Starting Over Again
"I love you." Naruto whispered against Hinata's breast. She still slept so she couldn't hear him but it just felt good to say it. He kissed her warm flesh again then sat up making sure to keep her covered. A flutter of wings let him know that Talon was awake too. "Morning featherhead." Naruto smiled and patted the bed then stroked Talon as he came to a rest beside him.
Naruto felt the dampness on Talon's feathers and checked the window. The rain had eased and a quiet fog lay over the village. "Good hunting?" He smiled as the hawk first tilted his head then bobbed it slowly. "So-so then." Naruto looked over to check Talon's bowls. There was water, dried meats and breads. "Still hungry?" Talon shrugged with his wings and moved closer to him. "Hey come here. I don't have breasts like your mama but I can still cuddle you. Sorry I haven't been around for you much lately Tal."
It took a few moments for Naruto to get the pillows just right. He took the heavy weight of Talon in his arms. Talon lay back against Naruto's arm so his golden eyes could meet troubled blue ones. He chirruped softly.
Images flowed into Naruto's mind of himself running through the forest crying and angry then of Iruka and Tsunade. Talon chirruped again and pecked lightly at Naruto's chin. "Ah Talon, I wished you didn't have to see that or know about my pain." If Talon had been an ordinary pet, Naruto wouldn't have bothered to explain anything but their bond had taught Talon about humans and relationships and feelings. His feathered son was owed an explanation.
Hinata woke to whispers. She heard Naruto telling Talon what was going on. "Talon you know us - me, Hinata, Takeshi and Sasuke as your family and we are. We love you and provide for you. But you also have a hawk family. I met your mother and luckily she likes me cause she's fierce!" Naruto grinned as Talon opened his mouth and let out several chirrups in a row, his version of laughter. "Yes, I thought she was going to pull out my hair that first time but she gave me her blessing to be your human father." Naruto stroked Talon's breast as he remembered the large female hawk. "You are lucky enough to have always had two families who love you. ...Tal for a long time I had no one. I loved no one and no one loved me." He bent his head and let Talon rub his against his chin. "But that changed with Hinata, my brothers and…parents and I was so damned happy." Naruto let out a quivering breath. "Talon I had parents. Like your real mother and father but nobody ever told me…" Naruto broke off as Talon squirmed away from him then landed on his lap. He stared up at Naruto sharing images he'd gotten from his human family but not totally understood until now. "Yes, you're super smart Tal. That's my featherhead." Naruto said proudly but with yet another tear sliding down his face. "Understand Tal that you can still go to Tsunade whenever you want. Hey!" Again he broke off as Talon paced down one leg and up the other. Naruto grinned, this was something new.
Hinata barely opened her eyes so that she could see what Talon was doing and also had to stifle a giggle. Talon was so cute! But obviously he was thinking about what to do.
Talon flared his wings a couple of times as he stalked up and down Naruto's legs. He could feel the pain inside Naruto and it was real yet he did still love Tsunade. It was a quandary the hawk couldn't really understand. Still family but not in that special way anymore. He chirruped up at Naruto.
"No I won't be mad at you for seeing her. Talon…my real mother Kushina held me just once. She never got to do anything with me. Tsunade chose to hide her existence from me. I denied my own mother because she was never there for me. I thought horrible things about her thinking she'd abandoned me." Naruto took some deep breaths. "It was always within Tsunade's power to change what I thought, to give me something to ease those painful thoughts that never truly went away. Iruka was there when I entered the academy, not close but there when I needed him. Ma and Pa they would have both been okay with me keeping both of them as parents but in this small way I can let them know that I'm sorry. That if anyone would have told me the truth, I would have loved them long ago. Ah damn…" Naruto cursed because he was crying again.
Talon again sent Naruto images of him riding Naruto's shoulder, of him attacking as if saying he would protect Naruto and of him flying away from Tsunade.
"You really don't have to do that Talon. Why don't you think about it?" He jerked back when Talon screeched at him. "Don't wake Hinata! Okay, okay you don't have to see her. Geez." Naruto muttered with a smirk. "Stubborn bird."
"I've been awake for a while. Good morning you two and he takes after his father." Hinata scooted closer until she could kiss one then the other and lay on Naruto's chest. "So he won't see Tsunade as family either. And that makes it unanimous." Hinata said softly for they had all agreed to do that last night as well.
At first they'd argued about it asking why he would give up having a mother after being without one for so very long. As they understood it, Kushina and Minato were happy that people loved him in that way. Minato was especially proud of Iruka and how he'd taken care of Naruto. He'd known the boy's parents and felt he was a fine example of their love for him. Sasuke had gotten in his face yelling about how through him they all got a mother. Each of them had lost a mother, grew up without the love of a mother so why give Tsunade up now? Naruto had blown up and actually punched Sasuke. Takeshi had to get between them and Hinata had to use Gentle Fist to stop Sasuke from retaliating.
Naruto just couldn't do it anymore. Having met Kushina, looked into her eyes and seen the pain as he spoke about the woman he'd called mama…he'd felt disloyal to the woman who had died for him and there was still the trust issue. He'd trusted Tsunade with his heart and she had thoroughly broken it. Naruto had said once again that just because he was not going to call her mama anymore didn't mean that they had to. "MAKE UP YOUR OWN DAMN MINDS!" Naruto had yelled then stormed out of the house.
They had spent the next couple of hours discussing what to do. Takeshi was the first to say he would stop thinking of her that way. He'd loved his own mother deeply, more so since she too had protected him with her life. He'd more or less taken on the habit of calling Tsunade mama simply because Naruto had. Once that statement was made, Sasuke too decided to stop thinking of her as mama too. He decided it would be too difficult to keep one or the other of them happy – Naruto or Tsunade. Besides he hadn't needed Tsunade in the same ways that Naruto had. Hinata had the hardest time with it because not only she but Hanabi too had begun to think of Tsunade as a mother figure. But in the end it was Naruto who mattered. She wouldn't call Tsunade mama anymore and it was hard to trust or believe in her anymore. Hinata still hoped though that one day she could be close with the Hokage again, at least as friends.
"Hmph, I think it's you guys who are stubborn." Naruto disagreed running his hand over Talon calming him and just enjoying the feel of his feathers. "She means something to all of you and you shouldn't give up on that, not because of me." He muttered.
