I don't own Naruto.

"Talk"

'Think'

"Talk"

'Think'

Konoha one week later

"Well guys I guess this is where we depart." Asuma announced as they approached the village gates, "You all can go home I have to talk to my old man." and with that said he disappeared in a cloud of smoke.

"Later Naruto." Shikamaru yawned feeling absolutely exhausted after this mission.

"Now hold up you three." Naruto ordered the Ino-Shika-Cho trio, as he handed each of them a scroll, "Don't think your training is over, in these scrolls I've written out a training regiment for each of you. Don't slack off." he continued before jumping away from them.

Nara Compound 3:30 PM

"Troublesome woman." Shikamaru sighed as he laid in his bed after getting chewed out by his mom, why? He just told his parents the details of the mission, and his first kill. But when he mentioned he didn't help in the destruction of the camp, his mom started yelling at him for being lazy. That was the curse of the Nara Clan...well for the males anyways, no matter what they did they would always marry a bossy woman. And after years of marriage they could only hope their deaths came quicker than usual. But it wasn't all bad from what his dad told him: "Even the roughest woman is tender to the guy she loves."...but then again he was very drunk that night.

He was interrupted when someone knocked on his door, after saying come in his father; Shikaku Nara walked in. Shikaku was around six feet in height and had the build of an experienced shinobi. He wore an unusual outfit that made him look like a hobo that consisted of ratty and worn brown cargo pants, a worn forest green Jounin flack-vest that looked like it has seen quite a few battles with steel fishnet chain mail underneath it, worn out black shinobi styled sandals, and a ripped up brown trenchcoat that had its sleeves ripped off and was stained with what looked like dirt, and some blood, and had worn brown hand guards that went to his elbows. His face looked a lot like Shikamaru's considering the hair style and eye color, only his face didn't a trace of baby fat, had a goatee, and he had two scars on his right cheek and temple respectivally.

"Hey son need to talk about your first kill?" Shikaku asked.

"Nah I talked to Asuma-sensei, and he gave me a boring speech saying, if you don't feel anything when you kill then you're no longer human."

"Heed those words well son, because I've seen a lot of good shinobi go crazy or quit as a ninja after killing so many times." Shikaku warned his son, "Hey what's that?" he pointed towards the scroll on the desk next to his sons bed.

"It's a training regiment, I was just about to read it." Shikamaru lied as he broke the seal. Shikaku moved forward to see what was in it.

It was a letter and it was read as followed:

Shikamaru you are probably thinking this letter is troublesome so I'll get right to the point. For your training regiment I require you to ask your father about learning more strategies and more of your clan techniques, but I don't want you to stop there I want you to master the art of shadows. Learn to sink into the darkness, become it, control it under your own will and make it your bitch.

Don't think that is all, even though your mind is sharp your body is frail. To remedy this you should start wearing weights to increase your strength; I recommend some chakra arm and leg bracelets from the Higurashi Weapons Shop. Now for the hard part you are to run around the village two times, do five-hundred push-ups, five-hundred sit-ups, a thousand punches for each arm and leg, a one-hundred squats, and the tree walking exercise with about ten pounds for your arms and twenty pounds for your legs. However I don't expect you to do all of this at once so you can cut them in half if needed.

Now for the last part seek out Asuma and make him teach you how to use chakra infused trench-knives. Because with your shadow abilities you can infuse your shadow affinity within them, and capture or kill any enemy within the area.

Sincerely, Naruto

P.S. I will check up on you, and if you're not doing as instructed you will suffer the consequences.

When Shikaku and Shikamaru finally finished the letter they both had these reactions respectively: A huge sweat-drop at the back of their heads, their eyes bulging out of their sockets, and their mouths fell to the floor.

"He can't be serious." Shikaku muttered.

"He is," Shikamaru sighed, "what a drag." he put the scroll back on his desk. He then proceeded to open one of the drawers and pulled out a wallet with the Nara Clan symbol on the front of it.

