Ah another chapter, another day, I probably should be spending more time on this that I am already but at least I won't be stopping anytime soon. Finally out of writers block so the only excuse is procrastination.

Another thought I had while writing/reading these fan fictions. Is why Naruto is always over powered as a 'godlike' character, I understand the fantasy but for me personally I find that much power a little dull. There is no challenge in the story if Naruto is able to overcome everything immediately and especially since his whole premise is his struggles. I've been pushing my character as a Naruto who has reached his goal of recognition but still has so much more to learn and control, hence why I had him dislike Fukushi who is seen as causing a divide in the alliance he had built (although I want to tweak earlier chapters still). But disliking new people is something of a trait in Naruto anyway, and he builds up friendship with many characters throughout the Anime. Again as more of the same motif of building something from nothing. Anyway mini rant over, just reasoning why I don't like overpowered or 'perfect' characters. Good characters are not perfect, great characters show you exactly how grey morality is (think of Itachi).

Please continue support, favourite, follow, comment. Usual stuff. Next chapter already on the way but I have a lot of work coming up soon so watch the skies.

Pain, an uncomfortable feeling, a signal that your own body processes to tell the brain that something was wrong. A very real feeling, which proved that you were capable to understand that something was wrong. Since Hinata had fallen asleep and allowed darkness to take a hold of her in sweet sleep she had begun to ache all over. The pain built up until she could no longer ignore it and so she opened her eyes. Unexpectedly, she saw that she was in Naruto's room, she could tell by the orange duvet and across the room stood a photo of team seven. The air wasn't as dusty as she remembered as Naruto had begun to keep his apartment in better condition; a mix of visitors becoming more common and he himself becoming more mature. She took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Upon opening them she realised she was no longer in Naruto's apartment but instead in hospital. The smell of ramen lingered for a few seconds before succumbing to the smell of sterilisation that the hospital brought. She looked around. The Hyuuga was laying in one of the smaller medical rooms which only consisted of two beds, a pale green curtain separated her from the other bed. On her side of the room she had the window which looked out to a very dim day, rain clouds were overcast and threatened to soak everything at any moment. She rubbed her left arm which had begun to burn somewhat, a low burn, enough to irritate and that is when she noticed that she was covered in bandages. In fact, many parts of her body were covered up, she had not remembered being this badly injured in a long time. Certainly not since the chunin exams. The raven-haired shinobi slowly began to push herself up. While she was aching all over it was no longer prohibiting her movement, she wriggled until she was in a comfortable position until she could hear voices to be exact they were her Father, Hiashi, and her friend, Sakura. She could tell by the fragrant cherry shampoo that Sakura was renowned to use and even her Father had the smell of home, tea and the flowers in their many gardens in the Hyuuga compound. Wait she could tell by their smell? Now Hinata was really confused, her specialties were in sight not smell. 'Nevermind' She thought to herself as she did not have time to pursue her new-found curiosity. The pair came into the room and appeared past the certain, Hiashi sighing in relief until he noticed something and gave a sharp gasp. Hinata gave him a questioning look, she had no idea why he looked shocked all of a sudden.

Meanwhile in what Fukushi surmised as a prison cell. He had just woken up and realised his hands were bound and a blindfold was covering his last remaining eye. Shifting slightly, he realised we was not prevented from moving and so sat up into a more comfortable position. He was able to work out presumably more seals as a paper like material covered his chakra stores on his right flank. The Solaris survivor had no idea how long he was passed out for. The Jutsu had depleted his chakra to almost lethal levels but he was able to keep conscious long enough to make sure Sasuke would maintain his end of the deal. Heal his friend and he will help protect Fukushi, and importantly to Fukushi, Monica. He knew how bitter the village was about her abandonment but Sasuke reassured him that he was sympathetic to her reasons, as crazy as she was. He took a deep breath though his nose and out slowly through his mouth, Fukushi thought it was a good time to meditate, to calm himself and gather his thoughts. He closed his eyes even though there was a blindfold and regulated his breathing into a slow and shallow rate, he saw nothing, he heard nothing and just concentrated on a single shape in his mind. It stood like a stylised sun, a hollow circle with sixteen rays radiating out. The symbol of his family, a shape he still found comforting even though it was in his mind. He calmed down and started to imagine other senses. Such as the quiet warmth of the sun and a slight breeze, enough to rustle his clothes slightly. Time surely passed although now Fukushi was utterly lost yet still collected within himself.

