She normally wasn't the kind of girl was into feminine endeavors but since she likes Naruto she decided that being just a tad bit more feminine would win the blonde over.
She then applies the perfume just as she hears someone knocking on the door. ''Coming!'' She called out. Putting the perfume down she takes her katana and walks over to the door. She opens it and is greeted by a face she always loves to see.
''Hi Kurotsuchi!'' Naruto said waving his hand.
''Hi Naruto, what brings you here this morning?'' Kurotsuchi said giving Naruto a smile.
''Hehe, well since it's Saturday, Genma and Mako-sensei are taking care of family stuff and that I have nothing to do at all I was wondering if..um...if you'd like to spend the day together.'' Naruto asked with a small blush.
Kurotsuchi's only response was a smile that she only showed him. ''Of course Naruto, I would love to spend my Saturday with you. Just let me finish dressing okay?'' Kurotsuchi then leaves Naruto at the doorway and walks into her room to retrieve her katana. With her usual look complete she walks out her apartment with Naruto and together they head out into the streets of Konoha.
As they were walking the two of them had noticed the cologne and perfume they were using and many things were going through their heads.
''Not only does she look beautiful every day, her perfume smells so nice.'' Thought a blushing Naruto.
''Oh gosh, not only is he very handsome his deodorent smells so nice..I just want to rip his shirt off and sniff him all day.'' Thought Kurotsuchi who was also blushing...when they both realized what they were thinking they shook their heads to rid them of those perverted thoughts.
''So what do you want to do Naruto? Do you have anything in mind?'' Asked Kurotsuchi as they walk through the shopping district which was doing well in the recovery process.
''Well Kurotsuchi, since we're Chunin now I was thinking that we have our first spar as Chunin.'' Answered Naruto.
Kurotsuchi simply smirked. ''Well well Naruto, so eager to get your ass beaten by me in our first Chunin spar?'' Kurotsuchi teased.
Naruto's only response was to laugh, ''No way! This time I'm sure gonna beat you fair and square believe it!"
''Ha! I'll believe when I see it.'' Kurotsuchi snorted.
''Oh you will see it!"
-Third training field-
''I've got you Kurotsuchi!" Naruto shouts as he brings his ninjato downwards in a swing hoping the opening he created when he parried Kurotsuchi's katana saw him land a blow.
Kurotsuchi however managed to catch Naruto's sword and taking both his arms she twists him causing her blonde knucklehead to comically spin in mid-air. ''Nice try Naruto, but that's not good enough to beat me.'' Kurotsuchi said as he kicks Naruto away sending him careening into a tree.
''Ow! Damn, my ass.'' Naruto grunts as he rubs his ass.
Naruto looks up and Kurotsuchi places her katana's tip against his throat. ''Well Naruto, even as a Chunin I'm still better than you.'' Kurotsuchi said sticking her tongue out.
''Man! You always win!" Naruto pouted cutely before Kurotsuchi helped him up.
''I must say Naruto, you nearly beat me there so you should be proud!'' Kurotsuchi said.
''I know, it's just I really want to beat you!" Naruto quipped.
Kurotsuchi only smiles tenderly at him before checking her watch and saw that it was already one in the afternoon. ''So Naruto, I have all day for you so what do you want to do next?''
Naruto blushed and began to twiddle his fingers. ''Uh, um, uh...there's one thing I've been dying to do together.''
''Oh? What would that be?'' Asked Kurotsuchi with her eyebrow raised.
''Um...I...I want to take you to the hotspring!" Naruto shouted.
The sudden outburst caught Kurotsuchi by surprise. Naruto wants to go to the hotsprings with her!? ''T-the hotspring?''
Naruto's blush grew larger. ''Y-yeah, I've taken you out on evening picnics and we've spared a lot but we've never tried going to the hotsprings so...I was wondering if you'd like to come with me?''
Kurotsuchi simply looked at Naruto with a look of excitement and a bit of curiosity. When Naruto saw his best friend staring at him he assumed that she was thinking that he was a creep for wanting to go to the hotsprings with her.
''Uh..um, I understand if you don't want go, It's alright, I'll just go by myself.'' Naruto said before Kurotsuchi placed a finger on his lips.
''Naruto, I would love to go to the hotsprings with you.'' Said Kurotsuchi with a wink.
''You do? I mean, you don't think it's weird at all to share a co-ed hotspring with your best friend who's a guy?'' Naruto asked.
''I do want to go, and no I don't think it's weird to share a co-ed hotspring, it's called co-ed right?'' Kurotsuchi said.
Naruto simply tilted his head like a curious puppy dog. Kurotsuchi did have a point. ''So um, want to go right now? After that spar we're a bit sweaty and covered in dirt and the stress from fighting Deidara and Obito needs some releasing.''
