Disclaimer: same as always I wissh I owned Narruto but I dont so there it is
Warnings: same as before and if you aint sure just check the previous chapters
Note: Its been a while people. Here is the new update. Hope you enjoy. The script might have a few edits in the next couple of days or so as I tweak and retweak (sucks not having a beta) so those of you who are first to read this, I do apologise for typos and misspells. Love y'all xooxoxo
peace
ps: shout outs and notes at end x
The Following Day:Early Eve; Umino's Apartment
" No way"
"But Naru..."
"I said NO!" the blond insisted as he paced the length of the room in agitation, clearly miffed that Tsunade, Yamato-taichou and Iruka , of all people, were trying to convince him to do something that stupid- regardless of the fact that he did it most of the time with Konohamaru.
But that was different!
He would have to maintain if for a long time … and worst of all, meet bastard Sasuke in that form. It was degrading!
" There is no way in hell I'm doing something that embarrassing!"
" As much as I hate the idea, I think Tsunade-sama is right. This is, by far ,the safest choice for you at the moment" voiced Iruka, who was still very uncomfortable with the idea , from the first time Yamato had suggested it.
To say the ANBU had been shocked, when he learnt of Naruto's weird pregnancy, would have been a gross understatement .
However, Yamato had recovered quickly- only because the situation had asked for it, seeing how the exact moment he had arrived in the hospital room , Naruto had been loosing control of the kyuubi's chakra and looked set to attack Kakashi.
Fortunately for all concerned at that time , Naruto had only managed to achieve the kyuubi's shroud and therefore, with great difficulty- seeing how Naruto was much stronger as a result of his training on Mt Myōboku as well as the devastating fact the the First Hokage's necklace, which had helped him contain the the Kyuubi, had been destroyed during the fight with Pain- Yamato just about managed to subdue the boy from going berserk through sheer determination alone- whilst Tsunade worked hard to contain the feral chakra within the room, least it raised suspicions.
If Naruto had managed to achieve, at least one tail, all would have been lost.
When the boy had been finally subdued and lost consciousness, Tsunade had asked the rest of the occupants in the room to join her in her office, so they could come up with a plan to help Naruto.
It was then , after being briefed about the situation, that Yamato, after a long pause in which he to time to both recover from shock and mull over the situation, he had come up with the idea.
Which in turn, led them to the current scenario, in which Iruka, after a group vote had invited Naruto over to his house as soon as he had been discharged, with Tsunade present of course, to present the idea to him.
Unsurprisingly, seeing the boy's reaction, Naruto- as he's predicted – did not seem to take it too well.
"Well, how is that different from me going away for a while?" Naruto argued, "In that case , why cant I just leave a clone here and go to toad mountain instead of pretending to be a girl and marrying stupid Sasuke ? I don't wanna to do it !"
Both Tsunade and Iruka sighed in exasperation.
When it came to Naruto, things were never easy. Yamato, however, did not seem too bothered by the blonde's mini rant- having been used to dealing with similar incidences involving the volatile blond on a regular basis. It was he who tried, again, to explain the plan to Naruto as calm and diplomatic as he possibly could. That was the only way anything got through to the boy
"As we explained before, Tsunade needs to keep you close so she can monitor you on a regular basis, so you cant go to mountain."
"But why cant she..."
"No I cant " interrupted Tsunade , when she saw that Naruto was about to argue back, "I cant visit the mountain, because it is forbidden since I do not have a contract with the toads. And even if I was allowed , it would raise too many suspicions if I keep disappearing to the mountain regularly to check up on you and we don't want that. Plus I'm a very busy woman as you know. I am the Hokage after all. I cant be disappearing here and there at my leisure if any complication, god forbid should arise when you're on the mountain... "she reasoned,
"...and remember Naruto- this pregnancy of yours is not normal in the least. In fact, it shouldn't even exist in the first place but it does and we don't have the slightest clue what's happening and what to expect . So if you want this to work out well, you will need careful monitoring and for that I need you near me at all times. Do you understand?"
Pissed off because he knew when he was defeated , Naruto suddenly and without ceremony , threw himself on Iruka's settee and let a out long sigh of aggravation.
