AN: Thank you again for your reviews. At least I hope I was able to clear some of your quarrels. As the story progresses then more will be made clear. I've read all comments and suggestions and I will consider your options. There will be NO incest here, so don't think Naruto will get with his sister. On to the story..

Council room.

It was way too early in the morning for a council meeting but Minato had demanded all council members to report immediately to the council room and although some council members would've refused at first, the ANBU that he sent to deliver the messages were dead serious on possible repercussions that would be implemented by the Hokage himself if they disobeyed his orders. So now here they were, waiting for the Hokage to make his entrance into the packed room filled with shinobi and civilian council members alike. They were all frustrated due to three things, they had been waiting for a few hours for Minato to arrive, they were tired because Minato had demanded an audience with them late at night and now it was early into the morning, and they didn't like to be ordered around since they were more used to doing that themselves.

"Where is he!?" Tsume shouted in anger. She was so tired and didn't appreciate being made to wait for someone else.

"I'm not sure but we have to be patient," Shikaku said tiredly, he felt like lead.

"This is absolute nonsense. If he expects us to be here on time then shouldn't he show the same courtesy?" Danzo said irritably from his sitting position.

"Chill man. I'm sure he had something to do," Choza said.

"Minato will hear from me about this," Koharu said, she didn't like this at all.

They were starting to get really irritated when suddenly they were blinded with a yellow flash and Minato finally made his appearance.

"Finally! Where have you been? We waited for hours!" Homaru said in annoyance.

"I decided to have a nice deserved nap. I just woke up a few minutes ago but dang was that a good sleep," Minato said happily. Kushina came home and asked him to finally do something about these people and he was only happy to agree with his wife. He purposefully made them wait for him for hours so he could annoy the crap out of them, he actually was asleep until now.

"How dare you! Who do you think you are to put us through this Minato!?" Koharu shouted in anger, he had the gull to pull a stunt like this.

"How dare I?" Minato asked in mock surprise. They didn't even know it, they were in deep trouble already and they were still acting like nothing ever happened, they were still acting like they didn't do anything wrong to his son and boy was he going to milk this for everything it was worth.

"Before I answer your question first things first... ANBU!" Minato commanded and not a moment sooner there was an ANBU agent behind each council member, ready to attack at any moment.

"What is the meaning of this Minato!" Koharu shouted in confusion.

"You do NOT call me by my name. You call me Hokage-sama, do you hear me?" Minato said, he was deadly serous now.

"What?" Koharu was really confused with all of this.

"Hokage-sama, could I ask what's going on here?" Inoichi asked when he noticed that everyone was too shocked to do or say anything.

"I'm glad you asked. Starting from today, there will be a lot of changes around here," Minato said seriously.

"Like what?" Choza asked curiously.

"As from this day, the village council is disbanded effective immediately," Minato said. There was and uproar of disagreement and demand for explanation, just perfect.

"SILENCE!" Minato shouted and everyone shut their mouths.

"You can't do this Mi-Hokage-sama. The village needs a council in order to function properly and we all need to vote on a decision for it to be permitted when it comes to village matters," Koharu said evenly.

"You're wrong there Koharu. I am the Hokage. I run this village. YOU are just the council, the advisers to my cause in protecting this village and assisting ANYONE in need but you have proven to me that you are not capable in looking after every villager," Minato said.

"Is this because of your son? You have to realise Hokage-sama that somethings are out of our hands. The villagers acted on their own accord when it came to the boy so we can't be held responsible for the villagers mistakes," bad move, Koharu couldn't stop herself and by the time she said the last word she already knew she just dug herself a bigger grave.

"Hmmm... I actually never thought I'd hear that but I'm grateful. This information is all I need to prove your lack of action in my son plite. Furthermore It proves you incompetence. You will all be bought before Ibiki for information gathering, just to find out if you were involved in my son suffering as well as to determine what you really thought of him and I'm pretty sure most of you thought on the same line as the villagers, that Naruto was the 'demon brat'," Minato sneered at all of them.

"You cannot do this. I am Hyuuga head and I will not tolerate this behaviour whatsoever," Hiashi finally spoke when he had enough of Minato.

"I can and I will. You wanna know something else? I don't give a damn what any of you have to say. The moment you ignored or participated in my sons suffering you made an enemy out of me so you can complain all you want but it won't change a damn thing," Minato said angrily.

"What will happened to us once Ibiki receives the information you require?" Shikaku asked carefully.

"It all depends on the information. Just hope that I don't find out anything damaging for your sakes," Minato said indifferently.

"Let's get this over with," Danzo said, he wanted to get out of here as fast as possible so Minato couldn't find out his secrets, he was about to get up but a hand on his shoulder stopped him. He looked behind and saw two more ANBU, ready for battle.

