Naruto: Journal of Hope
After the second half of the Chunin Exams Naruto is passed over by Kakashi to train Sasuke. Angry, he storms out and runs far away to an almost forgotten place. There he stumbles across a journal, written by his mother and holding the secrets of his lineage. Inspired by his parents' love, hope and dreams, he decides to become the Ninja his parents believed he could be.
Chapter XX: Results for Promotion
The Village of Konohagakure was founded long ago by the Senju and Uchiha clans. It is considered the strongest in all of the Elemental Nations. The Shinobi of this land were renowned for their prowess and skill, being highly sought after by other nations for daring missions. Leading them was the Hokage, 'The Fire's Shadow', who protected the Village from all threats domestic and foreign. For a time Hiruzen Sarutobi led his people as the Third Hokage, with as much wisdom and patience as he could during his tenure. There were times he regretted his choices, but learned long ago to live with them rather than dwell upon them. But after his battle with Orochimaru, he could no longer continue his role as the Third Hokage. Which was where Tsunade Senju came in. She was once his student, a renowned medical expert and the granddaughter to the First Hokage. She was the only candidate that could fill the role of Hokage, she had the strength and experience to back it all up. She met the qualifications necessary to lead the village in his absence.
"Come on! Please!"
...Although Sarutobi was reconsidering this as he stared at the approaching forms that made their way up the stairs to the Hokage Manors Roof. He had been informed of their arrival and instructed that they meet him on the rooftop; he wanted to see his lost student in a much brighter location than in the Hokage's Office for this reunion. However, it seemed that Tsunade was begging a rather annoyed Naruto Uzumaki about something.
"Just go on one little trip to the Casinos with me! I can make it worth your while?"
"And I told you I don't care! If you want to gamble, go do it yourself! I don't like it!"
"But I don't have your luck! You're so lucky that you bankrupted an entire casino! Just transform into me, win a few games and I'd be able to pay off all my debts in an hour!"
"You wouldn't have debts if you stopped gambling! Have you thought about that!?"
"I am your Hoakge! I can order you to gamble for me!"
"That is highly irresponsible and a blatant misuse of your power! I won't take orders from a compulsive gambler!"
"Give me your luck!"
"I don't want it!"
"AHEM!" Sarutobi loudly coughed as he got their attention. "As entertaining as this had been, I must say welcome back to the village. I'm glad to see you accomplished your mission," Tsuande managed to compose herself as she walked over to the old man now bound in a wheelchair. "Hello Tsunade…" his voice was warm and welcoming, as she smiled softly.
"Hey Sarutobi-Sensei…" she started as they stared at each other. "You look like crap, should've retired long ago," Sarutobi chuckled at that.
"Yes, I probably should've…but the Village needed me, and I will never turn my back on her. Besides, at least I get to see one of my favourite students again," he said as she smiled and embraced the man in a hug. "I'm glad you're back,"
"It wasn't exactly easy. We had a little trouble with Orochimaru, but we handled it. He is bent on destroying Konoha, isn't he?" Sarutobi sighed with a nod as he looked out amongst the village.
"I still wonder if I could've pulled him back from the darkness before it was too late. But I suppose that chance has long slipped by," he lamented as she patted him on the shoulder.
"It's not your fault, things just happen. But I'm glad to see you're still alive and kicking. Do you want me to check over your legs?" she asked as the man shook his head.
"It's alright, this is something not even your medical Ninjutsu can heal. It's the price I had to pay for keeping Konoha safe, and I don't regret a moment of it," he told her as she nodded.
"Tsunade Senju," one of the advisors, Homura, spoke out as he and Koharu bowed slightly to Tsunade. "We are pleased to know you have decided to return to active duty. You've been absent for quite some time,"
"And I see you two are still kicking around. Yes, I am back, it wasn't exactly my choice. But I lost a bet and now I have to fulfil my role as the Godaime Hokage," Tsunade said as Koharu glared at her.
"Your gambling habit is not going to become an issue for the Leaf is it?" she asked/accused, as Tsunade shook her head.
"Don't worry, I have a few items from the Clan I can sell to pay off my debt. Nothing that won't compromise the secrets of the Village. And Debt Collectors will think twice about demanding anything from the Village," she assured them as they nodded. "Although it would help if the brat there would do a small favour for me and win a few rounds for me?" she placed her hands in a begging gesture and gave him her warmest smile.
"I told you I'm not gambling for you! It's a boring game!"
"You are wasting your gift!"
"It's a stupid gift!" The two bickered again as Sarutobi, Koharu and Homura sighed and shook their heads.
"In any case, we should formally announce the retirement of Sarutobi, and begin the coronation of the Fifth Hokage. Gather the local lords and begin the inauguration proceedings. Genma, Aoba, go out and inform the public," Koharu ordered as the two shinobi nodded.
"Hold up! Before anything, Tsunade needs to heal some people!" Naruto interrupted as Koharu was about to reprime the boy when Tsunade nodded.
"Fair enough, that is part of the reason why you dragged me back here after all. Now who are the patients?" she asked as Jiraiya rolled his eyes.
"We told you about them on the way back. Kakashi Hatake, Sasuke Uchiha and Rock Lee. They require the most attention," Jiraiya explained as they started to make their way to the hospital. After they left, the last remnants of Team Tobirama began to discuss with each other.
"We finally have a new Hokage, hopefully, this will make the other countries think twice about messing with us," Homaru said as Koharu nodded.
"Having not one but two of the Sannin in the village should be enough to dissuade the neighbouring villages, Tsuande was feared and respected for her strength and medical prowess."
"In any case, now it's time I officially retired. But before then, there is one last matter I wish to attend to. The Chunin Promotions, I would like to weigh my opinions before we make the final decisions," Sarutobi said as the two advisors raised a brow before nodding, not wanting to deny their old friend his last request as Hokage.
Meanwhile, Naruto, Tsunade, Shizune and Jiraiya were making their way down the stairs when suddenly he spotted Shikamaru and his father Shikaku Nara.
"Hey, Naruto, when did you get back?"
"Hey, Shikamaru. I just got back in today. And what are you doing here?" he asked as Shikamaru just shrugged.
"No clue, my dad told me to come along. I think he's trying to make me more active with Shinobi politics or whatever. It's such a drag," he moaned as Naruto chuckled.
"What don't you find a drag?"
"Not much… a Major Drag I have is when someone shoves me off a railing into a fight I wanted to quit," he said with a glare as Naruto grinned.
"Yeah, but it worked out didn't it?"
"...I hate you…so much…" he grumbled as Naruto laughed. But then his eyebrow rose when he saw his father bowing to Tsunade and Jiraiya.
"Lady Tsunade, Jiraiya-Sama, it's good to see you again," Shikaku bowed to the Fifth Hokage.
"I recognise you. You're that kid from the Nara clan, right? I remember dealing with your father ages back, the resemblance is uncanny. How are the deer doing? Their antlers are useful ingredients for medicine," Tsuande said as he nodded.
"Yes, they're doing well. We didn't lose much during the Invasion, and we've been supplying the hospital with as much as we could spare," he informed her as she nodded.
"Hey Naruto, who's the lady and why is my old man bowing to her?" Shikamaru asked as he had never seen him be so respectful to anyone other than the Hokage and his advisors.
"That's the new Hokage Tsuande," he told him as he flinched. "I know, she doesn't look it but she's 50 years old," he whispered into his ear as Shikamaru was greatly shocked.
"Oi come on, you wanted me to heal your friends!" Tsunade called out as Naruto nodded and rushed past.
"We'll catch up later, Shikamaru!" Naruto shouted as the Nara boy stared.
"She's the new Hokage? Doesn't look all that special," Shikamaru commented as his father grinned.
