Person talking, "Hello everyone."

Person thinking, "Damn you all."

Demon talking, "I will eat you."

Demon thinking, "This tastes worse than shit."

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto, Masashi Kishimoto does.

Chapter 9

Hokage's Office - 1 day later.

It took one day to Naruto and the others arrive at Konoha; they didn't hurry since they wanted a slow return. Before leaving Nami, Naruto had told Haku to take the Kubikiribōcho since she had been with Zabuza for a long time, so he said that she should have it.

Sasuke didn't like this, so he had demanded to take the Zanbato, but before Naruto could do something, Kakashi had told him that Naruto was right and that Haku should keep it until the Hokage decided what to do. Sasuke just grunted but said nothing more on the way home.

Haku then had taken the Zanbato with great difficulty, and Naruto had told her to seal the Zanbato until they arrived at Konoha, and once there she could train to get used to the weight of the Kubikiribōcho. Haku had nodded, and Naruto had sealed the Zanbato before handing the scroll to Haku.

On the way, Anko had asked Haku many questions, and she couldn't help blushing due to the explicit way that Anko expressed herself. She was able to reply little, because of the embarrassment she felt, which Anko wanted to accomplish. Without doubts, she would be someone excellent to have in her team, since Naruto had already said to her about his desires.

After that, they reached the village without any problems, and then Kakashi had said that everyone had to go to the Hokage Tower because both Jounin had to do the report.

Upon arrival, they were welcomed by a smiling Yondaime Hokage; he couldn't help it because everyone was okay.

Kakashi had taken a step forward and gave his report. He told almost everything that had happened on the mission. At the end of his story, Minato smiled again.

Without a doubt, he had made a good choice to send to Naruto as reinforcement. He wasn't surprised that Naruto had been able to defeat Zabuza because he knew that Naruto was someone who had, at least, the level of a low Jounin. And if he didn't give him that rank yet, it was due to the wrong decisions he had taken in the past.

He then turned his head and looked at Haku, who shrugged in her place because one of the most powerful and famous men in the Elemental Nations was looking at her. Minato opened his mouth and asked, "So, do you were Zabuza's partner? Tell me, why did you leave Zabuza?"

Haku glanced at Naruto, who smiled at her. She blushed and looked down while saying, "H-Hokage-sama, before anything, it's a great honor to meet you. The reason for leaving Zabuza-sama is that Naruto-kun gave me the opportunity to rebuild my life. Even though I didn't agree when he first told me, I decided that I couldn't pass up the opportunity. I was Zabuza's partner only because he was the person who saved me. But I realized that I had already paid him long ago and that it was the moment that I should take my own decisions."

Minato nodded and added, "Very well, you can be a Kunoichi of this village. However, that won't be so simple. First, you must have some sessions with the Interrogation Department. After that, you'll have six months of probation so we can be sure that you're not just a spy."

Naruto narrowed his eyes. Six months? That was a lot of time, so he stepped forward and responded, "If you'll excuse me, Hokage-sama, I want to take the responsibility of Haku-chan. Under the laws of the village, a Shinobi can take another Shinobi as a protégé if they aren't affiliated the village. So I want to take responsibility and take care of Haku-chan, to avoid the six months of probation. And if she tries anything, then I'll also take the punishment."

Minato gave a small smile; the truth was that he didn't want to put Haku on probation since he knew she only returned to the village for Naruto. He wanted to do everything possible to keep Naruto happy, in order to recover the lost time. But he had to follow the laws of the Village, and Naruto gave a perfect solution to avoid that law with another one.

Haku blushed again at Naruto's words, "But what did that mean?" she wondered. Meanwhile, Anko smiled, she knew what that meant, but she said nothing. The members of Team 7 also didn't know what that meant, but they were a little surprised that Naruto knew the laws of the Village.

Minato then cleared his throat and asked, "*Ahem* Okay, do you agree with Naruto's solution, Haku?"

Haku nodded without thinking, and Minato continued, "Very well, from now on, you'll be living with Naruto."

Haku blushed again. Living with Naruto? That wasn't good; she was already doing her best to resist her impulses, and if she lived with him, it wouldn't be long until something happened between them.

Then she heard that the Hokage continued talking. "You can do whatever you want, as long as you know that your actions will have repercussions in Naruto. However, you still have to go to the Interrogation Department once a day for two hours for a month. We can't avoid that. "

Anko stepped forward and added, "Hey, Hokage-sama, I want to be the one in charge of the interrogations. Besides, I want Haku-chan to be on my team." She didn't want to be in charge of the interrogations for torturing her, but to embarrass her even more, and to let her know what to do with Naruto when her 'big day' came.

