Only managed to fit half the scenes I had planned in this one so we unfortunately don't get to see Kakashi this week. On the bright side, however, I can say with utmost certainty that he'll be in the next chapter.

Probably.

Thanks goes to ncpfan for his help.

Let's start the show.

It had been a week since she had sent off her letters to the Imperial Fire Court and Kushina found herself rather pleased with the response she received. The ground she would stand on wouldn't be the most stable, in fact, it was rather pathetic, but she had been assured that the Yamanaka were in no position to oppose her.

Had they been the same as when she left she wouldn't be able to pull something like this but it was well known that they had fallen on hard times. She should be able to manage this. Of course, that lead to the question of what exactly she hopped to be able to do with such a favorable position.

The Yamanaka had nothing that could be of value to her, her daughter, or her son save, perhaps, the members itself. She may have been able to get away with the maneuver she was going to attempt, but trying to take its members as either servants or slaves was never going to work and would completely waste the opportunity she had.

She wasn't going to be able to do anything directly against the heiress of her father because of the same problem. Her claims were flaky at best, she would never get the necessary support from the other clans to be able to do anything against the girl or Inoichi.

There was, however, a way to get around that- to a degree, of course. The clan of Mindwalkers was practically destitute, but she could fix that. The Uzumaki coffers were spilling forth fortunes she could never hope to spend. All it would take was a little bit of the Uzumaki treasury and the Yamanaka would be nearly as strong as they were before.

But even better, they would be hers and, most importantly, her son's. With her having complete control over the Yamanaka and their finances she could let Naruto do as he pleased with the clan without fear of consequence. Justice would be served, she'd get to see the Yamanaka suffer at the hands of her son, and she couldn't think of any way that could possibly be better to gain favor from her estranged son.

What gift was better than the deliverance of one's enemies before you?

Gathering the letters she had received she stacked them with what she had been working on for the past seven days. She paid no mind to the early hour as she threw on some of her finest clothes and picked up her papers. She would take care of this immediately, there wasn't a second to spare. Already ten minutes had passed since she had been delivered the letters by a courier, far too long in her opinion.

Every second she didn't have this done was another second without her son.

They had been apart long enough.

The clock read half-past three as she left her home and the night air bit at her skin. The smile on her face, however, would not be removed.

It was time to summon the council.

Nothing good could come from a summons so early in the morning, her father had expressed such enough times throughout her childhood for Ino to remember it well. It wasn't until now, when she received one herself, did she begin to understand.

Throwing on a clean set of clothes she rushed out of her room. It was never good to be late to a council meeting, scheduled or otherwise- her father had taught her that, too. At one point she may have spent quite some time prettying herself up with a myriad of cosmetics but these days she didn't have the time or money required.

She would have also worn something nice, but that was definitely out of the question now. Almost all of her better outfits had been sold off to support the clan and only her best remained in her possession. Well, it was kept under heavy lock within the house, but at least it was still here. Of course, she wasn't about to be wearing it anytime soon. It was kept just in case something popped up that required such formal attire but unless the Daimyo was about to stop by for a visit or she was going to get an invitation to the party of one of the High Lords of the Imperial Fire Court of Hi no Kuni it was going to remain exactly where it was.

She could say with a fair bit of certainty that neither of the two was about to happen, especially considering the current state of her clan. She'd be lying if she claimed there was even a smidgen of a chance of that happening back before she brought the ire of the Wolves upon her clan, now that she had it was beyond impossible.

Her father was waiting for her by the door and she quickly put on her shoes. He handed her a quick breakfast to eat as they walked without a word and opened the door. This was clan business and, as such, her father would not be treating her as his daughter. She was the heiress and acting head of the Yamanaka clan and he took the position of an adviser.

That's not to say he didn't treat her like a daughter regularly- he did, albeit somewhat strictly ever since she provoked the wolves- but when it wise time to conduct clan business it was almost as if he locked away his memories of being her father deep within his mind. With his skill in the mind arts and unrestricted access to the most secret of Yamanaka techniques it wouldn't surprise her if it turned out to be true.

