My Precious People

by xWinorLose

Many years have passed since the end of the Fourth Shinobi War. Now twenty-six, Naruto has returned to Konoha to help someone precious to him. He finds some unexpected changes, among them the son of Hinata whom no one knows who the father is, and a new danger looms on the horizon. Rated M for language and lemons.

32. Ch 31: The Full Monty

31. The Full Monty

I believe that the human spirit is indomitable. If you endeavor to achieve, it will happen given enough resolve. – Monty Oum

Hello, my faithful readers. I know, I know… it's been over 2 months since my last release and I could give you the standard excuses… work, business trips, vacation, writers block, doing beta work but it doesn't change the fact that this chapter is really overdue.

The problem is that every time I thought I had a chance to end the chapter at an earlier point, it didn't feel right. So I kept writing, and writing… long story short, this is the biggest chapter I've ever written which I hope makes up for it being so late.

Anyway, let's move on. The quicker I get done, the quicker we can get to the story.

Standard thanks to Titokhan and my anonymous beta for their help and support.

And now, credit where credit is due:

Petran: I'm giving you props at the beginning AND at the end for the Omake. It was all you!

Magicofantasy: the hot springs idea was all yours, and it fit perfectly in this chapter. Thanks for suggesting it!

xHinaLovex: You made the suggestion for what Sakura's chakra feels like. It's here!

OGAFazer89AC: You thought up the situation between Mei, Lee and Naruto in Kiri. You also gave me the idea for Iwa's spy network. Thanks a bunch!

Sasuke149: The idea of Lee telling Hinata about what happened in Kiri was all yours. Loved it! Hope you like how I wrote it!

Hektols: You came up with the idea of Kakashi hiding his stash of Icha Icha novels. Thanks!

MattWilson83: Well, as usual the man behind NaruHina Chronicles on DeviantArt gave up a huge amount of his time to chat with me regarding ideas, fleshing out scenes and pointing out my mistakes. I think the chapter turned out better because of it and I'm very thankful.

I would also like to personally apologize to Jagsboy, who asked if this chapter would be released before he shipped off to the Naval Academy on May 19th. I tried, really I did but I just couldn't finish it. I hope you enjoy this when you get the chance to read it, and I look forward to your review when that happens.

This chapter is dedicated to Monty Oum, creator of RWBY who died at the far too young age of 33. For those of you who don't know, he was responsible for most, if not all of the projects that get pushed out over at Rooster Teeth. The man basically wrote FanFiction that was good enough to be made into an animated piece of work. You rocked, dude.

And now, on to the disclaimer. For those of you living in the US, this shouldn't be too hard. You can even pop it up on YouTube for a quick laugh if you like.

Disclaimer – I don't own Naruto. And let's begin this round of Double Jeopardy. Sean Connery, you have control of the board, so please pick a category.

Sean Connery – I'll take 'Le Tits Now' for eight hundred.

Disclaimer – That's pronounced, 'Let It Snow'.

Sean Connery – No, it's not! It's a French expression! 'Bonjour mademoiselle, I'd like to see Le Tits Now!'

Disclaimer – Ugh. Way too early for that. And the answer is… This is the color of snow.

Sean Connery – What is yellow? (+1 if you get the reference).

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Chapter 31 – The Full Monty

A crescent moon hung in the sky, casting very little light across Iwagakure. It made the shadows of the village, which was surrounded by a mountain range even longer and darker. With the hour being so late most of the village was asleep, leaving only the roving ANBU patrols to avoid in order for someone to remain undetected.

And that someone stood close to seven feet tall.

There were several things Gilgamesh excelled at. Stealth was one, but being subtle… not so much. He tended to push towards the extremes, preferring to either hover in the background or be the focus of attention on the battlefield.

Tonight, the former one was serving his purpose. Gideon had summoned both him and Nyx to their base of operations he'd set up deep within the mountainside. It had been one of the first bits of information Nyx had pulled from Ōnoki's mind; a place of solace known only to the Tsuchikage. The Nidame, Mū built it during his first year as leader of the village so that he had a quiet place of his own where he wouldn't be disturbed. Nyx increased the security measures and now Gideon was using it as a centralized meeting location for the other members of the Mienai Segi, as well as a repository for all the intelligence he was gathering through Iwa's spy network.

After deactivating the final trap – which would reset itself in about five seconds – he moved quickly down the passageway and emerged in a medium sized cavern, which Gideon had redecorated to look very much like the one he'd occupied near Amegakure. The creature comforts had been improved; the sleeping area was gone and had been replaced with comfortable, plush seating and a large table for meetings. The work area sported a larger desk, as well as a map of the elemental nations that spanned ten plus feet of the cave wall behind it. On either side were bookcases, filled sparsely with some of the more… unique pieces of knowledge and jutsu they had copied from the village archives. A large portion of the shelves remained empty, however – a constant reminder of his failure to procure the scrolls from Saladin before their former leader died.

Nyx was already there, lounging casually in one of the cushioned seats. Gideon was standing behind his desk, hands clasped behind his back as he stared at the map on the wall.

"Gilgamesh," Gideon drawled, "make yourself comfortable. I'm almost finished."

Gilgamesh walked over to where Nyx was and eyed the chairs that were similar to the one she was sprawled out in before moving on to the couch. Most furniture was too small for his massive frame so he had to make... concessions in his life.

"So," Nyx asked cheekily, "did you sneak over here tonight? Or take the conventional way and so that any women lucky enough to be awake at this hour could offer you their services for free?"

Gilgamesh fixed her with a withering glare. It irritated him to no end when she did this.

"What? You've been in high demand ever since we've shown up in this village. Women know that the bigger the man, the bigger the…" Nyx held her hands about one foot apart. "…equipment. You might have problems, er… rising to the occasion but that doesn't mean someone isn't out there who can make it happen."

He growled threateningly. A childhood injury had left him mostly impotent, and there had been only three women he'd ever loved in his life that had been able to overcome that particular obstacle. After the last one had her throat slit and was left to die in a dark alley to drown in a pool of her own blood, he tracked down the responsible party and found it had been a simple robbery gone wrong.

A thief had killed the love of his life over a measly one hundred Ryo.

Something snapped and his bloodlust took over. That's when he decided to become a mercenary.

Young, old, rich, poor, good, bad... none of that mattered. Everyone needed to suffer – to feel the unbearable sorrow and loss like he had. The money he earned was merely a way to keep score. The only thing waiting for him at the end of the path he walked was death… and that was exactly what he wanted.

"She'd have to have a great pair of these," Nyx caressed and fondled her breasts, causing her to moan slightly, "a really good set of these," Nyx slid her fingers lasciviously along the curves of her body, slowly heading further south, "and a skilled set of hands that could make even the most heartless man purr like a kitten," she finished, as her hands inched towards her crotch…

Gilgamesh slammed his hand down on the table in anger. Nyx didn't flinch, and only laughed at his lack of amusement over her clearly flirtatious actions.

"Nyx. That's enough." Gideon's voice radiated with power as he chastised her. "You know that's a sensitive subject for him. Don't mention it again."

A shiver of fear traveled down her spine, while a tingle of pleasure worked its way further south, settling in her groin. Most people didn't know it, but she had a major S&M fetish. It was probably the one guilty pleasure she had.

"Well then, Gideon… would you like to punish me?" Her voice turned sultry. "I've been a very bad girl and deserve a good spanking…"

"No. It would serve no purpose because it excites you sexually. If I want to punish you I'll find a non-sadistic way to do it. I believe that would have the desired effect."

"Fine, fine. There's no need to be a sourpuss. I wasn't intentionally trying to piss the big man off." Nyx said, waving her hand dismissively as she slipped one last jibe in. "I'll keep myself in check from now on."

Gilgamesh grunted. He believed the first part, but not the second. Even with Gideon's threat, in a few weeks she'd forget her promise and be right back to her old self. She'd done it before and would do it again.

"Save your apologies, Nyx. I brought you both here for a reason." Gideon relocated himself to the final chair in the sitting area, bringing along a mission folder he'd grabbed from the top of his desk. "The spy network that we now control through our clandestine takeover of Iwa has yielded significant results." He placed it on the table and removed a single photograph, pushing it to the center. "Take a look at this."

Gilgamesh and Nyx leaned over to look at it. The picture showed a smiling, blond haired boy flashing a victory sign, surrounded by five other people. Dozens of other shinobi, both alive and dead along with remnants of a large tree littered the background.

There were two people in the photograph they recognized. One was Ōnoki, the Tsuchikage of Iwagakure that Nyx had turned into their own private marionette. And the other…

"What the hell is Gabriel doing in a photograph with Ōnoki?" Nyx growled. "Who're the rest of those people?"

"Kage." Gilgamesh answered, causing Nyx to glance sharply at him from the corner of her eye.

"Gilgamesh is correct. This picture was taken at the end of the fourth shinobi war. At the time, the people surrounding him were the Kage of the five great villages." Gideon pointed to the image in the middle. "And this is Naruto Uzumaki – the one we know as Gabriel."

"Naruto Uzumaki?" Nyx was surprised. "That guy everyone talks about from the fourth shinobi war?"

"Yes. However there is one additional piece of information that has been brought to my attention. One that Gabriel, and perhaps Saladin conveniently decided to omit during the entire time he was a member of the Mienai Segi." Gideon scowled. "He is the jinchuuriki of the Kyūbi no Yōko."

"You're shitting me." Nyx deadpanned. "You're telling me Gabriel has the nine tailed fox sealed inside him? And he kept it a secret the entire time we worked with him?"

"Unexpected. And troubling." Gilgamesh said flatly.

"Indeed, Gilgamesh. But unfortunately, that's not all we have been made aware of." Gideon's eyebrow twitched as he glared at the photograph. "It appears that a few months ago, Gabriel was named Hokage of Konoha."

"Well, that's just fucking great." Nyx rubbed her temples against the oncoming headache. "It was bad enough before, but with him in charge of the village it'll be ten times tougher to wipe that place out."

"Yes, this clearly makes things more difficult for us. Our forces will need to become stronger in order to stand a chance at taking down Konoha – especially with Gabriel and Freyja protecting the populace. However I believe this has allowed us an opportunity we should exploit."

"This is Tsunade," Gideon pointed to her face in the picture. "Former Hokage of Konoha, succeeded by Kakashi Hatake. She is the last remaining member of the legendary group of shinobi known as the Sannin. Her strength is well known throughout the elemental nations – she'd be a worthy adversary even for someone like you, Gilgamesh. In addition, she is also widely considered to be the foremost authority on medical jutsu."

"Finally, she is of the Senju bloodline which produced Hashirama Senju, Shodai Hokage of Konoha and master of the Sage Arts. He was one of the most powerful ninja ever to have existed, and he alone was capable of besting Madara Uchiha one on one in a fight." Gideon scowled and angrily slapped his hand down on the photograph. "The fight with Saladin decimated our forces, and Naberius is still in a coma. We cannot afford any more losses and I believe her skills will be sufficient to awaken Naberius. Plus, if she can teach our forces how to replicate her chakra enhanced strength they will be practically unstoppable."

His eyes flashed with a touch of madness. Anyone who saw it and had the knowledge to make a comparison would say that he resembled Orochimaru a tad too much. "She is a prize beyond measure. We need to capture her and… convince her to join our cause."

"That's easier said than done," Nyx said skeptically. "We can't just waltz into Konoha and grab her. If she's as strong as you say she is, the collateral damage will be huge – not to mention it'll attract Gabriel's attention. How do you propose we do it?"

"Simple. We lure her out of the village."

"Humanitarian mission," Gilgamesh quipped.

"Correct once again, Gilgamesh. We send a message from another village – asking for medical assistance that only Tsunade, with her vast amount of knowledge can provide. Her sense of morality will not allow her to refuse the request. Once she is outside the borders of Konoha, she can be considered fair game." Gideon stared pointedly at Nyx. "Tomorrow, you and Gilgamesh will leave for Kusagakure. Your target is a council member named Rinji. He is not well liked and his disappearance would be dismissed as unimportant for several days. Take over his mind and use him to craft a suitably desperate letter for aid. Ensure he infuses the seal with his chakra, which will verify the message as genuine and send it immediately by falcon to Konoha. Once this has been accomplished, you can… dispose of him as you see fit."

Gideon then fixed his steely gaze on Gilgamesh. "Once Konoha has taken the bait and Tsunade is a suitable distance away from the village, the two of you will begin the second phase of your mission."

"Which is…?"

"What you do best, Gilgamesh." An evil grin split the face of the tyrannical psychopath. "Search and destroy. And then Nyx will make sure you disappear."

---

***Timeskip – Four Days after Naruto left for Kirigakure***

"Aah…" Tenten moaned, sinking lower into the water, "That really hits the spot. I have to say, this was definitely one of your better ideas, Hanabi."

"Of course. All my ideas are good ones," Hanabi quipped from the edge of the hot spring as she removed her towel, revealing her very swollen belly. "Unlike my husband, who thinks teaching the Sexy Jutsu to his nephew counts as a good idea."

As Tenten watched Hanabi step into the water, she couldn't help but notice the size of her stomach. They were due about a week or so apart, and yet Hanabi seemed somehow… bigger than her. Or maybe it was just a trick of the light, since Hanabi was three inches shorter, and had a much smaller frame than she did.

"Oh come now, Imōto," Hinata chided her sister as she removed her own towel. Tenten and Hanabi couldn't help but stare in jealousy at her slightly bulging stomach as she slipped into the water. "While I agree that teaching Hikaru the Sexy Jutsu was a mistake, the dose of humility our father received was well worth it. Besides, you make it sound like your husband is alone in that regard. Mine can make bad decisions, just the same as yours."

