Here we are again. Just want to say Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Kwanza, or in my case Yule Tide Greetings. Of course you will probably be mad at me by the time you finish this chapter. As you may have noticed this is chapter nineteen and the infamous fifth chapter is next. So there will not be a progression to the story till chapter twenty one. Although I do have a surprise on the next chapter, based on your demands from you, my readers. This is also your last chance to get in your requests for what you would like to see in the next chapter. People have sent me a lot of great ideas, and I have been looking forward to pleasing you all. That being said I do want to thank my wife Jadedren for helping me this entire time, she is my editor, and deals with a lot of my crap to do so. If you get a chance go to her page and check out her stories as well. They may not be as great as mine, but they are good, hahaha. Thank you for all the reviews as they are the lifeblood of an author. I would also like you to note after my next chapter I will be doing another chapter or two of Kitsune Clan as to give this story some time to refress. I would also like you to know I have started the next two books in this series and another book on top of it all. Just some great insperation from other authors keep my own mind trying to out do them.
Shout Outs:
Kingkakashi: Your wish will be granted. I have planned on going deeper than that into the reunion. I think you will be pleasently surprised in the next chapter.
mnementh2000: The overpower factor of fanfiction writing is always a problem with authors. Of course we want or favs to be powerful and we want them to kick ass. But when we do that it kills a story. Thank you for the complements in that reguard. I have tried to meter myself in that, as I would like him to progress and in all honesty he has a great potential to do so, more than anyone else. But he needs the challange from opponents, that will give him a run for his money from time to time.
Hektols: I tried to add a little humor, I need a good laugh every now and again, glad you picked up on it. Sadly to say Choji can never be a ninja again. Not everyone can survive. There must be a loss for any ground to be gained. Throughout this series (there are three books to it) you will understand that. This story will buck a little of the intention of the manga, or anime. A concept I don't like.
ex-cellent: A lot of your curiosities will be answered next chapter. The gathering was a light hearted event, and I didn't feel that it would progress the story further, but would make an excellent omake scene of sorts. But that does not mean that I wouldn't love more ideas to add to the next chapter as well so keep them coming, thank you.
Hinata-Win: Thank you for all the praises. I lived writing the Kiba part, and I am happy you enjoyed it. I do my best trying to get the relationships right, I don't think it comes all that natural, but I am a little bit of a hopeless romantic, probably why my wife has me whipped so bad. I don't know about the '?', but I will look into it.
Disclaimer: Of course I don't own Naruto, but I do hope someone would maybe sell me Hinata. Does anyone own her? Really, how much does she cost *lecherous grin*, muahahahaha.
The Next Morning
There was a great war of words within the chambers of the Konoha council. There was a mix of reactions to the news of the return of both Naruto Uzumaki and his wife, who was also thought dead, Hinata Uzumaki. This would be a special session of the council, as there were many others present that were not members. The current official council was trying to limit the amount of people in the room back down to its original size before the arrival of the Uzukage. Most of those that were present were there for two reasons, the first being to see the now alive Naruto Uzumaki, for he was the 'Hero' of the leaf village after all. The second group was there for a multitude of complaints asking for a series of punishments be placed on the boy for the chaos he caused the previous day.
At the head of the line currently was an irate woman in a trench coat with enough blood lust seeping off her person to give the councilman the image of her bathing in his blood. "I want his head for this. How dare he do this to me? I don't want just his head. That would be too good for him. I want him drawn and quartered. If it is an appendage that hangs off his torso, I want it in a box".
"Ma'am…" the council-man tried to get out.
"That's Anko to you slimy toad," she snarled out.
Fearing for the safety of his life he corrected himself, "Yes, Miss. Anko. Now what could he have possibly done to you that has you in such a state?"
A shocked expression crossed her face, "What? You haven't heard? He turned my training ground into a tropical resort. Then he spread these all across the village". Anko then slammed a piece of paper down in front of the man. "In the middle of the 'Forest of Death' there is now a tropical resort, with huts and beach side lounging near the lake".
The man looked at the flyer and sure enough it was an advertisement for a tropical getaway in training ground forty-four. The resort was to include water access, posh rooms, tropical themes, and a staff of beautiful people to wait on you hand and foot. The name of the place was called 'Anko's Deadly Pleasures Resort and Spa'. For some reason the hostess' name was listed as Masseuse Mitarashi.
"You see that right there," the woman said pointing at the hostess' name. "I never agreed to something like this in my kunoichi contract. I said I would torture, kill, maim, seduce, evaluate, and occasionally pleasure. I said nothing about massaging people. Now I have men knocking on my door that I wouldn't touch even for the pay of an 'S' class mission'".
