Author's note: I don't own any of the characters. They belong to Masashi Kishimoto. The original characters belong to me.

Chapter 12: The Calm Situation

The Hokage's building, the Hidden Leaf Village

Tsunade was having a discussion with Menma, Ayumu and Kazue about their roles as their team's teacher. And of course, Shizune and Naruto were present in the meeting. In fact, Naruto was happy to know that one of his students had been chosen to be his daughter's teacher, even though he himself didn't see that coming. But nevertheless, he was openly supportive of Tsunade choosing Mamuro to become a teacher.

But there was another reason for Naruto's presence in the meeting. As the future Hokage, he had gone through Hokage-training with Tsunade recently. As such, he was involved in Hokage matters, as well as helping Tsunade and Shizune with coordinating missions and other things.

"Lady Hokage, Shizune, Naruto-sensei, is there any particular reason you summoned us three here?" Menma asked while acting all laid-back. Ayumu smirked at his colleague's behaviour while Kazue only huffed in return.

"We do indeed have a reason, Menma, a very special reason. But what Grandma Tsunade and I would like you to do now is to tell us what you think about your teams so far. And remember, be honest with us. There is no use to hide your issues" Naruto explained while eyeing the three jounins with a very cheerful face.

"I would really like Kazue Shimuzu to start first, so you may have the word, Kazue" Tsunade said while eyeing the white-haired woman. She let out a cough before explaining.

"My team consisting of Ochinko Nakano, Minami Inuzuka and Saburou Auburame, have so far been very turbulent to co-operate. It's not that I doubt their abilities, but they fail to develop trust and confidence between each other. This is perhaps not the case with Ochinko, but Minami and Saburou have difficulties getting together. The mission we did a few days ago turned into a complete disaster" Kazue explained sternly while making sure she was not too hard on her students.

"What was the mission about? Did it involve something about co-operating against foes?" Naruto asked her. Kazue nodded back weakly.

"That is correct, Naruto-sensei. We were investigating pillages on trade carriages. We found traces of rogue ninjas, meaning they were responsible for those vile acts. But as we discovered their hideout and confronted them, it was one of the worst moments to happen in my life. In the end, I needed to step in and put down those troubling rogue ninjas. But at least we managed to complete the mission" Kazue explained much to her superior's understanding.

"Based on what you are telling us, your first weeks as their teacher have been very rocky. So I ask you: what are your thoughts about all of this, coupled with the fact that the Chuunin Exams are approaching?" Tsunade asked her. Kazue sighed deeply before answering.

"I won't give up on them! I will continue encouraging them to trust in each other. I know that this might be difficult, but if I can't, who else can?" she asked her superiors with a touching voice. "Besides, for some reason, it feels like helping those students is an obligation to me, especially Minami. She faces many problems at home" she added, making Tsunade, Naruto and Shizune surprised.

"Are you saying that Minami is struggling with her missions because of family issues? I don't know if that's the only case" Naruto asked her. Kazue faced the blonde-haired man with very mature eyes.

"I am not clueless, Naruto-sensei. Without Minami's knowledge, I have visited her parents and her grandparents, by which I mean her maternal grandfather and paternal grandmother. But as I got to know how Minami's father was like…..I felt sorry for her" Kazue said lowly while looking down. "Just think about it, as a former student of Hinata-sensei, I have 100% understanding of the difficulties she has been going through. She is striving to support her family while she was supposed to inherit her father's tittle as the head of the Hyuuga clan. But Hinata-sensei passed the opportunity, and let her younger sister Hanabi take the role. And Kiba…that miserable man….I just can't accept him as my teacher's wife! He never supports Hinata-sensei or his own children. All that he does is getting drunk and making a fool out of himself" Kazue told everyone around her while slowly gritting her teeth in anger.

Naruto was closing his eyes. He could understand Kazue's growing rage towards Kiba. Furthermore, he had even heard Hinata's father Hiashi expressing his open misgivings about Kiba, as well as his marriage to Hinata and their parenthood. But still, Naruto didn't understand why Kiba was becoming the man he was now. After all, Kiba and Naruto had held grudges against each other in the past, but as they got married and later became fathers, they felt the need to move past such petty rivalries and focus on their families instead. Naruto hoped to have a talk with Hinata soon, wondering if she would be able to tell him more about their marital issues.

