Welcome to chapter nine of the life and battles. Not much actually happens, but hey what did you expect. So, short chapter, only like, nine hundred words.

As always, relax, read, enjoy, review on the way out.

Shikaku Nara was what most would describe as a laid back man. Leader of the Nara clan and 'head jonin' of the village hidden in the leaves, he was a responsible man, albeit rather lazy. Preferring cloud gazing and a long game of shogi to the mound of paperwork that seemed to pile up in his office.

'The only reason I ever get anything done is because of Yoshino.' He thought with a sigh, ignoring the loud councilors around him, one Tsume Inuzuka in particular. 'If Shikamaru doesn't find a troublesome woman like her than the Naras will go bankrupt and die out.'

Shikaku sighed once more, 'Why are we ever here, don't these people have anything better to do. Like take a nap.' He thought and stifled a yawn, folding his arms he laid his head in the makeshift pillow and decided on a little bit of sleep, before hearing the one name he'd hoped he wouldn't hear at all today.

"What's this I hear about Naruto Uzumaki graduating?"

"The way I hear it he's passed every test with flying colors. He even beat Uchiha-san in taijutsu."

"Impossible, Sasuke Uchiha is a veritable prodigy, not nearly as good as Itachi mind you, but advanced far beyond her peers. If Uzumaki has indeed beaten her than he must have finally been taken by the fox, I knew it was a bad idea keeping that boy away from Danzo. Shimura-san could have created a weapon loyal only to Konoha; no doubt the fox has already taken over the child and is now only waiting to strike. He must be dealt with be for the day is through, or there is no telling what he might be capable of."

"Excuse me," Shikaku drawled from his chair, though instead of the lazy visage and board tone that many had come to know the Nara's by, now sat a man who seemed a complete opposite of the clan head. Back straight, head raised, and eyes open and piercing.

"I said…" the man started.

"I heard what you said." Shikaku said cutting the man off, "As did everyone else in this room. So, Honda-san, how does your shoe taste?"

"I beg your pardon."

"I only ask because, well, you've just stuck your foot in your mouth." Shikaku said.

"W-why, I never…" Honda sputtered.

"You see, Naruto-san's 'condition' is an S-ranked secret, and you , Honda-san, have just broken the Sandaime's law." Shikaku explained.

"B-but…" Honda started, only to be cut-off by a raping at the door.

"What is it?" Hiashi Hyuuga called to the door.

"Naruto Uzumaki is here, as requested. Would you like me to send him in now?" came the muffled reply though the door.

"Naruto, who requested him?" Hiashi demanded.

"Honda-sama, I believe, sir."

Hiashi sent a glare at the man and Tsume growled low in her throat.

"Send him in," Shikaku said.

"Yes sir,"

A moment later the diminutive blond entered the room, the boy bowed low to the councilors.

"Naruto Uzumaki," Hiashi started, "do you know why you are here."

The blond swallowed nervously, "No sir, Hyuuga-sama."

"Neither does most of the council," Tsume mumbled, drawing the faintest wisp of a smile to Hiashi's face.

"Yes, as Inuzuka-dono has stated, neither do we." Hiashi said, before turning to face Honda, "So Honda-san would you care to explain why Naruto-san is standing here, missing the last hours of the academy?"

The Honda glared at the man before setting his gaze on the boy in front of him, "Of course, Hyuuga-dono. Naruto Uzumaki, you stand before this council because," Honda stopped for a moment, the man's cheeks where beat red, he'd be humiliated, the ninjas had caught him with his back against the wall and he struggled for a minute to find something to turn this conundrum in his favor, "of your future, and what is to become of you."

"I-I'm not sure I'm following, sir."

"I'm talking about who is to train you, now that you have become a ninja." The man stated, a vicious grin playing across his features.

Naruto's eyes widened and Shikaku's narrowed.

"Sir," Naruto started, a draw of ire pulling in to his voice, "I do not quite understand."

"Well, Uzumaki, what I mean is-"Honda said.

"I know perfectly well what you mean, Honda-san. But a civilian cannot interfere in shinobi business without the Hokage's consent. Assigning teachers is shinobi business, and... I do not see the Hokage, Honda-san." Naruto cut the man off.

"Boy, you would do well to remember your place, I demand your respect!" Honda shouted.

"You can demand all you want; I would like Hokage-sama and Danzo-sama to be here before we speak of my 'future'."

Shikaku stared at the blond in shock, 'Is this really Naruto?' he thought, 'Just a week ago he was acting as dull as an old kunai, now he's got a tongue that could put Shikamaru to shame.'

Hiashi let a full smile play over his lips and Tsume sent a glance his way.

The rest of the ninja council, which had remained quiet until then guffawed and laughed quietly at the reaction of Honda, whilst the civilian portion seemed aghast at the possibility of the Hokage entering this situation, "You have no right to request the Hokage, boy" Honda said, outraged, his face turning an ugly shade of purple.

"That, Honda-san, is where you a severely mistaken." Came a voice from near the door of the room.

"Hokage-sama!"