Jiraiya, "Why the sudden rush?"
Tsunade clicked her tongue, "Jiraiya, for years people have been saying those who are born without chakra live in pain. But the ones observed had very small chakra coils almost negligent. You say she does not have one drop?"
Naruto, "Yep. even Kyuubi is very intrigued by her existence. According to him, she should not even be alive, but here we are."
Shizune, "I must admit even I too am very intrigued by her existence."
Tsunade, "Perhaps this will be the research you require to become a full fledged medic Shizune."
Shizune, "I.... I will think about it."
Naruto, "Nee - chan would not mind. She has been curious about her own physical condition herself. Unfortunately, there is not much explanation about this topic. So, if anyone can shed light on it, she would be happy."
Shizune, "I will talk to her, then if she agrees, I will do it. Does she have a shinobi spouse?"
Naruto, "Um... Anko - Sensei was getting chummy with her last I know. I do not know if they plan on getting married though."
Shizune, "Eh? Orochimaru's kid?"
Naruto shook his head, "Do not call her that. She hates it."
Shizune nodded laughing a little breathlessly, "Yes, that is probably best. I do not want to wake up with snakes on my bed."
Tsunade, "We will stop for lunch then move again."
Jiraiya, "Sure hime - chan, anything you are comfortable with. I will start he fire."
Tsunade, "Brat! Tell me more about your nee - chan. Is.... Is she stable? No short fuse or desire to kill herself or others."
Naruto blinked then was about to refute what she had said before frowning as he thought bout how to answer that question. His nee - chan was doing well now, in fact Sakura - chan, Ino - chan and even the shy Hinata - chan had assured him that his nee - chan was healthy. But that was not the case before according to nee - chan's quiet confession during the nights they cuddled each other. Naruto nodded and started to explain how he first met Tanna and how the two of them adopted each other. Tanna - nee was apparently just moving and doing things without even considering how it would affect the future. Something she always did whenever she did something outside her normal routine. Tsunade, Shizune and Jiraiya had a blank look when Naruto spoke about the orphanage and the adoption because that was not how adoption works normally.
Shizune, "Um.. Tsunade - sama, that's a.... "
Tsunade, "We will look into it once we get to the village. It will not make much difference now but, better to stay on top of such things."
Naruto, "Oh and nee - chan did say she was feeling lost and depressed before but now she is very happy."
Jiraiya hummed in agreement, he had a talk with the young lass before and despite everything she had a good head on her shoulder. Tsunade sent her teammate a look, it was strange to see him not gushing over another woman. He was hiding something, she would pester him about it later though, for now, they had to keep moving. The group of four started running again and had reached the border of rice village which was very close to Konoha. Tsunade had a lot of questions about everything that had happened while she was gone and would get her answers. Back in Konoha, Tanna hummed a tune as she was filing in the paperwork for the new batch of students who would be receiving their E - rank missions. The idea started as a jest but now it became one of the best ways to determine who were serious of becoming a shinobi and who had lost interest. Anko had been busy for the last three days with the high rank mission so Mikoto had been taking her around instead.
Mikoto looked up at the commotion, "Oh dear! Tanna - chan, I have to go. It looks like there is a VIP who returned to Konoha."
Tanna, "Go Mikoto - Sensei and Himeko - Sensei I guess will have to go too."
Himeko, "We are kunoichi now so yes. Even though we are not as active as before."
Yoshino, "We understand, we can handle the paperwork. It is almost done, anyway."
Mikoto, "See you in a bit."
Tanna, "Take care Mikoto - Sensei, Himeko - Sensei."
Yoshino, "We should go look at what is happening after we finish classes today."
Tanna, "Definitely, something tells me Naru - chan is back."
Yoshino, "Big sister senses."
Tanna, "Yup."
An hour after Academy was over both ladies went out to see what was happening and to collect information in Yoshino's case. The village was very lively and active with gossip about the Slug Princess returning home. Tanna gave a relieved smile, the story was still going in the same direction as the manga. Perhaps some events were set in stone after all, Yoshino smiled softly seeing the relieved look on Tanna's face. She feels the same relief everytime she hears her son and his friends returned to the village safe and sound from missions. While the results of the Chunin exam has been held back, it was obvious to anyone with any sense that Shikamaru would be receiving a promotion to Chunin. If not for clearing the exam then definitely for the on field decisions the young Nara made during the takeover. As the two ladies were enjoying some snacks while listening to gossip, an ANBU appeared in front of them making the people whisper in curiosity.
