Chapter V: Preparation for War

Part II: An Uzumaki Battle Royal!

Uzumaki Compound,

Naruto spent the months training to his hardest. To say that training under both the Red Habanero and the Fourth Hokage was rough would be rather obvious.

One of them was a former Hokage who had made his name as the Yellow Flash during the Third Shinobi World War.

The other was the original container of the Kyuubi with an extensive knowledge of sealing techniques passed on to her by her late family.

The weeks had passed by just like that.

Naruto, however, was determined to get stronger. The pain of the experience only served to make him want to get stronger and faster. There was also the added factor of the Kyuubi which allowed the young Jinchuuriki to be able to take more punishment and for him to heal quicker from his injuries. He had learned a number of new jutsus and techniques from his father such as the Rasengan no Shiruken (Rasengan Shuriken), Teleportation Jutsu, Rasengan no Wind Style (Wind Style Rasengan), Rasengan no Lightning, (Lightning Rasengan).

From his mother…he learned the Maximum Sealing Jutsu, A jutsu capable of sealing away a nin's power or Cursed Mark. He also learned Uzumaki no Prison jutsu. This justu placed the opponent in a chakra-infused cage of some kind, rendering him unable to move.

The final jutsu he had managed to learn from her was the Tailed Beast Seal jutsu. This Justu would allow Naruto the power to seal a Tailed Beast or something similar if the situation required it. That justu required a lot of chakra though. Kushina had advised him to use it only as a last resort.

The final two techniques were the Blade no Lightning (Lightning Blade) and the Chidori technique. Those last two techniques were taught to him by his old sensei Kakashi. The former ANBU decided that Naruto was going to need all the help if the Akatsuki was going after him. He had lost Sasuke to Orochimaru's influence long ago. He'd be damned if he was going to lose another of his precious students to either Orochimaru or the Akatsuki.

Uzumaki Compound

Konohagakure

Naruto was busy eating breakfast with his family as usual. The return to a family life had been just what he needed. The days had gone by fast. Training, family time, his time with Hinata had consumed the boy's schedule as of late. He didn't mind though he was happy.

The three of them then heard a knock at the door.

Minato then put down his paper and walked towards the door. He grabbed the kunai from the counter and hid it behind his back. "I'll get it."

Kushina smiled and continued chopping up vegetables. "Alright Minato!"

As Minato opened the door, he saw an unfamiliar face peering at him. She was a kunoichi with dark red eyes and long auburn red hair. She was also wearing a red mesh armor blouse with only the right sleeve visible. She had on red lipstick and purple eye shadow.

The woman then smiled at him pridefully. "So it is true what they say Fourth. You really have come back. I heard that you were back but I thought that was just rumors. It's an honor to meet you in person. I idolized you as a young genin."

The genjutsu mistress then bowed. She felt herself shiver from anxiety.

Minato raised his eyebrow at her suspiciously. "I'm sorry to sound suspicious but I have to ask. Who are you?"

Kurenai's face turned into a sly smile. "Ah. I forget. You only saw me as a genin. It was duringthe Third Shinobi War. My name is Kurenai Yuuhi."

Minato gasped and his eyes widened. "I do remember you..faintly. You were part of the last genin class that I picked my students from long ago."

Naruto gasped when he saw who was at the door. That can't be. Is that Kurenai-sensei? He jumped off his seat and walked towards the open doorway. He felt his jaw drop. "Kurenai-sensei."

Kurenai smiled at the young chunin. "Hello Naruto. It's good to have you back home. We all missed you while you were away." She then let out a small giggle. "Especially Hinata."

Kushina set the knife down and eyed the woman suspiciously. "Pardon the rudeness but who are you?"

Kurenai smiled at her. "Ah Kushina-sama. Good to see you as well."

Minato then turned to his wife. "This is…Kurenai Yuuhi. She was a genin before I became Hokage. You remember when I had to pick my students back then? She was part of that genin class."

Kushina then got a good look at the other woman's face. Those eyes. That hair. I remember her. She was no older than twelve then. "Kurenai Yuuhi? Is that really you?"

Kurenai Yuuhi then winked at the woman. "In the flesh."