"Mine too," Tenten said. "Honestly, men can be so stupid sometimes."

"You got that right," Hanabi conceded, "But I think Nii-san deserves a pass for the next few weeks. Speaking of which, how is he feeling? I haven't been by to see him since…" She hesitated at this point. Watching Hikaru remove the caged bird seal from Neji had been a harrowing experience – mainly because she had never felt so helpless in her entire life. All she could do was stand there, wringing her hands while Hikaru and Lady Tsunade fought to save his life. Afterwards, Lady Tsunade said the best thing for Neji would be rest, coupled with large amounts of peace and quiet. That meant only the former Hokage, Shizune or Tenten were allowed to see him until further notice.

Tenten smiled weakly. "He's doing well, all things considered. His vision isn't so blurry anymore, and the headaches are pretty much gone. Lady Tsunade hasn't been by for a few days, but Shizune said he should be able to use his Byakugan again soon. He can have visitors by the end of the week."

"Why were you thinking you'd see Lady Tsunade?" Hanabi asked. "Didn't you hear? She's been in the hospital. The word around Konoha is that she was badly injured during a training accident in the middle of the Forest of Death."

As Hanabi continued her explanation, Tenten noticed that Hinata was sinking into the water and slowly edging towards the exit.

My gossip senses are tingling, Tenten thought. She knows WAY more than she's letting on.

"Hold it right there, Hinata!"

The woman in question froze in the water. The only thing visible was the top of her head and her panicked eyes, which were staring back at Tenten.

Tenten swam over to her and got right up close to her face. "You know what happened to Tsunade," she said assertively, "So spill it."

Hinata shook her head, refusing to say a word. She couldn't anyway since her mouth, along with the rest of her body was still underwater.

Tenten sighed, realizing the situation was going to need a bit of emotional coaxing. "Look Hinata, this isn't some random girl's night out where gossip flies around for anyone to hear. We're the first ladies for three of the most powerful men in Konoha, and beyond that…" she smiled warmly at Hinata. "…we're family. I know how much that means to you. I promise you this will stay just between the three of us."

Hinata glanced over at Hanabi, who nodded her head in agreement. "You have my word as well, Nee-san."

Tenten noticed Hinata was still hesitating and decided it was time to liven things up a bit. "Okay Hinata," she said, smiling deviously as she flexed her fingers, "if you won't tell us what happened, I'll have to take drastic measures and tickle you until you crack."

It was a little known fact that Hinata was extremely ticklish. Tenten only knew about it because Neji had inadvertently let it slip once – and he'd found out about it from Hanabi.

Hinata stood up quickly and held her hands defensively in front of her. "You… You can't!"

"I can and I will. Now, are we gonna do this the easy way or the hard way?"

Half a second later Hinata made a break for it but even as pregnant as she was, Tenten caught her and dragged her back into water, honing in on the most sensitive areas.

"Tenten, stop! Don't, I'll… *Pfftt* Ha ha ha! No! Not my feet! Aauugghh!"

"Say what happened to Tsunade and I will!"

The two naked, pregnant women continued to wrestle with each other, splashing around in the hot springs. Hinata was more nimble but Tenten was bigger and heavier, and she mercilessly used that to her advantage.

Hanabi thought it was one of the funniest things she'd seen in years.

"I'm… Stay away from my ribs! Ha ha ha ha! I… I can't… * Snort* I'm going to pee if you keep… FINE! FINE, I'LL TELL!"

Tenten backed off; however both she and Hanabi looked eagerly at Hinata, who was doing her best to compose herself. It took a minute before she finally calmed down enough to answer.

"Naruto-kun… is the one who put Lady Tsunade in the hospital."

"Excuse me?" Hanabi said after a brief pause.

"Yeah. What she said." Tenten added.

"Naruto-kun is the one who put Lady Tsunade in the hospital." Hinata answered sourly. "Do you both know what part Lady Tsunade played with Naruto-kun during the time he was gone from the village?"

Tenten and Hanabi nodded mutely. Ino had filled them in a few months ago.

"Well, as you'd expect he was very angry with her. They've basically been walking on eggshells around each other, and the day after we all met at your house he proposed the idea with Lady Tsunade of having a fight, saying it would be cathartic and fix their problems." Hinata laughed humorlessly. "Yes, my idiot husband actually used the word 'cathartic'. And my opinion obviously didn't matter in the slightest, because he never bothered to ask me for it. So they traipsed off to the Forest of Death for this little fight of theirs. At the end, Naruto-kun lost control and unleashed an attack that tore up a significant amount of the landscape – and Lady Tsunade along with it."

The girls stared blankly at Hinata as she went off on her tirade. Had it been anyone else, they would have found the story impossible to believe and it was easy to see why she was so upset.

Putting Tsunade in the hospital was bad enough, but purposely ignoring Hinata because he didn't think her opinion was worth hearing? Completely and utterly wrong.

"I assume you're punishing him good for what he did," Hanabi said crisply.

"I have him sleeping on the couch for starters, but I'm still trying to come up with something… suitable."

Tenten smiled wickedly. "Then the answer is easy. You just need to withhold sex from him."

Hinata shrank a bit and poked her fingers together shyly. "That's no good. Naruto-kun and I haven't been… intimate with each other since he found out I was pregnant."

"What? You've gotta be kidding me! Why?"

Hinata shrugged. It was a question she'd asked herself many times over the last few months and other than becoming as big as a house from carrying two babies, she couldn't come up with an answer. "I don't know. It's not like he hasn't been affectionate, far from it. He always kisses me when he comes home, and we cuddle in bed at night, but we just haven't had… sex. Maybe he doesn't find me desirable anymore."

Tenten and Hanabi were silent as they mulled that over. For whatever reason, Naruto was shirking his husbandly duties towards Hinata and her… needs. There's no way that was even close to being acceptable. They nodded at each other, both agreeing that while there were lots of solutions to this problem, only one answer really made sense.

"Then I think you should do the opposite and seduce him. And don't take 'no' for an answer."

An embarrassing blush spread across Hinata's face. While she had made great strides with her confidence, this was still one part of her life she preferred to keep relatively private. Saying the word sex was one thing, but going into detail about it was an entirely different matter.

"Tenten! There's no way I could do something like that!"

Tenten scoffed. "Oh, come on Hinata! What happened to being more confident? What I'm seeing is the shy girl who stuttered and fainted around Naruto all the time when we were kids." She stood up and placed her hands on her hips, striking a dramatic pose. "Let's see the new one! The First Lady of Konoha! The only woman who can emasculate the Hokage!"

"TENTEN! I would never…"

"And you can't tell me you haven't been horny, Hinata. Hell, even Neji knows better than to say no to me when I'm in the mood. I can't even imagine not screwing him at least twice a week. We did it in the shower the other day using this specially shaped luffa sponge, and…" A shiver of pleasure ran through her body as she remembered what happened. "Anyway, my advice would be to reenact one of those scenes from that Icha Icha novel you've been reading."

Hinata shrank like a turtle into its shell. "How… How do you know about that?"

Tenten snorted mockingly and sank back into the water. "I saw it in your bag one day at the tea house. Now, my personal favorite is the one on page 147 where Kyoko handcuffs Shinji to the bed, then puts on those edible bra and panties made out of red licorice before she pours chocolate sauce all over his body…"

The blush on her face intensified to a fiery shade of red. "PLEASE STOP!" Hinata exclaimed, aghast at how casually she was talking about something so perverted. "Besides, I don't think you should be discussing something like this right now in front of…" she finished, casting a sideways glance at Hanabi.

Tenten noticed her look and smirked. "Are you serious? She reads them the same as you and me. As a matter of fact, I borrowed the last two books in the series from her."

Hinata stared at her sister in shock. Tenten had to be lying. There was no way her sweet, innocent sister would read smut like that, let alone actually own any of the books but much to her surprise, Hanabi was smiling and nodding in agreement.

"What? Konohamaru has a kinky side, and everyone needs a little inspiration once in a while. I remember the night I got pregnant we were reenacting that scene from Icha Icha High School Days. I was dressed like a cheerleader, and Konohamaru pretended he was the band conductor. He said he wanted me to play his woodwind section…"

Hinata quickly interrupted her before she could finish. "Can we not discuss this?" she asked, squirming uncomfortably. "I'd prefer to remain as ignorant as possible about what my family does in the privacy of their own homes."

Tenten huffed. Between talking openly about sex and Hanabi saying how kinky she and Konohamaru were in the bedroom, she was actually having fun pushing Hinata out of her comfort zone. When it came to things like this the woman was still way too timid. "Fine. Actually, this reminded me of something else I wanted to talk with you two about. I'd planned on waiting until after the meeting with the elders, but since we're on the subject I think now would be as good a time as any."

Hinata and Hanabi could tell this was something very personal to Tenten, because she was being much more serious than usual. They wondered what the subject could possibly be, if she wanted to discuss it with them specifically.

"What's on your mind?" Hanabi asked.

"It actually has to deal with Hiashi. And what Naruto said about him."

Hinata's eyebrows rose skyward. "I think I missed something important, Tenten. When did Naruto say something about father? And what does any of this have to do with him?"

"It was that night everyone was at the house dealing with Neji's… problem. Don't you remember what Naruto said? Hiashi knows he did a shitty job as a father and he wants another chance with his grandchildren." Tenten started doing her own nervous habit, which was twisting her hair around her index finger. "I've been thinking a lot about that. I'd like to give Hiashi a chance but good intentions or not, there's no guarantee he'll change for the better. And I'm not trying to be rude or bring up any painful memories, but Kō told me once that your father's downward spiral started when your mother, Hitomiko umm… died."

The two sisters shared a glance. They'd talked about this many times over the years, and they really couldn't fault Tenten for bringing it up. She was still relatively new to the family and wasn't immersed in it like they were.

"You're right about that, Tenten." Hanabi said sadly. "A lot of the older clan members have said that Hinata looks and acts very much like our mother did. Then there's the fact that mother died giving birth to me. Between the two of us we're a constant reminder of losing the only woman he's ever loved."

"I don't think that's entirely accurate, Hanabi." Tenten chided her gently. "He might not have always shown it, but I'm sure he loves you and Hinata too."

"I don't doubt your words, but we both know that's not the same thing. We're all going to be parents soon, and we'd give our lives for our children but there's a difference between our love for them and the love we have for our husbands."

"Come to think of it, father hasn't had a single romantic moment since…" Hinata's voice was thick with emotion. "…since mother passed on."

"Yeah, you're right." Hanabi agreed after a moment's consideration. "I've never seen him show any romantic interest in anyone."

"Which is just a polite way of saying he hasn't had sex in Kami knows how long. And that's exactly the argument I'm trying to make." Tenten explained hastily. "I'm not trying to diminish Hitomiko, or what she meant to everyone but Hiashi's got this huge hole in his heart, and I don't think he'll change for the better unless it's…" she gestured dramatically with her hands. "umm, well… filled."

Hinata and Hanabi stared absently at the water, watching the ripples flow outward as they thought about that. The idea of replacing their mother… no, scratch that thought. Tenten wasn't suggesting replacing the memory of their mother. She just figured that after so long, it was time for their father to move on.

"This is certainly a difficult conversation to have. I know you're only saying this because you want father to be happy once again Tenten, and I'm thankful for that." Hinata said, smiling warmly. "But it sounds like you've given this a lot of thought. Did you have anyone in mind?"

Tenten let out a nervous breath she didn't realize she'd been holding. "Well, nobody in particular but I've been making a list. Not of people – just personality traits I think she should have."

"Traits, huh?" Hanabi asked playfully. "Like what?"

"Well, she has to be a kunoichi. That's a given. And I think she should be really outgoing – totally the opposite of how Hiashi is."

"I… I think she should be good with children." Hinata blurted out, deciding to play along as well. "I mean, if father really wants another chance with his grandchildren, and she's going to be around him all the time…"

"Yeah, that's a good idea Hinata. What else?"

The rest of the time at the hot springs was filled with talk – partially about their pregnancies and how they were feeling, but mainly about what they thought Hiashi should look for in a woman, and how they'd make sure he ended up with her.

Over the next hour, the three of them continued to talk about the woman who'd be such a big part of their lives. Hanabi and Hinata laughed a bit, but also became teary eyed when talking about their mother and the wonderful qualities she possessed. Tenten did her best to keep the focus on the celebration, rather than the sadness of Hitomiko's life and all things considered, she felt she did a pretty damn good job.

This also had the unintended side effect of making the bond between the three of them even stronger, and it strengthened their purpose to mend whatever rift there was and become a real family, like they'd always wanted.

But a qualm still gnawed at them – what did Hiashi actually find attractive? None of them had any idea about his 'preferences'. Hitomiko was their only reference point and out of their little group Hinata was the only one who remembered her. Those memories, combined with stories told by some of the branch members helped serve as a guide, however by the end of it they were left with one unanswerable question…

Did a woman who could heal the hardened heart of Hiashi Hyūga actually exist? Or at this point, was it just a myth?

---

***Timeskip – Seven Days after Naruto left for Kirigakure***

It was late afternoon on a Wednesday, and the temperature was a perfect seventy five degrees – not too hot or cold. Perfect weather for sharing an ice cream with someone.

As he'd done the last two days, Kakashi left the Hokage's office early to pick Reira up from school, making good on his promise to Hanari who'd asked him to take care of Reira while she was in the hospital. When he asked the six year old about it, she was actually quite happy to spend the next week or so with him at his house. Kakashi also found that spending time with her was a lot more enjoyable and fun than he initially thought it would be.

He was also glad that he remembered to hide all of his Icha Icha novels from her curious eyes. That was a conversation he didn't want to have with anyone of the female persuasion under the age of twenty. Ever.