''Alright then Naruto.'' Kurotsuchi stepped to the side and held her hand out as if to motion him to start moving. ''Lead the way then.''
Nodding, Naruto and Kurotsuchi head out of the training field and make their way towards Konoha's famous hotsprings. The camera then slowly moves to the treeline and up on one of the trees we see a figure with white, spiky hair tied into a long ponytail. ''So, that's Minato and Kushina's son. I'm impressed, the kid knows the Rasengan too, Mako has trained you well. Now, I wonder if the kid will accept my offer.'' Jiraiya said to himself with a grin.
-Konoha Hotspring-
''Here we are Kurotsuchi.'' Naruto said as he and Kurotsuchi arrive at the hotspring's front entrance.
Kurotsuchi was marveling at how the water around the area was giving off steam and seemed to envelop the area making it appear a bit misty all round. ''This is nice Naruto how come you never took me here before?''
''Well..um...I was shy then..'' Naruto said with a blush.
Kurotsuchi simply giggled at her best friend. ''You know Naruto you're so cute when you're shy you know that?''
''I'm...wait what did you call me?'' Asked Naruto.
''Nothing, nothing. So let's get into the hotsprings!" Kurotsuchi took Naruto's hand and dragged him to the co-ed hotspring only to find that it was closed. ''Awe, the co-ed hotsprings are closed...'' Said Kurotsuchi with a hint of disappointment in her voice.
''Awe man! No way!" Complained Naruto.
''Dammit! I don't get to sit next to Naruto while we're wearing only towels!" Thought Kurotsuchi angrily.
''Nooooooo! I don't get to sit next to Kurotsuchi!" Thought Naruto with anime tears.
''Oh well, guess we'll have to go in different hotsprings Naruto.'' Kurotsuchi said with a fake smile but deep down she really wanted to be in the same hotspring as her blondie.
''Yeah, looks like you're right. This sucks!" Naruto exclaimed.
Kurotsuchi then took Naruto's hand and walked him to where the separate male and female hotsprings were and when they arrive their she let go of his hand and turned to face him. ''Now Naruto, since the hotsprings are empty it seems we each have one to ourselves.'' Kurotsuchi inquired.
''Yeah...looks like...if you need anything I'll be next door.''
''Ha, more like if you need me. Don't fall in!'' Kurotsuchi said as they separate and head into their respective changing rooms.
When they both finished changing into only their undergarments they each grab a towel and walk into their respective hotsprings and slowly make their way into the water.
''Oh wow, this feels nice!'' Thought Kurotsuchi and Naruto as they slowly sit down into the warm water until they it were each mouth-level with at the surface.
The two of them sigh in content and thanks to the amazing feeling of the warm water they became lost in la-la land for about an hour before they each decided that they wanted to leave. However, there was one thing the two of them wanted to do before they left...
''I kind of want to check on Naruto..'' Kurotsuchi said as she gets up and walks over to the wooden wall that separate her from the blonde. ''Wait, that means I'd have to peek over the wall! Actually..I wouldn't seeing him wrapped in only a...'' Kurotsuchi's eyes went wide when she realized what she was planning to do and almost used quicklime on herself for it. ''Oh God, what am I thinking!? Naruto's my best friend I shouldn't be peeking on him like that!''
Naruto however..was thinking the same exact thing. ''I wonder how Kurotsuchi is doing, I should check on her.'' Naruto then gets up and walks over to the wall which separated him from the pink-eyed girl. ''Hold on..doesn't that mean I have to peek over the wall? Well, come to think of it I am curious to see her in only a to..wel..'' Naruto, like Kurotsuchi resisted the urge to Rasengan himself for thinking such perverse thoughts. ''Oh Kami! I shouldn't be thinking such things about Kurotsuchi she's my best friend!''
''But..maybe just a few second's worth of peeking wouldn't hurt..'' Thought the two of them as they began to climb the wall totally unaware that the other was doing the same. ''Just a few seconds and that's it!"
Then when they reached the top of the wall they were greeted by a sight they absolutely did not expect. The second they both peeked over the wall Naruto and Kurotsuchi were greeted to each other's faces just mere inches from each other, their noses were touching. The sight of the other's face just inches, scratch that centimeters from their own made the butterflies in their stomach go wild and the blushes on their cheeks reach an all-time high.
Both Chunin were unable to properly articulate a sentence or say anything for that matter as they just looked at each other's blushing faces.
''Oh God..was she going to peek on me too..?''
''Uh-oh...Naruto caught me trying to sneak a peek..and it looks like he wanted to peek on me..''
Then they both fell off the wall into the water with huge splashes.
''Naruto who said you could peek on me like that!?'' Kurotsuchi yelled out as she got up.
''Hey! I can say the same for you!'' Naruto retorted.
At the same time they both left their respective hotsprings and quickly got dressed before meeting in the lobby. The incident left the both of them feeling a bit awkward around another they left the hotsprings in silence.
