Author's note: I'm back again everybody. Hope I wasn't gone too long for all of y'all. Anyways I won't barrage you with crap, so enjoy the chapter!
"Everyone, I want to thank you for coming here today." Tsunade stood atop the kage tower as she looked at every citizen and shinobi that was currently in the village that could leave their post. "It may confuse you as to why I have called for every person in the village to come here, but it is time everyone learns of the truth. This secret has been the most kept secret, and because the owner of the secret wishes it to be known, you all shall know." Tsunade took a deep breath before looking over her shoulder, Hiruzen stood there with her, as well as the elders, Jiraiya, and Naruto. Naruto nodded, letting the women proceed, "17 years ago the Kyuubi attacked our village and rampaged. Minato Namikaze, the 4th hokage gave his life to protect everyone and stop the beast, we are told in our history books that he killed the beast, but that is not true. Minato did the most noble thing, aside from taking his own life to stop the beast, he also burdened his only child Naruto Uzumaki by sealing the Kyuubi within him."
Once this was said the crowd somehow got even quieter. All eyes had been moved to said boy who was standing to the right of Tsunade. It wasn't long until some of the older civilians yelled out in outrage, and disbelief. Tsunade let this go on for a couple of minutes before she finally put her hand up stopping all of the commotion. "If you don't believe me just look at him, look at the resemblance to our late kage. If that isn't good enough for you, then you should also know that myself as well as Jiraiya here, were legally responsible for him until recently when he came of age. We are the boy's godparents." While this was being said the Konoha 12 gang were all staring at Naruto, differing thoughts between all of them about what was announced about there friend.
"For years Naruto was tormented and treated badly, and it's gone on for too long, the 4ths legacy should never have been victimized this way. Naruto-san has known of his parentage for a while now, he found out while he was away training with my teammate here. This may be hard for everyone to believe, but it is true, and for even further proof the Namikaze estate, it is protected by a blood seal, only his direct family members could open it. Naruto's blood allowed him into the estate just a few hours ago." Tsuande stopped talking now as she saw people struggling with the information of what was just told to them.
Naruto then stepped forward, "I know this may be hard for a lot of people to believe, for my entire life people have outcasted me, going as far as making their kids not be my friend when I was little, beating me in allies or in the middle of the street. Jacking up prices so I couldn't even afford to buy food, a lot of you have given me nothing but reasons to hate all of you, and yet I stand here with open arms to say I forgive all of you. You hated me not because of me, but because of what I represented to you. I was the reincarnation of the monster that killed your family, your friends, your beloved kage and so much more. It was hard to look past that and I don't blame any of you. But know now I come to you not as the son of the 4th Hokage, or the vessel of the Kyuubi, but as a shinobi of your village to say I will do anything to protect you. I tried to prove that years ago when I helped defend the village during Orochimaru's attack. With all of my might I will do what I can to protect every single one of you" Naruto yelled out as people looked up at him.
People stood there, no one knew what to say, not a single person all of this was hard to handle for just about everyone in a plethora of different ways. People weren't sure whether to cheer, feel bad for him, or what to do. The thought in everyone's mind is that something should be said, but no one knew what. Naruto was like a psychic though, "It's okay, no one needs to say anything, this was just an announcement that I feel needed to happen… Ja ne" Naruto said before disappearing from view of everyone. Tsunade let everyone kind of stand around talking amongst each other before she dissolved the crowd, having everyone leave, and all shinobi go back to their posts. Hiashi was the only one who stayed back and approached the hokage herself.
"Hokage-sama, may I please speak with you and Jiraiya-sama" The man asked, making sure to be professional and polite, like a Hyuga head should be.
"Of course Hiashi-san, what's on your mind" Jiraiya responded back for the group.
"I want to let Naruto and Hinata know that they are too betrothed, now that they are both of age, but I would appreciate it if the two of you could be at the dinner."
"Why do you need or want us there Hiashi-san" Tsunade interjected, curious as to why either one of them should come.
"Tsunade-sama, you have been training Hinata, as well as Sakura and Ino-san for a while, and I know Hinata feels very closely to you, Jiraiya-sama it's easy to see that Naruto looks up to you and respects you. I feel like having both of you there would make things a lot easier, including that this is a touchy subject since I know that both of them have strong feelings for each other as it is." Hiashi explained thoroughly, being as honest as possible hoping they would agree.
