What If Konoha Honored the 4th Hokage's Dying Wish
Chapter 16
-Kage Summit-
Although the damage to Konoha was not nearly as bad as it could have been, there was still a good amount of damage to clean up and a funeral to plan. Hiruzen was grateful for the people over at Tandi, if they hadn't broken through Kabuto's mental defenses, then Konoha would have suffered far worse. Unfortunately, the morning after the invasion, Ibiki presented a report to the Hokage detailing the loss of eight Tandi members and the escape of Kabuto. There were bone shards in the bodies of the Tandi shinobi, which pointed to a nearly extinct bone bloodline. The loss of Kabuto hurt, Hiruzen didn't want that kind of enemy out there plotting. However, it was a worthy trade in return for his village still standing.
Hiruzen has taken advantage of their new ally and dispatched a team of ninja to go to Wave and recruit Tazuna and some builders to help with the reconstruction effort. He sent Kakashi along with team 8 to recruit and escort the builders back to Konoha. When the ninja got there, Tazuna jumped at the opportunity to repay a debt and 50 villagers volunteered to help with the effort. Team 8 was stunned to see 'The Great Naruto Bridge' and Kurenai had to scold Kiba for inappropriate comments about Naruto. The villagers made it very clear that they wouldn't tolerate such comments about their hero.
When Naruto regained consciousness, he found that he was in bed with Anko. Both were clothed in loose T-shirts and a pair of his boxers. He didn't think too much into it. Instead, he wrapped Anko up in his arms and placed a soft kiss on her cheek. The soft "hmmmm" that escaped her lips brought happiness to Naruto. After a morning celebratory session, Anko limped downstairs behind the blonde. Tsubaki gave them a knowing smile in the kitchen and told them they were to report to the Hokage when they woke up. Tsunade and Jiraiya were already out assisting with the village repairs. They grabbed a quick breakfast and headed out. They decided to run to better survey the damage. While running, Naruto felt Kurama stir in his mind.
"Damage report, Kyu" Naruto thought internally.
"Well, Kit, you severely strained your chakra coils. I also found out that the seal will not allow more than three tails of power out at the same time. Talk to the perverted toad about it, I think he knows something. Do not use chakra for the next two days to give your body some rest. I am going to return to napping, wake me up if anything interesting happens."
Naruto gave a mental nod and completed the journey to the Hokage's office. He could see ninja everywhere cleaning up debris. The Oto ninja's corpses had been collected in a large pile on training ground 53, Naruto could smell the stench 2kilometers away. The sand shinobis' corpses were in a similar pile on training ground 52. Naruto was taking it all in, when he realized he forgot something. He brought Anko to a halt and put a three-pronged kunai in her hands before giving her a kiss and flashing away. 30-seconds later he returned with a tied up and still unconscious Gaara. They continued the trek into the Hokage tower and were given access to the Hokage's office.
When the two entered the office, Naruto saw Hiruzen, Danzo, Koharu and Homura all sitting at temporary desks doing paperwork. When Naruto walked in, he felt like he was in a miniature council room since he was surrounded by the oak desks. They all stopped what they were doing and looked up.
"I was wondering what happened to young Gaara there. Is everything okay, Naruto-Kun?" Asked Hiruzen in a tender and tired tone.
"Yup, Hokage-Sama. After subduing Gaara, I flashed him to the compound and kept him immobilized. The suppressing tag I have on him has completely severed his connection to Shukaku. However, I have not had time to analyze his seal yet. I wanted to report in and see how you wished to handle it before doing anything." Naruto's casual reply lightened the mood a bit.
"Very good, Naruto-Kun. First, Anko, it seems T and I was hit during the invasion and Kabuto escaped. Please report in there immediately." Hiruzen's voice now had a worn edge to it.
Anko nodded, gave Naruto a kiss and departed. It was then that Danzo spoke.
"Naruto-Kun, could you please locate Gaara's seal and explain to us what we are working with here?"
"Sure thing, Danzo-Gi." Naruto looked to the Hokage to get a brief nod before continuing. He removed Gaara's shirt and located the seal over Gaara's heart. He was so appalled and angry at whoever made it that it caused Kurama to stir. When Kurama took the seal in, his reaction was much the same.
