Chapter 79

A week after we had officially returned to Konoha, I was summoned to the Hokage's Office. I had no idea what this was about, however, given the last few times I had been summoned to the Hokage's Office had involved a mission to retrieve Sasuke and the War with Oto respectively, I elected to take all my equipment with me in a few storage scrolls. Fortunately, it didn't wind up being anything bad like that, nor was I the only one summoned.

As I arrived, I saw that Shikamaru, Ino, Kiba, Naruto, and Hyuga Hinata were also present. Lee wasn't, though, which I was pretty sure meant this wasn't a promotion deal. After all, he deserved one too, even if he only fought in the first phase of Operation: Grass Cutter before his wounds became too severe and he had to be evacuated back to Konoha. He had kicked major ass, after all.

As we waited in reception, we passed the time by speculating what this was all about. Naruto, ever the optimist, figured we were getting promoted and handed extra jutsu. I wasn't so certain, and Shikamaru seemed to agree with me, if not for the same reasons I had.

"Think about it. Why call us into the Hokage's Office for that? None of us displayed Jonin Capability in more than a few areas, so we can't be getting promoted past Tokubetsu Jonin, and that isn't the sort of promotion where we get a personal audience with the Hokage. Tokubetsu Jonin promotions happen a lot, comparatively, after all." Pointed out Shikamaru.

"Plus, think about it, Lee's not here and he also displayed Jonin aptitude in Taijutsu, which is enough to get his Tokubetsu Jonin promotion. If it was just promotion, you'd think he'd be here." I added.

"Lee still is on crutches, maybe he's getting his promotion in the mail?" Tried Ino.

"Yeah! It's not like we don't all deserve it, Dattebayo!" Exclaimed Naruto.

"Shikamaru I get, he loves pissing on bonfires, but I expected better from you, Cuz." Snorted Kiba, Akamaru letting out a bark of assent.

"A-ano, Choji-san didn't exactly say that." Chimed in Hinata.

"Hinata-san's right. I didn't. What I actually said was that it couldn't just be about promotions. It's possible that we'll be getting promoted sometime in the meeting, but it can't just be that or we'd just get our new orders and rank in the mail." I nodded.

"Exactly, which begs the question. What else are we here for?" Questioned Shikamaru.

"Lady Tsunade did mention something about how a lot of the ANBU Corps came back wounded or in body bags. Maybe she's looking to promote some of us to fill vacancies?" Queried Ino.

"ANBU? Hell yeah! Those guys are the best of the best! We totally should get spots in the ANBU 'cause we're so Badass, Dattebayo!" Cheered Naruto.

"A-ano, Naruto-kun. That's a little much for all of us, no?" Asked Hinata, timidly.

"Bullshit, Hinata, it's gotta just be the tower finally recognizing our greatness. Naturally, I'm the leader of the pack, they must've seen how me and Akamaru took out that Crystal Jonin." Grinned Kiba, Akamaru bobbing his head and howling.

"It's not like you did that all by yourself you know!" Protested Naruto.

"Troublesome as it is, Naruto's right. We helped and if they know that much, they'll also know it was a team effort." Sighed Shikamaru.

"You don't think it's the ANBU, Shika?" I prodded.

"I hope it's not the ANBU. That's a lot of infiltration and assassination work. It's not exactly our cup of tea, mission-wise." Shrugged Shikamaru.

"You mean The ANBU won't let you laze about all day." Scoffed Ino.

"I suppose w-we'll find out shortly." Intoned Hinata, Byakugan pulsing.

While the Hokage's Office was quite well-protected against Dojutsu users, owing to substantial Fuuinjutsu Arrays pioneered by Uzumaki and brought over to Konoha by Lady Mito when she married the First Hokage, the interplay of light and shadow beneath the door jamb was visible enough and Hinata must have realized someone had moved to the door from that. Not a moment after she said that, Kiba and Akamaru's ears pricked up and they looked over at the door just before it opened. Striding out of the Office were Aburame Shino and Hyuga Neji, both now wearing the Grey Lamellar Body Armor of the Konoha ANBU.

"Oi, look!" Pointed Naruto.

