Naruto vs Sasuke: The Aftermath

by Kingkakashi

At the Valley of the End, Sasuke nearly kills Naruto and it affects everyone in many ways. See a vastly different direction after this battle to the Naruto story, than what the Canon did. There will be action, surprises, & romance NarxHin KakxKur JirxTsu & many more. Warning be prepared for the most Evil Sadistic Sasuke ever, and Sakura takes a beating in the early chapters. Enjoy!

58. Eight Months to a Year

Summary: Over two and a half years have passed since three of strongest shinobi of the Leaf village left their home and have carved out a heroic reputation throughout numerous and faraway lands in their travels. One of these men has now embarked on his ultimate and final training test. Meanwhile, in Konohagakure the Village Hidden in the Leaves, many people are still waiting and hoping for three of its greatest heroes to finally return home.

Author Note 1: I know I usually do my Author notes at the end of my chapters and not to worry my usual A/N is still there. However, I wanted everyone to see this note as it something of importance I wanted to address. On 12/01/2012 I received an anonymous review from someone calling themselves Angry Fan. The review is still up, but here is what he/she had to say to me.

"You posted this great story I love it, but you updated every two to four months. Is this because you get some kick off of knowing you got fans who are begging for you to update? Is it because you think it's a good way to get reviews? Wrong buddy, you only end having fans forget about your story cause to don't update. Use a chapter as an author note if something happening like school or writer's block but silence is not the answer. THIS IS NOT A FLAME JUST A FAN TRYING TO GET AN AUTHOR'S ATTENTION."

Normally I would not let an anonymous review bother me and the only reason I'm responding to this one is more born out of frustration than anger. Now while I appreciate that the person who wrote this is a fan of the story. And I'm sure when he/she wrote it they thought it would act as some sort of motivational device towards me. However, while I can't speak for all authors, I think I can speak for the majority of them when I say reviews like this do not motivate, but have the opposite affect of making the author wonder why they are even writing their story if you've got people out there who believe that the reason you don't update faster is that they get some twisted pleasure out of making all of you wait or as a ploy to get more reviews.

And that's what frustrates me the most. When I receive a review like that, all it does is make me think about the seemingly endless hours I spend on the computer writing my stories, when I easily could have spent that same time with my girlfriend, friends, or family. The reason I write is because I enjoy providing to all of you tales that you enjoy reading. However, please believe me when I say that I honestly update as quickly as I can. Now I know the previous chapter was 11 weeks in coming, but I tried to make up for the long delay by writing the longest chapter I had to date for all of my readers.

I would like nothing better than to post new chapters on this or any of my stories at a faster rate, but between my job, girlfriend, friends, family, and life in general, time can become scarce commodity for me. If I didn't have to work to live like most everyone, nothing would please me more than to devote more time to my writing. However, my life isn't like that and you never know what life can throw at you in a instance. In short, I write when I am able to and as I'm sure many of you who have written or are currently writing your own story or stories can attest to, it's not always easy.

Take for example the joy of writing when you've spent a couple of hours writing something and then you realize what you've written contradicts something you wrote previously. Or you realize what you've written is just garbage that your readers wouldn't enjoy and all of that time and effort was for nothing. Believe me when I tell you when something like that happens, the joy you feel in writing disappears real fast. However, you press on, as you know you have readers out there who genuinely enjoy and have fun reading your story and that's the true motivation that gets an authors blood pumping, not ridiculous accusatory reviews like Angry Fan gave.

Now to address the one valid thing that Angry Fan asked. Why don't I use a chapter as an author note to explain the delay in updating? I don't do this for two reasons. The first reason is from a personal standpoint I always get annoyed when I see an update to a story I like only to discover it was an Author Note about something. The second reason is my PM is open and available for anyone to send a message to me asking about the status of any of my stories. I will give you an honest answer to that question.

In closing, I want all of the readers and fans of this story to also remember that I've got two other ongoing multi-chapter stories that I write as well. And the fans and readers of those stories clamor just as loudly for quicker updates as anyone does for this story.

I hope all of you can understand my feeling about this matter. I appreciate all of you and the support you give to me on this story or any of my other stories immensely. I have and never will take the support you give me for granted. And any delay in posting new chapters faster is not me playing with you or taking you for granted. I just ask that you trust that I'm doing the best that I can, because that is the God's honest truth.

Merry Christmas and Happy holidays to everyone, as I present my Christmas gift to all of you for your enjoyment!

Naruto vs. Sasuke: The Aftermath

Chapter 58: "Eight Months to a Year"

---

"You and I may be old friends Tsume, but I'm still your Hokage and I'll be damned if you're going to use that tone of voice with me in my own office! Especially, when I have no fucking idea what you're even talking about!" Tsunade jumped up from her chair and fired back at the Inuzuka clan leader.

"Ladies, ladies, let's everyone calm down." Shikaku Nara pleaded, as he stepped in-between the two volatile women.

After a minute of intense glaring at each other, Tsunade finally slid back down onto her seat and Tsume sat down in a chair Shibi Aburame had courteously pulled out for her. Another minute of uneasy silence went by before the blonde Hokage cleared her throat and asked.

"Would any of you like a drink before we proceed; because I'm confident I'm going to need one after all of you tell me what you're talking about. Because I truly don't know anything about your sons being locked up by the Anbu, as I've been dealing with some medical crisis at the hospital since very early this morning."

"Drinks would be a wonderful idea Lady Tsunade; it can help settle down the mood in the room."

"I agree with Shikaku-san." Shibi stoically replied.

A few minutes later, the blonde Hokage and the three clan leaders were relaxing in the office each with a drink in their hand, when Tsunade finally asked.

"Now would someone like to explain what happened to get your sons arrested by the Anbu?"

"It's troublesome, but here's the short version. Apparently, Shikamaru, Kiba, Shino, and Neji Hyuga got into a fight at a civilian nightclub with a dozen ex-Root members and caused a lot of damage. The owner of the club is pressing charges against them, hence why they were arrested by the Anbu." Shikaku lazily explained.

"Shizune!" Tsunade shouted out.

"Yes milady." Shizune answered, as she poked her head into the room.

"Bring me the Anbu report regarding an incident at some civilian nightclub last night involving some of my shinobi."

Very quickly, said report was in Tsunade's hands and she was reading it with great interest. A few minutes later, the Slug Sannin put the report down and exhaled a weary sigh, before stating.

"I can probably get your sons released tomorrow morning, but I'm facing two problems in doing so. One problem is who they fought, to which I will have to speak to them about. The second problem is that the owner is screaming bloody murder about the damages to his nightclub and is threatening to bar allowing Leaf shinobi into the nightclub ever again."

"Well take care of the damages and I'm sure a few extra ryo's will also soothe his feelings as well. It's the least we can do considering our sons had no choice and had to fight, as it was over a matter of honor." Tsume declared with pride.

"I guess, but honor is probably going to cost us an arm and a leg with this asshole nightclub owner." Shikaku grumbled in complaint.

"Tsume-san is correct; our sons had no choice, but to do battle."

"Thank you Shibi-San." The Inuzuka matriarch replied.

"Alright, if you three will go take care of the owner of the club, I'll work on getting Shikamaru, Kiba, Shino, and Neji released from jail as soon as possible." Tsunade stated.

"Thank you Lady Tsunade and I apologize for my earlier outburst towards you. I was just concerned for Kiba, as we Inuzuka do not do well locked up in cages."

"Apology accepted."

As the buxom blonde Hokage watched the three clan leaders exit her office. She ordered Shizune to send a messenger over to the hospital to get the medical files on the injured former Root operatives sent over to her at once.

---

The next morning, Shikamaru, Kiba, Shino, and Neji were standing in the Hokage's office in front of a very disgruntled Godaime Hokage, as she leveled a cold hard glare at all four them before she finally spoke.

"The four of you have become a royal pain in the ass for me this morning due to your extracurricular activities two nights ago. Now according to the witness statements in the Anbu report, it was the four of you who initiated the fight with the ex-Root shinobi. Also in the report it states that the four of you refused to reveal the reason for the fight. All I can gather from your parents is that it was over a matter of honor. Now, would anyone like to explain why the four of you chose to start a brawl in a civilian nightclub with shinobi we have been working for months now trying to rehabilitate?"

All four youths looked around at one another, but none of them seemed very anxious to speak, until Shikamaru finally asked.

"Is what we say here on or off the record Hokage-sama?"

"Why should that matter Mr. Nara?"

"What a drag, if it's on the record, then we have nothing to say, but if it's off the record and for your ears only, then we will tell you everything."

"Alright, I'll play along for now…off the record." Tsunade with curiosity agreed.

"Troublesome, where should I begin?" Shikamaru muttered.

"We or more precisely I started that brawl, as you described it in the act of defending Lady Hinata's honor, as she had been defiled by the actions of those Root scum that night." Neji declared interrupting his comrade, the irritation in his voice very evident for everyone to hear.

Tsunade closed her eyes and pinched the bridge of her nose in frustration, before looking up and stating.

"Yes, yes, a matter of honor, but that's not the issue here I need to discuss with the four of you."

"What is the issue Hokage-sama?"

"The issue Shino is we were trying to rehabilitate these ex-Root shinobi back into society and have them become quality Leaf shinobi in the future, which would have helped us replenish some of our ninja losses we suffered during the Oto invasion two and a half years ago."

