Disclaimer: See chapter 1 for that, as I don't own Naruto…
Chapter 7 –
Naruto and the girls woke ready for a meeting with the Hokage and their assignments for missions. They were disappointed, as it appeared that they needed to do D-ranked missions to improve teamwork and improve their skills. Naruto initially complained until the Hokage handed him several new scrolls that he had apparently missed, when he entered the vaults. Needless to say Naruto was happy to get more scrolls from his parents, as they were addressed to him from both of them, and even a few were even from his aunt. The Hokage also said that the investigation was almost complete, but it appears that most of the guilty parties were now dead and unreachable for prosecution. Naruto handed a copy of the scroll that identified the seals and notes on the ones that they had found last night, to the Hokage in the hopes of getting some new information on the seals and possibly breaking them.
Sarutobi read the notes and explained to Naruto, from what he could decipher about the seals, which was only a little more than Naruto had. He also said that he would summon Jiraiya, Konoha's resident seals master to help in the investigation. Sarutobi again apologized to Naruto for the mistreatment. Naruto accepted the apology, but not after complaining about the abuse, rather vocally.
For the next few weeks the team did several D-ranked missions a day. They quickly got a reputation for, one, catching the 'demon cat' named Tora quickly, with an ice cage, and for their work at gardening. Also the Inuzuka seemed to call upon them frequently for work at their kennels. This gave Naruto time to catch up with Kiba and find out about his team. Kiba also found out about Naruto's teams little secret.
"So how is it working with two girls, Naruto?" Kiba asked.
Naruto looked both startled and surprised all in one. "What… what do you mean two girls?" he asked timidly.
Kiba laughed, and said, "It's okay Naruto, her secret is safe with my clan," he said, as he nodded towards Haku, and then continued, "and I'm sure that the rest of my team will also keep it a secret too." He smiled and pointed at his nose, and said, "You know we can smell things better than most. I will admit she hides it well, but we can still smell her scent. Mom and sis know about it too. They know you're a friend and that they're good girls. That's why we keep on hiring your team. It also helps that you guys do good work," he exclaimed, as he chuckled.
Naruto sighed in relief, and said, "Thanks Kiba, you're a good friend."
Kiba laughed. "Don't sweat it. So, are they both yours? Or can I ask her out on a date?" he asked with a blush.
Naruto laughed this time, and replied, "I'm betrothed to both of them, sorry."
Kiba couldn't hide his surprise. "B… b… both of them? How?" he asked, wondering how this kid had both the worst and the best luck at odd intervals.
"Hinata-chan and I have been betrothed since soon after her birth, and Haku-chan only happened a couple months ago," Naruto admitted.
"Doesn't Hinata have a problem with you having to be married to both her and Haku?" Kiba asked, as he was worried for his other friend.
Naruto shook his head, and said, "Nope, they came to an agreement, and Zabuza-sensei gave me no options in that one, other than marrying them both and protecting both the girls he considers his daughters. So both Hinata and I accept it. Haku doesn't seem to mind either."
Kiba blushed, elbowed him, and then whispered, "So, have you gotten any action from either of them?"
Naruto's eyes went wide, as he yelled, "What?"
Kiba turned to the girls to make sure they hadn't noticed and weren't coming over, he then said, "Keep it down, Naruto. I was only wondering, jeez."
Naruto wore a look of disgust, he then spoke in an even tone, and said, "I would never take advantage of either of them. I love them both, and we're too young for that just yet. That may happen, but not for a while."
"Man Naruto, you're just boring. If I had two hot girls ready to marry me, I would be all over them," Kiba exclaimed.
Naruto laughed, and replied, "And your mother would kill you for having pups too early." He then gently shoved Kiba in the shoulder with a huge grin.
Kiba scratched the back of his head and then laughed. "I guess you're right. Either mom, sis, or the girls would stop me," he admitted.
Tsume came over and ruffled Kiba's hair, and said, "And don't you forget it, pup. I'm impressed with you, Naruto-kun. You've proven you're going to be a good alpha. Keep those two safe and you'll be a happy man."
Naruto blushed at the compliment, and replied, "You bet!"
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The next week saw their first C-ranked mission, clearing out bandits from the local area. Gai's team had the record for clearing bandits before, but Kurenai's team bested it by a full day and even had more bandits to deal with. The team also worked on finding some Wind based jutsu for Naruto and Haku. Naruto also went through the scrolls that Sarutobi gave him and found them to be more personal correspondence to him from his parents about their thought and such to their as yet unborn son. Naruto was still angry with his father for what he did, but also understood to a point why he did it, not that most of the village deserved his protection.