The two made their way hastily to the Hokage tower. It was frowned upon to use Shinobi techniques for one's arrival, usually because it brought the ANBU from the woodwork and delayed everything horribly. That was okay with Ino though, it gave her time to collect herself in preparation for the upcoming meeting.

The messenger hadn't been able to provide any information on this unusually called session and that just increased her worry. She was going in with little to no information and she didn't like it. Was there an emergency? Had Jiraiya sent a report that needed to be shared with the clans immediately?

Had the Wolves struck against someone else?

Much to her shame, she was hoping it was the last one. If she could get confirmation that they had moved on from the stripped carcass of the Yamanaka she could sleep a lot easier at night. Hell, if they were that fortunate they might have a chance to start building themselves up again rather than treading water and hoping the threat left the shore.

Of course, the best would be none of the above, but she really couldn't think of anything else it might be. Another clan looking to join Konoha, perhaps? A surprise birthday for the Daimyo?

That last one was just ridiculous.

Everyone knew that the Daimyo's birthday had been last month.

It took a few more minutes of walking until they reached the Hokage tower and were granted admittance by one of the ANBU guards. The council room was on the second floor and upon arrival they were quickly seated. It was not long after that the council room finished filling up with the various clan heads of Konoha.

No, that wasn't quite right. Ino frowned as she looked at those who had been called. It would seem as though the lesser clans were absent. The Yamanaka would have been part of that group if not for the number of them but they were still toeing the line. All the greater clans were present, as was the high council. The Hokage, understandably, was not yet present.

Ino doubted the Sandaime was going to be pleased about this because if he had been the one to call the meeting he'd have been the first one seated. Instead a messenger would have been tasked with waking and informing the Hokage who had very likely just retired for the night.

She knew very well how long into the night the paperwork could take.

It was five minutes later that a weary looking Kage entered the room and made immediately for his seat at the table of the high council. With a wave of his hand the council room doors were sealed under ANBU guard.

"A meeting of the greater clans has been called." Addressed the Hokage. "Would they who called this meeting forth please stand?"

A grinning Kushina stood up, doing her best to keep her expression schooled in a manner befitting one of her status.

She was failing miserably.

"I called this meeting, Hokage-Sama." The Kage gave her a nod of acknowledgement.

"Very well. Council member Uzumaki, for what reasons have you called upon us this morning?"

"Clan Uzumaki holds grudge against clan Yamanaka." She declared.

Hiruzen frowned and spared a glance to the high council. Homura and Koharu shared uncertain looks before nodding at him to proceed but the thoughtful look on Danzou's face gave him pause. Eventually he too nodded but the look of uncertainty never vanished. It only reinforced Hiruzen's belief that this was going to end up causing trouble somehow. Or, at the very least, had the potential to cause a lot of trouble.

He also had a pretty good feeling that any trouble would be in some way connected to Naruto.

"I see. The floor is yours, council member Kushina." The woman sent him a grateful smile before flashing a vicious grin to the Yamanaka heiress.

Ino had a really bad feeling about this. Her eyes moved to the clans that had once allied with her house and their nervousness told her all she needed to know. There would be no aid for her or her clan today.

"Honorable council, esteemed clan heads, I thank you for answering with such haste despite the early hour and apologize for drawing you from your beds. Last week I sent for council from some of the members of the Imperial Fire Court-" Ino had to hold back a groan. Saying something like that would make it seem as though the Fire Court supported her actions. She didn't even know what the woman was after and things already seemed grim for her clan.

"- and have just received a response not an hour ago. Naturally, I wished to settle this as early as possible so that we can all move on with our lives." She continued. Everyone there knew whatever it was she wanted could have waited a few hours but none voiced this opinion. The clans were obligated to meet when called by those of equal or greater standing, regardless of the time. If Uzumaki Kushina, head of the Uzumaki clan wanted to call a meeting every ten minutes she could and being one of the greater clans all other great clans and any of the lesser clans she called were to attend.

