LR: What happen? My head hurts like heck, and I feel like I've come down from a sugar rush.

Arashen: I don't know.

Naruto, Yugito, and Hinata: Same here.

LR: Whatever. Lets get this show on the road.

Disclaimer: I don't own anything. Now someone get me the Tylenol.

Chapter 10

Time for a Traitors Reckoning

Naruto sat next to his mom, watching her breathe softly, as she slept. After Yugito's acceptance into Team Naruto, Hinata had taken her shopping for some practical Leaf ninja clothing. Naruto smiled at the thought. Hinata taking some one shopping. From what he knew about her past, it was usually the other way around.

His thoughts slowly turned to a growing suspicion he had been having. Pein had said he had kidnaped his mom in the Village. He turned as Tsunade came in.

"How is she?"

"Still out. Hopefully, she should wake up in a day or two."

Tsunade nodded as she sat down. Naruto slowly sat forward, and placed his chin on his hands. He slowly drew in a breath.

"Lady Tsunade?"

Tsunade looked at him in surprise. He had never called her that. "What is it? It must be serious."

"It is. I fear there maybe a traitor in the Village."

Tsunade sat back. "Why do you say that?"

"Pein managed to get into the Village, and kidnap my mom on the night Orochimaru gets Kyuubi to attack the Village. Even with the Village in chaos, two high level rogues shouldn't have been able to slip in. Also, the fact is that my mom was reported dead at child birth. Only a council member could forge a report like that."

Tsunade slowly nodded. "So you think that there was a traitor in the council?"

"Maybe there still is. Who was still here when the Kyuubi was attacking?"

Tsunade leaned back. "Well, both the elders were still here. I would guess Danzou was here because his injuries would keep him from the frontline. But everyone else was out there fighting, or wasn't part of the council yet."

Naruto nodded. "I don't know about the elders. But as you know, Danzou is not the most trustworthy man around. He's all ready tried to ally himself with Orochimaru. What if he has been working with the Akatsuki as well?"

Tsunade actually gave it some thought. "You could be right. Orochimaru once worked with Akatsuki. In fact, I think he was part of them when the Kyuubi attacked."

"It makes sense. Pein want's the most powerful Uzumaki, as one of his bodies. Akatsuki needs to weaken the Kyuubi. If they know what my dad can and will do, then they know Kyuubi will be sealed away. At the same time, Danzou gets Pein inside the Village, and he takes my mom away. It is risky, but no one would dare suspect that they were connected. And with the aftermath of the Kyuubi attack, no one would bother looking into my mothers death."

"But what can we do? There is no concrete proof."

"No, but there is a way to find out. If it works, we will have the proof we need."

Naruto leaned forward, and whispered into Tsunade's ear. She slowly nodded, and pulled back. "That could work. But it could be dangerous."

Naruto sighed. "It could be the only way."

Tusnade nodded. "Then I'll begin it tomorrow."

Naruto turned back to his mom. Soon, you will be safe. I will see to that.

XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX

Tsunade called a council meeting the next day. The council assembled an hour later, with Danzou being the last to arrive. Hiashi had actually replaced his advisor with Hanabi, who smiled at her older sister. Hinata returned the smile, as she sat behind Naruto. Arashen sat in his own seat, next to the Namikaze seat. Naruto looked over the council members. With the exception of Inoichi, the heads were all present. Ino was actually taking over for her father today, and she waved at Naruto. He nodded back at her. As he sat back, Hiahsi leaned over, and whispered into Naruto's ear.

"I must say, I am impressed with the work you have done with my daughter. She seems like a completely different person."

Naruto shook his head, smiling. "No. This Hinata was inside all along. She just needed encouragement."

Hiashi nodded sadly. "I wish I had given it to her. I was in such grief over my wife's death, that I stopped being a father, and became a clan head. But I won't make the same mistake twice with Hanabi. Naruto, I thank you from the bottom of my heart for what you have done for Hinata, and I offer you my services if ever you need them."

Behind them, Hanabi and Hinata were talking.

"Wow, big sis. I hardly recognized you! What's with the new clothes?"

Hinata smiled. "They're a bit more practical then those big jackets I used to wear. Also, shouldn't I try to look good for my boyfriend?"

Hanabi nodded. "Yeah. He really is cool. I used to hear that he did a lot of pranks. Is that true?"

Hinata nodded, her face falling a bit. "He did, but it was to get attention. It was also an act. He was all alone, and having to hide the real him inside. I just wish I had the courage I have now back then. I could have helped him so long ago."

Hanabi shook her head. "Oh stop it. Cheer up. Haven't you hear of 'better late then never'?"

