Reborn
Kage in the Making 👑
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Chapter 60: The New Chuunin
Naruto stands at the end of Konohamaru's hospital room as Sakura stands by his bedside, treating his injuries. “He's going to live, that's about the only good news I have right now,” Sakura says solemnly.
“What are you talking about Sakura?!”
“Keep your voice down, he needs to rest,” Sakura opens the door and lets Naruto out and she follows him, “The entire right side of his upper body from the neck down has been virtually demolished from what looks like an explosion. His internal organs have been seriously damaged and all his bones on that side are broken...but what the worst of it is his spine. It's sustained so much damage...Konohamaru may—”
“May what?!” Moegi stands before Naruto and Sakura with tears in her eyes. Udon stands close behind with a look of sorrow in his eyes.
Sakura turns her head down, feeling guilt for what she's about to say, “He may never walk again. His career as a shinobi may end.” Moegi breaks down and drops to her knees and begins to cry in her hands. Udon crouches down beside her and comforts her.
Naruto bangs his hand on the wall, gritting his teeth. “Shikamaru...Sai...and Konohamaru,” Naruto fights back tears of his own, “DAMN IT!”
“Excuse me, Hokage-sama.” A female medic walks down the hall and bows her head to Naruto. “I'm sorry to interrupt but the other shinobi that came in from the outpost has awakened.”
Naruto's heart beats rapidly, adrenalin pumping fast throughout his body. He looks around and notices everybody in the dark hall way in a glum mood, *I have to...I have to calm myself. I have to handle this.* Naruto takes a deep breath and he walks towards the medic. “Sakura, take care of Konohamaru,” Sakura nods and Naruto turns back and faces the female medic, “Take me to him.”
The medic brings Naruto to the room where Kitsune lay and two more medics exit the scene as they enter. “My apologies Hokage-sama, but we he needs to rest so we can only allow you in for a few minutes.” The medic says.
“That's all I'll need, thank you.” She exits, closing the door behind her and Naruto faces Kitsune. “Kitsune, I'm going to need you to tell me everything that happened in the Land of Earth right up until the moment you and Konohamaru entered the Land of Fire.”
“Yes Naruto-sama...We managed to enter Iwa flawlessly on Captain Sai's plan. It wasn't until after we actually got inside their intell unit that everything began to go wrong.” The shinobi looks down on his sheets with a look of regret, “It was my fault, I slipped up and left us vulnerable to getting caught and because of that our cover was blown. We managed to get the information but when before we could exit, we were surrounded by several Iwa shinobi and Iwa's Gobi Jinchuuriki.”
“When the information you guys gave to the outpost when they found you said that you guys had split up into two separate squads, one as look outs and the other for retrieving the information. You were on the inside correct?”
“Yes I was and when Captain Sai saw that I was down, he sent the information to Konohamaru-san's unit and ordered them to flee back here with the information. I assisted Sai as much as I could with the Iwa shinobi but we were greatly outnumbered. Captain Sai managed to restrain their Jinchuuriki but only for a moment. The Jinchuuriki released all of it's power and broke his seal...it was at this point that Captain Sai made an escape route for me when I was injured and he took on the Jinchuuriki all on his own.”
“What do you mean he did it on his own, How?!” Naruto grips his fist in anxious fear as a thought pops into his mind.
“Sir...he used his forbidden Ink Dragon Seal technique to fight off the Jinchuuriki. I only caught a glimpse before I was sent on my way to rejoin the rest of the crew.”
“Damn it Sai,” Naruto's fears are confirmed, “If he used that technique...then there's no way he can be brought back.”
“Sir?”
“I had forbidden Sai from using that technique because of the fact I couldn't find a way of reversing the seal's affect, not even with my clan's technique. I figured it was simply a more difficult seal, something I could work with but I studied the formula just before you all left for the mission.”
“He used it against the Gobi Jinchuuriki, but I believe he wasn't trying to seal him, knowing of your creed and responsibility to the Bijuu, Hokage-sama. He only used it to assure my safety.” Kitsune says.
