Apathy

by berry5tz

Fugaku thinks he has parenting down perfectly. Minato doesn't believe so. Sasuke has lost interest. Due to a traumatic event, Sasuke has given up on his father. . Can Minato and Naruto help the Uchihas?. Alternate Universe. Ninja universe. Profanity. Some child abuse (Not explicit)

19. Schemes

A/N: Hello, everyone. Here it is! I hope you will like it. I do want to apologize for any and all grammatical errors.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto. Naruto, is the work of Mr. Kishimoto. I own nothing except the plot of this fanfiction.

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Schemes

Sasuke, a Fox, and Namikazes

Sasuke was dreaming. He was training in his dream and he wasn't alone. A lone little reddish-brown fox was watching him as he trained. It was curled up with its tail wrapped snugly around its body. Two large amber colored eyes followed Sasuke's every movement. Sasuke wasn't perturbed by the presence of the fox in fact, he was happy and saw it as a good omen. The sun was shining brightly and the leaves of the trees in his backyard swayed gently in the afternoon breeze.

'This is turning out to be a great training session.' He thinks as he continues to pummel the padded training post with one fist and then the other in rapid secession.

In the meantime outside the world of dreams, Naruto has woken up and immediately checks his clock out of habit. The next place his eyes roves to is his new roommate. Sasuke. It had been decided in the Namikaze home that, Sasuke, would share a room with Naruto. This decision would stand until, Minato and Kushina could find the time to get the spare room ready. The arrangement didn't bother either of the boys. At the moment however, Naruto, was about to establish some ground rules. The moment he realized his friend wasn't awake, Naruto sat up quickly in bed. The wheels of cognition were already turning though a bit creakily; but his brain was working and it wasn't thinking of anything good.

'Sasuke is still sleeping? He muses rubbing his hands with anticipation. 'This is a perfect opportunity to mess with him.' A sly grin takes over the happy expression.

Naruto's grin only broadens, as he sees, Sasuke, turn over onto his right side. He was still very much dead to the world outside his ongoing dream. Naruto begins to put his finally organized plan into motion by getting out of bed and sneaking across to the bathroom. All the while, Sasuke continues to dream away.

The little fox had grown tired of just lying there under the tree watching the young ninja at his training. He wanted the boy to give him some attention. So, he decided to go over and see if the boy would play with him. Sasuke, at this point, had forgotten about the little fox as, he was deeply engrossed in his training. Several times he nearly kicked the fox while working on developing his legs. Sasuke wanted to develop greater speed and power in his kicks. The little fox, time and time again had to dodge the young ninja's attacks. Trying to get close to get the boy's attention was proving to be harder than the fox had first thought. So, again he sat off to the side for a moment to think. Surely there must be a way to get the ninja's attention. Ah…an idea strikes the little fox. He will wait for the right moment. Which will be when the ninja switches legs to begin training that one.

Meantime in the real world, Naruto, has returned from the bathroom and in his right hand is a small paper cup. The cup is filled with water as cold as the tap can provide. He keeps having to hold in a chuckle as he approaches. Sasuke, still hasn't awaken and Naruto is delighted. He never thought he could get this close to his rival and friend like this. Sasuke's guard was completely down before him. Naruto, stops in front of Sasuke's bed. There is a brief argument with himself over doing what he was about to do, but then Sasuke turned over while at the same time exposing his right leg out from under the blanket.

''GOOD BYE, COMMON SENSE AND HELLO, STUPIDITY!" Naruto shouts internally just before the drop.

Sasuke was becoming tired and growing hot and sweaty from his workout. He looked over to where the fox had been; but he saw that the animal was no longer there. This caused him to momentarily stop. The little fox seized the opportunity and ran up swiftly and lifted a leg. Sasuke was first shocked and then looking down saw the fox pissing on his leg. The fox looked up and began to laugh and it strangely sounded a lot like Naruto's laugh.

Sasuke's eyes opened in a shot. They quickly averted to where he was feeling cold water and sure enough there was Naruto caught in the act. The last of the water dripping from the cup as Naruto stood frozen. The blonde's eyes a bit wide and amused at the same time. What happened next happened in a flash. Sasuke was out of the bed and Naruto was trying to run. Sasuke caught up with him quickly and grabbed him in a headlock.

"What the hell, Naruto? I have a dream where a fox is pissing on me and low and behold it turns out to be you. What kind of friend are you?"

Naruto is laughing at this point; but he is determined to get out of the headlock. Both boys are moving around clumsily as one tries to break free and the other is determined to keep his annoying friend in check.

"Hey, what can I say, Sasuke. You should know better than to sleep with your guard down. You never know when something might happen around here."

"That is a damn understatement my friend." Retorts, Sasuke with sarcasm.

Naruto manages to get a leg around one of Sasuke's and they both go down hard. They wrestle for a few moments before Naruto is up and trying once again to make a break from the room. Sasuke is however, faster than him. Pushing his arms forward, he shoves Naruto over onto his own bed. The bed's headboard slams into the wall making a loud sound and taking a chunk of plaster with it. Neither boy notices it, but Kushina and Minato both do and quickly get out of bed. Each one running to grab a robe before entering the hall. Now lying sideways on his own bed, Naruto is blocking fists that are pummeling him as swiftly as they were in the dream. He can't stop laughing. The hits weren't too bad and the look on Sasuke's face, as he was pouring the water onto Sasuke's leg was priceless. The image kept running over and over in his mind and he just couldn't stop laughing.

Sasuke wasn't angry. His emotional state at the moment was somewhere between, 'I'm annoyed; so this is going to hurt a little. To, 'I'm pissed and I'm going to kill you'. If he thought about it, Sasuke found it a bit funny himself. Therefore he was holding back a lot on his punches. Giving, Naruto, just enough of a shot of pain. So he knew to never pull something like this again. However the slam of the headboard against the wall had brought both parents on the run to their room. The bedroom door was shoved open swiftly and there before their eyes were the boys' rough housing on Naruto's bed.

Kushina wasn't amused. The boys had ruined her special time with Minato. Time that doesn't come so often these days thanks to the current situation in Konoha. Which has her in a particularly foul mood because they were supposed to be all sleeping in this morning. Oh the frustration of it all.

"Damn it Naruto, you had me and your father thinking something bad had happened. Stop this nonsense right now!" She bellows with arms swinging around above her head.

Minato could do nothing but laugh as both boys were frozen in mid swing at each other while looking like deer caught in headlights.

"-But mom Sasuke started it."

"I don't care who started what, if this doesn't stop. I'll finish it, Naruto!"

"Alright, alright don't get your panties in a bunch."

Naruto says this without ever looking at his mother, as he manages to sit up. He does however look over at Sasuke, surprised to see his friend practically standing at attention before his parents. He should have taken Sasuke's hint. Sasuke wasn't so oblivious. The moment the door slammed open he knew. The expression on the woman's face only confirmed it. Thus, Sasuke was off the bed in a flash and standing there before both parents embarrassed. He had forgotten completely that there were other people in the house at nine in the morning. He could tell that he and Naruto were in trouble. Both parents were dressed in nothing but bath robes and since their hair wasn't wet that only met one thing.

'Apparently we weren't the only ones wrestling'. He thought. 'Naruto's parents were doing a completely different version of it, if what Itachi told me once is true.' Sasuke let out an audible sigh at this thought and rubbed his temples. 'We are so dead.'

Naruto had also gotten up; but he still didn't get it. He was still on a high from the amusement he got from pranking Sasuke. Which was why he didn't read the current situation. A hard slap to the top of his head brought him back to reality in a hurry as well as, the observation of something that made that sly look reappear once more.

"Oh….I know why you're mad mom. You and dad were wrestling in your bedroom too!"

"DAMN IT, NARUTO, BEHAVE!" Kushina was now embarrassed as well as angry and she lets fly yet another hard hit to the top of her son's head. Sasuke cringes at Kushina's temper and Minato lets out a laugh.

"Honey, it's okay. Let me handle this one. You go and get a shower. We all need to get our day started anyway."

Kushina lets out a disappointed sigh of her own before agreeing. She was embarrassed and annoyed and most of all. She was frustrated with her son. He was making them all look like idiots in front of Sasuke.

'Crap. I can just hear, Mikoto, now telling me about the things that go on in our home…and laughing while she does so. Damn it, Naruto!'

She looks over briefly at Sasuke, who is still standing as if at attention and realizes her coming into their room like Anbu didn't look good either. Naruto wasn't the only one to blame. Her eyes divert quickly over towards her husband, if she were to look at her son again. The urge to slap might become too compelling again.

"Okay, Minato, but don't let these two off too easy. This kind of rough housing can get out of hand quickly and get one or both of them hurt."

Naruto grimaces as he rubs the top of his head and thinks.

'Yeah, mom, you mean Sasuke and I will get hurt. Damn she hits hard. I think I lost a few brain cells on that hit. Sheesh.'

Kushina then turns to leave the room and shower. Minato watches her leave before turning his attention back to his boys. Looking at them, he could see they were as different as day and night. Sasuke appeared as if, he was ready to walk the plank. While, Naruto was more in mind of arguing his last and best defense. Minato let out a snort and then a chuckle. Both boys tilted their heads slightly as they saw him raise his index finger to his lips.

"Not a word from either of you two."

He walks silently over towards the door entrance and looks out. Kushina had definitely gone back to their room to get ready for the day. He then turns back towards the boys and says with a smirk.

"So….let's get something straight you two. I'm not interested in teaching you both about the birds and the bees right now or anytime soon. We parents have certain times when we can't be disturbed. So, what does this mean for the two you?"

He looks briefly from one to the other and seeing no response coming from either of them lets out another chuckle before answering.

"Don't start horsing around late at night nor during the early morning hours or, you will be dealing with your mother's wrath and me trying to defend and pardoned you two. Got it?"

Naruto's eyes got wide and then his face flushed with embarrassment.

"Dad, I was only joking when I said the two of you were wrestling. Honestly, I thought the two of you were sleeping."

"Yeah, well sometimes we do and sometimes we get other ideas. The point is don't rile your mother and me. I'm patient but not forever and your mother….well, you saw what happened here. Is it clear to the both of you of what I just said?"

Sasuke nods his head and gives a summary.

"Yes, sir, no beating the crap out of each other in the bedroom."

A laugh from Naruto brings a hit from the other two males at once to the top of his head. Which leads to him rubbing his head again.

"Okay, okay, I get it. Don't be an ass in the morning or late at night. I get it. Believe it!"

Minato shakes his head at his son. Then he remembered that neither he nor Kushina, asked what had happened in this room. Looking firmly at both boys, yet knowing that it was most likely his son that is responsible, Minato asks.

"What was this all about anyway?"

Sasuke made a sour expression as he turned to walk away saying with his usual dry humor.

"Ask, Naruto. He was the one that decided to christen me, as a Namikaze, while I was sleeping."

"Ha, ha, ha, that's a good one Sasuke!"

Minato rubs his hands over his face for a moment. He lets them drop again to his side and sees Naruto is still grinning and Sasuke is standing by his bed with a stoic expression. He wants to laugh right now but knows better than to do it. Stunts like this morning will only increase if, Naruto feels he has an audience for it. Therefore it was time to dole out some punishment befitting today's crime.

"Naruto, Sasuke, the two of you are grounded. I will tell your sensei that you two are incarcerated for one week."

"AH, NO DAD! THAT'S NOT FAIR!"

Minato looks at his son for a moment with a serious expression.

"How is this not fair, Naruto? You shouldn't have been doing whatever you were doing in the first place. You're a ninja now son. It's time to act like one."

Naruto lets out a sigh. He knew he was beaten.

"So, we have to stay in the house the whole week? No outside not even in the backyard?"

"Yes, that's what incarcerated means, Naruto. A person is locked up inside a building with no freedom until they finish their time. Consider yourself and Sasuke officially in jail."

"Please don't tell Kakashi exactly why, dad."

"I'll think about it Naruto. Now you two should get ready for your first day in prison. I will go and get ready to start my day as well."

Minato can no longer hide the chuckle that begs to come out, as he turns and walks away from the two boys. Once he is gone the two Genin look at each other. The stoic look disappears briefly from Sasuke as he says.

"Well, that went better than I thought it would."

Naruto finds himself exasperated with his friend suddenly.

"What do you mean, Sasuke?! We're grounded. Grounded man for like a week. How can this be good?"

"Because you could have pissed on me instead and then I would really be in jail."

Meanwhile across the village in Konoha hospital ….

