Naruto the REAL Fifth Hokage by Traban16

Chapter 10: The Coronation of the Fifth Hokage

Chapter 10: The Coronation of the Fifth Hokage

Tsunade, with Shizune at her side, trailed in the back of the group as the Elders and the ANBU were speaking with Jiraiya and Naruto. She wasn't sure why, but Naruto had on the most somber expression she had ever seen. It seemed the boy wasn't as cheerful as he let on to be, huh?

"Tsunade-sama, it's good to see you again. It's been such a long time." Shikaku said as turned around to her with a smile on his face. She smiled at him as well. He was one of the many good people she had left behind in her self-imposed exile.

"You're that kid from the Nara clan, Shikaku if I'm correct. It's good to see you as well." Tsunade said as they walked through the village. She and Shikaku struck a conversation while Shizune had taken to try and catch what the Elders were saying.

"Naruto-sama, Hiruzen's effects are being removed from the Hokage's office to make room for the things you'll be placing in there as we speak. The full populace count of the village is to be in attendance for your installation." Koharu said as she, Homura, Danzo and Jiraiya walked beside Naruto while Dragon and Asuma took up the rear.

"I see… Tell me, have we had any intruders or unwanted guess in the village, Dragon?" Naruto asked as he gazed backward while Dragon saluted him.

"No sir, Naruto-sama. The ANBU guards have not reported any trespassers. Though there have been a few civilians attempting to sneak in with forged papers." Dragon said as Naruto sighed.

"Well then, you can tell your men and women they can be lax now. I'm back in the village, so there will be no need to keep up should rigid guard. I know that we should, but even the ANBU need rest; we are all human after all." Naruto said as he crossed his arms and nodded to himself.

"Thank you, Naruto-sama." Dragon said before he vanished in a swirl of leaves.

"Now as for this coronation… can't we just skip the ceremonies? I think it would be best if-" Naruto was saying before Koharu and Homura gave him a look and sighed in unison.

"Naruto, we understand your wish to do so, but the village must know the face of their Hokage. Even if you are a Kage it does not mean to literally be one. The village needs to reassert itself with a public face and to know the face and name of your leader speaks volumes of respect." Koharu scolded as Homura placed a hand on her shoulder to stop her.

"Listen Naruto, you have been given- no, I say you have earned the title of Hokage. You have earned it through your constant hope for a better tomorrow, in not just your own life, but the lives of everyone in this village. You have never stopped giving up hope and have an unyielding determination. This village needs that from you. It needs you to bear the burden as you have done for 13 years. It needs you to not give into the insanity which that Gaara boy did in Suna. This village just plain and bluntly needs you; for hope, for protection, for just being you." Homura said as Naruto looked him in the eye. Though the man was not smiling and was giving him a stern face, Naruto could tell he was filled with pride and admiration. So why was it that Naruto still had those feelings of dread?

"Besides, I think this village has kept a few too many things secret, but has let the wrong things come to light. I told Hiruzen he was foolish in the decision to tell the people of your being a Jinchuriki. But no, he thought the people would be open-minded and accepting. I, unlike him, have always understood the darker side of human nature and how it toys with the mind. It creeps into the thoughts and fears, and brings them into situations in which we don't fully understand. That is why the people of this village avoided and isolated you, Naruto, because they fear and hate that which they don't understand." Danzo said snidely as Naruto turned a critical eye to him, just as everyone else did.