Bloodline Part 2 of The Jutsu of Love

by Marchgirl

Naruto's returned home, stronger. Family, friends and his wedding are his first priorities. Naruto's happy but it doesn't last. The truth about his past will finally be revealed and then there's Sasuke's past rearing it's ugly head. Lies and secrets hurt.

36. Chapter 36

A Little of This and A Little of That

Sunlight flooded the room but the bed was shaded. The sheer curtains fluttered as warm tropical breezes flowed through open windows and doors. On a massive bed, king-size was too small a word for it, lay a couple. The woman rubbed her face against the soft pillow and sighed contentedly. She shifted under the sheet then yawned lightly as sleep slipped away from her. Little by little she became aware that she wasn't in her own bed and that the air was delightfully warm not cool with the approaching fall. And the final clues were the exotic bird calls, not her feathered baby and the soothing sounds of the waves slapping at the shore. "…mmm…our honeymoon…" Hinata murmured with her eyes still closed.

Naruto chuckled sleepily and rolled over so he could kiss his wife's shoulder. "That's right, we're on our honeymoon." His fingers played in her hair then he kissed her delicate spine before hiding his face in the curve of her neck and shoulder.

Hinata smiled and lifted one hand to tangle it in her husband's hair. She got shivers as Naruto stroked her stomach. "Good morning husband."

"Ha, you're a little late sweetheart! You should be saying good afternoon. Hey!" Naruto complained as Hinata jerked up right her eyes scanning the room.

"Oh yeah, no clocks." Hinata said when she couldn't find one to see the time. She squinted and looked outside to check the sun's position. "It is afternoon…I can't believe it." Hinata said in surprise. "Naruto why didn't you wake me? We're sleeping our honeymoon away!" She turned to Naruto only to find him lying on his back with his hands linked behind his head.

"No we're not! Hinata we have a whole entire month here. You needed the sleep, I needed the sleep – it's all good. Kiss me already, I've missed you." Naruto smiled at her seductively.

Hinata let out a breath and looked at Naruto. He looked happy and she could never resist him when he was happy. "I'm right here Naruto, no reason to miss me." She scooted closer to him then leaned over to kiss him. "My husband, hello."

Naruto lay still as she kissed him. It made his toes tingle. "Hello my wife." His hands finally came up to frame her face. "So I get to wake up to this face for the rest of my life? Damn I'm so lucky!" Naruto pulled her closer for a deeper kiss.

"Yes you are! Hey you shaved! How long have you been awake?" Hinata eyed him sternly as her hand caressed his smooth cheek then she frowned. "Uh-oh – gotta pee!" Suddenly her bladder reminded her that it had been sometime yesterday that she'd last gone to the bathroom. "Oh – shit!" Hinata crawled across the large bed and hopped off it.

Naruto was already laughing. "I thought you said you had to pee not shit!" He loved her twisting run as she crossed the large bedroom for the bathroom. "Such a cute ass – shake it baby!"

"Oh shut up!" Hinata yelled back trying not to laugh afraid that she wouldn't make it if she did. Unable to help herself she had to stop and do a little dance before she could start running again and behind her Naruto was cracking up.

"But you're so cute! You'll have to dance for me more often!" Naruto took a huge breath still smiling and scooted across the bed. He walked over to the open balcony doors as his wife took care of business. "This place is just as beautiful as I remember it but having Hinata here…makes this a real paradise." He crossed his arms and just stared out at the blue sky and blue-green sea.

Hinata sighed with relief, she'd just made it and now she was brushing her teeth. She could feel Naruto's ease and shared it. Everything was better as long as they were together. Hinata also took a few moments to wash her face and moisturize it and freshen up. Feeling more awake she went to join her husband. "Are you through laughing at me?" She asked as her arms circled his waist and she kissed his muscled arm.

"I'm laughing with you sweetheart." Naruto grinned down at her.

"Nut." Hinata replied tickling his belly. "It really is beautiful here. I'm glad you chose this place for our honeymoon Naruto." She had laid her head on his arm but then moved in closer when he wrapped his arm around her.

"Yeah, I had to pick this place - it almost matches your beauty Hinata." Naruto said smiling and gave her a kiss.

"How do you come up with these sweet words of yours?" Hinata blushed with pleasure. "Umm so how long have you been up and where's Talon?"

"You're so cute when you blush!" Naruto thought of all the times when she'd blushed for him, it made him feel macho. "Tal is out flying, playing with the island birds and exploring. He's already found a waterfall that he wants to show us. And he left you a present this morning before he took off as well as nibble your ear a little." Naruto nodded behind them to the bedside table. On it was a crystal glass holding a trio of tropical flowers.

"Oh how sweet!" Hinata's hand went up to her ear as she looked at the blossoms her little man had given her. She went to smell them.

"As for how long I've been up - that was hours ago. I woke as Talon did. He went hunting while I dashed to the bathroom but I doubt I looked as sexy as you as I ran!" Naruto admitted on a laugh as he turned to watch her caress the flowers. "I felt featherhead's hunger and got hungry too so I ordered up some breakfast then shaved off the fuzz." Naruto stroked his jaw. "Man now I've got to get back in the habit of shaving every day! Hmph. Anyway after I ate, I rejoined my wife in bed and went back to sleep." He leaned against the wall crossing his arms again.

Hinata blinked. "You got up, shaved, ate with Talon and I slept through it all?" She shook her head, she had no idea she'd been that tired.

"You were so out of it but then the last few days, no this last week has been pretty hectic on us." Naruto rolled his eyes. "Anyway what would you like to eat? I'll tell you now - the chef is excellent!" He patted his flat belly.

With a pink flower in her hair, Hinata went back to him. "So what did you have?"

"Well - eggs, bacon, two stacks of pancakes and oh kiwi fruit - that stuff is good! What I was hungry!" Naruto defended himself when Hinata looked amazed.

"No wonder you fell back asleep after eating all that!" Hinata laughed. "I'm surprised the smell didn't wake me."

"Well actually Talon woke up so early that by the time breakfast was brought up, the sun was rising. We ate on the balcony. It was like our own private world! Next time we'll do it together okay? I almost woke you, it was...spectacular." Naruto's eyes were sparkling as he talked to his wife.

Hinata placed a hand on his jaw. "I'll look forward to it, just the three of us. Whoa! No - Naruto, stop it!" Just that quickly her husband picked her up and carried her out onto the balcony in her birthday suit. "Na-ru-to - our protection! Kakashi or Anko!" She squealed and pressed her breasts to his chest then worried about her bottom pointing at them. "Take me back!" She made sure not to be too loud not wanting to draw attention to them.

Famous grin in place, Naruto just kept walking until they were in the exact middle of the large balcony and spun them around. "Our protection is looking for intruders not your round ass. Though I couldn't blame them of course then I'd have to kill'em." Naruto said with a shrug. "And all of this is private land - we could stay naked the whole month without anybody seeing us but the birds! Why so shy now when we made love on the beach and in the ocean last night - we even had an audience of dolphins!" His Hinata was blushing again and Naruto couldn't help but pushing up her head with his chin until he could kiss her.

She let Naruto seduce her with his lips but chastised him when he let her breathe. "It was dark and it was dolphins! Naruto!" She whined but when he didn't move she gave in. "Byakugan!" Hinata had to be sure.

Naruto just hummed a silly song as his wife reassured herself that they were alone. He didn't even say I told you so when she sighed and rested her head on his shoulder. "Okay that's enough sun for this bottom. We'll get all over tans but not until put some sunscreen on you. No way in hell I'm letting you get burned and I can't touch you!" He teased lifting one knee to rub her butt then heading back inside.

"You!" Hinata leaned up and bit his earlobe. "Stop teasing and feed me!" Silently she agreed that her skin would burn easily so she would be careful because she planned on loving her husband several times a day every day!

"Oww! Now who's being bad?" Naruto teased right back. He headed for the bed. "Just press one, that's the kitchen. No menu, they said whatever you want, they'll cook." He put Hinata on her feet then crawled back up on the bed and lay down with a yawn.

Hinata had picked up the phone but put it down again at Naruto's yawn. Concerned she crawled onto the bed and touched his face. "You okay? You're not sick are you?" She frowned.

"Huh? No I'm fine. I don't get sick sweetheart, Kyuubi keeps me healthy you know that." Naruto cuddled into his pillow and looked up at her sleepily.

"I thought so but why are you so tired. Kyuubi's supposed revive your energy after only a few hours of sleep. Usually you're already bouncing off the walls by now. I expected that you'd want to be out and doing something by now." Hinata lay down until she was facing him, her forehead against his. "Are you sure you're okay?" She was ready to contact Sasuke to get Mama T to come here.