"Fine, fine. We will have a team over there to demolish the 'resort'," he said exasperated.
"What about the vicious man eating animals?" she responded.
"What about them?" he asked again.
Looking at the man as if he was a dull kunai in the box, "They are all lethargic, locked in cages with adoption signs on them".
"Ok, ok. I will send a vet as well. Will that make you happy?" he said, knowing this was going to be a long day.
"It better make me happy, or you will find out how great I am at tort… I mean massaging people." There was gleam in her eye that set the man on edge.
"Next!" he called out hoping the woman would leave and forget what he looked like.
If the woman he had just seen scared him at all, the man approaching him now made up the nightmares that plagued his childhood. "Ibiki Morino, how may I help you?"
Ibiki was actually quite relieved for his reputation for once. He attributed the lack of laughs in the room to the fear that everyone had that was usually garnered the top interrogator of Konoha. There were some giggles here and there throughout the room, but he could not be sure if they were directed at him, at least not out in the open. "I need to see the one responsible for this," he said pointing at himself.
Trying to maintain his composure the man sitting at the table asked, "I'm not sure what you mean. Who else would be responsible for dressing you, other than yourself?"
The image of Ibiki went from a smile to that of a frown when he scowled at the man. "Do you honestly believe that I would dress myself in such a way? I am the head of Konoha's Torture and Interrogation Department. Why would I dress like this?" he said lifting the shoulder of his baggy clothes.
It wasn't just that the clothes were baggy; they were also decorated in a swirl of rainbow colors and polka dots. His face was covered in white face paint with blue around his mouth, black around his eyes and what looked like tears rolling down his cheeks. There was even a red rubber ball on his nose. If things could have been made worse, his trademark bandanna that had covered his scarred head was replaced by a rainbow colored wig. With the scowling that he was doing he did look sad.
"Why not just change out of your clothes and put new ones on," the man asked as if it was the most obvious solution.
"We have tried…" he started.
"Wait there are more that are dressed like you?" the man interrupted.
Ibiki nodded his head, "Yes, every time someone enters or leaves the building they receive a different set of 'clothing'," he sighed. "I have a building full of people refusing to leave, and people that are unwilling to enter, even under my threats".
"They are just harmless clown outfits, it cannot be that bad?" he replied.
"This is just one example. Some men left dressed as a horse, another left with what looked like the word pedophile tattooed across his whole body, he is being questioned by the way. Some women have not been so fortunate though. Many leave or enter the building in nothing more than their underwear; there was even a report of one that had entered the building dressed as a naked female samurai". Ibiki blushed at the memory of that last woman.
The man was seriously contemplating leaving the table at that moment to console those women that were being affected by such a horrible prank. "Do you know the cause of the anomaly?"
"We believe there is a seal on the building that will change our outward appearance to reflect our desires or emotions. It doesn't matter where you enter or exit, the whole building is the same". Ibiki was getting impatient to leave, the wig was actually starting to really itch the top of his head.
"Ok, I will send a seal team over to see what they can do to remove it. By the way, may I ask what caused your outfit change?" he asked.
Ibiki stood to his full height, "I was happy." The man sitting before him raised a questioning eyebrow, "It was for a sale on new bandannas". Ibiki turned around to leave and made his way for the door. Several giggles were heard as he did so and he turned back around to be welcomed by stares and silence. The last any one saw of him in the building was the sign that was glued to his back 'I Need A Hug'.
A Short Time Later
The complaints and 'lookie-loos' lasted for another two hours as everyone was cleared from the council chambers. The only people left in the room were those on the council and some of the Konoha Twelve. With the meeting coming into session and the Hokage taking command of the proceedings as a seal was placed on the room so that the council could discuss the arrival of the Uzukage (aka Naruto) before he was allowed to attend the meeting. Much to the horror of the clan heirs, they were getting a crash course lesson in the inner workings of Konoha's political elite.
"He should pay restitution for all the damage and chaos he caused when he arrived," said one council woman.
"Now that he is back, will we be reevaluating his skills for placement in the Konoha ranks?" was another question.
"I told you all we should have locked him up when he was young to contain the fox, and make him our weapon," said an elderly woman.
"We should celebrate the return of the village hero. That will help convince him to stay within the village," said a portly man.
"No, we should have killed him after the fox attack, and then none of this would have ever occurred in the first place," cried out a woman with blonde hair that just disgusted her pink haired daughter.
Before Tsunade could start the trip down memory lane with the insults toward Naruto and the demand for his blood. The one that would require her to demand order, the sealed doors blew open causing the secrecy seals in the room to falter and fail. "Now is that anyway to speak about the guest of honor?" the voice from the door said.