Right now, he was making good on his promise to buy Reira ice cream if she let him date her mom… even if Hanari had shut her down in the end. He felt he owed her something for that, and ice cream didn't seem all that bad of a method of repayment.

So here they were, sitting on a bench watching people walk through the park. Kakashi was enjoying a vanilla and chocolate twist ice cream cone, while Reira – as would be expected from a six year old kid – was eating a five scoop vanilla sundae covered with hot fudge, peanut butter and caramel sauce, topped with whipped cream and sprinkles. Cherries finished off each mound of the high calorie monstrosity.

Ah, to have the metabolism of a child once again, Kakashi thought wistfully. Naruto is the only other person I know who isn't pregnant that could finish that off and not gain ten pounds. I swear, with her outgoing personality, high energy and eating habits, sometimes I wonder if Naruto was lying when he said she wasn't his daughter…

"Thanks so much for buying me ice cream, mister Kakashi!" Reira exclaimed as she shoveled a large spoonful into her mouth. "Mif if delishish!" Three more scoops made it into her mouth in rapid succession.

"You're welcome. Just don't eat it too fast or you'll get…"

Reira suddenly dropped her spoon and groaned, grabbing the sides of her head.

"A cold headache," Kakashi sighed. He quickly grabbed the sundae to keep it from falling on the ground and placed it on the bench, before creating a shadow clone to run off and get her another spoon.

He waited until the pain subsided and she dropped her hands, then decided to fill the silence with some conversation while they were waiting for his clone to get back.

"So, I was wondering… are you enjoying staying with me at my house?"

She nodded. "Yes sir, mister Kakashi. I mean, not that I don't like living with miss Hinata and mister Naruto though. It's nice and all, it's just that I… I kind of miss seeing Hikaru-kun every day."

Kakashi smiled underneath his mask. He found it adorable that Reira always wanted to be around Hikaru. Thank Kami she didn't have the same problem with shyness that Hinata had at her age.

"You know, you don't have to use 'mister' before my name. Calling me Kakashi will work just fine."

She shook her head. "No. My mom told me I always need to be polite and have manners, so I should call you 'mister'. Unless maybe…"

They were interrupted by the shadow clone as it returned with a fresh spoon and handed it to Reira before disappearing in a cloud of smoke. Kakashi placed the sundae back in her lap but noticed she didn't start eating right away, instead staring absently at the melting piles of whipped cream.

For someone who only a few minutes ago was devouring it like there was no tomorrow, it was completely out of character.

"Reira, what's the matter? Is something wrong?"

She glanced guiltily at Kakashi for a brief moment before staring at the sundae in her lap once again.

"Mister Kakashi, can I ask you something kinda personal? And can you promise not to tell Mom?"

The girl sounded uncharacteristically moody and serious. He stopped eating his ice cream and gave her his full attention.

"Sure, Reira. I promise. What's on your mind?"

She chewed her lower lip for a second. "I-It's about my dad. Mom doesn't talk about him much, but I know she knows who he is." She glanced sidelong at Kakashi. "Do you know who he is?"

Ah. So that's what it was. "Actually I do, Reira. But I don't think it's my place to tell you that."

"Was he mean to my mom? Is that why she doesn't talk about him?" she asked after another pause.

"Well, I don't know him personally. In fact, I've never met him so I can't say for sure if he… wasn't nice to your mom. But she's told me more than a few times that he treated her badly."

Reira went back to quietly staring at the sundae in her lap. Kakashi waited a minute before going back to eating, since his ice cream was starting to drip down the sides of the cone.

"Mister Kakashi?"

"Hmm?" he asked, taking another lick.

"Would you like to be my new dad?"

Kakashi choked on his mouthful of ice cream. "W-What?" he sputtered, caught off guard by her question.

She shrugged and stared back at Kakashi with hopeful eyes. "Well, I thought about what you just said and you know, why would I want someone like that to be my dad? I mean, my mom really likes you and you're awfully nice to both of us. So I figured you should be my dad and not that other guy. And that way I can call you Dad and not mister Kakashi."

Kakashi eye smiled at her and rubbed the back of his head sheepishly with his free hand. "Umm, I'm flattered you'd ask me that Reira, I really am but I don't know if your mom and I are ready for that… step in our relationship just yet. Maybe that'll happen someday, but I think right now your mom still has a lot of stuff to work through before anything like that happens."

"Oh, okay." Reira sounded a little disappointed. "At least you're making my mom happy. Maybe it's because you let her be on top when she stays at your house." She said offhandedly, dipping her spoon into her sundae again.

This time Kakashi actually did a spittake with his ice cream. "E-EXCUSE ME?" he exclaimed, aghast. "What do you mean by that?"

"Oh, I just figured that when mom stayed over you guys slept in bunkbeds." Reira shoveled another scoop into her mouth. "Anf eferyone knowf that the top bunk is more fun to sleep in." She stared innocently at Kakashi. "Whenever mom comes home the next day after sleeping over, she's always really happy so I figured you let her have the top bunk. Am I right?"

"Er, umm… yeah." Kakashi sweatdropped as he shifted uncomfortably in his seat. "You got it. Your mom gets the top bunk every time." Mental note – talk to Hanari as soon as possible to cover for the lie I just told.

Both of them went back to eating and watching the children play on the swings. Reira's spook clinked against her dish with every spoonful of ice cream she ate.

The sound of two familiar voices caused them to turn their heads. A ways off in the distance, Sakura and Ino were walking side by side through the park, chatting happily with each other as Sakura pushed a stroller with Mikomi in it.

Reira scrunched her face as she watched the two of them continue down the pathway. "Mister Kakashi – is that…?"

Kakashi knew what she was hinting at. "Yes, Reira. The one with the pink hair is Sakura Uchiha, and she's Hikaru's birth mother. However, we don't talk about it because it's a very sensitive subject with Naruto, Hinata and Hikaru. It'd be best if you kept that information to yourself."

Reira narrowed her eyes and continued to stare at her for another minute. Kakashi wondered why she was so focused on Sakura – other than the obvious, of course. It wasn't a big secret around the village that Reira was very protective of Hikaru, even if she was only six years old. She got full on defensive at anything or anyone that made him angry or upset.

"There's something… weird about her chakra."

That piqued Kakashi's interest. Reira wouldn't say something like that without good reason. "Weird? Like how?"

"You know how I can tell what a person's chakra feels like?"

He nodded his head.

"Well… hers reminds me of a broken mirror."

Kakashi cocked his eyebrow. "That's pretty confusing, Reira. What do you mean it's like a broken mirror?"

"Umm… it's kinda sharp, like shards of glass but there's only one crack in it, and its right down the middle. There's two sides to her chakra – the left side seems foggy, and the right side feels… scratched." She shook her head, looking just as confused as Kakashi seemed to be. "I don't know how else to put it. It's weird. And it doesn't make any sense."

Now it was Kakashi's turn to narrow his eye at Sakura. Since he'd first found out about her ability, not once had Reira been wrong with her assessment of a person's chakra. Being able to strip away a person's outer layers and seeing what really makes them up was a very insightful thing to have.

One thing was for sure, though – if she was concerned about something, then without a doubt he should be as well.

He resolved to talk with Tsunade about it within the next week or so, since before she went into the hospital, the former Hokage had been holding weekly therapy sessions with her apprentice. Maybe she could find out what Reira actually meant with her 'broken mirror' comment.

Until then, he decided to just let it go and enjoy spending time with the sunny little girl sitting beside him – whose eyes were now silently pleading with him for more ice cream.

---

***Timeskip – Eleven Days after Naruto left for Kirigakure***

"Ugh. I swear the first thing I'm going to do when I get out of here is fire whoever is cooking the food."

Tsunade was lying in her bed at the hospital with her eyes closed, rubbing her stomach in an effort to soothe it. It had been a little over an hour since she forced what passed for dinner in this place down her throat. Hospital food wasn't supposed to be good, since it encouraged people to get better and leave as soon as possible, but this stuff pushed even her limits.

From the sharp pain in her abdomen, she figured her appendix agreed and was begging her to end its misery. It was either that, or she'd just come down with botulism.

As luck would have it, she didn't have to wait very much longer. Between Sakura's treatments and Tsunade using her Hyakugou to boost the healing process, hopefully she'd be released in three days. She still had about a month of physical therapy ahead of her, which meant light duty at the hospital and restricted use of her chakra… but anything was better than being confined to this bed and eating what passed for food in this place.

"Well, it looks like you finally listened to someone else's advice for once."

Tsunade opened her eyelids. Naruto was sitting casually on the windowsill, clad in his Hokage robe which was covered in a fine layer of dust from traveling. He had bags underneath his eyes, but his bright blue eyes twinkled with mirth.

She blinked a few times, thinking the food was causing her to hallucinate. She was glad to see that he didn't disappear.

"Hey gaki," she said, smiling happily at him. "It's good to see you."

"Good to see you too, Baa-chan," he replied, smiling back as he hopped into the room.

Her heart swelled at hearing him call her by that name once again. She'd missed it far more than she would have thought, especially since she found it more irritating than cute about ten years ago.

"How long were you sitting there?"

Naruto shrugged. "Not long, maybe a minute. I was watching you trying to keep your stomach from doing backflips." He smirked and plopped down in the chair next to her bed. "I take it dinner wasn't very good. When did you eat?"

"A little over an hour ago – and I'm firing the cook once I get out of here. Maybe you can find a job for him with Ibiki over in the interrogation department." She let loose with a particularly rancid belch. "Two days of that food and you'll have even the most stubborn prisoners singing like a bird."

Naruto chuckled. "I'll think about it."

"When did you get back from Kiri?"

He placed his index finger over his lips. "Ssshh. Technically I'm not back yet. Everyone else that came with me is still a couple of hours away, but I used the Hiraishin to come back here early."

Tsunade's eyebrows rose. "Why'd you do that?"

He closed his eyes and rubbed his temples. Clearly the trip to Kirigakure had been very taxing. "Well, I know I promised to come see you after I had the meeting with the Hyūga clan but I didn't want to wait that long. I figured we could talk while we share that bottle of saké I bought you." His eyes wandered around the room. "Where is it?"

"Shizune took it," Tsunade said crossly, growling at the memory of that particular incident. She wanted it left alone because it was a gift from Naruto, and she considered it a symbol of his forgiveness but her assistant had a different opinion. "She said there was no reason for it to be in the hospital – and she didn't want me tempted to drink it while I was here."

The heart rate monitor stared beeping faster. "She grabbed it one day while I was hopped up on painkillers and sleeping. It's either been poured down the drain by now, or she and Iruka shared it already. When I stop being incarcerated here and go back to running this place again, I'm putting her on bedpan duty for two solid weeks in the senior ward and making sure they eat an all-prune diet the entire time."

Naruto laughed both her frustration, and creativity in plotting her revenge. Trust Tsunade to get so worked up over the loss of some perfectly good alcohol. "Then it's a good thing I'm one step ahead of her," he said, reaching into his coat and producing a bottle of saké and two cups.

"Gaki, what are you…" She eyed the bottle and wrinkled her nose in disgust. "Look, as much as I appreciate the gesture, that brand is what they serve in the worst dive bars in Konoha. If I drink it, I'll probably have to stay here an extra week."

"Oh, don't let the bottle fool you. I had a feeling something like that might happen, so I swapped out the contents of this," he said, waving the bottle in front of her face, "with the one I left you. So whether she poured it down the drain or not, all Shizune took out of your room was cheap rotgut. And WE…" he chuckled, placing the cups down on the nightstand and filling them up, "get to enjoy the good stuff that I spent a small fortune on."

The heart rate monitor calmed down as Tsunade stared at him in surprise, before laughing along with him.

"I'm sorry, but I have to be honest… I never expected you to do something so sneaky. The kid I remember would've just stolen the bottle back and booby trapped her office with a paint bomb." She smirked and shook her head in denial. "I guess sometimes I still see the oblivious kid who left rather than the man who came back."

"Well, you're not the only one. I'm a lot better than what I was, but there's still some areas I haven't changed in." He handed her a cup and then took his own. "A toast… to new beginnings."

She clinked her cup with his and brought it to her nose, inhaling the aroma. The odor was sweet yet powerful, and she could tell immediately that this was an exceptional vintage. She upended the glass and downed the saké in one shot, taking her first drink of alcohol in months. The liquid passed her lips, traveling smoothly down her throat and filling her with warmth, leaving no bitter aftertaste.

Tsunade smiled in the afterglow of it all. It wasn't merely the high quality alcohol that was making her giddy – it was the company that came along with it. However, she noticed Naruto wasn't smiling at all. He'd swallowed his saké and was now staring at his empty glass, fiddling with it in his hands.

The scene before her was pretty common. With the exception of the drinks, this was just like her weekly sessions with Sakura.

"So, you said you wanted to talk. What about, exactly?"

Naruto paused for a moment, then heaved a heavy sigh. "It's… about our fight. And what happened." When he raised his head to look at her, his eyes were filled with regret. "I… I wanted to apologize. And say I'm sorry. Again."

"Well, we've both done things we're sorry for. So I'll only accept your apology if you accept mine."

Naruto smiled hesitantly at her. He didn't know if that was a fair exchange, but he wasn't going to get into a bickering match over who held the most guilt. He decided it was best to just let the matter drop.

"There is… one other thing I'd like to ask you, though." Tsunade opened the top drawer to her nightstand and pulled out the note Naruto had left her. "When we were fighting, you used the word 'monster' quite a bit – and I know you weren't talking about Kurama. And then in this thing, you said its past time you told me about what really happened while you were gone – because maybe I could help you fix what was broken."

