Might Guy announced that he would also be having Kurenai Yuhi, Genma, Gekko, and a few others tonight for the celebration party. It was going to be a joint party, as not only had Might Guy been promoted from Chunin rank to Special Jonin, but Kurenai had also been promoted to Special Jonin rank. The only difference was, Guy was a specialist in Taijutsu while Kurenai was a specialist in Genjutsu, and both would be going as instructors at the Ninja Academy from the next term.
While Guy was also no present in village at the night of Coup, he just like others, was quite surprised later, upon hearing about whole situation, which followed by revelation of corruptions of elders and details about Naruto and Uchiha matters. While it has been month long thing. Currently now, at night, inside the Akimichi Clan's Barbecue Restaurant, sat Kakashi, Might Guy, Shisui, Itachi, Genma, Gekko, Yugao, Kurenai, with Naruto and Sasuke also tagging along since they were with Kakashi and Shisui earlier.
Meanwhile, at the same time in the Hokage Office meeting room, all Clan Heads of major Clans in Konoha sat on their respective seats, with the now retired Hiruzen as well, but this time as Clan Head of the Sarutobi Clan. A long wooden table was between their seats, and the Daimyo sat at the front of the table facing them from left and right. Behind him stood his entourage and guards. On the other side, facing the Daimyo, was a man with long white spiky hair, two distinct red lines descending from his eyes, and a large horned forehead protector with "Oil" written in kanji.
This was Jiraiya, wearing a long green kimono and a dark sleeveless mesh shirt beneath it with matching dark pants. A larger red scroll, which he usually strapped to his back, was placed in front of him on the table. The meeting had been going on for some time. "Sensei, I promise I will convince Tsunade," Jiraiya protested, completely unwilling to become the Godaime. "So stop being persistent. Hokage? Really? Do you really think I'm cut out for that, Sensei? All day stuck behind a desk, paperwork, meetings, nah, that's not my style, and my research is still incomplete..."
Hearing Jiraiya's protest, everyone coughed lightly; they all pretty much knew what research of his was still pending, since Icha Icha Paradise was obviously read by many, if one didn't include Tsume Inuzuka in that matter. "Ahem, Jiraiya, you should understand the situation," Hiruzen lightly coughed and said, "And about Tsunade, she isn't even willing to return back to the village, let alone for becoming Godaime!"
"Jiraiya-dono, Konoha currently is leaderless because of the current scandal, and it can't go on like that for a long time," the Daimyo spoke, covering his mouth with his traditional hand fan. "Moreover, I also agree with either Jiraiya-dono or Tsunade-hime becoming Godaime, and neither anyone in the room even disagrees with either case, am I right?" He spoke, eyeing Fugaku and Hiashi. Fugaku, since he was now known to possess the Mangekyō Sharingan and Kage Level Strength himself, and Hiashi, because he was the only one in the meeting who looked completely uninterested in this matter, like he was forced to come here.
"I have no problem with either one of them becoming Hokage," Fugaku stated, his tone serious and carrying a hint of threat, "Only thing I care is that the Uchiha Clan shouldn't be targeted and played with like before, otherwise..." Fugaku himself didn't think himself worthy of that position and also knew that others wouldn't agree, since for becoming Hokage, the approval of others was also needed, as well as of the Daimyo, who usually went with the majority. Hiashi, however, didn't even look back at the Daimyo and closed his eyes, ignoring the matter completely.
To him, it didn't matter who would become Godaime or not; his brother was already dead because of political issues between Konoha and Kumogakure, which could not be changed anymore. If the mistake were his and his brother then died in his stead, then perhaps he wouldn't feel as guilty, but mistakes? No, Kumogakure was literally wrong there, and yet the price was still paid by the Hyuga. It couldn't even be said Konoha paid that price. "But Tsunade-sama really wouldn't come back," Shikaku spoke. "But I think if Jiraiya-sama is able to convince her, then I don't think there's much issue here..."