By the time Fukushi finished his meditation someone entered. He sat in an unthreatening manor with his hands on his knees and 'looking' straight at the wall opposit and listened intently to whoever had entered. The person sat down opposite Fukushi and appeared to close a book and hide it away into one of his pouches. A short silence fell between the two before the Man spoke.

"Sasuke could you remove the binds, if he is indeed telling the truth. he wouldn't do anything." Sasuke complied, his presence had been kept unknown until he had removed the blindfold. The man in front of him was in his standard shinobi gear, dark blue pants and top. Wearing a mask of the same material and colour. Fukushi also noticed the left scar that looked similar to one of the two scars he had on his face. A dark line starting from his cheak and cutting up past his left eye and to his forehead, yet the man was lucky enough to maintain his sight, although Fukushi had not known about the man's previous reputation. Other notable features of his clothing were the kanji for Hokage written on his flak jacket. In addition to additional pieces of armour such as wrist guards, shoulder plates and greaves. In Short, the man was more decorated than the standard shinobi to help identify him out from the battlefield. Attire aside the man also had long spikes up hair and a very neutral expression on his face.

"I'm Kakashi Hatake, Hokage of the Leaf and you've met Sasuke Uchiha." Sasuke gave a nod. "I'll be asking you questions about who you are and this whole… situation."

"I'm Fukushi of the Solaris Family." He spoke politely as he knew who a hokage was within the society. He was speaking to one of the great five leaders of the eastern world.

"Solaris? Is that your clan name?"

"Clan? No it's closer to your village, we are all related by name but not by blood."

"Where were the Solaris from, and I am somewhat curious about your history."

"Far west, one of the eight major families and so called because the city was founded during a solar eclipse facing out into the western ocean. For the short answer"

Kakashi nodded, he was grateful that he hadn't gotten the long edition as he had other questions to ask.

"Why have you come to us."

"Two reasons and Sasuke is to thank for them. First he reminded me of my duty as the last survivor to rebuild my name and not destroy it as I had been." Fukushi sighed and glanced away. "I was wrong to hope I could pass through and to never been known but now I'm older I realised that a name was only as good as long as people knew it. When I found out Aya's soul was still within me I could not cope with the reality that I was just running and to hell with consequences. As for the second reason, I knew the people who attacked you, more specifically attacking me but your leaf shinobi joined into the combat."

"Go on…" 'This could be very valuable information.' Kakashi thought, Sasuke was right to try and bring him in rather than prosecute him immediately. Which if he was honest, Iwa was seriously wanting him to pay for his actions, and for good reason. The man before Kakashi had managed to break into Iwa's secret records and escape with several personal killed or injured.

"They were members of the Lapis family, recently, around twenty or so years ago. Before I was born they had invented a weapon that even civilians could use to great effect. Required no chakra and could fire a projectile faster than most if not all shinobi could dodge. This resulted in a shift in power that ultimately destroyed my family and took the crown off the previous king. I was too young to understand the full depth of politics back then though. However, it is these people that is why I am here seeking your council. If they are here, then I have no chance by myself" Fukushi did something he thought he would never do out of old pride and honour, he threw himself at Kakashi's feet and bowed low to the floor, he had his eyes tightly shut and his voice wavered slightly." I know I have done horrific things and I am not here to beg for forgiveness, but I wish to secure my families book of jutsu here in Konoah. You are better able to protect it, as I have nearly failed to do so a few times to my enemies. It is the last memento of my family I have, that and my sword. But because of the power written within, the Lapis family cannot use it for they will just accelerate their lust for domination and power."

A silence flooded back into the room, Kakashi was surprised about the outburst. He had almost forgot that the boy was younger than Naruto and presumably struggling alone just as Sasuke had done. He had been expecting a deal to be struck but not to be entrusted with something Fukushi was clearly willing to kill over.

"That was not what I was expecting." Kakashi finally spoke. "We are able to protect the book in question but I have a few conditions."

"Name them for I have but one additional ask of you." The one-eyed shinobi did not move from his bowed position.

