Growing Pains
folder
Naruto AU/AR › General
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
17
Views:
1,171
Reviews:
19
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Category:
Naruto AU/AR › General
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
17
Views:
1,171
Reviews:
19
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
0
Disclaimer:
I do not own Naruto, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
XIV
XIV
Orochimaru accepted the small cup of sake and toasted with Tsunade another exam over. The fights between the remaining genin had been quite exciting. Umi and Momogi had been pitted against each other and Umi proved victorious yet compassionate as she helped Momogi to her feet, still best friends despite the battle. Orochimaru knew of two who could learn from the girls. Kyo and Sei’s fights had been particularly interesting, as each boy showed cunning and skill that they’d never displayed before.
The Council – most of the ‘Kages and a few veteran ANBU – had decided to pass five into the ranks of chuunin: one from Snow, one from Mist, and all three Silk genin. Kyo was the only one who had been debated over, but after a convincing argument from his own sensei, the Council agreed to pass the boy. Orochimaru couldn’t help but wonder if Sasuke had used his Ningyou Sharingan to help their decision along. A handy development, the Ningyou Sharingan – actually able to implant subtle thoughts into a target’s brain upon eye contact. Orochimaru had yet to figure out how exactly Sasuke had developed it, since Itachi didn’t have it.
“So you wanted a private audience,” Tsunade said. “Here we are. No bodyguards around.”
Orochimaru smiled and shook his head, pulling his attention away from the voices of Kura-ou and Shizune, the women exchanging medic techniques of the killing sort. “So we are.”
“What is it you wanted?”
Orochimaru down his shot and sighed. “I’m old, Tsunade. You know it, I know it. I’m ready to retire, I mean really retire. Go on a long vacation somewhere, pass the reins to another.”
“You have someone in mind, I take it.” Tsunade replied, settling her hip on the corner of her desk and pouring her old teammate another shot of sake.
“Mm. And he’s proven himself capable on many occasions. He’s been acting Yunkage a couple of times so he knows the ropes. He’ll be good at it. The thing is, his rival is aspiring to be Hokage and how do we keep him from finding out too soon?"
Tsunade nursed her cup for a moment. “He’ll find out one way or another.”
“Of course. As much as they repel, they attract. Wouldn’t be at all surprised if they started fucking.”
“You want my approval?”
“Just letting you know so you can deal with the other ‘Kages.” Orochimaru replied succinctly, grinning at the woman.
“Temari will be easy enough, but those who just got used to you being… hell, you owe me.”
“The ANBU of Kinugakure have already agreed to become your slaves in time of need.”
“Ah, well then.” Tsunade fell quiet for a moment. “How soon do you want this to happen?”
“When we return to Silk, I’ll make it official then. I’ll stick around for a few weeks until Sasuke threatens to kill me, and then Kimimaru and I will go on vacation.” Orochimaru replied.
“Who will replace Kimimaru?”
“He’s been training Kura-ou, actually. Her skills are far too valuable to waste on just bodyguarding.”
“You’ve been planning this all along, haven’t you?”
“You caught me,” Orochimaru said with a grin. “Sasuke’s been groomed for this position since I formed Team Nine.”
“That’s quite a while.”
“Almost four years,” Orochimaru agreed. “Give Sasuke a few months to shed the jounin-sensei skin. Then send Naruto along with Shizune for a cover. Once Naruto and Sasuke reconcile, you’ll be able to step down at let the idiot take over, and have quite the ally at your southern borders.”
“And you?”
“I’ll return to Kinu and teach, I suppose. Besides, Kyo will need special training once he hits puberty.”
“You’ll need to give me a detailed description of his history. The venom he used – if it weren’t for your antidote we would’ve lost Shoue.”
“I’ll give you more than a history, my dear Tsunade.” Orochimaru promised. “But one thing at a time. First we’ll take care of my abdication and then we’ll discuss Kyo.”
Tsunade nodded and moved behind her desk to retrieve a pen and parchment. After several arguments and rough drafts, they had a perfect letter to photocopy and send to each ‘Kage informing them of the power change in Silk. Tsunade sat behind her desk after Orochimaru had left, staring at the sunset. When it rose tomorrow, it would rise on a brand new future, one Konoha and Kinu would walk together.