Everyone nodded, and Hiruzen chimed in, "Well, that's also okay. If you really can convince Tsuna, then I don't find any issue here, but, the question is, will you be able to?" Jiraiya's face lit up. He immediately responded, "Of course, Sensei, just give me a few weeks. I will find her, convince her for the Godaime's position, and take her back..."
"No, no, Jiraiya-dono, that would be a long time. Konoha is already leaderless for a month," the Daimyo spoke. "While I don't know full details of the matter regarding Tsunade-hime, but the way you all talk, I don't have much confidence that she will even agree, and we can't wait for a few weeks which might turn out to be more months in your case."
Before Jiraiya could reply, Hiruzen spoke, "Yeah, that also needs to be considered. Even if we use Anbu to locate her again, or personally go back, it doesn't change the fact that Konoha is currently leaderless, and who knows how much time it itself takes you to even return back with her. If I take the possibility you are able to take her back, in the eyes of other nations, this itself will be seen as weakness!" Hiruzen's resignation and Konoha's immediate need for a Hokage were also the reasons that the Daimyo himself was summoned; otherwise, the Daimyo usually summoned or they went to him after they had selected a candidate and needed his approval.
Today's meeting was not alone to discuss matters of the Godaime, but also about the decision of whom they would crown as Godaime Hokage. Hiruzen had already discussed it with others that he had personally selected Jiraiya even before Jiraiya came back in Konoha. Even though the situation wasn't that desperate, the immediate need for the next Hokage also left Jiraiya himself with less choice for refusing. While his only option was using the card that he would take Tsunade back and they could make her Godaime, that also failed here, since going, convincing, and taking her back, who knows how long this process would be.
Did that mean Konoha had to stay without any leader for that long? The answer was a simple no, but Jiraiya still retorted, "Just give me a month, I promise, I will really take Tsunade back..." Hiruzen shook his head; he couldn't agree with Jiraiya, at least not now, otherwise they might have to choose some other candidate maybe even Fugaku, who himself was currently unwilling for the position, even if he was given the position, at least his mind was currently set for thinking about his Clan first.
"Hmmm, if Jiraiya-dono didn't wish to become Hokage and Konoha itself can't remain without a Hokage," The Daimyo thought a little and presented a suggestion, "Then how about making Jiraiya-dono a temporary Hokage for a year? He will have a full year, and if in this time, Tsunade-hime were to agree for the Godaime's position, then good, otherwise Jiraiya-dono has to become Godaime for real."
Jiraiya, hearing this suggestion, immediately agreed. He himself felt that he wouldn't be able to escape the plan Hiruzen had set to make him Godaime Hokage, but the Daimyo's suggestion solved many problems for him. He felt that one year was really enough to approach and convince Tsunade, while also thinking that one year's sacrifice of research might be worthwhile if Konoha remained safe under his temporary Hokage reign.
With some more discussions, it was decided that Jiraiya would become temporary Hokage and leader of the Village, but his own conditions were also accepted—that he wouldn't do the whole paperwork and stuff, and needed free time himself, while he would still fulfill the duties of Hokage. But even if within a year, they couldn't convince Tsunade to return to the village and become Hokage, or find any other suitable candidate, then Jiraiya would be officially crowned as Godaime Hokage. Moreover, Jiraiya also got full intel about the situation that happened on the night of the coup and all others, but what he cared more about was what happened to Naruto.
Despite never even visiting him for years, he at least care about him and didn't want any harm on Naruto, and in this full year as Temporary Hokage, he would have enough time to be with Naruto as his Godfather. Later, after everyone dispersed, Jiraiya and Hiruzen were alone in the Hokage's office, where Jiraiya was looking outside at the Hokage monument, mostly at Minato's stone-carved face. "Haa," He sighed lightly and muttered, "If only Minato hadn't died or I had been there on that night..." Even though Jiraiya spoke in a low voice, Hiruzen still heard him clearly but didn't speak.