"Where do you think you're going?" Shikaku asked his son.

"I'm going to get some weights, and get Asuma-sensei to agree to train me." Shikamaru said, as he headed towards his bedroom door. "I hope you aren't planning on doing anything for awhile, because I need you to teach me our family jutsus." and with that said he headed towards the weapons shop.

If he looked back into his room he would have seen his dad shocked out of his mind. Dropping onto his sons bed Shikaku sighed in thought. 'Uzumaki you have actually made Shikamaru motivated. Heh, well it looks like I'll be busy for awhile.' after his small thought Shikaku went to write out his sons training regiment.

Akimichi Compound 3:47 PM

Chouza was deeply worried about his son. When he got home his wife; Mikoshi, asked him if he wanted some lunch. They got the shock of their lives when Chouji said no, and proceeded to his room. Naturally Chouza went to see if he was all right, when he got to his room he saw his son staring at the clouds.

"Chouji what's wrong? Did something happen-"

"I killed a man." Chouji interrupted his father.

Sighing in understanding Chouza approached his son, "First kill huh? Well I can't tell you a lot except it isn't easy."

"Dad what is your and moms elemental affinity?" Chouji asked drawing a shocked look from Chouza.

"Why do you want to know?"

"Please just tell me."

"Fire, we're both fire. Why do you want to know? You aren't even supposed to know about that kind of training until you're at least Jounin level." Choza told him.

"I'm earth." Chouji said drawing a look from his father, "Dad am I adopted?"

"No! Of coarse not!" Chouza yelled waving his hands frantically, "Don't you remember the clans history?"

"What?"

"I guess it has been awhile," Chouza sighed, "sit down son it's time for a history lesson."

After getting comfortable in the front room Chouza started the history lesson, with Mikoshi at his side.

"Chouji I'll make this short ad sweet, before our clan came to Konoha we used to reside in Earth Country. However our clan grew sick of how they treated clans like property. So we defected and came to Konoha. But before you ask why you have the earth element, remember we came to the Leaf during the Shodaime's time, and our clan does not interbreed with each other so generations upon generations later most of our clan has the fire affinity. However from what we know that some will get the earth affinity, but it is a one in a one-hundred and fifty chance of that happening."

"So I take it that you know no earth jutsus." Chouji dead-panned.

"No son we don't." Mikoshi apologized.

"What a shame." Chouji sighed again as he stood up, but the sudden motion caused the scroll Naruto gave him to fall out of his shirt. "Oh I completely forgot about this."

"Well open it and let's see what's in it." Chouza demanded.

Chouji complied and opened it, only for them to get enveloped in a giant cloud of smoke, and then they heard loud crash. After the smoke cleared they saw a giant three foot double-headed black axe with red trimmings, a small scroll, and a white envelope on top of their now broken coffee table.

"What the hell is that!" Mikoshi screamed.

"Honey come take a look at this." Chouza gestured his wife towards the scroll they started reading.

Chouji as you already know your clan is mainly consisted of front line fighters. That is why I'm giving you the "Famous" Stone Bear's axe Shukketsu (Bleeder), however unlike that no-brained arrogant idiot he didn't use it properly I believe you can use it to its fullest potential. And no I'm not telling you how to use it, you have to find that out for yourself. Now for your training regiment I require you to ask your dad about learning more of your clan techniques and you should start wearing weights to increase your strength; I recommend some chakra arm and leg bracelets from the Higurashi Weapons Shop. Now for the hard part you are to run around the village two times, do five-hundred push-ups, five-hundred sit-ups, a thousand punches for each arm and leg, a one-hundred squats, and the tree walking exercise with about ten pounds for your arms and twenty pounds for your legs. However I don't expect you to do all of this at once so you can cut them in half if needed.

In the scroll that is probably on top of the axe right now contains one D-rank, four C-rank, and two B-rank earth jutsus. If you want to learn more about earth elemental training go ask the Sandaime. But do not I repeat do not attempt the higher ones without excellent chakra control or you could die!