“Sai never used to care about anybody else, it was always the mission with him...”
“Captain Sai has always cared about us Naruto-sama, he's never been one to abandon his comrades as long as I've known him sir.”
“Yeah...I know he changed...he changed a lot.” Naruto and Kitsune remain silent for a brief moment, though the time feels like an eternity. “What about...when you met up with the other members of the team?”
“By the time I had got there I saw several Iwa shinobi dead on the battle field and all three of the others on the verge of death themselves. They were fighting along side Konohamaru's summoning animal against the Tsuchikage.”
Naruto's eyes widen. “The, Tsuchikage?!”
“Yes, Konohamaru's summoning animal was still holding up fairly strong but he was exhausted as well. Sho and Katame were virtually incapacitated and Konohamaru was trying to hold down the fort, though the Tsuchikage stood there not even breaking a sweat,” Naruto grips his fist in frustration. “I hovered over for a little while unable to move much and I saw a brief attempt made by Konohamaru and I've never seen such power like that from anybody except Konoha's 11. But then I saw the Tsuchikage bat it away as though it were nothing.”
“The Five Kage are just that for a reason. Each Kage makes their mark on the world.” Udon enters the room and Naruto turns to him.
“And a whole generation of them generally leaves a scar.” Naruto says darkly...
“We have to leave Naruto-Nii. I know there must be much more you need to talk about but we have to finish dealing with the Chuunin Exams, and appointing a new Commander to the Anbu.”
“I know, I know...” Naruto says with a sigh. “Just one more thing...did you manage to return with the information?”
“Yes, Konohamaru gave it to the outpost members and they sent it back with the medics...Katame noticed me and I managed to signal him and Sho. We managed to cause a distraction long enough to hold off the Tsuchikage for a moment while I took Konohamaru up and we flew back into the Land of Fire. Katame and Sho decided to stay since they were already on the verge of death...they sacrificed themselves to assure us safe passage.”
“I see...”
“Hokage-sama.” The medic pokes her head in, giving them the signal to leave. Naruto and Udon oblige and they leave the scene.
“Naruto-Nii, what are you going to do?” Udon asks.
“First...I'm going to finish going over what needs to be done for the exams. After that, I'm going to find a way to reverse the seal on Sai...no matter what the cost.”
~Morning in Konoha Stadium~
The Konoha stadium is completely empty with the exception of the division of proctors, Naruto and the 11 genin candidates.
“First off, I'd like to congratulate all of you for your spectacular performances throughout the exams,” Naruto begins, “You've all proven your valor as shinobi and have done your villages proud. However, of the 11 of you, only 6 have successfully passed the exams and have become chuunin.”
The tension within the genin is thick as they all look back and forth at one another.
“Going from the top down; Koichi Shichiyo, Jiraiya Uzumaki, Ryoko Taiyou, Hime Hyuuga, Temari Nara, and Koga.” The looks on the faces of each of the shinobi vary, carrying excitement and disappointment. “You six carry the pride of your villages on your back, congratulations.”
All of the proctors clap and all around the village the people applaud, congratulating the newly anointed chuunin. *I...I did it...* Ryoko's face hold blank relief. She loosens the grip on her pants and she cracks a small smile. “I actually did it.” She mumbles to herself.
“Of course you did!” Koichi puts his arm around her and smiles, “I told you, you would.” Ryoko smiles and pushes Koichi off.
“Yeah you did...so I guess I owe you some thanks.”
“Don't mention it.”
The shinobi leave the stadium and they go through the village. Koichi and Ryoko walk through Konoha together. They both receive numerous congratulations from the villagers and are treated with a high degree of respect. “Geez, all these people telling me what a great job I did.” Koichi blushes as he smiles.
“Don't let it get to your head idiot,” Ryoko waves her hand, “You barely won, and just because your a chuunin now doesn't mean you're some big shot now.”
“Ah shut up, I'm going to soak up all this fame while I can.” Just the then the girls from before come in front of Koichi with gracious smiles, begging for his autograph. Koichi smirks at Ryoko, “Not my fans huh?”
