Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto or any other characters, Masashi Kishimoto and studio pierrot does.

AN: So as I had said, there will be a diversion from canon will be after the invasion, and yes it is there. There will just be 2 more chapters (excluding this) similar to canon which I felt i should include, before spiraling out of it. So pardon if you all were expecting the non-canon part just after the invasion.

Thank you for reading till here. I hope that the writing and storytelling is up to par with all of your expectations.

Chapter 17:Break the Dam

"Due to the stressed circumstance as decided in yesterday's immediate damage control meeting, the shinobi council and civil council revoke Shimura Danzo's suspension. To smoothen out the vacancy of the Hokage he will retake the position of village elder back." Announced Shikaku who had taken over the proceedings of the meetings in place of the Hokage. It was only a day since the invasion and the council was in full throttle in getting Konoha back.

On cue, Danzo entered the council meeting room. As he walked with his crane, he saw the varying reactions from the shinobi and civil council. The civil council had elected personnel from the civilians, and many of them were easy to buy out. The tie between the civil council and the shinobi council broken by the two elders, which actually helped him get back. He then looked at the Shinobi council, filled with the clan heads. He knew well how most of them thought.

He saw the three elites amongst the elite ninjas invited to the meeting. Those three were Jiraiya of the sanin, the copy ninja Hatake Kakashi and the beast of Konoha, Maito Gai. He was mostly wary of these three as they were wildcards. Though Kakashi was supposed to be the Hatake clan head he never attended the meetings.

Danzo stood by his seat near the other elders of the village. He then said, "Well it is good to be back. Even when we have lost one of the most prominent shinobi ever to exist, we need to move and handle the village. For Hiruzen, for Konoha." With that, he took his seat, with some cheering from the civilians and a compulsory clap from the shinobis.

Shikaku then took out his papers and said, "So the first thing is allocation of the rebuilding of the village. I have kept a paper in front of you on the allocation of genins and chunins in the area and what to fix. If any suggestions speak up immediately. Jonins will be given duties and missions according to the need."

All looked through the plan, seeing nothing wrong no one said a thing. Shikaku then hummed and said, "The next immediate action is nominations for the Godaime Hokage. We will need to inform our nominations to the Daimyo in three days. My personal nominations are Master Jiraiya and Hatake Kakashi."

Muttering broke out as all were convinced that either of the two should be the Hokage. They were the only two Kage-level shinobi left in the village, who were not too crazy. If you counted the crazy one then you need to add Gai to the kage level list too. And also, Danzo but most didn't know the strength he carried and only saw him as a former strong shinobi and a strong warmonger.

Jiraiya to end the muttering said, "I am not the Hokage type of person who could sit and do paperwork. I still have a lot of travelling to do. And if I sit on that chair, more than half of the info on which the Anbu and many missions are enrolled will stop coming in. It would be good to hand over the hat to Kakashi here."

All nodded in agreement with Jiraiya's words. Except for Kakashi, the copy ninja said, "Well I have a team to handle. Moreover, I am young."

Gai interjected, "Yet so unyouthful!"

Kakashi lowly enough so just Gai could hear, said, "Gai shut up! You are not helping."

Homura said, "And what is your point? Your sensei the Yondaime Hokage, Namikaze Minato too was young."

Koharu added, "Hiruzen trained the three sanin while he was the Hokage."

Kakashi just said, "Well I am not as great as either of them."

Hiashi then said, "It is true that Sarutobi Hiruzen was very virtuous, and so was Minato. But you too are a person who matches the list of such people. And now is a time when we need a person feared and known all around the lands to take that seat. After being attacked in such fashion we need a feared high S-rank shinobi sitting up there."

Kakashi in a desperate fit said, "Well then my first law would be to make the purchase and reading of a certain book. Everyone of appropriate age to buy the Icha-Icha book series."

Jiraiya excitedly said, "Ohhhu my sales are gonna skyrocket. Oh yeah baby, Kakashi you have my full support in this law."

Most of the people in the room just cringed. Mikoto in an angry voice said, "Kakashi I dare you to take that name again and I will burn each and every copy that comes to Konoha, burn whatever books you own and never let you read one again. You are corrupting my boys!"

Kakashi calmly said, "This kind of education is also necessary. And yeah, burn as much you want, I will just travel to another town and buy it and keep it somewhere you can't find."

Mikoto got a tick mark on her forehead and said, "You are impossible!"

An angry Tsume added, "Hey Mikoto how about burning his balls."

"Woman, you can't reach me to accomplish that." Challenged Kakashi while taking out his new book to read. And with no surprise, it was one of the Icha-Icha books. Tsume was about to blow up at the blunt disrespect by the Hatake. Mikoto and the other clan heads stopped her from tearing the silver-haired man. Kakashi just showed his eye smile and read his book. Jiraiya was about to burst out laughing, while Gai just muttered how Kakashi showed his coolness and unyouthfulness.

Shikaku then slammed his hand on the table and yelled, "All of you settle down. I am not here for some petty argument. We are here for serious matters. I get it, one or two jokes are fine but none of you are supposed to elongate and fight on it. I want a serious discussion from now on. Or else you are free to leave."

Kakashi was about to stand and leave, as he knew his head would be decorated with the Hokage hat if he didn't. But Jiraiya stopped him. Jiraiya then said, "Well I will agree with Kakashi for now, he is not completely ready as first when sensei taught us, he had been the Hokage for a while. Putting Kakashi in such a position at such a time and expecting him to handle a team is not right. And Minato was also trained a bit by sensei in being a Hokage, so he was able to take the position while he was young."

Danzo also interjected, "Minato was also not this aggressive in arguing." Kakashi just looked at his fellow one-eyed man, he didn't know if he was supposed to thank or feel offended. Danzo on the other hand wanted to stop either of the two suggestions to be the Hokage. He wanted someone who wouldn't stand too strong so he could do his work more freely.

Shikaku sighed and asked, "So what do you suggest Master Jiraiya?"

He scratched his chin and said, "I think it is time to call back the Senju princess."

All gave a moment of thought and were concluding that the third sanin, Senju Tsunade was an apt choice, when Danzo asked, "Tell me Jiraiya why will she return and take the hat? I mean she has left on travelling rights allowed by her sanin status and never returned since. So, it is presumable that she likes her life away from Konoha. As a matter of fact, we don't even know where she is."

Jiraiya hummed at the accurate point and said, "I can convince her."

Homura asked, "Senju Tsunade, granddaughter of the Shodaime, grandniece of the Nidaime and student of the Sandaime, she has quite a background, but can she be convinced to be the Godaime? And how?"

Jiraiya just grinned and said, "That's the part I have to figure out." Internally he thought, 'Naruto does look a lot like Nawaki…I guess I will have to use Tsunade's memory against her. It can also help me save Naruto, the boy hasn't properly talked since yesterday to anyone. Only one-liners.'

Koharu just shook her head and said, "Jiraiya, can you for sure bring her back and convince her to take the position of Hokage? Or else there is no use in discussing this."

"I can but I have one condition. I take my apprentice Naruto with me to find and convince her." Said Jiraiya firmly.

It was Mikoto who immediately interrupted, "Absolutely not! He may not need hospital care but he hasn't healed back to 100 percent. And his injuries were severe. He can't take a mission now."

Jiraiya said, "There won't be any fighting, that's why I am taking him and he deserves some rest in the form of travelling rather than rebuilding the village."

