Naruto Of The Yumegan

by Wizard909

Naruto gains a weird Uzumaki Dojutsu that allows him to use Genjutsu regardless of chakra control. He will also play around a bit with the Shadow Clone Jutsu and various Weapon Clone Jutsu. Genjutsu Hinata, Genjutsu Sakura, Medical Jutsu Sakura, Naruto X Hinata, Sakura X undecided.

13. Fate-Of-The-Uzumaki

…. Nobuo Mansion, Cellar ….

Kin'Ichi stood with his sister watching over the dead body that once was his younger brother. The man's mind thought upon many things as he studied the covered corpse of his sibling; what could have been done to prevent this, could he ever forgive Takehiko after such a betrayal, should he be given a proper family burial, and so much more.

"Brother, how do you want to handle the public. Should we admit Takehiko's involvement?" A distraught Ryoko asked.

Giving his sister a blank look the oldest sibling asked. "What do you want to do, blame the Leaf Shinobi?"

"No, of course not." The woman assured quickly. "Just wondering if we shouldn't say he fought alongside Hidden Leaf against the rouge Uzumaki and died heroically?"

Taking a moment to think about his response the man spoke harshly. "My children and wife almost died because of his foolishness; his greed. You want me to extend him that curtesy? It was his fault those two Uzumaki were almost able to accomplish their goal in the first place!"

Ryoko gave her brother a moment to calm down and explained. "I doubt our brother being involved would have mattered much. The Uzumaki would have found a way in regardless, he just gave them easy access. I'm trying to save our family's public image and reputation; it's what father would want."

"Public image." Kin'Ichi scoffed. "A perverted father that betrayed everyone he ever knew for money and a failed Samurai brother that turned out to be exactly the same, I believe this won't do much to change what the public and world already think of the Nobuo Clan; sister dear."

"Lord Kin'Ichi." One of the Samurai guard asked walking in. The man looked up sharply when addressed. "We have finished gathering the dead and have fetched a burial detail from town. The Leaf Shinobi have commandeered a guest room and have asked to not be disturbed. Lady Mayako is in the next room over and would like to speak with you. Also, your father is awake and would like to see you as well sir."

Kin'Ichi nodded his head to show he heard the man and the Samurai left with a bow. Turning to his sister he asked with a weary sigh. "Can you go and see what Lady Mayako needs while I go and see our father?"

"Why don't I go see father, Kin'Ichi?" Ryoko asked trying to keep her composure. "There are things I need to say to him, …. things I want to say to him, while time permits; plus I know what Mayako needs to say as she told me her suspicions earlier. I was there when she secured the two rogue Uzumaki."

Thinking it over the man nodded his head. "That would be fine I suppose. Personally, I really don't have a damned thing to say to that man anymore but goodbye. He ordered my daughter to shame herself to gain land and money, simply to satisfy his own greed and desires. I may have gone along with his plan but he knew my objections. I owe our Aunt Mayako more than Nobuo Yukio, so I'll go see her and you go say your piece to our dying father."

The blonde woman was stunned by her brother's anger and the fact he also used 'aunt' for Mayako; he was respectful though and not derogatory. She watched still stunned as Kin'Ichi turned and stormed out. Glancing sadly once more at her dead brother Takehiko, Ryoko followed her oldest sibling out the door.

Kin'Ichi entered the small room his aunt occupied. Setting in a comfortable looking chair one of the Samurai brought down was Mayako. In front of her slept the very Uzumaki that tried to murder everyone; paper tags on their heads to keep them asleep. The tall man studied the ruined stumps that had once been Iseri Uzumaki's arms before setting down next to his relative. "You needed to talk to me."

Mayako was silent for a moment than asked. "What do you plan to do with my kin?"

Thinking it over a moment Kin'Ichi replied. "Either out right kill them or send the to Cloud to be imprisoned; not sure which yet."

The elderly woman was silent once more as she thought of her next words. "Please, may I ask a favor, send them to Hidden Leaf to be judged by the Hokage."