Team Seven Reunites

Back at Konoha hospital, Sensei and Genin have spent the last half hour talking until, her belly rumbled. Since the meal that the hospital staff brought wasn't at all something his student would like, Kakashi, went to the trouble of producing two clones. He would send one of his clones to fetch the girl a decent meal. The other would get rid of the evidence of an untouched bowl of oatmeal. Kakashi waited for the clones to materialize. Then he gave clone number one his instructions and dismissed him. The clone wasted no time by going right out the window and down the side of the building.

Kakashi then turned his attention to the second and ordered him to eat the now cold breakfast lying on the table. This was purely preference as, Kakashi didn't like cold oatmeal. Clone number two, didn't hesitate as he walked over and took the bowl of oatmeal and the spoon. In true Kakashi style, the clone turned away from the Genin so, she couldn't see his face. Takara, felt sorry for the clone even if, he had turned around so she couldn't see his face. She didn't like oatmeal and cold oatmeal had to taste even worse. When the meal disappeared so did the clone and not a moment too soon as, the aide had returned to retrieve the tray. Brief pleasantries are exchanged between Kakashi and the aide. Before the aide makes his way back out of the room pushing the cart now stacked with several other trays as well as Takara's.

Once he is gone Kakashi leans forward in his chair again and talks with his student. However, Takara can tell that the conversation was going in a more serious direction now.

'Something is weighing on his mind, I can tell. Whatever it is, I fear it is something bad.'

She braces herself for what she is about to learn. Kakashi begins in a soft but serious tone.

"There is something I need to talk to you about, Takara. Something very important."

"What is it, Sensei?"

"To start with, Konoha and Kumo have made an alliance."

Takara's eyes widen slightly.

"Oh, I see. How is Iruka?"

"He is fine. However, he had to report to the Hokage that some people were not pleased with him keeping you."

The little Genin bows her head at hearing this. Her hands begin to tremble so, she is quick to fold them in her lap in an effort to hide what she is beginning to feel. She further compensates by giving her verbal response to keep Kakashi from looking at them. She makes sure to make eye contact with Kakashi as she speaks.

"I understand. The villagers must not be happy about having an alliance with Kumo. I don't want them to hurt Iruka. He doesn't deserve their anger. So… I think it best, if I move out immediately."

Kakashi suddenly sits up straight bringing both hands up and waving them in a gesture of appeasement.

"Easy there kiddo, I have more to tell you yet."

Takara gives a slight rise to her eyebrows. An expression of dread appears instantly.

'There's more?! What could have possibly happened while I was out? Please don't say that they have hurt Iruka already. I don't think I can handle this now Sensei.'

Kakashi can see that whatever, Takara, was thinking at this moment wasn't pleasant. Her eyes are beginning to well up with tears. Therefore he unconsciously relaxes his posture once more. This action is followed up swiftly with his next words. His student swipes at her eyes once before he begins.

"I have also gone to the Hokage and from now on, you will be living with me."

The reaction was immediate. The little Genin had never thought that this was a possibility.

"Really?! I mean won't I be in the way and too much trouble?"

'I can't believe this, Sensei wants me to stay with him?! I've always thought that Sensei was more of a loner type.'

She thinks somewhat in shock and yet happy at the same time. Kakashi gives his student another eye smile as he answers her.

"Of course not, Takara. There is one thing though. We will have to look for another place. My current place is a one person dwelling only and unless we want people talking about the pedophile and his young consort. I think it best to move to a much bigger place that has two bedrooms."

"Yes, that would be like jumping from the frying pan and into the fire kind of thing."

"You got that right."

It is at this time that clone number one has returned with a small white lunch bag in hand. He walks over and proudly hands Takara his offering. Curiosity more than hunger makes, Takara, look inside the bag. A soft chuckle of delight leaves her throat at seeing what was inside. She turns to look at, Kakashi, as the clone poofs into nothingness.

"Oh thank you, Sensei, you got me exactly what I wanted!"

Kakashi lets out a small chuckle at the girl's happiness. Takara pulls out one of three shrimp rice balls each one the size of a person's fist. She wastes no time taking a bite into it and Kakashi decides that now is the time to make a call. He reaches into his pocket and pulls out his cell phone. There were two people that would be very excited to learn that Takara was awake. He couldn't help but smile when he thought of the reactions of both Sasuke and Naruto. Sasuke, would be calm and cool with a smirk. Giving an air that he didn't really care when it was just the opposite. Naruto, on the other hand, would be practically yelling in, Kakashi's ear and jumping around. The whole neighborhood will probably here him.

Kakashi begins to dial the number and then places the small device to his ear. Looking over at his other student who was happily eating the rice ball, Kakashi smiles an eye smile and waits for his call to go through. He leans back in the chair as the dial tone begins to ring. It continues to ring for a total of four times before it is answered.

Because of Naruto's earlier antics, the family got off to a rather late start to their morning. After pranking Sasuke, Naruto was still a bit wound up and was too busy clowning to get on with the business of starting his day. Minato, humored him a little bit. Mainly because he didn't have to be at the tower until later in the morning. Needless to say, that Kushina, had to stop with making breakfast twice in order to remind her husband that he needed to get control of their son. The phone started ringing at the Namikaze residence while they were gathered around the kitchen table. Kushina, heard the phone as well as the other members of her household; but judging from the looks she was viewing, Kushina knew no one wanted to get up to answer it.

She found herself sighing. The breakfast meal looked every bit as good as it smelled and looking at how her family was digging into it. She wanted to just ignore the phone right now. It didn't help that this meal was something they had never tried before except for, Sasuke. Mikoto, gave the pancake recipe to her friend and now Kushina would have to wait a little longer to get her first bite of it. Another sigh followed by a smile.

"Don't' worry, I'll get the phone."

She got up gracefully and headed for the phone cradled on the wall at the entrance of the kitchen.

This was where normalcy for the family ended. Naruto, who had been eyeing his father's coffee decided to take a sip while his father was busying cutting into his pancakes. The sip was rather large because Naruto wanted a big enough of a drink in case, he liked the hot drink. In his greedy lust for a taste, he ended up guzzling it. Thus, he forgot that the beverage was hot. He tried to swallow some of it; but he ended up spewing the rest out. Kushina had just arrived at the entrance to pick the phone up off the hook. Therefore, she didn't know what was happening until, she heard the spewing noise. She didn't bother turning around to see what and who was causing the ruckus now. She lived with the men of her house long enough to know better.

Sasuke couldn't help laughing while Naruto was out of his chair hopping around. It was made all the more hilarious to Sasuke when Naruto added a wide eyed tearful expression. He was waving his hand in front of an open mouth as he continued to hop around. Minato, just looked at his son with an expression that said, where did I go wrong?

A vein near Kushina's temple began to bulge as she picked up the phone listening to the noise behind her. Her thoughts were beginning to turn sour.

'Damn it, Naruto. Why the hell is it that every time my back is turned. You are doing something so damn annoying. Will you ever grow up, son? Just as she thinks this, another thought springs forward as if to reprimand her. 'Oh, who am I kidding? I was just as bad as Naruto when I was his age. God forgive me.'

Therefore when she picked up the phone from its receiver, Kakashi heard….

"NARUTO, STOP HORSING AROUND AND EAT YOUR BREAKFAST!"

Kakashi is quick to pull the cell away from his ear. It was apparent that Kushina wasn't speaking into the mouth piece of the phone but even so the volume was over the top. Takara had stopped eating momentarily and with wide eyes looked over at her sensei. She too had heard, Kushina. Kakashi just shrugged his shoulders and gave her another eye smile.

'Well….someone is back to normal.' Kakashi thinks with a chuckle as he bravely places the cell back against his ear.

He now hears her voice back in the ear piece with a much lower volume and with a less stressed tone.

"Hello. Namikaze residence, Kushina speaking."

"Kushina, this is Kakashi-."

"Oh, hi Kakashi, good morning to you!"

Kakashi, if he had been raised anywhere else instead of the Namikaze residence would have been taken back by the sudden change in tone. It was pleasant as if, whatever, Naruto, had been doing wasn't still bothering her anymore. However, he had been raised in their home. Therefore, he just rolled right along with it.

"Yo, good morning to you too. Say, is Naruto and Sasuke up yet?"

There was no way, Kakashi, was going to tell, Kushina, that he had already heard that Naruto was up. This would have been the equivalent of saying she was a loud mouth. He was so not going there.

"Naruto, is up; but he got into Minato's coffee just a few seconds ago and you know what happens when Naruto gets some coffee in him."

"Yeah, he goes ape shit."

"Yep, pretty much. So, I will hand the phone over to, Sasuke, while I try to calm Naruto down."

"Thank you."

"Oh, you're welcome, Kakashi."

Another chuckle escapes Kakashi as he can practically visualize what is happening right now in that house. There is a muffled sound as if, Kushina has placed her hand over the mouth piece of the phone. A few seconds later the hand is removed from the mouth piece and Kakashi hears another voice definitely male answers.

"What's up, Kakashi?"

Kakashi immediately smirks and thinks. 'Well, Naruto isn't the only one back to normal.'

On the phone however, Kakashi answers his student casually.

"Yo, I'm over at the hospital right now. I was wondering if you guys want to come over here. There is someone here who is eager to see you."

"Who could be that eager to see the idiot and me? Oh, wait a minute. "Kakashi, is Takara up?"

A soft chuckle from Kakashi, is heard coming through the line before there is a verbal answer.

"Yeah, Sleeping Princess, has awaken and she is waiting to see you two bone heads. How about getting your asses over here as soon as possible."

"This is great news, I will-."

"HEY, BRO, IS ODDBALL AWAKE!"

Kakashi is quick to once again remove the cell from his ear. Takara is once again looking at him wide eyed and Kakashi once again repeats his earlier response of shrugging his shoulders but then he begins to laugh as he places the phone back to his ear again. This time he hears Kushina speaking to Naruto from in the background saying…

"Damn it, Naruto. Stop yelling in Kakashi's ear."

Kakashi stops laughing long enough to finally answer him.

"Ah, hi, Naruto and yes, Takara is awake. Could you please lower the volume a bit? People down the hall here are still trying to sleep."

"Ah, yeah right, Kakashi, sorry about that. Can I speak with her?"

"Why don't you and Sasuke just come on down here? Takara, is eating her first meal in a long time and I would prefer she got to eat it."

"Alright, alright, we'll be there in five minutes. Believe it."

"Oh, I believe you, Naruto, but make sure that you're fully dressed before you leave the damn house. I don't want any of my peers to see a half-naked blonde running down town, nor do I want to lie to the other sensei and tell them that you're on meds or something."

Takara was blushing right now and this made Kakashi laugh out loud.

"Damn it, Kakashi it wasn't that funny."

"My bad, Naruto. Get ready and get down here already."

Kakashi let the phone call end and closed his cell placing it back in to his inside breast pocket of his vest.

"Well." He says looking at Takara. "Those two will be here in three minutes or less if, Naruto has his way."

"I believe you sensei. However, I don't think Sasuke will care to be dragged through the streets of Konoha."

"You want make a bet then?"

"Yep, my money is on Sasuke."

"Good. I say it will be Naruto."

Meanwhile, Kushina was once again yelling at her son to put on pants as he tried to run out the door with them instead of just taking the time and doing things right.

"NARUTO, COME BACK IN HERE! YOU DRESS INSIDE THE HOUSE NOT OUTSIDE OF IT. WHERE DID YOU LEARN THIS STUFF?"

Next second Naruto is back inside and trying to now put on the pants.

"Ah, momma come on, Takara might fall back to sleep, if we don't hurry."

"Idiot, Takara has been sleeping for a month. I doubt she will be sleeping again anytime soon. So listen to your mother."

"Says the Bastard, who has his shirt on backwards."

"What!"

Sasuke grabbed at his collar of his shirt to see if his tag was in the front. Almost immediately he wanted to slap himself. Naruto was delighted.

"Ha-ha, I made you look!"

'Payback is coming as soon as we leave this house, Naruto.' Sasuke thought.

An unsuspecting slap is swiftly delivered to the back of Naruto's head. The hit was strong enough to shove Naruto forward a little bouncing along with one leg in his pants. As he looks up to see who hit him, he is surprised to see that it was his father this time. Somehow, Minato had snuck up behind his son. Now standing up straight, Naruto, rubs the back of his head as realization of something comes to mind.

'I should have known. Dad never hits my head unless, he believes that I'm acting an ass. Mom does it on a daily basis because I get on her nerves with my shit.'

Minato speaks up and there's a smirk on his face as, he watches his son continue to rub the back of his head.

"I know that you are excited to see Takara, my son. Still, you need to learn some restraint otherwise, slaps to the head will become more frequent."

"Yes, dad I'll remember this next time." Naruto politely says but internally he thinks. 'Yeah, you mean being practically knocked out will become a normal prospect in my life. No, thanks.'