"Looks can be deceiving. That is Tsunade Senju, one of the strongest and most beautiful Shinobi the village has ever produced. She's granddaughter to the first Hokage and was a member of the Sannin under the Old Man," he informed his son as his son raised a brow.
"What a drag…I just wanted to lay back and watch clouds, now there's a woman in charge of the village? Women are such a hassle," Shikamaru complained as his father chuckled.
"Son, one day you'll learn that men are no good without women. Even the toughest is tender to the one they love, you'll understand that someday." he lectured as Shikamaru raised a brow. "Well, let's get going, we need to get these jobs done before your mother chews us out if we're late,"
'...he's whipped…'
Konoha Hospital - Sasuke's Room
Sakura stared at Sasuke's unconscious form as she worried about him. It had been weeks and he still hadn't woken up from his coma. Not even Kakashi had woken up as he remained just as comatose as Sasuke. She knew that there was nothing she could do, but she couldn't help feeling so useless just sitting beside him. And she still hadn't heard anything about Naruto since he left on his 'secret mission'. It all made her feel anxious that she wished she could do something to help them, but what? What could she do?
"Sasuke…" she sighed with worry as she stared at his face.
"Coming in," she suddenly heard as she turned to see not the regular doctor or nurse, but a rather beautiful and rather buxom woman. "So this is the patient?" she asked as Sakura was confused.
'Who is she? She's so beautiful…' she thought before her eyes caught Naruto as he entered the room and smiled brightly when he saw her. "Naruto, when did you get back?"
"Hey Sakura-Chan, yeah sorry for not coming by sooner, but guess what? Sasuke is going to be just fine now. This is Tsunade, she's the world's best medical ninjutsu specialist. She'll heal Sasuke up in no time!" he said with a grin as Sakura blinked.
"Medical Ninjutsu?" She looked over to Tsunade. 'That's right, Gai Sensei said they were bringing back a medical expert, is this her?' she asked herself, while Tsunade observed the room and noticed the fresh flowers in the vase. Making it clear to her that she visited here regularly. "Can you really help Sasuke-Kun?" she asked as she smiled and patted her on the head.
"Don't worry, leave it to me," she comforted her as she walked over and placed her hand on his forehead as he glowed with Green Chakra. Sakura stared before her eyes widened as Sasuke's eyes began to open and he slowly began to sit up. Tears started streaming down her cheeks as she latched herself onto the Uchiha, who still appeared dazed and confused.
"Sasuke-Kun!" she cried as she hugged the boy for dear life, brimming with happiness and relief that her crush was awake again after so long.
Naruto stared at the scene before him, as he watched how much Sakura was crying over Sasuke. He knew Sakura had proclaimed her love for Sasuke a lot during the academy. Pretty much every girl in their grade was saying that. But it was plain to see how much she truly did care about him. It was strange though, he thought he would feel sad seeing this. Knowing that his crush was in love with someone else…but strangely he didn't?
He felt relieved for them.
He smiled softly as he looked at the two. "It's about time you woke up, Sasuke. You were making Sakura worried sick about you. Glad to see you're okay now, come on let's go. We still got Kakashi-Sensei to see," Naruto said as he turned to leave the room. Tsunade stared at the scene, as she smiled a bit knowingly. It was like watching Jiraiya crushing for her back in their youth, and faintly remembering how hurt he had been when she started dating Dan. They had just left the room when suddenly Sakura came rushing out.
"Wait, Naruto!" Sakura called out, as he stopped and raised a brow. "I know I don't say this often but…thank you," she said as he blinked at her. "I can't begin to tell you how much this means to me. I know I call you annoying and an idiot, and I apologise for not appreciating you more as a Member of Team 7. It's clear you're not the same as you were during the academy, and I just wanted to let you know that I do care about you as well. Even if I don't seem to," she said as Naruto stared before shaking his head.
"It's fine, you guys are my friends and there's nothing I won't do for my friends. And thanks…I appreciate you too. We're Team 7 after all, we gotta stick together. Now take care of Sasuke, can't have my rival hurting himself again," he said as he turned around and left. "Catch you later Sakura-Chan!" he said as she waved back at him while Tsunade raised a brow before following after him.
"She seems nice, you want her to be your girlfriend?" Tsunade asked with a smirk as Naruto shook his head.
"Nah, she's my teammate and a friend…I mean…I like her but…" his mind flashed back to the hug she gave Sasuke as he shook his head. "She likes Sasuke more than me, and strangely I'm okay with that…'' he said as he shrugged at this. "Don't know why though?" he said as she raised a brow at him. But as they made their way to Kakshi's room his eyes just managed to catch a familiar shade of dark blue hair as it was leaving a hospital room.
"Is that… it is! Hey, Hinata!" he suddenly shouted as Hinata yelped slightly before she turned around and smiled brightly.
"Naruto-Kun! You're here, when did you get back?" she said as Naruto ran up to her. Tsunade and Shizune stared at the two while Jiraiya smirked.
"Just today, but what are you doing in the Hospital? Are your injuries okay? I thought you would be cleared by now?" he asked with a slight tone of worry in his voice as he looked her over.
"Oh no, I'm fine. Doctors cleared me for active Duty weeks ago. I'm here because…well…Kiba was trying to prove he would become a Chunnin before you, and wanted to prove it to Sensei…but he ended up slamming into a tree, and then falling into some poison ivy. He's being treated for rashes in a rather…uncomfortable place…" she said as Naruto stared before bursting out laughing. "I-Its not funny Naruto-Kun!" she defended with a soft glare.
"Yes, it is! Ahahahaha! Oh man, I wish I got to see that!" he said as Hinata held her soft glare before her lips twitched and she too started laughing.
"O-Okay it was a little funny…" she recalled Kiba dragging his butt across the ground. "A-Any way, how did your mission go?" she asked as Naruto nodded.
"It wasn't that bad. We had to find the new Hokage, who's also a medical ninjutsu specialist. That's her over there, her name is Tsunade," he pointed to Tsunade who waved slightly. "She just helped heal Saskue and now we're off to see Kakashi-Sensei,"
"The New Hokage? That's amazing! Wait, did you say Tsunade? As in the Tsunade of the Sannin?! Kurenai-Sensei told me about her once. She's considered one of the strongest Kunoichi to ever exist!" she said as Naruto nodded and turned to Tsunade. "It's an honour to meet you Lady Tsunade, or should I say Lady Hokage? My sensei has told me much about you," she bowed as Tsuande waved her hand.
"It's fine, I'm not that big of a deal. A Hyuga, huh? I once partitioned the Hyuga Clan to allow some of their members to join the Medical Corps. The Byakugan would be a very useful asset in surgeries and medical Ninjutsu. But the Main Branch Family Elders denied me, of course. Said such arts were beneath them, bunch prudes if you ask me," she said as Hinata nodded.
"Yes, I remember my father telling me about that. I apologise for my clan elders, they're… extremely traditional…" she said as Tsunade shrugged.
"It's fine if you want to, I can teach you some Medical Ninjutsu," she offered as Hinata's eyes sparkled slightly.
"R-Really, t-that would be a great honour. I-I'll have to ask my father and Sensei first," Hinata said as Naruto grinned.
"Yeah, she's amazing! She made this salve for me that totally healed up my wounds! She'd be awesome as a Medical Ninja!" he said as Hinata smiled with a big red blush. "But I gotta warn you, Hinata. If you train with her, be prepared to be dragged to casinos any chance she gets. She also drinks sake like a drunken sailor and swears like one too. And don't let the looks fool you, she's older than she looks…she's really an old lady," he said as Hinata held a soft glare.
"Naruto-Kun, that's no way to treat the Hokage!" she scolded as Naruto held up his hands in surrender.
