AN - Well here is the next chapter, and apparently the very anticipated meeting between Naruto and the council of Konoha. As well as delving slightly deeper into Naruto's true feelings towards Konoha.
Here is the fourteenth chapter for 'Ascension of the Kitsune'.
Naruto - Normal/Human speech
Naruto - Human thinking speech
Naruto - Demon, Summon, Pissed off jinchuuriki normal speech & Jutsu Casting
Naruto - Demon, Summoning thinking speech
Chapter 13: Meetings
Hokage's Office,
"Enter" An aged voice called out from within his office after hearing a knock on the door.
The door to the Hokage's office soon opened up revealing five people, three ANBU officers and two teenagers.
"Hokage-sama, we have retrieved Uzumaki Naruto and Natsumi as you've requested once they returned from their mission in wave." The 'Neko' masked ANBU stated in her 'work' voice.
"Ah good, thank you 'Neko'...you may go back to your posts now" Sarutobi ordered, waving his hand in dismissal.
The three ANBU quickly left the office leaving only the three occupants in the room in silence. Sarutobi was filling out some more paper work for a few minutes before the pair became agitated.
"Ojii-san if you just wanted to annoying us, then you're doing one hell of a job. Now why have you and the council summoned us for? Or is it as we suspected?" Naruto asked, with an annoyed tone.
Sarutobi stamped his insignia on a single paper before putting the rest away and sighed.
"I wasn't the one to call this meeting, the council called it but I don't know why. Though hai I assume that it'll has to do something with you two and your return here." He responded.
"Well it was bound to happen sooner or later." Natsumi said in a huff.
"Gomen...I didn't want to reveal..."
"Kakashi I dislike eavesdroppers...get out here" Naruto interrupted.
A shadow in the corner of the room began to bend and warp into the form of the infamous copy-ninja, with an embarrassed smile under his mask.
"You better have a good reason for this Hatake. This meeting is a private matter of which you have no need to to be a part of." Sarutobi growled out, not only for his subordinate's eavesdropping, but also that Naruto called the cyclops out when he didn't notice him himself.
"Gomennasai Hokage-sama..." He started with a bow. "...I had come here to have a word with you before this meeting occurred. But the ANBU got here before I could and I just came in hoping I could still get that chance." He explained.
"That still doesn't explain why you purposely hid yourself from us, and then listened in on this meeting." The Hokage countered.
Kakashi's nonchalant mannerisms quickly left leaving only battle-hardened shinobi standing there.
"Its because I have concerns that need to be answered about these two standing in front of me Hokage-sama..." He began before eying the two teens. "...I have seen strong Genin in my time. But I have NEVER seen any as strong as these two. Their skills are greater then they are willing to express and I've also noticed they are using a type of genjutsu that is beyond anything I have ever seen or heard of. I want to know who they really are and what they are truly capable of." Kakashi's hardened voice cut through the room, making everyone know he was deathly serious about every word he just spoke.
Sarutobi just sighed softly. "I should have figured that if anyone of the Jounin would find these two odd it would be Kakashi"
"Gomen Kakashi but those questions not even I can completely answer. I only know the tip of the iceberg when it comes to these two. If you wish to know more you can ask them yourself...but I doubt they will tell you." He confessed.
Kakashi just looked analyzing at the two pseudo-teens in front of him, before sighing, and nodded to his commander.
"I understand...with Naruto's past in this place I can see why he would be hesitant to tell or show anyone the 'real' him. And after what I've done to him I know he won't tell me. So all I can do is wait until he reveals himself or trusts me enough to tell me the truth. Gomennasai my intrusion will not happen again" He explained, making Naruto crack a small smile...he would admit that Kakashi was making strides to get in his good graces, but there was still a long way to go.
"Well since we got that out of the way...Kakashi I'm you'll have to leave. As you've heard the council wishes to speak with me and I'm brining along your students."
Kakashi nodded in knowing the situation and bowed once more before 'shunshin'ing out of the office to leave the three to the torture that awaited them in that damnedable room.
"We going with the plan Natsu-chan?" Naruto mentally asked his mate.
"Hai...it'll be far too annoying to have those people know what I really look like." She answered back.
As the Hokage got up from his desk he noticed Naruto dispelling something, and then seem to seal what looked like a body in a storage scroll. He was about to ask Naruto what he was doing, but knew the boy had so many secrets that asking would probably only cause him to come up with even more questions then he already had. Naruto hand sealed for the 'Kuchiyose no Jutsu', which peeked the man's interest and watched in fascination as Naruto summoned...a ten-foot, five-tailed red fox. Sarutobi almost had a heart-attack when his eyes met the gaze of the fox, his hand immediately going for his kunai under his robes.
"Calm down Hokage, it is only me." Natsumi's voice, though much more fierce and masculine but still recognizable rumbled out of the fox's maw.
The old man relaxed at her words, and quickly looked ashamed for his reaction.
"Gomennasai Kyuubi-san, bad memories..." He whispered out, getting an understanding nod from the vixen...you don't fight a fifty-story fox, and get over it when you see a large fox again.
"That day was a large pill to swallow for all of us." She agreed her visage showing deep pain, before a set of hands petted her muzzle affectionately, making her glad Naruto was with her now. "As for this form I do not wish to have the council to know of my human form...yet anyway." She explained.
"I understand...are you both ready now?" He asked, getting nods from the teen and fox before they both vanished from sight.
"Genjutsu Ojii-san" Naruto answered the question written on the old man's face.
He smiled and shook his head. "You two really are something...well lets get this over with. Council meetings are like band-aids, the faster you get it over with the less painful it'll be in the long run." He joked getting snickers from his invisible company, as they walked towards the council chambers.
