Naruto Fan Fiction ❯ Shattered ❯ The Great Leap Forward ( Chapter 14 )

Disclaimer: I don't own Naruto, hell I don't even own this

::holds up chair::

No really, who the hell does this belong to??

 

Thanks to my beta. She knows how to read jibberish.

 

 

*****Spoiler warning from Chapter 247 and beyond. Unlike before you might actually catch this spoiler*****

 

 

 

 

Chapter 14: The Great Leap Forward

 

 

Of all the people Tsunade had expected to come see her, Kabuto was not only on the bottom of the list but also the least desired. The few times she had talked with the man were enough. She didn't like him, as a matter of fact she could go as far as to say she hated him. Hate is a strong word, but then again she's a strong woman. She watched as he asked the white haired shinobi that came with him to wait outside. Kabuto turned, walked over and sat down in the chair across from her desk. She didn't remember asking him to sit down, much less enter her office.

 

No doubt about it, she hated him.

 

But of course she wasn't going to tell him that. He probably knew, but that was besides the point. She had to put Konoha's interest before hers. That's what being in charge of a village meant, you come last. For the rest of her life Tsunade would come last. Strangely enough that idea didn't bother her. She wondered if Kabuto understood that. Did he put himself last?

 

“What can I do for you Kabuto?”

 

“I decided to kill two birds with one stone. I came to pick up Ryo and at the same time talk to you.”

 

Tsunade had to stop and think for a minute. Ryo….Ryo? Oh, the red head. He was still in the hospital. He had used up all his chakra when he fought the other Sound nin and then Sasuke. Poor kid, he was too sweet to belong to the Sound. But no matter, the faster he went home the faster she could get the Sound out of her hair.

 

“What do you want to talk to me about?” Tsunade noticed that Kabuto leaned back into the chair. He was getting comfortable. That could only mean one thing, he was going to be here a while.

 

“I want to rebuild the Sound peacefully. As you know trying to run a village and rebuild it is difficult. For me that difficulty is multiplied. No one trusts the Sound, and I don't blame them. Orochimaru made sure of that. That mistrust is one of the biggest roadblocks the Sound has to overcome, and I think I have come up with a solution. A peace treaty.”

 

“You want a peace treaty between the Leaf and the Sound?”

 

“Yes. You know my village is not prepared for an attack. And the Leaf has just barely recovered. I am also quite aware that you probably don't want a treaty between the two of us. That would cause trouble with the Sand. I know how politics work.”

 

“What you say is true. A treaty between us would put a strain on my relationship with the Sand, and that is something I will not tolerate.”

 

“I haven't gone to the Sand yet, but I hear Gaara is the Kazekage.”

 

“Yes he is. He doesn't tolerate traitors. He also cares very much for our ninjas.” Tsunade watched as a smile crossed Kabuto's face.

 

“Is that a warning?” Tsunade could only smile back. She said nothing though. She didn't have to, he got the hint. “Well since a treaty is impossible, I have another suggestion.”

 

“Oh really.”

 

“Yes, a written agreement, not exactly a treaty. We stay out of each other's business. The Sound will stay out of the Fire country, and will not do any business with the Leaf. We will pretend you don't exist. In return you do the same. Don't send nins to the sound or get involved with our business; political or otherwise.”

 

“And if the agreement is broken?”

 

“If either of us breaks the agreement, we have the right to invade if we see fit.”

 

Tsunade got up and walked over to the window. The agreement Kabuto suggested had its good points and its bad. If she agreed to it the Sound would be crippled economically. The Leaf was one of the largest consumers of goods. Granted the Sound had little to offer, but since their betrayal of the Sand, the other large consumer, their market options had been greatly limited. The Leaf wouldn't be hurt economically though. They traded very little with the Sound. Losing the Sound wouldn't even cause a ripple.

 

On the other hand, if she agreed she wouldn't be able to monitor the Sound. She wouldn't know if they were developing an army, or plotting to invade. Not knowing is worse than having to deal with strained relationship. But then again he said nothing about other villages. She could always use her connections in other places to keep tabs on the Sound. She had to wonder though, why would Kabuto suggest a plan that would harm the Sound? No he had to have an ulterior motive.

 

“Let me get this straight. We don't stick our noses in your land and you don't stick yours in ours?”

 

“That is correct. But please remember the gates to the Sound are always open to anyone who wishes to join.”

 

That was it. That was his ulterior motive. If anyone abandoned the Leaf she wouldn't be able to send Hunter Nin's after them. That didn't matter though. The last nin to leave the village was Sasuke, and he came back. Leaf nin's rarely become missing nins.