On a side note Naruto was allowed to binge on ramen once a week, as Haku and Hinata understood it helped in replenishing his energy, with all the carbohydrates in the ramen, they just worried about the possible side effects of ramen on his system, as they had done so much to get him on a healthy diet and improve his general health. Hinata hated to admit it, but Naruto's body had improved over the last several months and Haku agreed. When Hinata and Kurenai had seen him at the hot springs, he was just skin and bones, with little definition other than some fat on his face that hid his malnourishment. Since the diet though, Naruto had put on some weight, nearing what his should be, and growing about a half inch in height. His muscles also began to show signs of growing, where before he was stringy, now he showed some definition and his ribs didn't show through his skin, as if he were emaciated.
During this time Naruto also met a jounin named Hayate, who seemed to have a way with swords. They became friends and would occasionally spar. Zabuza's sentence was handed down by the village tribunal. He would serve three months in prison and then be put on the supervision of a jounin, namely Kurenai to help her with her team.
Team 7 had returned and gave a report to the Hokage that didn't put Naruto's action in a good light. The civilian council tried to make this a problem, but they were blocked by Sarutobi, as Naruto had become a shinobi of the Leaf. Sasuke seethed at the fact that Naruto wouldn't be punished for his affront.
The team also spent time in the library. Naruto of course was under a transformation jutsu to look female and not be caught by the librarian. Naruto also found out that the chuunin exams were going to start in a little more than a month and that teams only had to meet a few requirements.
The final thing that happened during this time was that Naruto and the girls decided to try to spend some time away from each other, so that they would value their time together outside of missions. Naruto spent time with Kiba, Shino, Choji and Shikamaru, among others like a crazy lady named Anko. Both seemed to be kindred spirits, as both were despised for nothing that they had done and Anko was a friend of Kurenai. Naruto and Anko went on a near sadistic spree of pranks on those around the village that had wronged either of them. Naruto was of course blamed, but thanks to Anko, no one could prove that he had done it.
Hinata and Haku found others to spend time with including Anko, when she wasn't with Naruto, Ino, as neither could stand to be around Sakura, occasionally several of the branch members of the Hyuuga clan, and surprisingly Hiashi and Hanabi.
Kurenai also entered them into the chuunin exams, as Zabuza was nearing release from prison. She thought it would be good for the three of them to take the exams, as their skill level was that of chuunin, and Naruto had grown, at least some.
Training continued as normal for the team Naruto and Haku decided to take a little extra time and get some extra practice before the chuunin exams.
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Naruto and Haku continued to spar and failed to notice two people approach and hide in a tree fairly close by. Kakashi and Sasuke both watched with interest, as there had been no disciplinary actions taken towards Naruto for the 'assault' on them for the Wave mission.
Haku and Naruto were both sweating and panting as they moved to the next level for training. Haku moved through several one-handed seals, as Naruto scowled, swallowed hard and complained, "Awe shit! No fair Haku-chan!"
Sasuke and Kakashi looked at each other at the 'chan' statement. They both realized that Haku was actually a girl instead of a boy. What happened next surprised them both.
"Ninja art: Demonic Ice Mirrors!" Haku exclaimed, as water in the air froze and became a dome of mirrors surrounding Naruto. With a pleading look she asked, "Please Naruto-kun, I must maintain my edge."
Naruto visibly sighed and pulled out his sword. Haku disappeared into one of the mirrors and Naruto began to defend himself with his sword from multiple angles. Naruto occasionally got hit by a senbon, but for the most part he was able to deflect most of the senbon. Naruto smiled, as the attacks lulled for a moment. He sheathed his sword, pulled out the senbon, made a hand seal, and proclaimed, "Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
Fifteen Naruto appeared and ran towards the walls, as the real one stayed in the center. All fifteen disappeared in clouds of smoke only to have twenty replace them. Naruto increased the numbers until there were forty attacking the sides, but none seemed to make it to the edge.
Kakashi whistled quietly, "Well over five hundred shadow clones, impressive."
Sasuke scowled, and asked, "What's so impressive? They're just clones, right?"
Kakashi shook his head, and replied, "No, they're 'Shadow' clones, those are real clones, not illusions. And before you ask, no, I will not teach you that jutsu, you haven't the chakra capacity to use it."
The two continued to watch for another half-hour, as Naruto continued to make groups of forty clones, only to have them destroyed by Haku.
Sasuke came up with a question, "How can she maintain those mirrors?"
Kakashi smiled under his mask, "She apparently has a bloodline, just like you, but while yours deals with the eyes, hers has to do with ice."
Sasuke gained a feral grin and jumped down from the tree, as the ice mirrors dissipated. His approach caught both Naruto and Haku's attention. Sasuke slipped a senbon out of his pouch along with a piece of paper, and rolled the paper onto the senbon. "Hey dobe, fight me!" he demanded.
Naruto was breathing heavily, but quickly replied, "No!"
Sasuke smirked, as his wrist twitched, unnoticed by either Naruto or Haku, he then said, "I'll report her to the council, and demand that they betroth her to me, so that I can rebuild the Uchiha clan."
Naruto began to laugh, hard. "You think you can come here and threaten fellow shinobi?" he asked. "You've really have lost it."