Hinata rolled her eyes. "While you are the most important man in my life I still make my own decisions Naruto. This decision was made after some hard thinking and while it was nice to be able to call Tsunade mama it wasn't a true mother/daughter relationship. When I think back she still acted more like a Hokage with me than mother and she was quite jealous of my time with you." Hinata frowned for now she could truly see how selfish Tsunade had always acted when it came to Naruto. In some ways much of it could be forgiven but in light of what she'd withheld it now seemed almost sinister, her jealously. "At the time I thought you were wrong or acting too hastily but it was the right decision for you and me and apparently for everyone else too." She held out a finger to Talon and he nibbled on it affectionately. "How come I've never met Talon's mother?"
Naruto blinked at the change of subject and quickly realized this was shaky ground. "We'll go see her after breakfast if she's not on a mission. Maybe we can meet some of Talon's siblings too. I've always missed meeting them. Okay?" He glanced at Hinata out of the corner of his eyes and she was narrowly watching him. "I'm sorry! I only met her twice myself – I didn't think of it! Tal tell her!" He shot an injured look at the hawk as he again laughed.
"You are such an idiot sometimes my husband. I think you should cook my breakfast this morning to make it up to me." Hinata lay back on the pillow smugly.
Naruto just shook his head. "That's not very nice of you wife!" He said as he gently plopped Talon into her lap. "And if you have any trouble with Kaya don't ask me for help!" Naruto got out of bed and walked naked into the bathroom.
Hinata cuddled Talon between her breasts. "He really does have an awesome ass." She giggled then kissed Talon's head. "He's going to have bad moments for a while Talon. We have to be strong for him, okay? That's my boy." Hinata kissed him again after he chirruped his agreement.
~mg~
Sasuke knocked once before opening the front door. "Kitchen." He said to the men behind him. Sasuke led Takeshi, Gaara and Neji into the warm kitchen. "Morning."
"Sorry you're a little late if you wanted breakfast." Naruto said saluting them with tea. He was leaning against the wall, looking out the window. Hinata was just washing the last dish.
"You let Hinata wash up?" Takeshi asked as he took the dish from her and put it away.
"Thank you and its fine, Naruto cooked. There's more tea if you'd like some." Hinata offered as she turned with a smile to Gaara. Sasuke had already helped himself.
"No thank you. Naruto, how are you this morning?" Gaara asked moving closer to his friend.
Naruto shrugged. "Good, bad, excited, angry and scared. How's that?" He finished his tea and set about washing the cup. "What's up with you? How's the new guest house?" He had a smile on his face because he was proud of their work.
Gaara nodded and smiled back. "Very comfortable. Indeed you all do good work. As for me I have a meeting with the Hokage to discuss the Akatsuki. It is a problem we can no longer ignore especially with the information Itachi will be providing us." Gaara acted normal though he knew about Naruto's break from Tsunade. There simply was no way to avoid the lady since she was still Hokage.
Naruto nodded. "Good I hope you guys come up with a plan soon. What are you guys doing right now?" He asked his brothers.
Sasuke frowned. "I thought we were going to see Itachi this morning." He put away his cleaned cup.
"Yes but first Naruto is going to introduce me to Talon's mother at the aviary. Something he should have done long ago." Hinata arched an eyebrow at Naruto who just shrugged.
"I'll tag along." Takeshi said eagerly. "I've always wanted to go there but I never seemed to find the time. I could learn much from the birds that fly all over the nation." He was actually grinning and seemed full of energy.
"Bird-man." Sasuke said with a laugh. "I'll go to if we can tear him away!" He jerked a thumb at Takeshi.
"Would you like to go with us Gaara?" Hinata asked as they moved to the front door.
"No I'm meeting Temari before going to the Hokage's office. Have a good time and I hope Itachi is well." He bowed and preceded them out.
At the gate they parted ways. The aviary was in fact near the academy so the path there was familiar. As they bypassed the school they could see young students being trained in using kunai and shuriken. Each had a smile of remembrance of their own time on that field.
"You okay? Everybody's staring again." Sasuke asked as he moved in front of Naruto.
"Stop it. Come here." Naruto pulled his brother to his side and put Talon on his shoulder. "I have to deal with the stares sooner or later. We live here and there's no better way to find out what everyone thinks than mingling with the villagers." Naruto told him but he didn't sound happy about it.
"Naruto!" Iruka called as he ran to catch up with them. "What's up?"
"…Hey Iruka. We're just going to the aviary." Naruto reached out and took Iruka's hand then gave him a half hug. "Hinata wants to meet Kaya, well if she's not out on a mission." He breathed deeply of Iruka's scent. Naruto wanted to call him Dad but thought, stubbornly that it was too soon.
"Oh Kaya, Yes I met her when Kakashi found Talon." Iruka wrapped an arm around Naruto and held him tight. "Well I won't keep you. Maybe you can come and have lunch with me and my students. They'd love to talk to some real ninja. As their teacher I don't count!" Iruka laughed.
"Well then they've got to learn about Umino Iruka because he's a fine ninja. We have to go see Itachi after this but maybe we'll make it back in time." Hinata said with a smile going up on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. She looked at him with hope. She wanted him back. They were trying to let go of the hurt. It snuck up on them at odd times but still she wanted him back.
He felt humbled by them. "Hopefully I'll see you later then and maybe you could introduce me to Itachi soon." Iruka looked to Sasuke who nodded. "Takeshi." He shook the man's hand firmly. "Say hi for me Talon." Iruka laughed as Talon bobbed his head. "I love you kids." Iruka said quickly then jogged back to the academy.
"So how long are we going to stay mad at him?" Takeshi asked as they continued towards the aviary.
"Not long I don't think." Hinata said thoughtfully. "Iruka is…our dad and we need him." She linked her arm with Naruto's.
"Yeah we do. I thought I couldn't love him again…my heart was so…" Naruto didn't want to think of the disaster that had been his birthday.
"It's okay little brother. Our hearts broke just as yours did but it heals or maybe it's that we truly don't blame him or Lord Hiashi." Takeshi walked with one hand on Naruto's head. "Though we may be wrong in our decision we've laid the blame on the Hokage and there it will rest. As for everyone else we'll deal with them as they come." He could feel the fine tremors in Naruto's body as he tried to shake off the memories.
In moments they were inside the aviary and walked up two levels to where Kaya had made her nest. As it happened she was home. Her coloring was similar to her son's but she was much larger than the young hawk on Sasuke's shoulder. Talon screeched a hello then mother and son flew up and around each other in circles before landing on a ledge to greet the others.
