Hinata frowned as she approached the hospital. Naruto hadn't shown up last night, and she wasn't sure why. In the month they had been training together, he had only missed their sessions a few times, and even then, the blonde haired jonin had always sent a shadow clone to let her know what was happening.

But he hadn't the night before. She had arrived at their usual time, a few hours before dark, expecting him to show up shortly after her. Hinata was always there first, it was just her habit. Punctuality was something that had been ingrained into her by her family. When he had not shown up on time, she didn't think much of it. No matter how much Naruto liked to protest, Kakashi had worn off on him a bit. He wasn't late much, but every few days he was five or ten minutes late. But when he hadn't show up by the time it was dark, Hinata knew something was going on. So she went home, part of her worried that she had done something wrong. But another part, one that had been growing larger as she spent more time with Naruto, was a little pissed.

Something had happened to her that night. She had always held herself in tightly. Hinata wasn't usually the type to make waves, but after the attack on Konoha, she wasn't happy with that anymore. So she had spoken up, had began making changes. She stood before her father, and walked away with her head held high. She sparred with Neji, and walked away the winner on occasion. When she had realized that Naruto was avoiding her she had reverted a bit, but their encounter at the training ground had taken care of that.

So when she had left the compound that morning, she nearly spiked what she assumed was Naruto in the face with a blast of chakra. Of course for Hinata, "nearly" meant the thought passed through her mind and then her fingers twitched a couple of times. Instead of following through with that thought, she had given him the benefit of the doubt. After what had happened between them that night, she doubted he would avoid her over anything ever again.

"You missed our sparring match last night Naruto."

Naruto had flinched, a guilty look across his face, though he looked worried about something, and maybe embarrassed. He had rubbed the back of his neck, smiling at her as he did so.

"Yeah, I'm sorry about that Hinata. Granny Tsunade kept me busy last night, and you know how she can be. That's actually what I was coming to talk to you about. Can you meet me at the hospital in an hour? You might want to cancel any plans you had today."

"Why? What's going on Naruto? Is someone hurt?"

She had immediately begun worrying. The only reason she would be needed at the hospital was if someone in her family, or one of her friends was hurt. With Hanabi off on a mission with her team, and Shino and Kiba due back any day, she had to admit she was a bit worried.

"No, nothing like that, it's more like there's someone you need to meet. I can't really say much more. Granny Tsunade and I will fill you in when you get there. "

Hinata gave Naruto a small smile, though her eyes were watching him questioningly. Knowing there was a reason he wasn't telling her more, she agreed.

"OK. I'll meet you there. I'll have to let my father and Neji know what is going on."

Naruto had frozen a bit at the mention of Hiashi. But he quickly recovered, giving her a smile and then, with a quick goodbye, disappeared in a cloud of smoke, revealing himself as a shadow clone. Hinata shook her head as she realized what it was. His habit of using clones as messengers tended to get on the nerves of some of the village's inhabitants, but Hinata was used to it. He was so skilled at using the technique that you often didn't know you weren't talking to the real thing until it dispelled itself, so there was no point in getting angry about it.

Hinata walked onward, replaying the conversation in her mind. He had been obviously embarrassed when he mentioned introducing her to someone, his face turning a bright red. What he had to be embarrassed about, she had no idea, and why he had frozen at the mention of her father was worrisome. That pointed toward something that involved her family, not just her personally. But there was only one way to find out what was going on, and standing around thinking about it wasn't it. So she made her way toward the hospital, her curiosity peaked. Who could she possibly need to meet at the hospital?

"There were some signs of bandit activity on the roads just beyond the border into Tea Country. But that is as far as my range allowed us to detect them. They did not enter our borders."

Tsunade was distractedly listening to the report Shino Aburame and Kiba Inuzaka were giving. She was tired, her eyes bloodshot. After starting tests on a few blood samples she had taken from the girl and giving Inoichi Yamanaka his instructions, she had retired for the night. Unfortunately, visions of a future where Konoha had fallen had kept her awake, parading through her head like a demented circus troupe. Pushing such nightmarish thoughts aside, she returned her attention to the two shinobi before her.

