Temari stood there in front of Hinata with her arms crossed over her breasts.
"H-How…do you k-know my name?" Hinata asked through her stuttering. Temari eyed the girl carefully while recalling Naruto's words about the kind of females he said he was into.
"I came across and met your…friend yesterday; Uzumaki Naruto, if I remember correctly," Temari revealed, purposely substituting "boyfriend" with "friend."
"You met Naruto-kun?" Hinata asked with a surprised look.
Temari nodded and replied, "I did, along with my two younger brothers. The blond haired Genin is rather cute and charming, though the way he dresses in that screaming orange jumpsuit of his could go."
"Yes, Naruto-kun does like that c-color a whole lot," Hinata said while fiddling with her index fingers before going back to the subject at hand, "I'm taking it that t-through your meeting with Naruto-kun…that he m-mentioned me."
Temari knew that it was actually Sasuke who brought up the topic about Hinata before Naruto explained who she was. However, Temari had no interest in mentioning Sasuke or anyone else who was there. Therefore she decided to stick with the main topic of interest and replied, "He did. Though it was brief, it was informative. Clearly Naruto knows people and perhaps this village very well. If I'm lucky before the Chuunin Exams begin, I'll see that charming blond cutie again and ask if he can give the eldest daughter of the Kazekage a personal tour of this village."
Hinata didn't like the attention and interest Temari was giving Naruto. But something Temari said caught her attention and Hinata asked, "You a-and your brothers are children of the K-Kazekage? And your three are also here for the Chuunin Exams?"
"That's right. We intend to show everyone our strength and the power of Suna," Temari said smugly.
"I see. B-But if you still want that tour, I'd be glad-d-d to give it to you myself later today seeing that…my boyfriend Naruto-kun is busy," Hinata suggested, wanting Temari as far from Naruto as possible. Temari saw that she managed to get a reaction out of Hinata. Though it was subtle, it was there. Temari honestly thought about rejecting Hinata's offer outright and going her own way. But she then reconsidered the other option with some possibilities to the outcome.
Perhaps I could find out more about this stuttering, breakable looking Hyuuga heiress. I can only wonder what Naruto could see in her considering the kind of strong females he says appeals to him, Temari figured from how he complimented her when they met, "Really now? I mean, I wouldn't want to intrude on your time and all."
No, but you sure don't mind wanting to intrude on and having my boyfriend's time and attention, Hinata thought before she insisted, "It's not a bother at a-all. I just have to meet up with m-my team first and take care of some affairs with them. Why don't you m-meet up with me back here later in about an hour."
"Alright then," Temari agreed as she turned and walked off. "I'll see you then. And if I happen to run into Naruto on the way, I'll be sure to give him your regards."
Hinata frowned and grumbled under her breath while contending with an emotion she never experienced before in all the years she's been together with Naruto.
Terrific; first I had to deal with Sasuke trying to get me to break up with Naruto-kun, and now I have the daughter of a Kage interested in my boyfriend. I better keep an eye on her, Hinata concluded before continuing on her way to meet up with her team and Kurenai, while at the same time thinking of questioning Naruto on what he might have said to Temari that got her interested in him.
(Later)
Naruto and Honoka were making their way to the Inuzuka compound with Hana and Kuromaru leading the way. While on their way, something caught Naruto's eyes that led him to stray from the two older females. It was a minute later when they realized that Naruto was no longer with them.
"Where's Naruto-kun?" Honoka asked as she and Hana looked around to see where the blond Genin went. Soon they found Naruto standing outside of the bookstore looking through the glass window with sparkling drooling eyes.
"What could he be looking at?" Hana asked out loud.
"Let's find out," Honoka suggested as they made their way over to Naruto.
"It's here! I read only the preview in the last volume, but today it's finally here! First it was today's earlier meeting at the Hokage Tower, now here's my next victory!" Naruto gushed in excitement. The two females and Kuromaru arrived and stood next to Naruto.
"What are you looking at?" Hana asked, expecting an answer. Instead of getting her answer, Naruto hurried into the book store and went straight for his prize. Hana and Honoka followed Naruto into the store and frowned deeply at what it was that he was all enthusiastic for.
"Icha-Icha Paradise: House of Flying Panties! I've been waiting for the release of this special limited platinum edition for weeks!" Naruto said. Honoka shook her head at Naruto's infamous antics while Hana looked at the younger male incredulously as he took one of the books and headed over to the counter. When he got there, he found someone in front of him with a long buttoned up coat and hood over his head covering most of his face with dark sunglasses over his eyes. Naruto also noticed that the man in front of him was purchasing the same book but he didn't want his identity to be made known. Naruto already knew who this man was.
Ebisu; as big of a closet pervert as ever, Naruto snickered under his breath after the disguised Ebisu purchased the book and made a quick exit out of the store after seeing Hana and Kuromaru inside the store. He didn't want his scent to be identified by either of the two though he was unaware that Naruto already knew who he was. Naruto went over to the clerk and placed the book down for it to be scanned. The clerk looked at Naruto who was grinning brightly before he sighed and took the book and scanned it for the Genin. After seeing the price, Naruto took out some money and paid for the book and made his way over to where Hana and Honoka were.
"He let you buy that book without any problems despite your age?" Honoka asked in disbelief.
"Don't undermine me now Honoka-nee. Like you said earlier during the meeting at the Hokage Tower, by shinobi standards, being a ninja makes me a legal adult now thus my age is irrelevant. Therefore, I'm not bound to rules that minors like Konohamaru are restricted to," Naruto replied with a mischievous smile.
"He has a point, as much as I hate to admit it," Hana added as she watched Naruto open the book and start reading it while making his way out of the store without missing a step.
"I wonder if that was also a skill he acquired from Kakashi," Honoka remarked as she and Hana watched how Naruto was able to keep walking with his eyes glued to his new book without crashing into anyone or anything. The two females followed the now blushing and giggling Naruto out of the store to their next destination.
(At A Dango Shop)
Hinata, Kiba, and Shino were standing outside the shop waiting for Kurenai to show up. Hinata only arrived several minutes ago, though the other two boys were waiting for a bit longer before her arrival.
"I hope Kurenai-sensei gets here soon. Before I headed over here, I was told that my mother wants me back as soon as possible. I was informed that we're having Naruto and Honoka over and that everyone in the clan had to be there."
"That's sweet," Hinata replied. "Is this the first time Naruto-kun has been invited over?"
Kiba felt embarrassed by the question, but admitted, "It is. Up until now, Naruto never came by, nor was he ever invited."
"Likewise, I share your sentiments. There has been no occasion in which Naruto had been invited over to my clan's compound. Many in Konoha find my clan's nature and ability of housing an entire bug colony in our bodies to be disturbing, grotesque, and to others, gross. Quite honestly, I never attempted to learn what Naruto's point of view of me and my clan would be."
"I-If you were to take the time to get to know h-h-him better, I'm m-more than certain you'd be surprise h-h-how much he can understand your words and feelings," Hinata said. Shino looked at Hinata curiously as he thought about what she said, and wondered how Naruto could relate to him and his clan's feelings about things. Before he could think on the matter further, Kurenai appeared in a swirl of leaves via Shunshin. In her hands were three forms for her team.
"Hinata, Kiba, Shino," Kurenai greeted and continued, "I have here the forms I mentioned. I'm signing you three up for the Chuunin Exams which will commence in two days."
The three Genins each took a form given to them by their sensei.
"D-Do y-you really t-think we're r-ready for the…Chuunin Exams?" Hinata asked as meekly and nervously as possible. Kurenai always knew that Hinata had issues with self-confidence, and even while having her as her student she was still having some difficulties in her training. Recently though she heard how Hinata had started making improvements in her clan's Juuken to the point that her younger sister couldn't beat her as easily or as fast as before. Hiashi himself praised and complimented Hinata for her progress, and that in itself was an accomplishment Kurenai was happy to hear of.
"I wouldn't have allowed any of you to sign up for it if I didn't believe that you three could handle it. I won't lie to you. The Chuunin Exams won't be easy at all, and it will test your abilities as ninja in terms of your leadership and teamwork capabilities. But if any of you don't believe yourselves ready for it, then I won't force it upon you," Kurenai said.
"Back down!? Are you kidding? There's no way in hell I'm backing down after coming this far!" Kiba said while signing the form.
"I'm in," Shino simply replied.
"I'm in t-too," Hinata said. Kurenai nodded, happy to see her team's resolve to accept the challenge. All three Genin signed their forms and handed them back to Kurenai.
"Good. With these forms now signed, I'll submit them immediately and inform the Hokage that my team will also participate in the Chuunin Exams. Until then, you three are free to have the rest of today and tomorrow to yourselves," Kurenai said before disappearing in a swirl of leaves.
"I don't know about you guys but I have to head back to my clan's compound to meet up with Naruto and everyone else there. I'm sure you'd like to come and be there alongside your personal boy toy, eh Hinata?" Kiba teased.
Hinata blushed crimson and replied, "Kiba! Don't t-tease m-me like that."
"But you know it's true," Kiba laughed, "But really, you can come along if you want."
"Thanks, but this is a special occasion, and Naruto-kun already came to introduce Honoka-san to my clan yesterday. I prefer to give him his space when he needs it," Hinata said.
