Underlined - English

'Italicised' - Thoughts

In Text Bolded - Tailed Beast

TSUBASA NOA

"Noa! Would you just get your butt down here already? Honestly - a summon by Baa-chan is not that big of a deal!"

I growl as I fail in my very valid and valiant attempt to tame the personified mess that was my hair. It was mutiny. A coup. A revolution. A revolt. There was no other explanation.

Sasuke pushed open the rice door to my bedroom, looking Uchiha-trademarked amused at the sheer number of broken hair ties on the ground. "You realize that you could just tuck it all behind your hitai-ate, right?" He comments coyly, smirking as I chuck a desecrated comb at him in pure frustration.

"WHY didn't I think of that …?"I grumble as I stumble down the stairs, hair finally - yet still poorly - tamed behind my bandana-styled hitai-ate. I stick an apple between my teeth and forcefully drag the rest of my team out of my (and Ruto's) kitchen - shooting a glare at Shika to keep up.

But of course, Ruto isn't happy with being late - even as we begin to Shushin at high speeds to the Tower, "What?! You were doing your hair -"

Sasuke cuts him off with a pointed cough. "For Shi-" Sasuke started, eyeing the Nara with a catlike amusement.

"Shut it!" I holler just as I vault into the Hokage Tower, whirling to face the boys who plague my life properly."You are all children!"

"Well..." Shika follows in after me, leaning against the window ledge - putting in his two cents, "Technically - yes. But also no - being ninja and all."

Oh if looks could kill. They would all be extinct.

"Not. Helping, Stag."

Through Ruto's rather uproarious laughing, a pointed cough behind me reminds us of exactly where we were. I turn to see a mildly inebriated and half-irritated, half-confused Hokage. I suppress a blush and - recovering quickly - I bow low and dramatically and attempt to play it off.

Oh who am I kidding? Points for trying, at least.

Tsunade shoots me a 'We are discussing this later' look, but kindly ignores our rather awkward entrance despite that. The four of us line up in front of the Hokage's ginormous desk and stand to semi-formal attention, determined to the last of us to show at least a semblance of maturity despite our setbacks.

Dunno if it worked -

"Uchiha Sasuke, Nara Shikamaru, Uzumaki Naruto, and Tsubasa Noa." Tsunade intones, scraping up a bit of formality herself. "I have summoned all of you today for my first formal act as Hokage - the results of the Chunin Exams."

Immediately I feel myself tense - my shoulders stiffening and my Seal tingling like I noticed it does when my chakra is in turmoil.

We were getting promoted?

"I was not here for the Exams," The Godaime pushes through, ignoring the tension filling the room. "And the Exams were not completed in a traditional sense. However, I have conferred with various sources and seen a few of you in action. Therefore, instead of simply signing a form I feel the need to clarify why I feel each of you should be promoted."

'Each of you should be promoted.'

'FUCK YEAH!' I cheer internally, forcing myself to focus back on my new mentor's words.

"Uchiha Sasuke." She begins, briefly consulting the sheet of notes in her hands. "You were recommended a field promotion by Hatake Kakashi and Nara Shikaku - separately, notably. Kakashi recommended you for your growth since your Genin Exam and your skill and attitude on the field. Nara-sama praises your skill as well, but comments more on the on field tactics that you have shown to be able to utilize along with your teamwork. You are hereby promoted to a Chunin of Konohagakure no Sato."

Sasuke looks over the moon, and Ruto looks like he's about to comment before Tsunade cuts him off with -

"Nara Shikamaru. You showed forethought and initiative through all of the stages of the exam and improvement from the second stage to the third. You have proven your ability to adapt, plan ahead, and care for your teammates. You are hereby promoted to a Chunin of Konohagakure no Sato."

Stag bows briefly, and the Last Senju plows on through. "Uzumaki Naruto."

