Bab 30: Chapter 30: Political Crossroads
Naruto: The Last Harbinger of Storm
Chapter 31: A Fitting Punishment
Author's Note:
I apologize for the delayed posting. I was on a trekking expedition and didn't have access to electricity to charge my laptop. The upcoming Uchiha arc promises to bring significant changes for Naruto, and I'm excited for you all to read it. Enjoy the chapter!
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Chapter 32: Embracing Change IS OUT!
Chapter 33- Monster of a Sensei IS OUT!
Chapter 34: "The Uchiha and the Tower" IS OUT!
Chapter 35: "Convergence of Fates" IS OUT!
Chapter 36: "The Metamorphosis" IS OUT!
Chapter 37: "Formation of the Outcasts" IS OUT!
Chapter 38: Web of Influence IS OUT!
Chapter 39: Power Shifts and Rising Storms IS OUT!
Chapter 40: Choices? IS OUT!
Chapter 41: Confronting the Snake Sannin IS OUT!
"Experience is not what happens to you; it's what you do with what happens to you." – Aldous Huxley
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Last time on Naruto: The Last Harbinger of Storm:
Naruto had just completed his rigorous physical and psychological evaluations. The door to his holding room opened, and one of the ANBU operatives stepped inside. "Your evaluations are complete. You will be informed of the results shortly. Until then, you are to remain here."
Naruto nodded, acknowledging the instructions. As the door closed again, he took a deep breath and prepared himself for whatever came next.
NOW
ANBU BASE
A while later, with the evaluations behind him, Naruto left the base, his mind preoccupied. The green mark in his profile signified he was fit for duty, his loyalty confirmed. However, he felt uneasy about the upcoming meeting with the elders. For the first time in his life, he had lied—or more precisely, cloaked his answers in half-truths to the higher-ups. He had actively concealed the nature of his relationships with Mei and Pakura, as well as his closeness with Jinin and the knowledge he had gained about his clan, including the Uzumaki kenjutsu techniques Jinin had begun teaching him.
HOKAGE'S OFFICE
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, the four aged shinobi were deep in discussion.
Koharu's voice was sharp, her eyes narrowing as she spoke. "He thinks he can play politics with us," she hissed, her thin lips pressed together in a tight line.
Homura scoffed, leaning back in his chair. "The arrogance of youth," he said, shaking his head. "To think he believed he could intimidate us using Hiashi. It's true that alienating the Hyuga clan, especially now with the Uchiha clan openly hostile, is troublesome but not insurmountable."
Danzo's tone was filled with disapproval, his one visible eye narrowing dangerously. "Why, Hiruzen?" he demanded, his voice low and menacing. "Of all times, why are you acting soft towards the boy now? Is it because the great Professor is scared of a boy and his pitiful attempts at politics?"
Hiruzen, puffing on his pipe and gazing out over the village, replied calmly, "He brought us invaluable information about a Kage of another village. Not just any information, but something classified as SS in terms of its validity." He paused, exhaling a cloud of smoke before continuing. "Moreover, we sent him on a suicide mission, which he performed spectacularly, if I might add. To punish him now for his defiance, for playing his 'pitiful politics,' as you call it, will only breed resentment and disloyalty."
Koharu's eyes flashed with anger. "So you think we should just let him get away with it?" she snapped, her hands clenching into fists.
Hiruzen turned to face her, his expression stern. "Angering the Hyuga is not a trivial matter," he said firmly. "We cannot afford such a rift, especially now. And Shisui... he has changed since returning from the mission. He remains loyal, but he no longer blindly believes in us."
Homura frowned, his brow furrowing in thought. "Shisui's loyalty has always been unquestionable," he said slowly. "If he is beginning to doubt us, then we have problems."
Danzo's lips curled into a sneer. "We cannot allow dissent within our ranks," he growled. "We must act swiftly and decisively."
Hiruzen sighed, rubbing his temples wearily. "I understand your concerns," he said quietly. "But we must be careful. Punishing Naruto too harshly could backfire. We need to maintain his loyalty, not drive him away."
Koharu's eyes narrowed. "So what do you propose?" she demanded. "We can't just let him off the hook."