"I can respect that. I guess that was why you used to hide behind objects from a distance just so you can see him!" Kiba teased and laughed.
Hinata blushed again, but this time she giggled in good humor and replied, "That was the past. I have no need to do that anymore."
"Because Naruto is all you need, huh?" Kiba added.
"You're too much," Hinata laughed lightly before turning and walking off, "There's someplace I have to go; something important I have to take care of before the Chuunin Exams begins. I'll see you both later."
Hinata darted off to her next destination. When she was out of sight, Kiba turned and started walking off himself.
"See you whenever, Shino," Kiba said. Shino merely nodded before he also started walking off. Kiba was making a good pace back home when both he and Akamaru caught sight of Hana and Kuromaru, and the two Uzumaki with them.
"Yo Naruto, Hana, Honoka!" Kiba called out grabbing the gang's attention. Naruto looked up from his book over to where the voice came from. Kiba hurried over and joined them.
"Are you guys heading over to meet up with Mom and the others?" Kiba asked.
"We are," Hana answered.
"Though she's your mother, not ours," Naruto remarked, referring to himself and Honoka.
"You knew what I meant, Naruto," Kiba snorted as he continued walking with the group. Kiba then took note that Naruto was reading his new Icha-Icha Paradise book and by the look and blush on his face, it was clear the pervy Uzumaki was enjoying his book.
"I'm surprised my sister and Honoka are allowing you to read that smut while you're walking with them. As much as I hate to admit it, if it were me, Hana-neechan would have torn me a new hole if I was reading that while with her," Kiba said.
"You don't say. Well, you have my condolences, considering how much you're missing out on. I mean, it has a captivating plot with suspense, romance, drama, plot twists, the whole nine yards," Naruto said with his head still in his book, never once taking his eyes off the written content.
Despite this, Hana shot Naruto a death glare and stated, "You'd better not be trying to put corrupt ideas into Kiba's head."
"Now how could I do that when they were already there? Unlike him, I have thick balls to act when there's something I want. I've proven more than once how much of an alpha male I am in comparison to the weak," Naruto snickered with his head still in his book. Kiba was flabbergasted by Naruto's words while Hana looked like she was ready to hurt him. Honoka didn't know how much more she could take before she had to set Naruto straight and take that damn book from him.
"What was that, Naruto?" Hana asked with narrowed eyes. Naruto looked up from his book and asked cluelessly, "Huh? What happened? Was something said that I missed?"
"Your snide remarks about proving to be a stronger alpha male and such," Hana said.
Naruto thought for a second and replied, "Oh, my bad. I forgot myself and was reading a few lines out of this book out loud without realizing it. Was someone here offended or something?"
"Ugh…never mind. It was nothing important," Hana sighed. Naruto shrugged and continued reading like nothing happened. It was a good long walk before they finally arrived at the Inuzuka compound. As Naruto and Honoka walked into the estate for the first time ever, they looked around and found that all of the houses were nice, but nothing too fancy. They saw that many of the Inuzuka, young and old, had their own personal canine partners, and the dogs they were seeing were of various breeds, some of them even mixed.
Soon, though, all of the dogs started barking and leaving their human partners and making their way over to Honoka. When they were being called back by their owners, the dogs refused to respond as they hurried excitedly over to Honoka all at once.
Why am I not surprised? Naruto thought with some amazement at seeing the large number of dogs that were affected by Honoka's chakra, recalling the event that happened when he was in Nami no Kuni after finding and bonding with Honoka for the first time. Hana and Kiba looked on in utter disbelief and amazement as the all of the dogs, young and old of all sizes, gathered around Honoka as if she was a matriarch among canines. Even Akamaru and Kuromaru went along with the gathered dogs.
Who is this woman? Hana wondered, looking on in awe at the phenomenon taking place in front of her as she saw Honoka bend down and start petting some of the puppies that were among the large crowd of dogs in a loving way that made the puppies wag their tails happily at the gesture.
What kind of bloodline does she possess? Kiba wondered. All of the Inuzuka members hurried over to where Naruto and Honoka were with shocked and intrigued expressions on their faces. Tsume approached them group.
"What's all this? What's going on here?" Tsume asked after seeing all of the clan's dogs gather around Honoka, including her own canine partner Kuromaru.
"Sorry about this, but as you can see Honoka-nee possesses a special chakra that summons and attracts animals and insects of all species. And quite clearly, none of your clan dogs are immune to the aura of her powerful pheromone-like chakra. They submit to her like she's a queen amongst animals," Naruto pointed out. Tsume and the rest of her kin couldn't believe what they were seeing, let alone what they were told.
"Unreal!" one male Inuzuka youth marveled.
"I've never seen anything like this all in my years; to possess such a potent chakra that can attract such attention and submissiveness from dogs and other species of animals," one of the Inuzuka elders said.
"Thanks, but I'm still working on controlling this power of mine. I only recently discovered that I possessed such an ability, but I haven't learned how to turn off the effects of my chakra yet. Please forgive me for whatever trouble I caused here today," Honoka replied humbly as she bowed slightly.
"Trouble? Honoka-san this gift is not troubling, it's a blessing! Just imagine the great use that can be utilized with your amazing chakra! You can help us in finding and training new species of canines like coyotes, jackals, foxes, and wolves to become part of our clan! I can just picture the possibilities!" Hana remarked excitedly.
Naruto saw the looks on everyone's faces and saw where their intentions could lead to as they were all thinking the same thing. Some even started whispering of the possibility of getting Honoka to join and marry into the Inuzuka clan. Closing his book, Naruto placed it away in his jacket and stepped forward in front of Honoka. He took a breath and exhaled before looking at everyone with a hardened gaze.
"As great as that may be for your clan, let me make one thing perfectly clear to all of you right now. Honoka-nee, like myself, is an Uzumaki by birth, thus whatever new animals she draws to herself that aren't already part of your clan or anyone else's will be part of the Uzumaki clan," Naruto said seriously. Kiba was taken aback by Naruto's seemingly unexplainable change of character, especially the strong aura he was giving off. This also held true for the others that were there.
"The Uzumaki clan? There is no such clan!" a young Inuzuka female retorted.
"You would know of my clan and its legacy if you all weren't lied to about Konoha's true history. There's a lot that you all don't know. But what I'm making known now is that I won't allow Honoka-nee to be used an instrument for another clan's benefit. Does everyone understand?" Naruto stated firmly.
"I'm sorry if that offended you, Naruto, but it wasn't our intention to use Honoka-san in such a way," Hana apologized.
"Perhaps not yours, but I wouldn't be so quick to speak for everyone else. Honoka-san is currently working on controlling her chakra, and like me, it's massive, so she'll have her work cut out for her. Count on the fact that I'll be sure to help her in that endeavor. And whatever progress she makes will be solely for the benefit of our clan, not someone else's," Naruto stated.
Kiba spoke up. "Naruto, I don't mean to offend you, but your chakra control is the worst of all of us. Even while at the academy you couldn't get perfect control of it."
"Like I said, Kiba, there's a lot that you all don't know, and that would include facts about me. I had teachers who sabotaged my training while at the academy. I had them all dealt with through Jiisan after graduating from the ninja academy. But going back to my previous point, Honoka-nee is new here in Konoha and knows little about anyone in this village with the exception of myself and a few others. Until she's comfortable on her own here, she will be under my watchful care," Naruto replied.
"Why do you speak as if you have the authority to decide for the young woman, who's clearly much older than you, what's best for her or what she wants to do with her life?" a grown man questioned.
Honoka decided to speak, "Because unlike me, Naruto-kun knows this village, its people, what many in this village are capable of. I know what Naruto-kun's life in this village was like, and though I've been appointed as a rookie Chuunin of this village, I don't fully trust most of the people here, for now.
"Like Naruto-kun, I endured a great deal of hardships and I yearn to reestablish the greatness that our clan held before. And that's the truth. I'm also aware of Naruto-kun's life in the village, and frankly, little to nothing has been done for him by most of the clans of this village, with the exception of the Hyuuga clan."
"Kinsman of the Inuzuka, listen please!" Tsume requested with a respectful but authoritative tone, "There's a great deal that must be explained to all of you. Naruto and his cousin Honoka were both asked to be present here because what I must explain deeply involves them and several dark and hidden S-Class secrets that none of you know, especially the S-Class secret about Naruto's status as a Jinchuuriki."
"Tsume!" one of the Inuzuka Jounins cried out, "You can't reveal that! The Hokage declared that secret punishable by death by law if revealed!"
"Today that law was officially lifted by the Hokage himself through Naruto's personal request. Every clan leader and member of the Shinobi and Civilian council and the Hierarchy must explain everything about Naruto being a Jinchuuriki along with the Uzumaki clan legacy and its ties to Konoha.
"Everyone, gather together at the meeting pound as the elders and I will explain everything in detail to all of you," Tsume instructed. As everyone was doing so, Kiba looked at Naruto questionably. He'd never heard of a Jinchuuriki or any S-Class secrets behind Naruto's life and familial legacy. So many questions about Naruto were racing through his mind at this point as he followed his fellow kinsmen to the meeting pound with Naruto and Honoka at the forefront.
