章節 259: Chapter 259 - Daichi's Mission & Naruto's Graduation
March 20. Tanzaku Town.
It was a few minutes past 9am and in Paradise Inn the meeting between the two corporations mediated by Ryoma, after several days were in its final stages. Daichi was standing guard in the room while Kakashi was outside keeping an eye on everyone.
Daichi stood in a corner of the room with his arms behind his back. He kept an eye on the other ninjas along with his client, but Daichi's mind drifted to his friends back in the Leaf village.
'The exams must have started by now. Unless I'm mistaken right now they're probably taking the written exam. Then comes the weapons test and then Taijutsu and finally Ninjutsu... Good Luck Naruto. Today is the day everything changes for you... I have to trust that whatever happens he'll pull through.'
Daichi let out a quiet sigh and focused his attention back on the mediator. After the drama and the reveal of the spy things have calmed down and after several hours of debate and discussion the two presidents decided to put aside their differences for the future of their family.
In this meeting it wasn't only the presidents and their advisors but also several family members were present.
The head of The Satoru Corporation, Tsuyoshi was about to speak when his eldest son Kazuki whispered a last-minute suggestion in his ear. Tsuyoshi nodded before he addressed the gathering, "Our main concern is about the distribution of responsibilities. We believe an alliance should distribute responsibilities based on the strengths of our businesses."
"What do you have in mind, Tsuyoshi?" Ryoma asked the man.
"We've always excelled in resource extraction and initial processing. If we focus on that, and have The Rising Sun corporation, with its refining and distribution capabilities, take over the latter stages, we could maximize efficiency and output."
The room is silent as everyone contemplates this suggestion. There was some nodding and a few thoughtful hums. It's a logical strategy, one that takes advantage of the strengths of each corporation while minimizing their weaknesses.
"We also propose the formation of a joint council, with representatives from both corporations, for decision making and resolving any disputes that may arise. This council would be the governing body of our alliance, ensuring decisions are made fairly and are in the best interest of both parties." The head patriarch and president of the Rising Sun corporation, Yamamoto Hideshi gave his thoughts.
The negotiations proceed smoothly, with both corporations putting forth their concerns, expectations, and plans. Ryoma managed the meeting and with several key ideas from his view the two companies agreed that an alliance at the very least would be greatly beneficial.
They also discussed the possibility of a merger. Ryoma looked at the two sides and spoke.
"So it's agreed. An alliance for now but your children Mika Satoru and Yamaha Hideshi will live in the capital and get to know each other. If they feel that they are compatible and happy with their relationship then they will marry and a merger between your two corporations will take place. But if not, the alliance between you two stands strong with the promise of no betrayal. Agreed?"
The two heads looked at each other and after a few seconds of tense silence, agreed. They slowly nodded their heads and turned their gaze towards their children.
Yamamoto looked at his youngest Son and nodded. 'If we hold on to old grudges, others could take advantage and destroy us. This is for the best.'
Tsuyoshi had his eyes on his youngest son who was silent throughout the whole meeting. He sighed inwardly and turned his attention to his daughter. 'Everything I've done, I've done for all of you. Whatever you decide I will stand by it my daughter.'
They agreed and they discussed other issues such as potential redundancies, maintaining the morale of their employees during the merger, and of course, the legal and financial implications of this alliance.
By noon everyone was in a broad agreement on the structure of the alliance, though several minor issues still needed to be ironed out. Still, the atmosphere is one of optimism - the first steps have been taken towards an alliance that could change the face of the Land of Fire's economy.
Paradise Inn.
At noon the negotiations between the two parties had come to an end. They agreed to meet at the capital next week and under the Third Minister the alliance would become official. After that the two children would temporarily move to the capital in the hope of creating a good relationship and thus a successful merger.
The two families thanked the mediator and soon they and their guards left the Inn.
After everyone was gone Ryoma looked at the owner of the Inn and smiled. "Thank you for the hospitality my friend. I know shutting down business here for several days was not an easy choice to make."