"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! Geez, you'd think I'd have learned from the last time you scolded me? I'm just giving you a heads-up. I've had to deal with her for the past few days, and I don't want you picking up her bad habits,"
"Naruto-Kun…" Hinata stressed as Naruto apologised and continued to chat away, unaware of the aura around them.
Tsunade watched the pair as she looked over to Jiraiya and gestured her thumb to the pair, who were unknowingly releasing a very 'lovey-dovey' kind of energy from them. Jiraiya nodded and made secret hand gestures telling her the whole story.
(Girl has a Huge Crush on him. And I mean huge.)
(I can tell. It's practically written all over her face. Does he know?)
(Nope. He's completely oblivious to it. He does take after his mother after all.)
(Ahhh. Makes sense.)
The pair had managed to communicate with each other as they looked at the pair. Tsunade watched the pair as she for a moment saw herself and Dan in that position long ago as she smiled softly. It was clear even to her in the few seconds she met Hinata, that she had a huge crush on the boy. The earlier interaction with Naruto and Sakura had made her a little worried that Naruto would follow the same path Jiraiya had when she rejected his feelings long ago. A life of perversion and one-night stands, never truly filling the hole in his heart. But seeing how he smiled more sincerely with her, and the way they seemed to make each other happy gave her hope.
"Okay, as adorable as this is," she interrupted as Hinata blushed deeply, while Naruto semi-blushed as well but glared slightly at Tsunade. "We need to see the other patients, or do you not want your Senei to wake up?" she asked as Naruto shook his head. "Then let's get moving. It was very nice meeting you, Hinata. Come along brat," she said as Naruto poked his tongue at her before following.
"Hey Hinata, how about later we catch up with some ramen? My treat," he offered as she blushed but quickly nodded.
"A-Absolutely," she said as Naruto smiled and turned to walk back to the others who were giving him big grins.
"What?"
"Nothing~," they said harmoniously as Naruto raised a brow but shrugged it off. Grown-ups were weird.
Two Days Later - Shinobi Council Room
Two days after the Coronation of the Fith Hokage a meeting was gathered consisting of the Former Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Acting Fifth Hokage Tsunade, the Shinobi Council, the Anbu Leaders, the Clan Leaders, Ibiki and Anko, and the Three Elders of Homura, Koharu and Danzo as they were discussing the promotion process.
"I think we're all in agreement that Shikamaru Nara has met the qualifications necessary to be promoted to Chunin?" Homura suggested. "He proved to have a sharp mind and knows the value of deciding when a fight can be won or not,"
"But he tends to slack off and not be motivated to do anything unless pushed into it. Something he needs to work on," Ibiki argued having seen his attitude during the exams.
"If he does get promoted, he will need to start showing more effort," Anko also added as she was one of the examiners.
"Agreed," Tsunade said as she looked over the results of Shikamaru's exam. "He's no doubt a genius, that will make a fine Chunin. And given our current state of manpower, we'll need just as many smart fighters as strong ones. If we give him responsibility, then it may force him to change his attitude. I second his promotion," she said as everyone nodded.
"Well, if we are all in agreement. This meeting is now adjourned," Koharu started as she and the others were about to stand.
"Hold it," Sarutobi interrupted. "I think we're forgetting about another participant I believe is now qualified to be promoted. Naruto Uzumaki," he suggested as he instantly got arguments amongst the council.
"Absolutely not! That boy is not ready for that kind of responsibility!" Koharu argued as her fellow Advisor nodded.
"His earlier results prove he lacks the necessary skills to conduct proper surveillance to be effective on missions," Homaru argued as Koharu nodded.
"And yet we're prepared to promote someone who was already planning to give up his fight?" Sarutobi argued as the two advisors glared.
"Look, I don't want to be harsh on my son," Shikaku said as he looked around the room. "But Shikamaru has a severe lack of motivation when it comes to being a Shinobi. His mind is sharp, but he's never one for confrontation. Heck his first words were 'What a Drag', and I'm not making that up. My point is, that in a real fight, sometimes surrender is not an option. Sometimes you need someone who has the will to see things through to the bitter end, even if it costs them their life. Naruto Uzumaki has more drive in his pinky toe than my son does in his whole body. My son's attitude may change someday, but until then it's not fair to promote one who lacks motivation over one who is brimming with it,"
"It's not to say that Naruto Uzumaki doesn't have the motivation to be a Chunnin, but rather his level of maturity," Homaru argued. "In his youth, he has constantly caused trouble for the citizens of the Leaf and the Shinobi Corp. Pulling numerous pranks and outright showing a lack of respect for his elders, or his fellow Shinobi. He even painted the Hokage Monument!"
"Well, can you blame the kid? I mean considering he had no one to raise him, it's no wonder he acted out as any kid would. Plus he's got spirit, I think that's a major requirement for a Chunin," Anko argued as she understood Naruto's childhood. While Kiba's mother, Tsume Inuzuka of the Inuzuka Clan nodded as she crossed her arms.
"Honestly the fact that he painted the Hokage Monument, in broad daylight I might add, is an achievement. All the Shinobi in the village didn't notice until it was already painted. Heck, I didn't even notice. Besides, from what I heard he's improved since the second half of the Exams. At least that's what my son has said, and he's not one to give praise lightly," Tsume said as she grinned a little.
"There are also multiple accounts of his commitment to Civilians' safety during the invasion. Using his Clones to help protect the ones at the stadium caught in the Genjutsu Trap," Inochi Yamanaka pointed out as the head of the Akamichi clan, Chouza, nodded in agreement.
"He is committed to the village, that much is certain. It would be a waste not to promote him," Ibiki stated as he and Anko were aware of Naruto's exploits.
"Regardless, he is still unfit to be promoted. If he were to be promoted to the Rank of Chunin, it would be disastrous for the Shinobi Corps. His disregard for authority is dangerous, and proper Strategy is detrimental to the success of any Mission domestic and abroad," Koharu argued.
"I disagree," the Anbu Captain Zo said. "During the Invasion my men were forced to watch as Lord Third was trapped behind the Four Violet Flame Barrier. A Jutsu that is not easily disrupted. We could do nothing to assist Lord Third in his fight with Orochimaru. It wasn't until Uzumaki Naruto pointed out a flaw in the positioning of the Jutsu, something neither myself nor my men had considered, that we were able to assist. If it wasn't for his outside-the-box thinking, there is a high chance Lord Third would not have survived that day," he stated as a matter of fact as the other Anbu's nodded.
"That is beside the point. Just because he saved the Hokage, does not mean he should be promoted because Sarutobi feels as if he owes the boy a debt of gratitude," Homura argued as Tsunade shook her head.
"Let's cut to the real reason you don't want him to be promoted," Tsunade interrupted as she laced her fingers. "You're afraid of what would happen if Naruto was sent on a higher-risk mission and was captured by enemy Shinobi or worse, what could happen if pushed too far…you don't want the possibility of losing control of the Nine-Tails," she said as everyone went silent.
"That is not what this is about," Koharu argued.
"Isn't it? Let's face the facts, the Nine-Tails has been a major source of contentment regarding Naruto ever since the Fourth Hokage sealed that beast into him. It's the reason he was never adopted by anyone during his childhood. It's the reason most adults in the village give him hard glares, and treat him as if he was a walking Pariah," Shikaku argued. "Before the exams, your points would have been valid, but his recent accomplishments and new signs of maturity have made them invalid. The only reason you won't promote him now is because you think by keeping him contained within the village he will be out of reach from those that would want the Nine-Tail's power,"
"The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki is more secure in the village. We can keep him under control, and out of enemy hands," Homaru stated as Shikaku chuckled sarcastically.
