It has been a few days since the funeral service to honor the fallen of Konoha. The Council was once again in session but with a guest, that being Jiraiya the Gama Sannin. "Jiraiya" spoke Homura, "You have been called before this council to be appointed as the Godaime Hokage" spoke the elder. Jiraiya dismissed him with a wave. "I don't think I would be the best fit for the job."
Koharu rose an eyebrow at this. "Oh? Then who would you suggest for the position?" Jiraiya gained a serious look. "I think Tsunade would be the best choice" commented the white-haired sage. "She has not been seen near the village in years. Why would she be the best choice for the position?" questioned Danzo.
"It's simple. We need her medical experience, and she is the only one who can get our medical program to where it once was. Plus, when pushed she can be so stubborn that she won't give ground to anyone" stated Jiraiya. The Council thought about the points that Jiraiya put forward. It was true that Tsunade fought tooth and nail when she believed she was right. In a political setting she wouldn't cow to mere threats, demanding action from those that threaten her. "And we just saw a giant slug get summoned nearby so it shouldn't take that long to locate her."
The elders looked to one another and nodded. "Okay Jiraiya. We agree to her appointment. However, you will need to go and convince her to return." Jiraiya nodded in agreement to this.
"That's fine but …" The "but" got the Councils attention. "I would like to take Naruto Uzumaki with me" he stated. "Oh, and why would you want to take the boy with you?" asked Danzo. He was curious as to why Jiraiya needed one of their biggest assets when it came to the Search and Rescue operations. Afterall the boy is now helping as a nurse's aid in many of the field hospitals throughout the village.
"Seeing an up-and-coming medic like him may help convince Tsunade to return. She was an excellent teacher and seeing a budding student may break through to her." Once again, the Council thought over this. "Very well Jiraiya. We will allow you to take the boy. But do not dally as he is still an asset to our recovery." Jiraiya nodded before shunshining out of the room.
As soon as he was gone, the doors to the Council Room were opened rather harshly. What was surprising was the person who walked through the double doors. "Tsunade!" cried Homura and Koharu. "What are you doing here?" they asked in near perfect unison. "I have come to find out why the medical program I worked so hard to create has fallen in quality" she said sternly. Here many of those seated on the Council began to studder out excuses.
Some that she was met with were, "We need to shift funding around after the Kyuubi attack" or "Many of our inspiring shinobi had no interest in the field so part of their budget was allocated elsewhere" or her personal favorite "There wasn't someone who wanted to fill your shoes." With each given excuse Tsunade's ire began to grow until she snapped.
"THAT DOES IT!" she shouted, silencing the Council. "You're in need of a new Hokage after Sarutobi-sensei's death, right? Well make me the new Hokage! Sensei did not stand his ground on many issues from what I understand, well it's time that this village reach the great heights it was known for!" she declared adamantly.
Tsunade had learned of the decline through Shizune's academic tutelage of Naruto. Hearing of the events her sensei allowed to happen since he retook office made her rather upset. In his previous term as Hokage he wasn't as soft on issues. She should know, he turned down her proposal for a medic to be in each squad during the Second Great Shinobi War. On top of that she has a personal reason to stay in Konoha, and if she could help him by becoming Hokage, well ….
The Council was elated. Tsunade had returned to become the Godaime Hokage so they had no need for Jiraiya to go and look for the woman. At that realization, the Council's mood soured as Jiraiya was probably already gone.
Naruto was seated at Ichiraku Ramen. Tsunade head told him that she had "something important to do" and that she'll meet up with him later. That was fine for him as he could use the alone time to really come to grip with his feelings on the Sandaime after the funeral. He came to accept that he may be angry with what the Sandaime allowed to happen to him but he will be thankful for what the old man did do for him.
He was feeling a lot better through with Tsunade's advice and encouragement as it made him feel a lot better and get through the hard time of seeing all the wounded as he helped out at the field hospitals. That was something he was amazed during his time at the field hospitals. Recently the medical staff had become more neutral to him as he demonstrated what Tsu-chan was teaching. He was really happy and felt that he was making her proud.