"What's the real issue Lady Tsunade?" Shikamaru asked.

"Why did the four of you have to fuck up those ex-Root members, as badly as you did?"

"We didn't fuck them up that badly." Kiba innocently commented.

"Oh really, why don't we take a look at the medical reports of the injuries those ninja received at the hands of the four of you!" Tsunade fired back in angered response, before she opened up one file and began reading out loud.

"Let's see, ahhh, without going into all of the gruesome details, I'll just note that the doctor on duty stated in his findings that four of the shinobi admitted had multiple lacerations and wounds to the face, neck, and arms. Extensive scalp and facial avulsions were also present. He notes it was as if they were mauled by some vicious animal. I'm assuming this is your handiwork Mr. Inuzuka using your family's infamous Beast Mimicry jutsu."

Kiba looked down at the floor guiltily for a moment, before he replied.

"Yeah well, those assholes were lucky Akamaru wasn't around, because he would have torn them up twice as bad as what I did."

"Be that as it may, I started with you first because the injuries you inflicted were actually the least grievous of this little group here. So, there might be some hope through reconstructive surgery, that we can still salvage your opponents from the nightclub and turn them into quality shinobi in the future. As for the rest of you,….let's continue on shall we." Tsunade sternly stated, as she leveled a hard glare at the four ninja standing before her.

The blonde Hokage then reached for another file and opened it.

"Ahh here's a nice one. The doctor who cared for these four particular Root shinobi noted in his findings that the patients appeared to have been stung over 200 times around the face, throat and hands by some type of insect. The poison these insects injected was not life threatening, but did cause considerable swelling in the areas that were stung. Antibiotics were administered and the swelling is diminishing in all of the patients after 24 hours."

Tsunade looked up momentarily to gaze at Shino, before she continued on.

"However, he also says that while we were able to heal the physical injuries of these four patients, all of them have developed the phobia called Entomophobia. This psychological disorder is a common fear of or aversion to insects and similar arthropods and even other terrestrial invertebrate animals, such as worms. Commonly, this condition might be referred to as the "fear of insects or bugs". This condition causes a slight to severe emotional reaction, a form of anxiety or a panic attack. An entomophobic is likely to experience enough anxiety upon viewing or otherwise coming into contact with an insect that he or she experiences a full-blown series of panic attacks. With extreme cases, such as these four patients their reactions when a fly had flown into the room ranged from losing consciousness for a short period of time, to uncontrollable weeping and a strong desire to flee from the area. As the attending physician, I strongly recommend that these patients undergo extensive psychological therapy, before any consideration is given to reinstate them as Leaf shinobi."

The blonde Hokage snapped the file shut and leaned back into her while clasping her hands together and commented.

"Very nice work Mr. Aburame, I don't know what you did, but you managed to turn four shinobi into ninja who will faint, cry, or soil themselves, if an insect gets within 10 feet of them!"

Shino couldn't offer up anything to say in his defense.

"Well you aren't the only one Shino of this group to psychologically destroy shinobi. Let's take a look at Mr. Nara's handiwork shall we." Tsunade announced, as she opened another file.

"Troublesome." Shikamaru mumbled to himself.

"Let's see, the doctor who cared for these three shinobi could find no physical trauma or injuries upon them whatsoever. However, they seemed to be in an almost zombie like state and he decided to keep them overnight for observation. It was only after they turned out the lights in the room where the three patients were staying in that the true nature of their injuries became apparent."

Tsunade glanced up to look at Shikamaru briefly, before she continued on.

"When the lights went off in the room, all three patients began screaming in terror and tearing about the room looking to escape. It took six orderlies and two nurses to subdue then before the lights were turned back on and they reverted back to their docile state once more. The doctor notes that he believes all three of the men have developed the most severe case of Achluophobia he's ever observed."

"What's Achluophobia?"

"Achluophobia Kiba is a fear of the dark, which is a common fear or phobia among children and to a varying degree of adults. Fear of the dark is usually not fear of the darkness itself, but fear of possible or imagined dangers concealed by the darkness. Apparently Mr. Nara, you've advanced your families shadow jutsu's to exploit that psychological factor of the darkness haven't you." Tsunade announced to everyone in the room.

"What a drag, it's just something I've been working on in my spare time." The Nara heir lazily replied.

"Well congratulations, it works so well that now I have three shinobi who now suffer from symptoms of anxiety, nervousness, insomnia and profuse sweating. Not to mention they also instantly go into a severe panic-attack whenever they see a shadow near them or at nighttime where the hospital reports they have to have their room fully lit or the staff is trying to peel them off the walls. So between you and Shino, the two of you have essentially handed seven basket cases of shinobi over to psyche ward of the hospital and given the Yamanaka clan a lot of work in the future." Tsunade proclaimed in annoyance.

Shikamaru could only shrug his shoulders at the blonde Hokage, as like Shino, he couldn't offer up anything to say in his defense.

"Now let's get to the coup de grace!" Tsunade announced with vigor, as she opened one more file.

"The doctor treating this lone shinobi injuries noted the following in his findings. The patient was admitted with several lacerations to the face and body. The results of which include a fractured nose, a periorbitalhematoma to his right eye and fractures of the 7th, 8th, and 9th ribs on the left side of his torso. However, the most serious injury was inflicted onto the patient's right arm."

Tsunade looked over to Neji who stood with his arms crossed and bore a slight smug look to his face as he listened on.

"The doctor notes that he's never seen such an injury before, as the patient's arm was ashen gray in color with several purplish welts visible up and down his appendage. Upon further examination it was discovered that the patient's tenketsu points, arteries, and several veins had been destroyed somehow, with only the nerves in the arm left unaffected, which allowed the patient to feel the pain of essentially having a dead appendage attached to a live body. These injuries were deemed impossible to heal and to alleviate the agony and suffering the patient was experiencing a Transhumeral Amputation was authorized."

Tsunade snapped the file shut and leaned back into her chair before asking the still smug looking young man in front of her.

"Anything you'd like to say Mr. Hyuga?"

"Yes, what is a Transhumeral Amputation?"

"They had to cut his bloody arm off at the shoulder and wipe that smug look off of your face! That young man you so skillfully took apart was of near Jounin skill level and could have proved to be a valuable addition to our shinobi ranks in the future. However, because of your actions, you've destroyed his career of ever being a shinobi again!"

"I'm of near Jounin level skill as well; you just haven't promoted me yet. And I disagree Hokage-sama, he destroyed his own shinobi career when he dared to lay his hands on Lady Hinata in a vulgar and inappropriate way. It is my duty to the Hyuga clan to protect Lady Hinata from any and all threats to her person and I make no apologies for how I carry-out that duty."

"You should be glad I don't bust you back to Genin status! And need I remind you Neji that neither you nor Hinata officially belong to the Hyuga clan anymore, as Hiashi cast you both out a few years ago." Tsunade snapped at the Hyuga prodigy.

"Whether we are officially recognized by the current leadership within the Hyuga clan or not is inconsequential. Both Hinata and I are Hyuga! And one day we will reclaim are rightful places within the clan."

"I hope that as well for both you and Hinata, but you took it too far with the injuries you inflicted upon this young man." Tsunade stated as she stared directly at Neji, who surprised her by suddenly asking.

"You say I took it too far. May I ask Hokage-sama; just what do you think Naruto would have done to that man knowing what he had done to Hinata?"

Almost instantly, an image of Naruto playing kickball with the Konohamaru Corp. using Sai's head as the ball popped into her mind. Shaking her head to drive away the image Tsunade spoke up and said.

"That's not the point!"

Before anyone else could say anything, Kiba interjected and angrily declared.

"Then what is the point? Look Lady Tsunade, if you want us to apologize or feel sorry for those assholes we jacked up, it ain't happening. First they pervert-idly assaulted Sakura and then they did the same thing to Hinata. And were not the kind of shinobi who are going to sit around and let that happen to our friends."

Before Tsunade could even respond the normally silent Shino surprised everyone by speaking and said.

"Kiba is correct Hokage-sama and while I recognize that our Leaf shinobi ranks could have been bolstered in the future by these former Root shinobi. From what I have observed, I would have to surmise that your rehabilitation efforts have not proven to be very successful judging by the actions and attitudes we encountered from them in the nightclub."

The blonde Hokage could only sit at her seat and stew, as she realized what Shino said had been accurate. The reports she had been getting the past few weeks from Inoichi and Keko Yamananka had not been encouraging about the rehabilitation of Danzo's former shinobi. They had stated that only half or at most two-thirds of the ex-Root operatives could possibly be rehabilitated enough to allow them to join the ranks of the Leaf shinobi. Furthermore Tsunade knew that the 12 men Neji and the others had taken down had already been earmarked as unsalvageable by Inoichi. However, the nightclub owner was proving to be more of a problem than anticipated according to what Tsume had reported to her. So she couldn't just give a free pass to Shikamaru, Kiba, Shino, and Neji for this altercation. It would not sit well with the civilian populace and it would increase tensions between the villagers and shinobi if she did. Someone was going to have to pay a price.

"You're parents have already paid for the damages to the nightclub and the owner has dropped the charges against three of you."

"Why only three of us?" Kiba questioned.

"Because the owner is demanding that one of you serve some jail-time for the fight and he's openly shouting in an uproar for anyone who will listen that had it been a bunch of civilians who had started the brawl, they would be facing jail time. So he's denouncing any favoritism being shown to shinobi over ordinary villagers. And unfortunately he's garnered a lot of support from the villagers about the issue."