"Hokage-Sama, the seal on Gaara amounts to an expanded storage seal. There is no separation of conscious, no protections from the biju's chakra and nothing that was made to handle power of this nature. I can only assume it was made to make Gaara a ticking time-bomb that the sand could drop on its enemies. Quite frankly, it boils my Uzumaki blood to see something like this." Naruto's voice rose throughout his explanation, and it gained a combative edge.
"No wonder the boy was so unstable." Was Koharu's useless contribution to the conversation.
"Indeed, can it be fixed, Naruto-Kun? We are scheduling the Kage Summit for two days from now. I planned on allowing the sand a representative to sit in. If the seal can be fixed, that is yet another bargaining chip we will hold over them." Hiruzen's eyes were now sharp and held a calculating edge.
"Well, GiGi, I cannot use chakra for two days. I overdid it during the invasion a bit. I can review the Uzumaki scrolls and develop a protective seal to override the current seal without too much difficulty." Naruto's pensive voice awakened something in Danzo.
"Hiruzen, would it be wise to give the Sand back its jinchuriki? There are other options. We could force the boy to stay here, remove the demon and seal it into one of our own loyal ninjas or simply seal the beast away." Danzo wasn't prepared for Naruto's reaction.
"Danzo, you have known me for a long time now and I have shared with you much about the biju. You would do well not to talk about them as mindless objects in my presence. I respect you, Sensei, but Shukaku will not be treated like a simple possession to be passed around." Naruto's feral characteristics were emboldened, and Kurama was roaring his approval of Naruto's words.
Danzo held up his hands in surrender. "Naruto, my boy, forgive me. I cannot help but think coldly and logically in this situation. To not take advantage of our current position would be folly.
It was Hiruzen that offered Danzo his support. "Unfortunately, he is right, Naruto-Kun. The Sand took part in the invasion, whether they were tricked by Orochimaru or not. I will agree that we will not remove Shukaku, but we will have to bend them over the proverbial barrel to set an example."
Naruto calmed down and bowed to the Hokage. "I am not against doing such a thing. I think that when Shukaku is properly sealed and the foreign element is removed from the seal, then we will gain an ally in Gaara. What do you plan on demanding from the Sand?"
The group took some time to think. It was Koharu that spoke up. "Naruto-Kun, I was thinking that we could round out our wind jutsu. The Sand has the largest collection of them."
"They also have good salt and an extensive poison collection." Homura chipped in.
Hiruzen adopted a wry smile. "They are also the only major village you haven't courted a kunoichi from."
The room erupted in a fit of chuckles. Even Danzo was shaking a bit. Naruto adopted an exasperated look. "GiGi, I am already juggling four and probably soon five. I will have to inform the other girls about Haku soon, if my suspicions are correct. Can we shelve that option for now? If the Sand brings it up, we can entertain the idea. However, we will try to get them to accept another clan head. I need to get a solid foundation with my girls before adding another member."
The elders nodded their heads at Naruto's decision while Hiruzen let out a hearty chuckle.
"Very well, Naruto-Kun. You go work on the seal for Gaara. We will see you in two days at 11am in the council chamber. Dress up and bring your game face." Were Hiruzen's final words to Naruto for the day.
Naruto left the Hokage tower and decided to check on his friends before returning to the Namikaze compound. He strolled around the village and saw team 9, with Lee freshly out of the hospital. He locked eyes with Neji, who was contributing to the reconstruction by Hiashi's orders. Neji gave Naruto a subtly nod before Lee took the spotlight.
"Oh, Naruto-Kun! Your flames of youth burn brightly today. What are you doing out here on this fine day?" Lee's exuberant voice carried and attracted the attention of Might Guy, who promptly bounded over.
"Well, Lee, I wanted to walk through the village and check on my friends."
"How very youthful of you, Naruto-Kun!" was the twin response of Guy and Lee.