Kin'Ichi turned to his aunt in anger, but the woman continued before he could speak. "Or kill them outright." Hearing those words coming from Mayako stunned the future Daimyo so much his anger dissipated quickly. The old woman continued her plea. "If you send them to Cloud you will have done far worse to my clan than your father ever accomplished. Do you really think the Raikage will lock them up and throw away the key? They'll be used to forcibly make more Uzumaki that Cloud will control; nothing more than empowered slaves as the Raikage will insure whatever free will they posses was robbed from their minds with brutal training."

Kin'Ichi held his head in his hands thinking about what to do. He hadn't really thought about what would happen to the two Uzumaki once they reached Cloud; he hadn't cared. However, though he obviously didn't owe them any courtesies, he owed Lady Mayako and the fallen Uzumaki Clan; he could never allow future generations to be enslaved by the very people that massacred Whirlpool.

Seeing as the man was trying to reason with her words Mayako pressed forward. "Another issue is Uzumaki Shomei may not be guilty."

Kin'Ichi looked up tiredly as the old woman showed him two pearl earrings. Taking one he asked. "What are these?"

"I took them off a Shomei." The woman began. "Her brother was what we Uzumaki call a Dark Puppeteer; he uses Fuinjutsu in various was to control people. These earrings had a Notice-Me-Not Genjutsu seal tag that made them invisible to the mind; the eye saw them but the brain never registered them. Upon closer examination I found another Genjutsu Tag. Iseri was using these earrings to control her thoughts, in a round about way, with her actual anger."

Rolling the pearl around while examining it the blonde man asked. "How so?"

Mayako took a moment to gather her thoughts as this would be difficult to explain. "I won't lie, when they discussed killing your father both were in agreement; that I know. However, when they discussed killing everyone else Shomei must have had doubts or objections. The question becomes would she have allowed Iseri to kill everyone he wanted if it meant killing the one person she wanted; Yukio Nobuo. I think the answer is 'no', but there is no true way to answer that because of how these earrings work."

"Shomei's anger for Yukio was real. Whenever something, a thought or another's words, encroached on the single focus of completing her brother's mission and killing the man she hated, the earrings would use Genjutsu to elevate her anger, using her true emotions for Yukio, and drive out rational thought. It was done in such a shoddy way she was prone to hotheaded actions during the unnatural flashes; something I personally saw when we fought."

Kin'Ichi continued to roll the pearl he held between his thumb and forefinger contemplating his aunt's words. "So, she is guilty of wanting to kill my dad, something I myself was guilty of a time or two, but would she have tried killing him knowing it meant the death of my own sister, wife, and children; a question we can never answer."

Standing up the man placed the pearl in his breast pocket and said. "I can't make any promises Lady Mayako, but I will give this issue a lot of thought and won't make a rash decision; but first I must talk it over with the ruling Daimyo; I am still just the acting Daimyo after all."

"Thank you Lord Kin'Ichi." The old Uzumaki smiled. Shrugging she continued. "I would wish your father well but, like I said already, I won't lie."

Though it wasn't a humorous situation the acting Daimyo couldn't help a smile that graced his face; Mayako was truly one of a kind.

…. Yukio's Bedroom ….

Ryoko entered the grand room somberly, doing her best to ignore the various paintings of naked women that covered the walls, one of the most expensive porn collection in the word as the 'works of art' themselves weren't cheap, and approached the bed.

Yukio laid in the middle of a modest side single mattress made from a goose feathers covered in the finest red silk money could buy; the bed had once been much larger but his failing body forced him to downsize. Asami and the twins sat along the wall in provided chairs, numb to the passing of the elder Daimyo. Asami herself saw no reason to pretend to care and the children didn't know how to feel; they had never really had a grandchild's relationship with their grandfather. On either side of the bed were the two raven haired twin maids doing their best to silently cry for a man they didn't care about, the Daimyo was so conceited he was actually paying people to morn his dying since those that knew him wouldn't. His only daughter looked at the scene being played before her eyes and thought. 'Kami, how screwed up can our family get!?'

