"It's you!" An excited blur of orange dashes out the door of the apartment, knocking into my stomach. I laugh at the blonde, patting the top of his head as he buries his face in my stomach.

"Hey sunshine." I smile down at the new genin.

"Did you come to tell me about my godfather and about-"

"Breathe, Naruto." The Sandaime says, his voice is kind but he sends a not so happy look towards me.

"I'll tell you a bit about him later on when we start your fuinjutsu, okay?" He pouts up at me, almost breaking all my resolve. "I've still got to go meet my team's families this afternoon, Naruto. We're doing short home visits right now." He gives a panicked look back towards the open door of the apartment, and I can't help but shake my head at him.

"Don't worry about the mess, Naruto. It was just as messy when Yua-sensei lived here," the Hokage says.

"Really, Jiji? Yua-sensei lived in my apartment?" Naruto releases me, running back inside.

"He really needs to eat something other than ramen." I sigh, following him inside. "And more regularly. Honestly, why is he so malnourished, Sarutobi?" I let the question hang in the air, not letting the Hokage respond. I feel Kakashi follow me inside as I slip off my shoes. "And stop feeling so guilty, Kakashi. It's not like you were allowed to help." I whisper so only he can hear. I register the shock in his chakra as I enter the kitchen.

"Did you draw this, Yua-sensei?" Naruto asks as soon as I walk into the room. Next to the fridge are a few crudely drawn cats. I feel tears start to fall down my face at the sight of them, and from what sensei has told me, it prompts the appropriate response from Minato and Kushina's kid. He immediately freaks out, running over and wrapping his arms around my waist. "I'm sorry!"

"Don't apologize, Sunshine." I manage to whisper. "I just didn't think I would see those again." I quickly begin to wipe away my tears as I feel Kakashi enter the room behind me.

"Maa, no need to get upset, Naruto."

"But I made Yua-nee cry, sensei." He sniffles into my stomach. I sigh and wrap my arms around the small boy. Oh my Kami why is he so small? I could break him if I hugged him too hard. Why is my pup so small? What have you done, Jiji?

"You didn't make me cry, pup. You know how I told Sasuke how his cousin was my best friend?"

"Mmhmm," he nods against me, his tears finally slowing down.

"Obito drew those cats. He said my apartment was too depressing, but I was too poor to be able to buy decorations. So he made some for me."

"He sounds really nice."

"He was the best." I say, ignoring the fact that my voice cracks multiple times. I take a deep breath as a hand rests on the lower part of my back. I immediately feel jolts of electricity as Kakashi's fingers touch my skin. Instead of shocking me, it grounds me, and I feel myself relax as I pull Naruto closer.

"Alright, enough emotional stuff." I huff after I've calmed down. I look up to see the Sandaime sitting at the kitchen table, regret clear in his eyes as he looks at us. Good. See what you've done. See what listening to those old bastards has done to Minato's son. To Minato's student. To my pup and mate.

"You need to eat more than ramen, Naruto." I tell him gently. I feel him freeze in my arms. "Hey, I know that you like it, but you need to eat more vegetables, you're a shinobi now and you need good fuel to keep going and grow strong." I start moving one of my hands through his hair, trying to soothe him. It takes everything in me not to shield him behind me and attack the old man in the room when I hear his next mumbled words.

"Can only afford Teuchi's ramen. Vendors hate me, won't sell me anything."

"Hmm, well, that's going to change." I say, continuing to hold him close to me.

"Yua," the Sandaime warns from his seat in the room.

"I'll make sure to take you shopping soon, yeah? Maybe we can get our teams together. Sensei had to teach me what to get once I started training with him."

"But-"

"Maa, that sounds like a great idea." Kakashi says, and I finally chance turning my head to look at him. His orange book is nowhere in sight. His hand on my back feels more protective now than comforting. His eye is closed in what seems to be his smile, but it's clear from his chakra that he's just as unhappy with the Hokage as I am. I can't help the slow grin that makes its way across my face. Kami help anyone who even thinks about touching our pup now that we can protect him.

