Disclaimer: I do not own Naruto.

REVISED 5/30/2015

All posted chapters have been revised. This basically involved cleaned up typos, rewording a little dialogue, fixing a messed up name and correcting a continuity error. While there are very likely still errors because I'm not perfect, these should be a little cleaner. I have redone all that was already posted in order to get myself back in the game of writing. I know it's been getting close to a year now since I've last updated, but I am working on it. Life happened and I'm sorry but I'm back. And if it makes you feel better, my little sister is going to be badgering me to update and since I live with this person and I'll want her off my back, it is likely that you will get more frequent updates now.

No Thanks Necessary

Chapter 8

Whispers have been flying around Konoha lately. The rumor mill was operating at full tilt as the markets bustled with activity above normal for the middle of the week as news traveled about the goings on in the Inuzuka clan, the involvement of the Nara clan, and that boy.

The civilians always loved to gossip about anything involving the ninja clans. Ninjas were part of a higher echelon in the village hierarchy, and the clans were higher still within that. And as ninjas they keep a lot of secrets by nature. Of course the rest of the villagers would be curious about them and talk about them.

And this was a scandal. Oh boy was it. Scandals involving the ninja clans were gold to the villagers. Especially to the owners of civilian coffee shops and bars were people would gather to discuss the latest gossip. Rounds were ordered and tabs enlarged as rumors were exchanged and debated and embellished as they passed around from lips to ears.

And if it was a clan scandal that you were looking for - the Inuzuka clan was usually the one to provide one for you. They were the ninja clan with the mercenary temperament. Everything they did was loud, in your face and a show of dominance over someone else taken to a more extreme end than others would tend to go. They were the type to throw fists first before thinking things through and it showed in the amount of times their name made it into discussions of mothers keeping half an eye on their children on the playground or the elderly of the village as they played shuffleboard and declared that in their day no ninja clan would have dared behave in such a manor, the Hokage would have done something about it…when in reality the Inuzukas had calmed over the generations and the First and Second Hokages would have looked on the typical goings on of the current iteration of the clan as amusing in comparison to what they had to address on a regular basis. Though not in regards to the current focus of the loose lips of the non-ninja of the ninja village, this would have been far more typical for them.

Being the scandal ridden clan, it was surprising that the village was not just used to them by now though. Every time something happened, the people still found entertainment in it. And they would call on the history of past indiscretions in comparison to the current folly and inevitably the general consensus came around to the Inuzuka clan being nothing more than a bunch of "ruffians with a good name."

That it was the head family of that clan that was caught up in the current drama made it even juicier and the stories grew ever wilder.

Especially when you factored in that boy.

Because he was certainly the cause of everything. He had somehow tricked or brainwashed the young Inuzuka boy, stealing him away from his family's home multiple nights a week. And his control of the boy was growing as the nights were becoming more and more frequent according to the rumors floating about. He must have some dastardly plan to take over the clans of Konoha through their children. Yes! That must be it!

It must be that that kid was determined to round up the next generation of their village and turn them into his puppets. To pull in the clans of the village, the strength and backbone of Konoha, and spread his horrifying indoctrination to his twisted mind until there is nothing left to stand in his way!

But they wouldn't stand for it! They wouldn't let their children fall victim to his insidious scheme. Because even though they had been told that they could not tell their children about the threat that ran about their streets every day, they could warn them away. Tell them that he was a bad child, tell them not to play with him or talk to him or even look at him. And as they tucked their children into bed at night they would tell them the tales of the trickster kitsune spirits who could take the form of humans in order to lure them away and devour them and fables of wolves in sheep's skin so that they would know that horrific evil could hide under the guise of innocence and harmlessness.

Because no matter the looks on that child's face they knew. Everyone knew. They knew that there was no innocent child there. Oh no, only a demon biding his time, waiting for everyone to let down their guards, for the day that its trickster methods work and people start to consider it human. One day the boy would strike. He would toss of the innocent guise of the hopeless child and wreak havoc throughout town, killing, destroying, tearing down and banishing and all the while relishing in it, bathing in the blood of the innocents that would be spilled. And once more their homes would be burned or smashed to the ground. Once more their loved ones would be lost. Once more they would find themselves standing in the rubble wondering how one goes on after something like this happens.