He slumped forward , elbows on knees , face buried in his upturned hands,
"So what you're suggesting that I make a kage bunshin that runs around pretending to be me , whilst I henge myself into one of Tsunade baba's cousin or somethin' and pretend to marry Sasuke teme?" he asked tiredly, his dejected voice muffled by his hands.
"Yes" came Tsunade's immediate response
At Naruto's crestfallen face, Iruka got up from his seat,with the intention of making them all some tea, seeing that Naruto looked like he needed on .
Lord knows he did
"Why don't I make us all a nice brew, whilst you think things over, eh Naruto?" he offered kindly, placing a gentle hand on Naruto's slumped shoulder and squeezing it reassuringly. .
Naruto looked up and offered him a small smile that didn't seem to quite reach his unusually dull eyes,
"Sure, why not Iruka sensei" he answered, " though I could really murder some ramen right about now"
"Iruka smiled at Naruto's rather pitiful attempt at normal banter and felt his heart clench for the boy,
"I'm sorry Naruto, but I don't have any ramen , but maybe next time" and with a pat on the back for Naruto , Iruka headed toward the kitchen leaving him alone with Tsunade and Yamato.
"So are you okay with this plan then Naruto" asked Tsunade , when she was certain she had the blond boy's attention.
"Do I have a choice?" he answered back resignedly
"You always have a choice Naruto, you know that"
"Yeah right" came the uncharacteristic sardonic reply and both Tsunade and Yamato sighed sadly. Since Sasuke's trial, Naruto's whole world had turned upside down and both adults hated not being able to make it better for him.
Although for all intents and purpose, Naruto was an adult;
- that is, from the moment he became a genin, taking into consideration the low life expectancy of ninja's in general
- and one with the potential to rival and surpass many of the legendary ninjas both present and gone by.
However, it was his naivety, innocence and childlike personality that reflected a certain form of endearing vulnerability, that made them want to protect him from everything bad in the world. knows , he had suffered enough, already in his short young life.
And here they were, apparently, making his life worse
There was a long uncomfortable pause , in which Naruto sat contemplating – presumably trying to find a way not to give assent and go through with the plan, whilst Tsunade and Yamato watched on patiently.
In that time Iruka had returned with four cups of tea on a tray, which he set on the coffee table in the middle of the room.
"Here's your tea Naruto" he said holding out a cup of green tea, which Naruto reached for absently with a small nod of thanks.
The brunet offered the other two occupants in the room tea, which both took appreciatively, murmuring words of thanks.
He finally took the last cup of tea on the tray and sat himself down next to Naruto
"So what did I miss?" he asked, after taking a sip from his cup, scanning the faces in the room questioningly, " Have we come to a verdict?"
"Naruto is still thinking about it" replied Yamato, who also took an appreciative sip from his cup
" Is that so" was all Iruka said , before he joined the others in silent expectancy, quietly drinking his tea, quite happy to wait for Naruto to speak when he was ready to.
After what felt like a rather long time, of the blonde boy brooding over his predicament , in which Naruto only managed to just warm his hands with his tea cup, he finally spoke
"I can understand why I have to stay in the village after the reasons you just gave... really I do," his agitated gaze alternating between Tsunade and Yamato, "But why do I have to marry Sasuke? I mean , I'm supposed to lie low anyway and not draw attention to myself- but doesn't marrying Sasuke do the exact opposite. Every girl in the village wants a piece of him and wont me 'hooking ' up with him put me in the limelight? Cant I just be a single knocked up woman living in disgrace?"
Tsunade and Iruka chuckled at that last retort, whilst Yamato shook his head in amusement. Trust Naruto to prefer playing the unconventional role of a scarlet woman.
"I understand what you are saying Naruto and I can assure you that we have considered all your reservations, however , if I'm to be honest with you, I do not completely trust Sasuke and this is the only way I know how to keep tabs on him without being too obvious. You , Sakura and Kakashi are the only people who truly know Sasuke more than anyone else in the world My placing you in this position is not just for you , but a mission to keep Konoha safe . Besides, it's only fair Sasuke helps you out. It's his baby too" replied Tsunade, adding the last part as a way to break the tension that has built up from her minor confession of mistrust- a meek attempt at some humour.
As predicted , it failed to make Naruto smile.
In fact he scowled as he looked at Tsunade in disbelief.
