Disclaimer: Don't own Inuyasha or related characters they belong to the respective owners. OC's are mine.

AN: Read before continuing! This story is Naruto as a main character, but he is not even born until the end of chapter 5 and it's a couple chapters later that he starts appearing more. Yes there is an Original Character and he drives the plot until Naruto comes into the picture. I am not misleading anyone, I am not trying to pull the wool over your eyes, AND DO NOT DEMAND THINGS OF ME UNTIL YOU'VE READ MORE THAN THE FIRST CHAPTER!

Prologue

Hyuga Hiashi was furious, and rightly so. The Inuzuka woman standing before him had humiliated him before the village council, and other clan heads. Of course the humiliation was not intended as malice and the recently promoted 18 year old Hyuga Head knew this. Hiashi glared at Tsume, "I thought you agreed to ensure he was taken care of?"

Inuzuka Tsume was just as furious as the head of the Hyuga clan, but for different reasons, "I agreed to watch him until it was clear whose clan he would take after more. It's quite obvious it's your clan."

Hiashi crossed his arms, "That's hard to believe seeing as he's only three."

Tsume glared at the slightly older shinobi, "Just think I wouldn't have had the chance to embarrass you, if you'd not slept with my sister and produced that mutt!"

The two semi-adults froze when they heard a pair of small feet run from the doorway and dash out the front door of the Inuzuka main house. Tsume cursed at herself as Hiashi activated his Byakugan.

Hiashi turned to the door, "Perhaps we should have taken this discussion where it'd have been less likely he'd over hear us."

Tsume growled as she stalked past him, "This talk is not over. Let's just go track down my nephew before he gets hurt."

Hiashi silently followed her from the house, and through the use of their individual talents began tracking the boy. An easy feat considering the boy was an untrained three years old. Said child was also distraught after hearing the only family he knew talking about him like some unwanted pet.

The pair walked slowly at first, but when Hiashi spotted a new figure appear near the boy he signaled Tsume and they dashed quickly to that location.

There they found Namikaze Minato sitting next to the child. Minato smiled as he looked up at his fellow shinobi, "See I told you they'd be worried."

Tsume nodded to her teammate, "Minato, hope he hasn't been any trouble."

Minato shrugged, "No problem Tsume. I was just a little surprised to run into a three year old way out here so late at night. Any reason he's not at home in bed?"

Hiashi kept his normal stoic expression, "We were actually in the middle of a discussion about that which he unfortunately overheard."

Minato stood, "Ah, so he's the one Tsume was talking about at the council meeting this afternoon. It also explains those eyes of his, and the fact he commented on my scent."

Hiashi smirked, "Seems he got traits from both our clans."

Tsume glared at the Hyuga, "We'll deal with this later Hiashi." She turned back to Minato, "Give me the pup Minato; you're right he should be in bed."

Minato's expression hardened to serious, "Sorry Tsume…orders from the Hokage. ANBU has intercepted documents from the elders of both your clans. Seems this kid has some enemies in both your camps. Go get your clan councils and bring them to the Hokage Tower within the next hour. He wants this issue dealt with and our village unified before the mounting hostilities outside the village break into open war."

Tsume growled, "Fine, but let me get Koga to bed before we deal with all this."

Minato shook his head, "I'll drop him off at Sakumo's place for the night. He has a son about the same age."

Chapter One: New Team

Ten Years Later…

Hatake Kakashi and Rin waited for their sensei at their usual meeting place. It had only been a week since Obito was killed in action. Rin looked up solemnly as Kakashi spoke, "Looks like sensei is finally here. Who is that?"

Rin was surprised to see another child their age walking next to their sensei. The boy's appearance was not much different than many others she'd seen in the village, he was about the same height as Kakashi minus his hair, but was more comparable to Obito in build. His dark brown hair was nearly black, and seemed to resemble the style of the hyuga clan, but also had messy spiky patches like an Inuzuka. What drew the girl's attention the most was his eyes. From this distance every part of his eyes seemed to be solid black in color. As he drew closer she could make out a slight bluish tint where the iris should be.

The new boy frowned at the pair then turned to Minato, "Minato-sensei, do I really have to be on this team?"

Minato nodded to him, "I told your father I would add you to my team officially, it's a lot easier to teach you if you're actually with us. Anyway your previous sensei said your former teammates were holding you back. Kakashi and Rin will prove much better teammates, and as a plus you and Kakashi already know each other."

Kakashi raised the brow of his one visible, "We do?"

Minato chuckled, "Well, I doubt you'd remember it much. You were three and you had an impromptu sleepover as Koga's family was in a very important meeting."

Koga growled then crossed his arms, "Well, do we have a mission, or are we just going to stand around all day?"

Minato shook his head, "We have a mission, but it's nothing too serious. Lord Hokage wants us to perform a proof of life mission. We're to seek out Lady Tsunade, prove she's still alive, and then return to the village. Knowing Tsunade she'll be pretty far from the front so we should be able to avoid any heavy combat while we're working on our teamwork."

With the mission assigned the group turned to the gate. They were not far from the wall of the village when Rin moved up to walk next to Koga, "So Koga…do you belong to a clan?"

Koga bowed his head, "No...yes...it's complicated."

Rin frowned, "But Minato-sensei said your father requested him…"

Koga huffed, "My father is a clan head."

Rin's frown deepened, "But?"