ANBU Owl, "Tanna - Sensei, you have been requested to appear at the hospital."
Tanna, "How fast?"
ANBU Owl, "As fast as possible. The new Head demands it."
Yoshino, "Since when can the Head of the hospital order ANBU?"
ANBU Owl, "Since they are slotted to become the Godaime."
Tanna, "It is okay, Yoshino - chan. The Godaime probably has questions about a few of the changes at the hospital."
ANBU Owl, "Please hold your breath. We will shun shin."
Tanna felt her stomach flip as they appeared near the hospital, "Ugh! Give me a moment."
ANBU Owl, "Apologies, I know teleporting is a bit jarring."
Tanna took a deep breath, "Okay, let's go."
ANBU Owl, "This way."
Tanna followed the ANBU up the stairs into the VIP room, "Hokage - sama, you look like death crawled over. Azuma - Sensei, how are you? Naru - chan, welcome back."
Hiruzen laughed, "Still as sharp tongued as ever."
Azuma, "She is not kidding though father, even with Tsunade - sama's help you still look bad."
Naruto was hugging her, "Missed you nee - chan."
Tanna, "And I you, Naru - chan."
Jiraiya, "No hellos for me? I am hurt."
Tanna, "Oh? You are here too. I thought you were already gone to peek at girls in the bath house. No peeking on my Anko - chan though."
Naruto looked at her, "Your Anko - chan... Nee - chan are you together now?"
Tanna, "Yup, we made it official a few days ago. The Mitarashi clan looked very relieved Anko - chan found someone she can trust with her everything."
Naruto nodded, "She is pretty cool and scary, but cool. She will keep anyone with funny ideas away."
Tanna, "I thought so too, people can surprise you though. Despite her reputation as a kunoichi, she is very sweet and attentive as a partner."
Naruto, "As long as you are happy nee - chan."
Tsunade cleared her throat, "Greetings I am Tsunade Senju and this is my appre Shizune."
Shizune, "Greetings Tanna - san, we have heard many good things about you."
Tanna curtsied gracefully despite having a blond koala hugging her, "My greeting to you Senju - hime and apprentice Shizune. It is a pleasure and an honor to meet you."
Shizune, "Oh! So that is where Naruto - kun got his manners from."
Tsunade snorted, "Too bad all that goes out the window once the customary mannerisms are done."
Jiraiya, "Brat has a sharp mouth of his own."
Naruto harrumphed, "Not my fault you lack taste in reading."
Jiraiya, "Brat! My books are fine."
Naruto narrowed his eyes, "Nee - chan's Star Wars has you beat. I saw the popularity list."
Shizune, "You wrote that series?"
Tsunade, "Shizune - chan is a big fan of Padme - hime."
Tanna, "Oh? You like it that much?"
Shizune "Yes, she has assassins and enemies who keep trying to kill her but she does not give up and still keeps fighting for her people. She is what I would call a true leader."
Tsunade, "Ahem! Shizune!"
Shizune, "Oh right! Tanna - san, please allow me to monitor your health from now on."
Tanna, "Eh? Why?"
Tsunade, "Shizune is on the verge of becoming a full fledged medic. However in order to do so, she needs to fulfill a dissertation. She has not picked a subject of interest for it yet, well till we heard about your case."
Tanna, "Oh! But are you sure? There is literally not much known about the people in my situation. I mean that quiet literally."
Shizune, "That's alright. It just means I have a very large open venue to work with."
Naruto, "As long as nee - chan is comfortable with it, I guess it is okay."
Tanna patted his hair, "It will be alright. I am actually curious about myself as well, to be perfectly honest. This would be a good way to learn about myself."
Naruto nodded, "Okay nee - chan."
Tsunade, "Oh! Stop being so protective brat. Your nee - chan can learn about herself too from this."
Naruto scowled letting go of Tanna, "I want to make sure nee - chan is completely on board with the idea. Kyuubi taught me to listen to heart beats to tell if a person is lying to me or not."
Tanna blinked, "He did? Huh! I was not expecting that. Do remember to thank him and be respectful while doing so. He may not be human but he is older then this country."
Naruto nodded, "I know, don't worry nee - chan. I already thanked him. He said if I can master two tails worth of chakra in two years I could sign a contract to use his chakra claws."
Tanna, "Chakra claws... Like hands covered in his chakra in the shape of claws? Or his literal claws?"
Naruto, "I asked but he said I need to fulfill his requirement first, then he would teach me and explain it."
Jiraiya was not happy however, "Seriously? You trust that nine tailed fox. After everything he has done."