A slow smile encompassed Naruto's face as he looked into her lavender eyes. "I'm fine, Kyuubi's fine. Thanks for worrying about us sweetheart but I'm not physically tired as I am...mentally I guess." One finger came up to trace her lips. "I came back from training to train some more on my nature chakra. I went into battle just as I finished it and got kidnapped." Naruto sighed and his hand smoothed down Hinata's neck until he reached her heart where it stopped to feel that life-giving beat. "And all that stuff that happened - the battle with the dead, the council then killing Danzo. Not to mention Seiko and what happened with her! Worried I was going to lose you guys, Talon's injury, and your blindness, what happened to Sasuke's family! God sweetheart - I'm tired! Just so...tired..." Naruto sighed heavily and blinked rapidly. "When I was on the balcony this morning watching the sun come up...it just reminded how beautiful and peaceful life can be and I've been missing that. If it's okay, I just want to stay in today. Rest in bed with you, take a hot bath maybe a swim but I just don't want to do anything but be with you...maybe tomorrow too." Naruto's eyes were silently pleading with his wife to understand and accept that he just wanted to rest.

Hinata was blinking too for hearing him say it all out loud made her feel the weight of everything that they'd been through and she thought her husband's plan was just what they needed. "Yes! Yes, yes, yes and yes." Hinata kissed his eyes, his cheek, chin and finally his mouth. "It has been a...difficult few months and if you want to spend all of our time right here in this bed, that's fine with me! Oh baby!" Hinata said when a tear slid onto his pillow. She hugged Naruto to her breasts.

They stayed that way for several long minutes until Hinata's tummy growled. They both laughed. Naruto kissed her nipples then pushed her away. "Order some food - enough for two while I go run us a bath." He crawled off the bed.

"I thought you wanted to sleep." Hinata looked after him, concerned.

Naruto was shaking his head as he walked backwards. "I want to share a meal with you and then we'll nap together. Thanks sweetheart." He blew her a kiss then disappeared into the bathroom.

Hinata sighed and nodded to herself. She should have realized that he hadn't gotten over the things they'd all been through. Naruto was famous for pushing the bad things aside and wearing a happy face. He had been happy but the bad stuff just couldn't go away. It was a good idea to rest; she was physically and mentally tired too. Time alone in this beautiful setting was just what the doctor ordered. They had over five weeks to get out and play.

She did as he asked and ordered enough food for both of them – sandwiches and chips, cheese and crackers, some sweets including cinnamon rolls, tea, juice and water. That done Hinata followed Naruto into the bathroom where she heard him speaking to someone.

"Nah, everything's fine. We just want to take it easy today. Huh? No, I'd forgotten all about that stuff Anko said. We're just tired Kakashi – this is our first real chance to just…let it all go you know?" Naruto paused as Kakashi said something. "Maybe we can all do something tomorrow or the next day. You guys can go out or do whatever. We'll be sticking close to the house maybe the pool but not the beach. Why don't you and Anko check it out? I know but you'll be close by if we need you and Hikaru is providing security too so enjoy yourself okay? Yeah we will. Have a good time, bye." Naruto hung up the phone and smiled at Hinata. "I thought I'd better check in with Kakashi. Didn't want them worrying or coming by." He placed the phone back on its wall base.

Hinata grinned to see Naruto sitting in the tub full of moving bubbles. "So I heard. Sounds like he and Anko haven't worked things out yet. Hopefully he'll figure out what's going on with her. Despite her wild ways and loose tongue, I think she's really good for him." Hand on the railing, Hinata walked down the steps into the tub. "Oh wow, this is nice. There's a Jacuzzi in the tub!" She floated across to her husband.

"Yeah it is!" Naruto kissed her and helped her to sit next to him. "Open wide." There was fresh fruit in all their rooms, bowls of it. He held some grapes over her lips. "This should hold you until the food gets here." Naruto held her close as she ate from his hand.

"Mmm, I love this!" Hinata giggled as she finished off the grapes. She let herself sink to the bottom for a moment before splashing to the surface again. "Can we get tub like this? It doesn't have to be this big but I'd love something like this." She smoothed back her hair and let the water support her weight.

"Sure. Anything you want." Naruto grinned at her. "You want some more fruit? We've got apples, bananas, a pineapple and some other stuff I don't know the names of but looks good." Naruto stood and reached for a bowl.

Hinata eyed his cute buns but Naruto hadn't listed those on the menu. "Banana – a long one." She said suggestively.

Naruto lifted his eyebrows as he looked over his shoulder. "Need some practice?" He ducked but still got splashed by his wife. "Oh yeah?" Naruto splashed her back.

Just then a loud screech sounded startling them just before Talon streaked in. One wing dipped into the water and splashed both his parents. He landed on the rail chirruping at them or rather laughing.

"Laugh it up Tal!" Naruto warned as his hands dipped into the water.

"It is on!" Hinata shouted and started to splash the hawk. Forgetting the world, a water battle with screaming, laughing, chirping and splashing began. The Uzumaki family was having fun.

---

Kakashi put down the phone and tapped his fingers against it absently. "Naruto…" He couldn't help but worry about the boy even though he was now happily married. "But Hinata is with him, she'll keep him grounded." He muttered to himself and headed back to the kitchen where he had been contemplating what to have for lunch.

Anko would be back from her shift soon. When he'd returned last night she'd already gone to bed but in a different room from where he'd put his stuff and he'd let it go. Then this morning she'd run off without breakfast continuing to avoid his attempts to talk to her. But thanks to Naruto they would have some free time. Maybe he could find out why she was speaking out of turn and unintentionally saying things to embarrass or offend people.

Some bento boxes had been brought over that morning and Kakashi was checking them out when the front door opened. Before he could open his mouth to greet her, she was already calling out.

"I'm back! All's quiet over there. Guess the newlyweds haven't gotten out of bed yet. The kids are covered – I made sure before leaving so you've got a couple more hours to rest. I got myself some dango and I'm going to eat out on the terrace. Go on out and have some fun!" Anko said loudly as she all but raced through the house and out the other side.

Kakashi sighed. "I want this woman right?" He asked himself as he got out a tray, two glasses, a pitcher of fresh juice and two bento boxes then headed out to the terrace.

Anko wore her normal clothes and had her feet propped up on the table, a designer box full of dango in her lap. She jerked when she heard his footsteps on the floor. "Uh…hey."

"Hey yourself. I brought more food if you'd like something other than dango. Juice too, mango I think." Kakashi emptied the tray then sat in one of the cushioned seats. They too had a view of the ocean. The private beach was to their left with Naruto and Hinata's quarters just behind them. He poured the juice then opened one of the boxes. "As for the kids, they're staying in today or rather close to the palace, maybe the pool. Naruto needs some rest." He hummed as he ate. The food was delicious.

Anko looked over at Kakashi and blinked. He wore a sleeveless black tank with a high enough collar to cover his face and a black eye patch. And he wore shorts, also black but with a couple of big red flowers on them. He looked cute. "Umm is Naruto okay? Not…upset or anything?" She looked back down at her food.

"Naruto's really good at hiding his emotions or rather putting them to one side so that he can function. I suspect months of crap reared its ugly head this morning and he's just taking some time to deal. We may not see them for a day or so." Kakashi got back to eating. He rarely got to enjoy food so well prepared and thought he'd take advantage of the chefs' cooking while he was here. "Damn this is good." He finished one box and eyed the other that Anko hadn't touched.

"So I didn't…he's not hiding from me?" Anko wouldn't look at Kakashi but out at the sea.

Finally! Kakashi took a long sip of juice then reached for the second box. "No, you're not the cause. If you were, Hinata would have been over here and destroyed all your chakra points by now!" He chuckled. Naruto had a fierce protector in his new wife. "So you can stop worrying and stop avoiding me. We've been offered the beach so I suggest we get a little sun and clear the air between us. Or is staying away from me your way of saying you don't want to be with me anymore?" Kakashi stopped eating to at look at her.

Anko gasped. "No! I just don't know what to say. Each time I opened my mouth yesterday I said the wrong thing. I was just trying to – stay out of trouble." She said petulantly.

Kakashi was amused but tried not to show it. "I appreciate that but if you're always hiding from me that kind of makes it difficult for us to have a relationship. You want some of this before I eat it all?" He pushed the box across the table.

"Huh? Oh yeah, umm want some dango?" Anko offered her box to Kakashi and the two of them split the food between them. They ate in silence for a little while. "I don't know why 'kay? I think it and it just comes out of my mouth. It's never been a problem before." Anko's feet left the table and dropped against the floor heavily.

Kakashi drank some juice and settled comfortably in his chair. "Actually it probably was a problem but most people just ignored it because of your background, sort of like Naruto and how people treated him. But it's different now Anko, I'm your man and Sasuke's like your kid and in that respect Naruto and Takeshi are your kids too. You just can't say and do things that will hurt or embarrass us. And Anko let me remind you – you started these relationships. You found Sasuke and promised to protect him. You approached me and more or less said you wanted me right there on the training field." He looked at her now steadily watching her reaction. "The way you're acting – it's like you don't want us anymore. So what's the deal?"