"That's not true. Only recently two enemy Shinobi managed to breach our defences and stood right in the heart of Konoha looking for Naruto. Granted, we were recovering from the Invasion. But they managed to hold off and take down our strongest fighters and evade the Anbu Squads sent after them. The fact that they got in so easily proves not even inside the village is safe. Naruto Uzumaki will be targeted regardless of where he is, and whether or not he's at the Rank of Chunin or Genin. The boy needs to be prepared," Shikaku stated.
"And you believe giving him the Rank of Chunin will automatically grant him protection?" Koharu stated rhetorically.
"No, but it doesn't mean we should deny him the chance to rank up. Despite his status as a Jinchuriki, he is still a member of the Leaf Villages Shinobi Corp. He proved himself during the exams, the invasion and my retrieval when he faced the Sound's Spy Kabuto and won…" Tsunade said as she briefly remembered Naruto's near death but shook it off. "I believe he's ready to be promoted,"
"This is absurd! We can't risk promoting The Nine-Tails Jinchuriki! Think of how the rest of the Shinobi would react if we promoted him! They would revolt and throw up their arms in disgust!" A Member of a small clan argued.
"The Nine-Tails and Naruto Uzumaki are two separate entities. This idea that they are the same needs to stop. It's not only factually incorrect, but it's not what the Fourth Hokage wanted. If it wasn't for him, the Nine-Tails would've destroyed this village long ago…" Sarutobi defended as he looked around the room. "Besides, everyone saw him take on the One-Tailed Tanuki from Sunagakure. He proved that he is willing to stand in defence of Konoha, even when he has been ostracised and isolated for his whole life. It shows how even when he is hated, he will still stand to defend his home. I also recently learned that when confronted with certain truths, he has a level of maturity I didn't think possible of him. This proves that if we give him the Rank of Chunin, he will rise to the occasion and prove himself a great value to the Leaf. So I believe we should give him that chance…" he looked around the room as Nara, Hyuga, Yamanaka, Akimichi, Inuzuka and the Aburame Clans nodded in agreement. While the Elders, a few lesser clans were more cautious.
"...I agree with Sarutobi," Danzo suddenly spoke up as everyone turned to him. "I believe we should allow Naruto Uzumaki to be promoted to the Rank of Chunin,"
"Danzo! What is the meaning of this!?" Koharu screeched as she and Homura were flabbergasted at the man.
"The boy has shown a lot of new potential, and maturity that we can no longer deny… didn't he recently learn the truth of his heritage?" he inquired as Sarutobi and Tsuande narrowed their gaze. Some of the lesser clan leaders were confused, except for those who had served alongside Minato or the advisors who knew his true heritage. "I have for years stated that Naruto Uzumaki should be given additional training to harness the potential that dwells within him. But I was denied because he was to be treated like a child,"
"Better than being turned into one of your Root lackeys," Shikaku remarked as Danzo ignored him.
"My point is, it's foolish to deny him the chance to reach his potential because of petty grudges. Now I'm more than willing to offer him the training needed, but I suspect I will be met with hostility?" he remarked as Tsunade and Sarutobi glared. "As I figured as much…but regardless, I second the notion to promote Uzumaki Naruto to the Rank of Chunin,"
"You've all made valid points, but regardless, he's still reckless and has much to improve upon. We cannot approve of this promotion unless we have some type of guarantee that he will not compromise active missions once given the Rank," Koharu stated as Homura nodded.
"If I may make a suggestion," Commander Zo said as they turned to the Anbu captain. "We all agree that Naruto Uzumaki has changed, showing great improvement and was vital in the Sand/Sound Invasion. And while his ability to conduct strategy has improved, it still needs work. Shikamaru Nara has great strategic abilities but lacks the motivation and physical strength to achieve success on missions. My recommendation is that we promote both of them and have them serve on missions together," he suggested as the advisors raised a brow.
"We're short on manpower as it is, why would we pair these together constantly when they would do better on separate missions? Not that we're considering Uzumaki as a Chunin just yet," Homaru argued as Zo shook his head.
"Uzumaki Naruto will learn more tactical skills from Shikamaru, and Shikamaru could be inspired by his motivation and maybe improve his physical strength," Zo suggested as they pondered this.
"It would make sense…but what guarantee do we have that this will be effective?" Koharu asked as Zo nodded.
"None. This is why I also suggest Naruto Uzumaki receive additional training with the Anbu. He won't become an official Anbu member, he's still not ready for that. But perhaps by going through the Anbu training regiment, he will learn to be more respectful to his superiors and more inclined to follow orders. I believe he is the type to learn from Practical experience rather than Theoretical," he suggested as the pair glanced between themselves before nodding.
"Your suggestions have…merit. Very well, we approve of those conditions," Homura stated as Koharu nodded.
"Seconded," Koharu agreed, as Tsunade nodded.
"Very well, Naruto Uzumaki will be promoted to the rank of Chunin. Naruto Uzumaki and Shikamaru Nara will be assigned missions together to gain valuable experience from each other. He will also undergo Anbu training to improve his disciplinary skills. If there is nothing else to discuss, then this meeting is hereby adjourned," Tsunade declared as they all bowed as they were dismissed. Sarutobi however wheeled his way to Danzo as he stopped the man from leaving.
"What game are you playing, Danzo?" he questioned as the bandaged man stared.
"...No game, I merely wish to see the potential of Naruto Uzumaki flourish. You stagnated him long enough by allowing him to live as a human. When we both know he would be more valuable as a weapon," he stated as Sarutobi glared
"That is not why the Nine-Tails has been in the village and you know it! Hashirama-Sensei never allowed his wife to become a Weapon! We have a responsibility to keep the Nine-Tails from wreaking havoc across the world. Meddling with that power in any way could prove disastrous! And you and I both know you don't truly care about Naruto's potential. You just want the means to control the Nine-Tails,"
"I take precautions, Sarutobi. To ensure the continued existence, safety and strength of Konoha. Tobirama-Sensei would have agreed with me,"
"Tobirama-Sensei also honoured his brother's wish that Mito-San would not be used as a Weapon. Do not twist his words and ideals to suit your own," Sarutobi glared as Danzo sighed.
"We never could see eye-to-eye, could we, Saru? It doesn't matter. The boy at least is still an asset to the continued security of the village, that is something we can agree to. At least now he can get the proper guidance he needs,"
"I may have failed Naruto in his childhood, but I will not fail him now. So long as I have breath in my lungs, you will not turn him into a soulless weapon. Now shut down Root, or else…" Sarutobi threatened as Danzo sighed before looking up at the symbol of Konoha.
"Do you remember when we were children, Saru? The days we spent running through the forests, dreaming of the day we would become Shinobi? Times have changed, and we are not children anymore. Despite our differences, we both want to protect the Great Tree which is Konoha. You chose to protect it as the leaves that flourish above in the Sun…I chose to protect it like the roots in the darkest depths of the Earth…" Danzo said as he patted his 'old friend' on the shoulder. "I will protect Konoha using everything at my disposal…and my time to be Hokage will come," he told him as he walked past the wheelchair-bound man.
"...Not unless Naruto beats you to it," Sarutobi managed to get the last word in as Danzo paused at the door before waking out. Leaving the old man pondered what Danzo would do, once he was no more.
Ichiraku Ramen
At Ichiraku Ramen, we find Naruto Uzumaki and Hinata Hyuga as they are enjoying a meal after a long day. The Coronation of the Fifth Hokage had been a major event for the Village, and the Genin teams had to be assigned to help with the preparations. After the coronation was completed, life returned to normal for Hidden Leaf. But during that time, Naruto and Hinata began to hang out more, meeting up regularly at Ichiraku Ramen. Swapping stories and chatting about the day.