"The more I thought about it, the more I realized the two were connected somehow. But it's the monster comment that bothered me more than anything. I know what Sakura and I did was part of it, and you have a right to feel the way that you do, but… there's more to it than that. And it has to do with where you snuck off to for eight years."

Naruto took a deep, shaky breath. He still had a problem talking about that period of his life, but he needed to make things right with Tsunade, Hinata and most of all himself. At this point, he really didn't have a choice.

He rolled up his sleeves and revealed his tattoos. "Baa-chan – have you ever heard of the Mienai Segi?"

A ghost of a shiver ran down her spine when he said the name. Just before she'd stepped down as Hokage scraps of information had started to trickle in about the reclusive organization. Missions were suicidal, no matter what the level. They ranged from assassination attempts to eliminating entire strongholds of fringe cultists. Even the most seasoned elite jōnin would hesitate in taking them on, unless they had a death wish…

…which Tsunade knew Naruto most certainly did.

She stared impassively at his tattoos for a moment before answering. "Just rumors and innuendos, mostly. Nothing concrete. But I'm guessing you have."

After a brief pause, Naruto nodded his head and began his story, starting two weeks after he convinced Sasuke to return to Konoha. He'd been traveling through the mountains in-between Suna and Iwa, trying to forget his sorrow and heartache and finding no success. All he could think about was how easy it would be to take a step – just one wrong step and fall, plummeting hundreds of feet into the jagged rocks at the bottom. He'd had the same recurring thought over the last week and he'd shrugged it off time and time again, until today when he'd found himself teetering on the edge of a cliff, waiting for a gust of wind to come along and give him that last push towards ending his pitiful, empty existence.

Then a breeze caressed his back, and he knew the end was close. He could almost see Fate, ready to cut the thread of his life with a razor sharp kunai. He closed his eyes and lifted his foot ever so slightly, hoping the breeze would help him take that final step towards oblivion…

…when the peace of the moment was broken and screams echoed throughout the mountain air. He scowled and shook his head violently, trying to clear the sound from his mind.

He didn't want to deal with it. The pain, the constant struggle… He just wanted all of it to end… That's all he cared about…

A second round of screams assaulted his ears. These were laced with agony and desperation.

He ground his teeth and clenched his fists in frustration, digging his nails hard enough into his palms to draw blood. Every time… every fucking time he got close something came along and stopped him. And as much as he wanted to die, he couldn't ignore someone in need, no matter how much he tried. It just wasn't in his nature.

Within minutes he was at the source – a small camp of particularly strong bandits that had been raiding several of the surrounding villages. Women screamed as they were assaulted and raped by disgustingly filthy, scarred men. Nearby, cages were filled with children who extended their hands futilely, crying out for their mothers. It was obvious that they, along with any women who survived would be sold into slavery.

The sight sickened him so much that something deep within him snapped and surged to the surface. His anger boiled over, transforming into an unstoppable rage and he descended on the men like the Shinigami with fiery, blood red eyes. He laughed in disbelief when for a fleeting, almost infinitesimal moment the bandits thought they had a chance against him by sheer virtue of numbers.

His memory of what happened after that was mostly a blur. The last clear thing he remembered was ripping the spine out of someone he'd pinned to the ground. Afterwards, he looked coldly around at the remains of the bandits, taking in every violent and gruesome detail before releasing the women and children to return home. They fled in terror from the bloodstained monster with soulless, dead eyes who'd just slaughtered a small battalion of men without mercy or remorse.

After that, he walked to the center and collapsed wearily to his knees, surrounded by the carnage he created. And that's when Saladin found him.

Naruto didn't make a move to defend himself. Killing him would have been child's play but the overwhelming look of loss, the vacant stare of the emotionally defeated man sitting in front of him reminded Saladin too much of himself… and that perhaps, this was someone worth saving.

He introduced himself as the leader of the Mienai Segi, then looked deep within Naruto's heart and mind and saw for what he truly was – simply a good person who always thought of others before himself, but who also had been shattered and broken by someone he trusted. And the young man in front of him just didn't want to deal with the pain anymore.

For Saladin, who could sympathize with that point of view, it was enough. He offered him a chance to join the Mienai Segi, giving him direction and purpose – along with a way to channel his anger in a way to save innocent lives. The principles of strength and discipline would be his guide. He would make Naruto stronger, in order to defend those who needed protection – as well as eliminate some of the darker strains of humanity that dotted the earth, like the bandits he'd slaughtered. Survival was unlikely – the odds of him dying within a year were exceedingly high, even with the training but one thing was certain… many lives would be saved before his own was extinguished.

Naruto didn't hesitate, even for a second and accepted the offer.

He told Tsunade about his missions. The deaths of his comrades. The pain and torture he put his body through in order to grow stronger. The lifeless stares of the innocent people he couldn't save because he wasn't strong, or fast, or smart enough.

And so it went; a vicious cycle seemingly without end. He trained mercilessly. He grew far stronger than he ever thought he could. The potential for death rose with each successive mission he undertook and yet somehow, he survived. He rose through the ranks of the Mienai Segi, becoming one of the senior members placed in charge of others when they were assigned some of the more difficult missions. Eventually, he gained enough power so that no one either under his command or protection died.

But through it all, one thing never changed – and that was the look of indescribable loss in his eyes. Throughout most of his life, he'd fought to protect his precious people and he'd been betrayed by the one who was supposedly the most precious of all. If she could do it so callously, who would be next? Why even allow it to happen again?

Suddenly, it didn't matter anymore. Being dead to his emotions was better than even the slightest bit of feeling. He finally understood why Sasuke became so sullen and reclusive – he'd followed the same path, but instead of power Naruto went searching for his death. The power he'd obtained was simply a byproduct.

In the end it was that power, coupled with his lack of emotion that created a monster without remorse or concern. One powerful enough to wipe out a village, an army… or even make a single person disappear without a trace. It could be silent, or show itself with an overwhelming display of deadly force. And with every passing month he kept feeding the monster, making it stronger and pushing himself closer to the brink. Each day he took another step towards the edge of that cliff he almost went over.

Hinata was the one who pulled him back from that edge. Hikaru was the one who helped him walk away from it. And his two unborn children made sure he'd never go near that edge again. Every single one of them gave new meaning to his life.

He was Hokage now. The people of Konoha were under his protection. They gave him purpose and direction. He had friends once again. Sasuke even thought of him not only as a rival, but as a brother – something Naruto had wanted since their first days at the academy.

Tsunade sat motionless in her bed, hands clasping her saké cup in front of her. Occasionally she would wince at some of the more gruesome and sensitive parts of his story. She waited patiently, watching and listening as Naruto explained his eight years of trials and tribulations, but now she felt the need to speak up.

"So if that's all true," she asked, interrupting him, "then why aren't you happy?"

Naruto glared at her. "What the hell are you talking about?"

Tsunade rolled her eyes and snorted. "Don't insult my intelligence, gaki. You may have joked about how I'm getting senile during our fight, but my brain and ears work just fine. For almost an hour now, you've went on and on about everything that happened while you were gone from the village, and then wrapped it all up by spending five or ten minutes talking about all the good things you have now in your life."

"So what? I was gone from the village for eight years. I've been back for less than a year, so how much I talk about each one is gonna be lopsided."

"Bullshit. You would have spent an equal amount of time on both. And then there's our fight."

"What about it?" he asked flatly.

"I've had a lot of time to think about it over the last week or so, since Sakura won't let me do anything else while I'm lying here in bed." Tsunade wasn't going to beat around the bush with any of this. What Naruto needed right now was the blunt and honest truth. "I knew going into that fight my chances were slim to none, but I did it anyway and you know why? Part of it was the prize you offered, but most of it was because I agreed with what you said. We weren't getting anywhere with you being angry, and me feeling guilty all the time. And if beating the crap out of me was going to help us both, then…"

Naruto began to protest but she held up her hand, stopping him. "Don't. You had a right to be angry. I deserved everything I got and more. But during the fight, you could have pushed me a lot harder than you did. You could have hit me a lot more than you did. Hell, there was even half a dozen times when you could have knocked me out but you were holding back – a lot." Tsunade snorted at her own overconfidence. "I'm one of the Sannin, but even I knew I was outclassed when you pulled that massive jutsu out of your ass at the end."

"This fight was supposed to make things better, but the only thing that's changed is that I'm here in the hospital, you've forgiven me and you're feeling guilty about it all, which you shouldn't." Tsunade pointed an accusatory finger at him. "But you're not any happier, and I think you should ask yourself why."

Her tone was like a slap in the face. There was an uncomfortable silence for a minute or so as he thought about what she said, trying to come up with a suitable answer. He closed his eyes and rubbed his temples, dissatisfied with the one he came up with, but he really didn't have anything better.

"I… I don't know. I guess I'm still having a hard time trusting people. After what happened with Sakura… and even the people I worked with in the Mienai Segi… I learned to trust them. I had to basically, but even that's come back to bite me in the ass. There's four or five of them out there right now that went rogue. They killed Saladin, and I'm sure they're coming after me and Hanari next – maybe even my family."

"I'm just… I think I'm just afraid to feel again." He shook his head. "No, that's wrong. I think I'm afraid to feel more again. I learned the hard way about misplacing my trust and… love with people. I always did things a certain way, believing I knew what I was doing but then, what happened with Sakura… After that, I shut myself down emotionally because it was easier to deal with life that way. I've gone so long keeping my guard up, building wall after wall around me that I don't know how to tear them down."

Naruto drew a shaky breath, trying to keep himself steady and in control but with each passing word, it grew more difficult. "I know what I've become. I'm not in denial about it. I've gone from someone who always tried to talk things out to being someone who can kill without a second thought. I'm not the warm and fuzzy person I used to be. Instead I'm this mistrusting, harsh, unfeeling monster and sometimes I don't know where that monster ends, and where the REAL me should start. I'm scared to death that it'll get out and hurt somebody, and I want it gone before something like that happens but to be honest, I don't think I know how."

"Hinata loves me more than anything, and I know I love her. She married me knowing how damaged I am. If there's anyone I should trust, it's her. I mean, she almost sacrificed her life for me when Pain attacked. She took care of Hikaru for eight years and now she's pregnant with twins, but… I'm still afraid. I know it's stupid and irrational, but I wonder all the time about her leaving me." He laughed bitterly and placed his head in his hands. "It's ironic, isn't it? I used to be the eternal optimist, but now I can't stop being a pessimist. I've got so much good in my life and I still keep looking for the bad."

As Tsunade listened to the upset, confused and frightened blond pour his heart out, her eyes moistened and an ache developed in her chest. Naruto never gave up, and never went back on his word – it was his nindō. So when he committed himself to something, he did so wholeheartedly, with every fiber of his being… and that included his relationship with both her and Sakura.

The two of them didn't just break his heart, they'd broken all of him – and what little of his emotions that remained weren't being given the opportunity to grow. The problem was that Naruto was unintentionally starving those emotions, keeping them from getting strong again because he didn't think he could survive being hurt a second time.

Tsunade knew without a doubt that Naruto hadn't talked with Hinata about any of this. Right now he sounded confused, embarrassed and frightened and for whatever the reason, he'd come to her in confidence and there was no way she'd betray that trust. Naruto was going to need lots of help – Hinata and Hikaru should be his main focus and source of inspiration, but she needed to support him behind the scenes, convincing and encouraging him to keep going.

She also knew a gentle approach wouldn't work with Naruto in his current state. He needed an ice-cold bucket of reality thrown in his face to get things moving.

"Naruto, your problem isn't that complicated. You're just afraid – and asking for help is such a foreign concept to you that you didn't even think about it in the first place until you felt guilty about kicking the shit out of me."

"Huh?" Naruto blinked a few times in surprise. "Hey, that's not true. I've thought…"

"What's not true? Because out of every single memory I have of you leaping headlong into a fight, not once did you ask for help. Oh sure, you were offered help and half of the time you didn't turn it down, but I can't remember you ever asking for help from the get-go. You're doing the same thing now as you did back then – and I'm pretty much an expert at spotting something like that, because it's the same thing that I did for almost twenty years."

"Okay, you lost me. Even if I believed what you're saying – which I don't, by the way – how in the world is my situation even remotely similar to what you think happened to you?"

"Because they are you stupid, hardheaded, pain in the ass!" Tsunade yelled in frustration. "Nawaki just turned twelve when he ran into an explosive trap and died. A few years later during the second shinobi war Dan was injured and died in my arms. I would have done anything to save them but in the end, all I did was fail. After that, I decided loving anyone would only lead to more misery." Her face was suddenly lined with the same weariness and regret that Naruto had shown earlier. "The only difference between you and me was that you wanted to die, but I… I just wanted to forget."

"So I took Dan's niece Shizune and left the village, gambling my life away and drowning myself in alcohol any chance I got." She must have realized how depressing this all must have sounded, because the look in her eyes softened before she continued. "It wasn't until some loudmouthed, ignorant brat came along, shouting at the top of his lungs about how he'd achieve the impossible that I even considered the possibility of caring about someone like that again."

Tsunade reached out and cupped the side of his face. "When I look at you I see Minato's strength in your eyes and Kushina's tenacity in your heart. I see Jiraiya, and his legacy that lives on in you. I see my little brother Nawaki, and his dream of becoming Hokage. And I know they'd all agree with me when I say how very proud I am of you and what you've accomplished."

She quirked her lips and gave him a playful slap on the cheek, like she was trying to knock some sense into him. "But your main problem is exactly the same as I used to have. You're not going to get better if you don't open up more and start trusting people. You finally have something worth living for. You have a family, but you haven't truly embraced that fact because you don't want to risk it. You're terrified of what it would mean if you lost them, and you can't be happy if you're constantly expecting the worst."