Kushina gasped and looked the woman up and down. "You've grown..since the last time I saw you."

Kurenai grinned at the Uzumaki woman. "Well it has been some time Kushina-sama. I'm not a little girl anymore."

Kurenai then looked around. "May I come in?"

Minato and Kushina both nodded eagerly. "Yes please come in."

Kurenai bowed. "Thank you very much Fourth." She then walked into the Uzumaki household.

Minato then shut the door and performed the jutsu locks on the estate.

Kushina smiled at the genjutsu master. "Would you like some pancakes? Some tea?"

Kurenai smiled daintly and smirked. "Tea would be wonderful! Thank you."

Kushina nodded. "Naru-kun please pull out a seat for our guest."

Naruto bowed his head. "Of course Kaa-san."

Kurenai's eyes widened in surprise at the young blonde. She was used to his usual bratty and explosive personality. It seems Naruto's time with his parents has calmed down some of his more…aggressive tendencies. Perhaps this is why Hinata approached him after all this time. You have definitely changed Naruto and you have changed for the better. You may not have been my student but I am proud of you all the same. She then beamed at the young shinobi. "Why thank you Naruto. So well mannered. You surprise me."

Kushina smiled at the kunoichi while carrying a tea tray. "I have been teaching him the proper manners. He has desperately needed a mother's touch in his life." She said that last part with a sigh but a happy sigh at that. She then placed the tray on the large ornate table.

Kurenai put her hands together for a moment nodding. "I see. I see. That is good."

She then turned to Naruto, smiled, and playfully ruffled the boy's hair. "I still remember when you were that young prankster always looking to get the Sandaime's attention. You were so impulsive and hot tempered back then.. I have to admit to myself…I didn't know what to think about you then. I considered you a wild card."

Naruto let out a hearty laugh. "Hah. Can't say I blame you. I was a wild child. I admit that. It's been a process. I mean how many people can say their own parents came back from the dead? I'm…adjusting the only way I can."

He then chuckled. "Besides Hinata made me straighten up. She told me no more secrets or tricks. She told me that regardless of what the village thinks …I'm a Konoha shinobi now and it was time to act like it."

Minato and Kushina both chuckled hearing that.

Kurenai brightly smiled and leaned in with a excited look in her eyes. "She really has come far. It wasn't that long ago when she could barely stand in your presence before fainting from embarrassment. Tell me. How did it happen? How did she finally confess?"

The red-eyed woman then poured herself some tea and took a sip.

Naruto chuckled nervously and smiled. "One day…We passed each other in the village square. I asked if she'd like to train with me someday and she..declined but said she wouldn't mind training on a later date."

The teen's hands rubbed his whiskers.

He blushed a bit. "She actually touched my face then. It surprised me. She's never done more than just sputter a few words or pass out in my presence. It made me feel something."

Kurenai spoke with a bit of giddiness in her tone. "Oooh! Tell me more!"

Minato and Kushina were both listening as well since they had never heard this story before.

"Later on..she came to the compound asking if I'd like to have lunch with her. I was nervous but I agreed to it. I almost didn't go but then Kaa-san and Tou-san both sort of convinced me to take a chance." He then rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.

Kurenai then turned to both Minato and Kushina in astonishment.

Kushina just smiled at her pridefully, putting her hands on her hips. "I could tell she was interested in my boy. I wasn't about to let him squander the opportunity. I want some grandkids!" The older redhead said that last part with some pride in her voice. She wanted the best for her son and she knew it was her job as his mother to help him navigate the tumulous journey of finding love.

Naruto turned to his mother with a reddened face. "Kaa-san!"

Kushina playfully smirked at her boy and pinched his cheek affectionately. "Naru-kun! You are my son! My only son! This family is depending on you to sire the new dynasties of the Uzumaki clan! Hinata is young enough to bear children and she is perfect for you! Not to mention that having the Byakugan in the family repertoire of jutsus will come in handy and smoothen our clan relations with the other clans! Think about how it would benefit our family!"

Minato just smiled at Naruto and shrugged. "She has a point there son. You are the only clan heir."