(Meanwhile)
Hinata was leaving the blacksmith store with the newly purchased item she ordered two weeks ago. The item was sealed into a scroll that was now inside of her jacket. With that objective taken care of, she hurried to meet up with Temari back at the spot she told the older kunoichi to meet her at. Hinata arrived at the spot and found Temari arriving there herself.
Before the Hyuuga heiress could call out to her, Temari turned around and noticed her arriving.
"Hello Hinata. For a moment I thought I'd either have to wait long or look around this village myself," Temari greeted.
"Now that would be d-disrespectful of me, making you w-wait after you a-accepted my personal offer, yes?" Hinata replied while fiddling with her index fingers.
Temari agreed, "I suppose it would be. So where do you want us to start?"
For the next two hours, Hinata gave Temari free tour of the village, and showed her some of the well renowned restaurants, stores, bathhouses, and other establishments she knew of. During their walk, Temari inquired of Hinata, "Tell me something Hinata. How would you describe yourself, with regards to being a kunoichi?"
Hinata was caught off guard by Temari's bold and direct question. But instead of taking offense, Hinata decided to answer it and said, "W-Well, I-I think of myself as someone who never g-gives up, despite various obstacles I face. Despite how I'm v-viewed by others for t-the choices I make, I stick with them with conviction. Naruto-kun has been a great help to me, too."
"Naruto you say?" Temari asked with a tone of honest interest, "How so? What special aid did he provide for you in overcoming these obstacles of yours?"
Hinata saw that Temari was carefully hearing her out and was trying to find out as much as she could about both her and Naruto. But the Hyuuga heiress sensed that Temari's true interest was still in Naruto.
"I wasn't as confident in myself back then and I-I was often bullied and mistreated as a result. I was l-looked down upon with disdain by my family and even hated by some. Naruto-kun saw and understood my pain and loneliness, and through our time together he helped me improve and become the person I am now," Hinata explained.
Temari saw how brief and vague Hinata was. The Suna kunoichi saw that Hinata didn't want to reveal much about either herself or Naruto, so she decided not to press the matter further.
"Yes, Naruto has a keen eye for finding and admiring strong women with such exceptional gemlike attributes. He told me that himself if you want the truth," Temari remarked as a light blush and smile appeared on her face as she recalled his words to her. Hinata noticed the look on Temari's facial expression and saw that what Naruto said to her really affected how she sees him.
"I see. I'm not s-surprised to hear that. Naruto-kun always had an eye for those he considers to be e-exceptional kunoichi or girls. Strangely enough, though, I'm the only girl he's ever complimented in Konoha, while you're the first one h-he's ever complimented from outside the village." Hinata said meekly.
Now Temari raised an eyebrow at that. "Really! Well that's surprising. He seemed like such a flirty playboy. I had expected him to be known to flirt with every pretty face he sees," Temari said as she recalled how Naruto flirted and complimented her. She had to admit, he was pretty smooth with his words, and his compliments sounded so honest like he truly believed what he told her, which is why she felt attracted to him.
Hinata nodded and replied, "He does seem like that, but he's more humble with his opinion of girls. He doesn't just compliment a-any girl he sees; he only does so with those he sees as kunoichi with great potential. The fact that he complimented you must mean t-that you're a talented kunoichi," Hinata admitted, which made Temari grow a smile at hearing that Naruto thought that. Although she'd just have to show him how skilled she was when the exams started.
"Was there anything else he said?" Hinata asked.
Temari sighed lowly and admitted, "That you're his prized girlfriend who has moonlit pearls for eyes."
Now it was Hinata's turned to blush and smile. Hinata commented, "Naruto-kun always had an affectionate view of my eyes. He even gave me an endearing nickname to go along with them."
"Really?" Temari asked, "Is there anything more about Naruto's character and skills that impresses you?"
"There's just too much to say. But I will say that Naruto-kun is a great guy d-despite how many of the…senseless people in Konoha view him," Hinata replied.
"Senseless people?" Temari was now even more curious, "What do you mean? Was Naruto's life in this village made difficult?"
"Naruto-kun lived a very harsh and lonely life, one I would never wish on anyone, and he lost both of his parents while he was an infant. T-Thankfully, Naruto-kun found dear friends, and precious people like myself who became part of his life, and he seeks to p-p-protect those he loves. He has great goals, and my dream is to be at his side as we fulfill our goals together…j-just as we promised each other," Hinata explained.
The Suna kunoichi listened to Hinata's words carefully and saw that Hinata really cared for Naruto and dreamed of always being with him. Temari then said, "It's clear that you've both experienced and been through a lot together. Honestly, I can't say that I lived an easy sheltered life. Even as the Kazekage's daughter, my life was filled with much stress, difficulty, and responsibilities I had to uphold for my people. Even though I have siblings, part of my life is filled with loneliness.
"But I grew strong from my trials and hardships along with all of the training I received which helped me become the kunoichi I am today," Temari smugly added, "with gemlike characteristics Naruto admires from afar with his unworthy eyes."
Hinata had raised eyebrows from Temari's last comment. While she sympathize with the Suna kunoichi in terms of living a hard life, Hinata couldn't help but feel annoyed by Temari's latter words. But the Hyuuga heiress wasn't deterred as she was willing to play the same game.
"Yes, and with precious gemlike characteristics of my own which Naruto-kun helped me develop, he admires and appreciates me all the time while I'm in his arms, with his endearing eyes longing to behold me," Hinata confidently countered. Temari fought back a frown that wanted to form on her face.
This fragile-looking flower seems to have a few hidden thorns, Temari thought, No matter. I'll shave them down eventually.
Temari was about to say something to Hinata when…
"Temari!"
Hinata and Temari turned to see Kankuro approaching them. When he arrived, he stood in front of his older sister and said, "I was sent by Baki-sensei to find you." Kankuro looked at the girl with Temari. "Who's this Genin you're talking to?"
"This is Hyuuga Hinata," Temari introduced.
"Hinata?" Kankuro repeated, "Why does that name sound famili-…Oh that's right! You're that flirty shrimp's girlfriend that was mentioned yesterday! We met him along with his older sister and team yesterday."
Temari didn't mention that part during our conversation, Hinata acknowledged, "So you guys also m-met my boyfriend's team yesterday. T-T-Temari-san didn't mention that."
"I didn't think they mattered, honestly," Temari admitted as she shrugged. "Anyway, it was fun, but unfortunately my time has been cut short. I'll be seeing you and Naruto real soon, Hinata."
Temari then left with her Kankuro back to where Baki and Gaara were waiting. Hinata stood there as she watched the two Suna-nins depart from her until they were out of sight.
"I didn't think they mattered, honestly."
Hinata recalled Temari's cold and apathetic words concerning Sakura and Sasuke. The only person that mattered to Temari was Naruto.
"An interesting bunch, aren't they?" a voice remarked from behind her. Hinata, slightly startled, turned to see Naruto standing behind her.
"Naruto-kun!" Hinata greeted happily.
"Not quite, I'm his representative. Boss is still at the Inuzuka estate. Right now Tsume, Kiba's mother and the Inuzuka matriarch, has gathered everyone from her clan to explain the entire story behind Honoka-nee and boss' familial background, and what took place during the council meeting earlier today," the kage bunshin said.
"How things are going so far?" Hinata asked.
"They're acting the same way everyone else reacts when confronted with the ugly truths behind all the lies and cover-ups: they're in denial, outrage, or ashamed of their own actions and/or those of the stupid ones of this village. Everyone in the clan is reacting in that way even now as we speak. Boss will fill you in later this evening when he comes by to see you," the kage bunshin elaborated.
"I understand. I'll await his arrival till then," Hinata replied.
"Not a problem. I'll relay that to Boss after I puff out. But there's one more thing Boss wanted me to tell you before I go," the kage bunshin recalled.
"And what was that?" Hinata inquired. The clone moved closer to Hinata's ear and whispered something only for her ears to hear. Hinata's face turned red before giggling from the words the kage bunshin recited to Hinata.
The clone grinned and pulled his lips away from her ears and said, "And that is all. Boss will meet with you later. Ciao!"
The clone puffed out, leaving a blushing yet smiling Hinata. What the clone recited to Hinata was:
'Everything in my life now is just fine
But having you in my life is truly divine
In time, together we'll cross that conjugal line
And by that time, you'll be all mine'
"He never fails to rhyme with his poems," Hinata said to herself with a smile.
"Hinata-sama," a voice called out to her. Hinata turned to see Neji making his way over to her.
"Yes niisan?" Hinata greeted.
"Hiashi-sama has called for a meeting, and both Main House and Branch House members were instructed to be present. Surprisingly, my sensei and teammates were invited to this meeting, which Hiashi-sama decreed was of utmost importance. I was sent out to find and bring you back before the meeting starts," Neji explained. Hinata wordlessly nodded and followed Neji back to the Hyuuga compound. She already knew what the meeting was going to be about. She could only picture the looks on everyone's faces when they learn the truth from Hiashi's own mouth about Naruto's heritage.
The thought alone of seeing the looks on their faces was enough to put a bright smile on Hinata's face. Neji turned briefly to see Hinata's expression and wondered what she was so happy about. He decided to forget about it and continue escorting Hinata back to the compound.
