Promises Made
Chapter 10
Hinata and Naruto were both sweaty, but at the same time both wore determined looks.
The two of them turned slowly through the kata, absorbing the movement into their brains as they mirrored each other perfectly.
Hiashi watched them with a small smile on his face as his two prized pupils, also being his children, moved with near perfection.
Naruto had been good for Hinata. She seemed sharper of mind and focus now. In the two months since they started training together she had developed the next level of the byakugan, her movements became more fluid and precise and she was progressing with speed through her mother's lessons.
Izumi was also very pleased. Hinata seemed to soak up all she was taught like a sponge. Her mind had become more in tune with what she was learning and she had questions on everything. This made both parents very happy.
And Naruto was developing just as well as Hinata. He had gotten precise at hitting chakra points just from memory, something that most martial artists could not do. Hiashi could not put his finger on it, but smiled with a slight shake of his head as he continued to watch his children. Naruto's chakra signature seemed consistent, and his coils were large even for his young age…but the Kyubi's chakra seemed…dormant for lack of a better word, and there was no hint of the Kurodenkogan as they originally feared. These were actually good things, but Hiashi did not like mysteries he could not solve.
Talking with his brother, Hiashi decided to start Naruto on a little used stance in the gentle fist…in fact it had been used so little it was on the verge of becoming obscure. Hiashi did not like the way some of the clan households had whittled down the gentle fist to the point of it being a lesser art. So he intended to make sure his children knew as much if not more about it then anyone. As he watched Naruto throw a punch he smiled again and nodded his head. Yes that stance will be perfect for him and in time I can show him the other moves that make it even more powerful.
It was called The Ghost fist, and it was designed to alternate power from one point of the body to the other…but at the same time the user would have to be able to hide that fact.
In this manner a jab would turn instantly into a blow powerful enough to break stone, and never even look like it. That was the theory behind it. Unfortunately most students who attempted to learn the style found it too difficult to master. Hiashi had high hopes for his son.
Naruto could conserve energy by throwing the weakest of punches and kicks, then suddenly strike with the force of a sledge hammer!
Hiashi had always favored styles that could deal devastating blows…and he had struggled a long time himself to learn everything the Hyuga clan repository of knowledge could teach him…but he also stepped out of clan tradition and learned other things as well. Jutsus, different stances, even learning to use different style weapons from other areas and cultures…and he would not deny his children this either.
As the children came to the end of the first series of Katas, Hiashi called an end to the session.
"Iush! Very good my children. You have done very well today…but I want you both to show me what you have learned in the advanced teachings you are doing with your Uncle Hizashi."
Hinata paled slightly but Naruto grinned as he walked over to a wooden practice dummy. Taking up the Ghost fist stance Naruto looked back at his adopted father and grinned wider, eyes twinkling. "Will you call the point for me daddy?"
Hiashi flushed with pride at the hint of excitement in Naruto's voice then nodded. "Alright my son…I will call a random point. Show me what you have absorbed from your Uncle's teachings."
Naruto began his attack, striking random spots on the dummy, hitting places as dictated by a striking pattern he was taught. Kicks, fingers, fists, open palms, knees, and elbows struck the dummy, and while the sound was impressive, Hiashi knew from instinct, and the Byakugan, Naruto's strikes were doing little to no damage to it.
"NOW!" Hiashi shouted, and Naruto's open hand struck the dummy in the chest, sideways with a sickening crunch. At first he was afraid Naruto had broken his hand from the sound, but Naruto stood straight again and breathed out before turning to his father.
Hiashi walked over to the dummy, and the smell of scorched wood made him wrinkle his nose. He looked at both sides of the dummy and he could see the slightly blackened section where Naruto's palm had struck and smiled. "Chakra pulse?"
Naruto nodded, grinning even wider then before. "Uncle Hizashi was teaching Hinata how to strike with the Jyuken, and since I could not be as effective with it without the Byakugan, he said he would teach me a trick that would make my strikes hurt much more."
Hiashi chuckled before he rubbed Naruto's head. "You uncle is teaching you things without telling me, remind me to kick him in the denbu later."
Both children giggled at that, but Naruto's face fell slightly before he looked at Hiashi again. "My pulses aren't very strong yet, because I haven't been able to channel the chakra into the strike without giving it away…but I will get better daddy, I promise!"
