Chapter 2:

Location: Hokage's office

Tsunade sighed. Stupid Sandaime, you left me a shit storm. Ha, bet your living it up. Her honey brown eyes locked with the purple orbs of Nola. "Nola-sama, Kenish-sama, Ko-san," she started, her lips pursing into a thin line. "Kenish, I just want to start this with the fact that I never lied about Naruto. My sensei, Hiruzen Sarutobi, had failed to mention that any of the Uzumaki had survived. If I had known about you then, I would have tried to send a message to you." She paused. "I'm still just amazed how you managed to all survive. It must be quite the story."

Nola snorted. The slug's trying to pry for information. Well, we'll just have to give it to her then. Her thoughts brought out a smug smile.

Kenish shook his head, an audible sigh escaping from his throat. "It is, I'm afraid. We were ambushed when our enemies attacked. The Uzu barrier fell at the time. We still don't know how they figured out how to get around it. Although, we do know there was a spy in our midst, so they were most undoubtedly related."

"I see," said the Hokage. "This is most disturbing." She thought: An enemy spy that was valued enough by the Clan to know such critical secrets? That kind of treason is unforgiveable. Tsunade frowned at this. "Could we discuss this further?"

Nola crossed her arms and legs in her seated position. "And what exactly is there to discuss, Tsunade? We came here to collect our grandson. We're only here for him." She enjoyed telling that lie.

Kenish shook his head again: Leave it to my wife to toy with the Hokage. He suppressed the urge to laugh.

"Very well then," said Tsunade. "So you are positive that I can't convince you to stay in Konoha perhaps a little longer?" She was presenting them the opportunity she knew they wanted. Her eyes scanned their reactions.

Nola and Kenish glanced at each other, a silent conversation happening before the Hokage's eyes. Nola then looked up at her. Let's see how good of a haggler you are, Tsunade, she mused. "Ahem, right, well, if you really want us stay, Tsunade, then we would need the clan's rights moved over to Naruto. He should be listed as our heir. Of course, we would also need enough room for the clan members and our full rights as citizens."

Tsunade frowned, working out the numbers and logistics in her head. "Very well, but I have a condition." She paused, seeing she had all three members' attention. "Should you not be able to raise Naruto correctly, his custody shall be turned over to me. That means I would have adopted him as my own son."

"I'm afraid that's just not possible," stated Nola. "Naruto Uzumaki is the son of my daughter! Furthermore, he has our clan's dojutsu which holds us accountable for him. Also, how do you measure such a subjective case like that? Our versions of raising him well is too loose of a definition, Tsunade." She paused and allowed her eyelids to lower. "Plus, I'll never allow it."

Kenish nodded. "And I am the only one who can train him, it's our clan's dojutsu after all! I shall not stand for this, what could you possibly offer that we couldn't?"

"Okay, listen to my proposal," said the Hokage. "This is just a cautionary decision to make sure you don't mistreat him. I don't want him to suffer either. I'll keep it as objective as possible to make sure it's clear on how he should be treated. I will grant you full clan rights alongside Naruto being the heir." She paused. "As for your clan, I propose they take the old Uzumaki Clan compound behind the Hokage Monument? It needs a little renovation work, but we can help you with resources. Now does that all sound agreeable to you?"

Nola's eyes flared with irritation. "He's still a child, Tsunade. I take it since we weren't informed of his survival that he didn't have a childhood?" Her tone was angry. How could they do this to a child? Leaving him with no family? She was brought out of her anger when her husband's hand clasped hers.

"Nola-chan, we haven't even seen how he'll react to us yet." Kenish leaned forward and kissed his wife's lips to calm her. "I'll deal with the council and sort this whole matter out. We can make our decision after that. In the meantime, you go see him." He glanced over at Tsunade. "Is that acceptable?"

Tsunade nodded her head. "Yes, he's in the hospital room 227." She looked over at the Anbu guarding the door. "You, Neko, take Nola-sama to Naruto's room."

Kenish nodded. " Be careful, love." He kissed her cheek.

Nola waved her hand dismissively. "Kenish-kun, I can take care of myself." Her purple eyes turned to the Anbu. "Well, are you going to take me or not?"

Neko bowed. "Forgive me, this way." The Anbu placed a hand on her shoulder, and they both disappeared in a swirl of leaves.

Tsunade watched them leave. "Alright, follow me, the council is waiting," she said before leading the Uzumaki Clan Head toward the chambers.

Kenish's expression became aloof. "Lead the way then, Hokage-san."

Tsunade sighed before she thought: And let's just pray it goes well in there.

Scene Break: Council Chambers.

Kenish walked into the chamber behind Tsunade. Damn, got to hand it to them, they do have a large place. There were two chairs in the center of the room surrounded by a ring of other smaller chairs. One of the chairs was attached to a wooden desk.

Tsunade took her spot in the chair attached to the desk, and Kenish sat next to her. The Hokage observed that all seats were filled and all Clan Heads present. She raised her hand. "Order, now. I've called this meeting for an important announcement." All eyes in the room were on her. "We are here to discuss the Uzumaki Clan and Naruto's place in it."