 

“I'll agree on one condition. The agreement should only last two years. That should give you enough time to do your rebuilding.” Tsunade watched as a frown crossed Kabuto's face. “You know quite well that the Sound cannot survive without doing business with the Leaf.”

 

“Very well.”

 

She watched as he reluctantly pulled out two scrolls from his robes. Bastard had already written it all up. He opened the scrolls on her desk and began writing the new condition on the bottom of each scroll. He handed her both scrolls and she looked them over. The language was simple, no hidden loops anywhere, no room for confusion. She set them down and signed them. He signed them as well and rolled them up. He gave her one scroll and he kept the other.

 

“This agreement will go into effect as soon as you leave here with Ryo.”

 

“Thank you for your time.”

 

Tsunade extended her hand but Kabuto walked right past her and out the door. He didn't even have the decency to shake her hand. No doubt about it, she hated him.

 

 

 

“You are looking so much better.”

 

Sakura carefully removed the bandages from Ryo's back and shoulders. The wounds had healed nicely. Unfortunately there would be scars. From what Sakura had seen Ryo had somehow managed to remain unmarked.

 

“Really?” She could hear the excitement in his voice.

 

“Good, because we leave today.” Both Sakura and Ryo looked toward the door at the sound of the new voice. Ryo went from excited to down right giddy at the sight of Hibiki.

 

“Biki-kun!”

 

“I'll wait here until Kabuto-sensei finishes up and gets us.”

 

Sakura watched as Hibiki entered the room and grabbed a chair. He sat down on the other side of the bed. He wore the same black jumpsuit from the tournament, and still carried the two katanas on his back. Looking at his face she felt a sudden urge to ask him why he had a metal plate covering his left eye. She quickly suppressed that urge when she noticed she was staring. She continued her examination of Ryo. The whole time she could feel Hibiki's eye on her. She felt awkward with Hibiki in the room. She wondered if she got Ryo or Hibiki talking the feeling would go away.

 

“Did you and Kabuto come alone?”

 

“That is none of your concern.”

 

“Biki-kun, be nice to Sakura-san.” Sakura was forced to stop her examination when Ryo turned to face her. “Don't mind him, he's like that to everyone. Oh and Kabuto usually travels with me, Hibiki or Roiyaru. But now that Roiyaru lost his arm that might not happen.”

 

“Ryo, don't talk to her so openly.” Sakura could hear the anger in his voice. This man was nothing like Ryo.

 

“Oh don't worry so much. Really Biki-kun you should learn to lighten up a bit. She isn't going to hurt me, or you.”

 

Hibiki only sighed heavily and sat back in his chair. Sakura continued her examination of Ryo. As she passed her hand over his shoulder, Ryo hissed when she accidentally brushed a bruise that was taking a while to heal. She apologized, but noticed that Hibiki was now standing next to the bed instead of sitting. It was obvious Hibiki was very protective of Ryo, so Sakura made sure not to cause Ryo any more pain than needed. She was almost done when Lee walked in.

 

“Sakura, are you almost done?”

 

Stopping in her examination, Sakura walked over to Lee. “Yeah I am actually. Why do you ask?”

 

“Oh well Neji just got back from a mission. He was hurt, nothing major though. So me, Naruto, Hinata and Sasuke decided to come get you and Neji and have lunch.”

 

“That sounds great.” With that Sakura turned her attention back at Ryo. That's when she noticed Ryo was looking rather confused. “Oh, I'm sorry. Ryo, this is Rock Lee. And that's Hibiki.”

 

At the introduction Lee approached Ryo and shook his hand. “Pleasure to meet you. I must say I was very impressed with your taijutsu.”

 

“Lee is one of the taijutsu experts in the village.” Sakura announced proudly.

 

“Really, that's great. Who's the other expert?”

 

Quickly striking the good guy pose, Lee loudly said, “My sensei, Maito Gai!”

 

Ryo and Hibiki could only stare at Lee in complete and total shock. There was no doubt that Lee was the strangest person either of them had ever met. Ryo turned to look at Sakura who was unaffected by Lee's actions. Obviously she was used to it.

 

“Okay, that's it. Ryo you are free to go. Let me just finish the paperwork and you can go checkout.” Sakura moved to the end of the bed and started filling out the paperwork she held on her clipboard. Hibiki got up from his seat and walked over to the small closet in the room.

 

Sakura was too involved with the paperwork to notice the look Ryo was giving her. It was the same look Lee used to give her before they started dating. It was the same look Naruto used to give her when he was younger. It was a look of longing. Lee didn't know why Ryo was looking at her that way, and he really didn't care how long he might have been looking at her with those eyes. He only knew that he didn't like it.