"I think that's enough explaining, Kazue. We will look into your problems. But in the meantime, we really hope you still have enough strength to help those three newcomers through their challenges, not to mention that they need to prepare themselves for the upcoming Chuunin Exams" Tsunade explained and Kazue nodded with a touching smile on her face.

The next one to explain was Menma. He was looking forward to it, and he could see clearly that his former teacher was very keen on hearing him.

"Well, I don't know what I'm supposed to say, but so far…..Nashiko Uzumaki, Takeda Inuzuka and Shunsuke Uchiha have proven themselves worthy to become ninjas. My first weeks with them have been so far both exciting and scary. By scary I mean that I sometimes get confused if I'm able to deal with the challenge they face or not. But I ain't a fortune teller, so I just give them my best shot" Menma explained, while trying not to fall out on words. Naruto chuckled at Menma's explanation.

"You must've enjoyed yourself as their teacher. But just so you know it, take good care of Nashiko. She's my princess, you know" Naruto informed him with a surprisingly fatherly manner, causing Menma to snap.

"Ehh….what's that supposed to mean? I'm just getting a little confused. But don't worry Naruto-sensei, I won't fail you! My pa taught you the ways from the beginning while I under your wing as a genin. I'm proud to have become your daughter's teacher, my future Hokage" Menma said with respect. Naruto was grateful and impressed by it, but he was sweating with regard to the addressing, though.

"What is your opinion on each of your students? And tell us one at the time" Tsunade asked him about his three students. Menma eyed her with a laid-back expression.

"It's too early to come up with conclusions, mam. However, I can explain how each of them is unique in their own ways. Nashiko, although she tends to be whimsical at times, has the potential to become a fine kunoichi, just like her mother. But there will be a long road ahead of her, but the more she develops new relationships with people like Shunsuke and Takeda, she will start learning a ninja's perspective" Menma told them while briefly eyeing Naruto when mentioning his wife. The blonde-haired man only blushed in embarrassment. But that embarrassment soon turned into a chuckle.

"Well that's nice to hear, Menma. Now how about you tell us about Takeda or Shunsuke?" he asked him while trying to change the subject. He could notice both Tsunade and Shizune giving him sneaky looks on their faces.

"Takeda is the one who tends to have difficulties understanding what comrades mean. But he is beginning to understand some of that, especially in that mission where he and his teammates confronted those rogue ninjas. After the battle, I could notice Takeda beginning to take notice of Nashiko and Shunsuke being his teammates. In fact, he may actually start liking being with us more than with his twin sister. He may be a loner, but he's got my back 100%!" Menma was finished with the explanation about Takeda. "Now as for Shunsuke…..I know that he may not possess the prodigy status like his brother has, but he is still capable of accomplishing something, even if the challenges before him can be quite hell at times. But I'm not giving up on him, and neither do I on Takeda and Nashiko!" Menma declared with pride while eyeing both his former teacher and the Hokage with eyes of determination.

Both Tsunade and Naruto were grateful that Menma had the confidence to lead his team and support them by any means necessary. But there were something which bothered them, but they didn't bother to bring that subject up. Right now, they had put their full trust in Menma's abilities.

Now it was time for them to find about what Ayumu had to say about his team. The red-eyed jounin had both worrying and interesting things to say about his students. Perhaps the most interesting part was with Itachi.

"Well Ayumu. I have to say that the team you are teaching is a bit different than what your father did when he was a jounin" Tsunade remarked, but Ayumu only cut her off.

"That may be true, Lady Hokage. But despite this, I'm happy for being chosen to lead Shikaien Nara, Chouta Akimichi and Inojin Uchiha through the new era" Ayumu remarked while chuckling. But he suddenly shifted the expression on his face to that of caution. "However, I have some interesting information which some of you would like to know, including you, Naruto-sensei" he added while eyeing them.

"Then explain that to us. We would really like to know. And tell us everything with honesty" Naruto said and Ayumu nodded as a yes.

"A couple of days ago, I had decided to test my students on their ability to manage on their own. So we travelled to a thick forest about two days from here. To prepare them for the Chunnin Exams the task was simple: find a way out of the thick forest by cooperating with each other. Even though I was not supposed to assist them, I would always watch them from the shadows" Ayumu explained, much to his superiors' interest.