"Hokage-sama, if I may?" inquired Hiashi Hyuga. "Naruto doesn't have a clan," he said smugly.

Tsunade sighed in bitter frustration. "Well, hopefully, this meeting will clear up any misunderstandings, Hyuga-san. So, we are here to discuss his clan. May I introduce Kenish Uzumaki, the current Clan Head of the Uzumaki and Naruto's grandfather."

The room was silent for a few moments.

Kenish stood, clapping his hands. "Ah, it's so good to see my allies again." He paused, making sure he had the floor. "I'm sure you have questions, so get on with it."

"How troublesome," spoke Shikaku Nara. "How can you prove your claim that Naruto is related to you?"

Kenish smirked. So, the Nara are not as lazy as they seem. "He has our clan's dojutsu, the Rinnegan," he added, pointing to his eyes. "Although, his are not fully matured."

Tsume Inuzuka raised her hand. "Kenish, I remember you. I have no doubts about your claim, but I must know why should Naruto's custody be awarded to you when he wasn't allowed to be adopted into my clan." She was a little bit peeved because she had asked to adopt the boy many times only to be refused by the Sandaime.

Tsunade cursed mentally: How could she be so stupid to blurt that out, now Kenish will start looking around.

Kenish's eyes narrowed. "And why do you say that? I am related to the child by blood. You all kept him from me and as a result, this village has betrayed me and my clan. Now, you have the gall to accuse me of abandoning my only grandson?" He spat on the floor.

The Inuzuka snorted. "Why should we allow it?" she snapped, showing her fangs. I will not sit idly and watch them come take him away, she thought, he's the last link to my best friend.

"Enough!" shouted Tsunade, slamming her fist into the desk attached to her chair. The wooden corner shattered under the impact. "The Sandaime Hokage was foolish to not inform us that the Uzumaki clan had survived nor had he told Naruto. I'm not defending his decision, but I must point out we did not betray Uzu no Sato. The attack was much too quick for us to have done anything and everything got muddled at the time."

The room was quiet again after that because no one knew what to say.

Scene Break: Naruto's Hospital Room

"Uh, Ino, why are you still here?" asked Naruto. "You weren't very nice to me back at the academy." He saw the blonde flinch at his words.

"I know," she started. Damn, I was a real bitch to him then, she thought, frowning. "That's why I'm trying to make amends now. I know I wasn't a nice person to you, but…"

Naruto sat there, dumbfounded. I don't understand; One minute she's Sasuke-kun this, Sasuke-kun that, but now she's like this? "But what?" he asked, urging her on.

"I wanted to apologize," she answered, deciding to be honest. "I am sorry. I wanted to be stronger during the invasion. You were so strong when you beat Neji during the Exams. None of us had believed you would have won, but you pulled a surprise move and did it."

Naruto held up his hand. "So what you're saying is that you want to be my friend?" He just missed the flush of red that dusted her cheeks.

"Yes, I'd be happy if we could start over and be friends." She fought down her blush and moved her eyes over to the clock hanging on the wall. "Naruto, but I've got to go help my mother with the flower shop right now. I'll be back afterwards." She paused, eyeing his destroyed jacket on the nearby chair. "And I'm going to get you some new clothes. The orange really needs to go."

Naruto deflated. Why does everyone hate on my orange? It's the best color. "Okay, Baa-chan won't let me out for a few more days, anyways," he said.

Ino grinned. She then stood up and hugged the blond. As she embraced him, she noticed a faint shade of purple peek behind his eye bandages. She was curious about that but decided it would be best to ask about it later. "I'll be bac—"

She was cut off by an Anbu who appeared at the door for once. "Naruto Uzumaki," breathed the Anbu. "This woman is here to speak with you." A woman with purple eyes stood next to the Anbu in the doorway. The Anbu quickly faced Ino. "And they will do so in private," added the Anbu before grabbing the blonde's hand and escorting out of the hospital. Ino complied without complaint but her eyes were wide with bewilderment as they exited.

Naruto stared nervously at the stranger he was now left alone with. "Who are you?" he asked. "I normally don't get visitors, let alone two in one day."

Nola frowned. I'm talking to Kenish about this. Poor boy shouldn't be surprised by visitors. Also, that girl, she seemed friendly with Naruto-chan. She moved over to the bed with a soft smile directed towards her grandchild. "Naruto-chan, how old are you?" she asked in a motherly voice.

Naruto tilted his head to the side. "Twelve. Why?"

His question seemed to confuse her. "Do you know of the Uzumaki Clan, Naruto-chan?" she asked, taking the blank look she received as a 'no.' "My name is Nola Uzumaki, my husband is the clan head of our clan, and he's currently speaking with the village council on your behalf. More importantly, he is your grandfather, and I'm your grandmother."

The room was silent for a few moments, making Nola nervous.

"I don't have a clan," Naruto stated simply. "I'm an orphan. I'm sorry for using your last name. I'll change it to something else—" He was cut off as a wave of chakra stopped him.

