Naruto the dragon sin of wrath

7

Chapter 7: Decisions, Intrusions, and an Unexpected Reunion

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Timeskip: Post-Otogakure/Suna Invasion

The council convened in a tense meeting to discuss reparations and resolutions following the invasion. After much deliberation, it was decided to show leniency toward Suna due to the external pressures they faced from the Wind Daimyo's actions. By leveraging Konoha's influence, a compromise was reached: they would receive reparations from Suna, and the Hokage promised to mediate with the Wind Daimyo to redirect missions back to Suna, alleviating their economic turmoil.

When the conversation shifted, Hiruzen officially announced his intent to retire. This sparked a flurry of nominations. Shikaku Nara, praised for his strategic genius, and Kakashi Hatake, lauded for his skill and reliability, were both nominated but quickly dismissed. Danzo proposed himself, but his ambitions were blatantly ignored. Finally, Jiraiya was nominated, only for him to refuse outright, instead suggesting Tsunade as the best candidate for Hokage.

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By mid-afternoon, Gaara and his siblings were escorted to the village gates. Before their departure, Naruto approached Gaara with a look of genuine regret. "Sorry about almost killing you," Naruto said sheepishly, scratching the back of his head.

Gaara, stunned by the apology, listened intently as Naruto talked about the bonds he had formed in Konoha and how important it was to protect those you care about. For the first time, something clicked within Gaara. Turning to his siblings, he bowed his head. "I... apologize for how I've treated you both," he muttered, his voice strained but sincere.

Kankuro and Temari exchanged surprised glances but smiled, sensing a change in their brother.

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Naruto spent the next morning in blissful relaxation. At his apartment, Anko and Hinata were with him. Anko playfully teased Naruto, holding a dumpling just out of his reach as he tried to grab it. Hinata, sitting nearby, giggled softly, enjoying the lighthearted scene.

"Come on, Anko! Just give me the damn dumpling!" Naruto complained, pouting.

"Not until you say, 'Pretty please, oh great Anko-sama!'" she replied, smirking.

Hinata shook her head fondly. "Naruto-kun, you could just ask nicely," she offered sweetly, handing him one of her own.

"Thanks, Hinata-chan," Naruto said, smiling. "At least someone around here doesn't make me beg!"

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Around noon, a knock interrupted their peaceful moment.

"Come in!" Naruto called.

The door opened, and Jiraiya stepped in, only to freeze as he spotted Naruto buried face-first in Anko's chest, motorboating shamelessly. The legendary Sannin burst into laughter, his face flushed with perverse delight.

"Boy, I like your style!" Jiraiya cackled.

Naruto pulled back and shot Jiraiya a glare. "Who the hell are you?"

Grinning, Jiraiya struck a dramatic pose, spinning once before declaring, "Thank you for asking! I am a man who makes ladies swoon with my good looks and men tremble with fear! The Sage of Mount Myoboku! One of the legendary Sannin! I am, Jiraiya!"

Anko rolled her eyes. "More like a perverted old fart."

"Correction, young Anko," Jiraiya said with a grin. "I'm a super pervert."

Naruto chuckled at the exchange as Hinata emerged from the kitchen, carrying a tray of tea and snacks.

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