Before Mikoto could give her rebuttal, Danzo said, "Jiraiya if you are sure to bring Senju Tsunade back. Let's keep a maximum of one week to find and convince her. You can take Uzumaki Naruto as you please but I want results."

All were surprised by how it seemed Danzo wanted Tsunade to take charge of the village, while he had a history of wanting to have the position to himself. Though what seemed was true Danzo indeed wanted Tsunade to take charge.

Danzo in his mind talked to himself, 'It sure must be odd for them. But I need to take things away from me. I need Tsunade to take the spotlight and let me work behind in the darkness. I didn't want Jiraiya to take the hat as he sure is needed in his spy work and Kakashi, never. If he becomes the Hokage it can end my days of taking part in Konoha's business. He is a great talker and will talk his way out with the council and won't budge much. Tsunade on the other hand is naïve compared to these two. I don't know how much of a backbone she will have in arguments but it is obvious she will make some unwanted decisions under my pressure. I have to gamble on the gambler…And also, I am sure 'he' won't let me wear this hat. After hearing Hiruzen is dead he will come to meet me. He would certainly not like hearing me as the Hokage.'

Jiraiya narrowed his eyes a bit and savagely said, "Tell me Danzo why aren't you nominating yourself for the hat? You are not unfit to fill the bill."

Danzo calmly replied, "You are right. I can take the position and rightly so, I would make a good Hokage. But we need to send a message to the elemental nations now more than other things. We need to show that we have that quality we used to. Honestly speaking we do not, but we have to show it. The number of S-ranked shinobi that Konoha possesses has plunged to a single-hand count. With the return of Tsunade, we send the message that we still own that quality. Even if by one, we do increase our S-rank numbers."

Many others thought and nodded at Danzo's reasoning. Jiraiya too didn't have anything strong to counter. Kakahi smelled something building up but it was too premature to say anything. Seeing no one having counters Shikaku said, "Fine Master Jiraiya and Naruto will go on a mission to find Senju Tsunade and convince her to join as the Godaime."

Mikoto pressed the matter again, "But Naruto can't…"

Kakashi interrupted, "Let Naruto go with Master Jiraiya. If he stays, he probably won't sit silent and do the heavy work of building the village back. Mind you there are a lot of broken buildings. So let him rather just walk and travel. You now decide which one will put less stress on him."

Someone from the civil council lowly said to another, "Let the brat get away from the village, I mean if he helps in building those houses and structures will get cursed. I can't understand why didn't he die in the invasion. He deserves it after all. God must like to laugh at us."

The civilian thought no one heard it but most of the shinobi did and so did his fellow civil council holders. All shinobi stared at the man, while Mikoto was glaring daggers with her mature sharingan active at the person. Who was identified as a rich merchant. If that wasn't enough to scare the man, Jiraiya decided to get up and walk to the man. The person was shivering in fear as the toad sage walked towards him. Jiraiya in a normal tone asked, "You have something to say about my apprentice?"

"No-no, Sir." Said the person fearfully.

Jiraiya just said, "I thought so. But if ever catch you again, I promise you won't want to go through what I am thinking of doing. Understand that?"

"Yes sir." With that Jiraiya took back his seat and with finality he said, "Mikoto, Naruto is going with me like it or not." Mikoto just grumbled a bit, deactivated her sharingan and said, "Fine."

Shikaku wrote the decision down and then turned his page and said, "Civil council…get out!"

There were some uproars in the manner and why Shikaku said this. Shikaku quickly said, "We are looking into the possible promotions and it is solely a shinobi matter and I don't want your interference, so just get lost. Anbu escorts the civil council out of the room." With that, the civilians left.

Shikaku then said, "I didn't find any chunin deserving of a promotion to jonin at the moment. So, I will be saying the names of the chunin exams finalists for a promotion to chunin discussion. Other moments than the chunin exams are to be brought up. We will discuss on a total basis not just on the exams, the exams were just to sort out the one who may be capable of promotion. In the end, a vote will be cast if there are a lot of different views and the majority will prevail." '…Man, this list looks so troublesome.'

Shikaku then said, "So first up is Hyuga Neji. My personal assessment on the basis of the chunin exam is that the boy no doubt has the talent and skill required to be a chunin. But for the time being, I don't see the persona of a leader in him. He needs to realize whatever the history you don't let it make you slip in a fight. So firstly, I will ask his sensei Gai to give his views."

Gai hymn and said, "He has just been humbled by his opponent in the finals. I have just noticed the anger in his eyes doesn't burn as much as it did. But yes, it still exists. As for skill, I have nothing to say much. He is a genius in the ways of Hyuga combat and that is a fact. Hiashi-san too can acknowledge this."

Hiashi without hesitation said, "It is certainly a fact that he is a genius. He has learned and executed the highest two techniques of Hyugas without formal training. It speaks of his quality. I have no doubt, that his byakugan is the strongest amongst the present Hyugas. Though I think he is fit to be a chunin, it won't hurt if the decision is hauled for some time. Gai, I have a request, if Neji accepts then I would like to train him a bit more. Is that acceptable to you?"

Gai thought for a moment and said, "Only if Neji accepts."

Hiashi nodded in acknowledgement. Shikaku then asked, "Does anyone have anything to say?" No one else spoke up so then Shikaku noted his result down and said, "So Hyuga Neji remains a genin for the time being."

Shikaku turned his page and said, "So now up the list is Aburame Shino. I can't say much as I haven't seen much of his way of fighting so I will leave it up to the others. I read his report on their mission during the invasion of Kakashi's command. I will say he wrote his fight in a manner that showed his inexperience in abrupt situations. So Shibi tell us your verdict on your son."

Shibi just said, "Not ready. His skills may be low chunin level but I want him to be better before promoted. He has still things to learn about the Aburame clan's ways. I want to take him on missions with me. In the invasion too he injured his leg, from his assessment he fought well, but committed many errors. As you said, the missions given out to genin rarely nowadays prepare them for exponentially escalating situations. I want to correct those before he is promoted."

Shikaku hummed and asked, "Any arguments by anyone?" With silence prevailing he then said, "Well then Aburame Shino remains a genin."

Turning the page, he sighed and then said, "Next up is Nara Shikamaru. My assessment is, that he is not ready. He needs a catalyst to work. I accept he has my genes and would rather sleep than work. Which I tell you is very tempting to me too. He can't lead a team now. He may find a way to get himself out, but a whole team that's a question."

It was Asuma, who had taken the position of Sarutobi clan head, who said, "And how are you aiming to get the answer without testing."

Shikaku said, "We can send your team on a mission without their sensei and see if they can work well."

It was Chouza who said, "Shikamaru may be ready for it but I don't think sending the team alone is right at the present state. As I know Chouji still needs guidance from a jonin. The boy is still too gentle for a shinobi."

Inoichi added, "And Ino, forget it the girl is miles away from going on a mission without a jonin."

Shikaku added, "Then for one mission we can build a temporary team."

Kakashi said, "Well I think Shikamaru should be promoted to a chunin. Listen me out, the boy has brains and the shinobi nowadays and from the past four-five years that are coming out are more headstrong and use their mind less. Promoting Shikamaru will be the beacon to show that brains will prevail over brawls. And about leadership, in necessary situations, it does appear. In my commanded spontaneous mission, without any discussion, he was the one who gave the orders when the others reported problems. And he was the one who stayed behind and stopped many other invaders from catching up to his teammates, yes with Asuma's help but he did have the courage to do so."