"Very well Shino. Do you have anything to add Kiba?"

The feral looking shinobi thought for a bit, Akamaru giving a few small impatient yips, obviously ready to get home.

"Nothing major. They were making a point of staying outside of our border. The load of them was just too chicken to try their hands against us."

Kiba had a smug look on his face, though a bit of disappointment was mixed in with it. He had been hoping for a fight. Tsunade sighed at his statement. If something wasn't done soon, the theft of so many shipments was going to start affecting Konoha's economy. Looking up, she noticed the form of Inoichi Yamanaka standing in the back of the room, his black cloak marking him as a member of Konoha's interrogation unit. Finally. She quickly filled out a pair of pay vouchers, handing them to the two shinobi.

"Well done. Someone will contact you when another mission is available. If there is nothing else to add, you may go.

The two thanked her and took their leave, happy to be on their way home. They had been working near the border to Tea Country for quite a while, and both were looking forward to a shower and a night in their beds. As soon as the two left, Tsunade motioned the Yamanaka to close the door, seals built into the room activating to make sure their conversation would remain private.

"So Inoichi, What do you think? Are they a plant?"

The interrogator shook his head, obviously disturbed by what he had seen.

"No Lady Hokage. The memories the girl has are all genuine. Based on what I was able to determine, I would agree with your theory that it was a malfunction in the Time/Space transport seals that deposited Ayame Uzumaki in your office. Most likely as a result of the attack she sustained."

Tsunade took on a grim expression as he spoke, her fears confirmed.

"My tests were conclusive as well. She is definitely the daughter of Hinata Hyuuga and Naruto Uzumaki. Inoichi, I am hereby classifying this as an S class secret. We cannot allow news of this to spread. We have a chance to head off disaster before its too late, and only those directly connected to her presence can know. What are your suggestions?"

"You won't be able to keep her secret from the Hyuuga clan. The moment she uses her Byakugan in view of any of them, they will know something is not right."

"I know. We must at least make the clan head aware of what is happening. But I am not sure what will happen. I'm introducing her to Hinata today, and Naruto already seems to feel protective toward the girl. If Ayame has the backing of a member of the main family, they should be able to figure out a plan of action. Plus, Naruto is bound to issue some death threats should the family seal be even mentioned. Not even the Hyuuga are foolish enough to challenge him."

Inoichi listened carefully, his face unreadable. Tsunade was correct. Naruto was a force to be reckoned with when anything he chose to protect was threatened.

"The girl views herself as an Uzumaki first. Any attempt to induct her into either side of the Hyuuga clan will not be appreciated."

Tsunade laughed, agreeing with him.

"Yes, she certainly acts a lot like Naruto in that regard, but there may not be any choice. I need to get to the hospital. Thank you for your report. You are dismissed."

Inoichi nodded, the ghost of a smile appearing on his normally serious face. Turning to leave, he stopped and glanced back at the Hokage.

"She is an interesting child. Her memories point toward a dark future, yet she still has hope. We must protect that."

Naruto stood outside the hospital, fidgeting as he awaited the arrival of his friend. He was still trying to wrap his mind around what had occurred. He had a daughter. The thought still made him blush, especially after who her mother was had been confirmed. Naruto wasn't sure what that meant. Oh, he knew exactly what Hinata being the girl's mother meant from a biological standpoint. He had spent far too much time with Jiraiya to not know that. But he didn't know what his own feelings on the matter were. Hinata was one of his closest friends. They had spent so much time together lately. Could he get involved romantically with her? She was a great shinobi. She refused to give up, always striving to do her best. Naruto admired her determination, and he did admit she was beautiful. Her long, deep blue hair. Her pale eyes, the lavender tinged orbs seeming to see through everything. Not to mention-

"Um, Hi Naruto. What are you thinking about?"

Naruto jumped, blushing as he saw who had addressed him.