Orochimaru accepted the small cup of sake and toasted with Tsunade another exam over. The fights between the remaining genin had been quite exciting. Umi and Momogi had been pitted against each other and Umi proved victorious yet compassionate as she helped Momogi to her feet, still best friends despite the battle. Orochimaru knew of two who could learn from the girls. Kyo and Sei’s fights had been particularly interesting, as each boy showed cunning and skill that they’d never displayed before.
The Council – most of the ‘Kages and a few veteran ANBU – had decided to pass five into the ranks of chuunin: one from Snow, one from Mist, and all three Silk genin. Kyo was the only one who had been debated over, but after a convincing argument from his own sensei, the Council agreed to pass the boy. Orochimaru couldn’t help but wonder if Sasuke had used his Ningyou Sharingan to help their decision along. A handy development, the Ningyou Sharingan – actually able to implant subtle thoughts into a target’s brain upon eye contact. Orochimaru had yet to figure out how exactly Sasuke had developed it, since Itachi didn’t have it.
“So you wanted a private audience,” Tsunade said. “Here we are. No bodyguards around.”
Orochimaru smiled and shook his head, pulling his attention away from the voices of Kura-ou and Shizune, the women exchanging medic techniques of the killing sort. “So we are.”
“What is it you wanted?”
Orochimaru down his shot and sighed. “I’m old, Tsunade. You know it, I know it. I’m ready to retire, I mean really retire. Go on a long vacation somewhere, pass the reins to another.”
“You have someone in mind, I take it.” Tsunade replied, settling her hip on the corner of her desk and pouring her old teammate another shot of sake.
“Mm. And he’s proven himself capable on many occasions. He’s been acting Yunkage a couple of times so he knows the ropes. He’ll be good at it. The thing is, his rival is aspiring to be Hokage and how do we keep him from finding out too soon?"
Tsunade nursed her cup for a moment. “He’ll find out one way or another.”
“Of course. As much as they repel, they attract. Wouldn’t be at all surprised if they started fucking.”
“You want my approval?”
“Just letting you know so you can deal with the other ‘Kages.” Orochimaru replied succinctly, grinning at the woman.
“Temari will be easy enough, but those who just got used to you being… hell, you owe me.”
“The ANBU of Kinugakure have already agreed to become your slaves in time of need.”
“Ah, well then.” Tsunade fell quiet for a moment. “How soon do you want this to happen?”
“When we return to Silk, I’ll make it official then. I’ll stick around for a few weeks until Sasuke threatens to kill me, and then Kimimaru and I will go on vacation.” Orochimaru replied.
“Who will replace Kimimaru?”
“He’s been training Kura-ou, actually. Her skills are far too valuable to waste on just bodyguarding.”
“You’ve been planning this all along, haven’t you?”
“You caught me,” Orochimaru said with a grin. “Sasuke’s been groomed for this position since I formed Team Nine.”
“That’s quite a while.”
“Almost four years,” Orochimaru agreed. “Give Sasuke a few months to shed the jounin-sensei skin. Then send Naruto along with Shizune for a cover. Once Naruto and Sasuke reconcile, you’ll be able to step down at let the idiot take over, and have quite the ally at your southern borders.”
“And you?”
“I’ll return to Kinu and teach, I suppose. Besides, Kyo will need special training once he hits puberty.”
“You’ll need to give me a detailed description of his history. The venom he used – if it weren’t for your antidote we would’ve lost Shoue.”
“I’ll give you more than a history, my dear Tsunade.” Orochimaru promised. “But one thing at a time. First we’ll take care of my abdication and then we’ll discuss Kyo.”
Tsunade nodded and moved behind her desk to retrieve a pen and parchment. After several arguments and rough drafts, they had a perfect letter to photocopy and send to each ‘Kage informing them of the power change in Silk. Tsunade sat behind her desk after Orochimaru had left, staring at the sunset. When it rose tomorrow, it would rise on a brand new future, one Konoha and Kinu would walk together.