Feeling the awkwardness become too much Naruto decided to break the silence and hopefully kill the awkwardness.
''So um, Kurotsuchi?''
''Y-yeah?'' The slightly blushing Kurotsuchi asked.
''Why...did you climb the wall?''
The question made Kurotsuchi blush. ''Uh...um..well...um...you tell me why you climbed first.'' Kurotsuchi asked so she didn't have to answer.
''Uh...well..um...'' Naruto began to blush furiously and seeing her blonde knucklehead twiddling his fingers Kurotsuchi decided to tease him.
Kurotsuchi mentally giggled when she saw Naruto all embarrassed and flushed from a simple yes or no question so she decided to let his attempted peeking slide. ''You know Naruto, if you're wondering that I'm mad at you trying to peek on me I'm not.'' Kurotsuchi said sweetly.
''Y-you're not?'' Asked Naruto.
''Of course, I could never be mad at my bestfriend. In fact, if you wanted to peek on me you should've asked me first.'' Kurotsuchi said giving him a wink while sticking her tongue out at him.
Naruto sighed in relief. ''Phew! I'm glad you'd never be mad at me!'' He then noticed what she said after that. ''Wait, what did you say?''
''Nothing!'' Kurotsuchi says playfully before pinching his cheek.
Deciding to let it go Naruto thought that it would be Kurotsuchi's turn to tell him why she was climbing the wall like he did. ''So um, you still need to answer my question Kurotsuchi, about why you climbed the wall.'' Said the blonde.
Kurotsuchi practically froze in place hearing that. ''Shit! I thought me being sweet to him would make him forget that I asked him why he peeked on me! Fine, I guess I'll tell him the truth.''
Naruto watched Kurotsuchi stand there with a panicked look on her face and after a few minutes she recomposed herself. ''Well Naruto, there's a simple answer for why I climbed the wall. and I'm not gonna lie.''
Naruto raised an eyebrow at this, ''Oh really? What would that reason be Kurotsuchi?''
''I think if I told you the reason you'd have a nosebleed Naruto...or pass out.'' Kurotsuchi inquired.
Naruto only chuckles at his best friend's response. ''Bring it on then, I can handle anything you tell me.''
Kurotsuchi placed a hand on Naruto's shoulder and stood on her tippie-toes so that she was able to whisper in his ear. ''Honestly, I kind of wanted to see you clad in only a towel.'' She purred.
The way she sounded nearly made Naruto's eyebrows singe off as the blonde was left in a state of pure shock. Seeing the state she put her best friend in Kurotsuchi giggled into her gloved hand before snapping her fingers which effectively took Naruto out of his daze.
''Wha, where am I?'' Naruto asked.
''Just walking the streets of Konoha with your best friend Naruto.'' Kurotsuchi said with a small laugh/. ''So Naruto, we've had our first spar as Chunin and we had our little fun at the hotsprings, is there anything you want to do now?''
Naruto placed a finger on his chin and went into thought for a minute before snapping his fingers. ''How does a late afternoon lunch sound Kurotsuchi?''
Kurotsuchi thought about it for a minute before she gave Naruto her answer. ''Well, considering that I didn't get to eat breakfast since SOMEONE came to my apartment so early I guess I could use a nice lunch.''
''Oh, sorry I didn't mean to come so early.'' Naruto said in a somewhat sad tone.
Kurotsuchi just giggled and pinched him on his cheek. ''Don't be sorry, as long as it's you I wouldn't mind missing breakfast or even waking up early.''
''I know, I'm that awesome!" Gloated the blonde earning a playful punch from the pink-eyed girl.
''So, are you going to take me to eat lunch Naruto or are you going to stand there and talk all day like you normally do hm?'' Kurotsuchi said in an almost scolding manner.
''Oh right! Let's go!" Naruto then took Kurotsuchi's hand and ran off to the Golden Dragon restaurant.
-Golden Dragon Restaurant-
''Wow, that was really good!'' Naruto said sighing in content as he rubs his large belly from devouring his meal which consisted of an extra-large bowl of fried rice mixed with shrimp and seafood risotto while Kurotsuchi had baked salmon and some shrimp.
After paying the bill, well Naruto paid they exit out of the restaurant to do whatever activity Naruto had planned for them next.
''So what do you want to do next Naruto?'' Kurotsuchi asked looking at her blonde best friend.
Naruto was about to answer just as Mako appeared in front of them via her unique raven shunshin. ''How's it going dobe and dobette?'' Greeted the Uchiha woman.
''Holy crap! You scared the blonde out of me Mako-sensei!" Naruto exclaimed while placing his hand on his heart.
''You're always scared of everything.'' Kurotsuchi snorted.