In walked Naruto and at his side, as to be expected, was Hinata. Hiashi who remained still in his chair noticed that his granddaughter was not with them, and was hoping to see her today. The previous night he didn't get the chance as it was late and Kushina was fast asleep, he hadn't wanted to disturb her. Everyone else noticed there were a few more people entering with Naruto than they thought would be there. Neji was following closely behind along with Gaara, a woman with dark hair and finely sculpted facial features that brought her beauty out in a regal way entered as well. There was also another woman with long flowing midnight hair grasping the hand of a small boy with the same colored hair and dark eyes.
The blonde woman who had spoken earlier gritted her teeth and spoke as if her words would destroy the blonde young man. "You are no guest of honor here. For the atrocities you have committed against this village and endangering everyone who lives within it, you should be sentenced to death immediately. The council hearing to determine your future, after realizing that you were the demon, should have taken your head moments after your birth".
"Mother!" Sakura shouted.
Whipping her head toward her daughter she voiced, "It is true. Your life and career as a ninja would have been vastly better if they had chosen to step on that old fool and do as they decided then".
"That is enough Mebuki!" the Hokage shouted.
"She is right," a gruff voice sounded from the side of Tsunade. "A lot of our conflicts and troubles could have been greatly avoided if Hiruzen wasn't such a pacifist in his old age".
"Homura, we are not here to discuss such things. You will treat the memory of the previous Hokages with the respect they deserve," Tsunade interjected.
While walking to take a seat Naruto couldn't help but feel a little nostalgic over the current topic since he had snuck into these meetings when he was a child. "It is fine Baa-chan. If they have something to say let them speak freely. For some that may be the last they do after what I have to say".
"Do not threaten us demon brat," Koharu said.
There was a thickening tension in the air with a mixture of emotions that came from everyone and how they would handle this meeting. If it wasn't for Naruto's reassurance Hinata would have struck everyone down in that room for what they were saying about her husband. Hiashi was saddened at his own memory of how he treated the boy in the past. He never thought that Naruto was the Kyubi, but used everyone else's fear as a means to destroy him in the past. Naruto's old friends that were present stared in horror at what was being said about their friend that had risked everything for their lives. The entourage that the Uzukage brought with him was nearly foaming at the mouth at the way their leader was being spoken to.
"It is not some threat, and you should know that there are some skeletons in your closet that should have been buried long ago," he said.
Koharu and Homura both looked at each other in confusion as they tried to process what the young man could possibly have on them. Both took it with a grain of salt as they couldn't possibly think of anything for him to hold over them as he had been gone for some time. "Say whatever you wish boy," Homura sneered out. "We have nothing to hide".
"You have less than no power here now brat," Koharu added. "In all rights you have abandoned your village, making you a missing nin. We should just arrest you now and hold your execution tomorrow for doing so".
"What I did saved not only Konoha, but the shinobi world so far. There was a war on the horizon that you couldn't even fathom," Naruto said. There was no remorse in his voice, his conviction was absolute and had come to terms with what he did as the best he could do for everyone.
A man on the civilian side of the council responded, "If what you say is true then why would you return now and jeopardize that so called peace?"
"In light of recent events in Uzu…" Naruto started.
"Now you expect us to believe that a demon brat such as yourself could restart a whole village for the benefit of the people?" Mebuki interjected.
Sighing heavily Naruto continued, "Despite what you may think we have more pressing matters than to discuss what you think. My village was attacked with the intention of destroying the entire village, returning it to its rundown state".
"You mean when you attacked Sasuke Uchiha?" Koharu summarized.
"Naruto as the Uzukage was defending his village from the attack," Gaara added.
Mebuki looked at the Kazekage, "Yes we heard 'his' description of the battle. He nearly killed the last Uchiha."
"Not the last Uchiha, but it would have been a blessing if he had actually done it," Shikamaru added.
"Sasuke is the last Uchiha and he needs to be returned to the village to rebuild the strength of that clan," Homura stated.
Sakura scoffed at the idea, "You won't find anyone within our generation that would be willing to assist him in that endeavor, even if he did return".
"It will be an order from this council that whomever we find suitable for that task, will be required to do so. And as a member of this council and your mother you will be chosen first to assist him when he returns," Mebuki said with all the authority she could muster.
"It is a moot point. In order to do something as despicable as that, he would have to be the last Uchiha to begin with," Naruto said.
"With his clan destroyed and Itachi dead, Sasuke Uchiha is the last of his clan and the last Sharingan user," Homura added.