Anko looked shocked and hurt. "I never said or did anything to Sasuke." She defended herself weakly.

Kakashi nodded. "No but you keep hounding him about Seiko and you will. Besides with the synch he shares with Naruto, whatever pain his brother feels, Sasuke feels too. And you still haven't answered my question Anko. What or who do you want?" He sat up now leaning closer to her.

Anko looked like she wanted to cry. It had all started with her. She had sought out these men promising herself as mother-figure and girlfriend. And God what she'd been through since then! Sasuke pulled out all these emotions and instincts she hadn't known she was capable of. Kakashi…Kakashi would hold her and comfort her – she found herself needy for the love and strength he could give her. Also the sex was out of this world! "…you." She whispered as her body trembled.

"Anko?" Kakashi wanted to be sure. He was willing to work at this relationship. Anko was different from all other women he knew but she was vulnerable too, making him feel needed and most importantly, he didn't feel all alone in the world now. She connected to his soul and for that reason if she couldn't be with him, he had to know and get away before she broke him in two.

"YOU! I WANT YOU! ALL OF YOU!" Anko screamed at him. "Okay? I just…I just don't…I don't know how…not to…fuck it up." Tears left her eyes as she began to cry.

Kakashi closed his eye and let out a pent of breath. "That's okay. As long as you want me and the boys – we'll find a way. We won't let you fuck it up. Come here." Kakashi pulled her out of her chair and onto his lap. "Anko, my kick-ass girl. It's going to be okay." He held her there in that beautiful setting not knowing what trials that they would go through but that he was willing to risk it all for the woman in his arms.

They took a long walk on the beach holding hands. Anko still wasn't able to clearly tell him her fears or why she said things she knew she shouldn't out loud or in mixed company. Kakashi listened and did his best to understand but as a man who'd spent much of his time alone, he wasn't sure what advice to offer or even if he what he had to say was right at all. In the end, they still didn't have any answers but both felt closer for having tried. It was a start.

---

Shizune gasped loudly at the adviser's words. She was all set to vehemently deny them until she looked at Tsunade. For a second there was defeat, pain and hatred in her face. "My lady?" She asked softly.

"WHAT? The Yondaime's son?" Kaname yelled as he stood up so abruptly his chair fell over.

Botan reached for her brother's sleeve as she blinked in confusion. "So he really is the son of a Hokage? By birth?" She was trying to make sense of this new information.

"W-wait! Kurota how do you know this? We have no information stating that Naruto is Namikaze Minato's son!" Li was on his feet but his eyes were scanning his scrolls looking for any mention of Naruto being the son of the village's hero.

Kurota was staring at the three shinobi who had banded together before him. There had been a flash of fear in the Hokage's eyes but now there was nothing but cold anger in hers, Master Jiraiya and Lord Hiashi's eyes. He glanced over at the Nara lord and the Black Ops leader – their expressions were carefully blank. "We do not have this information but it is true never the less. No one has denied it. Namikaze Minato is Naruto's true father, isn't he my lady?" The adviser hid his hands in his sleeves as he faced the Hokage.

There was a long pause then Tsunade took a large breath which sounded overly loud in the enclosed room. "He is, yes." Her body was stiff as the words passed her lips. She turned her hazel eyes away from the annoying adviser to assess the reactions from the others.

Jiraiya was freed from shock at her words and was moving even as she said yes. "How in the hell did you find out? You said you didn't have that information! Sarutobi did not tell anyone outside of this village! What, do you have spies in Konoha?" Only a few feet separated them and in a flash he held Kurota by his robes. The man's feet dangled inches off the floor.

"NO! At least none that I am aware of. Li do you? Please release him Master!" Kaname answered Jiraiya's question and looked to the younger adviser to confirm his statement while he moved forward to place a cautious hand on Jiraiya's steel-like arm.

"None! There are no spies! We have to have trust between us for our agreement to work! Please don't hurt him!" Li wasn't as brave as Kaname. He knew he would never try calming a shinobi as angry as Jiraiya.

Tsunade ignored this little drama and walked back to the table where Shikaku and Ibiki still sat. Neither had yet to say a word and she felt compelled to explain herself. "I-."

Shikaku raised a hand. "My lady, Naruto is the son of the Hokage. We will keep him safe for that reason and because we care for the boy. Nothing more needs to be said." He looked to Ibiki who nodded.

Hiashi let out a pent out breath. He had only been told this news because of Naruto's relationship with Hinata. It had been a shock to him so he'd been worried about everyone else's reaction when they eventually learned the truth. These two friends had accepted Naruto's ultimate secret. He would have liked time to talk with them but now was not the time. Hiashi focused his gaze on Kurota who hung limply in Jiraiya's grasp.

Kurota did feel fear the man before him but he also knew that he was in the right to question them and demand answers. It was his job to come up with a solution for keeping the Jinchuriki in Konoha. Telling Naruto his past could be that solution. Of course he knew that it was prudent to keep his mouth shut as long as the Sannin had him in his grasp.

Tsunade sank into her chair with a modicum of relief that Shikaku and Ibiki had not forsaken her but then she looked up cautiously at Shizune who approached her silently. Worry and dread filled her. She had kept an important secret from her closest friend. Tsunade held her breath as Shizune leaned closer then gasped as her friend hugged her. "Shizune! …I'm sorry." Tsunade whispered.

"Nuh-uh, hush! Naruto comes first." She hugged Tsunade tight then pulled back to look at her. "But it does explain so much." Shizune thought of how there were no records on Naruto's birth parents and come he was chosen to be made into the Jinchuriki. "But Naruto really is lucky to be blessed in his real and adoptive parents." She smiled and hugged Tsunade once more before returning to her seat.

Her nerves and guilt calmed, Tsunade looked at Jiraiya who still held Kurota in his grasp. She'd jumped one hurdle successfully and now she had one more. Like a runner Tsunade took several deep breaths in preparation for the next hurdle she had to leap across. "Jiraiya put him down. We need to deal with this." She bid her angry lover.

Hiashi nodded, they needed to deal with the Daimyo's men. "Please be seated my lord. Jiraiya won't hurt him." Hiashi took the young lord's arm and escorted him back o his seat. "I'm sure Kurota will refrain from testing Master Jiraiya's patience." The Hyuga retook his own seat.

"Huh! I guess we'll find out!" Jiraiya yelled in Kurota's face then shook him hard before dropping the adviser with a heavy dose of disgust. He turned abruptly and went back to his seat muttering under his breath, once seated he saw Shikaku and Ibiki looking at him. "If it had been known that Minato had a family – enemies would have come out of the woodwork trying to kill them or use them against him! Minato gained a fearsome reputation for being able to kill so many so quickly during the war." Jiraiya reached out a hand over the table seeking their understanding.

Shikaku sat up and held the Sannin's gaze. "We know that Master. I fought at Minato's side during that war. I can only guess how much he feared for their safety." Now the Nara dropped his gaze. He didn't want to reveal this information before the advisers but he felt Jiraiya and Tsunade should know. Shikaku looked up. "That jerk, umm Kurota didn't say anything we didn't already know and I suspect that many shinobi know who Naruto is now too." There was another shock wave through the room.

"WHAT?" Jiraiya, Tsunade and Hiashi all yelled together.

Ibiki's calm demeanor disappeared and he chuckled at their reaction. "I guess you guys are just too close to the situation to see or think about what happened on his wedding day. With Naruto's new hair cut, he's the spitting image of Minato. If it weren't for the boy's unique birthmark, I would have believed him to be Minato. That's probably how that guy figured it out." He glared over at Kurota who was slowly rising up from the floor where he'd fallen after Jiraiya had dropped him.

His limbs still trembled as he stood and Kurota slowly dusted himself off. "Indeed. I met the Yondaime shortly after he became Hokage. Naruto's personality is somewhat different from his father's but seeing these pictures especially those in which he appears serious or concerned, he resembles his father absolutely." Kurota moved back to this chair and sat down heavily.

Tsunade started to laugh but it wasn't normal, it was more a disbelieving laugh than anything. "So everyone knows? What happens now?" She slumped in her chair imagining a perfect stranger telling Naruto the origins of his past.

"You tell him Lady Hokage. Your shinobi and a few villagers know now and they seem to accept Naruto. Telling him will ensure that he says!" Some of his strength was back and Kurota sat forward in his chair.

