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Chapter 3
Kakashi sighed, as he woke earlier today his little girl was attacked and he intended to demand punishment in the highest form. Even if it caused him to have another incident with the Uchiha clan, they had hated him and wished his death after the war and Obito's gift. There were only three members of that particular clan that he trusted one-hundred percent.
Yawning again he rubbed the sleep from his eyes, before for they rested on the clock it was getting later but thankfully he'd been released from his duty until they were sure that Naruto was stable. As his hand dragged across his face, he finally noticed something out of the corner of his eye, medium length brown hair was falling over his shoulder… and a slow grin slipped across his face. He'd never really taken the time to get to know one Umino Iruka… but now seemed like as good a time as any, the best part… the younger man was extremely cute.
Though he had to admit having a warm body snuggled up against his while waiting on his child, (and he had come to accept that Naruto really was his child after this incident). "Iruka-san," Kakashi spoke lowly, he didn't want to disrupt Naruto if she was anywhere near consciousness.
"Noo… sleepy… bad clock." Iruka just snuggled closer, he didn't know why it was so warm in his bedroom but he really liked it.
Kakashi snickered, oh yes… he know had blackmail material then again… maybe he could just use it to bribe the younger man on a date. "Now, now Iruka-san it's time to get up, I doubt you acted like this in ANBU." Then again he was never three hours late for anything while he was in ANBU either.
Iruka finally opened his eyes, he'd been sleeping so well it had been warm and comfortable… one could say it was the feeling of safety. Yawning, he began to blink at he looked up something was a little odd about his ceiling one it was this odd beige color and two there was a single eye staring down at him that seemed to be surrounded in black and metal.
As his vision began to clear so did his memory, he and Kakashi had both stayed with Naruto after the Hokage left earlier in the day. At some point the two of them had settled down on the couch to relax, he must had fallen asleep at some point while they were sitting. A slightly blush ran across his tanned cheeks, "I'm sorry for falling asleep on you Kakashi."
"Ahah, I don't mind… feel free to sleep all over me." Kakashi's grin grew at the blush that ran across the younger man's face. And for once he had to wonder why he'd never noticed the man before, they had met several times in the past both in ANBU and when things had been going down at the school for sabotage.
Iruka could feel his cheeks now flame to life, why was he so interested now? Did being around Naruto make that big of a change in his life? "Ah… would you like to go out to eat?" Maybe this would distract him…
"Ohh, are you asking me on a date Iruka?" Kakashi asked, practically purring in the smaller man's ear. He could feel Iruka shudder, hear his heart beginning to speed and he could even smell the nervousness and excitement wafting off the younger man.
"Noo… I mean,… yes… I mean…"
Kakashi chuckled, "I'll leave you alone, for now. Come on." Kakashi grabbed the Iruka's hand, dragging the man as he went. He knew exactly where he wanted to eat out, it was Naruto's favorite he often had to force the girl home to eat healthier food. He kept telling her that she was going to be short forever if she kept eating Ramen.
"Ichiraku Ramen Bar?" Iruka asked he'd finally managed to stop being dragged though he had to admit that he didn't mind having his hand held.
Kakashi nodded, "Yeah, it's something that's been here for most of my life." Between Minato, Obito, Kushina and then Naruto it had been hard trying to get Ichiraku OUT of his life.
Iruka raised a question eyebrow, "What do you mean?" He asked, he had to admit that he was more than a little curious about what was going on in the silver haired man's head.
"Kakashi… where's Naruto?" An older man questioned, he was as bald as a baby's bottom and somewhere in his fifties. He was a heavy set man who looked very much the part of a Ramen chief.
Kakashi felt his mood deflate, "She was hurt at school."
Teuchi scowled, "What happened?" The older man was a little over protective sometime but it just couldn't be helped, Naruto was a sweet little girl… when they could get the girl to stop cursing, not that anyone had gotten much success in that particular area of training.
Ayame frowned, "Well is she alright?" Both owner and waitress became worried, when both men looked toward the other and simply shook their heads in a silent no.
"She's in a coma, Ayame-chan… they say she should wake up but that they're not positive, if Tsunade-sama was still here it would be a different matter…" Kakashi answered finally, it hurt knowing he hadn't been able to protect her, he'd made a promise and he hadn't been able to keep it.
Iruka frowned, "That's true, but at least the assailant was caught… I'm afraid he's going to have a very harsh punishment placed on his head. Especially after this is all said and done." He added a thoughtful look on his face.
Teuchi sighed, he didn't really understand Ninja rules or regulations but he also hoped that the two youngsters in front of him didn't need to dwell on something that was obviously hurting them both. "Sooo what do the two of you want?"
"I'd like two large bowls of Miso, with a side of beef." Kakashi finally answered.
"A large pork for me, please." Iruka smiled, warmly in return. He's never been here before though it wasn't hard to believe that Naruto loved Ramen. She'd pointedly asked him shortly after they'd returned from lunch if they could go out to eat. He'd been surprised but had to answer honestly, there was no rule keeping the students here for lunch.
Teuchi smiled, it was large and warm just like his place it had been there since Sarutobi's range, it had been his daddy's now it was his. It would belong to his daughter, and he hoped it continued to stay in the family after he passed on, "I've never seen you here before." He commented looking toward Iruka in amusement.
"Ah, yes… this is the first time I've been but Naruto talked about this place today after school." Iruka responded, in kind.
The older man nodded, "She must have liked you then, that girl has the best person sensing ability I've ever had the delight to see in person."
Kakashi laughed lightly at the confused expression on Iruka's face, "Naruto… because of the way she grew up in the slums of Konoha. I think she knows innately those who are kind and good, she also seems to know the end of the spectrum as well… those who like to cause harm." Kakashi sighed, on more than one occasion the small blonde had walked into something that would have been safer to turn the other cheek to.
"How so?" Iruka frowned, curious.