"You first, and we will see if it matches with our agenda."

"You… You write off Monica's crimes, she was only wanting to improve herself and at the time I had no idea about the severity of abandonment, I warned her that I was going to kill but she still followed. Don't blame her."

Kakashi was taken aback for a second time, he was using his bargaining chip as a part of a selfless deed. From what he heard he thought Fukushi as someone with evil plans, to fit right into the likes of a Akatsuki. Not someone who honestly probably had no idea what he was supposed to be doing.

"That I can do, but I have conditions of my own…" He paused for a moment and even Sasuke leaned in slightly to make sure he hears what the Hokage has to say. "You are to settle in Konoha as a citizen of our village."

It was Fukushi's turn to look up at the grey-haired man in shock. "But aren't I a criminal?"

"Technically not to Konoha, you only committed crimes in the land of stone. But here; you have not killed any of our ninja and in fact you were able to prevent one from death. Monica on the other hand has, it'll be difficult to do as you ask considering she is from a civilian clan. and not a prestigious one either."

"There are options such as adoption, if you take my traditions and seeing as I am the head of my family now..." Fukushi mumbled the last sentence but Kakashi still managed to understand what the bowing shinobi said.

Although it will not be that simple. In the meantime you are to train Naruto and Hinata. From what Sasuke told me, soul binding has a lot of risks."

"I was expecting to teach them, Naruto will have to be considerate considering the amount of chakra he throws about in combat." The one-eyed ninja muttered in agreement. "I would have asked to teach them as a misused soul binding can easily kill both of them."

"Furthermore, you are not permitted to leave the village and will have ANBU guards for a probation period to make sure your word is as good as you make it out to be. Are we clear?"

"Not like I have anywhere to go. I accept your terms, I will become a citizen of Konoha providing I keep my name and status as head of my family. And I will provide my services to teach anyone you wish to put under me."

"You may keep your name. We will gladly protect your family secrets and protect Monica from her crimes."

"Thank you, Lord Hokage, Monica is not a bad person, she just needs someone there for her."

Kakashi's eyes closed and from what anyone could see of his face, he seemed to be smiling under his mask despite not being too fond of the lord title. "I hope you are a great asset to our village, you seem to be very strong with your ninjutsu and fuuinjutsu so I'd like to see it personally, once we let you out of course. For now, we will wait for everyone to recover. I need to leave for a couple days but I am sure Sasuke will push you in the right way. He seems keen on pulling you to our side." Kakashi stood up and stretched a little, just as he faced Sasuke who remained silent during the deal made between the Hokage and the Solaris shinobi. A knock was heard on the prison door, not a polite knock but one of urgent demand.

"Lord Hokage I need to speak with you! Is he awake yet?" The voice was aggressive and the way he stressed 'he' suggested that the man had some quarrel to settle. Sasuke moved to open the door but no sooner the knob was turned, the door burst open. The man in question was tall, wearing a white komono with a black hakama. His face had two notable features, two ice cold white eyes and within them Fukushi could see the promise of untold fury and around his face were veins bulging from the chakra pumped through them. He spoke with venom in his voice. "I demand to know what that boy did to my daughter!"

"In this instance I suppose it would be better if I tell you, Lord Hiashi." Sasuke interrupted, it felt as if the man was playing with fire. Hiashi shot him a look before uncharacteristically frowned.

"Fine, Hinata's awake." He turned to leave back for the hospital. Leaving the three of them alone once more.

"Kakashi, Sensei, I'll take Fukushi with me."