Hiashi looked at the dummy and ran his hand over the chest until he found what he was searching for with a smile. Using the finger nail of his index finger, Hiashi pried lightly at a crack and a section of wood, the size and almost the perfect shape of Naruto's hand, roughly an eighth of an inch thick dropped from the dummy and landed on the floor with a clatter.
Hiashi grinned then rubbed Naruto's head proudly before bending down and picking it up, displaying it to Naruto's blushing face. "This is very good Naruto-kun…most students are unable to do this until later in their training. I am very proud of you."
Hiashi vowed to frame this and place it on the dojo wall as Naruto's first major step in his training.
Naruto looked down at his feet, but smiled happily under the praise.
Hiashi turned then gestured for Hinata to assume her place on the platform. She nodded then stood in front of stands which held pieces of wood at various heights. Hinata assumed the mantis fist, and waited for her father's signal, and smiled as she felt her Naruto-kun silently rooting her on. "Hinata-chan…" She turned and looked at her father and blinked in surprise as he said. "Thirty two strikes."
Hinata thought about it and turned pale. She had not made it past twenty six yet…she didn't know if she could do it, and she didn't want to disappoint her father, or Naruto.
She turned again and fixed her face as she glared at the targets. She was determined, but inside she was deeply afraid she would fail. Before she could think any further, Naruto's hand on her shoulder made her pause. "You can do it Hina-chan. I know you can." She turned and smiled to him as her insides stopped quavering, and she felt a deep calm overtake her and she sighed. "Thank you Naruto-kun."
With a nod, Naruto stepped down to stand by his father again. Hiashi waited until he saw Hinata relax completely then barked out, "Begin!"
Hinata instantly became motion incarnate! Her chakra balanced beautifully on each strike, shattering each target. In truth her mind was only focused on one thing, to justify the faith that Naruto had in her.
Hiashi tried not to let his jaw hit the floor as Hinata leapt, rolled, and struck each target with only her chakra. Her movements were fluid, and seamless as she took out target after target…but in the end even with all her practice and training, she was still only five and a half years old. Hinata stumbled with one final strike, scorching the target, but not destroying it. She began to fall, and Naruto was there to ease her to the floor, Hiashi there with him only half a step behind.
Hinata's eyelids fluttered while she lay in Naruto's arms and Hiashi smiled at the progress she had made. "She is alright Naruto, just chakra exhaustion." Hiashi turned and he counted the targets, and could not help but smile. Thirty one broken targets, and one scorched one. While the last one would not have been a killing blow, it would have been more then enough to slow down or incapacitate a target.
Hiashi's eyes shone as he gazed at his two children. "I am so very proud of both of you. I did not think Hinata could have done this well…her chakra coils are still rather small, and I know she has almost exhausted herself completely doing this…but I am impressed that she has been able to climb further then she has before."
Naruto grinned at Hiashi as Hinata moaned lightly. "She practices very hard. She wants to make you proud, and she wants to keep up with me. She thinks I am doing better then her and I don't think that is true."
Hiashi smirked as he took Hinata in his arms and carried her from the dojo. "Well my son she is right in a way. You are doing better then her."
At Naruto's confused look Hiashi smiled at him. "You my son do not have the Byakugan. If you did then you would be doing as well if not better then she is. But because you do not have it and are doing very well in what you are being taught, she feels you are way ahead of her. It is true to an extent, but the important thing is not who is better or who is stronger, but that you continue to help and love each other." As they arrived at Hinata and Naruto's room Hiashi nodded towards the door and Naruto opened it for him then closed it as they stepped inside.
Hiashi walked to the bed and lay Hinata on it, a small smile on his face as his eyes shone with pride.
As he turned to say something, Naruto was shaking up a bottle of lineament as he walked towards the bed.
Hiashi quirked an eyebrow at his adopted son and Naruto blinked at him in return. "What?"
Hiashi tried to frown at him, but really try as he might he couldn't.
This had become a small game between his son and himself. From the first time he saw Naruto attending to Hinata's bottom after her switching, to the next time when Hiashi visited them while he was giving her a rub down. Hiashi would give them both a hard time. "What do you intend to do with the lineament my son?" His tone inquisitive, yet holding a slight hint of humor.
Naruto looked at the lineament in his hand before looking at Hiashi again. "I was going to rub Hina-chan down so she does not get sore or stiff."