Koga turned to her with a glare, "My father and mother were never married when I was conceived. Neither did my father acknowledge me at birth, my mother died bringing me into the world. I'm an unclaimed bastard, my father's disgraceful secret that's known to most the high ranking officials of the village."

Rin turned away at hearing this, "Umm…sorry…I didn't mean to pry."

Koga shook his head, "Doesn't matter. I'm an aberration anyway. Even with my Inuzuka blood my eyes shouldn't have turned out like this. The Hyuga elder who used to tutor me said my eyes probably started off without the Byakugan, but it formed later in my development."

Rin smiled at him, "So you have the Byakugan?"

Koga nodded, "Yeah, but since I have the Inuzuka senses as well it's kind of overkill. I only use it when absolutely necessary or when Minato-sensei is teaching me seals."

Rin looked toward her sensei, "He's taught you fuinjutsu?"

Koga nodded, "Some. I'm nowhere near as skilled as him or Lady Kushina, but if a seal is already in place I can either break it down, repair it, or alter it."

Rin bowed her head, "He hasn't taught us much…has he taught you anything else?"

Koga shook his head, "No, he's still perfecting the Rasengan, and his space time jutsu should stay in his family line. The Inuzuka Clan won't allow me any of their jutsu, but the Hyuga Clan has allowed me to learn their taijutsu style. I'm technically viewed as a member of the main family, so I've been taught more than a branch member."

Rin only knew a little about the Hyuga Clan, as a few where in her class at the academy, "So you have fuinjutsu and taijutsu. What about ninjutsu?"

Koga shrugged, "Academy basics…also Minato-sensei taught me Kage Bushin, but I can only make two or three."

Rin nodded, "He taught Kakashi that jutsu right after he reached Jonin, so you're Jonin as well."

Koga nodded, "Yeah just got promoted yesterday after my old sensei told Lord Hokage that Minato-sensei has been my actual sensei since I graduated. Minato-sensei was called into the meeting; I was unofficially promoted, and then transferred to this team."

Rin frowned, "Well, that's great. Now I'm the only Chunin on the squad."

Koga chuckled, "Give it a few weeks. The way the wars going since you guys took out that bridge you're sure to get promoted."

From there they continued on in silence as they continued their journey through the forest toward the Land of Tea.

As the sun dropped below the tree line Minato signaled them to stop, "Alright team, that's good for today. Let's set up camp." Minato turned to Rin, "Rin, set up the tents." He then looked at the two boys, "You two will gather some firewood and set traps. I'll secure the area, and just maybe I'll find something for us to eat."

An hour later the camp was set and the three 13 year olds sat silently around the fire. Kakashi kept his eye on his surroundings, but wasn't too worried as the veins on the side of Koga's head were a tell tale sign he had the whole area covered. Rin stirred the fire then turned to her two teammates, "What's keeping sensei?"

Koga smirked, "He went back to Konoha."

Kakashi frowned, "You sure?"

Koga nodded, "One of his kunai is pinned to a tree about thirty yards to the west of us. Another is under a bush fifty yards to the north, twenty yards to the south wedged between two rocks along that stream, the one in the east is sitting in the middle of a clearing."

Rin huffed, "Why'd he just take off like that?"

Koga shrugged, "Probably knew we'd be able to handle anything. We're pretty far from the front lines right now."

Kakashi nodded, "Heard Ino-Shika-Cho pushed it to Iwa's border."

Koga laughed, "I heard sensei annihilated another battalion. I bet if a few Yamanaka copied sensei's hairstyle the Iwa forces would just flee in terror."

This caused the three of them to laugh.

The laughing ceased quickly when Koga stood and pulled a kunai. Kakashi was soon on his feet as well, "What is it?"

Koga nodded toward the west, "Two people just entered my sight range. Both are female and one has at least Kage level chakra."

Rin frowned, "Are there any patrols in this area?"

Kakashi shook his head, "No, besides a patrol team would have three members at least."

Koga growled, "Besides I don't know that many people in Konoha with Kage level chakra stores."

Kakashi noticed Koga shift slightly, "What?"

Koga indicated the south, "Minato-sensei just got back."

Minato entered the camp and immediately noted his team was on alert, "Situation."

Kakashi replied, "Two unknowns entered Koga's field of vision from the north, both women, and one with chakra stores to rival you or the Hokage."

Minato nodded, "Koga, how far are they from my kunai?"

Koga did the math, "About sixty yards from you northern kunai, heading toward your eastern kunai."

Minato motioned toward Rin, "Douse the fire." Rin immediately began tossing dirt on the flames. Minato then turned to his other two students, "All right. I'm going to investigate. You two head to where my kunai is hidden to the east." Rin finished covering the fire and stood next to her teammates. Minato turned to her, "Rin, you'll come with me."

In a yellow flash the two of them were gone leaving the two boys to trek toward their destination. They quickly reached their destination. Kakashi pointed toward a couple trees on the opposite side of the clear from where their targets were coming from, "Koga take the one on the left. I'll be in the one on the right."

Koga nodded then dashed to the tree and using the tree climbing technique ran up the side and perched on a branch two thirds of the way up. Looking toward Kakashi's tree he spotted his teammate perched at about the same height.

Minato and Rin had easily slipped behind their targets and were shadowing them from the trees. As soon as he spotted the duo he immediately identified them. He smirked as he couldn't think of a better team building exercise…though he was sure his three students weren't going to enjoy the outcome.

