7th Hokage Uzumaki Naruto had officially called for a meeting of the Konoha Delegates but to this very day, he seemed to have a problem with getting on time. After the era of war, Naruto, Shikamaru and Kakashi decided that Konoha was best served by having a new system of government to replace the older model. One of the problems that plagued the way Hokage functioned was that as one who made all of the most important decisions, the fate of the village lay on the shoulders of one person for better or worse. Naruto understood how much that led to things like the Uchiha's rebellion and sort to fix that.

More importantly, figures like Danzo who were capable of harming Konoha as a result of Sarutobi not being able to make certain decisions was one that was going to haunt them once more. If the village was going to start anew with a vision of hope, their leadership had to reflect that. Thus, the three planned for the introduction of a new council that better represented the path of peace. The elders who had previously been helping in guiding Konoha were allowed to retire and in their place, 5th Hokage Tsunade Senju, 6th Hokage Hatake Kakashi, Hyuga Clan Leader Hiashi Hyuga and former Konoha enemy Orochimaru were appointed as the replacements.

 "I get why you'd want Hiashi to be a part of the Council but Orochimaru as well? Are you sure you're making the right decision, Hokage-sama?" Yamato, former member of Team 7 and current shinobi in charge of controlling Orochimaru, said in confusion.

"We can't control Orochimaru and even he knows that. It would be in our best interests to have him somewhere we are better able to know his plans. I don't like this idea any better than you but if there's anything our war time has taught us, it is that Orochimaru is an asset. Besides, it's not like if he would betray Konoha even if he wanted to, you know?" Naruto said.

"You aren't wrong. Konoha is stronger than it has ever been but I still think it is a great risk, Naruto." 

"I know, Yamato-senpai. That's why I'm counting on you," Naruto said with a smile. Yamato just sighed.

But that was only the first step towards the new world. Naruto chose to make the group of new elders into an executive council that would only be called when war ever broke out or when a tough decision had to be made. Naruto and Shikamaru had another plan; to make a second council composed of all clan heads that would be used to discuss the development of Konoha as well as help Naruto with making any important financial and political decisions that did not involve war. In this way, Naruto could prevent another Uchiha-level threat or Hyuga-level inter-house conflict from happening.

This was the Konoha Delegates and the Hokage Headquarters was expanded to have a meeting room for them. 

"Would it kill Naruto to actually be early for once?" Uchiha Sakura, Konoha Medical and Scientific Division Head, said, rather loudly. She also represented the Uchiha clan on behalf of Sasuke, who was out of Konoha for research purposes. 

"If I remember correctly, Naruto was never one to be late for missions," Aburame Shino, ANBU Leader and Head of the Aburame clan, said quietly.

"Well, this ain' a mission, now is it? Man, Naruto, ya could have just set this on the next hour. I could have gone joggin' or somethin." Inuzuka Kiba, Konoha Academy Head and Head of the Inuzuka clan, sneezed and quickly swiped it with his hand.

"I think we should reconsider putting Kiba as the leader of the Academy," Yamanaka Sai, Konoha Intelligence Division Head and representative for the Yamanaka clan on behalf of Ino, finally spoke up. Ino was planning the decorations for the upcoming Chuunin Exams.

"Oi, do you wanna fight?"

"I'd rather you wouldn't. Sorry for being late, guys," Naruto finally appeared. "I had to finalize some things with the Executive Council and there was a shouting contest between Tsunade-granny and Orochimaru."

"Why did you even put that man in the Executive Council anyway?"

"I wouldn't like to get into that right now, Sakura-chan. Let's discuss what brought us here. Shikamaru, you can start the meeting."

"Honestly, this whole thing is such a drag sometimes. But let's get this going," Nara Shikamaru, Advisor to the Hokage and the Head of the Nara clan, cleared his throat. "We have a couple of things to discuss today. To start us off, we have a new member of the Delegates . Hiashi stepped down to become a member of the Executive Council and so now we have a new Hyuga Clan leader. Say hello to everyone, Hanabi."

"Hi, everyone. Pleasure to meet you all. I've heard so much about all of you that honestly, sitting here just makes me scared to be around legends. I hope we will get along." Hyuga Hanabi flashed an awkward smile. 

Akimichi Choji, Head of Akimichi clan, laughed. "Legends, huh!" This resulted in everyone laughing along and Hanabi felt more at ease.

"Don't worry about it, Hanabi. You'll fit right in with the rest of us," Sarutobi Konohamaru, Jounin Leader and Head of the Sarutobi Clan, said in earnest.