He hadn't liked it when Tsunade said she didn't trust Sasuke. It felt as if she'd stabbed him in the chest, right though the heart with a blunt kunai and twisted it ...and for the life of him he couldn't understand why.
"So let me get this straight..." he started slowly as if struggling to comprehend exactly what Tsunade had just said, " you want me to pretend to be a girl who is going to pretend to marry Sasuke just cause you want me to SPY on him?"
"Something like that" replied Tsunade unapologetically
Naruto looked at her in stunned silence for a beat and then shook his head.
"I ain't doin' it!"
"Why not" Tsunade replied calmly as if she'd expected this response, whilst Iruka and Yamato merely looked on in fascination at the two blond's battle of wills- both sipping their teas quietly happy to not be involved .
In fact , Iruka was of the mind to put more water to boil for another round of tea.
He was sure he had some leftover crumpets in the freezer, to toast.
Meanwhile, Naruto looked at Tsunade as if she's just grown a second head and that head had asked him the stupidest question in the world,
"Uh ..because Sasuke is my friend and I ain't gonna spy on him just cause you asked me to"
"Well ...someone is going to do it whether or not you agree, so you might as well save us all the trouble and just do it" and with that the old hag (according to Naruto) had the audacity to sip her tea calmly like they were just discussing the weather
"But isn't he paying for what he did already?" protested the blond in frustration, " why cant we just leave him alone to get his on with his life"
Tsunade sighed as she put down her now empty cup on Iruka's immaculate glass coffee table, to which the chūnin took her gesture as a visual clue to go put the kettle on , sat up and sighed tiredly
" I only wish it were that simple Naruto. I know Sasuke is your friend and you hate the fact that he is not trusted. But also remember that Sasuke betrayed Konoha before and could very well do it again and trust once broken is hard to win back. " she explained placatingly, "If you want, look at it this way, who better to look out for Sasuke but his best friend . If I'm to be honest, with you you are probably the only person in this whole village who could stop him should things go wrong" she added truthfully, meeting Naruto's searching gaze with her own unflinching one.
She knew she had won the moment he lowered his eyes and let out a long resigned sigh
"I really wish I could have some ramen now"
"Crumpets anyone?"
A few day later...
Root HQ
'Is that so?" offered a contemplative Danzou, indicating, to the bowed man before him, that he was still listening as his subordinate continued to recount what he had found out during the past couple of days since Sasuke's trial .
He had sent for one of his most loyal men, Torune , a skilled ninja from the Aburame clan, and had ordered him to track and spy on Tsunade and Naruto, as soon as he'd learned of the boy's collapse .
In hindsight , it had been a smart move on his part, especially with regards to the meeting he'd attended earlier -which had left him with much to speculate on.
Tsunade had called for an unscheduled meeting with the council and Danzou was inclined to think that it had been no mere coincidence that this meeting was called just a couple of days after the boy had fainted.
Apart from Sasuke's trial, there had not been any pending matters for the council to attend to – well except for talks about the continuous reconstruction of Konoha- therefore he had been more than willing to bet everything that this meeting would most likely be about the jinchuuriki .
Unfortunately, he had never been so wrong in his entire life.
They had discussed the boy, but that was only due to him bringing the topic of the boy up.
And as he had deduced , most if not all apart from Tsunade and surprisingly Hiashi, had not been aware of what had occurred to the boy.
However, it was all insignificant for the time being, seeing how the main agenda they'd discussed had left him completely blind sighted,... that is... if he was really honest to himself.
And that just didn't sit well with him
Thinking about what they'd discussed in the meeting Danzou could not help feel that something was definitely amiss. Tsunade had literally dropped a bomb in their midst during the meeting, shocking him immensely... and he hadn't liked it.
Tsunade's er... 'proposal'... for lack of a better term, had left him stumped and with a bitter taste in his mouth.
Not only had it been most disagreeable it had been downright heinous.
There was definitely something not right with situation Tsunade had presented to them.
Something big, to be precise...that left him reeling with pent up anxiety and impatience.
He didn't like feeling anxious and impatient...it was so unbecoming of a leader
Tsunade was hiding something and, following her declaration during their earlier council meeting, that something was not a good thing.