"No, not all the shinobi know – not for sure. Only those who worked closely with Minato have probably figured it out. Since it has been kept a secret just as the Nine Tails was, I'm sure they know to keep their mouths shut until they hear otherwise from you my lady. We all know how much Naruto has been through and none would destroy his peace of mind by speaking out of turn." Shikaku almost growled as he let out a smidgen of killer intent towards Kurota.

Hiashi suddenly had a thought. "Shikaku – does Shikamaru know?"

Shikaku chuckled. "I'd be surprised if he hasn't figured it out but don't worry, my boy knows how to hold his tongue. He wouldn't do anything to hurt a friend, especially not Naruto."

"I don't understand. How would Naruto be hurt knowing that the Yondaime was his father?" Botan wanted to know. Her fan was out again but she was toying with it instead of fanning herself.

"Naruto's real mother is dead. His father died sealing the Nine Tails into his newborn son to protect the village. It was Minato's wish that Naruto be looked upon as a savior or hero for bearing the responsibility of the Nine Tails. That did not happen." Tsunade explained as pain and disgusted showed on her face and through her voice. "Sarutobi…failed. In his effort to protect Naruto's parentage he allowed my son to be hidden away and then simply forgot about him. Of course it can't all be laid on the Sandaime's shoulders but almost immediately all things concerning Naruto spiraled out of control." Tsunade stopped and reached for some water to drink. She would have preferred something stronger but even that wouldn't wash away the problems she faced.

"Naruto didn't truly smile until he was three or four years old. Every day of his life was filled with pain or neglect. For years this went on. What you have to realize that telling Naruto the truth won't necessarily solve anything! He may not see his father as loving since he placed the Nine Tails in him but as a man who ensured his life would be nothing but abuse and heartache." Tsunade shook her head as she tried to put herself in Naruto's shoes.

"Naruto has Hinata and his brothers now and we hope that will make the difference in keeping Naruto calm while giving us a chance to explain. But Naruto will know that we've lied to him. Even more than keeping the secret of the Nine Tails from him – not telling him who his parents are is much worse. Adding to that, by now others have figured out the truth. Naruto could view it as the deepest of betrayals. Protect this village? That would be the last thing Naruto would want to do." Hiashi took over from where Tsunade left off.

Jiraiya pushed back from the table but didn't get up. "Look you figured out who is Naruto's father but that's all you know." His voice was flat hiding the emotion within him. "There's so much for us to answer to - to Naruto and to his parents. Telling him just to keep him here could have the opposite effect." His mouth opened then closed again.

"Not too long ago Naruto and Iruka were attacked…Naruto suffered so much that he threatened to disappear just so he wouldn't be hurt anymore. Using his real parents in such a way could make Naruto's threat a reality." Tsunade's voice was husky, full of tears she would not shed.

"Now is not the time nor is the reason appropriate for telling Naruto the truth. We all feel he's close to making the decision to stay. We won't jeopardize his happiness just to suit you!" Hiashi thundered.

"But you intend to tell him right? Naruto deserves to know!" Botan said passionately. She calmed down some as Hiashi nodded. "Naruto has grown up an orphan but even most orphans have had it a million times better than Naruto – people actually care for orphans in some shape or form. Naruto should know that his father had a woman that he loved – the Yondaime did love Naruto's mother didn't he?" She blinked as Jiraiya yelled a yes. "Good! His parents loved each other enough to want a child. Don't you think it would help heal Naruto's heart to know he had loving parents and that they wanted him? To know that even before he was born that he was loved?" With each thing she learned about Naruto, Botan wanted more than anything for Naruto to be happy.

"My sister is right. Naruto deserves to be told." Kaname said firmly but frowned when he saw a satisfied smile on Kurota's face. "But not for this purpose!" He half stood when Kurota opened his mouth to argue. "I FORBID IT KUROTA!" Kaname told the adviser angrily. He sat when Kurota's lips snapped shut. "I think that's enough. Let's end this meeting now, emotions are too high. None of us are thinking clearly. I suggest we meet again tomorrow." Kaname sighed as he thought that power and responsibility to do things right was tiring. "Come Sister." He helped Botan to stand. "We learned a lot today – unfortunately more than Naruto himself has learned. But it has only fueled my desire to befriend Naruto. He is a remarkable person. I much admire his will to find happiness." Kaname smiled now remembering how happy Naruto had been as he wed his love.

"I'm sure everything will work out, have strength Lady Tsunade." Botan said the words and silently willed them to be true. Now she looked to the advisers. Botan knew her father trusted them but in this situation she thought they were making a mess. "Li, Kurota we are leaving. Now!" She said sharply and waited for the men gather their scrolls and make their goodbyes to the shinobi.

The four quietly left the room. The atmosphere in the Hokage's office was taunt as if awaiting an attack but they knew the battle was yet to come. This was a reprieve, a temporary one and still the battle with Naruto would outclass this one in every way.

"Nobody reacted to Naruto's new look. I mean everyone was surprised – I know I was but all really saw was how happy he was. Naruto was happy." Shizune broke the silence as she joined the others at the table.

"Most didn't make the connection right away. They saw what you did but as the day wore on, I could tell." Shikaku informed them as he stood stretching his body. "It's amazing how we can deny the truth even when its staring us in the face…Minato's boy." There was a trace of awe in his voice as he moved closer to the pictures of Naruto. "God – how he would have loved Naruto! And he'd be so proud. The two of them side by side grinning – damn I wish I could see that!" Shikaku smiled sadly.

"Yeah and just think how quickly Naruto would have progressed with Minato there to help him. With the love and support of his parents, Naruto would have been a better student. More than likely he'd already be a Jonin or perhaps even Anbu." Ibiki had gotten up and joined Shikaku. Together they looked and saw not just Naruto but Minato in those photos.

"I wonder who his mother was." Shizune too turned to see the pictures and wondered how she could have missed the father in the son. "He must get his personality from his mother since he looks like Minato. Can you imagine his happy laugh mixed with a feminine version? She would have cradled him and tickled his little baby feet." Shizune found herself blinking away tears. "Two loving parents – Naruto would have been such a happy baby." She whispered softly.

Jiraiya had been silent through all of this, his head low on his chest. "But none of it happened." He breathed. "NONE!" He roared as guilt hit him hard. "Damn, dammit! I've got to get out of here." Jiraiya stood and jerked away when Tsunade would have touched him. "Don't – just don't!" As the others talked he'd remembered Minato's excitement over his new baby and her hopes…

"Jiraiya! …You won't leave. You'll stay here – in Konoha?" Tsuande asked quickly. In times past, when things didn't go Jiraiya's way he would just up and disappear and it would be years before anyone heard from him again. Fear held her heart.

Jiraiya stopped just before the closed door breathing hard. "I promised…I promised Naruto I wouldn't disappear anymore so I won't." He glanced back over his shoulder meeting Tsunade's eyes. "I'm through breaking promises." The Toad Sannin's voice cracked and he nodded at Tsunade before walking out of the door.

Tsunade closed her eyes relieved. Jiraiya would not leave them but she knew his guilt and felt it as well. "We should have been here. None of this would have happened if only we had been here!" Anguish threatened to consume her. She had not been close to Minato or Naruto's mother but she would have done everything in her power to see that they hadn't died or at the very least made sure that Naruto had had a normal childhood and grew up knowing who his parents were and that they loved him.

"Hush Tsunade! We had no knowledge of what was to come. We can't change what happened no matter how much we wish it!" Hiashi was at her sided his arm around her. "We have the wisdom and the responsibility now to make sure Naruto continues to be happy and make his parents proud of him – all of his parents." Hiashi squeezed her and she gave him a watery smile before resting against him.

"We'll talk to the shinobi and keep the peace. Naruto should learn his heritage from you, Jiraiya and Iruka." Shikaku spoke up as he gestured at himself and Ibiki. "And as much as this meeting sucked, we'll be back for the next one. We won't leave you to face those guys alone." Shikaku groaned just thinking about another meeting like this one. "I'm going to get a drink! Take care of her Hiashi."

Hiashi nodded. "I may join you, save some for me." He smiled without pleasure.

"Done. I'm out!" Shikaku waved a hand then stuck both of them deep in his pockets and exited the room.

"Yeah, just send me the time of the next meeting." Ibiki told Shizune. "I'm going back to work – it's a hell of a lot easier than this!" Ibiki nodded to them then uncharacteristically stomped from the room. The big man was also going to do a little research on sailing ships. His brother was still staying with him; Idate should be able to help. "If Minato's son wants to live free of Konoha and the damn politics then I'll make it happen!" He vowed softly as he ran down the steps.

Shizune stood. "Why don't you escort her home Lord Hiashi? I can handle things here." She suggested as she began to gather her notes together.

"No, no I'm okay and staying here and keeping busy will help me think. There must be some way of keeping these people from forcing Naruto into a corner because nothing good will come from it." Tsunade gently pulled away from Hiashi and wiped away the tears she hadn't been able to hold back. She got up and walked over to the windows to look down at the villagers. "They know but Naruto…how will you take the news baby?" She asked of her son who was thousands of miles away.

