Author's Note: I am late, I know but for good reason. My schedule has been crazy and I started converting my written version to word document late Tuesday night and finished just now. I will post two chapters by Tuesday to make up for being late if I can.

Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

Chapter 3: Family

While Naruto and the others were walking to training ground four, the rest of the refugees had transformed their temporary home into a camping ground. Some of the refugees had erected stone walls and doorways, upon which they laid fabric. In this fashion, they erected a massive tent to make sure they could fit two hundred people in it. They would be cramped, but they figured that they could deal with this for a while longer. The different sections and areas being organized so the kids could sleep near their immediate family. In the direct middle of training ground four, a fire pit was being set up, they would use this pit to place a pot to cook their food.

Shizune had been busy helping set up the tent, the fire pit, and securing groceries for the group. She wasn't surprised by the group anymore, but still, she never saw a group pull together like this before. During her time helping, she saw the look in the eyes of the refugees. They looked worried and some looked defeated and thought, ' I wish I could help them, but nothing I say would help. Hopefully when Lady Tsunade and Lord Jiraiya get back things will get better'.

As she thought, the refugees were worrying as they were working, worrying about what would happen now. Would they be separated? While some thought so, most if not all of them hoped that they would stay together. Would they be safe here, if not where would they go? They needed not only a permanent home but to be accepted. After all the discrimination they had faced, which later turned murderous intent, they were worried it would happen again. Though the adult refugees were worrying, the kids were excited. Most had lived their entire lives in the Village Hidden in the Mist, so they were not used to clear, warm weather for more than a season. Not only that, but the forest just begging to be explored. In short, the views on their situation was mixed among the refugees.

A short while later and Naruto and the others arrived at the training ground and they were surprised, sure tents and a campfire or fire pit was expected. What they did not expect was the massive tent, nearly taking up the entire training ground. Though they could see a clear path to the fire pit, where a pot was set up over a fire.

During their walk over Naruto and Hinata were invited to dinner, which they accepted. Though they were curious about what lead to them taking refuge here, they knew it probably wasn't something to ask about. Once they reached the area, the adults moved away. They told the kids that they had to gather everyone to organize dinner and discuss the meeting they just had with the heads of different families and clans. So during this time Naruto, Hinata, Hikari, and Shingetsu decided that they would get to know each other better.

"Are you two planning on entering the academy?" Naruto asked, hoping that they could be in his class. It would be nice to have friends in the class, although he was happy that now he could talk with Hinata.

"Yes, though we hope that we can keep up" Hikari answered looking worried, though she knew that the skill section wouldn't be too much of an issue thanks to their training. She was worried since they didn't know much about the Leaf Village. The only common knowledge that they learned during their time in the Mist was the Leaf Village's Hokage, clans, laws, and interactions between the two villages.

"W-well, I-I can help you both learn what you need. If you want to that is." Hinata offered politely.

"Yeah and we can train together to make sure you can keep up!" Naruto excited backed up Hinata, though to some it could sound a bit cocky.

"Thank you, we both accept. It would be bad if we fell too far behind. Though Naruto, if it's a spar you want I will be glad to take you on." Shingetsu replied at first just politely and then with a smirk towards the blonde. When he answered Hikari turned to look at him, she noticed that he was staring towards the campfire which is where they would cook everyone's food tonight. When she turned back she saw Naruto and Shingetsu looking at each other smirking and seemingly ready to fight.

So shaking her head, Hikari turns to Naruto and asks, "Can it wait till later? I don't think a fight is going to help anyone right now.". Naruto and Shingetsu immediately felt ashamed at picking a fight before things were settled and nodded in silent apology.

The two girls wanted to laugh at their behavior, Naruto and Shingetsu seemingly fell into an instinctual friendship.

Flashback to Earlier

"Do any of you like ramen?" Naruto asked, trying to make small talk as they walked to training ground four.

"I never had ramen before, though we had ramen stands in Kirigakure no Sato. I just rather have grilled fresh fish and rice with green tea." Shingetsu answered as he remembered the various freshwater and saltwater fish that were available in his old home. Since he wasn't paying attention to Naruto, he didn't see the boy stop and stare at Shingetsu's back incredulously. He also didn't see Hinata and Hikari looking between the two worriedly.

"Never had ramen?! What do you mean, you never had ramen before?!" Naruto exclaimed, he was going to chase after Shingetsu but was too stunned to move.

"Well, there wasn't a lot of time between training with the clan and with my old master," Shingetsu said before he turned to Naruto with a small smile and said, "After class tomorrow let's get ramen."