Naruto moved forward and bowed to Kaya. "Hi Kaya, I brought the rest of our family." He held perfectly still as the large female hawk lifted her wings to hover before him. With extreme gentleness and nobility she pecked him on the nose and Naruto breathed easier. He held out his arm so that Kaya could land on it. "Everyone, this is Talon's mother Kaya."
The meeting of hawks and humans was very polite and respectful. Kaya acted very much the parent with them all but Takeshi. To him she treated him almost as an equal sensing his kinship with birds. She gave her blessing to Hinata that she would be a good human mother to Talon.
"Wow that was kind of scary." Hinata laughed and blinked as they walked back out into the weak sunshine. "It was as if she were looking through me. I'm glad I met Kaya but damn she's impressive like a queen." Hinata shook her head and looked up at Talon who was on Naruto's shoulder again. "Is your father just as regal?"
Talon stood taller preening at Hinata's praise of his mother and nodded to her. "You sort of know him already, it's Shouhei. The hawk Kakashi uses when he needs to." Naruto answered absently.
"Really and you didn't tell us?!" Takeshi popped Naruto lightly on the head.
"Quit it. Look you guys say it all the time, I'm an idiot. I just didn't think about it." Naruto's voice was irritated. "Listen I think I've got an idea. Something for Itachi. Thanks sweetheart, I think coming here was a great idea!" His face and eyes lit up as he shared his thoughts with them.
Sasuke's brows dipped as he thought it over. "I guess it could work and if it doesn't, I'll pick up the slack. Sure why not?" He was nodding.
Hinata had her head tilted to the side. "But what if that's all he cares about. We want him to be more social not a hermit." She too could see the possibilities but there could be downsides to Naruto's plan as well.
"We won't let that happen in fact this is a good idea. We'll keep them together and move them about. Itachi needs to train Sasuke and you guys are going to the toads soon. We'll send him along. The sages are powerful enough to make sure he behaves if the Hokage has an objection. Ayame and I can take him in too. She loves teaching me to cook maybe we can make a chef out of him. When do you want to do this?" Takeshi was smiling as Naruto's blue eyes danced in his face. It wasn't a sight he expected to see anytime soon.
"Let's go see Dad and show his students something about summoning!" Naruto didn't even notice that he'd said dad instead of Iruka. Finally something potentially good was happening and it was his idea.
"I gotta do it in front of everybody?! Na-ru-to!" Sasuke complained as he followed his laughing siblings up to the academy.
Iruka let his students go a little early that day. They had been suitably impressed by his sons and daughter as well as Talon then of course the summons. He now followed them up the steps of the hospital to finally meet Itachi.
"You guys aren't going to object are you? Itachi's the only one in this wing and Talon is one of us." Naruto preempted the guards questioning him about bringing the hawk inside.
There was some humor from the guard because his mask was that of a hawk. "No of course not but the other… he? She's cute. Okay go ahead." The man opened the door for them to pass into the prison wing.
"You can't have her." Sasuke reminded his sister with a grin. She was all but glued to his side peering at the small burden in his arms. "Naruto I think your wife is ready for babies!"
"She's not the only one!" Naruto said with a smile over his shoulder. "As soon as this is done – we're going start making babies. Whoa!" Naruto had to turn quickly as Hinata jumped into his arms.
"Promise?" Her lavender eyes were glowing with hope. Hinata laughed delightedly as Naruto nodded. "I can't wait! More playmates for you Talon." She grinned as he flew about them.
"Geez can't you guys let one of us have the spotlight for a change? What about my wedding?" Takeshi teased but he did want to get married fairly soon. "I'm tired of being a fiancé; I want to be Ayame's husband." Now he paused as he tried to decide on a time when they wouldn't be consumed with training or fighting to get married.
"We can do it today if you wish it, just say the word." Hinata turned and went to him. "My family can pull it together in a few hours and it will be beautiful, I promise you." She stood before him looking up at his handsome face.
Takeshi felt his heart melt. Almost since the moment they'd met she'd treated him as if he were an important part of her life. "If I didn't love Ayame, I think I'd try to steal Hinata from you little brother." He spared a glance for Naruto and chuckled at his frown. Gently he cupped her face and kissed her forehead. "Thank you but I want us all to be together. Right now Itachi's not allowed out of this place. And Naruto has yet to find Ayame's wedding dress." He grinned fully at Naruto.
"You have hawk eyes and nobody knows Ayame's taste's better than you! How come you can't pick her dress? How come she can't pick out her dress?" Naruto joined in on the silliness Takeshi had started but was walking backward towards Itachi's room.
They spoke loudly for once in a good mood while going to visit Itachi. Naruto was even able to pass his old room with no twinges of remembered pain.
Itachi was smiling as well as he listened to them approach. He'd begun to get anxious about them since he'd expected them much earlier. "What's this about dresses?" He asked as Naruto backed into the room and he couldn't help but grin just as Naruto was grinning.
Sasuke paused for it wasn't a face he knew. His brother had never grinned but as he stared, he thought he could get used to it. "Naruto likes women's dresses. Hey!" He complained when Naruto smacked his head.
"Ignore them. Hello Itachi." Hinata danced around Naruto and Sasuke surprised and pleased to see him up and sitting in a chair. "Feeling better?" She leaned down to kiss his cheek then took his hand.
Itachi squeezed it. "Yes I do. I wish I could leave this room but..." He shrugged. Itachi would make do since his sight and life were saved by the Hokage.
"We'll work on it." Naruto promised. "Itachi I'd like you to meet Iruka - my adoptive father." He pulled Iruka forward. "Actually everyone here treats him like a dad and I'm sure he won't mind including you too." He didn't look at Iruka as he spoke but Naruto squeezed his shoulder.
Iruka gasped but nodded quickly and held out a hand to Itachi. "I'm not that much older than you and Takeshi but somehow I've become a dad to him and the others. If you wish it, I'll definitely take on that position with you as well or a very good friend. Umino Iruka."
Itachi blinked in surprise. The last he'd talked with them, Sasuke and everyone had been quite angry and disappointed in Iruka. "Ummm..."
"Synch with me." Hinata requested since she still held one of his hands.
Itachi briefly took Iruka's hand then did as Hinata asked. It happened quickly this time since he knew what do and what to expect and just that suddenly he with them again. "My God," He blinked and looked at them with his Sharingan eyes. "I want this; I want this all the time. I'm not alone." He felt a tear escape his eye. "Sorry." He looked down embarrassed.
