Hope you enjoy the chapter. Haven't updated in a few weeks so I thought I would for the people who actually like this fic. XD

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

"It's M-Misaki-nee's b-birthday t-today, Naruto-kun."

Naruto turned to Hinata after finishing his last bit of noodles, "What? Really? How'd you know?"

Hinata poked her fingers together, "I h-heard her t-talk about it with s-someone else at the l-library yesterday."

"Were you eavesdropping, Hinata-chan?" Naruto teased.

Hinata turned a bright red, "M-maybe."

He smiled but it quickly turned into a frown, "What do you do for a birthday? I need a present, don't I? I don't have anything though."

"What are you talking about?" They turned around to see Ino, her long blonde hair cascading down like waves.

"I need to buy a present. For Misaki-nee."

"Who's that?" Ino's eyebrows furrowed.

"You wouldn't know her. She's like a sister to me."

"Then I'll help you find a present for her," she winked, "I'm good at shopping, I'll find the perfect present."

Naruto and Hinata could only follow Ino as she lead them to the stalls and the shopping centre.

"First, you need to think, what does she like?"

Naruto looked thoughtful. Hinata answered instead, "Misaki-nee is a c-civilian. N-not a s-shinobi."

Ino nodded and walked briskly to one section of the mall. "Does she like clothes?"

"I don't think she particularly cares about them."

Naruto noticed the people around them and looked around nervously at the stares that were coming his way. He shouldn't have come here. Ino, however, didn't seem to notice.

"Jewellery?"

"She wears some. Nothing too extravagant though, more plain."

"Make up?"

Naruto blanched, did Misaki-nee where make up? He turned to Hinata helplessly.

Hinata shook her head slowly, "S-she hardly d-does, only some c-concealer and t-that's it."

"Bags?"

"I don't think she needs one. She already has one that she uses everyday."

"Wow.. how about stationary?" Ino suggested.

"Like…?"

"Perhaps a journal or something."

Naruto thought about that. That seemed like something Misaki would want.

"Yeah, I think I'll go for that."

Ino lead them to a store with cute designs at the front and gestured at it, "You'll find a journal somewhere in here."

Naruto bit his lip when he saw a woman glare at him from behind the cash register.

"I don't think this is a good idea."

Ino pushed him in, "Come on, I'll help you."

Hinata followed from behind. Naruto looked around the store and found a book instantly. It had a leather cover and an intricate design on the border; the lines weaved to make a flame on the book. It was a beautiful journal but when Naruto looked at the price tag, he shrank. "This is 1500 yen. I can't spend that much."

He was about to put the book down when Hinata suggested, "W-why d-don't we p-pay half and half? T-then w-we c-can both give her the p-present."

Naruto looked at her, careful not to lean close to her as he was afraid that she would feel uncomfortable again. "Really?" he beamed, "You'll buy it with me?"

"Y-yes." Hinata blushed and nodded.

Ino, who had been quiet all this time, spoke up, "So, you should go and buy it now. We don't have all day."

However, when they reached the cash register, the woman behind hissed, "I won't serve this brat."

"We should get out of here." Naruto looked down and said quietly.

Ino frowned. While people often underestimated her as only another Sasuke fangirl, she also hailed from the Yamanaka clan, renowned for their mind techniques. Needless to say, she had exceptional skills in observation and had noticed the stares and hatred aimed at Naruto. She didn't understand it.

"Hmph, you won't be serving him then; you will be serving the Hyuga heiress and if she doesn't get what she wants, she'll be telling all Hyuga to stop coming to this store right away. Of course, the Yamanaka clan will stop coming here as well."

Hinata nodded. The woman paled considerably by the threat. The Hyuga were influential and had always come to her store to buy their calligraphy sets. It would be damaging to the business if they stopped. She hurried to package the journal safely, giving it to the Hyuga heiress and gave a glare at Naruto. They went out of the store with the book in their hands.

"Thanks, Ino." Naruto grinned at her.

Ino looked at him, smiled and crossed her arms, "It wasn't that big of a deal."

"T-that w-was very nice of you."