He signaled Rin to hold back and when he felt the targets were out of ear shot switched his radio to talk, "Alright team, we're going to stop these two at the clearing and ascertain their purpose for being in the Land of Fire. Only engage if they won't stop willingly. Also aim to capture, no maiming or killing understood." There were three audible clicks in his earpiece that signaled his orders were heard.

The woman and young girl walked into the clearing. They'd both sensed they'd had been followed for some time. One of their pursuers had vanished, while the other less experienced one also disappeared for a while, but had soon caught up to them again. They were about halfway through the clearing when two blurs shot out of the trees and landed about ten feet ahead of them. Turning they noticed a third blur take up position behind them also at a ten foot distance.

The woman noted they all wore Leaf Nin forehead protectors. She grumbled at them crossly, "What do you brats think you're doing?"

Kakashi spoke up, "You are intruding upon the Land of Fire. State your name and your purpose."

The woman glared as a vein on her temple began to bulge, "I didn't know Leaf Nin started waylaying travelers for no apparent reason. Do we look suspicious to you?"

Koga still had his Byakugan active, "Lady with the fact you're maintaining that henge with the least amount of chakra…you're either a really skilled ninja or my eyes are having a bad day."

The woman turned her gaze on him, "A Hyuga?"

Koga shrugged, "Eh, close enough."

Rin remained silent allowing her teammates to make the first move.

The woman assessed the situation. She'd been stopped along with her apprentice, by Leaf Nin who by all appearance couldn't be more than Genin. The two boys in front of her were obviously trouble as the one was a Byakugan wielder while the other seemed to be missing an eye as his forehead protector was slid over it. The girl behind them was a wild card; she'd been tailing them for some time, but had to been in contact with these two to set up the ambush.

The final assessment also stated that if these three were Genin, where was their Jonin sensei? The woman stretched her arms, "Well, Shizune looks like we'll need to put these brats in their place."

Shizune bowed, "Yes Lady Tsunade."

The young Leaf Nin visibly paled and spoke at the same time, "Lady Tsunade?"

Tsunade smirked at them, "Seems you've heard of me."

Kakashi grumbled beneath his mask then called out, "Sensei!"

There was a flash of yellow and Minato appeared about five feet in front of Tsunade. Smiling he turned to the Slug Sannin, "Well, Lady Tsunade you look well."

Tsunade shook her head, "Minato. I take it these brats are yours."

Minato nodded, "Yep, these are my students. Koga just transferred in after we had a casualty on our last mission."

Tsunade crossed her arms, "So as a team building exercise you had them ambush me?"

Minato scratched his head, "Well, I knew even if you ruff them up a bit they'd at least be close to an accomplished medic."

Tsunade shook her head, "I don't know whose worse you or your sensei. Minato, why is your team out here anyway. The last I heard the fighting was all over near Kusagakure."

Minato chuckled humorlessly, "Well, funny thing Tsunade. You see we were actually sent to find you."

Tsunade frowned, "Not funny, and you can tell Sarutobi-sensei that I won't return. If he wants to label me a missing nin tell him to go right ahead and do it."

Minato raised his hands in a placating manner, "Tsunade, please, no need for anything rash. Lord Hokage just wanted us to check up with you. You know all you got to do is send him a letter every once in a while and everything would be fine. If he doesn't hear from you, he does tend to get a little worried."

Tsunade grumbled then turned from Minato, "Well, mission accomplished. You found me, I'm alive, and doing just fine. If I need anything from that ridiculous village I'll be sure and let sensei know."

Minato smiled again, "Well, see was that too hard. Anyway we have a camp not too far from…"

"Sensei!" Koga had slipped back into a defensive stance, "Hostiles approaching from the northwest!"

Tsunade turned in the indicated direction, "Damn! I thought we lost those creeps."

Minato frowned, "Um, something we should know?"

Shizune smiled sweetly, "Oh, nothing much…just some rogue nin hired to collect on Lady Tsunade's debts."

Tsunade shot her apprentice a scathing look, "Enough Shizune!" She turned to Minato, "Well, seeing as you're here, mind giving a hand."

Minato huffed, "You owe me big for this." He turned to his team, "Rin, I want you to stick with Shizune, go hide in the bushes just off the path. Once you see the last enemies pass you attack. Kakashi and Koga, get back in those trees and prepare for a surprise attack." He turned to Tsunade, "We'll take on the first wave. Once we've lured them in the others will strike from their hiding spots."

It didn't take long for the enemies to begin pouring into the clearing. The lead enemy nin narrowed his eyes at Minato, "I don't know who you are punk, but this woman is ours. She owes our boss a lot of money. Hand her over and we'll let you go."

Minato shook his head, "Oh, the undereducated. I take it you lot haven't been keeping up with the Bingo books."

One of the shorter enemies dug out several ratty looking books and started to quickly flip through pages. Picking up the Iwagakure book he stopped on the flipped to the first page and immediately stopped. Reading the page the color in his face began to drain.

Minato looked smugly at the ninja, "You want to read what those orders are."

The short enemy began to stutter when a kunai sprouted from his throat.

Minato hadn't moved and was shaking his head, "Well, looks like times up…just so you can tell the shinigami on your way to hell. I am Namikaze Minato, otherwise known as Konoha's Yellow Flash."

