Chapter Fifteen: Aftermath
Hi no Kuni - Konohagakure no Sato - Konoha Hospital - Rehabilitation Ward
The Konoha Hospital had been experiencing an influx of long-term patients following the events of the Crimson Dawn. Among them was Hyuga Hinata, heiress to the Hyuga Clan and best friend of Uzumaki-Namikaze Naruto. Her vocal cords had been completely destroyed in battle—any deeper, and the injury would have ended her life. Although a surgical procedure to repair the damage was considered, it was ultimately deemed too experimental and risky for someone of her status. As a result, several members of the Hyuga Clan began learning sign language to communicate with her. Naruto, unwilling to be left out, decided to learn as well, and he and Hinata now spent time together daily for lessons.
After one such session, the two sat in comfortable silence. Naruto enjoyed these moments of quiet companionship. Hearing a faint rustle, he turned to see Hinata signing to him: "Thank you for doing this for me, Naruto-kun." A warm smile spread across his face, and he replied in the same way, signing, "Anything for you, Hinata. Honestly, this has been a good experience, considering everything that's happened." Hinata chuckled softly—a sound she was still able to make despite her injury. Before they could continue, an ANBU appeared before them in a shunshin, bowing slightly. "Naruto-sama, Hinata-sama, you have been summoned to the Hokage's office."
Hokage Tower - Hokage's Office
The Hokage's office had been bustling with activity in the aftermath of the recent attack. The Material and Logistics Division was working overtime, silently preparing for the looming threat of war that had all but been declared. All lower-ranking missions had been temporarily canceled to prioritize S-rank and ANBU missions, with only a select few A-rank missions continuing due to their critical financial benefit to Konoha. In the office stood Dragon, Kakashi, Jiraiya (perched by the window), Orochimaru on one couch, and the Sandaime Hokage on the opposite couch. Standing in the center, at attention, were Shino, Sakura, Shikamaru, Sasuke, Hinata, Neji, and Naruto. Sakura now wore a temporary eye patch, knowing she'd never see out of that eye again—a sobering reminder of how much had been lost.
Minato addressed the room, his tone both solemn and resolute. "I know these past few weeks have been difficult for all of you, but life must go on. Now, let's get down to business." He stepped forward, placing four flak jackets on his desk. "Aburame Shino, Hyuga Neji, Hyuga Hinata—due to your performance during the Chunin Exams, you are all being promoted to the rank of chunin. Haruno Sakura, based on your tactical skills and the resilience you demonstrated against enemy jonin—even defeating one—you are also being promoted to chunin." Each of them stepped forward to collect their jackets before taking their places behind those who had not yet been called.
Minato's gaze shifted to Shikamaru and Sasuke. "Shikamaru, Sasuke—this decision took careful thought. After reviewing the mission report from the Wave and my own observations during the Chunin Exams, particularly in the second and third rounds, as well as the recent events of the Crimson Dawn, Nara Shikamaru, your strategic mind, and Uchiha Sasuke, your combat prowess, have earned you both promotions to Tokubetsu Jōnin (Special Jonin)." Jiraiya grinned as Sasuke, catching his mentor's eye, smirked in silent acknowledgment. "Come forward and claim your jonin vests," Minato said, placing two more jackets on his desk. After they'd taken their places with the others, the mood in the room shifted. Minato's expression grew more serious as he interlocked his fingers and addressed Naruto.
"Uzumaki Naruto, during your mission to the Wave, you demonstrated a remarkable ability to read your surroundings and use them to your advantage, dismantling an enemy squad of chunin and jonin on your own. In the second exam, you managed to defeat a squad of seven enemy shinobi without using a single jutsu, and you assisted in taking down a renowned S-rank nuke-nin. Even if they didn't take you seriously, it's an impressive feat. Based on these accomplishments and with recommendations from ANBU Commander Dragon and Elite Jonin Hatake Kakashi, you are hereby promoted to Jonin of Konohagakure no Sato." As Naruto stepped forward to accept his vest, Orochimaru exchanged a victorious smirk with Jiraiya, while Sasuke's expression darkened slightly. Though he congratulated his teammate, a seed of frustration lingered—would Naruto always be so far ahead? With everyone in their new ranks, Minato offered a nod of respect. "Thank you all for your contributions to the village. You're dismissed. Oh and one more thing, Naruto."