Hiashi quirked the same eyebrow again and Naruto blinked at him again but was saved from Hiashi's retort as there was a knock at the door. Naruto sat the lineament down before walking to the door and opening it enough to see Izumi standing there. "Hello Naruto-kun," She said with a smile. "Is your father here bothering you and your Koishii again?"
Hiashi grunted before stepping up behind Naruto. "What is it woman? Can you not see I am trying to pester my children?"
Naruto smirked and almost giggled, but made a face and stifled it quickly as Hiashi looked down at him and Izumi did giggle. "Oh I am well aware of your habits my husband…but you have important visitors. You teasing our children will have to wait until later."
Hiashi made a face before ruffling Naruto's hair and stepping out into the corridor. "Fine. I will have to tease you in the meantime then."
Izumi smiled as she bowed her head. "As my husband pleases."
Gently taking his arm she bowed slightly to Naruto before she and Hiashi turned and walked up the hallway.
Naruto smiled as he closed the door and locked it before gently undressing Hinata. At some point she sleepily murmured his name bringing a happy feeling out from in him, as he smiled. Naruto poured the oil on his hand and began to massage it into her skin, bringing a slight grunt and sighs from her as he loosened her muscles and rubbed away the soreness.
Hinata just did as she always did, settled deeper into the mattress with a grin.
Naruto had never thought he could find such happiness. Izumi had rebounded from what she felt for him before, and she made him feel welcome and loved now. He, Hinata and Izumi would walk through the gardens on days and she would teach them about the plants and some of their properties for healing, or she would simply sit with them and talk with them while they colored or watched the birds in the garden. Naruto didn't know what his life would have been like if they had not adopted him, but he was glad they did.
O
Hiashi frowned as the men in front of him sat and waited for his response.
"What do you mean I have no right to adopt him?"
Obviously this was not the response the men wanted. In front of him sat a very unhappy looking Saratobi, third hokage of the hidden leaf village, Orena Takimoto, civilian council head, and a strange little man that Hiashi had never seen before. Takimoto tried to smile but obviously from his demeanor he was not used to having his words questioned, or resisted. "According to city law and statute, the child must be entered into foster care and evaluated before he can be adopted…a period of six months to a year at the minimum. If we find sufficient reason, you may then adopt the child."
Hiashi looked to Saratobi and frowned. The old man sadly shrugged. "Unfortunately Hiashi-sama, my hands are tied. He is not a shinobi, so he is out of my jurisdiction. Since he is officially not a member of your clan, you have no jurisdiction on him either."
Saratobi stressed the word, officially which made Hiashi consider his next step.
Without preamble he looked to his wife who wore a very solemn expression, but nodded to him once. Looking to his brother he almost laughed as he knew Hizashi would love nothing more then to put his sandals up the worthless councilman's butt! Truthfully Hiashi would have loved it as well…but as the clan head he had to maintain decorum…for now.
"I am sorry gentlemen, but you have not come at a good time with this news. Perhaps we can reconvene this at a better time where I can put this to the council and have a consented decision?"
The councilman blustered and made noises in the back of his throat like he would vomit…but after a few seconds begrudgingly agreed. As Takimoto and the other man stood and bowed, Sarutobi stayed behind until they had gone. "I am sorry Hiashi-sama, this was not my idea, in fact, I was blind sided by this today. The head councilman asked me to bring city guard and ANBU to make sure you complied."
Hiashi raised an eyebrow, but Sarutobi waved off the question. "Of course I refused until I could…asses the situation…but I hope you have some idea of what to do about this, my hands are tied, and I would hate to see Naruto put back in harms way as we both know will happen if he goes into foster care."
Hiashi nodded as he considered his position then smiled. "Oh…I think there are a few things I can do."
Looking to his wife he smiled. "Izumi-chan, get the children dressed, we are going shopping!"
O
Naruto looked around at the clothes and frowned. Everything looked stiff and uncomfortable.
He could only imagine what Hina-chan was going through right now in another part of the store, especially since she still looked exhausted.
Ama and Izumi took her, still very tired to the other side right before Hizashi and Hiashi drug him away with them and he was sure he and Hinata both wore the same confused look.
Still, there were some very nice clothes here…if you were going to a party or something formal as he had been told by Izumi once. Naruto wondered what the occasion would be.
Hiashi and Hizashi looked at suits, formal kimonos, dress slacks…everything that Naruto knew would make him feel uncomfortable…then he saw something that caught his attention and made both men watch him as he walked towards it.