''Psh, I'm not surprised Naruto, you're scared of me, vegetables, and most of all, Kurotsuchi.'' Teased the Uchiha woman, ''So anyway, I showed up because Lord Hokage wants to see you urgently.''
After calming himself down Naruto looked at the Uchiha Jonin and wondered why the old man wanted to see him. ''Really? For what reason?''
''Just come on and you'll find out. Genma is already waiting by his office door, well what's left of it of course.'' Mako then motioned for the two of them to place their hands on her and then she performed a mid-range kamui sucking the three of them into the spiral void before disappearing.
-Hokage's office-
''Oh sensei, you're always so troublesome you know that?'' Tsunade laughed. A few hours ago she and Shizune had finally arrived at the village and now the blonde Sannin was seen catching up with her teacher. They then heard running up the stairs and in barged his other student Jiraiya holding a pink book.
''Sensei, sensei, look! It's the newest issue of Icha Icha!" Exclaimed Jiraiya as he ran into the office with his latest issue of his smut series.
''Oh! Jiraiya is that really the next issue?!'' Hiruzen shouts as he gets up from his seat and runs over to the toad sage.
''Why yes it is! Wait until you read it you'll be wondering where I got the research for this book! I call it; Icha Icha Nurse!" Jiraiya said and the two old men flip over the first couple of pages together.
Tsunade and Shizune however, took notice of the cover. The cover consisted of a drawing of two women. One had blonde hair and an incredibly large bust while the other was a teenage girl who had dark eyes and shoulder-length hair wearing a bluish-black kimono.
''Um, Lady Tsunade?'' Shizune turned to face the blonde Sannin and saw that she had a very angry expression on her face as well as a tic-mark.
''You seeing what I'm seeing Shizune?'' Tsunade growled.
''Yes, I definitely see what you're talking about.'' Shizune said.
The two girls then crack their knuckles and stomp towards the elderly men.
The camera then quickly pans out to show us the sky as the sounds of the two ladies beating the two men makes the camera shake erratically. The beating comes to a halt and the camera switches view to show us the battered and bruised faces of Hiruzen and Jiraiya. Hiruzen had a black eye while Jiraiya had a busted nose, lip, and both eyes were black.
With their beating complete Tsunade grabs the book out of Jiraiya's hands and holds it in front of the perverted old hermit.
"Wait...Tsunade what are you going to do?!" Screamed Jiraiya as Tsunade forms a chakra scalpel in her hand.
"Oh, just this Jiraiya.'' Tsunade said as she places the chakra scalpel against the book making Jiraiya go wide-eyed.
"No! That's the only copy I have and there's no other way I can get such good research material for that again!" Jiraiya attempted to run over and take the book from Tsunade but Shizune was holding him in place in a chokehold.
Tsunade then tosses the book into the air and with several swipes she shreds the book into a million pieces. The mere sight of his latest issue that was created using the best research material he had ever gathered in years made him scream in terror and almost collapsed on the floor.
''No! My research!'' Jiraiya cried out as he fell to the floor and began crying in the fetal position.
Tsunade only scoffed at her friend. ''You know Jiraiya, a true author doesn't peek on women to get some material for his smut, no, a true author uses his imagination.''
''Wahhhh!'' Jiraiya continued to cry while Hiruzen only laughs at his student's predicament.
''Yes, I suppose you are right Tsunade.'' Hiruzen said taking a puff from his pipe.
Then the rebuilt door to the office opens and in walks team Eleven with Mako Uchiha leading.
''Ah there you are Team Eleven, I've been expecting you.'' Hiruzen greeted.
''Good afternoon Lord Hokage, I've brought my students, particularly Naruto like you've requested.'' Mako said pointing to the blonde.
''How ya doing old man!" Greeted the blonde Chunin.
''Hmhm, hello Naruto.'' Hiruzen said.
Kurotsuchi and Genma then notice Tsunade and Jiraiya eyeing Naruto with interest, especially Jiraiya who had his hand on his chin as if he was in deep thought.
''Well well, Naruto you are definitely the spitting image of your father. I can't wait to take you under my wing like I did with Minato. Damn, he really does look like Minato except he has Kushina's face.'' Jiraiya thought with a knowing smirk.
Naruto, having noticed Jiraiya eyeing him looked to the Toad Sage. ''Hey, what are you looking at me like that for spiky white-haired guy? Who are you?''
Hiruzen merely chuckled before he nodded at the Sannin. Chuckling, Jiraiya performs a summoning jutsu and after the smoke clears he appears standing on atop a red toad and he struck a pose.
''I'm glad you asked Naruto! I am the hermit of Mount Myoboku! The wise and immortal spirit! That's right! I am Jiraiya, the toad mountain sage!" Exclaimed Jiraiya.
*Cricket chirp*
Despite his flashy and cool introduction everyone else in the room was staring at him confused.
''Um, what? That pose..this guy is...weird.'' Thought Naruto with a sweatdrop.
