As the month before the Graduation Exams comes to a close Naruto decides to stop at Ichiraku Ramen for a bite to eat before heading home but as he's about to place his order he senses someone watching him. "You just going to watch me eat again or are you actually going to join me this time, Hinata-chan," he says to the shy heiress hiding around the corner.
Hinata slowly steps out from around the corner and sits down two chairs away from him with her index fingers fiddling together. "Gomen,' she says softly unable to meet his gaze. Over the last four years the two of them have slowly become friends and for the most part he has helped her out of her shell although there were still a few rough spots left to iron out.
"What's wrong Hinata," he asks dropping the chan for the moment. "And don't tell me nothing because we both know you only play with your fingers when something's bothering you," he reminds her.
"It's… my father wants…" she begins placing her hands on her lap but still refusing to meet his eyes. "My father wants me to…" she trails off unable to finish her thought before tears slowly begin to run down her face.
"Your father wants you to either beat Hanabi-chan for the position of Clan Heiress or he wants you to marry you off to someone better suited to run the Clan," Naruto finishes for her as he moves to the stool beside her.
"The former," she tells him trying her best not to sob. Although her father has made her spar with her younger sister many times over the last couple of years this was the first time he has ever made it into an actual fight between the two.
"Do you want to be the heiress," Naruto asks allowing her to cry on his shoulder.
"No but if I lose," she sobs clinging tightly to her only real friend in the world.
"That's not what I asked," he reminds her gently. "Do you want to be the heiress," he asks again although he knows perfectly well what would happen if she loses the fight. Like all members of the Meimeikira Clan's Main family he has studied the laws of not only Konoha but of all the Clans in the village as well and as a result has begun to form a plan to help his friend since she told him of her troubles.
"No," she answers honestly between sobs.
"Then come with me," he tells her as he gently helps her up. "I've got an idea that might work but I need to check something out first."
0o0o0o0o0
They arrive at the Meimeikira Compound and nod to the guards on their way inside. Once inside they proceed through the Main House and directly to the Clan's archives where Naruto quickly finds the scroll he's looking for. Sitting down at one of the large desks Naruto unrolls the scroll and begins reading it until he comes to what he's looking for.
"Found it," he tells Hinata. "I was right," he says showing her the law passed by the Nidaime Hokage. "It says here that any member of one of the Clans fearing persecution from their Clan may seek sanctuary from another Clan in the village until a Meeting of the Clans can be called at which time the person facing persecution may present their case to the Heads of the other Clans."
"That's great and all Naruto-kun," she says sadly, "But what if the meeting doesn't go our way?"
"That's where this law comes in," he smiles reassuringly showing her another law the Second Hokage had passed before his death. "It is the right of the Clans to call a trail by combat when matters pertaining to Clan Laws are in dispute during a Clan Head Meeting," he informs her. "According to the law any non-shinobi member of the Clans that calls for a trail by combat has the right to select any shinobi they wish to fight in their stead."
"But who do we know that would be willing to act as my Champion," she asks trying not to get her hopes up too much.
"Well since I'm a First Level Assassin by Meimeikira Clan Law I qualify as a Genin," he tells her slightly proud of his accomplishment.
"But what if they choose an ANBU as your opponent," she tells him fearful for his safety.
"It's possible though not very likely," he replies casually. "Most of the Hyuuga ANBU are in the AS Division and would never fight a Meimeikira out of respect." His voice and body language changes to show his seriousness about the situation. "It's the only option you have unless you're willing to fight for your right to Lead the Hyuugas after your father steps down," he tells her plainly.
"But you can't," she tells him fighting back tears at the thought of her best and only real friend being hurt at the hands of one of her kinsmen.
"I'll be fine," he assures her. "I'm a Meimeikira remember. We never fight unless we have to and even then only when we know we can win," he says giving her a confident grin.
"Please Naruto-kun," she almost cries, "Don't do this. There has to be another way."
"We could ask Itachi," he offers, "But he's usually pretty busy with his Missions. I suppose someone from my Clan would be willing to do it but there's no guarantee they'll leave their opponent alive since we're trained to take lives not preserve them."