"What a drag, why don't we just buy him off to shut him up Lady Tsunade?"

"Your father, Tsume, and Shiba already tried that. He took their money, which is why he dropped the charges against three of you. However, from what I understand, this man is a petty and vindictive s.o.b. and wants his pound of flesh from one of you to also serve some jail-time over the incident. And apparently no amount of money is going to change that."

"What would be the length of our sentence?"

"Well Kiba, because this asshole has gone and stirred up the civilian populace, I have to make a stiffer sentence than I normally would. So eight months to a year with good behavior would be the sentence."

All four members of the Konoha 10 looked pensively at one another, not knowing what to do before a voice rang out and said.

"I shall serve the sentence Hokage-sama."

"Wha-what, that's bullshit!" Kiba shouted out in protest.

"I agree!" Shino quickly added.

"We're all as guilty as Neji is, so all of us should serve the sentence, not just him." Shikamaru declared in objection.

"STOP!" Neji cried out in a demanding voice.

This silenced all the protests in the room, before the Hyuga prodigy in a softer and calmer tone of voice announced.

"I appreciate your loyalty to me as a comrade and a friend, but it has to be me who serves the sentence."

Everyone including Tsunade bore confused or bewildered look upon their faces, as Neji continued on.

"I am the most logical choice if for no other reason than as Lady Tsunade already pointed out, I am nothing more than a cast-out branch member of the Hyuga clan, while the three of you are the heirs-in-waiting to lead your respective clan's in the future. And I highly doubt your parents would accept any one of you being imprisoned and would most likely cause problems within the Konoha Council and for the Hokage were that to happen. Also, it would reflect badly upon your clans should any of you serve out the sentence. And since it was the money your three clans paid to the owner, they did that so you three should not have to suffer. There is also the fact that of the four of us, I am the one most responsible for the clash within the nightclub. I initiated the fight in defense of Hinata's honor and while I do not regret my actions in doing so. If someone must be punished, then it is I who deserves it more than any of you."

Shikamaru, Shino, and Kiba held grim and sullen looks upon their face, as they tried to think of something to refute what Neji had just said, but found that they couldn't. After a moment, it was Tsunade who spoke up and said.

"I would like to speak to Neji alone. Would the three of you please wait outside of my office."

The three Chunin shinobi bowed their heads in respect and solemnly walked out of the office closing the door behind them. The blonde Hokage then bade Neji to take a seat, before she asked with interest.

"It's a noble sacrifice you are doing in taking responsibility for the incident and in trying to protect your comrades. However, I suspect there is another reason why you are doing this. Would you care to reveal what that reason is?"

Neji sat quietly his face scrunched in deep contemplation, as he silently debated whether or not he should tell Tsunade his ultimate reason for wanting to be imprisoned. After a minute, he finally looked up and admitted.

"Hai, Hokage-sama, I do have another reason. Do you know of a confrontation that occurred between Hiashi Hyuga and Lady Hinata a few days ago, before she and I battled in the final match of the shinobi tournament?"

"No, I have no knowledge of a confrontation between Hiashi and Hinata a few days ago."

"Well then let me recount to you what was told to me by Shino and Kiba that occurred."

(Flashback 3 Days)

As all the members of Team 8 and their Sensei Kurenai were walking down the street on the way to her and Hinata's apartment. Their mood was joyous and celebratory, as Hinata had just won the Konohagakure 18 and under Shinobi tournament kunoichi division. However, the current topic at hand was Kiba who was carrying Kurenai's son Minato on his shoulders with Akamaru walking beside him was droning on and on about tactics, jutsu's and attacks Hinata should be using for her final match in the tournament the next day against Neji. The rest of Team 8 was starting to grow tiresome of Kiba's endless chatter, but surprisingly it was Minato who actually got the Inuzuka heir to shut up when he asked.

"Uncle Kiba, should you be the one telling Awnty-Hinata how to win against Uncle Neji?"

"Huh kidddo, why shouldn't I?"

"Didn't you lose against Uncle Neji in the to-torneyment?"

Kiba visibly winced at Minato's question to everyone's amusement.

"He makes a valid point." Shino commented.

Akamaru barked in agreement with Shino.

"Yeah well, I was just trying to help." Kiba groused in annoyance.

"I know you were Kiba-kun, but I've already got some ideas on how I can defeat Neji-niisan tomorrow and I do thank you for your concern." Hinata replied with sincerity.

It was then the entire group stopped, as Hiashi Hyuga and five members of the main branch appeared in front of them and Hiashi commanded in a demanding tone of voice.

"Hinata, you are to accompany me back to the Hyuga compound!"

Kiba immediately handed Minato over to Kurenai and he along with Shino and Akamaru stepped protectively in front of Hinata before declaring.

"Hinata's not going anywhere with you!"

"Curb your tongue you mangy mongrel, this does not concern you!" The Hyuga clan leader spat with derision, before he demanded.

"Hinata you are to come with me this instant!"

"Why do you wish to see her?" Kurenai questioned, as she put Minato down to the ground and he wrapped his arms around her leg holding it tight.

"Not that it is your concern, but the Hyuga elders and I have deemed it necessary for the Caged-Bird seal to be placed upon Hinata. It was an oversight on my part not to have done it before I cast her out of the clan, but it is an oversight I will now correct."

"No you will not! You yourself Hiashi Hyuga signed a parental-clan release form legally authorizing you to banish Hinata from the Hyuga clan relinquishing all rights and obligations towards her and she became a ward of the village, until I legally became her guardian with the Hokage's approval. Furthermore, Hinata has reached the legal adult age of 16 and is free to make her own decisions now. Kurenai declared with authority before she asked Hinata.

"Hinata, do you wish to go with Hiashi back to the Hyuga clan compound?"

"No I do not!" Hinata firmly answered.

"Then we are done here Hiashi Hyuga and we bid you good day." Kurenai sternly announced.

"I've had enough of this, you're coming with us now Hinata! The Hyuga clan patriarch angrily proclaimed, as he signaled to the five Hyuga clan members around him. Immediately Team 8 and Kurenai dropped into battle stances, but before anyone could move a voice rang out.

"Hiashi Hyuga, if you are any of your Hyuga clan goons takes a step forward, you and I are going to have…a problem!" Tsume Inuzuka shouted, as she stepped out from an alleyway, while her one-eyed wolf familiar Kuromaru who stood beside her was growling and gnashing his teeth, ready to pounce upon a signal word from the Inuzuka clan leader.

"Mom!" Kiba exclaimed.

"This is none of your concern you bitch! And if you think you alone along with these fools can keep me from taking Hinata if I so choose, then you will pay the price as will all of you!" Hiashi threatened, as he and the other main branch Hyuga activated their Byakugan's.

"Who said Tsume-san is alone?" Shibi Aburame stoically asked, as he stepped out from another alleyway on the other side of the street, his Kikai insects buzzing and flying all around the Aburame clan leader.

"Bah, bugs and dogs! Do the two of you wish to engage the Hyuga in a clan war? Because I can assure you we Hyuga are more than capable of dealing with your two clans!" Hiashi asserted with confidence.

"How about the Hyuga dealing with five clans!" Another voice bellowed out and everyone turned to see Chouza Akimichi, Inoichi Yamanaka, and Shikaku Nara walking up the street towards everyone. When they arrived, it was Chouza who spoke up and asked.

"What seems to be the problem Kurenai-san?"

"The problem Chouza-sama is that this Hyuga asshole refuses to accept that Hinata has declined his invitation to returning to the Hyuga clan compound with him and is threatening to take her back by force."

"Then I don't see the problem, Hinata is of legal adult age and is free to go where she wishes."

"I agree Chouza-san and if this Hyuga asshole as Kurenai-san so eloquently put it doesn't like it, well tough shit! For if he tries to take Hinata against her will, I'm here to inform him that Hinata Hyuga, Kurenai Yuuhi, and her son Minato have been placed under Inuzuka clan protection. And should any harm befall any of them from your clan Hiashi Hyuga now or in the future. The Inuzuka clan will go to war with you." Tsume declared in no uncertain terms.

"I Shibi Aburame as leader of the Aburame clan have also placed Hinata Hyuga, Kurenai Yuuhi, and her son Minato under the protection of our clan. And as with the Inuzuka clan, should any harm befall any of them from the Hyuga clan now or in the future. The Aburame clan will join with the Inuzuka clan in declaring war with the Hyuga clan."

"And I Chouza Akimichi, speaking on behalf of the Ino-Shika-Cho clan's leaders has also decreed that Hinata Hyuga, Kurenai Yuuhi, and her son Minato are hereby placed under the protection of our clans. And should any transgression or injury to any of them ensue do to the actions of someone from the Hyuga clan. We to will consdier this an act of aggression against us and grounds to go to war joining with the respected Inuzuka and Aburame clans against the Hyuga clan."

"Quit being troublesome Hiashi, are you really prepared to start a clan war over this? Shikaku lazily asked.

Hiashi looked around at the other five other leaders of the founding clans of the Leaf village and inwardly seethed to himself. For while he was confident that the Hyuga clan could successfully fight one or possibly two of the other clans. He knew they the Hyuga clan stood no hope of ever winning a clan civil war against five of the other clans at the same time. Reluctantly, he deactivated his Byakugan and signaled the other Hyuga to do the same. Turning and starting to walk away followed by the other Hyuga, Hiashi suddenly turned around and pointed his finger towards everyone and threatened with malevolence.