Asuma added, "He may be a bit low on the number of jutsu and skills, could be polished, but he holds himself well enough to be a chunin. He has the mind of a master strategist. I can without a doubt say he can defeat all of us except for you Shikaku is a game of shogi. I too see my student as a chunin."

It was one of the elders Homura who added, "And maybe a promotion will help him take things more seriously and improve him for the better."

Shibi just said, "But having a lazy leader, can cost some respect in the team. I mean if the team regards their leader even a tad bit incompetent, then the order and hierarchy of the team falls. Leading to a failure. Here that doesn't happen with Shikaku as he has always shown why he is the Jonin commander. Can Shikamaru assert his dominance? Let's think for a moment on this point."

All started to think again about the promotion. After a while, Shikaku thought it was enough time and asked, "I will ask to cast a vote on the promotion of Nara Shikamaru. All in favour of the promotion raise your hand. Those who don't will be counted against. There will not be any middle ground. So…All in favour raise your hands."

Shikaku, Shibi and Koharu hadn't raised their hand. All the others had raised their hands in favour of the promotion, even Danzo which kind of irked Shikaku. Nevertheless, with a sigh, he noted it down and said, "Well fine then, Nara Shikamaru promoted to the rank of chunin."

Shikaku turned to a next name and thought about how would this play out. He said, "Next name is Uchiha Sasuke. My assessment is that he is highly skilled and talented. If we base our decision on those two factors Sasuke should indeed be promoted and he would quickly become one of our best chunin in terms of skills. Though as mentioned will he be able to lead a group, I mean he doesn't interact much and takes on steps irrespective of other's level. Will he stoop down to work with his team? I don't see that happening."

Mikoto said, "You may not see that happening by situations forces people to mend accordingly. And Sasuke is no exception to that law. He will act as necessary."

Hiashi then asked, "He may act when the situation comes. But in a mission, if he starts planning at his level set then he will be bound to capture in a tough situation. The arrogance which the Uchiha carry is dangerous for his crew."

Mikoto was about to reply but Kakashi replied first, "I don't know what individual perceptions you all have of Sasuke, but I will give you what I have come to know of him. He is competitive. He always looks for leaping ground to increase his level and doesn't look back at the lower ones. This may be why you find him arrogant, not falsely so. And about stooping down he may not do that, but he isn't oblivious that he will make or execute such a plan where it is not necessary. He is a smart boy, with loads of talent and skill to back him up. I believe if we give him a chance, he can prove to us that we didn't make a wrong choice."

It was Danzo who said, "Kakashi I hope you have read the extensive report the emergency team you formed has submitted this morning. Shikaku had asked them to be very specific and they were."

Danzo internally thought, 'The Uchiha deserves a promotion, but no I won't let it happen. I need friction between him and Naruto. Sasuke is one of those two three people of Naruto's generation who connects with the Uzumaki. I need Naruto to start detaching with everything related to Konoha, only then I can make my move. Naruto you are in my scope, I won't let you do as you please now. I am going to put Konoha back on track, by first fixing the problems I hold with the current jinchuuriki. I will make you stand alone, first Sasuke by keeping him behind and you ahead. I will then find a way to seclude you from the other two Uchiha and then Kakashi and Jiraiya.'

Kakashi knew which part Danzo would refer to now he just said, "Well I have read it, but I am surprised that you took the effort to read that report it was quite long. What caught your eye to go through that hassle?"

Danzo said, "It was important to read it after I knew who they were assigned to fight. So, you also read the part where Sasuke refused to tie and continuously kept compromising with Ichibi's jinchuriki's unconscious state. We were lucky to not have damage to the village by the bijuu or the jinchuuriki. But if it would have, that could be put on Uchiha Sasuke's shoulders. The boy lets his emotions play affect on him. He doesn't know risk management. I believe even if he has chunin skills and deserves a promotion on that basis but we need to tell him about his flawed approach. He will keep it in his mid better if he isn't promoted. We will also have to say why he wasn't promoted. For me in the physical aspect he is ready, but mentally he is not fit to be a chunin yet."

Jiraiya asked, "Tell me Danzo you talk as if you never made a mistake. And Sasuke didn't even know his opponent was a jinchuuriki."

Danzo convincingly said, "I have made mistakes, yes. But I don't want the strong upcoming generation to commit mistakes. And why you may ask, that is because the mistakes we made cost a lot. Shinobi wars. You all refer to me as a war hawk and now must be questioning why the war hawk doesn't want war. It is because I never want to see losses on Konoha's bill. That's why I have always taken measures to keep Konoha uplifted. This caused me to be your war hawk as in war my methods worked better than Hiruzen's. Now think, do we want such mistakes to be committed again? I am ready to make it public that Shimura Danzo stopped the advancement of the Uchiha heir, but it will be necessary to say my reasoning. This will set the example of how small mistakes lead to large consequences. Action speaks louder than words. I appeal to all of you to think on this for a moment."

All thought for a moment Shikaku asked, "Does anyone want to add something before we vote?"

Mikoto said, "I don't know how many of you read this but Sasuke fought and kept a transformed Gaara in stalemate and was dictating the fight for a while. He was passing his limits and rectifying his mistake."

Danzo with a mere moment said, "Only a per cent transformation, not a complete. And also, he had tapped into Orochimaru's curse seal for it. It seems he is under control of it but yeah you all are wise to decide how good it is. I must thank you Shikaku for being able to draft out such detailed information."

Mikoto just gritted her teeth as Danzo continuously attacked her son's promotion. She knew he wasn't perfect or ideal but her son did deserve to be chunin after all this work and skill he attained. He was equating to what Kiyomi was now.

Shikaku said, "Ahhh, that was necessary, to be honest. I called all the five Kakashi had ordered at late night, to give the true comprehensive detail or else I would have a Yamanaka, mostly Inoichi here to see through their memories. All agreed to write on their own and I didn't find any behaviour that may suggest they lied."

Jiraiya just said, "Because they didn't. I too have read a copy of the report. Their verbal assessments matched and I went to see the area they fought."

All just sat there for a moment and then Shikaku said, "All in favour of promoting Uchiha Sasuke raise your hands."

Only Mikoto, Kakashi, Jiraiya, Gai, Asuma and Tsume had raised their hands. While the against side were, Shikaku, Shibi, Chouza, Inoichi, Hiashi, Homura, Koharu and Danzo. Danzo internally grinned at his small success as Shikaku announced, "It is six to eight. Uchiha Sasuke is not to promoted to chunin rank and remains a genin."

There was still an obvious divide in the decision but regardless Shikaku turned to the last page and firstly thought, 'He will be either the least or most troublesome.' He said, "The last one Uzumaki Naruto. So, my assessment is that Naruto is highly skilled and talented just like his teammate. His way of fighting seems to be a bit too self-harming as he often fights and baits himself to get the upper hand. His speciality is making others slip, that is making his opponent kneel in front of him. I believe he plays a game that we don't usually see. In the preliminaries, he made Inuzuka Kiba slip and capitalized on his anger. In the finals he made Neji slip on his anger, though it seemed to backfire. I think it was all part of his plan."

Hiashi was the one who said, "Shikaku I respect your mind a lot, but I think you are overthinking this. He angered Neji and Neji hit him in full force."

There were many who seemed to agree with it except for Jiraiya, Kakashi, Gai and Danzo. They wanted to hear what Shikaku had deciphered. Shikaku said, "You are free to think of your opinion. I just want to mention what Naruto's mind might be. I think it is the most devious and spy-like mind we currently possess."

