A/N: I'm back. Last chapter was a success I reckon, with the fluff fit just right I would say. Some even commented that Chp 8 was way too scary, how Naruto just blew up. Meh, I would say it was pretty normal. Well, each to his own. Now, I once again thank all those who reviewed, and so, I hereby present Chp 10 of "I Do".
Oh, and I have a very serious question at the end that I need all you guys to answer. It really helps me decide what I might do next. Thx a lot.
Disclaimer: Gosh, which numbskull gave you the idea I owned Naruto? I need to hunt him down.
I Do
Chapter 10: Rokudaime Hokage
All was silent in Konohagakure as the moon shone brightly over the village, with the occasional whispers caused by the wind as they blew through the forests. The sky was filled with stars that glowed a golden hue, contrasting itself with the never-ending darkness of the sky itself, engulfing everything. Such a beautiful sight to behold.
It was as though Nature were celebrating a reunion of two battered souls, finally together once again, the joy, relief and love they felt affected the whole atmosphere. Haruno Sakura had never felt happier in her whole life. She wasn't kidding. Being accepted by the person you love most, and to be able to receive a similar amount, if not, even more affection from him was all they she could have hoped for.
Uzumaki Naruto gave his foxy grin as he gazed at the woman in his arms, admiring the love of his life; admiring how her face showed the trust she placed in him. He knew this feeling. The real sense of security lies within their bond. To feel needed……isn't an easy task…
Sakura sighed in bliss as she lay there, eyes closed, enjoying the quiet environment. It felt so unique, the usually busy village, buzzing with people and all sorts of noises, now totally silent. And they were the only two able to enjoy it. They were atop the Hokage monuments, drinking in the view that was presented before them, it felt good. Oh yeah.
Sakura then remembered, "Naruto?"
"Hmm?"
"What did Shishou tell you?"
Naruto scratched his head before grinning, "Oh that. Well, basically, she found someone to dump all her extra paperwork on and has decided to retire, slacking away in her mansion, drinking sake all day long and the usual, you know the drill……"
Sakura's eyes widened in surprise, "So does that mean?"
Naruto didn't reply directly, but stared at the village before him, before whispering softly, "Yes, Sakura. I've been elected as Rokudaime Hokage."
Sakura stared at the man she loved right in the face. She could see it. His joy, his goal has been reached. Finally, at long last, he has gained the favour of the committee with his courageous acts and soon, he would have gained the respect of the whole village! No words could adequately describe what he must be feeling right now. All those unpleasant memories of his childhood……
Naruto closed his eyes as he felt the wind blow against him. It was relaxing. All those times when the going gets tough and things become really hard to bear, he would always sneak to this place, letting his mind roam as one with the wind, to flow freely everywhere, anywhere. To let the wind take his troubles away, to make him feel as though Nature has not yet abandoned him. To make him feel that he was still needed on this world……
Yet now, as he stood there, a pair of thin arms slowly circled around his waist and a tiny frame rested against his back, her words were all the comfort he needed as he was reminded of the bad times he experienced. They soothed him, calmed him……tamed him.
To be honest, he had always viewed himself as a cunning and wild fox.
He was a kit, free to do whatever he wants and clever enough to make a living for himself. Yet, he soon grows tired, and realizes that he requires companions around him, and a place to stay. And he found it when he was six. That small bud that was destined to grow into a Cherry Blossom tree. It was so small and vulnerable then, and he had made it his responsibility to protect it. He had fought off any herbivores that tried to attack her, and had even sustained hits from bigger animals just to make sure that she didn't get trampled on.
He didn't mind that he wasn't getting anything in return, or that the Cherry Blossom neither acknowledged nor thanked him, if he said he's gonna do it, he will. And so, he waited patiently, always by her side, protecting her, showering her with love, watching her grow.
And slowly but surely, she did grow, into a majestic Cherry Blossom tree, yet the kit grew up, and over the years, he's matured. He understood there might be a chance that the blossom tree might ignore him forever. Yet he didn't give up. He couldn't give up.
The cherry blossom finally acknowledged him and apologized for her mistakes and willingly let the fox stay by her side. Only this time, it will be her that protects him from any other animals. Her strong trunk would support both him and her, through all the hard winds that would occur and her beautiful pink blossoms would provide them both with all the warmth they need.
The fox had finally found his sanctuary……
Naruto chuckled as these scenes played in his head, that would be such a classic bedtime story, yet it was all true. Naruto had found it. He had found his sanctuary, and as he turned around and embraced his true love, he whispered, "Thank you, my love."
Sakura chuckled lightly as she saw the smile grew on his face. She knew what he was thinking of. She was grateful, not only to Naruto, but to Nature, who had allowed this opportunity for her.