Sincerely, Naruto

P.S. I will check up on you, and if you're not doing as instructed you will suffer the consequences.

P.S.S. In the white envelope is some money for the broken coffee table.

"Dad I'm-"

"Go ahead son I'll handle the weights." Chouza interrupted his son.

"Thanks dad!" Chouji said as he ran out the front door.

"Heh, for a guy who kills without mercy that Naruto is an okay guy." Chouza commented drawing a nod from his wife.

Yamanaka Compound 3:50 PM

"So this is what I have to do." Ino sighed as she reread the letter.

Ino I'm not going to lie you need a lot of work to be an excellent kunochi. But do not worry worry I can fix that for your training regiment I require you to ask your dad about learning more of your clan techniques and you should start wearing weights to increase your strength; I recommend some chakra arm and leg bracelets from the Higurashi Weapons Shop. Now for the hard part you are to run around the village two times, do five-hundred push-ups, five-hundred sit-ups, a thousand punches for each arm and leg, a one-hundred squats, and the tree walking exercise with about five pounds for your arms and ten pounds for your legs. However I don't expect you to do all of this at once so you can cut them in half if needed.

Also if you are on some stupid stay thin diet, get off it and actually eat something with some high calories. Now don't give me any crap saying you will become fat that is what your training regiment is for. If you eat a good balanced meal, and train hard you will burn that amount of calories, and keep that good figure women are always talking about.

Now for the serious stuff. From what happened during the mission I learned you aren't suitable to be a combat ninja, no you are more suited for the medical and interrogation departments. But you don't have to worry about the interrogation department until you reach Chuunin level. And the scroll that popped out contains directions for medical training along with two C-rank and one B-rank fire jutsus. If you want to learn more about fire elemental and medical training go ask the Sandaime. But do not I repeat do not attempt the B-ranked one without excellent chakra control or you could die!

Sincerely, Naruto

P.S. I will check up on you, and if you're not doing as instructed you will suffer the consequences.

P.S.S. If you are having trouble with the medical techniques ask a Medic-nin or come to my place near the Hyuuga Compound.

After finishing the letter Ino headed off towards the Hokage Tower.

Hokage Tower 4:00 PM

Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed for the thousandth time today, after all how often do you find yourself getting chewed out by your own son.

"Are you even listening?" Asuma demanded.

"I heard every word, and I don't see the problem. The mission was accomplished after all." Sarutobi replied to his estranged son.

"But you weren't there! The kid is a psycho! He massacred an entire shipload of people, and then blew it up. Then the next day he obliterated a bandit camp in ten minutes, and came out without a scratch, he was not even covered in blood!"

"Asuma, Naruto just did what I ordered him to do. And I hope you're ready to train your Genin seriously." Sarutobi smirked seeing his sons confused expression.

"And why is that?" the chain-smoking Jounin asked.

"Because we're behind you." three voices said behind him. Asuma turned around to see his Genin team with an annoyed look on their faces.

Ino stepped up and spoke for the entire team, "Asuma-sensei we will start our serious training in two days. So I hope you don't have anything planned for quite some time."

"What should we make him do exactly?" Chouji asked.

"Well for one one you are going to teach me how to fight with trench-knives." Shikamaru said, "And you will participate with our physical training, because you're getting a little chunky."

"What? I'm in the best shape of my life, besides you're Genin you can't order me around." Asuma protested that outragious claim.

"I'll allow it," Sarutobi said drawing a disbelieving look from his son, "Asuma just trust me on this."

"Fine Lord Hokage," Asuma nearly spat his name out, "I'll see you three in two days." and with that he angerly disappeared in a small cloud of smoke.

"Now what can I do for you three?" the aged Hokage asked to egar Genin.

"I came to ask you about the earth elemental training. And Naruto said you would know a bit about it." Chouji said.