His happy time was interrupted when this really tall, white-haired man sat down next to him. He gave the man a suspicious look as he ate his ramen slower to be able to react if this guy would become hostile. Soon Ayami walked out from the back carrying another bowl of miso ramen. "Here you go Naruto-kun! But this will have to be your last bowl. Don't want you getting in trouble now you here" chastised Ayami.
That got Naruto's attention. "Ayami nee-chan! You can't do that!" Ayami shrugged, "I really don't want to get you in trouble or be in trouble for allowing you to indulge." Naruto hung his head. Ever since Tsunade started managing his diet he has not been allowed to have as much ramen. Don't get him wrong he has been seeing a lot of results but he still has cravings for his favorite food.
Ayami watched as Naruto had waterfall tears slide down his cheeks while he indulged in his last two bowls of ramen. She then looked to his left and saw a white-haired man. Recognizing him, she immediately bowed and said "Jiraiya-sama! You grace us with your presence." The name caught Naruto's attention. 'Jiraiya the Gama Sannin. One of Tsu-chan's teammates. … WAIT! ISN'T HE THE SUPER PERVERT!' Naruto shouted in his mind as he remembered Shizune-sensei's lessons on the Sannin.
Jiraiya was about to give one of his legendary introductions before he was shouted at by the blonde next to him. "HEY YOU PERVERT! DON'T YOU DARE HIT ON AYAMI NEE-CHAN!" Naruto shouted as he pointed at the taller man. Jiraiya froze in place. "HEY YOU LITTLE GAKI! WHO ARE YOU CALLING A PERVERT?! I'LL HAVE YOU KNOW I'M A SUPER PERVERT!" he shouted to the heavens. As he was shouting, he failed to see the fist Naruto sent his way. As the strike connected, Jiraiya was launched ten feet down the street.
Naruto grumbled under his breath about perverts as he went back to his ramen. In the meanwhile, Ayami was speechless. "Naruto-kun did you learn that from Tsu-chan?" Naruto nodded enthusiastically. "Yep! That was one of the many things she taught me!" he stated proudly.
After Naruto paid the bill and was leaving the stand he found Jiraiya standing in front of him. "That was a rather impressive hit gaki."
"Well I have a great teacher" retorted Naruto. Jiraiya raised an eyebrow at that. 'Didn't think Kakashi knew how to teach heavy striking' thought the Gama Sannin. "So what do you want? You are obviously waiting for me" stated Naruto. Jiraiya got a serious look. "I have been assigned a mission by the Council and I am taking you with me."
That got Naruto's attention. He hasn't been on a mission since the start of the Chunin Exams. Naruto raises an eyebrow towards the Gama Sannin. "So what's the mission?" he asks calmly. Jiraiya was taken aback by the boy's attitude. From what he knew of the boy, he was loud, brash and was willing to do anything as long as it's exciting. This boy in front of him seemed to have some demeanor as a shinobi.
"We will be going after a special VIP. This is a Council decided mission so get packed and meet me at the gate and pack for a month-long trip" he ordered as he shunshined away. Naruto let out a sigh and made his way back to the Senju Compound to let Tsunade and Shizune know he had a mission. He also had to make his way toward his apartment as he only has some of his things with the older women.
Naruto ran into Tsunade sitting in the kitchen drinking some green tea. Shizune appeared to be out and he could hear Tonton rushing over to greet him. "Hey Tsu-chan!" he called out. Tsunade looked towards the energetic blonde who just picked up Tonton.
"Hello Naruto. Anything interesting happen?" Naruto moved over toward her as he began to pet the piglet. "Well I got assigned a mission to locate some kind of VIP from the Council alongside the Pervert Sannin and he said it would take a month" explained the younger blonde. Tsunade raised an eyebrow. She didn't hear about this mission from the Council when she was made the Godaime Hokage. 'I should see what this mission is. Afterall I can't have my shinobi acting outside of my purview. Plus I need to make sure my little Naru is safe' thought the busty blonde.
"Well that's interesting Naruto. I guess that means that we will have to put your elemental ninjutsu training on hold until you get back." At that Naruto froze. "What?!"
"Well I can't teach you if you are not here" she replied to his stunned face. Naruto hung his head in response. "Are you sure?" asked the younger blonde. Tsunade cupped her chin in thought. "Well there may be a way but let me work out the details before I commit to it okay?" Naruto nodded at her word.