"Please, Lord Ryoma. It was our pleasure to host you and your guests. I do apologize for the inconveniences you faced. I hope you'll visit us again." Kotohaku said with a wide smile and humble posture.
"Haha… I'm well aware that it wasn't your fault. You were a gracious host. And I'll definitely be back. But next time it won't be for business. Haha…" Ryoma chuckled and gave the man a scroll. Kotohaku took the scroll with a wide smile and bowed.
Ryoma turned to his guards and gave a nod and soon Daichi, Kakashi and their client were on the road back towards the Capital. Soon they were out of Tanzaku Town making good time towards their destination.
—-
"Well that went better than I thought it would." Daichi said as he looked at his client.
"Yes. The negotiations were in part made easier due to that spy. Those two may hate each other but ultimately they were forced to cease all hostility towards one another. It actually went smoother than I anticipated." Ryoma replied.
"I assume appropriate actions are going to be taken against the Silver wood Logging company?" Kakashi spoke.
Ryoma nodded. "Yes. It's come to Lord Taji's attention that they've been dabbling in some illegal activities. He'll take action once we get the information needed from his spy. I'm sure they're working on that even as we speak."
"Almost a decade of waiting and his plans go bust because he picked one wrong target. That's gotta sting." Daichi had a chuckle as he thought about that man's situation.
Ryoma had a smile when he heard that. He completely agreed with that sentiment. "Yes. He had no idea that the famed Kakashi Hatake and the prodigious Daichi Hekima were the ones guarding me. It was his bad luck I suppose."
The trio didn't encounter any more dangers or attacks on their way back. By around 4 pm they reached the Capital. While the two ninjas escorted their client to his home, Daichi was thinking about what was happening in the village.
'The Taijutsu exam must have been completed by the time we left Tanzaku Town. Sasuke took first place, I'm certain. Naruto has been training so I'm pretty sure he's not going to be the deadlast. I wonder how he did in the shuriken tests? Eh! I guess I'll find out once I get back.'
Daichi looked up at the sky and noted the position of the sun. 'It's a little past 4pm. Ninjutsu tests must have been done by now. The exams are completed… I just wish I knew how everything is going on over there.'
—-
Leaf Village.
Ninja Academy: A couple hours ago.
Every student completed their Taijutsu exam and was back in their classroom. Iruka and Mizuki were going over the results of the Taijutsu exam and were in the process of ranking the examinees. The students had an hour before the final part of their exam began. The students in class chatted amongst their friends on how they did and most of the future rookies were no different.
"Shikamaru, Choji why didn't you two take part in the third match?" Ino asked with narrowed eyes and her hands on her hips.
Shikamaru who was trying to take a nap sighed. "Because it was pointless. I already got enough marks on the written exam and the shuriken test. And I did well in my first two matches. My grade would be much higher than usual and that's gonna be more than enough for my mom. And that's good enough for me. I'm not gonna do any more work." He closed his eyes and ignored Ino's exasperated groan.
"Argh! Such a lazy ass. And you Choji? What's your excuse?" Ino turned to the Akimichi who was munching on some chips.
"What (munch) Shikamaru said." Like his friend, Choji ignored Ino and turned his attention back to what took priority. Salted crunchy potato chips.
Ino looked at the two and just shook head. "I pity the person who's going to be on a team with you two."
Shikamaru, who was lying on his desk, eyes closed, slightly smirked. 'I have a feeling you're not going to like it when they announce the teams.'
"Well even if they didn't fight someone to improve their grades they didn't make a dumb decision and lose points like someone else." Sakura, who was near Ino, spoke looking at Naruto with crossed arms.
"Aw come on Sakura. I could have won that." Naruto whined as he applied the special healing cream Hinata gave him on some of the bruises on his arms.
"That's an Illogical statement Naruto. You lost the moment you picked Sasuke Uchiha as your opponent." Shino spoke as he examined the small fly on his fingertip.