(Back At The Inuzuka Meeting Pound)
Tsume finished explained everything that took place during the council meeting to all of the members of her clan. Nobody there could believe their ears, especially the younger generations. The older generation had a hard time believing the revelations about Honoka and Naruto's backgrounds regarding the Uzumaki clan, but they had an especially difficult time believing the truth about Naruto's parentage. When Kiba took a better look at Naruto, he felt completely stupid for never seeing the obvious resemblance between Yondaime and Naruto when he and so many others saw colored pictures of the man.
Was I that blind? How could I have not seen that? Kiba thought as he meditated on everything he was told. So much was going through his mind after hearing the entire truth about Naruto, his clan, his parents, his status as a Jinchuuriki, and the law Sandaime put in place forbidding anyone of the older generation from speaking the truth about Naruto being a Jinchuuriki. The same was true with Hana. She already knew about Naruto being a Jinchuuriki, but everything else was big news.
All this time Naruto is the son of the late Yondaime! Every one of us disrespected Yondaime by our mistreatment and disregard for his son, Hana thought as sadness and guilt started to settle in on her conscience. It was the same with many of the other Inuzuka clan members. Soon though, sadness and guilt turned to dishonor and shame. And dishonor and shame lead to anger and indignation.
"So how many more lies are the ever watchful eyes of our village's hierarchy telling?" Kiba remarked contemptuously. "They practically robbed Naruto of everything and let the villagers have their way and allowed them force him to live a cruel and lonely life as an orphan. And not only that, we were taught lies and half-truths while at the ninja academy all these years!" Kiba looked at his mother angrily. "And you were part of all this; you and all of the grown-ups of our clan! None of you stood for what was right and allowed this to happen!"
"Kiba, please," Tsume pleaded, "It wasn't like I wanted any of this to happen! Myself and several others of the Shinobi council tried to prevent this! But we were overruled!"
"Tried?" Kiba retorted, "From all that I've heard up till now, I don't know whether to believe or question the truth of your words or that of any of the other grown-ups of this clan!"
Tsume lowered her head, knowing that Kiba had every right to be angry at her and the older members of the clan.
"Kiba this wasn't made easy for any of us," Hana said, trying to defend their mother and the rest of the older generation of their kin, "Our hands were tied and as ninja we're bound to the authority of the Hokage and the hierarchy."
"Stop making excuses for them and yourself Hana-nee!" Kiba replied. "You're only saying that to quench your own guilt for not doing anything for Naruto either. I will admit that I wasn't friends with him at first because I was stupid enough to follow the crowd in how they used to mistreat and make fun of him. But in time, I did become his friend after getting to know him. I could easily see that Naruto is a good person despite what's been said about him.
"But I have never seen you, mom, or anyone else in our clan take so much as a step to even approach Naruto, because everyone chose the coward's way out and looked at Naruto as the monster that attacked Konoha!"
"Kiba," Naruto said calmly as he placed a hand on his shoulder. "I understand that you and all of the younger generation are appalled and outraged by the shocking revelations. We can't change the regretful events of the past, but we can still do something about the future."
"I suppose, but it'll be a while before I can look at any of the grown-ups with the same level of respect again after being lied to all my life," Kiba said.
Naruto replied, "I'm certain that the way you feel will be shared by many throughout the village. Even now, all of the members of the Shinobi and Civilian council were sent to inform their family and friends about the truth concerning me, Honoka-nee, and the Uzumaki clan. Jiisan will give a public address concerning this matter too. Facing my parents' enemies or not as a result, I made it clear that I want the truth about me and my family revealed to everyone."
Tsume looked to see the looks the younger members of her clan had on their faces. She knew that they were feeling the same way as her son was, while some were arguing with their parents about what was revealed to them. The Inuzuka matriarch had to calm her clan down and reestablish order.
"Listen everyone!" Tsume said authoritatively gaining everyone's attention. Everyone soon quieted as Tsume continued to speak, "It is true that we of the older generation of this clan have wronged both you and the Uzumaki, and I won't stand before you and make excuses for our actions. It shames me as the leader of this clan that I, under orders of the hierarchy, played a role in allowing your minds be filled with half-truths and lies about Konoha and its history involving the Uzumaki clan and Uzu no Kuni. For this, I am truly sorry and could only hope that in time you all will come to forgive us."
Tsume turned and went over to Naruto and Honoka. She stood before Naruto and to everyone's disbelief she got on her knees and faced him as she spoke, "As the leader of the Inuzuka clan, I take full responsibility for the wrongs my clansmen have committed against you and I offer you my sincerest apology for my sins against you and your clan."
Tsume placed her hands on the floor and bowed her head till it touched the ground and apologized, "Uzumaki Naruto, I'm sorry."
For a clan leader to make such a gesture in front of the entire clan meant that the clan as a whole was wrong in their dealings with the one they deeply offended. None of the Inuzuka elders moved to reprimand Tsume for her apologetic humble gesture. There were mixed emotions among the Inuzuka clan members as they were thinking about everything they heard and saw up to this point. Some didn't know what to think or feel. Others even went numb because so many things they were led to believe were all based off of lies.
"Tsume-san," Naruto request politely, as he extended his hand out to her. Tsume, still on her hands and knees, looked up at Naruto who extended and offered his right hand to her.
"The Uzumaki and Inuzuka can start over as allies and repair the broken bond between our two clans. Are you willing to accept this offer and help the Uzumaki as a way for your clan to atone?" Naruto offered with a bright smile.
Tsume smiled and nodded in returned as she accepted Naruto's hand and answered, "My clansmen and I will help in whatever way we can. We owe the Uzumaki that and so much more."
Honoka smiled approvingly seeing how Naruto was handling matters maturely.
(Elsewhere In The Meantime)
Similar discussions involving what took place at the meeting at the Hokage Tower were taking place at all of the other council members' homes. The revelations of Naruto's true heritage and the history of the Uzumaki clan were likewise received with mixed feelings. Many of the friends and families of the civilian members of the council were in complete denial, and refused to accept that the Jinchuuriki was the son of the Yondaime and that the Genin indeed descended from a powerful clan that helped establish Konoha. The council members made it clear that what they were saying was the truth and that there were other Uzumaki out there that Naruto intends to find and unite.
The families and friends of the ninja members of the council accepted the news as the truth, and they were furious that it had been kept a secret from them. The children of the council members were sickened when they were told that many of the things they were taught to believe were mixed with half-truths and lies and that Naruto was on the receiving end of the villagers' mistreatment and cruelty. It went without saying that the clan leaders lost much of the trust and respect their children had for them.
While most ninja had not been openly hostile to Naruto, they didn't do anything to help him either. They came to realize that they had been allowing the civilians to have their way in being cruel to the son of the Yondaime and it disgusted and shamed them.
(An Hour Later; At The Hyuuga Compound)
"This cannot be so! There's no way that village clown and pariah could be the son of Konoha's greatest Hokage!" shouted one of the elders of the Main House in denial after he along with all of the members of both Main House and Cadet Branch House were told the truth about Naruto's heritage and clan history. Gai, Lee, and Tenten were also present for this meeting along with Hinata and Hanabi. Lee and Tenten were in absolute shock after hearing the revelations while Neji held a calm and stern calculative expression. Gai was quiet during the meeting as he took in everything he and everyone else was being told.
"Believe it or not, what I said is the irrefutable truth, and there is documented medical proof testifying to his parentage," Hiashi replied patiently.
"Uzumaki Kushina was the boy's mother? I thought he was given the name Uzumaki as a way to honor her memory," another Main House member replied.
"If that was the case, then all of Konoha and most of those in this clan did a terrific job dishonoring her name instead," Hiashi retorted unapologetically. The elders sneered at Hiashi's remark while both Hinata and Hanabi watched the scene quietly along with the rest of those there.
"I can't believe that Naruto has familial ties with the Shodai, Nidaime, blood ties with the Yondaime, and familial ties with Tsunade. Is there anything else we're to be informed of?" another elder spoke up.
"As the rightful sole heir, Naruto will be given everything that once belonged to the Yondaime and his wife, everything. Furthermore, everyone in Konoha will be re-educated about the history of Uzu no Kuni and the Uzumaki clan. Uzumaki Honoka will be teaching these classes," Hiashi explained.
"What an unbelievable story about this weak talentless orphan that Hinata-sama and Hanabi-sama love so dearly," Neji spoke up after a long period of silence, "It's hard to believe that the village pariah is now said to be the son of the famed Yondaime."
Hinata and Hanabi looked at Neji as he displayed mock acknowledgment of Naruto openly in front of everyone.
"Naruto-kun isn't a weak ninja, Niisan," Hinata replied.
"And it's best you don't say things about people you never took the time to get to know," Hanabi added. Neji scowled at the two sisters while Tenten looked on with interest.
"Son of the Yondaime or not, fate still marked him as a talentless weak Genin and dead last," Neji replied.
"I hardly call wiping out an entire army of samurai thugs and their multi-millionaire boss in mere seconds 'weak and talentless'," Hiashi rebuked. Hiashi had heard the full story from Hinata after being told everything that happened in Nami no Kuni from Naruto and Honoka.
"Excuse us? Naruto did what?" one of the Hyuuga elders asked, wondering if he heard right.
"In his mission to Nami no Kuni, Naruto took out a multimillionaire criminal named Gatō, and slaughtered his entire army of thugs and samurai in a span of a few seconds. It was reported that Kakashi and Zabuza, one of the Seven Swordsmen of Kirigakure, both witnessed Naruto's skills, and it was reported that Zabuza himself wanted the boy as his successor," Hiashi explained. The elders and the other members of the clan started whispering to each other about this news, finding it hard to believe.