"Also, I have some news of my own" here she gave a sly smile gaining the younger blondes attention. "I've been named the Godaime Hokage" she told him with a large smile. Naruto looked at her with shock and awe which soon shifted to an adorable pout. "No fair! I should have been named the Godaime" pouted Naruto.
Tsunade rubbed his head affectionately. "Not yet Naru-chan but you'll get there" she told him. Naruto smiled up at her. "Well then I guess you'll have to keep the Hat warm for me Tsu-chan!" Tsunade smiled at him. "But wait!" panicked Naruto. "If I'm out on this mission, I won't be here to watch you take the Hat!" he stated as he clapped his cheeks with his hand, accidently dropping Tonton I his surprise. Tsunade poked him in the forehead softly. "Don't worry about that. When the time comes, I can have Katsuyu reverse summon you so you won't miss a thing" she explained. Naruto sighed in relief.
Her expression now became semi-serious, "Now you said that you needed to pack for your mission, right?" Naruto nodded in affirmation. "OINK!" came the cry from the upset piglet. Naruto rubbed his head sheepishly, "Sorry Tonton."
Tsunade stood from the table and ushered him to follow her. They made it to the main office of the Compound. Sitting on the desk were two scrolls and a carry case meant for his thigh. There was also a large utility pouch, like the ones used by Medical Corps members during times of conflict. "I figured I would get you something to celebrate how well you did during the exam. The two scrolls are storage scrolls. The red one is empty so you can pack whatever you want while the blue one is a complete medical scroll complete with everything a fully-fledged Medic Nin would ever need. The pouch carries a full field response kit as well as a full array of kunai and shuriken" she told him.
Naruto hugged Tsunade by the waist, "Thank you Tsu-chan!" Tsunade returned the hug before she reminded him once more. "So are you ready to begin packing?" Naruto eager to try out his new storage scroll. Naruto attached the scroll holster to his right thigh and the utility pouch to his belt alongside his smaller one as they went to pack what Naruto had at the Senju Compound. It wasn't a lot and they needed to get more to ensure he was properly packed.
"I think I need to get back to my apartment to get the rest" Naruto stated as they stored the last of what he had at the Senju Compound. Tsunade agreed with him, as what he has would only be good for a weeklong mission at best. Before they left for his apartment Tsunade grabbed another scroll that Naruto didn't notice. As they made their way through the village, their presence went unnoticed as people were more focused on removing the debris to pay attention to the world around them.
When they finally made it to Naruto's apartment, part of the building seemed to be damaged from the invasion. "Aww man! My apartment!" whined the younger blonde. Tsunade put a comforting hand on his shoulder, "Come on. Let's see how bad it is. Maybe it's not as bad as it looks" said the Slug Sannin. Naruto nodded hesitantly and the two made their way inside.
When they entered Naruto's living room, the cracked dry wall now had large chunks missing allowing them to see the insulation and support beams. The floors were cracked and some pieces were even missing. Many of the appliances seemed to be broken while the furniture was selectively intact. Naruto was heartbroken at the destruction of his home. It wasn't much but it was his. Once again Tsunade put a comforting hand on Naruto's shoulder. "Why don't we take stock of what survived. Gather the things that made here in the living room, okay?" Naruto nodded and began to gather what he could, Tsunade following suit.
Luckily his stash of shinobi tools and the contents of his closet survived. It appeared his dishes did not. The food within his refrigerator had spoiled due to the appliance being offline and the products not being fresh when he got them. His bed frame seemed to survive but not the mattress. The two blondes gathered everything in the living room as Tsunade instructed, taking the time to pack the rest of what Naruto needed for his mission.
Once Naruto was fully packed, Tsunade brought out the scroll she had brought with her. She took a knee and unfurled it showing several blank storage seals. Naruto looked at her confused. "Tsu-chan what are you doing with that scroll." Tsunade looked at Naruto with a happy smile. "Well Naru-chan it's to move you out." Now Naruto was really confused and a little scared. "You are moving into the Senju Compound with me and Shizune. You said we would stick together, right? You can't do that if you live so far away." Naruto looked at her with shock. He was moving in with her and Shizune. 'Is this a dream?' wondered the younger blonde.