"Well, since I have you here. I want to inform you of your command for losing our bet. You will report in to Ino Yamanaka for a makeover. Furthermore, you will wear the clothes she instructs you to for the next month. No questions asked." Lee was about to object before Guy cut in.
"Lee-Kun, we must honor our bets. It is most unyouthful to break one's word. In order to support you, I will join you in your punishment. It is my duty as your sensei." The bold proclamation carried halfway around Konoha. Little did those present know the effect this was going to have on the Konoha rumor mill.
Ino was having a bad day. She hadn't seen Naruto since the start of the invasion. Her team had been on assignment since early in the morning. She was covered in dirt and dust and scratches from moving debris. Her mood did a 180 when she heard the voice of her beloved call out to her. Then she was very confused when she turned around. Walking behind Naruto was team 9 and Lee and Guy had streams of tears falling from their faces while holding each other.
"Umm, Ruto, what's going on? What is team 9 doing here?" Her voice was lowered, so as not to draw the attention of the crying pair.
"Well, Ino-Chan. I need a favor and I will reward you with two dates, anything you want to do, and all expenses paid if you help me."
"Ok, spill it. I accept no matter what." Was Ino's excited response. She had exchanged gossip with Anko and was incredibly jealous about how far ahead Anko was in her relationship with Naruto. Not to mention, Anko made the sex sound absolutely mind-blowing. She didn't know if she was ready for that yet, but she could start with some foreplay.
"I need you to give Guy and Lee a makeover. Your free to express yourself with them. Here is 20,000 Ryo to get them started with new wardrobes. They have to listen to your fashion-sense for the whole month, no questions asked." Naruto's excited reply was caught by Shikamaru as he strolled over to the group.
"How did you manage that, Naruto?" Shika asked in a lazy tone.
"I won the bet between Lee and myself for the chunin exams." Was Naruto's simple reply.
At first, Ino was daunted by the task. Then she gained a devilish grin. She wouldn't have to see those green monstrosities for a whole month. Oh, she was going to have fun with this. She instructed Guy and Lee to meet her in the market tomorrow at 9am for makeovers and shopping. They ceased their tears and gave her an enthusiastic reply.
Naruto continued his journey throughout the village and checked in with all his friends and girlfriends. He found Karen assisting Tsunade in the hospital. Tsunade had taken a shine to the Uzumaki girl and taken her as a second apprentice. They exchanged warm greetings before Naruto made his way to see Sasuke. When he entered the room, he saw Mikoto and Itachi and felt Hawks presence. He closed the door and threw up a privacy seal.
"Hey bro, how are you holding up?" Naruto asked in a cheerful voice.
"Hn, I would be better if they let me out of this stinkin' hospital. It was just a sword wound and a mild case of chakra exhaustion." He gave his exasperated reply while pointing with his left hand to his bandaged right shoulder.
"I am glad you're going to be okay. How did everyone else fair in the invasion?" He asked the other occupants of the room.
Mikoto smiled warmly at him, he always reminded her of Kushina when he displayed this level of caring. "Just fine, Naruto-Kun. I was substituting at the academy, and we were watching the fights with the students before things went crazy. I and the other teachers dealt with a few squads of Oto-nin before Sasuke and his squad arrived. No deaths and only a few casualties."
Itachi spoke in his monotone voice. "I led the ANBU squads and drove out the Oto ninja. Even though there were nearly 1000 enemies, they were pathetic. We suffered minimal losses. You should know, Kuma perished. His funeral is tomorrow night."
Naruto's face fell. Kuma was a close friend of his and Naruto hadn't seen the gentle giant since the Mizuki incident. "I will be there, Itachi. Congratulations on your promotion to ANBU commander by the way." He got a simple nod in response.
Hawk wrapped an arm around Naruto. "Speaking of promotions, Ototo. I think we should all be congratulating you, Mister Heir Apparent." Naruto shrugged off his arm and rounded on him. Jabbing his fist into Hawk's shoulder.
"Look here, Shisui. If you start treating me any different, I will pound you into next week. That being said, I am glad to see you well. Any sign of the orange mask during the invasion?"
The room's temperature fell, and the air grew deadly still. "No." Was the one-word reply of Shisui and Itachi.