 

As soon as Sakura was done with the paperwork she leaned over to hand it to Ryo. “Here you go Ryo.”

 

Ryo reached forward to grab the paperwork and Sakura's hand. “Thank you Sakura-san. May the faiths be kind and allow me to see you again.”

 

Sakura smiled at Ryo and pulled her hand back. She knew he was flirting with her. He had been doing it for sometime, but she never once did anything to reciprocate his advances. But then again she never told him she was taken. To be honest it really wasn't any of his business, so she never said anything about Lee.

 

As she walked out of Ryo's room, Lee moved to walk beside her and reached out to grab her hand. He looked back right before exiting the room to make sure Ryo was watching. Sure enough, Ryo was watching and he didn't look happy.

 

 

“Neji-niisan?”

 

Neji turned toward the doorway. He watched as Hinata and Naruto walked in, Sasuke stayed by the door. Neji quickly turned his back to them. He had yet to wrap his forehead, leaving his seal in plain view.

 

“Hinata-sama, I'm fine.” His words came out cold and harsh, leaving him feeling guilty. He knew she was there because she was worried, she always worried about everyone in the clan.

 

Naruto noticed that Hinata was slightly hurt by Neji's coldness. Over the years the two of them had gotten pretty close. Naruto knew Neji probably didn't mean to be so distant. Stepping closer to Hinata, he placed his hand on his shoulder and motions toward the door. She looked at him, then toward the door just in time to see Sasuke leave. Understanding that Naruto wanted to be alone with Neji she squeezed his hand and left the room.

 

Neither Naruto nor Neji make a sound. Both of them simply stand there. After what seems like forever Neji speaks. “You should go with them.”

 

Without saying anything Naruto approaches Neji and turns him around. Neji doesn't fight him. He knows it would be useless to fight Naruto, he's way too stubborn.

 

Naruto examines the cut Neji has on his forehead. The wound is right over Neji's eye, next to the seal. Naruto notices that if the slash was done just a little lower Neji might have lost his eye. The cut itself is red around the edges, giving it an angry look. He can tell that it was probably very deep before Neji got it healed.

 

“How did you get this?”

 

“I was careless.”

 

Carefully Naruto reaches up and touches the skin around the wound. “Does it hurt?”

 

Neji closes his eyes and takes a moment to answer Naruto's question. “That depends on which wound you mean?”

 

Naruto stops tracing the cut and looks at Neji. He remembers the first time Neji showed him the seal. Naruto couldn't believe that something so barbaric was still being used. Naruto would pity Neji, if it weren't for the fact that Neji might kick his ass for feeling that way. The last thing Neji wanted or needed was pity.

 

“Can it be removed?”

 

“I don't know.”

 

This time Naruto moves his fingers to trace over the seal. “There are too many people in this world caged by their seals.”

 

Neji opens his eyes and stares at Naruto. He sees understanding in Naruto's eyes. Neji can't help but feel slightly confused about what Naruto is feeling. “How would you know what it's like?”

 

Naruto steps away from Neji. He has a knowing smirk on his face. Naruto knows his reaction to Neji's question is probably angering him. “I know you have some idea of what I mean. You probably have some questions about me and what I have. I hate to see you think so little of yourself. You're a genius remember.”

 

“You still haven't answered my question.”

 

`Damnit.' Naruto had hoped that if he danced around the question he could get away with not answering it. But of course, Neji was smarter than that. Naruto also knew that when it came to stubbornness, Neji could be really pushy if he wanted. Lying to Neji was out of the question, he would be able to tell almost instantly. Sighing heavily Naruto knew he had no choice but to tell Neji.

 

“I trust you. There are few I would want to fight by my side, and you are one of them. You also know the burden seals carry.”

 

With that Naruto lifted his shirt and gathered some chakra, revealing the seal. Naruto saw Neji's eye widen at the sight of the complex seal.

 

“What does it seal?”

 

“My demon.”

 

Neji doesn't question Naruto further about the seal. He can tell that Naruto was hesitant about showing him the seal, which could only mean that few knew about it. Reaching out he lowers Naruto's shirt. “Does Hinata know?”

 

“I haven't told her yet.” Without another word Neji turns and grabs his head wrappings. Naruto watches him walk over to a mirror and start wrapping his head. Once the seal is covered, Naruto turns and walks toward the door. He puts his hand on the doorknob but doesn't open it. “We'll wait for you outside, and don't worry I haven't forgotten my promise to you.”

