Warning: I do not own RWBY, that belongs to Oum & Rooster Teeth. Nor Naruto that is shonen and his creator.
xxx Konoha xxx
"How could Naruto do this, this is ... this is impossible" Ino whispered. Her teammates looked at her as the team had taken the day off the relax, the election was merely a week away from starting.
Choji patterned her on the back "There there Ino, come on your stronger then this. I admit this is surprising but you can make it through"
"... What do you think of all of this Sensei?" Shikamaru asked. He turned back to the newspaper in his hand. It showed Naruto gaining nearly all the support of the minor clans and the Aburame clan to. And the accusations against his clan on various crimes and past abuses.
When he first saw them, like everyone else, he rejected it. That was until he saw his father look more closely at the paper and supposed crimes. The next few days his dad rarely came back home and when he did he looked disappointed and sometimes their even was blood on his knuckles too.
"To be honest it's unnerving" Asume answered.
"Unnerving!? He's claiming that our clan members are responsible for multiple crimes! Is this revenge for how my clan treated, because of the Kyuubi—" Ino snapped.
"—No, that is too convient of an answer. Does naruto look like someone who want revenge? I admit he had a tough life but has he ever showed any anger at anybody. Has his pranks ever caused someone terrible harm?" Shikamaru interrupted.
"He could be hiding it"
"Yeah, a kid who's been ignored all his life is able to create a mask that can fool shinobi whose life is around subterfuge & assassination" he drawled "No, as much I hate to admit ... maybe Naruto has a point."
"Shikamaru!? How can you say that. He's outright accusing our family members of terrible crimes. Some of my aunts, uncles, and cousins are being targeted. I know a good few of them and one even made my favorite dresses" Ino spoke.
"And have you gone over what those crimes they were being accused of?" He asked, seeing no answer he continued "I don't like it. But I've been looking at what naruto is accusing and who. And ... well, some stuff are looking a bit sketchy."
Ino opened her mouth before their sensei butted in "Alright, that's enough from both of you. I know this all hard on all of you, but be glad that it isn't you that has to sort this mess."
That stopped both of them.
"I know this hard on all of us but outright rejecting and attacking these claims is not the way. Like Shikamaru said it's important to see who he is accusing. With my dad being the hokage the role of head as fallen to me and what I have found is disappointing."
"Are you saying that Naruto's accusations are right" Choji wondered.
"Who knows" Asume simply answered. None of his students looked calmed after that "Look, how about we talk about other things like that new aura stuff."
"Didn't they say Naruto can stop time" Choji added.
"No way, I mean he can't ... right?" said Ino.
"Sadly seems to be real, I heard even the old man has confirmed it" said Asuma "Still crazy that someone has that kind of power. Good thing he's on our side."
"But why would he reveal that, wouldn't it be smarter to hide it?" Choji asked.
"Maybe, but there are benefits of talking about it. A lot of people are going to have second thoughts on fighting him, just because you know he can stop time doesn't make it better. Now you need to wonder what's the range, is there a time limit, or maybe how far do I need to get away from him to be safe" Asuma explained.
"Plus it further makes any doubts of his strength to vanish" Shikamaru added "No one wants to fight anybody that can has the wood style, is the holder of the kyuubi, and can stop time. It'll make the other villages second guess their plans or just scrap then, even assassination attempts may be thrown out. Naruto is not just intimidating his enemies, he's buying Konoha breathing space."
"Right at always" Asuma patted the Nara on the head "No village in their mind wants to fight konoha right now. With Suna under siege by their own daimyo and Kiri still in civil war that leaves Iwa & Kumo as our biggest worries. But with this and the future knowledge that konoha may be getting our own aura soldiers, they will think otherwise in attacking us for now."
"However, that does not mean they won't sit on their asses. We get breathing space now shikamaru but in the next few years that may change very quickly. The other villages will try to take this power of aura for themselves and what else Naruto can pull out. It's our job to deny them that and make reconsider another attempt."
xxx Team 8 xxx
"Kiba, your pacing yourself" Shino commented.
"Not like I can help it" the Inuzuka growled "Seriously this shit happened and no one did jack shit!?"
The Aburame heir knew what his teammate was saying. It was surprising to hear the accusation that came from his clan and their allies. He understood their relationship with other clans were not always the best. But this not what he expected.