Oblivious to Naruto's thoughts, Tsunade continued. "You'll have your own room and it will be close to mine and Shizune's so you will not need to feel alone again." Naruto began to tear up. He was not going to be alone anymore. Not just outside of his apartment but now he was going to be living with people who actually cared for him. At his fastest speed, Naruto ran into Tsunade knocking the two to the floor as he hugged her as tightly as he could. Tsunade was taken by surprise from Naruto's burst of speed so she did not brace herself.
As she was tackled to the ground, she felt Naruto's tears flow down her cheek. Tsunade returned the hug as she allowed him let loose his tears. She softly said into his ear "Don't worry Naruto I'm not going anywhere." After Naruto calmed down, they finished packing the rest of his things. As they made their way out of his apartment Tsunade spoke, "When you get back from your mission, I'll show you which room is yours. I'll get everything in here put away for you. For now, why don't you go report into the pervert that you are ready."
Naruto scratched his cheek nervously. "Umm he didn't tell me which gate to report to ehehe." Tsunade pinched the bridge of her nose at her former teammates blatant oversight. She shook her head to brush off her irritation. She looked towards Naruto as they walked. "So if you don't know which gate to meet him at, what should you do?" Naruto thought about it for a bit. With a snap of his fingers, the answer came to him. "I should send a Kage Bunshin to each gate so they can tell me!" he spouted enthusiastically. Tsunade nodded her head in approval.
Needing no other prompting, Naruto made three bunshins and sent one to each gate. They all understood they were to dispel if they saw the pervert so he knew where to go. Having nothing better to do until his bunshins popped, Naruto continued to walk with Tsunade. It wouldn't be long before his bunshin at the southern gate would pop, alerting each Naruto that the pervert had been located.
"Hey Tsu-chan, my bunshins found him at the south gate so I'll head over there." Tsunade nodded at his words. "Alright. Be careful and remember if you aren't back by the inauguration ceremony, I'll have Katsuyu reverse summon you back so you won't miss it. Once the ceremony is done, she can take you right back." Naruto nodded in understanding before giving Tsunade a hug, which she happily returned, and setting off for the south gate.
He didn't get far before Tsunade called back for him. "Naruto! Wait!" Naruto stopped in his tracks and looked back to Tsunade. She waved him back but met him halfway. "What's up Tsu-chan?"
"I have something for you." She pulled out a roll of ryo from the inside of her hiyori. "I normally keep a roll on me so if I stop at a casino, I have a buy in. This roll I'm giving you. I suspect you haven't had a mission in a while and could use some spending money" she told him as she handed him the roll.
Naruto was surprised. "Wow! Thanks Tsu-chan!" he cheered as he placed the roll in his toad wallet, gama-chan. "Now if you are going to buy something make sure it is something you want. And never ever let anyone tell you that you should do something for them just because you have money" she told him seriously. Naruto nodded before he was once more sent on his way.
Jiraiya was waiting impatiently for Naruto to show up. He was tapping his finger on his biceps as his arms were crossed. A scowl marred his features, that was until he heard someone running up to him. He turned his head toward the noise and saw Naruto running up to him. "Your late gaki!" Naruto scowled at Jiraiya. "You didn't tell me where to meet you!" Naruto shot back.
Jiraiya didn't look apologetic in the slightest. "Well let's get going. We need to find our VIP as soon as possible" he said as he walked through the gate. Naruto walked after him, not exactly enthusiastic about this if this is how they are starting out.
Tsunade made her way back to the Senju Compound, intent on setting up Naruto's room. As she arrived, she found the elders at the gate waiting for her. She stopped to see what they wanted. "Hello Tsunade" greeted Homura, "We just came by to let you know that the inauguration ceremony to announce your selection as Godaime will be in two days." Tsunade nodded in understanding. "Thank you for letting me know."
"Of course, if you wish to have anyone on the tower roof with you, please file that with your Anbu guard who will meet you tomorrow. Also have your assistant prepared for the position as well as it is best that this is submitted before you are granted the position." Once more Tsunade nodded in understanding.
"Who is the Anbu that will arrive to present themselves to me?"
"The one who shall arrive is Gazeru" replied Danzo. Once more Tsunade nodded. "Thank you for the notice" she told the elders. With that they left and went about doing their own things.