"Okay, well keep your eye out for him. There is no way he will ignore this chaos. I doubt he will ignore the summit coming up either. I am working on a seal to neutralize his space-time technique, but I have a way to go. It is completely experimental at this point."
"Let us know if we can help you with that, Naruto-Kun."
"You know what, Shisui. You can. I gave Sasuke my intro to fuinjutsu. Stop by the compound and grab the fuinjutsu level 1-5. Work on that. I want to get Konoha to understand the importance of the art, and the Uchiha clan would be a great start. With your Sharingan you should be able to memorize the basics quickly." Naruto paused due to the loud slap that was heard. Everyone looked over to see Sasuke face-palming himself.
"Why didn't I think of reading it with my Sharingan activated!?" Sasuke cried out in an exasperated tone.
"Not only that, Sasuke, you can use it to memorize the brush movements and kanji formula as well." Naruto chirped in a playful tone. "Really, though, I want somebody I can bounce ideas off of. If you guys become proficient, it would really help me develop a new seal to deal with that orange bastard."
Everyone in the room nodded their heads, even Mikoto would try to take up the art. The applications of fuinjutsu were simply too numerous to continue to ignore it. After that, Naruto said goodbye to the Uchiha and returned to his compound.
Two days later, Naruto was dressed by Tsubaki, Tsunade and Hitomi into a formal kimono. It was the black and gold style of the Namikaze clan. The gold trimming provided an elegance and the gold Namikaze symbol was over his heart. On his back was a golden Uzumaki swirl that provided a backdrop to an orange rendition of the Kyuubi. The Kyuubi emblem had its tails splayed out behind it and was in the process of sideswiping with a menacing snarl on its face. Kyu helped with the design and was mighty proud of his likeness. After final touches were applied, Naruto departed with Tsunade to the council chamber.
Naruto arrived in the chamber ten minutes early to find Ai, Yugito, Bee, Samui, Ohnoki, Akatsuchi, a Golem guard, Kurotsuchi, Mei, Zabuza, Chojuro, Haku and a sand jonin named Baki around a circular table. All heads turned to him when he entered, and he greeted everyone before taking a seat in a chair next to the Hokage's seat. The Hokage entered shortly after and opened up the conversation.
"My fellow Kage and representatives. It is an honor to host this summit. Before we begin, I want to offer my sincere gratitude for your assistance during the invasion and in your efforts to help us clean up." He paused her to bow, Naruto stood and bowed as well with his Kage. "Moving on to the issue at hand, we will now address the treaties as they were written. We have modeled each of the treaties to follow the same layout, so we will start with trade agreements. Is there anyone that wishes to make changes to the trade agreements?"
Mei stood up. "Hokage-Dono, in the trade with Mist, you pledged 4million Ryo over the next five years to support rebuilding. We find this most generous. However, I wanted to know if timber could be included in that arrangement. Say, 2million Ryo worth over the next 10 years in exchange for another 5% off of the shipping tariffs for the agreed upon 10year period." She sat back down and awaited his response.
"Mei-Dono, I counter with 2 additional percent off of the tariffs and an equal value of fresh fish." Mei nodded so Hiruzen continued. "Very well, we will write it up. Any other concerns?" No Kage wanted to bring anything up at this time. "Moving on to item two, the non-aggression pact. As written, the non-aggression pact will endure for the duration of the union. Attacks by missing-nin and opposing factions will not violate this pact. If foul-play is suspected, the villages involved will form an investigative committee. If foul-play is proven, sanctions will be imposed on the offending party by all parties linked in this agreement. I now open the floor."
Ohnoki stood at this time. "Hokage and other fellow Kage, as you know, there is much resentment concerning my decision to enter this treaty. I am aware of a sizeable faction that has taken root in my country to directly oppose the union of Stone and Leaf. I pledge to do all I can to eradicate dissenters. If you come across them, you have my full authority to deal with them as you see fit. I wanted to make this known in good faith."
Ai stood up as well. "Although the dissenters are fewer in Lightning country, there are still a few who bear old grudges. I pledge the same as the Tsuchikage and would ask for the same understanding."