Naruto picked up the top and smiled as he ran his fingers across it. It was smooth, softest material he had ever felt, and it had some give to it, so it would probably be comfortable.
Hiashi and his brother both walked over and examined the formal kimono that Naruto had picked out. "What color my son?" There was no reason to ask if he liked it, both saw the look of wonder on his face. "This color…Hinata-chan will like this color."
Hiashi and Hizashi looked at each other and smiled. "Indeed she will my son, indeed she will."
O
The next two days passed and both Hinata and Naruto were restless. Hiashi had been in chambers with the council repeatedly, and neither had seen him at all.
On the fateful day, Izumi made Naruto and Hinata get dressed in separate rooms. Neither new what to expect, only they were going to have to answer some important questions to some very important people so they were told. Both Hinata and Naruto were worried, because in the last two days they had only seen their father once, and he was heard arguing with someone, and his intent was clear.
Flashback
"No…you are the one who doesn't understand! It has been almost a year that he has been in our care, and he has developed superbly. Naruto has grown and he will continue to grow under our care…do you understand me? OUR CARE!"
The other man's words were quieter, and they didn't recognize the voice, but Hiashi's response was unmistakable.
"DAMN WHAT IS BEST AND ANYONE WHO SAYS TAKING HIM AWAY IS BEST! If the pickle headed fools think they will take my son away from me due to a technicality then they have one hell of a shock approaching. I WILL withdraw my entire clan from Konoha before I give anyone my son! Do you understand me? There will be civil war before I let Naruto go!!"
Hinata pulled insistently at Naruto's arm, so he finally nodded and they quietly snuck back away from the conversation until they were in their room again, neither wanting to think about what they heard or what it could mean, but for the first time ever, Hinata faced him while they were in bed, hugging him tightly and crying quietly. At some point he tried to move a little to get more comfortable, but she clung tighter to him, and wouldn't let go.
What did it mean?
Did he have to leave? Why?
Was he bad somehow? What did he do?
Naruto didn't understand, but as the tears fell silently from him, he knew he didn't want to let Hinata go either.
Present
Naruto wondered where Hinata-chan was as the carriage began to move. He looked to Hiashi, but his father's face was turned to look out of the window. Naruto was beginning to worry until Hizashi reached over and pat his knee. "It will be alright Nephew, I promise."
Hiashi looked over and smiled at Naruto and pat his head. "Yes, do not worry my son."
Naruto took a deep breath and nodded as they approached the hokage tower.
O
Naruto and Hiashi, flanked by Hizashi stood at the doors to the council chamber, and Naruto felt a sense of unease but felt a slight wave of comfort as Hiashi's hand rested on his shoulder. Naruto looked up at Hiashi and he smiled as he felt more confidence and less fear, until the doors opened and Hiashi lead them into the council chambers.
Naruto looked around as they walked into the center of the room and wondered as he saw twelve people sitting on one side of the room, and ten sitting on the other side.
From his lessons, Naruto remembered that the civilian council was composed of the twelve wealthiest or successful merchants of the city, sat on the left side of the room, and the twelve clan heads of Konoha sat to the right minus two. Hiashi of course was standing with his son. The other was the Uchiha family. The Uchiha family had met a strange tragedy, completely wiped out by one of their own except for one child. No one talked about it, except that little lesson that Izumi had given them. Naruto later discovered from Hizashi that there had been a long standing feud between the Hyuga clan and the Uchias. The two blood limits were similar, and one side always claimed it's superiority to the other until finally, blood was spilled over it. From that day forward, there was no forgiveness in either side, and the feud had carried on for years.
As Naruto and Hiashi stood in the center of the room, he could feel the eyes on him. The left side of the room seemed to be where he was getting most of his bad feelings from, it was like waves of anger were being directed at him.
Hiashi sensing his continued un-ease, wrapped an arm around his shoulder and hugged him closer.
Before he could feel worse, the third Hokage situated at the front of the room on a raised dais spoke to them. "We have been called here to hear the petition of Hyuga Hiashi concerning the disposition of one Uzumaki Naruto."
Takimoto of course cleared his throat loudly, but Sarutobi ignored him.
"Now…Hiashi, explain why you are unable to release the child into the care of the foster system?"
Hiashi nodded as he looked around the room before addressing the council.