"Naruto is that skilled with a sword?! Since when?" Tenten asked in both amazement and disbelief.
"No one really knows. There was no record of him ever being trained in kenjutsu while at the ninja academy," Hinata replied.
"But you of all people spend the most time with him. Surely you must know something more about him that no one else knows," Tenten implied, putting Hinata on the spot as all eyes turned toward her.
"What I know is only what Naruto-kun allows me to know, and nothing more. There are some secrets that he doesn't share with even me, and I have to respect that as I learned to trust him," Hinata stated.
"How can you trust a shameless, girl-crazy, flirtatious pervert like Naruto? The fact that you, being an heiress, are even dating that trash mars the Hyuuga name. What's more is that Hanabi-sama even started following your lead in pursuing that fool. I couldn't find logic behind why Hanabi-sama chose to go down such a path in endearing herself to a commoner infamous for his womanizing behavior," Neji said rudely, trying to put down both Hinata and Hanabi in front of the entire clan and his team and sensei. Hanabi scowled visibly with a low growl, and looked ready to activate the Caged Bird Seal on Neji's head. Hinata closed her eyes and calmed herself though a darker part of her really wanted to hurt Neji right now. Gai was about to tell Neji off when…
"Whom my daughters date is neither your concern nor your business to meddle in, Neji. And if you disrespectfully step out of line in front of me again I will personally reprimand you severely. Am I clear?" Hiashi replied with a hardened tone that said that he was serious.
"Yes Hiashi-sama. I apologize for my rudeness," Neji said plainly, "If there's nothing more, I request that I be excused from this meeting."
"You will stay where you are, Neji. Everyone will leave after I conclude this meeting," Hiashi stated. Neji said nothing more as he reluctantly sat where he was.
"Neji does bring up a point, Hiashi. This son of the late Yondaime has been repeatedly reported to have been seen and caught peeping in women's bathhouses and flirting with many females both his age group and older despite being romantically involved with the clan heiress. He even openly reads those smut books that Jiraiya-sama is known to be the author of," one of the clan elders said.
"We've been troubled at how after all these years you've tolerated this behavior from the boy while allowing him to court Hinata and allow Hanabi to associate closely with him. The very fact that you allow your two daughters to be this close to this ill-mannered Genin despite knowing his perverted conduct has been an issue that we feel should be addressed promptly," a female Main House Hyuuga added.
Neji gave a small smile upon seeing that the clan elders took his side on the debate. It was no secret that Neji sought every chance to bring down Hinata's esteem, and with Hanabi involved, it was all the better. Hiashi was about to say something when…
"It is true that Father is aware of Naruto-kun's infamous reputation, and I'm well aware of it too," Hinata spoke up.
"And yet both you and your father are tolerant of this," another elder remarked.
Lowering her head, Hinata replied, "What did you all expect out of Naruto-kun after the lonely and harsh life this village forced him to live? Only a handful of people chose to get to know Naruto-kun for who he really was. Others, however, chose to pass biased judgment on him, with little to no knowledge about him.
"There was never anything about Naruto-kun that posed a threat to me or anyone else. The only threat was from our respected leaders and those in the council, who tried to manipulate everyone with lies and cover-ups concerning Naruto-kun, his heritage and clan, and how they didn't want him or those of our generation ever learning the truth.
"And because of this, Naruto-kun was subjected to being bullied, lied to by some he trusted, discriminated against and shunned by the majority of this village and even by those of my own age group. Countless people, both civilian and shinobi alike, looked at Naruto-kun as if he was a weakened version of Kyuubi, senselessly thinking that hurting him would allow them to get back at Kyuubi. Naruto-kun was starving for attention and affection, even if it meant getting yelled at or getting in trouble for whatever it was he did, so long he was acknowledged by someone.
"None of you in this chamber could begin to understand his tremendous anguish, sadness, and loneliness as a Jinchuuriki! So don't any of you dare stand here and judge him as if you know him! None of you here or anyone else in all of Konoha has any right to judge him, not after all he's been made to suffer through!" Hinata defended with tears running down her face and no sign of hesitation in her tone. Instead, she was seen wielding an inner strength no one in the clan had ever seen from her before.
Everyone who was present was surprised by Hinata's bold spirit. What was also noticed was that in her entire speech, not once did she stutter.
"I stand with Neesan on this matter a hundred percent," Hanabi spoke up, causing everyone to turn to look at her now. It was clear to everyone that the two sisters were in union with each other on the issue involving Naruto being a part of their lives.
"Over the years, I never understood why Naruto-kun was hated so much by those within and outside our clan, or why he was looked upon as a scourge to our community. I will admit that I was almost influenced by this village's poisonous view of Naruto-kun, but my curiosity and lack of knowing the truth moved me to want to know why Naruto-kun was treated the way he was by so many and why Neesan had such strong feelings and admiration for him before and after becoming friends with him.
"I had asked Neesan questions about Naruto-kun but she refused to answer any of them. Instead she encouraged me to ask Naruto-kun myself. I used to be angry at her for always doing that. But…after I stopped to really think about it," Hanabi allowed a few tears of her own to fall down her face and continued, "I'm happy Neesan did what she did, as it pushed me to get to know Naruto-kun personally, and over the course of time I became close with Naruto-kun. I didn't say it then, but I'll say it now: I love Naruto-kun! He's my best and closest friend!"
The Hyuuga of both the Main House and Cadet Branch House were truly stupefied at how great an influence Naruto had not only on Hinata but also on Hanabi. It went without say that both girls were truly loyal and emotionally attached to the Kyuubi Jinchuuriki, far more than any from both houses expected. And the fact that Hiashi supported his daughters only hammered the nail deeper.
Hanabi turned to Hinata who gave her a supportive and appreciative smile and nod. Neji didn't really know what to think, let alone what to say. Neji didn't want to admit to himself that Naruto's life was far harder and harsher than his own. Even less, he didn't want to believe that Naruto was in fact the son of the famed Yondaime who used his own son to seal Kyuubi into. He tried to rationalize everything he heard during this meeting about Naruto with fate; and that both Naruto and Hinata were still predestined failures. But nothing he came up with made sense. It started to frustrate him, as denial was ever present within him.
"I've never in all my life seen such heartwarming displays of radiant youth from a Hyuuga!" a teary-eyed Lee said as moderately as possible, knowing that shouting, as much as he wanted to, would get him kicked out of the meeting, "I only started getting to know Naruto-kun a few months ago but Hinata-san and Hanabi-san's zealous words of youthful support far exceed my own! I will work harder to become an even better friend and ally to Naruto-kun than before!"
"To be honest, I personally never met Naruto. I only heard things about him from Gai, Lee, and Neji. From what Neji told me about him, Naruto is his class's dead last and failed almost everything in his class. And now all that I'm hearing about Naruto and the conspiracies and cover-ups surrounding his life, it's all too much to take in all at once," a bewildered Tenten said, "Hearing that many of the things we learned while at the ninja academy were lies makes me question how much we can trust our leaders."
"Yes, Konoha has been disgracefully unyouthful towards Naruto-san and his Uzumaki brethren. I never held any ill will towards Naruto-san and learning that Lee had begun fellowshipping with him made me very happy. Perhaps you should take a lesson from Lee and become friends with Naruto-san too," Gai replied.
Tenten had studied about the Seven Swordsmen of Kirigakure and their exploits in their way of the sword. After hearing from Hiashi's own mouth that Naruto's caliber with a sword was on par with the Seven Swordsmen to the point that one of them wanted him as his successor, Tenten began to question everything Neji told her about Naruto and what she was led to believe about him.
There is no way that a talentless dead last would have been wanted as a successor of one the Seven Swordsmen. Just how strong is Naruto, and how was it that with that kind of skill, he still became the dead last of his class? It doesn't add up, Tenten wondered as she tried to figure out things out.
(All The While)
Sasuke was leaving the hospital after getting medical treatment and bandages from the unpleasant experiences he endured throughout the day. Upon his departure, he found Kakashi and Sakura making their way over to him.
"Sasuke-kun? What happened to you? Were you injured while training?" Sakura inquired.
"I'd rather not talk about it, and forget about what led to this," Sasuke replied. Sakura decided not to press the matter after seeing the sour look on Sasuke's face.
"Anyway, why are you guys here?" Sasuke asked.
"I came to discuss a matter regarding Naruto and that red chakra Sakura saw. The ban on discussing the topic regarding that has been lifted by the Hokage at Naruto's request," Kakashi explained. Sasuke nodded, wanting as much information on Naruto as possible. He hoped that through this he could find out what aided in Naruto becoming stronger and faster than he ever let on and use it to help him become much stronger.
"Let's head to the training ground. There we can talk more openly," Kakashi suggested before his two Genin followed him from the hospital entrance.
(At Training Ground 3)
Kakashi, Sasuke and Sakura made their way over to the training ground. The two Genin wanted to hear the news Kakashi had to tell them about Naruto.
Sakura was curious about what she was going to learn about Naruto that would explain what happened in Nami no Kuni. After seeing Naruto release that strange red chakra and wipe out Gatō's army of thugs, she was interested in knowing what the truth about Naruto was.