Haku's face darkened, as she said, "You have some nerve Uchiha. You threaten not one, but two shinobi. Does your ego know no bounds?" Haku looked at Naruto, and then collapsed to her knees. She felt very weak at the moment and couldn't move any of her muscles.
Sasuke smirked and looked at Naruto, he then said, "I challenge you to a single spar. You win I release her. I win, I get to keep her."
Naruto shook his head, and said, "No, her freedom isn't for you or me to decide. She is a friend, and I will protect her!" He yelled, as he moved in front of Haku.
Kakashi watched all that had occurred and wasn't sure how to handle it. Should he, scold his student or allow the fight to continue? He decided to do nothing, and see where it went.
Naruto took a weary taijutsu stance. Even though he was fatigued, he wanted to protect Haku. "You've proven me right," he yelled sarcastically.
Sasuke raised an eyebrow, and asked, "How's that?"
Naruto's eyes narrowed and turned from warm blue to an ice blue. "Because you've proven you really are a teme," he proclaimed.
Sasuke angered by the insult threw a punch at Naruto's face, only to have Naruto duck and land a jab to his ribs. Sasuke staggered back a few steps and then retook his stance. Naruto jabbed with his right only to have it caught by Sasuke's left. Naruto then noticed several things, Sasuke had a huge smirk, second, he had slapped his right hand on Naruto' bare right arm, third Sasuke's eyes were now red instead of black, he had the Sharingan.
Naruto felt his feet collapse out from underneath him, as Sasuke revealed a small paper seal on his arm that glowed green. "What did you do teme?" he asked weakly.
Sasuke smiled at Naruto, and said, "It's a paralysis seal. Neat little toy, don't you think?" he asked, not really expecting and answer. "I was given them a while back, by some silly woman who wanted something or other from me," he said, as he turned and looked Naruto directly in the eyes. "You leave for a few months after failing the exam, and you come back with this beautiful sword," he exclaimed as he drew Naruto's sword, and Naruto growled at him. He then continued, "Not to mention you came back with two girls."
Sasuke sighed, and continued, "What really gets me is that you're a lot stronger then when you left and worst of all you get to be a genin, even after you failed the exam and attacked me. How did you pull it off?" he asked, not really looking at Naruto.
Naruto was gritting his teeth. "Let us go, teme!" he ground out through his teeth.
Sasuke laughed, as he leaned down and spoke into Naruto's ear, "I'll take your sword, and your girl too. How do you feel about that?"
Naruto could only growl, as Sasuke stepped around Naruto, as if to use his leg as a brace. He then pressed the sword against Naruto's neck, and said, "You said that you've killed. Now I've done so also!" he proclaimed, as he pulled the sword across Naruto's throat.
Haku's eyes went wide, as she saw a spray of blood. Naruto fell over, as he looked sorrowfully at Haku. His eyes changed from sad for one instant to red, as the seal on his arm began to burn away.
In the distance a female voice screamed out a single name, "Naruto!"
Kakashi appeared next to Sasuke, and asked, "What have you done?"
Sasuke ignored Kakashi and looked at Haku with a predatory grin. He then said, "You're mine!" He walked forward, as he heard Kakashi deflecting thrown weapons, and grabbed Haku putting her on his shoulder, he then said, "Let's go!"
Sasuke froze, as waves of killing intent flowed over the area, and he dropped to his knees.
Kakashi spoke up in a sweet voice. "I think you had better leave her here. You're in enough trouble, as it is," he said, as he continued to block senbon being thrown by Hinata. 'He'd better leave her, or there won't be anything left of him, if he doesn't,' he thought, as he watched, red chakra flowed around Naruto.
Naruto gurgled out something unintelligible.
"Why can't I move? What is this feeling?" Sasuke asked no one in particular.
"Release Haku now, Uchiha! Or die!" Hinata proclaimed, as she advanced and continued to throw senbon.
Kakashi was not sure what to do, but he did have to protect his student otherwise he would die and the council would be very angry, even if it was his own fault. "Naruto and Hinata stand down, now, or there will be trouble!" Kakashi proclaimed.
Naruto shook his head, as blood had covered the front of his jumpsuit, the cut on his neck still evident, but the bleeding had slowed significantly. Naruto pointed to Haku and then his sword, he then pointed at the ground in front of him.
As Sasuke finally gotten used to the killing intent, he stood. A new voice rang out, "Stand down Naruto Uzumaki, and Hinata Hyuuga! That is an order!" An ANBU with a sparrow mask ordered.
Hinata looked at the man, as if he were insane, and asked, "What? You're going to protect a kidnapper and an attempted murderer?" The ANBU tilted his head and then looked at Sasuke who had someone draped over his shoulder. She then continued, "He attacked my fiancé with the intent to kill him, and now he's attempting to abduct my other teammate."
"Sasuke Uchiha, release the hostage!" Sparrow ordered.