"Go have your drink Hiashi, I'll be fine." Tsunade turned back around. "Where are the latest reports Shizune and find Iruka. I know he's training so arrange a time for me to meet with him this evening. I need to tell him what's going on. Who knows, maybe he has some ideas we can use." She sat down in her chair reaching for pen and paper.

Shizune and Hiashi were relieved to see her bounce back so quickly. Soon all the people who truly cared for Naruto would be on the same page, surely they would find a solution to satisfy the advisers. "Yes my lady!" Shizune said then left to do as her Hokage asked.

"I'll try to find Jiraiya. Maybe I can help." Hiashi offered. He didn't want Tsunade to be worried about him as well as Naruto.

She smiled. "Thank you but if you find him, don't try and force him to talk. If he wants to talk let him, if not then just be his friend." Tsunade reached for his hand and held it briefly conveying her appreciation for his friendship.

"Of course and there's no need to thank me Tsunade. We are family." Hiashi squeezed her and smiled. "I will see you soon." To a Hyuga, family was everything. They were bound together for life. No more needed to be said.

---

Shikamaru strolled into his father's favorite bar and greeted many of the patrons. It was early afternoon and there was a good lunch crowd. Things had taken longer than expected at Asuma's but now everything was ready for the baby's arrival.

He sat and ordered some lunch for him and his father plus some tea and beer. As he waited, he worried. Shikamaru had figured the meeting would be long over by now. His father had left the house early, well before eight. The fact that his father wasn't here drinking meant that something serious was being discussed. Shikamaru was lost in thought when a large shadow fell over him and the table.

"The meeting must still be going on then if you are here alone." Akimichi Choza said as he looked down at his son's best friend.

Shikamaru smiled up at the gentle giant. "Yeah looks like. Sit down." He offered a seat and figured his father must have mentioned the meeting to Choza and like him, Choza wanted to know what the outcome was. "So what's Choji up to?" No sense in dwelling on the unknown, they wouldn't get any answers until his father got there.

"Thanks, just a minute." Choza turned towards the bar. "My usual please!" The large man sat and got comfortable. "Choji is with Ino. He's spending a lot of his free time with her, helping with her therapy. I had thought that maybe it was puppy love before everything happened but now…it is real love. Choji is devoted to helping Ino get back on her feet. I think he even wants to help her redeem herself." Choza said quietly and watched as Shikamaru looked down at the table and clenched his hands. "Do you disapprove?"

"…No, people can't help who they fall in love with." Shikamaru sighed heavily. "Choji's love allows him to forgive her. But me? Ino betrayed my trust. I believed in her. I knew she had this irrational fear and hatred of Naruto but I believed she would keep it to herself! Naruto is my friend and she knew that but that didn't matter. She nearly broke him and so soon after his suicide attempt!" Shikamaru whispered harshly his feet moving restlessly over the floor. "I want Choji to be happy even if it's with Ino but I don't think I can forget what she did…or forgive her." Shikamaru admitted as he met Choza's gaze.

Choza nodded slowly. He had similar feelings. Inoichi was one of his closest friends as well as his teammate but forgetting her actions towards Naruto was damn hard and now his son loved this girl. "I understand. I too have reservations but I will not deny my son the chance to love. We will just have to take it one day at a time and be there for Choji if he needs us." He propped his head up on one hand and sighed.

"Yeah, I can do that." Shikamaru reassured his friend's father. He didn't feel quite so bad knowing that Choza was unsure of Ino either. It was only a moment later that their food arrived.

"Talk about timing! But we're going to need more drinks than that!" Shikaku told the waitress as he entered the bar. He greeted a few friends then joined is son and good friend. "Let's eat first huh? No need to spoil our appetites." He opened a bottle and drank down the alcohol quickly.

"Sure." Shikamaru said as he and Choza exchanged glances. Apparently what he had to tell them was bad enough to make them not want to eat. Both of them dug in knowing they'd need the energy for what was to come.

~mg~

It was as the three were finishing their meal and ordered more drinks that Hiashi entered the bar. A few shinobi stopped talking to stare at the Hyuga clan lord. Hyuga Hiashi had never been seen inside this bar. Most of the clientele gaped as Hiashi stopped at the bar to fetch the ordered drinks and then he asked for more to be brought to the table. One of the more prominent clan lords was in a bar with two other clan lords, one of whom was the Jonin commander and the village's resident genius – something was up.

"Hello Hiashi and welcome to our hang out." Choza greeted him with a smile and helped him with the drinks.

Hiashi was aware that he was the focus of everyone's attention but paid it no mind. He returned Choza's greeting and said hello to Shikamaru as he got comfortable at the table.

Shikaku's chair scraped loudly against the floor as he stood up. "Yo, listen up!" He looked around the bar. There were a few villagers but this place was mainly where ninjas came to drink and relax. Right now every eye was focused on him. "Get out. Sorry but we need to talk and this is where we've chosen to do it. Spread the word and let others know this place is off limits for a while." He started to sit down but stopped. Shikaku had spoken fairly casually as he told them all to leave but now he spoke like the man in charge, for he was. "Let me remind you of something. Ninjas know how to keep secrets. Sometimes your life depends on the secrets you keep. I expect you keep your mouths shut concerning anything about this village and all who live here." Shikaku made sure to make eye contact with most of the shinobi there and glared at the few villagers letting them know they were included in this order as well. "Well what are you waiting for? Get out!" Shikaku sat once more, picked up a bottle and took a long drink.

Shikamaru had stared at his father in disbelief as he'd ordered everyone to leave. He looked around as people paid their bills and left. The bar's owner and staff cleaned up a little then left asking Shikaku to watch over the place and let him know when he could open up again and in thirty minutes; the bar was empty except for the four of them.

"Dammit! Does this mean someone told the advisers who Naruto's father is?" Shikamaru was angry as he looked at his father.

Shikaku finished his beer with a chuckle. "I knew you knew! Figured it out at the wedding right?" He reached for a chair to prop his feet up on.

"No. I sorta figured it out after I was told about Naruto having the Nine Tails inside him. I wondered why the Yondaime would pick an orphaned boy to seal the fox inside and did a little research. There aren't many pictures of the Yondaime around but once I found some I knew he was Naruto's father. But Dad – who told?" Shikamaru turned fully in his seat to stare at his father. He was angry, angry enough to find the bastard and teach him how to keep his mouth shut!

The three clan lords stared at Shikamaru well and truly stunned. He'd known practically everything for several years now and had never said a word or let on that he knew! Shikaku slapped his forehead and started to laugh, Hiashi and Choza soon joining him. Shikamaru frowned at them but said nothing as they laughed it up.

When he could speak without laughing Hiashi asked, "Is it scary having a child that smart?' He picked up his beer and saluted Shikamaru with it.

"Yeah sometimes! But I couldn't be prouder not only of his smarts but of his heart too." Shikaku reached over and cupped a large hand around his son's neck then chuckled some more as his son blushed.

"Certainly a man to be admired." Choza said also smiling at Shikamaru. He nodded and took a breath before looking back at his friend. "So tell us what happened? Did one of our shinobi speak out of turn?" It disturbed him to think any of them could be so indiscreet.

Shikaku started off explaining and Hiashi finished it up. "I looked for Jiraiya but I wasn't able to find him. The time to tell Naruto is drawing near and I think the guilt of not being here for him is starting to weigh heavily on the man. Like Guy's relationship with Lee, Jiraiya and Minato were very close." Hiashi shook his head and stared down at the wooden table. "Just when life seems perfect there's always something that comes along to shatter that illusion." His words hung over them for several minutes because just two days ago there had been nothing but happiness for all of them.

"Across the sea…we would never see them again. I know Takeshi could call on the Thunderbird but even then would it be safe for them to return? The Akatsuki or a new enemy or even the Daimyo could act out against them." Choza tapped his fingers against a beer bottle.

Shikamaru had been leaning on the table but now brought both hands up slide over his face and up into his hair. "It's a valid course of action." He said quietly. "I just don't want it to come to that. I think I know Naruto pretty well…" Shikamaru shook his head in disgust for what he was about to suggest. "His ninja way is very important to him. If they would allow Naruto to leave but make him vow to return if and when Konoha or the Daimyo needed him – I'm sure Naruto would. And knowing Gaara – the Kazekage would never ask Naruto to do anything to compromise his vow. The same could probably be said for Lady Koyuki too." Now it was Shikamaru who picked up an empty bottle and began to spin it around on the table. "I don't want that – to make Naruto do something especially if he wants to leave but it would keep him from being our enemy and give him the chance to live happily elsewhere. Beyond the sea is too far…too damn far away. I hope he decides to stay." He pictured Naruto as he was the other day, dancing and laughing. Shikamaru still carried with him the image of Naruto as he tried to die. He much preferred Naruto happy and here.