Sasuke on the other hand was more interested in finally hearing the information on Naruto. Ever since the academy days, he had felt that Naruto was hiding many secrets about himself that he allowed no one but Hinata to know about. After seeing how Naruto kept tricking everyone, including him, he suspected that he was receiving special training from someone who's probably more powerful than even Kakashi. He wanted to know who it was so he could find the person and get them to train him so he could finally grow even stronger and be one step closer to killing Itachi.
Eventually they stopped near the training posts where they took their bell test.
"Okay, now as I said, I've called you here so we can talk privately about what I'm going to reveal to you about Naruto. Before I do, do you have any questions to ask? If I see the questions as ones I can answer now, then I will," Kakashi said to his two students.
Sasuke was instantly the first to speak. "I have a few. Who is Naruto, really?"
Kakashi wasn't surprised at that question, in fact he expected it. "Well let me begin by telling Naruto's full family legacy. As you know, Naruto is an Uzumaki from the nearly extinct Uzumaki clan that helped the Senju found Konoha along with the Uchiha. Naruto is a descendant of one of those Uzumaki and his mother was Uzumaki Kushina."
"Uzumaki Kushina?" Sakura repeated the name.
"So this Kushina was Naruto's mother and was from the Uzumaki clan?" Sasuke asked with a raised eyebrow.
"She was," Kakashi replied.
"What was she like?" Sakura asked with Sasuke wanting to know too.
Kakashi closed his eye as he remembered his sensei's love and wife.
"She was very beautiful, and was a powerful kunoichi. She was a true mistress in fuinjutsu, and was said to have been a possible candidate for becoming Hokage before the Yondaime took that position. But even when he was made Hokage, she was still a highly respected kunoichi and still a great candidate for becoming Hokage in the event anything ever happened to the Yondaime." Kakashi replied earning stunned looks from the two students. During their trek back to Konoha from Nami no Kuni, Naruto privately told Kakashi what he knew about his mother Kushina. Kakashi, too, was baffled about how Naruto came to learn about this and when the Jounin asked him how he learned all this, Naruto told him that he and his clones spent a lot time digging up lost information and investigating his lineage since no one would do it for him.
"You mean Naruto's mother was so strong that she could've been the Hokage?" Sakura asked in surprise, as the only kunoichi of Konoha she ever read about that could've been Hokage was Tsunade of the legendary Sannin.
Kakashi nodded, "That she was. In fact, she's reason why Yondaime became such a powerful seal master."
Sakura's mouth seemingly dropped to the dirt upon hearing that revelation.
"The dobe's mother taught Yondaime seals!? You expect us to believe that? Did the dobe put you up to this Kakashi?" Sasuke asked as if what he heard were outright lies.
Kakashi gave both Sasuke and Sakura a hardened look and stated, "I have no reasons to lie when it pertains to my sensei. What I'm explaining to the both of you is true and it makes sense considering that Kushina came from a feared nation and clan renowned for producing powerful seal masters. Her reputation and skills became well known across the nations. She was an inspiration to other kunoichi who dreamed of becoming great like her."
Sasuke wasn't pleased to hear this news. Hearing that Naruto's mother was an incredibly powerful ninja who was so strong that she could've become Hokage made him feel unnerved. The fact that she also trained the Yondaime in seals only deepened the blow to his pride. His mother, Uchiha Mikoto, was only a well known Jounin who wasn't a legend, and yet Kakashi was saying that the dead last's mother was a well known feared ninja who was incredibly strong and was nominated for becoming Hokage.
"What about Naruto's father? Who was he and what was he like?" Sakura asked, as she wanted to know more.
Kakashi seemed to gain a slightly pained expression and said, "Everyone already knows Naruto's father, except you two and many others just don't know it."
That statement earned the Jounin curious expressions showing that they wanted an explanation.
"His father was Namikaze Minato…the Yondaime Hokage," Kakashi revealed. As soon as he said that, Sasuke and Sakura's eyes widened in disbelief.
"NARUTO IS YONDAIME'S SON?!" Sakura screamed in shock at what she just heard.
"That's what I just said. Naruto is the son of our late Yondaime Hokage and of the woman who trained the Yondaime in seals," Kakashi repeated.
"That can't be true! There's no way that the Yondaime could be that loser's father!" Sasuke denied.
Kakashi took out a picture of Minato and Kushina together and another picture of Naruto. He handed the two Genin the pictures and told them, "OK geniuses, examine these photos and point out the clear cut resemblances Naruto and his late parents don't share."
Sasuke and Sakura took the photos and examined them carefully. There was no denying the clear resemblance and mixed features Naruto had from both Minato and Kushina. As much as they wanted to deny it, there was no basis to do so.
"If that's not enough…," Kakashi said as he pulled out a paper from his pocket, "this is a copy of the official marriage certificate of Naruto's parents. You'll clearly see the authentic signatures of both Minato-sensei and Kushina with the official Konoha seal and stamp on the certificate."
"But…how? I-I mean…for this to be even possible…," Sakura stuttered as she and Sasuke examined the copy though the original was still in the Hokage office.
"I'll explain," Kakashi replied before going into deep details surrounding the earlier and later lives of Uzumaki Mito, Kushina, and Minato, based on what he learned from Naruto while in Nami no Kuni. Kakashi also explained his own personal ties and connections with Minato. The Jounin explained the circumstances Naruto was born under and how Kyuubi was used to attack Konoha by an unknown assailant who appeared where Kushina was giving birth at. He then explained how Minato and Kushina both sacrificed themselves protecting Naruto from being killed by Kyuubi before sealing it into Naruto. The Jounin then explained what happened after the sealing and what life for Naruto was like, reminding them what Naruto told Inari what growing up had to be like for him. He also explained why the law was put in place by Sandaime after many called for Naruto's death hours after sealing ritual was done.
By the time Kakashi was done, Sakura was in tears while Sasuke was in total shock and denial.
"Why couldn't Yondaime use someone else to become the Jinchuuriki? Why his own son? Why not an Uchiha?" Sasuke asked. Kakashi eyed Sasuke carefully and said, "Because Sasuke, had it been you or anyone else for that matter, you or that person would have died in less than two days if not in a shorter time span after sealing."
Sasuke retorted, "The Uchiha wouldn't have allow me to be killed if Yondaime had selected me to be the Jinchuuriki in Naruto's place. I have no doubt that they would have fought to protect me if I were chosen by Yondaime to become the next Jinchuuriki."
"Which was why you weren't selected to become the Jinchuuriki of Kyuubi. That Bijuu's chakra is far too potent and lethal for anyone outside the Uzumaki family bloodline to handle. Why do you think that the previous Jinchuuriki were Mito and Kushina? Only an Uzumaki can hold the Kyuubi without dying from extreme chakra poisoning. The Uchiha don't have the special and massive chakra and longevity like the Uzumaki, which is why neither they nor anyone else besides the Uzumaki could contain Kyuubi. You don't have what it takes to become a Jinchuuriki of Kyuubi, Sasuke. You're not an Uzumaki, you're not Naruto," Kakashi enlightened.
Sasuke scowled heatedly after Kakashi verbally slapped him with that remark, despite it being the truth. Kakashi saw what Sasuke was saying indirectly: 'Naruto shouldn't have been made the Jinchuuriki and holder of that great power. It should have been me of the Uchiha bloodline.'
"Further, as a Hokage, Minato-sensei couldn't ask another villager to do something he wasn't willing to do with his own son, as it would have violated his strong sense of justice," Kakashi added.
"But…(sniffle) what would happen if…anything happened to Naruto?" Sakura asked.
"Kyuubi would in time reincarnate, and possibly wreak havoc again. It would take another Uzumaki to contain it. I can't say if Honoka would be up for the job, considering the life her distant cousin was forced to live while in Konoha. I know that this is a whole lot to take in two days before the Chuunin Exams, but it was Naruto who wanted this to be made know to you and everyone else. After the conclusion of the Chuunin Exams, the people of Konoha will be re-educated about the village's true history and ties with Uzu no Kuni and the Uzumaki clan. I advise you both give deep and serious thought to everything I told you today," Kakashi said.
"I wonder," Sasuke replied.
"You wonder what Sasuke-kun?" Sakura asked.
"Naruto's unexplainable changes over the years: his increase in power, aptitude and speed, his sudden abilities to execute strong jutsu not taught in the academy, his ability to use his wind elemental affinity, and now his prowess with the sword. I'm starting to think that Kyuubi played a huge role in all this," Sasuke theorized.
Cynically, Kakashi corrected Sasuke and clarified, "As logical as that might sound, it's not true at all. Kyuubi was not known for helping his hosts. Plus, you're forgetting one important fact I mentioned earlier: Kyuubi tried to kill Naruto to prevent himself from being sealed again after Naruto was born. So why would Kyuubi train someone he was trying to kill? If you were in Naruto's shoes, he'd have tried to kill you too if it meant his freedom and not being sealed away.
"Furthermore, there is no record before the incident in Nami no Kuni of Naruto ever using Kyuubi's chakra. Everything Naruto did up to that point was through his own power and skills, and even then, Naruto used his own strength and skills with very little influence from Kyuubi. Though Kyuubi's chakra was present, all it did was alter Naruto's physical appearance a bit."