Kakashi grinned, "Naruto might seem rough around the edges, but she's got a heart of gold. You don't know how many times while I was on her watch rotation, I would watch her bring animals of all shapes and sizes into that crappy thing that they called an apartment. Or even kids… the area she came from was cruel to children, so they tended to stick together, even with the so called demon brat. That's how she knows that Lee boy, Gai is so crazy about."
Iruka blinked in surprise, "Animals?"
"Yeah, last year she was wondering around the dump looking for something I don't really have an idea as to what it was. But suddenly she just stopped, looking around for something and pushed this piece of metal over, behind it there were three little kittens. She took them home, and took care of them, two of them she got Yugao to give away for her. And she kept the last… that damn cats going to go nuts when Naruto doesn't come home tonight." Kakashi sighed, that darn cat, Narumi was just as crazy as its owner.
Iruka burst into laughter, he could only imagine Yugao trying to give kittens away, and he wouldn't be the least bit surprised if she'd simply kept the two. "You make a good father, Kakashi."
Kakashi blinked in surprise before his cheeks like up red like a tomato. All three people nearby looked on with fascination, none of them have ever seen the relatively stoical man get that red before,
"Ah… my apologies if I over stepped my boundaries." Iruka sighed, he hadn't meant to bother Kakashi. But he'd seen firsthand how he cared for the little girl and didn't really understand how that didn't qualify as being a father.
"Ah, no I don't mind I'm just surprised." Kakashi replied, he rubbed the back of his head slightly in embarrassment. Both men seemed to go quiet after that, both of them lost inside their own thoughts and ideas. As they separated Iruka found himself wondering home to clean up for the next day, while Kakashi found himself walking back toward Naruto's room at the hospital.
Kakashi looked at the ANBU members outside her room briefly, nodding he walked through and closed the door. It wouldn't keep them from hearing what was going on inside the room but it would give him a sense of privacy and at this point that was really all he was looking forward.
"Hey, Naru. I gotta say kid you never do things the easy way do you? You're just like your mom… but you look so much like your dad." Kakashi felt a deep pain stabbing at his heart, there were so many good moments in his life, but they were almost always overshadowed by something horrible. This was just the thing he should be used to, when he'd graduated from the academy… nearly weeks later his father committed suicide, roughly a week after his promotion to Jounin, Obito was kill crushed by a boulder, the next instance was his excitement of being a big brother… followed by his second father and teacher, and remaining teammate during the Kyuubi attack. It was as if he had his own personal curse, created to take what he loved from him.
Kakashi looked up, an eyebrow raised as the door opened "What is it Tenzo?" He could recognize this particular ANBU member he'd worked with the younger man several times over the year. Besides calling him Tenzo always did get on his little juniors last nerve.
Tenzo could feel his eyebrow twitching in annoyance, even if there was no one to hear his code name that didn't mean that Kakashi could just throw it around like it was no big deal. Coughing to hide his irritation, he finally spoke, "The Hokage wants you at the tower, a meeting had been called between the Shinobi Heads, and I believe the civilian council is trying to sit in on the meeting."
Kakashi nodded, it was an unspoken message for several Jounins. When this message was passed, all those available were to be at the meeting to help remove the civilian council soon things were going to come to head and the Fire Lord would be informed of the transactions against the Hokage and his ninja.
Just thinking about what could and might happen to this meeting tonight was enough to get anyone's heart flowing Politician or otherwise. Looking over the small blonde once more, Kakashi did something that seemed very out of character for someone who worked in Assassination and Infiltration, long fingers brushed loose strands of hair away from Naruto's face before he kissed her forehead and promised to return with the coming hours.
Tenzo blinked in surprise, for as long as he'd known one Kakashi Hatake he's been nothing, but an efficient cold blooded killer and Captain of the top ANBU team known to the shinobi corps. Looking back toward two of the four ANBU members who had been assigned to watch over Naruto Uzumaki, he could tell just from their body language that they were thinking the same thing. Kakashi had found his heart again, and no one could really be certain what kind of change that would have on the ANBU itself.
O
Hiruzen looked over the assembled members of the council and felt frustrated and more than a little aggravated. Why the civilian council was even there he didn't know but tonight he and the Fire Lord was going to put a stop to this nonsense… and while he wasn't extremely happy that Danzo's Ni was still active he was going to start using it soon.
"Council… why is the civilians here?" Hiruzen's eyes narrowed on Homura and Koharu… he cared deeply for his teammates but their manipulations would be no more.
"They need to be informed of what is happening, Sarutobi." Koharu frowned, there was a look of disbelief across her face. As if she wasn't sure what to do with the fact that the Hokage was questioning her wisdom.
"Get out."
Everything seemed to pause at the anger and killing intent that came out with those to small words. Several clan heads seemed to do a double take as if they weren't certain that their hokage had spoken in such away to the civilian council, when they looked back many of them felt uncertain about this meeting.
"But Hokage-sama… we need to be informed about the de… aih mean Uzumaki-san… if she is a danger to people."
"Councilor Haruno, if you and your compartriots aren't out of this meeting chamber within the next ten minutes I will have all of you excicuted for Treason, is that understood?" Hiruzen asked, he was no longer going to be everyones kind grandfather, if he had to be the professor so be it. They had treated Konoha as if it was little better than a play ground for them to make money off them, no more.
Several of the smarter members of council took off immediately, the recognized that look a general leading his men into the third, some of them had seen him at his prime in the second war.
Several Jounins who'd been invited to the meeting had pleased expressions on there faces, they had no idea that over the next three years there would be major changes within Konoha. Konoha had been weak, and that was going to stop starting today.
"Take them to Ibiki." Hiruzen waved his hand, the Anbu at his command moved with something akin to light speed, those who hadn't believed the Hokage were truly regretting there decision to try to push the older mans buttons.
Danzo felt a cold smile creep across his face, it had been a long time since the God of Shinobi, the world reknowned Professor had made his appreance in Konoha. And it seemed as if those idiotic Uchiha had pushed his old teammate over the edge, and into a fury he himself had never seen before. He would have to thank them.
"Who would like to start this meeting?" Hiruzen finally asked, staring many of the members of the shinobi council.
