BETA BETA BETA Really NEED BETA
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The morning dawned warm and bright, we find our blond hero sitting in a dango shop his dark haired ink using teammate seated across from him at a table.
"Is everything ready?"
"Yes."
"Tonight then. I will meet you at the memorial stone."
But Sai shook his head.
"What do you mean no?"
"This is not your fight."
"It is." His tone was firm and commanding. He would not let his friend go into this alone, besides it concerned his family to.
Sai looked at his friends face and knew he could not sway him so he nodded. "Tonight."
And with that they finished their meal in comfortable silence and went their separate ways until training later that morning.
Naruto had been about to head to the hotel where his family was still sleeping when an ANBU appeared before him.
"Yes Tori-san?" he asked referring to the woman's mask
"Hokage-sama wishes a word, Namikaze- sama."
Naruto blinked at being addressed by his true clan name and looked at the ANBU inquiry.
Seeing the question in the young man's eyes the ANBU answered "I was a friend to your father, Namikaze-sama. I recognize the symbol, and I had suspected."
Naruto nodded.
'So others where able to see the connections.'
He was not sure if this was good or bad.
But for now he had better see what baa-chan wanted.
--TOWER--
"Hey, baa-chan, what's with the early morning call in?"
"Don't call me old."
This was routine.
"Ya, ya, so what's up? Problems?"
"No not really Jariaya explained everything including what you plan on doing for the future, oh, and there will have to be a council meeting but that can wait until a few more people get a clue. So you have time to plan."
"What plan? Baa-chan you know I do better thinking on my feet."
"Ya, and you have to be the luckiest bastard in the elemental countries not to be dead by now. But that's not why I called you here. I worked last night to sneak the transfers past those hard nosed bastards so you Sai and Yamato are now a team."
A real smile made its way to the boys face. "That's great have you told them?"
"I sent a note to both. Yamato said to meet a training ground fifty-two at the usual start time."
"Fifty-two?"
"Special training ground, shielded mostly for ANBU use. I'll give you directions.
"Ok well, that gives me time to get some stuff done and help Haku and the kids. Which reminds me, when do you want them?"
Tsunade looked around at all the paperwork waiting for her and sighed.
Naruto saw this and smirked.
"Tomorrow"
"That works that when the others get here and it will keep the children out of the way. But can you write me up a mission for Konohamaru's team to help us clean the main house and three of the others so I can have our stuff moved in today? I can get clones to clean out places for other the retainers and their families. "
"Why not do that with the house?"
"Just trying to give the village a little business."
Shrug "Ok, one C-rank for Chunin team 12 to clean Main house and designated buildings of the Namikaze estate."
Naruto nodded. "I'll have Sota, Yosho and Rai pick their places, I'll disable some of the traps to so they don't hurt themselves."
"Weren't their four guards?"
Shrug "Rai and Yahiko the Female and youngest male guard are together," He leaned in closer and in a phony whisper continued. "They don't know that I know."
Tsunade smiled at least there was still some of the prank loving brat in this new Naruto.
"But back to the teams you guys need a fourth member." Reminded the Hokage.
"What rank?"
"Chunin at least."
"Can it be one of my retainers? I was planning on registering them under the village anyway."
"I don't see why not; just give me a name rank and a basic rundown of his skills."
"Kai Sesame, 17, Konoichi, Chunin, specializes in medical jutsu and poison. Her ninjutsu is mid chunin, favors earth jutsu, med-jutsu is low jounin, genjutsu is high chunin and Taijutsu is low chunin. With some help she could be jounin."
"But why her and not a higher level ninja?"
"She's even tempered, eager to learn and she needs the field experience."
Well that made sense. "Ok"
And she pulled the necessary paper work for him to sign to get his retainers registered and Sesame released to his team.
They talked for a bit about little things and then Naruto left to find his family and their guards and scope out and clean up his father's holding.
When he was gone Tsunade found a note on her desk. It read.
Hey, baa-chan, make a shadow clone and have it read the rest of this note then dispel it.
Tsunade was confused but decided to see what the brat was up to and made the clone. She watched as it read the note and became angry then went poof.
"STUPIDE BRAT!" she yelled before she realized she was angry about the note that the clone had read.
And she realized what she had been missing.
Her feelings could be summed into one word
"FUCK!"
--Training Ground 7 --
Sasuke and Sakura had shown up on time. It would seem that even after all these years they had not learned. Three hours later Kakashi made his appearance noticing that half the team was not present
He pondered this for a moment before their was a poof and Umino Iruka stood between him and the younger ninja.