"I swear upon the Hyuga name, all of you will rue the day you decided to interfere in matters that do not concern you or your clans! All of you have made an enemy of the Hyuga clan today and you will regret doing that at some point in the future, I promise you!"

"You know Hiashi, your blowhard threat would sound much scarier of you added the evil laughter mwhahahahahahahah…..at the end of it." Tsume sarcastically commented in amusement.

The Hyuga leader could only furiously glare at everyone upon seeing they showed no concern about his final declarative threat. His eyes the fell upon the young boy hugging Kurenai's leg and he lowered his glare towards him. And while Minato was indeed scared of this man, he did his best not to show it. And mustering up all of his courage, Minato's arm suddenly shot forward towards Hiashi with his lone middle finger sticking prominently up in the air much to the shock of everyone present. The look of rage that appeared upon Hiashi's face was priceless, as Tsume would later comment, before the Hyuga patriarch stormed off back to the Hyuga compound.

"Minato Yuuhi Hatake, where did you learn to do that?" Kurenai strictly questioned to her son.

"Umm, I didn't really learn it Okaasan, but Awnty Anko does it all the time and it's usually against mean people against her. Did, did I not use it right against that mean man?" Minato stammered and asked in worried reply. Fearful he had done something bad judging by the tone of his mother's voice.

'ANKO!' Kurenai thought with irritation, as she smacked her hand to her forehead and made a mental note to have a talk with her best friend about how she acts around her son.

However, before Kurenai could admonish her son for making that gesture Tsume Inuzuka lifted the boy up in the air and stated while tickling him.

"No pup, you used it perfectly and at just the right moment!"

"Tsume!" Kurenai exclaimed over Minato's giggling.

"Oh come on Kurenai, you have to admit he used it at the proper moment and besides he's going to learn about the 'finger' at some point in his life."

"What's wrong mommy? Did I use some sort of silent jutsu on the mean old man?"

"In a way, yes you did Minato-kun. Promise me you never use that jutsu again until you're older."

"Ok, I promise, but how much older do I have to get to use it again?"

"I'll let you know." Kurenai comically quipped, much to the amusement of everyone around.

"Where were all of you going, if I may ask?"

"I was going to cook a celebratory dinner and desert this evening for Hinata winning the kunoichi division of the tournament and the rest of my team Chouza-sama." Kurenai politely replied.

"There's no need to put yourself to work doing that. The Ino-Shiki-Cho trio and our families get together once a week to enjoy barbeque at my restaurant. Why don't you and your team along with this little guy who is the spitting image of his father join us for dinner. That's where we were headed when we stumbled upon this impromptu encounter with Hiashi. Tsume-san and Shibi-san you're welcome to join us as well if you wish." Chouza announced in invitation to everyone, as he took Minato from Tsume's arms and hoisted the young boy onto his massive shoulders.

Thank you Chouza-sama that is most kind of you."

(End of Flashback)

"Thank you for informing me of this Neji, as I did not know that had occurred. However, I fail to see why you wish to be imprisoned for up to a year because of that incident?" Tsunade questioned in confusion.

"As I stated before, it is my duty to protect Lady Hinata from any and all threats to her person, even if those threats come from our own clan. I am most appreciative that my comrades' clans have placed Hinata under their protection, but they shouldn't have had to. I should have been there to protect Lady Hinata and not had to rely on their generosity."

"I don't know Neji; I know you've advanced your clans techniques and Byakugan to never before seen levels judging by the nature of the Root shinobi's injury. I might even dare say that were you and Hiashi to engage in battle, you would probably win. Hell you might even had been able to take on his goons as well. But you know as well as I do that it doesn't matter how skill and strong you've become. Not when that old bastard could just activate the Caged-Bird seal and take you out without lifting a finger."

"I am not concerned Hokage-sama."

"I see, Neji would you please remove your hitai-ate."

Neji's eyes widened slightly and he hesitated when Tsunade commanded with authority.

"Neji, as your Hokage I order you to remove your hitai-ate!"

"Reluctantly, Neji complied with his Hokage's orders and removed his hitai-ate from around his forehead and faced Tsunade, who after a moment told him to put it back on before she asked.

"How?"

"Lady Hinata." Neji answered.

After a minute of uneasy and tense silence, it was Tsunade who spoke up and asked.

"You still haven't told me why you going to prison is going to help you protect Hinata?"

Neji exhaled a deep breath, before answering.

"Those five goons as you referred to them are an elite guard of the Hyuga main branch. They now serve as bodyguards to Hiashi Hyuga. No one in either the main or the side branch is as strong or as skilled as Hiashi or those five men. However, there are five Hyuga branch members that I know who with some training from me can match those elite guards in battle while I deal with my uncle."

"Who are these men?"

"Their names are Sulu, Kato, Chow Yung, Yusuke, and Toshiro."

"Those names sound familiar to me." Tsunade openly mused in thought.

"They should Hokage-sama, those men were sentenced by you for the arson of Naruto's apartment building."

"That's right, now I remember, what was the time length of the sentence I imposed Neji?"

"Five years."

"And when are they to be released?"

"Eight months to a year."

"I see and how long do you need to train these men?"

"Eight months to a year."

Once again an uneasy and tense silence gripped the room like a vice, before Tsunade spoke up once more and said.

"Very well, I understand now. Since you've had no prior criminal record before this incident Neji Hyuga. I as the Godaime Hokage have judged you guilty of 3rd degree assault and battery and destruction of property at the Avalon nightclub two days ago and hereby sentence you to serve no less then eight months to a year in the Anbu Maximum Security prison beginning at dawn tomorrow."

"Thank you Hokage-sama." Neji gratefully replied, as he rose from his chair and bowed respectfully to the buxom blonde Hokage.

"You're welcome, now I'll leave it up to you to explain to your friends waiting outside why you've done this, as I don't want any of them coming in and volunteering to serve out your sentence with you. You were correct, their parents would cause problems within the Konoha Council and for me were that to happen."

"I understand, it shall be done." The Hyuga prodigy answered while nodding his head, before he began walking towards only to stop when Tsunade called out and asked.

"Neji, you once told me that a Hyuga clan civil war is approaching. I promise you that I won't interfere in it once it happens. However, for the safety of the rest of the village I don't want anyone as a casualty who doesn't bear the name Hyuga. I would ask that before it begins you will let me know in advance, so I can be prepared for it."

"Hai Hokage-sama, I will do that."

"Thank you, and one more thing, do you have any idea how soon this civil war might occur?"

"Neji turned his head to look directly at his Hokage before he forbiddingly replied, as he exited the office and closed the door behind him.

"Eight months to a year."

---

After several minutes of arguing with Shikamaru, Shino, and Kiba outside of the Hokage's office, Neji was finally able to convince them that this was the right course of action to solve everything and that he only should suffer the sentence and that he wanted to go to prison. When his comrades pressed him on his reasons for wanting to go, Neji merely asked that they trust him, as it involved a matter within the Hyuga clan and he did not want to involve any of the other clans. Reluctantly, Shikamaru, Shino, and Kiba agreed to trust their Hyuga friend and let him handle this matter on his own. However, it was Kiba who spoke up afterwards and offered.

"I don't know what this clan matter is that requires you to go to jail, but I'll accept your wishes for me and my clan to stay out of it. But just so you know, if you need me or my clans help in the future, all you got to do is ask."

"I second Kiba's offer and if needed, you will have the support of myself and the Aburame clan." Shino stated in agreement with Kiba.

"It's a drag, as I have a pretty good idea of what you're planning in the near future. And I can appreciate you not wanting to drag any of us or our clans into it, but you would be better off if you did let us help. However, like Kiba and Shino I'll accept your wishes for me and my clan to stay out of it." Shikamaru begrudgingly avowed to his friend.

"I thank you all for your support, but I truly wish to keep this strictly as a Hyuga clan issue and not involve anyone else."

"When do you have to begin serving out your sentence Neji?" Kiba questioned.

"Tomorrow morning at dawn."

"Then you better get out of here and go talk to the one person in the entire village who isn't going to be understanding about your sacrifice and is probably going to feel quite angry with you and hurt about it." Shikamaru stated in no uncertain terms to his Hyuga comrade.

"I know Shikamaru, it's going to be the most difficult conversation I've ever had and I can only hope that she will understand and forgive me for it one day." Neji bleakly replied, as he exited the Hokage's waiting room.

"Who were you and Neji talking about?" Kiba asked Shikamaru.

"Who do you think?" Shino spoke up.

"I don't know, that's why I asked."

Both Shikamaru and Shino stared directly at their friend and in unison said one name.

"Tenten!"

---

It was the first day back for students at the Shinobi Academy after the tournament and the Konohamaru Corp. had been receiving accolades from all the other students all morning long for their showing in reaching the quarterfinals of the Ninjutsu portion of the competition. As Konohamaru, Moegi, and Udon sat outside in the courtyard eating their lunches and still basking in all the compliments they had received. It was Konohamaru who looked across the courtyard and noticed Hanabi Hyuga sitting alone under a tree eating her lunch. The Sarutobi heir felt bad for the young girl, as while he, Moegi, and Udon had been getting praise for their showing in the tournament. Hanabi had received only scorn and indifference from the other student's for the way she had won to reach the semi-finals of the Ninjutsu division for kunoichi's. Konohamaru rose from the ground and dusted himself off and began walking over towards Hanabi, before he stopped when he heard Moegi ask.