Some of the more cowardly ninja attempted to flee, but were quickly cut off by Shizune and Rin who struck with the precision of medic nin, cutting tendons and muscles cleanly and so thoroughly that a single strike brought down the slightly better than Genin ninjas.

Shortly after the engagement began Kakashi nodded toward Koga and the two boys dropped into the fray. Koga landed on an enemy knocking the man to the ground. Standing over the man he applied a single Juken strike to the man's heart ending him.

As Kakashi dropped to the ground he raised his forehead protector revealing Obito's gift. The enemies seemed to slow down, Kakashi quickly sped through the enemy ranks slashing and stabbing his kunai into whatever enemy appeared.

Tsunade stood next to Minato at the start, but as he began using his Hiraishin no jutsu they quickly became separated. Tsunade noted that after his three students entered the battle they threw three tri-point kunai at random groups of enemies, and moments later Minato appeared.

Tsunade punched another enemy who would never get up again then turned to see another enemy approaching the girl Rin from behind. She was currently locked into a fight with a ninja who was at least equal to the girl in skill, and unaware of the impending threat.

Tsunade was not the only one who noticed the danger. Koga knocked his current opponent aside after closing the man's chakra paths to his lungs. Dashing across the battle field he pulled a kunai and threw it over Rin's shoulder striking the enemy in the throat.

Tsunade winced at the blood she saw squirt from around the kunai, and quickly turned away before her hemophobia could interfere with the fight.

Rin noted the kunai fly past her shoulder and noticed the quiet thump that signaled a body dropping to the ground. A moment later Koga was next to her sending a Juken strike into her opponent's left side. She didn't need to be a medic nin to realize that man wasn't getting back up.

Koga moved to cover her back, "So, this is fun. You guys enjoy fighting vastly superior numbers or is it just because this is my first mission with you."

Rin smiled at the attempted humor, "Sensei is dealing with most of them. Let's get the clean up done."

Koga nodded them moved to intercept an opponent attempting to use some form of ninjutsu.

Rin turned to face another opponent when her face paled at the sight of a kunai aimed right for her.

Koga had just shut down the ninjutsu guy's right arm when he heard Rin's gasp of pain. Turning he saw her fall clutching a kunai in her right shoulder. Koga slammed a strike to the ninjutsu guy's face then pulled a kunai and searched the battlefield. He quickly noticed the ninja stalking toward Rin, who was trying to get up.

Koga turned to Kakashi, "Kakashi! Rin is in trouble."

Kakashi glared at the guy moving toward Rin, "I'll deal with him; you get Rin to Lady Tsunade."

Koga nodded and ran forward.

Kakashi jumped between Rin and the man approaching her and narrowed his eyes at the man, "I see your future. You're going to die."

Koga slid to a stop next to Rin, "Rin? How bad is it?"

Rin winced as she clutched the kunai, "It's stuck in the joint."

Koga growled as he started to pick her up, "Don't worry, I'm going to get you some help."

Without turning away he could easily see Tsunade on the other side of the battle. She'd just caved another enemy's skull in without spilling a single drop of blood. Saying the young Jonin was impressed would be an understatement.

Picking Rin up he dashed back through the battle dodging wild blows and hurriedly thrown kunai he slid up next to Tsunade, "Lady Tsunade!"

Tsunade turned to see the Hyuga boy carrying the girl standing next to her. Tsunade felt queasy at the sight of the blood leaking out from around the clutched kunai. Tsunade motioned for him to set the girl down, "Quickly. Pull the kunai out and apply pressure to the wound."

Koga did as he was ordered.

Tsunade allowed the medical chakra to flow into her hands, and hurriedly did a patch job on the girl, sure that Shizune would be able to complete the job after the fight. Tsunade turned to Koga, "I'll watch her, you get back in the fight."

Koga nodded and stood. With his Byakugan he could see there were five opponents left. Koga moved to deal with the closest one. The man laughed at facing a child, but quickly stopped laughing when his internal organs began to stop working with each successive Juken strikes.

Just as the man dropped Koga heard Shizune call out behind him, "Koga watchout!"

Koga turned just in time to receive a kunai to the thigh. The weapon lodged itself in the muscle forcing the ninja to grasp his leg and drop to one knee. He glared toward the enemy. It was one of the men he'd thought he'd dropped earlier, but surprisingly the man was still alive. Koga quickly decided to remedy that. Forcing himself up with his good leg he lunged at the man ready to finish him with a Juken strike to the heart.

Just as his chakra infused hand was an inch above the man's chest Minato caught his student's wrist, "Sorry Koga, but he's the only one still alive. We kind of need him for interrogation." Minato didn't release Koga's wrist but turned to the surviving enemy, "Now, as for you. I really don't care if my student here kills you or not. See all I have to do is release him, and the force of him losing his balance will be enough to kill you. Unfortunately for you though his aim will be off, and it won't be as painless as some of your friends. So start talking and I might just kill you myself, either way you're not leaving this place alive."

The enemy glared then bowed his head in resignation, "We don't know who hired us. The boss just said the casino guys were paying us a lot to bright that woman to them. They never told us she had ninja working for her, or what her name was, just a general description and which direction to head in."

Minato frowned, "So they didn't even tell you she was herself a ninja?"

The man frowned and shook his head, "No…we were told that she was a fighter, and we should bring an appropriate number to break her…"

Those were apparently the wrong words as Minato's already serious face became even more serious. Minato tossed Koga toward Shizune then turned to the man, "You are so going to wish you'd died in this battle…cause what I'm about to do to you I will not do in front of my students." In a flash they were both gone, but obviously not very far as the man's screams were still quite audible.