Council Chambers,
The council chambers were currently filled to the brim with delegates from every 'important' family clan that belonged to the Hidden Leaf Village. The council consisted of eight civilian clan heads, the Hokage's three personal advisors, and eight shinobi clan heads. However only six of the shinobi seats were filled. The Namikaze, and Uchiha seats were empty awaiting a time for their clan to return to glory. This made the council equally split positions and power between the civilians and shinobi. However the true and final power of the council was held by the Hokage him/herself.
The council members were having their own separate conversations before a knock resounded against the large wooden double doors. The council quickly quieted down, while an ANBU officer allowed the Hokage entrance. Sarutobi sighed, if he hated one thing more the paperwork it was council meetings. Because in the end he'd just have that much more paperwork to do whether he gets his way or not anyway. He swiftly reached the stand meant only for the Hokage, while Naruto and Natsumi stayed against the wall hidden behind him curious as to the point of this meeting.
"Let this meeting come to order..." Sarutobi called out getting the last remnants of whispers silenced. "...now this meeting has been appointed by the council itself to have an audience with me. What does the council wish to speak with me about concerning the village?" He eyed the heads to see who'd speak up first.
Koharu stood. "We the council wish to understand your reasons why for the past two weeks you've been holding back a large force of our shinobi from attempting missions that lead outside of Fire Country?" She requested.
"I was hoping they wouldn't notice so soon so I wouldn't have had to explain the things Naruto has told me so far from the Chuunin exams." Sarutobi sighed out.
"The answer to that is quite simple..." He began making all of the council listen intently to his next words. "...I know from a very reliable source that sometime during he Chuunin exams, the newly formed Hidden Sound Village and Hidden Sand Village will make an attempt to invade Konoha and either conquer it or burn it to the ground." He finished.
The moment he finished his explanation the council was in an uproar...a multitude of questions were shot at him about what he said. But he simply waited for their initial shock and stupidity to run its course before he answered any questions. After a few minutes the council room finally calmed down into silent whispers.
Hyuuga Hiashi was the next to stand. "Hokage-sama, I believe the council wishes for you to elaborate on what you just said. More specifically who this reliable source of yours was and what proof they have? Suna is our ally...and to question their loyalty to our alliance is a heavy accusation do you not agree? Also why wasn't the council told about this earlier? And if this proves to be true information, what exactly are your plans to stop it?"
"While I understand the council's concerns know that my decisions on this matter were and still are for the best for the village. But to answer your questions...I'm afraid that my informant wishes to stay anonymous because of their past 'dealings' with this village. As far as their proof goes...they have told me that they have a spy within Oto, of which is preparing for war even as we speak." He began and looked around to see the faces of the council. "As for my reasons for not telling the council about this possible 'invasion' when I first heard it is because of how the council just reacted to the news. If I told you weeks ago, the village would be in an uproar, with villagers trying to flee the village for their own sakes. However if they did then three things would occur, the Oto leader would learn of this since I'm sure he or she has spies in Konoha and then cancel the attack. Plus if most of the population of Konoha fled what would happen to the Chuunin exams for this year? The teams would be sent back, and then the other hidden villages would question our reasons for canceling the exam. And how would the they react to us telling them that an invasion would occur within our boarders? I highly doubt they would think of us as the strong country that we truly are. So to prevent this from happening I was going to wait until a week before the exams to tell the council of this. Since this would be the barest of minimums to prepare for a invasion of two countries." He paused once more to take a breath. "As for the plans if an invasion happens...some have already been implemented, one of which you caught on to. My summoning of all our shinobi back to Konoha to prepare for war. I believe the lack of funds from a few missions is an acceptable loss to have Konoha in top fighting strength if Oto and Suna attack. Other then that I have already talked to specific groups of Jounin and Chuunin to prepare the evacuation of the civilians into the Hokage monument, as well as other safe houses scattered across the village, as per the law of the Shodaime."
The council absorbed Sarutobi's words, and quietly began to converse with the clan heads around them to listen to the other's opinions on his reasoning. After a few minutes a cane hit the concrete floor making a loud resounding 'crack' within the council room, making everyone present stop their talking. Only one man on the entire council could quiet down the leaders of the village in such a manner...Danzo.
"While I agree with Hokage-sama's ideas about the invasion...even if I would do things differently myself. I must question about your informant...one would think that someone with such vital information would want to be recognized by the people he/she is saving...perhaps for something in return for said information. Yet this person asked for nothing in return? I also wonder why if what you said is true and this person has bad-blood with Konoha would they warn us at all about an invasion?
One would think they they would enjoy seeing this village burn to the ground. Therefore on those grounds I ask that you bring in your informant and have them speak to this council directly...so we may judge them and their information ourselves. We shouldn't base our own village's actions on one person who admits to not having good relations with the village." He argued before sitting down with a smug smirk on his old lips from the resounding affirmations amongst the council.
"Danzo-san...I'm afraid that my informant..." Sarutobi began before another voice cut him off.
"Knows that his information won't be welcomed in Knonoha once he is identified." A voice finished.
Immediately a squad of ANBU officers surrounded both the Hokage and as many council members as possible. Once the room settled down from the intrusion Danzo spoke up.
"So you are the informant I take it? Rather impressive to get into this room undetected with such strong shinobi here."
"According to whose standards exactly? But hai I am Hokage-sama's informant about the invasion of Konoha" The voice affirmed still shrouded in shadow, making all the council scowl except for Inuzuka Tsume who was smirking like a mad woman knowing exactly who was speaking.
"Then reveal yourself and tell us the information that you told the Hokage...and we as a council will decide if your information is reliable" Danzo ordered.
"I will not reveal myself ...as for the information what I told Hokage-sama is what he told you. I know no more nor less then that." The voice replied, slight anger seeping into his word's at Danzo's 'command'.
"You will do well to show yourself boy. Because just by being in this very room during a council meeting is tantamount to a felony punishable by death should this council so choose to charge you." Danzo stated, giving him the ultimatum.