Not if he wanted to become Hokage and protect the village.
Somehow and some way he was going to find out what that something was.
"Torune" he addressed the still bowed man, who had remained silent and still, even though he''d finished reporting everything back to his leader
"Sir" replied the man, his head slightly tilted up to look at his leader, though Danzou could not see his features due to the animal mask he had on.
"I have another important task for you... however, I will be needing Fu's skills as well " Danzou said watching the bowed man contemplatively whilst rubbing his chin absently , "Bring Fu with you tomorrow at midday and I will debrief you. Is that understood?"
"Hai Danzou-sama"
" Dismissed "
And with another bow, man was gone, leaving Danzou alone to formulate a plan.
He WOULD know what Tsunade was hiding … even if it was the last thing he he ever did.
The Council Meeting (...earlier that day)
"I know you're all wondering why I have suddenly summoned you to this meeting?" Tsunade begins, her golden gaze coolly sweeping across the room, watching the curious faces of her council members ,guaranteeing she has all of their attention.
" What is it this time?" grunts Homura , in disgruntlement who , as usual , is sat next to an equally sour faced Koharu to the left of where Tsunade is currently standing- which is at the head of the council room's table .
He is rather put out with the way Tsunade had dressed him down in front of Konoha's citizens -a couple of days ago - during Sasuke's trial, and has not yet forgiven her,
" We had a council meeting only a few days gone and we are not due another one until next week. Some of us have rather a lot of work to do if you must know and we are all not as fortunate as some ,to have assistants who will do all our work for us" he adds caustically with a smirk, wickedly eyeing the blonde woman, taunting her to respond.
Nothing pleases him more than undermining their brat of a hokage.
"I'm sure you do" Tsunade answers rather stiltingly, refusing, with effort, take the the bait, although a hint of strain can be heard in her voice and her fists suddenly clench upon the table she is leaning on, " I am pretty aware of how busy all of you are and I'm genuinely apologetic about the inconvenience caused , however, this news can not wait" she continues , ignoring Homura and his barely concealed menace, turning to address the rest of the council members instead, " Actually , what I have called you all here for, is to-"
"Would this meeting have anything to do with the jinchuuriki collapsing after the trial a couple of days ago?" interrupts Danzou, who had rather enjoyed watching Tsunade's feathers being ruffled by Homura.
For Danzou, his old team-mate was, at least, good for something.
"How did y-" Tsunade's startled gaze shifts to the bandaged man, shocked by Danzou's question and clearly unprepared for it - though she quickly schools her expression.
As far as Tsunade knows, none of the higher ups, apart from Hiashi who had been with her when she got called to attend to Naruto, had been aware of Naruto's minor episode-
-well-not until now.
Her eyes narrow as her gaze meets Danzou's- she knows she has underestimated the vastness and efficiency of the Roots Intel network and she should have not been at all surprised that Danzou already knew about Naruto collapsing.
Thankfully he doesn't know everything and she would like to keep it that way...or they will, without a dout, have hell to pay!
However knowing Danzou, Tsunade makes a mental note to keep an eye on the Root leader - and tread carefully with her plan- else all would be lost
Unfortunately, she has not been quick enough to school her expression and therefore her initial reaction to Danzou's question does not escape the eyes of the ever sharp and vigilant Koharu
"The kyuubi vessel WHAT?" interjects Koharu almost screaming , banging her hands on the table her wrinkled face red with outrage, " Tsunade... what is the meaning of this? Is what Danzou saying true?Is the seal weakening? Why weren't we informed of this? Was it because of the fight with Pain? Is the village under threat? We should have the vessel contained..." she rambles on continously, stymieing any chance Tsunade has, to get a word in and as a result incites worried whispers and murmurs amongst the rest of the council and elders .
"ENOUGH" Tsunade finally shouts loudly , fed up and desperate to get some semblance of order as the murmurs and Koharu's rant escalate. Fortunately, her shout is enough to stop the old woman , however she can see that the rest of the council members look worried and agitated... well, all except Danzou and unsurprisingly, Hiashi- the former watching her with a calm and almost smug expression on his face .
Damn bastard, thinks Tsunade as she glares at the man , who is sat directly across from her;- how she would love to wipe that self-satisfied look on his face ( well, what she can make of it ,any way ).