"That's a unique way in preparing your students for the Chuunin Exams, Ayumu. As outrageous as it may sound, it is a good way in teaching the students how to cooperate when facing difficulties" Tsunade explained.

"And it's a good thing you watched them from the shadows. It's always good to see progressing with your students" Naruto said, but he suddenly changed the subject. "But since you watched them, you saw something unusual happening in the forest. Did it involve your students?" Naruto asked and Ayumu nodded again.

"Yes. When a rouge ninja suddenly confronted my students, I was about to intervene…..until something unusual occurred with Inojin" Ayumu explained grimly.

Naruto, Tsunade and Shizune were surprised and decided to find out more. "What happened to him?" Tsunade asked and Ayumu closed his eyes so he could paint the picture.

"Inojin's eyes were crimson red. And bloodlust grew within him, as he faced the rogue ninja" Ayumu explained. "He has awakened the Sharingan, Lady Hokage and Naruto-sensei. The first Uchiha to be born after the massacre many years ago, has awakened the clan's infamous Kekkei Genkai" he explained further, much to his superiors' worry.

Naruto closed his eyes to think about his long time comrade Sasuke. However, he felt it was both unnecessary and unfair to compare Inojin's situation to that of his father's. "The Sharingan…what else happened? What was the outcome of Inojin's confrontation with the rogue ninja?" Naruto asked the red-eyed jounin.

"The way Inojin defeated the rogue ninja…it was infernal. He used fire-based jutsus, even those basic ones. However, they proved to be more destructive with the empowerment of his Sharingan. But that was not all. He also used the Yamanaka clan's Mind-Transfer jutsu on him…..but once he hit…it was just stunning. He actually dried to destroy the rogue ninja's mind" Ayumu explained while those around him listened closely.

Menma could notice Ayumu eyeing him and so did Naruto and the others. "Menma, forgive us to ask you this, but have you seen Shunsuke mastering the Sharingan?" Naruto asked him. The light brown-haired man shook his head.

"So far, I haven't seen nor detected any use of Kekkei Genkai. Takeshi has obtained to Byakugan, but he hasn't even used it so far. But when I observe Shunsuke fight, he uses only flame-based jutsus, as well as taijustu. I haven't seen any red eyes on him, and neither have I detected any form of bloodlust growing within him" Menma answered with honesty, much to everyone's satisfaction. Naruto nodded as an appreciation for his answer. Ayumu, Shizune and Tsunade did the exact same thing.

"I see. By the looks of it, me and Grandma Tsunade are gonna have to talk with the boys' parents, or perhaps their father to be more specific. But until then, there is nothing to be extreme worried about. We can assure you Ayumu that Inojin will not be following in his father's footsteps. He has something that Sasuke didn't have when he was his age: love and hope" Naruto explained while reassuring the jounin about the issue. Ayumu nodded as a yes. But he wanted to say something in return.

"If it's not much to ask, I would like to join you in this talk. I am Inojin's teacher, after all" Ayumu suggested and the blonde-haired man smiled.

"Very well, we will let you know when the time comes" Naruto said in return.

Tsunade then stood up from her seat and eyed the three jounin with a serious look. "It looks like things are going smoothly between you and your students. For that, I am indeed impressed. But you must stay vigilant for the upcoming Chuunin Exams. To tell you the truth, I do not look forward to it, and I am more than reluctant to be its host as the Hokage" Tsunade explained while showing hints of distress in her voice.

"Are you feeling alright, Lady Tsunade" Shizune asked her concerned.

Both Naruto and Shizune stood by Tsunade's side and tried to support her. "We all know that, Grandma Tsunade. But be strong just a little more. When the time passes, I will take up the mantle of Hokage, and led the Leaf Village through a new era" Naruto said with encouragement. While gaining the mantle of Hokage had always been his dream and goal, Naruto had learned more about the position as an adult, or more specifically a family father. As such, being a Hokage was more than just the strongest ninja in the village. It involved many other things, which Naruto didn't learn until he was a young adult. But still, there was no doubt the blonde-haired man was a worthy successor to Tsunade.