"Okay. We hoped you'd say that." Naruto said with a smile. "But first let us clue you in on what's going on. Sweetheart?" He sat down on the empty bed with Takeshi joining him.
There was a few minutes of silence while Hinata shared what they'd recently been through and why Iruka was again with them. Itachi was nodding as he looked from each young man then up at Iruka. "Good, I'm glad you were able to make some peace Naruto and yes, a friend would be most welcome." Itachi pushed himself to his feet and again offered his hand to Iruka.
Sasuke had mixed feelings as he watched. His last living blood relative was back in Konoha. No longer was he the last Uchiha. He wanted to hustle his brother home and keep him there safe and for his attention only. But Sasuke had a new family and one he felt closer to than Itachi since they had been apart for so very long. He didn't want to mix them and yet he did because having them both was dream he hadn't dared to dream. Sasuke chuckled to himself; he was just as fucked up as Naruto. They made the perfect pair of brothers.
"Sasuke? Is something wrong?" Itachi asked softly. He was aware that though he could feel the other's minds he couldn't necessarily access their thoughts. "What's so special about that bundle in your arms?" He'd retaken his seat but leaned forward.
"Nothing's wrong just watching my brother with my family. It's odd but I like it." Sasuke shrugged with a little grin then weeded his way through legs and bodies. "She's only a few days old and the ninja cats haven't named her yet so you get the honors." Sasuke took one more look at the towel wrapped cub then put her in Itachi's lap.
Itachi's mouth popped open. The towel was larger than the cub. She was blue and black. Her stripes were faint but she was a tiger. Her nose was pink and her eyes had yet to open. She squirmed in the blanket and let out a soft mew.
"Aww she's adorable!" Hinata went down on her knees to stare at the cub.
Talon squawked at Hinata. "Be cool Tal. Your mother has baby fever right now. Let her moon over the cub for now and later it will be your turn." Naruto reached up to soothe the hawk on his shoulder.
"Are you with child?!" Itachi blinked again then looked back down at the cub which he'd yet to touch and back to Hinata.
"No," She sighed. "Not until we defeat the Akatsuki. So you'll have to wait a while before you have a niece or nephew. What will you call her?" Hinata couldn't resist reaching out and stroking the soft head.
Itachi let out a laugh. "I'm confused. A cub, talk of babies, the ninja cats! You have not told me enough with this synch of ours."
"Let me." Iruka said smiling used to the ways of his children. "My Naruto thought that you needed someone to take care of. He thinks it will open your heart and give you an extra reason to live. He asked Sasuke to ask Koneko if the ninja cats would be willing to give you a kitten or cub. This one here was the runt of a litter and likely to be ignored so they decided that you should have her. You should also know that the little one there will grow to be a full grown tiger or rather larger than a full grown tiger with some tender care." Iruka laughed as Itachi's mouth again dropped open. "Yeah that surprised us too!"
"Umm Naruto I don't think this is a good idea. She's cute and all but I'm stuck in here and this isn't a place to raise a tiger cub." Itachi said earnestly and he still had yet to touch the cub but his eyes were falling on her more and more.
"I'm taking no excuses Itachi and you won't be here forever. Right now she just needs warmth, milk and love. You've already said you want family and until we get you home, you have her." Naruto nodded utterly satisfied with his reasoning.
"But Naruto…" Itachi began.
"Forget it Itachi, he's made up his mind and we all agree with him." Sasuke said also squatting by his chair. "If it turns out you and she don't get along then we'll come up with something but why don't you just try. As it is Hinata and me will gladly babysit her but for now she's all yours so give her a name." Sasuke looked into the red eyes of his brother.
Finally Itachi opened up the towel to get a better look at the cub. He scooped her up into his palm. "I've never…Nozomi. Her name is Nozomi." And he brought the cub up to his face and gently kissed her tiny nose. They all smiled as Itachi brought the tiger cub up to his neck and let her lay there just under his hair and pat her back.
"And done!" Naruto stated as he stood and pulled out a kunai. "We should do this quickly. I'm surprised the guards left us alone in the room with you." He spoke quieter now. The Anbu had left when they'd come into the room and stood guard outside the door.
"Now?" Hinata asked surprised. She knew they were going to do it but not just then.
"Now." Takeshi said also removing a kunai. "Low chakra levels, no higher than Itachi has his now." Keeping his voice low.
Sasuke knelt. "Give me your hand." He said quietly to his big brother as he too brought up his Sharingan.
"Is this a good idea, to do it now Naruto?" Iruka asked anxiously as he looked back at the door.
"I won't be dictated to in this Dad. The Hokage or the council could find multiple reasons to deny us. Itachi's family and mixing our blood will make it fact just as it did with Sasuke and Takeshi." Naruto stated plainly staring at Iruka even as his eyes changed from blue to red and his whiskers seemed to come alive.
They kept their chakra low and even but the tiger cub lifted its head as she felt the hum of it and gave a mini purr.
Sasuke cut Itachi's palm and then his own. They shook hands. "An even stronger bond my brother." He smiled then allowed Takeshi to take his place. Naruto was next. "And now the words." Until time is no more. Together as friends, as close as kin. We four are brothers and shall always be!
"And done." Hinata repeated Naruto's words with a smile. The family was now complete. Well at least until the children came.
~mg~
They stayed and had lunch with Itachi and Nozomi. With the synch and with words they told Itachi about their meeting with the Hokage. Itachi felt his heart break as Naruto's did on his birthday and with the news that Tsunade would no longer be his mother.
"Are you sure of this Naruto?" Itachi asked even though he felt the finality of it in Naruto's mind.
"I have but one mother and she's dead but not entirely gone." His smile was sad if it could be called a smile. For though his mother lived inside of him one of these day she and Minato would truly be gone and he once more an orphan. But then he looked at Iruka and some of his pain lessened. He was not, could not be Minato but he was so damned important to Naruto that it didn't matter. He had and would always have two fathers.
Iruka put an arm around Naruto. "Have you told Itachi what becoming blood brothers will mean? The changes in his body and chakra." He had some idea of what Naruto had been thinking and wanted to change the subject.
"Changes? Like what? Did you all change?" He frowned worriedly and checked on Nozomi who just burped in her sleep.