However firstthings first, she needs to reassure the rest of the council that Naruto is okay or else , if they devided to start sniffing around the boy things could get ugly, pretty quickly
" Yes it is true that Naruto did collapse" Tsunade explains placatingly, " and before you say anything..." she quickly adds as Homura tries to interrupt, "it has nothing to do with the seal..."
Both Homura and Koharu snort in disbelief, whilst Danzou raises what little of his left eyebrow that is visible, in the same sentiment
"... and all it is, is a simple result of fatigue from training" she continues , ignoring the three antagonists.
Her answer serves to cause more murmurings, most of them incredulous.
She sighs, though not at all surprised by the response.
When it came to Naruto, reason normally didn't factor in most people.
" I beg your pardon hokage sama" speaks Inoichi, the head of the Yamanaka clan, " not to sound sceptical or anything, but do you really expect us to believe that Naruto merely collapsed due to training? Does that not seem a little too far fetched to you?"
There are murmurs of agreement in the room as well as self-satisfied looks from three particular council members, who are clearly enjoying Tsunade's discomfort.
Tsunade straightens to her full height and sighs , whilst swiping her face tiredlywith her hand
" Far fetched or not, Inoichi, that is the truth" she finally replies, "It is not the first time this has occured as I'm sure you are all aware. Naruto has a tendency to overdo things. But no need to worry, I made sure to check the boy myself and there was no problem with him or his seal"
"How can we trust you to tell us the truth when it comes to the boy hokage – sama?" Danzou persists, stressing on the last word – making it sound like an insult.
"True," adds Koharu, " when it comes to the jinchuuriki, you are known to lose your head Tsunade..."
Suddenly, the old woman frowns, as if she's just realised something; - she narrows her eyes in suspicion "...actually, while we are at it, why were we not informed immediatelty about the jinchuuriki? Are you hiding something?Are you , once again going to put the village at risk for the boy?"
Tsunade's face reddens with anger
"Might I remind you, yet again Koharu , exactly to whom you are speaking to" she hisses, her voice colder that ice, making the older woman and the others in the room suddenly shiver slightly in trepidation.
Koharuin a rare moment of clarity, sudden realises, she might have just overstepped her boundaries.
After all Tsunade is not hokage for nothing.
" I am not on your beck and call and am certainly not entitled to inform you of every little thing that happens in MY village!" Tsunade adds, her voice slowly rising in correlation to her temper, " As I mentioned earlier, Naruto collapsed due to fatigue from training - and who knows... probably stress , seeing as his best friend was on trial. I checked on him and he was fine and my word as Hokage should be good enough for you. And how dare you question my loyalty to the village. Need I remind you that you are the ones who hounded me constantly to become Hokage in the first place! "
There is silence in the room as the council members all look on in shock and fear , as they watch their hokage struggle to gain control of her emotions- heavy bosom heaving up and down in a weirdly hypnotic fashion.
"Thats all well and good hokage, but it still doesn't answer why you did not inform the council members about the boy. We are , after all entitled to know of anything that could be a threat to the village as this OUR village as well" speaks Danzou, who , apart from a certain Hyuuga, is the only one unaffected by Tsunade''s temper, "in addition, how are we to trust your assessment of the boy's state of health. Regardless of your inarguable talent in the field of medicine, it is too much of a coincidence for the jinchuuriki to collapse suddenly , soon after fighting the leader of Akatsuki. You are hiding something from us."
Everyone gapes in shock at Danzou clearly having a death wish, seeing how Tsunade is now fuming with barely contained anger.
Even Koharu and Homura, who love seeing Tsunade's feather's ruffled, are shocked by Danzou's obstinance as they both can tell Tsunade is on the verge of loosing it.
But the Root leader neither flinches nor shifts his gaze from Tsunade's – merely waiting patiently with an infuriatingly bored look on his face.
But before a catastrophe can strike , rescue comes from a most unlikely source
"If I maybe so bold as to speak." a pale , tall man speaks out from where he'd been silently watching events unfold, " seeing as the hokage is the best medic known to the ninja world and does not need any validation from anyone in her diagnostics, if there is any doubt about her words , I feel it my place to inform everyone here that what the hokage says is true as I was present when she treated the boy. I can assure you that his seal is okay. Naruto merely depleted his chakra reserves during his training, which led to his subsequent collapse. I used my byakugan to check his chakra system and everything was in working order "
Astonished eyes turn to the man, whose pale eyes do not flinch, under their scrutiny.