Wait. Our. Oh no. I peek over at Kyo to see a pleased look on her face. Kami help me. I should have never come back- Another shock from Kakashi's fingers as he presses more firmly against my back. I look back down to Naruto, his form is finally relaxed as he leans against me.

"I think it's time for us to visit team eight's homes." The old man says, standing from his seat. I feel Naruto's arms tighten around me. I can't help it as mine tighten around him as well. Yes, my inner wolf registered my own team as pack. But I would need to spend more time with them to solidify the bond. With Naruto? He's not just pack. He's my pup. My pup who is hated by villagers. This apartment never had great security when I was a kid. There's no way I can leave him here alone without seals. There's no way I can leave him unprotected.

"Please don't leave me." Naruto whispers to me as the Sandaime leaves the room. I can't stop myself, I instinctively look to Kakashi. I'm sure my own fear is clear on my face as I look up to him. His hand moves from my back to wrap around my waist, pulling both myself and Naruto into his arms. I feel Naruto's tears against my stomach and have to stop myself from growling.

"What type of sensei would I be if I left my cute little genin in an unsecure apartment by himself?" I feel all fight leave my body as I lean against Kakashi. He holds us for another second before slowly pulling away. I bite my lip to stop a whine from the lack of contact. I am so screwed. I can't even imagine what Obito would be thinking right now.

"You can stay at my apartment with me until Yua can put up some protective seals here. We'll swing back around to grab your stuff later." Kakashi says, his tone soft as he looks at Naruto.

"Really sensei?" Naruto asks, finally looking up at his sensei.

"Of course." Kakashi eye smiles before patting Naruto's blonde hair. "Now, come on, we don't want to keep the Hokage waiting." Naruto perks up a little at this, but gone is the overactive facade we saw earlier. He holds onto me tightly as we put on our shoes and walk out of the apartment. I hear Kakashi murmur something to the Hokage, but I ignore it. Instead, I focus on drawing a small seal on the front door to keep it safe for now.

"Is that fuinjutsu?" Naruto asks, his voice quiet as he leans against me.

"Sure is, sunshine." I pat the top of his head as he looks at the seal in awe. He looks at it in complete silence, his eyes following the directions I made with my pen. And then, he finally looks up at me. A bright smile across his face.

"I'm gonna be the best fuinjutsu master Konoha has ever seen!" And in that moment, I can't help but agree with him.


The walk over to the Inuzuka compound was filled with disapproving looks from the Hokage. It was also filled with conversation between Naruto and my pack. Each wolf took a turn sniffing him (and also Kakashi, but I chose to ignore that part), and introducing themselves. Naruto was already in love with them all.

Now, after all the excitement, he walks between me and Kakashi, out of reach from the Sandaime. A hand holding tightly onto Kakashi's vest, while the other holds onto my sleeve.

"Sensei!" A voice yells, taking my attention away from Naruto. I look up to see an excited Kiba and Akamaru. Rai immediately runs over, almost knocking Kiba down in his excitement.

"Only you, Rai." I whisper under my breath. Mihiro snorts in agreement behind me. "Hey Kiba, Akamaru." I wave at them as we get closer. "Mind leading us towards your house? We're doing team visits today."

"Sure sensei, we were heading back already." Kiba gives a toothy grin before noticing the small genin beside me. "Hey, what're you doing here Naruto?"

"I made him come," I say, ruffling Naruto's hair. "You know how it is being away from pack." Kiba nods in understanding before leading us to a simple home. We take off our shoes, Kiba finally realizing once we're inside that the Hokage is with us before running to get his mom. We'll definitely need to work on his observation skills.

"A wolf summoner has returned to Konoha?" A large ninken asks, although he looks more like my wolves than a regular ninken.

"Of course she has, Kuromaru." Kyo says, bumping against his side. I look over to Kakashi, raising an eyebrow. "Shut up, Yua-chan." Kyo says before I can say anything out loud. I bite my lip to hold in my laughter at Naruto and Rai's confused faces.

"Don't worry boys, you'll understand when you're older." Naruto puffs out his cheeks before leaning closer to me as we walk down the hall.

"Sorry about the wait, Hokage-sama." A woman says as we enter a tatami room.