"Yeah. Even a blind person could tell that you were going to lose that fight." Kiba said laughing.
"Um… I- I think you tried your best… Naruto." Hinata was very shy and spoke in a small voice. She looked at Naruto from the corner of her eyes and gave him a small smile.
"Thanks Hinata." Naruto beamed as the girl gave him compliments.
"You're coddling him too much Hinata. He won't learn not to pick a fight with someone who can kick his ass that way." Sakura said with a smirk. She knew about Hinata's crush and thought it was cute.
"Hey. I'll beat that jerk next time. After I become a Genin I'm gonna train hard and then I'm gonna kick his ass." Naruto said standing up from his seat. He turned to Sasuke and spoke. "Hear that. I'm gonna take you down in our rematch."
Sasuke was looking out the window and didn't even bother paying attention to whatever Naruto said. And it only made the blonde angrier.
"Naruto, sit down! The final part of the exam is about to begin." Iruka said from the front of the class and the blonde obediently sat in his spot. A few minutes later Iruka addressed his students.
"We've reached the final portion of the graduation exam. When your name is called, proceed to the testing room. Mizuki and I will be waiting. Your test will be on… The clone jutsu. Good luck everyone." Iruka left and soon the students were being called one by one.
"Kiba Inuzuka."
"Sweet. It's my turn." When Kiba's name was called he stood from his spot and grinned with excitement. "Good luck you guys."
"Come on. When are they gonna call me?" Naruto tapped his fingers on the desk and waited.
"Be patient Naruto. They'll call soon. There aren't many left." Sakura said but then turned to Sasuke's direction. 'Look at him sitting by the window so calm and cool…. Chaa! He looks so hot.'
Sakura's face turned red and she immediately shook her head to get rid of any distracting thoughts.
"Sasuke Uchiha." The Uchiha slowly stood from his spot and walked towards the door.
"Good luck Sasuke. You're gonna do great." Sakura said with a big smile.
The Uchiha simply glanced in her direction but didn't say or do anything else. There was no change in his expression as he looked at her.
'Chaa… He looked. He's so cool. I hope I'm on Sasuke's team.'
Naruto grumbled seeing Sakura's attention on his rival.
Several minutes later the next name was called. "Sakura Haruno."
"Good luck Sakura." Naruto said with a big smile and wave.
The pink haired kunoichi smiled at him but then her face turned serious. "Naruto you better not play any pranks and screw up. You hear?"
The blonde boy grinned and eagerly nodded his head. "Yup. Don't you worry. I'm definitely gonna pass. Believe it."
Sakura gave the boy a small smile after hearing that. Over the years she came to see him as a good friend. She would get annoyed by some of his antics but he was someone she cared about.
Around 10 minutes later the next name was called.
"Naruto Uzumaki."
Naruto stood from his seat and took a deep breath and closed his eyes. 'Alright Naruto. Get it together. You can do this. You've been training your whole life for this. You can become a ninja. Believe it.'
He opened his eyes and made his way to the testing room.
"Alright Naruto. Make at least three identical clones." Iruka looked at the boy and spoke. He was concerned that Naruto might try a prank or something and get himself failed but seeing the boy's serious expression the Chunin relaxed. 'Come on Naruto. You can do this.'
Naruto brought his hands together and made the seal. 'Ninja art: Clone jutsu.'
Four clones were created in a puff of smoke. Iruka and Mizuki inspected the clones and found them all identical. Iruka smiled and sighed in relief. He had a big smile as he looked at Naruto.
"They're perfect. Congratulations Naruto. You've earned this." Iruka took a leaf headband and gave it to the boy.
"YES! FINALLY. YAHOO!" Naruto was giddy with joy and he immediately took the headband and tied it around his forehead.
"I'm a ninja now. Lookout world. Naruto Uzumaki is coming. Hahaha…" Naruto felt like he was atop the world.
"Alright alright calm down. You've trained hard this last year and it showed. Not only did you pass but surprisingly you're not the last in class."