Hinata smiled and nodded. "You're right. I'm going to make sure Naruto is happy, no matter what."

At that moment, Tsunade entered, and the council came to order. Tsunade stood behind her seat.

"I thank you all for coming on such short notice. We have a few things to go over, all of them concerning the events of Team Naruto's mission. Naruto, if you will?"

Naruto nodded and stood up. "My team recently returned from a mission dealing with rogue ninja's harassing a nearby town. In the town, we came across Yugito Nii, the two tailed jinchuuriki."

A few members around the table murmured to each other. Naruto noticed Danzou leaning forward a bit, before he continued.

"She told us that she was on the run from both the Akatsuki, and her former Village, the Village hidden in the Clouds. Apparently, the Raikage betrayed her to the Akatsuki. Somehow, she managed to escape. She came looking for me, asking for refuge here in the Hidden Leaf. Both Tsunade and I have talked to her, and she has taken an oath of loyalty to the Leaf Village. She has also been added to Team Naruto as our fourth and final member."

At this, Danzou struggled to his feet. "And why was the council not consulted on this!? This Yugito should have been brought into ANBU for questioning! She is too dangerous to simply trust!"

Naruto shook his head. "This is exactly why it wasn't brought up here. You would demand that she be brought to ANBU, only to find someway to take her into Root, and turn her into a weapon, like you wanted to do to me. She is a living person, who was forced, as a child, to be the container of the Nibi. She has had no say in how her life was run. But that ends now. She is on my team, and she has the full protection of the Namikaze clan."

"Hyuuga will also protect Yugito Nii."

"As will the Ranger clan."

"Yamanaka also lends it's support to the Namikaze."

Everyone looked at Ino in amazement. She stared back at them in defiance. "For too long, people like me were blinded to the truth. People like Naruto, Yugito, and Gaara, the Kazekage, are not weapons, or monsters. They are people, and in Naruto's case, heros. They deserve to be treated as such."

Almost immediately, Akimichi and Nara added their support. Danzou looked over all of them livid. "Fine. But it will be on your heads if this... person destroys the Leaf Village.

Koharu and Homura were not pleased either. "It is bad enough that we have had to watch over one jinchuuriki. Must we add a second to our list of problems?"

Naruto let out a sliver of Kyuubi's chakra, causing several people to jump slightly. Naruto smiled. "If anything, having two jinchuuriki's increases the Village's power. Wasn't it the power of the Kyuubi that saved the Village from Gaara during the Sound/Sand attack? And I can't count all the times that ninja's of the Leaf have been saved by me using the Kyuubi's power. If a jinchuuriki is treated properly, they are likely to give their all for the Village. One who is mistreated will likely turn on the Village. One who is trained as a weapon will likely not rescue their comrades in trouble. But a jinchuuriki who is given the chance to lead a normal life, and given people he wants to protect, will give everything he has to defend the Village, and the people in it. That is what I have sworn to do, and given time, Yugito will defend this Village with the same passion that I do."

Koharu and Homura sat back, amazed. What Naruto said cut deep into them, and reminded them of an old friend. But Danzou just sneered. Tsunade stood up. "Enough of this. The matter was all ready decided. Naruto, please continue."

"Thank you. After completing the mission, we were returning home, with Yugito with us. Yesterday morning, we were ambushed by the Akatsuki leader Pein, and his associate Konan."

The council began to talk amognst themselves again, only to be silenced as Naruto continued. "I was shocked to find that one of Pein's bodies was actually... my mother, Kushina Uzumaki."

The council suddenly became very quite. They had all been told of Naruto's true lineage after he joined the council. But they all were told Kushina had died, and been buried in the Village cemetery, with the other shinobi. Naruto nodded at their looks.

"I was told the same as all of you. But apparently, it was wrong. It matters not to me, as my only concern is my mom. We lucky enough to be able te free her, and escape completely intact. She is currently in the hospital, recuperating."

Most of the council started to smile, and started to congratulate Naruto. Even the elders were smiling sightly. No one really notice the look on Danzou's face. He slowly stood, and turned to the Hokage. "Is that all? I have buisness to attend to."

Tsunade nodded, and Danzou slowly walked away. Naruto gave the Hokage a little nod. Tsunade sighed.

XxXxXxXxXxXxXxX

Night had fallen over the Village. Most of the lights were out, except for a small light in the hospital. Yugito was sitting next to Kushina's bed, reading a book. She adjusted the dark red top she wore, which was similar to Hinata's, except it had short sleeves. She also had on black pants, and wore fingerless gloves similar to Kakashi's.