This time, Hiruzen stood up. "We all came into this knowing that the path to peace would be a difficult and bumpy path. I propose that each village set up an embassy to allow for better communication. Ambassadors from each of our villages will set up in the embassy and aid in international affairs. The ambassadors will be subject to the other country's law. If there is a supposed violation of that law, the Kage will review the case in an international court of law. This will help build relations and acclimate our shinobi to working with foreign shinobi."
The room took a minute to mull this over. Ai stood up. "I will admit that I trust a few of your ninja. I propose that each Kage has the right to screen and select the ambassadors that will be in their nations."
There were multiple nods in agreement to this. "Very well, that will be added to the second item then. Moving on to the third item. Naruto-Kun wishes to address the Kage on this subject." Hiruzen said, opening the floor to Naruto.
"Honorable Kage and councilors, it brings me great joy to see this day come so soon. I have shared with you my vision for peace and a better world. I swear to you that I have conveyed my true feelings to you. On the third agreement, there is a clause saying that the children will be divided by nation of the mother. I understand that this is to prevent an improper power balance. However, as an orphan, I cannot fathom forcing that fate upon my children. I implore each of you honorable Kage, do not separate my family in such a manner. I offer that each child will be given dual citizenship with the country of the mother's origin. They will spend at least two months in the country of their mother's origin each year. I propose that upon their 14th birthdays, the children will take up a post in the mother's country of origin. I know that this is asking a lot, but I implore your understanding in the manner." Naruto bowed over at the waist throughout his overture. The sincerity of his words could not be doubted and moved each Kage present.
Ai countered Naruto's proposal. "Naruto, I do not doubt your words. I do not doubt your integrity. You will find when you become a Kage that not all decisions are ours to make. This treaty will have to be ratified by all Daimyo and village councils. This is also a large concession. Is there anything the Leaf is willing to offer in return for such a concession?" Ohnoki and Mei nodded at this. They wanted to trust the boy, but knew they were going to face the same issues.
Hiruzen looked to Naruto, he knew this issue was important to him and wanted to see how the boy would handle it. Naruto swallowed before addressing the Kage. "Uzumaki clan fuinjutsu is a world-renowned art. The seals of my lost clan offer vast improvements to everyday life, village security and have combat applications. I demonstrated their combat effectiveness in the finals. Upon my rise to the Hokage position, I will share levels one through five with the nations that agree to my proposal. I will share one additional level per child that I am blessed with. I have in my possession up to 15 levels of sealing mastery. I am currently a level 10 seal master, the highest I am aware of in the elemental nations. I have seals that can improve many things your villages would be interested in. I would be willing barter the more complex seals out individually, should they accept my agreement."
The Kage were experienced politicians, but they couldn't contain their excitement at this. The small, poorly hidden smiles let Naruto know he was winning this exchange. Hiruzen looked uncomfortable. Naruto knew it was because Naruto had not shared such knowledge with the village yet, but Naruto would handle that shortly. It was Mei that stood up and accepted the amendment first, followed by Ai and Ohnoki.
Hiruzen took over at this point. "On to item four, the marriage and placements of the brides to be. It is proposed that the marriages will occur simultaneously shortly after Naruto's 15th birthday. That gives us a little over one year. The proposal is to make each woman the ambassador to Konoha from your respective villages. Are there any issues with this proposal?"
Mei stood up, "Naruto-Kun. It has come to my attention that in addition to Samui and Kurotsuchi, you are dating two Konoha shinobi as well. Is this correct?"
Naruto stood up and addressed the room. "Yes, Mizukage-Sama. That is correct. I intend to court Anko Mitarashi and Ino Yamanaka with the intention to marry. I have spoken will all women involved and demonstrated that I will be able to attend to their needs effectively. I understand that this seems rather salacious of me, but I assure you, I hold love in my heart for each woman."
Mei felt she had to speak out on behalf of the women of the world. "Ara, and how, pray tell, do you plan on attending to the needs of some many beautiful women?"