"Tsk tsk tsk... I've got a different punishment for you my friend," even when Minato said friend the venom and distate in his voice was still prominent.

"What do you mean?" Danzo asked in shock.

"I mean... You are being arrested," Minato said seriously.

"On what charges," Danzo demanded.

"Sarutobi has informed me that on many occasions you tried to make a weapon out of my son. After careful investigation by my ANBU it was also discovered that many of your Root bases have been active, although it couldn't be discovered what was actually going on in them. You already know what I said about Root, so for disobeying orders you will be sent to Ibiki for interrogation and then afterwards you will be put in a cell," Minato explained.

"This is blasphemy! You have no proof of anything and you can't just use your power on everyone just because of what happened to your son. You are letting your emotions control you and it's safe to say that you are not fit to be Hokage!" Danzo shouted in anger.

"Oh by the way. Don't even think about trying anything behind my back. I will kill you, without mercy, understood?" Minato asked everyone in the vicinity and was proud to get nods.

"I'm sorry Sarutobi-sama," Neko said before grabbing Sarutobi's wrist.

"It's alright Neko. You don't need to take Sarutobi," Minato said.

"For a second there I thought you wanted me to be put away and looked up for life," Sarutobi said.

"Well you're not my favourite person right now but you have done so much for Naruto, so you're not as bad as everyone else. I want you to go to the T&I tower and make sure that no ex council member will be trying to bribe their way out of this," Minato said.

"I will do my best Minato and I'm sorry for not being there enough for Naruto in his time of need. What are going to do about the civilians? I hope it's nothing horrible because as Hokage it is your job to protect this village and villagers within it, killing them would make you unfit for this job" Sarutobi said.

"...Hehehe," Minato chuckled evilly and Sarutobi was reminded of Naruto's pranking tendencies, this couldn't end well.

Later during the day.

"This sucks!" Naruto screamed in despair, annoying the hell out of everyone else.

"What did you think D rank mission meant you moron?" Sakura asked annoyedly.

"I've had enough of you! Why do you always call him names huh!?" Naruko screamed angrily at Sakura.

Sasuke that just stared ahead of him, this had nothing to do with him.

"Because he's a good for-"

"Enough!" Kushina screamed, stopping them in their tracks. This team seemed so...off. Every single one of them had their own special talents and theoretically they should be a good team when combined but that was not the case, they were mostly at each other's throats. They were painting a shed, which was the mission, for a client. Naruto had immediately thought that since he was now a shinobi he'd be going on big missions, which wasn't the case. He had been complaining the whole day and adding to the fact that it was a very hot day in Konoha then some of them could be justified for being so grumpy.

"You guys need to relax and continue with your mission," Kakashi said while reading his book.

"What did I say about you reading THAT book in front of children," Kushina hissed angrily and Kakashi, it seemed that even the sensei's were no better.

"Well I am being careful," Kakashi said, never noticing Kushina starting to fume even more.

Kushina was about to kill him but then decided against it. She didn't want to give these kids the wrong impression about her. She took deep breaths and calmed herself down a little bit.

"If you don't put that book away. I will slowly torture you by pealing you skin off with the blunt side of my sword," Kushina whispered with a disturbing smile.

Kakashi quickly complied, he knew when a woman was being serious.

Kushina turned back to the bickering genin.

"That is enough out of all of you. You're a team now and you shouldn't constantly be at each other's throats. You will never improve on your skills if you keep doing this and every other genin will be above you," Kushina said in a scolding manner.

After some time they finally finished with their D rank missions for the day and Kushina felt like it was time for them to go home and prepare for tomorrow.

"Alright guys! You did well but your teamwork needs to improve, otherwise there isn't a point to have Team 7," Kakashi said.

"Tomorrow we will start with training you on the different ways chakra is used and what it is useful for," Kushina said and saw their eyes light up, well except for Sasuke and Naruko, the latter already knowing such things.

"Will I be training with you Kakashi-sensei?" Naruto asked hopefully.

"Sorry Naruto but I'll be in charge of teaching Sakura and Sasuke while Kushina-sama teaches you and Naruko," Kakashi said with an eye smile, he would've prefered to train Sasuke alone but Kushina was having none of that. Sakura still needed a lot of work and Kushina made it clear to train the girl so she could match her teammates in skill and power, if it was possible.

Naruto deflated a little bit which didnt go unnoticed by Kushina, just great.

"Good job guys and we'll see you tomorrow. Naruto don't forget your appointment for this afternoon," Kushina reminded the blonde.

"What is she talking about dobe?" Sasuke asked as they started walking away.

"None of your business teme," Naruto said irritably.

"Don't call Sasuke-kun that!" Sakura shouted was about to bonk Naruto when a hand stopped her.