Iruka did not say a word but Kakashi noticed a pleased glint in his eyes as he reached into his vest and pulled out a scroll with the Hokage's seal and handed it to the masked Jounin and with a smirked that sent a shiver up said Jounin's spine he poofed and was gone.
Kakashi looked at the place where the chunin had stood then down at the scroll. He opened the scroll and read. Not really understanding what was written he read it again but it still made no sense.
Seeing her old teacher's confusion Sakura asked if everything was alright.
When she got no answer she tried another question.
"What dose it say?"
Finally remembering his two companions Kakashi read the thing out loud. Maybe they could make sense of this.
"By order of Senjiu Tsunade, Godamie of Kohonagakure no soto of Hi no Kuni The Ninja cell registered as cell seven under the joint command of Hetake Kakashi and Yamato Tanzo will be subject to reform in order to better utilize and expand the resources and skill of its member. The Jounin Hetake Kakashi will retain leadership of the chunin Uchiha Sasuke and the chunin medical ninja Heruno Sakura and will be assigned a fourth member when necessary as resources allow pending evaluation and consideration of possible candidates.
Yamato will retain leadership over the remaining members of cell seven with the addition of Chunin med-nin Kai Sesame."
"What?!" yelled Sakura.
Sasuke was quiet for a moment then.
"It means, Naruto, Sai and Yamato-sensei are now their own team and we are on our own."
"But why?" asked Sakura.
Sasuke shrugged "Hn"
"I think we need to go see the Hokage about this." Said Kakashi.
--Namikaze Estate--
Naruto and his family stood in front of the main house of the estate and waited for the genin team to arrive the guards stood to either side of the family. Rai and Yaheko still blushing at finding out that their lord knew of their relationship well the older Yosho and Sota grinned and snickered at their young companions.
There was a spike from the seal at the front gate indicating someone had arrived. Yosho and Sora stepped away from their positions to go greet the guests.
--At the gate--
Ebisu stepped forward and addressed the two guards.
"We are the genin team requested to assist in the refurbishment of the estate."
As the senior of the two Yosho answered "Namikaze-sama awaits you at the manor. Thank you for your prompt arrival."
Yosho and Sota could see that the team was nervous, probably because they where about to enter the home of a village hero and meet the last of what was considered a "Royal Clan". Both men also had a good idea of what the reactions where going to be once they saw who the fabled heir was. They knew of the masters past in this village and where looking forward to shocking everyone just as much as he was, if only to see him smile at the reactions of friend and tormentor alike.
To them Naruto was a hero, most of the people who had sworn their loyalty to him had done so after he had somehow helped them or their family. He was a good man and deserved happiness and now was his time to claim it. If he got a little revenge in the process all the better and as for these to loyal guards they would be their to share a drink and laugh at the expense of these people with him when he asked.
But for now they had to get things in order. Back to business.
They lead the little group thru the tunnel like arches covered in flowers and vines until it from the gate until it ended at the large lawn in front of the main house. And there on the steps stood the master standing proudly his family the two young sentinels standing just as proudly on either side, ever vigilant.
The elder pair of sentries continued forward until they reached the bottom step and knelt heads bowed before their liege. The team standing behind them waited.
Again it was Yosho who spoke. "My lord the team requested of the Hokage has arrived to assist you."
Naruto kept his face blank but inwardly smiled. He had waited to see how his guardians wanted to play this. They wanted in on this little show so he let them run with it.
'So it's formal overlord and see if the kiddies figure it out eh? Well then.. .'
"Yes, thank you Yosho-san."
"My lord?" he asked raising his head.
Naruto inclined his head a little to indicate he was listening.
"I would ask that we also enlist them in the cleaning of the shrine and the keeper's house, as you know Yue-sama will be coming with the others and it is best if we have a place for him."
"Very well."
Yosho dipped his head in thanks and he and his companion rose and took their places at their overlord's side.
Naruto looked down at the Chunin and Jounin, and noticed that Konohamaru was staring from him to Arashi well his eldest son stared back but for once said nothing.
'Come on otouto lets see if you can figure it out.'
He turned his attention to the team before him.
"I welcome you to my home and thank you for your assistance." He said
"We are honored to be able to help" answered Ebisu, "What is it you require?"
Naruto put on a slightly confused face "Did Hokage –sama not tell you of the mission parameters?"
"We where told only that we must assist in refurbishment and cleaning, no specifics."
Naruto nodded. "Well, My lady will be tending the garden with my eldest daughter. If we could start on the homes for the retainers and the shrine then we will move to the manor."
"We?"
"My guards and I will be assisting"
This surprised the team a little but they did not argue. This was the Yondamie's heir after all even Konohamaru showed respect, although he wondered what Naruto-niisan would think of this guy, he was so formal but he was willing to help them clean.