"Oh uh hey Hinata! I wasn't thinking about anything. Just, um, ramen! Yeah I was thinking about what I wanted to have for lunch, that's all."

Naruto watched her nervously. If this was Sakura, and she even had an inkling what he was thinking about, he would probably be in a bloody pile on the floor. Hinata just smiled shyly, watching him as he fidgeted under her gaze.

"So who are we meeting?"

Naruto, relieved that he had escaped unscathed for the moment, smiled at his friend.

"Granny Tsunade will be here in a few minutes. She can probably explain better than me."

"I would think so twerp. You would probably get confused and mess it all up."

Tsunade dropped down beside the two teens, a smirk on her face as Naruto glared at her.

"Hey, that was only once and Kakashi got over it. Besides, making me give mission briefings has been helping."

Tsunade rolled her eyes before moving toward the door, sarcasm practically dripping off of her words.

"Keep telling yourself that kid, I'm sure Kakashi agrees with you. He still looks squeamish every time he sees bacon. Let's go inside, this is going to take a while.

Walking into the hospital, Tsunade led the two into the high security wing. The group stopped outside one door, the Hokage motioning the chuunin guards to leave. As soon as they were alone, Tsunade turned toward Hinata, who was looking around warily. The only reason someone was put in the high security wing was they were either a prisoner, or in danger.

"Hinata, what we are about to tell you is an S-Class secret. This information cannot be shared outside of those who know already. The survival of the village may depend on it. Do you understand?"

Hinata watched the expression on both Naruto and Tsunade's faces. Naruto looked more embarrassed than concerned, while Tsunade was deadly serious. The Hyuuga met the Hokage's eyes, speaking softly.

"I understand Lady Hokage. Please continue."

Tsunade nodded, watching the young woman for any reaction. Looking over at Naruto, who was standing beside Hinata, encouraging her, she continued on.

"Yesterday, while Naruto and I were discussing his lessons, we were both caught off guard when someone appeared in my office."

Hinata was a bit shocked. The Hokage's tower was guarded at all times. Anbu operatives surrounded the building, guarding the village's leader with their lives. For someone to get past them, they would have to be extremely skilled ninja. Tsunade, seeing her expression, reassured the girl.

"There was no threat. It was a young girl, approximately twelve years old. While she does appear to have some shinobi training, it is incomplete. She was wounded and bleeding heavily when she appeared. We brought her here as soon as she was stable enough to be moved."

Hinata relaxed a bit when she learned it was a child. This however brought up another question in the quiet girl's mind. Glancing toward Naruto, who still looked rather embarrassed, she voiced it.

"That's why Naruto missed our training last night. But other than that, what does this have to do with me? I don't have training as a medic -nin, so what connection to this girl could I have?"

"We will let her explain that. Her name is Ayame. Are you ready to meet her?"

Hinata nodded slowly. The only Ayame she knew was the waitress at Ichiraku, and she had just seen her last night when she had been looking for Naruto, so this couldn't be her. Pushing her curiosity aside, she followed the two into the hospital room. Standing near the window was a young girl, her shoulder length blonde hair hiding her face as she looked out across the village. Naruto moved forward and spoke, talking to the girl, a smile spread across his face. He had already spent the morning talking with her, and she seemed to have gotten used to seeing him, for the most part at least.

"Ayame, we brought someone to see you. We need to figure out how to handle having you appear in the village, and she should be able to help."

Ayame turned away from the window, her eyes hidden from Hinata while she looked at Naruto. She gave the young man a grateful look, shaking her head as she moved across and hugged him, burying her face in his jacket.

"Ok Dad. This is just so weird. I still don't understand how this happened, but if anyone can help…"

Naruto stood there, his face red as he awkwardly patted the girl on the back. Man this is weird. Naruto stood there for a few seconds until Tsunade interrupted, addressing the girl currently crushing the young man.

"Ayame, if you would let go of Naruto, we need to introduce you to your visitor."

Ayame looked toward the older blonde haired woman, nodding as she spoke, he eyes moving across to the blue haired teen standing next to her.

"Ok Granny. Who is-MOM!"