"Tsh very well...but I warn you I will not be held responsible for my actions if anyone attempts to take my life...that is my only warning." The voice warned, getting cocked eyebrows as his answer.
Naruto held his hand and dispelled his genjutsu, allowing his shadowed form to to bask in the light. The council was confused at the demon boy's presence.
"Arrest that boy...he has entered a forbidden area of the village for the likes of...'him'!" The head of a Haruno clan ordered, utterly disgusted that the demon was in her presence.
The ANBU was about to go when the Hokage halted their attempts.
"As I'm sure most of the smarter of you realized...Namikaze Uzumaki Naruto IS the informant I was speaking about." Sarutobi stated, getting some slight shocks from several council members.
"B...but Hokage-sama thats just the demon brat. How could IT have such a spy in the sound village when WE cannot. It was living on it's own for the past six years, its not possible for it alone to gain access to Oto when we as an entire village could not!" She countered.
Naruto sighed at this woman's ignorance, but let the fact of calling him a demon slide since technically the third's law was still in effect. But mainly due to the fact that he WAS part demon now so its not like it would be a lie anymore.
"Hai your right my spy in Oto isn't originally mine...he was a spy for a great friend of mine, who after they died was loyal to their last will and thusly became my own spy." Naruto explained though leaving any important details out knowing the council couldn't be trusted.
Danzo watched Naruto carefully, and noticed no lies coming from the boy...as far as he could tell.
"Uzumaki-san...how reliable is your spy?"
"They have never led me astray."
While their short dialogue was going on, one of the civilian clan heads was twisting in rage from his seat. He lost ALL his family during the Kyuubi attack and here was the demon itself standing in front of him and no one was doing anything about it! His rage came to a boil before he swiftly stood up, knocking his chair over and banged his hands on the desk before him.
"HOW CAN YOU EVEN LISTEN TO THIS DEMON!? HAVE YOU ALL FORGOTTEN WHAT IT IS!? WHAT ITS DONE!? IT'S THE KYUUBI NO KITSUNE!? THE DEMON THAT DEVASTATED OUR VILLAGE TWELVE YEARS AGO NOT THIS UZUMAKI CHILD...NOT HE YONDAIME'S SOCHI! NOT EVEN HIS OWN KAA-SAN BELIEVED HIM TO BE HER CHILD ANYMORE AND LEFT HIM HERE TO ROT! HAVE YOU ALL REALLY FORGOTTEN THAT HE KILLED OUR LOVED ONES!? WHY HAVEN'T YOU SENT ANBU TO KILL THE DAMN THING BEFORE IT GETS THE CHANCE TO DO THE SAME TO US!?" He roared.
The chamber was completely silent as they contemplated his words. Most of the council quickly agreed but only nodded in agreement, while others thought the safety of the village was more important of then their vendetta that could be dealt with at a later time. Tsume however was the least happy with his hateful and ignorant words, which was obvious when she grabbed the man by his kimono and socked him in the face with a right hook sending him into the wall of the chamber. His body crumpled to the floor, in a bloody mess, thankfully however Tsume reeled her anger back enough to leave the covering man still alive.
"As I've stated in the past...I will NOT allow people to bad mouth the Yondaime's sochi." Tsume spoke through gritted teeth, before going back to take her assigned seat.
After her actions the council room calmed down, and left a smirking Naruto now, noting that most of the council wouldn't look at him in the eyes anymore. Silence reigned in the room no one knowing where to go from there. After some time Hiashi purposely coughed before speaking to get everyone's attention.
"As we were discussing before that 'interruption'...Uzumaki-san would you care to explain your reasons for coming back to Konoha after six years of absence? As well as why as you've already said you don't trust us, yet you decided to come and warn us about this attack?"
Naruto noticed he purposely addressed him wrong, but shrugged it off. "The one reason for both your questions are simple...I came back to Konoha, and told Hokage-sama about the invasion because...I want to keep those that are important to me in this place safe, that is all." He answered, and was annoyed that some of the council's expressions took on an approving look towards his reasons. "Do not read into my reasons in the wrong way...if I had the choice to get those people out of this village I would do so and let the rest of you and this village burn to the ground. But because of who those people are I was forced to come back and tell the Hokage about it. There are many things that this village should burn for. Not only for the things that happened to me when I was younger, or what you did to the Kyuubi. But many other reasons that I'm so disgusted with I would throw up while naming them." Naruto finished with a scowl on his face.
The council was once again in an uproar, shouting to arrest the boy, to kill him and do away with the demon and other such nonsense that only people who were fools spoke.
"Tell me..." Danzo's voice roared over all others, making them grow silent. "...you speak as if you have spoken to the Kyuubi." He stated...letting the 'real' question hang in the air for the boy to answer.
"Hai...I have."
"How is that possible...you ARE the Kyuubi!" Another civilian council member accused.
Naruto simply shook his head. "No I am not the Kyuubi..." He said before pointing to his left. "...this is." He confirmed before from the shadows next to him unveiled a ten foot, five-tailed red fox that looked like it was about to kill everyone in the room.
For the third time the council was in an uproar, though for good reason this time. The ANBU as well as the shinobi clan heads but Tsume quickly readied themselves for a fight, as Natsumi just sat down on her haunches, letting Naruto pet her muzzle until the council chamber became sane again.
"HOKAGE-SAMA! THE KYUUBI HAS BEEN RELEASED! WHY AREN'T YOU DOING ANYTHING!?" One civilian council member screamed while trying to reach the exit.