 

When Naruto walks out of the room and into the hall he sees Hinata and Sasuke sitting in some chairs across from the room. Hinata instantly gets up and walks over to him.

 

“How is he?”

 

“Fine. He was just embarrassed about being hurt.”

 

“I need to talk to him.”

 

When Hinata walks into Neji's room, Naruto takes her seat next to Sasuke. Naruto could tell that Sasuke was slightly irritated about something.

 

“What's wrong?”

 

“Why does she insist on seeing him? It's obvious he doesn't want to talk.”

 

“She's worried, that's all.”

 

“Does it bother you?”

 

It takes Naruto only a second to catch on to what Sasuke is insinuating at. With a smile on his face, Naruto turns and says, “Do I seem like the jealous type to you?”

 

“I was just wondering.”

 

After a few more minutes Neji and Hinata walk out of the room and the four of them left the hospital. As they approached the ramen stand they saw that Sakura and Lee were already waiting outside. All six of them sat around a table and ordered their food. The talk was lively, and Naruto couldn't be happier.

 

No one noticed the three figures that hid in the shadows of a tree from across the street. No one noticed one of the figures clinch a fist when Lee put his arm around Sakura. No one noticed the way one of the figures smiled when Naruto yelled at Sasuke. No one noticed the three figures as they left Konoha, not to be seen again for two years.

 

 

One Year Later

 

 

“Oye Naruto, is Hinata joining us for dinner?” Sakura exited the kitchen just in time to hear Naruto yell back a no from the bedroom. She also heard Sasuke grumble something about not being able to sleep in his own house.

 

Shaking her head Sakura walked back in the kitchen to finish making dinner. As she cooked she thought about how much had changed since Sasuke came back home. They were actually happy. It had been so long since she could honestly say she was happy. Naruto and Sasuke were doing wonderfully at the academy. Naruto was a natural born teacher. As soon as his students figured out how to mold chakra they were learning jutsu's left and right. Naruto was surprisingly patient with his students. He was also very caring. She remembered coming home one day to find the house full of students. When she confronted him about it he said that they had all passed a very important test and had no family to celebrate it with.

 

Naruto's relationship with Hinata was also progressing nicely. The Hyuuga clan welcomed Naruto with open arms. He quickly became a regular sparing partner for the clan since he was the only one in Konoha who could take on a Hyuuga and walk away from it. A few months into his relationship he told Hinata he was in love with her. Naruto told Sakura that when he told her Hinata started crying and said she loved him too. Sakura couldn't be happier for him. He deserved someone like Hinata. Although she did feel a little jealous at their relationship, since her relationship with Lee wasn't progressing as fast.

 

After two years of dating she finally told Lee she loved him. She giggled as she remembered how Lee started doing back flips and almost knocked her over when he regained enough composure to hug her. Since then things have been kinda slow. They've reached a point in their relationship where they were comfortable. Lee was a regular at the Uchiha house. He would spar with both Naruto and Sasuke, eat dinner, have talks with Sakura and go home. It was almost like having a forth roommate.

 

Sasuke was still single. Sakura had tried to play matchmaker, but they all ended in an annoyed Sasuke. He finally told her to stop trying to set him up. He later confessed to her that he had no desire to continue the Uchiha line. The only way he would was if he met the right girl, and the chances of that were about as great as him using the Sexy no Jutsu. But being single didn't leave Sasuke with time to kill, the academy made sure of that.

 

His students learned how to wield a kunai with great precision. They're ability to hit targets was wonderful. He started them off with mastering how to use just one kunai or shuriken at a time. Once that was accomplished he would have them use two at a time, then three and so forth. He pushed his students in such a way that it was encouraging as well as motivating. When the academy let out there was always a line of students waiting outside his office. He would stay late and help each and everyone of the students. No matter how late it got, or how tired he was, Sasuke would never turn anyone away. On some nights Sasuke would come home so late that he would just go straight to bed. On one particularly tiring night he told Naruto that the reason he never turned anyone away was because his family would always tell him later and later would never come. Sasuke of course left out the fact that when he meant family, he was really talking about Itachi.

 

“Sakura you burned the rice!”

 

Sakura turned to see what Naruto was yelling about. She had been so caught up in her thoughts, she forgot all about the food.

 

“Sorry, I guess I kinda zoned out for a second there.”

 

“Sakura, you burned all the food.”

 

Sure enough every last bit of food was either burned or two steps away from burned. Sakura left the kitchen and went to retrieve her purse. Since it was her fault the food was burned she knew she would have to go buy something else. When she opened the front door and Lee was standing there with his arm raised. He was about to knock.