A half hour later Minato returned to find his two wounded students had been patched up, and the enemy remains had been deposited into a mass grave. Minato smiled as he watched Tsunade oversee the four younger ninjas reviewing what was retrieved from the enemies' gear.

Kakashi handed a Bingo book to Minato, "Sensei, these guys were all missing nin from Amegakure. Not one stronger than a Chunin."

Minato nodded as he took the book, "So, anything interesting in all this junk?"

Rin shook her head, "They were using subpar equipment…the equipment dealers back home won't buy any of this crap, plus they'd be insulted if we even thought of using such things."

Minato nodded then turned to Tsunade, "Rin and Koga aren't going to have any problems due to the low quality of those weapons?"

Tsunade shook her head, "No, I already checked for any diseases or poisons on the weapons they got hit with. Those had to be about the cleanest two weapons that entire group had."

Minato nodded then turned toward their camp, "Let's get back to camp. We'll burn the junk that's burnable, and bury whatever isn't. We'll only keep the most recent copies of the Bingo books, burn the rest."

The next morning after Shizune gave the two injured team members a final check she and Tsunade departed on their own way. Minato not wanting to linger in the area for long gathered his kunai and quickly led his team back toward Konoha.

As the sun was setting they came into few of their village, the Hokage monument overlooking their beloved home was a welcome sight. Koga growled as they approached the gates, "Finally, I can't stand this stupid crutch."

Kakashi eye smiled, "At least your arm isn't in a sling."

Rin grumbled at her teammates, "Can you two knock it off. The painkillers Shizune gave me wore off hours ago."

Minato shook his head, "Alright you three. I'll report in to the Hokage. You guys get home and get some rest, I expect you all at the training field at noon."

There was both much rejoicing and much grumbling at the dismissal and the impending training.

Koga limped his way to the Hyuga compound. Upon arriving at the main gate a branch member approached him, "Koga? I thought you were on a mission?"

Koga shook his head, "I just got back. Now if you'll excuse me I think I'm going to go report to my father, then just maybe I'll catch a little sleep before I have to join my team for training at noon tomorrow."

The branch member let him pass, and Koga continued on his way toward the main family house. As he stepped onto the first step a hand landed on his shoulder. Koga turned to find his uncle standing there.

Koga bowed his head slightly to the head of the branch family, "Uncle."

Hyuga Hizashi gave a slight nod, "Seems your mission was a little more exciting than expected."

Koga growled, "Twenty rogue nin. One of them got a lucky shot in."

Hizashi shook his head, "Well, I'm sure you handled yourself appropriately. The council is gathering to hear the reports from the others who've returned."

Koga nodded then followed his uncle to the Hyuga council room. The council room was basically a large dojo with a line of cushions for the elders to sit on. In front of that line sat four cushions two of which were set further back then the other two.

Koga frowned at the fourth cushion, "Uncle…father has an intended?"

Hizashi nodded, "He does. He was hoping to introduce her to you in private, but we didn't expect your mission would be finished so soon."

Koga's brow rose up, "We got lucky. Tsunade actually found us."

Hizashi chuckled as he moved to take his seat. Koga moved to sit back in the corner of the dojo attempting to blend in to the wall. Sometimes if he was lucky the council overlooked him and dismissed everyone. Then he'd just give his report to his father and excuse himself to his room.

Koga's luck was not with him this time. As the council entered main family elders sitting on one side and branch elders sitting on the other, the head of the council surveyed the room and immediately spotted him, "Koga? Why are you sitting way back there?"

Grumbling Koga stood and limped so he stood about four feet from the two forward most cushions. Grimacing he sat in the proper kneeling position, "No reason in particular grandfather."

The elder Hyuga nodded silently, "Well, seeing as you're injured I wonder what the outcome of your mission was."

Koga frowned, "Should I not wait for father?"

The elder nodded, "Yes, well, we could, but I'd like to hear at least the completion status of your mission."

Koga grumbled something incoherent then spoke, "The mission was successful. We made contact with Lady Tsunade and her apprentice. Minato-sensei relayed the message to Lady Tsunade from Lord Hokage. I will reveal other pertinent facts of the mission when my father arrives."

A door slid open and Hyuga Hiashi entered, quickly followed a woman Koga assumed was his father's future wife. Hiashi sat on the cushion next to his brother while the woman took the cushion next to him that was slightly behind the Head of the Hyuga clan.

Hiashi narrowed his eyes at his son, "Koga, you have returned sooner than expected."

Koga bowed so his forehead touched the floor then sat back up but kept his head bowed, "The mission was completed successfully. We made contact with Lady Tsunade and her apprentice. The message from Lord Hokage was delivered by Minato-sensei."

Hiashi nodded, "Was there any conflict on your mission to report?"

Koga nodded his head slightly, "Twenty rogue shinobi were after Lady Tsunade. The shinobi attacked, and my team aided in the disposal of said shinobi. Casualties on their side were complete. On our side my teammate Rin received a kunai to the shoulder that was tended to by Lady Tsunade and her apprentice; I also received a kunai to the hip which was tended to by Lady Tsunade's apprentice. Neither wound was deemed serious nor is life threatening, and we were both ordered to report to training tomorrow."