Naruto was getting annoyed and wanted to get out of this meeting as quickly as possible. In his slight annoyance he released his chakra and flooded the room with a concentrated burst of KI. Immediately the room was silent with everyone but Sarutobi and Tsume struggling with the pressure his KI was pressing down upon them. The civilians were already unconscious, while the shinobi clan heads were hard-pressed to keep their normal breathing regulated
"Good now that I have your attention..." Naruto started, his tone and demeanor taking a complete turn. "...I have a few things I wish to clear up about your ignorance. First of all, neither myself nor Kyuubi here have any intentions of doing harm to the village, UNLESS we are attacked first. I mean really...if we wanted to destroy this place...you'd all already be dead and Konoha burning...so calm down. Secondly, if you are wondering why we aren't going to continue what occurred twelve years ago, we have our reasons. Plus the leader of Oto will be here for the invasion as well, and we both have a score to settle with him more so then with your damn village. Now you can believe what I say or you can take it with a grain of salt knowing your feelings towards me, either matters little to me. However...this will be my ONE and ONLY warning for once we leave this room today. If either Kyuubi, myself, the Inuzuka clan or ANYONE residing in the Namikaze compound are physically or verbally threatened in ANY way I will not hesitate to 'deal' with them. This will be your village's warning so I do hope that you take it to heart and spread the word." He finished before resealing his chakra and KI, allowing the council to breathe normally again. "Now are their anymore questions...if not we'd like to be going."
He looked around the room waiting to see if anyone had a question. And to his satisfaction those people who had the courage to actually look at him did so with disapproving and angry gazes.
Hearing no one speak Naruto turned to Sarutobi. "Good...then I'll be going, Ojii-san I'll leave the specifics and the rest of the meeting to you."
"Hai...I'll talk to you later Naruto-kun" He replied and smiled.
Naruto and Natsumi both nodded to the aged man before 'shunshin'ing out of the office withing a swirl of leaves and red flames.
"Namikaze Uzumaki Naruto...what a great addition to 'Ne' you will be if I can get you to join me. To be able to control Kyuubi to such an extent to have it be your own personal pet." Danzo thought with a smirk while watching the boy leave, more plans running through his mind at the new possibilities he just learned..
"Namikaze Uzumaki Naruto...if only you had stayed within the village perhaps I could have befriended you and used your strength to boost my clan's power. To hold the Kyuubi...a beast of such power in the palm of your hand as you've shown. Such power would make the Hyuuga clan untouchable if under my control." Hiashi thought, several schemes running through his mind as the possibilities for his clan should he get the boy under his thumb.
"HOKAGE-SAMA ARE YOU JUST GOING TO LET THEM GO!? HE UNLEASHED THE KYUUBI NO KITSUNE...YOU HAVE TO DO SOMETHING!" One of the civilian clan heads that were awakened by he ANBU yelled.
"ENOUGH! If you do not understand what Uzumaki-san was saying...then do yourself a favor and pretend that you didn't see him here, you'd be better off." Danzo barked at the foolishness of the villagers. "Hokage-sama what should we do about him? Despite his outburst the man is right...the boy released the Kyuubi no Kitsune, you can't leave him be." He asked.
"I will deal with them my own way, do not concern yourself with the details. I will keep this village safe as I have always done as Hokage. However I suggest you all heed his warning, lest you want there to be bodies piled up on the streets before too long. As for the invasion we still have much to discuss." The aged leader spoke.
The meeting continued on as normal, though Naruto's words rung frequently int eh backs of their minds.
With Naruto & Natsumi,
"How do you think they'll react?" Natsumi asked as the pair walked out of the council building in their adult forms.
"It doesn't really matter, it's too close to the Chuunin exams to figure something out before shinobi from the other villages come here." He retorted, while yawning. "Though truth be told they accepted everything better than I thought they would have. I was half expecting them to to go berserk once you came out, and we'd have to fight all of the ANBU." He confessed with a small chuckle.
"Thats true...and knowing them, that reaction is going to bite us in the ass later on." She retorted with a sour expression.
"I suppose, but nothing to do now...we can only wait and see"
The two continued to talk about the repercussions of the council meeting. While walking back to the Namikaze compound, Natsumi noticed Hana through the window of a quaint bistro sitting with two other women seeming to be in a rather enjoyable conversation.
"Want to say hi?" He asked noticing what she was looking at.
"Sure...and those other two seem to be the kunochi who watched your fight in the bushes."
Naruto nodded at her observation before the two walked over.
With Hana,
"...so I wrapped up his wounds and he just asked me out." Kurenai said while giggling at her recollection of how she and Asuma got together.
The other two girls just laughed at the story, before Anko's died when she noticed Naruto standing in the doorway.
"Oh...looky here girls fresh meat!" She purred out licking her lips, not noticing that the man looked awfully like what Hana's description of Naruto was.
The other two girls turned slightly to see the new occupant, Kurenai quickly sizing up the young man up and blushed lightly at how good he looked. While Hana tried to hold in her smirk realizing that her friends didn't put two and two together. She decided to play a prank on the two older kunochi, and quickly stood up walked over to Naruto and abruptly give him a kiss. The two girls just looked slack-jawed that Hana would go up to a complete stranger and do that. With a large smirk on her face, Hana pulled on Naruto's shirt to drag him over to the table and made him sit down.
"Wow...Hana-chan I didn't think you'd get back in the game so soon. And I thought you liked that Arashi guy? Tsk tsk cheating in him already for shame." Anko teased with a smirk.
"I'm not...this IS Arashi" Hana boasted, before bursting out laughing at seeing the embarrassed blushes of her two friends.
"I'll assume this was for revenge for the prank we pulled on you a few days ago" Kurenai stated with a smile, only making Hana nod.
"Oh and this is Natsumi, Arashi's close traveling companion..." Hana introduced the demoness who was standing behind Naruto just listened to the females talk. "...And this is Anko and Kurenai...my best friends" She finished pointing to the girls respectively.
The four gave each other the usual greetings before settling down at the table again.
"So this is the infamous Arashi that we keep hearing about ne?" Anko rhetorically asked while looking Naruto up and down in a analyzing way, paying extra attention to his chest, and lower area.