She begins with a small yet genuine smile. "For your actions opposing both a Jinchuuriki and the rogue Sannin Orochimaru paired with your ability to pick up and process information faster than previously realized, you have been recommended for a field promotion by myself - along with Jiraiya and Kakashi. You're a Chunin now, brat."

I can't help but smile at the obvious dissimilarities between Shika and Sasuke's promotions and Ruto's - but hey, it fits them. And Shishou.

"And finally," Tsunade-shishou turns towards me, another genuine smile on her face. "Tsubasa Noa. For your overpowering of a rogue Sannin, your development of highly ranked jutsu, control over your bloodline limit, identification of a traitor, success and skill throughout the entirety of the Chunin Exams despite your handicaps, and success in saving the Sandaime's life - you are hereby promoted to Chunin of Konohagakure no Sato. Congratulations."

Well shit when you put it that way ...

"Hey, Ruto." I call, grabbing my Nii-san as he just began to admire his new flak jacket. "Gotta talk to you. See you guys!"

I drag Ruto through town - a pure and unrefined bundle of nerves - while snagging some dango as we pass the shop. We end up on top of the monument, legs dangling over the Yondaime's voluminous spikes. I hand Ruto a stick and wait for him to get settled.

We sit there for a bit, me trying to work out just how to say what I wanted to and him giving me time.

"I know about the Fox."

Kami pleasepleasepleasepleasepleaseplease -

He swallows thickly, and I keep my eyes firmly on the horizon - seeing if I can spot a squirrel or see who's on guard duty. Anything to keep from seeing Ruto's face. "Do you hate me?" He asks, voice strained.

At this I have to look him dead in the face - for him to understand -

"NO!" I shout, pouring all the conviction into my words as I could. "I could never hate you! Never!"

Then I remember that he's going to hate me by the end of this conversation and go back to counting trees. Or leaves - leaves sound better.

"Then why are you mad?"

"I'm not mad!" I insist, guilt lacing my voice. "It's just - I know a lot of things. About you. And I never told you and almost dying made me realize that I should've but never did and now I don't want you to hate me for knowing or not telling you or -"

"What do you know." He cuts me off, strangely calm. I still can't look at his face. "What do you know about me?"

I swallow, preparing. "Namikaze Uzumaki Naruto was born on October 10 - the same day as the Kyuubi attack - to Uzumaki Kushina, Princess of Whirlpool, and Namikaze Minato, the Yondaime Hokage and famed Yellow Flash of Konoha. The Uzumaki were well renowned for their sealing ability - and so was the Yondaime - and it was traditional for Jinchuuriki to come from the Uzumaki line because of their potent chakra and longevity."

I cut myself off again, and can feel Ruto stif against my side. I can't leave it at that I can't -

"You look like him." I force out. "The Yondaime, I mean. You look like the Yondaime because you've got the same eyes and hair and it's all spiky and no one else in Konoha has that. But you're an Uzumaki - not a Namikaze - and they wouldn't just tack a random clan name onto an orphan that they were trying to hide the identity of. They would take a mother's name or leave you with only one name like Tenten has - even though she's not an orphan I mean - and I looked into the Uzumaki and they're from the Hidden Whirlpool Village and the only one recorded to have come to Konoha after the destruction of Uzushiogakure was their Princess Kushina-hime. And she died the same day as the Yondaime and the Kyuubi attack and they're right next to each other on the memorial stone - like a couple. And I learned more about sealing and Uzumaki so I could surprise you, right? And this was all a couple years ago and I wanted to give you a gift but then I read about Jinchuuriki and how you can't actually kill a bijuu and -"

I struggle for air. I can't breathe. I can't end it there.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry - I should have told you and -"

Then his arms are around me and we're both crying.

"Thank you."

That's all he says. Until the sun goes down and Sasuke hunts Ruto down for a spar and Shika drags me to his place for dinner.

And we live on.

"Have you ever … talked to him?"

Ruto looks at me askance, the remnants of our breakfast still being scraped from our plates and bowels. "Talked to who?"