Later that Day - Konohagakure - Yakinuku Q
The newly promoted Konoha shinobi gathered at their late comrade's favorite spot. As the meat sizzled on the grill, they savored not only the meal but the strange weight of their new attire, each flak jacket and vest a solemn reminder of what they'd gained—and lost. Sakura was the first to pull something from the grill, lifting it in a quiet toast. "I know we were never... the best of friends, but…" Her voice trailed off, leaving her words unfinished. Hinata reached over, clasping Sakura's hand, her gaze soft but resolute. The simple gesture calmed Sakura, anchoring her in the moment. "We were ill-prepared for what the shinobi life was like," Shino spoke, his voice flat yet edged with an unspoken grief that all of them felt. Naruto, seated at the edge of the group, gazed down at the note he'd received earlier. The stamp of the Fire Daimyo stood out in crisp ink, an omen of the future he wasn't ready to share yet. Next to him, Sasuke's eyes narrowed as he, too, caught sight of the symbol, but he said nothing, his thoughts hidden behind a guarded expression. Sighing, Naruto folded the note, tucking it away. He picked up his chopsticks and reached for the grill. "Things are about to change for us," he said slowly, breaking the silence. "Our teams will likely be broken apart. But that doesn't have to change anything." He chewed, letting the weight of his words sink in, then looked up. "We'll grow. We'll get stronger to protect what matters to us." Sakura's hand instinctively went to her eyepatch, her fingers grazing the edge. Memories of that day flickered through her mind, scenes of chaos and blood she could never erase. She sat silently, regret hanging heavy around her. If only… if only I'd had the strength back then… But when she looked up, her one visible eye held a new flame, fierce and unyielding. She wouldn't fail again.
Amegakure no Sato - Pain's Tower
In the dim, rain-lit room atop Amegakure's tallest tower, Pain sat in silence, his gaze sweeping over the perpetually damp and dimly glowing village below. Konan stood behind him, her calm presence steady as the endless storm outside. The soft knock at the door stirred neither of them—Pain had felt the arrival of their visitor long before the knock. The door creaked open, revealing two figures. The first, a man with long blond hair cascading down his back, a weathered scar across his right cheek, and a respirator covering his lower face, was unmistakable: Hanzo the Salamander, thought dead by many. Beside him, an older man shuffled in with a wary, sharp gaze—Danzo Shimura, his worn form betrayed only by the burning resentment in his eyes. Danzo's breath caught as he took in the sight of the figure before him. It's been years… His mind raced, trying to make sense of Amegakure's secret survival, its seemingly unchanged leader. This was a land swallowed by shadows and myths, a place he'd nearly dismissed as lost. But here he was, standing in front of a man he thought long dead and Hanzo, who hadn't aged a day. "What is going on here?" Danzo demanded, his voice cutting through the room's thick silence. Pain's eyes, cold and unwavering, met his. "I'm offering you a chance, Shimura. A chance to cast off the sins of your past and join us in forging a new world. Your history, your transgressions—they can all be forgiven." He let the words hang, each one sinking in like a drop of rain into thirsty earth.
Sunagakure no Sato - Kazekage Tower - Kazekage Office
Word of what had transpired in the forests surrounding the Leaf had spread like wildfire, reaching every hidden village and stronghold. The world now knew that a force of over ten thousand shinobi, two S-Class nuke-nin, and two jinchuriki had barely grazed the defenses of the world's most formidable nation. The inevitable whisper of war was turning into a roar, and now, the elites of Sunagakure gathered to plan their next steps. At the head of the assembly stood Rasa, Kazekage of the Sand, his expression steely. On his left, a woman with long, dark hair tied back in a practical style, her piercing amber eyes brimming with intelligence and composure. Clad in a traditional Sunagakure cloak with sand-colored accents and light armor, she was Sahara Kazamori, the Saint of Wind—renowned for her unmatched mastery over wind techniques. On Rasa's right stood another kunoichi, her blonde hair short and windswept, framing sharp green eyes that spoke of a thousand battles. Her tactical outfit was fitted and dark, blending seamlessly with the sands, and she was known as Fūka Hōzan, the Desert Mirage. Together, these two kunoichi were legends in Suna, known for their unparalleled skill and the countless S-Rank missions they had completed across the shinobi world. Their presence at the village council was rare, a clear message of the seriousness of the situation. Rasa scanned the room, taking in the gravity reflected on every face, before he began. "As you all know, Konoha was recently attacked—a devastating failure for those who tried. War has all but been declared, and it's time we prepare to stand with our allies. Begin assembling your teams. Until further notice, Sahara Kazamori and Fūka Hōzan will be stationed here in the village. And when this war does begin, Suna will be ready."