"That is where you are wrong," the blonde said with a smile. "By village law I will be confiscating everything within the old Uchiha compound to be utilized for its use in Uzu".
"Even if you are the Uzukage, you have no right or say-so within Konoha to make such demands," Tsunade said. She was willing to accept that Naruto was a Kage, and was happy at that fact, but the Uchiha estate was massive and their assets were in use by the council to help in the investment of the village.
Just smiling at the woman he couldn't help but feel proud of all the training Hinata had given him on politics and laws. "You are right, I personally have no right. But the Uchiha clan does".
Everyone in the room looked quizzically at the young Kage, "What do you mean by that? If the report of you nearly killing Sasuke Uchiha is correct, I doubt he would return here to claim anything of his clan's belongings".
"Botan, Choukichi would you please step forward and show them," Naruto asked.
The woman and the boy who everyone presumed was her son, stepped forward. "Yes Uzukage-sama," the woman said. When they neared the table everyone took notice that they just stood there, until they looked on with closer inspection. As if at once there were several short gasps as they took notice of their faces. Although their faces were vaguely familiar, it was not what brought about the reaction. It was their eyes. Both of their eyes were now red rather than the obsidian color they were previously. Swirling within their eyes was a series of tomo, three in each of the woman's and two in the young boy's.
"That can't possibly be. There were no other survivors from the massacre," Tsume cried out.
Botan looked at the woman, "We were not part of this village during the slaughter of the clan. During the founding of Konohagakure there was a great dispute over who would become the first Hokage. Our clan had grown weary of the continuous battles that we were subjected to and our current clan head, Madara Uchiha, was creating more tension within the young village. Not wanting to be a part of the violence that was sure to transpire, some of us decided to leave the village of our own free will and return to our home in Uzushiogakure. There we have been living, even after the destruction of the village. Most of this knowledge was lost, but in the archives, records of what had transpired remained intact".
"If that is truly the case, then you, and what remains of your clan, should return here to Konoha and resume your role within the village," Homura all but yelled.
"Uzukage-sama has already made that offer to us, and we refused him like we do now to you," Botan stated. "We as a clan hold no allegiance to Konoha, but to our home, and to our saviors Naruto-sama and Hinata-sama in Uzu".
Naruto beamed with pride. He had offered them the ability to return to their clan settlement in Konoha, and even told them of the status and wealth they would receive upon doing so. Most people that would have received such an offer would have jumped at the chance, but the hard life that the small Uchiha family had endured over the decades humbled them greatly. He was happy to have them as friends and allies, and thought this would be a new age in that family. There would be an age that did not bear the arrogance of the previous clan.
"Considering you stated that you held no allegiance to Konoha, then you have no right to the Uchiha compound, it's belongings and assets," Homura said smugly.
"That is where you are wrong," Naruto interrupted. "The alliance of a clan to a village has no bearing on the properties of the clan. The exchange is only between the granted land of the village for the clan's use and the service they provide. The village has no say in the assets of the clan, as those are only clan matters".
"How would a 'no clan' nothing like you even know something like that," Mebuki chimed in.
"The clan laws that Konoha adopted were copied from the ones that were created in our village," he said plainly.
A soft but knowledgeable voice was then heard, "I had taught Naruto-kun of the current clan laws, also while we were establishing the governance of Uzu".
"You have no say here. He is only here because his title dictates so," Koharu said pointing at Naruto. "Without that I would have him escorted from the village, if I did not just order his execution immediately. You are nothing more than the whore of that demon in human form," she finished with venom in her voice.
Before the growl could leave Hiashi's mouth at the disrespect that was shown to his daughter, there was the sound of an object being buried deep in wood. If one listened close enough they would have also heard the sound of a squelch and the tearing of fabric a fraction of a second before the echo that was heard. Upon realization of what had transpired everyone located the origin of the sound as a scream pierced the air. A kunai was protruding from the right shoulder of the elder woman, buried deep into the chair she was sitting on, effectively pinning her in place.
As if the scream was a signal four shinobi in plain white masks, none adorning the animal visages that the ANBU were known to have, descended upon the thrower of the object, Naruto. Knowing what was sure to come; the blonde kicked out his chair and slammed his palm to the ground just as the four newcomers touched down. "Fuinjutsu: Standing Prison," he yelled out. A dull flash of light spread across the floor and the attacking men stood frozen in their tracks.