Naruto, "That's just it. There are ways around the seal but he has not attacked the village yet. So, yes I trust up to some extent."
Kyuubi, -Foolish child. Too soft.-
Naruto ignored the grumbling, "Anyway, are we done? I want to spend time with nee - chan before going to visit Sasuke - kun."
Tsunade, "Fine! Fine! We already checked you and you are in the clear."
Sandaime, "Go ahead Naruto - kun. Do remember to be present at the Hokage office in three days though."
Naruto, "Okay pervy - jiji, see you later."
Tsunade snorted, "Really Sensei?"
Hiruzen, "He caught me in a compromising situation."
Tsunade sighed, "Of course he did."
Naruto meanwhile was telling Tanna about everything that happened. From seeing different places to trying his hand at gambling and winning. The blond patted his scroll saying he was going to treat Tanna to dinner that night. Tanna laughed agreeing but first they both needed a shower or a bath, they smelled like hospital disinfectant. The blond hummed as the two went through the routine to clean up and got ready for a relaxing night out with just the two of them. It was nice to simply talk about things as Naruto ordered his favourite barbeque platter and told his nee - chan about all the headaches he had to deal with. Tanna was not expecting Kakuzu to appear so soon, she still remembered his fight with Naruto. Kakuzu was one of the biggest turning points in the series aside from Haku who preached about love and precious people, the red head was the only other shinobi to do so.
Naruto, "Nee - chan, Jiraiya wants to take me with him."
Tanna, "Ah! He must have received confirmation about your promotion first then."
Naruto, "My promotion... I am not sure I am ready for that."
Tanna, "No one is truly ready for change in life. We just adjust and do our best. There is no right or wrong way to handle it.... "
Naruto, "What's wrong nee - chan?"
Tanna, "Hmm? Oh! It's Anko - chan, this is a surprise. I thought you would be stuck in your office longer."
Anko grinned as she bent down to kiss her, "I thought so too, but we finished everything today luckily. Imagine my luck seeing you two out together. By the way, your nee - chan and I are together now."
Naruto, "I know, nee -chan told me. As long as you keep nee - chan safe, you will hear no complaints from me."
Anko paused, "Safety? Why is her safety being brought up?"
Naruto mumbled, "Because of a snake."
Tanna, "Naru - chan what happened?"
Naruto, "Orochimaru wanted to use you as a lab rat. He threatened to kidnap you."
Anko had a furious expression on her face before it disappeared, "He can try but I will not let him touch her."
Naruto nodded, "I know you will not, Anko - nee. I trust you."
Anko smiled, "By the way, I have news on your Suna friends."
Naruto brightened, "Gaara - nii?".
Anko, "Oh? A nii - san already?"
Tanna smiled, "It's a jinchuriki thing I think."
Naruto nodded, "What is the news exactly? Pervy - sage did not let me contact them for safety reasons the last few days."
Anko, "Good thing he did not. Letters between Suna and Konoha are to be strictly monitored after what happened with Orochimaru. It is for their safety as well, this is the perfect time for any malicious group to take advantage of."
Tanna nodded, "To make the two villages really hate each other, it would be perfect. I think I can use this in my next book."
Naruto, "I guess I get it."
Anko, "Here's the news. The three of them got promoted to Chunin. The youngest is now being trained to become the Kage while the other two, his guards."
Tanna hummed plating some barbeque and rice for her, "Those two will become the most protective guards in the world."
Naruto giggled, "Gaara deserves it, maybe this will let them get close too."
Anko, "Another gossip is that one of the major clans will consider marriage with one of the siblings to strengthen the bonds between the villages."
Tanna, "A political marriage, well if both kids agree to it, I will not complain."
Tanna chuckled, "They plan a meet up in two months at Suna. After that in Konoha in one of the clan grounds."
Naruto grinned, "Sounds good. Maybe I should meet them before I go."
Anko, "You going somewhere?"
Tanna, "Jiraiya wants to take him on as an apprentice, which means they are leaving the village once things have settled."
Anko gave a whistle, "You impressed that old toad? Not bad kiddo, not bad at all."
Naruto "I just hope I do not have to apologize everyday to women because of him though."
Tanna reached out patting his head, "It will be okay. You are a cute kid anyway. No one can stay angry at you forever."
Anko, "Yeah kiddo, if anyone can find a way to make him behave then it will be you. I just know it."