''What the...'' Kurotsuchi thought with a deadpan expression.
''Oh boy...'' Genma thought with an annoyed anime face.
Mako then snorted and pointed at the Sage. ''Yeah, the pervy sage is more like it.'' Said the Uchiha Jonin.
Tsunade, Shizune, and Hiruzen almost broke out laughing at hearing Mako's comment while Jiraiya face-vaulted. ''Woah Mako! I am not a pervert! I'm just inspired by youth and beauty! Not the beauty of vegetables or fruits but the ladies!'' Protested the Sage.
''Says the guy who likes to peep in bathhouses! You remember when you did that to me, Yugao, Kurenai, Rin, and Anko?! We put you in the hospital for a week!'' Mako said with an angry anime face while pointing a finger at him accusingly.
''Now now you two, we need to get back to business at hand. Naruto, this man is Jiraiya and he is one of the legendary Sannin.'' Hiruzen said.
''Wait...the Sannin? You mean..'' Naruto started to speak only for Kurotsuchi to finish his sentence.
''Jiraiya..the Sannin...you mean the Sannin of Konoha? The strongest ever of their generation?!'' Exclaimed the Iwa girl.
Tsunade then stepped up to say her part. ''That's right young lady. I'm Tsunade Senju who's also one of the Sannin.'' Tsunade introduced before pointing to Shizune. ''And that young lady there is my apprentice Shizune Kato who is also a Chunin like you three.''
''Hi guys! Nice to meet you, I'm Shizune!'' Greeted the black-haired girl. However, when she locked eyes with Kurotsuchi the two girls immediately went into each other's face.
''This girl looks like me! What kind of girl looks like me?!'' Kurotsuchi thought as she stared Shizune down.
''No way, I didn't think I had a twin!'' Thought Shizune returning the Iwa girl's stare.
Everyone else in the room eyed to two girls with raised eyebrows. Especially Naruto. ''Holy crap, she looks exactly like Kurotsuchi, however, there's only one Kurotsuchi for me!'' Thought the blonde.
The two girls decided to perform several actions with Kurotsuchi starting first by raising her left hand up with her palm open as if giving high-five. Amazingly, Shizune repeated the action at the same time and now it was her turn to do something. Shizune turns around and just like what she did Kurotsuchi turned around at exactly the same time and suddenly they both immediately turned around at the same time like before.
''Not only are they like twins, they are literally mirroring each other and doing things at the same time.'' Thought Naruto with a sweatdrop.
Genma was thinking the same exact thing. ''What the..from the back you can't even tell who's who except with the eyes.''
Mako just simply walks over to join Hiruzen and the two Sannin in the room as the two girls continued to mimic each other's actions before Hiruzen cleared his throat getting their attention.
''Are you two girls done yet?'' Asked Hiruzen.
The two girls turn around and bowed before the Hokage as a sign of respect and to apologize for their little game of monkey see, monkey do.
''Oh, sorry Hokage-sama.'' The two girls said in unison making them look at each other.
''Hahahahaha, anyway, I've called Naruto here because Jiraiya wanted to see you about something.'' Hiruzen then motions for Jiraiya to stand up and speak his part.
''Alright Naruto, once again I am Jiraiya, one of Konoha's legendary Sannin and I have returned to the village for only one thing AND one thing only. BUT! First, let me say that I was your dad and mother's Jonin sensei.'' Declared the Toad Sage.
Naruto went wide-eyed at hearing that. ''Woah! You were my parents' Jonin?! That's awesome! So you obviously know who they are right?''
''That's right! Before you were born I made one promise to your parents and it was to take you under my wing!" Jiraiya proudly exclaimed.
Naruto then looked at Jiraiya confused. ''Take me under your wing? But, I already have a Jonin sensei.'' Naruto pointed to Mako who simply smiles.
''Well Naruto, I may be the best Jonin of my generation but this was something me, Lord Hokage, Tsunade-sama, and Master Jiraiya have talked about for the past few weeks. You've benefited from me so much but with Master Jiraiya you'll benefit even more.'' Said the Uchiha woman.
Kurotsuchi then had a look of sadness on her face. If that meant he would be under Jiraiya's wing would that mean he would have to leave their team?
Genma was also thinking the same thing. If that meant Naruto would have to leave team eleven that means their team would be nothing without him!
''Uh, Hokage-sama.'' Kurotsuchi spoke out with her hand raise.
''Hm? What is it Kurotsuchi?'' Asked Hiruzen.
''Since this pervert wants to take Naruto under his wing does that mean he'll be leaving Team Eleven?'' Asked Kurotsuchi.
Hiruzen took a few puffs from his pipe. ''No no, it's not the case Kurotsuchi. He'll still be part of team eleven.'' Said the Hokage earning a nod from Mako.