"You don't want to trust me? Or Kakashi? Or even Iruka? Fine. But you should at least trust Hinata, so start with her. Don't just tell her you love her, show her. Flowers are nice but physical contact, like hugs are even better. Talk to her, even about the littlest things that happen during your day. If you're feeling up to it, maybe you can even talk about some of the things you mentioned here tonight. You might not want to burden other people with your problems, but you and I both know she's in a better position to help you than I am."

"Hinata has her own fears. Some of them went away when you two were married, but that doesn't mean new ones haven't popped up. She needs someone to talk to, just like you do and that means a little bit of give and take on both sides. Sharing means a lot to a woman, especially one that's pregnant." Tsunade smiled warmly. "So stop being passive and do something… anything, even if it's small." She chastised him. "You'll be surprised at how much of an impact it'll have on both your lives."

Naruto was having a hard time believing the answer was as simple as that. "You think that's all it'll take?" he asked sarcastically.

"Honestly? No, I don't. Little things like this will help, but you'll need something big to make a real impact. One thing I do know is that you're not helping matters any by sitting there like a bump on a log. So while you're waiting for whatever this big event is to come along, take the initiative with Hinata. She's waited for you and loved you without question for most of her life, so she deserves to be the first person you open up emotionally to."

Naruto swallowed thickly. The answer might be simple, but that didn't mean it was going to be easy. In fact, it might just be one of the hardest things he'd ever done. He nodded slowly in agreement. "I'll try."

"Good. Then let me be the first in what will hopefully be a long line of people." Tsunade motioned for him to come closer and he did so hesitantly, moving from his chair to the side of her bed. She scrunched her face a bit as a twinge of pain lanced through her side, but she pushed it aside and sat up, wrapping her arms comfortingly around him.

"I love you, gaki. You mean more to me than anything. I should've realized that years ago, but promise I know it now. And I swear I'll never forget it again."

Naruto froze for a moment before returning the gesture. "I love you too, Baa-chan. And thank you for listening to me. And for helping me. I… I really appreciate it."

The hug was nice and very much needed, but as the moment stretched on Naruto realized Tsunade wasn't going to end it. He'd have to be the one to do it and fortunately enough, he had a good excuse to use.

"So…" he said, grinning impishly, "how about we finish off that bottle of saké? I'm going to need something to help me sleep tonight, since Hinata still has me using the couch."

---

"Are you implying that you will not honor the agreement that you yourself signed, honored elder?"

The question had been asked by Hiashi Hyūga, current head of the Hyūga clan who was sitting in his position of authority at the front of the room. To his right were seated the nine members other than himself who made up the Hyūga council, including the person he'd just addressed who happened to be the head elder.

She also happened to be an old, crotchety, stodgy, crusty, inflexible pain in the ass, even by Hyūga standards. Privately, Hiashi despised her – even more so recently, since after his conversations with Naruto, he'd come to realize how much she'd influenced his life and shaped his personality since his beloved Hitomiko had died.

The people seated on his left were his immediate family. Being the heir to the clan, Neji was closest. Normally Hanabi would be next but she had generously given up that position to Tenten. She was seated third, and Konohamaru was next to her in the fourth position.

But it was the next two that was irritating half of the elders and causing the tension in the room to rise.

Hinata, who was still disowned by the clan, was at the very end in the sixth seat. But in-between her and Konohamaru in the fifth seat sat the current Hokage of Konoha, Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze. He was leaning back in his chair with his feet propped up on the table in front of him, arms crossed over his chest as he noisily ate a plate of dango that had been provided at his request.

Hiashi frowned at his son-in-law. He knew Naruto didn't have a proper upbringing but this behavior was unacceptable, even for him. Just as he opened his mouth to address the Hokage's horrible lack of decorum, Neji passed him a note.

He's doing it on purpose to unsettle the elders. He has something planned. We should let it play out for now.

Hiashi chided himself silently for missing something so subtle – although, having Neji recognize it was comforting in its own way. It meant that he would be a strong and effective leader of the clan, and bring about the change that was so desperately needed. He smiled inwardly, grateful that Naruto convinced him to take this path several months ago.

Hizashi, you would be proud of your son. I only wish you were here to see this, brother.

"I am implying nothing, Hiashi." The head elder glared at him and sneered. "But I find it very… interesting that the agreement to have Neji Hyūga succeed you as next head of the clan was predicated on removal of the caged bird seal. You assured us at the time we signed the document that no such solution existed. The council verified the truth of this statement and yet, we are gathered here because the impossible somehow became… possible."

"Hiashi…" Naruto noisily ate the last piece of dango and gestured dramatically towards the woman with the now empty skewer. "…who is this?"

"This is…"

"I can answer for myself Hiashi, thank you very much," the woman replied tartly. "I am Nezumi Hyūga, head elder of the clan." She bowed her head ever so slightly in respect. "It's a… pleasure to meet you, Lord Hokage."

Naruto recognized the forced undertone in her greeting – and he was sure no one else missed it either. She was probably only going that far because Hyūga manners dictated she do so. Not that he cared about her opinion of him in the slightest.

"Ah… so this is the infamous Nezumi Hyūga that I've heard soooo much about. In that case, the pleasure is obviously mine." Naruto replied mockingly. "I am curious, though – are you the head elder because you're the oldest, or the strongest? I'm guessing it's the former, but I've learned from experience not to assume anything."

Nezumi scowled at him. "I will ignore your comment in deference to your position, Lord Hokage. Your insolence aside please tell us, why is she here?" She extended her arm and pointed a bony, arthritic ridden finger at Hinata.

"Who, Hinata-hime?" Naruto purposely added the honorific, knowing it would irritate the old crone to no end. "Oh, she's here because I'm a member of this clan and she's my wife so naturally, I invited her to attend this meeting. Besides, as the First Lady of Konoha, she probably outranks you anyways." He cocked an eyebrow and looked towards the person seated in the position closest to Hiashi. "Wouldn't you agree, Neji?"

The future head of the clan sat stone faced, with his back ramrod straight. He was the picture of Hyūga propriety – with the notable exception of his lips, which were twitching as he struggled to suppress his laughter. Hanabi, Tenten and Konohamaru weren't faring much better.

As for Hinata, she couldn't help but smile. Fortunately enough, it was hidden by her bangs as she bowed her head. Her husband may not be the most tactful person around, but he always supported and defended her without a second thought – plus, she knew what he was doing right now was partially for her benefit. The remainder was for Neji and the rest of the branch family. She couldn't speak, so she opted instead to send a wave of gratitude to him through the seal on her hand.

Knowing she was thanking him, Naruto took a cue from his talk with Tsunade and sent back thoughtfulness, along with an incredibly powerful amount of love.

Hinata felt the warmth of his response creep up her arm and her face flushed. If he kept this up, tonight might end up being the perfect night for putting her plan into motion. And it wasn't like he didn't deserve it, especially after the debriefing in his office the day after he returned from Kirigakure, which of course she insisted on attending…

***Flashback***

"So you're saying you settled things with Lady Tsunade?"

"Yeah." Naruto said ruefully. "Last night, I used the Hiraishin to come back a couple of hours early so I could get the jump on talking to Baa-chan, but our conversation ran way longer than expected. I think the bottle of saké we polished off might've have something to do with that." He waved his hand dismissively. "Anyway, by the time I got home you were already asleep and I didn't want to wake you up. I saw the pillow and blankets on the couch so I kissed your forehead and went to sleep myself. I figured I'd talk to you first thing in the morning, and here we are."

A light shade of pink dusted her cheeks. Hinata thought she'd imagined that. She swiveled her head towards one of the two other people currently in the Hokage's office. The first was Kakashi, and the second would give her the unbiased, plain and honest truth about everything that… transpired during the trip.

"Lee, tell me… was Naruto-kun on his best behavior while he was in Kiri?"

Lee struck a nice guy pose and gave her a thumbs-up. "Absolutely, Hinata-chan! Naruto-kun was a picture of graciousness and professionalism during the entire time we were in Kirigakure."

"I see." She cast a sidelong glance at Naruto out of the corner of her eye. "So then, any flirtatious overtures by the Mizukage towards my husband were immediately rebuffed by him?"

Lee blinked owlishly. Her line of questioning wasn't really making much sense to him. "Well, she did seem overly friendly towards Naruto-kun at first, but that all changed after our taijutsu spar."

Hinata didn't like the sound of that. "Are you saying that Naruto-kun participated in a taijutsu spar with the Mizukage?"

"No, not at all." Lee gestured wildly with his hands as he explained. "As we all know, Naruto-kun loves to train so the morning after we arrived in Kiri, he made a very youthful suggestion to have a friendly taijutsu match. Upon hearing this, the Mizukage and her assistant Chojuro decided to come along and observe, since I am one of the foremost taijutsu masters in the world – after Guy-sensei, of course." He scrunched his forehead as a thought suddenly occurred to him. "You know, I didn't realize it at the time, but she was rather insistent about it…"

Hinata glared at Naruto, who was leaning casually back in his chair, arms crossed in front of his chest with a smirk on his face. He seemed unconcerned about anything Lee was saying.

Kakashi hadn't moved. His nose was still buried in his Icha Icha novel. Hinata absently noted it was the next one in the series she was reading.

"So what happened during this taijutsu spar you had with my husband?"

"Well, nothing significant really. Our flames of youth were burning brightly that morning, that much is certain. We began with some light blows, testing the limits of how far our training has taken us before we decided to fight with the zeal that only truly dedicated shinobi can realize through countless hours of hard work."

"Naruto-kun's speed was quite impressive, and he has certainly improved since I fought him last." He nodded his head towards Naruto in praise. "There were times when I entertained the thought of opening the First Gate in order to keep up with him, but that would have been very unyouthful of me. We agreed not to overdo it, meaning I could not open any of my gates and Naruto-kun could not use Sage Mode or the Kyubi-san's power."

Hinata nodded solemnly – not so much in acknowledgement of Lee's rambling story, but rather that her husband learned his lesson after what happened with Tsunade.

"Our battle was fierce! The power and ferocity behind our movements surely would have broken a lesser shinobi, but Naruto-kun and I knew that we were strong enough for a contest such as this!" As his explanation continued and he became more and more excited, Lee began to pantomime the fighting moves both he and Naruto used in the fight. "I threw a few punches, then he followed up with a roundhouse kick towards my stomach and several backflips, then I moved behind him to attack what I thought was his blindspot but he tricked me with a shadow clone! Then he appeared right behind me andtriedtopunchmykidneys, and then BOOM! He missed me and madeacraterintheground…"

"Lee! Lee, stop!" Hinata said in exasperation. "I appreciate your enthusiastic storytelling, but perhaps we can dispense with the finer details for the moment and just focus on the important aspects?"

Lee calmed down and bowed his head. "Of course, Hinata-chan. I'm sorry I let my youthful passion get the best of me. Anyway, we were evenly matched throughout most of the fight, except for one point midway through the match when he used a particularly strong and concentrated wind jutsu against me. I barely managed to dodge, but a good portion of my outfit was destroyed."

"It would have been unyouthful for me to ask to stop the fight so that I could change into one of my spare outfits so I continued on. The battle was long and arduous but in the end we fought to a draw." Lee actually flushed a bit in embarrassment. "I was rather sweaty and in desperate need of a shower, but the Mizukage insisted on walking me back to the hotel we were staying in. I couldn't understand why she was suddenly far more interested in my company than Naruto-kun's, but then she asked me to join her for dinner, and…"

Hinata was only barely listening to him at the moment. With the sole exception of her husband, Lee was probably the most physically fit shinobi in all of Konoha and it didn't take a genius to figure out that Naruto had purposely shredded Lee's outfit during the fight, giving the Mizukage an eyeful of the taijutsu master's glistening and extremely ripped physique. Naruto, clad in his heavy shirt and Hokage robe quickly became an afterthought after that. Unfortunately for Lee, that little fact sailed right over his head…

…that is, until the door slammed open to reveal Arekusu, eyes burning red with rage.

"Kusu-chan!" Lee exclaimed in surprise. "I thought you were training with Guy-sensei…"

"Quit trying to change the subject! Are you saying that you spent time with the Mizukage after she watched you fight Hokage-sama without a shirt on? And then you joined her for dinner?"

"Well yes, but…"

"Why didn't you tell her no?" she growled.

Lee blinked owlishly at her as if that was the strangest question ever. "If I had declined her dinner invitation, along with her requests during the rest of the week to accompany her on several tours throughout the village, it would have been rude, Kusu-chan."

A tick developed over her eye. "And was the Mizukage hanging on your arm during these… tours, Lee-kun?"

"Of course, Kusu-chan!" he exclaimed, smiling brilliantly. "A true gentleman always extends…"

***End Flashback***

Lee was unconscious when Arekusu dragged him out of the office. Hinata discovered afterwards that Naruto had sensed Arekusu outside his door from the start, but decided to keep quiet because he was in enough hot water as it was. She wasn't happy about making Lee the sacrificial lamb, and she felt a little guilty for thinking this way but if it was a choice between Lee or her husband entertaining the Mizukage while they were in Kiri, she definitely preferred Lee.

The only problem with that plan was sometimes their friend was much too honest and noble for his own good.

Hinata also realized how silly it was to think Naruto would ever entertain advances from another woman. By the time he'd gotten home that night, she'd decided to forgive him. He was off the couch and back in their bed and besides, it felt really nice to be able to snuggle with him again. Now that she didn't have to worry anymore, maybe she could finally get some sleep.

"I don't believe I heard you correctly, elder." Hiashi said icily, breaking Hinata out of her musings and bringing her attention back around to the meeting. "Are you insinuating that you have personal knowledge of a plot to end Neji's life once he becomes leader of this clan?"