"As you know, the Hyuga clan has a long and proud tradition. Our blood limit, our honor, but most of all, the care we give to our children…to all children. It is grotesque on a level I cannot describe to mistreat a child." This being said he looked down for a moment before looking at Sarutobi again. "I believe that if Naruto is entered into the foster care system, this will happen to him…he will be abused by those who do not understand him or his special nature." As a few of the civilian council members raised their voices and shouted in the negative, Hiashi continued in a louder voice. "The foster care system, while having the best of intentions, can only provide so much care, attention, protection, and help to a child with Naruto's background…I want what is best for him, and to be raised by people who love and respect him is best for him."
Voices came up again as some approved with nods of their heads, and others more obviously against the idea shook their heads in the negative and grumbled loudly. The words "Demon child" slipped quietly from someone's mouth, and Hiashi looked in the direction it came from, but could not identify the speaker.
Takimoto frowned as he leaned forward to look down at Hiashi. "That may be all well and good, but that is not your decision to make. There are laws that have to be followed and obeyed, and right now you are blatantly thumbing your nose at one of those laws. That child is not registered in the system…"
"Yes he is." Hiashi interrupted him as he produced a birth certificate and ID bearing Naruto's picture.
Takimoto frowned but continued on. "He has not been immunized…"
Hiashi produced a medical folder and smiled at Takimoto. "Wrong again."
Takimoto blanched but then shook it off before stammering, "He has no means to support himself?"
Hiashi frowned before raising an eyebrow at the councilman. "Hello? Child of the Hyuga clan mean anything to you?" he asked, sarcasm heavy in his voice.
Takimoto flushed scarlet as most of the council members began laughing, but recovered quickly as he raised his voice. "Be that as it may the law is still the law. You may have given him all he needs, but he is still a ward of the state!"
Hiashi thought for a moment and nodded. "True. Under normal circumstances he would be a ward of the state…"
The Akimichi clan head leaned forward. "Normal circumstances Lord Hyuga? Please, speak your mind."
Hiashi nodded to the Akimichi head before he smiled. "As I said under normal circumstances. But there are factors involved that the council is not aware of."
Hiashi nodded to his brother and Hizashi went and opened the double doors, and in walked three very old men. They wore distinguished robes and moved slowly, but there was no mistaking their identity. These were the three eldest members of the Hyuga clan council. They approached a stand, something similar to a witness box and stood there with their heads held high. No one asked them to, but the eldest of the elders spoke for all. "We are here to speak on the boy's behalf. Not in many years have we been unanimous, but in this we are. We will not allow our Honorable son to be taken by the city."
Eyes blinked all over the room in surprise. The truth was spoken by the elder and it shocked almost everyone. The Hyuga clan council argued about everything. It was sort of a running joke that if the city burned, they would argue over what part should be put out first. Hiashi must have called in a lot of favors to make this happen.
Even Sarutobi was shocked. Hiashi said he would do whatever necessary, and he obviously was not kidding.
Takimoto frowned deeply before he shrugged. "Words. There is nothing you can do to prevent it from happening. The child is a ward of the state, and he will be picked up tonight, by ANBU operatives if necessary."
The elder smiled as his Byakugan activated. "Then be prepared to lose many ANBU. Hiashi has the full support of the Hyuga Clan."
No one had to clarify what the eldest had said…it was evident they would happily go to war to keep him there.
Hiashi looked to the elders and the lead nodded to him. Hizashi immediately went to the door and flung it open. In walked the most radiant woman anyone had ever seen. Izumi cast the perfect figure of a woman that had taken very good care of herself, and time was very kind to her. Hiashi smiled as he quietly took her hand and she bowed her head to the council in general. Her voice was gentle, and serene, but it held the edge of guilt being admitted, and regret.
"I am here today to admit to my own shame. I made a mistake in the beginning of my relationship with Naruto-kun. I listened to the lies, I listened to the rumors, and because of that I was blind to who and what he really was." Izumi reached over and rubbed Naruto's cheek with earnest affection before she looked at the council again. "He is a child, an innocent child born of circumstances out of his control. Those of you who listen to rumors and spread them without considering who you may be hurting are scum of the lowest sort." Izumi's eyes flashed as she glared around the room. "I was a fool, but I am no longer a fool. I am a mother of two very beautiful children. I love this child as if he came from my own womb…and I will not let you have him!"