She was a young bud, totally unsure of herself, unaware of all the dangers that might happen to her, totally naïve and optimistic, waiting patiently to grow up.
Yet, things weren't going as she thought. Winds were harsh, temperature was low and it was freezing at times. Some herbivores even had the nerve to come and sniff at her. She was angry, yet frightened. She didn't want her life to end so quickly.
But there he was, the little fox kit, who had appeared beside her every time she needed him. He had snuggled up to her when it was cold, sharing his warmth with her. He fought off the animals that came to eat her, and stayed with her all throughout the years.
She took it all for granted, until she finally blossomed, she grew up. And she finally understood how much it meant to be protected, how much effort one has to put in to be able to protect something, and just how much she owed him.
She truly felt sorry, and apologized for her actions, and let him use her as his home. She knew his characteristics easily, and so she knew that he was the one she was looking for. The one to save her, the one to protect her, the one to care for her……the one to love her. And so, they got together, she protecting the fox from the harsh weathers, and he protecting her from the animals. They were perfect for one another.
The Cherry Blossom has finally found her haven……
Sakura heard his whisper, ever so soft, yet, ever so meaningful. One simple gesture, yet it meant everything in the world, and so she bit his ear lightly and playfully, before whispering back, "I'm all yours, my love."
And with that, they shared a passionate kiss, pouring their love out of their souls, just to let the other know how strongly they felt for each other.
The night scene in Konohagakure never seemed more serene……
Two weeks later……
"Oi brat, you ready?"
"Er…not really. I'm nervous damnit! Stop making it worse you baka ero-sennin!"
"Hmph, gaki." Smirked our perverted Sannin as he watched on, amused at seeing the usually hyperactive blonde pacing around in the Hokage's office.
Just then, the door opened and Naruto jumped at the sight of a beaming Shizune, "Come on Naruto-kun. It's time."
Naruto gave a desperate look at Jiraiya, asking for any sort of assistance, hoping that some random form of stuff happen so that he wouldn't need to face the village. He really didn't know how the village might react. If they……if they……
"Oi kid!"
Naruto gulped as he heard the tone in his voice.
Jiraiya then gave his usual lazy smirk, "Go get them."
Naruto looked at him for a moment, before settling into his usual relaxed state, and closed his eyes, taking in a deep breath.
And when he opened his eyes, anyone can tell, that determination was fueled behind those orbs, that familiar ball of flame was back, that burning desire to soar above the others was back, Uzumaki Naruto was back!
He smirked and gave his foxy grin, "Be back in a sec old man."
And with that, he picked up the Hokage's hat off the desk and left the room, filled with confidence. Shizune giggled as he walked past her.
Outside……
Tsunade watched as the villagers and shinobis all gathered down on the main street of Konoha, just below the Hokage's monument. Kazekage was a specially invited guest, along with his siblings. The rest of Rookie Nine and Team Gai could be seen beaming as they waited in anticipation for the upcoming event.
She cleared her throat, getting the attention of all the people as she smiled widely, "Everyone, I now present……"
Sakura held her head up high as she saw that familiar figure walk out into the area above. That same playful grin on his face, and she knew it, deep down in her heart, without a doubt, Uzumaki Naruto would be a name know world-wide, a name that enemies would fear, a name where allies would smile at, because he is……
"KONOHAGAKURE'S ROKUDAIME HOKAGE: UZUMAKI NARUTO!"
And it was as if a wild beast was let loose. The crowd was in a frenzy, yet it wasn't anger. It wasn't hate. It was pure, unfelt joy. The crowd loved him!
Neji was seen smirking alongside a blushing Hinata and an amused Hanabi. Hiashi was looking on, proud that his teammate's son had such an accomplishment.
Tenten and Ino could be heard telling everyone, "I know that guy! He's awesome!"
Shikamaru was seen beside Chouji, both grinning genuinely up at the guy they came to respect.
Lee and Gai were both yelling about how youth conquers all obstacles.
Kakashi gave his usual eye-smile; pride filled his eyes as he reminisced the old times.
Kiba was seen with Akamaru, whooping for joy alongside a laughing Hana and her mother, Tsume.
Even Shino was smiling, his kikai chu were all buzzing busily, as though they too could feel the joy.
Naruto breathed a huge sigh of relief as he lifted his hat off and gazed down at the people of Konoha, he closed his eyes and spoke, "Everyone……"
All quieted down as they waited to hear him speak.
"I'm not sure if you can grasp what I'm feeling right now. It's complicated. I can't tell you how happy I am to be able to finally stand here, proud to become one of Konoha's finest shinobi, the Hokage!"