"Two years ago hostility from the Yamanaka drove my son, Uzumaki Naruto, to renounce his clan name and declare them his enemies. Naruto is my firstborn son, one of three Uzumaki in the clan, and the only male Uzumaki. Such a loss is devastating and threatens the future of my clan. I have come before you all today to demand recompense."

Ino stood.

"Are you claiming that Uzumaki Naruto was unable to make his own decisions?" She asked the older woman.

"I am claiming that he should not have had to have made such a decision in order to keep our clan out of the conflict your clan was instigating."

"He did such to keep your clan out of conflict, and yet here you are. Does this not show that you care little for his choices and have no respect for the sacrifices he made for you and your blood?"

Kushina blinked for a moment in surprise. For a twelve year old girl she was pretty good at this.

"It is because of his choices that we choose to involve ourselves in this matter. Even if not in name, he is Uzumaki by blood and any foe of his is an enemy of my clan."

Ino couldn't come up with anything to say to that at the moment and a quick look to her father showed that he didn't either.

"Very well, the Yamanaka bear witness to your claim for recompense. How judge the esteemed clan heads?"

Ino's gaze swept over the assembled mass and her heart fell when old allies shied away in shame.

"The Aburame accept the validity of the grudge." There was reason for a grudge and nothing else to it.

"The Inuzuka recognize the grudge." Your pack was your pack, she cared little for legal matters when it came to family.

"The Akimichi bear witness to the grudge." He was wise enough not to try going against the others at this point.

"The Hyuuga approve of the grudge." Approval? That wasn't good.

"The Nara recognize the Grudge."

"Through the unanimous acceptance of the clans, the High council acknowledges the grudge between the Uzumaki and the Yamanaka. What reparations do you seek, council member Kushina?"

"As is well known, the Yamanaka have fallen upon hard times lately and have little to nothing of value. I will gain no pleasure simply seeing them punished-" A damn lie and everyone in the room knew it. "- and so I can only demand their vassalage."

All present were understandably shocked by such a demand, but none more than Ino and her father.

There were many concerns with this but one stood out far beyond the others in Ino's mind.

"Tell me, council member Kushina, what is your relation with the Wolves?" Both the Hyuuga and Inuzuka clan heads scoffed but Kushina seemed confused.

"Who?"

Ino looked at her incredulously. Did she really know nothing of the group that was so close to her son? That led her to the next question.

"I see. In that case, what is your current relationship with your son?"

"I fail to see how that relates to the matter at hand." Kushina's eyes had narrowed dangerously.

"Your son declared us his enemy and the Wolves tore us to shreds. I know that even if he's not one of the Wolves that he has very good relations to them. What I need to know is whether or not allowing my clan to become the vassal clan of the Uzumaki is going to bring his wrath down upon us once more."

"There are no Wolves." Claimed Tsume. "Your questions are pointless."

"Believe what you will, council member Inuzuka, but I am well aware of the existence of the Wolves and will not further endanger my clan just because you have had the fortune of avoiding their ire."

"While I believe the Yamanaka made up the Wolves to save face, her second question is still valid." Interjected Hiashi. "Genin Naruto is currently against the Yamanaka clan. Considering the fact that he's brought them to their knees the heiress does well to be cautious in any matter that may concern him. So, how is your current relationship with your son council member Uzumaki?"

"It's," She paused and hung her head in shame. "Well, it isn't the best right now."

"I see." Ino frowned and looked to her father but he gave no signs as to the decision she should make. "If the Yamanaka were to swear fealty to the Uzumaki clan, would you be able to protect us from your son?"

Kushina hesitated here. She'd have to choose her words carefully. The entire point of this was to let her son do with them as he saw fit, so she couldn't claim the ability to keep them safe from him. She could, however, protect them from him as he was now- clanless.