Minato can almost see what his son is probably thinking. Naruto never could make a poker face. A chuckle rumbles deep in Minato's throat before he says.

"See that you do, Naruto." He looks away from his son to look over at Kushina.

"Honey, I will probably be home a little later than usual. The advisors and the council are convening in the Council hall. We will be preparing for the prosecution of the Uchiha. It's unfortunate that this task had to fall on the one day of the week we get to come in later."

Kushina ambles over to her husband and with a small smile she reaches up to fix his robe collar. When finished she looks him in the eyes.

"Okay, dear, please call me an hour before you are going to leave so, that I can get supper started. I want the meal to be hot and fresh when you come home."

"Will do."

The two embrace for a moment before Minato pulls away slowly and heads out the door. As he leaves, Minato isn't sure to be relieved or sad when remembering Sasuke's reaction. Sasuke showed no reaction to what had just been said. Instead, he was finding amusement watching Naruto clumsily trying to put on his pants.

'Perhaps Sasuke, is just trying hard to ignore anything that has to do with his father.' He muses as he goes. 'Then again, Sasuke has never been one to say one thing and mean another. This is something he and Naruto both share. If they said it, they meant it and Sasuke was adamant about his father meaning nothing to him anymore. It was said with conviction and even Itachi had spoken of this the day I rescued him from the press. Standing outside the village walls he had told me that, Sasuke had realized that he would never mean anything to Fugaku. Which was why he gave up on the man. Itachi had sensed this upon going to visit his brother every day. I had felt it too back then while visiting; but I guess I just didn't want to believe what I was sensing.'

Minato is now out the gate and heading down the street. A few neighbor's that are also heading to work see him and wave a silent greeting. He returns it as he continues to think of Sasuke.

'In the days to come, Sasuke will be hearing a lot of people bringing up Fugaku's name. He needs to have a tough skin for what is coming. Harsh words are only the beginning of what can happen to him. I remember, Kakashi, having people throw things at him and try to gang up on him to beat him senseless. All of this at a time when his father had fallen among our people. I can only hope that Kushina and I can give him all the support he will need just as we did for, Kakashi, back then. Then there is the fact that, Naruto, will also be dealing with issues of his own soon enough. Being a Jinchurriki is no easy feat. We need to be strong for both of our boys.'

He allows these thoughts to drift back deep into his mind. He walks unaware of his wife watching him go. Kushina, stares out the open door watching her husband disappear from view in a blissful mood; until she looks over at her cheeky son. The ornery look on his face was all to telling and he still didn't have his pants on. A vein begins to swell in her forehead as she now closes the door behind her. Turning around and looking to address her son, Kushina begins to speak in a calm but firm tone.

"Naruto… Takara, is going to wonder, if the two of you are ever going to show up."

"Takara! Damn it! Come on, Sasuke, let's get out of here!"

Naruto had been watching his parents and remembering the earlier events that took place this morning. He still thought the entire thing was funny. Then the thought of his parents doing anything more than sleeping made it that more funny; but his mother's voice reminding him of his Oddball, had brought him back to the present in a hurry. He is quick to start running out the door once more.

"PANTS! Both family members yell at Naruto, as once again he was trying to run out the door without them.

Naruto lets out a laugh when he looks down at his hands and sees that he is indeed still holding the pants.

"No wonder I was feeling drafty." Another chuckle escapes him as he hops along pulling them on while heading for the door. Sasuke, walks along behind him shaking his head.

'I don't think I'll ever know how Kushina can deal with Naruto every morning like this. Still, I can't say that I mind my friend at all. It's just Naruto that's all.'

Once his pants are on, Naruto is swift to get outside and down the steps. Sasuke, is quick to keep up as, they both head out the gate. Kushina, comes out onto the porch and yells while waving to them.

"BE CAREFUL OUT THERE YOU TWO AND TELL TAKARA, THAT I SAID HELLO AND I'LL SEE HER SOON!"

Naruto yells back over his shoulder.

"YEAH, MOM WE'LL BE CAREFUL AND I WILL TELL TAKARA WHAT YOU SAID. BELIEVE IT!"

Kushina laughs at her, Naruto, and watches the boys until they are out of sight.

The two Genin make it to the hospital in record time. Though, Sasuke, still doesn't know why they had to run the entire way there. Takara, wouldn't be released today anyway. He knew this and Naruto should as well; but then again this is Naruto we're talking about.

They make their way up the three floors and then down the hall to room 320. Naruto doesn't bother with knocking and pushes the door open wide while the guard remains in place on either side of it. He stops abruptly upon seeing his team mate sitting up in bed. Sasuke had to swiftly stop or run up the back of him. He utters a curse words softly under his breath. Naruto ignores it in favor of shouting.

"HEY, ODDBALL, YOU REALLY ARE AWAKE!"

Takara and Kakashi both were expecting this entrance from Naruto and weren't surprised by the sudden bursting of the door and the loud volume that, Naruto came in with. He runs over to his team mate's bed side. Meanwhile, Sasuke, has also come through the door with both hands shoved in pockets and looking like he is bored with life.

"Hey, Takara, it's been a while hasn't it?" He says as he comes to stand on the other side of her bed.

"Hello, Naruto. Hello, Sasuke, I'm so glad to see you both again. It has been too long."

She looks from one to the other. Naruto is grinning from ear to ear and then over at Sasuke, who is still standing with his hands in his pockets looking at her with a stoic expression. She didn't know which of her brothers she wanted to hug first. So, she spread out her arms towards each of them. To everyone's surprise it was Sasuke that went to embrace her first. Wrapping both arms around his team mate, Sasuke leaned in close to her ear.

"Thanks for coming back to us. I was afraid that we had lost you."

He felt Takara's grip tighten slightly at his words. It made him smile. This was something he had never done before for anyone other than family and close family at that. So, to have her receive his heart felt feeling made Sasuke both relieved and happy.

"I'm glad to be back big brother. I missed you too."

The smile only grew on Sasuke's face. Takara had called him big brother in the past as well as to Naruto; but this time it felt more like the real thing to Sasuke. He could never put this into words, but after what they had all been through together. Their bonds seem stronger and more like a second but tight family to him. The two finally let each other go but when Sasuke straighten back up and looked over at Naruto and Kakashi. He was met with the same ornery grin that Naruto had given his parents this very morning.

'Now I understand why Kushina wants to slap her son half the time. The idiot is such an annoying bastard sometimes.'

"What is it, Naruto?"

"Oh, nothing I just can't believe that you just dove in like that on Takara. Someone has a crush on Oddball, eh?"

Naruto winks with his right eye at Takara and Sasuke. Takara blushes and Sasuke gives Naruto the middle finger and with a scowl on his face. Kakashi is out of his chair and gives a chuckle.

"Easy now, you two. Takara, doesn't need to be treated to a late morning brawl on her first day up."

Naruto gives a chuckle of his own and goes and sits on the edge of the bed. Sasuke does likewise on the opposite side. Seeing that his words have prevented a tussle, Kakashi walks over towards the window and takes a look outside. There is something else on his mind that he wanted to share with all of his team now that they were gathered together. It wouldn't be an easy thing either, so he weighs in on whether or not he should do it now or later. As he ponders the decision, Sasuke begins the conversation between the three Genin.

"How are you feeling?"

Naruto feels the need to critique his friend's line of questioning.

"That's lame, Sasuke."

Takara, is quick to jump in and answer. Sasuke didn't look like he was serious about rioting in the room with Naruto; but then again you never know. Naruto can push Sasuke's buttons at times.

"I'm feeling much better now that I'm awake and I'm with all of you."

"Well, I'm glad that you finally decided to wake up, Oddball. I was beginning to worry about you. Ya know?"

Takara laughs at this as she remembered that, Kushina always adds the same two words at the end of her sentences more often than not. It would seem that her son copied it and Takara, couldn't help but laugh.

"Hey, what's so funny?"

Sasuke sees a perfect opportunity to annoy his friend as, he replies for, Takara.

"You, idiot."

"Damn it, Bastard do you want me to jump over this bed and kick your ass?!"

"Oh, please, you're not coordinated enough to make it this far over."

Takara jumps in to try to overt a brawl.

"Guys, please."

Kakashi closes his eye while reaching up and pinching the bridge of his nose, as he thinks.

'Some things never change no matter what happens in life.'

He sighs and immediately turns away from the window shoving his hands in his pockets.

"Naruto, Sasuke, stop right now. Leave the banter for later. I have something I need to tell all of you now that, Takara, has awakened."

The young men both look at Kakashi with a quizzical look while the konoichi is giving him another look of dread. He finds himself sighing again because she is partially right. What he is about to tell them isn't going to be pretty.

Prison Meeting

Chiba didn't care about a meeting that Team Seven was having right now in Konoha hospital. He was more concerned with the meeting he was about to have in prison. Fugaku's trial would be in two days and Chiba wanted to make damn certain that, Fugaku, knew what was at stake. He had already met with the other underground supporters of the Uchiha clan. A meeting that was swift to come together and even swifter to grow heated as, many were becoming disillusioned with the reasoning for backing the Uchiha leader in the first place. They made it very clear to Eito Chiba. Get this man under their control or leave him to his fate with the Hokage and the Jounin council.

Unlike Fugaku, Chiba wasn't hard headed. It was what the others weren't saying that rung loud and clear to him. He would become an outcast among the elite; if he failed them. A fate far worse than an execution could bring. Chiba was a powerful man and feared no one, but he had respect unto the other elite of his village. They never spoke without meaning of backing up what they had determined. There was no such thing as a second chance or a pardon among them.

He has been walking now for the past twenty minutes and can only now just see the dome shape of the prison ahead of him. Sato, was walking silently beside him, his mind seemingly miles away. It was just as well, to Chiba. Any conversation now would be on, Fugaku Uchiha, and that conversation would be eaves dropped by others in the streets. He briefly looks down at his watch and sees that they need to pick up their pace, if they want to make their meeting on time. He does so and Sato follows suit automatically without even thinking about it. Chiba smiles briefly. He is proud of the decision to make Sato his second in command. The man is in sync with him on the finest level.

Another fifteen minutes passes and they are now at the very gates of the prison. Two large and muscular guards stand on either side of a gate that will only allow one person to pass through at a time. Chiba can immediately tell that these guards are looking as though bored out of their minds; but the opposite is true. Any wrong words or moves now and Chiba and Sato will be slammed against the walls. There would be no one to help them either, if the person was so inclined. The dome of the prison made it look closer than it actually was. The outer walls are a good ten blocks from the last block that had villagers.

"State your business." Demands the first guard gruffly.

"The name's, Eito Chiba and this is my associate, Sato. I've been given permission to speak with a prisoner named Fugaku Uchiha."

"We will need to search your persons to make sure there are no weapons or tools and such like."

"We understand."

Chiba spreads out his arms to his sides as well as moving his feet slightly away from each other. Sato moves away a little to allow himself more room to copy the stance his boss is taking. Both guards approach and pat down each man swiftly and then back away. Chiba, who has never done anything like this was surprised at how swift the guards were. Sato, was not. In fact, Sato, would be glad to just get out of here as fast as possible. This whole business was making him remember things he didn't want to remember.

The first guard turns and walks away from the group towards the gate. Once there he then turns back to face the group and waits. The second guard will now ask the next important question. Chiba and Sato both have returned to standing in a normal positon and waits for what is next.

"Permission card, please." States the second guard.

Chiba reaches into his inner breast pocket of his long coat to pull out the required card. The card is handed over into the outstretched hand of the guard, who looks over the card carefully making sure it isn't a forgery. Seeing that everything is in order, he looks over at his partner and gives him a nod. The first guard turns his back to the group once more and begins opening the gate. The second guard moves towards the gate gesturing with his right hand for the men to follow his as he says.

"Alright then, you're free to enter. Another guard will escort you once you enter the lobby. Do not try to move on without the guard unless, you would like a room here for a while."

"Understood."

The gate is unlocked and pushed open and the first guard stands back and gestures for the two men to go ahead through. Chiba moves forward with confidence. Sato is a little wary. Chiba, unlike, Sato has never been in prison. He takes a quick look around to get his bearings once inside the gate. There is a large courtyard with a single sidewalk that forks in two different directions. At the end of each path, there is a single door with a small glass window almost dead center of them; but there is no markings to indicate to Chiba, which door is the right door for him. It is Sato, which moves a little ahead of him when he sees his boss about to make a mistake in direction.

"Sir, we need to turn down this section of pavement towards those doors. The other path leads towards processing of prisoners." Sato points out the correct door and Chiba follows with his eyes where his second in command is pointing.

"I see. Have you been in here before?"

"Yes, sir. Here and a couple outside of the Leaf; but this isn't something that I want to get into right now."