"Yes we want that too Shikamaru." Choza said reaching out to pat the teen's arm. "But it is a doable solution." He looked over at Hiashi and Shikaku who nodded. "Do you think this Kurota will agree to it though?"

"I don't think it matters much what Kurota thinks anymore. The Daimyo's children have involved themselves in this matter. What they think matters much, much more. It is Lord Kaname and Lady Botan we need convince." Hiashi commented. "I'll also speak to Lady Tsunade and Iruka about this. Shikamaru if you think of anything else, please let us know." He smiled encouragingly at the young man.

"Better yet when you take your turn in the Land of the Moon subtly encourage Naruto to stay then all this crap will be moot!" Shikaku emptied another bottle and let it fall heavily back onto the table.

"I'll try but it is his honeymoon. I'm not going to do anything to spoil it." Shikamaru stood slowly. "I think I'll go check on Sai and see how his Chunin training is going. I bet Sasuke is working him hard." There was a hint of a smile. "Lord Hiashi, Lord Choza." Shikamaru gave them slight bows then looked at his father. "Later Dad." He usually sort of strolled but today Shikamaru had purpose in his step as he left the bar.

"He'll feel out Naruto's brothers and see if they know which way Naruto is leaning. Probably warn them that something's up too. Naruto will need those boys to help him through whatever comes next." Shikaku said stretching his arms overhead then linking his fingers over his stomach.

"Well I'm going to try looking for Jiraiya again. It was good to see you Choza though I wish it wasn't because of this situation. We should all get together soon. I'll see you tomorrow Shikaku." Hiashi shook hands with both men then left them alone.

"Minato's son. I think I knew it all along but refused to acknowledge it. All those years where I did nothing for the child of my friend…I don't think my shame will ever go away." Choza said gruffly while squeezing an empty bottle until it shattered in his hand.

Seeing that his friend had cut himself, Shikaku tossed him a napkin. "I know, I feel the same. You know why I want Naruto to stay? My selfish reason? So that I can spend the rest of my life making it up to him and to Minato. They both deserved so much more than we or the village ever gave them." Shikaku sounded like he was in pain and he was.

The two men sat for a while longer in the bar lost in their thoughts. Eventually the bar owner returned and got a silent nod when he asked if it was okay to open up again. They finally got up to leave neither speaking a word.

---

Hiashi stopped by Ichiraku's hoping to get a lead on Jiraiya. Ayame had seen him but that was hours ago. He stayed for a bowl of ramen to offset all the beer he'd drunk then continued the search. It was as he was leaving that he though he knew where Jiraiya was and it turned out he was right.

Hiashi opened the apartment door and saw Jiraiya sitting at the kitchen table, a jug of sake nearby and a photo album lay before him. Silently he stepped inside and closed the door behind him. Hiashi shivered for the apartment was cold. The electricity had been turned off and it was half empty. The children had apparently packed most of their belongings before they'd left. There was only a trace of the atmosphere that made this small space a home. He sat at the table with Jiraiya. "May I?"

Jiraiya hadn't looked up when the door opened. He was trying not to feel or think. The revelations at today's meeting had really touched a chord within him. He shrugged then picked up the jug and took a drink.

Hiashi pulled the album across the table then turned it around. "Oh. Oh…I thought these would be of Naruto but it's his father. Minato…" He let one finger trace the Yondaime's image.

Jiraiya said nothing as Hiashi looked at his pictures. After leaving the meeting he'd wandered the village visiting the places that Minato had frequented and then going to Naruto's favorite places. Quite a few of them were so similar if not the same that it had been a little spooky. Seeing those places hadn't given him any peace so finally he'd bought some sake and went to Naruto's. Tsunade had a spare key so he'd taken it and let himself in.

It had been a shock to see the place so bare. Normally Naruto's spirit filled the space but right now it was just empty. Still feeling a little lost, Jiraiya had pulled out a scroll and inside this scroll was one of his most treasured possessions. The photo album contained pictures of him in his younger days with Tsunade and Orochimaru and later with his Genin team. There were also pictures of him, Minato and Kushina, Naruto's mother. Overall there weren't that many of them but Naruto would be able to know what his mother looked like when he finally learned the truth.

"She's beautiful and they look so happy together." Hiashi said softly as he stared at the young, red-haired woman.

"She was and they were. Kushina, Uzumaki Kushina from the former Land of Whirlpools. A true survivor. She seems to have passed that on to Naruto as well." Jiraiya took another drink.

Hiashi blinked twice then bent over to stare at the woman in the photo then sat back surprised. "I know her! Knew her… I mean I remember her but her and Minato together? Somehow I missed that." One hand came up to brush back his long hair. "Land of Whirlpools…yes they were destroyed. Something to do with – fuinjutsu! Sealing the Nine Tails into Naruto!" He stood up astounded. "That's how Minato knew how to do it! And who else would Minato seal the fox into but his own son…" Hiashi sank back into his chair wearily. "Sacrificing his son's well being for the village and giving his son untold power then dying in the process. Namikaze Minato, what an extraordinary man, father and shinobi. We owe him so much." He sat there staring at the walls trying to recall every moment he'd ever spent with Minato.

Jiraiya didn't say anything or look at Hiashi as he figured all these things out. They'd told Hiashi who Naruto was but for all Hiashi knew, there was more that he did not know. Only Iruka knew the whole truth other than him and Tsunade. They had decided that some things could not and should not be known until Naruto was told. So many already knew so much more than he did about his own life that it was cruel. Bothered by this thought, Jiraiya spoke up.

"You guys were expecting Hinata. It's easy to understand why you didn't know about Minato and Kushina. As I said before he wanted to keep her safe and so he kept their marriage a secret as well as her pregnancy." Jiraiya reached across the table and pulled the album back to him.

"They were the family I never allowed myself to have. Both of them trusted and love me but I let them down. When they needed me I wasn't here for them." The Toad Sannin looked at their smiling faces and felt tears in his eyes. "Did you know, Naruto is mine too? I'm his godfather. It was decided long before he was born. But I didn't come back for him." Jiraiya's breathing sped up. "Everything Naruto has suffered can be laid at MY FEET!" He voice shook the walls of the tiny apartment. For one long minute he stared into Hiashi's eyes showing all the guilt, horror and shame he felt before dropping his head onto the table cursing himself.

Hiashi was left speechless. He thought he'd known why Jiraiya was so upset but he'd been wrong. Jiraiya had lost his family and then neglected Naruto. It was a wonder that the pain inside him hadn't broken him. Naruto's godfather! Hiashi shook his head and got up. He went into the bathroom. Luckily the water was still working and he splashed his face but had to use his sleeve to dry it. He'd come to help Jiraiya and he would if he could.

"You know that's not true Jiraiya and most importantly, you came back. You are his godfather and you have acted as such! You took Naruto under your wing and taught him just as you did Minato." Hiashi was pacing in front of Jiraiya. "Naruto loves you Jiraiya!" He stopped and reached for the man's arm. "Cut yourself some slack! You lost your son and daughter – I cannot imagine that pain. And you had no way of knowing what would happen while you were gone." He let Jiraiya go when he finally raised his head. "You said it yourself, Naruto is a survivor. His abuse should not have happened but it did make him strong. Jiraiya you have to let the past stay in the past! You are here now for Naruto and believe me he is overjoyed to have you in his life. Make reparations to Minato and Kushina if that's what you feel you need to do by staying at Naruto's side." Hiashi stared at Jiraiya with his hands flat on the table.

"And stop trying to carry this burden all alone. We all are guilty for not being there for Naruto and as long as I am able, I will do what it takes to make sure he never suffers again! Aren't you trying to do the same? Isn't your plan to follow Naruto wherever he chooses to go? Protect him from any enemy that tries to hurt him?" Hiashi demanded to know.

Jiraiya sat up then. "Of course I will! That boy will have to kill me to get rid of me!" He said angrily the sobered again. "But as the time grows closer to telling him about his parents – fear and guilt start attacking me. They're the strongest bastards I've ever fought!" He said with a dry chuckle then used his sleeve to wipe at his damp eyes and any tears that may have fallen onto his pictures.

Hiashi nodded. "Yes, I've met them myself. Can't say I've won any major battles against them either!" He stood and crossed his arms. "Are you going to be okay now?" He looked the Sannin over. Jiraiya's heart and breathing were evening out. Apparently he'd just needed to vent some of his pent up emotions. That morning's meeting had effected them all and not in a good way.

Jiraiya sighed. "Yeah or I will be. Come on, let's go somewhere and finish off this sake. I plan to get plastered and I'd rather not mess up this place while I do it!" He resealed the album in its scroll and stored in a pocket before standing.