Minato thought about it for a moment. He had been thinking about incorporating two Genins without a team to Anko's team, but he knew that Naruto would be furious, but now Anko was presenting Haku. Perhaps, if he accepted, Naruto wouldn't be so angry about it.

He replied, "Hmm, I think that would be possible. As long as Haku and Naruto agree to this." Minato then saw that both nodded, so he continued, "Very well, from now on you will be a member of Team 13. You can't perform missions yet, once your interrogation sessions end and your incorporation as a Konoha Ninja are ready, you'll be able to do missions with your team. For now, you can only participate in training and maybe on some D-rank missions, but Team 13 doesn't do these missions."

Sasuke, who was listening to everything, couldn't help saying after hearing the latter, "What! Why is the demon not doing those stupid missions and why do we have to do them? The demon doesn't deserve special treatment!"

When Sasuke said that, Haku, Anko, and even Minato glared at him. Sasuke didn't realize this because he had closed his eyes as he stood in the same arrogant stance. Kakashi noticed the reaction of his sensei, but he said nothing, once everyone had left, he would ask him some things.

Minato then spoke, "Listen, Sasuke. You don't have to know my reasons, but if you ever interrupt me again, you will do D-Rank missions for the rest of your life. Understood?" Sasuke's eyes widened, but he quickly took the same stance as always and replied, "Hmph, okay."

Minato kept speaking as if Sasuke had never talked, "Well, everything is ready. You can withdraw your money from his mission in the bank. As for you, Haku. I know that you have the Kubikiribōcho; I'll let you keep it since Naruto also has one of Kiri's swords, and they're already aware of this. So I'll just tell them that you will have it 'temporarily.' Now if there is nothing more to say, you're dismissed."

All who were there began to withdraw, all but Kakashi who told his team that they could go home to rest and that tomorrow they will have a training session. They all nodded and left the tower, heading to their respective homes.

When Kakashi realized everyone had left, he spoke, "Sensei, we need to talk... in private." Minato understood what he meant and made a sign to his ANBU to withdraw from the room.

He placed a privacy seal and asked, "What do you want to talk about, Kakashi?"

Kakashi took a seat in front of the desk and replied, "Sensei, I didn't tell you everything that happened on the mission. There was something else; I want you to tell me if you know something about this."

Minato, not understanding what Kakashi meant, requested him to continue. Kakashi nodded and continued, "It's just when I was on the bridge fighting against Zabuza, in a moment I could feel an evil Chakra in the area. At first, I thought it was Naruto and that somehow his seal had weakened. Therefore, he was accessing the power of the Kyūbi. But I concluded that that was impossible. Firstly because he is strong enough to fight a Jounin without that power, and besides that, the only person of that level near us was Zabuza, and I was fighting against him at that time. Secondly, he wasn't on the bridge when that happened. And he told me that it wasn't him, but Menma."

Minato opened his eyes considerably. Kakashi realized this and asked, "Please, Sensei. Tell me, what happened that night?"

Minato sighed and replied, "Alright, Kakashi. You've always been someone brilliant and hide it from you will be useless. I only ask you that once you hear this, you don't tell anyone."

Kakashi nodded and allowed his Sensei to continue, "I've lied to everyone; I made everyone believe that Naruto is the one who has the power of the Kyūbi inside him when in fact I just sealed his consciousness within him. The one who has the power of the Kyūbi is actually Menma."

Kakashi opened a bit more his only visible eye and replied, "But that's not all, is it?"

Minato nodded and continued, "You're right, that's not all... Naruto is also my son."

Kakashi fell off the chair in surprise, as he opened his eye in shock. How didn't he notice this before? They were so alike that it was no joke.

But then he got up quickly and replied, "B-But the records says he was born on September 28. Weeks before Kushina-sama gave birth to Menma."

Minato sighed, "I modified those records to avoid suspicion. I didn't want anyone to know that Naruto had any kind of relation to me."

Kakashi sighed in disappointment. "But why, Sensei? Why did you do that to Naruto? You and Obito were the ones who taught me that we must never abandon anyone. How could you do that to your son? What would Kushina-sama say?" Kakashi asked, more like demanded.