Sasuke dumped Haku and then jumped away, taking Naruto's sword with him. Naruto attempted to intercept him, but was blocked by second ANBU who showed surprise in his eyes, as Naruto still bled from the wound on his throat. Naruto turned to look for Kakashi, but noticed he has also fled the scene.
Naruto fell to his knees and crawled over to Haku. He examined her and then pulled a senbon from her arm. He showed it to the ANBU, as he cradled Haku in his arms. The ANBU looked at the senbon and noticed the seal and shook his head.
Haku performed a couple hand seals, as her hands were covered in green chakra, and she applied them to his injured neck.
"Explain yourself Uzumaki!" A third ANBU demanded.
Naruto pointed to the still red mark on his throat, covered in blood.
Hinata slid next to Naruto and turned angrily to the ANBU, and yelled, "No you explain yourselves! Is Sasuke Uchiha so privileged, that he can try to murder a fellow genin, steal a family heirloom, and abduct a genin from another team?"
"We sensed his second chakra flare, so we came to investigate," the ANBU attempted to defend himself.
Haku glared at the ANBU, and said coldly, "If it weren't for the Kyuubi, Naruto-kun would be dead, and you'd be investigating a double murder, with an abduction that you'd have no idea had even occurred. I understand now why you don't trust them, Naruto-kun," Haku exclaimed, as she looked sorrowfully at Naruto.
All three ANBU flinched, as if punched. "Now, looking at him, we see that he was injured. We're sorry, but you must understand that we must worry about the Kyuubi getting released more than a simple assault," the man immediately regretted his calling this a 'simple assault'.
Naruto attempted to stand, but fell immediately. Hinata and Haku helped him up, and the three walked towards town.
"You idiot, Naruto-san, Haku-san, and Hinata-sama are all accusing Uchiha-san of attempted murder. Given the amount of blood I would tend to agree. You two investigate the area, you Bear, go talk to Kakashi, and I'll take them to the Hokage. Also follow up with Uchiha-san about a sword, I want it found, especially if it is the sword I think it is," a cat masked ANBU ordered, as she began to follow the three children.
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Kurenai had met the group as they approached the Hokage tower, she didn't ask anything, as she could tell Naruto was furious, so were Haku and Hinata to a lesser extent. What really concerned her was the surprising amount of blood on the front of Naruto's clothes, which appeared to have originated at his throat, which bore a red line. She also noticed the ANBU following closely keeping an eye out for trouble for her team. They entered the tower to find another ANBU with a bear mask standing at the door to the Hokage's office, he had Naruto's sword in hand, stained with blood.
The door opened and they found Kakashi in the office. All three genin glared at him, but he appeared to brush off the glares as if they were nothing. The Hokage stood and moved quickly to Naruto, and asked, "Naruto-kun are you okay?"
Hinata glared at the Hokage, as she yelled, "No he isn't! We wish to file assault, theft, attempted murder, and attempted kidnapping charges against Sasuke Uchiha!"
The Hokage glared at Kakashi, who this time had the decency to actually flinch. He motioned for the three to sit, as he took his chair, and asked, "Please tell me what happened." Sarutobi noticed the blood covering Naruto's front, but hid his concern, as he didn't want to upset the boy any further.
Naruto lifted his head and pointed to his throat and made a slashing motion, he then held out his hand to the bear ANBU who handed him his sword, as he then cleaned and sheathed it. He then lay back with a big gurgling sigh.
Hinata kissed Naruto on the cheek and then turned to the Hokage and said, "Sasuke Uchiha is a menace and should be put down, like the rabid dog he is."
"He's not that bad, he just has some anger issues. See, Naruto is okay now," Kakashi said, as he defended Sasuke.
Naruto growled at Kakashi, as Haku placed a gentle hand on his shoulder. "Hatake-san, how long were you and Uchiha-teme in the tree?" she asked angrily.
"An hour or so, all though I must say that you have an interesting bloodline," Kakashi complimented, as Naruto again growled.
"So both you and Sasuke know that I have a bloodline and am female?" she asked, as both ANBU gasped in shock.
Kakashi nodded, and said, "We watched both of you, it was impressive training, Naruto with his shadow clones, I lost count after about fifteen hundred, and you, with your ice mirrors. I was very impressed."
"So, you allowed your student to pick a fight with my teammate, after we had exhausted ourselves. He hit me with a senbon that had a paralysis seal on it, not allowing me to effectively defend my teammate. He also used a second seal to do the same to Naruto-kun. Why did you not stop it then and there?" Haku asked.
"Well, I was shocked that he was able to stop Naruto so easily after the last encounter," Kakashi admitted.
"And when he placed Naruto-kun's sword at his throat, why not then? How about when he pulled it across his throat? Did you administer aid to a fallen comrade?" Haku asked accusatorily.
"No, I was defending my student from an attack by your other teammate, she would have killed him," Kakashi shot back.
"Pity, you would have Naruto-kun die in his stead, when he didn't start the fight?" Haku asked.
"It really wasn't a fight," Kakashi countered.