Ino nodded, "Well, I told you I'll get you the perfect present."

They laughed, and parted ways after Ino had to return to the flower shop.

"I misjudged her." Naruto commented.

Hinata nodded. She knew what he meant, "I-Ino was really h-helpful."

Naruto agreed.

"Happy Birthday!"

Misaki looked in surprise as Naruto and Hinata came up to her, stretching out a gift. She took the perfectly wrapped gift slowly, nearly frozen because of her shock.

"Thank you. Both of you." She gave them a hug, "But how'd you know it was my birthday today?"

"Hinata. She heard you at the library."

Misaki chuckled, "You eavesdropper." she teased.

Hinata blushed.

"I said the same thing."

"W-were y-you e-ever going to t-tell us about your b-birthday?" Hinata asked curiously.

Misaki sighed, "Yes. Look in the fridge, I bought a cake to share."

"Cake?"

"Yeah."

Misaki slowly unwrapped her gift, being careful not to tear the wrapping paper. Naruto looked at her in frustration, telling her to hurry up but she just smirked and continued on. She took out the journal, tracing its intricate patterns, and looked through the beautiful pages, each with its own drawing on the sides. She had tears in her eyes. She was so touched.

Misaki hugged Naruto and Hinata fiercely, being careful not to show them that she was crying.

"Thank you, Naruto, Hinata."

Naruto just beamed at her like sunshine while Hinata replied with a small, "You're welcome."

She took the cake out of the fridge. She set it up in the middle but refused to blow candles or sing 'happy birthday."

"I'm too old." she moaned.

"H-how old a-are you turning, M-Misaki-nee?"

Misaki paused, "I'm 24 this year."

Naruto snorted, "You're right, you are old."

"What did you say?" Misaki hissed dangerously.

"N-naruto-kun s-said that you a-aren't t-that old, Misaki-nee." Hinata tried to make the situation better, not noticing that she was glaring at Naruto to make sure he followed along.

Not Hinata as well. "Right, you're still beautiful and youthful."

Misaki looked pleased. "That's what I thought." She turned to Hinata, "When's your birthday?"

"I-it's on D-December 27th."

"How about you Naruto?"

Naruto was still busy sulking, "October 10th."

Misaki nodded, but froze. October 10th. An important date. What was it, again?"

"T-that w-was the day Y-Yondaime-sama defeated the K-kyubi." Hinata commented.

Misaki stood up, banging her hands on the table in the process. Naruto and Hinata jumped in fright.

"Hey, what's the big idea-"

"That's it. That's it." she murmured, the missing link, "Thanks Hinata, Naruto. Finish that cake, will you? I need to go somewhere for a bit."

Naruto and Hinata looked at each other, "Where are you going?"

However, Misaki was lost in her own head again and didn't hear them as she practically ran out the door. There was silence for a moment before Naruto shrugged and began to eat the cake.

"W-why don't w-we invite S-Sasuke-kun and the others to f-finish the cake?" Hinata suggested.

Naruto nodded, "Okay, let's go get them!"

They practically ran out the door, Hinata only stopping to close and lock the door with the key Misaki had given her beforehand.

Misaki's mind was racing and her head was spinning. She quickly ran to the library, to clear her thoughts. Think. Focus all your thoughts.

October 10th. Naruto was born. The attack of the Kyuubi. The Yondaime, expert in seals, died.

'You're too young to understand.' the drunk's voice echoed in her mind.

Naruto's secret. Monster. The incident with the woman and that boy.

Demon-brat. Jinchuriki. I read about it in that first book. Human Sacrifice. Demon sealed inside them.

Sandaime. Said Naruto was a 'special' child. Underneath the Underneath. The villagers are 'blind'.

Don't tell me… Naruto is the Kyuubi Jinchuriki?

"I took so long to figure that one out." It had been months since the Sandaime came to visit. What do I do now that I know? How do I face Naruto?