Minato could not help feeling sad and guilty. "I-I ... That day I was not thinking clearly, Kakashi. Kushina had died, and I thought that did Naruto as well. And that the Kyūbi had reincarnated in him. Naruto was just like Menma in appearance. But after I sealed the Kyūbi's consciousness in him, Naruto suffered all the changes that you can now see. And I don't know what Kushina would say, maybe she would be doing honor to her nickname of 'Hot-Blooded Habanero.'"

Kakashi replied fast, "But you said that happened when you sealed the Kyūbi's consciousness within Naruto. Are you sure he's not his reincarnation as you say?"

Minato sighed and answered, "Well, I don't know, Kakashi. That's what I've been asking myself the past days. I believe I've been wrong; I'm not sure, Kakashi. Maybe I should take the advice that Sandaime-sama had given me. Maybe I should enter his consciousness to see if he's truly the reincarnation of the Kyūbi. But I never did that because of my stubbornness."

Kakashi also sighed, "Excuse me, Sensei, but I think you are a big fool." Minato wasn't offended. He was right; he was a fool and much more than that. It was time to see if Naruto was truly his son. That's why he would ask Inoichi for his help.

He had to do it without him noticing it. It would be difficult because Danzō had said that Naruto was a ninja sensor, and besides that, he never lowered his guard. It would be difficult, but not for nothing he was the Hokage and one of the most feared men in the Elemental Nations. "Anyway, what do you think of Naruto, Kakashi?"

"Well, he's a very sarcastic person, but he can also be very dangerous. I remember the killing intent that he released when we were on the mission. I have never felt anything like that. It was dark, and I felt a huge bloodthirstiness... Sensei, this is another thing I wanted to ask you. Why is Naruto so powerful for someone of his age? What did happen to him in those three years that he disappeared?"

Minato sighed again, "Eight years ago a crowd tried to assassinate him. He survived and after that, I allowed Danzō to take Naruto to Root."

Kakashi opened his eye again; he hurried and replied, "But Sensei. You know how Danzō and his Root are, if Naruto was in that place; then he had to go through terrible things. Sensei, I'm very disappointed."

Minato then hit his desk and shouted, "Do you think I don't know?! I'm also disappointed with myself! I'm disappointed by the bad decisions I made, and for ruining the life of one of my sons! So you don't need to tell me! I know very well that it's my entire fault. If I had paid attention to Sandaime-sama... if I had been a better father. Naruto wouldn't be as he is now. Kakashi, please understand; this isn't easy for me. For every day that goes by, I can feel that I'm increasingly far from recovering Naruto, and I don't know how to make him forgive me... W-What can I say? That I thought he was the reincarnation of the Kyūbi, and that's why I hated him? I'm sure he's aware of the glances of hatred, that I, his own father, threw him for my mistakes. You know very well what I mean, Kakashi. So please, don't condemn me for this. I will try to correct my mistakes soon."

Kakashi could feel the sadness and bitterness in the words of his sensei; he shouldn't have said that, but he was angry too. He was mad at himself for not helping Naruto when he needed it, but he knew nothing about this before.

But that was no excuse; he had to help him somehow, because that's what Obito taught him, always help your comrades, and everyone in this the village were his comrades.

Kakashi sighed and apologized, "Sorry, sensei. I shouldn't have said that, and you're right... I understand what a mistake can cause."

Minato also sighed, "Now there's another issue we have to talk about, and this is of utmost importance. It's about an organization, Akatsuki."

With Naruto

Naruto had left the Hokage Tower along with Anko and Haku. He wanted to show Haku a little of the village, but a few ANBU and Anko said she would have to go to her first interrogation session. At first, he was angry, but he saw Yugao among the ANBU, and was there Anko too, so he had no reason to be worried about her.

She would be okay, and he knew that Anko would teach her later where his apartment was; it was not the same garbage as before. He had changed it for a better one since he never liked living in that place; he had enough of that in his childhood.

That was why our redheaded friend was walking through the streets of the village. He didn't know what he could do. Naruto thought of training, but he didn't want to. Then he thought of going to talk to Danzō, but it was still very quick since he had returned to the village just today, so he left that for later.

Then he thought of going in search of Ino, but maybe she was training, and he didn't want to bother her. He wanted her to become strong and feared in the future, so if he were bothering her at every moment, then she wouldn't be able to achieve that.

But then something came to his mind. Maybe he could now go and get the scroll for Neji. He had nothing else to do, and also, he had promised it two weeks ago.

It was time to take that scroll. When he decided what he would do, Naruto went to take the things he needed for this self-imposed mission in his apartment.