Tsunade gaped in awe at what the Uzukage had just performed. The ANBU that were about to attack him stood there as though statues,a sight she had only ever heard about in some of the old war stories. Her grand uncle had told her of a story where he and a large squad of men traveled through a forest, searching for confirmation on enemy movements in those woods. When they reached the area they were greeted by the enemies they were looking for, as still as if they had been carved of stone on the spot. Most all had been in a battle stance, some looked to be in the middle of performing a jutsu, but all remained motionless. It took a team of seal masters four days to unravel the seal, and as they did so they learned from the victims; although they couldn't move they could speak, hear, and see. They had encountered a traveler in the woods, an elderly man with red greying hair, and decided to attack him for nothing more than sport.
Without realizing the situation Tsunade made an attempt to stand, but found that she could not move as well, all she could do was observe. She watched as Naruto stood once again and walked toward her, opting to use the table rather than walking around.
Naruto knelt down looking into Koharu's eyes with a malice that few would ever witness in their lives. "Say what you will about me, call me any name you wish, hunt me for all I care. I warn you now though; if you harm or so much as disrespect my hime or family I will tear apart this village just to get at you". Naruto's eyes flashed red briefly just to prove what a demon he could be. Most people would not know it unless they have been around the young family, but Naruto was very protective of the thing he had always wanted more than anything else, his family. "Now that you have brought these fools out, there is no use in delaying the inevitable. After all, I would like to get rid of the seal before those here start to cramp". Naruto stood once more while he heard a few people talking as he made his way toward his assailants. Some were trying to question him on what he had done to them, while others were asking each other if they could move at all.
When he reached the first one, he raised a single glowing finger and placed it into the man's left palm. Then with two fingers he did the same to the right palm. He repeated the process to the man's feet as well. Then he moved the man's arms as if he were just a mannequin behind his back. As the hands got within six inches of each other they slapped together with an audible sound. The same results were repeated with the feet as well.
When he finished with the other three Naruto turned and placed a hand upon the table, causing the table to glow slightly, exposing the seal matrix that he had used to cause the current state everyone was in. "I'm really sorry about this Baa-chan. I was hoping to bring this up to you privately so you could handle it in your own way". Naruto started to move around seals within the matrix and spun his hand counter-clockwise, causing the floor to glow again. As the seal died away he looked at the two elders, "Don't even think about moving, you walking mummies".
It wasn't like Koharu could move with the kunai pinning her down but he wanted to make sure that the point came across just the same. "Hokage-sama," he spoke again. "If you will take a look at these four 'ANBU' that attempted to attack me, can you tell me what is wrong with them?"
After close scrutinization, it was Kakashi that spoke up, "No mask identifiers!"
"Exactly, Kakashi-sensei. These are not ANBU," Naruto confirmed. Tsunade gasped slightly just as Kakashi muttered something under his breath. Naruto picked up on it none the less. "Right again. These are ROOT agents." Upon finishing that statement he looked at the two elders. "It seems Danzo-teme and the elders have been keeping the organization operational, even after Jiji had ordered the project terminated".
"You have no proof of such accusations," Homaru cried out while sweating. "Even if Danzo was still operating the group, he isn't even here to defend himself currently".
"What I have is eye witness testimony. I was in the room hiding when the old man gave Danzo the orders. I was waiting for the right moment to ste… borrow the Hokage's hat". When he finished that sentence he heard a stifled laugh coming from his lavender eyed wife.
"This council would find it hard pressed to believe the words of a demon when they cast aspersions on the character of a great man such as Danzo," came the voice of the portly civilian.
"You will watch your tongue! You sniveling rodent," a voice bellowed out. When they located the owner everyone gawked in awe. It was none other than Hiashi Hyuga, defending Naruto. The blonde had to actually look back to Hinata in a questioning manner, needing to know if this was truly reality. With a nod from his wife Hiashi continued, "If what he says is true then the elders and Danzo were committing treason".
"If that is the case then we should excuse the civili…" Tsunade tried to say before she was interrupted.
"No!" Naruto commanded. "I'm sorry Baa-chan, but these people that are supposed to represent the best interest of the village need to know what their corruption has brought them."
"The only one corrupted in this room as of right now, is you,"Mebuki sneered. She was about to comment on Hinata until she caught Naruto's eye trained on here.
"Get to the point Naruto," Kakashi asked.
"The point is this, Kakashi-sensei," Naruto said as he unrolled a large scroll he had tucked away within the inner lining of his rob. With the scroll stretched out upon the table, there was an audible 'pop' sound as smoke filled the area. When it had cleared, the room was filled with the sounds of gagging, and a few people that were quickly ridding themselves of their lunch.
Tsunade looked upon the contents of the scroll and only Kakashi could hear the words whispered past her lips, "Danzo".
Homaru, being the only one of the two elders not in pain, screeched out, "What have you done to Danzo-san?"