Haku sighed, and said, "No, it was a premeditated, attempted murder, abduction and after that, more than likely rape."
"Well…" Kakashi was about to say, but was cut off.
"If Sasuke Uchiha comes near me again, I will kill him, damn the consequences. You were going to defend his actions, were you not?" Haku asked, as her anger rose yet again.
Kurenai had heard enough, and said, "Kakashi, you should be ashamed of yourself. If Sasuke is guilty of even half of this he should be put on trial. He attacked two of my students, with harmful intent I might add."
Kakashi sighed, he was fighting a losing battle with his student's actions, how could save this from becoming a debacle? "Look, I'll keep Sasuke away from your team, if that makes you happy," he said, as a possible compromise.
Naruto continued to fume in the back of the office, only to grab a scroll from his pocket and made sure that Sarutobi saw it. Sarutobi now knew Naruto was actually mad enough to destroy the foundation of Konoha on this incident. "Kakashi, you and your student are here by reprimanded. Attacks on fellow shinobi are especially frowned upon. Sasuke will have to go through a physiological evaluation before he will be called fit for duty again. Now get out of my sight and inform your student that if he comes near Kurenai's team again he will be stripped of his status as a shinobi and left to the mercy of his fan girls. Do I make myself clear?" he asked forcefully, as Kakashi blanched and nodded. He left quickly with no further comment.
Hinata looked angrily at Sarutobi and said, "Hokage-san, while we are appreciative of what you did for our living conditions, you still have a long ways to go in earning our trust. We will honor our vow to this village if it doesn't attack us."
Haku sighed, as she again checked Naruto's throat, and said, "Even with the fox, he won't be able to talk for another day or so. That teme did a number on his larynx. If I were better trained in healing, I could make the healing go quicker," she admitted. She then turned to Sarutobi and said, "You in this village worship bloodlines, but also seem blinded by your own prejudice. Naruto-kun is the jailer, not the inmate, so why do your people act like he's the inmate? If he were your village wouldn't exist right now."
Sarutobi sighed, nodded and said, "Old ways die hard with old people. I know Naruto is Naruto." He reached into his desk and fished out several scrolls and handed them to Hinata, and said, "These are for your husband-to-be, I hope they please him. I have others, but they are not set to be given until he turns sixteen and he is ready to marry, I'm sorry."
Hinata scowled, as she took the scrolls and put them into her weapons pouch. The team left the office right after receiving the scrolls. Kurenai asked what had happened. Haku explained what happened and thus began a flare in Kurenai's anger. Naruto smirked, as he walked over to a shop and purchased a bottle of pink hair dye. Hinata smirked at the same time, as if they both knew what he was going to do with the dye.
"I would hate to be teme right now…" Haku said happily.
Kurenai looked at her, as if she had some idea of what Naruto was going to do. "I would advise against aggravating Sasuke right now," she said, as she was almost certain that they were referring to him as the target.
Naruto grinned even wider, as Kurenai's fear became even greater.
Naruto and Hinata disappeared for a half an hour, as Kurenai and Haku went to lunch to discuss further training.
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Two shadows moved through the Uchiha compound quietly and quickly. No one was there to see them enter Sasuke's home or even, as the two entered the bathroom, and then soon after left, as quickly as they had entered.
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Naruto was relaxing on the bed in just shorts, as he had just finished a shower and decided to relax and read the scrolls. The scrolls seemed to cover some jutsu, but most seemed to be personal correspondence between his parents. It also seemed to cover some tests that were run, and that Tsunade Senju would have to be consulted on. Naruto began to see a pattern, this Tsunade woman's name kept on coming up and to that end he decided that he needed to contact her somehow and find out what she knew. An idea formed in his mind. A few hours later he was joined in bed by Hinata and Haku, as they prepared to rest for bed and the next day.
Hinata and Haku missed Naruto not having his voice, as it was too quiet that evening. They understood that he needed time to heal and also some time to figure out what they needed to do next.
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The three followed their regular schedule, which was, wake up, take a group shower, get dressed, and then eat breakfast. Morning training was somewhat quiet, but also Naruto's voice was somewhat off, having almost fully healed.
Right at the end of morning training the group was greeted by two groups. One was team seven, and the second was an ANBU team. Team seven caused Kurenai's and the ANBU team to break out in laughter. Sasuke's hair was now a dark shade of pink, as he now stood out almost, as badly as his teammate with her normal pink hair.
Sasuke appeared very angry. "I hate you dobe, I'm going to get you charged with breaking and entering," he exclaimed.
Naruto brought his laughter under control. "So teme, is that before or after you've 'red' me the riot act?" he asked jokingly in a broken voice.
The others continued to laugh, as Sasuke seethed with anger, he moved forward to attack Naruto only to be intercepted by both Kakashi and one of the ANBU. "Uchiha-san, no matter what your grievance is with Uzumaki-san, it is immaterial, as he has and his team, have been summoned to the village council," he said with authority. He turned to Naruto's team and continued, "You will accompany us to the council chambers."