Yugito didn't even hear the door open, or see the two masked figures slip in. One immediately smacked her on the back of the head, knocking her over. The other quickly hogtied her, and gagged her. Danzou slipped in though the door, moving over to the downed jinchuuriki.

"I don't care what anyone else thinks. You are a monster, and are not fit to live, let alone wear this headband." He reached down and took the headband off her. Then he went to Kusina.

"I went through all the trouble of getting rid of the Namikaze once. I won't be foiled again. Once Pein has you and the Nibi, your son will fall to him."

"Yeah, that's kinda not ever going to happen."

Danzou and his two ANBU Root turned to see Naruto, Hinata, Arashen, Yugito, Tsunade, and four regular ANBU. The Yugito on the ground smiled, before puffing into a small one tailed fox, which grinned up at Naruto as she slid out of the ropes.

"Did I do good? Did I make dad proud?"

Naruto nodded. "You did fine, little Tebiki. Kyuubi is proud of you."

Tebiki smiled even more, before disappearing. Naruto looked up. "That was Tebiki no Kitsune, the 'guide'. Now, how about surrendering?"

"Never! Kill them!"

In a blink, Arashen's fist was surrounded by lightning, which he drove through one of the Root's stomach. Yugito disappeared, reappearing behind the second Root. She drove a kunai knife into his back. Hinata leapt forward, standing between Danzou and the door. He lashed out with his cane, but she knocked it away easily. She dropped into a stance familiar to those who have seen Neji fight.

"Eight Trigrams, Sixty-Four Palms!" She struck quickly, dropping Danzou with her last strike. She stepped back, amazed.

"I-I did it. I did it!"

Naruto rushed over, and hugged her, spinning her around. "You did it! I told you that you could do it!"

Yugito looked at Arashen, who elaborated. "She's always been unsure of herself, until recently. So, techniques that are standard for Hyuuga's were a little harder for her to use. She's been able to use that technique, but never has had it down one hundred percent. So, this is big to her. It means she is that much closer to proving herself to her clan, which is one of her dreams."

Two of the ANBU took away the bodies, and the other carried Danzou to the security room of the hospital. Tsunade nodded to the happy couple.

"Your plan worked, Naruto. Danzou will be charged with aiding two rogue ninja's, as well as kidnaping. If we learn more, perhaps we can charge him with more."

Naruto nodded, before giving Hinata a kiss. "You did great Hinata."

"It's all thanks to you. I owe you so much."

Arashen and Yugito both looked at the happy couple, and left. Yugito looked back, and sighed.

"Envious?"

Yugito looked back at Arashen. "I am. Not of Hinata, but of Naruto. He has someone who loves him, people who cares for him, and he is even going to get his mom."

"Well, I don't know about family, or a love for your life, but you have people who care about you now."

Yugito nodded. "Yeah. I almost ruined that though. I can't believe I acted like that."

"Forget about it. Learn from your mistakes, and move on."

Yugito smiled. "You're right."

XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX

Tsunade had her best interrogators work on Danzou. When they failed after five hours, Naruto asked for five minutes.

Naruto entered the room, and slowly walked around Danzou, as the old man was secured by chakra resistant wire. Chakra seals covered him, and he was forced to kneel on a massive seal on the floor. He looked up at Naruto.

"So, they send the demon to try and break me. Ironic. I wanted you as a weapon, but you will be used against me."

"You know, I have to admit. Your plan was ingenious. Ally yourself with the Akatsuki to ensure the Leaf's future after they win. If they win. I take it you would have been in charge after Akatsuki took over?"

"Just get it over with. I want to see what weak attempts you will try on me."

"Not me. I'm not the torturing type. But there are nine very angry beings who would like to meet you."

He removed the gauntlet on his left arm. He performed several handsigns, bit his thumb, and spread it on a tattoo on his arm.

"Kitsune Summoning!"

The room filled with smoke. When it cleared, Danzou's eyes widened. Around him were nine foxes. Naruto began to introduce them.

"You've already met Tebiki no Kitsune, 'the guide'." The small one tailed fox with dark purple fur grinned as she bowed.

"This is Kiun no Kitsune, 'the lucky one'." A green fox with a white four leaf clover patch of fur waved her two tails.

"Shiju no Kitsune, 'the scholar'." A yellow fox, with black markings around her eye's, bowed her head and three tails.

"Kangosotsu no kitsune, 'the medic'." A blue fox with white ear and tail tips nodded, her four tails held high.

"Suterusu no Kitsune, 'the stealthy one'." A black fox with five tails just looked at the prisnoer.