"Now that we've gotten that out of the way, the next issue on the table is to discuss the candidates for the next in line as Hokage. Naruto and I decided that should the worst come and Naruto...well, you get it. We're going to need a candidate who will take over as Hokage immediately."

"Can I nominate as well?" Hanabi asked.

"Sure. Even if it's your first day, you can also nominate a candidate." 

"Okay then. I nominate Sakura." Sakura's eyes widened at this.

"Sakura is probably the strongest one out of all of us if Naruto died," Sai said, noncholantly.

"Watch your words, Sai. We're not trying to wish Naruto ill here," Choji replied, annoyed.

"Ever not one to beat around the bush, are you, Sai?" Naruto laughed.

Sakura took a second to think about this. "There's more to being a Hokage than being one of the strongest. A Hokage inspires hope, and in my line of work, I don't get to meet with the village all that much. I don't believe myself to be a good enough candidate for this. I refuse the nomination."

Hanabi pouted at this. Sakura looked at Hanabi with concern, then expressed warmth with her eyes and Hanabi defiantly stared at the ground instead. 

"I'm sorry, Hanabi-san."

"I nominate Kiba. He always used to say he wanted to be a Hokage," Shino said.

"That was before I met the young rascals at the Academy. Realizin' how much hard work goes into buildin' a new generation, makes you really appreciate the work done there. That's where I belong. I'm glad you remembered that it was once a dream of mine, Shino buddy. But I already found the place I wanna be." Kiba scratched his head as there was a momentary silence.

"Never really saw you as the sentimental type, Kiba," Naruto commented.

"I have my moments." 

"What about Konohamaru then?" Hanabi had meant to say it as a whisper, but everyone heard all the same.

"Me?" Konohamaru said.

"That's right. Kiba is not the only one that has had a dream to become a Hokage. Konohamaru also wanted to be one after Naruto."

"I mean that's true but considering how many people here are more qualified-"

"I support Hanabi's choice. Konohamaru is exactly the one people can rely on as Hokage," Shino said. Hanabi smiled at this and finally lifted her head.

"I agree," Sakura said. "Konohamaru has done a lot as the Jounin leader. I think it's only natural for him to take over should anything happen."

Everyone seemed to agree with this sentiment. Shikamaru then took notes and declared, "I guess that is settled then. At any point from now until Naruto's retirement, which given the way the technique he's been using to keep the village safe might not be too long, Konohamaru will take over as the 8th Hokage."

Naruto rose from his seat and approached Konohamaru, taking off his Hokage hat and offering it to the young Jounin. "Why don't you try it on? It won't be long until you're wearing it yourself."

Konohamaru took the hat and wore it and Sakura gave him a mirror to see himself. He could also see in the mirror, his grandfather Sarutobi Hiruzen holding a younger version of himself, laughing. For a second, he had to fight back tears. He then took it off and gave it back to Naruto. 

"Thank you, Naruto-nee sama."

"You're going to be a great Hokage. You'd better believe it."

Naruto returned to his chair. "Shino, this means your ANBU squad now has an active role in protecting Konohamaru from harm starting today."

"Understood, Hokage-sama. This is going to limit your role as the leader of Team Seven, Konohamaru so you had better prepare for it."

"I don't imagine the kids would take well to the idea of me not going on missions with them."

"Their trainer is a Hokage candidate. I'm sure they'll understand. Besides, after the Chuunin Exams, they'll get to start their journey towards being independent." Though Konohamaru couldn't see Shino's expression, he could tell the sincerity of his words. 

"Konohamaru will have to let go of his role as Jounin Leader in preparation for his new role. Konohamaru, who do you trust with the role?"

"Why don't we let Hanabi try it? She looks like she could get a lot done." 

Hanabi flushed rather too hard at this. "I don't know if I can do as good a job as Konohamaru."

"I think you're more than capable of doing it, Hanabi. Please accept it," Konohamaru answered back. Hanabi merely nodded and Sakura smiled. Hanabi looked at everyone across the room and they all seemed glad to have her on board.

"I will do my best!" Hanabi said with glee.

"Wonderful. I'll let you in on the responsibities and give you the current missions at the Hokage's Table so you can plan for which Genin Teams get what. Any S rank missions you find, you can return back to the office. I usually like Naruto himself to plan those ones out," Shikamaru said. "Finally, let's talk about the upcoming Chuunin Exams."