Naruto laughed at the image that made in his mind then went back to eating while asking Tanna about her newest book. She was planning on writing something called Orville, which would be a different timeline from Star Trek. Anko hummed asking her if this was based on her theory of multiple universes, a theme she covered in her Teyvat Travels book. Tanna grinned while nodding and admitting it was not the only timeline she was writing and there would be one more which would be the last one. Tanna gave a grin as she launched into a tirade about multiverse and how different choices could end up in different. In fact, there could be a world where she did not exist, or Anko did not exist or even Naruto did not exist. Maybe a world where instead of Konoha there was a kingdom with a King instead of a Hokage. Anko laughed at the absurdity of some of the ideas but she had to admit it was fun to speculate. After dinner, Naruto headed to the Uchiha state while Anko took Tanna home, he had insisted on going by himself. Three days after that Naruto and his friends were standing infront of the Hokage desk waiting to hear the results.
Hiruzen, "Hyuuga Neji, Uchiha Sasuke, Uzumaki Naruto, step forward."
Naruto, 'No way!'
Hiruzen, "We have analyzed your past missions, your actions during the the exam and during the crisis. Congratulations on clearing the Chunin exams. Take these vests as proof of your new status."
Sasuke, "Thank you Hokage - sama."
Neji, "Thank you Hokage - sama."
Naruto, "Huh! I don't know why but I was expecting someone to protest my promotion."
Tsunade snorted, "There were some protests but I dealt with it. Do not worry."
Naruto, "Thank you, I mean it."
Hiruzen's smile softened before he addressed the other shinobi, "Kazama Tenten, Nara Shikamaru, Inuzuka Jotaro and Aburame Shino. Your actions and decisions during the crisis we faced has been recorded. You three are the first ones in the last seven years to receive field promotions. Congratulations!"
The Kunoichi cheered for Tenten, who had been out in the field making sure the people were getting to safety while the rest of them helped keep the safe areas running smoothly. Tenten though was staring at the vest she received with a dumbfounded expression, she had lost to Temari in the second round and was not thinking about promotion while she was out on the field. Ino pat her shoulder reminding her she earned the vest on her own merit and actions and she should be proud of herself. Then she switched cockily saying she would be the next kunoichi in the group to get promoted. That lit a fire in the eyes of other kunoichi who swore to do their best to become Chunin making Tenten giggle at their antics. Tsunade ushered the brats out to go and party while they still had a lull moment because in two days the Chunins would have their new missions.
Naruto, "Guys, I have something to tell you."
Sakura huffed, "Finally, what were you two talking about? I did not want to be nosey so I did not ask before."
Sasuke, "Honestly speaking we were planning how to make the best of our situation."
Naruto, "Jiraiya wants to take me on as an apprentice."
Shikamaru, "The toad Sannin wants you as a personal apprentice?"
Ino, "I am a little jealous. Tsunade - sama is taking us as her students not an apprentice yet."
Hinata, "We have to impress her first."
Tenten, "I am sure you girls can do it. I believe in you."
Sakura smiled at her then turned to Naruto, "So, what does that mean for us?"
Naruto, "It means I will be leaving Konoha."
Neji, "Of course, Jiraiya - sama is in charge of the information network of Konoha."
Shino, "It makes sense you have to leave."
Kuroda sighed, "I figured this would happen. He was very interested in your seal."
Kiba, "When do you plan to leave?"
Naruto, "About that, we are leaving tomorrow night."
Lee, "So soon? We should have a party both for your promotions and to say farewell."
Jotaro, "Agreed!"
Chouji, "Let's go to my family restaurant for a dinner party, then. We can accommodate everyone here on short notice."
Shinji, "How are you taking the news cousin?"
Sasuke, "I will be fine. Kakashi has agreed to train me as a possible ANBU captain."
Shin, "Seriously? ANBU is one thing but Captain. That is some ambition Sasuke - kun."
Sasuke, "I am pretty sure the stuff he taught me is part of ANBU but I don't have proof of it yet."
Sai, "Figures he would do that, especially if Naruto here plans to be the Hokage. It makes logical sense."
Naruto, 'He has not made any rude comments yet. Huh!'
Hinata pulled his sleeve and whispered, "Do not worry, we girls have taken turns in teaching proper language and etiquette."
Naruto smiled thanking her and then heading to Ichiraku's for ramen first. After all the hard work, they deserve the right to indulge in a little bit of fast food, then they went for dinner. The party was fun and that night Sasuke took Naruto to his room pushing him down on the bed. If they would not see each other for who knows how long then they would spend the night together. The two took it slow as they gave their first time to each other, it was a wonderful night.