Hiashi nodded then turned to hear the report of another Hyuga nin sitting behind Koga. Due to his position of sitting in the front he could not slip away from the meeting, nor was it proper to ask permission to be excused. So like all the other Hyuga sitting around him Koga stared straight ahead emotionlessly. It was times like this he envied those not connected to a clan, even if he wasn't officially recognized as a Hyuga, the clan still treated him like a member of the main family.

After about an hour of boring reports Hiashi stood and dismissed the gathered nin. Koga was about to stand and leave when he heard his father's voice, "Koga, wait a moment. I have something to speak with you about."

Hizashi turned to his brother, "Need me and the council to wait around too?"

Hiashi nodded to his brother, "Just you and father. Everyone else is dismissed." The councilors stood and made their way from the room. After they were all gone Hiashi motioned for his son to approach. Koga forced himself back to his feet ignoring the pain from his injury, and then moved to stand close to his father. Hiashi stood as well and looked down at his 13 year old son, "It has been some time since we've spoken?"

Koga nodded, "Since my last mission report."

Hiashi nodded, "Have you spoken to your aunt as of late?"

Koga shrugged, "I ran into her and Hana a couple days ago. They were just coming from the park when I was called to the Hokage Tower for my reassignment."

Hiashi nodded again, "Good, your training has been going well?"

Koga frowned, "Yes." Koga narrowed his gaze at his father, "Is there a purpose to this conversation father, or are we going to just awkwardly converse about idle things."

Hiashi glared at the boy for a second than resumed his stoic façade, "Yes, well, seeing as we've never been much into speaking. As you no doubt figured out I've chosen my future wife. We will be wed this in three months…"

Koga shrugged, "I'll be sure to stay out from under foot."

Hiashi nodded curtly, "There is another matter. Several members of the council are pushing for me to place the curse seal on you and place you with a branch family."

Koga glared, "Do as you please…just remember Aunt Tsume won't be pleased. That was one of the conditions of me living here. That I lived with the main family, and never received that brand." Koga turned to the door, "So, if you want me out of here just say so. I'm sure I can find some place to stay."

Hiashi didn't respond as the boy exited the room.

Hizashi stood shaking his head, "Well, that could have gone better." Hizashi activated his Byakugan and watched his nephew limp down the hall to his room, "Seems he's retired for the night." Deactivating his Byakugan he turned to his brother, "Koga's right. The deal we made with the Inuzuka prevents you from branding him with the curse seal."

Hiashi shook his head, "Koga's temper is definitely from the Inuzuka." He turned to his father, "What would you do?"

The Hyuga elder shrugged, "You and the boy have never been particularly close Hiashi. You foisted him off on a main family elder for training in Juken, and when he wasn't training you completely ignored him. You also can't say his time here has been pleasant. He's scorned by a majority of the main family, since we label him main family the branch family has little to nothing to do with him, the only people he's interacted with on a regular basis are Hizashi, his tutor, and Namikaze Minato."

Hizashi nodded, "Brother you've shunned the boy since he was born. Even outside the compound life isn't easy for him. His appearance alone sets him apart from others, those who don't know he's your son stare at him like he's a freak. Technically for a hidden village that does seem strange, but I've seen it. Half the reason Minato agreed to the transfer was that Koga's former teammates couldn't deal with him being so different."

Hiashi frowned at the two, "So now that you both agree how horrible a father I am, what, do I do about it?"

The Hyuga elder stood, "You my son must step back. Obviously anything you say will not be heard through the wall the boy has already constructed between the two of you. I know from observation that he ceased trying for your acceptance or approval some time ago."

The woman who'd been sitting behind Hiashi stood and bowed her head, "My lord, perhaps if I were to speak to him. Our children will be his siblings, and you would not want any animosity to form between the elder and the younger ones."

Hiashi nodded, "That may be prudent. Your family has no member on the elder council, so he has no previous contact with you or your relatives."

The woman turned and left the room. Hizashi shrugged, "Doubt it'll hurt any. Though, just a suggestion, maybe bringing up the curse seal issue should be avoided from now on. He's already insecure enough about his place in the family, and we already know the Inuzuka want next to nothing to do with him."

-Flash Back-

Hokage Tower: 10 years ago

The Sandaime Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen sat behind his desk as the two clan heads and their councils entered. Hyuga Hiashi and Hizashi followed by the Hyuga council, and Inuzuka Tsume followed by the much smaller Inuzuka council. The Inuzuka had a smaller council due to then halving no need for a main and branch council.

Hiruzen watched as the two groups found seats or stood depending on their status. Looking the two clans over was like seeing night and day. The Hyuga all wore high class kimonos made of an obviously expensive material, while the Inuzuka mainly wore their ninja gear and jackets covered in dog fur. Their attire wasn't the only difference, but the Hokage had better things to due then waste time nitpicking his subordinates grooming habits.

The Hokage puffed on his pipe then nodded to those gathered, "Welcome, sorry for waking you all up so late, but something came to my attention. It seems a child belonging to both your clans may be in danger, and this danger seems to derive from within your own clans."

Hiashi bowed his head, "Lord Hokage, if I may, this is a clan issue and as such does not fall under your purview."

Another puff on the pipe and Hiruzen continued, "I beg to differ, Hiashi. Hypothetically speaking what would you do if the boy was killed by an Inuzuka?"