"Faita no kitsune, 'the fighter'." A orange fox with six tails ending in blades howled out in derision.

"Atotori no kitsune, 'the heir'." A brown fox with seven tails bowed low.

"This is Tsuki no Kitsune, 'the moon'. She is the mother of these seven. " A large white fox with eight tails sat there, watching the prisoner, who was shaking like a leaf in a whirlwind.

"And I'm sure you know him. Kyuubi no Kitsune, the demon fox lord, loving husband, and proud father." The Kyuubi sat there, his orange-red fur barely bristling. His red eyes glared down at the cowering figure, while his nine tails flicked back and forth.

"You summoned us, Naruto Namikaze?"

"I did. Here he his, one of the three responsible for you and your families predicament. He has information, and I was wondering if...?"

Kyuubi chuckled. "I'm sure we wouldn't mind. So, shall we begin?"

The seven kits nodded, and Tsuki came over, and nuzzled her mate affectionately. Naruto smiled. "All right, but we need him to be able to talk, so don't damage him too much."

Kyuubi nodded. The nine foxes stood up, and their tails started to wave. As one, they shouted, "Demon Kitsune genjutsu, A Thousand Years of Suffering!"

Danzou suddenly stiffened, and his one uncovered eye rolled back into his head. Five seconds later, his head dropped, and he threw up. Kyuubi looked at Naruto, and they both shared a grin.

"That was fun! Anyone else?" Kiun looked around. Tebiki came over and nudged Kyuubi.

"Hey dad? Can we please play now?"

Tsuki smiled at her smallest and youngest kit. "If Naruto has no further need for us, then I'm sure your father would love to play with you."

Naruto went over to Danzou, who was panting. "So, ready to talk?"

Danzou looked up, his eye wide in fright. "I'll tell you everything, just don't let them near me. Keep them away. Please! Please!"

Naruto looked up at Kyuubi. "What did you guys do?"

Atotori smirked as he nudged Danzou, who screamed like a little girl and cried. "Not much. We just made him experience a thousand years of suffering being each of the jinchuuriki's, and living their lives."

Naruto nodded. "Nice. All right, that's all I needed. You can stay and meet Tsunade, or I'll release you if you want."

Kyuubi nodded. "I think we should go for now. I'll talk to you later."

Naruto nodded, and released them. As they disappeared, Tsunade entered with Shizune, Ibiki, and two ANBU. They paused as they saw the crying, quivering man before them. Ibiki looked him over. "What did you do?!"

"Nothing much. Some... friends of mine persuaded him. He is willing to talk now, aren't you?"

Danzou nodded over and over again. Naruto smiled and turned to Tsunade, bowed, and left. He met Hinata, Arashen, and Yugito in the waiting area. Twenty minute's later, Tsunade came out.

"He confessed to everything. He told us of his plan with Akatsuki, and Orochimaru. We recorded it, and we have him solid."

"What will be his punishment?" Naruto asked, even as he was happily hugging Hinata.

"Only one punishment fits this high level of treason. Death. Unfortunantly, I can't ask any ANBU to do it, as I do not know who I can trust. By all rights, Naruto, you have every right to execute him."

Naruto shook his head. "No. I will never kill a man in a cold blooded manner. If I have to fight, if I have to defend, I will kill as necessary. But never in cold blood."

Arashen slowly stood forward. "I will do it. The Ranger Clan values loyalty above all else. A man who betrays loyalty would be executed as soon as he was convicted. I will be the executioner."

Tsunade nodded. "We will try him today. I have no doubt the execution will be tomorrow."

XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX

The trail was held, and the overwhelming evidence led to a quick conviction. Danzou was sentenced to execution, the manner of which was left to the executioner. That night, a hundred clones of Naruto and Arashen worked on the execution platform.

As dawn arose, the people and ninja's of the Village gathered around it. Dozens of ninja that Tsunade knew were loyal to the Village guarded the platform, and the prisoner as he was brought forward. Tsuande, and the other members of the council stood at the top, while Arashen waited there, holding a executioner's sword, instead of his own blade.

Danzou was brought up, and forced to kneel. Tsunade stepped forward. "On this day, the fourth day of March, the traitor Danzou is to be executed for numerous actions against the Village Hidden in the Leaves. He has been charged with conspiracy to commit kidnaping, conspiracy to attack the Village, assault on a Leaf ninja, conspiring with a rogue ninja of this Village, conspiring with enemies of the Village, and attempted kidnaping. For this, he is to be beheaded."