"Nothing bad. Actually I'm wondering if we'll get even more power." Takeshi grinned. "Remember when we first came in?" He asked and continued at Itachi's nod. "Naruto said I had hawk's eyes and I do. With the exchange of blood and chakra, we each appeared to get something we needed. My eyesight improved tenfold. I can be at home, look out the window and see who's coming in Konoha's gates."
"Seriously?" Iruka asked in surprise then blinked when he nodded smugly.
"I'm horrible at genjutsu, always was. I can't cast it but Jiraiya was able to teach me how to break it - well not yours but ordinary genjutsu." Naruto grinned at Itachi. "Well now I can sense when it's being cast and if it's not somebody like you guys I can break free of it almost before its finished appearing." Naruto was certainly happy about that because being stuck in a genjutsu sucked.
Itachi was amazed. He looked to Sasuke. "And you little brother? What did this blood sharing get you?" He was half afraid to learn what Sasuke's power was.
Sasuke smiled and jerked a thumb at Takeshi and Naruto. "These two have deep chakra reserves. No I don't have the chakra of a Jinchuriki but my chakra has increased. I can maintain my Sharingan without a significant loss of chakra. I haven't tested just how long my chakra lasts but it's a greater advantage than I had before. It took a couple weeks to show up so you have something to look forward. Or we think you do. Maybe it won't do a damned thing but maintain the link without using your Sharingan." Sasuke shrugged as he looked back at his brothers who also shrugged.
Iruka laughed. "They're fun huh? These guys are never boring. Hinata and Ayame are the best at controlling their craziness."
"Except when it's more fun to join in the craziness." Hinata added and laughed as Talon chirruped happily.
Itachi was bemused. He knew his life would change but never could he have predicted any of his. Suddenly he yawned. "Excuse me! I'm getting my energy back but I still tire easily. They let me walk the hallway earlier and with lunch…"
"And us, you're tired." Hinata finished for him. "That's okay. We're due at the estate for dinner and then we'll be back to tuck you and Nozomi in." She said for Iruka's benefit.
We meet with my parents tonight which is one reason we needed to be blood brothers to strengthen our bond. You'll be introduced to another unique feature of our synch – a mindscape. Naruto picked up the pack containing the bottles, towels and pads for Nozomi and put them close to the bed.
Mindscape? Is it…safe? He stroked the cub's tiny head trying to wrap his head around everything he'd learned in just a few hours.
It's freaking weird but yeah it's safe. Sasuke replied sarcastically.
I think I need that nap now. Itachi yawned again.
"I need to go pick up Ayame." Takeshi said standing and stretching. "We should take some time in the dojo tomorrow; I'm feeling a little stiff."
"Yeah or maybe we can talk Ko and Ryo into some sparring tonight. I love kicking their butts!" Naruto laughed as he stretched too. "See you later little Nozomi. Man she is cute! I can't wait to see what color her eyes are going to be." He bent down and lifted a tiny paw.
"Who knows but just think in two weeks or so, if Itachi feeds her well, she'll be twice as big as she is now." Sasuke commented then just barely grazed a tiny ear with his finger.
"Besides Talon, Nozomi is going to be the most loved animal in Konoha." Iruka remarked as they all stared down at the cub. "Won't this make Koneko jealous?"
"My big kitten? Slightly but she demanded to be summoned fairly often to check up on Itachi and Nozomi. She was pretty taken with the cub too remember?" Sasuke grinned. "She's going to make sure we raise Nozomi right!" It took several more minutes for everyone to say their goodbyes and leave Itachi to his new fatherhood.
There was a light snow falling as they exited the hospital. A gust of wind temporarily blinded them from seeing who awaited them in the street. Neji stood out front with Tenten on one side, Lee the other. Shino, Kiba and Akamaru were there. Sai, Choji and Shikamaru were also there. Sakura and Seiko rounded out the group.
"Brother?" Hinata asked coming to stand just slightly in front of her husband. "What's this about?" They'd had a nice family meeting and she didn't want to end it on a bad note.
"Nothing Sister." Neji shook his head. "They just want to greet the new Namikaze." He said with a smile.
"YES, THE NEW NAMIKAZE BUT ALSO OUR FRIEND NARUTO!" Lee said with a smile as he walked forward and held out his hand.
Naruto let out a breath then laughed. "Hi Lee." He kissed his wife's cheek then walked down to take his friend's hand.
"Naruto it is good to see you." Lee said softly looking him over. It was Naruto but he was changed once again too.
"You know, you kinda make me sick Naruto. Now you're the son of the Yondaime?!" Kiba glared at him then grinned. "Glad you came back. This place is boring if you're not around!" He gave Akamaru a push as the dog had been whining to go greet Naruto. He laughed as the now huge dog put his paws on Naruto's shoulders and began to bathe his face in doggy kisses.
Sakura moved up the stairs to Hinata. "How's he doing?"
Hinata shrugged. "He's who he's always been – hurt, discouraged, angry, brave, funny and utterly loveable." Hinata smiled at Tenten who joined them. "It helps knowing you still see him as Naruto despite this new development."
"And how are you Hinata?" Shino asked. "We haven't seen much of you lately. Your married life seems to be quite…lively."
Hinata burst out laughing then impulsively hugged Shino. "I'm well if running on emotional overload. I've missed you guys and yes married live is certainly different but I wouldn't give anything for it! I'm very happy with my husband." She whispered a hello to all the insects buzzing inside his coat.
"Yes, well good." Shino cleared his throat and ducked his head to hide his blushing cheeks.
"It's all so amazing though. Uchiha Itachi is back in the village and Naruto turns out to truly be the son of a Hokage, the Yondaime Namikaze Minato. Neji explained things to me but it's hard to wrap my head around it all." Tenten joined the conversation but her eyes were looking up at the stone carving of Minato's face.
"Sasuke." Seiko said coming to stand before him. "I've missed you. How are you really? How are Itachi and Naruto?" She looked over his face noticing his tired eyes and reached out to cup his cheek. "Sasuke?" He'd pulled back from her touch.
"We need to talk Seiko but not right now. We're due at Lord Hiashi's soon." Sasuke did capture her hand in his. He wanted what his brothers had but wondered if he and Seiko could get beyond the obstacles in their path. Sasuke wondered if maybe they should stop before they went much further.
Seiko's heart tightened within her chest. She shook her head. "We do need to talk but know this Sasuke – you are mine!" Seiko poked him in the chest, hard.