Near the Hyūga compound 30 minutes later

Naruto was observing the Hyūga compound, seeing that not much had changed since the last time he had been here. The only different thing was that the wall —which divided the families— was a little bigger than before. He didn't mind this, so he went right where the main house was, to bypass the vault.

He quickly approached the place. Upon arrival, he could see that there were several branch member guards. Naruto activated his Rinnegan; he knew that the Hyūga clan would improve their compound after the failed attempt to kidnap the heiress. He could now see that the walls, ground, and roofs had multiple seals. He could recognize them as pressure seals and blood seals. He assumed that those seals didn't get activated because the Hyūga shared the same blood.

Without doubts, they were good at seals, but he had been practicing that art a lot in the last month. Naruto then put his hand into his ninja bag and pulled out a small scroll.

After he had opened it, he whispered, "Fuinjutsu: Kyanseru (Seal Style: Cancellation)" then he put the scroll on the ground, and many 'kanji' were visible, while they spread throughout the compound.

However, they were just visible thanks to Naruto's eyes. It was a sealing technique that disabled most of the sealing techniques. However, it only worked for a few minutes. Hence, he had to hurry up before they were re-activated.

He quickly jumped over the wall and whispered another jutsu, "Tōton Jutsu (Transparent Escape Technique)." It was a very useful technique for spying.

Naruto was certainly grateful to the Gama Sennin (Toad Sage) for creating this jutsu, and he also thanked the Sandaime for putting that jutsu on the scroll. A jutsu like this would have helped him a lot when he was in Root.

Naruto then became transparent and suppressed his chakra so that not even the Byakugan could be able to detect him. He stealthily went to Hiashi's vault, passing through a training camp. There he could see Hinata having a fight with her sister. Naruto didn't know her, but he could see that Hinata was winning easily.

Naruto shrugged and then came to the vault. It was in the basement of the mansion; he could clearly see the chakra suppressor seals and the ones of paralysis. Undoubtedly, Hiashi's bastard was unwilling to share his secrets, and he could tell that the Hyūga clan was a certainly privileged family. To have all these seals they should be.

Meanwhile, a clone that Naruto had created before entering the Hyūga compound had finished writing some seals on one of the buildings of the Hyūga clan. He charged some chakra in them and didn't wait to see the result as he had disappeared.

After receiving the information, Naruto waited a few moments until he heard a tremendous explosion that shook the building's foundation. He just smiled as he continued writing his seal.

Meanwhile, the members of the Hyūga clan —who were on duty— stopped patrolling and headed towards the source of that sound.

When they arrived, they could see multiple Hyūga injured while some of them were already dead. They hurried to give orders. A few of them would try to find the enemy while the others would help the wounded.

Hinata and Hanabi had stopped their training and had also approached the place of destruction. Hinata couldn't help but cry when seeing so many dead people.

She ran to help them, but before she could get there, she heard a voice. "Hinata-sama! Stay away from that place! It can still be dangerous!"

Hinata turned to see Neji, and still with tears in her eyes, she protested, "But Neji-niisan, we must help them. We can't leave these people without assistance."

Neji shook his head and replied, "Hinata-sama, the members of the Branch Family are already taking care of the wounded. You don't need to worry. Go and get some rest, Hinata-sama. You've been training a lot today; we'll take care of the wounded from the Main Family. You too, Hanabi-sama." The truth was that he wanted her to be there, to try her luck, but he had to endure it.

Hanabi nodded quickly; she hardly cared what happened to those bastards because they would also put the Caged Bird Seal in her in a few months, just when she turned 12 years old.

Hinata hesitated at first, but then nodded and went along with her sister to one of the resting areas of the clan.

Meanwhile, Neji was mentally smiling, as he recalled the words of a certain redheaded person. "Neji, remember this. The day that I'm stealing the scroll of the Hyūga clan for you, there will be great fireworks."

He then turned around to go and help his 'lords and masters', as he prepared himself for the next 'firework'.

Returning to Naruto, he had just finished writing his seals. Therefore, he rose up from the floor while looking at the big steel gate in front of him. He had many ways to destroy it, but all of them were showy, so he didn't know what he could do. After thinking for a few seconds, something came to his mind.

He pulled out his Kibas, which then began to glow. He nailed them to the door and started to make an entrance where he would be able to enter. Naruto was at first surprised by the thickness of the door, but then he didn't care, since the he was easily cutting it.

After being like this for a few minutes, Naruto managed to make a hole where he would be able to get in. After he had done it, he noticed that the vault had virtually no security. He believed that the Hyūga thought that no one could outwit the other seals; too bad for them.