He himself felt guilty for Minato's death, mostly because now the blame for the Kyuubi's appearance was on Danzo currently, and even proven with all those Sharingan at Root base by Team Ro. Plus Danzo is whom Hiruzen, despite knowing his character, never rebuked. If he had done so, things might be much better now. "So, Sensei, there would be no advisors from now on in Konoha," Jiraiya asked, since the position of village elder and advisors who would give suggestions to Hokage was no more.
"Yeah, your decisions for Konoha are going to be yours alone," Hiruzen replied with a nod, and sighed wearily and added, "Even though this was suggested by Shisui, but I think he was right. If I didn't have my teammates as my advisors, then many of my wrong decisions wouldn't have come out like they were." Jiraiya in response didn't reassure him; rather, he agreed with him, after all, he was also angry at Hiruzen about Naruto's matter.
"Haa, well, this was also made by me, making my teammates as my advisors," Hiruzen sighed once again, recalling his wrong decision. "Every village has Elders, but they only are to provide suggestions; agreeing on them is totally up to the Kage, but I gave those three a lot more authority; even in Sensei's reign, he never even let those elders speak unnecessary, let alone even think about their suggestions."
"Then it's really a good decision, I suppose," Jiraiya snorted. "But will my Hokage robe be empty, or will 'Godaime Hokage' be specifically written on the back?" Even as temporary Hokage, Jiraiya would also have to wear a robe and hat unique for Hokage, as he would also be fulfilling the duties of one. "Hm, hm, it will," Hiruzen nodded, and with a small chuckle, said, "If Tsuna comes back or another better candidate comes, then it will be theirs, otherwise you can have it for a lifetime, with your face carved, there, besides Minato's."
"Oh man, then I really have to try my best to have Tsunade back here," Jiraiya said, "But for now, I am going to meet Naruto." During the week he had come back, he had met with Naruto, also telling him that he was his father's sensei and his Godfather. In response, Naruto had posed a question—that if he was his Godfather, then where was he till now? Jiraiya, having no response, could only apologize, but at least Naruto didn't hate Jiraiya for that, not anymore, since now people were treating him well, but his desire for becoming Hokage only rose after knowing his father was the Fourth Hokage.
Meanwhile, at the Akimichi Clan restaurant, everyone was having fun. Shisui's gaze was landed mostly on Kurenai Yuhi. She wore a simple, form-fitting black outfit. Over this, she donned a large, red mesh top that covered her entire body, from her shoulders down to her legs, with a swirling pattern. She had a white sash wrapped around her waist, tied in a knot at the front, with red lines on it. Her forearms were covered with what appeared to be short bandages or somewhat like arm warmers. She wore standard shinobi sandals, sitting on the left side of the bench with Yugao Uzuki and Hayate Gekko.
Kurenai had long, straight, black hair that reached her upper back. She kept a few strands framing her face and wore purple eyeshadow and red lipstick, which complemented her red eyes and enhanced her mature and refined look. Even though he knew how beautiful she was from his anime memories and memories of the original Shisui, personally seeing her was literally very different. To Shisui, her most striking feature was her unique set of red eyes. These eyes had a distinct ring pattern, sometimes appearing as two different shades of red with an additional ring.
This looked somewhat like a Sharingan, though they were fundamentally different and not related to the Uchiha clan. Plus, Kurenai had delicate facial features, contributing to her overall elegant demeanor. His gaze was also felt by Kurenai, who upon seeing him, smiled brightly at him, waving her hand. "Oye, Shisui, at least for convince sake, look at others as well," Beside Shisui sat Kakashi, who nudged him and said, "Well, I know she is beautiful but you might know that she is approximately 4-5 years elder than you, like me, right?"
"Age is just a number," Shisui said nonchalantly, without paying mind to Kakashi, looking back at Kurenai. "And moreover, only 4 years? Doesn't matter much to me anyways." Itachi also sat beside Shisui on the other side and said in a low voice, "Shi-san, you really changed a lot, looking at a girl like so directly. Even I sometimes get shy looking at Izumi straight in her eyes..."