'Wait, a minute, there is something familiar about this man'
Naruto smiled at the team. Then looked to Yosho to see what he wanted to do. He shook his head.
Naruto understood no introductions. "Well let's get started."
He sent the team off with Yosho and Sota to clean the homes they had chosen for themselves Rai had said she and Yahiko needed no help just yet. Ebisu was sent with Arashi and Zabbuza to clean the shrine and keeper's house and Naruto helped Haku and Hiya in the garden well little Kinome slept close by. He would use the clones later after the 'Konohamaru Corps' where gone, no need to give it away just yet.
Around Nine Naruto had to go meet his team so he left one clone with the family and snuck out of the grounds.
-- Training ground 52--
Naruto arrived just as Sai did and a minute later Yamato poofed in.
"Hey guys told you I would get us out of there."
"Yes, this is much more enjoyable, but we are a man short"
"No problem I got someone coming that will fill in as medic."
"Oh, does Hokage-sama know?"
"Yup, Girl's name is Sesame, chunin, age17, med-jutsu and poison, could be jounin with a little more training."
"Wow dick-less wonder, you actually used that head of your for something other then a battering ram."
"Shut it scribbles."
"Boys?"
The Root member and the Jinkuriki looked at the ANBU captain.
"How about a spare, two on one?"
The younger men looked at each other then back at their superior and nodded.
"Ok, me and Sai vs. Naruto, I want to see what your really capable of."
Understanding, Naruto nodded again and walked to the end of the training field and took his stance.
The stance was unfamiliar to his teammates but the shrugged it off and took their own positions.
"Ready, set, go" called Yamato and an epic battle that drew a few inquisitive ANBU ensued.
--Hokage Tower—Same time—
Tsunade had been making headway on her paperwork thank to Naruto's trick until there was a knock at her door.
"Dam" she dispelled the two clones helping her. "come in"
And in walked Kakashi, Sasuke and Sakura.
"What is it Hetake? I have work to do.
"Uh, ya, sorry for the interruption but could you explain this?" and he held up the scroll he had received from Iruka.
Tsunade of course recognized it.
"What, can't you read?"
"Um, yes ma'm but …"
"But?" now she was just getting annoyed.
Sakura spoke up. "But Shishou, why?"
Tsunade looked at her student, the girl had become a good medic but sometimes she wondered how the hell she had let Naruto talk her into having anything to do with her.
"The request for reformation was put forward and it is the best way to utilize our current resources."
"But" was the collective reply.
"NO, the decision is final and a new member will be found for you when I am able to evaluate the possible replacements. Now if you don't mind I was in the middle of looking over a very important report."
The three just stood their staring
'Tick mark twitch' "GET THE HELL OUT OF MY OFFICE NOW!"
And they where out of there!
--The Namikaze Estate--
It was lunch time and Naruto had retuned from training he came back to the house with onigi and teriyaki.
Setting up the large dining table to accommodate e everyone he dispelled the clone he had left with his wife then went and rang the kitchen bell to call everyone to dinner.
He stood at the head of the table his hands resting on the back of his chair. "Well, I'm sure we are all hungry so why don't the children show you where to wash up and we can have lunch."
As the team left with the three eldest children and Haku went to nurse the baby Naruto called his sentries over to him.
"Well?"
It was Sota who answered. The boy, Konohamaru, he suspects something you saw him studying you and the young master Arashi, he asked many questions. He managed to pry my story from me."
"Not an easy task to be sure."
"No but I told him that any questions regarding the family should be addressed to you."
"Oh, well I will prepare myself then, the boy is after all the grandson of the Professor, the Kami no Shinobi himself, and the old man was good at getting information out of me. Especially the things I did not wish to share."
The four shinobi laughed at their leaders grimacing face and went to wash for dinner.
Once everyone was washed and the baby asleep with a full tummy they all sat down to lunch.
Naruto knew that Ebisu must have talked to the team because the kids waited and watched him.
Naruto quickly bowed his head his wife children and guards and finally the team following suit.
"For those who have gone before, leaving behind wisdom and knowledge to guide those who follow. My their rest be peaceful." He began.
Next came Haku "For those who follow that they may learn from the mistakes and triumphs of their predecessors striving always to be better."
Yosho followed. "For the wondering souls both living and departed my they find their true path."
"For those left behind my they find solace" continued Sota.
"For the weak and suffering may they find protection and a savior among the strong." Came Yahiko.
"For the strong my they remember their duty." Said Rai.
"For the dreamers, they keep hope alive." said Naruto again.