"So Arashi, Natsumi tell us about yourselves. I mean other then what Hana might have told us anyway." Kurenai asked trying to get Anko's attention back into the right train of thought.
The demon pair were slightly on edge since they just met the pair of women, but realized that if Hana was ok with introducing them to her friends she must trust them enough. So they decided to tell them general things about themselves, but kept the more important details discreet. By the end of the conversation all of them were quite comfortable with each other, and were having an enjoyable conversation. Eventually however Naruto and Natsumi had to leave to begin their daily training.
"Ne Hana-chan did you want to grab that date I asked you about last week tonight?" Naruto inquired, getting up from his chair.
Hana thought for a moment to make sure her schedule was clear, and quickly nodded when she remembered she was free for the evening.
"Alright I'll come pick you up around the same time as last time" He advised before leaning down and giving her a peck on the cheek and left with Natsumi in toe after saying their goodbyes to Anko and Kurenai.
"My my Hana-chan...seems you two have taken a shine to each other" Anko teased with a smirk.
"I have to agree with Anko on that one...you seem to really be at ease with him. You like him a lot don't you?" Kurenai asked, adding her two-cents.
"Ano...well...I..." Hana stuttered out, while blushing...she didn't want to admit it even to herself but she had indeed fallen quite hard for the orange haired hanyou in the few weeks they were actually 'together'.
"Aw our little Hana-chan is growing up so fast!" Anko teased again in a baby voice.
"Anko stop it!" Hana yelled with a weak pout on her lips from embarrassment.
"Aw you know I'm just teasing you Hana-chan. Arashi seems like a nice guy, and you certainly weren't kidding about his body I mean damn could eat breakfast off his abs! Would you be willing to share?" She asked, as she absentmindedly began to lick her lips.
"Anko...be nice, Hana is already going out with him so he is off-limits" Kurenai scolded the purple haired Jounin.
"You're no fun you know that Nai-chan?" She pout crossing her arms under her chest with a huff.
The girls just continued on with their fun, until it got a bit late and went their separate ways for the day. Anko to her interrogation duties with Morino Ibiki, Kurenai to her Genin squad, and Hana back home to prepare for what she hoped to be another great date with Naruto.
With Naruto & Natsumi,
"They seemed nice..." Natsumi began as they walked down the street back home. "...at least while in these forms." She admitted.
"True on both accounts...however I have a feeling that Hana picks her friends carefully. So I think that even if I went in as my child from the two wouldn't treat me like the rest of the village does. Especially Anko, I noticed her body movement when we first sat down was apprehensive, and defensive towards us. I also noticed that cursed mark on her shoulder which she adamantly tried to keep covered with her coat whenever she moved. That coupled with WHO gave it to her and his relationship to this village, I have a sneaking suspicion that her life in this village is slightly comparable to mine. But I'll do a bit of digging to see if my assumptions are right, if they are I might be able to adopt her into our plans like we're gonna try with Haku-chan."
Natsumi just shrugged. "I suppose...she seemed rather strong so she might be a good addition, but we'll have to see." She retorted. "And don't think I didn't notice you looking at her breasts either, granted hard not to with what she wore but still." She warned with a smirk that promised pain if the next thing he said wasn't what she wanted to hear.
"Yours are better anyway." He answered without wasting a moment
She smirked. "Damn right!" She then grabbed her own and jiggled them, successfully enticing him with a blush now evident on his face.
"You know its a lot harder to concentrate on me training regiment when you do that."
She grinned victoriously. "Just think of it as more training on your concentration then." She suggested in a seductive purr while moaning and squeezing herself, making his cheeks redden more.
"Vixen" He whispered under his breathe, making her laugh as they entered the Namikaze grounds, where Naruto began his training before getting ready for his date with Hana later that night.
One Week Later,
It had been a week since Naruto and Hana's second date, of which the couple enjoyed greatly once again. Especially the hour long make-out session that occurred after Naruto brought her atop the Hokage monument to watch the sunset. Meanwhile Kiba was finally able to meet him, and thank him properly for protecting his sister from Mizuki, before getting to know a bit about each other.
In the mean time, Naruto and Natsumi had a talk with the Hokage about Haku's situation, as well as their plans for her in the Chuunin exams of which she had agreed upon without hesitation since they helped her out of Zabuza's abusive grip. The Hokage agreed noting that it was a good idea since they needed a third member for their team for the first part of the exam anyway so it worked out. He had tested Haku with a random Jounin and made her a Konoha Genin. He also finally told Naruto about his mother and half-siblings coming to Konoha, which Naruto feigned ignorance of playing the part of a jaded son...Sarutobi was none the wiser.
After that meeting nothing much happened with the demon pair, aside from Kakashi giving his team their permission slips to participate in the Chuunin exams. That is until the day before the Chuunin exams started, when an ANBU messenger called the pair to the Hokage's office for another meeting.
Hokage's office,
"Whats up Ojii-san?" Naruto asked, while yawning out of boredom.
Sarutobi just stamped the paper he was reading before looking up with a smile at the demon pair, however his smile turned into a scowl soon after.
"Gomen Naruto-kun, Kyuubi-san..." He started, making said people furrow their brows not liking where this was going already. "...but it seems that after you left, the council and I discussed many things pertaining to what you both presented them with last week. And it appears they have asked for another audience with you. This time I don't know why, but I doubt its anything good." He explained sourly.
Natsumi sighed in annoyance. "Would have been simpler if they just threatened us so we could have killed them." She grumbled.
"Can't argue with you there Natsu-chan" Naruto agreed with a scowl on his face.
Sarutobi nodded to the pair, waiting for Naruto to summon Natsumi in her fox form same as last time. Once that was finished, they headed to the awaiting council room.