Kurenai just sat there giggling. She had to admit she had a soft spot for the kid. She knew he had been alone for a long time. Now seeing that one of the young students she had admired for so long having to deal with the same clan-like politics that Hinata often confided with her about...Kurenai had to admit she felt as if fate brought to the two of them together. Those two deserve each other. I'm happy for you Hinata-chan. You were alone in your feelings for so long. She then winked at Naruto. "You were saying Naruto?"

Naruto cleared his throat. "Ah. Yes. Well we went into this training room and we got to talking. Then..she..just confessed how she felt. I..felt the same. We kissed and things happened from there."

Kushina squealed with glee and jumped for joy. Tears fell from her eyes. Happy tears. "Oh! I'll get the diapers ready! I'm going to be a grandmother! I'm so happy!"

Minato just let out a laugh and winked at his son. "Hah. Not bad son. You are indeed worthy of the Namikaze namesake."

Kurenai smiled at Naruto. "I see. Well I hope you both used protection."

Naruto hissed at his mother. "We didn't have sex Kaa-san! We just kissed!"

Kushina then winked at him and spoke in a teasing manner. "But you were thinking about it weren't you?"

Naruto shook his head. "I mean...I was..but I don't want to do things like that until she's ready."

Kurenai smiled. Her eyes glimmered with a hint of a serious glare in them. She chuckled with a half-grin. "I'm glad to hear that Naruto. Hinata is precious to me. If you had harmed her or forced her to do something she didn't consent to…I would have had to punish you..severely. I would kill to keep Hinata safe from harm."

Naruto, feeling a bit of killing intent from the Genjutsu mistress, began shivering a bit. Wow. Kurenai-sensei can be…quite intimidating when she wants to be. I guess that's why they call her the Genjutsu Mistress of the Hidden Leaf Village. It suits her character. "Y..You have nothing to worry about Kurenai-sensei. I care about Hinata. I would never dream of hurting her."

Kurenai then leaned in, smiled, and pinched his right cheek affectionately. "Easy there Naruto. I know you wouldn't. You are an honorable man and an honorable shinobi of the Hidden Leaf. I know your nin-do. I believe you are being honest with me. You can relax yourself. I'm not going to hurt you."

She then sipped away at her tea and looked at him with a warm look in her eyes. "I'm just giving you the stakes. It's really simple Naruto. You treat her right and with dignity. I'm happy. Do the opposite and well...I think you can imagine what I'm capable of."

Naruto gave her a dutiful nod. "Of course Kurenai-sensei."

Kurenai then nodded and took the young shinobi's hands in hers, running her fingers over his palms. "You are a good man Naruto. Promise me that you will stay true to her? I want what is best for Hinata. I'm trusting you to be good to her. Can you do that for me? As a promise from comrade to comrade?"

Naruto nodded with a deadly serious look in his eyes. "I give you my word as a shinobi. I'll protect her with my life."

Kurenai nodded with a satisfied grin. "Thank you…Naruto-kun. Be well."

She then gave the young shinobi a quick kiss on the forehead and stood up out of her seat.

Naruto rather awkwardly blinked at her blushing.

She then turned to Kushina and Minato. "I apologize but I have errands to run. It was wonderful seeing the two of you. You two have raised a fine son. Thank you for the tea."

She then bowed.

Minato and Kushina then bowed as well.

Minato then let out a small chuckle grinning at Kushina. "Well we were gone for sixteen years but I believe we have made an impact. Thank you."

Kurenai then nodded with a smile. "You are welcome."

She then made her way towards the doorway.

As soon as the doorway was closed, Minato chuckled with a grin. "My. My. She has definitely grown up. Things have really changed in the village while I've been gone."

Kushina smirked at him and took his hand in hers. "That they have."

They then noticed that Naruto had a bit of a blank expression in his eyes. He looked as if he was in shock.

Both Kushina and Minato put their hands on his shoulders.

Kushina eyed him worriedly. "Naruto are you alright? What's wrong?"

Naruto turned to her and shook his head to clear his thoughts.

"I'm fine. I just never expected Kurenai-sensei to be so kind to me. She always appeared so intimidating to me. I..always felt as if she were going to rip my head off if I even said hello."