Hinata had frozen when she heard what the girl called Naruto, and she began blushing furiously. Dad? Naruto was only eighteen. This girl was twelve. It was impossible. But age aside, she did resemble Naruto. Her straight, shoulder length hair was exactly the same shade of blonde that Naruto's was. Still, how could she possibly be his daughter? She had stood there, her mind racing as she tried to think of some reason she would call him that as Tsunade spoke. All thoughts dropped out of her head as Ayame turned toward her. Byakugan met Byakugan, and the girl's cry slammed into her with almost as much force as the girl herself as Ayame crushed her much younger mother in a hug, tears welling up in her eyes.

"I never thought I would see you again. After what happened outside the tower, I thought you were gone forever. But you're okay."

Tsunade gently pried the preteen off of Hinata, speaking as she did so.

"You really need to stop calling them that Ayame. If someone were to hear you, it would bring up some difficult questions."

Ayame wiped her eyes, smiling up at Hinata and Tsunade.

"Ok, Granny. I'm sorry. This is just so strange. I thought I had lost everyone, and then this happened. You're all alive. It's still a bit much to handle."

Hinata stood there, having trouble breathing, partially from the force of the hug, but also from what had been said. She tried to speak several times, but all that would come out was a muted squeak. Mom? But that means… Naruto had moved beside her, watching his friend begin to hyperventilate, her face turning a deeper red every second. His embarrassment was momentarily forgotten as he gave the girl a concerned look,

"Um, Hinata, you need take a deep breath. If you keep going like this, you're going to-"

"Mom?"

Hinata barely managed to squeak out the question before her eyes rolled up into the back of her head, and she collapsed. Naruto, standing right next to her, caught the young woman before she could hit the floor. Picking her up, he laid her on the hospital bed before turning to the other two occupants of the room. Rubbing the back of his head, his face still crimson, he addressed the woman standing beside Ayame, who was watching the proceedings with a bemused expression on her face.

"-pass out. Um, is she going to be okay?"

Tsunade spoke, her words causing the blush on the young man's face to deepen, a grin on her face as she watched Naruto take care of her.

"She'll be fine. It's not every day you find out you have a kid with the man of your dreams."

OoOo

"Ok Granny Tsunade, so what are we going to do? I won't let them put that damn seal on her. If they even try, so help me they will regret it."

Naruto faced Tsunade as he spoke, his rage evident in his eyes, fists clenched at his side. The Hyuuga's seal was an abomination in his eyes, and this girl, his daughter, might be marked with it. His daughter. Those two words were something he had never expected to think, but it filled him with determination as he did. He had a family. True, she was from the future, but he didn't care about that. She was his blood. Naruto had always been protective of those he cared about, but when he thought of Ayame being threatened, only catching sight of Hinata had stopped him from leaving and killing the Hyuuga elders himself. As much as he hated them for their actions, they were still her family. He couldn't bring himself to take away from her what he never had. Naruto took a deep breath and calmed himself, using some of the meditation techniques he utilized in his senjutsu. He would have to think of something else.

Hinata, who had been filled in on what exactly had happened once she awoke, shook her head, speaking quietly as she addressed the boy standing at the foot of the bed she was sitting on, her face still bright red.

"Father may understand, but the elders will not like this. He has been working toward reuniting our family, but the elders resist as much as they can, and they will push to have her marked. A non-Hyuuga with the Byakugan will be considered an affront to the clan."

"But she's a Hyuuga by blood, surely they won't-"

The girl in question cut Tsunade off, obviously annoyed.

Hey, I'm an Uzumaki, not one of those icicles! Just because I have my mom's eyes doesn't make me like them. Except for Mom and Uncle Neji, they were all a bunch of jerks any way."

Hinata listened to Ayame and Tsunade argue, and couldn't help but smile as she listened to the young girl. She wasn't nearly as loud as Naruto, but just as likely to speak her mind. She had the same fire as him. Speaking up, the Hyuuga interrupted the argument, the sadness evident in her eyes as they spoke of her family.

