"Thirteen clans. That's how many there are, its said that the first one helped create the others" Tsunade was reading from her book again "It also says here that the demons were originally supposed to help protect but rebelled"
"All you've been doing is reading that book Hokage. We have important matters to discuss" Shizune said "That's why Hyuga-san is here". He stood waiting patiently with his hands clasped behind his back
"Its ok, this is actually interesting. Lady Hokage could you describe a clan for me?"
"Which one?"
"Just pick one, it doesn't matter"
"Let me see…ah! Here's one. It says here that the very first clan was said to be able to control the wind. Their symbol was the wolf, only…"
"Wait! You said the wolf?"
"Yes, why?"
"Nothing" He remembered the times Hikari's wolf would appear and how her eyes would change. He'd heard rumors about the Okami clan but nothing that had been proven yet.
"Well what did you want to see me about?" she closed the book
"How do you plan to deal with Naruto?"
"I'll come up with something"
"I wanted to ask you that if you must separate the fox from him, could you find someone else to do it?"
"No, Hikari is the only one that I know of who is familiar with this process"
"I was afraid you'd say that" He sighed "Did she tell you there's a chance Naruto could die?"
"Yes"
"Did she also tell you she probably will die if she does it correctly?". Tsunade didn't answer for a few minutes. Finally she said
"She did". He nodded
"I've talked to the counsel. They're willing to hear your case"
"Thank you"
"Your welcome, for what its worth I think you'll make a great mother to Naruto. The Fourth would be happy" He left.
"What do you think has brought this change?" Shizune asked "I thought he hated Naruto"
"Not exactly sure but the counsel will definitely listen to him"
"Will you tell him about how she'll die?". Tsunade shook her head
"If she hasn't told him then she doesn't want him to know"
Hikari and Sasuke stood on the training ground facing each other. When she had returned home earlier she'd found Naruto gone and her cousin in the mood to spar so after leaving a note, the two had come to a small training area. Sasuke already had a few cuts. He leapt forward then came up behind her and was preparing to kick when she caught it then pushed him back. She smiled
"Come on Sasuke, be serious". That pissed him off more since he was being very serious, it was Hikari who wasn't.
"Hey Hikari!" She turned to see Kiba with Naruto who came across as pissed off as Sasuke. She wondered what had happened in the short time that she had been gone.
"What ya doin?"
"Whats it look like?" She liked Kiba, he was different than Naruto's other friends, he was also one of the few who wasn't creeped out by her wolf. Naruto's presence seemed to make her cousin angrier if that was possible. She dodged more hits, even his fireball jutsu that the Uchiha clan was known for. It was obvious that Kiba was talking to Naruto about something, the blonde shook his head at a comment Kiba had said so he asked while Hikari was dodging some more attacks
"If you have Uchiha blood why don't you use the Sharigan?". She tripped Sasuke then pushed him again before answering
"My mom didn't want us to rely on only that. After her clan was killed she pushed us hard"
"How hard?". She jumped out of the way of one Sasuke's chidori attacks
"Can you imagine your mother making you miss a meal if you even accidentally activated your Sharigan during practice?"
"That must've sucked"
"She became strict to the extreme when it came to our training after what happened. She was afraid dear old Itachi would come for us, she wanted us to be ready" She dodged yet another attack then punched Sasuke. He fell backwards. "We didn't even use chakra based moves"
"Then how did you fight?" Naruto broke his silence
"The good old fashioned way" Sasuke came at her but she spun around and kicked him into a nearby tree.
"I think I'm in love Naruto" Kiba whispered. He felt someone hit him on the head
"Say that again" Neji stood next to him
"Didn't have to hit me so hard" He rubbed the spot. The three continued to watch the two cousins.
"She's really good, she should've become a shinobi" Kiba observed
"Can you believe her life goal is to become a teacher?" Naruto asked
"Really? She should marry me. Our kids would be awesome" That got him another hit from Neji.