Two people in the room, are more surprised than the rest as they both know the man is lying- and for the first time that day, one of them Danzou, is left feeling very confused.
Why has Hyuuga Hiashi just lied for the hokage?
Tsunade, who has managed to calm down, due to the shock from Hiashi's words, is also confused but merely thanks the man silently with her eyes- the said man offering the smallest of nods in acknowledgement before returning to his usual stoic expression and blankly staring ahead- a gesture that is not completely lost to Danzo, who catalogues it in his mind for further analysis .
"If that is all" speaks Tsunade, turning back to readdress the council once again, "iI can assume it is okay for me to proceed to the main agenda before I'm once again interrupted?" she asks, her gaze falling mainly on Danzou, who narrows his eyes in displeasure but remains silent despite Tsunade's arrogant smirk at his sudden meekness.
He hates losing,
" No?" and when no objection is forthcoming, " Well- as I was saying earlier before, the main reason I have called you to this meeting is to talk about the Uchiha"
Yet again, there are shocked gasps in the room, including a surprised twitch from Danzou, which does not go unnoticed by Tsunade, whose smirk grows bigger.
Even Hiashi looks taken aback.
"...mainly in relation to one of the conditions he has to fulfil."
Tsunade pauses as she lets her words sink in
"What about them?" asks Homura, always quick to recover, and also curious. They'd sorted out the whole Uchiha problem for now and he cant for the life of him, understand why they are back to discussing the boy again.
It was bad enough the first time.
The confused eyes of the council members look to Tsunade questioningly and Tsunade knows her time has come. It is now or never.
"As you are all aware I am distantly related to the Uzumaki clan through my grandmother Mito and great aunt Harumi who were both cousins and married the Senju brothers..."
Here Tsunade pauses and scans the room, to make s sure she has everyone's full attention and is more than surprised to see them all engrossed- even Danzou, Koharu and Homura, who are all for once – letting her speak uninterrupted. Even Hiashi seems more attentive, so she continues
" As you are all aware, since we practically declared Sasuke Uchiha the most eligible bachelor in all Konoha, there's been utter chaos amongst the young and not so young women of Konoha in a bid to get his attention- andmind you, it has only been two days since the announcement was made."
Many nod in agreement to this statement and most if not all look very displeased, especially Inoichi, whose daughter Ino and her best friend Sakura are two of the main forerunners in the weird craze that has struck Konoha's single females, who are all fighting in a bid in woo the Uchiha boy .
" And I presume, I would not be incorrect in assuming that most parents and relatives of these women are not at all delighted with their daughters conduct? That is, if any of the complaints I have received in my office in the 24 hours are to be believed?" Tsunade asks, her gaze shifting to fall specifically on the long haired blond man who is looking rather red in the face, " Am I right Inoichi?"
"Well I...um...that is to say Hokage-sama" splutters the man , uncomfortable to be put on the spot, as eyes turn to him at the the hokage's direct address. Rescue comes, yet again from Hiashi, who answers for him
"Although we voted in favour of Sasuke marrying within the village and procreating to ensure his loyalty to the Konoha, I can speak on behalf of many parents when I say that despite his excellent breeding, lineage and immense power and skills, none of us are willing to part with our beloved daughters to a deserter and a traitor- pure Uchiha genetics or not."
Surprisingly, Tsunade seems a little bit pleased with the Hyuuga's answer leading to Danzou, who is watching her carefully, narrowing his eyes in suspicion.
However he remains silent , sensing there is more to come.
"That is what I thought" says Tsunade, her features betraying nothing, "Is everyone in agreement with what Hiashi has said" she asks , scanning everyone's expressions, staying a second or two on her three main antagonists, none of whom protest or agree.
However the general consensus in the room is in agreement.
"Nevertheless, Sasuke has to marry within the top clans, and to a kunoichi nonetheless, to ensure his maximum compliance and loyalty ."
At this most of the clan elders look away, Hiashi included, each praying that Tsunade would not pick them to sacrifice their daughters, although most know that none of their children would see it as a sacrifice but the highest honour.