"Konohamaru-kun, where are you going?"

"I'm going to go over to congratulate Hanabi for getting to the semi-finals of the Ninjutsu portion of the tournament and talk to her."

"Why would you want to do that? I mean look at the shameful way that arrogant Hyuga princess did to even reach the semi-finals."

"Ok, maybe it wasn't the most honorable way to get a win, but it wasn't against the rules either. And look at the way the rest of the students have been treating her today. She went farther in the Ninjutsu division than any of us, yet were getting complimented for it and she's getting ignored. That's got to make her feel bad." Konohamaru replied with concern.

"Who cares how she feels Kono-kun, she deserves it. All year long she walks around looking down on everyone, as she thinks she's so superior to all of us. When the truth is she's nothing but a snobbish conceited little bitch who is finally getting what she deserves. And she's ugly as well." Moegi fired back with venom.

"Don't be so hard on her Moegi, that snobbish attitude I'm sure has been drilled into her by the Hyuga clan since she was old enough to walk. You guys don't know how hard it is to be the heir to a clan always having to follow and live up to the rules and attitudes of everyone around you, but I can sympathize with her. And as for being ugly, I wouldn't say that, as I think Hanabi's kind of pretty." Konohamaru stated with a grin, before he resumed his trek over to the Hyuga heiress.

"I can't believe Kono-kun said he thought that stuck-up little bitch is pretty! He never tells me that I'm pretty!" Moegi spat with fury laced in her voice, as she glared daggers at the Hyuga girl across the courtyard.

"I, I think your pretty Moegi-chan." Udon nervously stammered.

"Oh shut-up Udon!" Moegi replied, not even hearing what Udon had said, as her focus was solely on her teammate and the young Hyuga girl across the way. So focused was Moegi, she never even noticed the crestfallen look that befell her other teammates face upon hearing her response.

Hanabi had just finished her bento box, when she saw Konohamaru approaching. She turned her head away to make sure that her hair was still covering the left-side of her face, when she heard the Sarutobi heir greet her as he arrived.

"Hi Hanabi."

"What do you want?" Hanabi answered in a cold indifferent tone of voice.

"Well I just wanted to come over and congratulate you on making the semi-final of the Ninjutsu division of the tournament for the kunoichi's."

"Why?" Hanabi snapped.

"Huh, what do you mean why?" Konohamaru replied in confusion.

"I mean why do you want to congratulate me? Why aren't you like everyone else and just deride or put me down for what I did to reach that semi-final? Or better yet why don't you just ignore me like most everyone else does in the Academy?"

Konohamaru sat down next to Hanabi much to her surprise and said with a sympathetic voice.

"I know you've gotten a raw deal from the other student's here and even though what you did might seem a bit dishonorable in a tournament in which the old hag was trying to present the Leaf village in an honorable light. Technically, it wasn't against the rules and it reminds of something the boss once told me. He said when you're out on a mission and you get into a fight with an enemy. You do whatever you have to win that fight because if you don't then you're going to die. So I think that's the reason why so many people got upset with you Hanabi-chan."

Hanabi gained a slight blush to her face at Konohamaru's addition of the suffix 'chan' to her name, as he continued on.

"Because it wasn't a life and death situation you were in, they are all just angry about the tactic you used to beat Tenten. But if you had been out in the field fighting for your life for real, then you wouldn't have done anything wrong as far as I'm concerned."

Hanabi just sat in shocked silence, unable to decide how she should feel or of what to do. After a minute, she uttered softly.

"Arigatou."

"He, he, no problem Hanabi-chan."

The young Hyuga girls blush intensified, before she stammered.

"May, may I ask you a question?"

"Sure."

"Who is this boss you speak of?"

"Oh the boss, you should know him, he's the greatest. And I knew that even before it was found out he's the Fourth Hokage's only son. Naruto Uzumaki Namikaze is the boss and I'm proud to have been his very first student!"

"Oh, the Namikaze heir, the one my sister in involved with."

"Involved with, man you make it sound so clinical, just say he's your sister's boyfriend. Don't you two talk about him at all?"

"My sister and I had not spoken to each other until we met in the semi-final of the tournament. I'm not allowed to speak to her, since she was cast out of the clan a few years ago."

"That's too bad, Hinata-sama is really nice and whenever I get hurt I always ask at the hospital if she can heal me because she's so nice, heck she even treats me to ramen from time to time."

"I, I don't want to talk about my sister." Hanabi stated, as a forlorn look spread across her face.

"Oh….ok, we can talk about something else.

Konohamaru answered, then he saw the desolate look now adorning Hanabi's face and asked his own question to the Hyuga girl sitting beside him.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Hai."

"How come you never smile Hanabi-chan? This whole year I don't think I've ever seen you smile once."

"I, I don't know, I've just never felt like smiling I guess."

"It's too bad; I think if you smiled you'd be even prettier."

Hanabi face grew beat red upon hearing that and she turned her head to keep Konohamaru from noticing. Unfortunately a stiff breeze arose and blew the hair that had been covering the left-side of her face away for a moment revealing a very nasty looking black eye, which the Sarutobi heir did notice and quickly asked in concern.

"What happened, who gave you that black-eye Hanabi-chan?"

Hanabi's eyes grew wide in apprehension and she struggled to come up with a believable lie, before she stammered out.

"I, I got it in the tournament, when, when I fought my sister."

"No you didn't, I watched that fight and Hinata never struck your face even once. C'mon, tell me the truth, who did that to you?"

"No one did it and just mind your own business, it doesn't concern you!" Hanabi shouted back in growing anger and embarrassment.

After a minute of tense and uneasy silence, Konohamaru spoke up and quietly said.

"It was your father wasn't it."

Hanabi turned her head away and in a quivering voice replied.

"Just shut-up and leave me alone! I deserved it for the humiliating defeat I suffered at Hinata's hands. I brought shame upon my clan and he had no choice but to…punish me for it."

"You're wrong, nobody deserves to be punished for trying their best, which is what you did and nothing else. No one thinks you shamed your clan by losing. Someone needs to teach your old man a lesson about how it isn't right to hit girls because he thinks his pride got wounded."

"Just forget about it Konohamaru, it's not any of your business and I wouldn't want to see you get hurt by confronting my father over it. For the last time, just leave me alone." Hanabi stated with genuine concern for the Sarutobi heir.

Both young clan heirs sat in silence, before Konohamaru spoke up and said.

"I'll tell you what, I won't confront or do anything directly about your father, if you'll do something for me."

"What do you want me to do?" Hanabi questioned with curiosity.

"I want to see you with a genuine smile on your face tomorrow."

"That's all; I just have to smile for you."

"No, I want a genuine smile and the only way I can get that is if I make you show a genuine smile, but if I do, I also want one more thing." Konohamaru said with a grin.

"What else do you want?"

"Well, what I want from you if I do that is a….kiss."

"A, a kiss!" Hanabi stuttered in shock, as her blush slightly returned.

"That's right, a kiss. I say if I can make you genuinely smile within the next 24 hours, you have to give me a kiss."

"And if you don't make me smile, what do I get?" Hanabi asked.

"If I don't make you smile, then I'll leave you alone just like you've been wanting, deal."

Hanabi thought about it for a moment before she finally agreed and said.

"Deal!"

"Cool, I'm looking forward to my kiss tomorrow my hime, you get ready for it." Konohamaru stated with confidence, as he rose from the ground and began walking back towards Moegi and Udon leaving behind a furiously blushing girl upon being addressed as 'my hime.'

The next morning in the Hyuga compound, Hanabi awoke to a frightening shout of rage from her father in the courtyard. Racing to her window she looked out into the main courtyard to see Hiashi Hyuga storming about demanding to know who did this to him. What had been done to the Hyuga patriarch is someone had put blazing orange dye into his shampoo. And now Hiashi sported a fiery orange colored head of hair instead of the normal Hyuga black. Enraged at who would have the affront to do such a thing to him, Hiashi was ready to render limb from limb the perpetrator of this atrocity. It was then a voice rang out and everyone turned to see a masked young man around the age of 13-14 dressed in a familiar orange-jumpsuit given to him by his boss sitting atop the outer wall which surrounded the compound shout at the Hyuga clan leader.

"That's what you get you old-fart for beating on little girls. Next time it happens, I won't be so kind and I'll just kick your sorry ass!"

"AFTER HIM!" Hiashi shouted in unbridled rage.

Suddenly, the young masked boy flashed through a series of hand-signs and instantly four identical shadow clones appeared around him, before they all bounded off in different directions each with several Hyuga clan members in hot pursuit. For her part, Hanabi just stared out the open window in shock staring at her orange-colored haired father. Suddenly, she felt something well up inside her and she began to giggle, which turned into gut-splitting laughter, as she ducked down from the window lest her father catch sight of her. Hanabi couldn't believe that Konohamaru had the audacity to do such a thing to her father. And after her laughter finally died down, the young Hyuga heiress did something she hadn't done in a long time; she closed her eyes and genuinely smiled. It was then that a flash of light startled her and she opened her eyes to see the masked Konohamaru standing in her bedroom with a camera in his hand, as he said.

"I was right; you are prettier when you smile."