Homura coughed roughly, " I would like to bring up the attack upon the Kurama heir today at the Academy, and some of the rumors surrounding this incident."
A sudden poof of smoke rose up behind the Hokage's left side, "Yakumo-chan wasn't the only one attacked, and I'm sure the Tsurugis' will be rather angry that one of their employees was attacked in such away. And needless to say I'm very upset." Everyone was listening to the speaker, then again when Dog spoke people tended to listen they just couldn't help it. That and you could hear the barely contained fury that seemed to radiating off the experienced nin.
"The Tsurugis'? What would they have anything to do with this?" Koharu scoffed.
Shikaku rolled his eyes, "Other than they supply rough half the supplies our shinobi use, absolutely nothing, this is so Troublesome." The man sighed, before dropping his head on to the table in front of him
"Ah..that right….Naruto rang me out when I needed some sealing scrolls. She certainly is a friendly one." Choza nodded, "She's been working there for the last two weeks after school and on the weekends I believe. I do believe Kenton will be very angry once Tenten gets home from school."
Several members of the room simply shuddered, Kenton Tsurugi was a master swordsman he'd helped create Hayate Gekko and Yugao Uzuki. Between his monstrous strength from his forge work and his talent with sword play he was one man that very few in Konoha wanted to piss off, it was rumored he and Ibiki Morino were the best of friends… which led to more questions than most of the Shinobi population wanted answered.
Murakumo Kurama finally spoke up, it was his daughter that was attacked and he was far from pleased with the outcome. Yakumo had come home in tears, thrown herself at her mother and told her that her first friend had been attacked at school and was now in the hospital. "While I can do nothing for Naruto Uzumaki at this moment, I offer her the protection of my house. From this point forward, anyone who attacks the girl will be attacking the Kurama clan. And let it be known that I will seek justice. As such I wish the Uchiha boy be put on trial."
For several moments things were quiet before it exploded into chaos, several smaller clans were shouting out disgust for the demon lover. Other larger clans could only look on with amusement, the Kurama Clan was rebounding from the war at a fast rate, and the current heir wasn't someone they wanted to get on the bad side of.
"I find it understandable that you would wish to punish the boy but he is also just a child." Fugaku spoke up a frown on his face, while he and his clan help great talent in the field of Genjutsu the only one with a massive ability in it was his son, and recently both he and Shishu could be found talking with things with a number of individuals that disagreed with how he ran their clan.
Tsume snorted, "If the boy was old enough to graduate then he was old enough to be considered an adult. Don't make excuses, that boy attacked part of the pack because he was angry and couldn't and didn't control his temper. Don't try to shift the blame on Naruto or Yakumo."
Fugaku practically snarled, "I said nothing about the girls."
Several head stared at the Uchiha head, before Hiashi spoke, "I think Tsume's point was that you were trying to ignore what your clan member did, it's not acceptable. As clan members of Konoha our children must be beyond reproach, even if Ozuru is from your branch clan he should have better control."
"So I should put a leash on them like you do? I would much prefer my kin to be free verses trapped under my feet like slaves." Fugaku snorted in contempt he doubted that he or the Hyuuga man would ever get along.
"ENOUGH!" Hiruzen roared, almost everyone was startled by the sudden anger, "This is not about who does what with their clan this is about the fact that Uchiha Ozuru has no respect for the members of this society. This Trial will be based on Innocence or GUILT, nothing else. Is that understood or should I send you out like children name calling in the hallway?" The cold amusement suggested that everyone involved leading up to said argument would be sent out… not one of them wanted to find out were.
"Tsuru, Saru… give the clan head your findings." He commanded, it had been a long time since people had jumped to do as he demanded and from now on they were going to ask how high until he was satisfied with how Konoha was run.
The ANBU member Saru shuddered, he was extremely glad that anger wasn't being sent his way. "Hai, Hokage-sama, At roughly 1602(4:02pm) hundred hours we were alerted by chunin Tatami Iwashi that there had been an attack at Konoha Ninja Academy, Tsuru and myself were deployed at 1605 hundred hours, we arrived at 1609 hundred hours from the ANBU base 3. Upon arrival Tsuru spoke with one Kurama Youko, and Tsurugi Tenten, both had seen what happened up close."
Tsuru continued, her voice was low and but strong soprano. "Kurama-san spoke about the two of them leaving and trying to find something to do before they both began to practice for the afternoon, Kurama-san for her genjutsu, Uzumaki-san for her part time job at Tsurugi's they had roughly thirty to forty minutes before they both needed to be places. During this conversation Uchiha Ozuru walked into the two girls, he promptly began to yell at Uzumaki-san. The two got into something of a disagreement, before the two girls turned and left leaving the boy there. After that it's a little blurry for Kurama-san because she was attacked from the back and just barely avoided being hit by the flame. Tsurugi Tenten on the other hand go a firsthand view as she was walking toward the two girls, Ozuru drew back in angry and used a fire jutsu more specifically "Fire Release: Grand Fireball"." Tsuru paused everyone could tell that she was disgusted by the actions of the boy though she was trying to keep her voice clear of that type of emotion.
Saru almost sighed, he knew Tsuru had a disdain for the Uchiha clan many people had after the war and what many people dubbed the "Obito incident." Or then again a lot of people had speculated about the fact that the Uchiha had lost little to none of their kin during the Kyuubi attack that brought up even more questions.
Looking toward the Hokage, Saru finally continued at the nod of approval, "Tsurugi-san stated that Uzumaki-san froze up with shock before a huge amount of chakra seemed to explode from her friend, apparently it was a brilliant shade of blue and green, before it seemed to dissipate into the air and run across the ground before it seemed to twist together before rising up in front of her to make tree trunks that was woven together like vines. She said it looked a lot like the Shodai's Mokuton, ANBU member Kuma confirmed the use of Mokuton."
"And how would he do this?" Inoichi asked, calmly.
Hiruzen waved at the members of ANBU telling them to calm themselves, "That is none of your concern Inoichi, just know that Tenzo was born from my students greed, as such he has qualifications than none in the village save Tsunade could have." A pained look ran across the wizened man's face and a quiet seemed to settle across the others as they contemplated what could have been done to the young man.