Naruto shook his head while he looked at the mangled form of Danzo lying on the table. His right arm had been completely removed, as if it was cut off in a hasty attempt, causing tears in the flesh just past the shoulder. His left eye socket was sunken as if his eye had been removed. Across his body there were cut and burn marks, obviously from a battle that had resulted in his death. "My resources found him in a small rocky valley near Iwa".
"Lies," Homaru yelled. "You have attacked and killed a prominent member of Konoha. Kage or no Kage, you will have a bounty placed upon your head, and we will send everything we have at you for what you have done".
A loud 'crack' was heard and everyone turned to its creator. "That is enough. I am the Hokage still, and I will be the one who will decide on who we hunt, and who our enemies are. You will restrain yourself from trying to do so. Do you understand me? Currently you and your 'pals' have a lot of things to explain, and they are not looking well for you". Homaru nodded his head quickly, knowing this was a precarious situation.
"Kakashi-sensei, could you please look at the wound on his chest, and tell everyone what you find?"
Kakashi nodded and edged closer to look at the gaping wound that was surprisingly reminiscent of a wound he was all too familiar with. It was right where his heart should have been. The edges of the wound were seared closed, but in a very erratic way. It was as if the attacker attempted to cauterize the wound, but not with fire. That raised the secondary question, Why would someone cauterize a wound when they were destroying the heart? Kakashi thought. Then it hit him as years of knowing what would cause that wound, after all he was the expert in just that technique. "It is a chidori strike".
Naruto nodded and was about to speak but was interrupted, "What are those markings near the missing arm?" Sakura asked.
"When we found him I couldn't tell what it was," Hinata said. "During the first days in Uzu, while we were training them, I had to do the medical check-ups to evaluate the health of the village. I noticed the same markings on a woman and asked her how she got them. She mentioned it was a skin-graft, from her husband's skin when he died during a raid on the island. She was severely burned during the raid also and the local medic had very limited knowledge, but performed one to save her anyways".
"The graft wasn't the strange part though," Naruto interrupted. "Who the graft came from was the strange part. Hinata-hime noticed a difference in the chakra pathways from the original body to the grafted area. Obviously it was meant to allow Danzo-teme to use his chakra through the grafted area". Naruto removed a kunai from his pouch and sliced a piece of grafted flesh from the corpse, causing a few to go pale. He laid it on the table and began focusing his chakra through it and the table slowly started to sprout a tree sapling. Everyone's eyes went wide and Naruto spoke again, "It is from a Senju, one of your relatives Baa-chan".
"Impossible," Tsunade yelled. "There hasn't been one Mokuton user since the founding of Konoha aside from Yamato. Nawaki had the potential but died before it developed. Who is the graft from and how did Danzo obtain it?"
Naruto sighed, he hated having to do this but it was necessary. "Your brother's body was completely destroyed to protect that ability according to the records. Yamato wouldn't be an advisable user as he is not an actual Senju. That only leaves your grandfather; somehow, someone obtained at least some part of his body or his genetic information to cause this. As to who did it, it is in here." Naruto threw a scroll on the table in front of Tsunade. These are all the records I have been able to find from Root's organization. I found a lot of their outpost through the spy network, but I don't think I have found them all. In the records I have found, Danzo-teme was part of the reason your old teammate was able to infiltrate the village and attempt to kill jiji."
"You're not going to believe the lies this 'thing' is spouting are you Tsunade-sama?" Homaru interrupted.
"You are not one to talk," Naruto continued. "Both of your names and signatures are seen throughout those documents as well. Not only that, you assisted Danzo-teme with information regarding the abilities and location of the jinchuriki after the plot to overthrow the old man failed. Who did this information go to? None other than the man that was responsible for the attack on Konoha from Pain. The man that was once known as Tobi, now known as Madara Uchiha".
"Boar!" Tsunade shouted. A real ANBU appeared with a mask painted to represent his named moniker. "Take these two to the T&I Center. Let Ibiki know that I want them prepped by the time that I arrive. Naruto can you please," Tsunade inquired while pointing at the body still on the table.
"You can't do this!" Homaru bellowed out with venom. Koharu sat there and wept as Boar removed the kunai that still had her pinned to the chair, unsure if the tears were from the pain that she was currently in or the pain that was soon to come. "We are the elders and advisors of the Hokage, you cannot be serious to believe this tripe the demon is spewing".
"I am the Hokage and you are now under arrest for treason. We will sort this out when the meeting is done here," the blonde woman said. Naruto finished sealing Danzo's body back into the scroll and she handed it to boar. "Take this with you, and Inoichi will examine it further for information once he is finished here as well. Now leave and take those two with you". Boar did as he was instructed, calling two more ANBU from the shadows. One taking the aged woman, the other started escorting the ROOT agents that were still bound.