Hanabi blushed at this, before she regained her composure and asked in a worried voice.

"What are you doing here; you should be miles away from the compound if you know what's good for you. If my father catches you after what you did, you're a dead man Konohamaru-kun!"

"Konohamaru-kun, I like the sound of that." The Sarutobi heir stated with a grin.

Hanabi blushed even more, but before she could say anything her Academy classmate said.

"Don't worry my hime, the boss taught me all of his tricks so they won't catch me. I'll be going soon, but not before I get what you owe me remember."

Hanabi then remembered about the kiss and stammered in defense trying to sound as convincing as she could.

"How, how do you know I smiled at what you did. I, I don't think it was funny at all what you did to my father."

Konohamaru merely smirked and waved the camera at Hanabi. Exhaling a frustrated sigh as the Hyuga girl knew she was beat. Hanabi exclaimed with resignation.

"Oh fine, let's just get this over with!"

Hanabi then closed her eyes and puffed her cheeks out, while puckering her lips, assuming it would just be a chaste and quick peck on the lips between the two. However, Konohamaru was having none of that and he swept Hanabi into his arms and dipped her low causing her to open her eyes and mouth in surprise. Instantly Konohamaru's lips crashed down upon Hanabi's and his tongue delved into the young girl's mouth swirling around and tasting every bit of her. Hanabi was shocked at this sudden intrusion, but after a moment was swept up in the pleasant feeling, as she wrapped her arms around Konohamaru's neck and deepened the kiss, her own tongue now dancing with his own. After a minute, the two young shinobi pulled away from each other, both of them nearly breathless, as the masked Konohamaru declared.

"You taste sweet my hime."

Hanabi's blush returned in full force and just as Konohamaru leaned down to engage in another kiss, the Hyuga girl's bedroom door flew open and a servant came in shouting.

"Lady Hanabi, there is an intruder inside the compound and your father has ordered you downstairs for your own protection."

"It was then the Hyuga servant saw Hanabi in the arms of the masked intruder and quickly shouted.

"The intruder is in Lady Hanabi's room and is assaulting her! Guards…Guards!"

"Gotta run hime." Konohamaru said, as he let go of the Hyuga heiress and jumped towards the window sill landing deftly on it, before he turned and said.

"I almost forgot, nice jammies by the way."

He then leapt out of the window and Hanabi looked down in horrified embarrassment that she was still in her bedtime wardrobe. Then the young Hyuga girl upon her realization that Konohamaru had seen her in this attire did something that hadn't been seen in years from a Hyuga heiress…..she fainted.

---

(Time-skip 5 Months)

As Councilman Hanshiro Sato strode down the pathway with his daughter Tenten following close behind, she was wearing a long coat and held her head down low. The former high-ranking Chunin guard of the main gate to the Leaf village formally known as Mace-Hanma bore a determined look upon his face, as they reached the main entrance to the Anbu Maximum Security prison. Showing the gate guard a pass to enter signed and sealed by the Hokage herself. Hanshiro and Tenten were allowed into the prison and were then escorted to the Anbu Warden's office, where the Councilman then produced a set of orders from the Hokage allowing him to see a certain Hyuga prisoner in private. A few minutes later, Neji Hyuga was brought into a holding cell and his eyes grew wide in confusion at seeing Tenten's father sitting at a table within the room.

"You can unshackle and leave the prisoner with me." Hanshiro ordered the Anbu guard, who bowed to the Councilman, before removing Neji's restraints and exiting the room, while locking the door behind him.

"Have a seat Neji, you and I have much to discuss." Hanshiro calmly ordered, as he gestured to an empty chair directly across from him.

"I, I don't understand, why are you here Hanshiro-sama." Neji stammered in bewilderment.

"I just felt we needed to have a talk."

"What is it you wish to talk about?"

"My daughter Tenten of course."

"Tenten, is everything alright, she's not hurt is she?" Neji exclaimed in concern.

"Calm down Neji, she's fine." Hanshiro replied and was inwardly pleased at the Hyuga boy's response.

"Then what did you want to talk about regarding her?"

"I just want to ask you a few questions about your relationship with her, that's all.

An uneasy and queasy feeling began to develop in the pit of Neji's stomach, but he nodded to his longtime girlfriend's father in understanding and Hanshiro began.

"What are your feelings towards my daughter?"

Neji shifted in his seat uncomfortably and debated what he should say to Tenten's father. The Hyuga prodigy knew that he loved Tenten, but years of living within the Hyuga clan where outward displays or words of emotions were not considered proper behavior and decorum had been ingrained within him. So Neji sat silently, unable to answer Hanshiro's question who after a minute produced seemingly out of thin air a short three-foot long sledge-hammer and brought it crashing down onto the table, smashing it to bits. He then turned his attention back to a very stunned Neji and stated.

"Well now that I've got your attention again, I'll ask once more. What are your feelings towards my daughter? And if I don't receive an answer a second time, I'm going to introduce you to my new hammer…personally."

"I, I love Tenten Hanshiro-sama." Neji quickly answered, any Hyuga pride about never admitting any affections openly flying out of the proverbial window.

"That's a good answer Neji, for I love my little Ten-chan as well, which is why I now must ask what are your intentions with my daughter?"

"I, I hope to marry her someday."

"Hope?"

"Hai Hanshiro-sama, I hope to marry Tenten one day, if she will have me?"

"You two have been going out for well over three years, I'm pretty sure she will have you. So why haven't you already married her Neji?"

Once again Neji sat in muted silence, before Hanshiro demanded in irritation.

"ANSWER ME!"

"I haven't married Tenten, because I'm not worthy of her yet!" Neji shouted back in fierce reply.

This answer stunned Hanshiro who sat back down in his chair. After a couple of minutes of uneasy tension and silence, the Leaf village Councilman finally spoke and asked.

"Why do you think you're not worthy of her?"

"Hanshiro-sama, I'm not worthy of your daughter because my status within the village is one of being a deposed member of the branch family of the Hyuga clan. Tenten deserves much better than one who is essentially a nomad with currently no clan, no family, and no home I can truly call my own. It would also diminish and degrade your own honored status as a Leaf village Councilman and honored reputation as a former highly respected and decorated officer within the Shinobi ranks of the Leaf village were I to be married to your daughter."

"Those are selfish reasons Neji and quite frankly insulting both to myself and my daughter. Tenten doesn't care about all of that status crap and neither do I."

"But I care Hanshiro-sama. However, my nomad status is a temporary standing of that I can assure you. Once I am able to reclaim my rightful position within the Hyuga clan. I fully intend to marry your daughter…with your permission of course."

"And how long will it be before you are able to reclaim this position within the Hyuga clan?"

"Perhaps within a year."

"I'm afraid that won't work for me at all." Hanshiro stoically replied, before he walked to the door and called out to the guard, before standing beside Neji.

A minute later the door swung open and Tenten entered the room.

"Tenten!" Neji exclaimed and was about to jump up and hug her, but was stopped by Hanshiro who bade him to sit down once again.

As the door swung shut behind her, the first thing Tenten noticed was the smashed table and she shot a glare at her father before she asked in a stern voice.

"What did you do father?"

"I didn't do anything Ten-chan other than get your boyfriend's attention; now please remove your coat."

"Father please, he doesn't have to know about this. Neji-kun's already got enough to deal with without having to worry about me. I can handle this on my own!"

"I, I don't understand, what-what do you have to handle on your own Ten-chan?"

"Remove your coat daughter, before I remove it for you." Hanshiro ordered with authority.

Exhaling a defeated sigh, Tenten opened the coat and let it drop to the floor and Neji's breath hitched in his throat and his eyes grew wide as saucers. For there standing before him was the girl he loved with a very noticeable belly-bump. The Hyuga boy couldn't even speak for his mouth had suddenly gone dry, as he stared at the extended belly of his girlfriend. However, a stifled sob from Tenten brought Neji out of his shock, when he heard Tenten say is a choked voice and with tears streaming down her face.

"I'm, I'm sorry Neji-kun, I didn't mean for this to happen and become a burden to you, it's all my fault."

Neji's heart nearly broke upon hearing those words and he quickly leapt up and enveloped Tenten in a hug as she cried into his chest and he stroked her back, while saying in soothing words.

"Shhhhhhh, don't ever let me hear you say that again, you have never been nor ever will be a burden to me. I'm the one who should be apologizing, not you. How far along are you my love?"

"F-five months."

"You mean it was from that night."

"Hai, it was the night you told me you were going to prison for a year and your reasons behind it. I was so upset with you that I, I forgot to use the contraceptive jutsu. It's all my fault and now I've ruined everything for you." Tenten declared, as she started crying once again.

"Don't be silly Ten-chan; it was always a dream of mine to have a family with you. Now my dream has come true."

"You're, you're not upset about this."

"Why would I be?"

"Be-because this could mess up what you have planned for you and Hinata to regain your status within the Hyuga clan!"

"It messes nothing up, it merely delays what is to come that's all." Neji stated in assurance, before he knelt down and placed his ear to Tenten's belly. A moment later, he grinned from ear-to-ear when he felt the baby kick and exclaimed in happiness.

"I felt the baby kick!"

"Yeah, he is a feisty one." Tenten commented in amusement.

"So it's going to be a boy?" Neji asked in excitement, as he rose from the floor.

"Yes Neji-kun, in four months you are going to have a son."

"I love you." Neji softly said to his girlfriend, as he leaned in to kiss her.