''Jiraiya will further explain it later to Naruto, for now I want to introduce you all to the fifth Hokage.'' Hiruzen then pointed to Tsunade who had a smug grin on her face.
''No way! You're not the fifth Hokage! I am!'' Naruto exclaimed while pointing his finger at Tsunade accusingly.
Tsunade merely snorted at the blonde Chunin's antics. ''Ha, better luck next time Gaki.'' Tsunade said flicking Naruto on his forehead.
''Ow!'' Naruto rubbed his forehead before turning his attention to Hiruzen. ''No way old man! You once said that spot was reserved for me!''
''Hahahaha, sorry Naruto! But with how things are right now with the Akatsuki and Obito's assault I needed someone who will be able to take over for me once I retire tomorrow!'' Hiruzen laughed.
Naruto, knowing that there wouldn't be any point in arguing any further gave in. ''Fine! Tsunade-sama can be Hokage but when I'm older I'll take over since as the sixth Hokage she'll be a baa-chan by then"
Tsunade couldn't help but chuckle into her hand at those words. ''Actually Naruto, while you see that I appear to be in my twenties I am actually fifty-one years old.''
Naruto, Kurotsuchi and Genma screamed in disbelief hearing that.
''WHAAAA! You're already in your fifties?!'' Exclaimed the blonde earning a nod from the Sannin. ''Alright then! I'll call you baa-chan starting now!"
A tic-mark then formed on Tsunade's head and quickly she stomped over to Naruto and looked him square in the eye. ''Naruto...don't ever call me baa-chan you got that Gaki?'' Tsunade whispered in an evil tone.
The sheer killer intent Tsunade gave made everyone in the room shiver in fear.
''Oh shit, I don't remember the killing intent being this strong.'' Mako thought with a sweatdrop.
''Goddamn..now I am never going to peek on her ever again.'' Thought Jiraiya with his eyes turning completely white.
''Naruto, Naruto, Naruto.'' Hiruzen thought whilst shaking his head.
''Oh God, please don't do that again Naruto.'' Shizune thought.
Naruto then nods as fast as his neck allowed. Satisfied with the fear that showed in his eyes Tsunade then smiled sweetly before leaning back. ''Good boy, your parents would be so proud of how polite you are.'' She said before walking back to join the others. Tsunade then turns to face the three Chunin.
''As sensei here said, tomorrow I will be officially inaugurated as the fifth Hokage. Now everyone, Hiruzen-sensei here asked me to be his successor for many reasons. One, he's getting..''
''Old?'' Said Naruto making Hiruzen face-vault.
Tsunade let out a small giggle before continuing. ''Exactly Naruto. The second reason is that with the recent attack on the village from the Akatsuki and Obito I highly believe the stress that comes with dealing with your village being partially destroyed twice would be too much for the old man. Last reason is that I am literally the only one who is willing to take the position unlike that PERV over there.'' Tsunade gave Jiraiya a look of sheer annoyance making the Sage put his hands up in mock surrender.
The three Chunin nod in understanding.
''So, that's all I've wanted to see you three for, Naruto you will remain here and speak with us and Jiraiya. Kurotsuchi, Genma you guys are free to go. Last note is tomorrow at twelve come to the front of the tower so Tsunade can announce her position as the next Hokage.'' Hiruzen then turned to look at Shizune. ''You may join them too Shizune to get better acquainted if you'd like?''
Nodding, Shizune walked over to the other two Chunin and the three of them left the office leaving Naruto alone with Hiruzen, Tsunade, Jiraiya and Mako.
''So, why do you want to take me under your wing pervy sage?'' Asked Naruto.
''Woah! I'm not a pervy sage! I am a Toad Sage!" Jiraiya protested.
''Pfft, whatever! If Mako-sensei says your a pervy sage then you are to me!"
Jiraiya groaned in annoyance before he continued to speak. ''Anyway, we're getting off topic Naruto. The reason I wanted to take you under my wing is because again, I was your father and mother's Jonin sensei I feel it is in my dept to help make you more stronger than you already are.''
Naruto then looked at Jiraiya with excitement. ''Really? You can make me even stronger than Mako-sensei has?!"
''That's right! That's why I want us to leave by the middle of next week!"
Naruto then tilted his head on confusion. ''Huh? Leave? What do you mean leave?''
Hiruzen was about to speak only for Mako to step up. ''Naruto, I've trained you for almost five months and I must say you have been a very good student to me. However, with the threat that bastard Obito said looms over us I firmly believe if you trained under Jiraiya you will be the one who will protect us from whom or whatever Obito was talking about.''
Naruto smiled at the words Mako was saying before Jiraiya continued to speak his part.
''Alright Naruto. Tell me what jutsu Mako here has taught you since she became your sensei.''