Kushina smiled at him. "Perhaps it is because you matured Naru-kun. That's how you earn the respect of others. You mature in life." Naruto just nodded.

A few days later.

Naruto was practicing with some of his new jutsus. He was actually practicing the Teleportation Jutsu his father had taught him.

He began teleported from tree trunk to tree trunk.

He then drew several kunai and intermingled them between his fingers. His eyes took note of the three marked targets on the three trunks in front of him. He then jumped to his left and gently landed on a small branch and threw all six kunai with great precision. Each set of three hit their mark. He then landed on his feet. He then heard a voice shout "Teleportation Justu!"

Out of the corner of his right eye, he saw Minato rush out of a small portal with a kick aimed for his face.

Naruto managed to block the kick with his left arm. He then threw the arm back, throwing the Fourth Hokage off balance.

Minato then spun himself around landing dainty on his left foot. He then rushed at his son striking at him with a flurry of punches and kicks.

Naruto, due to his speed training, was able to match his father punch for punch and kick for kick.

Minato grinned to himself. Good. He is getting quick. Almost as quick as me. As expected of a Namikaze. Their duel of fists drew blood on both sides. Then Minato rushed at him with a kunai.

Naruto pulled out one of his own kunai and rushed at Minato.

The two clashed with kunai in a struggle to see who is the strongest.

Minato grinned as he tried to push against his son's kunai "Not bad Naruto. All your training has been paying off. You are almost as fast as me now."

Naruto grinned. "I endeavor to make you proud Dad!" He then swept his fathers feet from under him and landed a kick hard in the stomach.

Minato impacted hard into the forest ground. Naruto started breathing rather heavily and fell to one knee. He was able to hold his own against his father but the endeavor had taken a lot out of the young jinchuruki.

Kushina then shushuned in front of him with a sly grin on her face. "Very good Naruto. You have advanced quickly since we started training you. You managed to beat your father. I am so very proud of you." She then drew kunai from her own hands. "Let us see if you can do the same against me."

Naruto grit his teeth with a serious look in his eyes. "Bring it on!"

The mother and son then dueled with punches and kicks.

Kushina, unlike Minato, fought a more rough, brawling style compared to Minato.

She also had the added benefit of the Kyuubi which greatly increased her strength and endurance.

She and Naruto then kept fighting.

Naruto was facing a problem however. He was beginning to tire. His muscles were starting to tire. Sweat poured down his forehead. Mom...hits hard! Harder than I thought she would! I don't know how long I can keep up my defense against her!

Kushina then jumped back from him with a smirk on her face. Very good Naruto! I am so proud of you! You fight like a true shinobi of the Leaf! She then aimed to strike him down with another forearm.

Naruto managed to block it with his own forearm. He felt a bone snap in his forearm and yelped in pain. It was becoming evident that he was struggling to hold his mother back. The fight with his father had worn out some of his battle stamina.

Kushina smiled at him pridefully. "You stand your ground well Naru-kun." She then put her hands together. Kyuubi Armor: Thousand Pain Punch. She then infused both her arms with red chakra and gave him a hard punch to the gut.

Naruto gasped and was forced a few steps back. He began coughing up blood and fell to his knees.

Kushina eyed him worriedly. Maybe I was too rough on him. He's coughing up blood!

Naruto just forced himself up to his feet coughing up more blood. He was sore. His entire body was sore and in pain. He still, however, raised his kunai and got into a fighting stance. "I'm not done..yet!"

Kushina gasped and then smirked at her son. He has my fighting spirit.

She then disspelled the chakra arms and stabbed her kunai in the branch of the tree they were on.

"Okay. That's enough for now my sweet boy. You fought well. I only intended to train you..not kill you. You can relax your muscles now."

Naruto nodded, looking a bit dazed and swaying from side to side. "Thank you..Kaa-san." Unfortunately for him, he no longer had the strength to hold himself up. He then fell into his mother's arms.

Kushina giggled. "Oh Naruto. You seem to be too weak to hold yourself upright. It will be alright though. I've got you." She held him in her arms and and shushined them to the forest floor.