Council Room,
The council of Konoha were waiting patiently for those invited to the meeting to arrive, with most of the council were excited about what the meeting was held for. Especially if everything goes according to plan which would mean the bettering of Konoha, and secretly themselves. A loud knock on the doors made them quiet down, while the ANBU allowed the Hokage and Naruto in the room to settle in.
"Why has the council requested this meeting?" Sarutobi called out to the clan heads as he took his seat.
Koharu stood up and bowed lowly in Naruto's direction. "We would first like to apologize to Namikaze-san for our past actions towards him. We were...wrong to accuse the sochi of our greatest hero of betrayal gomennasai." Koharu stated, which caused everyone else but Tsume to stand and respectfully bow towards Naruto.
Naruto and Natsumi weren't impressed with the half-assed apology that was given. They could easily smell that most of the council didn't even mean it. Along with this fact and their abrupt personality changes within only a weeks time, one must wonder, and suspect WHY they changed so quickly.
"You must forgive both my refusal and reluctance to accept such an apology" Naruto retorted coldly.
Danzo lifted his head. "Please show us some manners Namikaze-san. After you left the last time you were here, we realized the errors of our ways in how the village treated you when you were a child. We simply wish to make amends for past mistakes" Danzo elaborated, with a sugar-sweet tone that was just too innocent to be honest.
"Is that why you called me here?"
"Not entirely but that was one reason hai. The other was to speak to you about your clan, and the fact you have finally returned to Konoha"
Naruto's eyes narrowed dangerously. "So thats their game."
"Oh? And what about my clan?" He feigned curiosity
"Because of recent 'facts' that you have revealed to us...we wish to have you reclaim your rightful place in Konoha" Danzo explained in that same tone, which was getting Naruto annoyed.
"Please stop beating around the bush...I have the Chuunin exams to think about so if you would just tell me what this is about exactly." Naruto growled out, his anger showing slightly.
"Of course of course...Namikaze Uzumaki Naruto, we the council of Konoha wish to present you with your Tou-san's inheritance which includes his home, and his old seat on the council prior to him becoming Hokage."
Naruto's eyes opened wide, as he guffawed at this council's audacity. THEY were presenting HIM with HIS father's belongings...HIS blood inheritance? Naruto physically shivered in rage at the gall the council had to try such a thing with him, dangling his inheritance in front of him like it was theirs to give, instead of his from the very beginning.
"I hope this council is just making a very bad joke..." Naruto said darkly, his tone becoming more and more emotionless as he spoke. "...because if I'm hearing you right, you are trying to sway me by giving me a gift that was mine the very moment I was born with Namikaze blood in me."
Most of the council shivered slightly at the boy's tone, with some of them realizing their mistake by trying to manipulate the boy. Just because he looked young didn't mean he was stupid nor ignorant enough to be used as a pawn.
"We would never do such a thing Namikaze-san..." Danzo quickly answered with a fake smile. "...we simply wished to present you with what was yours now that you are finally back home."
Naruto raised an accusing brow. "Really? Because to me...it just seemed like this council was trying to 'buy me off' one could say with items that already belonged to me after you saw with your own eyes the Kyuubi and myself separated. Which made you finally realize I am and always was the Yondaime's sochi. And are now just trying to manipulate me into being a good little Konoha shinobi under your thumbs." Naruto hypothesized, accusingly.
A civilian council member stood abruptly. "You speak out of turn boy! To receive ANYTHING from this council, even something already belonging to you is an honor we seldom give! And worse yet you accuse us of such underhanded tactics as lying to a child to force his loyalty!? People have been executed for far less when talking before us!" He barked, keeping his anger at the boy's audacity, and lack of respect barely in check.
Naruto raised a brow at the outburst, but paid no mind. That person was of no consequence at the moment.
"Perhaps I have...but the council is also out of line. This entire meeting is a farce as far as I've witnessed. You people apologize to me AFTER seeing Kyuubi and myself separate. Instead of realizing before hand that all you did for six years of my life was abuse a little boy. THEN you have me come here to present me with items that already belonged to me. As well as try to gain my 'favor' and 'loyalty'. So one must wonder who in fact is really out of line here."
Hiashi stood in response. "Namikaze-san, enough. We didn't ask you here to argue again. We simply wish to repent for our past actions, and to allow you the rightful place in Konoha you should have been given since the Yondaime's passing." Hiashi interjected smoothly.
Naruto leveled a glare at the Hyuuga head. "If that is the case...then I decline your offer as well as your repentance. I have already claimed my Tou-san's home, his jutsu library within said home, and as for the seat on the council...as I've told you the last time I did not come back to fully join Konoha. I came back to warn the village, help out those that are important to me, and to get my revenge on the Otokage...everything else is irrelevant."
Another civilian council member stood up, looking very bothered. "But what about your Tou-san's work in Konoha? Are you really going to betray his efforts and sacrifices by not being apart of the village he gave his life to protect?" All the shinobi clan heads looked at the man as if they wanted to kill him for his inquiry, but a sudden blast of KI in the room quickly to quelled their thoughts.
Naruto looked murderous. "Don't you EVER speak to me about betrayal! This village is ridiculous! You abuse and nearly kill me when I was a child! You celebrated the moment the news of my disappearance was made public! I then return several years later only to still find glares of hatred at every turn! The topper is when I show the council Kyuubi out of the seal, you people immediately try to sweet talk me into loyally joining the village once again, because your bigoted eyes finally realized that I'm still Namikaze Minato's sochi and want me back! All the while expecting me to just forgive and forget all this village has done to me!? Did I miss anything!?" He roared accusingly, finally dispursing his KI allowing the council to breathe once more.
"Please calm down Namikaze -san. From the bottom of our hearts gomennasai for all of the ill-treatment we delivered upon you when you were younger and we foolish Gomennasai for that Namikaze-san...truly." The Haruno clan head said.
"I don't believe you. And you're just lucky that I have more use for this place to still be standing then destroyed!" He threatened.