"And then after all that, Kakashi-Sensei pulls down his mask, only to reveal another mask! It was so lame! We wasted the whole day just so he could pull a dumb joke!" Naruto finished regaling Hinata of the time when he, Sasuke and Sakura tried to see what was under Kakashi's mask before the Chunin Exams.
"Oh dear, that must've been annoying?" Hinata said as she chuckled slightly.
"Tell me about it. he even flipped a table full of really delicious-looking food to keep his mask on…looking back I think Kakashi-Sensei enjoyed messing with us. Course I still don't know who those other Ninjas were. They kind of seemed lame, and I don't think they were real Shinobi though. They were pretty weird," he said as Hinata chuckled.
"Well, I'm sure one day you'll find out what he looks like?" she assured as Naruto sighed.
"Yeah, you're probably right. How's Kiba, is his butt still sore from the poison ivy?" he asked as she nodded.
"A little, he complained the whole time and his mother kept laughing at him. But the salve I gave should be effective," she said as Naruto nodded.
"I still got that salve you made, it's really good. Have you thought about training under Tsunade?"
"I've considered it. However, I'm afraid of asking my father," she admitted as Naruto raised a brow. "Even though he entrusted my education to Kurenai-Sensei, I'm scared that he'll see me learning Medical Ninjutsu as a waste of time. The Elders are adamant that the Hyuga do not need to participate in other divisions of the Shinobi arts. We made ourselves famous for our Taijutsu Arts, Sensory Skills and our prowess with the Byakugan. They find the medical field beneath them," she said as Naruto grumbled.
"No offence Hinata, but your Elders sound like a bunch of dumbasses," he said as Hinata shook her head.
"I know they seem strict but they are just trying to protect the secrets of the Hyuga Clan. Our Byakugan is what made us valuable to the leaf. It's a source of pride for the clan…" she argued but still found their reasoning to be stupid.
"Yeah but, if what Old-I mean Tsunade said is true. Then having someone that can see through solid objects would be really useful, you guys would be amazing medics and save countless lives. It's stupid to focus on one aspect of being a Shinobi. I've recently learned the benefits of branching out, why can't they?" he asked as Hinata sighed.
"Complicated Clan Politics, Stubbornness or Pride. Take your pick," she vented as she ate her noodles. "Despite the way they are, I still want to protect the Hyuga clan and prove to them I can be a worthy Heiress to the Clan and a Shinobi of the Hidden Leaf. But with father disinheriting me as Heiress, that role will go to my sister…"
"...Well, I reckon you can," he said as she turned to him. "You believe I can become Hokage, so I believe you can prove them wrong. One day everyone will see they were wrong about us, and we can hold our heads high knowing we were right," he told her as she blushed with a smile on her face.
"Thank you Naruto-Kun, that means a lot," she said as Naruto nodded. "So, how's Sasuke? Is he able to return to active duty?" she asked as Naruto shook his head.
"Not yet, apparently they want to keep him under observation for a while longer. To make sure he hasn't suffered any long-term psycho-psychol…." Naruto struggled a little with the word.
"Psychological Damage?" she helped as Naruto nodded.
"Yeah, that. So they're keeping an eye on him just in case. Kakashi-Sensei was released yesterday, but he's not fully back to 100 per cent yet. Until then, Sakura and I are stuck doing small missions around the village. Other than that it's just training and working on Seals," he recounted as he went back to his noodles
"Seals?"
"Oh yeah, I forgot to tell you. I'm starting to learn Fuinjutsu. It's complicated and hard to understand. But I think it's something I could be really interested in," he told her as he smiled brightly with enthusiasm.
"What made you want to start learning Fuinjutsu?" she asked as Naruto paused as he looked down at his armour piece and the symbol of his ancestors.
"Let's just say it's something I want to aspire to," he told Hinata who was confused but nodded. Whatever the reason, she had a feeling that Naruto would explain when he was ready. "Now, let's get back to the meals! I am starving!" he said as he took a slurp of his noodles.
"Naruto?" he stopped as he saw Iruka standing behind him.
"Oh, hey Iruka-Sensei, what's up? Want some Ramen?" he asked as his former teacher shook his head.
"Maybe later. You're ordered to report to the Ninja Administration Building immediately," Iruka informed him as Naruto raised a brow.
"Do I have another mission?"
"I can't say. You've merely been ordered to report to the Administration building. You haven't done anything mischievous lately have you?" Iruka asked as Naruto shook his head.
"Nope, I've been on my best behaviour. Well, better get going before Old La-I mean the Hokage starts getting annoyed," Naruto corrected himself when he noticed Hinata's glare, as he finished off his Ramen in one gulp. "Sorry about this Hinata, rain check?" he asked as she nodded.
"Of course," she said as he nodded.
"Thanks, you're the best. See ya, Iruka-Sensei!" he said as he got up and started to head towards the Administration Building. Iruka looked at his former student and then Hinata, as he smirked knowingly at her, while Hinata blushed and went back to eating.
'Teenagers' he thought as he left to go finish up the grades for his class.
"I wonder what kind of mission I've got?" Naruto asked as he made his way to the Administration Building, where Shinobi leaders and the Hokage assigned missions to the Shinobi Squads. He wondered if he and Sakura were going to be assigned a proper mission, but he doubted it seeing as they were still down Kakashi-Sensei and Saskue. So more than likely it was going to be a low D-ranked Mission.
"Unless this is another attempt to get me to gamble again…hmm?" he mumbled under his breath before his brow was raised at the sight of a familiar pineapple-shaped hairstyle. "Shikamaru? What are you doing here?"
"Something annoying no doubt, I was enjoying a nice relaxing nap in the sun when my dad told me I had to report to the Administration building. What a drag," he moaned in annoyance as Naruto raised a brow.
"Dude, you've got to get a better hobby,"
"Whatever it is, we might as well just get it over with," Shikamaru suggested as Naruto nodded and they entered the room. Before them were the Third Hokage, the Fifth Hokage, the Anbu Commander Zo, Genma, Ibiki and Anko.
"Naruto Uzumaki and Shikamaru Nara, reporting for duty," Shikamaru yawned as Naruto nodded.
"Greetings you two, let's get down to business. It's regarding the results of the Chunin Exams," Tsunade said as Naruto and Shikamaru shared a glance.
"Now given all that had happened during the invasion and with the Exams Suspended, initially it was suggested that no one would be promoted this time around. However, both of you performed admirably both during the Exams and during the Invasion your exploits did not go unnoticed," Sarutobi explained as Tsunade wrote on an official document.
"It has been agreed upon that you two would be recommended to be promoted to Chunin. The Examiners, myself and those of your fellow Shinobi have taken into account your skills, strategy, accomplishments and commitment to the Hidden Leaf," Tsunade said as looked at the pair. "Thus we have decided that as of this moment: Shikamaru Nara and Naruto Uzumaki will immediately be promoted to the Rank of Chunin." Tsunade officially declared as Naruto and Shikamaru's eyes widened at this.
"Congratulations both of you," Sarutobi said as some of the examiners and Anbu members clapped to the pair.
"Aw, man! I got promoted! Seriously!? What a drag!" Shikamaru complained as he slapped a hand on his forehead. "This means I have to do a whole lot more work, no wonder the old man was smirking at me when I left, this is a real pain in the ass…hmm?" Shikamaru paused when he noticed Naruto not bouncing off the walls as he assumed. He was strangely quiet. "Hey, you okay Naruto?" he asked as Naruto looked down slightly. "You know you just got promoted, right? Shouldn't you be, I don't know…jumping for joy and declaring you're one step closer to becoming Hokage?"
"...it doesn't feel right…" Naruto said as he got raised eyebrows from everyone in the room.
"What do you mean?"
"It doesn't feel right…I feel like I don't deserve this promotion…" he said as Shikamaru was confused, while Sarutobi narrowed his gaze as he shared a glance with Tsunade.