It was Koharu who said, "Whatever his mind be we can't promote him. He is a jinchuuriki and his life can't be risked in a B or A rank mission. We are in no position to risk our sole jinchuuriki."

Jiraiya said, "Your point is as logical as calling you a youth." Koharu showed a bitter expression and wanted to strangle Hiruzen's student. Gai on hearing his word used in a cool sentence said, "That sentence was unyouthfully cool, but true…And I would like to hear what Shikaku has to say."

Shikaku nodded and said, "I say he has a spy-like mind as he was the one who had reported Kabuto was a spy to the Hokage. When he wasn't even allowed to have any contact with seniors. He found a way and executed it as soon as possible. In the preliminaries, he used Kiba's anger and the sense of underestimating him to his advantage. Then in the finals, he perfectly used Neji to show he was crippled. That's why he forced Neji to break his limits and hit him with the hardest, to make it look that he wasn't acting around."

Hiashi did not like how Shikaku was phrasing things and it showed how the Uzumaki was playing with the Hyuga. Hiashi said, "Shikaku are you sure you are not out of sleep or anything? Who in his right mind would want to take a full-force attack that damages internal organs and blocks chakra?"

Shikaku calmly said, "The answer is Naruto."

Hiashi snorted and said, "I saw he was shocked after getting hit by Neji's most powerful attack. Shikaku you are overthi…"

Shikaku interrupted, "I am not. I have spent a good number of hours thinking about this. I have thought it over and over. After reading the report made by the Uchiha siblings and Haruno Sakura and then I read Mikoto's report on her battles. I then recalled the match Naruto fought. So Hiashi can you tell me the end state of Naruto after the battle."

"He was only able to unlock and use chakra in his right hand. The only reason he won was because of the jutsu his fath…"

Shikaku interrupted again, "The reason he won was because he had planned all that out. And everything went according to his plan. You may say it is due to the Rasengan. And yes, we all here can guess his heritage, there is no denying it. When it is revealed to Naruto is on Master Jiraiya's shoulder. Now hear this, Naruto and Mikoto fought Kabuto and I want Mikoto to tell me what she saw and wrote as Naruto was about to kill Kabuto off and how he injured his opponent."

Mikoto sighed and said, "Well he was about to thrust a Rasengan on the boy. If I hadn't interfered, he would have killed Kabuto, I thought we needed to keep him alive as he could reveal info, but Naruto believed Kabuto was strong-willed and wouldn't reveal anything. And on how he injured I suppose it was a Chidori as I heard its sound, he had cut open Kabuto's torso to a severe degree. I and he ended in a dispute on what to do, which Kabuto capitalized."

Shikaku left his paper and now kept his chin on his fisted hand and asked, "I have already inspected this and know Naruto went after Orochimaru's right-hand man as soon as the invasion started. Isn't it right Kakashi?" Kakashi hummed and nodded. Shikaku then said, "And he didn't see any Hyuga, to open his apparently closed chakra point. So Mikoto could you tell me which hand of Naruto's was filled with blood? That was the hand he used Chidori."

Mikoto squinted her eyes and tried to remember. As she recalled her eyes widened and in a shocked tone said, "The left hand…That means…"

Shikaku said, "Yes that means he had his chakra unlocked as he would need to use hand seals or at least need chakra flowing on his left arm. He deviated everyone's attention using the Rasengan and unlocked his chakra to every part but only showed he had it in his right arm. I said he planned all this out as he was informed of the invasion beforehand as he needed to help Master Jiraiya put barrier seals on important structures. Naruto planned his fight out to trick the invaders and was exactly able to get it done, with none of us having the hint he was acting."

All were silent for a few moments and let the news sink. It was Tsume who said, "Damn I thought the boy was a cute puppy but he turned out to be a vicious wolf."

Danzo on the other hand thought, 'Interesting…I didn't know Uzumaki you were capable of trickery. You are a Namikaze after all. I will have to take extra care of you.'

Shikaku hummed and seriously said, "He has been evading Anbu after his big pranks since he was a child. I also read through the bell test report of team 7 went through. In that, Kakashi has written that he was able to keep track of where Sakura and Sasuke were for every second. But he knew where Naruto was when the boy showed himself in front. He was completely out of the radar. Am I correct Kakashi?"

"Yes, you are. He is the best upcoming shinobi in terms of spying and espionage. And under Master Jiraiya's tutelage, he is bound to become even better." Said Kakashi.

Shikaku then hummed and said, "That is why I think promoting him to a Tokubetsu (special) Jonin on the basis of his spying skills is apt."

This had made everyone's eyes widen, but instantly there were two who extremely liked the idea. And those two were Jiraiya and Danzo. Jiraiya liked it because he believed it was what Naruto would be deserving. Though he was a bit greedy and was going to hit for more. While Danzo was kind of on the same page as he thought, 'Excellent! I need this promotion to go through. It can help me put Uzumaki in more tough missions and away from Konoha for longer. This will help me immensely. This will help me set up in capturing the nine tails and disposing of Naruto.'

Jiraiya was the one who said, "I like your direction Shikaku but don't you think that it would be insulting to his ninjutsu, fuinjutsu and other skill as you make him Tokubetsu Jonin solely on his spying skills."

It was Homura who said, "Jiraiya what are you implying? To make the boy a full-fledged Jonin. Do you really think he is that good?"

Jiraiya just grinned and said, "You really haven't read the report. I think it should be brought here and let the council read it once. As telling it is really a bother."

Koharu then said, "Well that may be fine first I want to know the views of who all have read it. I think only you, Kakashi, Shikaku and Danzo have read it. So, I would like to know Kakashi's and Danzo's assessment."

Though Kakashi was about to say, Mikoto beat him to it. She said, "He is too young for it. He can't be a jonin from now. I don't want him to take those dangerous missions from now. A chunin promotion is fine. Let him gain a bit more experience than promote him to jonin."

Kakashi just said, "Contrary to Mikoto's belief I think Naruto can do fine being a jonin. In our C turned A-rank mission for a few minutes, I was unable to fight. At that time Naruto stepped up and faced Momochi Zabuza, a famous member of the seven Swordsmen of the Mist, a borderline S-rank shinobi. I suppose you all know the details about him. So yeah, Naruto was able to strike his torso with a tanto and land a few hits. Yes, after that Zabuza got himself together and was about to land a killing blow on Naruto. But I realized one thing, even when he is outmatched, he is able to turn the tables. And now his skills are better than at that time. And the report gives more detail on his contribution yesterday."

Mikoto glared at Kakashi, wasn't he too supposed to keep Naruto safe? She did acknowledge the boy was jonin level but he needed more experience or else he could end up in serious trouble. It was Tsume who said, "See I am yet to read the report but even if you two believe the boy is at that level, I must say Mikoto has a point. Sending him on jonin level mission with unnecessary experience may get him killed. And wasting such a talent would be stupid."

Many of the other clan heads agreed that the boy shouldn't be rushed. However, all heard Danzo cough and ask for attention. He then said, "I believe I too was asked for my view. So here is my simple sentence. If we go by today's standards then he makes the rank chunin. But if we go back a few years or a decade, where the quality and standard of shinobi was much better, he would have been promoted to be a jonin."

Chouza asked, "What you say makes no sense."