"I see. You should have told me this before we came. I hope none of the guards in here remember you. It will be rather uncomfortable for both of us, if they decide to reminisce with you."

"Yeah, well, I'm sure that they won't although, I can't rule out that some of them may shoot us knowing looks and smirks. I wasn't a model prisoner when I first arrived. They had to beat the shit out of me before I understood the rules here."

Chiba lets out a chuckle as the two men continue towards the door. They are surprised when they can easily enter; but they find two more guards standing on either side of the door. Each person stood facing each other thus they were staring at Chiba and Sato in profile when they came in. Neither of the guard said anything. They didn't need to for another security person came forward to meet them. Chiba began to extend his hand as he sees the guard doing the same.

"Mr. Chiba, I assume?"

"Yes."

"Follow me. Prisoner 43347 has been moved to the meeting room."

"Good. Please lead the way."

The guard bows slightly. Chiba and Sato do likewise before the guard turns and begins to lead them out of the large lobby and down a narrow corridor to the far left. There are offices here and there on either side and Chiba doesn't bother with trying to look in any of them. He just wants to get to Uchiha, tell him what he came to say and then get the hell out of here. The place felt as cold as it looked and he couldn't imagine having to be forced to stay in such a place without his luxury.

'That bastard had better appreciate what I'm doing for him right now. If I had to tell anyone that I had come here. I would be pissing nails. This is so far beneath me and those I associate with.'

Meanwhile, the fore mentioned prisoner is seated at a table. He is wearing a yellow prison jumpsuit with both his hands and feet restrained with cuffs. The restraints are secured to either the chair itself or in to bolts with fasteners in the floor. These cuffs aren't chakra restraining because he is wearing a metal collar around his neck for the purpose. He looks around him and sees that there are several more tables. These tables are lined in perfect rows and spaced evenly apart. There are over twenty tables altogether in the room. He can also see that there are guards at both exits that lead to two different prison blocks. There are also two more guards standing sentry at the two doors that lead out into the corridors which lead back to the main lobby and freedom.

'I never thought that, I would be in here and in chains like this. I can thank that little bastard for this and for my esteemed Hokage. Son of a Bitch. I hate him almost as much as I hate that, Sasuke. So much misfortune has come about because of him. It doesn't matter though. Soon he will be nothing but a bloody pulp of flesh not even worthy of being called a corpse when I'm out of here.'

A loud creaking of the door to his right breaks Fugaku's dark thoughts. He is quick to turn in the direction of the sound annoyed that he couldn't detect the guards coming in because of the collar he now wears. He keeps an ever stoic expression as he watches the small procession that is starting to come through the door. He raises an eyebrow as he sees, Eito Chiba, come in behind the guard.

'So….he did come after all.'

The guard is first to approach Fugaku's table. Standing off to the side of it, he addresses him.

"Prisoner 43347, you may visit with your guest for ten minutes. Act up in here and you will find it far less."

Fugaku doesn't verbally respond. Instead, he nods his head once in acknowledgement. Satisfied with the prisoner's response the guard looks over at Chiba and with a hand gestures for him to take the only other chair at this table.

"Mr. Chiba, I will return in ten minutes to escort you and your associate out of the building. If you need to leave sooner call to one of the guards here and they will let me know. Also for your safety, I must ask you not to do anything nor say anything to antagonize the prisoner. Doing so will also end this meeting between you three. Is this understood?"

"Yes, sir. I promise that I and my associate will behave ourselves." Chiba says with a smile.

The guard looks briefly at Sato but doesn't say anything and leaves, however, Sato can tell that there was a spark of recognition in those steely grey eyes of the guard.

'Shit, he remembers me.'

Chiba pulls the only other chair out on his side of the table. While his associate stands directly behind his chair. The guard leaves the room and it is only then that the conversation begins between the two men. Chiba leans forward in his chair as he folds his hands in front of him.

"How has it been in here?"

"I haven't been messed with yet, if that's what you mean. Being an, Uchiha, gives you certain protections from certain things in prison."

Fugaku, turns his head a little in the direction of one of the guards standing within the confined space. Chiba looks over at the guard and then at all the others in the room. He recognizes all of them. They are of the underground.

'No wonder that Uchiha named Yashiro, told me when he gave me this permission card not to worry about talking to Fugaku. Apparently, Yashiro, made sure that only the underground would be on guard right now in this room. I should have known.' Chiba muses internally.

He speaks again after letting the sight and its meaning sink in.

"Hm. I imagine it does, but outside these walls, Fugaku, it's another matter entirely."

Fugaku, snorts softly at this statement. He tilts his head slightly to the side as he replies.

"We aren't weak even outside these walls, Chiba. Remember, I have an underground network that extents farther than you think it does."

Chiba, doesn't waste time arguing whether this is true or not. Fugaku, has conveniently brought up the next point of this conversation and Chiba moved on it swiftly.

"Speaking of networking, let me tell you why I'm here. The underground support that comes from the elite of this village have come together and decided on a course of action to spare you."

Fugaku, is starting to feel annoyance.

"What do you mean spare me? Aren't you going to spring me from this dump?"

The feeling is becoming mutual for Chiba as he retorts.

"Listen to what I have to say, Fugaku. Remember we only have ten minutes together, so let's not start off by pissing each other off."

Fugaku lets out a soft chuckle allowing Chiba to see he is truly amused right now; but he complies with the man's wishes yet mockingly.

"By all means, Chiba, you're in the command chair right now."

'Ignore his crude behavior, Chiba. Remember that he is only a needed pawn for now.' Chiba warns himself. Calmness within himself prevails once more.

"The Elite will ensure that you don't fry; but you are looking at doing some time. There is only so much that we can pull off without making ourselves suspicious to the government."

This sobers, Fugaku at once. He is now serious as he asks.

"How much time am I looking at?"

"We can ensure that they can't give a maximum of more than three years tops. The Hokage will want to go for more; but we can persuade some of the governing counsel to dissuade him of it. The thing is, I want you to do the three years."

Fugaku gives Chiba a poignant glare. Chiba responds by leaning back in his chair briefly and lifting up a hand in silence. When he sees that Fugaku is compliant, Chiba leans forward once more allowing his hand to rest back on the surface of the table and gives his reason.

"Look…we both know that the Fourth and his cronies have been keeping you under surveillance for a long time now. We also know that he has the help of the Uchiha Elders as well. Anything you do can eventually be found out. So, I'm thinking why not let them think that they have won."

Fugaku, couldn't argue this point. The Elders were turned traitors in his mind. His interest piqued, Fugaku leans forward as far as his restrained hands would allow. Both hands were bound tightly to his chair. His chest rested firmly up against the table.

"I'm listening. Tell me more of this plan of yours."

Chiba smiles.

"As you have said earlier, the Uchiha have certain protections while in prison. Let's take advantage of the fact that this prison is partially run by your clan. I believe that there are more of our supporters working here. Am I right?"

Fugaku nods slowly as he is beginning to see where Chiba is heading with this.

"You want me to run things from within the prison?"

"Exactly. In this way, the Hokage and the others will let their guard down after a while; if they believe that the clan isn't going to go any further with their activities without you at the helm. We let them have their space for a time so, that they will become complacent. In the meantime, you will still be planning and preparing for what is to come after the initial take-over happens. We need to be prepared for what comes immediately after the battle as well, as being prepared for the battle. Otherwise, our enemies will rebound quickly and raise a counterattack. Don't forget, the Fourth, has made an alliance with the Land of Lightening. Anything that happens here will be sure to bring those brutes running to Konoha to assist him."

"I hate to admit this; but your right. I was incarcerated before the announcement of the alliance. It was only told to me yesterday."

Fugaku, looks away from Chiba for the first time, as he thinks of when he was told and how he felt at the time he was told. Chiba says nothing but patiently waits for him to settle things in his mind. After a short space of only thirty seconds or so, Fugaku looks back at him directly and speaks.

"This plan of yours is much better than the one I was thinking of. When is this trial to begin?"

The question causes an eyebrow to raise on Chiba. His tone in answering reflects his surprise.

"They haven't told you yet?"

"No. The man in charge of this prison doesn't feel that I need to know anything until it is necessary."

"I see. The trial is in three days, Fugaku. We will have everything ready by then."

'Excellent. This is way better than I had hoped. Running things from here will make it possible to do even more since I don't have to constantly keep up a front before my enemies. Still, it hurts to know that I must suffer the indignation that will surely come from the media. My name and honor will be smeared with shit. It doesn't matter though all things will be rectified in due time.'

Fugaku, leans back in his chair and lets a rare look at what he is thinking show in his expression. Chiba doesn't like what he sees and is quick to rebuff the Uchiha for it.

"Don't get cocky in here and fuck things up again, Fugaku. If you add onto what you have-."

"Don't worry about me, Chiba. I can handle myself without your bitching."

"You did not handle the brat well at all. I had warned you about that countless times."

"Sasuke… is another matter entirely. You have no idea what it is like to live with a failure. My clan's Elders are expecting great things from my children and that one failed us miserably. It should come as no surprise then that, I would end up lashing out at him, especially since he dared to defy me."

Chiba, leans back in his chair and lets out a soft chuckle. His shoulders shook gently as he did so. Fugaku's anger was beginning to burn, until he saw Chiba make a gesture. With both his hands raised just above the table and off to his sides, Chiba speaks.

"You think I don't know about expectations, Fugaku? You are looking at a man who was married once and has three grown children. If anyone understands expectations it would be me. I'm divorced now because I failed to live up to my wife's expectations."

Chiba begins to laugh lightheartedly and Fugaku is quick to join him. When the laughter subsides, Fugaku adds.

"I'm glad that we have come to an understanding. I look forward to continuing our partnership for many years to come."

"As do I."

As if on cue, the door opens and both men look over in the direction of the guard. He has returned as promised. He ambles on into the room and only stops when he is standing at their table.

"Ten minutes are up. It's time to say goodbye, Chiba."

Kakashi's concerns

As the meeting between the incarcerated police captain and the social elite was coming to an end. Back at Konoha hospital things where about to get serious. The Jounin sensei had turned from the window to face his students. His mask couldn't hide the tale-tail signs of a very serious conversation was about to begin. Sasuke found himself looking briefly over at his two comrades just before Kakashi began his speech. Naruto's expression was one of curiosity while Takara's showed dread. He turns his head back towards their sensei.

'I wonder what this is going to be about. Both Naruto and Takara are able to sense deep emotions, so why the mixed signals coming from them? Has Kakashi somehow managed to gain the ability to hide his emotions?'

Sasuke's attention becomes focused, as he sees Kakashi getting ready to speak. The Jounin walks over towards the foot of the bed. Then he lets his hands drift into his pockets as he shifts his weight to his left foot. He begins.

"I want all of you to be very aware of something."

"Yeah, so what is it, Kakashi?' Naruto asks while scooting back to let his back rest against the head board.

Kakashi responds by raising an index finger and begins to point it at Naruto and then over at Sasuke as he says.

"I'm sure that you two have heard about the alliance that was made right?"

"Kakashi, I live with the man that made that happen, of course, I know. So, what is your point?"

'Well…this is where things start to get dicey.' Kakashi muses before saying aloud.

"The alliance is only one of the reasons I need to talk to you. The other one is about the trial of, Fugaku Uchiha, which is coming in a couple of days."

Naruto shoots a nervous look over at Sasuke. The young Uchiha isn't reacting to Kakashi's mention of his father. Seeing this, Naruto responds yet, nervously.

"Yeah, no matter where you go in the village everyone is talking about him."

Kakashi nods in agreement.

"However, both of these things have the same thing in common. Which is that it has the three of you caught up in the middle of it."

Once again, Kakashi gestures with his hand by pointing his index finger and waving it at all three of his students for emphasis.

"To begin with, the village is revving up for Fugaku's trial. The Press is planning on televising the trial live. Whether this coverage happens live or not. One thing is certain. The village will learn of what he is guilty of and everyone will have an opinion. Many people will say nasty things about the Uchiha and this in turn means that, you, Sasuke will be catching hell from your peers within the clan. You will also have to endure a lot of criticism from not only your clan, but also from the village as well. Probably even from some of the other Genin.
Sasuke just shrugs his shoulders as he says.

"Well, I don't really give a damn what the Uchiha think. They're not worth worrying about nor caring for either. As for the Genin and the villagers, I'm not concerned about them trying to pull something and much less what they have to say."

This is all new to Takara who has been comatose for so long. She looks over at Sasuke with a bit of fear. The expression on his face mirrored what he felt deep inside. Nothing. She could sense it. Sasuke didn't feel the same about his father or his clan as he once did. She didn't know what could have happened while she was out; but it had to have been very severe for Sasuke to have turned a one eighty like this.