"What are you doing here anyway?" Naruto asked him
"Hokage wants to see you and I'm supposed to get Hikari so she can go wedding dress shopping with my mother and aunt"
"She'll definitely love that" He smiled "Hikari! Neji's here to pick you up!"
"Ok!" She dodged another chidori attack, she tripped Sasuke then grabbed his arm as he was falling, twisting it behind his back.. She sat on top of him still pinning his arm down.
"Make sure you don't make her mad" Kiba laughed then followed after Naruto. Neji smirked. He'd keep that in mind.
Tsunade was in high spirits. She had just talked with the counsel and they had said yes. She started dancing around, which is what Naruto and Kiba saw when they entered her office
"You think she's been drinkin too much sake again?" Kiba whispered
"Probably"
"Naruto!" She grabbed his hands and began dancing in a circle. Shizune walked in smiling.
"Hey old lady stop! I'm getting dizzy" She stopped "Whats wrong with you anyway?" he tried to make the room stop spinning.
"Its been approved!"
"What?"
"The adoption, the counsel said yes" Seeing Naruto remain expressionless she put her hands on her hips and said "Well?!"
"You're gonna be my mom?" She nodded "And I'm gonna be your son?"
"That's usually how it goes" Kiba rolled his eyes
"This is great, wait but what made them change their minds?"
"We'll talk about that later, right now I want to celebrate. We're hittin the best restaurant in town"
"Can I come? I haven't eaten all day" Kiba's stomach growled as if on cue
"Sure, I'll be back later Shizune. Hold down the fort for me" She jumped out the window with an equally happy Naruto and Kiba behind her. Shizune was happy for her, she still had paperwork to fill out to make it official but thanks to Mr. Hyuga's words things would go much smoother. She sighed. A man came up next to her
"Its been a long time since I've seen her smile like that". She realized who it was
"Would you like me to go and get her for you?"
"No, don't wanna spoil her mood and believe me, what I have to say will do that. I'll go do some research. See ya Shizune"
"Bye Master Jiraiya"
She was like Hinata only older was Hikari's first impression of Neji's mom. Hyuga Noriko was quiet like her niece, she wasn't that much taller than her too. Her hair was pulled back in a long braid that went down her back. Hikari liked her instantly; the other woman was much different. Hyuga Mika wasn't quiet, she spoke her mind. She carried herself with grace and elegance but when she had to she could be the meanest/fiercest woman in Konoha. She was taller than her sister-in-law and wore her hair in a neat bun. She sat at a small table drinking tea with Noriko sitting across from her. Neji walked over and kissed his mother.
"Its about time" Mika said putting her cup down
"I'm sorry Aunt Mika" Neji bowed slightly. She nodded
"You're fine" She turned her attention to Hikari who was a little on the dirty side from her match with Sasuke. She frowned "It will take a miracle to make you into a proper lady" She shook her head "Come here Hikari, I want you to meet Neji's mother, Hyuga Noriko"
"Hi"
"Hello"
"I called you here today because we have many things to do. We talked with your grandmother and she wants us to go and pick out wedding things, such as dresses, flowers, etc." Hikari's eyes got big "Neji's birthday will be her soon and she wants us to start preparing. Neji you may leave" Seeing the horror on Hikari's face made him almost feel sorry enough to go with them, almost."Don't worry, Hinata will join us. This'll be fun"
An hour later found the four at an upscale wedding dress shop. After trying on what felt like hundreds of dresses the Hyuga ladies finally found one they thought was beautiful, it was an all white kimono with white flowers stitched on around the bottom and around the sleeves, never mind the fact that Hikari couldn't breathe.
"It looks lovely! What do you think Noriko?"
"Yes, it is very pretty. My would go very nice with it"
"Turn around for us" Mika gestured. Hikari did, listening as they made their comments. The dressmaker walked over and soon the three were arguing over the price.
