Incredible Ninjas

Konoha could not waste any time. Though the ninja world was at peace, the Land of Fire could not be without a Hokage. The day after Tsunade’s body was burned, Homura Mitokodo and Koharu Utatane, the village’s two elders called a meeting with all the Jounin of the village. Iruka, Kotetsu and Izumo were also called as scribes.

 

“You are all here for obvious reasons. We need a new Hokage,” Mitokado stated. Utatane nodded at his side.

 

“The Daimyo attended Tsunade-sama’s funeral yesterday and approached us to discussed candidates. We came to a conclusion. The newly appointed Hokage may not reject this appointment, nor can he discuss the terms,” Utatane announced.

 

“Not like he would!” Akamichi Chouza shouted. “That Naruto kid has gone on and on about being Hokage since he could talk!” A loud buzz of approval rumbled through the crowd. After saving the entire ninja world, all of Konoha was sure of Naruto’s imminent appointment as Hokage. The Uzumaki was simply unmatched by all but Sasuke Uchiha.

 

Mikotodo and Utatane exchanged an apprehensive look before addressing the small crowd of elite shinobi once more.

 

“Uzumaki Naruto will NOT be the 6th Hokage.” Mikotodo did his best to look indomitable after making that announcement. The crowd went silent.

 

Of all the brave and noble shinobi in the room, it was the meek and kind Iruka that began to sputter.

 

“What?!” He shouted. “What do you mean Naruto isn’t going to be Hokage? He defeated Madara! He has control of the Kyuubi! He was the biggest offense the entire joint shinobi army had throughout the war! He is the most powerful shinobi IN THE ENTIRE WORLD!”

 

“Yes! We know that!” Utatane agreed. “But he is just barely that. We still need Naruto back in the field. We need Naruto to better himself. He is Konoha’s greatest asset, but we need him to be even greater. That is why he cannot be Hokage. Sasuke is back. If we just give him the position of Hokage now, he will have nothing to strive for… to train for!”

 

“There are also loose ends that need to be wrapped up. There are still missing nin out there that need to be taken down. This war may officially over, but it is far from truly finished yet. If Naruto were Hokage, our greatest asset would be locked up in our village to remain here as a home defense, when right now, he needs to be out there stabilizing other suffering countries and solidifying our relationship with the shinobi world. In addition, he is still a genin! It has been agreed upon that he is eligible to skip the chuunin exams, but he must still take the next Jounin exam available, which will be next month,” Mikotodo added.

 

No one could argue this logic, but Iruka said what everyone was thinking.

 

“Naruto is going to be devastated.”

 

“Nevertheless, he cannot be the next Hokage. He isn’t nearly mature enough for the position yet and Konoha still needs him in the field.”

 

Utatane held up the order signed by the Daimyo for everyone to see. “Hatake Kakashi has been appointed as the new Hokage.”

 

The shinobi in the room murmured amongst themselves as Kakashi hung his head.

 

‘I’m so sorry, Naruto.’

 

After announcing this to the Jounin present, it was time to make the announcement to the waiting village. Kakashi walked to the balcony of the Fire Tower between the two elders.

 

“Don’t worry about Naruto, Kakashi. We’ve made an arrangement that I’m sure both he and the village will be happy with,” Utatane reassured.

 

Kakashi’s visible eye went wide as Utatane said this. It doubled when he saw Naruto standing next to the entrance of the balcony looking completely and utterly confused.

 

“What did you need me for?” Naruto asked nervously. These Elders were the same people who looked at him with complete and utter disdain not too long ago. Utatane smiled at him to encourage him, but it only made him gulp.

 

“Naruto! Step outside with us if you could, please.” Without a moment of hesitation, the elders through the doors of the balcony open to reveal the entire village crowded in anticipation at the foot of the tower.

 

Izumo and Kotetzu stood at both corners of the balcony with megaphones.

 

“We are pleased to announce that the council has chosen a new Hokage!”

 

Naruto’s sparkling blue eyes darted over to where Kakashi stood brimming with hope, but when Kakashi’s name was announced it seemed like you could see his dreams shatter as his sparkling blue eyes became visibly dull. The crowd was in uproar, and Kakashi continued to hang his head.

 

“Attention!” Utatane weakly attempted to yell through the microphone. Her years were catching up with her. “Attention, please! We have another announcement to make!” As the crowd died down, both elders smiled, placed their hands on Naruto’s shoulders and pushed him to the front of the balcony.

 

“We are also pleased to announce that Naruto will be the 7th Hokage in training!”

 

Stunned, Naruto couldn’t move or even register the loud cheering from the crowd below.

 

“We will now swear the both of them in here before you! Please, Kakashi and Naruto, raise your right hand.”

 

Naruto stood frozen for a moment. Mikotodo chuckled as he lifted Naruto’s right hand for him. “Come on Naruto, this is your day!”

 

After swearing Kakashi in, Utatane turned to Naruto. “Now repeat after me. I, Naruto Uzumaki-“

 

“I, Nar… Naruto Uzumaki,” he stuttered.

 

“Come on, Naruto! Now is not the time to sound like Hinata!” he could her Kiba shout from the crowd. This brought Naruto back to reality and he began to grin uncontrollably.

 

“Do hereby solemnly swear-“

 

“Do hearby solemnly swear!”

 

“To do my best to honor, represent, and protect my village-“

 

“To do my best to HONOR, REPRESENT and PROTECT MY VILLAGE!”

 

“To teach everyone the will of Fire-“

 

“To teach everyone the will of Fire!”

 

“And to do my best to make my village prosperous-“

 

“And to do MY BEST to make MY VILLAGE prosperous!”

 

“So help me, God-“

 

“So help me, God! Dattebayo!”