'What happened to you, Sasuke? I want to ask right now but I'm afraid. What if you blow up for me asking?'

Kakashi, has been watching his students closely. He knew that Takara would be confused and even a bit scared of seeing Sasuke's reaction to what he had just told them about the Uchiha's father. A few truths were going to be revealed to everyone in this room today.

"Takara, I know that this is news to you. However, I won't tell you any of the details. It is Sasuke's decision to tell you or not; but what I will say is that Sasuke's father is in prison right now. He raised his hand towards Sasuke and his Hokage."

"Oh. I'm…sorry."

Sasuke only shrugged again but said nothing. Naruto reaches over and grabs Takara's hand and gives it a gentle squeeze. Kakashi shifts his weight to stand evenly on both feet as his hands fall to his sides. Seeing there was nothing further being said from his students, Kakashi continues on.

"In regard to, Kumogakure, many people are not at all happy that this alliance has taken place between our two villages. There-."

Naruto is feeling annoyance at the direction of the conversation and cuts Kakashi off saying.

"Well, if they don't like it tough. What is wrong with people anyway? Dad and mom have been talking about this a lot lately."

"You have to understand what happened in the past." Over twelve years ago now, The Raikage, sent a squad to capture the Hyuuga heir."

Sasuke looks towards the window as he asks.

"You mean, Hinata right?"

"HINATA?!"

"Yes, Sasuke, you'd be right and Naruto keep your voice down. This is a hospital after all."

"Yes, sorry."

"-Anyway, long story made short the squad failed and where killed by the Hyuuga Head of Clan. This should have been the end of the matter as it isn't uncommon for villages to try and steal each other's bloodline limits. Still, Kumo was furious and demanded restitution to be made in the form of sending over the Head of clan so, that they may execute him according to their law. However, what they didn't know was that the Head of Clan, Hirashi had a twin brother, Hizashi, who was placed under the branch family. He was the one that volunteered to go in place of his twin. The Raikage and the others never knew the difference. Unfortunately, this didn't sit well with Konoha at all. The third had agreed to send Hirashi's brother because this was a clan's decision. The Hokage can only give advice to a clan over things like this; but no one wanted to go to war. Which is why, Hizashi, Hirashi's twin gave his life, so there would be no blood spilled in war between the two nations."

Sasuke had turned back from the window to look at Takara.

'Damn, Takara, I knew that there was a deeper reason for you having been sent here. Getting permission to live and train in another village is extremely rare. I remember Itachi telling about the Sand village wanting to attempt such a thing with us, but they were flatly turned down. So, is the reason you're here something of an attempt to appease Konoha?'

Takara had bowed her head when Kakashi began telling her team mates about the past mistake of Kumogakure. She knew this day would eventually come; but somewhere deep inside she had hoped it would have been a little longer before this day came.

Kakashi looks over each of his students carefully as he asks.

"Do you understand why I told you of this? Takara wasn't born in Kumo; but she was born in the Land of Lightening. This is good enough grounds for people to harass her."

Sasuke feels anger but not at Takara. Still, the question begs to be answered for him and so he looks back again at her and asks.

"Takara, did you know why you were sent here? I mean the real reason."

"Yes, they told me that I was being sent to learn medical ninjutsu like I told you before; but I didn't believe them. Then when I met Hinata at the academy, I came face to face with the truth. I'm sorry. I should have told you both this but I couldn't. I'm a gift for this village. A gift to appease Konoha for what Sensei talked about just now."

Naruto feels anger as well. He can sense his team mate's pain and it causes him angrily reply.

"The villagers know better than to start-."

Kakashi is swift to cut him off.

"They already have, Naruto."

"What?"

"You heard me. They already have. Iruka has received a death threat warning him, if he didn't send Takara on her way. They would kill him. Don't' take this lightly. What is happening is very real and potentially dangerous and let's not forget about you."

Naruto had been ready to say something more until, Kakashi brought up his name. He knew what Kakashi was getting at.

"You are the son of a Jinchurriki, Naruto and you already know of the trouble that you've had in the past. Well things are about to get more heated for you as well. The village will learn about your new status as a Jinchurriki."

Sasuke is alarmed and is quick to speak up.

"Wait. What do you mean, Kakashi? Are you saying that the Ninetails is inside of Naruto?"

"Yes, it happened when we were on the battle field near the Land of Waves. The rescue team showed up and found that, Naruto was dying. It had been decided that in order to save Naruto's life, his mother gave him half of the Ninetails chakra. Enough of it that Naruto is officially a Jinchurriki himself."

Naruto kept his head bowed. He didn't want to look at his friends right now. He could just imagine the looks on their faces. It would have been more than he could bare right at the moment. Takara, looks over at one team mate and then the other with tears in her eyes.

'How hard this must be for both of them right now. This whole time I've been away from them unable to help or just be here for them. I will not make a big deal about this though. No, not over Naruto's status or over Sasuke's father and clan hurting him.' She thinks as she wipes at her eyes. 'This is the time to show that nothing changes between us.'

A determined smile etches itself across her face as she looks at Naruto. Even if he wasn't looking back at her right this moment, Takara knew he would hear what she had to say.

"It is okay, Naruto. This doesn't change anything between us. Your mother is a great woman and a great shinobi despite having a Biju inside of her. I know that you will be a great man too and a great shinobi also."

Naruto's eyes widen at her words and he looks up sharply at her.

"You mean you're not freaked out about it?"

"No, I'm not. I knew you before this happened and from what I've seen today, Naruto, you are still you and that's all that matters to me."

Naruto is shocked into silence. He looks over at his other friend hoping for the same type of answer and sees, Sasuke is looking directly at him with a smirk. The shocked look, Naruto, has is instantly gone and his eyes go half lidded on him. He realizes that his best friend was about to say something dumbass to him. Sasuke's smirk widens with amusement he delivers the shot.

"No amount of chakra from the Ninetails is going to overpower this idiot's personality. Naruto is still an idiot, he's just a more obnoxious one."

"I love you to Bastard." Replies Naruto sarcastically.

Sasuke lets a chuckle escape him. Which has the other two joining him. A few moments go by and then Takara remembers about what Kakashi had said about Sasuke and turned to look at him.

"Sasuke, you are going to be the greatest of the Uchiha. No matter what has happened it will not change who you are meant to become. This I'm certain of. I believe that Team seven will rock the ninja world. You just wait and see."

Both, Sasuke and Naruto look over Takara's head at each other. They both agreed that their sister was right. Reaching over with an arm both male team mates wrapped an arm around her.

"You're right sis, we are going to rock the ninja world one day."

Kakashi gives an eye smile; but he then turns serious once again. He has to make sure that his students understands what's at stake here for all four of them.

"I'm glad that you three are going to stay together as a team. Because we will need to be careful and look out for each other during these times. I can't say what will happen. I only know that we are in for some rough times ahead. I just wanted all of you to understand where we stand in this village."

All three of his students give him a positive response. Naruto is grinning from ear to ear. Takara is smiling with sparkles in her odd colored eyes and Sasuke gives him a nod.

Kakashi watches the trio for a moment and feels reassurance surge through him.

'I think we're all going to be okay. No matter what this village throws at us or what happens next, Team seven will be ready to take on every challenge.'

Preparations for a Hearing

Three days has passed since Takara has woken up. It is now July third of the calendar year. The village rumors have continued to gain momentum despite another press conference that was swiftly made to ease people's minds of what is really happening. Eito Chiba, and those with him have been demanding audience with the Hokage and the Jounin counsel ever since this last conference. He has gained the support of most of the village in this demand. Thus, the trial date had to be pushed back by another three days. As wary as he is of the situation, the Hokage is considering meeting with them. Currently he is in his office taking counsel with his advisors alone. He begins to speak his concerns.

"I'm sorry to have called all of you here on such short notice."

Shukaku, nods his head once in understanding as he answers.

"No need for an apology, sir. We have taken on this position to be of assistance to you. Though, if you don't mind me being so bold. I do believe that I know why we are here."

"You would be right, if you're thinking this is about, Mr. Chiba."

Minato, moves to stand from behind his desk. Once he is on his feet, Minato is walking about and talking as he does so. All his advisors knows this is when their leader is most concerned over something.

"I have received a letter from, Mr. Chiba, demanding an audience with me and the Jounin counsel. However, as you all know there are a few within the Counsel that are supporters of Mr. Chiba. Therefore the things I want discuss cannot be openly discussed with them. I ask you of your opinion of the matter of having this meeting and seeing what Mr. Chiba wants."

Inoichi, frowns at hearing of Chiba's name and is quick to answer.

"Mr. Chiba is demanding an audience with the Hokage and this council? I offer that we give him a chance to speak his mind. The village is backing him in his demand for an audience. They remember his good deeds that he has done for this village. They also favor him for the generosity he has shown to many of them personally. He has their support and that of ninja as well. Remember that it was, Chiba, which voiced the strongest support for our military to receive more pay. Therefore many of our own ninja will be angry; if we choose to ignore the man's request. We will be seen by all as hiding some villainy even if his coming here is for to plead for a man everyone in the village pretty much hates."

Yuudai Fuji, looks sideways at his colleague with a smirk before adding into the conversation.

"We need to speak with the press as well. The villagers will be more than pissed, if they don't hear anything from us one way or the other concerning this trial. Remember… it was the press that said there would be live coverage of the event."

Ronnin Minowa, finds himself being irritated by Fuji's words and adds swiftly.

"Personally, I don't give a damn what the press said or wants."

Yuudai laughs at this statement. To which, Minato shows his disapproval by looking directly at Yuudai and giving him a frown. Yuudai, shrugs his shoulders in response. While, Shukaku ignores them as he is focused on the task at hand. He speaks with a no nonsense tone.

"This is true, but we need to establish first whether or not we should even permit, Eito Chiba, to have a time to speak his concerns to us and the council. The press can wait until after this has been determined."

This time it is Urata Haruki, which finds himself annoyed with the whole conversation. In his opinion, everyone needs to calm down within the village about this mess. He speaks up now with full blown agitation in his voice.

"People, we can't wait until the man is convicted and sentenced for execution before we tell the press anything. You know that it would not go over well."

Ronnin fires back with more bite than he intended too.

"So, you're suggesting that we just stand up in front of the village and say that we are going to kill Fugaku Uchiha? Will not the Uchiha clan stand up and take notice? Will they not accuse us of being biased and rise up against us? Don't be so damn ridiculous."

It is at this point that, Minato raises both hands up in supplication of his audience. His eyes are closed as he just stands there waiting. The other men quickly pipe down and wait for him to speak. The Hokage's eyes open and he is once again looking at them.

"Everyone, please calm down. I understand that this situation has us all worked up. I'm also upset; but nothing will be accomplished, if we permit our emotions to run wild. We need to remain calm and discuss this with soberness and rationale."

Shukaku, speaks for all of the advisors as he says.

"Yes, of course, you're right sir. Forgive us."

Everyone quickly bows towards their leader afterwards. Then Shukaku speaks further.

"I say that we allow the man his audience; but I would be very careful to think before I agreed to anything he asks for."

A pensive looking ,Yuudai responses.

"Hm. You have a point there, Shukaku. There is no doubt that if, Chiba, is coming here to speak on behalf of the Uchiha. Then we need to ask ourselves why? The two men have nothing in common and Chiba hasn't ever been seen with the Uchiha, until a few days ago when he went to see him in prison. Something isn't adding up. I think we need to be very cautious indeed. We don 't really know what he is after and intelligence hasn't been able to pin the man with anything suspicious yet."

Inoichi nods his head in agreement as he adds.

"Yeah, all we know for certain is that some of the members of the Uchiha are planning to over throw this government thanks to Intel from, Itachi Uchiha."

Ronnin sighs at the thought of what could be transpiring right under their very noses and says.

"Why don't we just go ahead and bust the whole lot of them? The Uchiha clan and this Eito Chiba and his followers among the elite. We could end this before something horrible happens."

"Because." The Fourth begins. "We can't pin, Chiba, down firmly enough to make anything stick. If we go after them now we risk this back firing in our faces. This is a risky suggestion however, I'm asking, that we allow them more time to plan what they are planning. We know from Itachi's reports that the Uchiha are definitely planning on over throwing us. We can pin enough on Fugaku and those members of his clan that are backing him. However, we don't have enough on Chiba and those elite of our society to make things stick and if we can't make our evidence stick. We stand to have a far bigger mess on our hands than over the Uchiha."

Shukaku, adds more as he knows where the Hokage is going with this thought.