But they wouldn't let that happen – oh no. Not again. They would keep their eagle eyes on the boy and wait for the clues to surface, the hints of the malice beneath to surface, so they would know when it was time to grab their loved ones and run as far as their legs would carry them.

And the town set about constructing and deconstructing the version of events until they fit into their world view, until the stories that were passed around didn't jar and clang against their own biases and prejudices of what they knew to be true.

Because the story that had circulated in those first few hours couldn't have been right. It just couldn't have been.

Because there was no way that the real trouble in the Inuzuka clan was just a marriage disintegrating under the weight its own problems, the increasing fights frightening the youngest member enough to run off into the night for a chance at peace and quiet.

Because there was no way that that boy had just happened to run into the young Inuzuka on the street and invite him inside and away from the growing chill of changing seasons.

No way that that boy fed the Inuzuka despite the tight budget he lived on and the limited food available to him.

No way that that boy scrounged together money to buy the clan child a futon to use when it became obvious that these visits would be frequent.

No way that that boy had been helpless, even against the might of Biyoku Inuzuka, and taken great injury when the hulking man had attacked.

No way that that boy had taken further wounds shielding the clan child.

There was no way.

None.

It didn't make any sense.

So the followed in the stead of ninjas and looked underneath the underneath. They read between the lines and found the truth of the situation.

And they made sure that everyone knew about it.

Konohagakure Official Report

Classification: TOP SECRET – Hokage and Jounin Tribunal Council ONLY

Submitting Ninja: Shikaku Nara, Jounin

Domestic/International Incident: Domestic

If International, type and location of incident: N/A

If Domestic, type and action taken: Public and Private Disputes involving active ninja, Multiple Charges laid

If Domestic, specify any charges laid:

Against one Biyoku Inuzuka:

Civilian Charges - Domestic Disturbance, Destruction of Property, Breaking and Entering, Home Invasion, Assault and Battery, Assault of a Minor, Endangering a minor (2 counts), Disorderly Conduct, Disturbing the Peace, Resisting Arrest

Military Charges - Conduct Unbecoming, Violation of Previous Demerit Sentencing, Failure to Follow Orders of a Superior Officer, Unauthorized Use of Battle Ninjutsu in a Civilian Area, Attempted Sabotage of Military Weapon (Code: Legacy)

Against one Tsume Inuzuka:

Civilian Charges – Domestic Disturbance, Destruction of Property, Breaking and Entering,
Home Invasion, Endangering a minor (2 counts), Disorderly Conduct, Disturbing the Peace

Military Charges – Conduct Unbecoming, Unauthorized Use of Battle Ninjutsu in a Civilian Area

Incident Details:

At approximately 11:30PM I was woken from sleep by calls outside my home from Hana Inuzuka (Academy Student) looking for her brother, Kiba Inuzuka (Academy Student), who seemed to have slipped from the house during the course of a domestic quarrel between his parents, Biyoku and Tsume Inuzuka (both Special Jounin Rank).

When he could not be located via tracking methods, the family began a fanned out search, including visiting Kiba Inuzuka's classmates, eventually leading them to one, Naruto Uzumaki (Academy Student, Code: Legacy) who was sheltering Kiba Inuzuka in his apartment.

Biyoku Inuzuka invaded the property without permission and assaulted Naruto Uzumaki before proceeding to battle his wife, Tsume Inuzuka who had followed him to the scene inside of the apartment. By her own admission, Tsume Inuzuka used clan techniques within the apartment to cancel out the techniques initiated by Biyoku Inuzuka in order to protect the children.

I arrived a few minutes later and used Shadow Manipulation to capture the ninja before ordering the boys to go to the hospital to see to Naruto Uzumaki's injuries. A large, hand-shaped bruise was already apparent on his neck and the child was having difficulty speaking. The state of the apartment was uninhabitable.

After the children were out of the apartment I ordered the pair to stand down as a superior ranked officer. Tsume Inuzuka capitulated immediately and inquired after the children. Biyoku Inuzuka refused and struggled within the technique to break free. I used Shadow Strangulation to cut off enough oxygen to render the man unconscious, by which time ANBU had arrived on scene and took the two into custody.