He continued walking until seeing a small steel box covered with seals. He also saw that there were several traps connected to it. He guessed that the techniques were there, so he sauntered toward it.

After disabling the traps and removing the seals, he took the box. He opened it and saw that there were several notes. He pulled them out and began to read them. Several of these letters were from Hyūga ancestors, so he ignored them until he found the Hyūga scroll.

He opened it and saw several techniques; it was nothing like the Hokage scroll, but there were several Jutsu, and he was sure that they would be useful. After that, he took out another scroll and began to copy all the techniques. That's why he did the distraction; he would need time to copy them. Thus, the distraction would help him to avoid unwanted interruptions.

After Naruto had finished copying it, he let out a big sigh. He could have just stolen the scroll, but if he did it, then the Hyūga would have suspected that Neji had stolen it when he used its techniques. Naruto then was about to leave when he saw another scroll inside the box.

That caught his curiosity, he grabbed it and then could see that the scroll said "Caged Bird Seal."

He quickly opened it and took a quick read. It didn't mention how to remove the seal, but how to activate it and the steps to put it on someone else. Naruto also copied the content of that scroll.

He would properly look at it when he had more time; now Naruto was in a hurry since the seals around the compound were about to be re-activated, and Naruto couldn't reuse his Fuinjutsu because he could only use it once a day.

He activated the seal that was in the basement and walked out slowly. Once he was on the surface again, Naruto could see that several ANBU and Hyūga surrounded the area, carrying the wounded people to Konoha's hospital.

He smiled at the destruction that his upgraded explosive tag had caused; then he kept walking quietly without anyone seeing him, due to their shocked state.

Hiashi Hyūga, who had been talking with the other clans of the village at the time of the explosion, had arrived a few moments ago since an ANBU had informed him of the situation.

Upon arrival, he grabbed one of the branch Hyūga's and asked, more like demanded, "How did this happen?" The Hyūga was quite scared to hear Hiashi's tone and replied, "W-we don't know, Hiashi-sama, we were patrolling the area when the explosion occurred. We didn't see any intruder entering the compound."

Hiashi growled and exclaimed. "Did you check the explosion zone? Did you find any chakra trail? It's impossible to hide something like that!"

The Hyūga shook his head and replied, "Sorry, Hiashi-sama. It seems that this person was able to suppress his chakra entirely, we didn't find even the slightest indication that an individual had been here. It's as if a ghost caused this."

Hiashi growled again and bellowed, "Incompetents!" He then took a position with his hands and activated the seal of all the branch Hyūga, who were near, which made them fell to the ground and hold their heads due to the tremendous pain they were feeling.

But before something bad might happen to them, Hiashi canceled the seal, because he could see in the distance. Hiashi quickly ran there, and upon arrival, he saw that nothing remained of his house.

Hiashi worried a lot because he believed that his daughters were there, but before he could scream, he saw that Hinata and Hanabi appeared on the scene.

"Father!" Hinata shouted as she approached him.

Hiashi hugged her. "Are you okay, Hinata? Where were you?" He asked, completely forgetting about Hanabi, who didn't care about not having her father's attention. This behavior was something from a long time ago, and she was already used to it.

Hinata then nodded and replied, "Yes, I'm all right, father. Hanabi-chan and I were in one of the resting houses since Neji-niisan told us to take a break after our training. Father... Who is doing this? Who is attacking our clan?"

Hiashi sighed and replied, "I don't know. All I know is that I'll find the bastard, and I'll take care of killing him. Now you two go to my father's house. I have to go to an emergency meeting at the council."

They nodded and left; they noticed the seriousness in the words of their father, so they didn't want to contradict him.

Hiashi clenched his fists, cursing to whoever had attacked his clan. He then saw that several ANBU and also a few Hyūga landed near his position. After that, they began to inspect the area in search of wounded or dead people.

Afterward, he went to the Hokage Tower to go to the council chamber.

Training camp 24 - minutes later

"So this is..." Neji started as he received the scroll with the Hyūga techniques from Naruto, who smiled and replied, "Yeah, did you believe that I wouldn't fulfill my promise?"

Neji also smiled; then shook his head and replied, "Of course not, Naruto-san. I'm just amazed at everything you did only to get this scroll. But tell me, why did you destroy the house of Hiashi-sama? Many members of the branch family worked there."