"See, told you guys!" Smirked Kiba.

"That doesn't necessarily prove anything." Huffed Shikamaru.

"Yeah, where's the masks? ANBU are supposed to have masks." Concurred Ino.

"I'm guessing they haven't gotten them yet." I mused.

"Correct. Why? Because ANBU Masks are meant to be anonymous." Confirmed Shino.

"Supposedly we'll be given our assigned masks and codenames when we report to the ANBU HQ." Added Neji.

"A-ano. Congratulations cousin." Offered Hinata, meekly. Neji's face didn't twist into a grimace, but it did flatten into a neutral mask as he bowed to Hinata.

"Thank you, Lady Hinata, I am pleased by your sincere congratulations." Bowed Neji, formally.

As he straightened, Shino frowned, looking at how the tension between Hinata and Neji was still there. With a sigh, he nudged Neji's ribs, causing the Branch Member to look over at him and cock a single, manicured, eyebrow.

"Come. We must report to ANBU HQ for orientation and assignment. Why? Because it would not do to keep our new superiors waiting." Intoned Shino.

"Of course. We will take our leave now." Nodded Neji.

Then the pair were heading away down the hall and out of sight of anyone not currently using a Dojutsu to keep tabs on where they had gone. I'd known that Neji had grievances with the main house, but I hadn't realized he was still holding onto that grudge even now. It seemed like it was less than it would have been previously, though, which was something, at least. He didn't lash out either verbally or physically anyway, which was a good sign. Plus Shino seemed to be on the ball in getting him out of here before he could say or do something he'd regret. Hopefully, his grudge would go away with more time.

"Man, I knew Neji was a prick, but not enough of a prick to brush off his cousin like that! What the Hell's his problem?" Demanded Naruto.

"It's not that simple as just him being a prick, Naruto." I sighed.

"Yeah. He's not had it the easiest." Agreed Ino.

"Still, you don't fight with pack, not in public at least." Groused Kiba, Akamaru growling low at that.

"I don't think Naruto knows about Neji's background though." Mused Shikamaru.

"Tell me! Maybe I can figure out how to remove the stick out of his ass if I know what's up, Dattebayo!" Insisted Naruto.

"It's not our story to tell." I refuted before all eyes turned to look at Hinata. Hinata's face flushed red and she ducked her head down sheepishly, but she obliged.

"A-ano. The story involves my kidnapping when we were children, my father, Neji-nii-san's father, and Kumogakure Shinobi." Began Hinata.

As she went into the story of the Hyuga Affair, most of it lined up with what I knew of the Hyuga Affair from the first time around, though there were a few key differences that made everything fit into a neater package. For instance, the reason that Kumo could demand Hizashi's life and Konoha would take the demand seriously was because of who was among the dead in the Infiltration Team. A had sent his a Clanmate of his to lead the Infiltration Team, C of the Electric Fist, a Cousin to both A and Killer B. Apparently, Hizashi had been intending to capture him, but hadn't managed to do so and had to choose between Killing C and getting Hinata back or letting C escape with her. He chose the former and paid the price for it.

With the Raikage's Cousin dead, there wasn't any third option to take, either Hizashi died for political reasons and the peace treaty was preserved, or Lord Third refused and War would start up again at a time when Konoha was just starting to claw its way back out of the economic aftershocks of the Kyuubi Attack. The result of War at that time would have been catastrophic for Konoha, so Lord Third was forced to agree to have Hizashi play the sacrificial lamb. Apparently, Hiashi killed his brother himself, activating the Caged Bird seal right there in the meeting room with the Kumo Diplomats.

Unfortunately, the version of the story Neji had been told initially was the cover story that Lord Third insisted be told to the Village. Hizashi being killed for political reasons wouldn't have gone over well with most of the Shinobi Forces, as Hizashi had been popular amongst the Chunin for his willingness to offer guidance and mentoring. It had been covered up with the Lie that Hizashi had died in his sleep of an opium overdose, as he had been prescribed it to help with the pain of Overusing his Byakugan during the Hyuga Affair. For much of his formative years, Neji had thought his father had died a drug addict and when he had finally been told the truth on graduating from the Academy, his grudge against the Main House had been born with a vengeance.