"Hokage-sama please tell your subordinate that threats towards the council or the village will be taken seriously, and should reconsider speaking like that again." Yamanaka Inochi spoke up.
Sarutobi just glared at the blond man, who wilted back into his seat.
Hiashi stood once more with a frown. "We do mean our apology, and understand your sentiments, but whether you believe us or not is up to you Namikaze-san. And while we wish you'd reconsider our offer it is certainly your choice to accept or decline."
"Then if there is nothing else, I'd like to leave." Naruto requested, having enough of these people.
"I'm afraid there is one other matter to discuss Namikaze-san..." Danzo spoke up, the slightest of smirks crossing his wrinkled face. "...the implementation of the C.R.A. (Clan Restoration Act)."
"Ah so this is what they wanted the whole time." Naruto thought, finally finding out the REAL reason for this meeting.
"Since you are participating in the Chuunin exams while representing Konoha, you are thusly under the laws of Konoha. As such we as the council are enacting the right to implement the C.R.A for the Namikaze clan. You are the last of your noble blood and may not make it out of the exams alive. Therefore Konoha must know that the Yondaime Hokage's Kekkei Genkai doesn't disappear should the worst happen to you." Danzo elaborated, sounding as if he had just won a great victory.
Naruto glared disgustingly at the aged man. "So...what? You want me to run around Konoha and fuck anything that is fertile and has a vagina so a village I'm not even a real part of has MY Kekkei Genkai!?" Naruto retorted, making Danzo scowl.
"Your crudeness aside Namikaze-san...hai that is basically what we are saying. We wish for you to take multiple wifes, and try to impregnate them so that another one of Konoha's Kekkei Genkai doesn't disappear much like the Uchiha and their Sharingan nearly did." Danzo answered harshly.
"Tsh...thats what this entire meeting was about I bet! You couldn't' care any less about me! All you want is my Tou-san's Kekkei Genkai back! And the Uzumaki's Kekkei Genkai as well for a bonus I'm sure. This village really does disgust me! And don't think for a moment that just because you are the council of Konoha you can force this on me either. And for the record, you can't claim something that isn't Konoha's anymore. My Tou-san is dead and I'm the last Namikaze, which means that the Namikaze Kekkei Genkai and transversely the Hiraishin no jutsu belong solely to me and the village that I swear allegiance to..and that certainly isn't this one. So I see no reason to go around this village of hateful bigots and impregnate the women for YOUR purposes...no reason at all."
Naruto's speech caused a civilian council member to shoot up from their seat. "You will hold your tongue boy! You state that you aren't a part of Konoha...but that HEADBAND you currently wear says otherwise! And while you wear that, the council can order you to do whatever it is we like! So if we want to TAKE your Kekkei Genkai from you to further advance the village you have NO say in the matter unless you wish to be executed for treason! So as this council had ordered...the C.R.A WILL be implemented for the Namikaze clan, and you WILL fulfill your obligations to Konoha accordingly!" She responded heatedly.
"ENOUGH!" Sarutobi's voice roared throughout the room saturating it with KI, getting everyone's now silent attention. "Now that I have your attention, this council has far surpassed its authority concerning Naru..."
"Its alright Ojii-san." Naruto's voice quietly cut off the old man's reprimand, making everyone look at him to see what he had to say. "...if this is the village's terms to continue receiving my help then I have an easy solution..." He paused, before lifting the Konoha head band from his forehead. "...I'll leave." He finished, and made his point crystal clear when he dropped the headband on the floor.
A cold silence reigned in the council room, after the headband 'clanked' on the floor several times before it stopped moving. Then the council burst into an uproar, shouting to arrest him to keep him from running, to simply kill him the village not needing the Hiraishin, while others stayed quiet. Tsume herself looked wide eyed at Naruto because of his declaration. She never would have imagined things would get so out of control, of course she blamed the rest of the council for its escalation. But still for Naruto to go so far, it broke her heart for several reasons, most notably on how devastated Hana would be over this turn of events. She would have thought more about the implications but a resounding 'crack' silenced the room.
"You do realize what exactly it is you are implying when you said this correct Namikaze-san? If you do this you will become a missing-nin, and our shinobi will be FORCED to apprehend you. Do you really find it in your best interest to threaten us with your desertion? Especially while you're INSIDE the middle of the very village you'd be deserting? Besides even if you were to miraculously escape, where would you go knowing that there would be Konoha hunter-nin after you?" Danzo questioned, expecting the fearful repercussions of his threat make Naruto scared and give into their demands.
Naruto glared at the 'War Hawk' for several moments before finally responding. "Hai I understand completely the implications of my words. Its YOU who should be worried about them, not me. Do not forget, I've been gone for six years and you have no idea what I'm capable of. Not only that...but it seems that I'm the one holding all the cards here since you have not shown me anything of interest to obey your 'orders'. So yelling at me, making unruly demands, and threatening me into submission is rather foolish on your part. I mean I could have very well replaced myself with a Kage Bushin before this meeting even started and by now the real me could be well into the thick forests of Fire Country with you having no idea which direction I went..." Naruto paused before looked towards the ceiling with an exaggerated thinking expression on his face. "...hm...I wonder which of the other four hidden villages would welcome my strength and Kekkei Genkai into their ranks? Kumo perhaps." He mused loudly, making the council look on wide-eyed at the boy's point, and unspoken ultimatum.
It was true, the council really had no idea what kind of strength Naruto possessed other then his Kekkei Genkai, so the scenario he proposed could very well be true. And simply knowing that the Hiraishin and Uzumaki Kekkei Genkai abilities alone could end up in a rival village's clutches, caused the council's superior demeanor and attitude towards Naruto to greatly dwindle.