"Not in the slightest, Hiashi." Nezumi said casually, but also with an underlying mocking tone. "I'm merely suggesting that life in general isn't very safe. Accidents can and do happen. To anyone, at any time."

It was technically a half-truth and in a family full of the Byakugan, many Hyūga build their lives around statements such as these. But Hiashi would have to be a complete idiot not to believe that within an hour of leaving this meeting she, along with the other people on the council who followed her around like lapdogs would come up with some way to kill Neji, Tenten and their unborn child and make it look like an accident.

He looked over at his family, and they appeared to share the same sentiment. Both Neji and Tenten had blanched at the implications of Nezumi's statement. Hinata and Hanabi stiffened, but managed to maintain their Hyūga propriety. Being a clan head himself, Konohamaru was scowling but otherwise managed to maintain his poise.

However, Naruto wasn't happy… and anyone in the room who dared to look his way knew it.

Kurama… are you alseep?

Definitely not asleep, although I will admit my focus was elsewhere while you were exchanging veiled insults with the withered female. I began to pay more attention once your blood pressure and pulse rate began to spike.

I had good reason for that. You heard what she said?

Even if I didn't, I have complete access to your memories. I'm well aware of what she said, and also what she didn't.

Then you should know that Hokage or not, there's no way I'm letting that go. She needs to be set straight about what happens when someone threatens my precious people. And I need your help to do it.

My help? May I ask why?

There are four other elders on the council who are traditionalists, and they all blindly support Nezumi and every decision she makes, no matter what. That'll include some sort of secret plot to kill Neji, and probably Tenten and their baby. They need to know that if they have even a sliver of a thought of doing something like that – if I catch even a whiff that they're involved, evidence or not they'll have to deal with me… and in turn, you.

"And it only stands to reason that holding such a position as leader of the Hyūga clan," Nezumi continued, "which is without a doubt the most prestigious and powerful out of all the clans in Konoha, would increase the frequency of such… accidents."

I'm intrigued. What did you have in mind?

How'd you like to make a personal appearance? I mean sure, I can use your chakra if I want to but let's face it – when it comes to terrifying people, you're way better at it than I am and I don't want to leave anything to chance. I want these people to shit themselves with fear. Just make sure they don't pass out.

I have to agree with you on that point. I certainly have far more experience than you in this area. And since the chakra belongs to me, my control far surpasses yours so it will be easier for me to accomplish what you're asking for.

Then when I give the signal, you can take over for a little bit. Just keep the scope of what you're doing small. Can you limit the area you're affecting to the meeting room only, and focus on the Hyūga council?

I can, but you're being a spoilsport.

C'mon, Kurama. The last thing I need is everyone in Konoha panicking because they think you've gotten loose again. We both know things are different now, but old habits die hard. Deal?

Fine, the fox huffed in disappointment. You have a deal. I'll be ready when you are, Naruto.

"I'm sure there are several elders who sit on the council who would agree with my assessment." Nezumi finished, looking smugly between Hiashi and Neji. "Wouldn't you…"

"Hiashi," Naruto interrupted, sounding unusually formal. In fact, it was so out of character that everyone stopped what they were doing and turned to stare at him in undisguised shock.

Naruto's eyes were now a deep, cobalt blue and they burned with a cold fire, focused to a knifepoint intensity that no one else in the room, other than Hinata had ever seen. The temperature in the room had dropped a few degrees from the power he was leaking. His back was rigid, making his height only an inch or two higher than Konohamaru and Neji but the ominous presence hovering in the air behind him made him seem so much larger.

There was no doubt that right now, he was every bit the Hokage of Konoha.

"I'm sorry for my rudeness, but I have an immediate need to speak to Hinata in private." He bowed his head apologetically. "I would ask that you allow us to be excused for a few minutes to do so."

Hiashi and Neji glanced quizzically at each other, wondering what could be so important for Naruto to break protocol and temporarily leave a meeting that he himself had specifically asked to attend. But then Hiashi remembered Neji's note and realized that there was a hidden purpose behind everything Naruto was doing tonight.

"While it is rather unorthodox, you have my permission for a brief counsel." He bowed his head in response. "However, I would ask that you return as quickly as possible."

"Thank you." Naruto stood and extended a hand to Hinata, who stared at him curiously but took it and allowed him to lead her out of the room.

"Hinata, I'd like you to do me a favor," he said once the door was closed behind them. "I need you to take Tenten and Hanabi out of the meeting."

She pressed her lips together disapprovingly. Visions of what happened with Tsunade flashed through her mind. She felt like she was being dismissed again. "May I ask why, Naruto-kun?"

"Nezumi, and everyone else like who thinks like her on the Hyūga council need to know what happens when someone threatens people who are precious to me." Naruto grinned sadistically. "Kurama and I decided he should make an appearance and have a little… chat with them."

Oh. "That still doesn't explain why you need us to leave."

"Well, all of you are pregnant but Tenten and Hanabi are farther along than you are." The grin vanished from his face and Naruto rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "I'm just concerned that they might go into early labor. What he's gonna do will be pretty intense."

Hinata felt better after hearing his explanation. Naruto was only thinking about both them and their babies' health. But still…

"Whatever Kurama plans on doing, will he be directing it towards us?"

He shook his head. "No, but there might be some sort of residual effect. He told me he can keep it confined to the meeting room, so if all of you aren't there…"

Hinata took a step closer and placed her hand on his chest. "I understand your reasoning, Naruto-kun. And I appreciate your concern. But we will stay."

He blanched at her response. "I'd rather not chance it, Hinata. I…"

"Naruto-kun," she interrupted him firmly. "You made a point of saying earlier that I'm the First Lady of Konoha. That position alone holds a wealth of responsibilities, but I am also the former heiress of this clan, and so is Hanabi. Even more importantly, we are both Hyūga, and Tenten is about to become the First Lady of this clan."

"We will not show weakness in front of the council," she said sternly, "and Tenten will not be forced to face them alone. The three of us will not be cowed or scared. We will stand united. We will stay."

"Hinata, I…"

Naruto. Your mate has made this discussion pointless. My advice would be not to argue any further and agree with her.

"Kurama? Have you gone as insane as Shukaku?"

Not in the least – and I find that comment rather insulting. Even if I suffered a traumatic blow to the head I'd still be far and away his intellectual superior. Regardless, your mate is correct. A show of weakness at this point, especially for the three females would be catastrophic, considering each one of them holds positions of power and influence. However, if they act in accordance with the titles they hold, then they should be fine.

He furrowed his brow in confusion. "What are you talking about? How is that even possible?"

I doubt what I'm going to do will affect them. Perhaps on a fringe level, but not enough to initiate the birth process. They just need to remain united with their strength. If they are not afraid of me – and I will not give them a reason to be – then you have my word they will not be in any danger. Inform your mate, and have her tell the other two females.

Naruto still wasn't sure about this – to be honest, he was dead set against it but he also knew that once Hinata made up her mind about something, she could be unreasonably stubborn. Plus, Kurama had given his word which was basically like a blood oath for humans.

He glanced skeptically at Hinata, who was staring guardedly back at him. "Sorry. Kurama and I were just having a heated discussion."

"I assumed as much when you mentioned his name," she said, quirking her lips. "Unlike you, I actually listen to what my spouse has to say."

"Low blow, Hime. Anyway, Kurama said that as long as the three of you aren't afraid of him – and he won't do anything that'll give you a reason to be – everything should be fine. But that doesn't mean I'm still not worried about this."

Even if he hadn't said it, Hinata could hear the concern in his voice. She appreciated how protective he was being, not only for her, but for the rest of her immediate family.

"I know you are, Naruto-kun. But I trust you." She stared into his eyes with unquestioned devotion. "I believe in you. And I know that Kurama would never do anything to hurt us."

The look she gave him melted away any objections he might have. He just needed to make sure the rest of what he planned went off without a hitch, since he was basically winging it because of what Nezumi said.

He took a deep, calming breath and smiled at her. "Okay, then. Let's get back in there and get this over with. Besides, I have a surprise for you at the end of all this, and I think you're going to like it."

Hinata glanced curiously at him, but didn't ask anything further. She opened the door to the meeting room and noticed that the 'discussion' hadn't diminished in the slightest – the subtle jabs and barbs were still flying between Nezumi and her father. Neji had regained some of the color in his face, but Tenten was still a bit pale and was holding her hands protectively over her belly.

"You are overstepping your bounds, Hiashi." Nezumi said crisply. "Your accusations are unfounded, and given the opportunity I would call for a vote to remove you from your position. However, I know that will be fruitless since we are honor bound to instate Neji as the next head of the clan. But even if that were not true, I only have half of the votes required so at best, it would be a stalemate."

Without giving Hiashi a chance to reply, Nezumi gave Naruto and Hinata a withering stare. "Glad you could rejoin us, Lord Hokage. Although I wonder what could have been so urgent that you decided to leave a meeting as important as this one to talk with your wife."

If she was trying to intimidate Naruto and Hinata, it didn't work in the slightest. And the fact that she referred to Hinata as 'his wife', and not by her name or as Lady Hokage was a pretty blatant insult. However, both of them apparently decided Nezumi wasn't worth their time or effort. Hinata made a beeline for where Hanabi was sitting, while Naruto moved to stand in the middle of the room.

"Hiashi. Once again, I apologize for breaking protocol but I have a few questions that need answering. Could you please point out to me the elders who are putting up the most resistance to abolishing the caged bird seal?"

Hiashi glanced over at Hinata who was now sitting between Hanabi and Tenten, whispering something in their ears. He turned back and saw Naruto staring expectantly at him, eager to hear his answer.

Actually, he seemed almost too eager. And Hinata had reached out to join hands with Hanabi and Tenten, their faces impassive.

Naruto is up to something. Tenten, Hinata and Hanabi are bracing themselves for it. And there's no way I can stop it without giving anything away, or making it look like I'm involved.

Thank Kami Neji was taking over as head of the clan, because his nerves were just about shot. He grumbled silently and pointed out five people on the council, the last being Nezumi.

"Are these also the people who don't believe Neji should be the next leader of the Hyūga clan, and voted against Hinata being reinstated?"

He nodded. "They are the same group of people, yes."

Nezumi was through being ignored. "Not that it matters any, but what reason do you have for asking the identity of certain members of the council?"

"Me?" Naruto shrugged nonchalantly. "None. But I have a friend who's very interested in talking to the five of you."

"And who might this… friend of yours be?"

Here we go, Kurama. Try not to scar them for life.

I think you've known me long enough to realize that's a virtual certainty, Naruto. And they more than likely deserve it anyways.

It started like a heartbeat. Slow. Steady. Gradual. Every pulse a slight increase in the power that was wrapped around Naruto like an invisible cloud. Any Hyūga that activated their Byakugan could have seen it easily, but since it was considered rude and insulting to do so in the council chambers without permission, all they could do was blindly watch and wait.

Tenten and Neji glanced apprehensively at each other. They recognized this chakra signature from the war, when they helped Naruto defeat Obito using nine Ōdama Rasengan. But even though that chakra was powerful, it was warm and soothing. This was different. It felt far more… menacing.

The hairs on the back of their necks stood on end, as if the air was charged with static electricity. Pressure formed behind the eyes of every Hyūga, like they had overused their Byakugan. Everyone else merely suffered a nagging headache. The temperature of the room was both hot and cold. People were sweating and shivering at the same time.

The younger members of the council had no idea what was going on. To them, the blonde was merely putting on a display, showcasing why he was the Hokage of Konoha. However, those who were old enough to remember the attack on Konoha over twenty seven years ago recognized the power for what it was.

Monster.

The whisker marks on his cheeks grew more pronounced. His fingernails became elongated and turned into claws. His hair appeared to have a wilder, more feral look about it. He closed his eyes… and suddenly, the invisible aura surrounding him turned into an angry, red chakra. It bubbled and seethed, like it was ready to boil over and erupt.

MONSTER.

The chakra pressure in the room was close to stifling. The mind of every Hyūga council member screamed at them to run, to get away from here as fast as possible, but their bodies were rooted to the spot in fear from the incredible power Naruto was emitting.

When he opened his eyes, they were no longer blue. They were as red as the chakra surrounding his body, and his pupils were now vertical slits. He grinned venomously, showing a deadly set of fangs that seemed perfect for ripping someone's throat out.

"HUMANS."

The weight behind that single, spoken word made every heart seize for a brief moment. An image formed in the air behind the Hokage… Red fur shimmering in a haze of power. Serrated teeth, each at least eight feet tall. And a pair of glowing, yellow eyes that looked down on humanity as if they were nothing more than scurrying ants that could be crushed at any time, for any reason ranging from annoyance to amusement.

They were the eyes of an alpha predator… an ancient being of immense size… the Kyūbi no Yōko… and there was nothing that escaped their notice.

The council stared in horror as a single tail formed behind him. He took an almost casual step and the floor underneath his foot fractured, traveling outward in a spiderweb pattern. Several Hyūga stared dumbfounded at the sight, since the floor was three feet of solid concrete and he was breaking it as easily as swatting a fly.

Another tail formed with each successive step he took. And another. And another. As he walked down the line of councilmembers, his tails lazily reached out and almost caressed their faces – never actually touching them, but coming close enough so that they could feel the heat being given off by his demon chakra. Even so, there were spots on some of the fairer skinned people that turned red, like they just suffered a pinpoint case of sunburn.

By the time he reached the head of the table, six tails were visible and every Hyūga was frozen in fear, terrified to move even an inch, lest the Kyūbi turn their full attention towards them. Visions of their lives ending as their still beating hearts were pulled from their chests and munched on like an afternoon snack between gigantic razor sharp teeth flashed before their eyes.