"Well, I had to kill some of the other branch members too, or the Main Family would have believed that you guys did it. Besides that, the scroll I gave you is just a copy; I made sure to keep the original one in the vault, which the explosion destroyed. But I'm sure that the box that contained it resisted the blast; it looked quite resistant." He paused, took out another scroll from his ninja bag and continued, "Besides, I found something fascinating." He showed the scroll to Neji, who upon seeing the name that the scroll had, widened his eyes.

Neji then asked, "I-Is that?" Naruto shook his head, which caused Neji to sigh in disappointment, but before he could say something, Naruto spoke, "This doesn't contain the formula to remove the Caged Bird Seal. But it does say how to do it and place it on people. I will try to find the formula to remove it. I have the steps to create it; I just have to find a way to undo it. It will be difficult, but I'm sure I can do it." He stated.

Neji nodded and then said, "Naruto-san, I think there's something you should know ... It's about Lee."

Naruto raised an eyebrow. After that mission in which he killed his friend, he hadn't heard anything more about him. He made a sign and Neji continued, "Well, I think that he wants to kill you."

Naruto chuckled and replied, "It doesn't matter. Let him try. Moreover, I think that's great. From what I could see, Lee trains according to his mood. And if he's now more serious and mature than before, it makes me believe that our next battle will be much more exciting than the first one. Don't worry, Neji."

Neji shook his head at that and replied, "No, you don't understand. I'm not worried about you, but for Lee. Although he's been stupid in the past, now he seems more serious and determined than before. He even stopped challenging me. I think I'm starting to respect him."

Naruto nodded and responded, "Don't worry. I also respect Lee; it's just that I find his training motives stupid. But leaving that aside, I want to ask you something."

Neji nodded and waited for Naruto's request, "I want you to be the one who makes the members of your branch see the cruel reality in which they live. I don't want you to be hasty. Right now, they will be grieving over the death of the branch family members. I'm sure that Hiashi's bastard will just give the bodies to their families and won't allow burial within the Hyūga grounds. It always has been like that, and it always will be. Try not being caught and start with small groups to whom you have confidence, since I'm sure that some Hyūga in your branch likes the treatment they receive. If you see any of these, let me know. Give me their names and descriptions; I'll take care of them so they won't be able to betray your branch. I can even make them believe that the Main Branch is starting to kill the Branch Family due to pure paranoia. I have many ways to incriminate the Main Branch, especially now."

"Now we'll train a bit; I want you to be able to see the 360 degrees with your eyes." Naruto knew that Neji didn't have 360 degrees vision, which was a great weakness for a Hyūga if they relied on their eyes.

That's why he wanted him to overcome that weakness, or be aware of it so that he wouldn't get attacked in a blind spot.

Neji nodded as he stood in the Juuken stance and activated his Byakugan. "Okay, but I want you to know that I don't train... I fight."

Naruto smiled and nodded as he waited for Neji's attack.

Meanwhile – Council Chamber

The council chamber was replete; the heads of each clan; the village elders; the members of the civilian council; the Sandaime, and Minato, who had heard of the situation after he had finished talking with Kakashi about Akatsuki, were there. Although, who wouldn't have seen or heard that big explosion?

Minato observed their expressions. Some of them were of concern, others of anger and others were indifferent.

Minato then cleared his throat and spoke, "* Ahem * I've summoned this emergency session due to the incidents in the Hyūga compound. We still don't know who are behind this, but I've already sent several ANBU to the area to search for clues that could lead us to the guilty."

Hiashi, who had clenched fists, muttered, "Well, I hope so. This aggression won't be forgotten. Those who dared to attack the greatest clan in the village deserves nothing but death." He finished hitting the table, no longer being able to hold his anger.

However, before anyone could say anything, several ANBU appeared in the Council Room. They knelt down, and one of them approached Minato, whispering some words in his ear.

Minato nodded to all the words and after that, the ANBU's disappeared from the room.

Minato sighed and transmitted his words to the council, especially to Hiashi, who looked very expectant, "It seems that there are no clues. All they know is that the cause of the explosion was due to some explosive tag. Even the best ANBU sensors couldn't detect traces of chakra or anything that could hint that someone had been there. The investigations will continue, but whoever did this is a professional, and a good one. Moreover, they say this person tried to access the vault of the Hyūga clan, but he couldn't obtain anything and then decided to destroy the site. But what worry me the most is that they believe it's someone from the village since the barrier team didn't detect any intruder. That's the hypotheses in which ANBU is working on right now."

Hiashi could not avoid hitting the table again, "How is it possible that the ANBU couldn't find this person? That person must pay! Many Hyūga died in this attack; it's something I can't forgive!"