Tsunade and Jiraiya looked at each other, Tsunade already knew her perverted teammate would agree, she sighed that knowing she would have to go to keep the man in check, "Ok Hiashi-san, we will be there, just let us know when and where" Tsuande said.
"Of course Tsuande-sama, I will send a messenger within the day" Hiashi said before making his leave.
After Hiashi left a silence fell between the two Sannin, before Tsunade spoke, "Should we talk about it." She knew that they should, she hadn't stopped thinking about it since that night but was unsure of what to say.
"There's nothing to say hime," Jiraiya boldly kissed the woman's forehead. Jiraiya stood back as he looked at the woman in front of him, "We don't have to say anything and nothing will ever come again."
"But we slept together!" Tsuande said out loud, she seemed nervous, angry and scared all at once.
"Yes and I didn't try anything either, I left you peaceful and untouched" Jiraiya said referring to the moment from all those years ago before he left out with Naruto.
"Why though? You had the perfect opportunity you could hav-" Jiraiya stopped her.
"I may be a lot of things, but I would never take advantage of someone, including you. Or did you forget that how I feel about you." Tsuande bit her tongue feeling bad for what she was going to say. "It was an amazing night, and we didn't even do anything, so incase you forgot let me tell you again Tsunad. I love you" Jiraiya said, his voice was a bit harsh as he said that proving the woman right that she did upset him with what she said.
Jiraiya stood up as he headed towards the door, "I should get going" Jiraiya took his leave before Tsunade could stop him. The man exited via the door instead of his usual path, that being the window, he didn't slam the door though. He just merely left it open as he walked away from the woman. Having her say what she almost said hit him harder than he thought it would, he knew that he had a reputation but he never thought she would actually believe that he would do something like that. Jiraiya left needing a drink and a distraction.
Naruto got to his house, god it felt weird for him to think of this place as his house. He never really got to experience it except for when he was in the Tsukiyomi world that Obito put him and Sakura in forever ago. He looked around the place, he had already been given a few hours to become accustomed to it, but he knew it would take a lot longer. He saw that some of his things were already brought over, and he knew that Hiashi was the one to have gotten that done. Because everything was made to be neat and orderly, just like a Hyuuga would do. He appreciated the gesture though, it was nice of the man to do that for him. He couldn't believe all he was told though, how much money he had to boot also. It was weird to know that he was now loaded, guess that's what happens when your dad was the hokage and all the leftover money was compounding for 17 years, to mix with his own personal money, along with his wife. Naruto had never seen that many zeros before it was a change.
He signed off on the documentation to have all the money moved to his own personal account, an account that a few days before barley had 10,000 ryo. It was what he had to pay rent and get some groceries. Naruto plopped down on the couch as he put his hands over his face, closing his eyes. "What am I going to do Kurama?" Naruto said aloud to his furry friend knowing damn well the fox could hear him.
"Do what you want. This is your future, your path, to much has changed for there to be any real plan anymore. Hell Shukaku never even got taken out of Gaara, though now the Atkutski knows about how strong you are and won't be pulling any punches against you like last time." Kurama responded in kind, as he rested in his kage, since there wasn't much else for him to do.
"I'm just scared, I know I'm stronger than last time, a lot stronger, but what if it isn't enough? What if I did all of this for nothing? What if the future doesn't change and everyone dies again? It'll be my fault!" Naruto said, frustrated. That was the only thing that's been on his mind since Sasori and Deidara escaped. They realized how strong he was, plus Jiraiya was with him and once they put two and two together the two Ninja didn't hold back even a little showing just how strong they truly were. Of course Naruto and Jiraiya could easily overpower them, but with Deidara being able to fly that complicated things a lot. Once the two got away, even with sage mode Jiraiya and Naruto couldn't locate the rest of Atkatsuki. They were able to hide their presence enough to escape the two. As far as they know, none of the Bijuu had been captured yet except the Sanabi.
With Yagura under Obito's control though there was only so much they could do. Orochimaru had gone even more undercover than usual, it was impossible to know what the man was doing, they hadn't heard or seen any movements since the failed attempt at getting Sasuke. Naruto shot off the couch remembering his old friend, he should go find the boy, or at least Kakashi.