Naruto and his team left a fuming Uchiha and Haruno. "You know Sasuke, Naruto could have done much worse to you. He could have put hair remover in your shampoo," Kakashi said, as he pointed out what Naruto could have done. This sent a chill down the Uchiha's back.
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Sarutobi was livid, as he had done some work while Naruto was away, in an attempt to try to fix things for him, but the civilian council attempted to block him at every turn. Danzo wanted Naruto, and Haku handed to him to be trained, as weapons and used to be used as breeding stock for the next generation of 'super soldiers', with his tenant and her Kekkei Genkai, they would be the perfect mix for a new super clan, but without Naruto being at the head of it.
Sarutobi was sickened by this opinion. The son of the former Hokage thought of only as breeding stock instead of a child and capable shinobi. Others in the council had pushed for Haku to immediately be married to the Uchiha boy or to several boys and then forced to have children. How these two items had gotten out were anybody's guess. The facts that Haku was both female and had a bloodline were not common knowledge, but living in a village of ninja did show that they had ways of getting information.
Luckily only he knew that the girls were staying with Naruto and that he was engaged to both of them. The second item of interest was dealing with Zabuza. His interrogation had gone well and it appeared that he hadn't resisted during the 'talk' with Ibiki and Anko. Items of note were that Zabuza was immensely loyal to Naruto, Haku, and Hinata, as if they were his children, this both pleased and disturbed Sarutobi. He was brought out of his thoughts by a knock at the council chamber doors, as they opened.
Naruto and his team were escorted into a large meeting room with several clan head, village merchants, retired shinobi and finally the Hokage. "Come in and take a seat," Sarutobi offered, as he pointed to four chairs situated at the opening of the 'U' shaped council table.
Naruto noticed and recognized several of the people seated on the council, first was Hiashi, second was Chouza, father to one of Naruto's friends, Choji. He also recognized a few of the merchants, one who with pink hair who had refused to allow him into their store.
Naruto sat in between Haku and Hinata, as she sat with Kurenai on her left.
Sarutobi cleared his throat, and said, "Let's get this meeting started. What is the first order of business?"
A pink haired merchant scowled at the gather genin team and then spoke, "It has come to the council's attention that you've gotten access to the Uzumaki accounts, is that true de… Naruto?"
Naruto sighed and said with a raspy voice, "As the head of the Uzumaki clan, and only remaining survivor, I'm entitled to those funds. And if you refer to me as demon again I will make sure you're life is, as fun as mine has been," Naruto threatened.
The woman gasped at his statement. "How dare you threaten me, child!" she yelled in rebuttal.
Naruto smirked, and said, "I'm not threatening. You've been a nuisance to me and refused service to the one who protects this village from the wrath of a demon."
"Prove that you're not one!" She challenged.
Naruto's whole team smirked, as he replied, "Simply put, if I were a demon, I would have destroyed this village several times over, after how I've been treated."
Hiashi began to laugh out loud at Naruto's statement. This disturbed most, but several were also chuckling at the antics of the blonde genin.
"Enough, we're here to find out why you're accessing the Uzumaki clan accounts. You're just named after that clan, as a sign of respect," the woman said.
Naruto shook his head, and said, "No, I'm the son of Kushina Uzumaki, former head of the Uzumaki clan. As her son, and heir, with her passing, I am now the head of said clan. As for showing respect, what have you done for the last twelve plus years to show respect to my clan? You've made sure that I can't even go into regular stores. Your stores are off limits and your managers assault me if I even try to enter. So, don't go and insult me by saying you've honored my clan. How would you like it if I were to retire and go to say Iwa?" he asked, as most of those gather blanched.
Sarutobi spoke up at this point, "Are you saying that you've never bought anything from Haruno-san's store?"
Naruto nodded, and replied, "I've never been able to enter her store. Either she or her clerks chase me out with all sorts of weapons."
Sarutobi frowned at this answer. "Haruno-san, your store charges his family's account for regular clothing expenses, and he has just admitted to never having entered your store. Can you help me to figure out why you're stealing from the boy?"
The Haruno council member went from pale to ghost white, as she stammered out, "But, Hokage-sama he stole from our store and we're just getting back the money for the stolen merchandise."
Naruto laughed, as he pointed to the woman, and said, "You've stolen from me, and now that you've been caught, you want to try to say that I'm the thief. I accuse you of being a thief!"
"We all know that foxes are masters of trickery!" She yelled out, in an attempt to defend herself.
"Excuse me council-woman Haruno, but did you see Naruto-kun's apartment before we left the village? Do you know what his wardrobe was before he went to the bank, which I might add had moneys for him. Also this very council had told the bank to not let him even enter. Is this how you honor the Fourth's sacrifice?" Hinata asked.
"He's a monster! I for one am glad that he's no longer chasing my daughter!" Sakura's mother stated.