Unfortunately, before anyone could say anything in response to the story, Sarutobi Hiruzen appeared in the doorway leading into the Hokage's Office. It seemed he was still acting in an advisory capacity to the Hokage, even after passing the Hat on.

"We're ready for you now. Please, come in." Intoned Hiruzen.

As we followed Hiruzen inside, I noticed that not only were he and Lady Tsunade present, but so was Lord Jiraiya. Interestingly, the black-robed form of Shizune and the everpresent, small, pig that she kept around were not here. Shizune normally worked as Lady Tsunade's adjutant and secretary, if she wasn't here then Shika and I had to be right. This was about more than just promotions.

"First of all, let me start by saying you all performed admirably during the War with Oto. I've heard testimony from Jiraiya and both I and Sensei agree. All of you have shown Jonin-Level Aptitude in at least one Shinobi Skill, even if you have yet to show it across the board to merit a promotion to Full-Fledged Jonin. When I call your name, step forward and I will hand you a storage scroll. Inside, you will find your promotion, information on your next postings, any and all bounties earned during the war, any and all commendations received during the war, and your new requisition cards." Remarked Lady Tsunade.

This was big, we were all getting promoted to Tokubetsu Jonin and even though I knew it was likely going to be a promotion tempered by bad or worrying news and new assignments, I couldn't stop a grin from spreading across my face. As I looked over at the others, I knew they felt the same, judging by their own gigantic grins.

"Congratulations Brats, you earned it!" Chuckled Lord Jiraiya.

"Indeed. Well done, all of you." Agreed Hiruzen.

"Uzumaki Naruto, step forth." Called out Tsunade.

Naruto took a huge step forward and began the roll call of promotions. His was for gaining Jonin-level proficiency in Ninjutsu, Stealth, and Trap-setting. As he stepped back, Kiba was called forth and got his promotion for reaching Jonin-level Proficiency in Taijutsu and Ninjutsu. Hinata was called forth after Kiba and received Tokubetsu Jonin for Jonin-level proficiency in Taijutsu and Genjutsu. Ino was next, getting her promotion for Jonin-level Proficiency in Medical Ninjutsu, Bukijutsu, and Genjutsu, then Shikamaru for Jonin-level Proficiency in Ninjutsu, Stealth, and Tactics. All of them received Valorous Service Decorations along with Campaign Citations and a Commendation from Lord Jiraiya as well. Finally, it was my turn.

"Akimichi Choji, step forth." Called out Lady Tsunade. I did so, and Lady Tsunade looked me up and down before producing another Storage Scroll.

"For service above and beyond the call of duty, for the display of Jonin-level Talent in Bukijutsu, Taijutsu, Fuuinjutsu, Kenjutsu, and Ninjutsu, and in recognition of your meritorious deeds, on the advice of my advisors, I, Senju Tsunade, by the Grace of the Kami Fifth Hokage of Konohagakure, award you the following citations and ranks." Began Lady Tsunade.

Ranks? Plural? That was new information. I would have thought I would only be given the rank of Tokubetsu Jonin like all the others. That I was apparently getting more than just that was interesting, but I was reserving judgment until the other shoe dropped.

"First, the citations. Akimichi Choji, I award you the following. First, I award you the Otogakure Pacification Campaign Citation, Second, the Bukōshō Badge for Valorous Service, next Lord Jiraiya has personally commended you for your conduct in the fighting, and finally, you are awarded the Hashirama Medal of Honor for multiple successful victories over opponents whose abilities outclass yours, including an incarnated Oni." Continued Lady Tsunade.

That was excellent news for me. The Hashirama Medal of Honor practically guarantees that I'd have the pick of any tutoring or technique scrolls I could possibly ask for. It was the sort of award that made careers and put me in the same group of people as Hatake Kakashi, Maito Gai, all three Sannin, the Yondaime Hokage, and Sakumo the White Fang. At least in terms of plaudits, if not capability yet.