"Yeah. That was a complete surprise for everyone." Mizuki said with a light chuckle.
"I really wanted to pass this exam. It was hard. But I did it." Naruto said, giving them a thumbs up.
"Yes. Yes you did. But you shouldn't slack off. Your real journey has only just begun." Iruka had a kind smile as he looked at the boy.
Naruto nodded with a grin. "Thanks for everything Iruka sensei."
"So Naruto, now that the exams are over, what are you gonna do?" Mizuki asked the boy with a smile.
"I'm gonna go over and celebrate at Ichiraku Ramen."
"Well, have fun. I gotta get back to work." Mizuki said and left the two.
"Hey Iruka sensei. You wanna come with me to celebrate?" Naruto asked the man.
The chunin shook his head. "No. I have plenty of work to complete here and need to send the reports to the Hokage. You go and have fun."
The blonde nodded and soon left the room with a Leaf ninja headband shining on his forehead.
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章節 260: Chapter 260 - Tobirama's Suspicion & Mizuki's Trick
Hokage office.
Hiruzen had his crystal ball in front of him and watched as Naruto correctly performed the clone jutsu and Iruka handing him the Leaf headband. He smiled as he looked at the boy's jubilant face. 'You passed your first hurdle. Now let's hope you and your two teammates can impress your Jonin teacher.'
He let go of the Telescope jutsu and sat back in his chair as his mind went through other matters regarding the village. The kage recalled the conversation he had with his predecessor earlier that day on the Nine tails incident.
Flashback.
"So today is the graduation day huh. The Nine tails Jinchuriki will be taking part in this exam, correct?"
"Yes sensei." Hiruzen nodded.
"Hm… I'll be leaving the village for a day or two. There is something I need to confirm."
"Leaving the village? But why? What would have you take such a huge risk?" The kage was surprised because since the day his sensei was reanimated the man was adamant on staying hidden and helping only from the shadows.
"Something about the whole Nine Tails attack bothers me Hiruzen." Tobirama said as he looked at his student.
"What do you mean sensei?"
"When I first heard of the incident and heard the perpetrator was an Uchiha, I thought that somehow Madara had returned to the living and was behind it. He was the only one known to control the beast. But after thinking it through I'm sure it's not him." Tobirama said.
"Why do you say that?"
"How do I put this… It's not his style. He had strong pride and he wouldn't choose to attack from the shadows like that. If it was really Madara he would have declared it or at the very least would have made sure we knew it was him. He was a powerful individual and even his name sparks fear. He knew that and would have taken advantage of it." Tobirama knew the Uchiha very well. How he thought and how he would act and respond. It was why he was certain that the nine tails incident was not Madara Uchiha's doing.
"There is also the fact that he is dead and has been for several decades. Aside from the reanimation jutsu I don't know any other techniques that can bring an individual to life." Hiruzen said.
Tobirama nodded but Hiruzen still saw a sense of unease on his sensei's face. 'Even the possibility of Madara being alive really terrifies you, doesn't it. It's as if he left a scar on your psyche.'
The second Hokage looked at his student and spoke.
"I wanted to study Madara's body after his death but my brother forbade it. So I made sure to hide his body in a secure location in the mountains in complete secrecy… I've ignored this for so long because someone finding the hidden location in the mountains is close to impossible and breaking through the seals and entering Madara's tomb is even more difficult. And since there hasn't been any incidents or sightings of any Uchiha other than Itachi since the massacre, I figured the Uchiha who orchestrated the attack had died."
Hiruzen was silent as he listened to his teacher.
"I thought it would be a waste of time to go search and check and since we had more pressing matters to deal with, I ignored it. But now with that child graduating…"
"You want to make sure…" Hiruzen nodded as he understood his sensei's feeling. There were many times over the decades when Hiruzen had sent his shinobi to make sure the powerful enemies that were known to be dead were truly dead and gone. "I understand sensei."