Ryoko pulls on Koichi's ear pulling him out of the group, “Shut it, we don't have time for this lets go.”
“Wait, Koichi-kun, you have to sign—” As the girls try to follow them, Ryoko draws one of her blades and keeps them at bay.
“Get lost.” She says with sternness in her voice.
“Gee, Ryoko, if I didn't know any better, I'd think you were kinda jealous that all these girls are—” Ryoko shoves the and of her handle into Koichi's stomach causing him to hobble over and she continues to drag him by the ear. “Owww, oww, Ryoko!”
“That's what you get for thinking, stupid,” Ryoko says, “Sensei told us to meet him back at the hotel after the ceremony.”
“I just realized, he's not going to be our sensei anymore, we're officially full fledged shinobi of Suna.”
Ryoko tugs on Koichi's ear a little more, “I said not to let this get to you.”
Ryoko and Koichi make it back to the hotel and they meet up with Kankuro and Koji. Kankuro lets out a smirk as he sees his former students walk to him. “Well, well if it isn't the newly appointed chuunin. I can't tell you how proud I am of you guys.” Kankuro says.
“Thanks sensei.” Koichi says blushing.
“There's a festival tonight, meant to honor the new chuunin. We'll be staying the night and leaving tomorrow morning. However I didn't want you guys to enjoy the festivities without a present.”
“You got us presents?!” Koichi's face lights up like small child. Kankuro pulls out crow and has him open the compartment in his stomach and he pulls out two brown flak jackets. “Official Suna uniforms?!” Suna snatches his quickly and he begins to put it on.
“Since you guys are officially independent shinobi now, I thought I should be the one to give you your new gear.” Kankuro says.
“Thank you sensei,” Ryoko bows to Kankuro graciously.
“So, how do I look?” Koichi poses in his new uniform.
“He's going to be a pain all the way until we get back into the village.” Ryoko says, shaking her head.
“I'll be scarce around you guys for the rest of the time until tomorrow. There's a few things I need take care of for Gaara. Have a good time you three.” Kankuro quickly wraps Crow back up in bandages and disappears.
“Three?” Koichi scratches his head and Ryoko hits him.
“Idiot, did you forget your brother?!” Ryoko scolds.
“Forget it, he gets like that whenever he's excited, he completely zones out.” Koji hesitates and looks at Ryoko for a brief moment, “Ryo—”
“Ahh, whatever. Ryoko, we should hang out together at the festival tonight.” Koichi cuts his brother off and Koji grips his fist angrily. Koichi walks and takes off his jacket, “Aren't you still getting looked after for that arm Koji? We'll catch up with you after the festival tonight.”
“Since it's the last night here I don't see why not, sure.” Ryoko answers Koichi request.
“Cool, I'm going to go check out to see if we can get some free stuff, you know, being chuunin and all.” Koichi holds a large grin and he begins walking down the village.
“*shakes head* I'll keep him out of trouble, see you later Koji.” Koji's left by himself. He bares a look of anger at first but it eventually turns into saddening disappointment. Just then a Koji is tapped on his shoulder and he turns to see Kana smiling at him. Koji returns a small smile of gratitude towards Kana.
~Chuunin Festival~
Fireflies fly through the air throughout the village. The streets are lined with paper lanterns along the buildings and the villagers all dress in traditional style yukata. On the outside of the Yakiniku Q restaurant, a sign hangs reading “Chuunin Eat Free” sign.
In one of the booths, a waiter comes and lays a thick spread of food in front of Koichi and Ryoko. “Now this is more like it, all you can eat for free.” Koichi says clapping his hands together.
“You're really starting to get annoying you know.” Ryoko says.
“So what, let the man have his fun,” The waiter says, “It's not everyday you get promoted to a chuunin, I bet you can't wait to get back to your village and show all of your friends your accomplishment.” The waiter leaves and Ryoko rolls her eyes. She turns and looks at Koichi and she notices his expression completely faded from what it was a moment ago.