"Don't you dare finish that sentence!" she exclaimed. "Your name is Naruto Uzumaki, and the reason we're here for you is because you awakened your dojustu. Our clan's dojustu is activated by a blood seal. Were you not taught about our clan in your schooling?"

Naruto shook his head. "No. Honestly, I was asleep most of the time. Iruka-sensei was the only teacher I had that actually tried." He shrugged his shoulders.

Nola was seething on the inside. How dare they go so far to sabotage a clan heir's education. Wait till I tell Kenish-kun about this.

Naruto fidgeted for a moment, catching the ever-watchful gaze of Nola. The number one question was bumping against his brain, and he had to let it out. "Baa-chan?" he asked, already accepting her status in his life. "Can you tell me about my kaa-san?" He squinted his eyes against the medical tape.

Nola, seeing his uncomfortable position, reached up with her hands and nudged the bandages down from his eyes. "Better?" she asked, getting a nod from him. She gave him a motherly smile. "Your kaa-san was a tomboyish girl. She was definitely a prankster at heart, just like all our clan. She had a fiery temper too and was known to beat up anyone who insulted her."

"Wow, my kaa-san was like me, huh?" Naruto grinned in awe. "Can you tell me more please?"

Nola's gaze softened. "Yes, dear, but first I want to tell you about your grandfather. He has the same dojustu as you do, and he plans to teach you how to use it." She paused and played with a notion that had been maturing since she saw the blonde girl. "Besides, I'm more interested in that pretty girl I saw you speaking with." She gave him a feral smile. "Was she your girlfriend?"

"What!?" he shouted. "No, no, that was Ino-chan, a friend from the academy. She was just checking in on me." He waved his hand dismissively "Um, so how big is our family, Baa-chan?"

She decided to humor him and left the juicy topic alone. "Oh, about two hundred members," she hummed out happily. "Now, enough about that. You will meet our family soon. What I really want to know is how well you've been brought up. Who took care of you and such, Naruto-chan?"

Naruto scratched his cheek. "Um, let's see, I was kicked out of the orphanage when I was six. Jiji bought me an apartment to live in, taught me how to cook instant ramen. And Iruka-sensei's taking pretty good care of me by being around and talking to me about problems I get. Kakashi-sensei's lazy, but he's really strong and has taught me a lot."

"Who else?" she pressed.

"Hebi-san," he muttered, his face crunching up. "She helped out, but I never learned her actual name."

Nola had a blank face. That made two former Anbu, one teacher and the old Hokage. "So, why are you here in the hospital now? Was it just because of your eyes?"

"No," he said. "Baa-chan ordered us to go get Sasuke Uchiha back. He betrayed the village to go to Orochimaru." Naruto shuddered and grabbed his chest tightly. "He tried to stab me with a chidori when I caught up with him. He would have got me too, if it wasn't for my Rasengan." He let the sentence hang in the air.

"He did what!?" she shouted, her chakra beginning to leak out. "Where is he?"

Naruto gulped at the terrible face she was making. "I don't know, honest!" He yelped when the crazy lady engulfed him into a bone-crushing hug. "Oh, air—"

"Oh, Naruto-chan!" she wailed. "I'm so sorry we weren't here for you!"

"Baa-chan...air...please…"

Hearing this, Nola dropped him back onto the bed. "Sorry, I tend to get emotional easily," she admitted, embarrassed. "But I want to know everything about you."

So, Naruto told her about the many adventures he had gone through over the last several months. Nola listened intently the entire time.

"So, this Haku and Zabuza left an impression on you, huh?" Nola said hours later, sipping some tea that an unlucky nurse had brought. "Tell me, did you know you have a bridge named after you in Wave Country?"

He raised an eyebrow at her. "You're serious?" He blinked thoughtfully. "I never thought they would go that far."

Nola nodded her head. "It's a little funny actually; Kenish-kun made a name for himself almost like you." Something about the way her eyes sparkled made the blond shudder. "So, what about this Sakura-chan you speak so highly of?"

He gulped again. He didn't like discussing females with his grandmother. "Well, you just have to meet her. I mean come on, Baa-chan. I'm not good at describing people."

Nola pursed her lips. "I don't care. Continue please." She sipped some more tea. "Because I think I prefer this Ino more," she muttered more to herself.

Scene Break: Ino

Ino moaned as she was dropped down onto road in front of her family's shop. "How dare you!" she snapped at the Anbu. "I was talking to him!"

"Sorry, Yamanaka-san," said the Anbu. "It was under orders. Besides, I doubt you want to be there when his grandmother meets Sakura-san."

Ino raised an eyebrow. "Wait! Grandmother? He doesn't have any family. What are you not telling me?" As far as she could remember, she had never heard anything about Naruto having family.

The Anbu shifted and looked directly at the young girl. "You will have to wait for Hokage-sama to announce the clan's return. With a quick hand seal, the Anbu promptly disappeared in a swirl of leaves.

Ino sat there on the side of the road for a long time until she heard her mother calling to her from the shop. As she went into the shop to help, Ino couldn't help but think about how crazy things were getting. Unbeknownst to her, things were going to get even crazier.

( au thanks to my amazing beta reader this was possably please let us know how we did Thanks.)