"Continue Tsuru." The Hokage barked
"Hai, Hokage-sama, upon having a confirmation of event we returned to base to file our report and findings." Tsuru sighed, leaving his statement.
"What happened to Uzumaki Naruto?" Choza asked, he was one of few clans that would sell to the small blond when she lived in the orphanage.
Saru nodded before flipping the file open, "According to Tsurugi Tenten, her teacher chunin Umino Iruka grabbed the girl as quickly as possible and took off toward the hospital, at one point he ran into Hyuuga Neji. He grabbed the young Hyuuga and gave the command to use his Byakugan to see her chakra coils because of his diagnosis of chakra shock. Promptly upon arriving at the hospital, the girl was rushed into the intensive rehab for the aforementioned diagnosis."
"Yes, Umino Iruka is possibly the best the academy has to offer… we're rather lucky to have him." Hiruzen chuckled. Several clan hands had to nod, the chunins' who had been in charge of their children had reacted in a quick and efficient manner.
"How many children reported the same thing?" Shikaku asked, he was a lazy man and if all the children gave the same report… well then it would be a pretty accurate guess of who was the guilty party.
"All of them, sir." Tsuru answered, and could almost feel his spine snap to attention at the looks that was given to him, as if they were questioning his ability to get a statement.
"I suppose that in and of itself is the answer to the question of Guilty or Not-guilty." Hiashi looked on surprised.
"How many children gave a report?" Fugaku asked.
Saru nodded, "Roughly 42, ranging from the ages of 8 to 13."
"A vote of guilt, or innocence?" The hokage had spoken with the information given they could in a solid and sedate manner give a vote of confidence.
It was a very easy vote, guilt would be the winning hand. "Now the question is what should the punishment be?"
"Removal from the academy… but other than that I'm unsure on this matter," Inoichi frowned, he wasn't sure how to discipline a child he was far more used to punishing cold hard killers.
"Seal what he loves most," Tsume had a cruel grin on her lips, "He uses his Sharingan, and his chakra to hurt others… so take them from him."
Danzo chuckled, at times like this he could appreciate Tsume's harsh views on traitors, "I second that nomination."
Several members blinked, others promptly began to pray the last time Danzo and an Inuzuka had agreed had been during the middle of the second war.
"I believe this is an appropriate action," Kurama finally spoke, a nod of approve.
It was eventually decided that Ozuru Uchiha would be sealed completely, it would leave the boy weak for several years, and it would also remove him from the shinobu program. This would also be humiliating to the boy, hopefully it would remove the idea that because he was an Uchiha he was above the law.
"I have a question, Hokage-sama?" Shibi finally spoke, very few knew that the Aburame were very curious beings.
"Yes, Shibi?" Hiruzen replied, an eyebrow raised high.
Shibi closed his eyes, before staring at the older man from behind his glasses "What about the heritage of one Naruto Uzumaki, for years you've said that you do not know. But it is quite obvious that we need to find out where the girl came from, if she had relatives that can or could use the Mokuton should be not invite them to Konoha?"
"There is also the question of the Kyuubi, Hiruzen. What has the use of Mokuton done to it, I heard that many of the nurses didn't even recognize the girl because she's lost her whisker marks." Homura finished, he had nothing against the girl. But if the Kyuubi had really been moved from this plain then he was very much for having the girl placed in someone's home, having an unbalanced Kunoichi was the last thing that Konoha needed at the point.
Hiruzen sighed, "I suppose today is the day that a number of secrets can be exposed, Inu. Remove your mask, tell them of your child. But before that, I do have the DNA test results in for Naruto and the Senju family. Point blank… it came back positive."
"But how is that possible Hokage-sama?" Choza asked, "I mean, in what way is, she related to the Senju?"
"She's a direct descendent to Hashirama… from what they have been able to figure out she's either a great-granddaughter or a great-great-granddaughter. From her mother's side…but considering that Naruto is the daughter of an Uzumaki it's rather interesting. Another notable interest… Naruto while related to Mito-san is not a child from her line." Hiruzen continued.
"That shouldn't be possible! Hashirama-sensei would never cheat or lay with another woman besides Mito-san, he loved her dearly." Koharu protested.
"Yes, but before Konoha was founded we know next to nothing about our dear teacher, Koharu-chan. This is why I would like to request that both Jiraiya and Tsunade be revoked of their unlimited traveling status. I want both of them back to figure this out, now versus later. If anyone outside the village were to find out that the Mokuton was once again within the walls of Konoha we would be at war if for no other reason that we have two members that can contain and to an extent control bijuu this would more than likely also roll over to their Jinchuriki as well. Both Tenzo-san and Uzumaki-san are in grave danger." Homura finally spoke up.
"Exactly, Homura. Will you help me find the correct Jonin for this mission?" Hiruzen at his teammates nod, felt a relief seemed to shudder through old bones. He was thankful that at least one of his teammates wasn't completely corrupted by the power that being upon this council had given Koharu.
Koharu could only agree, "What about the heritage of the Uzumaki girl, you know something." She continued, a look in her eye told them all that she wasn't going to let it drop.
Several members blinked, their Hokage had waved toward the ANBU member behind his seat, before watching the Inu mask being pulled from the face of a well known Jonin inside and outside of Konoha.
"Why has Hatake-san removed his mask?" Inoichi frowned, it was rare and dangerous thing.
"Because I've been removed from ANBU Inoichi-san, it's time I retired… I've been there for eight years I believe that is enough for anyone. And I need to be able to take care of the child in my care." Kakashi had stepped forward to be able to speak with the council.
"You've been taking care of Uzumaki-san for years, haven't you Hatake? Even when this council ordered you not to go near the girl." Shikaku stared at the boy; he really was just still a boy, a broken one… but still a boy.
"My sensei would never forgive me, and I doubt he would forgive you either for ignoring his last request." The barb left his mouth before he could stop it and he felt no remorse for returning it.