"Don't you dare," Naruko hissed in anger with slitted eyes, Sakura was getting on her last nerve.

"Just let her go Naruko," Naruto said, he just didn't care anymore.

Naruko let up on her hold but she continued to openly glare at the pink haired banshee while they walked to their respective homes.

"...Dobe," Sasuke said after an awkward pause.

Later in the afternoon,

Here she was, waiting for her son. Kushina had been at training ground seven, waiting and waiting for any sign of Naruto. He was supposed to be here an hour ago but there was no sign of him and Kushina wanted to give him the choice to come, he needed to come here on his own or there was no point in trying to get him to trust her. She didn't doubt that he would come, she just knew he would be here sooner or later so she waited patiently, even if she was an impatient woman. If he didn't come then she would feel really said and hopeless, she really wanted to connect with him and this was the best she could offer someone who didn't like her. Naruko was with her, meditating. The little girl insisted on coming so she could help her niisan with his training and even though Kushina disagreed at first she was happy to have bought Naruko along. Kushina's mood started to drop as the day continued to drift away, she had been waiting for two hours now. She just knew if she didn't see Naruto today that she would cry. She wouldn't blame him for not coming to training, even if she had ordered him as his sensei, it would be what she deserved since she felt like she was such a horrible person. Her ears picked up someone who was approaching them and she looked on hopefully, only for her mood to drop again when she spotted one of her former students, Kurenai Yuuhi.

"Hello Kushina-sama," Kurenai greeted warmly and a little nervously. When her former sensei came back Kurenai was so happy to have a back in her life but that happiness was short-lived. As soon as Kushina found out what this village did to her son she distanced herself from everyone, even Kurenai. When Kurenai was finally able to talk to Kushina she was met with cold indifference from the mother who asked if she did anything to help her son in Konoha to which she replied, very shamefully, that she hadn't done a thing. Ever since then Kushina wanted nothing to do with her, saying she felt ashamed for even training her as her student. Kurenai never let anything get the best of her but Kushina was different, she was her sensei and Kurenai really idolized the woman for her bravery and kind heart. She meant everything to Kurenai, so to hear her idol saying things like that really tore Kurenai apart. She motioned for Kushina to follow her into the woods and Kushina complied, albeit grudgingly. When they were in a secluded area Kushina started.

"What do you want?" Kushina asked coldly.

Kurenai struggled not to flinch at the cold look she was receiving.

"I-I heard that you were giving extra lesson and I came to ask for your help," Kurenai said carefully.

"Why would I help you?" Kushina asked with slitted eyes.

Kurenai's body shook a little bit but she steeled her resolve. She stepped to the side and Kushina finally noticed the second person that was with Kurenai. She had short lavender hair, light lavender eyes with no pupils, she was wearing a baggy jacket and looked extremely nervous. Kushina already knew who this girl was, hell her face looked just like Hitomi's did and Kushina knew that this was Hitomi's child.

Kurenai then bowed until her head touched the grass.

"This is Hinata Hyuuga. She has so much potential to be a great kunoichi but it seems to be difficult for her to put all her effort into training and sparring. I have tried my best but even I know it isn't enough. I beg you Kushina-sama. Please train-"

"Get out of my sight," Kushina cut her off in distaste. The gull of this woman.

"Please Kushina-sama! I know you're angry at me but please help Hinata! Not for my sake but for hers! You are the best sensei that I have ever known, you're my idol and I know you can help her. Please I'm begging you!" Kurenai pleaded as tears fell down her face and onto the grass. She also wanted to beg for forgiveness but even she knew that now wasn't the right time for it, Hinata had to come first.

"...Leave," Kushina said.

Kurenai stood up and her head dropped in despair.

"Come Hinata. Let's not anger Kushina-sama any further," Kurenai said sadly, she was about to lead Hinata out of the field when she was stopped.

"Leave Hinata here," Kushina ordered.

Kurenai's head whipped to Kushina in surprise. Kushina looked indifferent put Kurenai knew better. She gave a grateful nod and left the field.

Kushina mentally sighed in relief, that was hard. She looked at Hinata, who was crying openly in front of her. This was very strange to her. She walked slowly to Hinata but was surprised when the girl screamed and backed away.

"Please don't hurt me!" Hinata sobbed as she covered her face with her arms. She saw the interaction between Kurenai and Naruto's mother and she truly feared for her life.

Kushina's eyes soften when she heard that. She knew all about Hitomi's death and if Hinata was anything like her mother, kind, good-natured, then she had probably suffered at the hands of those cold and calculating Hyuugas. Hinata didn't look like a kunoichi, just a frightened girl trying to shield herself from life and it's harsh reality. Hinata was a nervous wreck, her body was shaking like a leaf and she was bawling her eyes out. Kushina couldn't take it anymore and quickly made her way to the little girl.