Sakura was walking home from her time in assisting in cleaning up the village. Though she had taken several detours. "Man, I just can't seem to get a lead on her!" whined the pinkette. Sakura was hoping to find the Red Headed Angel. She had begun to idolize the woman after she saved her from that Oto shinobi back in the arena.
She had grown up hearing the stories of many legendary shinobi but not so much when it came to kunoichi. Sure there were some great ones, like Tsunade Senju, but she had never seen a kunoichi like her in person. Now however she got to witness someone as powerful as one of the few legendary kunoichi. This showed her what she could be if she trained seriously. To that end she was looking for the Red Headed Angel in the hopes she would train her, or at least provide her some methods to train so she could be as strong as her.
As she was looking around, she saw Lee's female teammate. She didn't remember the girls name but she could at least be nice and ask how she is doing. "Hey!" Sakura called out, getting the bun haired girls' attention. "You're Lee's teammate right?" The bun haired girl nodded in affirmation. "Yeah, the name's Tenten" she said as she stuck her hand out which Sakura accepted.
"You're the girl Lee tried to flirt with before the exams right?" Sakura let out a heavy sigh as she hung her head. She really didn't want to be reminded of that embarrassing moment in her young life. "Please, don't remind me of that." Tenten waved her hand in front of her face. "Sorry about that. Lee can get … excited when he becomes passionate. I know that it can come off as being overbearing."
Sakura could agree to that. "So what are you doing out here?" asked Tenten. "I'm looking for the Red Headed Angel" replied the pinkette. Tenten raised an eyebrow at that. "Oh? Why are you looking for her?"
"I want her to train me!" replied Sakura enthusiastically. Tenten clapped her hands over Sakura's. "You too?!" she asked stary eyed. "Yeah I was hoping she could train me to be strong. Afterall it's not every day you get to see a strong kunoichi." Tenten nodded her head vigorously. "I know what you mean! She hit as hard as Tsunade-sama! I was hoping to find her too! I want to be strong just like her!"
"Well why don't we search for her together?" asked Sakura. Tenten jumped into the air doing a little cheer. "That sounds like a good idea!" Unknown to the two young kunoichi their conversation had drawn the attention of one of the two female Jonin of Konoha, Kurenai Yuhi.
Kurenai was elated at first to hear the two kunoichi were looking to improve however she began to get a little angry when they brought up that they didn't see a strong kunoichi. She was the only female Jonin in Konoha. Sure Konoha had others like Shizune Kato, Tsuande's apprentice, and Tsunade herself but the two were not seen in the village for a while. Heck weren't these two some of the ones who witnessed her trap several enemy shinobi in a wide area genjutsu in the arena.
Kurenai slowly stalked toward the two Genin, surprising them when she tapped their shoulders. "Um Kurenai-sensei, how can we help you?" asked a nervous Sakura, not liking the smile on the older woman's features. "Oh you can help me by offering your opinion on one of my latest genjutsu. How about it? Would you be interested in helping one of Konoha's few female Jonin?" she asked to sweetly.
Sakura and Tenten immediately got a little scared. Behind Kurenai was the visage of an oni causing a chill to run down their spines. "Remember little girls" the raven-haired woman said as she bent down to their level. "I too am known across the continent as one of the worlds few genjutsu experts." Suddenly her smile became softer, "So if you need help with your training, you can also ask me for help." The young kunoichi nodded their heads vigorously as the older woman walked away.
Just as the elders told her, Gazeru had arrived at the Senju Compound to greet the soon to be Godaime. Along side her was the rest of her squad Fokkusu, Iguru, and Tora. The four Anbu kneeled before the Last Senju. "Tsunade-sama, I am Gazeru the Captain of your Anbu guard squad. We swear to you to exceed the performance of our predecessors" the purple haired woman said.
"Thank you Gazeru. You are aware of the other duties you are to preform while you are here yes?" The Anbu captain nodded. "Then rise. I have this seal I must place on you so you may pass beyond the gate." Doing as they were told, the Anbu rose to have a seal placed on their left shoulder.
When the seal was placed, the four followed their leader inside. Tsunade led them to the traditional sitting room, where each of them sat before her. Soon after everyone was situated Shizune and Tonton also entered the room taking seats next to Tsunade.