"It's no trouble at all, Tsume." He smiles, sitting down at the small table in the center of the room. Kiba rubs the back of his head with a small grin and I can't help but shake my head.

"We'll work on your observation skills soon, Kiba." I say under my breath. Tsume lets out a loud laugh, throwing her head back. It reminds me of sensei - her confidence and comfort level around new people.

"So you must be Yua-sensei then?" She asks, looking over at me.

"I am, I'll be Kiba's sensei should they pass my test tomorrow." I feel Naruto tense beside me at the mention of the test. My hand moves on its own to run through his hair like I did earlier.

"Sit down, brats." She smirks at Kakashi who rolls his visible eye. "Didn't expect to see you here too, Hatake."

"I thought it might be best for Kakashi and Yua to do their team home meetings together, thinking it would save time." He cuts his eyes over to me as I sit down with Naruto by my side. I ignore him and motion for Kiba to come sit down as well.

"We don't have to worry about tea or anything, then. I'm sure you'll be filled with it at the Hyuga's place." She snorts, leaning back. "Anything you want to know?" She asks me.

"I can't think of anything now, I worked with a few Inuzuka on the border-"

"Oh, I know." I feel my cheek heat up.

"Really mom?" Kiba asks, leaning his elbows on the table. "Why didn't you tell me anything earlier?"

"The border wasn't an easy place to be stationed at, brat." She says, ruffling his hair. "Those are her stories to tell."

"Sensei-"

"Eventually, if you pass tomorrow." He pouts. Honestly these kids are going to be the death of me.

"I trust her, Hokage-sama" Tsume says before standing from the table and looking at me. "If you need to ask any questions, drop by at any time. You and your pack are allowed on clan lands, you too Hatake."

"Thanks Tsume." Kakashi says, eye smiling at her.

"Thank you-"

"Don't ever call me Inuzuka-sama. My name's Tsume." She calls over her shoulder. "Kiba, it's time to walk the dogs!" Kiba groans, standing from his seat on the floor. I follow his lead, seeing the Hokage standing as well.

"Oh Naruto, I got some new cards this week. Come over when you're free and we can play!" Kiba smiles at Naruto before bounding out of the room. I see Naruto's sunny smile return as we walk out of the Inuzuka compound, much like we had entered it.


The Aburame clan lands were exactly how Hae had described them. The exterior lands that could be seen from those passing by were much like the other training grounds around Konoha. Green with trees. But as you got closer to the clan head's home, the tree coverage was more dense, making it look like night time, with only dim lights marking our path, despite it being bright outside.

"Hokage-sama." A man who looks much like Shino says as he opens the door.

"Shibi, always good to see you."

"You as well, Hokage-sama." Shibi says, tilting his head slightly before turning to look at us.

"Kakashi-sensei and Yua-sensei are doing their team meetings together, if that is alright with you." The Sandaime says. I notice Shibi glance down at Naruto, causing the genin to move closer to my side. I wrap my arm around him as Shibi nods.

"You may enter. Would you like tea?"

"No thank you, we are on a tight schedule." I see Naruto pout at the old man's response, so I pull him closer, leaning down to whisper in his ear as we take off our shoes.

"Hey, how about you come to dinner with me and Choji tomorrow?"

"Really?" Naruto asks, smiling shyly up at me.

"Of course! I'll take you to my Ichiraku." Naruto's eyes widen comically before he trips over the genkan. I shake my head at him before looking up at Kakashi as we start to follow him down the hallway.

"Just like Kushina-nee." Kakashi says under his breath.

By the time we join the others, my pack has already taken to laying down around Naruto and Shino, blocking my path to both of the boys. I roll my eyes at my summons before sitting down at the low table across from Shibi, Kakashi sitting next to me.

"You were stationed on the border during the war." Shibi says, looking directly at me.

"Yes, Aburame-sama."

"Just Shibi is fine." He corrects. "Hae did not mention you wore a mask in her letters." I feel a lump in my throat at the mention of one of my best friends.

"I only wear it when I'm in larger villages. I plan to take it off once I'm used to all the scents." I say, looking down at the table in front of us. He hums in acknowledgement.