Hiashi was quiet for a moment then one of the elders whispered something in the clan head's ear. Hiashi nodded and turned back to the Hokage, "Sir, as honor dictates the child is technically my responsibility, and as such I would either kill the perpetrators or humbly request they be arrested, tried, and then executed."

Hiruzen turned to Tsume, "Same question Tsume, if a Hyuga killed the boy…"

Tsume snarled and crossed her arms, "I'd gut the bastards where they stood, and feed what's left to the dogs."

Hiruzen nodded at the rather descriptive response, "Now what would you do to those within your own clans for taking action against the boy."

Tsume was confused, "What are you talking about Lord Hokage, no one within my clan would dare harm the pup. He's one of us."

Hiashi nodded, "True, before today no one in the Hyuga even knew he existed."

Hiruzen pushed a folder to each of the clan heads, "The contents of those folders are identical. They are copies of letters sent between members of your individual clans, and between your clans in regards to the boy."

Hiashi and Tsume read through quickly then both looked appalled at the contents.

Hiruzen continued, "From what I can assume there are at least three separate plots against the child. The newest one appeared today, a group of Hyuga elders were planning to brand the boy with the curse seal as soon as possible. The elders mentioned in that report do not know fuinjutsu as far as I'm aware, nor would the boy have come to no harm after receiving the seal. The next plot was uncovered a few days ago, a number of Hyaga main family members were trying to coerce several branch members to locate and terminate the child. The final straw, plus what I believe spurred Tsume to publicly out Hiashi as the boy's father; a group of Inuzuka was pressuring her to marry. The man she married would then have the authority to terminate the child. This is not the behavior I expect from the people of Konohagakure."

Hiashi turned to Tsume, "Is this true?"

Tsume nodded, "My sister was ordered by our elders to terminate the pregnancy in the first place, but she'd already carried the child past the point when such a thing could be done without drawing attention from the village. When she died giving birth, I became the clan head, I was also ordered to terminate the child. I of course refused. In the Inuzuka clan I have final say until I marry then my husband has final say until our first born, or first son is old enough to take over."

Hiashi turned a disgusted look upon his own clan, "Who was responsible for these threats?"

The head elder glared at the silent council, "We will deal with this when we return to the compound."

Hiashi nodded and turned back to the Hokage, "Thank you Lord Hokage for bringing this to my attention. I will ensure the boys safety." He looked at Tsume for as he stood, "I will send for my son by midday tomorrow."

Tsume nodded, "Very well." She stood and faced Hiashi, "But what guarantee will I have that you'll keep your word at protecting him."

Hiashi frowned, "I will not allow him to be branded by the curse seal of the branch family. He will be treated as any other member of the main family. You have my word as a shinobi of Konohagakure."

Tsume nodded, "I'll retrieve him from Hatake first thing in the morning."

-End Flash Back-

Koga lay on his futon staring at the ceiling of his room. This was his room for the last ten years, it was the only sanctuary he had from the nightmare that was his family. It was a strange feeling to know he was born of two of the great clans of Konohagakure, but neither clan wanted him. His father's clan halfheartedly claimed him, but their only goal was to ensure his eyes didn't end up in the hands of an enemy village or rival clan. His mother, who he'd never even known, her clan would rather see him dead.

A knock at his door drew his attention. Sitting up he activated his Byakugan before speaking. Seeing it was the woman who would be marrying his father he huffed before answering, "Come in."

The door slid open and the woman walked in, "I'm sorry for disturbing you, but I felt we should speak."

Koga narrowed his gaze, "Should we? The only thing we should do is continuing the status quo, pretend that I don't exist."

The woman frowned slightly, "Is that truly what you want?"

Koga growled, "What I want does not, and has not ever mattered. I am Hyuga Hiashi's mistake. A mistake he didn't learn about until it was too late to correct. Konoha has laws about those kinds of things."

The woman moved to the chair at his desk and sat, "Do you truly feel like a mistake?"

Koga lowered his head with a snarl, "Prying into how I feel doesn't matter. I tried that whole being the perfect son. I excelled at Juken to the point my tutor labeled me a genius, I was top rookie of my graduating class, I'm the same age as Hatake Kakashi and graduated only a year after him, I was a Chunin at age seven, and now a Jonin at 13. I learned after reaching Chunin, it doesn't matter to him. I'm just a responsibility to him, hell I can't even call him father in public, learned that when I was four."

The woman nervously folded her hands in her lap, "He does care about you…"

Koga shot a scathing look at her, "Cares? Does a caring father hold it over your head that he is willing to place a seal on your head that with a single hand sign from any main family member can cause debilitating pain? This entire clan could fall in a single night if that hand sign was ever leaked out."

The woman nodded, "I understand how you feel, but he does truly care. You didn't really give him time to elaborate or explain. Do you commonly storm out on him?"

Koga huffed, "You'll realize quickly that between him and I the few words said the better."

The woman looked out the window, "Have you two ever been close?"

Koga shook his head, "No…I didn't even know he was my father until I overheard him arguing with my Aunt Tsume. The next morning she told me I'd be moving here because my father wanted me to." Koga growled, "That was the biggest lie I ever heard. Hizashi arrived a couple hours later with a couple branch house members who carried my few meager belongs back here. Hizashi deposited me in this room, and I didn't even see Hiashi until the evening meal. I quickly learned how quite children are supposed to be."