She nodded to Arashen, who bended Danzou's head down. He brought the sword up, aimed, then brought it down. With a swish, and a thunk, the deed was done. Several ANBU came and took the body away to burn it. Everyone began to leave. Only Yugito saw Arashen drop the sword, and leap away. She quickly followed him to one of the training games, where he sat down, and looked at his shaking hands. Yugito came up to him.

"Arashen?"

He jerked around to look at her. He tried to hide his shaking hands, but she stopped him. She looked at his face. "That was your first kill outside of battle, wasn't it? Against an enemy who didn't or couldn't fight back?"

Arashen looked away. "I'm sorry I'm so weak."

Yugito shook her head. "It's always like this the first time. My first time was an assassination mission of a cold blooded murder of a daimyo. I cried and shook in private for a full week. It never really got any better."

Arashen tried to hide his face, but Yugito lifted his head back up. "It doesn't mean we are weak. If anything, it means we are still human. Please, don't think you are weak. You are one of the strongest people I have ever seen."

Arashen smiled, and nodded his head. "Thank you." His smile became an amused smirk. "Since when did you become the soft, understanding type?"

Yugito shrugged as she sat next to him and watched the clouds. "I don't know. Maybe it had to do with you helping me so much. I'm just glad I could return the favor."

They looked at each other, then quickly looked away blushing.

I can't believe I looked at him like that. What could he possibly see in me?

She looks so wonderful, but what could she ever see in me?

Arashen stood up. "Um, can I take you to get something to eat?"

Yugito blushed, but stood up as well. "S-sure. That would be great."

The two of them walked off, doing their best to ignore the snickering laughter of their "roommates".

XxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxXxX

Naruto and Hinata were back in Kushina's hospital room. Naruto was in the chair, and Hinata sat down on his lap. The two had made out, until they had grown tired. Hinata had snuggled against Naruto's chest, while Naruto held her close. In a few minutes, they were both asleep. Neither were awake to see the third occupant began to stir.

(A/N: I know a normal Hinata may not "make out", but I would point out that this Hinata has more confidence, and since they know they love each other, I think they have a right to make out. Besides, death seems to increase hormone levels. At least I didn't have them go lemon here. That could be weird, with his mom right there.)

Kushina's felt sore, and her limbs felt stiff. Her head hurt, and she was both starving, and parched. But most of all, she was sick and tired of being away from her son. Ever since he had come in to save her, she had wanted OUT! She wanted to hold her son, and kiss him, and be there for him. But her body wouldn't let her enter the realm of consciousness. But now, she could feel herself returning.

Just a little more. C'mon, just a little more. Her eyes slowly opened. She immediately closed them against the light.

All right. Take it slow. C'mon Kushina, you can do it.

She squinted her eyes, then slowly opened them some more. Finally, she had them fully open. She looked around, registering where she was. Her eyes fell upon the chair next to her bed, and they widened in surprise. There, she saw her sleeping son, dressed in black clothes with flames along the bottom of each. There was a face mask pulled down, revealing three whisker marks on each cheek. His blond hair was covered in a bandana, but it fell down his back, just like her Minato. But what surprised her was the young woman curled up on his lap. She wore a dark blue sleeveless shirt, pants, and arm length fingerless gloves. She had indigo blue hair, which fell to her back. Her head was snuggled against his chest, and his head rested on top of hers.

Kushina was quite surprised. Who was this young woman with her son? She decided to find out. She opened her mouth to speak, but all that came out was a croak. She cleared her throat, then spoke again, her voice hoarse.

"Naruto?"

Naruto's eyes opened slowly, and he looked at Hinata. No, she hadn't called his name. Then his eyes went to his mom. His blue eyes widened as they met his mom's open eyes.

"Mom?"

She slowly nodded, tears forming in her eyes. Naruto's own eyes began to well up with tears. He placed Hinata on the chair, then went over and stood above his mom. He watched her for a few moments, then suddenly lunged forward, hugging her.

"MOM!"

She hugged him back, crying happily. She forgot about the girl, caring only about her son. Her wonderful son, whom she never wanted to be away from again.

LR: Well, what do you think?

Arashen: What are you doing?

LR: What?

Arashen: (whispers) What are you doing to me and Yugito?

LR: Don't you like her?

Arashen: It's not that! It's just, well, maybe she doesn't want to be with somebody.

LR: My story, I do what I want. Kay?

Somewhere else.

Yugito: Hinata, I have a problem.

Hinata: What is it?

Yugito: I think that LR is putting me and Arashen together.

Hinata: So? Don't you like him?

Yugito: He's a great guy, but why would LR think someone like me is good for him?

Hinata: Who know's how the mind of an author works?

Please review, and if you can, send me a katana. I really need a katana. My sister has been bugging me lately.