"How's it feel?" Hinata asked
"I'll probably die of suffocation but other than that I'm good". Hinata giggled
"While you were in the dressing room my mother had me get Neji. She wants to know his opinion"
"Aren't the guys supposed to wait until the day of the wedding?"
"Not with her"
"Where is he?"
"Outside"
"Lets get this over with" She sighed then picked up the kimono so it wouldn't drag. Hinata followed behind her. Thinking only her future husband was outside she said jokingly "Does this dress make my butt look big?" Only when she glanced around did she notice Lee, Naruto and Kiba with him. She blushed in embarrassment
"Actually…" Kiba started to say but got a glare from Neji that said 'Don't answer that'
"No, you look very stunning Hikari" Lee said
"Yes, you look fine" Neji added
"I think…" Kiba scooted away from him "It brings out your curves in a good way, a very good way" He grinned. Neji hit him on the head "OWWW! Its not a bad comment"
"You should learn how to speak Kiba" Neji growled
"I know all of you were thinking it!" That got him another, harder hit. Lee tried to calm his friend down. Hinata laughed then walked over to try and get some sense into Kiba. Hikari remembered Naruto was there so she asked
"What do you think Naruto?" He didn't answer for a few seconds, then simply said
"Beautiful" With one of his big smiles.
"Naruto lets go somewhere where I can speak my mind without being harassed" Kiba said. He wasn't stupid and had seen the way Naruto had watched Hikari, to avoid something awkward he wanted to get his friend away from the area. Naruto nodded
"Have fun"
"I will" Hikari replied sarcastically
"Bye Kiba" Hinata blushed
"See ya later" The two started off in the direction of Kiba's house "What the hell was that?" He asked when they had gotten some distance away
After a long day of going from shop to shop and dealing with Mika Hyuga who tended to get crankier as the day wore on, it was decided that the four should take a break in the hot springs. Mika, Noriko and Hinata, along with many other ladies, were already in the water relaxing. Hikari had her towel on and was preparing to walk in when she saw an older man peaking in through a small hole. She walked up to him and said
"Some perverts never change". He jumped then turned around to see Hikari. He relaxed
"Hey kiddo! How are ya? I was only doing some research" He grinned
"Whatever, but what are you doing here? Tsunade was searching everywhere for you"
"Yeah, yeah. I had things to take care of" He stood up and stretched "How's Naruto?". She raised an eyebrow
"If you wanna call getting weaker every minute he's around me ok then he's doing great"
"The fox is afraid of you, that's why he's weaker"
"I thought it was the fact that the seal is completely gone"
"That's only part of it, you know that move that your clan was taught that can actually go inside of a container's mind?"
"Yeah"
"You may need to use it and confront the fox"
"He hates my family"
"True but if you talk to him you may be able to get him to calm down"
"Cant you just seal him away again?"
"I could but what's the point if there's a chance that it'll break again? Naruto would live in fear each day that the seal isn't strong enough. I could seal it but it wouldn't be as strong as the one the Fourth used"
"You agree with me then that the only other option is to separate them". He nodded
"But that requires the life chakra of the person performing it" He said quietly
"Akane Tora says I care too much, maybe that's my problem". He gave a sad smile
"Your grandmother is very proud of you, she wanted me to tell you that"
"She had time to say that in between you hitting on her? I'm amazed"
"Ha! She hits on me for your information, besides she's very pretty for her age". Hikari rolled her eyes
"Well you old pervert you should go talk with Tsunade"
"I'm not looking forward to that but alright. Don't stress to much Hikari" He said, walking away.
"Too late" She whispered.
On Tsunade's orders Naruto was moving back to his apartment with Kiba's help. She had the idea that he might recover some of his strength if he wasn't around Hikari so much. He had protested at first but after she explained it, it made sense. The only thing he had been dreading was being in the same room as Sasuke but lucky for him he wasn't there when they had started packing. Kiba had just dropped the last box on the floor then collapsed next to it. Naruto went to his fridge to find something to drink. Sai walked in a few minutes later.