The Anbu noticeably tensed when Shizune entered the room but calmed down at Tsunade's gesture. "So for who will be my assistant, Shizune will take up that role." Said woman looked at her master in shock. "Tsunade-sama! Are you sure you want me to be your assistant?"
"Yes I am Shizune. You have followed me when you didn't need to which shows loyalty. You earned the rank of Jonin which shows skill. And you have assisted me in not only teaching Naruto but improving his knowledge in a field some would think beyond him."
That last one caught the Anbu off guard. They had heard of the Uzumaki's performance in the Chunin Exams tournament, but like many believed that it was Kakashi's doing. Now they are learning that there soon to be Godaime was responsible.
Shizune thought about what her master had said. If she had that much confidence in her then she would take the position and help her master. The final clencher was when she saw out of the corner of her eye, what appeared to be Tonton giving her an encouraging trotter. "I accept Tsunade-sama" stated a confident Shizune.
Tsunade smiled at her apprentice before turning back to the Anbu. "Now as for guests. Aside from the usual cadre of the Clan and Elder Council being in attendance, the others to include are Shizune, Tonton and Naruto Uzumaki" she told the Anbu before her. The Anbu nodded in agreement to her instructions. After that the Anbu left the Compound to prepare the security for the inauguration.
It had been two days since Naruto and Jiraiya had set out on their journey to find this so called "VIP." To say Naruto was annoyed would be an understatement. They had done nothing so far. 'This is what I gave up my elemental ninjutsu training for?' questioned an irate Naruto.
Currently Naruto and Jiraiya were walking into another town within Hi no Kuni. "Hey gaki!" Naruto looked up at the taller man. "You got any money on you?" he asked nonchalantly. Naruto gave him a suspicious look. "None for you pervert" he replied haughtily. Jiraiya grew irate at the snap of the young blonde's tone.
"So are you going to tell me who this mysterious VIP is yet?" asked an irate Naruto. Since they left Jiraiya had yet to tell him who they were searching for. Jiraiya once again waved him off. "I'll tell you once I get a solid lead on their location. For now, go keep yourself occupied" said the Gama Sannin. Naruto was left gobbed smacked. "YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW WHERE THEY ARE?!" he shouted as the Gama Sannin walked away shouting, "MEET BACK HERE BY SUNDOWN!"
Naruto was grumbling to himself when a puff of smoke on his shoulder drew his attention. When he turned to see what it was, he saw it was Katsuyu though she was the size of a house cat. "Hey Katsuyu! What are you doing here?"
"I am here to take you to the inauguration ceremony for Tsunade-sama Naruto-kun." Naruto's eyes widened slightly. "Is it that time already?" he asked a little shocked. "Yes, it is. Now prepare yourself. When I summon us back to Konoha, it will feel like you are being pulled through a straw at a rather high speed" the slug warned. "Oh! And I must thank you for the compliment that you gave us when you relayed your story to Tsunade-sama." Naruto scratched his cheek bashfully, "It was nothing Katsuyu."
Naruto took a deep breath before telling Katsuyu was ready. With that, the two disappeared in a puff of smoke only to reappear in front of Tsunade at the roof access to the Hokage Tower. "Hey Naru-chan" said the Slug Sannin as she gave the younger blonde a hug. "Hey Tsu-chan!" replied the younger blonde as he returned the hug.
"I'd ask how the journey with Jiraiya is going but we need to get ready for the ceremony" she explained. Naruto nodded happily. He began to make his way out of the room only to be stopped by the older blonde. "Where do you think you are going?" Naruto looked back confused, "Um outside to watch the ceremony" replied a confused Naruto. "Not out there you aren't. You are going to be watching from the Hokage Tower with a front row seat.
Naruto was excited. This is going to be the first time he will watch a Hokage be sworn in and he was getting a front row seat. Naruto eagerly followed after Tsunade as she walked to the roof, Katsuyu still on his shoulder. Naruto was ushered by Tsunade to stand by Shizune while Tsunade herself stood behind the elders who were standing at the edge of the roof with Koharu holding the Hat.
