Chapter 33
Sorrow was to be expected from everyone. It had only been fifteen years and another Hokage had been lost. And in the same way… Though protecting all of Konoha with their powers, the Hokage had the greatest responsibility of all ninjas in the village. Tsunade's death was not in vain however. Though the killer was not expected, Ryota saved the village from further destruction through the Zodiac Lord's hands. Though the seal was later broken, Konoha was at peace for now. Ryota would have to sort out a few things before he began his quest for vengeance, which gave everyone a chance to relax, mourn Tsunade's falling, and initiate a new Hokage.

Hitomi awoke to Kakashi's face again. She gasped and nearly struck him, but stopped as he pulled off the mask again, revealing his Sharingan as well.
"You're…an Uchiha member?"
Kakashi shook his head, "Just got that from a friend of mine… That's not important now, though. I need to tell you… I'm…I'm…your father…"
Hitomi was speechless as she sat, her eyes frozen in shock. She suddenly burst into sound, her sobs nearly drowning out her protests.
"But…I…you…you can't be…"
"I can be…and I am…I'm sorry I didn't tell you…"
"Why…why did you…leave me?"
"…I didn't want you to suffer…but I suppose that was a mistake…you suffered anyway…through loneliness…not through overexposure…If everyone had found this out…you would have lost your childhood…but it seems that you couldn't find it on your own…You were lost…I know now that I was wrong… I know I can't make it right with words…I…I want…to start over again…"
Hitomi shook her head frantically, the tears seeming to fall like rain now as she retorted violently, "No…you can't…you can't just make up for everything by saying you're sorry and then ask me to come back! You may be my father…I believe that…that face is in my dreams…and it confused me…"
Kakashi nodded his head and replied, "Yes…confusion makes people do foolish things…and now…both of us are paying for these terrible choices we made…"
"And now…you just want to think that nothing happened?"
"No…I have never wished that… My memories of the past…what I did…the friends I lost…they will never leave me… And I don't want you to lose your friends… Just…think about it… And remember this… 'Nobody can make you do something…you have to choose for yourself.' A friend of mine said that…and now…I'm taking it to heart…"
Kakashi waved goodbye and left Hitomi still stunned. She began thinking and the thoughts came slowly.
I have to choose what? …My…destiny…if I want to live with Kakashi…what is it? It can't be as simply as him just apologizing… He seemed sincere…but…I can't just let all those lost years just go away…he didn't…maybe…after all this is over…I…I can…"
Minoru and Basho appeared in the window, knocking on the glass, releasing her from her confusion and depression. She smirked and waved back at her friends as she walked over and slid the door open.
"What's up, guys?"
"They're going to have a big conference. All the elders…the Kages…even we genin and chunin are to report…but it's special invitation only…we're pretty lucky, huh?"
Hitomi nodded and jumped out, taking few supplies with her. She looked up at the sky and noticed Kakashi had left a copy of his mask with her. She held it to her face and shook her head.
I'm not going to hide from my problems, dad…I'm…I'm going to face them…and become stronger through them…"