"I agree. The Uchiha clan will put up some resistance; but not all members of the clan are interested in rebelling against us. They are lovers of peace and want a peaceful village. Therefore they won't back Fugaku and haven't been this whole time. As for Eito Chiba, this is a different story. The wealthy of the community will consider this a personal slap in the face, if we can't make good our case against Chiba and those following him. They'll say that we are on a witch hunt and demand for all of us to step down. It would most likely gain momentum once they convince the general population to follow them."

"Exactly. This is why I want to wait until we can get more on Eito Chiba and his group. It is a safe bet to believe that both groups are indeed working together. Therefore, I don't believe that one group will move against us without the support of the other. When they attack it will be when both Fugaku and Eito, believe that they have successfully out maneuvered us."

Ronnin concurs and adds what he knows about the elite.

"Well this is true, Sir, but it is also true that Chiba's group can't fight for shit. They aren't military. They are counting on the Uchiha for this part of it and the Uchiha, though intelligent enough can't handle the financial backing that is needed nor do they have the clout in this village to get half of what they need done without drawing suspicion from us."

Inoichi, voices his concern.

"So, you think that they will lay low and work things out in secret?"

Minato, sits down in his chair as he answers.

"Yes, I believe they will; but we will have to step up our game as well. We can't afford to not know when exactly this bid for a take-over will begin. We must get ahead of them somehow."

Urata, thinks back on what, Shukaku, had said about the Uchiha clan and adds.

"Thank God, that the Uchiha are divided over rebellion. Just think if they were all together in this. Can you just imagine the horror of the situation?"

Yuudai, answers him with a scoff.

"Thankfully we don't."

Inoichi, focused on the main point gives his summary.

"So…if I understand things correctly. We are going to give, Mr. Chiba, an audience and see what he wants? I think it's fair enough to say that, what he wants is to lessen the severity of Fugaku's punishment. We all know the man should fry because he raised his hand against the Hokage. This is treason plain and simple."

Minato, nods to his second advisor as he says.

"You're right, Inoichi. I agree and I think all of us can agree with you. Mr. Chiba, will seek a plea bargain in which the execution is stayed. He will then most likely pursue a reduced sentence against Fugaku. The reason I believe this is simple. Without Fugaku, there is no insurrection. They need him to be the muscle of the operation while they act as the brain."

Urata responses with worry.

"If this is indeed the case, Sir, then it proves two things. The first is that Chiba and the Uchiha are indeed working together and number two is, that we do need to remain vigilant against them. Our intelligence units need to step up their game."

Ronnin agrees and decides to ask the when question.

"Very well then, so when should we have Mr. Chiba in here?"

The answer comes quickly from Shukaku.

"I say let's have a hearing on the matter of Fugaku in three more days. Which would be July sixth. In this way, we give them time to prepare and it will give us time to straighten out a few things on our end, not to mention we need to address the media on the timing and what they can and can't do. The sooner we do so the sooner we will learn a thing or two of the connection between these two men. I, like everyone else here isn't totally convinced that, Chiba, isn't involved in the insurrection plan. We just need to dig a little deeper. Perhaps we should assign Itachi to the case."

Minato answers adamantly.

"No. Fugaku, is keeping a fairly strong hand on his eldest son. I'm sure that Yashiro, will be keeping tabs and reporting things to the young man's father about anything and everything, Itachi is doing. I don't want to put Itachi in harm's way. I also don't want to make Fugaku suspicious. Let him think that he is in control of his son still even from prison. If I'm right. There will be a change coming to the Uchiha clan and this change will ensure that our own plan to counter their coup de tau will not end in failure."

Inoichi also agrees and adds.

"Very well, let us send a messenger at once to, Mr. Chiba and have him send a message back confirming the date and time."

"Yes, I like it." Shukaku responses to his friend and colleague. Then he looks over at the Hokage. "Sir?"

"Yes, send a messenger at once. We will reconvene at that time at the Hall; but I want every one of you to be in the conference room number two. I will make sure that the audio leading into the first chamber is on, so you can hear everything that is happening in there. I believe that we will hear from the supporters of Mr. Chiba first, however, don't immediately judge them. Many people believe that Mr. Chiba is a good man. Though I'm sure that there may be a few that are just as dirty as he is underneath. Still, I want all of you to keep an open mind as you listen and don't miss anything that is said in there on that day. I'm counting on you as well as my own ability to perceive the hidden truth. We will reconvene after that."

"About how long after you adjourn for a break to decide on the Uchiha's fate, Sir?"

"I'd say give me thirty minutes. I want to meet together in conference room 2 at that time. Any other questions?"

Looking around and seeing everyone shake their heads once for no, the Fourth dismisses them.

"Good. I will see you all then. You're dismissed."

A messenger was sent to Eito Chiba. The man was just arriving home from his own meeting with his own advisors. His meeting was disguised as a business meeting with colleagues. He felt obliged to say as much to the messenger though the messenger had never asked him where he had been. The woman didn't say anything of the matter. She gave the sealed letter that she was ordered to give to Mr. Chiba once he reached out a hand to receive the letter. The woman placed it in his hand and then bowed slightly before vanishing out of his sight. He stared off into the distance knowing that she was at least five blocks out of sight by now. It didn't matter; he wasn't really thinking of her. His thoughts were elsewhere.

'Let's see if things are beginning to fall into place shall we?'

He looks down at the envelope and begins tearing it open carefully. Written on official stationery and with perfect penmanship the letter is read silently by Chiba. Sato, stands quietly by keeping an eye on their surroundings for any sign of trouble. After a few seconds the letter is folded back up and placed back into its envelope.

'So they will meet and have a hearing no less. Good. This is exactly what I was hoping for when I asked the village to support me in getting an audience with the Hokage.'

Eito Chiba, speaks up now as he can see that his second in command is patiently waiting for him to speak.

"Well, my friend, it looks like we have that audience we were asking for. The Hokage has graciously agreed for us to have a hearing in three days from now."

"I'm pleased for you, sir. This is the beginning of the beautiful future that you see for our village, nonetheless, I implore you to return to the safety of your home. Anyone could be watching us right now and assume careless things."

This makes, Eito, look around carefully disguising his true action by rubbing the back of his neck and giving a light chuckle. He doesn't move his head only his eyes to further hide what he is doing. To anyone else, his actions are not suspicious and therefore would be missed. Satisfied that he hasn't seen anyone near them or even close enough to hear anything that has been said, Chiba turns for his home.

"Yes, come, Sato, I haven't had lunch yet and you are welcome to come and dine with me this afternoon."

"Thank you, sir. I would like that very much."

The two men walk on through the gates and are greeted by the two guards and a servant with a rickshaw. Greetings were passed around before both men climbed into the rickshaw and was taken far up the path that led away from the front courtyard towards one of the largest mansions in Konoha.

Unknown to any of them, the messenger had not gone far and had witnessed everything that had happened. She had been ordered to make like she had gone in order to see what would happen after the men thought they were alone. She frowns as she prepares to leap from the trees a few hundred yards away.

'Damn it. Chiba, didn't say anything incriminating and what was said by either of them wouldn't amount to a pile of beans. The Hokage was hoping that Chiba would be careless enough to say something that would be damning; but unfortunately for us that wasn't the case. I suspect that the Hokage figures as much but you can always hope.'

She lets out a sigh disappointed that she could not be the one to bring the Hokage some good news. Careful to keep hiding her chakra, the messenger makes her way out of the trees and back to the Hokage tower.

No Contest

Eito Chiba, says nothing to his allies about the upcoming hearing. He doesn't even bother with telling his followers. Sato, is the only one and he was sworn to secrecy. On the following day, he was still thinking of letting the Uchiha know nothing until the last minute. However, Sato, reminded him that they still needed to play up to the Uchiha clan. He also reminds his boss that the scouts sent to find Orochimaru have yet to get lucky and find the man. They may never be able to catch up with the snake. Orochimaru, will be seen only, if he chooses to be seen.

Therefore, Chiba sends, Yashiro, the news and lies about why it took him almost twenty-four hours to allow the Uchiha to learn of the all-important hearing. Yashiro, knew the man was lying; but he said nothing that would give himself away. He needed to keep cool and wait until, his boss has had time to set up what he will need to run things from the prison. Then, Yashiro, plans on telling his boss about Chiba's intentional screw-up. For now he says nothing of it. He needs to get over to the prison and give his boss a heads up. He needed to report that, Chiba, was on his way this very afternoon to speak with him. There would be time later to deal with the snooty businessman, unless he pushes Fugaku's hand. Then he will be dealt with sooner. It is now July fifth of the Calendar year and a full day away from the hearing. Yashiro, went to see his boss and tell him that he could expect a guest.

Fugaku, was busy cleaning toilets in his cell block that morning. The Uchiha's anger was kept under control but just barely. He wasn't used to being treated the way prisoners were. This in spite of the fact that, he came up with the policies for how things were done in prisons. He had only just started on the ninth cell's toilet when he heard the guard mocking him again. The guard that was overseeing him wasn't one of his supporters and this only added to the Uchiha's anger. The guard was caught smirking at him more than once. He also found it amusing to mock Fugaku by inspecting his work and telling him that he had missed a spot, as he was doing now. Fugaku wanted to deck the man; but that was when they both heard footsteps coming down the hall.

A smirk appeared on Fugaku's face as he saw who was coming. There would be some good news or at the very least, his second in command, would order the guard to fuck off somewhere else and Fugaku could ditch this shitty assignment. Yashiro, stops at the ninth cell and orders the guard to leave. The man does so reluctantly and only after he has disappeared from sight does Yashiro speak.

"Good morning, sir."

Fugaku, lets a frown appear. He tosses the toilet brush he had been holding aside, as he walks up to Yashiro and says.

"There is nothing good these days, Yashiro."

Yashiro, just shrugs his shoulders lightly and responses with.

"Well, maybe today will be different."

This makes the Uchiha leader take a bit of a defensive stance by standing with legs parted slightly and his arms folded over his chest. He gives his second hand man a cautious look.

"What do you mean?"

A smirk appears on Yashiro's face now. He makes direct eye contact with his boss.

"I'm talking about that rich bastard, Eito Chiba. He is coming to see you."

"At what time today?"

"He is coming right after lunch. He says that he has good news for you."

Fugaku releases his folded arms and lets them drop at his sides. He isn't happy though he should be. Because it means that the man hasn't betrayed him yet. He speaks his thoughts aloud.

"Let's hope so. He says he can keep them from executing me; but if not you know what to do."

"Yes, sir, I do and I will not fail you either."

"I know you won't, Yashiro. I know I can depend on you. As for my friend, Chiba, I'm not so sure. We will need to keep an eye on our so called ally. I don't trust him. Therefore, I don't want to find out later that he is having second thoughts of supporting our cause."

It is Yashiro's turn to show a bit of what he is feeling by the cold expression of his face and the tone of his voice.

"If he turns out to be an enemy, I will make sure to end his life."

The two men just stare at each other for a moment. For, Fugaku, he is looking to see if his second in command's intent is true. As for, Yashiro, he knows that his boss is seeking whether or not, he is lying to him. He isn't offended. He understands. He doesn't pull his eyes away from his leaders and this pleases Fugaku. He gives the man a light pat on the shoulder and replies with.

"See that you do, Yashiro. Now that this business has been decided let's head out onto the grounds. I would like to get a breath of fresh air. I need to get the stench of this place out of my nose."

The Prison at 2:00pm.

Chiba walks with Sato to the prison as promised and once again is standing before two guards in the outer court gates. The same to guards from the first time in fact. It feels so Deja vu to Chiba and his second in command. All the rituals of being able to pass security and enter the gates are done and once more, Chiba finds himself annoyed that he is where he is and for the same reason as before. The Uchiha. Nonetheless, the gates are opened to him and Sato and they once more go in and find themselves once more guided to the meeting room.

Fugaku, is seated in the same place as before and restrained in the same way as before. It is then that, Eito Chiba realizes that nothing ever changes within a prison. The same things happen every day unless something or someone makes things change for the day. It is no wonder so many of the prisoners scratch the passing of the days on the walls of their cells. However, these dismal thoughts of his mind start to take a back seat as Chiba approaches Fugaku. He takes his seat across from the Uchiha and Sato once more stands behind his boss's chair as before. He quickly finds that, Fugaku isn't in the mood for small talk as he says to the businessman.

"So…what is the news?"

Eito, lets out a soft chuckle as he responds with.

"You're not wasting any time are you? No hello, or any pleasantries at all? Just what's the news?"

Fugaku shrugs his shoulders.

"Sorry, didn't mean to offend you, Chiba. I guess prison is making me a bit sour I guess."

"Don't worry about it. I have come to tell you that tomorrow the Hokage and the Counsel will see us both. They have decided to have a hearing instead of a trial; but if they don't' like how things are proceeding then they will still go through with a trial."