However, there was something nagging at her. She picked up a book, titled, 'The Legend of the Yellow Flash', flicking through and finding a picture at the end of the book. She gasped. The Yondaime, the Yellow Flash, Minato Namikaze stared back at her. But it wasn't the actual picture that surprised her. It was his uncanny resemblance to a certain hyperactive, blonde shinobi who was eating cake at her house. The way he smiled, his posture, it was so similar. Naruto was related closely to him. Of that, Misaki was certain. Probably not a cousin either. If she compared their ages, the Yondaime was old enough to be a father.

The Yondaime had sealed the Kyuubi inside his own son, Naruto.

It was a shocking revelation, she could barely contain herself. Do I tell Naruto? Is he really a demon? Isn't it only sealed inside him? What do I do? What do I do?

"The Sandaime has requested your presence at the council right now."

Misaki whipped her head around to see a ninja with a strange mask right there. ANBU.

"How long have you been there?"

The ANBU did not answer, only gestured for her to come. She hesitantly followed him, groaning on the inside. I just discovered something so fantastic, so shocking, I'm in a turmoil of thoughts and I need time to think. But no.. Sandaime-sama just has to summon me to a meeting right after I discover- Wait, a meeting? That meant clan heads, which meant very, very important people, meaning that they needed her for something. That something must concern Naruto. She steeled her resolve. I don't know anything about this demon business. But if there's one thing I do know, Naruto is like my younger brother. I won't let anyone hurt him.

Misaki gulped, she could hardly breathe with so many eyes on her. She could see clan heads, shinobi and other civilians, all leaders in their own way. At the very front was the Sandaime Hokage. She bowed in front of them.

"I am Misaki Yuzuwasa, a librarian at Konoha's library. I am honoured to join this meeting with the leaders of Konoha. Sandaime-sama, you requested my presence?" Why am I here?

"Thank you for joining us." he nodded at the ANBU and the shinobi disappeared in a flash.

"We've become aware that you have befriended Naruto Uzumaki. We are also aware of an incident which happened not to long ago about a brawl with him and a few of our genin." a woman, one of the elders, began.

Misaki stiffened. They only summoned her now? She looked at the hokage, he must have tried to keep it a secret which was why they only found out now. She appreciated it but wished that she didn't have to deal with this right now. She licked her lips.

"Naruto was being bullied so he naturally defended himself against the bullies. I was unaware that he could not defend himself if he were to be attacked."

"In normal circumstances, yes. However, Naruto…is a special boy." This time, it was a man who had one eye and his right arm concealed with a robe. He had a scar on his chin. Danzo. She had heard rumours about him.

"Has he exhibited any unusual behaviour? Bursts of chakra? Red eyes?" the woman asked suspiciously.

"Koharu. I have to refrain you from speaking anymore." the Sandaime shot a warning at her.

"No, he has not done anything that was unusual for his age." Misaki said calmly. From what I've seen anyway.

"How did you come to know him?" This time it was a Nara who spoke.

"I witnessed an attack on him. I approached him a while after that."

"Why?"

"The boy was attacked by civilians. I didn't know that a boy of the village of Konoha could be treated with such blatant disrespect and injustice. I decided to approach him myself because no one else was willing to do so." Misaki heard people scoff and she felt her cheeks redden with anger. However, she forced herself to stay calm. She needed to be composed to get through this.

"There's a reason why people stay away from him. He's a demo-" a civilian muttered. It made her even more angry, that civilians, people who were supposed to be like her, would be so cruel to Naruto.

"That is enough." the Sandaime raised his voice.

"Why did you interrupt me, Hokage-sama? Does she not deserve to know the truth?"

"I think you should be grateful. Did the Hokage not just stop you from revealing a major village secret? The consequences would be drastic if you had finished that statement." Misaki said tensely, which she regretted right away. The civilian stopped talking. Misaki swore. She had been saying many things without thinking these days. Shit. Now, they know that I do know. Damn it. I might have gotten away by acting naive.

"So you do know," the man with one eye stated, "You know why he is important to this village."

Misaki slowly shook her head, "I don't understand. What do you want me to do regarding Naruto? Why was I requested to this meeting?"

"We just wanted to make sure that you knew the dangers of continually being with the Uzumaki."

