The Uzukage - U. Naruto

Part 1 - huh?!

Naruto winced as he rubbed his sore cheeks, the sting of Sakura's slaps lingering. Despite the pain, his trademark grin slowly returned to his face. "You didn't have to hit me so hard, Sakura-chan," he whined, though there was no real anger in his voice. He was used to this kind of treatment by now.

Sakura huffed, crossing her arms over her chest. "Well, maybe if you weren't so loud first thing in the morning, I wouldn't have to!"

Naruto pouted but didn't argue further, knowing it was pointless. Instead, he turned his attention to Sasuke, who was leaning casually against a nearby tree, watching them with an amused expression.

"What are you laughing at, Sasuke?" Naruto challenged, his competitive spirit flaring up as he noticed the smirk on his rival's face.

Sasuke's smirk widened just a fraction. "Nothing, dobe. Just wondering how you manage to get beaten up before training even starts."

Naruto scowled, his fists clenching at his sides. "I'll show you who's the dobe, teme!"

Before the two could escalate into one of their usual heated arguments, a familiar voice interrupted them.

"Good morning, everyone," Kakashi said lazily as he appeared behind them, his ever-present mask and slouched posture giving him an air of nonchalance. "I see you're all full of energy today."

Naruto immediately forgot his irritation with Sasuke and turned his attention to their perpetually late sensei. "Kakashi-sensei! You're late again!" he accused, pointing an accusing finger at the older ninja.

Kakashi waved his hand dismissively. "Ah, you know how it is. I got lost on the path of life."

Naruto's eye twitched in disbelief, while Sakura sighed in exasperation. Sasuke just rolled his eyes, as was his usual reaction to Kakashi's excuses.

"Anyway," Kakashi continued, ignoring their reactions, "today we'll be doing some special training. So let's get started."

Naruto, momentarily forgetting the soreness in his cheeks, pumped his fist into the air. "Yeah! I'm ready for anything!" he declared with enthusiasm, already eager to prove himself.

As they began their training, the morning's tensions faded away, replaced by the familiar rhythm of teamwork, rivalry, and the bonds that were slowly but surely forming between them.

Training that day was intense, as usual. Naruto pushed himself harder than ever, determined to outshine Sasuke and impress Kakashi. But despite his efforts, something felt off. He couldn't quite put his finger on it, but there was a strange tension in the air, a heaviness that he couldn't shake.

After the session ended, Naruto was about to suggest grabbing some ramen with his teammates when a messenger suddenly appeared before them. The shinobi had a serious expression, and Naruto could tell right away that something was wrong.

"N-Naruto Uzumaki," the messenger stammered, looking uncomfortable. "The Elders have requested your presence at the Hokage's office. Immediately."

Naruto blinked, surprised. "The Elders? What do they want with me?"

The messenger merely shook his head. "I'm just the messenger. Please follow me."

Naruto glanced at his teammates, confusion written across his face. Sakura looked worried, and even Sasuke seemed a bit puzzled by the sudden summons. Kakashi, however, was unreadable, his single visible eye narrowing slightly.

"You should go, Naruto," Kakashi said softly, though there was an edge to his voice that Naruto didn't miss. "Don't keep them waiting."

Swallowing his unease, Naruto nodded and followed the messenger, his mind racing with possibilities. What could the Elders possibly want with him?

When he arrived at the Hokage's office, the atmosphere was even more tense. The Elders, Homura and Koharu, stood beside Tsunade, who sat behind her desk with a grim expression. Danzo, the ever-watchful figure of the Konoha Council, was also present, his cold gaze fixed on Naruto as he entered the room.

"Naruto Uzumaki," Tsunade began, her voice heavy with something akin to sorrow, "we have received disturbing reports. You've been accused of a grave crime—one that threatens the very safety of Konoha."

Naruto's eyes widened in shock. "W-What? What are you talking about? I haven't done anything wrong!"

Tsunade's expression didn't waver. "The evidence we've received is damning. It points to you as the one responsible for leaking sensitive information to enemy forces."

Naruto felt like the ground had been pulled out from under him. "That's not true! I'd never betray the village! You know me, Granny Tsunade!"

Tsunade winced at the familiar nickname but remained silent. Homura and Koharu exchanged glances, while Danzo stepped forward.

"Whether you are guilty or not, the evidence is overwhelming," Danzo stated, his voice devoid of emotion. "To prevent any further harm to the village, the Elders have decided that you must be banished from Konoha, effective immediately."

Naruto's heart sank. "B-Banishment? You can't be serious!"

Tsunade looked pained but didn't contradict Danzo's words. "Naruto, I... I'm sorry, but this is the decision that has been made. For the safety of the village, you must leave Konoha and never return."

Naruto's mind raced, trying to make sense of what was happening. He couldn't believe what he was hearing. He had dedicated his life to protecting Konoha, and now he was being cast out like a criminal? This had to be some kind of mistake.

"But... where will I go? What about my dream of becoming Hokage?" Naruto asked, his voice barely above a whisper.

Tsunade closed her eyes, unable to meet his gaze. "That dream... is no longer possible, Naruto."

Naruto stood there, numb, as the reality of the situation sank in. He had been framed for something he didn't do, and now he was being exiled from the only home he'd ever known. His fists clenched at his sides as a mix of anger, betrayal, and heartbreak swirled within him.

Finally, Naruto took a deep breath and straightened his posture. "If that's how it is, then I'll go," he said, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside. "But know this—I won't give up. I'll prove my innocence, and one day, I'll come back to Konoha and clear my name."

Without waiting for a response, Naruto turned and walked out of the Hokage's office, his steps heavy but resolute. As he left the building, the weight of the village's rejection pressed down on him, but so did the determination to find out who had done this to him—and why.

Naruto didn't look back as he walked through the gates of Konoha, leaving behind the life he had known. He was alone, but he was far from defeated. This wasn't the end—it was just the beginning of a new journey.