"We may not have any choice. The only way that she won't be sealed is if my father allows it. He is the one I have to convince. If I can do that, the rest of the clan will not question him."

Naruto scowled at the woman sitting on the bed. There were a lot of "I's" being thrown around. She was his family too damn it! That thought broke something loose, and he suddenly remembered talking with Tsunade about the village's laws regarding clans.

"What if I formally adopt her as an Uzumaki? They can't touch a member of a different clan, and even though it would be a clan of two, I doubt they would risk it. The political blow back would be enormous. They would risk angering every shinobi clan in the village."

Tsunade looked thoughtful as she considered this option, before shaking her head.

"That would require the clan being formally recognized by at least three others. With the secrecy around Ayame, that will be difficult to do. Besides, that is your mother's name. Wouldn't you rather wait and reestablish a clan in your father's name?"

Ayame looked rather downcast at this. She hated the idea of being known as anything other than her real name. Naruto shook his head, replying to Tsunade's question.

"Uzumaki is the name I grew up with. It's as much a part of who I am as the marks on my face and I can't just abandon that. Besides, I'd rather gain acknowledgment through my own actions, not because of who I am. I should be able to get the approval of four clans. Give me a few days before we approach Hiashi, and I'll see what I can do."

Hinata was a bit worried about where that option could lead, and it was plain on her face. She looked back and forth between the young man and Ayame, her eyes wide.

"Naruto, are you really sure that's a good idea? The elders will not like it, and it could bring up some awkward questions about Ayame."

"So I'll claim she's an orphan I rescued from Kumo, but I couldn't reveal her until now. Their obsession with the Byakugan is obvious, so it won't be hard to believe that's where she came from. Besides, what else can we do Hinata? If I don't at best she has that thing branded on her, at worst they blind her or kill her. I won't allow it."

Hinata swallowed, voicing the only other option available.

"I-I could claim her as my daughter. They won't be happy, and it will be hard to get through, but they will have to follow our own traditions."

Tsunade spoke up, giving her advice, surprised at the different tactics the two had come up with.

"As Hokage, I can't involve myself in an inter-clan dispute, and that's essentially what this is. I can mediate, but I can't dictate terms. So the details are up to you. But I'd say talk to Hiashi alone first, and then decide which the best idea is."

The girl spoke up, her face hard as she spoke, eyes flashing defiantly.

"I don't want to give up my family name. I am proud to be an Uzumaki."

Naruto gave the girl a crooked grin, pleased to hear her words.

"I agree with you Ayame. But Hinata's idea will cause the least waves, so we need to try it first. But if that doesn't work, we will go with my plan. I've wanted to do this anyway, and it's as good a place to start as any."

After two days of hurried meetings with clan heads, they were ready to face Hiashi. Naruto's head was still spinning over all of the wrangling he had gone through to secure their recognition. It really wasn't all that bad he kept telling himself. If it wasn't for his friends help, he probably would have had a harder time meeting with the Nara, Akamichi, Aburame and Inuzaka. Shino had merely raised an elbow at his strange request, before replying that it would be illogical for his family to ignore the petition of one so loyal to the village. Shino's father had said much the same thing, even quirking his eyebrow in the same fashion. His encounter with Shikamaru Nara had been a bit more interesting.

Shikamaru had looked up from staring at clouds, his genins off chasing a cat again, and gave Naruto an exasperated glare.

"Let me get this straight. You want to reestablish your family as a clan, and you want me to help."

Naruto, who had just said as much, returned the look before replying.

"That's what I just said Shikamaru! Geez, what's so hard to understand about that? I did some looking and the Uzumaki were an important family in whirlpool country before their village was destroyed. I'm the last one, and I don't want the name to die."

Before Shikamaru could reply, they were interrupted by the approach of his team. Naruto took the group in. It was made up of an Aburame girl, as well as an Akamichi, their family markings and distinct clothing style easily marking them as such. The third, a boy with red hair who must have been civilian born, was holding a struggling cat as they approached.