"The hell! My own clan lost land to Choji's clan. That fatass and his clan stole my clan's ancestral land!" Kiba snapped "Why I outta go and teach that fatass what happens when—"
"Kiba! Enough, you will do nothing" Kurenai ordered. She applied her KI to the boy as he stood frozen "To even think about attacking your own comrade, I'm disappointed in you. Unless you want to lose your headband you will never speak like that in my presence. Choji has done nothing wrong and to blame him for the crimes of his clansmen only brings shame to yours."
"But sensei ... I can't just ..." the boy struggled to find the right words "I can't just sit here and just twiddle my thumbs. You saw the paper, there was real proof that the akimichi clan stole from us. For what? Because one of my clansmen refused to listen to his orders and the courts just let it slide. Look what happened to others, one lost their ancestral summoning scrolls."
The women sighed, she could understand that her student was angry. When she saw the paper she was also appalled, but blaming the innocent was not the right way. "Kiba, I understand that what has happened to your clan was wrong and even I am appalled. But releasing all that anger on people who were just as ignorant as you is not the solution."
The inuzuka sagged, looks like her finds were starting to come around and that anger was simmering for now. She grabbed the boys shoulder and gave a firm squeeze "Kiba, I'm confident that whatever happens will be fixed, maybe not now or tomorrow, but one day it will. Neither the hokage nor naruto can ignore this. Justice will be given no matter what"
"... Yeah, I hope it's enough" he muttered.
"Cheer up Kiba and have some trust in your leaders" the women smiled "Plus with all this talking of aura maybe you can get one yourself and maybe a strong semblance."
"Man I hope so. At least now I know how I lost to naruto and of course he is the one the gets the most OP of them. Wood style and having the kyuubi too, man what does that guy not have?" The boy crossed his arms. "I bet I could have taken him he didn't use that aura stuff."
"Doubt it, he also had his wood style and the kyuubi's power to rely on. That and I believe his skills outpaced yours" said Shino.
"Hey I thought you were on my side?" he cried.
"Was I? I do not remember getting the memo"
"... harsh man" Kiba decided to favor his female teammate right now "Hey Hinata, your clan going to join with ours. Come on you have to help naruto get the hat."
The Hyuga looked up from the pond as her sensei gave kiba a warning glance.
"Oh, um I am not sure. Father is quiet on the subject." She answered lamely.
"But aren't you the clan heir shouldn't this stuff be things you need to know?" Kiba asked.
"I wish, father is ... he isn't saying anything and the only ones that know what is going on is the elder council. I know a lot of us are divided on the subject. Some want to side with naruto and some want to side with the hokage, it's not a pretty sight to see" She mumbled. If people saw how the proud and noble Hyuga clan acted.
She shock those thoughts, father would be upset if he ever learned of it. "I think it will be to Naruto's side. I don't know what I can do"
"Man, that just sucks" Kiba spoke. Not being able to do anything while their clan was spilt on the hokage issue, now he felt bad for his female teammate.
"D-Don't worry to much on it Kiba. I think Naruto will get my clans help, if anyone can get our aid it will be him." Hinata assured her teammate.
"We hope so Hinata, we hope so to" Shino added.
It didn't need to be said that the election will occur a week from now.
xxx Night xxx
"Well Sakura, you look fine today" Naruto commented "I've never seen you wear that dress before"
"That's because I just bought it hours ago. You know how hard it is to find a nice dress in a single day!? What is the hyuga thinking, making us get ready in a few hours. My mom nearly had a heart attack when I told her the news." Sakura poked the blonde's chest.
"Regardless we only have an hour before we're late" said Sasuke. Both he and Naruto wore fine suits. Sasuke turned his eyes to roofs as he activated his sharingan "Damn, seems like their still following us."
"The ANBU are for our protection sasuke. With how tense things are no one wants anything bad to happen to us. Leave them to their job" naruto waved. The uchiha scoffed but turned off his sharingan, he understood the tension between their camps has gotten worse with their newest allies and now with the news the Hyuga may be joining ... he stopped himself from continuing.
Regardless of their reason he still did not trust the ANBU, they did not need the hokage's spies around them.
"Have you gone over all the etiquette lessons I taught you" Naruto asked.
"Taught? All you did was shove me a bunch of scrolls and told me to memorize them" she scoffed.
"Rude, of course I taught you sakura. I'm hurt at your blant accusations"
"All you did was make comments and eat my food." She accused "Besides, why does anyone need three different spoons for soup. Soup for god's sake!?"