"As a vassal to the Uzumaki clan you will be ours and we will not allow anyone else to lay a hand upon your clan." It would work well enough. Of course, if she could get Naruto back into the clan he would have full reign amongst the Yamanaka. Hell, she might even be able to arrange a marriage between him and the young Yamanaka heiress. That is, of course, if he wanted it.

The Yamanaka heiress seemed to recognize what she was doing but after a moment of thought continued anyway. Kushina had a feeling that the girl was betting on Naruto not rejoining and couldn't really fault her for it. Not only would it be difficult to convince Naruto to return- though having the Yamanaka under her control should make it much easier- but him staying out of the clan was some of the last hope the clan of Mindwalkers had.

It was quite easy to see that they were far more scared of her son than herself and would happily accept any hardships she might heap upon them if it meant they could avoid her son's wrath.

"Very well." Resigned Ino. "The Yamanaka will swear fealty and accept vassalage to the Uzumaki. I would ask that the meeting be concluded so that our fellow councilmembers may return to their homes as we discuss this new arrangement."

"The request of council member Yamanaka is granted, I call this meeting to a close." The Hokage was only too happy to be done with this. "We thank you all for coming and hope you remain well until our next meeting. Also, I must remind you that until the details concerning the vassalage are decided upon this is to remain silent, even within your own households. Enjoy the rest of your day."

As the room emptied of clan heads Ino turned to her father. Much to her surprise he didn't seem disappointed but in fact rather proud.

"T-Tou-san?"

"You did well, Ino."

"But the clan-"

"Nothing we can do but make the most of it. You've been doing everything you can to help the clan and I'm proud to call you my daughter and the next clan head of the Yamanaka."

She fought valiantly to keep the tears at bay.

"Thank you, daddy."

He gave her a gentle smile. "Go on then, it's time to finish this up. I know you'll keep doing well."

Wiping the tears from the corners of her eyes, she stood up and made her way to the high council table where Kushina was waiting with the Hokage. Her face was schooled into a calm seriousness befitting of a clan heiress and with every step she gained confidence.

With grim determination she arrived at the table.

It was time to learn the fate of her clan-

The fate of the Yamanaka.

Decisions made, her father had offered to make the proper arrangements and allowed Ino to excuse herself from the meeting. She was getting better at running the clan but this was entirely new territory and she was glad for the chance to avoid it a little longer.

Walking out of the council room, her eyes were immediately drawn to the man who leaned against a nearby wall. No doubt he was waiting to learn about the happenings inside.

"Good morning, council member Yamanaka. Finished, are we?"

"High councilor Danzou." She greeted. "The details have been decided upon, my father is currently seeing to the legal arrangements necessary to officiate it."

"Heading home then?"

"Perhaps. Was there something I could help you with?"

"Oh, just a bit of curiosity, you see. No reason to trouble yourself with it."

She folded her arms and quirked a brow.

"Would I be right to assume you want to know the details of the discussion going on within the council chambers?"

"You would be."

"And would you happen to know the whereabouts of Naruto?"

"I might." He rose a brow. "Why might you want to know?"

"Because just like you, I'm sure he'd like to know this morning's details. I intend to tell him."

"I see. He might not react well to the news and I'm sure you aren't exactly his favorite person."

"That's something for me to be concerned about. We seem to both have information the other wants. I'm willing to trade."

Danzou smiled at her.

"I think I like you, council member Yamanaka, you're growing up into a fine young lady."

"I'm sure, do we have a deal?"

"Oh, yes, straight to the point, I see. You remind me of my dealings with Naruto. I'd be happy to make the trade, though I would warn you of the difference in value each information holds."

"To you, perhaps there is a difference, but figuring how this is going to affect Naruto and his Wolves is just as important to the clan as the details surrounding our new vassalage."