"Right, first Ichiraku's ramen and then training!" Naruto exclaimed happily, easily agreeing with his new friend. "I have never had green tea before though," he said and walked up to Shingetsu who turned and started walking again with Naruto.

"I'll make some when we take a break during training, it will be a nice and we could trade notes on our training results," Shingetsu replied conversationally, not noticing the surprised but happy looks on Hikari and Hinata.

"I've never seen Shingetsu hold a conversation with anyone that either isn't considered family or me," Hikari said. She was happy for Shingetsu, but it surprised her. Hinata was also surprised, Naruto would start fights over ramen. So it was a surprise to see him compromise and move on like that.

"I think things will be interesting for a while, let's catch up to them," Hinata said and smiled over at Hikari before they tried to catch up to the boys.

Training Ground Four, Present time

"Well as much as I would love to stay and talk some more, I think I am needed to help with dinner," Shingetsu said before walking off to the campfire.

"He knows how to cook?" Naruto asked he didn't know that Shingetsu even knew how to cook.

"Yes, he learned how to cook when he was pretty young," Hikari answered thinking back to all the mistakes and then the good meals he learned to make. She continued by saying, "His mother helped him at first, but he decided to visit certain restaurants when we weren't looking. He can make some good food, but still has a bit of work to do...or so he says."

'Except for getting training by chefs, that sounds like when mother taught me.' Hinata thought and was taken back to memories of her mother teaching her how to cook. Though her mother was gone now, she still had help from certain members of the branch family. Hinata turned to watch Shingetsu walk away before she wondered, 'could we trade recipes or advice?' However after thinking that she heard laughter and saw Naruto and Hikari laughing and asked, "What's so funny?"

"Oh nothing Hinata-chan," Hikari said, getting her laughter under control. She smiled slyly as she said, "I am sure he would like to trade recipes or advice though Hinata-chan."

Hinata was surprised, how had they known what she was thinking and then it hit her as she asked, "Did I say that out loud?". When Hikari nodded, Hinata felt embarrassed and blushed lightly. Hinata knew they didn't mean anything by it, but she was still embarrassed

"It's ok Hinata-chan, we are only messing with you." Naruto said before turning to Hikari and asked, "Is it ok for us to stay for dinner and the discussion between everyone?"

"Yeah, you both were invited and besides, it would be easier for you both to understand the situation going forward," Hikari explained while nodding. She was sure that the less they had to explain right now, the better. Besides they had sent a messenger to Hinata's father to make sure he knew where she was.

They then continued talked about how they were excited for class tomorrow and meeting new people. The conversation continued for a while before they were called for dinner. They turned and went off towards the campfire to join the others.

Time Skip After Dinner

Dinner had been a good stew, Shingetsu had worked together with five other refugees cutting all the vegetables and meat Shizune bought. Katsumi, Shingetsu's mother, decided the spices and what to use earlier so it was simply preparing for the meal and cooking it. Now we rejoin Naruto and the others gathered around the still-burning fire with Gengetsu and Jiraiya standing before everyone. Those two would explain what everyone needed to know and catch up Naruto and Hinata, so they would know the explanation.

"Alright, I need everyone's attention!" Gengetsu said loudly getting everyone's attention. He started by saying, "Our meeting with the Hokage was a success, we are going to be staying in the village. We will have to stay on this training ground for a while, at least until a compound we all can call him is built."

So far everything seemed to be going well, the refugees seemed excited for staying together and to have a new home. Gengetsu continued by saying, "Now we have two hundred people to house and we will get sleeping arrangements sorted, but the compound will be three large buildings built around a central point. That central point will be the kitchen and dining hall. we will be sharing the kitchen and if you prefer we can eat together like this again. We will have a training ground on-premises, however, we are responsible for up keeping it."

To all the refugees it sounded wonderful so far and they didn't know everything yet, so everyone was cautiously optimistic. It surprised Hinata and Naruto to learn about the compound, but they were happy for everyone.

"The compound will be beside the Senju compound, we all will be neighbors," Tsunade said, interjecting some more details into the explanation. She continued by saying, "We, the Senju's, will always be there for not only our cousin clan but for our new friends as well."

Tsunade had shocked the group, she wanted to explain further but thought it needed to wait since Naruto and Hinata didn't know about the Uzumaki Clan. It would be best to explain it to them in private and not have the outburst they were dreading. At the same time, the clan didn't know about Naruto. There was a bright side though, Naruto had gotten the ball rolling by announcing his name to Shingetsu's family and Hikari. They would learn the truth soon enough, though Gengetsu, Katsumi, and Raiden learned the partial truth about Naruto already.