Hiruzen chuckled, Kakashi had a bone to pick with the council not that he could blame the boy. They had stolen his sister away from him for nearly eight years and he'd finally gotten a chance to keep her near and safe and he wasn't about to let it slip out of his hands. "Why don't you inform the council of Naruto-chan's known heritage, Kakashi… I'm sure that will add to their guilt. Just remember you aren't civilians, so if this leaves this room I shall be rather upset."
Kakashi bowed, before he began to speak, "There was only one Uzumaki in Konoha before Naruto, you all know her very well… and her love for our Yondaime Hokage… my sensei."
"Are you saying the child this village has ignored and tried to beat down is Kushina's?" Tsume was standing, she'd treated the girl well and often helped her escape from overly drunk civilians and on more than one occasion taken the girl out to eat.
"Shouldn't you know? She looks like a Kushina clone with Minato-sensei's coloring, who else would she belong to… who else would Minato-sensei seal the Kyuubi into?" Kakashi's gray eyes had turned to steel, and the anger that brimmed inside them spoke pain for a number of people. "Now my little sister, the child I've raised is in a hospital with a possibility that she will never wake up. This village failed, Minato… and they failed Uzushiogakure… and it's last remaining member… its heir. The fact that we all wear the Uzushiogakure crest on our uniform just amplifies our guilt."
Several members of the room flinched those who'd done nothing and ignored the girl's dangerous upbringing and some who had simply pretended she existed. "It should have been expected… considering she gives off a similar chakra signal in comparison with the two. I can understand why you would refuse to tell the council, Hokage-sama. I give my apologies, even if they are late Hatake-san. You are correct Minato would be ashamed, if not rolling in his grave at the thought of how she's been treated." Shibi stopped, he had to admit he took a rather sick pleasure in watching several members like Inoichi and Hiashi squirm, then again Fugaku looked horrified…he could only imagine how deeply the Uchiha clan head would be in if Mikoto ever found out her dear friends child was treated.
Kakashi just nodded toward Shibi, "I would like to be allowed to leave…I wish to return to Naru." He continued to stare around the room, there was really no need for him to stay. "I would also like to know Kushina's relationship to Hashirama-sama." Bowing, the younger man simply used body flicker to once again disappear.
"I suppose this is the curse of the Uzumaki clan," Hiruzen spoke, it was tired and old, "We've damned three generations of the Uzumaki clan woman to be the Kyuubi Jinchuriki…each time they were looked down upon, and each time this village tried to cast them out, Mito when this village was first founded, Kushina upon the destruction of Whirlpool, and Mito's death…and then Naruto…when her mother was attacked during birth….and the seal was broken. I dismiss this council, I would hope you all think upon your actions in the future. And think about what this means for that little girl many of you scorned, go home and wallow in your own plight." The Hokage turned, and walked back toward his office, before waving a hand the chamber doors were opened.
Several shell shocked and horrified clan heads left knowing that their perception of their own village and its people would never quiet be the same and they had to wonder how their children and clansmen would look at them when the story of Naruto Uzumaki was finally out in the open.
O
Sasuke sighed, yesterday had been hell a special kind of hell… his father had come, home angry and frustrated and he had done his best to stay out of the older man's way. While he loved his father and wanted his approval more often than not he felt a type of fear run up his spin were his male parent came into a room.
He'd heard things the day before that he knew that he wasn't supposed to, and what he had heard scared him. He knew what a coup was, he knew what it could do… they'd gone over the bloodline purges in class, they had also gone of the rebellion of the branch clan of Hyuuga and what had happened to them.
Sasuke was scared, but more for his friends and family what would happen when the hokage punished them. They were bringing shame on the clan, because they would turn on their home and he wasn't the only one who agreed that it was wrong.
He'd snuck into his brother's room the night before and talked with Itachi about what was happening, needless to say his brother had been more than a little surprised. After the long drawn out discussion Sasuke couldn't help but ask if he could stay with his brother for the night, Itachi had agreed a sad smile on his face before hugging his little brother close to his heart.
There wouldn't be a rebellion against the Hokage, at least not anymore, there was going to be a civil war within the clan and Itachi and Shisui were the first to oppose the way of their father. And they would be the first to die if Fugaku ever found out.
Shivering at the morbid thoughts, Sasuke focused on what was ahead of him school. Often times he found himself bored, and if he really wanted to he could probably test out, just like Itachi. But he did have to admit that his big brother had been extremely lonely before he'd gotten into an ANBU team, mainly because most of his classmates and teammates didn't understand his genius. But for Sasuke, Itachi was just Itachi.
"Sasuke!"
"Hey, Sasuke!"
"Sasuke-san… a… re… are y… you al… rii… right?"
Sasuke blinked, surprised to find himself surrounded by his friends, the kids that he hung out with on a daily basis and enjoyed talking to. They were a good reason to protect Konoha, not protect it because his dad was greedy, "What's going on?"
"They've only been trying to get your attention for like….awhile." Shikamaru huffed, why was he here? Oh that's right Choji and the others felt the need to drag him everywhere why couldn't they just let him be at the tree?
Sasuke rolled his eyes at Shikamaru's droll tone, "What did you all want?"
Kiba snorted, laughing when Sasuke started thinking, really thinking it was almost impossible to bring the guy back into reality, "They want to go see Naruto after school considering what happened, yesterday."
Sasuke blinked, "Yes, I'll be going. It was Ozuru's fault." The frown on his face seemed to get darker and held a sadness that very few of his friends would understand.
"I believe that we should make our way toward the class room, there is little time till the class starts."Shino sighed, as he was once more forced to remind the others it was time to leave. As the left toward the class room they all would have been surprised by the fact that ANBU members were now making around, near the Academy after yesterday's incident no one wanted something similar to happen again.
O
O
For most of the students of A-3 and A-2, it was like every other day. Several students were going to visit Naruto Uzumaki who had once been a pariah of the village, while another young man by the name of Hyuuga Neji was finally getting his answers.