"Next, as you have displayed clear prowess befitting a Jonin in the aforementioned fields, I hereby promote you to the Rank of Tokubetsu Jonin. That is not all, however, on consultation with your Lord Father, the Daimyo of Fire Country, and my advisors, in recognition of your pivotal role in preventing an Oni from being released into the world and preserving incalculable lives, you are to receive the title of Churo of the Lord of Hakage Province, with the rights and privileges therein." Finished Lady Tsunade.

That was something I hadn't expected. A Churo, or second-rank retainer, was one of the regional Lords in the Feudal Hierarchy, typically the lord of a prefecture within a province who would have multiple towns or villages under their command. It was second in rank only to the Koshogumi or Provincial Lords who were sworn directly to the Daimyo. Of course, since the Lord of Hakage Province was the Hokage of Konoha, that effectively meant that when I gained my title of Lord Akimichi once my father died, hopefully, years from now, I would effectively be a Churo Twice over. It was a unique honor. Unfortunately, I couldn't accept the responsibility of governing right now. Not until I knew the Obsidian Empress wasn't going to manifest in the Mortal World.

"Lady Tsunade, while I am flattered, I cannot accept the position of Churo at this time. I am not currently able to govern a prefecture for you, after all." I protested.

"Suck it up, Brat. Besides, I made sure the title wasn't attached to any actual land, just a stipend from the Daimyo." Snorted Lady Tsunade.

As I looked over at Hiruzen and Lord Jiraiya, I saw they both wore giant grins on their faces. That figured the old farts were in league with each other. There was no way I was getting out of this at all now that I knew that. Sighing, I bowed and took the scroll, stepping back into line. As I did so, the mood suddenly turned more grave than it had been previously.

"Unfortunately, that's just about the only good news I have. I need Shikamaru, Choji, Ino, and Naruto to stay. Kiba and Hinata, you are dismissed with my congratulations." Nodded Tsunade.

Kiba and Hinata saluted, then headed out of the Hokage Office ready to celebrate. As for the rest of us, we looked at each other, realizing that this was the part where the other shoe dropped. Lady Tsunade began to speak, and we were forced to pay attention instead of ruminating on bad luck.

"First of all. We're being forced to send an ambassador to Suna, an Ambassador to the newly reformed Otogakure, and an Ambassador to Tanigakure. I am sending my best and brightest new Tokubetsu Jonin. Shikamaru, you'll be headed to Suna, Ino, you'll be going to Oto, and Choji will be taking his post up in Tani." Relayed Tsunade.

"Shikamaru, you're headed to Suna 'cause you've got some experience with Intelligence Work. You're being sent to suss out whether Suna's intentions are genuine about returning to the Alliance or not, or if it's all just another ploy. Fortunately, I have a smattering of agents in Suna with who you'll be making contact and who can help you out. I'll provide a more in-depth briefing in a bit after this, but suffice it to say, we're trusting them only as far as we can verify they're on the level here." Ordered Lord Jiraiya.

"I guess it's less troublesome than front-line combat. Not that I can really turn down the post." Grumbled Shikamaru.

"Ino, you'll be headed to Oto. Fuuma Hanzaki, their new leader specifically requested a Medic-nin. I can't part with Shizune right now and Sakura's not ready for that sort of posting, so you're it. As one of my personal apprentices, it shows we're committed to seeing them on their feet as our newest ally." Informed Lady Tsunade.

"Which leaves you, Choji-kun. Tanigakure claims to be, with some merit in fact, a Hidden Village whose specialties lie in Taijutsu, Kenjutsu, Bukijutsu, and Summoning. All specialties that you possess at Jonin-level capacity and which will hopefully help you ingratiate yourself with their leader, Lord Toritaka Hanemori." Explained Hiruzen.

"I dunno, I didn't have the best experience with Lord Toritaka's Heir at the Chunin Exams. If I'm ordered to go, though I'll just have to try harder." I shrugged.

"Indeed. That brings us to Naruto." Nodded Hiruzen.

"What is it Jii-chan? Am I getting a super-special diplomatic post too?" Questioned Naruto.

"No. I'll be taking you with me on a training trip." Answered Lord Jiraiya.

"What? Ero-Sennin? Why?" Queried Naruto.