"Father." Ryoko called to gain his attention. Everyone looked up surprised at the woman's voice as they were expecting Kin'Ichi and not his sister. "May we talk in private."

The old pervert looked up with blurry eyes, evidence he was on heavy painkillers, and stated rudely. "I didn't send for you daughter. How did you even make it through the doorway? Where is Kin'Ichi, I want to know what's being done about those damned Uzumaki?"

Ignoring the cruel joke about her weight the woman kindly asked everyone? "Can I have a moment alone with my father?"

Asami nodded and stood with her children to leave, but was stopped by the Daimyo's words. "Don't bother, I have nothing to say to this disappointment." The purplette, rolling her eyes at the stupidity of her father-in-law, signaled her children to continue out the door anyways.

Growing angry at her father's word, after all who was he to call anyone a disappointment, the heavy sat blonde flared her nostrils and spoke hotly; addressing the maids who had yet to move. "Morn him outside and shut the door as you leave." Both girls looked around uncomfortable but still made no attempt to go, so Ryoko continued threateningly. "My brother will soon be ruling Daimyo. Do you really want to anger his last living sibling?"

Both women knew that threat didn't really carry much weight, but with resent developments that may have changed. Both bowed to Yukio and made for the door. The Daimyo angrily called. "Your both fired!" Then descended into a coughing fit.

Ryoko fixed her hair bob as she calmly stated to the twins. "Just wait outside and I'll call if you're needed."

Unsure of what to do both women decided to stand in the hallway with the rest of the family. The heavy set blonde watched them go and turned back to her father. "Like I was saying, I want to talk."

Yukio managed to get his coughing under control. Setting up the man grimaced in pain. "Dammit," he hissed while breathing heavily, "I have nothing to say to a failure such as you, daughter."

"That, coming from a failure such as you father, means little to me." The woman shot back glaring down at the dying man. "I've had quite a bit of time to reflect on my life and my relationship with you while freezing to death under that dome, and I came to a realization. I've been blaming you and using you as an excuse to be horrible to everyone around me, when in reality I'm just a mean person. I am what you made me to be true, but that doesn't mean I can't do better; doesn't mean I couldn't change to be more like Kin'Ichi. It also doesn't mean you can't do better yourself father."

"What are you going on about you stupid idiot!? In case you haven't noticed I'm out of time!" Yukio screamed angrily.

"Not just yet father! I've come to ask you to try and make piece with the Uzumaki Clan by pardoning Shomei!" Seeing her father growing furious at the suggestion Ryoko continued before he could speak. "I've talked with Lady Mayako and she informed me that Uzumaki Iseri was controlling Uzumaki Shomei with some kind of Shinobi mind trick; what's the word …. Genjutsu. She wasn't even responsible for her actions."

Yukio seemed to calm down a little, but the way he acted sent a chill down his daughter's spine. She had seen this reaction many times before and it came with a final decision that no one could argue with; because her father would simply never relent. "I don't care. I don't want a single Uzumaki leaving this house alive. Those two that tried to kill us, that blonde runt trying to still our lands, that old bitch helping him; they all die. Tell Kin'Ichi to give the order."

"Father, Lady Mayako and Uzumaki Naruto helped save us all! You can't just ….." Ryoko began to plead, only to stop as the words she needed to say wouldn't form. The truth was glaring angrily at her from its death bed; Yukio hadn't been saved because he was still dying. What did he care for the fallout when he wouldn't even be around to see it.

Thinking of her niece, her nephew, her brother, and her sister-in-law the plump woman came to a horrible realization; there just was no other way. Even if Kin'Ichi was angry with Yukio he may very well carry out the order, he always did as the dutiful son. War would surely follow after and it would mean the death of many, maybe even her own family, just to satisfy a dying man's hate.