Kushina then laid Naruto's body down on the grass. She then put her hands together. Uzumikai. The woman's hands turned green. Uzumikai was a secret Uzumaki medical ninjutsu that only the Uzumaki clan knew off. It had the ability to heal even the gravest of wounds. The only reason those of the Uzumaki clan could use such a justu was because it required a lot of chakra to maintain. The Uzumaki clan, by their nature, had such reserves of chakra.

Kushina then started to unbutton his vest and unzip his shinobi jacket. She then placed her hands on his large chest wound.

Minato then teleported next to her with a guilty look on his face. "We really did a number on our boy didn't we?"

Kushina sighed sadly. "We did but we don't have much of a choice Minato. Naruto has to be ready..to face anything. Just in case you or I get killed in the field of battle.

Minato nodded intently at his wife. "That we do." The former Hokage saw his second chance at life as the opportunity to keep his son safe. He knew that both he and Kushina had to prepare for every situation.

Naruto then let out a loud moan as he began to wake up. "Mmm..what happened?"

Kushina and Minato both laughed.

Minato then grinned at his son. "You fought well son. I am proud."

Kushina grinned as well. "As am I."

Clan Living Room

Hyuuga Compound

A day later

Hinata smiled at her father. "So you've made the arrangements Father?"

Hiashi smiled at her. "Yes…Hinata…I have. I've invited the Uzumaki family over for dinner."

Hinata clasped her hands together with glee. "Wonderful."

Hyuuga Compound

Naruto, clad in his Uzumaki shinobi outfit, stood at the gateway of the Hyuuga Compound with his hands in his pockets. He began taking a look around. This place is huge. I could get lost easily.

Minato and Kushina were at his side. Minato smiled with a look of fondness in his eyes. "Wow. This place hasn't changed at all. I remember seeing all this when I would visit from time to time."

Kushina smiled at him "Indeed."

The two then put their hands on Naruto's shoulders.

Hiashi then approached the Uzumaki family with a warm smile on his face. Hinata and Hanabi were at his side. "Ah I see you all got my invite! Wonderful!"

Naruto stiffened a bit in the presence of the older Hyuuga clan leader. His gaze darkened at the man.

Hiashi gave the young clan heir a nod. Well that is to expected. I have been rather cold to Naruto his whole life. I have a lot to apologize for.

Hiashi then gave all of them a bow. "Please follow me into the private room. I have prepared a dinner for all of us."

Private Room

Hyuuga Compound

The Uzumaki and Hyuuga clans sat across from one another.

Hiashi then spoke with a calm tone. "First of all..I believe an apology is in order." He then turned to Naruto with a nod. "Naruto..I know I haven't always painted you in what some would consider a favorable light. I have..with Hinata's assistance…seen the error of my ways. I want to offer my sincerest apologies for my behavior." He then cleared his throat. "I would also like to form an official alliance between both the Uzumaki and Hyuuga clans. A statement of true kinship of Konohanian patriotism. I know you may not care much for me but I know of your love and dedication to our beloved village. I believe that we have better odds defending her forests if we were to be allies instead of enemies."

Naruto sighed and tightly grasped the necklace Tsunade had given him. A bit of anger burrowed itself in the young man's tone. "I..don't know."

Hiashi's eyes widened in fear. He then turned to Hinata with a pleading look in his eyes. He was hoping she could turn this situation around. The two of them did share a bond of sorts. If anyone could convince Naruto to get over his past grudges and align his clan with that of the Hyuuga..It was Hinata. The woman he loved.

Hinata gave her father a nod. Don't worry Father. I'll handle this. She then took Naruto's hands into hers and gently squeezed them "Naruto…I know Father hasn't always been kind to you but there is always time for a new beginning. You have a lot of reasons to hate him. To hate the village as a whole in fact. We have all called you the demon brat for years. I don't blame you for being angry or distrustful of us." She then reached across and squeezed his hand. "But our clans don't have to be enemies. You have a clan now. You have true standing in Konoha's shinobi society. None of us can deny that now. What you and I have…can be official now. Think about it. The Hyuuga and Uzumaki clans standing together as one. Together…we can defend the Hidden Leaf Village. With your clan's knowledge of fuuinjutsu and my clan's Byakugan…we would be a sizable force for Konoha's enemies. That is what you've always wanted to do right? Protect the village?"