"What, you're not happy about that?" Asked Lord Jiraiya.

"I mean, I know you're strong, but why do I gotta leave the Village? Shouldn't you guys want me around?" Pressed Naruto.

"It's because of the Akatsuki. We heard they infiltrated Takigakure recently looking for their Jinchuriki to extract their demon. Made a big mess of things and managed to capture Fu to do it too. Taki isn't as powerful as Konoha, but it's no slouch. Best not to take chances." Huffed Lord Jiraiya.

"Which means that I guess we're all going our separate ways for the time being." I mused.

"Yeah. It seems like." Nodded Shikamaru.

"Only for a couple of years. Three at the most. Unfortunately, I need you all to say your goodbyes now because once you leave this office, you'll be expected to be on the road in an hour." Intoned Lady Tsunade.

"And of course, Jiraiya needs to brief Shikamaru on the particulars of his own assignment in that time, which means that you'll need to say those goodbyes now. We'll give you a moment in the reception area." Intoned Hiruzen.

As we were dismissed to the reception area, I looked over at my friends. Ino and Shikamaru were close as siblings to me, and Naruto was at least a close friend. I gave a wry smile at them all as we stood there in the reception area.

"I guess we're all really moving up in the world at least." I offered.

"Trust Choji to find the bright spot in all this. We just got back to Konoha after being at war and now we're being sent out again." Sighed Ino.

"It's troublesome, but what are you gonna do? It's not like we can refuse assignments directly from the Hokage." Griped Shikamaru.

"Yeah, but it sounds like things are heating up. If these Akatsuki guys are strong enough to just take on a whole village like that, it sounds like moving around's the best chance I've got. Plus, Ero-Sennin's actually a pretty badass Shinobi, so I can't complain." Shrugged Naruto,

"Speak for yourself. You're not the one who's headed to a place whose Village Head's Heir hates his guts." I snorted.

"Or being sent to spy on a Major Village under the guise of Diplomacy." Added Shikamaru.

"You two are just being lazy and a worrier. You'll both be fine. You'd better be." Sniffed Ino.

"Right, you better take care of yourself too, Ino." I nodded.

"Yeah, you don't know what sort of troublesome stuff Orochimaru left behind him." Agreed Shikamaru.

"I'm sure I'll be fine." Brushed Off Ino.

"Yeah, and just think, we'll all come back stronger, yeah?" Grinned Naruto.

"Definitely." I nodded.

Just then, Jiraiya exited the Hokage Office to collect Naruto and Shikamaru, leaving Ino and I alone in the reception area. Ino looked over at me, frowning and screwing up her courage like she was getting ready to say something.

"Look, Choji. . ." She started.

"I know, Ino. When we get back from our posts, we'll talk." I said.

"Promise?" Queried Ino.

"I promise." I intoned.

"Good. You'd better take care of yourself, you know that?" Demanded Ino.

"I do. You take care of yourself too, Ino." I offered.

"Psh, I'm not the one who likes to go haring off into fights." Scoffed Ino.

For a moment, we just looked at each other. Then Ino moved, wrapping me in a hug and planting a big, wet, kiss on my lips. For a moment, we stayed like that, holding each other and kissing, before breaking apart. Then, we both headed out for our respective posts, Ino back to Otogakure, and me west to Tanigakure. The memory of that sudden kiss lingered, even after days on the road, leaving me with only one thought as I made my way to Tanigakure.

This was going to be a long three years. . .

XXXX

AN: All right, that's a wrap for Part One of Autumn Road. I'll be taking a break from this before starting Part Two, which will begin the alternate version of Shippuden. I hope you all enjoyed Part One and hope to see you again for Part Two when I eventually start it up.

Here we see the aftermath of things. Rewards and new postings for everyone. Choji especially is getting extra stuff because he played a pivotal role in ensuring the Oni of Fort Cobra was stalled out long enough for Jiraiya to kill it. If he hadn't been there, the Oni would have likely cut its way through Platoon Saisu and fled out into the world before Jiraiya arrived.

At any rate, Part Two will begin after I finish another story. Thank you for reading, and I'll see you all on some of my other stories or if not, when I start Part Two!