Hiruzen took a deep breath, his eyes glinting with determination. "I will keep a close watch on him," he declared, his voice steady and resolute. "Monitor his actions, his interactions. If he steps out of line, I will personally deal with him, consequences be damned. We will end this matter once and for all. But for now, we must be cautious."
Danzo's sneer deepened, but he nodded reluctantly. "Very well," he said. "But mark my words, Hiruzen. The boy will be a threat, just like his mother. This same cautiousness and hesitation cost us dearly last time with her. If he shows any signs of following in her footsteps, I will finish him—with or without your assent."
Hiruzen met his gaze steadily. "I expect nothing less," he said quietly.
As Naruto left the ANBU base, he found himself in the bustling village area was alive with the sounds of vendors calling out their wares, children laughing as they ran between stalls, and the occasional clink of coins exchanging hands. The market was a vibrant tapestry of colors and scents—freshly baked bread, aromatic spices, and the sweet tang of ripe fruits filled the air. Naruto's eyes scanned the crowd, taking in the familiar sights of his home village.
As he walked through the market, he heard a familiar voice calling out to him. "Naruto! Long time no see!"
Naruto turned in the direction of the voice and saw Mizuki, waving his hand with a parcel in the other. It felt like he was seeing the man from another lifetime. It had been a year and a half since they last met, but so much had happened since then—especially his time at the Mist Academy.
"Hey, Mizuki," Naruto said with a smile on his face.
Mizuki looked at him with a mix of surprise and amusement. "You've grown! You look like a 16-year-old now. Wow, that's one heck of a growth spurt you hit."
Naruto smiled, a bit embarrassed, and rubbed the back of his head. "I guess I have grown a bit."
Mizuki chuckled. "Where were you? I thought you'd kicked the bucket on some mission. I even checked the mission archives, but I guess I didn't have the clearance for the line of work you do," he said with a knowing smile.
Naruto shifted the conversation, not wanting to delve into the specifics of his missions. "How is Tsubaki doing?" he asked, genuinely curious.
Mizuki's face softened at the mention of his fiancée. "Tsubaki's doing great. She's been busy with her own missions, but we manage to find time for each other. She's actually out on a mission right now, but she's due back in a few days. We've been talking about getting married soon."
"That's great to hear," Naruto replied with a warm smile. "I'm really happy for you both."
"Thanks, Naruto," Mizuki said, his smile genuine. "So, what brings you to the market today?"
"Just needed to clear my head after some evaluations," Naruto replied, keeping it vague.
Mizuki leaned in a bit, lowering his voice conspiratorially. "You know, there's been some interesting chatter around the village lately. Rumor has it that Safeyu Yamanaka, that pretty girl who was part of the reserve bootcamp instructors, was caught in a secret affair with a high-ranking official from the Land of Fire. It's causing quite a stir, especially with her family's reputation at stake."
Naruto raised an eyebrow, intrigued but trying not to show too much interest.
"And have you heard about Liam Horio?" Mizuki continued. "That gruff guy who was running for the next chunin commander position. Apparently, he was seen sneaking out of a high-end restaurant with Mayuri late at night. She's the wife of Councilman Liora. They're saying it's not just a casual friendship, if you catch my drift. People are talking about a secret romance blossoming between them."
Naruto nodded, listening with polite interest. He knew Mizuki was big on gossip; if there was a word for a man into gossip, Mizuki would be the Gossip King. However disinterested Naruto acted, Mizuki had a way of talking about people and things that piqued Naruto's curiosity.
Before he could respond, three shinobi materialized nearby. They wore traditional white robes with the emblem of the Hyuga clan prominently displayed. Even before they appeared, Naruto tensed slightly, his instincts from the war kicking in, his hand moving subtly to his kunai holster. He recognized who they were and what they were here for.
"Naruto Uzumaki," one of the three said, his voice formal and measured. "Lord Hiashi requests an audience with you, along with the elders of the Hyuga clan, at the clan head manor."
Mizuki looked at Naruto with shock. To get a private audience with the lord of a noble clan was something most people couldn't even dream of. And to be requested by the entire Hyuga council was something else entirely. Mizuki and Naruto were orphans; while Mizuki had some savings from his deceased parents, Naruto had nothing. Both were placed in the better orphanages but remained at the bottom of the social ladder. An opportunity to meet someone as high-ranking as Lord Hiashi was astounding.
