It's been three days since the invasion, many losses happened that day, but thanks to the efforts of the will of fire, Konoha survived.
Still surreal for Naruto who learned of the news of Hiruzen Sarutobi passing.
One of the few people who treated him well, he still can't fathom that he's now gone.
"Even after becoming strong, I still couldn't protect the ones I care about." Talking to himself as he lays his head back down on the bed, now thinking about Gaara, and what he had said.
"I'll kill you Uzumaki and prove my existence!"
Shaking out of his thoughts, he knows what he needs to do.
Putting on his clothes, placing his guitar on his back, ready to head out.
Now in the meeting hall with the council, clan heads and high-class shinobi.
Entering will be Jiraiya as the muttering stops. Having a seat in one of the front rows, one of the elders, Homura, stands up.
"Now that everyone is here, there's quite a few things to discuss."
Observing the room, before he continues.
"The Sand village learned of the death of their Kazekage by the hands of Orochimaru."
More muttering is heard on the news, confusion as to why their supposed ally killed the kazekage.
"Please be silent. Now, it was informed by the sand that they were tricked into this pointless war. For that they've surrendered."
Kakashi shakes his head, "Figured that was the case."
"Lord elder, we aren't just going to pardon them right?" Said one of the council members, representing the Yamanaka clan.
Koharu decided to step in. "Forgive my intrusion Homura, but yes we are. We're too much at a disadvantage right now to continue to fight the Sand, where the Cloud village and Stone are growing in power."
Homura continues. "Now for further matters, we need to announce a new Hokage. After losing Lord Third, we desperately need to get a new hokage and that's why Jiraiya of the sannin is here."
Sighing knew that's why he was called here, deciding to put this to rest.
"I'll have to stop you here elder. I'll have to pass." Almost every member in that meeting hall nearly fell out, to be honored of being Hokage is a blessing that even the most gifted don't get.
"But why? You fought Orochimaru and the only one in this village that can beat him." Homura protested.
"Simple, my spy network is too important to trust to someone else, especially when we recently had Kabuto Yakushi in our ranks, and there's one other person fit for the job."
Ears perked at this next potential candidate.
"Tsunade Senju." Knowing this will get everyone talking.
"Impossible, Tsunade abandoned this village after the second great ninja war, and hasn't been seen ever since." This time it was the third elder, Danzo speaking.
"Trust me I can find her, I had a couple run-ins with her in the past." Still they didn't agree to any of this, that's when he raised his finger."One week. I need one week to bring her back." Said with such confidence.
"Koharu and Homaru look at each other before nodding, "Very well Jiraiya, you got one week to find her, to make sure you have the best chances available I'll assign a couple of an-"
He was interrupted once again by the sannin, "I've already decided on a companion to bring, he's actually the best sensor this village has." Everyone listens carefully, not realizing who he is referring to.
"Naruto Uzumaki." Kakashi and the rest of the council's eyes widened, the former wasn't as shocked however.
"ABSOLUTELY NOT!" Multiple shouts from the two elders, while Danzo remains emotionless.
"Jiraiya, you must know by now why it's a risk sending him out of the village. Hiruzen might have been risking the jinchuuriki's safety but we won't allow it." Finished Koharu.
"I think, Naruto has the right to leave the village, plus he's under my supervision so he won't be too reckless." Jiraiya argued.
"Forgive me Jiraiya-san but how do you know for sure the boy won't do anything that can put this village at more risk?" Hiashi speaks.
"You and everyone else is aware of his contribution during the invasion, he stopped suna's jinchuuriki from destroying the village, and from what Asuma reported, killed two hundred enemy forces from breaking through the back entrance, which could have crippled us further."
Everyone stunned silent at the news, however Danzo wouldn't let up."Even more reason why the boy shouldn't leave. He went from a subpar genin to one of the strongest ninja's." Staring intensely at Hiruzen's student. "I won't allow Hiruzen's influence to weaken this village further.