"We can go to the estate. When we finish your jug, I've got several more bottles we can try." Hiashi smiled and went to Jiraiya's side. The sake was already having an effect since the man was weaving a little.

The two staggered out of the apartment and locked up. It was just approaching evening as they walked down the streets of Konoha. Remembering what happened earlier at the bar, Hiashi filled Jiraiya in on the conversation he'd had with Choza, Shikaku and Shikamaru.

Jiraiya stopped abruptly to stare at him. "That just might work! Naruto would surely return to protect you and Hanabi not to mention all of his friends. Ha! Those damned advisers can't say no to that!" He smiled for he'd just been given a sliver of hope and he was going to hold onto it with both hands.

---

"Thanks guys and be sure to keep this a secret from your brother okay? Not until I'm a Jonin do I want Naruto to know." Iruka looked from one young man to the other.

"We got it! Not a word but are you sure you want us to go? I could heal you right now." Takeshi offered. "You look like you're in real pain Iruka." They'd placed him on the couch, one leg up on the coffee table. There were bruises covering his face and arms and he held one arm close to his stomach.

"Yeah, I think those two are broken. Your chakra's way off in that arm and leg." Sasuke said using his Sharingan to check Iruka out.

"Thanks but Tsunade's coming by she wants to talk about something probably about Naruto's birthday." He explained since Kotetsu had found him earlier saying that the Hokage wanted to talk but not about what. "Kid I love that your tears heal people but having you cry over me, nuh-uh. Especially when there's a woman watching! Yugao you don't have to stay either. I'll be fine until Tsunade gets here." Iruka reassured them all but the woman just stubbornly shook her head.

Takeshi and Sasuke looked to the woman who had allowed Iruka to get hurt this badly on his first day of training. They wouldn't say anything right now but later they'd try to talk Iruka into finding a new trainer. Iruka was as much their father as he was Naruto's. "We can stay until Mama T comes." Takeshi said. He'd begun to call her that just recently.

"No. Go home and get your rest, you're in training too. Both of you go, I mean it!" Iruka put on his best parent face.

"We'll go but only because you seem to be in so much pain." Sasuke said. "Drink your tea. Hinata's stuff always works wonders, it'll take away some of your pain until Mama T gets here." Sasuke was using the name too.

"I will. And you're right, Hinata's tea is marvelous – tastes good too." Iruka smiled at them. They'd come running when he'd needed them. He had more sons and it was a good feeling. "I'll see you tomorrow okay? Maybe we can have lunch or dinner."

"We'll work something out. Night Iruka." Sasuke leaned down and gave him a small hug.

Takeshi sat next to Iruka to hug him. "Take it easy okay? Umm, can I call you Dad too?" Iruka wasn't all that much older than he but still the man treated him like a son, something his own father never did.

Iruka was touched. It even made him forget his pain. "I'd love it – son." He hugged Takeshi again then lightly pulled on his ponytail. "Now off with you! Send me a clone or something and let me know when you're free." He shooed them towards the door with his good hand.

The boys made sure the tea pot was handy and that the food they'd picked up on the way home was warming in the stove before reluctantly leaving Iruka in Yugao's hands.

"They're good boys." He laughed. "I should say men. Takeshi's over twenty you know and Sasuke's already seventeen but even so, they're my boys." Iruka leaned back into the cushions of his sofa then sipped some tea. "Naruto will be seventeen too. I wonder what we should do for his birthday. We had such a big party for his wedding; maybe a small family dinner would be better this time around." He looked thoughtfully at a picture of himself and Naruto at the last birthday party.

Yugao looked at him curiously. Iruka had already adopted a teen-aged son and was now apparently willing to act the father to two more and one only a few years younger than he! "So if you want kids, you could do it the normal way. You know find a woman, get her pregnant. Instead you have students, you adopted a child and now what, you're a surrogate father?" She found herself questioning him yet again.

Iruka glanced at her and sighed. He settled back against the cushions. "Look I get that you don't understand. Maybe I don't entirely get it myself but I know what I feel. I've claimed Naruto as mine, for his sake as well as my own. It feels right and they're his brothers, neither of them have parents either so it's just natural to treat them as I would Naruto. My own kids – actually Naruto and I have had this discussion." Iruka looked at his reflection in the tea. "I absolutely want to get married and have kids. Having Naruto in my life just makes me want them more. He was never held as a child or made to feel loved. So I want to do that for my kids, make them feel so loved that they'll never doubt why they were born. And Naruto will be a great older brother. He's great with Konohamaru and Hanabi. Naruto's got love to spare." Now he looked over at Yugao. "I just need to find a woman like my son has. A woman with a gentle but strong heart and mind, a fierce protector and one capable of loving not only me but my family through whatever life throws at us. When I find that woman…" Iruka's smile was large and he looked happy even though he didn't yet have his dream woman. "My family, the adopted, the surrogate and the flesh will be complete and we will be happy." Nodding to himself, Iruka helped himself to more tea.

Yugao had to look away. Iruka seemed happy with the life he had now but what he wanted for his future sounded even better. Suddenly envy captured her heart and made it hard for her to breathe. She found herself wanting something, even just a tiny little part of what he had. To be able to smile like that! How must it feel?

"Iruka!" Tsunade walked in the house flushed. "So it's true! I met the boys on the way here. Dammit I know you want to train hard to become a Jonin but breaking bones isn't going to help you do it!" She rushed over to the sofa and laid hands on him to see how bad his injuries were. "Idiot! Sasuke was right, these bones are broken. Not badly, just fractures but you've broken this leg before. Are you trying to cripple yourself?" She let out frustrated groan and got up from the sofa. "You – there's a medicine kit in hall bathroom. Go get it." Tsuande pointed at Yugao then headed into the kitchen for a bowl of water and some towels. "Idiot! Why didn't you just let Takeshi heal you? He was right here. Even Naruto isn't this crazy! I should let you suffer." She muttered.

Iruka just sat back and let her fuss. Yugao came back looking nervous making him grin and when Tsunade came back he said. "You won't because you love me. And you know how I love your gentle touch." Iruka winked at her.

Tsunade started laughing. "You are a charmer but looking like you do now, it doesn't even tempt me!"

"Ow, that hurts worse than my broken bones! Hey, hey careful!" He hissed as she started to wipe away the blood on his face.

"Big baby." Tsuande said fondly then glanced at Yugao. She knew who the woman was once Kotetsu returned after finding Iruka running around the village with the woman. "So tell me who you are and how Iruka ended up like this." Now she was talking like the Hokage. Iruka started to speak and she hushed him sharply. "I want her to tell me."

"Lady Hokage my name is Uzuki Yugao. It is my fault Iruka was hurt. I arranged for him to spar with Guy. It was only supposed to training – nothing serious but Guy got so excited about Iruka wanting to become a Jonin for Naruto's sake that he went full strength against Iruka." She stopped speaking when Tsunade turned to look at her. The intensity of that look shook her.

"And why didn't you stop him? You are Anbu aren't you? You could have stopped Guy before things got this bad!" Tsunade yelled at the woman but her hand on Iruka's arm was gentle.

Yugao grimaced and shook her head for letting things get away from her like it did. "Guy's student Lee was there and like Guy – overly excited. He…challenged me to a fight as well and I…accepted. I was concentrating so hard on my own taijutsu that I didn't see what was happening to Iruka until it was too late. I am sorry Lady Tsunade, Iruka." Yugao bowed to them feeling shame for forgetting her duty to Iruka. She'd had fun pitting herself against the young Chunin but her responsibility had been to Iruka and making sure that his training was going well. "I'll understand if you don't want me to train you anymore." Yugao finished off quietly.

"Train? Doesn't seem like you were doing much of anything but ensuring that my son's father got hurt! Maybe it's you who needs more training!" Tsunade growled at Yugao.

"Tsunade…she made a mistake and I could have stopped Guy too. With some explosives but I could have stopped him." He said with a smile. "It's done and we've both learned something today. I do need to improve my taijutsu, that's for sure." Iruka took her hand.

"And I should take better care of the person I'm responsible for." Yugao said quickly.

"Hmm." Was all Tsuande said and turned back to Iruka. "Can you lift your arms?" The boys had taken off his jacket and weapons once they'd gotten him home and now she took off his shirt. "Iruka! Hold still." She said then began to heal the multiple bruises on his chest. When he began to breathe easier she worked on his arm. "Give me the medicine kit." Tsunade didn't look at Yugao. "I'm going to wrap this up as well as your leg and I want you to rest tomorrow. A day off shouldn't affect your training. Stand up and get these pants off." Tsunade put his foot on the floor carefully.

"Umm maybe we could do this part in the bedroom?" Iruka asked as he stood slowly.