Takeshi laughed. "Give him hell Seiko!" He leaned down to kiss the girl on the forehead. "Being stubborn is one of his ninja skills and he's a pretty damn good ninja so good luck."
"I'll need it, thanks!" Seiko felt a little better knowing that at least one of Sasuke's brothers wanted them to be together.
"Don't you have to go pick up Ayame?" Sasuke muttered to his older brother.
"Not just yet I think. Come on." Takeshi said putting a hand on Sasuke's shoulder. They walked down the steps as Sai and his team faced Naruto.
"I'm happy that you now know everything but sad that it hurt you to find out. How are you Naruto?" Sai said with a sympathetic expression on his face.
"Hey Sai. I'm fine, doing better anyway but seeing you able to show emotion and know that it's genuine – I wish we could have killed Danzo a lot sooner. I guess there were no records about your own parents?" He clapped a heavy hand down on his shoulder.
Sai shrugged. "A true orphan but I'm coming to peace with it. Thanks to all of you I can at least have a chance to decide who I want to be." He took in a breath then let it out with a sigh and a smile.
Naruto shook his head as he wondered if Sai didn't have it better than he did but he wouldn't trade Iruka or his Ma and Pa for Sai's simple existence. "Well you've turned out to be a good friend so that's one thing you know."
Sai looked back at Shikamaru who stood silently behind him. "…Naruto won't you forgive him?"
"You're not being fair Naruto! Shikamaru is as loyal as they come. We're shinobi – we all took vows to obey the Hokage! You just can't lay all the blame on him!" Choji towered over Naruto as he voiced his opinion. He reached out and put his hands on Naruto's shoulders.
Before he could blink, Takeshi and Sasuke were there backing Choji up. "I wouldn't hurt him! I just want him to listen." He ended softly as he moved away from the fierce expressions of Naruto's brothers.
"Sasuke, TK." Iruka warned as he came down the steps and pulled the boys away from Choji. "You guys are friends. You can talk to each other calmly." He looked back at Naruto who was at last looking at Shikamaru but no expression showed on his face.
"I am a loyal shinobi of Konoha. I figured out the identity of your father shortly after I was told about the Nine-Tails. I told no one, not even my father." Shikamaru stared into Naruto's blue eyes. "I didn't know who knew but if someone did they were keeping it a secret too. Things changed after your wedding Naruto. People, ninjas were whispering and it was all about you. They recognized the Yondaime in you but still no one spoke a word to you Naruto." Shikamaru sighed and broke eye contact for a moment. He saw nothing in Naruto's face but at least now he was listening to him. "I'm sorry I didn't tell you but honestly it didn't seem like my place to tell you nor would I want to dishonor my sensei, my team or my clan by breaking a decade's long decree." He shrugged. "Maybe I could have given you clues, pointed you to the places I went so that you could discover the truth on your own. I really didn't know what to do and to ask others would have put them in the position to lie to me or jeopardize my relationship with you and everyone else." Shikamaru couldn't stand the nothingness that was Naruto's eyes and face. He stepped forward and went to one knee bowing his head as he did so.
"I beg your forgiveness Naruto. I am your friend and always will be. I will be as loyal to you as I can be without damaging my position as a shinobi of Konoha. Even before I learned of the Nine-Tails, there was something about you. You were special – sort of annoying but special." Kiba chuckled at that but stifled it quickly. "You were a kid but I knew you'd become somebody important, that you would do important things and I wanted to be there not only to see it happen but to help in any way I could. I still want that Naruto…if you will let me stand by your side."
Snow fell on Shikamaru's bowed head wetting his hair and neck. It was silent in the street not only because it was snowing and growing dark because what little traffic there was in the street also stopped to watch. Each person including those who could join thoughts with Naruto waited to see just what the new Namikaze would do.
Naruto stuffed his hands in his pockets. "It's getting cold out here; we should be heading over Lord Hiashi's soon." He informed his family. "But I guess I should do something about you first Shikamaru." His body ached just to have this conversation.
"I won't let you hurt him Naruto." Temari said as she approached the hospital. She didn't carry her fan but that didn't mean she was weaponless. Her steps put her just in front of the still kneeling Shikamaru.
"Temari. Move." Shikamaru just barely lifted his head so she would not mistake his words. "Do not interfere!" He finally had Naruto's attention. He would at last find out if they could still be friends or that he would only be of use to Naruto from afar and he could not let the woman he loved prevent that.
Temari jerked to hear the harshness of Shikamaru's tone. If she interfered though he might end up hurt, Shikamaru would not forgive her. Bowing her own head Temari moved away to stand near Sai.
Naruto lifted an eyebrow surprised that Temari had obeyed Shikamaru so readily. It meant they had become even closer and it proved something to Naruto. He sighed. "Well damn." Naruto moved until he was standing over Shikamaru. "I'd really rather beat you to a pulp than look at you. You're right up there with the Hokage and Pervy Sage at keeping secrets! Iruka – Dad and Lord Hiashi were also bound by that decree and the Hokage's wishes. I- we have decided to forgive them because they only knew part of the secrets being kept from me. I guess the same could be said for you and I would not have you dishonor your clan, your father for any reason." He looked up at the gray sky then turned to look at the image of his own father in the mountain. Naruto was still amazed at the love and pride that Minato looked at him with. It was there in Iruka's eyes too; no he'd try with his whole being not to dishonor them or their sacrifices for him.
Shikamaru dared to look up at Naruto hope in his heart. "And what does that mean Naruto? For you and me?"
"I don't know. You have always been an excellent shinobi. The Hokage has an asset in you. Even without asking to or being told to you kept this village's secrets. Hell you've kept a secret for me." Naruto suddenly remembered that boat that Shikamaru and some of the Jonin had put aside for him and his family. "What to do about you? I can't hold your vow to the Hokage over your head, not when I'm forgiving Dad and Lord Hiashi but I've got a dull ache in my chest. My friend held within his great brain a secret, the secret which could have given me so many answers about my life. Yes those answers have hurt me but to actually have them to know who I am and who my clan is!" Naruto broke off as he stared down at Shikamaru with yet more tears in his eyes. "As I said I don't know. I can't hate you but seriously right now, I don't like you Shikamaru. I'll work with you to defeat the Akatsuki and any other threat that comes our way. You are too good of a shinobi for me to not acknowledge you and use your great wisdom. You and I are acquaintances who work together for the common good of the village and our friends. I'll be sure to speak when we see each other in the street." Naruto did his best to keep the contempt that was bubbling up his throat from coming out. "How's that Dad? I'm being nice, no threats or accusations – I'm improving on how I treated you don't you think? I'm more -? What's the word I'm looking for?" He looked back at his family curiously.