Fukushi calmly walked out behind Sasuke and Kakashi. The cell turned out to be at the bottom of a corridor of cells, most were empty though. The ones filled held a mix of depressed looking men and women who looked bored out of their entrapment. Fukushi was surprised to learn he was simply in the police station of Konoha as he expected maximum security as he experienced in Iwa. Presumably due to Sasuke able to influence and persuade his friends, who were also influential individuals. Konoha itself looked impressive. Buildings both tall and ornate spread across the horizon and seemingly had gone on forever. The streets were busy and lined with many stalls, cafes, artworks, signs and shop fronts. The place was even built up well enough to have raised paths and bridges, allowing access to upper levels of the city. People often regarded Konoha as one of the great villages but 'village' could never fully describe the scale witnessed by Fukushi. Upon walking behind the Sasuke, he noticed that once you got your eye in that there were numerous parks and keeping in with the leaf theme. Large walkways often lined themselves with trees. All in all, the place seemed alive, a sense of motivation that a person could arrive and really make something of himself here. The party walked on until they found themselves at the cross roads. Here Kakashi left to head somewhere else that Fukushi did not know about. The Hokage simply said his goodbyes to Hiashi and Sasuke and gave Fukushi a trusting nod. While he was lead down another large avenue under bridges and past shops, parks, and apartments. Fukushi was thinking how he was able to come to an agreement. He had limited knowledge of the politics in the area but as far as he gathered the villages seemed to work autonomously. To which he had not actually committed any crimes in the land of fire. The few people he killed recently were either bounty hunters or criminals themselves. Most of the conflict between him and Naruto lead to Naruto causing most of collateral rather than the Solaris himself. Fukushi could feel the amount of chakra he could push out and appeared to have three forms of combat. First was his normal form which involved a lot of clones, kunai, teleporting, and resengans. Second form seemed to ditch the sheer number of clones in favour of much more powerful and faster meele. While his final form that donned and orange cloak of pure chakra… Naruto was simply powerful, physical attacks could not harm him as well. Made evident when Fukushi witnessed the fact he was shot more than most people yet still was able to stand. He came to the conclusion that even if he wanted to, he doubted that himself or Monica could get far enough way before being dragged back by the blond shinobi… Or Sasuke. The Uchiha was infinitely more diverse and Fukushi doubted he had seen the full extent of powers that the Uchiha possessed. He was very fast and showed unique fire jutsu along with a powerful dojutsu, he also seemed to be constantly plotting out his next move so if his mere will alone could change some ones' fate. Which was partly true considering the long-term effects of the Sharingan on Fukushi's mental stability.

The group were now approaching another impressive looking building which rose to seven stories and had an 'E' shape to it. Small courtyards inbetween each wing held some gardens to which Fukushi has a light vantage point to see several people in light blue gowns walking around and getting fresh air before the rain began. Hiashi lead them through the main entrance which in itself was an impressive way into the hospital. A glass from with wide six/panel doors which were pushed open to allow visitors into a large two-story reception. In front of the stairs opposite the door was a receptionist busy on the phone while sorting out various documents. The room was not crowded but still had a few bored looking patients who gave a momentary glance at the newcomers before gazing off into the distance or looking down to whatever they were reading. On the second story, there stood a balcony that overlooked the reception and both floors had many doors leading off to various rooms and corridors. Sitting on the reception desk and looking rather out of place with her bright pink hair was Sakura, she was looking over some notes on a board. She could sense people approaching and so looked up. She clearly smiled at Sasuke for a brief moment before she noticed the other two people by him and returned her a face of neutrality.

"I see you brought him with you. I was going to need him to explain what's wrong with Naruto, he is not injured but his chakra is still depleted and is not returning almost at all."

"Hmph so he's done something to Naruto too…" Hiashi added, able to keep a straight face this time. He accepted the boy but he was still far from family to him.

"Alright, Sakura you may aswell come with us. It's likely he is able to explain everything." Sakura knew they were soul bound but because she was treating Shino and Choji who were still in serious condition she had not witnessed the details of the binding or what Sasuke had done to help cover up the fact Fukushi had casted anything on two famous shinobi. Only Sasuke and Kakashi knew that current Sasuke had a genjutsu placed on both shinobi to hide the marking of the fuuinjutsu. Although doing something like this may backfire, for example, Hiashi's reaction to Hinata waking up. Sasuke felt that this would allow time for the pair instead of being bombarded with questions from both public and council alike. They all needed to recover not become guinea pigs. Sakura glanced about the party and nodded, she dropped off from the table and drew herself up next to Sasuke as they walked up the stairs. Up four flights of stairs then they took a left and down a corridor, now in the far wing of the hospital they slowly entered a small room which had two beds. Both were occupied by a sitting and alert Hyuuga and a sleeping Uzimaki.