Naruto sighed.

The bluenette's words rang true in his ears.

He turned over to Minato. The former Hokage gave his son a small smile and put a hand on his shoulder.

He then turned over to Kushina. The beautiful redhead put her hand on his shoulder, smiling brightly at him.

It was then that the young clan heir knew what he had to do. Dad sacrificed me. He sacrificed everything to save the village. I know that some in this village still hate my guts. Some of them probably will for all time but if I turn my back on Hiashi's offer now. I will be turning my back not only on the people of this village but also on the people I desire to live for. The people I'd die for. I'll fight for Konoha if only to protect Hinata-chan and my parents. It is what my father would do. I must do the same. Naruto then stood himself up and offered the Hyuuga clan head a hand. "Alright Hiashi-sama. For the sake of the Village and those I love, I choose to accept your apology and I'll agree to an alliance between our clans."

Hiashi grinned widely and shook the young man's hand. "I'm pleased to hear that Naruto. Though I suppose I'll be calling you son-in-law soon."

Naruto flashed the man a trademark grin and nodded with a bow. "So how do we do this?"

Hiashi then searched in his coat. "Here we go." He then raised a hand, pulled out a long scroll and unrolled it across the table.

The kanji on it read 'Clan Alliance Contract'.

Hiashi then turned to his eldest daughter. "Hinata...maybe you would prefer to explain the details."

Hinata smiled with glee and gave her father a nod. "Of course Father."

She then tilted her head at Naruto, lovingly looking him in the eyes. "What Father has here is called a Clan Alliance Contract Naruto. It's purpose is to do just that...bind two clans into a alliance of sorts. It makes each clan head an official member of his or her partner's clan and forms a bond between both clans. It also makes your family my family and my family...your family."

Naruto blinked, taking in all the information. "So what your saying is that once this is signed...Hiashi officially becomes my father-in-law?"

Hinata nodded eagerly. "And Hanabi your sister-in-law. For the Hyuuga clan..such contracts only apply to non-Branch members." She said that last part with a bit of disdain in her tone. I plan to do away with the Branch System when I finally take over this house. Neji-nii-san deserves to be a brother-in-law.

She then cleared her throat blushing. "Once you sign this contract with me...both of our clans will be allied for as long as these contracts remain active."

Naruto nodded. "They have to be renewed from time to time?"

Hiashi then offered him a smile. "A very astute...and correct insinuation Naruto. Yes. They must be renewed every ten plus years."

He then continued. "Now…as you and Hinata are both the current clan heirs…you two must be the ones to sign the contract."

Hiashi then turned to his eldest daughter with a warm smile. "Do you have the special kunai I gave you?"

Hinata bowed with a smile. "I do Father." She then rummaged in her pockets and pulled out a kunai. It wasn't just any kunai though. This kunai had a lavender color to it and the Hyuuga family symbol etched on its center.

Naruto then felt Kushina's hand grip tighten on his shoulder. "Mom?" He then turned to her and saw she was offering him the kunai in her hand. This one, however, was a reddish pink color and the Uzumaki crest in the middle of it. "This is a special kunai my clan once used for these situations. It has been passed down generation to generation. I've held it in my possession for a long time. I..never imagined I would ever come back to life so there was no use to bring it out."

The redhead then gently placed the reddish pink kunai into his hand and enclosed Naruto's fingers around it. "The process is simple Naru-kun. You must cut your palm with this kunai and place it on the paper. That will fulfill the expectations of the Clan Alliance contract. Once you do this..the Uzumaki and Hyuuga clans will be in a true alliance for years to come."

Naruto then gave his mother a serious nod. He then turned to face Hinata.