"That is not all, however, thanks to Shingetsu," Jiraiya said and then motioned to said boy, before continuing by saying, "The compound will have its private hot spring and a dojo to the side of the training field."

Shingetsu felt uncomfortable when everyone turned to the boy, appreciation unspoken but easily seen. Hikari smiled at the sight, wanting to tease her friend even though she can't right now. Meanwhile, Naruto and Hinata were surprised by the features of the compound and wondered briefly how they would afford it. Which is exactly what occurred to the rest of the assembled group.

"How can we afford this Gengetsu-sama?" a red-haired woman asked. While they weren't poor, they had to leave a lot of their possessions and money back in their old village.

"Well, we will have to pool our money together and get a loan," Gengetsu explained and many did understand his point, however even he was worried about how long they would be in debt. He continued by saying, "I know this is sudden and we just sprung this on you, however, we will make it through this together. Will you stand beside me, my friends?"

"Of course, we will Gengetsu-sama" was the shouted answer from the refugees and this surprised Naruto and everyone else. Even Gengetsu was surprised and as he went to thank them for their dedication when...

A loud bang caught everyone's attention and they turned to find Jiraiya who had a balloon falling from his hand, torn to shreds. He smiled at everyone and said, "There will be no need for a loan, Tsunade and I have talked it over with the Hokage and we will cover the rest of the cost. You all suffered and struggled in an impossible situation for a long time. We want to ease your troubles and besides, we owe an old ally compensation, compensation for not being able to help them during the last war."

Excluding Tsunade and Jiraiya, everyone else was shocked. No one even knew how to respond, other than frantically thank both of the sannin and even the Hokage himself. Not only are they getting an amazing compound, but they won't be in debt and will be safe from genocidal fools who don't understand how wrong they are. Though they might not know it, both of them had forever earned the respect of everyone in attendance, especially Naruto and his group.

"Tomorrow there will be a meeting with not only the clan heads but also the Hokage's advisors. All clan heads and heads of families need to be in attendance. Meanwhile, all those wanting to enter the academy need to meet there tomorrow at 6 am so we can get you signed up and entered by the time class starts." Gengetsu explains and then ends the meeting thanking them all for their time.

Everyone started splitting off into groups to talk about what they had heard tonight, during this time Jiraiya approached Naruto, Hinata, Hikari, and Shingetsu. He motioned them to follow him and as they did, they were followed by Tsunade, Shizune, Gengetsu, and Katsumi. Jiraiya led the procession to the corner of the training grounds where there was no one around, the Anbu had been waved off so Jiraiya and Tsunade could have privacy with the group. Upon arriving at the intended destination Jiraiya stops and starts drawing seals to give them some protection, just in case. Tsunade took the time to move to Jiraiya's side, while the curious group watches. Jiraiya finishes his silencing seals and activated them forming a square barrier that silenced their conversation.

"Alright, we have something to tell you Naruto-Kun," Jiraiya starts, he was dreading this conversation. He was late, by nine years which was crushing to both the sannin when they realized what this meant. Seeing he had everyone's attention he said, "You are not some orphan without family, Naruto-kun. You come from the Uzumaki clan which was the clan that ruled over Uzushiogakure, the Village Hidden by the Whirling Tides." Jiraiya said shocking Naruto and Hinata, though it confirmed Shingetsu and his family's suspicions.

Hikari looked relieved but still worried, during their conversations Hinata explained Naruto had been an orphan, never knowing what love truly is and had grown up so far by himself. At the same time, she was concerned about how Shingetsu will react to what they were learning. Naruto was a new friend and learning that he belonged to that clan and was left alone would set off Shingetsu. However, when she looked at her best friend, he maintained a blank expression while staring at Jiraiya.

Hinata was shocked, mostly because the Uzumaki clan had never been mentioned before and she thought Naruto had been alone. It then hit her that he might still be, which worried her because she thought he deserved to have a family and be happy.

Naruto developed tunnel vision, focusing solely on Jiraiya, he had finally started hearing about any possibility that he had a family. Despite the possibility that the clan could have just abandoned him, he wanted to find out the truth and only hoped to have some family left alive.

Katsumi looked at Naruto and then to her husband who locked eyes with her and the two seemed to be communicating without words, using only their eyes. However she turned back to Tsunade and Jiraiya, she suspected there had to be more. Why they were telling the boy this? why they were allowed to be present for such a delicate conversation as this?

"What...what do you mean was?" Naruto asked Jiraiya, who felt his heart go out for the boy.