"So that's our only choice then," she asks sadly, "You fighting and possibly dying to help me or someone from your Clan killing someone from my Clan… Not much of a choice is it?"
"That's life unfortunately," he tells her sadly.
"What about the Byakugan," she asks, "Even if they agree to the trail by combat and permit me to remain with your Clan they'll never allow me to simply leave without the Caged Bird Seal."
"Actually there is a way around that," he informs her with a slight smirk. "It seems that the Uchihas had a seal back before they joined Konoha that would seal the Sharingan when one of them died," he tells her. "It hasn't been used in a few generations but according to Mikoto-obasan the design still exists in the Uchiha archives. We could have one of my Clan's Seal Masters apply that seal before the Meeting and that way the Hyuugas would have no reason to object. And even if they did then we still have the option of the right of Combat."
"Okay," she says after thinking about it for a few minutes. Although she will miss her family this is the only chance she sees for an actual life freed from the fear of her Clan's accursed Seal.
0o0o0o0o0
Three days later the Heads of all the Clans convened for the meeting to discuss the matter of Hinata Hyuuga and her claim of sanctuary within the Meimeikira Clan. Presiding over the matter was the Godaime Hokage with her former Sensei to her right and his Teammates and most trusted advisors seated to her left. "I now call this meeting to order," she says to all those assembled.
"We are here to discus the request of sanctuary Hinata Hyuuga made to the Meimeikira Clan for their protection from the Hyuuga Clan," she reminds everyone. "Would Hinata please step forward." Hinata slowly rises from her seat beside Naruto and under the stern and disapproving stare of her father steps in front of the Clan Heads before bowing respectfully to the Hokage. "Please explain to us why you have sought sanctuary from your own Clan Hinata-chan."
"I…I did not wish to fight Hanabi-chan for the position of Clan heiress," she informs them. "I also did not wish to be banished to the Branch Family and receive the Caged Bird Seal so at Naruto-kun's suggestion I asked his Grandfather for sanctuary within their Clan."
"And have you renounced your position as Clan Heiress," the Hokage asks sympathetically.
"Hai," she replies. "I informed my father and the elders of the Hyuuga Council that I renounced my claim to the Heiress position when I collected my belongings that same night."
"I see," the Sannin replies. "Are there any further questions that this Council wishes to ask," she inquires of the others.
"I wish to know why we are even here when this is obviously a Hyuuga matter," Hiashi demands. "As her father it is my right to deal with my own child as I see fit."
"If I may," Naruto interrupts standing up from his seat. "I would like to speak on Hinata-chan's behalf."
"The Council recognizes Naruto Meimeikira," Tsunade says allowing the Academy student to speak for his friend.
"Arigato Hokage-sama," Naruto replies before addressing the head of the Hyuuga Clan. "Hiashi-sama am I correct in assuming that your main objection to Hinata's request of sanctuary is because she was not given the Caged Bird Seal?"
"It is the right of every Clan to guard their Clan's secrets as they see fit," Hiashi replies. "The Hyuuga Clan can not allow the risk of the secrets of the Byakugan to fall into enemy hands."
"Hinata-chan," he says to the former heiress. Hinata turns around and pulls down the back of her jacket exposing her neck to the council. Everyone except Hiruko and Mikoto gasp as they see the strange Seal Tattooed there. "The Head of the Uchiha Clan was kind enough to allow one of the Meimeikira Seal Masters to use one their Clan's Seals," he informs them. "Like the Caged Bird Seal it seals the wearer's Kekkei Genki when they die. Does this meet with the Hyuuga's approval?"
"This is outrageous," Hiashi replies using all of his self control to reign in his anger and maintain his stern mask of perfect control. "I will not allow this farce to continue," he informs them. "I demand that my daughter returns with me right now and that you," he says pointing an accusing finger at Naruto, "Stay away from her."