"Shhh, just stop it already. I know that I have changed, but stop mentioning it each time," Shisui said, a little irritated. "Kakashi-senpai, do you know, my clansmen have mentioned that I have changed more than a thousand times for the last month; it's really very irritating!" While Naruto and even Sasuke were devouring the tender pieces of barbecue meat with an almost desperate intensity. Just then, Genma mentioned, "Haa, now that I think about it, aside from these two kids, everyone sitting here is either Special Jonin or seasoned Jonin."
"Haha, it takes a lot of hard work and dedication to show my Youth, to get promoted to special Jonin position!" Guy said, with high usual high spirited tone, giving thumbs to Kurenai Yuhi, who promoted to same position with him, "Congratulations to you, Kurenai-san!" Kurenai nodded and also said, "Congratulations to you to Guy-san!" They said, and everyone continue to enjoy their joint celebration party.
"Cough, right, if Asu- cough, Asuma was here, he would also be- cough a Jonin now," Gekko mentioned, coughing lightly, while Yugao slowly tapping his back, giving him glass of water. 'Oh, right, in anime Asuma and Kurenai were in a relationship,' Shisui noted. 'But currently he has left the village years ago, still didn't return, does that mean I have a chance with her?' Once again, his gaze landed on Kurenai, and he thought, 'Well, actually it doesn't even matter much either way, I have other matters to take care of currently.' Later after party, all said goodbye to each other and moved back to their respective ways.
Shisui was with Itachi and Sasuke, while Kakashi had taken Naruto with him to his own house, as Naruto's crappy apartment wasn't somewhere Naruto should live and Kakashi have Naruto staying with him. "Itachi nii-san, why don't you also have Mangekyō?" Sasuke asked, while the three of them were walking back to the compound. With Sasuke's sudden question, Itachi frowned. He didn't want to make his little brother feel that he was inferior to anyone, but Mangekyō, that was another matter and a difficult thing to gain even for him.
"Sasuke, Mangekyō Sharingan isn't the thing which shows strength alone; it also reminds the possessor of their past failure to save their closed one," Shisui explained in Itachi's stead, giving him some face. "Hm, but isn't that why both you and father are currently being considered as very strongest in the Village?" Sasuke asked, tilting his head in confusion. At his current age, he didn't even know that, a simple One-Tomoe Sharingan also is only a reminder of the loss of the possessor; Mangekyō is another level of guilt one bears for a lifetime. Though for Shisui it doesn't matter, since he wasn't the same Shisui Uchiha.
"Well, strength is also a great unique part of it, but don't think about it much; you will understand once you awaken Sharingan yourself that it comes with a cost," Shisui replied, ruffling Sasuke's hair. Then he looked at Itachi and thought, 'Now that I am safe, and the Uchiha Clan in the near future also might not have any major event occurring, does that mean Itachi wouldn't awaken his Mangekyō? Well, damn, Tsukuyomi was also such a cheat ability; it would be a real waste if Itachi didn't awaken it.' Feeling Shisui's gaze at him, Itachi asked, "What is it, Shi-san?"
Shisui blankly replied, "First of all, nothing, and secondly, stop calling me Shi-san. It's been years since I used to teach you; you should call me either Shisui or Shisui nii-san like Sasuke." Itachi flinched slightly. While he also used to call Shisui as Sensei and even Nii-san, but that was years ago, calling him that now, Itachi felt strange, so he said, "Well, Shisui-san is okay, I suppose." Shisui nodded approvingly, and the three of them went back to their houses.
In his house, while lying on the bed, Shisui was deep in thought, 'When I transmigrated, I just didn't want to die, but now that I am safe, and with knowing the future with my knowledge of the plot, I am even sure that I will survive even future disaster of Kaguya Ōtsutsuki as well, especially with Obito Uchiha himself being under my control, so, do I really need to become even stronger?' He blinked. The next moment he concluded, "Well, this world is still dangerous, who knows when my strength proven to be insufficient. Hm, alright then it's decided, I will be going to Uzumaki Temple tomorrow!" He nodded and make a decision.
-- To Be Continued --