Minato understood the emotional state of Hiashi, and he was about to say something when he heard a familiar voice, "Do you mean that they were unable to find traces of chakra or that someone have been there?"

Minato turned his head slightly to see Danzō. Minato raised an eyebrow at the question and asked, "Yes, do you know anyone capable of doing that?"

Danzō shook his head and replied, "No, Hokage-sama. I know no one capable of doing that. I just think it's incredible that a person is capable of such thing." But his thoughts were clearly different, and he was thinking about it, "Hmm, I know only one person capable of doing that... Oni, what's going through your mind? It's been four years in which you were with your reins loose; I think it's time to control your steps again. And now is the right time."

The discussion continued for several more minutes, but Minato realized that arguing would solve nothing. Therefore, he ordered everyone to leave, but not before telling Hiashi that he would catch the culprit.

When they left, Minato was about to do it too when he heard a voice behind him, "Wait, Hokage-sama; we have something to talk about."

Minato turned to see Danzō with his usual stick and asked, "What do you want now, Danzō?"

Danzō replied, "It's about your son... Naruto-kun."

Minato opened his eyes widely and asked dangerously, "How do you know that, Danzō? You better not be trying to do anything stupid."

Danzō smiled and answered. "Hokage-sama, did you believe that I would be so stupid as not to realize that Naruto-kun is your son? Anyway, I don't care why you did that, and don't worry; I don't want to do anything with that information. I want to talk about something else, and it's the following. As you know, Naruto-kun is on a Genin team, and I heard that they obtained the second member today. But to able to enter to the Chunin exams, his team needs three people. I just want to give one of my boys to join Naruto-kun's team; they have already worked together, so I don't think it will be much to ask."

Minato mentally sighed; he didn't know what he would do if Danzō told everyone that Naruto was his son. That was something he wanted to do personally, to right his wrongs.

However, he shook his head when remembering Danzō's request and replied, "Why should I do that? I could place any Genin without a team on Naruto's team."

"Well, Naruto-kun is most likely to end up killing the boy for being an incompetent. What I am offering is someone with experience and a lot of knowledge about Naruto-kun. He participated in some missions with him in the past, so he knows how Naruto-kun performs his missions, and he is also at his age."

Minato sighed again, Danzō was right, if he placed to just any Genin on his team; that would only make Naruto get even angrier. Or worse, Danzō's theory might end up happening. Perhaps he should listen to Danzō now, so he asked, "Who is this guy, Danzō?"

Danzō smiled and snapped his fingers. At that moment, Torune appeared, and he asked, "Do you want something, Danzō-sama?"

Danzō looked down and replied, "Yes, go and bring our little artist here. Tell him that from now on his Code Name will be: Sai."

Torune nodded and disappeared in a puff of smoke; Minato looked at this and continued, "I hope your ANBU doesn't say anything about what we were talking."

Danzō shook his head and replied, "Hokage-sama, don't misunderstand me, but my ANBU are not like yours. Mine are dedicated, and they know when to keep their mouth shut. Regardless, how about if we discuss some topics while Sai arrives?"

Minato didn't like what that meant. But hey, what else could he do? He sighed and listened to Danzō while they waited for the new possible member of Naruto's team.

With Naruto – Hours Later

After training for a few hours with Neji, he went to his apartment, thinking about the Hyūga's seal formula and at some counterseal for it. He knew it wouldn't be easy, but he might do it.

When he arrived at his apartment —which now was in the residential area of Konoha— Naruto unlocked the door, and as he entered, he could smell a pleasant aroma in the air.

He went to the source of that smell and came to the kitchen; there he could see that Haku was making dinner, putting some spices into the food. Now she was without her battle kimono and instead she wore casual clothes with a kitchen apron.

Naruto wandered towards her, and when being right behind her, he turned her around, kissing her on her lips.

Haku was surprised at first, but she instantly noticed that it was Naruto. Thus, she put her arms around his neck, and Naruto put his hands around her waist.

They were like this for a few minutes, until Naruto finished the kiss, causing a sigh to come out from Haku's lips.

Naruto then looked at Haku's figure. She indeed was a beautiful woman, and he couldn't deny it. "So, how was your day?" Naruto asked.

Haku, who was now stirring the food, answered. "It was okay. I spend several hours with Anko-san; it wasn't bad. They asked me some questions about Zabuza-sama and why I came to the village. After that..." But she didn't finish since she spent a lot of time talking with Anko, who had told her many 'things' about Naruto. She didn't want to repeat those words because it caused her embarrassment. Even if she wanted to find out if they were true.