Fukushi the group walked to Hinata who was sitting upright with her hands placed on her lap. She was looking out of the window until everyone was present. She calmly turned around and suddenly Sasuke and Fukushi noticed why Hiashi was suddenly suspicious. Her eyes were no longer crystal white but while she kept her pupils a clear icy white like fresh snow, they were now rimmed with an emerald blue iris which quickly blended into ice blue then into the aforementioned white. Her hair was no longer raven blue-black but instead as the girl moved it appeared to conceal streaks of fine yellow-gold strands. It made her hair appear as if it was wild with each lock now defined compared to her previous neat and straight hair.

"Sakura? Why is he here?" She spoke calmly as if she had not noticed it herself. He was gesturing to the one-eyed man standing in the room, he was clearly eyeing up the hyuuga. While her father opened his mouth to speak. "I'd fine father, I checked, I still have the byakugan. Although I don't know why my eyes have changed but I like my new hair… reminds me of Kurenai." She spoke with a little more confidence than she intended and immediately blushed. It was Hinata without a doubt.

"Before we all get an explaination, there is more, and I am going to break the genjutsu I had casted." Sasuke spoke calmly although to both the Hyuugas and Sakura were taken aback.

"What do you mean more Sasuke?" Hiashi spoke, he now looked like he was about to explode in rage. His lifelong training in composure was now long gone. Sasuke let off a short smile before he placed his right hand in front of his face and called out 'release'. Both Hinata's and Naruto's left arm shimmered briefly before revealing blackened lines coating their arms much life Fukushi had on his own arm. Only difference being neither has chakra burns on their hand.

"What… the… what is the meaning of this. What did you do to her boy!" He lunged out at Fukushi and gripped him hard on his shirt and pulled him face to face with the activated Byakugan. "I'm going to make your death painful!" He spat out.

"Lord Hyuuga, I am going to be frank for Fukushi's sake. Hinata here was killed in action three days ago." Sasuke betrayed no emotion while Hiashi dropped Fukushi and took a step back in utter shock. He looked to Sasuke then to Hinata and connected the dots… what the Uchiha said could not be true.

"He persuaded me and Naruto volunteered." Fukushi spoke quietly, he looked away, not wanting to witness the mans' fury. "I performed a soul binding jutsu… and it saved the girl…"

"S-s-soul bound t-t-to N-Naruto?" Hinata whispered into the group. She was just as surprised as no one had told her she was dead. Confirmed by Sakura and Sasuke both nodding.

"But doesn't reanimation cost a life?" Sakura added, she looked over her shoulder to Naruto as if to say 'then how is he still alive'.

"It's a loophole in the jutsu which allows for the injured member to be healed, can reverse death but it takes an insane amount of chakra. I am honestly surprised he is not in emergency support. He is providing chakra for two people right now." Fukushi replied as if he understood what Sakura asked.

"I-I'm causing Naruto's suffering… please… I don't want him to suffer… I was meant to die… please help him!" Hinata stood to get up but the surge of dizziness pushed her back to the bed. Briefly she felt like she was punched by a group of kids all calling her a monster for some reason. She came back to reality and held her temples with her thumb and forefinger. "What's happening to me…" She was supposed to say it in her own mind but she spoke out loud by accident, even though it was apparent she was not in good condition.

"Hinata, if it wasn't for Fukushi, Naruto would have done the reanimation jutsu just to bring you back. He was well aware of the risks. I made sure no one was careless." Sasuke admitted, he did not want Hinata to do something stupid. Yes, he had confidence in her logic but when it came to Naruto she was willing to do anything. Why the blond idiot never noticed how she felt towards him the Uchiha had no clue.

"Although I don't understand the particulars." 'and not sure I particually want to know.' Hiashi thought to himself, finally out of his stupor. "Am I to be correct that Naruto has to be with Hinata?" He got a hopeful look of his daughter which was the final push he needed to finally accept the Uzimaki. "I guess I better tell the elders about this. Once you are discharged Hinata, could you please tell me all you've learned. Unless ordered otherwise of course." The Hyuuga head took his leave and left the room, still massaging his temples as he hadn't planned on their relationship to take a more… intimate turn at least not so soon. Running through his mind were the two words 'soul' and 'bind' which as he understood were very explicit in their definition. Their very being were now entwined with each other in more meaningful ways than experienced by anyone he knew. Hiashi relaxed somewhat over the next thought, Hinata was still alive at least, Neji's death two years ago had really hit him hard although he never confided in anyone about it.