 

“Sakura where are you going?”

 

“Come with me and I'll tell you.”

 

Naruto was in the kitchen throwing away burnt food and washing the dishes. He heard Sasuke walk in a while later. The late hours Sasuke was working, as well as all the work he was putting into helping Naruto with his project were really taking its toll.

 

“You know Sasuke the monthly Hokage meeting is this week.”

 

Sasuke pulled out a chair and sat down. “I know. I'll be there with you when you announce your plan for the orphanage.”

 

“Have I thanked you yet for all your help on that?”

 

“No, you haven't.”

 

“Okay, just checking.”

 

Sasuke couldn't help but smirk at the response. He knew that was Naruto's way of saying thanks. Still no thanks was needed. When Naruto approached him with the idea of the orphanage, Sasuke was more than happy to help. There were way too many children in the academy who were alone, and who knew how many kids who weren't enrolled were alone as well. An orphanage could only benefit the village.

 

“Exit exams are tomorrow.” Sasuke could hear the nervousness in Naruto's voice.

 

“They'll all do fine.”

 

“Dad said he was going to make the exam extra hard since they've all been doing so well.”

 

“Naruto, they'll do fine.”

 

Naruto continued to wash dishes and Sasuke continued to sit and watch. Neither said anything, there really wasn't a need for words. Sasuke knew Naruto was nervous about the exit exam and the meeting. Naruto knew Sasuke would be by his side to ease his nerves. They remained quiet until Sakura came back home carrying food, well Lee was the one holding all the food, but still food had arrived.

 

Once situated around the table the four of them fell into their regular routine of eating and talking. Lee told them about his latest mission, Naruto talked about how his students were doing in school, Sakura talked about the people she treated in the hospital, and Sasuke would comment here and there.

 

“Hey Naruto, where's Hinata?”

 

Naruto quickly swallowed his food before answering Lee. The last time he talked with his mouth full Sakura had yelled at him because of his poor table manners. “She has patrol duty tonight. She said she was going to be relieved around midnight.”

 

“Just leave your window open.” Sakura watched as Naruto shot her a look of shock and embarrassment. “I know she comes over and spends the night sometimes.”

 

“Naruto-kun I would have never thought.”

 

Naruto's face went from a light pink to a full blown out red. “We don't do anything but talk and sleep. It's nothing like you two perverts do in her room.” It was now Sakura and Lee's turn to blush. He knew they hadn't taken that step yet, but it was still fun to mess with them.

 

“Naruto, isn't your anniversary coming up?” Sasuke was the household calendar. He knew when Naruto's, Sakura's, Lee's and more recently Hinata's birthday was. He knew almost every obscure date of an important event. He really didn't know when it became habit to memorize important dates, but he found that when he would say Happy Birthday or give a small present the look on the other persons face made it okay. It made it easier for him to get over his guilt for leaving. It made him feel like he was making up for lost time.

 

“Yeah actually it's next week. I plan on taking her to the Tea country for two weeks. I already asked Tsunade-no-baachan for permission to leave. We're gonna be staying with the Wasabi clan, and we're gonna go see the Sakura Festival.”

 

“Wow Naruto, you're really going all out.” Sakura couldn't help but feel a little bit jealous of Hinata. Naruto was really going out of his way to make this anniversary special. She watched as Naruto gave her a sheepish smile. She knew that smile; he was hiding something. “Naruto what do you have planned?”

 

“Huh…..oh nothing.”

 

Bingo. She knew it.

 

“Naruto, what do you have planned?”

 

This wasn't how Naruto wanted to tell everyone. He wanted to wait until him and Hinata came back to let everyone know. But he knew he wasn't going to be leaving the table without telling them. He couldn't lie either, Sakura and Sasuke would be able to tell if he was lying.

 

“If you must know. I talked to Hiashi-sama last week and I got permission from him to ask Hinata for her hand.”

 

Lee fell out of his chair, Sasuke dropped his chopsticks and Sakura forgot how to breath. Lee was the first one to regain enough composure. “You're going to propose?”

 

“Yes. She's the one, I know she is. I didn't want to say anything just in case she said no.”

 

Gracefully picking up his chopsticks, Sasuke looked Naruto square in the eye. “She's not going to say no.”

 

 

Naruto turned and looked at his alarm clock.

 

12:11 A.M.

 

He wondered if Hinata was going to come over tonight. He understood if she didn't. She almost got caught a few weeks ago by one of her uncles when she tried to sneak back into her room. They were both lucky that Neji was on their side and helped her come up with an excuse.