Walking closer to her sickly father's side the teary eyed woman bent over his bed and embraced him in a hug. Sniffling she spoke somberly. "Kin'Ichi shall one day be known as the greatest Daimyo The Land Of Bears ever knew; that is something to be proud of father. I love you, even after everything you have done to me, and the hatful way you have treated me all my live, I still love you."

"However." The woman continued as her voice became hard; Yukio began flailing for air, cries for help muffled against Ryoko's shoulder. "For once in your miserable life you will do the right thing, the selfless thing, the thing that truly betters our family and The Land Of Bears; even if I have to make you."

…. Hallway ….

Asami stood in the hallway hugging her children. Ever since last night she didn't want to let them go. She knew both her fourteen year old babies were getting tired of her overbearing attitude, but she didn't care. Looking up the mother watched as a Samurai approached.

"Lady Asami, is there a reason you are out here in the hallway?"

"Yes." The purplette answered. "Ryoko asked for a moment alone with her father."

"I see." The man spoke while nodding his head somberly. "I am truly sorry for Lord Daimyo; he shall be missed."

The woman gave the man an incredulous look wondering if he was actually sincere. Glancing down at her children she saw they both mimicked her look. What was truly sad was the fact no one in Yukio's family would even bother grieving his loss, at least not for very long. The hallway was silent as everyone waited patiently for Ryoko to finish her goodbyes.

"Is there a problem." Everyone heard Kin'Ichi call as he approached thirty minutes later. "Has my sister said whatever needed saying to our father?"

"We are still waiting for her to come out dear." Asami explained kindly. The children left her to hug their father.

Looking down at his kids the man stated. "I suppose she's had long enough. Let's go and see what my father wants."

Walking in to his father's room the man instantly knew something was wrong. His younger sister sat on the Daimyo's bed crying; the old man himself seemed to be sleeping peacefully, arms above the covers at his sides, but was unnaturally still. It didn't take Kin'Ichi long to realize he was know the ruling Daimyo.

"Ryoko?" He quietly asked; subconsciously not wanting to disturb his father as ridiculous as that sounded.

The blonde woman on the bed looked up and simply said. "He's gone."

The Samurai that followed everyone in stood straight as he stated. "May his journey to the next world be pleasant; as well his eternity."

"Thank you for your kind words, Samurai." Kin'Ichi stated emptily, realizing he had no idea the man's name. "I hope his journey is long because where he is going won't be pleasant."

"Hajime, sir. I apologize for not introducing myself sooner." The guard explained. "As I am the Samurai with most experience, I was chosen by my fellow comrades to lead until you officially name a new Samurai Commander."

Turning to Ryoko he asked with care. "Forgive me my lady, but I must ask if the late Lord Yukio made an official ruling regarding last night's attack; what is to be done with the prisoners."

Kin'Ichi mind spun when he realized that was probably the matter his dad wanted to discuss. Looking down at his dead father the man sadly knew what he would have ruled. That was why his sister's words shook his to his core. "My father, the late Lord Yukio, ruled the woman, Uzumaki Shomei, be pardoned for all crimes committed against The Land Of Bears and the Nobuo Clan. He came to this decision based on testimony relayed by myself from Lady Mayako, which stated the woman was being controlled by her own brother's Genjutsu. As for the incident between the Leaf Genin and my niece Lady Yasu; all is forgiven. However, he died coughing before a ruling could be given regarding Uzumaki Iseri."

Samurai Hajime looked from Kin'Ichi to Ryoko startled; all he knew of his former lord was contrary to his final words relayed by his daughter. "My lady, are you sure these were his wishes."

Looking up from the floor the blonde woman stated while looking her brother in his eyes. "I swear it, as the beloved daughter of Yukio Nobuo, those were his final orders."

Kin'Ichi searched his sister's cold eyes knowing the truth; their father hadn't loved her or anyone; the only person Yukio Nobuo ever loved was himself. Looking to the Samurai he asked in a stern voice. "Are you calling my sister a lier?"