"Hey Shikamaru-sensei! We got the cat. So what are you going to teach us today after we turn in our mission?"

The young boy was smiling excitedly as the Nara motioned him over and took the cat from him, rolling his eyes and sighing as he did so.

"Troublesome. That was faster than last time. I guess we will work on differentiating henges from the real thing."

Handing Naruto the cat, he flashed through a few hand seals, and a pair of shadow clones appeared, before immediately transforming into exact copies of the cat Naruto was holding. Taking in back from Naruto, he set it down, and the cat bolted for the trees, followed closely by the pair of doppelgangers. The three genins all stared at their sensei, an outraged look on their faces, before they took off after the cats, cursing his name the whole way.

Naruto laughed out loud as his friend wrote him a note before flopping back down under the tree.

"That was cold Shikamaru. You're as bad as Kakashi was!"

"It's their fault for catching it so quickly. Besides, they need the extra endurance training. Take this to my house, and they will let you in to see my dad. Not that he will have a problem with your request."

"Thanks Shikamaru. Don't work your team too hard eh?"

Flopping back down on the grass, the Nara returned his attention to the sky, muttering his favorite word under his breath as Naruto walked away.

"Troublesome."

The meetings with the other clan heads weren't nearly as entertaining as Shikamaru tormenting his team, and went quickly, each gladly supporting his request. The Akamichi had invited him to dinner, and were delighted to find someone who could match them plate for plate, especially when they made the mistake of mentioning it was ramen night. Meeting with Kiba's family had gone smoothly, even with Naruto being mobbed by a group of puppies that had decided he was a good chew toy. Before long, Naruto had the support he needed, and they were ready to meet with Hiashi.

Hinata cast an appraising eye over the other two people accompanying her into the Hyuuga compound. Naruto was wearing his normal outfit, but with a familiar red coat trimmed with back flames, as well as a large scroll slung across his back. Ayame was wearing a pair of plain black cargo pants, as well as a short sleeved, dark green shirt. Sewn onto the left shoulder of her shirt was a crest, made up of the familiar spiral that was on the back of the flak jackets many of the village's shinobi wore. However, the symbol was inset into a large, white circle, causing the crest to resemble an eye, with the orange spiral as the pupil.

"You look good. They won't be able to take offense at your appearance at least. But I thought that coat was destroyed Naruto?"

"Gamakichi brought me another one a while ago. I really liked my first one, so he and Fukasaku talked Shima into making me another."

Ayame was standing, tapping her foot as she waited; obviously impatient to get this over with as she stared at them through the dark sunglasses she was wearing to hide her eyes.

"Can we get going please? This isn't exactly my idea of fun."

Naruto couldn't help but laugh as Hinata led them toward their meeting. He was nervous as well, and a little levity was welcome.

"I'm with you Ayame. Let's get this over with. Then we can go get some ramen!"

The girl's face brightened considerably, her face hopeful as she looked at him.

"At Ichiraku? I remember eating their a lot when I was little. It's been so long."

Naruto was a little thrown off by this statement. He was still having a hard time dealing with things like that. Having someone bring up memories that hadn't happened yet was a bit disconcerting. But he was getting used to it. They shared too much for him not to feel comfortable around the young girl. Faking shock at the thought of going somewhere else for ramen, he replied.

"Where else would we go? Of course we're going to Ichiraku! I wouldn't think of eating anywhere else! Ichiraku is a tradition. I would no sooner eat anywhere else that I would give up on being Hokage!"

Hinata smiled at them as they stopped outside the door to the meeting place, shaking her head at the two. They were so much alike, it was almost scary. They both were so enthusiastic about almost everything. They took a few minutes to steel themselves for the encounter they were about to have, before entering.

Hiashi was seated and waiting for them, his face unreadable as they approached, all three bowing as they greeted the head of the Hyuuga clan. The two girls sat down, facing Hinata's father, while Naruto removed the scroll from his back before joining them. Hiashi eyed the trio before him, his curiosity well concealed as his gaze moved over them.

