Himawari was thoroughly enjoying the show. "Dad's like a loach!"
Naruto struggled to his feet. His once fairly clean orange tracksuit had turned completely black, and foul-smelling mud covered his face and hair. He wiped his face, revealing two brilliantly white eyes, then spat out a couple mouthfuls of sand.
"Um..." He scratched his head, looking at the villagers around him, all red-faced from holding back their laughter, and the Kage, who were clearly enjoying the spectacle. "Is it... over?"
"Yeah, it's over." Shikamaru stood on the rooftop, still holding the neatly folded Sacred Robe. "Everything except your image is intact."
Kakashi closed his book and picked up the megaphone. "Ahem. The unexpected situation has been dealt with. Everyone, although we had a little hiccup, the inauguration ceremony will continue. Please... hold back your laughter and show our new Hokage some respect."
Kind laughter erupted from the crowd.
"What a mess." Naruto grumbled and started back toward the platform, but Sasuke stopped him.
"You're planning to go up there like that?" Sasuke looked at him with disdain. "You're filthy."
"What else can I do? Go home, take a bath, and come back?" Naruto rolled his eyes. "Everyone's waiting."
"Water Release: Water Wave." Mei Terumi lightly curled her finger, and a mass of clear water appeared out of nowhere, pouring over Naruto's head.
"Whoa! C-cold!" Naruto was drenched, but most of the black mud was washed off. He looked like a drowned rat now, but at least they could see his face again.
Gaara waved his hand, and a warm breeze carrying fine sand swept past, instantly drying the excess water on Naruto's clothes.
"Thanks. That was a little rough, though." Naruto sneezed.
He walked up to the platform, where Shikamaru handed him the Sacred Robe.
"Good thing you took it