Tsuchi no Kuni - Iwagakure no Sato - Tsuchikage Tower - Courtyard
Cheers echoed throughout the village. The Earth Daimyo traveled and declared Jiro Saburo Yondiame Tsuchikage. Kurotsuchi stood off to the side before she was pushed off the stage by some of the shinobi unexpectedly, Jiro stood at his full height before he cleared his throat. "We've sat in the shadows for too long. That Yellow Flash robbed us of our pride in that war—stripped us of our future, our strength. But no more. Today, I make a vow to every one of you: the flame that was extinguished will blaze once more, and it will burn hotter than ever. This isn't just about vengeance. It's about reclaiming the power that was ours, the power we should have had under the Sandaime Tsuchikage. I'll do what he couldn't, what should have been done years ago. I'll see that Yellow Flash's head mounted above our walls as a warning, a promise. And when we march on the gates of that accursed village, they'll know—everyone will know—that our time in the shadows has ended." The crowd erupted into cheering as Jiro stepped off from the podium, as he stared into the eyes of Kurotsuchi "You've failed, the son of the yellow flash lives and you had the opportunity to end that bloodline But it's ok girl you'll get the opportunity to redeem yourself." Jiro began walking off two shinobi, flaking him as he did "Put her in chains until the year has ended and once that's ended being the process."
Deep within the lower levels of the tower, Jiro moved through the shadowed corridors, his footsteps echoing faintly off the stone walls. The dim light flickered, casting dark shapes against the ink-streaked walls that seemed to come alive in the eerie quiet. At last, he entered a vast chamber, its walls covered entirely in intricate sealing arrays, each line and curve meticulously applied with the finest brushstrokes. Bottles of ink lay scattered across the room, some still uncapped from hours of use, the sharp scent lingering in the air. In the center stood a cloaked figure, silently working, hands moving deftly over an unfinished array on the floor. The figure paused, holding a brush above the ink in one hand while lifting the other to activate a barrier seal, forming a shimmering dome around them. Jiro approached from behind, his voice low yet filled with curiosity. "How is it coming along?" The hooded figure's hand hovered over the array as the barrier solidified, threads of chakra briefly illuminating a complex weave of runes and seals that marked the air around them. Fūinjutsu symbols glowed along the walls, flickering softly as the figure glanced over his shoulder. "Soon," came the quiet reply, voice barely above a whisper. "Give it a few more years. We're nearing completion of the first barrier strong enough to match the Uzumaki—a barrier capable of nullifying Space-Time Ninjutsu." A rare gleam of satisfaction showed in the figure's eyes, hidden beneath the shadows of the hood. Jiro's gaze shifted to the array, understanding the significance of what lay before him.
Hi no Kuni - Konohagakure no Sato - Hokage Tower - Hokage Office
The soft glow of the morning sun filtered through the Hokage office, casting warm rays across the polished wooden floor. Minato Namikaze sat at his desk, an air of solemnity about him, his eyes sharp but kind as they rested on the two Uchiha standing before him. Fugaku, head of the Uchiha clan, stood with a sense of restrained pride, his posture dignified, while beside him, Itachi maintained a calm poise, though his eyes flickered with curiosity and anticipation. Minato cleared his throat, breaking the silence. "Thank you both for coming on such short notice," he began, his gaze shifting between them. "This decision has been some time in the making, and I believe the moment has finally arrived to set it into motion." Itachi's eyes widened almost imperceptibly, though his face remained still as stone, while Fugaku's expression turned contemplative, assessing the Hokage with measured interest. Minato continued, his tone growing more purposeful. "Itachi," he said, leaning forward, "it's my intention that you will one day take on the mantle of the Hokage." A soft gasp escaped Itachi, but he quickly composed himself. He bowed slightly, acknowledging the honor, though questions undoubtedly swirled in his mind. "Now, before you consider what this will entail, know that it won't be immediate," Minato continued. "This journey will take time. I intend for you to undergo a five-year apprenticeship, during which you'll study every aspect of leadership—from village governance and inter-clan diplomacy to the ANBU's operations and civilian welfare. Afterward, you'll have an additional two years under my direct supervision, where you'll make decisions, learn from your mistakes, and shape your leadership." Fugaku, who had remained quiet up to this point, nodded thoughtfully. "Hokage-sama," he spoke at last, voice steady but filled with restrained pride, "we accept this with great honor. My son has dedicated himself to protecting this village, and I am certain he will uphold the title of Hokage with strength and loyalty." Itachi met Minato's gaze, his face filled with a rare look of hope and purpose. "I am… honored, Hokage-sama. I'll do everything I can to prepare myself for this responsibility." Minato smiled, a look of trust and pride flickering in his eyes. "I have no doubt you will, Itachi. Konoha will be in good hands."