"No," Hinata yells catching everyone off guard. "I will not return," she says firmly. "I demand a trail by combat and choose Naruto-kun for my Champion." This statement has the effect of several raised eyebrows as well as one laughing Inuzuka.
"She's got you by the balls there," Tsume laughs holding her sides at the look of utter shock on the face of the Hyuuga leader.
"According to Konoha Law she does have the right to trail by combat," Shibi points out with only the faintest hint of amusement in his voice.
"Under Meimeikira Clan Law," Hiruko adds not bothering to hide either his face or his enjoyment of this turn of events. "Naruto-kun is a First Level Assassin," he informs them, "That makes him the equivalent of a Genin."
"How troublesome," Shikaku yawns although his amusement is still fairly apparent, "It seems they've done their homework on the Nidaime's Laws governing the Clan's and their rights in Konoha." His former Teammates and best friends just laugh at the Hyuuga standing there with his mouth hanging open frozen by his daughter's declaration.
"I would add the stipulation that the match be to First Blood," Mikoto suggests trying to suppress her giggles, "Or else Naruto-kun's likely to kill whoever you choose as your Clan's representative." With what remains of his dignity barely intact Hiashi storms out of the room to consult with the Elders of his Clan about a suitable representative for their Clan.
0o0o0o0o0
Three days later an ever stoic and stone faced Hyuuga Leader sits in his Clan's private viewing box surrounded by the Hyuuga Clan Elders as well as most of the Shinobi from the Main Family as well as several Shinobi and ANBU from the Branch Family. All around the arena the stands are filled with off duty Shinobi from all of the Clans as well as sever prominent Clanless Shinobi and ANBU as they prepare to watch the Trail by Combat to determine Hinata's and possibly Naruto's fate.
Out of some morbid curiosity Iruka and Mizuki arranged for a special field trip for their class and were granted permission from the Hokage to allow Naruto's and Hinata's Classmates to watch the match in hopes that it would help their students to better understand how things worked in the Shinobi World. While most of the Class sat with the pair of Chunins the Clan Heirs were allowed to sit with their Parents in their respective Clan boxes although due to a lack of members Mikoto allowed the Academy Students to join her and her sons in the Uchiha Clan Box.
0o0o0o0o0
"Is it too late to change my mind," Hinata asks sadly trying not to cry in front of her best friend and his Clan. The Hyuuga Elders had had no choice but to agree to the Trail by Combat and as Naruto had predicted none of the Hyuuga ANBU had wanted to oppose him out of respect for his Clan. As a result they had selected a Jounin from the Main Family as his opponent. They had also refused to allow what they perceived as an outright public humiliation of their Clan to be settled with a simple First Blood fight and demanded that the match be to the death so as to set an example for the rest of the Clans.
"Yeah," Naruto replies softly behind his mask. He is in full Meimeikira Shinobi attire and has been mentally preparing himself to either take his first life or to meet his own death with his head held high.
"You don't have to do this," Hinata pleads, "You can withdraw."
"No I can't," he tells her, "Neither mine nor my Clan's honor will permit me from committing such a shameful act."
"To hell with your honor," she cries out shocking those around them. "I don't want you to die because of me."
"You're one of the few I would die for," he says softly wiping away her tears with his gloved hand. "You're my best friend and you deserve a chance to be free. I was the one who talked you into this," he reminds her as he gently guides her to an empty seat beside his mother. "I got you into this mess," he says placing a comforting hand on her shoulder as she begins to sob softly into his mother's shoulder. "Now it's time to get you out." He looks at the still crying girl one last time before back flipping over the railing to the arena floor below. Landing in a crouching position he slowly rises to his full height before turning to face the Hyuuga. The entrance would have been more impressive if his opponent wasn't nearly twice his age or almost a full foot taller then him.
"This Trail by Combat is to decide fate of Hinata Hyuuga," the Hokage calls out reminding everyone why they are gathered. "There are no rules and no referee," she says shocking nearly all of the Academy Students watching the uneven match up below them, "The fight will continue until one of the participants kills his opponent."