But a sacrifice it is- for most of them have had the displeasure of seeing the boy up close; and had sensed his coldness and lack of feeling despite his devastating good looks. And a great sacrifice it would be , and inescapable at that should their hokage ask it of them , as they'd sworn to do all they could to protect their village as clan leaders and council members.
The elders can see that any alliance with the Uchiha heir would be an unhappy one, as none could sense a capability of love within him.
Even Koharu and Homura look a bit subdued.
No one could wish such a fate on their offspring.
Tsunade chuckles as she scans the miserable faces in the room.
They are all a bunch of soft hearted pansies after all she thinks, indulgently .
It is lightening to the soul to see , how despite their pigheadedness , the elders treasure their young ones.
Only one person remains unaffected by it all and Tsunade is not at all surprised.
The man is devoid of a heart and any emotions, after all.
" Cheer up you lot," she speaks, as the depressing air starts to feel stifling, " I'm not going to force any of you to part with your daughters."
At this, everyone turn to her confused and a little bit hopeful.
"What do you mean?" asks Chouza, the Akimichi clan leader, who had yet to speak during the meeting
" As I mentioned earlier, I'm distantly related to the Uzumaki clan through my grandmother and grand aunt..."
"And?" interjects Koharu, 'helpfully', making Tsunade narrow her eyes menacingly at her
"...if you would let me speak, I'll get there" she admonishes irritably, and Koharu ungraciously shuts her mouth, pouting like a petulant child.
"...as I was saying before I was yet again, rudely interrupted" a pointed glare is thrown towards Koharu, " whilst many of you know of my grandfather's lineage and descendants, which sadly ends with me (here Tsunade stifles a sigh of sorrow), I am pretty sure you are not aware of my great uncle's"
Yet again, the room is stunned into silence Tsunade's words.
Homura, is the first, once again to recover
"Everyone knows Tobirama se-I mean- sama and Harumi -sama never had any progeny. He died before they could have any. Plus they'd been trying for years." he says in confusion.
Everyone's faces mirrors his.
"Not any that you know of" Tsunade answers calmly, " When Harumi left Konoha due to the grief of loosing my uncle, she did not know she was with child. It was only after she settled in the village of the Hidden Waterfall that she realised she was pregnant. Not wanting her child to grow up hounded for his unique abilities as both Senju and Uzumaki, Harumi decided to remain hidden."
There are more gasps of surprise and disbelief.
"During my years away from Konoha, I came into contact with Harumi , once again. She had recognised me from when I was little . She was old and almost on her death bed but managed to introduce me to her daughter in law and great granddaughter, who was only five at the time. Her son and the little one's parents , who had been shinobi, had died protecting the village from a failed raid of by rogue ninjas.."
"That is all very interesting tale of your family's genealogy Tsunade , but can you please get to the point" Homura interjects , having grown weary of the tale.
Tsunade scowls at him, but carries on anyway
" I'd never completely forgotten about them but had simply pushed them at the back of my mind until I recently received a missive from the Waterfall- that is to say, yesterday, informing me of the demise of a woman called Haruhi. Haruhi,if you must know, was my aunt's daughter-in-law and the last remaining relative that my second cousin knew, which in turn, makes me the only relative she has alive. The time I mentioned meeting them was roughly ten years ago, so the child should be about fifteen or sixteen"
Comprehension begins grow on the faces of the council members as the implications of the information Tsunade has just given them begins to register.
A Senju and Uzumaki heir means good genetics and automatic ties to the village.
There is also the added bonus of no living relatives to meddle , meaning no ties to hold the girl back.
Thety all realise, roughly it the ame time , that Tsunade has just offered them a perfect candidate for an Uchiha bride- and what more, still young enough to mold to the ideals of the village.
But most importantly, it means no one has to sacrifice their children .
It's the perfect solution
Almost too good to be true, thinks Danzou as he continues to watch Tsunade.
And so unlike her as well.
" Why would you offer to marry off your only remaining relative to a someone like the Uchiha?"he voices his thoughts, suspicion niggling at him, " It's not like you to do something like that hokage -sama."