Naruto, maintaining a serious demeanor, replied, "I am honored that Lord Hiashi wants to meet. I will be there as per his wishes by 1 PM." The guards nodded and left.
Mizuki, still in shock, asked, "What have you done to warrant a private audience? I'm sure it's nothing bad; if it was, they wouldn't have requested—they would have hauled you to their compound."
"It's nothing, Mizuki," Naruto replied, trying to downplay the situation.
Mizuki pressed on, "Don't worry. If it's some misunderstanding, I can get a few strings pulled. You see, the heiress of the Hyuga clan is part of the class I assist in teaching."
Naruto responded with an amused tone, "It's nothing important. Kiri had stolen a Byakugan. I retrieved it from the shinobi who had it, and Lord Hiashi wants to reward me."
Mizuki's eyes widened in shock. "That's no small feat. In the black market, that eye is worth a fortune if you know where to sell it. People like the Snake Sannin would give just about anything to get their hands on it. But come to think of it, the Hyuga clan would also give just about anything for its return."
Naruto said, "I will meet you later," and then vanished in a swirl of leaves towards the direction of the Hyuga clan compound. He purposefully leaked that information, knowing that many passersby had overheard his exchange with the Hyugas and his explanation to Mizuki. Now, the favor owed to him by the Hyuga and his accomplishment would spread like wildfire, ensuring that the Hyuga clan could not sweep it under the rug.
HYUGA COMPOUND
Naruto reached the Hyuga compound exactly at 1 he neared the gate, the same three shinobi who had approached him earlier escorted him to the clan head manor. Instead of leading him through the common entrance, they took him via the noble walk, a path reserved for esteemed guests and clan members of high status. Naruto noted the pretentiousness of having two entrances, but he kept his thoughts to himself, focusing instead on the surroundings.
The noble walk was a sight to behold. Beautifully maintained gardens flanked the path, the air fragrant with the scent of blooming cherry blossoms and neatly trimmed bonsai trees. Tall, elegant trees provided dappled shade, and the gravel path crunched softly underfoot. Naruto observed the meticulous care that went into every aspect of the Hyuga estate. The compound exuded an aura of tradition and superiority, with pristine white walls and intricate wooden carvings adorning the buildings.
As they approached the clan head manor, Naruto couldn't help but be impressed by its imposing structure. The manor was a grand, traditional building with sweeping roofs and ornate decorations. It stood as a testament to the Hyuga clan's long history and esteemed status. The wooden doors, intricately carved with the clan's emblem, were flanked by stone lanterns that added to the manor's dignified appearance. Naruto felt a mixture of awe and wariness as he approached, acutely aware of the weight of history and power surrounding the clan.
Inside, the manor was no less impressive. Naruto was led through corridors adorned with exquisite tapestries depicting legendary battles and scenes of peace. Sliding doors made of polished wood and paper whispered open and closed as they moved. The floor was covered in tatami mats, and the soft light filtering through shoji screens created a serene and almost sacred atmosphere. He couldn't help but marvel at the serenity and elegance of the place, a stark contrast to the often harsh realities of his ninja life.
Finally, Naruto was brought to the clan head's chamber. The room was spacious and richly decorated, with traditional Japanese furnishings. A group of elders sat adjacent to the slightly raised seating of the clan head, Hiashi Hyuga, all seated in the traditional Japanese way on the floor. The atmosphere was thick with formality and expectation.
Naruto bowed deeply twice. "Lord Hiashi," he said respectfully, then addressed the elders, "Elders." He felt a mixture of respect and nervousness; these were powerful people, and their opinions could significantly impact his standing in the village.
Hiashi gestured for Naruto to be seated on a tatami mat. "Please, sit," Hiashi said. Naruto obliged and took a seat, accepting a cup of finely brewed lavender tea. He took a sip, appreciating its delicate flavor and the calming effect it had on his nerves.
With the formalities completed, Hiashi spoke. "We will now discuss the matter at hand. You sent a message claiming that you possess a stolen Byakugan."