"I came for the same reason, only for fire and medical training." Ino added.

"I only came here to ask Asuma about the trench-knife training." Shikamaru sighed in his bored fashion.

"I see, then in that case hold on a minute." the old Hokage replied as he reached into his desk and pulled out two scrolls, "Alright Chouji this scroll will help you master your affinity. And Ino this scroll will help you master your affinity, don't worry about your medical training I'll contact the hospital to see if they'll help you." he continued handing them their respected scrolls, and watched them leave a minute later.

"They're good kids, don't you agree Naruto?" Sarutobi asked, and not a second later Naruto dropped from the ceiling.

"They have potential I'll admit that." Naruto agreed, "but why is your son a jerk?" he asked.

"He wasn't always like that, in fact he was...well still can be quite calm. You know that he was part of the Fire Daimyou's Twelve Elite Guardians right?" seeing Naruto nod he continued, "Then you know about their great battle almost eight years ago?" seeing Naruto's confused look Sarutobi explained the situation.

"Asuma and my other son Tsuno both joined The Twelve Elite Guardians. Oh I still remember Tsuno, Asuma, and Chiriku fighting each other almost every day to prove who was the best." Sarutobi sighed strolling down memory lane, "Well anyways they saw the group split due to the beliefs of another member named Kazuma. He believed every one should be militarily lead by the someone worthy like himself, rather than by the Fire Daimyou. He and four other members challenged the other half of the group under Asuma, Tsuno, and Chiriku. Four of Guardians that sided with Asuma, Kitane, Nauma, Tou'u, and Seitou sacrificed their lives using a powerful lightning jutsu called Limelight to take out the members of the plotting coup d'etat. Kazuma himself managed to survive and took on Asuma directly."

Sarutobi paused at the painful memory, "Asuma fought him one on one and lost. Kazuma was about to deal the killing blow when...Tsuno took the blow. From what I remember Kazuma taunted Asuma saying his worthless brothers sacrifice was in vain. Asuma in a furious rage took up his brothers trench-knives and killed the bastard and ended the coup d'etat."

"And Asuma has never forgiven himself for letting him die, and I right?" Naruto asked, as he could relate somewhat to the man.

"Yes," Sarutobi nodded, "and after he died Asuma was the one to tell his wife how it happened...and she died from giving birth to Konohamaru the next day. Since then he wields his trench-knives, and smokes to honor him. Hell he even takes care of Konohamaru like he was his own son. I would help but with this damn paperwork I can't do a damn thing to help either of them."

Nodding in understanding at the loss of a loved one Naruto turned to leave, "Old man Hokage," he suddenly said making the aged Hokage look at him with surprise at the informality. "Use the Shadow Clone Jutsu to finish that paperwork, and spend time with those two. And maybe, just maybe you might heal your sons heart." with that he walked out the door, and closed it for a good reason too.

Sarutobi sat there in shock at what he just heard, "So that was how Minato did it so fast...and he took that secret with his to his grave. MINATO YOU SNEAKY BASTARD WHY DIDN'T YOU TELL ME!" he screamed to the heavens, making the deceased Yondaime Hokage laugh his ass off in the afterlife.

"I guess shutting the door didn't help after all." Naruto sighed when pretty much everyone in the village look towards the Hokage Tower, and starting to hear the Hokage scream; "Die you little bastards! DIE! MUHAHAHAHA!" followed by psychotic laughter, "And what I said back there was corny as hell, what's wrong me am I getting soft?" he asked himself that question all the way home.

Namikaze-Uzumaki Mansion 5:30

Naruto finally got home, even though he didn't want to admit it he missed his home. However a knocking on the door ruined the moment, sighing he turned around and opened the door. He was surprised to see the white eyes of a Hyuuga standing at his doorstep.

The Hyuuga then gave him a message that he was ordered to give, "Lord Hiashi requests your presence for dinner this night. He would be most pleased if you could make it."