Danzo calmly said, "It does Akimichi, it does. I mean that if you want to go soft as the trend that is going on then you all will make him a chunin. But in the years when Shinobi peaked, he would have been promoted to jonin. At that time, we solely looked at the quality. And Uzumaki Naruto seems to qualify the standards of being a jonin in the peak period of Shinobi, much higher than the bar of jonin at the moment. He shows the stark contrast in the quality of this age and that age of peak Konoha. If we make a newly promoted jonin and Naruto fight, I wouldn't be surprised if Naruto is capable of winning with relative ease."

It was Inoichi who verbally asked, "Just what did the boy do that you are saying this?"

Shikaku signalled to bring some reports. A copy of the report was brought. Jiraiya handed another paper with some pictures and said, "Here this is an assessment Gamabunta gave me. Naruto had summoned him. And the pictures are of their fighting area"

The reports mentioning Naruto's involvement in the invasion were brought. One by one all read what was written down about the fight he had with Kabuto and especially Gaara, or rather the Ichibi. And seeing the damage, a crater formed and reading all just sat silently. Shikaku then asked, "So, is Tokubetsu Jonin in question?"

Shibi answered, "It is either chunin or jonin. Tokubetsu can't be properly justified."

Inoichi asked, "That crater that was formed when the bijuu dama was still in the Ichibi's mouth but erupted there itself. And Naruto was caught at the edge of that explosion. Firstly, just how did he counter the bijuu fucking dama! And then how did he survive through that explosion!"

Gai added, "He also battled a bijuu without resorting to his own bijuu's power. The flames in him burn strongly."

Jiraiya lied, "Even he can't recall it properly, that's what he said. But he recalls enough that he was trying a highly packed Rasengan and something strange happened, which he isn't able to recall. But it isn't a farfetched idea that a Rasengan can counter an incomplete bijuu-dama as Minato created it for that purpose."

Tsume just said, "Like father, like son. Beefing with bijuus. Sandaime really hid him quite well." Danzo fully agreed with this statement.

Mikoto said nothing as she for the first time truly read what happened in Gamabunta's report, and it truly terrified her, but she couldn't hold her ground on keeping him a chunin now. Shikaku then asked all, "So raise your hand if Naruto is to be promoted to jonin, if not then the vote will be considered for promotion to chunin. All in favour raise your hands."

And with that all present in the council room raised their hand. Shikaku hummed and noted it down as he said, "Uzumaki Naruto, directly promoted to the rank of Jonin."

Shikaku now brought another paper and said, "The last matter of today's meeting, the terms in our ultimatum to be given to Suna for their breach in our pact. What intel I have received is that Suna's Kazekage was killed by Orochimaru and the forces were tricked to launch a full-scale attack. I think a fine of 850 million ryo would be good and a subsidised price on the imported products for five years in exchange for rebuilding the pack seems enough to me."

Danzo added, "In exchange for keeping us from attacking them."

Shikaku said, "Danzo we don't wish to go into a war."

Danzo replied, "When did I say to mobilize the forces? I mean to put that point in front of the council in Suna to feel pressure. Such a clause gives them less time and calmness to think. What do you think that just having a penalty will scare them?...Why won't they side with Iwa, if they offer a pact with benefits? Iwa will obviously look for chances to capitalize. And as always, they will try to get their score back."

Chouza was the one who said, "I don't think any of the nations are looking for another war. Iwa was hit badly in the third war they won't want a repeat."

Danzo retaliated, "A repeat? Who will take out a thousand shinobi in seconds? Do we possess a shinobi of that calibre now? We won the war because Namikaze Minato crippled the Iwa front and he also kept the now Raikage Ay and his jinchuuriki brother Bee at bay. We are not that great now to take on multiple great nations like we used to. And Iwa knows that. The rock village has been rebuilding its military and economy for more than fifteen years now."

Kakashi then pointed out, "If we threaten to attack them then they will automatically look at Iwa for support. I can't disagree that Iwa will look for another round, but we can't include that clause, Danzo. It is a declaration of war. And we really don't want Iwa and Suna's joint attack. Our relationship with Kumo is also very strained since the Hyuga incident. Kiri is still in an internal crisis. Our best course of action is to rebuild with Suna."

Danzo then said, "Why will they pay the money and sanctions if Iwa offers military support and things at reasonable deals?"

Shikaku then said, "Well it is because there is no good contact between the two nations. They were always in dispute. It won't be easy for them to hold talks and make a pact unless we pressure them to make a pact. The way you explained the attack clause can also pressure them to form a pact quickly with Iwa."

All seemed to agree with Shikaku's different perspective. Danzo showed nothing outside, but internally he cursed at their soft nature. Jiraiya just said, "I think for making them reform the pact fast we may need to lower the penalty." All continued the discussion a bit more and finally, Shikaku said, "So let's keep 775 million ryo as a penalty, to be paid over five years and three years' worth of incremented price in the thing we export to them and subsidized value on the things we import from them. This will help us get the original money we want in a way that may not cripple Suna's economy…The meeting is concluded."

The sun was setting as Shikaku looked outside the window from the Hokage's office, standing beside the desk. He as the jonin commander had taken up the responsibility of taking charge as a temporary head and did the paperwork and necessary stuff. After taking some rest and a break from human interaction he thought it was finally time for handing out the promotions. He had sent the respective sensei to fetch their student. And now he waited.

The door opened and entered his son and Asuma. Shikamaru in an annoyed voice said, "Oi, old man what the heck do you want? You know this is my cloud gazing time."

Shikaku looked at his son a bit harshly and said, "Well I have called you to inform you that you will have to cut that time short."

"And why is that?"

Shikaku took out a chunin vest, a light green version of the jonin vest, and said, "Nara Shikamaru, you have been promoted to the rank of chunin by the shinobi council."

"What the fuck! No, I don't want it!" yapped Shikamaru.

Asuma with a smile on the predictable outcome said, "Well you have no choice in it. The council has already sanctioned the promotion."

Shikamaru glared at both the adults and said, "You both just want to see me in misery."

Shikaku just said, "Interpret whatever you want, but you have to acknowledge that you can't run away from responsibilities anymore now. You will start to lead teams and their lives will be in your hands. Success will be of the team and failure will be of the leader. Get mentally prepared son, you will have to get and be stronger now."

Shikamaru just stared at his father and said, "All right." With that, he walked up and took the vest and wore it. Shikamaru felt a bit odd, but it was ok. Shikaku just gave one small smile and said, "Your mother will be happy, go home now. I will arrive in some time."

Shikamaru nodded and with Asuma started to walk towards the door when it opened. And in came Naruto with Kakashi. Shikamaru looked at his classmate, he found the boy looking in the room with eyes that said, 'Get away from me! I am not in a mood.'

His face didn't have the positive features that he usually carried. He now had a face which showed nothing but displeasure. The aura he felt from Naruto was not the same as before, it was harsher and colder than before. Naruto saw Shikamaru in his new chunin uniform and just nodded lightly and in a bland tone said, "Congratulations."

Shikamaru raised his eyebrow at his odd demeanor of Naruto and said, "Thanks. I suppose you too are being promoted so congratulations in advance."

Naruto just hummed and looked at Shikaku next, the stare indirectly saying I am waiting for you to speak. Shikaku realized why Naruto had such a changed persona. It is often found that people sometimes go through changes when they lose someone very close, mostly people become quieter and keep their emotions to themselves in fear of not appearing weak. Shikaku pointed such was the case with Naruto, it was not his place to give a lecture on that to Naruto now, but he hoped his parental figures take the right step rather than let Naruto just be given space.