The woman turned to Koga with a smile, "You know it is quite easy to see right through you." Koga raised his brows skeptically. The woman laughed lightly, "You are still just a little scared child. You're a truly skilled ninja, but even the most skilled shinobi have their weaknesses. Yours just happens to be more evident than most."

Koga huffed, "I have no weaknesses…I killed my first enemy when I was eight."

The woman moved to sit next to the child, "Who comforted you after that?"

Koga turned away from her, "I didn't need comforting. He was the enemy, he threatened my teammates, it was either him or me, and I chose to live."

The woman cautiously reached out to stroke his head, ready to pull back if the child retracted from her touch, "You seem to remember that event well. Do you remember it every time you kill?"

Koga shrugged, "Sometimes…when it's not a large battle like last night. They're just blurs when it's a fight like that, but in a small skirmish, I can see and hear each moment like its happening again. I remember how the chakra felt in my hands as I thrust my palm into their body, the look of surprise on their face as they realize something's wrong, then that final frozen gaze after the final strike. I don't even know how many I've really killed. In my old team sensei had me strike first then my teammates would do clean up behind me, now with Minato-sensei battle is different. He takes the lead, and we respond to his movements."

His stepmother smiled as a couple tears leaked from his obsidian eyes. After stroking her hand through his hair a final time she stood, "I'll have some dinner brought to you later."

Koga didn't respond as she left.

Hiashi looked up from his desk as his intended entered the study. From her expression he was at first worried her talk with his son had not gone well.

"How could you leave him to deal with killing people on his own?"

Then again Hiashi has been known to be wrong once or twice. Hiashi grimaced as he leaned back and folded his hands on his desk, "I figured his team would take care of it. That is why we assign Genin to experienced Jonin."

His fiancée narrowed her gaze, "Oh, and was his former sensei a Hyuga. Did he know or even understand how it is actually being able to see the damage caused by our family's taijutsu. Your son doesn't even know how many enemies he's killed. His previous Jonin used him as forward attacker, and let the others just work in his wake."

Hiashi nodded, "I know, and that is why they are now dead."

His fiancée frowned, "What?"

Hiashi stood and walked to a map of the Elemental Nations, "I just heard from Lord Hokage. Koga's former team was assigned to guard a supply convoy to the front. The convoy was ambushed…Shibi and his team found them after when the real convoy passed the ambush sight."

His fiancée narrowed her eyes, "An inexperienced team was used as bait?"

Hiashi shook his head, "That team had completed dozens of missions like that, and they had already known they were the bait team. The only difference Lord Hokage can see is the absence of Koga on the mission."

His fiancée turned to the door, "Should Koga, be told?"

Hiashi nodded, "I'll tell him at breakfast."

Mid Afternoon Next Day: Third Training Field

Kakashi and Koga were sparing with taijutsu while Rin went over some medical jutsu. The team was all turned as the timer their sensei had set went off. Standing next to the timer was Minato, and standing next to him was a brown haired pale faced boy about a year younger than them.

Minato nodded to his team, "Well done you three. Now come over here I have some important news to pass along."

His three students walked over and stood among the stumps.

Minato placed a hand on the boys shoulder, "Well, this here is Tenzo. He's going to be bolstering our little squads attack and defensive capabilities."

Kakashi kept an impassive face as he spoke, "Sensei, why do we need another teammate? We're already a four man squad."

Minato smiled, "That actually is a good question Kakashi. I had a little talk with Lord Hokage last night and I got permission from him and the council to put together a special combat squad. We still don't have a title for the squad, but I'm sure it'll come up. Now, I'll be scouting for some new talent whenever I have a chance, so expect a few new members in the future." Minato turned to Tenzo, "Tenzo, why don't you introduce yourself and show your teammates what you're capable of?"

Tenzo nodded and stepped forward, "Hello, I'm Tenzo. Captian Minato says we'll be working together. I hope to prove myself capable in aiding this team in future missions." Tenzo then demonstrated his Mokuton release.

After the demonstration Minato sat on a training stump and looked over his four squad members, "Okay, as some of you might or might not know our convoys to front have fallen under heavy attack as of late. The use of bait squads has become too costly with the sixth team this month being lost the night before last. Lord Hokage wants this situation resolved."

Kakashi crossed his arms, "So he wants us to track down those attacking the convoys and deal with them appropriately."

Minato nodded, "This mission has no room for compassion. These enemies have already shown their willingness to kill Konoha ninja, let's not add any more casualties to their record."

Rin was the only one to tense.

Koga nodded, "So, just the five of us?"

Minato chuckled, "No, I convinced a couple skilled ninja to lend us a hand."

Minato indicated behind the four younger ninja. They turned to find Hyuga Hizashi, Yamanaka Inoichi, Nara Shikaku, and Akimichi Choza.

The younger four swallowed at the sight of the four senior ninja. Koga turned back to Minato, "Have you ever heard of overkill?"

The other three students nodded in agreement as they looked at their temporary teammates. Rin shrugged, "Well, at least Kushina isn't coming; I mean we might actually get to through a kunai."

Koga tapped the kunoichi on the shoulder.

She turned around, "Wha…"

Kushina stood leaning on Minato, "Someone call me?"

Kakashi grumbled, "This isn't just about the convoys is it."

Minato's expression was serious, "No, it isn't. Once we deal with those attacking our convoys we'll be heading to the front again. It's time we ended this war."

End Chapter One

A/N: There you have it the first chapter.