"Hey Sai" Kiba said in between breathes "Naruto packed like he was moving out of the country"
"You sound like you ran from here to Suna"
"Feels like it"
"I guess I accumulated more stuff after I moved in with her" Naruto set a glass of water next to his hand "What are you doing here?" He asked Sai as he took a seat on a nearby box
"You forget the festival is tonight?"
"What festival? Oh! That one!" Starting that night the Cherry Blossom Festival. Florists from around the country would come and present the different things they'd created with the flower, it could be anything from a creative flower arrangement to an expensive dress. There'd be food, games and a prize awarded to the most original creation. No one was quiet sure how the festival got started but it was very popular and attracted people from all over.
"Didn't Ino enter this year?" Kiba asked from the floor
"Yeah, but she wouldn't say what she was making"
"The Hokage is worried" Sai picked up the glass that was meant for Kiba
"What else is new?"
"I was gonna drink that!" Kiba whined, barely lifting his head
"Of course you were, anyway if Akatsuki were going to strike then now would be the time"
"We'll see what happens"
"I think I'm gonna finally work up the courage to ask Hinata to go with me tonight, what do you guys think?" He was met with silence "Guys?" He sat up to see Sai and Naruto gone "I hate them" He let his head hit the floor
The Festival started with fireworks. The streets were crowded. People going to different vendors, kids chasing each other, the smell of food was everywhere. Naruto had been almost everywhere with Kiba and Hinata. He had told them to go on while he took a break, Kiba's eyes had gotten big when Naruto had said that. Naruto simply laughed then walked away, he noticed how nervous his friend was around Hinata. Judging from the way she had blushed when he started to leave told him she felt the same. He leaned his head back and stared at the sky. Neji and Hikari walked up, she carried a giant stuffed bear.
She collapsed next to him on the bench, immediately rubbing her ankles.
"What happened to you?" Naruto asked
"Neji's crazy aunt wanted me to practice walking in heels. I've been wearing them ALL DAY! My feet hurt so bad"
"Rest here, I'll be back" Neji said. When he was gone Naruto said
"Cute bear, he win it for you?"
"No, I did. I'm gonna take it home and give it to Icee as a chew toy". Naruto couldn't tell if she was joking "Me and Sasuke miss you already". He sniffed "We do"
"If you say so"
"Lets go play some games"
"But you cant walk remember?"
"I'll take 'em off then". She slipped out of them
"Your feet stink" He grinned
"Keeps the boys away, now lets go Blu" She handed the giant bear to him
"What are gonna do with those?" He asked pointing to the shoes
"Leave 'em here. Neji's smart, he'll figure it out"
He beat her in every game they played which caused her to be in a sour mood until he bought her ice cream. He still carried the bear. Naruto watched the people as he walked. He'd never seen Konoha more crowded, not even during the Chunin exams. The Festival occurred every two years and seemed to attract more crowds each time it was held. As they passed a flower stand he saw Sasuke with Sakura. He tensed. Sasuke appeared to be talking while Sakura listened. She had kept her eyes on the ground but locked eyes with Sasuke when he said something. Her eyes brightened What the hell? Sasuke left after a few seconds. Naruto decided to go investigate. Meanwhile Hikari had continued walking for at least ten more minutes before she noticed he wasn't there. She groaned then started to scan the area
"Hey Okami! How's it going?" Akane walked up wearing an even shorter Yukata that some how managed to cover just enough. She pulled the lollipop out of her mouth.
"To what do I owe this honor?"
"No need to be rude, anyway who are you looking for?"
"Naruto, have you seen him?"