Sasuke was not happy after being verbally slapped again. The clarification Kakashi clearly brought out made it clear that Naruto was naturally strong and gifted the entire time. He was certain that Kyuubi was responsible for Naruto's seemingly unexplainable changes, but Kakashi's explanation completely obliterated that theory.
"But what about those seals we saw on Naruto's body Kakashi-sensei? Were they seals for holding the Kyuubi?" Sakura asked.
"I told you both already several days ago that I don't know what those intricate seals are or what they do but I do know that those seals aren't being used to hold Kyuubi. However, recalling some of seals I managed to see, it would take a veteran seal master to make and write them. Yesterday after my briefing with Sandaime-sama, I tried looking up some information on a few of the seals I was able to remember, but there is no known record of them in any of Konoha's archives," Kakashi expounded.
"Then how do you suppose he acquired those unknown seals?" Sasuke asked.
"Only Naruto can tell you how, and as we already know, he won't tell us. And I highly doubt that those seals were simply given to him as a gift in exchange for his silence. This just comes to show that even after everything I explained up to this point, there's still so much more about Naruto that we don't know," Kakashi said with a humble looking face. Sasuke wanted to say something but he couldn't think of anything further say.
"I think I said enough for today. I'll dismiss and leave the two of you with your thoughts. Do give careful consideration to everything I said today. Bye," Kakashi said before he body flickered from the scene, leaving his two Genin behind at the training ground.
Both Sasuke and Sakura stood there, as though they were frozen in place, trying to process everything they heard. A moment later, Sakura wiped her tears away and broke the silence, "I'm going to go home now and confront my parents about this."
Sakura turned and started walking from the training ground, leaving Sasuke alone with his thoughts. Sasuke stood there trying to understand everything he and Sakura found out, and Kakashi's last statement about Naruto only served to unnerve him further. The Uchiha finally decided to return home, needing more time to think. But in the process, he wondered how Hinata would react upon learning the truth about Naruto and his clan.
(Thirty Minutes Later)
Naruto and Honoka were now leaving the Inuzuka Estate. Honoka was given a set of brand new clothes and utilities made chiefly for women. These were given to her by Hana to help Honoka get started in having her own personal wardrobe since Naruto, of course, had no clothes for her. She sealed all of her new belongings into a scroll and placed the scroll inside her blouse.
While walking together, Naruto started thinking about how the foreign shinobi coming into Konoha for the Chuunin Exams would react to the news of his and Honoka's heritage and his status as a Jinchuuriki. And speaking of Jinchuuriki, Naruto started to wonder deeply about a particular foreigner.
That Suna Genin who goes by the name Gaara; the vibe I felt off him was definitely that of a Bijuu, namely Shukaku. But something about Gaara was off and his older siblings are especially terrified of him. I wonder what kind of upbringing he had and if it was as tragic as my own. Still, having another Jinchuuriki here in Konoha is enough to put any attentive ninja on alert. But it's best that I don't jump to any conclusions without first knowing the facts about him and his siblings, Naruto contemplated.
"Naruto-kun? Naruto-kun, can't you hear me?" Honoka asked. Naruto snapped out of his train of thoughts and looked over at Honoka.
"Oh, uh…sorry. I was deep in thought about something," Naruto apologized.
"What was on your mind?" Honoka enquired.
"The possibility of meeting one of my brethren Jinchuuriki," Naruto answered.
"What do you mean?" Honoka asked.
"What I mean is that there's another Jinchuuriki here in Konoha besides myself," Naruto replied.
"What? Another Jinchuuriki?" Honoka asked. Naruto nodded and continued, "Yes, that Suna Genin named Gaara. He possesses the Ichibi, Shukaku."
"How do you know this? He certainly didn't tell you this personally," Honoka pointed out.
"He didn't have to. I was able to sense it for some reason after feeling that disturbing aura from him. I've stationed several of my kage bunshin to keep track of his movements and activities. For now, I won't alert anyone else about what I know until I've gathered more information on him, and by extension, his siblings and Jounin sensei," Naruto explained.
"But Sunagakure is said to be an ally nation of Konoha, right? You're still going to have your spy network keep an eye on them, aren't you," Honoka figured, stating the obvious.
"The fact is that Suna wasn't always on good terms with Konoha before, and I'm not sure if any bad blood, regardless of how slight, still exists between us," Naruto enlightened. Honoka simply nodded and decided to follow along with Naruto.
"You don't intend to spy on everyone in Konoha do you?" Honoka asked.
"Now that would be a waste of precious time and resources that could be put to better use in women's bathhouses!" Naruto remarked with a lecherous laugh.
Honoka frowned and admitted, "To be honest, perverted antics like these that you do just for people to see are the things that make me want to punch you so bad sometimes."
"No it doesn't. It makes you want to bind me with chains and give me a menacing glare that promises pain before you're through with me…Oh, wait a minute, you did that yesterday, minus the pain part," Naruto remarked.
"…I don't know what I'm going to do with you," Honoka sighed.
"That's only for Hinata-chan to decide. And speaking of the future matriarch of our clan, I have to go see her now. You do remember your way home from here, right?" Naruto asked.
"Funny. I'm capable of finding my way home Naruto-kun," Honoka replied.
"Good! Ciao!" Naruto said before he performed a smokeless shunshin and teleported from the scene.
"Well, there's nothing else for me to do for now. Hmmm…Maybe I'll try out that Ichiraku place Naruto-kun loves eating at," Honoka figured as she started making her way over to that establishment.
(An Hour Later; At the Uchiha District)
Sasuke was currently in the Uchiha Library, searching for anything he could find on the Kyuubi whether it was history, documented reports, or anything that involved the Bijuu. He spend much time looking from book to book hoping to come across something but all he hit was one dead end after another. This continued for the next hour until he grew angry and frustrated after finding nothing he was looking for.
With that, Sasuke decided to head towards the forbidden section of the Uchiha Library. It was forbidden to all children from reading in that section due to certain history books that were kept there for unknown reasons. Sasuke was told by his father to stay out until he was at least 17 since he said there were some things about their clan that were better off forgotten. Sasuke felt a little hesitant in disobeying one of the last things his father told him not to do before his death but his curiosty and desire to finally find some answers for his search made him go inside and start looking.
There he looked around seeing very old looking scrolls and books that had their very color worn out. He looked around and searched for over 15 minutes until he came across a particular book that looked like an old journal. Grabbing and taking the book up off the shelf, Sasuke opened and started reading into the book. Soon he found out some information pertaining to a man named Uchiha Madara. Curious about who Madara was, he continued reading up on him and learned that he was first leader of the Uchiha clan. As he continued reading, Sasuke was soon in awe at how powerful Madara was as the journal explained that he and his younger brother both activated the Mangekyou Sharingan. The young Uchiha was amazed that Madara and Senju Hashirama were fierce rivals and fought against each other many times but their battles would continuously end in a stalemate either when they both couldn't continue fighting or when they saw enough deaths of their clansmen being killed in front of them which made them cease their fighting.
"My ancestor was so strong that he rivaled the Shodai," Sasuke said to himself with a hint of pride at seeing how great Madara was to have been as powerful as a Kage. As he continued reading he read how a truce was reached between the Senju and Uchiha clan as both groups got tired of fighting each other. Later the Senju, Uchiha and Uzumaki clan formed Konoha and established the first shinobi village. Sasuke's expression of Madara soon changed into one of confusion when the journal explained how the Uchiha clan grew to despise him and saw him as a greedy opportunist who sought to reignite the old flames of war after Hashirama was chosen to become the Shodaime Hokage instead of him. The journal explained how Madara left the clan and Konoha altogether, and later returned with the Kyuubi to challenge Hashirama. Using the power of his Sharingan to control the Kyuubi, Madara manipulated the creature to attack Shodai in the location that became known as the Valley of the End in the attempt to kill him. Sasuke was surprised at this revelation, as he never knew that the Sharingan could control the most powerful Bijuu.
"So my clan's very own bloodline limit has the hidden ability to command the great Kyuubi! I just have to find out how it's done!" Sasuke said excitedly, but as he continued reading, he learned that Madara ended up losing when Shodai reclaimed control over the Kyuubi and Shodai killed Madara.
While Sasuke disliked that Madara betrayed his clan, he admired and envied the power Madara had and wanted to find out how he could become as strong as him since according to the journal Madara was the most powerful Uchiha in history to this day and he could control the Kyuubi. Sasuke was pleased to learn that as he wondered about the limitless possibilities there were for him if he could find a way to control the Kyuubi himself. However, a reminder coursed through his thoughts: the Kyuubi was sealed inside Naruto. Sasuke growled remembering Kakashi saying that only an Uzumaki could handle the raw power of the Kyuubi's chakra. It made him feel insulted, being told that Naruto could handle containing such incredible power while saying he, Sasuke, would die in less than two days from being overwhelmed by its potent chakra.