Hiashi squeezed his wife's hand and gazed at her with adoration…but it was interrupted by the same source as he clapped his hands together in mock applause. "Very pretty…very pretty words indeed. But they are still just words."
Looking to Sarutobi Takimoto waved his hands at the Hyuga assembled in the council chamber. "Thus far I have heard no reason not to take the child…"
Hizashi stepped forward, a frown on his face. "I want you to try it!"
Hizashi stood next to Naruto and glared at the man. "I am Hyuga Hizashi, and I am keeper of the clan honor, and right now you are trying to do something highly dishonorable." Takimoto frowned but resumed his seat as Hizashi practically spat his words at the councilman, so great was his contempt for the man. "This child needs, no…that isn't accurate enough…he deserves to be in a home with people who love him and will care for him. He has that with the Hyuga clan! Taking him away from that would be the only crime committed here. Naruto belongs with the Hyuga clan, he belongs with us! Even if I have to beat it into every one of your heads!" Hizashi stated at the civilian side of the council causing some members to lose their color including Takimoto…but the man was not to be deterred. "For the last time, all very nice and sweet…but it has nothing to do with the issue at hand!"
Hiashi hung his head and Izumi looked saddened. Even Naruto, who knew little of what was going on, hung his head.
Well…it was nice to have a family for a while. He thought to himself as Takimoto gestured and Sarutobi nodded, bringing two ANBU out of the shadows.
As they approached him, Hiashi and Hizashi blocked their path, both taking up the gentle fist stance. Even Izumi, went on guard in a stance Naruto didn't recognize.
The ANBU operatives looked nervous for a moment, and one even looked back at Sarutobi as if to say, "Are you sure?"
Sarutobi looked at Hiashi, a sad look on the usually serious face. "Hiashi-sama…if you have no way to circumvent this law then I am afraid…"
Hiashi looked at Sarutobi and frowned. "Circumvent? Oh…is that all?"
At these words Takimoto blinked in confusion. "What?"
Hiashi turned and this time Izumi walked over and opened the door and in stepped Hinata in a radiant blue kimono. The blue was almost a perfect match for Naruto's eyes and he couldn't help but smile at her as she came to stand next to him.
She smiled as she noticed the lavender of his kimono also matched her eyes, but there was a serious tone that had to be maintained at this time, they could talk of their matching accoutrements later. Hinata looked to the council and addressed them as her mother had instructed her earlier in the day.
"Under Konoha law, once a person is betrothed to a member of a prestigious family, they become a part of that family until the betrothal is broken. You cannot take Naruto-kun from me, because he is my iinazuke."
Hiashi clapped his brother on the shoulder with an exclamation. "That is what I forgot! Yes, you see they have been betrothed for some…well years now. It was only made official a few months ago."
Sarutobi smirked as he waved off the ANBU. "Well if that is the case…"
Takimoto was not impressed though. "Stop! This is an outrage, I want, no I demand to see proof of this!"
Hiashi walked forward and laid the official papers, signed by the fourth Hokage two years before the day he died. Sarutobi smiled as he went over the forms then nodded. "It is official. Naruto was betrothed to Hinata on the respected days they were born…irregular, but not unheard of."
Takimoto growled as he read the evidence. "But if you knew this…why did you drag this out?"
Hiashi grinned as he reached over and rubbed Naruto's head. "Because I wanted to show you how serious we are about this. The entire Hyuga clan stands ready to go to war over this. Naruto is my son…no matter what anyone says, and he is coming home with us."
Takimoto looked at the paperwork, frowning deeply, before casting them back on the desk. Despite the marriage agreement, he still had one option left to him. "I call for a council vote for the benefit of Konoha! The child carries…"
Sarutobi's hand came down on the table, cracking it and causing everyone to jump before Takimoto could finish his sentence. "Do not forget yourself Takimoto…even civilians can be put to death for breaking the Hokage's law!"
The words were delivered in a quiet hiss, but everyone knew that when Sarutobi's voice dropped to that octave…you took notice!
Takimoto blinked before he slowly continued, a lot of the color gone from his face. "What I mean is, the circumstances of his existence need to be considered carefully. The Hokage's law also pertains to anything that could become a threat in the future."
After a few moments of careful consideration Saratobi agreed with a nod. "Very well. All those in favor of the child to become the adopted son of the Hyuga clan?"
Ten hands went up in favor of Naruto. All were from the clan heads. One merchants hand wavered before going down by his side as Takimoto glared at him. "I abstain." He muttered, before turning his head away from the whole affair.