Naruto saw it was looking cold outside and grabbed a jacket to put on since with his new outfit he had forgone wearing one. For old times he through it on though and left to go find the last Uchiha knowing he had to be around somewhere.
It was starting to piss him off, so he found a good spot and sat down, folding his legs as he focused himself. It didn't take long for him to gather enough chakra for him to finally locate the boy, he was in the town square with Sakura of all people. Naruto forced the chakra out of his body as he took off knowing right where to head. Within minutes he was in the middle of the village, and it didn't take long for people around him to get quite as they looked at the boy. As they all saw him closer, the resemblance to their late Kage was too much to ignore. People started to whisper but Naruto being more than used to people whispering at him ignored it as he quickly located the Uchiha and Sakura.
"Hey bastard-" Naruto quickly closed his mouth as he looked dumbfounded.
Sasuke Uchiha? Check. Sakura Haruno? Check. The two hold hands? "What the fuck?"
Sasuke turned around as did Sakura when they heard the familiar voice, Sasuke smirked, "I heard someone came home, with a pretty big announcement to boot too."
"No, no fuck that what the hell is this!" Naruto asked needing answers.
"Oh god, shut up Naruto" Sakura said as she facepalmed at the boy's antics.
Sasuke smirked and kissed Sakura's head, "ITts okay, I'll tell him. Shortly after you left Sakura and myself began dating, and for the last 2 years we've been living together" Sasuke said with a smirk.
"Okay whoever the fuck put a genjutsu on me can release it goddamn it" Naruto shouted, getting some weird looks from people around him while Sasuke just chuckled.
"I'm serious dobe, I still train just as hard as ever, but I also fell in love with Sakura, I mean we all know about you and Hinata. That wasn't hard to figure out, including that she completely broke out of her shell, isn't even the least bit shy. Sending clones was smart, not sending one for almost a year… bad on you, for a while we all thought you were dead. Than you show up today, if I were you, I'd go see your girl" Sasuke said. Naruto was just dumbfounded at this new Sasuke. Never in a million years would he think that the boy could be this mellow.
Naruto smirked and nodded, "You're right, I should go find her."
Naruto turned around about to leave when Sasuke said one last thing, "Hurry up so we can fight too, you'll be shocked at just how much stronger I got" Sasuke said, Naruto nodded as he jumped off into the night. 'God it's good to be home'
A familiar tap was herd and Hinata's head shot up, "It can't be" she muttered to herself as she opened the window. She looked around disappointed, hoping that Naruto had come to see her. She lowered her head turning around going to her bed when she hit someone.
"Hey hime" Hinata's eyes widened as she looked up seeing Naruto her, in the flesh for the first time in 4 years. She didn't count the clones, they weren't flesh and bone, just chakra constructs.
Hinata's eyes started to tear up as she started to cry burrowing her head into the boy. Naruto just wrapped his arms around her, "It's okay, I'm here now my love. I'm sorry for disappearing but it was important" Naruo tried to sooth the girl but she just cried harder, Naruto picked her up and sat on the bed as he held her, her face still in his jacket crying.
After a few moments she started to calm down still clutching him super tight, "I was so scared that you were dead you asshole. Everyday I asked Tsuande-taicho where you were and everyday that she couldn't give me an answer the more worried I got." Naruto let her get it all out, she was upset of course. "Just tell me why? Why did you disappear without a word" she had to know what was so important.
"Akatsuki. We caught wind of them and were following their trail all across the continent. We couldn't afford to waste even the tiniest bit of chakra just incase they ambushed us to get me." Naruto said while the girl looked at him horrified. "We got close to catching a few of them a couple of times, but they managed to stay ahead of us. After a year of no results, Jiraiya and I decided it was best we return." Naruo told the girl.
"So what you mean to tell me is that for a year, you chased after the group that is hunting you down to kill you. You went after them!" Naruto nodded, before Hinata slapped him hard, "Are you insane! What if they caught you! They could have killed you and I would have never seen you again" She was hurt of course.