For once, he was forgetting all about Fate and his hatred of the main branch of his family. When he wasn't focused on his hatred and hurt heart he was a smart kind young man with an inquisitive mind. And more than anything he wanted to know about Uzumaki Naruto, something about her was different if it was a charm or an internal kindness something about her was very, very different than the clan children or even the civilian children that happened to be in the academy.
"Umino-san?" A voice called from the door, Iruka found himself looking up from his desk in the teacher's lounge. School had let out roughly ten minutes before and he'd had the amused pleasure of telling several students, Naru's hospital room number.
"Yes? Oh, Neji what can I help you with?" Iruka smiled warmly at the smaller boy.
"You told me if I had any questions about Naruto Uzumaki I should come speak with you." Neji replied, and watched as a sad expression seemed to cross the young teachers face.
"Come along, Neji. Most of your answers are going to have to come from the Hokage himself." Iruka put his things away, before motioning for the boy to walk out. Turning of the lights and locking the two of them made their way toward the Hokage's tower.
"Neji, do you enjoy the Hyuuga style of fighting?" Iruka asked, glancing at the boy he could tell that he had managed to shock him.
Neji almost gaped, "That is almost a blasphemous thing to ask someone of the Hyuuga Clan, Umino-san."
"I'm not asking to tell your clan Neji, I'm asking because the Hyuuga clan is becoming stagnant." Iruka continued, he would known he own family had the ability to manipulate both sound and pheromones of the body. When the two technique came together they could nearly control someone without a person knowing, his clan had forgotten to expand on their knowledge and slowly other villages began to pick things up and the members of his family began to die as they were found out.
"Stagnant, Umino-san?" Neji asked curious.
"Stagnant, there is no growth within your clan Neji. In fact, the last time a new Jutsu or Taijutsu move came from the Hyuuga clan was during the second war. People are beginning to see the failing of the Hyuuga clan, that's why fewer of your members are returning home." The grim face on the older man's face made Neji mind pause.
"I see, the members of the branch families have been getting smaller. There were once three branch families… now there is one and there are only forty of us in numbers." Neji did have to take that in to consideration.
"And the Main branch? How many people are left in the main branch?"
"12, eight are elders, Hiashi, Hinata and Hanabi and a teenager I think his name is Hajime, Why?" Neji looked confused.
"During my time as a genin… there were two hundred Hyuuga living in the village… there are less that fifty-five members left, and if they seal Hanabi or Hinata into the branch family… the main family will eventually go extent. Neji… this was only six years ago… some one hundred and fifty of your kin has died in the last six years." Iruka continued, as the steps of the Hokage tower came into view, "Do you know why?"
Neji simply shook his head, he was shocked… he could remember there being a lot of children running around when he was a child, but he was the only one and the youngest child in the branch family, Hanabi the main… what was happening to his clan?
"People have found the weakness of the Byukugan and several have found the weakness of your clans Taijutsu, what happens when you've run into these types of people?"
Neji stopped to look up at the man, "You die."
"Yes, this is what happened to my clan. My parents and I were the last… when my parents were killed, I was the only one left… this will happen to your clan. If you don't begin to marry outside the Hyuuga clan and widen your skill set." Iruka frowned, "I don't want anything to happen to you or Hinata, and the children of the academy are like my own. Since I do not believe that I will have any of my own, because of this I wish to help you overcome the short comings of the Hyuuga. This is why clans like the Yamanaka and the Aburame are so strong, some of them are great at one skill set, yet others are better at another. Take the Inuzuka clan, some are good at Ninjutsu or Taijutsu… but others like Hana Inuzuka are good at Ijutsu (what is Ijustu?), one name Koga Inuzuka was a master of Kenjutsu, and yet another Akira was amazing at Genjutsu. Same clan, but a wide array of skills."
Neji listened, surprised he wondered if other members of Konoha realized what this man was talking about. But even if they did would they listen? What Umino-san explained to him, made a lot of since it would also explain why so many of his family or what was left of his family.
"Ah… Izumo… can you tell the Hokage that I'm here with Neji Hyuuga?" Iruka grinned at the man. He, Izumo and Kotetsu had known each other for ever.
"Sure, Iruka. Is this the one you said had talent?" Izumo asked, sending the message over the intercom.
"Hai." Iruka grinned.
Neji felt his face flush, why would Iruka think that he had talent? Yes, he was often hailed as a prodigy by his clan, but in comparison to Itachi Uchiha and others he and most of his class was average.
"Go right in, Hokage-sama was waiting on you. He said you shouldn't take your sweet time Iruka." Izumo ribbed lightly.
Iruka snorted, before putting a hand on Neji's shoulder he knew most of his students except maybe Naruto would be nervous meeting the Hokage. "Hokage-sama?"
"Iruka, come in. And this is Neji." Old black eyes studied the youngster in front of him, he was similar to most Hyuuga with his pale eyes and cool face in the face of the unknown.
"Yes, I was curious about the secondary red chakra pool that Naruto had." Neji stated with a frown.
"Now I would suppose you have questions about what happened yesterday, unfortunately that secret is S-class and no matter what I cannot tell you until Naruto herself knows, she will know if she ever awakens. On another note, I have a question for you Hyuuga Neji." Hiruzen voice seemed to change with the subject matter, he seemed dejected and depressed at the thought that Naruto wouldn't wake up be he seemed to have a sparkle of interest and amusement when he came to his question for Neji.
"Me?" Neji blinked in surprise, while he didn't get what he wanted he would definitely try to talk to the girl he was more than a little curious about the red chakra, though he did find it disturbing that she might never awaken.
Iruka laughed, "Yes, it's something very few students are offered."
Hiruzen smiled, "I was wondering if you would perhaps be interested in becoming a Medic-nin?"
"A medic nin?" Neji seemed surprised, "I doubt that my clan would allow it. Though, it would certainly be possible for me."
"What do you mean Neji?" Iruka frowned, curious.
"I've got a mutation… Hinata does as well… it's one of the reasons I was slated for the Branch house in the first place." Neji stated bluntly.