Naruto placed a finger on his chin. ''Let's see, she taught me a few things besides jutsu like advanced tae kwon do techniques and helped me become even better with my kunai marksmanship and better at kenjutsu. In regards to jutsu she taught me how to do the Rasengan.''
Jiraiya then looked at Mako with an amazed look on his face. ''Really Mako? You taught him the Rasengan?''
''Mmhm, that's right and he mastered it in the span of an hour or two while it took me a week.'' Said the Uchiha woman.
Jiraiya's amazed look then turned into one of shock. ''Wait a minute, did you say an hour or two!?''
Mako nodded in response.
''No way! It took the fourth three years to master that technique!'' Jiraiya then turned to look at Naruto. ''Let me see it Naruto!"
Complying, Naruto nods and held his hand out and immediately he formed the technique.
Jiraiya stared at the boy in amazement. ''Wow...I wasn't expecting him to have learned the Rasengan so quickly Minato, looks like your son will surpass you one day.''
After regaining his composure he decided to get straight to the point on why he wanted to take Naruto to train under him. ''Alright Naruto, let me get straight to the point. I, Jiraiya of the Sannin wish to take you away from Konoha for five years and train you as requested by your mother, father, and your Jonin sensei to make you the most powerful shinobi of your generation and to surpass your father like he hopes for.''
Naruto almost jumped for joy until he took noticed of one part of the Sannin's sentence. ''Wait, did you say...five years?''
Jiraiya nodded. ''That's right, in five years which is the time your parents and sensei told me to take you away from the village and like I said earlier, make you even more powerful than you already are! What do you say?''
Naruto looked at the ground hiding his emotions. ''F-five..years..?''
Seeing the boy looking down as if he was sulking Mako was about to walk up to the blonde Chunin only for him to back away as she approached him. ''Naruto?''
He then looked up and his face showed an emotion they couldn't decipher. ''Five years? Why five years?'' Naruto asked.
Hiruzen decided to speak hoping he could explain to the boy more clearly. ''Naruto, your mother and father requested this when they passed away. Your father asked Mako to be your sensei and said that after you made Chunin they wanted Jiraiya to take you under his wing.''
Mako and Jiraiya nodded.
Naruto, despite the excitement of being trained under one of the most powerful shinobi ever to come out of Konoha still didn't know how he should even feel about the situation since he would be leaving for five years..five years away from Kurotsuchi. He then turned and walked over to the door to the office.
''Naruto where are you going?'' Asked Jiraiya.
Naruto stopped just as he opened the door and looked down at the floor. ''I..need a moment.'' The blonde teen then walked out the door closing it behind him leaving the four older shinobi alone.
The four shinobi in the room sighed.
''Oh man, I knew he wasn't going to take it well.'' Mako said rubbing her temple.
''I know, I was actually expecting a more positive response from the boy.'' Jiraiya quipped while scratching his chin.
''It shouldn't be surprising actually, after all being away from the village and his teammates for five years isn't what would hurt him you know.'' Said Hiruzen.
''Oh? If that's not the reason then what would prevent him from accepting Jiraiya's offer?'' Tsunade asked.
Mako simply smiled tenderly before she answered the blonde Sannin's question. ''Let's just say this Lady Tsunade. Naruto and his teammate Kurotsuchi have...a bond. A special kind of bond. One that would never be broken.'' The Jonin said with Hiruzen nodding in agreement.
Tsunade and Jiraiya nodded in understanding at what Mako was telling them.
''I see, I'll give the boy as much time as he needs to think it over.'' Jiraiya said.
-Streets of Konoha-
''Wow, Konoha is almost exactly like how I remember! Except with some of the streets and buildings still destroyed.'' Shizune said as she, Kurotsuchi, and Genma are seen walking through the parts of the marketplace that had been repaired. ''So it was the Akatsuki who attacked right?'' Shizune asked.
''That's right, they attacked during the Chunin exam finals to try and capture the five Jinchuuriki who were participating. Naruto is one of them.'' Genma answered.
''And then everyone including the Kage kicked Akatsuki ass thus, saving the village and keeping the Jinchuuriki safe. Some S-ranked organization.'' Snorted Kurotsuchi.
''Oh that's right, I heard that Naruto was the Kyuubi's container. Must have been hard for him growing up was it?'' Shizune asked.
Kurotsuchi and Genma nodded at the girl's question.
''This village is just full of judgmental idiots who can't see a person's true self in the inside, but rather the exterior or any negative thing they've heard about the person.'' Said Kurotsuchi in disgust.
Shizune simply nodded, there were two questions she wanted to ask Kurotsuchi the moment she saw her. ''By the way Kurotsuchi, I have two questions to ask you.''
Kurotsuchi looked at Shizune with an eyebrow raised. ''What would those questions be?''
Shizune cleared her throat before continuing. ''Question number one, how come you're wearing the Iwa kunoichi outfit, the Iwa Chunin vest and the red headband with a Konoha symbol?''