Naruto, Sakura and Sasuke all sat at the head of the table, as they had been requested by the elders to head the meeting. The three still had their differences from when they were children, but seemed more serious now that Tsunade was gone.
Kakashi walked in, waving towards his old team, who waved back and watched the aging jonin as he sat a few seats away. Gai followed behind him, sitting in the next seat, grinning as strangely as ever. Many other old friends filed in as well…everybody…even Jiraiya had decided to come for this occasion…
Naruto sat up and slammed his fist on the table
"Okay, everyone! This meeting is now called to order. First order of business is…new chunin teams… We all know what happened with Ryota and now we have to not only send out chunin teams to stop this war from going global, but also hold off Ryota while we decide the new Hokage and finish Tsunade's burial, which will occur shortly after the meeting concludes. First thing, we have three new chunins: Minoru Uchiha, son of Sasuke Uchiha and Sakura Haruno, Hitomi, mistress of the Taigan Duality, and Basho Nara, son of Ino Yamanaka and Shikamaru Nara. They've proven their worth and we've also given them their team assignments, which we'll announce now.
Minoru, your team is composed of yourself as leader, Natsumi Hyuga, Kenta Uzumaki, Tenten, and Choji Akimichi; the last two serving as your backup.
Hitomi, your team is led by you, while also adding Risa Uchiha, Jotaro Uzumaki, Hinata Hyuga, and Rock Lee; also serving as backup for the leader of the team
Basho, here's the deal. You're the leader of a team consisting of Kyoji Yuhi, Shige Hyuga, Kiba Inuzuka, and Konohamaru; both serving as temporary backup in the absence of genin to train for the war.
We also have three jonin ranked teams. Firstly, Shikamaru Nara will lead a team composed of himself as the leader of Kurenai Yuhi, Asuma Sarutobi, Shino Aburame, Neji Hyuga, and Ino Yamanaka. They will act as a defensive squad in Sound Country when Ryota arrives, which we predict he will do before he arrives in Konoha, which will be untouched if the plan goes as well as we hope. Also, Kakashi Hatake and Gai Maito will serve as a special force team, which will aid Shikamaru's team in the eventuality that they fail. Lastly, a special sannin team of myself, Sakura and Sasuke will be the last line of defense. Jiraiya, do you have anything to add?"
Jiraiya nodded and stood up, clearing his throat and speaking.
"Well…it's truly an honor to be in your presence and I will recommend that we proceed straight to Hokage nominations after I give my last word. We have been through so much and I think that we need to truly be ready to die for the ways of the ninja. We will go to the grave with our secrets, even if it means taking others with us. With that being said, I nominate Naruto Uzumaki as a candidate for Hokage the 6th. I have to leave now, but I will leave this message for the new Hokage, whoever it may be." He threw a shuriken, which lodged itself into the table, "Don't open it until you have the next Hokage, or I'll beat you all up myself…or worse…" Jiraiya glared and left, cackling maniacally, as he pulled out a spyglass and disappeared in a puff of smoke.
Naruto laughed and looked up, speaking again as the leader, "Well…any other nominations?" The room was silent for a time, but then Gai spoke up, "Just to make sure we have a battle to determine this, I nominate Kakashi Hatake, as he truly possesses over a thousand techniques and exemplifies the Hokage's virtues as well as you do, Naruto-san!"
Naruto grinned again and called out, finishing the meeting and initiating the solemn act of burial in one final roar, "Okay, will everyone proceed to the graves and me and Kakashi'll rumble when we get back! Let's make Tsunade proud that she died for us and that she died fighting a good fight!"
Everyone cheered even as a truly reverent act was to take place. Minoru, Hitomi and Basho left slowly, still in shock at their new responsibilities. Gai looked over at Kakashi, as they were the only two in the room.
"You ready to fight Naruto?"
Kakashi nodded, and looked up as he leapt out the window, "But I'll need some time…stall as long as you can…"
Gai nodded and then looked down, still worried about Kakashi's health, as he had seemed to become withered and dead looking after his incident with Hitomi.
Maybe he's just trying to find a weakness…or…maybe…he's trying to get rid of his own weaknesses…

Tsunade's shrine erupted into flames as Sasuke finished the rituals and bowed reverently towards the passed master's grave, as her body was nowhere to be found.
Hitomi watched the conflagration and sighed, her father nowhere to be seen…
I…I guess I'll have to make choices on my own…
Minoru looked up at the sky and wondered to himself. Where is Ryota? And why does he have such powers?
Basho finished the convenient thought patterns with his own inquiry. Secrets…are truly the base for ninja society.
Tsunade's grave continued to smolder as the flames died and the crowd left to discover the true powers of Naruto and Kakashi.

Elsewhere, Ryota stood on top of a mountain, still running thoughts through his mind. But the conflicts ended quickly and he glared towards the sea.
The first to die will be the murderous ninjas of the mist…