Leaving a dent on the table at Danzo's remarks towards Sarutobi.
"You always had a problem with the old man, I really don't care about your insecurities either." Leaking out some of his ki as both Danzo and Jiraiya have a stare down.
Shukaku, stepping in to calm things down. "Please, elder and Jiraiya-sama let's keep this diplomatic." Watching the two carefully.
As things simmer down, Jiraiya sat back down to listen to the commander of the leaf.
"Naruto is definitely no longer the same, his physical appearance is enough evidence as it is. I think we should have a little more faith, Jiraiya-sama is going to keep an eye on him after all."
Inoichi, stands from his chair, looking at his friend. "We understand that Shukaku, but you also know of the word spreading about his performance in the invasion and the chunin exams." The others who are on the side of the elders gave looks of agreement.
"I'm fully aware Inoichi, but we're also in times where we're vulnerable, with the damage from the invasion, as well as the rising of the stone and cloud. The boy's new power is what keeps other nations at bay, we need to exploit that as we gather our resources."
'Someone who finally gets it.' Thought Jiraiya and Kakashi.
Koharu and Homaru give each other glances, as Inoichi sits back down.
"Very well Jiraiya, we'll let you bring the jinchuuriki, but if anything happens to him you're to be punished as a traitor of konoha." Jiraiya lets out a laugh.
"Oh come on Koharu, you underestimate the gaki, he's more of a bodyguard to me than I am of him." Danzo is sick to his stomach, but he won't show it.
"Now with that all said, this meeting is settled."
Ichiraku Ramen
Getting out of his funk he decided to visit his favorite spot in the world, Ichiraku.
Finishing his fourth bowl, he rubs his stomach with a smile on his face.
"Wow Naruto, you sure have been cleaning house, probably explains why you've grown so much." Ayame looks on in amazement.
Rubbing his head, "Well, you and the old man always cook delicious ramen and I find it disrespectful if I didn't devour this meal." Letting out a little chuckle.
"You're the hero of this village now my boy, wouldn't be right if we didn't add our love to this ramen." Teuchi added.
About to place his money on the counter and head off, he was suddenly bombarded by a group of civilian girls.
"Oh my gosh, it's true you'd be here."
"You're even cuter up close."
"Can you sing for me?"
"Wait, I was going to ask him that."
"Move on Yumi, he's singing for me first."
This was becoming a natural occurrence whenever he was spotted in public, originally it was kind of bothersome, but with his recent changes and growth, he adjusted quite well.
Suddenly, another batch of fangirls came overloading the ramen shop.
"Hey ladies, before I do anything for y'all how about you order a bowl of miso ramen?" Finishing his statement with a wink, giving them a new shade of red on their faces before agreeing and immediately ordering.
After that whole exchange, it felt good. Using his new influence and fame to help out the only store that treated him fairly from the start was the least he could do.
'Need to visit Gaara.' He thought about knowing where to go next, but once again was halted.
"My my gaki, look who's all popular with the ladies." Jiraiya said, smiling like a proud pervert.
"Hey old man, I'll talk later now I have business to tend to." Continue walking towards the prison direction.
Jiraiya finds the kid amusing but continues to follow anyway.
"I'm afraid whatever you have planned can wait, I'm going on a little mission to retrieve an old teammate of mine." Hearing that stopped Naruto in his tracks.
"That snake?" Now his blood boiling, the prospect of fighting that bastard again now with his kama seal awakened excites him, but also he wanted to avenge lord's third death.
Jiraiya shakes his head however, "Unfortunately, Orochimaru is not the priority at the moment. Actually it's my other teammate, Tsunade Senju."
Naruto's head tilts, causing Jiraiya to have an outer body.
"Don't tell me you have no idea who Tsunade is gaki?" His question was basically answered when the Uzumaki shrugs.
"Boy, what do they teach you kids in the academy these days." Then his internal thoughts kicked in. 'Or this kid was just really dumb and didn't pay attention.'