0o0o0o0o0
"That's insane," Sakura says from her seat behind Sasuke and his family. "She can't be serious. How can everyone just allow this to happen?"
"Shut up," and angry Sasuke snaps at his pink haired Classmate shocking not only her but also the rest of his fan club and everyone else in the box. "This is Naruto's decision," he informs his fellow Academy Students, "He's doing this to help a friend and you will either be quiet or I will remove you from my Clan's box myself."
"Sasuke-kun…" she gasps at the anger her crush is directing at her. Her eyes shimmer with unshed tears as she sits quietly so as not to upset the young Uchiha further.
Sasuke's eyes never leave his cousin's back even when he feels a hand on his shoulder. "You're growing up otouto," Itachi tells him with a hint of pride in his voice as their mother nods her agreement.
0o0o0o0o0
The match begins quickly and ends just as abruptly as the Hyuuga lunges at the young Meimeikira wishing to end the fight with a fatal Juuken strike to the boy's heart with speed and grace no Genin much less an Academy student could hope to match much less beat. What he did not count on was the preteen to simply drop to his knees to get under his guard nor the blade in the boy's right armguard to shoot out and stab him in the stomach.
As he slowly rises to his feet Naruto twists the blade in the man's stomach opening the wound further causing it to bleed even more as the Hyuuga tries to grab him so that he doesn't fall over. Naruto retracts the blade back into his armguard allowing the man's blood to flow freely as he places his hands on opposing shoulders of the dying Hyuuga which has the effect of crossing his arms in front of him. "Goodbye Hyuuga-san," he says as both blades in his armguards shoot out on either side of the Jounin's neck. Uncrossing his arms quickly he cuts the man's head off before retracting his blades as the now headless body falls at his feet.
Naruto slowly walks to the walls of the arena and silently walks up the wall towards the Hyuuga Box. Standing on the railing he looks Hiashi in the eyes as he speaks his voice as cold as ice. "His death is on your hands not mine," he tells the Hyuuga Leader. "You should have listened to Mikoto Obasan when she told you to make it to first blood," he reminds the white eyed man. "As far as Konoha is concerned the matter with Hinata is closed," he tells him, "She is now under the protection of my Clan and you will leave her alone."
"Are you threatening us boy," one of the Elders demands.
"He isn't but I am," Hiruko Meimeikira says as he appears beside his Grandson alone with Kushina and three Meimeikira ANBU. "If anyone from your Clan harms her then I will personally see everyone of you dead," he tells them before he and his Clan leave the arena to return Hinata to the safety of their Clan's Compound.
"Are we just going to allow them to get away with this," another Elder demands.
"Yes," Hiashi answers. "We lost and I will not have our Clan's honor tarnished further by this matter," he informs them with an edge of coldness to his voice that chills them to their core. "Hinata is lost to us and it is not worth risking a Clan War over one girls regardless of what words may have been spoken." With so many witnesses and the Hokage herself watching the Elders are forced to agree with their Clan's leader and return to their Compound in defeat with their heads held high. 'I'm sorry I failed you so badly Hinata-chan,' Hiashi thinks to himself during the long walk to his Clan's Compound. 'I only pray that you can finally find the happiness that I was forced to deny you. I failed you as a father and can only pray that I can keep from failing your sister and Neji as well… Goodbye my daughter.'
0o0o0o0o0
A/N: And…Cut. Another Chapter down and oh so many more yet to come. Now before you all begin to flood me with reviews about this being a Naruto/Hinata story let me just say now that it isn't. I have other pairings in mind for those two but I won't say which yet, after all I don't want to ruin the surprise. This chapter was mostly to show how far Naruto is willing to go to help a friend in need. As far as Hinata's emotional outburst… well that was due to the fact that she thought she had sentenced her best friend to death at the hands of her then Clan.
Now I know some of you may think Naruto's a bit overpowered but come on how can it be overpowered when all he did was dropdown and stab the guy in the gut. If anything it's fighting smart or fighting dirty depending on your point of view.
Anyways until next time… please remember to read and review.
Later Raven.