"No sir, I was simply asking for verification." Hajime stated hurriedly. "I shall inform the other Samurai right away."

"Hold on." The new Daimyo spoke. "I had more information than my father in this matter. I've decided to send both Uzumaki to Hidden Leaf. I will except the Hokage's wisdom in this matter. From what my aunt explained the woman was controlled 'loosely' by her brother's Genjutsu, she was still guilty to an extent. I'm sure Hidden Leaf can assess her level of guilt and punish her accordingly."

"Understood sir, very wise, I'll see it done." Hajime bowed and left.

Turning to his wife and children Kin'Ichi asked. "May I have a moment alone with my sister?"

"Of course dear, please take your time." Asami stated. Glancing down at the dead pervert she spoke emotionlessly. "I'll send for an undertaker."

Both children hugged their father and left with their mother. When they were alone Kin'Ichi turned to Ryoko and asked. "What did our father truly order?"

Giving her big brother a blank look the plump blonde stated. "As children of Yukio Nobuo, we both know the truth without needing to hear it. However, to my dying day, I well never say anything other than what has already been said; our father forgave the Uzumaki with his last dying breath."

Kin'Ichi face was blank as he studied Ryoko; neither sibling showing any emotion. Both were brought out off their staring contest by an urgent knocking coming from the door. Looking over the new Daimyo barked. "Enter!"

A young Samurai came barging in. "Sir, there is a matter that needs your immediate attention; Cloud Shinobi have arrived and have expressed orders to apprehend the Leaf Shinobi."

"What!" Kin'Ichi screamed outraged. "Are they trying to start a damned war!?"

"That's not all sir; a Hidden Leaf ANBU team has also arrived. I'm not sure what they want because they haven't said anything other than they wished to talk with the Daimyo. Things are getting tense at the front hall."

Sighing in aggravation Kin'Ichi hurried out quickly. Walking to the main greeting hall the man saw five Cloud Shinobi, wearing basic white vests and gear, staring cautiously at four people in long black cloaks; each wore a different themed animal mask. Neither group seemed openly hostile but everyone present knew that could change faster than their eyes could process.

"Presenting ruling Lord Daimyo, Kin'Ichi Nobuo." The young Samurai spoke proudly.

The Shinobi present didn't say much as they turned but Kin'Ichi could see the questioning looks in the Cloud Shinobi's eyes. One walked out front of his comrades and bowed low. "I'm sorry to hear the rumors of your father's passing our true sir, Yukio Nobuo shall be missed by all."

"How did you hear there was trouble last night?" The tall blonde ruler asked curiously.

"Word traveled to us fast by your surviving Samurai Guards, who we took to be the ones that defeated the traitorous Uzumaki Clan and their Leaf Shinobi Allies." With this the man turned to look curiously at the assembled ANBU. "We've also surmised that these men here have arrived to back up the two advanced teams from Leaf. However, all this seems very unlikely as the two teams present already appear to be nothing more than newly minted Genin, and had the ANBU been sent with hostile intentions they wouldn't be calmly standing by."

Kin'Ichi studied the man thoughtfully, it was possible to draw such ridiculous conclusions with a limited knowledge of what really happened, and the Cloud Shinobi at least had sense enough to admit he didn't think the possibility was very high; showing he did have a brain. Deciding to calm the situation down as quick as possible the blonde explained.

"Last night an incident occurred between my children and the Leaf Genin. I can only guess either Jounin Anko Mitarashi or Kurenai Yuhi sent word back to the Hokage; which is why these ANBU have come."

"Correct Lord Daimyo, we have been ordered to negotiate the release of our Genin and their Sensei." A bird themed mask wearer stated as he walked forward. Everyone present understood Shinobi negotiated with two methods; words and kunai.