The bluenette smiled warmly at him, blushing a bit. My clan..allied with Naruto-kun's. With the two of us protecting both each other and this village, along with the assistance of the other Konoha clans. Konohagakure will be safe under our protection. Another thought entered her mind and her eyes got serious for a moment. Also...as my lover…Naruto will officially be under my protection. Nobody in this damn village will ever lay a hand on him ever again. If they do..the wrath of the Hyuuga Clan will rain down upon them. Not that I don't trust Naruto to protect himself in a fight. It is just that I worry. He is strong and capable. But he is just one man. As a Konoha kunoichi and as his lover…It is my sworn duty to keep him safe from harm no matter what the cost.

Naruto gasped for a moment. He then realized how important this moment was. The two of them were essentially officiating their relationship in front of their parents…albeit in a non-official manner. They were also forming an alliance between their two clans. They could now be in the open about their love for one another. I'll defend Hinata and her family with my life.

Hinata then smiled at Naruto. "Ready Naruto?"

Naruto gave her a serious look. "Ready."

The shinobi and kunoichi then sliced open their palms with the special kunai in their hand.

They then gently placed their bleeding hands on opposite sides of the scroll.

The scroll then activated with a surge of chakra then it dissipated in little more than a second. Both removed their hands. The surge of chakra then went away.

Hiashi had a wide smirk on his face. "And the alliance is now set in stone."

Hinata finally let down the professional mask she had been struggling to keep up and firmly grasped Naruto's face in hers, pulling him in for a gentle kiss.

Minato and Kushina both had satisfied grins on their faces.

Hiashi, usually the reserved type, allowed himself to smile. Perhaps it is time for me to allow my daughter to be herself. She has grown and is determined to lead this clan her own way. Naruto is an honorable shinobi of the Leaf. If he is who she chooses…then I shouldn't stand in the way.

Hanabi smiled warmly at both her father and older sister. She was wiping a tear from her right eye. So beautiful. I'm happy for my big sister. She finally found the man she loved.

Hiashi then cleared his throat. "Dearest son-in-law...I have one last request for you."

Naruto turned to face the older Hyuuga man and bowed his head in respect. "Of course. You need only name it Hiashi-sama."

Hiashi smiled at the respect the young Jinchuuriki was giving him. "I want you to give me your word that you will remain true to Hinata. I trust you to love and cherish her for as long as you both shall live. Renege from this duty and I will deal with you accordingly. I may be an older man now but I know how to protect my family."

Naruto felt a little uncomfortable at the serious stare the older man was giving him. He managed to give the man a serious nod. "I would die for Hinata Hiashi-sama. As I am sure she would die for me."

Hinata giggled and kissed her father on the cheek. "No need to worry Father. Naruto knows how deadly I can be in a fight. He is smart enough to know not to break my trust in him."

Hanabi smiled and bowed before Naruto. "Welcome to the family dear..brother-in-law." Naruto nodded in agreement. "Thank you Hanabi-chan."

All of them then sat down.

Minato and Kushina then embraced Hinata in a tight hug.

Kushina smiled at Hinata. "Welcome to the family Hinata. Minato and I are beyond elated to have you as a daughter-in-law."

Minato nodded. "What she said. Take care of our boy. We are entrusting you with his welfare."

Hinata nodded. "I will Minato-sama! I give you my word!"

Kushina then eyed the bluenette with a warm look in his eyes. "Now I have one final request for you dear daughter-in-law."

Hinata met her mother-in-law's eyes with a serious look in her own. "You need only name it Kushina-chan."

Kushina smiled at her, hiding a bit of anger underneath it. "Kunoichi to kunoichi...I'm trusting you with my son's heart. If you break it or I find out you have been unfaithful to him..I will kill you. Are we clear on this?"

Hinata felt a bit of killing intent from the Red Habanero and recoiled a bit. This must that famous temper I'd heard about. She, however, regained her nerve and gave her mother in law a serious look. "I'll defend him with my life Kushina-chan. You have nothing to worry about."

Kushina then gave the Hyuga heiress a warm hug. "Good. Welcome to the family dear."

Hinata felt her heart go a flutter. This is everything I ever wanted! Oh! I'm so happy!

Hiashi then grinned at all of them. "Now that the matter at hand..has been dealt with. Let us eat! I hope you all like roast duck!"

Everyone then sat down to eat.

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Also I'm upgrading this story to an M rating given the content coming up!

I'll provide content warnings going forward!