Nezumi however, somehow managed to maintain her rationality – as well as her sense of arrogance. Inwardly, she was scared… maybe not as much as the rest of the council, but there was no way she'd allow anyone to see her even the slightest bit weak and vulnerable.

"So, the demon of Konoha decides to show himself. To what do we owe the honor of this visit?"

"Save your false pleasantries." Kurama growled. "I may not have your eyes, but identifying when someone is lying to me is child's play."

Nezumi snorted. "Very well, then. I was under the assumption that our Hokage had you confined, and was in control of both you and your power. Tell me, just when did all that change?"

"You are the one who is mistaken, human. While your Hokage is now able to control my power, he does not now, nor has he ever controlled me." The walls echoed with his sinister laughter. "However, I will admit that our points of view… intersect from time to time."

"And that means what?"

"What bothers him, bothers me. What is important to him, is important to me. And what is precious to him, is also precious to me." Kurama turned and pointed a finger at Hiashi, then swept it across everyone on the other side of room. "These humans are under my protection. And unlike the one sitting at the head of the room, I will not banter about with insinuations or accusations."

One of the council members finally worked up enough courage to make a break for the exit. Just before she reached the door one of Kurama's tails lashed out and embedded itself in the wall, dislodging several chunks of concrete and blocking her escape.

"I don't believe I've given you permission to leave just yet."

She trembled violently as she stared at him in horror. A second later her eyes rolled up in her head and she passed out.

I warned you not to push things too far, Kurama.

And I'm having fun, Naruto. Try not to ruin it by restating the obvious.

He leaned down and stared balefully at Nezumi. "If any of those humans perish… and I suspect the circumstances are through questionable means… I will hold you, along with the other four humans that have been identified as the ones responsible."

"A lack of evidence will not forestall me. Whether you are to blame or not will be irrelevant. I will do things to you that even that human Orochimaru would consider unreasonably cruel and vicious. And I will make sure that afterwards, no one – not even the best trackers in the elemental nations – will find what's left of you." Kurama leaked out some killing intent. Sweat began to pour down the foreheads of several of the council members.

"Do all of you understand?" he asked, glancing sidelong at everyone sitting at the table.

They all nodded their heads vigorously – except for Nezumi, who merely frowned. Any help she might have had killing Neji and making it look like an accident just went up in flames. She didn't care, though – it just meant now she'd have to do it all by herself.

Kurama saw this and lost interest in threatening her. He could do far more, certainly – but it would affect everyone else in the room… and the compound… and probably a good portion of Konoha as well. Besides, with what Naruto had planned, she wasn't going to be a problem very much longer.

He turned on his heel and moved to stand in front of Hiashi, making sure the floor didn't shatter this time when he took each step. There was no further need for displays of power since he'd gotten his point across.

The current clan head paled as he stared at the image in front of him; six tails swaying lazily behind the man wrapped in red chakra. Visions of what happened on the night of Naruto and Hinata's wedding flashed through his mind.

"You have just been given a valuable gift, human. You are now counted among those your Hokage considers precious to him." Kurama fixed him with a piercing stare. "Do not make him come to regret his decision."

Hiashi sweatdropped at the implied threat and bowed his head. "You have my word that I will not. Thank you, Kyūbi-sama."

"I am not the one you should be thanking." He continued on, his gaze lingering over Neji and Tenten before settling on Hinata. He found it interesting that even though he could sense some level of fear coming off of everyone else in the room, she wasn't afraid of him in the least. She sat straight and tall, unflinching as he seemed to scrutinize her.

Kurama smiled, but this one seemed less predatory and more… appreciative. He slowly reached out a clawed hand toward her face, and as he got closer the chakra surrounding his hand changed from red to golden.

"For what you have done – what you have both given and sacrificed for him – you have my respect and gratitude." He traced the claw along the line of her jawbone, almost purring as he did so. "Do not give up on him. It may not seem like it at times, but you have made a positive impact on his life. He needs you more than you know."

"You don't have to thank me, Kyūbi-sama," she said warmly, bowing her head slightly. "I love him. And I need him as much as he needs me."

Kurama was caught off guard - not only by the sheer, simple honesty of that statement, but also by how pure it was. She wasn't merely answering a question, she believed it with every bit of her heart and soul. In all the time he'd existed, it was something he'd rarely seen and experienced and to this day, it still baffled him.

He nodded in acknowledgement, accepting the truth of her words at face value. The tails swaying around him disappeared, his whisker marks and claws receded and his eyes reverted back to their natural sapphire blue. One final blink and everyone could tell that Naruto was once again in control of his body.

He took a deep breath and shook his arms, like he was trying to restore the circulation in them. "Well, that was fun." He chuckled wryly. "I think now we all know where we stand… right, Nezumi?"

It was another blatant jab at her authority. The Hokage, by way of the demon sealed inside of him had regained the advantage – and at the moment, she only had one card left to play. But it would give her more time to stack the deck in her favor against those who stood in her way… and threatened her life.

"It doesn't matter what you, or that… thing you hold inside of you says. We are honor bound to appoint Neji as the next head of the Hyūga clan, but that is where our obligation stops. Even with Hiashi casting his vote, the council is split evenly down the middle on the issue of abolishing the caged bird seal. I also imagine that a vote on reinstating Hiashi's daughter will end the same." Nezumi sneered at everyone on the other side of the room, thrilled at her slight victory. "When Neji takes over, nothing will change and the clan will remain the same. I will personally see to that."

Naruto saw the crushing disappointment in the eyes of Neji, Tenten, Hinata and Hanabi and decided to play his own trump card.

"You know…" he said, sighing heavily, "I was planning on doing this in private once Neji officially took over as head of the clan, because of how sensitive and personal it was, but I think it's best if I do it now."

He reached into his jacket and pulled out a storage scroll, unrolling it on the table. He placed his hand in the center and two very thick files appeared. He handed one to Hiashi and one to Neji.

"What's this?" Neji asked.

***Flashback***

Naruto held up the Shōgi piece for Shikamaru to see. "What can you tell me about this one in particular?"

Shikamaru squinted at the name on the piece. "Nezumi Hyūga? She's the head elder of the Hyūga clan. Old, haughty… basically believes the Hyūga – more specifically, the main family – are the preeminent clan in Konoha and everyone else is beneath their notice."

"Sorry – maybe I should have been more specific." Naruto confessed. "I've already read several reports about her, which pretty much confirmed what you just said. What I want to know is what she did to earn a place on your board."

"Oh. Well, there's a long list of things we suspect she has her hands in – like that weapons shipment we confiscated during your first couple of weeks as Hokage."

"That was her?"

Shikamaru rubbed his temples in frustration. "Yes and no. There was never any evidence pointing specifically to her, but the warehouse it was headed for is owned by the Hyūga clan. Most of the day to day business transactions run through her, so there's no way she didn't know what was going on." He walked over and picked up the intelligence report sitting on his desk. "You know, it's ironic that you're bringing this up, since I just received another report late last night that confidential information on Konoha is being sold to someone based near Kusagakure."

"Another report?" Naruto's features instantly hardened. "How many does this make? And what kind of information?"

"This is the third, but it's the most troubling of the bunch." He handed over the report. "ANBU patrol movements, security protocols… the only thing missing was a list of everyone in our spy network. There was one interesting item on page three, though..."

Naruto flipped to the item in question and raised his eyebrows. "Instructions on how to activate the caged bird seal? I thought only someone with the Byakugan could do that."

"Apparently, someone either figured it out or found something that showed them how to do it. That points to the Hyūga council of elders, since there's no one else who'd have access to that kind of information – otherwise, Hinata and Hanabi would have known about it. And with the amount of power and control Nezumi wields as the head elder, there's no way something as big as this would leak without her stamp of approval."

Naruto flipped through a few more pages before snapping the file shut and handing it back to Shikamaru. "And you're sure you can't pin any of this on her?"

"Not at the moment. Like I said before, I know she's the one pulling the strings but we've never had any direct evidence implicating her. Every time we get a lead, we follow it up the chain of command but when we get close to any of the major players, they wind up dead or missing before we have a chance to arrest or interrogate them." Shikamaru shook his head. "The woman is troublesome in every sense of the word."

The room was silent as Naruto tapped his chin thoughtfully. "What if I increased the amount of resources you have available? Think you could get what you need?"

"What do you mean?"

"Look, I'll be honest with you Shikamaru – when I get back from Kiri, I'm having Hiashi call a meeting of the Hyūga council. You probably know by now that Hikaru removed the caged bird seal from Neji's forehead – and I know you heard about the agreement Hiashi and I drew up naming Neji as the next clan head if that happened."

"It wasn't like it was that hard to figure out, Naruto." Shikamaru deadpanned.

Naruto shrugged. "Maybe not for you, but…" He silently thanked Kami that Shikamaru was smart – and the Hyūga council wasn't. "So the whole thing is to put Neji in charge of the clan. But I've also got a hidden agenda, which is getting rid of the caged bird seal. Now, Hiashi told me that the votes on that little item are split right down the middle at the moment but if I can get rid of her, it'll tip the scales in our favor. Plus, there's the added bonus of sending her to jail."

"But as much as I want to, I can't arrest her without evidence." His eyes twinkled mischievously. "So if I doubled, or even tripled the amount of resources you had available – gave you unlimited access to Ino, Inoichi, Ibiki and any extra ANBU Sasuke can lay his hands on to concentrate on this case and get the information you need – can you have it ready for me by the time I get back from Kiri?"

"That's a tall order, Naruto." Shikamaru eyed his friend dubiously. "You're asking me to cram a month or two worth of work into a week and a half. Maybe I could, but I'd basically have to hole up in my office until you get back. Temari would probably kill me if I did that…"

"Then how about this? If you can pull this off, I'll send you and Temari on an all-expenses paid vacation to the Land of Snow for two weeks. I'll have Koyuki put you up in her castle and you'll be pampered like royalty the entire time you're there. How's that for motivation?"

Shikamaru normally wasn't one for bribery. And he certainly wasn't eager for the extra workload Naruto was suggesting but in this case, the reward was well worth the effort. He closed his eyes and placed his hands in front of him in the very familiar contemplative pattern he used when analyzing a situation.

"If my calculations are correct, the time between an initial mission plan and when she eliminates what she terms as 'loose ends' is three days at best. However, I believe if we use a large enough feint to distract both Nezumi and her spies, we can covertly go after a second point of attack before she has a chance to react. The timing would have to be perfect…"

He opened his eyes and stared hungrily back at Naruto. "…but for once, I'm looking forward to a challenge that isn't… troublesome."

***End Flashback***

"You've been selling information on Konoha to other villages?" Hiashi asked incredulously, "And the key to activating the caged bird seal on the branch members? WHY?"

Nezumi ground her teeth as she eyed the files Hiashi and Neji had in front of them. She was caught red handed. The Hokage had obviously gotten to one of her subordinates but as far as she was concerned, she was untouchable – and she was going to make a point of proving that.

"They are a stain on the Hyūga name. It's been happening for years, eating away at our clan from the inside out, like a disease… creating inferior users of our prized Byakugan. I gave the key to others so they could eradicate this scourge, making our clan pure once again." She hawked and spit at Tenten. "Marrying outside the clan… tainting our bloodline and creating another half-breed, and for what? Love?" She sneered contemptuously at Neji. "An act such as that is the ultimate form of betrayal. Being a Hyūga means you place the needs of the clan above your own. Opportunities to increase our power, influence and wealth should come before petty emotions like that."

Nezumi pointed at Naruto. "But what can we expect when that… that thing is in charge of Konoha? Kakashi should never have allowed him to become Hokage, let alone return to the village in the first place. There were much better candidates – ones that were more easily pliable, and could have helped bring our clan to untold heights of greatness, but they were ignored in favor of that demon container." She pounded her fist on the table repeatedly, trying to emphasize her point. "Do none of you remember when it attacked Konoha all those years ago, killing hundreds of our villagers and shinobi? He is biding his time, waiting for the perfect opportunity to escape and repeat that incident, like a powder keg waiting to explode. Even worse, he is here tonight dictating policy to us, corrupting our superior purity and I will not sit idly by and wait for either one to happen."

A stunned silence hung over the room as Nezumi's words lingered in the air. Someone could have stopped her, saving her from embarrassing and shaming herself but they let her speak unrestricted, and at the end of it all she'd isolated herself. Not even her most staunch supporters would support or defend her at this point.

Hiashi was shocked and disappointed. Neji and Konohamaru were furious. Hanabi and Hinata were outraged. Tenten was on the verge of tears, placing her hands protectively over her belly. And everyone on the Hyūga council was stunned and sickened at what she just admitted to.

A look passed between Neji and Hiashi before the clan head nodded – basically giving Neji permission to handle this situation however he deemed fit. And it would be his first as clan leader.

"Naruto." Neji purposely broke protocol and called him by his name, letting everyone know he was more than just the Hokage, he was his friend – and that this request was just as much personal as it was professional. "For attempted genocide of the Hyūga along with a litany of crimes against Konoha, including but not limited to treason, I would ask that you place Nezumi Hyūga under arrest. You may detain her in whatever manner you see fit."

"Sure, Neji. I'd be happy to." Naruto erupted in golden flames. "Would you like her dead or alive?" he asked almost casually, like he was talking about the weather.

The smug look disappeared and Nezumi's face dropped. It had to be a bluff. The Kyūbi she could understand, but there was no way the Hokage would be so blatantly obvious about killing her. Was the demon still partially in control?

"Alive, thank you. But preferably unconscious. You can give her to Ibiki Morino afterwards."

"You got it. Consider it a present to congratulate you on your new job."