Shikaku said, "Shikamaru is right. Naruto you are being promoted. Uzumaki Naruto the council sees you fit to take this rank and has promoted you to the rank of Jonin."

Naruto's eyes widened for a moment and then he just returned back to the sulking state he had been since yesterday. Shikamaru couldn't help but say, "Damn!"

Shikaku took out a jonin flank jacket and kept it on the desk. Naruto walked to the desk and took it. The lack of words and change in expression forced Shikaku to ask, "Naruto, aren't you happy? And also try it on, if it doesn't fit, I will change it immediately."

While wearing his flank jacket Naruto said, "It is not like that I am unhappy on gaining this rank." In his thought, he added, 'It is just I had always thought I would receive this from Jiji.' Naruto pulled the zip up and did some upper body moments and then said, "This size is fine. If that is all then I will take my leave."

Shikaku just nodded. As Naruto held the handle of the door, Shikamaru asked, "Naruto, are you fine?"

Naruto looked at his friend. The Nara looked at the dead eyes properly now. Naruto said, "Yes, as fine as I could be."

With that Naruto left the room leaving the other four, three especially intrigued at this different behavior of the boy. Shikaku looked at Kakashi and asked, "Kakashi make him lighten up fast, or else he will lose himself. He is a shinobi, moreover, a jonin our lives move way faster than usual. If he keeps sulking he will lose himself."

Kakashi sighed and said, "We are trying. But he should at least speak more than one line. He is not opening up at all. It is not the first time he has lost someone this close, but the last time he was younger and opened up a bit more, and he had time to cope as he was not a ninja yet. This time he isn't talking about that matter much."

Asuma attested, "I guess young children talk more and are more open-hearted. Konohamaru was devastated yesterday, but is at least talking today."

Kakashi said, "Well let me go after him I am sure he will have visitors in his home by now."

With that Kakashi left the other three. Shikamaru just thought, 'What does he really feel? Sorrow? Angst? Or rather Anger?'

Naruto opened the door with Kakashi at his tow. Naruto knew what his sensei thought and why he was accompanying him. He just thought of it as a waste of time. He was not a boy now who would cry out and let people fix him. The only conversation they had was Kakashi saying you look fine in this outfit, with Naruto only replying with a simple and humble thank you.

Naruto brought out his keys but then noticed the door was open from inside. He looked back at Kakashi and asked, "Who are there inside?"

Kakashi shrugged and said, "How do I know? I was with you."

Naruto gave an uninterested look and said, "Ahh, sure. So, what are the chances that I will open the door and one sanin and an Uchiha will be inside?"

Kakashi gave a deadpan look and said, "If you know then why did you ask me?"

Naruto just said, "I don't know." And with that, he opened the door to see Jiraiya and Mikoto in his apartment. Both of them didn't take a second to say, "Congratulations!"

Naruto simply said, "Thank you." He then took a seat on his couch and waited if someone wanted to say something. He looked in front, at the black screen of his television. Seeing his reflection in it. With his flank jacket now, he wasn't able to suppress his familiarity between him and the Fourth Hokage. It seems their dressing sense was very similar. Too similar. For quite some years he was suppressing this thought, which he deemed ridiculous. But now in a flank jacket and a state where he didn't care what happened, he wasn't able to suppress it.

The three adults, near the door were whispering amongst themselves on what to talk to lighten up Naruto. But shattering all of their planning they heard Naruto in his newfound monotone ask, "Jiraiya tell me the truth…I am a Namikaze, ain't I?"

All the three stood in silence for a moment. Fearing what to say now. The other two just looked at Jiraiya, who mentally only say, 'Fuck!' He went on to think, 'He is serious, he used my real name…I mean after this flank jacket he does not look like any of the pictures of Minato in the books or the engravings…I guess there is no option. I will have to say the truth, at least part of it.'

Jiraiya sighed out and said, "Yes, Minato is your father."

Naruto slightly opened his mouth as if to say something but his teeth clinched back close, and his lips quivered a bit. His hands balled as he grabbed his pants. After a moment of calming down, he said, "Thank you for telling me the truth, at last."

Jiraiya said, "Naruto there were reasons why none of us could say this to you when you were young and wanted to know. We couldn't have a kid yapping about his parent, if the news of your existence reached Iwa, they wouldn't sit silent until you were dead. Assassins would have been sent by not only Iwa but almost all the nations. That's why your surname is Uzumaki, not Namikaze. Your parents' marriage too wasn't a piece of public knowledge."

Naruto moved his hands interlocked them and rested his chin on it as he said, "Ugh…I understand." He just talked more in his thoughts, 'Yapping? To whom? I could have easily yapped about my skills when I was young. I could easily yap about how Shisui-nii and Itachi and even the Sandaime Hokage trained me…None of them trusted me that I was ready to hear that it was my father was the one who cursed me…So does being a Hokage mean you love the village more than your own progeny and loved ones? Sacrificing yourself and your own for the relatively unknown?'

Jiraiya sat down on one of the adjacent seats and said, "I don't know what exactly you are thinking, but if you think that your father didn't love you then you are wrong. Maybe yes, he made some mistakes but he does love you. And he couldn't have asked someone to give their child."

Naruto nodded and thought, 'It wouldn't have been noble to grab someone else's kid. Well, now I realize why ero-senin took me as an apprentice quite easily. And why sensei has been looking after me since my birth. Well, in what way is Kaa-chan close to father? Did they have a fling, a one-night stand, a short relationship, or some time? Nah, that's just weird to think. Maybe she is close to my mother?'

Naruto quietly asked, "What's the name of my mother?"

As expected, Mikoto answered, "Her name was Uzumaki Kushina. She was a great friend of mine. She was a very lively and straightforward person. A bit tomboyish and headstrong. She was a lovely person."

Naruto breathed out and just slightly nodded. He just thought, 'Well she too had some kind of connection with my parents…The only one who truly reached out and extended his arm on his own accord with no prior relation was Shisui…Danzo, I won't forgive you.'

He then asked his guess in a manner they had to answer, "Who was also the previous jinchuuriki of Kyuubi."

All the adults had their eyes widened. Mikoto could only ask, "How do you know about this?"

Naruto calmly explained, "It was easy to guess, provided you know about seals, you know that the seal of a jinchuuriki on the day of birth is especially weak, and the bijuu can go loose…Honestly speaking, as a Hokage if he cares so much about his village then why did he have a child? He could have used protection and still have fun."

Mikoto wanted to smack Naruto on the head for saying such a thing so casually but restrained herself. While Kakashi and Jiraiya just had a sweat drop on their forehead. Kakashi was the one who serenely said, "Naruto it wasn't about just some ecstasy, they wanted to bear the joy of raising a child. They wanted the joy of a complete family. Shinobi are human after all, don't judge simple happiness as a feeble thing. And you have my word they took extremely good care when you were in Kushina's womb."

Naruto just hummed and nodded, but said, "But he was already Hokage right?" pressing his point further.

Jiraiya said, "Naruto precautions were made to stop the Kyuubi from releasing. A secret location was selected for the birth to happen. But…" He stopped for a second, he knew this was information neither Mikoto nor Kakashi knew. He then continued, "…the place was ambushed by a man in a mask. He kidnapped you and Minato fought and brought you back, but it was a diversion to get Kushina, the then jinchuuriki. He extracted the nine tails and sent it towards Konoha. Minato kept you in a safe place as he fought the Kyuubi. And at the end with no choice, he sealed the Kyuubi. And please don't tell this to anyone. as it stands only i and sensei knew about this. And now you three."