"What do you mean mutation?" Hiruzen asked.
Neji frowned, he really wasn't supposed to tell but at the same time if he wanted to be a proper shinobi of the village he should, right? "The Byakugan is only supposed to see inside a person to chakra coils, we aren't supposed to see organs, or veins, or nerve endings."
"Ah… this will just go along with what I want." Hiruzen smiled, "If your Uncle gave you permission, will you agree to be in the program?"
"What does the program consist of?" Neji replied, he was weary of just saying yes.
Iruka chuckled, "Really for the first several years it will be nothing but book knowledge and perhaps a few trial diagnosis periods. After graduation will be when the technical work begins, though you will be taught and tested over several medical jutsu, this is where your eyes and control come in to play."
"Then yes… I would like that… I don't…. I don't want to be like my father… and I don't want Hinata to end up like father either." Neji felt his fist clenching, his whole body was shaking.
Hiruzen sighed, "Neji, this is something very few would speak of, your father was a very good man and he was one of few Hyuuga that was light hearted and loved by the people and Shinobi of Konoha. When the council chose to send him, without telling the truth, they lost a large amount of love from the civilian people. Because of this and the kindness and sweetness of Hinata, if they seal her, I believe that they would seal the fate of the Hyuuga clan.
The Hyuuga Council is much like the civilian council, they are set in their ways, and they are afraid of change. Most of them are my age or older… by the time Hanabi or Hinata gain control of the house of Hyuuga, there will only be three or four main house members. As such it might be too late to save your clan, it's one of the reason's I bullied Hiashi into allowing you to be a medic nin."
"What is the truth Hokage-sama?" Neji asked.
"You're father, loved his brother dearly. Though Hizashi knew that he would be leaving you behind, he would also be gaining his freedom, love is sometimes a double edged sword. You will unfortunately learn that as you grow. Do not step on his love for his brother, and clan." Hiruzen felt tired and angry with Hiashi for not sitting down and talking with his brother's son.
Neji sighed, he didn't know what to think about everything the Hokage and Umino-san spoke to him about but he would think about it. "I will agree if Hinata can come with me."
Hiruzen chuckled for all the boys pomp and circumstance, he was still dependant on his family "Very well, Neji. I will make the arrangements."
"Thank you, Hokage-sama." The boy bowed, smiling at the dismissal he left his heart felt a lot lighter than it had before.
"Iruka… this generation, I don't think we're going to have another quite like it." Hiruzen grinned, as he pushed chakra into his crystal ball. He studied Naruto's room, Kakashi was going to be surprised when he returned to the room.
O
O
Yakumo sighed, both she and Tenten had been there for the last ten minutes and they were both a little depressed at seeing their friend. She couldn't help but study Naru, her bright blonde hair was spread around her a lot like a golden back drop that just seemed to emphasis the face that her golden skin was pale and almost ashen in color, the three little whisker like marks that were on her face had disappeared and those vibrant blue eyes of hers that always seemed to be so full of energy were closed making her look lifeless and empty.
"You know I can't decide what makes this worse… how lifeless she looks or the fact that she's hooked up to so many tubes…" Tenten frowned, sitting on one side of the bed. Her elbows were on the edge of the bed and her chin was resting in her palms.
Yakumo sighed, nodding "I agree… I think the worse is that she's not moving."
At the light knocking on the door both girls turned and were surprised when they saw Rock Lee slowly opening the door. It was strange for them because he'd apparently gone home and changed, he was wearing simple gray Chinese style pants and slippers, with a white t-shirt and a dark green hoody. For once his long braid was completely free and falling over his shoulders, his hair was almost as long as Naruto's.
"How is she?"
Tenten blinked, this was probably the most subdued she'd ever seen of her Taijutsu bound classmate so subdued. "The doctors' won't tell us anything… they said we have to wait for one of her guardians to tell us anything, something about patient confidentiality."
"Oh… that's not very helpful." Lee frowned, he had to admit he was very worried about his friend. He'd known Naru before the academy, they hadn't really had a lot of time to spend together after they'd both joined, from his training in Taijutsu to her violent need to be number one.
"I agree." Yakumo frowned, "Why don't you sit down Lee? I heard that her Guardian will be back soon."
"Ah, thank you. Kurama-san," Lee smiled warmly before sitting.
"You know there's a lot of room in here… for someone who grew up in eastside, Naru must have gotten a really good Guardian to be able to afford this." Tenten stated, looking around the room. It was at the top of the hospital in one of the VIP suits from what she could see like for clan heads or ANBU members when they were sick.
The three of them turned again at the sound of the door opening, in the door way was a number of students, "I didn't realize Naru had become so popular." Lee stated, eyes wide at the number of children.
Sasuke sighed, "I wanted to know how she was… I..." The Uchiha just shook his head, he couldn't really explain himself.
"You did well, yesterday." Yakumo smiled.
"That's true… a lot of people wouldn't have told the truth if you hadn't." Tenten stated, looking over the younger boy he didn't seem as bad Yakumo made him out to be. Then again neither she nor Naru probably had a chance to get to know the boy considering how often he was surrounded.
"Sooo, Yakumo who is everyone? Lee and I don't know them..." Tenten continued, and had the pleasure of watching the girl flush violently in embarrassment. Unlike Yakumo, Tenten had been raised as a normal girl whereas the other girl was raised as a clan heir as such reminding her about forgetting protocol sometimes got her flushed.
"Don't tease me, Tenten." Yakumo pouted.
"I think we can introduce ourselves," one boy said a wolfy grin on his making the triangles on his face jump and roll, "I'm Inuzuka Kiba, nice to meet ya! Just call me Kiba though, I'm not one for formality."
"Aburame Shino, I would prefer Shino." The boy leaning against the door spoke, dark sunglasses cutting across his face and his large color covered the bottom on his face, all you could really see was a high forehead and a mass of hair that was similar to an afro in shape.
"I'm Yamanaka Ino, and this big forehead is Haruno Sakura." A girl with one long band falling over one eye yelled, and light blue eyes, the girl she was pointing at had large green eyes and bright pink hair. The two girls promptly began to argue, and everyone tried their best to ignore the two of them.