I feel my eyebrows scrunch, trying to figure out how to articulate 'Omigod just talk already would you? He's a kinda nice-grumpy guy if you get to know him. And his name's Kurama, by the way. He's super powerful and your future best friend.'

Yeah, no easy way to put it.

"The Fox." I murmur, and he freezes - sponge in hand - and I immediately backtrack. "Okay! Hear me out, okay?"

"Okay …" He agrees warily.

Good. That's a start.

"He's your prisoner, ya know?" I restart, leaning back against the counter - toying with the dishcloth in my hands. "And that's not his fault. I mean - yeah he attacked village, but why? Did we attack him first? Does he have a family? What's his name? Does he even use he/him/his pronouns? He doesn't want to be trapped in you any more than you want him there, right?"

I leave Ruto looking thoughtful, finishing up the dishes on my own. "Just think on it, yeah?"

The ANBU on my porch was really not expected.

I examine the stoic, androgynous figure in my doorway. Their reptilian mask gives nothing away, and I don't recognize their chakra signature - though that isn't saying much since the Sandaime got rid of Ruto and my watch after we hit seven (and successfully managed to avoid all of them for half a week).

"May I help you?" I ask, mentally running through all the appointments that I had and possibly could have missed. I came up short.

"Tsubasa-san," The elite shinobi greeted neutrally. "You have been requested to meet with Sandiame-sama - if you are willing."

'Fuuuuuuuuuuuu-

"You wanted to see me?" I ask as I finish Sushin-ing straight into the Sarutobi compound and in front of the waiting - and newly retired - Hokage. Though I'd never been her before - it's a nice place though, the koi pond is lovely - the only Sarutobi's left were the Sandaime, Konohamaru, and Asuma. I wasn't worried about protical.

The Sandaime was dressed casually for the first time I could remember - wearing a casual haori and loose pants - and sat in front of a traditional tea set on his porch. Casual or not, I had no doubt that he was heavily armed - but then again so was I.

His expression was irritatingly hard to read - and I didn't have enough gauge on his personality to really understand the tenseness in his shoulders or the way that his left arm kept aborting some sort of movement to his face.

He didn't speak at first, only gesturing benignly for me to sit down across from him and have some tea.

Gyokuro. Nice. He was pulling out all the stops, apparently.

He pours us each a cup, but I make a prudent decision to absolutely not take anything from the high ranking ninja I had pissed off only a few weeks prior.

Hiruzen takes a deep pull from his tea - seemingly disregarding the scalding temperature - and places the cup down with a strangely decisive 'clack.'

"Tsubasa-san, I would like to apologize to you."

I'm taken aback - seriously taken aback - and can't help but lean back and narrow my eyes warily, "Yeeeeeeeeeaaaaaah … wasn't expecting that from you."

He cracks his first genuine expression, a small smile that I used to see whenever Ruto was unintentionally cute.

He better not be calling me cute.

"I can hardly guess why, after all I was the one in the wrong and you did save my life - for which I thank you." He asserts with genuine thanks - (I think). Somewhere along the way I forgot that I was the reason that the old Monkey was still alive. Damn.

But he was still a senile old ape.

"Well," I manage to get out. "You do realize that you sent an ANBU to my house requesting me to 'meet' with you - after I yelled at you for being a senile old coot who should've retired a decade ago?"

He flinches, and I almost feel bad for telling him off - but he was a (over)grown fucking man and he could damn well take it like one.

Then again - I just got my life back, and I kinda like living. Maybe I should hold off on the whole 'Pissing off those who can kill you' thing.

(Plus Shika and Sasuke would resurrect me just to tell me off for pissing off the God of Shinobi and then just kill me off again.)

"Sorry," I mutter into my cup - finally caving to the delicious smell. "I stand by what I said that day, but I also claim temporary insanity - I was dying after all. I was out of line."

He acknowledges this with a gracious tilt of his head, and seems unable to continue on - despite having something more to say.

I hate old people. They always take so long to make their points.