Even Mikoto and Kakashi were shocked to gain this knowledge. Naruto just gravely looked forward at his reflection, seeing flickers of Minato in between. He sighed and said, "I see…This masked man, we know nothing of him, do we?"

Jiraiya shook his head. He just took out a scroll and then unsealed a picture out of it. Jiraiya handed it to Naruto. Naruto saw the picture of his parents. Both smiling, the famous Namikaze Minato in his Hokage robes and Hokage hat and clinging to him was a pretty red-haired, purple-eyed woman with a victory sign by her right hand.

Jiraiya was the one who said, "That woman is your mother, Uzumaki Kushina…So this is the first time you are seeing her, isn't it?"

Naruto calmly just said, "Yes, it is…She is pretty."

Naruto got up and moved towards his bedroom while thinking, 'So my real kaa-chan dying due to the tailed beast being removed. While tou-chan died sealing the Kyuubi in me. What would it be like if they would have been alive?'

Internally in his mind space, the Kyuubi could only chuckle at the foolishness of humans. He talked to himself, 'Hehe…This foolish toad is just like his teacher doesn't know, that the truth hidden for too long can be more damaging than the lie. They are fuelling nothing but the turmoil that this brat will experience. Though I owe a thanks to them, as it will make my way out easier.'

Jiraiya asked, "Naruto where are you going?"

Naruto just said, "I want to frame this picture."

Naruto was now alone in his apartment, still in his uniform. The only light was that of the setting sun that crept in via the window, giving the room an orange hue. After framing the picture, he had respectfully asked the three to leave as he wanted to think in solitude and silence. They gave out some resistance but the blank stare that Naruto gave indicated he wasn't taking no for an answer. Jiraiya informed him of the trip they would take to find Tsunade.

But as strong as he was portraying himself to them, inside he was that much cracked. He was now asleep on his cushioned chair holding a book, opened and he was somewhere in the middle. It was a book that was given to him when he was very little. It was one of those books given to little kids, the name of it being, 'The Glorious Yondaime Hokage, Namikaze Minato'. While reading he kept his eyes in check but as he fell asleep due to the mental strain of the day, his eyes released the accumulated tears subconsciously. He cried quietly in his sleep.

Naruto suddenly woke up as he heard someone opening the door lock. Before the perpetrator could enter the dark room, Naruto mentally cursed at himself as he noticed the slight dampness on his cheeks. He wiped his cheeks as fast as he could.

The door opened with light creeping into the room with the one who opened it. Naruto recognized the perpetrator as Kiyomi. He just got up and kept the book in the closest drawer. He just asked, "Why are you here?"

Kiyomi turned on the lights of the room and said, "This is much better. And I am here obviously to check on you. And I see you have surpassed me in rank…Well as much as I am jealous, I am also happy for you as you received the rank you deserve. Congratulations, my whiskers."

Naruto nonchalantly said, "I am fine. And thanks." Naruto then turned and looked at Kiyomi, instead of her usual shinobi wear she had a skin-fit purple full-sleeved shirt and blue pants on.

Kiyomi then asked, "What were you doing in the dark I had already knocked twice?"

"I had fallen asleep after reading a book."

Kiyomi narrowed her eyes and her tone filling with the impending danger asked, "I hope it wasn't an erotica book."

Naruto calmly in his monotone said, "No, for once it wasn't. So, if you are done checking on me, I will go and sleep on my bed."

"Have you eaten?" she asked sternly.

"It doesn't matter. I am not hungry. Bye, lock the door when you leave, and goodnight." With that Naruto took off his jonin vest and Hitai-ate and turned to go towards his bedroom. But before he could move Kiyomi said, "Do you think I will let you sleep without having food?"

Naruto just mentally sighed and said, "Kiyomi don't start acting like a stubborn child."

Kiyomi in a teasing manner said, "Look who is talking about being stubborn."

Naruto nonchalantly said, "Kiyomi I get it you are looking after me. But I am fine. I just want to sleep."

Kiyomi just said, "Come on, you always have place for some Ichiraku don't you? It is still standing you know, to be honest very few structures other than the outskirts ones have been damaged." Kiyomi without hearing his answer grabbed his hand and was tugging him to come with her. Naruto sighed and said, "Fine, just let me change, these pair of clothes have become sweaty after my nap."

Kiyomi with doubt clear in her voice said, "You will change and come out. Not sleep right?"

Naruto feebly nodded and went into his bedroom for a change. Kiyomi sighed and thought, 'Well at least he agreed to eat. This boy hasn't talked with anyone properly since yesterday. And I saw the tear stains on his cheeks, but it would be useless to ask him. He would say I saw wrong. He is just bottling up everything. I will have to make him talk…But if the adults weren't able to open him up, how will I? But I need to break the dam he is creating in himself.' She then looked around the room for random motivation or points to talk about.

Her eyes fell on one new framed photo on the wall. She tilted her head as she saw the picture that contained the Yondaime Hokage and a red-haired woman. It looked like the two were a couple. A sudden electric spark emerged in her head as in her mind she pictured Naruto and Minato side by side. She then noticed some features that Naruto had from the woman. She just stood with her mouth slightly open as she realized. Then she thought, how could she miss it?

Naruto came out seeing Kiyomi looking at his parents' picture in an agape manner. He came out wearing a loose-fit navy blue t-shirt and a pair of white trousers. Naruto asked, "I see you meet my parents."

Kiyomi turned to the voice and couldn't help but blush at how good Naruto looked in her opinion. With the slight blush still on she said, "Yes, your mother is quite beautiful. And you have gone a lot on your father."

Naruto nodded and said, "Shall we go?"

While Naruto looked at the door, Kiyomi couldn't help but ask, "Why hadn't you put the photo before?"

Naruto nonchalantly replied, "Today was the day when I was confirmed they are my parents by my benefactors."

Kiyomi could only nod while internally yelling, 'For what reason was it hidden this long? And if was to be disclosed then why now? I mean he isn't in the best of states to take such news. Stupid people!'

They walked to their destination in the star blanketed sky. Kiyomi gave some comments on the beautiful nature, with Naruto just nodding or humming. Kiyomi was now internally getting annoyed about how to make the blonde speak more than one line to have a two-sided conversation.

They reached their destination, Ichiraku ramen. Both of them entered the stall and took seats, the stall was occupied more than usual. Teuchi noticed the duo and said, "Ah, Naruto, Kiyomi it's good to see you both are in good health."

Kiyomi said, "Same here, I see you and Ayame are working a bit more than usual."

Ayame while stirring some broth said, "The demand has increased a bit, but it is manageable. So, what will you two have? Naruto your usual five-bowl combo?"

Naruto said, "Nah, just one bowl of miso today."

Teuchi immediately knew why Naruto was off. He then said, "Forgive me Naruto if I am a bit too frank. I am not so good with words, so I will say it straight. Keeping yourself hungry won't make things better. I know how important Sandaime was to you, he was a good man. Maybe saying this to forget your sorrow in one day is too much, but not eating as much as you do isn't a good way to go about it. And eventually, you will have to get over it. And the Sandaime wouldn't want you to decrease your appetite. So, what do you say, the five-bowl combo?"

Naruto just internally sighed and said, "I appreciate your words, but I don't want to waste food, so maximum I will eat one miso and one chicken ramen."

Teuchi just slightly smiled and said, "Better, and you Kiyomi? A plate of gyoza and shuoyo ramen?"