Sarutobi frowned as he realized this would not be good. The vote should have been more even, he could vote for Naruto, but only if there was a tie. The Hokage's vote was only good to break a deadlock, and this wouldn't be one. If all the merchants voted against Naruto, the vote would be eleven to ten against…and unless Hiashi had a trump card to play he would have no choice, and Naruto would have to be put in danger again despite what everyone wanted.
With hesitation Saratobi called out. "All those opposed?" Every merchants hand went up, except the one that abstained, much to Sarutobi's fear, and since Hiashi was involved, the Hyuga could not vote in this. Hiashi's face began to reflect how he felt inside. It started at his jaw line as he clenched his teeth, but before he could say anything, a weak voice coughed and broke the silence.
"My apologies, but I think there is a small problem here."
The man looked to have been in his late thirties but his body was broken. From the scaring on the right side of his face it appeared he had been badly burned at some point. As he limped to the center of the room, everyone immediately recognized him.
Danzo.
Sarutobi's eyes frowned at the founding root member. "The floor recognizes you Danzo. What would you have to say to this council?"
The man smiled at Naruto and Hinata before turning back to the council. "It seems there is a missing vote."
Takimoto frowned. "The Hyuga cannot vote because they are intimately involved in this case."
Danzo cackled at the man before slapping his cane down on the empty spot on the clan heads side. "I am speaking of the Uchiha! The last child of that clan cannot vote in adult politics…but a proctor can vote for him."
Hiashi felt a chill as he wondered what Danzo would do…he could appeal a vote that was this close…and in the time before the next meeting he could find a way to sway the others to his side, but if Danzo tilted the vote further against them, there would be no legal way he could get a re-vote.
Sarutobi's eyes narrowed as he watched Danzo. "And you would of course have permission to do this?"
Danzo nodded before he grinned at Sarutobi. "Of course I do. The members of the Uchiha clan and I were very close…until the accident." Most of the heads went down as the massacre was remembered. Danzo handed a slip of paper to one of the ANBU members that had stepped forward, who turned and handed it to the Hokage. Sarutobi took the paper and seeing the seal of the Uchiha clan, and reading its contents he nodded. "Your proxy vote for the Uchiha is recognized Danzo-san."
Danzo nodded before he looked at Hiashi then shook his head. "We do not like each other…never have. And that makes me want to vote against you." As Hiashi, and Hizashi's eyes hardened, Danzo turned and looked at Naruto and Hinata who held hands, trying to be brave in the chaotic storm that surrounded them both. "But you two have something that makes me remember my youth, when I made a few bad decisions that cost me dearly…and that touches a part in this blackened heart I had long forgotten."
Danzo leaned forward and grasped both children's hands and squeezed them. "Always love each other for one day it is gone, and I would spare you that pain…the pain that still haunts me." He said in a whisper as his eyes became vague.
Izumi blinked at the disfigured man, and the children stared after him with wide eyes as he turned and made his way to the back door. As he clenched the door knob to open it he stopped and looked at the room in general, but his eyes finally came to rest on Takimoto. "I hate merchants. The Uchiha vote is for the child." Most of the room let out a collective gasp as the door closed once again…but the sudden silence was broken as Saratobi jumped to his feet. "With the vote tied at eleven to eleven, I cast the breaking vote in favor of the child Naruto to be allowed to be adopted into the clan Hyuga!"
Naruto couldn't comprehend everything but Hiashi grabbing him and Hinata both in a bear hug as Hinata started crying told him everything, he was going to stay!
The room erupted in applause, all except Takimoto who just stared at Naruto thoughtfully. Some of the merchants could be seen nodding in satisfaction at the outcome, so it would appear they really didn't want to see him become an orphan either.
Hiashi looked at the Clan heads, smile of the century on his face. "Oh, there is a party on the Hyuga estate tonight, you are all invited…an engagement party!"
Hiashi put the children down and they clung to each other, legs shaky, Hinata still crying, but a happy smile on her face. "Naruto-kun…"
Was all she said as she hugged him, her tears dropping quietly as he hugged her back.
Hizashi steadied them with a hand before looking at his brother. While holding Izumi and smiling, he seemed to be staring where the scarred man had left which made Hizashi wonder as well.
What is Danzo's agenda?
Next Episode: Party! And good news?