Konohagakure no Sato - Uchiha Clan Compound
Word spread like wildfire—Itachi Uchiha would be the next Hokage, marking him as the first Uchiha in history to hold the title after Minato. Fugaku felt a surge of pride for both of his sons, watching as they continued to carve their own paths in the village. On the training field, Sasuke faced off against Jiraiya, determined to prove himself. He swung low, executing a flip to dodge Jiraiya's attack, but the Sannin was quick to respond. With effortless grace, Jiraiya reached behind him and caught Sasuke mid-flip, throwing him to the ground and pinning him with a kunai. The bout ended, and Jiraiya smiled down at the young Uchiha. "You're getting better, brat." Sasuke lay on the ground, frustration etched on his face. "But he's so far ahead," he murmured, feeling the weight of his limitations. Jiraiya's grin softened as he looked down at Sasuke. "I feel you." Sasuke shot him a questioning glare. "What? You're a Sannin, one of the most legendary ninjas!" Jiraiya chuckled, sitting down on the grass beside him. "Orochimaru was always better than me in almost every art, beloved by our sensei and chosen as the model student. So I trained and trained until I couldn't even feel my arms anymore. Now, I couldn't tell you who's stronger between us." Sasuke sat up, leaning back against Jiraiya. He stared off into the distance, the weight of his own inadequacies hanging over him. "It's like everything Naruto touches, he masters it in less than a month. The blade, something I pride myself on—he picks it up and excels." Jiraiya smiled, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "Let's fix that. How about a training trip? Come back bigger and stronger than him?" Sasuke's expression brightened at the prospect, the idea of journeying out to train with Jiraiya igniting a fire within him. "Yeah, let's do it."
Konohagakure no Sato - Sarutobi Clan Compound
"An invitation to join the Twelve Ninja Guardians?" Hiruzen's eyes widened, astonishment marking his face. It was an achievement even his own son hadn't accomplished until much later. Naruto nodded, still absorbing the details of the document in his hand. "And...a negotiable contract," he murmured, before folding the paper and handing it to Orochimaru. One hand absentmindedly petted the cat perched beside him, while the other gestured for Orochimaru to take a closer look. Hiruzen leaned over to scan the words as well. After a quiet moment, Naruto finally broke the silence. "I'm going to accept the offer for three years. After that, I'd like to join ANBU." Every gaze shifted toward him, the courtyard falling silent as his words sank in. "Why ANBU?" came a calm voice from the entrance. It was Dragon, the ANBU Commander, observing Naruto with keen interest from behind his mask. Naruto's cold blue eyes locked onto the ANBU Commander, his expression steady. "The most important events that affect the village take place in the shadows. I want to be there, at the frontline, when it happens. Darkness... is where I feel I belong." "Why?" Dragon pressed, his voice tinged with curiosity. "During the Second Exam, I was judged for taking the necessary steps to protect the village's assets. I know my value," Naruto replied, his gaze unwavering. "In the light, that value feels...limited." Dragon crossed his arms, stepping forward, the layers of his presence growing heavy as he approached Naruto. "Your father will never let you join," he said, voice steady. "He's too worried about his son's safety." Naruto exhaled, a hint of resignation slipping into his voice. "I know. It's the same look he gave when the council pushed for my promotion." Dragon nodded, coming to a stop just inches away. "Then... do one thing for me." Without another word, a shimmering field expanded around them, blocking the others from hearing. Orochimaru and Hiruzen exchanged glances, curiosity in their eyes as they watched the two figures through the translucent veil. It was inaudible, mysterious—a private exchange between mentor and potential protégé. Moments later, Naruto nodded, and the field dissipated. Dragon reached into his robe, producing a mask emblazoned with a familiar fox motif. He held it out to Naruto. "I thought you'd say that," he said, his voice low and resolute. "Upon returning from the capital, you'll report directly to me—not as Naruto, but as Kitsune."
Act one END
Author's Notes: I did this in a strange way, I should've published this first and then do the Storyboarding for the next Act but I did it in the opposite way. But now the storyboarding for the second Act is complete and I'll drop the first chapter soon, this Act was kind of a ride ngl. I had to stop and plan some parts out as I went but thankfully I won't have to do that again. I want to say certain parts of the next act will feature revised movies to you should maybe rewatch those.