"Good to know that I'm not to be given a execution," I tease him, secretly actually relieved. "But were you hoping to address anything else? I'm free and all, but Ruto tends to have a fifth sense about when is the worst time to interrupt important conversations."

"Yes, he does, doesn't he?" The Sandaime smiles with good humor. "But yes, there is something else I would like you to do for me."

I gesture for him to continue, but he takes a second draw from his tea before he gets the words out.

"I would like you officially restart the Tsubasa Clan in Konohagakure no Sato."

I choke on my tea.

"I'm sorry, what?" I choke out, unconsciously reverting to English in my shock.

"I would like you to become a Clan Head and take your proper seat on the council."

He rephrases, his eyes carefully trained on every aspect of my reactions.

The council. He wants me to be on the council - me, the inexperienced, non-political, bastard child of a Tsubasa as a Clan Head? Official reasonings …? To train me to take up my positioning at a young age? To incite other existing Tsubasa to come to Konoha? To honor me for my bravery and defense of Konoha?

But unofficial?

Danzo. He wants another person on the council who has a head on their shoulders who won't be swayed by Danzo. And he wants me, because I have good connections to the right people and have already demonstrated the kind of mentality that he wants most of Konoha to have.

I am not giving into this kind of machinations easily,though - regardless of the reasoning. I better get something good out of this for putting up with damn council meetings.

"You want more numbers so bad," I comment coyly. "Why don't you ask the entirety of Team 7? After all, the Last Hatake, Last Loyal Uchiha, and Uzumaki Prince are far more important than some bastard from an old Kumo clan with no real reputation in Konoha."

I take one look at the Sandaime's expression and cannot stop myself from facepalming.

"Please tell me me saying that just now was not the first time you even considered that." I groan, feeling a migraine building up behind my eyes. "Please -"

INUZUKA TSUME

"Are you joking?" I can't help but laugh as the retired Sandaime finished introducing the three newly-promoted chunin he wanted to take their 'rightful place' as clan heads. "They're my son's age - they cannot become clan heads."

The Uzumaki brat bristles, but the Last Uchiha stays calm - and the Tsubasa Bastard child just looks bored.

"I see no reason for that to be relevant, Inuzuka-sama." The whirly-eyed brat sassed me back. "As per the laws dictated by our distinguished clans, the Clan Headship may be claimed by the next in line who is considered an adult in the eyes of the law. Not only are all three of us considered adults, we are chunin and therefore are more 'adult' than your genin son."

Ooooooh. The little brats got some bite. I like that.

"Regardless," The foreign girl cuts in, sounding as bored as she looked. "It matters not what you have to say in regards to the position of both Uzumaki-sama and Uchiha-sama. The Uchiha were one of the founding clans and Uchiha-sama was the previous Clan Head's son. The previous Uzumaki Clan Head and Princess fled to Konoha after Uzhiogakure's downfall and established headship in the village - therefore her son and the last Uzumaki Prince would be fully qualified to gain headship."

The old coots didn't look too pleased with that assessment, I note absentmindedly.

"And you?" Shibi prys neutrally, breaking through the tense atmosphere. "You were not part of your own assessment."

The pup merely shrugs like a jungle cat and shifts her stance. "I acknowledge that as both one of foreign descent and Kumo origin clan-wise that the Council would have difficulties accepting me or my Clan as part of this gathering. However, I see ways for Konoha to benefit - the least of which being that Hyuuga-sama may rub in Kumo's face that they managed to get a hand on one of their bloodlines."

I - along with everyone else in the Council - turn to gauge Hiashi's reaction: stoic. But I'd worked with Hiashi - him and his brother - and I know how much it broke the guy's icy heart that Kumo almost got away with his daughter and his brother had to suffer.

"Tsubasa-san," The Byakugan user started, picking his words carefully. "Your Clan originate from Kumo - you would be more effective at reinstating your people in the Land of Lightning. Why do you not?"