"I love you to." Tenten quietly replied, before they lovingly kissed one another.

"Alright you two, save it for the honeymoon later on tonight."

"Hon-honeymoon…..to-tonight…..what are you talking about Hanshiro-sama? Neji queried in stammered confusion.

"I'm talking about that I've secured a 24 hour release for you, during which time you will make my daughter an honest woman. And if you try to weasel out of it with that crock-of-shit about not being worthy of her, I will pound you into paste, before I drag you up to the altar. Do you understand?"

"Hai I understand…..Shuuto." (Father-in-Law) Neji contritely answered.

"That sounds too damn formal to me; if you want you may refer to me as Otousan.

"Thank you, I shall consider it."

"Ok, here's the deal. After Tenten and I leave, an Anbu guard is going to come in here and give you an Anbu uniform to wear and instructions to where the shrine is for your wedding. The second shift of the Anbu guards starts in about an hour. Just make your exit with the first shift guards and everything will be fine."

"Won't the second shift guards notice a missing prisoner?" Neji asked.

"No, because your cover will be both for the guards and the prison populace that you were thrown into solitary confinement, no one will be the wiser. We even got someone who will be in the solitary confinement cell just in case anyone gets nosy."

"We?"

"Yes we, the Hokage and I have set all of this up. In fact, she will be the one to marry you that is if you don't mind having a Hokage preside over your nuptials."

"I am most grateful to the both of you and would be honored to have Lady Tsunade perform the ceremony." Neji stated with a bow of respect to his future father-in –law.

"Well let's get going then, because the more time it takes to get you two married, means the less time you will have for your honeymoon." Hanshiro stated in mirth, as he winked his eye at both his daughter and future son-in-law causing them to blush furiously.

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Neji could scarcely believe that just a few hours ago he was locked away in a prison cell. Now he was staring at his soon to be wife, as she walked towards him in her white shiromuku made of silk, tied at her waist with a white obi and adorning her head a traditional white wataboshi hat. All of the wedding guests eyes were fixed on Tenten, as she walked down the aisle, but her eyes were only on Neji. At that moment Neji thought he had never seen a more beautiful bride in his life.

As Neji stood, he proudly wore his father's dark grey montsuki kimono with the Hyuga clan family crest embroidered on both the front and the back of the garment. The montsuki was tucked into the wide pleated pants of his hakama. And his haori black overcoat covered the entire outfit.

Neji was pleased that his friends and family could attend the ceremony, as he glanced out to those seated. In the front row, Lee and Sakura sat together, each of them holding hands and Neji was glad that his best friend had finally gotten the girl he had pined away so many years for. Next to them sat Shikamaru and Temari and Neji had a sneaking suspicion his lazy comrade and friend would be the next one to follow him into marriage to his Suna girlfriend. Behind them sat Hinata, Ino, and Shino and Neji smiled at his cousin and wished Naruto could have been there with her. Next to them sat Kiba and Ayame and though Neji had always thought they were an odd pairing, he couldn't deny the looks of love they gave one another. Finally sitting behind them were Shizune, Might Gai, and Kurenai with her young son Minato sitting in her lap. It appeared his sensei Might Gai was having difficulty controlling his flames of youth, as he was openly weeping in happiness at seeing his two students getting married, while Shizune continued to hand him tissues.

Across the aisle sat one lone person, Hanshiro Sato, Tenten's father and soon to be Neji's father-in-law. When their eyes met briefly, Hanshiro looked upon Neji with pride and both bowed their heads to one another in respect. Then before the young Hyuga boy even realized it, Tenten was standing beside him, smiling with nothing but love shining in her eyes, as faced one another holding hands. It was then that Tsunade stepped up to the alter and announced.

"I wish to thank all of you in attendance to witness the nuptials of this young couple. Now Neji Hyuga, I want you to repeat the vows I say."

"This woman, I marry."

"No matter what the health situation is."

"I will love this person."

"Respect this person."

"Console this person."

"Help this person."

"Until death."

"Protecting fidelity."

"I swear."

Tsunade then turned to Tenten and repeated the vows.

"This man, I marry."

"No matter what the health situation is."

"I will love this person."

"Respect this person."

"Console this person."

"Help this person."

"Until death."

"Protecting fidelity."

"I swear."

Both Neji and Tenten nodded to one another affirming the words they had just spoken.

Tsunade then turned her attention back to Neji and asked.

"Groom Neji Hyuga, you this woman marry and become her partner. Will you in peaceful times, during sickness, this person love, this person respect, this person comfort, this person help, until death, do you promise to fulfill?"

"Yes, I promise."

Tsunade then turned to Tenten and asked again.

"Bride Tenten Sato, you this man marry and become his partner. Will you in peaceful times, during sickness, this person love, this person respect, this person comfort, this person help, until death, do you promise to fulfill?"

"Yes, I promise."

Tsunade then reached behind her to pick-up a tray which contained sake in three different cups, which Neji and Tenten were to drink to seal their union completing the Shinto wedding ritual called san-san kudo. Upon conclusion of this, Neji and Tenten turned to face their audience, while holding hands and Tsunade announced with happiness.

"Ladies and gentlemen, I now present to you Mr. and Mrs. Neji and Tenten Hyuga!"

It was then all of the guests erupted in cheers and applause for the newly married couple, as they made way over to congratulate them.

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Author Note 2: What no cliffhanger of Hinata dying yet again! (Lol) No, I wanted to keep with the Christmas spirit and what better way then to end the chapter with a nice romantic wedding. This was not an easy chapter to write and I've been killing myself the last few days to get it done in time. I hope all of you have enjoyed my Christmas gift chapter. However, if you did not, I'll just let you know that I've completed the renovations to my underground fortified bunker, so I'm ready for the torches and pitchforks now, lol.

As for this chapter, you can see it was focused heavily on Neji once again just like last chapter. I really wanted to develop his character some more and try to show the spectrum of how he could be. From the arrogant and unapologetic young man standing in Tsunade's office to the loving husband and father to be later on. And yes, the Konohamaru Corp, makes an appearance along with Hanabi Hyuga. All four of those young shinobi will become more prominent in the story in future chapters. I have to give credit to the website Seiyaku . com for the wedding vows used.

Anyway, I hope everyone enjoyed this chapter and I'm anxious to see what your reviews will be for it. I do wish to thank everyone both old and new readers who took the time to review my last chapter. For those of you who did review, you all had a lot to say about it and I'm pleased that this story has such a strong fan base with readers who actually write out well thought-out reviews. Because of that, I enjoy reading many of your reviews, so please leave lots of them, as they do help a writer get a sense of the thoughts and opinions of the fans of a story. They also can help lift the spirits of an author as well. Also, to any readers who are staff members to any C2 communities, please feel free to add my story to your community if you feel it is worthy of it. I won't mind, I swear. I'll even pinkie swear if I need to?

News:

For the past few chapters I've alerted my readers to a couple of polls set up on each of their accounts by the fine authors brown phantom and Zentary asking the question.

Who is the best Naruto fanfic writer on this site?

Zentary's poll has remained open and is still active.

Regrettably, brown phantom has ended his poll on this question. However, he has started a new poll asking,

Which is the best Naruto fan fiction story on this site?

So I humbly ask if you feel I'm worthy of being one of your 10 author picks to please place a vote for me in Zentary's poll. And if you feel my story "Naruto vs. Sasuke: The Aftermath" or any of my stories are worthy of being voted for in brown phantom's new poll, please place a vote for them. I thank you in advance for your support and normally I would provide you the links to the profile pages for both brown phantom and Zentary. However, one of the "oh so wonderful" changes FFnet has recently made is making it more difficult to list a link anywhere even if it's a link on their own freaking site. So just do a quick search for the authors, brown phantom and Zentary.

*Of note, brown phantom recently informed me that this story currently sits in 11th place on his poll. Now I'm not so arrogant to think I should be number one, but I do believe that my story is at least deserving of a Top 10 ranking. So please help me out if you can by voting for it. The poll will be closing at the end of the year.

End of News

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Shoutouts:

I'd like to give a couple of shoutouts to some people.

My first shoutout goes to my reader the Shugokage. Not only has he been a long time supporter of this story, but he also gives some of the best and most well thought out reviews on it that I always look forward to reading. And his latest review was the 100th on the previous chapter. I know there are some authors out there who could write "All of my readers can suck donkey balls" and he will still get 100-200 glowing reviews for it within a few days. However, 100 reviews on one of my chapters is a rare milestone that I've only achieved on a few of my chapters. So I thank the Shugokage for making that happen.

My second shoutout goes to the author of the fine story "New Chance" written by Hektols. If I've calculated correctly going from the community called 1,000 PLUS: Extraordinary Fics with Extraordinary Reviews. His story has now achieved the rank of being one of the Top 10 most reviewed Naruto stories on this site. Hektols now joins the ranks of such illuminous authors as PsychoG, lord of the land of fire, MSkyDragons and Perfect Lionheart just to name a few. I want to congratulate Hektols on attaining such lofty status within the Naruto fan fiction community.

End of Shoutouts

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Now, onto everyone's favorite section Kingkakashi's rants on the manga yaaaaaaaaaaaaaaay!

I only have a few negative things to say about the following issues of the Naruto manga!

*Warning I do give away some spoilers in my rants, so read at your own risk.