"I'm a lot stronger than you think Hinata, that's why Jiraiya trusted me enough to come with him and chase them down. If I wasn't strong how do you think I was able to sneak into your compound and room without anyone noticing? That's damn good if you ask me. Plus as a fighter, there isn't a single person in this village who could actually stop me in a one-on-one fight. Even Jiaiya when I fight him has trouble stopping me, were nearly even when fighting. If I was fighting to kill him and vice versa I couldn't say who would actually win, but I would still put money on myself because I never use the Kyuubi's chakra when I fight him." Naruto said as she looked at him. "Plus eventually they're going to come for me, when that happens I will have to fight them. Jiraiya and myself were at least able to get most of the village's to realize that the group is evil, and to watch them carefully. But Akatsuki needs to be dealt with, and I made damn sure I got strong enough to deal with them." Naruto told her.
Hinata sighed, not wanting to accept the truth, she didn't want to have fallen so far behind the boy she loved, but if it's true than she would never be able to catch up to him. "I just don't want to lose you," she said, her voice barely audible.
Naruto lifted the girls chin up and kissed her, "You won't, I promise. Now go get some sleep I didn't mean to disturb you and they're some things I have to get done."
Hinata kissed the boy again before allowing him to tuck her in, she watched him leave her room as she sighed, she waited 4 years to have him with her again in person, whats a little longer.
"Naruto-sama!" a familiar voice rang out as Naruto got home, the boy turned around to see Arashi.
Naruto smiled hugging the man, "Arashi, how's it been?" Naruto couldn't believe how the man looked, he actually aged a bit, started to look his age for once.
"You wouldn't believe me if I told you," the man said with a chuckle kind of nervous.
"Just spit it out, we're family" Naruto said as he sat down on the couch, Arashi followed his master, sitting as well.
"It's a good thing you're sitting, because you need to know this. Since you've been gone I've had 13 kids" Naruto's body stopped functioning as he just looked at the man who scratched the back of his head. "I also have 3 wives now, each of which I have 2-3 kids with" Arashi said Naruto though felt light headed.
"But," Naruto couldn't even speak, he wasn't sure how to formulate words anymore, meanwhile Kurama was laughing his ass off.
"I got permission from Hokage-sama to enact the Clan Restoration Act (CRA). That let me marry some of the ladies I had impregnated, the other ones wish not to marry me, but thankfully kept the children. So you could say I got started on rebuilding the family." Naruto's head was dizzy as he gripped the armrest of the couch, this was NOT what he was expecting. The boy quickly went into the kitchen and got a large glass of water that he carefully drank down.
"Where are you all staying?" Naruto asked him.
"Uchiha-san was kind enough to donate a few of the Uchiha houses to us. We remodeled them enough to look like Uzumaki homes, with our crest over them. It's officially become the Uzumaki clan compound" Arashi said as Naruto just nodded.
"How old is the oldest?" Naruto asked.
"Our oldest is name Aikia, he's 4. He was born just after you left, I had a few ladies pregnant, but never knew until after the birth when I was contacted. After much talking with Hokage-sama we decided to enact the CRA on myself so I could be with all who chose to be with me and raise all of our kids together." Naruto sat back down, he couldn't believe this.
"I have to meet them" Naruto stood back up ready to leave and see all of the kids.
"Not now Naruto-sama, it's past their bedtime, come by in the morning, it'll be easy to recognize them too. They all have bright red hair, just like any Uzumaki, save for yourself of course Naruto-sama" Arashi said. "Also my most recent born son, I named him after you Naruto-san. I hope that's okay with you, he's almost a year old now, but I named him Naruto after you, and after having run out of ideas for names." Arashi said with a laugh.
Naruto smiled at that, he actually really liked hearing that. "I don't mind at all, but first thing in the morning I want to meet all the kids. Out of all the letters we sent I can't believe you didn't mention this." Naruto said blown away by this new information, the next thing he knew Neji would have a girlfriend and Gai would be married. He shuddered at the thought of that.
"I'm sorry but it didn't seem like the right thing to do. My friend Asuma though just had a daughter with Kureni, I believe you know both of them as your friends Jounin-sensei's." Arashi said. This made Naruto smile brightly, last time Asuma never met his daughter, and now him and Kureni were openly together with the child.