And now even the children joined in "For the world, may there be peace."
Now Naruto raised his head and pick up his chopsticks, again everyone mimicking him.
"Itikamatsu" was the collective cry and the meal began
All through the meal the genin sneaked glances at the family. When the meal ended Naruto stood.
"Well, that was enjoyable, but what do you say we get back to work? Do any of the other buildings need work?"
Yahiko answered. "The buildings we focused on our cleaned and repaired, there are a few others that will need repairs but that can wait until Mamoru-san arrives to oversee them for you."
Naruto nodded.
"Well then shell we start on the main house, there are no repairs thank goodness but it could use a good cleaning. But please be careful of the possessions , they belonged to my parents."
It was then that the baby woke from her nap so Naruto took her well Haku talked with the guards and then divided the group to task.
--Two hrs later--
Konohamaru found himself in the nursery airing it out and dusting, it was one of the last rooms that needed to be done. But he was a little confused, this placed looked to be made for a boy not a girl. But he decided to think about that after he got rid of all the dust. So he dusted and dusted and dusted and when he was done he noticed a large photo album set out on the table set by a lamp and rocking chair in the corner of the room. Curious we sat down in the chair and pick up the bound book. In front was what had to be the clan symbol surrounded by a familiar swirl design. The Sandime's grandson studied it for a moment before deciding to open the album to see what was inside. And at seeing the first page he dropped the thing in shock, for on it read…
'Namikaze- Uzumaki Naruto. The Maelstrom of hope and love, swirling around our hearts, your mere presence brings joy to all, go boldly on the path of life. We are with you always.'
And on the next page was a picture of the Yondamie and a woman who could only be his pregnant wife.
The young Sarutobi could not believe it but as he quickly picked up the book and frantically flipped through the album finding that someone, and from the looks of it, it had been jii-san, had taken and placed pictures of Naruto as he grew up into the album.
There where pictures of him painting a picture and another of him sitting in Jiji's lap with the Hokage's hat on his head, one on his first day of the academy. One of two chunin, Kotesu and Izumo if he remembered right chasing Naruto as he ran down the street. Pictures of Naruto and Iruka sensei with Naruto wearing his headband, one of the teacher and student eating Raman. A Photo of team seven as it had started out. And then that's where the woman came in, although she and Naruto looked to be about 12. The pictures went on sometimes showing Naruto as Konohamru knew him with friends or his team or Iruka their where even a few the featured the Sandime's grandson. But some showed the man that claimed to be the Yondamie's heir, with the woman or the kids or people Konohamaru had never seen and it all progressed chronologically to what could only be a recent picture because it was the first one to feature the baby and had been taken at the front gate of the estate.
"Nii-san?"
'I knew something was up!'
And a determined genin march out of the room determined to find answers.
--
Naruto had been sitting in the now clan living room rocking the baby as she slept when the young boy stormed in. Naruto looked up from his daughters sleeping face and put a finger to his lips miming the boy to 'shhh' and looked back down at his child a small happy smile on his face.
Konohamaru watched in mild fascination.
"Nii-san?" he whispered.
Naruto looked up and smiled at him.
"So you figured it out?" he whispered back.
In answer the boy held up the photo album.
"Ah, Haku must have left that out."
Silence, then…
"Why?"
"Why?"
Nod
"To protect myself, to protect my friends, and most of all the protect my family. Even you outoto."
"Protect?"
"My father had many enemies both inside and beyond the village. And the village was often a dangerous place for me."
"Why?"
Naruto shook his head. "I can't explain that now, I will, but not now."
Konohamaru seemed to consider this
"You trust me?" asked the young chunin.
"Oh course."
The younger man looked down at the baby and smiled.
"I'm an uncle."
Naruto laughed softly so as not to wake little Kinome.
"Yes, but don't tell anyone just yet. We are basically letting the village figure it out on their own, and that includes Mogei and Udon."
"The ultimate prank." Evil grin
"Exactly" Identical evil grin
Just then Haku walked in.
She looked from her husband to his 'little brother' and sighed
Honestly koi it's a wonder the children are not running around tagging buildings with you as a role model.
"Oh come on hime, defacing important landmarks with paint was so nine years ago."
That set Konohamaru off into a fit of laughter.
Haku shook her head and took the baby from her father to put her down in her cradle.
When the lady was gone and Naruto made sure that Mogei and Udon where still busy with their task and with the help of Rai and Sota would stay that way, he turned to Konohamaru.
"So what do you want to know?"
Konhamaru opened up the photo album to the first page and pointed to it.
"Everything you can tell me."
--
HELP!! NEED BETA.