#608 – This is a great chapter, as it's the start of the Obito versus Kakashi fight. Meanwhile Naruto is struggling against Madara and his myokoton abilities. Obito is pretty much kicking the crap out of Kakashi because the copy-nin is still psychologically freaked out about Obito being alive. The crazed Uchiha is about to deliver the killing blow onto Kakashi, but Naruto steps in and saves him. The chapter then ends with Naruto declaring he won't let any of his comrades get killed. This snaps Kakashi back to life, as it reminds him of something Obito once said in the past. And now Kakashi vows to protect Naruto. Overall, like a said a great chapter that even Kishimoto wasn't able to screw up.

#609 – This chapter is a continuation of the Naruto and Kakashi's battle against Obito. A lot more action and great fight scenes and even Kyuubi/Kurama briefly joins in on the fight and helps Kakashi revive to full strength. The good guy's actually found a weakness to Obito's Mangekyou Sharingan and when he used it to suck up Kakashi into another dimension it allowed Kakashi to attack and hurt him from that dimension. They start doing some serious damage to Obito before the Hachibi notices that the Gedou Mazou statue which is the vessel of Juubi (Ten-Tailed Demon) is starting to crack. Meaning that the Juubi is about to be released. So Hachibi/Killer Bee and Naruto unleash two massive bijuu bombs in an attempt to destroy it. They think that they've succeeded, but remember this is Kishimoto who can't ever give the good guys a victory and in the end the Juubi has been released ending the chapter. This chapter was good, but it would be nice to see the good guys win an occasional fight.

#610 – The start of this chapter is the Juubi has been revived and its power is off the charts. Kyuubi/Kurama takes charge and begins to bark out orders to everyone, which no one has a problem with. He also heals up Naruto, Kakashi, and Gai who needed it badly. Then Kyuubi/Kurama and Hachibi/Killer Bee go on the offensive and release all at once about a dozen bijuu bombs onto the Juubi. Unfortunately, the Juubi destroys them all with a single blast, but it was a ruse by the good guys to allow Kakashi to use his Mangekyou Sharingan and transport the Hachibi directly in front of the Juubi ready to fire off a bijuu bomb directly into the Ten-tails one lone eye, thus ending the chapter. This chapter was good and we'll see in the next chapter if the attack works, but knowing Kishimoto, I'm sure it won't.

#611 – This chapter starts off with the attack on the Juubi failing…..imagine that! The Juubi with one flick of his finger sends the bijuu bomb directly back at Hachibi/Killer Bee and with a flick of his tail takes out Kakashi and Naruto before Kyuubi/Kurama makes the save on them before he disappears. Apparently he only has an eight minute time limit in which he can fight alongside Naruto in the outside world and isn't that so nice of Kishimoto to give him all of eight minutes. And the timing couldn't be better, as all the good guys are exhausted at this point. Then you get an argument between Naruto and Madara in which Kishimoto makes it point to make Naruto look and act stupid once again. Anyway, Obito instructs the Juubi to unleash another blast and destroy them all and Ten-tailed demon complies, but misses. The reason it missed is because a contingent of Yamanaka and Hyuga Alliance shinobi arrive and using the Yamanaka mind transfer technique were able to redirect Obito's aim for two seconds before he broke the jutsu. Hinata and Ino are two of the shinobi who arrived at Hinata's first concern is for Naruto and she asks if he is alright. Now we get to the part that makes this a great chapter to me. As more Alliance shinobi begin to arrive including Kiba. When Naruto answers Hinata with a "Hell Yeah!" Kiba makes the following comment of "You don't need to put on a tough guy act just' cuz Hinata's here Naruto!" Now why do I find this significant, because it's the first time I've seen any indication in the manga that Kishimoto finally realizes that there is a huge fan-base in the world who wants the pairing of Hinata with Naruto. This alone turned this chapter from ok to great for me.

#612 – This chapter begins as the entire Shinobi Alliance army has arrived to help Naruto battle Obito, Madara, and the Juubi. The rest of the chapter is just the Alliance army doing battle against those three using strategies devised by Shikaku Nara back at HQ. Shikaku comes up with some clever tactics and its pretty cool seeing them implemented. They actually imprison the Juubi in a concrete box and then the Alliance turns to attack Obito and Madara once again using the tactics Shikaku has come up with ending the chapter. Is it actually possible to think that Kishimoto has let the good guys actually win a battle by imprisoning the Juubi? Overall this is a great chapter just from the battle scenes alone.

#613 – This chapter starts off with the Alliance shinobi attacking Madara. However, before they can complete the attack the Juubi escapes his prison of course stopping it. Imagine that the good guys plan didn't work! Shikaku attempts to come up with a new plan to stop the Juubi. Meanwhile, Obito and Madara want to show off the Juubi's power, seemingly to unleash its bijuu bomb onto the Shinobi Alliance shinobi fighting them. The Alliance shinobi manage to loosen the ground underneath the Juubi and its aim is thrown off and the bijuu bomb is flung miles away where the resulting explosion is nuclear in proportion.

The Juubi fires off another bijuu bomb and its aim is true and it wipes out a city even farther away. The Juubi fires off a third bijuu bomb and this one is heading directly towards the Alliance HQ. Shikaku who is at the Alliance HQ along with Inoichi Yamanaka use their final time to transmit Shikaku's plan to all of the Alliance Shinobi battling the Juubi, it's their final act before the bijuu bomb hits and they are killed. The killing of Shikaku really pisses me off, as it's such a major blow to the good guys. I'm pretty damn sure that if Kishimoto thought he could get away with it, he would finish off the Naruto manga with Madara and his Moons Eye plan winning the war. Overall, this chapter sucked because it was just the typical Kishimoto written I love the Super-Powered Uchiha's we've seen many times before.

#614 – This chapter begins with the aftermath of Shikaku and Inoichi's deaths. However, no one can dwell on it very long as the Juubi launches an attack onto the Alliance soldiers. The attack is deflected by Hiashi and Neji Hyuga using their clans Hakkeshou Kaiten defense. The Hyuga clan really steps up to the plate this chapter with Hiashi, Hinata, and especially Neji providing inspiration to all of the Alliance shinobi on the battlefield. Of special note Naruto takes notice of Hinata once again. You then cut to a scene where you learn that Madara intends to become the Juubi Jinchuuriki, but he needs Obito's body to do that. The two of them argue a bit before Obito has the Juubi unleash a shrapnel barrage of wood onto the Alliance shinobi killing many of them gruesomely.

Neji, Hinata, and Hiashi along with the rest of the Hyuga clan do their best to protect the Alliance shinobi, but there are just too many wood projectiles to stop using not only their Hakkeshou Kaiten defense as well as their Air Barrier Palm technique. Naruto attempts to help and goes into Sage mode to fire off several Rasenshuriken's at the Juubi, but the effort leaves him drained. Hinata does her best to protect him, while he regains his strength. However, another barrage is heading towards them and Hinata is about to give up her life to shield Naruto from them by using her own body, but at the last second Neji steps in and takes the barrage using his body. As Neji is dying he points out to Naruto that Hinata is willing to die for him, that's a plus in my mind. And the chapter ends with Neji commenting that he understands his father now about the freedom he has in being able to choose his own death, as the Caged-Bird seal disappears and he dies. Just friggin great, first Shikaku and Inoichi last chapter, now Neji in this one. Once again, I firmly believe if Kishimoto thought he could get away with it, he would finish off the Naruto manga with Madara and his Moons Eye plan winning the war. I can't even say if this chapter is good or bad I'm so outraged with it.

Yes, I'm still thoroughly disgusted that Kishimoto hasn't done anything yet with Hinata's confession to Naruto now reaching 177 freaking issues!

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Now I'd like to give a shout out to a couple of stories of quality work that I recommend. I urge all of you to check-out these fine works when you have the time.

Recommendations:

"Naruto: Wrath of the Emperor" by Snafu the Great: This story is another version of one of the many Western Empire stories we've all seen. Most of them have been offshoots of ChrisM2012 story called "Naruto Emperor's Dawn." Now some of the offshoots have been good such as VFSNAKE'S version called "Naruto: Emperor of the Western Elemental Empire." And some of the other Western Empire stories have been crap. Let me assure you that Snafu the Great's version is one of the better one's out there. I won't bother to go into any details as if you've read any of the Western Empire stories then you know they all follow a similar storyline.

"A Kunoichis Need" by Rictor Yagami: This is the second time I've recommended this story, as frankly I think it deserves more readers and reviews than what it has gotten so far. It's an interesting story which is only four chapters into the tale and it revolves around a love triangle involving Temari/Shikamaru/Kurenai. Shikamaru in an effort to comfort Kurenai after the death of Asuma unintentionally leads to something more between himself and the Genjutsu Queen. Now he is attempting to come to grips with the consequences, as it affects his relationship with Temari. There's some real gritty angst and emotions in this story. There's also a side story involving Naruto and Hinata's growing relationship. So, if you're looking for something very different in a Naruto story, then this is one you should checkout.

Now please be kind and leave precious valuable reviews on these stories.

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As always, if anyone wants to discuss my story in greater detail, just shoot me a PM. I enjoy talking about the story with any readers who really have an interest in it. I'll try to respond back to you as quickly as I can.

Take it easy and be good!

Kingkakashi

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School Time:

Accolades

Definition: Any award, honor, or laudatory notice.

Etymology: Old French 1615-1625a.d.

Part of Speech: Noun