"Or I could just leave!" Yugao was still standing but seeing the Hokage pull down Iruka's pants, she backed quickly towards the door.

"You're not going commando are you?" Tsunade noticed the flush on Yugao's face and how the woman couldn't seem to start staring even as she was backing away. "Hold on I might need you to help me." As Yugao froze and gulped, Tsunade held back a chuckle.

"No! Tsunade just cut open the pant leg! I can buy more – dammit!" He'd been wobbling trying not to put weight on his bad leg when she jerked down his pants. They were boxer briefs, red and a very good fit. "Whoa!" Iruka fell back onto the couch. "Ow, ow, ow, ow! Tsunade!" He yelled as he threw back his head in pain.

Yugao blinked. If only Anko could see you now! She slapped a hand over her mouth and let out a high pitched giggle then wondered what the hell was wrong with her. "I really should go!"

"Stay!" Tsunade's tone commanded obedience. "Come help me with his pants. He may have made the break worse. Quickly!" Tsuande ordered. She was slightly worried about his leg but mainly she just wanted to confirm her suspicions that Yugao was attracted to Iruka. Yeah she was still pissed that Yugao had allowed Iruka to get this badly hurt but maybe…

"Yes ma'am!" Yugao rushed forward and knelt helping to work the pants over Iruka's ankle. Iruka was still groaning in pain so she gently touched his leg hoping to soothe him. How long since I've touched a man like this? Wanting to comfort instead of kill? He's so brown. Is he the same color all over?

Tsuande nodded, there was some attraction here at least on Yugao's part. "I'm sorry, I'll heal it now. Sit beside him Yugao." She ordered then moved herself to the coffee table and lifted Iruka's leg to her lap. "Keep him still." It wasn't really necessary for the woman to do that or to even be there. Iruka needed someone in his life, good friend if nothing else. Yugao might not be the woman he would eventually love but she needed to get over her dead lover and Iruka could help her.

"Okay." She sat and put her arm around Iruka holding him in place. Yugao shivered to feel a man this close to her again. A nearly naked man.

What in the hell is Tsunade doing? Stripping me in front of a near stranger and making her support me! Is she trying to put us together? "Wha-!" He turned his face into Yugao's shoulder and she pulled him close until his head was resting on her breast.

"Sorry, the bone was slightly out of place. Now stay still." Tsunade told him. It was true but she also liked the results – Iruka held tightly in Yugao's arms. She healed the break then restored some of his chakra. Another fifteen minutes went by before she was done. "There. Have some more tea. Hinata's?" She put his foot down, fixed the tea then sat on the other side of him.

Iruka sighed and rested fully on Yugao's breast even absently rubbed his face against her as Tsunade healed him. He could feel her heartbeat, a little fast but steady. It had been a while since he'd broken up with Mayu and after her no one. It would be nice to share an intimate moment like this with someone I cared about. "Yeah our new daughter is going to spoil me. Thanks Tsunade…Yugao." He said as he sat up between the two women taking the cup.

No one spoke for several minutes but Iruka began to notice that he had two women pressed close to his body and all he had on was his underwear. Tsunade moved closer and patted his bare thigh her fingers stroking him ever so slightly. Now she was his best friend but that didn't mean she couldn't turn him on if she tried and she was trying. "So Tsunade what did you want to talk about?" He tried to distract her.

Tsunade stopped her playing. Tonight she wanted to discuss what had happened that morning. Seeing Yugao being reluctantly attracted to Iruka had been fun and in the future she'd see in what other ways she could throw them together. "In a minute. Yugao?" She leaned forward to look at the woman.

"Yes my lady." Yugao knew she could have moved but she liked the warmth of Iruka's body. She too leaned forward and her eyes widened when something moved inside of Iruka's red briefs. Her eyes jerked back up to the Hokage's.

"This man is very important to me. We share a child but more than that, I love him for who he is and I'll expect you to watch over him, train him well and be his friend. Can you do that Uzuki Yugao?" Tsunade asked more as woman this time than as the Hokage.

Yugao held her breath. There it is again but now from the Hokage – such love and care for another human being. These people are so close to each other! What does that feel like? I want to know! "Yes my lady, I will do that. I will." She promised.

Tsunade smiled. "Good. Okay I need to talk with Iruka alone now. I'll go pour this out so that you can say goodnight." Tsunade pinched Iruka making him jump and bump into Yugao as she stood, picked up the bowl of bloody water and went into the kitchen.

She is trying to hook us up! But Yugao just needs a friend right now. Dang it Tsuande! He looked back at Yugao who seemed to be looking down at his lap. Iruka could feel his arousal but she could see it. "Riiight well we're still on for tomorrow right? Say about nine? I think I'll sleep in just a little and give my body some rest." Iruka tried standing quickly but he was still stiff.

"Here." Yugao didn't hesitate to put an arm around his waist to help him up. She breathed in his male scent and just barely restrained herself from stroking his brown skin. "That sounds fine, I'll bring something. Sorry about today Iruka."

"Um sure. Don't worry about it – I'm all healed now. You have a good night Yugao." Iruka said softly staring at her face. There was softness to it that hadn't been there before. He was tempted to kiss her.

"You got food! Great, I haven't eaten for hours!" Tsunade's voice sounded out as she began taking the food out of the stove.

They both jerked and Yugao slowly backed away. She shook her head and laughed at herself. "Take it easy Iruka; I'll see you in the morning. Tell the Hokage goodnight." Yugao gave him a smile then hurriedly left the house.

Iruka stared at the door wondering just what would have happened when Tsunade told him dinner was ready. He turned and walked slowly that way. "What was that all about? Taking off my clothes in front of Yugao?"

"Actually I did it for her and me. Looking good Daddy! I swear if I didn't have that old toad – I'd take you for myself!" Tsuande looked him up and down, Iruka was a handsome man and he did fill out his briefs in a tantalizing way. "Maybe I should have pulled your briefs down too." Tsunade grinned at him.

Iruka had to laugh. She was teasing him and turning him on. "You've become a sex maniac in such a short time. That old toad must be working wonders for you!" He caught the spoon she threw at him. "I'm going to put on some pants." Iruka laughed and walked away.

Tsunade held onto her smile as she set the table. She made more tea for Iruka then got some sake for herself. Normally Iruka didn't drink but he kept some here just for her.

"You know she's still mourning Hayate. Yugao's not ready for another relationship. Thanks." Iruka said as he reentered the kitchen in some sweats and sat down with her at the table.

"I think you're wrong about that but that's not what we need to talk about right now. Eat a little something." Tsunade pointed at his plate and waited until he'd taken a few bites before speaking more. "I said we needed to talk about Naruto – don't worry he's okay!" She said when he looked panicked.

Iruka sighed and took a drink of tea. "Okay then, is this about his birthday?"

"Oh yes his birthday!" Tsunade had forgotten it would be coming up soon. They'd promised to always celebrate his birthday since it had never happened before. "I almost forgot. But no this is something else. Iruka, I met with the Daimyo's advisers today…about Naruto." She watched as his relaxed expression vanished.

Iruka put his chopsticks down. "What is it? What do they want from Naruto?" The pain of his previous injuries was nothing compared to the dread he felt now.

She put her chopsticks down too. "They found out that Naruto is considering leaving the village and they don't want him to. Apparently they heard that Gaara and Koyuki invited him to their countries. They're worried that Naruto would become enemies of the Fire nation." Tsunade watched Iruka as he frowned.

"But he hasn't decided anything yet. I know he's planning on moving to the Uchiha District when he comes back. It could be months or years before Naruto leaves if he leaves at all!" Iruka fumed. "So what are they going to do? Forbid him – imprison him?" Horror struck him and Iruka stood up quickly.

"No! No! Sit down Iruka!" Tsunade got up to push on his shoulders. "No, that was what the meeting was about – how to convince Naruto to stay! They just want to find a way to make him stay." She nodded and cupped his face then sighed as he sat back down. Iruka would have gone after them she was sure and his words had frightened her. Tsunade hadn't considered that they might lock Naruto up to keep him.

Iruka reached for her sake. He grunted as it burned his tongue. "So what did you come with?" He tried hard to keep his calm.

Tsunade shook her head. "We didn't. There wasn't an easy answer. Anything we came up with was shot down for one reason or another until they used their trump card." She saw Iruka's confusion and fear. "One of the advisers met Minato. …They know, figured it out that Naruto is his son." Tsunade grabbed onto his arm with both hands and held tight. "They want to tell Naruto about his parents to make him stay."

Iruka was breathing too hard as he thought of the implications that knowledge would have on Naruto. Not just Naruto but to him, Tsunade and Jiraiya. Then there was Hinata, Sasuke and Takeshi too. "THEY'LL BREAK UP OUR FAMILY!"