Faster than anyone could react, a claw of golden chakra lashed out and grabbed Nezumi. Naruto stared into her eyes and saw her defiance melt away, and for the first time since the meeting began he saw a trace of fear on her face. He grinned almost eagerly before swinging her around and smashing her into the nearest wall. When he let go she crumpled unconscious to the ground.

Pleased with the result, Neji turned back to Hiashi. "Uncle. Please send someone to get the caged bird seal brand from your office. I want Nezumi to have it before the ANBU arrive and take her to Ibiki for interrogation." He glared darkly at the woman sprawled out on the floor. "As much as despise the brand I lived with for most of my life and what it represents, I also know that Nezumi has no concept of what it means to carry a weight such as that."

He reached over and placed his hand comfortingly over Tenten's. "I think letting her experience that – having it stare back at her, day after day as she looks in the mirror, confined to her windowless cell for the rest of her life will be the best way to constantly remind her of her betrayal. Also, I'll be the first to admit that Ibiki Morino has far more skill inflicting pain and suffering than any Hyūga. I believe he will do a far better job than we ever could."

Hiashi nodded, agreeing that Ibiki would come up with a fitting punishment for the traitorous woman. He motioned towards one of the servants at the side of the room to retrieve the brand.

Still grinning and cloaked in golden chakra, Naruto rubbed his hands together. "Well, now that the drama is over – and once we wake up that person Kurama scared so bad she passed out – how about we call for a couple of votes?"

---

Walking the calm streets of Konoha was exactly what Naruto needed after a very long, tiring and yet satisfying day.

After Neji was officially instated as clan head, he called for a procedural vote to remove Nezumi as an elder, and banish her from the clan for the rest of her life – which probably wouldn't be that long anyway.

Not surprisingly, the vote was unanimous. Whether it was ethics that drove the council, or the fear of being labeled as one of Nezumi's sympathizers that influenced their vote… either way, it didn't matter.

Then Neji called for a vote on banishing use of the caged bird seal, making sure to point out that a way for someone without the Byakugan to activate it was probably spreading throughout the elemental nations. Continuing to allow its use would make them no better than Nezumi, since they'd be potentially sentencing anyone branded with the seal to death when they left the village for missions.

Naruto piped in at this point, adding that the person who removed the seal from Neji was still searching for a better way to protect the Byakugan, as well as coming up with a safer, more effective way to remove the caged bird seal so that the branch members didn't have to fear for their lives.

That vote was unanimous as well.

Finally, Naruto called for one last vote – asking that Hinata be reinstated as a member of the clan. What she had been disowned for in the first place was never actually true, and she acted with a tremendous amount of honor and self-sacrifice in taking care of Hikaru, rather than let him be given to an orphanage somewhere outside Konoha.

And once again, the vote was unanimous – although two of the council members did so reluctantly.

After the meeting broke up, everyone gathered in Neji's new office to celebrate. Hinata and Hanabi were overjoyed at the way things turned out. Konohamaru slapped Naruto on the back and told him 'good job, boss'. Tenten hugged him and thanked him. Neji and Hiashi said they owed him a great debt but he brushed that aside, saying it wasn't a big deal because that's what family does for each other.

After that, he'd planned on going home but Neji and Hiashi asked him to stay behind. There was paperwork that needed to be finalized by the Hokage regarding Neji becoming clan head and Nezumi being arrested, and well… he is the Hokage after all.

Hinata told him she'd head home first, saying she was a bit tired and needed to lie down for a bit because the twins had been unusually active during the meeting. Naruto offered to bring her there using the Hiraishin but Hinata begged off, saying that she'd be just fine walking home since Hanabi and Konohamaru would be with her.

But she promised to be awake when he got there. Oddly enough, she was rather specific about telling him that.

All's quiet. Everyone must be asleep, he thought as he walked through the front door of his house. Hinata must be lying down in the bedroom since I can see a light coming from underneath the door.

He hung up his coat and walked into the bedroom, closing the door behind him. The lights were dimmed, and the room seemed empty but then he noticed the door to the master bath was closed. He heard the sink running and Hinata was humming to herself.

"Hinata?" he called out.

"Naruto-kun? Is that you?"

"Yeah, it's me. I'm home."

"I'll be right out. Just make yourself comfortable."

Make myself comfortable? For what? He sat down on the bed and began to take his shoes off. And why wouldn't I make myself comfortable in my own bedroom? Especially at this time of night?

The dim light of the room was frustrating him, so he reached over to turn on the lamp and noticed a book resting on her nightstand. Curiosity got the better of him, so he stopped what he was doing and picked it up…

"Hinata?"

"Yes, Naruto-kun?"

"There's an Icha Icha novel on your nightstand. Where'd it come from?"

"Oh, that? I got it from your office that day when we went to lunch. I didn't want to leave it out in the open – I thought someone might get the wrong idea if they saw your book lying around like that."

"My book?" he asked, dumbfounded. "Hinata, this belongs to Kakashi-sensei. Hanari dragged him out of my office that day and he left it behind by accident. He's been looking everywhere for it because it's his favorite one in the series."

The water shut off and there was a long pause. "Oh. Well, I'll make sure to apologize… as well as thank him when I bring it back tomorrow."

Thank him? He flipped the book over. Has she been reading this thing? It was open to page 147…

"But tonight, Naruto-kun," she said sensuously as the door to the bathroom slid open, "you're all mine."

The color drained from Naruto's face as he looked up to see Hinata emerge from the shadows of the doorway. She was wearing a one-piece lavender and black corset with a slight twist – the midriff area was completely bare, accentuating her very noticeable baby bump.

The look she gave him was absolutely smoldering. And he vaguely remembered the contents of that page the Icha Icha novel was open to… something about chocolate sauce and red licorice…

Naruto sweatdropped.

Hinata was going to have pregnant sex with him.

And there wasn't a damn thing he could do about it.

---

(All thanks to author Petran, who wrote this entire section. He sent me the first few sentences on a whim, and I liked it so much that I promised him if he finished it, I'd post it at the end of my chapter. I think he did a fantastic job and I am nothing if not a man of my word.)

---

OMAKE: Let's make a movie!

---

Naruto let out a deep breath as he leaned back in his desk chair. He took one more glance at the document lying in front of him on top of his desk, and then looked at the man standing in front of him.

He was definitely strange – something was off about him. He was in his early twenties, and yet his hair looked like it was painted grey. His smile was undoubtedly fake – like those Sai used to use – and he was wearing a very expensive suit. He apparently thought this getup and suave behavior exuded an air of maturity and charm, giving him an edge during business meetings of this type…

…Too bad it didn't work on Naruto. All he could think about was punching him in the face.

"So, let me get this straight, Mister… umm…"

"Maruo, sir." The man said with a flourishing bow. "Kyozuka Maruo at your service!"

His voice reminded Naruto of fingernails across a chalkboard. His words mirrored his appearance – more annoying than sincere. Even the way he pronounced everything seemed distinctively fake.

"You want to make a movie about how me and Hinata fell in love?"

"Yes sir! I believe your story is one that needs to be told. It would be an inspiration to many."

"But… why us?"

The man perked up and became much more animated as he spoke about his project. "Because it has it all! Drama! Action! Romance! Everything you need to bring people into the theaters and raise their spirits!"

The current Hokage lazily rubbed his temples. He was beginning to lose his patience.

"Look, Mister Maruo – I read your script very carefully…"

"Excellent! What did you think of it?"

Naruto leaked a small amount of killing intent into the room but for some reason, it didn't seem to affect the guy.

"Look, I understand that some 'artistic license' has to be taken in order to make a 'based on a true story' movie enjoyable, but…"

"But?"

"Where did you guys come up with something as farfetched as the moon crashing into the earth? And then there's this final battle scene on the surface with this guy named Toneri? How's that even possible when there isn't any air to breathe?"

The smile on Maruo's face faded a bit as he started fidgeting nervously with his fingers. "We, uh… sort of had a few spare sets left over from our latest Princess Gale movie. We thought we could use them to save us time and money. And we can always come up with something to explain the problem with the air."

Naruto frowned. "Okay, but that doesn't excuse the rest of the story."

Maruo raised his eyebrows in surprise. "You don't like it?"

As their eyes met, Maruo could clearly see the anger and disgust inside the Hokage's eyes.

"Let me level with you – it's crap! Not to mention overly cheesy, nonsensical and idiotic. I don't know whose story you're trying to tell here, but it sure as hell isn't ours."

As his anger started to rise, so did the tone of his voice. "I mean, Hinata just spends most of the movie trying to make me a scarf? I only realize her feelings for me because of a five minute long genjutsu scene? My feelings for Sakura were because of my rivalry with Sasuke? Hinata becomes a damsel in distress? What sort of bullshit is this?"

"But… we had a story consultant who is close to you, and…"

Naruto threw the script back at Maruo. "Screw your story consultant! I don't know what he or she told you, but this isn't anywhere close to what happened, and it's an insult to my wife! I don't know what sort of sick, twisted and warped reality you live in that would allow you to turn this into a movie, but it definitely won't be mine."

"Sir, I beg you reconsider. Our studio is willing to make you a very generous offer."

A check suddenly appeared in Maruo's hand. Naruto took a close look at the number…

…that was a lot of money.
Any lesser man would be tempted, but Naruto didn't even consider taking it. The love Hinata and Hikaru gave him was more valuable than anything, and he knew what effect this sort of movie would have on his family and his love life. His son would be ridiculed for years to come, and he'd spend the rest of his married days in the doghouse. Maybe even sleeping in one. Still, he had to ask...

"Why are you willing to pay this much to make a movie about me and Hinata?"

"It's no secret that you're well known throughout the elemental nations, which makes your face very marketable, and…"

Naruto latched onto the word 'marketable'. "You intend on making this a franchise, don't you?"

"Well, umm…"

"And knowing the industry you work in, I'm guessing you already have the next movie planned, right?"

"Er…"

His eyes zeroed in on Maruo's inner pocket. Having attended a few meetings with Koyuki while he was her bodyguard all those years ago, he immediately recognized the slight bulge in his suit. It was paper containing the outline and ideas for the next movie – if he agreed to the first one, of course. He grabbed it before Maruo could react. A vein in his forehead bulged as he read it.

"The next movie is about the adventures of my son who I named… Burrito?"

"Actually, it's BO-"

*:*:*:*

The studio chairman and president were standing at the foot of the hospital bed, staring at the heavily bandaged body of their executive producer Maruo, who was currently in a semi-conscious state. Whatever the Hokage did to him, it wasn't pretty.

"You know, maybe we shouldn't have asked that Sakura woman to be our story consultant."

"Yeah, we should've known something was up when she insisted that her character have more fight scenes than the main heroine."

---

A/N: And that's a wrap!

Okay, let it be known that I actually liked Naruto: The Last Movie but even my imagination was stretched to the limits while watching that thing. But it was all worth it to have NaruHina at the end. Yay!

Arekusu is the OC of shock777 from DeviantArt. If you get the chance get on over there and check out some of her artwork. She's definitely got talent.

Once again, I'd like to thank my readers for the ideas used in not only this chapter, but in the entire story. So much came from your input and I can't thank you enough. If you have any more, don't be afraid to let me know!

Also, fair warning that I have beta projects to complete for gigiree123, OGAFazer89AC and weirdismyname so I'm not going to start work on the next chapter for a couple of weeks. But I'm going to try my best to keep the time shorter than this last one.

To that end, I'm going to pose a question to all of you… would you like to see the pregnant lemon scene between Naruto and Hinata in the next chapter, or just skip over that and get right to the next piece of the plot?

How will you let me know, you may ask? There's no poll up on your profile page, you say? Well, you can tell me in… YOUR REVIEWS!

(See what I did there?)

Anyway, regardless of which way the votes come out I will say that the majority, if not the entire next chapter will deal with Sakura. You can fill in the blanks yourselves on what happens because I'm not spoiling it for you. 'Nuff said.

Recommendation time! Well, I was going to recommend a story entitled I'm Not Going Through Puberty Again! but that's a rather popular one right now… lots of followers, favorites and reviews. And everyone here knows I like to give a shout out to stories that are really, really good but just haven't gotten a lot of traction.

So here's a little story I've been enjoying very much so far. I think there's only a few more chapters to go, but I'm hoping the author will keep writing past that because it's just soooo good. The name of the story is Consolation Prize: Through Her Distorted Mirror by mysterious intentions. It's all about how Naruto finally comes to the realization about what Hinata means to him, and how important she is to his life. It really amps up how dumb Naruto can be, but I kind of like that. It shows that sometimes people need to be a lot more blunt regarding love and life.

It's cute, it's funny, it's heartfelt and the writing is really good. So get on over and read it! And leave a review when you do – I'm sure the author would appreciate it!

Here's the link, as usual remove the spaces and you know what to replace the stars with:

www . fanfiction . *** / s / 11012129

REVIEWS! I really don't know what to say. I mean, honestly – everyone who reads this story is the absolute best. I pulled another one hundred and twenty six reviews for chapter 30. Overall, that's almost four hundred reviews for the last three chapters so thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I would also like to give a shout out to PotassiumNitrate, uzumakicho and (snicker) buttcabbage for the ton of reviews they left. That number is so high because of you and I'm very grateful!

Let's keep that up! Like I just said, I'm looking for reviews AND an answer to my question regarding the lemon scene. And as I always tell you, the reviews help keep me moving, even when I hit the brick wall known as writer's block. So even if you don't want to weigh in with your opinion on my question, help keep my creative juices flowing and leave me one. Even if it's just something as simple as 'I loved it', words hold a lot of power when it comes to motivation.

That's all for now. Take care and stay safe.

.

Serious Sam