 

He turned back over to look at the window, and hoped nothing bad happened while she was on patrol. The night shift was always the most dangerous. She was a good shinobi, she could handle herself, but still he worried. Naruto heard a shuffling outside the window and watched as Hinata climbed in.

 

“Hinata.”

 

“Did I wake you Naruto?”

 

“No, I was already up.” Naruto watched as Hinata took off her shoes, chuunin vest, headband and socks. He shifted in the bed making room for her and waited for her to climb in. As she approached the bed she hesitated and started looking for something on his nightstand.

 

“Naruto, do you have any tissue?”

 

Naruto wordlessly reached over and opened a drawer. When she grabbed the tissue he turned on the lamp that was on his nightstand. He saw that Hinata had a small cut on her cheek and a bruise on her shoulder. He quickly sat up in the bed and reached further in the drawer for some band aids.

 

“What happened?”

 

Hinata spoke as Naruto proceeded to clean her cut and put a bandaid on it. “There was a rouge ninja that tried to enter the village. I was called in as backup when he became violent. Me and another chuunin chased him out of the village.”

 

“You fought him?”

 

“Yeah. He was really fast.” What she didn't tell him was that he looked familiar. It wasn't until she noticed he had one arm, that she realized who he was. But she didn't want to worry Naruto. He had enough on his mind. Besides she had already given her report to her jounin supervisor. He assured her that he would tell the Hokage about the one armed ninja in the morning.

 

Naruto nodded in response. Once her cut was covered he turned the lamp off and laid down. He opened his arms and waited for Hinata to join him. She climbed in under the sheets and moved into his arms. He lay on his back with his arms around Hinata. She had her head on his shoulder and had her arms wrapped around his waist. She could feel his hand running through her hair.

 

“Good night.” Naruto kissed the top of her head. With his lips still pressed in her hair he whispered, “I love you.”

 

Hinata squeezed him in response before looking up and kissing him on the cheek. “I love you too.”

 

 

“The meeting is now in session.” Tsunade waited until everyone quieted down before continuing. As she looked around the room she was surprised to see a few new faces. These meetings weren't mandatory to attend, but new faces meant they wanted something. “Our first order of the day is that recently there has been a rouge ninja roaming the outskirts of the village. We don't know what he wants or why he is here. If you encounter that ninja, please detain him and bring him in for questioning. I warn you though he will not hesitate to attack and is very skilled.”

 

Naruto knew she was talking about the same ninja that Hinata fought with a few days ago. He hoped that when he left for the Tea Country tomorrow that he wouldn't run into the ninja. Naruto didn't want to start his vacation with Hinata by getting in a fight.

 

“I will now give the floor to Iruka, who has a special announcement.”

 

Iruka walked to the front of the room and turned to face everyone. Naruto noted he was holding a sheet of paper in his hand.

 

“As some of you know exit exams were recently held at the academy. This year every student that took the exam passed.” All the ninjas in the room started whispering amoung themselves at the news. Iruka raised his hand, signaling that he had more to say. “All the students were placed with jounin instructors and were given an addition test to see if they were ready to work as a team and carry out missions. They all passed. This is the first time something like this has happened.”

 

This was news to Naruto and Sasuke. They were aware that all the students passed, but they didn't know they were all going to keep their title as genins. A ninja sitting in the front raised his hand.

 

“Does that mean that the exit exams were too easy this year?”

 

“Well actually I modified the exam to make it harder. The jounin instructors modified their exams as well. We just had a wonderful batch of students this year, as well as wonderful instructors.”

 

Naruto felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to see Kiba smiling at him. Leaning in he whispered just loud enough for both Naruto and Sasuke to hear. “Who would have thought? Great job guys.”

 

When he leaned back Naruto noticed that Shino was sitting next to him, and Sakura was sitting behind them. She smiled at Naruto and gave him a thumbs up. He turned when he heard Tsunade talking once more.

 

“Before I open the floor I want to say that announcements will be sent out next week to chuunins who have been chosen to be promoted at jounins. Don't worry if you are not here when the announcements go out.” Naruto smiled, knowing that last part was directed at him. “The floor is now open for anyone who wishes to speak.”

 

Naruto looked over at Sasuke. Sasuke nodded his head, a move Naruto recognized as encouragement, so he raised his hand. When Tsunade acknowledged him, Naruto stood.

 

“Uzumaki Naruto, chuunin. I have a proposal that I think would benefit Konoha greatly. I propose we build an orphanage. In my year at the academy I have seen too many children with no one to go home to. They have no one to teach them about what its like to have a family, to be loved. There is only so much we as instructors can do for them. There are also many people in Konoha who would love to have a child, but for one reason or another can't have one.”

