SAKURA POV:
Naruto sighed as he walked alongside Sasuke and Sakura to the Hokage's office.
"what is this meeting even about? I literally just finished packing, so there's no way we get a mission now right?"
"Don't say that" Sakura said "Kakashi sensei said that Jiraiya-sama would be there too, so there may be a chance that we all go on a mission together and then you move on while we come back."
Sasuke ignored them and knocked on the door, entering once given permission.
They looked forward to see Tsunade, flanked by Kakashi on the left and Jiraiya at her right.
Near the entrance was Haku, along with Yamato, Shikamaru, Hinata and Neji.
"we will be discussing something important today, so close the door."
Wordlessly, Sakura closed the door, and seals appeared all around the room with a hand-sign from Jiraiya.
"If you remember about two months ago, Team 7 went on a mission to Snow Country, and your sensei, Hatake Kakashi, stayed back."
At Team 7's nod, she continued.
"He had proposed something to me back then, and we were in discussion regarding that. In these past two months, we have talked with all of your Jonin sensei along with a few others from this village. Today, this same idea was brought in front Jiraiya, and with his support we have decided to go forward with it."
Kakashi stepped forward now.
"The goal for a lot of the shinobi we have today is to sit in the seat where Lady Fifth is right now." He said, nodding at Naruto "While an admirable goal, it is understandable that a lot of people actively avoid it as well, so as to avoid the logistic work paired with it."
Jiraiya raised his hand for a second before dropping it.
"These are turbulent times right now. Orochimaru has been getting active, Iwagakure is starting to increase it's military power, and I am sure you all know about Kumo's stunt a few years ago. But that's not the focus today."
Yamato stepped forward now.
"Our spies in Kirigakure have been asked to commit a full retreat, and a number of them have already been killed by the 'Mad Kage': Karatachi Yagura, also known as the Fourth Mizukage."
He held up a poster from Kiri, and their eyes widened.
'DOWN WITH THE TYRANNY OF THE BLOODLINES. ANY FOUND HARBOURING ANY BLOODLINE PIGS WILL BE DEALT WITH. ANY RESISTANCE WILL BE MET WITH EXTREME PREJUDICE'
"this is just one of many different posters scattered around Kirigakure. The village is now split into two factions. The actual village who hunt those with bloodline limits, and the rebels."`
Haku stepped forward and raised her hand "hate towards us bloodline users has been going on for decades now, but no one spoke up. Why is a rebellion suddenly in place now?"
"That" Jiraiya said "Is because of what you and your mentor in Wave did as rogue nins. The current leader of the rebellion, Terumi Mei, has recruited Zabuza Momochi as an advisor and because of his contacts as an ex missing nin he's been able to secure the funds and force needed for an actual rebellion to function."
Haku's mouth fell open, but she stepped back with a nod.
"This is not a permanent fix." Tsunade spoke up "And we have already receiver a letter from their leader regarding that. She seems to have some trust in us because of Zabuza putting in a good word. While she has not requested aid yet, she's stated clearly that if this war drags on for more than a year or so, they will be drained, and the rebellion will be crushed."
She sighed, and looked straight at Kakashi, who nodded.
"Coming back to what I said before about the seat of Hokage, what I said two months ago is what I truly believe Konoha needs."
He took a deep breath, before looking straight at all the rookies in the room.
"I believe, that this village needs to entrust it's future to the next generation. Your actions at Snow country only helps this message. And it's not just Team 7."
"For the past year of you all being Ninja, each and every one of you has been a pillar. Some were pillars of strength, some of support and so on. The point is, every one of you has helped change the future for the better. And so, all you will have to really do is keep doing what you've done."
"When Kiri's call for help comes" Tsunade said "the ones we plan on sending are the pillars for the future, the Hashira of Konoha. You."
NARUTO POV:
"I was still trying to wrap my head around this Hashira business, and you suddenly tell me we're leaving?" Naruto grumbled.
"Don't be like that.. You already said your goodbyes right?"
Naruto touched his cheek, lost in thought as he looked at the gates of Konoha that kept on getting farther and farther.
"Oho?" Jiraiya wriggled his brows "Remembered something nice eh?"
At Naruto's lack of retort, his grin widened, and he slapped Naruto on the back.
"That's my boy! But…"
His grin vanished, and he looked straight into Naruto's eyes.
"I want you to leave that feeling behind."
At Naruto's protests, he held up a hand.
"I'm sure it's a precious memory, but you need to be focused. For her sake as well."
Naruto tilted his head in confusion, and Jiraiya sighed.
"Kid, who do you think is going to lead the Hashira once the official stuff is over and you all actually assemble?"
"Kakashi sensei, or maybe you?"
"No" Jiraiya shook his head "The Hashira are all just your generation, so why would they have someone from the ones before lead you?"
"Wait, you don't mean…"
"yeah kid." Jiraiya nodded "You've been named the leader of the First Generation of Hashira,"