"But then, I kept asking myself, why? Why did I succeed in the end? All of you know by now, that I had the Kyuubi no Kitsune sealed within me since I was a kid. At that time, most of the villagers thought I was a demon, and even some shinobis thought so. Young little me, should have stood no chance against the regular beatings and even assassinations."
At this, at least half of the people below lowered their heads, or shifted uncomfortably, feeling guilty or ashamed for their past actions.
The other shinobis however, were all shocked as to how he was treated. They had no idea, and some were totally astonished that their superiors wore sad looks on their faces.
"No, I do not blame you. For at that time, all those who hated me or feared me, had lost someone dear to you. You directed anger at me, hoping to stop the pain that had been going through your heart. I understand that pain, I know it all too well. I had it right when I first learnt how to walk, when I first learnt how to communicate, when I first grew up!"
His harsh words rained down like arrows on the villagers, striking them with every sentence he spoke, for they knew, they deserved it. They saw how he saved the village using Kyuubi's power. And at that moment, everyone changed. All their anger was gone. In its place, was a deep sense of remorse and guilt.
"However, I met some of the most precious people I had in my life. One of the first one, was Sandaime-ojisan. He was the first one to protect me, to teach me, to tell me what it means to protect something. When I was young, I saw not only the looks of hate, but the pools of sorrow in your eyes. And that made me love this village more than ever. I couldn't explain it then, but I just felt a strong bond with this village. Sandaime-ojisan merely confirmed my beliefs as he told me what a Hokage means……"
Naruto-kun, what is it that you want to protect?
Jisan! I want to protect all that is precious to me! Especially this village and those around them! Just like you! I swear, I'll be Hokage when I grow up! Believe it!
"A Hokage is one who places the safety and privileges of the village above all else. Ah, but that is not all. To care for every single one of you, to understand and lead the village well. That is the ultimate task of a Hokage."
"Then when I became a genin, my lazy sensei taught me about the Shinobi life……"
Shinobis who don't follow rules are scum, but those that leave their comrades behind are worse than scum……
Always look underneath the underneath Naruto. Things aren't always what they seem……"
"I will always remember what he said, for it has become the basis of my nindo. But that's not all. A friend of mine once told me……"
Do you have a precious person? One that you treasure above all else?
Huh?
When protecting people that are precious to you, true strength will appear. Remember that……
"I never go back on a promise. That is my nindo. I persevere, I wait, I work hard. I once told Konohamaru-kun……"
There are no such things as short cuts Konohamaru. You want something, you gotta work for it. No exceptions. If you want to be Hokage, you've got to be determined!
…….Hmph! Stop acting cool over there! From now on, you are my rival! I'll work as hard as I can and make sure I become Hokage!
"Then, in the Chuunin exams, my……brother……he was……cursed by a power stronger than him……and he was drawn to that power……I tried to save him……but I failed……"
Come back Sasuke! Please! We're all waiting for you! That scumbag's just trying to use you!
I'm sorry Naruto. But in order to kill him, I have to do it. Don't force me.
Grrrr……must this be what it comes down to?
Sorry……my brother……
"I remembered what I said to a comrade, during my fight against him in the third round of Chuunin exams……"
Did you know? I failed three times in a row for my academy tests. My luck was very bad. Each time, they tested me on the same jutsu. Every single time, they tested for my worst ninjutsu……bunshin no jutsu…is actually……the jutsu that I'm worst at……
Fate can't be changed, one is destined……stop telling yourself this kind of crap.
You are different from me; you're not a loser or a dead-last.
"During the invasion, I met someone, he was the same as me, yet so different from me. He was alone whilst I had friends. He suffered where I had comfort. He fought for himself and only himself then, not wanting to trust anyone else, lest his heart gets crushed again……
I fight only for me! Gaara! I love only myself! Fighting for others is pointless! Believe in your own power and that's enough!
"I proved him wrong. I thought he was really strong, but in the end I realized, true shinobi strength comes from bonds……"
This guy is the same as me, but he fights so harshly for himself, that is why…I thought he was strong.
But no! Fighting for oneself isn't true strength, now I understand it! Sakura-chan, everyone, I'll protect them!
"I became his friend and gained his trust. I had felt so happy and I saw him again. He had found affection and friends and had looked at life from a different angle I was ecstatic."
Uzumaki Naruto ka……someday…I too……will have friends of my own and people who care for me……arigato……
"I went on a mission, to find a certain woman, and to bring her back to our village, yet the first thing she does, is mock a Hokage in front of me……"
Hokage is worth shit. Only dumbasses want to become Hokage…….
