Chapter 12
….
Rikuto turned to Hanabi who sighed.
"Your going aren't you?"
"I have to Hana-hime. I…hope you understand."
Hanabi looked at him sadly and nodded before kissing his cheek. "Just promise me you'll be safe. I don't know what I'd do if I ever lost you."
Rikuto smiled. "I'll do everything I can to ensure that happens…"
"No matter what remember that I'll always love you." Hanabi said giving him a megawatt smile.
.….
Naruto returned to his office with a surprised look on his face. Why? Because there was a Konoha Forehead protector folded neatly on the edge of his desk. "That's…."
The Uzumaki walked closer and recognized it as his son's as it has the black cloth. He noticed that the leaf village symbol wasn't crossed out.
'Son you…'
Naruto wasn't surprised at all that Rikuto had left to go help Kiri. Mei was his grandmother afterall. Rikuto couldn't be a Konoha shinobi if he was gonna fight in the war. It made sense. He didn't want to drag Konoha into Kiri and Kumo's war. The blonde couldn't help but feel saddened by the fact that his son would soon experience war. It was something he hoped none of his kids had to experience….
But Naruto understood…that's why he did the necessary paperwork so he wouldn't be marked as a rogue shinobi. "Rikuto, be careful."
…..
3 and a half days later
It only took Rikuto a few days to travel from Konoha to Kiri. The young Uzumaki found himself very tired while having loads of stamina he did have to run for hours before he took a boat the rest of the way.
Rikuto sighed as he exited the boat and stretched his legs. 'I should visit Chojuro-san. It would be a good idea to know what my role in the war is going forward.' He thought. He made his way towards the Mizukage Tower where guards were posted everywhere but seeing that it was only him they let him pass through.
…..
"Rikuto?" Asked Chojuro. "What are you doing here?"
"I heard what happened…I'm here to help sir." Rikuto said
"Your a Konoha shinobi. Do you know how this could look?"
"I realize that. It's why I resigned." Rikuto said. "I'm here to serve…"
Chojuro placed his hands to his temples and rubbed them. "Fine, but I won't make it easy for you. Although your a chunin you have the skills of a Jounin. As such I'm leaving you in charge of your own team."
Rikuto was curious about that, he wondered who he would get on his team.
"Don't worry. It isn't anyone your unfamiliar with. You'll be leading your old team. Ruka, Yosuke and Eiji." Chojuro smiled. "What to call your team. Hm…"
The Mizukage seemed to be in thought for awhile.
"Team Rikuto is an okay name yes?" The Uzumaki suggested
"Eh…I guess I can work with that." Chojuro said. "I want you to get some rest. I know you must be tired after your journey here."
Rikuto wouldn't argue with him there. He was pretty tired.
"Ok."
"It won't be long until you and your team will be put to the test against Kumo's finest." Said Chojuro. "Get as much sleep as you can and meet me here tomorrow at 10 in the morning."
Rikuto nodded before disappearing in a Hyouton Shunshin.
….
Rikuto reappeared in town. Suddenly his stomach rumbled causing him to touch his gut. 'Guess I should get something to eat.' He thought before heading to the closest restaurant which caught his eye.
…..
"Mizukage-sama?" Ruka looked at the aquatic haired Kage. "You summoned us? Is this in regard to the upcoming war with Kumo?"
Chojuro intertwined his fingers together. "That's correct. I've…found you a new leader for your team."
Eiji and Yosuke looked at each other and back to the Kage before them. They hadn't really had a leader before now. They Usually just took on missions as a group of Chunin.
"So whose leading us?" Wondered Eiji
Chojuro chuckled. "Someone your very familiar with actually."
"Oh?" Yosuke rose an eyebrow in curiosity wondering who could this new leader be.
"Have we gone on missions with this new leader?" Ruka asked. It was normal for them to go on missions with other squads from time to time afterall. She thought maybe the new leader could be from another Squad.
"Yes. I only wish you guys weren't reunited with him under these circumstances." Said Chojuro
"Reunite?" Eiji wondered
"Yes. Rikuto-Kun will act as your new leader." The Mizukage finally revealed
They all widened their eyes.
"Rikuto-sama…."
"Rikuto-sama huh…"
"I have no problems with that. He's a very talented shinobi afterall. Last I heard he made Chunin a few years ago didn't he?" Ruka asked
Chojuro nods. "He's held that title for awhile now. He's had a lot of training since then and honestly I can't think of anyone better to lead you guys." He gave them a chance to absorb what they were told and one of them asked a question as expected.
"Did he abandon Konoha or…?" Yosuke questioned
"He didn't abandon it. He left his Forehead protector behind. Knowing Naruto he probably did the necessary paperwork for him to resign from Konoha's Shinobi forces."
"Is he here now?" Eiji asked
Chojuro nods. "Let him be though. He needs his rest. He did have a long journey here afterall. Meet here at 10 in the morning. I'm gonna have you help with evacuating the civilians."
"Ok."
"Hai, Mizukage-sama."
...
After grabbing a quick bite to eat Rikuto checked in to a hotel to get some rest. He knew that he would need it. He could be thrust into battle at anytime. Rikuto was really worried about his grandmother. He really hoped she was ok.He couldn't lose her. He would do everything in his power to make sure she returned home safely.She had done so much for him it was only right that he returned the favor.
Rikuto couldn't help but fear the worst. In the middle of the night Rikuto muttered. "Baa-chan…"
To be continued