"You may tell Hiashi-san that I'll be there." the Hyuuga nodded and began to recite the other message he was ordered to give, "He would also like you to be weaponless." he said eyeing Naruto's katana, wakizashi, and tanto.

"None?" Naruto asked.

"None." the Hyuuga replied.

"Fine but I won't like it." the blond stated.

"Fair enough." the Hyuuga replied, "You have one hour to get ready."

"Thanks for the heads up." Naruto said sarcastically as he shut the door, "Man I hope this night doesn't get out of hand." he sighed when he went to take a shower.

The blond finished his shower and dried off, after raiding the closet he found an outfit that fit him. It was one his dads "fancy" clothes this one consisted of a red traditional male kimono and a black obi. He made a mental note to go clothes shopping to get something for himself, after all he can't wear his dads clothes all the time. After he put it on he finished it off by wrapping his right forearm and hand completely in white medical tape, after all he can't go and show off his charred hand and ruin everyones appetite. And he finished it off by wearing traditional sandals, and tucked his scroll into a hidden pocket within the kimono.

"Well I'm off...I hope nothing happens." he said to himself before heading towards the Hyuuga Compound.

Hyuuga Compound 6:30

Hinata Hyuuga was nervous. This was not unusual. Hinata was nervous almost all the time, and especially so when it involved her father, her sister, or family functions in any way. While she knew that her father loved her she was downright scared of her father most of the time, and she knew that her sister could be a real bitch to her...even though she was cordial and polite to her most of the time.

This time, it was a dinner to host a 'family friend' as her father had put it. She had no clue as to who the guest was...her father had refrained from telling anyone, but she had no doubts that it was probably some far away dignitary that knew her father through some distant relation...or some such thing. Family dinners like this often were held for pompous and arrogant 'important people' from around the fire country, and sometimes even out of the fire country. Hinata was expected to be present for them as a matter of courtesy, and her sister was there just because she was her sister.

The also served the unenviable position of being eye-candy for anyone who would visit. She knew that her father disliked that particular aspect of their 'job', he honestly did, but he had no real choice in the matter. It was simply the way of noble families. She almost had to suppress a shudder she couldn't count on both hands and feet the number of times a visiting dignitary had leered at her or her sister lecherously, and she had been forced to simply smile and blush as a good female should. It was one of the few things that served to actually piss her off. But thankfully they didn't say anything about them for fear that her father would beat the living crap out of them. And even the most idiotic person knew not to mess with a Hyuuga's child, or they would suffer the consequences to the most important thing to a man Gentle Fist style.

She was broken from her thoughts as to who the mystery guest could be as a branch house member knocked on the door to their eating area and announced that 'He' was here. Hiashi's face lit up, causing both sisters to look at each other with confused expressions, before Hiashi told the guard to let him in and show him to the dining room. The guard acknowledged and whisked himself away, only to reappear a few minutes later with another, shorter shadow standing to his left.

The door swung open to reveal the guard and his guest, and with a deep bow, the guest gave his respects to Hiashi and made his way to the last opening available, giving Hinata and Hanabi their first unobstructed views of the mystery man.

He was taller than Hinata by at least a inch, and taller than Hanabi by at least a foot. His blond hair made Hinata recognize him imminently, and three dark whisker marks adorned each cheek, while his left cheek had a scar going diagonally across it. His cold blue eyes accentuated his tanned skin, and his red kimono gave him an aura of abmost authority. He sat down in the traditional manner and bowed his head towards those who were at the table.

Hanabi shuddered at his coldness in his eyes, but Hinata was strangely quiet. Hanabi looked over to her sister to find her face flushed red and her hands clutching her own kimono rather tightly. Before she could ask just what was wrong, Hiashi spoke.

"It's good that you could make it, Naruto-san. I believe you already know my daughter Hinata, but allow me to introduce you to Hanabi, my youngest daughter." Naruto turned to Hanabi and gave another cursory head bow, noticing that Hanabi returned it somewhat confused.