"But I knew better. She had too much pain and sadness behind those eyes to be truthful about what she said……"
Dan, Nawaki, even if I could just hold them! Just touch them, I would be satisfied. I love them so much.
"So I made a bet with her……"
Oh, so you think you can master it in a week? Well then, if you master Rasengan by next Monday, I'll admit you have the talent and ability to become a Hokage, and as a bonus, you get this necklace……
Hmph! No problem! I never go back on the things I say! That's my nindo!
"And……I won."
Baa-chan……looks like……your cursed necklace……belongs to me now…….
"And she decided to place her trust in life once more, determined to bring peace and happiness to the village she so loved once again……"
Just this once…I would like to gamble just this once……I'm placing everything on you……don't let me down…….
"I endured all sorts of troubles and I admit, I must have been very troublesome to some of you in the past. Teuchi and Ayame Ichiraku have my utmost thanks in being a second home to me for all these years."
"I had help from a sennin too, even if he was a pervert. He acted like the grandpa I never had, and even though I never say it, I thank him. Without a doubt, he's the worst slave driver I've ever known, but he's still my sensei……"
Gaki! Give me two thousand push ups right now!
NANI?!
Shut up and get your ass working! Add five hundred pounds to your weights now!
"I met another friend of mine, whom I came to respect her as an older sister of mine, currently engaged to my best friend. I first met her on the outskirts of Kumogakure……"
Who are you? You take one more step and you're going down……
You don't look all that tough. Need some help?
Shut up……
"Yes, she's violent and crazy at times, but to me, she's irreplaceable. She's my ne-chan."
Baka! Not like that! Raise your arms and move it like this! NOOOO! You dimwit!
Hey! That's not very nice! This style is hard!
Naruto gave a grin before continuing, "Yet, you must all know, without her, my one and only love, I would've gotten no where."
Are you okay? Are you hurt?
No…no I'm fine. You look painful. It's all because of me……
Hell no! It was the bully's fault! Here, let me help you……
"I met her when I was six. And right there, I knew I loved her. Naïve isn't it? But it's true. To me, she's the only one for me. I know it. And I thank her, for providing me that sanctuary I've always been searching for. I love you, Sakura."
All the shinobis were awestruck by his tale and experiences, they could feel his sincerity, and the aura and his voice were all so soothing. It was calm and collected. Those blue eyes showed confidence, yet no arrogance. He had power, but never abused it. He was a fine young man, fully trained by all the experiences he had to go through. He had their full respect. Why? Because he deserves it.
Sakura bit her lips as she stared coyly at her fiancé up in the podium, just watching his smile makes her warm. She smiled encouragingly, helping him relax.
"My father dreamt of a village where peace and harmony resided. Where all shall unite together against a common enemy and lend our aid to any existing ally! My father, was Yondaime Hokage, Kazama Arashi!"
Even the council gasped at this. It was too much of a shock. They had no idea all this time, the so called "Demon's brat" was actually the heir to Yondaime, a true legacy left by the hero.
"Tsunade-sama has already done a DNA test to confirm it. And the report shall be sent to the council. But now, I want to achieve his dream. I kindly beg of you, please, place your trust in me, as I lead this village to glory, whereas I place my trust in you, where you assist me as a whole, where we unite as one! We are Konohagakure! The reason we are the strongest shinobi village is because of these bonds we have! I intend to keep it that way! Now, as the Rokudaime Hokage, I ask you. ARE YOU WITH ME?!"
"HAI!" Came the unanimous response. The whole village bowed before him, with the shinobis saluting him, respect and honor have to be earned. Naruto did just that.
And that was why, when he left the podium, he was grinning. He shunshin-ed to the main street, to where Sakura was, and found her there with welcoming arms, "I love you." Were the first words to come out of her mouth as she placed him in a tight embrace.
He sighed in bliss as he wrapped his arms around her tightly, not wishing to let go, "I do to. I really do."
Whew, now that's what I call a chapter! How was that for some climax?! Don't you just love it?! XD
Well, now, here are the questions I need you guys to tell me along with what you thought of this chapter.
Do you want me to focus on:
(1) Another new longer story that I mentioned earlier on, "I Will Believe" featuring NaruSaku and NaruIno, more pairings maybe……
(2) Just Oneshots on specific pairings that you guys can choose from?
Thanks, if you can answer that, I'll really appreciate it. And don't worry, this story is ending, least not yet. I do hope you guys enjoyed it. It was finished today, on my birthday. And I think it of a present for myself, because a year ago, I would never have believed that I could write something like this.
Thanks once again to all those reviewers out there. I really appreciate it. XD