"Civilized. Yeah you've done a whole lot better; I'd still have kicked his ass." Sasuke told him. "Oh and don't expect me to speak, just stay the hell away from me! Can we go now?" He grumbled moving off to one side.
"Yes we should go. Takeshi go get Ayame and we'll meet you at the corner." Iruka said somewhat defeated. Though hour by hour, Naruto was coming back to him he knew some part of his son would forever be hurt by this latest and greatest betrayal.
Shikamaru dropped his head. He'd failed. He was an excellent shinobi but he'd failed his friend. "As you wish Naruto." He pounded the snow-wet ground with his fist and stood. "But know this – I still believe in you. That you will stop this Akatsuki plot and change the direction of this village and I'm going to help you do it! By word or deed or even my death I'll prove to you that I am your friend even if you can't be mine!" Shikamaru did something he rarely did and raised his voice so that everyone around could hear him. "Have a good evening Namikaze." He bowed deeply to Naruto then held shook hands with Choji and Sai before joining Temari and entering the hospital.
Hinata came and wrapped her arm about her husband's waist. "You shouldn't bottle up your pain baby. It'll hurt even more if you don't acknowledge it." She stood on tiptoe to kiss his cold jaw. Her words stopped the other Chunin from walking away angry.
"Seriously, I agree but then you destroyed a mountain the last time you left off some steam." Sasuke said with a shrug and chuckle.
Neji smiled sadly. "You will come to forgive him in time Brother. We all know Shikamaru is not at fault it's just – he's too close to it all. As for releasing your anger, you can unleash it on our enemy and before that during your sage training."
The other Chunin fell in step with Naruto and family as they moved to meet with Takeshi and Ayame. Each was thoughtful as the group walked. Neji had told them a few things but to see the pain in Naruto was a telling thing.
~mg~
They were escorted through the snow to the gates of the Hyuga estate. Naruto made a point of shaking the hand of each of his friends. He held no anger or hate towards them and wanted to be sure that they knew it. Naruto waited for everyone to enter the estate then followed. Night had fallen but there were lanterns just about everywhere brightening the courtyard and everyone stopped curiously.
"Sweetheart was something special going on tonight? Neji?" Naruto looked from one to the other.
"Uncle didn't mention anything." Neji shrugged. "Let's go up to the house." He suggested while looking curiously at the decorative lights.
"It's kind of magical isn't it?" Yugao asked softly as the snow fell about them and glowed in the lantern light. She hugged Iruka's arm and hoped this sight would cheer him. He and the children seemed either depressed or stressed when she'd met up with them in town.
Iruka breathed in the chilly air and found a smile. "Yeah it is." He was finally starting to release the tension from that meeting in the street.
Just as Neji was about to lead the way the front door opened and Lord Hiashi followed by Hanabi walked out. Other doors could be heard opening and footsteps crunched on the slowly building snow. Hinata blinked as the courtyard filled up with her family from the very old to the newest baby.
"Father, what's going on? …Has something happened?" Instant fear swamped her as her eyes scanned for favorite cousins or missing faces.
Hanabi picked up a toddler and walked to stand before Hinata and Naruto. "Welcome home Sister, Namikaze Uzumaki Naruto." She smiled up at him.
"Some of your cousins began to suspect your heritage after the wedding Naruto but they too kept silent not knowing what best to do. The secret was kept but not out of malice but out of genuine caring for you. What you see now was everyone's decision Naruto. It's been said before but I'll say it again. You saved this clan Naruto from dying a quiet death of disinterest and gave us joy and laughter and the need to be better people and a closer family." Hiashi said warmly as he left the porch to join everyone in the snow. "Iruka, Yugao, Sasuke, Takeshi and Ayame know that we include you in this welcome as well. Welcome home everyone!" He gave them a wide smile and a deep bow.
Naruto laughed, it was way better than crying. So many highs and lows in the same day were exhausting but this – it was so damn good to come home. "May I take her Chibi?" He held out his arms for the little girl who was sucking her thumb.
Hanabi grinned. "I knew you couldn't resist her!" She giggled as Naruto's mouth dropped open. "You're a sucker for a baby Big Brother." She gave the child over then stepped into Iruka's arms as he congratulated her on reading Naruto so well.
"Okay – little ones attack!" Ko yelled out and children all swarmed Naruto.
Yugao lost in the happiness around them bent and picked up a handful of snow. "Happy?" She asked of Iruka once Sasuke stole Hanabi from him.
"…Yeah for right now, yeah. Things went great with my students and Itachi then Shikamaru," Iruka shook his head. "But now this, this is a perfect ending to the day." He held out his hand for her wanting to hold her.
Yugao hid her hands behind her back. "This is perfect but we haven't done this yet!" She got him dead in the face and threw back her long hair laughing.
Iruka brushed snow from his eyelashes. "I'm going pour snow down your shirt!" He roared playfully, scooped up snow and began to chase her around the other people. Some of the children left Naruto to join the fight or start their own.
"SHADOW CLONE JUTSU!" Takeshi yelled adding about twenty clones to the already crowded courtyard. "Who wants a snow bath?" He asked with a wiggle of his eyebrows before chasing down children, anyone nearby plus his brothers and sisters.
"BYAKUGAN!" Rang out from many different mouths as the Hyugas gladly met Takeshi's challenge.
"SHADOW CLONE JUTSU! TRANSFORMATION!" Naruto was laughing as his clones appeared but they instantly turned into various Hyuga clan members taking on their personalities and went on the attack.
Hiashi was standing back out of the way laughing until Hinata, Hanabi and Neji each landed a hit. They roared with laughter as he stood stupefied for all of one minute then ran like little children when he began to chase them and pound their backsides with accurate snowballs.
Naruto split his time with the little ones building snowmen and watching his family play. It felt good and he wondered, as he would always and forever wonder if he and his parents would have done things like this. Sadness for those missed opportunities would always haunt him but not consume him especially when he had all these people around – his second family.
