Disclaimer-I do not own Naruto in any way shape or form, Naruto is owned by Masashi Kishimoto.

Notice: In case any of you are wondering, or have not noticed this story, along with just about any other story made by myself, will be AU, the characters will be OOC, and above all else, I will NOT be following canon. I will extract elements FROM canon, but I will not be doing a rewrite of the canon storyline.

Attention: I apologize for the shortness of the chapter, Murphy's Law and other matters have been in full effect, more information is in the bottom AN, so please take a look there if you want to know more. Next chapter of Overcoming Darkness will be done by Friday.

The streets of Konoha were filled with Shinobi and Civilians alike, at the front of the crowd, were members of the clan Sarutobi, all of whom were weeping, along with assorted Shinobi, who looked down in shame.

Erected before them, was a stage, and standing upon it were three individuals. The first, was Minato Namikaze, the second was Kushina Uzumaki, and the third was a masked headsman who wielded an axe.

Minato stepped forward, and uttered forth, "Today, we carry out the sentences of those who have committed treason against our village, Hiruzen Sarutobi and Kakashi Hatake." snapping his fingers, the two figures were dragged up to the stand, and forced to kneel.

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked malnourished broken, even the fire in his eyes had died.

Kakashi looked even worse off, his body was adorned in bruises, and his Sharingan eye had been removed, and not gently, if the scars around the socket were anything to go by.

Minato gestured to Hiruzen Sarutobi, "Bring the prisoner forward." The Shinobi guarding the treasonous Hokage dragged him forward, and forced him to look up at the Yondaime, who looked down upon him with disdain.

Minato took in a deep breath, "Hiruzen Sarutobi, you have been found guilty of the following crimes; distribution of private property to an enemy of the village of Konoha, distribution of village assets to an enemy of the village of Konoha, illegal release of prisoners of war, illegal prisoner exchange by selling our allies to an enemy of the village of Konoha, aiding and abetting of the abuse of a minor, aiding and abetting the kidnapping of a minor, pre-meditated mass slaughter, pre-meditated homicide of a loyal clan head and his wife, aiding and abetting the escape of an enemy of the village of Konoha."

With each crime listed, the hateful gazes only intensified, as Hiruzen looked down, unable to bare the gazes.

Minato spoke loudly, "For these crimes, I, Minato Namikaze, Yondaime Hokage of Konohagakure no Sato, hereby strip you of all rank and titles, of all rights and privileges and sentence you to die."

Hiruzen's eyes widened as Minato turned his gaze towards the executioner, "No wai-THUNK." before a word was uttered, the headsman brought down an axe, and severed the head of Hiruzen Sarutobi from his body, letting it roll across the stage, falling to the ground before the last remaining members of Clan Sarutobi.

As the Sarutobi's wept, Minato turned his gaze to Kakashi, whose last remaining eye was wide with fear, as he was dragged forward, "M-Minato-sensei, p-please-"

"Kakashi Hatake…" Minato silenced him as he spoke, "…you have been found guilty of the following crimes; dereliction of duty in a time of conflict, intentional sabotage of subordinates, theft of clan and Dojo property and techniques, and impersonation of a clan heiress."

Kakashi looked around, as the eyes of Shinobi who once respected him were filled with hate as his crimes were listed, "S-sensei, pl-please…" Kakashi began to weep as the headsman raised his axe in preparation.

Minato continued to speak, "For these crimes, I, Minato Namikaze, Yondaime Hokage of Konohagakure no Sato, hereby strip you of all ranks and titles, of all rights and privileges and sentence you to die."

"No plea-THUNK…" the words never escaped his lips as his head was severed from his neck, as it fell to the ground beside the head of Hiruzen Sarutobi.

The crowd was silent as Minato stepped forward, "To all present, let it be known that I would love nothing more than to execute every last one of you for the actions you have done to my son." the crowd was silent, but an air of fear now contaminated the area, "Many who now stand here bending the knee, not months ago had been beating and torturing my son, well no more. I will not kill you today, but know this, I have enough evidence to have every last person here executed, but for the time being you will be kept alive."

Kushina chose this moment to step forward, "We will be reviewing the case files of each person who tormented our child, in that time, it is strongly encouraged that you prove that you are more useful to us alive than dead. Because if you do not, I will personally kill each and every last one of you and let me assure you, you will not die quickly." Kushina spoke coldly as she stood next to her husband, who wrapped his arm around her, as they both vanished in a yellow flash.

The crowd remained as silent as the grave they could feel closing in around them.

At the hospital, Hinata Hyuuga and Temari no Sabaku, along with Yakumo Kurama were all inside of Naruto's hospital room, the former two being especially clingy, while the latter third was watching in amusement.

Outside of the hospital room, Hiashi Hyuuga along with Kurenai Yuhi were standing guard.

Kurenai looked to Hiashi and smiled, "She'll do right by him, just as he'll do right by her. You can relax you know."

Hiashi looked at Kurenai, "As much as it unnerves me, no, that isn't what I am so tense about."

Kurenai tilted her head, "Then what is?"

Hiashi sighed heavily, "As I am sure you and half of Konoha are aware, I have been-"

"Porking Hitomi every night and making enough noise to keep half of Konoha awake?"

Hiashi frowned, "Do you have to put it that way?"

Kurenai frowned at him, "Do you have to rut your new lady friend every day from midnight to midnight? Seriously Hiashi, there is such thing as too much sex."

Hiashi frowned and turned his head away, "Tell that to Hitomi."

Kurenai flinched, "Uhm, no thanks, I choose life."

Hiashi frowned, "She's not-"

"Finish that sentence with a straight face, I dare you Hiashi."