Even though he knew already that Chiba was coming with news, Fugaku doesn't work his reaction to be excited or concerned. He would react the way he normally did. There was no reason to get the man possibly suspicious.

"When did this happen?"

"I received a letter yesterday from the Hokage himself."

"Hm…I see. You were successful after all. Honestly, I didn't think that bastard Hokage would go for having you speak on my behalf. Our hatred for each other has grown quite a bit since this last incident."

Chiba smiles broadly while, he leans back in his chair and gestures by spreading his arms out wide at his sides saying.

"Well, that is the power of persuasion my friend." He quickly brings his arms back and folded on the table and leans forward once more and adds. "Well it is this and the backing of my peers of course. We do have some members of the Jounin council on our side as well. They will come in quite handy for other things we will need down the road."

Fugaku, watches every move the businessman makes and everything he says with scrutiny. Chiba's attitude can be summed up as being too pleased with his own results. After sitting for a brief few moments quietly. Fugaku, speaks his mind honestly.

"Be very careful about that, Chiba. If you go to those lackeys to much then the advisors and the Hokage will become suspicious. I can tell you this with assurance. There have been others who thought that they would never be caught by going that route and were always surprised when they found my men reading them their rights."

Chiba felt he had been schooled and for a moment felt annoyance with the Uchiha. However, he didn't let it spoil the victory that he was confident he had achieved on his own. He didn't need the Uchiha's help in getting the hearing and somewhere down the road he won't need the Uchiha at all. He speaks more carefully now.

"I will be sure to keep this in mind. Anyway, I also wanted to tell you that you may be questioned directly by either of the council or the Hokage. I think you and I both know where I'm headed with this next bit eh?"

"Yeah, I do and I promise that I will act on my best behavior. I don't want anything to mess up our chances for victory down the road. As much as I hate being in here, I can appreciate the cover it will provide us. We don't need the government lackeys breathing down my neck or yours for that matter."

"I agree."

There is another brief moment of silence where both men are just staring at each other. Chiba is beginning to feel uncomfortable around his ally and finds himself looking down at his watch. For whatever reason, Fugaku, is making him feel a bit uneasy today.

"Well… I should be going. There are a few things that I need to do, in order to prepare for our meeting with them tomorrow. Stay strong, Fugaku, three years will move quickly. Before you know it, you will be on the outside of these walls and ruling this village. The way the Uchiha were always meant too."

"I live for that day only."

Eito Chiba, moves to stand up and Sato is quick to move away to stand now at his boss's right side. Chiba moves the chair back and he and Sato gives the Uchiha prisoner a slight bow.

"I will see you tomorrow at the Council Hall. They will take you there around ten in the morning."

"I will be ready."

Another bow by both men followed by a nod from the Uchiha. Then, Chiba, calls to the guard standing at the main entrance to bring in the escort guard. Before long the business man and his associate are out of the building and down the street.

July 6th at 9:30 at the Council Hall

The media were swarming the outside of the building as many of the Jounin council began to make the trek up the steps and into the building. The press wasn't permitted to go inside which added to their eagerness and frustration of getting someone to spill some of the juicy news of what would come. Several reporters tried bating the men into saying something without thinking; but the council members were well experienced in knowing how to deal with the media.

Everyone was shocked when the Uchiha Elders arrived soon after the Jounin council. Sora, the head Elder was leading the way and everyone else followed behind him single file up the steps. The Anbu made a wall between the shocked press and the elderly men and woman that trudged on in determination. The arrival of the Elders was like a drug that spiked someone's drink. Once the shock wore off the press took their excitement to the next level. Thus, a few of them and to be restrained by the Anbu. Sora, paid no attention to the media frenzy, he and his colleagues caused. He had to come. They all did in spite of poor health and painful joints. Elder Shin, has already passed on having died from stomach cancer. To the Elders, this was the beginning of the end of their nemesis, Fugaku Uchiha. It was their most wished for desire to see his fall before they joined, Shin, in the afterlife.

The Fourth Hokage arrived fifteen minutes later and was as closed mouthed as the council and the Elders had been. Seeing that they would not get anyone of importance to answer their questions, many reporters just started shouting questions. The camera men jockeyed for the best camera angle to show as much as they could to the public. Several photographers were also there in force having been told by their editors to get the best pictures possible for their newspapers. The whole thing was looking more and more like a regular media circus than anything else. Minato sighed as he pinched the bridge of his nose and kept walking.

Every time someone came the reports would rush over in a frenzy. When Eito Chiba arrived with his ever present second in command five minutes after the Hokage. The press was once more trying to mob them. If anyone was going to talk surely it would be the man defending the embattled police captain. Anbu moved quickly to secure the route up the steps into the building for the business man. Chiba smiled and waved to the cameras. Question after question was shouted to him but he only acknowledged them with smiles and waves and nothing else. Once he was gone inside the reporters all let out a collective sigh of disappointment. Still, there was hope that one more person would show up. Fugaku Uchiha.

Those hopes were all that were left and so reporters with camera men in tow all went to doing what any respectable reporter would do. They stalled for time. Surely the prisoner would come this way as well. Then they would at last have something to give the viewing public. Besides a scene of them being man handled by the Anbu. Everyone knew that the Uchiha captain was a bit of a mouth and especially these days. He would surely say something in his own defense and this was what the media salivated for.

However, the guard escorting the captain did not take the route of the others in to the building. There was an underground tunnel that was used for two purposes. The first, was as an escape route for the council and the Hokage should anything go wrong at the Hall. The second purpose was for what it was being used for now. To bring those accused of crimes in safely without hassle from the press. Fugaku was walking in chains. He couldn't move very fast due to the chains around his ankles and his hands were bound behind him. A blind fold was placed over his eyes as was demanded when transporting a prisoner to the Hall.

He arrived at the back entrance of the tunnel twenty till ten; but it took him the whole twenty minutes to make it to the actual chamber itself for the hearing. Once he arrived in the chamber the first guard removed the blindfold and he could see that everyone was looking at him. Everyone that is, except the Hokage. The Fourth hasn't arrived in the chamber itself and most likely would not show himself; until Fugaku, was restrained in his seat first in the first row.

'What a coward; but then again this is the standard procedure when dealing with…criminals.'

Fugaku finds himself chuckling softly at this thought. This whole business of him being a criminal was laughable to him. It is the village government and its ignorant Hokage, which are the real criminals here. He couldn't wait for the day to finally come. When he could put an end to them all. As he approaches his chair he sees, Eito is seated already in the chair next to his. Chiba's chair of course doesn't have any restraining locks on it. Again, Fugaku chuckles to himself.

'If only people knew the truth about their so-called village hero of the commoners. A man that is willing to sell them all out for the vestry of financial power.'

He takes his seat even as the businessman looks at him with a look of warning in his eyes. The Uchiha dismisses him and his warnings. He had already told him that he would behave himself at these proceedings didn't he? Once seated the guards quickly secure Fugaku to the chair. It is only after they are done with the task that the Fourth emerges from his private office that is off to the left side of the chamber.

The Court officer now speaks to the room.

"Everyone rise for Lord Fourth Hokage."

Everyone in the room is obedient and rises respectfully even Fugaku which makes Minato want to fly across the platform leading to his bench and beat the smug bastard's ass once more.

'Calm yourself, Minato.' He warns internally. 'This man is going to act according to counsel given. Fugaku may hate me as much as I hate him; but he will act according to counsel given him. So stay calm.'

The Fourth Hokage walks up the few small steps to the large table he will sit behind facing the accused and the crowd in general. Off to his left, the Jounin council are seated in three rows of comfortable cushioned seats. The auditorium style seating is facing from the side view on the left of the Hokage. Minato takes his seat and the hearing is now in session. He looks directly at Chiba.

"I understand that you wanted to have this hearing on the grounds that there is something you wanted to present to council on behalf of Captain Uchiha, Mr. Chiba."

Eito Chiba, rises from his chair while buttoning the single button of his business jacket. He exudes confidence as he begins.

"Yes, sir. My petition is that you spare the life of Captain Uchiha. I understand that he has raised his hand against you personally; but I implore you to hear what I have to say in his defense."

"I and the council are listening."

"Thank you sir. I begin by saying that Captain Uchiha is certainly flawed; but then who isn't? He has been under immense pressure these days in taking care of his responsibilities not only as Captain of Military Police; but he is also the Head of Clan to the Uchiha."

Councilman Matsukata, a short and robust member of the council is suddenly annoyed and speaks out.

"Counsel, we understand about the man's positions please get to the point."

The first jab to his ego and Chiba was slightly annoyed but didn't show it.

"Ah, yes, as I was saying, Captain Uchiha, has been under immense pressure lately. Thus, it should be no surprise that these pressures would result in some actions being taken that haven't been thought out. Case in point, the second son, Sasuke. The boy has been disobedient and not doing has his clan demands of him to achieve the rightful place he was born into. Unlike other clans, the Uchiha demand that their heirs show that they are worthy of their birth right. They must show promise as born leaders and possess high skills in combat. Itachi Uchiha, has been excelling far beyond any of his peers. Therefore it should come as no surprise to anyone, that his father would desire the same results from the second son."

Another interruption came. This time it was, Councilman Akita, that felt an insult was made and a rebuke was in order to be given.

"I beg your pardon, Mr. Chiba, but every clan strives for their heirs to possess mastery of these vital things. We are not buffoons, sir. You disrespect all of us with your arguments. Therefore be careful."

"I apologize. I meant no harm; but what I'm trying to say is this."

Chiba walks in front of the small desk that he and Fugaku were seated behind. He needed the room. He felt like he was in combat of his own here. He walks over towards the Jounin's seats and continues.

"The demands of being a parent. The demands of being the head of a powerful clan and the demands of leading a powerful military division such as the police can and does have its pressures. Pressures that have come to a boiling point. Sasuke, hasn't done well though I'm sure he has tried; but the boy has failed. The clan isn't satisfied with the end results. The Elders are the most dissatisfied. Then there is the media hounding Captain Uchiha over his policies when dealing with criminals and ruffians. On top of all this there is the matter of marital strife at home. His wife is seeking a divorce because she can't handle the pressures that come with being the wife of a powerful man."

Loud murmuring began to fill the room at the hearing of Fugaku's marriage. The Hokage raises a hand and silence fills the room once more. Chiba continues on.

"It is no wonder that in the end, Captain Uchiha would be feeling the pressure and strain. Everything came to a head when the boy, Sasuke came home from a failed mission. The Captain wanted to question his son as he would have done to Itachi any time a mission didn't go as planned. Itachi has always been respectful to his father. Sasuke, on the other hand became defiant and attacked his father."

Again the people found what they were hearing disturbing and murmuring began once more. Again the Hokage brought them to silence. Chiba makes to move away from the Jounin council and walks over towards the defendant. Once there he looks to the Hokage as he says.

"Now, I ask of you, what father would not have been surprised and then angered? I admit that Captain Uchiha, went overboard with his son; but it was due to all of the pressures together that caused him to snap. Sasuke testing him was the last straw."

Inoichi, who is an advisor, but is also a member of the Jounin council speaks up. He hadn't planned on doing so at all but Chiba was getting on his nerves.

"What about the attack on the Hokage? At this point, Captain Uchiha, should have come to his senses the moment his leader had shown up at his residence. If this had been anyone of us in this room we would have done so. Yet he did not but chose to attack his sovereign. What excuse can you give everyone in this room, Mr. Chiba?"

"I can only claim that Captain Uchiha, was under overwhelming stress that pushed him past the point of common sense, my noble councilmen. He was temporally mad with anger over the defiance of his son."

Now the Hokage spoke up. He too was feeling annoyed. The memories of that day behind the Uchiha house came flooding back and Minato was forced to keep a cool head and tone as he replied.

"I see. Temporary insanity is what you are claiming then?"

"Yes, sir."

'You son of a bitch.' Minato thought.

He quickly responded but was cut off.

"I think we have.-"

Chiba let a smirk appear on purpose. He wanted the Hokage to see that he knew the man was pissed. This meant that Chiba had won this round of the argument. He snorts causing his shoulders to rise and fall from the effort and then he turned smugly towards the Jounin council and subtly mocks.

"Do I need to remind the Hokage and this noble council, that the Uchiha and this government have a somewhat strained relationship at the moment? If you decide to end the life of their Head of Clan there will be consequences that will stretch far and wide. Are you willing to risk it? If you fail to spare the captain's life there could be civil war in Konoha. I understand that the villain Orochimaru, has made a league with one of the Five Great Nations. Will he and his allies not come here snooping around for blood they can spill? Who wants to be the one that will have this stain on their legacy?"