Naruto crossed his fingers and five copies of himself appeared behind him. They all sounded off at the same time. "Mizukage-Sama, I assure you that they will not want for my affection." Each clone ended the statement with a sly wink at the Mizukage, who sat down with a blush on her face. The male Kage each adopted a look between a proud smirk and a jealous outrage.
"Are there any further objections?" Asked Hiruzen in a tone that pleaded for no more.
Ai stood up. "Naruto, will there be a head-wife?..." Ai stopped when he saw Naruto stand.
"Forgive the interruption, Raikage-Sama. There will be no such position. I have made it abundantly clear to my girls that they will all share in my love equally. The Uzumaki clan history laid out some ground-rules for polygamy that I intend to honor. First, the wives will become sisters and share in all things equally. I intend for this to apply to those that take the Uzumaki or Namikaze name. Second, all current wives must agree upon any new addition. This gets slightly confusing since I unintentionally started courting all wives around the same time. However, I did get the four current women to agree to each other." Naruto paused to catch his breath and compose his thoughts.
Mei stepped in during this brief pause. "Kiri is offering a bride as well, Haku Momochi. Will she be accepted into this group of 'sister-wives'?"
Naruto nodded. "Mizukage-Sama, I understand your concerns. I made the offer to Haku when I met her in Wave. She will be afforded the same opportunity as the others. I will remind each of you. I will not marry for anything short of love. I care not for possessions or promises of power. If any girl chooses not to marry me at the end of this year, it will not affect items one and two of the treaty." The absolute confidence of his statement left little room for argument.
Each of the Kage nodded the consent and let the final issue of the treaty stop there. Hiruzen stepped up to let them know that they will each get an amended copy of the treaty to take back to their villages.
Baki stepped up after remaining quiet for the whole meeting. "Honorable Kage, will the Sand be included in any of this?"
All Kage looked to Hiruzen to respond. "Ahh, yes, Baki-San. We invited you here to be transparent. Surely you understand the position your village is in. I am working with the Konoha council to complete a list of demands to take back to your council. Since you have no Kage, it will not be possible for you to sign this treaty. I would ask that you remain in the village until that is complete." The elegant way in which Hiruzen brushed off his request made him sit down and hang his head in defeat.
Ohnoki took advantage of the momentary pause to bring up the most important topic of the day to each Kage. "Naruto-Kun, Hokage-Dono informed us that you know of a jutsu that can defeat paperwork. I am sure that I speak for each Kage present when I say that I am willing to bargain for said jutsu." Excited nods followed Ohnoki's statement, and a playful gleam appeared in Naruto's eyes.
"Whatever could you be talking about, Ohnoki-Dono?" His playful tone was evident. Hiruzen loved when this side of Naruto was not directed at him.
Ai stood up and slammed his hands on the desk. "Quit fooling around, Naruto. We are serious. I will give you an open IOU from Kumogakore for this secret." The other Kage quickly matched Ai's offer.
Naruto smiled broadly and crossed his fingers. The clones went around the table and collected the papers that were scattered about. "I will give you each a copy of the jutsu scroll that I just used. It is called the shadow clone jutsu. I will make you swear to only teach this jutsu to your successors. This is an Uzumaki clan jutsu exclusive to Konoha. I will advise you ahead of time to read the warnings attached to said jutsu. I look forward to cashing in the IOU's. Hokage-Sama, can you please draft a document detailing the agreement between each Kage here and the Uzumaki-Namikaze clans."
Hiruzen chuckled at the look on each Kage's face and nodded to Naruto. He called an end to the summit, and everyone made their way out of the council chamber. Samui, Kurotsuchi and Haku joined Naruto for a lunch date while the Kage joined Hiruzen for a celebratory drink in his office. This was a big step forward for the elemental nations and it led to the Kage and their escorts pregaming in Hiruzen's office before bar hopping around Konoha. The rowdy group accidentally added 20,000 Ryo to the repairs Konoha needed thanks to a rowdy Ai, a demonstration from a plastered Ohnoki of his dust release and Bee partially transforming into an Oxtopus. Hiruzen later labeled the repairs as diplomatic collateral damage.