Chapter 40: Fist Bump
Seven Days Later,
Naruto and his team finally returned to the Konoha after finishing the bridge. They had to visit the Hokage to make the report.
They knocked on the door and Hiruzen's voice came from inside.
"Come in!"
They opened the door and walked in.
"Ahh! Team Seven and Eight. You are finally back. So, how was the mission?"
"Well, it was a bit complicated." Kakashi answered.
Hiruzen narrowed his eyes and asked.
"So, what exactly happened?"
"Old Man, explaining everything will take quite a long time. So, here is the report for you. You can ask the specific question that we can answer."
Naruto threw the scroll at Hokage who suspiciously caught it and started reading. The more he read, the more his eyes widened. By the time he finished, he wasn't even smoking.
"So many things happened, huh? So, Naruto, will you explain everything that you did?" His voice was sharp and filled with coldness.
"Well, Old Man, I did for myself. Sorry, I had to be a bit selfish but it was the only way for me." Naruto apologized and answered.
His answer not only caught Hiruzen off guard but others as well. Nobody understood why Naruto would say it like he had no other choice.
Hiruzen narrowed his eyes and his voice caught a bit of warmth as he asked.
"Explain!"
"Look, I am the Jinchuriki of the village and I know what this status means not only to this village but other villages as well. If I want to become a Hokage, I would probably not only need to save this village from a big bad enemy but maybe even save the world just to get that position."
"And, I don't think that is possible. Our village might get attacked and I might save it but saving the world sounds like a fairy tale. So, if I want to get my influence in politics, gaining more allies is the only way for me."
"Although Waves doesn't have a lot of potential in the military, it has a massive business potential. If I can secure it as my ally, then my chances of becoming Hokage get higher."
When Naruto finished explaining, the Hokage and Two Jonin finally understood his motivation while the Genin were confused.
Kiba didn't even hesitate to ask.
"Why will it be difficult to become a Hokage for you, Naruto? You already defeated Zabuza. If you get even stronger than Kakashi Sensei, there won't be anything stopping you from becoming the Hokage, right?"
Before Jonin or Hokage could reply, Naruto answered with a cold tone for the first time.
"Kiba, the status of Jinchuriki is different than normal ninjas. They are related to Kage but can never become the Kage as they are viewed as the weapon of war and destruction."
"If I want to become the Hokage, I need to show my intellect, my political powers, and my relationships with the major clans of Konoha. That's the only way for me to become the Hokage especially since civilians are too dumb to understand my position."
Hiruzen couldn't help but feel saddened by his words. Even though Naruto had so much desire to become the Hokage, it was true that it would be hard to gain the villagers' respect.
Kiba was horrified by the difficulty of becoming the Hokage. He just thought that you needed to become the strongest to become the Hokage.
On the other hand, Hinata was sad just like Hokage while Shikamaru was already thinking of helping Naruto by convincing his father.
Kakashi wanted to say something but didn't have the confidence to mentally help Naruto. On the other hand, Kurenai never thought it would be so difficult for Naruto to become the Hokage.
As for Sakura and Sasuke, they were just surprised. Sakura was a bit offended when he said that civilians were too dumb but didn't comment on it.
"You are right, Naruto. It would be difficult for you to become a Hokage. So, I have decided to give you a boost. I will spread the news about you saving the Waves and defeating Zabuza."
"As a Hokage, my words have a lot of credibility so ninjas especially Chunin and Jonin will accept you."
Naruto couldn't help but smile brightly. The status of Jonin changes a lot, especially for his reputation.
"Now, if you excuse me and your Jonin teachers. We have something more to discuss. You will receive your payment from your Jonin teacher later."
Hiruzen spoke.
Naruto and others nodded before leaving the room.
"Alright, give me a detailed review of everything that happened. Do not miss a single detail."
After they left, Hiruzen looked at Kakashi and Kurenai before speaking with a serious tone.
...........
"So, what do you plan to do now?" Kiba asked as they left the Hokage Building.
"I think we return to our homes first. Hinata and Shikamaru must have a lot to explain to their parents." Naruto spoke.
Hinata and Shikamaru nodded.
"Goodbye!" Sasuke said before leaving. Although he had closed the gap, he still liked being alone. So, he didn't hesitate to leave.
"I think I should go home as well. My parents must be worried about my well-being." Sakura said and left.
"Well, Akamaru and I have nothing to do so we will head home. Bye, Naruto!" Kiba waved toward Naruto and left.
Naruto used Body Flicker Jutsu and disappeared. After twenty seconds, he appeared in front of his door.
He opened the door and walked in. Fortunately, nothing happened to his apartment. It was still noon so he decided to take a bath and meditate.
While meditating, he unconsciously entered his mindscape and found Kurama.
"Hey, do I have to come here every time I meditate?" Naruto spoke with some annoyance and stood up.
He was still walking on the water. His mind was like a drainage which didn't make him feel good.
"Are you satisfied with my Chakra?" Kurama asked with a deep growl.
"Yeah, it was amazing. But, I would rather rely on my own Chakra for now. Your Chakra is like an amplifier so the stronger my base form gets, the more powerful I will become after using your Chakra."
Kurama nodded his head. He was satisfied with his Jinchuriki's mindset. He was also afraid of facing the likes of Otsutsuki all by himself. So, he wanted Naruto to get stronger on his own.
"So, how do you plan to get stronger now?"
"Of course, I have many things to get stronger. For example, I can master Boil Release and use it like Han to boost my physical powers. I also plan to master power Jutsu and Taijutsu to fight our future opponents."
"By the way, I have been meaning to ask you something. In that dream, it looked like that man was here for your Chakra meaning he will go for other Jinchuriki as well."
"Normally, I wouldn't ask you something like this. But, do you think I should seal them inside me rather than let those guys absorb them?"
Naruto was a bit normal while asking this question. Although Kurama hasn't shown any love for other Tailed Beasts, he has shown some level of concern. So, he didn't want to anger Kurama.
On the other hand, Kurama didn't feel angry at Naruto's thoughts. In fact, he also knew that Otsutsuki might try to absorb One Tail first and then slowly move on to him.
After thinking for a while and seeing Naruto's serious expression, he replied.
"I am not sure about those who have grown fond of their Jinchuriki. But, if you do find a Tailed Beast outside a Jinchuriki, you should seal it inside yourself."
"Among nine Tailed Beasts, I am the one who hates humans the most. If I cooperate with you in the future, it means you are at least trustworthy."
Naruto couldn't help but smile as he raised his fist.
"Thanks for trusting me, Kurama! I can't promise this but if we manage to clear all threats by the time I die of old age, I will free you and everyone who will be inside me."
"It's my promise to you and I never go back on my promise. That's my Ninja way."
Kurama slowly pulled his hand out of the seal. He also clenched his claws into a fist and touched Naruto's fist.
"Don't betray my trust, Naruto!"
Naruto's eyes widened when he heard Kurama calling him by his name. Kurama never called him by his name so it was quite nice.
"Now, don't bother me! Go out and continue your training."
Naruto smiled at his words and said.
"Goodbye, partner!"
Kurama raised his eyes and thought.
'Partner, huh? I never thought I would become this close to a human. Guess, the Old Man wasn't wrong. But, it still hasn't been proven yet. He still hasn't said the name of all nine-tailed beasts.'
'Is he the one we were waiting for, Old Man? I will be the judge of that. I will be watching you, Naruto. I have seen your past so show me your future.'