"Thank you for making sure her body and hive made it back to Konoha." He says after a moment of silence. "You were a loyal ally to the Aburame clan then, I assume you will continue to be one in the future."

"Of course." I nod. He looks at me for a moment longer before turning to Shino.

"You can trust your sensei completely, Shino." He turns to look at the Hokage next. "I approve of Yua teaching my son. Is there anything else you need Hokage-sama?"

"No, I believe that will be all." The old man says, slowly standing up from his seat. The pack and Kakashi follow him while Naruto and I linger for a moment.

"Your lands are so cool Shino, dattebayo!" Naruto says nervously. I have to stop myself from laughing at the shocked flare of Shino's chakra.

"Thank you?"

"C'mon pup, better catch up, we've got one more house visit." I shoo Naruto out of the room before turning back to the two Aburame. "Thank you both for allowing us on your lands and in your home. I'll see you tomorrow, Shino."

"Goodbye, sensei." Shino nods as Shibi follows me out of the room.

"Should you need anything, the Aburame will support you." He says quietly, so much so that I think I'm hearing things for a minute.

"Thank you, Shibi." I whisper back before making my way back towards the genkan. I slip on my sandals before waving at the clan head as I exit his home.

Now for the most dreaded part of the afternoon. Meeting Hiashi Hyuga.


The Hyuga guards were just as annoying as I thought they would be. Although, I'm sure part of that is due to their seals. They wouldn't allow my pack in - warning sign number one. And then they tried to stop Naruto from coming in as well. Thankfully the Sandaime was able to talk them into it in the end. The only good thing the old man has done today. Probably because he knew I was about to commit a crime if we weren't let in when we were.

We're brought to the main branch's home. A large traditional house that looks like it's more for appearances than for people to live in it. Soon enough we're sitting in an almost empty room, with the most stiff tea serving I've ever been a part of. Hinata is nowhere in sight.

"Where's Hinata?" I ask, breaking the silence of Hiashi serving the Hokage tea. The old man gives me a warning look but I ignore him. I don't have a good feeling about this place.

"While she is not the heiress of the clan, she is still a main branch member. As such, she is required to train in the afternoons." Hiashi finally says, pouring tea for Kakashi next.

"She'll only be doing clan training twice a week in the future, then." I say as he begins to pour my tea. He doesn't even look up at me or acknowledge the comment as he starts to pour his own tea. "And you still have another guest to serve before yourself." That gets his attention. He raises an eyebrow at me, about to start pouring his tea and I can't stop myself.

"Are you really going to blatantly disrespect Minato's son?" There's utter silence in the room. The Hokage's mouth is set in a firm line. Kakashi merely raises an eyebrow. Naruto looks up to me with confusion. "I'll explain later, Naruto." I say, running a hand through his hair.

Hiashi pours Naruto a cup of tea.

"You cannot interfere with clan training." Hiashi finally says.

"She's my student, I'll be training her enough during the day. She needs rest. Two days a week should be sufficient to continue to train with her clan style."

"She already struggles enough with her clan techniques with her current training regime."

"I saw too many clan kids die on the border because they were stuck in their clan techniques." I say, putting my tea down on the small table in front of us. He's about to speak, but I contine, "I understand that it is important to pass down clan techniques, but with Hinata's chakra reserves, I think she would be amazing if she focused on ninjutsu as well."

"Ninjutsu?" He finally raises an eyebrow.

"Yes. She could also use her chakra to enhance her clan techniques. I understand the council wants my team to become trackers, but that's the last thing I want for them."

"What do you want for them?" Hiashi asks after a moment.

"I want to make them the loyal sannin." The Hokage chokes on his tea.

"What's the sannin?" Naruto asks quietly from my side.

"Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Jiraiya were the strongest team our village has seen since the days of the shodaime, but they've all left the village."

"Why?" Naruto plays with my sleeve. He's completely different than what he was at the academy earlier today. Now that he's had someone show they care, that they will stay with him, if only for just a day, he's able to calm down.

"The village failed them." I shrug, it's the truth. "Although Jiraiya is out working on missions at the moment. He'll be back in time for the chunin exams."