Sasuke smiled weakly, "Uchiha Sasuke."
"I'm Hy… Hyuuga… Hinata." The short dark haired girl blushed wildly when eyes landed on her, before covering her face with her hands.
"I'm Akimichi Choji, and this is Nara Shikamaru." The largest boy both in height and size smiled, his hair was short and a light brunette in color. His friend was just as slender and the same height, his hair was a dark brown color and was in the shape of a pineapple.
"You guys already know me, but these are friends of Naruto. Tsurugi Tenten, and Lee Rock…" Yakumo smiled slightly at the others.
"Everyone just calls me Lee… and I think Tenten would violate someone if they called her Tsurugi-san." Lee barely dodged a well aimed Kunai.
"Why do you and Naru keep ragging my abilities?"
"We aren't… you're just dreadfully scary with a weapon Tenten."Lee finally said.
"Mah, mah… I'm gone for fifteen minutes and the room multiplies children!"
All the children jumped before they looked back to see and extremely tall silver haired man, one dark gray eye gleamed at them with amusement while the other was covered was a slanting Hitai-ate. "I suppose all of you have come to check on Naru then?"
"Is she going to be alright?" Yakumo was up, and in front of the young man in a second the worry was easy to see on her face.
Kakashi sighed, as he looked over a number of hopeful faces and felt like he was about to take away some of the hope that lived in their young lives. "I want all of you to sit down, before I continue… because you will not hear what you want." He could see the Nara boy's eyes narrowing on him, when he nodded he felt his heart constrict when he saw the sad understanding there.
Rubbing his visible eye, Kakashi moved before taking a seat beside Naruto putting away his book he looked over the room. They were too young, but they would be better off if they understand the possibilities now in comparison to later.
"When Ozuru attacked, Naruto pushed out enough chakra that it was mid to high level jonin in size. The problem is the potency of Naruto's chakra, while Iruka was able to keep her heart and internal organs going…. he didn't have the potency or the correct density of chakra to give it everything it needed. As such, Naruto's body has gone into a coma… there is no telling when or even if she'll wake up, only someone with the level of Tsunade's chakra control could condense chakra to the right level to get her out of this. Right now her body is in a severe form of chakra exhaustion."
Several of them were wide eyed, and seemed to be disbelieving of what they were being told, "And Tsunade is more than likely going to be called back… because the Hokage favors Naruto." Shikamaru stated, "And because there are questions about Naruto's heritage… right?"
"Hmmmm, you're a bright one… you must be Shikaku's boy… I cannot deny or confirm, just know that you have a very good understanding of council." Kakashi replied, before brushing loose strands of hair away from Naruto's face. "I'll be leaving you with Naruto for the moment, please watch over her." Bowing, the older man disappeared.
"What was that about Shikamaru?" Sasuke asked curious.
"There's a possibility that Naruto is related to Tsunade Senju. The Mokuton, or the ability to manipulate trees is a Kekkei Genkai specific to the Senju clan. As such she should be informed of the possibility of having family… but Tsunade also swore to never return to the village so I can only assume that Hokage-sama is going to do something drastic to get her here. So it's possible that Naruto is a descendant of our founding Hokage… this is all so troublesome..." Shikamaru huffed, he'd gone over his daily quote of speaking today. Waving at his friends he left, he needed to be somewhere far away from here.
Several of the children left, they needed time to be alone after such depressing and rather serious conversation. Many of them said that they would be back tomorrow, others simply stayed and they ended up talking with one another until they were politely told to leave that visiting hours were over.
O
O
Hiruzen raised an eyebrow, he'd stopped watching after the Nara boy said his piece and he had to admit that the boy was swift in a way that was nearing light speed. He had several missions that needed to be done, one that unfortunately only Kakashi could take care of. Looking over the three men in front of him he felt pride and sorrow welling up inside his heart, "I have to missions to give, Asuma, Genma I need you to deliver this to Tsunade. What is written inside should give her the need to come back and if nothing else this second letter will, I've gotten a message from Jiraiya and he'll more than likely be back as soon as possible."
Asuma sighed, he didn't want to die but sometimes you had to do what you had to do, rolling his eyes as Genma's grown of sorrow, he grabbed his fellow jounin by the back of his vest and dragged him behind all the while listening to the Senbon chewing man's complaints.
"Kakashi… I need you to go to the Land of Water supposedly Aoi Rokusho is there and I want to regain the Raijen no Ken, it's time the sword of Tobirama-sensei is returned to Konoha. I've also got to call Ibiki here… Idate's body has finally surfaced…" Ibiki had gone so far to try to recover his brother alive after he'd been tricked by his jonin-sensei… it was unfortunate that the boy was finally home sealed away in a scroll. Idate's death would hit his brother's heart very harshly. "Even if he isn't… I want you to hunt him down. I want his head on this desk."
"Hokage-sama, what about Naruto?" Kakashi looked more than conflicted; he looked horrified, as if the old man had asked him to go kill a basket full of kittens.
"I'm sorry, Kakashi. I must ask that this be done." Hiruzen sighed, "I can get Iruka, Izumo and Kotetsu to watch over her until you return."
A huff of frustration left the silver man's mouth, Aoi Rokusho was going to die a slow painful death. "Hai, Hokage-sama. I'm going to make a few requests, and I'll take my leave." Nodding towards the older man he left the Hokage alone while heading toward the window to take off towards his home.
Hiruzen sighed, and could only hope that the girl would awaken soon, and that Tsunade would return as well so that they could have more answers about Naruto. But then again he would have to learn more about his dearly departed sensei as well… sighing, the hokage removed his robes and hat, and left his office his grandson was still young enough to stay at home and for such a stressful two days this seemed like a good day to unwind. Looking over the office, the old hokage locked the door and sealed the room, only his blood would open it again. Grinning to himself, he practically skipped toward Misato's house were his sweet little Konohamaru and his daughter in law Shouko waited to be seen.