"Because my people may have come from Kumo, but I am a shinobi of Konoha." She asserts firmly, and I have to admire her resolve, "I am a citizen of the Land of Fire and Konohagakure no Sato and I intend to stay that way. You don't want to antagonize Kumo or kick up some dust? Fine, vote how you wish. But even if you do I will not be leaving - being turned away here would in no way make me abandon those precious to me - and that includes my village."

I sit back in my chair, absentmindedly rubbing behind Kuromaru's ears. The kid makes good points, and even more importantly she was sincere. For a shinobi it was quite odd to find someone so sincere - and sure, she was manipulative too, but it was the genuine kind of manipulation. The kind where she was clearly manipulating the situation, unafraid and doing it where all could see. She was an honest liar.

This little waif of a girl was the kind of genuine ninja that Minato was - the kind of shinobi that could change the world with enough motivation.

With her and the rest of her team - the old coots didn't stand a chance.

"Make her a Clan head - along with the rest of them. Maybe they can bring some life to this dreary place." I laugh out, Kuromaru growling in agreement.

TSUBASA NOA

Tsume's laughing statement of support was followed by tense and awkward silence while the Clan Heads all took in how easily Tsume - stubborn Inuzuka Alpha to a fault - so easily changed her opinion.

Perfect. The more focus on me, the less focus on Sasuke and Ruto's headships. If everyone focused on me, then enough people may assume that it had already been agreed for the Uchiha and Uzumaki Headships to be passed on - which it kinda was - and are less likely to dispute it childishly. Too bad Kakashi couldn't woman up and take his damn seat -

Baby.

"I too give my support to Tsubasa-sama's instatement as Clan Head," Shikaku breaks through the tension lazily. "Her unique position as a foreigner with an outside perspective but internal loyalties may provide perspective on issues that we have yet to address. Is that not what the purpose of this Council is?"

"The Akimichi will stand with the Nara." Choza chips in helpfully.

"Tsubasa-sama is of good character," Inoichi put forth. "I have worked with her before on the specifics of her Kekkei Genkai. She is diligent and hardworking - unwilling to take setbacks laying down. An ideal Clan Head."

I give a demure nod to my supporters, internally cheering for my good fortune. Okay. That's the Inuzuka and Ino-Shika-Cho - plus the given Uzumaki, Uchiha, and Sarutobi support. There's still the Kurama, Hyuuga, Aburame, Senju - (Tsunade has been surprisingly quiet, oddly enough), - the Civilians and the Two advisors and Danzo. That's seven in my favor, but I need a majority - which means that I need at least six more supporters.

"The Uchiha support the integration of the Tsubasa Clan," Sasuke calls from where he has taken his rightful place in his father's old spot. "She has only the best for Konoha in mind."

No one kicks up a fuss at Sasuke's assimilation, so there's that at least -

"The Uzumaki as well," Ruto adds - sounding mature and far more like how I suppose his father sounded than how his mother did.

"Tsubasa-sama has proven her worth and dedication to this village when she was willing to sacrifice herself for her Hokage. The Sarutobi stand with her."

Tsunade shifts, the clank of a bottle silencing the quiet discussions throughout the room. "Does anyone have any objections or are we putting this to a vote?"

"Now hold on." Danzo cuts in for the first time since the debate began. "Are we to assume that with the instatement of the Tsubasa Clan that we are to automatically accept any Tsubasa to waltz up to our doors?"

I frown visibly and hold up a single hand to quiet Sasuke and Ruto's protests. I turn to address Danzo for the first time actually ever - which is hella stressful - clear my face of emotion. "Shimura-san, I hope you will understand that I hold my Clan in no higher esteem than you hold yours. Or anyone here holds their own. And certainly not above this village. If a Tsubasa - if any live on - were to come to this village pleading citizenship, then they would be put through the same thorough screening process that any other would. I would never forsake my village for the sake of family -"

"And what of your bloodline?" Danzo continues, not even allowing the last syllables to leave my mouth. "You would fall under the Clan Restoration Act if you become a Clan of Konoha."