'Wait, isn't that when my godfather is coming back to the village too? Are they on a mission together?" I can practically feel how annoyed the old man is with me. If I wasn't Jiraiya's student, there's no way I'd get away with so much. But screw it.

"Well, Jiraiya is your godfather pup." Naruto's eyes widen as he looks up at me. And then, realization crosses his eyes.

"You're the student of one of the legendary three?" He whispers, like he'd get in trouble for asking. This time, Hiashi chokes on his tea.

"Yup." I pat the top of his head before turning to Hiashi. "So about that training schedule?"


With a quiet reminder from the Sandaime to not repeat my earlier bombshell about Minato, we're out of the Hyuga compound only a few minutes later. He's fuming. It's wonderful. Especially since Naruto hasn't even noticed it. Instead the ray of sunshine is pointing out all the seals he sees as we walk through the village back towards the Hokage tower.

"I'd like to speak to you alone, Yua." The old man says as we finally get to the base of the tower.

"I had a feeling." I shrug before turning back to Naruto. "Stick with Kakashi, okay Naruto? I'll come see you before I have to head back to my brother's." He looks ready to cry again, so I pull him into a hug. "Shh, I promise I'll see you soon, okay?" He nods against my stomach before I pull away to crouch down.

"I'm sure Kakashi-sensei can tell you all about your tou-san and kaa-san. But you need to be careful and only tell people you really trust about it, okay?" Naruto nods, now looking excited. He immediately latches onto Kakashi's arm. I smile at the action and look back up at Kakashi.

I regret it. He looks worried. I motion for my pack, minus Kyo, to go with Kakashi and Naruto. "I'll be okay," I sign to him quickly before turning around to go up to the Hokage's office. It's not until I'm halfway up the stairs that I realize he hadn't got his book out since seeing Naruto.

Thankfully, the council isn't in the room when I enter. The old man slaps down a privacy seal as soon as the door is shut. He just leans back in his chair, staring at me as I stand in front of his desk.

"You know everyone in this village will know who his father is by tomorrow."

"You know everyone in the village minus kids in his academy class know he's the jinchuuriki despite it being a SS class secret?"

"Yua-"

"You can't have it both ways, Hokage-sama. Naruto is at risk in the village for being the jinchuuriki. He's also at risk from people outside of the village because he's the jinchuuriki and Minato's son. At least he might find some relief here once people know his parentage."

"You broke my decree." He sighs, leaning his head on his hand.

"What decree?" I ask innocently rolling on the balls of my feet. "I haven't been in the village since before Naruto was born, and sensei never told me about any decrees."

"You knew Jiraiya wasn't supposed to reveal the fact that he is Naruto's godfather."

"I thought that was because Kushina didn't want him to corrupt Naruto at such an early age." That finally makes the old man crack. He lets out a snort of amusement at the comment.

"And here I thought Naruto was going to be the death of me."

"Nah, I'm just trying to save what I can of your legacy." I say honestly. The old man was a grandfather figure for me, just as he was Naruto. And he failed Naruto just the same as he failed me. "Although, I'm going to be honest, Jiji. I think it's time for someone else to take the hat."

"I've been saying that for years."

"I bet Naruto can get Tsunade to take it." The old man raises an eyebrow, a slow smile making its way to his face.

"Your usual wager?"

"Double." He gives a small nod in agreement.

"Deal."

"I'll reorganize your scrolls sometime tomorrow." I nod over to the messy room off to the side. "I doubt she'll accept the hat if she comes back to see that mess." The old man lets out a huff of laughter before grabbing his pipe.

"That would be much appreciated, Yua. It will serve as your punishment for your stunts earlier today."

"You got it, Jiji." I wave before heading out the window. "See you tomorrow!" I call over my shoulder, jumping out onto the roof with Kyo. We're a few buildings away before she starts laughing.

"You're too good." She says.

"I have no clue what you're talking about." She snorts at that as we continue towards Naruto's chakra signature. She was right.

I never thought I'd have to use my lessons from Jiraiya in the village, though.

I need to find out what the council has over Sarutobi before trying to get Tsunade back. But that can wait until tomorrow.

I have a pup to check on.