"It's better if you just stay away from him. Of course, it's your choice but I'm warning you." Another man tattled.

The hokage narrowed his eyes, "Naruto is only the vessel of the Kyuubi. He acts of his own free will."

Only the vessel…Misaki felt herself straightening her back at the statement. Naruto was his own person. He wasn't the demon. The person she had come to love like a younger brother was still the same, even after this shocking revelation.

Her heart was beating faster than ever, her head was spinning, she didn't know why but she felt more confident all of sudden, like she could deal with anything. Keep quiet, Misaki. You'll regret it if you talk. No. I won't. I won't ever feel that weak again. She remembered the incident when she had first met Naruto and she had regretted it so much that she had spent days without rest because of the guilt which gnawed at her. She never wanted to feel that way again. She was Naruto's older sister, no matter what. "I must say, after meeting the prestigious council of Konoha, you lack a certain amount of…faith in Konoha."

"What? Are you accusing us of treason?" They jumped up in outrage, everyone turned her eyes towards her.

"How dare yo-"

Misaki swallowed, her mouth suddenly dry, but she gathered her courage. She had been doing that quite a lot these days. "No, I'm not saying anything about treason! I said you lack belief. You don't believe in the Yondaime or his seal." There was a chaos of sounds, "Do you think he would have put that seal on Naruto if he believed that it would be a danger to the village? You don't believe in Sandaime-sama's judgement when he passed that law. The Sandaime would have never allowed Naruto to stay in Konoha if he was of any way a threat to the village. Even the future generation. Why don't you let them judge if Naruto is a threat to them or not? You still continue to treat Naruto like a demon or a weapon to be used."

There was silence for a moment before she added, "Of course, I'm not saying this pertains to all of you, I'm sure that there are people in the council who don't let the demon affect their judgement. Yeah. There are kind people in the world." she mindlessly babbled to redeem herself. Her heart beat even faster. She winced, cringing at all she had said. Oh kami, I'm in big trouble. This is why I stay quiet. Should have just kept my mouth shut. I always did before I met Naruto. He must have influenced me. Wait, now I'm blaming Naruto...Why do I do this to myself? She cried mentally.

The hall was a utter mess of sounds after her big reprimand to the council or rather, her rant. She could feel the glares at her. Aren't these the most important people in the village? Didn't you just say that yourself? Why, oh, why?

"Let us not forget who we are." the Hyuga clan head declared in an attempt to control the members and it worked, "We are members of the Konoha Council, not children squabbling among each other."

"She should be separated from the Uzumaki brat!"

"Such disrespect."

"No self-control."

"She's nothing but trouble."

Misaki winced.

"May I suggest something?" The hokage finally spoke and Misaki nearly glared at him. Why had he not interfered earlier? Everyone began to quieten down immediately at his voice. So this was the Hokage. Someone who demanded respect from everyone. Naruto had a long way to go.

"Now, why don't we make a seat for her as a council member?" Misaki looked at the Hokage dumbfounded. There was objections immediately, even from Misaki herself but the Hokage cast it aside.

"Of course, not immediately. She will train for a while. However, she'll be able to present her opinions and report to us about how Naruto Uzumaki is doing which will put your minds at ease as well."

There was a ripple of murmurings, but most were against the idea.

"Danzo, what are your thoughts?"

"I do not believe a mere child should become a council member."

Misaki had to agree even if she was definitely not a child anymore. The Sandaime only tilted his head in response, as if it was expected.

"Shikaku-kun?"

"It's a fine idea. There would be a fresh set of opinions from a younger person such as Yuzuwasa-san at the council."

Some agreed while others disagreed with his statement. Misaki felt this was getting out of hand. Her head was spinning at the implications of this. Her. A council member? She had to laugh at the idea. What was the Hokage thinking?

"She can report to us about the Uzumaki as well."

"All in favour?" the Sandaime started the vote.