"What are you talking about man? You won against Neji, you fought against Gaara and saved the Third Hokage's life. If anything you were a slam dunk for a promotion. Heck, I thought you'd be smugly saying you beat Sasuke at getting promoted before him?" he asked as Naruto shook his head.
"But I feel like I don't deserve it," he told him as Shikamaru raised a brow. "I've been going over everything I did before the exams and I keep thinking…I'm not ready. During the wave mission, I was arrogant, and stubborn and nearly got my teammate killed. During the first part of the Exams I didn't write anything on the test paper and lucked my way through it," Ibiki recalled that moment, chuckling at his blank paper. "And during the Forest of Death, I got knocked out while I left Sakura to survive on her own. I could've died then and there and I acted like a stupid kid! It was only during the month of training did I felt like I was getting better…but now that I've been told I've been promoted…it doesn't feel right…it feels like I don't deserve it…" he said as he hung his head as Shikamaru stared at Naruto.
"...Naruto…" Sarutobi said as he looked up to the old man. "We had considered all of this before suggesting your name for promotion. And arguably some believed you were not ready to be promoted," Naruto hung his head when he heard that.
"...but the truth is, no one ever truly is," he said as Naruto looked up.
"Do you believe I was ready to become Hokage of the Hidden Leaf? No, I was no more than a Jonin when Lord Tobirama entrusted the title to me. But the thing about being promoted is that it's not an entitlement, but rather a challenge to overcome," he spoke as Naruto stared.
"Being promoted to Chunin comes with not only a raise in rank but a demand to take the responsibilities that come with it," Tsunade continued as he looked at her. "You will be in charge of not only the mission but the lives of your comrades and the safety of the Leaf. There have been those before you who took their promotion with pride and arrogance, only to come to the daunting realisation all too late. Costing the success of the mission and the lives of their comrades. You however have seen that you still have room to improve. You've seen your mistakes and realised how you could've done things differently. This is a good sign that you are now cautious of your actions, aware of the consequences that can come from them, and are determined not to repeat them. We would not have chosen you lightly if not for this act. So do not be weighed down by doubt, fight through it and prove yourself worthy," Tsunade told him as Naruto listened carefully.
"You have grown remarkably in a short amount of time, Naruto. You are no longer the same child that ran around the village, painting monuments, pulling pranks and proclaiming you'll become Hokage out of a need for attention. You have seen the grand scale of the village and like those before you, have committed yourself to the protection of the hidden leaf. And with this promotion, you are one step closer to ensuring its continued existence," Sarutobi said as Naruto pondered their words before nodding.
"I see…thank you, Lord Fifth and Lord Third…I promise I won't let you down," he finally said as everyone in the room nodded.
"We know you won't. However, your particular promotion doesn't come without strings," Tsunade said as Naruto and Shikamaru raised a brow. "We all agree that you have been deemed worthy of the rank of Chunin. But there are still facets of your abilities that need improvement. Naruto, you've improved with your strategic skills, but there is still much to be desired. Shikamaru, you have the best mind out of both of you. But you lack motivation and physical strength. This is why starting today, whenever there is a mission you two will serve together. This way you can both learn from each other and improve your lacking skills. Naruto with strategies and Shikamaru with his motivation and physical strength." she said as Shikamaru groaned at this and ran a hand down his face. Naruto however took the news in stride as he nodded.
"I understand, it makes sense when I think about it. Shikamaru's always been the smarter of us during the Academy, but hard to motivate. Maybe teaming up with him for a while will help with stuff I still find hard to understand. And maybe he can learn to be a bit more active from me?" Naruto agreed as Shikamaru glared slightly.
"Don't encourage them Naruto," Shikamaru groaned before he sighed. "What a drag,"
"That's not all that comes with this promotion," Tsunade said as Naruto raised a brow. "The Anbu believe that you still have areas that need improvement, Naruto. And have offered to provide you with additional training. You will report to the Anbu headquarters every weekend and run through a crash course of their training regiment. You will be taught additional strategies, weapons styles, stealth techniques and martial arts to improve your arsenal,"
"Not that I am ungrateful, but why?" he asked as Zo stepped forward.
"Officially it's to assure the Shinobi Council that you will gain the necessary disciplinary skills to be trusted with higher-ranked missions," he told him before he looked the boy straight in the eye. "But personally, the Anbu Forces owe you a debt of gratitude. If it wasn't for your idea to bring down the barrier, we would've failed in our duty to protect the Hokage and our honour would've been stained. So this is my way of saying thank you, and my support that one day you will achieve your Dream as Hokage," Zo said as he raised his hand forward as Naruto stared before nodding and shaking the man's hand.
"Thank you, I won't let you down," Naruto said as Zo nodded.
"I know you won't," he said as they let go.
"Well, now that is over. Here are your official documents and your standard issued Chunin vests," she gestured to Genma and Aoba as they handed the pair their new Flak Jackets as Shikamaru sighed.
"It's official then…this is the worst day of my life,"
"Oh it's not so bad, we made it to Chunin. Imagine how shocked everyone will be when they see we made it?" Naruto said as Shikamaru raised a brow.
Later at Yakiniku Q
"I don't believe this!" Kiba shouted as he, Team Kurenai, Team Asuma and Team Kakashi (minus Sasuke), and Iruka sat at the Yakiniku Q restaurant as Naruto and Shikamaru wore their new Chunin Vests. Naruto had sealed his Uzumaki chest piece into a scroll while adding the Uzumaki clan Symbol onto his shoulder. "I can't believe I didn't get promoted while you two got ahead of me!" Kiba complained as he slammed his head into the table. "I'm never going to hear the end of this from mum!"
"Kiba, stop complaining. It's a little surprising that Naruto and Shikamaru got promoted. But given all they achieved in the Exams it's not that hard to comprehend," Shino said as he turned his glare to the Aburame.
"Yeah, but I at least thought I'd beat Naruto to Chunin! Shikamaru I'm fine with it! But Naruto!? It's so unfair!" Kiba shouted.
"Well maybe this will make you put more effort into your training," Kurenai said as she sat next to Asuma. "You were arrogant during the Exams that you could beat Naruto and ended up losing to him,"
"Only because he farted in my face," he mumbled as Kurenai rolled her eyes.
"But unlike you, Naruto has been pushing himself every day. Working on his strengths and improving his flaws. It's no surprise that he made it to Chunin," Choji said as Kiba still scoffed and ate his pork. Ino meanwhile was looking over the two as she was both amused and annoyed like Kiba.
"Still, I never would've thought I'd see Shikamaru being promoted. It's hard to believe that the laziest person I know would ever be given a rank of authority," Ino said with a chuckle as Shikamaru glared.
"Laugh it up Ino, this is such a drag…" he groaned as he rested his head on his palm. "And to top it all off, I have to be teamed up with Naruto for the next while so we can 'learn from each other'. I swear this whole thing is a headache," he said as Ino chuckled at him before turning to Naruto.
"And then there's the fact that Naruto, who was the dead last at the Academy, is outpacing all of us. It means I have slacked off since the Academy," she said as Asuma nodded.
"I have told you to focus on your training. You don't commit to your efforts and you end up losing in the end. If you had, maybe you would've been promoted instead of being knocked out at the same time," he said as Sakura and Ino groaned in embarrassment. "But, today is a day to celebrate! To Naruto and Shikamaru's Promotion!" Asuma cheered as the others nodded.
"Itadakimasu!" Chouji shouted as he grabbed all the meat off the grill.
"Hey! Don't eat all the meat!" Kiba shouted as the Akimichi glared and shoved it into his mouth. "You bastard!" The pair struggled against themselves. Kurenai and Asuma were sighing as their students fought each other. Iruka, meanwhile looked over to Naruto as he sat with Hinata on his right and Sakura on his left.