 

“Naruto I hope you are aware of all the work an orphanage requires.”

 

“Yes I am. I will gladly dedicate myself to it.”

 

“He will have me to help him.” Naruto turned to see Sasuke standing next to him.

 

“Are you both aware that if you dedicate yourselves to this project that you will not be able to carry out missions?”

 

At this Naruto sagged his shoulders. He hadn't really thought of that. He wanted to do missions. One year without missions was more than enough for him. He was about to protest when he heard a chair scrapping the floor behind him.

 

“If Uzumaki-san and Uchiha-san would like, I will run the orphanage for them.” Both Naruto and Sasuke turned to see none other then Hijiro looking right at them. The shock was evident in their faces. “I think the idea is wonderful and I will of course run the orphanage they both planned.”

 

Sasuke observed Hijiro for a moment. He was looking for any sign that he might try to trick them, or take advantage of them. But would someone be stupid enough to announce their loyalty to a project infront of so many people only to back down later? When Hijiro smiled warmly at him, he realized that he was not the same man from a year earlier. Sasuke looked over at Naruto and nodded.

 

“Hijiro-san, we except your offer.”

 

“Well then that's settled. You three get together and met with me later to go over the details.”

 

Naruto couldn't be happier. She had approved of the proposal. He was so excited he hugged Sasuke and then ran over and hugged Hijiro. Everyone in the room laughed. Tsuande waited until Sasuke dragged Naruto back to his seat before continuing with the meeting.

 

“Is there anyone else who would like to speak?”

 

This time Sakura raised her hand. “Haruno Sakura, chuunin. I know we don't have enough ninjas to train as medical nins to send out with teams when they go on missions. So instead I was wondering if there could be a program created where nins come in and get taught basic medical training?”

 

Tsunade couldn't help but get a sudden sense of déjà vu. One of the elders sitting at the table leaned forward and asked Sakura a question. “Sakura why do you think teaching nins basic medical techniques is important?”

 

“I have seen too many shinobis come to the hospital with life altering injuries that could have been avoided. Do you know that just last week I treated an Anbu member for gangrene? I had to anputate his arm from the elbow down. This could have been easily avoided with proper education.”

 

Tsunade sighed heavily. She had heard about that case. It had been years since they treated anyone with gangrene. “Sakura, how can you be sure a program like this would work?”

 

“I have already tested it out on a few ninjas in the village.”

 

“Oh really, who?”

As if on cue Kiba and Shino both stood up.

 

“What did she teach you?”

 

Kiba spoke first. “Well she taught me how to properly treat cuts, from small cuts to huge gashes. She also taught me how to treat acid burns, since sometimes Akamaru's attacks land on me.”

 

Tsunade turned her attention to Shino. “She also taught me how to properly treat cuts. She also taught me special techinques I should use when treating myself because of my kikai.”

 

Tsunade couldn't help but be impressed with her apprentice. Not only did she teach them something basic, but also gave them specific knowledge on something that they might encounter on a regular basis.

 

“Sakura are you aware that such a program would require your total devotion. Unlike the proposal before yours, there can be no one else but you in charge.”

 

“I am aware of that Tsunade-shishou, and I plan to dedicate myself to this program.”

 

“Very well then. I plan to meet with you soon as well to get things underway. Is there anyone else who would like to speak?”

 

When no one else raised their hands Tsunade ended the meeting. Sakura thanked Kiba and Shino for their support. Once done with that she walked over to Naruto and Sasuke.

 

“Congratulations you guys.”

 

“You too Sakura. Lee would have been so proud of you.”

 

Naruto smiled at Sakura, while Sasuke gave his typical smirk. Sakura noticed Hijiro walking toward them and motioned for Naruto and Sasuke to turn around. When Hijiro approached them he greeted Sakura and turned his attention to Naruto.

 

“I never got to apologize for my behavior…”

 

“Forget it. I'm not the kind to hold grudges.”

 

Hijiro couldn't hide his shock. He had heard a lot about Naruto and Sasuke over the past year. The more he heard about them, the more he was surprised. They were nothing like he expected them to be. When he heard what they had planned he was suddenly possessed with the need to help.

 

“Shall I meet with you two tomorrow then?”

 

“Well actually I won't be here tomorrow. I'm taking my girlfriend on vacation for two weeks.”

 

“I can meet with you. Tomorrow, around noon at my place?”