"Because it's a rich person version of dick measuring contest" He answered. "Besides there really wasn't much else I can do. I can't make miracles happen in a few hours ... or well when it comes to fine dining. Luckily I brought an expert to help us in our time of need."
Something shimmer as a whirlwind of leafs form and as it died down it showed their sensei who was also in a suit "Hello my cute little genin missed me?"
"... I thought you said help not kakashi-sensei"
"Ouch, my own little genin so harsh on me. What in the world have I done to deserve this" the man sighed dramatically. "Well if your curious naruto asked me to help you all out and what sensei would I be if I didn't. You know you could've called me to help out the last two times."
"Sorry sensei we didn't want to interrupt your efforts in drumming up jonin support for us" said Naruto. He made sure to inform his teammates on that bit, their sensei had called in every favor and debt he had with the jonin/Chunin forces. Making sure that Naruto had every edge he could in getting their support.
"Well you have nothing to worry about there. I got everyone that would vote for you, meaning now I can divert all my time and helping all of you" Kakashi explained patting them on all the head. "And you'll need it if your going to deal with the Hyuga. Their a sticker for fine etiquette and looks, one wrong look could mean disastrous consequences."
"That and you have dealt with the Hyuga clan" said Naruto.
"That to" Kakashi nodded "As someone who was once part of the hokage security detail I usually saw witness to the different customs and traditions of the clan. If there anything you are confused with let me know immediately. If there isn't anything else let's head off my genin"
xxx Hyuga Clan Compound xxx
Traditional was the word naruto used he saw the clan compound. He ignored the crowd outside of the clan and focused on the guards waiting for them. There was a dozen outside the main gate as their bloodline was activated. One of them turned to them as they arrived.
"Naruto Senju, please forgive the Hyuga clan for all of these unwanted guest" the guard apologized. "And you do not need to worry about your other guards. The Hyuga clan has taken great strides to ensure your groups safety." His eyes narrowed to where the ANBU watched.
The Hyuga opened the gates as they entered. Naruto motioned sasuke as the Uchiha activated his sharingan. None of the ANBU moved from their post, good to know that the Hokage won't be spying on them ... or at least it is more limited. Walking across the clan compound they made their way to the main building, as they entered they were greeted a rather small group.
So this must be the elder council then. Ozma read up on their inner workings or what was avabilie to him. Outside of the clan being split between branch and main house. However, the real power were in two groups. One was naturally the clan head, the second was the Elder council made up of the oldest members the main house and a little of the Branch house. While the Clan head dealt with external matters the Elder council dealt with the internal ones.
But with election such roles were fogone it seems.
"Naruto Senju, welcome the Hyuga clan. It brings us joy that you have accepted our invitation." Spoke Hiashi Hyuga
"And it is my joy to see the illustrious Hyuga clan willing to talk to us. I understand that you are the only clan that has yet to declare their loyalty yet" Ozma returned.
"Yes and for good reason. Please, sit down" He motioned them. As they sat servants entered into the room as drinks were severed. "To nights course will be cooked by Okada Nobuatsu a renowned chief hailing from the daimyo's capital. Today's course will be an elven course meal."
Naruto nodded as he felt the surprise from his two teammates. Both of them never had gone through a multi course meal, for sakura being form a civilian family meant she never needed to deal with this sort of thing. Sasuke, well he was a pragmatic when it came to meals and this did not sit well with him.
"I see, but I don't think fancy meals is what this meeting is all about." said Naruto "Please, let us begin with negotiations. "
Hiashi looked to the elder council members as the lead gave his approval "Very well. The Hyuga clan will support your cause. In return you will take both my daughters as your appertinces, my eldest as your wife, and placing a Hyuga as the head of the Office of Foreign Relations"
And here was the negotiations.
"I see, well I can see the benefits of such an offer but I cannot accept it." He raised his hand as the Hyuga clan looked confused "Haishi, if you may let me explain." The man nodded.
"Thank you. Now if I may start with your second offer while I can see the benefit of marrying your eldest daughter I must decline for your benefit. To be frank the Senju clan is broke, all of our money has been drained away thanks to Tsunade and we are in a lot debt already. I do not wish to give any future ally the burden if such a debt regardless of how wealthy they are.
Now of course I understand that the other reason you would want to marry me is by my own bloodline. While I can see the joy of having a Hyuga with the power of two of the greatest bloodlines of Konoha I fear the chance of it materializing are quite slim. Harashima Senju married to Mito Uzumaki and yet none of their children or grandchildren showed a single sign of the mokuton. While my own powers are surprising I fear the chances of passing it on are quite slim.