"Monster? No, jinchuuriki, yes, and also sole heir to the Uzumaki clan. My clan sacrificed much to help your village, and this is how do you repay them? You kill my mother and aunt. You steal from me and my clan! You accuse me of things I never did! Now, what do you and the rest of this foolish council want?" Naruto asked angrily.
"Such insolence! How dare…" Danzo started to say, but was interrupted.
"He dares, because he is right!" Hinata proclaimed.
"Shut your mouth, branch wench!" Danzo yelled back at her.
Naruto was about to stand only to see Hiashi stand and look directly at Danzo, with his Byakugan activated. "You will show respect to my daughter and future son-in-law!" he rebutted.
"So the Hyuuga are in league with this demon!" The Haruno woman yelled.
"If he were an all powerful demon, I would rather be on his side. If on the other hand he is, as I suspect, a jinchuuriki, then we as a village have done an unspeakable sin for harming an innocent boy," Hiashi said in a low tone, as most of the shinobi clan heads nodded agreement. He then looked directly at Danzo, and said, "If you ever speak to my daughter that way again I will kill you myself, If Naruto-san doesn't do it first."
Hinata took this moment to speak, "How many of you have ever been around Naruto-kun for any length of time? How many of you have even tried to walk around the village as Naruto-kun? And as for you Baika Haruno, mother to the banshee that abused my Naruto-kun, you only have my deepest enmity."
Baika was stunned as the killing intent rolled of the young Hyuuga girl. "How did my daughter abuse this thing? And why are disrespecting my daughter?" she asked.
Hinata frowned at the woman. "I know of eighty-one separate occasions where your daughter assaulted Naruto-kun, for such a little thing as asking for a date. Is that how the Haruno act? I have not seen others act so. Usually a kind rebuke or maybe a strong word or two if they become insistent, is usually all that is needed. Your daughter on the other hand three more time did and with no regard for Naruto-kun's feeling denigrated and degraded him for the same reason I mentioned before. And as for the other merchants, you have stolen from Naruto-kun with no regard for whom you steal from, in the hopes of getting even with the Kyuubi. The Kyuubi is contained! Yet you attack and abuse Naruto-kun for nothing he has done. Have you ever asked 'why did the Yondaime choose him'? Also, do you remember his wish for Naruto-kun?" she asked pointedly, as Hiashi smiled proudly at his daughter.
Naruto decided to speak up at this point, and said, "So the great Konohagakure no Sato, the best of the shinobi villages, the most honorable of them, that is a total sham!" Members of the council began to protest, but Naruto cut them off, and said, "You say you honor the Fourth, yet you disregard his last, dying wish. The wish that I be seen as a hero for the burden I carry. What would happen to your village's precious reputation, if it were known that you treat children in such a fashion? Or better yet that you actively went about destroying a hopeful academy student's learning? How about if the other countries learn how you treated a jinchuuriki? Most of the big countries have them, and I'm sure they are treated for the most part better than I've been treated. I'm sure that Iwagakure no Sato would love to have me, a trained, no thanks to you, jinchuuriki. The irony of having me working for them, the jinchuuriki that their greatest enemy created, and that their enemy village shunned."
Naruto then looked directly at Choza, and said, "While I enjoy my time with your son, I haven't forgotten that you also called for my death during 'that' incident. I'm sure that your son would be very disappointed with you if the facts in that case came to light."
Choza lowered his head in shame, and replied, "I'm deeply sorry for my words said in the heat of the moment, Naruto-san."
Naruto nodded, as he wanted to know what else the council had up its sleeves.
Sarutobi coughed to get the attention of everyone in the chamber, and then said, "We are deeply sorry for your treatment Naruto-kun, and ask for your forgiveness. There are also other matters that this council wants to deal with, that affect you and your team, Naruto-kun."
Naruto nodded and sat back down, but continued to glare at the elders and civilian member of the council.
Homura cleared his throat, and said, "Yes Sarutobi, there is another matter to be addressed. The matter of Haku Momochi, the council has before it a vote on a betrothal measure to a one Sasuke Uchiha."
Haku stood up and glared at the man, who nearly jumped out of his skin, as killing intent washed over him from the girl, and Naruto, it also didn't help when the temperature of the room fell several degrees in the matter of seconds. "What would I want being betrothed to that monster?" Haku asked.
Koharu looked at her, and replied, "You're a female, am I correct?" Haku nodded to her question, she then continued her questions. "Sasuke-san is the most eligible bachelor of your age group and would make a good pair," she said.
Haku shook her head, and said, "Only if you agree with kidnapping and possible rape, would he make a good mate for me. Yesterday he attacked both my teammate and myself, as he attempted to murder said teammate and then abduct me."
Baika stood, and began to protest, "Uchiha-san would never do such a thing! He's an honorable shinobi!"