Hinata was crying. She couldn't stop herself. She must have looked so pathetic and useless, her father was right all along. At first she started crying because she feared Kushina but now she was crying for many other things, her weaknesses, her failures, her uselessness, how if she died then nobody would miss her. Neji hated her, her father wanted nothing to do with her, and she was even too shy to talk to her little sister, she was just a waste of space. She stiffened when she felt arms envelop her in a tight embrace and when she looked she saw Kushina, kneeling, and smiling softly at her.

"It's okay Hinata. Let it out. Let it all out," Kushina said softly and placed Hinata's head on her shoulder. It didn't take long before Hinata held on to Kushina, buried her face on shoulder, and bawled her eyes out while Kushina kept comforting her with soft and kind words. Hinata cried long and hard, Kushina could already feel the tear stains on her shoulder but she didn't let go. After some time Hinata's crying died down and now the two were only hugging each other.

"Do you feel better?" Kushina asked softly and received a nod from Hinata. Kushina was going to help her in anyway she could.

"I'll do my best Hitomi. I promise," Kushina thought in determination.

"T-Thank y-you," Hinata whispered softly and embarrassingly with a blush on her face.

"It's alright... I never planned on adding anyone to my training but it wouldn't hurt to teach you. Would you like that Hinata?" Kushina asked carefully. It took a long time but Hinata did nod at her.

At first Hinata was scared of the woman but after what she did her view of Kushina changed, she was a really nice lady. They made their way to the training ground and saw Naruko looking at them with surprise.

"Hinata!" Naruko shouted then dashed to Hinata so she could give her a hug.

"Eep!" Hinata said as she was enveloped again but this time by her blonde friend.

"What are you doing here?" Naruko asked confusedly.

"She will be joining us in our training," Kushina said smiling warmly at Hinata.

"Really?" Naruko asked hopefully.

"Y-Yeah" Hinata said nervously.

"This is so awesome!" Naruko said happily, now they could spend more time together.

Kushina looked around and saw that Naruto hadn't arrived yet and now she was starting to lose hope.

"Niisan you're late!" Naruko screamed irritably.

Kushina looked up and there was Naruto, looking a bit sheepish.

"Hahaha! Sorry I kinda got carried away with the ramen," Naruto said nervously.

"For two hours?" Naruko asked raising an eyebrow.

"Yep! It was Iruka sensei's treat today. So much ramen," Naruto said dreamily. He did feel a bit sorry for Iruka, the man's wallet would be empty for a while.

"*Sigh* Nii-san." Naruko shook her head.

"What!? It was free ramen!" Naruto said.

"...You came," Kushina never felt so happy. He came! He actually came! She was starting to feel like his dislike of her was so great that he wouldn't want to be anywhere near her but here he was. This had to be a sign, that there was chance, a chance for them.

"Uhh yeah... Sorry for coming late Kushina-sama," Naruto said awkwardly. He had every intention of not coming at all but a talk with Iruka made him see things from a different view. Iruka told him that change would never happen if he didn't fight for it. He also told him that he shouldn't dwell heavily on the past because it could heavily affect his future. His mother was trying her best to help him in being a shinobi and the least he could do was accept the training, from a sensei to a student and not a mother to her son.

"Well you better not be next time you hear me? When we train and go on missions you must refer to me as sensei understood?" Kushina asked seriously, but the happiness was clearly visible.

"Uhh yeah...sensei," Naruto said awkwardly. He mentally rolled his eyes, calling his mother sensei felt so wrong somehow.

"Good!" Kushina said cheerfully. It was a start. A good start.

"So what are you guys doing here?" Naruto asked Naruko and Hinata.

"We're training with you Nii-san!" Naruko said happily.

"Really...? Even the weird girl?" Naruto asked obliviously.

"Nii-san! You shouldn't say things like that!" Naruko said when she noticed Hinata's head drop.

"What!? She is!" Naruto said.

"Arg! Just shut up!" Naruko shouted.

"...What did I do?" Naruto grumbled.

"Apologise to Hinata," Naruko said upset.

"But you sai-"

"Apologise!"

"Fine geez! Sorry Hinata,"

"You don't even mean it!"

"Yes I do!"

"No you don't Nii-san!"

"Arg...! Girls"

"What!?"

"Nothing!"

Kushina looked on at their conversation fondly. They were acting like a brother and sister alright. She was surprised with how close they seemed. She knew that she couldn't be that close with Naruto since he still didn't like her but even so she wouldn't stop being there for him, even if he didn't like it. She couldn't help the warm feeling in her heart. It was slow and could take many years but she was sure, her family could come together.