Shaking that thought off, Sasuke looked through the journal for more information to see if there was anything about Uchiha Madara being able to control the Kyuubi while it was already sealed inside someone. He kept searching for a few minutes until he found nothing on that topic. He had only found out about Madara's battle against the Shodai Hokage and discovered that after their battle at the Valley of the End, Uzumaki Mito used her abilities to seal the captured Kyuubi inside her since the Shodai had found the Bijuu too dangerous to allow it to remain free any further. He wasn't pleased to see this, but he figured that perhaps Madara never got a chance to try controlling a Jinchuuriki since the Kyuubi was still free before his death and Mito did become the Kyuubi's first Jinchuuriki just after Madara died. With that in mind, Sasuke began looking for the information on how Madara could control the Kyuubi.
Maybe he used a Sharingan jutsu or some type of special genjutsu to control the Kyuubi, Sasuke thought before he found what he wanted in one of the scrolls, but what he read froze him in shock: The power to control the Kyuubi could only be achieved through the Mangekyou Sharingan, which Madara had. Sasuke gritted his teeth in anger at reading that as his mind flashed back to Itachi who unlocked his Mangekyou Sharingan. He recalled Itachi's words to him that night after slaughtering the Uchiha clan: "In order to obtain the Mangekyou Sharingan, you must kill your closest friend."
"Damn it!" Sasuke cursed as he slammed his fists down on the desk in frustration. The price to pay for such a power was indeed severe and traumatic. And as far as Sasuke knew, he had no one he looked at as his closest friend and not even Hinata was that close to him in spite of the romantic interest he has in her. And even if she was he wouldn't want to kill her just to obtain that power because it would defeat his purpose in trying to persuade and have her become his girlfriend and future wife who would become the new matriarch of the Uchiha clan and help him restore his clan back to its glory.
"There must be another way! I'm sure Itachi wasn't wasn't telling me the whole truth! I don't want to achieve this power by following his method!" Sasuke growled as he continued looking through scrolls and books containing the history behind the Sharingan.
(At The Hyuuga Compound)
Hinata was back in her room. Her father had concluded the meeting and permitted everyone to leave. Neji's teammates and sensei also left with much to think about. Neji locked himself in his room, not wanting to talk to anyone. He still couldn't wrap his head around everything he heard from Hiashi's own mouth. The clan elders themselves were bewildered by what they learned, and seeing that Hanabi was deeply attached to Naruto along with Hinata bothered them. They couldn't understand why or how they missed that development. They always looked at Hinata as a failure and sought to have her replaced as an heiress with Hanabi, who appeared to be the type of heiress they were looking for. But now it was revealed that both Hinata and Hanabi had like minds, and that Hanabi somewhere down the line started following her older sister's footsteps and becoming like her. Clearly, they didn't know Hanabi as well as they thought.
Speaking of Hanabi, she made her way over to Hinata's room and stood outside the room at the door. There was something she wanted to talk to Hinata about concerning a matter that bothered her. Without bothering to knock on the door, Hanabi walked in and…
"Neesan, I-"
Hanabi stopped when she saw Hinata making out with Naruto passionately with their arms wrapped around each other. He had his jacket and sandals removed leaving him in his pants and black T-shirt as he held Hinata very close to his body. Just as he moved his head to nuzzle her neck with his lips, both Naruto and Hinata stopped when they saw a surprised and speechless blushing Hanabi staring back at them.
"OK…this was unexpected," Naruto remarked, now holding a blushing Hinata in his arms.
"Hanabi, w-what were you…," Hinata tried to ask.
"Ah…Uh...S-Sorry for interrupting!" an embarrassed Hanabi exclaimed before closing the door quickly with that image and what she saw was now burned into her memories.
"Yep, she just might be scarred for life," Naruto joked.
"What was she doing barging into my room without knocking?" Hinata asked as Naruto released his hold on her, much to her disappointment.
"Wanting to talk to you, I'm sure. She just wasn't expecting to find us in the position we were in as I gave you my "Thank you" for that new gift you got for me from the blacksmith store," Naruto figured.
"I'll talk to her after you leave. But you never told me what happened at Kiba's," Hinata said.
"It's a long story, and I'm you have one of your own about that meeting your father conducted after you spent the earlier part of your day with Temari," Naruto pointed out.
"The daughter of the Kazekage. In case you're not aware of it, Temari clearly has a huge crush on you despite knowing I'm your girlfriend," Hinata told him.
"If it's a crush, then I'm sure she'll eventually move on, my Moon's Eye Spring Rabbit," Naruto assured.
"Some of the things she said, though they were subtle, gave me the impression that she sees me as either an obstacle or a rival. While it's not exactly like how Sasuke is trying to steal me from you, Temari showed that her interest in you is there. And she openly stated that she has no interest in your teammates and not once did she mention that she met them at the same time she met you."
"If I was Temari, I wouldn't have interest in them either," Naruto remarked, "But seriously, you have nothing to worry about considering that Temari will have to return back to Sunagakure along with the other Suna ninja once the Chuunin Exams are over. So there's no way she could have time to actually try to pose as a potential rival against you. Besides I already sent Sasuke to the hospital for what he did yesterday."
"He doesn't give up and has that determined spirit, something you both seem to have in common," Hinata giggled.
"I don't know whether I should be insulted or saddened after hearing that remark from you," Naruto said with a deadpan expression.
"Well, it's because of your flirting and complimenting that Temari that she now has a romantic interest in you," Hinata said with some annoyance and a hint of jealousy in her tone.
"Hmm, having the daughter of a foreign Kage getting charmed by me is actually kind of flattering. It means I still know how to talk to beautiful girls like you, my Moon's Eye Spring Rabbit. Besides you know I can't help it, after all I'm making my own book and I need as many promising female characters as I can get and Temari was definitely worthy of being documented for a future character. You know there's still an opening for you if you'd like as the lead female protagonist," Naruto offered, which earned him a cute glare from Hinata.
"Naruto-kun, you know I have no interest in being in those books," Hinata said a little darkly.
Seeing this Naruto raised his hands in mock surrender. "Okay, sorry, sorry, I just thought that as my favorite girl of all time you would love to let me spread my admiration of you across the world, but I suppose when we get married one day we could do that anyway," Naruto said gently as Hinata blushed at the mention of marriage.
"Being with you is all I ever want," Hinata said happily as Naruto wrapped his arms around her waist.
"Me too. I don't know when we'll be together through marriage but when the day comes, I will have you by my side forever," Naruto said softly as he ran his hand over Hinata's face.
"Speaking of not knowing something, what I would like to know is what did you promise Hanabi that you didn't even offer to me?" Hinata asked. Naruto looked at Hinata and said, "Say what?"
"She told me point blank that you promised her a special training that she said that you didn't even offer to me as your girlfriend. So I would like to know what kind of new training she's talking about," Hinata explained. Naruto saw the look on Hinata's face and when he realized what it was, he started crackling until he burst out laughing as he released his arms from around her waist.
"This isn't funny Naruto-kun! What did you promise her that you didn't offer to me first?" Hinata asked again.
"I can't believe my Little Nighttime Firecracker was able to get you to react like this after pulling your leg, so to speak!" Naruto laughed. "But tell me, my Moon's Eye Spring Rabbit, how much did you tell Hanabi-chan about your new skills through my training?"
Hinata was about to reply when she saw that she couldn't give Naruto a straight answer.
"Exactly. Hanabi-chan wants to keep you in suspense and in the dark just as much as you keep her in suspense and in the dark about things. And I'm the only one that knows both stories of training and yet won't share either one with the other," Naruto elaborated.
"That's not fair!" Hinata pouted.
"No but I did tell both you and Hanabi-chan that we don't always reveal everything about ourselves to everyone. It kills the element of surprise if everything about us was known to everyone," Naruto elaborated.
Hinata snorted, "I can play that game with you too, Naruto-kun. Just you watch."
"Watch? I don't intend to simply watch when I'm the key player in this training game you and my Little Nighttime Firecracker seek to play," Naruto joked with a large smile pasted on his face. The next thing Naruto knew that a pillow being smacked across his face, knocking him to the floor.
"I'll show you some games to plays!" Hinata remarked as she stood over him and continued assaulting the laughing Naruto with her pillow as he tried blocking her attacks. After a couple of seconds, Naruto crossed and locked his legs over hers and dropped her to the floor face down. Grabbing the pillow from her, he summoned three kage bunshin, each holding a pillow while standing over her with Naruto himself holding Hinata down by her legs. The clones started whacking Hinata with their pillows.
"You're using kage bunshin! That's cheating!" Hinata laughed as she tried to shield herself from the pillow assault.
"I'm just too much for you to take on alone, that's all!" Naruto laughed.
Meanwhile, outside the room, Hanabi held her hand over her mouth, trying to keep from laughing as she listened in on the conversation and watched their interactions from behind the door she partly opened when they didn't notice. Little did Hanabi know was that one of Naruto's kage bunshin was watching her from the shadows while using his transparency jutsu.
She still has a long way to go! But she'll definitely make a terrific spy mistress, the kage bunshin thought with a toothy grin while keeping an eye on Hanabi.
Much has happened on this day, but it ended with Hinata and Naruto having time to spend together as a couple with Hanabi continuing her habit of spying on the couple. With the truth about Naruto's heritage and dark secrets about his status as a Jinchuuriki being circulated through the village, how will this affect everyone's view of him? What will Naruto unravel through his kage bunshin spy network, and what was that gift Hinata gave to him? And with Sasuke learning that the Mangekyou Sharingan can control Kyuubi, will he find a way to achieve that power without following Itachi's method? Find out next time!