Hiashi was the first to regain his thoughts, stood up and with a heated stare addressed the teenager. "We...understand...Namikaze-san." He answered, showing Naruto that his hidden message was understood. "What exactly do YOU want then?" He questioned, having trouble even forming the words in his mouth, knowing that not only he but the entire council was just outsmarted by a boy no older then thirteen.
Naruto shrugged. "You already know what I want. The C.R.A will be nullified for the Namikaze clan UNLESS I specifically ask for it to be implemented. And for the council to understand my position of ONLY helping out the village for the invasion. More specifically that neither I nor anyone under my clan's current protection will be TRUE Konoha shinobi or civilians unless THEY or I expressly request later. We are here to help, and will play the part of being Konoha shinobi until the invasion begins...but rest assured we certainly are truly NOT leaf shinobi." He answered lazily, but with a edge that allowed for no further negotiation, before the council began to murmur amongst themselves for a time, until Danzo taking over as representative of all the council stood and nodded in consent to Naruto's demands, who simply nodded back. "Very well...we have an accord. And if this was all the council needed to discuss with me, then I'll be going." He finished, before seeing Sarutobi nod to him and then 'shunshin' out of the chamber.
"Shunshin? At his age? He really wasn't bluffing!" Most of the council thought after seeing Naruto accomplish a Chuunin rank jutsu. Their musings were interrupted when a voice rang throughout the chamber.
"Hokage-sama, please explain why you allowed Naruto to act in such a manner in front of us?" Nara Shikaku questioned.
Sarutobi looked at the Nara with a harsh, but lazy glare. "Because you deserved it did you not? It wasn't until AFTER he showed himself and Kyuubi separate did you all decided to see him like myself and the Inuzuka clan did, and treat him like a human being, instead of the demon itself. Besides you were trying to manipulate him! And his reactions as such were understandable since he caught you. He may be my 'subordinate' but shinobi aren't emotionless drones, and his reactions to your words and actions were more then appropriate I should think. Its not very nice to have your plan backfire on you is it?" He questioned harshly.
"Tsh...still as soft-hearted as ever you old fool! You should have forced him into the C.R.A, then perhaps I could have gotten one of those babies, or at least his D.N.A and incorporate it into my R.O.O.T to strengthen them somehow." Danzo thought a scowl on his face while looking at Sarutobi.
"Tsh...the C.R.A was the only way for me to unsuspectingly try to get Naruto within the web of my clan. But without him needing multiple wifes it'll be nearly impossible to get Hinata or Hanabi close enough to him to have any sort of courtship without him thinking its some sort of ploy. Not that Hinata would have done well anyway" Hiashi scowled as well on just how twisted the council's plans had gotten.
The remaining council meeting was just talks about what exactly happened, and also to fully understand Naruto's words, lest they break the agreement accidentally. Some of the council member's truly realized their mistake with him and resented their stupidity, but knew after this meeting it would be nearly impossible to try to gain forgiveness from Naruto.
Later That Night (Namikaze Compound),
"What do you think Natsu-chan?" Naruto asked, as they rested in their bed in their hanyou forms with her on top of him.
"How much I want to burn this village to the ground" She retorted her sadistic grin easily shown in the moonlight.
"They are slowly starting to lose my support on stopping you, especially after the show they put on today. Stealing my Kekkei Genkai? Please! I may look like a child to them, but they really shouldn't underestimate me because of my age." He growled, as one of his tails began to massage Natsumi's round bottom, which caused her to purr slightly.
"What can I say Naru-kun...humans are selfish creatures. You know that on a better level then anyone. If they want something bad enough, they will do whatever it takes to get it...by any means necessary. Mmnn...a little harder too please." She answered, moaning softly by the end greatly enjoying his massage.
Naruto obliged, sending another tail to massage her other cheek while she growled pleasurably as they rested there.
"What do you think the Chuunin exams will be like?" He questioned, before groaning slightly when he felt his mate's soft hand start to travel over his boxer briefs with only the slightest of pressures.
"Hard to say...with Kushina and Orochimaru lurking about it could get interesting. But the exam itself will probably be boring. Who knows? Maybe some of the other shinobi will be entertaining at the very least." She answered, before slightly jumping in surprise when one of Naruto's tail tips tickled her puckered hole teasingly. "Mmnn...seems someone is getting a little frisky ne Namikaze-san?" She cooed out, squeezing his hardened member through his underwear, making hi growl.
"Thats a good point...seeing those two will definitely be worth having to deal with being back here again..." He agreed with a smirk, before leaning down bit her lower lip sensually "...well you know how it is...tails have a mind of their own" He answered in a coy but huskily voice.
"Mmm...that they do..." She retorted with a lustful smirk, as her own tails reached up his underwear and began to caress his member making him whimper slightly. "...aw does my Foxy-sama want something perhaps?" She feigned in a lustful tone.
"You have no idea" He growled playfully, before pouncing on her.
The demon pair ravished each other for the rest of the night, knowing full well they wouldn't have the time for themselves like this for a while with the Chuunin exams tomorrow. As well as what else lurked within the shadows just waiting for the right time to strike.
AN - Well there you have it chapter fourteen, and the final meeting of Naruto and the council. Hope you enjoyed it (though I'm sure many of you want to hang me cause of how things ended). Though on that subject I want to mention something:
The reason I didn't have Naruto go postal several times during the meeting was because had he done so, he'd have taken steps in the wrong direction for the purposes he was back in the village in the first place. If he killed them, Sarutobi would have to detain him (stopping him from helping in the invasion), or had to physically subdue him (which would have ended badly for all but Naruto). So I tried to write this as realistically as possible...politicians use words/intellect/manipulation instead of fists to get what they want. You don't see the president (of US since I live there) screaming at other delegates or threatening them with being beaten/death in the middle of the meeting do you? Its the same here, the council will use words/intellect/manipulation to get Naruto to do what they want, not physical force.
Anyway review if you like with your thoughts and comments!