Seeing the Cloud Shinobi growing tense Kin'Ichi quickly continued. "No need for that as all is forgiven ANBU-san. During a hearing presided over by my late father my younger brother attempted a hostile takeover of The Land Of Bears. His plan was to kill everyone and blame Hidden Leaf. Two rogue Uzumaki providing aid to my brother betrayed him at the last second and attempted to carry out his original plan with gorier fashion, which was the confusing information incorrectly provided by the Samurai I'm sure. The two Genin Teams from Hidden Leaf and their Sensei saved everyone by stopping the attack. Everyone but the two rogue Uzumaki died and my aunt, Lady Mayako Uzumaki, is watching over the prisoners."

Turning to the young Samurai the Daimyo ordered. "Quickly take the ANBU Unit to the Leaf Shinobi. Last I saw that one Genin was in a bad way and might still be in need of medical assistance."

With a bow the young man stated. "Yes sir at once." Standing up he addressed the ANBU. "Please follow me."

The lead Cloud Shinobi watched the men leave calmly having the full explanation. Turning back to his employer he spoke. "We will have Shinobi posted close should an emergency arise. If you would be so kind as to have one of your servants show us wear the Uzumaki are being held we will take custody of the prisoners."

The Daimyo studied the man closely wondering what his true orders were. Did the Raikage send them to truly assess what had happened and to provide aid to the Nobuo Clan, or to use the confusion to collect Kekkei Genkai for Hidden Cloud. Deciding it didn't matter either way the blonde spoke with cold ice in his words. "For two years those Uzumaki have been setting up this elaborate dog and pony show; right under your Cloud Shinobi noses. Tell me exactly why does The Land Of Bears pay such a high price to your people, when two Leaf Village Genin Squads can do a better job than your Jounin and Chunin for a much cheaper price?"

Seeing as the stunned man had no answer to give Kin'Ichi concluded. "The rouge Uzumaki, a man and his sister, shall be given over to Hidden Leaf, and I shall trust the Hokage's wisdom in punishment. I would kill the man, Iseri Uzumaki, outright but we still need to assess how much of a controlling element he used on his sister to force her compliance. From what my aunt has explained Shomei Uzumaki was under a Genjutsu."

"Lord Daimyo, the Raikage can easily determine that himself." The Shinobi began in earnest, the opportunity to gain Uzumaki blood for Cloud was to good to just let go; however, under no circumstances were they allowed to use violence unless the Nobuo Clan permitted it. Upon learning that a young Uzumaki Genin was visiting Lady Mayako the Raikage and Shinobi Council had ordered all Cloud Shinobi to not engage unless absolutely necessary; no one wanted an international incident that could be blamed on Cloud. However there remained hope in gaining the prized prisoners legally. Boldly the man reminded his employer. "Besides sir, the Workers / Trade Agreement states The Land Of Lightning and Hidden Cloud would detain any Shinobi apprehended within The Land Of Bears."

Kin'Ichi gave the man a cold look and explained. "Yes, it does. However, it was always assumed Cloud would apprehend those prisoners themselves, not have them turned over when others did the job Cloud was paid to do. I have made my decision in this matter. Leave, and send word to your Raikage the Nobuo Clan wishes to renegotiate that Workers / Trade Agreement you speak of; it is believed we are paying far to much for amateurs that do shoddy work and may seek another, more professional, hidden village for services."

Having no other argument to raise the angry man led his men out to inform the Raikage of this development; village command would not be pleased.

…. Guest Room ….

Kurenai watched over the students and Anko, the children slept on the floor while the Snake Mistress and Hibachi occupied the only two beds. The Special Jounin slept in an unnaturally deep sleep as most of her chakra was used up by the enemy. Hibachi was taking shallow breaths and his pulse was still weak. Sakura had done all she could but was still to inexperienced in handling the boy's level of injury.

Looking up as a knock came from the door Kurenai pulled a kunai. "Who's there?" She called. Naruto, Hinata, and Tora woke up startled and pulled weapons of their own.

"Samurai ma'am, there's a team of Leaf ANBU to see you." The Genjutsu Mistress heard a young voice call.