Everyone watched with baited breath for the captives to leave before they continued. There was a mixture of emotion among those of the council, the shinobi side had a pleasant smile spread throughout its ranks, while the civilian side was obviously concerned over the revelations of the past few minutes.
"Now Naruto," the Hokage said as Naruto looked at her, waiting for her to continue. "You mentioned Madara Uchiha. That is impossible as well. He died in the battle against my grandfather for the privilege to be Hokage when the village was first formed".
Naruto stood there for a moment, scratching his chin in thought. "I don't know if he died there or not. No records mention a body being recovered from the site after the battle ended," he finally said. "But I don't believe the person that is using his name right now is the real Madara. That seems almost impossible. Whoever it is though must be powerful. I don't see a reason to run around using his name to be beneficial unless you had some serious power to back up that claim".
"Then do you have any idea who it might be?" Kakashi asked.
"Not a clue," Naruto said while scratching the back of his head while grinning like mad.
"I believe Naruto may be right," Gaara interjected. "Whoever this man may be he has to be someone that cannot be taken lightly. He has assembled a group of highly skilled and unique S-class missing nins, and still remained in power over them. He has also been capturing other jinchuriki's and removing their biju's. He had also attempted to start another great shinobi war; if it wasn't for the 'death' of Naruto he likely would have succeeded".
Everyone nodded, including most of those on the civilian side. They were finally realizing the results Naruto had accomplished with his disappearance. "If the world, believing you were dead, averted a war, why make an appearance now?" Shikaku asked.
"Sasuke," Naruto simply stated.
"What does he have to do with this then?" Mebuki chimed in, finally finding her voice.
"Sasuke and his team are working with the masked man," Hinata stated plainly. "That is why we asked Hokage-sama to evaluate the two members of his team, to learn about their plans. Although Uzu is self-sufficient in many areas, we do not have someone with the interrogation skills like those in Konoha. Ibiki-san and Inoichi-san are the best in their fields, and we feel that we would have a better understanding of what we are up against if they were to handle the questioning". Ino could not help but beam with pride at her father's reputation when spoken from not just Gaara, the Kazekage; but also from Naruto and Hinata, the Uzukage and his wife.
"Aside from that, their third member was killed during the confrontation in a successful attempt to give Sasuke enough time to escape." Naruto now having everyone's attention, again continued, "I believe that since he is still alive, he will likely return to the masked man and let him know that I am still alive".
"Hinata, there is no reason to put you or your child in such danger," Hiashi said, a sense of alarm in his voice.
Hinata shook her head, "No Tou-san. I will stand by Naruto-kun no matter the cost to myself. Kushina-chan will stay behind of course and remain safe".
"You don't really plan on doing this alone do you, Naruto?" Kakashi asked.
The blonde shook his head. "No. I have become more powerful over the time I have been gone, but I'm not as stupid as I was before. That is also the reason why I have come here. I want Konoha's help in assembling a team to go with me".
"Shinobi are a valuable resource. Why would we just give you a team of our best ninjas for a mission this dangerous? You have a village with your own ninjas don't you?" a man said from the civilian side.
"I do, and my ninjas are extremely talented. But those from my former class know me and the way I operate. With a team so familiar with each other, it will be easier to operate and work effectively with the least amount of risk," Naruto said while looking at Kakashi. Kakashi couldn't help but be filled with pride at the amount of intelligence that his former student was displaying.
"Ok. We will discuss the possibility for plans of a joint operations strike force against the enemy after Kakashi, Shikaku, and I have been able to review the reports you have given us from Danzo," Tsunade said. "Those talks will not be in the presence of the civilian council though and will be held with only the shinobi side. Now there is still a matter that the civilian side is needed for. After this topic we will end for today. Now to the matter of the Uchiha estate".
"As a representative of the remaining Uchiha in good standing, we ask that the assets left behind from the previous clan be transferred to the clan that resides within Uzu," Naruto said.
"You can't be seriously considering this Hokage-sama," a man said that was wearing too much gold for anyone's liking.
"We only ask for the movable assets, and legacy items. Items like clan scrolls, weapons, teachings, and funds," the new Matriarch stated.
"Of course the land and compound will be returned to Konoha with no cost to the village for its reacquisition," Naruto added.
"That is impossible," Mebuki screeched.
"Then we will be happy to take the physical items as mentioned before, and accept a payment system to our accounts in Uzushiogakure until the balance is paid in full," Botan said.
"And if we refuse?" the glittering man said. "After all, you are not from this village, Uchiha or not".