HE DID NOT JUST -

"Shimura," I bite out, ignoring the clear gasps at the lack of honorifics. "I would appreciate it if you would not patronize me. I am fully aware of the repercussions of becoming a Clan of Konoha - moronic and immoral acts included."

I take a moment to scan the room, taking a moment to give my attention to each Head - not bothering to hide my irritation. Some looks scandalized - the oldies and the civilians - but other look calculating - the Aburame, Hyuuga.

"The Clan Restoration Act is a last ditch effort for a greedy village with growing - yet ignored - civilian-born talent to attempt to hold onto relics of the past. Old bloodlines mean nothing when they can die and be killed and fail like any other shinobi. The Uzumaki, the Uchiha, the Senju, the Hatake, the Sarutobi - the list goes on. Older talent does not guarantee a strong shinobi!

"And besides - despite myself being an adult, I am 13. If the Council of Konoha is so desperate to breed old bloodlines - regardless of personal opinions or relationships - then somebody better tell Asuma and Kakashi to start knocking some poor girls up! They certainly haven't been subjected for the last how-many-years-since-the-hit-puberty to the same standards I was expected to meet within ten minutes of walking into this room. Is it because I'm a woman? Or is it because I'm 'young and naive?' Either way, the restoration of my clan is not relevant to the current proceedings until it becomes relevant to all clans, Shimura-san."

There is a deafening silence following my speech, and Danzo looks furious, and I can't help but massage the bridge of my nose. "Look, I know that pretty much everything I have said in the last minute or two is highly controversial and rude and insubordinate - call it what you will - but I am trying to establish my position as a Clan Head. If I were willing to sit back and allow those 'more experienced' to walk all over me then the title would be worthless.

"I refuse to hide how unhappy I am with many traditions and norms of the current Konoha. I do not want anarchy - I do not want to usurp our way of life - but as a loyal shinobi of Konohagakure, I feel obligated to do everything in my power for my people and my Hokage. If that means expressing my opinion - which it does - then I will. Deal with it or vote against me, it's your choice."

I give the old people time to consider my words as I stand tall under their scrutiny. I will not bend - I will not break. I am a shinobi of Konohagakure no Sato and I will act as such.

"Well then," Tsunade grits out after the Clan Heads seemed to have finished whispering amongst themselves. "Let's put this to a vote finally, shall we?

Moment of truth.

"The Inuzuka say yes."

"The Akimichi vote yes."

"Nara vote yes."

"The Yamanaka vote yes."

"The Uchiha vote yes."

"I - the Uzumaki - say yes."

"The Sarutobi vote yes."

"The Kurama vote no."

(I force myself not to glare at the moronic inbreds that made up the genjutsu using clan. Didn't quite want their vote anyhow.)

"The Aburame vote yes."

(SWEET. Shino's dad is awesome!)

Four civilians out of twelve vote in my favor before all that are left are -

"The Utatane vote no."

"The Mitokado vote no."

"The Shimura vote no."

(Council was never going to favor someone that they couldn't control anyway. Expected that. But …)

Two more clans - two more votes. I need two to pass through this.

Tsunade takes a deep draw from her sake cup, looking close to forgoing the saucer all together. "The Senju are for it. Yes."

That leaves …

"The Hyuuga vote -"

Hiashi cuts himself off, seemingly reconsidering his answer.

"Hyuuga-sama." I call out, ignoring the glaring looks for interfering. "I will not hold it against you if you wish to protect your Clan and loved one's from Kumo - you have more obligations to your people than to mine."

The stoic Clan Head pauses at this and turns to face me - really seeing me for the first time. He looks … I can't put my finger on it. Calculating? Understanding?

"The Hyuuga vote yes." He finally states, and I feel my shoulders relax instantly. "Tsubasa Noa will bring much needed perspective to this Council."

I bow my head lightly, and take my seat.