Haku glared at the council member, and said, "Yes honorable enough to spy on a private spar, disable myself and my teammate with paralysis seals. And do you know what he did then? He stole a family heirloom, and then he attempted to slit the throat of my teammate. He even waited until we were tired from a long spar to attack, I thought that we would be safe within the confines of the walls of Konoha, but we were sadly mistaken. When ANBU arrived they were about to let your 'HONORABLE' Uchiha go free, with me held on his shoulder, ready to take me to Kami knows where. So I refuse any type of union with that monster!"
Baika sat down, but appeared to brush aside Haku's arguments. "You're sitting next to the true monster…" she said to no one in particular.
Ice formed into aH hhhhh
kunai in Haku's hand, as she glared at Baika. "You would insult Naruto-kun? I should just kill you now and relieve the world of your ignorance," she said, with as much venom as she could muster.
Homura decided it was time to get this finished, and said, "It is still needed, that we have an affirmation that you will be married around your sixteenth birthday, young lady."
Haku turned to the man, glared and said, "I'm already spoken for. Now end this non-sense!"
Homura nodded at the statement. "Next item on the agenda is to decide how much of the Uzumaki clan fortune is to be distributed to Naruto-san," he said in a level tone.
Naruto looked at the man and growled. "As the head of the clan it is all mine until we have more members, and then I shall divvy it out as needed," he replied.
Koharu shook her head, and said, "No little one, the monies are needed by the village, and as such should be given freely to the village. The village needs the money, while you do not."
"Like hell I would give up the money from my family to this village that keeps on proving that the Fourth's sacrifice was in vain," Naruto yelled in reply.
Several gasps came from the assembled council, also several chuckles.
"I call for a vote to take ninety percent of the Uzumaki monies and transfer them to the village," Baika said with a smile on her face.
"Anyone who seconds will cause my clan to pull all our monies out of the bank," Tsume said angrily.
"Along with my clan's," Hiashi said also, as the rest of the shinobi clans fell in line behind the Inuzuka and Hyuuga clan heads.
Naruto couldn't help, but feel tears come to his eyes at the show of support from the shinobi clans. Naruto finally spoke up, and said, "If this council in its 'infinite' wisdom decides to take the money from my clan's accounts, I will immediately take all funds and turn it into a mission against said member. I will make your lives a living hell." Naruto's eyes turned from blue to purple, as killing intent flowed off of him.
The final vote was a tie, but Sarutobi had the final vote in the case of a tie, he voted to leave the Uzumaki clan's money in Naruto's hands, and have the village borrow the money if needed, but pay him back quickly if they did borrow them, and with interest for the time they were borrowed. Naruto didn't like it, but this way he held the purse strings of the council thus giving him some semblance of control in village politics, not that he actually wanted that.
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A/N: Hope you liked the chapter and hated a couple of the characters…
Dragon Noir: You will learn more about the seals in the following chapters. I gave you a hint of what they are, but my not have been totally truthful as Naruto is still isn't a seal master.
Get: What are you saying? You've got a problem with spelling and grammar, and doing this posting anonymously. Oh and for your idea of making 'sense', all stories are AU after the first word. Enough said to a heckler…
Neosucious: No worries about Naruto becoming super strong or smart right off the bat. The seals will more explained over time and their elimination will help Naruto, but not make him into some super powered ninja, he will have to work for that.
The Wandering Soul of 1014: All in good time. Each seal has its purpose, and Naruto might not even be right about his knowledge of what they are and what they do.
A reviewer: Naruto has a lot on his mind, while he is mad at the Third, he is more disappointed in him not doing the right thing. Their relationship should improve, but the trust has been lost and will need to be rebuilt. Also Naruto has lost his mask for the most part, as Zabuza broke him of the habit in non-fighting situations.
P5yCH0: They got really lucky with their skills and the availability with water, as all are water jutsu users. Yes if Kurenai went all out she could have won, but what would be the point if she either killed or had to take her team to the hospital, just for a trial, and she wouldn't have come out of it without a scratch.
Lord Martiya: Sai is a funny character and would help mesh Team 7, as he has no emotions, paired with an emotional wreck, Sasuke. Also he would help to focus Sakura into being a kunoichi, at least you could hope. In my personal opinion Sakura was a lost cause form the start, she got better, but only became tolerable at that point. Sasuke, I understand got hit with a double whammy of Itachi and the Curse seal from Orochimaru, but no one especially Kakashi seemed to want to have his mental health checked out. The fight on the roof was the last straw and Kakashi just let it go. Jiraiya and Naruto spoke volumes just by looking at each other. Both knew that he had screwed up, but also Naruto was harder on himself for it. Also it showed the first time that Naruto put the pink banshee in her place. As for Kakashi being in place to eliminate the threat of Naruto, I would agree. But there would be true irony there if he did, as for Kakashi killing the son of his sensei. I would also agree with Hinata being on the same team as Sasuke, for fear that he might try something with the heiress. The funny thing is that Sasuke is thought to be unstable from the massacre on, but Naruto did have some calming influence. Now with the latest manga, Kakashi shows that he knows Naruto is Minato's son, when he knew is the real question.