Below were all the people of Konoha, looking at the tower and eagerly waiting for the announcement of their new Hokage. "PEOPLE OF KONOHA! THOUGH WE HAVE BEEN ATTACKED AND ARE ALL AFFECTED BY THE LOSS OF THE SANDAIME LET US REJOICE FOR THE ONE WHO HAS RETURNED TO AID KONOHA IN HER HOUR OF NEED!" proclaimed Homura. "I PRESENT YOU THE GODAIME HOKAGE" continued Homura while gesturing to Tsunade as she walked forward.
Koharu handed the Hat to Tsunade who placed the Hat on her head as she stood proudly before the citizens of Konoha. The people cheered loudly at the announcement of Tsunade being the Godaime. Naruto for his part was cheering almost as loudly as the whole of Konoha while Shizune was cheering a bit more subdued than Naruto.
After the ceremony, Tsunade could be found in her new office along with Tonton and Naruto. There were a few other additions in the form of two slightly smaller desks than her own and two Kage Bunshin assisting in her paperwork. Katsuyu had left back for Shikkotsu Forest after the ceremony. Shizune was out gathering the next stack of paperwork for Tsunade while Tonton was asleep on the couch in her office. Tsunade was sitting behind her desk while Naruto sat across from her.
"So Naruto. Tell me, how has the journey to find this VIP has been going?" Naruto crossed his arms and let out a huff of irritation. "It's soooo boring Tsu-chan! Plus every time we make it to a new town or village he just leaves me as he walks in saying he 'need[s to talk to his] people'" complained Naruto. "And on top of that he still has yet to tell me who this VIP even is!"
Tsunade leaned back in her chair a thoughtful look crossing her face. "Hmm. Alright I'll look into who you are supposed to be looking for. Since this is a mission assigned by the Council there will be some record of it before a full-blown mission form was filled out and filed for records. When I find out who, I'll send a message via the slugs to let you know." Naruto looked elated at that. "Thank you so much Tsu-chan!"
Unknown to Naruto, there was a surprise Tsunade had in store for him. "Oh! I also thought of a way to start your elemental ninjutsu training" said Tsunade. Naruto immediately jumped out of his seat and was practically bouncing in place. Despite his training with Tsunade that calmed his hyperactive nature, he was just so excited to continue his training. "Really?! How?!" asked the excited younger blonde.
Tsunade came around from her desk and placed a hand on the nearly bouncing boy's shoulders. "Calm down Naruto." At her words Naruto seemed to go back to his calm self. "I will tell you when Shizune returns as she is bringing something important for us to continue my plan." Now Naruto was eagerly waiting for Shizune to walk through the office door, excited to find out Tsunade's plan.
Naruto didn't need to wait that much longer, as Shizune walked through the door, followed by a Kage Bunshin. The two Shizunes came in carrying decently sized stacks of documents. Tsunade let out an inaudible groan seeing the upcoming workload. "I'm sorry Tsunade-sama, but a lot of this backlog from the absence of a Hokage as well as the documentation pertaining to correspondences from Suna surrounding the invasion as well as the budget pertaining to the villages repairs."
Tsunade let out a heavy sigh. "Alright. Put it on the desk. One of us will get around to it" she said with a defeated tone. "Aw come on Tsu-chan! Don't look so down! I'm sure you'll get it done in no time! After all you're the smartest and most beautiful woman ever!" cheered the young blonde. Tsunade scooped said young blonde into a hug, his face planted into her bust. "Well look at you being a little charmer."
Once she set him back down, she coughed into her hand to reset the mood as a light dusting of pink was on the faces of both blondes. Tsunade turned toward Shizune, "So did you bring the Chakra Paper?" Shizune nodded with a small smile as she pulled the small slip of paper off of one of the stacks she brought in. "Excellent. Now Naruto what I want you to do is channel your chakra into this paper. This will tell us your elemental affinity."
Hearing this Naruto got excited. He went over elemental affinities with Shizune during his initial month training with the two, now he was going to use it. With little coercion, Naruto took the paper from Shizune, eager to see the reaction it was going to have.
Naruto channeled his chakra into the paper and the way it reacted was surprising to all, even the hidden Anbu squad in the room. The paper split down the middle while one of the sheets was soaked. Naruto looked to the two older women confused. "Ne Shizune-sensei, I thought you said that everyone has one affinity and learns the others unless they have a kekkei genkai. So how is it I have demonstrated two affinities?"