"You're being awfully quiet. I thought you'd be celebrating the loudest?" he asked as Naruto thumbed the vest.
"Oh uh, sorry Iruka-Sensei. I would be, it's just…still feels unreal. I didn't expect to get promoted, least of all before Sasuke. Still doesn't seem right, he didn't get a chance," Naruto said as Iruka and Kakashi shook their heads.
"It's perfectly natural to feel that way. I remember feeling the same way when I got promoted, I was so nervous. But eventually it goes away, once you get used to it" Iruka recounted the feelings he had that day.
"And besides you earned that promotion, Naruto," Kakashi said as Naruto turned to him. "You faced the challenges and came out on top. So take a little pride in your accomplishment and celebrate it with your friends. As for Sasuke, he didn't show up in time and was disqualified. Shinobi cannot afford to be late on actual missions," Kakashi said as Sakura glared.
"That's a little rich coming from you, Sensei. Aren't you partly the reason Saskue was late in the first place?" she accused slightly as Kakashi chuckled a little.
"Well maybe…but he did push himself too much during the last training session. Besides, given Sasuke's mental state, I think it's best that he wasn't promoted. To be honest with you two, I wasn't exactly planning on any of you to be promoted. I was hoping to use the Exams as a means to teach valuable lessons about improving and knowing that not every battle can be won. But, as it turns out, I underestimated you Naruto. Something I've done a lot recently and I want to say sorry. And Congratulations on your promotion, I am honestly proud of you," he said as Naruto nodded.
"Thanks, Kakashi-Sensei, and it's okay. Like I said I'm not one to hold grudges. It's just going to take a bit to get used to," Naruto said as he moved around in his seat to get a feeling of the vest.
"Well it's definitely something I'm going to have to get used to," Sakura said. "Not to say I'm against your promotion. But it's going to be odd knowing I have to take orders from you," she said as she sighed. "I need to train more," she said as she sipped her drink.
"Well, I for one am proud of you, Naruto-Kun. I knew you could do it, and congratulations on your promotion. You look cool," Hinata said as she smiled at the boy, who blushed a little and smiled at her.
"Thanks, Hinata, that means a lot!" he smiled as the pair smiled at each other. The others stared as the pair was surrounded by a lovey-dovey field that was so sickeningly sweet it wanted to make the single people gag.
"Gah, it just got really sweet here…I feel like I'm going to get a toothache" Kiba grumbled as Chouji, and Shikamaru nodded, while Ino slapped him on the shoulder.
"I think it's cute," she hissed at him as she imagined it was her and Sasuke instead of Naruto and Hinata as she sighed in bliss.
Iruka watched as he smiled, feeling relieved that Naruto was making so many new friends. And seeing his interactions with Hinata, it was evident that something beautiful was blossoming between them and he couldn't be more happier. Asuma and Kurenai looked at the pair and smiled, as they quietly laced their fingers together under the table and away from prying eyes. Not that it went past Kakashi as he smirked at the two, who blushed and looked away from each other. He then turned his head as he imagined Minato and Kushina, then Obito and Rin as he smiled in nostalgia.
Sakura on the other hand was watching the scene with conflict. She was of course supportive of Hinata, she was getting more attention from her crush than she ever had with Sasuke. But still, she was a little envious that Naruto was giving her more attention. But, it's not like she liked Naruto the same way Hinata did, no sir. She liked him as a friend. A comrade in arms. Still, maybe she should at least treat him with more respect than she had before.
"So, Naruto. How's it feel knowing you have to be stuck working alongside Shikamaru?" Ino asked as Naruto shrugged.
"Eh, it won't be that hard. Honestly, I think the hardest part will be the Anbu training I have to do," he said as the Gennin stopped what they were doing and stared at him.
"...What?"
"Oh, right. I forgot to mention that. The Anbu Captain during the invasion wants me to take on a crash course of the Anbu Training Regiment. Sort of a thank you for helping them save the Third, but also so I can improve my disciplinary skills or whatever," he said as he picked out the meat and ate it. Oblivious to the stares he was getting from the others. Until Kiba finally found the words to say…
"Oh you son of a!"
Next Day - Anbu Headquarters
Naruto stood outside the Anbu Headquarters as he was about to begin the first day of his training regiment. The Anbu headquarters was located on top of the Hokage Monument just behind a large forest. He had been instructed by the Third Hokage in his youth to stay away from the large dome-like buildings in the past. Mostly because the area was wired with traps to deter trespassers, and the only way through was to be guided by an envoy or knew the layout. Luckily Naruto was led through as he was led in by the Anbu stationed around the perimeter.
"Whoa…so this is the Anbu headquarters?" He looked at the large dome-like shape. "Neat," he said as the Anbu member pointed.
"Head inside, Captain Zo is waiting," the Anbu member said as Naruto nodded and walked in. Inside he was met with Captain Zo as he wore his Cat Mask, and beside him was a woman wearing the standard Anbu uniform, with long purple hair and also wearing a cat-like mask.
"Um, Naruto Uzumaki reporting for duty," Naruto said as he was unsure what to do. Was he supposed to salute? Zo and the other Anbu shared a glance before turning back to Naruto.
"Uzumaki Naruto, welcome to the Anbu. As per instructions by the Godaime Hokage and the Former Sandiame Hokage, you will receive additional training from the Anbu Black Ops. This does not make you a member of the Anbu, your Rank of Chunin holds no weight here, and you are not to divulge any sensitive information outside this dome. Is that understood?" he questioned as Naruto nodded. "Your training will consist of Kenjutsu, Martial Arts, the Study of Human Anatomy, Stealth and Recon, Code Breaking and potentially Assassination. This member is codenamed: Neko, and she will be your Kenjutsu instructor during your time here. I expect you to obey her every command as if it was from the Hokage herself, is that understood?" Naruto nodded again.
"Good, come this way. You're going to be here, you need to wear the appropriate training attire," Neko instructed as they reached a requisitions office, as the Anbu member behind the desk handed him a box containing the standard Anbu Uniform, Sword and a Mask. Naruto of course was given a Fox Mask.
'Figures…' he thought as he looked up to the man.
"Let's make one thing clear here," Neko spoke up, as he turned to see she had her arms crossed. "That mask does not make you a member of the Anbu. You are not joining the Anbu, you are not here to become one of us, you are here to train because we owe you a debt of gratitude. You will not participate in any of our missions, nor divulge any secrets you learn here. We don't care for what you are, who you are or what you have inside you. Only that you do as we tell you and learn. Once this training is done, you might one day join us. But until then, you obey my orders, are we clear?" Naruto stared as he held the mask in his hand before nodding. "Good, let's see if you have what it takes to make it through this training,"
"Something you should know about me," he said as Yugao raised a brow as Naruto placed on the Fox Mask. "I never give up,"
Omake: Luck of the Uzumaki
Kiba still grumbled about all the achievements Naruto had accomplished, while the rest continued to enjoy the celebration party.
"I have to congratulate you on receiving Anbu training, Naruto. But I have to warn you it's not for the faintest of hearts. Anbu training is intense, unforgiving and demanding. I hope you're up to the challenge?" Kakashi advised his student as he recalled his own time in the Anbu.
"Thanks for the advice, Kakashi-Sensei. But you know me, I'm not one to give up. Plus I'm not officially joining the Anbu. I'm just learning a few things from them. Help make up for what I lacked back at the academy and learn to be a bit more respectful to my superiors," Naruto explained as Kakashi nodded.
"I understand, but feel free to ask me anything. I am here for you," he said as Naruto nodded with a smile.