''Oh boy, I get those all the time Shizune so the answer is this. My grandfather is the Tsuchikage and he sent me here almost five years as an exchange student much like Lord Hokage did with his grandson Konohamaru to try and improve relations between Iwa and Konoha since we never really get along.'' Explained the Iwa girl.
''I see, now on to my second question...what's the relationship between you and Naruto?'' Shizune asked with a perverted smile.
Genma almost broke out laughing at Shizune's question while Kurotsuchi almost tripped. ''Uh, well um.. we're best friends.'' Kurotsuchi said hoping her answer would take Shizune's mind off her question.
Shizune simply nodded before she stopped in front of a house. ''Well, here's my house you two! It was nice spending some time with you but my bed needs me to rest on it! Bye!" Shizune unlocked the door to her house and darted in slamming the door behind her right in Kurotsuchi and Genma's face.
''So, I wonder what Naruto is talking to those four about.'' Genma wondered.
''Beats me, but it must be super important since it involves a Sannin.'' Kurotsuchi said with a shrug.
Genma checked his little watch and saw that it was already four in the evening. ''Well Kurotsuchi, I should be heading home because my mom would want me to help prepare dinner so I'll be seeing you. Fill me in later on what Naruto was talking to Jiraiya about alright?''
''Pfft, alright Genma, later.'' Kurotsuchi waved to her teammate good-bye before turning to walk back to her apartment.
-Kurotsuchi's apartment, seven o'clock-
After arriving home Kurotsuchi is now seen cleaning up her dinner by washing the plates and pans. With her self-given chores done she then goes into her room to change into her night clothes which consisted of a black t-shirt with the kanji for earth on the back, light brown shorts that ended just around her mid-thighs and mesh leggings.
She then walks into the living room and sits on the couch and grabs a book off the table and opens it. There was one thought however that she couldn't get out of her head and it was why Naruto had to have a talk with Jiraiya.
''I wonder what they talked about, hope he'll tell me tomorrow when I get him for the inauguration.'' Kurotsuchi said to herself as she flips through the pages of her book.
-Naruto's apartment, the next day-
''Hey Naruto let's go! It's time for Lady Tsunade's inauguration!'' Kurotsuchi called out as she knocks on his door.
She was greeted by silence before she heard footsteps and the door opened and she was greeted by Naruto's face. However, instead of his usual happy face he appeared to be a bit saddened about something.
''Naruto what's wrong?'' Kurotsuchi asked.
Naruto only adjusted his clothes before putting on a fake smile. ''Nothing Kurotsuchi! It's nothing, let's go!'' He then walked out of his apartment and locked the door behind him. He then takes Kurotsuchi's hand and walks off with her towards the Hokage's tower.
''Are you sure nothing's bothering you Naruto?'' Kurotsuchi asked as they continue their walk.
Naruto looked at her with that same fake smile he had earlier. ''Yeah! No need to worry!''
Kurotsuchi however knew he was lying. Deciding to drop the issue she simply shrugged. ''Well alright then Naruto.''
-Hokage's tower-
The camera shows a large crowd gathering in front of the Hokage's tower. Most of it consisted of the village's shinobi and among them were Naruto, Kurotsuchi and Genma who were standing beside each other. Next to them were the badly injured team seven with Sasuke who had casts on all his limbs putting him on a motorized wheelchair while Sakura had a hugely swollen right eye and a cast on her nose from when Fuu knocked her out during the elimination rounds and Ino was on crutches.
Among the others were Kiba Inuzuka and a now recovered Akamaru, Hinata Hyuga, Choji Akimichi, Yukari Nishizumi, Shino Aburame. The only one missing was Shikamaru Nara the lazy boy who quit being a shinobi since he said it was and Shino quoted ''Too much of a fucking drag.''
Joining the Genin were the Jonin Mako Uchiha, Kurenai Yuhi, Kakashi Hatake and Asuma Sarutobi and they were all looking upwards towards the roof where a figure stood tall and proud before them. Removing the Hokage's hat the revealed Tsunade looked at the crowd and began to speak.
''From this day forward, I, Tsunade Senju will fulfill Lord Hiruzen's request and protect you all and Konohagakure as the fifth Hokage!"
The crowed below then erupted in applause and cheers before their newest leader.
''Woo-hoo! Go baa-chan!'' Naruto shouted.
''At least the old man can die peacefully.'' Kurotsuchi said jokingly.
''Alright! Go Tsunade-sama!" Genma called out.
''YOSH! LADY TSUNADE IS OUR NEWEST AND MOST YOUTHFUL HOKAGE YET!'' Guy, who seemingly appeared out of nowhere screamed out.
Tsunade, hearing the various cheers from the crowd turns around and nods at Hiruzen. ''I promise sensei, I'll protect the village for you.