Misaki was shocked and her jaws nearly dropped when all the ninja clan heads and even some civilians began to raise their hands. How is this possible? I thought they hated me after everything I said. Even Homura and Koharu rose their hands reluctantly, after a look from the Sandaime himself. They wanted what was the best for Konoha and having someone report to them about the Uzumaki brat was appealing to them. Danzo was careful not to let any emotion show on his face. It was clear that this was the majority.

"Ah, but we have to ask the girl in question. Misaki Yuzuwasa, you will receive training to become a council member. Do you have any objections?"

Of course I do! So many of them! However, she knew, if she became a council member, she would be able to help Naruto in a way only someone from the council could. In front of all these people, when most already raised their hands, how could she say no? Looking in the Sandaime's eyes, she swore she could see a twinkle of mischief. She had the feeling that they had discussed this even before she had come to the hall, or else they wouldn't have made such a decision. Misaki was being manipulated, she could tell that much. However, she only bowed.

"It would be my honour."

"You exploited me, Hokage-sama." Misaki scowled. They were in the hokage's office now after the meeting was dismissed.

He chuckled, "I only…encouraged you, Misaki-chan."

"No, you knew that it would be beneficial for Naruto if I were to be a council. You used me so that I could look after Naruto." Although she sat in the chair, she was constantly moving with her hands waving and gesturing. "I bet you discussed this before I even went there, you just 'suggested' it for my sake but you had already convinced everyone. After the ruckus I caused in the council, you knew I couldn't refuse when asked in front of everyone."

"Then do you want to take it back?"

Misaki hesitated and she blushed, "No. Forgive me, Hokage-sama, I was only complaining to release the stress."

"You have a strong mind, a clear head and sharp words." Misaki winced at that, "I think politics is right up your alley."

"I don't think I'll survive. I nearly had a heart attack when I had to speak in front of all those people."

The Hokage waved his hand, "You'll be fine, with enough training that is."

"How exactly do you train to be a council member?"

"Most civilians go through school and get right into politics there. That process can take several years. However, since you are a special case, we'll make an exception for you."

Misaki waited for him to explain more.

"You'll follow some clan heads around, assist them and also watch how they interact with people. Learn their mannerisms and customs. It will help you when you are an official council member."

"Which clans?"

The Hokage shrugged, "It's about who will take take you on. They are busy people, after all."

"How will I know?"

"They'll either approach you personally or I'll summon you to the office."

Misaki sighed, "I'll have to quit my job as a librarian, won't I?"

"No, you'll just have to be very flexible with the hours you work. The training will take first priority."

Misaki nodded, she could feel a headache the size of the hokage mountain coming, "Is that all?"

"How did you find out about Naruto?"

"I just found out, right before you decided to summon me to the meeting." Misaki explained about her thought process and what happened earlier that day.

"That was very perspective of you, Misaki-chan."

"Thank you." she lowered to a whisper, "Doesn't Naruto deserve to know?"

The hokage looked weary, like he was suddenly feeling his age, "He will know in due time. I just wanted him to live more freely before he is burdened with the Kyuubi and dives into the shinobi world."

Misaki nodded, agreeing with the statement. She knew shinobi grew up too quickly.

"You are free to leave now."

Misaki bowed, "Thank you, hokage-sama."

She was about to leave when the Hokage said, "Misaki-chan."

She turned back expectantly, "Yes?"

"I forgot to say, Happy Birthday."

Misaki paled. Her birthday. She needed to get back quickly.

Well, I was going to add more to this chapter but I really had no idea how to continue. I must say, this chapter was written basically on a whim. I was going to have Misaki find out about the Kyuubi when Naruto told her but the Sandaime and everyone else around her was giving her too many clues that it wouldn't be realistic if she didn't try to find out, especially when she's supposed to be a curious and smart girl. I don't know if having her as a council member would be a good idea or not so I would appreciate any feedback. I also think it's easier for her to just get a feel for the shinobi world and help Naruto if she were to assist clan heads and as someone reviewed, a chance for her to meet other shinobi. What did you guys think?

Also, anyone curious about what Naruto and the others did when Misaki was at the meeting? I think I'll write about that next.

Until next time, bye and thanks for reading!