Koichi stirs the meat around in the sauce for a short while and he sighs, “I can't remember the last time anybody from Suna treated me like these guys here treat me.” Koichi shifts his eyes over to Ryoko, “It's not so much that I miss the attention but...I miss not being hated.” Ryoko looks away from Koichi with remorse. “Everybody else puts their life on the line for our village just like I do. Everybody has a family, friends, admirers, but with me I have enemies, people who despise my very existence, and those who completely ignore me. It sounds somewhat selfish and childish I suppose, Wanting to be appreciated and all—”
“Not at all,” Ryoko says in a low tone, “I didn't realize until a little while ago just how similar the two of us are Koichi. We work ourselves to the bone everyday for the sake of that little bit of gratitude we deserve. I think with you though, it's less selfish. Though you want that appreciation, you can continue giving 100% without it and you've never faltered with the conflict of whether or not you should keep fighting for them or not...I look inwards—”
“I have struggled with that decision, but I don't anymore. I realize, protecting my people is what I desire more than anything else...it means more than anything else in my life.” Ryoko smiles at Koichi's courage, “And Ryoko, I know you're still struggling with what you really want but you won't have to do it by yourself.”
“Thanks...Koichi.”
~Outpost Northwest from Konoha~
As the night thickens, the shinobi in the outpost remain in darkness, shrouded by the thicket of trees.
“I can't believe what happened with that squad. I never imagined Sai-sama would be defeated nor Konohamaru-sama being left in such a condition.” One of the shinobi says, walking outside the outpost.
“They weren't up against light weights you know,” The Hyuuga says, “They were outnumbered and were fighting the Tsuchikage and one of Iwa's Jinchuuriki.”
“Yeah but still, Konohamaru-sama is the grandson of Sandaime-sama and he's up there on the skill level of the Konoha 11.”
“Chojun Miyagi is Tsuchikage for a reason. The five Kage are five of the strongest shinobi in existence and for good reason. There's only a handful of people who can match their power and skill.” Just then there's a rustle in a bush some distance away is heard. The Hyuuga shinobi immediately turns his attention towards the area, activating his Byakugan. “Somebody's here.”
As the shinobi stares he hears two thuds on the ground and he immediately turns to see his two comrades behind him on the ground dead. “What the hell?!” The Hyuuga scours the area, utilizing his near 360 degree vision to look in every direction. “You guys! Come out here quick, we're under attack!” The shinobi addresses his comrades within the outpost station but he receives no reply, “Something's wrong.” The shinobi turns his focus to the station only to find the other members within fallen over the table and on the floor dead as well.
“Guess I can move faster then you're all mighty eyes can keep up with.” A voice says from behind the Hyuuga shinobi. The shinobi turns and widens his eyes as a blade goes straight through his stomach. The shinobi drops to his knees and falls to the ground and the mysterious person walks through the dark area until he comes out of the thicket of trees. The moon light reveals him as he continues his trek to Konoha.
The figure continues until he catches sight of Konoha's main gate several meters away. He comes to a tree and places his right hand on it. Though he stands far from the village the festive lights can be vaugley seen, “I suppose I'll have to be more inconspicuous.” Shinji says. He begins to meld his body into the tree with his mayfly technique until he completely vanishes, assimilating with the tree.
Shinji vanishes, making his way to Konoha to wreak the havoc of his master.
Author's Note:
Hope you all enjoyed this chapter. I'm happy to admit, tomorrow's chapter ends this arc and the new arc begins next week. Also I have a little something special in tomorrow's release that I think you'll all enjoy 
it was inspired by my friend naruto kyuubi so you can thank him as well. Anyway please give your opinions on the story, what you liked/disliked etc. To those of you who read/comment/rep this post, I thank you. Enjoy
it was inspired by my friend naruto kyuubi so you can thank him as well. Anyway please give your opinions on the story, what you liked/disliked etc. To those of you who read/comment/rep this post, I thank you. Enjoy 
But there are a lot of chapters 