I proceeded to the hospital were Naruto Uzumaki was being cared after under the direction of Iruka Umino (Chuunin – Academy Instructor, see supplementary report for actions recommended for Hospital Staff). Naruto Uzumaki suffered severe bruising, swelling and inflammation of the throat as well as superficial injuries pertaining to flying debris during the fight in the apartment on one hand, his arms and upper back.

Need for Immediate Further Actions:

Temporarily relocate Hana and Kiba Inuzuka.

Temporarily relocate Naruto Uzumaki.

Reconstruction of Naruto Uzumaki's apartment, or procurement of new residence.

Coverage of Naruto Uzumaki's hospital fees.

Due to the sensitive nature of one of the parties involved, issue should be handled by the military council or Hokage, including the civilian charges.

If Required, Recommendation for Final Actions (please remember recommendations will be consulted at the discretion of the Disciplinary Party):

This Jounin's personal recommendation for sentencing of one Tsume Inuzuka, Special Jounin is as follows:

For the Civilian Crimes carrying sentences of Destruction of Property, Breaking and Entering, Home Invasion, and Endangering a Minor (2 counts), the recommended course of action is the minimum sentence for all charges should any need to be applied. Her actions were taken in attempted defense of two minors, including her own child.

For the Military Crimes carrying sentences of Conduct Unbecoming and Use of Battle Ninjutsu in a Civilian Area, the recommended course of action is suspension of sentence with a note in her Record. Her actions were taken in attempted defense of two minors and resulted in no significant injury.

*Personal Request of Reporting Ninja: If necessary to have time served, to do so in civilian prison. She is not a flight risk and will serve her time respectfully. There is no need to force the indignity of chakra restraints on a faithful ninja who acted to save her son and his friend.

This Jounin's personal recommendation for sentencing of one Biyoku Inuzuka, Special Jounin is as follows:

For the Civilian Crimes carrying sentences of Destruction of Property, Breaking and Entering, Home Invasion, Assault and Battery, Assault of a Minor, Endangering a Minor (2 counts), and Resisting Arrest, the recommended course of action is the maximum sentence for all charges. He set out with deliberate intent to harm Naruto Uzumaki, a child.

For the Military Crimes carrying sentences of Conduct Unbecoming, Violation of Previous Demerit Sentencing, Failure to Follow Orders of a Superior Officer, Unauthorized Use of Battle Ninjutsu in a Civilian Area, and Attempted Sabotage of Military Weapon (Code: Legacy), the recommended course of action is the maximum sentence for all charges, including the recommendation of Dishonorable Discharge from the Ninja Corps of Konohagakure. Biyoku Inuzuka has a history of violence and problems with authority on Record and it is clear that no action taken as of yet has had any demonstrable affect. In his act this time, he risked the safety and stability of Code: Legacy, our top military weapon.

*Personal Note of Reporting Ninja: It is time to cut our losses and stop tarnishing the name and respect of the ninja of our village with the likes of Biyoku Inuzuka.

Do Not Write Beyond This Point, For Office Use Only:

Immediate Actions Taken:

Hana and Kiba Inuzuka temporarily relocated to house of Nara Clan Head at the request of both Yoshino Nara (Retired Chuunin, front line medic) and Shikaku Nara (Reporting Jounin).

Naruto Uzumaki temporarily relocated to house of Nara Clan Head at the request of both Yoshino Nara and Shikaku Nara.

The Supporting Structure of Naruto Uzumaki's apartment found secure. Reconstruction and Restoration to be completed as D-Rank missions, paid for out of Military Discretionary Funds.

The hospital fees of Naruto Uzumaki in regards to this incident, paid for out of Military Discretionary Funds.

Punishment for crimes of both sectors to be overseen and handed down by a Military Council.

Addendum: Sentencing Report

Records taken by Chuunin Hikai Hyuuga.

Sentencing overseen by Jounin Council and Lord Third Hokage.

Sentencing of one Tsume Inuzuka, Special Jounin:

Lord Third Hokage: "In light of the extenuating circumstances of the incident, no permanent action shall be taken in regards to your ninja record."

Tsume Inuzuka: "Thank you Lord Third."