A scream echoed out followed manic laughter. "Cold?!" Iruka asked a shivering Yugao as she opened her shirt trying desperately to get the melting snow out of it. "Don't flash everybody!" He couldn't stop laughing at his victory. Yeah he'd had a little help from Naruto and Takeshi's clones but he'd been the one to tackle his woman and force the snow inside her clothes.
Yugao jumped and shook trying and failing to get all the snow out of her clothes. Her breasts were freezing, nipples pebbled but luckily her hair and cloak would hide that fact. She nodded. "You got me, jerk!" Yugao grinned to see him laughing so smugly and she couldn't help herself. She wanted this man. "Marry me."
The yard went quiet. Clones disappeared. People moved closer to hear better. "Wh-what did you say?" Iruka's smile changed to shock while Yugao bore down on him.
She put her hands on his shoulders then one to his face. "Marry me Iruka. Let me put smiles like that earlier one on your face. Let's make a home where Naruto and the boys can come over and drive us insane. Let's have babies and make Naruto babysit them and spoil them horribly. Make me your wife, become my husband." Yugao leaned forward kissed one eye, his nose, the corner of his mouth. "Please? I swear I'll make you happy." She stared into his brown eyes.
Iruka let out long breath and noticed Naruto practically next to him holding two young children, Hinata with a baby, Ayame and Takeshi holding hands and Sasuke with Talon on his head. "Well guys what do you think?" His eyes were wide, cheeks rosy.
"DO IT! SAY YES!" All of them yelled making him jump.
"Oh okay." He laughed and took Yugao's waist. "I was going to ask just so you know. I've been looking at rings too but I was going to ask my boys for some help. Ouch!" Iruka jerked when she pulled on his ear. "Okay, okay – Yes!" He stumbled and fell back into the snow as Yugao jumped him and kissed him senseless.
"Okay parents please take your little ones inside before Iruka and Yugao do something they shouldn't see just yet!" Lord Hiashi advised while he laughed at the couple making out in the snow to the accompaniment of whistles and cheers.
They were glad for the warm clothes and cloaks loaned to them by their family. The dinner at the Hyuga estate had turned into a duel celebration. The new Namikaze was officially welcomed but it was Iruka who stole the show. He was praised for finding such a strong, assertive woman then teased that he hadn't been man enough to ask her first. They all laughed a lot. Now they stomped their feet and shook the snow off their cloaks before entering the hospital for the second time.
Easily they moved through the quiet halls, walked by the guards and entered Itachi's room to find that some comfortable chairs had been brought in for their use. Itachi sat in his recliner and there were two mini-couches.
"Good evening." Itachi smiled at them. "Congratulations as well." It had been fun watching them through the synch and from several different perspectives. And he'd been jealous. He wanted to join them to have fun in such a carefree way too.
"Thanks, Iruka's on cloud nine and we'll get you out Itachi, somehow." Takeshi told him letting the other man know they'd felt his yearning to be with them. He sat and stretched out his long legs. "You want to sleep or watch TV?" He asked Ayame as she sat within the curve of his arm pulling her legs up behind her.
Ayame giggled. "Both probably." She yawned. "After the snowball fight and all that good food I'm a little tired." She took the remote turned the TV on low and settled in close.
"I can walk you home, you know a clone." Takeshi stroked her faced then kissed her lightly.
"No I want to be here even if I can't join you in the mindscape. I want Naruto's parents to know and feel the love I have for him. So tell them hi for me okay Naruto?" She turned from her fiancé to Naruto who sat opposite of them.
"I will but they know that already Ayame. Ma says thank you." Naruto smiled and dipped his head at her.
"Oh okay." Ayame found herself blushing. She waved a hand at them all. "Go on, do your thing."
Sasuke made sure the door was closed then touched Takeshi's shoulder then sat on the couch with Hinata and Naruto. Hinata touched his arm as he leaned over and took his brother's hand.
"Hmm…yes it's stronger now, the connection." Itachi said softly. "So what's next?"
Naruto cleared his throat. "Usually we meet in my old apartment. Last time was on Crescent Moon with you so you have done this before. Let me form the mindscape and I'll bring each of you into it slowly. Come here Tal, you're going too." The hawk was on the bed with the tiny Nozomi who was sleeping peacefully.
Talon got comfortable on Hinata's lap then they all closed their eyes. Naruto was a little worried about everyone's reactions, well Sasuke's mostly because this particular mindscape had been his and his alone.
He appeared in the park like area in front of the fox's cage. Naruto looked around and suddenly a picnic table appeared but he didn't like that so he changed it to blanket with lots of pillows for them to rest against. Then he looked to the cage with its partially opened doors and the seal still upon it. Though he trusted these people with everything, still some things he just didn't want to explain so he covered the seal with flowering vines. Hoped his brothers with their excellent eyesight and kekkei genkai wouldn't pry.
"Hinata, Talon." Naruto spoke their names and they appeared in his mindscape.
"Oh Naruto, where is this place?" Hinata turned in a circle noting that at the very edge of the green grass led off into nothing. Where she stood there was grass, plants, trees and a large blanket but there was also a…cage?
"Hold on sweetheart, Talon stay in this area do not fly near those doors or into the white space. Talon! Do you hear me?" Naruto spoke sternly as his curious boy flew close to the cage. "I will send you back." His heart settled in his chest as Talon quickly flew away from Kyuubi's habitat.
Hinata's eyes were wide but she kept her peace and accepted Talon's weight on her shoulder. "Stay with me Talon." She said quietly.
"Takeshi." Naruto spoke his brother's name. He watched as Takeshi appeared and took in the new scenery. "I wondered." His brother said then nodded to Naruto. Relieved at Takeshi's acceptance, Naruto he took a deep breath. "Sasuke and Itachi."
Sasuke appeared with Itachi then frowned not recognizing the space. "This is new. You okay?" He looked up at Itachi to see how he was taking all this in.
"…Yeah. A mindscape huh? But this place is – unfinished. Where are we Naruto?" Itachi was surprised to feel normal as he walked towards Takeshi and Hinata. Any aches or weaknesses were gone.
"I'm going to say this to you Sasuke because well, you've freaked out about it in the past. I think TK and Hinata have figured it out already. Know this – I'll kick you out. Ma and Pa are connected to him and if you upset him, you could affect them too." Naruto looked pained because he didn't want to threaten Sasuke but he also wanted this meeting to go well. It meant the world to him for all his family to finally meet.
Sasuke looked confused for a moment then gasped. "We're in here with the Nine-Tailed Fox?!"