Kiyomi said, "Yes please, thank you." Kiyomi thought, 'Teuchi asked him straight away he did agree but it seemed too superficial to me. He doesn't agree with anything in one argument. He just did it to drop the fact.'

Both of them ate their food in relative silence as the father-daughter duo took care of the other orders. Naruto ate the food and paid for the food of both and with a quick bye left the stall. Kiyomi was not that quick and gulped down the last gyoza and said her bye to the stall owners. She quickly caught up with Naruto who walked towards his home. Kiyomi in an irritated voice said, "What was the big idea of leaving me like that."

"You had food, I had food, I am sleepy, it is night, you too would sleep. So, there was no longer the necessity for you to look over me. And also, I need rest, I am going on a trip and mission tomorrow morning."

Kiyomi with slight shock asked, "You are already going on a mission?!"

"Yes."

"But you haven't healed fully." Said the girl voicing her concern.

"With tonight's rest, I will be back to fully fine. And it is just a travel and escort back trip"

Kiyomi said, "Promise you won't over-exert yourself."

Naruto just said, "Ok."

Kiyomi pouted at the half-hearted okay. Naruto saw it, but as usual, he didn't blush. He just thought, 'Well at least I have got myself under control, finally…If I hadn't gotten angry, things could have been different. Kabuto would have come back to me. He just wanted to separate me, and he was successful. If only I had kept my head straight. It would have been Jiji who would have told me about my parents, I completed the condition of becoming a jonin. But why didn't he trust me with the information? It is not like I am a big bragger…Just why didn't anyone trust me?'

It is often unfair to decide when one knows only a part of the whole, but what could one do when the half looks like the whole? Someone has noted it right, half knowledge is more dangerous than knowing nothing.

Naruto noticed they had passed the diverting point from where Kiyomi was supposed to leave him, but the girl hadn't left and was still walking with her. Naruto nonchalantly said, "You missed your turn."

Kiyomi just looked at her and with a small smile said, "I know. But I came to check on you and see how you are. So, I am your babysitter for today. Don't worry my big baby I will walk you home."

Naruto just blankly stared at the girl wondering, 'What the heck does she want to mean? She is weird sometimes.' He said nothing and walked to his home with the girl by his side. As they reached out for his keys and said, "You can go home now."

Naruto opened the door and entered, he had expected a bye and some witty comment but instead, he heard footsteps coming into the apartment. He turned back and said, "Aren't you gonna go home?"

Kiyomi just said, "I will, but not yet. If I go now, I will have to help in rebuilding the district's private garden."

Naruto said, "Fine, but when you leave close the door properly. I am going to sleep."

Kiyomi asked, "Do you know that when one smiles, they can't breathe?"

Naruto blandly said, "No."

Kiyomi in a slightly pleading manner said, "Come on try it, I mean I was fascinated to know about this and it is true!"

Naruto stared at the girl and asked, "I don't want to."

"I won't let you sleep." Was Kiyomi's quick reply.

Naruto actually sighed now and asked, "If I try it, you will let me sleep?"

Kiyomi nodded and Naruto just stretched his facial muscles a bit and gave a small smile, but his eyes were still filled with angst and sadness. He then said, "See I can talk and breathe."

Kiyomi showed her smile and said, "Ugh, you are right we can breathe while we smile, and my face feels better when the mouth curves up…It looks better on you, Naruto. Why don't you always adore your face with a smile?"

Naruto's smile straightens out back to a straight line. He just says, "Kiyomi it would rather be better for yourself if you go and fix that garden. It will kind of train your body. And it is much better than doing nonsense here."

Kiyomi dropped her smile and said, "Nonsense? You are the one who needs to realize that here this nonsense is needed."

Naruto just shook his head and said, "I am going to sleep." As he walked towards the room, he was intercepted by Kiyomi, who gave him one solid slap.

This was totally unexpected to Naruto, as the girl had never raised her hands on him. She had packed enough force that Naruto fell down to the floor. While still on the ground he looked up while touching the cheek where she had slapped him. Still on the ground, he in a bit irate tone asked, "What the heck was that for?"

Kiyomi signed in relief and said, "At last you showed another emotion."

Naruto in a similar irate manner said, "What is that supposed to mean?"

Kiyomi explained to her blonde, "Since yesterday you have shown no emotions to the outer world. You are storing it up all in yourself."

"So, you slap me to check if I can still feel anger?"

"Yes, as that is the emotion one has the least control over."

Naruto now yelled, "You want to really see my anger? Do you even know how much angry I am towards everyone? Don't start thinking if you do not have anything negative on your plate then another person too has it all positive! Do you know how angry I am since Jiji's death? You stupid irritating bitch!" It took a moment for Naruto to realize he let a bit of his anger loose and had insulted the girl that loved him.

He kind of in frustration held his head and pulled his hair a bit, while breathing erratically. Naruto controlled himself back and said, "Kiyomi, forgive me I let emotions loose…"

Kiyomi too now kneeled down and sat in front of the fallen Naruto. There was some obvious hurt in her eyes. Naruto removed his hand from his cheek and sighed, closing his eyes. He said, "If it would make you feel better, you can slap me more."

But instead of a slap he hadn't expected a warm embrace. His eyes opened in shock. He in his confused state was only able to say, "Ki-Kiyomi? What are you doin…"

He was cut off and Kiyomi kept her hand at the back of his head and pushed it, to be on her shoulder. She calmly said, "You can let it all out. Anger, sorrow, whatever. I will always shoulder you. I may be harsh on you, expecting you to open up within a day…But I am sorry, you will have to bounce back, you can't stay in this emotionless state. You don't need to be back with all the sunshine and flowers after such an event, but you shouldn't keep everything inside. We are shinobi, are lives move fast. You are already leaving tomorrow. At a fight being emotionless is fine but always, that's not fine."

She now gripped Naruto harder and in a hoarse voice said, "I knew a person who kept his emotions and everything to himself, at the end I didn't recognize who he was, even if he was my brother…I don't want to lose you, Naruto. I can't lose you. Please don't go away from me…Don't bottle your emotions anymore!"

Naruto didn't know what magic Kiyomi's words did, but his eyes were already shedding tears. Closed the embrace by grabbing Kiyomi closer and digging his head deeper into her shoulder. They stayed still as if time had frozen. Naruto kept shedding his tears on Kiyomi.

Finally, he in a voice that was hoarse and timid at the same time, said, "He di-died, I could have at least attempted to sa-save him…but I didn't. I was responsible for Ka-Kaa-chan's injury. I wasn't able to either save Shi-Shisui…Even when I am a son of heroes, I am still the pro-protected one. And why would they hide my pa-pa-parents' identity from me? Today was the first time I saw the woman who gave birth to me. It was me who pushed them to reveal it, but why didn't anyone tell me about it sooner? All those theories, denials, and sparks of hope, why did they let it keep going on? I don't know how to react that would keep the damage at least and control myself. The best way is to bottle everything up. What else can I do? And here I don't know how you broke that dam which I built in myself!"

Kiyomi patted and soothed Naruto at the back of his head and said, "Shh, it is all right to show your emotion. You don't need to show it to everyone, just the ones you truly trust…And I will always be there to shoulder you."

Naruto just snuggled deeper into the embrace and didn't stop the water flowing from his eyes, which now damped Kiyomi's shirt. They stay like that with Kiyomi soothing the boy and Naruto letting his frustration, hurt, and sorrow out.

AN: Thanks for reading. Criticism is welcomed.