"Hello Hinata how have you been?" he asked her.

"I-I've been fine Naruto-kun." Hinata shuddered a little bit in response.

Hiashi called the servants waiting just outside the door, and nothing short of a small feast was carted into their dining area. While the servants were serving the food Naruto surveyed the room. And he didn't like what he saw, while there were around thirty Hyuuga's in the room only five older looking ones were looking at him with hate. He just hoped that nothing awkward would happen, and by awkward he meant that there would be five less Hyuuga's in the world.

Lucky for him the dinner went off without a hitch. After dinner Naruto slid the door open and walked into Hiashi's office, which was more than a blank white room with a small traditional style desk in the middle of the room. Hiashi poured himself and Naruto a small saucer of Sake and pushed his saucer over to him. Both took a sip before Hiashi sighed and simply looked up with an impassive gaze. "Do you have the contract?" Naruto nodded and handed it to him Hiashi almost had a smug look on his face after he read it, and the blond just scowled.

"So what do you want exactly?" Naruto asked taking the scroll back, "Do you want me to marry her, or do you want me to stay away from her?" Hiashi just smirked and the Kyuubi jinchuriki shot him a tremendously annoyed glare. After a few more moments, Naruto sighed and took a sip of his sake before he receiving the dreaded answer he knew was coming.

"I want you to marry her." he said causing Naruto to spit out his saki in surprise, he certainly wasn't expecting that answer.

"Are you serious?" he said after regaining his breath.

Wiping the saki from his face and supressing an annoyed look Hiashi responded, "I don't see why not, after all you made her stronger. Unorthodox yes, but even I can't deny her progress."

"Wait, you don't even-"

The clan head just held up his hand, "Don't even pull that one me. I don't care if you contain the Kyuubi, I don't even care that you are him." Naruto eyes widened a bit after hearing that, "Even you deserve happiness no matter what you think. Please think this over and come to me when you made your decision."

Naruto finished his saucer, said his good nights and walked toward the door.

Namikaze-Uzumaki Mansion 8:20

"Man what a night." Naruto sighed when he got home once again, "Evening Zabuza." he said as the Demon of the Mist approached him. Zabuza walked up to Naruto, and with a well placed punch, knocked the wind out of him, causing him to gasp for a few seconds. He then grabbed the nape of his kimono, and pulled his head up to eye level.

"What did you do to Haku?" he growled out with both Gouzu and Meizu glaring at him.

"What are you talking about?" Naruto grunted, only for Zabuza to slam him into the wall.

"For an entire month Haku has spent most of her time in her room. I keep asking her what's wrong, but she just keeps replying that he hates me." Zabuza's eyes were red with rage, "I know she is talking about you, after all other than us are the only guy she really knows. Now go and see what's up with her, or I'll behead you!" he ordered gripping his legendary sword.

"And we'll slice you to bits!" Gouzu and Meizu courised simultaneously, flexing their respective clawed hands.

After getting out of Zabuza's grip Naruto went up the flight of stairs, and found himself standing outside Haku's room and knocked on her door. When he heard a soft voice telling him to come in he opened the door. Haku's room was sea blue. On the left side of the room she had a single bed with white and blue sheets. Underneath the window was a oak desk that held a few books, and a picture of the two of them taken recently.

On the right side of the room there was a closet that was wide open showing off a variety of kimonos on hangers or racks. At the same side of the room was a small bathroom with all the essentials a bathroom needs. And finally the last wall had the door, and by it was a oak chest with her old Hunter-nin mask on top of it with some sandals next to it.

Haku sat on her bed in nothing but a white tank top and blue panties, "Oh Naruto-kun it's you. What do you want?" she asked looking down refusing to meet his cold blue eyes.

"Zabuza wanted me to talk to you. You seem upset what's up?" Naruto asked.

"Why would you care?" she asked now looking dead into his eyes.

"Haku please tell me what's wrong. You know I hate seeing a pretty girl upset." he said making her blush a bit.