"Alright you three, this meeting is now over. However, I would like to have a few words with you, Menma, if that's okay with you" he said while eyeing the young lightly brown-skinned man. He nodded in return.

Somewhere in a forest, Land of Fire

Sasuke was out in the fields along with other members of the ANBU Black Ops. Right now, they were taking a break from their duties and hid themselves among the overgrown branches filled with leaves.

Sasuke was sitting for himself inside a bush of leaves. He were now taking the time he had to open up letters and other messages given to him by either his family or those who were on friendly terms with him. And of course, Ino had sent a letter were it was written how she missed him deeply. In addition, she had briefly mentioned their twin boys' new teams. She explained about Itachi's team, much to Sasuke's amusement. In his opinion, Shikaien and Chouta were pretty dim-witted (a thought similarly shared by Inojin, until he got to know them better).

But Sasuke was surprised that Shunsuke had sent him a letter. And it was written by Shunsuke alone, making Sasuke feel a little satisfied by this. He opened the paper and found the letter inside. He began reading it through his head.

Dear Dad

I hope this letter doesn't interrupt you or anything, but there's something I would like to ask of you. But first, how about I tell you about my new teammates and teacher? Believe me, you won't feel disappointed. I have been placed on the same team with Nashiko Uzumaki and Takeda Inuzuka. Nashiko is the daughter of Naruto Uzumaki, you know, the Leaf Village's future Hokage. I know that you, him and his wife were teammates when you were younger. But anyway, Nashiko is a really nice girl. I don't know what to say dad, but I think I like her so much that I'm slowly beginning to fall in love with her. Even though she can be aggressive and bratty at times, I still feel myself drawn to her. My other teammate is Takeda, and he's the son of that guy you despise so much. You and he may be on bad terms, but me and Takeda have begun developing understanding towards each other. Sure, we have different personalities and Takeda is usually rude and mean towards Nashiko, but he's still a guy I can consider as my teammate. Our teacher is Iruka-sensei's son: Menma Umino. I like him already, and he does a decent job teaching us about stuff. But here's the question I wanted to ask of you: How was it like when you was placed in a team? Did you face any challenges or difficulties? I'm just curious, given the fact that I you haven't told us much about your days as a genin. I think me and Inojin will have different experiences than what you had.

Best regards from Shunsuke

P.S. I hope you're doing okay in the fields. Mom misses you so much that it affects me as well. Inojin on the other hand don't, but he'll soon understand, eventually.

After reading the letter, Sasuke began musing himself over Shunsuke's new teammates. He was a bit sceptical about Nashiko, but he felt glad on his son's behalf, which was rarely for someone as serious as Sasuke. But there was something which made him a bit uncertain, namely the question. It would be very difficult to find an answer to that, considering all the hardships Sasuke went through. But he would answer some day with honesty.

"Thank you for writing this to me…..Shunsuke. It really means a lot to me" Sasuke thanked his youngest twin son in his head while smiling.

But while expressing appreciation for the letter, Sasuke started thinking about his older twin son, whom he had a troubled relationship with. Sasuke's smile turned into a frown. Sasuke still didn't understand why Inojin despised him so much, but he had to admit that he in turn, despised his own son. Why was that? Inojin was not always this rude to him. Sasuke had loved and cherished Inojin when he was just a baby. But it would seem that since the twin boys were growing, they would each grow attatched to one parent. Sasuke could see it, since he was beginning to become close to Shunsuke, while Inojin showed his affections to Ino.

But Sasuke didn't want to jump into conclusions. He knew that he was no longer alone. He had few friends like Naruto and others. But perhaps the most dearest and touching event to him was to become a father and a husband. The raven-haired man smiled while thinking about the family he had created and how he had actually no reason to be consumed by hatred anymore.

He remembered the aftermath of the Great War many years ago, on how he struggled to gain people's trust. He began working in the shadows and while there, he met Ino, who had after her father's death, changed into a mature and calculating kunoichi.

"I better start appreciating what I have. My family…..it's my pride!" Sasuke thought in his head while smiling. He was perhaps for the first time in his life, caring more about the family, than his job.

But he would still have to contend with Inojin, and he hoped his wife had some solutions to that problem. Ino was actually the one who held the family together. Sasuke knew that from the day their twin sons were born.