"Well spoken. It's a pity that you and Naruto are on bad terms; you'd make quite a pair."

"Perhaps with this they won't be quite so bad. Who knows? Maybe in the future we might find ourselves working together. We're both Shinobi of the Leaf, after all."

A chuckle escaped his lips.

"Even if you don't end up working with him, I think the two of us will get along just fine."

"Then I look forward to it, Elder Danzou. Now, shall we get down to business?"

As agreed, Danzou had informed her of Naruto's current residence. It was a decent area of the village, nothing special but certainly comfortable. And if there was any doubt as to whether or not this really was Naruto's apartment it was put to rest when a Wolf dropped down in a crouch from the top of the complex when she went for the door.

As if they truly were the animal of their namesake they released a warning growl as they rested one hand on the hilt of their blade. Obviously she was not on the list of accepted visitors.

Holding up both hands to show she was unarmed she did her best to stay calm.

"I have information for Naruto, I need to speak with him."

They didn't respond at first, remaining motionless as the mask sneered at her and the black eyeholes judged her existence. After a moment they nodded and stood, their hand withdrawing from their blade. Turning away from her they knocked on the door and were answered by another wolf mask.

The outer guard leaned in close, likely to explain the situation, and the inner momentarily glanced at her. Giving a final nod the inner guard opened the door wider and beckoned for the clan heiress to enter as the outer guard returned to their post.

She wasn't dead yet, so far so good.

Once she had entered the Wolf- a woman, she noted- motioned for her to remain where she was, presumably so the Wolf could wake her master. A minute later the Wolf returned and guided her to the kitchen where she was prompted to take a seat. It wasn't long after that Naruto entered wearing only a pair of black pants. He took a quick moment to tie his hair back before moving deeper into the kitchen to start coffee.

The three of them waited silently as the coffee brewed. The Wolf seemed unconcerned with the situation, leaning against a wall lazily and a nervous Ino wished she could be so comfortable at the moment. Naruto, on the other hand, didn't even seem to be awake yet. It was understandable considering the time but Ino found it rather odd to see him like this.

When the drinks were done he grabbed two mugs and brought them to a table. After taking a sip from his own he turned to address his guard.

"Now that I'm up there's not much point of you watching over me. You're free to use my bed for the remainder of your shift."

The Wolf seemed torn by the offer, no doubt wanting to ensure his safety, but her master's suggestion eventually won out. With a bow she left, though Ino could have almost sworn there was unnecessary swing in her hips with every step to the bedroom she took. If Naruto noticed he made no sign of it.

After a few minutes of uncomfortable silence broken only by the sipping of coffee Naruto set his mug to the side and folded his hands on the table.

"So, Genin Yamanaka, what can I do for you?"

"It's council member Yamanaka at the moment, I'm afraid." That immediately earned her a raised brow.

"Oh? And what brings you to my home this morning, Councilwoman?"

"There was a meeting of the greater clans called earlier this morning."

"A peculiar time. Who called it?"

"Uzumaki Kushina." She most certainly had his attention now.

"Is that so? What about it was so important not just to happen at such an inconvenient time for the council but to also drive you to seek me out?"

She took a deep breath.

"As of this morning, the Yamanaka are a vassal clan of the Uzumaki."

"…What?" It came out as a hiss.

"She was trying to use our feud to gain recompense from my clan because it drove you to denounce your clan name. Rather, she succeeded in using it. She managed to get the full acceptance of the clans and the approval of the Hyuuga."

"I see. And what does this vassalage look like for the Yamanaka?"

"She's getting full control of everything. Finances, Shinobi, clan techniques, any political dealings, everything. We've practically become second-rate Uzumaki clan members."

"I would assume she doesn't like you much either, you seem to be in a lot of trouble."

"That much is given, but I was unsue as to just how much trouble we were in."

"And that's why you came here?"

"You are the enemy of the Yamanaka clan and from what I understand do not have any dealings with the Uzumaki now that they've returned. If you were angered by this I feared your wrath and the maws of your Wolves."