"I will Kakashi-Sensei"
"Well Kakashi, you have one heck of a student. Promoted to Chunin and about to receive Anbu training, he is full of surprises!" Asuma said as Kakashi nodded.
"That he is, just when you think you have him figured out, he surprises you once again. At this rate he might even make it to Hokage before he's twenty?" he joked a little, but deep down wondered if that was possible.
"Let's not get too ahead, he only just made it to Chunin. He's still got a long way to go. Heck, I was still surprised he Mastered Wind-Chakra so quickly," Asuma said as he poured himself another drink.
"Hey, that reminds me. Asuma-Sensei, didn't you have a bet that if Naruto made it to Chunin you'd pay for his victory dinner?" Shikamaru pointed out as Asuma flinched.
"Seriously?" Kurenai gave a glare to Asuma who was sweating at this point.
"W-Well to be fair, I didn't think he'd pass this time around. A-And besides, the bet was also if Shikamaru won, Naruto would pay!" he nervously explained in front of his girlfriend. Lover? Wasn't sure on that front yet.
"Typical Asuma-Sensei, always trying to weasel out of a losing bet," Shikamaru said as he shook his head.
"Yep, typical Sensei" Chouji said as he nodded.
"So shameful," Ino, Shikamaru and Chouji quipped as Asuma felt his pride take some blows from those comments.
"I think he should just pay for it all and teach him a lesson not to gamble on stupid bets," Kurenai huffed as the others agreed and Asuma felt a huge blow was about to come to his wallet.
"It's okay," Naruto suddenly spoke up as they all looked at him. "Given everything we've been through, I'm just happy everyone made it out in one piece. Besides, I don't care about the bet. I valued Asuma-Sensei's guidance with Wind Chakra and I'm grateful it helped me when I needed it the most," he said as everyone smiled at the mature response from Naruto. Asuma felt a bit of pride himself, and relief that his wallet wouldn't go empty this week.
"Besides, I'll pick up the tab it's the least I can do," Naruto said as he unsealed one of the briefcases and popped it open to reveal the wads of cash he won. Eyes bulged out of their heads as they stared at the cash.
"...N-naruto…where did you get this!?" Sakura asked bewildered as Naruto shrugged.
"Well during the mission to find Tsunade, it turns out I'm kind of super lucky at Gambling. This is just one of the cases I won, I've got like, two others that have a bit more than this. Honestly, I don't care for it" he said as everyone stared at him as if he had grown a second head.
"...You...gambled?" Ino asked as Naruto nodded.
"Naruto! What the heck were you thinking?! You can't be gambling, you're still a minor!" Iruka chastised as he went parental mode on Naruto, who held up his hands in defence.
"It's not my fault! Honest, Iruka Sensei! It just kind of happened while I was off with Pervy-Sage, uh Jiraiya, and the next thing I know, bam! I've won a lot of money!?" Naruto tried to defend himself as Iruka glared. He was going to have some serious words with Jiraiya about letting Naruto gamble.
"Still seems highly unethical and somewhat illegal that they let a minor gamble?" Shino added as Naruto nodded.
"Yeah, but these guys I played said they would tell me where Tsunade was if I played their games, and I was trying to help find her. Not my fault they all lost," he said as he grabbed one of the stacks to pay the tab. "This should cover it,"
"Naruto… not to call you a liar…but I highly doubt you won all that?" Kakashi said as Naruto furrowed his brows.
"But I did! Seriously every gambling den I went to I won. Poker, Pachinko, Dice, those weird slot machines that just kept spilling out coins every time I pulled the levers. Not to mention anytime a gambler sees me now they scream 'The Golden Fox of Luck' and then shut down the place out of fear. It's honestly getting a little creepy," he admitted as everyone shared a sceptical glance at each.
"Prove it!" Kiba shouted as Naruto raised a brow, before shrugging. He then got up and walked over to the Gambling Den next door before Iruka could stop him. Everyone followed as he walked in and went straight for the slot machines.
"Hey you can't-!" the bouncer tried to stop him before Naruto placed a coin in, pulled the lever and triple 7 flashed across the board. Coins started spilling out, as he turned back to the others with a told you so raised brow as they stared at the coins. Then to prove his point he pulled several more levers as they all started spitting out coins.
"See what I mean?" he said as the Owner's eyes widened in fear and recognition.
"Oh, crap! The Golden Fox of Luck! Take this and get out of here!" the owner yelled as he kicked Naruto, threw a new case full of cash, and then promptly shut the doors.
" See?" Naruto said as everyone stared. "The Worst thing is I've got to deal with her," He pointed up to the roof as they all looked to see Tsunade who was peeking over the edge of the roof. Her hands gripped the ledge as they cracked and an envious aura was radiating off.
"Give…me…your…luck…" she muttered enviously as Naruto sighed.
"Seriously it's all too weird, I don't even like gambling," he said as Kiba fell to the ground and started pounding on the dirt cursing his luck. Iruka felt a migraine coming on, as he wanted to have a serious chat with Tsunade and Jiraiya about letting Naruto gamble. Asuma's cigarette fell from his mouth, while Kurenai stared wide-eyed at the boy that just won more than what they earned in a month.
"...son of a…" Asuma said as he was both thankful he didn't have to pay the bill and envious of Naruto's insane luck.
"That's…that's impossible…how can someone have that much luck?" Kurenai asked as Kakashi recalled something his Sensei once told him long ago. Never bet against an Uzumaki, though at the time he didn't know why.
Flashback - Sixteen Years Ago - Minato and Kushina's Home
It was only a few short days after their secret marriage, and the pair were enjoying some nice downtime for themselves. Kushina suggested they play a friendly game of strip poker, seeing as they were newlyweds after all. Minato wasn't much for gambling, but he couldn't deny his wife, especially her pure and innocent smile as he agreed…
In the end, all he was left in was his pants while Kushina was still fully clothed, as she enjoyed the sight of watching her husband strip for her.
"Honey…don't you think this is a bit unfair?" he asked bashfully as she shook her head.
"All's fair in love and war, my love. Oh look at that, a Full House…now strip," she said with a massive perverted grin as Minato sighed and started unbuckling his belt as Kushina enjoyed every moment. A full blush and grin on her face as he did. In another lifetime, if she had lived and been Tsunade's apprentice. She'd have been known as the Crimson Goddess of Luck.
The lesson here...Never Bet Against an Uzumaki
And Scene. Here is Chapter XX of the Journal of Hope. I hope you all enjoyed this chapter, and yes finally Naruto has been promoted to Chunin. Something that had always bothered me was that he never was promoted when he clearly could've nah should've been. And that OVA where he lost to Konohamaru because he used Sage Chakra? Bull crap. But now Naruto has made it to Chunin, and that comes with a lot of responsibility.
Loneonyxwolf and I agreed that Naruto would benefit from working with Shikamaru, as they could both learn from each other. Improve their strengths and iron out their weaknesses. Plus it would help them to establish a stronger bond for the Day when Naruto would become Hokage and Shiakmaru his trusted advisor.
And before anyone says anything, no Naruto isn't joining the ANBU, he's not ready for that.
The Anbu Captain just wants to thank Naruto for helping him save the Third's Life, something they regretted in the original. According to lore, you have to be Thirteen Years old to join, which Naruto is, and it doesn't matter what their rank is. They just have to go through extra training. Kenjutsu, more martial arts and learning other chakra natures. Naruto's just learning some new skills and pacifying the Advisors who were against his promotion. But Danzo on the other hand is a keen manipulator, he would take any opportunity he can get to make Naruto the perfect Weapon. And of course, have the means to control the Nine-Tails if need be.
So yeah, Naruto is now promoted. I hope you all enjoyed and stay tuned next time for…
Chapter XXI: Duties and Responsibilities