 

“That works. Believe me when I say that I will do everything in my power to run the place just as you envisioned it.”

 

 

Tsunade sat in her office waiting for all the invited jounins, and Anbu captains to arrive. She liked having back to back meetings because it got them out of the way. Although she didn't know the monthly meeting was going to be so eventful. But this meeting was jut as important. It was time to decide who would be promoted to jounin.

 

Tsunade had received all the reports about the chuunins up for promotion the week before. From this meeting she would hear out who the potentials were and from there she would make her final decision. Tsunade looked around realizing there was one person missing. She knew better then to start without him, since his students were up for promotion.

 

After ten minutes Kakashi finally walked in through the door. He walked over to the wall and leaned against it, unapologetically.

 

“Now that everyone is here,” Tsunade shot Kakashi a death glare, which he ignored, “I would like to hear who everyone thinks should be promoted.”

 

Someone mentioned Sakura's name, which was quickly seconded. Someone from the back stepped forward to speak on Sakura's behalf. “Hokage-sama, I have worked with Sakura in the hospital for the past year. She is exceptionally talented when it comes to treating patients. I have also observed her in training. Her promotion would only benefit the jounin ranks.”

 

Tsunade watched as everyone nodded in agreement. She turned her gaze to Kakashi, who she could tell was smiling. Tsunade wrote down Sakura's name and asked if there was anyone else. Shino's name was mentioned, and also seconded. The jounins thought he would be wonderful for infiltration and information gathering missions.

 

After writing Shino's name down, Tsunade watched as an Anbu captain stepped forward. “I speak on behalf of all the captains. We believe the Anbu would greatly benefit by having Neji, Lee, and possibly Naruto and Sasuke join.”

 

This announcement caused a reaction from everyone in the room. Tsunade watched as the jounins and Anbu talked it out.

 

“I agree that having Neji and Lee would be beneficial, but don't you think Naruto and Sasuke are too young?”

 

“Neji and Lee are 18, where as Naruto and Sasuke are 17. There is not that great a difference in their age.”

 

“Can Naruto and Sasuke be trusted?”

 

“There is no question that Naruto can trusted. Sasuke, I think can be trusted as well.”

 

“But he has only been back for a year.”

 

“He is loyal to Naruto, and for that reason I think Sasuke can be trusted.”

 

“Will they both be able to handle everything that comes with being an Anbu?”

 

“I have no doubt about Sasuke. Naruto, he will learn to handle it.”

 

Tsunade decided to interrupt and get the opinion from someone who knew the boys.

 

“Iruka what do you think?”

 

Without hesitation Iruka turned to Tsunade. “I don't think it would be wise to ask for my opinion since I am biased.”

 

It was no secret that Naruto thought of Iruka as his father. Many were shocked when they first found out. Some even tried to convince Iruka to push Naruto away. Those people quickly learned what kind of temper Iruka had.

 

“Iruka I insist.”

 

“I think they can both handle it.”

 

Tsunade quickly scanned the room. She motioned for Kakashi to step forward and for Jirayia to step forward. “You both trained with Naruto and Sasuke for one month. What do you think?”

 

Kakashi and Jirayia looked at each other and reached for a chair. Sitting down they both sighed heavily and Tsunade knew. It was going to be a long night.

 

 

 

 

Roiyaru - means Loyal

Gangrene - is necrosis(death) and subsequent decay of body tissues caused by many number of things including infection, thrombosis and lack of blood flow. In other words, not a good thing.

Kikai - destruction bugs.

-shishou - teacher/master

 

 

 

Yeah yeah, I know evil. I don't know if anyone can tell that I'm a history major with the way I worked Tsunade and Kabuto's meeting. I didn't mean for it to sound so…….schooly. But who cares. YAY I named the last Sound nin.

 

Did anyone notice how I tried to slip in my year time jump. I had thought about not doing that, but then again I had nothing really planned for that year. Besides I felt that the story wasn't progressing fast enough.

 

My beta asked me what Kiba, Ino and everyone else were doing. To be honest, I don't know. Their appearances in my story will be like guest appearances. Neji got a big chunk this time cause I have a plan for him. This is a Team 7 story, and I will focus on them 99.99% of the time.

 

Why did I place Naruto at the academy? So he could come up with the orphanage idea! Did anyone ever notice how many people don't have parents? I find that sad, so I'm gonna fix it. Sakura's program also has a purpose, aside from the obvious.

 

Next chapter: Naruto and Hinata's vacation! I also want to warn people that I have planned for future chapters, some violence, and angst. People have been happy for too long. Yeah yeah, I know me evil.

 

 

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