That is why instead of offering my hand in marriage I wish to instead take both your daughters as my apprentices. That way they can gain the prestige of training under and keep any burden away from your clan." Naruto offered.
...
"I can see your reasoning Naruto Senju, however, the Hyuga clan is willing to carry such a burden. We have taken great stride to understand the level of debt and we can see where you come from." Spoke one of the Elders "And mind you the Senju clan were known for their powerful warriors not because of the mokuton."
"True, but it was the Mokuton that was remembered. When one think of Senju they do not think of shinobi like Tobimaru Senju or do they think of Harashima Senju the man who held the title of god of shinobi and created the modern world as we know it? Besides, by being apprenticed under me will certainly give them the political clout. Perhaps even a future chance of becoming Hokages themselves?"
And there was the offered needed. Ozma watched as the Hyuga thought over his counter proposal and the benefits. A good majority of the elder council nodded their heads and after some time the Head of the council spoke.
"Hm ... we see the wisdom in your words. Very well, we will retract the marriage proposal"
"Thank you." he nodded "To continue onward. For the last thing I wish to discuss ... well, it is an subject I have mulled over for many hours and have come a this hard decision. I'm afraid that I cannot give you the office of Foreign relations."
"And why is that?" Spoke Haishi as the man's brow narrowed. "I believe these terms are quite fair. I understand why you denied my eldest daughters hand but this is too far. For what reason would you deny our clan such a role surely you know of our achievements for konoha on the diplomatic fronts?"
"I do" nodded to rightfully upset man "But I do have good reasoning for my choice. I think the best way to explain is through an example. Tell me, have you ever heard of Hizaki clan?" He none of the Hyuga answer.
"Well it is an interesting story. I won't bore you if to much of the details but they were a clan from the land of frost. In the days the modern villages being first formed the frost nation had attempted to create their own ninja villages. They had brought many local clans together and one of which was the Hizaki. When the village was first formed it was the Hizaki clan that put in the most effort. Because of which they were granted powerful role within the village.
At first there was peace in the land but rival clans that felt threatened began assaulting the village seeing them as a threat to bottom line and livelihood. During this time Hizaki clan and others fought back and slowly won. More and more and clan took as they claimed their feats. However as their power grew within the village many of the other clans became distrustful of them, tensions rose as the Hizaki clan were allowed to get allowed with various crimes.
Eventually one of the clans within the village could not stand it anymore. They brought their grievances to village and daimyo arguing the Hizaki clan had too much power. But the daimyo cared little and ignored their pleas, the Hizaki was furious at the clan and with their power they banished the clan. Unfortunately this act was what sealed their fate. Seeing how the Hizaki clan reacted the other clans slowly moved away as many started to look at the other offers the nearby villages were giving.
By the time the Hizaki clan realized this it was too late. Many of the clans that once were their allies or friends soon left the village and the power the Hizaki wielded weakened because they forgot one important fact. A village is not made of one people but hundreds of unique individuals with their own skills and strengths, something they had forgotten. No matter what they did the clans left one by one and soon the village was nothing more than a over sized clan compound.
Without the aid of the other clans they overextended themselves and soon collapsed under the strain. The daimyo declared the village dead and sought other means of gaining power. The clan that was once was the most powerful in their region was reduced to nothing more than a footnote in history." Ozma finished.
"... And what reason does this story matter?" the Head of the Hyuga clan asked.
"Because that is a fate I am trying avoid. Forgive me if I am frank but their a large portion of the clans do not think it is wise to give your clan any more power." He answered. "They are scared that you may be try to abuse your powers."
"Propostuous, the hyuga clan has done nothing to anger the minor or major clans. The power of the Foreign relations has no real influence over the business of the other clans." Argued one of the elders.
"Do not act dull, we both know the office of foreign relations deals with all manners of external matters one which is trade with other nations as well as internal factions. The other clans sell a majority of their products to a mix of foreign and domestic customers and such are affected by how their customers perceive them.
The office gives you the potential to affect that perception. Who says that you could destroy the reputation of a clan that displeases you? A tyranny of words if I do say so myself." Naruto returned.
"You dare claim that we would go that far?" growled an elder "Do you wish to deal with us or are you here to insult us?"
"I claim nothing. What I speak of is from my allies and the other clan heads" he raised his hand "If I were to give what you asked now I am sure that their would be a time a peace. But what about after you all have passed away, the future is always in motion and old friends can become new enemies and vice versa. All it takes is long spiteful clan head or even a indigent elder council to cause a series of events nobody wish to deal with.