Tobirama nodded. "I'll be gone for a day or two. It'll depend on what I find. I'm hoping that this whole endeavor is just a waste of time and nothing more."
The two made plans and soon the second Hokage left the village in utmost secrecy.
Flashback End.
'I wonder what sensei is up to? Since he modified the jutsu and canceled the reanimation contract I can't see through him unless he lets me… Guess I'll just have to wait till he returns.'
The Hokage let go of his thoughts and decided to go back to his work.
—-
Ninja Academy.
Outside the academy building the parents of almost all students were present and they were all happy and proud seeing their child successfully become a ninja.
Sasuke had exited the building a short while ago and seeing his classmates embraced by their parents made his heart yearn for his own. He put his hands in his pockets and quickly walked away with a stoic face avoiding everyone.
Shikamaru glanced at Sasuke's figure from the corner of his eyes and felt bad for the guy. He turned his attention to his smiling parents nearby. 'Thank god I don't have a crazy brother like his.'
"You did well, Shikamaru. Your grades are even higher than usual. I guess you really do want to become a strong ninja huh." Yoshino said with a small laugh.
Shikamaru chuckled awkwardly. 'More like I don't want to hear you nag mom.'
"Hey Shikaku. It's been a while. Looks like everyone is here." A voice came near them.
The Nara commander turned his head and smiled at his friends Choza Akimichi and Inoichi Yamanaka. Their children were with them as well, wearing their new Leaf ninja headband.
"Come on dad. I wanna go over to Sakura." Ino said as she looked around. 'Hinata has passed and Sakura just came out with a headband. So she passed. Looks like almost all of us passed. Hmm... Now only Naruto is left.'
Inoichi sighed at her daughter's energy and nodded. "Kids these days. Don't even want to spend time with their lil old dads."
"Oh let her have some fun Inoichi. It's her graduation day after all. In fact, Shikamaru, why don't you join her." Yoshino said with a mischievous laugh.
The young Nara groaned seeing his mom's face. "This is such a drag." Despite complaining he didn't disobey as he knew what his mother was like.
"Choji. Go on." Choza nodded and his son tagged along with Shikamaru and Ino. They 3 kids started to make their way towards Sakura when they saw Naruto exit the building with a big grin and a leaf headband tied to his forehead.
Before they could move further the trio immediately noticed the subdued energy and the barely hidden hostility from most of the adults surrounding them. Shikamaru narrowed his eyes and observed everyone and saw that they all discreetly had eyes on Naruto and were displeased seeing him with a headband.
It wasn't just Shikamaru and his two friends that noticed the change. Hinata was also keeping an eye out and waiting for Naruto. When she saw him exit the building she was extremely happy inside. 'I knew you could do it Naruto.'
She wanted to congratulate him but was too shy and afraid. But she noticed some of the adult's faces turning from joy to frown as they looked at Naruto. 'It's the same as that day.'
Hinata paid close attention to what some of the adults were whispering. But it wasn't just Hinata. Most of the rookies noted the change and they were paying close attention.
—-
"I can't believe he passed. What is Lord Hokage even thinking?" A woman whispered to her friend as they crossed their arms and looked at Naruto with barely hidden hate.
"Letting that boy into the academy was a mistake in the first place. I thought he would fail but now…"
"It was best if he was far away from here."
"What if he… What if he turns into the mon-"
"Stop. We're not supposed to talk about that. Remember."
"What are you guys talking about?" One of their kids asked.
"It's nothing. Listen, if you're ever on a mission with that boy, be very careful." The woman said to her child, pointing at Naruto.
Naruto's classmate didn't understand the reason but he nodded his head nonetheless.
The two women stopped talking and quickly left the academy grounds with their kids.
Similar murmurs were happening among most civilians and some ninja parents. Shikaku slightly frowned as he heard the whispered remarks. 'If nothing is done then it seems even with Lord Hokage's law, their hate might soon pass down to their children… I'm truly sorry Minato.'