Naruto nodded, meeting Hiashi's eyes with steady resolve. "It's true, Hiashi-sama. I cannot go into detail, but at the end of my last mission, the man hunting me had a Byakugan concealed by seals. He claimed he had obtained it during the last Shinobi War." Naruto then unsealed a cylindrical flask and presented it to the council, revealing the undamaged Byakugan inside.
One of the elders leaned forward, eyes wide with a mix of shock and relief. "So, it's true," he murmured.
Hiashi stood up, prompting Naruto to do the same. Naruto handed the flask to Hiashi, who bowed deeply. "The Hyuga clan owes you a debt of blood and honor. Please accept our sincere gratitude. It means a great deal to us that our prized dojutsu is returned. You may call upon this debt at any time, and we will fulfill it if it's within our power."
As a token of their gratitude, Hiashi presented Naruto with a traditional gift, including a token worth 100,000 ryo and a piece of land within the clan district—an area known for its exorbitant value, typically reserved for clan members. Naruto felt a mixture of surprise and gratitude, understanding the significance of such a gift.
Naruto thanked Lord Hiashi and the elders, exchanging pleasantries. Despite their coaxing, he declined to immediately claim the debt, preferring not to have such a significant favor hanging over his head. The elders were insistent, understanding the political ramifications. The return of the Byakugan was a matter of utmost importance, especially with the clan's strict policies around the Caged Bird Seal to protect their dojutsu. Not rewarding Naruto with the highest honor could create future issues and undermine the justification for the seal.
As Naruto departed, he couldn't help but reflect on the favor owed to him by the Hyuga clan. He knew that his actions and the gratitude of the clan would soon become common knowledge throughout the village, ensuring that his efforts would not be forgotten nor could be undermined.
NARUTO'S HOUSE
Later, as Naruto entered his house, he couldn't help but notice the grim layer of dust that had settled over place looked abandoned and unwelcoming. "Man, this place is a mess," he muttered to himself. Without wasting time, he created a few shadow clones and set them to the task of cleaning the house. The clones quickly got to work, sweeping, dusting, and tidying up.
"Let's make this place livable again," one of the clones said with a grin as it grabbed a broom.
Another clone started dusting off the shelves, shaking its head. "We've really let this place go, haven't we?"
Naruto chuckled, feeling a bit more at ease with his clones bantering around him. As he was about to start cooking, he heard a knock on the door. Curiosity piqued, he walked over and opened it to find a messenger standing there, looking official and serious.
"Naruto Uzumaki?" the messenger asked.
"That's me," Naruto replied.
The messenger stepped forward and handed Naruto a scroll. "After your evaluation, the elder council has deemed that you will be on probation for the next 18 days. During this period, you will spend your time at the academy as a teacher. You are to report to the academy three days from now. Even after the probation, you will continue as a teacher for an additional 12 days before you can start taking missions again."
Naruto took the letter, nodding in acknowledgment. "Understood," he replied. "Thank you."
The messenger gave a curt nod and departed, leaving Naruto standing in the doorway. Closing the door behind him, Naruto unfolded the letter and read through it.
"A teaching assignment at the academy, huh?" Naruto said, horrified, talking to himself. "This can't be happening. I'm only a year older than the graduating batch!"
One of his clones, busy scrubbing the floor, looked up and chuckled. "Guess you're going to be molding young minds now, sensei."
Naruto glared at the clone. "Very funny," he muttered. "This is ridiculous. How am I supposed to teach kids who are practically my age?"
The clone wiping the windows shrugged. "Well, it's not like you have a choice. Orders are orders."
Naruto sighed heavily, sitting down at the table and holding the letter. The thought of teaching didn't excite him; it felt more like a punishment. "I was expecting missions, action... not this. I'm not ready for this kind of responsibility."
Another clone dusting the shelves chimed in, "Look on the bright side, at least you're not out on dangerous missions for now. You can catch a break."
"Yeah, a break," Naruto replied sarcastically. "Teaching a bunch of kids sounds like such a vacation."
The clones continued cleaning as Naruto mulled over his predicament. The house gradually transformed from a neglected dwelling to a clean, welcoming home, but Naruto's mood didn't lighten. He knew he had to face it, but that didn't make it any easier.
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