"Then I will remove every bit of my assets from the village. Every last single ryo, including the cost of my home under the villages acquisition," Naruto said with a smug look.
Tsunade paled at the thought. "You don't have anything of value. Your accounts were miniscule, no more than a few thousand ryo in your account when you left. Your apartment was awarded to you, being a ward of the village, it was never yours to begin with," Mebuki countered.
"Tsunade?" Naruto inquired.
"How much of the village economy is reliant on the Namikaze investments?" Tsunade asked. She knew this was not going to be good.
"Roughly thirty-two percent of all active investment currently," the glittery man said. "But what does that have to do with his request?" If anyone looked at Naruto they would have seen a smile on his face that threatened to split his head in half.
"That is what we would have to pay Naruto if he was to withdraw all his funds," the blonde woman said with a bad taste in her mouth.
The glittery man nearly fainted at the idea of that amount of money leaving the village in one swipe of a pen. Luckily Mebuki spoke for him, "Why would he be entitled to that amount?"
"Because Naruto is the son of Kushina Uzumaki," Tsunade sighed before she finished telling one of the greatest secrets the village held. "And his father was Minato Namikaze, the Yondaime Hokage".
Cracking bones could be heard as necks whipped around to look at the smiling young blonde. Several emotions played across those inquiring faces. Most were shocked at the revelation, some were confused, and some even paled at the thought.
"Fine, we agree. The new Uchiha clan can take all of the physical assets of the old clan to Uzu with them. We will also pay out their account in payments over a period of time," the glittery man said finally finding his tongue in his stomach. Not wanting to try paying out the account of the Namikaze heir.
The Previous Night
In the frigid hours of the morning in one of the more prominent areas around Konoha, a gathering was taking place. In a dimly lit room one would expect to find cut-throats, and thieves, horrid in nature and smell. These few people that had been called together were thinking along the lines of such detestable characters, but their outward expression was nothing less than an air of regality and finery. With etiquette and mannerisms suggesting the most strict and proper upbringing, this small group of people were no better than the people they despised the most.
"This cannot be allowed to happen," a tall elderly man forced the issue. "Not only has she forsaken the village but has dishonored our clan with her vile actions".
"Then the rumors are true?" a middle aged woman chimed in.
He returned with a nod, "Yes, she has returned to the village with the tainted boy".
"What about the rumors of a child?" another slender man said.
"Hm," the grunt told them enough. "It appears so. She has allowed that vile thing to taint her as well. She bares his child, furthering the demonic influence in this world. Now that taint has spread into our clan, mixing with our noble blood".
"Does it possess the Byakugan?" the woman asked.
There was a pause as everyone waited on baited breath. "Our sources say it does." There was a collective gasp heard throughout the room. It was nearly loud enough to be heard beyond the walls of the room.
"How could this have happened?" the woman shrieked quietly.
The man delivering the information sighed as if the weight of the world was on his shoulders from the dilemma that he was delivering to the rest of the room. "The head of the clan had been too relaxed in the handling of his daughter. He did not enforce our ways and traditions into her when she was a child, when she could be properly molded into the heir she should have been". He thought for another moment before continuing, "Now we are left with cleaning up the mess that he has caused with his kindness".
"It is a stark reminder of what we had to do with the woman he took as a wife. Such a weak heart, it did not allow her to grasp the importance of her duties as the partner of the clan head, resulting in us having to handle the matters ourselves". The woman thought back upon her time in the council, "Now we come full circle, having to deal with their daughter, getting our hands dirty once again".
"What of his nephew?" a young man asked. "There are rumors that he has had the seal removed".
Whispers abound as everyone tried to grasp the notion. "I thought the seal was permanent?" another man asked.
"As far as we knew, there was no way to remove the seal. The seal was made with the intention to be permanent. We don't know how this has happened, but this cannot be allowed to pass as well," the group leader added. "It is only another display of the infectious nature of the boy."
"This information cannot get out," the woman said in almost a yell. "If the branch members get wind of this, there would be a revolt within the clan. An internal civil war could take place".
"That would greatly decrease our power within the clans and village as a whole. We would be no better off than the Uchiha at that point," the tall man stated.
"What are we to do then," an elderly man asked.
"That is why we are here tonight. We are to attack this from a multi-angle perspective." The leader grinned at what he was planning; finally the fruits of his labor would be recognized. "The traitor prodigy, the demon and his whore, and then the head of the clan must all be dealt with. We cut the rot and taint from this clan as if it was an infected limb, to save to rest of the body to become stronger".
Again murmurs started until there seemed to be a consensus. "When do we start?" the woman asked.
The grin widened even further, "Tomorrow morning".