Naruto raised an eyebrow but didn't ask her what she meant, because he had an idea of what could have been. Then he asked something else. "And where did you get those clothes? I don't remember you bringing clothes with you."

Haku turned around and smiled, "After leaving the department, Anko-san took me around the village. There we encountered a blond girl and another girl with buns."

Naruto then raised an eyebrow and asked, "Oh yeah? And what did they do?"

Haku smiled as she put two bowls on the table and carried some soup in them.

Naruto tasted it a bit and was surprised. "This is delicious! I didn't know you were such a good cook, Haku-chan!"

Haku felt flattered and blushed a little at his words. "Thanks, Naruto-kun; I learned how to cook because Zabuza-sama didn't know how to. Regarding your other question, they found out that I would be part of your team, and they asked me many questions as they dragged me along with Anko-san to a mall to buy some clothes. I think their names were Ino and Tenten. Oh yeah, they also told me they are your girlfriends."

Naruto chuckled and replied, "And, are you not angry because I hid this from you?"

Haku smiled and answered, "Why should I be? You gave me the opportunity of a new life. Maybe I'd be dead now if it weren't for you. Besides, I'll be living with you, so I'm going to spend more time with you than them."

"Good point," Naruto replied as he continued eating the soup. "It's also good to know that you're not angry about living with me."

Haku shook her head and continued, "No. Indeed, I think it was the right decision. Because if you hadn't said that, then it would have been several months on probation, and I would be living elsewhere."

Naruto, who finished eating his soup, replied. "Well, that will never happen. You are mine, Haku-chan, and you should know that while you're with me, you won't need anything, absolutely nothing to worry over."

Haku had a lovely blush on her cheeks and nodded gratefully. She also finished eating and asked, "But tell me, Naruto-kun. Where have you been all day? The girls and I looked for you everywhere and we couldn't find you."

Naruto smiled and answered, "Well, I was kind of busy today organizing a fireworks display."

Haku didn't understand this at first until she remembered those big explosions that were audible around the village. "Did you have something to do with those explosions?" She asked.

Naruto nodded and replied, "Yes I had to get something for a friend, and I had to use those explosions to distract some foolish people and hide my tracks. But don't worry, I'm a professional."

"Did someone die?" Haku asked a little worried.

Naruto nodded and replied, "Yes, I think a few dozen of arrogant bastards who did no good to the world. But also, some people who loved being treated like shit." That was another reason he destroyed Hiashi's house; he knew that the branch family members who worked there needed to be very reliable, which meant that they loved being humiliated.

Haku just nodded, after her talk with Naruto in the forest, she could tell that he knew what he was doing and that everything he did had a reason. She didn't wonder more and was about to take the dishes to wash them when Naruto stopped her. "Sorry, Haku-chan. But you have already made this delicious dinner. Let my stupid clones take care of this."

At that moment, two clones appeared with narrowed eyes, and they asked in unison "Stupid clones? Who the hell do you think you are?"

Naruto growled and replied, "Shut up, now do what I say or you'll be sorry."

One of the clones snorted and asked, "And what will you do?"

Naruto looked at him and dissipated him. He looked at the other clone and asked, "Do you want to be funny too?"

The clone quickly shook his head and replied, "Of course not, boss!" And he picked the dishes to wash them.

Haku laughed and asked, "Do you problems controlling your clones?"

Naruto sighed and answered, "Yes. I don't know what happens, but every time I create clones outside battle, they seem to have their own awareness, and they ignore everything I tell them. They're exasperating, but they can be very useful. Anyhow, it's late; it's time to sleep, Haku-chan."

Haku stopped laughing at that and asked, "Where am I going to sleep, Naruto-kun?"

Naruto gave a half-smile as he headed to his room, "But what a silly question. With me, of course, Haku-chan."

Haku blushed, "I-It w-won't be necessary; I don't want to bother you."

Naruto turned around and answered, "You'll never be one. Now come here and let's go to sleep. Tomorrow we'll train a bit with Anko-chan and then I will accompany you to the Interrogation Department."

Haku weakly nodded and followed Naruto to his room, hoping she could resist her impulses as she didn't want Naruto to think she was an easy girl.

It was a tough night for Haku, but nothing had happened since they had both fallen asleep due to the tiredness that they felt.

Notes

Chapter done

About Hanabi, her age, about the seal, and everything I did was if I want to add her to the harem in the future. That will be my decision only.

Greetings to everyone and until next time.