"Who cares? What does an old lady have to do with me holding anything off? I need to visit Gaara." This sort of issue has nothing to do with him as far as he's concerned.
Understanding his students' frustration, he walked over to Naruto, placing his hand on his shoulder. "I know you two have similar backstories, but right now he and his siblings are under strict supervision, as well as negotiations with the sand."
"Give it some time, how about this we're going to be gone for a week once we're back, I'll personally have it set for you to see him."
Not liking having to wait a week but relented and nodded his head.
Placing his hand on Naruto's head. "That's the spirit, now let's get ready, it'll be quite the trip."
Hours went by since he was informed of their trip, both headed outside of the village, now exploring the depths of the land of fire.
Bored out of his mind, more questions popped up in his head. "So old man, why are we searching for this old lady?" A tick mark is formed as Jiraiya turns around quickly.
"Tsunade, gaki. Best to respect her when you see her, she got quite the temper." He warned.
Naruto simply rolled his eyes, "I can handle pretty much anything these days so she can try it." Bolding up his fist, the prospect of facing another sannin is exciting.
Jiraiya shook his head, having to remind himself he's still a kid. "Listen, you're strong, very strong, but you still aren't unbeatable." Trying to humble the boy.
"You said it yourself, I'm probably the strongest student you had, and one of them happens to be my old man." Recalling the feeling he felt when he found out his dad was the fourth hokage.
"Yeah, physically, there's no one stronger out of the students I've had, your speed is pretty fast too, but compared to Minato you wouldn't be able to catch him and that's where you'd be screwed at."
Naruto crossed his arms and huffs, which caused Jiraiya to laugh.
"But I tell you this much, you're technically considered S class now." This news got his attention.
Jiraiya continues, "With your performance in the exams and with you able to contain the one tails, that feat alone puts you above most jonin, including your sensei. Although if he didn't have the baggage he's burdened with he would be in S class too."
"So, who else is S class in the elemental nations?"
Jiraiya took a deep thought. "Hard to tell really, besides the four other kage, Han, Killer B who are the perfect jinchuuriki's, and my teammates, it varies." Leaving out the Akatsuki for now.
That answer satisfies his curiosity for now.
Jiraiya gives him a stern look,"But remember, the higher the rank, the more responsibility you'll have." Both are still walking, "You're now in the spotlight, I can't imagine the potential bounties you'll rake up."
The jinchuuriki stops, "Awesome! It'll be a crime if this face just wanted for dates and not for blood." Jiraiya just shakes his head and continues on forward.
"Anyways, let's stop at this small town for the night." Naruto's stomach growls, agreeing.
Orochimaru's Hideout
In his lair, Orochimaru is screeching in pain, the cells and flesh from his arms are gone.
"Damn you Sarutobi!" He yells, as Kabuto comes in in panic, seeing his master in agony, never seeing him like this.
"Lord Orochimaru!" Kabuto quickly alerts him as he starts his procedure to subdue the pain in his arms.
"Kabuto..." He hissed, "How is the preparation coming along?"
"My lord, I've done a few successful experiments, but before we can even consider the final step, I must first run it through some trial runs." Orochimaru, wouldn't say anything, only look onwards.
His bandaged hands moved slowly, taking his seat with a cruel smirk.
"But also, Orochimaru-sama, there's news that Jiraiya and Naruto Uzumaki are on the hunt for Tsunade." Orochimaru's eyes move slightly, "Shall we-"
"No, I originally planned on going to Tsunade myself but find it rather pointless." His creepy grin plastered his face, thinking about offering her a chance to meet her loved ones again with the Edo tensei.
"Besides these latest developments thanks to the jutsu we developed before the invasion accelerated, there's no need." Kabuto nods his head at Orochimaru's explanation.
'Kukuku..Naruto Uzumaki sure became a nice little development, has he?" His mind lingers as he notices the markings on his hand.
XxXxX
In a cave, nine silhouettes are standing. Besides the shape, the only thing noticeable are the eyes of the figures.