"That's wonderful, god I'm going to have to visit Ino to catch up on everything" Naruto said as he held his head knowing that was going to be an annoying trip to make. The girl was the gossip queen of Konoha for a reason though. She knew everything about everyone, and now that he was home she was going to seek him out anyways. He might as well save her the trouble and go to her himself. "Hey Arashi are you free tonight than?" Naruto asked with a mischievous smirk.
"For you I will always be available Naruto-sama" Arashi answered much to Naruto's surprise, figuring that his first priorities would be his family.
"Let's go to the hot springs, I feel like we need to relax some before anything else happens tonight. More than anything I need to relax, and the hot springs sound heavenly" Arashi smiled hearing this plan.
"As you wish Naruto-sama" He responded as the two got off the couch to go relax.
The figures stood around looking at their leader, it had been a long time since they came to meet in person. "Is it true than Zetsu, are all the Nations know openly protecting their Jinchuuriki?"
"Yes Pein-sama, it seems Jiraiya of the Sannin along with the Kyuubi Jinchuuriki has warned all the other countries about our planes and they have taken them seriously."
"Hey boss I could just go in and bomb the hell out of these villages to show them not to fuck with us!" Deidara offered, wanting to blow something up.
"Calm down Deidara, I have a plan that will show the 5 nations not to interfere with us, first off, Tobi how are things with the Sanabi going?" Pein asked needing some kind of positive update.
"The Sanabi is in my pocket dimension, we can start the sealing process whenever you are ready." Tobi said, not showing off his goofy side but being completely open with who he was as an Uchiha. Granted Itachi knew who the man was, it just didn't sit right with him that Madara Uchiha of all people needed help. Maybe it was the age, but he wasn't sure something seemed off. He didn't care though, the time to leave this group was coming soon, and Kisame either would or wouldn't join him. For now though he just focused on healing, the medication Tsunade made for him was taking it's time to stop the tumor that was in his chest.
"Good, we'll start sealing the Sanabi, immediately afterwards, Hidan and Kakuzu you will go to Taki, since Kakuzu knows the village best. Retrieve the Jinchuuriki, do not leave unless you die. Failure is not an option." Pein said focusing his Rinnegan on the two, they knew better than to speak back.
"Yes sir" Kakuzu said before Hidan could respond.
"Itachi, you and Kisame will go see about capturing the Nibi, the 8 tails is still under careful observation, but the 2 tails still goes out on missions. Capture her and bring her to us as soon as possible. Unless you are summoned for a sealing that is the only time in which anyone here will stop what they are doing understood" Pein said, not really asking anyone but telling. Everyone just nodded their heads. "Deidara and Sasori you two will go for the one tails again, this time be more discreet about it. You were unlucky the 9 tails happened to be there last time. From what my sources have told me though, he's back in his village and was announced as the son of the 4th Hokage Minato Namikaze. When the time comes I personally will go for the 9 tails, for now everyone stay off him, if you cross paths by chance than go for the kill, do not hold back."
Pein was serious about this, granted they were a full year behind plans, Obito was pissed to. They should be finished by now, or finishing up and instead they are barley just getting started. "What about me?" a voice said, all heads turned towards the man. No one really wanted him here, and yet he was.
"You should be careful talking Orochimaru, I don't care what your summon is, you will still follow my orders." Pein said as he carefully observed the man. 3 years ago Orochimaru mysteriously showed up asking to come back and be apart of the group, he proved his worth with the information given, but he was still under probation, no one trusted him of course. "For now you will continue on your experiments, I want some kind of progress by the end of the week or else" Pein said staring Orochimaru down, the Sannin knew better than to press his luck.
"As you wish Pein-sama" Orochimaru said before excusing himself.
Pein waited for the creature known as Orochimaru to leave before continuing. "Everyone here has their mission, I want an update from everyone in two weeks minimum, now break for the night and in the morning we will begin the sealing of the Sanabi" Pein said telling Obito what he was to get ready. He waited a few minutes for everyone to leave before turning to Konan, "Everything will work out, now come be with me."
"As you wish Nagato-kun" Konan said with a smile as she left to be with the main body.
Author's note: Well here everyone goes, not my best work I know, but some things have happened, next chapter will be just as slow unfortunately but it will pick up again soon. Because now starts the beginning of the end.