…

…

…

Hiashi sighed, "Ok, yes, she is a bit extreme, but what am I supposed to do, say no?"

Kurenai shrugged, "Well it's a star-"

"Finish that sentence with a straight face, I dare you Kurenai."

…

…

…

Kurenai sighed, "Ok, fine, I know saying no to her is a pointless effort…for you anyways." she said grinning.

Hiashi glared at her, "I hate you, you know that?"

Kurenai chuckled, "Yes, I know, though there is one thing I wanted to know."

Hiashi sighed, "What is it?"

Kurenai glanced at him with a curious gaze, "Why is it that you and others call your dead wife Hikari, Hana sometimes?"

Hiashi's eyes widened, "U-uhm…"

Kurenai blinked, "What?"

Hiashi turned his head, "I really don't want to-EEP." Hiashi was silenced as he was suddenly shoved aside by a very giddy looking Hitomi, who was wearing he traditional Hyuuga outfit, with a bit of cleavage being shown.

"It's because Hikari-chan was-" suddenly Hiashi leapt upon Hitomi, covering her mouth as he stood up.

"Please don't-EEK!" suddenly Hiashi was thrown onto the ground by Hitomi, who proceeded to sit on him, grinning.

"Oh don't be so uptight about it Hiashi-kun, after all, it is how you two got together right?" Hitomi coughed, "My sister Hikari and I used to play roles in adult films, we used pseudonyms. I used the pseudonym Tana and my sister used the name Hana."

Kurenai blinked, and her eyes widened, "Wait, how did this get Hikari and Hiashi together?"

Hitomi smirked at this as Hiashi struggled, "Oh, once a year we did a contest where a fan would get randomly chosen to take part in one of our films. Hiashi put in his name, and he ended up getting to star in an adult film with Hikari." she sighed happily, "What a magical day that was, after that, Hikari couldn't stand being in the industry anymore, nobody else was able to satisfy her physically or emotionally. She dropped out of the business and married Hiashi."

Kurenai blinked, "I…then why does Kushina call her that?"

Hitomi shrugged, "Her and Kushina were friendly, she wasn't exactly quiet about her old life." Hiashi frowned as Hitomi patted his head, "But poor little Hiashi is shy, isn't he?" Hiashi grumbled to himself as Kurenai shook her head in amusement.

Kurenai's eyes widened, "Wait, I was asking something before, why is Hiashi so worked up?"

Hitomi blinked, "Oh, because I missed my period and I am probably pregnant."

…

…

…

"What?!" Kurenai shouted as Hitomi tilted her head.

Hitomi shrugged, "What, it's not a big deal, I mean, we've been having unprotected sex a lot lately, it was bound to happen eventually."

Kurenai groaned as she held her head, "Oh come on." she sighed heavily before looking back into the hospital room, a heavy sigh escaping her lips.

Hitomi got off of Hiashi, who grumbled as he stood up, "You're worried huh?"

Kurenai nodded, "Yeah, we almost lost him, and Hinata and Yakumo fell apart, I don't know what will happen if he is in that position again." she looked back at Hitomi, "It might be better if he resigns as a Shinobi and-"

"That isn't an option I am afraid."

Both women jumped as they suddenly turned around, and found Minato and Kushina standing behind them.

"Y-Yondaime-sama, I-I-"

"Kurenai, I know you are afraid of what will happen to Naruto, but he will not be resigning as a Shinobi, not yet anyways."

Kurenai took in a deep breath, "With respect Yondaime-sama, I-"

"I am not making this decision because of rash thoughts Kurenai, I am making this decision because this is the only choice there is." Kushina spoke as she placed her hand on Kurenai's shoulder, "I wish I could force my sochi to resign, now, but that isn't possible. I can't explain why, but he can't."

Kurenai frowned, before turning away, "Alright, is there anything I can do?"

Kushina nodded her head, as Minato entered the hospital room, "Yes, get Hinata and Yakumo up to par, we need them both strong as well. Minato and I will ensure Naruto gets properly trained, you need to ensure that Yakumo and Hinata are as strong as possible." Kushina stepped past Kurenai and entered the hospital room, as Minato spoke with his son, while Hinata, Temari and Yakumo moved towards the door.

Hiashi was standing as Hitomi leaned over, "Oh, by the way, I am pregnant with triplets."

Hiashi was not standing after that announcement.

An: Ok, this is more a callback to how I initially started writing this story, I figured 'eh, why not mention what happened earlier in the fic' as well as give some more depth to different characters. In addition, Murphy's law has been in full effect all week. I have also been watching this anime called 'Keijo!' I am enjoying it so far, and if you get the chance I would recommend checking it out. Note the title itself has eight exclamation points but fanfiction setup doesn't allow me to put in the additional exclamation points.

Also, since Murphy's Law has been in pretty heavy effect, 'Overcoming Darkness' next chapter won't be ready until likely this Friday, it is halfway done, but won't be ready until Friday.

Please show your support...read, write, review, follow, PM, or if you absolutely must, flame with LEGITIMATE reasons.

Recommendations: Here are stories I personally recommend…I have followed these stories for a while, and I feel they deserve more recognition for the amount of work the authors put into each of them. Please give them a look see, I am really enjoying all of them, and think my readers would enjoy them too.

-RWBY: Bloodmoon-Amouren

-The Heroes And The Queen-Robot Overlord

-Journey: Rise of the White Wolf-The White Wulf

-InFamous Salvation-JAYSEN

-A Simple Mission-Leaf Ranger

-Legacy-Greatcow

-Altered Fate-KorKor11

I surely will recall more stories that I feel deserve more recognition for the work their authors put in them, but for now, please check out these stories, they are a fantastic read, and deserve more attention than they are getting.