Lord Third Hokage: "Take it as a warning however, for allowing the personal issues of your home to spill out into the streets."

Tsume Inuzuka: "I understand, sir."

Councilman Shibi Aburame: "In regards to the Civilian Charges, the reporting Jounin's recommendations seem sound. Minimum sentences shall be applied and commuted except for the charge of Endangering Minors. For that minimum sentencing is to be applied. Temporary guardianship of your children Hana and Kiba Inuzuka shall be awarded to Shikaku and Yoshino Nara where they are currently staying. Do you understand?"

Tsume Inuzuka: "I understand, sir."

Councilman Shibi Aburame: "You still retain parental rights over your children, but for the duration of one to two months, in lieu of a jail term you are ordered to attend counselling with Haein Yamanaka in order to sort out your own situation without the children being overly affected before they are to return to your custody. The final decision on when belongs to Haein Yamanaka. Do you understand?"

Tsume Inuzuka: "Yes, sir. Thank you Lord Hokage and Councilmembers. This will not happen again. One question, sirs."

Councilwoman Koharu Utatane: "You may ask."

Tsume Inuzuka: "What has happened to Naruto?"

Lord Third Hokage: "He will be staying with the Naras like your children until his own home has been repaired."

Tsume Inuzuka: "I would like to help with that if I may sir. It is partially my fault that it was destroyed."

Lord Third Hokage: "That would be fine. You can join with some of the Genin teams, though you shall not be paid."

Tsume Inuzuka: "I would not ask for any pay. Thank you sir, again, for your generosity in my case."

End Hearing

Sentencing of one Biyoku Inuzuka, Special Jounin:

Councilman Shibi Aburame: "We shall begin with the Civilian charges. The council agrees with the reporting Jounin that you set out with deliberate intent to bring harm to Naruto Uzumaki, who is not only a minor child, but a ward of the state and a military asset. You invaded his home, caused physical injury to his person and destroyed his property. At the same time you risked the life of your own child. Do you dispute these facts?"

ANBU Representative "Dog": "Let the Record show that the accused has spat on the floor in response to the Councilman's question."

Councilman Shibi Aburame: "The council agrees with reporting Jounin's recommendations for maximum sentences to all charges. For the civilian charges, Biyoku Inuzuka shall serve 15 years in prison. Do you understand?"

Councilman Hiashi Hyuuga: "Let the record show that the accused attempted to lunge at the councilman despite the warding seals."

Lord Third Hokage: "Yes, I bet that quite hurt. Let the record also show that the accused is growling at the assembled Council rather than respond verbally."

Biyoku Inuzuka: "What would you have me say? It's clear that I'm gonna get thrown under the cart for your little pet."

Councilwoman Koharu Utatane: "How dare you imply that this council would not seek fair judgment!"

Biyoku Inuzuka: "Shut up you old bitch. We all know what's going to happen here."

Lord Third Hokage: "You will address this Council with respect. Not only are they your superior officers but your actions here will reflect on your good behavior and privileges while incarcerated."

ANBU Representative "Dog": "Let the record show that the accused has flipped off Lord Third."

Lord Third Hokage: "In regards to the military charges, they are most severe and in light of your previous issues and reprimands it is my ruling that you shall be stripped of your title as a ninja and discharged from the corps, forbidden from ever again utilizing ninjutsu as a weapon. You shall wear permanent chakra dampening seals and be placed in maximum security prison. For what amounts to treason in acting against your superiors and threatening Code: Legacy, you will serve the rest of your life behind bars."

Biyoku Inuzuka: "I knew it. Sacrifice a ninja who fucking does something for your little demon brat!"

Lord Third Hokage: "You are not the sort of ninja that I want as a part of my village. You have committed your crimes and now you will pay for them."

Biyoku Inuzuka: "I'll get out. I'll get out and I'll be coming straight for that little monster. Then it'll be you old man. You are dead, you're body just doesn't know it yet."

Lord Third Hokage: "As old as I am, my body has been aware of death's proximity for quite a long time. Take him away."

Biyoku Inuzuka: "You'll pay for this!"

Lord Third Hokage: "I wish they would get more creative. That's not even the first time I've heard that this morning."

End Hearing