"Why the sudden call to summon us all here? I thought we weren't scheduled to have another meeting in a few months." One figure said who appears to have a sword.
"Yes that's true, but recent developments across the five great nations made me call the meeting sooner." The man said with his rippled pattern eyes.
He continues, "We're aware of what happened between the Leaf and Sand." Pausing for the moment, "Of course, Orochimaru."
"I say we go hunt him down since he's at his most vulnerable, uhn."
"No, Orochimaru is of no importance at the moment, the reason for this meeting is the kyuubi jinchuuriki."
"Zetsu." He simply said.
"The jinchuuriki had significantly changed since over the past month, his skill in taijutsu is in a class of its own and he wields a guitar that can perform genjutsu to contain a bijuu."
"Hm, that could be a problem. Luckily, it's me and my partner hunting after him right Itachi?" Itachi is silent.
The rippled pattern silhouette continues, "Itachi, Kisame, you two will continue the pursuit of the kyuubi, I want his power tested." Glancing at the two, "If y'all can capture him fine, but if the battle is too risky retreat, we still need the other bijuu before him.
"Besides, he's currently accompanied by Jiraiya of the sannin, but if anyone can get past that it's you two." Zetsu added.
"Oh, Jiraiya you say? I'll be glad to take him on, I've been dying to feed Samehada a sannin since Orochimaru left us hehehe."
Itachi is still silent.
"This meeting has been long enough, everyone else continues gathering funds for our organization." With that he faded from the cave, followed by everyone else.
Back to reality, Kisame and Itachi's eyes open, sitting back on a river.
"So, you think we should be worried about the kid? I think Jiraiya would be the problem."
"It's best to not underestimate your opponent Kisame, leader-sama and Zetsu are reliable sources for now we keep this a simple scout pursuit." Itachi concluded as he got up and started walking off.
Grabbing the hilt of his sword, "You usually know what's right, Itachi." Finished with his laugh.
XxxXXx
Deep in konoha's underground, the base where ROOT operate in secret under their leader, Danzo Shimura.
Sitting on his throne, cane in hand, looking down at his subordinate.
"You called for me Lord Danzo?" The shinobi kneeled.
"That is correct first, how is the prisoner doing?"
"She's still being interrogated by Ibiki, so far there's no pinpoint on Orochimaru." The mask figure reported.
Danzo didn't have any reaction, his shady business with Orochimaru did take place in multiple hideouts.
Moving on from that subject, "Your mission is to keep an eye out on the kyuubi, I want to know more about his development."
"Reports claim the kyuubi is now a high-level sensor, it'll be extremely difficult to keep tabs without him knowing." Danzo still looks unnerved.
"That's why I'll assign Koga Inuzuka with you." The mask figure looks up, showing his blood red mask, with scripture designs.
"Koga finally came back from his mission in the Hidden Mist?" Danzo nodded.
"Yes, if there's someone, I could count on handling that mission it would be him." He presses onwards. "I've told him already about the mission, he's waiting for you at the southern border, leave immediately."
"Yes, Danzo-sama." He shunshin's away, leaving Danzo to his devices.
That's wraps! I hope you enjoy the 2nd chapter of World Strongest.
This chapter was more of an info chapter, while I'll dive deeper in the world building aspect of the series, and character involvement.
I felt the root had an awesome premise that could have been explored more, I can't wait to show y'all the two root members involvement further in the story, it's one of my goals to build up the ANBU as well.
Now with the search for Tsunade underway and the akatsuki on Naruto and Jiraiya's tail it sure will be an interesting showdown.
Wanted to point out, on the first chapter regarding Sasuke's curse mark I accidentally had his curse mark in the brief description wth his fight against Gaara, it's gone but Naruto won't be able to remove everyone curse mark.
One more thing before I go, I'd like to thank everyone for the overwhelming support for the story so far and any questions feel free to leave a review or dm I'll answer.
With that said, Until next time!