Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto

Pairings: None yet

Rating: PG-13 for some language.

08/02: Reloaded to fix some mistakes.

Since this chapter is a bit shorter, I'll be using this extra space to answer some reviewer's questions. Thanks to all those who reviewed!

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Q1: Where's sasuke? T.T How did Naruto died? I though the one with the baby was Naruto! Is there gonna be Yaoi? I hope so...SasuNaru! - RiNuN sAMa

A1: I do think I can write romance, especially not Yaoi. Feel free to imagine it yourself though.

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Q2: what names are you gonna give to Naruto's reincarnation?...something different yet related to ramen...yet dignified for a Hyuuga - needmore

A2: The name is in the story below. See (1) for an explanation

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Q3: funny. Neo-naruto. Is he going to grow quickly to his size-before-death? You did mention about accelerated growth... - KeiZka

I was wondering though will Naruto still have accelerated growth after he is born? - Zalek

A3: No, only in the start, the three month thing. He will grow up in 12 years.

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Q4: Heh, Naruto is going to be WAY to hyper for the Hyuuga clan to keep up with! . - Kaiyo No Hime

A4: Note that even twins do not have the same personality. It works the same for clones.

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A/N: A large theme in this story is fixing past mistakes, as you'll see.

One last chance

Chapter 4: Son of two worlds

Hyuuga Hiashi was summoned to the Hokage tower. The entire story was explained to him, from the moment of the explosion to the details of the conversation that had occurred in the room a no more than a mere hour ago.

Iruka knew in his heart that the Hokage was right, he would not be able to take care of the boy, even if he married Kurenai. Sure, he was used to teaching/babysitting a room full of them, but to take care of a kid 24 hrs a day?

Kakashi had zoned out, and was absorbed in his ever-present book. Since he had offered his advice on the Hyuuga clan he now had no more to give.

Jiraiya had left, to tend to his last day of duties as Hokage.

Hiashi listened to Tsunade's story, and as he gazed on the now sleeping child, he reminisced about the past, about the request of the forth, and how it had been gradually ignored by those who knew of it. If he could do something now, it wouldn't make up for the mistakes of the past, but it would give a future for this boy.

"Of course I would be more than glad to take the boy in, Hokage-sama."

Iruka let out the breath he had unknowingly been holding. On one hand he was happy for the boy, but sad he couldn't do more to help.

It seemed Hiashi had noticed his anxiety. "Of course you are also welcome to help us Iruka-sensei." He blinked, how had he known? But of course, the Byakugan sees all right?

"If I may inquire, Hokage-sama, what is the boy's name?"

"I've decided to call him Naruwata. Naru for short."

Kakashi piped in. "An odd choice for a name isn't it."

"I don't know where that came from, but it is my hope for him." (1)

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The seal on the boy's stomach was still visible when they wrapped him up in blankets. The Hokage simply assumed it was the work of the Kyuubi. Hiashi was instructed to keep the sight of it away from people, and to use a jutsu to hide its appearance.

A cover story was fabricated, stating that it was the child of a friend who had passed away, which was partially true. Records were doctored to state the same.

Hiashi called a meeting to inform his clan of the news, they were overjoyed at the news that their great leader was such a kind, noble person for taking in the boy, but had doubts he could live up to the expectations of their great clan. Hiashi informed them that he would raise the boy personally.

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Neji, Hinata, Hanabi and their mother Himiko, were called to a small meeting later.

"You all know about the child right?" They nodded. "Since raising a child is no solo task, especially since I will have missions and other business to take care of from time to time, I am going to need help at times. So, I've decided to ask the four of you for help."

"Of course Daddy! It'll be like having a little brother!"

"Of course f-father."

"Very well."

"Of course I will help dear."

"Excellent, then I'll let you in on a secret." And he told them about the seal, and about the boy's father. Since they were going to help, he couldn't hide the seal forever.

Hanabi and Himiko were too stunned to speak. Hinata looked like she would faint.

"So fate has something else in store for us. How very interesting." You can guess who said that.

6 years later

A six year old Naru ran down the street, followed by his 'brother' Kachi. Unlike Naru, Kachi was a natural born Hyuuga from the branch family, with the Byakugan and all. After entering the academy together, both Hyuugas were placed in the same class, although Naru was better than his slightly older sibling. (2) Lucky enough, they had Iruka as their sensei, who had been able to convince Tsunade to put them in his class.

"I'm back!" "Me too."

"Ha I got here first." The non-Hyuuga declared.

"Grrrr, I'll beat you tomorrow!" And he stuck his tongue out at Naru. Since he wasn't looking where he was going, Kachi ran straight into Hiashi. "Oof. Ahh, sorry Hiashi-sama." He managed to stammer out.

"Hi Tou-san. I got top of the class!" Naru handed his report card to his father with a huge smirk, beaming with pride. "Nothing less than what I expected. And you Kachi?"

He reluctantly gave his over. "Only middle huh?"

"I'll definitely do better next time!" And he ran off with Naru, leaving Hiashi to wonder, how come the last generations had been so quiet and disciplined, and he ended up with these two? He started to think that some of Naruto's loudness was genetic, and he had passed it on.

Naru and Kachi were siblings, but rivals. Of course Naru was a bit better than Kachi, but Kachi would never admit it. Both were the new hopes of the Hyuuga clan, and it looked like Naru was going to be their next 'genius', even though he wasn't genetically a Hyuuga, it would still bring honor to the clan. Kachi, however, wasn't as good, even though both were taught the same skills by Hisahi, Hinata and Neji.

Hiashi taught them the traditional Hyuuga style, the Gentle fist. Naru was better with the Taijustu part, but couldn't aim at chakra openings due to not having the Byakugan. Kachi wasn't as good, but could at least do some damage.

Hinata taught them some Genjutsu and medical techniques, having been taken in by Tsunade as an apprentice along with Sakura. Neither of the boys were any good with Genjutsu, although Naru showed some proficiency with self- healing techniques (guess why).

Neji taught them Ninjutsu and weapons training, and both were good in their own ways. Naru was good at elemental type Justus and swords, while Kachi was only somewhat good with the weapons and really bad with the jutsus.

Both still had a long way to go though.

Still, Hiashi was pleased.

The Hokage came to visit once in a while, having declared herself Naru's godmother. He didn't complain, especially when she brought him Ramen. Hiashi frowned.

Tsuzuku - TBC

Notes

(1) - Kanji lesson! Naruwata is the boy's name.

Japanese people sometime name their children similar to their own names. This was more common before the 19th century.

Note that Naruto is the fish cake in ramen, although it can be written with kanji as 'Maelstrom', using the kanji for sound and the kanji for 'door'.

Naruwata can be written with the kanji for 'sound', 'Naru' and the kanji for 'Wata' meaning to 'cross' or 'pass' as the word 'Naruwata' meaning 'echo' or 'resonation'.

What Tsunade is saying is that she wants the boy to be like Naruto.

(If I'm wrong with the Kanji, please tell me)

(2) - Note that Kachi isn't Hiashi's son. He is from someone in the branch house. I guess Kachi is more like Naru's cousin.

Kachi means worth or merit.