"Their village was invaded by a force consisting of Kumogakure, Iwagakure, several smaller villages, and...Kirigakure." Jiraiya paused seeing Naruto look back towards everyone behind him, then looked back expectantly. Jiraiya continued by saying, "We thought they had all died, taking down almost the entire force sent to wipe them out. However, some of the Uzumaki fled to Kirigakure, since they discovered those sent were just rogue shinobi and they were not attacked by Kiri. For years they stayed in Kirigakure staying near a few clans, then recently...they had to run from another attempt at genocide. This time Kirigakure's civilians and shinobi attempted to kill all of the people who held bloodline limits and even those who just had special hidden abilities. They fled towards this village to take refuge here."

Throughout Jiraiya's explanation there were many things that Naruto wanted to question, first was why to go to a village that wasn't their ally but decided to wait to ask. Also, hearing about his clan surviving to flee to the mist and then to this village caused Naruto to harbor hope of reuniting with family. However, he was shocked that the refugees had been through so much, Shingetsu and Hikari had never explained why they had fled. Finally, Naruto determined to speak to the clan head as soon as he could.

Hinata didn't know how to feel, the truth was so sad. Having to leave your home because of a genocidal invasion, only to have to experience another attempt from the place you sought safety from? How could they stay strong enough to keep going on, she also hoped Naruto would be accepted by the clan and meet his family. She was also worried when she saw the four that had lived through the purge flinch from the mention of it, no matter how brief and worried about her new friends.

Hikari was concerned for both her new friend Naruto and her best friend Shingetsu. One seemed to be taking it well enough and the others seemed to not react at all. Shizune felt shocked and sad for Naruto and vowed to always treat the boy well. She would treat him like a younger brother, so he could have a family even if it was extended. Gengetsu and Katsumi knew that the Uzumaki would welcome Naruto home no matter what or who tried to stop them, and Shingetsu hadn't even blinked. That was a lot to take in, and he hoped it was over, however his pleas would go unheard as Tsunade decided to step forward.

Tsunade cleared her throat gathering all eyes on her, she then said, "Now before you go chasing your clan, we still have more to tell you Naruto-kun." She paused just to make sure he was listening and seeing his nod, she continued by saying, "You see, we can't tell you who your parents are. That is due to a special law, however, what we can tell you is that you are from another clan as well.-

'Another clan?!' Was the collective thought and then something clicked for Katsumi who sighed.

"There is no easy way to say this, but Naruto-kun you are a Senju as well. You're my grandson." Tsunade admitted dropping the bomb and everyone, except Jiraiya and Katsumi, was dumbfounded by her admission. Naruto started tearing up causing the other's to worry about the boy, fearing he would be broken by all the news. Before any of them could react however Naruto launched forward and tackled Tsunade in a tight hug.

"Baa-chan!" Naruto cried into the hug, Tsunade who was shocked that he would do this just returned the hug and held onto her grandson. The others smiled at the bittersweet moment, they had heard of Tsunade's misfortune and recently learned about Naruto's. So for both of them to be reunited was a great thing, however, they knew the boy would want answers and they hoped that Tsunade would have them.

"I promise, I am not leaving you ever again Naruto-kun," Tsunade told the boy after a few moments. Naruto could feel a warmth in his chest and he didn't understand it yet, but someday he would. While everyone else seemed caught up in the sight of the reunion, Shizune decided to ask a very important question to her master.

"Lady Tsunade, if you are his grandmother, then who was his grandfather?" Shizune asked looking straight into her master's widening eyes.

The question suddenly seemed to remind everyone about the situation and Naruto separated somewhat from Tsunade so he could ask questions as well. This was an important topic for the boy, and if he got even this much he would be happy. However, he knew he would one day want to learn about his parents and figure out what had happened and hear all their stories.

While Naruto got ready, the others were reviewing the conversation so far in their thoughts. Naruto was a Senju-Uzumaki and who knew what else was yet to be revealed. They also hoped that whoever it was had a good excuse for leaving Naruto alone.

EndNote: Again I am sorry I am late, it won't happen again. Anyway in this chapter we learned several things. 1: Naruto and Shingetsu, despite just meeting already are developing a true bond. 2:We learned the layout of the compound and that the refugees won't have to pay full price. 3: Tsunade is Naruto's grandmother and the grandfather has yet to be revealed. Now please note that the Namikaze was a name created to protect Minato in this story and thus allowing Naruto to wear Senju-Uzumaki as his name. He won't learn about his parents right now, but he will learn of his family. Original for this chapter I had intended to include the refugee's thoughts and feelings to the first day of class. However Next chapter we will get there, as well as a time skip and the answer of who his grandfather was.