"He's back there" She gestured behind Hikari
"Thanks" She started off. Akane tagged along, putting the sucker back in her mouth
"I talked to Jin"
"Really?" Hikari was interested now
"Well he didn't talk, I did. He's up north with his family"
"I haven't seen him in awhile" She smirked "I know he's pissed"
"Of course he is, you left without telling him and you guys are supposed to be best friends"
"He'll get over it" She held a hand out. She saw the back of what looked like Naruto and Sakura. She snuck closer then hid behind a small booth, peaking around the corner.
"You are so weird" Akane knelt next to her. Hikari shushed her "Why are we spying?"
"I think they're in love" Akane started to snicker but Hikari put a hand over her mouth "They have to be right?"
"You should ask"
"That would make it seem like I care"
"But you do right?"
"Only as a friend concerned about another friend. It doesn't matter who Naruto ends up with as long as she makes him happy". Akane sneezed
"Sorry" She said "I'm allergic to bullshit". Hikari gave her a glare then went back to watching her subjects. 'Naruto' grabbed 'Sakura's' hand
"Isnt that cute, it seems to me that he's gonna kiss her" Akane finished her sucker then chewed on the stick
"He's hesitating" Hikari said
"No wait he's goin for it" Akane clapped as the two kissed.
"Told you they're in love"
"Who?" Another voice asked
"Who we've been watching, Naruto and Sakura"
"How do you know that?"
"We just discussed this" She turned around to see Naruto with a serious look on his face and Akane with a huge grin on hers, she glanced again at the couple. She could make out their faces now and it definitely wasn't Naruto or Sakura. "Oh hey Naruto! How are you?"
"You didn't answer my question" She glanced at Akane who shrugged. Hikari grinned sheepishly
"I don't know...just throwing it out there" Naruto continued to give her an intense look. His silence wasn't helping either. Finally he said
"I gave your bear to a kid who was crying, since you were only gonna use it for a chew toy" With that he stuffed his hands in his pockets and turned to go.
"Talk about awkward" Hikari pretended to wipe sweat from her forehead
"How long was he standing there?"
"A few minutes I guess"
"Could've warned me"
"Now what would be the fun in that. If its any consolation he seemed already annoyed before he got here" They both stood up "I see a potential future husband up ahead, chat with ya later" She fluffed her hair then strutted across the way. Hikari looked up at the sky, the moon was out. She decided to follow her friend. If she hadn't been so absorbed in her thoughts she would've seen a figure hiding in a tree not too far from her. She would've thought it was Naruto except for one small detail, his eyes were Sharigan red.
Naruto had finally stopped in a quiet grassy area. He laid on his back and watched the stars. He was annoyed, not because of Hikari though he did wonder about she had been doing , with Sakura. When he went over to find out what was going on she started to explain that she was starting to forgive Sasuke. She hadn't said exactly what they had been talking about but it was obvious that she was happy.
"How can you forgive him like this?"
"When we talked it was like old times again. He seems really sorry for what he's done"
"Ha! 'Seems' is the key word in there. Its probably a trick"
"Maybe that's the difference between us, I want us all to be friends again. We'll have to let go eventually"
"Its his fault not mine so don't tell me to forgive him and act like everything's ok when it isn't"
"I'm not saying that but you cant be mad at him forever, especially since he plans to stay here permanently"
"What?!"
"He's waiting for the Hokage's approval"
"Sakura come here!" Ino shouted from some feet away
"I'm gonna go but Naruto I want you to at least try. He wants to talk to you but you've made it known you don't want to deal with him" She patted him on the shoulder Try for me at least"
"Blu whats wrong?" Hikari sprawled out next to him
"Sakura wants me to forgive Sasuke, what do you think?"
"You can if you want, either way its gonna take time to rebuild your relationship but why does it seem easier for her than you?"
"She was in love with him once, maybe that's why" He mumbled "Him not me Hikari". She blushed in embarrassment
"I thought you forgot about that"
"It only happened five minutes ago" He grinned "Sakura would've never dated me, Sasuke was the one she wanted but he didn't have the same feelings"
"You make it appear like you're un-dateable"
"According to your future uncle-in-law I'm also un-marriable"
"That's not true"
"Doesn't matter"
"People think that what they say has no affect on you simply because you always cover it up with that smile of yours. You don't have to do that"
"So you're a psychiatrist now?"