He turns sharply around at takes a defiant stance with an index finger raised and pointed against his Hokage and shouts angrily.

"AS FOR THE BOY, SASUKE, HE ISN'T A CHILD ANYMORE. THE DAY HE BECAME A GENIN THOSE DAYS OF CHILDHOOD INNOCENCE WAS CAN'T TRY CAPTAIN UCHIHA ON THE GROUNDS OF A CHILD ABUSE CASE BECAUSE IT IS NOT. REMEMBER THAT WILL YOU?

Inoichi had had enough of Chiba and stood up and said with vehemence.

"I SUGGEST YOU WATCH YOUR TONE IN THIS ROOM, CHIBA!"

A supporting member of Chiba of the council rebukes, Inoichi calmly.

"Councilman, calm yourself. This is a hearing after all.

The Fourth wasn't fazed by the acting of Chiba. Minato wasn't new nor ignorant to the court drama that was deliberately played out. Yes, he was angry with what the man has said. It was nothing but a bunch of excuses that a man in Fugaku's position should have been able to handle. He calmly and firmly replies.

"Mr. Chiba please refrain from using a disrespectful tone when addressing us. It is only for the sake of civility and for rationale that I ask this of you."

Chiba realizes the show is over and sobers up quickly.

"I understand and I apologize, my sovereign. I meant no harm."

Minato politely nods and then looks up at the witnesses within the audience.

"I ask for this meeting to adjourn for half an hour. At this time, everyone will return and my decision shall be given on Captain Uchiha's fate. Everyone is dismissed."

Meanwhile outside the Council Hall…

The press was so bored with waiting and Tetsuya, was as bored as the rest of them, so he had decided to light up a cigarette. The irritating smoke seemed hell bent to drift up the nostrils of as many people as possible. Another person within the group was annoyed enough to say something about it.

"Hey, buddy. Do you mind putting that damn cancer stick out? You may not care about your lungs; but the rest of us care about ours."

Tetsuya, gave a smirk even with the cigarette hanging out the corner of his mouth. His hand was quick to come up and take the cigarette out. He blew out the smoke from his mouth to the side before saying.

"Look….don't get pissy with me because you can't record for your paper what's happening inside the Hall. We are outside the building and I can smoke if I want. I suggest you don't breathe, if it bothers you."

The reporter backs up his words by inhaling more of the tobacco smoke and this time spewing it out in front of the other man's face. The offended man swipes at the air in front of his face trying to drive away the smoke while saying.

"Mister, you better back up a step here, otherwise I will be forced to kick your ass."

Tetsuya chuckles at the threat.

"Whatever you want, moron. I believe we have time for it."

The two men are quietly being watched by an Anbu captain called, Lion, who was amused at this crowd. Crowd duty never got old to him as he mused.

'These people are about to make their own news any minute now. It's a damn shame that it's my job to keep the peace right now. I'd love to watch how this would have played out .Then again, I wouldn't mind busting some skulls either. This shit never gets old to me.'

Lion takes two steps forward towards the two men and warns.

"Hey, that's enough of it you two. Don't give us a reason to decide to have a drill on crowd control out here."

Tatsuya, lets out another light chuckle and crushes the cigarette out on the ground. Stepping on the butt to make sure it was out, he shrugs his shoulders at the reporter he had words with. Then he nods in respect to the Anbu captain before ambling away from the others. He takes a glance at his watch and decides he had better take a seat on the steps that lead up to the hall entrance.

This is when someone shouts that the hearing as adjourned for now. This takes Sadashi by surprise. Therefore, she is quick to reply.

"They can't be done already. They must be on break until, the Hokage, makes a decision and then has the hearing to reconvene."

Renji Esumi for the Konoha Times, is just as quick to retort back.

"Yes, we are in this particular part of the hearing. Haven't you ever been to one of these things before?"

"Shut it. You know as well as I that sometimes the Hokage makes a decision on the spot and the whole damn affair is over. So don't act like you know something more than me."

"Ooooh, touchy aren't we?" Renji says and laughs.

Sadashi isn't amused and throws her note pad at him.

Lion once more gives what will be his last warning.

"People. I have warned you already. One more quip from any of you idiots and I will have my teams demonstrate for you how we do crowd control. Understand?"

'Well, well look at this will ya? The press is getting worked up over this hearing to the point, I may just have to actually do what I just said I'd do.'

Lion chuckled softly at this thought. He didn't much like having to deal with the press; but if there is an opportunity for a little light exercise at their expense well….

Inside the building in the lobby area sat or stood the people who were privileged enough to sit in on the hearing. The prisoner was detained in a room designed for holding prisoners awaiting a decision from the Hokage or counsel. In the Hokage's private office, Minato stands facing towards the only window in the room. The window was perched just above his head. It was a long rectangular shaped window that went nearly the length of the wall. This design of the window allowed in as much light as possible; but it was narrow enough to keep intruders from trying to get in.

As Minato stares up towards it, he is thinking of the entire hearing so far. Everything that has been said was being replayed through carefully. Every now and then he would blink his eyes but other than that, he remained perfectly still as if frozen there. After ten minutes has passed, he has come to a conclusion and walks over to the door leading out into the chamber where the hearing is taking place. He ambles across the room towards the other side where another room was hidden behind another door. On the outside of it was the words in block letters 'Deliberation room' craved neatly into it.

There is one knock made and the door is immediately opened. Minato, looks around the room even as he is coming in. He is looking for his advisors. He had purposely sent them over with the council to help them in coming to a conclusion. As it was well known that the Council could be difficult at times. A conclusion that he hoped would be the same as his own.

Whenever a hearing took place the advisors always went with the council to help assist them. They were not allowed to persuade them to think as the Hokage; but rather help them to fully understand everything that had been presented in the hearing. There would be no need for this sort of thing at all, if it weren't for the fact that some of the council could be biased about many things for one reason or another.

"I take it from the quiet that graced my ears all the way over here that everyone has come to the same conclusion on this matter?" Minato summarizes.

"Yes, sir we have."

"Every well then let me hear it."

Meanwhile in the detention hold

Fugaku, was beginning to worry. Thirty minutes has come and gone and yet he is still waiting.

'Perhaps my esteemed colleague's bid for leniency has soured and I'm going to have my head given to that bastard after all.'

He laughs out loud at this thought. Which makes the guards in the room with him a bit uneasy. One of them moves forward and slaps him on the back of the head.

"Keep your mouth shut, Prisoner 43347. You know the rules in here."

Fugaku doesn't say anything to the guard; but he sulks in anger and remembers that his second in command will take the necessary steps to save his boss's life. Thus, Fugaku relaxes his mind and plots to get even with these two guards for the treatment he has received.

'You will regret having done this to me. Soon all of you will be sorry for what you have done and forgiveness and leniency will be far from my eyes.'

There is a single hard knock on the door of the detention room and one of the guards goes to answer it. The guard steps out into the hallway. Fugaku, can hear them whispering back and forth but can't make out what their saying. He curses silently under his breath for this. Soon the guard returns while leaving the door open. Fugaku knows from this alone that his nemesis has come to a decision.

Outside the building the press gets more excited once again as, they can see everyone is heading back in to the chamber.

'This is it. Whatever happens now will determine the Uchiha's fate.' Tetsuya muses as he and the others watch the people within the lobby head back to the chamber.

Once again the Officer of the court speaks.

"All rise for Lord Fourth Hokage."

The people rise in anticipation but with silence. It is almost as if they are holding their collective breaths. Minato walks into the room from the deliberation room followed by all of the council members. In single file they follow him until, they reach their seating section and turn in and take their seats. Minato walks on until, he is behind the large table once more. He looks over the room once and then sits at the desk.

"Everyone may now be seated."

The Hokage wastes no time in getting to the end of this hearing. The decision had to be argued out a little in the deliberation room once some of the members of council heard his own decision. He had expected this argument to come. Seldom does everyone agree with him on anything. He would find it uncomfortable if they all did. It was also no surprise to him nor to his advisors that those who believe in, Eito Chiba, were the most adamant about giving in to his requests. The Hokage closes his eyes briefly before opening them again and bringing this hearing to its close.

"Mr. Chiba, please rise."

Eito Chiba, does as he has been asked.

"I have come to a decision that is in with agreement with council."

There is utter silence in the room at this point. Fugaku feels a since of dread fill the pit of his stomach. He can see in Minato's eyes that there is no emotion in them whatsoever. He knows from past experience that this is never a good sign from the blonde leader. Minato continues.

"Captain Uchiha, you have been accused of attacking a citizen and ninja of this village. You are also accused of raising your hand against your Hokage, how do you plead?"

"I plead no contest, my lord. I will myself to the mercy of you and the council."

"I see. Then hear the decision of the Fourth Hokage and the Jounin Council. It has been argued in this room that you have been under great duress. This we acknowledge ourselves to be truth. However, any position of leadership comes with pressures. You have been taught how to handle these pressures and if it becomes too much. You are to seek help. There are many here who would help you with any of the things that are bothering you. However, you never sought any help at all."

He pauses for a moment to let what he said sink in. There was no repentance in Fugaku's eyes that he could see. He wasn't taking responsibility nor accountability. So Minato decided to spell it out for him.

"Those that are given the mantle of leadership respect the duties and responsibilities of the position. As for raising Sasuke, you haven't even tried too. Once he didn't show the same potential that Itachi possesses, you wrote him off. It is true that Sasuke isn't considered a child anymore. If you felt as strongly as you did that you could not raise him than you should have sent him on his way. I would have provided him a stipend so that he could afford his own place. There were options for both of you. Yet didn't seek any of them. In the end, it is you who was the head of your home. It was you that was head of your clan and in the end, it was you that was the head of the military police. In all of these positions two thing stands true for them all. Which is… responsibility and accountability. True leaders don't run from either of these things."

Fugaku felt the heat rise in his face and knew that his nemesis could see the heated anger that was rising inside of him. The Hokage didn't smirk nor laugh nor mocked him. He had paused for a moment to just stare at Fugaku. The expression wasn't readable to Fugaku. Never before had Fugaku not been able to read his once longtime friend. It almost made Fugaku shout something aloud but then the Fourth began to speak again.

"It has been decided that you will be given your life. However, a sentence of three years in prison must be fulfilled for your crime and you will do the entire three years. There is no possibility of parole."

Chiba feels like he had won the lottery and is swift to speak up.

"Thank you sir. I-."

The Fourth gives Chiba a stern glare which shuts the man up immediately.

"I'm not finished. There is more than just this one thing."

"Effective immediately, Captain Uchiha, is stripped of his rank and title. He is no longer captain of the military police. Secondly, he will be demoted to the rank of Genin. He is to hold no rank higher than this ever again and finally he will undergo a ritual to seal his Kekkei genkai. He will never use the Sharigan again."

"WAIT JUST A DAMN MINUTE!" Chiba shouts in anger.

The Fourth ignores him and an Officer of the court moves towards Chiba in preparation to restrain him if necessary. The Hokage looks over at the Uchiha Elders and speaks to them.

"Uchiha Elders, you may now come forth and address the accused."

The Elders of the Uchiha clan make their way to the front of the room. Once there they turn themselves so that they are facing Fugaku and Elder Sora begins to speak.

"We of the Elders of the Uchiha clan denounce all that, Fugaku Uchiha is and was. He is no longer the Head of our clan. Another will be chosen that we deem fit for the role. We also disannul the marriage between Fugaku and Mikoto. She is now a free woman. Let her marry whom she deems fit to marry, if she decides to do so again."

A rush of gasps exploded within the room. Murmurings begin anew and this time the Hokage didn't bother with silencing it. As he rose and said over the noise.

"THIS CONCLUDES THIS HEARING. GUARDS, TAKE THE PRISONER TO THE HOSPITAL. WHERE, TSUNADE WAITS TO PERFORM THE SEALING. AS FOR EVERYONE ELSE THIS HEARING IS DISMISSED.

Fugaku sat there fuming a deep rage. Had it not been for the restraining collar he wore. His Sharigan would have activated and he would have raised hell in a blink of an eye. He clinched his teeth and pulled twice forcefully on his restrained wrists causing blood to come forth from the wounds the restrains made.

'You bastard, Minato. You didn't kill me; but you ended up taking my life from me anyway. BASTARD! I had thought to make you die a swift and brutal death, Minato; but now be it far from me. In three years from now, I will make sure that you die slowly and in much agony before you die. This I promise you. THIS I PROMISE YOU!'

The rage of his thoughts causes another violent pull on both restrains forcing the guards to knock him unconscious as, he was taken from the chair and rushed through the halls back through the secret passage and to the dark hell that awaited him at the hospital.