disclaimer-dont own naruto

"We're cousins, Sasuke. My mom and your mom were sisters. So cousins." Naruto said to a shocked Sasuke.

"I have family...how do I not know this? Why was it kept secret?" Itachi said. Damis turned to the older Uchiha.

"Had the Uchiha clan elders found out, what would've become of your mother? Of the child of that marriage?" Damis asked softly. Itachi's eyes widened.

"Mother would have been killed as well as any children from the union. Father would've been blinded and his hands removed." Itachi said. "Sasuke and myself would've been killed very slowly. To keep the blood pure."

"Exactly, Fugaku and Mikoto loved each other, like Minato and Kushina, married here in the Cathedral. Konoha law states that any shinobi who marries in the sight of two other shinobis, the marriage is then approved by Konoha council." Rania said. Sasuke, Itachi, and Naruto looked at her. Sasuke was the first to ask.

"Who, besides the Fourth and my father, could keep such a secret? It would have to be someone who could falsify documents and birth certificates. And someone who could reign in the Council." Sasuke said. Rania quirked an eyebrow

"Indeed, who in Konoha could do such?" Rania asked as they turned to go to an area that they hadn't been to yet. All the shinobis were interested now. Kakashi eye smiled.

"It could've been one of many clan heads, a damiyo, or someone with a lot of pull. But I'm not sure who. If Jiji were alive he could tell us." Naruto said.

"Who?" the Uchihas asked.

"Jiji is what Naruto called the Third Hokage. Pop was like a grandfather to him." Asuma said.

"This is so confusing." Naruto whined. Galen smiled softly.

"Perhaps, but I am sure soon those question will be cleated up." Galen said upon reaching a garden doorway. Rania turned to face the crowd of shinobi.

"I was saving this as a surprise but with the recent events, I think showing this to you now will be helpful. I think you will literally be surprised." Rania said opening the large door. The shinobis filed in quietly amazed by the beauty of the garden. Kurenai was the first to spesk.

"Beautiful. I have never seen such an array. Are all these native to Velos?"

"Some, Lady Kurenai, others were gifted as friendship gifts but the garden itself is not the surprise." Danok said. Rania led the group through the garden to a shaded area. The shinobis stopped cold for there, seated in one of the many benches, was none other than the THIRD hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. Naruto and Konohamaru yelled

"JIJI!"

"Hello, Naruto, Konohamaru." The Third said. He was instantky wrapped in a hug, not from Naruto or Konohamaru, but from Tsunade who had tears steaming down her face.

"Sensi, We thought Orochimaru killed you. How did you survive?" Jirayia said, clasping his teacher's shoulder.

"Well, lets just say that Minato tends to look after people even when he's is no longer among us."

" It was you, Jiji. You faked Sasuke's mom's papers. Only you would have the power to do so."

"Yes, Naruto. But I didn't do it alone, did I, Hiashi?"

"No, Hokage, you did not."

Itachi looked at Hiashi with questioning eyes.

"It must be a teammate to witness the marriages. Minato, Fugaku, and I were teammates as well as best friends. I tried to adopt bith Naruto and Sasuke but the Civilian Council turned me down. So I watched over you as best as I could."

Naruto didn't care about that. His Jiji was alive, he had cousins and Baa-chan. Life was good. But he had a chilling feeling that Danzo's puppets would be back and this time they would once again be defeated.

"Hey, Jiji, want some Ramen?" Narito asked. Hiruzen smiled.

"Of course."

Konoha

What??? Those were the best. Danzo send more ROOT. I WANT SASUKE UCHIHA AND THAT BRAT KILLED!! IF I CAN'T HAVE HIS BODY NO ONE WILL. PUT HIM IN THE BINGO BOOK. 10000000 MILLION RYO DEAD OR ALIVE." Orochimaru fumed

"Yes, Lord Hokage. It will be done. However, the damiyo may need more money to help."

"Just do it. Kukukuku, I will see those brats dead if I have to do it myself I want to be immortal and those brats are in the way."

Danzi grimaced. Soon, Orochimaru, my pkan will be complete and you will bow to me. I will control the Nations and be a god. And all will bow to me." Danzo thought disappearing into ROOT headquarters, dream of a throne in his head.