—-
Naruto saw some of his friends as he looked around. 'I can't wait to show them my headband.'
He saw Sakura a short distance away and was about to walk over and show her his headband but the murmurs from the adults stopped him.
Even though it looked like Naruto was ignoring them, the boy was paying close attention to what was being said. He heard every word they spoke and the immense joy he felt after graduation quickly disappeared. He didn't want to look up and see the hateful faces of the adults. He even became hesitant to go near his friends. He didn't want them to see him like this. So vulnerable.
'Eh. I'll see her next week when Iruka sensei announces the teams. I'm gonna get some Ramen. I'm sure the old man and big sis will be happy to see me.'
Naruto decided to go to Ichiraku ramen unaware that several eyes were on him. Several friends and one dangerous foe.
—-
"Oh my god. You're wearing the headband. That means you passed." As soon as Naruto walked into Ichiraku Ramen Ayame noticed the new item tied around Naruto's forehead. She was excited for him.
"Yup. I'm a ninja now." The depressed mood he had earlier vanished as soon as Naruto entered the store. He was happy seeing their reaction.
"Congratulations on passing your graduation exam Naruto. I'm so happy for you." Ayama hugged the blond as soon as he came near.
"Well done kid. Take a seat. I'll get you something good." Teuchi got to work and soon Naruto had a big bowl of his favorite Ramen in front of him.
"A premium Miso ramen with extra pork. Just how you like it. It's on the house kid."
Naruto's smile widened as he looked at the two people. "Thank you for the food, old man."
Teuchi and Ayame smiled as they saw the boy dig in.
To Naruto the ramen tasted much better than usual. 'At least there are some people that care about me… I will make this village acknowledge me one day. I'm gonna be a great ninja and when I become Hokage everyone's gonna respect me.'
The boy ate his food and talked about his exam with Ayame and Teuchi.
"So who do you want to be on a team with Naruto? Is it your dear Sakura?" Ayame had a teasing smile as she looked at the slightly blushing boy.
"Come on Ayame, stop teasing the poor kid." Teuchi said as he made more Ramen.
"But it's so cute seeing his reaction… Now who do you not want on your team?" Ayame asked and Naruto instantly had an answer.
"That jerk Sasuke. I really hope Iruka sensei doesn't put him on my team. I can't stand that arrogant bastard."
"Language Naruto."
"Sorry old man."
—-
His time at Ichiraku Ramen went well and soon Naruto was on his way home. 'I wonder who'll be my teammates. I want Sakura to be the second member but who will be the third… Hmm… Maybe Kiba… Or Choji. It'll be cool if it was one of those guys. Hinata is okay too I guess. If it's Shikamaru… I don't know if I can deal with his lazy butt. Eh. I guess it's fine. I don't want Ino. She sure can be bossy when she wants to be. Shino is… kinda creepy. And definitely not that bastard Sasuke. Anyone but him.'
The blonde boy prayed in his heart. He was on a less traveled street in the village and when turned a corner he saw Mizuki waiting nearby. The Chunin instructor saw Naruto and gave the boy a small wave.
"Hey Mizuki sensei. Didn't you say you had some work to finish?" Naruto asked the Chunin with a big smile.
"Yeah. I still do. In fact it's why I'm here." The Chunin replied, coming near the boy. The small street was empty save for the two. One of the reasons Mizuki chose this spot.
Naruto was confused by that statement. "What do you mean?"
Mizuki smiled at the kid and told him the reason he was there. "Naruto. I'm here because there is one more test for the graduation exam."
—------------
Author's Note:
In canon Tobirama didn't know about the Izanagi jutsu of the Uchiha clan. If he did then he probably would have destroyed Madara's eyes or his entire body just to make sure he won't come back. This is my hypothesis based on the story.
The more logical reality based assumption is that the creator pulled the OP plot Armor jutsu at the last moment for Obito and thus included it for Danzo to make it seem like a big deal and to explain away any plot holes…
創作者的想法
MonkWithAPen
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