I understand that you all have put decades of effort into gaining such a role. I have read over your deeds and how many of our first treaties were done by your clan. But as a future hokage I have to care for every clan and not just one. Do you think the clans will just stand around and do nothing? I've torn the veil in front of konoha and now everyone see what the clans of konoha truly think of this village.
Do any of you truly believe nothing will happen? That things will be all fine? ... I want to help and give you something but what you are asking is something that may cause problems that neither of us want to deal with." Ozma explained.
...
None of the Hyuga spoke as he watched them all in deep thought. Looking at his team neither of them had anything else to say, Sakura looked surprised that the Hyuga were even taking his considerations. Sasuke looked worried but was confident in Ozpin's speech. Kakashi was a mix of pride and worry, pride that his student was able to take in so many stay calm and counter the Hyuga on their claim while offering logical reasoning. But he was worried for his student, the hyuga were a proud clan and would not bend so easily.
The hyuga spoke with each other in hush tones before Hiashi spoke again "Then it seems we are at an impasse. We can see the logic and worry but our clan cannot stand while other clans take something we have worked so hard for."
"Well, perhaps there is something I can offer you." The Hyuga looked surprised "Every Hokage has created their own council starting from the first hokage, the second Hokage had his own group of trusted advisors and the Third legitimized their roles as the fourth continued his predecessor legacies. What I wish to offer is a Hyuga a seat on my own council and importantly a voice into the future decision for konoha."
"That ... certainly is not what I expected" spoke Hiashi. The man could see the benefit of having a Hyuga on the hokage's personal council, it would give the clan a closer ear into the matters of Konoha and also at the same time deny time the control over the office of Foreign relations. It was not perfect and there were potential pitfalls. And yet at the same time it may just be the closest they will get ... for now.
...
...
...
"Very well, I do not like this offer but it maybe the best option there is for now. The Hyuga clan shall support you Naruto in return for taking both my daughter as your appertinces and giving our clan a seat on your council."
Ozma smiled as the rest of his team looked relieved. "And I am happy to say that I accept your offer. Let us both hope we win the election"
The hyuga nodded as the meal continued. It was a flavorful dinner but not a filling one as seen by his companions. As they finished up talking the last portions of the agreement regardless of who wins they parted ways with Hyuga.
xxx
"Was it wise to side with the boy Hiashi?" Spoke his father. The old hyuga watched as the small group left their compound "We risk a lot by siding with them."
"Might I add that you also agreed to this plan" his son replied back.
"Yes I did, but I want to hear it from you whether we should take tonight as a victory or not" he answered back "We failed to gain the one thing our clan has been aching for and the chance to bind our house to the potential hokage."
"We still gained a spot on his personal council and the boy will not be foolish to ignore us. Everyone in the room knew that he will need our support to stay in power, he do what he is able to ensure our own needs are meet or the best that he can." Hiashi answered.
The true burden of statecraft. Making friends with those that keep you in power and ensuring them remain placated while also cementing your own powerbase. A series of pulls and tugs against various faction all to keep the village moving along swimmingly. A lesson all main branch members were taught.
"I admit I am upset that the senju denied my eldest daughters hand. With her lack of skill in both shinobi arts and diplomacy I fear my daughter will never find a suitable spouse. I only hope that during her apprenticeship the Senju will fixed that." The man worried for his daughter, her lack of any skill was making him frustrated and hoped that his youngest would be better.
"Hmph, do not get funny ideas my son. Regardless on how weak Hinata is she is still the eldest and will be the next head, do not worry so much on her. There is a reason that the elder council exist and we will take the reins if the head is too weak until he/she can give birth to stronger successor." His grandfather both promised and warned.
Hiashi kept his burst of anger down. The last few weeks have been an eye opener for the man, to see the pride and joy of his clan become defeated so quickly shocked him. Even before learn of the boys heritage he did not believe that was any other clan stronger than his own and with the Uchiha clan's demise it was further cemented.
Than Naruto Senju came in and tore it all apart. And after seeing how his nephew reacted when he told the truth and having the last few weeks to himself ... for once in his life the man had started to question the traditions of his clan. But for now he kept his opinions close to him, no need for his father to find out.
"For now let us pray and hope we did not choose the wrong side." His grandfather spoke, his tone ending any reply.
"Yes, let us see indeed" Hiashi thought.