The raven haired woman opened the door to see masked men waiting outside. The Samurai off to the side bowed and left. Not wasting time the woman asked. "Please tell me one of you is a medic."

"Yes ma'am." A cat themed man spoke. "Show me the Genin."

Looking down at the shallow breathing boy the man placed his green glowing hands over the bandages. "What caused the injury? If I were to guess I'd say a blunt chakra coated object."

"A chakra infused katana handle." Tora stated in his monotoned way. "Well he live?"

"To soon to tell, now please let me work." The ANBU finished talking as he concentrated on saving the boy. Kurenai led the three remaining team members off to a corner and quietly explained everything that happened last night.

The Genin that were awake watched in silence as the medic worked on their friend. When another knock came from the door Kurenai answered to see a blonde maid holding an official looking scroll. She smiled at the Jounin and explained. "Hello ma'am, I was informed to give this to you or one of the other Leaf Shinobi, it is Lord Daimyo Kin'Ichi's official ruling on the incident involving his daughter; as well his decree involving the assassination attempt and the two Uzumaki assailants involved."

Kurenai excepted the scroll and the maid left. Glancing over the wax seal she broke the bear claw insignia to read the words of the new Daimyo with a smile on her face. 'Goodbye Yukio, may the fires of hell greet you fondly.'

After reading the decree upon the scroll a stunned Genjutsu Mistress turned to the bird themed masked ANBU and ordered. "Send word to Lord Hokage for a medical team to aid in extracting Genin Hibachi and an ANBU Retrieval Team as well; the new Lord Daimyo says he will trust in Lord Hokage's wisdom in deciding punishment for the two captured Uzumaki. We need to get out of here before Cloud does something stupid."

…. Later That Day ….

Naruto and Hinata sat by the peaceful duck pond watching the little ducklings play. The indigo haired girl had her head resting on the boy's shoulder while holding his hand. Both had a loaf of bread between them that they were feeding to the hungry birds.

"Looks like Hibachi will be ok." Hinata spoke up trying to find something to say.

"Yeah, looks like." Naruto agreed. "I don't like the guy and we'll probably never be friends, but I don't want him dead."

The little princess agreed with the blonde's statement. "I was planning on kicking his butt when we got home, some of the things he has done on this trip really upset me, but I'll have to put his thrashing off until he recovers."

Naruto chuckled a little. "I know you pretty good by now Hinata-chan. What are the chances you will still be angry enough to hurt the dummy after he recovers?"

Hinata just turned her nose up at the blonde's question and refused to respond. Not being able to keep it up her angry act up for long though she smiled with happy amusement as she mentally agreed; though she would never say that out loud.

Both Genin turned as they heard someone approaching. Hinata tensed a little when she saw the long purple hair of Yasu walking next to her twin brother. Both children looked nervous as the walked up to silently stand before the Leaf Shinobi.

It was Tasu that broke the silence. "May me and my sister join you?"

Naruto's blue eyes gave the older boy a searching look before saying somewhat guarded. "It's your house. You can set anywhere you like."

Taking that to mean yes both kids sat on the grass. Hinata moved protectively closer to her friend as she made sure she was between him and Yasu; giving the purplette a cold look.

The older girl was a little nervous as she began. "I want to apologize for my actions. I'm sorry that I acted so poorly when we first met; honestly that wasn't the real me. My grandfather, the late Daimyo Yukio, told me to get Lord Naruto into a compromising situation to force an arranged marriage. I didn't want to do it though but felt I had no choice."

Naruto looked between the siblings and explained. "My Sensei talked with your dad yesterday so we knew that already; we didn't know until after the battle though. Honestly, the Genjutsu I placed on everyone was to see Hibachi as me and me as Hibachi; that's it."

"We know." Tasu assured the blonde. "Not sure why our grandfather was trying to push the issue so hard after the fact; maybe Yukio thought he could get Lady Mayako to surrender her lands in exchange for your freedom from punishment, but we don't know for sure. Thanks to our late Uncle Takehiko it never got that far."