But the break was now over and Sasuke put on his ANBU-mask. It was time for him to continue his work.

Next day, Hyuuga residence

Minami walked through the corridor with Riko tagging along. She had slept well and was happy that the weekend was here. Spending with her team in the month was a new phase for her. But she managed it well, even though she and Saburou were constantly engaged in arguments.

But as the blue-haired girl entered the living room, she was stunned to see who was sitting beside her mother. It was her grandfather Hiashi Hyuuga, who was also the head of the Hyuuga clan. He was comforting Hinata, who leaned onto his shoulder while sobbing. The elderly man with long and grey hair closed his eyes while comforting her. But as Minami entered, Hiashi opened his eyes and spotted her.

"Oh, it's you. I was actually expecting your father to stand there" the old man said sternly while eyeing his granddaughter.

Minami stood there while listening to her grandfather's words. For some reason, irritation began boiling inside her. "What are you doing here? I don't recall being told you would come visit us" Minami asked while demanding an answer.

Hiashi's eyes began showing a hint of anger. "Do not speak to your grandfather in such manner, little rascal. As your mother's father and this clan's head, it is my duty to oversee your conditions, as well as supporting them" the old man replied while his white eyes pierced through Minami. She only huffed and closed her eyes to not look at him.

"Whatever. I could care less about your status as a clan head. To me, it sounds pretty much stupid and difficult to understand" she said, never opening her eyes. Hiashi showed a hint of anger in his face, but he sighed and began closing his eyes in a similar manner Minami did.

"Of course it is difficult to understand, especially for a half-blooded Hyuuga like you" Hiashi said strictly, thus making his granddaughter open her eyes while gritting her teeth.

"Shut up, old man! This family is free, free from selfish jerks like you! So get out of our house!" Minami snapped back at her grandfather, thus making him angry in return.

Hiashi loosened himself from Hinata's embrace and rose up from her seat while eyeing Minami with anger. "Mind your tounge, you spoiled brat! I suggest you start learning your place in this household before I…." Hiashi was interrupted by Hinata, who was no longer sobbing and stood between her father and daughter. She first eyed Minami.

"Minami, I have told you many times not to act disrespectful towards your grandfather. Apologize to him" she said strictly while crossing her arms. Minami felt herself less strong and briefly eyed the ground before lifting her head up.

"I am sorry, grandfather. I meant no offense" Minami reluctantly apologised, much to her grandfather's satisfaction.

After this, Minami left the living room and Riko tailed behind her. Hinata and her father were left alone for themselves to continue talking. "So it seems that Kiba is not the only one behaving disrespectful towards me, Minami does that too" Hiashi remarked sternly.

"Father, please don't be so harsh on her. She and Takeshi are my children, and I love them both deeply. I only wish Kiba could do the same thing, instead of spending his time at the bar. Both Minami and Takeshi need their father, as I need my husband. It's just that he and I have been on a rough patch" Hinata convinced her father, who sighed deeply in return.

"I respect your decision to have children, Hinata. And I cannot deny that Kiba was once a brave and honest man. But I think marrying that…drunken scoundrel was a mistake" the old man said, much to Hinata's anger. "And look at the results you have made with him! Both children act like selfish punks because of the toxicity their father brings in this household" he added, but the old man was suddenly grabbed on his collar by Hinata, who eyed her disapprovingly. Hiashi didn't react to it at all.

"Don't act like you know everything. After the relationship between me and Naruto was not the right thing for me, I was heartbroken. For me, Naruto was a different man than the one I fell in love with as a child. But Kiba…..he was the man I needed. He also showed me love...even during times of crisis. He can't be replaced, father!" Hinata said in return. "And I will raise Minami and Takeda, even if that blasted rule says I can't" she added with determination, which was something new to the adult Hinata.

Hinata let go of Hiashi's collar and went to the kitchen. The old man, wanted to just go home, but he couldn't. As much as he didn't want to, he had to be there for his daughter. Why he was doing that was because of guilt for the harsh treatment Hinata had gone through as a little girl. Even to this day, Hiashi had been having difficulties in forgetting those years, which began with the death of his wife: Haya Hyuuga.

To be continued…

Author's note: That was chapter 12. Hope you liked it.