"Is it ok if I speak freely?" Fukushi was the first to speak once the elder man had left them. After he got their attention, he continued. "Did you do anything else to the bound couple? I am surprised she is making coherent speak especially at her age when the jutsu was performed."

Sakura picked up that there was a symptom that was supposed to be apparent first. She frowned and looked over her notes once more. "No Hinata has not had any episodes, why?"

"The main reason it is performed on young children is there are less memories to catch up on, these two now having full access to each other's minds."

"I-I have had a few images where I thought I was somewhere else." Hinata admitted.

"Still not what I was expecting, it's a weird sensation but it should be almost as if you're reliving Naruto's life, some partners have it bad and are out of commission for weeks although you might be relatively lucky. Even so, not the mild extent you are experiencing." This made the room quiet as suddenly Hinata blushed furiously as she realised that Naruto is probably experiencing her own memories.

"Indeed, Kurama, you can stop now, turns out this is probably inevitable." Sasuke spoke out as if there was another person by Naruto. In turn a voice spoke out, it had no body but sounded like it came from Naruto himself.

"Finally." The voice called out, although instead of the regular prideful noise he made it was tired, as if he had done several of Gai's workouts in a row. "That jutsu… damn it was hard to supress."

"you were supressing it?" Fukushi sounded more surprised he managed a feat like that. "No one has ever managed to block a bound couple from each other…" Fukushi almost shuddered at the thought about how much chakra is had access to. Hinata on the other hand was reacting differently, the moment Kurama had stopped interfering with the seals she felt total despair. Her calm nature almost immediately broke into depression. Cuddling herself into ball and tried to block out the world out of her. Eyes shut and sound ignored to the best of her ability, occasionally mumbling something.

"Hey, Solaris brat, am I supposed to know what Hinata is thinking right now too?"

"If you share Naruto's conscious then yes."

"By extension does she know about my thoughts…"

"Yeah, she will do. Although it'll be through Naruto"

"Damn… she'll… never mind." Kurama decided to stop talking altogether, he could read what she was thinking about. Naruto's past and specifically before he joined the academy as a young child. The loneliness, the pain, the rage, feelings that Kurama could empathise with as he too was subjected to the same situation only he took the path of revenge and anger oh so long ago. While Naruto was able to fight it and not fall further into despair or worse; walk the same path as Kurama. The biju was well aware at the time… it was what he wanted. To give up meant he could reclaim his freedom. Yet again Naruto was able to satisfy both his anger and his quest for freedom by being allowed to share Naruto's life instead of being imprisoned by it. Kurama realised that for the first time someone might be as close as he was to understanding where Naruto had come from and with only the sheer willpower he had allowed Naruto to reach this far and possibly even further, his ultimate goal. To become Hokage. But still he was concerned that Hinata would succumb to the horrific experiences that Naruto endured.

"Where there any events that were traumatic to him?" Fukushi asked, he picked up on the clues in Kurama's voice. He received two worried looks from Sakura and Sasuke. Well as much as Sasuke was willing to show.

Sakura answered. "Both Naruto and Sasuke here are the last of their respective clans. This is why Sasuke had been considering your situation similar to his own, as well you are the last of your clan too, if I understand it right?"

Fukushi grimaced at the thought. "I hope she can show equal strength. As with all traumatic experience, different people handle it differently. Another reason it was supposed to be for young couples." He glanced over at Hinata and felt really bad for her despite not knowing the pain Naruto experienced personally. He still knew what it was like to lose someone, a part of his soul and literally speaking if you consider Aya. "Sasuke, I have one request of you personally. I understand you did this to me in order to stop me from taking a darker path. But could you help to help Aya, I recently found out her spirit is still within me and I'd like to help her as I should have done… not push her towards oblivion."

Sasuke nodded and gestured towards the door without saying a word. He glanced and Sakura and smiled slightly at her before leaving. Sakura returned the smile and then looked at Hinata, she stayed to comfort her friend who appeared to be totally lost in thought.

"I'll find you when Naruto wakes up or Hinata feels better." Sakura called out as the two shinobi walked out of the door.