"Naruto Uzumaki, Daughter. What is it you wished to speak to me about?"

Hinata spoke up as she meet her father's gaze, barely managing to keep from flinching back. Some habits were so ingrained it was difficult to suppress them, and Hinata was sure she would be dealing with that one for years to come.

"Thank you for agreeing to meet with us father. I assume you have read the report the Hokage has given you?

Hiashi nodded in reply to his daughter's question. He had been slightly surprised when he received a report from Tsunade, marked as an S-class secret, but not as much as what was contained within.

"I have. I find the concept of time travel rather farfetched, but as it has been confirmed by the Interrogation unit, I am forced to accept it as reality. But what does this have to do with our family?"

Hinata glanced quickly at Naruto as she prepared to reply, and he gave her a small smile, encouraging her.

"That is what we wished to discuss. This is Ayame. She is the one who appeared in the Hokage's office, and is connected to Naruto and our family."

Hiashi waited, his question unspoken. Naruto, seeing Hinata struggling to answer as her face turned bright red, spoke up himself.

"She is my daughter Lord Hiashi. As well as Hinata's."

Hiashi's eyes widened as Naruto spoke, his face showing shock. Ayame, taking this as her cue, removed her sunglasses, her eyes meeting his as she smirked at him.

"Hello Grandfather."

The silence was deafening as the two met gazes for the first time. It was several minutes before Hiashi had composed himself enough to speak, directing a few questions at the young girl.

"I see. You have the Byakugan. Do you possess full control over it?"

Ayame activated her dojutsu in with a burst of chakra, leaving her hands at her sides. Hiashi, startled at such a display of control, nodded thoughtfully.

"I'll take that as a yes. That is excellent chakra control for someone your age. I believe Neji was the last one to be able to activate his eyes without a hand seal that young."

"Thank you grandfather. Chakra control was one of the few things I could practice while I was younger, because we were constantly being attacked. Though I still have problems with fine amounts. It's easier for me to perform with larger amounts of chakra."

Naruto, his decorum momentarily forgotten, burst out laughing at this statement.

"Hey, just like me! You must have some massive chakra reserves if you have that problem."

Hiashi shot the young man an annoyed glance, before speaking again.

"She has much potential that is true. However, the Elders will push to have the seal applied-"

Ayame and Naruto's expressions immediately hardened at his words, before Naruto cut him off, the anger behind the single syllable palpable.

"No."

"You have no choice Naruto."

"There's always a choice. Just because-"

Naruto launched himself into a heated argument with her father as Hinata sat, allowing the blonde shinobi to take the lead. She still had a hard time facing her father. No matter how many times she told herself he had changed, she still saw the harsh taskmaster he had been while she was young, impossible to please, easy to disappoint. It was so much easier to allow someone else to speak. Her focus switched between the two men as she listened to the discussion, before something else caught her eye. Ayame was staring at the ground in front of her, her expression one of fear. The girl's hands were in front of her, the fingers of each pressing against each other in a familiar movement. That simple gesture finally caused the reality of the situation to slam home.

This was her daughter too. Why was she sitting back and allowing Naruto to fight this battle alone? This girl was her own blood! Naruto was fighting to protect Ayame from the horrible fate that lay before her. This was as much her battle as his, and she was cowering behind him. If she could step forward against Pain, she could speak up for Ayame's sake. Determination flashing in her pale eyes, She cut the argument off, meeting her father's gaze as she did so, barely stammering as she spoke.

"I-I agree with Naruto, I will not stand by and allow this to happen. Ayame is my daughter Father. As such, she is my heir, and must not be marked. The elders do not dare turn their backs on their own traditions."

Hiashi shook his head as she spoke, though he seemed pleased that she had spoken up.

"The elders will not accept that. The circumstances surrounding her appearance cannot be shared, so as far as they will be concerned, she is nothing but a clan less child who somehow obtained our bloodline. I admire what you and Naruto are trying to do, but there is no choice. Only if Ayame was a member of another clan would she be untouchable."