The kids sat in silence for a moment thinking about everything. Hinata looked to Yasu and kindly stated. "I didn't like either of them, but I am sorry for the sadness that you and your family are feeling for the loss of Yukio and Takehiko."

"Honestly, not sure how any of us feel right now." Tasu spoke blankly looking at the ducks. "Mom is worried for dad; that I do know. Dad, …. he and my uncle weren't close and grandpa was about as good a father as he was a Daimyo, but they were still his brother and father. Aunt Ryoko, … never really seen her cry until today actually. I don't know if she's sad for the loss of her brother and father or just the family's pain and shame in general. As for me and my sister we just feel bad for our father."

Naruto looked out at the ducks thinking about the word 'family' and what it meant. He never had one himself and at times would have given up everything to know what it was like; even for just one day. Now, after meeting the Nobuo Clan and his own murderous kin, he wasn't so sure his life was that bad. Blankly the boy inquired. "Is your father an aunt close?"

Yasu sighed thinking and explained. "No. Birthdays, holidays, family gatherings, bout the only time we saw her really. Dad doesn't really talk about his childhood much but we've seen pictures. He was a protective older brother when they were younger but I think life just tore them all apart. Doubt living under Grandpa Yukio help with that any."

Hinata gave the siblings a curious look and asked. "What was your grandmother like?"

"Never met her." Tasu explained with a shrug. "Died from a fever when dad was about ten. From the pictures we have seen Aunt Ryoko could pass for her double."

Thinking about what Hinata knew of that pig Yukio she asked as kindly as possible. "How did their marriage work? Your grandfather made it abundantly clear the kind of women, a fraise I use generously to describe the young maids, he liked."

Tasu rolled his eyes at the question. "According to what our mother has explained to us, the marriage was nothing but a business arrangement; don't know what was purchased because we never asked. Yukio hated being married to a woman of our grandmother's physique; probably why he hated our aunt, she reminded him of grandma. To hear our grandfather talk about grandma she was a skinny beautiful woman, it's like he thought no one never saw a picture of her before or something. It was all real stupid."

Yasu silently thought about what her brother explained. Sadly she commented. "Aunt Ryoko didn't have a chance did she; becoming mean was her only defense from grandpa's attitude towards her. She is a living reminder that grandma wasn't the bombshell grandpa wanted to marry. I'm kind of glad our father decided to give her another chance by placing her in charge of Uncle Takehiko's castle and lands."

Naruto became curious as it contradicted what Mayako Uzumaki explained regarding the woman and her family. "I thought your dad was going to cut her off when your grandpa died?"

Yasu shrugged. "Changed his mind; guess losing one sibling probably help him want to try and hold on to his last."

Tasu was silent as he thought about his aunt and grandma's comparison. Curiously he asked his sister. "Do you think that's why he and our mom never got along well; Grandpa I mean? Do you think grandpa was jealous that our dad married the kind of women he wanted to. I don't ever remember Grandpa Yukio doing anything inappropriate in regards to our mother, but, like Lady Hinata said, the kinds of women he liked and all. Daimyo Yukio was a well known womanizer."

Shuddering at the possibility that, on some level, her grandfather could have coveted her mother Yasu spoke. "That is an answer we will never know and frankly I'm glad. Grandpa Yukio is gone so that doesn't matter anymore. It's also more disturbing when you factor in I'm the exact replica of mom; so drop it."

Changing the subject quickly the purplette asked. "How are Anko Mitarashi and Hibachi Adachi doing? Well they recover alright?"

Hinata smiled and explained. "Yes, they will be fine. Two more teams from Leaf will arrive tomorrow and escort us all home in the morning."

…. Author's Note ….

Not much going on in this chapter and I'm sorry it's so short, but just wanted to get it out the way. Next chapter there will be a small time skip to the Chunin Exam Ark intro. Thanks for reading.