He looked thoughtful.

"It would seem as though you've matured greatly. I'm impressed. What else do I need to know?"

"Your mother promised us protection from you. Well, not exactly. When I asked if she could keep us safe from the Wolves in the case that this angered you she promised that no non-Uzumaki would never lay a hand on our clan because we belonged to them now."

"You're saying she's going to try to get me back into the clan."

Ino gave a nod. "Yes, I believe so, but I don't know exactly how the Yamanaka fit in this."

"I don't know what she's thinking, but you were mine." His words sent a strange shiver down her spine. " If you're smart, you'll know that you're still mine and will remain such until I say otherwise."

"Even before she took control I knew the Yamanaka would never go against you again under my headship. I'm not going to make the same mistake twice."

"You're a smart girl, Ino. Your clan was mine to break down and build ack up, but it would appear as though my plans have been disrupted. A pity too, because I had just started working on returning your clan to its former glory."

"The Hyuuga?"

"Oh? Yes, you are quite perceptive. I have some allies within the clan and was able to get them to start supporting the Yamanaka. I'm impressed you caught on so quickly, it's only been a week."

"Supporters? Oh, right, Hinata. I thought it was odd that Hiashi approved of the vassalage but assumed it was because his support was just to keep Konoha strong. With the Uzumaki coffers we'll be back up in no time, though the reputation will take a while to rebuild."

"As far as I'm aware Hiashi does not know and I'd like to keep it that way. But so long as you say nothing you can rest assured knowing that the Yamanaka clan holds none of my ire."

"And might I ask who does?"

"Kushina. If she thinks she can take what's mine she's in for a rude awakening, but all things in time. For now, I wash my hands of the matter."

"I see. Was there anything else you wanted to know?"

He thought for a moment.

"Are they going public with this or keeping it under wraps?"

"Quiet, for now. She doesn't want to create too big of a stir, especially because we're technically enemies right now."

"I'd offer you the chance to surrender, but that's really out of your hands now, isn't it?"

"It is, though I would if I could. No good comes from this."

"Indeed. But, while you may still be enemies with Naruto, you and your clan are no longer a foe to the Wolves. We aren't about to help you, not when you've been taken from us, but we will not move against you. That said, I expect you to do your best to keep your clan out of my way."

"I'll do what I can. Will the Hyuuga continue to aid us?"

"No." He shook his head. "It was risky enough before and if you could figure it out Hiashi would have noticed soon enough. Besides, with the support of the Uzumaki your clan should be fine. If Hiashi ends up allying himself with Kushina, however, you may find yourself playing a bigger part in this game of ours."

"This game, is it dangerous?"

"At the moment? No. But it will be soon enough."

"Why do you say that?"

"Right now I'm only playing in Konoha, but that will change soon enough." She wasn't sure exactly what he meant, but something about it made her uneasy.

"I wish you luck then. I should probably get going."

"I'll show you out."

The two rose from their chairs and made for the door. Right before she left she turned back to her host.

"Just to be clear, we aren't enemies anymore, right?"

"It accomplishes nothing." He confirmed. "Besides, your clan is practically Uzumaki now. I was an enemy of the Yamanaka."

"I see." She didn't like looking at it that way, but if it kept him from sending his Wolves at her clan then she'd accept it. "I should probably head for my team training now."

"You should go home and get some rest, you could use it. I'm sure your team would understand. I'll be returning to bed myself and I didn't have to attend any meetings this morning."

"But you don't have to attend any later, either." He just shrugged.

"True. Have a good day, Ino."

"You too, Naruto."

With that they parted ways. It wasn't until she had walked for several minutes that what he had said registered in her mind.

'Wait, isn't that other woman in his bed?'

She was blushing the entire way home.

And on that rather light note we conclude Act XXIII. I look forward to seeing you all in the audience again next week for Act XXIV.