Ayame spoke up at this, barely able to keep her voice down as she replied.

"I'm an Uzumaki, and I always will be. Don't you dare call me clanless."

"The Uzumaki clan was destroyed when Whirlpool country fell to Iwa child. Naruto is the only remaining member, and without the backing of three other clans, it cannot be reestablished here in Konoha."

Naruto spoke up, quietly hopeful as he listened to Hinata's father speak. This was not what he expected. Hiashi was almost being helpful.

"I already have the backing. As of this morning the Uzumaki are recognized as a clan of Konoha. Hinata and I had half expected to need to resort to this, so I made the arrangements. If anyone questions it, I will claim Ayame is an orphan I rescued from Kumo, and had not been able to reveal her presence until I could adopt her. As the elder's believe that there is no way Kumo could posses the Byakugan, they will have no interest in her until it is too late."

Naruto shot Hinata a questioning glance, and the young woman nodded and spoke, her hesitance forgotten.

"They will think nothing of this, and then it will be too late for them to protest without looking like fools. I may not be able to claim her as such, but she is my family. If this is the only way to protect her, then I will stand with Naruto."

Hiashi smiled slightly. His time working with Neji and his daughter had softened his harsh exterior, and he had gradually begun to make changes to how the clan was lead. The branch house was treated less and less like servants, but some things would be unable to be changed while his generation was still in power. But these two in front of him, gave him hope that it would happen sooner, rather than later.

"Very well. I will approve your claim. As clan leader, the final decision rests with me, and the elders must abide by it. But once they realize what has happened, they will not go quietly into the night. You must be vigilant."

Naruto and Hinata both exchanged shocked glances with each other and Ayame before returning their attention to Hiashi. Naruto spoke first, his determination evident as he slipped back into the formal tone that he had been using.

"If anyone is foolish enough to move against her, we will show them how big a mistake they are making. Thank you for your support Lord Hiashi. I have very little family, but I appreciate your assistance protecting them."

The Hyuuga clan head turned his gaze away from his granddaughter, who he had been examining closely, his eyes noticeably softer than usual.

"It is the least I can do for the Uzumaki. You not only opened both my nephew and my eyes so long ago, you risked your life to protect both the village and my clan. If not for your actions, the Hyuuga would be nearly extinct. We are honor bound to help you. While the elders may not appreciate it, they will be forced to abide by that sentiment, at least publicly."

The three youths stood and bowed once again, smiling broadly as he spoke these words. Ayame and Naruto made their way out of the room, while Hinata hung back momentarily. Once they were alone, the indigo haired girl addressed Hiashi, her expression thankful. The meeting had gone better than she expected.

"Thank you father. I know the difficulty you will face with the elders."

"They are old and closed minded. I will deal with them. It may have taken years for me to see it, but the fissure the seal causes between the two sides of our family is our greatest weakness. I fear that they will never break free of their mindset, but I see the potential to overcome that in you and your associates."

Pausing for a moment, Hiashi spoke again as her father, and not clan head.

"He is a kind hearted and powerful shinobi daughter. I once agreed with the elders that he was a menace, but his actions over the years have force me to reevaluate my opinion. This only strengthens that view. Anyone who places such value on family and friends, is worthy of our support. Your choice of…friends, shows good judgment on your part."

Hinata smiled once again, her face happy, if a bit flushed at his insinuation. He knew how she felt about Naruto for quite some time, and now he was tacitly giving his approval.

"That is who he is. Naruto never gives up, and never turns his back on his precious people. He will be a great Hokage someday. I know it."

Hiashi nodded slowly as she left, deep in thought. Naruto was well respected throughout the village as a hero. He did not hesitate to do what he considered right, and he loved Konoha. There were few better qualifications for a Hokage than those.

'I believe he will be."

A/N Big thanks to my beta gman391. He's been a huge help hashing out major plot details and helping keep people mostly in character. Reviews help keep me motivated so keep em coming! And for those Naru/Hina people out there, be sure to check out The Hyuuga's Hound by Solvdrage, which I recently started betaing.