Tsunade turns to him with a wide impudent smile on her a face, as if she'd been expecting his question, " Because what better excuse is there to keep a close eye on the Uchiha, when he is family? " she answers readily" ... and should he falter or put a foot wrong with what is precious to me, what better justification to completely annihilate and destroy him?"
At the iciness and maniacal grin accompanying her last words... for the first time in his life... Danzou truly has reason to fear Tsunade.
A Week Later: Konoha Gates
When Sasuke looked into those those cerulean blue eyes, he felt a jolt of recognition, though he'd never seen the girl before in his life. The fact that the red head did not shy away from his piercing, unfriendly glare was also astonishing. Only one other person had the audacity to look at him in the eye with such an insolence glare.
Perhaps this trait was inherent in all Uzumakis.
She was astonishingly beautiful , but somehow did not seem to be aware of it and that served to confuse him further. Girls that beautiful, in his limited and reluctantly gained experience, tended to flaunt it
But the girl did not.
She didn't seem to have an arroganct bone in her body.
In fact, she seemed to be a little bit uncomfortable in her own skin.
Behind her, he caught a glimpse of orange and black jumper, blazing golden hair and eyes almost identical to the ones before him.
He felt a tightness in his chest flare up at the glimpse, but he was quick to dismiss it, returning his focus back to the girl.
Beside her, stood,Tsunade a reassuring and protective hand on the girl's shoulder.
He could also sense Kakashi, Sakura and his pathetic excuse of a replacement Sai, as well as three others standing further behind, nearer to where Naruto stood .
However for some odd reason his eyes kept drawing back to the girl before him.
There was something oddly familiar about her and he once again cursed not having his Sharingan.
Behind him, Neji tensed as well, as if he too sensed something odd.
Oh well, that was not his problem .
All he had to do was pretend to marry the girl and provide a name for her child . He was already more thangrateful he was not going to be forced to continue the cursed Uchiha line.
As far as he was concerned, the Uchiha would end with him, if he could help it.
"Natsumi, this Uchiha Sasuke..." Tsunade said gently to the girl who seemed a little bit nervous,abruptly jolting him from his thoughts, " and Uchiha, this is Uzumaki Natsumi..." she continued , turning her sharp gaze to him, "...your wife."
Sasuke was mildly surprised to note that both Naruto and Natsumi slightly winced, along with him, at Tsunade use of the term
Odd...
Ver odd indeed ...
TBC...
notes full of love
Sorry folks it has taken a long time for me to update, life has been hectic and don't get me started on the massive bout of writers block known to man... EVER!
As I promised in the beginning, I will finish this fic even if it kills me, so don't worry if I don't update quickly. And I know lots of people were worried about Sasuke not knowing about Naruto and the baby and I will say this to y'all...Sasuke is not called a genius for NOTHING.
Watch out for Danzo my main man, Karin and of course Madara...Plus more Sai and Neji like you've never seen 'em before (or have... depending on how much fanfic you guys read)
Just wanted to give a shout out to my loyal readers ...who've had the mosty immense patience known to mankind .
I really LOVE you guys.
Seriously...no joke
AspergianStoryteller – thanks for the advise on Sakura's characterisation and all in good time my dear, all in good time
enchanted nightingale – no...love you
.Akirakun17 – all in good time my sweet, all in good time – no worries. Sassy-ke, is after all a very clever boy, so is Neji, Sai, Shika...oh it's gna be fun (well for me anyway and hopefully for you too)
soprano-in-waiting – Thank you for your appreciation. I honestly cant do it without your support. Much love
Rosebunse – Always a pleasure. I understand about the fluff factor and trust me I share the same sentiment. But the way I see Naruto and how I've interpreted his characterisation has him as one who does not even have the capacity to consider abortion- especially as he has been all alone all his life and is desperate to have a genuine bond of his own. I dare say, if the baby had been the kyuubi's and a demon child , I'd still bet all my money that Naruto would have still kept it regardless. But then again, I could be wrong.
MUCH LOVE...
FallenBleedingAngel – You betcha it's gonna be intense. Hopefully will have that confrontation up soon!
To the rest of my reviewers , I will reply on to your reviews in the next instalment. In the meantime keep reading and reviewing , would very much appreciate your feedback
Til next time
Au Revoiur my petit pussy cats