Both women thought about it for a while before a possible solution was offered. "It may be the interaction of a member of a kekkei genkai holding Clan mixing genetics with a shinobi or kunoichi that has no family history of having a kekkei genkai."
"I see what you mean Shizune." Naruto listened intently as Tsunade explained what her first apprentice had stated. "Often times, kekkei genkai are dominant genes which is why they can appear in those who have only one parent from a Clan, such as the case with the Haku boy you told me about Naruto. That being the case, children born from such a union and the Clan in question doesn't have an elemental kekkei genkai it is possible the child will develop a secondary affinity."
Now Naruto understood. "So because Kaa-chan was from the Uzumaki Clan and Tou-san wasn't from a Clan I not only gained Kaa-chan's Kongo Fusa but also a secondary affinity" stated Naruto. "That's right Naruto" praised Shizune. "So does that mean that Kaa-chan had the Futon affinity?" asked Naruto.
"Actually, I know for a fact that your Kaa-chan had a Suiton affinity. The Futon actually comes from your Tou-san" spoke Tsunade. Now Naruto was confused. "How does that work?" At this point, neither medical specialist could offer an explanation. "It could be genetics. Similar to how one looks when they are born and grow. Your affinity could be selected at random based on the affinities of your parents though in this case the primary is chosen by genetics since you got both" theorized Tsunade.
With a clap of her hands Tsunade changed the subject of conversation. "Well now that we know your affinities, I will gather some basic materials for you to study and work on while you are on the road with Jiraiya the pervert. I should have them collected within a few days and I'll send them via a messenger slug."
"ALRIGHT!" cheered the younger blonde. "For now" said Tsunade as she went through a familiar set of seals, "We should get you back to where you last were so Jiraiya doesn't attempt to charge you with desertion" spoke the older blonde as a smoke cloud appeared and dissipated to reveal Katsuyu about the size of a house cat.
"Greetings Tsunade-sama" Katsuyu said with a bow. "How may I be of assistance?"
"Hello Katsuyu. I have summoned you to ask if you can take Naruto back to where you had retrieved him." Katsuyu nodded, "Of course Tsunade-sama." With that the slug crawled her way over to Naruto only for the boy to pick her up into his arms.
Before he left, "It was great to see you again Naru-chan" said Tsunade. "You too Tsu-chan! Tell Tonton I said 'see you later', see you later Shizune-sensei" replied the younger blonde. Tsunade pulled Naruto into another hug before vanished in a puff of smoke with a wide smile on his face.
Tsunade heard some giggling in her office. Turning to face the source of the noise, she saw Shizune giggling into her kimono sleeve. Tsunade raised an eyebrow at her apprentice turned assistant. "What?" asked the older blonde. "Oh it's nothing Tsunade-sama" said the raven-haired woman as she waved a hand in front of her face.
Naruto appeared where Katsuyu first retrieved him. "Thanks Katsuyu" said the young blonde as he patted Katsuyu on the head, between her orbital tentacles. "It is no problem Naruto-kun. If you ever have need of me, my Clan, or wish to send a message to Tsunade-sama do not hesitate to call on us." With that Katsuyu returned once again to Shikkotsu Forest. Not too much later Jiraiya returned from his excursion into town.
"Hey gaki did you have yourself good time?" questioned Jiraiya. While Naruto did have fun at the inauguration ceremony, he now had to be back on this mission of looking for a VIP he didn't even know the name of.
When Jiraiya received no response beyond a blank look, he shrugged it off and gestured for Naruto to follow him. "Come on, it's getting late. I got us a hotel for the night. We'll continue our journey in the morning" said the Gama Sannin. At that Naruto lost his cool. Pointing dramatically at the Gama Sannin "OKAY! THAT DOES IT!" At the shouting, Jiraiya turned his attention towards the young blonde. With a sigh, "What now?"
"Don't brush me off like that! When are you going to tell me who the heck it is we are looking for?!" ranted the blonde. "You really want to know?" Naruto nodded his head seriously. "You really want to know?" Now Jiraiya was leaning towards the blonde, looking at him with one eye. Naruto nodded his head more vigorously. Just when he looked like he was going to tell Naruto, Jiraiya back peddled. "Well I'll tell you in the morning" he said as he walked back into town, leaving an angered Naruto behind.