"Its just a suggestion" There was a pause
"Sorry, I'm just…I don't know"
"Its ok, but I will take money for my advice" Naruto laughed "How's Mom?"
"I don't call her that, I've gotten too used to 'old hag'. She tried to cook me dinner the other night but almost set my place on fire. Shizune usually cooks and brings her something to eat or she eats out"
"She reminds me of my Dad at times"
"You've never told me about your family"
"Where do you want me to start?"
"Your mom"
"Lets see…she's quiet and reserved, always thinks before she opens her mouth. Very pretty, at least to me. She's also very clumsy, I get that from her. She once tripped over her own feet, while trying to keep from falling she ran into a wall"
"Sounds like you. Neji told me she's dying from some poison or something". Hikari knitted her eyebrows, trying to remember that conversation
"Oh Yeah!" She laughed "I told him that so he'd leave me alone. She's perfectly fine"
"Wow Hikari"
"I know but he was being annoying, anyways where was I? Next is my sister, Miya"
"Miya?!"
"Yep, by the way the white wasn't her natural hair color"
"That would explain a lot"
"You already know about her so I'll move on to my brother, Hiro. He always looks like he just woke up. All the village girls are in love with him, sorta like Sasuke, except he's dated many of them"
"Complete opposites"
"He switches girlfriends when they bore him which is around every few weeks or so. Then there's my youngest brother, Minoru. He has the foulest mouth and he's very blunt"
"How old is he?"
"Around fourteen I think, he's almost exactly like my Dad who swears as much as he does"
"Your Mom doesn't say anything?"
"She does but they don't really listen. I remember this one time when our family was having dinner with this other clan who had a son. My grandma was trying to work out some marriage before the whole Hyuga thing. The guy was gorgeous but was one of those girly guys"
"Sasuke's that type"
"My brother never liked him. He sat next to me while the guy was directly across from him. It was him and his parents then our family. While we're eating Minoru says 'Why do you look so much like a bitch?'"
"He really said that?!"
"Yeah, he wasn't fourteen then. Only ten or so. Anyways he said that and there's this stunned silence then Hiro starts laughing. Miya almost choked on her food. My Mom stopped her food midway to her mouth. The guys dad looked to my Dad to see if he would reprimand Mino but he simply crossed his arms and said 'That's a very valid question, why do you look so much like a bitch? I don't want to wonder one day if my grandchild is a boy or a girl" Naruto laughed "My Grandma was at the other end of the table. She shook her head then kept eating. I never saw him again after that"
"They allow him to be that outspoken?"
"Yeah, my Mom's grateful that its only Mino who ended up like my Dad. I think that was the day I met Gaara and his sibs"
"I haven't seen him in a while"
"His sister trained under my mom, she's pretty good. She and Miya are best friends"
"Maybe when all this stuff is over I could come up and visit some time, I could bring Tsunade and make it a vacation"
"That'd be cool" She yawned "I'm gonna rest my eyes for a second"
"Ok" Both were sleep in a few minutes. Silently a figure bent over Hikari
"Wake up" it whispered
"What?" She opened her eyes to see Naruto bent over her
"I wanna show you something" She groaned, she was still half sleep but she got up and followed him. Meanwhile Naruto felt himself being nudged. He woke to see Icee whining
"Whats wrong?"
"He's trying to tell you that Hikari is gone" A voice answered. Naruto bolted up to see Kisane sitting in the grass across from him.
"Itachi's here!" Naruto jumped to his feet
"They went to talk. We should do that too" He rose to his feet and pulled out his sword. Above Naruto in a tree sat the masked woman watching.
A note from me: That comment about Akane being allergic to b.s. I got from I, Robot. Didn't want anyone thinking I made it up.