Chapter 34
Kakashi arrived somewhat late, as per his usual habit, everyone waiting on him now used to his tendencies. He waved them off and gave the thumbs up, indicating he was ready to battle. Sasuke was standing with Sakura and Neji, waiting to begin the match. Kakashi faced Naruto with his usual apathy, while Naruto waited with eagerness that was incredibly addictive, affecting everyone in the arena unaware of his secrets. Kakashi noticed that the Kyubi was truly a part of Naruto now. Hokage the 3rd had theorized that the nine tailed fox's chakra would soon merge with Naruto's own chakra, and now it was apparent as the battle was nearing its beginnings.
Sasuke blew the whistle and everything broke loose as Naruto rushed forward, trying to catch Kakashi off guard with his newfound speed. Kakashi easily blocked the attack, though it was stronger than he had expected. He felt a kick from nowhere, slamming him into the wall.
He got up and realized how fun this would be. Kakashi then tore the mask off, revealing the Sharingan, which he knew he wouldn't truly use. The removing of the mask just made him feel stronger now. He performed a set of hand seals, unleashing a move he had just recently copied. A hail of shuriken appeared behind, in front of, and to the left and right of Naruto. The four sets of blades flung themselves at him. Naruto's chakra flared up, deflecting the move effortlessly. Kakashi sighed, predicting something like that would happen.
"Okay Naruto. We'd better not just be playing around. Let's get serious…" Kakashi then began to focus an incredible amount of chakra into his palms, his hands crackling with electricity. Naruto followed suit, performing Tsunade's move from before with even greater finesse. He seemed to be able to control the air as the Rasengan grew larger and larger, as Kakashi's Rairiki attack, began to chirp like its other namesake, the Chidori. Both users began to grimace as they poured even more chakra into the attacks, pushing their limits. Kakashi then rocketed forward, as Naruto simply flung his hand out as Kakashi drew nearer. The Rasengan's protruding form struck the Rairiki and the force exploded between the two master ninjas.
Kakashi had predicted something like this too, so he began to use an attack he hadn't used since his ANBU days. Both he and Naruto seemed to have the same basic idea as two huge scrolls appeared, used specifically for these types of advanced techniques. Both ninjas drew blood, pouring it onto the scrolls. They thrust them into the air, performing the myriad of handseals, both ending on the seal of the tiger, unleashing the greatest power yet.
As the smoke cleared, a towering frog named Gamabunta dominated Naruto's side of the arena. He was truly the lord of the frogs and as he pulled out two daggers the size of houses, it was obvious that this boss meant business. Kakashi's summon was stranger. It was a huge pack of dogs, not one single entity like Naruto had done. There were various breeds in hundreds of sizes, as there were nearly five hundred dogs on Kakashi's side. Kakashi grinned and pointed towards Gamabunta, saying one word
"Kill…"
Naruto grinned and motioned to Gamabunta, screaming towards Kakashi as he flailed his finger.
"Get that stupid one-eyed moron and his wimpy dog pound! You rule, Gamabunta!"
The frog lord rushed towards the pack of dogs, taking out hundreds with a single slice and another large group with another slash. Naruto was confused. Kakashi wouldn't just waste chakra showing off. Unless… He turned around and saw Kakashi grinning as he held a kunai to Naruto's stomach.
"This is no ordinary kunai, Naruto. It's infused with new chakra I developed. Not only will it inflict maximum pain, but you'll also have chakra distruption. Then, I'll become Rokudaime Hokage!
Naruto grinned and appeared behind Kakashi, slamming him into the ground.
"Too slow, old man! I had a clone performing my summons the entire time. Tough break!"
"Not quite…" Kakashi replied, pulling out nothing as Naruto gasped and looked behind him, barely able to react to Kakashi's second Chidori, which nearly impaled Naruto, as the Kyubi chakra slowly healed his wounds. Kakashi grimaced and thrust out his hands, performing a handstand on Naruto, thrusting down the charmed kunai and landing behind the now disoriented Naruto, who began to convulse unconsciously, his chakra unleashing itself over and over again without his thoughts. Kakashi still grinned even as Naruto flashed his demonic grin, regained control and rushed towards him.
Didn't think that would slow him down for long… Kakashi held out a hand as Naruto returned to normal
"I forfeit, Naruto. You truly are worthy of the name Rokudaime Hokage now. I once thought you were a complete dunce…but now…just looking at you, I'm frightened. You probably could've beaten me when we started…but you just wanted to have a real duel with me for once…never actually had that experience yet, have you?"
Naruto laughed and clapped Kakashi on the shoulder. Kakashi winced and turned to Sasuke and the elders, leaving behind a legacy even as he passed into obscurity as the Copy Ninja Kakashi.
"I'm going to Sound Country to train. I need to be prepared for the war ahead. If my partner Gai wants to join me, he's welcome to…just don't hold me back…" Gai flashed his grin in response and followed Kakashi as they rushed into the forest.
Sasuke then caught the moment and announced the great news.
"Very well…our Rokudaime Hokage is…Naruto Uzumaki. We will begin the ceremonies soon and I hope everyone is ready to have some fun. I'm certain our great 'Lord of the Dancing Flames' will want to celebrate afterwards." Everyone laughed in response and followed a procession of Naruto fans towards the central village. Minoru looked towards Hitomi and nodded, following the crowd as Hitomi and Basho looked on at the sunset. Basho still maintained his disinterested look as he turned to Hitomi and spoke.
"It's all getting too weird for you, isn't it?"
Hitomi smiled and responded, "Reading my mind, are you?"
Basho shook his head and retorted as he stood up, preparing to leave as well.
"It doesn't take telepathy to read a person's body language…and you have very explicit body language… Be strong Hitomi…Kakashi would want you to…"
Hitomi nodded and was left alone to contemplate her future, which was still cloudy, even with Kakashi's reassurance.

The Land of the Mist and Fog beckoned to Ryota as he sensed powerful chakra presences in the land of the deadly ninjas.
The Mizukage…she still lives…impressive…but futile against the pure strength of my power… Soon…it will all be over…pain…suffering…even death will no longer torment people…