"You were with one of them." she said seeing his kimono, causing Naruto to raise an eyebrow. "I know about your marriage contract." she continued not noticing Naruto's eyes widen, "And I have seen most of them, I now know why you want to marry them. You have all those women who will get to marry you, while I'm just left behind. I...I love you even if I only met you a year ago, but every day without you was just absolute torture. I want to be with you, but now I won't get that chance." she finished up before openly crying.

Naruto in response hugged her to try and comfort her. "I see," he whispered wiping away her tears, "I truly don't know how to feel. After all I spent almost my entire life without love or any other emotion for that matter, so I can't really say if I love you, or the others at this time. "But how would you like that chance?" he asked looking into her beautiful brown eyes.

"What do you mean?" she asked as a small blush came to her face.

"Haku I don't want to see you suffer, and while I can't do anything about the marriage contract, and you may have to share me. You will be my first wife, that is if you'll have me?" Naruto asked her in some sort of odd proposal that baffled him.

"Yes, yes! I'll be yours forever." Haku cried out in joy as she kissed him long and deep. A few minutes later they broke apart for air, as Naruto got up to leave Haku grabbed his arm. He looked at her. "Naruto will you please stay the night?" she asked. Naruto nodded and took off his kimono leaving him in his pants.

As he laid down Haku whispered into his ear, "I love you Naruto-kun." she whispered kissing him.

"I know." Naruto responded before kissing her back, before they fell asleep in each others embrace.

"You're getting soft kid." Kyuubi mocked his container.

'Up yours fox, don't ruin the moment.' Naruto shot back.

"But it was corny as hell!"

'This is true.' the blond replied before he went to sleep.

Hyuuga Compound at the same time

Meanwhile in the Hyuuga Compound one Neji Hyuuga was called by the Hyuuga elder council.

Neji walked up to the door that led to the chambers of the council meeting hall and was admitted in by a branch house member that was guarding the door. Inside, the five elders were already waiting for him as he kneeled down on the mat reserved for those speaking to the council.

Keeping his head low as was the practice taught to branch members he said, "Good evening honorable members of the council."

"Greetings Neji." said the eldest councilman who sat in the center, "Tell me, do you know why you are here?"

"No, I honestly can not." Neji responded.

"You are here because Lord Hiashi has made a grave mistake." said a councilman on the far right. "He has started the preparations for an arranged marriage between Hinata-sama and a horrible, horrible, demon."

Neji couldn't resist raising an eyebrow in curiosity at this. "May I ask who Lord Hiashi has chosen to wed Hinata-sama?"

"He has chosen Naruto Uzumaki." said the councilman on the left, the old Hyuuga didn't even try to hide the disdain from his voice.

"I am confused." Neji admitted to the council, "What does this kid and his possible marriage have to do with me?"

Taking up the position of spokesmen again the eldest councilman said. "Because Neji, despite being a member of the branch house your skill and talent are the best seen in generations. There is little doubt that you have the potential to surpass Lord Hiashi."

"So we of the council order you to kill Naruto Uzumaki during the Chuunin Exam's being hosted in Konoha in exactly three weeks from now. And if you succeed we will free you from the curse of the Branch House, and make you an honorable member of the Main House." said the councilman on the far left. "We have notes on his skills from two of his teammates, and information that would surely help you."

Neji's jaw literally fell through the floor. For the council to actually offer him a way out, only a fool would refuse.

"So Neji, do you accept?" the last councilman asked.

Neji did the only thing he could do as he lifted his head. He smirked, "Fate has decided that Naruto Uzumaki will die before my eyes."

Armageddon: Hello my fans I take it that you've seen how Naruto is kicking ass and taking names in the manga. Now for the serious stuff, I'm not going to lie it was extremely hard to write this chapter. I'm not the one to write romantic stuff and ruin Naruto's character, but it was inevitable...God only knows how hard I tried to prolong it.